The Plan of Gravenz (MT)

[Ossurwald]

The Plan of Gravenz

RECOGNIZING THE INTOLERABLE CONDITIONS that this nation labors in, we, the members of the Assembly Party can no longer stand aside as families grow up in poverty and the well-off control our nation's government and business with the express goal of remaining rich. Even the leaders of the mighty Action Party, professed to equality for all, live in lavish mansions while the people of this nation go hungry, lose their homes to greedy bankers, and go without work.

Therefore, we lay out this PLAN:

• The formation of a National Convention to form a new constitution.
• An election for delegates to this National Convention.
• An immediate return to principles of total democracy.
• An end to the banking establishment located in the Kannlem Financial District.
• An immediate declassification of all government records and publication online, including those belonging to the War Department, Foreign Affairs Department, National Intelligence Advisory and Central Crimes Division.

We call upon all citizens of Ossurwald capable of doing so to assemble in the town of Gravenz in the state of Curfend for a march across Ossurwald to occupy the national capital of Kannlem until our demands are met.

-The Spokescouncil of the Assembly Party

[Ossurwald]

Gravenz, Curfend, Ossurwald

Lucas Makex, a reporter for the magazine Wagon Wheel, got off the bus in Gravenz, Curfend. The Assembly Party couldn't possibly have picked a worse spot for media coverage. Gravenz was a tumbledown town in Curfend, an already forgotten state among Ossurwald's thirty-five. The bus station really wasn't more than a stand with some tickets. The town hall was built in the Settler style that dominated Ossurwald's East, all rigid lines and shingling, a far-cry from the western buildings built of stone and filled with curves. The locals seemed just as stern as their buildings, walking by without saying thing. The town looked bleak. Someone had burned down the firehouse long ago, probably on a lark.

Lucas strode across the town common, looking for where the Assembly Party had established themselves. He saw a kid smoking a joint by one of the buildings. Lucas stopped to tie his shoe. This kid wasn't a local, he could see by the way others on the street had their glances linger too long without saying hello. The kid didn't acknowledge anyone else's existence, just stared with his glassy bloodshot eyes. Soon enough, the kid tossed the joint's remains on the ground and walked off. Lucas followed.

They were holed up in what had been a union hall. "Textile Workers of Ossurwald, Local 602" was emblazoned across the top, but in faded letters. The kid slipped through the double-wide doors. Lucas hesitated and then entered after.

It was bright inside, as fluorescent fixtures hung overhead. No one really noticed Lucas, so he had time to soak up the room. It was a large space, with a few officers lining the side. Tables and desks and chairs were sprawled across its interior. People tapped away on laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Kids were talking on cells, smiling, laughing, a few yelling. And there at the back, was a large group of Assembly bigwigs, the most notable being Caroline Sadalian.

Technically, no one was "leader" in the Assembly Party, as opposed to the various leaders of the other parties. But if there was a primary figurehead, it had become Caroline Sadalian, the blonde-haired beauty who had campaigned relentlessly in the last elections, and excited crowds with her abilities. Here, she was in her element. "After we cross into Ulsthame, we'll follow Peter Pedronek's path to Kannlem. There will be a historical gravitas with that," he heard her say.

"Shouldn't we make our own path? We're trying to establish a new Ossurwald here," said someone.

"The new Ossurwald needs to be rooted in the old Ossurwald. And if we follow the path of the Republican Army, people will immediately understand the revolutionary nature of the march," said Sadalian.

Lucas strained to hear, his hands pulling out a pen and paper.

"Are you press?" a kid nearby asked.

"Yeah, I'm from Wagon Wheel, you kids might be on the cover," said Lucas.

"What the fuck is Wagon Wheel?" asked the kid.

A girl spoke up. "I think it's a music magazine. My dad has a subscription."

"Why would we be on the cover of a music magazine?" asked the kid.

"We report on current events, too," said Lucas, a bit taken aback. It wasn't too long ago that getting on the cover of Wagon Wheel meant you'd achieved pop culture stardom. "I was wondering if I could interview a few of you?"

"We don't have a press policy yet," said the kid.

"Okay... but can I interview a couple of people?" asked Lucas.

"We don't have a press policy," the kid said again.

"Right..." Lucas stared blankly at the youth in front of him.

"Let me go ask our Media Committee. Wait here," said the kid. He went off. Lucas, of course, went by the policy of "it's easier to ask forgiveness than permission" and turned to the girl whose father read Wagon Wheel.

"Why are you here?" he asked.

"I want to change Ossurwald!" she began...

---

Kannlem, Ossurwald
645 Lally Street, Apt. 80A

The three men cleaned their Virmaat FL-08 battle rifles with great care. Balaclavas sat on their knees. One of them smoked a cigar.

"Fucking Ass Party, did you hear what they're gonna do? Try to fucking hijack the government with a peaceful march," said one guy. Cigar-guy rolled his eyes.

"I'll bet Director Balandros is just the kind of weak pussy who will roll over too," he said. "Why can't we have a fucking respectable government? One that doesn't kowtow to any foreign nation that wants preferential treatment or fucking hippies that feel the grass' feelings are getting hurt by being stepped on." He reassembled his rifle and checked it, then loaded in a clip. The others did the same.

"You ready?" asked a woman from the kitchen.

"Yeah, we're gonna go soon. Is the van prepared?"

"Yeah."

Cigar-guy stood up. "Then you guys got anything else you need?" They shook their heads, got up, and marched out the door.

[Ossurwald]

Serhiy Aodhan House
Kannlem, Ossurwald

Kerensa Torny presented her I.D. to the Kelruss guards standing outside of the Serhiy Aodhan House. They nodded, and opened a small gate door for her, allowing her to enter the courtyard. It was a brief walk to the rest of the Serhiy Aodhan house. Kerensa was about to knock on the door when it opened, and a little girl peered up at her.

"Who are you?" she asked.

"Kerensa Torny, I'm here to see Ms. Balandros... is she home?" Kerensa was a bit shocked. The Director's daughter was standing before her.

"I'm Hope!" declared the girl. Then she turned and shouted. "MOM! SOMEONE IS HERE TO SEE YOU!" She turned back to peer guardedly at Kerensa Torny.

"What happened to your nose?" she asked.

"I got it pierced," said Kerensa. She had a piercing on her right nostril. Hope peered at it. "Cool."

"Hope... who is it?" said a female voice. Kerensa caught sight of the legs of Emmeline Balandros, Director of Ossurwald. Balandros had had her legs amputated below the knee during her infancy, and had learned to walk on prosthetics. The ones she wore today were not the fancy wooden ones she wore on special occasions, nor the normal-leg-like ones she wore on regular days in the Velstaad; they were practical comfortable ones that were designed to give her balance, and slightly improve upon the human foot, and advantage Kerensa marveled at. Director Balandros understood more than most the imperfections of humanity.

"Oh... Kerensa, come in," said Balandros, smiling. Tall (when wearing her legs), blond, and beautiful; Balandros directly contrasted with Kerensa Torny. Torny, a member of the Assembly Party and now Undersecretary of Education in the Forward Coalition, was short, dark, and somewhat plain, though a past boyfriend had thought she was the most beautiful thing he'd seen. He hadn't been happy when she made it to the Velstaad, as she became more important than he was, and he'd left her shortly after her election.

"Madame Director," said Kerensa, stepping inside. Hope stepped out behind her. "Mom, I'm gonna go play," she said.

"Alright, but don't bother any of the Kelruss," said Balandros. Hope let out a soft "aww..." and then closed the door, leaving the two older women in the hall, an uncomfortable silence between them.

"Have a seat," said Balandros, gesturing towards the living room. Kerensa sat in one of the chairs. Balandros sat on her couch across the coffee table from Kerensa, one arm resting atop the sofa. It was hard to tell what Balandros' tone was, whether it was anger or concern.

"This... Plan of Gravenz has been unexpected," said Balandros.

"I know," said Kerensa. "I... I didn't expect it either."

"So you didn't know it was coming?" asked Balandros.

"Well... it'd been discussed. But I thought we'd save it until the elections," said Kerensa. She was kind of nervous. On one hand, she'd been blindsided by her own party's announcement. But on the other, well, it wouldn't do to give everything away to the rest of the Forward Coalition. The Assembly Party was in the Coalition along with Balandros' own Action Party. In a lot of ways, the Plan of Gravenz seemed to be a reminder to the Assembly members in government not to get too comfortable. The Party had a purpose.

"And if a no-confidence vote is called tomorrow?" asked Balandros. Kerensa realized for the first time just how precarious Ossurwald's political situation had become. The Velstaad was rapidly expanding in an attempt to provide greater representation to the populace. But the by-elections of the last year meant that the possibility of majority government by one or two parties had grown more and more remote. Balandros' government had had to negotiate with multiple parties for over a year now. She was particularly adept at it, but it was clear she was growing weary as well.

"I think we'll remain with you. We want to get somewhere. Bringing the Directorate down will put in the Radicals, and they're not likely to even consider what we want," said Kerensa.

Balandros nodded demurely. "Will you stay for dinner, Kerensa? My husband will be home shortly, and I want to discuss more about what your party wants. He might have some insight as well."

Kerensa bit her lip, then nodded. "Okay." It wouldn't hurt to let the Director pick her brains over dinner. Maybe she could convince Balandros to listen to the Assembly Party's Plan.

[Ossurwald]

Tuathal Karlos kissed his wife goodbye. He had once been Director of Ossurwald, leader of the now-defunct People's Party, and Ossurwald's most powerful politician. Now he taught government and politics at Engreheim College. He picked up his briefcase, and waved to her before shutting the door. He felt old walking down the steps of his house in Kannlem to his car. His driver, Abel Obbear, waited patiently by the rear door. Abel was a good driver, and passed the former Director the Journal of Kannlem and a cigarette and lighter. Ms. Karlos thought he had quit years ago. It was his one lie.

Once situated in the backseat, Abel got in the front and started the car. Tuathal scanned the Journal. "These kids. They think everything can be done with marches and yelling."

"Yes, Mr. Karlos," said Abel. "Not like when I was a kid. We understood, you have to win elections to get anything changed."

"Damn right," said Tuathal. He was restless. He was the last Director to have come from a party that traditionally weren't the Big Two. Things had changed since he'd left office in 1996, when the then-United Party had swept the Velstaad, securing a solid majority. None of the parties of his youth existed. The Workers had split into the Action and Civic Parties; and the United Party had split with some joining the Civic Party and others merging with the Reform Party to form the Radical Party. And now the Agrarian and Assembly Parties had achieved preferential ballot status. It was mind-boggling for a man who could remember when the Velstaad had been the meeting chambers for the Popular Congress. Politics had been a lot more cordiale then, when they were all one big party.

"Lot better in the old days," he said. Abel gave an agreeable "ayup."

Tuathal lit his cigarette. He never tired of it, pulling the comforting smoke into his lungs, then exhaling through his nose. Politics was like smoking. You initially were put off by it, then gained a taste, then you're an addict, and the next thing you know, you're dead. He turned back to the Journal as Abel slowed the car in traffic.

Then a car pulled out in front of Tuathal's vehicle. Abel, worried, turned back, but the car behind kept them from backing up. Abel opened the driver door and stepped out, one leg still in the car. "Hey, what's the deal?" he called.

Two passengers stepped out of the car. Both wore balaclavas and were armed with Virmaat FL-08s, Ossurwald's standard battle rifle. They raised their rifles as Abel looked to duck into the car, but he was late. The rifles rattled off, and Abel collapsed to the street, blood smearing across the car's left side. Tuathal reached forward to close Abel's door, but just as he got to its interior handle, the door's side was grabbed and the muzzle of a rifle pointed inside. A hand grabbed his arm and wrenched him forward, leaving a shoe behind.

They slapped a bag over his head, marched him across the street, and then shoved him inside a vehicle. He could hear sirens, men swearing, and then the sound of guns firing. Then he was pulled out of one car, dragged somewhere else and tossed in what seemed to be a larger vehicle.

[Ossurwald]

The National Gazette

State of Hennecynn To Assembly Marchers: "Not In Our State"
Minister-President of Hennecynn Says State Police Will Prevent Entrance

Calypso Helrich, Minister-President of Hennecynn

ELSALA, Hennecynn — Speaking to reporters today, Calypso Helrich, the Minister-President of Hennecynn (Radical Party), told reporters that announcements by the Assembly Party from Gravenz that the march route would proceed through Hennecynn state were "premature" and "ill-advised." She made clear that such events would not be allowed in Hennecynn.

"I have no problem with the right of people to demonstrate. But given the numbers these Assembly Party leaders are predicting, this is not a demonstration, it is a full-scale invasion. Now, the communists in Kannlem won't treat it as such, but that's what it is. It is an army, seeking to overthrow what limited protections our government gives us now. A new constitution will be a direct attack on the power of the states to act as a check on the power of the Velstaad. We have a duty to defend our country, and any 'demonstrator' that seeks to cross into Hennecynn will do so at their own risk."

The Assembly Party released a statement responding to the Minister-President's statement as "typical bravado from a typical politician." When asked to comment about any potential trouble on the Hennecynn border, Lyuben Osekian, Communications Director for the Directorate said that "[The Directorate is] monitoring the situation."

[The Shrailleeni Empire]

Kannlem, Ossurwald
Shrailleeni Preliminary Delegation

Undersecretary Zattem Resbruck looked lazily out of the small window of the Shrailleeni-built four-engine propeller aircraft at the choppy waters of the Eastern Sea below. It was the Eastern Sea to the Shrailleeni, who had named the expanse of ocean stretching from the coast of Sevreen after its position relative to the archipelago. In reality, he mused, it would better be called the Northern Sea, for it formed the northernmost edge of the global region known as Pardes. Across its often turbulent waters lay the continent on which the nation of Ossurwald sprawled, a large country that, along with Belfras, formed the Empire's closest geographical neighbor.

Despite their proximity, the Empire had largely ignored Ossurwald until this point. They were not particularly belligerent and, as a democracy, were a fairly uninvasive nation that posed little immediate threat to the developing Shrailleeni. But the rumor of stirrings in that largely unknown nation had finally attracted the interest of the Royal Court, and the Mother Empress had decided to get the Matriarchy of State involved. The plans had been made, and now Zattem was making his way into Ossurwald airspace.

Zattem was a rarity in the Empire, a man who also held the second most important position in the Matriarchy of State. He had gotten to that position by following all of the proper customs, and by displaying a certain gift for language, subtlety, and cunning that made rising through the ranks easier. In keeping with his position he was clean-shaven, and wore his black hair shoulder-length and swept back from his forehead. He was young, still in his mid-twenties, but his energy and persistence had won him acclaim over even more senior women in government. That, and he had a certain relationship with the Matriarch of State.

That thought always made him smile to himself, as did the thought of Aryni's youngest child, a daughter of two. But now was not the time to muse on such things. As the plane descended he glanced over himself, ensuring that his black and white robes of state were orderly and the oval-arcs of the Empire properly displayed. His short blade was concealed in his robes as a gesture of peace, but he knew enough to have the foreign nation's customs check it as soon as possible. He was alone, as was customary under the new Foreign Policy Decrees, but he was confident in his ability and looked forward to the assignment. The idea of foreign lands excited him, and he was eager to see another.

The plane landed joltingly, and then taxied to a stop at the airport in Kannlem. While the pilot went through the necessary procedures, Zattem got up smoothly and exited the plane, taking in his first breath and sight of Ossurwald.

[Ossurwald]

Kannlem, Ossurwald

Assistant Secretary for Pardesian Relations Coinneach Seggorian walked out with a Central Crimes Division officer and a couple of aides behind him. Wind blew through the young diplomat's hair. "Undersecretary Resbruck," he said, sticking out his hand, "a pleasure to meet you. My name is Coinneach Seggorian, and I'm the Foreign Affairs Department's Assistant Secretary for Pardesian Relations." Seggorian had just survived a brutal round of reshuffling in the Foreign Affairs Department under the new Secretary, Lennox Arbalos. Seggorian had managed to convince Arbalos that he really did believe in combining foreign affairs with human rights policy.

The CCD officer stepped forward. "Mr. Resbruck, if you'll submit to a quick patdown?" The officer asked the question, but he didn't wait for a response, checking the diplomat with quick patting. When he found the short blade, he sussed out what it was. "I'll ask you not to use that in any violent situations, Mr. Resbruck," said the officer cheerfully. "I think there's a couple old laws about not wearing swords in the presence of the Duke, but I believe those aren't enforced, since there's no Duke anymore."

"Well, now that that's done," said Seggorian, "what can I do for you, Undersecretary Resbruck? Is there any place I can take you?"

[The Shrailleeni Empire]

Kannlem, Ossurwald

Assistant Secretary for Pardesian Relations Coinneach Seggorian walked out with a Central Crimes Division officer and a couple of aides behind him. Wind blew through the young diplomat's hair. "Undersecretary Resbruck," he said, sticking out his hand, "a pleasure to meet you. My name is Coinneach Seggorian, and I'm the Foreign Affairs Department's Assistant Secretary for Pardesian Relations." Seggorian had just survived a brutal round of reshuffling in the Foreign Affairs Department under the new Secretary, Lennox Arbalos. Seggorian had managed to convince Arbalos that he really did believe in combining foreign affairs with human rights policy.

The CCD officer stepped forward. "Mr. Resbruck, if you'll submit to a quick patdown?" The officer asked the question, but he didn't wait for a response, checking the diplomat with quick patting. When he found the short blade, he sussed out what it was. "I'll ask you not to use that in any violent situations, Mr. Resbruck," said the officer cheerfully. "I think there's a couple old laws about not wearing swords in the presence of the Duke, but I believe those aren't enforced, since there's no Duke anymore."

"Well, now that that's done," said Seggorian, "what can I do for you, Undersecretary Resbruck? Is there any place I can take you?"

Zattem smiled at the remark about his sword, responding jovially with a quick remark of, "I shall make a note of it officer."

He was already making comparisons between these Ossurwalders and the men of other nations that he had met. Like most foreigners, they were pleasant and polite in their own way, making movements of the hands instead of bowing. He was well used to the custom and went along cheerfully with it, but it always struck him as odd. At any rate, Seggorian had made a good impression, and Zattem decided that he liked the man.

"Thank you Assistant Secretary," he said warmly, "I believe that it would be customary to meet with your government, and to deliver the best wishes of the Mother Empress. My government is honored by your welcome and looks forward to this meeting with great interest. I have heard interesting news coming from your lands of late. Perhaps you could give me your take on events as we make our way."

[Ossurwald]

Zattem smiled at the remark about his sword, responding jovially with a quick remark of, "I shall make a note of it officer."

He was already making comparisons between these Ossurwalders and the men of other nations that he had met. Like most foreigners, they were pleasant and polite in their own way, making movements of the hands instead of bowing. He was well used to the custom and went along cheerfully with it, but it always struck him as odd. At any rate, Seggorian had made a good impression, and Zattem decided that he liked the man.

"Thank you Assistant Secretary," he said warmly, "I believe that it would be customary to meet with your government, and to deliver the best wishes of the Mother Empress. My government is honored by your welcome and looks forward to this meeting with great interest. I have heard interesting news coming from your lands of late. Perhaps you could give me your take on events as we make our way."

"Certainly, I'm sure the Stadtwalda and the Director will both want to meet you," said Seggorian, guiding the other fellow towards the terminal entrance. As they entered, the terminal was empty, Kannlem police stood at attention, watching exits. The kidnapping of Tuathal Karlos a few days before had set the police on edge, and they weren't taking any chances. Seggorian guided Zattem through the airport to a back entrance with a police escort at the ready. Typically, foreign dignitaries were taken to the Falleis House, the Stadtwalda's residence. Seggorian had no intention of deviating from that path.

Once they were situated in the car, Seggorian gave his assessment. "Frankly, it doesn't make much sense to me. This nation is taking clear steps towards economic equality. The passage of the Democratic Workplace Act ensures that the era of unaccountable shareholder domination over corporate strategy is at its end. This is merely political theatre on the part of the Assembly Party. They're a protest party, and without the protest, what do they have?" Seggorian shook his head in dismissiveness.

"Now, the kidnapping of former Director Karlos... I don't like it. He was a major help in negotiating a coalition agreement with the Progressive Party. And Mayor Carvetian is not happy. She's put the police on high alert, made this the top priority. She isn't giving the 'unshakeable government' face we need from her. She's in emergency mode, and that can cause people to panic."

Seggorian went on about Carvetian, how the mayor had a chip on her shoulder because of having ancestors who hadn't participated in the revolution in the 1920s, how the mayor hadn't followed typical political procedure of working her way up, but rather challenged an incumbent from within her own party head on, won, and then went on to win the election in the first round. It rubbed a lot of the city's Great Assembly the wrong way. He was about to tell a story about the mayor, when the car came to an abrupt stop, straining the passengers against their seat belts.

"The way's blocked, sir," said the driver. "Protestors." The police escort had pulled up short, one officer had stepped off his motorcycle, while the other turned his around and was now idling talking into his radio. He nodded, and signaled to the driver to back up. "Move!" he shouted.

The car backed up, the other officer got back on his bike, and they headed off down the street another way. Unfortunately, more protestors blocked the street. The driver backed up. But now the street was blocked by more protestors. The police were outnumbered. The leading officer drove up to the driver who rolled his window down.

"We're calling for backup to get us out of here. Keep the windows up and the doors locked," he said. He stepped off his motorcycle and stepped forward to attempt to talk to the crowd. He talked, protestors talked, then both the officer and the protestors were yelling. A protestor emphatically pointed a finger at his chest, and the officer's right hand went to his pepper spray while his left came up to put distance between him and the protestors. There was more yelling, then someone pushed the officer. Another person pushed him. He flicked out his pepper spray and sprayed the crowd, many of whom attempted to flee. But others pushed forward to fight, and the officer went down in the crowd.

Protestors hit the car, jostling it, hitting at it with signs. "Don't worry," said the driver, "this car is bulletproof. We're safe in here." Footsteps on the roof didn't seem to reinforce his assurances.

---

Gravenz, Curfend, Ossurwald

Lucas Makex sat in Gravenz' diner, a run-down ocean-view type of place, that adopted that art-deco style that made it look like a train car from an imaginary future. He ate waffles covered in whipped cream, syrup, and strawberries. It was overly sweet, but the sweetness masked its poor quality. Perfect diner food. He ran through his notes again. At the top, it read "The Making of a Genuine Kodyr". Kodyr was an Ossurwalder term for anyone who inspired people to follow behind them (in its simplest translation). Strongmen or women who led movements and bent society to their will. Peter Pedronek, the famous leader of the 1848 Liberal Revolution which had established the Second Republican Period had been a kodyr. The man who destroyed that republic, Ferdinand Murrasos, was also a kodyr, and had relied heavily on local kodyrs to enforce his rule. Nowadays, the term was reserved to attack political opponents, usually in cities or towns where that kind of fervor or love could be cultivated on a personal level.

But no national figures. Since the 1920s, Ossurwald had favored broad coalitions with governments built by powerful people content to rely on more conscious methods. Part of a kodyr's power was an indescribable ability to gain what they wanted. And he'd seen that in Caroline Sadalian.

The youthful member of the Assembly Spokescouncil was emphatic. She wasn't always convincing if you parsed her words, but something about her demeanor made those surrounding her listen and agree. Lucas suspected much of what the Assembly Party believe stemmed from her ability. This march was clearly her brainchild. Showy, flash, guaranteed to attract international attention. She'd plotted the march's route to run through three Mideastern states that were solidly from the Radical Party, the liberal party which believed in amending the Constitution to include more civil rights and freer markets, and didn't view half of the Assembly Party's complaints as legitimate problems. It meant confrontation.

He'd seen the glee in the eyes of the kids when Calpyso Helrich, the Minister-President of Hennecynn, had announced she'd try to stop the march from entering her state. "Let her try," said Sadalian. "You can't kill freedom." It'd sent shivers up Lucas' spine.

It wasn't far from the old union hall that you could find the encampment. Nearly two thousand people had arrived, and more were coming every day. It was like a whole disorganized army, armed with smartphones instead of guns. At night, the locals joked that the encampment was brighter than the streetlights. Generators had been hauled in, and mass latrines were constantly being dug. The logistical co-ordination was going to be a nightmare. And the Assembly Party was resistant to any sort of declared leadership. Lucas realized that lack of delineated power meant that people like Caroline Sadalian could excel. Kodyrs thrived in a power vacuum.

The locals were making a killing renting rooms or space, or selling water or food. The diner, cramped as it was, was still packed this early in the morning. The diner's four regulars, who had taken the same booth every morning for the last thirty years had finally complained they kept having nowhere to sit to the diner's owner-operator, Delia. She'd put a "reserved" sign on their booth after then, which meant warding off requests to use it. She'd even had to hire a second waitress and a second cook. Both had come for the march. Lucas figured that money was about to be pumped into every town the march passed through. Hennecynn might regret their decision to keep the marchers out.

He paid his check and walked out. He now had a pretty good rapport with the march organizers. And the press presence was growing. Gravenz, which was so poor it hadn't even had a radio station, now had locals appearing on two television cameras; state news and national news. This thing was beyond anything political watchers had imagined. And it was still growing.

[The Shrailleeni Empire]

Kannlem, Ossurwald

Zattem listened interestedly to Seggorian. Democracy was an unclear concept for the Shrailleeni, especially on a national scale, and he was always eager to learn more about it. Things like "shareholder domination" and "protest party" were unknown to him, but he could guess at their meanings. Were these the problems that Ossurwald dealt with? If so, than he was almost inclined to feel that Democracy was a good thing. He was to change his opinion in a few moments.

As the car stopped, Zattem looked ahead through the window at the mod of protestors on the street. The human throng was impressive, but he wondered why they were not letting the car pass. In the Empire, protestors respected the priority of government business in exchange for the freedom to protest. It seemed, he gathered from the escalating situation, that things worked differently here.

He watched in surprise as the police officers went down, suddenly alarmed. His Imperial decorum did not allow him to show this, however, and when he spoke his voice had the calm quality of someone mildly perplexed.

"What would be gained by his kidnapping, exactly? It was my impression that he was retired from service." He deliberately avoided the obvious topic at first, but he soon gave a glance at the driver. Bulletproof did not mean tear proof, nor did it guarantee safety from prying hands.

"I expect that this will not be going on long. What are they protesting with such energy, exactly?"

[Ossurwald]

Seggorian glanced worriedly out the window. The protestors were rocking the car and striking at it with sticks, their chants angry and loud. "Politicians, corporations, the system and the state! These are the things that we hate! People, community, love and cake! These are what we want to celebrate!" A sign proclaimed " Down with Capitalism! Down with Communism!" Seggorian shook his head.

"They feel the current system is too... functional. That's the best way I can put it. Business works with government, government works with business. It's an economy, and even in a perfect socialist economy, the backwards must learn to change or suffer anomie. So these people protest. They don't understand representative democracy; and I admit, it's not a natural concept. But then, what in government is natural? They don't understand that in representative democracy you cede the ability to have agency for yourself on the issues that the nation faces. They view it as a corrupt bargain. But it's just democracy."

More folks struck the side of the car, beating at its windows or jumping on the roof, which was beginning to sag a little. Seggorian moved on. There was little they could do in the car but wait for help or for the protestors to get through. "As for Director Karlos' kidnapping, it's true he hasn't been director since '96. But he played a strong part in 2006 bringing his party and my party together. Every time we need the Progressives to come through, he's been a reliable way to do that. I'd say he's kept Ossurwald from being without a government for months. That will cause problems. And even ex-government people are valuable. He was well-off. A potential ransom payment from the family would be considerable."

There was the wailing of sirens over the din of the protestors. Lights flashed, and then there was yelling and screaming, and the sound of horses. The protestors around the car thinned out, and a shield-wall of police officers in riot gear marched down the street, beating down and kettling protestors so that officers behind them could grab them. Officers on horseback rode behind them. Soon enough, the only protestors left on the street had handcuffs on them. An officer motioned the driver to move out, and a new police escort took them.

The new route had police officers along it every so often. Kannlem seemed to have transformed in the last few hours, and the situation seemed eery and unsettling to Seggorian. They pulled into the great park around the Falleis House, then up the long driveway up a rocky outcropping that rose out of the park, passing through a castle's porticullis and into a courtyard. When they stepped out, a smallish man was waiting, grey haired, with a mustache, and a cheerful smile. A Kelruss guard, who wore a furred jacket, long boots up to her knees and a peaked cap over her long ribbon-strewn hair, opened the door for the Matriarchy's representative.

Coinneach got out after. "Undersecretary Resbruck, allow me to introduce you to Stadtwalda Dalibor Calleido. Stadtwalda, Undersecretary Zattem Resbruck."

"Good to meet you," said Calleido, extending his hand. "It's about time we met."

[New Edom]

Dear Caroline Sadalian,

You don't know me, but my name is Carlotta Moss, and I represent the WIMEN protest group. We would like to go international and show solidarity with others who are oppressed by wanton capitalism and old boy networks everywhere. You may be familiar with our work, but essentially what we do is nude and semi-nude protest, to get attention to hot button issues. If you would like us to join your cause, we are more than happy to, but we do not wish to step on any toes. We are not afraid of getting arrested, fined or shouted at; we also have many supporters who are bloggers, who are online activists, photographers and connections to musicians and other entertainers.

You may be aware that the entire Feminist Party has been arrested in New Edom. Yet your government does nothing! Does this not prove that the so called socialist values it supposedly upholds are merely words, when it is no different from any capitalist nation like Lamoni, Candahast, Ani or Riemaia?

If you would like us to come, we will. We will not simply come and rain on your parade; we want to stand with you in friendship. Please let me know.

Sincerely,
Carlotta Moss,
Founder and Co-Leader of the WIMEN Protest Collective.

[Ossurwald]

Dear Ms. Moss,

I've discussed your offer with the Spokescouncil, and we would be honored to have your organization as an ally in our fight against injustice and oppression. Whatever assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

We've heard of the war on women in New Edom. Our own party has put up a notice condemning it, but even with a change in the Foreign Affairs Secretary, our coalition partners have remained silent. And their silence, as they say, is deafening.

I look forward to discussing your role in this protest.

Sincerely,
Caroline Sadalian
Member of the Assembly Party Spokescouncil

[Yanitaria]

IOL haTsuri Boddelil (Boddelil Iol, by western naming conventions), left the lobby of his motel room. The motel was a disgusting concept to him, but it was all he was able to find at the moment. He was as official a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as one could be in Canhadast without being assigned to the ministry itself or a permanent diplomatic mission. A week before he was contacted by a cousin in the Ministry, and asked to head to Gravenz, to work out an agreement with the Assembly Party. Compensation for this action would be an eventual invitation to become the next ambassador to Ossurwald, should the government change, and a five year break on all taxes collected. There was also the unspoken influence that having been chosen for this assignment would also give him, even after it ended. Such arrangements were common in Canhadasti diplomacy. With a wide ranged population of businessmen, it was often better to get someone who had lived in the country for several years and knew first-hand it's cultural norms, and how to discuss business with its inhabitants, rather than to find someone who had simply dedicated their academic life to that country. Despite the fact that such diplomats often had familial contacts with the Ministry, they were always chosen for their diplomatic nature and their ability to negotiate.

Boddelil wore a suit common to certain Pardesi nations, but no tie. This he felt was too restrictive. His shoes were shined to a mirror finish, and he stepped down the road with a practised confidence. In one hand he carried a smart looking briefcase, which he swung widely as he walked. He made his way down five blocks, past a hideous diner, nearly bumping into an odd man who looked like a reporter. A few blocks further, in the town commons, he found the encampment, and made his way inside to find someone to speak to.

[Ossurwald]

Gravenz, Curfend, Ossurwald

The encampment was, to put it bluntly, a mess. People's tents were propped up on pallets, and between the warren of tents people had erected signs that read "towards the latrines" or "towards town" or "towards the library". The smell of drugs wafted off of some tents, as did cigarettes and alcohol, all of which were perfectly legal in Ossurwald. Other people were cooking over fires. The best food seemed to be emanating from a collection of trailers and cars of odd people who lived in an encampment within the encampment that was all their own.

"To HQ" was the most promising sign for Boddelil, and he followed it out of the encampment and to the old union hall where the Assembly Party had its strategic command. Conditions were significantly better here, though cots had been placed along the wall. When Boddelil explained what he was looking for, a young kid took him to a young blonde woman flanked by a few others.

"My name is Caroline Saddalian," she said. "How can I help you?"

[Yanitaria]

Boddelil sat before her, and put his briefcase on his lap, opening it imperiously, and produced a small diplomatic passport that he received from the consulate a mere week before. He extended it to Saddalian, and started into his prepared statement.

"My name is Boddelil Iol, of the Canhadasti Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I have come to wish you and your party greetings from my nation, and from the Shopet and Adirim. I am here as a friend to your cause. If you will accept my counsel, I can also arrange for monetary and organisational support from my nation. I also have contacts within the business community, and hopefully with your help we can work to integrate business into a productive part of your policy."

Boddelil paused a bit, thinking to himself that he sounded a bit like a used car salesman.

"You have to forgive me, but I could not help but notice the... condition of the encampment. Now I realise that taking the advice of a foreign country can be fraught with risk, so perhaps you would allow me to help you out in this area. My people have been planning cities four thousands of years, after all. I can call in a friend of mine who is a city planner by trade. Together we can work on organising a safe an sanitary camp, the layout of which can be copied as we move along.

"Another thing to consider is your apparent lack of clear and obvious goals. Look outside, there are plenty of signs declaring what must be torn down, but what have you to put in it's place? I can also help you work on a message that appeals to your protesters, while also winning the support of non-exploitative businesspeople," Boddelil added with his friendliest and least-greasy smile.

[New Edom]

Carlotta Moss and her friends had left in small groups--pairs, trios, singly--under false passports, along with various other Feminists and Anarch-Syndicalists; others had gone to ground. They couldn't trust anyone except the comrades they knew the best--in some cases some were reported by family, others were protected by family to the danger of that family.

But for some time Carlotta had been arguing the importance of being ready to flee the country. She had been horrified by being threatened with extradition to TurtleShroom, and she had a dim terrified feeling that one day it would simply happen; she would be abducted somehow and brought there to meet her end. So she decided to go for the gusto--head to Ossurwald and other more liberal countries, and attack the fact that it was not simply oppression on a national basis that she fought, but a international opponent to equality.

Issachar Romain had been a key ally in all this--he had quietly left the country earlier along with most members of Camp 16 willing to go along, and had gone into the camp along with them. But they had only recently arrived, and they could immediately see one thing: the protest movement in Ossurwald was not like the movement in New Edom, which had been desperately fighting against a more visible oppression for years. At the same time, these people had a broader base of education and understanding of modern communications; their workers were generally more literate and more experienced in at least seeing the world beyond their own communities.

issachar, sitting outside his tent wearing nothing but a pair of shorts, his lean frame in relief, watched the others. He had only now realized how exhausted he was from almost constant tension. His face lit up though as he saw Carlotta Moss and Sophia Andreas approaching, and there was a warm reunion among him and those AS party members already there.

"Hey, Issachar, I see you. We're not joining the AS Party!" said Carlotta jokingly. "This is an alliance, comrade, not submission!"

"We're only called a party for convenience," joked Issachar back. "We don't believe in national organizations anyway--merely national movements."

"National movements sounds like everyone on the toilet together," said Carlotta. she had tears in her eyes, but they were tears that spoke of many emotions--gladness, fear, sorrow, hope. "I need to meet with the camp leaders here." She yawned. "But I'm so tired! And I hope the rest of our sisters will be here soon."

[Ossurwald]

Boddelil sat before her, and put his briefcase on his lap, opening it imperiously, and produced a small diplomatic passport that he received from the consulate a mere week before. He extended it to Saddalian, and started into his prepared statement.

"My name is Boddelil Iol, of the Canhadasti Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I have come to wish you and your party greetings from my nation, and from the Shopet and Adirim. I am here as a friend to your cause. If you will accept my counsel, I can also arrange for monetary and organisational support from my nation. I also have contacts within the business community, and hopefully with your help we can work to integrate business into a productive part of your policy."

Boddelil paused a bit, thinking to himself that he sounded a bit like a used car salesman.

"You have to forgive me, but I could not help but notice the... condition of the encampment. Now I realise that taking the advice of a foreign country can be fraught with risk, so perhaps you would allow me to help you out in this area. My people have been planning cities four thousands of years, after all. I can call in a friend of mine who is a city planner by trade. Together we can work on organising a safe an sanitary camp, the layout of which can be copied as we move along.

"Another thing to consider is your apparent lack of clear and obvious goals. Look outside, there are plenty of signs declaring what must be torn down, but what have you to put in it's place? I can also help you work on a message that appeals to your protesters, while also winning the support of non-exploitative businesspeople," Boddelil added with his friendliest and least-greasy smile.

Sadalian looked briefly over the passport and then passed it on to someone else, who passed it on until the whole group had seen it and it was returned to Boddelil. When he finished his spiel, people didn't seem happy.

"Business!" exclaimed a blue-haired girl in the back. Business is a problem in this system! It's one of the reasons we're out here!"

"This guy doesn't know shit," agreed a guy with a brown leather jacket on. "He says we ain't got clear goals. I don't see how 'a national constitutional convention' could be any less clear. Let's throw this bum out." A couple of others babbled in agreement.

"I think," began Sadalian, and the others immediately hushed to quiet, "that you've misunderstood the nature of the Assembly Party, Mr. Iol. We can't just order anyone around like how you want, and you can't just make directives. The Plan we've issued was approved on by a vote of Assembly Party members. As a group, we chose to support it. You can counsel, but the question is, who will listen? You have to make the people out there in that camp listen. Not us."

[The Shrailleeni Empire]

Seggorian glanced worriedly out the window. The protestors were rocking the car and striking at it with sticks, their chants angry and loud. "Politicians, corporations, the system and the state! These are the things that we hate! People, community, love and cake! These are what we want to celebrate!" A sign proclaimed " Down with Capitalism! Down with Communism!" Seggorian shook his head.

"They feel the current system is too... functional. That's the best way I can put it. Business works with government, government works with business. It's an economy, and even in a perfect socialist economy, the backwards must learn to change or suffer anomie. So these people protest. They don't understand representative democracy; and I admit, it's not a natural concept. But then, what in government is natural? They don't understand that in representative democracy you cede the ability to have agency for yourself on the issues that the nation faces. They view it as a corrupt bargain. But it's just democracy."

More folks struck the side of the car, beating at its windows or jumping on the roof, which was beginning to sag a little. Seggorian moved on. There was little they could do in the car but wait for help or for the protestors to get through. "As for Director Karlos' kidnapping, it's true he hasn't been director since '96. But he played a strong part in 2006 bringing his party and my party together. Every time we need the Progressives to come through, he's been a reliable way to do that. I'd say he's kept Ossurwald from being without a government for months. That will cause problems. And even ex-government people are valuable. He was well-off. A potential ransom payment from the family would be considerable."

There was the wailing of sirens over the din of the protestors. Lights flashed, and then there was yelling and screaming, and the sound of horses. The protestors around the car thinned out, and a shield-wall of police officers in riot gear marched down the street, beating down and kettling protestors so that officers behind them could grab them. Officers on horseback rode behind them. Soon enough, the only protestors left on the street had handcuffs on them. An officer motioned the driver to move out, and a new police escort took them.

The new route had police officers along it every so often. Kannlem seemed to have transformed in the last few hours, and the situation seemed eery and unsettling to Seggorian. They pulled into the great park around the Falleis House, then up the long driveway up a rocky outcropping that rose out of the park, passing through a castle's porticullis and into a courtyard. When they stepped out, a smallish man was waiting, grey haired, with a mustache, and a cheerful smile. A Kelruss guard, who wore a furred jacket, long boots up to her knees and a peaked cap over her long ribbon-strewn hair, opened the door for the Matriarchy's representative.

Coinneach got out after. "Undersecretary Resbruck, allow me to introduce you to Stadtwalda Dalibor Calleido. Stadtwalda, Undersecretary Zattem Resbruck."

"Good to meet you," said Calleido, extending his hand. "It's about time we met."

For Zattem, this was a side of democracy that he had not seen before. New Edom was democratic, but in his relations with that nation there had been little discussion of political systems or how people viewed them. Seggorian repeated the phrase over and over, as if the very words held a power that all people should comprehend, but his explanation went over Zattem's head. Wasn't democracy a system where the people ruled themselves? In that moment, as the car was jostled and the police began forcing the protestors back, Zattem had a sudden insight into the system. Perhaps it wasn't mob rule, as the Empire thought. Perhaps, he mused as the police used greater force than the Empire would even dream of dispensing, it actually becomes the opposite.

To Zattem's mind, the Ossurwald government seemed to be a fragile, complex thing, like an orchid flower. The protest that had admittedly shaken him and the kidnapping did not do much to improve this opinion. He wondered if ransom was truly the objective of the kidnapping, or if there were complexities of Ossur politics that he still was not aware of. At any rate, he restricted himself to pleasantries as they made their way to Falleis House, thankful for the very stillness that made Seggorian uneasy.

The castle impressed Zattem, who chided himself on not expecting such things from well developed nations. Castles, he had found, were common vestiges of older times across the globe, but even in the Empire their granduer had a certain allure. He was also intrigued by the Kelruss guard, the first woman that he had distincly identified in the nation. She was clearly well trained in her duties, and her presence was oddly reassuring.

Zattem smiled as he was introduced, and bowed his head in greeting before taking the offered handshake. "It is an honor to meet you Stadtwalda. I greet you warmly on behalf of the Empire of Shrailleen, for it is indeed a shame that we have not exchanged such greetings sooner."

[Mount Angel]

-snip-

[Ossurwald]

Gravenz, Curfend, Ossurwald

The camp was a hubbub of activity. Everything from gambling to massage circles to a group of hunters amiably discussing the recent victory of Craston United over the Li Barre Lightning, rifles casually slung over their shoulders. Some people wore their uniforms from their compulsory service days, light blue uniforms, pants with single stripes down the side. ORA-issue combat boots were dominant as footware, good for long marches. Some people had brought their kids, others their grandparents. Militia sigils stood out on a few, the Gallei Guns being the most popular here.

For Carlotta Moss and her compatriots, the closest thing nearby was a debate which had attracted a large crowd of people. A woman and a man stood up on stumps and were responding to each other's points.

"We must not allow corrupt media to dominate our movement's aims," the man was saying. "The Journal, the Gazette, even the Independent, they're all pawns to their business. At the end of the day, it's about the bottom line with them, not about what matters most. What they believe is malleable, it changes with their subscriptions. We can put out the message, but the media will twist it. On one hand, the private media will report what it presumes its masters, the readers and its funders, want to hear. On the other, the public media will do the same, for its government. We must speak directly to the people and limit the ability of the national media to distort our message. We are the guardians of our own messages."

"And who guards the guards?" replied the woman. "Our enemies do things in the dark spaces, behind closed doors and away from prying eyes. You would have us become like them, forgo transparency for secrecy. The kinds of people who advocate such a lack in morals usually are those who have something to hide. I have nothing to hide. I've served my country, I've voted, I've argued before my town council, and I've raised my children. The era of hiding in darkness because I'm afraid of the consequences of my voice needs to end. Sunlight is the best disinfectant."

---

Flag of the State of Curfend

Esskek, Curfend, Ossurwald
Curfend State House

Minister-President of Curfend Vidar Damolgan sat with the mayor of Gravenz and the commander of the state police.

"They've been good for the economy," said the mayor, "but frankly, I don't think we can handle any more of them. We need them to start moving."

"Have you discussed this with their Spokescouncil?" asked Vidar. He was a member of the Progressive Party branch in Curfend, A Progressive Curfend, but Curfend was one of the states that had an Assembly Party member in the Velstaad, the party was more popular in the east than the west. He'd found that the State Committee of Curfend Assembled was always manageable and friendly.

"I did. They told me they need more time," said the mayor. The mayor, whose name was Karl Oviciros, was a short man who wore a hat and a suit. Right now he was nervously twirling the hat around his knee. "I can't give them any more. The clean-up cost is going to be staggering."

Vidar turned to the commander. "What's our move?"

"We go in and serve orders to vacate. Then we have to decide what to do from there," said the commander. Vidar nodded. Tomorrow would be a headache.

---

The Falleis House

Kannlem, Ossurwald

Calleido returned the bow to Zattem. "It is indeed, if you'll follow me," he said. He went inside through doors held open by his chief of staff, Owen Fraestrom. As the moved through the building, occasionally a Kelruss or an Ossurwald Republican Army guard might stroll by and nod to the Stadtwalda. Calleido mentioned it in case it seemed strange. "Our army was forged during our revolution during the 1920s. It was mostly guerilla fighting. A salute gives away officers, and that means snipers know who to kill first. So we haven't saluted our officers for nearly eighty years."

He led Zattem into a large room. In it sat the Director of Ossurwald, Emmeline Balandros. Her legs were exquisitely carved wood, shaped by the artist on the sides into leaping bighorn sheep, Ossurwald's national animal. "Greetings, Mr. Resbruck," she said. "What brings you to Ossurwald?"

[Tarsas]

Didn't think a hotel name would be wank to think up

Gravenz, Ossurwald
Gravenz Garden Hotel and Suites

Centurio Corvinus Aemilianus had arrived in Ossurwald amidst talk of a coming government change. He was a member of the Inquisitorius Foreign Intelligence Division, and had been given very specific instructions to move with the crowd. Four other men and one direct aid had come with him. The FID had acquired six passports that allowed for extended stay and sent him away with several million harkans worth of money to carry out his task. On his first day in the airport, he had gotten word that it was believed a Canhadasti delegation was in the country as well, but nothing could be confirmed. They had decided to start the trip off at the best hotel they could find. The name was a parody, because the building was a two story that looked as if it had been hit with a large hammer. He had rented the rooms under his false ID, Mister Pontus Gurges Maximus.

From within the country, they hadn't been hard pressed to acquire several compact firearms, should Canhadast discover them and attempt to remove them, which had been known to happen. That would require that they avoid public places that had security, but Canhadasti intelligence agents trying to kill them would have to avoid them as well, so they wouldn't need to dodge any metal detectors. He knew that civil conflict in Ossurwald could be just around the horizon, and that meant an economic boom for everyone else, provided you knew how to handle it. The government of Ossurwald felt like a wooden floor about to cave in under the respective weights of its responsibilities and fat, money hungry bureaucrats.

A knock at the door disturbed him from his thoughts. "Come in, you have the key if you're who I think you are." His personal assistant, Corporalis Picenum Ambustus, inserted the key card and came inside. He placed a file on the desk next to the dirty arm chair with flowered upholstery. Several pictures met Corvinus' eyes as he looked at what his assistant had to show him. A massive encampment with at least two to three thousand people stood stretched before him in one photo. It looked fairly disorganized, and he had a suspicion things like rape were a common occurrence. "So, this is the camp."

"Yes sir. More and more people arrive every day. If they don't begin the march soon, I'm guessing this will become a health hazard. Now, in this next photo is the leader of the movement. I snapped her photo with my camera phone while she was greeting a delegation outside her headquarters, of which I believe is Canhadasti. Anyway, this is Caroline Saddalian. From what I gather, she is more of a well respected individual that the people in the camp follow advice from, than a leader. The woman I talked to said the group had no "leader". She was very eager to answer my questions for a wad of local bills." He flipped to the next picture.

"This is the man I spotted going in the building to speak with Saddalian. Seems Canhadasti to me. What should we do with him?"

Corvinus' knew his orders. "We're not to bother them. We're not here to spread the Tarso-Canhadasti rivalry to another nation. Should they bother us, we can deal with them, but for now, leave them be."

"Yes sir." He flipped another photo into view. Men in older looking army uniforms with weapons proudly, brandishing firearms. "They're serious sir."

"I see that. Good work Picenum. We seem to have gotten a feel for the crowd's location and who its leaders are, and what its plans are just from these photos. To me, this looks like a ramshackle army. Now, I need you to ready the rental cars. Be ready to move on a moment's notice. Get all unnecessary luggage in the vehicles. We don't know when this crowd will march, and we'll be following with our vehicles. We should effectively blend in, seeing as I picked two of the most civilian looking vehicles I could find."

"Yes sir." He saluted and left the room. Corvinus returned to the window. If things kept going the way they did, his service term would be extended and he would be assigned her for the next nine months as the intelligence operative, offering whichever side he was told agreements of alliance. He hoped it wouldn't come to that. He sighed and felt the comforting feeling of a gun against his thigh hidden in his pockets.

[Yanitaria]

Boddelil was thoroughly booed out of his meeting, much to his surprise. He would seriously have to rethink his strategy, and learn more about this party. Before he knew what had happened, he found himself in a communal tent with a warm beer in his hand. He slipped off his expensive jacket, and from his briefcase produced a netbook, and started planning. The first thing he did was contact his friend via Instant Message. Professor MO'ETS haTsuri Luli was currently in the country as part of a lecture tour, and Boddelil knew he could call in a favor. Luli had somewhat of a reputation as an interesting figure. His design team had been chosen to build a bridge in Tingi that incorporated a shopping strip and public amphitheater, as well as a memorial arch at one end. All of this had a riverside view in a nice district, and was expected to recoup the cost of construction in rent over 10 years. But the project Boddelil had in mind was much different. Luli told him this, and made it very clear that he was not amused that Boddelil wanted him to solve camp issues for a bunch of reactionary teenagers.

Boddelil attempted to appeal to his reputation. He tried to get him to envision an entire mobile city of two or three thousand people, able to set up where they may end their day. All Luli could see, however, was a couple of modified caravans that looked like something from a Tarisimi trailer park, polluting any natural beauty that existed around them. But in the end, Luli laid out some plans for his friend. He would need to work fast, but if he could find a good garage, he could modify four trailers to act as showers. He would need them to strip the interior, and install a water tank on the roof, with low-flow showerheads. A plumber could install a pull chain that only released water when it was pulled, and combined with the efficient showerheads, the entire system would make a minimal waste of water. The plumber could also install a series of drains to tie into an existing water system, so that all the used water could run through a hose into a nearby gutter or storm drain. For the toilets, a similar system could be used, with trenches dug for the purpose. He suggested that Boddelil rent a backhoe in each location where it was necessary to dump waste into a hole. Urinals could be attached to the outside, similar to the pissoirs in major Canhadasti cities.

The last issue would be food. For this, Boddelil intended to buy a couple of "roach coaches". Undoubtedly, he would have to pay someone to clean meticulously any such vehicle he could buy in Gravenz. As for the details of the food served, he would have to figure this out later.

As he finished typing, he knew that his immediate task would be to find an assistant who knew the movement better. Someone politically aware, but with some ability to manage any volunteers he picked up. He got up, and started looking.

[New Edom]

The Occupy Camp

Issachar Romain and Carlotta Moss approached those who were speaking, and Issachar said, when there was a moment in which he could speak, "Hello, friends. I'm Issachar Romain, Anarcho-Syndicalist from New Edom. Your struggle is our struggle. It's time we stand together, we who are not for the Big Pigs but are for the human beings. Listen, I have been devoting my life to knowing how to organize without cliques, without Inner Party bullshit, and if you would like I'd like to be part of this discussion. We don't need bosses--we don't need people to push people around. But we can still be ready for anything, still organized, still clean. If you would like to hear what I've got to say, that's great. And Carlotta Moss here, representing WIMEN, can tell you a lot from her point of view about viral campaigns and how to get our voices heard more. We need to understand--this isn't just Ossurwald, because Ossurwald's Big Pigs are at the trough with the other Big Pigs in New Edom Riemaia, Estovakiva, Earth Sphere Coalition, Premislyd, and all around the Region and the World. I've been watching your news. They are scared shitless, but they ain't seen nothing yet."

[The Shrailleeni Empire]

Kannlem, Ossurwald

Calleido returned the bow to Zattem. "It is indeed, if you'll follow me," he said. He went inside through doors held open by his chief of staff, Owen Fraestrom. As the moved through the building, occasionally a Kelruss or an Ossurwald Republican Army guard might stroll by and nod to the Stadtwalda. Calleido mentioned it in case it seemed strange. "Our army was forged during our revolution during the 1920s. It was mostly guerilla fighting. A salute gives away officers, and that means snipers know who to kill first. So we haven't saluted our officers for nearly eighty years."

He led Zattem into a large room. In it sat the Director of Ossurwald, Emmeline Balandros. Her legs were exquisitely carved wood, shaped by the artist on the sides into leaping bighorn sheep, Ossurwald's national animal. "Greetings, Mr. Resbruck," she said. "What brings you to Ossurwald?"

Zattem thought that this unorthodox method of saluting was quite clever, and filed the custom away in his head to bring back to the Empire. War, or more specifically the threat of invasion, was on the minds of every member of the Royal Court like an infestation. Every little bit of information that could help them fight a technologically superior foe was worth its weight in shicks.

Zattem was, as always, quietly pleased and amused to find a woman in a position of power in a foreign state. Of course, by all accounts Ossurwald was an oddity among foreign nations in that it truly seemed more concerned for equality than patriarchy. It had patriarchal tendencies, but these did not seem to be in the fore of its political thought. Other nations played lip service to the idea of gender equality, but Zattem had found that this was often only the surface. A truly equalist society was a problem for Shrailleeni philosophical thought.

But that was for the philosophers to figure out. Zattem himself was certain of the righteousness of Matriarchy, and he was in Ossurwald on a mission, not a cultural critique. He was curious about the Director's legs, and wondered how she had lost her original pair, but here unflappable Shrailleeni decorum did well for him. He made no particular indication that he thought much of the exquisite replacements, neither paying undue attention to them nor obviously ignoring them as he greeted the Director in the same fashion with which he had greeted Calleido.

"An honor to meet you, My Lady. I am here to bring the greeting of the Mother Empress, and to express her warm and neighborly intentions for the relationship between the islands and Ossurwald. I have also come to see for myself what sort of political strife is occurring here, and to potential offer the support of my government."