NationStates Jolt Archive

Empress Catalia, of the House of Cats, was normally considered by her subjects to be a just, yet powerful, figure during those times she held court. They tended to ignore the fact she had taken the throne quite young, due to a car crash killing her parents, or the fact that her first proclamation caused the military to waste two years searching the nation for unicorns before she finally got over being embarassed by it and rescinded the order. The House of Rats had attempted to get one of its members declared a regent for the young Empress, but she had headed it off by offering to not have the military investigate rumors the Rats were attempting, in direct contradiction of standing Imperial Policy, to find uranium within the nation, only for an amused Catalia to learn six months later that the Rats had failed to get what turned out to be tin to explode. That, along with a few other minor tests, had proved her worth and served her as a guide for how to properly rule a nation.

Right now, Catalia was trying to enjoy a bubble bath. It was not often that she managed to get away from politics and enjoy a nice, relaxing bath. Even less often that her bath went uninterrupted for this long, since there was usually some emergency that cropped up within ten minutes of her getting wet. More than one important decision had been made while she was in a bathrobe, to the point there were more official pictures of her wearing that than of her wearing clothes. She reflected, amused, on how the nation was more used to rulers who made decisions in towels, bathrobes, underwear, and even the nude than seeing those rulers fully dressed. She had once held youthful ambitions of changing that.

Of course, there was no ignoring the silent entry of Solidrin. He managed to have an aura of authority around him, tempered with a humbleness that made him a contradition to talk to sometimes. He could walk silently into a room and instantly have command over it or enter while talking and be unnoticed. He also, despite her invitations, never disturbed her bath unless there was something important. A pity, in her opinion.

"There's a, um, incident in the throne room which requires your immediate attention, Empress," Solidrin said, bowing deeply.

It was with a great sigh, and a wish she could have enjoyed the full hour she had hoped for, that Catalia stood, stepping out of the bath onto the rug set there just for this purpose, arms held up as she waited patiently for Solidrin to grab a towel and dry her off. She smiled encouragingly at him as he worked the towel, her mind already considering what gift he was going to surprise her with for her upcoming 19th birthday. But, before she could wonder too much, Solidrin was slipping the standard red robe onto her body and tying it shut. Then, it was time to head to the throne room.

================================
International Transmission from Forensatha
================================

(Camera comes on, showing two men wearing lab coats, with long beards, standing in what appears to be a throne-room that's decorated with red fabrics. The throne itself features gold and red, while the fabrics feature cat faces upon them prominently.)

Man 1: I am Herald Kwenles, lead scientist of the Empire of Forensatha.

Man 2: And I'm Ketles Kwenles, professional diplomat.

Both: And this is our nation's introduction to the world!

(A woman, around 18-19, wearing a red bathrobe enters from behind the throne.)

Herald: We are currently standing in the the throneroom of the Imperial Palace in...

Woman: What do you think you're doing?

Herald: (turning, facing the woman.) Empress! Uh, we're just... (Takes a step forward off-balance, trips. He grabs her robe, accidentally ripping it open and revealing she's not wearing anything underneath it.) Oops! Empress, are you... Please forgive me!

Woman: (Turning red and beginning to shake from obvious anger.) Guards! Seize these idiots!

(Transmission abruptly ends.)

President Justin Santandre of the Republic of Tarrindre chuckled as he reviewed the transmission that had just come in from Forensatha.

Well, that certainly had been an unfortunate "wardrobe malfunction"...

"It is rather unfortunate that the people of Forensatha have chosen such an autocratic form of government, but I supposed it's different strokes for different folks..." he mused out loud.

Calling in his private secretary, he started to compose a message of welcome.

From:President Justin Santandre of the Republic of Tarrnidre
To: Her Majesty Empress Catalia of Forensatha

Representing a fellow young nation, I'd like to welcome you onto the world stage. Tarrindre is always willing to seek partners in both trade and diplomacy, perhaps we could discuss that possibility?

Cybernetic Captain Jaxson was sitting down in front of the lounge room alongside two high ranking generals when they were discussing about his future as a high comissioned field marshall. General Lawerance and General Roberts turned to face the TV as a transmission came through about...well...lets say...not PG rated in the morning hours.

"The world has gone mad," started Lawerance as he looked at Jaxson.

"Sir, these new countries are as nuts as the next one," replied Jaxson. "Better block the transmission before it gets out of hand. I suggest that we block it before it gets out of hand,"

"I'll get on the phone and block it before it gets out of hand. In the mean time, Robert, send a telegram with the last tape sent back to the country," started Lawerance as Jaxson studied the tape over and over. "Bloody hell Jaxson, she may be a beauty, but your an officer and hell...she's like a noble,"

"Can I dream?" replied Jaxson as he stopped the tape and handed it to Robert.


TO: Forensatha Government
FROM: Northam-York, Captain Jaxson

When we came onto the international community level, we were at Civil War and I found this...going a bit extreme. In respect to the lady, we have blocked the transmission heading into Northam-York and its 100% promise that no-one will get their hands on the footage. We have destroyed much of the tapes, but I was given the last one and I've sent it to you in a secure seal that can't be broken unless you open it right. What you do with the tape is none of our business but we no longer have any of the footage. I hope things work out for whatever reason this happened.

Northam-York is opened to diplomatic relations, military trade and I hope things can work out. I would also like to say, welcome to the international community and I hope to hear from you soon.

In the ten minutes since the camera had been stopped, Catalia had been witness to the most pathetic display of begging she could encounter. It wasn't exactly unknown that the House of Cats was plagued with its officials being slightly incompetent; after all, the House was devoted to the sciences, not to running a nation. It had been a choice between the House of Rats, whose head was wanting to start a military expansion into the neighboring nations, and the House of Cats, who's leader had been running because of a drunken dare. Upon sobering up and realizing she was now ruler of a nation (as well as married), Catalia's mother decided to stop drinking. Catalia herself silently worried about the nation's future, given the examples of what constituted the typical Cat employee.

"Solidrin, contact the House of Serpents. They may have use for these two," she said, then standing. "How far did the transmission reach?"

"International, Empress," Herald answered.

"Castrate this one first," Catalia amended, pointing to Herald, before turning to look at the communications they had recieved.

Of the communications, seven were from other Houses, with each one offering support for the summary execution of the two who were responsible for the camera incident. And, ignoring the screams of the one resulting from her order being carried out, Catalia noted two that definitely were not. And she smiled as she read them.

"Belay the order of sending them to the Serpents. I think I have a better use," Catalia said.

"So you're going to spare me?" Herald asked.

"No. The castration continues," came the answer.

To:President Justin Santandre of the Republic of Tarrnidre
From: Empress Catalia of the Empire of Forensatha, of the House of Cats.

I certainly would be quite interested in trade. And, please excuse the... unusual manner in which my nation was introduced. I'm currently having a competence issue with servants of my House and am currently looking for replacements who are more competent. If you wish, you may have one of the ones who caused an issue. You don't even have to send him back alive.

For trade, we primarily have raw materials, like wood and metals, that can be mined. Unfortunately, a lot of the diamonds we may have involve the distinct disadvantage of being inside an old volcano...

To: Captain Jaxson of Northam-York
From: Empress Catalia of the Empire of Forensatha, of the House of Cats.

The offending people are being dealt with. If you wish, I can send you one to do with what you will. I don't exactly expect to see them back alive, and they don't have a future within this nation that does not involve a dark alley and a lot of knives. Thank you for the tape and blocking the transmission as well.

I am certainly open to diplomacy and trade. For trade, we primarily have raw materials, like wood and metals, that can be mined. Unfortunately, a lot of the diamonds we may have involve the distinct disadvantage of being inside an old volcano... Could you spare some geologists so that we can have someone go over the issue? Our geological sciences never really got anywhere, in part due to losing what were our only experts a few generations ago somewhere around the volcano.

TO: Empress Catalia of the Empire of Forensatha, of the House of Cats.
FROM: Northam-York, Captain Jaxson

Err...I suggest that they be dealt with in your own nation and trails because they haven't committed a crime in Northam-York. The geologists we can send a small group to help with the minerals and we'll be sending a small escort party to make sure things go smoothly. I hope you don't mind the two man escort just to make sure things go very well.

There was a roar of laughter from the PM's office. The PM, along with the Heads Of the Army, Navy & Air Force and the Foreign Secretary, had been told about a broadcast from a new nation emerging onto the world stage.

After Xavier stopped laughing, he turned to the Foreign Secretary

"Lucky the Queen wasn't invited to see!" The room erupted in laughter again.

"May as well send them a welcome message"

_________________________________________________________

TO: Empress Catalia of the Empire of Forensatha, of the House of Cats
FROM: Xavier McCartney, Prime Minister Of The United Kingdom Of Ustio North
SUBJECT: Welcome

May I be the first to welcome your nation to the world stage. When we first became a nation, we found that the world was a dangerous place for a small nation such as yourself. If ever you need assistance, all you have to do is ask.

My warmest regards

Xavier McCartney,
Prime Minister Of Ustio North

Catalia frowned when she saw the communication from the newest one. Not because it was anything bad, but because it reminded her of a longstanding argument within her own nation. The military had always been, to a degree, ignored. Mostly because there hadn't really been a need to bother with it.

"The military has been wanting an upgrade from our nation... Solidrin, can we spare the funds from other projects to deal with them?" Catalia asked.

"Of course, Empress. But, why do you ask? You've never had an interest in the military," came the answer.

"You're right in that. But, our main protection has always been going unnoticed. Thanks to these two, we've been noticed. We need to make sure our military is not behind the times anymore," the Empress said.

"If that is to be effective, then our communication systems..." Solidrin began.

"Must be solidified. I know. My mother started the project. Call the Houses of Dragons and Serpents. I think they may be interested in where we're headed..."

To: President Justin Santandre of the Republic of Tarrnidre
From: Empress Catalia of the Empire of Forensatha, of the House of Cats

I would be interested in establishing an embassy with you. We have room, within the grounds of the Imperial Palace, for an embassy. Admittedly, the palace is a lot more than just a mere building now, but the total city itself was included under the name out of simplicity.

To: Captain Jaxson of Northam-York
From: Empress Catalia of the Empire of Forensatha, of the House of Cats.

They will be dealt with, then. Pity for them. And, the escort is not minded. We understand that things can get troublesome and that tiny nations are not necessarily the safest or best to trust.

Also, how do you feel about establishing an embassy?

To: Xavier McCartney, Prime Minister Of The United Kingdom Of Ustio North
From: Empress Catalia of the Empire of Forensatha, of the House of Cats.

Thank you. The welcome is most appreciated. We are currently looking for trading partners, as well as people with which to establish embassies. And, it is with hope that this is a sign of good things to come.

TO: Empress Catalia of the Empire of Forensatha, of the House of Cats
FROM: Xavier McCartney, Prime Minister Of The United Kingdom Of Ustio North
SUBJECT: Embassies

Well, I suppose it would be only fair to let you establish an embassy with Ustio. If you wish to establish trade links, i'm sure we can work something out.

Our Embassy Website (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=552373)

Regards

Xavier McCartney,
Prime Minister Of Ustio North

OOC: Forensatha, you have a telegram

To: Captain Jaxson of Northam-York
From: Empress Catalia of the Empire of Forensatha, of the House of Cats.

They will be dealt with, then. Pity for them. And, the escort is not minded. We understand that things can get troublesome and that tiny nations are not necessarily the safest or best to trust.

Also, how do you feel about establishing an embassy?


TO: Empress Catalia of the Empire of Forensatha, of the House of Cats.
FROM: Northam-York, Captain Jaxson

They are being sent as we speak along with the escort party. I'm sure we'll be interested in establishing an embassy in your country but we still re-building parts of the country since the Civil War ended so it'll be some time before we send an embassador.

Amber Crown, Oslea

The National News Network had coincidentally running a series informing Osleans of other countries of the world when Forensatha had commissioned an official transmission introducing their country to the stage of the world. Fitting in perfectly with the series' theme, titled Our World, the NNN gave it air time.

The President, along with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Minister of Defence, as well as the Minister of Foreign Relations, sat down in their chairs around a long table with their eyes fixated on the screen. The Government saw this as an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic relations with a country as well as possibly a new trade opportunity.

----
Channel 3, National News Network

"...after another repeated Djupeslandi terrorist attack, General Van Hoo has promised to step action against the rebels by increasing air support within the region."

"And now, with Robert Vandermeyer, Our World."

The screen switched to a man sitting in a chair, with a straight posture and hands at his lap.

"Thank you. Today, we have a very special transmission from the Government of Forensatha, where they will announce themselves to the world."

With the focus now on a throne room a man started speaking to the camera introducing himself.

"I am Herald Kwenles, lead scientist of the Empire of Forensatha...."

----

"Don't these guys have a colony near us in the Eastern region of New Lanzanzi.. Something? I can never remember it." The Minister of Foreign Relations asked.

"Yeah, I believe they have the small island next to us. With their colony so close, I think friendly relations is a good thing, don't you think?" President Fisher replied, sipping his cup of coffee.

----

"We are currently standing in the the throneroom of the Imperial Palace in..."

"What do you think you're doing?"

At this moment, the clumsy scientist ripped off the Empress' robe.

----

President Fisher spit out his coffee, and laughed furiously along with the rest of the Government officials.

"Hahahah! Oh God... Announcing themselves to the world all right... Gahahah..." The Chief of Staff of the Army quipped.

----
20 minutes later

After crying their eyes out, the Government officials decided to take this seriously.. Or attempted to.

"Ok... Okay, so... We have to send a communique... Hehehahah..." The President couldn't control himself.

The President opened his laptop and tried to compose a message.

"Dear Smoking Hot... No wait, I can't write that."
----

Official Communique from the United States of Oslea

Dear Empress of Forensatha,

We have received your... slightly unusual introduction to the world and would like to extend our hand in greeting you to the world stage.

Oslea would like nothing more than to maintain a peaceful, healthy, and fruitful relationship with your country, especially since we both own land in the islands of New Larzanziba. As well, with such a large Commerce budget, we are always interested in trade and partnerships. Our Government-owned oil company Universal Petroleum is looking to expand in foreign markets, and if you are willing to let UP operate on your soil we shall pay you a handsome sum of money, and UP will hire local citizens, boosting your economy.

Regards,
Scott W. Fisher
President of the United States of Oslea

OOC: Will reply after I've slept some.

TO: Empress Catalia of the Empire of Forensatha, of the House of Cats.
FROM: Northam-York, Captain Jaxson

They are being sent as we speak along with the escort party. I'm sure we'll be interested in establishing an embassy in your country but we still re-building parts of the country since the Civil War ended so it'll be some time before we send an embassador.

To: Captain Jaxson of Northam-York
From: Empress Catalia of the Empire of Forensatha, of the House of Cats

We thank you. Our main issue is investigating the volcano, specifically the lands around it. We've had some unusual properties associated with some of the local hotsprings and are wondering if we have more natural resources than we're aware of.

And, we are willing to attempt to help you with some rebuilding. We do not have many resources, but we can attempt to provide you with some extra food and a few other supplies. Our people are well-fed and can tighten their belts for a year if necessary.

Official Communique from the United States of Oslea

Dear Empress of Forensatha,

We have received your... slightly unusual introduction to the world and would like to extend our hand in greeting you to the world stage.

Oslea would like nothing more than to maintain a peaceful, healthy, and fruitful relationship with your country, especially since we both own land in the islands of New Larzanziba. As well, with such a large Commerce budget, we are always interested in trade and partnerships. Our Government-owned oil company Universal Petroleum is looking to expand in foreign markets, and if you are willing to let UP operate on your soil we shall pay you a handsome sum of money, and UP will hire local citizens, boosting your economy.

Regards,
Scott W. Fisher
President of the United States of Oslea


OOC note: There's actually a difference of years between when this topic takes place and when Forensatha buys that island. I'm reflecting that in my post, but I find the idea of this amusing enough that I'll include something as to how it would have gotten broadcasted again.

IC:

A few years after the unusual entry into the world's stage

Solidrin yawned as he entered the throne room. Last night they had done a highlight reel of the Empress's rule over the nation, going from the infamous hunt for a unicorn to her more recent actions, such as buying property in another nation. And with the construction on a geothermal plant beginning this year, many felt that the nation was adapting well. It was growing, the populace was growing, and their economy was definitely getting stronger. The amount of homeless people had even, for the first time since the founding of the Empire, gone down in comparison to the rest of the population. The Houses were not happy with all decisions made, but they didn't do more than state their disapproval, even though most of them openly recognized that the nobility was now in a stronger position than it started.

Solidrin also noticed how people treated him differently. News of the Empress managing to finally get him to notice her in a certain way had leaked out and, right now, he was treated as though he was the next Emperor. He mentally reflected on how unusual it felt, given that he had been owned by the Imperial Family for all of his life, to have this change. The Empress herself had noted it, yet she didn't act as though there were anything wrong and none of the other noble families felt it was out of the ordinary. It was not the only thing changing in the Imperial Palace, as now the section devoted entirely to the Imperial Family had pictures of the previous rulers of the nation hanging, taken from a photo album that Catalia had found after an extensive search of the entire city.

Catalia herself finally entered the throneroom, coming through the entrance from behind the throne and smiling. She had, for once, donned jeans and a t-shirt, which was a rarity for her. Admittedly, her being in the room and dressed was a rarity, due to the needs of the nation, but it was even rarer for her not to be wearing more traditional clothing. But, then, this was a rare day in total, as they currently had a break from running the nation.

"That was still mean of you to include that international broadcast," Catalia said, her voice teasing.

Solidrin grinned. That first international broadcast had certainly changed everything. And the glare she had given him when she saw it on the highlight reel. But, she had laughed at it. It was embarassing at the time, but she was certainly far from the first ruler the Empire had seen naked. Especially since the Empire had once been ruled by the House of Rabbits, specifically the portion of that House that believed in public nudity...

"Empress and Emperor, I'm sorry to interrupt..." came a guard, standing by the door nervously.

"Our day wouldn't be complete without at least one," Catalia said, humor still in her voice. "What happened?"

"We may have accidentally broadcasted part of the highlight reel internationally..." the guard began.

"Please tell me it wasn't the unicorn hunt!"

"No, Empress. It was our entry onto the international scene. We forgot to block one route of communication and it managed to get to another nation. They've, um, sent a reply," the guard said.

"Well, I better reply to it. And we need to have a talk with the other Houses about our communications system. I've been putting it off, but this latest one just highlights the issue."

===========================
Imperial International Communication
===========================

To: President Scott W. Fisher of the United States of Oslea
From: Empress Catalia and Emperor Solidrin of the Empire of Forensatha, of the House of Cats

We thank you for the greeting, though the transmission itself is an accidental retransmission. We're currently working on our internal communications systems and are discovering that some of the antiquated parts of it are far more problematic than we previously believed. It seems the Emperor's prank upon his significant other has had unintended, but not entirely unbeneficial, consequences.

We certainly would not mind setting up trade and other relations. We currently have no plans for the oil on that island, as the oil we have within our nation still proves sufficient through conservation efforts and a populace that is willing to sacrifice access to cars in exchange for other resources. At current, we are still developping that island.

We would like to exchange the oil for gold. Gold itself is useful in electronics, and we will have a need for a lot of electronics in dealing with the communications systems.

===============
End Communication
===============

"Emperor?" Solidrin asked.

"Are you going to say no?" Catalia asked coyly.

OOC: Bump.

Official Communique from the United States of Oslea

We thank you for the offer, but we will have to decline for the moment until our gold extraction operation in our newly acquired land in New Larzanziba starts and we start seeing results.

Of course, we will send a message concerning this deal when we acquire a reasonable amount of the aforementioned gold that exists on the island. The island was advertised to have numerous gold deposits as well as rumoured gold temples, so we are confident that we will be successful.

Regards,
Scott W. Fisher
President of the United States of Oslea

OOC: The 'few years' thing just sailed over my head..

===========================
Imperial International Communication
===========================

To: President Scott W. Fisher of the United States of Oslea
From: Empress Catalia and Emperor Solidrin of the Empire of Forensatha, of the House of Cats

We are willing to negotiate for the gold at a later date. For now, let's talk oil and jobs...

There are those who have come to the lengths of blocking an old video, an infamous video of the first, interesting presentation of the previously isolationist Forensatha. In a society free of both social taboos and speech, such was as unlikely as it was for a swastika to be praised, and thus, it was inevitable that, in a matter of years, the video of Empress Catalina would become a hit in video broadcasting web sites of the Confederacy, with nearly hundred million of views in the most popular of them, seriesoftubes.com , and equally, the spread of the still image of the Empress New Clothes through P2Ps and websites, a more than enough justification for avoiding direct contact with Foresantha, for it would be cheesy to explain to them that, for the sake of freedom, their Empress has become the wet dream of lonely teenagers, and that her image circulated in nearly completely unregulated porn sites.

Alas, there was not much of a taboo into such things in the Confederacy, and some actually liked to walk around naked, or to be filmed getting laid. Public nudism and sex, specially in certain seedy neighborhoods, were commonplace, and there was little of taboos, shames or status. Neither there was any figure of authority, unless the daughter of one of the revolutionaries that formed their nation, now elected as a direct representative, bound to the will of the people, in the role of a head of State, who was not really very different in certain ways.

Unless she was in a foreign diplomatic mission, Cecily Lockhelm would dress very casually to everyday contacts with the people that were her "bosses" in a certain way. Nothing was wrong or inadequate. Be it a tank top, a short dress, a t-shirt with jeans, a military uniform from her service times, or even a bikini on the beaches, the young head of State seemed to care very little about codes or formalities. The only exception was that, at least in public, she was never caught naked, for aparently unlike some of the averagely libertine women in the Confederacy, Cecily had a certain worry on privacy.

Checking for more sources of cheap uranium from her home office, wearing her pajamas as usual, aware of the importance of such resource for their survival, as the Confederacy sheer majority of energy needs were provided by nuclear power, she has eventually spotted some interesting rumors about the very nation from where the infamous video has come. Apparently there were laws restricting the exploration of uranium, and apparently they were not aware of what tended to happen with nations that refused to deal with such type of thing, like Kahanistan. However she knew that to convince them to break such laws, more would be necessary. It was the time to pull some diplomatic cards, and it would serve as a good "training" for engaging diplomacy with more strategically important nations, as the Confederacy became less and less isolationist. Perhaps seeking the other, ever critical resource of the industrial age first would be an wise start.

And thus, Cecily prepared a message, and hoped they would not check the Internet video and porn sites of Third Spanish States, but the risk was acceptable for the benefits, and perhaps, it would be possible to exert some diplomatic pressure over it for the establishment of freedom, or more. Having watched it herself, she couldn't help either but laugh at the first time she saw it. It was a very good thing that she was not really much of a celebrity, and that her private life was not focused over that of an average Joe, for otherwise Cecily would have a hell of a privacy nightmare. There were rumors on the Internets about her, Internets as there were two different networks in the Confederacy, but as a certain community would say on those rumors, "Pics or GTFO", and as they had no image to back them up, they soon were forgotten, for her luck, for they were not completely wrong guesses.

-----------------------

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/38/Mutualismo.svg/120px-Mutualismo.svg.png
Confederación International

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/3008/diplonettd1.jpg

Guided by the will of the people of The Confederacy of Third Spanish States, with its energetic needs ever growing with its development and peaceful expansion, I would be very interested in establishing a permanent commercial and diplomatic mission into the Empire of Forensatha. Although much of our economy has transitioned to a state independent of fossil fuels, petroleum is still a vital resource as ever, and in face of the future possibilities, we are interested in seeking new importers, while also, our bustling arms, computing and electronics sector of workers cooperatives is seeking for new markets to sell their premium quality products.

Although I have already plans for a visit first, I will eventually, should you agree with, personally visit the Empire of Forensatha to discourse with Empress Catalina the potential for future diplomatic and commercial relations between our nations, and perhaps, for the possible establishment of some of our workers cooperatives into your soil to help the development of your nation's economy. I hope that we can grow into a solid and fruitful relation, ideological differences aside.

Attentiously
Cecily Lockhelm (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/09/Cleyere.jpg)
Head of State, vigilante and military advisor

Catalia was, of course, surprised to find her nation had yet another communication. After some consideration, she finally turned to Solidrin, dismissing the guard who had interrupted their quiet time at the hot spring. This was one of the safer ones, without the hallucinatory effects that had made the others more popular around the teenage crowd. Catalia personally found the headaches, once one got their head clear, to be discouragement enough from visiting those. Most teens were not noted as being regulars of those, either.

"What do we know about this nation?" Catalia asked.

"Not much. Our diplomatic corps ignored them, since they didn't consider it likely that we'd have any contact with them. I remember there being something mentioning their name along with several others, but it was years ago," Solidrin said.

"How many years?" Catalia asked.

"Six or seven, I think," came the answer.

"Hmm. I... Wait, I remember. They're one of the nations that recieved the transmission. Quite a few on that list that we've not heard from," Catalia said.

"Yes. Perhaps later, Empress?" Solidrin suggested?

Two hours later, they were back in the Imperial palace, with Solidrin dealing with an internet search on the nation while Catalia called the diplomatic corps to see if they could have gained any information that she wasn't aware of. While the call to the diplomatic corps yielded nothing, Solidrin's searching managed to get results... and he was unsure whether or not to share them with his future wife.

"What have you fou... You've got to be kidding me," Catalia said.

"I wish I was. We always knew this was a possibility," Solidrin said.

"Can we block the websites?" Catalia asked, looking away from her own nude image on the screen.

"Do you really wish to restrict our people in that way?" came the reply.

"You're right; it wouldn't be right for me to do so. See if you can pull up other information on them."

It was an hour later when Solidrin was done. And he wasn't smiling. The nation came up with several redflags based on an information packet they had put out. And he knew it could only get worse at her review of the information.

"You're not going to like this," Solidrin said.

"How bad?" was the natural question.

"Anarchy, direct democracy, an entire artificial continent, nuclear power, and a militaristic bent. This nation is, effectively, an anarchist free state with access to advanced nuclear technology and a willingness to use its military. This nation also has a military much, much larger than our's," Solidrin said.

"So you think they might attempt military force where diplomacy may fail?" Catalia asked.

"Given their culture? I am unsure."

"We knew the risks of going international. I guess it's time to deal with the inevitable."

===========================
Imperial International Communication
===========================

To: Head of State Cecily Lockhelm
From: Empress Catalia and Emperor Solidrin of the Empire of Forensatha, of the House of Cats

We are currently considering your communication. However, we do have some questions as to your nations intentions, given our opposing viewpoints of governmental and economic setups. As such, we would be willing to send a representative to your nation to discuss the visit there with you first before going further.

We will be willing to work out any misunderstandings through diplomatic channels.

===============
End communicartion
===============