NationStates Jolt Archive

Golden Rebirth, 15th March 2600

Chaos ensued today as the populace of the Golden Rebirth county of West Rosewater announced its secession from the nation, forming a new national entity.

It is believed that the secession has occurred due to widespread anger at Golden Rebirth's rule, West Rosewater having been forcibly invaded a decade ago, and what they call the forcible quashing of the region's indigenous culture, including a ban on the use of the local language in the public services and government sectors. Also at fault is the economic failure of the nation, blamed by West Rosewater citizens on perceived incompetence of the President, Ami Rosewater III.

An advisor to the President, who is currently attending a diplomatic meeting on the planet Cha'ti, claimed that "this secession is completely illegal and Golden Rebirth refuses to acknowledge the sovereignty of the so-called 'nation' of RobDonkey", and "unless the people of West Rosewater agree to a return to Golden Rebirth rule, use of retaliatory force is inevitable."

(ooc: This is intended to be a somewhat introductory roleplay between Golden Rebirth and RobDonkey. Other nations welcome to join in.)

The glorious nation of The Armed Republic of RobDonkey refuses to bow to the will of Ami Rosewater III and will not revoke its sovreignty even in the face of 'retaliatory force'.

The peoples of ARoR enjoy their newfound freedoms from the oppressive rule of Golden Rebirth. The RobDonkey militia is prepared to meet any aggression demonstrated by Golden Rebirth.

All peaceful diplomatic approach is welcome and the saftey of the fine public figure that Ami Rosewater III isn't is assured.

John looked at the response from the secessionists and sighed. He knew that threatening them with violence wasn't likely to provoke a pleasant response from the so-called "Armed Republic of RobDonkey", but he knew that Ami would be furious at him when she returned, as he knew how much West Rosewater meant to her. Her favourite holiday spot. Also, West Rosewater had taken a hefty part of the already failing economy with it, and he doubted that Golden Rebirth could back its threats.

Unsure of how to continue, he started work on a counter-response, knowing that only Ami had the authority to initiate open war on the secessionists:

"To the Leader of the so-called Armed Republic of RobDonkey,

Diplomatic approach in the form of a willful return to Golden Rebirth rule will be tolerated. Refusal to submit to these conditions is, again, unlawful and Golden Rebirth again reserves its right to deploy force if no peaceful agreement can be met.

Yours faithfully,

John Gates, Presidential Advisor"

Deputy Premier Howard Stern had this to say:

"Golden Rebirth law does not apply in RobDonkey so we are under no obligation to return to our former torment as West Rosewater.

The offer of peaceful negotiations remains. As does the willingness of the people of RobDonkey to fight for their culture."

In response to the continued threat of war the RobDonkey militia began reorganising itself into a coherent fighting force.

"What?" was Ami's response. She had obviously (OOC: the RP this references hasn't finished, so I'm assuming stuff) enjoyed the visit to the planet Cha'ti, but was noticeably tired.

"Ma'am, secession as you know is illegal, I was acting to try and force the secessionists into a..." His whimpering voice was interrupted by the annoyed barking of Ami, something that he had never heard before in his years of being an advisor.

"Why the HELL did you threaten violence? We practically don't have a military and you're bringing us dangerously close to a war we cannot win!" she screamed, "I don't care how much we need West Rosewater back, making threats of violence is not going to solve ANYTHING!"

John looked a combination of scared and annoyed. He didn't mean to upset the President... but then again, he was sure she was wrong and he was right. The only way to bring West Rosewater back would be to invade it, no matter the odds. The international community, or at least some of it, would likely back Golden Rebirth up in a war anyway. Eventually his fear disappeared as the thought of being better than that ditzy cow in the ceremonial robes gave him confidence.

"Lady President, with all due respect, there is no way diplomacy will get us back West Rosewater. The secessionists are already mobilising for war, they despise you and your rule, and the only way to get them to return West Rosewater is to pry it from their cold, dead hands."

Ami glared at him. "A war would cost innocent lives on both sides, public opinion of Golden Rebirth and more. Is it really worth going to war over something like this?"

John raised his voice. "Of course it is, Ami! West Rosewater is an important part of Golden Rebirth, and I don't care what the cost is as long as it is brought back to its rightful owner in one piece!"

"It's President Ami to you, Advisor."

"I'll call you whatever I bloody well want, because I'm resigning from your team effective immediately. And please stop treating diplomacy as if you're still a girl playing tea party with the stuffed dinosaurs."

In response, Ami slapped him hard across the face. "Make that leave by mutual agreement."

Fearing that Ami Rosewater III and John Gates were drawing up plans for invasion, General Caraway began training his men into an effective army.

With only a handful of armoured transports the army made its way to the ARoR/GR border and dug in waiting for the innevitable assault.

Only a coup could save countless lives on both sides.

PRGR Government Announcement

President Ami Rosewater III would like it to be known that Advisor John Gates, formerly her most senior diplomatic advisor, has resigned following the West Rosewater crisis due to a difference of opinion.

A spokesperson for the President said today that "John's actions to resolve the West Rosewater crisis by force were uncalled for, and his duties will be taken up immediately by the President herself, who wishes to solve the secession crisis peacefully and diplomatically."

We were unable to reach Mr Gates for comment.

---

Somewhere in a shady bar on the outskirts of Rosewater City, John sat at a small table, surrounded by his drinking friend Richard Garland, one of the big shots in the Golden Rebirth military.

"...incompetent, arrogant fool. She's run this country into the ground, and is about to send any chances of reclaiming West Rosewater south too, and yet the people still blindly idolise her! And why? Because she happens to be the granddaughter of the first president to not be Michael Astari!", John exclaimed, Astari being the first president of Golden Rebirth, notorious for his failed attempt to ban public religion, and for being somewhat insane to start with.

"I hear you. So you want military backing for your plan to, uh, make her disappear from power?"

"That, and I want to follow on and make sure that the people from 'RobDonkey' bow down to the new order or pay with their blood. Ami is weak and incompetent. Under President Gates, Golden Rebirth will be stronger and more powerful than it has ever been."

"And what's in it for me?"

"You will be my chief advisor, and better yet, I shall let you control West Rosewater. To the victor, the spoils, as they used to say. Are you and your men in?"

Shocked by the news that a war may not occur, the RobDonkey army opened a gap in their lines and sent a man in a rather drab suit into Golden Rebirth armed only with a briefcase and the intention of peaceful resolution.

Howard Stern wished to address the President of GR:

"Your actions are as wise as they are kind. May the people of Galbadia never have to fight one another. We welcome you with open arms to resolve this... Misunderstanding."

Ami had welcomed Stern into her small diplomatic office.

"First of all, I would like to apologise profusely for the actions of my advisor. Golden Rebirth will certainly not move to resolve this situation by force. Indeed, I have decided that it would be in our best interests to acknowledge the sovereignty of your nation, owing to the circumstances in which it was incorporated into Golden Rebirth in the first place by my ancestor." Ami held much contempt for her now deceased mother, blaming her for a lot of the issues faced by the country today.

As she was waiting for response, her phone emitted a high-pitched beeping sound. She opened it up, a hologram of Richard Garland, one of her most trusted bodyguards, appeared.

"What is it, Garland? I'm in the middle of an important diplomatic concourse," she explained irritably.

"Ma'am, there is a man here on the skywalk who desperately wants to see you. He's ranting about some sort of coup attempt, and that your life is in danger."

"Can't it wait?"

"Um... no, this can't wait. He is demanding that he be heard out immediately. I don't know how he got past security, but he claims he'll quietly leave once he has said what he needs to say. He won't tell any of us."

Ami fell for the trap. "This is crazy, but tell him I'm on my way." She turned to Mr Stern. "I'm sorry, I've got to see what this is about."

---

As soon as Ami exited the elevator on the skywalk level of the government complex, she knew something was amiss. There was no insane man wildly screaming about some sort of plot, just an empty corridor. Someone called the elevator down almost immediately.

She tried to phone Garland. After a short while, he answered, but before she could talk, he started.

"Fool, Ami... As you can see, there is no threat to your life other than the one you have just walked into. Your reign of incompetence and weakness ends here, and a new order of strength and integrity takes its place. Good luck trying to talk your way out of this one, by the way. Oh, and don't worry about your diplomat. We'll let him go unharmed and tell his pathetic secessionists that the storm is coming."

Before she could out a surprised "What?", something hit her in the back and she collapsed.

Stern crossed back into AroR territory knowing that without Rosewater there could be no peace in Galbadia. Upon reaching the Premier's hall he set down his case and sighed. A shadowy figure watched him from the far side of the room.

"I take it the meeting did not go as well as hoped for, Howard."

"No Premier. It did not. Rosewater disappeared from the room and shortly after I was ejected from the building by soldiers. It appears any hope of diplomacy has gone."

"Then it is decided. Caraway?"

General Caraway stepped from the side of the hall toward the Premier.

"Yes Premier?"

"See to it that the men are ready for what Golden Rebirth has for us. Howard, address the nation and tell them a third party has joined the proceedings."

The two men bowed to the seated figure and departed from the room.

Stern turned to Caraway.

"Do not inform the Premier but I believe this is related to John Gates' dismissal."

"Of course it is. Rosewater's government never looked stable. All we can do now is wait. Farewell Howard."

With that Caraway stepped into and armoured car and made for the border. Stern looked at the crowd before the hall and mounted the podium.

"People of RobDonkey. I have disappointing news."

BREAKING NEWS

In a relatively bloodless and unexpected coup d'état today, former Advisor John Gates has claimed for himself the title of President.

"The terrible reign of Ami Rosewater III is now at an end," he said in a speech outside the Presidential Residence, "and I'm sure that no-one will miss her when we execute her for treason tonight. Today begins a new chapter for Golden Rebirth. And this time, our nation will be the heroes."

Widespread riots were quickly crushed by the Golden Rebirth army, now under Gates's command.

ARoR had this statement to issue:

"Ami Rosewater III has many faults. A desire for peace is not one of them. John Gates is condemning Galbadia to destruction. The Armed Republic of RobDonkey will not allow the wanton execution of political figures. RobDonkey WILL fight for Rosewater's ideals of peace."

---

A hasty plan was being drawn up.

"We must get Rosewater here." Growled Howard Stern,

"It's no mean feat, Deputy Premier." replied General Caraway with a frown upon his face. "We will send insurgents to where they are holding her and try like hell to bring her to you in one piece. The probability of success is probably about 1%."

"I don't care. We have a point to prove and we need her to prove it."

"If you say so Howard. What's the Premier's position on this?"

"Need you ask?"

Caraway shook his head and rose to his feet. With only hours to act he had a difficult day ahead of him.

Gates addressed the nation.

"Ami and her flimsy government were weak, so weak in fact that it only took two men and a handful of disgruntled soldiers to topple her regime. That's right. The leader you so dearly loved was so incompetent, so useless, that she had neglected her own personal security in favour of the belief that nobody would hate her enough to want to so much as slap her!"

"And now look at you, miserable lowlifes, ditching your love for the soon to be executed bitch for new faith in a stronger, more competent leader. Hailing the very type of person you yesterday feared as your saviour. This nation... has issues, my friends, and I, not Ami, will be the cure."

"Rest assured, my citizens, as long as you obey every word I say, Golden Rebirth will have its day. The economy will return, no longer dragged through the mud by a leader whose only concern is her manicure. I am not Ami. I do not hide behind a pretty face, and I take no prisoners. Except, for of course, Ami herself. Which reminds me, the execution is in two days' time. We need to beat her senseless first, you see."

"As for West Rosewater, expect the secessionists to be following her to the executioner in the next few weeks, as an example to all of you who would rise against me."

"This has been John Gates, your new President for life. Welcome to the future, Golden Rebirth. Welcome to your future."

"Two days. It feels like a godsend."

"It's a long time Howard. Our special forces are almost ready to move." Smiled Caraway. He and Stern turned away from the moniter to face the Premier.

"I want her bringing to this very hall. Run through the operation please General." Spoke the shadowy figure.

---

The band of six men peered into the darkness of the alleyway. One of them raised his arm and they followed him to a poorly lit doorway. This had to be the sympathiser's home. He looked to his wristwatch. 22:40 exactly. The door before him opened and they were waved inside.

"Thankyou for your help, sir."

"It's the least I can do to stop Galbadia ripping itself to pieces." The old man said. "I received the instructions."

"Excellent. We will have Rosewater across the border within thirty hours." Replied the sergeant. "We leave here at 0400."

"That's madness. It'll be broad daylight by the time you get to freeing her."

"I know. That's the point."

"What? I don't understand. Do you want to be caught?"

"You'll see." Grinned the sergeant.

Ami sat in the dingy prison cell. She had no choice really, because she'd been chained to the wall in such a way that she couldn't stand up. But that was the least of her concerns right now.

She knew that she had been a terrible President. She'd spent all of her time having fun at the nation's expense, and yet the nation was oblivious to this because her predecessors had been worse. She knew that Gates, though he was clearly deranged, would probably do a better job than her, and that gave her little comfort. But to go to war against the secessionists? To order her execution? And the conditions she was being held in were atrocious... These things she could never commend her successor for. She might have been a bad President, but Gates was no better.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the door of her cell being banged open. Gates walked in, pompous as ever, flanked by two guards, displaying his higher regard for personal security, her lack of which had been her downfall. Think of the devil, she thought to herself.

"Good morning, Ami. How are you feeling today?", he said, in a caring voice that she instantly knew was a mockery.

"How do you think I'm feeling, being cooped up in this disgusting cell with only two days longer to live?" came her weary reply.

"You should be thankful that you have those two days."

"Why don't you just kill me now?"

"Because I like to play with my food," he said, brandishing a penknife. "You see, over the past few years I've had to store a tremendous amount of anger and contempt over the way you dragged my country into the dirt, and treated me as if I was on the same level as said dirt. Now that the tables have turned, I need to get rid of this anger, and I would rather take it out on its cause than anything else. In other words, I want to hear you scream."

It was 24 minutes past 9 in the morning. The six marched towards where Rosewater was being held. They drew their weapons and opened fire on the facade of the building. Guards dived into cover to return fire.

"They've fallen for it." Said one of the men,

"Let's just hope they send everyone out here." replied the sergeant.

---

Gunfire exploded somewhere to their left. The second team ducked towards a door on the side of the building. A sharp kick to the door saw it swing open. They were in.

"Easy lads. They could be anywhere."

"I thought that's what the other team was for."

"A plan never survives battle. Let's get this over and done with."

They sneaked along a corridor to where they believed Rosewater was being held.