Kalistani Major History

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On Leave with William Ananto-Flores
Crown Prince Discusses his experiences in the NSP with podcasters
Kaliburg, Ananto
July 17, 5244


Crown Prince William sits down with hosts of the podcast "Kaliburg Today"

Following the completion of his first year of national service in the NSP, Crown Prince William Ananto-Flores decided to take leave. While on leave he agreed to an interview with former college friend Fred Humphries and Mira Villanueva of the "Kaliburg Today" podcast. The Crown Prince doesn't do many interviews since he has enlisted in the National Service Program, where he is conscripted as a part of the culinary services corps in the Ananto Duchy Division. Below is a transcript of the Interview.

K(aliburg) T(oday): Hello, Bill. It's nice to get to talk with you again.

W(illiam) A(nanto-Flores): Thank you. It's good to see you all again.

KT: Before we begin, how's the NSP treating you?

WA: It's going good, for sure. I'm meeting a lot of new people, making some friends, getting some discipline and all that sort of thing.

KT: And what do you do in the NSP?

WA: I am a "Conscript Culinary Generalist".

KT: That sounds like a fairly important title. Something to do with being a chef I imagine?

WA: Well, sort of. Conscript Culinary Generalist is basically the dudes you meet at the messhall who give you the food.

KT: Oh, the Servers?

WA: Yes. And, before you laugh, the servers are pretty important people in the NSP. We are personally responsible for moving more than 1600 people though our messhall in an hour, and we work three shifts a day, three hours on, two hours off, three hours on, 24 hours a day seven days a week. We are the last quality check in what we like to call "the food chain": which is the name for the process of ordering, receiving, inventorying and stocking, pulling preparation and serving, that ensures that millions of NSPers get fed three squares a day. All CCG's are responsible for inspecting food quality, temperature and safety, and we have to run a tight well disciplined ship or the whole mechanism breaks down. Plus, we get to hear everyone yelling at us about how there's no more syrup at the waffle station, or the Milk in the coolers is out, or how their bacon is not cooked how their moms used to cook it and they aren't eating any more of this slop... Constantly.

KT: You know, you're right. I thought we mechanics had a rough gig, having to move pieces all over the shop and torque out bolts and such. But you are right: I didn't even think about what an important job the guys who work in the messhall have! We used to love getting off shift and going to the chowhall and kicking back with a good plate of food.

WA: I think every job in the NSP is important somehow. This program, which is more than 2000 years old, operates as a well oiled machine, constantly improving and becoming more efficient with each passing generation, and the operations of the State, that is, the things the State DOES so the people do not have to, relies on every single member of the NSP to do their job.

KT: Have you learned anything about your future role as Emperor while in the NSP?

WA: Not so much learned as re-affirmed for me the importance of that archaic institution to the functioning of Kalistan. To think: Some countries do not have National Service. They take their best and brightest right out of school, throw them out on the street and say: "Congratulations on your completion of school. Now get a job." But they never bother to teach their young people what that even means. How do you "get a job?" What do you do when you have one? You know: Waking up on time every day on time, and doing hygiene, and straightening up your quarters, and making it to your appointed station every day ready to work, that's a skill. And other countries just expect kids, who have never been asked to do these things in any systemic way, to just automatically know how to do them. And then they are supposed to just automatically know how to manage your money on top of all that, and pay your bills and what happens if you get married? It's a mess on those other places... But here we have the NSP, and we get to learn like life skills before we have to go out and do them. I am getting so much in the NSP, just by being there. I feel ten times more disciplined and responsible than I ever did as a student, and that's because our NSP puts me in a position where I am taught how to do things and given every opportunity to not only master the skill, but fail in a way where it won't turn into some sort of catastrophe. The people who created the NSP were real forward thinking individuals.

KT: Yeah, I think when we finished up our service, we were prepared to do just about anything. We didn't have to spend time learning how to make appointments, or manage a personal budget. We got lots of practice in the NSP. I am sure these skills will help you in just about anything that you do, from working construction to being the emperor.

WA: I know in my family, the NSP was strongly supported. It really is the Institution in Kalistan which maintains the greatest degree of public support. Because everyone does it: Everyone has a stake in it. And they all know what they are learning and how it applied, becasue we are told constantly. You need this algebra to plan your budget, or whatever... you need to set your alarm because we have a team meeting before the shifts tomorrow. It's time for physical training. Get out of your racks...

KT: But at the same time, we're sure its nice to have leave and be able to return to your home for some good rest.

WA: Yeah, it's nice. Work for 11 months, take the 12th one off. Wash and repeat about 3 times. I've been back in Kaliburg for a few days, and this is really the first time I've been in my apartment since maybe September of last year, after I finished basic. I'm glad they were able to keep it up well for me. It's sort of a nice tranquil spot, and I like coming here. Maybe seeing some friends, that sort of thing. Going out to a show, whatever. This is homebase for now, and I might keep this residence, once I move up...

KT: What's your trajectory in the Messhall look like?

WA: Well, I have three more years in. I am likely going to be promoted within the next two months to Conscript Specialist, and they will move me off the line and back into the kitchen. I'd like to become a baking apprentice: I think this baker I knew, he decided to make a career of the NSP and full on enlisted, he was this awesome baker and could make dinner rolls to die for. He had a special technique: Butter folded into the bread dough; I saw him do it once, and I was like "Aw no way: that's his secret!"... EVERYONE found out when that guy was on and would rush the chowhall. I'd like to follow in that guy's foot steps and maybe even learn from him before I get out. But I am gonna learn how to make those rolls. Once I learn the techniques, I can be a baker, in my spare time, of course... When I am not, you know, sticking my pinkie out to make lackeys kiss it.

KT: So your experience in the NSP has been generally positive?

WA: It has been explicitly positive. It's been a very rewarding and educational experience. I am glad I didn't go right into government after school. There will be plenty of time for this when I finally get there.

KT: Is there anything else you'd like to say about the NSP or somethings our listeners would be interested in knowing about?

WA: Just join, and if you all are in Dulnerstaad Station for a meal, come up and say hello to me once in a while. That's where I am at currently. Maybe next year, they will send me to Sulari, but for right now, its the pride of the North Coast for me.

KT: Thank you for your time, and meanwhile, we should totally hang out while you're in town. There's a show tonight at the Lolla Theater that you might like.

WA: Totally man. I have an open calendar.

This episode of Kaliburg today will be aired on July 31, of this year.

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Clock ticks down for Crown Prince
Abdication Bill floated in National Assembly
Kaliburg, Ananto
Feb 25, 5247


William Ananto-Flores, 24, in his first official photo, is to be crowned in October

His Imperial Majesty David I Ananto has reigned in Kalistan for nearly 4 decades, but his time is officially nearing its end, as the Institutionalist Government in Kaliburg floats an abdication bill that will allow him to retire to his estate in Dulnerstaad and will name his Grandson William Ananto-Flores the next Emperor of Ananto and Kalistan.

"The Crown Prince has been putting this date off as long as he can," said Royal Watcher Jonas Smith, of Kaliburg, "But now there is no reason that will allow the reluctant heir to avoid assuming the throne. William, who is now 26, has been doing National Service for the past few years and then college before that, but October 7th is the date certain. There will be no more delays."

William has more or less grown up in the Spot Light. Normally quiet and camera shy, the Anantos have generally avoided talking with reporters or mingling with commoners. But William seems of a different sort: An actor by trade who agreed to serve as Emperor when his father refused the office, William has spent the last decade preparing for the role of his life: That of the Sovereign of and Empire. The Abdication Bill officially names him Emperor, vacates the title of Empress and Crown Prince (until such time as the Emperor recreates those titles, and names Grand Duchess of Kalistan, Marlene Fredricksson as Heir Apparent in the event that the Grand Duke does not produce an heir. Duchess Fredricksson, who was a close associate of the Empress Katherine I and has Administered the Grand Duchy of Kalistan for the last 6 years as Viceroy is 38, and is known as a careful administrator, maintaining a tight grip on the bureaucracy and regularly enforcing strict fiscal and social discipline over the Dukes and Counts who stand beneath her. She is the polar opposite of the fun loving Emperor in every way, and yet all who know her respect her ability to keep budgets balanced and her efforts both to relieve tax burdens on the lower classes, as well as provide social services.

Grand Duchess Marlene Fredricksson, of Kalistan is named Heir Apparent pending issue from the Emperor

Both Ananto-Flores and Fredricksson are Brethrenists. Fredricksson is a member of the "Fighting Brethren", opting to do military service rather than civil service.

David and katherine have both indicated that they would like to spend their retirement travelling the world, beginning in Lourenne and gradually making their way to Artania and Majatra.

Coronation ceremonies will be held privately, as has been the tradition for all previous coronations. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince will finish National Service in September and then will begin preparing for the transition. It is expected that William will maintain his residence in Kaliburg, rather than moving into the Estate at Eveari, but will keep the estate open as a vacation house, and will otherwise, find other socially responsible uses for much of it while he is away.

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Yoshimi Hip Hop group Gnarly Fam to play Kundrati Peace Concert
Suldanor Hip Hop group leaves the Empire for the first time
Sulari, Suldanor
August 18, 5247


Gnarly Fam, the forerunners of "Southern Hip Hop" in Kalistan to play Reconciliation Concert in Kundrati

Kalistan has been asked to send Kalistani Musicians to play the Kundrati Reconciliation concert, to celebrate the end of the civil strife in Kundrati next year. Ever the supporters of both international peace and music festivals, ARC records volunteered two of its acts for the Festival. The Kalistani set will be headlined by Suldanor Hip Hop veterans and pioneers of the "Southern Hip Hop" sound, The Gnarly Fam, to represent The Empire at the Music fest. Gnarly Fam plans to play their recent hit song [url]"(Gonna Have a) Good Day"[/url] as well as a complete set including fan favorite "Up and Done It" from their first record.

Group leader and primary lyricist A Dawg said the band was very excited to play overseas. "We never been out the country, you know? It's finna be dope!" Asked if he knew much about the Kundrati Situation, A Dawg admitted he was not as up on the events of the war as he would like to be, but looked forward to celebrating the peace with the people of Kundrati. "I mean, that Junta, or whatchu might call them, the one thats causin all that sh-- for those people, they seemed like some bad dudes. I was pretty happy when the killing ended in Keita, and I was like 'Damn!' when those guys was spraying the people with those helicopters. We ain't got sh-- like that here in Yoshimi' and when I saw those people getting killed by the drones, I was like 'Pray for them people...' But the war's over. Maybe we'll get to talk to some people there and see how their war experience was." He hoped his band's music would help heal the war torn nation.

Gnarly Fam will be supported by Dana Ska group The Rivers, who scored a Top 20 hit last year with their song "You never Loved Me." Both Gnarly Fam and The Rivers record on ARC, and have toured Suldanor together within the last year. "It'll be nice to hang out with Gnarly again," said Rivers' lead singer Helen Thomas. "They're down home dudes. Good guys to just hang out with, and they also know how to find all the Parties!"

The Concert will happen early next year in the Kundrati capitol, if the security situation permits.

Check out the "Up and Done it" Video here!

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu2XDQohtGI]

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KALMILINCO begins refitting Kalistani Regular Forces
Priority is on Regular Army, Naval and Air refitting scheduled to begin within 2 years
Sulari, Suldanor
February 18, 5251


The All-terrain Troop Carrier M-2105A2, produced by KMI and MoCo

Kalistan's private automobile manufacturer, The Kalistani Motor Company (KMC) has begun fulfilling a K2.6 bn contract to begin producing new Light-Armored, All terrain troop transports (LAATs) designated M2100 for the Kalistani Regular Army. This work, outsourced to the private sector to allow KALMILINCO to focus on production of more technically advanced weapons systems such as the new M12 Reynolds 105mm Light Tank, which are designed to support the combat Infantry Battalion, and replace outdated Main Battle tanks which have served the Kalistani military for centuries but have long since outlived the Empire's ability to source new parts for, and which have all been retired and scrapped. The M12 Reynolds, designed over the last six years at the National Proving Grounds near Sulari by KALMILINCO, has received final approval for deployment, and the first battalions will be fielded by December of this year, one in Odufaray and one in Ananto. Besides the new tanks, KMI has been producing new artillery pieces and has brought both the Regular Army and the Militia, who purchased the systems from KMI at cost, up to full strength as of last year.

While the tanks are being constructed, KMI turned to KMC and asked them to begin producing the lightly armored vehicles, focusing primarily on three variants of the M-2100 LAATs: the 2101 is a hard back version, designed to serve as a mobile command vehicle, the 2103 is designed to serve as a small transport of either troops and/or supplies, and can seat a squad of soldiers comfortably with arms, ammo and packs, and the 2105 which is designed to be a mobile operations center for intel and artillery, and which features a hard back allowing for nighttime operations under full light discipline. Two other variants are currently being designed and will go into production early next year: One with a combat drone control center and one which serves as a mobile fire base to serve shoulder fired SAM crews. These vehicles will contain advanced electronics targeting systems and therefore require larger power plants. Each vehicle can tow a cargo trailer upon which a pallecon can be loaded, or a generator. KMC is also rolling out larger transport and cargo vehicles including 5 ton trucks and larger capacity troop carriers.

KMI was adamant that the vehicles produced by MOCO have hydrogen fuel cells or electric batteries with photovoltaic recharging ability and storage capacity. the entire roof of the 01 and 05 are therefore lined with photovoltaics to allow for recharge. Developing a renewable powerplant for the more heavily armored vehicles has been challenging: At the moment, KMI has gone with a hybrid engine with efficiencies built in designed to return heat energy to the vehicle for use in operation.

The focus on the Ground forces has forced KMI to put naval refitting on the back burner. Carbon fiber production has increased over the last year as has steel production, but the materials are still in the process of being collected to begin the refitting, which is now scheduled to begin within five years. "We need to completely refit some of the hulls of these vehicles," said Naval undersecretary Vera Matthews. "Refitting some of these vessels will take us months: in a lot of cases the ships have had to stay at anchor, because our dry dock facilities have not been able to keep up with maintenance, and Kalistan hasn't invested in new infrastructure in centuries. So we will save what we can and scrap and rebuild what we have to." Matthews said the full refitting of the Regular navy will not be completed before 5165.

Meanwhile, KMI has begun working once more with AeroKal in Gendaris to begin producing the old F/A-10 fighters that Kalistan produced with Indrala during the Republican period. "The fighters are old," said KMI spokeswoman Jenny Wilson, "but they are still top of their class, and we expect to continue to deploy them for a long time to come." There has been some rumors of the development of a new interceptor class in the works, which could dramatically increase Kalistani presence over the Ananto Straits and the Anantonese Ocean, but if these rumors are to be believed, planning is in its early phase, and there have been no official announcements about any new aircraft. Wilson noted that production on a new batch of F/A-10 fighters was able to go ahead, but will be slow due to Kalistani engineers working on an update of the avionics, targeting and flight control systems. "These systems were Indralan, and we just sort of worked with them. We have been designing new flight control systems especially, as well as targeting that communicates with our new generation radar and ground defense weapons to create a more integrated theater. A lot of the the old Indralan tech has to therefore be sidelined while we develop and test new systems. Meanwhile, we will still supply the Regular Airforce with new weaponry that they are used to flying and have plenty of training on."

The full restoration of the Kalistani regular forces is expected to last through 5170. The greenlight for the refitting was given by his Imperial Majesty William I and the Government has finally allocated serious money to the project. Unions and military members are reportedly "thrilled" for the new investment.

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Emperor William I Ananto on Dating while Ruling
"It's tougher than you'd think"
Sulari, Suldanor
February 26, 5251


Emperor William I Ananto appears on "Brian Flores Tonight"

The Emperor of Ananto and Kalistan, His Imperial Majesty William I Ananto made an appearance on the popular nighttime talkshow "Brian Flores Tonight" where he discussed numerous issues with host and comedian Brian Flores. The two young men, who have known each other for years, joked about old times, the state of world affairs and the Emperor's new life as reigning Monarch of Kalistan.

"I've taken to government like a prisoner takes to recreation in a cell," said The Emperor. "Mostly it's fairly boring. I wake up in the morning, make someone a count, go shake some hands of foreign dignitaries, meet with the PM --always a hoot--, do PT with the Sergeant of the Imperial Guard, lunch, tea... ummm, smile and wave at the cameras, I mean, that kind of stuff..."

"You do PT?" Asked Flores who was invited to speak informally with the Emperor during the show. "Yeah," said the Emperor. "We do cardio three times a week, you know, running 10 miles around the Mall and down to Port Devon and everything... The coffee shops all know me, so I can come in there all sweaty and nobody is like 'Oh its the Emperor, oh your highness' and all that... they know I drink mocha... it's fun..." and the other two days? "We lift weights... Sergeant Yeager can outlift me by a good 100 pounds... it's ridiculous and a little intimidating. I'm glad he's on my side."

The conversation meandered, and finished up with a discussion of the Emperor's dating life. "Oh, come on, Brian. I don't want to embarrass anyone..." Flores pressed the question, informing the Emperor that at least four interns on the show insisted that he ask. "Well, yes, I am seeing someone, but we're keeping it low key. We go to shows and stuff, you know." On the topic of dating, the Emperor was lighthearted, but a little more serious than he had been earlier in the evening: "It's fun, but it's a lot tougher than you'd think. I want to protect her privacy and everything, and that means we can't go out everywhere that normal people go, because I got this bodybuilder dude as my personal security guard all the time, and he just don't fit into, eh... intimate settings all that well, you know?"

Flores followed up: "Is there any marriage plans in your future?" to which the Emperor answered, "Well, we'll see. She still wants to travel and maybe do some business overseas and so forth and I'm still a free spirit too. We haven't talked about it but we're not there yet. It's just fun, like 2 month old fun right now. Let me take her to a few more movies first and I'll get back to you and tell you what she says, alright?"

Speculation as to who the lady could possibly be then began in earnest on the internet, as various social media trending topics lit up concerning who the Emperor could possibly be dating. Most speculate that the lady in question is Helen Morrison, of the Dana ska punk band Goat Herder, but a few have suggested that it is possible that the Emperor could be dating Dulnerstaad model and professional surfer Yvette Dubois-Ste. Simon, who accompanied the Emperor to last year's Sunsplash Festival in Sulari. The Emperor, for his part could not be talked into divulging the name, and the show had to cut for a break ending the interview.

The Emperor made a final appearance during the show to introduce the thrash metal band MagLift, who were Flores' musical guests for the night, and he then joined Flores and the audience in an impromptu mosh pit as the show ended.

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Emperor orders Expansion of Port at Luxon
Ancient resort town to begin seeing commercial traffic within a Decade
Luxon, Ananto
August 18, 5251


Port at Luxon was once the commercial center of the Anantonese Ocean

The sleepy southern Ananto town of Luxon, home of the Global Music Hall of Fame, as well as ski resorts, beach boardwalk parks and natural areas, wasn't always so peaceful: It was once the commercial and monetary center of a vast trading empire that at once point controlled parts of modern day Gaduridos, Baltusia, Tukarali, Lodamon, Dolgava, and Sekowo. But in the last three thousand years, Luxon's reduced importance had redesignated it as a tertiary city in Ananto. It is now a haven of vacationing families, wealthy yacht owners and music historians.

But this will likely change within the next decade. Luxon's history as a commercial port on Ananto is soon to be picked back up again. His Imperial Majesty's government has begun drawing plans to expand the port facilities at the ancient city to include facilities that can handle modern cargo ships, as well as oil supertankers and naval vessels.

"In Ananto, we have Port Davon," said Trade Ministry spokeswoman Georgia Hanson, "which serves as a primary port for shipping goods into and out of Ananto. However, Port Davon itself is only the fourth busiest port in the nation, behind Sulari, Swedes and Eshar. Since it primarily serves the Island, most of the materials that come into Davon are specifically for the Island." Hanson also pointed out the dry dock facilities at both Davon and Bozo River for ship construction. "The Emperor's Government is eyeing the deep water harbor at Luxon not as a primary shipping port, but a construction port. The goal is to increase Kalistan's naval construction and repair capacity, while taking some of the load off of Davon."

In the newest provisional budget revision, which has been developed within His Majesty's government and conforms to William's strategic plan, Luxon will receive a new Dry Doc facility capable of either constructing or repairing up to 12 vessels at a time, either modern commercial ships or naval vessels, as well as upgraded rail links to both Kaliburg and Dahriel to the north. The Port area will also undergo major development of storage facilities linked by rail. The port will be fitted with modern container loading cranes capable of servicing 12-18 cargo ships a day, as well as facilities for 24 hour operation. The New facility is expected to cost the Empire K3.2 bn, and should take up to 10 years to complete.

"We would like the ability to be able to construct shipping without seriously affecting ingress and egress of vessels at Davon here on the Island," said Hanson. "Our capacities, especially for fabrication, as limited, as our facilities in Sulari, Bozo River and the National Ship Yards in Davon are older, and Swedes doesn't have dry dock facilities. Rather than greatly disrupt those active ports it will make more sense to simply add to capacity to allow for more modern experience." According to Hanson, Luxon was chocen because of the ancient and existing deep water harbor that is formed by the fast flowing Luxon River, and because of the fact that there is not a lot of sensitive wildlife in the adjacent waters. "The last thing we want to do is disrupt fisheries," said Hanson. "But the currents flow closer to the mainland and to Lourenne, and so Luxon is kind of sparse in terms of aquatic biodiversity."

The city of Luxon welcomes the expansion of the port, but also wants to make sure that other environmental and tourist concerns are met. "We thrive off of tourism in Luxon," said Mayor Ulrich Holmes. "It is a resort town, and has some of the best weather in Ananto. As a result, we want to make sure that people aren't forced to stay indoors because of a new port facility or naval facility in the area. So we made sure that the commercial aspect of the port is not overwhelming or spoiling for the Natural environment." Pollution controls were maxed out at the port, and clean water protocols were put in place from day 1 of the planning, and the expanded Luxon Port will maintain as much of an aesthetic charm befitting of its historic status as it will environmentally conscious operations practices.

The expansion of the port is expected to begin this September with a restoration of the Jetties. Dredging the port of debris and three thousand years of sediment will begin in the spring, as will expansion of rail service.

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Emperor is Engaged
William I Ananto to marry memebr of Lourennais Royal Dynasty
Kaliburg, Ananto
January 18th, 5253


Princess Rivière Orléans-Vassee-DeChambeau, daughter of Queen Eugenie and Prince Consort Francois of Lourenne to be named next Empress of Ananto and Kalistan

The Government of Kalistan today announced that His Imperial Majesty, Emperor William I Ananto is to be married in June of this year to Lourennais royal Princess Rivière Orléans-Vassee-DeChambeau, who is the daughter of the reigning Queen of Lourenne. Orleans has reportedly been dating the Emperor for just over two years, and has made several surreptitious trips to Kaliburg over this time. Speculation was high as to the Emperor was romantically involved with, but nobody suspected that he was dating a Princess, let alone the daughter of the current Queen of Lourenne.

"We would like to officially welcome the Princess and her entire family to Kalistan to celebrate the announcement in April," the official proclamation read. "The Emperor has asked his Government to make all necessary preparations for an official state visit by the royal family of Lourenne, and to extend his invitation specifically to his future in-laws as well as the Emperor and Empress of Istalia, and all other dignitaries, heads of state and governments, members of the Foreign Service, and citizens of foreign nations who wish to come to Kaliburg to celebrate the nuptials."

The actual marriage is intended to be a very small affair, with close family in attendance, and will be held in Brethrenist tradition. The wedding will be a sunrise wedding, and will take place at 6:30 AM Kaliburg Standard time. But then it is expected that the Emperor and new Empress will spend the remainder of the day touring the capitol city and will attend many public and private events to be held in honor of the wedding. "This way, His Imperial Majesty and the Royal Princess may focus on their wedding without much stress or circumstance, and then proceed to enjoy the rest of the day with family and friends."

The Prime Minister added to the official proclamation; "On a personal note, I speak for myself and the rest of His Majesty's government when I say, we have spent the last week visiting with the Princess Rivière, and have found her to be warm, charming, and intelligent. She has a very winning personality, and we agree, she will make a wonderful Empress for Kalistan."

When asked if this marriage entails any sort of duties to Lourenne by a sitting co-monarch of Kalistan, the Prime Minister noted that this was unlikely. "Being the youngest daughter of the current Queen, it is unlikely that she would ever become Queen in Lourenne. Additionally, I would think that marriage to the Emperor of Ananto and Kalistan would obviously force her to abandon any claims that she or the children, when there are some, would have over the Crown in Eroncourt. These are obviously matters for diplomats and the Sovereigns themselves to work out, but as I understand it, The Empress would not be in line for succession to the throne of Lourenne."

Speculation about the Emperor's significant other now resolved, Kalistan shall begin preparing for the Royal Wedding Celebration to be held on June 26th of this year, in Kaliburg. Upon completion of the wedding, the National Assembly will draft the bill officially naming Rivière Empress of Ananto and Kalistan, co-ruler, and Heir Apparent of the Empire. She will likely also receive a County in the process, and will therefore have an independent source of income. Rivière will be the first foreign born, non-Vrassan speaking Monarch to sit on the throne of Ananto and Kalistan in millennia.

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New Empress is Crowned
Kalistan welcomes newlywedded couple with celebration and festivities
Kaliburg, Ananto
July 26, 5253


Emperor William I Ananto and Empress Rivière stand for National Anthem at Kaliburg National Stadium following the Coronation Ceremony at the National Assembly

Today Emperor William I Ananto and Empress Rivière were officially married. The ceremony and subsequent coronation were both low key events which finished up around noon. The wedding took place at the Kalisan Annual Meetinghouse in Kaliburg, and was attended by members of the House of Ananto, including Duke George Carrangus of Suldanor and Grand Duchess of Kalistan Marlene Fredricksson, both of whom are cousins of the Emperor, as well as Rivière's parents Queen Eugenie and Prince Consort Francois, both of Lourenne and her siblings.

The wedding Meeting was deliberately kept simple and small in the Brethrenist tradition, and was mostly silent, save when guests were moved to speak well wishes and hopes for the new couple. Following this silent worship, William and Rivière both stood and spoke quietly to one another, exchanging the affirmations that they would remain together as a family, love and care for each other for the rest of their lives, seek help when it was needed, and celebrate when the mood took them. William presented Rivière with a small ring as a token of his affection and then Rivière presented William with a floral wreath, most likely at his request (it is widely believed that the Emperor will not wear jewelry of any kind), which he wore for the rest of the ceremony. The Clerk of the Yearly Meeting then closed the Meeting with a moment of silence and invited all guests present to sign the Marriage certificate as witnesses, thereby solemnizing the marriage. The Clerk presented the formalized Wedding Certificate to the Emperor and Empress to display in their home, following Brethrenist Tradition.

Following the early morning ceremony, the wedding party relocated to the National Assembly Upper House chambers, where in the presence of the Emperor, all marriage guests and the Prince of the Crown Tommaso Asahi and Miss Rebecca Antuono from Istalia, who represent the Emperor Nicola Allesandro II of Istalia, who were seated in the gallery, the Premier of Kalistan and leader of the Institutionalist Party, Miriam Newburg, read aloud the Coronation Proclamation passed unanimously in the National Assembly, acknowledging Rivière to be the new Empress of Ananto and Kalistan, vesting in her the sovereignty and co-equal authority with William. This preserves the tradition of the last three monarchs, who co-ruled with their spouses as equal partners in Administration of the Empire. The Premier then read an edict naming the new Empress Countess of Eveari in addition to her title as Empress of Ananto and Kalistan, and formalizing her station as Heir Apparent to the Throne. While the coronation event was very somber, it was followed by effusive applause, as Kalistan welcomed its new Empress.

Gnarly Fam plays at Ellysia Amphitheater at the concert sponsored by ODEN-K

At around 1pm, the newlywedded couple arrived at the National Stadium to watch an exhibition baseball game between the Kaliburg Republicans and the Eshar Pirates. Kaliburg won the game 6-5, with Republicans slugger Brad Fog hitting the game ending RBI in the bottom of the 9th Inning. "This is certainly an exciting and confusing sport," Empress Rivière commented when asked about her impression of the ball game. "I had to have Bill explain the rules to me again, and I then had to translate to my family. That was a little challenge, and we all had fun trying to figure out how to put the Luthori into Canrillaise. We also had the hot dog. I will not eat too many of those I imagine." Following the game, the royal couple retired to the Royal Apartments on the Mall, for a rest, while the remainder of the Wedding Party went on a sight seeing tour of the Capital.

Meanwhile, festivities kicked off across Kaliburg, starting with Live music shows at Red Woods Amphitheater outside of Ellysia, and parties downtown Kaliburg. The Red Woods concert featured rock band The Surfboards from Sulari and hip hop veterans Gnarly Fam It was free and open to all, and was sponsored by ODEN-K. More than 7500 people attended the concert, and also took in the cool redwood shaded nature trails that line the Ellysia Creek around which the Park is built.

The Lolla Street Party, to celebrate the Royal Wedding and Coronation of the Empress, was attended by more than 50,000 people as well as the Empress and Emperor

The Downtown Street Party began in Lolla, Kaliburg later in the afternoon, and was by far more well attended. More than 50,000 citizens of Kaliburg and Ananto came to the street fair, which featured free food, drink, and recreational chemicals. Live music was also on showcase in Lolla, with 18 rock, hiphop, reggae, and RF bands playing minisets in quick succession. Most businesses in the neighborhood had Party specials, and the event was tremendous fun for all. The Emperor and Empress attended the Lolla event as well, and for the most part dodged cameras by spending their time talking to people and having a lot of fun. The Emperor and Empress were accompanied by the Istalian Crown Prince Tommasso and Ms. Antuono, as well as Empress Rivière's siblings, Prince Phillipe and Princess Louise of Lourenne.

Emperor William flies solo, while Empress Rivière plays social butterfly and meets Kalistani well wishers who came out to celebrate the coronation

"We got to meet the Emperor and Empress," said denizens Gina Smith and Willa King. "The Empress was super nice. She signed an autograph and asked us about where we were from and everything. She barely speaks Vrassan, but her accent was to die for! We just love her and want to say Welcome to Kalistan! WOOOO!" Other partiers commented on the music. "It is always a great thing to hear live music in Kaliburg," said fan Lori Bluestein. "My favorite band that I saw tonight was Yes, the RF group from Kaliburg. We saw them a few months ago on a smaller stage. But seeing them with 50 thousand people all jumping around and having a great time was a totally different experience.

The celebrations lasted long into the night, even though both the Emperor and Empress retired at around 11pm. Other (younger) members of the Lourennais and Istalian royal families remained out and about, going to different parties in the Capitol and generally fraternizing with the Kalistani crowd. The visiting royals reportedly enjoyed being incognito, which is a rare privilege that they are seldom afforded at home. Celebrations also broke out across the Empire to honor the coronation, with a huge concert in Downtown Sulari headlined by the hard rock band Firestarter and a massive fireworks display over Eshar Harbor. In Port Swedes, local RF Funk band Mothership headlined a rave which also featured double sets from local DJs, including Frannie Jones, DJ Hammar, and Chocolate. The nation has not seen a multi city celebration on this level for years, and Kalistanis were generally happy to let their hair down and party.

Ravers at the Swedeport Jam, the RF celebration held to honor the Coronation of Empress Rivière

The remaining itinerary for the royal visits, beginning tomorrow is relocation to the Ananto Estate in Eveari, and then excursions around Ananto and the Mainland, including visits to see the progress on the new port facilities at Luxon, visiting Kalistan's movie industry and ARC Records in Sulari, taking in music shows up the mainland coast from Yoshimi to Port Swedes, and visiting ski resorts in Neveras. The visiting dignitaries are expected to remain in country for about two weeks, and are free to come and go within the Empire as they please. Following the departure of friends and family in early July, the Emperor and Empress will get back to administration of the Empire. The Emperor and Empress are expected to visit the Ananto family villa in Istalia in October for a month, honeymooning in House Ananto's adopted home away from home

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Chinasa: The Ministry of Defense has revealed the purchase of 10 SU-27 fighter jets from a third party, also declaring that it is not the intend of the ministry to actually deploy these jets in the field. Instead they simultaniously announced a partnership with the Kalistani firm AeroKal to study the SU-27 and create a unique variant of the aircraft specifically for the North Dovanian airforce and potentially for the Kalistani airforce as well. This announcement comes after the government of President Chung-Hee made clear its intend to invest heavily in the armed forces, backed by increase militarism in North Dovanian society. With recent privatizations in the defense market a new company, named the Northern Aerospace Corporation or NAC has emerged, being funded by bussiness tycoon Uchi Ikenna. NAC has for now only opened several munitions factories to develop and produce different kind of munitions, primarily air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. With this recently announced partnership NAC has gained a position at the negotiating table, being ready to venture into the world of aircraft development. While AeroKal will be the lead designed of the new to be developed aircraft NAC will be primarily involved in studying the SU-27 and exchanging that information with AeroKal. NAC will also produce the engine for the new aircraft, with most advanced equipment to be designed by AeroKal. The new aircraft will be developed as a air superiority fighter, with the Ministry of Defense noting the need for a "modern, reliable and versatile fighter to protect North Dovanian airspace." This was also the reason for not simply purchasing SU-27's from another nation, as the specific needs of North Dovani have required it to venture on this join development path.

Trigunia, the official license holder of the SU-27, has not responded to the news. Due to the large circulation of the aircraft many SU-27's have ended up in third party hands and thus the cost for Trigunia in enforcing its license for this type of equipment has outweighed the benefit, which can also be seen in the production of Deltarian copy-cat equipment. Only highly advanced systems like the S300 air defense systems are still actively guarded by Trigunian authorities, allowing North Dovani and Kalistan to take advantage from this weakened position.

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Socialist Party of Kalistan to Reform
Youthful leader Walter Donovan proposes restoration of the Republic
Kaliburg, Ananto
February 17, 5286


Walter Donovan, Socialist Party Organizer and Party Chair to lead calls for restoration of the Republic

Arguing that Kalistan has enjoyed more vibrancy under a republican form of government, the new Party Speaker and defacto leader of the Majority of the National Assembly Walter Donovan has placed on his agenda for the coming year a bill to abolish the Monarchy.

"The Dynasty is 137 years old," said Donovan, "And while most Kalistanis maintain a personal attachment to the Emperor and Empress, we are a country seem to need a shot in the arm to wake us from staid complacency. As long as the monarchy remains in place, the world spins without Kalistan's input. Many of us would like to retake our place among the vibrant nations of the world, and this cannot happen as long as we are supporting a family who is immune to Democratic impulse."

The Socialist Party has reformed in the vacuum of the Institutionalist Party going defunct. The Institutionalists have fielded caretaker governments for decades, and the National Assembly has only ever been called into session either to deal with some emergency or to gavel themselves right out of session again. Most of the day to day affairs of the Government have been carried out by a small executive committee, and most power has devolved to the Duchies and to localities.

"The New Constitution would replace the Emperor with an Elected President, and the Prime Minister with a Premier," said Donovan. "We would also reinstate Governors for the Duchies, and would likely abolish the Grand Duchy system as being redundant. It would allow us to knit our nation back together, and forge our destiny as one people once more." Donovan said his Party was inconclusive about maintaining the Imperial Flag, but was emphatic about the future of the Emperor and the Royal Family: "We will allow the Emperor to keep his titles, but they will be vacated upon his and the Empress' death and will not be passed on to the current Grand Duke. I imagine that his Majesty will receive a pension for his service to the Republic for the rest of his life, but he would be welcomed once more to walk among the people of Kalistan as an equal."

The changes are inevitable, given the Socialist Party's complete monopoly of the National Assembly, however, public opposition in defense of the institutions is expected to be stiff, especially among former Institutionalist Party members.