[Slokais]

The Blanco del Sur Bridge was a modern bridge over the San Fernando River, it was also when travellers from the East first saw the New Liverpool skyline. On one side of the river was a visitor center and a little park. Today however a very different event was going on. MP Vincente Lam was here to give a speech and open the extension of the Riverside Tram. The route started on the other side of the bridge and went over the bridge and into the suburbs. In the distance, New Liverpool City Airport sat with planes taking many destinations. 
“Today, we are here to celebrate the opening of RiverTram, a development that will connect local communities, via this beautiful bridge along the river. The city keeps developing, yet we must remember to serve the people already living there” he said


Along the bridge, Two Ren men walked out of their car, they spoke some quick Mandarin to each other and got some things from their trunk. However these things were guns, hunting rifles with scopes, bought illegally of course as both men had their licenses revoked. They were both part of the Ren Liberation Army or RLA. They believed in the creation of a Ren ethnic state as well as a return to consertive values and decreased taxes, they often wared with other groups, and had been active since the 90s, there leader was Alexander Liu a talk show host, who often supported conspiracies about what he called a “worrying socialist state”. 


Today they would attempt to eliminate Vincente Lam, a Socialist Party supporter and a person that Alexander Liu called a “contributor to the Deep State”. As they drew their guns, they heard a police siren pull up behind them on the side of the bridge. An officer stepped out of his car and then walked over
“Drop the guns” he said as he reached for his taser just in case
The two men turned around, however when the one on the left did his gun was in his hand. He fired a shot, however he missed the officer and the bullet clanged against the side barrier.
The officer dove for cover, he knew they had hunting rifles with the one round model, meaning they would have to get inside the car to reload. The other man fired his weapon, putting a bullet through the window of the squad car. At that moment another officer pulled up behind him, together the two of the men approached the armed men, their tasers drawn. The two men tried to resist the arrest by refusing to get in the car, however soon they were in the backseat of a squad car. Other police arrived quickly, forcing the MP to end his speech early for fears of another attempted attack. The two men were quickly put in jails at a precinct, there charges where, improper use of a firearm, illegal use of a firearm, and attempted murder. Their bond was set, and the 2 of them were escorted out by a lawyer. 

[Slokais]

The year was 1985, and the hot summer days continued in New Liverpool, as a 16-year-old Joseph Chavez woke up early. No alarm clock, no parent shaking him awake just the sounds of the city. It was around 6:45 am when Joseph walked into the kitchen to start making breakfast for his family. His mother still slept, sharing her room with Joseph’s baby brother, Edmundo. His older sister, Esme was already up and about gathering their mother's piles of custom blankets she sold to their neighbors. Meanwhile, his young sister, Leila was just getting up to go to school.
“You excited, Joseph” Esme asked
“How much can I be when there’s so much pressure?” Joseph said as he took out yesterday’s rice from the fridge.
“Your the smart one, 1670 on the PNCE”
“True, though, you and mama keep telling me how important this is”
“You're the man of the house” Esme said as he walked to answer the front door.
In walked, Howard Chavez his eyes read from lack of sleep and a long night-shift.
“Your behind schedule, Joseph” his father said as he clocked immediately that breakfast wasn’t ready
“Sorry, papa”
“Say that to your mama when she wakes up with Edmundo” Howard said as he plopped down on the couch. His silver “Security” badge glinting off the light peaking through the windows.

Howard was a night-time security guard at the Port of New Liverpool, a busy ship and rail yard which was the backbone of the growing metropolis. He had taken the job a few months ago, in addition to his day job at a lightbulb factory not far away. It paid well, around 250 Marks an hour, better than the current 120 Mark minimum. Enough in a couple hours of work to pay for a hot meal, and enough to support the rent of their apartment.

Esmeralda Chavez walked into the kitchen just as Joseph plated up the food.
“Buenas dias, chicos” she said as she kissed her husband on the cheek.
They all took their place on the couch, which along with the table in front of them acted as the dining room. As Howard said grace, baby Edmundo looked into Joseph’s eyes. Even his baby brother knew the weight that would soon be upon him.

Joseph’s commute to school would have him transfer at San Fernando Road Station before taking the Northern Line to Buena Vista. From Buena Vista it was a 15 minute walk up-hill to his high school, Wells Catholic. He had been going for a little over a year now and was active on the school’s football team. It was his way of staying relevant and avoiding the classism and bullying that was dominant. As he entered the school, he watched as some of his classmates actually drove to school in their own cars. A rarity for city residents just 20 years prior was now a symbol of status and success.
“Hey, Jose,” a voice said from behind him.
It was Henry Villanueva, the captain of the football team, technically his teammate although Henry seemed to forget that.
“Where were you at Saint Mark’s yesterday night?”
“No”
“Oh, right. You don’t live in Northrock”
“Yeah, I thought you knew”
“Just curious, it was really great. Michelle Santamarina was there too”
“Great,” Joseph said as he opened his locker.
“Listen…uh, you have the answers”
“Yes” Joseph said pulling them from his bag
Henry handed over the 300 Marks just as quick as Joseph handed over the paper.
“Keep up the good work, Jose” Henry said

And he did keep up the good work, decades later on another summer’s day Joseph Chavez could be found however turning away. It started as a simple habit a few years ago. Yet now the Prime Minister was having multiple bottles being shipped every month from the best rice wine producers. Officially, it was a promotion of the product and would be used at business meetings to promote agricultural tourism. Unofficially, though he wouldn’t share.

It was a quiet day, and it was coming to an end. A knock came on the door, Joseph quickly hid his glass inside the top drawer of his desk.
“Come in” he said, as he stood up.
His secretary, Maria was followed by Virgina-Martin Correas, a young MSL from South San Fernando who was a rising star within the party.
“Ah, yes. Ms…” the Prime Minister said, shaking the hand
“Correas” the younger woman said, although he was taller than the Prime Minister by several inches.
“I see” he said, Joseph did not remember this man on his calendar although he heard his name spoken before.
The two of them sat across from each other on the two couches which sat in front of the Prime Minister’s desk. Typically meetings would happen in the Parliamentary Room next-door, but just for two was a bit personal.
His assistant saw herself out and the two politicians were left alone.
“So glad to finally meet officially, we met at a campaign event for the South San Fernando List”
“Ah, yes” Joseph said, trying to clear his mind and focus on the moment.
“I’m actually a huge admirer to be honest”
“Really, that’s interesting?” Joseph said, taking a piece of gum from his pocket
“That’s interesting” Virgina-Martin replied pointing at the gum
“Yeah, just something I do. You want some” Joseph said
“No thank you. I don’t eat sweets at this time of the day”
“Okay”
“Anyways I was wondering, if I could be part of your campaign team for 26” Virgina-Martin replied leaning forward
“What?” Joseph replied
“Sorry if I’ve overstepped myself here”
“No, no issue. I’ve been putting my team together”
“Really?” Virgina-Martin said, a little surprise in her voice

The Prime Minister returned to his desk.
“Should have done it sooner, really. I’m tired of this”
“How…” Virginia-Martin said, as she stood up to continue their conversation
“I’ve been at this for over a decade at this point. First the whole primary in 2016 with Zhang, then the general, then another election in 2018. Then another election in 2020, where I turned some of the keys over to Alexandra, then in 2022 against the old pendjea Weasley, now another run again”
“What about the Chavez Doctrine?”
“That’s in the past. How old were you when that came out?”
“I was at ACU”
“So old enough, to be active in politics”
“Of course”
“Well anyway, yes. I’ll put your name in the running of Campaign Chair”
“Great” the young MSL said as he turned to leave.

After she had left, Joseph slapped himself. He has been so easily tempted
“Can’t keep doing this,” he said, as he grabbed his briefcase.

[Slokais]

Joseph Chavez stood up from his desk. He had been pondering the statement which lay before him for days. Ever since the National Alliance Ethics Board had informed him of his status as a now ex-member of the party, he had created, Joseph had been milling around his office. He hadn’t been kicked out yet, as his allies still held a majority of the membership of the National Alliance MSL’s, and a no-confidence motion had been put forward. Then again, who would they even pick to be elevated to Prime Minister? Not his problem, now.

It was true, Joseph had made mistakes. It was absolutely true, politics was an “old boys club” as Adande and her army of keyboard aunties had said. Yet, he didn’t have a choice in the matter. The comments, the drinks, and his favoritism were not excusable. Then again, none of that was illegal. He needed to step back. Focus on his family, his community, his country. All these thoughts had been swirling; Joseph hadn’t even been home in almost 48 hours, afraid that his wife would scold him or his children would ask hard questions.

“When is the Prime Minister going to show up?” a photographer asked Esme Zhou, the press secretary hired just 8 month’s ago.
“When he wants.”

Calls from both personal and professional friends had flooded Esme in the last two days. Had she slept with her boss? How dare she stand behind a misogynist? Esme just managed papers and updated schedules; she had been hired for hard work and professional connections. Right? Esme had been part of the National Alliance since its inception. She fought hard for her future boss in graduate school lectures at Alexander Lin. Mostly, the children of elites were upset that someone was holding them accountable. They spoke so much of women’s rights and workers’ rights, but what about the Nearanos nanny who basically raised you?

That was all in the past, and Esme snapped back to reality as she peeked at Joseph Chavez standing to the side of the stage.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, Hadirin yang terhormat”
“Prime Minister Joseph Chavez”

The crowd of reporters and photographers all snapped to attention. Cameras from several news channels snapped to life, likely broadcasting live.
“I will take no questions,” he said.
“First, let me begin by saying. The following statement is not something I have taken lightly.”
Esme passed a copy of the statement to the official Slokasian translator, Jerome
“Di sini” she said
“Terima graci” Jerome said

“I am not unique. I am not above a mistake.” Joseph Chavez said
“While I deny any claims of any legal wrongdoing or any active or past connection to any criminal organization. I am not a flawless man”
“I respect the decision of the Ethics Board of the party, and encourage others to repsect there decision as well. My behavior towards my employees is unexpectable of anyone expected to hold such an office, yet let it also be known I am not the only flawed man.”

“Our country was built upon the life and labor of both men and women, yet frequently the federation does not recognize that. We teach our daughters that the only way to success is through hardwork and the courting of powerful men. We also teach our sons to sit by and accept this behavior. I am one of those sons. While I have always worked for the rights of women, equality will never be achieved until we reshape the narrative and change behavior. That’s why I am suspending my campaign for President. To send a message that misogynistic behavior should not be tolerated, especially in the highest office, myself, included. I encourage my supporters to accept this decision and mobilize the passion that they each give for my sake to be given to the betterment of our great federation. Educate the youth, clean the streets, teach the youth, run for local office.

To the anakos and the machos like me, who feel inspired by my story and are disappointed. I’m sorry. You should not blame women for my mistakes, but rather myself and the culture which bring’s about my worst behavior. To those I have wronged, to those who feel wronged by my behavior. I’m sorry, and I ask for forgiveness. To my children, Anthony, Emma, Jackson, Olive, as well as my dear wife, Michelle. I’m sorry that I haven’t been as present in your lives.”

The Prime Minister took a pause. The whole nation and the whole room sat glued to the words which they were hearing.

“I’m resigning as Prime Minister, effective tomorrow.”
Esme looked in just as much shock. This wasn’t in the prepared statement
“I don’t want my scandal to hinder the effectiveness of the government. We have so many challenges: war, poverty, crime, and the economy. This isn’t the end. Yet I need time for reflection, for family time, for personal reflection, for prayer. I wish the next Prime Minister all the best. Let this also not be the end of accountability; there are men and women much worse than me who continue to hold positions of power. I pray they may also come to their senses and sense forgiveness. May all blessings fall upon the people of this great federation, and may God be with you all.”

The assembled press immediately erupted into a sea of questions, snapping cameras. Esme quickly returned to the podium.
“There will be no questions. Thank you for your time.”