NationStates Jolt Archive


All in the Family (Closed, AoS, Attn: Nova)

Mephras
09-03-2009, 03:52
As morning dawned in a busy corner of western Avedon, The Purple Pedestal, a popular neighborhood bookstore begun to fill slowly with workers, seemingly drawn by the dim lights inside, where a small group had already begun to open a new shipment of books for the day. Amongst the mountain of boxes of new novels, picture books, and coffee table books, lay a small pre-made display, which had been sent by the publisher to garner increased interest for the new big book. But this particular display was quite unnecessary, as the book which was being advertised, Our Mephras, certainly needed no extra press. The major news channels had been talking nearly twenty four hours a day for weeks now about this book, dubbed by some as the “Book of the Year” and by others as “Book of the Decade.” It seemed that every pundit and demagogue had their own opinion on the book, and needed no encouragement to express their opinions. Billed as “an ambitious plan for the future of an ambitious nation,” Goldenpress Books had been printing round the clock for the release today, creating nearly 400 million copies for the release, yet almost all copies had already been claimed in advance.

As the workers continued to stock the store, making sure that all the books were in their proper place, a small group of people began to congregate in front of the store. Still an hour before official opening, the workers were only somewhat surprised, as popular books had drawn small crowds before. By fifteen minutes before store opening, however, the line had begun to creep around the entire block. The crowd itself was quite diverse, and included many people who hadn’t stopped in a book shop since they had left school. Young, old, upper and lower class, all seemed to want to get their hands on the book, and finally be able to make up their own minds. Waiting for the store to open, some in the crowd lit cigarettes, while others gabbed quickly into their cellphones, speaking of various things and nothing in particular. Some among them peered into the store’s front window in anticipation, looking at the shiny, jacketed books resting on the small shelf below. Others looked at the display, which had recently been set up. Somewhat derivative, it consisted of a large placard showing the name of the book, along with a picture of the author holding the book.

The image was a fairly successful reproduction of Governor Lihong Mian. At 34 years old, he still held his youthful looks, vigor, and charm. Yet far from the inexperienced goof off who had been sent by his half sister to govern the Terre du Sud four years ago, he was now renowned throughout the empire for his success in running the colony. Recently named the most influential Mephrasian under 40 by InVogue magazine, his lax manner had been replaced with an intense attention to detail, and a much coveted work ethic. Terre du Sud had been transformed in a short time from a tropical backwater to one of the richest regions of the empire, all under his careful watch. In the process, he had acquired a fortune of his own, numbering in the tens of billions of dollars. His approval rating was the highest of all government officials, even exceeding that of his half sister. And now with his first book, he had set his eyes on reforming the rest of the nation.

A few minutes later, the doors to the Purple Pedestal would open, and despite the carefully placed ropes and barriers, the horde would file into the store in a generally chaotic manner to receive their books. Once they had all been sold, most would scamper back to their apartments, and with many millions more, perhaps billions within the entire empire, begin to read the distinct vision set out by the younger Mian, a vision that would no doubt command the attention of many in the region very soon.

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On the other side of the city, in the posh Eauzette district, the Booktopia flagship store was abuzz with activity. Various pages, cleaners, security guards, and store workers rushed to and fro, preparing the central lobby for the much anticipated morning guest. Lihong Mian himself was booked to speak at 11:30 am, and tickets were as scarce as the security was plentiful. Apart from the customary pool of journalists, several key government figures and social thinkers had been invited to attend, while many millions more in the nation could watch from home, as all the major television networks had sent crews for coverage. The plan was to have a quick introduction, followed by a reading of excerpts, finishing with a speech, which was no doubt the most anticipated part of the program.

Champagne coolers were being laid out on the white linen tablecloths, and chairs were placed by well dressed if somewhat disinterested serving staff, while a group of men and women in business attire fluttered around the lobby, making sure everything was in order, taking calls from the press, making sure the workers were staying on task, and every so often, waving politely out the front glass atrium to the crowds of reporters, cameramen, and average Joes, all wanting to catch a glimpse of the man of the hour. It was still nearly two hours until the event was to begin, yet store managers still seemed to be in a race against time.

Near the back of the building, a special gate had been promptly assembled, where police and National Guard had been combined to ensure the security of the venue and the surrounding buildings. While Mian was highly popular, there were always chances of incident from the small, but quite possibly powerful dissent. Black sedans, a tell-tale sign of officials, were already beginning to form a line as security personnel meticulously checked every vehicle. So far, most of the attending officials were fairly low level, and the biggest official of them all, the Empress herself, had yet to comment on her half-brother’s media backed power play. Mainly because of this fact, most of the more important figures found it best to stay away, as there was no point in risking losing the favor of Her Royal Highness, as long as she too, was still popular.

Suddenly, the flashing lights of two police cars could be seen reflecting off the steel and glass buildings that surrounded the store, while the sirens echoed through the canyon like streets of central Avedon. Soon, the two police cars, along with the rest of the motorcade of Governor Mian turned the corner and quickly entered the lower level garage which had been reserved for his arrival. The steel security gate slammed quickly after every vehicle had moved through. As every car pulled to a stop, the private security detail of Mian quickly opened their doors and moved towards the large, silver SUV at the center of the motorcade. Yet before they could reach the door, it opened from the inside, and a leather dress shoe, most likely the product of custom made designer from Euphova, slowly stepped onto the newly cleaned pavement. Even in the underground concrete structure, the roars of approval and the bustling of the media could be clearly heard, a wave of noise rising in anticipation of the words of the younger Mian.
Mephras
20-04-2009, 22:57
After the final preparations had been made, a wizened man wearing red bowtie and thick rimmed glasses moved to the podium and introduced the keynote speaker. After a large round of applause, Lihong stood, smiling out on the crowd gathered both inside the building and beyond, and began to speak

My dear countrymen, I am honored to speak before you on this day, at a moment when our nation has achieved so much in an extraordinarily short period of time. GDP and personal incomes have soared, graduation rates at the secondary and post secondary level are at an all time high, and technological and entrepreneurial innovation are taking root all throughout our great nation. Each and every one of you should be proud of this achievement, for you truly are the nation. Our country, with its economy, culture, and intelligence, is once again ready to take its proper place in the pantheon of powers.

Yet despite this, we face a choice as a nation, a choice that must be made quickly, lest we allow our recent progress to stagnate. Today, we face a sitting government content to see the greatest benefits of our hard work plundered by greedy and decadent neighbors who, only by virtue of their victories in past conflicts, are able to leech profits from our fertile and productive lands. Yet worse than this, Euphova seeks formal alliance with these very nations. Nations who less than a century ago barbarously ravaged our countryside, killed our ancestors, and even stole our territory, now smile broadly and shake our hand while holding knives behind their backs, ready to betray us when it serves their purposes.

I speak of course, of the nations of the Delian League, an organization dedicated to furthering a Damiran agenda both in Nova and internationally, an agenda that does not have our interests at heart. Damirez, from its gold plated base at Delos, controls a navy financed in part by trillions from your pocket and staffed by our bravest sons and daughters! All of this is given a pass by my sister, who, perhaps finding satisfaction from submitting to Damirans in the bedroom, is further willing to submit to their government directives. I however, refuse to stand by and allow our nation to be a lapdog to nations inferior to our own.

So to you, my fellow countrymen, I say now is the time to chart our own destiny. We have risen again to dizzying heights from the worst days of the Communist Era, and we are now strong enough to say no to those who would treat us as pawns. Now is the time for our corporations to expand globally, to challenge the global markets; Now is the moment for our minds, the brightest in Nova, to reach into the technological heavens and bring forth inventions to revolutionize not only our nation but the entire world; Now is the moment that our government must assert our presence on the international stage, to ensure that no nation mistakes us for a second-rate power, or threatens our citizens ever again.

This future that I have just laid out might seem ambitious, but knowing deeply the strength of a nation united toward progress, a nation so talented and blessed as Mephras, I have no doubt it can soon be a reality. Yet to set this new track will require strong and dedicated leadership. In hopes of ushering in this change, today, in the presence of my countrymen both physically present in this building, and the millions more watching and listening throughout our vast realms, I would like to announce my intention to seek the position of Prime Minister. Together, we can bring Mephras to an age of unrivalled prosperity and power, an age in which the multitude of nations shall gaze upon us in awe of our achievements, our lifestyle, and our strength. Thank you.

Despite the weight of his comments, Lihong stood relatively emotionless, only smiling slightly, maintaining the aura of cold professionalism that many saw as the trademark of his political career. However, this personal calmness was juxtaposed against the sea of noise from the crowd, a sound that was echoed in homes and businesses throughout the nation. Lihong slowly stepped down from the podium, and began the monotonous ceremony of handshaking that inevitably accompanied any political outing. Yet as he spoke hollow words to the assorted suited figures, his mind rested elsewhere, knowing that the campaign he had just begun was much more than a contest for a government position, it was a battle for the minds and ideals of an entire nation.
Mephras
25-04-2009, 21:52
“So, little brother’s all grown up.” Mei took a small sip of tea from her white porcelain cup as she sat in the Eastern Palace’s garden study. Her seemingly uninterested manner hid an inner concern she rarely showed to even those closest to her. ”He’ll soon find out that the tricks that work colonial simpletons simply won’t cut it here in the mainland.”

”My lady, recent polling suggests that your brother’s popularity only continues to grow, even gaining among those groups that have always given you strong support. While I am not particularly concerned at this moment, I would suggest that my lady watch these developments closely.” Matthew Kim, Personal Secretary to the Empress, steadied his voice, trying to conceal the extent of unease. Kim had been plucked from the top of his Euphova Imperial University class only two years ago, but had since grown quite fond of his Royal boss. Her wit, her strength, her humor, all drew the young man in to the degree that personal and professional each day moved closer in his mind.

“Of course I am concerned.” Mei replied quickly, with a slight hint of irritation in her voice. “But what would you have me do? The Prime Ministership is a freely contested position, and my brother meets all of the requirements. Any open movements on the Palace’s part will be seen as dictatorial and will play right into Lihong’s hands.” Mei’s finger slowly traced the rim of the teacup, as she contemplated the situation developing in her nation. “The best plan of action currently is to stay quiet while we gather information. He may think his charm will win the people over without a fight, but I’ve walked this political road before. Even the vote of the most sheepish of citizens cannot be guaranteed at any given moment. The games they play in the colonies are nothing when one considers the stakes and players here in the metropole.”

“What about…Alex?” Matthew gently pushed the subject that they both knew would serve as the Palace’s Achilles Heel in this battle. While the presence of a foreign consort had generally not been a problem in these Imperial years, with the rise of Lihong’s star Alex had become the perfect fixation for any sort of anti-foreign, and particularly anti-Damiran sentiment.

Mei’s mouth broke into a slight, amused, smile at the mention of her husband, as she recalled the words of her brother a few days before. ”Yes, my brother would have them believe I was nothing more than his whorish concubine! The people are certainly not foolish enough to believe such lies, they only need look at our relative positions to know who wields more power! I could dismiss him; even exile him from our nation without a second thought if I pleased!” Mei slammed her cup down onto the lacquered table, leaving a slight puddle of tea on the surface. Mei was generally a collected leader, something to which Matthew could attest, but questioning of her power often infuriated the Empress. To suggest that Mei’s independence was somehow compromised by her relationships was unforgivable.

Matthew had expected such a reaction, but knew that the question needed to be asked. “Of course, my lady, anyone who would suggest such lies obviously has no sense of perspective, or comprehends the wonderful changes that only through your actions have been brought to this nation. Yet, at the same time, one must not completely disregard appearances, or give fuel to the rumor makers. Perhaps it would be best if he stayed in Damirez for the time being. He is a very busy man, and I’m sure he will have more than enough to fill his time. Once your brother’s demagoguery has been exposed and cast aside, I’m sure the people will welcome him back with open arms.”

Mei shrugged her shoulders gently as she let out a quiet sigh. “I suppose you are right. It would be thoughtless to appear arrogant in the face of my brother’s criticism, as outlandish and ill-thought out as it may be. I will contact Alex, and tell him of these unfortunate developments. Like I’ve said, publicly, we will stay silent, yet privately, send out agents to investigate my brother’s campaign operation. Leave no file unread, no photograph unexamined, no rock unturned. The world may know my brother as the well-heeled politician they see on the TV, but if I still know my brother, and I think I do, there are sure to be cracks in his political mask.”