A Battle Unseen

[AdAstra36]

September 16th, Cise, Utaristan

Miryam was about to go to bed when the phone rang. Her head immediately filled with worries. Did something happen to Arzu? It was her first daughter's first sleepover at someone else's place after all. Or maybe something much worse? She was the Minister of Transport; it could be anything from a simple accident to a war or natural disaster. When she read the name of the caller, it didn't help at all. Ali Hasanov, her friend, colleague and fellow minister. She immediately picked the phone up.

"Miryam, you there?" She heard Ali's voice, atypically nervous for his usual calm demeanour.
"Yes, of course. What happened, Ali?"
"Have you seen the news?"
"I haven't; I was busy with packing, Arzu."
"Then look immediately; the Xsampans, they have dissolved the fund."
"Surely you can't mean the Dovani Development Fund."
"Yes, exactly that one. They said it was unprofitable."
"Unprofitable? Of course it was unprofitable! They were giving out free money. Do Ishmail and Arken know?"
"Not yet; I will call them immediately after. See you at the Palace of Heroes?"
"Of course, summon the Xsampan ambassador immediately while we are at it."
"See you there then. For fuck's sake, I hope we can convince them, otherwise, the entire megaproject is fucked, and so are we."

[Ligbruderkrieg]

September 17th, Blackhall Palace, Fort William, Luthori

The Foreign Secretary, the Marquess of Windbury was looking eagerly to his television post, the news was rambling about the same things, the Prime Minister finally embracing his conservative elements and governing with them instead of against them or the recent incident involving the Archbishop of Oalapo's comments on abortion - but - nothing of these were interesting to the Foreign Secretary as of now. 

Yes, he was a conservative, yet he is, first and foremost a diplomat, and the recent diplomatic developments in Dovani left him perplexed.

"Why was Xsampa so careless as of destroying one of their main element in their foreign policy?", he thought, it just wouldn't quite get to him, it either felt like the greatest strategy was in motion or just a careless and short-sighted action being done right before everyone's eyes - he was clearly favouring the second option.

Yet, in his job, patience was virtue, and he couldn't let the Luthorian Government - politically - to choose an outright catastrophic path - his nation's diplomatic standing in the Dovani continent has been severly weakened by his failed gambit in Yishelem - something that has put him, once, nearly out of government, but his key allies in the press saved him.

But this was the past - no he needed to focus on the present, just as he was deep within his thoughts, a knock resounded in his office, snapping him out of it and remembering the reality in which he was.

"Please, come in.", the Secretary announced, his eyes not leaving the TV once, entering the room was the Minister of State for Dovani, Mathilda Rodgers, and while he had pushed for her appointment to the Prime Minister, he couldn't feel but a bit of contempt for her - being the daughter of a disgraced Prime Minister but one who still uses his connections at his benefit.

"Secretary.", she begun, "I believe that we need to have a strategy about how to react to the Dovani Development Fund's quite unexpected end, shouldn't we?"

"Yes, we should, but the best option here is to remain silent - officially, the dissolution will cause widespread uproar in Dovanian stock exchanges, and will constitute Dovani's first real test as a 'bloc'. I believe that governmental reactions are expected in the next few days."

"Yes, both our embassies in Bianjie and Utaristan have seen increased activities in both countries' foreign offices in the last few days, everything seems to point out towards a statement."

"Alright, this goes as expected, according to our economic advisor here, Utaristan might be the most affected economy by the abrupt end of the DDF, with some of their mega infrastructure project being reliant on the funding from the DDF, I would instruct you to ask our ambassadors in both Bianjie and Utaristan to remain vigilent and open if the need for economic support from outside Artania would rise for either of these countries.

It is important - that it's either the Utaristani or Bianjie that makes the first move, not us, except in very dire situations."

"Alright, both our embassies will be directed towards conducting that way. I'll say it to our foreign policy advisors."

"Sure.", was all he could say before she left the room, leaving him again, in the solace of his thoughts, coming back to work.

[Elena1012]

A Ridiculous Gambit.
Metz-Leonid, Xsampa
July 28th, 5647
------------------------------------
Topden couldn't believe the words that came out of Tenzin Fortier's mouth. Tenzin wasn't serious, was he? Running for Premier in 5650? As an independent no less? After the recent Yeshi Scandal, there was no way voters would trust someone not from the CPX or at least the SLP. Tenzin wasn't someone known for seriousness. Topden kept thinking to himself about it. How ridiculous of an idea it was. Fortier spent an entire day at a textile co-op simply yelling about "the threads of destiny begin now" at the top of his lungs and somehow, he managed to make it turn a profit and thrive. But his brother was able to make it work. Maybe he could appeal to Xsampans? It wouldn't hurt to try at least maybe.

"Tenzin.. you know how PAX is. It isn't like the usual co-operative. They're.. more organized and strict up there. I don't know how they'd handle an independent." He wasn't too optimistic despite his calm voice. At the most, he expected Tenzin to win a district and that's it. Premier would be impossible. But he was quickly cut off.

"Trust me, it'll be great, I'll run and I'll win big. The people will love me. I'll be the greatest Premier in the history of maybe all Premiers. This country needs some greatness after what Yeshi did. I'll fix all our problems. And if not, then the country simply isn't ready for greatness, and I'll try again in 55. It'll be the greatest election because I'll be in it. And I'll win, bigly. Trust me, Topden."

The sheer confidence in his voice. Topden couldn't tell if it was genuine confidence, delusion or arrogance. His brother was always like that. Topden simply didn't want to see his brother get embarrassed on the national stage. Especially if he wins a district. But perhaps it wouldn't hurt to try. At best, maybe 4% of the vote? It felt wrong for Topden to hope that his brother would falter, but he didn't want to see Tenzin be elected in a district and neglect comrades there. It was too early to say, and it wouldn't be easy to run as an independent. But it's possible. For better or worse. Even now, Topden was stuck being the mature and responsible sibling.

[Dredd]

[Lirnak, Podlezl Mining Conglomerate HQ, March 5648]

Leoš Podlezl was going over some documents regarding the new Uranium exports and production numbers when his phone began to ring, wordlessly Leoš picked up the phone and brought it to his ear.

"Leoš here, whos calling."

"Good to hear you comrade, its Melichar Kozár, catch you at a bad time?"

Leoš swiveled his chair and leaned back smoking a cigar, "No not at all comrade, how can I help you?"

"I assume you've read the recent reports on the new trade deals signed by the president?"

"Indeed, quite exciting news for the company, Uranium mined right from Kundrati and our newly made Beluzian branch straight to the shelves of Davostag and Istalia, stock prices are already going up for PMC."

"Indeed, but I'm calling on a different matter. We have additional uranium to export to Davostag mainly and a bit to Istalia, aside from the public announcement."

Leoš raised an eyebrow in curiosity, "go on?"

"Davostag has requested 10 tonnes of weapons grade uranium, and istalia has requested 20 million Lira worth."

Leoš froze for a moment, "did you say 10 tonnes?"

He could hear his compatriot in the politburo smiling through the line, "Indeed, and you've been requested to facilitate the transfer directly to MEB and Shippington, who will give you the instructions."

Leoš turned to his desk and began typing into a calculator before just giving up the math and asking, "Did the davostagers say how much they were paying?"

A few seconds went by, "1.5 billion riksdaler, 150 million of which will be given to you as a facilitation fee."

Leoš was stunned, 1.5 billion riskdaler was a massive amount, especially considering how much Kuno it'd be worth.

"The davostagers will wire transfer the amount through discreet lines as to keep this away from the public, the same with Istalia, y'know, non-proliferation treaties and all."

Leoš was imagining a new yacht and countryside mansion in the works already. "You got it, we'll have the shipment ready to go within the week."

The phoneline hung up, Leoš pulled out a 1000 kuno bill, lit it with a lighter and then with its burning embers reignited his cold cigar smiling with yellow teeth.

[MrFacts]

April 5644 
intervention of parliament, skalm
Styrkar Vargsen, Velreidar Front

Good day to everyone in parliamant,

I am here today to ask awareness that the sea and oceans aren't property of any nation, organisation or man. We understand that my religion is not one recognised or not believed by many, but our gods have given us land to live on, given us the oceans to protect us, but also as our conductor. What the gods have given us, can not be claimed by man, it is only here to be honoured. We urge the government and prime minister to take actions against the 3PF or at least condemn them for their horrondous actions that not only insult our gods and history, but destabilize Terra. We also ask to aid Lodamun in their herroic endeavor to free the migrant pass!

Thank you!

[Elena1012]

A plot against oneself.
Johnston, Baltusia
June 2nd, 5649
--------------------------------------
Aiden Merridan was in his office. There was much work to be done for Baltusia. The Real Deal, economic recovery, and bringing liberalism to Baltusia after decades of syndicalist extremism. But there were opponents. Those who opposed liberalism. Like the syndicalists. Deranged he thought to himself. Others who opposed the Regency and wanted a republic. Naive extremists. They didn't understand Merridan's vision. But did anyone? He wasn't just a liberal. He would be the savior of Baltusia. 

It was late. Almost 11 at night. The wind gently hit Merridan's office window. Most aids went home for the night. Most. And yet, he was alone. He stayed late. He thought to himself. He had an ambitious agenda. Meeting with monarchists from the Royal People's Party to end the Regency, and establish a monarchy. Of course, he would have to pretend to care for a referendum. And most Baltusians were leaning towards Republicanism. That simply couldn't be allowed. His agenda was like him. Ambitious. He got up from his chair and entered the garden. The faint sounds of wind rustling and cars in the distance crested a calm atmosphere. It would betray his thoughts. He got his phone out, and dialed a contact in the military. What he would ask would sound insane. But reality sounded insane before it happened. Or do Merridan thought.

He kept his voice low, and asked the following question. "Do you have anyone in the military who is trained with a gun, is a republican, and expendable?" His contact was shocked and stood silent for a moment. After a moment of silence that felt agonizingly long, the contact gave several names. Merridan would ask for that gunman to be pushed over the edge, and to attempt to shoot Merridan. Merridan thought to himself. It was a risky plot. He was risking his life after all. But if he survived, he would get sympathy support for whatever he supports. Including monarchism. If he died, it would make him a martyr for monarchism. And if the gunman happened to be apart of the opposition? The Radicals would never leave office for another decade. 

After a serious of back and forths, the plot was set. They would take this secret to the grave. Merridan knew that this wasn't traditionally a liberal thing to do. But he wasn't a do nothing liberal. He was a Baltusian Liberal. Baltusia needed liberalism. No matter the cost. Even if it cost pluralism. But the first step was getting monarchism established. The plot was set. As the phone hung up, Aiden looked up at the starry sky. He didn't know what would happen, but he knew that those with ambitions had to be bold. Ready to risk everything. And he was ready for that possibility. Even if he did die, the Radicals would keep liberalism in power long enough for even do nothing liberals to bring liberalism. It was risky, but when has anything not been risky?

[Doc]

Wood House, Dragon Hills, Duchy of Odufaray, 8:30pm local time, 9:30 Kaliburg time

There was a knock at the door of the Empress' Offices.  The knock was late, but not unexpected.

"It opens" said Mary.

"Madame, it is your sister," said Lady Marian Southern, after entering the room and standing by the door.

"Please show her in, Lady Marian,"  said Mary.

"Aye, my Lady," said the Empress' personal Assistant, who stepped forward and waved at the lady outside of the room to enter.  Lady Marian then disappeared from the room and closed the door behind her.

"Sorry I'm so late," said Margaret.  "The trip in was a bit of a pain."

"What was the matter," asked Mary.

"Oh, the Ferry was late getting into port first of all because we had fog in Kaliburg, then when we were coming in, the driver nearly hit a deer.  It was just a bunch of little stupid things."

"Would you like to take a shower first?  Maybe have some dinner?  We had spaghetti tonight.  Some tea maybe?"

"No, let's just get this over with so I can relax the rest of the night," said Margaret.

'Alright then.  What's the news?"

"So the Party I think is settling on a team.  They were kind of cagey when I was asking them who they were going with, but I think they have a name they want, and finally agreed to tell me after a vote.  Really Mary, I don't know why you don't just do away with that stupid Party..."

"They serve their purpose, Meg.  Sometimes when I want to bury something, the Party helps me kill it in endless debate...  the caucuses provide the illusion that there's an opposition...  its a necessary evil.  So.  Who is it?"

Margaret paused.  "I don't think you're going to like it..."

Mary took a breath as she stirred her tea.  "Well, get it over with then," she said, dispassionately.

"It's Anderson."

"Oh Meg.  How could you let them pick her?"

"I tried to tell them.  I told them you weren't going to want her."

"Want her?  How could they even think I would consider her?  She's a god damned republican!"

"No she isn't, Mary," Margaret said, with a laugh.  "That's totally not true."

"It's a no.  I'm not going to have that idiot."

"Well, she's the one they want," said Margaret.  "She's the one they are going to vote for."

"No," said Mary.  "There's no way."  Mary paused and then pressed a button on an intercom.  "Lady Marian, get Hurst in Kaliburg on the phone for me please."

Margaret jumped up from her chair and ran to the Intercom.  "Lady Marian," she said into the machine.  "Belay that for a minute, please," she said.  Mary looked up at her younger sister.

"What do you think you are doing, Meg?" she asked incredulously. 

"Just think for a second, Mary," said Margaret.  "You can't interfere with what they are doing, remember?"

"Well if they want to pick a democrat to be the next Chancellor, what else do you suggest I do?"

"You had me in a room for a week and a half talking to these people.  What was that for?"

"To make sure they did the right thing," answered Mary. 

"Right, but you didn't want to do it yourself?  Remember what you were talking about with the Democratic Club?"

Mary sat back in her chair.  "I knew that would come back to bite me in the ass."

"Mary I'll call Hurst for you.  But if you need to have another name, then tell me who you would like, and I'll pass it on.  Don't undermine your own work with the reformers by getting involved."

Mary stared at Margaret.  "What the hell is this country coming to when I can't tell these people who they are going to name to serve in my own damned government?"

"Just give me a name, Mary.  I'll make the call.  That way we can keep you air gapped."  There was a long pause.  "Mary, I'm trying to help you..."

"Well, then I want Edwards," said Mary.

"No, he's already on the record saying he would, and I quote, teach the democrats a lesson or two.  The Party won't vote for him."

"Ok then what about Malcolm?"

"He wants to spend you into the dust with military spending.  And we just learned that he wants to cut poor spending."

"Oh God damn it," said Mary, exasperated.  "Well, I mean that's everyone."

"Come on Mary, there's 79 Deputies...  What about one of the freshmen?"

"You mean like Lady Alvarez?  What is she?  Like 15?"

"Alvarez is 29...  But... she's actually not bad."

"Are you kidding me Meg?  No, not her."

"Well, you have to pick someone.  And she's family at least..." said Margaret.

Mary let out a long sigh and sipped another draught of her tea.  "Do you think the Party would vote for her?"

"Well, she's one of the few people who both sides recommended, but you had me veto that choice.  But I think she could get the votes, if we said she was a compromise."

"She's too much of a Brethrenist," said Mary.  "She's too close to the Meeting.  If she's the chancellor, every single ruble for procurement will be a big fight."

Margaret thought a moment.  "Is this your only objection?  That she's a Brethrenist?"

"I mean, yeah, She's in the lunatic wing of her Meeting.  She's a real hippy..."

Margaret laughed.  "Mary, You're a real Hippy yourself!"

Mary shot her sister an appalled look.  "I most certainly am not!" she said.

"You are!  Look at you:  You only wear cotton, linen, hemp or wool.  You are a vegan.  You live up here in the forest like an elf.  You don't use gasoline.  All you care about is peace and the environment and planting trees.  You are such a hippy!"

"Yeah, and I shoot guns for sport and have a gem horde.  I'm the Empress of a goddamned empire!  I am the Empire!"

"No, ma'am, you're a total hippy.  Look, if that's your only problem with our cousin, that she reminds you of yourself too much, I think we have our girl..."

"No, Alvarez is wrong on Athosia...  I don't want her."

"What do you mean?" asked Margaret.

"She thinks I should give up on Athosia and just leave Baltusia alone...  She said that to the papers last year."

"Mary, first of all, that's a small thing.  One person isn't going to change anything in Athosia for you or anyone.  Second:  She has property there:  in fact her whole family does, a LOT of it.  I don't think they are going to want you to abandon Athosia...  Third, she sponsored a bill to invest in Baltusia's rail network just last week.  She really wants you to work with Baltusia to finally build that line.  The Alvarez' have a lot of money in Athosia.  I think if you talk to her, you'll find that she's probably really open to your positions."

Mary rubbed her temples and let out a sigh.  "I need more tea," she said as she got up and crossed the room.  At the tea stand, she looked back to her sister:  "Are you sure you don't want any tea?"

"Did you put the opium in it already?"

"There is no other way to take it," said Mary as she poured her own cup once more.

"I'll pass then," she said. 

"Alright," she said as she crossed the room and sat back down.  She took a long sip.  "If you were me, would you pick Jennifer?"

Margaret thought for a moment.  "The Nationalists like her connections to the Crown.  The Internationalists like her pan-Seleyan viewpoint.  And I'm pretty sure we can guess where the Brethrenists are at.  The democrats might like that she's young and could be reform minded...  IBSI likes her.  I'd pick her."

"She's untried..." said Mary.

"She's impressionable, and can be persuaded," said Margaret.  Mary rolled her eyes and then exhaled as she began to feel her tea work on her.  "Alright." she said as she reached over and pressed her intercom once again.  "Lady Marian, call Hurst now and patch him through here."

"Yes Madame," said Lady Marian Southern's voice on the other end of the line. 

Mary looked at Margaret.  "I hope you're right about this one."  After a moment of silence, Lady Southern said "Hurst is on 1, Madame."  Mary pressed the button and said thank you, and Margaret stood up, walked to the desk, picked up the phone and said, "No, its me...  It's Alvarez.  No...  No...  Look Bob...  No, I'm here with her now.  It's Alvarez.  Yeah, I know.  Nope, it's not open.  It's Alvarez.  Alright?  Yeah, tell him if he has any issues, to call me, not her.  Got it?  Alright.  Let me know when its done.  I'll be up.  Alright..."  And she hung up.  Mary took another sip of her tea.

"I better take that shower now," said Margaret.

"When you're done, have Don fix you a plate.  I'll see you then.  We can play some cards.  The kids are asleep and Martin is in town this evening.  We'll talk about the others."

"It's gonna be a long night, isn't it?" asked Margaret.

"No," said Mary.  "It doesn't have to be.  If the Party gives you what you want."

"Big IF," said Margaret.

"When..." said Mary with a lazy smile.

[Dredd]

[Kaesama, Presidential Palace, August 5649]

Jozef sat at the new mahogany table that once Sladek and Lazar had sat and rubbed his hands on the engrained wood admiring the craftsmanship, and flipped through the few documents in front of him. Everything was going better than expected.

The NRP had won the singular majority, the Fatherland Front were loyal to the NRP, and the APPA and KPP were crumbling in popularity. Looks like old grudges do die hard, nobody in the mainland had any real interest in voting for who they saw as responsible for years of poverty and starvation, and Jozef himself with the help of his genius and his fellow patriots had brought back Kundrati from the impossible. Trade flowed into the ports from 7 different countries, the old naval district Jildrath was over halfway finished along with the old IDL facility, once they'd been completed their military could begin re-arming in the distant future as it sold its KDC products abroad. The GDP daily rose, stocks began to climb and fiscal reserves grew, confidence in Kundrati business was returning as the free market worked its magic, and now Jozef had 1.3 billion riksdaler to convert and spend as he wished, and it was time to put that weapons grade Uranium money to good use.

Jozef knew this was his 2nd term out of his 3 term limit, and even if he won the 3rd term, the 4th he wouldn't be eligible for and would have to wait another before running another 3. It was time to clean house, albeit quietly. The legion knew how to get rid of political opponents like a bull knows how to trample and maim an infant, messy and noisy. Jozef had already convened with his internal security for the formation of this new elite agency. They called it, the Ministry of Compliance or MOC for short. These men were not assassins nor jackbooted thugs kicking in doors for the age of mass suppression was gone, but a small specialized force of stealthy and reliable individuals who would be focused solely on psychological warfare, how to make political opponents remove themselves from the equation.

These men were trained how to terrorize the private lives of enemies of the party and nation. First they would learn the private lives of the targets, shadow them, learn everything there is to know about them. It would start slow, sneaking into the house and planting bugs, swapping medications, moving furniture, removing gas from the car, little by little until they turned up the heat. Fake letters from lovers to their spouse that didn't exist, sudden removals from their place of employment, manipulating their friends family and even children against them until the will to resist the party no longer was possible. And the best part, it would be nearly impossible to detect such activities, and any harm that would become the victim would appear completely self inflicted or them just being simply unlucky.

Jozef had approved the program 9 months ago under the management of hundreds of old legionnaires and commissariat agents to train them who had decades of experience in espionage and internal security. and trials on low ranking KPP members were already bearing fruit, the methods being honed like a sharpened dagger. Jozef had to ensure his 3rd victory which through popularity and statecraft alone was highly likely, but his replacement for the 4th term had to be one of his men, someone he could control as he behind the curtains ran the shadow government. 300 million riksdalers had been converted and paid out to form the new ministry, and it was time to begin writing lists. Jozef clicked his ballpoint pen and wrote down two names first.

Tiberius Claudius Nero

Arañotz Dindairu

Jozef wrote 30 names, signed it, and placed it in the red envelope titled "TOP SECRET CLEARANCE LEVEL IV" then turned and continued planning for Kundratis economic resurgence.

[Elena1012]

Drafting the Bill.
Johnston, Baltusia 
March 17th, 5650
----------------------------
Aiden Merridan sat with loyalists at the table. This was the first draft of the Emergency Powers and Stability Act. It was pathetic. Pitiful even. It's like the Progressive wing of the party was asking for extremists to walk over the Kingdom. The bill was too weak. A time limit? Limited authority? Congressional Oversight? What is this nonsense? Merridan was less than pleased to see the bill. He was shot at, and survived no less, the Party should be bending over backwards to provide whatever is necessary, not stalling and offering weak concessions during an emergency.

"The current version of this bill.." Aiden spoke softly, yet firmly. "It's too weak." Instantly, one of his colleagues shot back. "Too weak? Aiden, this is the most the Progressives are going to agree to ever vote for. They want an emergency rescue bill, not tyranny wrapped in a bow. If we reject it and push for a stronger version, they'll walk out and then we'll need the opposition to support us." Merridan let out a soft sigh. Of course. Of course the Progressives would oppose him wherever possible. "We're rejecting this version. If the progressives want to play ball, they can leave. We'll simply get the Royalists to back the bill, throw in some meat for the nationalists as well and it'll pass." Merridan offered a counterproposal. He wasn't exactly wrong. The Royalists would murder someone if he so much as asked. It wasn't that he manipulated them. They simply supported him immensely for "risking his life for monarchism". The nationalists, they were simply blind folks who couldn't think two steps ahead. Hell, some of their Congress members don't bother to read the damn bills that enter Congress.

"I... Very well Aiden. What do you exactly want in this new version?" Aiden smirked. This was his time to shine. There, he began proposing his version of the EPSA. Abolition of term limits, the ability for the First Minister to force an abdication of the monarch, giving the executive the sole power to define extremism, an emergency veto override and fast tracking legislation to bypass Congress, the creation of a Centralized Media Licensing Board, a review of political candidates to vett them for extremist ideals, legalization of online monitoring and real world political activity, forcing NGOs, Charities and Labor Unions to align with national principals or be shut down, and raising the electrical threshold to 8%. To anyone outside the room, it was a clear power grab. But Aiden thought to himself. Really? Who would oppose such necessary measures in these extraordinary times? Liberalism was under siege by extremists. And Aiden would protect it by any means necessary. Even if it means clipping the wings of plurality and the constitution. This version of the bill would pass. He would make sure of it.

[journey]

Kōtei, Gemun, 23 August 5650
A 42-years-old Secretary-General of the State Council, and Soca's right-wing (wo-)man Shui Meng entered the Premier's room on the third floor of Kōtei, located in the northern wards in the Capital City.

"You called, Mr. Soca?", the woman asked, as she entered the room, looking at the empty chair. She looked around, searching for Abatai. He was standing in front of the window, looking at the Golminula River, as it flows through the city.

"Yes, Shui. Thank you for coming. You have been by my side for almost a decade now, and you are the third most powerful person in the government, but do you feel the power? Do you feel the weight you bear as the member of government?", Soca asked, turning to face her with a unreadable expression on his face.

Shui took a minute to think about the question her boss asked her. Of course, she felt the weight of her position as the third person in the nation, but she was rather confused by the question, or why would Premier even ask her that. She took a moment again, and said: "Yes, obvisouly I do, I think as anyone in a position this high would, but why?". Shui looked with her puzzled eyes at Abatai, as he went a cigarette he got from abroad in his cabinet.

"You know", Abatai began, as he lit up his cigarette. "I have been in politics for like, what, more than 40 years now? chuckles I know how this system works, I know how people work here, I know how democrats operate. They take their opportunities and hit us at every given moment", he stopped to smoke. "Where I am going with this is, I want you to be honest with me: do you want to keep this job, and work for the best of our country?"

Shui again looked at him confusingly, blinking a couple times. She tried to give Abatai's sudden question a thought, but nothing came to mind. Shui and Abatai sat in silence for a minute or two, though it felt longer, before Shui went: "I mean...yes? Obviously I want to. I wouldn't sit in this chair, rally around the nation with you, or join socialists in the first place, if I didn't want that. Where are you going with this?".

Abatai continued to smoke his cigarette, not looking at Shui as she spoke to answer his question. "Where I am going with this...", he mumbled. "Well, my dear Shui, we have to be dirty. If you want to keep your position, you have to be like them: attack, do black PR, accuse, find dirt, any corrupt connections or affairs. Imutu (Vice Premier and Minister of Justice and Civil Affairs) came to me today, and said we they found a secret document that has evidence of Aora's (BDA/DPC leader) connection to the money laundering scheme with the contracts for a company his brother owns. We can flood democrats with a scandal, bigly decreasing their chances to win anything in three years". He shook the ash from the cigarette into the ashtray.

"Wh-what? But why? I mean, we can just work hard, and show people our achievements, why would we turn into them, and just use their wicked methods to win something we already have in our bags, if we simply focus on their inability to keep their own alliance together?", she asked almost angrily.

"Shui, you're not in a movie, this is not a simulation, or a videogame. This is reality. People don't work this way, they can turn against you in a snap of the finger, if you just convince them enough. We do a lot, and people like us for that, it is true. But the reality is harsher, sadly. The stronger one wins, and it's either us or them. Either we pull our a dirty bomb and use it against them now, or they will do it to us in three years or earlier. These belis in ND are thinking we're screwing them up just like Gurun did fourteen years ago. And democrats will capitalise on this, to create chaos, so we gotta strike first", Abatai spoke calmly, as he was looking into her brown eyes.

"I-I don't understand, but what do you want from me then?", she asked confused.

Premier Abatai extinguished his cigarette into the ashtray, and pulled a folder from his cabinet. He put it on the table, and pushed to Shui. "I talked to Imutu. She wants to hold a briefing, where she will announce that they found the documents, and will open a criminal case against Aora. I want you to be there. I want you to organise it, and make the most out of it. Make this story front and center. People hate corruption, as long as you remind it to them. So, yeah".

Shui took the folder, reading it, as Abatai spoke to her about it and what he wants his secretary-general to do. She looked through the evidence and accusations, getting shocked more and more as she read further. "This...would kill anybody, this is a lot. Wh-why now? Why the big fuss?"

"It doesn't matter when. We do a public stunt, and politicise something that is still a thing that we must do in the end as the government, if we want to get rid of corruption", Abatai replied, as Shui sighed.

"Sure, I will do it. I will keep you informed on how this goes. Now, I need to go, and look what I can do", she stood up and went to the door. "But, I want a guarantee, that this will not be used against me later on". Abatai simply nodded in response.