#south port riots

[15-lizards]

Hiya! I just find your blog and I LOVE it!! Could you elaborate on what you think the people of White Harbor (Manderly) would wear? Since they’re a port city, closer to the south and that they follow the seven I’m wondering how that would affect their style. Thank you ^^

White Harbor is kind of at a crossroads of Northern and Southern fashion bc the Manderlys both come from the south and have frequent trade with them. But they’ve also taken up Northern traditions, so thick smock dresses and puffy sleeves are quite popular among the young women there, as they are in all the north. However they don’t usually have to wear any extra layers because it’s not quite as cold. They also keep the southern fashions of bright dyes and lovely patterns and rich detailing

But traditional norther fashions aren’t the only popular kind. Women who work on the harbor and families with heritage from the stormlands often wear practical stiff skirts and aprons, with a white undershirt and stays to keep it all in place. Because traditional stormlands clothing translates quite well to Whiteharbor, it has become popular among working women of the city. It’s even trickled upwards to the bolder noblewomen of the city (aka Wylla)

Religious clothing is a conglomerate of the centuries the Manderlys have spent in both the north and south. It almost looks like there’s a combination of the two traditions. It’s kind of it’s own little sect of the faith at this point. A riot of colors and flowers and dyes and patterns that owe their origin to the faith, but almost wild, untamed, and uncoordinated mash of accessories and charms and etc that seem to be more fitting to the old gods

[sethshead]

"6th Century?

"And Mohammed wrote the Qu’uran in the 7th Century…..

"Remind me again - who are the ‘occupiers’?

"Jews were present in Gaza until August 1929, when they were evacuated by the British army due to violent riots against them around the country - to quell tension and appease the Arabs.

"When the Arabs in Gaza tried to harm the Jews in Gaza, and massacre them as had been done to them in Hevron, the Jews gathered in a city hotel. With the help of the a-Shawa family which belonged to the aristocracy of Gaza Arabs, the British managed to protect them from the Arab mob besieging the hotel and get them out in the middle of the night by train to Lod, and from there to Tel Aviv.

"In the 4th century, Gaza was the primary Jewish port of Eretz Yisrael for international trade and commerce.

"There is archaeological evidence of Jewish life in the ‘Hasmonean Period’ 145 CE.

"Up to 30 years ago one of the inscriptions on a pillar of the great mosque’ in Gaza read: 'Hanania bar-Yaacov' in Greek and in Hebrew, and above was engraved a menorah [7-branched candlestick] with a shofar [ram’s horn] on one side and an etrog [citron] on the other. This was evidence that there used to be a Jewish synagogue on the spot which probably served the Jewish community in the days of the Talmud.

"#FreeGaza from #HamasTerrorists#AmYisraelChai"

h/t Helen Oster

The very land has a retort to those trying to erase a historical and ancient Jewish presence in Eretz Yisrael. I am a two-stater and hope only that future Israeli relations with a future Palestinian state will be positive enough to allow for tourism and collaborative archaeology.

Jews did not suddenly "turn up in Palestine after a 2,000 year absence" after the Holocaust. Jewish holy and heritage sites dot the landscape south, east, north, and west. Jews have every right to inhabit and exercise self-determination and sovereignty over some part of our ancestral homeland, no less than do Palestinian Arabs.

[mariacallous]

In the days before South Africa’s May 29 election, there was a euphoric atmosphere in parts of the cosmopolitan but largely Zulu port city of Durban. People who would usually pass each other anonymously could be overheard telling each other, “We are going to fix the country!” There was, though, an ugly underside to this, with current President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is from the smaller Venda ethnic group, often dismissed in vulgar ethnic terms.

The African National Congress (ANC), after 30 years of comfortable rule, took a heavy blow in this election. It secured only 40.2 percent of the vote nationally and took its hardest hit in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, where Durban is located. There, it came in far behind the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party—whose figurehead is former President Jacob Zuma. MK finished first with almost 46 percent of votes for the national assembly, taking a large number of votes from the ANC—which won around 17 percent—and many from the Zulu-nationalist Inkatha Freedom Party.

KwaZulu-Natal is South Africa’s second-most populous province—and it is notorious for political violence—including open armed battles fought through the late 1980s and early 1990s, assassinations, and major riots in July 2021.

The electoral success of Zuma’s new party in the recent election has raised fears of further violence.

Organized around the charisma of Zuma, who was the staggeringly corrupt president of South Africa from 2009 to 2018, the MK party takes its name, meaning “spear of the nation,” from the armed wing of the ANC formed by Nelson Mandela and others in 1961. The party lays claim to that history and has adopted a militaristic posture.

Apartheid was, of course, not brought down by that army, which was, in military terms, a failed project. Before Western opinion turned at the end of the Cold War, apartheid was rendered nonviable by the mass democratic politics that began with a series of strikes in Durban in 1973, a popular movement that does not appear in Zuma’s militaristic misrepresentation of political history.

MK endorses an extreme version of the authoritarian populism that has surged in elections around the world. It is best described as ethnically inflected nationalism; while the party has an anticolonial dimension in so far as it seeks to build a counter-elite, it is also socially predatory and deeply conservative on social issues. Zuma has suggested doing away with same-sex marriage, which has been legal in South Africa since 2006; elevating aristocratic tribal authorities over elected representatives; holding a referendum on the death penalty; hiring more police officers; and introducing conscription.

Like other authoritarian populist parties in South Africa and elsewhere, Zuma’s party also takes a hard-right line on immigration. This is a matter of serious concern in South Africa, where African and Asian migrants are often targeted by the state and, periodically, by violent mobs.

MK also has a clear ethnic dimension. This is in sharp contrast to the ANC, which was founded in 1912 with an explicit commitment to build a national sense of African identity that eschewed the politicization of ethnic identities. It remains an ethnically diverse organization led by a member of an ethnic minority group.

Like figures such as Hungary’s Viktor Orban, MK is also enthusiastically pro-Putin. Some MK supporters have been seen wearing T-shirts with side-by-side images of Zuma and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But unlike forms of right-wing populism elsewhere, MK also promises economic inclusion in a country where impoverishment and inequality are rampant, along with the effective provision of basic services. It proposes nationalizing banks, mines, and insurance companies; expropriating land and placing it under the control of the state and traditional authorities; and providing free education and full employment.

Due to this platform, newspapers outside South Africa have sometimes referred to Zuma’s party as being “far left.” But the left in South Africa has not rallied in support of MK’s proposals for expropriation and nationalization—largely because Zuma’s record during his nine years as president was dire in terms of creating jobs; providing basic services, decent health care, education, and public housing; and achieving long-promised land reform.

Indeed, corruption during Zuma’s presidency did massive damage to the state, its institutions, and its publicly owned companies and was so extreme that a single family took in just under 50 billion rand (then around $3.2 billion) from public budgets in what came to be known as “state capture.” Zuma’s presidency was also marked by a sharp increase in state repression, including the massacre of 34 striking miners by South African police in 2012 and frequent assassinations of grassroots activists.

A number of commentators across the political spectrum have reduced Zuma’s popularity and electoral success in KwaZulu-Natal to “tribalism,” sometimes with the implication that atavistic forces are at play. The recourse to this deeply colonial idea of the “tribe” is unfortunate. But the ethnic element in Zuma’s politics cannot be overlooked either.

Zuma has sought to stoke ethnic sentiment since he was tried for rape in 2006, when, along with chanting, “Burn the bitch,” in reference to his accuser, some of his supporters wore T-shirts with the slogan “100% Zuluboy.” In the lead-up to the recent election, it was common to hear people in Durban speak of the need to achieve the unity of the Zulu people.

KwaZulu-Natal has a long history of violent ethnic mobilization. Mpondo people from the neighboring Eastern Cape province have been sporadically attacked and driven from their homes for more than a century, including when ethnic sentiment escalated as Zuma ascended to the presidency in 2009.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, there was open war between Inkatha, then a conservative Zulu-nationalist organization backed by the apartheid state, and the United Democratic Front, a popular anti-apartheid organization that allied itself with the ANC in exile. It is estimated that around 20,000 people were killed between the late 1980s and early 1990s. The apartheid state saw Inkatha as a conservative ally against the Soviet-linked ANC and an ally equally opposed to the ANC’s vision of a unitary democratic state.

The war came to an end when, in secret negotiations between the last apartheid president, F.W. de Klerk, and Inkatha leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi on the eve of the first democratic election, huge concessions were made to Inkatha, most notably via the massive transfer of land in KwaZulu-Natal—around 11,000 square miles, almost the size of Belgium—to the Zulu monarchy. This boosted the power of what is termed “traditional authority” over democratic authority, as people living on the land must pay rent to a trust headed by the Zulu king and are governed by customary law administered by traditional leaders.

The end of the war did not bring peace, though. The province swiftly became notorious for political assassinations within the ANC, between the ANC and other parties, and against grassroots activists. Many hundreds of people have been killed. The problem of assassinations was never seriously dealt with in the province and, as a result, has been steadily making its way into other parts of the country.

In the latter years of Zuma’s presidency, he sought to protect himself against mass outrage at brazen corruption by cynically spinning his government’s kleptocracy as “radical economic transformation.” This was taken up outside of the state by armed so-called business forums that shook down established businesses at gun point and by local party gangsters who appropriated public land for private profit. The capacity for violence developed in this milieu includes access to professional assassins and, in some cases, local militias.

In July 2021, when Zuma was briefly jailed for being in contempt of court, KwaZulu-Natal was ripped apart by riots in which 354 people were killed. The riots were sparked by a breakdown in the social order as supporters of Zuma, some dressed in military fatigues, openly attacked migrants from elsewhere in Africa in downtown Durban while the police stood down. There were also more covert attacks on trucks on the main road to Johannesburg, and many were left burnt. Again the police stood down.

The riots began with the mass appropriation of food in a carnival atmosphere. In the main, there was not much sense that this was a political event, and many participants were clear that they were not motivated by support for Zuma. But the riots soon took on a more ominous tone, and infrastructure was systematically destroyed by groups of armed men acting with military precision. Zuma’s daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla celebrated the destruction on social media.

Now that the country is suspended between an election result that fundamentally changes its politics and the outcomes of the ongoing high-stakes negotiations to form national and provincial governments, the atmosphere in Durban is more febrile than euphoric.

False claims are being pushed through social media with a startling velocity, with Zuma-Sambudla taking a leading role in the promotion of conspiracy theories. There has been a particular focus, repeated by Zuma in various public statements, on the Trumpian move of declaring, without evidence, that the elections were rigged. The general view is that Zuma and his supporters are making this claim to set the stage for violence, although it is not quite clear what their intentions are.

It is common to hear people say that when the new provincial government comes into power, migrants will be “dealt with” and ethnic minorities will “know their place.” It is not uncommon to hear talk of secession, of an independent Zulu kingdom. There are widespread fears of coming violence, something that a number of grassroots activists say is inevitable. Mqapheli Bonono, one of the most prominent grassroots activists in Durban, said: “There will definitely be violence. We don’t know when or where, but for sure it’s coming.”

Migrants have already been threatened and intimidated. Last Wednesday, an MK organizer was gunned down in Durban. Although there is not yet any evidence of a specific motive, it is being reported by some media as a political killing. It is widely assumed that this is the beginning of an internal struggle for positions and power within MK. Some ethnic minorities fear that they may have to move out of the province. Some have returned to rural family homes outside the province while they wait to see how things play out.

Ramaphosa wishes to establish a national unity government so the ANC can continue to govern the country. It is not yet clear if this will work or if MK will participate in such an arrangement. In KwaZulu-Natal, it is possible that a deal between other parties could keep MK in opposition despite it winning the largest share of the vote. If MK is not part of the deal struck to form a national government, tensions will inevitably escalate. This will be dramatically compounded if the party is kept out of government in KwaZulu-Natal by an alliance of other parties.

If MK does form a government in KwaZulu-Natal, the country will have its second-most populous province governed by a political force directly opposed not just to the national government but to the principles and legal foundations on which the country was founded.

The militaristic posture of Zuma’s party escalates fears of violence, and Zuma himself often makes implicit threats of violence via dog whistles. Speaking in English, he has warned that he should not be “provoked.” Speaking in Zulu, he has said: “Abasazi singo bani” (They don’t know who we are).

The idiomatic meaning here is clear, but, in literal terms, South Africans know exactly who Zuma and his party are.

[brexiiton]

Ecuador 'in state of war' against drug cartels' terror campaign

Schools and stores are shuttered, people are staying home as soldiers roam the streets of Ecuador's biggest cities.

Members of Ecuador's armed forces patrol a street during a security operation in the capital, Quito. [AFP]

With city streets largely deserted apart from a massive military deployment, Ecuador found itself in a "state of war" as drug cartels waged a brutal campaign of kidnappings and attacks in response to a government crackdown.

Hundreds of soldiers patrolled the capital, Quito, where residents were gripped by fear over a surge in violence that has also prompted alarm abroad.

The small South American country has been plunged into crisis after years of increasing control by transnational cartels that use its ports to ship cocaine to the United States and Europe.

The latest outburst of violence was sparked by the discovery on sunday of the prison escape of one of the country's most powerful narco bosses, Jose Adolfo Macias, known by the alias "Fito".

On Monday, President Daniel Noboa imposed a state of emergency and nighttime curfew, but the gangs hit back with declaration of "war" - threatening to execute civilians and security forces.

They also instigated numerous prison riots, set off explosions in public places and waged attacks in which at least 14 people have been killed.

More than 100 prison guards and administrative staff have been taken hostage, the prisons authority said.

In the port city of Guayaquil, attackers wearing balaclavas stormed a state-owned TV station on Tuesday, briefly taking several journalists and staff members hostage and firing shots in dramatic scenes broadcast live before police arrived.

Local media reported some of the attackers were as young as 16.

This attack, in particular, spread panic among the general population, many of whom left work and closed shops to return to the safety of their homes.

"Today we are not safe, anything can happen," said Luis Chiligano, a 53-year-old security guard in Quito who explained he was opting to hide rather than confront "the criminals, who are better armed".

Noboa said on Wednesday that the country was now in a "state of war," as he promised not to yield to the gangs.

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa gave orders on Tuesday to 'neutralise' the criminal gangs after gunmen stormed and opened fire in a TV studio, as bandits threatened random executions. [AFP]

Gangs declared war on the government after Noboa announced a state of emergency following the prison escape pm January 7 of one of Ecuador's most powerful narco bosses. [AFP]

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was 'very much alarmed by the deteriorating situation in the country as well as its disruptive impact on the lives of Ecuadorans,' according to his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. [AFP]

Peru declared a state of emergency on its border with Ecuador, sending an additional 500 police and soldiers to secure the frontier. [AFP]

China's embassy and consulates in Ecuador suspended services to the public, while France and Russia advised citizens against travel to the country. [AFP]

Brian Nichols, the top US diplomat for Latin America, said Washington was 'extremely concerned,' pledging to provide assistance and 'remain in close contact' with Noboa's team [AFP]

Colombia's army also announced it was bolstering border security. [AFP]

Ecuador's murder rate quadrupled from 2018 to 2022 and last year was the worst yet, with 7,800 murders in a population of about 17 million, and a record 220 tonnes of drugs seized. [AFP]

[callsign-magnolia]

Imperial // Chapter 4

MATURE CONTENT (18+)

Synopsis: Tatiana Alexeyevna discovered she was a princess when she was seventeen, a young age for a girl to receive such shocking news. She's done well at learning how to be a royal, and after meeting Bradley she considers that she really could find true love while taking the throne.

Warning: Angst, cursing, smut (eventual)

Word Count: 6.0k

Chapter 3 | Masterlist

Over the course of the next few days, I learned a lot. I knew we didn’t have a military, and I knew my great great grandfather had disbanded it after World War one, saying we would never go to war again. But here we are, another country attempting to start a war, and we were sitting ducks with no military and no one to train them if we were to start one. The people wanted to start a military and frankly, we needed one. But we had to have the means to do it. We had citizens in the streets, demanding answers and I so badly wanted to give them some. But I had none, so in the meantime we set up reunification efforts to a town just south of Dmivostok. Kugrad was bigger than Dmivostok, not by a lot but just enough. It was one of our port towns that brought in a lot of trade, so it had plenty of job opportunities for refugees in the time being.

“If we don’t get a military and offer the people National Security, they won’t trust us. They’ll riot and then we’ll have an even bigger problem on our hands. War won’t be our biggest threat anymore.” Marcus nodded. He was the closest to military personnel we had, so he was advising me on a lot. “We need people to train them.” I nodded, chewing on my nail as I paced in front of my desk in my office. “You’re right, we can’t send untrained civilians into battle.” I sighed, wracking my brain for ideas. Marcus stood quietly, watching me until I stopped at the thought of Bradley, tears welled in my eyes, but a light bulb also went off. “What if we asked an ally country to train them?” He furrowed his brows but nodded. “Who do you have in mind?” I smirked. “The one country who we have bailed out financially and owes us a favor.” He chuckled at my idea. “Get me a meeting with President Lee.” Charlotte and Sophie nodded, immediately putting in calls to the white house.

Within two days I had an emergency meeting with President Beauregard Lee, and I was on a flight from my country to D.C. I went over former expense reports from where we gave the U.S. money back during World War two. Looking over them to see exactly how much we gave them, and I was astonished at the amount of money we loaned out. I also wrote down important things to go over with him, things that needed to be discussed. It took what felt like eternity to get there but soon I was stepping off the plane in a navy gown, sash over my shoulder, and tiara on my head. It was a kokoshnik tiara and was solid diamonds. I was escorted into the white house where I greeted the president. “Your majesty.” He bowed to me, and I shook his hand. “Mr. President.” I smiled as we posed for photo ops before we walked into the oval office for privacy. Well, as much privacy as we can both get to talk about such private matters.

“Your highness. I must say, it is a pleasure to meet you. How is your grandmother?” I nodded. My grandmother’s assassination attempt became public knowledge four days ago and the world was buzzing about it. “She is doing much better; I appreciate your concern.” He nodded, sitting on one of the couches. “Please, sit.” I shook my head, holding up a hand. “No thank you, I’ve been sitting for a while.” He nodded. “Well let me get you a drink.” I shook my head, ready to decline when he interrupted me. “You know, it must be awful to see part of your country disappear in a matter of seconds.” I pursed my lips but nodded. “It is, it’s hard on my people as well.” He nodded, handing me a glass of champagne. “So, tell me the details of why you called this emergency meeting.” I nodded, taking a sip of the alcohol. “After World War one, my great great grandfather, King Ivan Alexeyevna, disbanded our military.” He nodded, listening intently. “We have not been to war since, staying out of the second world war. But now, we have another country moving in, decimating my country for control.” He furrowed his brows. “How do you know it’s for control? Who is it?” I pursed my lips. “Belevodsk.” He sighed, nodding. Belevodsk was a set of island countries to the northwest of us. We’ve had a peace treaty with them for over a hundred years now, signing one after the first world war. The man who runs the country, King Stephan, was known for his ruthless ways. He’s greedy, he’s vile, he has no care for his people. The only reason they even have a military is because of their draft.

His people have tried to escape many times, and when they are caught, the punishment is usually life in prison or the death sentence. “Belevodsk is known for being ruthless and power hungry.” I nodded, which is why I was here. “I came to ask for help.” He nodded as I sat down, setting my champagne glass on the table. “We have no military; we have no defense. My people are scared and are demanding answers for what we are to do.” He stared down at the scotch glass in his hand before getting up. “We can’t send American soldiers to fight a war that’s not theirs.” I shook my head, realizing he misunderstood me. “It would pull us into war with them as well, and we don’t have the resources to protect your country and ours.” I stood, cutting him off. “No, no. Sir, you have misunderstood my question.” I stepped around the table, my dress swishing around my feet. “My people wish to start a military. They have taken to starting their own enlistment forms, listing strengths and weaknesses, medical histories. They want to fight themselves. My people have a lot of love and pride for their country, and they want to defend it. But we have no one to train them. So, I came to ask for assistance in training them.” He nodded, seeming a little more open to the idea.

“What did you have in mind?” I was a little relieved he was listening. “A group of people from each branch. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. They come to Krasivayet Gurachu to train my people and teach them to train others. I know no military is strong in its beginning but I know my people will put their heart and soul into fighting this war.” He looked into my eyes, reading my features. “I don’t think it would be wise to send my people to a country on the brink of war.” He said before turning to his desk. “Two-thousand three hundred and forty-two people. The city of Dmivostok had a population of four-thousand and twelve people. Over half of the population was killed or injured in the first attack. My people are dying in the streets, and I am doing all I can to help them, to protect them. But I cannot do that without a military.” He stared out the window behind his desk, his back to me. “If you help, I am prepared to forgive your debt to us. All six billion dollars.” That caught his attention, and he turned to me. “I think we could arrange something.” And with that, we worked out a deal and a plan.

After that I went outside with Marcus and the rest of my escort where I was loaded into an SUV. Once we pulled out of the gates, I pulled out my phone, dialing Bradley’s number again. I’ve called him a few times since he told me to leave, he never answers but I don’t want to stop trying. Not until he told me he never wanted to hear from me again. Once again, he sent me to voicemail after the first ring, so I waited for the beep. “Hi, Bradley. I had a meeting in D.C. and I’m flying back to Krasivayet, and I would love to stop in San Diego and meet with you. If you want.” I took a deep breath as I felt my chest constrict. “I’m deeply sorry, Bradley. I feel so lost without you, especially over the last few days. Even if you hate me, I will still care, and I will still worry. So, if I don’t see you before you leave for deployment, be safe and come home. If not for my sake, your friends’ sakes. Goodbye, my love.” I hung up my phone, fighting tears the rest of the ride to the airport.

Once there Marcus helped me to make sure my face was free of smudged makeup, before he helped me out of the car. Lights flashed, blinding me as photographers stood back, snapping pictures of me. I gave a few waves, turning and smiling at them before I quickly climbed the stairs into the jet. Once I boarded, I sat in a seat, sighing. “Can I get you something to drink princess?” I nodded. “Water, please?” The stewardess smiled, walking away to get my water. “Princess?” Marcus asked, walking over. I turned to him and gave him a small smile. “Yes?” He sat across from me, setting out a folder for me. “We need to coordinate so when representatives for the U.S. Military arrive, we know what we need.” I nodded, leaning forward and gazing over the folder.

I kept hoping Bradley would call or text, but he never did. We stopped in San Diego anyway to refuel, and I called him again, but he never answered. So, I tearfully climbed back into the plane, opting to go to sleep. After many hours, we landed, and I slipped into a black dress before we stepped off the plane. More photographers took pictures, shouting questions as I walked to once again another SUV. Many of the people stood on the sidewalks, waving as we drove by. I decided to break the rules, rolling down the windows and waving. Now more than ever, they needed to see someone fighting for them, fighting to get them the help they needed, and I wanted them to know I was doing everything in my power to get them that. We drove through the city, finally stopping at the front steps to the palace. I stepped out after my announcement, walking up the steps and heading straight for the infirmary.

Once I arrived, my grandmother set her book down, pulling off her glasses and smiling at me. I curtsied before standing tall, smiling at her. “Well, how did it go?” I nodded, stepping forward. “The President has agreed to send military personnel to train our military.” She smiled, nodding. “I am so proud of you, my darling. You are doing amazing work.” I smiled and she smirked at me. “Now you must tell the people.” My face fell, realizing I wasn’t sure how to do that. “So, how are you going to reach the people? All the people.” I thought about it. Most homes have a television, but for the people who are currently displaced, they may not have access to a television. But radios are everywhere. I whipped around to Charlotte and Sophie. “Tell every radio station that I will be on the air in three hours, and that this must be broadcast nationwide.” They nodded, turning and leaving. “Three hours, that’s a very short time to write a speech.” My face fell again, realizing I couldn’t wing this. “Want to help me?” She shook her head. “Go write and I will revise.” I nodded, turning on my heel and heading for my office.

It took me an hour and a half, but I wrote it and gave it to my Grandmother for review. She had a few notes but thankfully I tweaked and finished it, still with time for lunch. Once that was done, I went into my office where the broadcast equipment was set up. “Ready?” Everyone nodded and I sat behind my desk, slipping the headphones over my ears. I looked up and waited for the thumbs up, which was given to me, and I took a quiet deep breath, starting the speech in Russian. “Good afternoon. I wish to give you an update. My grandmother, Queen Irina is recovering well, and we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love, support, prayers and positive thoughts for a speedy recovery. I also wish to tell you that your demand for a military is being granted. Tomorrow morning every village, town, and city will have an enlistment office set up at your local meeting hall. Anyone, male or female, over the age of eighteen will be able to enlist.” I looked to Marcus who gave me a small smile and a nod, telling me to keep going. “Many times, when a war has ended, many people can’t remember why they are fighting to begin with. I wish to tell you why we are heading into this battle. It’s for those we love, and those we have already lost in the village of Dmivostok.” I choked at the thought of the thousands of lives lost. “It’s to ensure that we, as a nation, remain autonomous. That we keep our rights as we have them, and that they remain unchanged, that they do not turn into laws that prevent us from our personal liberties. But this is also a new chapter for us. One where we can better ourselves, better our government and we modernize. We run the country for the people, as we always have. Our allies from the United States have agreed to send groups here to train our military. We are going to fight, for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for our nation.”

Marcus turned as Sophie came in with a smile on her face. “Belevodsk was behind the air raid, and we have reason to believe we have more coming. We can and will do our best to defend you as our subjects, our people and we will keep you updated as best we can. I hope this news gives you some relief, and that you can rest well, with your families. I hope you will continue to have faith in us that everything we do is for the good of the people. Because the land does not make up this country, it is you, the people who make Krasivayet Gurachu home to me. The queen and I send our love to you and wish you all a peaceful evening.” I ripped the headphones off as we went off the air, tears streaking my face as a sob hit me. I made myself emotional with that speech. Sitting back in my chair as I took deep breaths to calm myself. “There, there, your majesty.” Sophie said as she rested her hand on my shoulder. I grabbed it with my own, giving her fingers a light squeeze. “We have word from all over the country, people are very empowered by your speech and are currently taking to the streets to celebrate the creation of our military.” I gave a teary chuckle, looking out the window from my office, wishing I could see into the city.

“It was a beautiful speech, Princess. I am very proud of you.” I looked to Marcus whose eyes were watery and I smiled at him. “That means a lot Marcus, thank you.” He nodded. “I know you wish to go and celebrate with the people, but we are still on threat level three.” I sighed and nodded. “But I can think of someone else who would love to celebrate with you.” I smiled, getting up and rushing across the palace to the infirmary. “Doors.” The guards opened the doors for me and I rushed in, seeing my grandmother standing and slipping her house shoes on. “Grandmother!” I scolded “Pozdravleniya!” She yelled ‘congratulations’ as soon as she saw me. “I am so, so proud of you, my love!” She slowly came over, pulling me into her arms. I smiled, gently wrapping my arms around her in return. Soon she pulled away, smiling at me as she caressed my cheek. “You will be a strong queen one day.” I nodded, following her back to her bed. I got her under the covers and sat next to her.

“Tea shall be in any minute. In the meantime, could you fix my hair darling? It’s incredibly hot with it down.” I nodded, shifting so I could fix her hair. These were the little things I enjoyed. My grandmother may be queen, but she did make time to remind me she is my grandmother first. “Did you get to talk to him?” She asked and I sniffled when I finished the long braid. “No. He did not answer or return my previous calls.” She leaned back on her pillows, running her hand through my hair.  “I’m sorry, my darling.” I sniffled as tears flooded my cheeks. “I miss him, so much grandma.” She nodded, pulling me down till my head rested on her shoulder. “Cry it out darling, even Princesses cry.” So, I did. I cried and cried as my grandmother rubbed my back, attempting to soothe me. While it didn’t work, I was grateful to know someone was there to hold me.

Eight weeks had gone by and our first round of trainees were ready to deploy. We have no ships or planes, so we will defend by land for now while we have employed mechanics and engineers to build those things, sadly it could take months to years to have ships built. The planes would take months but we don’t know how long this war will last, so it’s better to be prepared in the long run. I have yet to hear from Bradley, but I knew he was deployed now, had been for a few weeks and phone access and service is limited. “Princess.” Sophie said as she walked in. “Yes, Sophie?” She looked at her clipboard, before meeting my gaze. I set my pen down, giving her my full attention. “The Prime Minister thinks it would be a good idea to do a visit.” I raised a brow. “A visit to where?” I asked as I quirked a brow. “Kugrad.” I sat back, thinking. “That’s the complete opposite end of the country, it would take eleven hours by car.” She nodded, flipping a page. “We have the train; the royal line can cut the travel from eleven to five hours.” I nodded. It was eight a.m., if we left in the next thirty minutes, we could be there by two. “Okay, tell Maria to please pack me a change of clothes. If we leave in the next thirty minutes, I can have lunch just before we get to the station in Kugrad.” She nodded, before leaving me to finish some work.

Soon we were on the train, headed to Kugrad. I finished a bunch of papers, had a virtual meeting with the Prime Minister and Sophie, Marcus and I had a good lunch before we landed at the train station. “Do I look okay?” I asked, turning to Sophie and she nodded. I had changed into a navy tea length scoop neck dress with lace sleeves. My nude heels clicking as I stepped off the train. Cheers erupted around us, and I smiled, waving to everyone. “Hi.” I greeted as people reached out, wanting to take my hand. Once we made it out of the train station it got ever louder. I walked along the road, greeting as many people as I could. Soon we made it to the refugee camp that had been set up within a local community center. Everyone leapt to their feet, bowing and I eventually had to tell people to stop. “It had been so hard, Princess. But we know you are doing all you can.” An older woman who was part of the refugee camp, Mrs. Kervstok said as I held her hands. “And are you low on supplies here? Food, clothing, anything?” She nodded. “We are rationing as much as we can, but food is getting scarce, so are blankets.” I nodded, turning to Sophie who was speaking to a mother with her child in her lap. “Sophie? Could you please write down that we need more blankets? Make sure we get a nice warm one for Mrs. Kervstok here.” The woman patted my hands. “God bless you, your majesty.” I nodded before standing, talking to more people, finding out what they need.

“Do you have a tiara?” A little girl asked as she walked up to me. She had red hair and green eyes that stared up at me as she held her thumb in her mouth. I smiled, crouching down and brushing some hair behind her ear. “I do. Would you like to see a picture?” She nodded excitedly. I pulled out my phone, showing her a picture from the state dinner. “Can we see?” A little blonde girl and boy asked. I nodded, turning my phone to show them. “You’re very pretty, Princess.” I smiled, booping the blonde girl’s nose. “And you are very pretty as well.” I said before standing. “Are you two part of the camp as well?” They shook their heads. “We live here, but Anastasia is our new friend. We come to play with her every day!” The little blonde boy said proudly. “Anastasia? Such a pretty name for a pretty girl.” I said as I poked jer cheek, making a melodious giggle escape her lips. “And you two are?” I asked looking to the other two children. “I’m Aleksander, and this is my twin sister Inessa.” I smiled at them before standing. “You know, I haven’t seen much of this town. I could use some tour guides.” They cheered excitedly as I turned to Marcus who nodded, falling in step with some other guards. The twins grabbed my hands, leading me to the door before I turned back. Anastasia stood there with her thumb in her mouth and a sad look in her eyes.

“Anastasia? Are you coming, dear?” She smiled, rushing over to take my hand with her free one. Inessa let go, opting to lead us through town as Aleksander held my other hand. They excitedly pointed out things they love such as the tree they like climbing in town, their favorite restaurant but they were most excited to show me a bakery. “Come on!” They pulled me to the door, smiles adorning their faces as Inessa opened the door. “Mama! Babushka! Look who we brought!” Inessa yelled, running to the back of the bakery. “This is our family bakery, my mama is a great baker.” Aleksander was such a proud boy. “Who is it-OH!” She yelled, scrambling to grab Inessa and Aleksander. She was speaking Russian in a rushed tone. “Ona printsessa! Vy dolzhny ostavit' yeye v pokoye!” Meaning, ‘She is the Princess! You must leave her alone!’ I chuckled, waving her off. “Oh no! I asked them to show me around! You have very kind children!” She seemed relieved but shifted her gaze from me to Anastasia. “Anastasia, dear. If your hungry, babushka has fresh soup in the back.” The little girl took off in a flash, following Inessa and Aleksander into the back.

“My apologies your majesty.” She said, bending into a curtsy. “No need to apologize. What was your name?” I asked, holding out my hand for her. “Nadia. Nadia Kolishk.” I nodded, looking around. “If I may, how has business been since the refugee camp set up?” She sighed, stepping behind the counter. “It was busy at first, people coming in for bread and other baked good. Now it is back to normal, a little slow even. Many people have no money anymore, and they can no longer afford to buy food that isn’t served to them by the camp.” I sighed, worried that was the case. “If we paid you, could you give some bread to the camp each day? They must eat and until we can figure out a better, more permanent solution, this is our best idea.” She nodded with a smile. “Of course, your majesty. I would be delighted. I was taking bread each day, but I had to stop, we couldn’t afford to lose money. That’s how the kids met Anastasia.” She said as she nodded to the door leading to the back. “I feed the little girl lunch each day since the camp only served breakfast and dinner.” I pursed my lips. “And her parents?”

“Died in the raid. She said they handed her to someone in a truck and when she looked back the bomb landed, killing them in the street.” Immediate tears flooded my eyes, and I fanned my face to fight them back. “Are you crying, your majesty?” I nodded, taking a deep breath. “My apologies. I know that’s not very professional. I’m just upset I haven’t been able to fix this sooner.” She shook her head, reaching out to me. “No. No. Crying reminds us that you are human and you care! Fixing this will take time and a lot of it. As much as we all wish you could snap your fingers and fix everything, we know you can’t.” I smiled at her, taking her hand and thanking her. I stayed and chatted with her until the children were done eating and rushed out to finish my tour. I held their hands again as we walked back outside, and I was suddenly taken aback by the sea of white uniforms. U.S. Navy white uniforms. My breath caught in my throat at the thought of Bradley, but the odds of him being here are slim to none. “What’s the U.S. Navy doing here?” I asked Marcus. “They’ve always docked here to fill up on supplies. They have done it for years, your majesty.” I nodded, watching all the white uniforms go by as the kids finished my tour.

Soon my feet were throbbing from the heels, but I was happy that I got to talk to so many people. They had such high spirits for a dark time in their life. I convinced the kids to stop, letting them play with each other for a moment as I sat with Sophie. “Would it be wrong of me to ask the entire country to ration? Two meals a day?” She shook her head. “I don’t think so, but that is a conversation you will have to have with the prime minister and parliament.” I nodded. “Didn’t you say that your grandmother was part of a knitting club and a sowing circle?” She nodded, looking at me confused. “Do you think we could commission them to make blankets for the refugees?” She grinned widely, nodding. “Absolutely. I will speak with her on the train ride home!” I smiled at her. “Thank you, Sophie.” She nodded as the kids rushed over. “We’re sorry, Princess but we must get home for dinner.” Inessa said and I looked at my watch, seeing it was almost six p.m. I nodded. “We must leave soon as well. We have a five-hour train ride home.” Marcus nodded as we all stood, and I took the kids hands one more time.

We walked down the sidewalk, the kids singing a traditional Russian lullaby as we were almost trampled by a man coming out of the bar we were passing. “Oh, I’m sorry…” He trailed off, looking at me. Those brown eyes I loved to stare in, looking deep into my blue ones. “Bradley.” I gasped, shocked. A ship may have docked here, but I figured his chances of being here were almost non-existent. His face was set, a perfect poker face as he bowed. “Your majesty.” I shook my head, wishing he wouldn’t do that. “Bradley, I-“ He shook his head, stopping me. “Tatiana, I forgive you.” I sighed in relief, closing my eyes for a brief second before I heard Nadia yelling for the kids. They bid me goodbye before rushing to their mother, Anastasia right behind them. “Can we talk? I can spare a few minutes before I must get on the train.” I said as I rested my hand on his chest. He shook his head, gently grabbing my hand and pulling it away from his chest to hold it.

“No. We can’t.” I furrowed my brows in confusion. “Oh, if your busy then maybe you could call me-“ “I don’t think we should see each other.” Once again, tears filled my eyes, my bottom lip shaking. “Wh-what?” I squeezed his hand, not wanting him to let go. “I just don’t-“ He was cut off by a piercing sound that made us look to the sky, it was a sound that made my blood run cold and my heart fall to my feet. “No. No.” I said as the warning sirens started. Not another air raid, we couldn’t handle it. “Princess! We must go!” Marcus said as he grabbed my wrist. “No! I want people evacuated, right now! Starting with children, elderly’s, pregnant women and anyone disabled! We have fifteen minutes! We have time! Send them west to the next town!” He nodded as people started sprinting in that direction, seemingly knowing that was the best option. Screams surrounded us as people rushed by. I pushed past Bradley, but he grabbed my arm. “Where are you going?” He yelled over the chaos. “To help get people loaded in the trucks!” He shook his head. “You need to leave! It’s not safe for you here!” I jerked my arm away from him. “These are my people, Bradley! I can spare time to help them!” I said as I turned away from him, rushing back to the refugee camp to help there.

Quickly people were loaded into trucks to send them out and within five minutes the camp was empty. So, I turned, helping a few more people get out. I looked to see Nadia and the twins, attempting to help her mother get in the car. Nadia was balancing all three, so I rushed over. “Need some help?” I asked as I swooped Inessa up and Nadia looked at me wide eyed. “What are you still doing here, Princess?” I gave her a smile as I set Inessa in the backseat, buckling her into her car seat as she cried in fear. “My people need help. I’m here.” I said before kissing Inessa’s forehead and grabbing a crying Aleksander, doing the same to him. “Come on mom!” Nadia yelled as her mother fought against her. “She’s too independent.” I smiled at her, offering to help and soon with an order from me, her mother was in the car and buckled. “Thank you, your majesty! Thank you!” She said as she got in and drove away. I looked at my watch, seeing we now had two minutes and my security was rushing towards me. I met them halfway, kicking off my heels so I could run.

Fear was settling in now, most of the town was deserted now, people prepared for this and were ready to run any minute. “Tatiana!” I looked ahead and saw Bradley, my eyes bulged out of my head. “What are you still doing here?” I asked as he fell in step next to me. “I wanted to make sure you were gone, and to give you this.” He said, holding out the picture of us he had framed in his house. I took it, smiling at him. “Thank you, Bradley. But I thought-“ “Just because I don’t think we should be together, doesn’t mean I don’t care.” He said before kissing my forehead and turning to get back to his ship. It was in that moment I heard a cry and turned. I wanted to vomit at the sight before me, there sat Anastasia on the cobblestone street. Her dress was more tattered than before, and she rubbed one eye while she had a stuffed rabbit in her free arm. On instinct I turned, breaking away from security and sprinted for her as the first bomb dropped. The whistling ringing in my ears, as rushed towards her, questioning how long I had before my actions killed us both.

I reached her as the first bomb landed a ways away. I held her close as her legs wrapped around my waist, and she buried her face in my shoulder. I heard another loud whistling, this time much closer and I pushed and pushed with everything I had. Rushing to get out of here. Time seemed to slow as I looked, Marcus was rushing towards me and when I looked to my right, so was Bradley. No, no! No one should be rushing to save me. If the bomb is close enough it would kill me anyway, and possibly them. “Tatiana!” Bradley screamed out just as the whistling got louder and suddenly, I was thrown forward by a blast, heat slamming into me as I went down, face first into the cobblestone with Anastasia in my arms.

~~~

“NO!” I yelled, watching as Tatiana and the little girl were thrown to the ground. I beat Marcus to her, seeing how the heat from the blast singed the back of her dress, leaving only strands holding it in place. Her hair was burnt as well, and she seemed to be bleeding from a wound on her head. “Come on, baby.” I muttered, gently rolling her off the little girl who was bawling beneath her. I grabbed the little girl, holding her close as Marcus arrived. “We need to get her to a hospital immediately!” Marcus said in a panicked tone. “Here.” I said as I handed the little girl to Marcus, before taking Tatiana in my arms as another whistling sound surrounded us. I stood but another guard took her from me. “Hey!” I snapped, attempting to get her back in my arms.

“Leave it. Thank you, Bradley. Your bravery and assistance are much appreciated. Now go.” I shook my head, stepping forward as tears streaked my face. “No, I need to know she’s okay.” Marcus stopped me one more time. “We have no time to argue, son. You need to get back on board your ship and she needs a hospital. The best thing you can do to help her, is go home, alive.” With that he turned and rushed away from me. Before I could say anything else he was gone and another bomb was about to land. So, I took his advice and rushed back to the ship, tears streaking my face as I ran through the little port town. Once on board, and after getting scolded by Mav and Cyclone I went back to my room as the ship pulled away from the port. I sat on my bed, dialing her number before we got too far from away from cell service. It rang multiple times before going to voicemail like I expected. “Hey, Tatiana. It’s me, Bradley. I don’t even know if you’ve made it to a hospital yet. Marcus ran off only ten minutes ago. I’m on board, and safe. Call me when you get this so I know you’re okay. Okay?” My head fell into my hand as I let a few sobs out. “You have to be okay. You have to be. But god, the back of your dress was basically disintegrated and you had these burns. Please. You have to be okay.” It took my another second before I managed to hang up, laying back on my bed as the vision flashed behind my eyelids. Burns marring her beautiful skin, the same skin I would run my fingers over as she smiled at me on the beach, or in the Bronco. So, all I could do was lay there and sob. Worrying about her until I would finally hear from her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Taglist: @artemissunn @dhwanishah09 @amortentiadrops @kmc1989 @halstead-severide-fan

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 7.27 (before 1920)

1054 – Siward, Earl of Northumbria, invades Scotland and defeats Macbeth, King of Scotland, somewhere north of the Firth of Forth. This is known as the Battle of Dunsinane. 1189 – Friedrich Barbarossa arrives at Niš, the capital of Serbian King Stefan Nemanja, during the Third Crusade. 1202 – Georgian–Seljuk wars: At the Battle of Basian the Kingdom of Georgia defeats the Sultanate of Rum. 1214 – Battle of Bouvines: Philip II of France decisively defeats Imperial, English and Flemish armies, effectively ending John of England's Angevin Empire. 1299 – According to Edward Gibbon, Osman I invades the territory of Nicomedia for the first time, usually considered to be the founding day of the Ottoman state. 1302 – Battle of Bapheus: Decisive Ottoman victory over the Byzantines opening up Bithynia for Turkish conquest. 1549 – The Jesuit priest Francis Xavier's ship reaches Japan. 1663 – The English Parliament passes the second Navigation Act requiring that all goods bound for the American colonies have to be sent in English ships from English ports. After the Acts of Union 1707, Scotland would be included in the Act. 1689 – Glorious Revolution: The Battle of Killiecrankie is a victory for the Jacobites. 1694 – A Royal charter is granted to the Bank of England. 1714 – The Great Northern War: The first significant victory of the Russian Navy in the naval battle of Gangut against the Swedish Navy near the Hanko Peninsula. 1775 – Founding of the U.S. Army Medical Department: The Second Continental Congress passes legislation establishing "an hospital for an army consisting of 20,000 men." 1778 – American Revolution: First Battle of Ushant: British and French fleets fight to a standoff. 1789 – The first U.S. federal government agency, the Department of Foreign Affairs, is established (it will be later renamed Department of State). 1794 – French Revolution: Maximilien Robespierre is arrested after encouraging the execution of more than 17,000 "enemies of the Revolution". 1816 – Seminole Wars: The Battle of Negro Fort ends when a hot shot cannonball fired by US Navy Gunboat No. 154 explodes the fort's Powder Magazine, killing approximately 275. It is considered the deadliest single cannon shot in US history. 1857 – Indian Rebellion: Sixty-eight men hold out for eight days against a force of 2,500 to 3,000 mutinying sepoys and 8,000 irregular forces. 1865 – Welsh settlers arrive at Chubut in Argentina. 1866 – The first permanent transatlantic telegraph cable is successfully completed, stretching from Valentia Island, Ireland, to Heart's Content, Newfoundland. 1880 – Second Anglo-Afghan War: Battle of Maiwand: Afghan forces led by Mohammad Ayub Khan defeat the British Army in battle near Maiwand, Afghanistan. 1890 – Vincent van Gogh shoots himself and dies two days later. 1900 – Kaiser Wilhelm II makes a speech comparing Germans to Huns; for years afterwards, "Hun" would be a disparaging name for Germans. 1917 – World War I: The Allies reach the Yser Canal at the Battle of Passchendaele. 1919 – The Chicago Race Riot erupts after a racial incident occurred on a South Side beach, leading to 38 fatalities and 537 injuries over a five-day period.

[hera-the-shoggoth]

The Town of Innsmouth is a small fishing port in east-central Massachusetts with a troubled history.

Founded during the Jacobean Era at the mouth of the Manuxet River, it grew gradually through the 18th century into a mercantile hub, at its height sending ships to ports throughout China, India, and the South Pacific Islands and developing a diverse local culture.

This resulted in occasionally violent social conflict with its neighbors in a very protestant and racist region of rural New England. In the 1840s a wave of hysteria swept through the surrounding towns due to a minor outbreak of fever, and the epidemic was blamed on Pacific immigrants which had married into local families during the previous decade. The economy was devastated by the destruction and rioting which followed, though the event is largely forgotten.

As the Asia-Pacific trade routes began to wane in the mid-19th century, the town contracted and returned to its traditional fishing, which itself faded into obsolescence due to the much larger industrial-scale operations out of the major cities.

The local land-owning elites which had grown rich during the age of mercantile sailing tried to reorient the town to light industry, finding some success in precious metals refinery due to their connections with the Malay gold trade from the late 18th century. At the same time, there was a resurgence of the Innsmouth fishing industry due to uncommonly rich yields throughout the late 19th century and into the 20th.

Around this time, the city embraced a peculiar local religious denomination centered around a pagan veneration of the sea and fishing, which emerged during the age of the Pacific trade out of the local masonic lodge and the maritime methodist and baptist churches. Its existence contributed to decades of animosity between Innsmouth and the surrounding region.

A small boom of new commercial development followed, and a branch railroad was built connecting Innsmouth to its inland neighbors formerly cut off due to the thick wetlands surrounding the Manuxet River. The streets were paved during this time and electric lighting was installed. The population began to grow as migrants from the south settled there to find work in the emerging industries surrounding the refineries and Innsmouth was nearly incorporated as a city.

A series of murders and bombings during the 1920s hit the community hard and many people were left homeless or fled, resulting in a persistent decline which continues to this day. Furthermore, Innsmouth was a center of rum smuggling and speakeasy culture during the Prohibition Era, and the town was dealt a harsh blow by a major FBI raid in 1927 which shut down the Marsh Gold Refinery due to extensive connections with the illegal liquor trade.

Innsmouth was left with very little commerce. All that remained were the unprofitable fishing industry and a tiny service economy centered on a grocery store, a few restaurants, bars which reopened following the repeal of prohibition, and a hotel. There are no colleges or high schools, and much of its youth has migrated elsewhere since the 1940s. The town's aging population currently stands at 1,173.

The Civic Flag of Innsmouth was designed in 1953 by 58 year old local resident Eber Gilman to celebrate the town's tricentennial that year, and was adopted officially in 1960. It reflects the area's mercantile history as well as its ubiquitous fishing culture and gradual revival.

On a blue field in the center of thirteen white stars it features a brigantine sailing ship with yellow banners, representing wealth and good fortune. Beneath the ship are three white cod emblematic of the fishing industry. Checkered against the three cod are three droplets of red blood, which represent the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the American Civil War in which the town sent sailors to privateer and soldiers to enlist in the federal army.

Over the mast of the ship is a bright yellow droplet, which represents the historical gold refining industry, as well as the the bright yellow moonlight which shines over the harbor. The flag is 1:2 in aspect ratio, and the fly ends in a swallowtail which begins at the center-point. The upper tip of the swallowtail is colored yellow, representing gold and wealth, while the lower tip is in red, representing toil and struggle. Together they represent the dual nature of the town's heart.

Hopefully in the future more awareness will be directed at the plight of rural towns across the United States which have been in a slow process of death for the last two centuries due to the concentration of industry in the larger cities, leaving traditional sources of revenue obsolete and unprofitable. Innsmouth's story reflects a history of poverty, racism, loss, and perseverance which has shaped the American working class.

[moneeb0930]

The date of birth for Julia Ringwood Coston, one of the first black women to edit a magazine, is unknown. We do know that she was named after Ringwood farm in Warrenton, Virginia, where she was born. While she was still an infant, Ringwood moved to Washington D.C. with her family and attended public schools there. She had almost completed school when her mother died and she was forced to withdraw.

In the spring of 1886, Ringwood married William Hilary Coston, a student at Yale University who eventually became a minister and writer. They had two children, a daughter, Julia R. in 1888, and a son, W.H. in 1890. The family settled in Cleveland, Ohio where William Coston was pastor of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church. William Coston was especially encouraging of Julia’s writing interests and gave her advice based on his experience as a writer.

In 1891, Julia Coston, realizing that white journals ignored black interests and themes, decided to create her own journal: Ringwood’s Afro-American Journal of Fashion. Concerned with the suffering and hopelessness of black women in the South, she believed that press editorials could be effective in protesting their inhumane treatment. The twelve-page journal, which had a yearly subscription fee of $1.25, provided advice on homemaking, etiquette, and fashion.

Ringwood’s Afro-American Journal of Fashion carried illustrations of the latest Paris fashions along with articles, biographical compositions of outstanding black women and promising young ladies, instructive articles for women and their daughters, as well as love stories. At the time, it was the only fashion magazine for blacks in the world.

The journal received tremendous praise from its readers and other noted publications. In 1892, Rev. Theodore Holly, then living in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, wrote that Ringwood’s Afro-American Journal of Fashion was already the leading magazine in that nation while the Philadelphia Recorder declared the magazine a welcome addition to any home, white or black. Victoria Earle (later Matthews), a black New York society leader, wrote that the magazine was a major source for instruction and guidance in home organization.

Julia Coston strongly supported and encouraged women writers through her journal and allowed younger contributors to gain publication experience there. She also believed these writers were good role models for the journal’s target audience.

For two years, from 1893 to 1895, Coston published a second journal: Ringwood’s Home Magazine. It was not as successful as her fashion magazine though, and she eventually stopped publishing it.

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[lboogie1906]

Tubal Uriah "Buzz" Butler (January 21, 1897 – February 20, 1977), was a Grenadian-born Spiritual Baptist preacher and labor leader in Trinidad and Tobago. He is known for leading a series of labor riots between June 19 - July 6, 1937, and for forming a series of personalist political parties (the British Empire Citizens' and Workers' Home Rule Party, the Butler Home Rule Party, and finally the Butler Party) that focused its platform on the improvement of the working class. He became a volunteer in the British West Indies Regiment in WWI, serving in the British Army from 1914 to 1918, stationed in Egypt. He became active in political pressure groups and workers' unions, establishing the Grenada Representative Government Movement, and the Grenada Union of Returned Soldiers. He went to south Trinidad and was employed at the Roodal Oilfields as a pipe-fitter. He became influenced by the philosophy of Marcus Garvey. He came to prominence in 1935 when he led a "hunger march" from the oilfields to Port of Spain. He was expelled from the Trinidad Labour Party for his "extremist tendencies". The Labour riots of 1937 resulted in turmoil throughout the oilfields. When strikes spread to the sugar factories, the Colonial government responded by issuing an arrest warrant for him. He was imprisoned from September 9, 1937 - May 1939. He was re-arrested and detained for the duration of WWII. The Butler Party captured the largest block of seats in the Legislative Council, but the Governor chose to exclude him and instead Albert Gomes became the first chief minister. In the 1956 General Elections, the Butler Party only won two seats. The fiery radical was deemed too unstable and threatening to the nation's economic well-being by Eric Williams and the People's National Movement. He is looked upon as the founding father of the Oilfields Workers' Trade Union and the labor movement and is honored with a statue in Fyzabad. He was awarded the Trinity Cross, the nation's highest honor. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence https://www.instagram.com/p/CnrPFWUOyls/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[faithindemocracy]

I cannot believe I am going to do this again no I have been watching many commercials about how trump is going to save us from crime and our Social Security would be safe well guess what people it's a lie. When trump was president that was more and more mass shootings as well as crime  in any time of other presidents, because he doesn't believe in the Gun Laws. Look it up? The confusion is people think presidents control states they don’t what they control is the gun laws. And we know that the Republican Party has sold Their souls to the NRA not caring how many people die they keep using the Second Amendment which was written at a time when the United states was surrounded by enemies it was 13 colonies with Native Americans on one side fighting for what was rightfully theirs and then we have the French the English jn  Canada the Spanish on the far south though the French and Spanish did help United States win their freedom from England if you don’t believe Spain HELPED. HERE IS A HISTORY LESSON: {   During the war, supplies and men were funneled to Continental forces through Spanish New World port cities, like New Orleans, Louisiana, and Havana in Cuba. Their aid proved crucial and undoubtedly helped the Americans defeat the British in 1781. Spain provided financing for the final siege of Yorktown in 1781 with a collection of gold and silver in Havana, then Spanish Cuba}  . They were not willing to give up their own lands which we then stole from them, especially from Spain and Native Americans, from Russia and France they have decency to pay them for the Land; Though Spain, France, and Russia also stole the land from Native Americans so they can  do manifest destiny. That is the reason you needed the 2nd amendment also it was a wilderness out there but now cities urbanization policeman which wasn't around at that time military because after the revolution that he wore there was no military do you believe they dissolved it they had to bring it back because of the whiskey riots and the 1812 war. We were a beginning nation, and we didn't even have a Navy the only thing we had thank God to Alexander Hamilton was the Coast Guard. There was no reason civilians to have Assault rifles or automatic pistols’ I don't think I have the right to have a regular gun for a normal rifle because you have a chance against that with mass shootings. I believe people should have the right to hunt animals, not each other. Hey but trump believes in giving them rights to everything as does the Supreme Court as you have seen in the latest ruling that New York does not have a right to ban other people from other states with concealed weapons I believe that we and we in New York City voted for that; I believe 70% OR 80% of the population did . What right does a court decide have to tell me who use my civil right of voting for that law that my city could live in safety that law was illegal. I believe that if anybody gets killed by a gun because someone was carrying a concealed weapon from another state when we voted for it not to happen and the Supreme Court overthrew us those justices should be sued for every dime they have because they have killed innocent Americans. They teach against abortion which I do not believe in abortion but they don't mind someone having a concealed  gun and killing people. Hypocrites that they are. These are dangerous leaders where they sell themselves to the people who have money for what most people don't realize because they seem to have forgotten every person that is in Congress or is it the presidency works for us we can fire them by not voting for them,

Now to my next peeve Christian nationalist you say you are Believers of the Lord Jesus Christ but she knows you are so nuts you want things your way and only your way and people to believe only the way you believe you want to dictate instead of giving us freedom of thought God gave us that freedom and you want to take it away Jesus never judged anybody but you guys love to judge people that's not a Christian attitude you'd love to condemn people still not a question about it I've been betrayed more times than I can count and I've forgiven everybody I've never judged anybody because I know I'm not perfect and I am not God please shut your mouth when it's time for us to die we'll see which one is right.  I do remember that Jesus says Do not judge or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Another saying is Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. 7 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Jesus also said this

39 He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?

       You wish to make America only a Christian country but your version of Christianity. Did you forget the 1st amendment of the constitution maybe I should remind you by posting here

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

I think I'd rather follow the Bible since this the words of Jesus not a bunch of bullies.

Now to the next topic I see a lot of commercials about how president trump is going to protect Medical insurance, Social Security  and Medicare with help of his party. I wanna ask a question are you all insane to believe these lies trump and the Republican Party have been trying to get rid of Obamacare because insurance don't like it we don't have to pay for insurance with Obamacare do you know how much your shoes cost before Obamacare a lot of us couldn't get our medicine a lot of us couldn't go to hospitals or doctors they had to pray that Holocaust bills like Bellevue hospital the oldest hospital in America who's been taking care of all the people since it started would have the medicine and the doctors to see us and they would a lot of people have to come from far away just to get some medicine see only in this country is the medicine of business the American Medical Association thus the most they can do to stop us from getting insurance every time a president wanted was running in that platform they will pay millions of dollars in advertising to destroy them every other country medicine is not a business medicine is about taking care of people in this country AMA forgets the Hippocratic oath which all Doctors swear and here it is:

 {"I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:

I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.

I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures [that] are required, avoiding those twin traps of overtreatment and therapeutic nihilism.

I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug.

I will not be ashamed to say "I know not," nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a patient's recovery.

I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know.

Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death. If it is given me to save a life, all thanks. But it may also be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty.

Above all, I must not play at God.

I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person's family and economic stability. My responsibility includes these related problems, if I am to care adequately for the sick.

I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.

I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm.

If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter.

May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help."}

It’s all about money to them.

Watch this  money it tells how AMA could have tested the blood in the 1980s for AIDS which will give them an 85% diagnosis  if they have a disease but they didn't because it was too much money it wasn't to the doctor who's disgusted by their attitude we took every billionaire patient they gave tainted blood I told them what the AMA had done and they started suing them that the AMA started to test the blood. The movie's name is

And the Band Played On”

 SHAME ON THEM!!!!

So believe the lies this campaign is saying. Now on to Social Security and Medicare they keep saying that he's going to save it no you know what he wants to do with the money that we earned and put in for our retirement you want to just give it to stock market so they can play and invest with it this is what the Republican Party wants to do it's with  our money we earned it they didn't earn it especially since stockbrokers don't have to worry if it goes crashing because they don't lose their Social Security you want to know why? Because if you make more than $168,000 you don't have to contribute to Social Security now the Republican Party is full of billionaires, and  millionaires people who make more than $168,000 and are  friends I believe  with all these stockbrokers so if they have a crash in the stock market these people don't come out losing we the lower middle class and the poor who have worked all our lives lose our money. The only thing they care about is the commission.

[swldx]

BBC 0413 24 Jun 2024

12095Khz 0359 24 JUN 2024 - BBC (UNITED KINGDOM) in ENGLISH from TALATA VOLONONDRY. SINPO = 55445. English, ID@0359z pips and newsday preview. @0401z World News anchored by Chris Berrow. Attacks on police posts, churches and a synagogue in Russia's North Caucasus republic of Dagestan have left 19 people and five gunmen dead. At least 16 people were taken to hospital with injuries after the Sunday evening attack. Three days of mourning have been declared in Dagestan, a predominantly Muslim republic in southern Russia which neighbours Chechnya. The apparently coordinated attacks targeted the cities of Derbent and Makhachkala on the Orthodox festival of Pentecost, with an Orthodox priest among those killed. US prosecutors have recommended that the Department of Justice (DoJ) brings criminal charges against Boeing. It follows a claim by the DoJ that the plane maker had violated a settlement related to two fatal crashes involving its 737 Max aircraft which killed 346 people. Protests in New Caledonia have flared up after seven pro-independence activists were detained and taken to France for their alleged role orchestrating riots against a controversial voting reform bill. A town hall, police station and several other buildings were set alight across New Caledonia, France's high commission to the South Pacific territory said. A British boy with severe epilepsy has become the first patient in the world to trial a new device fitted in their skull to control seizures. The neurostimulator, which sends electrical signals deep into his brain, has reduced Oran Knowlson’s daytime seizures by 80%. Epilepsy seizures are triggered by abnormal bursts of electrical activity in the brain. The device, which emits a constant pulse of current, aims to block or disrupt the abnormal signals. Democracy is not a crime and autocracy is the real "evil", Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Monday after China threatened to impose the death penalty in extreme cases for "diehard" Taiwan independence separatists. China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, has made no secret of its dislike of Lai, who took office last month, saying he is a "separatist", and staged war games shortly after his inauguration. Wildfires burning near Port-Cartier, Quebec, in Canada forced the evacuation of inmates from the local maximum-security prison, officials with Correctional Service Canada confirmed Sunday as favourable winds bolstered efforts to battle a pair of out-of-control blazes north of the city. The federal agency said the evacuation order was issued Friday and inmates have since been moved to other secure federal correctional facilities. Israel’s prime minister has said the "intense phase” of fighting Hamas in Gaza is nearly over, allowing forces to move to the northern border with Lebanon to confront its ally Hezbollah. In his first Israeli media interview since the start of the war in October, Benjamin Netanyahu said he expected the ground operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah to be completed soon. But he stressed that “doesn’t mean the war is about to end”, with action continuing until Hamas was completely driven from power. The first liquefied natural gas tanker since January is sailing through the Red Sea, just days after Yemen-based Houthi militants sank their second vessel in attacks begun last November. The vessel, Asya Energy, passed Yemen, travelling through the Bab al-Mandab Strait on Tuesday, shiptracking data from LSEG and Kpler showed, the same week that the second ship believed to have been hit by the militants sank. @0406z "Newsday" begins. Backyard fence antenna w/MFJ-1020C active antenna (used as a preamplifier/preselector), JRC NRD-535D. 250kW, beamAz 315°, bearing 63°. Received at Plymouth, United States, 15359KM from transmitter at Talata Volonondry. Local time: 2259.

[brookston]

Holidays 2.12

Holidays

Borrowed Days begin (until 14th; Scotland)

Bra Day (Japan)

Common Knotgrass Day (French Republic)

Commonwealth Day (Gibraltar)

Darwin Day

Establishment Day (Michigan State University)

Flip Flop Day [also 3rd Friday in June]

Gamma Day (Illinois)

Georgia Day (US)

Hug Day

Immanuel Kant Remembrance Day

International Darwin Day

International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers

International Day of the Prevention of Violent Extremism As & When Conducive to Terrorism

International Day of Women’s Health

Janet Jackson Appreciation Day

Lady Jane Grey’s Ghost Appearance Day

Lincoln's Birthday

Lost Penny Day

Love a Mensch Day

Memorial Day of 1990 Dushanbe Riots (Tajikistan)

Moresdag (Mother’s Day; Norway)

NAACP Day

Nancy Hanks Lincoln Memorial Day (Booneville, Indiana)

National Braydon Day

National Freedom to Marry Day

National Hump for a Day, Day

National Productivity Day (India)

National Women’s Day (Pakistan)

Oglethorpe Day (a.k.a. Georgia Day; US)

Paul Bunyan Day (Bangor, Maine) [also 8.10]

Peanut’s Remembrance Day

Pick A New Love Song Day

Red Hand Day (UN)

Rhapsody in Blue Day

Robinson Crusoe Rescue Day

Safety Pup Day

Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day (Canada)

Union Day (Burma/Myanmar)

World Cholangiocarcinoma Day

Youth Day (Venezuela)

Food & Drink Celebrations

Hot Tea Day

National Biscotti Day

National P.B. & J. Day

Plum Pudding Day

2nd Monday in February

Clean Out Your Computer Day [2nd Monday]

Evolution Sunday [Sunday closest to 2.12]

Family Day (British Columbia, Canada) [2nd Monday]

Go Green Week begins (UK) [2nd Monday]

International Epilepsy Day [2nd Monday]

Love May Make the World Go ‘Round, But Laughter Keeps Us From Getting Dizzy Week begins [2nd Monday]

Meal Monday [2nd Monday]

Meat-Free Monday (UK) [Monday of Go Green Week]

National African American Parent Involvement Day [2nd Monday]

Oatmeal Monday (Scotland) [2nd Monday]

St. Ives’ Hurling of the Silver Ball (Cornwall, UK) [Monday after Feast Day]

Shrove Monday [Monday before Ash Wednesday] (a.k.a. ... 

Bolludagur (Bun Day; Iceland)

Carnival Monday [Monday before Ash Wednesday (a.k.a. …

Carnival / Carnaval (Caribbean and South America)

Carnaval (Bolivia, Ecuador, Uruguay, Venezuela)

Carnival (Andorra, Brazil)

Carnival Holiday (Angola, Curacao)

Carnival Monday (Aruba, Dominica, Panama, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Trinidad and Tobago)

Carriacou and Petite Martinique (Grenada)

Clean Monday

Collop Monday

Fasching (Austria, Germany, Switzerland)

Fastelavn (Denmark)

Fat Monday

Hall Monday

Jour Chômé d’Usage (French Guyana, Guadeloupe, Martinique)

Jour Férié d’Usage (Luxembourg)

J’ouvert (Trinidad and Tobago)

Lundi Gras (Haiti)

Lunes de Carnaval (Argentina)

Luni Gras

Merry Monday

National Cream Puff Day

Old Mask Parade (Aruba)

Paisen Monday

Peasen Monday

Rose Monday

Rosenmontag (Germany)

Shrovetide (Day 2 of 3)

Super Bowl Monday [Monday after Super Bowl] (a.k.a. ... 

National Football Hangover Day

National Hangover Awareness Day

National Poop Day

Sick of Food Waste Day

Super Monday

Independence & Related Days

The Baillium Empire (Declared; 2019) [unrecognized]

Chile (Declared from Spain, 1818)

Sexistan (Declared; 2015) [unrecognized]

New Year’s Days

New Year's Celebration, Day 3  [Lunar Calendar] (a.k.a. …

Chinese New Year Holiday, Day 2 (Bhutan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan)

Third Day of the lunar New Year (Hong Kong, Macau)

Tet Holiday continues (Vietnam)

Tsagaan Sar (Mongolia)

Festivals Beginning February 12, 2024

Carnival of Dominica (Roseau, Domenica) [thru 2.13]

Catersource (Austin, Texas) [thru 2.15]

Haitian Carnival (Port-au-Prince, Haiti9 [thru 2.14]

Uruguay Carnival (Uruguay)

Feast Days

Aesop (Positivist; Saint)

Anthony Cauleas, Patriarch of Constantinople (Christian; Saint)

Ariadne’s Labyrinth Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Benedict of Aniane (Christian; Saint)

Bruno (Muppetism)

Choes Day (Day of the Cups; Ancient Greece)

Damian of Alexandria (Christian; Saint)

Darwin Day (Pastafarian)

Diana’s Day (Ancient Rome)

Diana’s Day — Protection of Wildlife (Pagan)

Ethelwald of Lindisfarne (Christian; Saint)

Eulalia (Christian; Saint)

Feast of the Seven Founders of the Service Order

Feast of the Three Saints — Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian (Orthodox Christian)

Festival of Artemis (Goddess of the Hunt; Ancient Greece)

Festival of Pitooyage (God of gaming & chance; Oaxaca, Mexico)

High Confiscation of Property (Church of the SubGenius)

Judy Blume (Writerism)

Julian the Hospitaller (Christian; Saint) [travelers, innkeepers & circus performers]

Ludan (Christian; Saint)

Marina (Christian; Virgin)

Martyrs of Abitinae (Christian; Martyrs)

Max Beckman (Artology)

Meletius, Patriarch of Antioch (Christian; Saint)

Sacrifice to Dionysos (Ancient Greece)

Storm-Days begin (Celtic Book of Days)

Tales of Kelp-Koli (Shamanism)

Thomas Moran (Artology)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Prime Number Day: 43 [14 of 72]

Sakimake (先負 Japan) [Bad luck in the morning, good luck in the afternoon.]

Unfortunate Day (Pagan) [11 of 57]

Premieres

All in Fever Say Aye or The Emotion is Carried (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S4, Ep. 204; 1963)

Animals, by Pink Floyd (Album; 1977)

Anti-Intellectualism in American Life, by Richard Hofstadter (Non-Fiction Book; 1963)

Austrian Hymn, by Franz Haydn (Hymn; 1797)

Beanstalk Bunny (WB MM Cartoon; 1955)

Blast from the Past (Film; 1999)

Blow-Up and Other Stories, by Julio Cortázar (Short Stories; 1968)

The Blue Umbrella (Animated Pixar Short; 2013)

Boomerang Bowler or Boris Makes a Comeback (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S4, Ep. 203; 1963)

Centennial, by James A. Michener (Historical Novel; 1974)

Deadpool (Film; 2016)

English Settlement, by XTC (Album; 1982)

Groundhog Day (Film; 1993)

Hop On Pop, by Dr. Seuss (Children’s Book; 1963)

The International (Film; 2009)

I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm, by Dick Powell and Alice Faye (Song; 1937)

Life Is Beautiful (Film; 1999)

The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (Film; 2021)

More Than You Know, recorded by Mildred Bailey (Song; 1942)

Moving Pictures, by Rush (Album; 1981)

On Golden Pond (Film; 1982)

On the Avenue (Film; 1937)

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (Film; 2010)

Pink Pest Control (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1969)

Pluto’s Housewarming (Disney Cartoon; 1947)

Rear Window, by Cornell Woolrich (Short Story f.k.a. It Had To Be Murder; 1942)

Rhapsody in Blue, by George Gershwin (Musical Composition; 1924)

Rhythm Lullaby and Bubbling Over, by Earl Hines & His Orchestra (Songs; 1935)

Robocop (Film; 2014)

Run to the Hills, by Iron Maiden (Song; 1982)

School Daze (Film; 1988)

The Shot Heard Round the World or The First National Bang (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S2, Ep. 98; 1961)

Sign of the Unicorn, by Roger Zelazny (Novel; 1975) [The Chronicles of Amber, #3]

The Space Rat or Of Mice and Menace (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S2, Ep. 97; 1961)

The Squaw Man (Film; 1914) [1st Film made in Hollywood]

Strictly Ballroom (Film; 1993)

Untamed Heart (Film; 1993)

We Give Pink Stamps (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1965)

Zoolander 2 (Film; 2016)

Today’s Name Days

Benedikt, Eulalia, Gregor (Austria)

Zvonimir, Zvonko (Croatia)

Slavěna (Czech Republic)

Eulalia (Denmark)

Alma, Alme, Elma, Elme, Elmi (Estonia)

Elma, Elmi (Finland)

Félix (France)

Benedikt, Eulalia (Germany)

Meletios, Meletis, Plotinos (Greece)

Lídia, Lívia (Hungary)

Alessio, Eulalia, Pilerio (Italy)

Karlīna, Karline, Līna (Latvia)

Benediktas, Deimantė, Eulalija, Mantminas (Lithuania)

Randi, Randulf, Ronja (Norway)

Aleksy, Benedykt, Eulalia, Julian, Laurenty, Modest, Nora, Radzim, Trzebisława (Poland)

Meletie (Romania)

Perla (Slovakia)

Eulalia (Spain)

Evelina, Evy (Sweden)

Ulas (Ukraine)

Abra, Abraham, Abram, Bram, Darwin, Ibrahim (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 43 of 2024; 323 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 1 of week 7 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Luis (Rowan) [Day 23 of 28]

Chinese: Month 1 (Bing-Yin), Day 3 (Bing-Wu)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025)

Hebrew: 3 Adair I 5784

Islamic: 2 Sha’ban 1445

J Cal: 13 Grey; Sixday [13 of 30]

Julian: 30 January 2024

Moon: 11%: Waxing Crescent

Positivist: 15 Homer (2nd Month) [Aesop)

Runic Half Month: Sigel (Sun) [Day 4 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 54 of 89)

Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 22 of 28)

[whatilistenedtoatwork]

From August 14th to August 17th, 2023

14-08-23

BUTTHOLE SURFERS “Butthole Surfers”; THE FUTUREHEADS “This Is Not The World”; GRIZZLY BEAR “Veckatimest”; BOBBY WOMACK “Communication”; RIDE “Going Blank Again”; FRANKIE COSMOS “Close It Quietly”; LCD SOUNDSYSTEM “Sound Of Silver”; RUN-DMC ”Tougher Than Leather”; WILLIE NELSON “The Troublemaker”; THE BLUETONES “Return To The Last Chance Saloon”

15-08-23

HELLOWEEN “Keeper Of The Seven Keys: Part I”; THE REPLACEMENTS “Tim”; ARLO PARKS “Collapsed In Sunbeams”; WILLIE NELSON “Shotgun Willie”; MEGADETH “Countdown To Extinction”; OYSTERBAND “Step Outside”; PUBLIC ENEMY “Muse Sick-N-Hour Mess Age”; THE TEMPTATIONS “Temptations Live!”; ABERFELDY “Do Whatever Turns You On”; DIANA ROSS & MARVIN GAYE ”Diana & Marvin”; SAY SUE ME “”The Last Thing Left”; BATTLEFIELD BAND “Battlefield Band”; DIANA ROSS & THE SUPREMES AND THE TEMPTATIONS “Together”

16-08-23

GOLEM “Citizen Boris”; THE FLAMING LIPS “Transmissions From The Satellite Heart”; WIND ROSE “Stonehymn”; THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTH “Choke”; SLAYER “Seasons In The Abyss”; PETER TOSH “Equal Rights”; WIRE “A Bell Is Just A Cup… Until It Is Struck”; BURNING SPEAR “Man In The Hills”; BMX BANDITS “Star Wars”; SKUNK ANANSIE “Stoosh”; JOHN LEE HOOKER “Folk Blues”

17-08-23

LUCINDA WILLIAMS “Lucinda Williams”; THE NATIONAL “Alligator”; PINK FLOYD “The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn”; CLARENCE WHEELER & THE ENFORCERS “Doin’ What We Wanna”; NEUTRAL MILK HOTEL “On Avery Island”; JULIAN COPE “Skellington 2”; CULTURE “Cumbolo”; SLY & THE FAMILY STONE “ “There’s A Riot Goin’ On”; WIRE “The Ideal Copy”; STEEL PULSE “Handsworth Revolution”; DAVE MATTHEWS BAND “Everyday”; THE TEMPTATIONS “Cloud Nine”; RUNNING WILD “Port Royal”; LEISUE “Leisure”; MORRISSEY “Viva Hate”; BUTTHOLE SURFERS “Independent Worm Saloon”; NEUTRAL MILK HOTEL “In The Aeroplane Over The Sea”

[creatiview]

When Sri Lanka slid into its worst economic crisis in seven decades leading to deadly riots and alarming shortages of fuel, food and medicines earlier this year, its giant northern neighbour stepped into the breach. India provided about $4 billion in rapid assistance between January and July, including credit lines, a currency swap arrangement and deferred import payments, and sent a warship carrying essential drugs for the island’s 22 million people. Now, as Sri Lanka closes in on a $2.9 billion loan deal from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and its economy stabilises, India is seeking to land ambitious long-term investments, with an eye on countering the influence of regional rival China, a government minister and three sources said. “What we are looking at right now is investment from them,” Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said in an interview this month, referring to a range of projects worth over $1 billion currently under discussion that would help bolster India’s presence in Sri Lanka. “They’re willing to invest as much as it takes.” “India is probably strategically looking at that…because of their security concerns,” Sabry said. India’s foreign ministry did not respond to questions from Reuters on its plans and strategic aims in Sri Lanka. Regional security would always be a focus for New Delhi, a source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters, at a time of persistent friction with China along their Himalayan frontier. “There are no two ways about security concerns,” the source said, asking not to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue. “In terms of long-term engagement, it is investment that is being focused on.” Besides seeking Indian investments to set up renewable energy and power projects in the north of the island, Sri Lanka is also keen to work with New Delhi on expanding and developing the harbour at Trincomalee in the northeast into a major port, several officials said. Taking advantage of northern Sri Lanka’s proximity to India, these projects could help New Delhi balance China’s extensive infrastructure projects in the south of the island that have been built up over the last 15 years. Sri Lanka’s Tamil-dominated north also shares ethnic ties with southern India’s Tamil Nadu state. CONCERN ABOUT CHINA The talks, and the scale of Indian aid this year that far exceeds other donors, underline New Delhi’s efforts to claw back influence in the island located just a few miles off its southern tip along busy waterways linking Asia to Europe. In late June, a fortnight before tens of thousands of angry Sri Lankans took to the streets and forced President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee the country, India’s top diplomat flew into the island nation’s main city of Colombo for meetings. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, who was accompanied by officials from India’s finance ministry, met Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, among others. In their conversations with the Sri Lankan leadership, Kwatra and other Indian officials flagged China’s position as a key geopolitical concern, according to a Sri Lankan government source with direct knowledge of the discussions. The source, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak to the press, said China’s huge role in the island’s economy, which had mushroomed under previous Rajapaksa administrations, was troubling India more than anything else. Details of the June meeting have not previously been reported. Kwatra and the Indian and Sri Lankan foreign ministries did not respond to questions from Reuters on the June meetings. In a statement released immediately after Kwatra’s visit, the Indian foreign ministry said that talks had mainly focused on economic issues, including deepening investments. It made no mention of China. New Delhi has long been concerned about China’s clout in its neighbourhood, including Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Sensitivities have been heightened, and diplomatic relations frayed, since Indian and Chinese troops clashed along a remote Himalayan border in 2020, leaving dozens of soldiers dead.

“We understand that it is their prerogative to look after their security,” Sabry said, referring to India. “And as far as Sri Lanka is concerned, we don’t want to contribute to any escalation of tension between any countries.” China, meanwhile, has engaged with the Sri Lankan government on debt restructuring that is required for the IMF deal to go through, besides sending shipments of medicine, fuel and rice. The World Bank estimates Beijing’s lending stands at around $7 billion, or 12% of Sri Lanka’s $63 billion external debt. “We are willing to work with relevant countries and international financial institutions to continue to play a positive role in helping Sri Lanka,” China’s foreign ministry said in response to written questions from Reuters. The ministry said it did not have details of India’s assistance and investment in Sri Lanka and that its own support of Sri Lanka was “not targeted at third parties”. PERFECT STORM Sri Lanka sank into a financial crisis after the COVID-19 pandemic decimated tourism and remittances from citizens working abroad fell. The war in Ukraine pushed prices for imports, particularly fuel, sharply higher. Rajapaksa’s administration also resisted help from the IMF, meaning foreign exchange reserves dwindled, worsening fuel and medicine shortages. Violent protests broke out as tens of thousands of people took to the streets and stormed government buildings. The president fled the country in July, and resigned. By then, Sri Lanka finally engaged with the IMF and the two sides have since struck a preliminary $2.9 billion loan deal. But it was Indian assistance that helped Sri Lanka buy time. “Without India, Sri Lanka would have unravelled as Lebanon did,” said Uditha Devapriya, chief international relations analyst at Factum, a Colombo-based foreign policy think-tank. “Sri Lanka has clearly benefited from being the closest neighbour to the most powerful country in the region. It is also in India’s interest to ensure stability in its backyard.” In October, Wickremesinghe – who took over as president in July after Rajapaksa quit – unveiled a blueprint for Trincomalee, which has a natural deep-water harbour, including a proposal to work with India to develop a strategic port there besides setting-up a new industrial zone and an energy hub, according to details released by his office. India and Sri Lanka are also in preliminary discussions on an undersea cable to connect the power grids of both countries and a fuel pipeline from southern India’s mainland to northern Sri Lanka – projects that could together cost at least $4 billion, according to officials on both sides. In the energy sector, India’s state-run NTPC is working on a 100-megawatt solar power plant in Sampur in Trincomalee district after the two countries signed an agreement in March. In the northwest of Sri Lanka, India’s Adani Group is awaiting regulatory approvals for two wind power projects worth $500m in Mannar region, Sri Lanka’s Power Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said in August. Off the northwestern coast, ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL), the overseas arm of Delhi’s state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, has set its sights on exploration licences, and has had multiple discussions with Sri Lankan authorities who are finalising regulations ahead of inviting bids from global companies, two Sri Lanka energy ministry officials said. Both asked not to be named because discussions were ongoing. Adani, NTPC and OVL did not respond to questions from Reuters on their projects in Sri Lanka. The push for oil and gas exploration was part of the discussions in June, the source with knowledge of the talks said. YUAN WANG 5 Foreign Minister Sabry said the Sri Lankan government was keen on capitalising on India’s growing economic prowess, particularly through renewable energy and infrastructure projects, while maintaining key relationships with other major allies, including China and Japan. Despite India’s recent goodwill in Sri Lanka, New Delhi remains wary of China’s presence.

In July and August, the regional rivals became embroiled in a diplomatic spat over a Chinese military survey ship, Yuan Wang 5, that stopped at southern Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port. At that time, Indian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Arindam Bagchi said that although India had given “unprecedented” support to Sri Lanka during the economic crisis, New Delhi would not back down from its security needs. Despite India’s crucial help during the financial crisis this year, Sri Lanka still needs China – one of its biggest creditors – to agree to a debt restructuring plan, along with India and Japan, to clinch the IMF loan deal, Sri Lankan officials said. “Chinese investment is very important, Chinese relationship is very important,” Sabry said. “So I don’t think even India or anybody expects Sri Lanka not to work with China. To be fair by them, none of them have asked us.”

[callsign-magnolia]

Imperial // Ch. 4

MATURE CONTENT (18+)

Synopsis: Tatiana Alexeyevna discovered she was a princess when she was seventeen, a young age for a girl to receive such shocking news. She's done well at learning how to be a royal, and after meeting Bradley she considers that she really could find true love while taking the throne.

Warning: Angst, and cursing.

Word Count:

Chapter 3 | Masterlist

Over the course of the next few days, I learned a lot. I knew we didn’t have a military, and I knew my great great grandfather had disbanded it after World War one, saying we would never go to war again. But here we are, another country attempting to start a war, and we were sitting ducks with no military and no one to train them if we were to start one. The people wanted to start a military and frankly, we needed one. But we had to have the means to do it. We had citizens in the streets, demanding answers and I so badly wanted to give them some. But I had none, so in the meantime we set up reunification efforts to a town just south of Dmivostok. Kugrad was bigger than Dmivostok, not by a lot but just enough. It was one of our port towns that brought in a lot of trade, so it had plenty of job opportunities for refugees in the time being.

“If we don’t get a military and offer the people National Security, they won’t trust us. They’ll riot and then we’ll have an even bigger problem on our hands. War won’t be our biggest threat anymore.” Marcus nodded. He was the closest to military personnel we had, so he was advising me on a lot. “We need people to train them.” I nodded, chewing on my nail as I paced in front of my desk in my office. “You’re right, we can’t send untrained civilians into battle.” I sighed, wracking my brain for ideas. Marcus stood quietly, watching me until I stopped at the thought of Bradley, tears welled in my eyes, but a light bulb also went off. “What if we asked an ally country to train them?” He furrowed his brows but nodded. “Who do you have in mind?” I smirked. “The one country who we have bailed out financially and owes us a favor.” He chuckled at my idea. “Get me a meeting with President Lee.” Charlotte and Sophie nodded, immediately putting in calls to the white house.

Within two days I had an emergency meeting with President Beauregard Lee, and I was on a flight from my country to D.C. I went over former expense reports from where we gave the U.S. money back during World War two. Looking over them to see exactly how much we gave them, and I was astonished at the amount of money we loaned out. I also wrote down important things to go over with him, things that needed to be discussed. It took what felt like eternity to get there but soon I was stepping off the plane in a navy gown, sash over my shoulder, and tiara on my head. It was a kokoshnik tiara and was solid diamonds. I was escorted into the white house where I greeted the president. “Your majesty.” He bowed to me, and I shook his hand. “Mr. President.” I smiled as we posed for photo ops before we walked into the oval office for privacy. Well, as much privacy as we can both get to talk about such private matters.

“Your highness. I must say, it is a pleasure to meet you. How is your grandmother?” I nodded. My grandmother’s assassination attempt became public knowledge four days ago and the world was buzzing about it. “She is doing much better; I appreciate your concern.” He nodded, sitting on one of the couches. “Please, sit.” I shook my head, holding up a hand. “No thank you, I’ve been sitting for a while.” He nodded. “Well let me get you a drink.” I shook my head, ready to decline when he interrupted me. “You know, it must be awful to see part of your country disappear in a matter of seconds.” I pursed my lips but nodded. “It is, it’s hard on my people as well.” He nodded, handing me a glass of champagne. “So, tell me the details of why you called this emergency meeting.” I nodded, taking a sip of the alcohol. “After World War one, my great great grandfather, King Ivan Alexeyevna, disbanded our military.” He nodded, listening intently. “We have not been to war since, staying out of the second world war. But now, we have another country moving in, decimating my country for control.” He furrowed his brows. “How do you know it’s for control? Who is it?” I pursed my lips. “Belevodsk.” He sighed, nodding. Belevodsk was a set of island countries to the northwest of us. We’ve had a peace treaty with them for over a hundred years now, signing one after the first world war. The man who runs the country, King Stephan, was known for his ruthless ways. He’s greedy, he’s vile, he has no care for his people. The only reason they even have a military is because of their draft.

His people have tried to escape many times, and when they are caught, the punishment is usually life in prison or the death sentence. “Belevodsk is known for being ruthless and power hungry.” I nodded, which is why I was here. “I came to ask for help.” He nodded as I sat down, setting my champagne glass on the table. “We have no military; we have no defense. My people are scared and are demanding answers for what we are to do.” He stared down at the scotch glass in his hand before getting up. “We can’t send American soldiers to fight a war that’s not theirs.” I shook my head, realizing he misunderstood me. “It would pull us into war with them as well, and we don’t have the resources to protect your country and ours.” I stood, cutting him off. “No, no. Sir, you have misunderstood my question.” I stepped around the table, my dress swishing around my feet. “My people wish to start a military. They have taken to starting their own enlistment forms, listing strengths and weaknesses, medical histories. They want to fight themselves. My people have a lot of love and pride for their country, and they want to defend it. But we have no one to train them. So, I came to ask for assistance in training them.” He nodded, seeming a little more open to the idea.

“What did you have in mind?” I was a little relieved he was listening. “A group of people from each branch. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. They come to Krasivayet Gurachu to train my people and teach them to train others. I know no military is strong in its beginning but I know my people will put their heart and soul into fighting this war.” He looked into my eyes, reading my features. “I don’t think it would be wise to send my people to a country on the brink of war.” He said before turning to his desk. “Two-thousand three hundred and forty-two people. The city of Dmivostok had a population of four-thousand and twelve people. Over half of the population was killed or injured in the first attack. My people are dying in the streets, and I am doing all I can to help them, to protect them. But I cannot do that without a military.” He stared out the window behind his desk, his back to me. “If you help, I am prepared to forgive your debt to us. All six billion dollars.” That caught his attention, and he turned to me. “I think we could arrange something.” And with that, we worked out a deal and a plan.

After that I went outside with Marcus and the rest of my escort where I was loaded into an SUV. Once we pulled out of the gates, I pulled out my phone, dialing Bradley’s number again. I’ve called him a few times since he told me to leave, he never answers but I don’t want to stop trying. Not until he told me he never wanted to hear from me again. Once again, he sent me to voicemail after the first ring, so I waited for the beep. “Hi, Bradley. I had a meeting in D.C. and I’m flying back to Krasivayet, and I would love to stop in San Diego and meet with you. If you want.” I took a deep breath as I felt my chest constrict. “I’m deeply sorry, Bradley. I feel so lost without you, especially over the last few days. Even if you hate me, I will still care, and I will still worry. So, if I don’t see you before you leave for deployment, be safe and come home. If not for my sake, your friends’ sakes. Goodbye, my love.” I hung up my phone, fighting tears the rest of the ride to the airport.

Once there Marcus helped me to make sure my face was free of smudged makeup, before he helped me out of the car. Lights flashed, blinding me as photographers stood back, snapping pictures of me. I gave a few waves, turning and smiling at them before I quickly climbed the stairs into the jet. Once I boarded, I sat in a seat, sighing. “Can I get you something to drink princess?” I nodded. “Water, please?” The stewardess smiled, walking away to get my water. “Princess?” Marcus asked, walking over. I turned to him and gave him a small smile. “Yes?” He sat across from me, setting out a folder for me. “We need to coordinate so when representatives for the U.S. Military arrive, we know what we need.” I nodded, leaning forward and gazing over the folder.

I kept hoping Bradley would call or text, but he never did. We stopped in San Diego anyway to refuel, and I called him again, but he never answered. So, I tearfully climbed back into the plane, opting to go to sleep. After many hours, we landed, and I slipped into a black dress before we stepped off the plane. More photographers took pictures, shouting questions as I walked to once again another SUV. Many of the people stood on the sidewalks, waving as we drove by. I decided to break the rules, rolling down the windows and waving. Now more than ever, they needed to see someone fighting for them, fighting to get them the help they needed, and I wanted them to know I was doing everything in my power to get them that. We drove through the city, finally stopping at the front steps to the palace. I stepped out after my announcement, walking up the steps and heading straight for the infirmary.

Once I arrived, my grandmother set her book down, pulling off her glasses and smiling at me. I curtsied before standing tall, smiling at her. “Well, how did it go?” I nodded, stepping forward. “The President has agreed to send military personnel to train our military.” She smiled, nodding. “I am so proud of you, my darling. You are doing amazing work.” I smiled and she smirked at me. “Now you must tell the people.” My face fell, realizing I wasn’t sure how to do that. “So, how are you going to reach the people? All the people.” I thought about it. Most homes have a television, but for the people who are currently displaced, they may not have access to a television. But radios are everywhere. I whipped around to Charlotte and Sophie. “Tell every radio station that I will be on the air in three hours, and that this must be broadcast nationwide.” They nodded, turning and leaving. “Three hours, that’s a very short time to write a speech.” My face fell again, realizing I couldn’t wing this. “Want to help me?” She shook her head. “Go write and I will revise.” I nodded, turning on my heel and heading for my office.

It took me an hour and a half, but I wrote it and gave it to my Grandmother for review. She had a few notes but thankfully I tweaked and finished it, still with time for lunch. Once that was done, I went into my office where the broadcast equipment was set up. “Ready?” Everyone nodded and I sat behind my desk, slipping the headphones over my ears. I looked up and waited for the thumbs up, which was given to me, and I took a quiet deep breath, starting the speech in Russian. “Good afternoon. I wish to give you an update. My grandmother, Queen Irina is recovering well, and we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love, support, prayers and positive thoughts for a speedy recovery. I also wish to tell you that your demand for a military is being granted. Tomorrow morning every village, town, and city will have an enlistment office set up at your local meeting hall. Anyone, male or female, over the age of eighteen will be able to enlist.” I looked to Marcus who gave me a small smile and a nod, telling me to keep going. “Many times, when a war has ended, many people can’t remember why they are fighting to begin with. I wish to tell you why we are heading into this battle. It’s for those we love, and those we have already lost in the village of Dmivostok.” I choked at the thought of the thousands of lives lost. “It’s to ensure that we, as a nation, remain autonomous. That we keep our rights as we have them, and that they remain unchanged, that they do not turn into laws that prevent us from our personal liberties. But this is also a new chapter for us. One where we can better ourselves, better our government and we modernize. We run the country for the people, as we always have. Our allies from the United States have agreed to send groups here to train our military. We are going to fight, for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for our nation.”

Marcus turned as Sophie came in with a smile on her face. “Belevodsk was behind the air raid, and we have reason to believe we have more coming. We can and will do our best to defend you as our subjects, our people and we will keep you updated as best we can. I hope this news gives you some relief, and that you can rest well, with your families. I hope you will continue to have faith in us that everything we do is for the good of the people. Because the land does not make up this country, it is you, the people who make Krasivayet Gurachu home to me. The queen and I send our love to you and wish you all a peaceful evening.” I ripped the headphones off as we went off the air, tears streaking my face as a sob hit me. I made myself emotional with that speech. Sitting back in my chair as I took deep breaths to calm myself. “There, there, your majesty.” Sophie said as she rested her hand on my shoulder. I grabbed it with my own, giving her fingers a light squeeze. “We have word from all over the country, people are very empowered by your speech and are currently taking to the streets to celebrate the creation of our military.” I gave a teary chuckle, looking out the window from my office, wishing I could see into the city.

“It was a beautiful speech, Princess. I am very proud of you.” I looked to Marcus whose eyes were watery and I smiled at him. “That means a lot Marcus, thank you.” He nodded. “I know you wish to go and celebrate with the people, but we are still on threat level three.” I sighed and nodded. “But I can think of someone else who would love to celebrate with you.” I smiled, getting up and rushing across the palace to the infirmary. “Doors.” The guards opened the doors for me and I rushed in, seeing my grandmother standing and slipping her house shoes on. “Grandmother!” I scolded “Pozdravleniya!” She yelled ‘congratulations’ as soon as she saw me. “I am so, so proud of you, my love!” She slowly came over, pulling me into her arms. I smiled, gently wrapping my arms around her in return. Soon she pulled away, smiling at me as she caressed my cheek. “You will be a strong queen one day.” I nodded, following her back to her bed. I got her under the covers and sat next to her.

“Tea shall be in any minute. In the meantime, could you fix my hair darling? It’s incredibly hot with it down.” I nodded, shifting so I could fix her hair. These were the little things I enjoyed. My grandmother may be queen, but she did make time to remind me she is my grandmother first. “Did you get to talk to him?” She asked and I sniffled when I finished the long braid. “No. He did not answer or return my previous calls.” She leaned back on her pillows, running her hand through my hair.  “I’m sorry, my darling.” I sniffled as tears flooded my cheeks. “I miss him, so much grandma.” She nodded, pulling me down till my head rested on her shoulder. “Cry it out darling, even Princesses cry.” So, I did. I cried and cried as my grandmother rubbed my back, attempting to soothe me. While it didn’t work, I was grateful to know someone was there to hold me.

Eight weeks had gone by and our first round of trainees were ready to deploy. We have no ships or planes, so we will defend by land for now while we have employed mechanics and engineers to build those things, sadly it could take months to years to have ships built. The planes would take months but we don’t know how long this war will last, so it’s better to be prepared in the long run. I have yet to hear from Bradley, but I knew he was deployed now, had been for a few weeks and phone access and service is limited. “Princess.” Sophie said as she walked in. “Yes, Sophie?” She looked at her clipboard, before meeting my gaze. I set my pen down, giving her my full attention. “The Prime Minister thinks it would be a good idea to do a visit.” I raised a brow. “A visit to where?” I asked as I quirked a brow. “Kugrad.” I sat back, thinking. “That’s the complete opposite end of the country, it would take eleven hours by car.” She nodded, flipping a page. “We have the train; the royal line can cut the travel from eleven to five hours.” I nodded. It was eight a.m., if we left in the next thirty minutes, we could be there by two. “Okay, tell Maria to please pack me a change of clothes. If we leave in the next thirty minutes, I can have lunch just before we get to the station in Kugrad.” She nodded, before leaving me to finish some work.

Soon we were on the train, headed to Kugrad. I finished a bunch of papers, had a virtual meeting with the Prime Minister and Sophie, Marcus and I had a good lunch before we landed at the train station. “Do I look okay?” I asked, turning to Sophie and she nodded. I had changed into a navy tea length scoop neck dress with lace sleeves. My nude heels clicking as I stepped off the train. Cheers erupted around us, and I smiled, waving to everyone. “Hi.” I greeted as people reached out, wanting to take my hand. Once we made it out of the train station it got ever louder. I walked along the road, greeting as many people as I could. Soon we made it to the refugee camp that had been set up within a local community center. Everyone leapt to their feet, bowing and I eventually had to tell people to stop. “It had been so hard, Princess. But we know you are doing all you can.” An older woman who was part of the refugee camp, Mrs. Kervstok said as I held her hands. “And are you low on supplies here? Food, clothing, anything?” She nodded. “We are rationing as much as we can, but food is getting scarce, so are blankets.” I nodded, turning to Sophie who was speaking to a mother with her child in her lap. “Sophie? Could you please write down that we need more blankets? Make sure we get a nice warm one for Mrs. Kervstok here.” The woman patted my hands. “God bless you, your majesty.” I nodded before standing, talking to more people, finding out what they need.

“Do you have a tiara?” A little girl asked as she walked up to me. She had red hair and green eyes that stared up at me as she held her thumb in her mouth. I smiled, crouching down and brushing some hair behind her ear. “I do. Would you like to see a picture?” She nodded excitedly. I pulled out my phone, showing her a picture from the state dinner. “Can we see?” A little blonde girl and boy asked. I nodded, turning my phone to show them. “You’re very pretty, Princess.” I smiled, booping the blonde girl’s nose. “And you are very pretty as well.” I said before standing. “Are you two part of the camp as well?” They shook their heads. “We live here, but Anastasia is our new friend. We come to play with her every day!” The little blonde boy said proudly. “Anastasia? Such a pretty name for a pretty girl.” I said as I poked jer cheek, making a melodious giggle escape her lips. “And you two are?” I asked looking to the other two children. “I’m Aleksander, and this is my twin sister Inessa.” I smiled at them before standing. “You know, I haven’t seen much of this town. I could use some tour guides.” They cheered excitedly as I turned to Marcus who nodded, falling in step with some other guards. The twins grabbed my hands, leading me to the door before I turned back. Anastasia stood there with her thumb in her mouth and a sad look in her eyes.

“Anastasia? Are you coming, dear?” She smiled, rushing over to take my hand with her free one. Inessa let go, opting to lead us through town as Aleksander held my other hand. They excitedly pointed out things they love such as the tree they like climbing in town, their favorite restaurant but they were most excited to show me a bakery. “Come on!” They pulled me to the door, smiles adorning their faces as Inessa opened the door. “Mama! Babushka! Look who we brought!” Inessa yelled, running to the back of the bakery. “This is our family bakery, my mama is a great baker.” Aleksander was such a proud boy. “Who is it-OH!” She yelled, scrambling to grab Inessa and Aleksander. She was speaking Russian in a rushed tone. “Ona printsessa! Vy dolzhny ostavit' yeye v pokoye!” Meaning, ‘She is the Princess! You must leave her alone!’ I chuckled, waving her off. “Oh no! I asked them to show me around! You have very kind children!” She seemed relieved but shifted her gaze from me to Anastasia. “Anastasia, dear. If your hungry, babushka has fresh soup in the back.” The little girl took off in a flash, following Inessa and Aleksander into the back.

“My apologies your majesty.” She said, bending into a curtsy. “No need to apologize. What was your name?” I asked, holding out my hand for her. “Nadia. Nadia Kolishk.” I nodded, looking around. “If I may, how has business been since the refugee camp set up?” She sighed, stepping behind the counter. “It was busy at first, people coming in for bread and other baked good. Now it is back to normal, a little slow even. Many people have no money anymore, and they can no longer afford to buy food that isn’t served to them by the camp.” I sighed, worried that was the case. “If we paid you, could you give some bread to the camp each day? They must eat and until we can figure out a better, more permanent solution, this is our best idea.” She nodded with a smile. “Of course, your majesty. I would be delighted. I was taking bread each day, but I had to stop, we couldn’t afford to lose money. That’s how the kids met Anastasia.” She said as she nodded to the door leading to the back. “I feed the little girl lunch each day since the camp only served breakfast and dinner.” I pursed my lips. “And her parents?”

“Died in the raid. She said they handed her to someone in a truck and when she looked back the bomb landed, killing them in the street.” Immediate tears flooded my eyes, and I fanned my face to fight them back. “Are you crying, your majesty?” I nodded, taking a deep breath. “My apologies. I know that’s not very professional. I’m just upset I haven’t been able to fix this sooner.” She shook her head, reaching out to me. “No. No. Crying reminds us that you are human and you care! Fixing this will take time and a lot of it. As much as we all wish you could snap your fingers and fix everything, we know you can’t.” I smiled at her, taking her hand and thanking her. I stayed and chatted with her until the children were done eating and rushed out to finish my tour. I held their hands again as we walked back outside, and I was suddenly taken aback by the sea of white uniforms. U.S. Navy white uniforms. My breath caught in my throat at the thought of Bradley, but the odds of him being here are slim to none. “What’s the U.S. Navy doing here?” I asked Marcus. “They’ve always docked here to fill up on supplies. They have done it for years, your majesty.” I nodded, watching all the white uniforms go by as the kids finished my tour.

Soon my feet were throbbing from the heels, but I was happy that I got to talk to so many people. They had such high spirits for a dark time in their life. I convinced the kids to stop, letting them play with each other for a moment as I sat with Sophie. “Would it be wrong of me to ask the entire country to ration? Two meals a day?” She shook her head. “I don’t think so, but that is a conversation you will have to have with the prime minister and parliament.” I nodded. “Didn’t you say that your grandmother was part of a knitting club and a sowing circle?” She nodded, looking at me confused. “Do you think we could commission them to make blankets for the refugees?” She grinned widely, nodding. “Absolutely. I will speak with her on the train ride home!” I smiled at her. “Thank you, Sophie.” She nodded as the kids rushed over. “We’re sorry, Princess but we must get home for dinner.” Inessa said and I looked at my watch, seeing it was almost six p.m. I nodded. “We must leave soon as well. We have a five-hour train ride home.” Marcus nodded as we all stood, and I took the kids hands one more time.

We walked down the sidewalk, the kids singing a traditional Russian lullaby as we were almost trampled by a man coming out of the bar we were passing. “Oh, I’m sorry…” He trailed off, looking at me. Those brown eyes I loved to stare in, looking deep into my blue ones. “Bradley.” I gasped, shocked. A ship may have docked here, but I figured his chances of being here were almost non-existent. His face was set, a perfect poker face as he bowed. “Your majesty.” I shook my head, wishing he wouldn’t do that. “Bradley, I-“ He shook his head, stopping me. “Tatiana, I forgive you.” I sighed in relief, closing my eyes for a brief second before I heard Nadia yelling for the kids. They bid me goodbye before rushing to their mother, Anastasia right behind them. “Can we talk? I can spare a few minutes before I must get on the train.” I said as I rested my hand on his chest. He shook his head, gently grabbing my hand and pulling it away from his chest to hold it.

“No. We can’t.” I furrowed my brows in confusion. “Oh, if your busy then maybe you could call me-“ “I don’t think we should see each other.” Once again, tears filled my eyes, my bottom lip shaking. “Wh-what?” I squeezed his hand, not wanting him to let go. “I just don’t-“ He was cut off by a piercing sound that made us look to the sky, it was a sound that made my blood run cold and my heart fall to my feet. “No. No.” I said as the warning sirens started. Not another air raid, we couldn’t handle it. “Princess! We must go!” Marcus said as he grabbed my wrist. “No! I want people evacuated, right now! Starting with children, elderly’s, pregnant women and anyone disabled! We have fifteen minutes! We have time! Send them west to the next town!” He nodded as people started sprinting in that direction, seemingly knowing that was the best option. Screams surrounded us as people rushed by. I pushed past Bradley, but he grabbed my arm. “Where are you going?” He yelled over the chaos. “To help get people loaded in the trucks!” He shook his head. “You need to leave! It’s not safe for you here!” I jerked my arm away from him. “These are my people, Bradley! I can spare time to help them!” I said as I turned away from him, rushing back to the refugee camp to help there.

Quickly people were loaded into trucks to send them out and within five minutes the camp was empty. So, I turned, helping a few more people get out. I looked to see Nadia and the twins, attempting to help her mother get in the car. Nadia was balancing all three, so I rushed over. “Need some help?” I asked as I swooped Inessa up and Nadia looked at me wide eyed. “What are you still doing here, Princess?” I gave her a smile as I set Inessa in the backseat, buckling her into her car seat as she cried in fear. “My people need help. I’m here.” I said before kissing Inessa’s forehead and grabbing a crying Aleksander, doing the same to him. “Come on mom!” Nadia yelled as her mother fought against her. “She’s too independent.” I smiled at her, offering to help and soon with an order from me, her mother was in the car and buckled. “Thank you, your majesty! Thank you!” She said as she got in and drove away. I looked at my watch, seeing we now had two minutes and my security was rushing towards me. I met them halfway, kicking off my heels so I could run.

Fear was settling in now, most of the town was deserted now, people prepared for this and were ready to run any minute. “Tatiana!” I looked ahead and saw Bradley, my eyes bulged out of my head. “What are you still doing here?” I asked as he fell in step next to me. “I wanted to make sure you were gone, and to give you this.” He said, holding out the picture of us he had framed in his house. I took it, smiling at him. “Thank you, Bradley. But I thought-“ “Just because I don’t think we should be together, doesn’t mean I don’t care.” He said before kissing my forehead and turning to get back to his ship. It was in that moment I heard a cry and turned. I wanted to vomit at the sight before me, there sat Anastasia on the cobblestone street. Her dress was more tattered than before, and she rubbed one eye while she had a stuffed rabbit in her free arm. On instinct I turned, breaking away from security and sprinted for her as the first bomb dropped. The whistling ringing in my ears, as rushed towards her, questioning how long I had before my actions killed us both.

I reached her as the first bomb landed a ways away. I held her close as her legs wrapped around my waist, and she buried her face in my shoulder. I heard another loud whistling, this time much closer and I pushed and pushed with everything I had. Rushing to get out of here. Time seemed to slow as I looked, Marcus was rushing towards me and when I looked to my right, so was Bradley. No, no! No one should be rushing to save me. If the bomb is close enough it would kill me anyway, and possibly them. “Tatiana!” Bradley screamed out just as the whistling got louder and suddenly, I was thrown forward by a blast, heat slamming into me as I went down, face first into the cobblestone with Anastasia in my arms.

~~~

“NO!” I yelled, watching as Tatiana and the little girl were thrown to the ground. I beat Marcus to her, seeing how the heat from the blast singed the back of her dress, leaving only strands holding it in place. Her hair was burnt as well, and she seemed to be bleeding from a wound on her head. “Come on, baby.” I muttered, gently rolling her off the little girl who was bawling beneath her. I grabbed the little girl, holding her close as Marcus arrived. “We need to get her to a hospital immediately!” Marcus said in a panicked tone. “Here.” I said as I handed the little girl to Marcus, before taking Tatiana in my arms as another whistling sound surrounded us. I stood but another guard took her from me. “Hey!” I snapped, attempting to get her back in my arms.

“Leave it. Thank you, Bradley. Your bravery and assistance are much appreciated. Now go.” I shook my head, stepping forward as tears streaked my face. “No, I need to know she’s okay.” Marcus stopped me one more time. “We have no time to argue, son. You need to get back on board your ship and she needs a hospital. The best thing you can do to help her, is go home, alive.” With that he turned and rushed away from me. Before I could say anything else he was gone and another bomb was about to land. So, I took his advice and rushed back to the ship, tears streaking my face as I ran through the little port town. Once on board, and after getting scolded by Mav and Cyclone I went back to my room as the ship pulled away from the port. I sat on my bed, dialing her number before we got too far from away from cell service. It rang multiple times before going to voicemail like I expected. “Hey, Tatiana. It’s me, Bradley. I don’t even know if you’ve made it to a hospital yet. Marcus ran off only ten minutes ago. I’m on board, and safe. Call me when you get this so I know you’re okay. Okay?” My head fell into my hand as I let a few sobs out. “You have to be okay. You have to be. But god, the back of your dress was basically disintegrated and you had these burns. Please. You have to be okay.” It took my another second before I managed to hang up, laying back on my bed as the vision flashed behind my eyelids. Burns marring her beautiful skin, the same skin I would run my fingers over as she smiled at me on the beach, or in the Bronco. So, all I could do was lay there and sob. Worrying about her until I would finally hear from her.

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