NationStates Jolt Archive

Monday, 6 August, 2007 - 8:30 am

The woman strode into the Commander's office without knocking, as had been her habit for nearly the entire six years she had been working in Krioval. She spoke with a pinched, nasal voice that could irritate the most saintly and tolerant individual. "More things for you, Commander. Straight from the United Nations floor." She thrust a series of documents into Raijin's hands while he struggled not to throttle her on the spot.

A young man burst into the room gasping for breath. "Commander Raijin!" he exclaimed.

"Yes?" Raijin turned to face the intruder. He noticed that the messenger was a mid-ranking soldier, an unusual visitor at this hour. It could mean only one thing.

"The election results have been certified."

The Commander took a deep breath and then exhaled. The campaign had been long and especially bitter this year. Of course, the Conception (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=423761) and Creation had caused an incredible stir. Never before had the powers of a wrathful deity been summoned straight into the heart of a populated area in the history of Krioval, and that forty million people died as a result made his bid to remain in power especially challenging. It helped enormously that the massacre in the former city of Bralos wasn't his fault, and had instead been linked to the monastery in Andretara. Still, he had stayed his hand from the Slashers, and hoped it wouldn't cost him at the polls. "What are the results?"

The woman interrupted. "We are in the middle of a meeting, Commander!"

"Be still, woman." Raijin's temper began to show signs of exploding forth. He had honestly seen enough of the compliance minister for the rest of his natural life. To the soldier, he simply said, again, "what are the results?"

The soldier handed a piece of paper to Raijin.

Shall Raijin Dekker be retained as Commander of Krioval until March 2016?

Yes - 69.2%
No - 30.8%

Choose one political party to form a government in the Kriovalian Senate.

Free Krioval - 45.7%
Security - 27.5%
Frontier - 22.4%
Independent/Other - 4.4%

Choose [X] Senators to directly represent your district.

[list of Senators]

Proposition 31. Shall Krioval depart, effective 6 August 2007, from the United Nations? (requires two-thirds)

Yes - 70.9%
No - 28.1%

Proposition 32. Shall Krioval create a protectorate, located at the Commander's discretion, to house a Kriovalian UN mission? (requires two-thirds, requires passage of Proposition 31)

Yes - 77.1%
No - 22.9%

Raijin read the results again. He had been confirmed, and while the margin was just over two-thirds, it was comfortable enough. The Senate had turned a bit more conservative, but most shocking was the UN vote. It took a few seconds for reality to sink in. Krioval is no longer in the UN. He turned to the compliance minister with an evil expression. "Pack your bags! You're off to 'Hell's Rock', downtown middle of nowhere!" His tone was exultant - he had won.

"But...but..."

Raijin allowed himself to laugh openly, even in the presence of the young soldier. "You stupid bitch. You thought you had real power here? Just like the rest of them, really. All talk and no force whatsoever." He returned his gaze to the soldier. "Fighter Johan, right?"

"Yes, Commander."

"So many called Johan these days. Anyway, please 'escort' the lady here to her new 'office'. See that there's no trouble."

"Yes, Commander." The soldier noticeably brightened as well. The election was a decisive victory for the military, and he knew it. "Come on, then."

The compliance minister's feeble protests soon ceased as she realized that, after six years of grating on Raijin Dekker's last nerve, she was done in Krioval.

President Grey sends Rajin Dekker his best wishes regarding the Commander's re-election. He has also instructed me to congratulate the nation of Krioval in their decision to leave the UN.

On a more personal note, again thanks be to Dekker for sparing my life.

Dan Rickhart
Chancellor for Foreign Affairs

A cheerfull bleeping woke the Tanaran Ambassador to Krioval from pleasant dreams, and Lady Michiko Jones, Dowager Emperess of Tanara, hastily snatched up the ear bug with a whispered "Yes?" She didn't want to wake the man next to her. Both she and Valkai had been up very late, watching the election returns

Her smile was brilliant as the news was relayed to her concerning the results of the elections. Raijin would remain as Commander, and Krioval was leaving the UN! That pleased her to no end. She had come, after indepth study of that organization, to loathe the UN unreservedly, and made no secret of it, though she seldom spoke of it unless asked.

She looked over at Valkai, her eyes soft as she watched him sleep - or pretend to, she was never sure as he feigned it so well when he wished to. Carefull not to disturb him she rose from the bed and slid on a soft cotton kimono and headed for the bathroom. Once she'd showered and dressed she stepped into the sitting room, closing the door behind her, and ordered breakfast up from the Embassy's kitchen.

"Put me through to the Commander's Office if you please" She asked Porthos, the Embassy AI. Raijin was going to be ticked that she had the information probably no later than five minutes after he did. That brought an impish grin to her face. "I need to congratulate him on his victory, and once the 'new' govenrment is installed re-present my credentials. He'll probably make me wait in line" Michiko mused with a laugh. The relationship between her and Raijin Dekker was...interesting.

The Kingdom of Blood Moon also congratulates Commander Dekker on his re-election, and his peoples excellent choice to depart the so-called 'United Nations'.
As a gift, King Rockcrusher has dispatched a handy automatic blunderbuss, perfect for keeping pigeons under control. If you have pigeons. If not, its good for keeping your local pigeon equivalent under control. Although in Blood Moon the local pigeon equivalent is a sort of giant roach that needs to be ground into a paste and buried under a rock in Blood Moon, and even then, there are lots of long, shallow ditches in Blood Moon with rocks at the end of them.
Thus we have also dispatched a large drum of roach-poison in the form of handy paintball-style pellets perfect for firing from your new blunderbuss.
We do not advise using it indoors.

The congratulations were already pouring in by nine that morning when Raijin's procession left the towering center of Torokara for the new parkland below. Beneath the brilliant morning sun, seemingly reflected off the glittering facades fo the capital, the assemblage was noted for its diversity. Men and women of nearly every ethnicity were part of Raijin's government, from the blond-haired, blue-eyed Darvek to the black-skinned Vardun. Even the degree of modesty varied among the various Directors and lower officials, as Raijin's brightly-colored uniform evoked more of his status as Paladin than Commander, while Vakia chose her signature plunging neckline. Strangest of all, however, was that they paraded on foot, choosing to visibly suppress notions of a new nobility too lazy to walk a quarter mile.

The Commander verified that the sound system was working properly, and several media representatives checked their cameras for the fiftieth time in ten minutes. "Citizens of Krioval, today is a huge day for all of us. I accept your decision that I stay on for another term as this nation's Commander, though I apologize for the disasters suffered in the past few years." He paused, allowing the words to sink in. "Krioval is a nation that has known more infighting and political strife than many of our neighbors, and while one could easily point fingers, the sad truth is that we have yet to overcome the very real problems presented by prejudice and intolerance in our midst. To fight this, I suggest that we return to our roots, so to speak. The temples were never meant to be a place of secrecy and intrigue, and the struggles between our Christian minority and those who follow the ancient faith have caused great rifts in our society. Thus, the doors are open to all comers, whatever their faith, as of this moment. No longer will a God have a single place where he or she can be revered.

"Separation of church and state is a noble concept, but in Krioval, it is a problematic one. We are, for the most part, filled with zeal. Our membership in the United Nations has led to great social development, it is sure, but it has also stifled constructive dialogue between leaders of faith and government, even when offices overlap." People nearby nodded in recognition - both Raijin and Koro occupied high positions in both secular and ecclesiastical affairs. "So now we will talk about our differences, and with a little luck, get past them.

"In the past eight years, we have gone from a modestly strong industrial nation to an economic superpower. Our first space flight was in two thousand two, only five years ago. I actually laugh when I realize that our scientists had figured out how to travel among the stars before we had ever achieved orbit. Now our Republic extends to seventeen solar systems, with twenty-eight planets under our banner. From here, I see more peaceful expansion and trade possibilities in the coming years. In the interests of saving some time, I will stop here, and ask for questions from the audience - wherever that audience may be."

Michiko had been unable to get through to speak with Raijin in person, but had left him a congratualtory message. She watched the televised announcement as she finished her breakfast and began going over the past night's message traffic as she continued to listen. The Embassy ran on a very small set of personell, with Porthos and his avatar handling most communications and secretarial duties.

"Porthos, make up a report for the Empress and both Houses concerning the results of the elections here on Krioval. When you're done I'll review and append my own thoughts" She requested

"No longer will a God have a single place where he or she can be revered."

That drew her attention up sharply, as the two broad bands of tattoos that encircled her wrists flared into visibility and a faint laugh sounded softly in the back of her mind. Ashala wasn't going to let Raijin forget his agreements

President Grey sends Rajin Dekker his best wishes regarding the Commander's re-election. He has also instructed me to congratulate the nation of Krioval in their decision to leave the UN.

On a more personal note, again thanks be to Dekker for sparing my life.

Dan Rickhart
Chancellor for Foreign Affairs

Commander Raijin Dekker thanks President Grey of Farmina for his notice of our elections. We are furthermore pleased at the response we have received for our departure from the UN from many nations at this point.

The Commander would like to make it known that as the Chancellor was not guilty of crimes against Krioval stronger than disagreement with some of our policies, it would have been unjust to inflict punishment.

Director Yuri Sokolev
Kriovalian Division of Diplomacy

Commander Raijin Dekker thanks President Grey of Farmina for his notice of our elections. We are furthermore pleased at the response we have received for our departure from the UN from many nations at this point.

The Commander would like to make it known that as the Chancellor was not guilty of crimes against Krioval stronger than disagreement with some of our policies, it would have been unjust to inflict punishment.

Director Yuri Sokolev
Kriovalian Division of Diplomacy

Raijin Dekker threatened to throw me into hurricane regardless, and his decision not to leaves me grateful and capable of fufilling my life's works.

I hope that Mr Dekker knows, President Grey and myself have long memories and old debts shall be repaid, as Justinian learnt, to his discomfort.

Dan Rickhart
Chancellor for Foreign Affairs

OOC: This Rickhart's equivalent of "I'm going to kill you."

The Triumvirate met.

"Lady Faren," Chairwoman Sikura began, "You said there has been an international incident?"

"That is correct," Lady Faren answered. "Enn's UN Consul, Stephanie Fulton, has been informed that the nation of Krioval has withdrawn from the United Nations. She reported this to me as soon as she was able."

Chief Justice Loreni stirred in his seat. "This is worrying," he said. "When well-known nations withdraw from the UN, it sends a message to many others. We withdrew at a time of chaos, as did many other nations, but when everything settled down we returned. Is Krioval's withdrawal a sign that the UN is again going through a chaotic period?"

"I do not know," Lady Faren responded. "It is certainly possible. We have seen many resolutions on similar topics. The Krioval delegation cited the oppression of economic freedoms as main reason for withdrawal, but there may be others."

"Very well. I thank you, Lady Faren, for bringing this matter to our attention. While it remains fully within your division of power at the moment, please keep Chief Justice Loreni and myself informed."

"I shall." Rising from the table, she left the other two triumvirs, and went to compose a letter to Commander Raijin Dekker.

____________

To: Raijin Dekker, Commander of Krioval
From: Lady Yssandra Faren, Triumvir of Enn

It is with great worry that I hear of your nation's withdrawal from the United Nations. We of Enn do not fully understand your reasons for doing so. I fully understand that you may wish to keep such reasons private, but I shall be interested if you wish to reveal them.

In other news, congratulations on your re-election. While I do not have to worry about such matters, my democratic fellow triumvir Chairwoman Hannah Sikura is coming up to such an election herself.

What on earth are you all talking about? I'm confused.

To: Raijin Dekker, Commander of Krioval
From: Lady Yssandra Faren, Triumvir of Enn

It is with great worry that I hear of your nation's withdrawal from the United Nations. We of Enn do not fully understand your reasons for doing so. I fully understand that you may wish to keep such reasons private, but I shall be interested if you wish to reveal them.

In other news, congratulations on your re-election. While I do not have to worry about such matters, my democratic fellow triumvir Chairwoman Hannah Sikura is coming up to such an election herself.

"Tell me about Enn, Director."

"Well, I have yet to visit the country, as what I know of that nation is through our interactions in..."

"...the UN."

"Yes, Commander."

Raijin sighed. There were few diplomatic ways to express his sentiments on the UN in the past month. He had watched his approval ratings fall steadily with each economically depressing resolution, and that Mikitivity was the proponent of another sermonizing environmental hackjob made his position untenable - if he had intended to stay the course. But then, he was Commander of Krioval, and like the military man he had once been, he knew how, and when, to adapt. "What of our interactions?"

"They have always been civil, even receptive at times, to Krioval's positions. Our positions have differed on occasion, especially with regard to social issues, however."

"In other words, Yuri, the problem is that they're too socialist for us." While the word 'socialist' wasn't quite an epithet in Kriovalian, it lay at the border of polite speech.

"Pretty much. They'd probably call it 'social justice' or something like that."

"I'm well aware of what others call it. I trust that most are well aware of what I've called it. But, if they've been friendly to us in the past, perhaps it's time to address their concerns directly." Yuri prepared to leave, expecting that he would be writing a response to Enn, but Raijin cut off his departure. "I'll take care of this. And don't worry, I'll be nice."

****************
To the Most Honored Lady Yssandra Faren, Triumvir of Enn,

I have received your letter with mixed feelings. I am happy to hear that news of my victory meets with your approval, and ostensibly, that of your government, and I wish your colleague well on retaining her position next month.

But that is not the main issue of your communication, and I should address that more fully here. Krioval's reasons for departing the UN are many, and are not secret, as there are very few things concealed in Krioval, and those are usually known by many. When Krioval entered into the United Nations, our nation was not as it is today. Having just emerged from civil war, we desired the stability and peace that membership in such an international organization would lend. To be completely (and perhaps brutally) honest, I feel that Krioval has outgrown the protections afforded by the institution of the UN, and that it has degenerated into a miasma of special interests, all competing for the "prize" of enforcing their particular agendas onto everybody else. It has become, in the eyes of this government, tyranny of the ambitious - those with the biggest advertising machines dictate policy to the rest of the UN these days.

Thus I feel that we have gone above and beyond the UN - Krioval requires a purity of focus that few civilizations ever achieve, and whether we are up to the task, the UN will only serve to hold us back. Its function is to moderate. Those nations demonstrating extremes are to be reined in, mitigated, as it were, to prevent that singular focus from ever developing. While I am grateful to those in the UN who have helped Krioval, participation in that organization is no longer a solid option for us.

I do endeavor to keep close relations with those countries choosing membership in that organization, and I hope without ceasing that you and others will be able to restore sanity to the United Nations before the damage done to some nations is too great to bear.

Commander Raijin Dekker
Armed Republic of Krioval

To the Most Honored Lady Yssandra Faren, Triumvir of Enn,

I have received your letter with mixed feelings. I am happy to hear that news of my victory meets with your approval, and ostensibly, that of your government, and I wish your colleague well on retaining her position next month.

But that is not the main issue of your communication, and I should address that more fully here. Krioval's reasons for departing the UN are many, and are not secret, as there are very few things concealed in Krioval, and those are usually known by many. When Krioval entered into the United Nations, our nation was not as it is today. Having just emerged from civil war, we desired the stability and peace that membership in such an international organization would lend. To be completely (and perhaps brutally) honest, I feel that Krioval has outgrown the protections afforded by the institution of the UN, and that it has degenerated into a miasma of special interests, all competing for the "prize" of enforcing their particular agendas onto everybody else. It has become, in the eyes of this government, tyranny of the ambitious - those with the biggest advertising machines dictate policy to the rest of the UN these days.

Thus I feel that we have gone above and beyond the UN - Krioval requires a purity of focus that few civilizations ever achieve, and whether we are up to the task, the UN will only serve to hold us back. Its function is to moderate. Those nations demonstrating extremes are to be reined in, mitigated, as it were, to prevent that singular focus from ever developing. While I am grateful to those in the UN who have helped Krioval, participation in that organization is no longer a solid option for us.

I do endeavor to keep close relations with those countries choosing membership in that organization, and I hope without ceasing that you and others will be able to restore sanity to the United Nations before the damage done to some nations is too great to bear.

Commander Raijin Dekker
Armed Republic of Krioval
"Well, politer than I expected," Lady Faren said to her advisor, Lt. Col. Amalya Xzelyn. "I was expected blustering and denials about secret reasons, not this... reasoned... explanation."

"Reasoned?" Amalya replied.

"The official Kriovallian reason makes sense. If our economy was that important to the functioning of Enn, no doubt we would withdraw as well. But we're not driven by the market. Money helps, but as long as we keep our monopolies we'll be fine in the UN."

"Very well, my lady. Is there anything else that needs doing with regards to the Kriovallian matter?"

"I would like you to keep me informed on any further developments. You've dealt with other nations in the past during your time on the Pretenama Panel, you should be able to go about this with tact. Nothing too intrusive, just moniter any major changes in policy by Commander Raijin Dekker."

Official Message

Addressed To: Commander Raijin Dekker

Howdy! I was glad to hear about the favorable election results in your nation and your withdrawal from the United Nations. HotRodia withrew from the UN some time ago, and we've been happier and more free ever since, not to mention more prosperous since the expense of maintaining that damn Compliance Ministry was removed and the environmental and work hours restrictions were removed. I hope you have the same good fortune we HotRodians did when we left the UN. Feel free to come and visit HotRodia sometime. We'd be happy to have you.

Minister of Hospitality
Sam I Am