NationStates Jolt Archive

(OOC: Yes, I'm a Gundam Wing fan, but it sounds good as a title)

Beijing

As the sunlight bathed Zhongnanhai in the early morning, the complex was starting to buzz with activity and gossip. The domestic staff were hard at work clearing up the mess left from the previous night's festivities, as the leadership of the Party had been schmoozing with various Eastasian celebrities and military high-ups. Most of the gossip centered around the inhabitant of the master suite, or the possiblity of there being inhabitants.....

Premier Kristan Zhao yawned loudly and wiped the sleep from his eyes as light streamed through the window; he would definately be taking a personal day after the night before. As he rolled over, he frowned at the sensation of warmth from the other side of the bed; when he saw the heat source, his eyes widened in shock. Sleeping peacefully next to him was Ruiyu Xian, one of Eastasia's most famous rock stars and recently voted "Eastasia's Sexiest Man". Zhao swore under his breath; the two had been seeing each other discreetly for the last few months, but it wasn't something they really wanted widely known. He gave Ruiyu a hard shove to wake him up, inadvertantly knocking him out of bed.

"Ow...morning. Why are you looking at me like tha....what time is it?"

"Time for us to think of a good excuse for you to have stayed in my bedroom!"

Ruiyu groaned as he reached for his pants. "Can't we just say the real reason why? It's not like anybody's going to care, this stuff happens."

"If this gets out, then the media will report it. If the media report it, then the foreign media will pick it up. Imagine what the international press will do with such a story! Damn damn damn....."

Ruiyu's eyes lit up as an idea came to him. "The room across the hall....it's unoccupied right?"

Kristan grinned as it dawned on him. "Hurry, the staff will be up to wake me in about....ten minutes! Get in there, mess it up, look tired, as far as anyone knows you slept in there last night."

Ruiyu grabbed the rest of his clothes and went to leave, stopping to give Kristan a peck on the cheek. "See you at breakfast."

Kristan leapt back under the covers once Ruiyu was out of the room; a few mintues later, there was a knock at the door as one of the staff entered.

"Comrade Premier, it is time for your wakeup call...oh, where's Comrade Xian?"

Kristan rubbed his eyes and sat up. "Across the hall....why did you think he would be in here? What are you implying?"

"Nothing Comrade Premier, I apologise. Breakfast will be ready shortly."

"We had a close call this morning."

Foreign Minister Ruiyan Bei looked quizically at Premier Zhao as they walked towards Zhao's office. Despite the lively party the night before and the phone call saying that the Premier would be taking the day off, he had still turned up anyway.

"Oh yeah? So what time did Ruiyu leave last night?"

"He didn't, that was the close call. We overslept, but nothing was discovered. Plenty was speculated, but nothing concrete."

Bei chuckled. "You two are insane. You should let the Information Ministry cook up some kind of lovely announcement about it. The people would love the fact that their Premier is cool enough to pull a rock star."

"Maybe some other time, right now we have more important issues to attend to. I want it done, Ruiyan. I want it done as soon as possible. No more procrastination."

Bei nodded. "Of course, Comrade Premier."

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

"Comrade Premier Zhao wants it done, as soon as possible. He's getting impatient."

The rest of the cabinet looked nervous as Bei relayed the message, with Interior Minister Huanren Yuan speaking first.

"This won't be easy. Once we get started, there'll be no turning back. There are representatives to coerce, laws to rewrite, the entire constitution will require a rehaul. I'm not saying we can't do it, but it isn't something easily done."

Economics Minister Qiantan Wei agreed. "What he's proposing will be noticed by everyone, we could lose trade for doing this. Comrade Zhao may call it streamlining the system, but we all know what it really is, and so will the international community."

Bei shook his head. "Let me worry about them. It is ridiculous that Comrade Zhao has to get permission from the legislature to do anything; we're simply ensuring smoother government."

Senator Fausto adjusted his tie as he scaled the steps of the house, wondering what all this was about. Although he was the senior of the two Filipino senators, he was still surprised to receive an invitation to dinner from Premier Zhao; the two very rarely spoke even in sessions of the Supreme Soviet. The staff ushered Fausto into the lounge, where Zhao was already talking with Senator Alejandrino, the second Filipino representative.

"Comrade Premier, it was most gracious of you to invite me. To be honest, I sometimes wondered if you even knew I was there."

Zhao smiled and gestured for Fausto to sit. "Of course I noticed you, Armando. You're one of our most respected sentors, everyone listens to you. That's partly why I invited you both here."

Fausto took a seat and received a drink as Zhao began discussing his reason for inviting them.

"My friends, we have something of a situation to take care of. There are nations in this world who would harm us because we're different, we all realise that. Unfortunately, if we need to take preventative action, I have to ask permission from both Houses. In fact, every government minister has to ask permission before they can do anything. It seems strange that they were selected because of their intelligence and experience, yet they are questioned constantly by people who have lesser understanding of the issues. I have decided to rectify that situation, but I require your assistance."

Alejandrino took a sip from his drink. "How can we help?"

"In a few days, I will be presenting Act 304 to both Houses. It will give the executive greater powers, allowing them to pass laws without the necessary majority in the Houses. They will be required to show you the proposed legislation, but they do not have to submit it to you to get it passed. Our government is becoming bogged down in red tape, and this is the best way to cut through it."

Fausto shook his head. "In that situation, both Houses become rubber-stamp assemblies. Exactly what they were under the Imperial government!"

Zhao smirked. "Armando, I appreciate your honesty, but the UER must evolve in order to survive. Think of what could be done! The human rights act could finally get passed! We will no longer have to worry about obstinate fools holding up our progress; we will be able to surge forward with no restriction. All I ask is that you vote in favour of Act 304. You will remain as Senators, we are not planning to dissolve democracy. We are merely streamlining it."

Beijing

The mood in the People's Soviet was strangely subdued as they met for the presentation of Premier Zhao's new bill. There had been a lot of meetings, conferences, dinner invitations and even a few covert bribes involving the representatives and government ministers, all designed to improve the chances of Act 304 being passed.

As Zhao took the podium, he looked around with satisfaction that every member had turned out for the presentation. He was especially confident because between himself and the cabinet they had secured majority support before the session even began; the Eastasian Communist Party's political apparatus had proven effective once again. Zhao smiled broadly at the Soviet before beginning.

"As you are no doubt aware, we are here today to vote on Act 304, officially known as the Executive Reform Act.

Article One. In addition to the legislative procedure guaranteed by the Constitution, laws of the Republic may also be enacted by the government of the Republic. This will cover all aspects of Eastasian law.

Article Two. Laws enacted by the government of the Republic may deviate from the constitution as long as they do not affect the institutions of the People's Soviet and the Supreme Soviet. These two institutions will not be dissolved, reduced or made less representative.

Article Three. Laws enacted by the Republic government will be issued by the Premier and Vice-Premiers. Said laws will be announced in both Houses before officially taking effect on the date ascribed to them.

Article Four. Foreign relations will be the exclusive preserve of the Eastasian Foreign Ministry. The Ministry will receive full freedom in concluding treaties with foreign powers. The legislative institutions will be informed of all treaties by the Foreign Minister before they are made binding.

That concludes the presentation. Representatives of the People's Soviet, I commend the Executive Reform Act and now ask you to vote on its implementation."

Zhao received a standing ovation as he left the chamber, smirking as his bodyguard met him. "Thus begins our true ascent."

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

That evening, the People's Soviet met again to declare the voting on Act 304; Zhao and the cabinet ministers were in attendance to see how it went. The Speaker read over the results before announcing them.

"On the matter of Act 304, the Executive Reform Act. The results are as follows. Votes in favour - 526. Votes in opposition - 9. The Executive Reform Act is passed by the People's Soviet of the United Eastasian Republic."

Zhao chuckled to himself. "Just the Supreme Soviet to go...."

"Are you sure about this? I doubt that it will work, Armando; we'll be risking a lot."

Senator Fausto shook his head at Senator Alejandrino. "Calm yourself. This Act still has to pass the Supreme Soviet; I want to ensure that doesn't happen. Everyone I've spoken to has agreed that we have to defeat it in order to preserve the democracy we fought hard to gain!"

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

The Supreme Soviet was bustling with activity as the Eastasian senators discussed the actions of the People's Soviet the day before. Some senators expressed dismay at the new sweeping powers being afforded to the executive, with the vast majority appearing to side with Senator Fausto. The chamber fell silent as Premier Zhao and the cabinet members strode in; as Zhao took the podium and read the Executive Reform Act to the gathering, he kept glancing towards specific senators.

When he finished reading, he looked up at the Soviet and smiled.

"I am aware that some of you have already decided to shoot down this Act. You are afraid that there will be no place for you after this passes. Let me assure you that your homes, your cars, your staff and your pensions are perfectly safe. We will not be checking into financial records, or personal activities, unless of course we are given a reason to. Now, with that in mind..."

"You can't threaten us."

Zhao glared at Fausto, who had stood and was pointing directly at the Premier. "You can't just undo all this! We are here for a reason, to stop your branch of government from excesses! We are the check against your..."

"Oh, shut up before you embarass yourself any further. Let me ask you, what are you going to do against it? Lead the Supreme Soviet in revolt against the government?"

"If necessary. We demand that you remove this abominable text from your agenda."

"Oh, we demand? Who is we? Tell me, how many of you agree with Senator Fausto?"

Fausto looked around with dismay as the other senators shifted in their seats to avoid his gaze. For all their bluff and talk, as long as they kept their lifestyles and guaranteed positions then they had no grievances. Fausto looked back at Zhao, who started applauding.

"Marvelous, I knew it. Are you quite done humiliating yourself? I mean, obviously I will expect your resignation as Senator; the people of Pilipinas State will be heartbroken to find how far you've fallen. Anyway, can we now proceed with the vote?"

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

The Speaker of the Supreme Soviet took his place at the podium and announced the voting results.

"In the matter of Act 304, the Executive Reform Act: votes in favour were 77. Votes in opposition were 1. The Executive Reform Act is commended by the Supreme Soviet of the United Eastasian Republic."

"Rock y'all,
Don't stop y'all,
To the beat y'all,
The bodyrock y'all"

The office staff looked up from their computers and photocopiers as the music became louder, then all eyes shot to the door as it flew open.

His mp3 player blaring at full volume thanks to some new speakers he'd acquired, Premier Kristan Zhao began strutting down the length of the Premieral Administration Department towards his office, clapping his hands in time with the beat while either kissing or hugging any staff in his path. The photocopy assistant was coerced into giving Zhao a hi-five and a wage increase was declared for the entire department as the young Premier entered his office, still joyous over the victory of the Executive Reform Act (ERA).

Now that he was 'unhindered' by the legislature, Zhao had many ideas he wanted forced into law. Having his multiple mansions recognised as official state residences was high on his list, as well as various 'equality measures' he had planned, such as better social welfare provision and the legalising of same-sex state marriage. The rest of the cabinet had brought him various ideas and initiatives that they wished to implement; under the ERA, all cabinet ministers had to have their proposals approved by Zhao before implementation.

However, Zhao was determined to have a good time before settling down to the new form of government. His strut had taken him through several departments that morning, and all of them had been promised wage increases; in the interests of fairness, Zhao noted down that all government departments would receive a pay increase. All computers in government buildings would be permitted access to (Eastasian-approved sites on) the Internet, and government employees would now enjoy 'Entertainment Tuesdays', where they would be provided with headphones so they could listen to whatever music they wished on their computers. Casual Fridays would remain in force, and vending machines would be reintroduced. Finally, all government cafeterias would serve more chocolate-based desserts, as much for Zhao's own enjoyment as everyone else.

Shanghai

"You guys are the greatest! Now, though, this next one is for our main man in Beijing! We know him, we love him, this is for Premier Zhao!"

The backstage staff exchanged bewildered glances as Ruiyu Xian launched into one of his favourite songs, "Shining Eastasia"; he'd never been one to even think about politics because, in his own words, it 'made his head hurt'.

"What the hell is he doing?"

"Maybe he's trying to play to the patriotic audience..."

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

"Great show everyone! I couldn't have done it without you!"

Ruiyu flashed his trademark boyish grin as he thanked the backstage staff for their efforts before entering his dressing room. Ensuring the door was locked, he picked up his phone and hit the speed-dial.

"Hello?"

"How's Beijing tonight?"

The voice at the other end became hushed. "Ruiyu, I'm in a meeting, I can't talk right now. I....yes, it's okay Qiantan, continue....I'll call you back, okay?"

Ruiyu went to answer but was cut off by the wolf-whistles audible from the other end. "Are they doing that for a reason?"

Zhao spoke up at last. "Yes, they figured it was you. Just as well it's a cabinet meeting.....anyway, since they won't carry on until we've finished, what can I do for you?"

"Well, more a case of what I can do for you."

"When are you back in Beijing?"

"Tomorrow morning......meet you for lunch?"

"Sure thing. I'll send a car for you, and we'll have it at my place. See you then."

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

As Ruiyu hung up, Zhao scowled at the cabinet members. "There's no privacy, is there?"

Rongyi grinned. "Not when you're dating a rock star. Take tomorrow off, we can handle things on our own for a day. Just stay away from cameras; the media may be state-controlled, but they might think they're allowed to print information about you two."

Zhongnanhai, Beijing

"So I'll be on 'Eastasia Tonight' tomorrow, talking about the tour and my popularity."

"As well as your little patriotic outburst in Shanghai."

Ruiyu laughed nervously as Premier Zhao took a sip of tea. "Yeah, um, sorry about that. I just figured that since you're now our undisputed leader you might benefit from a bit of positive publicity."

Kristan wagged a finger. "That's what the Information Ministry is for. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the effort, but we're not in the sort of relationship that the rest of the world is going to be too impressed with..."

"Aw, to hell with them! Listen, we're the United Eastasian Republic! We don't give a damn about what the world thinks! Everyone else thought that Communism would ruin us, but we're still here and we're proud to be different. The however-many-there-are people in the UER are happy, they're safe, and they know that we kick diplomatic and military ass! I mean, even His Mightiness of the EOL keeps an eye on us, and I doubt he'd do that if we were some backward hovel."

"You're right, I know. I just want to do this on my own timetable, at the right moment."

"Kristan, the right moment is never going to come on that sort of 'timetable'. Besides, if you're worried about the press, they'll just use very flowery language. 'Premier Zhao is well-versed in the Passion of the Cut Sleeve' or something like that. Half the Republic won't care, and the other half will probably write fanfiction about us on some blog somewhere. Other nations will have to draft in professional double-speakers to work out exactly what our press is talking about; by the time they work it out, you and I will be openly acknowledged as the coolest First Couple on the planet. Just think it over."

"Good evening, and welcome to Eastasia Tonight! Here's your host, Lung Ying!"

"Thank you, thank you! Well, let's get to my first guest tonight. He's the best-selling artist in Eastasian history, and was recently voted Eastasia's Sexiest Man! Here he is, Ruiyu Xian!"

Ruiyu waved at the cheering audience, flashing his trademark grin before taking his seat.

"So, Ruiyu, what's with the hair? Weren't you brown the other day?"

Ruiyu shrugged. "I felt red's more my colour. So I rang my guys and talked it over with them, they agreed that it fits in better with my new direction."

"Your new direction being the more patriotic music you're doing now."

"Exactly. It struck me that no-one's really tried it outside of military orchestras, and I feel that we don't really celebrate ourselves as much as we should."

"Would this have anything to do with Premier Zhao? There's gossip going round that you two have been meeting quite often recently."

"We're friends, that's all. Can't friends meet each other without there being some hidden motive? As far as the music is concerned, we're a huge power in the world. If we don't celebrate that, then we might as well be some backwater. We should be proud of our power, and we should flaunt it in the faces of everyone who doubted that we'd survive this long."

Premier Zhao smiled at the assembled Supreme Soviet as he took the podium; the last time he had been here he had effectively stripped them of their legislative powers, but in the interests of what he liked to call 'streamlined guided democracy' he still informed them of new laws before they were enacted.

"These new laws have already passed through the People's Soviet, now it is time for them to pass through this august institution.

Act 305, the Civil Rights Assurance Act, extends the current legislation to cover all possible loopholes as well as guaranteeing the protection of all foreign students according to the rights ascribed to them by the legislation.

Act 306, the State Marriages Reform Act, extends the current marriage laws to cover same-sex couples. They will be eligible for state marriage licences, affording them the same rights and responsibilities as heterosexual couples.

Act 307, the Cohabitation Act, allows cohabiting couples to register as such with state authorities. Such couples will be afforded the same rights and responsibilities as couples who enter into marriage.

Act 308, the State Residency Act, recognises all residences inhabited by the Head of State as official State Residences. These State Residences will be purchased by the Premierial Administration from their current owner(s).

Act 309, the Welfare Extension Act, extends the provision of social welfare as outlined in Appendix One. This will ensure a fairer distribution of wealth throughout our nation, and help improve quality of life.

I commend these Acts to the Supreme Soviet of the United Eastasian Republic."

"....and here to discuss his success is Ruiyu Xian. Welcome to Eastasian Network News, Comrade Xian. So, how are things going?"

"Well, sales of 'Shining Eastasia' have gone through the roof, and the album itself will be coming out in the next few months but we don't have a confirmed date yet."

"There has been a lot of speculation about your relationship with Premier Zhao; do you have any words for interested viewers?"

"Look, can't you leave it alone? Kristan is the best leader we could have hoped for; we're a major power because of him! He's carrying a lot of burdens, and if it wasn't for his concern over the way the world looks at us, he'd have come out lon....."

Ruiyu caught himself, but too late to prevent the gaping stares of the production crew and the newscaster.

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

"Oh crap."

Information Minister Daoyu Ma sighed heavily as he saw the transmission.

"Why did we approve live newscasts? He's gonna kill me for this."

His secretary piped up cheerily. "Well, Comrade Minister, it's not really your fault. I don't see what all the fuss is anyway; as Comrade Xian said, Comrade Zhao is the best Premier we've had for a long time."

"Nice sentiment, but I wouldn't want to be Ruiyu right now."

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

Ruiyu slumped in the chair in his dressing room, staring at the ceiling. He could hear it already; the swearing, the cursing, the hurling of insults. The newscaster and the crew were frantically trying to get hold of the authorities to excuse themselves from the incident, but Ruiyu knew that he would be the one to bear the aftermath. As he contemplated getting a motel room somewhere, his phone started ringing. Ruiyu knew which number it would be before he even picked it up; after confirming his suspicions, he answered it. The lack of activity from the other end made him slightly nervous, so he spoke first in an attempt to break the ice.

"I'm sorry."

"Oh, it was going to happen eventually. Just come home."

Ruiyu frowned. "Home? You mean back to yours?"

"Well, there's no point hiding it now that everyone knows. Daoyu's people will come up with some damage control, but what's done is done. Don't worry, I'm not mad at you; I'm a little disappointed that it happened that way, but I'm not blaming you if that's what you're worried about. I'll tell the staff that you'll be spending the night."

Beijing, UER
4th Floor, Royal Cottish Embassy
The intelligence officer stared at the 32" LCD TV hanging on the wall of his office. The Cottish intelligence services had suspected this for a while now, especially after the recent laws had been passed allowing same-sex marriages in the Soviets, but to actually have it confirmed! And by the Premier's partner! This was certainly something worth noting. Not that the intelligence officer had anything against same-sex relationships. They had been allowed in Cotland since the early seventies, and were a well-functioning institution. Hell, one of the Ministers were gay. Still, that the leader of the world's last communist country was gay was something new. Perhaps it was a sign of a more liberal course for the UER. He'd have to write a few pages and send it to Dovrefjell, the extreme-security "home" of the Cottish intelligence community deep underneath the Dovre mountain range where all intelligence were collected and analyzed before being passed on. Lighting up a cigarette, the intelligence officer started up his laptop and started typing. It would be a medium-priority message, transmitted along with the rest of the daily intelligence reports over the encrypted datalink to the dedicated satellite when it passed overhead in about seven hours.

[OOC: I hope you don't mind this little post.]

The live television feed coming out of the UER was analyzed and interpreted by dozens upon dozens of intelligence analysts, buried within the Ministry of Intelligence. The recent rise of patriotic music, especially coming from Ruiyu Xian was of concern. The Empire and the UER were friendly, despite the vast and tremendous differences between their social and economic policies. The UER was a communist state, the utter opposite of the Empire. Recently, they had approved several acts within the Supreme Soviet, one allowing homosexual marriages. The Empire would never delve as far as making homosexuality legal, let alone accepted for marriage. Morality within the Empire was vastly different from that of the UER.

Despite being friends, the Empire watched the UER closely and they knew that the UER did the same. The UER was on the verge of something big, everyone surmised. What that was; however, was still an unknown. Intelligence analysts speculated revolution, war, and at least 1,000 other possibilities.

The UER analyzation room was quiet except for the television feeds, which were pumped into headphones. A giant, 72" flat screen on the wall showed at least 20 different channels coming out of the UER, all of them silent. Intelligence analysts carefully listened to all of them and then some. News was the most important and since "live-news" had been okayed, it made their job that much easier.

One analyst, Mark Chapman, a 45-year old, 20 year veteran of the intelligence community, was sitting comfortably in his chair, headphones on, watching the feed, scribbling notes, using the counter to mark important comments. Right now, he was watching Ruiyu Xian being drilled about his friendship with the Premier when something came out, something dangerous. Mark knew it was something big when Xian's eyes widened about 5000% and he suddenly stopped. "I GOT SOMETHING!" He screamed as he rewound the counter to listen again. The Ministry was buzzing now and within 30 minutes, the Emperor had the report on his desk.

The Emperor had only one thought, that he needed to hear the Premier say it himself before he could believe it. Contigency plans were underway and should it come out, things would change drastically. Then again, this was a communist state, Xian could mysteriously die within 48 hours and nobody would ever raise a question or doubt within the UER.

(OOC: Mind? Of course not! The more involvement the better.)

The next morning, Eastasian journalists were being herded into one of Zhongnanhai's many press rooms; the Information Ministry had announced a press conference by Premier Zhao concerning the previous night's revelations.

Information Minister Daoyu Ma was in attendence, keeping the press busy with various non-committal statements and doublespeak while Zhao finished getting ready for an announcement he'd been hoping to hold off for as long as possible. Eventually Minister Ma yielded the podium as Zhao strode out, dressed in a black longevity suit; camera flashes intensified as Ruiyu followed close behind, clad in a stylish white top and navy pants. Zhao took a sip of water before speaking.

"We all know why we're here.....things were said last night that have attracted a great deal of speculation, and I am here to confirm what you are all probably sure of. Ruiyu Xian is my lover. He has been for quite some time.

We have kept it quiet until now because this revelation will undoubtedly have consequences. I realise that the Eastasian people are probably wondering why I have felt the need to hide this when our society is more accepting of such matters these days; the fact is that I have been trying to save face in the international community. There are many nations where this kind of relationship is frowned upon or even illegal; I have kept quiet in an attempt to maintain good relations with the rest of the world. There will undoubtedly be some international leaders who will condemn me for being a deviant.....as if that's something new, I lead the world's only Communist nation, so they probably thought I was a deviant before this got out."

The chuckle gained from the press at that comment seemed to help Zhao continue with the rest of his statement.

"Anyway, some will condemn me as a deviant, some will privately insult me while maintaining public friendship, and I hope that somewhere there will be leaders who will just shrug their shoulders and accept it. I know that I can count on the Eastasian people to understand my motives and forgive me for keeping this so quiet; some are undoubtedly wondering why I would be silent about having a lover with such a stellar career.

Oh, and before anyone asks, we don't currently have plans to marry. Okay, questions?"

The journalists asked the expected questions about where the two had first met, how long they had been seeing each other, and if anyone had known about it before today. The couple provided some humour when a reporter asked about various methods they'd used to keep the relationship quiet, with Zhao describing an incident where Ruiyu got himself stuck under the bed while hiding from a member of Zhao's staff. After answering more questions, Ruiyu held up his hand.

"Alright, that's all for today. Kristan is the leader of this nation, so why don't we let him get on with his job?"

Oslo, Cotland
Just after the intelligence had been analyzed and placed on the Prime Minister's desk, the confirmation everyone had been hoping for arrived. This caused quite a bit of work for both the intelligence community and for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who had to update the dossiers they had on both Kristian Zhao and Ruiyu Xian. There were also a few of the nutjobs who called and demanded that the Realm severed all ties with the UER, calls which were ignored and the numbers handed over to Politiets Sikkerhetstjeneste for tracking, identification and possible investigation. However, most Cots who heard the news smiled and thought that it was good for them to finally come clean before forgetting about it again. In short, they didn't really care. The UER was on the other side of the world, and they were on friendly terms with the Realm, dispite being communists and all.

A telegram went from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Cottish embassy in Beijing, and from there it was handed over to an aide of Premier Zhao by an aide of the Ambassador. Hopefully, it would reach Premier Zhao's hands soon.

Private Telegram

"On behalf of the Realm of Cotland, I would like to commend you for having the courage of coming clear with your sexual orientation. I also wish to congratulate the two of you, and wish you a happy future together."

[signed]
Thomas Rothsky
Prime Minister
The Realm of Cotland

"Okay, so the Cottish still like me. Go on, give me the damage report."

Daoyu Ma shrugged. "Not much to report, to be honest. Our polls show that the majority of the Eastasian people are sympathetic to your reasons for not revealing it sooner, and they like the fact that you were so willing to sublimate your own life for the good of the nation. That being said, almost every student thinks it's cool to have their national leader dating their nation's biggest music star."

Premier Zhao sighed. "Okay, that's good. Anyone who dislikes it?"

"Well, some elements of the religious communities have spoken out against you, but I'm sure we can find something unsavoury to make them shut up, right Jamil?"

Security Minister Jamil bin Hasan nodded. "Undoubtedly. On a personal note, I'd just like to say that my teenage daughter thinks you two make a cute couple, although both of you probably broke a lot of female hearts when you made that anouncement."

Daoyu interjected. "Maybe, but a few broken hearts is nothing compared to the PR coup we pulled off! Kristan's come across as a leader who will do anything for the UER, as well as a leader who is just as vulnerable and human as the rest of us. I'd also like to see anyone accuse us of not having a diverse leadership."

Foreign Minister Rongyi Bei raised his hand. "Since it's all out in the open now, can you score us all tickets to Ruiyu's next concert in Beijing? We might as well show our support for his patriotic direction."

Zhao grinned. "I'll see what I can do. Anyway, let's get on with the meeting, shall we?"

Everything was confirmed, by the Premier now. This was going to be fragile to deal with, extremely fragile. The Emperor sat in his office looking at the report and looked around, "I suppose he wants some special gratification now." Everyone laughed. "Well, this is tricky. The EOL has a strict anti-homosexual morality and rightfully so. Nonetheless, who are we to say other countries can't do what they want, so long as it doesnt' directly affect us. Correct?" Nods went around. "Alright, we don't need any special response. We're not going to cut off relations. Let's just remain with the status quo."

[ooc: id say something, but we don't have formal relations... open?]

[ooc: id say something, but we don't have formal relations... open?]

(OOC: Say it anyway! Formal relations aren't needed in order to present your viewpoint; if it's supportive/neutral, it would probably lead to the UER taking notice and finally opening formal relations. If not, well, criticising the Premier would probably lead to the UER revoking formal relations if they existed. Either way it's not like the diplomatic situation is going to worsen.

Anyhoo, it's not like this is the main story arc of the thread; I'm just setting things up.)

To the Most Humble United Eastasian Republics:


On behalf of His Majesty, Grand Duke Albert Roumillet,

We, of the Grand Duchy of Saint Lazare, find this relationship to be atrocious at the very least. However, as is required of all nations in the world, we are willing to express our tolerance for your leader's preferences, considering that he is a just and knowledgeable leader. His self-interests have co-incided with national interests, and he therefore lives for the sake and safety of his nation. Apart from his preferences in some detail, we admire his character and hope thoroughly that the Premier will not let any disparagement of international opinion forgo any decision for the interest of the peace and integrity of your nation. Furthermore, while your nation is considered by many nations a "socialist regime", and ours a monarchial autocracy - for the moment - we wish still to extend friendly relations with your government.

We wish you the best of luck in your future dealings, relationships, and possible preferences. It is for the best that we send our invitations, apprehensions, and sympathies.

Most Respectfully,

Monsieur Babar Chamoun
Ministre des Affaires Etrangères du Grand Duché de Saint Lazare

"Wow, I mean, wow. They actually had the guts to say what they thought while also complimenting me. I like that."

Rongyi Bei nodded as Premier Zhao handed back the communique from Saint Lazare. "I thought you might. So, how do we respond? I'd imagine that we're opening formal relations since they had the decency to be honest with us."

"Exactly! See, that's why you're Foreign Minister, you know the way I think. I think Ruiyu's a bit disappointed that the EOL didn't say anything though; he wrote a catchy little song about the Emperor which will never see the light of day now. I've been humming it all morning."

"Send me a copy sometime. Anyway, are you available all day, or are you indisposed?"

"I'm off to the Qinghai facility for some demonstration, then I've got dinner with the Premier of Free Palau, but if you need me just call."

To the Most Humble United Eastasian Republics:


In response to the invitation received in my office, I am most proud and welcome to invite the United Eastasian Republics Ambassador to the Palais, upon my return from my venture in the United States of Brink. If it would be so fitting as well, the Premier Zhao may visit as well, along with his personal company and kinsmen. It is indeed most fortunate that your government respects our opinions as we respect yours. While we will not have the Embassy that we have offered you [ooc: #32, see my thread for details], we are willing to offer guest residences in the palais for your stay.

During the stay of the Ambassador - and the Premier, should he be willing - I hope to discuss improving relations and furthermore improving the status of the world in general, considering the hostility that exists in some parts of the world today. It is my hope that we can achieve some mutual agreement on what needs to be done to render a more peaceful proposition for the world.

As always, we offer our foreign dignitaries a free night at the Gran Casino, with a liability of up to $100k in USD - somehow, the mathematics works out such that the profit margin isn't even considerably close to the cost.

In other matters, I have decided in full wisdom and in the spirit of camaradery to make a request to establish an embassy in Beijing, to improve our diplomatic relations, to increase the general understanding of our two cultures in comparison and contrast, and to kindle a spirit of friendship between our two nations; considering that your nation accepted our invitation and made the first step towards formal relations, we humbly and most graciously accept. We are likewise hoping that you will accept our request for an embassy, as it would benefit all and hinder no progress save the detriment of ignorance and enmity.

With much regard, I look forward to the ambassadors visit to Saint Lazare, as we are hoping to accomplish much with what little we have now. Adieu and with much blessings from God - as we pray in our country - to render only the greatest happiness to you and your people.

Most Respectfully,

Grand Duke Albert Roumillet

To the esteemed Grand Duke Albert Roumillet:

Premier Zhao would like to extend his appreciation for your generous invitation, but unfortunately he has several pressing matters of state to attend to at this time. The Premier sends his apologies, and hopes that he will be able to visit the Grand Duchy in the near future.

Ambassador Heesok Yoon will be honoured to represent the UER in Saint Lazare; she is a pre-eminent expert in European Affairs, and is the most able diplomat for the position. She has full authority to discuss further cooperation between our two nations, and I am certain that she will make a positive impression.

We are also greatly pleased to accept your request for an embassy in Beijing; we can provide you with a newly vacant plot of land in the Chaoyang District of Beijing, near the Eastasian Foreign Ministry complex.

It is our hope that we can establish a good working relationship with the Grand Duke, and that we can develop a better understanding of our European friends.

Foreign Minister Rongyi Bei

(OOC note: this is untelevised, so only the party delegates would know about this.)

The Great Hall of the People was packed to the rafters as delegates from all corners of the United Eastasian Republic took their seats; members of the legislature mingled with local officials and city governors, renewing old ties and forging new ones as the Eastasian Communist Party Congress was set to begin.

After some light karaoke to get everyone settled, Ruiyu Xian performed the Eastasian national anthem, earning a standing ovation from the bureaucrats and officials gathered. After taking a bow, Ruiyu introduced Premier Zhao, who had to wait almost three minutes for the applause to settle. He grinned at the party delegates before beginning.

"Well, although all Party Congresses are important, this one is more important than most. We now have the complete freedom we need to push our full party agenda through into law, thanks to the enlightened attitude shown by the Soviets to the Executive Reform Act.

The United Eastasian Republic is a bastion of equality and harmony in our turbulent world. We took on the challenge of forging a Communist state, and we succeeded. The capitalists and monarchists are afraid of that, so they take every opportunity to delude themselves of their superiority; they are superior in one regard, I must admit. Their governments are better at falling and being overthrown.

We have created a superpower here in Asia, but we cannot stop here. We are the only power in this world that truly looks out for its people, and we should spread that attitude to the entire world. What I am saying is that we have achieved Stage One; we have a secure powerbase that could only be taken away if the entire world gathered together, but even then we would inflict so much damage that their victory would taste more bitter than defeat. It is now time to begin Stage Two.

Stage Two is the support and nurturing of our revolutionary brethren across the planet. In several states our ideology is banned because they fear our capability; in other states we are spoken of with derision because we are different, exactly the sort of prejudice we are here to stamp out. In time, we shall wipe out antiquated ideas of 'race' and 'religion'; categorisation of the people will be brought to an end. We are all human, humanity must unite under the only ideology which does not depend on division. Humanity must unite under our banner!

We must ignite the fires of revolution once again! I propose that we become the true 'arsenal of freedom', arming those who struggle for freedom against antique monarchies and false democracies! Yet our true fury must be kept for those who have perverted our ideals; those who follow fascistic ways must be reborn in the fires of popular action!

This Congress will go down in history as the day when it began. Over the next few days, the cabinet and I will outline our vision of the future of our state in more detail; it is time for the United Eastasian Republic to remind the world that we are here to stay, no matter how much they wish otherwise."