[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/GtoGkUr.jpg?1[/img][/center]
[center][color=DarkBlue][h2]Bundes Wiederaufjuwel Republik[/h2][/color][/center]
[center][h3]Bundeshaus Wiederaufjuwel, Spring 1911[/h3][/center]
[center][b][i]I will uphold integrity, honour, and justice. I will serve country first, foremost and the people before myself.[/i] -Zeurst Kanzler oath[/b][/center]

Norman listened to the cabinet debate in the meeting room. Aides went in and out with orders and reports like waiters. Business was becoming more interesting as of late. Zellonia was playing the drums of war on its borders of Thecia and especially Dongaria. The slight of being refused causing the Czar to make the rash action in the first place. The warhawks were growing restless, and given the news there were messengers practically at his doorstep every day.

Norman finally stood up, the hushed discussions, rustling paper and even the aides devoted their attention to him without a word. [b]“We have debated, and poured over paper for two days now. I think it best if we act strongly and without hesitation.”[/b] He nodded to his colleague Fiedrich. [b]“Since I have come into office, I have asked much of all of you. We have taken on every issue without fail. But from here today I will be asking something of you all, to do more than your duty. Ominous rumbles from over the borders about Zellonia and Dongaria have reached us. Many look to us for response. But we will not respond, we will act.”[/b] Norman looked to all of his cabinet his calm demeanor infectious, and so they acted. They worked together as they drew up plans and prepared orders.

Norman sat beside Charlotte Serkson also know as Doll Face to those who held less respect for her. She was the only woman in his cabinet, she handled public opinion, and ties to the news companies. Norman asked of her [b]“I want a press conference held tonight, with every major and minor paper attending, I want to announce our stance on recent events.”[/b] Charllotte tapped her pen on her stack of papers responding. [b]“Alright, but some parties might write this off as aggressive, and ruthless. Military buildup has long been opposed by a few minor outlets. But something this overt might spark more attention to this than we need.”[/b] Norman shook his head saying [b]“We'll appeal to patriotism, this will give people a reason to be proud of their heritage. Long have we stood to the north of Zellonia, and long have we watched them fight, pillage, and destroy. They will think of this as prudent and responsible. We have to phrase it right, and it will be all uphill from there. Public support will go through the roof, we already have the highest ratings since the census of the second term.”[/b] Charlotte nodded [b]“I know, but the risk is still there.”[/b] Norman chuckled warmly [b]“The same risks I took when I elected you for my cabinet? I doubt this will crash and burn.”[/b] Charlotte picked up her notes and went on her way at that, smiling to him just before she was out of site.

Fiedrich came back from an errand motioning him to his office. He nodded to his cabinet as he left, entering the room. It was an well decorated yet not exorbitant office, a painting of the first of the Kanzler's and one of the founders of the new government Karl Van Bruck hung. A wooden framed window casted a few rays of sun on his desk, plus the painting, and a book shelf stood behind. Most of the books were volumes on the natural sciences going all the way before the Industrial period, no doubt all the tomes combined were worth quite the princely sum. He saw Konrad Van Riesbeck look out the window, bellow the river and city streets zig zagged as far as one could see. [b]“Ahh Konrad its been awhile.”[/b] Norman was quick to offer his hand and the GroBartig Marschall(Grand Marshal) returned the favor promptly. [b]“Yes, though as you know I'm allergic to cities and the like.”[/b]

[b]“I could vouch the same.”[/b] He patted the mans shoulder, then directed his attention to the leather upholstered seats. [b]“Please sit.”[/b] They both seated themselves Norman taking a bottle of clear liquid and pouring two glasses offering it to his guest he drank his glass down. [b]“Ah, smooth.”[/b] The Marschall followed his lead but his eyes widened for a moment drinking it down more slowly and putting the glass down half empty. [b]“Well that's quite potent...”[/b] Norman nodded [b]“Yes, its called Vodka an drink from some Zellonian immigrants. It isn't just languages people bring, they damn well bring their alcohol with them.”[/b] They both laughed.

Norman's tone shifted to a more serious, tactful speech. [b]“But on the subject of Zellonia, Marschall several abgeordnete are quaking in their boots with anger. They demand action. Now we both know such action is irresponsible but if we were to campaign into Zellonia what would you expect? How are the men of Der BundesKommis(Federal Army) holding up?”[/b] Konrad sighed [b]“The men are green as you could expect we haven't fought an actual war in years. But they are well trained enough, our equipment is outdated. I've seen export rifles that make ours look like hunks of steel and wood! A campaign into Zellonia? We couldn't ever hope to cover all the ground, their army is no doubt comparable to ours and as well trained. Any offensive we make would have to be tactful and not ambitious. Lets just say I'd rather not have to cross that border Kanzler.”[/b]

Norman nodded [b]“There should be no reason to, not if things go as planned. But that is need to know for now, and this too..”[/b] He pressed forward a bill to the Marschall he read it and was surprised. [b]“When was this passed?”[/b] Norman smirked [b]“Today Marschall, it is what you think it is, the Bill calls for the immediate modernization of our military to standards beyond the average. You have a blank check, use it wisely I hope? Though I do have a few suggestions myself...”[/b] They talked over for two hours or more, from what seemed only just less than an hour. Norman and Konrad shaked hands one more time before leaving, Fiedrich coming in after his departure.

[b]“Interesting times ahead it seems Colonel.”[/b] Fiedrich smiled [b]“Like old times maybe?”[/b]. Norman just eyed him like he wanted him dead, the silence drew on for a minute [b]“No, no Fiedrich fuck that!”[/b] They chuckled over the inside joke for a moment. [b]“But sadly business isn't quite finished, I do have one more task that I can only trust with you.”[/b] He handed him a letter sealed in Dark Navy blue wax with an eagle moniker impressed upon it. [b]“I think its time we talk to our old friends in the west.”[/b]

[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/r0GKBt9.png?1[/img][/center]
[center][i]Bundeshaus circa 1911. The historic gathering place for nobility and  royalty alike had been converted for the use of Democracy. The Zeurst Kanzler, and all Bundesabgeordnete hold offices here.[/i][/center]

[center][img]http://k-jansen.de/eu%20projekte/intasis/intasis/partners/germany/timeline%20thyssen/4/Josef%20Thyssen%20web2.jpg[/img][/center]
[center][i]Zeurst Kanzler Norman Bach 52, former military officer, family man, and founder of Bach Stahl Werk(Steel works). Voted into office the winter of 1910, currently he is popular among the populace and influential members of Bundesversammlung(Federal Assembly) back him.

 His political strategies were populist, and industrialist. Promoting the hard working citizen and promising improved jobs, and a stronger economy that had experienced a slight downturn from the in-statement of the new government.[/i][/center]

[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/xQeQVFC.jpg?1[/img][/center]
[center][i]Fiedrich Lund 49 is the head of Norman Bach's cabinet. Widely considered his second in command. He is a former sergeant who served with Norman. Fiedrich is known as tough, dogged, and reliable as Norman has described him.[/i][/center]

[hider=Eckhoff News]
[color=Goldenrod][center][h1]ZEURST KANZLER CONDEMNS ZELLONIAN AGRESSION![/h1][/center][/color]

[color=Darkgoldenrod]Today our Zeurst Kanzler Norman Bach held a conference at the Bundeshaus about the recent events taking place in the Eastern Yurope. He said the following [i] “It is has been found that over a diplomatic squable, the Czar of Zellonia has commanded troops upon the borders of Thecia, and Dongaria. Such irresponsibility should not go unnoticed, or ignored. We will not stand for Leaders who don't think of their people, who are rash and will plunge themselves into war without provocation. Such actions, if continued will provoke action! It is our duty, to defend ourselves. For if the soveriegnty of other nations fall to Zellonia, then who will defend us when we stand alone?”[/i] 

Norman Bach didn't have much else to say on the matter, metnioning increased vigilance, and steadfast diplomacy in the weeks to come. Long has Resurgemany been isolated in the north far from wars. But it seems that may no longer be the case.[/color]
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[hider=Letter to Emperor King Adlar Von Wolfram of Tyria and Antar]
[color=DeepSkyBlue][i]Dear Esteemed Emperor King Adlar Von Wolfram of Tyria and Antar

I greet you from the east King Emperor, since the birth of the Bundes Wiederaufjuwel Republik relations have remained severed. I think it is time we change that, that we cast aside differences, and cooperate to progress each others interests.

I would think it prudent for us to atleast establish envoys to allow a dialogue between us. For in the recent past we had openly exchanged trade and deals. The Far North is unforgiving, and friends are few, we share more history and culture than we would like to admit. But through that we will find our strength.

Best of wishes to you Emperor King Adlar Von Wolfram of Tyria and Antar,
Zeusrt Kanzler Norman Bach[/i][/color]
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