[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Councillor Hale gives birth to baby daughter
27th April 2019

Councillor Jennifer Hale has today given birth to a baby daughter. All of Kerlile is celebrating the birth of Amelia Josephine Hale, born this morning in an undisclosed hospital outside of Grapevale, the exact location kept secret due to security concerns. It is expected that Councillor Hale and her baby will appear in public on Thursday, and not before.

The rest of the Council have offered their congratulations to Councillor Hale, as each of them visits her in turn. Even Councillor Robinson – presently under house arrest for suspected treason – has been allowed to visit the new-born. The gender of the baby comes as a relief to the Council, as Councillor Hale faces charges for so-called ‘war crimes’ allegedly committed during the Lauchenoirian Civil War last year.

Amelia Hale becomes the heir to her mother’s seat on the Council – but under Kerlian law cannot inherit until her 14th birthday. This is cause for concern among the Council due to the threat of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission. In February, the Council passed a law amending the rules on Council succession, so that a daughter can ‘temporarily’ take her mother’s seat if the mother is unable to carry out her duties.

The Council called this a ‘contingency plan’ in the event that some or all of Councillors Patel, Pierre or Hale are found guilty of ‘war crimes’. Though it is widely acknowledged throughout Kerlile that these prosecutions are an attempt by the patriarchal countries to weaken Kerlile, it has been deemed necessary by the Council to cooperate and accept the results.

Amelia Hale is born into a world hostile to the Matriarchy and to her family. If the patriarchal countries succeed in imprisoning her mother, she will be forced to carry out her duties as a Daughter of the Council at a very young age, and without the woman who should be her mentor. Her situation is a reminder that the traditions of Kerlile are presently under attack, even as no war officially continues.

Throughout Kerlile, many celebrations will take place over the next week. The birth of a Councillor’s daughter is a momentous event in Kerlile, and many people organise parties to celebrate. Cities currently with curfews have had them suspended to allow celebrations to continue late into the night. Monday will be a public holiday, and all Kerlians are invited to send their best wishes to the new mother and baby.