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Concerning Rokkenjiman Strikes Against the Warsaw Alliance

As the Warsaw Alliance has seen fit to launch a war of aggression against Ardia and our Novincian allies the First Empire has conducted a series of strategic strikes against the United Soviet Russia and Thomradia. The goals of these strikes were to hamper the Soviet offensive against Novincia, to hamper morale and to show Warsaw powers that the First Empire possesses the ability to strike anywhere, and any time, of our choosing.

We have all bore witness to the uncivilized and barbaric actions the Warsaw powers have taken against not only their international neighbours, but their own people as well. We've seen the continued threat they pose to all free nations, both in Cotf Arayne and as far afield as Ardia. The First Empire, her CSTO allies and independent partners have resolved that this threat must be brought to an end. The international community will remember that we did not ask for this war, but we shall see it through to its resolution.

The First Empire shall, at its discretion, consider further strikes against the Warsaw Alliance until such a time the capability of the Warsaw Alliance to wage aggressive war is severely reduced. The combined naval might of the CSTO shall not only secure the seas from further Warsaw aggression, but shall see that the Novincian blockade is ineffective; the Novincia Blight becoming not a testament to Warsaw victory, but a grave built of their ignorant dedication to an oppressive aggression rarely seen before upon Mundus. CSTO forces have not only the means but the capability to operate an air lift campaign which shall see a constant stream of supplies into Novincia.

Even should Warsaw governments survive this conflict the debt of rebuilding, combined with continued and expanding sanctions, will limit their military capabilities for some time to come.

Those who once considered Warsaw powers allies have realized such a folly as seen by the recent declaration from Aeternum, proving that the costs of Warsaw transgressions against Themata shall be high. Diplomatic and economic isolation, and a weakened position; your bed has been made.

That is all.

Beatrice Anselmo
Empress of Rokkenjima
Princess of Littlebrook

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"My People, Friends and Allies of the First Empire, honourable delegates from afar, I thank you for your attention this evening.

For far too long a cancer has been allowed to fester in Eastern Cotf Arayne. This cancer has threatened international peace and stability through the pursuit of biological weapons, the blockading of international waters, the genocide of the Followers of Earagon, and also through launching wars of imperialist conquest in Cotf Arayne and now Ardia, the latest of these actions has resulted in a global conflict of unparalleled proportions. As foreign-owned resturaunts, shops and businesses come under attack across the USR in the wake of violent protests the free world must not condemn the protesters, for it is highly likely that violence on this scale has received the blessings of the Soviet government. To this day Rokkenjiman art and literature is commonly burned in the United Soviet Russia, a fact which the Soviet Government has reported with near pride, thus it is my belief that the hand of the state is heavily involved in these protests.

It should come as little surprise, however, that the Soviet Government would have a hand in the destruction of its own cities and neighbourhoods. Through active policies of restricting the People's free access to information, a veil of censorship which extends across multiple Warsaw borders, the culture of imprisonment crosses a physical line and results in a people imprisoned mentally as well. With the Soviet Government as their only source of information, after years of propaganda and manipulation by their very government, is it any wonder that the People are angry? But what are they truly angry at, or do they turn to violence out of fear that any less would result in a violent reaction from their own Government for not, shall we say, putting on a good enough show?

Though it is often forgotten today I remember hearing about the Followers of Earagon, a religious minority group in the United Soviet Russia that was systemically abused, imprisoned and finally slaughtered by the Soviet Government for no other reason than they followed the wrong faith. It is even suspected that, in their pursuit of biological weapons, that tests were conducted upon Earagon Followers. Have we become so used to hearing of tragedies and atrocities that the Earagon Genocide has been allowed to be forgotten? Is it because of the Soviet, and yes Warsaw, military arrangements that the broader world has yet to consider any punitive action against the United Soviet Russia?

Such actions do not simply contrast what I feel are common threads between the nations of the free world, they are crimes against the human spirit itself. After years of Soviet lies, after perhaps millions of deaths, and after a torrent of aggression and hate were unleashed upon the international community I say to the world that the Rokkenjiman People have had enough! No longer can the world stand by as crimes of untold proportions are conducted behind an iron curtain of secrecy! The time for action came long ago and went unheeded, ignored, allowing for the extension and export of cruelty and barbarity to reach the shores of Ardia.

The First Empire, along with her CSTO allies, have long stood against these crimes while calling on their neighbours to make their stance known on these grave issues. Whilst some states have recognized the aggressive nature of the Warsaw Alliance, especially those which responded to the crisis in Safraen, there are yet further steps which must be taken. I call on the leaders of the world to show courage and determination against those who would flaunt their crimes before the international stage so blatantly, to isolate those Warsaw powers diplomatically and economically as a show that such actions are not acceptable and have consequence!

As Themata begins to emerge from the shadow of Warsaw oppression, as communities across the USR descend into violence and hate, and as Warsaw nations see fit to abandon their sailors in the oceans, the world as a whole must take a collective stance against hate, oppression, genocide and those evils which have no place in the modern world. The First Empire has, several times, attempted to offer incentives and conduct diplomacy in good faith with the USR and its Warsaw allies to no avail. These attempts were thrown in our faces while being used as opportunities to stall consequences for their crimes from being imposed.

This state of affairs can continue no longer, even after the prosecution of this global conflict our work shall not be accomplished until significant pressure is applied upon the Warsaw states to foster a respect for human life and rights, ideals which should have no concept of international borders applied to them. As the ink is applied to the pages of history I ask you, where shall you stand? Does our progress stop at the signing of a Universal Declaration of Rights when large swaths of the world are ruled by a tyranny which denies their People most if not all of those Rights?

I pray that this is not the legacy of our generation, that when our children ask if we did all that we could do we may tell them that yes, we did. I pray that we leave them with a world better than that which we presently see before us, a world where people are not killed, or hated, for their faith, creed, race or sexual orientation. If we work together we can effect the necessary change to make this better world a reality, but this effort must be collective.

I again thank you for your time this evening. May the All-Mother bless and keep you all, and may She continue to confer her blessings upon this First Empire.

Goodnight."

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"Earlier today the USR Pravda reported that Chairman Stalin passed away after suffering a lengthy illness. As he is mourned in the USR and Thomradia the rest of the world sighs a breath of relief as the greatest tyrant in the history of Mundus is no longer with us. A man who's greatest contributions in life were to advancing death, destruction and human suffering, both at home and abroad, Stalin's passing presents an opportunity for the USR to set a new course. Like our Quinntopian sisters we will be maintaining all present policies, and will review current sanctions against the USR should its new Chairman recognize the Earagon Genocide and place those responsible on trial, improve the human rights situation in the USR, and disavow a foreign policy of imperialism, aggression and brinkmanship.

Pravda's reporting of his death brought something to mind, two similar tales in which the outcomes were greatly different. From 2008 to 2013 the Second Patriotic War finally brought an end to a most dark century in our history, one which saw our nations infrastructure and people broken, and our Empire in a weak financial position. From those depths the newly established Imperial Government oversaw the most expansive reconstruction and revitalization effort in history, transforming Rokkenjima into the worlds foremost diplomatic, military and economic power.

Stalin, meanwhile, constructed not a state but a prison. He denied his people their rights, slaughtered those he felt were unworthy of life, and exercised influence in most factors of his peoples daily lives. Internationally he pursued a diplomatic policy of brinkmanship and imperialism, and is responsible for one of the most deadly and expansive wars in the history of Mundus. It is my hope that, through his passing, a new generation of leadership may arise in the USR which will bring about reform. Until then the world waits to see what the new government will do, and if it will heed the calls for reform."

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"On behalf of the Rokkenjiman People I am pleased to congratulate President William Van Brugge on his victory to become the first President of the Trade Empire of Transvaal. While I shared my concerns about the involvement of foreign funds being a factor in the election I am, nonetheless, always pleased to see people take to the ballot box and determine who shall lead them. I hope that relations between the First Empire and the Trade Empire can only continue to be friendly and respectful, and look forward to working with the new President and his Government.

The First Empire is not, and has no intentions of becoming, a threat to the Trade Empire, nor do we have any designs of imposing our will upon the young nation. What the First Empire will do is share its concerns with the new government concerning the proposed Soviet Illumic Base. We have seen a pattern of Soviet imperialism arise, as well as several times where the USR would either resort to threats to achieve its aims or act directly against governments who refused a USR influence over their nation, such was the case in Themata. As the Soviet Government has proven that faith cannot be placed in their word I would urge President Van Brugge to exercise extreme caution in his dealings with the Soviet state.

I hope that the election of President Van Brugge will set a tone of progressiveness in the Trade Empire, and congratulate the People of Transvaal on a successful first election."

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"Thank you everyone, I'll try to make this as brief as I can.

As you all know the new Chairman of the United Soviet Russia, Boris Brezhnev, was announced earlier today. In his initial address to the Soviet People Chairman Brezhnev appeared to be an even more radical Chairman than Stalin was, declaring that "we, the Slavic people, are the true leaders of man." After the racially fueled elements of his address he spoke of the Earagon imprisonment, made no mention of the Earagon genocide, and went so far as to vilify those imprisoned as "suckling off the government teat." He then stated that the Soviet state must be kept pure, painting a picture of an anarchy-ridden Ardia as the alternative.

At this time, however, some doubt must be placed upon the actual truth behind his words. With the passing of Chairman Stalin there are, likely, sections of the Soviet power structure who may not instantly fall in-line with the new Chairman. To solidify his power base, which may later be accompanied by purges, Chairman Brezhnev may be taking positions more extreme than the late Stalin to satisfy Soviet warhawks. In essence, this initial address may be trumped up for a domestic audience, and the true face of the new Chairman may be revealed to the international community through other channels.

Should Chairman Brezhnev honestly believe the words he spoke, and intends to pursue the policies he outlined in his address, I can confirm that Imperial policy in regards to the United Soviet Russia will be adjusted as required. Sanctions will worsen, the diplomatic isolation of the USR will increase, and we'll find other states increasingly compelled to contain yet another threat to human rights as well as global peace and stability. Whether or not our initial assestments are correct will be revealed in the coming days, weeks and months.

Naturally the First Empire renews its calls for the USR to cease its persecution of the Earagon faithful, improve the human rights situation in the USR, and abandon an aggressive brand of brinkmanship diplomacy which will only serve to further isolate the USR as an international pariah. The CSTO dealt a strong blow to the Warsaw war machine in the previous conflict and I believe the new Chairman knows that another round of war so soon after the last would not be in the best interests of the Warsaw Alliance. While we will pursue peace and understanding we will reserve the right to defend our Empire, her People and their interests at home and abroad.

That is all."

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"Your Royal Highness,

While I understand the vicious and abhorrent nature of the crimes committed by James Clusky today I am taking an action just hours ago I hadn't even considered: a plea for his life. During the Second Patriotic War General Adam Quincy of the Grand Republican Army murdered many Rokkenjimans, forcing them to fight in his armies in his re-ignition of the Second Patriotic War. This man, though misguided from his youth, fought for and supported the same people who nearly exterminated the Anselmo bloodline. While I felt a fire in my heart to put him to death I did not, I spared his life and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

While I am not sure if James Clusky is capable of reform as Adam Quincy was, I believe that the decision to execute him will not bring you, nor the People of East Moreland the justice which you and they seek. Whenever a life is taken a portion of your soul is also murdered, extinguished, and we grow closer to that which we abhor ourselves. I ask that you spare James Clusky's life through a sentence of life imprisonment, which is perhaps a punishment worse than death in itself as he will be forced to reflect upon his actions every day he spends upon Mundus. Mitch Grady attempted to kill my daughter, a baby who's done nothing in her life to harm another living being, and my desire to see him die was unlike any other I had felt. After all, when one even attempts one that we love or, worse, succeeds thus is the natural response.

Adam Quincy, and the Emperor, convinced me that path was wrong. That life imprisonment would be the more fitting sentence, and that killing him would go against everything I have fought for in seeing that not one further drop of Rokkenjiman blood was spilled. Sometimes, as my husband taught me, we must not allow our instincts to get the better of us. We must stand tall and be the better person, after trying to convince me not hours before that war, bloodshed and murder were the appropriate response. King David, I am so sorry for your loss and understand your feelings, I lost my mother, father, aunts, uncles, so many beloved due to senseless hatred. The death of those responsible rarely brings justice, it hasn't brought me peace, in fact it has made me feel a greater sorrow.

In showing even a measure of mercy we show our friends, and enemies, the caliber of our soul. In the pursuit of justice, or revenge, we equally show it as well. I do not plea for his life because of who he is or because I feel that his life will contribute something to Mundus, no, in a way my plea is more for you, and your people. We do not have to contribute to an endless cycle of hate, unlike our adversaries we have the option to bring it to an end. I implore you to choose mercy, for it is the choice which, if made, will not haunt you for the rest of time.

Thank you for your consideration."

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"Today is a glorious day for the First Empire, for we have cast aside the vestiges of party politics and embraced further elements of a more direct democracy into the Imperial Government. No longer will parties determine the course of our elected government, and no longer will partisan politics trump the interests of the nation as a whole! As your first Premier I declare to you that this Government will be more acceptive and responsive to the needs of the Rokkenjiman people. With our Empress paving the way to a more prosperous and equal future our great Empire will further become a beacon light for the world around her!"

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"Thank you for joining me this evening.

The First Empire has been a nation blessed with great economic, diplomatic and military strength yet, at times, our Imperial Government has not utilized them as best it could. Our failures, most notably in regards to the Kingdom of Seaforth, have shown us that modifications were needed to ensure that the First Empire stands not as a power of coercion and disrespect but one which values cooperation, respects her global neighbours regardless of size or status, and works to solve problems before they are allowed to grow into a crisis. I must highlight the continued dedication of our Vicegerent, Princess Evanthe, as the First Empire's chief diplomat. Through her efforts one of the greatest mistakes in Rokkenjiman diplomacy has paved the road for a moment the People of Seaforth and Rokkenjima can be equally proud of.

The First Empire cannot use her position in the world to disrespect our global neighbours, and we must always remember to treat them with the respect we ourselves would expect. As the Illumic Crisis began and developed the First Empire did not fully understand, or accept, the concerns of the Kingdom of Seaforth, a mistake for which I and this Government have conveyed their regret for. Just as the First Empire views the Rokkenjima Sea and its associated straits as sacred waters which are of paramount importance to Rokkenjima thus is the same for the Illumic Channel to Seaforth. Thankfully we have learned to remember that, and other lessons, restoring a better judgment which was absent from Rokkenjiman Diplomacy in recent times.

As the Illumic Council prepares to convene I state my full support for the policies and views the Vicegerent has presented to the international community in regards to the Illumic Channel. No matter how long the First Empire has had a base in the Illumic we must always remember to respect the will of those who call the Illumic home, and never will it be the place of Rokkenjima to dictate to those nations who call it home. I am thankful for the opportunity the Illumic Council has given Rokkenjima, as an Associate Member, to be a part of the future of the Illumic, a future which will be rightfully determined by the Illumic nations. The rightful place of the First Empire, as a guest in the Illumic, will be to seek cooperation and friendship always while respecting the will of the Illumic community of nations.

Many have had the topic of a Soviet presence in the Illumic on their minds, and this is a matter which will be discussed at the Illumic Council. I, and the Vicegerent, believe firmly that this Council cannot become yet another avenue for CSTO-Warsaw discord, and I hope that my Soviet counterparts will agree with that. Likewise, the Illumic Channel cannot become a proxy in our disagreements, nor should it ever become a battleground should conflict again arise between our alliances. Neither Rokkenjiman nor Soviet influence in the Illumic Channel dictate the course of the Channel, and I will work tirelessly to ensure that Rokkenjiman influence in the Illumic never trumps that of the Illumic natives.

With that said I would like to speak of Rokkenjiman foreign policy in a more general manner, including our commitment to a values-oriented approach to foreign policy. As evidenced by the Conference on Universal Rights I feel that there are many values which are shared by the international community, and Rokkenjiman diplomacy will continue to be guided by them. Many nations have stated that freedom, democracy, the rule of law and the triumph of human rights are universal principles, principles which I feel are ingrained in the human spirit itself. The First Empire will support the efforts of those countries across Mundus who tire of discord and tragedy, as well as those who seek diplomatic solutions to the worlds problems in place of the brinkmanship and armed conflict which has become much too common.

Tranquility and happiness may be found through a Mundus which is prosperous economically, mindful of the humanitarian rights and needs of the peoples of Mundus, and embraces democracy at home. I see many existing and potential partners for such a foreign policy to succeed, and will be working to build bridges and strengthen ties with those nations in the coming weeks. Through diplomacy, coupled with an effort to see harmony usurp discord internationally, we may find a peace which hostility and the force of arms has never brought to Mundus. Likewise, a Rokkenjima which is in-tune with these principles will strengthen, not hamper, these desires and efforts.

Thank you all for your time this evening. May Islyna's love guide and keep us all."

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"In a disturbing, yet expected, turn of events the United Soviet Russia, and indeed the Warsaw Alliance itself, have proven that their colours have yet to change. The new Soviet Government has proven as much in their first actions, that being a continued refusal to recognize the Earagon Genocide or to take any amount of responsibility for it, and now an all-out invasion of Meche. The invasion of Meche follows a long trend in the United Soviet Russia's history of suppressing democracy at home and abroad, this time attacking a state which it holds ties to through the NCAA. Instead of taking to diplomacy to address their concerns and to find a solution Chairman Brezhnev has sent his armies into Meche to quell the democratic voice of the People and to punish them for condemning the Earagon Genocide, singing the Declaration of Universal Rights, and seeking a more free path for their nation.

The international community cannot stand for another Safraen, nor can it accept another Themata. Twice now the United Soviet Russia, with either the active or passive assistance of their Warsaw allies, have attacked democratic societies, or taken advantage of a fallen society, to unduly spread their influence and continue a path of militarism which I fear will tear the whole of Cotf Arayne apart should free and open societies fail to act. As the United Soviet Russia invades Meche Thomradia has dispatched vessels to the Illumic Channel, citing 'increased tension' in the region. Apparently the Thomradian Government feels that the further militarization of the Illumic will calm those tensions, a move which I think will be of grave concern to many states in the Illumic region. At the same time, however, it is quite telling to see that Thomradia is not taking a more active role in the Soviet invasion of Meche, and is not a very strong vote of confidence in the path the USR has chosen.

The First Empire will be considering all actions in response to this new era of Warsaw aggression, including discussions with our allies and independent partners across the globe, to properly approach this development. The First Empire offered a reconsideration of its stance towards the USR, as did many other states, and it seems our answer has been delivered by the new government. How many more deaths will it take for meaningful action to be considered by the international community, how much longer will stories such as this continue to fill our headlines? To be sure Western Cotf Arayne is secure, for now, against such threats, but this is a security which sits in a tenuous balance which may see the expansion of such aggression against a region which, to this point, has been relatively peaceful and stable.

Furthermore, if it was the true interests of Thomradia to decrease tensions in the Illumic I feel that they would have waited for the Illumic Council to complete the task it was established for. This gathering of states with a direct interest in a stable Illumic, and one in which its future is determined by the Illumic community of nations itself, is more than capable of ensuring that tensions in the Illumic are dispersed through diplomacy and understanding. Should the Warsaw Alliance wish to show the world that they are not aggressive I would offer one piece of advice: when a situation arises which your governments do not agree with the tools of war should not be amongst the first you reach for, or use as the USR has shown us.

In my experiences with the Warsaw Alliance, especially the United Soviet Russia, I've found that their words often prove to be hollow double-speak, and the true worth of their word has been revealed by their attack upon a supposed ally when the democratic system elected a government they did not agree with. This cycle must end, for so long as it continues the rights of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, continue to be trampled and democracy in Eastern Cotf Arayne shall be determined, ultimately, by the word of the Chairman of the United Soviet Russia. As the rest of the world moves forward towards diplomacy and a decrease in tensions, yet again, the United Soviet Russia has increased them, worsening the already perverse formula prescribed by Chairman Stalin.

Change is clearly needed, and that change will be up to the free nations of Mundus to, yet again, take up the burden of. Whether or not the international community will rise to this responsibility will be seen in the coming days, though I imagine many are tired of this cycle of crisis after crisis, invasion after invasion, and the series of increasingly abhorrent crimes which Warsaw sees fit to thrust upon the world.

Thank you."

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"My People, Friends and Allies of the First Empire, honourable delegates from afar, I thank you for your time this evening.

As the world around us seems to stumble from one crisis to another, with no resolution in sight, I thought that, for tonight, we could focus inward and look instead to our past. Rokkenjima has a proud and storied past, and that story began upon the isle of Azukishima. When the Council of Matrons chose to bestow upon us the name Rokkenjima they chose to do so to signify a new era for our nation. Thus, in reinstating the name Azukishima, I recognize yet another new era for our Empire and it shall be an era of peace, of prosperity, and ever continual progress. Today the name Azukishima is heard throughout the world once more, and it is a name which shall never be forgotten again.

The Matriarchy of Rokkenjima lasted from 874 until 1592, after which our nation fell under the influence of the Ardian Empire. Our nation was left a mere vassal in an empire which did not respect our culture or people, one interested only in expanding the reach of their power while attempting to assimilate and destroy a culture. They taught our children their foreign language, burned the Rosari Faithful at the stake for their faith, and tried to remove all memories of our vibrant past, including the very name Azukishima. The spirit of our People prevailed as, in 1634, the Ardians were expelled and we began the next chapter of our history.

Then came the Republicans who, in 1915, established their Federal Republic. Their first acts in power? A purge of the Anselmo Family, the destruction of many of the Rosari Temples, and again an attack against the culture of our nation in perhaps one of the grandest attempts to rewrite history we have ever seen. Again, Rokkenjima prevailed when the First Empire was declared after ninety-eight years of oppression. The spirit of this nation and her People, it seems, is more difficult to vanquish than our adversaries had hoped.

After the conclusion of the Second Patriotic War I considered reclaiming our ancient name, however, the history, character and identity of our nation built under the name the Council of Matriarchs bestowed upon us was much too great to toss aside. Thus we have arrived at this day, the day the name Azukishima rises from the depths of history and lives yet again. On this day we reclaim this vital part of our past and merge it with our present and future!

Thus on this Twelfth day of September I, Beatrice Anselmo, Empress of Rokkenjima, hereby declare that Rokkenjima Prefecture shall reclaim her ancient name, Azukishima Prefecture! May Islyna's warmth guide you, and may She continue to watch over this First Empire!"

General Characteristics

 

Crew: 2
Length: 46.85 ft (14.28 m)
Rotor diameter: 39.04 ft (11.90 m)
Height: 11.06 ft (3.37 m)
Disc area: 1,197 ft² (111 m²)
Empty weight: 9,300 lb (4,218 kg)
Loaded weight: 12,349 lb (5,601 kg)
Useful load: 5,062 lb (2,296 kg)
Max. takeoff weight: 17,408 lb (7,896 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × LHTEC T800-LHT-801 turboshaft, 1,563 hp (1,165 kW) each
Fuselage length: 43.31 ft (13.20 m)
Rotor systems: 5-bladed main rotor, 8-bladed fan-in-fin anti-torque system (FANTAIL)

Performance

Maximum speed: 175 knots (201 mph, 324 km/h)
Cruise speed: 165 knots (190 mph, 306 km/h)
Range: 262 nmi (302 mi, 485 km) on internal fuel
Combat radius: 150 nmi (173 mi, 278 km) on internal fuel
Ferry range: 1,200 nmi (1,380 mi, 2,220 km)
Endurance: 2.5 hr
Service ceiling: 14,980 ft (4,566 m)
Rate of climb: 895 ft/min (4.55 m/s)

Armament

1× 20 mm XM301 three-barrel Gatling-style cannon mounted in a Turreted Gun System (capacity: 500 rounds)
Internal bays: 6× AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles, or 12× AIM-92 Stinger air-to-air missiles, or 24× 2.75 in (70 mm) Hydra 70 air-to-ground rockets
Optional stub wings: 8× Hellfires, 16× Stingers, or 56× Hydra 70 rockets

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"There is a lot of controversy with the Sea Guardians, but we don’t give a ****, because they are just amazing people dedicating their lives to doing something good. Even if you do something that doesn’t look so good… the goal is something pure. They just want to protect life in the ocean. It’s beautiful. We want to contribute to that."

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"I was watching a movie about sharks, and Sea Guardian were featured in it, and I was struck by how they did things: they don’t think think too much, they work with their instincts and guts and they just go on the ocean and do what they think is right to do, and they’re highly criticized, because they use tactics that are called violent.

But there’s something similar in what we do, we use violent music to express a message that is peaceful, but there’s a sense of emergency in our music that I’ve found also in the way that Sea Guardian do things.

The reason that 95% of all sharks are wiped out on this Mundus, and the bottom of the oceans are completely destroyed, and people don’t really think about, because they have their noses in their iPads and iPhones and they don’t look around anymore, you know? Not that people were looking around before, but we weren’t destroying everything before, we didn’t have the tools; now we have them, and Mundus is dying.

So when I saw this movie and saw what these guys were doing, I thought that I wanted to put the spotlight on them for our fans. The things we did with Sea Guardian, we didn’t do much, but it was just a message to our fans that was like
“Hey, check this out, this is really important.” It isn’t just entertainment, it’s survival, it’s very very important."

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"As our citizens continue to be unjustly detained by the Trade Empire of Transvaal I implore that government to secure their immediate release. This development has only served to destroy any good-will towards the Trade Empire following the international outrage at their slavery practices, and the reforms they enacted in light of that episode. The recent threat to kill our citizens without a trial which would likely be carried out before a kangaroo court as it is, is an unnecessary escalation of an already tense situation. I stand by my previous demands that our citizens are returned unharmed to Rokkenjiman soil, and that these factitious charges are dismissed immediately.

"On another matter I am pleased to announce, through the work of our Vicegerent and efforts by the Government of Seaforth, that the crisis surrounding the Sea Avenger appears to be resolved. As a young, idealist woman I support the cause of Sea Guardian, however as an Empress and one who understands conduct upon the seas I cannot endorse placing lives at risk. I am bound by national and international law, as well as a responsibility to respecting the laws and cultures of foreign nations, when acting in my capacity as Empress of the First Empire.

"To those ends I have proposed a dialogue with Seaforth concerning whaling so that we may all gain a deeper understanding to this aspect of their culture, as well as a discussion on sustainable and harmonious practices, so that the First Empire may approach this issue with a full understanding in the future. The Vicegerent, likewise, has proposed a similar discussion with Toshikawa and I hope this will be one step in Rokkenjima gaining a further understanding of an aspect of our Seaforthian allies culture, as well as a step towards returning the Toshikawan-Rokkenjiman relationship to good terms. Let us take something good from this unfortunate series of circumstances and take steps to ensure that ill-will does not long exist between our nations."

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On the Murder of Rokkenjiman Citizens

Earlier today I, like many of you, found out that three innocent Rokkenjimans were murdered in Transvaal. Today I have the duty of consoling five families who know not whether it was one of their loved ones who were murdered or not as the statement from Transvaal does not name those murdered. This adds yet another chapter in the torment the Transvaal Government is inflicting upon the families of these women and men, and marks a continuation of the utterly barbaric actions of the Trade Empire. We also know that two Rokkenjiman citizens remain detained in Transvaal after being tried and sentenced by a kangaroo court for charges we know are false.

I will never forget this day, nor will the People of Rokkenjima. Three innocent people have been put to death and two remained imprisoned while the lives of forty-five others have been damaged. I know that no sum of money nor any of the measures I put into place today will make up for the true cost of Transvaal's crimes against the First Empire, however, they are a start towards enacting meaningful punishment.

My Government has taken swift action in response to this news, as have our Cross-Straits allies. Specifically the First Empire has revoked recognition of the Trade Empire of Transvaal, granting their ambassadors and officials 48 hours to depart Rokkenjima before the revocation of their diplomatic immunity enters into effect. Trade and business interests of Transvaal are also being actively targeted, with any Transvaal involvement in the International Trade Centre having been rejected. These measures, when coupled with the efforts of our allies, will effectively isolate Transvaal diplomatically and economically.

Finally I have issued Cross-Straits Arrest Warrants for President William Van Brugge, Minister for Internal Affairs Rudolf Nixon and Emperor Constantine for three counts of felony murder and fifty counts each of kidnapping, false imprisonment, breaches of Article 7 of the MCUR, and perverting the course of justice. Should they step foot on the soil of a Cross-Straits Union member they will face arrest and prosecution for the crimes they have committed against fifty innocent Rokkenjiman citizens, including the three murdered in cold blood. Rokkenjima calls upon Transvaal to release the remaining two Rokkenjimans in their custody, as well as releasing the names of those they murdered as to bring an end to the torment five families presently face.

That is all.

Beatrice Anselmo
Empress of Rokkenjima
Princess of Littlebrook

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"It will be obvious to the whole house as to the whole world that these events in Transvaal are a grave violation of the Mundus Convention on Universal Rights, and the international standards set and respected by nations in Mundus. The arrest, imprisonment and murder of Rokkenjiman citizens in Transvaal is a breach of Article 7 of the Convention which states, 'Everyone charged with a criminal offence shall be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law.' It appears that, in relation to these arrested citizens, they are guilty before and after they are falsely proved guilty. The safety of our staff and other Dartfordian nationals is our highest priority, and as are unable to guarantee such safety immediate has been taken.

We have now closed the Dartfordian embassy in Transvaal, and we have decided to evacuate our staff, and as of the last few minutes the last of our staff have left Transvaal. We will work with friendly nations to ensure Dartfordian residual interests are protected, and that urgent consular assistance is available to Dartfordian nationals. We are imposing, along with the Cross-Straits Union, an active trade embargo, cultural and sporting sanctions, asset freezes of Transvaalian citizens and are prohibiting the sale of foreign arms where we believe they may end up in Transvaal. We advise against all but essential travel to Transvaal, and request that any Dartfordian national seeking urgent consular assistance use the embassies of Quinntopia or Novincia.

Furthermore, the Transvaal Embassy in Hematite is being informed now, that we require the immediate closure of the embassy, and that all Transvaal diplomatic staff must leave the Kingdom within 48 hours. I would also like to take this moment to wish for the safe return of the two remaining Rokkenjiman citizens to Rokkenjima, and we will do all we can to assist the First Empire in their efforts."

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Recognition of Hostilities

While I am disappointed to see Toshikawa walk down a path of hostility, racial supremacy and hate I must take all actions necessary to defend the Rokkenjiman People and our allies. To waste the great work of the Shogun in building an honourable state is dismaying, and I can only hope that once order and sanity is restored in Toshikawa we may resume our cordial relations.

However, as the Toshikawan Empire has openly declared its intent to aid the Soviet war efforts against Rokkenjima, her allies and independent partners, and has further declared a State of War against the First Empire of Rokkenjima, I hereby recognize that a state of war does indeed exist between the First Empire and Toshikawa.

Beatrice Anselmo
Empress of Rokkenjima
Princess of Littlebrook