NationStates Jolt Archive

CARONOPOLIS- the Theocracy of Caronis has existed since 850 AD, since it split from the Byzantine Empire. Since that time, it has been lead by a group of seven “Elders”, who serve as the executive, legislative, and judicial branch. The government has become stronger and stronger over the centuries, and now the citizens of the Mediterranean nation have had enough.

Six months ago, there was a failed coup that attempted to overthrow the government. It failed, however four of the Elders were killed. The nation entered a short period of isolationism as it restructured and found four new heirs to replace the Elders who had passed on. Several changes happened, such as the changing of the flag, the removal of Italian as a national language, and a massive increase of civil rights. However, the revolutionists were never fully sated.

Yesterday, the World Assembly reclassified Caronis as a “Corrupt Dictatorship”, and that was enough for the people of Caronis. Thirteen hours ago, a second coup rose up in the capital city, Caronopolis. A group, calling itself the “Democratic States of Caronis” has risen up to bring down the 1,158 year old government and establish a new, democratic, secular one. They have already declared themselves the “new, true government of Caronis”. With weapons and even three tanks purchased from an unknown source, the DSC laid siege on the Palace of the Prophets, the home and workplace of the reclusive Elders. “We are the new Will of the Gods,” they proclaimed, referencing the full title of the Elders, which includes “the Will of the Gods on Earth”.

A few hours ago, the Palace of the Prophets was flattened by the forces of the DSC. All seven Elders are believed to have passed on, as well as the Royal Family and dozens of members of the upper echelons of Caronian government. The governors of one of the three Caronian states, and the Mayor of Caronopolis have also been killed, in separate attacks. The small armed forces of Caronis then surrendered, realizing it was all over. It is now believed that the Theocracy of Caronis no longer exists, and the Democratic States of Caronis now stands in its place.

A statement by the head of the DSC, the Chancellor of the Democratic States of Caronis, was given, explaining parts of the new system. “The entire government will now be restructured, replacing the ancient government with one that is of the people and for the people. There will be an elected, unicameral Assembly. One representative from the Capital District, and one Assemblyperson per about 400,000 people in the states.

There will be a Council of Ministers- the Minister of Defense and such- elected by the people as well. The Ministers and Assemblypersons will be elected to five year terms. The Chancellor will be elected by the Assembly to five year terms, with a limit of two terms. The Governors of the states will also be elected, to four year terms, and the Mayor of Caronopolis, as de facto head of the Capital District will have the same. We can now move forward into the 21st century with a 21st century government.”

The former Royal Governor of the state of Aureo Costas, the highest-ranking member of the old government, has said that “The Theocracy still lives” and “urges for our ally nations and others to assist us in brining the true, Gods-blessed government back in power”.

(OOC- Open for comment)

Ahhh...Another Day, another government overthrown. I know where your coming from.:rolleyes:

Official Statement from the Chancellor of the Democratic States of Caronis
Flag of the DSC (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/BLJ_422/DSC.png)

I beseech you all, the governments of the world, to support us, the new democratic government of Caronis. Surely the growth of democracy is something to support, especially after the overthrow of an ancient, opressive government. The old government denied all political rights and only granted some civil rights after over 1,000 years of opression. There were people who didn't know there were places where you could speak out against the government!

No true leaders should keep themselves hidden from the outside world and use some servant to communicate with their people. No true government should claim sucess in increasing civil rights when they deny the right to vote, the very ability to choose the proper leader that so many governments have already embraced. Millions of people agree with me and my government, parades and celebrations have already started.

I ask you, the world, to celebrate with us and recognize the new government of Caronis. Let centuries of opression fade away and allow a government of the people, by the people and for the people to rise from the ashes.

Best regards,
Alexander Archidis,
Chancellor of the Democratic States of Caronis

A morning sun outside cast a thin sliver of light upon President Heinrich Fulier's desk and paper work. He had been busy for the last few weeks; trade, war, alliances, they all seemed to meld together in one unholy work package. "Mr.President, I have bad news" gasped an aide who had just stormed into the room. "What is it Erwin" grumbled Fulier as he continued writing. "This is important, the Theocracy of Caronis has been overthrown" shouted Erwin as he regained his breath.

"What, how is that possible?!"

"Rebellion, sir."

"A mere rebellion! How is that even possible."

"Almost the entire military and countless civilians were involved in the coup sir."

Fulier sat back down and pondered his options. He could either led this pass, and watch as one of the greatest theocracy's was burned to the ground. Or, he could aide the elders in reclaiming their land. "Erwin, call up the generals and tell them to meet me in the war room, were going to take down this rebellion one way or another" shouted Fulier at his aide. "Yes sir" the aide cried as he ran down the hall.

0200 hours, 2 hours after the conclusion of the war room
Location: St.Adriansburg Military Airfield

The roar of jet engines in the night filled the air with an ominous tone. Only hours ago, the top staff of the Volzgradien military had decided to act and save the Theocracy of Caronis from destruction. The silhouettes of three DB-85 heavy air transports crowded the back of the runway. The top brass had decided that several teams of Spetsnaz would be dropped in and then aide in the overthrow of this so called "Democracy of Caronis." In all, 50 heavily armed and trained Spetsnaz were chosen for the mission, and they were now beginning to take off.

Several hours later, the DB-85s para dropped their lethal cargo into the black and inky Caronis' sky.

Chancellor Archidis sat in his "office"- a bunker underneath the Caronian countryside- and stared at the blank concrete wall. After two coups, after the death of all seven Elders, the population still remained heavily polarized. There were almost 200 million people on the island, and about half of them supported the DSC. The other half stood firmly by the dead Elders, by the government that had supressed them for longer than anyone could remember!

He had the military, he had weapons and tanks purchased abroad, he had 100 million people behind him. And yet, half of Caronis and who knows how much of the world wouldn't listen. He sighed, hoping his statement would convince the world to side with democracy.
----
The capital of the State of Aureo Costas, Aureopolis, served as the de facto capital of the Theocracy of Caronis, as the true capital was held by the rebel DSC. The Royal Governor stared out of his window, praying to the Gods to grant him assistance. As of they had instantly answered, a group of planes flew by, obviously not Caronian- Theocratic or Democratic. "Please, Gods, let them be for us," he muttered as he watched the planes fly across the sky and... drop something? Many things. "By the Gods... they're people!"

====ALPHA ENCRYPTED MESSAGE====

To: Alexander Archidis
From: Porthos Aranen
Subject: Liberation

We, the Metropolis the Kikoskriat, are indeed happy for you and your people that you have sought to gain political freedoms and the all important values of democracy. It is a first step into a grand new world that many take lightly but to those who have lived for so long without said basic rights and freedoms, it is the largest step of them all. I shall certaily be having a glass of wine in quiet celebration for your nations actions.

...However, I would warn you that not all will see your liberation as a good thing. Some do not see the true power and the correctness of democracy and civil rights and would seek to drive your fledging nation back into hiding or worse, wipe it out of existance altogether. I would not discount the potential that the theocracy in one form or another, has survived, nor that there might be sympathisers to their ideals. Now may be a time for celebration, but it must also be a time of vigilance, security and care if you are to survive the coming storms of change.

If you need to contact me again, I will always listen. From one free nation to another, welcome to the rest of the world.

Porthos Aranen,
President of Kikoskriat

====ENCRYPTION ENDS====

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

"That's not right." Steve said then, looking at the blips on the long-distance radar, hidden away deep in the satellite radar information output post deep in the Metropolis of Kikoskriat.
"What isn't?" his co-worked said as he scooted his chair over, looking at the same blips and raising his eyebrow quizically, "You're right, it isn't. Lots of planes perhaps?"
"They didn't have planes, they used tanks. They must be someone else's planes," Steve said, starting to try and work it out, "Whatever it is, can't be good. Let the higher ups know about it, might be something to keep an eye out on, just in case." Dipping his doughnut into his hot chocolate, he chewed on it gently as he wondered about it, looking at the blips as they started to fly away, "...What are you doing there..?" He asked the blips, as if they were people able to reply. Not suprisingly, he got no answers.

"Sir, I have a message for you. Ity was encrypted, and has come from the Metropolis of Kikoskriat," said the aide to the Chancellor, stepping inside the small office with a piece of paper.

"Ah, thank you," said the Chancellor, turning on his desk lamp. He read the note intently, then said "Take this down. I have a message in response."

ENCRYPTED MESSAGE
From: Alexander Archidis
To: Porthos Aranen
Subject: RE: Liberation

Mr. Aranen, I thank you warmly for your support of the new Caronian government. And yes, I am fully aware of the dangers that still lurk here in Caronis, and elsewhere in the world. Though I am sure democracy will prevail, I know it may be a very difficult path.

I could never truly ask for military aid, such a thing would burn on my conscience forever. Instead, I ask that you lend us the hand of recognition. Recognize our government, and set an example for other governments in the world. Such a favor would not go unnoticed. Of course, if you cannot, I can understand. Entangling yourself in such a conflict could be detrimental to your nation and mine. But please consider it.

With warm regards,
Chancellor Alexander Archidis
END ENCRYPTION

After sending the message, the Chancellor began to hope that his government would indeed prevail. However, his aid returned. "Back so soon?" The chancellor asked.

"Sir... it would seem... there are planes over Aureopolis, and they seem to have dropped troops of some sort. We can only assume they are friendly to the Theocrats, as Aureopolis is the new center for the old Theocratic government, and they haven't shot anything yet."

The Chancellor was silent for a moment. "Well... we are at war. Tell the general that... he knows what to do."

Within minutes, planes siezed from the Caronian Air Force and several trucks of DSC troops drove into Aureopolis, ready to fight for their new government. The Caronian Civil War had begun in earnest.

Porthos read the very quick reply with the glass of wine still in his right hand, barely sipped. He didn't know what to think of it, it was a very unusual kind of response, especially when he had the dossier in front of him that had the blips that had been uncovered, the strange blips that originated from another nation entirely that Porthos did not really care enough to learn the name of. He wasn't a fool, he knew exactly what the blips were for, even if he didn't know why they were there; one way or another, someone had thought that Caronis was better off as a theocracy then a democracy and had decided to attempt to exert that opinion with something a little more hard then diplomacy and law. He thought for a while, slightly tired from the night's party, having torn himself away from it to recieve the news of Caronis's independance and now, seemingly sudden war it fought against itself and an unknown force. So much to think about and after only being in power for just over a day, it made him wonder why he had accepted the job. However, as he stepped up to start writing a memo to be declared on the news the next day, he realised the reason why he had chosen to respresent his nation once more - because he knew he could.

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

Open message to all other nations from the leader of Kikoskriat

We, the Metropolis of Kikoskriat, recognise Chancellor Alexander Archidis and the Democratic States of Caronis as a fully legal authority. Regardless of the methods used to attain it's power, it's aims and it's methods of working are nothing short of exemplory and all nations should be proud that people are prepared to risk their own lives in the name of democracy and political freedom.

To this effect, we will in future deal only with the Democratic State of Caronis in all dealings with that nation, as they are to our perception the only legal and genuine authority in that nation.

Porthos Aranen,
Leader of Kikoskriat

http://www.codexguardianangels.com/images/cross-of-antioc-small.jpg

I greet the newly formed Democratic States of Caronis with open arms from the Telrosian Republic. Although I am sad to see that it required the spilling of blood and lives were lost, we are happy that the people are able to be free and enjoy the rights we are all given by the grace of God at our birth. To vote, to speak our minds freely, to have places where they can speak against the government. These are the things all people should have. The Telrosian Republic officially recognizes the Democratic States of Caronis. We will be sending an aid package of food, medical supplies, and building materials such as steel to the DSC to help you in rebuilding. We would also like, if possible, to send an ambassador to discuss further relations and open up a channel between us. I look forward to opening up better relations between our nations.

Signed,

President Jessica Lyndon

**********

At one of the many OBSAT control centers, the places which controlled, monitored, and maintained the satellites in orbit, a soft beeping noise echoed from one of the monitors. The man working the station turned from his coffee to see a trio of large planes heading for the DSC. He gazed at it with better attention. What were three heavy cargo planes, by the looks of them, doing heading for that nation? Could be a relief effort of some kind, but no one had sent any messages they knew of to the DSC. Narrowing his eyes in suspicion, he went over to the phone and grabbed it. A calm voice picked up on the other end.

"Yes?"

"This is Jack, down at OBSAT Station 3. I have something Control may need to be aware of....."

The woman awoke, at first unaware of her surroundings. And then she remembered where she was, and what had happened. She was in a concrete room full of rubble and refuse, the only thing preventing her from being flattened was a series of concrete columns that had held part of the ceiling up. There was, however, no way out from this prison.

The Gods had told her to go to bed early that night, and she had listened. Thank the Gods that her bedroom was made of concrete. One could never be too careful, and it had paid off. She was the last one left, the only Elder to survive. She felt alone, she felt weak, and she felt abandoned. After all she had done to placate her people, her loving citizens, they had betrayed her. The last Elder looked up to the ceiling, to the heavens for an answer, and heard nothing. Even her Gods had left her.

She was eighty-seven years old, in no condition to move rubble and get out. She knew air would run out eventually, or she would starve or die somehow eventually. But then, she remembered the newfangled contraption in her robe pocket. She pulled out the cell phone and wished she knew how to use it.
-------------
The Chancellor smiled as he was informed of the statement from the Telrosian Republic. He instantly wrote and sent a reply.

Dear President Lyndon,

I thank you for your recognition of our new democracy. It warms my heart to know that people can truly see the goodness of the spreading of democracy. At the moment, we are a bit unstable and sending an ambassador could be dangerous. We also have no actual capitol at the moment, and would have nowhere for your ambassador to go. However, communication through encrypted means is possible.

We also warmly thank you for your humanitarian aid. The capital city, Caronopolis, is in dire need of supplies, and is fully held by the DSC. Please have your generous gift sent there. Again, thank you.

With warm regards,
Chancellor Alexander Archidis

(OOC: This is a bump... kinda.)
In Aureopolis, the former Royal Governor of Aureo Costas sighed. The Theocracy had retreated to North Island, a small island off the northern coast. The rest of the nation was democratic, and even worse, secular. He simply could not understand how the people could have abandoned a government over 1,100 years old, how they could abandon the Elders and the Gods themselves.

For what? For more rights? They had rights, the Elders had given them to the citizens. For properly chosen leaders? Certainly there were no better leaders than ones chosen by the Gods. Becaus the World Assembly claimed the Elders were "corrupt dictators"? Damn the World Assembly! What did they know? "If only the Elders were here to guide me," the Governor said. And then his phone rang.

He looked at the Caller ID- the number was a string of sevens, the number of the Elders. It was impossible. "Hello?" He asked, picking up the phone. The most graceful voice he had ever heard answered.

"Governor? My name is Helene, I am the Fourth Elder... actually, the last Elder. Now that I've got this phone working... I need you to do something for me."

There was a silence, then the Governor replied "Your holiness, I will do anything. Anything."

"Contact whoever is in charge of the new government. Tell them that I am here, in the rubble of the Palace. And tell them... that the Theocracy of Caronis surrenders." Her voice was hoarse, yet graceful and firm. She knew what she was doing.

"Right away," said the Governor.
--------
Alexander Archidis brushed some dust from his lapel then walked up to the podium, Elder Helene by his side, in her orange robe. His orange tie matched. The Chancellor cleared his throat and spoke. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are all humbled to have with us today, the last living Elder. She is here with me as we discuss to you what's going on."

The Elder piped in. "The Theocracy no longer exists. I have seen the people uprise and kill my brothers and sisters. I have seen them destroy a millenium-old Palace. I do not need the Gods to tell me that the people want something new. And I know why. For centuries, the Elders have stayed in reclusive luxury while we dictate laws without even knowing what the people truly desire. The people blindly followed us, as the line between Prophet and God became slowly blurred.

Dissent to the government slowly grew, so we stamped it out. There have been riots for six hundred years, but they are stipped from records and forgotten. But as the Information Age dawned, it became harder to hide. Political blogs are what killed the Theocracy- people telling all the world their revolutionary opinions, or about rallies and movements they had orchestrated. And the world listened.

The people have finally spoken. And what the first Elders knew, but we did not was that the people were to always lead this nation. The Elders were originally Guides, the heads of the Caronian religion. Over the years, they became the leaders. The dictators.

But not anymore. My last act as reigning Elder of Caronis is to grant Elder's Assent to the Democratic States of Caronis as the legal government of this nation."

Helene stepped back from the podium, and the people were silent for only a moment. Then, from the crowd erupted into applause and cheering that echoed to the Gods in Heaven.

Chancellor Archidis stepped up to the podium. "I have appointed Helene as the head of the Church of Caronis, as the Pope is to Catholics. She will not serve any role in the government, but instead as the leader people look to in their spiritual lives. Religion will never again be a part of our government, but it will always be important to the lives of the citizens. Long Live Her Holiness, the Prophet Helene, Long Live Democracy, and Long Live Caronis!"

The Chancellor took Helene by the arm and guided her down the steps, one leader helping another.