NationStates Jolt Archive

INTRODUCTION
First and foremost, a bit of Valadorian history and geography must be explained. Founded hundreds of years ago as a kingdom, Valadoria was a large land, full of history. It borders the ocean, with several islands and offshore holdings. On the other end, it is bordered by a strange land. Though technically a part of Valadoria, and subject to its sovereignty, this land is untouched and unentered. It is, according to legend, beautiful and strange, with untold wonders and treasures. It is about the same size as the rest of Valadoria. In the old Valadorian tongue, it was called "Lissime," meaning "imaginary." Today, it is known simply as the "Unknown Lands." These parts are still not traversed, and little is known about them.
Over a century ago, the king, a corrupt and angry man, was overthrown, and a democracy was put into place, complete with a court, a congress and an executive, known as the Executive Minister. The system has worked well.
Valadoria is huge, and, with a relatively small population, it has many rural and untouched areas, ranging from mountains, to meadows, to deserts and swamps. East and West Valadoria are temperate, and they change with each season. South Valadoria tends to be warmer. West Valadoria borders the Unknown Lands.
Valadoria's capital is Seraphim., which lies on the Eastern Coast. Halfway from Seraphim to the unknown lands lies a great bay, called Halfway Bay, on the shores of which lies Saven City, in the more northern regions. On the edge of the Unknown lands lies Sego, a small village renowned for being the last civilization before one reaches the Unknown Lands. The entire country is in the region of Nasicournia.
Note that, while the following events take place in modern times, they are not in real time, and began months ago. They may catch up to real time at some point, however.

CHAPTER I
Cameron Reid sat in his office, looking out over the city of Seraphim. He was a young man, of about 27, tall, with blonde hair, blue eyes and a medium build. He was rugged looking, and handsome, and was dressed in a shirt and tie. But a look of worry was dashed across his face. He turned from the window, to a woman sitting at his desk, watching him.
"I don't know, Alison," he said, "I just don't know."
"You can't blame it on yourself," she replied, "You aren't the only one who runs this country. Thee's a Congress to blame, too. Not to mention the people that live and work here."
"But I am the Executive Minister, and it's my job to lead this country, Congress and all. Obviously I have done something wrong, or else are economy wouldn't be going down the tubes."
"Your job is to lead, to guide, to help, and to make decisions based on what you think works. And you have done that. But with parts of the Congress lined against you, it's a hard thing to do. Besides, you have some of these damn powerful unions, figuring its in their best interests to strike, to demand and to bring down the government. Its just as much them, too."
Cameron nodded in agreement, and took a seat. Just then, the door to his office burst open, and in walked W. Johann Guile, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of Valadoria. He nodded to Alison.
"Miss Secretary." he said.
"Commander." she replied with a smile and nod.
"Whats up, Commander?" asked Cameron.
"You might want to turn on the TV, to the Congressional proceedings."
"Why?" asked Cameron, grabbing the remote.
"You'll see."
Cameron turned it on, and there, on TV, stood Darrick Malta, a young Cogressman, in his first term. He was tall, with dak hair and sharp features. And he was speaking.
"...Therefore, my fellow citizens and Congressman, it is my firm belief that the decisions made by Minister Reid have led our country into this economic slump, this recession, if you will. As a Congress, we need to put aside our petty and political differences, and stand against the decisions of the Minister. We, unfortunately, need to do his job and be the ones who lead this country out of it's failing economy. Thank you."
He smiled, and stepped down from the podium to a thundering applause, though a great amount of boos and jeers could be heard as well. Cameron and the others turned away from the television.
"Why that dirty little..." Cameron trailed off.
"Lying bastard." Alison whispered under her breath.
Alison, the Secretary of State, was a pretty woman, shorter than Cameron, with shoulder length brown hair and soft features. She had beautiful green eyes, and she was, though a politician, considered to be one of the most beautiful women in Valadoria. Guile was tall, taller than Cameron, with big muscles, short blonde hair and a goatee. He was, as a commander should be, powerful looking. The three had been friends for a very long time, and were coinfidants and advisors to one another, politically or personally.
"So, what now?" asked Guile.
"Assemble my council." Cameron said, commandingly, "And bring in some of our more supportive allies in the Congress."
"You got it." said Alison, who, with Guile, hurried from the office.
To be continued...

CHAPTER II
Cameron's council sat around his conference room, in one of the highest levels of the Executive Palace. They were discussing what to do about Darrick Malta. Some suggested a speech disparraging the work of the Congressman. Others, including Guile and Alison, suggested that Cameron leave Malta alone and simply defend himself. Cameron chose somewhere in between, defending himself and making sure the people knew about the youth of the Congressman.
"The problem with that," said Alison, "Is that hes only a little younger than you are. He could retort by repeating what you told the country."
"But I think it's the experience, really, not the age we're going after." said Sophia Jagr, one of the loyal Congressmen (or women, for that matter).
"That's what I was thinking." said Cameron.
Guile nodded.
"I agree," he said, "Just dig at him a little bit. Let the people, and him, know that he has no idea what it is he's saying."
"Attack the experience, because, from what you've all told me, he doesn't have too much of it."
"Trust me," said Jagr, "He doesn't."
Cameron nodded slowly.
"In that case, Congresswoman Jagr, assemble your fellow Congressman and the Courts for tomorrow night. I am going to adress the nation from Congress Hall then."
"And in the meantime," added Alison, "You have a speech to write."
TBC

(OOC: Is this RP going to explain why this 'democracy' is a corrupt dictatorship and elections have been outlawed)

OOC: Very interesting... I take it there's a good deal of things that are going to revolve around that Unknown Lands place?

OOC: yes, it will explain how that happened...why it is now corrupt..and yes, the unknown lands will feature prominently within, hopefully the next few posts..and continue from there :-))

OOC: yes, it will explain how that happened...why it is now corrupt..and yes, the unknown lands will feature prominently within, hopefully the next few posts..and continue from there :-))

OOC: Cool! When you get out of past events, let me know: I'd be interested in RPing with you.

CHAPTER III
Night fell late on Seraphim, it being mid-July. It was hot, hot and humid, though not unbearably so. Darrick Malata sat in his chambers at the Congress Hall, waiting for the word that he could eneter the Main Room. A dark shape sat in the seat across the desk from him, speaking in hushed tones.
"He will try to attack your experience," the shape spoke,"You must be prepared to defend yourself over the next few days."
"I figured as much." Malta replied, tersely.
The dark shape stood up, irritated by the Congressman's response.
"This is serious!" it hissed, "If the Minister survives this political onslaught, and succeeds in helping the economy, our cause here is ruined!"
"He will not succeed!" Malta snapped, then lowered his head, and, in softer tones, "I'm sorry."
"As well you should be. If you succeed, you will be in charge, and our plan will be set in motion. But you know that your success depends on his failure. And don't underestimate Cameron. Failure isn't something he is good at."
"I know, Master, I know," Malata replied, "I know who he is and what he's done. And I vow to you that he will fail this time, if it is the only time he ever does so."
The shape nodded.
"Very good, my boy, very good. And with any luck, once he has failed at this, he won't have the chance to redeem himself."
The shape laughed, and Malta joined in.
"And soon," Malta spoke, "I'll be the one to run things around here."
The shape stopped laughing for a second, and Malata bowed his head.
"With your guidance, of course, my lord."
The shape nodded.
"Very good, very good. Now, make any final preparations, and prepare any remarks you may have to make. You are being summoned."
Just then, there came a knock at the door.
"Yes?" asked Malta.
"They are ready for the Congress, sir." a voice replied.
"Very good." Malta called back,"I shall be out shortly."
He shifted his gaze to the figure in the room.
"How did you know that-"
"Just go." the figure said sternly.
"Of course." Malta replied with a slight head bow.
And with that, he left his chambers and headed for the Main Hall.

CHAPTER IV
"I'm nervous, I'm nervous, I'm nervous!" Cameron was pacing back and forth around room in Congress Hall, biting his nails.
"There's nothing to worry about." Alison comforted him, "You're going to do fine."
"Yeah," Guile added in, "You're the Executive Minister. You speak all the time."
"But not about this kind of thing!" Cameron snapped.
Guile turned and shot him a look.
"Listen! You are going out there to defend your position and your honor. I believe in you, and so does she, and so does most of this country. So get out there and give this kid hell!"
Cameron nodded, and stopped pacing. He stood up straight, and, with an air of regality and power about him, grabbed his speech from a little table.
"You're right, old friend, you're right. Im going out there and I'm going to show them what experience is. I'm going to end this little coup before it starts."
"Good!" Guile and Alison stated in response.
"Wish me luck!"
"Good luck, Cameron." Guile said in a softer tone, shaking Cameron's hand.
Alison gave him a hug.
"Go get 'em!"
Cameron smiled at his friends, and they left, going out to the Main Hall to take their seats. Cameron looked up at the sky.
"Her we go," he said, "Be with me."
And with that, he stepped from the room, walking slowly down the hallway, his body guards not far behind. Congressional Guardsmen stood at attention by the doors to the Hall, and they swung them open, following the Minister through, into the Hall, filled with people. As he entered, they silenced, and Serik Naven, President of the Congress, stepped to the Podium.
"Assembled Congress, Honorable Judges of the High Court, Members of the Executive Council, Valadorian High Command and fellow citizens, I give you Cameron Reid, Executive Minister of Valadoria."
There were no applause, as was customary for the ceremony. Cameron stepped up to the podium.
"Congress, Honorable Judges, Executive Councillors, Commanders, and citizens, I appear before you today to answer to the accusations and charges that have been placed upon me by Congressman Malta. I am aware that at the present moment, we as a people are in the midst of an economic slump. I have done all in my power to keep our economy rising, but with certain demands and needs of the country, keeping the economy high is a hard task to perform. As the Executive Minister, I have to juggle my own beliefs, the will of the Congress and the needs of our people. These three things, unfortunately, do not always go hand in hand. I have tried to create jobs that the people wanted, but a Congressional majority, including the honorable Congressman from Tenmore, opposed the bill. I would like to remind the Congressman that a position in federal Congress is different than in a regional Council. We have more competing demands to work through, sooner deadlines to meet, and harder obstacles to cross. I have enacted laws to protect and empower unions, but this has taken money from employers, and some of said unions have turned around, and used the power I have given them to control others and enrich themselves. I am aware that these are hard times. All have felt them, including me, and I wish nothing more han to bring our country out from this recession. With the cooperation of the courts, the Congress, and, most of all, the people, I will work hard to bring us back up, an put as at an economic point higher than one we stand at now. I ask for all of your support, for myself, and each other, through these tough times. Thank you, and good night."

CHAPTER V
As the speech ended, the Main Hall erupted into clapping and cheering. Some of the Minister's more staunch supporters even ose to their feet. Cameron looked over them and nodded, smiled and waved. After about a minute, the cheerin died down, as Cameron began to exit, finishing the ceremon and speech. Tradition held that all were to be silent during the Minister's exit after such a speech. But, as he walked back to the door where the Congressional Guardsmen waited, that tradition was broken.
"Perhaps the Honorable Minister would care to answer a few simple questions."
There was a collective gasp throughout the hall, and Cameron turned to see Darrick Malta standing, awaitin an answer, the whole nation looking on.
"You break a long standing tradition, Mr. Malta." Cameron told him.
"I do it simply for the sake of the nation, Mr. Minister."
"Then what," Cameron asked,"Would you like to know?"
"It's not so much what I would like to know myself as much as it is what I would like our people to know." Malta told him.
"And what would that be?" Cameron asked with confidence.
"Your legislative record over the past few months has been, to me, rather disturbing."
"How so?" the Minister asked, ready for anything.
"Well, for one, you have increased certain portions of the military. A little over a month ago, you dragged our forces to war because you elt it neccesary. You have taken actions against cetain unions."
"That," replied Cameron, "Is because certain unions have so much power they could destroy this country."
Malta continued.
"You are ruining our economy. You keep the Supreme Commander as a top advisor on all matters. You have, it seems, transferred more power to yourself and your constituants then maybe you should have."
"And it has all been in the name of Valadoria, Mr. Malta. Remember that."
With that, Cameron turned to leave.
"Then perhaps you would care to relate your family heritage to the people of our nation."
Cameron stopped dead in his tracks, his mouth falling open. Malta saw this.
"Yes," said Malta, "Thats right. Why don't you tell them about your great-great grandfather."
"That is the past!" Cameron snapped.
"And perhaps you would wish it were the future. Wish it were your future!"
Malta looked around.
"You see, esteemed members of the government and great people, Mr. Reid's great-great grandfather was none other than Robert V, last king of Valadoria. And a tyrant king at that."
"I am not him!" ameron yelled, "Nor do I wish to be. He was an evil man. And this is a democracy, something I believe in."
"That's funny," Malta replied, "Because, from your heritage and your recent legislation, it sure seems like you want to be him. trying to reclaim the throne? Trying to get back what you think is yours?"
"Never!" Cameron yelled, then looked right at Malta, "You are a liar and a coward, and you have no idea what you are saying. I believe in the system and I will until I die!"
And with that, Cameron turned and stormed off.

CHAPTER VI
"That rat bastard!" Cameron yelled, slamming his fist down on the table.
"Cameron, I'm sorry he said that." Alison spoke up.
"Yeah, Cameron, sorry." Guile added.
Cameron nodded.
"It isn't either of your faults. I just cannot believe that he would do that. I mean, how the hell did he find out?"
Guile sat down.
"He's a treacherous son of a bitch, thats how."
"Treachery..." Cameron's voice trailed off.
"Cameron, theres more." Alison added.
"What, what more can there be?"
She bowed her head.
"Rumor in the COngress is that...that...hes going to call for a vote of no confidence."
Cameron put his head in his hands. A vote of no conifdence, even if it didnt pass, was bad. It made him look bad, look weaker to his people, and the leaders around him.
"Any chance it will pass?"
"I doubt it." said Guile.
Alison nodded in agreement, but spoke.
"But it does look like it may be close."
Cameron pulled his head up.
"Then let it be close. We here know that what he said is lies."
His friends nodded.
"Everyone knows that, but...but that doesn't matter to some people." Alison told him.
Just then, they heard a great commotion outside the door, and it burst open. In ran a guard, his nose bloody, his legs limping.
"What happened?" yelled Guile.
TBC

CHAPTER VII
"The Congressman..." the wounded guard gasped, "The Congressman is..."
"Who," asked Alison, "Which Congressman?"
"Malta!" the man gasped.
Guile, Alison and Cameron froze and looked at each other.
"What happened?" asked Cameron.
"I was making my rounds, and I heard the Congressman's bodyguards talking, and....what they were saying....I confronted them, and....this happened."
They looked at his wounds.
"What did they say?" asked Guile.
"They mentioned something about the Minister...about taking him aside...and they, they were laughing...I think Malta means to hurt him in some way."
Suddenly the doctor rushed in, and as he tended to the wounded man, the three stepped aside, where nobody could hear them.
"Something isn't right," Cameron whispered, "If they meant to harm me, why on earth would they say it out loud where they could be heard."
"Maybe," said Alison, "they were meant to be heard."
*****
"This is it!" Darrick Malta yelled, "We have him! All we need to do is accuse him of evesdropping, and we have him. He'll be gone."
He was talking to the dark shape, now sitting in his chambers, still staring at him.
"Very good, very good," it said, "Just make sure the public gets whiff of it, then call for the vote."
"As I was planning on doing." Malta smiled, "Have more faith in me."
"I have very little faith in your people, Malta, so don't ask me to have anymore. Get rid of Cameron, then maybe I shall have some faith."
Malta seemed taken aback, scared by this response.
"Of course," he nodded, "Of course."
"And very soon," the dark shape said, "You shall have your chance to prove yourself."

CHAPTER VIII
"Order! This body will come to order!"
Serik Naven, President of the Congress, stood before the Congress, trying to call them to order. Some stood in the aisles, talking to one another. Some were on cellphones, or talking to their aides. This was a busy day, and perhaps one of the most historical in Valadorian history. Word had gone out across the nation about the fight between the guards. A day and a night had passed. Both parties were blaming one another. But now, after much rumour and debate, word had it that Malta would call for a vote of no confidence immediately, instead of waiting any longer.
*****
"I am glad, Congressman, that you have stepped up the operation."
The same dark figure from before sat in the Congressman's office.
"Well, we guessed right in assuming that the Minister, or someone in his service, would send people to protect him from, well, from people like us."
The dark shape laughed.
"And I was right."
Malta nodded, giving the honor over to his dark master.
*****
A few minutes later, the Congress was assembled and ordered. The doors to the Main Hall opened up, and, with a contingent of body guards and Congressional Guardsmen, the Minister and his cabinet and advisors appeared, walking up to their seats in the front. Once they were seated, President Naven spoke.
"Esteemed colleagues, honorable Minister, members of the cabinet: We are here today for a very serious and important vote. I don't need to remind any of you how solemn this situation is , or the proper procedure for such a vote. Congressman Malta, when you are ready."
"I am." Malta replied.
"Very well then," said Naven, "The President recognizes the honorable Congressman Malta."
Malta stood at his place.
"Mr. President," he said, "Given the present situation and recent events, I call for a vote of no confidence in Executive Minister Reid."
Instantly, the Hall began to buzz again.
"Order!" Naven yelled, and, this time, they all quieted down.
"Have you prepared a prosecutory statement?" Naven asked.
"I have, and I am ready to present it at any time."
"Then," said Naven,"Proceed, by all means."
Malta nodded.
"Thank you. Esteemed colleagues, Mr. Minister, great people of Valadoria: a great injustice is about to be committed. Cameron Reid, the man chosen to lead our great country through this early part of the century, has attempted, in his power, to control this country more than he is allowed."
The body stirred, and Malta continued.
"The Minister, descendant of the Tyrant King, is trying, vainly, to regain the position that his great-great-grandfather, Robert V, lost in his tyrannical rule: that of King."
Cameron let a yelp escape him, a sigh of anger, but Guile and Alison both kept him quiet.
"He has run our economy into the ground. He has enacted several laws that have lessened freedoms, and, now, has proven that he has been spying on political opponents for his own gain. He has, as I have noted before, the Supreme Commander of our military as one of his top two advisors, and, more importantly, a friend. Yes, he has put many friends in positions of power, and some have proven unworthy for the jobs. He has sent many of our people to wars, allied with other countries, at his own will, when he deems it neccessary."
The Congress buzzed, and then quieted.
"What we need is a leader who will not sell us out to his own desire for power. We need a leader, of pure ideals, who will lead us into prosperity and guide us to pursue more freedoms, the freedoms which were promised to us by those who saw his ancestor for what he was, and what his descendants still are: tyrants!"
With that, Malta sat down, and before anyone could say anything, Naven stood up.
"Mr. Minister," he said, "Have you an answer to these charges?"
"I do." said Cameron.
He stood and walked to special podium set up for him.
"Honorable colleagues, Mr. Naven, Mr. Malta, and great citizens of our nation, I come to you today with an answer to the heinous and inaccurate accusations made by the COngressman. First of all, let it be remembered that a man is not to be judged by those from whom he descends, when he has proven himself to be of a different type of person. Nobody here, I am sure, remembers my great-great-grandfather, and neither do I. But we all know he was a tyrant, an evil man, and a liar. I am sorry and ashamed for the things done in my family's name. But that was a different time and a different place. Things, times, people and places have changed. Out of my family came a new reputation, one which I, hopefully, brought to a national level. I am sorry that I never said anything. I knew that if I did, people would suspect me of evil things. But, I have done nothing, no evil. As for my bodyguard, I would ask the Congress to remember that which Mr. Malta's bodyguards were discussing: my overhtrow and oust from power. As a concerned guard, he tried to protect me. Why he was there is a matter of mistaken security. We were wrong to have someone listening in on others, but, especially now, it proves that even though it was bad, it may have helped avert disaster. As for the economy, I have tried, and am still trying, to bring us back to where we were. And the wars, well, I felt it neccesary and right to protect our neighbors. And I feel that, no matter who they are, I made good, wise decisions for advisors and top posts, friends or no. Yes, some have failed, but I have since replaced them. As for my trying to control the military by placing a friend in power: that is wrong. Guile is a military genius and a smart, trustworthy man. That is all. Good day."
He stepped down, and Naven stepped back to his place at the front.
"Thank you, Mr. Minister. Now, my friends, if you'd like, we could take a recess, or we may proceed with the voting."
The chamber suddenly erupted into hoots and calls.
"Vote now! Vote! Send him out! Keep him!" were heard all throughout.
"Very well," said Naven, "We vote now."
Cameron's heart began to race. Alison and Guile took his hands in theirs. Electricity and tension could be felt throughout. Some of Cameron's advisors wished him luck.
"You have nothing to worry about." said Guile.
"Yeah," said Alison, "You got 'em."
Naven looked around.
"All thos in favor of expelling the Minister from power, speak now!"
The hall was filled with a resounding noise, clapping, yelling, cheering. Cameron's stern face turned suddenly to horror. There was no need to ask the other half of the question. The ayes had it. Cameron had lost.
To be continued...

CHAPTER X
"Cameron, I'm sorry."
Alison sat down next to him in his office, putting her arm around him.
"Who gives a fuck. I don't even care anymore."
He had a bottle of whiskey in one hand, a wet shot glass in the other. He went to open the bottle, and Alison stopped him.
"You need to stop. You've had enough."
Just then, Guile came in.
"He looked like he had been sleeping, and the clock corroborated his story. It was 3 AM.
"Whats the problem?" he asked, rubbing his eyes.
"He's drunk." Alison said.
"I am not drunk!" Cameron snapped, "I'm just a little but bizzed."
"Not drunk, eh?" Guile snickered.
"I meant bit buzzed!" Cameron shouted.
Alsion slapped him across the face.
"Be quiet!"
"What the hell is the problem?" Cameron asked.
SHe looked at him.
"You are drunk, trying to forget your damn problems. Drinking them away isn't going to help any. We have to clan this place out."
Cameron put his head down in his hands.
"Cameron," said Guile, "By tomorrow night, the emergency election will be decided, and thats that. You know how fast this thing is set up to work We're gonna need to be moved out of here."
"But it isn't fair!"
"I know it isn't," Guile said, "And we're gonn clear your name, I promise you."
Cameron nodded.
"But for now," added Alison, "We need to comply with their wishes."
Cameron pulled his head up.
"I'll get him some coffee." Guile said, and left the room momentarily.
"Who got nominated in my place, again?"
"Serik Naven, Jillian Hopkins and...Darrick Malta."
Cameron's face turned red with anger, and he suddenly threw the shot glass across the room, and then buried his face again.
"Damnit!" he yelled.
Alison hugged him again.
"Shh, be quiet, I know it's hard, but...we'll get you through this. We'll clear your name someday."
Cameron nodded, a single tear falling from his eye. Guile walked back in, a mug of coffee in his hand. He handed it to Cameron, who smiled a warm, sober smile.
"Thanks, Guile." he said, "And Alison. The two of you well...I wouldn't have even been Minister if it wasn't for you guys."
"Don't mention it." said Guile, smiling for the first time in days, it seemed.
Alison nodded her agreement.
"Thats what we're here for. Now, drink up, we have work to do."
*****
By the morning, alot of Cameron's personal things, along with papers and other important belongings, had been packed from his chambers. They had started on the Executive Office, but hadn't gotten far before they had all decided to sleep. Cameron, who had sobered up pretty quick, now slept in the bed, with Alison on one couch and Guile on another. It was past ten o'clock now, and suddenly, and alrm went off. Cameron sat straight up, rubbing his eyes and pounding the alarm off.
"Uggh...." he groaned as he stepped out of bed.
Three hours of sleep wasn't his idea of enough, but it would do for now. Guile and Alison awoke to the sound as well, and Cameron rang the bell, calling for three cups of coffee. A servant carefully brought them in, and Cameron made sure to thank the man. The three friends sipped their coffee, and ate a small breakfast that had been prepared for them, ordered by Cameron the night before. It was simple: eggs, bacon, coffee, toast. It was the first breakfast they had eaten when he had been elected, and it would be the last they ate together in the Presidential suite. For, when the election results were tallied by the end of the night, whoever won would be immediately transported to the Presidential Quarters and sworn in.
"So, who do you guys think will win?" Cameron asked dejectedly.
"I'm not sure," Guile said sarcastically, "But I have an idea it might be our little friend the liar, Darrick Malta."
Cameron nodded.
"Yeah I agree." he said, and Alison also nodded her approval.
"So, umm..." Cameron started.
"What?" asked Alison.
"Well, where do we go from here?" Cameron asked.
"Back home." said Alison, to get some rest.
"Thn," added Guile, "We start investigating this jerk off."
Cameron nodded.
"But," Cameron said, "I have this funny feeling, like, well, like he isn't finished with us yet."
Alison put her fork down, and slowly swallowed her food.
"I know what you mean," she said, "Something isn't right with him. I don't know what it is, but I think he may come after us some mroe, somehow."
The trio finished their food, and went back to work with everyone else, packing, cleaning up, preparing things for the incoming Minister, whoever it might prove to be. It seemed likely that many of the members of the Cabinet would retain positions, regardless of who took power. Guile had decided that he would be resigning his position, as was Alison. Several others were, but some, strangely, would not. Even some close friends would have liked to keep their positions, which was fine with Cameron. But something about them made him afraid. A change in their demeanor or something. Anyways, he wasn't going to worry. His time to worry about those things was voer, and now, he wanted some rest, some time to think about this legal but irrational coup d'état. Things just weren't fair, and weren't right. He had a feeling that something else was behind this but he couldn't prove anything now.
*****
As the day passed, and night came upon the land, word came through. They had guessed right. Based on how he handled the Cameron situation, Malta had won the election. Very shortly, he would make his way to the Presidential Office, and be sworn in. His things were packed, and in his old office sat the same dark shape from before.
"Good work, Minister, good work."
Malta nodded.
"Now all you have to do is finish the job. Expel Cameron from Valadoria."
"That may not be easy."
"Then threaten him until he leaves!" the shape snapped, "I don't care, just get rid of him so we don't have any problems. And get rid of those two vagabonds that help him."
Malta bowed his head in respect.
"Of course, sir, I will do it, but..well...may I keep the girl around?"
The shape looked up.
"Fine. Just keep her mouth shut."
Malta smiled.
"Oh, I can do that, I will make her like me!"
The shape laughed.
"Very good. Just keep them all quiet and nothing will be wrong."
"I am sure I can expel him, then. I'll just make it an executive order."
"It can be countered. You'll need a special order of Congress to pass it."
Malta nodded.
"They threw him from office. They will throw him from Valadoria."
The dark shape laughed again.
"Good luck then, my friend, good luck."

CHAPTER XI
It would have been dark outside, if not for the camera flashes and set lights basking the Congressional-Executive Residential/Office Building in phony sunlight. Reporters stood in, around, and on the building, especially by the entrances to the Executive Residence. They were awaiting both the arrival of Darrick Malta and the departure of Cameron Reid. Inside, Cameron, Guile and Alison were preparing to leave. Malta, however, had sent a message to Cameron, asking him to stay, so that they could speak for a short time. Guile and Alison were going to stay with him, and leave with him. If Cameron was going down, they were going, too.
"What do you think he wants?" Cameron asked his friends.
"I'm not sure," Alison asked, "Maybe to apologize?"
They laughed, but it was a somber laugh.
"I doubt it," said Guile, "But something seems fishy. Just watch your backs when he's here."
"I agree," said Cameron,"But, regardless, I'm going to wait for him anyways. I'll hear him out."
Time passed slowly, and the three waited, reminiscing and awaiting Malta's arrival. Finally, around 10:30 PM, word came that Malta had arrived. He was taken to the Main Foyer of the Executive Residence, where he was sworn in to office, in front of most of the Cabinet, the Supreme Court and some members of Congress. As the ceremony ended, the three friends waited in the Executive Office, seated, and unguarded. The guards passed to the power of Darrick malta, who had dismissed them and brought his own. Now, the door swung open, and in came the new Executive Minister with his guards. He and Cameron glared at each other for a moment, and no congraluatory staements were exchanged.
"It's good to see you three." Malta said, snobbishly.
"Really," growled Cameron, "The pleasure is all ours."
Malta laughed.
"There is no need to get snippy, Mr. Reid."
Cameron just stared at him.
"Anyhow," the Minister continued, "I'm just letting you know that I am ordering you expelled from Valadoria."
Thethree went deadly pale, and the room was filled with unbearable silence. Alison let a tear drip from her eye. That which they had fought so hard to build was being torn apart, piece by bloody piece, and now, they wouldn't even be able to watch that.
"No worries, Miss Key, the order doesn't involve you."
"You can't do this!" Cameron yelled.
"I can try!" snapped Malta, staring him down.
"You've already done enough damage!"
"Really?" asked Malta, "Then maybe we can make this easier for this poor country."
"What do you mean, scumbag?" asked Guile.
"Leave now, no questions asked. Settle things here, and save what little honor you have left!"
Guile glared at Malta.
"You son of a bitch!" yelled Cameron, "We know you lied, we know you made all that shit up! You are the one who wants to be the tyrant!"
Without saying another word, Malta nodded to his guards, who took hold of the two men.
"Take these two, and detain them until I tell you. If asked, say it is a matter of national security on an executive order!"
"What about the girl?" a guard asked.
"Leave her to me." Malta told him.
*****
"Where are you taking us?"
"Shut up and stand still!" the guard yelled.
He opened Guile's dress jacket, and took his pistol out of it.
"I have been ordered to detain you until further notice!"
"This is illegal!" yelled Cameron.
"SHUT UP!" yelled the guard, smacking Cameron across the face.
Three guards led the two men down a corridor, up a set of stairs, and out onto the Executive Helipad, where a helicopter was waiting. As they approached it, the guards pulled out handcuffs, and Guile sprung into action. he kicked one guard in the stomach. Cameron swung around, and hit another in the face. A third pulled his gun out, but Guile wrestled it from his hand.
"Shoot the pilot!" Guile yelled.
"WHAT? SHoot him?" Ca,eron yelled back, swinging another punch.
"DO IT! NOW!"
The pilot was reaching for the radio, and Cameron had to make a decision. Without even thinking, he aimed the gun, and shot the pilot's hand. The copilot reached for his gun, and Cameron shot another bullet, hitting the man's shoulder. Guile, meanwhile, had knocked one guard unconscious, and, using amazing martial arts skills, was handling two at once. Cameron ran towards the copter, and, with amazing accuracy, shot out the radio. The copilot, however, reached for his gun with his other hand, and Cameron, with startling efficiency, shot the man in the stomach. The pilot raised his hands in surrender. Guile now had only one guard left conscious, and he was now at gunpoint. Guile took the handcuffs, and handcuffed the two men, gagging them with their own shirts.
"What now?" Cameron called to Guile. His heart was racing, and he was scared.
"Get in the helicopter! We're escaping"
The two men hopped in.
"What about Alison?" Cameron asked.
"Knowing her, she'll be ok for now, but we have to get out of here. We won't be able to rescue her now."
Cameron relunctantly agreed, and Guile piloted the helicopter into the night sky.