Trouble in the Batavian Confederation?

ZIJINCHENG/ZEEBURG (e.e.r.s.t.) – The long standing rumours that there is a row between the Grand Duchy of Southbatavia and the Free State of Zeeburg, the constituent nations of the Batavian Confederation (Bataafse Bond), have now been confirmed, as the state-influenced gutter press have reported that Southbatavia will no longer share its military secrets (or state secrets in general, as this reporter has heard a Jingdese colleague say) with Zeeburg. At the source of these tensions lies the fact that Luc van de Bakoven, a ‘relative’ of Zeeburg’s bailiff Luc van den Braende, has joined the Flemish cabinet as Minister of Culture, Sports and Education. Although there recently has been a normalisation, it is no secret that the relationship between Flanders and Southbatavia has often been strained.

The Batavian Confederation, whereby the leader of the Southbatavian regime promises to protect Zeeburg in exchange for a yearly tribute, emerged in the aftermath of the dissolution of ‘Greater Batavia’ last year. Some now question the long term viability of this unnatural alliance between the violent autocracy on Western Cibola and the brave little merchant republic. These countries are very different indeed – not only geographically, but most importantly politically and culturally. They don’t even share a same language, as some may mistakenly believe. Indeed, what does the Free State of Zeeburg have to gain in an alliance with a partner that doesn’t want to share information that is vital to the island’s security, but still wants a revenue from it and demands that Zeeburg’s foreign policy conforms to that of Southbatavia?

Finally, should any Southbatavian read this, it may of interest to them to know that not only Zeeburg’s leader has  ties to Flanders. A ‘relative’ of their Heavenly Light is also a Flemish MP, a position that implies the defense of the interests of the Flemish nation. Can that person, ‘radiating’ in the Imperial Palace of Zijincheng, still be trusted?