The Southern Cross of Hope

[TheShammySocialist]

[center][b][size="6"]Union of the Southern Cross[/size][/b]

[IMG]http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa325/VictorDeltaRomeo/AUSflag3.png[/IMG][/center]

"We the sons and daughters of the Southern Cross, do declare on this day, the independence of the Union of the Southern Cross, a nation born out of the ashes of defeat. We solemnly declare that the past many years have been some of the hardest this continent has had to endure. This is no more the case, we do declare our existence as a nation, here and now, by the will of the International Peacekeeping Force - Oceania, to ensure this continent never again shall have to suffer like it has before.

We promise both hard and rewarding times ahead, it will be a stretch before we can rest and return to our homes, and, if you would like to say, figuratively 'put the weapons over the hearth'. Now is the hour that we move forward together, to once again restore the continent of Australia to its former glory, and ensure that it will be a place of prosperity, hope, and stability. This day has long been coming, too long, some may say, we fly the banner of the Queendom of Australia, in the memory of those who came before us, who made this continent great. We fly it in the hopes that we can sometime aspire to such height.

My friends, my countrymen, my neighbors across the world, I give to you, the [b]Union of the Southern Cross[/b]."

Robert Abel looked behind himself at the Norman Airport, as the banner was unfurled, a long time had passed since that banner had been raised. And it would be a long time before it came flying back down again. The future may have been uncertain for now, but there was a light at the end of the tunnel for the continent of Australia.

[b][OOC/tl;dr: The State of Communist Australia (Queensland), is the Union of the Southern Cross][/b]

Edited March 25, 2011 by TheShammySocialist

[Triyun]

I hereby declare the Union of the Southern Cross protected land under the United Federation of the East's Imperium while they established themselves.

-August Imperator Jia

[Centurius]

"We gladly welcome a stable state to Australia, the Union has our moral support"

[TheShammySocialist]

"We thank the United Federation of the East for their support at this time, we very much appreciate it, considering the ongoing hostilities against the Australian Free State. We also thank the Athenian Federation for their thoughts at this dark moment."

[Aggressivenutmeg]

The Regime of Steven McBadger, does not recognise the UFE puppet state in the north!

OoC: I'll give recognition once the revolution has played out

[TheShammySocialist]

"By that note, the Union of the Southern Cross does not recognize the Australian Free State as a sane member of the Australian continental community."

[king of cochin]

The Kingdom of Cochin recognizes Union of the Southern Cross and extends our greetings to it. We offer you all possible support in the turmoils you are facing now and are interested in establishing diplomatic relations with you.

[TheShammySocialist]

"We thank the Kingdom of Cochin for their recognition at this time."

[TheShammySocialist]

[center][b][size="6"]Announcement from the USC Governor General[/b][/size][/center]

[center][IMG]http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa325/VictorDeltaRomeo/RABEL.png[/IMG]

[i]The newly-appointed Governor General, Sir Robert Abel, First Baron Abel.[/i][/center]

"Friends, neighbors, people from distant lands, the past few days have been ones that have been bloody and long. We liberated Eastern Australia, a goal that we never were able to achieve a year or so ago, in the face of opposition. It was the international opposition, however, that realized their mistake in not letting us take the cities and streets of Queensland, and they have redeemed themselves, they have saved Australia. Although we lost our friends in Central Asia, the Timuridians provided us with enormous support, we will never forget their sacrifice that ensured our independence from the clutches of the governments of Communist Australia and the Australian Free State.

We will rebuild what we lost, we will move forward again, like our forefathers before us, we will rebuild this nation greater then ever. The skyline of Brisbane will once again twinkle in night sky, the great bridges and Opera House of Sydney will once again glitter in the morning sun, the beaches of Melbourne will be filled with laughter. We pledge to make this nation great, the Union of the Southern Cross can only make promises today, and we will see out those promises so long that this government is in office. We will work every day to bring you Australia back to the fore, it will be a long an arduous journey, expect toil, expect tears, expect setbacks. We will prevail.

I have been in contact with the electrical companies, Energex and Energy Australia, they are still restoring power across the country, but as their managers have assured me, work will be complete within the week. Most metropolitan centers will have electricity restored within the next forty-eight hours. M2 Communications and People Telecom have also been in contact with my office, they will have full phone service restored within about a week and a half across the country. We urge all residents to check with local authorities about water supplies, as many water mains have been destroyed from war damage. We will restore running water and clean drinking water as fast as possible, and this government has ordered that free drinking water supplies to any and all citizens who need it.

We call upon all manufacturing businesses that are currently able to continue producing, to do so. All employers that can continue to run their businesses, please do so, we are working as fast as possible to ensure that the commercial and industrial base of Australia remains intact. There has been a lot of damage wrought, and we are sure that if that people are out of work now, you certainly will not be in the near future. The government has spoken with the Boral Group, which is prepared to spearhead the infrastructure projects that will bring this country back online, they say that jobs for these projects will be abundant. The education department has spoken with all national universities and colleges, and have ensured them that funding will continue, and call on them to continue classes as best they can under the conditions.

The Defense Ministry and Southern Cross Command would also like to thank all who participated in the defense of this great nation, and is currently ordering a reorganization of the Army, which will be soon effective. We will also be working alongside the United Federation of the East to take responsibility and ensure that regional stability continues. The Southern Cross will ensure the defense of this region, and ensure that this continent remain a stable bastion of hope and a model for the world to look upon in awe.

There is much work to do, and we will ensure that it is done, for the better of this country and its people, this is my Australia, this is your Australia; lets get to work."

Edited March 26, 2011 by TheShammySocialist

[supercheese]

Pihana welcomes and reconigzes the new nation.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

[i]Somewhere in Southern China[/i]

A fine mist hung in the air over the rolling hills of the Chinese countryside. It was an odd mix of rain, mist, and sunshine that made the entire field in front of the cottage shimmer as if all the grass, trees, and rice fields were coated with a sheen of diamond. Things were quiet, perhaps besides the calls of a bird in the distance waking up from its slumber, but noises of a working kitchen, of banging pots and pans led to the vanishing of the quiet peace that was taking over girl on the front porch's mind. She had been sitting on one of the straw chairs since daybreak with a small notebook and pen sitting on her lap. Anyone could tell if they ventured to the small cottage, some leagues from the Federation's capital, she was not native to China. While the girl wore the clothes of a farmer, a ruddy blue shirt that hung loosely over her muscular body, loose khaki pants, and thatched sandals, her skin had a beautiful leathery tan, her hair was a bright gold, and her green eyes sparkled like jade. Valeria Sangral, the Duchess of Brisbane, Former Commander of the Queen's Lillian Guards in Australia, had been in exile for countless years. Until today.

She had turned to walk back inside the house when the smells of food captured her nose, but as she did the sounds of a galloping rider echoed through the morning mist.

"I have news! I have news!" The rider shouted through the air, in Mandarin of course but Valeria had spent enough time in China that she had fluency, if not mastery by this point.

Li and Tian, Valeria's adopted parents, her caregivers, walked out of the house. "What is it Hui? What's all the commotion." said the father.

"It is for Valeria," Hui said getting off his horse and handing a rather thick newspaper to the blonde-haired girl. "I think you'll be pleased to see it."

Valeria took the paper from the rider and glanced over the pages that he had marked. It took her a moment to decipher the Chinese and the pictures that went along with the article. But as the seconds passed, her smile began to widen and grow, as if she was having a dream. "This, this is true?"

"Every bit of it, the successor to your Queendom." Hui nodded happily.

The former Duchess and Commander turned back to her caregivers with tears in her eyes and their cheeks were lined with the same tears. "You know I have to go then. I have to go back home."

"We would expect nothing less Valeria." Tian said as she wrapped her arms around the Australian. "But whatever you do, stay safe."

The blonde girl grinned and grabbed both her caregivers in a powerful hug, wrapping her arms around their necks. "I won't forget what you've done, ever."

She ran back into the house to begin to pack, it was going to be a long journey back home. Across the Chinese countryside to Macau and then from that rancid port, a ship down to Brisbane and see if her country would take her back, even after all those years.

[TheShammySocialist]

[i]Brisbane[/i]

The Brisbane that Valeria Sangral would return to would best be described as a city in transition, it had suffered much in the past year or so. Being the site of battles in both instances, though the first one probably one that was much more destructive then this last conflict, it was a veritable mess. This most recent conflict had left a large swath of the industrial sectors of the city in ruins, which was being quickly cleared away as fast as possible. Things were in motion, but the citizens of the city were facing hardships everyday, but water and electricity had been restored, and the government was trying to do anything in its power to make sure jobs were available.

The Governor General, Robert Abel, was overseeing the massive rebuilding project himself, moving from one part of the city to another, or flying to other parts of the country, he always seemed to be on the move. He was a man of the people, being a leader of the Free Australian movement during the insurgency, commanders faced just as many hardships as his people did. In a number of instances, he would work at some sites for an afternoon or a morning, cleaning up debris with his people, he had risen to power to make Australia great, and if it meant rolling up his sleeves and clearing away chunks of concrete, he'd do it.

The Port of Brisbane, and its waterfront, had largely been left unscathed by the most recent conflict, and most of the downtown commercial sector had been spared a similar fate. The scars of battles still remained, but they were slowly being painted over and restored again, as the people of the Union picked up the pieces of their shattered lives. The violent cycle that Australia had endured for the past several years had hardened many, and many of them were apprehensive about this new leadership. But the man had said he could only deliver promises for now, and that was as good as any reason to get out and work.

Abel usually enjoyed long walks along the waterfront of Brisbane, looking out at the harbor, since he had been a law student and a practicing lawyer, he continued that ritual as Governor General. Of course he usually stuck to a more secluded sector of the waterfront, to avoid crowds so he could collect his thoughts on the day, he would be approached a number of times by citizens who would talk with the sharp man. He had a very approachable personality, and enjoyed talking about the concerns of the nation. The long days of toil would someday pay in dividends, it would be a long time before the Union would be on its feet completely, but the nation would rise again, and he wouldn't have it any other way. This was Australia, it had a glittering yet troubled past, its future at this point was still uncertain, but every pile of rubble cleared away was one more pile of rubble closer to rebuilding this great continent.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

As the Chinese ship sailed into Brisbane Harbor, Valeria stood at the bow and looked at the desolate ruin in front of her. She swallowed hard and could feel her tear ducts filling up and the salty water running slowly down her cheeks. Her body was weighed down with bags, all the clothes she had brought when she had first left Australia and now she was returning in the same way. Tired, dirty, anxious for the unknown that awaited her when she stepped off the boat. Valeria stuck out compared to the other Chinese workers on the ship and the mismatched immigrants who came from all over the world, when she first arrived in Macau, the former Duchess had thought she wandered into an international fair. The ship that had sailed south had a Chinese captain, but the workers were Cochin, a few of the passengers were Holy American, and a few stowaways were German, she was the lone Australian, still proudly wearing the faded white uniform of the Lillian Guard and the ruined locket on of the Queen hanging close to her chest.

Finally the boat came to a stop and the sailors began shouting orders for the passengers to disembark. Valeria looked over to the gangway and took a deep breath. "Well you might as well get used to it Val, you're home." She threw her bags over her back and felt the pistol under her uniform, the former Duchess was not one to leave anything up to chance and if there was any remnant of the Communist Regime still left, she'd deal with them on her terms. Once she was down the gangway and her feet touched Australian soil, Valeria's eyes opened wide and the emotion of finally being back where she belong overtook her. She fell to her knees and picked up a handful of dust and ash that lay on the ground. Looking in front of her at the ruined capital, the Lillian tried to remember what it had looked like before she had left. She remembered the fountains, the salons, the cafes, the theaters, and the cobblestone streets that weaved through the city like a snake. But where was all that? She saw buildings falling apart, she saw homeless people wandering the streets, and she saw workers trying to rebuild the life that had been taken away from so many people.

Picking herself up Valeria began to walk into the city, trying to piece back the memories that had plagued her mind since she had left. There was nothing left, only rubble and the further the Lillian walked the worse she felt. It was like her mind was bleeding out from her ears, she couldn't hear anything but suffering, there were no waltzes or symphonies anymore, just ruin. The feeling only became worse as she neared the city square, where the Hanseatic Diet once stood and there in the center, surrounded by a ruined garden was the collapsing statue of Sarah Tintagyl herself.

Dropping her bags on the street, Valeria ran into the garden surrounded by smoke still rising from the burnt grass. She remembered the statue from her youth, having been a child during the Commonwealth. The statue had been beautiful mixture of marble and silver, surrounded by burbling water and bright roses and lilacs, but that was all gone and the statue itself was missing an arm while the plaque at the base was missing completely. Looking up at the face of the past Lady Protector, it almost seemed as she was crying, ash tears running down her silver eyes, distraught at what had happened to her country and her people. She was a failed mother and could do nothing much watch as her children divided a continent, divided a world, and send humanity back into oblivion.

Valeria stood silent, it was pointless to return, there was nothing here. But as she thought to herself the sounds of footsteps startled her as someone was coming from behind. She reached into her coat and fingered her pistol and turned her head slightly. "Who are you? What do you want?"

[TheShammySocialist]

Robert Abel had been on one of his 'sojourns' in to the ruins of Brisbane again, the city was definitely still a mess, yet it was his home, what kind of man would he be to not try to make it better once again. He was walking alone this time, having left his bodyguards behind, no one really posed a threat to the old guerrilla fighter who had started earning a name for himself. He sighed heavily, as he looked at the Diet, shaking his head, he knew it would be a long and arduous return for this country, but he would make sure it happened nonetheless.

He walked around the perimeter of the ruined building, his senses taking in the scenes of destruction about him, he observed a couple walking together across the street, enjoying each others company. They smiled at him when they recognized him, and waved, which he courteously returned, a smile breaking out on his face. Even in a world wrought with death and destruction, love could blossom, it was a wonderful sight. One of the strongest bonds that could be made was that of love, of comradeship, he had learned it during the Free Australian insurgency, that had spilled its blood upon the Coonan Street bridge fighting the Caspians.

He had spent a year, albeit a quiet and fair one, in a Caspian (turned Timuridian) Camp, that gave the Free Australian prisoners kind treatment. It was a prison, one that was preparing them for their release into the Caspian public, mostly it was teach them local language, and prepare them to be citizenry of the Timuridian Empire. It wasn't that bad, when he thought upon it, but he longed for his homeland nonetheless, but was grateful that the Timuridians had been the ones that had captured him, he could have died in a Communist Australian labor camp or worse. His bond, however, was with Australia, the country he loved so much, and these broken streets, how badly damaged as they were, were his home nonetheless.

He rounded around the ruined Diet, only to see some bags and luggage left on the sidewalk right outside the entrance to the garden that surrounded the Hanseatic Diet. He curiously walked up to them slowly, looking left, then right, and spotting a woman standing and staring at the old statue to the Lady Protector. The old white uniform she wore was familiar, he recognized it from the days of his childhood, and he began strolling curiously towards her from behind. He had gotten about halfway from the entrance to the woman, when she appeared to reach into her coat, and call out to him.

[i]"Who are you? What do you want?"[/i]

"Robert Abel, ma'am," he responded loudly, "I-, I was just wondering, if the luggage here was yours." He had an apprehensive look on his face, gesturing towards the entrance of the park. He called back, "You-, You wear the uniform of old, I recognize it from when I was a boy."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Its good that some people remember their roots." Valeria said as her grip softened on her pistol and her hand came out from her coat. "It's been..." she stopped and turned her body around to face the man in front of her. "You said your name was Robert Abel?" The Lillian's features began to soften as her shoulders relaxed. "I saw your name and picture in the paper when I was in China, you're the Governor General? Goddammit all!" She touched her breast pocket and clicked her dusty, worn boots together and bowed her head in salute.

"I'm terrible sorry Your Excellency, I meant no disrespect I assure you, its just I've been kind of anxious and erratic since the collapse of the Queendom. You'll have to forgive my behavior. Commander Valeria Sangral at your service sir, I'm not sure if you would know who I was. But I was Commander of the Lillian Guard under Her Majesty and Duchess of Brisbane after Lady Tintagyl disappeared. It is an honor to see Queen Hannah's successor."

[TheShammySocialist]

Robert Abel held up his hand and smiled, "There is no need for formalities, Commander, I am no 'excellency', just the Governor-General, please, call me Robert." He smiled as he looked at her with a soft and kind look on his face, "And yes, I remember who you are, Commander Sangral, it is an honor to meet the Commander of the Lillian Guard at last." He walked forward and bowed his head slightly, before offering his weathered hand to her.

"I must say, it is a shame for you to return and see your home like this. I returned only a short time ago, it feels like a lifetime after what I've seen since I returned. You can see we definitely need to do some work around," he sighed, putting his hands in his jean pockets, looking up at the statue. "Its hard to believe how far we have fallen since the Queendom, so much has been lost, but we're hoping to reverse that." His eyes roved over towards the ruined Hanseatic Diet, and he shook his head, before returning his eyes to hers.

"I must say, it is good to see a face that I know was part of the regime that took this country to its height. When did you arrive, if I may ask?"

Edited March 27, 2011 by TheShammySocialist

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Just today as a matter of fact. I've been living in the United Federation for the past few years. A farming couple took me in, though I stood out like a sore thumb, you'll never see a blonde, white girl no matter how much you explore China. Maybe up north if she's part Russian or German, but even that's rare. But when I saw that there were responsible people back in Eastern Australia, I figured it was time to return. I was going to come back earlier, I met a man in China who was wiling to support me on a campaign to unite the continent again, but I wasn't ready. There was too much emotion, I wasn't meant to come back as a leader, however I'm more than ready to offer my services again to the current regime." She said as she took his hand.

"From what I've see, even though everything is ruined, you have all done a lot of work and hopefully Brisbane will look as beautiful as it did years ago." Valeria blushed and looked around the smoking, ruined city. "Though I have to ask Robert, I hadn't really planned much after I arrived here. Maybe find a food shelter or an apartment or something. But I was wondering, if possible, maybe I might be able to find employment by the state? Something to get my back on my feet, back in the service of my country. My true country."

[TheShammySocialist]

Robert laughed softly, listening to her describe life in exile, and standing out amongst the local population, then responding, "I know that feeling, to an extent, I was a prisoner of war for almost a year, guest of a Timuridian prison. I certainly don't look like I come from Central Asia either; we were allowed out a little bit, and we stuck out like sore thumbs against the backdrop of Pashtuns and Persians."

"You, Valeria, were a professional soldier, well, still are, it looks like," he said, with a kind smile, taking in her threadbare uniform, his face still a look of awe at meeting one of the historic figures of the old regime. "I fought as a guerrilla commander, during the Free Australian movement, and I am no true soldier, hell, I'm a law graduate, a former lawyer. I find myself now the commander in chief of the Union's armed forces, I am no military strategist." He paused, and sighed softly, "There is a lack of officers, God knows, there are plenty of volunteers that don't lack courage, but they lack the expertise of the professional military of today, they need help."

"An individual such as yourself, you have probably seen more then most of us, in terms of combat, you were close to the strategists of old due to your position. Am I correct?" he asked, his gaze was soft and considerate.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Darling," Valeria chuckled. "I was one of the strategists in the old regime, but please, cut with the old crap, I'm not that old and you're making me feel like a maid. But if you're looking for a drill commander, or any leadership role for the regular army, I'd be happy to help in anyway I can. Here," she took him by the shoulder, her grip strong, yet surprisingly feminine contrary to her rough appearance. "Let's walk and talk, we can at least take in the rest of the city, away from this burning grass."

The Lillian bent down and picked up her backs, placing them back over her shoulders with a light grunt. Then adjusting the straps continued to walk along with Robert into the desolate streets. "There's a lot of rebuilding to do, though I predict that after it's done, Australia will be a symbol of stability as it used to be long ago. I heard of the Free Australian movement and by all means, if those are the men and women I'll be training, then I think things will go over rather well."

She turned to him and extended her hand, "I guess I should thank you, you've given me a job."

[TheShammySocialist]

He smiled upon her pronouncement that she was one of the strategists, and responded, "I apologize, it's just been a long time since I've heard anything of the Commander of the Lillian Guard." He was surprised by her firm, yet gentle grasp of his shoulder, and nodded when she offered to walk with him, "Of course, I would enjoy that very much."

As they walked along the desolate streets, Robert talked as they passed a few ruined buildings, "Yes, there is much rebuilding to do, luckily some of the cities of the East have not been badly mauled. Melbourne is largely unscathed, and most of Victoria has been left untouched. The same goes for Tasmania, and a large swath of Sydney, which luckily escaped a large amount of destruction. Queensland is a mess though, I must say, and our capital here is probably the worst part of the country. I still think that rebuilding a city such as Brisbane as the capital is a symbolic and strong gesture, more then just moving to another city, however, if Brisbane is the capital, it will attract much more business and foreign interest.

That will probably help the city get back on its feet much faster then just moving elsewhere, I love this city, it is my home, and what kind of citizen, or leader would I be, then to not try to improve his home. This country will be great once again, and as I said in my statement to the people, it will take awhile, but we'll prevail nonetheless." He smiled when he heard her speak favorably of the Free Australian movement, "Yes, there are many of the old resistance who have joined up, our recruiters and staff are taking note of who was a member, we try to give them higher ranks as they have experience. But they do need to learn much more discipline in combat, not to say that they lack courage and tenacity, discipline is needed also."

He smiled when she held out her hand to his, and he took it firmly, "It is an honor to be able to meet you, Valeria, I should be the one thanking you for returning to help, despite the conditions."

He watched her as she handled her bags, and held his hand out, "Where are my manners, are you sure you don't want a hand with your bags? I have a free shoulder, or two," he added, with grin.

[iKrolm]

Selenarctos extends diplomatic recognition to the Southern Cross of Hope. We wish you well, and invite your government to apply to the [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=98068"]Oceanic Union[/url] regional security pact.

Edited March 27, 2011 by iKrolm

[TheShammySocialist]

"We thank the nation of Selenarctos for their recognition, and we will abstain from the Oceanic Union [i]for now[/i], while we sort things out diplomatically with Pihana before submitting our intent to join, if we so choose."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Oh, thank you, I appreciate it." Valeria said handing one of her bags off to Robert as they continued down the road.

"Well conditions can be improved Robert, if you lived in the Queendom when you were a child and if Brisbane was your home, then I am sure you remember just how many times Brisbane came out of ruin to shine again. I can tell you, I was born into absolute poverty after the War of the Second Coalition against Nordland. There was no Brisbane when I opened my eyes and I was born in a refugee hospital tent, I think every person in Australia knows what it means to have to rebuild, to make our home shimmer the way we want it to, hell, we've had to rebuild after nearly every major war. If you are as honest a politician as I hope you are Robert, then you will do what you can to protect Australia, that is what is the difference between chaos and order, a strong leader. Queen Hannah made the continent untouchable, Lady Tintagyl expanded an Empire across the Pacific Rim, the Communists didn't have the heart to do something like that." She smiled at him, "But I hope you do."

As they continued to walk, the two passed workers, soldiers, and civilians of all walks of life, of all colors and creeds. But many of the people looked up at who was walking next to their Governor, as if the former Duchess of Brisbane, if the Commander of the Lillian Guard, had come back from the dead. The uniform itself being a relic of Australia's past and hopefully future power, that had returned to the continent.

"You worry about the civilian aspect here, you make Brisbane into the shinning city it's supposed to be. You let me handle the training of soldiers and in a few months I'll have a crack army ready for presentation, one to rival the Royal Army of years past. Trust me, Your Excellency, I have a few tricks up my sleeves, I've been through a lot in my life and I've trained under the hardest conditions you can imagine. They don't just let anyone become a Lillian, or at least they didn't when Queen Hannah was on the throne. I should know, she was my drill instructor." Valeria said with a smirk. "But if you give me the men, I'll whip them into a force that will stand toe to toe with anyone you throw at them. I promise you that Robert," she clenched her fists. "I have a lot of time to make up."

[TheShammySocialist]

Robert handled her bag carefully, and nodded, with a polite smile.

"I remember the city when I was a child, it was certainly a sight to behold, I'll give it that," he sighed, his mind going back what seemed what ages. "We have had some trouble with the nation to the west that we share this continent with, Pihana, but we are slowly sorting through that. Although we had to tolerate the loss of of four aircraft, we believe they may not have been shot down by their forces, but insurgent forces. Right now, rebuilding is our priority, we will once again rebuild this city, and country, brick by brick, and its reputation, step by step."

He gave some polite and warm smiles to workers who were laboring nearby, as they passed them, waving to a few if they waved to him. He returned the salute of two soldiers who walked by, patrolling the streets quietly, their faces grim but determined.

Once they were out of earshot, out of respect, Robert nodded, "Its good to hear that you are ready to get to work, we need to certainly improve the training regimens, of course discipline is needed, as I said, but our military certainly needs to work on every aspect. They're willing learners though, and many have seen combat as part of the Free Australian movement, they're brave, like the men of old who charged the Turks at Gallipoli. We have the technology and industry, or well, will have the industry, to back them up, we just need to improve their training. We have the men and women to serve, more then willingly, we have structure, we just need to drill them, and ensure they are a disciplined force."

"I worked with the Timuridians in regaining this country, their military was built on tribal intricacies, they had a strong sense of duty to their leader, and to their family's honor. A military built along such lines as that, they did not turn away from a fight, hell, the state that became Timuridia, the Caspians, held us at the Coonan Street Bridge. Even when we mounted a surprise attack across the bridge, they stood to their front, and kept their weapons spitting lead, many a young Australian died on that bridge," he sighed softly, he bit his lower lip, remembering the battle as clear as day. He would wake up frequently from nightmares of that experience, the bullets and shrapnel tearing holes in the ranks beside him.

"Many an Australian deserve a fate better then what has been dealt lately, and that is what I built my platform as a leader upon. You are as fiery as ever, it appears, Valeria, and by the powers, I'm glad to see that. You do not know the confidence it brings me to know that one of the Lillians has returned, and the Commander no less," he said, turning and smiling at her warmly.

Edited March 29, 2011 by TheShammySocialist