The New Romford Free Press

Tag: independence

  • Pacifica Wins Election, Independence

    Pacifica Wins Election, Independence

     

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    By Stan Hopewell

    ATLANTIS —  In a historic election, Pacifica has won its independence in a landslide victory, 68% pro-independence, 30% anti-independence, 2% indifferent.

    After the revelation of Atlantean General Jor Q’Rell staging the Laval attack on the Atlantis-Pacifica meeting, and possible time travel shenanigans, King Morn A’Ganor of Atlantis agreed to hold an election to determine the fate of Pacifican independence.  Some political observers worried that two weeks was too little time to hold an election, but it went off without a hitch.

    “I’ll say this about Atlanteans,” said Luis Mendoza, Political Science Professor at University of Panama, “they are very efficient.  Their communications network is incredibly advanced, even in the remotest parts of the oceans, and two weeks was the perfect timeframe for this.  They got in and out, quick and easy.  If only more overland governments could do this, it’d save us all so much headache.”

    The polls for Pacifica independence began in the 50-55% range but quickly rose to 65-75% when the polls included Quornians (the Indian Ocean province).  Quornia was especially interested in Pacifican independence as they have also wanted their independence for years.  Even most Atlanteans were in favor of Pacifican independence as a cost-cutting measure.  Maintaining the world’s largest empire has put a financial strain on Atlantis for decades.

    The results from the election were accepted by King A’Ganor.  “It’s a historic day for Atlantis and Pacifica,” he said in a statement.  “Most nations have to fight wars for their independence, but there will be no war in the oceans.  I accept the mandate from all of my people, and we will begin the process of independence in the coming months.  I congratulate Viceroy Montae and Pacifica on their victory.”

    “Today, a dream has come true,” said Viceroy Montae.  “Our great nation of Pacifica has won its freedom.  There were days I never thought this would happen, and I want to thank King Morn for working with us to fulfill our dream.  I also want to thank everyone who voted for independence and my staff for working hard to get out the vote.  I look forward to working Atlantis to make a smooth transition to independence and to working with Atlantis in the future as equals.”

    The actual process of granting Pacifica their freedom will likely take several months.  Resources will have to be divided, border and trade agreements will need to be written, and the Pacifican government will have to be formed.  All indications show Pacifica will use a parliamentary system.

    But for now, there is elation, and peace, in the Pacific Ocean.

  • Atlantis and Pacifica Meet at Panama Canal

    Atlantis and Pacifica Meet at Panama Canal

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    Original Map by Free Vectors

    By Skip Daverman

    PANAMA CANAL – Atlantis King Morn A’Ganor and Pacifica Viceroy Parr’Ell Montae met today with their delegations in the underwater portion, in Lago Gatún, of the Panama Canal to discuss Pacifica’s recent declaration of independence from Atlantis.

    Last week, Viceroy Montae released a declaration of independence from Atlantis, citing concerns over lack of self-control, high taxes, and lax volcano relief.  King A’Ganor has not publicly responded to the declaration.  Reports from Atlantis have surfaced that the King’s Royal Circle is furious over “such a traitorous act”, though a few members have expressed sympathy for the Pacificans arguments.

    Not much was made public from today’s meeting other than nothing has changed.  Sources said that it was a meeting to “clear the waters” between the two sides.  By and large, it was a civil meeting that lasted two hours, though there were a few outbursts from both sides.  Those outbursts were caused more by “cultural differences” between Atlantis and Pacifica than anything else as the King and Viceroy remained calm throughout the meeting.

    After the meeting, the two delegations left in peace and returned to their respective port towns on each side of the canal.  King A’Ganor and Viceroy Montae are expected to meet again in a few days.

  • Japan Denies ‘Robot Island’ Legitimacy

    Japan Denies ‘Robot Island’ Legitimacy

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    By Stan Hopewell

    TOKYO – The Japanese government has formally rejected the legitimacy of “Robot Island” as a separate nation in a statement released today.  “Hashima belongs to the State of Japan,” read the statement, “and it unilaterally rejects the secession of Hashima to robots.”

    Despite being a leader in robotics, both normal and giant-sized, Japan still holds on to its centuries-old traditions, particularly the human-based ones.  They invented the first robotic armor and perfected cybernetic limbs, but robots and cybernetics are not very common in everyday life in Japan, and giant robot-monster fights are rare.  The only real robotic activity is found in Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka, and that’s mostly in a military or university setting.

    Still, the declaration of independence of robots and androids has shocked not only Japan but the world.  China and Korea denounced Robot Island’s legitimacy as well, and the similar wording of their official statements to Japan’s shows perhaps a united front.  After all, they are the closest nations to Hashima.

    The rest of the world has shown a mixed response.  The United States seemed to be on the fence.  “While we respect the right of every sentient being to self-governance,” said the American statement, “we also respect the right of Japan to govern their people and land.  We hope that both sides can come to an agreement so that they can all live together peacefully.”  Most European nations released similar statements to the United States.

    Robotron 8.5, the apparent leader of Robot Island, did not respond, and there has been almost no response from the entire island.  When contacted by a Japanese battleship using signal lamps, all the ship received was a message that read “404” on repeat.

  • Pacifica Declares Independence from Atlantis

    atlpacmapsm
    Original Map by Free Vector Maps

    By Falco Rockbert

    PACIFICA – The underwater city and province, Pacifica, which has been under Atlantean rule since it was colonized over 500 years ago has formally declared independence.

    Viceroy Parr’Ell Montae of Pacifica, who had been overseeing the entire Pacific region of the world’s oceans for Atlantis for the past 16 years, made the declaration in writing.  Translated from Atlantean, it read, “For 532 years, Pacifica has been a dutiful colony and province of the great Atlantis Empire.  In our time, we have helped to colonize over 5,000 towns, cities, ports, and outposts in the Pacific, and we have helped our brothers and sisters in the Atlantic and Indian fight those who would wish to rule the seas as well as the land.  The wonderful bounty of the Pacific has helped strengthen not only Pacifica but also Atlantis, but the time has come for Pacifica to rule itself.  We declare our independence from our brothers and sisters in peace.”

    The declaration was not a surprise.  The Pacifican parliament has been accumulating pro-secession MPs for the past 40 years, and just last year, the secessionists gained a 60% majority.  Though unconfirmed, reports from Atlantis in recent months have suggested that Viceroy Montae has been lobbying King Morn A’Ganor behind closed doors for independence.

    The Pacifica Province, which covers the entirety of the Pacific Ocean floor, is by far the richest province in the Atlantis Empire.  Petroleum and natural gas are more prevalent in the Pacific, pearls and coral reefs are more abundant, and the kelp farms are bigger.  The volcanic activity, while volatile, provides many raw materials that have helped strengthen the Atlantis military.  The Pacific is also a direct route to Japan, China, Korea, Australia, and the United States, all strategic alliances that Pacifica maintains.  Losing Pacifica would dramatically affect the Atlantis Empire’s economic and political stability.

    Among the list of concerns in the declaration from Viceroy Montae, lack of support from Atlantis is at the top of the list.  “We feel that Pacifican problems are best solved by Pacificans,” read the declaration.  “Pacifica is too large and distant to be ruled, completely, by the great Atlantis Empire.  Furthermore, the taxes and port fees at the Panama Canal and Tierra del Fuego have risen beyond reason, and the reduction in volcano relief has put Pacificans in great danger.  We understand that times are tough for everyone in the Atlantis Empire, and we wish to ease part of your burden while also gaining self-governance.”

    King A’Ganor has not responded to the declaration and is not expected to for several days while he and his Royal Circle discuss the issue.