Tekeristan, Ferrum, Central Parliament Building
Today was the day.
The atmosphere was different, much different to what was usually felt, changed over the course of the last few days by a growing energy. The various representatives from across the nation were present. But instead of debates, there were arguments. The tension had been growing ever since ‘The Great Intrusion’ began, and it was about to reach its height.
Instead of smiles & handshakes, cold looks were exchanged between even members of the same parties. The calm only sustained with strained professionalism & a noticeable increase of security. Across the nation, polls were opened and citizens were encouraged to leave their private vote.
Ion Ponta, visibly stressed, stepped into the central podium and carefully looked at the black, feeling less microphone. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, gathering the strength required. He leaned forward to the microphone and spoke in as clear of a voice he could muster.
“The national referendum for the removal of Cardulan from Tekeristan is now in session.”
The chamber was consumed in a rising vortex of angered yells & shouts.
Caracasusian embassy to Cardulan
Jan was tapping his foot as he watched the screen, but he didn’t know it. There was simply to much to think about these past week alone. He needed, however short, some sort of break from it all. So did Yohan.
He had taken time this week to order a special delivery from his home, a bonquet of flowers to be delivered discreetly without the knowledge of Yohan. It may have costed extra, but it was worth it - despite the recent slashes to his paycheck. He needed a break more than Jan, or, at least he thought he did.
The Dog Rose was the national flower of Tekeristan, a flower often seen during Tekeristan’s Flower Revolution. It made a perfect center piece, combined with an array of native-Tekeri wildflowers in a seemingly random yet vibrant manor. The easiest part was leaving it on his desk while it was unintended. The hardest part was making sure he didn’t have any pollen allergies.
Jan shook his head.. Such wouldn’t work, would it?. He decided to focus on the game before him. It was the newest episode from a new television show he had much enjoyed while he was back in Tekeristan.
"Pedal to the Metal" was a growing sensation in Tekeristan, and there was little question as to why. Featuring remote controlled, sometimes autonomous, full sized vehicles racing or competing to complete objectives on various closed courses. There was just one twist - every vehicle was rigged for a fight by various teams, from engineers fresh from college to even families. Everything from sling-shot firework cluster bombs to nitrous-assisted rams was allowed & encouraged - the more curious & clever the better, with various 'power ups' available on the courses that unlocked weapons hidden in vehicles. It was a glorious game - and fit well at home with Tekeristan's robotics sector.
This episode was about 2 teams competing to take down a 'juggernaut' - a semi-truck tricked out with tracks & a ram, crude armor plating, & topped with harpoon guns and even a flame-thrower. There was certainly a 'Mad-Max' appeal to the show, that was certain. Nonetheless, Jan enjoyed it.
Despite the stresses of life clawing at the back of his brain, he put his feet up and tried to relax for a bit. Save the stress for tomorrow, when the vote comes through from home.. He gently sipped his tea, smiling softly as a flaming cluster of industrial grade fireworks rolled out the back of the juggernaut - filling the air with a shower of intense colors & flames as a small pursuit car tipped off the gravel and into a tree, igniting moments later as its napalm glues caught fire.
