NationStates Jolt Archive

The Imperial Palace, Budo
1746 Hours.

Emperor Matthias II sits on his throne in the grand main Hall of his Palace in Budo, capital of The Iron Fish.

He is addressing a number of official looking people, whose ears appear trained on every word he utters.

“…And furthermore I am growing weary of having to deal with every little niggle, and ache and pain of the people of this nation. Is that all they ever do? Moan? I don’t remember them being this annoying when my father ruled the land.”

The Minister for the Department of Law and Order steps forward.

“Sir, the problem is that under your father the people were spoilt. Given everything they wanted and never made to do much for it.”

“Yes, this I understand Reginald. However, this is no excuse. In any event I have made a decision.

I have decided that the role of an Emperor is to simply guide his people in the right direction. In his direction. He shouldn’t have to deal with the various dull annoyances of their daily lives and for that reason I will appoint an Undersecretary to the Emperor. A very high-powered position. This person will be responsible for everything from Law and Order, to the Environment to our Military. They will of course have to consult me on every decision they make but they will, in the eyes of the people, be the one making the decisions. And this may even give an air of democracy that the people have been longing for.”

The Emperor lets a small snigger out.

There is a murmur of excitement from the assembled people. This WOULD be a very interesting position to have.

“After careful thought I have made a decision. I would like to introduce you all to the very first Undersecretary to The Emperor of The Iron Fish…current, and now former, head of the Department of Law and Order…Reginald Forth.”

Reginald steps forward, he is quite shocked but extremely happy to have been given this position.

“Thank you Sir, I don’t know what to say.”

“Follow me to my chamber, Undersecretary…we have some things to discuss…”

NEXT: The Undersecretary’s first day.

The Offices of The Undersecretary to The Emperor
Budo, Capital of The Iron Fish
0900 Hours

Reginald Forth sits behind a large oak desk, leaning back in a very comfortable looking leather chair. In front of him are two little stick flags with The Iron Fish flag on them. There is also a small plaque that reads: “Undersecretary Reginald Forth.”

There is a knock at the door.

“Yes?”

A large man, well dressed, with short jet black hair a little stubble on his chin walks in.

“Undersecretary, I was told to report to you?”

Reginald taps his fingers on his desk, thinking for a moment.

“Aaah, yes. Peter Lock.”

“Yes.”

“Have a seat, Peter.”

Peter does as he is told. Peter was Reginald’s number two at the Department of Law and Order before Reginald got his current position and is fully expecting to be told he is to take over now that Reginald is gone.

“Peter, how long were you at the DLA?”

“Uh…I’m not sure, Sir. I was under your predecessor for about 4 years and under you for about 5. So about 9 years…”

“Nine years. Nine years is a long time for somebody to be in the same position. Were you a little annoyed that, after my predecessor retired, I was given the job ahead of you?”

“Not at all Sir. You had an excellent record in the military if I recall correctly, and that is one of the main reasons you got the position.”

Reginald grins.

“Yes. Indeed, my military days are well documented. But, I did not call you here today to discuss history Mr Lock.”

“I didn’t think you did, Sir.”

“Peter, unfortunately you will not be taking over at the DLA this time either.”

The colour drains from Peter’s face. This he was not expecting.

“Now, now hang on, Peter. No, you won’t be taking over at the DLA. I have something better for you.”

“Something better?”

“Yes. The DLA is old; it’s an archaic body. They haven’t moved with the times despite my best efforts while in charge. Before I continue, I trust what I tell you here will not leave this room?”

“Of course not.”

“Good. I had very detailed discussions with The Emperor into the early hours last night about the best direction to take this great nation. We live in dangerous times, Peter. The rebels have not been defeated…they are simply laying low…and I’m talking about the placard waving, hilarious rhyme singing rebels. I’m talking about the ones from Emperor Benson’s reign. The ones who would plant a bomb in a city every day of the week. There are murmurs that they are regrouping for a new, sustained bombing campaign. And we cannot allow that to happen.”

“Of course not, but I had no idea about this.”

“Of course not. Only the Emperor and his closet aides knew. And the only reason you now know is because of the formation of a new department. A department dedicated to gathering intelligence on groups like the rebels, and others. As well as any nation that may threaten the Iron Fish…this department will also have taskforces to deal with any threat.”

“We already have a Secret Service…”

“No…no we do not. That was a myth that was planted in the papers by Emperor Benson. People who thought they were being watched all the time were unlikely to commit crimes. However, in these turbulent times we need an actual body to combat threats.”

“I see.”

“So, you agree to head the Iron Intelligence Agency?”

“I do.”

“Good, I will contact you later with more details. In the meantime, head down to your new offices on Carbine Road. There will be somebody waiting for you to take you down to your new home.”

“Thank you sir.”

“Don’t thank me. Thank The Emperor.”

NEXT: The Iron Intelligence Agency.

OOC: Also, if anybody has any ideas and wish to roleplay into this you are more than welcome.