In the great city of Ereaux lies the new National Council Chambers, a building constructed of brick and concrete in a neoclassical design. It had been completed 15 years ago to replace the outdated old building, which had been turned into a museum dedicated to the history of the Commonwealth. Inside this building, the gears of the government turn.

“...and thus begins today’s meeting of the National Legislative Council. Lady Ira, you have the floor”

Lady Marie Ira II, the Governor General and leader of the Commonwealth of Ocreau, stood in the centre of the chamber to address the Council. In her hand she clutched a stack of papers, reports from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, copies of which had been handed out to each of the governors currently present.

“Thank you Mr. Speaker” spoke the tall woman who lead the Commonwealth of Ocreau. She was a mostly human woman, although she proudly spoke of how her grandmother was a Goliath. “My office has received word of a possible escalation of tensions between the Republic of Arcad and the Empire of Hastur. I believe this requires our attention, less this hostility expand northwards.”

“And do you believe it will?” asked a greying man, a governor of one of the northern districts.

“Not necessarily.” Marie Ira II paused for a moment, “The People’s House has advised us that it believes our best course of action is to not participate. I think that if we continue to trade with both the Republic and the Empire, then they would not be inclined to threaten us.”

“We could even use this to our advantage. Both countries will require resources, and who better to buy them off than our proud Commonwealth?” spoke a young woman.

“We could increase the number of trades of fish and spices” said the Governor General, “But, I will not see us become arms dealers.”

“What is the proposal?” said the speaker of the council

“We should remain neutral for now” Ira replied

The speaker concluded with the traditional vote tallying, the proposal was passed with only 1 dissenting vote.

“Next order of business, the agricultural subsidies passed by the People’s House. Prime Minister Cerang has overseen the bill designed to increase farming output in an effort to increase food security within the Commonwealth. Are there any objections to this bill?”

The bill was put up as the subject of debate, it was aimed to increase the production of food across the Commonwealth for purposes of trade and food security. It would do this by subsidising the production of rice, fruit, and spices. After a while the bill was passed without amendments.

[hr]

“... Further agricultural subsidies have been passed by the Parliament aimed at suring up food supplies and increasing trade output. Farmers around the Commonwealth have welcomed the news” crackled radios across Ocreau.

“In international news, the government has promised to remain neutral in light of the recent hostilities between Arcad and Hastur” the newsreader continued, “Reports suggest that the public have concerns about possible conflict between the two nations. We will keep you updated on this developing story.”

 “Now to the weather, clear skies are predicted over much of central Ocreau…”