Edolia
10-05-2005, 02:42
<<OOC: This is a continuation of this (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=395247) thread. I can’t imagine that anyone who hasn’t read it would want to read the sixteen pages of dialogue, military operations, news reports, etc, so if you want to jump in right now, don’t feel you have to be 100% aware of the situation. I’m giving a lot of story information inside the posts. A lot of it is background info because I don’t expect that people have read all of my posts from the past year (not that there have been particularly many) and I don’t expect people to remember who is who anyway. If you have any questions, telegram me or catch me on AIM...
I will ask that anyone who posts please use proper spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc. That's just one of my silly little issues.>>
The meeting was a historic one. It was the morning of August fourth in the year 2019 and Edölia was in turmoil. The man and the two women who sat around the small table were perhaps the three most powerful people in the Socialist Empire. They were sequestered in a small meeting room within the Scarlet Palace and had just sat down for what would become one of the most important conversations in the history of Edölia.
Albert von Tusk was of average height, and built like a brick. He was dressed in a comfortable semi-formal military uniform of the Edolian colors –scarlet on black- and his shaved head shone in the lamplight. His face was hard and looked as if it had been cut from diamond and his massive, muscled torso lent its weight to the rock simile. The military ruler of Edölia had seized power from an ineffectual interim government some weeks ago and had already made his presence and power known. By brutally crushing the Christian rebellion in the south of the country, the hero of the UnAPS-Allanea War had solidified the loyalty of the military. He had made his intention to step down after Parliament drafted a new Constitution known, but there were those who doubted the sincerity of these promises.
Flavia von Blätterschplitt was in her mid-fifties. Her long, strait gray-brown hair was tied up neatly in a bun in the back of her head and she was dressed simply, in black shirt and pants. The heir to the Scarlet Throne was still good-looking –handsome might be the best word to describe it- but her age and recent events had taken a toll on her face, which had recently begun to show signs of weariness. Although entitled to the Scarlet Throne by birthright, the princess had been kidnapped upon the death of her father, the Impërator Erik von Blätterschplitt and had only just been returned to her country. In the two weeks that she had been gone, the chaos that had ensued after the death of her father had nearly torn the country apart. Today, her claim to the throne was less than certain. She was the only one with the power to possibly challenge Albert von Tusk’s control of the military. It was unclear whether or not she had the will.
The third person in the room was the youngest of the three. In her late twenties, the Chancellor of the Parliament of the Socialist Empire of Edölia beautiful, with long blonde hair that hung loose against her back. Rosaura von Grönbouler had just returned from a diplomatic mission to Ilek Vaad. With the prestige of saving the country a costly and unwinnable war with a great nation to the south, von Grönbouler’s already considerable power as Chancellor was compounded significantly. As the only member in the room who was appointed by the people of the country through democratic elections, her ability to call upon the support of Edolian populace was great. There were many within the country that would heed a call for action.
The three leaders had just sat down. A servant brought in a platter of drinks and refreshments and set it down on the table. Von Tusk poured himself a glass of vodka and smeared some cheese onto a cracker. There was silence, punctuated only by the sound of the large man biting into the snack.
“It’s good to have you back with us,” the Chancellor said, smiling at Flavia. “Things have been… somewhat chaotic in your absence.”
“So I see.” There was silence again.
“Perhaps we should get down to business.” Albert von Tusk was characteristically formal.
“Yes.” Flavia turned to the Chancellor. “You’re going to be heading up the Constitutional Convention, taking over from the acting Chancellor, what’s-his-name,” she said.
“Von Tërens,” von Grönbouler said. “Yes. I’m going to resume my duties tomorrow.” Another moment of uncomfortable silence followed.
“Let’s make this short and sweet,” von Tusk said, leaning back in his chair and knocking back the last of the vodka in his glass. “Obviously, Miss von Blätterschplitt has a stake in how the Constitution pans out. I want to make sure that we’re all on the same page here.”
“If you’re suggesting that I have the power to make the Constitution come out how you want, you’re mistaken,” von Grönbouler said. “At the Constitutional Convention, I’m only the chair. I don’t have any more power than any of the other four hundred and ninety-nine members.” Albert von Tusk laughed derisively.
“Don’t play those games with me. That may have been true a few weeks ago when you were an unpopular compromise Chancellor” –he loaded those words with mocking scorn. “That’s not true today and we all know it. You have the love and admiration of the Edolian people, and that’s enough to make sure that the Constitution goes exactly how you say it will.” Von Grönbouler nodded but said nothing. She turned and looked at the princess.
“Perhaps Miss von Blätterschplitt can articulate her desires best?” she suggested.
“The Grand Marshal and I have spoken on the issue before,” Flavia said. “And we have both agreed in principle that a compromise should be made between pro- and anti-Imperial factions…” she trailed off. “For the good of the country,” she finished.
“Alright,” von Grönbouler nodded. “I’m on board,” she said. “What do you have in mind?"
“Constitution protections and privileges for the von Blätterschplitt family,” she said. “And the continuity of titles of nobility.” She paused. Her voice took on a note of bitterness. “You people are taking away my country. I wont let you take away my family’s dignity.”
---
Edolian Broadcasting Corporation Channel One; 2000 Hours
August 9, 2019 [Edolian Reckoning]
“Good evening. I’m Lüret Sun and you’re watching a special edition of Edölia Today. Albert von Tusk came out today to offer praise to Parliament. Under the leadership of Chancellor von Grönbouler, the body issued a joint press statement earlier today announcing that it had finished drafting a new Constitution. For more on this historic occasion, we turn now to our panel. I’m honored to be able to present three of the most influential Edolians in recent years, all of whom have been closely involved in the drafting of the new document. Joining Edölia Today for the first time as a permanent member of correspondent staff is Matthew von Pickett, former Minister of Foreign Affairs under the Impërator Erik von Blätterschplitt. He also served briefly as the Chair of the Imperial Cabinet after the Impërator’s death.”
The camera moved away from the pretty anchorwoman and focused on a small old man. His wispy hair clung to his head, which was stained with age spots. One just seeing him now would not have realized that he had, for a week, been the most powerful man in Edölia. His health had been poor during his tenure of Chair of the Imperial Cabinet, and his brief period of confinement following the military coup had not been good for him either. He smiled and waved briefly at the camera. Lüret Sun’s voice continued.
“Joining us today on behalf of the National Communist Party, the Freedom Party and the Libertarian Socialist Party is Vanderbül von Hërtz, Secretary General of the National Communist Party and President of the Democracy Committee, made up of those three parties.”
Vanderbül von Hërtz was small and in his mid-forties. A handsome man, his smile gave his face a look of joviality. It was offset somewhat by the man’s prosthetic arm. The early days of the National Communist Party were filled with some strife, and an assassin’s bullet had nearly ended his life. While it failed to kill him, the would-be murderer had certainly made him stronger and the popularity had boosted his obscure political movement into one of the largest and most powerful parties in the Socialist Empire.
“Finally, it is my honor to present Rosaura von Grönbouler, Chancellor of the Parliament of the Socialist Empire of Edölia. She came back this week from a trip to Ilek Vaad where she successfully negotiated an end to the naval standoff over the separatist province of Yasmarea. Since then, she has presided over the Constitutional Convention.”
Rosaura von Grönbouler looked much the same as usual, although this time her blonde hair was held together in a long ponytail. She wore a green suit and she sat back in her chair with her legs crossed, looking very comfortable.
---
“Welcome,” Sun said pleasantly. “Congratulations, Chancellor, Mr. Secretary General.” She nodded at von Grönbouler and von Hërtz in turn. “Tell me, Madame Chancellor, if you will, what is the significance of this new Constitution? The full text was released just two hours ago, and not many of our viewers will have had a chance to read it. I read through it earlier today and I can see that its changes to the Edolian political system are… extensive to say the least.” Rosaura von Grönbouler nodded.
“The first difference you’ll see is the name. This,” she laughed, “actually took up quite a bit of our debate. Anyone who reads the document will notice right away that this isn’t the Constitution of the Socialist Empire of Edölia. It’s the Constitution of the Imperial Republic of Edölia.” Lüret Sun nodded.
“That is significant and seems to be an indication that the rest of the document will include major changes in the relationship between the imperial and democratic powers?”
“Yes,” von Grönbouler said. “After consultation with the princess, Flavia von Blätterschplitt, we’ve decided that an overhaul of the Imperial system is necessary.” Sun laughed.
“’Overhaul’ is, if anything, an understatement. How will this influence the balance of power? Secretary General?” Vanderbül von Hërtz smiled.
“Well, I think that these changes are long overdue. Basically, no one in the Imperial family actually has any governmental control anymore. There is no Impërator or Impëratrix.”
“That’s quite the change,” Sun said. “Mr. von Pickett,” she turned to the old man. “As a close advisor to both the late Impërator and the princess Flavia von Blätterschplitt, how do you see these changes?” Von Pickett nodded thoughtfully.
“I’ve been in contact with the princess, and she has informed me that she will support the new Constitution. I suppose that it’s sad to see the old dynasty fallen. In two generations they went from absolute control to very little. On the other hand, they will still be our symbols. They’re well protected by the Constitution. For instance members of the Family can’t be sued in civil court and can only be convicted by the Supreme Court. They also have special economic privileges.”
“Thank you, Mr. von Pickett,” Lüret Sun said, smiling. Turning back to von Grönbouler she brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes. “Getting onto the topic of the actual structure of the new government, what are we looking at here?”
“Well, Lüret,” von Grönbouler said, “Parliament will remain largely the same. It will be proportionate representation, as always, and will continue to be presided over by the Chancellor. On the other hand, the executive branch has been split up into a number of positions. They will make up the Imperial Council, and each Minister will be elected by popular vote. Thus, the people get their choice of a platform. Rather than choosing between a few people, they get to mix and match how they want the country run.”
“Thank you, Chancellor. Now if we could get onto the topic of the relationship between the Federal and provincial governments…”
I will ask that anyone who posts please use proper spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc. That's just one of my silly little issues.>>
The meeting was a historic one. It was the morning of August fourth in the year 2019 and Edölia was in turmoil. The man and the two women who sat around the small table were perhaps the three most powerful people in the Socialist Empire. They were sequestered in a small meeting room within the Scarlet Palace and had just sat down for what would become one of the most important conversations in the history of Edölia.
Albert von Tusk was of average height, and built like a brick. He was dressed in a comfortable semi-formal military uniform of the Edolian colors –scarlet on black- and his shaved head shone in the lamplight. His face was hard and looked as if it had been cut from diamond and his massive, muscled torso lent its weight to the rock simile. The military ruler of Edölia had seized power from an ineffectual interim government some weeks ago and had already made his presence and power known. By brutally crushing the Christian rebellion in the south of the country, the hero of the UnAPS-Allanea War had solidified the loyalty of the military. He had made his intention to step down after Parliament drafted a new Constitution known, but there were those who doubted the sincerity of these promises.
Flavia von Blätterschplitt was in her mid-fifties. Her long, strait gray-brown hair was tied up neatly in a bun in the back of her head and she was dressed simply, in black shirt and pants. The heir to the Scarlet Throne was still good-looking –handsome might be the best word to describe it- but her age and recent events had taken a toll on her face, which had recently begun to show signs of weariness. Although entitled to the Scarlet Throne by birthright, the princess had been kidnapped upon the death of her father, the Impërator Erik von Blätterschplitt and had only just been returned to her country. In the two weeks that she had been gone, the chaos that had ensued after the death of her father had nearly torn the country apart. Today, her claim to the throne was less than certain. She was the only one with the power to possibly challenge Albert von Tusk’s control of the military. It was unclear whether or not she had the will.
The third person in the room was the youngest of the three. In her late twenties, the Chancellor of the Parliament of the Socialist Empire of Edölia beautiful, with long blonde hair that hung loose against her back. Rosaura von Grönbouler had just returned from a diplomatic mission to Ilek Vaad. With the prestige of saving the country a costly and unwinnable war with a great nation to the south, von Grönbouler’s already considerable power as Chancellor was compounded significantly. As the only member in the room who was appointed by the people of the country through democratic elections, her ability to call upon the support of Edolian populace was great. There were many within the country that would heed a call for action.
The three leaders had just sat down. A servant brought in a platter of drinks and refreshments and set it down on the table. Von Tusk poured himself a glass of vodka and smeared some cheese onto a cracker. There was silence, punctuated only by the sound of the large man biting into the snack.
“It’s good to have you back with us,” the Chancellor said, smiling at Flavia. “Things have been… somewhat chaotic in your absence.”
“So I see.” There was silence again.
“Perhaps we should get down to business.” Albert von Tusk was characteristically formal.
“Yes.” Flavia turned to the Chancellor. “You’re going to be heading up the Constitutional Convention, taking over from the acting Chancellor, what’s-his-name,” she said.
“Von Tërens,” von Grönbouler said. “Yes. I’m going to resume my duties tomorrow.” Another moment of uncomfortable silence followed.
“Let’s make this short and sweet,” von Tusk said, leaning back in his chair and knocking back the last of the vodka in his glass. “Obviously, Miss von Blätterschplitt has a stake in how the Constitution pans out. I want to make sure that we’re all on the same page here.”
“If you’re suggesting that I have the power to make the Constitution come out how you want, you’re mistaken,” von Grönbouler said. “At the Constitutional Convention, I’m only the chair. I don’t have any more power than any of the other four hundred and ninety-nine members.” Albert von Tusk laughed derisively.
“Don’t play those games with me. That may have been true a few weeks ago when you were an unpopular compromise Chancellor” –he loaded those words with mocking scorn. “That’s not true today and we all know it. You have the love and admiration of the Edolian people, and that’s enough to make sure that the Constitution goes exactly how you say it will.” Von Grönbouler nodded but said nothing. She turned and looked at the princess.
“Perhaps Miss von Blätterschplitt can articulate her desires best?” she suggested.
“The Grand Marshal and I have spoken on the issue before,” Flavia said. “And we have both agreed in principle that a compromise should be made between pro- and anti-Imperial factions…” she trailed off. “For the good of the country,” she finished.
“Alright,” von Grönbouler nodded. “I’m on board,” she said. “What do you have in mind?"
“Constitution protections and privileges for the von Blätterschplitt family,” she said. “And the continuity of titles of nobility.” She paused. Her voice took on a note of bitterness. “You people are taking away my country. I wont let you take away my family’s dignity.”
---
Edolian Broadcasting Corporation Channel One; 2000 Hours
August 9, 2019 [Edolian Reckoning]
“Good evening. I’m Lüret Sun and you’re watching a special edition of Edölia Today. Albert von Tusk came out today to offer praise to Parliament. Under the leadership of Chancellor von Grönbouler, the body issued a joint press statement earlier today announcing that it had finished drafting a new Constitution. For more on this historic occasion, we turn now to our panel. I’m honored to be able to present three of the most influential Edolians in recent years, all of whom have been closely involved in the drafting of the new document. Joining Edölia Today for the first time as a permanent member of correspondent staff is Matthew von Pickett, former Minister of Foreign Affairs under the Impërator Erik von Blätterschplitt. He also served briefly as the Chair of the Imperial Cabinet after the Impërator’s death.”
The camera moved away from the pretty anchorwoman and focused on a small old man. His wispy hair clung to his head, which was stained with age spots. One just seeing him now would not have realized that he had, for a week, been the most powerful man in Edölia. His health had been poor during his tenure of Chair of the Imperial Cabinet, and his brief period of confinement following the military coup had not been good for him either. He smiled and waved briefly at the camera. Lüret Sun’s voice continued.
“Joining us today on behalf of the National Communist Party, the Freedom Party and the Libertarian Socialist Party is Vanderbül von Hërtz, Secretary General of the National Communist Party and President of the Democracy Committee, made up of those three parties.”
Vanderbül von Hërtz was small and in his mid-forties. A handsome man, his smile gave his face a look of joviality. It was offset somewhat by the man’s prosthetic arm. The early days of the National Communist Party were filled with some strife, and an assassin’s bullet had nearly ended his life. While it failed to kill him, the would-be murderer had certainly made him stronger and the popularity had boosted his obscure political movement into one of the largest and most powerful parties in the Socialist Empire.
“Finally, it is my honor to present Rosaura von Grönbouler, Chancellor of the Parliament of the Socialist Empire of Edölia. She came back this week from a trip to Ilek Vaad where she successfully negotiated an end to the naval standoff over the separatist province of Yasmarea. Since then, she has presided over the Constitutional Convention.”
Rosaura von Grönbouler looked much the same as usual, although this time her blonde hair was held together in a long ponytail. She wore a green suit and she sat back in her chair with her legs crossed, looking very comfortable.
---
“Welcome,” Sun said pleasantly. “Congratulations, Chancellor, Mr. Secretary General.” She nodded at von Grönbouler and von Hërtz in turn. “Tell me, Madame Chancellor, if you will, what is the significance of this new Constitution? The full text was released just two hours ago, and not many of our viewers will have had a chance to read it. I read through it earlier today and I can see that its changes to the Edolian political system are… extensive to say the least.” Rosaura von Grönbouler nodded.
“The first difference you’ll see is the name. This,” she laughed, “actually took up quite a bit of our debate. Anyone who reads the document will notice right away that this isn’t the Constitution of the Socialist Empire of Edölia. It’s the Constitution of the Imperial Republic of Edölia.” Lüret Sun nodded.
“That is significant and seems to be an indication that the rest of the document will include major changes in the relationship between the imperial and democratic powers?”
“Yes,” von Grönbouler said. “After consultation with the princess, Flavia von Blätterschplitt, we’ve decided that an overhaul of the Imperial system is necessary.” Sun laughed.
“’Overhaul’ is, if anything, an understatement. How will this influence the balance of power? Secretary General?” Vanderbül von Hërtz smiled.
“Well, I think that these changes are long overdue. Basically, no one in the Imperial family actually has any governmental control anymore. There is no Impërator or Impëratrix.”
“That’s quite the change,” Sun said. “Mr. von Pickett,” she turned to the old man. “As a close advisor to both the late Impërator and the princess Flavia von Blätterschplitt, how do you see these changes?” Von Pickett nodded thoughtfully.
“I’ve been in contact with the princess, and she has informed me that she will support the new Constitution. I suppose that it’s sad to see the old dynasty fallen. In two generations they went from absolute control to very little. On the other hand, they will still be our symbols. They’re well protected by the Constitution. For instance members of the Family can’t be sued in civil court and can only be convicted by the Supreme Court. They also have special economic privileges.”
“Thank you, Mr. von Pickett,” Lüret Sun said, smiling. Turning back to von Grönbouler she brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes. “Getting onto the topic of the actual structure of the new government, what are we looking at here?”
“Well, Lüret,” von Grönbouler said, “Parliament will remain largely the same. It will be proportionate representation, as always, and will continue to be presided over by the Chancellor. On the other hand, the executive branch has been split up into a number of positions. They will make up the Imperial Council, and each Minister will be elected by popular vote. Thus, the people get their choice of a platform. Rather than choosing between a few people, they get to mix and match how they want the country run.”
“Thank you, Chancellor. Now if we could get onto the topic of the relationship between the Federal and provincial governments…”