NationStates Jolt Archive

[OOC: I don't know if I'm going to be coming back full time or not, but anyway, here I am. If this turns into any kind of roleplay, it'll be invite only. TG me if you're interested in taking part.]

A second, longer period of isolation hit the Incorporated States of Sarzonia since its founding father suffered a relapse of his cancer diagnosis. Despite months of treatment and some of the best doctors in the world traveling to Woodstock, Mike Sarzo was laid to rest on 1 Dec. 2007.

Lieutenant President Nicole Lewis took the oath of office as acting president and called for an election to name a permanent candidate to take over the Gray House. Candidates for the job included Lewis herself, Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer Grant Haffner ... and one wild card entry.

Jay Tyler, the erstwhile First Partner, at the urging of many including his would-be opponents, filed papers to run for President. For her part, Lewis continued to stay in The Manor, the official residence of the Lieutenant President. She chose not to stay at the Gray House.

In June of 2008, Lewis abruptly resigned her post as acting president and withdrew her candidacy for the presidency. Her shocking move turned the reins of the acting presidency over to Haffner. Even he refused to leave The Manor for the Gray House.

On an early day in October, Haffner was sitting in his office going through a growing pile of papers when he heard a knock on the door.

"Come in," he said. He looked up without a hint of surprise when he saw Tyler walk through the door. In fact, he actually summoned Tyler to his office.

"You wanted to see me, Mr. President?"

"Grant," Haffner said without missing a beat. "Until this election is decided, there's only one person who deserves to be called Mr. President and it ain't me."

"Fine," Tyler said. "You wanted to see me, Grant?"

"Better," Haffner said with a weary smile. "I'm considering dropping out of the race and endorsing you for the presidency."

Tyler's eyes widened and his mouth opened slightly. Haffner could tell Tyler's move backward by a few centimetres betrayed his shock at the decision. He turned serious, then addressed Tyler.

"Jay, the Sarzonian people need someone who can reassure them. Nicole couldn't do it. I can't do it. You would be the calming voice the Sarzonian people need right now. The world's a very different place now. Our intelligence operatives haven't even given us a complete update about the world scene yet. That's why I'm facing a one metre stack of papers. I'm trying to get back up to speed."

"That's precisely why we need you, Grant," Tyler said. "You're the senior VP in charge of monitoring foreign relations."

"That's an enormous job," Haffner said. "But to have to do that on top of Nicole's and Mike's workloads is too much. I've been putting in 140-hour weeks. I've seen more of this office than I've seen of my wife."

"I'm not sure if I'm qualified to be president," Tyler said, hesitatingly.

"Was Mike qualified when he became president?" Haffner looked into the eyes of Sarzo's widower, hoping that would do the trick. The truth was, Sarzo most likely wasn't, something that caused External Affairs great embarrassment at times.

"I have a feeling I'll end up like Hillary," Tyler said.

"She served in the Senate after her term as first lady," Haffner interjected. "Even so, she had some legislative experience and she damn near won the nomination. In any case, let me show you this." He handed Tyler a copy of that day's Woodstock Daily Mail.

"Look at the poll on page A-6," Haffner said. Tyler did and shook his head.

"I still don't know," he said.

"Jay," Haffner said. "Opinion polls can lie, but that one speaks volumes of truth. I don't think you can ignore 71 percent of the Sarzonian populace."

Tyler closed his eyes for a second, deep in thought. Seventy-one percent of Sarzonians polled wanted Tyler to become president. Twenty-four percent cited Haffner. The reality was almost too much to bear.

"Grant, stay in the race," Tyler said, finally. "The Sarzonian people deserve the chance to vet their candidates in a legitimate election. Your dropping out, after Nicole had already done so, would deprive them of that. It's what Mike would have wanted."

Now it was Haffner's turn to close his eyes. Invoking the name of the national founder was a sure-fire way to give anyone pause. He could alternately anger or endear people simultaneously like few others could. But Haffner knew Tyler was right.

"All right," Haffner said after a pause, punctuating his next words with a sigh. "I'll stay in."

"Thank you, Grant," Tyler said. "If you still want your old job and I become president, you've got it."

"Thank you, Jay," Haffner said as Tyler began to leave the room. He sighed one more time, looking at the top of that imposing pile of papers.

Imperial Diplomatic Communication

For: Acting President Granf Haffner, ISS

From: Empress Taunja I Lockeheart, IFSR

Sir,

I am at once overjoyed to see the Sarzonian nation emerge back in the world it left so suddenly, and deeply saddened to learn that President Sarzo has lost his battle with his illness. He was a great man, and he will be missed by many.

I am given to understand that new elections are to be held, and that you are in the running against Jay Tyler, the First Partner to the late President Sarzo. I wish you both luck, and am confident the Sarzonian people will choose well.

In closing, once more, it is good to see you back here. Nations like yours lend a degree of stability to the madness.

Best Regards,
HIM Empress Taunja I, IFSR

With less than two weeks before the special election was to take place, tongues throughout Woodstock were wagging. Tyler did poorly in the debate. Actually, disastrous would have been an apt description.

Former Senator Brian Delgado wiped the floor with Tyler, criticising Sarzo's paramour's stances on issues and leaving him with little opportunity to respond. Fortunately for Tyler, most observers paid far closer attention to the war between Haffner and Delgado during the debate. The two candidates, Haffner from the Moderate party and Delgado from the Conservative party, went at it with the kind of ferocity absent in the Inkanan war.

Even former House Speaker Connie Jacobi, who didn't fare well in her own right, was shut down as the battle between Haffner and Delgado heated up. Sitting in the audience, Lewis shook her head.

This is why I didn't want any part of this, Lewis said. She only reluctantly included her name among the candidates for the presidency. In her mind, the Gray House still belonged to Sarzo, even though he'd been buried in a Nicksia cemetery some months prior. She was used to being more of the administration attack dog rather than its point-woman.

In all honesty, if she could have gotten away from politics and chosen a cushy life teaching government courses at Joe Gibbs University, she would have. She would have only had to teach three classes a week and could focus on being Jaden's mother. But part of her also wanted to return to The Manor.

She knew she and Haffner likely would not have co-existed if he became president. Both of them had strong wills. Without Sarzo to act as a buffer between the two of them, she was concerned that they would have come to blows.

Speaking of Haffner, without Sarzo around to temper his bluster, most observers would have predicted that Haffner's words alone could have gotten the nation embroiled in several wars. They would have been wrong. Almost as soon as Sarzo died, Haffner became more cautious in his approach to world leaders. He knew that he didn't have Sarzo backing him up. That alone was enough for him to actually be more of a diplomat.

Even so, that old Haffner bluster was on full display in the debate. While some newspapers, notably the Woodstock Daily Mail opined about Tyler's poor performance, and that took up some discussion, most of it centered on the Haffner-Delgado battle. The Daily Mail's recent polls showed Tyler's lead slipping to 54 percent compared to Haffner's 37 percent. Delgado still registered a slim 7 percent.

***********************

Tyler walked with halting steps as he approached the doorway. His closed hesitated ever so slightly as he prepared to knock on the door. His light taps didn't do much, but it did lead to several loud barks.

"I'm coming!" a female voice screamed behind the door. It startled Tyler slightly, but when the door opened, that voice suddenly turned pleasant.

"Jay! Long time no see!" The woman hugged Tyler quickly and tightly.

"Come in! Have a seat!"

"Sure." Tyler walked in, still a little hesitant, and took off his coat. He handed it to the butler who emerged, then sat down in the comfortable living room seat.

"Here's some tea," the woman said, before smiling and adding, "home grown."

"Thank you," Tyler said, returning the smile. It was clear, however, that he was a bit nervous.

"So what's on your mind, Jay?"

"Uh," Tyler began. "I have a ... favor to ask."

"What's that?"

Tyler drew in his breath. So many thoughts crossed his mind and all of them threatened to cause him to lose his nerve to ask what he was about to ask. After all, the woman sitting there expectantly was ready to give up on politics entirely. And he was asking her to go back into a job she didn't want. He decided to dispense with small talk and get right to the point.

"Nicole, would you serve as Lieutenant President if I am elected?"

Nicole Lewis raised both eyebrows. Here it was, she had refused to take over as acting president when Sarzo was first diagnosed with cancer. After his death, she resigned as acting president. Now here she was, being asked to once again assume the role she shunned, twice.

"I don't know, Jay."

"Nicole, being President is an enormous responsibility. So is being Lieutenant President. If I'm going to have a chance to lead Sarzonia, I'm going to need experienced people as I work my way onto the world stage. And no one knows the job of Lieutenant President like you do. You're the leader who makes the most sense.

"Don't do it for me, Nicole. Do it for Sarzonia. And for Mike."

Before Lewis opened her mouth, she was fully ready to say no. She looked around at her spacious living room, her butler, her Sarzonian Secret Service agents and said the word she never thought would escape her lips.

"Yes."

Haffner was spending yet another long night in the office. His staff was long gone; even the janitors had left the building.

With no secretary around to make his coffee, Haffner took to having his own coffee pot in his office. It sat on a small table a meter to the right of his desk. He looked out onto the darkened concourse between the Foreign Affairs office building and the Gray House.

He would never admit it to anyone out loud, but his look there was for a reason obvious to those who knew him best. He sighed, then picked up a mug he'd just washed. He poured himself yet another cup of coffee and took a sip. It was strong Pacitalian brew, the kind he would have sworn off in his younger, more tempestuous days. Now, said coffee was Haffner's favorite late night companion.

He and his wife had been having marital trouble since he took on the long hours required for someone who was essentially filling three jobs. Thus, the election couldn't come soon enough for Haffner. If, by some miracle he won, he would have to assemble an administration and pick a lieutenant president and a senior vice president and external affairs officer.

Even though he was steadily gaining on first partner Jay Tyler's lead in the latest polls, he really didn't want to be president. Even if he cut down the number of hours he poured in, he knew the strain of having to set the tone for an entire nation was not something he could readily stomach.

As he lowered himself into his chair and heard the telltale hiss of the cushion, he heard something else. He looked at the screen and saw a name he didn't recognize immediately.

"Empress Taunja I Lockeheart? Who?" It then took him a second before his eyes widened and his weary face finally creased into a smile.

"Romandeos!"

He quickly began typing a message, not bothering to wait until the early morning hours when his secretary would return.

To: Empress Taunja I Lockeheart
Romandeos
From: Acting President Grant Haffner
Incorporated States of Sarzonia
Subject: Sarzonia's return to the world stage

Thank you for your message of support as our nation continues the slow healing process after our president's death. Much shall remain to be seen, but I am confident in the direction we can go in, regardless of who takes the oath of office.

It is gratifying to know that some of our old friends still remain our friends.

Haffner hit send, then headed straight for the couch, leaving an unfinished cup of coffee to cool down to room temperature as he got his four hours of sleep.

OOC: I see you got my TG last night, hope you don't mind me adding a reply.

Hudson Palace
Hudson
1300 Hours

"What!? Surely you must be joking, Mr. Freeman. The Sarzonians retreated into themselves over ten years ago and nothing's been heard of them since." King Richard VIII was holding a meeting with his Prime Minister, Stanley Freeman, as he had done with Freeman's predecessor Arthur Cavington when Freeman had received the news via cell phone from his Foreign Affairs Minister. While Foreign Minister David Markham was considered by both men to be a trustworthy source, the King could not possibly believe that Sarzonia had returned to the world stage.

"Believe it, Your Majesty. It appears their President had cancer and withdrew from the world stage to concentrate on fighting his illness. Now that President Sarzo has passed on, the nation is making a comeback, or so it would appear," Freeman replied, taking a sip of his tea.

"I see. Damn shame about their President, never knew the man of course but I've heard nothing but good things about him. I suppose we should do the sporting thing and send the Sarzonians a welcome back letter, what do you think Stanley?"

"Aye Your Majesty, I'll have Mr. Markham get right on it."

HM Ministry of Foreign Affairs
17 Marlborough Road
Hudson
Royal Commonwealth of Prestonia and Her Overseas Realms


http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x267/Central_Prestonia/FamilyCrest.jpg
His Majesty's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

On behalf of the Royal Commonwealth of Prestonia, we wish to extend a warm welcome back to the Incorporated States of Sarzonia and extend our condolences to the friends, family and admirers of President Michael Sarzo, who we understand recently lost his battle with cancer.

We extend an official invitation to the Incorporated States to establish formal diplomatic ties with our nation upon conclusion of their election and stabilization.

May God bless the soul of President Sarzo, and may He bless the whole of the Sarzonian nation.

God Save the King.

[Signed]

HM Richard VIII
King of Prestonia

Rt. Hon. Stanley Freeman, MP
Prime Minister

Rt. Hon. David Markham, MP
Minister of Foreign Affairs

OOC:

Incoming post. I've had an idea.

IC:

Imperial Diplomatic Communication

For: Presidential Candidates

From: Imperial Ministry of Foreign Affairs

To all Concerned Parties,

It is with Her Imperial Majesty's blessing that I extend to you all an invitation to come to the Imperial Federated States of Romandeos. The purpose of this visit would be to attend a formal debate on ground neutral to Sarzonian politics, thus giving all candidates an equal footing in terms of supporters.

If you are willing to attend such a debate please send a reply indicating such as soon as possible. There is obviously no requirement to attend, but we would be delighted if you did so, as it would also give us a chance to re-aquaint ourselves with an old ally.

Respectfully,
Foreign Affairs Minister J. Bladen, IFSR

Brian Delgado knew as much as anyone what the polls were saying. The fact that he lagged behind Haffner was no surprise. After all, Haffner was an experienced Woodstock insider. In unkind terms, some thought of him as Sarzo's poodle.

But what really rankled him was his position far behind Tyler. He was the first partner for Chrissakes! He had scant political experience. In fact, he had even less experience than Sarzo did when he founded the country. And Tyler did little to distinguish himself in the debate. He thought he'd score some points off Sarzo's former partner in the polls.

The opportunity extended by Romandeos's foreign ministry was particularly appealing. It gave him a chance to get what could amount to a walk off home run and an unlikely perch in the Gray House.

Meanwhile, Tyler still was uncomfortable with his performance at the debate. He knew he lost some momentum that he'd walked into once he announced his unexpected candidacy for the presidency. Opinion polls suggested that his once commanding lead could be all but gone in the days before Sarzonians went to the polls.

He knew he had a chance to redeem himself. He knew what Mike would have done had he been alive to run for his job. He knew he'd have to charter a private plane with Sarzonia One out of the question. But he knew he'd be on his way to Romandeos. It was one chance for him to strengthen his candidacy before it completely ran out of steam.

Meanwhile, Haffner knew he was in the election for only one reason: Tyler wanted him in it. He gave some thought to extending his regrets and sitting out. But he also knew that would leave Tyler vulnerable to Delgado's withering assault. He was going to take part in the debate, if for no other reason than to deflect some of Delgado's attack -- and to launch his own fierce counter. However, he decided to do something Sarzo likely would have never done: Help his chief rival. He was going to try to steel Tyler's resolve so that it resembled something closer to Sarzo's own dogged determination.

As for Connie Jacobi, she knew her chances at the Gray House were gone. She knew going in that she had little chance to be even remotely competitive in the race. This was one fight she was going to sit out. She called her campaign manager and told him, "this is it. I'm withdrawing my candidacy."

"Are you going to endorse one of the other candidates?"

"Perhaps in due time," she said, before she smiled slightly. Perhaps this was her chance to exact her final piece of revenge on that old bastard Sarzo. She considered dropping out and endorsing Tyler, if only to give his campaign a kiss of death. She knew she wasn't popular, and she knew that if she gave Tyler her blessing, she might give someone else the momentum to ride into the Gray House.

What she didn't remember was that the Sarzonian people weren't that dumb.

"Mr. Haffner?" "Mr. Haffner!"

Haffner slowly stirred on the couch as he heard the expectant voice of his secretary. The sun shined on his face as she opened the curtains in his office.

"Another long night?"

Haffner groaned. He'd told her multiple times he didn't want her to open the curtains. He'd do so himself once he woke up.

"You don't know the half of it," Haffner muttered.

"'Course I do," the secretary replied.

"Grace," Haffner said in a husky voice that resembled the bark of a small dog. "I thought I told you not to open the curtains in my office.

"It's a beautiful day, sir," she said in an annoyingly chipper voice. She's a morning person, Haffner thought as he slowly rose. He was fortunate that the private restroom in his office included a shower or he'd look disheveled when he met with world leaders. He began to trudge toward the shower when Grace spoke again.

"Mr. Haffner, aren't you going to respond to Central Prestonia's communication?"

For the first time since Grace entered the office 10 minutes ago, Haffner snapped up straight and bolt awake. He'd forgotten about Central Prestonia's message. It had only been a short time, but he still realised he needed to reply, if for his own sanity.

"I'll answer it as soon as I get out of the shower and I make some coffee."

"What do you want me to do with this cup?"

Oh shit, Haffner thought. He'd forgotten about the cup of coffee he made last night when he was planning to hunker down and work through the night. He looked at his watch. Seven hours. For someone who averaged far less than that a night, it seemed like an eternity.

"Just microwave it when I'm done with my shower."

"All right."

Haffner went into the shower and set about the task of making himself look more professional than he felt. When he left the restroom fully dressed and shaved, he picked up the steaming mug and took a sip. Even with hours of sitting by his desk, the Pacitalian coffee still tasted great.

He began to type the message to Central Prestonia.

TO: His Majesty Richard VIII
King of Prestonia

The Right Honourable Stanley Freeman, MP
Prime Minister

The Right Honourable David Markham, MP
Minister of Foreign Affairs

FROM: Grant Haffner
Acting President
Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer
Incorporated States of Sarzonia

SUBJECT: Communication

First of all, forgive the tardiness of my response. I thank you on behalf of the Sarzonian people for your hospitality as our nation re-emerges from its long period of Isolation. We also greatly appreciate your condolences on the loss of our President and national founder Mike Sarzo. He is still greatly admired here in Sarzonia, and we miss him dearly.

I am sure we would be most pleased to establish diplomatic relations with your great Kingdom upon the certification of election results and the conclusion of the transition to a full-time president.

May God bless the peoples of Greater Prestonia, and long live your great nation!

Editorial

Woodstock Daily Mail

Haffner the right choice to lead Sarzonia

With less than two weeks remaining before Sarzonian voters head to the polls to do something they've never done in their national history, now is the time to take stock in who would be the first elected president in Sarzonia's history.

On the one hand, you have former first partner Jay Tyler. He has campaigned on a platform centered on a pragmatic foreign policy. He has also cautioned Sarzonia against being embroiled in "unnecessary and entangling" military and diplomatic conflicts. Such a campaign platform flies in the face of the late president Mike Sarzo, who took on a police-the-world stance that thrust Sarzonia onto the world stage.

However, Tyler is the least experienced of any of the major candidates for president. He has no political experience to speak of. In fact, his previous role was as a Sarzonian Secret Service agent. His dreadful performance in a presidential debate in Woodstock is prime example of a man who is grossly unprepared to lead.

Former Sen. Brian Delgado (Conservative-Cooke) has high profile national and international experience. He was the Senate's Military Affairs Chairman and oversaw hearings on much-needed reforms to the Incorporated Sarzonian Army. He advocates a strong national defence and a central role for Sarzonia on the world stage. However, his stance on social issues is too far to the right for most in Sarzonia, and even he has admitted his chances of capturing the Gray House are slim.

The only right choice to return Sarzonia to some semblance of normalcy is the current acting president and the sitting Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer, Grant Haffner. Haffner has a wealth of international experience owing to his role as the previous right hand man for his predecessor, Mark Lorber. Since Sarzo's death, Haffner has taken on a far more conciliatory tone with would-be political opponents.

His opponents say Haffner is too much of a hothead to be the calming force and the captain of the Sarzonian ship of state. However, Sarzo was also known for being a hothead. Haffner has shown an ability to control his temper in recent months. That newfound ability will be vital with the need to juggle responsibilities worldwide and at home.

When voters go to the polls on Nov. 4, they will have to do something they've never done: Chart a new course for Sarzonia through the Gray House. It would only make sense to have an experienced pilot to lead the way.

A tall, lanky man walked silently through the Portland streets in the crisp, October evening. Despite a light drizzle, he did not carry an umbrella, nor did he wear a coat.

Normally, such behaviour would not have garnered much notice, except for one thing. He wore shorts with a long sleeve polo shirt. Had he worn such garb in Nicksia, Sarzonia's most fashion-conscious city, he would have been the subject of ridicule. However, he paid no mind to Portlanders giving him quizzical glances as he stalked his way along Fennerby Avenue.

He looked up at the door, then pulled a slip of paper out from his right pants pocket. He glanced down at the sheet, then looked up at the address. He then punched in a four-digit code, waiting to hear three telltale beeps. He then opened the door.

When inside, he strode the five-metre distance between the door and the elevator confidently. When the door hissed open, he walked in and pushed a button for the 17th floor. He stared straight ahead, pausing only to glance at his reflection and slowly move a stray strand of his jet black hair away from his eyes.

When the elevator slowed down to a halt on the 17th floor, he straightened himself up to his full 6-foot-4 inch height. The door hissed and he walked into the room, turning the right side of his mouth up slightly as he saw the hustle and bustle of the office.

"Ed meeting, my office!" bellowed a woman with a slightly deep voice. She walked into the room with a stern look on her face, almost as if she were a teacher trying to hunt down a truant student. Her eyes met the visitor's and her dour demeanor quickly turned into one of surprise.

"Who ... are you The Mole?"

"I'd prefer not to talk in such negative tones," the visitor offered in an even tone. The woman noticed his voice was a bit high for someone of his stated age.

"You sound a lot younger than you are," she said. By now, she was still wary, but was soon warming up to the stranger. "You wanted to join us for our editorial meeting?"

"Yes, I did."

"Come in, then," she said, motioning with her right arm. The visitor's long gait meant he didn't take long to enter the inner sanctum where editors were already dickering over a too-large news hole.

"Anyone got a wire story for A-6?"

"Can't we run a plug here?"

All such journalism talk soon ended when the visitor entered the room. All eyes soon turned toward the tall gentleman as he stood in the doorway.

"Everyone, this is," the editor began.

"You can call me Brian," the visitor said. "Brian Patrick."

"Very well, then. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Brian Patrick."

"Who the hell are you," a graying man asked in a gruff, curmudgeonly voice. "And why did you come here now, of all nights?"

"Ben, I told you last night why he's here. We're going to endorse a candidate in the presidential election. He told us he has some information that may help us make our decision."

Ben looked up, all of a sudden replacing his crotchety old man's scowl with something resembling a kid at Christmas getting a favourite gift.

"Oh?"

"Right," Patrick began. "Well, I'm not sure where you stand on who should be the next president." Even though he pretty much knew the answer. The Portland Press-Herald was leaning toward endorsing Haffner. It usually followed the lead of The Woodstock Daily Mail, even if it did so reluctantly. The last time the two national newspapers of record disagreed on an editorial was the last time the Woodstock Wild and the Portland Timbers met in the Sarzonian Cup championship.

Even so, Patrick was undeterred.

"We have limited information about a potential Haffner administration," a younger editor said. She was definitely younger than everyone else in the room except for Patrick, even though he looked younger than her 25 years. "That seems to be the big stumbling block. No one knows what a future administration will bring to the Sarzonian political scene."

"I can help answer some questions," Patrick said. "For starters, Tyler already has a choice in mind for lieutenant president." Now that he had the full attention of the room, Patrick smiled slightly. He then paused for a second to claim the upper hand over the now eager Press-Herald editors.

"Who is it?"

"Someone who helped define Sarzonia in its formative days," Patrick said. "The former lieutenant president herself, Nicole Lewis."

An audible gasp left the lips of even Ben Collins, the deputy managing editor for news who prided himself on a seen-it-all curmudgeonly veneer. His eyes widened in something resembling shock and excitement.

"And Haffner's already agreed to serve as senior vice president and external affairs officer if Tyler wins," Patrick said. By now, Patrick could almost see the machinations of brains working overtime to process this stunning information.

"And how do you know Tyler's plans in such detail," the younger woman asked. "And why are you telling us all this?"

"That part of my information needs to remain a secret," Patrick said. "However, let's just say I have known Tyler for a while. I'm familiar with how he thinks and what his plans are. He wants to ensure that Sarzonia's return to the international scene happens with a minimum of learning curve. He also wants to ensure that he has good people who can do their jobs well from Day One.

"He believes that's how Sarzonia can best return to a sense of normalcy. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a plane to catch back to Woodstock."

Patrick left the room, but it was a while before the editors' meeting resumed. Within an hour, the newspaper had its endorsement ready to go.

********************************************
Editorial

Portland Press-Herald

One choice is right for Sarzonia

Sarzonians have a difficult decision to make. As many throughout the world know, it is one they've never had to make: Deciding who is the right man or woman to occupy the Gray House.

The number of candidates is as intriguing as they are different.

Conservative Sen. Brian Delgado (Cooke) has a strong background in policymaking behind the scenes. He also was chairman of the Military Affairs Committee during its hearings to reform the army.

Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer Grant Haffner has the most experience of the three major candidates, having served in late president Mike Sarzo's administration for two years before Sarzo's death.

Former first partner Jay Tyler has comparatively little political experience and did nothing to distinguish himself in a presidential debate famous for shouting between Haffner and Delgado.

However, we believe that performing well in a debate has never been the deciding factor in who should be president. Sarzonians don't need a debate whiz. They don't need someone who can glibly tell the world the good and ill. What Sarzonians need as they continue their grieving process is someone who can help the healing. As accomplished as Delgado is and as experienced as Haffner is, they aren't calming influences in government.

Aides familiar with the Sarzo Gray House have said Tyler could keep Sarzo in line. More to the point, a former Sarzo aide has informed us that one of the most central figures in the Sarzo administration, former lieutenant president Nicole Lewis, would return in her previous capacity. That, along with another former Sarzo administration stalwart agreeing to return to a central role gives us confidence that Tyler can prosper as president in spite of his lack of experience.

Finally, Tyler brings something to the equation that even Sarzo doesn't. He said in several speeches that he would adopt a more pragmatic foreign policy than Sarzo previously implemented. During an extended period of isolation, pragmatism is the only viable solution for a nation seeking to rebuild its own psyche.

Tyler may not have the political capital of other, more distinguished candidates or smoother debaters. But he does have the necessary tools in place to lead Sarzonia. A vote for Tyler is a vote for the sort of stability the Incorporated States desperately need.

Imperial Diplomatic Communication

For: Presidential Candidates

From: Imperial Ministry of Foreign Affairs

To all Concerned Parties,

It pleases us to know that some of the candidates have agreed to visit us to hold this debate. Hopefully, by holding a debate on neutral ground candidates in this election may express individual views on the issues which Sarzonia and her people find important without fears of local bias.

If no candidate has objections, we would suggest that the debate take place in the city of Flagstaff, a pleasant location in Northern Romandeos. The place has year-round good weather, but it is especially mild and pleasant now, so it is, we feel, a good choice for holding a major, political debate. As well politics in the area regarding Sarzonia are completely untilted.

If you have any concerns, requests, or issues to discuss, feel free to contact my office any time.

Respectfully,
Foreign Affairs Minister J. Bladen, IFSR

"Why the fuck do I have to fly out there? It's not like I'm leading in the polls or anything."

Marc Terry looked at Brian Delgado askance after hearing his seething remark. His campaign chief knew Delgado only drew support from 4 percent of voters in the last Woodstock Daily Mail poll. He knew his campaign was a long shot because of Haffner's and Tyler's name recognition. He knew he was considered an extreme right-winger by Sarzonian standards.

However, he offered no signs that he wanted to leave the race. He was held up by many in the Conservative party as the unofficial standard bearer of the party and its views. He was seen as the lone person who could make a dent in the centre-left political structure of Sarzonia. More to the point, he was seen as the one person who could bring some much-needed balance to the national scene.

"If you want to have any chance in hell of winning this race, you need to go to Flagstaff," Terry said. "You know that."

"Did you see the Daily Mail," Delgado said, bitterly. "It doesn't look like I'm going to beat out that faggot..."

"Brian!"

"Shit! Sorry!" Delgado forgot Terry was gay. Delgado had considerable contempt for Tyler and still harboured some for Sarzo, but he tried to separate those from his views on homosexuality. Politically, he opposed legislation favouring gay rights, but he also tempered that with silent support for his son.

What will David think of me using the word faggot?, he thought. What about Tom? Even though he publicly opposed gay rights, he asked David if he could take part in his civil union ceremony with Tom. He recalled proposing to give David away as if he were a bride. He also remembered David's mock annoyance as he told him "Dad, they don't do those in civil union ceremonies."

"It doesn't look like I'm going to beat Tyler or Haffner even if I do go to Romandeos," Delgado said. "Four percent of voters isn't enough for me to even consider myself a viable candidate."

"But if you don't go, not only will you not win the election, but you will probably cripple the Conservative party for years to come," Terry said. "Not only that, but if you go, you can do some more damage to Tyler's candidacy. It might force a run-off or get Haffner into the Gray House."

Delgado thought for a moment. He didn't agree with Haffner on many issues, but he at least got on with the acting president. They didn't meet socially very often, but they had weekly meetings to discuss happenings in Parliament. They could at least co-exist in a Haffner administration.

"Perhaps you're right," Delgado said. "Fine, I'll go. Besides, it's not like Flagstaff's some shithole in the middle of nowhere."

Terry smiled. "Now you're talking!"

As Haffner's and Tyler's campaign managers sent their acceptance of Bladen's offer, the three men prepared for their respective trips to Flagstaff.

[OOC: For the sake of efficiency, we can get straight to the debate if you'd like.]

[OOC: For the sake of efficiency, we can get straight to the debate if you'd like.]

OOC:

I'm okay with that. I should have a fresh IC post ready before too long today.

Indeed, it had been some time since a government of the Austar Union had been contact with that of the Incorporated States. Notes and more minor communications aside, the only diplomatic message in years had been a transcript of condolences for the passing of the late Mike Sarzo, of whom had been a great friend to the various administrations of what was now known as the Unione of Capitalizt States.

Born out of the development of a new era, the U.C.S. had risen out of the ashes of a formerly successful constitutional democracy. Now approaching its one hundred and fiftieth year of stable government, the administration born out of the collapse of the former Republic was marked by a number of great new successes (and challenges) that arose out of the daily events of existing in what was normally considered 'the real world'.

News had in the meantime reached the eyes and ears of the Secretary-General, of the up and coming election in the Incorporated States--something which was included for some vaguely unknown reason (perhaps in recognition of their former relationship) in his daily briefing of events and happenings all over the world. Oddly enough, it had caught his eye and provided for a moment of great consideration. He had not really taken the time to 'catch up' with any of the Austar Union's former friends and allies from what seemed like an eon ago, rather, from time to time made a note to take note of what they were doing with themselves at any particular and remarkably random time.

Still, although Carmine was a particularly pragmatic individual, he decided to go with the feeling of his heart this time. Bringing up the application in which he would write his missive, he began to dictate to the computer at his desk something to the order of an invitation--promising 'great opportunities', to 'make old things new again', and to 'discuss the possibilities of developing new frameworks in which both nations could find themselves stronger, in a world where the rules have changed completely'.

He did not specify nor promise what he exactly meant, however. Only time and the development of a mutual understanding of one-another could tell as to what extent any of the above would be possible.

As his flight to Romandeos soared over the Lorber Mountains following its departure from Woodstock, Haffner finally allowed himself a chance to breathe. Since Sarzonia returned from its Great Isolation*, Haffner's activity on the world scene was beginning to take a toll.

He had long hours from dealing with internal matters previously handled by Sarzo or Lewis. He had to learn the machinations of Parliament enough to handle domestic affairs. That, plus deal with the fallout from the decline in Praeto-Sarzonian relations he accelerated by tearing a copy of the Treaty of Uxland on international TV.

Mending relations with Pacitalia was a priority for Haffner, both in his "day job" as senior vice president and external affairs officer and in his role as acting president. In the latter case, he knew he was far from a popular figure in Timiocato, but he felt the heavy weight of the people's will. Opinion polls in Sarzonia all but demanded that Haffner make full repair of Paci-Sarzonian relations a top priority.

He knew that either way he looked at it, he would have to put it on the fast track once the election was done. Unless something cataclysmic happened, Delgado was unlikely to win the presidency. Haffner knew that. It didn't make him any less wary of the Conservative candidate, but from a practical standpoint, Haffner knew he'd have some role in the next Gray House. If he were president, he'd have to move quickly to find someone to nominate for lieutenant president. Plus, he'd have to find someone to fill his "day job." He knew his newly-confirmed deputy senior VP Carly Sanders was ill-equipped for a promotion.

If Tyler won, he could return to his full-time role as senior VP -- and return to more normal office hours. Either way, he knew a trip to Timiocato was in the works one way or the other.

However, he looked at the latest incoming message from Austar Union. He remembered looking at the intelligence report on them in the past week as External Affairs operatives returned a report. He grimaced at the nation's full name: The Unione of Capitalizt States of Austar Union, particularly the word capitalizt. Commerce Heights was on Sarzonia's shit list for quite some time and Haffner felt no desire to remove them from it. He also noted the strong media controls and its military-run government, but figured if he were president or senior vice president, he could still have a look at things more closely.

The thought of re-opening ties with a longtime ally appealed greatly to Haffner. Even if the rules of engagement changed completely, as Carmine noted in his communication, Sarzonia was going to adapt to the change in atmosphere. It would have to.

----------
*Since I was away from the game for over a year this time, that's what I'm going to call that period in game. The first time I let Sarzonia go inactive has been known as Isolation.

IC:

Flagstaff, the Imperial Federated States

Delgado was right. Flagstaff, the city chosen by the empress herself to serve as the debate location, was actually one of the biggest industrial centers in all of Romandeos. As well it had long served as something of a test bed for clean energy technology. It produced many high-value raw materials for industry, most notably steel and sulfuric acid. Its port served in dual capacities, servicing cargo ships and also the Imperial Navy Northern Fleet. Some hundred Navy warships could be found at the docks on any given day. The city housed as many as 40 million people throughout its entire boundaries.

For the debate, the massive Boxer-Henry Sports Stadium had been selected, and carefully it was made ready to hold audience. The wide field, normally used to hold football games in the national league, was designed to be converted to extra seating, with a stage situated in one end, essentially converting the place in to a concert hall or a theatre, or, in this case in to a debate location.

In a move which had the Foreign Affairs Ministry somewhat perturbed, some airlines had lowered prices on tickets for flights from Sarzonia. Apparently, this was an effort to make it less difficult for somebody from Sarzonia to attend the debate personally. Even so, with it having already been done, there was nothing they could really do about it.

News networks from Romandeos and Sarzonia had been invited, and cameras were set up in preparation to record the proceedings. RN3, RTRN, and several Sarzonian networks all had cameras, microphones and lights crammed in every open space available.

Now, all that remained was for the candidates to arrive.

OOC:

I'll leave off, and let you take it from there.

The cameras hadn't started yet, and already Tyler was nervous.

He paced in his dressing room, staring in the mirror and staring at the wall. He knew there was no way of getting out of this. He had to take part in the debate now that he was in Flagstaff.

Both he and Haffner kept their distance from Delgado. Even though Delgado and Haffner had a cordial working relationship in spite of political differences, Haffner didn't want to spend valuable preparation time away from the job at hand. For his part, Delgado had the confident air of someone with a wide lead in the polls.

What neither Tyler nor Haffner knew was that confident air masked Delgado's real feelings. Truth be told, he was anxious. He realised this wouldn't make or break his presidential run, but he also knew he could set himself or his party up to be a legitimate thorn in the sides of the centre/left parties in Sarzonia.

As for Tyler, he looked in the mirror yet again, raised his right arm, curled his hand toward his tie and adjusted it ever so slightly.

"You'll do fine, Jay," came a voice from behind Tyler. The man rested his hand softly onto Tyler's right shoulder.

Tyler sighed.

"I don't know, Brian," he said. "I didn't do so well in the last debate."

"There's always tomorrow," said this other Brian, the man the Press-Herald code named The Mole. Just stick to your message. The people of Sarzonia are behind you."

Tyler began the slow, long walk out of the dressing room and toward the stage. As he reached the end of the hallway leading to the stage, he looked up and saw Delgado and Haffner already standing at their posts. Haffner was standing behind the podium that rested stage right, while Delgado stood behind the podium resting stage left. That meant Tyler was front and centre.

Right in the spotlight, Tyler thought. He resisted the urge to cry and also fought a desire to throw up. Neither would have looked presidential. Regardless, he certainly didn't feel presidential.

Tyler heard a small chime from the watch sitting on his left wrist. He knew that meant he had to take the short, but difficult walk to the podium. His podium. He swallowed hard, said a quick prayer and asked for Sarzo's spirit to help him in the debate. Then it was off to meet the eyes of the citizens of Romandeos and a multi-national television audience.

It all begins again.

[OOC: This will be a flashback post to the day Sarzo died and the aftermath of his death on Sarzonia.]

28 October 2007

Cabinet vice presidents looked around with concern as the clock ticked past 11:15. Sarzo normally was never late to meetings unless something came up. And usually if something came up, he'd send word through his staff. Or he'd be addressing the people.

"He's 15 minutes late. What's going on?"

"I don't know, Kathy," Haffner said. "You'd think we'd know something." Haffner looked up at Lewis, as if expecting her to do something.

"Nicole? Any word?"

Nicole shot back a look, then said, "I don't know." Haffner could tell she was squelching her desire to tell him off again. He knew she did so in part because of her desire for professionalism. She also did so because she was now worried.

"I'll go check on the president," Lewis said. "Wait here."

She walked into the Green Room where Sarzo and Tyler slept. She saw Tyler standing next to Sarzo, who was looking peaked as he slowly raised himself. He was wearing his suit from the night before, when he addressed an incoming delegation from Romandeos.

"What's going on?"

"I don't know, Nicole," Tyler said. "It doesn't look good. Should we walk him to the Cabinet meeting?"

"No. I think we need to take him to the doctor." Fortunately, the Gray House came equipped with a clinic for its employees. Instead of braving the possibility of paparazzi if they took Sarzo to a hospital, they could take him down to the basement of the Gray House itself for treatment.

Nicole pushed the intercom button at a private desk.

"Grant, this is Nicole."

"What's happening?"

"The president is ill. Run the Cabinet meeting. Jay and I are taking him downstairs."

"Is he going to be OK?"

"I don't know." I don't know. Those three words hit the Cabinet vice presidents like a ton of bricks. They hoped it wasn't cancer again, even though some of them suspected it was.

Down in the clinic, the doctor examined Sarzo and put him through a series of tests. Whatever it was, they would soon find out.

********************

30 October 2007

"Mr. President, I'm afraid I have some bad news."

Sarzo struggled to look up into the doctor's eyes. Even though the man had 30 years of medical experience, Sarzo could easily detect the sadness in those eyes. Even though Sarzo's was physically weak.

"Your cancer has metastasized," he said. "It's spreading too rapidly." He lowered his head slightly. "There's nothing more we can do."

Sarzo lowered his head in defeat, then suddenly crashed to the floor of the clinic. A flurry of nurses and medical technicians rushed to get Sarzo upright, but Tyler knew it was trouble.

"Do we announce it to the nation," an aide asked Tyler. Tyler looked askance at the aid and said only three words.

"Are you kidding?"

***********************

1 December 2007

Except for being helped to the loo in the Green Room, Sarzo stayed in bed the entire day the past couple of days. He didn't show up to the last Cabinet meeting on 30 November. On 26 November, he addressed the nation and told horrified Sarzonians the full extent of the metastasis. He also pledged to fight, for Sarzonia as a whole and for himself. Even though he knew in his heart he didn't have the fight in him.

As the clock turned to 4:32 p.m., Sarzo motioned for Tyler to come to his bedside.

"Take my hand," Sarzo whispered. Tyler did so, fighting hard not to cry in front of his paramour.

"I love you," Sarzo said. Then he closed his eyes for the final time.

The doctor standing right next to Sarzo on the opposite side from Tyler checked his vital signs, then said the two words no one in Sarzonia wanted to hear.

"He's dead."

With those words spoken, Tyler finally allowed himself to do what he could not for so long. He sobbed.

At 5:30 p.m., Lewis stood at the podium after a hasty swearing in with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court. She had to address the nation as acting president knowing full well that Sarzo would not be coming back. Her tone, often combative during the best of times and surly during the worst, was subdued and somber.

"My fellow Sarzonians," she began. "At 1632 today, President Mike Sarzo was pronounced dead. I have taken the oath of office to serve as acting president.

"Pursuant to the Constitution, I am calling for a presidential election on the first Tuesday in November of 2008 to elect the next president. As of this moment, I intend to be a candidate for the position. However, during my tenure as acting president, I will continue to reside in The Manor. Once a new President is elected, she or he shall live in the Gray House.

"I will work in the president's office space, but will then return home to The Manor. I have secured special dispensation for first partner Jay Tyler to remain a resident of the Gray House until the election is concluded.

"My friends," Lewis said. "I know we are in a difficult hour as a nation. I grieve with all of you. Perhaps we'll all find our way through the grieving process and walk down the road to healing together.

"Be well. And see your doctor regularly."

[OOC: I've created an OOC thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=569452) for this RP. Any OOC questions, comments, concerns, etc. should be posted there.]

Ajer, Yafor 2

Elected Duchess Eliana Dagora stared at the paper on her desk, her face the very model of incredulity. She had traditionally been one of those who could keep their cool, no matter the circumstances (after all, that was how she had survived so long as leader of the Grand Democratic Duchy), but the simple surprise of what was lying innocently on a pile of papers in front of her was enough to break that mask. There was little that could faze Eliana Dagora in that way, and that was what the Chief Minister, Kurisir "Nabo" Toralen looked stunned at. After all, he was ordinarily the man who let his emotions take control of him - to see Eliana doing such certainly uprooted many of his preconceived notions.

At second thought, however, Nabo found his own surprise calm down slightly. After all, Eliana was certainly going through a tough period of time politically - under fire for the affair regarding relations to Gholgoth, especially from her own party. Vagnan Mordaad and the Social Progressives had it in for her own Moderate Socialist faction, and with elections approaching, the fate of the Socialist Party on the national stage was in jeopardy. Not that it mattered nationally, however; the two other major parties had also found themselves flush with infighting, each with their two major factions. Nonetheless, nearly all of Eliana's term in office had been based around rather difficult decisions in rather tight spots. It was no surprise, then, that on unrelated matters, her emotions could get the best of her.

"Sarzonia! Seriously?" The Elected Duchess' voice cracked midway through those two words, displaying overtly the considerable strain she had been under. "They haven't been around for, Enalla's eyes, two, three, I don't know how many years!" Nabo felt his own eyebrows raise themselves and was sure that, for the others in the room, it was a complete surprise that the Elected Duchess had not finished her sentences. She was ordinarily, like most Yaforites, hyper-vigilant on grammatical matters, especially given that being composed was one of the things that had taken her where she was now. As a result, to see Eliana Dagora, one of the most intelligent women in the Grand Democratic Duchy, destroying her sentences was a clearly shocking sight to most Yaforites.

"It's not as much of a surprise, Eliana. They were bound to come back some time." Davrain Nayadol, Minister of Internal Affairs, was known for his soft way of speaking and the harshness of his words. He was the man who had the most experience regarding Sarzonia - he had had a position of superiority in the Sodo administration, which meant that he had had a fair bit of experience dealing with the people of Sarzonia and their idiosyncrasies. "If anything, the reemergence of the Sarzonian people on the international stage provides us with a unique set of opportunities. We joined Fedala, for example, to relive the glory of Woodstock. Perhaps, it is not necessary to try and relive it anymore."

"Don't be silly, Davrain." Nabo found himself jumping in over several other members of the Inner Council. Not that he minded - it was something that he was well-known for doing. "The days of the Woodstock Pact are long since gone. If anything, their emergence provides us with opportunities in other ways - after all, they were long known for, shall we say, less-Praetonian free market beliefs?" Unsurprisingly, Nabo had managed to steer the conversation towards the favorite topic of most Socialists, regulation. At his words, however, Vasily Nikolayev, the one member of the Internal Council who did not have an executive position who was in the room, chuckled somewhat.

"You would see it like that. You're wrong, of course." He was YKMK-PLP, but his brother Anton was LCP and the ambassador to Praetonia, so he had long since taken it upon himself to protect the Inner Council from going too far to the left. "After all, they were ever-quick to war." Nabo rolled his eyes, speaking quietly in response. "Trust a paid Praetonian to say that." It was clearly rude and unnecessary. Glancing upwards, Nabo found his eyes meeting those of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jyorin Kiamelar, and he quickly regretted speaking. "Nonetheless, no matter who they are, it can only be beneficial to continue to establish close relations with them." The Subminister of Internal Affairs, Daniel Cabrera, another YKMK-PLP member, was older than most of the men in the room, and had the kind of voice that allowed him to sum things up. "What that means, then, is that -"

He was interrupted by Eliana herself. "Can you see what this means for international power blocs? I can. They'll all be attempting to court the Sarzonians, to commandeer their elections to ensure candidates of the kind - you see the problem." She had rather easily exposed the gorilla in the room, states what everyone had been thinking, but no one had been saying. "We need more than to simply establish relations. Davrain, pack your bags. I think you need to have a little more than statements regarding their political process."

James Melvin had many duties as Haffner's chief of staff in the External Affairs office. On days when Haffner was out of the country or exercising his duties as acting president, he was often the unofficial boss at External Affairs. Even though Sanders was the second in command, Melvin commanded the respect of everyone at External Affairs. Including Haffner.

He had a small clerical staff that reported directly to him and he coordinated interns. Other than that, he really didn't have the authority to tell people what to do. However, that respect he engendered was more than enough for people to do it anyway. If Melvin said, "I think you ought to consider this," even those directly reporting to Haffner treated it as if Haffner himself told them to do it.

With that said, Melvin often received special dispensation to act on his own, even without Haffner's say-so. He'd built trust with Haffner from the moment Haffner started at External Affairs. Prior to that, he'd built a strong working relationship with Haffner's predecessor, senior vice president for external affairs Mark Lorber. Thus, everyone knew that Melvin knew the ins and outs of external affairs.

With Sanders and Haffner both out of the country, it meant that Colin Peterson, the assistant vice president for foreign relations, was technically in charge at External Affairs. However, he preferred to remain behind the scenes. He would sign paperwork that needed to be signed. Other than that, he'd often call Melvin and ask him what to do. So in essence, Melvin ran External Affairs.

As he prepared a report on the current status of Sarzonia's former Questerian allies, Melvin was interrupted by a knock.

"Come in."

Peterson walked into the office with a slip of paper and handed it to Melvin.

"Jim, I've just received word that Davrain Nayadol of Yafor2 wants to pay us a visit."

"Oh?"

"It seems they're interested in seeing first hand where Sarzonia's election process is headed."

Melvin looked up and raised an eyebrow. The interest on the part of the Yaforites was not a surprise. After all, they had been in the Woodstock Pact with Sarzonia and Yaforites fought during the Gholgoth Wars, as did Sarzonia. The concern with which Nayadol wrote his letter was readily apparent, and that was what Peterson came to ask Melvin about.

"Why do you think they're so worried, Jim?"

Melvin pondered the question. The most obvious answer was that the Sarzonian people were doing something they'd never done before by voting for a president. However, Sarzonia's potential return to the world stage was frought with possibilities. Some think tanks within Sarzonia raised the possibility that major alliance blocks would approach Sarzonia, or might seek direct influence on its electoral process.

The thought that a country such as Doomingsland could try to influence the Sarzonian election sent shudders down the spine of most External Affairs staff. The people at the Military Command Centre were hard at work assessing their military assets to rid the Incorporated Sarzonian Military of outdated equipment. Plus, training continued apace in the event Sarzonia became embroiled in conflict.

"What do you think about Nayadol's visit, Jim?"

"Why do you ask?"

"He's their minister of internal affairs," Peterson reiterated. "You'd think an external affairs or foreign affairs officer would be the one coming to observe our election."

"It doesn't say they're here to observe the election. Perhaps they might want to, who knows. We haven't had a nationwide presidential election before. Who's going to take it as gospel that we're going to have a fair elective process?"

"We've held national elections before," Peterson said. "Our citizens elect House members, and Sarzonia's upper house is the House."

"That may be true," Melvin said. "But the presidency sets a tone like no other brach of government. Sarzonia will tell the world where it's going with this election result.

"Back to the specifics of Nayadol's visit. I'd suggest letting him know that he's welcome to come to Woodstock and ask us any questions he might have. If he wants to meet with the acting president, I'd recommend sending him to Hunter since Haffner's in Romandeos."

"Thanks, Jim," Peterson said. "That's exactly what I'm going to do."

Melvin looked out the window with a bemused look on his face. He knew he would probably end up meeting Nayadol anyway. But he had his own doubts about the Yaforite visit. He shook his head in an effort to dismiss them from his mind. He figured he was simply being irrational.

The Sarzonian presidential debate in Flagstaff, Romandeos was being watched in Lamoni via LBC. Of those watching, one of them was the Lamonian President, Andrew Stinson. President Stinson was currently on a world wide tour, but he was still watching the debate via a Lamonian communications satellite from LAF 1, which was departing Third Spanish States.

Thinking about it, he decided that now was likely not the best time to send a request for renewed relations to the Sarzonian government, but that didn't stop Lamonian curiosity about the tumultuous politics that were currently embroiling in Sarzonia, which had held the reputation as one of the most powerful nations in the region of Atlantian Oceania.

After the death of President Sarzo, the Sarzonians had retreated into isolation, and little word had escaped that nation until now. With Lamoni being in the same region as Sarzonia, it was understandable that the Free Republic would take an intense interest in such a respected naval power.

In the meantime, President Stinson was still waiting for the debate to start.

---

OOC: will post more as more goes on in the thread... duh, right?

Because the Sarzonians had not held a presidential debate before, there were no standards in place the Romandeosians knew of regarding the debates preceding elections. Therefore it was decided to use a modified form of the method Romandeos used.

Each candidate would stand behind his own podium up on the lit stage. Haffner would be located on the right, Delgado on the left, and Tyler, right in the middle. Care was taken to make sure the spaces between the podiums matched exactly.

Moderation would be handled by two people, one of them Romandeosian, one Sarzonian. Each person would take turns, asking each of the assembled candidates various questions.

Dr. Anton Gratwick, a local college professor, would be the Romandeosian moderator, as his name had been picked randomly from a list. For the occasion he dressed in a plain suit like he usually wore to work, black and fully unadorned. He was cleaning his glasses, and looking for any flaws in his appearance when a stadium attendant walked in the room.

“Doctor Gratwick?” she said, and continued at his nod. “They’re ready.”

“Good,” he replied with a nod. “Let’s get going.”

Moments later, he walked out in the open through a side entrance which led out before an impressively large audience. He moved briskly trying to ignore all the eyes of the viewers in the audience as he walked.

‘Hell,’ he thought. ‘Most of them aren’t staring at me anyway.’

He walked up on to the specially constructed stand atop which stood a podium positioned looking out towards the audience at an angle which would also allow him to look at those he was questioning. Opposite that was another, identical platform to house the Sarzonians moderator, who he could see was already there.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, speaking into his microphone. “Thank you for coming here this evening, and welcome to this, the First Sarzonian Presidential Debate.”

He was interrupted by a low murmuring from the audience. When it died down, he leaned in toward the mike and went on.

“I would ask the audience to remain absolutely silent during the debate, except now when introductions are to be made.”

“Located at stage center, we have Mr. Jay Tyler.” Mild applause was heard.

“Located at stage right, we have Mr. Grant Haffner.” More applause resulted, about alike.

“Finally, at stage left, we have Mr. Brian Delgado.” Delgado’s response was no different.

“The first candidate to be asked a question has been chosen randomly. From there we will move down the line to the left, each candidate taking a question from both the moderators in turn before the next candidate is questioned. When appropriate multiple candidates can be called to reply to a question, or, a candidate may be asked to make a rebuttal statement in response to a statement put forward by one of his opponents.”

Having explained the basic process, Gratwick looked down at a sheet on his podium.

“The first question goes to Mr. Tyler,” he said, looking to the center podium.

“Mr. Tyler,” he began. “Before this race you were First Partner to President Sarzo, before holding that position you were a Secret Service Agent. You have spent much time in the presence of government, but at no point in your life did you hold any high office. What experience do you have which you believe qualifies you to serve as President of Sarzonia?”

******************************

Empress Taunja, watching on television in a private Imperial Family residence, winced as Mr. Tyler’s relationship with President Sarzo was brought up.

“That can’t feel good to the man,” she muttered as she picked up a full soda can.

Even though Tyler knew he would face that question, it didn't make much of a difference. He swallowed hard, then reached with his right hand toward a cup of water sitting there. Before picking up the cup, he spilled a few drops of the water onto the top of the lectern.

His hands began to shake as he raised the water toward his mouth. Fortunately for Tyler, his hand stopped shaking just before it would have been visible to live and TV audiences. He drank three gulps of water before setting the water down, then he inhaled slowly before exhaling through his nose.

"If President Sarzo were alive today, he would tell you that he frequently listened to my counsel on many important issues. The Gray House staff would also tell you that I kept him in line," he said. That comment would likely have drawn a chuckle from Sarzonian audiences, but the predominately Romandeosian audience did as they were instructed and remained silent. So, too, did the Sarzonians in attendance.

"I have taken part in many Cabinet level discussions as the first partner," Tyler continued. "I'm very familiar with the issues, both external and internal facing Sarzonia today. More than a distinct foreign policy or any particular domestic matter, Sarzonians need healing. If I am elected president of Sarzonia, I can help bring about that healing. I would bring back an overwhelming majority of Sarzo's administration, which would ensure a minimum of learning curve on my part. It would also ensure that good people are in places to do their jobs. That's something I learned from President Sarzo."

Tyler finished, then drew in his breath and exhaled through his nose again. He realised he probably looked nervous, but hoped that wouldn't be the coup de grace for his presidential campaign.

Lindsay Warner enjoyed her tenured position as a political science professor at Joe Gibbs University. She spent years evaluating the systems of government of various nations from Praetonia to Pacitalia to Sarzonia itself. She felt well versed in the nuances of government.

However, she couldn't help feeling a twinge of nerves when she was called upon to fly to Flagstaff to be the Sarzonian moderator. She watched the first-ever presidential campaign heat up and realised she couldn't say with complete certainty what Sarzonians would do.

Regardless, she undertook her trip to Flagstaff with an equal measure of excitement. She felt as though she would play a role in helping the Sarzonian people vet their future leader. She looked over the biographies of all three major presidential candidates and smiled. She had a few doozies up her sleeve.

"Thank you Mr. Tyler," she said, casting a quick glance at Gratwick. "My next question is for Mr. Haffner.

"During your tenure as deputy senior vice president and external affairs officer, you were, to put it bluntly, a highly unpopular figure in Timiocato. If anyone could pin direct blame on any Sarzonian for the deterioration of Paci-Sarzonian relations, you would be the choice, even over Sarzo himself. As a diplomat, don't you feel that is a massive failing? If you were to be the elected president, how would you ensure that your temper doesn't prevent you from leading Sarzonia in a positive direction?"

Haffner nodded slightly. He expected this question.

"First of all, Dr. Warner, I acknowledge that I have made mistakes in my time as deputy senior vice president and external affairs officer. I have also made mistakes as senior vice president and as acting president. But making mistakes in itself is not a character flaw. Refusing to learn from them is.

"I acknowledge that I played an important role in the decline of Paci-Sarzonian relations. I also am aware of my less than stellar reputation in Timiocato. However, I also believe in the wisdom of the Sarzonian people, and I believe in the wisdom of the Pacitalian people. Citizens of both nations feel it is vital that we not only normalise relations, but we also strive toward the full repair of Paci-Sarzonian relations.

"I have learned greatly from my tenure as senior vice president and as acting president. I personally have great respect and admiration for many of the people I have worked with in Timiocato. I think Dr. Ell is one of the greatest statesmen of our time. I would be honoured to work with him once again if I am elected president.

"Regarding my temper, Sarzo was well known throughout the Gray House for his temper. I believe the immense responsibility of being the nation's interim chief executive has forced me to take a more pragmatic approach to domestic issues. That's why I believe I would make an effective president. I continually work to make myself better. That will continue if the people of Sarzonia choose me for the Gray House."

"Mr. Haffner, your time is up."

"Thank you, Dr. Warner. I've concluded my answer."

Haffner looked back evenly at Warner, but inside, his mind was racing.

Tyrconnell, New Brunswick, United Kingdom

Ostensibly, the red-brick facade represented nothing special, other than a well-maintained piece of 18th century British colonialism. The Old City district of the city of Tyrconnell had managed to maintain its historic charm, albeit for a high rent. Or for those fortunate enough like Stephen McKay, family history. For Stephen McKay was, by ancestry, one of the old lines of British immigrants to Celaria, as the land was then known.

In the past, the McKay family home had been situated not far from the loading docks where sail-powered clippers loaded up tea and spices from the colony of New Brunswick before sailing back to Great Britain. In the present day, Stephen McKay enjoyed the well-lit and tree-lined cobble-stone street protected by wrought-iron fences and CCTVs. The fences and CCTV security, however, was also due to his stature in the United Kingdom, as the land was now known. For he was the shadow chancellor for the Democratic Socialists. And he had recently returned from an informal meeting of the shadow cabinet at Lord Salisbury's private estate in Jacobia.

With a click, the heavy black-painted door swung open and the broad-shouldered red-haired man walked out into a sea of blinding light and boom microphones. Taking a step out, turning to push shut his front door, he waved with briefcase in hand to the waiting press.

"Mr. McKay," came the shouts and the screams.

"What was discussed in Salisbury?"

"Is the DSP ready to deal with a Progressive-led Atrea?"

"Is the DSP ready to fight the Tories in a national contest?"

"Are rumours of a fracturing leadership true?"

McKay buried his head in his overcoat, the temperature was cool, as was to be expected at this time of year.

"Can you talk about this past weekend's events?"

"Would you be willing to lead the DSP in a national election?"

"Do you have any response to this weekend's bombing in Sarnia?"

Finally, McKay raised his head, stopping by the potted flowers near the curb. He turned into the bright lights of what appeared to be some unknown press agency. Then again, he was only a shadow chancellor, this was light stuff. "I, Lord Salisbury, and the rest of the Democratic Socialist leadership, offer our profound condolences for Lieutenant James Addison and Private Lana Rivendell. We also roundly condemn those barbaric acts undertaken by Marerian terrorists. We condemn them also for their use of Pavanne as a shield from behind which they strike at innocent Oceanian citizens."

"Are you implying that the Sarzonian government is allowing the Marerians to operate freely in Pavanne?"

"We know for a fact that Marerian terrorists straddle the border between between the United Kingdom and Sarzonia. We know for a fact that there have been no major actions against Sarzonian interests in Pavanne. And we know for a fact the long and complex history between Woodstock and Georgetown."

"Are you saying the Sarzonians are using the Marerians as a proxy to wage war against the United Kingdom?"

McKay shook his head. "No, I am simply stating that the SABAR treaty negotiated with the Sarzonians by Prime Minister Ingrahm has been a profound mistake with tragic consequences. And the Sarzonians are apparently unable to secure their side of the border."

"Is the DSP going to re-negotiate SABAR with the new administration in Woodstock if the DSP wins the expected general election?"

"New administration? Are you serious? Those left-wing liberals are going to pick the lover of their dead president who is going to let all the loonies from the past back into the Gray House. New administration my arse. Same old faces, same old policies. If you want to look at a real democracy, look no further than this country."

McKay finally barreled through the wall of reporters, camera-persons, and sound-persons. A bland-looking security person opened the door of a black luxury saloon for the shadow chancellor. The car quickly sped down the street to the docks, from which McKay would depart aboard a high-speed ferry for Thamesport and then Georgetown. By the time he reached Parliament House, the comments of the UK representative at the Seaburg Conference would be on-air for Oceanians to watch. Soon thereafter, the rights would be provided to international broadcasters and the content uploaded to media websites for dissemination to an international audience.

Many people throughout Sarzonia were watching the debate with great interest. It was the largest scale Sarzonian presidential political debate in Sarzonia's history. Never mind the fact that it was the first time Sarzonia engaged in a full-scale presidential election. It was one of the first times Sarzonians had an opportunity to flesh out the details of its presidential candidates.

One man watched the proceedings from his coastal home in Nicksia with slight interest. Once upon a time, he fancied a run for the Gray House. Now, as he approached his 75th year, he decided the political scene was not for him.

Nice answer Tyler, he thought. He had great admiration for the late president and grew to appreciate his paramour during their relationship. He could tell the young man was nervous; after all, Tyler was only 32. But he reacted positively to the Tyler campaign's decision to focus on healing a grieving country.

Haffner he approached with grudging respect. He was well aware of the consternation External Affairs had when Haffner popped off at national leaders, showing the subtlety of a zeppelin. However, he observed Haffner's tenure as acting president, especially as Sarzonia returned in fits and starts to the world stage. He noticed Haffner taking a far more careful approach to international relations. However, he also saw a man who was weary.

As for Delgado, he had little love lost for the man. He served a vital role in instituting reforms the Incorporated Sarzonian Army needed, but there was something about Delgado that just didn't seem right. He tried to keep an open mind about the election, and he thought a viable Conservative candidate and Haffner's strong candidacy on behalf of the Moderate party would provide some checks and balances once the new president was sworn in.

However, he wasn't going to make his decision solely based on ideology. He had a small twinge of nostalgia that he allowed to creep into his still-bright mind. Even if his candidate of choice brought back everyone from the Sarzo administration, he thought hearing a different voice at the top would still make for a different tone from the Gray House. Even with Haffner calling the shots in the interim, there already was a different tone. It wasn't just Haffner behaving as a lame duck acting president. It was Haffner acting more as a statesman and less as a bulldog.

Still, with media assembling outside the door to his home, he had to do what he felt was right. Even if his poking his toe back into the political waters put him at risk for getting scalded by criticism. He looked down one last time at his notes and walked deliberately toward the door.

When he opened it, flash bulbs popped and television cameras started rolling. It was the first time since his aborted candidacy for president that he was in the public eye. That was the way he liked it, but the poll numbers dictated to him that he do something else.

"Admiral, have you decided on an endorsement?"

"I have."

"Who is it?"

"As a longtime leader in the Incorporated Sarzonian Navy, I firmly believe in the necessity of establishing a strong national defence. I also firmly believe in the need for strong leadership from the Gray House and Parliament to set the nation on the right course after years of our national malaise.

"I have great admiration for Mr. Haffner during his tenure as acting president. I believe he has performed admirably under extremely difficult circumstances. I believe he would make an outstanding chief executive.

"However, I, Marcus Patinkin, Admiral of the Incorporated Sarzonian Navy, am hereby endorsing former first partner Jay Tyler for president. It is not for any campaign platforms or any particular ideology that I do this. Our nation needs a leader who can help return Sarzonia to full health as a nation. Mr. Tyler has shown the ability to provide a sense of healing and calm in a way that even Mr. Haffner has not.

"It is for that reason that I endorse Mr. Tyler."

"Admiral! You made no mention of Senator Delgado. Why is that?"

"I believe Senator Delgado would take this country in the wrong direction. Period."

"Why?"

"That's all the time I have. Thank you." Patinkin then shooed reporters from his front door and shut it gently as a way of letting the weight of his words resonate throughout Sarzonia ... and the rest of the interested world.

"Thirty-nine percent to 37 percent," Patinkin said out loud as he picked up that day's Daily Mail. He hoped his clipped speech would somehow change the odds.

The more that President Stinson watched the debate, the more convinced he was that the Former First Partner was the right man to lead Sarzonia. Lamoni had taken a special interest in Sarzonia since they had re-emerged on the world stage, and it was time to find out more information on the current Sarzonian state of affairs.

President Stinson picked up the satellite phone, and dialed a number the number that had been a direct line to the Sarzonian Gray House in Sarzo's time. Hopefully, it was still valid.

When he had been connected, he simply said, "This is President Stinson of Lamoni, I would like to send a Lamonian representative to Sarzonia in order to observe your elections, as well as being able to respond to any requests that your government might have of the Free Republic."

In truth, Stinson wanted someone on the ground that would be able to keep an eye on things in Sarzonia. Any fool could see that a lot of nations and alliances would be scrambling to welcome Sarzonia into their fold, and such a situation always needed watching.

Hunter heard an unusual ring style on the phone in his office. It was so unusual, in fact, that he almost didn't recognise it.

He looked at the chart next to his phone and realised it was a transfer of an international call. With an uncertain, questioning tone of his voice, he answered the phone.

"House Speaker."

When he heard Stinson's request, he hesitated for a moment. Sarzonia had never held a presidential election before, but the idea of foreign observers monitoring the election struck him as an unnecessary step. Still, Sarzonia had at least positive relations with Lamoni before the Great Isolation (http://nswiki.net/index.php?title=Sarzonian_Great_Isolation). He didn't see it as unreasonable for Lamoni to send a representative.

"I'll definitely send your request on to the appropriate channels," Hunter said. "Acting president Haffner has asked the office of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to certify the election results with the vacancy in the office of lieutenant president." Now, he privately cursed Lewis's resignation as acting president during her tenure as lieutenant president. He also bemoaned her and Haffner's failure to name an acting lieutenant president during their clipped tenures as acting president.

Normally, it would be the lieutenant president's responsibility to certify election results. The election certification was the lone responsibility the Sarzonian Senate had over the House of Delegates in Sarzonia's interpretation of a constitutional democracy. Unlike most bicameral legislatures throughout the world, the house made up of the direct representatives of the people was the house with greater authority. The Senate, made up of delegations chosen by the states themselves (or in Woodstock's case, the city) had less authority. Except in this case.

He was fairly certain the newly-minted president pro tempore, Lynda Davis-Berrera, would agree to Lamoni observation. He still wanted to convince himself that it was the right move to make.

"I would like to thank you for your quick action regarding my proposal, House Speaker Hunter. As always, the Free Republic is interested in maintaining the positive relationship that it has enjoyed with Sarzonia, and will do what it can to keep that relationship working smoothly.

I would like to once again offer my condolences regarding the death of President Sarzo, who will be missed by all. He was a great statesman, and leader; and he shall be missed."

Woodstock Daily Mail

Patinkin endorsement helps Tyler

by Lisa Halloran
Daily Mail Staff Writer

Retired Admiral of the Incorporated Sarzonian Navy Marcus Patinkin's brief endorsement Wednesday helped former first partner Jay Tyler's campaign efforts, according to the latest Press Herald poll.

In a survey of 1,500 likely voters in northern Somerset, Tyler led acting president Grant Haffner by 47 percent to 38 percent. Conservative Sen. Brian Delgado (Cooke) lagged far behind with only 14 percent of voters. Tyler's lead over Haffner was 41 percent to 39 percent, within the poll's margin of error, just one week prior to the endorsement.

"No question, it's a boost," said Carter Hortense, a Somerset University political science professor. "The greatest military hero in Sarzonia's history is going to have an influence on voters."

How much is the question. Brandi Taylor, a research fellow at the Colin Powell Centre in Woodstock cited Sarzonia's lack of experience in presidential elections as "the X-factor."

"Really, we won't know how much of an impact [the endorsement] will have on Sarzonian voters until we see the exit polls," Tayler said. "Locally, endorsements haven't meant a whole lot, but the stakes are much higher now."

With the presidential debate taking place in Flagstaff, Romandeos, Sarzonians are beginning to piece together who will lead the country in which direction. Some observers expressed concern about the direction Delgado would lead the country.

"Patinkin said it in his endorsement of Tyler and effusive praise of Haffner," Hortense said. "He didn't even mention Delgado until he was asked. That was a statement by omission."

Delgado has lagged far behind in each of the polls run since Nicole Lewis resigned as lieutenant president. Her absence was seen as a major boost in Haffner's campaign, as he came in a distant third behind Tyler and Lewis until she dropped out of the race. A spokeswoman for Lewis said she had no plans to endorse a candidate.

"Ms. Lewis is through with politics, and she would decline an appointment if asked," said spokeswoman Katy Gregiore. "She wants to spend her time being a great mother to Jaden and teaching students at Joe Gibbs University."

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Saturday 25th October 2008

The right man at the right time
Why Jay Tyler should be Sarzonia's next president


WOODSTOCK

In the Sarzonian presidential election on 4th November — one of the most important elections the country will ever face — voters will have a clear choice between, on the one hand, moving forward, and on the other, a constant stationary funk that threatens to force the country back into not simply a psychological and social recession but also one within the economy. In the country's first major democratic election cycle since its founding, making the right choice at the ballot box has never been more important, never more prescient, than this year.

For this newspaper one man stands out as the right person to lead Sarzonia after that hallowed, legendary first Tuesday of November, a tradition handed down from Sarzonia's American ancestors. Our detractors may, presupposedly, consider this an odd endorsement, but by any measure, we feel there is no better choice to assume the mantle of the presidency than Jay Tyler.

A presence in his own right
Mr Tyler has garnered — and deservedly so — a reputation for rationality, personal strength and integrity. Woodstock insiders laud the former secret service agent's cool demeanour and his uncanny ability to keep his paramour, the late former president, Mike Sarzo, in check, during the latter's less than rational moments. Mr Tyler is said to have done an outstanding job injecting into cabinet and senior-level discussions opposing or differing perspectives. In numerous instances he even encouraged Mr Sarzo to change tack or avoid involvement in certain international incidents whatsoever. It seems Mr Tyler's calming effects also extended to Mr Sarzo's cabinet. That "extra conscience", it is believed, saved the Incorporated States many an embarrassment on the world stage.

But it is not simply Mr Tyler's profound calm that qualifies him for the Gray House, and, indeed, that quality is never, of its own, sufficient prerequisite for a country's highest elected office. Mr Tyler is a man politically astute in his own right, someone capable of battling at the level of, or above the heads of, the major titans, when on his game. He will get things done when and where he must, if and however he can.

By virtue of his witnessing first-hand the machinations at the senior-most levels of government, he has sufficient political experience despite never having held office on his own. Better still, Mr Tyler has deep convictions, a set of principles shaped by external influences but formulated more of his own volition. If he can fuse these two qualities together, he will be profoundly successful as president.

Mr Tyler has two things Sarzonia desperately needs at this crossroads in its adolescence: profound ideas and remarkable vision. Refreshingly, he is not a cynic or a pessimist. He is, in fact, a stubborn optimist with a penchant for big-city confidence yet does not hesitate to remain modest. At a time when Sarzonians are still jittery about the idea of losing their job, their house and their retirement savings, they need a man who can — convincingly — comfort his flock and assure them better days are ahead. It is here, most of all, that Mr Tyler stands head and shoulders above his competitors.

Changing the trajectory
One dangerous misconception is that Mr Tyler is so enamoured with his lover that he will simply be a carbon copy of Mr Sarzo and will, thusly, run his administration in exactly the same manner of his predecessor. This lies in the admittedly fair criticism that Mr Tyler has pledged to name several key figures from Mr Sarzo's team to his own administration, in a concerted effort to show Sarzonians he wants the right people at the right places. Most notable among the names flung about is Nicole Lewis, Mr Sarzo's notoriously ferocious right-hand woman.

In the face of that criticism, we believe it was the right move on Mr Tyler's part. Mr Delgado and Mr Haffner may feel they would bring new faces and new ideas to the table. But in a country that is, according to several sociologists and political scientists, suffering a dearth of innovation and ideas, Mr Tyler is simply striking pre-emptively in promising to name to his cabinet the only people in Sarzonia truly qualified to hold those positions. True, these are people that did Mr Sarzo's bidding over the past four years, but they are people who are incredibly flexible and pragmatic, and who have their country's best interests at heart. It speaks to Mr Tyler's political aptitude that he has effectively forced his two counterparts to look for qualified people elsewhere, and they will have a hell of a time doing so.

Despite the near-guarantee that, in electing Mr Tyler, Sarzonians will wake up to meet a "new" administration — in which only the holders of the presidency and a few other positions have changed — he will put the Incorporated States on a starkly different course than that of the centre-left Mr Sarzo. He is a young, fresh face with real ideas, and it reminds this newspaper of the early days of Pacitalian archonate Dr Timothy Ell's tenure as the prime minister in the First Republic.

Mr Tyler will nudge the country along a course lined with pragmatic social policies and what he calls "economic regulation in the right places". He wants to institute a lower flat income tax rate, stagger corporate taxes in line with those companies' earnings and eliminate taxation on small businesses as part of his own drive to help foster badly-needed innovation and individual prosperity in Sarzonia. He is the most vociferously opposed to a carbon tax out of the three vying for the presidency, even more so than Mr Delgado, arguing there are more realistic and productive ways to reduce carbon emissions and develop a greener country.

Specifically on the issue of free trade, Mr Tyler takes a step in the right direction where Mr Sarzo, unfortunately, did not. He wants to develop a most-favoured-nation trading system for his administration that will then eliminate all tariffs for primary trading partners. Mr Sarzo was fiercely protectionist and nationalist on the issue and was reluctant to embrace even bilateral free trade, fearing a loss of Sarzonian jobs and the end of many Sarzonian companies, large and small. But protectionism, in practice, did not save Sarzonia from economic collapse two years ago, and, in fact, it could be argued that is precisely what caused such a deep and swift plunge in the country's economy. Opening the borders to a greater inflow and outflow of goods will undoubtedly help boost consumer confidence and, in turn, keep the country on the right track.


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A fingertip away from a majority, but not yet out of the woods


The world's next great statesman?
In a time of healing, Sarzonia needs a healer, someone into whom Sarzonians can funnel their hopes and aspirations, and someone that, on a personal level, they can share their grief with over the death of Mr Sarzo. The first president of the country may have laid the foundations of a deep bond with his people, but he put his marriage and love above all else, and it is for that reason that Mr Tyler is the personification of Sarzonian mourning, but also the sceptre of progress and change in Sarzonia, both to his people and to those watching from beyond the frontiers of the Incorporated States.

Mr Haffner, meanwhile, needs to rebuild trust with Pacitalia, but not as president. He is a fine, decent man, but he lets his temper get the better of him much too often, and that is not something Sarzonia can, or should have to, handle at this moment. Mr Haffner could make a good president in time — but this is not his time. Mr Delgado, frankly, is not relevant to the discussion by any stretch. He is a competent senator but he would take the country in the wrong direction, damaging its self-confidence and fracturing its institutions. We simply cannot envision, four years from now, a Sarzonia that is international, stable and self-assured should Mr Delgado earn passage to the Gray House.

Despite laudable attempts to create a country better, different and more learned than the fatherland, Sarzonia's foreign policy missteps resulted in an external perception of its first president not unlike the very man from which Mr Sarzo attempted to disassociate himself. But unlike Mr Bush, in death, Mr Sarzo should be remembered for what he did accomplish, and with deep respect.

Now, in Mr Tyler, we have a man with the potential to leave behind a legacy even greater; thankfully, he has arrived just when his country needs him.

Flagstaff, Romandeos

Dr. Gratwick checked his notes carefully as he listened to Dr. Warner’s question. He kept his peace, sweeping his gaze across the stage, examining the candidates.

“Thank you, Mr. Haffner,” he said when his turn came again.

“Mr. Delgado,” he continued, shifting his gaze to the third candidate on the stage. “It is at least mildly obvious that when it comes to politics, you tend to lean more to the right than most of your potential opponents. Now, suppose for a moment that Mr. Delgado wins and is sworn in as the next President of the Incorporated States. Given your own leanings how might you interact with such a center-left administration?”

Delgado stiffened slightly. He hadn't given much thought to working with a centre-left Parliament, though he quickly decided to think on his feet in response to this question.

"I believe my record during the Panic of 2006 shows my willingness to work with all sides of the Sarzonian political aisle to approve needed legislation," Delgado began. "I even worked with President Sarzo to approve legislation for handling both foreign and domestic crises during my tenure in the Senate.

"I believe I would be excellent in that role, unlike either of my opponents, neither of whom have shown any inclination toward working with anyone else."

Haffner cut Delgado off.

"The Senator is fond of making outrageous statements that show little basis in fact," Haffner said, casting a sideways glance at Delgado. "Let the record show that during my tenure as acting president, when the nation needed me the most, I have also worked with people on all sides of the aisle. Mr. Tyler has also demonstrated a sense of restraint that has helped Sarzonia during the late president's tenure.

"To say that neither Mr. Tyler nor I would work with all sides of the aisle would be to show total disregard for the truth."

Now it was Warner's turn.

"Mr. Haffner, you may speak when it is your time to do so," she said. "Mr. Delgado, have you finished with your response?"

Satisfied with getting in his dig at Haffner, Delgado smiled slightly. "I have, Dr. Warner."

Fort Dundurn, Izistani Arctic Territory, Northern Haven.

Some called it the Cube. Most didn't call it anything - for it did not exist to them you see. Never the less, the headquarters of the Strategic Technical Service was abuzz with activity. With the Sarzonian's emerging from hibernation the STS found themselves without any intelligence assets in that particular theater of operations.

This must be corrected.

- - - -
Arelee Proving Ground, Izistan.

As the aeroshell's came in, hulls darkened by the friction of reentry, they pulled wide slalom style turns to drastically reduce speed. As they slowed down into what was deemed a acceptable range of speeds, they passed over a forest clearing full of mocked up Nakil tanks. Ejecting a stream of modfied long rod penetrators, they passed over head to pop drogues and settle down on the plain a few kilometers away. Ready to be reused.

Unlike the tanks that were so much scrap metal now.

Field Marshall Bondarov, observing remotely, was pleased. His thesis ("Terminal Effects of Aeroshell delivered kinetics") was guaranteed to be published now. He was lost in his thoughts when a priority message came from Battleford.

SARZONIANS RESURGENT STOP NEED MILITARY ATTACHE STOP CATCH HYPERSONIC OUT OF BATTLEFORD STOP WILL SEND PLANE FOR YOU STOP

"Shit."

While President Stinson was waiting for an answer from the Sarzonians on the possibility of a Lamonian observer to the Sarzonian elections, he read an article from The Economist. It was true that the Economist was a Pacitalian newspaper, but it paid to be able to keep abreast of the developments in one's own region.

The article that the President was reading had to do with the Sarzonian elections, and the most interesting part was that the Economist was endorsing Jay Tyler to be the next President of Sarzonia. President Stinson was of a mind to endorse Jay Tyler as well, but he thought it prudent to wait and get more information on all of the candidates before he picked who he thought would do the best in that job. Too that end, he picked up the satellite phone, and when his call had gone through, he ordered the LIA to dig up all that was publicly known on the candidates for President of Sarzonia.

If the Sarzonians were being roused from their international slumber, then Lamoni would be watching them... just like the rest of the world, Stinson thought.

OOC: Just a little IC post while waiting for Sarz to approve or deny my request for an observer to his elections.

Woodstock Daily Mail

Tyler, Haffner separate themselves
Delgado all but ruled out in latest poll

by Lisa Halloran
Daily Mail Staff Writer

The latest SNN poll released Thursday shows former first partner Jay Tyler and acting president Grant Haffner stretching their lead over Sen. Brian Delgado (Conservative-Cooke) in the race for the Gray House.

The poll of 2,000 likely voters throughout the country shows Tyler leading the race by 48 percent to Haffner's 43 percent, creating a virtual dead heat between the two top candidates. Delgado polled 8 percent. The poll has a margin for error of 3.1 percent.

Brandi Taylor, a research fellow at the Colin Powell Centre in Woodstock, said the numbers showed Haffner gaining among Delgado supporters.

"Tyler has not shown much weakness in this election in spite of his relative inexperience," Taylor said. "Haffner has made some gains, but most of those gains have come at the expense of Delgado. People seem to be showing less confidence in Brian Delgado as a would-be presidential candidate."

The recent poll showed Tyler making little headway among Delgado supporters and undecided voters, according to Taylor. However, she said Tyler was maintaining his current support base.

"It's not a question of Tyler getting weaker. It's a question of Grant Haffner getting a boost from people who otherwise would support Delgado," Taylor said.

A former External Affairs employee who asked to remain anonymous said Haffner's increasing strength has much to do with "dramatically improved performance" as a diplomat. However, the employee cautioned that his resurgence may still not be enough.

"Haffner's showing far greater restraint than he did when [late president Mike] Sarzo was president," the staffer said. "People I've spoken to at External Affairs have said he's far more mature and far more deliberate about his decision-making."

Delgado recently aired a new ad attacking Tyler's experience, or lack thereof, in which the announcer intoned, "do you want someone whose only experience was beside the president in bed to lead the country?" Political analysts said the ad has backfired so far.

"If anything, the ad might have caused Delgado to lose some ground," said Kyle Armstrong of the Political Research Centre in Nicksia. "Sarzonians are tired of Delgado's negative ads and tired of his focus on Tyler's relationship with Sarzo."

Meanwhile, Haffner has largely remained silent on Tyler's experience, choosing instead to emphasize his own experience in External Affairs and as acting president.

"Sarzonia needs a leader who has been there," an announcer says in the latest advert. "We need someone who has the right mix of experience and new ideas. Sarzonia needs a smooth transition from the late Sarzo administration to a leader who can help Sarzonia move forward. Sarzonia needs Grant Haffner as president."

Political analysts are divided on the impact of Admiral of the Incorporated Sarzonian Navy Marcus Patinkin's and The Economist's endorsements of Tyler, but one analyst said The Economist in particular would likely have an impact.

"After the Daily Mail and the Press Herald, The Economist carries great weight in The Complex*," said Jon Ainsworth, a researcher at the Political Institute in Saugerties. "People in Parliament and the executive office buildings often have subscriptions to all three newspapers. There's no question the endorsement carries some weight."

*[OOC: The Complex is the name for the area of Woodstock that contains Parliament Hall, the Gray House, the John Paul Stevens building (for the Supreme Judicial Court) and the executive office buildings where External Affairs and all the other executive, parliamentary and judicial staffs have their offices. Figured I'd finally give it a name. :p]

Breaking news from SNN.srz

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Nicole Lewis, former Lieutenant President

Lewis endorses Tyler
Former Lt. President denies reports of return to politics

Carter Hedgepeth, SBC Political Correspondent

Breaking a months-long silence since her resignation as acting president, former Lieutenant President Nicole Lewis announced her endorsement of Jay Tyler in Tuesday's election.

Lewis's endorsement comes as the race increasingly appears to be between two men: Tyler and acting president Grant Haffner. The latest Woodstock Daily Mail poll shows Tyler leading Haffner 48 percent to 43 percent, with Senator Brian Delgado polling 8 percent. The poll of 2,000 likely voters has a margin of error of 3.1 percent.

"My fellow Sarzonians, the right choice for our future is Jay Tyler," Lewis said at a press conference held in the press room at Joe Gibbs University's administration building. Lewis is currently a political science professor at Gibbs. "I believe Tyler is a man of great character and is a man who can lead Sarzonia during her hour of uncertainty."

Lewis also denied published reports that she would serve again as Lieutenant President.

"My time in the political arena is finished," Lewis said. "I am spending my time focusing on being a mother and teaching students at the university to be the most politically astute they can possibly be."

Jon Ainsworth, a researcher at the Political Institute in Saugerties, said Lewis's endorsement is a potential game-changer.

"Absolutely, it sets the stage for Tyler to become president," Ainsworth said. "He's racked up strong endorsements from some of Sarzonia's most important figures. Plus, The Economist endorsement could also give him a bounce.

A spokesman for Haffner's campaign declined to comment. However, George Latimer, a campaign spokesman for Delgado, blasted the lieutenant president.

"She has lost complete touch with reality," Latimer said. "Sarzonia needs to go in a different direction from the same old, same old policies of the Sarzo administration. Neither of the senator's opponents will do that."

Tyler campaign spokeswoman Brianne Carney praised Lewis's endorsement, saying it would only help the first partner.

"We are honored and grateful to receive the endorsement of the former lieutenant president," Carney said. "We believe it is a sign that Mr. Tyler will lead the country in the right direction, one of pragmatism and healing."

IC:

Dr. Gratwick tapped his note cards lightly against his podium, listening as Delgado spoke his piece, and was interrupted by Haffner’s own, heated reply. He had to confess Delgado had pretty much asked for that by taking a shot that way. Well, this was politics, and what kind of politician doesn’t throw mud at his enemies?

“I will remind all candidates to please abide by the rules of this debate,” he said before he looked back to his own notes.

“Mr. Tyler,” he said, restarting the cycle of questions. “I’m curious to know how you feel having experience as the man who kept President Sarzo ‘in line’ so to speak, translated to having the experience necessary to function as a politician on the world stage.”

This time, Tyler visibly stiffened. Even though it was for a brief second, he was sure his hesitation would be noticed by an audience in Romandeos and by SNN viewers.

"Well," Tyler began slowly, "I believe my experience keeping President Sarzo in line will help because I will bring restraint to the office." He paused for a moment, aware that Delgado was glowering at him from his podium.

"I believe President Sarzo was sometimes guilty of taking action without fully considering all the consequences. That led to a disasterous situation with Pacitalia, which we're only beginning to emerge from. It led in part to the Panic of 2006, which has necessitated a painful recovery.

"Sarzonia needs a more pragmatic foreign policy. It can not police the world. As president, I'll do everything in my power to ensure that we are a responsible power on the world stage. Thank you."

Tyler then looked down at his notes, trying to steady his hand long enough to pick up the cup of water on the podium. He was aware of Delgado continuing to leer at him contemptuously, but what he was unaware of was Warner watching Delgado carefully. He also felt Haffner's glaring at Delgado.

Warner cleared her throat, keeping her gaze directed at Delgado as she asked her next question of Haffner.

"Mr. President," she began. "Since the Panic of 2006 saw the Sarzonian dollar reach its nadir of $18.28 to the Pacitalian douro, the economy has undergone a gradual, but strong recovery. What policies would you bring or continue in an effort to ensure the full maturation of the Sarzonian economy?"

Haffner straightened his tie for a moment, cast a quick glance at Delgado and scowled, then turned to look at Warner.

"With all due respect to Mr. Tyler, I don't believe a flat tax of 16 percent is the appropriate course of action," Haffner said. "A segment of the population is still improvrished, and can ill afford an increase of taxes to 16 percent. I favour continuing the current tax structure, which allows for a minimum tax of 10 percent for people making below $20,000 per year.

"Also, I favour tax cuts for individuals making below $150,000 per year and for families making below $250,000 per year. The Sarzonian middle class cannot be in a position to shoulder the burdens of the economic recovery.

"As far as business is concerned, I favour a similar plan to Mr. Tyler's. However, I believe allowing small businesses to be completely tax exempt is unrealistic. I would institute a tax freeze for small businesses and cap tax increases on medium sized companies which make below a certain threshold. I believe those programmes would also spur innovation.

"In addition, I believe that a carbon tax for major polluters is a realistic way to ensure that Sarzonia upholds its responsibility to the world as far as improving our green practices is concerned. I would also favour tax incentives for companies that adopt greener practices."

"Mr. President, your time is up," Warner said.

"Thank you."

Warner then turned to Gratwick, waiting for his question to Delgado.

Lenora Bates knew the results were close. After all, the man currently serving as acting president was facing a miniscule deficit in the race for the Gray House.

As Haffner's campaign manager, she felt incredible pressure to succeed, even if her boss projected otherwise. She'd heard Haffner make noises about accepting whatever outcome the Sarzonian people decided. However, she chalked that up to putting up a brave front.

She thought Haffner was joking when he said he wouldn't mind a Tyler administration. Haffner might have thought her refusal to acknowledge his feelings on a Tyler administration was charming. Or he might have wanted to position himself for a presidential run in six years or 12. Either way, the two agreed to continue to accentuate the positives – or go after Delgado.

One thing both Tyler and Haffner agreed on was that each considered the "enemy" campaign to be Delgado's. They decided not to attack each other. In fact, Haffner's emphasis on the slight differences on the issues was as close to an attack on Tyler as Haffner would allow. For his part, Tyler strove to focus on his economic policies and his intent to help the nation heal.

Bates decided to launch one more last-ditch commercial appearing on SNN.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v419/msarzo/th_christianbale11.jpg

"In the two years since the nadir of the Panic of 2006, the Sarzonian economy has rebounded," begins the voice over. "During the height of the Panic, the dollar was valued at five fouta. Since then, the dollar has regained 63 percent of its lost value.

"During a time of uncertainty, we need someone in Woodstock who can shepherd the country through a return to prosperity. That man is Grant Haffner. He will cut taxes for the middle and working classes and will restore Sarzonia to full prosperity. He will also work to normalise ties with Pacitalia.

"Sarzonians need someone ready to work on Day 1. The choice is clear. Vote Grant Haffner for president."

****************************

Delgado was no dummy. He realised the poll numbers were extremely bleak.

"There's no getting around this," Delgado said. "We're not going to win this election."

Terry tried to convince Delgado otherwise, but he wasn't hearing it.

"Well then," Terry began. "So what are you going to do, attack Haffner and Tyler again?"

"I'm working on my concession speech," Delgado said. For effect he added, "I'm going to wish Sarzonians luck. We're going to need it if we're going to be run by that faggot."

"Brian!"

"Dad!"

Delgado stood up, startled. He didn't hear his son enter the room and he'd still forgotten Terry was gay.

"Sorry!"

Scowling, David looked at his father.

"What does it matter if Tyler's gay?"

"Uh, it doesn't," Delgado said. "I'm just ... frustrated."

"About where we are in the polls?"

"No, I'm frustrated that I can't get Pacitalian coffee below $10 at the Mini Mart near the Complex," Delgado said with sarcasm dripping from his words. "Of course, I'm frustrated about the polls."

"Are you going to criticise the Sarzonian people if they don't vote for you?"

Delgado paused for a moment and looked out the window. He didn't have to be told what that would have done. He knew it would not only be political suicide, but it would be the death knell for the Conservative party as a viable opposition party, let alone as a source of candidates for future elections.

"No," Brian Delgado said. "I'm working on my concession speech."

"Are you dropping out of the race?"

"Hell no."

"But what if we win the Gray House?"

"What are the chances? Slim and none," Brian Delgado responded. "I'll come up with something if I win. But right now, I need to be realistic.

"What's your speech going to say?"

"Right now, I've got the line, 'majesty of the democratic process' in mind," Brian Delgado said. "And optimism for the future. Even if we don't win, Sarzonia will have won by proving to the world she can elect her president and peacefully transfer power. I don't think anyone knows if we can do that or not."

The senator knew that likely would create more questions than it would answer. But after working through the expected bitterness over what he realised would likely be a loss, he decided Sarzonia needed to be able to set its own course. Even if it was a course he ultimately disagreed with.

Lamonian Under Foreign Minister for Policy Garrick Chow walked off of the Pacitalian aircraft, and onto the soil of Sarzonia. As he was the first Lamonian to stand on Sarzonian soil since Sarzonia had closed down, Under-Minister Chow was tempted to keep looking around, but realized that this was no time for sightseeing, despite the role that he had been assigned when he was sent here by his government.

He was to observe the Sarzonian elections, and to keep his eye on the Sarzonian government; as well as those who wished to use the re-emergence of Sarzonia for their own purposes. Given that Sarzonia had been an international heavy weight before their isolation, it seemed like every nation wanted a piece of Sarzonia; and Lamoni was not going to be left out of the scramble.

Under-Minister Chow approached the Sarzonian customs officers, and gave them his diplomatic passport. There were advantages to having governmental rank, he thought. The Under-Minister did not know if the Sarzonian government had anything planned for his arrival, but he would be sure to follow international law to the letter.

Breaking news from SNN.srz

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First Partner Jay Tyler

Tyler takes commanding lead
Margins wider than polls indicated

Carter Hedgepeth, SBC Political Correspondent

WOODSTOCK -- With 49 percent of precincts reporting and several states having already closed their polls, First Partner Jay Tyler is leading his two main opponents in the race for the Gray House.

Tyler currently has polled 57 percent of the vote, far ahead of acting president Grant Haffner's 36 percent. Conservative Senator Brian Delgado of Cooke lags far behind, polling 5 percent.

With the polls just closed in Cooke, we can report that Delgado has won the highest percentage of that state's votes with a total of 41 percent to Tyler's 36 percent. Haffner took 23 percent of the vote there. A prominent political analyst said Tyler could claim victory in Cooke because he placed a strong second.

"Cooke is one of the bastions of right-wing thinking in Sarzonia," said Jon Ainsworth, a researcher at the Political Institute in Saugerties. "For Tyler to go in to a state that was expected to easily go Delgado's way and come up just a few percentage points short says a lot about Tyler's strength nationwide."

Reports circulating from the Delgado camp suggest the Senator is scheduled to address campaign headquarters at 6 p.m. Sarzonian Standard Time. A source close to the Senator said he would likely make his concession speech then.

"Delgado's beginning to see reality," said Brandi Taylor, a research fellow at the Colin Powell Centre in Woodstock. "He knows now that he's not going to win the election, but he perhaps could force a runoff election between Tyler and Haffner. If that happened, he'd probably endorse Haffner for president."

A spokesman for the Haffner campaign said the acting president would address supporters at his campaign headquarters in the early morning hours on Wednesday. So far, a spokeswoman for Tyler's campaign has not announced his plans to address supporters.

The moment Delgado wished would never come actually did.

He stepped up to the podium with television cameras directed at him, the flash of cameras and the expectant looks of reporters staring him down.

He knew what the reality was. As the polls continued to show, there was no way Delgado was going to win the race. With 60 percent of the states having weighed in, Delgado knew he was all but mathematically eliminated.

However, he’d also heard rumblings from some members of his party. Some of them wanted to keep fighting. Some of them wanted to challenge some of the election results. Delgado told them he would make his decision known as the clock struck six.

Now it was his time. He felt the weight of expectation on behalf of the entire Conservative party as he considered the speech he’d written. If he made a major misstep, he could destroy what strength the party had as a viable opposition party. And seeing a country where Moderates, Progressives and Liberals held sway was out of the question to Delgado.

“Thank you,” he said, waiting for the applause of his partisans to die down. “Thank you.”

“First of all, I’d like to thank my campaign manager Marc Terry for all of his hard work and dedication. He made this campaign the best it could be,” Delgado began. A round of applause followed.

“Secondly, I’d like to thank the rest of my campaign staff for their efforts. I’d like to thank my family, my wife Georgia, my son David and his partner Tom for sticking by me through thick and thin.” He noticed the crowd’s applause got faint as he mentioned Tom and grimaced. He then looked back down at the sheet of paper on his lectern, looked back up and continued.

“Most importantly, I’d like to thank you for your unwavering support of this campaign. It is through your efforts that Sarzonia will once again be a nation that deserves to stand on the world stage.

“As much as I’d hoped that I would help Sarzonia chart her course in the world as her president, I know now that the votes are being counted. I know that the nation has cast its votes and someone else will occupy the Gray House on December 15,” Delgado said, as he heard the hall become deathly silent. He paused for a moment and breathed in through his nostrils.

“I accept the verdict of the Sarzonian people,” Delgado said. “I just got off the phone with acting president Haffner and a few minutes ago called Mr. Tyler. I congratulated both of them on a campaign well run. I also wished them the best of luck.

“I’d like all of my supporters, and more importantly, all of Sarzonia, to know that I respect the majesty of the democratic process. We have much to prove to the world. One thing I believe we can prove is that, even though we have embarked upon the first-ever presidential election in our nation’s history, we can ensure a peaceful transition of power from one administration to another.

“There are those who have called Sarzonia a de jure dictatorship because the previous president’s term was for life. I believe the fact that this election has happened in the wake of his death and the fact that we have a strong system of checks and balances proves otherwise. We in Woodstock remember one important fact: Who is really in charge. It is not any one man. It is not Parliament, nor is it the Supreme Judicial Court.

“It is the Sarzonian people. I respect her verdict and I respect her judgment. This election is the first step in our country’s evolution as a mature nation. I ask that you rally behind whichever candidate wins tonight’s election. Thank you, and may God bless the Incorporated States of Sarzonia.”

Delgado then walked from the podium, allowing himself to be awash in applause for the last time. He went back to his private office and turned on the TV.

He then saw Tyler stretch his lead over Haffner to 59 percent to 33 percent. Delgado now polled 7 percent. He reached into the drawer in his desk and pulled out a revolver, before looking at it and putting it back in his desk.

Haffner’s War Room, External Affairs Office

As Haffner got done watching Delgado’s concession speech, he nodded his begrudging respect toward Delgado. For a man who gave a combative, albeit unsuccessful effort, Delgado’s speech was a rare piece of brilliant oratory.

He then stared at the computer screen, which seemingly flickered a taunt at Haffner. If Microsoft Word could talk, it would have dared Haffner to top Delgado.

As the poll results came in, now 20 states had weighed in. For a race that seemed to be too close to call just hours before the election, the margin was anything but competitive. Tyler’s lead was now 63 percent to Haffner’s 30 percent. Delgado now clocked in at 7 percent. Even though the three most populous states had yet to weigh in, exit polling showed the margins in those states weren’t going to be enough to tip the balance.

Haffner stared again at his screen. He felt more pressure to deliver a great speech as acting president. His time serving the country as the public face of recovery was nearing its end. However, he still wanted to show the world that his newfound maturity would not go down the drain following a crushing electoral defeat.

He typed a few more paragraphs and printed the sucker. Enough was enough. It was time for Haffner to make his next speech and set Sarzonia on the road to certainty.

The walk to the Gray House press room was a lengthy one even under normal circumstances. This time, it felt like an eternity. He may have decided he wanted Tyler to become president, but still, coming in second hurt, especially since the widening margins suggested Sarzonian repudiation of Haffner.

When he got to the Gray House press room, he was handed a slip of paper. The final results came in. With 99 percent of precincts reporting in, Tyler’s final margin was coming into focus. Sixty-nine percent of the vote. Not even close. Haffner’s 26 percent was a distant second. Delgado polled 5 percent.

Haffner stared out at the cameras as he waited for his signal. When it came at last, he began.

“My fellow Sarzonians, I come before you tonight on an historic occasion. The Incorporated States of Sarzonia has completed its first-ever presidential election. I would like to thank wife Gloria, my campaign staff, the External Affairs staff, the Gray House staff and both my opponents for a spirited campaign.

“I am here today to congratulate First Partner and president-elect Jay Tyler on his victory. However, though the polls may say there is one winner in the race for the Gray House, tonight there are really 7.9 billion winners.

“By demonstrating our ability to hold a presidential election and begin the process of the peaceful transition of power, the people of Sarzonia have won. We have shown the world that we continue to mature as a nation. We continue to look toward healing as a country. We are beginning the first, tentative steps back onto the world stage following the Great Isolation.

“I would now like to address reports that have circulated regarding my future. After congratulating Mr. Tyler on his victory, he has asked if I would stay on as Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer. I have agreed to do so.” Haffner paused while murmurs began among his supporters.

“I believe in Mr. Tyler’s ability to set this country in the right direction,” Haffner said. “I believe my best role will be as someone who can help his administration gain its footing.

“My first act upon the inauguration of Mr. Tyler as the next president will be to fly to Timiocato to visit with Archonate Timothy Ell. I have, regrettably, contributed to a steep decline in Paci-Sarzonian relations. I would like to undertake the necessary steps to repair whatever damage I have caused. Mr. Tyler and I both agree that restoring Paci-Sarzonian relations to the once-legendary friendship our nations previously enjoyed is of paramount importance.

“As Senator Delgado has said, I respect the majesty of the democratic process. I congratulate him for a spirited campaign and for a great speech. We all would do well to learn from his example.

“Our nation needs to heal. Completing this election is the first step in that process. May God bless the Incorporated States of Sarzonia.”

Haffner then stepped away from the podium and embraced Gloria.

“It’s over,” Haffner said with no small measure of relief. “I can’t wait to come home.”

Breaking news from SNN.srz

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First Partner Jay Tyler

TYLER WINS
Landslide win considered a shock

Carter Hedgepeth, SBC Political Correspondent

WOODSTOCK First Partner Jay Tyler won't have to pack his bags.

With nearly all precincts reporting in, Sarzonian voters overwhelmingly sent Tyler back to the Gray House, as the partner of late president Mike Sarzo won 69 percent of the vote.

Acting president Grant Haffner, who said he would resume his role as senior vice president and external affairs officer, took 26 percent of the vote. Conservative Senator Brian Delgado earned the remaining 5 percent, winning only in his home state of Cooke.

“I accept the verdict of the Sarzonian people,” Delgado said. “I respect the majesty of the democratic process.”

For his part, Delgado said his plans were unclear. His term as senator expires on 1st January, when Parliament will reconvene. Meanwhile, Haffner said he expected to work closely with Tyler in his administration.

“The polls may say there is one winner in the race for the Gray House, tonight there are really 7.9 billion winners,” Haffner said. “I believe in Mr. Tyler’s ability to set this country in the right direction,” Haffner said. “I believe my best role will be as someone who can help his administration gain its footing.”

Former lieutenant president Nicole Lewis announced today that she accepted a formal offer from Tyler to resume her role in the nation's second highest office. She also explained her denial of rumours about her return to politics.

“I believe Jay Tyler will move this country in the right direction,” Lewis said. “I also believe in my duty to this country. I respect the institutions Mike Sarzo has held dear during his three-plus years in office. I also believe the nation is ready to take the next steps in its maturation.

“I denied the rumours because I didn't want to become a distraction for the campaign. I wanted this election to be about Jay Tyler, Grant Haffner and Brian Delgado, not Nicole Lewis.”

Tyler is expected to address the country in the early morning hours as president-elect.

Now it was Tyler's turn to address the nation. He'd made a few speeches as a presidential candidate, but none quite like this.

Now I know what Mike felt like, he thought as he paced his office in his campaign headquarters. Even though he was going to address the nation as the victorious candidate, he still felt incredibly nervous.

"You'll do fine," came a female voice. Tyler whirled back and saw Lewis walk in with a smile. "If I didn't believe in you, I wouldn't be here right now."

"Well, thank you," Tyler said."

Tyler looked at a tall, slender man who walked in. He bore a wide smile and waved to Tyler.

"We did it," Tyler said, returning the man's smile with his own.

"I knew you could do it," Brian Patrick said. "How's your speech coming?"

Tyler held out a piece of paper. "I dunno. I'm still working on it."

Tyler watched as Patrick's eyes darted back and forth over the piece of paper. He gave it back to Tyler and smiled.

"You'll be fine."

Another voice interrupted the conversation.

"Mr. Tyler?"

"Yes?"

"They're waiting for you at the podium."

"Oh, sorry." Tyler knew he'd have to go with what he'd written or be forced to wing it.

When he arrived at the podium and heard the applause, he steeled himself to the best of his ability. When he opened his mouth, he did so for the first time as a man now expected to set the tone for an entire nation.

"My fellow Sarzonians," he began. That still doesn't sound right, he thought. However, he also realised it wouldn't sound right coming from anyone other than Sarzo for a while yet.

"Our long period of national uncertainty has ended."

A standing ovation greeted Tyler, who stepped back briefly to soak in the warm feelings of the moment. He was relieved that line went over as well as it had. It gave him courage for the rest of his speech.

"First of all, I congratulate my opponents, Senator Delgado for running a tough campaign and for demonstrating that Sarzonians can be a home for dissenting voices. I would like to extend my special thanks and gratitude to Senior Vice President Haffner for running a spirited campaign and for his service as acting president of Sarzonia.

"He took on an incredible responsibility in the midst of our nation's period of grief and mourning and has paved the way for us to take the next step on our journey. It is for that reason I have asked him to join my administration.

"Sarzonia needs experienced leaders as it embarks in its new direction. That is why I have asked Nicole Lewis to resume her role as lieutenant president. I believe she is ready once again to serve you in the role she has made famous. She is uniquely qualified, and she has pledged to uphold all her duties as lieutenant president.

"Most of all, I would like to thank my campaign staff and my advisors for running a successful campaign." Tyler waited a few moments while the room drowned in applause.

"I would also like to thank the man who has inspired us tonight. He has been an inspiration from the day he founded this country. Mike Sarzo will live on in our hearts and in our minds. He will be missed, but he has laid the foundation for a country rich in potential. It is my hope that I can successfully follow his example by charting a responsible course for Sarzonia.

"My fellow Sarzonians, now is the time to fully embark on a period of healing from our wounds. Now is the time for us to embark on a period where we embrace the new and honour the old. You have placed great trust in me. I pray that I can do everything in my power to ensure that your trust shall not be in vain.

Thank you. And may God bless us all."

From PNN.pc

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Sarzonians have elected Jay Tyler, the former
first partner, their new president. He earned an
overwhelming 69 percent of the popular vote,
crushing his two opponents and earning a
decisive mandate to lead the Incorporated States.

Tyler earns decisive victory
Stage set for normalisation of Pacitalian-Sarzonian relations


Jordi Finasse i Puyanol in Portland; Michelantonio Argentasso in Woodstock

Jay Tyler has cruised to an easy victory in Sarzonia's first democratic elections for the country's presidency.

Four and a half years after its founding — and almost a year after the death of its standard-bearing president, Mike Sarzo — Sarzonia selected a new president, but one whose administration will likely contain many familiar faces.

Mr Tyler, 32, takes over at a crucial crossroads in the history of his young country. The Incorporated States is still struggling under the burden of volatile stock markets and a dollar still weak against the major world currency units. It has been argued a profound lack of confidence and an identity crisis is also developing among Sarzonians, something the young president will have to work hard to reverse.

The former first partner launched his presidential campaign on the promise of restoring Sarzonia's self-confidence and healing the nation after its long recession and its period of grief after the death of Mr Sarzo. For a short time he languished in the polls, but, eventually, his message began to stick with the electorate and he leapfrogged into the lead. During the later stages of the campaign, he picked up an overwhelming share of endorsements from media outlets and political figures. His advantage in the polls ballooned dramatically approaching Tuesday; he held that significant lead through election night.

Second-place presidential candidate Grant Haffner was humble and gracious in defeat, asking Sarzonians to rally behind their new president. He said he had accepted an offer to resume his post as senior vice president and external affairs officer in the new Tyler administration.

"I believe in Mr Tyler’s ability to set this country in the right direction," Mr Haffner said. "I believe my best role will be as someone who can help his administration gain its footing."

Mr Haffner says his first role in the Tyler administration will be to fly to Timiocato to meet with Pacitalian archonate Dr Timothy Ell and select senior members of prime minister Archetenia Nera's government. It will be the first step of many in concerted attempts at restoring the complex relationship between the Republic and the Incorporated States.

Nicole Lewis, the country's first lieutenant president, will return to serve in the same capacity in the Tyler administration. The 41-year-old Afro-Sarzonian woman is known for her pitbull reputation but will bring much needed professional credibility to the new cabinet. Earlier Ms Lewis had denied rumours she had accepted any cabinet post.

Dr Ell congratulated Mr Tyler in a short phone conversation Tuesday evening before releasing a statement heralding "the birth of a renewed Sarzonia with a responsible and pragmatic leader at the helm".

"Today, Sarzonians spoke clearly," Dr Ell said. "They should be proud of what they have accomplished and proud of their role in the democracy of Sarzonia, and I warmly congratulate them on their successful election of a new president."

The archonate added that he "wish[ed] him, and the people of Sarzonia, good fortune and the strength to persevere in the days ahead."

He reiterated his "guarantee" that Pacitalia will be "by Sarzonia's side as a steadfast friend."

Pacitalian non-profit organisation betterTogether, which advocates the restoration of the Pacitalian-Sarzonian relationship, launched a special feature on its website Tuesday, inviting Pacitalians to leave congratulatory video messages for Sarzonians. As of Wednesday morning, there are over 225,000 video messages on the website, running the gamut from welcoming the new president to wishing luck to Sarzonians.

The stock markets had a firmly positive response Wednesday; the Portland Stock Exchange spiked an unprecedented 1,592 points and closed at 17,914.1. Mandragora's markets also responded positively — the PAX800, Pacitalia's main stock exchange, jumped 211 points to 23,614.03, and the Sarzonian dollar jumped 18 cents in the Mandragora forex and now trades at SZ$3.5261 to the douro as of Wednesday closing. The Republican All-Ordinaries Exchange (RAOX) in Timiocato jumped 94.18 to 16,681.92.

Pacitalian pollster ABM/Capax conducted a short telephone survey of 13,762 Pacitalians as the election numbers filtered in. The results should be encouraging for both Timiocato and Woodstock.

The pollsters asked "Did Sarzonians vote for the right candidate in their presidential election?" The response was favourable, with 62 percent responding "yes" and 30 percent "no". Among those who identified as FPD supporters, 75 percent thought Sarzonians had made the correct decision; with PSC supporters, only 42 percent agreed with the sentiment. Two-thirds of Green supporters in the poll thought Mr Tyler was the right choice.

Strategic Vision, meanwhile, polled just shy of 11,000 Pacitalians, asking them whether Mr Tyler would do his part to mend Pacitalian-Sarzonian relations. Fifty-four percent said "yes", 24 percent were "uncertain" and 22 percent said "no". They also asked if Mr Haffner would do his part; 41 percent said "yes" and 32 percent "no".

Strategic Vision did not break down their respondents by party affiliation.

Woodstock Daily Mail

Tyler cabinet begins to take shape
President-Elect details new economic policies

by Lisa Halloran
Daily Mail Staff Writer

Two days after his sweeping win in Sarzonia's first presidential election since its 2004 founding, president elect Jay Tyler formally announced the first members of his cabinet in a press conference on the Gray House North Lawn.

As reported earlier, Nicole Lewis will return to the office of Lieutenant President and Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer Grant Haffner will return to his post once Tyler is inaugurated on 15 Dec. Senior Vice President for Defence John Newman will also return to his post.

"These appointments have been made with the idea of minimising the transition needed to a new administration," Tyler said. "All three people are the most qualified people for their respective jobs. All of them have extensive experience in governing this country and I am eager to work with all three."

Lewis reiterated her desire to "get back to work and get back to the people's business."

"The Incorporated States of Sarzonia needs strong leadership in this period of our nation's history. With the people assembled here, we will have just that," Lewis said.

Haffner said he enjoyed the opportunity to serve as acting president, but that it was time for him to focus on his normal job duties as senior vice president and external affairs officer. He cited restoring a strong bilateral relationship with Pacitalia as his top priority.

"I am aware of some of the uncertainty in Timiocato regarding my intentions," Haffner said. "However, repairing the damage I have caused to Paci-Sarzonian relations and allowing us to truly be able to call ourselves friends of Pacitalia are two matters I consider to have paramount importance."

Newman said he looked forward to continuing uninterrupted work in the Department of Defence.

"I am eager to work with president-elect Tyler. I am eager to continue to develop our national defence priorities and to ensure that Sarzonia is as strong as ever."

A spokesman for Tyler said Vice President for Business and Commerce Janis Hedge and Vice President for Employment Services Arthur Trautwig would not return. Hedge said the decision was mutual.

"Tyler has said he wants a fresh start with new economic policies," Hedge said. "I realise he wants to put his own stamp on the Sarzonian economy, and I believe it's time he heard from a different voice."

Trautwig said he was not asked to return.

"Tyler wants a new man or woman in my position," Trautwig said. "I wish Tyler the best of luck."

Tyler also revealed the first economic steps he would take after Chief Justice Decimus Rassonera administers the oath of office. He announced that small businesses would be exempt from taxes effective at the start of the new calendar year. He also added that he would work with a new Council of Economic Advisors to develop a flat income tax and a graduated corporate tax system.

In addition, Tyler also announced his intention to abolish tariffs on primary trading partners. The first nation to benefit directly from the new policy will be the United Kingdom of Isselmere-Nieland, effective 1 Jan. The Crown Commonwealth of Praetonia is under consideration to be the second country to have tariffs lifted, but the state of Praeto-Sarzonian relations before the Great Isolation makes that less certain, according to sources close to Tyler.

"The ball is squarely in Praetonia's court," said an External Affairs official who asked not to be identified due to the sensitive nature of the deliberations.

[OOC: Partially re-posted from this thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=566372).]

Haffner stared out at the mass of faces, cameras, digital recorders and notebooks in the Gray House press centre. With just over a month before Tyler's inauguration as the country's second president, Haffner still had to perform certain duties as acting president. One of them was addressing the press pool.

I'll be glad when I don't have to face this bunch again, Haffner thought.

"Members of the press corps, Mr. Tyler is currently tending to other business, so he has asked that I announce the additional members of his cabinet," Haffner began. "We are excited to name George Porter as the new vice president for business and commerce. He brings 12 years of experience with the financial side of Pomentane Ballistics." He heard a couple of mumbles from more senior members of the press corps still smarting over Pacitalia's removal of copyrights from that company and its role in the decimation of Paci-Sarzonian relations. He put both hands up in a "stop" motion and scrunched his eyebrows as if to say "knock it off!"

"Our new vice president for employment services is a woman who has brought 21 years of experience to human resource management, including a stint in the Office of Personnel Management in the former United States of America, Ms. Rose Schoenfeld.

"In addition, we are pleased to announce that Carter Marshall, the son of former Vice President for Health and Athletics Jimmy Marshall and the nephew of former national team coach Bryan Marshall is the new vice president. We have retained Tracy Obenga as Vice President for Science and Technology, Bill Lighton as Vice President for the Home Guard, Kathy Bunhall as Vice President for Naval Operations, Antonius Santius as Vice President for Army Services and Operations, Greg Roders as Vice President for Air Force Operations, Tad McGuire as Vice President for Space Force Operations, Henrietta Goudine as Vice President for Education and Jonathan Cochrane as Attorney General.

"Many of the faces are familiar to Sarzonians. These are people who have and will continue to serve Sarzonia to the best of their ability under President Tyler and Lieutenant President Lewis. We have the utmost confidence in their abilities to do their jobs."

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Goodchild Rings to Congratulate Tyler on Election Victory

In a move which marks a stark contrast in an otherwise non-existant relationship between the Unione of Capitalizt States and Sarzonia, the Office of the Secretary-General has confirmed that a phone call was made by Goodchild to the President-elect of the Incorporated States of Sarzonia, former First Partner Jay Tyler.

Details of the call were not revealed, but it is understood that Sarzonia and (formerly) the Republic of Austar Union enjoyed a close relationship, particularly during the Presidencies of Richard Hoffman and James Madison.

The Office has confirmed that it will brief the media on an as-needed basis.

The Monitor
International Affairs

09 November 2008 | WOODSTOCK
from The Monitor print edition

The President is dead; long live the President?

At the inception of the Incorporated States of Sarzonia much ado was made about what this publication then declared to be nothing. The late Marquess of Salisbury had then decried Sarzonia as a de jure dictatorship—a charge that, while based in constitutional law, merely masked deeper differences between two diametrically opposed administrations. However, with the tragic passing of President Michael Sarzo and the election of his successor, Jay Tyler, the world anticipates the peaceful transition of power in one of the world's newer democratic republics. The world, however, does not await the accession of Jay Tyler to resolve issues of constitutional law. Rather, the world hopes the administration of a President Tyler will bring about change in both Sarzonia's domestic and foreign policies while simultaneously heralding the next stage in the evolution of the Sarzonian political system.

The death of President Sarzo was tragic. Ultimately it was he who founded the nation of Sarzonia and it is to him that the nation he founded owes a debt that simply cannot be repaid. But, Michael Sarzo did not just found the Incorporated States, he opted to preside over them. And so over the past several years this publication consistently levied harsh criticism upon President Sarzo and his policies, specifically matters of monetary, fiscal, and foreign policy. Many of these criticisms were vindicated by the Sarzonian Panic of 2006; the effects still linger. And, for example, while the administration of Acting President Grant Haffner had been noticeably and laudably more conciliatory than during his tenure as External Affairs Officer, Mr Haffner remained an acting president and Sarzonia remained in a holding pattern.

This publication initially endorsed Mr Haffner; and the Monitor stands by that endorsement. Despite his personal and political failings, and they are undeniably large, Mr Haffner was at the outset of the contest—and is still today—unquestionably the most experienced individual for the office of President of Sarzonia. However, Mr Haffner lost to former First Partner Jay Tyler. President-Elect Tyler has since been tapped Mr Haffner to head up his old portfolio. This publication can only hope that the moderating influence of the role of acting president will continue when he returns to the cabinet as the External Affairs Officer.

Mr Tyler will assume his new office at a pivotal moment for Sarzonia. To be certain, the Sarzonian economy has recovered some of its lost momentum and the Sarzonian Dollar, when measured against the Oceanian Pound, has recovered nearly two-thirds of its value from its nadir during the Panic. However, to recover and re-establish a strong economic foundation, Mr Tyler will find it necessary to liberalise the Sarzonian economy. Thus far he has pledged to develop a new tax programme and to abolish tariffs on primary trading partners. If these plans come to fruition, as is expected, they shall be welcome first steps. However, these proposals run squarely against the economic policies of his popular predecessor, and so Mr Tyler's proposals may yet prove troublesome politically. The margin of his electoral victory gives this publication hope, however, that the Sarzonian people will embrace Mr Tyler's outlined economic policies. As doing so is in their own best interest.

Another major area of concern for President-Elect Tyler is that of foreign affairs. It is an arena in which much has changed—although some things have remained quite the same—since Sarzonia entered its most recent period of isolationism. Oceanian-Sarzonian relations have long been chilly, to be blamed on causes of competing national interests, personalities, and egos. And despite limited co-operation in Sarnia after a recent wave of terror attacks, much work would need to be done to simply establish a common ground for future dialogue.

And so the priority for Mr Tyler must be the restoration of ties with what was once Sarzonia's strongest ally, Pacitalia. Incidentally, any hope of improving Oceanian-Sarzonian ties will likely rest in Timiocato performing the role of recess moderator. Much of Sarzonia's foreign policy direction will be revealed through how and at what speed it attempts to restore relations with Pacitalia. Mr Haffner, once all but persona non grata in Timiocato, has recognised the inherent difficulties but identified his task of holding 'paramount importance.' These are indeed welcome signs.

Another aspect of Sarzonian foreign policy to watch will be the development of the Council of Dynamic Nations, founded by Sarzonia along with ViZion. Many will recall the Woodstock Pact; initially a more egalitarian organisation, President Sarzo worked to increasingly develop it into a Sarzonian-led organisation with a pro-Sarzonian policy agenda. Mr Tyler should seek to commit to the expressed aims of the Council as it stands and avoid using the Council as a platform for directing Sarzonian foreign policy.

As Sarzonia readies for the inauguration of Mr Tyler, the Monitor cannot but help to draw parallels to what was the Incorporated States' mother country, the United States. Mr Tyler, much like one John Adams, will be acceding to the office of President of the Incorporated States of Sarzonia after the departure from office of perhaps the country's most popular independent politician and its founding father. While Mr Tyler is himself politically non-aligned, he will likely be viewed a member of the unofficial Moderate Party coalition that governs Sarzonia.

The nascent system of Sarzonian politics has yet to develop a true and viable opposition party to what is a coalescing left or centre-left political party based around the Moderates—given the poor showing of Senator Delgado, the Conservatives cannot claim to be that opposition. It may yet be that the Moderate-led coalition will divide into two competing loci of power and Mr Tyler shall have to govern between the factions. When this divide occurs, be it under a President Tyler or his successor, the world would do right to applaud the arrival of a thriving, competitive electoral democracy. Such a system cannot have been expected to develop just yet; nor can it be expected to occur in the immediate future.

The Monitor welcomes the election of Mr Tyler wholeheartedly. It is a crucial milestone in the young history of Sarzonia. But this publication is one that favours free markets and competition; and we saw little competition in this election. The Monitor looks forward to the new Tyler Administration for it may yet bring the systemic changes Sarzonia so desperately needs. But the Monitor also looks forward to the day when we have choices that are not just clear and discernible but also viable.

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Sanctioned Release, Directorate of Foreign Affairs
Pacitalian Republic · Repubblica Pacitaliana

CONCORDIA ET FEROCITAS · AB NOMINE IMP·CAESAR·DIVI·F·AVGVSTVS·LXIII·XIV



Office of the President, Gray House
Woodstock, Sarzonia

TIMIOCATO
10th November 2008

In accordance and conjunction with a special resolution of both houses of parliament, I am pleased and honoured to announce a Directorate of Foreign Affairs initiative; a significant development in the continued relationship between the Pacitalian Republic and the Incorporated States of Sarzonia.

To facilitate the rebuilding of our bilateral relationship on an official level, I have appointed a Legation Officer whom I will dispatch to Woodstock at the earliest convenience of the new president and his administration. This appointment is extraneous to any pre-existing initiatives on the part of our two governments.

I, in my capacity as the head of the Directorate of Foreign Affairs, have appointed Dr Rabi'a Abdurshah to fill this role. Dr Abdurshah is herself a potential ambassador in future — she has served with distinction in the Directorate for nearly fifteen years. A native of Monterio, she moved to the Pacitalian capital as a young university student and eventually earned her doctorate of laws from the City of Timiocato University in 1990. She is fluent in Pacitalian, English, French, Spanish and Arabic, and functional in Empordan and Wymgani.

Once convocated, Dr Abdurshah accepted a post as spokeswoman of the Covenant for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty (CPAC). In February 1994, she joined the DFA, then called the Ministry of International Relations and Foreign Affairs (MIRFA) and was posted to Revâne as undersecretary to the Pacitalian ambassador to Ariddia. She has worked her way up the chain of command and was most recently the charge d'affaires at the Pacitalian embassy in Georgetown.

In DFA terms, a Legation Officer is the person appointed to execute the precursive diplomatic actions of the Directorate prior to the appointment (or re-appointment) of an ambassador, a charge d'affaires, other senior diplomatic advisors, and the hiring or posting of embassy staff. It is, again, in that principal spirit I have decided to appoint a Legation Officer to Woodstock.

Dr Abdurshah will assess the situation on the ground in your capital, determine the status and integrity of our former embassy compound and the residence of the ambassador, and establish contacts with the new administration and key figures in your government. She will report daily to me either in person or over the phone; twice monthly — or when otherwise required — to the Foreign Affairs Conclave in the Constazione Ampoliticato, which I chair; and monthly to the prime minister and the archonate. Her job will terminate upon the appointment of permanent representation.

As this is protocol unique to Pacitalian diplomacy, we do not expect reciprocation, though the prime minister and the archonate both wish to express that the new president is welcome to do so at his leisure.


Sincera in domina bene,

Vasiliou Bandanaris SC APR LRP
Agustinate of international relations
Pacitalian Republic

[OOC: Now I really wish I had a Coat of Arms. Thanks a lot, Tim! :p]

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Official Statement
Incorporated Sarzonian Government

The Incorporated Sarzonian Government notes with great appreciation Dr. Bandanaris's appointment of Dr. Rabi'a Abdurshah as legation officer and welcomes her visit to the Pacitalian embassy compound. We also welcome her perspective efforts toward setting the stage for full normalisation of relations between our two nations.

In addition, pursuant to the notice from Dr. Bandanaris, we wish to send our newly promoted Deputy Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer Mr. James Melvin to Timiocato to perform the same function as a representative of both the Department of External Affairs and the Gray House. In addition, he has been asked to discuss logistics of my visit to Timiocato.

Mr. Melvin has spent several years in the office of External Affairs, previously serving as chief of staff for then-Senior Vice President for External Affairs Mark Lorber. I retained him when I became Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer. He has been described as a calming influence within External Affairs and has shown great admiration for you and His Excellency, Dr. Ell.

Both Mr. Tyler and I ask that the visit take place as soon as is practicable following his inauguration as the second President of the Incorporated States of Sarzonia. He also wishes to extend a personal invitation to Dr. Ell to attend the Inaugural Gala, which is scheduled for 14 December at the Max Yasgur Centre for the Performing Arts. We have secured rock singer Stevie Nicks as the featured performer. I'm sure President Sarzo would have loved to have seen it.

We wish you the best and look forward to the day when Pacitalia and Sarzonia can once again be the great friends we are supposed to be.

Grant Haffner
Acting President
Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer
Incorporated States of Sarzonia

Woodstock Daily Mail

President-elect promises carbon tax veto
Tyler says 'there are better ways' to ensure green country

by Lisa Halloran
Daily Mail Staff Writer

PORTLAND -- In a speech shortly before Tuesday's 9 a.m. opening of the Portland Stock Exchange, President-elect Jay Tyler promised he would veto a proposed carbon tax being debated in Parliament if the legislation reaches his desk upon his inauguration on 15 Dec.

"A punitive tax on major corporations should not be the first course of action in an effort to bring change to their actions," Tyler said. "I believe providing tax incentives for companies that comply with new greenhouse emissions standards is a better alternative. There are better ways to ensure that we become a more green country.

"A tax credit for companies that reduce emissions would help stimulate the economy and further our economic recovery."

Tyler noted the steady improvement the dollar has made against major foreign currencies such as the Pacitalian douro, the Isselmerian-Nielander lethse and the Praetonian crown. However, he stopped far short of proclaiming an end to the nation's economic downturn.

"We still have work to accomplish before we can declare that our economic travails are
finished," Tyler said. "We have and will continue to take the necessary steps to ensure a robust economic recovery. For our economic recovery programme to reach its full potential, we will need both Houses of Parliament to cooperate."

That cooperation has already begun. The House of Delegates approved a proposal that would establish a 16 percent flat tax, replacing the complex income tax code derided as a leftover from the former United States. The Senate approved House revisions to a measure that would eliminate corporate taxes on companies with 50 or fewer employees. The measure also includes a modest 7 percent tax on companies with 51 to 100 employees.

Acting President Grant Haffner has indicated that he would sign any legislation Tyler has called for if it reaches his desk before Tyler is formally sworn in.

The Portland Stock Exchange responded positively to the announcements, closing the day at 19,687, an increase of 487 points or 2.5 percent.

News of Pacitalian and Sarzonian officials taking the first steps toward restoring diplomatic relations also helped the markets, said Jon Ainsworth, a researcher at the Political Institute in Saugerties.

"The political situation between the two countries absolutely plays a role in the markets," Ainsworth said. "Before the two nations declared each other persona non grata, they were major trading partners. If Paci-Sarzonian relations return to anything resembling their previous highs, it will be a major boon for both countries."

Even though it had by now been a week after a stunning election result, Tyler was still sorting through overwhelming emotions.

He had filed his candidacy for President almost on a lark. Now, however, reality was setting in. Fielding phone calls from Pacitalian Archonate Timothy Ell, Unione of Capitalizt States Secretary-General Goodchild and other foreign leaders at a rate that even exceeded the condolence notices when Sarzo died was still out of the realm of thought for Tyler.

After hanging up the phone following yet another such call, Tyler stared off into space in the private office where he began to coordinate with his transition team and receive briefings from Cabinet offices.

Brian Patrick walked up to him, sat down and smiled.

"It's incredible, Brian, it really is," Tyler said, looking somewhat detached. "I still can't believe all this is happening."

"It is," Patrick said. "How are you holding up?"

"I'm still not sure if it's sinking in," Tyler said, shaking his head at stating the obvious. "I mean, wow."

"You know, you can always put your Wurlitzer in your private office."

Tyler smiled widely and his eyes widened.

"That's a great idea!"

It was. Both Patrick and Tyler played piano. It was a common thread they had when Tyler met Patrick in the days after Sarzo's death. They shared a love of many of the same musical artists and of the piano. They also shared youthful appearances that belied their years.

Tyler looked into Patrick's eyes and smiled. He knew he still had those overwhelming emotions, but now he had a kindred spirit who could help him deal with those emotions.

"Could I ask you a favour," Patrick asked after a few moments."

"Sure."

"When the time comes, could you not call me First Partner? I hated that title when you had it."

"Well," Tyler began. "What do you want me to call you, then? Not 'The Mole'."

Both men laughed for a few moments.

"How about First Gentleman?"

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Sanctioned Release, Directorate of the Archonacy
Pacitalian Republic · Repubblica Pacitaliana

CONCORDIA ET FEROCITAS · AB NOMINE IMP·CAESAR·DIVI·F·AVGVSTVS·LXIII·XIV



Office of the President, Gray House
Woodstock, Sarzonia

TIMIOCATO
15th November 2008

I would be honoured to attend president-elect Mr Tyler's inauguration as the official representative of the Pacitalian state, as well as the first-ever Inaugural Ball of the evening prior to the ceremonies. Please pass on to the coordinators of the event that I will be attending along with the Feminena Premera Pacitaliana, my wife, Sen Giovanna Cazunobari.

We are very much looking forward to bearing witness to this historic event in person.

Sincera in domina bene,

Dr Timothy Ell, SC, PM
Archonatus imperiator res publica Pacitaliana

Portland Press-Herald

Analysis

Tyler sets clear course in international politics
'Silence is deafening' on Oceania

by Jeanine Nightingale
Press-Herald Staff Writer

WOODSTOCK -- Even though former first partner and current president-elect Jay Tyler still has a month before his 15 Dec. inauguration as president, he still has sent clear signals about his intent with respect to foreign policy.

In a letter obtained by The Press-Herald, Pacitalian archonate Timothy Ell accepted an invitation to Tyler's Inaugural Gala on 14 Dec. Both Tyler and senior vice president and external affairs officer Grant Haffner have stated that Haffner will fly to Timiocato "as soon as is practicable" after Tyler's inauguration.

According to sources within the Gray House, lieutenant president-designate Nicole Lewis will also fly to Timiocato, where she and Haffner will meet with several Pacitalian government officials in an effort not just to normalise relations, but completely repair them.

"This isn't just about returning embassies and consular staffs to Timiocato and Woodstock," said one source familiar with the discussions. He asked not to be identified because the discussions were still ongoing. "This is about renewing the close bilateral relationship between Pacitalia and Sarzonia."

That would please The Repair Project, a Woodstock-based organisation dedicated to restoring Paci-Sarzonian relations. The group's president, Andrei Cassonarra, did not return phone calls asking whether the group established formal relations with betterTogether, a Pacitalian group founded for the same goal.

However, Lindsay Cullen, a press officer for The Repair Project, said the group was "more than willing" to meet with organisers of betterTogether.

As for the state of Oceanian-Sarzonian relations, Jay Lipscomb, an analyst with WorldWatch, a non-partisan political think tank based in Portland, described the Gray House's refusal to address the subject in a recent press briefing as telling.

"The silence is deafening," Lipscomb said. Haffner's refusal to comment "is surprising given the strong rhetorical battles between Georgetown and Woodstock. However, he said Tyler's stated goal of a more pragmatic foreign policy would be demonstrated if Sarzonia refused to allow itself to become involved in a further war of words with Georgetown.

"Tyler doesn't seem to be the type to want to exchange in a war of government statements," Lipscomb said. "Haffner's tenure as acting president has changed him. Several people in External Affairs will go on record and confirm that."

One such person is newly-appointed deputy senior vice president and external affairs officer James Melvin, a holdover from Mark Lorber's tenure as senior vice president for external affairs. He said Haffner has become "far more world-weary and loath to act rashly" since Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Decimus Rassonera delivered the oath of office to him.

"When [Mike] Sarzo was president, Haffner was more of an attack dog," Melvin said. "When Lewis resigned as acting president, all of a sudden, he had the weight of responsibility like none he'd had before. That definitely has tempered him."

Melvin said he would fly to Kingston shortly after Haffner and Lewis returned from Pacitalia in an effort to discuss Praeto-Sarzonian relations. Once Haffner and Lewis returned, Tyler has said he would fly to Daurmont to discuss events since Sarzo's death.

Woodstock Daily Mail

ISG: 10 million jobs created in 6 months

by Lisa Halloran
Daily Mail Staff Writer

The Incorporated States of Sarzonia has created 10 million jobs in the last six months, President-elect Jay Tyler announced today as new Department of Business and Commerce figures provided further evidence of the nation's strengthening economic recovery from the Panic of 2006.

"These numbers are an indication of the increasing strength of the economic policies put into place," Tyler said in a speech outside Woodstock City College. "We are continuing to establish the fundamentals for an economy that will show long term strength and not short term volatility."

The Portland Stock Exchange reacted positively to the announcement, closing at 19,857, 170 points higher than yesterday's close.

Many of the jobs were created after $500 billion economic stimulus package passed in April provided low-interest loans to select companies in so-called emergent industries.

Acting President Grant Haffner also praised the numbers, calling it "an indicator that Sarzonians have weathered the worst of the storm.

"We aren't out of the woods yet, but we can see the exit," Haffner said.

Economists at the Wiesenbaum Center in Portland said the dollar is also regaining its strength. It closed at $3.40 to the Pacitalian douro today, according to preliminary figures released by Wiesenbaum Center.

Eliminating tariffs on Sarzonia's closest trading partners should also boost the economy, according to Sam Wiesenbaum, founder of the Wiesenbaum Center.

"No question, if Isselmere-Nieland views the Sarzonian consumer as a viable purchaser, it's going to help our economy," he said. "We need to make sure we do things the right way, but there's definite progress."

From the Mandragora Guardian

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Better than expected growth in Sarzonia's economy helped spur
the creation of as many as ten million new jobs in the country in
the last fiscal half, according to government figures. Analysts later
added their two cents, saying Tuesday the short-term outlook for
Sarzonia is very positive. | Photo credit: APR

DBC: Sarzonian economy creates ten million new jobs in six months
Government agency reports better than expected growth __ | __ Markets, Sarzonian dollar respond with promising gains


Carmine Ursottenga and Enzio Ferzarrugli

Sarzonia's Department of Business and Commerce (DBC) has released unprecedented figures which indicate a significant drop in the number of unemployed in the country, but, more importantly, the creation of an overwhelming number of new full-time positions compared to contingent jobs. The figures, at face value, are a sign of a sudden spike in productivity and positivity in the Sarzonian economy. Generally speaking, analysts argue it may help to negate lingering doubts about any confidence crisis in that country's economy.

The DBC's figures show that, over the last fiscal half, the country created ten million new jobs. Similar Pacitalian estimates also point to the creation of around ten million new jobs since May and that over two-thirds of them are full-time salaried positions. According to Pacitalian Development International (PDI), which conducted its own analysis of the Sarzonian economy's performance over the past eighteen months, only thirty percent — 2.92 million of the 9.7 million estimated new jobs in the country — are more temporary, "contingent work" jobs in the service industry. The numbers indicate a clear trending towards long-term confidence in the resurgent Sarzonian economy.

PDI's report also estimates that gross domestic product (GDP) growth in Sarzonia in the last year was 4,92 percent. Sarzonia's average GDP growth since its establishment as a colony in 2000 was around 2,4 percent. The low point during the recession was a contraction of 2,1 percent in the second fiscal quarter of 2006. PDI also boosted its estimate of Sarzonia's performance in per-capita GDP, which fell over 5,000 doura as a result of the recession. All five major Pacitalian banks project that Sarzonia's GDP per capita will rebound to an average Đ 11,146 — NS$37,452 — on 1st January 2009, though their forecasts vary slightly. They estimated the Sarzonian per-head productive output at an average Đ 9,800 — NS$32,929 — on 1st July this year.

President-elect Jay Tyler hailed the figures as "an indication of the increasing strength of the economic policies put into place".

The country's next president told a crowd at a speech in Woodstock that his new administration, during the transition phase, was "continuing to establish the fundamentals for an economy that will show long-term strength and not short-term volatility."

Prolonged instability in Sarzonia's main stock exchange in Portland has not reflected the clear recovery in the country's economic fundamentals. The behaviour of the stock markets has been unusual considering the state of the Sarzonian economy. Over the past few months, encouraging gains of over a thousand points in one day have been tempered by losses — a drop of nearly the same value the very next trading day.

However, the market is showing signs of stabilising, and, indeed, after the promising news from the job market, the Portland Stock Exchange (PSX) finished with a modest gain of 170 points to finish at 19,857.

Pacitalian indices reacted similarly to the news. Buoyed by earlier reports that Pacitalia and Sarzonia would exchange diplomats as a precursor to restoring official relations, the PAX800 in Mandragora beat its old record high from 1997, closing above 24,500 for the first time Thursday. Upon the release of Sarzonian employment figures Tuesday the PAX topped the much-vaunted 25,000 level, settling at 25,023.49 at closing following a 198-point gain.

In Timiocato, the Republican All-Ordinaries Exchange also enjoyed gains from the news, closing Tuesday up 128.5 points to finish at 19,873.02.

The Sarzonian dollar closed Tuesday at $3.4017 to the douro; its highest level of forex trade value since 10th February 2006, when it closed slightly above $3.43 after a one-day drop of 63 cents. The closing number also put the Sarzonian dollar about one cent shy of parity with the NationStates dollar, also for the first time in nearly two years. The NS dollar closed at $3.3601 to the douro Tuesday. The Sarzonian dollar is now worth NS$1.0124 as of Tuesday close.

Analysts say the Sarzonian dollar is on track to reach the psychologically important $3 mark by Christmas, or by January 2009 at the latest, barring unforeseen bad news.

"There have been days of concern over the last year or so, and times where there were significant backslides, like after president Sarzo's death," said Costas Karagounis, a senior forex analyst at CBdS Financial Group in Sambuca. "Overall, the trend has been that the dollar has regained quite a bit of its value back.

"When I say quite a bit," he added, "we are talking around two-thirds of its value. All indications point to the continuation of that trend over the next sixty days. We expect the inauguration of the new president, on an emotional level at least, will boost the markets even more."

But Karagounis was not optimistic about any continued rapid growth in the dollar itself.

"The Sarzonian economy can continue to rebound sustainably at the rate it is currently enjoying, but in terms of the exchange rates, the closer the dollar gets to the douro, it will result in tougher and smaller gains," he said. "Forex works proportionally because it is a value-based exchange. It is easier for one currency to rebound against another if it is much weaker than the counterpart. That's why it has only taken the dollar two years to regain nearly an equivalent fifteen of its own unit against the douro, even given the exceptional economic recovery there."

Karagounis added that "getting back to an exchange rate of two-to-one might take just as long as gaining back fifteen did, but it's hard to say at this point. It might even take longer. The hill gets steeper and harder to climb the closer a currency gets to parity with another."


[ Factbook: Sarzonian dollar's historical value against the douro ]
2004 — November: $1.18
2005 — January: $1.17; May: $1.25; September $1.38 (first bad news in housing and job markets)
First half 2006 — 11th January: $1.64 (approximate start of Sarzonian recession); 8th February: $2.47; 9th February: $2.80; 10th February: $3.43; 24th February: $7.01; 8th March: $16.10; 22nd March: $18.28 (historical low); 17th May: $17.57
Second half 2006 — 12th July: $17.02; 20th September: $17.32
2007 — 24th January: $15.33; 16th May: $14.12; 12th September: $9.98
2008 — 9th January: $13.18 (following death of Sarzo); 28th May: $7.79; 17th September: $4.62; Tuesday: $3.40

Breaking news from PNN.pc

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A forged press release spooked traders on the foreign exchange
in Mandragora Thursday morning, sending the Sarzonian dollar
skidding. The release was quickly disproved by the purported
source and the dollar is expected to recover by the end of the day.

Forged release claims RTR to dump Sarzonian dollar
Reserve says the press statement is false and is investigating the source


Aristanea Dovanesto, Mandragora

A forged press release that appeared to have originated from the Republican Treasury Reserve sent jitters through the Mandragora foreign exchange Thursday morning, pushing the Sarzonian dollar down sharply before the reserve bank said the release was not genuine.

The dollar dropped nearly 60 cents against the douro in the first hour of active exchange as traders moved to cut their losses in anticipation of the sell-off described in the release. At 9.30am, the Sarzonian dollar had fallen to $3.9818 against the douro, the lowest so far today.

The press release claimed that the RTR intended to sell off up to SZD 550 billion in options and raw holdings in anticipation of a short plateau or even blip in the growth of the housing market and logistical networks. The release also stated the reserve anticipated a drop in the value of the Sarzonian dollar to closer to $4.00 against the douro regardless of whether the reserve followed through with its sell-off.

Around 10.00am this morning, Republican Treasury Reserve president Carmine Ferragamo spoke to reporters in Timiocato.

"The release is false," he said. "I don't think we can put it any more explicitly than that. It did not come from us."

He said the reserve was initially confused as to why the release was made to look as if it had come from the reserve bank.

"It is common knowledge we would never release that sort of information in that form. We would also not advise the market to sell as well as that is not our job."

Ferragamo said he has already put a team of RTR agents from the treasury's Special Branch to investigate the source and present any evidence to his superior, the Agustinate of Finance, Sebastiano Sigurimasso, as well as to the Republican Police Service and the Pacitalian Central Intelligence Commission.

"This is a serious fraud," Ferragamo said. "When we're talking about hundreds of millions of dollars being sold off in one morning, that could have drained bank accounts and put people's finances in danger if their investment portfolios are significantly engaged in the forex market."

If the source is discovered, they will face very serious consequences, he said.

As of 10.45am, 45 minutes after Ferragamo's press scrum, the dollar regained 30 cents and was trading at around $3.6756 to the douro. Analysts said that the RTR did a sufficient job allaying the fears and disputing the veracity of the press release. They expected the dollar would regain the value it lost this morning.

The dollar ended up closing Thursday at $3.5232, an overall loss of 12.15 cents from Wednesday.

There have been no statements from the Pacitalian government, but Sarzonia's acting president, Grant Haffner, and president-elect, Jay Tyler, both appealed for calm in the aftermath. Analysts there said the fact the stock markets did not respond to the false press release, unlike the forex, indicates the stabilising trend in the markets discussed over the past few weeks does indeed exist.

Last update: PNN.pc Web Staff, 4.08pm AOTC+3

Woodstock Daily Mail

Tyler, Haffner call for calm after forged report
Markets shrug off initial sell off

by Evan Buckley and Lisa Halloran
Daily Mail Staff Writers

TIMIOCATO -- President-elect Jay Tyler and Acting President Grant Haffner called for calm today in a joint press conference held after Pacitalia's Republican Treasury Reserve announced that a press release calling for a sell off of the Sarzonian dollar was fraudulent.

"Now is not the time for reactionary decisions by either the Sarzonian government or the market system," Tyler said. "We must, and shall, get to the bottom of what happened and why."

Sarzonia's Federal Bureau of Investigations has announced it would join the Pacitalian Central Intelligence Commission's investigation into the press release. The two agencies have cooperated before, notably in the investigation into the alleged assassination of former Pacitalian Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali's family, during a period when the two nations were persona non grata in each other's eyes.

"A full investigation into the causes of the release will be forthcoming," Haffner said. "We believe it is only necessary and proper that we cooperate fully with the Pacitalian investigation and share whatever information we come across."

An hour after the fraudulent press release made its rounds at 10:30 a.m. Sarzonian time, a brief sell off saw the Sarzonian dollar drop to $3.9818 to the douro in the first hour of trading. By 11:45 a.m. Sarzonian time, the dollar had recovered 30 cents of its lost value, reaching $3.6756.

Sarzonian markets took the report of the fraudulent release and subsequent response by the RTR in stride. The Portland Stock Exchange closed up 10.6 points from the previous day's close, at a level of 19,867.6.

Economist London Schriever said the reaction was a sign the Sarzonian economy was beginning to stabilise.

"You're seeing a market that is becoming less prone to dramatic one-day increases and drops in value," Schriever said. "Today's market reaction is perhaps the best sign yet that Sarzonia's economy has developed new resilience."

Tyler and Haffner said they had submitted a request to have the person or people responsible for the fraudulent press release extradited to Sarzonia, but Haffner said justice would be done no matter what.

"Whether the perpetrator is tried in a Sarzonian court or a Pacitalian court, they will face swift and strong justice," Haffner said. "We have every confidence that this situation will be resolved favourably."

Buckley reported from Timiocato; Halloran reported from Woodstock.

Portland Press-Herald

Stocks up modestly before early close

by Gregg Janney
Special to The Press-Herald

In a day of light trading that ended early for an observance of Pacitalia Day, the Portland Stock Exchange finished the day up six points to close at 18,873.6.

The PSE finished the week higher as investor optimism increased following signs that an economic recovery is in full force.

Fifty-eight million shares changed hands when the closing bell rang at 1 p.m. Sarzonian Standard Time when PSE Chairman Dan Andrews announced the exchange would close early to begin celebrating Pacitalia Day. He said the shutdown was planned.

"We were going to close early regardless," Andrews said. "To be fair, we decided this when the markets were reacting at a more dizzying pace, but with things having settled down, this is merely an opportunity for us to come back fresh on Monday."

A spokeswoman for the PSE said Andrews made the decision on his own, but said Acting President Grant Haffner was "all for it."

"This is a sign that Sarzonia is serious about restoring Paci-Sarzonian relations," Haffner said in a statement. "Our peoples are friends no matter what the governments do, but our governments are moving toward full normalisation of relations."

To wit, many Sarzonian businesses closed early or held parties throughout the country to celebrate Pacitalia Day. Alcohol and party food sales spiked 16 percent in local grocery stores, according to figures obtained by The Press-Herald.

In countries where a first lady is part of the social consciousness, her role is often as a hostess for world leaders. She also serves as a sort of beacon of fashion.

So what happens when a country has a first gentleman or first partner?

Sarzonia already had the makings of an answer with Jay Tyler. As the first partner for late president Mike Sarzo, he often served some of the ceremonial roles of a first lady. Or at least those that would conceiveably be taken up by a male partner of a nation's chief executive.

While Nicole Lewis served as acting president, she did not have a paramour. Thus, there was no first gentleman figure in The Manor. When she resigned and Grant Haffner became acting president, Gloria Taylor Haffner became the country's de facto first lady.

Now that Tyler won election as president, he knew Brian Patrick would likely assume some of his old role as first partner. Only he preferred the ceremonial title of first gentleman. The two men stood out on a veranda overlooking the South Lawn of the Gray House, staring out at the lush, green grass and plants installed there.

Tyler thought back to the days when Patrick was a family friend of his and Mike's. The three got on famously because of a shared love of musical artists. Obviously, that wasn't the only thing the three had in common, but it certainly was a great starting point for a friendship.

The air definitely felt an electric charge of attraction among the three men, but they all respected the boundaries of Sarzo's and Tyler's relationship. There could only be one first partner, but there could certainly be multiple close relationships, even if they didn't involve romance.

On the day Sarzo died, the first call Tyler fielded was from Patrick. Within the hour, Patrick was at the Gray House where the two men shared their grief. Not just over the loss of a nation's standard bearer. This was a deeply personal loss. The loss of someone who was the love of a lifetime.

Now, the two men were at least secure in each other. They knew that Mike would approve of their budding relationship. He even said something to Tyler and Patrick a couple of mornings before he died. Still, they couldn't deny the awkwardness of a new relationship forming in the wake of grief.

As for the present, Patrick was busy with planning the Inaugural Gala for 14 December. He knew Pacitalian Archonate Timothy Ell would be there. He figured a few more of Sarzonia's closest friends might also make the trip. But the night's entertainment had yet to take full shape.

Rocker Stevie Nicks had assembled her solo band and was beginning to tour clubs to ensure she was ready for the big night. Patrick waited for the call from Tori Amos's people to see if she was available. He knew she was finishing up a grueling world tour and Woodstock wasn't exactly a hot destination for music acts.

The food definitely had to be first rate. Tyler had memories of Pacitalia's Prime Ministerial Banquet where he made his debut as Sarzo's partner. He wanted the inaugural gala to have food at least as good. It would be a different experience, obviously, since Sarzonian cuisine was rather different from Pacitalia's. But this was supposed to bring the best of the best of Sarzonia together on a night when Sarzonia intended to show the world once and for all that it could undergo a peaceful transition of power.

Patrick looked over at Tyler.

"Say, I have a thought."

"What's that?"

"Perhaps Grant might want to take part in the inaugural."

"I'm sure he would."

"Do you think he ought to give a speech at the beginning?"

"Let's ask him what he wants to do."

"Sounds good."

Televisions throughout Sarzonia had just gotten through watching the Sarzonian national gridball team pull off a 27-24 upset win over Vephrall to advance the team to the playoffs of World Bowl IV.

Days prior, Sarzonians celebrated Pacitalia Day. An early close of the Portland Stock Exchange, schools shuttering for the day and non-essential offices closing down led to parades and festivals celebrating Pacitalia Day. Even though it wasn't a holiday for Sarzonia itself, and even though Sarzonians retained their American forefathers celebration of Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November, Sarzonians proved just as willing to party for their Pacitalian friends.

As Thursday itself led to families throughout the country gathering around supper tables, staring at turkeys browned and basted to perfection, television sets showed various Sarzonian Football Confederation matches. The old United States had a sport they called football with their Thanksgiving dinner. So did Sarzonia.

Following the last game, acting president Grant Haffner and president-elect Jay Tyler were seen in the President's office sitting side by side. The big chair where Sarzo once addressed the nation in good times and bad had temporarily been moved away so the two men could sit together.

"Our fellow Sarzonians," the two men said in unison before Tyler began the rest of his part of the speech. "We come before you today to resume a tradition started by President Sarzo, the Thanksgiving Day address to the nation. We believe now is a great time for our nation to be thankful. We have made it through the trials and tribulations of a nation in grief and mourning.

"Now we await the beginning of a new age of prosperity, a new age of freedom. Our destiny is a nation that has a new lease on life. We come together in a spirit of camaraderie and friendship. We come together in a spirit of cooperation. We come together, bound by our shared heritage as Sarzonians.

"We have been given an enormous charge to uphold the freedoms you hold dear. We shall do everything in our power to live up to that charge."

Haffner then addressed the nation himself.

"I wish to express my gratitude that the nation has evolved even in our period of introversion," Haffner said. "We continue to strive to live up to the ideals set by our predecessors and our partners in freedom. We shall continue to strive to meet those ideals in our daily lives and in our interactions.

"Long live the Incorporated States of Sarzonia," Haffner concluded.

Patrons at the small club in Saugerties heard some murmurs going on. There was going to be a "major surprise act" performing there tonight.

"Wonder who it is," one patron said.

"No idea," another replied. "Organisers here are being really secretive."

They had good reason to be. The woman preparing to go on stage was nervous enough as it was. She slowly moved her right hand up to her forehead and gently moved her bangs out of her eyes after jogging in place for about a minute.

"Two minutes!" the stage manager yelled.

Great the singer thought. Just what I need.

The overlay of one of her older, lesser known songs was about to end and pretty soon, she heard an announcer.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Mountain Range is delighted to bring you ... Miss Stevie Nicks!"

A quick slam of the drums by Jimmy Patsos led to guitarist Waddy Wachtel start a chugging guitar rhythm and the longtime smash hit "Stand Back" began to play. The crowd started cheering immediately as they saw Nicks walk toward the microphone with a black cape intertwined with golden polka dots over her flowing black dress.

They noticed Nicks, who by now had lost every hit of nervousness, walk up to the string laden microphone with a broad smile on her face. It turned out to be a very magical night.

In the very back of the club, Brian Patrick was grinning ear to ear. Nicks had performed a series of club dates to rehearse for her performance at Tyler's inaugural gala. He was getting a chance to see the show in person as a preview of the inaugural. When Nicks spread her arms and began her trademark twirls, he was cheering as loudly as anyone in the club. Then he cheered more when she lifted her right leg and kicked.

As for Patrick, the show was also a brief respite from the duties involved in organising the inaugural gala. Besides Nicks, Tori Amos agreed to perform. A series of speeches was also expected, as was an appearance by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Meanwhile, the guest list was beginning to take shape. Pacitalian Archonate Timothy Ell already RSVP'd. Praetonia's prime minister and king were likely to come as well. King Henry V of Isselmere-Nieland was a possibility Patrick held out.

Security concerns were being addressed as the Sarzonian Secret Service, the Woodstock Police Department and the Home Guard were all busy planning the security detail. The Sarzonian Intelligence Agency and the Sarzonian Federal Bureau of Investigations were also in high gear trying to listen for chatter by Restore Sarzonia Task Force or other terrorist groups. They didn't want anything disrupting this inaugural.

By now, Parliament reconvened and confirmed all of Tyler's picks for the Cabinet and the men and women chosen began to get to work. Acting president Grant Haffner began the process of moving the minimal personal effects and files he kept at the Gray House to his office at External Affairs. That wouldn't take too long, but he wanted the president's office to belong to Tyler as soon as he was ready.

The Portland Stock Exchange closed the day up 26 points to close at a very symbolic 20,019. It was the first time since the depths of the Panic of 2006 that the PSE closed above 20,000 points. Many cited the nation's unemployment dropping to 3.7 percent and the creation of another 75,000 full-time jobs by the Sarzonian private sector. Twenty five thousand government jobs would be created when Tyler took office on 15 December.

Patrick remained nervous as the clock began to tick toward the Inaugural Gala. He knew he'd scored big when two of his and Tyler's favourite singers agreed to perform, but having the first opportunity to meet foreign dignitaries made him rather nervous.

He'd heard a lot about Pacitalian Archonate Timothy Ell, whom he knew was confirmed on the guest list. His personal secretary kept most of the rest of the list quiet, but he knew he'd have to be at his first gentleman best. Even though he'd never actually filled that role and Tyler didn't make an announcement about Patrick yet.

Patrick noticed something shiny on the floor, bent down and picked it up. He smiled a knowing smile. There was a golden dollar coin, among the first minted after Parliament approved a motion to put Sarzo's face on the Sarzonian dollar coin. Paper dollars were quickly becoming a part of the past, as an amendment to the bill called for the phasing out of the paper dollar.

Patrick opened his wallet and slid the coin into it. He looked up, almost as if he were going to try to address Sarzo.

Wish you could be here to see this, Patrick thought.

Getting the job as master of ceremonies was odd for the second place finisher of a presidential election, but Haffner wanted the job.

He and his wife Gloria were at the David Crosby Convention Center dressed in their best outfits. Gloria milled around the room until she found the person she was looking for: Patrick.

"Hi, Brian," Gloria said, extending her hand to shake Patrick's. The two shook hands, then Gloria smiled.

"Guess I won't be first lady anymore," she said, adding a small chuckle. "But that doesn't mean I can't help you with tonight's event. Is there something I can do to help?"

"Perhaps you can help me greet foreign dignitaries," Patrick said. "I've never done that before."

Gloria tilted her head back and laughed.

"No problem!" she said. "If I see Andrew Cuthbert, I'll introduce you to him, but you're probably going to have to meet Tim Ell on your own."

Patrick's eyebrows arched up and his eyes widened.

"Why is that?"

Turning serious, Gloria moved toward Patrick, then used her right arm to try to lower Patrick's ear to her mouth. Taking the cue, Patrick bent down.

"Grant's relationship with Pacitalia is, to put it mildly, a little frosty," Gloria said. "He's going to fly over to Pacitalia as soon as possible after Tyler's inauguration to try to formalise the repair of Paci-Sarzonian relations, but Grant doesn't feel too comfortable with going to chat him up right now."

"Wow."

"Meanwhile, I assume Jay gave you the tour of the Gray House," Gloria said.

"Yeah, he did."

"Good," she said. "We didn't stay there."

Patrick nodded his head knowingly. He knew the Haffners chose to live in the lieutenant president's official residence and would return to the senior vice president and external affairs officer's official residence near the External Affairs office.

Gloria opened her mouth to continue her conversation with Patrick until she saw a figure emerge.

"Oh, wait. I see someone coming." Both she and Patrick turned to look. They saw a man with rugged good looks entering the room.

"That's Tim Ell," Gloria said. "Like I said, you're on your own with him. Good luck." Patrick took in a deep breath, exhaled, then walked deliberately toward Ell.

"Uh, Dr. Ell?"

[OOC: I figure I'll just go ahead and post the inauguration/Tyler's speech since today is 15 December. Obviously, anyone who's interested in posting relating to the inaugural gala may do so. But I'd like to at least get Tyler inaugurated.]

The winds of a typical pre-Woodstock winter morning whipped up to their usual frenzy. However, the tall man regarded the scene that caused the strands of his graying hair to flop up and down with complete disinterest. He shivered, against the three degree Celsius cold and the 40 kilometre per hour wind, but he thought he would have done so even if the temperature were 37.4 degrees Celcius instead of Fahrenheit.

Decimus Rassonera was about to perform his duties, as established by legal precedent. Even if the Sarzonian constitution did not provide for his task of swearing in the new president, Sarzonia would carry on the legal traditions they brought over from the United States.

Rassonera practiced the oath of office again and again. It was typical behaviour for a president-elect about to be sworn in, but not for the person actually swearing in the president. Needless to say, Rassonera was nervous as he waited for Tyler to arrive.

When he saw the former Sarzonian Secret Service agent walking toward him with another tall, lanky man walking next to him, he knew it was time for him to get the show on the road.

As for Tyler, he'd practiced his speech over and over again. Not the actual oath of office. He spent a few minutes on that. He spent hours poring over his speech, adding, deleting, changing, changing. It was a moment of nerves for both men, and for a nation.

This was the first time Sarzonia would have a president elected by her people. This was the first time the country would see a president about to chart a course different from her founder's. Large screens erected throughout the countryside focused on this moment. Courtroom dockets were canceled. Schools were closed. Almost all eyes in Sarzonia would be riveted to the screen or in the square near the John Paul Stevens building.

Tyler looked around at the podium where Rassonera was standing. He looked around and saw the large panes of clear, bulletproof glass erected to prevent a sniper's bullet from wreaking havoc on history. He allowed himself one last gulp before taking the final, tentative steps toward Rassonera.

The Chief Justice provided a weak smile. Tyler could tell he was nervous. Tyler nodded. Rassonera knew he was nervous. The tall gentleman next to Tyler smiled broadly.

That fucker's probably the only one here who isn't nervous, Rassonera thought. Their reverie was interrupted by a bell that began to toll the 2 p.m. hour. It was time.

"Raise your right hand and repeat after me," Rassonera said. Tyler did as asked.

"I, Jay Ridenour Tyler, do solemly affirm," Rassonera said. He'd wrestled with hereby affirm, deciding to do away with the word "swear" from the American oath of office.

"I, Jay Ridenour Tyler, do solemly affirm," Tyler said with an even tone.

"That I will faithfully execute the office of President of the Incorporated States," Rassonera intoned.

"That I will faithfully execute the office of President of the Incorporated States," Tyler said.

"And that I will, to the best of my ability, diligently and faithfully and without partiality or prejudice," Rassonera said. He knew he was breaking from the American script, but Sarzonia was going to build its own identity and its own oath of office.

"And that I will, to the best of my ability, diligently and faithfully and without partiality or prejudice," Tyler said. He knew this oath was different, but the purpose behind it was no less important.

"Execute the office of President of the Incorporated States, preserving, protecting and defending the constitution and freedoms of the people of the same with all the rights and responsibilities pursuant to the office."

Damn, this is wordy, Tyler thought. He opened his mouth one more time.

"Execute the office of President of the Incorporated States, preserving, protecting and defending the constitution and freedoms of the people of the same with all the rights and responsibilities pursuant to the office."

For the first time since the day began, Rassonera grinned broadly. The nerves were gone. Now he -- and Tyler -- had gotten through the first inauguration of a new president in Sarzonia's history.

"Congratulations, Mr. President," Rassonera said, extending his right hand. The two men shook hands, then, Rassonera uncharacteristically pulled Tyler closer and the two men hugged. It was a brief gesture, but it spoke volumes about where Sarzonia was as a nation.

As that scene unfolded, the three men standing near the podium were soon awash in a sustained round of applause from people who finally had a chance to see the fruits of democracy in bloom. After waiting for the applause to die down, Tyler turned toward the podium, no longer first partner Jay Tyler, no longer president-elect, but now president.

"My fellow Sarzonians," Tyler began, uttering the famous three words Sarzo would always say with seeming ease. They still felt awkward coming from him, but that would likely go away eventually.

"Today, we embark upon a new direction, a new freedom, a new way," Tyler began. He had his speech in front of him and he glanced down for a second.

"I would like to once again express my appreciation for the dedication of our country's first president. It was his dream to see this nation evolve as it has, and I am confident that he would be proud of the direction our country is headed in."

Tyler waited while an enthusiastic round of applause followed.

"But today, we are looking toward a future. And that future is brighter than it has been since the founding days of our country. According to reports from several sources, the nation's economy is projected to have its last quarter of decline after years of recession. If we pursue a responsible direction, we are in line to grow in fiscal year 2009.

"I said before that our long period of national uncertainty has ended. We now have conclusive proof of that in this report. I shall work with the Parliament and with the state governments to ensure that our country's small businesses and industries are able to not only survive, but also thrive."

"Another area of utmost importance for us is how we approach the world now that Parliament has confirmed my nominees to serve on the Cabinet. Specifically, my first priority as president is to ensure the full restoration of relations between the Incorporated States of Sarzonia and the Second Republic of Pacitalia. We have had some wounds, many of which have been self-inflicted. However, our nations are meant to be not just friends, but brothers. It is my hope that that brotherhood will be fully restored.

"I will not stand here and say the future will be easy. It will be a difficult one with many challenges ahead. I assure you, and everyone watching, that we shall be ready to face the exciting times ahead and will bring a more responsible Sarzonia back onto the world stage.

"To all of you who voted me into office, once again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the trust you have placed in me. For those of you who did not vote for me, I extend the hand of cooperation and friendship, and pledge to you that I will work to earn your trust and to earn the right to call myself your president.

"I could not embark upon this new journey alone. I will have help from the many outstanding members of the Cabinet, including Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer Grant Haffner. He took on an extraordinarily difficult challenge by serving as acting president, and for that, we should all be grateful. Lieutenant President Nicole Lewis brings experience to the position, and will be a strong right hand woman.

"But most of all, with Mike's blessing, I would like to introduce to you the man who will stand beside me during the difficult hours and days ahead. He has been a longtime friend of mine and Mike's, and we grieved together over Mike's death. Now, we unite in love. Ladies and gentlemen, your new first gentleman, Brian Patrick."

Stunned gasps mixed with polite applause as Patrick slowly stepped up and gave an awkward wave.

"Long live the Incorporated States of Sarzonia," Tyler said, as the applause once again engulfed the stage.

After Tyler's inaugural address, he and Patrick returned to the Gray House. Patrick had seen the place once, as a special favour from Sarzo while the deceased chief executive was still in somewhat decent physical shape.

But now, he was able to see the entire building.

The office where Sarzo once signed legislation, planned responses to world actions and the various other things a president does now belonged to his former paramour. Tyler gazed at the large mahogany desk and out at the dark night that cast a forbidding shadow from the large window behind the leather chair.

The fact that chair was now his chair still didn't seem real to Tyler. He walked behind the desk and gingerly sat down.

Unbelieveable, he thought. He turned to look at the sheets of paper. Legislation he was expected to sign. So much for a honeymoon. He picked up the fountain pen and signed his name to several bills, including one that officially made small businesses tax exempt, plus one that waived import duties on goods coming from Isselmere-Nieland and Romandeos. He eyed bills that would do the same for Praetonia and Pacitalia.

The latter two nations' bills were just approved hours ago by Parliament. Tyler knew that gave him two weeks to either act on the bills or they would be considered pocket vetoes with Parliament voting itself a two-week holiday reprieve.

One thing Tyler knew with total certainty was it was now time to get down to business.

Two days after the inaugural, Haffner finally felt like he could relax somewhat. Gone were the mountains of paperwork required for a president or an acting president. Now he could focus more on his so-called day job as senior vice president and external affairs officer.

He looked through his dossier of activities and then looked back on the file he'd set aside to deal with separately from the myriad other actions competing for his attention. The file folder was conveniently coloured with the navy blue and white, red and green colour scheme of the Pacitalian flag. It was an instant reminder of what his priority mission was.

He scanned the contents, recalling Archonate Timothy Ell's presence at Jay Tyler's inaugural gala. He also wanted to make it clear that he was serious about restoring Sarzonia's relations with the Second Republic. To do this, he sent a letter to Archonate Ell in Pacitalian. [OOC: Since I don't speak or write Pacitalian, y'all get the English translation. :tongue:]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v419/msarzo/GreatSeal.jpg
Official Statement
Incorporated Sarzonian Government

As I indicated in the days leading up to the presidential election, I and newly appointed Lieutenant President Nicole Lewis would like to meet with you and the appropriate personnel in Timiocato to discuss the full repair of relations with your government.

I am ready and willing to arrive as soon as you and your government find it practicable for us to attend a meeting to discuss the details of such a resurrection.

For far too long, our government has not taken the steps necessary to fully repair the self-inflicted wounds upon the bonds of friendship between our governments. Our people are weary of our inaction and have called upon us to take steps to remedy that.

But my purpose is not merely a directive from the people of the Incorporated States, nor is it simply a presidential order from the newly elected president. Personally, I feel responsible for some of the wounds our government has inflicted upon Pacitalia. I would like to take the necessary steps to resolve those personal wounds.

Ms. Lewis has expressed an interest in visiting Pacitalia. She tells me she misses the fabulous cuisine and she would like to re-connect with her friends in Pacitalia.

Sincera in domina bene,
Grant Haffner
Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer
Incorporated States of Sarzonia

2215 AOTC+1, 13th December 2008
Woodstock, Sarzonia

The landing gear extended like sharp talons, their obsidian-tinted silhouettes outlined in the surreal clarity of a large, bluish, full moon. The asphalt of the wide runway below was glossy from the remnants of midwinter freezing rain. Blue and white lights from the runway guidance systems blinked fiercely along either side of the pavement as the private jet descended through the black sky and touched down with a slight screeching, taxiing to the tarmac.

The pilot gently coasted the aircraft to a stop in front of a small terminal building. Both sides of the clean, snow-white jet were emblazoned, near the front of the plane, with the Pacitalian coat of arms and the traditional crossed gold and silver rapiers with a large stylised "A" underneath. A small l'insignia, the Pacitalian flag, adorned the tail of the airplane.

Affixed to the roof, a large sign with slightly peeling letters read: "Welcome to Woodstock International Jetport".

The pilot powered down the engines and dimmed the lights. The flight attendant pushed open the hydraulic-locking door while two men on the tarmac pushed a staircase forward and locked the wheels in place. The attendant secured the top of the stairs to the plane and gave the pilot the thumbs-up.

Two broad-shouldered agents with muscular stature, dark, short-cropped hair, identical searching chestnut eyes and olive skin emerged first from the plane. They were dressed in sharply tailored charcoal suits, black alabaster-button oxfords and kevlar underlayering, their compulsively polished raven-black leather bluchers glinting in the moonlight and tapping methodically on the metal cage of the staircase. Pewter pins, plated with platinum and quartz, bore the archonatic rapier symbol and were threaded through their lapels. Rather than the more obvious wired earpiece that connected to a belt communicator, a wireless "molar mic" was snugly and discreetly implanted in their mouths.

Their Acera A2 9mm ceramic handguns were holstered but the safeties were disengaged. The Directorate of the Archonacy had made a point of equipping the Secret Service with alternate weaponry for this visit — the standard issue handgun was in fact the comparable 9mm C-610 ceramic handgun from Pomentane Ballistics. But the archonate himself was adamant no PB sidearms be seen with Pacitalian agents during the state visit, for obvious reasons. Offending the Sarzonians at this critical juncture in the reconstruction of the relationship was extremely unacceptable, even in the most unintentional of circumstances, so the SSPR went to Acera, the second-largest small arms manufacturer in Pacitalia, and purchased both handguns and ammunition.

Both agents performed a quick sweep of the surroundings and checked their watches.

"Safe to proceed," the agent on the right said, seemingly to no one — the molar mic transmitting his voice to the other agents on the Archonatic Protection and Vigilance Squad (APVS), the lead unit of the Secret Service. Both agents then descended the stairs and waited at the bottom.

The first man out of the plane was the archonate's charge d'affaires, Michelangelo Setrussamo. He waited at the landing, shivering slightly. Seconds later, the archonate emerged with his wife.

Dr Ell was dressed in indigo-wash bootcut jeans with a midnight blue corduroy guardante fumare, a tungsten pullover of merino wool, and a Prussian blue and snow-white collared shirt, the top button left undone. His chrome-plated watch and white gold wedding band flashed brilliantly in the bright lights around the tarmac, his matte lead-coloured loafers clapping unobtrusively against the metal staircase.

Ms Cazunobari, the senator from the Domasota department and the archonate's wife, wore a light-grey houndstooth wool jacket and matching knee-length skirt, with a white silk chiffonade blouse, nude pantyhose and white pumps with kitten heels. Dr Ell took his wife's gloved hand and they waved as bulb flashes from press cameras lit up the night sky.

"Jesus Christ," Setrussamo said, shivering violently again and descending the stairs.

"I told you to dress for the weather," Giovanna said in Pacitalian, smiling. "The forecast for Woodstock has been cool all week. You never listen."

"Signora Feminena Premera, I am as stubborn as a mule," Setrussamo replied. "I realise that is to my own detriment."

The charge d'affaires cupped his hands and blew into them, rubbing them together. Over a simple black suit with a white collared shirt and striped red and gray tie, he wore only a light peacoat and unpadded shoes.

Woodstock had been enjoying balmy weather earlier in the month but those temperatures had disappeared and the normal conditions for this time of year in the Sarzonian capital had resurfaced. The display inside the airplane had reported the ground temperature as only –4°C. When they had left Timiocato shortly after lunchtime it was 27°C.

The three Pacitalians were followed by a third secret service agent and the rest of the Republican entourage. Only the three agents would follow the archonate and first lady to the Inaugural Ball. Setrussamo was to join them at the ceremonies the following morning. The Pacitalian delegation had decided to arrive a night early in order to tour Portland in the morning and return to Woodstock for the Ball.

Alongside the barrage of brightly lit television cameras and paparazzi, schoolchildren from a local primary school furiously, but excitedly, waved miniature Pacitalian and Sarzonian flags. The archonate made eye contact with one of the kids and winked, smiling warmly at the boy, who was maybe eight or nine years old. The boy gasped and murmured to his friends, pointing excitedly. An embarrassed teacher stepped forward and lowered his arm, telling the boy not to point. The assembled children sang an impromptu mix of the Pacitalian and Sarzonian anthems — the orchestral La Terra Libertà in Eternum clashing horribly with the rock tones of Freedom. In the spirit of the moment, that didn't matter much. The first lady grinned widely at the whole display.

The first couple waved one last time and climbed into a waiting limousine. Seconds later, it steadily accelerated away, snaking around the terminal building and out on the street heading for the hotel.

14th December 2008
Woodstock, Sarzonia

It was a night much like the one before it. A clear black sky like an open window... dense, chilly air filtering down onto the Sarzonian capital by way of a brisk, though light, wind. It flapped gently past the Pacitalian flags attached to the hood of the limousine as its driver navigated the hulky, sleek, obsidian vehicle through viscous Woodstock traffic.

The moon, big and silver, hovered overhead and highlighted the mystical, hazy fog coming off the coniferous trees packing the hillsides around the city. Lights remained on in the buildings lining the wide, treed streets of downtown Woodstock. Wilting leaves from those trees, the last of the fall, still littered the ground, blown every which way by the breeze. Apart from that, the streets were free of garbage, paper and, the archonate noticed, the homeless. He wondered cynically whether that was intentional.

The limousine circled the block around the David Crosby Convention Centre a couple of times before it was given clearance to park. After about ten minutes it pulled up behind another limousine, which displayed Sarzonian flags on the hood.

As on the airplane the previous night, and as on three occasions this morning in Portland, two agents exited the limousine first, followed by the archonate and senator Cazunobari, then a third agent.

Dressed in a finely-tailored tuxedo sporting a lengthened dinner jacket, white double-breasted shirt — and a bowtie which Ell himself had spent fifteen minutes obsessively centering between the V of the jacket — and wearing the finest Empordan rack-stapled leather shoes, the archonate walked briskly but calmly across the pavement towards the steps to the convention hall. Giovanna, wearing a double-layered white silk camisole, bore underneath a salmon and scarlet evening gown with inlayed nuggets of cubic zirconium, which sparkled luminously in the lights on the façade of the complex. Her stiletto heels barked sharply on the wet pavement and her black, wavy hair shone resiliently, gently tied back but otherwise flowing freely. Quartz earrings dangled in the wind.

It was the archonate's first actual visit to Sarzonia as a country — the last time he had visited was in 2003, when it was still a colony. He was in Woodstock at that time to make a landmark speech urging the United States of America to grant the Sarzonians independence. He never set much store by his own words at the time but many scholars said his speech was one of the greatest definitions of his principles and secured Pacitalia's place as "Sarzonia's France". It was a reference to the French during the American Revolution, when they helped, in many ways, the Americans gain their independence from the British. In turn, it helped set the stage for a rocky but still important friendship between Sarzonia and Pacitalia that had, up to now, endured the greatest of pains.

It was here, at the David Crosby Centre, that he had made that speech. He remembered a building constructed in the brutalist style, spartan and cement... cold, indifferent and hulking. This version was much different, at least on the façade. Post-modern cement had been joined with square metre upon square of metre of glass windows. Large, possibly artificial, trees stretched up to the ceiling surrounded by massive planters and ringed by wooden benches. The front entrance was lined with Sarzonian secret service agents.

The archonate smiled to the lead agent, shook his hand and gave him the official invitation. They were cleared to enter and walked down the hall to the main ballroom. Two agents flanking the doors to the ballroom opened them and the first couple stepped over the threshold. The gaze from several sets of eyes immediately fell upon the archonate and the senator, some of them then awkwardly looking away. The first couple kept smiling and continued walking down the main aisle, between all the tables, toward the dance floor.

The ballroom was modestly but appropriately decorated to match the importance of the festivities. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling and angel-blue silk streamers were tied to the ceiling. White velvet curtains lined the walls and master paintings, framed in cherry wood, were placed mid-height on all four sides. There were approximately forty tables, adorned in white linen cloths and napkins, with water, champagne and wine glasses, bone-china salad and dinner plates and polished stainless steel cutlery. At each of the place settings there was a small gift bag. The tables were positioned semi-circularly around a parquet dance floor. Behind the dance floor on one side was the orchestra, on the other, placed upon a two-foot riser, the head table, about ten metres long. Between the orchestra and the head table stood a podium to which the Sarzonian great seal had been affixed; it was also on the riser.

Ell noticed an impeccably dressed lady walking away from a tall, middle-aged man with a thunderstruck facial expression. He turned toward the first couple and the two Pacitalians watched his neck shift as he gulped, took a deep breath and approached them. It took a couple of seconds but the archonate recognised the man and a smile broke out on his face.

"Uh, Dr Ell?" the man said.

"You must be the new First Gentleman," Ell said, extending a hand. The man's facial expression returned to one of shock and the archonate stepped in to keep things from getting at all awkward.

"Allow me to introduce my wife, senator Giovanna Ell Cazunobari."

"Mr Patrick, it is a pleasure to meet you," she said.

"H-how did you know who I am?" Mr Patrick replied tentatively. He laughed nervously, but took the feminena premera's hand with confidence and kissed it. "The pleasure is mine, I'm sure."

"Call it Pacitalian intelligence," Ell stated simply, chuckling in response to Patrick's question. He smiled.

The new Sarzonian first gentleman nodded, somewhat appraisingly, but returned a warm grin. "Come, let me introduce you to the president-elect."

14th December 2008

“Put that thing away for once Korin! This is a party after all, you’re supposed to be enjoying yourself”

The Chief of Staff to the President of Manhattan Prime grinned wanly at his boss’s rebuke, cursing the man’s sharp eyes. Korin Duval felt restless as the limousine contained the small Manhattanite delegation roared through the bust streets of Woodstock, the Sarzonian capital. He’d been caught with his hand inching surreptitiously towards the trusty Blackberry in his pocket, which he was often to be seen consulting.

“If you’re looking for something to do, then you can run through the briefing with me once more” the President advised.

Duval withdrew the handheld device and called up the correct file - “You’re meeting President-elect Jay Tyler to convey our congratulations personally, and our gratitude to the Sarzonian nation for their recent support. We’ve also got a view to discussing a package of reconstruction aid to Manhattan Prime. Your point man is Grant Haffner, the current acting President, and Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer under Sarzo.”

“Check” Cuthbert replied.

“Wife’s name Gloria. Chances are you’ll be greeted by them before meeting the new first couple.”

“I got it”, Cuthbert stretched and leaned back in his chair in a show of calm.

Duval wasn’t fooled: as the seconds lengthened in silence he looked over to his friend with concern on his face. “I’m worried about you Andy. You haven’t been sleeping, and you know how manic it’s been lately, what with this name change proposal. You can’t tell me you’re not worried about this dinner tonight”

This was familiar territory over the past few days – “Look, I’ll be fine.” The President replied somewhat dismissively, “It’s good to be anywhere but that damned desk”

“How’s the shoulder?” Korin asked

“Still sore”. Cuthbert winced slightly as the car pulled to stop and the two Secret Service men got out of the driver and passenger’s seat. “Guess that means we’re here” he drawled, drily.

Their party was small – other than the two guards Duval and the unmarried Cuthbert made up the Manhattanite delegation. The Chief of Staff, true to his Australian-Manhattanite roots, was wearing an extravagant white tuxedo, and Cuthbert wondered how he managed to pull the look off. Cuthbert himself was attired in an expensive black tuxedo with white silk handkerchief over a pleated white dress shirt, bowtie, and trousers. He’d refused to bring the cane his doctor’s still wanted him to use whilst his shoulder muscles knitted together, but was wearing for the first time a simple copper cross, made from the sniper’s bullet extracted from his body, to serve as a constant reminder of the events of the Civil War.

One of the Secret Service men opened the car door, and Cuthbert entered the assembly hall, with Duval slightly behind him and the bodyguards flanking them both. Cuthbert cast his eyes around the hall in search of the Haffners...

14 December 2008

Grant Haffner stepped away from his desk. It was the last night he would officially serve as acting president of Sarzonia. As a result, he and his External Affairs staff spent marathon days trying to get everything removed from the presidential office before Tyler occupied it.

He looked at the speech he'd written. He read it over again. I hate it, he thought, but he also realised it was too late to rewrite it. He picked it up and put it into an organiser big enough to carry the documents. He walked with suddenly halting steps toward the room in the Convention Centre.

The Cros, as it was commonly known to Woodstock residents, was the setting for dignitaries arriving on the night before Tyler's inauguration as president. Haffner looked down at the guest list. Delegation from Praetonia, check. Delegation from Isselmere-Nieland including Henry V, check. Delegation from Manhattan Prime including president Andrew Cuthbert, check. Delegation from Pacitalia including Archonate Timothy Ell, check.

Haffner did a double-take.

Ell.

Fuck.

Even though Sarzonia had begun some steps toward restoring relations with Pacitalia, Haffner knew that job wasn't done. He grimaced. All of a sudden, hands that were previously steady and confident began to shake. Haffner stopped. He took in a breath and exhaled loudly. All of a sudden, the biting night air didn't feel nearly as cold as it should have.

He decided to try to screw his courage to the sticking point and continue on his way to the Cros. He realised that for Sarzonia to accomplish what the people's will was, he would have to face Ell as well as his own demons.

He stopped at the security checkpoint and a guard who looked vaguely familiar greeted him.

"I need to see some ID."

"Uh," Haffner said, fumbling to grab his wallet and show his ID. "I'm the acting president of the country and you're asking me for ID!"

"Boss's orders," the guard said gruffly. "If you don't have an ID, you don't get in." Finally, Haffner pulled the ID out of his wallet and showed it to the guard. He looked at it and returned it with a scowl. Then, the right side of his mouth curled up slowly.

"Grant, I haven't seen you in ages!" All of a sudden, Haffner knew who it was.

"Joe! Good to see you!" The two men shook hands, then right arms clasped onto backs as the two men's chests slowly moved together.

"I didn't realise you were in the SSS now!"

"You haven't monitored personnel actions in a while, then I guess," Joe said. Haffner nodded slightly.

"You're right."

"Maybe after this shin dig is done and things settle down we can catch up."

"I'd love that!"

"Have a good time!"

Finally, Haffner walked into the room where the inaugural ball itself was about to take place. He scanned the room looking for Gloria. He saw her milling about, chatting up various people including Queen Christine of Isselmere-Nieland.

She looks so totally in her element, Haffner thought. He allowed himself a brief chuckle when he thought how panicked she was when she was getting ready just three hours prior. Then, he looked and saw a worn looking man scanning the room looking for him. He looked at the sheet of paper with photos and names just to make sure. He was right. It was Cuthbert.

Haffner walked with a purpose as he began his approach to Cuthbert. He saw someone else out of the corner of his eye, but he knew if it were who he thought, he'd all of a sudden lose composure and he didn't want that.

Cuthbert noticed a man approaching him with purposeful strides. A glance behind him and Duval's answering nod was enough to confirm that this was the man he was looking for.

The President approached, offering his hand. "Mr Haffner, a pleasure. Andrew Cuthbert, Manhattan Prime".

Haffner smiled widely. He walked over and shook Cuthbert's hand.

"Good to see you, Mr. President," Haffner said. "Over there, holding court with Queen Christine of the United Kingdom of Isselmere-Nieland is my wife, Gloria."

Haffner scanned the scene, briefly grimacing when he saw Ell talking with Patrick, the he quickly smiled again and turned back to Cuthbert.

"Good to see you're in relatively good health after everything you've been through," Haffner said. He waited for Cuthbert's reply.

Meanwhile, Patrick's large strides gracefully took him toward Tyler, who was standing and taking in the scene. Tyler had spent hours trying to fix his tuxedo and make it look just right.

Being the guest of honour made him feel incredibly nervous. This was the first time Sarzonia had an inaugural of an elected president since it won its independence. This was the first time Tyler would be meeting with people as a head of state rather than as the love of a national leader's life. He felt the nerves all morning as he struggled to down a bowl of cereal. They didn't abate through his selection of a tuxedo and this moment.

He saw Patrick walking with Ell just a step behind. He'd heard of Ell and, in fact, met him at a prime ministerial dinner back in 2004. But that was when he was tagging along with Sarzo as the soon-to-be-announced first partner. Now as president-elect, he was going to meet Ell on Sarzonian turf.

"Jay, this is Dr. Ell. Dr. Ell, this is president-elect Jay Tyler," Patrick said with a flourish few who knew him were expecting. Patrick was so nervous before the event started that Gloria, who caught the introduction during her continued conversation with Queen Christine smiled at.

Tyler then extended his had toward Ell.

Cuthbert gave a lazy grin "You're very kind to say so Sir - my staff would tell me I look like hell!" Striking a more somber note he added "I'm very glad your inauguration day proved to be a happier time. We are forever in your debt for the support Sarzonia provided in the recent unpleasantness. The last few months have been tough, I don't mind admitting, but the support of our allies was a bright spark that refused to die, even in the worst of times"

OOC: Had we decided to retcon your military involvement in my other thread Sarz, or would you like to finish it off when you get some free time? Have left it open for you...

OOC: Had we decided to retcon your military involvement in my other thread Sarz, or would you like to finish it off when you get some free time? Have left it open for you...

[OOC: I'd retcon the military involvement, though we can keep the part about Haffner applying pressure on Dreygo.]

Haffner nodded. He looked over Cuthbert again and smiled.

"I'm no doctor, but I think your staff might just be rather overprotective," Haffner said. He walked up slowly to Cuthbert.

"Is there something we can do to help now that things have settled down somewhat? My government is willing to help where it can."

Haffner smiled slightly, then added a decided edge to his voice.

"Sarzonia takes its friendships in the international community seriously. We don't turn our backs on our friends."

Haffner then waited for Cuthbert's response.

Ell warmly and firmly grasped Tyler's hand and shook it.

"It's wonderful to see you again, Mr President-Elect," Ell said smilingly. "I feel like it's been more than four years since our last encounter. Hopefully we can change that over the course of the next few years."

He backed away a half-step and motioned to Giovanna.

"May I introduce my wife, the lovely senator Giovanna Ell Cazunobari," Ell continued.

"We are both absolutely delighted to be here," she replied elegantly, her ironically warm gray eyes locked on the president-to-be, her facial expression one of friendliness and integrity. "Thank you for inviting us to share in this moment with you. Congratulations."

Ell and Tyler made eye contact.

"Perhaps a drink to start the festivities?" Ell suggested.

The Pacitalian archonate gently grabbed the elbow of the man who would soon be his counterpart and guided him toward the open bar.

"I would very much like a tour of this wonderful building," Giovanna said to Brian. "Would you be willing to show me around?"

Tyler smiled. He looked at the offerings and decided to grab one that he was sure would impress -- and surprise -- Ell.

Absinthe.

He poured himself a glass, then turned and poured a glass for Patrick.

"Care for some absinthe," Tyler asked.

"Absinthe?" Ell asked with incredulity. "I thought it was illegal here."

"It is," Tyler said with a mischievous smile. "But I pulled a few strings. It's probably the one famous liquor our country makes."

He looked at Ell expectantly.

"Absolutely," Ell said. "Pour me a dose."

He looked around for a carafe of ice water and some sugar cubes but was not seeing the latter.

Ell turned to the barman. "Do you have any sugar cubes behind the bar?"

He turned to Tyler and noted the confused look on Patrick's face.

The bartender smoothly turned to his right and picked up a grey container, opening the top.

"Absolutely," he said in a monotone that belied the bemusement with which he regarded Ell's question. The bartender handed the container with sugar cubes to Ell.

"That's a tradition with absinthe," Tyler said, talking to Patrick. He then went on to explain the tradition. Tyler then looked back, but not before casting a quick glance at the light brown, short-cropped hair of the bartender who stood there.

"Thank you," Tyler said to the bartender. He then looked at Ell.

"We've got you covered," he said with a smile.

Meanwhile, a woman with fire red hair emerged and slowly began to walk onto a stage erected far from the conversations between the political figures. She looked over at those also assmebled on stage.

Haffner's deputy James Melvin, seeing Haffner preoccupied with his conversation with Cuthbert, grabbed a microphone and began speaking.

"Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the Presidential Inauguration Council, I'd like to welcome you to Woodstock. I'm James Melvin. I'm helping Grant Haffner with his master of ceremonies duties.

"The prelude to tonight's headlining act is a woman with an air of mystery in her own right. She is a prolific singer-songwriter and a proud native daughter of our former mother country. Ladies and gentlemen, Ms. Tori Amos."

Both Tyler and Patrick turned their attention to the stage. They loved Amos. They also knew she would be the opening act for the headliner, who was a woman Sarzo would dearly have loved to have seen had he been alive. But both men also loved Stevie Nicks almost as much as Sarzo did.

But she was beginning her preparations for her performance far away from the Cros.

"Sarzonia takes its friendships in the international community seriously. We don't turn our backs on our friends."

Cuthbert nodded "And we're grateful for it. Our economy is in a bad way at the present moment and much of the capital's infrastructure and industry is still being rebuilt. The Provinces of Nippon and Lewis were also hit quite hard by the fighting. Any money your government could loan for reconstruction would be greatly appreciated. In fact I was meaning to discuss that further with yourself and President-elect Tyler at some point..."

At this the announcer began to introduce the first, and Cuthbert turned towards the stage with a whispered "they're starting".

Haffner was about to answer Cuthbert's request for aid until he heard Melvin announce Tori Amos's performance. He and the other guests turned toward the stage as Amos sat down at her piano. Flat video screens positioned in the room showed Amos's wry smile as she quietly thanked Haffner and the inaugural committee for the opportunity to play in front of the inaugural crowd.

She performed a relatively short set of about an hour, comprising some of her better known material, then thanked the crowd again as she and her bandmates departed the stage. As stage personnel began to move her equipment off the stage and Stevie Nicks's equipment onto the stage, Haffner turned back to Cuthbert.

"Obviously, any aid packages would have to be approved by parliament," Haffner said. "With that having been said, I believe we could arrange for a good amount of money to help with reconstruction and investing in Manhattan Prime.

"I'll discuss the matter with president-elect Tyler, but I'm sure he'll support it. And I'm fairly certain we can get it through Parliament."

Gloria then walked up and smiled at him.

"Aren't you going to introduce me?" she said with a laugh.

"Mr. President, this is my lovely wife Gloria. Gloria, this is Manhattan Prime president Andrew Cuthbert."

"Nice to meet you," Cuthbert said, shaking Gloria's hand and kissing the top of it.

"Likewise," Gloria said. "It's great to see you here."

Patrick just sort of nodded at Tyler's explanation of the sugar cubes and their connection to absinthe. Tyler looked at him knowingly.

Patrick turned to Giovanna and smiled.

"I'd be delighted to show you around," he said. With Tori Amos's set finished and workers getting prepared for Stevie Nicks to appear, Patrick knew he had about an hour and a half to show Giovanna the building.

"Right this way," he said, smiling.

Meanwhile, even though it was about an hour and a half before she was supposed to walk on the stage, Stevie Nicks was extremely nervous. She applied the ruby red lipstick for what seemed like the 10th time when Amos walked into her dressing room.

"Hi Stevie."

"Ooh, Tori, you scared me!" Nicks said.

"Sorry. You look spectacular."

"Thanks. I don't feel spectacular."

"Worried about the impression you'll make on the president-elect?"

"Of course."

"He's a huge fan of yours. So is the first gentleman to be. The former president..."

"I know," Nicks said quickly. The two women looked in each other's eyes. Amos knew that Nicks knew how much of a fan of hers the late president was. All of a sudden, Nicks saw something wasn't in her closet that she was expecting.

"Karen! Where the hell is my 'Stand Back' cape?"

"Nice to meet you," Cuthbert said, shaking Gloria's hand and kissing the top of it.

"Likewise," Gloria said. "It's great to see you here."

"This is an amazing hall you have here" Cuthbert enthused, "I'd love to take a look around at some point, I'm sure the views are superb. As to any possible aid package, I'll glad you sound so confident. I plan to raise the issue with the President-elect later tonight myself". Cuthbert grinned light-heartedly. "Maybe we could tagteam him?"

"I can stand by in case you get cold feet," Haffner said in a jovial tone. "Seriously, though, the president-elect and I discussed the situation at length from the time our government first issued its public statements. He considers its a high priority that we take steps to help your nation through a reconstruction and revitalisation phase that will result in your country being stronger than it was before the whole mess occurred."

Haffner pulled out his Blackberry and called up a file.

"In fact," Haffner said, "we began preliminary discussions on a package of monetary and humanitarian aid to you and your government. We haven't finalised the package yet, but it would likely involve our sending teams of urban planners and contractors, as well as medical personnel."

Gloria smiled at Cuthbert.

"If there's one thing my husband can do, it's push buttons in our government," she said. "He takes after me."

Haffner chuckled.

"Of course. And my wife can be rather ... convincing in her own right," he said with a smile. Haffner stole a quick glance in the area where he knew Ell had been. When he saw Ell wasn't there, he realised Tyler must have led them to a different room. Good, Haffner thought.

Then he thought about why he felt such relief when he didn't see Ell standing there. He didn't hate the man. In fact, his days as acting president of Sarzonia gave him an admiration he never had when he was simply the deputy senior vice president and external affairs officer. In that role, he was External Affairs' bulldog. In his "day job" and later as acting president, he had to be far more diplomatic.

But he knew he wasn't ready to face Ell on his turf. For him to really feel prepared and comfortable with the task at hand, he'd have to be in Timiocato. He knew that time would come sooner rather than later.

"Two minutes."

Damn it. Still no "Stand Back" cape.

All of a sudden, Stevie saw it. The cape. She grabbed it and put it on. Now, she was just slightly less nervous than she had been. She started jogging in place as she neared where she would have to make her appearance. She then heard Haffner.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to introduce to you a legend and an inductee into the Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame."

Guess it's time to start.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the legendary Miss Stevie Nicks!"

The drums began their rhythm, soon to be followed by Waddy Wachtel's guitar and Stevie Nicks soon stepped out onto the stage. All of a sudden, Nicks's nervousness melted away. Now, she was walking up to the mike with a confident demeanor and a radiant smile.

As she sang the first verse of her mega-hit "Stand Back," she looked out in the crowd and saw several people getting their groove on. She saw the president-elect and the first gentleman to be bopping to the beat and smiled again. During the instrumental bridge, she felt a sudden wave of youthful energy and began fast -- and unplanned -- twirls reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac's Live in Boston DVD.

The crowd applauded wildly as Nicks flashed her age-defying act. She soon ran through a set that mixed old favourites such as "Gold Dust Woman," "Rhiannon" and "Dreams" with her rollicking covers of Led Zeppelin's "Rock And Roll" and Bob Seger's "Face The Promise."

Finally, though, she had one huge surprise for the audience. She asked Patrick to take the stage and play piano on a song she'd heard him do on YouTube. Her signature song, "Edge of Seventeen."

Finally, the set ended and Tyler joined Patrick on stage.

"Congratulations, Mr. President," Nicks said, extending her right arm as if to present him to the crowd.

After the final encore, Nicks was back in her dressing room watching the closed circuit television feed of the party.

Excusing himself from the Haffners', Cuthbert and party approached the President elect, hand outstretched once more. "An excellent party, Mr President" he observed, before introducing himself.

Tyler and Patrick saw a man walking toward them deliberately. It looked like he needed a cane because he was hobbling somewhat, but nonetheless, he made it up to Tyler and stretched out his hand.

"An excellent party, Mr President," Cuthbert said. "I'm Andrew Cuthbert, president of Manhattan Prime. Pleased to meet you."

As the two men shook hands, Tyler demurred slightly, smiling as he said, "well, for right now, President-elect, but you can call me Jay." After the two men finished shaking hands, Tyler motioned toward Patrick with his right arm. "And here is my first gentleman-to-be, Mr. Brian Patrick."

"Nice to meet you Mr. President," Patrick said as he shook hands with Cuthbert. "And thank you for the compliments about the party. We really wanted to make this a memorable occasion for our country since it's our first inauguration."

Cuthbert grinned "Not for much longer though Jay. It's good to get a chance to visit Sarzonia, I've wanted to for a long time. I've...been busy lately" he finished with a wan smile.

The President shook Patrick's hand, offering social niceties about the event and it's entertainment. Gesturing to his Chief of Staff, he introduced Duval to both men, leading to another round of handshakes.

"There's something the two of us need to discuss a bit later" Cuthbert added, "but I don't want business to come before pleasure by any means."