A Battle Unseen

[Elena1012]

Meeting the Rook.
August 17th, 5654
Johnston, Baltusia
------------------------
Alvarez was lucky. He had a rare opportunity. He had to keep playing it safe ever since the SAFE Act passed. But he finally had an opportunity. Congress had invited him for an opportunity to build up Royal history, and connect the masses to the monarchy. This was a blessing in disguise. He had an opportunity to meet with the RPP. Even if it was a low member or the secretary of the party, anything was better than nothing considering the circumstances. And fortunately, the Congressmen he had the joy of meeting would give him genuine joy. Madyson Skinner, secretary of the Royal People's Party. Skinner was his best shot at getting not just a few members of the RPP to support him, but the entire party infrastructure. If that happens, he could speed things up. Could. He shouldn't, as that would risk everything, but he could.

He would just have to get through the photoshoot. For public relations of course. The media, whatever wasn't gutted and turned into state media or puppets wanted images of the King interacting with the population or Congress. Of course, it would be curated. We didn't need another incident like what happened to Merridan. So as luck would have it, the Royal Garden was chosen for it. He had to get through the photoshoot and quickly find Skinner. His closest confidant, a Royal Guard, Jackson Lloyd, was fully loyal. He would help out in making sure no one leaked anything.

Seconds turned into minutes and minutes turned into hours. But eventually it was over. Most Congressmen left. Most. Fortunately Skinner wasn't one of them. He had to make his move. As everyone else was socializing, he and Lloyd made their move and invited Skinner for a private talk. A moment at least. Lloyd led the two to a different part of the Garden. Less people. Matter of fact, no one besides the three. Alvarez spoke rather quickly, but politely.

"Miss Skinner, I want to start off with a thank you for lending me some of your time. I know you're a very busy woman in Congress." He paused for a moment, letting the words sink in as it was clear he was leading up to something. "I want to ask, how is Congress nowadays? Ever since the SAFE Act and the EPSA?" Alvarez thought to himself. Make it seem casual. He didn't know if she was a Merridanist or a loyalist. Skinner replied back, softly, "It's been... tense to say the least. Congress has been worried about foreign policy mostly. You know how it is. The Libertarians try to slow everything down. The Social Radicals govern as if the EPSA never happened. The BFP is on its way to being banned. Fortunately. I can't say I like the direction the country is going, but I can tolerate it. I have to serve my country somehow, Your Majesty." 

Not an unexpected answer, but not the one Alvarez personally expected. But it means she wasn't a Merridanist. Just not an open rebel. But an opportunity is an opportunity. "Ah, I see. Nothing is more greater than serving our country. I find myself agreeing with you however. I don't like the direction the First Minister is taking us down. While I trust the people will make a choice that reflects their will in the elections, but I want to ask. How much longer can we tolerate? We can keep waiting and waiting. Hope the right direction shows up. Or, we can imagine a better future for Baltusia. Merridan is a ... Lovely First Minister," A part of Alvarez died inside when he had to praise Merridan. "But, I think there's always room for improvement, don't you think? How much longer can we tolerate the status quo before it turns into silence?" A bit risky, but gives deniability. She remained silent for a bit. Alvarez feared he blew his chance before she responded, as if she was wondering what to say. "I'm inclined to agree. There is good stuff Merridan has done. The Real Deal, rebuilding our country. But he's just a man. With flaws, like everyone else. But I do find myself sometimes agreeing with the rest of the opposition. Some of his moves, especially the EPSA and some of its clauses seem.. constitutionally ambiguous. Especially the term limits and abdication clause. Your Majesty, you've been going on tours to the public to build up confidence in the monarchy, but I want to ask you honestly. How do you feel about that clause? The Social Radicals say it's for future heirs who may go rogue, but..." She remained silent, pausing. As if hesitating to pick her words carefully. "Nevermind, just, what do you think of the clause?" 

An opportunity widened. Alvarez came looking for copper and struck gold. He pressed on, ignoring her question. "But? You're with friends here. There's no need for hesitancy. Lloyd and I will keep whatever you say confidential. I assure you." Skinner seemed conflicted. Alvarez thought to himself in ecstasy. He could turn things around. Skinner replied back carefully. "I know this sounds... Treasonous, but it seems like that clause of the EPSA was made to empower the First Minister, and purposely bring your power down. I mean, you weren't even involved in the deal with Kundrati. Some within the RPP have had concerns about Merridan, and the fact that you're what essentially amounts to a puppet." Alvarez had to fight himself to stop a smile. This was perfect. It couldn't get any better. He had to strike while the iron was hot. He could avoid checkmate in this cursed game with Merridan. "You're not wrong. That's how I view the EPSA as well. You can rally the entire RPP, yes? What if there was a Baltusia without the EPSA? Without the RSB? Without fascist sympathies? I'm working on something. I can't say much yet. But I want to know if you can give me the support of the RPP. Please Madyson. There is potential for a better Baltusia. To serve your country. Not just your Sovereign." He had to admit that this wasn't exactly subtle. But she wasn't subtle either. 

"You want... The support of the RPP for a potential plot?" She asked curiously. Yet, no hint of disapproval in her voice. "That's.. a big ask. But how would you bring Merridan down? He has.." she paused, connecting the dots of the visits to the military bases now that she knew the relationship between Merridan and Alvarez wasn't good. "Oh my god. You're preparing a coup? I.. yes, yes you'll have the support of the RPP. I'll do my best to whip up loyalty. Whenever you need us, we'll try our best to help." Before she could finish, the phone in her pocket began to ring. "Oh. I'm so sorry, Your Majesty, but that's my cue to go. But this was a productive meeting." 

Just like that, she was gone. Lloyd walked back into the garden as she left. Alvarez continued to stare at the garden, and spoke. "Well Lloyd. We're onto something great. Skinner is with us. That was surprisingly easier than I expected. Maybe we can still win this." He felt reinvigorated. He didn't need to despair. If Merridan was closing in for a checkmate, then Skinner was his key out and his key to turning the tide.

[Elena1012]

Masquerade of a Guilty Bishop.
December 25th, 5654
Johnston, Baltusia
-----------------------
Roselyn Jennings served in the Royal People's National Convention since the RPP formed. She's been entirely loyal to it. Especially loyal to her friends within the RPP. Madyson Skinner, the current secretary of the RPP was her friend. A dear one, but one could say Jennings was a snake. Some days, that would be more true than other days. Today was one of those days. Skinner had called an emergency session of the RPNC earlier this week to determine a new direction for the party. It took all of her strength to not call the change what it was. Treason. Going against the EPSA. Empowering the King. Everyone was a monarchist, but not an absolutist. It wasn't just a shift in policy. It was a change in allegiance. Away from prosperity, stability and democracy. It was madness. And everyone in the RPNC ate it up.

But what hurt the most was that it came from Skinner. They've been through thick and thin. The godmother of Skinner's son, celebrated birthdays, celebrated bills that passed. She knew Skinner. She knew Skinner was loyal to democracy. Or she was. She was infuriated. Not at Skinner. But at herself. How could she have let this happen? Let Skinner fall to extremism? Jennings slouched on her chair. The softness of the chair doing little to calm her nerves. She didn't like this. Not one bit. Sure, she thought to herself. Merridan has some flaws. He's no saint. But no one is. The man was shot at for crying out loud. Getting rid of the EPSA is too dangerous. Empowering the King was a bridge too far. Jennings could've spoken up. She should've. But the entire RPNC would've outvoted her. And she knew that. Ever since that day, a thought had been gnawing at the back of her head. Her time in Congress gave her friends across the aisle. She knew someone who could get in touch with the Royal Security Bureau. The thought horrified her. This was her friend, Skinner, and her colleagues in the RPNC. But. The idea has merits. She couldn't deny that.

She slowly started to get up from the chair and towards her work desk, and opened up her laptop. She reasoned to herself that it was for the greater good. Besides, she knew that friend. She could convince him to make sure the RSB is merciful to Skinner. The rest of the RPNC? She could really care less. As she typed out the draft of the email, she wanted to make it seem like all that was needed was just a warning. But Baltusia didn't have that time. It needed action. Bold action. She felt guilty as she kept typing. She wasn't saving Baltuisa. She wasn't Merridan. She wasn't sure if this was saving the party from absolutism, or betrayal of Skinner. She didn't like either thought.

Surely. Surely it was for the greater good. The RSB would smooth things over. Jennings would become Secretary of the party and keep it loyal to democracy. No one she cared about would have to get hurt. She rationalized that to herself. So much so that she tried to emphasize the need for making sure Skinner isn't harmed in the email by the RSB. Before she knew it, the email was done and ready to be spent. Her finger hovering over the send key. One button was all she had to press. The fate of the RPP was essentially in her hands. It was extreme, yes. But so was being an absolutist. Her heart kept pounding. What if they did hurt Skinner? What if the RSB failed? What if it went wrong? She closed her eyes and gently pressed down. It was done. It was sent.

She leaned back a bit. She actually did it. She didn't do this to advance her career. She didn't do it out of spite. She didn't do it to hurt anyone. She was doing it to save the Kingdoms democracy. At least, that's what she told herself constantly. Before she could try to take deep breaths, her phone buzzed. She flipped it over and turned it on. A text from Skinner. "Hey, can we talk? I know you had some concerns about the recent meeting and I wanted to clear the air with you. Coffee tomorrow?" All Jennings could do was stare at the screen. Stare at the text. She gulped, and replied. It didn't matter now. She made her move to save democracy. She just had to keep playing along and hope for the best.

[Doc]

Cliff House, 3:52 PM, a Saturday

Mary slept soundly on the couch, with classical music playing on the stereo. She didn't even hear Martin getting ready to leave. He was going on a month long fishing trip in Gaduridos. It was amicable between the two, but he felt that he could come and go, and Mary stopped noticing. There were good family dinners, but he was pretty sure she didn't really love him anymore. Or had she really ever? Mary was always more interested in being alone, and sometimes when she would go to Wood House or the Ananto Estate without him, he would stay in Kaliburg, and visit friends, and then when he went to see her, she acted like she didn't even realize he wasn't there.

Friends, Martin thought... They were friendly enough. There were women. He'd never really betrayed their trust in their marriage, but he had always gotten the feeling that Mary sort of wished he would. A few of these friends would accompany him to Gaduridos. He actually enjoyed their company: they laughed at his jokes, while his wife had no sense of humor whatsoever. They encouraged him to follow is passions, while Mary only ever told him to submit receipts.

He had long come to the understanding that what he and his wife had was what others call a marriage of convenience, but it was otherwise pretty loveless. But he couldn't divorce her or cheat on her, because that would create a full scandal. And he cared too much about her to ever do that to her. He cared: She was surrounded by people who loved her. She was the sun, everyone around her merely reflected her bright but very cold light. Her husband, her sister, her children, her staff, her government, her people, they were all the same to her. They craved her warmth, but she never had any to give. She cared for her trees, she protected her nation. She beautified herself and the things she dwelt in, but people? She had very little use for them.

So Martin stayed in her orbit, and was careful about who he was seen out with, or whose care he accepted. He kept it together for the kids, to whom he showered all the love on that Mary would not allow showed to her. At least they would have a father. When they were grown and on their feet, Martin would ask Mary for a separation. Eight more years.

As he was lost in thought he heard steps behind him. He turned around, surprised to see his wife, the dread, illuminated, glittering Empress of Ananto and Kalistan--even in her disheveled weekend clothes, she looked terrifying and magnificent and beautiful and cold. "Are you off to Vintalli then?" she asked.

"Yes, I am. I have a 5pm flight."

"Is Whitney going down with you?" she asked, about one of the less secret of his secret friends.

"She is and Kathryn and Carl..." admitted Martin.

Mary nodded ever so slightly and Martin could almost see the corner of her lip upturn a tiny bit as if she was proud of herself for guessing.

"Be safe, Martin," she said as he began to turn toward the door. "Send the kids a postcard and some pictures if you get some time."

"Will you be here when I return?" he asked.

"I don't go into residence at Wood House until May, so we'll definitely be here. I may go visit my mother in Luxon at the end of the month, but if so, I'll see you when I get back."

Martin paused before leaving. "Mary, are you happy?"

Mary smiled slightly and shook her head slowly. The question brought a tear to her eyes, but she choked it back. Martin put his bag on the ground and opened his arms and offered her a hug. She wiped the tear away and smiled pathetically. "Nothing is how I thought it would be," she said. "I'm sorry Martin. I'm sure you probably thought you would live a different life by now too."

Martin knew she was right, but didn't want to upset his wife. "I am living the life I was destined to live."

Mary, in his embrace, looked up at him. "We all are. It's a trap."

"Would you like me to cancel my trip?" asked Martin. He tried to sound sincere, but he had asked the question dreading her answer.

Mary shook her head and said, "No, making you miserable won't make me feel good at all. I want you to go. I want you to go have fun. Be with your friends. Do things that make you feel good about being alive. I have things I have to do here anywhere, and don't want you hovering around here all the time."

The verbal push out the door didn't hurt Martin anymore. That was Mary thinking she was being witty. It didn't hurt anymore. It was just her way of saying goodbye to him. Martin broke the hug and Mary immediately put more than an arm's distance between them. She realized how abrupt the movement was and smiled to try to change the subject. "Have a safe flight ok? I always am scared of... well, you know... whenever you fly..."

Martin picked up his bag and walked toward the door. "I'll see you next time," he said half jokingly, repeating something she used to say to him when she would go to another house. She smiled.

As he closed the door behind him to head for the car, an idea appeared in his mind: He was tiptoeing around something both of them seemed to know. There was so much left unsaid in their relationship. He wondered if she was playing a role in their relationship that she was not comfortable with like he was. Perhaps next time he would simply ask her about it.

[Elena1012]

Checkmate.
March 1st, 5655
Johnston, Royal Palace, Baltusia
--------------------
Alvarez's heart sank. Lloyd told him the news. Madyson Skinner, Secretary of the RPP was just arrested for conspiracy. He lost the entire RPP's loyalty. But how? He was careful. He didn't leave any tracks. Before he could even think of anything, a loud pop was heard. Followed by another. And another. It stopped all thoughts he had. The look on Lloyd's face said it all. Something had happened. In an instant, Lloyd quickly responded to the silence, his voice stern, "Your Majesty, stay here, and stay away from the windows. It isn't safe." And just like that, he left the room. Alvarez was all alone in the room. He had no idea what was happening. A few more pops went off. He quickly ran to the nightstand and dialed the phone. It was a quick line to Merridan. Even if he loathed the man, Merridan would keep him safe. Come on, answer faster! After a few seconds, nothing. Damn it. One more pop. Something was going horribly wrong. The palace wasn't safe. He lost the RPP and now he might lose his life? It couldn't be like this. Where the hell was Merridan? He wouldn't ignore a chance to influence Alvarez. He didn't dare look outside the window. He knew what a bad idea that was. The door clicked open. He froze. He didn't bother to turn around. If he was going to die, he was going to die like a King. "If you've come to the Royal Palace to kill me then get it over with." His heart sank even lower when a voice replied back. Merridan's voice.

"Kill you? Why would I ever do that?" He was confident. Smug even. Alvarez slowly turned around. He couldn't help but despair. There he was. The bastard. Merridan. To his left and right, those thugs from Monarch Dynamics. Merridan spoke up, noticing that Alvarez wouldn't say much. "I must say, you certainly gave me a run for my money. Plotting to coup me? Contacting the military and the Royal People's Party? I have to admit, what you tried doing was respectable." Merridan paused. He let his words hover over Alvarez. All Alvarez could do was despair. Everything he worked hard for this entire year failed. It was all for nothing. Wasn't it? "I'm not going to harm you in any way. What good is it if a King dies to his subject? There's enough blood in the Palace already. It doesn't need royal blood. So, here's what's going to happen. As we speak, the SAFE Act has been authorized on the military. The Press won't be aware of it. Whatever loyalists you have will be arrested and in custody by the morning. You're a smart man, George. You know damn well that I can't and won't lay a finger on you. But I don't have to do that. It's clear whatever ambitions you have will fail. Just as this plot failed. So, give up. You'll get to continue living a life of luxury. I'll even ease up the RSB so you can have more autonomy. Start a family even. You'll save the nation from a future heir crisis. But know this. I may be a patient man, but I am not a merciful one. I will not give you a second chance. You're going to be a good King. For Baltusia."

Outwardly, Alvarez kept his composure. Inside, something broke when he realized what just happened. He lost. Merridan won. Alvarez really was just a powerless puppet. Merridan's confidence never wavered. He faced one of his thugs and spoke, calmly. "Clean the mess up. Our fair King deserves a clean palace, not one riddled with bodies and blood. Find the Captain of the Royal Guard, tell him to release a statement of a rogue gunman trying to assassinate our beloved King for the Press. I'll make sure Congress is on the same page." Alvarez just wanted to disappear. To hide. But he knew Merridan would never let that happen. Exile was out of the question. As the thugs from Monarch Dynamics left, Merridan stepped closer and offered his hand. Alvarez looked up and was confused. "I will admit, you've earned my respect. You tried to outplay me. You failed, but you tried. And that has earned my respect. I'm a man of my word. The RSB will back off and you'll have more autonomy. You won't be stuck in the Palace anymore. But don't try running out of the country. Remember. You exist because I allow it. And you can end, because I demand it. I believe this is called, checkmate." Alvarez was defeated. He lifted his hand, still avoiding direct eye contact, and shook Merridan's. What else could he do? Try to save face and be proud? With that, Merridan turned around and left the room, closing the door behind him. It was over. Alvarez lost. Not with a gunshot, not with a trial, nor with an execution. But with a handshake. He wasn't supposed to have lost like this. It was supposed to be a win for him. He was supposed to prevail. But he didn't. He lost. Badly. He was a puppet to Merridan. All he could do was happily play that role.

[Louis]

Sala Ejecutiva, Centro Medico San Ignacio Bartoloméo | Distrito Real de Romula, Altéa | 6:56 AM

"While he lives and breathes, Majestad, his mind is gone. He can remain like this, in stasis, for eternity, but I'm afraid he is beyond our saving."

"What do you recommend, Doctor? I cannot remain here by his side for eternity! He has a nation to lead--he has a family to be with! He is soon having grand children--his heirs!"

"Majestad, I understand your situation. It is very common here, but as of yesterday, His Majesty is no longer with us. We are simply keeping the rest of his body from.... dying"

"... I--I understand."

"It is your decision, Majestad. We can give His Majesty his final rest and send him into the arms of the one above."

"Yes. He would have wanted that. Always resolved. Always knowing the next steps. It is time. Go ahead, Doctor. Do as you must."

"Majestad.

-----------

"Artemio...."

"Si, mamá?"

"He is no more."

"..."

"May God be ever by your side. May He be your divine guide just as your father. May you have a strong family by your side. May your values, ideals, thoughts, and enlightened vision be graceful for us all.

"Mamá... stop, this is not the plac--"

"I am here with you, in sorrow and in hope, Artemio... My son. My king."

[Dredd]

Lirnak, Fatherland Front Headquarters, 20:00 Hours

Ludvík Otčenáš looked up from his papers, three men sat infront of him at the long oak table, three very rich names.

Radim Sladek, CEO of Novak Agri-Enterprises
Otakar Havlík, Owner of Ironcrest Technologies
and finally, Leoš Podlezl, billionaire and owner of Podlezl Mining Conglomerate

Rain pattered the windows as thunder lit the skies in sporadic strikes. Ludvík cleared his throat and stood up, raising a toast as aides filled the glasses of the three men with imported bourbon. "Gentlemen, thank you for meeting here today. I would like to begin by raising a toast, to Kundrati and the great men who built it. Hail!" He downed his glass as the men all nodded, hailed, and sipped their drinks. Ludvík sat back down and gestured for his aides to leave the room to them and he finally spoke up as only the 4 of them remained.

"Gentlemen, I think its fair to say we all have a vision for Kundrati from our shared experiences in the old country, and while my father commands my respect, the NRP is only a bandaid for what is a gaping wound. As you well know, in my new position as head of the fatherland front its time to begin taking action to the betterment of the nation."

The three men looked at him pensively as they smoked cigars and pipes.

Ludvík stood up and began pacing around the table as he spoke. "We all know Kundrati is alone in the world, and always will be. When we look outwardly, invite others to our country to plunder and profit from the land and wealth it can be only to the detriment of our people. The free market must be controlled, I know as business men you may find this statement foolish, and I would be a liar to claim the economy has not been swiftly recovering thanks to foreign investment. But you also as businessmen know the importance of looking forward, thinking 10 steps ahead. Today we may be gaining the blood money of foreign powers that once dropped bombs on our schools and murdered our people, but what of the next year? decades from now, I tell you truly what we will see, godless liberalism in all its perfidious glory sweep into our country." The men murmured in agreement

"Sladek was the greatest of us all, he did more for this country than any man ever has, what will be left of us if we abandon the tenants of legionarism? We will see men kissing and holding hands in the streets, children cutting off their genitals and being pumped full of drugs, sordid pornography fed to our youth, and churches being burned down to be replaced with abortion clinics. We've seen it elsewhere, countries a mere stones throw away massacring their morality for the sake of profit and manipulation. When the strong guiding hand of the ideal fails, the roots of treason begin to sprout and overtake, until we will be too weak to do anything about it. Gentlemen I say no!" Ludvík smacked his fist onto the table. "We cannot, will not, must not allow ourselves to be defeated! The Kundrati people, our race and heritage, all will be lost if we cannot stop the tide that is coming, and that is why you are here today."

The three men stunned looked to each other seemingly taken aback by Ludvík's charisma, at first they were pensive at best, and now they were hooked to his every word. Radim Sladek stood up and raised his glass, "Here here! Glory to Kundrati, long live Sladek!" then the other two men stood and yelled, "aye!" downing another glass of whiskey

Ludvík smiled and raised his glass in kind, he had known they would be apprehensive at first, but his father had done one thing right: sell all the industries to old legionaries.

"Gentlemen, I have a plan for this country, and it will neither deprive you of your property and wealth, nor of our countries safety. We will show the world the strength of national autarky once more, and prove once and for all the unstoppable might of the Ordosocialist economic system. Your companies will not only grow massively, but we will all own the means of production, the state is the only entity than can be trusted to protect the vipers of international capital." Ludvík then laid out papers in front of the men, who one by one began to realize the gravity of the proposal, but the frightening aspect was, by the time the meeting was over...

A deal had been struck.

[Doc]

Eveari Monthly Meeting House, October 2, 3:30 PM

The small group which constituted the Clearness Committee for Her Imperial Majesty sat with their chairs arranged into a small circle. In attendance were Sam Van Meter, Wendy Martin, Acting Clerk Javier Tancredo, and Melissa Albertson, all members of the Eveari Monthly Meeting. Also there were Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto and the Chancellor of the Empire, Lady Jennifer Alvarez-Miller, who was herself a Birthright Brethrenist, but was a member of the Kaliburg Annual Meeting. She was required to attend the Clearness Committee by law, due to the nature of the meeting, but was also there on a personal level, to support Her Imperial Majesty.

The group sat in silence for more than 25 minutes before someone spoke.

"Friend Ananto. What led you to ask us for clearness today?" asked Sam.

"We..." the Brethren immediately perked up, and Lady Jennifer's spine straightened in an unspoken inhale. "I... I asked for this clearness committee because I feel like I've had some... well, some inclinations I suppose. I have had the chance to reflect on these, and have asked Lady Alvarez to talk with me, and she suggested that these ideas are something I should not be afraid to explore."

There was more silence, for perhaps a minute or two.

"Friend Ananto, can you talk about what you mean by inclinations?"

The Empress sat silently for a moment, to gather her thoughts. She took a deep breath, and exhaled, and felt a little release of some of the tension.

"Well, my mother... you all know she is dying, I trust. She's a devout member of the Hosian faith, and my Father was a Brethrenist, and I don't know. There is something to this. I have always found that the moments where I am most at peace are ones I spend in nature, and am focused on just my breathing, and the sounds of nature and the wind in the trees, and water over rocks and even the passage of the clouds fills my mind with clarity." The Empress paused here for a half a minute. "I have only felt that one other place, and that is when Lady Alvarez made me sit through Brethrenist meetings as we traveled across the country. I guess I attended more than 35 silent meetings in Kalistan over the last year and a half with Lady Alvarez... It's... I don't think I have an answer. It's not something I can explain, but I think it is something I want for myself."

The group sat silently for a while longer. Nobody said anything. The silence became deafening to Mary. She glanced around the group, a looked at each face without trying to be too noticeable. She wasn't sure if that was even the right answer: Nobody gave a look that said it had had any impact on anything at all. Were they going to ask her any more questions? As she prepared to speak, she drew in a breath, but before she could say anything, Melissa spoke.

"Friend Ananto, the Brethrenists do not have any answers. But the answers are not important: what is more important is one's willingness to ask the question."

The statement, which came out of nowhere and was a direct response to something she said almost five minutes before that moment was a bolt of lightning for the Empress. Whatever she had planned to say before that moment was forgotten; She said instead:

"I don't know what that means."

After a few seconds, certainly less than half a minute, Melissa answered: "The Questions are more important than the answers, Friend. It is up to each of us to be willing to try to hear answers, but the first step in that is of course asking the question. The Brethrenists are seekers. We seek the Truth. But if we assume we already know the Truth, if we think we already have the answers, we can't hear anything anyone else, including God says to us. The goal is to ask the questions and wait for that still small voice to point us in the right direction."

The response was profound and elegant, and the Empress did not have any response.

Four minutes later, Wendy spoke out of the silence, "Friend Ananto, this Meeting has cared for your family for generations. Yet you yourself have been resistant to even attending until just recently. Why do you think you are ready to become a member of this Community?"

This question would have taken Mary by surprise had Lady Alvarez not prepared her for it. She gave it some thought, and got her answer together.

"I don't know if I am ready," she answered. "There is still so much I need to learn, and to talk with you, and with the Brethren in Kaliburg about. But I look at the role that Lady Alvarez' faith plays in her life. I haven't met anyone outside of my own family who tells me the truth, and helps me come to the best answers to serious, and very weighty, if I can use your jargon, decisions the way she does. She told me once she doesn't fear the Truth. I would like to learn how she can feel this way. I attribute it to her Faith. I admire her and have come to view her as a friend and a trusted confidante. If she gets that from being a member of the Brethrenist community, there must be something worth exploring here."

The Brethren in the circle smiled politely and nodded at Lady Alvarez who herself was not prepared for that particular answer: She responded by blushing a bit, returning the smile and the nod, and then the Brethren settled back into silence.

Javier then spoke up and asked "Friend Ananto: You are probably familiar with the Brethrenist Testimonies. How do you think you will be able to hold those testimonies if you are required to take this nation to war again? I guess what I mean is: how do you square the Brethrenist Faith and Practice with your role as Empress and Sovereign of this nation?"

Mary sat silently for a few minutes. She did not know how to answer this one. She closed her eyes and was immediately overcome by an intense feeling of sadness. She had no explanation for this, but it swept over her like a wave. And she remembered the war.

"Friend Tancredo: My Father was a Brethrenist. As was my Grand Mother and my Great grandparents. All of them were not able to keep exactly to Brethrenist Testimonies. The one thing I am sure about both my father and Grandmother though is that they were devoted to trying to live your testimonies. I am sure their failure was on their minds but it was something they continued to try to strive for because they believed it was the right thing to do, I really believe that. I've found it easier in life to be guided by other beliefs. None of them have given me the answers to anything. I really think that even in my very limited experience with Brethrenism, I have found a way to test my leadings, and to learn if what I am inclined to do is the thing I should be doing. There was no contradiction between what Empress Carolina or Empress Nicolette or Emperor Fredrick believed and how they acted, because I believe they tried to do their best. I think I will try to do my best too."

Uncharacteristically, Javier immediately asked a follow up question: "Friend Ananto, have you become convinced of the Testimonies held by the Brethrenists, and do you wish to become a Convinced Member of the Kaliburg Yearly Meeting, under the care of the Eveari Monthly Meeting?"

Mary, slightly shocked by the abruptness of the question, looked right at Javier and answered, "I am certainly ready to try."

The five Brethren looked at each other, and then Javier, who was serving as Clerk of Clearness Committee said "I think we are ready. Let's settle into one more moment of silent worship." After the minute, Javier broke the Silence by saying "Thank you friends. I have the sense of this Committee that we should recommend a Minute to the Eveari Monthly Meeting that Friend Ananto has expressed that she is clear about her desires to join our community, and further to recommend that the Eveari Monthly Meeting take her under our care as a matter of specific concern, to support her in her journey and growth, to encourage and counsel her as she needs, and to ensure that we hold her in the light as she continues in her role as leader of our nation. Does anyone wish to say anything?"

There was a moment of silence, which was broken by Lady Alvarez, who herself was a member of the Kaliburg Meeting, who asked, "Thank you Friends. Would you add some words about sending a letter to Kaliburg Yearly Meeting to record the Minute and to ask the Meeting to also consider taking Her Imperial Majesty and her family, if they wish, up as a Concern of our meeting as well. She doesn't live here in Eveari, and you should let Kaliburg know that she has become convinced as well so we can reach out and welcome her."

The Clerk nodded and said "Of course: It's been so long since the Anantos have been to meeting that the things Eveari Meeting just used to automatically remember to do have sort of been laid down. But I think Eveari is ready to support the Empress as far as we can, and would be happy to write a Letter for her to Kaliburg. That is Proper, thank you Friend Alvarez."

"Thank you Friend," said Lady Alvarez.

"Anything else?" asked Javier.

"I just want to say Welcome Back, Your Imperial Majesty," said Wendy. "Your father was a wonderful man; he was so kind and so good tempered, and you should know, he was always so sorely missed by those of us who remember him. You were too."

Mary smiled. She was a little taken aback by how quickly the feeling in the room went from a heavy interrogation during the Clearness to a very businesslike and very warm and cordial feeling now that the silence was broken and the Brethren were speaking freely. She wasn't even sure how the group came to agreement that she was ready, or that she should be recommended. It's not like they discussed it or took a vote. She thought she understood how Brethrenists made decisions but clearly she didn't. But they all seemed to have almost telepathically spoken to one another in a brief glance around the room... Or something. It was all a very mystical experience just in that second.

"Thank you Ms. Martin. I remember you too from when I was a really little girl, before we stopped coming to the meeting."

"Oh please, call me Wendy, Friend Ananto," she said with an easy laugh. "We don't use titles in the Meeting! Except Friend."

"I will certainly try to remember that," said Mary.

Javier interrupted the friendly banter. "I hate to break it up, but if there are no objections, I'll propose the minute at the next business Meeting. Friend Ananto, you are invited to attend the business meeting in two First Days from now, and if the meeting has any other questions after I let them know what this Clearness Committee recommends, would you be open to answering them?"

Mary smiled, "Absolutely Friend Tancredo. And thank you."

"You are most certainly welcomed," he answered. And with that the Brethren all stood, shook hands and said "Thank you Friend." And then they filed out of the Meeting House's library and headed to their respective homes, Lady Alvarez accompanying the Empress back to Ananto Estate, where they would spend the evening relaxing and talking about what awaits the Empress, before the Empress returned to Wood House to begin closing the House for the winter season, and Lady Alvarez to Kaliburg.

[Louis]

Montalivet Estate | Comarca, Amateria | 7:39 AM

"How are you feeling, Felipe?"

"Man, I don't know Sergio. You know if this fails we're screwed? All these months of research and trials and testing.... The king will have our heads!"

"Nah he's not like that. From what Mercedes was telling me, he's actually quite laid back. He's not as serious as his dad. I mean old man Romulo would show up here once in a while just to pry."

"Well you can't make that assumption, this is his father's project you know ... It just happens to be that he's taking over... I don't know I'm scared man"

"We'll be fine. If it launches, we're saved! Is it doesn't, we explode anyways."

"I just hope it launches, not only would it be cool to finally see, but man that's years of my life that would be fulfilled."

"We'll see this through. That missile WILL launch... you'll see... So when's the launch?"

"It's next month. I mean we're ready to go now, but command down south wants to give warning to other nations nearby."

"Ah that's good. That's good. Soo..... You know what, we should de-stress. You're so intoxicated by this project... I've forgotten how you..... taste."

"Oh... I--I... I see. How about we sneak to the back room and you can find out..."

"You don't have to tell me twice.."

[Ligbruderkrieg]

Fort William, Luthori
Thursday, February 13th, 5657

"Yeah, that's pretty much how it's going to work out. The Prime Minister is essentially tired to hearing about Kundrati and their unreasonable political scene.", the man said at the end of the line.

For the woman listening to him, it could have been the most groundbreaking moment of her life, if she wasn't employed at the Foreign Ministry, sadly, these calls were merely Thursday to her.

"I see. So, Luthori is withdrawing from Kundrati and by that, you mean, the embassy, right?"

"Yeah, we'll also try to make an evacuation operations to evacuate Luthorian and potential Kalistani residents from Kundrati. We fully expect Bekenial to accomodate the Kalistani Government, as we can't do it ourselves due to the breakdown of our own bilateral diplomatic relations. But that's pretty much the idea. We move to Red Warning, announce our withdrawal and proceed to the evacuation process."

"I see. Is there anything that Hutori can do to help?"

"Well, Luthori just wishes to have Hutorian assitance in helping the evacuation of Luthorian citizens through the departure of some planes towards Bekenial and other major Hutorian cities to land before taking off in a flight towards Fort William. And of course, we would request for Hutori to be of assistance in putting pressure into the Kundrati Government, should they try to make any moves against the safe evacuation of civilian and diplomatic personel."

She first remained silent, but internally nodded. She then spoke.

"Alright. I'll make sure that Luthori's communications are taken to the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister, alongside maybe other Cabinet members that might be concerned. Hutori will continue communicating with you before and when this plan is set into motion."

"Alright, thank you." The line went off, the woman closing jer eyes and thinking about the news she just got.

[vesica]

Apollo Tower, Acton, Adelia
GLC Risk Management Division
February 5657

Two analysts were hovered over a terminal, trying to piece together the crash of Kaesama Stock Exchange, after the Kundrati government made the fair outlandish claims that foreign speulators were responsible. Emily Charleton, a Senior Risk Assessment Analyst that focused on rapid acquisitions with GLC's main Fund, while Nathan Kessler focused purely on the numbers to put together tends moving forward. “I’m telling you,” Emily said, her voice low as she leaned toward his monitor, “this doesn’t look like foreign action. It’s too clean.”

Kessler didn’t respond at first. His eyes moved slowly over the screen, numbers cascading in neat, brutal lines. Market activity in Kundrati, day-by-day, hour-by-hour, down to the second. A sell-off that started like a pulse and ended like a gutting. He dragged a box around the key spike. 

“Foreign crash manipulation usually starts with a whisper; some panicked trade in a vulnerable sector, followed by algorithmic reinforcement,” she continued, pointing to the trend lines. “But this? It was like the curtain dropped all at once.”

He gave her a dry nod. “No shell firms. No swaps. No hedge funds pulling out in sequence. Not even Kalistani bookies trying to cash in on that bet they made through back channels. It’s all local money. Every trade, even our local ones, done purely in Kuno.” 

Both analysts were intimately aware of how much foreign capital was involved in Kundrati on any given day, GLC held most of it, with it having been judged the most stable financial institution in the nation. All that was to say; if anyone had been bought off that wasn't in Kundrati there would have been a sign somewhere. They sat in silence for a beat, the whir of the server room undercutting the weight of realization. “Then where the hell did the panic come from?” she asked.

Kessler didn’t answer. Instead, he tapped open a different chart on the post-crash rebound. Eighteen percent bounce in five days led by three companies: Novak Agri-Enterprises, Ironcrest Technologies and the Podlezl Mining Conglomerate. Emily narrowed her eyes. “You’ve got to be kidding me…”

He shook his head slowly. “Ninety billion Kuno. Liquid. Immediate. Like they just… had it.”

She looked away, then back. “Do we even know what that is in Lira?”

“With the beating the Kuno was taking, I think it's somewhere in the neighborhood of three billion,” Kessler said. “Give or take a few million. That’s not spare cash, that's sovereign wealth fund, nation-state level of liquidity, espceially for immediate investment to shore up essentially their entire economy.”

Emily sat back in her chair, crossing her arms. “So while the bottom fell out on everything—subsidiaries, transport firms, logistics, equipment suppliers—those three sat on the sidelines and waited.”

“Waited for it to burn,” Kessler muttered. “Then bought back the ashes. Their principal firms were barely affected. They got hit, but we're talking ripples on a pond compared to the rest of the Kundrati economy. The minute most of their economy was for sale, they swooped in and bought basically everything that supports their conglomerates or could support them, makes them self sufficient within the confines of the Kundrati economy.”

He wasn’t making accusations. He couldn't, not yet. The evidence didn’t say they did anything other then make a killing and buy swathes of the wider Kundrati economy. But it also didn’t say they didn’t.

What it did say, loud and clear, was that there were no foreign fingerprints on the detonation switch; no Kalistani speculators, no Luthorian arbitrage shells. Just a market that cratered with eerie precision and three well-positioned “patriots” with bottomless wallets who emerged at the right moment with capital to spare and a crowd of cameras waiting to declare them heroes.

“GLC came out alright,” Emily said, like she was trying to pull them both back into safer waters. “Not a single branch closed, still have cash on hand. We aren't overly exposed to loans, no bad leverage, thankfully a different pot of money. Hell, at this point, we’re practically the only thing keeping the Kundrati banking sector alive.”

Kessler nodded, jaw tight. “Which means we can’t just walk away. Not now.”

She looked at him. “So what’s the play? We let them believe the foreign sabotage line and keep pretending we didn’t notice anything?”

“I don’t know yet, way beyond my paygrade.” he said. “But if this was foreign sabotage, I’d be able to trace it. And I can’t trace anything.”

Kessler zoomed into a specific set of trades, small-cap acquisitions following the crash. Fire-sale prices. Whole mid-tier supporting firms bought up for pennies on the Kuno. And every time he traced the purchasing agents back… it led to friendly subsidiaries or holding companies tied to one of the Big Three. Emily leaned over again, whispering like someone might be listening through the fluorescent lights. “What are we even looking at, Nate?”

He stared at the screen. The puzzle wasn’t finished. Too many pieces missing. But the edges were starting to take shape. “I don’t know,” he said, voice low. “But whatever this is, it wasn’t a crash.”