NationStates Jolt Archive

Everything had been set straight, and all the preperations had been made. Today was a day like no other. She'd had her sister flown in from Unity Island to help with things, much to Adrianna's suprise. After leaving all of the signed documents and papers with her, she said her tear-filled goodbye. She'd likely never see her sister again, nor her son; she couldn't tell them where she was going. Anjasa would live with his uncle in Columbo, while it was likely Adi would return to the island and wait out the storm that was sure to follow. The last thing she left in her desk, to be delivered to Parliment by her clerk five days after her departure, was her final executive order.

The first leg of her trip took her north, to the remote Navis compund near Janakpur. There, she had planned on undergoing three seperate procedures in the Navis's hosptial. Firstly, she'd finally decided to have reconstructive ear surgury to repair her the hearing she'd lost years before. This she decided upon because of the second operation, which was a Nerve Staple injection. As a result of the injection of the retroviral pathogen, she would slowly lose her telepathic function over the course of the next few years. Lastly, she would subject herself to a selective memory wipe, in order to purge herself of state secrets, as well as to allow her to forget her martial training. The entire process would take three days, though recovery would have to be done on the move. She hadn't obviously planned on staying in Indiastan, of course.

The second leg of her journey would, eventaully, lead her to Devras. She and her servent Miiko would travel commercially, under new identities and passports she had had created before leaving Delhi. Bouncing around the world for a day or two, she had planned to be arriving in Devras about the time the news broke.

That news being that Queen Amea had abdicated and, rather then name her son or the Chancellor as a successor, she'd done something rather dangerous. She'd announced the dissolution of the Confederated Imperial Union. Indiastan was, at least temporarily, no more. She had sent a package and letter for the Indian Provincal Governor, Devarha Saklani, which stated that it was he she trusted to attempt to take control of the Centrist Party, and rebuild the nation she'd destroyed. She left notes on how to do it, too, since while he was well-liked and respected, he was a man of modest political means. The two specific things that she mentioned, several times, were to announce the annullment of all international treaties, and to allow for the seperation of any provinces that wished it. These two things, she wrote, would help reestablish the nation and allow it to grow to it's fullest potential. This all had to be kept secret, she explained, since it was likely that she would be none too popular in the coming days, so dropping her name would likely get him lynched. She had faith in him, oddly enough, and faith that they'd all recover from the wounds she'd caused. It was in their blood.

Devras, on paper, would prove an interesting challenge. Why would the Imperatrice agree to an audience with a pair of civilians on zero notice, or even consider hearing an assylum plea? This part would have been the hardest, for anyone else. If Kes didn't have more or less direct access to the Empress, of course. A handy perk of being a close ally. She'd have to call in any favours she might have with Nathicana but here, in the Dominion of all places, she felt the most at ease, and actually looked forward to retired life... so long as the past didn't catch up with her.

(Abdication speech to follow. Eventually.)

It was Chancellor Clereborn, the English-decended former army officer who'd been selected to give the speech Kes had left behind. He read it over a few times after the clerk had delivered it - he'd known Kes for a fair while, and had no idea why she'd ever do this. The Queen was gone, and anarchy was to reign. She'd rendered them all powerless with this document. He twitched slightly as the Speaker recognized him, and rose to deliver the address.

"Honourable members of this forty-third parliment," he started, pausing to let the formal introduction sink in, and allow all to settle down and pay attention. "I have, in my hands, a signed writ from our Queen, Kestrel Amea. It is... it is my duty, as Chancellor to carry out Our Majesty's instructions to the letter. Consequently, as per my instructions, I am announcing the dissolution of the Judicial, Legislative..." he was cut off by an uproar of rather angry MPs. The Speaker banged his gaval repeatedly, calling for order to allow him to continue. "... and Executive branches of the current government. The monarchy is no more, and neither..." More cries echoed from the gallery, but they were short. "... And neither is the Confederated Imperial Union. As a result, all treaties with which the Confederated Union or the Confederated Imperial Union are signatories, or any signed by Kestrel Amea are declared immediatly null and void."

The roar was close to deafening. This was political suicide. Of course, they knew she didn't care. Many were shouting, wanting to know where she was, and why she wasn't delivering this herself. Several minutes passed before Aaric could continue.

"The second result of this will be that, at the discretion of each Provincal Governor and Colonial Magistrate, all territories will be permitted to opt for independance rather then join with a new, reformed Indiastan."

The noise was contained quickly, this time. The outrage would likely spill over after he left the floor.

"The Queen herself, having abdicated, has left the country under terms of self-imposed exile. She has not, however, left any information regarding succession in regards to either the Cheif Executive office, nor the office of President of the Centrist Party. In this situation, the constitution calls for an immediate election, however since it will likely take several days before a Centrist candidate can be found, I am imposing the terms of martial law untill..." Another roar of dissapproval and disbelief. "... Untill such a time as a new administration is selected and placed into a position where they can legally recind such an order. That is all."

The gallery burst into another roar of voices, calling out prety much whatever came to mind as the Chancellor slumped back into his seat. He knew his career was over, after having delivered a speech like that. He only hoped that no one would get killed fighting over the nomination, and the presidency it garuanteed...

OOC: I try to post but it's not seeming to work. Thus, a test.

Really really weird. For some reason, I can post anything except the post I want to post.

"Well. This was most unexpected, Ksravi. Your thoughts on it?"

The Arkhreifane of the Exterior nodded, sipping delicately at her tea. "Causes or effects first, Arkhora?"

"Causes, of course. Why in the name of God Above would the Indiastani Empress abdicate her position and dissolve her own nation?"

"Hmm." Ksravi Ekina was silent for a time, gathering her thoughts. "She was not educated for rule," she said, "Apparently coming from the Indiastani special forces. She married the then-Emperor, and became Empress, or possibly Empress Regent - it's hard to tell with Indiastani culture - following his death.

"So she may have become unable to cope with the stresses of ruling a nation; but then, her next move - dissolving the nation - makes little sense. Why not just hand it over to somebody else?

"Now we begin to consider the effects. The dissolution removes any potentially rebellious provinces from the fold, and at the same time removes the effects of any former alliances ... including the NDA, but I am thinking that the true reason is their alliance with the C'tan. They are grasping, and do not easily let go."

"Do you think we - the NDA - will have trouble with the C'tan over this? We cannot hope to fight the C'tan/Menelmacar/Yut power bloc."

"It's ... hard to say, Arkhora - I really don't know. The NDA has able diplomats both within and without the Triumvirate, after all."

"So we do. What are our chances of getting some kind of protectorate status over Indiastani Mars?"

"Arkhora, it is my opinion that the security of Tekhat Maraldi would be better served by the improvement of the Tekhat rather than it's expansion. And you may tell the Arikhenikh Communion I said so."

"I will. That latest problem ... well, wasn't a problem, but the Aumanii got their claws in nonetheless. Eventually, something will have to be done about the Aumanii and their Vascilian League."

[Stuttered Tight Point. M16. Tra. @ b2.04.294.2228]
x Imperial Flagship Reaper of Light
o 1st, 2nd Solar System Patrol Groups

You are immediately directed to dispatch fifty vessels (breakdown: 4B, 10HC, 10LC, 26E) move to space above United Indiastan (Earth and Mars holdings) with all possible speed. Upon entering geo-stationary orbit over Indiastan you are to interdict all foreign military vessels (not including Indiastani military vessels) are to be interdicted and turned back by the use of any force necessary, after a reasonable effort is made to dissuade them.

If efforts are made to enter United Indiastan with military force based upon prior agreement, remind the intruders that the Empire recognises the dissolution of United Indiastan, and the void status of all prior agreements made by that state. We shall be continuing to provide support for the Former Nation of United Indiastan for the foreseeable future.

You are also instructed by the Emperor to be mindful of the fact that you are not to annex the Former Nation of United Indiastan, but to ensure a peaceful transition to future governance without adverse outside interference.

The call had been more than just a surprise. It had been completely unexpected, and had sent Nathicana into a quiet flurry of action. An unmarked car handled by Jas' team, not her usual security, had been sent out to pick up Kes and Miiko, and by roundabout ways, brought up to the villa where they could speak in comfort and relative privacy.

Nathicana was struck by not only the physical differences, but the woman's demeanor. She certainly didn't seem the same woman she had met before, and what little she had been told was disturbing enough on its own.

Ever since Indiastan had signed over its rights to the C'tan, the nation had been watched carefully, and quiet discussions had taken place as to just what sort of precedent this set, and how best to deal with it. Seemingly now, that had been taken out of their hands.

She wished to know why.

Pouring the two ladies each a cup of tea, Nathicana sat back in her chair as they took their ease in the little sunlit corner of her living room near the window looking out over the courtyard and to the sea beyond it, far, far below.

"Perhaps if you start at the beginning," Nathi prompts, quietly pouring for herself.

"The beginning, well... I suppose it wouldn't hurt." Kes said, slightly hoarse. It had probably occured to Nathi about now that she had, in fact, never actually heard Kestrel speak. Indeed, Kestrel had never spoken in public before, and had also had someone to speak for her in private meetings. "My hearing, unfortunately..." she pulled her hair back, revealing the bandages on her ears. "... hasn't improved much. My assisstant will explain it better, I think."

Miiko, who had been standing behind her mistress, stepped up and bowed. "The plans of transferrence were laid down several months ago, after Ms. Amea decided she was unfit to rule. The plan was formulated between her, myself, and Chancellor Clereborn. It was decided that the best way to avoid entanglements after the abdication was to, temporarily, dissolve the nation and cut all external ties."

Miiko paused briefly to allow this to sink in, but Kestrel began before she could start. "Before you worry too much about anarchy breaking out, detailed instructions were left for the man whom Mr. Clereborn and I decided would make a solid replacement. By now they ought to have reached him, and he should begin his bid for Centrist party leadership sometime in the next few days. Once he has that, a snap election will be called where he'll be elected. Everything has been arranged to make sure he isn't challanged."

Taking a sip of her tea, Kestrel sat back. "That about explain the beginning?"

She sips her tea quietly, her expression unreadable as she listens to the explanation, in no small measure disturbed at the breaking of ties and in her eyes, resulting chaos. The changes in Kes herself were slightly more disturbing, all things considered. She had expected an interpreter such as Miiko, given past dealings, but … there had to be more to all this than what met the eye, which was it seemed, bad enough.

“Trying to erase past dealings and start anew, all in one fell swoop? Surely this has caused more of a stir than you might care for. Some would thing it a bit dangerous in and of itself to be here, all things considered. If indeed we have no more formal ties, Kestrel, and you are on the run as you seem to be, why is it you chose to seek me out? More to the point, at the cost of seeming rude … why are you here, and what is it you want from me?” Nathicana asks quietly, observing the former leader carefully over the rim of her teacup as she takes another slow sip.

Hiding from your newly-acquired keepers, Kes? What spooked you, drove you to this extreme? And what might they do to get you back?

Of course there were more questions. There always was. None of this even began to cover the issues concerning the NDA, joint forces, Indiastani citizens serving within the ranks, visiting or living within the borders of other member nations … the list went on.

This would be anything but a cut and dry situation, whatever the answers.

"What we would like, put simply," Miiko began, sensing the potential danger that they were in, "Is asylum. Perhaps a villa, not unlike this one, near the ocean. Some place quiet and out of the way. And we could think of no better place..."

Kestrel shifted, settling her tea back on it's saucer. "Yes, that about covers it. And you'd be suprised about what we had expected. I checked the papers this morning, and the story was considered less important then the football match last night. Since it seems that none of the Generals have ordered nuclear strikes on some other part of the country, it would seem that things are more or less in order. I have confidence they'll stay that way..."

---

"... Repeat, unidentified vessels, you are to disengage and withdraw from Indiastani space by the authority of the Indiastani Stellar Navy, in accordance with the conditions of martial law. This is your final warning..."

The commander of the INV Protector grimaced. This was already an tense situation, not made any easier by the presence of those ships. His battlegroup sat and awaited his orders, firing crews already painting the ships as targets for the fusion cannons. He stood behind the Comms officer aboard the Primus class battlecruiser, awaiting a reply.

"Nothing yet sir... shall we signal again?"

"Yes... I want to make good and sure they heard us before we start shooting..." he frowned, thinking about the ramifications of those ships staying put. "Challange them one more time. Then we go to Plan B."

"Unidentified?" one of the ships asked itself, "you think they're really unaware of who we are?"

"Not really," the battleship Fell Sword of Justice replied, "but we still may as well tell them."

This is the First and Second Imperial C'tan Solar System Patrol Groups. In any case, we're glad to see things are back in some kind of order down there. We'll be leaving now, but, if you need us for anything, don't hesitate to ask. down there. Toodle Pip.

Looking out from the Indiastani ships, one would see the distant dots of the C'tan vessels increase in brightness, as they turned, the thrust part of their engines firing. The dots would then begin to fade quickly as the vessels left.

"Assylum," Nathicana states more than asks, pondering thoughtfully for a moment before continuing on. "Quiet and out of the way ... aye, with size of this place, I'd say its entirely possible, especially given the work you've already had done. We could get you the proper id's of course, set up an entirely new identity and history for you. If you have funds you need laundered or 'procured', I have access to such services as well."

"I can't say that I'm entirely pleased at how this has all panned out, but I can't very well turn you away either, Kes. In spite of ties being null and void, you have been a good ally, and I hate to see you in such distress as this. Truly, I hope things in Indiastan work out for the best, as you've planned, but regardless ... yes, we can hide you here."

Breathing a silent sigh of relief, Kes nodded and smiled. She was rather suprised, actually. She'd never been a terribly trusting person. "Thank you. Honestly, you've been more then generous then I had any right to expect... I'm in your debt," she bowed to add emphasis. "Thank you."

---

As Kestrel expected, Governor Saklani convened the Council of Governors in Delhi. It was expected that the heads of each province would vote for unification, and that as a result there would be a scramble to claim Centrist Party leadership. But when the delegates emerged from the closed-room meeting, the announcement made was not what was expected from the script. Standing at a podium before a mass of press, cameras clicking away, Saklani ended the speculation on the furutre of Indiastan.

"Friends and citizens, at home and abroad, it saddens me to be standing here today. Today, after several days of meetings with my fellow Governors, we have agreed that the national body of United Indiastan will not be reformed. We have agreed it is in the interests of all of the provinces to pursue their own agendas independantly, and have already begun drawing up border treaties and the Federal Dissolution contract. What will become of the Confederated Army and Navy still remains to be seen, but a fair distribution of the armed forces will be a main focus point as the Contract, along with the fate of those colonies, stations and outposts beyond Mars. This is a sad day, but ultimately, the Confederated Union of United Indiastan was a failed experiment that had to end. Thank you."