NationStates Jolt Archive

(OOC: this is the thread for the negotiations that take place between the various ethnic, social, political and commercial groups of Altanar concerning the autonomy demands of the Akamians and Argali, and what results from those negotiations. It will be a combination of news stories, RP'd events and possibly some other stuff. Anyone MT/early PMT is welcome to join in, but as a courtesy, I'd appreciate it if you PM or TG me before doing anything drastic so we can plan it out. And away we go...)

Argalia City, the only urban center of any significant size in Argalia, was seen as a necessary evil by the Argali. The Argali still largely hewed to the nomadic traditions of their ancestors. A large city was needed to interact with the rest of Altanar, and with the international community, but they didn't have to like it. Therefore, they avoided their only city unless it proved to be absolutely necessary. Despite being a fairly sizeable city, the capital city of the Argali home region was typically a sleepy sort of place as a result. This, however, was not a typical moment in time.

The Argali preferred to defend their lands themselves, and tended to get annoyed if the Altanari police or military made their presence too visible; the powers-that-be kept the police and military low-key in Argalia as a result. But very early on this day, a massive Altanari military and police presence appeared on the streets of the city.

Soon after that, the small international airport of Argalia, Atanaf Airport, began seeing a huge surge in flights. In one day, more planes landed and disgorged their passengers than Atanaf typically saw in a whole month. Every hotel, motel, inn and lodging-place in the city soon filled up as well. For the person who didn't pay attention to politics, or the casual tourist from another land, all of this may have seemed odd. But like their Akamian and Altanari counterparts, most of the Argali followed their politics with a fierce passion. They knew well what was about to happen. The time for the hasha, or council, had come.

---

The Ashakiya (http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/smurfie_bucket/ashakiya.jpg), Central Argalia City, Argalia

The first group to arrive at the longstanding home of the Argali clans was, of course, the Altanari government delegation. This had been their idea, after all.

The Royal Police blocked off the streets leading to the Ashakiya, while the Royal Army set up a series of perimeters around the old fortress. Once that was done, a long line of sleek black limousines pulled up to the ancient stone arch that marked the Ashakiya's entrance, flanked by more military and police vehicles. Royal Guards (http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/smurfie_bucket/rgfulldress.jpg) in their dress uniforms quickly formed yet another line in front of the caravan, standing in a row at attention. As the Altanari government officials began exiting their vehicles and forming a line to enter the building, a troop of elite Aranathan Guards (http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/smurfie_bucket/rgmarch.jpg) stood on either side, forming an honor guard to escort them into the building. In front of the line, another small contingent of Aranathan Guards (http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/smurfie_bucket/rgmarch2.jpg) began playing the Altanari national anthem, and the group began walking inside the entrance with King Aelkyn and Queen Melika (http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/smurfie_bucket/aelkynmelika.jpg) and Prime Minister Jinella Agaranth (http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/smurfie_bucket/jinella.jpg) at their head. The entire thing was calculated to look as impressive and colorful as possible, as the media clustered outside the Ashakiya was eagerly broadcasting the entire scene live on television and webcast.

After the Altanari entered the building, the Akamian and Argali groups arrived as well, in a much less impressive array of vehicles. They received the same honor guard escort inside the building, except the Aranathan Guards band played traditional Akamian and Argali songs instead, as a sign of respect. This led their delegation's leader, Jamir Kerasa (http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/smurfie_bucket/kerasa.jpg), to remark wryly, "This is a lot nicer treatment than we usually get from you guys, you're usually beating us up instead," to the Aranathan Guard next to him. The guard, stonefaced, had no reply.

After the Akamians and Argali entered, a long line of commercial, social, political and religious luminaries entered and were escorted in as well. Most of them passed without any special note from the crowd. However, when the High Priest of the Solar Pantheonic Church, Isthana I (http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/smurfie_bucket/isthana.jpg), led his ecclesiastical delegation inside in their simple white robes, he received the wildest cheers from the crowd...even more so than the King had, several people noted amusedly.

As the Solar Pantheonics walked inside, the massive doors to the Ashakiya slammed shut with a thud. Ceremony was fun and all, but it was time to get to work. And the task ahead of this group was not an easy one.

As was fitting for such momentous events, the attendees endured more pomp, circumstance and a series of speeches by various parties noteworthy only for the mind-numbing and sleep-inducing effect generated by their heroic length. Eventually, however, it was time to get down to business.

The first order of business, before the talks could even begin, was to select someone to act as the moderator. Even that proved to be a challenge. The Akamians demanded Jamir Kerasa be allowed to moderate. Meanwhile, the Altanari government wanted Prime Minister Agaranth to lead things. The Argali stated frankly they didn't care who led the talks, as long as someone did so that they could get on with it already. King Aelkyn was suggested as a compromise candidate, but rejected by the Akamians. High Priest Isthana was also offered as a compromise candidate, but rejected by the representatives of the Christian and Muslim delegations present. Some of the people in the audience began to look nervous, wondering if the talks would break down before they even began over this simple task.

After three hours of debate, the multiple parties in the discussion finally agreed to allow Alana Kasimira, opposition Assemblywoman from Kyrinia, to lead the talks. While no one was hugely enthusiastic about the choice, Kasimira was seen as someone who was at least not likely to take the side of any group present, or in anyone's pocket. The Altanari government delegation privately was frustrated over the choice, though, as they had wanted someone seen as more friendly to their side.

The next task was to pick who would represent each delegation as the talks took place. This went much more smoothly, until the time came to pick the Argali delegation's leader. Queen Melika was the immediate choice that sprung to mind for many, as she was the akiya, or Clanmaster, the leader of all clans recognized by the individual leaders of each Argali clan. Jamir Kerasa, however, immediately protested.

"As the Queen of Altanar, how can we trust that Melika - no disrespect intended - can be trusted to speak for the Argali? She is irrevocably intertwined with the government and with the King, after all. We frankly think it is likely she will side with the government over the Argali people, and as the representative of the Akamian and Argali people, we demand a more neutral representative," Kerasa said. "We demand - "

A loud thump interrupted Kerasa's speech. An older, bearded man (http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/smurfie_bucket/argalidel.jpg) in Argali traditional robes stood up, slamming his cane onto the wooden floor again.

"For shame, Kerasa! Melika is the chosen leader of our clans. She was Argali, and a clan leader and Clanmaster, long before she became Queen of the Altanari. Her loyalty and devotion to her people has never been a question, for we Argali anyway. By insulting her, you insult all the Argali people."

With that, Hashan Amayra, leader of Clan Amayra and the elder statesman of the Argali, sat down with another loud thump of the cane.

The loud, ominous murmuring coming from the Argali delegation caused Kerasa to backtrack rapidly. "Of course, if the Argali people wish her Majesty to represent them, the Akamian and Argali Alliance will respect their wishes..." he demurred nervously. After a quick vote, that question was settled, and the leaders were finally chosen.

We're over the first hurdle, King Aelkyn thought cautiously. Only a million more hurdles to go...

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/smurfie_bucket/specrep.gif

Standing outside the long stone wall surrounding the Ashakiya, a neatly dressed reporter for AIMS makes her report:

"Day 1 of the hasha has concluded, and with the long and sometimes contentious process of selecting leaders for the talks behind them, everyone involved seems cautiously optimistic that the following days will be productive ones. Tomorrow, His Majesty's Government is scheduled to make their presentation as to the government's plan to resolve the ongoing issues that are fueling the insurgency. As to what those plans may be, no one outside the government is certain, but there is much speculation about them, and a fair amount of opposition. With us live now, from the Altanari National Front headquarters in Staria, we have ANF leader Karan Peraer (http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/smurfie_bucket/peraer.jpg). Mr. Peraer, can you give us your opinion on the talks?"

Peraer appears on a split screen. He does not look amused.

"Opinion? Let's talk about facts instead. The government calling these talks is just the first step of them selling us all down the river, splitting our nation apart, and betraying centuries of tradition and history. It's appeasement of the worst order. We're completely opposed to these so-called talks, and we will do everything in our power to stop the government from betraying us all."

The reporter looks a bit perplexed.

"With all due respect, Mr. Peraer, what can the ANF do? The government has locked down your headquarters and other offices after a recent riot at the Cienegar Kawaiian Enclave, and your movements are under restriction - "

Peraer's face shows a snarl.

"That's because the government is scared of us! They're scared of the righteousness of our opposition to their traitorous plans. But no matter how they try to intimidate us, we will not be silenced - "

The split screen showing Peraer's face suddenly drops into static.

"Mr. Peraer? Are you still with us? We seem to have lost our satellite feed with ANF leader Karan Peraer..."

---

Royal Altanari Air Fleet Spatial Forces Unit HQ
Zagrath Air Fleet Base
Just outside Ael Khalas

"Won't be silenced, huh? That wasn't too hard," an Air Fleet general laughed, as the satellite providing Peraer's feed was given a case of "technical difficulties".

Near sundown of the first day of the hasha, a small private jet bearing the insignia of the Confederacy of Vermillion Utopia landed at Atanaf airport. The two Vermillion delegates and the one other member of their entourage stepped onto the tarmac, looking tired and bleary eyed. Their luggage was loaded onto an airport taxi and the tired travelers, after a long, patient chat with the customs agents, were trucked to the main entrance.

Two men, one older and one younger, and a younger woman, all stood at the main entrance with their mountain of luggage, trying to hail a taxi. When they did, the older man turned to the younger, discretely producing a thick envelope full of Altanari solari from his jacket and handing it to the man as he finished loading the luggage into the trunk. "This is to secure our suite at the hotel, Eli, make sure its clean."

The young man seemed perplexed, "My assignment is your protection."

"Your assignment is our discretion. Sweep the suite, Eli, we're a neutral third party and I don't want anyone listening in to us. Until we leave here, consider those rooms an extension of ConFed territory, understood?"

Eli demurred as he stepped into the cab, "Yessir, Mr. Audran."

"We're going to catch a separate cab to report to the Prime Minister. You are to remain at the suite. If you wish to assess the surrounding area you may do so."

The cab drove off in a puff of diesel while another pulled up. Mr. Audran opened the door for the young woman before stepping in himself. In his fluent but heavily accented Altanari he instructed the driver to take him to the office of the Prime Minister in Argalia City. As they bonced off, the young woman spoke to Mr. Audran, "Why couldn't we have their government pick us up, Erik? We are their guests."

"This is a delicate situation, Lakshmi, with many factions involved, of which the government is one. We don't want to be seen as playing favorites. That's why Eli's with us, I don't usually request ConIntel operatives on my diplomatic outings, but we need to be absolutely certain nothing we say or do, in public or private, compromises the trust we must build with all parties involved. He's also going to spend his time getting the lay of the city. And I've worked with him before, he's good. Eli isn't even his real name, I don't know what is."

"So he's going to make sure the room isn't bugged and provide for our general, how did you say it? Discretion."

"Correct. And establish a private satellite connection for our reports back to Orphalese. I'm not trying to make it seem like we're in any real danger here, I don't believe we are. I just like to be thorough. There's a lot of tension in this country and we have an opportunity to try to prevent a civil war, an opportunity we could easily muck up if we're seen as overly partial to one side."

They rode in silence through the night to the Prime Minister's office. Once there, Erik paid the driver, tipping him heavily, before stepping out, straightening his jacket, and walking up to the door with Lakshmi. The guards allowed them entrance and they were guided to the office of Prime Minister Agaranth, who had already been made aware of their arrival.

Erik strode into the office, though in his 50s and silver-haired, he was fit and broadshouldered. With his height and immaculate appearance, he made quite the representative.

"Prime Minister Agaranth," he extended his hand to her, "I am Erik Audran, ConFed Diplomatic Corps, and this is my assistant, Lakshmi Reyyal." He introduced the slight but well proportioned young woman, with dark hair and skin. Her third eye betrayed her Hindu faith, but she presented herself well and had a warmness about her. She bowed her head slightly to the Prime Minister.

Erik continued, "With your permission, Prime Minister Agaranth, I would like to meet with members of your delegation so that we may discuss what the government truly hopes to achieve and how we may broach a sustainable solution. I only hope that my service will be useful in these negotiations and that the experience of my country, and our past mistakes, can help guide Altanar to peaceful coexistance."

(OOC: just fyi, Vermillion, Jinella doesn't have an office per se in Argalia City. Argalia City is the regional capital, but the national capital is Ael Khalas, which is about 2500 miles to the east. We'll just say you met her at the government delegation's hotel or something though.)

IC:

Agaranth stood up to shake Audran's hand, giving a polite nod and smile to Reyyal. At 5'9", she was tall for an Akamian woman, and her slimness and youthful appearance made her almost seem too young for her job.

"Thank you for coming, Mr. Audran. It's a pleasure to meet you," Agaranth replied warmly. "Your assistance will be greatly appreciated - there are many of us within our government who have been discussing potential solutions to this problem, both internally and with other nations. However, we are flying a bit blind here, with no experience on our own to guide us. We've actually got some time before the next round of the hasha starts, so if you'd like to follow me, we can meet with our negotiating team now."

The jumping and shaking of airplane turbulence was a thing that most Snefaldians disliked immensely. A saying that spanned the coutry went along the lines of "if it's worth doing, do it slowly," and the concept of jet airplanes which were subject to the vagaries of the wind were a concept widely despised in the Mountain States, which probably had something to do with the popularity of airships and dirigibles in travel.

That was the thinking running through Adarhan Illapan's mind as the jet carrying him and his delegation to Altanar hit some nasty bumps high in the atmosphere.

Of course, the entire concept of a "Snefaldia" was less roughly 110 years old. What exactly constituted a Snefaldian was something the Tuhran Bel had been debating on since they had taken over after the collapse of the Snefaldian Republic in 1963. Rather than try to forge a new national ethos from the ruins of the failed democratic experiment, they took the concept of a united national people and ran with it, spending the next thirty years developing a national identity beyond what the Republic had tried to forge.

The thousands of years of Snefaldian history had given birth to extremely diverse and unique cultures spread across the mountain nation, and of those several thousand years only a century had seen them all united under a single government (willingly, at least). Concepts of national control were weak even then- for the majority of history, life went on in the small villages and farming town dotting the land while governors came and went with little to show for it.

Adharan Illapan was not an Arsathae of the Snefaldian religion of Aatem Nal, but he was a revered scholar in the educational community. He was a dragha, an ascetic who spent years in the mountains or forests writing and meditating on the meaning of the universe, travelling into town only to get news and observe people. He was unusual for a dragha in that he was widely published and read, considered an expert on Snefaldian culture and ethos. He had been called by the Tuhran Bel to head a delegation of advisors destined for the Kingdom of Altanar, which it seemed was experiencing a sort of identity crisis with regard to government.

Illapan looked around the cabin of the jet at the four other members of his delegation. Nelawin Thorn, a farmer and village headman from rural Neer Dal, Sendarien province, to provide the voice of the south and the rural village. Honored Arsathae Tarak-ad-Nulak, an archivist from Dayan who was an advocate for egalitarian agriculturalism, spending half of his time working the earth on a farm and the other half writing about self-reliance and localism. Umber Bacha, a mallash from the far north, who represented the isolated mountain people in the frozen hills. The last was a quiet woman whose only name was Shai, who hailed from a small tribe of horseriding nomads, one of the many pastoral groups that still moved about Snefaldia.

Each person represented a way of life in Snefaldia, each one was knowledgeable in their own way. The only point of view that was missing from the delegation would be the modernized city-dwellers, the foreign element, the non-traditional viewpoint. Whether the Bel had done it intentionally was up for debate, but the fact that not a single one of the five people lived a day in a Sargedain high-rise was significant.

Illapan relaxed as the turbulence stopped. The pilots voice came over the intercom, informing them they'd be arriving in Altanar soon, and to buckle up and prepare for the descent. Closing his eyes, the dragha reviewed the information he had read about Altanar and their problems, past and present.

* * *
In Argalia City, the five delegates disembarked the jet, with Illapan offering up a prayer to the solid earth that was only slightly tongue in cheek. Tarak-ad-nulak was gazing around with a critical eye at the surroundings, already making mental judgments about the Kingdom. Illapan shook his head, laughing internally at his more institutionalized scholar-cousin.

"The hasha has apparently commenced already, so we are late." he said to his fellows. "We should therefore make all haste before the next session starts, and catch up as best we can. Keep it foremost in your mind that we are here to advise and assist, and not to give judgements lest it be for the benefit of the people here. We are not in Snefaldia, and we should be wary lest we forget it."

They nodded in unision, then set off to meet their Altanari contact.


OOC: sorry for the long post. it took me a while to figure out a good background.

As the five Snefaldians walked into the terminal, they were met by two people dressed in the black suits and ties that were practically a uniform for Altanari government personnel. One of them, a tall, slender, blondhaired man, gave a respectful short bow of sorts to the Snefaldians. "I believe you're the delegation from Snefaldia? I'm Mark Wolfforth, from the Ministry of State. It's a pleasure to welcome you to Altanar."

"What is currently Altanar, anyway," his companion, a shorter, darkhaired man, said calmly, but with a slightly mischievous grin.

"Well, yes," Wolfforth said, with a responding grin. "This is Keral Hashiri, a member of the Argali clan Hashiri and also with the Ministry of State."

Hashiri gave his own short bow to the Snefaldians. "It is indeed a pleasure to welcome you to Argalia, the land of my birth."

Ambassador Rapoer Asliud had served only a year as the Ambassador-at-Large for International Peace. It had been an relatively new position created by the Crown Prince Regent who was actually more interested in peace it seemed. Rapoer had seen few assignments so far, for it was not the policy of the Grand Kingdom of Aerion to become involved in contentious issues outside of the region. Perhaps the fact that once, long ago, the Grand Kingdom of Aerion had been roaming nomadic tribes had resulted in his assignment coming up at an high level Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs meeting. Whatever the case, he would be there. He was not particularly comfortable with the lack of a previously established embassy in Altanar, but this wold not be a distinct prerogative as of yet in his visit.

Ambassador Rapoer Asliud had a distinguished career. He received his Ph.D in International Relations from the Royal University of Astevane School of Diplomatic and International Affairs. He was the Deputy Minister for Political Affairs in the Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and helped form that branch under King Wasterin X. He regularly wrote reports for the Royal Institute of International Affairs, that distinguished body of Aerionian elite interested in such issues. He was also a member of the board of the Ralsiua Institute, a policy studies think tank.

His intention on this journey was hopefully to facilitiate peace, but truthfully to gain more field experience in such issues. There was very little racial or regional tension in the Grand Kingdom of Aerion, and he wanted to observe these issues more often first hand than from his office in the Esolina Palace in Astevane.

After securing what he hoped was a diplomatic visa from Altanar, the Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs owned Takares Business Jet took off from the Astevane International Airport. The jet was rather luxuriously appointed, as were the other eleven such jets in service in the Ministry’s air fleet. It allowed the Ambassador his own cabin, and even a bath. The Ambassador traveled with his own personal assistant, staff assistant, and one Diplomatic Security guard. It was not thought he would need more security. Also on the plane there was the flight crew, attendant, and chef.

The plane began descent, and began landing at Atanaf airport.. The Ambassador had observed the city below, almost feeling as if he were in an lesser developed country because of the small city being the only development for hundreds of miles that he could see from his airborne view. He had a thought, “Oh boy.”

After the plane landed, he, and his staff of three descended. The Diplomatic Security guard wore a similar uniform to the government officials of Altanar. The Ambassador himself wore an elegant black suit with an striking purple striped tie with slanted vertical white stripes. Under this his shirt was white. As was with many elite Aerionians, the Ambassador wore what appeared to be a designer platinum watch with white gold. His black shoes were polished to perfection. The suit was cut in the French style, slim, and fitting.

Ambassador Rapoer was rather dashing, an man in his late thirties. He had the looks of an Eastern Aerionian with the naturally tanned tint, and dark green eyes. Surprisingly his head was shaved, an surprisingly dignified look for the man. He had a very striking small black goatee. He had the appearance of one who could have been an athlete or corporate bad boy, but was an intellectual. Perhaps he was not what was expected in appearance as Ambassador-at-Large of International Peace

His personal assistant was an young Western Aerionian man perhaps only in his early twenties, with sandy brown hair cut in an business style, and more studious features. His skin was slightly more tanned tint than that of the Ambassador. His staff assistant was one African-Aerionian female in her thirties as well who had a very cold professional look about her. Her hair was done simply, elegantly tied back behind her. She wore the standard attire of an female professional, though more conservative. Her black skirt went to her knees, and she wore a black women’s suit jacket over a white collared shirt. She carried some kind of touchscreen digital tablet device, a device that was uplinked to Aerionian satellites with live feed.

As the five Snefaldians walked into the terminal, they were met by two people dressed in the black suits and ties that were practically a uniform for Altanari government personnel. One of them, a tall, slender, blondhaired man, gave a respectful short bow of sorts to the Snefaldians. "I believe you're the delegation from Snefaldia? I'm Mark Wolfforth, from the Ministry of State. It's a pleasure to welcome you to Altanar."

"What is currently Altanar, anyway," his companion, a shorter, darkhaired man, said calmly, but with a slightly mischievous grin.

"Well, yes," Wolfforth said, with a responding grin. "This is Keral Hashiri, a member of the Argali clan Hashiri and also with the Ministry of State."

Hashiri gave his own short bow to the Snefaldians. "It is indeed a pleasure to welcome you to Argalia, the land of my birth."

Illapan bowed. "We are glad to be here. Mr. Hashiri, our government has informed me that we are here in an advisory capacity only, to give advice when it is asked and make notes on the developments in the hasha. None of our party has ambassadorial status, and certainly not plenipotentiary powers. I think what we'd like is to get some food and some rest; Snefaldians aren't accustomed to air travel."

"Of course....we've reserved rooms for you at a hotel near the Ashakiya, so that you can make yourselves at home. I believe your luggage is already en route there, so if you'll just follow us, we'll take you there directly," Hashiri said, gesturing politely for the Snefaldian delegation to proceed. "I hope your flight wasn't too horrible...I'm not a fan of planes, myself, but they're a necessary evil in this day and age."

Wolfforth simply smiled politely at that comment, and as the group began walking, said to Illapan, "If you have any questions or concerns before attending the hasha, please let us know. You're more than welcome to speak to anyone attending that you like privately, if you wish. I believe we have at least one other international delegation here already being briefed on our planned proposal."

Meanwhile, in another part of the airport, two more black-suited Ministry of State representatives went to meet Ambassador Asliud and the Aerionian delegation. Upon seeing them arrive, the two MoS representatives walked over to greet them. One of them, a short and cheerfully chubby fellow with black hair graying at the temples, bowed briefly to Asliud and his companions. "If I'm not mistaken, you would be the representatives from Aerion. I am Mirak Sanesh, and I am pleased to welcome you all to Altanar, and to the region of Argalia."

(OOC: there are now pictures available here (http://thealtan.bravehost.com/argalipics.html) for your enjoyment, and also to get a visual image of what Argalia and its people are like.)

OOC: Sorry for the delay in posting, Alt. Been putting in my OT before the holidays.

IC:

Erik shook Jinella Agaranth's hand warmly, noting the Prime Ministers youth. In his dipomat's mind, youth was good: people elected young politicians when they wanted change. They exchanged a few further pleasantries before he followed her out to meet with her government's negotiating team.

Erik took the opportunity of a few minutes of relative privacy with the Prime Minister as they walked, said; "Prime Minister Agaranth, calling these talks is a noble effort, but you are in a uniquely difficult position. The Argali and Akamian leadership have little to lose and much to gain from these talks. There's strength in that. You, however, must maintain the stability of the Altanari government and shepherd your peoples to a peaceful transition of autonomy, without upsetting Altanari nationalists who very well could remove you from power and undo everything you have accomplished."

He looked again at the woman, giving a few moments for his words to settle. I wonder if she's even over thirty, he thought.

"But you have the full faith and support of myself and my peoples." He continued, "We've had a good deal of historical experience with these sorts of transitions; and not all of it was good. But I believe our past mistakes could be your lessons. It is this experience of my nation, as well as my personal and official support for your government's policy of negotiation, that I can bring to this process."

OOC: Sorry for the delay in posting, Alt. Been putting in my OT before the holidays.

IC:

Erik shook Jinella Agaranth's hand warmly, noting the Prime Ministers youth. In his dipomat's mind, youth was good: people elected young politicians when they wanted change. They exchanged a few further pleasantries before he followed her out to meet with her government's negotiating team.

Erik took the opportunity of a few minutes of relative privacy with the Prime Minister as they walked, said; "Prime Minister Agaranth, calling these talks is a noble effort, but you are in a uniquely difficult position. The Argali and Akamian leadership have little to lose and much to gain from these talks. There's strength in that. You, however, must maintain the stability of the Altanari government and shepherd your peoples to a peaceful transition of autonomy, without upsetting Altanari nationalists who very well could remove you from power and undo everything you have accomplished."

He looked again at the woman, giving a few moments for his words to settle. I wonder if she's even over thirty, he thought.

"But you have the full faith and support of myself and my peoples." He continued, "We've had a good deal of historical experience with these sorts of transitions; and not all of it was good. But I believe our past mistakes could be your lessons. It is this experience of my nation, as well as my personal and official support for your government's policy of negotiation, that I can bring to this process."

(OOC: not a problem, I may be a bit slow to reply myself the next two days because of the holiday.)

IC:

"That was what we were hoping for, and we're grateful for what you're bringing to these negotiations," Jinella replied. "We haven't been too good at managing these sorts of transitions in the past," she added wryly. "But we're hoping our proposal will give us the framework to make this one work. Our people don't like rapid change, but if we can show them why our plan is better than the status quo, we should be fine. Oh, by the way, please call me Jinella...I don't think we need to be quite that formal," she smiled.

The two walked into a large conference room, where what appeared to be at least twenty people were seated around a long table, surrounded by aides and other government personnel rushing to and from the table. The atmosphere was one of slightly nervous yet quiet anticipation. Jinella led Erik to the table, as the guards present in the room quietly focused their attention to the scene and unobtrusively moved into new positions.

Two people at the table stood up as Jinella and Erik approached. One of them was a tall, African-Altanari man who smiled warmly at the approaching pair. The other one, a slightly shorter, youthful-looking man with Asian features, also smiled, but with a more reserved and pensive expression.

"You'll get to meet everyone at the table as the talks go on, but I'd like to introduce you to the main people, besides myself, who will be negotiating for our government," Jinella said. She gestured towards the two men who had stood up. "Erik, allow me to introduce his Majesty, King Aelkyn, and our Minister of State, Nelron Khiskithy. Gentlemen, this is Erik Audran with the Diplomatic Corps of the Confederacy of Vermillion Utopia."

Both men extended their hands to Erik. "We're honored to have you in our country to assist us through these difficult moments, Mr. Audran," Aelkyn said, the strength in his voice belying his apparent youth.

Erik took King Aelkyn's hand first, shaking it warmly while looking the King square in the eye, smiling; "Your Majesty, the honor is mine, I assure you. I was just telling Prime Minis..er..Jinella," he smiled at his own flub-up, "I was just telling her that your government has our full support in these talks." He then shook Minister Khiskithy's hand; "Minister, it's a pleasure. So, to business." He remained standing while the others seated. He addressed the table, laying out his portfolio in front of him. He had a sort of diagram of issues he wanted to be sure he covered in this initial meeting scribbled in his pad in his own blocky, efficient print.

"First, let me just say that you all have at your disposal any monetary, administrative, or humanitarian aid necessary to make this transition go as smoothly as possible. If worst comes to worst, we're also willing to deploy peacekeepers to prevent bloodshed, but lets hope we never need them. And, to just to keep you all informed of my activities on your soil, I will need to meet with Algari and Akamian leaders and extend the same services to them as to you. I may even need to meet with the religious community's involved. This isn't intended as any sort of slight against Altanar's ability to handle its own affairs, it's purely diplomatic. I'm pretty useless as a mediator or adviser if I'm seen as playing favorites."

He glanced at his notes to find his place, "Alright, so a little information of what we have to offer. The Confederacy operates as a union of independent states and collectives. Under our model, each region, we call them Free States, manages it's own affairs as it sees fit so long as it guarantees certain civil, political, and humanitarian rights as defined by our Articles of Confederation. For example, I'm from Peace and Plenty Free State, which is a sort of loose collection of anarchist communes, religious groups, and small fishing and farming communities. I currently live in Thalia Free State, which is a republic with a sort of worker's capitalism. So there's a great deal of diversity, in our people, our religions, and our ways of life. Frankly, it wouldn't work if not for the looseness of the Confederacy and the weakness of our Central Council, which handles international affairs and moderates interstate disputes, but otherwise has no power in the internal affairs of a state. We've had our problems, but most have been when a group seeks secession from a free state or when a state succumbs to militant nationalism. I'm not saying this model is for everyone, but its been a mostly sucessful political experiment and there's enough diversity that I think it can serve as a useful laboratory for Altanar. Anyone here is welcome to come visit, if they like"

"But it has not been without its problems. To be totally honest, the biggest threat to any sort of federalist system is nationalism. The pride of an overbearing central government, or the overeagerness for seccession of a minority group, has been the cause of too much civil war througout history. In these talks, we have to proceed slowly and deliberately enough to not piss off Altanari nationalists, but move quickly enough to not make the Algari and Akamians feel as though the government really has no intention of honoring these talks. As we progress, we have to careful. Move to quick, and the government will upset the Altanari electorate, who may replace your leadership with someone more hawkish. Move to slowly, and more radical factions within the Algari and Akamian societies may move to violent seperatism."

"So a bit of information that I'll need: I need to learn more about the history between your peoples. I understand the basics, but any details, especially any historical violence, would be useful. Sometimes an apology for a past sin goes a long way to earn trust. It's a simple but honorable thing that often gets overlooked. I also need to learn about Altanar's organized nationalism, if any. Any group at all that may be able to organize large protests, or may be willing to use terrorism to try to block the talks, I'll need to know about. They may be radicals, and in a minority, but these are the kinds of people that can really screw up the whole thing." He read off his notes, "Also, I'll need information on the Algari and Akamian leadership, including factions within their societies. And I'd like to meet with the leaders in the coming days." He turned to Jinella, "When we do, I think you should be there. It's nice and all if I can earn their trust, but if you can't earn it, then these talks have a snowball's chance in Hell."

"Alright, so do you all have any specific questions for me?"

Jinella spoke up first. "We have a proposal for these talks, but one of the issues we're going to run into is deciding how much authority the central government is going to have, and what areas will be the central government's responsibility. How did your nation resolve those kinds of issues?"

"Authority is pretty highly devolved in the Confederacy. The only real power the Confederate Government has is to provide for the common defense, to maintain a united diplomatic front, and to preside over interstate disputes. And even the ConFed Defense Forces are limited to the Navy and Naval Marine Corps, as such the Confederate Government can't wage a protracted war without the support of the state militias. Otherwise, the free states are administratively independent of ConFed. It's a pretty loose political arrangement, but it works. We like our government small and close to home.

The trick is to have some sort of system in place that is malleable; something that can change with popular opinion and allows the political structure of the government to meet new demands. And its important to have such a system codified in a document of some sort. For us, the Articles of Confederation outline the role of the Confederate Government, procedures for granting it new authority or limiting its power, and outline the rights of individuals and the basic civil, political, and humanitarian responsibilities the states have to their citizens. But it also allows for change, adaptation, experimentation even. So long as the ultimate power is held by the people, these processes are OK. In fact, we believe them to be healthy. And if things don't work out, the people will elect new leaders or push new referenda, and the system adapts. People don't really expect a government to do everything right all the time, but they do expect a government to respond to the people.

Truly, it's more important to have a system in place that everyone can agree upon than to delegate specific responsibility. Having that mechanism in place is more important than having an airtight arrangement of responsibility from the get-go. My advice would be to limit the authority of the central government at first. If the Algari or Akamian states can manage their own internal affairs better than you can, that's great. To put it bluntly, that's less you all have to worry about. And if they start having trouble, then I guarantee you it won't be long before you hear from their representatives to get a little help from the central government.

Finally, a government that can't produce a unified front to the world is no government at all, so the new federal Altanari government should maintain control over foreign relations and national security issues, with proper constitutional checks to insure the military is never abused for political gain. As for internal matters, as long as you have a political process that everyone's reasonably happy about, or at least can produce decent compromises everyone can live with, then things should work themselves out in the long run. That's democracy. So the big question here, Jinella, is how much authority is the Altanari government willing to give up?"

"That's going to be the big issue," Jinella replied. "The people in this room are willing to give up quite a bit of authority to make this work. However, there are going to be many other people within the government we need to convince. Specifically, the Peoples' Assembly, our legislative branch, is going to be the biggest stumbling block on our side. We're almost certain the opposition parties will go for our proposal, and that the majority of Akamians and Argali will also. But my party, the Altanari Unity Party, currently has an absolute majority in the Assembly, and the AUP has traditionally been very conservative."

King Aelkyn spoke up at this point. "If we can't convince the AUP to accept our proposal, then we're dead in the water. Our military, and to a lesser extent, our police forces, also tend to lean conservative, and that could be a concern. However, with the exception of certain incidents over the past few years, our military and police have not shown any tendency to overthrow civilian governments. We also think, frankly, that the military is tired of fighting an insurgency that's only growing stronger as the years pass, so that may encourage them to accept our plan. Jinella, it may be a good idea at this point to brief our guest on the bare bones of our proposal, so that he knows what he has to work with. We can brief him on the history and factions involved after that, too, and how they may react to our proposal."

Jinella nodded, and handed Erik a green folder. "Our proposal, as you'd expect, is very skeletal at this point. We think that it would be best to work out the finer details with the various parties at the hasha as we proceed. What we plan to propose, however, is ending the unitary Altanari state and replacing it with a federative one, consisting of three constituent states that have authority over all matters except for national defense and foreign relations. Those specific areas would remain under the authority of a new national government. Akamia, Argalia and Altanar would be three separate states, with self-rule and authority over their respective regions."

Jinella paused for a moment to give Erik a chance to leaf through the folder. "There are two key elements of the plan we feel are necessary from the Akamian and Argali standpoint, but that may bring about resistance from Altanari nationalists. We intend to rename the federal state something other than 'Altanar', something that reflects the fact that it will be a federative state of all three peoples of the Altan steppes, rather than just ethnic Altanari. We also intend to designate a different city than Ael Khalas, the current capital, as the new capital of the federative state. Our proposal includes a plan to build an entirely new city in the center of the Altan, which will serve as the federal capital. While we think those steps are necessary to alleviate Akamian and Argali concerns about the dominance ethnic Altanari have had in this nation since its founding, we are concerned that Altanari nationalists and supremacists will react negatively to them, as well as to the perceived diminishing of Altanar's power and prominence under the federative model."

Erik opened the folder and began reading over the documents inside. It seemed a solid foundation. Federal, constitutional government, even the relocation of the capital to a central capital district right smack in the middle of the Altan. That idea intrigued him.

"Moving the capital from Ael Khalas is a good idea. This is a good proposal, but, as Your Majesty Aelkyn has pointed out, it isn't resistance from the Argali and Akamian leadership that's the problem. Jinella, as Prime Minister you are the current head of the AUP, correct? If you can identify and approach respected members of the party and somehow convince them to sign on to the government's proposition, then perhaps the rest of the party may follow suit. And, pardon my bluntness, but if the best you can do is keep them in a certain amount of political dissarray, then your detractors will have a much harder time presenting a unified political opposition. It sounds dirty, but think of it as if it were an election and you the incumbent. Anything you can do to make the government's position look strong and righteous, and the opposition weak and uncertain, will help you win the confidence of the people.

As for the military, that poses a more difficult problem. You say yours has been mostly peaceful, but this is a special case. They may not take kindly to a complete restructuring of Altanar and there's plenty of historical circumstance in which a military coup d'etat shattered a young democracy and installed a nationalist junta." He mulled the problem for a moment, "Is there anyone in the military leadership who is both widely respected and loyal to either the government or Your Majesty? If you can identify someone who can be approached within the military to endorse this proposal, someone the rank and file soldiers respect, then it will help strengthen your position."

"We should be able to convince the younger members of the AUP, the rank-and-file, that this is a good idea. It's the older party members, particularly the ones in leadership positions, I'm more worried about," Jinella replied pensively. "We'll have to see who might be approachable...no one among the party leadership seems like a promising candidate right now, though. Once we make the announcement, how the party members react will give us a clue as to who we can sway to our side."

Jinella pondered for a moment. "As to the military, though, I think we know who to approach. Our current Defense Minister was in the Royal Guards for over twenty years, and has strong support among his fellow soldiers. But if we can convince this old soldier to back us, we'd have almost total support from the military guaranteed," Jinella added, handing Erik a dossier. The dossier had a name on top, in large bold print: General Valen Tracor (http://thealtan.bravehost.com/tracor.html).

Erik read Gen. Tracor's dossier, scribbling notes in his pad. He studied the document like he was trying to distill the very essence of its subject. He then placed his pen down and thought for a moment.

"Jinella, whatever political machinery you have at your disposal to split the rank-and-file AUP members from the older establishment, you should take full advantage of it."

He held up the dossier in front of him, like he was holding up the man it detailed up as an example. He smiled, and said, jokingly; "Do you think your general would be interested working for Confed? I'm sure the Defense Forces would invent a position for him." He placed the dossier down on top the green folder Jinella gave him earlier.

He looked Jinella square in the eye, "This man is perfect. If we can convince him, and therefore convince the military, the government's position will be much stronger. Given his history combating Akamian and Argali insurgents, his support for a plan that grants them greater autonomy may help their opinion of the government as well. And given his loyalty to the crown and civilian government, I think both you and King Aelkyn should make the effort together. What are the odds of us taking a little field trip out to Ektar province to visit General Tracor in the near future?"

"I think a visit to General Tracor would be a good idea very soon, perhaps right after we present our proposal tomorrow to everyone," Jinella said. "It may not be so easy to convince him to help us, though. He's never said anything publicly, but his family and supporters tell us that he still harbors some bitterness about how he was dismissed from his command back in '97. We'll have to approach him delicately. If we can win him over, though, it'll be a huge boost for us. Before we tackle the military side, though, is there anything else you'd like to know about any of the other groups involved?"

"Actually, Jinella, I would like to know more about the Argali and Akamian positions but, with all respect, I feel like I could get a much better idea of their own grievances against the Altanari government if I spoke to them directly. I like to hear these sorts of things straight from the horse's mouth. Hopefully I'll have a chance to chat with them tomorrow when you introduce this proposal."

He tapped his pen idly for a moment, framing his words carefully; "I hope you all don't take that as any sort of divisiveness, or an affront to the government's competence. It's just clear to me that the peoples of the Altan have a long and difficult history together. I feel like the first step to recognizing their right to self-rule is recognizing the credibility of their version of this history, and I would do them a disservice if I accepted the government's position at face value, without hearing the other sides involved. I am, after all, here to moderate and advise everyone in this process and they may help my expertise as much as you all. But you have it on my honor that anything told to me by anyone is in complete confidence."

"And if ever you have a specific request of me, so long as it doesn't require me to reveal my conversations with the others, then by all means, let me know. In fact, if it's agreeable to the Argali and Akamian leadership, I'd like either like you, Jinella, or Your Majesty Aelkyn to accompany me in my initial meetings with their leaders."

Jinella simply smiled. "Don't worry, we aren't offended that you would want to speak to the other sides separately. In fact, we think it would be best. There is, unfortunately, a great deal of distrust between the government and the Akamians and the Argali...we need to begin resolving that problem."

Aelkyn nodded at that comment. "When you do speak to their leaders, Mr. Audran, you'll most likely be speaking to Jamir Kerasa, who is the leader of the Akamian and Argali Alliance. That's a political party which was formed to represent their interests before our most recent elections. The Argali will probably request two other people be present: my wife, Melika, who is also the leader of their clans, and Hashan Amayra, who leads their largest clan and is considered a sort of spokesperson for them." Aelkyn paused a moment, the pensive expression returning to his face. "It would probably be best if Jinella accompanies you for those meetings, rather than myself. Since she is Akamian and I am Altanari, they are more likely to trust her initially."

"Great, so then its settled. When I introduce myself to Mr. Kerasa, I'll see if he's interested in a round-table meeting with Her Heighness the Queen, Jinella, and myself. If nothing else, I'll let him know that my services as a third-party arbiter are his for the asking." Erik scribbled a few notes. "I have to say you all really are on the right track here. And I'm glad our first meeting was so productive. We've got a plan to build on and a list of people to start talking to, that's a damn good start."

"So that about does it for my purposes; the next step is seeing how everyone reacts to the proposal tomorrow. I think the idea alone will go a long way to building trust between the Akamians and Argali and the government." He happened a glance at his watch. "Well, it's getting late and I've had a long flight. If I may, I'd like to retire for the evening. Do you all have any other questions or requests of me?"

"So that about does it for my purposes; the next step is seeing how everyone reacts to the proposal tomorrow. I think the idea alone will go a long way to building trust between the Akamians and Argali and the government." He happened a glance at his watch. "Well, it's getting late and I've had a long flight. If I may, I'd like to retire for the evening. Do you all have any other questions or requests of me?"

As the people seated at the conference table looked at each other and shook their heads, Jinella stood up. "I think that covers it for us as well, Erik. A night of rest is probably best for all of us at this point...we've got this proposal as ready as it's going to get, and we've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow." The people seated at the table shook Erik's hand again, and she led him out.

---

(OOC: bumping this ahead to the next day, to move the story forward.)

IC:

The central meeting hall of the Ashakiya was abuzz with noise and activity. There were many delegations present, all representing different factions of Altanari society that expected a say in how the insurgency was resolved. Their leaders walked around, chatting amiably...or at least civilly, in some cases. The question on all of their lips, and minds, was a simple one: what was the government going to propose?

Finally, the Altanari government delegation entered, almost with the air of a triumphant victory march. They calmly seated themselves without haste. Melika gave Aelkyn a quick peck on the cheek before walking to sit with the Argali delegation. Jinella smirked briefly at that, before assuming a businesslike look as she walked up to the podium.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we're about to start, if everyone could please be seated," Alana Kasimira, the Assemblywoman moderating the talks, said into the microphone. She smiled as everyone began seating themselves and the noise died down. "Thank you, everyone. We're about to begin today's round of talks. Please welcome the Prime Minister of Altanar, Jinella Agaranth, as she gives a presentation on behalf of the Altanari government."

The crowd clapped politely as Jinella replaced Alana at the podium, although there were at least a few people in the crowd who refused to clap for her, sitting instead with expressions ranging from stonefaced to outright angry. Jinella did her best to ignore them, instead focusing on her presentation. This is the most important speech of my entire career...maybe my entire life, Jinella thought. Better not screw this up. She took a deep breath, adopted what she hoped was a confident facial expression and tone of voice, and began.

"Thank you for coming to these talks, ladies and gentlemen. Your presence here shows your commitment to working together to ensure a fair, just and negotiated resolution to the political and social crisis that we face. Many of you have questioned whether the government of Altanar shares your commitment to such a resolution. This is understandable, because in previous administrations, and the reign of previous monarchs, the government of Altanar has done little to nothing to prove its commitment to those goals to you."

The crowd stirred noticeably at Jinella's opening to her speech. No one had expected her to say that.

"It is our hope that with this proposal today, the government of Altanar can prove to you that it desires a fair and just solution as well, and put aside the past so that we can work together for a better future." Jinella took another deep breath, and launched into the proposal. On the large plasma screen behind her, words appeared: "A Federative State - A fair model to build a fair nation".

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/smurfie_bucket/jinellapres.jpg

As the presentation continued, she went through it slowly and explained the government's plan. The plan consisted of a federal government to handle foreign relations, with three "constituent states" given far-reaching autonomy in all other matters. The plan also called for accords to guarantee basic human and civil rights, as well as for cooperation in areas such as trade, law enforcement and national defense. The plan also called for a new city to be built in the center of the Altan which would serve as a federal capital. The big screen behind Jinella outlined the plan as well. It was a skeletal plan, as Jinella had said earlier, but that was because most of the details would have to be worked out between all the different sides represented.

As she finished her presentation, copies of the plan were given to each delegation, in green folders.

"That concludes my presentation on behalf of the government of Altanar. We look forward to further discussions, and hope that this plan meets with your approval. Thank you," Jinella said, stepping away from the podium.

For a moment, there was complete silence. Then, the silence was broken by the sound of very loud clapping. Hashan Amayra had stood up, tossed his cane aside, and was eagerly demonstrating his approval. Soon, others joined him, until practically everyone was standing up and applauding. Even some of the people who had refused to clap when Jinella had first walked up to the podium were now cheering, surprised yet happy expressions on their faces.

Jinella gave a short bow and stepped away from the podium, as Alana Kasimira walked back up and tried to stop the cheering and clapping long enough to move the days' events forward. "Ladies and gentlemen, I believe that your delegations will now want to retire into closed sessions, to discuss the plan and formulate your positions and goals for further negotiations. We will reconvene at the end of the day...thank you," Alana said, gaveling the open session of the talks to an end.

Jinella walked back to where the Altanari government delegation was sitting, exchanging a smile with Aelkyn. "That went well...hopefully this is a good sign," Aelkyn said confidently.

"I hope so...but remember, this wasn't the audience that we were worried about convincing," Jinella said, eyeing the media cameras present in the hall.

As the events of the hasha progressed that day, Jinella's words would prove correct. Live media coverage, via television, radio and the Internet, had quickly spread the story of what the government was proposing throughout Altanar. And as one would expect, the fringe elements came out very quickly to make their opinions known.

---

News broadcast

voiceover: "This is the AIMS Evening News, with Mirin Kashanik."

(theme music plays, and the anchor appears on screen)

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/smurfie_bucket/hashanews.jpg

"Good evening. If you're just tuning in, our top story, as you might expect, is the hasha - or more specifically, the government's presentation today. As those of you who have been watching our live coverage today saw, the government has proposed splitting Altanar into three separate and sovereign parts, under the banner of a new, as yet unnamed, federal state."

(A clip of Agaranth's speech, followed by the delegations cheering, plays.)

"While the delegates gathered at the hasha seemed to approve of the plan, not everyone was cheering. In Celavan's Akamas Square, a protest took place this afternoon. The protest was led by members of the Akamian Independence Force, a splinter group of the Akamian movement."

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/smurfie_bucket/protestaka.jpg

"And in Ael Khalas, a group led by members of the Altanari National Front tried to march on the Peoples' Assembly building, but were blocked from Legislature Square by Ael Khalas municipal police. Police report fifteen arrests in that incident, and also report that two police officers and three protesters suffered minor injuries. We will have more on these incidents, and the talks in Argalia City, as they unfold."

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/smurfie_bucket/protestanf.jpg

As the various factions debated the stance they would take on the government's proposal in closed sessions, the news that the government had declared (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13280528&postcount=147) the right-wing Altanari National Front a banned terrorist organization, and had sent the military in to shut them down, swept through the nation. The ANF was expected to be the group most likely to lead any opposition on the Altanari side to the government plan, and the move added to the furious debate already going on in the media.

---

AIMS interview segment

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/smurfie_bucket/interview.jpg

Lina Herian: "Good evening, and welcome to our ongoing coverage of today's extraordinary events here in Altanar. I'm Lina Herian, and my guest tonight is Dr. Keli Dracas, the chair of the political science department at the Royal University of Ael Khalas. Dr. Dracas, welcome."

Dr. Keli Dracas: "Thank you, Lina. It's a pleasure as always."

Herian: "It is for us as well, Dr. Dracas, especially when things are as eventful as they have been today. Can you give us your assessment of the government's proposal, and what the likely responses to it will be?"

Dracas: "Of course. On the surface, the government's proposal is a sound one, and goes a long way towards addressing the concerns of the Akamians and the Argali. The problem is, does it go too far too fast? In other words, does it address the concerns of Altanari as well, who might find these changes unsettling?"

Herian: "We've already seen some signs of that possibility, with the protests in Ael Khalas and in other cities since the proposal was announced. The Altanari National Front was spearheading those protests, at least in majority-Altanari cities...what effect do you see the government's ban on the ANF having?"

Dracas: "It could go either way. On the one hand, it will definitely boost support for Altanari who believe that we need to embrace a more tolerant outlook, and negotiate a settlement to the insurgency rather than impose one. The ban on the ANF will also help convince Akamians and Argali that the Altanari government is willing to really do what it takes for once to address their concerns and make this work. But on the other hand, this move will certainly inflame Altanari nationalists, and it also sends a chilling signal that the government is not prepared to tolerate anyone who might oppose this proposal. Rather than slapping a lid on the nationalists, this move could very easily backfire on the government by giving the right-wingers a cause to rally around."

Herian: "And what effect will the ANF ban have on other groups that are opposed to the government, like the Akamian Independence Force? Do you see the government moving to ban them as well, if they don't play ball?"

Dracas: "That would be more difficult, but it's feasible. The AIF hasn't been as monumentally stupid as the ANF was by causing a riot in a sovereign state outside of Altanar. They also haven't yet chosen to openly defy the government or try to embarrass it, although their attacks on oil installations in Akamia have pushed that line a bit. In other words, the AIF hasn't handed the government a pretext on a silver platter to shut them down the way the ANF did. But if the AIF won't get in line, it's entirely possible that the government could ban them as well. The consequences of that could be very unpleasant."

Herian: "If the Argali and Akamians decide to support the federation proposal, do you think they can convince the AIF and other such splinter groups to change their mind?"

Dracas: "I see that as unlikely, just as the Altanari Unity Party was never able to convince radical right-wing groups like the ANF to change their tune. Let's be blunt: groups like the AIF and ANF represent the marginal, lunatic fringe of our population. Such groups rarely listen to the mainstream. What I see as a more likely outcome is that the AIF and certain dissident clans among the Argali might refuse to go along with the Argali and Akamian majority if the majority decides to accept the federation proposal. And that, frankly, could get very ugly."

Herian: "Do you mean that the Akamians and Argali might start fighting each other?"

Dracas: "I'd hate to say that, but if the majority of Argali clans, and the Akamian and Argali Alliance, decide that this proposal is the best chance at freedom they're going to get, they're not likely to allow a relatively small group amongst their population to screw that chance up for all of them. People have to understand, the Altanari government doesn't have to give anything to the Akamians or Argali. The government would rather not have to keep fighting this insurgency, but realistically, they probably could for a very long time to come, if not forever. Altanar has the numerical, financial and military edge in that equation. Regardless of any rhetoric, the Argali and Akamians know that - and they know that the Altanari know it too. If the Akamian and Argali majority think that their lunatic fringe is going to cause the Altanari government to take away the best chance at freedom it's ever going to offer them, they'll slap their lunatic fringe down for the government rather than lose that opportunity."

Herian: "If fighting broke out amongst the Akamian and Argali groups, do you think the government would intervene?"

Dracas: "They might, but only to help the side they want to win. Either that, or the government could very well stand back and let the Akamians and Argali settle it for themselves, so as to avoid the appearance of interfering or imposing a resolution."

Herian: "As for the proposal itself, where do you see the major factions leaning?"

Dracas: "That's hard to say, but as long as basic civil rights and freedoms can be guaranteed in all three states, I think most people will go for this proposal. Another thorny issue will be sharing revenue from taxation, and particularly revenue from the oil, natural gas and mineral industries. If those issues can be worked out, this proposal may have a chance. The main groups to watch, besides the ones we've already discussed, are going to be the Solar Pantheonic Church and the business sector. Their support, particularly that of the church, could make or break this effort. And so far, they've been silent as a rock about what they think."

In the grand hall of the Ashakiya, the various factions had reassembled, talking animatedly about the government's plan. The murmuring of the crowd eventually quieted down as Alana Kasimira gaveled the session back to order. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for returning to the session. The item on the agenda at this time is the proposal by the government of Altanar to form a federative state," Kasimira said. "At this time, we will be taking a vote to determine if this proposal is acceptable to everyone present as a base foundation for further talks. When I call the name of your delegation, please have the leader of your delegation stand and state either yes or no as your vote, or if you wish to abstain at this time for further consultation."

Kasimira began calling the names of each delegation. With varying flourishes of language and degrees of eagerness, each delegation expressed their willingness to accept the government's proposal as a beginning framework for further talks. When the time came for the delegation representing the Akamians to speak, however, Jamir Kerasa stood up with a look of frustration on his face. The sound of loud, angry whispering could be heard from the Akamian delegation.

"Madam Moderator....um....we may need some time for further discussions..." Kerasa said desperately.

Suddenly, a very loud shout echoed from the Akamians' table behind Kerasa. "Traitors! Sellouts! To the seven hells with you!" one of the Akamian delegates yelled, as he angrily rose up from the table, slamming his chair onto the ground in the process. Angry yells rose up from the Akamian delegation, as several of them stood up as well, shouting at each other furiously. Several of them squared off, on the verge of coming to blows.

"Ladies and gentlemen, order, please!" Kasimira shouted, slamming down her gavel repeatedly to no effect. Several unarmed Royal Police moved forward to separate the two sides before any actual fighting could begin. "If we cannot have order, I will have to ask those disrupting the discussions to leave the chamber temporarily," Kasimira shouted from the podium, trying to be heard over the tumult.

One of the Akamians, the angry man who had slammed his chair on the ground, yelled back at Kasimira. "You needn't worry, you Altanari whore. We're leaving, and we're not coming back." The man turned to Kerasa. "What's it to be, Jamir? Are you siding with our enslavers, or with your own people?"

Kerasa glared at the man. "We are doing what is best for our people. You're just too stupid and filled with hate to realize it. If you want to go, then go, and good riddance to you," Kerasa finished, spitting at the man's feet. The Royal Police quickly caught the man and his comrades before they could complete the angry lunge towards Kerasa that the spitting encouraged. The dissident Akamians were quickly hustled towards the door to avoid a riot breaking out.

With a look of disdain, Kerasa turned his back on them. In a clear and firm voice, he said, "On behalf of the majority of the Akamian people, those who reject hate and stupidity, we state our willingness to move forward on this proposal by the government of Altanar. We support the federative state," Kerasa finished, to loud applause.

At the Altanari government's table, King Aelkyn exchanged a nervous whisper with Prime Minister Agaranth. "That's just great....so how large is this 'majority' of Kerasa's?" Jinella drummed her fingers on the table nervously. "Hopefully large enough," was all she said.

The rest of the session went far less eventfully, until the last delegation stood up to speak. High Priest Isthana stood up, his dazzling white robe seeming to shine in the last rays of the sun streaming in from the window behind him. The support of the Solar Pantheonic Church would be vital, and everyone waited on the edge of their chairs as he cleared his throat.

In a calm, emotionless voice, Isthana said, "The Solar Pantheonic Church hereby abstains from either support or opposition to this proposal at this time. We request a private conference, immediately, with the government of Altanar."

Gasps of shock went up at Isthana's statement. Everyone there knew that without the Church's backing, the government's proposal was dead before it hit the ground. It was clear that Isthana's request for a private conference was, in reality, a command.

With a look of trepidation on her face, Kasimira turned to the Altanari government's table. "The High Priest of the Solar Pantheonic Church requests a conference with the government of Altanar. Does the government accede to their request?" she asked, knowing already what the answer would be.

The Altanari government delegation's leaders streamed into their conference room with a mixture of dread and anger. "What the hell is Isthana playing at?" Aelkyn asked Jinella furiously. "Is he trying to kill the proposal? Does he want the insurgency to continue? Damn all priests to the seven hells anyway!"

Jinella wisely said nothing. Aelkyn's distrust of the Church was well known, ever since Isthana's predecessor, High Priest Melakis, chose to be "neutral" during the civil uprising at the beginning of the year. The Church had known about the nobles' plans to overthrow Aelkyn before it happened, but had said nothing until after the fact. Since then, Aelkyn had been tolerant towards the Church only because the great majority of Altanar's citizens still followed it, and even a King opposed them at his peril.

As the Altanari government officials took their seats, Isthana himself strode into the room, accompanied by two white-robed priests and a black-robed member of the Defenders of the Pantheon, the Church's own "security force". The Defenders of the Pantheon had been disbanded decades before Isthana's ascension to the leadership of the Church, but had been re-established by Isthana due to the "troubled times Altanar found itself in". It was yet another reason for Aelkyn to distrust the High Priest.

"Greetings and salutations to His Majesty, in the Pantheon's name, and to the noble Prime Minister Agaranth as well," Isthana said, his voice a soothing baritone that wafted to the ears of his listeners. Isthana's voice, and rhetorical power, had been a big reason that he had managed to become the most powerful religious figure in Altanar, and it was plain that he intended to use that to its full effect. "I am most pleased that your two noble personages have chosen to honor a humble man of the gods such as myself with your time..."

Jinella cut Isthana off harshly. "You know fully well we didn't have a choice, and we really don't have time for games, Isthana. These negotiations are too critical. What is it that the Church wants of us?" she asked. For his part, Aelkyn said nothing, simply glaring at Isthana in the manner someone would look at a bird that had just crapped on their shoe.

If the rudeness bothered Isthana, he gave no sign of it. "Direct and to the point as always, Madam Prime Minister. I admire that...and since you are correct that the negotiations are at a critical point, I will do my best to restrain my normal rhetorical flourishes and emulate your...directness." Isthana seated himself calmly, as the other Church figures stood behind his chair. "The Solar Pantheonic Church has been troubled by the dissension and strife that have plagued Altanar of late. We have looked to the gods for guidance, as one should in times of trouble. While we are in agreement that your fine proposal to create a federative state is the best way to ensure the unity of the Altan peoples and prevent further strife, we feel it is missing something very important."

"And that would be?" Jinella asked brusquely.

"Faith, Madam Prime Minister. It is lacking faith. Specifically, it is lacking the central place that faith should occupy in the lives of our peoples," Isthana responded. "In order for any people to achieve peace and stability, faith is truly required. There are certain things that the government could do to ensure that faith begins to return to the center of the lives of the peoples of the Altan, and remove the reservations we have about fully supporting this proposal."

Isthana handed Jinella a piece of parchment. "Those are the measures that we feel will resolve this...concern of ours."

Jinella and Aelkyn read the parchment, and Aelkyn's face turned red with fury. "Absolutely not. Out of the question," he snapped. "Do you truly expect us to agree to this.....this extortion?"

"With respect, your Majesty, I am going to do as your Prime Minister does, and be direct. I don't see how you have a choice in the matter. You need the Church to make your proposal happen. The Church, to do that, needs some....assurances that the new Altan state you seek to create will empower the faithful, and particularly those who follow the Mother Church of our lands," Isthana said impassively. "I think you can see, in time, that this will be for the best. I will wait outside with my brethren while you discuss our requests. However, please don't take too long discussing them. As you say, our peoples are at a crucial point, and time is of the essence," Isthana finished, rising up from his chair and walking outside the room with the others.

Once he had left, Jinella and Aelkyn showed the parchment to the others seated with them. The room erupted.

"Your Majesty, you can't possibly give this religious fruitcake what he wants!" Lisa Shannon Gerasnak, the Minister of Justice, yelled. "He's a power-hungry lunatic, not a man of the gods. We cannot set such a precedent."

"We already have set such a precedent, when we created the Kawaiian Enclave," Security Minister Heram Kashar snapped. "You know damn well that if we refuse Isthana's request, that's the first thing he'll say...'the government gives land to a bunch of foreigners, but not to our own church'...he'll kill us in the electorate with that point alone."

"Your Majesty....Jinella....this is blatant blackmail, and surely you can both see that," Minister of Social Welfare Hamilton Askari said desperately. "If we give in to Isthana now, where will it stop? He's been trying to grab power for the Church ever since he took the High Priest's throne. We need to stand up to him now and rein him in. Giving him what he wants will only embolden him!"

"You're all arguing with me as if I don't know that, or if I want to give Isthana anything," Aelkyn snapped. "But we don't have a choice and you know it. The bastard has us over a barrel and is well aware of that fact. One speech from him against the federation proposal, and we can kiss three years' worth of work getting us to this point goodbye, with the 'bonus' of condemning our nation to unending violence and strife on top of it. We can't go back now. We have to make this work, even if it means giving that greedy son of a bitch what he wants."

The room was silent. Everyone knew Aelkyn was right. But they didn't have to like it.

Aelkyn waved at the guards irritably to show Isthana back in. The High Priest stood patiently in front of the rulers of Altanar. "Have you come to a decision on the Church's requests, honored leaders?" Isthana asked, keeping his face carefully neutral.

Jinella spoke as if every word was being jerked out of her with a rope. "We agree to include the requests of the Solar Pantheonic Church in the federation proposal," she said, glaring at Isthana as if her eyes could burn the features off of his face.

"I am very pleased, honored leaders," Isthana said, trying not to look smug. "I hope that you can see, in time, that this is indeed the best thing for all the peoples of the Altan..."

"Just get out of here before I change my mind," Aelkyn snapped.

"As you command, your Majesty. May the blessings of the Pantheon be upon you all," Isthana said, exiting the room with a graceful bow.

---

When Isthana announced that the Solar Pantheonic Church, after consulting with the government, would back the federation proposal, the room erupted in cheers. After decades of strife and fighting, people began to hope that there might be light at the end of the tunnel after all. Only the most astute observers noticed that the government's representatives, especially the King, didn't seem to share the enthusiasm.

It was only later that day that the price of Isthana's support became apparent. It was quietly announced that the government would be making an addendum to the federation proposal. The Solar Pantheonic Church would be given "sovereignty and control" over the holy city of Altanar, Altana Hol, in a reversal of the 1862 decision that had brought the Church's center of power under the authority of the central government. Altana Hol would, in effect, have the same status as the Kawaiian Enclave, a sovereign state outside the control of either Altanar's government, or the new federation government that was to be formed. The Solar Pantheonic Church would also, once the federative state was formed, be exempt from all taxes or government fees of any sort throughout the country. When the other religions in Altanar protested the "unfair favoritism" shown the SPC, it was announced that all other churches would also enjoy tax-exempt status once the federative state was formed. This served quite well to mollify the faithful, and certainly gave the religions of Altanar plenty of incentive to back the federation proposal.

All in all, it was seen as a victory.

The tumult in the Ashakiya was met with interest and detached analysis by the Snefaldian group, with Illapan carefully noting the factional differences and political machinations.

At the end of the day, the movements of the High Priest had surprised him and Isthana was identified as a clearly political figure. For a Snefaldian, where there was little distinction between the political and the religious in the government, it was a very stark contrast to see a driven political figure trying to revitalize the temporal power of his faith. Tarak-ad-Nulak had made a different assesment- the man was just part of a faction like those in the Bel, and was concerned with the place of faith in his country.

In the visitor's seats of the Ashakiya, Illapan absentmindely puffed on a long churchwarden pipe as the building was lulling; either for the end of the day or just a meal break. A roll of parchment in front of him was scrawled with notes in Snefaldian fa'er script, but the elderly man wasn't actively looking at them. His eyes were glazed as he puffed, stuck in deep thought-like a trance.

At the age of 25 King Trimna marched to avenge his father...

"Adharan- Adharan."

He looked up, shaken from his deep thought.

"Ah, Umber. I was thinking."

The tall, blond man laughed. "And you seemed to be succeeding quite splendidly. You have some notes on the day?"

"Oh, yes. I'm afraid I used fa'er, though." he said, lifting up his parchment. The mallash traditionall did not use the script, preferring to use their traditional forms- very similar to the southern nilati.

Umber laughed. "It's quite alright, I can understand just fine... very interesting, interesting indeed. I'm sorry to have missed the fun, I was out taking in the sights and talking with locals. A wonderful people, these Argali."

Illapan nodded, puffing again.

"Oh! I almost forgot." he pulled a notepad from his pocket. "I went to schedule a meeting with the Altanari leaders. It may be good to share your widsom with them and give advice."

Nodding some more, Illapan stood up, putting away his pipe and pen. "Alright, good. Let's find Shai and Tarak and get some dinner. Debates always tire me."

With approval for the government's proposal having been achieved by all of the factions present, Alana Kasimira gaveled the session to its final close, a look akin to weariness on her face. As the day's events had shown, simply getting people to agree to support the government plan had been hard enough. But that was nothing.

Phase II of the negotiations was now set to begin, and the delegations agreed to follow the timetable included in the government's plan. In two weeks, the delegations would reconvene in the city of Celavan, the Akamian regional capital. At that point, the real hard work would begin - transforming the government's proposal from a noble dream on paper into a political reality that most, if not all, of the Altan peoples could embrace, and that would survive the inevitable challenges to stand the test of time. Only the gods knew how that would go.

As delegates began to stream out of the great hall, one of the innumerable aides clustered around the government delegation informed Umber that the Altanari delegation would be pleased to meet with them at the Ashakiya the following day, before the government delegation returned to Ael Khalas to plan their efforts at the Celavan stage of the talks.

Police, former soldiers clash in Ael Khalas


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Police hold back the group of protesters

A group of retired and former soldiers was blocked from marching on Fort Olen today by Ael Khalas municipal police, which resulted in a brief clash before order was restored.

The group of former soldiers, calling themselves the Sons and Daughters of Altanar, were trying to march on Fort Olen, the headquarters of Altanar's military forces. They had demanded an audience earlier in the day with Pargal Khaskereth, the Minister of Defense. When that request was rejected, the group made an attempt to go to the military base to make their demand in person. A line of Ael Khalas police halted their effort well short of the base, however. Several of the former soldiers and police suffered minor injuries when the protesters tried to bump their way through the line of police. Five arrests were also reported.

Adharan was very happy to be able to meet with the Altanari leaders... he had prepared a list of things he wanted to talk about, and his Aatem Nal counterpart had been busily jotting down notes all morning.

OOC: Sorry for the quick post, inspirations' lacking.

After completing their meeting with the Snefaldians, the government delegation incorporated the advice of their visitors into their plans. They felt an overwhelming pressure to move quickly. Even getting people to accept the notion of a federative state had been difficult enough. If the details weren't resolved expediently, however, there was the risk that the minor protests taking place could snowball into something far worse. The protest by former soldiers in Ael Khalas, which had ended in violence, was an ominous sign. The military's support had to be ensured, and quickly. Therefore, a side trip would need to be made before going to Celavan.

---

Village of Atapia
Ektar Province

An old man labored with a hoe in the garden behind a small, nondescript farmhouse. Sweat beaded his brow as he chopped at stubborn weeds. I'm getting too old for this crap, Valen Tracor thought as he hacked at the ground in front of him. But gardening is supposed to be a relaxing occupation for a retired person, he thought with a snort. Whoever thought that idiocy up never weeded a garden in his life...

His thoughts were broken by the sound of vehicles churning their way up the dirt road that led through the tiny farming village. In a cloud of dust, a series of black limousines and SUVs pulled up to the old man's fence. The Golden Sun banner of Altanar hung limply from their front fenders, barely moving in the still air. RIS agents moved briskly from the SUVs to escort out several people. Tracor knew who they were...the leaders of Altanar weren't exactly unknown in this land.

Tracor eyed the arrivals with a wary eye, and spit on the ground. Yeah, I am definitely getting too old for this crap, he thought, throwing his hoe to the ground.

---

A few minutes later, Altanar's King and Prime Minister found themselves seated at a small wooden table in the kitchen/dining room of the tiny house. RIS agents clustered uncomfortably around the room's windows and exits, doing their best to stand guard while not getting in each others' way in the cramped surroundings. Tracor eyed his visitors with a sharp eye and not the slightest hint of deference. Standing protectively behind him, his daughter Alena eyed the visitors with a sullen expression.

"Thank you for seeing us on such short notice, General," Jinella Agaranth began, only to be interrupted by Tracor's raised hand. "Young lady, when the King comes calling, it's not exactly politic to tell him to screw off, so you knew I really wouldn't have much choice but to see you both. And I'm an old soldier with no patience for politics or pleasantries. So let's get down to brass tacks. I know why you're here."

"General Tracor, we need your help. Altanar needs your service once again. We need you to endorse the federation proposal," Aelkyn said.

"I see. Altanar needs my service again, after I found myself tossed out on my ass by your father after decades of giving that service. You need my service once more, after your own benighted bastard of an ancestor threw me out in disgrace. Why exactly should I help the Aranathans now, after your line treated me that way, hmm?" Tracor growled.

"Because throughout your career, you always did what was best for Altanar. This is your chance to do so again," Aelkyn replied calmly. "I'm not asking you to do this for me, or for my House. I'm asking you to do it for our nation, our people."

"Such noble words come conveniently out of the mouth of a politician, or a King," Alena snapped, glaring at Jinella before looking squarely at Aelkyn. "Your family humiliated my father and drove him from his post in disgrace. Why should he trust you now?"

"He doesn't need to trust us. He can trust his heart, and so can you," Aelkyn said softly. "How many years did you spend fighting the insurgency?" he added, looking at Tracor. "How many sons and daughters did you see die fighting to preserve a system that you knew was wrong? How many people did you see suffer and die to fight that system? It's all been a terrible waste, and it doesn't have to be that way anymore. You can help us change it."

Tracor stared at the wall for a long moment before finally speaking. "You know, we tried to do something very similar to your proposal back in the thirties. The Altanari Federalist Movement wanted to create a state like this back then. It was another one of your ancestors, Cebratha, who ordered us to suppress them, all in the name of national unity. I fought to defend the Constitution of 1936 from those who opposed it, but I also repressed people who wanted to do the exact same thing you're proposing now. You're right, it was a waste," he finished sadly.

Tracor eyed the two people sitting in front of him. "I never thought I'd see the day when an Akamian would be leading our country, and an Aranathan King wouldn't have his head up his ass like his ancestors did," he sighed. "I'll back your proposal, Aelkyn. But I warn you, if you're not serious about making this happen, and making this a fair nation finally, I'll oppose you, and may the gods help you then," the old man said coldly.

Alena eyed the visitors equally coldly. "And if you humiliate my father again, either of you, you'd better hope your guards in their fancy suits are at the top of their game, because you'll answer to me, high and mighty or not."

The RIS agents in the room looked slightly alarmed at those words, but Aelkyn and Jinella simply nodded. "Fair enough," was all Aelkyn said.

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Tracor emerges from retirement, endorses proposal

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Gen. Valen Tracor speaking at today's press conference

FORT OLEN, AEL KHALAS - At a hastily called press conference today, former Chief of the Royal Altanari Defense Forces Combined Command Gen. Valen Tracor came out of retirement to formally endorse the government's federation proposal. The former General of the Royal Army declared the proposal the "best option for preserving a strong and unified Altan state" and declared that anyone opposing the proposal "does not have the best interest of the people at heart".

Tracor, one of Altanar's most renowned military leaders, had been a central figure in fighting the Akamian and Argali insurgency, and he offered an unexpected apology and plea for forgiveness in his speech.

"To the people of Akamia and Argalia, I would apologize for the blood that has been shed over these past few decades in trying to prop up an inherently unfair system, and I would ask you to forgive your Altanari brothers and sisters and continue to stand with them. To my fellow Altanari, I would ask you to forgive any trespasses against you by your Argali and Akamian brethren, and have the courage to embrace the change that this proposal embodies," Tracor said. "While our people tend to be fearful of change and prefer to maintain the status quo, now is not the time for timidity and clinging to the past. This proposal offers all of the people of the Altan - Akamians, Argali and Altanari alike - a chance to create a better nation. We must not allow fear, hate or past events to cause us to miss this opportunity," the former general added. "Together, we can heal the wounds of the past, and build a nation that represents the ideals and dreams of the people of the Altan at their best. We can only do that, however, if the three peoples of the Altan continue to stand together and commit themselves to build a nation that Altani everywhere can be proud of."

A clash between former soldiers and police in the capital earlier this week had led to rumors that the military was opposed to the federation proposal, and Tracor's endorsement is being seen by many analysts as vital to ensure that the military remains loyal to the civilian government. Tracor addressed concerns of a potential military coup bluntly. "One of the foundations of the legitimacy of any military is that it upholds the will of the people of its nation, and its civilian government. The Altan is not some backwards land that is to be governed by a junta of tyrants. Any soldier who would go against his sacred oath to respect the democratic process and the will of the people is a traitor to the people, and should be treated as such," Tracor said.

Tracor's endorsement had brought a feeling of relief. With the military and police behind the government's plans, and the spectre of a coup now largely dissipated, one could be forgiven for assuming that security would no longer be a concern. But as was typical in Altanari politics, the military and police weren't the only forces with weapons and capable of causing a disturbance.

Royal Intelligence and Security Directorate Headquarters
Fort Olen, Ael Khalas

The group seated around the conference table was quiet, as the newscast from earlier in the day played on a large screen.

"...the Akamian Independence Force, on a website frequented by radical Akamian separatists, warned the government today against its plans to hold the second phase of the hasha in the city of Celavan. The group denounced the federation proposal as 'Altanari imperialism with a different face', and warned that if the government 'insulted the Akamian people by imposing their presence upon our most honored of cities', that the AIF would 'drench the Sivanti in the blood of the Altanari tyrants'. The government responded today by saying that 'Altanar will not tolerate threats by a group of lunatic-fringe terrorists' and that the talks would proceed as planned..."

Security Minister Heram Kashar switched off the screen. "We have credible intelligence that indicates that the AIF may be planning an attack, or possibly even a series of attacks, in Celavan and other Akamian cities to try to disrupt the next phase of the talks. Based on the intelligence the RIS has uncovered, I have to take the AIF at its word, and I believe there is a very serious threat to the talks," Kashar added grimly.

"There may be a threat, but we've dealt with the AIF's threats before. We will not allow them to derail us," King Aelkyn responded, slapping his palm on the table for emphasis. "The talks will go forward, threats or no threats. We just have to be confident that our police and military can contain whatever threat the AIF poses," the King snapped.

"Your Majesty, if I may," Defense Minister Pargal Khaskereth interrupted, "Minister Kashar and I actually have an idea that could help with the security dilemma greatly."

"Well, don't stand on ceremony, Pargal," the King replied. "What's your idea?"

"The Akamian and Argali Alliance has made it clear that they support the talks, and are more than willing to help keep their...less reasonable rivals in line to make sure the talks succeed. We think it would be beneficial to help them out," Khaskereth said.

"Are you suggesting that we militarize the AAA?" Prime Minister Jinella Agaranth said, a worried look on her face. "I don't like the idea of giving a group of my fellow Akamians weapons to kill other Akamians, Pargal."

"Frankly, I'm not fond of the idea, either, Jinella, but it would work," Khaskereth said. "If we were to give the AAA weapons, training and support, and allow them to help with security at the talks, we'd gain a substantial increase in the number of fighting men and women we'd have on the ground. We'd also be doing a lot to show that we're willing to trust Akamians and Argali, and give them a chance to begin having some independence. If things worked out well, we could even begin transitioning them over to becoming regular military units instead of irregulars. Having Akamian and Argali regiments form the first units of a possible future federation military would do a lot to sway Argali and Akamian public opinion," Khaskereth added.

"There is one other added benefit," Kashar said. "The AAA knows the AIF a lot better than we do. They used to be one group, after all. The AAA has a lot of the inside intel on the AIF that we're lacking. They could use that to root the AIF out more effectively, and with less possibility of civilian casualties, than we ever could. The AAA could help us secure both Akamia and Argalia, both during the talks and beyond. We're going to need that kind of security for the federation proposal to work," Kashar said.

"You do realize that the casualty rate among these AAA forces would be incredibly high? They're good guerrillas, but they're not a professional military. We don't have a lot of time to train and arm them, either," Agaranth said pensively.

"The AAA is well aware of that, and they've indicated privately to us that they're willing to take that chance," Kashar replied. "By the gods, they're practically begging us to give them a chance to fight for their lands. The whole point of the federation proposal is to show that we regard the Akamians and Argali as equals. This is the best way I can think of to prove it," Kashar finished.

"And how will our military react to this?" King Aelkyn mused. "Bear in mind that the RADF was fighting AAA guerrillas as recently as a few months ago, and might not like the idea of suddenly giving them a bunch of weapons and turning them loose."

"The military will be concerned, certainly, but they'll give us the benefit of the doubt," Khaskereth replied. "My endorsement, and General Tracor's endorsement, have done a lot to bring the military into our camp. I think our military will also be grateful to finally have some help fighting the insurgents, once the initial distrust wears off. Besides, if the AAA does try to backstab us, we can still neutralize them easily enough. But I don't see them doing that. This is their best chance at gaining some independence, and they know it," Khaskereth added.

After a moment of thinking, Aelkyn said, "I'm in favor of it, but ultimately this will affect Akamians and Argali a lot more than it will Altanari. I'm going to leave the decision up to the highest ranking Akamians and Argali here, which seems only fair," he added, turning to Agaranth and to Queen Melika, seated next to him.

"I know my people, and the Argali are ready to defend their chance at freedom against any idiots in our midst. I'm in favor," Melika said without hesitation.

Agaranth's response was much slower. After several seconds, she sighed. "I'm in favor as well...I just hope the spirits of the Akamians who will die because of it will forgive me," she said quietly.

---
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Government forces training, arming former guerrillas

AAA pledges to support government forces during talks

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The first unit of AAA "provisional security" display their new uniforms and weapons

FORT OLEN, AEL KHALAS - The Royal Altanari Defense Forces have begun training and arming former AAA guerrillas to serve as "provisional security forces" during the Celavan phase of the hasha, according to a brief statement released today by the Ministry of Defense.

The first unit, the 1st Akamian and Argali Provisional Security Regiment, is made up of former AAA guerrillas who are being trained and armed to serve alongside Altanari military units providing security during the talks. The move was hailed by AAA leader Jamir Kerasa as "an unprecedented and inspiring move by the Altanari government."

"These first units will serve as the backbone of what will become the first independent Akamian and Argali armed forces since the forcible annexation of our lands by Altanar. This is a very proud moment for the Akamian and Argali people, and we're pleased to see that the Altanari government is finally willing to treat us as equals, rather than as enemies," Kerasa said.

Altanari military leaders also seemed pleased by the creation of the new forces, despite having fought many of the same AAA guerrillas in the past during counterinsurgency efforts. The Royal Altanari Defense Forces Combined Command (RADFCC) issued a statement saying that it was "excited to see our nation entering a new and positive era," and that the Altanari military was "looking forward to working with our Akamian and Argali counterparts".

The reaction was not as positive from the Akamian Independence Force, the main Akamian group opposed to the federation proposal. The AIF's leadership declared that any Akamian or Argali who joined the new regiments was a "traitor to their people", and pledged to "obliterate any of these lackeys of the Altanari tyrants". The main Altanari group opposed to the talks, the Altanari National Front, also condemned the move as "an insult to every Altanari who has died at the hands of these terrorist thugs", and warned the government that if the new regiments moved into Altanari territory, that the ANF would respond "to defend Altanari land and lives with all possible force".

Sivanti Palace (http://thealtan.bravehost.com/sivanti.html)
Celavan

The second phase of the hasha was proving to be far more difficult than the first phase had been. While it had been relatively easy to get the major factions to back the federation proposal, getting them to all agree on exactly what form that federation would take was a far tougher fight.

The various factions, regardless of ideology, eventually aligned into two camps, which the Altanari media dubbed the "weak-feds" and the "strong-feds". The "weak-feds", as their name implied, wanted the federation government to be as weak as it could possibly be and still exist. They wanted the constituent states to retain as much authority and power as possible over their own domains, and for the Altan federation government to restrict itself to foreign relations and to representing the constituent states as a whole on the world stage. This group was mainly made up of Akamian and Argali factions which didn't yet trust the Altanari, or who were still seething from decades of being dominated by their more populous neighbors and wanted their "constituent states" to be as powerful as possible. The "weak-feds" argued this was the only way to protect themselves in the event that the Altanari decided to "change their mind" and try to assert dominance again.

The "strong-feds", as one would expect, had the exact opposite style of government in mind. They wanted the new federation government to, in effect, simply take over the existing institutions and structure of the Altanari government, and reshape that structure into a more universally "Altan" identity. While the "strong-feds" were content to let the constituent states handle affairs relating to their own cultural or regional identity, they argued that a federation government that was too weak to speak for, protect or represent the Altan states as a whole would be a useless entity. They also argued that the transition to a federative model would be much quicker and easier if the existing instutitions and structure were renamed and reshaped as needed or desired, rather than having to invent a whole new structure and form of government. With Altanar already dealing with serious instability over the past few years, the "strong-feds" argued, this was hardly the time to reinvent the wheel and possibly cause more instability, or saddle the nation with a government too weak to handle crises. This camp was backed by the more moderate Akamians and Argali, as well as most Altanari. Major institutions like the military, the Solar Pantheonic Church and several prominent business interests also threw their weight behind the "strong" model. The backers of the "strong" model also tried to reassure their counterparts on the other side of the aisle; they argued that an ethnicity-blind, strong federative government which allowed all three groups to participate equally would be fairer, and would be far more capable of protecting peoples' rights, than a weak central government with little power over three separate states.

As the debate between the backers of the "weak" and "strong" factions reached its peak, a series of blasts shook downtown Celavan, shaking even the formidable walls of the Sivanti. Sirens began to blare, drowning out the sound of delegates nervously murmuring - or shouting.

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Bombings rattle downtown Celavan

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Police and paramilitary forces at the scene of one of the bombings

At approximately 9:05 am today, a series of bombings shook downtown Celavan. The attacks reportedly have claimed fifteen lives so far, with the number of dead and injured expected to rise, according to Celavan municipal officials. The Celavan municipal police and medical service, along with Altanari military and Akamian paramilitary forces, have begun efforts to assist people who were caught in the explosions.

According to Celavan officials, three locations were targeted: the headquarters of the Akamian and Argali Alliance political party, the Celevan municipal police headquarters and a military checkpoint near the Sivanti Palace. In each incident, authorities believe that a vehicle was driven up to the location, and then a bomb inside the vehicle was detonated when police or military personnel approached the vehicle.

The Akamian Independence Force (AIF) claimed responsibility for the attacks in a statement posted to an activist website, and warned that further attacks would take place unless the Akamian and Argali Alliance withdrew from the hasha, and Altanari officials agreed to "immediate and unconditional independence" for the Akamian region.

Speaking from the front of the wrecked headquarters of his party, AAA leader Jamir Kerasa denounced the AIF attack and said that his party would withdraw from the talks "when the seven hells freeze over". Kerasa also warned the AIF that "if they want a war with (the AAA), they're about to get one". Altanari Prime Minister Jinella Agaranth tried to calm tensions between the two leading Akamian political groups, but also warned that "the AAA is our partner in this political process, and if it comes down to taking sides, Altanar backs its friends, not its enemies."

As the death toll from the Celavan bombings began to rise, the mood in the Sivanti Palace shifted dramatically. Before the bombings, the "weak-feds" had had the upper hand in the debate. But as scenes of the destruction and carnage filled the airwaves and saturated the internet, the mood of people both inside and outside the hasha swung the opposite way. Some of the people who had argued most strenuously for a weak federation were now arguing for the exact opposite, convinced that the strife and fighting that had been their lot in life for the past few years would never really end until a strong government, and one that was independent of the ethnic, social and political squabbling, finally put it down once and for all.

Outside the Sivanti, a large group of supporters of the Akamian Independence Force and the Altanari National Front publicly burned their membership cards, and renounced the beliefs of their former organizations. They demanded together that the hasha bring forth a government that could end the chaos.

Within the Sivanti itself, Jamir Kerasa, who had previously wavered on whether to support a weak or strong federation, made his choice quite clear. He urged everyone to support a strong federation. High Priest Isthana, of the Solar Pantheonic Church, did the same. He had personally ministered to the dying and injured outside the Sivanti Palace, from the bombing that had struck a military checkpoint. With blood from the injured staining his white robes, he made an impassioned speech from the podium. "After this, is it not enough? Have we finally not had enough of killing each other? You who are gathered here can put an end to this once and for all. You know what is right. Have the courage to do it."

In cities throughout Altanar, Akamia and Argalia, people surged into the streets, answering Isthana's question from the podium. Defying threats from extremists, they spoke with one voice, and their message was clear: it was indeed enough. It was time for the fighting to end.

The product of that message, received within the ancient halls of the Sivanti, would be a new constitution (http://thealtan.bravehost.com/constitution.html), and the foundation of a new nation.

The second phase of the hasha had begun in strife, had faced down terror and threats, and had finally ended with a defiant stand against fear. But before the dream embodied in the new constitution could be realized, the last obstacle had to be cleared. The hasha had decided that the new constitution would need to be approved by a vote of 80% or greater in favor, by the citizens of each prospective constituent state. If that hurdle could not be cleared in Argalia, Akamia and Altanar, then their work would be for nothing.

Monastery of the Mountain
Mt. Kilaris, Holy Enclave of Altana Hol

High Priest Isthana reclined in his comfortable, leather and wood chair, opening a copy of the Nalioka Daily Record. Not very many people read newspapers anymore, preferring to get their news from the online versions of those publications, or from television. Isthana, however, despised computers and television, so his information-gathering was strictly old-school.

Final count: Celavan bombs kill 82, wound 243, read the banner headline on the front. Isthana sighed, reading the article.

The doors to his office suddenly burst open. Isthana raised his head calmly. A black-garbed man was walking towards him, carrying an unsheathed sword. Behind the man, Isthana could see several similarly black-clad figures fighting with members of his Defenders of the Pantheon security force.

"I take it you're not here to receive a holy blessing," Isthana said impassively, putting the paper down.

"On the contrary, false priest," the man said, in a sharp Altanari accent. From Lukisha, I'd guess, Isthana thought, noting the broad tones of the man's voice. "I am here to send you to asheth. You betrayed our people, and sold out our nation, just to gain some power and land. Your time of reckoning has come, and the gods will not help you now."

Isthana smiled. "The gods may or may not help me, friend. But the Christians have a good phrase for these situations, one I've modified for just such moments."

"And what would that be?" the man asked, continuing to advance towards Isthana.

"The gods help those who help themselves," Isthana said, pulling a revolver out of his desk drawer with lightning speed and putting a bullet between the man's eyes. The would-be assassin toppled backwards, not even having time to look surprised.

Isthana walked around the desk and assessed the man. Poor fool. Enjoy your time in the seven hells, the High Priest thought, watching as his Defenders mopped up the last of the assassins.

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Commentary on 24HourNews channel

Analyst: "Well, on the surface, this new constitution is not a huge change from the old Altanari Constitution. It doesn't change the structure of the government at all, except for perhaps adding another layer to it. You still have a Prime Minister, and a unicameral legislature, and a judicial branch. What will probably happen in practice, if this is approved, is that the 'constituent state' governments in Akamia, Argalia and Altanar will function more like state or provincial governments do in many countries, and the current provincial governments will probably be phased out. But the biggest surprises of this constitution are the ones that are less obvious."

Commentator: "A close reading does reveal some sections that may raise a few eyebrows. For example, Article Four makes the longstanding unofficial ban that the Altanari government had against most weapons of mass destruction an official one. It explicitly bans the development, purchase or deployment of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. What do you make of that clause? Will it weaken our national defense?"

Analyst: "I don't think it will, to be honest. The government will most likely just invest the money that would have been spent on pursuing WMDs into systems to protect us from such attacks. And as so many wars have shown, using WMDs against your opponent is a very effective way to accomplish national suicide. WMDs just don't work as a deterrent in an age when so many nations have them, and use them at the slightest provocation. We'd be better off finding ways to protect ourselves from such attacks."

Commentator: "It has been a poorly kept secret for some time that Altanar's navy has seven ballistic missile submarines armed with nuclear weapons. What will happen to those submarines if the new constitution is approved?"

Analyst: "Those submarines will need to be decommissioned, and their nuclear armaments disposed of. The government may scrap them, or sell them to another party; their final disposition will probably be decided later. But under this new constitution, it's clear that the navy couldn't keep them."

Commentator: "There's another interesting section to Article Four: the part that explicitly bans wars of aggression or 'unessential' military actions. What do you make of that section?"

Analyst: "It's really just a reaffirmation of the belief that most people in the Altan have: that there's no justification for imposing your will on other nations or other peoples. The nonaggression clause was part of the old Altanari Constitution, and having it part of the new constitution just reaffirms that we have no intentions or pretensions of striving to become some kind of imperialistic or warmongering state."

Commentator: "Under the new constitution, the Royal Altanari Defense Forces will be replaced by a new entity, the 'Federation Defense Forces'. How will the military take that? Will the change and end of old traditions alarm them?"

Analyst: "Well, the military probably won't like it, but they've already made it clear that they intend to back the civilian government and abide by the vote of the people. So I don't think there will be any problems there. Besides, there will still be a Royal Altanari Defense Force, just as there will be an Akamian military and an Argali military. They'll just be reserve forces subordinate to the new Federation defense forces."

Commentator: "That sounds a bit complicated. How do you think the transition will be accomplished?"

Analyst: "What will most likely happen is that the current regular military will just be renamed as the Federation military, while the current reserve forces, along with the Akamian and Argali former insurgents and paramilitary forces, will be recast as 'constituent state' militaries."

Commentator: "Let's look at Article Five for a bit. There's a clause there that bars any constituent state from trying to 'secede, withdraw or otherwise break the integrity of the Federation', and makes each constituent state a member 'in perpetuity'. Doesn't that clause essentially force the constituent states to be a part of the Federation whether they want to or not?"

Analyst: "Only if their peoples approve the constitution. And I don't think that clause will be a problem for most people. The problems we've been having haven't been because the Altan peoples don't want to be united; the problems stemmed from attempts by previous Altanari governments to illegitimately make the Altanari people higher than everyone else. Once you remove that obstacle, and place all three ethnic groups on an equal level, there's no reason for anyone to want to break away. And historically most of the people in the Altan have believed that, despite their differences, that they have a shared destiny. There won't be much incentive for people to oppose this constitution, except for the usual extremist and nationalist fringe types."

Commentator: "That's another concern worth discussing. Do you think the extremist groups will try to discourage people from voting in favor of this constitution? Or perhaps hinder the voting process?"

Analyst: "Of course they will. But I think peoples' patience is really running out with those groups. The Celavan bombings on the Akamian side, and the attack on the High Priest on the Altanari side, will prove to be watershed events I think. The fringe groups opposing the federation plan are growing increasingly desperate, and they're doing stupid things that will only serve to alienate them from the great majority of people."

Drama in Ael Khalas: AUP splits

Right-wing party divided over federation proposal

At a contentious press conference today, the leadership of the Altanari Unity Party found itself at odds with many of its own membership over the plan to partition Altanar into a federative state. When it was all said and done, the party leadership won - but it was a Pyrrhic victory, as the losing side left the AUP to form a new party.

The drama began at the party's congress yesterday. Altanari Prime Minister Jinella Agaranth, acting as AUP chairwoman, had called the congress to have a party vote on whether or not to support the proposal. Agaranth has been one of the proposal's strongest supporters, which put her at odds with the AUP's Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is made up of older, long-term AUP members, who have been mostly opposed to the proposal.

Before Agaranth could call a vote on the proposal, however, the Executive Committee met in a closed session, removed Agaranth as party chairwoman, and expelled her from the party. They cited her support for the proposal as the reason, saying her actions were "contrary to the explicit mission of the AUP, which is to preserve the unity of the state of Altanar". The Executive Committee appointed Jared Ashworth, AUP Assemblyman from Marr province, in her place. Ashworth and the Executive Committee then announced that the AUP would be opposing the federation proposal.

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Ashworth and the Executive Committee face down an angry crowd.

Agaranth's removal and expulsion, and the subsequent "no" declaration, outraged many in the AUP's rank and file, especially younger party members. At today's press conference to announce the AUP's 'no" stance, Ashworth and the Executive Committee found themselves beseiged by a loud, raucous crowd of Agaranth's supporters, who openly denounced the party's leadership for their end run around Agaranth. The crowd also denounced the party's plan to oppose the federation proposal, leading to a testy exchange between Ashworth and several in the audience. Security officers eventually had to step in and escort the Executive Committee out of their own press conference.

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Agaranth's supporters denounce the Executive Committee.

After the congress ended today, Agaranth and her supporters announced they were forming a new political party, the New Altanar Party (NAP). "The actions of the Executive Committee in removing our choice as party leader, and deciding to oppose the federation plan, without even taking a party vote, shows that they're not worthy of our support," NAP spokesman Satar Matesh said. "Their actions are the very antithesis of democracy and freedom, the values the AUP is supposed to uphold."

Agaranth expressed no regrets. "I am very pleased to be at the pinnacle of history, rather than its nadir. The AUP's leadership is showing that they are the past - and by supporting the will of the majority of our party, and indeed of the people of Altanar, we are showing that we are the future," the Prime Minister said.

With as many as two-thirds of the current AUP membership having voted for Agaranth as party chair, most political experts in Altanar believe that these events could bring about what many had previously seen as unthinkable - the end of the once-mighty AUP as a dominant political force. That view was reinforced by King Aelkyn also splitting from the AUP, which has long been seen as "the King's party", and throwing his considerable political weight behind the NAP. "The AUP has been a great party for many years, but with these undemocratic, back-room actions, they've tarnished that great legacy of their forebears, and they're clinging to the past like a drowning man clinging to a life preserver. It is time for change, and anyone who is not willing to move forward will be left behind," the King declared.

The AUP had no official comment on Agaranth's forming a new political party, or on the King's declaration.

Federation plan to come up for nationwide vote

Assembly approves vote in contentious debate

AEL KHALAS - The Altanari Peoples' Assembly has approved a motion to bring the government-led federation proposal to a national vote, after a fierce ten-hour debate. Assembly approval of a nationwide vote was the last obstacle that federation supporters needed to clear before bringing the proposal to the electorate, leaving only one more step to go before the plan becomes a reality.

The debate was marked by sharp clashes by Altanari Unity Party legislators and those of the newly-formed New Altanar Party. After Prime Minister Jinella Agaranth formed the new party in response to being expelled from the AUP, 91 AUP legislators broke ranks and switched their affiliation to Agaranth's NAP. The AUP legislators denounced their former colleagues as "turncoats" and tried to rally support, but the NAP members voted in a bloc with the Altanari Liberal Party, Akamian and Argali Alliance, and Altanari Socialist Bloc in favor of the national vote. The final vote was 216-101 in favor, with three legislators either absent or abstaining. The election date was set for one year from today, as a concession to give both sides plenty of time to campaign for support, as well as to give the hasha time to fine-tune the plan.

The AUP had tried to block the NAP from taking its seats in the Assembly, but their petition was denied by the State Court. In the majority opinion, Chief Justice Manar Kenae said that "while irregular, there is nothing in Altanari constitutional law, or any other law we are aware of, that prevents legislators from changing their political party once elected." King Aelkyn also refused calls to dissolve the government and call new elections, leaving the AUP and independents opposed to the federation plan unable to do anything but fume as the vote was cast.

"This is tyranny of the worst order," AUP Chairman Jared Ashworth said after the vote. "The people that voted in the last Assembly election voted for AUP candidates, and the AUP platform, not candidates of this so-called new party. By changing their affiliation after the fact, these turncoats are completely ignoring the will of their constituents."

Agaranth was quick to respond, pointing the finger at the AUP and its Executive Committee. "What Mr. Ashworth and the AUP leadership are conveniently forgetting is that in the last election, those voters also voted for me as AUP chair, and as Prime Minister. By forcing me out of the party, and by trying to dissolve the government, the AUP leaders are the ones trying to deny the will of the voters."

The AUP-NAP split is being labeled as a historic event by many analysts, who point out that the split completely changes the character of the Peoples' Assembly. The AUP had held a commanding number of seats in the Assembly before the split, but now finds itself second to the Altanari Liberal Party. And with the NAP likely to side with the ALP, the days of the AUP being able to overpower any opposition from their legislative colleagues appear to be well and truly over.

Many experts point to a widening split between Altanar's rural and urban areas as a major factor in the AUP's split. While rural areas of Altanar tend to be more nationalist and traditional, and opposed to federation, the fast-growing urban centers have shown themselves to be more international and progressive in their outlook, and major centers of support for the federation plan. Of the 91 AUP legislators that switched to the NAP, 79 of them are from cities with a population of 10,000,000 or larger.

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Altanari Peoples' Assembly, 2007 elections:

Altanari Unity Party (AUP) - 187
Altanari Liberal Party (ALP) - 115
Akamian and Argali Alliance (AAA) - 6
Altanari Socialist Bloc (SB) - 4
Altanari National Front (ANF) - 3
Other parties/independents - 5
Total - 320

Altanari Peoples' Assembly, after AUP-NAP split:

Altanari Liberal Party (ALP) - 115
Altanari Unity Party (AUP) - 96
New Altanar Party (NAP) - 91
Akamian and Argali Alliance (AAA) - 6
Altanari Socialist Bloc (SB) - 4
Other parties/independents - 5
Unaffiliated members appointed by regional governors to replace banned ANF legislators - 3
Total - 320

Campaign over federation proposal hits full stride

As the campaign over the upcoming federation referendum swings into full gear, both sides have been squaring off in a passionate and fiercely debated election.

Supporters of the federation proposal have coalesced around the recently founded New Altan Party. The NAP changed its name from the New Altanar Party to reflect "the emerging and broad consciousness that the Altan transcends its three states or three ethnic groups", party leader and Altanari Prime Minister Jinella Agaranth said. Along with the NAP, every major political party in Altanar, with the exception of the Altanari Unity Party, has also thrown its weight behind the proposal.

Agaranth has quickly become the most visible champion of the federation plan, ever since her speech at the first round of talks introducing the plan. Some of her supporters have already begun calling her the "Mother of the Federation", a title she has embraced. Agaranth has painted the battle over the federation plan as a battle between the past and the future.

Agaranth: There are those of us who are afraid of change. They want you to be afraid of it too. It's easier to maintain the status quo than risk reaching for what a new way might offer you. They want you to ignore the fact that the status quo is inherently unfair and unjust, and that it shames the peoples of the Altan before the world. They want us to give in to the shame of pride, the bitterness of hate and fear, and to ignore the fact that we were all meant to live in this land in peace and harmony, united, and equal. They threaten violence and destruction if you do not listen. They don't think there is a better way. But we know that there is. And we will not allow the fearful, the backwards or the prejudiced to deprive us of that better way just so they can retain their fears, their prejudices, or their hatred. Change is nothing to fear if what you're leaving behind isn't worth keeping. Together, we will lift the veil from their eyes. And in so doing, we will show all nations what the peoples of the Altan are capable of, and what we really stand for.

Another heavyweight in Altan society, the Solar Pantheonic Church, has also thrown its considerable influence behind the plan. Led by High Priest Isthana, Solaric priests throughout the country have begun touting the federation plan as "the ideal to bring us closer to what the gods intended for their chosen peoples".

Isthana: The gods blessed us all with the chance to live in this fruitful and prosperous land, this beloved Altan, which shelters and nurtures us, provides all our needs and wants, and enriches us. The three peoples of the Altan are the chosen children of the gods, none standing higher than the other in their esteem. Why, then, do we even tolerate - much less seek to prolong - a system that inherently elevates one of the peoples of the Altan above all others? The unitary state of Altanar, as it is composed now, is an affront to the gods and a violation of their holy and sacred plan for the Altani peoples. There is an old saying in our faith: 'If your house is holy on the outside, but sinful inside, you are twice damned, both for the sin and for the deception.' By the gods, anyone can see that our current system of government is the very model of a house that presents a sacred face to the world while hiding its injustice inside of itself. We have the chance, here and now, to bring our 'house' - our sacred Altan - into compliance with the will of the gods, to be faithful both inside and out. If we do not do so, we already know what the judgment of the gods will be upon us.

Opponents of the federation proposal are much more scattered and disorganized than their opponents, according to political observers on the ground.

Political science professor Lenna Serikar: The three major groups opposed to the federation plan are Argali traditionalists, Akamian nationalists and Altanari supremacists. None of these groups have anything whatsoever in common other than their opposition to the federation plan. These groups also hate each other to the point of drawing their knives as soon as they're in each other's presence. That's not exactly a strong foundation to build an opposition movement on.

The most coherent opposition to the plan appears to be coming from the Altanari Unity Party. Party chairman Jared Ashworth has been traveling around the country, attempting to rally support against the plan with varying degrees of success. While Ashworth has received strong support in rural and more traditional areas of Altanar, large urban areas have responded with reactions ranging from tepid interest to outright contempt. Earlier this week, when Ashworth attempted to give a speech against the federation plan at the Royal University of Ael Khalas, a large group of students and professors shouted him down, forcing the speech to be cancelled. Ashworth eventually concluded his speech on the street next to the university, with a few sharp remarks for the hecklers.

Ashworth: These individuals have obviously forgotten that one of the things a university is supposed to promote is the idea of free speech. But that is what the supporters of this so-called federation are bringing to all of us - do not be deceived, Altanari! A 'democracy' built on tyranny of the majority, with no tolerance for opposing beliefs, is no democracy at all.

Argali opposition seems to have gathered itself around dissident members of various Argali clans, with no one leader emerging as of yet. The three largest Argali clans, the Hashiri, Telina and Aymara clans, warned today that any dissident Argali clanspeople who refuse to follow the decisions agreed upon in tribal council would face trouble.

Kishar Aymara, recently crowned leader of the Aymara clan: Our clans have met in hasha and have decided our way. When the clan moves in one direction, all must follow. Any who do not have betrayed the clan. They shall be dealt with accordingly.

Akamian opposition is centered around the Akamian Independence Force, a separatist group which has refused to accept anything less than complete independence for Akamia. Both Akamian and Argali separatists have been locked in an increasingly bloody battle with the Akamian and Argali Alliance, the umbrella organization of Akamian and Argali activists that supports the federation plan, since the AAA headquarters was bombed by the AIF earlier this year. The Altanari military has been arming and training AAA fighters, and fighting alongside them against separatist elements, which earned a denunciation from the AIF.

Veo Linea, leader of the AIF: The Altanari and their slaves among our people will never break our will to fight or our determination to see Akamia independent once and for all. This 'federation' plan is nothing more than a new face on old slavery, and we will destroy anyone who supports it.

Meanwhile, the leader of the Altanari National Front, Keran Peraer, issued a stinging rebuke of his own to federation supporters.

Peraer: Our ancestors, led by brave kings of the Aranathas line who had the pride and leadership that the current occupant of the Golden Eagle Sun Throne is so manifestly lacking, forged a strong and united nation behind the Altanari identity. The state of Altanar was the only thing strong enough to unite squabbling tribals and bands of barbarians into anything resembling a modern nation. Our past leaders saw that to be true; it's a shame the current ones do not, and are so quick to sacrifice our proud and strong nation as a sop to foreigners and deluded Altanari who want to chase after the chimera of 'democracy'.

Peraer is currently imprisoned at the maximum-security Jatali prison in Altanar's capital, Ael Khalas. Along with several other members of the ANF's leadership circle, he is facing a long list of charges: high treason, conspiring to overthrow the government, illegal importation of weapons, illegal possession of weapons, and incitement to riot, among others.

Peraer and his supporters have denounced the charges, and the government's ban of the ANF as a "terrorist group", as politically motivated.

Peraer: The only reason I and my comrades are sitting in prison right now is because we dared to oppose the government's plan to sacrifice the noble nation of Altanar on the altar of their so-called 'Federation'. The government doesn't tolerate anyone who opposes its plans.

Altanar's Minister of Justice, Lisa Shannon Gerasnak, denied that the government went after the ANF for political reasons, pointing out that the charges against the ANF leaders were filed well before the federation proposal was brought forward.

Gerasnak: The evidence is undeniable that the ANF conspired to stockpile weapons and recruit mercenaries from outside Altanar to overthrow the government. In addition, we have solid proof that the ANF leadership conspired to have individuals cross our borders and cause violent and criminal acts within Altanar, and its neighbors. We have also now found proven links to Peraer and his inner circle with both former Altanari Conservative Party leader Trajan Askinath, and wanted individual Perak Leikas, in connection with the assassination of Prime Minister Norgan Sheloran and several other prominent officials last year. Peraer and his cronies will claim that their detention is politically motivated, because it's the only defense they have. But justice will prevail over their lies.

Recent polls show that supporters of the federation proposal have a commanding lead, but may not have enough of one in Altanar to allow the plan to come into force. All three prospective constituent states must vote 80% or higher in favor in order for the federation plan to come into effect. With six months remaining before election day, both sides are expected to push harder than ever. Both sides are expected to push especially hard for the undecided Altanari vote, as that may be what tips the scales for one side or the other.

Akamia (1,001 voting-age Akamians polled)
In favor: 86%
Opposed: 12%
Undecided/don't know: 2%

Altanar (1,001 voting-age Altanari polled)
In favor: 71%
Opposed: 18%
Undecided/don't know: 11%

Argalia (1,001 voting-age Argali polled)
In favor: 83%
Opposed: 11%
Undecided/don't know: 6%

Violence, intimidation mar Altanari federation campaign

With four months to go before the upcoming vote on the federation proposal, both pro- and anti-federation sides are exchanging claims of voter intimidation, and calling for neutral observers to monitor the vote.

Supporters of the federation plan claim that their opponents are engaging in voter fraud and intimidation. The New Altan Party cited three reported instances of "unknown assailants" attempting to break into local offices of the Altanari Electoral Commission, as well as two reports of other assailants destroying trucks delivering electronic voting machines and their backup paper ballots. The NAP also brought up an attempted firebombing a week ago of a factory in Lukisha where the machines and ballots are produced. "These incidents, and hundreds more like them throughout Altanar in the past month alone, show an ongoing pattern of terrorism and voter intimidation by the Altanari Unity Party, the Altanari National Front, the Akamian Independence Force, and other violent nationalist and separatist groups," Prime Minister Jinella Agaranth said, alleging that opponents of the plan are resorting to violence because "they have no other chance in the seven hells of winning otherwise". Agaranth also cited police reports of theft and destruction of pro-federation advertising, as well as incidents of armed groups threatening pro-federation rallies.

Opponents of the federation plan also alleged that voter intimidation was taking place. The Altanari Unity Party alleged that government employees were being pressured to vote in favor of the plan, and also claimed that voters in rural areas were being "menaced by outsiders". The AUP also provided police reports from multiple jurisdictions of instances of vandalism and theft of anti-federation advertising. There was also a report that the AUP headquarters in the village of Asherinal was burned to the ground, which the AUP claims was arson "perpetrated by the pro-federation mob". Asherinal municipal authorities said the fire was caused by an electrical short, not arson; AUP officials called that report a "whitewash".

Both sides have issued calls for third-party observers to monitor the upcoming election. The AUP, AIF and the Altanari Rural Alliance issued formal demands to the government that such observers be allowed to monitor the actual vote, as well as any campaigning before the vote takes place. "The government is planning to perpetrate the biggest fraud and theft in Altanari history, because they think they can get away with it while the world sleeps," AUP chairman Jared Ashworth said. "We're hoping that increased scrutiny will force the government to allow a fair election."

Speaking from the Altanari capital, Ael Khalas, Agaranth said that her administration was "totally willing" to allow international observers to monitor the vote. "Any nation or organization that wishes to monitor this historic vote can do so. We have nothing to hide," Agaranth said. "When your cause is a just and righteous one you have no need to cheat."

Meanwhile, the latest polls seem to indicate that support on the Altanari side for the federation plan seems to be increasing. Support among Akamians has remained roughly the same, while support among Argali has dropped slightly.

Akamia (1,001 voting-age Akamians polled)
In favor: 87%
Opposed: 11%
Undecided/don't know: 2%

Altanar (1,001 voting-age Altanari polled)
In favor: 75%
Opposed: 18%
Undecided/don't know: 7%

Argalia (1,001 voting-age Argali polled)
In favor: 82%
Opposed: 11%
Undecided/don't know: 7%

Opponents to plan try last-ditch strategy; Krytellin endorses plan, dumps AUP

With the vote on the federation proposal just two months away, the "no" side has fallen back to what many observers consider to be their last hope for derailing the plan. With an unshakable majority in Akamia supporting the plan, they've begun focusing their efforts in Altanar and in Argalia, hoping to convince just enough people to vote "no" to keep the plan from being implemented.

"The referendum is clear - 80% or more of the people in all three regions have to vote 'yes' for this benighted proposal to go through," Jaresh Sikim, leader of the "no" campaign, said. "If we can capture just enough support to keep it below 80% in just one region, the whole deal is off. Even if we can keep the 'yes' side at 79% or below in just one region, we'll still win and send this whole mess back to the drawing board."

The "no" campaign has essentially abandoned large urban centers, where support for the plan is running anywhere from 85% to 96% in favor according to most polls. Instead, they're focusing on smaller communities and rural areas in Altanar, as well as the wide-open plains of tribal Argalia, trying to get the more traditional-minded voters in those areas to vote "no" in large enough numbers to derail the plan. That effort has been sharply criticized by the "yes" side, which has labeled it "obstructionist" and "undemocratic".

"When a very large majority is in favor of this plan - easily 75% or more in all three regions - it's inherently undemocratic for a small minority to disenfranchise them," Aliri Margal, leader of the "yes" campaign, said. "If this tiny group is allowed to shoot down the dreams of Argali and Akamians who want more freedom, the result will be terrible for Altanar. Being brought so close to achieving their dreams, and then being shut down by a very tiny minority, would lead to nothing less than a full-scale revolt. Altanar would need to become a dictatorship, using military force, to hold things together, and what sane person wants that?" she added.

Altanari Unity Party chairman Jared Ashworth has been both open, and unrepentant, about the "no" side's strategy. "They criticize us for being 'impediments' to their headlong rush into the unknown, but we think we're quite justified to want to put the brakes on this a bit," Ashworth said. "What is the need for such a rush - unless they know their plan isn't all it's cracked up to be, and are trying to sneak it in under our noses?" Ashworth also dismissed Margal's concerns about the possible consequences of a "no" vote. "The threat of violence or uprisings if you don't get your way is utterly intolerable in a civilized society, and should not be allowed to cow anyone into voting yes to this plan," Ashworth said. Margal responded to that by saying that Ashworth "should tell that to the people on the 'no' side who are threatening and attacking people, every day, who support the plan."

Meanwhile, at a press conference, longtime Altanari political leader Jaris Krytellin formally announced that he was leaving the AUP and joining its rival, the New Altan Party led by Prime Minister Jinella Agaranth. He also announced that he was supporting the federation plan, and cited that as his reason for switching parties. The announcement is a major victory for the pro-federation side, as Krytellin is a highly respected figure in Altanar and his endorsement had been highly sought after by both sides.

Speaking of another respected and prominent figure in Altanar, King Aelkyn's fervent support for the federation plan has led to a rift between him and the AUP, the group that was once his strongest supporters. That rift came to a head during today's session of the Peoples' Assembly, in this exchange captured on live television:

Ashworth: It is utterly mind-boggling to me that this Government continues its headlong lurch into the abyss of federation, despite a sizeable portion of our population expressing its opposition to this plan. It is plainly evident to me that our traditions, and our unity, mean nothing to the people who are forcing this plan down our throats. The sacrifices of those who have struggled, tirelessly worked, even fought and died to unify Altanar and keep it together for over a century are on the verge of being thrown away by a tyranny of the majority. It is even more unfathomable to me that our leaders - the ones who are responsible for keeping our nation stable and united - such as the King and the Prime Minister, are the ones who are leading this blind charge off the edge of a cliff into the unknown. I would argue that these individuals are not, in fact, fit to hold their offices any longer due to such conduct, as they are not respecting the desires of those who have supported them over the years, such as my Party, or the will of the minority, for that matter.

Assembly Chairwoman Alana Kasimira: Mr. Ashworth, as your remarks are more of a campaign speech than an actual proposal or motion of any sort, I'm afraid I shall have to rule you out of order -

King Aelkyn: Madam Chair, may I respond to the honorable Assemblyman's remarks?

Kasimira: um...of course, your Majesty. The Chair recognizes King Aelkyn, Sovereign of Altanar.

King Aelkyn: I know it's not customary for the King to speak during Assembly, so I'll keep my remarks brief...I just want them on the record. First, I would remind the honorable Assemblyman that here and now, I am still the Sovereign of Altanar, and even in the future, whether the federation proposal passes or not, I will still be the Sovereign of Altanar. The honorable Assemblyman's remarks are not only insulting to the Crown, but border on illegality. I would strongly advise him to watch and reconsider his tone and verbiage accordingly. As for his statement, I would also remind the honorable Assemblyman that, as the Constitutional Protector and as Father of the People, I am beholden to all the people of Altanar. I am not beholden to any political party, or any single bloc of our populace. To suggest otherwise flies in the face of all of our traditions of governance. While my Government will uphold the rights and respect the concerns of the minority of our populace that has expressed opposition to the federation proposal - as Altanar has, indeed, always respected and upheld the rights and concerns of all minorities within its lands - this is still a nation of majority rule under law, and we shall continue that tradition.

After the Assembly session, the war of words continued in the media. Ashworth told reporters that "contrary to what the current King seems to believe, the opinions of those who disagree with him do matter." Ashworth blasted the King and Prime Minister as "the worst leaders Altanar has ever had - how else can you describe leaders who lead their country to national suicide?" He wasn't done there, either, sharply criticizing Krytellin as "an opportunist of the worst order," citing Krytellin's switch from the Modern Democratic Party to the Altanari Unity Party, and then from the AUP to the New Altan Party, as examples that Krytellin "has the courage of his convictions - but his only conviction seems to be to back whoever can get him the most support."

Ashworth also addressed the reasons for the AUP's continued opposition to the federation plan:

Ashworth: This plan takes what has proven to be a stable system, that has kept our nation united and strong for over a century, and throws it out in favor of....what, exactly? We don't know. What we have before us is some nebulous plan for a new Constitution, and yet another layer of bureaucracy. We have a vague plan for some sort of super-government to stand over three supposedly independent sovereign states, which won't really be independent at all. We have a perfect storm of bureaucracy awaiting us, with multiple governments trying to co-exist in the same space and exert authority. How exactly is such a system supposed to work? How will it manage our economy, teach our children, or support our citizens? How will it enhance our standing in the world, or protect us from hostile powers? This King and his Government babble on about majority rule under law, yet they're caving in to very loud and radical minorities of the Akamian and Argali populations and tearing our nation apart. And for what? We don't know. And that's a big problem. The federation supporters will continue to bombard us with images of some utopian Altan state where everyone has their own little fiefdom yet remains united, holding hands, singing kumbaya and walking into the sunset together. But when you look past their rhetoric, there's frighteningly little substance behind it - and certainly not enough to dismantle a successful nation as a result.

Both King Aelkyn and Agaranth refused to respond to Ashworth's comments, with the King describing Ashworth as "irrelevant" and Agaranth labeling him as an "obstructionist idiot". Krytellin, however, did respond to Ashworth's comments:

Krytellin: The opinions of party hacks like Jared have never bothered me much, but I'll go ahead and humor him anyway. It's funny that someone who never met a microphone or camera he didn't like is calling me an opportunist, but you know, whatever. Hacks like him, with their narrowminded vision, are only capable of blindly following the same path of 'tradition', like an old and not very bright mule plodding along the same cart track over and over again. And when those hacks get to a fork in the road, where a better path lies in front of them, they balk at it - just like an old mule. Luckily, however, most Altanari have forsaken mules and carts a long time ago. And we'll go down the right path - with or without them. As for his remarks about Aelkyn and Jinella being our 'worst leaders ever', history will be the judge of that, not some hack from the Peoples' Assembly, or leaders of a political party that seem hell-bent on making themselves a minor party in our political system. I think history will judge Aelkyn and Jinella to be among our best leaders ever, not our worst. Look at our history. The Kings that had the courage to strike out on a new path are the ones who achieved greatness. Olen had the courage to unite Altanar when that was an unthinkable idea, when most people were content to live in petty little kingdoms. Cebratha had the courage to modernize Altanar, when most people were content to live in the 19th century. Even Cianar had the courage to try something different - you can debate the merits of the welfare state he tried to create all you want, but if nothing else, it did renew our consciousness that a nation needs to do what it can to raise up all of its people. Our nation was founded on the principle of being willing to change. Olen chose our national motto, "Fortune favors the bold", for a reason. He knew our people tend to resist change, even when it's good or even necessary. Our opponents represent the worst examples of that inherent tendency of ours. They see the federation plan as a scary rush into the unknown. True leaders, however, see change as evolution, as just another step on our neverending upward path as a people - and that's why they're leaders and not hacks.

Federation supporters counter "obstructionist" plan with big-money push

With the federation referendum election just around the corner, the fears that "no" supporters may be able to rally just enough support to keep the plan from being elected have led the "yes" side to launch the biggest and most costly campaign blitz in Altanari electoral history.

Federation Yes!, the umbrella group leading the "yes" campaign, released copies today of the finance reports that they are required to give to the Altanari Electoral Commission. Total cost so far: SOL448.3 million. In contrast, the second most-costly campaign ever, Jinella Agaranth's run for Prime Minister two years ago, only cost SOL75.2 million. Even more starkly contrasting, the "no" side, led by the group No to National Dissolution, has only been able to raise a paltry SOL28.6 million in comparison.

Critics of the federation plan were quick to use the reports as a point of criticism. "This just shows that the 'yes' campaign is all about big money and special interests who want to sell Altanar down the river for their own selfish aims," NND leader Jaresh Sikim charged in a speech to federation opponents in Lukisha.

FY leader Aliri Margal was quick with her response to Sikim: "Perhaps the reason we've been able to raise more money for our cause is that we've done a better job convincing people we're right than our opponents have? Of course, I'd never expect paranoid screwballs like the "no" campaigners to accept that the reason they're losing is because they're just wrong. That would make too much sense."

Battle in Kyrinia leads to warning

In other news related to the upcoming vote, a brief battle in the Ashera section of Kyrinia between the two sides led to an immediate police clampdown on the area, and a sharp warning from police and military officials.

According to police reports, the fight broke out when a group of "no" supporters, armed with various weapons, tried to shut down a FY office in their neighborhood. Things quickly got out of hand, however, when people in the neighborhood came to the "yes" campaigners' defense, breaking out weapons of their own. The "no" supporters found themselves surrounded by a much larger group of opponents, and what could have been an ugly scene was averted at the last second when the Royal Altanari Police descended en masse on the location in armored vehicles, using tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds.

This came on the heels of an earlier incident in the farming town of Mekeli in Ektar province, where the situation was reversed and "yes" supporters found themselves outnumbered by angry "no" voters, and had to be rescued by a local garrison of the Royal Police.

While no arrests were made in either incident, in a joint press conference today, the heads of the police and military warned that they would not be so patient in the future.

"Mob rule will not be allowed, period. No matter what happens with this upcoming vote, we will enforce the law and maintain the peace," Royal Altanari Police Commissioner Arjan Kazireth said. "We will uphold civil order, and anyone who poses a threat to that order will be put down with immediate and overwhelming force," Kazireth added.

The military's Defense Forces Combined Command swore to back the police up. Speaking for the Combined Command (the equivalent of a joint chiefs of staff in other countries), General of the Air Fleet Verik Draskanan said that potential rioters "don't want to face our police, or our soldiers. I can promise them, they really don't want to do that. They'll see the difference between a mob and a professional force right quick, if they make that mistake."

It had all come down to this day. Today, people were voting to decide Altanar's fate.

Throughout Altanar, people streamed to polling places by the millions. Soldiers and police stood guard nervously. Their commanders, equally nervously, watched intelligence and surveillance reports streaming into their command centers, praying that violence wouldn't ruin the election.

The people of Altanar - Argali, Akamian and Altanari alike - voted, then waited on the edge of their seats as the polls closed. In massive city and tiny hamlet alike, and on the windswept and isolated steppes that divided them, people were glued to their televisions and computers, waiting and praying.

In her office in Ael Khalas, Altanar's Prime Minister and her staff sat in a big conference room, impatiently waiting for the polls to close and for the results to begin streaming in. Jinella Agaranth drank coffee, smoked cigarettes, and paced the room over and over again.

In their throne room at the Aerie, Altanar's King and Queen waited equally impatiently for the results, offering up a silent prayer to their gods that the result would not be disaster and hoping for the best.

At their campaign offices, both the "yes" and "no" activists bided their time, watching the media reports and talking to each other in hushed conversation, wondering what the result of all of their work would be.

As the hour inched past midnight, people began to grow nervous. Finally, at 1:30 am, the first set of results came in.

Argalia
In favor: 85.3%
Opposed: 14.7%

On the windblown plains of Argalia, people rushed out of their houses to celebrate, firing rifles into the air, cheering and getting well and truly drunk. The small group of people that didn't feel like celebrating stayed inside their houses, remembering the warnings of their leaders.

The next set of results, arriving at 3 am:

Akamia
In favor: 87.4%
Opposed: 12.6%

On the streets of Akamian cities, massive crowds began to appear, cheering and waving the Akamian flag, which had been banned from display for over three decades. Those crowds, like their Argali counterparts, began to get quite drunk as well. A small number of people tried to protest against the result, but swift police intervention kept them from ruining the party.

But even as they celebrated, both Akamians and Argali alike contined to nervously watch the media reports. They knew one obstacle remained - the Altanari needed to say yes as well, or the whole deal was off. Going into the vote, most polls had still shown that less than 80% of Altanari were in favor of the plan - throwing the whole vote in danger.

The results from Altanar took longer than anywhere else, because of the much larger population there. But finally, the fate of the federation plan was known, at 4:45 am, Ael Khalas time.

Altanar
In favor: 81.3%
Opposed: 18.7%

---

Federation plan becomes a reality

Altanar to become Trilateral Federation

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Fireworks go off over Altanar's royal palace as the final vote is announced

AEL KHALAS - The Altanari Electoral Commission has confirmed that a supermajority of voters in all three regions of Altanar have approved the proposal to form a new federation.

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A large crowd gathers in Celavan to celebrate the federation plan's victory

"As of 4:45 am today, the Trilateral Federation of the Altan Steppes is born," Prime Minister Jinella Agaranth proclaimed to a cheering crowd in the Altanari capital, Ael Khalas. "Today, we celebrate the ultimate evolution of our nation. I have never been prouder of the peoples of the Altan than I am today. By your vote, you have shown the world what we truly stand for - equality, justice, and democracy. Together, we will enter a new era of modernity and prosperity, and become a leader on the world stage."

With the formation of the new Federation, the era of the unitary Constitutional Monarchy of Altanar is rapidly coming to an end. While Altanar will still exist as a constituent state of the new Federation, the Federation will have the ultimate authority over the Altan as a whole. From his palace in Ael Khalas, Altanar's King Aelkyn was philosophical about what will amount to a major diminishing of his power.

"The ultimate accomplishment of any King is to shepherd his nation to the stage in its evolution where it doesn't need a King anymore," he said. "The Altan has reached the stage in its development where a mature democracy is ready to take the reins. I think that's something to be proud of."

Not everyone is pleased with the result of the vote, however. The "no" side has called for a recount, claiming that the vote in Altanar was "too close for comfort".

"We firmly believe that there was fraud on the part of the government to make this plan go through. We know that there was not 80% support in Altanar going into this vote. We will take this all the way to the State Court, if need be," Jaresh Sikim, leader of No to National Dissolution, said after the vote was announced.

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Royal Police move to break up a protest against the vote in the town of Malitseth

There were small and isolated protests in Altanar, Akamia and Argalia after the votes were announced, but they were quickly dispersed by police, who reported 350 arrests.

Six months after the federation vote...

State Court denies challenge to vote results

Final obstacle to plan implementation removed

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Chief Justice Menar Kanae, writing the majority opinion

AEL KHALAS - Dashing a final decisive blow to the hopes of federation opponents, the State Court denied their legal push for a recount of the referendum votes today. In the majority opinion, Chief Justice Menar Kanae said that there was "no conclusive evidence of electoral fraud" presented by the plaintiffs in the case.

"Plaintiffs (No to National Dissolution) have not satisfactorily met the evidentiary burden to prove that Defendant (the government of Altanar), or any other entity, engaged in any fraud or other detrimental conduct sufficient to influence the outcome of the vote," Kanae wrote. "Consequently, we have no choice but to dismiss their suit at this time, and uphold the results previously announced by the Altanari Electoral Commission as valid."

Supporters of the federation plan were visibly relieved after the ruling. "The last gasp of the obstructionists has rattled its death throes into empty space. Now, the Federation is truly a reality," supporter Aliri Margal said outside the Royal Courthouse.

Though "disappointed beyond words" by the ruling, federation opponents vowed to fight on. "We may not be able to halt this plan, but we fully intend to take part in the political process and make sure that this new government follows the right path," Jaresh Sikim, leader of the "no" side, announced. Some are speculating that Sikim and his supporters may form a new political party.

The State Court ruling clears the way for elections to establish the Federation Congress, as well as the Presidency. While no one has yet announced their candidacy for President, many people expect that Altanari Prime Minister Jinella Agaranth will contend for the position. Other leaders reportedly mulling a run for the top job are Akamian leader Jamir Kerasa, Altan Liberal Party leader Alana Kasimira, and former Altanari ambassador Jaris Krytellin.

Elections have tentatively been scheduled for six months from now. Once they are held, and the new government established, the final step in the process will take place in Ael Khalas, where the government of Altanar will formally cede authority to the new Federation.

Campaigns for Federation presidency gear up

As the race for the first-ever President of the Federation gets underway, multiple parties have put forth candidates for the job.

The candidates

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New Altan Party (NAP) - Jinella Agaranth
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Altan Liberal Party (ALP) - Alana Kasimira
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Altan Green Party (AGP) - Akiri Rainwater Baraseth
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Party of Believers (PB) - Haalan Askani
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Altan Social Welfare and Justice Party (ASWJP) - Aliri Margal
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Altan Conservative Union (ACU) - Jaresh Sikim
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Altan Socialist Workers' Party (ASWP) - Hasin Margas
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Altan Communist Party (ACP) - Mark Ramirez

On the issues

International affairs

Agaranth: Favors Federation involvement in the World Assembly. Favors a strong, assertive stance in international affairs, and wants the Federation to form alliances and stronger ties with other nations. Wants the Federation to take a strong stance against regimes that "repress civil rights". Favors a strong and active State Department. Wants the Federation to become the "leading power" in its region.

Kasimira: Favors a Federation presence in the World Assembly. Promotes an approach to international relations that emphasizes compromise over confrontation, and would "strive to improve repressive regimes through interaction and communication, rather than criticism". Favors an active State Department, and wants to create a "Federation International Corps" to help developing nations. Favors an approach to regional relations that is less aggressive.

Baraseth: Favors Federation involvement in the World Assembly. Would bar the Federation from allying with nations that do not follow "sound environmental practices". Also favors the creation of a citizen corps to help developing nations, with an emphasis on environmental concerns.

Askani: Favors isolationist policies, and would withdraw the Federation from all international activity, including the World Assembly. Would withdraw the Federation from regional bodies as well, and close the nation's borders.

Margal: Favors Federation involvement in the World Assembly. Would approach international relations from a "spirit of reconciliation and compromise". Would bar the Federation from associating with any nation deemed "insufficient" in areas such as civil rights, the environment, workers' protection, or nations deemed "hostile" to their neighbors or other nations.

Sikim: Would withdraw the Federation from the World Assembly. Favors a platform similar to Agaranth's, except Sikim goes further to advocate "active intervention" against regimes deemed repressive.

Margas: Would withdraw from the World Assembly. Favors minimal interaction with other nations, other than establishing relations and alliances with nations "that hold a progressive and enlightened outlook".

Ramirez: Would withdraw from the World Assembly and all other international bodies, including regional ones, with the exception of "bodies that advance the cause of the international proletariat". Would only allow the Federation to have relations with Communist states.

Defense

Agaranth: Favors spending at least 20% of the nation's GDP on defense. Advocates creation of a Federation military capable of acting "anywhere, anytime" to attack potential enemies. Wants to pursue advanced technologies and has the stated goal of creating a Federation "Space Defense Force" within 15 years. Favors a continued ban on weapons of mass destruction, calling instead for enhancing existing defenses against such attacks, coupled with building a massive and powerful conventional military as a deterrent. Wishes to have the Federation join "defensive alliances" to strengthen its international position.

Kasimira: Wants to cap defense spending at no more than 7% of GDP. Has spoken out against the "militarization of space". Wants to limit the scope of the Federation military strictly to local capabilities, as a national and regional force. Also favors a continued ban on WMDs. Would only enter alliances with other nations "with caution".

Baraseth: Wants to cap defense spending at a maximum of 3% of GDP, and limit the Federation military to strictly local defense made up of "volunteer militia". Would bar the Federation military from conducting any operations outside of the nation's borders. Would retain the WMD ban. Would not enter alliances with other nations.

Askani: Wants to spend 40% or more of the nation's GDP on defense, and create a military capable of "overwhelming force" against any possible threat. Would lift the ban on WMDs. Would ban any alliances with other nations.

Margal: Would eliminate most military forces with the exception of small volunteer forces. Would cap defense spending at 2% of GDP. Would retain the WMD ban. Opposed to alliances with other nations.

Sikim: Favors policies similar to Agaranth's, with the exception of pursuing space-based forces, which he has called a "money pit to end all money pits". Would also lift the ban on pursuing WMDs. Would favor forming "offensive-minded" alliances with other nations.

Margas: Would reduce military spending to 5% of GDP, and would end the requirement that all citizens fulfill a year of national service upon reaching age 18, or upon becoming citizens. Would favor a large military, but one equipped with "basic, serviceable" weapons. Would lift the ban on WMDs. Opposed to entering "entangling alliances" with other nations.

Ramirez: Favors a large, well-equipped military, with defense spending variable by need. Would lift the ban on WMDs. Favors forming alliances with Communist states.

The economy and trade

Agaranth: Favors cutting taxes on the commercial and industrial sectors, and eliminating most regulations concerning those sectors. Wants to fund "incubators" to increase the Federation's competitiveness in science, technology and manufacturing. Favors free trade policies and wants to sign free trade agreements with as many nations as possible. Is opposed to tax cuts.

Kasimira: Favors increasing taxes on the commercial and industrial sectors, and increasing regulations concerning workers' rights, environmental protection and product safety, among other areas. Favors protectionist policies and would end all existing free trade agreements. Would bar foreign companies from doing business in the Federation if they do not meet "benchmarks" for workers' rights and environmental protection. Would create an "Altan Commercial Support Fund" to help failing industries or businesses. Favors a minimum wage hike. Would oppose tax cuts for all except the bottom 10% income bracket.

Baraseth: Opposed to free trade and would cancel all existing free trade agreements. Favors protectionist policies. Would enact comprehensive environmental regulation and require all businesses to undergo "environmental impact audits" yearly. Would increase regulation on workers' rights and would raise the minimum wage. Favors tax cuts for all but the top 10% income bracket.

Askani: Favors free trade, and would end all regulation whatsoever over the economy or businesses. Would eliminate the minimum wage. Would oppose tax cuts and instead call for most taxes to be eliminated. Would allow citizens to donate part of their yearly income to the Solar Pantheonic Church as a "tax-deductible donation" and lower their tax burden.

Margal: Opposed to free trade, and would enact protectionist legislation. Would bar trade with nations that do not meet "fair standards" concerning worker rights or wages. Would double the minimum wage for Altan workers, and would require companies to provide workers three months' pay as severence if they are fired. Would cut taxes for the lowest 20% income bracket.

Sikim: Would allow unfettered free trade and would eliminate most regulation over industry or business. Would lower the minimum wage to a "reasonable" amount. Favors tax cuts to stimulate the economy.

Margas: Would cancel all free trade agreements and enact protectionist legislation, including high tariffs for foreign competitors in "vital" industries. Would raise the minimum wage 5% yearly for five years. Would favor tax cuts for all except the top 10% income bracket.

Ramirez: Would cancel all free trade agreements and move to a planned economy model. Would ban trade with "capitalist regimes". Would cut taxes for all but the top 5% income bracket; would seize the assets of the top 5% and redistribute them to the lowest 5%.

National "hot button" issues

Agaranth: Favors continuing the Altan state's strong support for GLBT rights, including marriage. Would outlaw abortion except in cases of rape, incest or if the mother's life was endangered. Would maintain the national ban on the death penalty. Would continue to allow the sale, use and production of recreational drugs (along with their taxation by the government). Would maintain the Federation's open immigration policy, and favors increased funding for the nation's Safe Haven Program for people fleeing violence, repressive regimes or economic collapse. Wants to maintain separation of church and state, and continue to allow free practice of worship.

Kasimira: Favors continued GLBT rights including marriage. Would maintain the current laws allowing abortion without restriction. Would maintain the ban on the death penalty. Would maintain current laws allowing recreational drugs. Would maintain the national open immigration policy and increase funding for the Safe Haven Program. Wants to maintain separation of church and state, and continue allowing all religions "equal footing".

Baraseth: Favors continued GLBT rights including marriage. Would allow abortion without restriction and maintain the ban on the death penalty. Would allow "natural" recreational drugs and would end taxation of the recreational drug industry. Would sharply limit immigration to prevent further "encroachment" on natural spaces by urban areas. Wants to pass laws mandating that religious entities be barred from participation in politics.

Askani: Favors continued GLBT rights, but would only allow "civil unions", reserving marriage for heterosexual couples. Would ban all abortions. Would ban all alcohol and recreational drugs except those deemed "sacramental" or otherwise integral to religious activities. Would reinstate the death penalty for some crimes, such as murder. Would end almost all immigration, including the Safe Haven Program. Wants to restore the "preeminent place" that the Solar Pantheonic Church once held in national governments.

Margal: Favors continued GLBT rights including marriage. Would maintain current abortion laws without restriction. Would remove all restrictions on recreational drugs, including taxation. Would maintain the ban on the death penalty. Favors removing all restrictions on immigration and citizenship. Wants to ban religious entities from participation in politics.

Sikim: Would maintain most GLBT rights, but would only allow civil unions rather than marriage. Would ban all abortions. Would ban all recreational drug use. Would reinstate the death penalty for many crimes. Would end the Safe Haven Program and limit immigration to "useful" immigrants, such as those with wealth, technical training or advanced education. Wants to restore the Solar Pantheonic Church to its "traditional place" as a "partner" with the government.

Margas: Would maintain continued GLBT rights including marriage. Would allow abortion without restriction. Would allow drug use, sales and production without restriction, but would require the recreational drug industry to give up 10% of its profits to fund drug rehabilitation and treatment programs, in addition to the usual taxes. Would maintain the ban on the death penalty. Would allow immigration without restriction. Would sharply restrict the role religion plays in the nation.

Ramirez: Would withdraw current laws on GLBT rights. Would allow abortion without restriction. Would ban recreational drug use, sales and production. Would reinstate the death penalty. Would bar most immigration. Would ban all religions, including the Solar Pantheonic Church.

Former PM denies plans to run for president

Krytellin's decision expected to benefit Agaranth

NALIOKA - Former Altanari Prime Minister Jaris Krytellin has formally denied rumors that he was planning a presidential bid.

At a brief press conference at the Krytellin estate, the former leader said that he was "more interested in being a diplomat than a politician at this point in my career". Krytellin is currently being considered for a position as ambassador for the region of Lavinium to the World Assembly.

Krytellin's decision not to run is expected to boost the presidential campaign of current Altanari Prime Minister Jinella Agaranth, as Krytellin was widely seen as the only politician with the stature and respect among the electorate to give her a serious challenge. Krytellin declined to endorse any of the candidates for the presidency, although he left the door open to do so "at a later time, once we see all of the candidates show what they're about". His endorsement is expected to be highly sought after.

The Federation elections: What's at stake

What's at stake? In a word, everything. With both a new president and a new Congress being seated for the first time, to build a new government, this election has the potential to shape the future of the Altan Steppes for decades to come. While most of the governmental structure and laws of the Federation's predecessor state of Altanar will be simply transferred to the new government, much of it still has to be created by the government-to-be. Whoever wins control of the presidency and the Congress will have the chance to leave their mark on the future government. 310 seats are going to be filled in the Congress, as well as the presidential spot.

Alana Kasimira, campaigning both for herself and for ALP Congressional candidates, is all too aware of that fact. Facing an uphill battle against the popular Agaranth and her NAP, she is hitting on familiar themes: compassion and fairness. She has also taken the gloves off, hammering Agaranth with some of her firecest speeches ever.

Kasimira: A nation that focuses only on becoming rich and powerful runs the risk of selling its soul, and that's exactly what we've seen happening to our society under Jinella Agaranth's leadership. Corporations get to do what they like with impunity, and our government slashes social welfare and social equality programs to the bone to beef up the military and the police. The gap between the rich and the poor in our society has never been greater. Our environment is abused and misused, and our people suffer. And our government answers the just cries of the people for change with brute force, such as the bombing of Isithiel and the military force used against the rebels in the Crown Colonies. With this new government, we have a chance to turn this around and make the Altan Steppes a model of equality, fairness and justice for the universe. As one people, united under a new banner, we must reject the social climbing, the greed, the arrogance, the brutality and the shortsighted selfishness of the Agaranth era. A new nation will not prosper if it follows the same cruel and evil policies of the one that preceded it. This is our time for change, and we must seize it.

Agaranth has countered by labeling her opponent as out of touch and out of time.

Agaranth: My esteemed opponent, Alana Kasimira, calls my policies cruel. I happen to think it's more cruel to raise a nation to be dependent on the government for its survival. I think it's cruel to strip our people of their heritage of self-reliance and strength, and turn them into weaklings who think that the world owes them something. That's exactly what the liberals did three decades ago, when the Modern Democratic Party foisted their policies of so-called social progress and social equality upon us all. My opponent says that we need to seize the moment for change, conveniently forgetting that we tried it her way before, back when the MDP was in power. What did two decades of MDP leadership earn us? A monumental deficit, which lasted until the MDP was finally toppled. A bloated social welfare program, which weakened our people in ways that we're barely recovering from even now. A pathetic shell of a military that wasn't even capable of protecting a hot dog stand, much less protecting our nation. A people that were taxed to the edge of poverty. If Alana's way is the future, I'd gladly stay in the past. But that's the thing - her way is the past. Ours is the future. A future where everyone rises and falls based on their merits. A future where our military is proud and strong, and our nation's integrity protected. A future where our nation is competitive in the international economy, and second to none in education. And most of all, our future is one where we don't have to bankrupt our fellow citizens to maintain a bloated structure of incompetent bureaucracy. The Liberal Party thinks that the way to govern is to leave you with nothing in your pockets except for lint and government I.O.U.'s, then bury you under the weight of bureaucracy, so that everyone can be at the same level - the level of mediocrity. They'll give you a mandate. But we'll give you a choice.

While Agaranth and Kasimira are the frontrunners, the other candidates show no sign of leaving the race any time soon. They're stepping up their attacks on the frontrunners, hoping to gain some traction. As their chances at winning the presidency are slim, they're also focusing on boosting their parties' chances of winning Congressional seats.

AGP candidate Akiri Rainwater Baraseth has sharply criticized both Kasimira and Agaranth for not taking a stronger stance on the environment.

Baraseth: Alana talks a good game, but like a poor card player, she folds before she's even played her strongest hand. Her record of protecting the environment has been checkered at best. She's been somewhat willing to challenge the corporates who are raping and pillaging our land, air and water, but only to a point. That's because the ALP takes as much money from the corporates as anyone else does. And Jinella? She's practically the corporates' prostitute. Her party has been most responsible for the free hand that corporates have had to wreck our environment in their hamhanded pursuit of profit. And neither the ALP nor the NAP have bothered to pursue the development of alternative energy technology, hybrid vehicles, and antipollution technologies to the extent that we need. They talk about all the wonderful things they want to do, but it boils down to this: without a habitable place to live, you have nothing. If our air, land and water can't support life, what will anything else matter? The gods intended us to be the stewards of our homeland, not its abusers, and the time for action is now.

Altan Social Welfare and Justice Party candidate Aliri Margal says that the NAP and ALP are both poor choices on the social justice front.

Margal: What has the Liberal Party ever really done to advance the cause of social equality, other than pay it lip service? They're content to talk about social justice in an abstract way, in their coffeehouses and at their social functions where it costs hundreds of solaris to even get a ticket. They're dilettantes, nothing more. We're the ones who've fought for social justice, both here and abroad. We're the ones who've led the fight against the brutal nature of Altan tradition, that people like the NAP misuse and misinterpret to their own selfish ends. Our traditions say that you should extend a stranger hospitality and share what you have, even if you have very little. The wealthiest people in our society have more now than ever before, and I don't see them sharing a whole lot of it. So much for Altan tradition. The only way we're going to get anywhere in the fight for social justice is to elect real fighters to the positions of power - not dilettantes like Alana Kasimira who are content to fight for social justice as long as they don't have to really give up anything or get their hands too dirty. And certainly not power-hungry shrews like Jinella Agaranth who'd sell their own mother to a brothel if it would gain them a higher rung up the ladder.

Altan Conservative Union leader Jaresh Sikim says that Agaranth has the right idea, but doesn't go far enough.

Sikim: Jinella is conservatism lite. She's willing to go in the right direction, but she tends to hesitate right at the edge. We need a leader who won't hesitate, who has what it takes to go the distance. Unfettered capitalism, restoring religion to its proper place in our society, a strong government and military that can take us to a proper position of leadership on the international stage. Leadership that prevents immigrants from changing our nation, and puts the Altan Steppes first. That's what we need to set as the foundations of this new Federation, and as much as I like Jinella, she doesn't have what it takes. I won't even go into the other candidates, as they're a bunch of liberal wankers.

Party of Believers candidate Haalan Askani says that the other candidates don't place enough emphasis on faith.

Askani: My opponents remember religion when it's convenient - in other words, when they need your vote. They forget about it as soon as the last vote is cast. By the gods, some of them - like those godless wenches Margal and Kasimira - even mock religion, even our blessed Solar Pantheonic Faith, the veneration of the gods that blessed us with the privilege of living here in the first place! When they mock our faith, they mock us as well. And we will no longer stand for it! I tell you now, a people that forget their gods will find that their gods have forgotten them in times of trouble. We cannot allow the Altan Steppes to go down that road, or when their judgement finally falls upon us, there will be no Altan Steppes anymore.

Askani also denied rumors that his party is actually a front for the Solar Pantheonic Church itself, which is banned from Federation politics.

Askani: Any time people of faith come together to take a role in the governance of their nation - as, by the gods, we have every damned right to - our opponents immediately began saying the Church leadership is pulling our strings. They use that as a weapon to keep us from participating in politics, in our own country! Their lies shame them, and it will not be forgotten. I can assure you, we keep our eye on the Church leaders as much as we do the government - neither one owns us, and neither one is above the judgement of the gods, or of believers.

Of all the candidates, the Socialist and Communist candidates are having the hardest time of it. Polling in single digits, they nevertheless intend to press on. Altan Socialist Workers' Party candidate Hasin Margas thinks the time may be ripe for his party to achieve an unexpected breakthrough.

Margas: It's like a river working on a stone. Its progress may be imperceptible to the unaware, but slowly but surely, the water works the rock to the shape nature intends. And I am confident that the Altan people will someday see the wisdom of our way - and perhaps sooner rather than later. It takes a long time to change peoples' hearts and minds. Our people have been steeped in so-called tradition, in old-fashioned and selfish ways and values, for a very long time. But this one single election isn't the end - it's the beginning. And our time may be coming sooner than you think. I think enough people are growing tired of seeing only a choice between right-wing conservatism like Jinella exemplifies, and are also tired of the halting, weak-willed liberalism that Alana exemplifies. People will see in us a better choice.

Faring worst of all in the polls, Altan Communist Party candidate Mark Ramirez also expressed hope for the long term:

Ramirez: We knew going into this race that Communist ideals have never been popular in our country. The Church, the government and the traditional hierarchy have done a very good job of demonizing us. But one cannot deny the fact of revolutionary truth forever. Slowly or quickly, the people of the Altan will rise and overthrow the ancient mindset they've had instilled in them for so long.

Nationwide "poll of polls" - the Federation elections

conducted by the Altanar International Media Service (AIMS)

President

Jinella Agaranth (NAP): 42%
Alana Kasimira (ALP): 33%
Aliri Margal (ASWJP): 10%
Akiri Rainwater Baraseth (AGP): 5%
Haalan Askani (PB): 3%
Jaresh Sikim (ACU): 3%
Hasin Margas (ASWP): 2%
Mark Ramirez (ACP): 1%
Undecided/don't know/don't care: 1%

Congressional race
projected number of seats

NAP: 156
ALP: 103
ASWJP: 21
AGP: 10
ACU: 9
PB: 4
ASWP: 3
ACP: 2
Independent/unaffiliated: 2

Kasimira slips in recent polls

Agaranth takes advantage of rebellion "gaffe"

On the heels of recent remarks about the Agaranth administration's response to the rebellion (http://z11.invisionfree.com/Antarctic_Oasis/index.php?showtopic=773) in Altanar's Crown Colonies, presidential candidate Alana Kasimira has taken a sharp nosedive in most polls. She is currently 9 percentage points behind frontrunner Jinella Agaranth in the most recent "poll of polls" by AIMS; Kasimira was running neck-and-neck with Agaranth before the now-infamous remarks.

In her remarks, Kasimira characterized the government's decision to bomb the rebel capital of Isithiel as an example of the government answering "the just cries of the people for change with brute force". Kasimira also termed the government's policies as "cruel and evil".

Agaranth has seized on the remarks as evidence that Kasimira and the Liberal Party "are too soft on defense and too weak on separatism" to lead the nascent Federation.

"Apparently, a group of terrorists and criminals can take up arms against the government, threaten loyal and law-abiding citizens, attack our soldiers, and threaten other states, and that's perfectly okay with my opponent and her party. However, when the government takes the necessary and minimal steps to ensure law and order and restore security, that's cruel and evil," Agaranth said today. "Ask the families of the sailors who died off the shores of Isilkara whose acts they consider cruel," Agaranth added, referring to the rebels' attack on the Eastern Fleet as it was leaving port for the colonies.

Most polls taken since the bombing have shown that the Agaranth administration's firm approach to the rebellion has been popular, with the only concern being how other regional powers might respond. Despite that, Kasimira refused to back away from her comments, even as the poll numbers appear to be turning against her.

"In my remarks, I was referring to the tendency that my opponent has to shoot first and ask questions later," Kasimira said. "Negotiation has never seriously entered the equation for her. It's about clubbing the dissent in the Crown Colonies into submission. That's the approach she tends to take to every problem, and it's a dangerous one," Kasimira added.

News briefs

Federation capital begins to take shape

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/smurfie_bucket/cranes.jpg

Construction on the new capital proceeds rapidly

Even as elections for the first-ever Federation government take place, construction on the "new city" that is to be the Federation's capital, Natascora, is proceeding around the clock.

Located across the Lifeheart River from the city of Narraskath, the new capital is situated at the geographic center of the Altan. It was chosen to serve as a neutral capital, not associated with any of the three constituent states to make up the Federation. With less than a year to go before the new government is set to take office, construction is taking place at a feverish pace to meet the deadline.

"We have absolute confidence that we will meet the deadline, and deliver a world-class capital for our new Federation," Lara K'virel, project manager, said. "No expense is being spared to ensure we meet this challenge."

Agaranth expands lead in polls

Jinella Agaranth has continued to expand her lead in the race for Federation president, following claims that Alana Kasimira flip-flopped on the colonial rebellion.

"My opponent has called our response to the colonial rebellion in Altanar cruel and evil, yet she conveniently forgets that she authored (http://z11.invisionfree.com/Antarctic_Oasis/index.php?showtopic=773&view=findpost&p=7304393) a resolution in the Peoples' Assembly calling for the government to use 'whatever means necessary' to end the rebellion. It begs the question, which Alana Kasimira will show up if we have a crisis? Does she even know which one will show up? We need leadership, not pandering to the polls. I have shown that leadership as Prime Minister of Altanar, and I will do so as Federation President," Agaranth said.

Kasimira has said that her resolution emphasized negotiation over military force, and that the resolution was meant to encourage the Agaranth administration to try all possible options, not just military ones. This argument does not seem to be gaining traction; Agaranth now leads all other candidates in the latest "poll of polls".

President

Jinella Agaranth (NAP): 47%
Alana Kasimira (ALP): 31%
Aliri Margal (ASWJP): 9%
Jaresh Sikim (ACU): 4%
Akiri Rainwater Baraseth (AGP): 3%
Haalan Askani (PB): 3%
Hasin Margas (ASWP): 1%
Mark Ramirez (ACP): 1%
Undecided/don't know/don't care: 1%

"Constituent states" announce organization plans

The three constituent states being carved out of the former unitary state of Altanar formally announced the new structure of their respective governments today.

The Constitutional Monarchy of Altanar will formally abolish the post of Prime Minister once the Federation elections are concluded. Altanar will revert to its previous name of the Kingdom of Altanar, and King Aelkyn will resume full and sole executive authority over the nation. The Peoples' Assembly will retain the right of veto over the King's rulings, and all other facets of Altanar's government will continue unchanged. The former Altanari colonies of Poivre Atoll and Antarctic Altanar will become semi-autonomous Dominions of Altanar, as part of a peace agreement to end their rebellion against the Altanari government.

The new "constituent state" of Akamia will take the formal name of the Ascendant Kingdom of Akamia. It will be a constitutional monarchy similar to the Altanari one, with its capital in Celavan. Unlike Altanar, however, Akamia will have an elected Prime Minister who will serve as head of state. Ikinar Inimena, the last known surviving noble lord of the old Akamian nobility, will assume the long-vacant throne as the King of Akamia. The monarchy will be based out of the Sivanti Palace in Celavan, the historic home of the Akamian monarchy, which was confiscated by the Altanari government after Altanar annexed Akamia in 1906. Akamia will also have a bicameral elected legislature, unlike the unicameral Altanari one. The Akamian government will be similar to the Altanari one in all other essential aspects.

The new "constituent state" of Argalia will be formally known as the Nomadic Clan Lands of the Argali. The five major clans of Argalia will lead their respective regions, and will meet in a hasha, or tribal council, every year to handle the affairs of the Argali state. As per Argali tradition, a Clanmaster will be selected by the clans and will act as the de facto head of state of Argalia. The current Clanmaster is Melika, who also serves as Queen of Altanar; this is not expected to change.

All three "constituent states" will be subject to the authority of the Federation President and Congress, as well as the Federation High Court, which shall have ultimate jurisdiction over most national affairs.

---

Presidential fight gets dirty

Anonymous claims accuse Agaranth of treason

AEL KHALAS - Anonymous Internet claims that Prime Minister and current presidential candidate Jinella Agaranth may have had a role in a rebellion against the Altanari government a year ago have resurfaced, sparking a furious denial from the candidate.

The claims stem from Agaranth's previous relationship with Nara deputy mayor Perik Draskanan, who was convicted of treason and executed after the rebellion. Draskanan had led a group of Akamian separatists who had seized control of Nara from Altanari government forces during the rebellion. Draskanan was found guilty of targeting Altanari political officials and ethnic Altanari civilians for violent acts during the period that his group held control over the city. A government investigation found that Agaranth had no knowledge of, or connection with, her fiance's activities.

Despite that, rumors that Agaranth may have conspired with Draskanan, possibly to seize control of Akamia for herself, have circulated around the Internet since the end of the civil conflict. Those rumors came back to life recently, as a series of posts on various Internet forums have tried to link her to Draskanan's activities. "She (Agaranth) was Draskanan's lover for five years. She was about to marry him before the civil war. Can anyone who isn't naive or dense really believe that she had no idea what he was planning?" one anonymous poster asked. Agaranth's decision to break up with Draskanan, and denounce his activities, after the civil conflict didn't appease the rumor mill either. "Her throwing Draskanan under the bus doesn't mean she wasn't a traitor. It just means that (Agaranth) sees anyone as disposable in her quest for power - even the man she supposedly loved," another anonymous poster wrote.

The rumors came up at a campaign Q and A session in the city of Marr today, leading to a furious denial from Agaranth. "It's understandable that these Internet assassins wouldn't dare make these accusations to my face," Agaranth said. "They have no idea what I've sacrificed for this nation. They have no idea how it feels to find out that you thought you knew someone you loved, but never really knew them at all. They have no idea how hard it is to have to turn your back on someone you know has done wrong," Agaranth added, brushing away a tear in a rare show of emotion.

Agaranth's campaign accused her rivals in the Federation presidential race of trying to smear her name with "ridiculous and obscene" allegations.

"While we don't think that Kasimira's campaign has anything to do with this, we do think that one, or more, of the fringe candidates is behind this," campaign spokesperson Mark Shaw said. "It's most likely one of the real lunatic fringe candidates' campaigns, possibly Sikim or Margal, or even the commies," Shaw added. Shaw said that Agaranth's campaign was working to try to find out who is behind the postings, and that whoever is behind them may be facing a libel lawsuit.

The Margal, Ramirez and Margas campaigns all strongly denied any involvement in the accusations; Sikim's campaign refused to comment.

Presidential race gets personal

Kasimira's family endorses her rival

KYRINIA - In a harsh repudiation of the policies of his own child, Alana Kasimira, the wealthy industrialist Menir Kasimira and his wife, Lara, announced today that they were endorsing Jinella Agaranth in the race for president.

The two issued a statement on behalf of the Kasimira family, which said that Agaranth "is the best choice for a strong, prosperous and independent future for the Altan Steppes". The statement said that Agaranth's "self-reliance" and pro-business policies "are a far surer path to prosperity and advancement for our people, of all socioeconomic levels, than the pseudo-socialism and welfare handouts espoused by her opponents". The statement mentioned none of Agaranth's opponents by name, but many people believe the statement was a shot across the bow of Alana Kasimira, who has long been a black sheep of her family.

"From the beginning, when Alana chose to go into community organizing, and later into politics, she's been at odds with her family," a longtime friend of Kasimira's, who asked to remain anonymous, said. "The family expected her to go into the family business, and she flatly refused to do so. There's been a big split between them ever since, and the fact that Alana's values are so much more progressive than her parents' values has not helped," the friend added.

The Kasimira family, of Kyrinia, controls a massive conglomerate whose interests include the Altanari Maritime Bank, part ownership of the Port of Kyrinia, and major shares of both Altan Automotive Corporation and Altan Nuclear Energy. The family has long been a staunch backer of conservative political interests.

When asked at a campaign rally in Draskatar what she had to say about the endorsement, Alana Kasimira said, "I don't really get along well with my family, and from this, you can probably see why."

Agaranth's campaign issued a statement saying that she was "honored" to receive the endorsement of the Kasimira family, but has had no further comment. The endorsement presents Jinella Agaranth with a catch-22. Many experts are speculating that the endorsement may actually turn out to be a negative for Agaranth. "The Altan culture, regardless of your ethnicity, emphasizes family as the most important thing of all. For a politician to be seen as possibly dividing a family, or capitalizing on a family's discord, will not be seen well by a lot of people," Dera Kishileth, professor of Altan cultural studies at the Royal University of Ael Khalas, said.

Agaranth couldn't turn the endorsement down, however, because of fears that it might offend the business community if she did, Arik Kinel with Altan Business Daily said. "The Kasimiras are a very powerful family in the business world, and very influential. Denying their endorsement would be seen as a slap in the face to that community, and Agaranth can't afford to do that," Kinel said.

Kasimira names Margal as running mate, rips into Agaranth

NALIOKA - Altan Social Welfare and Justice Party candidate Aliri Margal announced today that she was folding her presidential campaign, and accepted Alana Kasimira's offer to be her vice-presidential candidate.

"While there are some things to be worked out between us, the fact is undeniable that Alana and I have a lot more in common than we differ on," Margal said today. "The ASWJP and the Liberal Party also have far more in common than we ever could with the NAP, and it's time to band together and end the conservative reign of terror over our nation," she added. "Jinella (Agaranth) and her party think they have this thing locked up, but we've got a surprise for them. Together, we'll show them what the power of a people awakened can do," Margal said to a cheering crowd at a joint appearance with Kasimira.

The joint Kasimira-Margal campaign spent the day today in Nalioka. Liberal Party teams entered some of the sprawling city's worst neighborhoods to provide medical assistance, food and clothing for residents. Kasimira took the opportunity to rip into her opponent's policies, with the gritty urban center of Altanar's largest city as a backdrop.

"Her 'equality of opportunity' has turned our nation into one huge zero-sum game. She can cloak this fact in all the prattle about tradition and culture she wants, but there isn't enough lipstick in the world to cover the pig that her policies are," Kasimira said. "She wants to tout her so-called accomplishments. Let's look at the 'accomplishments' of the Agaranth regime. She ended national healthcare, and now 1 in 10 of our citizens can't get decent medical care. She ended free college education for most citizens, and now many families have to decide whether to send their child to college, or defer their dreams for another generation because they don't have the money. She gave in to traditionalists who wanted a ban on abortion, and now thousands of women throughout the Altan Steppes no longer have the right to choose. She ended our national social welfare system and replaced it with 'emergency and temporary' assistance that is often too little, and too late, to help those most in need."

"Jinella claims that I'm trying to take away equality of opportunity, but the 'opportunity' she's offering is the opportunity for all of us to suffer equally. In a society starkly divided between the haves and the have-nots, no one escapes the consequences," Kasimira said. "Self-reliance does not equal lack of compassion, and it's not an excuse for ignoring those of us most in need of help. Jinella Agaranth and the NAP don't see you," Kasimira said, pointing to the crowd. "They don't want anyone else to see you, either, because you're the ugly truth to their 'success story'. But I see you, Aliri sees you, and our parties see you. We've been here for you, and we'll be here for you long after this campaign ends. And when we win this race, we won't shove you under the rug like she has."

Kasimira pledged to revive the national healthcare program, reinstitute free college education to all Federation citizens, and expand social welfare programs if elected. She said that revenue for the expanded programs would be raised by expanding Federation investments to generate income, coupled by increasing corporate taxes. She singled out the Altan Steppes energy giants, RMRC and NAEC, as particular targets, citing the massive profits those companies have made in the past three quarters. "We can increase the tax rate on corporations, rather than place the tax burden on our citizens, and generate enough revenue to cover these programs and then some. Jinella's administration and the NAP-controlled legislature have given the corporate sector massive tax breaks, and reversing those would simply return things to a fair state," Kasimira said.

Agaranth touts initiative, slams visit with crime lords

NALIOKA - At a campaign rally in a crime-ridden Nalioka neighborhood, presidential candidate Jinella Agaranth touted her "self-reliance" programs as an alternative to traditional welfare programs. The candidate also verbally bodyslammed her rival Alana Kasimira for meeting with leaders of a criminal group.

Agaranth held a rally and neighborhood tour in the 2nd Ward of Nalioka, a neighborhood often cited as the poorest and most violent in any city in the Altan Steppes. She stopped there to promote her Arikan initiative, named after the Altanari word for "self-reliance". Instead of traditional welfare payments and nationalized healthcare, the program provides job training and education to disadvantaged residents, and helps them start businesses and clinics in their neighborhoods. The program also teaches residents how to supplement their meager incomes by pooling their money to buy in bulk and increase their spending power, and helps with programs such as starting community gardens and even small farms in the heart of the city.

"The Arikan program is a perfect example of the differences between my opponent and myself," Agaranth said. "She wants you to sit around and wait for a handout like a beggar. I want to give you a hand up, to do things for yourself and give you the power to raise up your own communities. Nothing is as rewarding as something you've earned and built with your own two hands."

The 2nd Ward was chosen by Agaranth as an "incubator" for the Arikan program because of its struggling status. Agaranth also took the opportunity to talk about crime in the 2nd Ward, which is where the "Families" crime syndicate originated and which is its stronghold. At the rally, Agaranth said that "appeasement of criminals is something that will never happen on my watch".

"For too long, the decent, hardworking, lawabiding people of neighborhoods like the 2nd Ward have suffered under the iron grip of criminals who would rather take than earn, who would rather steal than create, who would rather destroy than build. They have endured intimidation, violence, and every form of crime imaginable. I am here to say that the "Families", and all other groups like them, had better enjoy it while they can, for their days are numbered. When I am President of the Federation, we will retake our cities from these thugs once and for all. Block by block, street by street, neighborhood by neighborhood, city by city, we will stand against the criminals, we will protect our citizens, and we will say in one loud and clear voice: no more. I am here, in the heart of the beast, in the center of the "Families" domain, unafraid, to stand by you, the people who have suffered, so that together we can tell those thugs: you rule these streets no longer," Agaranth said.

"I will never bend before criminals. I will never give them safe haven. And I promise you, I will never have a 'light luncheon' with criminal bosses, and treat them as if they were worthy to sit with heads of state, while my people hide in their own homes, afraid to even go out on the streets," Agaranth added. Kasimira met with leaders of the "Families" earlier this month in an attempt to negotiate with them.

Kasimira's campaign responded by calling Agaranth's words "disingenuous, slanderous and dangerous".

"We all know that Jinella Agaranth loves to play the tough guy, but despite her fearmongering, talking to people isn't appeasement. It's a shame that brute force is the only suggestion that she seems to have to respond to any problem," Liran Marquen, a spokesperson for the Kasimira campaign, said. "And while she talks about retaking the streets, she conveniently ignores the fact that massive police and army operations in Family-controlled neighborhoods, which is what she is proposing, would cause equally massive losses to the homes, communities and possibly even the lives of the law-abiding citizens she supposedly wants to help. Or is Jinella naive enough to believe that the Families will simply lay down and die because she tells them to?" Marquen added.

Kasimira herself took a jab at Agaranth at a speech in Kyrinia, echoing her spokesperson's comments. "With Jinella's answer to everything being excessive force, I can't help but wonder what home life for her is like. I can just picture her in the kitchen, with a can to open, and no can opener, taking out a grenade launcher and blowing the can to pieces instead of, you know, going out and getting a can opener. Perhaps when a button comes off her shirt, instead of sewing it back on, she grabs a nail gun and goes to town," Kasimira said, to laughs from her audience. Kasimira also dismissed the Arikan program as "a band-aid to cover a shotgun wound" and said that the program is underfunded and doesn't cover enough communities.

As race nears end, campaigns merge

Consolidations seen as final push for victory

The merger of the Alana Kasimira and Aliri Margal campaigns for president has set off a wave of similar mergers, as mainstream candidates seek to bolster their numbers and marginal candidates hope to improve their chances or gain spots in a future administration.

The biggest consolidation came today, as New Altan Party candidate Jinella Agaranth announced that she had chosen Jaresh Sikim as her vice-presidential running mate. Sikim announced that the Altan Conservative Union would still run candidates for the Congress, but would fold its presidential campaign and throw its support behind Agaranth.

Sikim was seen as an odd choice by some, who noted that Sikim's party was most likely behind treason accusations leveled at Agaranth over the internet. However, an Agaranth campaign spokesperson, who requested anonymity, said that the move was made to bolster Agaranth's numbers among her conservative base. The spokesperson said that this was due to Agaranth's flagging support among progressives and liberals, and her declining poll numbers in Altanar. Agaranth's once strong lead over Kasimira has been falling; pollsters indicate that questions about Agaranth's national security credentials in the wake of a poorly handled colonial rebellion and rising regional tensions are a major reason.

"Together, Jinella and I will lead the Altan Steppes on the way to greatness - the right way," Sikim said in his acceptance speech.

Meanwhile, Green Party candidate Akiri Rainwater Baraseth announced that he was ending his run for president as well, and throwing his support behind Kasimira. Baraseth said that Kasimira "was the best choice who had a chance to win" when it came to the environment. There have also been rumors floated that Baraseth was promised a Cabinet-level environmental seat if he helped Kasimira out.

Long-shot religious candidate Haalan Askani also ended his run today, announcing that he was urging his supporters to back Agaranth. "Jinella Agaranth has respect for the faith of our ancestors. Alana Kasimira only has faith for false idols and crippling ideals," Askani said today in Altana Hol. While the Solar Pantheonic Church has declined to officially endorse a candidate, Askani has been seen as a proxy for the Church, and his backing Agaranth may encourage devout Pantheonics to vote for her in large numbers.

And in the last gasp of even more long-shot campaigns, Altan Socialist Workers' Party candidate Hasin Margas and Altan Communist Party candidate Mark Ramirez held a joint press conference to announce that they would run on a joint ticket, with Margas as the presidential candidate.

Poll results for Presidential race, broken down by constituent state
Altanar: Kasimira 50.3%, Agaranth 46.5%, Others 3.2%
Akamia: Agaranth 56.8%, Kasimira 40.1%, Others 3.1%
Argalia: Agaranth 52.4%, Kasimira 44.1%, Others 3.5%

Altan International Media Service (AIMS)
Election night coverage

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Adana: "Welcome back to our continuing coverage of the first-ever Federation presidential and congressional elections. I'm Ariana Adana."

Williams: "And I'm Clarisse Williams. These elections have been long and hard-fought, Ariana, but we're finally at the end of the road."

Adana: "That's exactly right, Clarisse. The polls closed seven hours ago, and results have steadily been coming in. Both Argalia and Akamia have gone for Jinella Agaranth in the presidential race, but the margins of victory for the former Prime Minister of Altanar have not exactly been knockouts, even in her home state."

Williams: "Indeed, Agaranth barely squeaked by in Argalia, with just shy of 3 million votes more than her opponents, Alana Kasimira and Hasin Margas. In her home state, she did have a margin of 30 million votes more than her two opponents. But for a candidate born and raised in Akamia, who was touted as the standard-bearer of her ethnic group, that's not exactly the blowout the Agaranth campaign was hoping for."

Adana: "That's true. And it poses interesting questions for...hold on a moment, we're getting an update now...we've received the final numbers from the Federation Electoral Commission. Pending verification of the numbers and any recount challenges, it appears that Alana Kasimira has won in Altanar by almost 47 million votes."

Williams: "That means it's all over, absent any challenges from the Agaranth campaign. AIMS is now projecting that Alana Kasimira has won the presidency of the Federation by approximately 14 million votes, avoiding a runoff."

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Adana: "This is truly a fitting finish to a historic campaign. Two groundbreaking candidates fighting to the finish, setting new foundations for our nation."

Williams: "I couldn't agree more, Ariana. Both candidates fought a superb campaign."

Adana: "We've got the numbers for the congressional elections as well. It's looking like despite Agaranth's loss, her New Altan Party will have the majority in the Congress."

Williams: "The Liberal Party and the Green Party did surprisingly well though. If they form a coalition, they could challenge the NAP for control of the Congress. The Altan Conservative Union and the Party of Believers did unexpectedly well also. Even the Socialists and the Communists managed to gain seats in the Congress, which no one expected. This Congress is going to be an interesting one, that we can be sure."

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Adana: "We should be hearing speeches from both Agaranth and Kasimira shortly."

Williams: "Ariana, we're getting more breaking news. There are reports coming in of scattered protests breaking out over the election results. Incidents have already been reported in Akamia, and in some parts of Altanar. We'll have coverage of those protests, as well as further election coverage, as we get more information."

AIMS media coverage
Morning after the election

Adana: "Welcome back to our continuing coverage of the Federation elections. For those of you just joining us, Alana Kasimira has officially been elected as President of the Federation. The results have been recounted and verified by the Federation Electoral Commission, and certified as valid and free of fraud. This has not, however, ended protests by angry supporters of Kasimira's opponent, Jinella Agaranth."

Williams: "Small protests began to break out almost immediately after the results were announced. In several cities, protesters argued with police who were trying to keep the crowds under control. So far, Federation and municipal police have reported 125 arrests. In addition, local hospitals have reported that 25 protesters and 9 police officers have been brought in with injuries sustained during the protests."

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Adana: "In the city of Nara, Agaranth's hometown, the protests grew very large very quickly. Akamian State Reserve and Federation Army units have been called out to assist local police forces."

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Williams: "And despite appeals from leaders on all sides for the protests to end, they have only grown worse as the hours have passed. Police and Army units are now reporting that some streets in Nara, Gennor and Shisheli have been blocked by protesters armed with incendiary devices and makeshift weapons."

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Adana: "And in the cities of Draskatar, Narraskath and Ektar in Altanar, angry NAP supporters have been engaged in running battles with police and Army forces trying to regain control of those cities' downtown areas."

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Williams: "With the situation deteriorating in many areas, the speeches by both candidates have been delayed. Jinella Agaranth is set to give her concession speech soon. Government officials are hoping that she will help rein her supporters in. Some of her own party members, however, are openly urging Agaranth to resist accepting the election results. We will bring you live coverage of Agaranth's speech as soon as she takes the podium."

Nara Municipal Palace
Nara, Akamia

Well, that's that, Jinella Agaranth thought. It's over.

The large reception hall, which had echoed with the sounds of a crowd that just hours earlier had been confident in her victory, was now deathly silent. The final vote count had helped see to that.

What little noise that had remained after the final count was released was extinguished as the first reports of unrest began to appear in the media. As she watched the media reports, and looked at security briefings from her staff, Agaranth realized that the nation she had struggled to put together was on the verge of a violent, and perhaps unrepairable, collapse. What in the seven hells do we do now? Agaranth thought, her usual decisiveness deserting her.

The silence that had filled the reception hall began to be replaced by murmurs of concern, and the sounds of shouting from outside. The protests that had snarled much of the city of Nara in their grip had arrived. A large crowd swarmed around the iron fence separating the Municipal Palace from the street, waving Akamian flags and signs denouncing the Kasimira victory.

The look of quiet resignation on Agaranth's face was replaced by a sudden look of determination. Without saying anything to the people gathered around her, she began walking towards the granite staircase leading to the balcony.

At the foot of the stairs, the head of her security detail, a newly minted Federation Security and Intelligence Service agent, tried to intercept her. "Um...Prime Minister...not to be impertinent, but can I ask what you're doing..."

"I'm going to talk that crowd down," Agaranth snapped. "Stand out of the way."

"With all due respect, ma'am, I don't think you should do that," the FSIS man said nervously. "It could be dangerous out there...."

Agaranth stared at the man with silent contempt until he stopped talking, then walked around him. She marched up the long staircase, taking the steps two at a time. Her security detail and entourage struggled to keep up with her, like small boats tossed in the wake of a warship.

Agaranth swept up the stairs, and through the huge stained glass doors that led to the balcony. Without hesitation, she marched to the front of the balcony, where microphones had been set up. This was supposed to be where she gave her victory speech.

Upon seeing her appear on the balcony, the crowd below her began to cheer wildly, waving their flags and signs. The crowd began shouting that they would only accept Agaranth, or no one, as president. A few of the angrier people in the crowd began setting effigies of Kasimira on fire, along with the occasional Altanari flag.

Agaranth stared at the crowd silently, in much the same way as she had stared down the FSIS agent who had tried to stop her. No expression appeared on her face. Expecting some sign - any sign - from their leader, the crowd's zeal began to falter. Eventually, the crowd fell silent. Agaranth still stared at them expressionlessly. Finally, she spoke.

"If this is how you choose to use the freedom you have been given - the freedom your ancestors fought for, along with many of those standing down there with you right now - you don't deserve that freedom."

Several people in the crowd gasped. Others had an expression on their face like their own mother had just slapped them.

"Do you think your ancestors would be proud of you now? Rioting in the streets like animals?" Agaranth said coldly. "Because your favorite candidate didn't win an election? What about those of you who are parents - is that what you want to teach your children? To resort to childish violence whenever you don't get your way?"

Someone in the crowd shouted up at Agaranth. "It's not fair! We don't need another Altanari ruling over us! It was supposed to be our turn!"

"Supposed to be? By the seven hells, where did you get an idiotic idea like that?" Agaranth shouted back. "You only have the right to what you earn. I did not earn the presidency. That's why I lost the election. If you want to blame someone, blame me. But don't be stupid enough to throw away everything we've gained with this Federation just because I lost!"

Another person in the crowd shouted up to Agaranth. "But we're fighting for you! More than anyone else, the Federation was your dream! It's not right for you not to be leading it!"

Agaranth's expression softened. "I know this is not the outcome you wanted. And you're right, forming this Federation was my dream. If you believe in that dream, you have to accept that sometimes in a democracy you won't get the outcome you want. You have to accept that the people have chosen my opponent, not me. If you really believe in my dream, you need to stop this madness now and go home in peace. Do you really think you're honoring my dream by bringing it to the brink of collapse?"

Agaranth gripped the edges of the podium and stared down at the crowd. "You're upset that my opponent was elected. But even though I don't agree with her on most things, I know that Alana Kasimira is a good woman. She will not take sides with the Altanari over us. She never has. She can bring us to equality, if we give her the chance. You're angry that an Akamian didn't get elected, because you think we'll never have the chance again. But just two years ago, I ran for Prime Minister of Altanar, and I won. If it happened once before, it can happen again - and it will. Our time has not come to an end today - our time is just beginning. But we have to give the dream a chance to live."

Agaranth gestured towards the cameras that were broadcasting her speech to a nation suddenly struck silent. "Those of you in Altanar who are my supporters, and who are angry because you think the wrong person or the wrong party won, lay down your weapons and torches, break down your barricades and go home. Go back to your families and loved ones. Those of you here in Akamia, you must do the same. If you truly support me, and believe in my dream as you say, you must know that your actions are killing that dream. Do not let that happen."

Suddenly weary, Agaranth raised her hands towards the crowd almost imploringly. "Please believe me when I say that this is not the end, but the beginning. I will still be here, and I will still be by your side as we make this dream a reality. I ask you to walk this path with me, in civility, peace and justice, the way we all know it can and should be. Let's end this madness now and give each other a chance to make this work."

The crowd beneath her began to disperse silently, much to the relief of the police and soldiers who had nervously been eyeing them.

---

Agaranth's speech had the desired effect. Slowly but surely, peace began to return to the sprawling cities and windswept plains of the Altan. People began tearing down barricades, often returning the materials used to build them to their original owners with sheepish looks on their faces. While scattered protests would continue, they lacked the numbers and fire that they had once had. Soon, even those feeble displays would peter out as well.

In her victory speech, Alana Kasimira praised Jinella Agaranth as "a true daughter of the Altan, and a true patriot - a woman who put the interests of her nation above her own without hesitation. We are stronger as a nation for having her, and her supporters."

Kasimira said that "making sure that all peoples of the Altan share equally in the rights, rewards and responsibilities of our new nationhood" would be her top priority. She announced plans to form a "Reconciliation Commission" within the first 100 days of her presidency, to redress the "grievous imbalances of the past and ensure that they never happen again". Kasimira also announced plans to form a "Federation Civil Rights Commission" which would work to ensure that everyone in the Altan would be treated fairly and equally, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or other status. Both commissions were to be made up of representatives of all three native Altan ethnic groups, and representatives of all political parties seated in the Federation Congress.

As the new measures took effect, and as both major political parties threw their weight behind them, the anger over the election subsided, replaced by cautious optimism, and even a vague sense of hope that the strife that had defined Altan politics and society for decades might finally be at an end.

As Alana Kasimira prepared for her inauguration, and the ceremony to mark the official transition of power from His Majesty's Government of Altanar to the Government of the Trilateral Federation, Jinella Agaranth prepared for her new job. She had, much to her amusement, been elected as a write-in candidate for Congress from Nara.

The Aerie
Ael Khalas, Altanar

All roads come to an end, eventually.

The day that would mark the final step on the long road of federation had come. At the royal palace in Ael Khalas, a large crowd waited for a coronation of sorts, while countless others watched on television and online. Alana Kasimira was set to be sworn in as the new President of the Federation. Along with King Aelkyn of Altanar, she was then to sign the final documents marking the transition of power to the new government.

The crowd waved the Federation's new flag and eagerly watched as people began to arrive for the ceremony. The grounds of the Aerie were a riot of red, green, black and yellow, with banners and decorations everywhere to mark the occasion.

As the Ael Khalas Symphony finished playing the new national anthem, Jinella Agaranth stepped forward, to perform her last act as Prime Minister of Altanar.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I don't have the words to express how glad I am to see you all here, as our nation ascends to a new and greater future. I am also very glad to be able to make this introduction - campaign rhetoric notwithstanding," she said, to laughs from the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the Trilateral Federation, Ms. Alana Kasimira."

Kasimira walked up to the podium, shaking Agaranth's hand to cheers from the crowd. The two women raised their hands into the sky in a gesture of victory, before Agaranth stepped down to allow Kasimira to give her inauguration speech.

"Prime Minister Agaranth, your Majesties Aelkyn, Ikinar, Melika and Cianar, Clanmaster Kishar, High Priest Isthana, honored Congresspeople, representatives and clergy, and most of all my fellow citizens, we stand today at the pinnacle of a great achievement - the transition to a new government, and a new nation, founded in the values of equality, justice and democracy..."

As Kasimira gave her speech, the guards stationed around the ceremony kept their eyes open for any sign of a threat. All of them, that is, except one. He already knew where the threat was.

Arel Drexanar was relatively new to the security detail meant to guard Altanar's King Aelkyn. He had achieved the elite ranks of the Aranathan Guards, the King's personal bodyguard, after years in the Royal Guards. For the most part, he had always been loyal. But as the federation plan had advanced, he had developed first distaste, then contempt, and finally full-blown hatred for those bringing it about. He had kept it carefully hidden, though. No one had suspected a thing - lone lunatics with a grudge aren't always so easy to detect, especially among those who you trust implicitly. The thought of putting a bullet or two into the very King he was supposed to protect with his life had occurred to him more than once, as Aelkyn enthusiastically pushed the plan to split Altanar apart. But Drexanar had decided to bide his time, in the hopes of bagging a bigger target. Now, that moment had come.

Drexanar unobtrusively took hold of the P229 that he had hidden on himself before the ceremony. Kasimira won't know what hit her, he thought.

The President continued to give her speech, oblivious to the threat behind her.

"With this election, we have shown the world that the peoples of the Altan are ready to reject tribalism and old hatreds..."

The closest guards to Drexanar were at least ten feet away. Not close enough, he thought. Say goodnight, Kasimira.

"...to stand together and move forward, for ourselves and for other nations..."

Drexanar yanked out the handgun, aiming it squarely at the President's back. Sunlight glinted off the barrel as it pointed towards her. Another guard, seeing the sudden movement, shouted and lunged at Drexanar. He wouldn't make it.

Someone else, however, would.

---

As the ceremony had begun, Crown Father Cianar, standing idly with the other monarchs, had allowed his attention to wander. She gives a good speech, but I've heard so many speeches over the years, the former King thought. Can't be blamed if I get bored...

Cianar was the only other person, besides the guard near Drexanar, who saw him pull out the gun and aim at Kasimira. Suddenly, he wasn't bored anymore.

In his youth, Cianar had been known for his speed, even achieving a minor bit of renown as a sprinter in various track events. Despite being well over sixty, Cianar still managed to put up a burst of speed now and then. Without even thinking about it, he rushed forward, knocking Kasimira off the podium just as Drexanar fired.

Three cracks echoed in the air as Kasimira toppled off the podium. Stunned, she stood up slowly to see Cianar lying awkwardly against the podium. Three darker spots were slowly spreading across his dark robes.

A fourth crack echoed into the air, as the other guard wrestled with Drexanar for the gun. The bullet slammed into a stone pillar, spraying Kasimira with chips of rock. A small scratch on her cheek began to drip blood. Other guards finally wrestled Drexanar to the ground and took the gun away from him.

Cianar slowly slid to the floor, coming to rest with his back to the podium as people rushed forward. Aelkyn shoved people aside to get to his father's side.

Alana knelt next to Cianar, sadness etched into her face. "You shouldn't have done that...I wasn't worth it, Cianar..."

"Ah, it's a worthy sacrifice," Cianar said, trying to smile despite the pain. A trickle of blood ran down his chin. "One old man's life to spare that of a young woman's. I think it's a good exchange," Cianar said, then coughed and winced. The medics frantically tried to stop the bleeding, which caused Cianar to shake his head sadly. "I don't think that's going to help," he told them slowly.

"Don't say that, father," Aelkyn said firmly. "You're going to be just fine."

Cianar simply smiled. "You're a good son. I will be fine. I'll be with your mother soon. It's been too long since I've been separated from her....so many years. I'm ready to go..." Cianar said, his eyes leaving Aelkyn's face and focusing on the sky. "Agani..." he whispered.

The Crown Father slumped backwards. His eyes continued to stare sightlessly into the sky.

Aelkyn reached over and closed his father's eyes, and stood up. His every move was like slow motion, as he looked at his wife. Without a word, Melika withdrew the long, curved Argali sword at her side from its scabbard. Their eyes met, and she handed the sword to him.

Aelkyn turned slowly, to look at his father's assassin. He walked towards the man, sword at his side.

Drexanar then did something no one expected. He laughed as Aelkyn approached him.

"You won't kill me," he taunted. "You don't have the guts. You're always going on about justice and the rule of law. You'll just hand me over and I'll get to sit and wait for trial while your gods-damned father rots in the ground."

"Will I?" Aelkyn hissed. The hand gripping the sword turned white from the strain. Aelkyn felt the pressure of generations of tradition beating down upon him, as he stood before the assassin. The voices of his ancestors screamed like banshees inside his head. Kill him! He murdered your father. He attacked your family. Defend your family's honor. DO IT!

Aelkyn raised the sword. Then, slowly, he lowered it.

"No. Those days are over. The law will deal justice to you, not my hand," Aelkyn said slowly.

Drexanar smirked, which only stoked the King's rage even more. "You think you've won some kind of victory?" he shouted incredulously. "Look at the people who witnessed your crime," Aelkyn shouted, pointing at the crowd. Drexanar glared at the King, refusing to avert his gaze.

Aelkyn dropped the sword, rushing forward to grasp Drexanar by the hair. "Look at them, I said!" Aelkyn brutally yanked Drexanar's head upwards. The silent crowd stared balefully at Drexanar, as if they wanted to destroy him themselves. Drexanar tried to turn away, but Aelkyn wouldn't let him.

"You think you won a victory? Think again. All you did was take the life of a man far better than you, or any of the other hateful animals who think as you do. You have lost the greater battle and you don't even realize it," Aelkyn said coldly. "Everyone who saw this crime will have nothing but contempt and hate for you. You wanted to sow dissension. You hoped I'd make you a martyr for your misbegotten cause. How does it feel to know that you've failed utterly?" Aelkyn hissed. "This day will unite our peoples as never before - because everyone will now see that all you have to offer them is hate and death. You will sit and rot in a little cell for the rest of your life, knowing that your cause is dead and there's not a damn thing you can do about it. Our peoples, and our nation will move on without you. You will die alone and unlamented, having changed nothing. In time, even your name will be forgotten, while this nation will endure and thrive long after your children's children are nothing but dust in the ground. How does that feel?" Aelkyn said, staring into Drexanar's eyes.

Drexanar said nothing and refused to look at Aelkyn, his front of bravado covering his eyes like winter leaves covering a black pit.

Aelkyn shoved Drexanar towards the very angry guards waiting for him. "Get him out of here," he muttered. As the guards dragged Drexanar off, Aelkyn turned to Alana. "I think you can agree that we can forego the speeches and ceremonies," he said.

Alana simply nodded. "Our nation may have been born in blood, but it will be nourished with justice, thanks to the example you set here today, Aelkyn," she said.

"It wasn't my example," Aelkyn said tiredly. "It was his," he added, gesturing towards his father.

---

The funeral for Cianar, several days later, was a massive and somber event. A funeral procession a mile long carried Cianar's body from the Peoples' Assembly building, where he had lain in state, to the Aerie for burial. As the procession moved through the streets of Ael Khalas, silent crowds watched it every step of the way, paying final tribute to the Crown Father.

At the front of the palace, Cianar was brought to the funeral pyre that would mark his final resting place before judgment by the gods of the Altan. Before lighting the pyre, Aelkyn gave this speech:

"Our indigenous religion teaches us that death is merely a transition to rebirth into a new life, if we have lived our lives in a good and honorable fashion. That is why I am not sad today, nor should you be. In sacrificing himself to save our President, my father committed an ultimate act of selflessness that was the final great accomplishment of a long life of service and dedication to our nation. If anyone is truly worthy of rebirth, my father is, and I have no doubt that we will see him in this world again. His sacrifice was just one example of the devotion, dedication and courage of countless numbers of our citizens that has brought us to this point - a new era, one of hope and rebirth. Just as my father will be reborn, so our nation will be as well. If we remember his example, and bring ourselves to the task of building a just and fair nation with the same determination and courage that he showed, we will not fail to build a nation that will shine as an example to all. So as we bring my father to the gods, that is the task I set before you all - do not forget my father, and his sacrifice. As these fires consume his corporeal body, let the fire that he sparked remain in your hearts forever, and let that fire fuel our nation moving forward."

Aelkyn lit the funeral pyre. As it blazed to life, consuming the body of his father, he stared into the sky. The new nation's flag, the banner of the phoenix, flew triumphantly against the smoke.

Ambassador Beuerman bowed reverently before King Aelkyn, dispensing with the usual hostile Kennyite regards for royalty (having overthrown a brutal tyrannical emperor early in their history and all), and gave Queen Melika a wink that didn't disturb the sobriety of the occasion too much. The look on Aelkyn's face was unreadable -- as the ambassador had proven a sensible enough representative, especially for a nation like Omigodtheykilledkenny, but even then, hosting a Kennyite likely involved a certain degree of wariness.

"Your Majesties," he addressed them, "I was so saddened to hear of His Majesty King Cianar's death, and very shocked at the circumstances surrounding it. As you know, my own government has dealt with its own share of homegrown terrorists and criminals, and all should be punished like the scum that they are. I am glad to hear the assassin is getting what he deserves. I had the pleasure of attending a peace conference in West Ariddia that your father was presiding over, and he certainly held the room. He commanded respect and veneration wherever he went, er, even Antarctic Oasis.

"At any rate, my government has seen fit to bestow upon Cianar a posthumous honorary citizenship of the Federal Republic." Beuerman stepped forward to present to the king a small marble plaque, engraved with Cianar's name and a declaration of honorary citizenship, the signature of President Fernanda, and the words, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Normally such an honor is presented in the form of a whoopie cushion, or an equally whimsical object, but Beuerman had seen fit to have a special plaque made. No sense making light of a very tragic situation.

"I also regret to inform you that this is my last day as ambassador to this court, though you can imagine I'm not going far. I am to be formally reassigned as ambassador to the Altan Steppes, not just Altanar. Sorry, you can't get rid of me that easy." He managed a grin.

Aelkyn was indeed wary, looking at the Kennyite ambassador. However, Beuerman's behavior had been unreproachable while in Ael Khalas (especially for a Kennyite). It would also have been incredibly rude to show any sign of that wariness, and rudeness to a guest just wasn't done in Altanar. Besides, the Kennyites were bestowing quite an honor on his father. Therefore, Aelkyn's response to Beuerman was to give him a polite smile and warm handshake.

"We greatly appreciate the honor your nation has bestowed upon my father, Ambassador," Aelkyn said. "I am certain that my father, in the next life, will be appreciative and pleased as well. Please convey our most sincere gratitude to President Fernanda and to your government. We will place this plaque in a place of honor in the Aerie for all to see, and to appreciate the ties between our two great nations. As for your reassignment, we are sad to see you go, but we are sure you will serve well in your new position."

"Indeed," Melika said calmly, flashing Beuerman an inscrutable look.

President Kasimira, who was standing next to the group, gave Beuerman a warm smile. "We look forward to seeing you in Natascora, Ambassador Beuerman, and to expanding upon our relationship with the Federal Republic. And I can assure you, you need not worry about terrorists. We will make sure that they are dealt with."

Not only did the bastards kill Cianar, they would have killed me if it weren't for him. You can bet your ass we'll deal with them, Kasimira thought, with the smile still on her face.