NationStates Jolt Archive

SCOLOPENDRAN INDEPENDENT NEWS
"Because it sucks to be S.I.N.-less"

International Relations Advisor Alshai Kommetrez announced his resignation earlier today at the daily Executive Unit press conference.

The dark-skinned man, looking far younger than he should, gently grips the sides of the podium. He doesn't look in any particular location, dully-glowing eyes sweeping over the assembled cameras and reporters in a contact-avoiding way. "Effective immediately, I am resigning my post as International Relations Advisor. We are currently in a slight lull in activity, and both Supreme Emperor Speaker-Rrit and I believe now would be the best time for me to leave. We've discussed it for a few weeks now, but..."
He half-grins slightly, lips never quite opening, face wry. "I'm getting on in years and I'd best enjoy my retirement while I still can. I've spent the last three days briefing my replacement and my continuity is ready for her. She'll be free to contact me if she has any questions."

Advisor Kommetrez, who is going to take your place?

"That's for Speaker to announce." He smiles a little wistfully. "I think she'll do better than I did." Murmuring something under his breath, he shakes his head slightly, then returns to his statement. "It's been my... pleasure to serve the Federated Segments and its people for so long.

"So... long." Pausing for a moment, he seems slightly lost for a moment before calmly shuffling his papers and walking off the stage, either ignoring or not hearing the reporters asking for questions.
This brings to an end about thirty-five years of Alshai Kommetrez's involvement in government. He was the first post-Break Supreme Emperor, as you all recall, and set the direction for the Federated Segments in the multiverse. After choosing to be converted into an Angelan and resigning his post because of widespread paranoia, he left for several years before returning to take on the International Relations Section in the current Supreme Emperor's administration. We contacted Supreme Emperor Speaker-Rrit for comment.

"This comes as a surprise." The kzintosh frowns slightly, sniffing the air softly as if still thinking something over. "Still, Bob--rrr, Advisor Kommetrez--has always had open invitation to do what he thought best. He and his insights will be missed."
Analyists believe that either Senior Diplomatic Officer Magnus Hesche or Senior Civil Servant Najiba Abd-al-Haqq will take Kommetrez's post. Hesche was seen as the favorite given his international experience with many different cultures; however, insiders say his personality would make an Advisor-level role unlikely. We expect Senior Civil Servant Abd-al-Haqq to be Advisor Kommetrez's successor, but this is simply a conjecture by S.I.N. based on our current evidence.

In further political news, the Legislative Unit is deliberating on...

News Conference, Next Day

"I am proud to present my choice for my new International Relations Advisor, Umm Ghaniyah Najiba bint Kamil Abd-al-Haqq," Speaker says, paying the shortish woman by his side the quiet kzinti honor of mentioning her full name. "While quieter than some other names in the International Relations Section,"--behind the two, Magnus Hesche wiggles his blonde eyebrows and quickly flashes both thumbs up at the camera with a close-lipped grin--"she has nonetheless been very active and has the skills and experience needed to be a senior administrator and diplomat. I believe the Legislative Unit will confirm her quickly so we can return to business."

Najiba stands about 172 centimeters tall, with black hair and an unintentionally regal look about her, somehow heightened when she bows shortly. "Thank you, sir. I only hope I'll be able to follow in the footsteps of my predecessors and uphold the good reputation of the Scolopendran International Relations Section."

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/nadjiba_abd-al-haqq.gifAdvisor Nadjiba Abd-al-Haqq
International Relations Section
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

A simple, handwritten (uncommon from a karmabaijani) note makes it's way to Kommetrez.

Bob,

It has been an honor to serve with you all these years, from the first days of the colonization, through the tough years of construction and conflict and into the present. Your voice has always been one of reason and will be missed throughout the Trium. Remember, you are always welcome in Karmabaijan. Enjoy your retirement, where ever it may take you.

-Xeruyu VonKarma

A return note is promptly sent back, in Alshai's simple, neat hand.

vK,

The honor's been mutual. We've seen a lot, for sure... perhaps a little too much now and then. Still, it's been my honor to have worked with you and yours throughout it all. While I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't trade all that history for anything, it is true that the going rate is rather steep.

Happy Trails,

Bob.

The timing was too much to be coincidence. That was one of the foremost thoughts in her mind as she scanned the news. The other was one of concern. Had she had anything to do with it? Her reactions, harsh words aboard the WorldDisc? Was it more a matter of them having gone silent, or for him feeling a responsibility in part for the actions of Angelus? Nathicana certainly hoped not the latter. The man had been put in a difficult position as it was, and she was certain she had not made it any easier.

Could it be? Has my reaction forced his removal in some way?

The raven-haired woman frowned. Her first reaction was to call Speaker directly, demanding more of an explanation than what had been offered. But in pausing for a moment to think again, his reaction had seemed genuine. While more than capable of being sly and crafty, the more she pondered, the less she believed that to be the case. Problematic, that. No, such reactions wouldn't help the situation in the least. The man had taken leave before, but due to pressure. It seemed reasonable enough that this was the case now. The question was from what - or who.

She tapped her fingernails lightly over the glass she had been drinking from, her brows still drawn into a deep frown. First things first. Communication.

To Advisor Nadjiba Abd-al-Haqq, International Relations Section, Scolopendra;

I wish to extend my congratulations on your new appointment, and wish you luck in your endeavors. I have every faith that you will serve the post with honor and integrity, and will continue to represent your department and your nation well. Should there be anything you need from me or mine to assist in getting settled, and making contacts, do not hesitate to ask. We look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

--Nathicana D'Aquisto, Imperatrice

A second note was also prepared, this one taking a bit more thought and care, on her own personal stationery as opposed to the usual official document materials.

Alshai,

I wanted to express both my support, and my concern on your resignation. Support, because I realize that you of all people know better what path to take for yourself. Concern, because I cannot help but think that my actions may have in some way added more pressure to an already unfortunate situation, and the more obvious explanation that you will be sorely missed. Your calm and poise, your expertise and gentle hand, the strength of your convictions - these are things you have used in service to your nation, and in support of your friends over the years. And you have done it with dignity, honor, and class. I have always had a deep respect for you, both for what you have done, and for what you have gone through in your efforts.

Please accept my apologies for those times I have made your job more difficult than it needed to be. I know that the more recent incident aboard the WorldDisc was likely one of those. I cannot hope to understand what has happened there, nor will I press you for answers that you may neither know, nor can answer now for whatever reasons. All reports indicate an absence on a level we have never seen before. Myself, I do not believe in coincidence. Know that you will always be welcome here, wherever your choices may guide you. And know that whatever the case may be, whatever your circumstance, you are not alone.

May your feet be blessed, and your path enlightened.

--Nathicana

Thank you, Imperatrice. I look forward to working with you in the future as well; in fact, I probably will take you up on your offer via the diplomatic officers and civil servants we already have on mission to your nation. It never hurts to have acquaintances in this game.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/nadjiba_abd-al-haqq.gifAdvisor Nadjiba Abd-al-Haqq
International Relations Section
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

* - * - *

Alshai's reply is a little different, also handwritten but not in ink--the paper seems to be delicately burnt in his neat but unimpressive hand.
Nathicana,

Thank you for your kind words. You were simply doing your job; I was simply doing mine. Sometimes, oftentimes, things simply don't work out as well as we think they should. Thank you for the invitation; it is very kind of you.

As for other things, you neither know just how right and how wrong you are in the same breath. Not saying that as an insult or a retort, mind; just a statement of fact. Fact is, I'm not too sure just how right and just how wrong you are either, but I'm pretty sure it's a mixture of both.

I don't really see either one happening, to be frank. Hopefully, though, your feet and path fare better than mine.

--Alshai

TSMIT Broadcaster
Encryption: Triumvirate standard
Broadcast type: Open
To: Advisor Nadjiba Abd-al-Haqq, International Relations Section of the Federated Segments of Scolopendra
Return transmission band: Open
IDENT: Devon Treznor - Treznor

Congratulations on your posting. While I know Mr. Kommetrez by reputation only, it would seem you have some very big shoes to fill. On the other hand, given what I know of Scolopendran standards I have every reason to believe you'll fill them nicely. I look forward to working with you in the future.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v311/SpaceGhoti/Treznor/Devon.jpg
Devon Treznor
Emperor
<end transmission>