"Ahh, yes, of course, congratulations on your wife's pregnancy, Jesus", Lord Christopher said, slightly annoyed that his ruse to get the Spanish and Mennrimians to engage in any type of conversation whatsoever had failed. Ah well. There would be opportunities on future occasions. Who knew, perhaps even at the second part of the event, which, given that the Imperial Kitchens were running out of steam - and food - would no doubt be announced soon.

"Could people just not die for one. single. evening.", thought Artabanos as he was informed of the Montenbourgian Crown Princess's predicament by someone who was, notably, not Gert Veruylscht. "Ugh. Funerals are such boring occasions, too. All black. Ew. If I go I know I'll be sporting my pink tie, that's for sure."

Every bite of food passed through Artabanos's digestive system like a ball of nails. Clearly, His body was not yet made for this type of event. "Excuse me, just a moment", He said to the distinguished guests sat beside Him, "Duty calls." Duty did, indeed, call, but not quite as innocent a duty as happened behind the gold-plated doors of the Imperial Water Closets. Artabanos briefly left the room and, the moment He was out of sight, let out a huge gasp. Clutching His ribcage, He took out his flask and emptied it. "Christ", He let out, muffled, "Right, time to move this on, or I'll truly be dead by the end of the evening."

For several minutes, He surveyed the banqueting hall, which had seemingly fallen into an awkward atmosphere after Princess Victoria's sudden disappearance. In a surveying glance, Artabanos saw Reitzmic PM Bridges's bulge - the one caused by his service revolver, naturally. But, no sign of Veruylscht. Artabanos clutched the arm of a random passing waiter, and demanded the second part of the event be started. Soon after, He returned to His seat and managed to talk around a comment by Archbishop Kligenberg that He looked oh-so-pale. Within minutes, gongs were sounded and the announcement was made that the party would transfer to the next room.

Guests, some still finishing their dinners, filed into the magnificent ballroom, where an open bar and several tables had been arranged. "Thank fuck for that", thought Artabanos as He gunned it for the whisky section. Guests were now free to roam around and mingle with whoever they liked, meaning no further tensions between the Spanish, the Mennrimians, or even the Reitzmic delegation. Artabanos, downing a glass, saw the immense relief on Vicarius Cocx's face, a face which bore the distinguishable sign of having sat next to Lord Zgeirtan for far too long. Poor man. It was a shame he did not drink, in Artabanos's view. Then again, that was probably also one of Cocx's strengths.

Ah well. Time to still make the most of it. Artabanos filled His glass again and walked over to a large group of guests, who still seemed fluttered at the sudden change of decor.

With 9 votes FOR and 1 vote AGAINST, this Amendment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has PASSED.

Donald Tusk
Deputy Speaker and Councillor for Spain

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Thanks for your question and the debate management Piyers. Now, concerning your question: it’s true I’m a veteran Commissioner and that the EPA has been in power many times, but look at what happened when it’s not: inactivity, no dialogue between the member states, nothing. Just an act which is useful for the European Union to act sometimes. But the broken Union hasn’t been created by the EPA or by me, because we have done many things to fix it, and some of them are working now and have been proved to be useful for every European citizen.

And now, I would like to address all the European citizens watching the debate tonight: Europeans, you are not alone, and you will never be alone again if I’m elected as Premier. When the debate started, I said Europe was playing its first survival round tonight, and now we have seen that with these 2 women, Europe will lose. The European Union needs to go back to the values we defend, to protect sovereignty, to evolve and adapt to the new times and challenges to come, to be solidary and empathic, to be a place where everybody wants to be.

It’s easy to sell promises which will make our Union worse, but I always say complex challenges need complex solutions. A Juncker Commission is hard-working, keen on helping every single citizen, no matter what they vote or what they think. Europe is a land of freedom, a land which everybody wants to protect. Together, if we’re united and we cooperate to fix our region, we will be able to enjoy a better Europe.

So, let’s bring the real European Union back, and let’s do it together. I’m Jean-Claude Juncker and I want to be the next EU Premier. Thanks and good night

Voting has now concluded. With 7 votes FOR and 1 AGAINST, this motion has PASSED.

Donald Tusk
Deputy Speaker and Councillor for Spain

Silas once again decided to study Areai's note as he seated himself on a sofa. Areai's message was confusing, yet also alluring and exhilarating. Areai often wishing that Silas never existed brought him a sense of joy and happiness, knowing that he occupied that sort of space in her mind. Since Areai was currently tucked away in rather unreachable whereabouts, Silas figured it was probably necessary to make use of Rikkalek's presence, and have Rikkalek relay his message back to her.

The Bishop Secretary pulled a black fountain pen from his suit jacket and penned a response on the back side of Areai's letter. Before Silas began writing, Emperor Artabanos came walking past him. Silas quickly lowered his head and intensely fixated his gaze on the letter, which he drew close to his face. Once Artabanos was gone, Silas quickly decided to write.

Josephine,

I am beyond atonement. My life has been nothing but a culmination of sickness and torment, and my soul has been rendered worthless a long time ago by the many unforgivable acts that I have committed. There is no saving me.

Instead, I must be punished. I am a monster that must be broken, and you must be the one to do it. By punishing me, you will do a great good, and you will cleanse yourself. Liberate yourself from the chains that you have described, and come find me, and come hurt me. You must wreck me, body an soul, so that you can become good again, and so that you can become whole again. If I am not ruined, then I shall ruin others. Please, you must.

Yours faithfully and entirely,

Silas

Once he finished writing his response, Silas tucked the letter back into the envelope and made his way around the yacht to where Rikkalek was seated. Silas dropped the envelope on Rikkalek's lap and knelt down beside his chair. "Please return this to her. It's of utmost importance."

Silas slung himself back up and ruffled Rikkalek's hair with his left hand, before then giving him a slight pat, as if he was a pet. The Bishop Secretary returned to the couch and then began to count the guilders that he was bribed with by Artabanos. Realising that Artabanos had not returned from the bathroom, Silas decided to get up and find him.

The Bishop Secretary walked into the bathroom to find the Inimican Emperor studying himself in a mirror. Silas announced himself so as to not disturb the Emperor too harshly.

"Artie," Silas declared. "You are too generous."

Silas waved the guilders in his hand. "You have my discretion. Glad to know that we speak the same language. Just know that I am a big fan of your work. You have no idea how much money I've been investing in companies that hinged on the success of this canal. For that, I must thank you.

I am also a big fan of your other work, although, sometimes, you are too forgiving with those who cross you. Don't be afraid to be dirty, Artie. If you ever need more loyal men to do some housekeeping, let me know.

Anyways, I wanted to speak to you in regards to that uranium you mentioned. I know that this might not be the right time or place, but it is best that we discuss it in person. I am not the paranoid type, but it is best that we keep our communication as private and minimal as possible."

Siled smirked before continuing. "As you know, our friends in Czech Slavia will be developing nuclear weapons. What's more is that it should be in your best interest that Inimicus develops more nuclear weapons as well. I am sure I can find a way to have the Archbishop give a resounding 'yes' to any request that you make to the ENAA. The future is truly nuclear, isn't it?

Expanding and opening more uranium mines in those mountains would be quite lucrative. We should make sure this opportunity is seized, shouldn't we?"

Silas then returned the guilders from his hand to Artabanos. "Consider this an early investment. I am more than happy to fund any further uranium mining projects in Inimicus. I heard the market dividends for the mining industry can be quite good, so who knows, maybe you should look into going into business there? I'll pass the information of some good investment banks your way. If you also happen to award any contracts to my Inimican friends, then remember that I am a giving philanthropist, and that the Artabanos Foundation could receive some additional financial support."

The Bishop Secretary smiled and bowed slightly, turning, ready to walk out of the bathroom, before then turning around again. "Oh, and as an aside, I wanted to let you know that the Port of Saint Dominico is a good entry point to the markets of Central Europe and the Mediterranean. It'll be more than ready to accept and help distribute as part of any supply chain if you increase export capacity in uranium, gas, or any other commodity. The port is very secure, and Kligenberg Industries controls most of it... but sometimes things slip through. Some of the workers at the port don't have very good vision, as part of an affirmative action campaign to hire the less abled, of course, and so sometimes, things that shouldn't be legally trafficked, make their way through anyway. Just something to note, I suppose."

Silas winked and exited the bathroom, prowling around the yacht to find another glass of something to drink.

With 4 votes for, this Act has passed.

Edward Firoux
Council Speaker and Councillor for Inquista

Voting has ended. With 8 votes for and 5 votes against, this motion has PASSED.

Iras Tilkanas
Council Speaker and Councillor for the Republic of Istkalen

F listened then said "Actually we believe here Reitzmag may have a role to play thats unique here. You have plenty of Copalans if there are any in your service it could be useful to have one investigate a UNSR lead with our security services for the good of Europe. ~A Duchian could do it but a Copalan may be better for this specialist role".

This bill has been withdrawn from consideration.

Edward Firoux
Council Speaker and Councillor for Inquista

Voting is now over. With 2 votes FOR and 2 votes AGAINST, this bill has been REJECTED.

Donald Tusk
Deputy Speaker and Councillor for Spain

Voting has now concluded. With 3 votes FOR, 3 votes AGAINST and 1 ABSTAINING, this bill has FAILED.

Donald Tusk
Deputy Speaker and Councillor for Spain

With one vote for and seven votes against, this act has failed.

Iras Tilkanas
Council Speaker and Councillor for the Republic of Istkalen

Voting is over.

There were, in total, 26 votes. The results are as follows:

For the Office of Premier Commissioner,

Eilidh WHITEFORD - 18
Dragan TRYMPOV - 8

For the Office of Internal Affairs Commissioner,

Jean Claude JUNCKER - 18
Edmund Jasper WINSTON - 5
Dragan TRYMPOV - 3

For the Office of Foreign Affairs Commissioner,

Antoni REYNELS - 26

Therefore Eilidh WHITEFORD is duly elected Premier Commissioner, Jean Claude JUNCKER is duly elected Internal Affairs Commissioner, and Antoni REYNELS is duly elected Foreign Affairs Commissioner. Congratulations to them, and commiserations to the other candidates.

The new Commissioners' terms will run from now until 8 September 2020, or, for the Foreign Affairs Commissioner, 8th January 2021.

With 4 votes for, and 7 votes against, this Act has been REJECTED.

Edward Firoux
Council Speaker and Councillor for Inquista

Voting has now concluded. With 8 votes FOR and 1 vote AGAINST, this repeal has PASSED.

Donald Tusk
Acting Speaker and Councillor for Spain

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Local Gov't Results Show Westminster Is Popular

BIRMINGHAM---Local elections have happened and across the country, Labour and the Greens did quite well. Westminster evaluation has been very positive with centrist economic policy and centre-left social policy. The usual Tory stronghold of Southern England turned out better than expected.

LAB---38%
GRN---12%
CON---30%
REF---10%
LIB---10%

Tonight, I ask you to lend me your support. In a world where decisions are often made by elites disconnected from the struggles of everyday people, I offer a fresh perspective for our Union's foreign affairs. I have faced the darkness of mines and have emerged strong, determined, ready to serve our collective Union. Together, we can shape a foreign policy that reflects the hopes and dreams of every European. Let's strive to make a difference for all Europeans tomorrow, together.

Thank you.