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  Discussion of "Western Xiomera"

Posted by: Democratic Republic Of Eiria
08-07-2023, 01:20 AM
Forum: Security Council
- Replies (3)

Secretary-General Charles Danton walked to the podium as the assembled delegates shuffled to their seats, briefcases and folders in their hands. "Welcome back, everyone. I hereby call this session of the League of IDU Nations Security Council to order. I suggest that we get right to the debate, as we have countless other matters to discuss."

"The first topic of discussion for today was proposed by the honorable delegates from Huenya. It concerns the territory that has been labeled 'Western Xiomera,' and if the annexation of that land by the Xiomeran Empire was a violation of the Jinyu Agreement. In addition, the discussion is also meant to address, and I quote, 'Xiomeran Military Adventurism.' I will now cede the floor to the delegation from Huenya if they would like to make an opening statement."

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  We Who Are Broken (Auroras Part 3)

Posted by: Lauchenoiria
07-26-2023, 06:53 PM
Forum: International Affairs
- Replies (5)

PREVIOUSLY in the IDU…
 
“We both know that I could kill all of you before you’d even blinked. If I wanted you dead, you would be, Councillor Pierre,” Zichitla said calmly. “I respect you, and I am loyal to the Matriarchy, I swear to you. I am telling you, as the expert on this matter, what you are about to do will risk the security of yourselves and this country.” (Artists of Progress, 17 Oct 2020)
 
*
 
“You’re really an Aurora?” one of the guards asked her eventually as they walked, blurting the question out like it couldn’t be held back.
 
“I am,” she confirmed, smiling at the guard. “I am of Kerlile, as it should be, not as it has become. Don’t worry, I won’t be any trouble for you, a cell is as good a place as any to hide from the coming destruction.” (Artists of Progress, 17 Oct 2020)
 
*
 
“I am your only hope at freedom, Aurora. If I grant you your freedom, I want to know you will pay your debt to me.”
 
“No,” Zichitla said simply. (Artists of Progress, 15 Nov 2020)
 
*
 
“You lied to us,” she continued, to the walls, “and said we were safe here, that we wouldn’t be punished for our perceived failure. You took us as children and moulded us into weapons to serve your own purposes, stealing our lives, and you wonder why so many of us cannot adjust to what you consider normal afterwards. And now you will take my life, again, not as punishment but because you fear I am right.” (Secrets of the Council, 20 Dec 2020)
 
*
 
The woman in the office in front of her stood up, and spun around, alarmed. Zichitla raised her gun, and shot the woman in the head, killing her instantly.
 
“That’s for what you did to Nikita,” she whispered to herself, memories running unbidden through her mind. (Secrets of the Council, 21 Dec 2020)
 
*
 
"We have reason to believe Zichitla poses a threat not only to Kerlile, but globally," Arnott took over, glancing sharply at Porter. "We do not presently know where she is, how many false identities she has, or what she is up to. What we do know is that she has attempted to recruit several of her former colleagues in the Aurora Programme to join some kind of, well, it appears to be some kind of apocalyptic cult." (The Second Tour, 29 Oct 2022)

PRESENT DAY
 
Zichitla closed her eyes and began her exercise routine. It was her own unique blend of various disciplines; adapted from a standard Aurora training routine. It kept both her body flexible and strong, and her mind sharp. She was going to need it if she was to finally put her plan into action. It had been several years now of gathering her forces; finding wayward Auroras who rejected Yauhmi’s sanctuary or Kerlile’s supposed retirement plan.
 
There were many Auroras who felt shunned and abandoned by Kerlile. They had been used, from toddlerhood, and cast aside without a thought. They had not managed to achieve their mission, and yet they were expected to sit down, shut up and potter about a garden like they’d done a lifetime of work. Even though many of them were still in their twenties. No, that would not do.
 
You see, the Council of Kerlile had always been corrupt, of course. But they’d managed at least to advance the mission of Kerlile alongside their corruption. Now, they were neglecting even that to cement their own position. Reform was, at its heart, a ploy to keep the Council in power by placating the foreigners who wished to remove them. But some of the Auroras, Zichitla’s Auroras, intended to keep the dream alive.
 
If the Council of Kerlile would not export gynarchy to the world, Zichitla would do it herself. One Aurora recruit at a time. She had been busy gathering the willing. Now, it was time to move onto the next stage of her plan. May the world tremble in fear.

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  Europeia Bulletin - July

Posted by: Cove
07-22-2023, 06:33 PM
Forum: Embassy of Europeia
- No Replies

[Image: p22021798.png]

In a weekend of votes, the citizens of Europeia elected their new Senate.

62 citizens voted for the Senate seat size. With a plurality of 29 votes, citizens voted for expanding the size of the Senate from the minimum of five seats to seven seats.

Six of the twelve candidates were elected in a first round of voting: Lloenflys, Common-Sense Politics and Ellenburg are all returning to the Senate after some absence, Senators Prim and Gem defended their Senate seats, and Elio and ICH were elected to the Senate for the first time. 

With 78 voters, voter turnout even exceeded that of the previous Presidential election.

Candidates McEntire and Ellenburg were tied for the seventh seat and entered a runoff election, which Ellenburg won with 45 to McEntires 27 votes.
The general senate election traditionally and legally marks the halfway point for the President and their government, too. 

In reflecting on his term so far, President Pland Adanna talked about the successes and struggles of his government.

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  Into the Jaws of the Lizard [COMPLETE]

Posted by: Lauchenoiria
07-18-2023, 11:10 PM
Forum: International Affairs
- Replies (14)

PREVIOUSLY

Jointly written with Xiomera

Yousef Chaher, José, Cranston, Citlalnite, and Tlotli the parrot were all quite relieved that their three months in a Saladian jail were now over. As they signed the paperwork for their release and had their belongings returned, José was already cooking up his next scheme.

“Nah, I’m going legit,” he told the others as an official from the Salad Land Police Service pointed at another line for his signature. “Fake vegetables made of meat! Think about it; you get fake meat made of vegetables; why shouldn’t you get fake veg made of meat?”

“Arrr walk the plank,” squawked Tlotli.

“I agree with the parrot,” Yousef mumbled.

Once the paperwork was finished, they were led to the exit and swiftly deposited back into the streets of Port Salad, with instructions to leave the country within ten days. Tlotli flew up into the air in joy and glided in circles as José attempted to recruit Cranston and Citlalnite into his “carnivore vegetables” scheme. Yousef was about ready to slap one of them after three months in jail, and he planned to get as far away as fast as possible from the others.

Before he could, however, a lizard leapt out of a nearby bush onto Yousef’s chest and bit him hard on the lips, in a grotesque parody of a kiss.

“What the-” Yousef shouted, falling over onto his back in a struggle to get the bitey lizard off of him. As he fell, he caught the eye of one of the police officers… who promptly slammed and locked the door behind him.

Yousef wrestled with the lizard, whose jaws continued to move in its attempts to bite once more. Citlalnite turned and ran away, with Tlotli flying off after him. José began to whoop and cheer on Yousef in the fight, offering to take bets on who would win from passers-by. Cranston leaned over and plucked the lizard off of Yousef, and was about to snap its neck, when a man ran up shouting in Persian.

“What is going on!?” Yousef gasped.

“No! Do not kill it, please!” the man begged. Up close, the gang could see that he was dressed in the uniform of a royal courier from Zargothrax. “That lizard is the property of King Shapur! Give me, please!”

“Cool,” José said, appraising the lizard, which was being restrained quite effectively by Cranston. “Zargothrax is a great place for business! I was there a few years back with… a florist. Yeah, a florist.”

“Please give me the lizard!” the courier begged. “His Majesty is already frustrated with the delays. The Saladians, they will not allow us to leave.”

“Tell me about it,” Citlalnite said, appearing again behind where Yousef was sitting. He was now holding a giant net, and Tlotli was perched on his shoulder.

It was at this point that the door to the jail opened again, and several police officers came out. "One of those dammed lizards again," the officer in charge muttered under his breath. "I thought you lot were rounding them up," he said with a displeased look at the courier.

“We are trying!” the courier wailed. “They enjoy the taste of Thraxian blood.”

“I don’t think it depends what nationality you are,” Yousef pointed out, wiping blood off his face from where the lizard attacked.

“We’ll help you catch the lizards!” José said cheerily.

“José!!” shouted Yousef and Citlatlnite at the same time. Cranston just glared.

“As much as we’d love to,” Yousef lied,  “We’ve been told to leave the country. So, we better be going! Good luck with your lizards!”

The police officer paused, hand holding his chin. "Hmm. We could use some more hands rounding up these little bastards," he mused. "Gentlemen, your friend had an excellent suggestion. Consider yourselves drafted into the Salad Land Lizard Capture Service. Something I just thought up." He beamed at his colleagues. "Doesn't that sound nice and official?"

"Oh, it's splendid," one of the other policemen said. "That's quick thinking there. You might even get that promotion you were wanting when the Commissioner hears about it!" The officer in charge's smile grew even wider at that thought.

Yousef opened his mouth to speak, but then decided better of it. Citlalnite let out a stream of what was probably a string of profanity, but since it was in Huenyan, nobody else present understood exactly what he’d said.

“Cool, let’s get those bitey boys!” José grinned.

“Shiver me timbers,” Tlotli squawked.

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  The North Star Issue XXVII

Posted by: Meadowfields
07-03-2023, 06:23 PM
Forum: Embassy of The North Pacific
- No Replies

The next issue of The North Star can be viewed here.

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  General discussion over the situation in Roucourt

Posted by: Doatia
06-24-2023, 12:55 AM
Forum: League Headquarters
- No Replies

Letter from Doatia's delegation in Roucourt:

Dear LIDUN members,

Doatia appreciates your concerns regarding the situation in Roucourt. Civil wars are messy, and the loss of any life is too much. Perhaps it's too little too late, as LIDUN would've originally allowed Roucourt to be taken over by the extremist PNDS, or allowed the even more insane ARL to make gains. 

In the effort of transparency, Doatia has worked out a deal with Xiomera and Roucourt, the two already having established relations, before moving forward with it's military commitments. The agreement, summarized, establishes a new trade agreement between Xiomera, Roucourt and Doatia. It allows Xiomera to lease a military base in Roucourt and Doatia to construct and lease a military academy, and share control with Xiomera and Roucourt. Among other things, Doatia convinced Xiomera to "not obstruct" democratic efforts and progress in Roucourt, and it also authorized Doatia's use of ground forces. 

It was our intention to retake hostile territory asap, reflected in the large deployment of troops. However, after a discussion with the government of Roucourt, they've asked the Doatian Armed Forces (DAF) to only deploy half of it's dedicated troops, 50,000, and place the other half on standby in Doatia.

I'd also like to make clear, in response to concerns of Doatia's intentions, upon the restoration of peace and stabilization of Roucourt, and the establishment of a new government, we're committed to withdrawing a minimum of 75% of our assets in Roucourt at the time. The remaining 25% are prepared to stay, to help in reconstruction efforts. 

Furthermore, Doatia, the World Hope Foundation, and Queen Aiyisha's monarch fund is investing significant amounts to humanitarian aid, the transportation and housing of refugees, jobs training and education programs, and beginning reconstruction efforts. 

To appease some LIDUN members concerns, Queen Aiyisha invites LIDUN members to send small delegations to join her delegation in Roucourt, where she is negotiating the setup of the new government, volunteering, and visiting war-torn areas. Delegates would be restricted to Roucourt-controlled areas and non-conflict zones, and under the protection of the DAF.

Put action behind your words and support peace and stability in Roucourt.

Thank you, 
Doatia's Delegation in Roucourt

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  2023 IDU Baseball Classic (Planning/Registration)

Posted by: Haesan
06-22-2023, 04:40 PM
Forum: Stade de la Démocratie
- Replies (14)

Welcome to the planning thread for the 2023 IDU Baseball Classic in Haesan!  This competition is open to all of the nations of the IDU and seeks to revive a long forgotten event and celebrate both baseball and national cultures across the region.

You can access the registration form here.  To enter, post the link to the completed form in the thread below, and be sure to make the settings "anyone with the link can view" so we can see it.
The registration deadline is August 1st August 15th until we reach 16 teams.  Please try to submit your form (or at least let me know your interest) as soon as possible so I can get started on the calculations and logistics phase of this in a timely manner.

How does this tournament work?
Functionally, it depends on the number of teams, but there will be a group stage with a semi-randomized draw and locations (think: World Cup) followed by a single-elimination bracket.  There may be play-in games between the first few teams held before the tournament if the numbers are awkward (i.e. prime).  The games will be simulated largely by hand (with the aid of a computer program) using some customized formulas.  This will take a while to run, and the event will likely take place sometime in the fall.

Outcomes of individual at bats will be randomized but affected by the player ratings of the batter and pitchers.  These are assigned in the registration form, and the average must be no more than the program rating.  The program rating is determined by how good your nation is at baseball, and is a combination of factors:
1. Your nation's Olympic baseball rating (35%)
2. Your nation's Olympic softball rating (15%)
3. A mix of cultural factors including Olympic success in Hanshui, a history of competing at the Trive Baseball Classic, and a cultural legacy of baseball (as measured in wiki references to the sport and general impressions) (50%)
This average then went through some math (standardization and then redistribution to fit a new mean and sd that made the numbers look like a realistic spread) in order to get the program score, which ultimately falls in a range from 27 to 78.  The full list is below at the bottom of this post.

The reason why I did this is mainly for realism.  Since we just had a competition with baseball a few months before this occurs, it would be totally unrealistic to see drastic changes in who has good/well funded programs.  Of course, if your nation competes here and overperforms, their score will likely improve in the future.  Just like real life, some nations will only be happy with a win, while others are ecstatic to make it out of the group stage at all.  I also wanted there to be some element of strategy in assigning points, versus the old league simulator version where it is basically just fancy coin flips.  Additionally, this way you can customize your team to be what you want, whether that is a single superstar-led roster, or one that is more well balanced.  The choice is yours.

In addition, similar to Trive, you can increase your program rating by up to 10 points by providing additional details about your team and players.

How do I fill out the form (accurately)?
First is the administration section, where you provide information about your team.  There are only two required items:
1. Your country name
2. Your trigram

There are also 4 optional items that will boost your program rating, with IC reasons for doing so:
1. Your team nickname (+1)
Having a rallying cry will give your players something extra to fight for.
2. Your team mascot (+1)
A comedic (or adorable) character to represent your team gives makes your players a bit more relaxed on the field.
3. Team uniform description (both home and away, please) (+1)
Nice clothes beget confidence.
4. Cheerleading squad (4 cheerleaders + MC) (+2)
In Haesan, it is routine for teams to have cheer squads at games, and the infrastructure will remain available for national teams to use during the baseball classic.  Having a cheer team leading chants during at bats is a major psychological advantage.  This is the aspect that makes this a uniquely Haesanite competition with our own national flair; it's not every day you see stadiums full of people on their feet chanting for a batter to hit a home run.
5*. You can also provide any additional notes about your team for flavor I can use in narrating this tournament.  You don't get points for it, but it can make this event more fun for RP purposes and doubly so for teams that aren't predicted to do so well.

Then is the team roster, which has two mandatory components:
1. Player names (one at each position)
2. Player rating (a number from 0 to 100, higher = better player)
Put the team rating in the box that says Team Rating, and sum your modifiers and put it in the Bonus Applied box.  The rest will auto calculate.  Ensure your roster rating (gold box) is less than or equal to the adjusted rating (bottom silver box), or else your team will be subjected to a harsh investigation on suspicions of the use of controlled substances.

The bench is special here, instead of forcing you all to have to come up with one more name at each position (as in Trive), I have created a generic bench position.  There may be substitutes for pinch hitters and pinch runners in key situations or to swap in if a player has been underperforming, and the substitutes' rating is represented by the bench.  The bench rating represents multiple unnamed players, and as such its rating is counted three times when calculating the average.  No player details should be provided for the bench, if I find that data is critical and I need it later, I will message you over discord when if that time comes.

There are also four optional categories here:
1. Batting order (+1)
This one isn't hard (you list the numbers 1-9) and basically I'm giving a free point for it, but I will have to manually set this if you don't, so please do it for me and get your free rating point.  Having a set order helps provide clarity for the batters and gets them into a rhythm.
2. Player number (+1)
Helps provide clarity for coaches and players on the field.  It's a nice bonus for your fans too.  Please refrain from single digit numbers for pitchers or numbers larger than 60 unless absolutely necessary.
3. Handedness (left/right/switch) (+1)
Matching batters favorably against pitchers in terms of handedness provides them with an advantage at the plate (and vice-versa).
4. Baseball Club (+2)
Having a team and coaching staff to support and train you is a huge bonus to performance.  Also, if you want to use any of the 32 teams in the Haesanite National League for some of your players, feel free.  Just note that they have a 50% cap on foreign players, so don't send too many collectively to the same place.

National Rating List
If your nation did not compete in Hanshui and did not already tell me that you were interested in competing, let me know and I will get you rated.
In order of best to worst:
78 - Xiomera
77 - Haesan
69 - Great Tequila Island
67 - Milintica & Wosteaque
66 - LOM
64 - Lehvant
63 - Huenya
60 - Mallacaland & Trive
58 - Greater Acadia & Laeral
57 - Aredoa
55 - High Fells
54 - Opthelia
50 - Misumi
49 - Slokais
48 - Astoria, Gardavasque, Teye
47 - Kerlile
46 - Elalia, Mansilla
44 - Sanctaria
43 - Lao Sansong
40 - Lauchenoiria
39 - Novella
35 - Pharitaya
34 - Azaffran
33 - Serriel & Zongongia
30 - Eiria, Grundhavn, Thousand Branches
27 - Andhrapur & Auria (Competed in Hanshui, did not qualify in baseball)

If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please let me know!  I look forward to hosting this event, and I hope you all enjoy it as well!

Nation: Haesan
Trigram: HAE
Haesan's team roster: link

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  The King and the Cats

Posted by: Lauchenoiria
06-21-2023, 11:57 PM
Forum: International Affairs
- Replies (18)

King Shapur XIV of Zargothrax was high on painkillers following his hospital stay. Not that it mattered much; he acted in exactly the same way when he was perfectly sober. His 22-year-old son, the Crown Prince Bahman, rubbed his temple as he looked at his father rolling around on the floor playing with twelve cats he had adopted thanks to a “vision from God”. Bahman rather thought that “God” in this case meant “even stronger painkillers”, but he would never say that to his father. Not that his father would pay attention in any case.
 
“Father, we must do something about the flooding in the Jonoob region,” he tried again. “We are looking at over a hundred thousand displaced people, with several villages just completely disappearing. People are struggling to get food and shelter, and we already have thousands of dead.”
 
“What’s that, Azar? You need to use the litter box? Go on, my boy, go on!” the King said to a cat that had miaowed loudly over the top of Bahman.
 
“Father!” Bahman shouted, slamming his hand on a table.
 
“We cannot move yet,” the King snapped, turning to Bahman. “The gods will not look kindly on premature actions.”
 
“Father, I am not talking about your apocalypse, I am speaking of the severe flooding in the south of the country!” Bahman hissed, attempting to keep his compsure.
 
“Hm? Oh, that. Do as you wish, I have important work to do in the lab,” the King said, brushing past his eldest son and heading back down to the basement where he’d ended up in hospital in the first place.
 
“Your Highness, have you broached the topic again?” a figure sidled up to Bahman who was rubbing his temples as his father departed. The Crown Prince jumped, turning to the King’s Chief Advisor, Javed Hashemi. Not that his father ever spoke to Javed; indeed, spent much more time with Javed than his father ever had. The older man, however, still made him a little bit uneasy.
 
“He just snapped at me about the apocalypse again,” Bahman sighed.
 
“This won’t do,” Javed muttered to himself.
 
Bahman found Javed creepy. The man would appear out of nowhere, at the oddest times. People said that they’d see him in the kitchens and then not a minute later he was on the other side of the palace grounds. While Bahman put these stories down to superstition, he couldn’t deny that there was something uncanny about the advisor. Especially since Javed seemed determined to talk the King into abdicating.
 
“Look, I have no desire to become King right now,” Bahman told the advisor. “You need to drop this, okay?”
 
“Of course, Your Highness,” Javed said, and then vanished into the shadows again. Bahman was certain that he would try again in a few days. The Prince did not know what the advisor was plotting, but he was sure he was plotting something.
 
“Brother!” yelled a figure running up to him. It was his eleven-year-old sister, Princess Leila.
 
“What do you want, Leila?” he asked sharply. She was in trouble for breaking decorum and yelling in the presence of the media. She had already been punished for it, despite her tears and the fact she was indeed sneezing constantly since the cat adoption.
 
“Have you considered – achoo! – the boarding school thing again?” she asked.
 
Leila was determined to get herself sent away to boarding school and away from the cats she was so allergic to. He did have to admit that she was not exaggerating her discomfort. This was her with allergy medication. Nevertheless, there were no boarding schools for female students in Zargothrax, given most of them ended their education at Leila’s age. And there was no way either he or their father would allow her to go abroad.
 
“I have more important things to do, Leila,” he said irritably. “Go and play with your younger brothers,” he waved her away. She scowled and stomped off, arms folded. Bahman shook his head and headed back to the meeting chambers to discuss the flooding situation with some sensible people for a change.

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  Stories from Slokais

Posted by: Slokais
06-21-2023, 06:50 PM
Forum: International Affairs
- Replies (1)

June 25th 1959
New Liverpool, Slokais Islands 

Juan Costa looked over the massive crowd, 75,000 people, chanting his slogans holding the red and black banners of the National Reform Party. He waved to the crowd, this crowd was ready to hear what he had to say. He approached the microphone.
“Citizens of the Reformed State,” he said his voice booming, the crowd cheered
“As I open the National Reformist Committee, I have a message for all of you”
“As the Slokasian state continues to thrive under the policy of National Reform, you must stand against the reactionary movement that tries to undermine our society”.
The crowd booed at the mention of reactionaries
“Take that energy into the streets, destroy the counter-reformist elements!”
Juan Costa waved his hand to a choir of children, all dressed in the same red jackets.
“Farmers and workers united, for the salvation of the state”
“A thousand voices speak as one, A thousand flags wave in the sky, A thousand workers stand tall, A thousand hands raise you red standard high, A thousand proud citizens willing to die”
The crowd cheered as Juan Costa retreated inside.

A few hours later, President Juan Costa was at his desk, smoking a cigar. The door knocked
“Yes, citizen.”
“Mr. President, you have a call from a message from Commander Arroyo,” said his secretary
“...Send it through”
“President, Costa we have captured a number of socialist traitors”
“Good, send the younger ones to be re-educated, the others should be purged, that should be obvious commander?”
“I regret, I have to tell you this Mr. President we have learned that foreign elements are funding reactionary elements"
“And that is, Citizen?”
“This group called the Socialist Revolutionary Army is being backed by the Laeralian”
“Commander, the reactionaries wish for our reformed state to be destroyed, this is obvious. Double your efforts to purge these elements”
"What about the Laeralians?" 
"A war is coming, A world war, until then we build"

In the rural village of Libertad, in San Fernando Province several dozen members of the National Reformist Union of Agricultural Workers: Local 929 gathered. Libertad was a small farming community focused on sugarcane production. It was illegal for any person or company not to be a part of a National Reformist Affiliated Trade Union, so even rural areas have many chapters. Mostly the Trade Unions were used as a political tool, tax had to be paid to the national organization, in theory, this money was supposed to be used towards social programs, though in reality much went to a few wealthy party members. The small wood building was made of hand-cut planks, with bamboo planks acting as the floor. 
"I call this meeting to order, citizens," said the General Secretary
He paused before continuing 
"This is not going to be a regular gathering, citizens" 
A small crowd of farm workers, many still in straw hats stood watching
"I have received some very concerning documents, the membership fees are being transferred to United Sugar Co"
The crowd shifted uneasily, one woman blurted out "What next U.S not giving us wages, this is a known fact"
"Yes, but the NRU is doing this themselves"
The whole crowd looked around, informers were everywhere.
"We don't have to live like this"
"This is life, citizen" a man blurted out
"No, it's not, if we all stand up, everybody in Libertad"
"What about money?"
"They're paying us $75 Marks a week, for bare nothing, we got nothing to lose"
From outside, a young kid ran inside "The Fed's are here"

Outside, a car was parked outside. 4 Reformist Guard officers stepped out, armed with batons.
"Nobody leaves until we find the reactionary, everybody step out one by one" 
As ordered, the hall emptied out. 
"Who is Huberto Peter Villareno"
The crowd stood silent
"Hubert Villareno, chair of Local 929 wanted for treason"
The crowd shifted, not showing any signs of giving him up
"Alright, I guess we will go one by one" 
The guard approached an old man smoking a cigarette
"I could you some real Smithson smokes, you know," he said
"Young bucky's like you got no honor"
"You want a case of treason, old man"
The old man slapped the officer hard enough to knock him off his feet
The crowd reacted by rushing the remaining officers, kicking them, and tipping over their patrol car. One old man's simple act trigged a month-long
conflict in Libertad and throughout the San Fernando sugar country.

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  Stories from Doatia

Posted by: Doatia
06-21-2023, 09:35 AM
Forum: IDU Newswire
- Replies (1)

Chancellor Bernadino's Office
6/15/23
In attendance:
Cori Bernadino - Chancellor - Conservative Party Chair
Shuri Recardo - Vice Chancellor - Environmental Justice Party
Demetrius Clark - Senior Advisor to the Vice Chancellor
Justine Lemarco - Senior Advisor to the Chancellor
Along with various members of the Chancellor's cabinet

"If she isn't here soon, we're going to start without her. This is getting ridiculous" Shuri states, breaking the deafening silence. The only person not in the meeting was the Chancellor. And the meeting is in her office and is about her approach to diplomatic developments in Roucourt and the upcoming Budget Allocation process. Justine, her pale face turning red, struggled to maintain decorum but quipped " I insist that we practice patience. The Chancellor is a busy woman!"

The Chancellor is indeed a busy woman, but today it's her age which has delayed her. An issue that seems to be occurring more frequently.

She struggled to get herself ready this morning. Having to wait for her personal assistant to arrive. They're being transported to her office now, but the delay, and others like it, are angering her allies and adversaries alike. Being uniquely positioned and capable, Cori is at the center of the PLP and is seen as a balance. The more liberal and conservative factions can unite under her leadership. On top of her position as leader of the EJP-PLP Coalition, which represent her unique ability to hold together a historic alliance between the more progressive Enviromental Justice Party and the more moderate Peoples Liberation Party. 

But with recent declines in her general health and mobility, as well as some recent competency questions, many are beginning to doubt her.

Her Coalition Chair counterpart, EJP Chair Shuri Recardo is one of her longest friends and closest allies. Their mentors orchestrated the late 1970's legacy coalition government, which lasted 5 decades. After the first 2 decades of their majority, they passed the baton to Shuri and Cori. Shuri and Cori, taking turns at the helm, had worked together to keep their governing majority for an additional 30 years. But even Shuri has grown frustrated with Cori being late to meetings, falling asleep during debates and votes on the Chamber floor, and at times, general incoherence.

Reports asked her opinion on a proposal from the CP a few months ago to defund Doatia's public healthcare system and establish strict work requirements. Despite being responsible for crafting her coalition's own proposal, as well as sitting through numerous debates, some of which she participated in, she was confused. She couldn't seem to recall the legislation reporters were talking about, despite just leaving a debate regarding the issue. Growing frustrated she told reporters to "leave her alone" and quickly departed, with her aid assisting her by grabbing one arm, and the Chancellor using her cane with her other hand. 

Her staff and some members of her party have condemned criticisms against her, sitting ageism and sexism. They've also said that she's best positioned, considering position, experience, and relationships within the EJP-PLP to be Chancellor. With a PLP member from Doatia's district 12 saying "nobody, and I mean nobody has the combined attributes of 5 decades experience as part of a legendary coalition majority and unique perspectives at preserving the essential EJP-PLP Coalition."
But signs that her grip of control on both the PLP and the coalition is slipping.

With mostly junior members of EJP calling for separation from the PLP, and liberal and conservative flanks of the PLP calling for her resignation. 

*Cori Bernadino's POV* "I'm embarrassed enough as it is at my tardiness. I certainly don't need to sow more doubt". I understand her point, but Tamia does not understand the scrutiny I am under. Keep together the liberal coalition. Lead an effective government, in the minority. And comply with the Queen's rogue foreign policy at a time when the DN, vehemently opposed to liberal foreign policy, which no one seemed to be concerned about, gained a historic number of seats last cycle. 

"I understand. Simply tell them that I was running behind and made you late" Tamia responds. "I am the Chancellor. If i was delayed, I had a reason."

They enter her office. Through the lobby, they can hear the Vice Chancellor yelling. "This is a waste of time. She needs to explain herself" Shuri shouts. "As i already told yo.." Justine attempts. "What you told me is bullshit!! The Chancellor is nearly two hours late!!" Shuri concludes. 

The Chancellor and Tamia enter the room.

Justine and Shuri retake their seats. Cori joines them at the table. Slipping off her heels as she sits, something she normally does. Tamia gets the Chancellor some tea. "Enough is enough, Chancellor. You and I are friends. We understand each other. This is not sustainable" Shuri begins.

A few moments of silence pass.

"I see. Not sustainable? Can you tell me, which of our two parties lost more seats to the Doatian Nationalists?' Cori responds.

"I dont see what that.." Shuri shoots back. "12 seats, Madam Vice Chancellor. 12. You're party are idealists. We know this. But Doatia is firmly center. and despite our progressive roots, shifting more and more conservative. We have to find the balance." Cori asserts.

"And who is the balance? A woman struggling with her basic duties? A Chancellor who falls asleep on the Chamber floor? You may be the balance of the PLP, but the EJP is being weighed down by your party's baggage. Voters see the PLP placation of the right has only worsened our economy. After all, it was your leadership that caused the recession!" interrupts Demetrius, breaking an unspoken rule against nonexecutives from speaking unless spoken to.

"That is a preposterous assertion" argues Justine.

"Point being, this behavior cannot continue Cori, or else, neither can our coalition" Shuri concluded.

Minutes passed. Silence. You could hear the tick of Demetrius's pocket watch, which he kept checking frequently.

Cori swallowed the words of betrayal. She will wait until she has a better hand, before she plays any cards. 

'Very well! The Queen has essentially gone rogue on foreign policy, exercising her authority on the situation in Roucourt well beyond its historically recognized boundaries. Now, not only has she authorized use of DAF ground forces, but she's asking for an investment in WHF as well! If turns into a crisis, its important to distance ourselves somehow" Said Cori. "Well my primary concern is that will wont be able to distance ourselves. None of us in the government. So we must intervene to dial back her authority" Justine adds.

"While Im in favor of rolling back government overreach as much as the next gal, I actually support the Queen's endeavors in Roucourt. Its necessary work, and that means necessary risk. We should surely take steps to safeguard Doatia." Shuri concludes.

"Indeed. We can have our teams look into safeguarding. Without EJP support, we can't pursue limitations of the Queen's authority. Our budget will be announced tomorrow. It has an income of 5 Trillion Doa, and an expenditure of 4.8 Trillion Doa. It has a nearly 200 million Dao surplus, and reducing our debt to 1.5% total GDP. We are going to require CP votes to get anything passed" Cori adds. 

"My office has been working on my allies in the CP all day. Hopefully we'll see some progress soon" Shuri responds.

"My office will do the same. Meeting adjourned everyone!' Cori concludes.

Everyone leaves, excluding Tamia. "Take me to the couch, I am dizzy" Cori exclaims. "Did you take your medicine today? Did you eat?" Tamia stresses. "Yes. No" Cori responds. Tamia supports Cori to the Couch, and dials in the receptionist to order breakfast for the Chancellor. "Oh and Tamia?" the receptionist replies. "Yes?" Tamia responds. "The Doatian Senior General is here to go over today's security briefing with the Chancellor" says the receptionist. "I'll take the meeting Tamia concludes and hangs up the phone.

Cori slept until food arrived, at which point Tamia came in and fed her as she laid on the couch. Tamia also cancelled her meetings for the rest of the day, fielding required engagements to herself, Shuri, or Justine.

Tamia has truly been running the show in the Chancellor's office.

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