The Imperial Journal - First Edition, April Release - Dispatch Version

May 4, 2017 PNN Issue TIJ05042017PNN

It was early on in April, the morning dew still sitting on the cusps of the leaves and grass. What had been an average morning in Pacifica was overturned as the wailing scream of a nuclear siren broke the air. A full-scale nuclear apocalypse has begun, threatening the lives of everybody who called themselves a Pacifican; but luckily, Pacifica's War Machine was ready. In less than an hour, The Praetorians and the Legion Command had organized every available nation into one massive force. It was then that the war machine set its eyes upon the first target: Notorious Enemies of The Order, The North Pacific. Not only had they failed to prepare for the nuclear event, they failed so poorly as to accidentally found two different factions for their soldiers. Pacifica quickly split its forces, chasing down the smaller faction and crushing most of them before they could launch a single nuke. What nukes they did launch were immediately blocked by our Shields.

The Nuclear Survivor Ribbon, 2017, given to survivors of the horrors the nuclear war brought upon The Pacific.

Pacifican Nukes rained hell over The North Pacific well into the evening. Eventually, they made the smart choice, and ceded. The North Pacific, eternal opponents of the NPO, surrendered, begging for a truce. Out of mercy, the Senate agreed to their truce, in part to chase bigger fish than the weak mortal enemy of The Order. The very next day, the nuclear war turned ever more dangerous, as alliances were formed, and subversive tactics used to break them. More than once, puppets joined the NPO and attempted to nuke our strongest allies, The West Pacific. Luckily, our allies recognizes this farce, and wiped these puppets from The Pacific, helping us practice the old Pacifican virtue of hygiene of nations. Before long, Pacifica and her comrades reigned over the nuclear apocalypse, with hundreds of thousands of nukes launched and detonated. It was around now that Pacifica finally relaxed. She had completed her goal and played her part. The next few days would see the top factions utterly destroyed, but the Pacific would still hold out until the bitter end. We lost many nations, including our emperor, and several of the original Praetorian and Legion members. But more importantly, we demonstrated that Pacifica's War Machine is top-tier, and we left our mark on the game with nuclear fire. Though we did not finish as the top region, we reminded the world that the organization of The Order was able to strike alliances three times our size, with devastating effect.

Recently, The Order reopened the doors to one of the most influential institutions in The Pacific. The New Pacific Order has long hosted a group of Pacifican Comrades who upheld The Pacific University - also known as PacU. The recent return of The University means Pacificans will be able to learn about the history and culture of their region in a structured and organized way. This comes as a wonderful return, as some Comrades haven't heard the stories of The August Revolution, and some have no knowledge of Francoism, and the influence has held over the history of The Order. Names like Unlimited, Francos Spain, Moo Cows, Krulltopia, and Ivan Moldavi are whispers the elders speak of, whereupon the younger have no or limited knowledge on these names, and why they are so important to The Order.

The University was re-founded by Comrade United Arkadia, also known as Ark. We had the honor of asking Comrade Ark about Pacific University; the process of re-founding, his hopes for the future, and obstacles he had in the process. First, we asked Comrade Ark what made them want to re-found The Pacific University. He told us "[one of his friends] wanted to re-found Pacific University", and that he was "mentored" by this nation on Pacifican history and philosophy. He told us "I choose to carry out the plans he made, because I truly believe he had our welfare at heart. So, I did it because it needed to be done. I can only hope that my iteration of the University does justice to the previous ones."

Next we asked Comrade Ark about the process he had gone through to re-found The University. We asked him if he spoke to Svezjacael, who is the only other nation to re-found a department (being this honorable Media Department) off their own initiative. Comrade Ark surprised us with his answer, saying "I began with little else but rudimentary knowledge, wild determination, and a bunch of old forums." He told us though, that eventually "[he] contacted the Senate, as well as another Pacifican who I trust: Svezjacael. We worked for hours on the Uni proposal, most of which [we] spent late at night when we both would rather have been sleeping." They then began to organize their work, and sent it to The Senate and Emperor for a review.

He described the process after submitting the review with "The proposal was sent to the senate, who required some changes, which we accommodated." He then finished the question by reflecting on the process and challenges in re-founding The University, saying "...overall, it was a long, hard journey. But it was well worth it. I will say that without my mentor and Svezjacael, this would not have been possible."

Students return to PacU, which hosts a new staff and class roster.

We then got to ask Comrade Ark about the future of The University. We asked about what Comrade Ark would like to see for The University with her doors just now reopening, and classes being announced. He responded with a very simple answer: "I can sum up my plan for Pac U in two words: Expansion and Improvement. Six classes will be a good start, but my hope is that ... I will be given the resources I need to expand the University and improve the existing infrastructure. Just like every other Department, the University will be an important, well-oiled machine. It has always stood as the connector between Pacifica's many facets, and I ... intend to capitalize on that."

We were able to ask The Pacifican Consul, Comrade Pergamon, about The University's future as well, asking what he would like to see from The University on a Senatorial level. He told us that "I would like to see a renaissance of Pacifican thought. Our predecessors have been exceptional writers, they didn't just draft essays: they made it become art. I hope that the newer generations are able to revive the spirit of that time."

The next question, which we also got to ask both Comrade Ark, and Comrade Pergamon about, regarded History in The University. Many of our new Comrades haven't heard of The August Revolution, Francos Spain, or many of the other influential and historically important names and events. We asked Comrade Ark about his thoughts on this, to which he replied "One of the primary concerns about the University [being opened this way] was that a younger nation such as myself would not have the historical know-how to teach history. But I have spent hours upon hours on the old forums, as well as consulting what few Francos-era nations remain in order to gain enough knowledge to produce history lessons." He told us he believes that when people see the quality of the classes on history and philosophy in The University, people will understand a Pacifican doesn't need to have lived in the heat of The August Revolution to teach about how it continues to this day, and how its core values live in every Comrade that calls our region home.

Comrade Pergamon took a different approach to the history and philosophy of The Pacific, when we asked him about the potential for new material being added that reflects on the past and if Francoism still has a place in The Order, versus the rise of new ideals and papers new Comrades will write regarding evolving ideas and thoughts in The Order. He told us that "I cannot stress it enough: Francoism has been abolished." While he said that "it remains as part of our history" he also told us that "it is not the determining factor of our politics anymore." He followed that with saying "the dual world view, of Feederites versus Userites, the eternal struggle against them, this is Francoism. Even the most stubborn of us, must admit that this world view is outdated in current times" and that "the times have changed and so have we. We were not entirely defined by Francoism and this is what I want Pacificans to understand. Pacifica kept moving forward and adapted to a new world with new enemies and a new environment. We are the New Pacific Order afterall, not the Nostalgic Francoist Order." He expressed his concern about nostalgia and a constant looking on the past keeping The Pacific from staying in touch with the future by saying "if we allow ourselves to be prisoners of nostalgic thoughts we will not witness what the future brings. When speaking of the restoration of the great Empire of the Pacific, it never meant to bring back the exact same NPO the glorious precursors called their home, [but] it rather means to bring back the Pacific inspired by their design but in a much more improved way, adapted to modern times."

Professor Williams stops his quantum calculus class to pose for a picture.

That's all I got to ask Comrade Pergamon about The University, as he had soon returned to his duties as Consul of The New Pacific Order, but not before we were able to thank him for speaking with us today.

We finished our interview with Comrade Ark by asking him what he was most excited to see in the coming weeks with The University opened again. He told us that he was most excited to "see our plan take shape", saying that "when I started this, I did not expect to actually get PacU reopened. Now that it is, I look forward to watching the hard work of our best and brightest Pacificans in educating those who wish to improve themselves." He also ensured us, and our readers, that he would be "right there, alongside [the members of The University], helping make Pacifica a better place."

The re-founding of The Pacific University is sure to bring historical and philosophical works old and new to light for Comrades to study in the coming days and for years to come. What lectures are to come only the future can reveal, but given the wonderful minds of The Pacific, surely new works that rival those of Unlimited and the old Comrades of The August Revolution are due to be dawned in those hallowed halls.

“The time has come. To talk of many things; of shoes and ships, and sealing-wax, of cabbages and kings, and why the sea is boiling hot, and whether pigs have wings. It's time the dastardly villains known as The Black Hawks receive the mark of the beast!” — The Stalker

On the first of March 2017, The Black Hawks had their second condemnation passed at a margin of 12,680 votes to 5,092 by the Security Council. This came at a time when its cousins, The Invaders and HYDRA Command, have struggled for almost a year to snag even one condemnation.

Originally authored by Cormac, he handed over most of his text to the King of Hell known by many names—The Stalker and his more famously commended persona, Forever Fields—to carry on the drafting process. Who was to know that a massive draft-a-thon would ensue, where not only was there a struggle on what to put into the proposal, but also what to take out, as one of the redrafts, sadly, exceeded the character limit by 2,330 characters. Thus, a sizable portion of the drafting time was rewriting and rewording the draft to fall under the character limit, which meant a fair number of actions had to have vital details removed, or have themselves removed in their entirety altogether.

The Black Hawks received their second condemnation, while many question the condemnation as a badge of honor to The Black Hawks.

Eventually, the proposal was successfully submitted without hitting the character limit, and it garnered many approvals from Delegates all over the world, allowing it to reach quorum easily. When the time to vote came, however, Plembobria of The North Pacific and Libetarian Republics of The Rejected Realms immediately stacked against the condemnation, demoralising those who were yet to vote for, and paving the way for the World Assembly’s many lemmings to follow suit. Such a well-wrought proposal seemed doomed, but it was not to be as other larger delegates pledged themselves in favor of the condemnation, thus turning the tables around completely, as those in favour led the charge, holding it till the bitter end, when the proposal was stamped by the Secretariat and declared as PASSED, and The Black Hawks was bestowed with a jet black badge bearing a flaming chevron, as a symbol of the world’s condemnation of their actions.

The Black Hawks, their military partners, and their sympathizers celebrated, for a second condemnation only further cemented the notoriety of their actions in the eyes of the world, thus bringing them more fame than ever before. However, their opponents were torn between celebrating their condemnation as a mark of disapproval, and mourning the concept of condemnation badges being seen as a badge of honor, in the guise of negative publicity still being publicity.

The New Pacific Order further expressed the might of Her Legion with war games against fellow Pacifican GCRs. Our fellow Pacifics, The East and West Pacifics, combated The Pacifican Legion during these games. These games were held to allow the Pacifican regions to refine and display their military strength, strategy, and efficiency. There were two rounds to the games, an attack and defense round. The Pacific and Her Legoin started the games as the attacker, while TWPAF and EPSA stated as the defenders. The first round fell to The Order, as her Legion and Praetorians stormed the region, securing it from the joint East-West Pacifican defenses.

Unable to allow The Legion to hold that region, however, the counterparts to The Legion began to recruit others to assist them in The War Games. With their new allies assisting them in these war games, the Joint Pacifican Assault Forces besieged The New Pacific Order's Legion, who held out to their best before unfortunately losing the second and final round of The Pacifican War Games.

The New Pacific Order's Legion undergoes a joint exercise with The West Pacific Armed Forces and The East Pacifican EPSA.

We asked a Decanus of The Pacifican Legion about their thoughts on what this means about The Pacific's military prowess. They responded by telling us that there is always room to improve, which they think the second round of these games show. However, they told us that they don't think Pacifica would have a problem standing alone for Her operations. "Just look at the fourty (40) updaters we pulled for The Femdom Empire campaign" on a quick notice, and also mentioned that "no other military can stretch itself into three major operations at once, but The Pacific Legion does so regularly", and to our reports, successfully. We agree with the Legion Decanus, who we cannot name for OpSec reasons, in that there may always be room for improvement, but the current Legion of The New Pacific Order remains one of the strongest and most respectable forces in NationStates.

A recent termination of a Regional Officer in a foreign region lead to the use of a military we haven't seen used in a long time. The Canton Empire of Lazarus was once a Regional Officer, known as Guardian, who was demoted from this rank recently. The Delegate of Lazarus, Funkadelia, also sent out a telegram asking the nations of Lazarus to un-endorse Canton. His crimes that warranted the demotion and un-endorsing of his nation? He made claims to desire to take the Delegate Seat of Lazarus. Though he claimed he was not serious, Lazarus showed no remorse in this decision, not reversing the ruling in this case.

In response to this, Canton claimed he would burn Lazarus to the ground and started endo-tarting hard, with seventeen endo-tarts in a single night. This resulted in his immediate ejection and banning by Sovereign Funkadelia. Being sent to The Rejected Realms, Canton decided he wouldn't just lie down and accept his defeat. He decided to move into Warzone Australia, soon becoming the delegate there.

Lazarus responded with assembling their Celestial Armada in a single night, getting a few of their dedicated and loyal soldiers to raid the region and liberate it from Canton and his nefarious plot. Joining them were many Lazarene Soldiers, a nation named "Francoism Incarnate" of unknown origin, and in spirit after the update itself, Funk himself on a non-WA puppet. The Lazarene Celestial Armada jumped into Warzone Australia to seize the region from their former Guardian at update, successfully taking the region. They then tagged it for Lazarus, and began to eject Canton and his supporters back into The Rejected Realms.

The recent use of The Lazarene Celestial Armada was seen as a happily received addition to Nation States Gameplay events. Though Lazarus is traditionally considered a peaceful region by many, the pursuit of their Guardian-turned-traitor with their military was a welcome surprise, and one this paper hopes to continue seeing from the Sinker region. The Lazarene Celestial Armada may not be Lady Pacifica's Legion, but one thing this paper can definitely commend is the dedication to regional protection the Lazarene showed in their handling of this event.

After some quiet times recently, the RP section is up and active with an apparent influx of new and returning players. Already in the RP section, there are wars, diplomatic tours, and politicians being placed in situations that certainly make one raise an eyebrow in intrigue. There is much to cover so let's get to it.

But first, let us take a moment to welcome Ahmad the Arab, FreedomFighter, Mouseman490 and Svezjacael as the new RP Overseers on the forums. They join newly appointed WesleyWestlandia in dealing with the daily shenanigans and queries of the diverse nations of The Pacific. With the addition of new overseers, we have also designed a new map, re-vamped rules, and even directions for RP, with new models of story lines being explored by many members of the RP community.

The tale old as time in the Roleplay forums is war. Making the top of that list, the Civil War in Seven Kingdoms is arguably the largest development in the current RP world. Originally a war that broke out due to power grabs from rival factions while their Queen Greatkitteh fell into a coma. The resulting war has seen atrocities on all sides and has drawn in numerous nations both directly and indirectly. The belligerents are:

House Kitteh. These are forces loyal to the currently reigning monarch, Queen Greatkitteh. Based out of King's Landing, they have valiantly fought to keep the queen safe while in her coma.

House Kai. These forces are loyal to Greatkitteh's oldest son. This gives him a legitamitely strong claim to the throne, however as a bastard child, he is viewed as a false contender. However, his military prowess and connection to Remove Kebab Man (RKM) has attracted much interest in him. Most of the former SK Forces serve under his lead. Additionally, the bulk of his resources are on the mainland, away from the direct attack of enemies on the island.

House Key. Key forces are loyal to Greatkitteh's oldest, non-bastard son. Key is considered to be very diplomatic with many foreign ties having traveled extensively. His ideal is that the monarchy is flawed and he was seeking the crown to eliminate the monarchy and establish a democratic republic. Because of this, his siblings and some of his people have denounced his claim to the throne.

House Ver. Ver is one of the youngest of the siblings. She is claiming that she is the one who is loyal to the nation. She is the only one not pressured by external forces, having never left the country and putting people first. She is tired of being “suckered” out of their place.

House Lyn. Lyn is not directly a descendant, she's the niece of the current monarch. She has been a vocal opponent of House Kitteh after feeling slighted for not being declared heir. Her claim being that her father was declared and heir, but instead the throne passed to Queen Greatkitteh. Much of her supporters had been previously deported, but now are returning to help Lyn finally reclaim what she believes is rightfully hers.

House Clam. Clam is a minor daughter in the bloodline. She had the weakest claim as usually daughters are not considered for ascension purposes. To further complicate matters, the royal yacht had been raided by pirates when she was born, causing her to be legally stateless.

House Galg. Galg was the oldest son of Greatkitteh's husband from a previous marriage. Although not of the queen's bloodline, he is claiming rights via his father whom he believes makes him eligible.

Soldiers of the Seven Kingdoms Civil War march through their destroyed city on patrol.

Officially, many countries sent their regards and support for the reigning monarch, House Kitteh. However as things began to unravel, countries began shoring up different sides, using the war as a testing for their new and developing arms and munitions. House Clam was defeated very early on in the conflict. Clam herself though is believed under house arrest, although exact proof of that remains to be seen. Houses Kai and Ver have joined forces in a combined effort to defeat the larger Key and Kitteh forces. Galg forces are still present, but have been confined to smaller areas as they take the defensive. Most of their forces were surrounded at Baubernacht, but have held out thus far and remain a threat, albeit a confined one for the moment. A Communal based medical team has flown in to assess the health of the queen, to ascertain the reason for the queen's sudden coma. Nearby, the Commonwealth of Secular Light has begun a rescue operation to locate and extract Clam should she still be alive, while Xelha has begun a military blockade.

On a much lighter note, what began as a small prank by the Xelhan people on their queen soon spiraled into a worldwide calendar event as an innocent addition from Svet leader James P Irven spurred Old Ras into the idea of creating a calendar of lewd images containing otherwise respected world leaders. Some came voluntarily, while others were a little less so. All were met with equal measures of bemusement and embarrassment at having their pictures for the world to see.

Meanwhile in The Community, It has recently been revealed that Ami Tanaka is linked by DNA to the former royal family. Although her station doesn't bring her any true political party, the Communals still threw a party for their formally missing royal. However, despite the fun and happy environment, something is afoot as there seems to be those that were happier with no traces of the former monarch. The suspense continues to build as something or someone tries to ruin the good cheer of the occasion.

The RolePlay forums are full of royal weddings, diplomatic tours, and silly political inquires.

Noting the Royalty of Pacifica, Emperor Kubalei of Khurdan recently married Evelynn in a large Imperial wedding. Soon after, the two welcomed their first son, Radovan Tashrussa into the world. Telegrams and invitations are being distributed around the world to allied and friendly states, many of whom have responded with cheer and joy to their ally's happiness and new challenges of being a parent and husband both.

The elections wrapped up in the country of Westlandia last night with the Freedom Party (formerly known as the Wesley Party) having lost ground to its rivals. While still having won the majority of seats, they are expected to form a coalition government to achieve a leading majority in government. Pundits quickly pointed to the Claudian Party, however, they too lack the numbers needed for a majority government. Instead, what was announced shortly before press time was a coalition with the Radical Party.

Svet Commandant James P Irven has begun a tour of allied nations to establish relationships and meet with leaders. So far he has been to The Federal Republic of Navahakael, The Peoples' Republic of Jankasael, The Queendom of Xelha and The Caridan Empire, and currently is in Old Ras. The first two stops, being puppets of Svezjacael's, were unplayed and therefore how they went remains unknown, although it is hinted they went very well. The first played stop at Xelha was fairly uneventful, having a chance to speak to the houses and going to a state dinner hosted by High Queen Yuki. In Carida, he met with Catherine and her sister Rebecca, possibly kindling an interest with the latter after an attempt at suicide due to a misunderstanding and conflicting emotions. She has subsequently joined him on his tour to better gain control over her mental and emotional state.

Tailanda and Burthnas have begun a joint session between their governing houses. One of the topics they discuss is the control and management of a strait between their countries. Seeing its economic and military value both sides are trying to hammer out an agreement as well as extend friendship and treaties between the two nations. Transport between the two nations is also being discussed as a high speed railroad has been discussed at the meeting. Included in transport is the fact that all passing ships would have to pay a travel tax or be seized by the security forces, whereupon they would be arrested. Of course, the two host nations to the security forces would have free travel, which some nations have OOC discussed opposition to should the events of this be made public.

Sassoon, Winnish Isle, Westlandi, Kalashnikus, Abristan, Burthnas and Youttlesover have also convened a meeting on a new international group called Glorious Alliance Pacifica or GAP. It is meant to further develop the countries militarily, economically and scientifically. Acting as a world body, GAP would be focused on security, humanitarianism, and other benefiting rules, laws, and agreements to better keep the lives of Pacifica secure from suffering horrible fates.

For this section of the PNN Imperial Journal, we will have an interview with the delegate of one of the earliest regions in the game. It was a pleasure and a great honor to be able to speak with one of the most influential delegates in the game, Mikeswill, from the region NationStates. With this interview, we were able to better understand the diverse culture of NationStates, and see what being a nation in the region is like.

PNN: First off, we’d like to know a little about your past as a NationStates player. How did you find out about NationStates, and how did you become delegate of a region?

Mike: My now deceased cousin told me about NationStates back in 2003. He knew I would be interested given my degree in Political Science with concentrations in History and Economics. So I joined in October 2003 and soon told my friend Maiway (we are no longer friends). Maiay found his way into NationStates the region and invited me over.

Initially I thought Mikeswill was a bit egotistical so I created Mikes Hope, joined the then UN (now WA) and moved to the region. At the time I was like the 23rd Nation to join the Region. (It had been devastated by invasions and was being repopulated). Anyway, I started recruiting one Nation at a time and within 8 days was elected the new delagate [delegate].

This would last until September 10, 2004 when the MODs deleted Mikes Hope for what I believe was a misunderstand but they deemed trolling. Anyway, a ten day power struggle ensued and Mikeswill became the new delegate.

PNN: Sorry to hear about your loss. NationStates currently has an astounding number of 550 nations. With so many nations, the region must surely be incredibly diverse. Could you tell the readers a little about the culture of NationStates?

Mike: Our region is very chill with no role play nor any interest in forums (we arguably have the most boring ~ least used off-site forum in the game). Apparently we like to post song lyrics. Most of us just respond to the issues. There is a Nation that posts a daily tao and another that posts Jeopardy questions. Brownies are enjoyed by all. Politically we are left of center. We are staunchly Against the Security Council and vote against every resolution they promote. Attempts to form a regional government fail every two years or so. We have a no tolerance attitude toward racism and will eject Nations flying the Stars and Bars Flag. Lastly, and most important, we are Neutral and advocate an option for Nations not interested in Defender or Raider positions.

PNN: How did the relationship between NationStates and the Pacific get to the point at where it is now? What part did you play in it?

Mike: My first knowledge of The Pacific was during the time Francos Spain was UN Delegate. One of the first truly charismatic players in the game many feared him and his troops. Rather than fear his rule I took note as Mikes Hope on how to secure my region. These were the days when I individually recruited every new nation created in the game meaning I was scrolling the rolls of the Pacifics daily. Of interest to me is that Mikes Hope was deleted the same day Francos Spain Ceased To Exist.

Over time I became a loud voice against the continued rules changes which seemed to favor so-called Defenders over Raiders. The Pacific seemed to mirror my position and so we agreed to Embassies. The Pacific is our longest standing Embassy of any size lasting 5 years and 342 days to date. Over time the management of internal affairs have kept us from closer interaction.

PNN: You mentioned before that NationStates stands out among many other regions for being populated by nations that are Anti-Security Council. Can you shed some light on why the region stands against it?

Mike: My primary disagreement with The Security Council is their ability to remove the WA Delegate's password ability through the Liberation process. Regardless of any altruistic reasons for this provision the fact that my final recourse in a Founderless region to secure the Region is to Password Protect the removal of such power by outside sources (the natives through their endorsements have elected me their leader) is contrary to the essence of the game.

Adding the silliness of Condemn/ Commend (a popularity contest manipulated by both sides) leaves the body inane and dangerous.

PNN: Could you tell the readers of this interview about your future plans and goals for your region?

Mike: My main goal is to maintain the region. The fact that the region was named after the game (before I arrived) gives me a sense of responsibility to keep the region meaningful. I must be ever alert for future attacks given my status as the longest running WA Delegate in the history of the game. However, at some point everything must come to an end so I am probably closer to retirement than innovation.

PNN: To conclude the interview, are there any other things you’d like to say to the readers of this article?

Mike: To any readers: I am humbled to even be considered relative enough to be interviewed in this day and age. The game has changed much in 13+ years and my hope that it continues to attract Nations more interested in creating their niche rather than haphazard destruction of what others have done before them.

Having this opportunity to speak with Mikeswill and to be able to see the region of NationStates in a completely new manner was a great experience and was a new and unique part of this edition of the Imperial Journal. The Pacific News Network would like to thank Mikeswill for taking the time out of his day to make this interview possible, and may this interview be a step forward in our regions growing closer together.

It was a sunny day in Francograd when a youthful Pergamon woke up to the sun in his eyes. He groaned, mumbling under his still sleeping breath something about "five more minutes" while pulling a pillow over his face. It was then his fellow Senator Karenus walked in, throwing a cold bucket of water on Consul Pergamon's bed. Enraged, Pergamon snapped up, and started to chase the prankster Karenus around The Imperial Castle.

They both stopped when Emperor Aleisyr walked out of a meeting room just down the hall of both of them. Neither would risk angering the emperor, so they both turned tail and went to their own respective chambers. Pergamon took this time to clean and dress himself, deciding on a casual look for the day. He finished with doing his hair, before going to his first meeting.

The first meeting was petitions. He sat upon his ivory throne, looking down on those whom came to him with petitions. The first of the day would be a young man with plans to create a new laser weapon that he hadn't drawn up. Pergamon signaled his Praetorians to remove the man, sending him to the gulags Senator Ivan had constructed. Following the man was a youthful woman, who asked about lowering the import prices from The North Pacific, so she could buy more sourdough bread. Pergamon considered it, before he remembered he didn't like sour anything, and signaled his Praetorians again. On and on this went for the rest of the morning, before it was time for lunch.

"Only one today that did not get the gulags. When will these people petition something important." He grumbled over his soup, desiring something worth his time that wouldn't frustrate him with petty and small inquiries.
"Why not petition yourself, Consul? That way others would see what a proper petition looks like?" His Centurion asked, looking to the rest of his Praetorian Guard subordinates. "Few of us have seen a proper petition, only what a pitiful one looks like."

The Consul thought for a moment, before looking to the officer of his Guard with a bemused expression. "You are the second petition today to not be sent to the gulags. Be relieved."

The Consul then called in the remainder of the petitions for the day. He told them that he would petition himself, that way the others would see how to make a proper petition. Though confused by this novel idea, nobody dared speak up, least they meet a fate worse than the gulag - cleaning the Imperial Water Closets for life.

Pergamon began to speak, starting his petition off strong. "My Consul," he said with a bow to the empty seat, "I come to you today asking you demonstrate a proper petition. Those around you whom petition your ear have no method, and rarely do they find their petition heard and their heads free from the gulag. More have met Ivan's gulags, Laws and Bylaws' flamethrower, and the Praetorian's execution room than have met a successful petition to your ears. Please show them a proper petition, that they might save their own lives and have their petition considered."

Just then, Senator Karenus stuck his head around the corner, replying in an audible manner that mimicked Pergamon's own voice, "No, I will not. To the Gulags with you."

Pergamon, shocked to hear a reply in what sounded like his own voice, looked up. The Praetorians around him looked at one another, confused as well. Soon, the entire room was run aground with confused looks and whispers. Had the Consul just sent himself to The Gulags? What happened? Would the Guard approach Pergamon in regard to this issue?

"Uhm, Sir?" one of the Guard started after an unusually long silence, "What are we to...?"

Turning around, with a clear cold sweat on his face, Pergamon looked The Guardsman in the eye, a clear confused but angered look hiding deep in it. He shrugged his shoulders awkwardly, as if his arms were dislocated. He then broke a false smile, clearly shaken with nerves. The Guard started to walk to Pergamon, confused by the meaning.

It was then Emperor Aleisyr walked in, dragging Senator Karenus by the ear. The following 'ouch ouch ouch ouch' remarks of Karenus as he was dragged stopped The Guard, whom looked at and saluted The Emperor. He stopped before Pergamon, whom was still frozen with nerves and confusion, and threw Karenus before him.

"He said it, he was trying to pester you. Now, stop wasting time, you have more petitions to do today, Pergamon, and even more tomorrow."

Aleisyr walked out of the room, leaving Pergamon to sigh, relieved he had not subconsciously sent himself to The Gulags. Karenus was laughing an awkward laugh, as if to ask not to be hurt or sent to The Gulags himself, while The Guard just shrugged and went back to their posts.

Later that night, as he slept in his still damp bed, Pergamon had a nightmare that shook him awake. He was sitting in his ivory chair, listening to a petition, before he condemned the soul to his fate in The Gulags. The figure looked up, a tear streaming from his eye. It was The Consul himself, sentencing himself to The Gulags. As he shot up, terrified of the dream, he looked in the mirror. After a moment, he had concluded he was only afraid because of Karenus' prank, and that he would make The Senator pay for his instilling fear into the Consul. He started back asleep, dreaming instead of running the Gulag, before he saw his condemned self there. Still sleeping, his dream self looked at the condemned dream Pergamon, thinking long and hard. "Perhaps," his dream self thought, "it is a metaphor of my service to The Order demanding more of me than I demand of others. I must amend that. All shall see a share of the burden that is ruling. None shall be free, all shall have their own Gulag to The Order." And he smiled, laughing that this was surely the best way to take the burden from himself.

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