Central Prestonia
11-11-2007, 08:04
Presidential Mansion
Hudson
0900 Hours
“Sir, what the hell were you thinking?” Steve Preston’s voice rose with an anger unseen before as he blasted his boss, President and lifelong friend Justin Gannon. The older man remained seated at the ornate desk in his office as Preston, an ex-fighter pilot turned diplomat, paced back and forth, hurling profanities and general disgust. “Pardon my Clandonian, but you are in some deep shit. You join an alliance without Congressional authorization, and now Congress wants your head on a platter. How, Mr. Gannon, do you propose to get us out of this? More importantly, how do you expect the Democrats to hold the Presidency when you’ve given our opposition all the ammunition it needs to peg us as corrupt?” Gannon remained seated, appearing on the outside to be calm, cool and collected. Choosing his words carefully, he spoke. “I should hardly think, Mr. Preston,” he said, attempting to remain calm, “that the fate of our party is of any concern to you, having defected to the Libertarians last week as it were. However, I will answer your other questions. I do have an out here. One would think that once the High Court passes it’s judgment next week, we will undoubtedly be forced to resign the Royal Georgian League. Once that’s out of the way, the next part of the plan is set in motion. As you are likely aware, we’ve been in contact with the Aequatians via their outpost in Haven. I think we’ve established enough rapport with them to keep us out of danger should the Praetonians take our withdrawal in a less-than-kind manner. And next time I’ll do it by the books.” Steve sat back in his chair, trying to hide his shock. “And do you really think there will be a next time for you? As every justice in the High Court knows, you helped write the current draft of the Constitution. I hardly expect they’ll show you much mercy given you wrote the very law you broke.” “Well, in any case, we shall see.”
High Court
Hudson
1500 Hours
“Order, Order! The case of Leonard v. Gannon will now come to order. Justin Michael Gannon,” Chief Justice Madeline O’Leary’s voice was clear and harsh as she read the orders against the President. “You stand accused of one count of violating checks and balances, one count of corruption and one count of endangering the Republic. How do you plead? I remind you, sir, that each of these charges by themselves is a federal felony and could see you doing a lengthy prison sentence. At this time, enter your plea.” Gannon’s answer was short and defiant. “Not guilty,” he said as soon as the Justice had finished speaking. Several people in the court gasped. Unfazed by the President’s defiance, Justice O’Leary pressed on. “Councilor, you have the floor,” she said, motioning for the plaintiff’s lawyer to stand. After he was sworn in, he began. “The prosecution calls Mr. Gannon to the stand.” Gannon sauntered over, his arrogant nature betraying him at every step. “Mr. Gannon, please refresh my memory. How long has Prestonia been a member of the Royal Georgian League?” Gannon smoothed his hair out before he spoke. “We have been a member for the past year and a half.” “How did our nation come to be a member of this alliance?” the lawyer said, pressing on. “I was approached, at a party, by King George VI about a working partnership with the Praetonians and Clandonians. At that time he did not mention the term RGL but invited me to his nation for further talks. A month later I flew to Kingston and within the week I had signed an agreement to join the Royal Georgian League.” The lawyer paced before his witness, contemplating what he had just heard. “So, you met the King at a state party and on a suggestion flew, at taxpayer expense, to sign a treaty? What exactly was in the agreement?” “The agreement was that Prestonia would join the Royal Georgian League and in exchange receive the guarantee of independence from the Crown Commonwealth. In addition, $500 billion was supposed to be wired to the Bank of Prestonia for use however the nation saw fit.” “But the money never showed up did it Mr. Gannon?” The lawyer was getting angrier now, but still struggled to contain himself. “Not only did the money not show up, neither did the Praetonians during the Cohenian Missile Crisis. If I recall the only nation that offered support was Questers. There is one last thing which troubles me, however. When you signed the agreement, had you even seen the Charter?” “No, at no time was a charter shown.” “So, let’s recap. You not only put us into an alliance without Congressional approval, you did so without knowing what we were getting into. Your Honors,” the lawyer said, turning now to the bench where nine robed Justices sat, “is this sort of incompetence the standard a President of a nation ought to be showing? I implore you to make the right decision.” The man sat down, and Gannon got off the witness box. During the ten-minute cross examination, he had not even broken a sweat. He walked over to his lawyer and sat down. Having endured the fire, he felt confidant that he would come out on top.
Now it was Gannon’s turn to question, or at least his lawyer’s. The lawyer, renowned attorney James Tybalt, stood. Facing the bench, he spoke. “The defense calls Senator Michael Leonard to the stand.” Senator Leonard, the man behind the accusations, rose and walked to the box where his opponent had sat moments before. “Senator Leonard, what party are you a member of?,” Tybalt spoke clearly and calmly, keeping his eye on Leonard. “I’m a Republican, but I hardly see how that matters,” the bewildered Senator answered, looking towards his lawyer. “You hold a pretty high position within Congress, don’t you?” Tybalt queried. “Well, yes, I do. I’m the head of the Congressional Ethics and Oversight Committee.” Tybalt paced back and forth, taking his time and choosing his words carefully. “When did you first become aware that there was a breach of checks and balances in the Executive?” Leonard was sweating now, aware that his answer would damn his argument. “It was first brought to my attention within a month of President Gannon’s speech on the matter. Some junior Senator, a Libertarian I think, brought it to my attention. I thanked him and said we’d investigate it.” “But did you in fact investigate it, Mr. Leonard?,” Tybalt said, building into his central point. “No, we did not. At the time I didn’t feel it was a problem.” Tybalt stood facing the Justices, contemplating his next move. Suddenly, he spoke. “Were you planning to run for President, Senator? I have in my hand these documents,” he said, holding up a manila folder full of papers, “showing that you have already entered your name in the party’s headquarters and started fundraising. You do know of course that the law prohibits fundraising for a campaign more than a year in advance. Why didn’t the Ethics and Oversight Committee investigate that?” Leonard had no answer, and Tybalt pressed on. “You know what I think Senator? I think that this trial is politically motivated. You knock off Gannon, or at least discredit his party, and you move into the lead. In the meantime you use your position on the committee to blind your fellow Senators to your own corruption. Who is truly guilty of corruption here Mr. Leonard? Answer that.” James Tybalt sat down, pleased at what he had accomplished. The Chief Justice spoke, her clear voice penetrating the every surface of the room. “If there are no further questions, the Court will now take recess until three o’clock tomorrow afternoon. That is all.”
High Court
Hudson
1500 Hours The Next Day
“All rise for the final statement and verdict,” Justice O’Leary said as the last of the audience filed in. “Justin Michael Gannon, your actions were foolish and irresponsible. This kind of act should not, under most circumstances, go unpunished. And rest assured, it shall not. By a vote of 5-4 we the High Court find you guilty of violating checks and balances. However in light of recent developments in the Cohenia situation you are hereby acquitted of endangering the republic. On the count of corruption, you are also acquitted, as we can find no evidence that your trip to Kingston was done on taxpayer money. Therefore, hear your sentence. You will pay a fine of the sum of one million dollars, over the next year. In addition you are hereby ordered to take classes on the Prestonian Constitution, at your own expense. I do believe Hudson University offers them for a fairly reasonable price.” Gannon’s cheeks turned a bright shade of red at this sentence; Prestonian Constitution was a course offered to first-year law students, and considered a subject for novices in the field. “One last thing Mr. Gannon. You will withdraw Prestonia from the Royal Georgian League within 24 hours. Is that clear?” The Justice wore an angry look now, and it was all Gannon could muster to look her in the eye and say “yes, ma’am.” With that, the trial was over and Gannon, while embarrassed, had kept his job. The first hump of what would be many had been cleared. Steve Preston, who had steadfastly attended the trial, walked over and shook Gannon’s hand. “Sorry for my attitude earlier boss, forgive me? I’ll be into work tomorrow morning, assuming of course I have a job with the Prestonian Government still.” Gannon smiled and laughed. “Steve my boy, of course you still have a job. I could think of no other man to act as my right hand. Unless of course you want to go back to flying aircraft, that is. I hear our air force recently acquired a large number from the ADEN cartel of Questers.” Steve chuckled at this thought and said “well I have some test flights scheduled but for the time being I think I’ll stay in government. Oh and the Libertarians rejected me. Apparently having a father who’s an ex-Socialist is a disqualifying factor for their party. Who knew? Oh well, I prefer the Democrats anyhow. At least we still have a chance in the election, unlike them.” The two men walked out of the courtroom, laughing. The trial had tested friendships and ethics, yet in the end all was as it should be.
To: HRH King George VI, King of Praetonia, Supreme Ruler of the Royal Georgian League, etc etc.
From: Justin M. Gannon, President of Prestonia.
My dear friend and ally, it seems so long ago since the state dinner that sparked my nation’s joining the brotherhood of the Royal Georgian League. Sadly however, this letter is not a pleasant one. As every paper in Prestonia has reported and you yourself have no doubt heard, I recently was the target of a rather nasty impeachment trial for events related to my joining of the League. Although I came out mostly unfazed, I have been ordered to withdraw from the Royal Georgian League. In the interest of keeping my job and freedom, I intend to comply with this order. Consider this my nation’s formal withdrawal from the Royal Georgian League.
I still wish to keep normalized relations with the Crown Commonwealth, and so this message should not be taken with any undue or unintended hostility. However, I wish to lay some facts on the table regarding my nation’s membership in the League. During the time period we were involved in this alliance, we at no time received any aid from member-states, monetary or otherwise. During the Cohenian Missile Crisis not one ship, not one dollar was sent in our aid. Then, there is the matter of how this alliance has affected our status internationally. We have been lumped in the same pile as Clandonia, much to the embarrassment of our people. We have been forced to stand by and watch as the Clandonians ravaged shipping and supply lines of The World Soviet Party, with little to no casus belli. This inaction did not sit well with some of our left-leaning allies, who felt that we were in position to sway the Clandonians away from petty economic and ideological skirmishes. Last but not least, there is the matter of the Charter. We have yet to see one, relying solely on your word to guide our policy in accordance with the League. Let me ask you something good sir (I refuse to acknowledge an equal as “Majesty”). Does a charter even exist? If not then I see no legal reason why this alliance still exists.
Now, I have been thus far amicable, for the most part. However, I must issue a serious warning. We in Prestonia are aware of how you treat Clandonia. We are aware of how you, with an act of the Royal Georgian League, dissolved the government of Clandonia and effectively took control thereof. This may have worked in Clandonia, but it will not work here. The independence of Prestonia will be respected, and defended by force if necessary. We have many friends within Haven, more than you know. I assure you they will see to it that Prestonia flies her own flag, by force if need be. On this note, the Congressional Military Affairs Committee has denied your request for a naval base.
Yours,
Justin Michael Gannon
Justin Michael Gannon
President, Federal Havenic Republic of Prestonia
Vice-Chairman, Prestonian Democratic Party
Order of the Republic, First Class
Hudson
0900 Hours
“Sir, what the hell were you thinking?” Steve Preston’s voice rose with an anger unseen before as he blasted his boss, President and lifelong friend Justin Gannon. The older man remained seated at the ornate desk in his office as Preston, an ex-fighter pilot turned diplomat, paced back and forth, hurling profanities and general disgust. “Pardon my Clandonian, but you are in some deep shit. You join an alliance without Congressional authorization, and now Congress wants your head on a platter. How, Mr. Gannon, do you propose to get us out of this? More importantly, how do you expect the Democrats to hold the Presidency when you’ve given our opposition all the ammunition it needs to peg us as corrupt?” Gannon remained seated, appearing on the outside to be calm, cool and collected. Choosing his words carefully, he spoke. “I should hardly think, Mr. Preston,” he said, attempting to remain calm, “that the fate of our party is of any concern to you, having defected to the Libertarians last week as it were. However, I will answer your other questions. I do have an out here. One would think that once the High Court passes it’s judgment next week, we will undoubtedly be forced to resign the Royal Georgian League. Once that’s out of the way, the next part of the plan is set in motion. As you are likely aware, we’ve been in contact with the Aequatians via their outpost in Haven. I think we’ve established enough rapport with them to keep us out of danger should the Praetonians take our withdrawal in a less-than-kind manner. And next time I’ll do it by the books.” Steve sat back in his chair, trying to hide his shock. “And do you really think there will be a next time for you? As every justice in the High Court knows, you helped write the current draft of the Constitution. I hardly expect they’ll show you much mercy given you wrote the very law you broke.” “Well, in any case, we shall see.”
High Court
Hudson
1500 Hours
“Order, Order! The case of Leonard v. Gannon will now come to order. Justin Michael Gannon,” Chief Justice Madeline O’Leary’s voice was clear and harsh as she read the orders against the President. “You stand accused of one count of violating checks and balances, one count of corruption and one count of endangering the Republic. How do you plead? I remind you, sir, that each of these charges by themselves is a federal felony and could see you doing a lengthy prison sentence. At this time, enter your plea.” Gannon’s answer was short and defiant. “Not guilty,” he said as soon as the Justice had finished speaking. Several people in the court gasped. Unfazed by the President’s defiance, Justice O’Leary pressed on. “Councilor, you have the floor,” she said, motioning for the plaintiff’s lawyer to stand. After he was sworn in, he began. “The prosecution calls Mr. Gannon to the stand.” Gannon sauntered over, his arrogant nature betraying him at every step. “Mr. Gannon, please refresh my memory. How long has Prestonia been a member of the Royal Georgian League?” Gannon smoothed his hair out before he spoke. “We have been a member for the past year and a half.” “How did our nation come to be a member of this alliance?” the lawyer said, pressing on. “I was approached, at a party, by King George VI about a working partnership with the Praetonians and Clandonians. At that time he did not mention the term RGL but invited me to his nation for further talks. A month later I flew to Kingston and within the week I had signed an agreement to join the Royal Georgian League.” The lawyer paced before his witness, contemplating what he had just heard. “So, you met the King at a state party and on a suggestion flew, at taxpayer expense, to sign a treaty? What exactly was in the agreement?” “The agreement was that Prestonia would join the Royal Georgian League and in exchange receive the guarantee of independence from the Crown Commonwealth. In addition, $500 billion was supposed to be wired to the Bank of Prestonia for use however the nation saw fit.” “But the money never showed up did it Mr. Gannon?” The lawyer was getting angrier now, but still struggled to contain himself. “Not only did the money not show up, neither did the Praetonians during the Cohenian Missile Crisis. If I recall the only nation that offered support was Questers. There is one last thing which troubles me, however. When you signed the agreement, had you even seen the Charter?” “No, at no time was a charter shown.” “So, let’s recap. You not only put us into an alliance without Congressional approval, you did so without knowing what we were getting into. Your Honors,” the lawyer said, turning now to the bench where nine robed Justices sat, “is this sort of incompetence the standard a President of a nation ought to be showing? I implore you to make the right decision.” The man sat down, and Gannon got off the witness box. During the ten-minute cross examination, he had not even broken a sweat. He walked over to his lawyer and sat down. Having endured the fire, he felt confidant that he would come out on top.
Now it was Gannon’s turn to question, or at least his lawyer’s. The lawyer, renowned attorney James Tybalt, stood. Facing the bench, he spoke. “The defense calls Senator Michael Leonard to the stand.” Senator Leonard, the man behind the accusations, rose and walked to the box where his opponent had sat moments before. “Senator Leonard, what party are you a member of?,” Tybalt spoke clearly and calmly, keeping his eye on Leonard. “I’m a Republican, but I hardly see how that matters,” the bewildered Senator answered, looking towards his lawyer. “You hold a pretty high position within Congress, don’t you?” Tybalt queried. “Well, yes, I do. I’m the head of the Congressional Ethics and Oversight Committee.” Tybalt paced back and forth, taking his time and choosing his words carefully. “When did you first become aware that there was a breach of checks and balances in the Executive?” Leonard was sweating now, aware that his answer would damn his argument. “It was first brought to my attention within a month of President Gannon’s speech on the matter. Some junior Senator, a Libertarian I think, brought it to my attention. I thanked him and said we’d investigate it.” “But did you in fact investigate it, Mr. Leonard?,” Tybalt said, building into his central point. “No, we did not. At the time I didn’t feel it was a problem.” Tybalt stood facing the Justices, contemplating his next move. Suddenly, he spoke. “Were you planning to run for President, Senator? I have in my hand these documents,” he said, holding up a manila folder full of papers, “showing that you have already entered your name in the party’s headquarters and started fundraising. You do know of course that the law prohibits fundraising for a campaign more than a year in advance. Why didn’t the Ethics and Oversight Committee investigate that?” Leonard had no answer, and Tybalt pressed on. “You know what I think Senator? I think that this trial is politically motivated. You knock off Gannon, or at least discredit his party, and you move into the lead. In the meantime you use your position on the committee to blind your fellow Senators to your own corruption. Who is truly guilty of corruption here Mr. Leonard? Answer that.” James Tybalt sat down, pleased at what he had accomplished. The Chief Justice spoke, her clear voice penetrating the every surface of the room. “If there are no further questions, the Court will now take recess until three o’clock tomorrow afternoon. That is all.”
High Court
Hudson
1500 Hours The Next Day
“All rise for the final statement and verdict,” Justice O’Leary said as the last of the audience filed in. “Justin Michael Gannon, your actions were foolish and irresponsible. This kind of act should not, under most circumstances, go unpunished. And rest assured, it shall not. By a vote of 5-4 we the High Court find you guilty of violating checks and balances. However in light of recent developments in the Cohenia situation you are hereby acquitted of endangering the republic. On the count of corruption, you are also acquitted, as we can find no evidence that your trip to Kingston was done on taxpayer money. Therefore, hear your sentence. You will pay a fine of the sum of one million dollars, over the next year. In addition you are hereby ordered to take classes on the Prestonian Constitution, at your own expense. I do believe Hudson University offers them for a fairly reasonable price.” Gannon’s cheeks turned a bright shade of red at this sentence; Prestonian Constitution was a course offered to first-year law students, and considered a subject for novices in the field. “One last thing Mr. Gannon. You will withdraw Prestonia from the Royal Georgian League within 24 hours. Is that clear?” The Justice wore an angry look now, and it was all Gannon could muster to look her in the eye and say “yes, ma’am.” With that, the trial was over and Gannon, while embarrassed, had kept his job. The first hump of what would be many had been cleared. Steve Preston, who had steadfastly attended the trial, walked over and shook Gannon’s hand. “Sorry for my attitude earlier boss, forgive me? I’ll be into work tomorrow morning, assuming of course I have a job with the Prestonian Government still.” Gannon smiled and laughed. “Steve my boy, of course you still have a job. I could think of no other man to act as my right hand. Unless of course you want to go back to flying aircraft, that is. I hear our air force recently acquired a large number from the ADEN cartel of Questers.” Steve chuckled at this thought and said “well I have some test flights scheduled but for the time being I think I’ll stay in government. Oh and the Libertarians rejected me. Apparently having a father who’s an ex-Socialist is a disqualifying factor for their party. Who knew? Oh well, I prefer the Democrats anyhow. At least we still have a chance in the election, unlike them.” The two men walked out of the courtroom, laughing. The trial had tested friendships and ethics, yet in the end all was as it should be.
To: HRH King George VI, King of Praetonia, Supreme Ruler of the Royal Georgian League, etc etc.
From: Justin M. Gannon, President of Prestonia.
My dear friend and ally, it seems so long ago since the state dinner that sparked my nation’s joining the brotherhood of the Royal Georgian League. Sadly however, this letter is not a pleasant one. As every paper in Prestonia has reported and you yourself have no doubt heard, I recently was the target of a rather nasty impeachment trial for events related to my joining of the League. Although I came out mostly unfazed, I have been ordered to withdraw from the Royal Georgian League. In the interest of keeping my job and freedom, I intend to comply with this order. Consider this my nation’s formal withdrawal from the Royal Georgian League.
I still wish to keep normalized relations with the Crown Commonwealth, and so this message should not be taken with any undue or unintended hostility. However, I wish to lay some facts on the table regarding my nation’s membership in the League. During the time period we were involved in this alliance, we at no time received any aid from member-states, monetary or otherwise. During the Cohenian Missile Crisis not one ship, not one dollar was sent in our aid. Then, there is the matter of how this alliance has affected our status internationally. We have been lumped in the same pile as Clandonia, much to the embarrassment of our people. We have been forced to stand by and watch as the Clandonians ravaged shipping and supply lines of The World Soviet Party, with little to no casus belli. This inaction did not sit well with some of our left-leaning allies, who felt that we were in position to sway the Clandonians away from petty economic and ideological skirmishes. Last but not least, there is the matter of the Charter. We have yet to see one, relying solely on your word to guide our policy in accordance with the League. Let me ask you something good sir (I refuse to acknowledge an equal as “Majesty”). Does a charter even exist? If not then I see no legal reason why this alliance still exists.
Now, I have been thus far amicable, for the most part. However, I must issue a serious warning. We in Prestonia are aware of how you treat Clandonia. We are aware of how you, with an act of the Royal Georgian League, dissolved the government of Clandonia and effectively took control thereof. This may have worked in Clandonia, but it will not work here. The independence of Prestonia will be respected, and defended by force if necessary. We have many friends within Haven, more than you know. I assure you they will see to it that Prestonia flies her own flag, by force if need be. On this note, the Congressional Military Affairs Committee has denied your request for a naval base.
Yours,
Justin Michael Gannon
Justin Michael Gannon
President, Federal Havenic Republic of Prestonia
Vice-Chairman, Prestonian Democratic Party
Order of the Republic, First Class