The lockout deadline is only a day away, and negotiators in Arlington are scrambling to arrange a deal that will not only save the Jamison Steel Mill Complex and over 40,000 jobs, but also the source of a good bit of Cosarara's wealth, and an economic powerhouse from foreign oppression.

After speeches by the Great Leader and several other high-ups within the Party as well as the Ministry of Labor, Princess Twilight spoke to the crowd of striking steelworkers in the People's Lawn yesterday afternoon, and she had but this to say.

Ladies and gentlemen:

I have come before you today to assure all of you hardworking people that we are still on your side, no matter what. Of course, I am very much concerned as I am saying this because of several of you having racist tendencies, which showed during the early stages of the march. However, I also have feelings of hope and faith in you, you are heirs of a great civilization, and it now depends on just about everyone whether or not this civilization will make a comeback and move forward. Since the Valentine's Day revolution of '95, you have become more open to the world, you are no longer at your wits' ends with other nations. You are not using your national force outside the country any longer and people reciprocate that fact with trust, solidarity, and respect. You have become a major center, somewhat transforming the modern world according to peaceful and democratic principles. In a country such as yours, it isn't exactly easy to carry out reforms without repercussions, a 'risky business', as the Secretary of the Ministry of Labor called it. However, the Great Leader was able to carry out eight major reforms since early 2011 almost flawlessly, without any economic damage. But we are destined for better things, your brothers and sisters are putting together a plan to further strengthen Cosarara in more ways than one, and have no intention so far of changing course... this is where the workers come into play. With the assistance of your wondrous leader, you will become the best of the best, I am sure of it. What you shouldn't be doing is build a full head of steam based on falsities from undesirable groups and give this nation a bad name; that would be unwise. You should, for a start, call off your strike, return to work, and join your brothers in building a strong and victorious land. And, to be honest here, it's a fact of life, and you need to listen to me here: Sometimes your friends might take a new path in life... or perhaps success may find them when they least expect it... and even though you may feel small around them... it's no reason to avoid them or treat them differently. IT WILL NOT CHANGE WHO THEY ARE INSIDE.

The majority of the steelworkers applauded her promise and support. Others, however (a group of about 5-6,000 steelworkers booing)... not so much.

Tomorrow (and into Wednesday), we'll see if they follow through with this proposal...