NationStates Jolt Archive

"...Therefore, I cannot in good conscience support this motion," with a perfunctary bow to both the Primus and the Empress, the Liberal Senator stepped off the Senate floor and returned to his seat.

"Thank you for your council in this matter, Voice of the People," intoned the Primus.

Next up was a short and somewhat pudgy man who nonetheless gave the impression of a studious person, if not an intellectual, "Primus and Your Highness, I come before you today of two minds about this proposal. On one hand, my economic advisor tells me that Her Highness' Exchequer's projections and math are solid, so long as all parameters are met and the current balance remains while we consolidate. On the other, this seems like something your typical expansion-on-a-whim empire would do, a label we have steadfastly avoided for the better part of a millenium.

Also, I cannot help but wonder at how our neighbors will react, specifically Edolia. Will they view this move as a direct violation of the Treaty of New Copenhagen and, if worst comes to worst, will they react militarily? While I have no doubt that we are more than capable of defending ourselves from such an assault, the fact of the matter is that the Duchy in which I reside will more than likely face the brunt of an Axackali army before it can be repulsed. Furthermore, how would we react from there? Would we seize islands directly in Edolian waters, or even Edolian territory itself? My support of this measure depends greatly on the answers I recieve."

After a far more graceful and respectful bow was issued by the scholar cum Senator to the leaders of his nation than what his predecessor had managed. The Primus began to speak the traditional thanks, but was stopped by the Empress laying her right hand upon his left. Standing, she looked squarely at the Dublin native, "Voice of the People, your wisdom is heard and well-recieved. You do your party, your people, and your Empress a service by expressing your concerns. For that, I thank you.

"I have always believed that those who have inate and unthinking prejudices against empires are inclined to believe that any expansion of borders is self-serving. Yet I ask in return, how self-serving is it when those who will benefit are the people themselves, the Imperium is not an oligarchy where the 'elite' control the wealth and all others live in squalor. While I will freely admit that the nobility of this nation has vast wealth, it is through careful management of what we had a thousand years ago, and not the fleecing of what is rightfully the people's, and so the people will continue to benefit from their hard work. In a roundabout way, I have simply said that what other nations think of our actions is a moot point, whether they love it or hate it, so long as this nation and its people continue to flourish.

"As for your worries about the reaction of Edolia or other elements in Haven, I cannot say they are unfounded, indeed the Lords of the Joint Strategic Command have expressed similar worries, but I think military action against the Imperium is unlikely. For one, we are not encroaching on Edolian seas, land, or airspace in either a permanent or temporary fashion. If they do view it as such, then I am afraid to say that war it will be, but I will guarantee you that not only will the Duchy of Dublin not suffer its effects for a moment beyond what is necessary to win through, its citizens will benefit greatly when it is time to rebuild what damage has been done. I cannot say what exactly the military's plans are without revealing classified information, but I will say that we will not seek to maim the pride and heart of Edolia if such an unfortunate event comes to pass.

"If you do not mind overmuch, I recycle back to your expansion-on-a-whim comment, and I will admit that this measure was indeed introduced into the Senate on a whim. This is not expansion for expansion's sake, but expansion for the benefit of the Imperium and to shake the complacency near-total peace in Haven has created. While I may not believe in progressing as quickly as you and others in your party do, I believe forward movement in any arena is necessary. Complacency is the natural enemy of progress, and we must suppress such laziness by always being on the move."

The Senator stood, "Highness, I believe you have answered my questions honestly and to the best of your ability. I am personally honored by your presence here and thank you for presenting this measure personally so that we may debate with you. I believe that the good this measure represents far outweighs any potential negetive reactions, and thus I wish to publically submit my support."

"Thank you, Senator," replied the Empress.

"Senators, your time for speaking has expired. Please input your vote for this measure," the Primus ordered.

After several minutes of waiting the final results were tallied. In the end, the measure passed 7,875-327. It would later be noted that either the result was a coincidence or the Liberals had once again attempted to play the role of party-crasher in the Commons.


[Just as a note, I was intentionally vague. I don't yet want to spoil the surprise I have for my neighbors. Also, note the all Senate sessions are private and remain so until the minutes are publically released. This means that no reporters were on hand in the Chamber of the Commons.]

..::Imperium News Network, Foreign Relations Section::..

IMPERIUM'S BORDERS TO EXPAND

Yesterday, in a special session of the Senate, a measure introduced by the Empress and her Primus to formally grant the Protectorate of Ascencion the status of a Duchy and to grant protectorate status to the islands north and northwest of the Galicia Isles passed by more then 90% in both houses.

For Ascencion this means that the former Earl, now Duke Jean Reno, must raise six light infantry divisions for the Ascencion Duchy Guard. For those that are not familiar with the laws governing Imperial Duchies, any new Duke or Duchess who fails to raise their Guard within five years automatically forfeits their title and a new Duke or Duchess is installed, unless the Empress (in this case) grants an extension beforehand. There is also the slight problem of developing a Duchy government, but the former Imperial Army colonel has the reputation of running a tight ship and has always run Ascencion as if it were a Duchy, thus the problem is even more minor than what is usual. Economic develpment was, and continues to be, Duke Reno's largest problem, but the recent discovery of massive iron and titanium ore deposites, plus the opening of several open-range farms means that economic stagnation is an unlikely future for Ascencion.

The new island protectorates are an unkown quantity. Beyond the obvious economic benefit of controlling many sea lanes in northern Haven, there have been no real attempts at establishing contact with the natives or evaluating natural resources, which was the primary reason the Liberal party voted against this measure down the line (not that they wouldn't have found something else to nitpick.) That is also why the measure included provision for the deployment of a task force detached from the Home Fleet at Galicia, transport ships from the 1st Assault Fleet, and the infantry and helicopter batallions of four different Imperial Marine RCTs. Fleet Admiral Jorgenssen laters remarked, "The deployment is as large as it is because of the spread out nature of these island chains, were they all as tightly grouped as what we've come to call the Primary Chain we could get away with deploying only two battalions of Marine infantry."

Finally, there is worry in all quarters about the reaction of Edolia and other nations within Haven. It is our understanding, although this is unconfirmed, that all divisions along the Imperium's land borders have been ordered to a hightened state of alert, although leave has not yet been cancelled for soldiers and marines. Part of the military preparedness is the deployment of the aforementioned task force, dubbed TF1.1, that will begin patrols along what is now being called the "Imperial Sea Corridor". No details were available, but sources indicate that no carriers or ships-of-the-line are involved as of yet.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v172/NSFlags/Haven.png

Official Press Release
Office of the Lord Protector

It is my intent to give the support of this Nation to our close friend and ally, Scandavian States. While the Grand Duchy does not, in principal, agree with the methods by which the Empress has decided to expand the Imperium, I have signed an Executive Order recognizing Ascencion and the islands north and northeast of the Galicia Isles as sovereign territory of the Imperium.

I also invite Scandavian States and those factions that may take issue with the recent expansion of the Imperium to meet in Obsidia should the need for a conference arise. This Nation will continue to stand by the Imperium as long as that nation continues to operate in a way that does not harm the interests of the Grand Duchy.


May God bless the Grand Duchy of Hamptonshire.


The Prince Patrick, Prince of Hamptonshire
Lord Protector and High Steward of Hamptonshire

The Imperium thanks our ally Hamptonshire for their support in this matter, despite any reservation they may have. We value Hamptonshire's offer to mediate any differences of opinion between the Imperium and other nations that directly arise from our decision.

Salaam,
Duchess Asiya Saleh,
Director of Foreign Services

<<OOC:　Haven't you always controlled these islands? I have more or less assumed that somewhere around the line you drew is our maritime border. We can make that official now, if you wish.>>

Official Press Release
From the Desk of Emperor Kamiya
Leader of the Republic of Ancient Terra
Tellerus

Like our friends in Hamptonshire, we question the methods that the Empress has chosen to employ, but past experience with our friends in Scandavian States shows that these concerns are almost certainly unwarranted. Twenty minutes ago, Prime Minister Karn sent me a message informing me that the Terran Senate had passed a bill recognizing the extension of the Imperium's borders, with almost 85% of the Senate voting 'for' this bill. Senate Minority Leader Sokai voiced his concerns over the 'Imperium's unchecked, unwarranted land-grab", but he was quickly shouted down by the assembled body. Minister Karn expects that the bill was so successful due to the recent Imperium assistance rendered to Terra in the Kariudo Hostage Crisis.

In conclusion, I believe that the Republic of Ancient Terra wishes to offer you congratulations, Empress. It appears that Ascencion and the islands north and northeast of the Galicia Isles are now the sovereign territory of the Imperium. May your reign be long and prosperous, especially for your new territory.

Sincerely,

~Emperor Taichi Kamiya, Leader of the Republic of Ancient Terra~
~Talus Karn, Prime Minister~
~Lord Admiral Yamato Ishida, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff~

Just South of Ravenspire; into the newly defined area of Imperium Maritime Claim

With the ship flowing smoothly southward, it was important to be on the watch for more southern icebergs. Of course they didnt want such a scenario to evolve similar to the Titanic, and so they had a constant team on watch as well as the common sonar equipment on board. And should there be any 'bergs out there, the crew and command team would know for sure. Besides, for such a small scale mission it was hardly worth the risk from a damaging floating chunk of ice. It was that kind of weather, afterall. In the meantime, the captain increased speed and adjusted the course direction; a cross-current had been detected, and should he not make the relevant adjustments the ship very well may finish west of its destination. It wasnt far now.

"Captain, how long will it take before we arrive at the buoy?" asked a lesser officer.

The ship groaned just slightly, making a show that even military steel wasnt affected even slightly by the cold temperature. It was but a noise anyhow, and didnt make the slightest endangerment to the ship's carefully constructed exoskeloten. Nor did it weaken its structure in any form. Fortunatley, the water was not so harsh that engineers didnt have to make too many adjustments if any at all. If a simple buoy could survive, then so could a large ship like this. Although, should one need or desire passage north of the Edolian's most northernmost tip, then it could pose some kind of a risk to the strength of the outer walls. The only affect down here however, was simply a groan here an there. Not as if absolute silence was required anyway.

"It shouldnt be more than a few hours Officer," replied the Captain, "Do me a favor and keep an eye on our sonar and passive radar systems. Im a bit concerned personally about these latest claims which have been made on behalf of the Scandavian States. Riddick doesnt appear to be too bothered, but I am, considering we are entering, and have entered their newly claimed waters. I dont want any incidences coming under my command."

[Guys, I made a slight screwup, I meant the islands north and northwest of Galicia. Northeast would be getting into Edolian territorial waters and I don't want risk a conflict over such small pieces of land. At least there's not yet any justification.

EDIT: This doesn't mean, however, that we are claiming Ravenspire. Just so AU knows.]

Official Press Release
Iuthian Diplomatic Corps

At this moment in time the Benevolent Dictatorship of Iuthia has little comment on the expanded boarders of the Imperium, noting that such changes are not expected to affect Iuthian trade routes or otherwise hamper our operations in Edolian waters.

However we will add that we support Edolia's judgement on this matter and will stand by their decision, trusting their government's wisdom. Iuthian interests are closely tied to those of Edolian interests and as such we will wait for our friends to make their statement before adding anything further.

Thanks,

Foriegn Minister Mick Lakely, Iuthian Diplomatic Corps

[Aust, I imagine you're way up there near the Arctic Circle, where the tropical current doesn't (obviously) extend. Iuthia, you're right in that your Haven trade routes won't be effected, but if your ships sail through NW Haven then you'll more than likely be sailing through Imperial waters at some point.]

"Sir," a young midshipwoman called to the Captain, "ESS just sent us some photos of an unidentifiable warship sailing the Nortern Reaches."

"We can't even indentify this ships armament?" the Captain asked incredulously.

"No sir, we have no intel on who builds these ships or, if they're purchased, who sails them." there were times when the Captain expected entirely too much out of people, but the 3rd Lieutenant knew this wasn't one of those times. ONI had simply screwed up.

"Very well, let's find out. Comms, please hail this ship. Standard message over all open military channels. Tactical," he was again addressing the midshipwoman, "please start tracking her with the Zeus array, I want to see how they react to being sought out by something they can't see."

The Lieutenant nodded, she knew any information gathered now would open a file on whatever nation this ship belonged to. In the mean time the Comms officer was squaking the ship, Unidentified ship, unidentified ship, this is the HIMS Galicia. You are currently sailing in Imperial waters, indentify yourself and state your intentions, over."

The Captain turned towards the one department he hoped he did not have to use, "Guns, arm all VLS blocks and prepare for an engagement. I don't suspect this'll turn out to be anything other than routine business, but let's not be uncareful. Nav, match speed and bearing of the contact, please. Comms, inform Fleet of our situation, instruct the Alexander to prepare to shoot down any incoming, and keep hailing them once a minute until they respond. If they don't respond, fire a warning shot over their bow and hail them one last time before engaging."

Now it was merely a waiting game. Hopefully whoever this was wasn't foolish enough to take on a pair of 75,000 ton cruisers.

[http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=418426 for the cruiser stats. There's one CAN and one CGN in this task group.]

[OOC: Not going too far off topic, but I'm fairly sure that we don't actually have to go through north western Haven waters at any point, with acception to reaching Scandavian States in order to send you your imports... this is because Iuthia is actually situated in the southern hemisphere under the equator, so you can imagine that it would be going out of our way a bit to enter Haven through the northern most waters of Haven. The only way we would have to go through Scandavian waters to reach another nation would be if you actually expanded your waters to replace Edolian waters, which we both know wouldn't happen unless something very extreme were to take place.

Eitherway, it's all moot point, the reality of Iuthia's involvement here is more or less down to the fact we have a base in Edolia and any effects on their waters affects that too. Which is why we are waiting for them to form a IC view on the matter... all our trade routes generally come in from Hallad's side of the south eastern waters due to our reasonable relations with them and convenience, a trade route unaffacted by these changes. So thats pretty much my situation explained, something your government will IC understand without really needing to think about it too much.]

[Okay, I wasn't sure where you were situated geographically. Thanks for clearing that up.]

OOC: Geographically, the Austar Union is situated somewhat of a place in Europe (Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, and Poland to be exact. The way we enter Haven would be over the top of Russia and back down to Ravenspire in the Pacific. Its a long journey to across the other side of the world, but since its so far we prefer to keep out later models (in an essence: gravship fleets) into the Ravenspire facility and of course our homeland. There are few seabearing ships in the area, since its basically unreliable to have to transport them as far, but nevertheless they do exist. And SS just so you know, im not in the business of creating an incident just to settle any worries you could have.

Just South of Ravenspire; into the newly defined area of Imperium Maritime Claim

As the frigate continued to smash through the growing swell, on board a hive of activity continued; more so since they had recieved a message from an unknown location. Indeed, they had been noticed and were being tracked as they continued upon their journey, and it seemed that despite popular belief the Imperium of Scandavian States did consider these waters specifically theirs, and not open to simple transportion to and fro through their claim. What trouble this was, to be going upon a planned journey as it had been done for some time, and now to be challenged as apparently you have entered illegally the territorial waters of some imperialistic entity. Anyhow, standard protocol would bem followed and the mission was hardly top-secret. Still, the engines would continue on speed and direction to their intended target.

------------------------------------------------------
TO: Unknown Source, the Imperium of Scandavian States
FROM: U.S.S. Gabriel Renassis, Commanding Post of
SUBJECT: Re:
------------------------------------------------------

This is the U.S.S Gabriel Renassis, enroute to a standard maintanence check to one of our sensor buoys not far from here. We are on specific order from Lord Riddick of the Ravenspire Military Centre, subject to Lord Indigo Blue of the Absolutionist State of Austar Union. I must advise unknown source, there is no recognition of Imperium waters at this point. We have specific orders to continue without hinderance and return to base immediately there-after. There is no security concern to the Scandavian States, nor their assets, people, or interest.

In Arms,

Captain John Stellarton
Union State Ship of Gabriel Renassis

"Sir?" the question was from Tactical, the 3rd Lieutenant wanted to know if she had permission to open fire. Captain Torres wavered for a second and then replied, "No."

"Comms, please open a channel for me to this Captain John Stellarton." Torres watched as his radioman pushed a few buttons on his touch screen and then signaled he had an open channel, "Captain Stellarton, whether or not your nation recognize's the Imperium's right to the waters you are currently sailing is a moot point, the Imperial Navy intends to guard our waters against any unwanted intruders, as ordered by Empress Lien and the Imperial Senate. That said, you are free, for the time being, to go about your business. I would highly recommend that you not waver overmuch from your present course and, if you would be so kind, inform Lord Riddick that any warships exiting the territorial waters of Ravenspire will be entering Imperial territorial waters and are oblidged to file a report with the relevent Imperial authorities informing them of their planned route while in Imperial waters. Captain Torres of Her Imperial Majesty's Ship Galicia, out."

Signalling to his Comms officer to kill the open channel, the Captain said, "Send an encrypted message to Fleet Headquarters with a transcript of our communications and sensor data. ONI's going to want to take a look at that and no doubt Foreign Services is going to want to have a little chat with the resident Austar Union diplomat about what is expected of foreign warships in Imperial waters. Sooner or later some inexperienced and hotheaded commander is going to blow an AUN ship out of the water and then we're going to be in a spot. Helm, please resume our patrol route and go to full speed ahead until we make up lost time."

TO: First Sea Lord Sven Jorgenssen
FROM: Fleet Admiral Sir Geoff Kirkssen, Royal Navy Chief of Staff
SUBJECT: Task Force 42 Delta

I have been directed by the Lord Protector to send Task Force 42 Delta to the waters now termed the "Imperial Sea Corridor" to show the Hamptonian flag. These ships are intended only to show to the wider international community my government's desire to support the Imperium's claims as long as they are just.

The Grand Duchy, officially, must remain neutral in this matter. Unofficially, we hope the presence of the Task Force will help to dissuade potential troublemakers from escilating this potential crisis. If they wish to attack your forces, they will have to go through the Hamptonian Royal Navy.

Task Force 42 Delta consists of thirty-two warships. The HNS Pallida Mors, a Fiat Voluntas Tua Class SuperCruiser, sixteen Olympia Class CBs, five Gettysburg Class CAGNs, four Coral Sea Class CGNs, and six Denfield Class FFGANs.

The Task Force, under the command of Lieutenant Admiral Jeanette Yardbird, will arrive on station in forty-two hours.

May peace be on our side.

TO: Fleet Admiral Sir Geoff Kirkssen, Royal Navy Chief of Staff
FR: Fleet Admiral Sir Sven Jorgenssen, First Sea Lord
SUB: RE: Task Force 42 Delta

On behalf of Her Majesty the Empress, I thank you for this offer and graciously accept. All Imperial ships currently on patrol along the Corridor will be immediately notified that TF42D will be joining the patrol. I must ask, however, that no foreign ships be engaged without direct permission from the Joint Strategic Command or unless fired upon first. As much as I know your men in the Task Force will hate this, a recent episode with an Austarian warship illustrates that not all nation yet respect the Imperium's new borders, and using force right off the bat isn't a way to gain that respect.

As an aside, I will probably end up ordering destroyers current on Corridor patrol to other duties, including protecting landing operations currently going on in the isles. If I do, your ships will need to pick up the slack so that I can transfer the remaining cruisers of the Galicia Home Fleet to the patrol in good order.

TO: Fleet Admiral Sir Sven Jorgenssen, First Sea Lord
FROM: Fleet Admiral Sir Geoff Kirkssen, Royal Navy Chief of Staff
SUBJECT: RE: RE: Task Force 42 Delta

It is the policy of the Hamptonian Royal Armed Forces, during peacetime, to only engage enemy forces once fired upon. Lt. Admiral Yardbird has been given the authority, should TF42D be attacked, to use any and all means at her disposal to defend the Task Force. In order to gain authorization for an offensive strike against a foreign vessel, the Lieutenant Admiral would need the authorization of the Defense Minister and the Lord Protector, and I can assure you that during such a process we will be in close communications with your government.

If you require the use of TF42D, we will make it available with conditions: the Task Force must remain remain together and not split up. If needed for patrol duties, it will patrol a single geographic area. You will also be allowed to send a small Officer Detachment of no more than six officers (with no officer above the rank of Commander) to coordinate TF42D's operations in your waters.

Lieutenant Admiral Yardbird will respect your naval hierarchy and orders, but in the end she is a Hamptonian flag officer. It is out of courtesy and friendship that we are allowing you to use TF42D.

Just South of Ravenspire; into the newly defined area of Imperium Maritime Claim

"Very well," was the only response Captain Stellarton could manage before the communications were cut on the end of the Scandavians.

He frowned just a little while afterward when he had the time to file a report of the event. With the frigate on course and on speed, it was due for its destination in a matter of less than an hour. It was at least enough time for him to manage a quick transition of what those from the Imperium had told him directly to Ravenspire, and eventually Riddick himself. And although it wasnt the greatest of matters, it still provided some much needed information regarding how the Scandavians would react if ever faced with such a scenario. Acting as a precedent and combined with the warning been given, the event in itself would present some very interesting intelligence on the amount of caution these people liked to show.

Central Command, the Ravenspire

With time to ponder his course of action, for the most part Riddick had already figured what he would do in such a situation. Now that he had recieved the filed report on behalf of Captain John Stellarton, it would give him some course of direction as to what to aim for, and what to expect from the foriegners just southward of his current position. Of course, it was not a result he had would have liked to recieved; Riddick would have rather have his ship return home without even the slightest of incident. But his fears nevertheless had been proven to be true. Most certainly, these developments would restrict the Ravenspire facility and its effectivity by an enormous scale. Not good enough.

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TO: Foriegn Ministry Department, the Imperium of Scandavian States
FROM: Lord Riddick, Commander in Chief of the Ravenspire
SUBJECT: Some interesting developments...
----------------------------------------------------------

Just southward from here, I have been filed an interesting report regarding a little incident which occured today. And I grow further in concern for your developmentals including the extension of your maritime borders to beyond our port facilities, virtually excluding my island from the Northern Haven Strait. If it were easy enough to simply make a change of route around your new borders then perhaps I would swollow my pride and make the changes nessasary. However if you look at the map released by your own foriegn ministry, you must certainly agree that it is more than a little problem, considering our role here is entirely a military base for the greater powers within the Austar Union. You must understand my concern, if you agree.

Anyhow, I have done some thinking myself already about the situation, and I have decided that it may be best if somehow you send someone to visit me at the Ravenspire, or perhaps I even travel for myself and visit your ministers in New Copenhagen. The ball is in your park gentlemen and besides, you could actually benefit from any resolution coming out of these discussions.

Yours In Excellence,

Lord Riddick
Isle of the Ravenspire

TO: Fleet Admiral Sir Sven Jorgenssen, First Sea Lord
FROM: Fleet Admiral Sir Geoff Kirkssen, Royal Navy Chief of Staff
SUBJECT: RE: RE: Task Force 42 Delta

It is the policy of the Hamptonian Royal Armed Forces, during peacetime, to only engage enemy forces once fired upon. Lt. Admiral Yardbird has been given the authority, should TF42D be attacked, to use any and all means at her disposal to defend the Task Force. In order to gain authorization for an offensive strike against a foreign vessel, the Lieutenant Admiral would need the authorization of the Defense Minister and the Lord Protector, and I can assure you that during such a process we will be in close communications with your government.

If you require the use of TF42D, we will make it available with conditions: the Task Force must remain remain together and not split up. If needed for patrol duties, it will patrol a single geographic area. You will also be allowed to send a small Officer Detachment of no more than six officers (with no officer above the rank of Commander) to coordinate TF42D's operations in your waters.

Lieutenant Admiral Yardbird will respect your naval hierarchy and orders, but in the end she is a Hamptonian flag officer. It is out of courtesy and friendship that we are allowing you to use TF42D.

TO: Fleet Admiral Sir Geoff Kirkssen, Royal Navy Chief of Staff
FR: Fleet Admiral Sir Sven Jorgenssen, First Sea Lord
SUB: RE: RE: RE: Task Force 42 Delta

If the Task Force cannot be divided into smaller units, I ask that they be stretched out as much as the Task Force's commander is comfortable with. Even though the possibility of anyone slipping through and causing distractions is minute, one does not live to fight another day by being careless.

For coodination, just contact Gray Fleet's HQ over standard OMP channels. The commander is Fleet Admiral His Majesty Xavier de Soto. If you're wondering about the His Majesty part of his title, he's the Empress' husband.

And finally, I'd ask that your ship patrol the northern part of the Corridor. I will speak to His Majesty about freeing up his remaining cruisers and a few capital ships so that I can shift the destroyers currently on station elsewhere, but until then the destroyers will remain on the Corridor.

----------------------------------------------------------
TO: Foriegn Ministry Department, the Imperium of Scandavian States
FROM: Lord Riddick, Commander in Chief of the Ravenspire
SUBJECT: Some interesting developments...
----------------------------------------------------------

Just southward from here, I have been filed an interesting report regarding a little incident which occured today. And I grow further in concern for your developmentals including the extension of your maritime borders to beyond our port facilities, virtually excluding my island from the Northern Haven Strait. If it were easy enough to simply make a change of route around your new borders then perhaps I would swollow my pride and make the changes nessasary. However if you look at the map released by your own foriegn ministry, you must certainly agree that it is more than a little problem, considering our role here is entirely a military base for the greater powers within the Austar Union. You must understand my concern, if you agree.

Anyhow, I have done some thinking myself already about the situation, and I have decided that it may be best if somehow you send someone to visit me at the Ravenspire, or perhaps I even travel for myself and visit your ministers in New Copenhagen. The ball is in your park gentlemen and besides, you could actually benefit from any resolution coming out of these discussions.

Yours In Excellence,

Lord Riddick
Isle of the Ravenspire


TO: Lord Riddick of Ravenspire
FR: Duchess Asiya Saleh, Director of Foreign Services
SUB: RE: Territorial Waters

Depending on when you would like to visit, the Empress may or may not be open for an audience. That said, all foreign ships, friendly or neutral, are required to file a report with Foreign Services and the Imperial Navy if they intend to use Imperial waters. This has been law for some time, since around when the Imperium signed the Maritime Treaty so that we could better implement the terms of the agreement. No amount of bilateral negotiating is going to change this, nor will the fact that Austar Union ships are free to come and go within Imperial waters so long as they follow our laws while they are within our jurisdiction.

Have a pleasant day.

..::Imperium News Network, Foreign Relations Section::..

New Developments In The Islands

Today the Foreign Services made several announcements concerning the recently annexed islands.

First, it was officially announced that the islands are indeed inhabited, although this has been suspected longer than the annexation was even an issue. So far all of the tribes inhabited appear to be Polynesian in origin, although to which sub-group they take their roots from has yet to be determined. Linguists and Anthropologists from many prestigious Imperial universities are joining Imperial Marines already setting up camps to find out more about these people.

Second, it has been announced that the quick integration of the new protectorates into the Imperium will be a primary objective. Part of this will mean having the current generation in Imperial schools within 5-10 years, probably built on the islands themselves. To further ease integration history and language classes revolving around the culture of the new group of Imperial citizens will be introduced into already-existing Imperial schools, thus hopefully reducing any resentment bred by this new unknown factor in everyday Imperial life. It is expected that within 30 years a majority of island citizens will know at least one standard language besides their own and all people under the age of 20 will be in some form of schooling. Developing industry will also be a major focus, many economic analysts expect the protectorate's lumber industry to rival that of Duchy of Stockholm's in the near future. Biochemists in the pharmaceutical industry have also commented that there are always potential cures for diseases in exotic plants and from reports they have seen, the new protectorate has plenty of those to be studied.

Third, it has been decreed by the Empress that the new protectorate shall be called Haleigha, which is Hawaiian for "House of the Rising Sun." A flag for the new protectorate was released in conjunction with the announcement, a picture can be found here (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v172/NSFlags/Haleigha.gif).

Fourth, Foreign Services and the Imperial Navy have announced that the Hamptonian Royal Navy has offered to contribute ships to patrol the Imperial Corridor. Although no details were given, Fleet Admiral Jorgenssen did say that the offer had been accepted and that the allied ships would, "shortly be on station to begin patrolling their section of the Corridor."

"Admiral," the young seaman said he has saluted Lt. Admiral Yardbird, "we shall enter the Imperial Sea Corridor within the hour. Commodore Sampson would like to contact the Gray Fleet's HQ to let them know of our arrival."

The Admiral stood silent as the young man spoke to her. She was enthralled by the sound of the waves hitting the sides of the speeding flagship. This'll teach this young one some patience she thought to herself. After what seemed like an eternity, she spoke "Inform the Commodore that I will personally contact His Majesty."

Yardbird dismissed the seaman and made her way to the Pallida Mors' secure Communications Center. She transmitted the following communication over a secured OMP channel:

TO: Fleet Admiral His Majesty Xavier de Soto
FROM: Lieutenant Admiral Jeanette Yardbird, CO TF42D

Task Force 42 Delta is currently 27 NM northwest of the northern section of the Sea Corridor. Once arrived, TF42D will split up into eight (8) four (4) warship Squadrons (A through H). Please send further information as well as the location and disposition of your nearest forces.

End Communication.

To: Scandavian States
From: New Haven

We would be incredibly interested to learn if the indigeonous peoples of your newly acquired territory have any relation to East Islanders, a Polynesian group that was driven out by West Islanders (the current inhabitants of the former Island States). We had always suspected several groups had left for parts northward, but we had never been able to prove it.

Contained within the enclosed attachment are samples of the East Islander language and whats known of their culture.

Sincerely,

Professor Mark Oppenheimer
Study of Pre-Occupation Civilizations
University of Freeport, New Haven

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TO: Duchess Asiya Saleh, Director of Foreign Services
FROM: Lord Riddick, Commander in Chief of the Ravenspire
SUBJECT: Re:
--------------------------------------------------------

Well if the Empress nor her minions will not be willing to meet with us, we will unfortunately refuse to recognise these new maritime claims until you come to me later. You will not fire upon my ships, nor will you attempt to prevent them from legal movement. To completely change our course of access to the Haven Straits is beyond questionable, and for the simple fact that you have already ruled out the chance of some changes through negotiation, I disrespect you. Should we have met, I would have offered you a non-aggression pact for the right to freely move through the new Imperium Maritime Claims. But now, you have only my assurance that my fleets will not fire against you, nor will they cross into previously recognised claims.

I have no interest against the Imperium of Scandavian States, and I have only interest in your unreasonable claim of Maritime Border. I emplore you to take no interest when my ships enter these new claimed waters, since the price of aggression will weigh heavy upon you. Still, I am open for negotiation as I have offered. The ball is in your park, Duchess.

Yours In Excellence,

Lord Riddick
Isle of the Ravenspire

http://www.abcnews.go.com/images/site/homepage/showbrand_default.gif
Austarian Broadcasting Corporation [ABC]: World News

ISLE OF THE RAVENSPIRE, HAVEN
Tensions Risk to Heighten as Scandavian States Announces Newer Maritime Borders - Deemed Unreasonable

If it were not for the fact that such details would completely erradicate the effectiveness of the Ravenspire Military Facility, Lord Riddick of whom is Commander-in-Chief of the Isle of the Ravenspire wouldnt seek to bother. Just a few days previous, the Imperium of Scandavian States set out new claims to the islands south-east of the Ravenspire in Haven, including the claim to waters in between the mainland and such island group. Unfortunately, this claim means that for the Military Facility to function with full effectivity, it would mean that fleets must travel around the Island northward at least one hundred kilometres, then travel east for another two hundred kilometres, then travel south again, adding what could be expected to be some one day to a potential journey.

Deemed an unreasonable claim, Riddick had ordered the routine maintainence check of a buoy which has already existed in the Imperium's new claims so that he could truly gauge on how the Imperium would react to warships entering these waters. And it wasnt too long before they had been issued a message of warning, that they had illegally entered Imperium waters - proving Riddick's worst fears to be true. And so in a bid to strike a deal with the Imperium, his call for a meeting was rejected by the Scandavian States. Unable to even talk to their leaders about the issue, Riddick has been forced to declare that he will not recognise the new maritime borders of the Imperium, and that fleets will operate as per the usual standard. When asked to comment, Lord Blue had the following to say;

"I fully support Lord Riddick's judgement in these matters, and I support his declaration as my own. If the Scandavian States are unwilling to even meet to discuss the issue of importance, then we are unwilling to recognise these new claims; they place too much a burden on the Ravenspire Facilities and cut the island off from the Haven Strait. How they react to our forces entering the waters in question, I can only fear the worst, but it will be at the hands of the unreasonable; the Scandavians. Only then I suppose will they pay full attention, and I emplore them to come to negotiations with Lord Riddick to discuss the matter, and to strike some kind of mutual agreement. If they care for diplomacy and for saving what can be saved, they will. If they do not, then what is said of those in the Imperium?"

The day started off as another cool Sunday morning in Iuthia Prima, the offices of Central Command weren’t as busy as they had been over the past week as matters cooled down only to be replaced with other admittedly less dangerous matters. Haven could look after itself and more importantly the staff had been working overtime until recently, so a small number of them were permitted leave for the time being. On the whole, things seemed a little more stable now that the Lord General was properly wed and allies were appeased.

However, this didn’t change the fact that incidents didn't rest so easy and that they continued to develope during times of rest. So there Mick Lakely sat, reading through some of the latest reports on how things were going in the various nations Iuthian embassies occupied, many of which covering the recent daily affairs of nations Iuthia hardly knew or cared about. Meanwhile the larger ongoing matters had reached the point where nothing more could be done, such as the matter of Feline Catfish and the military standoff which had occured in their waters… a withdrawal was in the process, but until the war hawks fully withdrew there was little more to do other then to have Intel cover it.

But one thing did grab his attention a little; reports the Iuthian Ambassador in Austar Union were making interesting notes of the developements over there. The reports basically consisted of an update on the nation’s progress lately and a quick analysis on the currents of their society, basic stuff really; he received these all the times from all one hundred and ten Iuthian embassies around the world. The difference here was that unlike the others which mostly stated local news and public opinion, this one reported something of greater interest to the Iuthian Diplomatic Corps

Sitting in front of him in a rather informal manner was one of several analysts watching the exchange between Scandavian States and Austar Union, so far the majority of it was done behind closed doors, the details only trickling through in minute drips of information, rumours, hints and surveillance forming a broad albeit unsure picture.

"So, what do you make of it so far, Gary?" Mick asked calmy, pushing forward a small glass filled with cool water. "Acting Lord General Turgidson wants me to keep one eye open on this"

"Well..." Gary started, taking a sip from the glass. "We can't be sure, Ambassador Jenson hasn't had any official conversations about this with Austar Union officials so far, so it's all rumour and here-say, ironicially the best sources of information we have at the moment are those of our own observations of fleet movements and the Austar Union media, which summed up matters well enough, albeit probably with their own bias.

"However, looking at all the information it does look like Austar Union is trying its best to solve the conflicts of interest and that Scandavian States isn't taking much notice of it, most likely on perpose."

"Bah, they have always prefered to bully their way through such situations, we've seen it before and this probably wouldn't be the last time... I'm not surprised Austar Union is taking this approach, it's a commendable effort. All that remains to be seen is how the Scandavians respond to it, see if they have learnt anything over the years or if they are as pigheaded as always." Mick replied, there wasn't really any love lost over the Scandavians, he simply didn't like their style, a style which made Haven such an annoying little affair the majority of the time. Still, it wasn't his problem.

"That will be all for now, Gary... I'm sure you have much work to do and I would like some time to reflect on this."

"Of course, Sir. I'll report any significant developments as soon as they happen." Gary gave a short bow and left the office, leaving Mick to his thoughts and his paperwork.

[AU, didn't you just say you weren't out to cause problems? Because that's what you are doing right now.]


..::Imperium News Network, Editorial Section::..
Relations With Austar Union Warm Up


The recent news release by the Austar Union have recently taken a slight downturn over the issue of maritime borders. Not only have they outright denied the sovereignty of the Imperium over Haleigha's waters, they have the sheer unmitigated gall to send military vessels into the newly-claimed Imperial waters just to provoke the Imperial Navy. This is, in our opinion, the height of diplomatic immaturity and it surprises us that somebody in such a position of power would do something such as this over something so trivial. After many people within the Imperium had voiced concerns that our nations had unduly upset a neutral power, the Foreign Services publically released diplomatic corrispondance for all to see.

The First Letter From Lord Riddick:

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TO: Foriegn Ministry Department, the Imperium of Scandavian States
FROM: Lord Riddick, Commander in Chief of the Ravenspire
SUBJECT: Some interesting developments...
----------------------------------------------------------

Just southward from here, I have been filed an interesting report regarding a little incident which occured today. And I grow further in concern for your developmentals including the extension of your maritime borders to beyond our port facilities, virtually excluding my island from the Northern Haven Strait. If it were easy enough to simply make a change of route around your new borders then perhaps I would swollow my pride and make the changes nessasary. However if you look at the map released by your own foriegn ministry, you must certainly agree that it is more than a little problem, considering our role here is entirely a military base for the greater powers within the Austar Union. You must understand my concern, if you agree.

Anyhow, I have done some thinking myself already about the situation, and I have decided that it may be best if somehow you send someone to visit me at the Ravenspire, or perhaps I even travel for myself and visit your ministers in New Copenhagen. The ball is in your park gentlemen and besides, you could actually benefit from any resolution coming out of these discussions.

Yours In Excellence,

Lord Riddick
Isle of the Ravenspire


Leaving aside attrocious sentax, we see no problem with nations seeking assurace. When asked for a comment, the First Sea Lord conformed that an AUN warship had been challenged shortly after entering Imperial waters, mainly because at the time only overhead and over-the-horizon sensors were available and thus there was no way to positively indentify the unfamiliar vessel. Again, not an entirely unreasonable precaution. It appears things are off to a good start.

The Response From Duchess Saleh:

TO: Lord Riddick of Ravenspire
FR: Duchess Asiya Saleh, Director of Foreign Services
SUB: RE: Territorial Waters

Depending on when you would like to visit, the Empress may or may not be open for an audience. That said, all foreign ships, friendly or neutral, are required to file a report with Foreign Services and the Imperial Navy if they intend to use Imperial waters. This has been law for some time, since around when the Imperium signed the Maritime Treaty so that we could better implement the terms of the agreement. No amount of bilateral negotiating is going to change this, nor will the fact that Austar Union ships are free to come and go within Imperial waters so long as they follow our laws while they are within our jurisdiction.

Have a pleasant day.


Again, not unreasonable. Most people understand that heads of state are not available on a whim, and most military commanders understand the realities of their posts. True, the tone of the note isn't friendly, but neither is it hostile, like most diplomatic corrispondance. Sadly, our readers will see that some people just need things spelled out for them.

Lord Riddick's Second Response:

Well if the Empress nor her minions will not be willing to meet with us, we will unfortunately refuse to recognise these new maritime claims until you come to me later. You will not fire upon my ships, nor will you attempt to prevent them from legal movement. To completely change our course of access to the Haven Straits is beyond questionable, and for the simple fact that you have already ruled out the chance of some changes through negotiation, I disrespect you. Should we have met, I would have offered you a non-aggression pact for the right to freely move through the new Imperium Maritime Claims. But now, you have only my assurance that my fleets will not fire against you, nor will they cross into previously recognised claims.

I have no interest against the Imperium of Scandavian States, and I have only interest in your unreasonable claim of Maritime Border. I emplore you to take no interest when my ships enter these new claimed waters, since the price of aggression will weigh heavy upon you. Still, I am open for negotiation as I have offered. The ball is in your park, Duchess.

Yours In Excellence,

Lord Riddick
Isle of the Ravenspire


From the getgo this note is off on the wrong foot. "The Empress and her minions" will not see him? It is obvious to most people that heads of state don't just up and abandon their duties to deal with minor diplomatic issues, that's what diplomats are for. Second, one wonders what kind of ego drives a mere military commander that he thinks he can order around one of the foremost powers in Haven from his tiny rock. His second sentence is much the same, if not worse in that he starts issuing orders to the Imperial Navy, perhaps this fool doesn't realize that he isn't earning himself anything but contempt. Our readers will note that at no point did Austar Union's access to the Strait change one iota, it was merely pointed out that they merely had to continue doing as they have done since the Maritime Treaty was signed, it isn't as if they can go into the Strait without going through Imperial or Edolian waters anyway. His next sentence is even more confusing, because at no point were negotiations ruled out, it was just a matter of whether or not the Empress would be able to see him depending on her schedule. His next sentence at least demonstrates that he had every intention of negotiating in good faith, but as the Imperium had no aggressive designs on the Austar Union and it has not (yet) lost the right to travel in Imperial waters, it makes one wonder just what the Austar Union was planning. His next sentence is good for a laugh, merely because he would have to be supremely stupid to start a war with the Imperium, especially considering that in such a situation his little island would be dessimated in hours by Imperial Navy ships and Aerospace Force bombers.

In his next paragraph he claims to not have any designs on the Imperium, but one has to wonder how truthful that is when he has so spectacularly misinterpreted a simple diplomatic note. He is either a liar or stupid, and either case is equally as bad, despite the fact that they present different obstacles. His offer of further diplomatic talks is oh so magnimous, but one has to wonder if he truly believes that the Imperium thinks he has any desire to negotiate in good faith.

And just a note to Lord Riddick, assuming you can read, the ball is not in Duchess Saleh's court. First, you owe the Empress and all civil servants in the Imperium an apology for your blatant insult. Second, because you have so ably earned the contempt and/or hostility of so many within the Imperium, you need to travel to New Copenhagen and negotiate in good faith in order to prove that you can be trusted. Obviously you fail to understand just how perilous a ledge you have walked yourself upon, but the only thing that's going to help you off is a healthy dose of self-depreciation and humility, topped off by friendliness and honesty.

[I didn't know how to actually reply to it, but it did read like a government statement and I was replying to the government statement which may have occured before that... of course, OOC it's all about the fact that this is gone too far and it's probably for the better I cover it in the OHS forums, as I clearly reacted incorrectly. Eitherway, this was pretty crap RP on my behalf, even if I do still beleive in it.

I'll replace this with some IC garb later which doesn't amount to much.]

[Don't know why your diplomatic service would reply to an editorial piece in a foreign, privately-owned paper. I'll consider how to reply to this note later.]

The Erumnós was clearly aggravated by this new occurrence in Haven, and grew increasingly frustrated as he thought of what to do. As the central government in Etaros was in crisis, he had full reign to act independently in this matter. For the present time, Luín Anarórë would act on its own in foreign affairs. It also noted attempts by the Austar Union to repair relations with the homeland, and Ëchanor noted the gesture with great delight. He was very upset at the disruption the Scandavians were causing in the region, though it hardly affected the Lietuv state at all.

Official Statement of Condemnation
-Erumnós Ëchanor Eledhwen of Luín Anarórë

The recent actions taken by the Scandavian Imperium are under great scrutiny of the Lietuv government in Luín Anarórë, as well as a growing amount of anger. It is not only unfair and unjust that two nations wish to tell Haven that we must abide by their "territorial waters," which stretch to an ungodly amount, but it is also offensive that we have done nothing to counter the acts of both nations in the past. The Imperium, by officially claiming the territories in the northern entrance to the Haven Straits, has effectively restricted travel to a small sliver on the northeastern side. Through the Ëchanor Doctrine, Luín Anarórë has been able to avoid any confrontations. However, with the new attempt by the Imperium to enforce its ridiculous claims, it will be found that the entirety of northern Haven is at threat. We are not trustworthy of the Scandavians or their endeavours, and we officially announce that like the Austar Union, Luín Anarórë will ignore Scandavian (and Edolian) maritime claims that extend beyond 200km, and beyond 50 km of small islands and atolls. We will at least respect the Treaty of Gërburg in this way.

TO: Fleet Admiral Sir Sven Jorgenssen, First Sea Lord
FROM: Fleet Admiral Sir Geoff Kirkssen, Royal Navy Chief of Staff
SUBJECT: Imperial Sea Corridor

Due to the escilating situation I have dispatched TF36B and TF59A to bolster the Hamptonian Royal Navy units already in the Imperial Sea Corridor. Jeanette Yardbird has been given a field promotion to Vice Admiral and will continue to command what will eventually become the 53rd Fleet Squadron.

The additional sixty-four warships, including substantial carrier and submarine forces, will arrive on station within ninety-two hours.

"The Incorporated Sarzonian Government condemns the aggressive stance on the part of the government of our former allies in Austaur Union. We find their statements to be overly provocative and we strongly advise them to stand down from what appears to be a war footing."

Grant Haffner
Deputy Senior Vice President for External Affairs
Incorporated States of Sarzonia

His Isselmerian and Nielander Majesty's Government views with utmost concern the actions of the Austar Union and request that the Austar Union government desists from its unnecessarily provocative if not outright belligerent stance.

Sincerely,

The Rt. Hon. Sir George Fredericks, KL, MP, CS, PC, RC
Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development
UKIN

Imperial News Network, Live From New Copenhagen Palace

The tall Eurasian-looking woman nodded at a man who in another time and place would have been mistaken for a Highlander, "Aindreas, you have a question?"

"Yes, Your Highness. What are you feelings on the position the governer of Luin Anarore has taken concerning our new maritime borders?" the New Edinburgh native asked.

A look of anger crossed her face, "I am both disgusted and amused at the same time. If you'll go back a while, you'll note that my father backed to the hilt their decision to sale some of their land to Menelmacar. I wonder if they repay all of those who would be their friends with betrayal? They ask why nobody has bothered to oppose the Imperium's and Edolia's decisions to control between them the northern end of the Haven Strait. Had they not had their collective head up their ass where Haven was concerned for the past century or so, they'd know that both the Imperium and Edolia were prepared to throw themselves in front of the perverbial train in order to keep nations with interests hostile to those of Haven, which is primarily peace, out of the Straits. But, they have had their heads up their asses, and so now they sound like buffoons to every nation that's been a beneficiary of our joint policy.

Now, onto why I'm amused. As I understand it, Luin Anarore is a province of a nation called Etaros, whose mainland is going through a bit of a rough patch at the moment. So in effect you have a lone province of a nation that is roughly a quarter of the size of the Imperium 'enforcing' a unilateral doctrine when they have nothing of substance to enforce it with. Why they insist on provoking the Imperium and its allies is beyond me, but should they continue it will have grevious consequences for them.

Which brings me to my next point. I am ordering the recall of all Expeditionary Fleets to home waters and the standing to of all 96 Imperial Marine divisions. I intend to make sure that what is rightfully the Imperium's is guarded against those who would threaten it, and if the provincial government of Luin Anarore doesn't like it they can go fornicate with themselves. That, of course, assumes they decide to wise up and stop angering the Imperium, lest they lose the equipment that is necessary to do such things."

With that crack, the Empress turned on her heels and strode down the tall and wide hallways to the massive wood doors that marked the entrance to her private quarters.

Released in Open Documentation, from the Desk of Lord Riddick...

Obviously it would be in absolute stupidity that I be willing to start a war over this issue. Of course, I am not planning any sort of covert action against the Imperium, nor their friends and allies. Ever since the rule of Lord Indigo Blue, we have been a pacifist state unlike our previous history at least a few hundred years ago. We have no interest in war, we have no interest in battle, and we have no interest in the bloodshed of either Austarian or Scandavian life. In fact, we only wish to preserve our right to access the Haven Straits, of which should actually exist as accordingly to the Maritime Treaty of Gërburg. Therefore, all signatories would be making such a treaty defunct if they were to recognise the Scandavian claims on claim rights alone. If you would examine the following attachment, you will find the actual map which ought to be recognised. [ Attachment: 0001a (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/Iuthia/Maps/HavenWater.png) ]

I emplore the Scandavian States and their friends to recognise this map instead. As a difference, this map still protects the defending rights of the island group and previous territories held by that entity, and as a bonus it too recognises the right and ability for Austarian warships to pass through and into regional waters, furthering access to our right to defend friends southward from the Ravenspire. If you can not do that, then you have made your position known, for the fact remains, who needs these waters anyway? Perhaps they have an increase of mineral and resource deposits, and should the Scandavians request to claim such deposits then I have no opposition. Should it be for the reason that they feel the need to defend fleets travelling to or fro, then I ask them to instead of making a claim on the waters, make a claim against foriegners attacking Scandavian Ships in those waters. But of course, such a claim would be pointless since that rule ought to apply to every position around the globe.

In the meantime, I would like to offer the Scandavian States a non-aggression pact, to ease their minds that I have no intention against them or their fleets. They can claim the islands for all I care, and they can claim mineral deposits in the defined waters. But I must provide opposition to the claim map I have provided on behalf of signatories of the Maritime Treaty of Gërburg. To the nations who emplore us the stand down, I but of course cannot, since I do not have a position to stand down from. This will remain only a diplomatic issue, and that it will stay. Im sure the Imperium wouldnt want it any other way themselves. Both, as members of the region of Haven ough to cooporate as states alike, side by side with arms linked in unity. We may have our differences, Empress of Scandavian States, but please let us sort them for the better. Please recognise the map I have provided you, since it does provide you with the exact same benefits, and it also gives my fleets the due access to Regional Waters they deserve. Others too need these waters for travel; do you deny them that right? You say that we ought to lodge an application before making a move through these waters, but why should we when our military matters are our business alone? It is not like we can attack your landclaims without crossing into Imperium territory anyway (as defined by our map). You have no reason to claim these waters, except to spite me. And if that is your reason alone, I can do nothing but refuse to acknowledge them.

Yours In Excellence,

Lord Riddick
Isle of Ravenspire

TO: Lord Riddick
FR: Duchess Saleh
SUB: Maritime Claims

What reason would we have to spite you or your nation? No offense, but your nation, and especially your outpost, have been nonentities on our diplomatic radar from the getgo. Furthermore, in the past we have claimed tacit domain over the entire northwest area that Haleigha resides in so that we may protect the rest of Haven. So in effect, by officially claiming those islands, we are reducing our claim over those areas. It is just that those areas we do claim we are finally treating them as our sovereign waters, as well we should.

Also, we at no time have denied Union vessels the right to travel upon open waters, nor the Imperium's territorial waters for that matter. We merely ask that that a report be filed beforehand so we know which ships plan to be where, it's as much for the safety of the crews of those vessels (the North Pacific can be hazardous) as it is for our peace of mind.

As well, I think you misunderstand where the North Pacific end and the Strait begins. Where your outpost and the majority of the islands of Haleigha are is technically a part of the North Pacific proper. The Strait doesn't begin until the C-shaped main island chain of Haleigha does. Your are, as all Maritime Treaty signatories are, entitled to send your ships wherever in regional waters you want, the Imperium has no say in that.

As for your recognition of our claims, or lack thereof, that's your business. However, I rather suspect that ship captains flying under your flag will be quite so anxious to court disaster by ignoring warships patrolling the Imperium's claimed seas.

Communique from New Haven to all parties:

The Imperium of New Haven would like to announce its neutrality in this issue at the current time. We will, however, be increasing our air patrols and naval patrols to better protect our waterways and territorial waters.

Released in Open Documentation, from the Desk of Lord Riddick...

Still, the idea still remains. Our business is our own, and whilst you say that all we have to do is lodge a report with your offices of our movements to and from through these waters, I can still argue that sometimes it can become impractical for such formal restrictions exist. I have offered you people so many times now to meet with me and yet you seem to avoid the possibility. You say that I must prove myself to you, but for the simple fact that I am a representative of a respectable nation ought to be enough proof for you to meet with me. This remains a standing issue when it should not be already, and if we had met in New Copenhagen as I had said in the first issue, perhaps something could have been sorted.

I do not care for the previous claims you have, nor for the amount of change it means to your current claim map you have posted for the world to see. Anyhow, whilst I disagree with your horrendous and outrageous claims, I will recognise them as a zone of uncertainty and will make changes in the route my forces will travel in, in future. Should we actually need to travel into the zone of uncertainty, we will notify your commanders to prevent a situation from arising. At the moment I have my top geography experts analysing the situation. They seem to believe that at one point even with your claims in force it is possible for our fleets to gain access to the Strait without upsetting you or Edolian territorial boundaries without any additional loss of cost or time. You should be happy that I be so contempt to make a difference, since technically I should not on principal alone. I just choose responsibility to my men and women over principal. If you do in the meantime wish to discuss the incident at hand at any time, I ask of the commanders of Hamptonshire to remain friendly to both sides so that they would be able to mediate effectively, should they be willing.

Yours In Excellence,

Lord Riddick
Isle of the Ravenspire

Official Press Release
Office of the Lord Protector

We are heartened by the efforts of both the Imperium and the government of Austar Union to stop this situation before it proceeds to the next level.

The Royal Navy warships currently stationed in off the territorial waters of Scandavian States are there as a purely defensive measure. As a close ally of the Imperium, Hamptonshire would be automatically brought into any war involving the Imperium. I deployed the Task Forces as a show of support for our allies. I must also be made clear that we have nothing but the deepest respect and sense of friendship for Austarians. We have long be friends and in the past we have stood shoulder to shoulder against powerful foes. It is the wish of all Hamptonians that the Royal Armed Forces never be forced to engage our Austarian brothers.

In that spirit of friendship and cooperation with both Scandavian States and Austar Union (Ravenspire), if the services of the Grand Duchy are needed to bring this episode to a final close we will willingly do so.


The Prince Patrick, Prince of Hamptonshire
Lord Protector and High Steward
Grand Duchy of Hamptonshire