NationStates Jolt Archive

Council recalls all Ennish citizens in latest move against dissidents

Special report from Manasi Jaiswal for the Daily Ennial

The long held tensions between the oligarchic Council of Enn and the People’s Assembly appear to be on the breaking point. Rumours of rebellion continue to grow on the streets, while the Council has decided to withdraw all Ennish citizens to within the nation’s borders, an action without precedent. The Council has issued a statement through its spokesman, Xavier Loreni.

“In order to contain this issue within Enn’s borders, the Council has chosen to withdraw every member of Enn’s consular and embassy staff by Wednesday,” Mr Loreni began at the press conference yesterday. “The Council has also put out calls to all Ennish civilians in other nations, requesting that they return to Enn at once, and is requesting all foreign nationals to leave Enn. The Council has ruled Enn since the city was founded, and sees no need to ask for aid at this time.”

Yssandra Faren, currently Ennish Consul to the UN, released a statement as soon as she returned to the city. “I find doubtful that the Council truly believes it can contain anything if it feels the need to recall every Ennish official. We were involved in several high profile negotiations at the United Nations, which I had to withdraw from. Such actions can only reduce Enn’s standing in the international community.”

Ms Faren’s condemnation is the first time any Council-appointed Ennish official has dared criticise a Council action. Her statement has been seized upon by representatives of the People’s Assembly, many of whom have long been calling for the dissolution of the Council’s power.

“This is the final nail in the coffin of Council-led Ennish politics,” stated Hannah Sikura, Assembly Chairperson. “If even the Council’s own hand-picked representatives are arguing against it, then there is nothing more to be said. It is time that the citizens of Enn finally remove this parasite holding them back. I am not calling for revolution, but if that is the only way to move forward, so be it.”

It remains to be seen how Enn’s longstanding friends and allies in the international community will react to this heightening in Enn’s political situation.

Lady Desdemona sat surrounded by her morning papers and being casually avoided by the staff. The front page showed a picture of the Ennish capital. She smiled, remembering the old days in the bar, until she saw the headline.

Her breathing deepened. After a few seconds she picked up the phone and dialled Queen Rosalind's privet line.

'Darling, I think I have a problem.'

OOC: this is set during the morning of the first major protest

Ecopoeia’s embassy in Enn, mid-morning

Japhet Carter emerged from blissful slumber to the sound of a distant cacophony. He sat up, yawned expansively and tried to focus on this strange intrusion. Shouting and jeering. What on earth? He pulled back the covers, glanced longingly at the naked sleeping form next to him and stumbled to the window. His eyes widened as he pulled back the curtain. Hundreds of people, bellowing slogans in an alien language that sleep-fogged mind could not interpret. He realised that this was a procession, gradually moving past Ecopoeia’s modest embassy towards the heart of Enn’s government district.

Hands slowly wrapped around his belly. Fingers lazily traced a path to his chest, their silvery touch sending jolts through his body. Warm breath on his neck was followed by the tender touch of dry lips. He sighed.

“Ooh. ‘Morning, uh, my dear.”

“Forgotten my name already?” A chuckle.

“Hmm. Sorry. Ah, have you noticed what’s going on outside?”

“What? Oh, my…”

“I think you’re getting your revolution. Honey.”

The Ennishman reeled back, spluttering with shock. Japhet smiled, enjoying the native’s enraptured expression. That and the sight of exposed milky white skin. He groaned inwardly as the native started to hustle into his clothes, still babbling excitedly in Ennish that Japhet could barely understand. The Ecopoeian watched him as he made for the door, only to pause.

“Oh. Sorry, um. Jaffit?”

“Close enough.” I’ll forgive anything you say in that accent.

The Ennishman smiled awkwardly, eyes lingering over Japhet’s still naked body. He strode back to him, planted a brief kiss on his lips and left. The Ecopoeian watched regretfully as the door swung shut, then padded back to the bed. The phone rang.

“Japhet Carter.“

“Well, hello. Casanova, I presume?” The voice sounded amused.

“A whole night to think of something and that’s the best you’ve managed? I’m disappointed, Shamalia.”

“Fair enough. He still there?”

“You’re smirking aren’t you? I hate it when you smirk at me. Even when I can’t see you. Anyway, yes, he just left. Flushed with excitement and with no blemishes to betray us, before you ask.”

“Believe me, I wasn’t going to. Anyway, to business: you seen what’s going on outside?”

“Oh, yes. Interesting, eh?”

“Absolutely. Look, can you meet me at, uh, that coffee house by the river?”

“Yeah, sure. I need to get dressed first… hang on, why there? In fact, why are you calling me? Shouldn’t you be in the embass… oh.”

Embarrassed silence on the other end of the line.

“Strumpet. You’ll never make a good Sufi.”

“Sod off, you Godless wretch. Anyways, see you in about half an hour.”

“OK, send the lucky man or woman my love.”

So, the Ennish are in the mood for a revolution. I’m sure we can teach them a thing or two…

"Oh, for Council's sake..." Stephanie Fulton yelled as she was rudely awoken from her slumber. By her sister Georgie no less. Surely she should know better by now not to interrupt Stephanie when she was asleep.

"What's going on? What's all this noise?" Stephanie yelled, trying to get back to sleep.

"Steph, get up! Hannah Sikura's pretty much called for revolution! We can't stay here! The protestors are coming this way!"

"Hannah? What's she doing that for," she mumbled in response. Then, "Hang on a second. Hannah's called for revolution? Hannah? Oh boy. Great, just what Enn needs now.
"But why do we need to leave?"

"Steph, are you out of your mind? We're living in the Council quarters! As far as the mob is concerned, we're a valid target! It doesn't matter that you received this place for services to Enn, it doesn't matter that Hannah knows you personally! We can't stay here!"

"Alright, alright, I'm moving. Is there anything we need to get that can't be reached quickly?"

"I hope not. I've had suitcases packed since I saw that article in the Daily Ennial."

"That must be why I couldn't find any of my clothes. Alright, let's go. We'll decide where we're going on the way."

It was early morning in New Manchester but light was failing to filter through the window of the black palace. The candles were lit and Queen Rosalind was sat around the table with Desdemona and Rose, the regional liaison to Enn.

'Our ambassadors have been removed and the Ennish have been returned.'

Desdemona was watching Rose avoid the gaze of the Queen. It was quite entertaining.

'Adrian stayed, though?'

'Yes, your majesty.'

'My most senior ambassador and you weren't going to tell me about him? Pray tell why not.'

She brought the 'pray tell' out, she was in the mood for a game. Desdemona, on the other hand, began to get board of the usual court games of power and status.

'He stayed to coordinate the relief effort. That's all. He speaks perfect Ennish and he knows the right people.'

Stupid girl.

'Relief effort?'

'We assumed...'

'We are mounting a relief effort Rosalind,' Desdemona said all too precisely, 'although I'm wondering who Adrian considers the right people.'

'Desdemona enough! We will mount a relief effort. Take no sides, treat the injured, feed the hungry. Have our displaced ambassadors work on opening a dialogue between myself and the main players of this game. Ban all travel into Enn by our passport holders and prepare for refugees. Can you cope with that Rose?'

'Yes.'

'Then go.'

Rose left without looking back and Rosalind turned to Desdemona.

'What are you doing?'

'When we were students you got up and protested against the government for not sending aid to our neighbours.'

'Don't try to be noble. You have interests in Enn.'

'We owe a lot to them.'

'You owe a lot to them, Delegate.'

'Our position has led to the population having greater trust of the government. We owe Enn. They are on of our greatest allies.'

'I don't know what you are trying to do here but I am ordering you to stay out of the Enn situation.'

Desdemona stood. She walked to where Rosalind was sat with that mechanical grin across her face.

'Darling, you never were one for giving orders. I'll tell you what; I'm going to quit, hang up my position in this government. Then I'm going to walk out of this palace. I am not going to come back. I'm sick of playing games, Rosalind. You promised change, you are doing nothing. I'm going to go to Enn. I'm going to help the people like I helped our people.'

She started to leave but Rosalind's words stopped her.

'Stop trying to sound so noble Des. You do it all for yourself. Not for power, I'll admit, but for love. Which is still selfish, Desdemona, perhaps more.'

She braced herself against the door and hung here head without looking back.

'Look at us Rosalind. Have we changed so much that we can speak like this? It's too grand, too formal, no feeling, it does nothing. But doesn't it sound good?'

She left then, quite unsure of what had just happened but, she reasoned, you get that way in politics. Maybe Geoffrey had the right idea 'say what you mean and say nothing else.'

Poll for the Daily Ennial
Which government style are you in favour of?

~ No change - 22%
~ Full Council control - 21%
~ Full Assembly control - 43%
~ Other - 13%
~ Don't know/Uncommited - 3%

(Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding)

Yssandra smiled as she read the latest poll. Since the Council managed to put down the last round of protests remarkably peacefully (only three serious injuries), support for the rebel cause was down. However, the Council had not managed to make up any ground - more and more people were supporting alternative systems of government. And she liked it when people looked away from oligarchy and democracy as systems of government.

But she needed to do something personally if people were to see her as the best alternative. Particularly if the next protest went riotous, as it was threatening to do.

She called out to her secretary. "I am going to need contact with our allies in the United Nations. Enn is going to need outside help, or this revolution business is going to end up with many people dead on either side. See which of our allies and colleagues are willing to help us, or I may need to address the UN personally."

There were times when Shamalia Nazar found herself suddenly overwhelmed by the realisation that she was in a foreign land. She would be brought to a halt, giddy with the sensation that she was standing at the centre of a maelstrom; alien language and culture swirling around her, merciless and uncompromising. At these times she would have to clasp at a familiar sight or sound and desperately anchor herself until she regained her sense of place. Partly terrifying, partly exhilarating, this occasional and spontaneous disconnection made her feel that her job was worthwhile. The precipice, the cusp, the yawning unseen chasm beyond: her elixir.

Revolution in Enn! Her unexpected overnight bedfellow simply couldn’t compete. She watched, slightly dazed, at eddies in the gently flowing river that traced its sinuous path through the capital. She followed a small branch as it span and bobbed its way to the sea and caught sight of Ecopoeia’s other ambassador to Enn. Small, delicate frame and wide toothy grin; ah, the smug bastard!

Shamalia stood as Japhet arrived and they hugged and exchanged kisses on cheeks.

“Japh, wipe that infernal grin off your face. He wasn’t that pretty.”

“I beg to differ. Besides, enthusiasm and technique go a long way to-”

“Stop. Now. Get yourself a drink and let’s get down to business.” He winked and headed to the bar. Shamalia watched as gaudily plumaged birds frolicked and courted in the trees overhanging the river. Japhet returned, supping gingerly at a steaming mug of coffee. He grimaced.

“Insipid crap. We need to get Enn to buy more of our coffee.”

Shamalia murmured her agreement.

“OK, Japh. Ecopoeia’s official position is clearly going to be one of careful neutrality, backing the demonstrators exercising their right to blah, blah, blah. However, we continue to support the Council for as long as the majority of the people do so and trust that whatever transpires from the current unrest is a peaceable and agreeable yada, yada, yada. Agreed?”

“Of course.”

“Now, you know that I’m right behind the protestors, but Enn needs a decisive resolution or it’s in some kind of limbo. Does this rebellion really have a clear strategy for change?”

“No. I think that’s fairly clear in light of the popular support for Yssandra Faren. She’s playing a power game.”

“Mmm, I dunno. I think you’re being a bit harsh.”

“We’ll see. Personally, I’d like us to unequivocally state our support for this bid to free up the political process and whatnot, no matter how poorly co-ordinated these groups are. If it was good enough for us, it’s good enough for Enn. Let’s be honest, the Council is a fossilised gerontocracy that ought to be cast to the annals of history.”

“Flowery. But true. There’s no way that Chalmers will buy it though. He’s the pragmatist’s pragmatist. If this all goes tits up we don’t want to be on the wrong side of the Council. Enn’s a good ally.”

“OK. So, how do we avoid being turfed out? I don’t much fancy a return trip to the homeland right now? Not when things are getting interesting.”

“Well… there wouldn’t be any harm in contacting someone on the inside who’s sympathetic to the revolutionary cause. See if they have any suggestions.”

“Ah. Stephanie Fulton?”

“I reckon. No time like the present, eh?”

'UN Delegate missing; Lady Desdemona of Merwell was officially reported missing yesterday after not appearing at work for the past two days.

'Lady Desdemona has tirelessly campaigned for women's rights, gay rights, and equality. She was a founding member of the revolutionary government.

'Although the Merwell estate has no comment we have found out that she has been officially declared dead. Harry is out side the UN building. Harry is there any...'

She flicked the radio off. They were approaching the embassy. Outside the door was barricaded shut. Geoffrey smashed the glass that was still lingering around the outside of the window frame. That is, until he found a gun pointed at his head.

'Back the fuck away, mate. Geoff?'

'Adrian.'

'Sorry, revolution and all that.'

* * * * *

They sat around the kitchen table while Adrian made tea. And poured brandy in it.

'I was listening to the international service. Rosalind thinks your dead you know?'

'I heard. Is anyone believing her?'

'Naw, NWBS's all over it. And your little boy has been backing you up. You trained him well. He even wanted to name an award after you. So what are you doing here Des?'

'I have friends here. Hannah and Stephanie. And we can't loose Ennish support.'

'Well I can't help you. I'll give you a bed though in return for your first aid training. My sources say their is going to be a riot.'

He had been keeping a tight watch on the Ecopoeians at the bar and he had a feeling it was about to pay off.

'Flowery. But true. There’s no way that Chalmers will buy it though. He’s the pragmatist’s pragmatist. If this all goes tits up we don’t want to be on the wrong side of the Council. Enn’s a good ally.'

'OK. So, how do we avoid being turfed out? I don’t much fancy a return trip to the homeland right now? Not when things are getting interesting.'

'Well… there wouldn’t be any harm in contacting someone on the inside who’s sympathetic to the revolutionary cause. See if they have any suggestions.'

Now. He waved his way through the tabled until he found himself in front of them.

'Leaving so soon.'

He handed one his identification card, security clearance clearly stating his nationality.

'If you are going by that way I was wondering if you could take something for me. A letter. I feel the good woman will be very interested in the contents.'

**In the office of the Emporer**

With a large sigh, the emporer looks at the latest reports from the Nation of Enn. "When will people learn that their leader already knows whats best for them?"

"I'm not exactly sure, sir."

"Dispatch spy planes, bla bla bla....", said the Emporer. Then he looked around and added, "Also send a spy into the city to gather up-to-date information about the happenings. Give him anything he needs to defend himself. You know, the normal: Tazers, small handgun, Type 5 bullet-proof armor, etc."

"I'll notify the spy division of the army immeditally."


**2 hours later, on a Super Huey headed toward Enn**
An unknown figure states to the agent, "Agent 927, your orders are stealth and information obtaining only. You only can use deadly force under circumstances of anyone trying to kill you."

"Understood," Agent 927 states.

The helecopter drops down to 15 foot above the land as it makes it's final approach to the city. At about 1 mile from the city the helecopter touches down and the Agent gets out of the chopper and walks toward the city. The choppers approach was masked due to a reflective coating on the hull that throw's radar directly into the ground.

Hannah rose to make a statement to the Assembly from the Chair.

"The current state of play cannot continue. The Council has shown time and time again that it cannot govern Enn satisfactorily. I am calling for a no-confidence motion in the Council's leadership of Enn. The People's Assembly shall function as Enn's government until such time as Enn so wills it."

The second came almost immediately from several parts of the room, followed by calls for an immediate vote.

Council Chambers

Xavier Loreni, Council spokesman and Advisor for International Affairs to the Council, made his report to the Council of Enn.

"The People's Assembly, at the urging of Chairwoman Sikura, has declared no confidence in the Council's leadership. The Assembly members have also declared themselves interim government in Enn."

One of the saffron-robed Councillors rose, the cowl covering his face.

"They have no such right," he intoned. "Only the Council has the ability to govern Enn fully. It is only correct that we continue to rule as we have done since the city was founded. It is guaranteed under the Constitution drawn up by both Council and Assembly nearly two centuries ago."

"I beg to differ," Xavier interrupted. "While they may have no right, they currently have the weight of public opinion. Ennish citizens are in support of the Assembly."

"Not if I have read the most recent polls correctly," the Councillor replied. "While Enn may not support the Council any longer, the Assembly has no mandate. Many people are still supportive of our unique system combining democracy and oligarchy. Nearly as many wish for the Council to rule alone, as we did for uncounted years.
"And then there are those who support a different political ideology altogether. What have you to say about that matter?"

"Nearly 15% of the population do not support full democracy, full oligarchy or the combination that Enn grew great under. It is my understanding that several citizens see themselves as the only way forward."

"Are you speaking of... autocracy? How could anyone support such a system? Yes, there may be some who think of themselves so proudly, but who would support them?"

"I do not know fully, but the forerunner has great personal magnetism, and a great ability to sway people to her point of view."

"Her? Surely you can't mean... you were the one who got her appointed to the Consular position."

"I know. But there is another matter. Several police officers, patrolling the outskirts of the city, have noticed a helicopter approach, land and deposit a person. This unidentified individual disappeared soon afterwards, and we have not been able to find him or her.
"The helicopter is of an unknown design, and does not correspond with the military forces of any of Enn's allies. I do not believe that this is an attempt by an ally to interfere, instead I believe it is another outside influence. We will continue searching for this person. In the meantime, I would suggest informing the Assembly of this matter."

"Why? They have just removed us from power!"

"But an unknown military power interfering in Enn concerns us all. Internal divisions are one thing, Enn itself can survive internal civil disruption. But I do not believe we could truly survive an invasion in our already weakened state."

IC:
3 hours after his landing in the nation of Enn, Agent 927 finds himself surrounded by civilians protesting the government intensly. To make sure that he isn't found out to be a spy, he begins to wander through the croud looking for anything of interest to his superiors. When he is throughly satisfied that nothing from the protest is good enough to report to his superiors, he walks out of the croud and down the street toward a local bar. Hopefully he can find some worthy information from at least someone in this town.





OOC: I need somoene to do this Bar scene with. Someone to be the patrons who would possibly give my agent some more information about what is exactly going on with this situation.

OOC: Character-in-bar coming right up!

IC: Stephanie wandered dispiritedly into the Wall's End Bar. She and her sister had been staying with their parents since that first mad day, and she simply couldn't put up with their calm confusion much longer.

"Bartender, get me... how about one of those drinks from Ardchoille? Assuming, of course, that you still have any."

"Coming right up, Stephanie. We got lucky, a shipment just before the Council sealed the borders. We'll have enough for the next few days at least. After that, who knows?"

"Who does?" Stephanie groaned into her drink. A good drink, so different from anything Enn had managed to produce. The shandies were good, but they got mighty boring when they were the only thing available.

She had a look around. Usual patrons, for the most part. A few who from the looks of them had decided to change pubs till the chaos settled down. And one extra. Looked somewhat confused.

"Don't think I've ever seen you before," she addressed the newcomer. Foreign, she was sure. You don't get many with that combination of features from Ennish blood. "You aren't from Enn, are you? Don't worry, I've worked with other countries my entire adult life. I don't hold anything against others nations. Where're you from? Why'd you stay, or did you just get caught here once they sealed the borders?"

Another day, another meeting. This time with a young, hansom, ambassador who was stuck with the name Sam around bunch of romantics. He wasn't a bad way to spend meetings as far as Rosalind was concerned.

'I believe we can open a dialogue with both the council and Yssandra Faren. But I suggest waiting on Hanna Sikura.'

'Why.'

'I took the liberty of arranging for part of our security teams to stay in Enn. Des has arrived and she is trying to contact Hannah.'

'So your telling my our alliance is split between three sides in this?'

'No, your Majesty. I'm suggesting that there are only two sides of this battle. One is not going to remain for long.'

'The council.'

'Yes. And if we can convince the other two they are fighting for the same team...'

'If there little revolution succeeds they won't remain convinced of that for long.'

'Leaving Enn ripe for the picking, Majesty.'

'Watch your ambition boy. We don't want Enn.'

'Yes Majesty.'

'Promise Desdemona to Yassandra.'

'Yes Magesty.'

That boy is growing up too fast, thought Rosalind.

Sam found his way to his new office with some difficulty. The Queen had given him a beautiful set of rooms to work from, which was nice of her. He could think of worse ways to get ahead.

He drowned a brandy before picking up his phone.

'Let her know Desdemona is hers. By order of the Queen.'

IC:
"Just passing through this nation," the spy says as he orders up a water. "I'm staying here for a few weeks till i recieve word from my company on where i am to meet a potential supplier. So i'll be staying at a local hotel, if i can find one."

But what the people in the bar don't know is that he came to this land via a low level drop from a Super Huey near the boarder of the nation. He looks around the bar some more and spots an interesting painting on the wall.

"Where did that painting come from? I've seen an exact duplicate before, i just don't remember where."

Stephanie Fulton storyline:

"Where did that painting come from? I've seen an exact duplicate before, i just don't remember where."
"That one?" Stephanie asked. "Come to think of it, I really don't remember seeing that here before. Could have sworn it's from the Ennish National Art Gallery..."

She sat in thought. Obviously, someone had 'taken advantage of every opportunity', and 'liberated' the Paula Scheltinger landscape from ENAG in the middle of the confusion. But surely just putting it on the wall of a pub would be asking for trouble, not least from the Gallery officials.

"Anyway, my name's Stephanie Fulton. Used to work in the UN quite a bit. What about you? You mentioned a company, what kind of work?"

[OOC: apologies for the delay...]

'Leaving so soon.'

He handed one his identification card, security clearance clearly stating his nationality.

'If you are going by that way I was wondering if you could take something for me. A letter. I feel the good woman will be very interested in the contents.'
Shamalia and Japhet gazed in bewilderment at the letter held out by the Black New Worlder. Japhet reacted first, tentatively taking it from the stranger’s outstretched hand. The man nodded at him curtly and strode away before either of them could say anything. They looked at each other.

“Um,” decided Shamalia.

“Er,” agreed Japhet.

“Guess we’re not the only outsiders taking an interest in proceedings.”

“It would appear so. I get the feeling that Ms Fulton has a pivotal role to play. I can’t help but wonder if she would welcome this.” Japhet stopped abruptly.

“Something wrong?” Shamalia asked him, a half smile on her face.

“Uh, no. No. Sorry, I need to, ah, pop to the gents’.”

“Last night repeating on you?” The smile was now full.

“Something like that. Back in a mo.”

* * *

Inside, Japhet pulled out the small mobile phone he kept hidden in a small pocket of his jacket. As he suspected, the sharp vibration he had felt earlier was signalling a communication. Ecopoeians were, by and large, strangers to such technology, but he had very good reason to possess the device. The message was short:

Call usual number on neutral line. Urgent.

He stifled a groan. His position in Enn had just got a lot more complicated.

Hannah Sikura and Xavier Loreni storyline:

Hannah sat in her office, facing the person she had initially taken to be her enemy. Not much had changed, but at least they weren't spiteful.

"So, Mr. Loreni, you went to the Council and told them that they are no longer needed?"

"That is correct. I informed them that the Assembly had declared no confidence in the Council. I made clear to them that it would be - difficult - to convince most Ennish people that the Council could effectively rule any more."

"And they declined? I'm not surprised. But do please tell me what they actually said."

"The Head Councillor made clear that this action was illegal under the Ennish Constitution. I then remonstrated with him, but he was clear. I even asked that the Council meet with the Assembly as a way to make sure that we are all clear on where we stand in this matter, instead of relying on intermediaries. Nothing."

"Very well. Thankyou for at least trying, Xavier. I know I never like you back when we were both working at the UN, but I have always had the utmost respect for you. If you were unable to sway the Council, then I doubt anyone else could. You may as well go now"

"Ms. Sikura, there is one other thing," Xavier paused after standing. "I have cleared this with the Council, they believe that it is important enough for the Assembly to now, even now."

"Xavier, what is it? You look worried."

"We have reason to believe that an unknown military power is trying to involve itself in Ennish politics at this time. We do not believe that it is one of Enn's allies, but other than that we have little idea. We know that at least one agent of this power is currently within Enn. The Council wishes for the Assembly to investigate this matter with the Ennish Security Forces, which have always been under Assembly control."

Hannah froze for a few seconds, before regaining her composure. "Th-thank you for this information. Please let the Council know that the Assembly will investigate this to its full extent. Military domination is a great evil, and we must make sure that we are not distracted from Enn's external affairs."

Xavier left.

"Pity," Hannah murmured. "Pity that the Security Forces are no longer under Assembly control. Or Council control. I don't know how she did it, how much money she must have. To think that Yssandra Faren would be able to buy Enn's police to become her own private army!"