[Xiomera]

May 6th

Palace of Flowers, Xiomera

Empress Calhualyana looked through the briefing on her gilded tablet, while the others in the room waited for her to finish her review. Finally, she laid down her tablet. "I would truthfully prefer to support the Mallacaland Citizen Party, especially since King Hassan is now enjoying the comforts of asylum in Xiomera. Also, their name is so similar to my own XCP that it does please me. But we must be realistic, they have little to no chance of winning. I don't back losers. And it is not in the Empire's best interest to do so. Therefore, we will back the National Values Party. Their values are closest to our own, they're leading in the polls, and Saber looks like a winner to me. And if we help them win, they should be more inclined to be friendly to the Empire. Backing an Islamic party should also reassure our Islamic citizens here in Xiomera that we don't intend to repress foreign religions," Calhualyana said, seeing the win-win scenario for both Mallacaland and Xiomera. "That ought to blunt some of the foreign criticism of my agenda as well - 'I love all religions' and that sort of crap."

"Won't supporting an openly religious party that is not our faith offend the priests of Huītzilōpōchtli?" Prime Minister Toquihu asked. Calhualyana raised an eyebrow at that. "If it does, the priests are more than welcome to bring their complaints to me." If they dare was the unspoken end of the Empress' reply; Toquihu merely raised an eyebrow of his own before moving on. "Information Minister Coaneca will lead our effort to promote the NVP to the Mallacan population, while Minister of State Toquauhtli will make overtures to Saber and his party to offer our support," the Prime Minister said, to a nod of approval from Calhualyana. With their marching orders from the Empress in hand, the members of Toquihu's cabinet left to begin their tasks.

---

Haven House, Milintica

"We cannot let the NVP win," Atzitlan said. The Minister of International Outreach's face was a study in frustration. "If a religious party takes power in Mallacaland, all our goals there will be lost."

President Matōchmizalo nodded grimly. He had big plans for Mallacaland: the ascension of Tariq Bin Hitam and the For the People Party, leading to close ties between them and the Milintican state and Matōchmizalo's own MPP; a possible new member for his ANAN league; socialism rising in an ideal position to export it further into Hespia and Caxcana. All of that would be for naught, if the Islamists seized power. Matōchmizalo also had a personal issue, like any good MPP member, with the idea of any religious party (or religious people in general) being able to govern based on their ancient superstitions.

"We won't let them win," Matōchmizalo replied firmly. "I want you to double the number of PFM officers we have in Mallacaland. Help the For the People Party activists on the streets, and with their campaigning. We'll grassroots the NVP into the freaking ocean." He then turned to Ihanga Wati, the Minister of State. "I want our embassy and consulate staff in Mallacaland to begin aiding our efforts as well. Do it quietly. I don't need an international incident." The President then turned to his Ministers of Decolonization and Depatriarchalization, and National Equalization. "Please assist Atzitlan's people as well, make sure they have the information and the knowledge to successfully counter these religious zealots that Saber is riling up."

The members of Matōchmizalo's own cabinet stood up to begin their efforts, the leading wave of Milintica's desired worldwide revolution.

[Slokais]

9000 Capital Blvd was a large office building, pre-revolution it was party built it was the home of a foreign company. NVP Headquarters, on the top floor Kasib Saber, met with his advisors, many of whom were many rich emirs, they owned so-called Mega-Mosques outside the city.
"Gentleman, who has received word from Xiomera they shall help us in our efforts," Kasib Saber said
"That's is good news, however, what if the Slokasians catch us in the act," said one of the Emirs
"That is why the money shall be given to you, then you donate the money to us, they will not expect that, and they won't know a thing"
"That, sounds good but how else are they going to help us?"
"They have promised to start an organization called For Mallacaland that will broadcast ads in support of our candidate"
"I see, but what do they want from us," said an older man as he adjusted himself in his chair
"If and when we win, all we have to do is support their efforts in rebuilding our nation, and ignore their island-building efforts"
"Ah, well thank you for that," said the older man as he walked towards the door
"You seem so eager to leave," Kasib said as he approached him
"I just have some things to attend to"
"Empty your pockets," he asked
"I shall not be subject to searches"
At that moment security entered the room and grabbed his phone from his pocket, then they pushed him down
"What is the meaning of this?" he yelled
However, they did not answer the question and opened the window, the wind blew in blowing papers out the window, they held him over the edge
"Delete, the recording," one of them said in a Xiomeran Accent
"I see where letting them do our dirty work as well," he said
He grabbed his phone and deleted the recording, not before quickly uploading it to a friend of his
They pulled him back up, they then grabbed his phone and tossed it out the window, it fell 20 stories onto the sidewalk below.
"If you speak about this we will eliminate you from the equation," said Kasib Saber

[Slokais]

The Jariza Coast Road, was a 2 land road the circled the island, following a narrow railroad track, yet on every house almost were political signs, most where Jariza Island signs. The doors of Barin Market opened, as two people walked inside, Hassan Kafka a New Future Organiser along with him was a local guide named Aferi who everybody called "Red". The two of them walked to the counter.
"Why is nobody here?" he asked the clerk
"Look over there," he said
He was pointing at a man in the produce section with a gun in his strapped to his belt.
They walked over to him
"Have you registered to vote?" Hassan asked him
"Of course, you look like an outsider, I dont like outsiders telling us what to do," he said
"Look, are you registered sir," Aferi asked
"Of course, I am registered and if you're trying to get me to vote for anyone besides JIP then just leave," he said
As he turned he quietly said "Meet me in the back, you will find the rally"

Behind the market were stone steps leading down towards the beach below, then walked down to the beach and there were about 40 people all standing around a large rock, some had set up plastic chairs around it. The 2 of them walked towards the rock, as people clapped for them. They got up on the rock and started the makeshift speech
"Thank, you for coming out," Hassan said
"First, of all why are all of you so hidden" Hassan asked
"The JIP are some are very extreme, many collect their funds by going to peoples homes, and threatening them," a man in the crowd said
"So are there more of you?" Hassan said
"Of course, like there is everywhere around the country many are scared," women in the back said
"JIP does not seem violent, I mean they have liberal values just like us, right?" he said
"No, they're a big tent party, with people coming from all over the spectrum, they all just support inpendence," the man from earlier said
"Well, we need to stand up to JIP, on election day we will show our support at the ballot box," Hassan said
The crowd cheered and Hassan kept going
"They may fight against us, but we will show up, if we get just 10,000 votes, we can get representation in Parliament," he said
"That is what I want you to do, go to everyone you know and tell them to not be pushed around by JIP," he said
The crowd showed its approval, as Hassan stepped down of the large rock and began to talk with the crowd.

[Slokais]

The Army Barracks were filled with solider, sailors, and Airmen, they were there to watch a speech by General Aziz, the highest-ranking army official, he was there to address the military going forward but also preparing for possible post-election violence. The unspoken word was that he was going to give his political agenda, there had been a buzz, that if the election did not have a favorable outcome he could launch a coup.
Outside the base, many groups had gathered to protest the military, and also push their own agenda, there were several small candidates trying to push the agenda and get a few votes. Some local shops had set up tents selling food, and goods to those who were there. Inside the fence, there was a stage, set up along the sides, tanks had been positioned, everything was carefully planned. On stage, the high-ranking officials were taking their seats as well as political leaders including Kasib Saber. When General Aziz steeped out the crowd gave its approval of him. He walked up into the stage and waved his hands for calm, then a group of schoolchildren appeared and began to sing the anthem of Mallacaland, the old one used by the original King Abdin. He watched as the children sang, the crowd began to sing along. And the end of the song, the honor guard give a quick salute, and then the General began to speak.
"I am so glad to see this show of strength and honor from our military, it gives me hope that this nation shall always have proud and loyal men, ready to give their lives for Mallacaland".
"But, I am here to address all of you, in regards to the election, this election will shape the future of the country, you need to be there, why because Socialists like the For the People party could destroy the nation".
"They would let women join our ranks, we will become like Kerille a failed state of oppression and censorship"
"If New Future wins, when well be bent upon the liberal views and we shall end up having our region censored, National Values must prevail if we hope to keep the nation strong, we must win this election at any cost!"
The crowd gave its approval
"If there any among you who will vote for these parties, I will make sure your officers have you reduced back to Private, Long Live Mallacaland, Long Live the Miltary, and Long Live National Values!"
The crowd roared, it clapped almost in sync with each other, The general made his way off stage and ran into Kasib Saber
"You did your job, well you shall be rewarded well by our new sponsors and it will make it a priority that the military gets more funding"
"Thank, you Mr Saber, just doing my job to save our country"

Outside, crowds gave its disapproval to his speech, as he was quickly pushed into a car and given a military escort, Miltary police held back the crowd as the car was driven quickly away. The General had given a speech alright one that set what he wanted to hapend and for what he wanted, who knew what he would do if he was not given it, though it would not be good for anyone.

[Slokais]

Zine Ben Ali, The Emir of Jariza Island sat back just after some important phone calls. He had just talked with many political parties trying to work out a deal with his party the Jariza Island Party. Mallacaland Citzens offered 40 Million Mallacaland Dollars in cash to his personal bank account, though the Mallacaland Dollar was a worthless currency with the hyperinflation. 1 Sanctarian Dollar was 1,000 Mallacland Dollars so they were basically only giving him 40K. NVP had promised less oversight of the Island and that they would turn a blind eye to what happened there, giving him the perfect oprountuity to gain control. He had talked with the joint alliance of New Future and For The People, they said they would give the island an independence referendum if he joined them, a tempting offer though Ben Ali still needed the resources of the central government. Ben Ali really was not about actually Indpendece for the island rather he was growing his power, he wanted more control of the island. Then again who said he could not control a independent island, he already had the local police under his control.

On the Mainland, Kasib Saber has booked Mallacaland City Airport for his election event, He knew people in the Airport Devlopmeat Authority and they granted him the space. He and his team where sitting in the airport lounge that had been converted into a Election HQ. A stage was being built on the tarmack and bands were moving in all ther equipment. Saber had being taking some calls from various people, Other Parties as well as forigen allies wishing him luck, Pearl Oil and Gas had contacted him saying that he conducted a survey that had found a massive reserve of Nautral Gas just south of Mallacaland near a small empty archipelago. They had promised him wealth in exchange for ulmited access. Kasib Saber was looking forward to Saturday as if he won it could bring many thing for him.

[Slokais]

The United Coalition of Mallacaland met together for the first time, their task to form a government together would be a hard one. The Parties together had 56, just 5 short of a majority and a government, yet the remaining parties would be hard to get on board. There were only 15 seats that had not joined a govermeant. JIP, NVP, and Shining Light had come together to form a government known as Green and White. The easiest goal would be getting Natural Values that would bring them 1 short, then they would have to get Revolution-Labor, who would not work easily with anyone, they saw both parties as evil and would probably enter a confidence and supply agreement. They would be in the same boat as MCP with 10 seats. If UCM got them even for confidence and supply they would have a 5 seat majority for the government forming vote. Green and White all hated MCP, and joining with them would be against what they wanted and what they promised to their voters. Ibrahim Abadan had heard from a source that a company had found Natural Gas in Mallacaland waters, however, he did not tell this anyone else, this issue could ruin the coalition and would best be handled when the info became public.

[Slokais]

Kasib Saber had reached a deal. Although he would have to convince the public, he knew the deal would have to be done. This left his coalition of parties one vote short ahead of tomorrow's government-forming vote. This still gave him time to convince a few MPs to change sides. He had just finished working out a deal with the Mallacaland Citizen’s Party, the party for supporters of the old regime. As part of the deal, Islamist activists would be released in return for the MCP gaining control of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Federal Reserve and Budget. Although he had suffered under the old government, he knew that some things had to be done to stop socialism and Milintica. He knew Xiomera would be pleased with their investment if their interests controlled the government.

As he left his office, he saw the TV. Mallacaland National TV was playing an audio clip of a phone call from earlier in the day. It was the phone call where the various parties of Green and White, the Islamist-Mallacaland Citizen’s Party coalition, were talking together. In the clip you could hear the various parties discussing payment to various MPs in exchange for their votes. After the clip finished playing, the anchor said "as you can hear, a disturbing phone call by the parties of Green and White". Saber slammed his fist against the wall. Although he was always suspicious of the people in his party, he never thought a leak like this could happen.

Kasib Saber called on General Aziz to shut it down, then he gathered his team, and lined them all up.
"One of you leaked our phone calls. If you tell me, I will spare you," he said.
The staff stayed quiet and did not move as he moved along, looking everyone in the eye
"Someone answer my question!" he yelled.
The staff remained quiet as he kept walking. He then walked over to a TV where the security camera footage was uploaded to. "Fine, this will tell me."
He played the footage during the phone call.
"Everyone who was in the office step forward," he said.
A few did and they were forced to watch the security footage as it was played through. Slowly the number of suspects went from 20 down to 6.
The footage finished and he turned to the remaining staff.
"So tell me who it was! All 6 of you?"
They remained stone-faced looking blankly forward.
"It was me..." said a young man in a grey hoodie
"SO IT WAS YOU!" he yelled.
The police entered the room and grabbed him, pushing him outside.

Abdel Mahmar worked in the audio department and was the one who actually recorded the call and released it. The building had an advanced system that allowed calls to be recorded. This was done to ensure loyalty within the party and to make sure no one was up to no good. They suspected that the person tasked with this would be the one up to no good. Abdel Mahmar had gotten the job because of family connections, yet he secretly worked for the For the People party. He had recorded the call as part of his investigation, all though he was only able to sneak one recording flash drive away, yet it had worked. The country and the world knew the corruption that had gone on.

[Slokais]

The Mallacaland Army marched up May 18th Blvd, surrounding the National TV complex, armored vehicles parked at the gates as soldiers ran around the surrounding building. From surrounding buildings, people watched from their apartments. From inside the studio, people ran around finding cover. The Broadcast continued even as anchors ran off-camera, the whole nation was watching live as the broadcast switched to an outside camera. The whole production team prepared for what would happen. There had been debate about showing the audiotapes, however, they had agreed that they had the right to do so under International Law. Now the decision was being reconsidered with the military on their doorstep.
“Step outside,” said an Army officer from his armored vehicle
A few employees did step outside despite protests from their co-workers. A man in full riot gear stepped forward and arrested them, they then were pushed into a parked bus.
“Keep coming out,” the officer said again
However, no one would leave for the next 40 minutes, by then a crowd of protesters had shown up to demand the army to leave.

Across town King Abdin II considered his options, he knew the Temporary Government could do nothing, like always. Although the constitution gave him no executive powers the constitution had not been ratified by the military and they stated they would abide by the 1998 constitution until a new parliament was formed. Though that would happen in a few hours until then the King still had executive powers over the military. Knowing this King Abdin II called General Aziz, he told him that he was still king for now and for him to stand down.
“You have no power over me,” he said
“Ah, but dont you still follow the 1998 constitution”
“Yes, but that does not apply, legally you don't have authority”
“I can take this with the new government”
“The days of pushing us around are over”
“Stop, lying I know you don't truly believe any of that”
“Anyway you have no power over me”
“Oh, but I do under Royal Decree 29, Generals must obey the wishes of the King/Queen over his own ideas”
“If that is the game, you want to play then fine, but have it be known that you tried to use old power”

The Parliament Building was tense as 121 MPs took their seats for the first time, the parliament building had been set up in a semicircle with built-in room to expand seats in the future, due to recent tensions security was outside the room, checking weapons. Of course, you were not required to be screened, so many just went through a different door. MPs sat with their own parties as the time for the vote rolled around. At 9:07 am MP Mohamed Harmel of New Future stood and asked the room “Where is the King?”
“He had been delayed, we shall start voting soon,” said Mutab bin Ali, the Head of the Religious Affairs Ministry
“But, there are motions to consider?”
“We can not delay, as the highest-ranking person here, I feel as if I have authority over the matter”
Many in the crowd erupted in protest at this, but the Minister banged his gavel and the crowd silenced.
“We shall vote and this is final, there is no reason that we would have any motions”
The various parties took their seats and prepared to vote, they filled out ballots and put it in a clean bin. Then they were counted by the clerks and the votes appeared, it looked as if the Secular Coalition would still have enough votes, but things changed when Green Nation put in their ballots. Finally when everyone had voted, the results showed on the screens
Should the National Coalition become the government
Yay 59
Nay 62
Should the Green and White Coalition become the government
Yay 62
Nay 59
As the room erupted in anger the MP from Revolution-Labor threw a bottle across the room “Screw Capitalism” he yelled. At that moment the NVP got up and ran across the aisle and pushed against the New Future Party MPs. Many fistfights occurred across the floor, some through water bottles, One MP even drew a pistol daring anyone to come at him. Security tried to push the groups apart, but it was in vain. It was too late. The entire room had become pure madness. At that moment, the King entered the room, he quickly ran to the podium and grabbed the gavel, and banged it down so hard that the handle broke.
“Order!” he yelled
For a moment everyone stopped, giving time for security to push people well apart
“We must maintain order to run this country, the vote happened, however, and we must accept it.
If this body wants a vote for confidence to challenge this governing coalition, then be my guest, however, i have other matters to attend to” he said
Security then took a position at the midpoint of the room as the King left the room, surprisingly to applause from some.

[Slokais]

The new government went to fill the various ministries quickly, and by day's end, the cabinet had been filled. Now the budget had been created and passed, if it failed the vote or was not on the floor by week's end, they would go do another vote of no confidence. The Parliament Building was divided down the middle by security, prepared to stop any more fights. The feeling was stormy though the building as the new ministers got to work. Already the new Minister of Religious Affairs had released their “Guidelines for proper practice of Islam”. Although it no longer had the weight it did 6 months ago, it still would be practiced by local religious leaders, and local emirs could simply decide to enforce regulations in their local areas. Already 7 emirs had decided to enforce it within their Emirates.

The Budget would be focused on funding the military as well as so-called “development funds”. There were programs that would help build new economic and tourism areas. They had seen interest from various nations as a way of getting along with the government. These areas would also bring money to tourism and the industrial sector, both very private sectors owned by people who were key donors to National Values. Securing this would keep the party well afloat. There would also be funds given to “religious persons who respect the rule of law”. This was to keep support among the various imams and thank them for the donations to the party. It also would fund many infrastructure programs, things that would keep interest among the population high and make them feel like their interests were being met.
"This is a bunch of crap," said Tariq Bin Hatam
He slammed the budget down, he was in a debate in the Parliament Chamber
“This Budget hurts the people of Mallacaland, this budget is an insult to the Revolution that we fought for. This is a continuation of the policy of the old regime because Green and White is the old regime”
“How dare you!” said Kasib Saber
“Let him finish,” said King Abdin II
“This is what will have to come to expect if this majority stays in control, so I call on those who have compassion, who truly care for the people to join me and revoking this budget, even if you were paye-”
“Enough,” said Kasib Saber
He tried to move across the aisle but was held back by his colleagues
“Order” said King Abdin II
Banging down his new gavel, after he broke the old one-two days ago
“Is that your full argument, Mr. Hatam?”
“Yes, then we shall move to vote”

Like a few days ago, the voting was quick and soon the results were calculated, there was silence as voting finished and finally the king said “These results leave us with a dilemma..” he said
The Display once again displayed the results over the room
Shall the Budget proposed by the governing coalition come into effect?
Yay 60
Nay 60
Abstentions 1
The room was in shock, after seeing the results, someone must have decided that the pressure was too much to handle. This meant that the final vote would be by the King and that if he voted Nay, then the government would have only 2 days to put together a new one.
“I shall cast the tie-breaking vote,” he said
“In the case of the budget proposed by the government...I shall vote Nay”
Half of the room gave applause, the other half booed, the session was over for the day, and under the law, this new budget must have some difference in funding allocation.

[Slokais]

In the last few days, many things have gone on, for one. The government would hold for the time being. Yet getting things passed in an unstable time would be difficult. The budget was only passed because some realized that if the budget failed, the whole government would fall and give a chance for someone to make a power grab. There were still questions to be answered, going forward who would lead the opposition and how would the discovery of oil change things.
Many in the secular parties wanted an outsider to be their party leader. This would create a broad appeal and would be key to gaining national support. Yet who would fill that role, of an outsider and unallocated. Some suggested that someone from the Baseball Team, who had just won the nation's only medel and had become national heroes. Yet would the people accept a baseball player to lead a struggling nation, one without any political experience to speak of?
That would be a question once the Olympics had ended, yet one that would need to be decided soon. Yet the other issue with Procura would be settled very soon, the new Energy Minister would be the one who would have full power over it.

From their headquarters in Althea, Laeral, the executives of Procura Energy assembled in their boardroom for an eagerly-anticipated call. Once the executives had all taken their places around the long table, Gabriel Kieffer, Procura Energy’s CEO, tapped a button on a remote to cause an immense screen to unfurl at the foot of the table. A moment later, the screen flickered and shifted as a video link emerged, showing a man facing the screen as he stood on the bow of a ship at sea.

“Good day, Mr. Kieffer and the board of executives. My name is Darren Zhao, and I am the captain of the surveying ship SS Procura Dream. As you know, the Procura Dream was assigned to survey within Mallacaland’s Exclusive Economic Zone in search of exploitable offshore natural gas resources. I’m pleased to report that our surveys have turned up results. After several weeks of extensive surveying, it appears that we have discovered natural gas fields in the range of 20 to 25 trillion cubic meters—one of the largest reserves in the world. This find is equivalent to 120 to 150 billion barrels of oil. And it’s right here for the taking.”

A gasp ran through the assembled executives, while Gabriel Kieffer had a Cheshire-cat grin slowly spreading across his face.

“This is a game-changer,” whispered Cynthia Yang, the company’s Strategy Director. From the looks of awe on the faces of the other board members, they shared the sentiment.

“Our current contract, signed with the Mallacan government last year, gives us very broad rights in surveying and developing Mallacaland’s offshore oil reserves,” Kieffer said. “We’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to obtaining the exploitation rights, which could make us a dominant player in the global natural gas field. This find could change the trajectory of the entire firm.”

“Captain Zhao,” Yang asked, “has any word of this find spread beyond your ship?”

“We’re enforcing very tight info security measures here on the Dream,” Zhao said. “All communications are being very carefully monitored. We’re not in any immediate danger of this discovery leaking.”

“Good,” Kieffer said. “With all the craziness going on in Mallacaland’s government right now, the time isn’t yet right to make this public and negotiate a final deal. We’ll give the politicians some time to sort out their differences—and once that’s done, we’ll make the next prime minister an offer he can’t resist.”