06-21-2023, 09:35 AM
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.
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.