We are most pleased to know that there is an alliance-wide communications device called (strangely enough) IRC. We made our inaugural entrance into the communications channel, and found no irksome demeanor whatsoever there. IN fact, two leaders were willing to share privately with us some terribly important news regarding our own nation, and how we might better rule and reign in it. We were most impressed! We are looking forward to future relations with these leaders, and feel once again as if our decision to join TOOL was the best of all possible choices. We posted our first communique home today, reporting on things as we have found them here in Merlinus.

While the current conditions of the country are nearly deplorable, we have found the subjects to be most amenable to hard work. It is a sadness that our taxes have had to be so radically increased, yet we demand that our budget be balanced. We are cautiously building the national infrastructure, keeping a close eye on the international events of the war raging around us. We are trying to learn as much as possible about the world in which we find ourself ruling. There are numerous forms of assistance available to us as members of The Order of Light, but among the very best are the leaders themselves. It does astound us at the willingness and cordiality extended to us as we begin our reign.

The issues of State do take most of our time. The overwhelming nature of the task alone is sufficient to humble one of even minimal mentation. Even as we begin the necessary task of governance, the list of daily responsibilities grows at a staggering rate. Nation building is one thing that requires the first place in my concern, and the first responsibility of good monarchy. Yet, the presence of nation-to-nation building tasks seems to be of particular joy to us. Our subjects will never know that monarchy is a 24 hour job, with very unsubstantial pay. Ours intends to be a full-service government, and every necessity of satisfactory daily life among the subjects is our first concern, after of course national security. Ours is the inherent sovereignty of our people, yet the recent past of reign has been less than satisfactory for our people, as they willingly tell us at every opportunity. The cultural diversity of our people help us bring possible solutions to the many challenges before us

This is an historic moment for Merlinus. Shortly, we will be required to respond in accountability to our people publicly. We have found welcome at every stop on our nation tour, and do look forward to continued relations with our subjects. We do not take lightly the fact that they did not choose their Monarch. Ours is the task to never allow any subject to regret the Monarch they have, or the Monarchy under which they live.

Let it be so.

M