NationStates Jolt Archive

Act I - In which our heroes start things in motion

June, 2008

A warm, dry breeze stirred the capital. The weather had been calm for months, with only brief periods of rain. Such was not unusual for Torokara, whose springs were considered some of the most tranquil in the world. Yet as most Kriovalians were aware, the placidity of the climate often concealed the tempests of governance, and the Senate was the crucible where tempers and character were tested almost daily. As such, the body was lucky to have made it a year into its current term without a single challenge to the coalition. Progress had even been made on curtailing crime in some of the less-central cities, and the last punch had been thrown in the Senate in March, unless one counted the case of Senator Yumi Sato, who became sufficiently enraged at proceedings on water conservation that she hurled her bento in the vague direction of the speaker; it missed its target. Fortunately, she later recalled, she was not much of a thrower.

Still, Senator Sato illustrated a different problem, from the viewpoint of many Kriovalians, and it had little to do with bento-throwing. The demographics of modern Krioval were beginning to reflect the strong trade relations with populous, but cramped, Japan. As such, family names like Sato, Tanaka, and Machida were becoming almost as common as Tyvok, Andros, and Vartek. The Japanese population of Krioval was now about thirty-five percent, compared to the forty-one percent of native Kriovalians. Many natives resented the newcomers, especially those who were commercially or politically inclined. One such individual was now on his way to Torokara by high-speed jet, contemplating the beauty of the islands from far above them. His name was Kenji Miyamoto (though in Japan, his family name would come first, of course), and he was on his way to visit the Commander of Krivoal. When he would do so, all hell would shortly break loose.

Few people might have noticed the sleek craft touch down at the airport at exactly 12:38 in the afternoon, save for air traffic controllers, passengers, and several decades later, historians. Kenji waited patiently for the others onboard to collect their luggage and deplane before standing. At first glance, he was unremarkable; walking down the street, one would not necessarily even discern his presence. Kenji was about one hundred seventy-three centimeters in height, with close-cropped black hair and dark eyes. He walked toward the front of the plane purposefully, yet unhurriedly, a briefcase in his right hand.

"Have a nice afternoon," he said, bowing ever so slightly toward the head flight attendant. He meant it. Flying first class was always worth the extra expense, Kenji reasoned.

"You too, sir. We hope to have you on another Vartek Air flight soon." She winked suggestively at the man.

Kenji barely registered her gesture. He was already on the jetway, moving toward the international arrivals terminal, passport at the ready. It proved unnecessary.

"Senator?" a voice called out. A Kriovalian security guard, female, and in full dress uniform gazed intently at him.

Kenji looked around briefly before realizing that he was the Senator in question. "Yes?"

"Senator Miyamoto, I have been asked to take you immediately to the capital. The Commander would like to speak with you."

"I figured he would, but I had no idea that he would want me to come so quickly." That was a lie, and Kenji was thankful that the guard assigned to him was not a telepath. Of course Raijin would want to see the Senator immediately; that was part of the original set of instructions given to him. Go to Japan, dig up a bit of information during the Senate's recess, and deliver that information. "Has the weather been so warm the whole time I was away?"

The two walked out of the terminal through a door marked "restricted. The woman answered his question as they boarded a Kriovalian government hovercar. "It rained a bit at the end of May, but other than that, it's been fine weather."

"You know how long I was traveling, then." It was not a question. "Two possibilities."

The guard laughed. "The second," she said, smiling.

"Kriovalian Intelligence. How...interesting." Kenji struggled to contain the sudden churning of his stomach.

The laugh resurfaced. "Let's just say that a certain someone remembers you, Miyamoto-san. Perhaps this certain someone first met you about a year and a half ago?" She arched her eyebrows. "I think he likes having you around, actually."

The Senator met the woman's look with incredulity, redding slightly. "How in the seventy-five...Melena Kriov."

"He also said you're pretty quick on the uptake. Good to see he wasn't exaggerating, this time." She gave Kenji a knowing look. "I'll clear your evening schedule, Senator. I have a distinct feeling that you and Raijin have a bit of catching up to do, with your being gone for almost two whole months."

Kenji's face radiated shock. Desperate for a reprieve, he tried to change the subject. "How do you think he'll take the news?"

"I don't know what the news is, exactly," came the too-fast reply. Kenji pounced on her response.

"Of course you do. Otherwise, what am I doing returning so quickly? Recess lasts for another week and a half." It was his turn as interrogator, and the Senator relished the opportunity to grill the Director of Kriovalian Intelligence.

"Like he takes everything," Melena said slowly, a hint of resignation tinging her voice. "He won't be surprised, or at least not all that much." The car glided to a halt at the offices of Central Command, deep in the heart of bustling Torokara. "Your stop," she added.

"Thank you for the ride, Director," Kenji said, bowing deeply.

"Anything for the Commander's boyfriend," she said, cackling good-naturedly. The Senator considered a few retorts, but found the car to be already gone upon turning around.

"Well, let's get this over with," he said to nobody in particular. Kenji Miyamoto resumed his composed stride, and headed for the interior of the crystalline building that housed the executive government of Krioval.

The one hundred forty floors of the building stood before the Senator, who suddenly felt very small, despite his being larger than many Japanese-Kriovalians. The feeling of good humor that had been with Kenji from his trip with the voluptuous Melena Kriov quickly evaporated as he crossed the threshold into the massive lobby of Central Command. He had visited this building many times, but it never failed to elicit a gasp of awe. It had little to do with the size of Central Command; many nations had larger and more architecturally pleasing structures (though, Kenji thought, few allowed in as much natural light). No, the majesty came from the building's function - every law passed, every order given to the military, every kerotar to be processed found its origin and its final destination to be Kriovalian Central Command. The administration of sixteen solar systems, four deep space stations, and twenty-eight planets was all coordinated in the very place where Kenji Miyamoto stood, or above and below him, to be more precise. The vast array of information needed to make a nation go somehow was collected, organized, and redistributed through a network of supreme efficiency that had allowed Krioval to go to the stars in only five years' time.

The Senator's musings were interrupted by the heated conversation of a growing crowd. He noticed that they were pushing toward a bank of holoscreens near the center of the atrium. Bad news, Kenji thought. The image was unmistakeable, even from his distance. The face of the Commander, face set in a mask of sternness, gazed at the crowd silently. The Senator wondered why news outlets seemed to fixate on Raijin's harsher side. He moved to read the caption, despite having a good idea what it said. Sure enough, the Japanese text scrolled languidly across the screen.

クリオヴァル人ですか。日本人ですか。

The English followed soon after. "Kriovalian or Japanese?" Kenji gulped audibly. How did they find out? The picture shifted. Senator Miyamoto found himself staring into a mirror of sorts. They tracked me? He didn't wait to be identified by the crowd. They'd see him soon enough. Abandoning decorum temporarily, Kenji broke for the relative safety of the northern corridor. For once, he was thankful for the bustle of Central Command; if anybody noticed the sprinting Senator, they likely mistook him for a mid-level bureaucrat, late for a meeting.

He reached the northern corridor and slowed. Setting his case on a bench, he withdrew a keychain, which most people would consider a relic of the old age of Krioval. Everybody knew that biometrics were the only way to access secure facilities. Kenji looked at the ornate skeleton key. Hardly a relic, he said inwardly. He closed the briefcase delicately and stood from the bench. Turning left, he walked toward a door marked "Authorized Personnel Only". He pushed the key into a small hole and waited. Several seconds passed before a barely audible click signalled that the door was now open. Kenji stepped through, and entered a small anteroom.

Unlike the opulent decor of the lobby and atrium, or even the tasteful furnishings of the corridor, the room that the Senator arrived in was stark and metallic. The door behind him clicked again as soon as he had passed, locking. A soft feminine voice spoke. "We are glad to see you return safely, Senator Miyamoto-san. Please step on the pad at the end of the room."

The first time Kenji had visited this chamber, he had wondered aloud where the pad was concealed. The room was about six square meters all around, and all surfaces - floor, ceiling, and walls - were the same burnished gray. The voice then had been surprisingly bemused. "Walk forward," it (she?) had said. So he had. To his amazement, the wall before him was illusory, though it resisted his efforts to walk through it. He would later find out that it was something called a "biphasic forcefield". Lacking seven years of postgraduate physics education, Kenji was content to leave it at that - it was a wall that could be walked through, under the right conditions.

Apparently being Senator Kenji Miyamoto satisfied those conditions. He passed throught the wall-that-was-not-a-wall and located the pad. He stepped onto it and waited for the familiar feeling of weightlessness that preceded a teleport. Then he arrived in one of the most elaborately designed and appointed receiving rooms in all of Krioval. The Commander stood silently, obviously anticipating his guest.

"Ah, Kenji. How was your trip?" Raijin appeared genuinely interested, as if the political storm now forming was a minor distraction. Also, Kenji realized that they were alone, or at least as much as one could be in Krioval. Still, it never hurt to be cautious.

"Not bad, though I do prefer to be not-followed," the Senator replied. "May I assume that we are alone for the time being?"

"The 'Kenji' gave it away?" The Commander sighed. "Not that it'll matter in two hours. I apologize. I thought that you would be of sufficiently low profile to not attract so much attention. Apparently there are those who feel that everything 'Raijin' needs to be investigated." He gestured toward a plush couch in what passed for a sitting room. "Relax, Kenji. The world will still spin on its axis, you know."

It was then that the other man realized that he had been holding his breath. He released it, eliciting a chuckle from Raijin. The Senator spoke. "I had no idea that they were even there. And since you had Melena tailing me the whole time I was in Japan..."

"How did you find out about that?" the Commander sputtered.

"I didn't. But I could have guessed, what with her personally bringing me here from the airport. Especially when I had originally planned to use the suborbital shuttle." Despite the news he had to deliver, Kenji felt almost at ease.

"Ah. I thought that might have been a bit...contrived. But it was necessary. People are, after all, beginning to ask questions." The Commander fixed his gaze on Kenji. "Speaking of which..."

The Senator saw no reason to delay the news. "Varik Dekker is not, at least genetically, your father." He averted his eyes from the larger man, as if to soften the impact of the message. He continued, slowly. "Further..."

"Further? You mean there's more?!" Few people had seen Raijin, Commander of all Krioval, mildly surprised, let alone in his current state. Kenji silently wished to never again witness the spectacle.

"Take a look." He handed a sheaf of documents to Raijin. "If the analyses are correct," Kenji almost gulped, "your genetic makeup is approximately seventy-five to eighty percent Japanese in origin. The rest is of native Kriovalian origin."

"How is that even possible? And how didn't I ever know this, Kenji?"

"Why would you have thought to look? I mean, nobody would ever dare to say that the great Raijin Dekker, Crown Prince of Krioval, didn't look 'native' enough. If anybody ever did, though, your mother was a quarter Japanese. Your father was almost half English."

"Does he know?"

The Senator regarded the Commander intently for a second. "He's known longer than anybody else. He engineered it."

"How can you possibly know that?" Raijin snapped.

"In Krioval, it's almost impossible to get detailed records on the GenMod project. Your father guards the files, and as a Director, it is almost impossible to get to the information, at least without a huge amount of publicity. So I cheated." Kenji paused, eyes surveying the surface of the elegant table for something to drink. Preferably something strong, he thought.

"Oh?" The Commander handed the Senator a glass of water without comment. Kenji was good enough to accept it, though the other man's thought-reading was definitely unnerving.

"My aunt works in the patent office." He looked back toward Raijin, whose eyes were rolling. "Not patent law." Kenji let out an exasperated snort. "Do you honestly think that I'd just go charging in by threatening a lawsuit?" He glared at the Commander briefly before continuing. "Anyway, it seems she knows her way around the archives."

"By 'knows her way around', do you mean..."

"She hacked in. Of course, since I have access both to Torokara University and the Kriovalian Senate, it really didn't take all that much to get in."

"If she's in Krioval, why did you need to go to Japan?"

"Aunt Rei's on sabbatical, or at least that's her excuse. I think she's writing a book or something. She's a bit eccentric, but absolutely amazing with computers. Anyway, it took her about half an hour to make a remote link to VALIYOS, and from there, it was about ten minutes to extract the information. She covered up her tracks fairly well."

"So how'd the information get leaked?"

"One of your intel guys, I'd guess. It's not as if I'd say anything, and Aunt Rei isn't about to go talking to the press. Last time a reporter ever asked her opinion was during the network crisis last December. I doubt he'll ever underestimate the speed of an old Japanese woman and a rolling pin ever again."

"I will definitely have to meet this aunt of yours." Raijin paused. "How do we go about handling this, then?"

"Which part? Your ancestry or the fact that I've been seeing you, 'secretly', for the past year and a half?"

"Eh. How about both at the same time?"

"How, Raijin, will that be possible without a massive political mess?"

"It isn't. The trick is to make up a bigger political mess to cover the other, inconvenient, ones. Then find a way to push the mess onto someone else."

"What exactly do you have in mind?" Kenji propped himself up on his elbows, eyes wide from the prospect of being in on some grand intrigue.

"If my heritage is to be questioned, why not really force the issue?"

Three days later

"Welcome to tonight's edition of 'Real Politics'. Presenting our guests,starting from the left is Speaker Kara Tyvok, Senator Christine Barro, then Senator David Andros, and finally, on the right, we have political commentator and journalist Johan Kelos." The announcer paused for dramatic effect. "And now, tonight's moderator - Lia Salazar." The lights rose on the three senators and two journalists. The group was seated around a low-lying conference table, covered with various official-looking papers and with five strategically placed colored mugs filled with coffee, or at least appearing to contain coffee. Rumors flew that some of the legislators were no strangers to beverages of the alcoholic variety.

"Thank you all for coming," Lia began, doing her best to inject enthusiasm into her voice, and despite all odds, succeeding. After all, the slate of topics had to be better than soil reclamation this week. "To begin, let's discuss the recent shift in the Senate coalition government. I have noticed a few more environmental laws being enacted in the past few weeks. Is this a trend that is likely to continue? Senator Barro."

Christine Barro ran her hands through her long black hair while she considered her response. "We can only hope so, Lia. For so many years, Krioval has ignored the plight of indigenous species. Except for humans, of course." She tittered nervously.

"Senator Andros, your response?"

"Well, Lia, the Security party is not directly concerned with matters of the environment as a primary issue, however, we see nothing wrong with occasionally tossing a law or two toward safeguarding the forests, for example. Of course, we can't afford to compromise our military, or our economy in doing so." This earned a slight grimace from Barro, and David Andros knew it would. "But Senator Tyvok was instrumental in getting the coalition behind this legislation, and I certainly respect her initiative." Another slap directed toward the Frontier leader.

"Really, Senator, I cannot take the credit for any initiative to curtail pollution today. If not for the will of the Kriovalian people, I would not be in a position to advocate for them as Speaker."

"The Speaker is truly too moderate in her opinion on this," Christine said, intentionally replacing the word 'modest'.

Johan decided to interject his opinion before the topic veered off course entirely. "I find the dynamics behind the current anti-pollution law to be quite interesting, purely from a journalistic perspective. On one hand, the Commander placed himself firmly behind the resolution, which was surprising..."

"Raijin Dekker does seem to be able to end up on the right side of a great many acts these days," Senator Andros said flatly. "He is a testament to the force of politics." If Raijin had been sitting in the room, it would have quickly been minus one senator.

The journalist forged ahead. "Um...yes...Senator Andros. Commander Raijin has shown his willingness to compromise on many pressing issues of late. For example, immigration policies."

"By compromise, young Kelos," David began, rapidly building up steam as he went, "you must mean allowing nearly anybody to enter the border at will! Have you any idea what a nightmare it is to figure out exactly who is and isn't in Krioval at any given time?"

"With all due respect, Senator, we spend just over half of our current budget on military and police. If the borders aren't secure with that much money," Johan ventured, "then perhaps we need better oversight."

"Perhaps what we need is somebody willing to address the problem at the helm."

"Perhaps Senator Barro could clarify her point?" Lia Salazar tried to reflect the serious nature of the commentary, but she secretly rejoiced. Ratings were sure to spike after this exchange.

"What I mean is that over 37% of the Kriovalian population is now from Japanese extraction. I wouldn't care if only there was a stronger push toward assimilation. As it stands, Japanese is now considered a language more commonly spoken than the original Kriovalian. Most worrying, though, are the recent revelations about the Commander." Christine Barro began to realize that she was on shakier ground by the second. Her attempt to bail out of the conversation, however, left much to be desired. "How could one expect a man three-quarters Japanese to oppose letting his own kind take up shop here?"

Kara Tyvok was aghast. "Senator Barro," she managed, eyes wide from shock. "You can't be implying that the Commander of Krioval is somehow conspiring to alter the racial demographics of this nation to further some political agenda."

"Your words, Speaker Tyvok, not mine. Of course, one can't ignore those facts that are plainly visible."

"She does have a point, Speaker." David Andros could hardly allow Christine Barro, one of the more radical of the leftists in Krioval, to outflank the conservative Security party on immigration. "Racial tension can lead to outbreaks in crime, after all."

"Senator Andros, I would very much like to see any evidence linking increased Japanese immigration to elevated crime levels." Johan was going to have a field day with this in the morning. "In fact, I have here," he withdrew several pages from his jacket's inner pocket, "statistics showing that crime has been falling over the past several years, ever since Commander Raijin's administration began. These other figures," he flipped the page over, "show that Japanese immigration rose slightly over the past nine years, most likely due to the increase in security following the Interregnum."

"Japanese immigration rose because Raijin felt he'd sampled everything the native population could offer," Christine snapped. "Now he's all into that foreign senator. Kenji-something-or-other."

Kara winced. Certainly, being a close friend to Raijin, she had known about Kenji. At the same time, she didn't know that the information had spread, and further, she told herself, he wasn't a senator at the time! She couldn't say that, though, or it would amount to direct admission of the relationship. She looked at her watch. Protocol be damned, she thought. Over half an hour to go. Suddenly Speaker Tyvok felt every second of her fifty years. So this is how we balance public and private matters.

The show would continue in this vein for the remainder of the hour, during which the level of intensity would rise and fall, and though the commentary never would cross into anything particularly slanderous, it was the first true racial debate ever held in Krioval. That it included the Commander, the Senate, and a secret love affair between the former and one of the members of the latter would put it firmly in the minds of every Kriovalian by morning. Those still unsure what to think would be confronted with any manner of weblogs, holovid reports, and newspapers. Some would trumpet the coming battle between morality and decadence, others would encourage restraint, while still others would begin to air the dirty laundry of anybody tangentially involved. As the sun would rise the next day, the Senate would find itself struggling to maintain decorum even as the rest of Krioval sought to be free from its bonds.

Tuesday, 24 June 2008

The response of the ethnic Japanese population was instantaneous. Thirty-seven percent of a nation's population is a sizeable amount. Even half that is noticeable. So when nearly every Japanese-Kriovalian decided to stay home that day, Krioval took notice. For the first six hours of the business day that Tuesday, business simply stopped. Schools were short both teachers and students, and hospitals were forced to cancel all elective surgeries. By noon, it was estimated that over five billion kerotar in trade had been lost, and the flaring of tempers in the Senate had bottled up the emergency work orders that could compel those deemed essential to return to their jobs. Worse, every major media outlet was covering the work stoppage as if the world might end at any moment, so as Raijin tried to negotiate a stopgap measure to keep Krioval going, he lamented the hysteria and the legislative delays that fueled it. He flipped through the various holographic newscasts in his "political war room", as his advisors had termed the office.

Channel 18 - Paladin PanGlobal

"This is Johan Kelos, reporting live from the headquarters of the Kriovalian Senate. Just five minutes ago, another compromise measure, this time proposed by Senator Isamu Hayashi, an independent from Valak, was thwarted by the combined efforts of Senators Christine Barro, Chair of the Frontier Party, and Hitomi Saito, the newly elected senator from Tevanor. Both Senators were able to marshal enough votes to sustain a filibuster against the measure, which was eventually dropped by Speaker Kara Tyvok after pleading with both sides to work together.

I'm unable to think of a case where Speaker Tyvok's government, and the unshakeable Free Krioval party was unable to carry the legislative day, though today's senatorial brawl may mark the decline of the Speaker's influence. While I would hardly consider her to be completely outflanked, there is the possibility of the Free Krioval/Frontier coalition becoming unraveled over this dispute...wait a second..."

A female voice cut in. "What is it Johan?"

"Well..." The normally articulate journalist found himself unable to speak. Off in the distance stood the Speaker and a female Senator. Though her back was turned, it was apparent that the second woman was Christine Barro. Individual words were not able to be discerned, but from the intensity of the hand gestures and the rapid-fire pace of the conversation, it wasn't likely anything good. "It looks like the Speaker and Senator Barro are discussing the recent vote." He paused as Christine flew past him.

"You're damn right it isn't good," she snapped into the camera. "It's high time the foreigners either get to work or go back where they came from!" The senator stormed off toward the rotunda. As she made her way to the entrance of the Senate chambers, a rock sailed within two meters of her position. The thrower looked up in shock. His name was Kentaro, and he was fifteen years old. Up to this point in his life, he'd never deviated from the law.

"I didn't mean to throw it I didn't mean to throw it I didn't mean to throw it!" The crowd parted around the boy, and police poured into the breach. All of the action was, as was Johan's way, instantly transmitted into every household of Krioval. Raijin, and everybody else watching the broadcast, on whichever channel and with whichever viewpoint championed, saw the now-terrified youth maneuvered toward the Senate entrance. Kentaro made it about halfway before the tears came.

Johan's voiceover resumed. "As you can see, it appears that the assailant, if we can use that term, is a Japanese boy in his mid teens. Security is bringing him toward the entryway, though we're not sure yet whether it's for questioning or just to keep things calm. The crowd doesn't seem to be too pleased with this development, however, and they have begun to push forward, though at this time they are not attempting to cross the police barricades. To my left, Senator Barro is sitting on a bench, shaken but unharmed." He zoomed in on the features of the Frontier party leader, who was quickly surrounded by aides and ushered into the relative privacy of the Senate chamber. "Kara Tyvok, that is, Speaker Tyvok, has just arrived in the rotunda, and she is heading," he paused, attempting to flag down Kara. "Speaker Tyvok? What was your reaction to..."

"I apologize, Mr. Kelos, I must be going." The Speaker waved him off politely, yet resolutely. There would be no further comment, and Johan knew the fate that might befall one who pushed further. She wouldn't be talking for at least a few hours.

A few other senators went about their business in the rotunda, heading into offices or elevators and trying to act as if nothing was amiss. This was especially difficult when rocks were sailing through the air and nosy reporters shoving microphones into their faces. Also, their recess would only last for half an hour, and the Senate Starbucks was closed. All the baristas were ethnic Japanese.

Johan went for the big finish. "It appears that things may have calmed down for the time being. Back to you..."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Raijin flipped the holoscreens off and tapped several buttons on the desk's commlink. In the Senate building, its counterpart chirped cheerfully. The Commander didn't wait for a response. "Kenji. Get down to the see that boy. He looks familiar. Ken-something, if I remember. Related to Ambassador Takahara, if he's the one."

"Not all of our names start with 'Ken', you know."

"Save the sarcasm...and the kid, if possible."

"I'm getting there now." Kenji Miyamoto disconnected the line without bothering to formally end the conversation. Raijin would understand. The Senator crossed to the police barricade. Pretty big risk, there, Kenji. Look at that crowd. One stupid stunt out here...STOP that! He made his way to the group of officers herding the rock thrower. He knew as soon as the boy's eyes met his that Raijin was spot on. "Takahara Kentaro," he said simply.

"Kenji-san?"

"That would be 'Miyamoto-san', to you. What were you thinking?"

Almost simultaneously, the various security officers blurted out, "You know this kid?"

"Yes, I do." Kenji sighed monumentally. "He is the nephew of Director Takahara. And he usually does not cause trouble, let alone attack a senator." He flashed his eyes ominously at the trembling boy.

"I didn't mean to, Ken-Miya-, I didn't mean to!"

"Then I suggest you very quickly tell me what exactly happened."

"She told me to throw it up in the air. Said she'd go out with me, you know?"

"This would be the Lady Kumi I have heard so much about?"

"Uh...heh..."

"I see. Get inside. I need to speak with these gentlemen for a moment." Kenji turned toward the three nearest guards. "What next?" he asked simply.

"Well, you see, I suppose it wasn't that big of a deal, seeing as how it wasn't really aimed anywhere in particular," the first offered.

"More like a pebble, really," the second said. It wasn't often that a senator asked their opinion on an issue, especially one such as this.

"You know how girls are," the third said, removing her helmet to reveal long brilliant red hair. "Or, at least, I do." She grinned at the senator's sharp intake of breath. "No worries, Miyamoto-san," she added lightly. "Riot gear doesn't do much to enhance the bustline." Conspiratorially, the guard lowered her voice. "What are you going to do with him?" she asked, giggling. The other two guards leaned close.

"I think a few weekends of filing will cure his longing for adventure. There are piles in my office ready to avalanche." Kenji looked at the three. "You have helped me greatly, and quite possibly forestalled a riot. Let me know if I can ever return some small part of the favor." Without waiting for a response, Kenji Miyamoto returned to his office with the much-relieved Kentaro in tow.

Outside Telekar City

He touched his arm gingerly. Blood. For all the fanfare surrounding the political crisis in the capital, outside the crystalline city of Torokara, reality was far messier. He had fought for over two hours in a sea of the enraged and frustrated. In the whirling melee, there was nothing but fury, tangible and horrifying, and yet he had reveled in it. Finally, the chance to get in that swing, to push back against the system, to defy authority in a blinding, unmistakeable moment of absolute glory. Well, that and the guy across the street had given his friend a bloody nose. Karo, aptly named, was representative of the hundreds of people (mostly men) who had been carted off to hospitals and temples for treatment that evening.

What had started off as demonstrations either for or against open borders had quickly degraded into skirmishes over social justice, economic disparity, and in one rare case in downtown Valak, whether Raijin was better suited to a soldier or a politician. Even as the fights escalated, though, more peaceful elements were lambasting the government. Under extreme pressure from their constituencies, even the venerable Free Krioval party was showing signs of fracture as the marathon Senate session went on without resolution.

Karo cared little about the delicate nature of legislative debate, though. Aside from having someone patch up his arm, he thought back to his short stint in the military. The shortness was due in large part to a devastating injury during training. His leg was saved only by the quick action of a visiting surgeon. Karo swore he'd never forget the man's name, and he was true to his promise. Toru Suzuki. If people like that are the enemy, who's our friend?

Hands grabbed at the stricken fighter, easing him into an upright position and helping him to walk forward. He recognized the building immediately. It was the Great Temple, in Tarusen. For a moment, Karo hesitated. He wasn't much for religion, but he marveled at the grandeur of the temple anyway. It was massive, and, he had always been led to believe, restricted to the faithful. He must have been vocalizing his wonderings, as a voice from somewhere in front of him said, softly, "We're bringing all the veterans here. It's not exactly popular to be a soldier in some of the outlying cities tonight. Now let me have a look at that arm."

From the doorway emerged a brilliantly-clothed young man. "Ah. Sticking up for a friend. I see. Honorable and brave, to be sure, but not exactly the height of intelligent." His face scrunched up in concentration. "Hold still." Karo howled in pain as the priest set his broken bones in place. "It will heal completely within a few days." The priest turned and walked toward the next patient in the queue. Only then did the fighter realize that the other man was none other than the High Priest, Koro Vartek himself.

The rioting had been sporadic, and no deaths were reported, but the number of injuries and arrests numbered nearly a thousand. This might have been enough to embarrass (and motivate) the Senate to act decisively, were it not for the vandalism of a Crysalia shrine. Located on a distant planet with a small population, the shrine was the sole place of worship for Shintoists, and a fair number of Kriovalian polytheists. Complicating matters, communications had been disrupted overnight between the outlying system and Earth, delaying the news from reaching the Great Temple until sunrise. The High Priest exploded, figuratively speaking, and took off for the capital at full speed.

Raijin had also decided to visit the Senate, to force through a work resumption bill before the economic crisis deepened further. The Commander arrived at quarter after six in the morning to the packed legislative chamber. As the doors flung open before him, the gasps that greeted him revealed that, in fact, his visit was wholly unexpected. On his heels came Koro Vartek, whose entry was equally surprising to the assemblage.

"Crysalia, huh?" Raijin half-whispered to the priest.

"You know?"

"I am High Paladin still."

"Right. I forget these things sometimes. I haven't seen you at the temple lately, Raijin."

"Yeah, well, there's something about sitting with a bunch of people nodding their heads at messages of peace and virtue that bugs me. Mind-reading isn't all it's cracked up to be, you know."

Koro gave Raijin a wry look. "Still, would it kill you to come on occasion?"

"I do visit the shrines. More personal, that way. Besides, Krioval doesn't need constant reminders to glorify warriors. Where'd you like to sit?"

"Wherever I can bitch the loudest."

"Ah. Right this way, I know exactly the place."

The session was gaveled in at seven o'clock. Almost instantly, Senators began vying for the floor. David Andros won the toss. He stood slowly and began to speak.

"My fellow citizens of Krioval, what we have here is a basic breakdown in the social order. Those unused to our customs and traditions have launched a campaign to shut down the businesses of our great nation, to hold our economy hostage, unless we abandon the traditions that have made us strong. I cannot, and will not, support legislation that does not penalize those who illegally seek to disturb the natural order of things."

Koro launched his attack. "Does the natural order of things include those who have been living in our 'great nation' for many years to pillage a shrine?"

"I don't know anything about pillaging of shrines, High Priest Vartek. What I do know is..."

"Likely irrelevant to the simple fact that so-called 'natives' decided to deface one of the only consecrated spots in Crysalia. 'Natives' vandalizing 'native' holy sites. Or have the 'newcomers' managed to pull one over on us again?"

Andros backpedalled. "That is certainly unfortunate. However, it doesn't change the circumstances. If it weren't for the dilution of Kriovalian culture, none of this would be happening in the first place."

Senator Machida pounced. "This in a district that votes almost eighty percent Security? How...interesting."

"I would love to know why the senator thinks that is interesting," Andros asked coldly.

"Well, for a party supposedly dedicated to honor, integrity, and order, I'm just surprised that such values are so unattainable in that party's stronghold," she chirped. "I suppose that explains why environmental devastation is the main cause of conservatives, these days. Keeping order is tough, after all."

Speaker Kara Tyvok interrupted. "The senator from Tevanor is out of order. You will wait until the floor has been passed."

"My apologies, Speaker."

The High Priest fumed, but indicated that had no further comment, for the moment. David Andros also decided to stop before he slid further. "Let me see," Kara said, looking at her list. "Next is Senator Barro, followed by Senator Miyamoto. And then the Commander."

"Thank you, Speaker. Now, while it is important to resolve the conflicts before us today, it is equally important to prevent these sorts of problems from recurring. I hate to say 'I told you so'..."

Kenji whispered, "Then don't." A series of giggles spread from Miyamoto's vicinity, and even Raijin struggled to suppress a bemused grin.

"As I was saying," Christine continued. "The problem stems from a basic disparity in income between workers in this country. As technical positions become more and more plentiful, foreign workers are taking advantage of Krioval's open borders to snap up those positions. Industrial and agricultural work, on the other hand, does not attract those from outside the nation. I cannot advocate simply allowing this trend to continue unabated. Thus, I must state my opposition to any work-resumption bill that does not take these concerns into account." She then pressed a button that indicated her speech was concluded.

"Before Senator Miyamoto takes the floor, I would like to ask Senator Barro if her statements are reflective of her party's position within the current government?"

"I am afraid so, Speaker."

"I see." Kara rallied. "Senator Miyamoto, you have the floor."

OOC: Yow. I thought this would be a quick pre-RP type of thing and now it's become an entire novel. Go figure.

Kenji stood and surveyed the chamber. "I apologize to the esteemed Senator Barro, who chairs the Frontier party to which I belong. This matter, however, is critical, and therefore I have no choice but to force the issue. I move that the Senate immediately proceed to a vote on resolution three forty-nine, as proposed by Senators Valenos and Kato. I further move that the vote be conducted by roll call."

Speaker Kara Tyvok was floored. For a brief moment, her loss of composure was evident to the chamber. "Uh...Senator Miyamoto, you realize that this is a finance bill."

"I do, Speaker."

"Very well," she sighed, feeling very much like a punching bag in that instant. "The motion is recognized. Is there a second?"

"I second the motion, Speaker," came the voice of Ayumi Machida.

"Then the matter is to be put to a roll call vote. Would the Senate Recorder please read the impact analysis for this resolution?"

"Yes, Speaker. Senate resolution three-four-nine. This resolution would order back to work all citizens and resident aliens currently engaged in strikes as of the twenty-fourth of this month. Those failing to comply could be immediately terminated without benefits outside those specifically stipulated in their contract of employment. Those complying would face no loss of pay and could not be unfairly denied standard resources at their place of employment, including the chance for promotion or transfer. The government of Krioval would compensate businesses for half of their labor costs for the two days of the strike. No sanctions of any kind could be levied against strikers returning to work under this provision; those violating this clause could be held criminally or civilly liable under Kriovalian law. Finally, the resolution affirms the rights of employees and employers to negotiate all other aspects of labor contracts."

"Thank you. We will now begin the voting. Senator Abanai?"

The voting continued for just over two hours. The contention of the debate spilled into the voting, with jeers and catcalls coming from every corner of the room (and not a few from the center as well). The outcome proved disastrous for Kara, however. The resolution failed by twelve votes, 156-144. Worse, being a finance bill, her government suffered 'loss of supply' - an automatic no confidence vote. "Oh hell," she finally managed. "As the resolution has failed, Senate rules dictate that those opposed may agree to form a government in place of the current one." She waited for the response.

Both Senators Andros and Barro jumped up. "I'd sooner die," Christine said scornfully.

"My Lady," David said, a touch more diplomatically, "as porcine flight has not yet been manifest, I must decline."

All eyes turned to Raijin. "In that case, I guess we let the people decide. Schedule elections for the fourth Sunday from today. In the meantime, the Senate may continue to convene and form an interim government or not. Regrettably, this dumps the work resumption business onto my lap. If Senator Miyamoto and Speaker Tyvok could spare a moment after the Senate adjourns, I would be most appreciative."

Kara wasted no time. "The Senate is dismissed," she said acidly. "I'll see you, or at least some of you, in four weeks' time." The Speaker slammed the gavel onto the desk with enough force to splinter the wood. Then she and Kenji made their way toward Raijin and the High Priest.

(End of Act I)

- Interlude -

A day in March, 2042

"But professor, I don't quite understand the relevance of this to the other events we discussed this semester. I mean, we have Keldar's uniting of the three cities, Vartek's explorations, Koro's reforms of the judiciary. Those are turning points in Krioval's history. A single loss of confidence vote in the Senate just doesn't seem all that dramatic."

"Well, Miss Sinclair, try to put yourself in the position of those living in that time period. Racial tension was not simply a two thousand eight phenomenon. The debate had raged since the time of King Sylvan, who forcibly opened Krioval's borders to outside trade. Do you know why he did this?"

Adelaide Sinclair thought for a moment. "To counteract the arrival of the Christian missionaries who had managed to sway King Micah several years earlier?"

"That is correct. Sylvan correctly realized that by allowing a flood of immigrants from southern and eastern Asian countries, the spread of Christianity in Krioval would be slowed. But something disrupted this balance. What was it?"

"The conversion and defection of Branok Dova, the Kriovalian High Priest. Until his death, the specter of Christian theocracy stopped all the debate on Asian immigration, especially that from Japan."

"Very good, Miss Sinclair. Naturally, after the expulsion of the conservative Christian population in Krioval in summer two thousand seven, the immigration debate came back to the surface. Some were shocked to realize that the ethnic Japanese population had reached comparable levels to that of the so-called 'native' population."

"But why was this a problem?" Adelaide asked. "I mean, Professor Kato, you can't be saying that Krioval was filled with racists in the twenty-first century, can you?"

"No. It's the battle as old as civilization - progressivism versus traditionalism."

"But it wasn't a 'turning point' then. Things were already moving forward. They didn't stop."

"Ah." Kato chuckled softly. "People listened to the Commander because he could, and did, use his power to punish those he disliked. But what if that power were transformed into something more...refined?"

"Refined?"

"Yes, Miss Sinclair. What if Raijin Dekker and Kenji Miyamoto were to grow beyond the need to threaten and use power against others? What if their mere presence accomplished their goals?"

"But why would Senator Kenji risk everything that day in the Senate?"

"That," Kato said softly, "is part of next week's written assignment. Given the events of the summer of two thousand eight, explain the actions of Senator Miyamoto's motion in June of that year."

"Thank you for your help, professor."

"You are very welcome, Miss Sinclair."

"Oh. I do have one more question."

"Yes?"

"Why did they call him 'Fuujin'?"

- End Interlude -

Act II - In which the winds of change are heralded

Wednesday, 25 June 2008

As of 8:00 am, Thursday morning, the 26th of June 2008, all workers participating in strikes are hereby requested and commanded to return to their place of employ at the times normally scheduled for their shifts. Failure to comply with this will cause the loss of all rights that follow.

All workers returning on schedule may not be terminated for their absence on either the 23rd, 24th, or 25th of June this year. They shall not suffer any loss of wages or be subject to any discrimination, including access to future promotions, as per earlier laws governing Kriovalian workplace contracts. Employers who do not recognize or enforce this decision risk revocation of their license to do business in Krioval, as well as any civil liabilities stipulated by earlier law. Forthright compliance with this document affords businesses to claim up to half of the wages paid to all missing employees for the dates of the 23rd, 24th, and 25th of June, plus up to one quarter of the income lost due to nonproductivity during those same three days, as stipulated by the type of license that business possesses.

For questions or concerns, contact the Kriovalian Division of Labor. Note that this document, issued under the auspices of the Emergency Powers Act of 2001, must be reaffirmed by the next incoming Senate within six months of its convention or else be declared no longer in force.

Kriovalian Central Command

The work resumption bill looked exactly like Senate Res. 349, much to the dismay of those opposed to its passage a day earlier. Already, with new elections scheduled for just over three weeks away, campaigning was bound to center around the government's handling of the work stoppage crisis. But where many cried foul, one senator in particular was quite upbeat. He walked jauntily toward the office in Central Command and presented a sheaf of documents to a clerk there.

"Senator Miyamoto?"

"Yes?"

"Is this a mistake," she asked, pointing toward a section on a form, "or are you actually changing political parties?"

"It's correct. I'm actually forming a new party," he added apologetically, indicating the slew of forms that followed the registration.

"I see. Interesting," she offered. "The 'Imperialist' party?" She laughed lightly. "Planning to form an empire by using superior firepower, or just planning to make colonies of the rest of the world...by using superior firepower?"

Kenji looked up in surprise. "Me? Superior firepower? I must be the most distant citizen in Krioval from the military." His expression softened when he realized that the clerk had been joking. "Although, if you check page seven..."

"Hmm, page seven...change of address?" She pondered the information. "Oh! I see! So the rumors are true, then?" she asked, eyebrows arched.

"Some of them, though I wonder why they should still be rumors. Do two people need to make out in public to be considered 'together' these days? I mean, do we need an official proclamation?"

The clerk developed a nervous titter. "Uh...well...you see..."

Kenji shifted topics. "Tell me," he leaned toward her to read the small nameplate on her desk, "Mira. What do you think of the Commander?"

"Lord Raijin?! He's good," she said quickly. "I just sometimes wish..."

"Yes?" Kenji said encouragingly.

"I wish he could make things go faster sometimes, in the government...you know. Like the workers' strike. It wouldn't have lasted three hours with Lord Raijin in charge of things."

Spoken like a true government worker, Kenji thought. But still, that's exactly the attitude that needs to be encouraged. "Interesting. I will need to think on this a bit. Thank you for your help this morning." The senator bowed slightly and left.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Three hours later, Mira had managed to unload the day's gossip onto her friends, who sat with rapt attention. "He actually showed up at your desk?"

"Yes! You can't even begin to imagine!"

"It's not for lack of trying. So what happened?"

"Well, he needed to drop off some forms. Something about a new Imperial party...or something..."

"Boring! What did you talk about?"

"Talk about? It's not like we sat down for lunch together, Sara. He was in and out of there in about five minutes. Anyone else, it would've gone on for an hour - the questions, the small talk, the stupid bullshit people talk about. Not him, though. He was like...the wind, you know? Don't even realize he's there until he's past."

"Oh, there you go again, Mira. Too bad for you, though. Kenji Miyamoto isn't interested in girls like you." Sara smirked. "Or any girls for that matter. Unless you were lying about page seven, that is."

Mira pouted. "Yeah, well, these things can't be helped. So weird, though, the Commander going for someone like that. I bet Kenji never even served in the military."

Another girl, patiently listening to her friends go on and on, finally intruded. "Like the wind, huh? Fuujin." She giggled softly.

"What's so funny, Yuki?"

"Well, Kenji's like the wind and hangs out with Raijin, right?"

"Yeah, I guess." Mira and Sara both looked confused.

Yuki inhaled deeply. "Okay. For the not-at-all-Japanese here. Raijin equals God of Thunder. He spent his time terrorizing the Japanese people, according to legend, with the God of Wind. That'd be Fuujin. So we've got Fuujin and Raijin. Get it?"

"That's so bad. But it does let us talk about Kenji without anybody else knowing, doesn't it?"

"It's not like they're that terrifying..."

The conversation went on from there to other subjects, most of which, being unsuitable to print, are omitted from further investigation at this time.

One week later

"Kenji, there is no way that I can guarantee that. Surely you already know this."

"Of course I do. Krioval is not yet so barbaric as to fix a general election."

"Then why ask me that?"

"Because you will still capture at least a third of the seats of the Senate. People like moderation here, even if they are inclined to claim otherwise. Yours is a venerable party, and it has staying power."

"That was hardly obvious last week."

"In large part due to Christine Barro's defection. Really, Kara, I expected stronger from you."

"Well, Kenji Miyamoto, if you must know, there are two reasons I was ever elected Speaker. The first was that the position ran in the family. The second was that I was least objectionable of all the candidates presented." There was no trace of bitterness in her voice; Kara Tyvok was the quintessential public servant, if only because her family groomed its members for such positions.

"I see. I apologize for pressing the issue." Kenji pondered further responses. "Of course nothing is guaranteed in an election," he probed. "But supposing that my new party and the Free Kriovalians were able to get a majority of the seats?"

"Kenji, you manage to get over fifty seats in the Senate and I'll nominate you for the Speakership myself, if for no other reason that you'll find out exactly how 'fun' the position is."

"Well, the issue of the Speakership is tangential to the reason I asked to speak with you."

"Oh, really?" Kara's voice lifted at the end of the question in genuine surprise.

"I would prefer to discuss the possibility of holding a Free Krioval/Imperialist coalition should our parties capture the Senate. It would forestall any further disruptions by those in the political extremes."

"Imperialist and Free Krioval? Exactly how do you plan to sell this combination, Kenji Miyamoto?"

"Simply. Imperialist candidates will be run most strongly in Frontier territory. Before you laugh, Lady Tyvok, consider Senator Barro's dilemma." He hesitated for effect before launching into his analysis. "First, there are the outer worlds. Right now, they're convinced that economic central authority is essential to their standard of living. But what if they were instead convinced that a central political authority, maintaining vigilance over non-Terran holdings and their economy, was better?"

"Hmm. By 'central political authority', exactly what do you have in mind?"

"Restoring the Kriovalian throne," Kenji said coolly.

Kara nearly choked. "You can't be serious!"

"Why not? Most Kriovalians secretly support the idea."

"Exactly how do you know this?"

"Melena told me. I trust you know of her line of work." His comment was slightly mocking, yet held back from being insulting.

"Of course I do." Kara shook her head. "She tells you these things?"

"Not exactly. She tells Raijin. Raijin tells me...later."

"Ah yes. That issue is bound to come into play, don't you think?"

"Probably. But it is irrelevant to the main issue, and will be discarded as such given a few days' time. Are we agreed on the general points, at least?"

"I couldn't care less whether Raijin is Commander, King, or Emperor, if that's your concern. So long as people's rights are to be respected, that is. I'd like to think that I can be in the Senate and still retain a conscience."

"Excellent. Then we are agreed. Imperialists will not run strong campaigns in Free Krioval domain, except where we might split the Frontier vote. Good day, Lady Tyvok." Kenji Miyamoto dashed off to yet another appointment, leaving the other senator breathless for a moment.

Fuujin indeed. I suppose I'll soon see what he's capable of. Kara laughed despite the gravity of the situation. Oh to be forty again!

In the distance, a faint rumbling grew louder. The sounds of gunfire grew in intensity. What could only be described as a fireball landed in the middle of the town, instantly setting buildings aflame. People ran in all directions, some in terror, and others with a deadly purpose. The latter set upon the former with viciousness. Then, for no apparent reason, all action ceased. A soft male voice began to speak.

"Citizens of Krioval, a dark time is upon us. Our glorious nation is beset on all sides by all manner of barbarians. Other nations envy our prosperity. Racists push for segregation at home. Yet the Senate refuses to act quickly to protect the outer worlds from chaos and anarchy. Instead, there are some who would even try to stir up archaic notions of nativity to foment a blood war."

The frozen image of the wartorn village disappeared, and was replaced with a holograph of Senator Christine Barro. Next to her face appeared her comments about immigration and Japanese assimilation, in English, Japanese, and original Kriovalian. The voice continued its somber monologue. "Some would rather sacrifice a full third of our working population to their selfish ends. This is why they voted against emergency work resumption and protection measures last month."

The image changed again, this time to a picture of a solitary planet amid empty space. "Krioval is not limited to Earth. The outer worlds are just as central to the functioning of our grand empire as Torokara itself. Krioval holds no colonies; there is no 'frontier' in a society where the law and commerce thrive. Any empire must strive to protect all of its citizens, not use them as pawns in yet another political power struggle. This month, vote for strength and integrity. Tell those who would encourage division that we are united in a common cause. Vote Imperialist, and remain secure in your position as the core of modern Krioval."

Kenji ran the political ad nonstop on the outer worlds and was rewarded with a rise in poll numbers. Even better, his digs at the Frontier party were causing defections there. Still, Imperialists were being outdone over two-to-one with only a little more than a week remaining. He sat down with his stragetists to consider the other ads they should run.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

The short ad consisted of the same basic format. Burning town, fleeing residents, but this time, Kenji decided to be a bit more visceral. "The year is two thousand nine. This was somebody's mother. Sadly, rather than uphold their sacred duty to protect all Kriovalian citizens, the newly-elected Senate instead embarked on shortsighted policies that encouraged racial disputes. Is this woman native Kriovalian of Japanese? Should it matter?"

The screen faded to black and remained silent for five seconds. Then, still without sound, text appeared in red, white, and blue lettering. The Imperialist Party of Krioval. Equal protection for ALL citizens.

The ultimate skill is to take up a position where you are formless. - Sun Tzu, The Art of War

For the first time in the history of Krioval, a political party was brought from obscurity to serious contender in fewer than ten days. Frontier and Imperialist were running neck and neck in the polls, to the dismay of Christine Barro and the undimmed enthusiasm of Kenji Miyamoto. Truth be told, neither Frontier nor Security had fought an adversary like the wily Japanese senator. Certainly, the two parties had fought bitterly, but usually, the prize was a coalition with Kara Tyvok's venerable Free Krioval party.

Their mutual animosity had proven a tremendous boon. While the warring parties battled, Kenji had simply thrown barbs in each of their directions. When Christine Barro accused other senators of supporting income inequality and opposing bills that raised welfare spending, an "anonymous source" quickly detailed the quite wealthy senator's financial holdings in exacting detail. It was somewhere around the mention of her third vacation home that her own poll numbers began to slide, and her vaunted reputation as a champion of the people was put into jeopardy.

Likewise, David Andros found himself quite frequently in hot water, but in his case, it was his religious affiliation that came under attack. Vicious rumors began to circulate that he secretly supported Christian resisters in Bralos, impeding the evacuation and conversion into a national forest. That provided a segue into his voting record on the environment, which, like most senators, was abysmal. Unused to such withering attacks on the ancient Andros family, the Security party leader finally lashed out against Kenji for his apparent role in the mudslinging.

"I would expect more decorum from Raijin's pet," he had said. Andros had regretted it instantly.

The Commander had risen from his seat, put his arms around Miyamoto, and said simply, "Senator Andros, since when do pets share my bed?"

The chamber had erupted in laughter. The Security party leader had slunk off in defeat. His numbers would be unchanged in the next day's polls, but Imperialists would rise three percentage points among independent voters, tired of the "political backbiting".

But all the ads and offscreen sniping aside, the first real challenge to the four parties vying for seats in the next Senate was the live debate scheduled for three days before the general election.

The Next Day

The debate was winding up an hour into it. None of the candidates, representing the four main parties of Krioval, had managed to say anything all that controversial as they felt each others' positions out. Sure, there had been points raised about economic reforms - the Frontier party in particular advocated fairly strongly for more social control over corporations - and increased availability of healthcare, but the truly contentious points had been left waiting. Now they would surface.

"I will now direct to the candidates questions from the audience," came the voice of the moderator, Leo Telok, a veteran political commentator. "Senator Miyamoto, what impact do you feel that your relationship with the Commander has had on your legislative agenda?"

The audience, and Kenji, laughed slightly. "It is my feeling that my legislative agenda has been strengthened appreciably. The Lord Raijin is fairly strong, in matters of both body and mind, as some of you may know." More laughter. "I am aware, of course, that some feel that a Senator should refrain from relationships with those highly placed in the executive administration, but I assure each and every one of you that politics are discussed between myself and the Lord Raijin no moreso than between him and any other party leader. We tend to have other things on our minds when together privately."

"Senator Barro, your rebuttal?"

Christine stood slowly and appraised Kenji critically. They were both the same age, thirty-seven, but from radically different backgrounds. This was soon to be made very evident. "Thank you, Leo. First, I must say that all citizens should feel free to engage in any consensual activities of their choice, including the formation of romantic relationships. At the same time, I feel that an up-and-coming Senator jeopardizes more than his own integrity by becoming involved with, of all people, the Commander of Krioval. I, for one, believe that Senator Miyamoto is doing absolutely nothing inappropriate, but there are many other individuals who might be less honorable. Appearances are crucial in a body such as the Kriovalian Senate."

"Thank you, Senator. Anything from Senator Andros or Speaker Tyvok?"

"I have no strong feelings one way or the other," Kara Tyvok said lightly.

David Andros stood stiffly. "My dear boy," he began, to many people's surprise, "I am just past seventy years old. When I was younger, these things were simply not done. Politics aside for a moment, are these the values that we wish to impart to the next generation?"

Kenji did not wait for official sanction to respond, and instead fired back, "Honored Senator Andros, I daresay quite a few things have changed in the past thirty years. For that matter, quite a few things have changed in the past five. Perhaps then it was more important for one to hide oneself to project an aura of morality, but I feel that to deny strong feelings for another due to our relative positions in society would be a travesty. One should never have to choose between love and a career in this country."

"Thank you, Senators. The next question is for Speaker Tyvok. Speaker, the Free Krioval party usually dominates Senate elections, but thus far has never captured an absolute majority. Should your party fail to carry the Senate, with which other party would you be most willing to form a coalition government?"

Kara smiled. "It is difficult to say," she began, and noticed Kenji trying not to giggle on live holovid. Gods, what is it about him. Just like... "Thus far, I have received offers only from the Imperialists," she said, glancing in Miyamoto's direction. "However, I have governed with the support of both Security and Frontier when it came time to pull things together. I feel it is premature, given that the election has not yet taken place, to attempt to form a government." There you go, Kenji. It had better be worth it. Still, Kara was starting to feel younger than her forty-eight years. It's certainly going to be interesting next week, however this goes.

"Very true, Speaker." Leo shuffled his notes theatrically. "Let's see...ah. Here's a question for Senator Barro." He wrinkled his nose as he reread the question. "Senator, how do you reconcile your and your family's large real estate holdings given your statements favoring socialism?"

She blushed slightly. "There is very little to say. My family's wealth has nothing to do with my voting, as should be expected, and my own is equally irrelevant. I believe in helping those less fortunate, and I see my role in the Senate as doing exactly that."

"Senator Miyamoto?"

"Thank you, Telok-san. The Lady Senator's heart is in the right place, but I question the need for four separate lavishly appointed homes, unless one has an exceptionally large family and must support them all. It seems a bit excessive to me, is all."

"Hypocritical too," David chimed in. "At least I don't grumble about poverty being a 'social illness' while jetting around Krioval."

Kara looked on in mild surprise. "Four? Really? My goodness."

Senator Barro rallied. "Those are from my family. They are symbols of a time long past, historical reminders of..."

Kenji interrupted. "...nobility? Forgive me. I am without title, and a Nihonjin (lit. 日本人 - Japanese person), as most are aware. I forgot that those titles were still important in this day and age."

"Of course it's important," David snapped. "I don't expect you to understand, Senator Miyamoto, but we Kriovalians value our history, and our heritage."

"Ah," Kenji replied acidly. "I suppose I am not sufficiently 'Kriovalian' yet. I mean," he continued in a falsely bright tone, "having lived in Krioval since I was four just isn't enough. Being on the Kriovalian Senate isn't enough. Of course, when people start asking whether the Commander himself is 'Kriovalian' enough because of his mixed ancestry, what chance do I have?" He concluded with a derisive snort, and was greeted with stunned silence from the audience.

Leo Telok's experiences had taught him when to simply push forward, and this was one of those times. But as he read the next question approved by the panel, his face fell. All Senators - Describe the current attitudes toward race and immigration in Krioval. He stifled a nervous titter as he proceeded. "Speaking of that issue, Senator Miyamoto, the next question is addressed to all four speakers this evening..."

Snark Attack

Torokara - With two days left before the Senate election, this campaign has been anything but boring. Candidates range from the conservative David Andros to the environmental activist Ayumi Machida, but the diversity of opinions is not driving the public enthusiasm. Instead, it is the formerly unknown Senator Kenji Miyamoto who has stolen the spotlight. His withering attacks on the political extremes crystallized in last night's debate, with him condemning Senator Andros's take on historical morality while accusing Senator Christine Barro of simultaneously supporting the old nobility but giving lip service to more progressive ideals. The hard-hitting senator also indicated his intentions to form a governing coalition with Kara Tyvok's Free Krioval party should his Imperialists gain sufficient seats, and he has even outlined a legislative agenda that includes restoring the Kriovalian monarchy.

Despite his support for a mostly unelected executive leader and his deepening relationship with Commander Raijin Dekker, Senator Miyamoto's opponents have found themselves unable to weaken his public support, as the Imperialists look to capture the Frontier strongholds of Crysalia, Akenar, and possibly even major parts of Valak City. Should he prevail on Sunday, it will be the first time that Frontier will command less than a quarter of the Kriovalian Senate. Senator Miyamoto, in an interview last week, said that he believes that his impact "is born of a public distrust of elected institutions. People long for the 'Golden Age' under King Sylvan, and they lament the series of ineffectual governments that failed to lead Krioval until Lord Raijin's Revolution" - referring to the almost-legendary bloodless ouster of the Citizens' Council from Torokara in March of 1999. "The people of Krioval want someone strong enough to lead without having to check over his shoulder every ten seconds."

Others are less supportive. A shop owner in downtown Torokara, who requested that her name be withheld, indicated her concern with Senator Miyamoto's plans. "He's a social climber, plain and simple. He came to Krioval, couldn't hack it on his own, so now he's sleeping his way to the top, literally!" Still, with his tough stance on crime - a weakness of the Frontier party - the firebrand senator may very well appeal to voters disillusioned by years of senatorial infighting.

~ story by Johan Kelos

Rising Sun in Krioval?

Telekar - Citizens may be required to vote in Krioval, but the average citizen looks forward to it much to the same degree as doing one's laundry - it is a chore to be done and forgotten. This year, however, is notably different in the industrial center of Krioval. Telekar is home to the largest number of ethnic Japanese-Kriovalians, and they have adopted Kenji Miyamoto as their favored son in recent weeks. Citing discrimination and racism, Kriovalians of Japanese descent have clamored to ensure that their voter registration is up-to-date, and many interviewed have indicated that they will vote Imperialist on Sunday.

"I've lived here for over forty years," said Kimiko Hasegawa. "The worst in the seventies and eighties, to be sure, but even in the past ten years, there's no real equality here." An elementary school teacher before 1973, Hasegawa was terminated without explanation that summer. "I worked wherever I could for twenty-six years. Now that I've got a steady job again, I worry that it could be taken away because of my race."

As the latest culture war rages over Krioval, Hasegawa and others are optimistic. Only in the last five years were there any Japanese senators, and the Commander's recent efforts to move toward fuller racial and cultural integration have smoothed over tensions between ethnic subgroups in the military and in civil service...

~ story by Yuki Tanaka