An aging Goliath man sat at his desk, wearing a neatly pressed uniform that gave away his rank of Admiral. He was signing the various forms and documents that required his attention, but his mind was not on his paperwork. In light of the recent international tensions, he was awaiting orders from the Ministry of Defence. He barely looked up from his papers when there was a knock at the door to his office. A messenger stepped in, saluted and placed a telegram on the desk. The messenger stood at attention as they spoke, “Admiral Shau, sir! An urgent telegram for you, sir!” “Dismissed” the admiral replied. Admiral Relâ Shau was the head of the Ocrese Merchant Navy. The telegram gave recommendations on how to prevent Ocrese ships from being caught between Acrad and Hastur’s hostilities. Admiral Shau sighed, it was just as he expected. Ships were to clearly display the Ocrese flag while at sea and were to consider shifting routes further north to avoid any locations that could host naval battles. He issued the warnings to both the merchant navy and any civilian watercraft. [hr] Meanwhile, in the People’s House, the representatives discussed the issue of maintaining Ocrese trade. With the tensions between Acrad and Hastur at a fever pitch, the Council was concerned about the impact of trade routes in the Verronto sea. “...and so I propose that we look for trade that would not be impacted by the potential Acrad-Hastur war.” spoke the minister of trade, Cahaya Lai a member the Democratic Unionist Party “And, who do you suggest we trade with?” replied a member of the opposition “Both Fenice and Avalia can be accessed over land. We could strike a trade deal with them and transport the goods by rail. The Theconian Alliance and the state to the east could also be trading partners, but the mountains make it difficult to transport goods eastward” said Prime Minister Aran Cerang. “It would be best to have Fenice on our side, they would be the ideal buffer between us and a recently aggressive Acrad” said another member of the Democratic Unionist Party. “The house will now hold a vote on Minister Lai’s bill” said the speaker of the house. There was a cacophony as the different members of the house voted on the bill. In the end, the ayes won. “The bill will now be passed to the National Legislative Council for consultation.” [hr] The Council set to work quickly, getting translators and creating drafts. The process took several hours and involved a lot of wasted paper. The final messages, worded as sweetly as saccharine, would be sent by telegram. [@Skepic] [hider=Message] Dear our friends to the north, In this time of uncertainty, the Commonwealth of Ocreau seeks to increase trade with the Republic of Avalia. To sure up trade in the Verronto Sea, away from any possible site of contention between the powers of Acrad and Hastur. Our nation has much to offer, like spices and silver. We ask that you consider our trading proposal. Warmest regards, Lady Maria Ira II, Governor General of the Commonwealth of Ocreau [/hider] [@Willy Vereb] [hider] Dear our friends in Fenice, In light of the recent hostilities to the south, the Commonwealth of Ocreau is looking to strengthen trade around the Verronto sea. We kindly seek to establish greater trade with the Divine Dominion of Venice. We ask that you consider our proposal. Warmest regards, Lady Maria Ira II, Governor General of the Commonwealth of Ocreau [/hider] [hr] “Our top story tonight, the tensions between Acrad and Hastur have reached a fever pitch. The Commonwealth has issued warnings to all watercraft in the Verronto Sea.” came the voice of the radio announcer “In other news, reports indicate that the government wishes to increase trade with Fenice and Avalia.” “Our final story, there has been some civil unrest in the division of Mar. Authorities believe that it may be connected to a small separatist group in the area.” “Now, the Ereaux City Orchestra with Soun's Symphony number 6…”