09-07-2021, 06:30 AM
Chancellor's Manor, Geminus
September 6th, 10:17 AM
The halls of the Chancellor's Manor flew by as Alice Lancaster walked quickly through them, dodging assistants and aides as she made her way from the Staff Offices towards the Executive Office. The paintings adorning the walls shone with a rainbow of colors, the variety of art styles and historical movements making her examine each one as she passed. A darker portrait of Irina Pečs made the more vibrant paintings from Eiria's Rouge Period seem out of place, causing Alice to raise an eyebrow. Interesting placement for a portrait of Eiria's founder.
She reached a fork in the hallway, heavily guarded by Solar Guards. One hall led to the Chancellor's secretary, the other led to the Chief of Staff's office. She debated which entrance to take for a moment, before ducking to the right, nodding to the guards as she entered. Ava Christiansen sat behind a full, yet neat desk, watching her laptop intently. She turned and nodded towards the Minister. "Morning. Anything I can help you with?"
Alice sipped a paper coffee cup in her hand, gesturing towards the door into her brother's study. "Is he in there? I need to talk to him for a minute. If you hear yelling, don't be alarmed." She sighed. "Do you know why he hasn't made an official announcement on Cozamalotl?"
Ava pursed her lips. "He didn't know what to say. Hell, he still doesn't. I've helped him for hours over the past week, and he still hated everything we drew up. They're still trying to write a speech in there now. I had to get back to work. He's got Lacewick and Petrova on speed dial for any 'free' time he gets. It's…" She trailed off, glancing down at her desk. "He's stuck. I don't think I've ever seen him like this."
"I'll go talk to him." Alice opened the antique door and stepped into the study, sipping her coffee with her free hand. Joshua Lacewick, the Chancellor's Press Representative, and Karolina Petrova, the Director of Communications for the Chancellor and his staff, were standing on opposing ends of the Chancellor's desk, watching Eiria's head of state type on his laptop. Various scribbled notes and papers lined the desk, forming small towers of scrap paper and partially opened files.
All three of them glanced up at Alice as she walked in, Petrova and Lacewick rubbing their backs and sighing. "Morning, Alice. What's up?" The Chancellor noticed her reserved and slightly angry expression, quickly changing his tone. "Is something wrong?"
"Yes, something is wrong. You-" She gestured her cup at him for emphasis. "-haven't made any speech regarding Cozamalotl's death. It's been a week, for Angel's sake. Pictures of Cozamalotl are in the remembrance section of cathedrals. The ethnic Huenyan community is up in arms. There were protests in Liberty Square yesterday!"
She cleared her throat, her tone turning significantly less aggressive. "My point is, you need to say something yourself. A couple paragraphs from Lacewick won't do it." She turned quickly to the Press Secretary. "No offence."
She continued. "Now, I've seen you in these slumps before. The strung out writer, completely at a loss for where to begin. But this is one time you cannot be in a slump. Alvarez already denounced this execution, and imposed sanctions. If we don't stand with her soon, Calhualyana will pounce. We have a chance to put her further on the defensive."
"That's a very good point. I was incredibly happy when Alvarez made that speech. Well…" He trailed off. "Well, as happy as one could be in that situation. I was glad she stood up to Xiomera as strongly as she did, at least. And with Pavía behind her too. Unfortunately, Alvarez's announcement was part of the reason I couldn't come up with anything sooner. I don't want to appear insincere or like I'm trying to steal Alvarez's thunder, because both would only hurt everyone involved and give Calhualyana a free win."
Alice's annoyed and incredulous expression returned. "Well, not saying anything has hurt us. Possibly even more than if you had seemed insincere to start with. And 'Stealing Alvarez's Thunder'?! That's not a problem here! We need to appear as a united force against Calhualyana, and inaction just gives her the opportunity to divide and conquer us for the propaganda value. Just… get moving. I don't care if it's a long speech, just please write someth-" Alice noticed small black bags under her brother's squinted eyes. "How much sleep have you gotten in the past few days?"
"......Enough." Will muttered under his breath. "Anyway, I'll work on it some more on my own. I'll let you both-" He nodded at Petrova and Lacewick, who were both standing like they were watching an Olympic ping pong match "-get back to work. Also, please have the Press Contingent gathered in the briefing by eleven-thirty. I'll give my statement then."
---
The scattered whispers of the Eirian press contingent died down fast as the Chancellor took the podium. He cleared his throat and examined his note sheet, before deciding to fold it up and put it in his pocket. He spoke in crisp, slightly accented English. "Thank you for your patience today. What I am about to say is long overdue, and it has taken me much too long to put my thoughts on this subject together. But, it must be said regardless."
"As you all know, a week ago, Xiomera democratic activist Cozamalotl was executed in Xiomera under the order of Empress Calhualyana." He paused. "However, let's not kid ourselves. Calling this killing an execution gives it far more legitimacy than it deserves. This was a murder of a peaceful political opponent by a brutal, power-hungry regime."
"Now, Cozamalotl, may he rest in peace, was a great advocate for a democratic state in Xiomera. Calhualyana may have murdered him, but no matter how many people she murders, she will never kill that dream. That is what she is most scared of, and is her greatest weakness. Her wanton cruelty leaves her open for rebellion and resistance from her own subjects."
His expression was filled with dedication, and he gazed at the television cameras with a glint in his eyes. "We must stand in a united front against the Xiomeran Regime, or die alone while Calhualyana divides us. I must applaud Prime Minister Alvarez of Lauchenoiria for her strong statements and actions after Cozamalotl's execution. She sets an excellent example of superb democratic leadership for the world. I look forward to working together with the Prime Minister in the future."
"The blood of Cozamalotl and countless other innocents is on Calhualyana's hands, and no matter what she says, we cannot forget that. Don't let the Xiomeran propaganda machine obscure the brutal truth of their actions. They won't hesitate to exploit every last weakness they can see in anyone they think they can control or bully. They already overthrew another democratic government in Auria. They wouldn't hesitate to do the same in Eiria."
He focused in on the cameras further, speaking with fervor and intensity. "Don't let what they have done get buried. Yell it from the rooftops, write it in newspapers, talk about it with friends. Don't let it die. Don't let Cozamalotl's legacy, memory, or dream die."
He gave a slight nod, to both the cameras and the reporters.. "Thank you for your time."
September 6th, 10:17 AM
The halls of the Chancellor's Manor flew by as Alice Lancaster walked quickly through them, dodging assistants and aides as she made her way from the Staff Offices towards the Executive Office. The paintings adorning the walls shone with a rainbow of colors, the variety of art styles and historical movements making her examine each one as she passed. A darker portrait of Irina Pečs made the more vibrant paintings from Eiria's Rouge Period seem out of place, causing Alice to raise an eyebrow. Interesting placement for a portrait of Eiria's founder.
She reached a fork in the hallway, heavily guarded by Solar Guards. One hall led to the Chancellor's secretary, the other led to the Chief of Staff's office. She debated which entrance to take for a moment, before ducking to the right, nodding to the guards as she entered. Ava Christiansen sat behind a full, yet neat desk, watching her laptop intently. She turned and nodded towards the Minister. "Morning. Anything I can help you with?"
Alice sipped a paper coffee cup in her hand, gesturing towards the door into her brother's study. "Is he in there? I need to talk to him for a minute. If you hear yelling, don't be alarmed." She sighed. "Do you know why he hasn't made an official announcement on Cozamalotl?"
Ava pursed her lips. "He didn't know what to say. Hell, he still doesn't. I've helped him for hours over the past week, and he still hated everything we drew up. They're still trying to write a speech in there now. I had to get back to work. He's got Lacewick and Petrova on speed dial for any 'free' time he gets. It's…" She trailed off, glancing down at her desk. "He's stuck. I don't think I've ever seen him like this."
"I'll go talk to him." Alice opened the antique door and stepped into the study, sipping her coffee with her free hand. Joshua Lacewick, the Chancellor's Press Representative, and Karolina Petrova, the Director of Communications for the Chancellor and his staff, were standing on opposing ends of the Chancellor's desk, watching Eiria's head of state type on his laptop. Various scribbled notes and papers lined the desk, forming small towers of scrap paper and partially opened files.
All three of them glanced up at Alice as she walked in, Petrova and Lacewick rubbing their backs and sighing. "Morning, Alice. What's up?" The Chancellor noticed her reserved and slightly angry expression, quickly changing his tone. "Is something wrong?"
"Yes, something is wrong. You-" She gestured her cup at him for emphasis. "-haven't made any speech regarding Cozamalotl's death. It's been a week, for Angel's sake. Pictures of Cozamalotl are in the remembrance section of cathedrals. The ethnic Huenyan community is up in arms. There were protests in Liberty Square yesterday!"
She cleared her throat, her tone turning significantly less aggressive. "My point is, you need to say something yourself. A couple paragraphs from Lacewick won't do it." She turned quickly to the Press Secretary. "No offence."
She continued. "Now, I've seen you in these slumps before. The strung out writer, completely at a loss for where to begin. But this is one time you cannot be in a slump. Alvarez already denounced this execution, and imposed sanctions. If we don't stand with her soon, Calhualyana will pounce. We have a chance to put her further on the defensive."
"That's a very good point. I was incredibly happy when Alvarez made that speech. Well…" He trailed off. "Well, as happy as one could be in that situation. I was glad she stood up to Xiomera as strongly as she did, at least. And with Pavía behind her too. Unfortunately, Alvarez's announcement was part of the reason I couldn't come up with anything sooner. I don't want to appear insincere or like I'm trying to steal Alvarez's thunder, because both would only hurt everyone involved and give Calhualyana a free win."
Alice's annoyed and incredulous expression returned. "Well, not saying anything has hurt us. Possibly even more than if you had seemed insincere to start with. And 'Stealing Alvarez's Thunder'?! That's not a problem here! We need to appear as a united force against Calhualyana, and inaction just gives her the opportunity to divide and conquer us for the propaganda value. Just… get moving. I don't care if it's a long speech, just please write someth-" Alice noticed small black bags under her brother's squinted eyes. "How much sleep have you gotten in the past few days?"
"......Enough." Will muttered under his breath. "Anyway, I'll work on it some more on my own. I'll let you both-" He nodded at Petrova and Lacewick, who were both standing like they were watching an Olympic ping pong match "-get back to work. Also, please have the Press Contingent gathered in the briefing by eleven-thirty. I'll give my statement then."
---
The scattered whispers of the Eirian press contingent died down fast as the Chancellor took the podium. He cleared his throat and examined his note sheet, before deciding to fold it up and put it in his pocket. He spoke in crisp, slightly accented English. "Thank you for your patience today. What I am about to say is long overdue, and it has taken me much too long to put my thoughts on this subject together. But, it must be said regardless."
"As you all know, a week ago, Xiomera democratic activist Cozamalotl was executed in Xiomera under the order of Empress Calhualyana." He paused. "However, let's not kid ourselves. Calling this killing an execution gives it far more legitimacy than it deserves. This was a murder of a peaceful political opponent by a brutal, power-hungry regime."
"Now, Cozamalotl, may he rest in peace, was a great advocate for a democratic state in Xiomera. Calhualyana may have murdered him, but no matter how many people she murders, she will never kill that dream. That is what she is most scared of, and is her greatest weakness. Her wanton cruelty leaves her open for rebellion and resistance from her own subjects."
His expression was filled with dedication, and he gazed at the television cameras with a glint in his eyes. "We must stand in a united front against the Xiomeran Regime, or die alone while Calhualyana divides us. I must applaud Prime Minister Alvarez of Lauchenoiria for her strong statements and actions after Cozamalotl's execution. She sets an excellent example of superb democratic leadership for the world. I look forward to working together with the Prime Minister in the future."
"The blood of Cozamalotl and countless other innocents is on Calhualyana's hands, and no matter what she says, we cannot forget that. Don't let the Xiomeran propaganda machine obscure the brutal truth of their actions. They won't hesitate to exploit every last weakness they can see in anyone they think they can control or bully. They already overthrew another democratic government in Auria. They wouldn't hesitate to do the same in Eiria."
He focused in on the cameras further, speaking with fervor and intensity. "Don't let what they have done get buried. Yell it from the rooftops, write it in newspapers, talk about it with friends. Don't let it die. Don't let Cozamalotl's legacy, memory, or dream die."
He gave a slight nod, to both the cameras and the reporters.. "Thank you for your time."
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