08-23-2025, 11:03 PM
Contrary to popular belief, Emma Storstrand was not a Novellan spy. She was simply in love with their culture and ethos, but had no connections with their state prior to joining the coalition; and now no more than the standard diplomatic connections that a leader of a junior coalition partner would have. They were a source of inspiration, and no more.
Quite in keeping with popular belief, Alexandra Pentti was a Kerlian spy. She was not, however, an Aurora; but rather your bog-standard native-born Zongongian who had been recruited by an alleged diplomatic attaché working in the Kerlian embassy. The traditional route. Her colleagues either knew, or strongly suspected, but there was insufficient proof, and they believed that keeping one’s enemies close was a valid strategy.
This would turn out to be a mistake. But that is not yet our story.
Our story is that a journalist, making her way to a bathroom shortly after debates were over for the day, would open the incorrect door – whether by accident or snooping would never be determined – and stumbled upon Pentti and her Green Ecology colleague/rival/frenemy Jacob Johansen engaged in, shall we say, amorous relations.
It was on the front page of the journalist’s newspaper website within fifteen minutes. And now the story was that Johansen had been corrupted by Kerlile. The paper expected the sort of general anti-Kerlile outrage that usually followed such stories. They were in for a shock.
What followed was a general fatigue among the Zongongian population with what online commenters called “anti-Kerlian propaganda”.
“Don’t they have anything else to talk about????” one post read.
“Pointless #KerlileBad headlines. Must be a day ending in Y.”
“Not everyone is a spy omg – they’re just doing this to justify more surveillance. Get wise!”
“No but think about it – this is religious right-wing propaganda! Equating sex with corruption; equating women with corruption. Think about what they stand to gain!”
And on it went. The Zongongian media’s go-to of badmouthing Kerlile was still getting attention, but it was no longer supportive. And even though Pentti was indeed in communication with Kerlile, it seemed like people would no longer wish to know.
Quite in keeping with popular belief, Alexandra Pentti was a Kerlian spy. She was not, however, an Aurora; but rather your bog-standard native-born Zongongian who had been recruited by an alleged diplomatic attaché working in the Kerlian embassy. The traditional route. Her colleagues either knew, or strongly suspected, but there was insufficient proof, and they believed that keeping one’s enemies close was a valid strategy.
This would turn out to be a mistake. But that is not yet our story.
Our story is that a journalist, making her way to a bathroom shortly after debates were over for the day, would open the incorrect door – whether by accident or snooping would never be determined – and stumbled upon Pentti and her Green Ecology colleague/rival/frenemy Jacob Johansen engaged in, shall we say, amorous relations.
It was on the front page of the journalist’s newspaper website within fifteen minutes. And now the story was that Johansen had been corrupted by Kerlile. The paper expected the sort of general anti-Kerlile outrage that usually followed such stories. They were in for a shock.
What followed was a general fatigue among the Zongongian population with what online commenters called “anti-Kerlian propaganda”.
“Don’t they have anything else to talk about????” one post read.
“Pointless #KerlileBad headlines. Must be a day ending in Y.”
“Not everyone is a spy omg – they’re just doing this to justify more surveillance. Get wise!”
“No but think about it – this is religious right-wing propaganda! Equating sex with corruption; equating women with corruption. Think about what they stand to gain!”
And on it went. The Zongongian media’s go-to of badmouthing Kerlile was still getting attention, but it was no longer supportive. And even though Pentti was indeed in communication with Kerlile, it seemed like people would no longer wish to know.
LIDUN President 2024 | she/her | Puppets: Kerlile, Glanainn, Yesteria, Zongongia, Zargothrax