Crossbell Times (Azure)/Issue 10

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> **Crossbell Times - Issue 10**
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> [Featured Story] A Month in Review: Crossbell's Independence
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> ◆A Month of Revolution◆
> As we pass the one-month anniversary of President Crois' declaration of independence, the initial tide of confusion is just now beginning to subside. We'd like to take some time and examine the changes brought about by Crossbell's leadership over this past month.
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> ◆Volatile Independence◆
> Immediately following the declaration, the Imperial and Republican governments denounced Crossbell's independence. After waiting out a 24-hour ultimatum, both nations advanced their armies into Crossbell. The Empire's armored divisions forced their way through Bellguard Gate, and the Republic's airborne armored division made way for their ground forces. Both armies then moved to invade Crossbell City.
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>     However, both advances were stopped by the Aions, cutting-edge archaisms under the command of the newly independent state. The Empire even aimed its railway guns mounted in Garrelia Fortress at Crossbell City. The guns, too, were neutralized by the Aions' might.
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> ◆New State Defense Weapons Deployed◆
> In order to protect Crossbell's autonomy and peace, the Defense Force has deployed a new defensive mechanism that uses powerful orbal waves to create a protective barrier around Crossbell City. Officials say that it will defend the people of the city from any potential attack.
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>     Not everyone is happy about the new defense mechanism, though. Some are concerned that travel will take longer thanks to the Defense Force's permit system. Others are concerned that the outlying towns are being left defenseless outside the barrier. Neither the Defense Force nor the state government elected to answer our questions on either topic.
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> ◆Roadmap to the United Nations◆
> A few days ago, the independent state government announced its plan to form a continental alliance. Four countries have already agreed to join. The initial members of the United Nations will sign on to the alliance in the next few months.
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> Thanks to its promises of prohibiting all acts of war and guaranteeing open international trade, the prospective partnership has garnered a favorable public opinion.
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> ◆The International Reaction◆
> The Holy City of Arteria has made its first official statement following Crossbell's independence. The papacy simply stated it would continue to monitor the situation in western Zemuria closely.
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> The Liberl Kingdom and Principality of Remiferia have both decided to side with the will of the people. 'Crossbell's independence is to be recognized as a statement of fact, not opinion,' explained a Remiferian public relations official.
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> [Finance] Calvard's Economic Panic Continues
> The Republican government has issued a series of financial reforms, but as borrowers continue to default on their loans, the economic turmoil in the country continues to escalate. International companies operating out of Calvard have also begun to feel the effects of the recession. Furthermore, many civilians were harmed in a reactionary bus bombing just yesterday morning.
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> [Intl.] The Erebonian Civil War: An All-Out Conflict
> The Blood and Iron Chancellor, Giliath Osborne, has been shot by an assassin. The Noble Faction has claimed responsibility for the murder and pledged to continue their crusade to the bitter end. Given this, It would seem their conflict with the Reformist Faction, the conflict central to the civil war itself, won't be over any time soon.
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> As a result of these events, droves of Imperial citizens are trying to flee the country and escape the flames of war. We will continue reporting on this story as more information comes in.
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> [Society] Defense Force Considers Hoarding Restrictions
> In response to citizens' continued efforts to stockpile groceries and daily necessities, the Crossbell Defense Force has begun distributing goods within the city and ask that citizens not hoard their goods without reason. The government says it has a store of food and supplies that will last for five years. The goods will be distributed to local grocery stores.
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> The Defense Force is considering regulating private stockpiles in the event that confusion around the issue doesn't dissipate.
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> ※Our leisure column is on hiatus until further notice.
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