Communists rally to denounce matriarchy! (Cornellia only)

[Macureus]

The small, but militant and growing Communist Party of Old Macureus, partly in protest of "the social injustices of matriarchy and other forms of inequality" and partly in outrage about the recent murder of Glorian Regian Premier Nelson Smith, a known Communist, staged several rallies, sit-ins, and even strikes in nearly every city of the Reformed Theocracy, calling for full equality of the sexes, a severing of diplomatic relations with the Shrailleeni and Deadoran Empires, drastic changes to the penal code, free and fair national elections, and a "workers' soviet democracy, with society, economy, and government all operated by the proletariat in their councils."

It should be noted that the Old Macurean Communist Party has openly repudiated "Stalinism, Trotskyism, Maoism, and all other repressive and totalitarian revisions of the Marxist ideal." It looks instead to the example of the Communist Party of Gloria Regis, the People's Party of United Valik, and the Democratic Communist Party of Gylias for inspiration and its model. It has also renounced "unnecessary and avoidable cases of revolutionary violence, because direct action should be reserved for armed resistance to violent repression by Fascist and other totalitarian regimes, whatever their stripe."

"Yes, it is awful, comrades, that martial-law was reimposed by the National Government in New Edom, but is it not more awful that it was provoked by the callous ambitions of those terrorists in the Feminist Collective and their Shrailleeni and Norvenian friends who all but ensured that violence would break out due to the vicious bombing of the palace in Gloria Regis that slaughtered so many of our loyal comrades there?" demanded prominent Communist organizer Nora Lavin, who recently led several other Macurean women in an oath renouncing "female privilege, so as to guide men to do the same with male privilege."

"Patriarchy and matriarchy are both evils, comrades, both sides of the same coin of privilege based on gender, class, race, etc. If we are to expect men to give up their privileges, it is only right and fair of those of us living in matriarchies to renounce female privilege, too. Privilege is privilege, and it is always wrong, no matter what the excuse."

Covering the event and inspired by the courage of these brave revolutionaries was a cynical and embittered young male journalist named Idar Calin, who was so encouraged by this self-sacrifice by the privileged female class that he had sneaked back into his native country after defecting to Gylias to cover it. Now he was so emboldened by this vision that he immediately afterward presented himself to the Party representatives and sought to enroll in the Communist Party of Old Macureus. From now on, Calin was committed to the goal of a more just and truly enlightened Old Macureus, one free from female supremacy and all other forms of oppression.

While remaining in Gylias, a country that increasingly appealed to him with its egalitarian ideals, he began to organize a cell of fellow Communist exiles and reorganize his new daily under the name of the Macurean Populist. Soon, his paper was spreading like wildfire through the expatriate community and among many of the disaffected and dissident elements of Old Macureus, adding strength to the cause of "national comradeship, regardless of sex, class, or race."

Calin from now described himself as a "Marxist, but not a Leninist."

[The Shrailleeni Empire]

Shrailleeni Imperial Embassy,
Arod, Macureus

"Well now, is this not interesting?"

Shrailleeni Ambassador Salarri Telvit sat in her posh chair, looking over the most recent newspaper with an interested eye. Life in the Imperial Embassy had become somewhat boring of late. For some reason, the Foreign Minister had ordered all communications with the Home Islands ceased save for regular reports and emergency situations. And that was fine, a posting in Macureus rarely had an abundance of emergencies. The country was nice and stable, and one of the few actual Matriarchies on the continent. If it weren't for their odd culture Arod might almost feel like home. So she and the rest of the Shrailleeni diplomatic team passed their days quietly, enjoying the upper crust of the capital and meeting pleasantly with Macurean matriarchs to discuss their common issues. Until now, at least.

Macureus was, for all of its admirable qualities, not considered to be an Enlightened nation. It was still in what Shrailleeni political scientists called "Middle Matriarchy," in which repressive measures against the male population were still deemed necessary. This caused an undercurrent of unrest and discontent within the male population, who were not yet trusted as their Shrailleeni Brothers were with a full spectrum of rights and privileges. The Empire had seen this as natural, and had been urging Macureus to carefully navigate these troubled waters toward a more Enlightened outcome. But it now seemed like the people of Macureus had different, more troubling plans.

Salarri was knowledgable about current international issues. She had no idea if this young man's accusations regarding the Empire's involvement in Gloria Regis were true or not, although it sounded like something the Royal Court would do. Either way, the Royal Court would never want so strong an accusation to go unchallenged, and certainly would not want to stand by aside the loss of a fellow matriarchy. Macureus was the only thing standing between the Empire and New Macureus's weapons of mass destruction. That fact that it was the dangerous, heathen ideology of Communism that these people were clinging to made things even worse.

So, problems. She knew that she had to do something.

With a calm, fluid motion the Shrialleeni ambassador picked up her phone, and dialed the line to the Supreme Magistra's office. It was time to have a talk about this, Sister to Sister.

[Macureus]

Dara Cavin had a rather intense migraine that morning, so she was not in the best mood, especially with the open defiance of the State shown by the Communist agitators. Granted, the Old Macurean government, including the Grand Coven, did not tend to censor speech very often, but this was taking things a bit far. What if it got out of control, and the malcontents simply started dictating new policies to the Coven, expecting them to forsake their religious obligation to follow the Oracles in terms of making policy and law? After all, the Coven did not have the luxury of simply bending to popular will. They consulted the Goddess through the Oracles of Faith and heard what She had to command them. Godless atheists such as the Communists might dismiss such simple faith as superstition, but Cavin and the others on the Coven believed rather sincerely in their religion.

Cavin knew that she needed either the established Oracles or some kind of sign from the Goddess, a direct note that she was to act in a certain way, and then she could steer the Coven to that point under her leadership. Why hadn't the Goddess communicated with her of late? Was She displeased in some way with Cavin? The arch-conservatives seemed to think so, but that was rather convenient for them. Also, the recent reforms were all endorsed by the Oracles. Why wasn't Dara hearing from the Goddess at all?

Then it happened, like a proverbial bolt out of the blue. The phone call. Not just any phone call, not from a regular head of state or government, or from an ambassador of some ordinary nation. No, this was from one of their Sister matriarchies, the Shrailleeni. Specifically, the Shrailleeni Ambassador to Old Macureus, Salarri Telvit.

Nervously, Dara picked up the phone, convinced that the Ambassador was about to unknowingly act as the mouthpiece of the Goddess.

"Greetings, Sister, in the name of the Oracles. How may I help you?" she asked anxiously, something that she rarely did these days as Supreme Magistra.

[The Shrailleeni Empire]

"Most Honorable Supreme Magistra," the voice on the other end of the line sounded like audible honey. A Vangar accent lent a deeper, more tonal quality to the spoken word, and it was something that Salarri actively cultivated.

"Her Enlightened Majesty the Mother Empress sends her personal regards to you on this day, and wishes you the best of health, and the light of the Mother Goddess."

These formalities opened most conversations from the Shrailleeni ambassador. It was important to the Shrailleeni to give honor where honor was due. While the ambassador to New Edom or Rome would use a much more shortened version, the Supreme Magistra was a fellow matriarchal leader. So far as the Shrailleeni were concerned, that made her one of the few civilized leaders in the entire world, along with the elected leadership of Ali-Zebu and the Empress of Deadora (though the latter by only a hair's width). It was important to balance bad news with proper flattery in such situations, so that no dishonor was accidently inflicted.

"The Mother Empress has been greatly Honored to consider herself your Sister, and to have her Children permitted as guests within your House. Your Sisterhood has been of great and proserous value, particularly concerning those of New Macureus, with whom your graces have been indespensible. As it is said, 'she who looks after her neighbor's house shall bring peace to her own.' It is in this spirit that I have been moved to call you this day, Supreme Magistra. There have been words read in recent days that the Children of Macureus have taken to bringing demands upon their Mother's House. However, that which is printed may not always be truth. With your grace, my Mother would be interested to know from her Sister's lips how serious this situation might actually be."

[Macureus]

"To be perfectly honest, my Sister, this is a very disturbing situation. We have tried to be very loving, compassionate, moderate, and conciliatory at many times, and in many ways, but if this gets any worse, and it might soon, then we face the danger that Communists might well overturn not only the State, but the entire social order. The emergence of Communism as such a threat is something that seems to have sprung almost out of nowhere, but they had to have been lurking in the shadows for some time. No matter what they claim, I do not trust these Communists not to have us all measured for coffins, either. It is all 'equality and freedom' until they gain power, and then it is the gulag and the firing squad for those who do not comply.

"So, in summary, at this point, I would personally entertain your Sisterly wisdom, and I hope to see the rest of the Coven do so as well. Granted, the Arod Summit turned out disappointing, thanks in no small part to Vair Padin's insistence that you, Our Sisters, might actually try to proliferate thermonuclear armaments to rogue nations. Still, we hold you very much in high regard here in Arod. What are your thoughts, my Sister?" Cavin showed considerable deference to the Ambassador from the largest matriarchy in the region.

Cavin was more than a little nervous, watching out her window and on television what seemed to be rapidly turning into riots or at least the beginnings of a general strike. She wasn't honestly sure which would be worse. Riots would bring violence and force her to impose martial-law. A general strike could cripple the economy and thus make even more people angry at the State and ready to rise up against it. They might well blame the wrong party in that situation, despite the strike being initiated by the Reds.

Communists, what an infernal menace indeed, Cavin thought. Time perhaps to crack down on Communism altogether. If the Reds didn't like it, that was tough. Cavin and the Coven wouldn't knuckle under to a bunch of equality fanatics, especially ones notorious for their inclination toward violence.

Even so, Cavin was ready to listen to the Ambassador. If she had something to suggest, now was definitely the time to share it. The fate of an entire nation could well depend on it.

[Macureus]

To: High Queen Tara Silven; Lady Ennis Galeri of Ossoria
From: Dir Datin, Commissar of Foreign Affairs of New Macureus; Second Citizen Idar Calin of Old Macureus
Encryption: High

Your Royal Ossorian Majesty, Excellency,

In the interests of securing a lasting agreement, recognition, and normal diplomatic relations between the soon to be United Macureus and the High Kingdom of Ossoria, it is proposed that we confer with a designated representative or delegation of your government at a mutually acceptable location, perhaps in TECT's Franklin State, and negotiate the following:

1. A mutual-free-trade agreement between United Macureus and Ossoria.
2. Recognition of a United Macureus, as well as Nekulturnya and Austrania.
3. Ossorian observers to help provide additional eyes to verify the honesty and fairness of general elections.
4. Recognition of Ossorian suzerainty over the Hemar Islands.
5. A permanent anti-slave trade and anti-piracy agreement with Ossoria for joint-patrols.
6. Expanded arms purchases to ensure the modernization of the former Old Macurean armed forces, particularly the Navy.
7. New consulates to open from both countries.
8. A non-aggression pact.
9. An extradition pact.
10. Any other....miscellaneous issues that might lie between our nations.

If amenable, please reply with due courtesy and punctuality.

Science and reason,
Dir Datin, Commissar of Foreign Affairs
Second Citizen Idar Calin

[Ossoria]

To: Commissar Dir Datin, Second Citizen Idar Calin
From: Lady Enya Curran
Encryption: High

On behalf of Her Royal Ossorian Majesty and Her Excellency the Taoiseach, I accept your offer to meet in a third-party location to negotiate on points of mutual interest. The appropriate department of the Foreign Office will be in contact with the appropriate contacts withing your foreign ministry in order to lay out the preliminary details concerning both the content of the meeting, its location and who the most appropriate negotiators would be for each of us prior to the meeting itself.

Fair winds,
Lady Enya Curran
Foreign Secretary

[Macureus]

"Citizens, we do not want this to continue any longer than it must. Let me assure you of that. This is a necessary phase, that is all. Once you are properly re-educated, you can go about your business and everything can return to normal. Your trials have already been concluded. The verdicts were reached before you ever arrived at the dock. Macureus is preparing to become a single, democratic nation, but you have insisted upon standing in the way of progress, justice, and reform," the camp director assured the inmates preparing to be processed out....he was grateful that there were still more being reported, so he would have job security until his transfer to the Directorate of Justice was finalized.

'You need only sign the confessions, admit your guilt before the tribunals, and you will be sentenced to time served. That is, you've already done your sentence. Wouldn't it be nice to return to your families sooner? No one is convinced by your assertions of innocence, so spare everyone your recriminations and needless bureaucratic delays. Denounce the oppressive regime of the past and we can prepare to reintegrate you into society. You have seen the educational data. You have seen the progress that we are bringing to this future, United Macureus. You have been to the National Exhibition now. Do you not understand what the First Citizen and the Central Directorate are doing, by reorganizing Old Macureus to prepare for national unity and democracy? Anyone ready to step forward and confess your past oppression of the men in your community?"

Several re-educated women in the center raised their hands, for a variety of reasons. These were women who for whatever reason hadn't left Arod in time for the Shrailleeni Empire (by now, anyone who was going to leave had already left), whether because they were foolishly trying to organize some kind of resistance or because they were in denial, or they simply didn't realize that they might have someone who wished to inform on them, report them for past misdeeds. And several were personally reported by Idar Calin, among others. They didn't know this yet, but they should have guessed, since they were responsible for trying to prevent him from giving his valedictory speech at his graduation simply because he was male. He had never forgiven them for that. Now he had gotten his revenge.

Thankfully for them, once they raised their hands and stepped forward to sign their confessions, admittedly after days of isolation, cold showers, meager food and drink, and other intense inconveniences, such as lack of bathroom privacy, and other difficulties....no actual torture needed, these "re-educated" women were processed out of the center, given ankle monitors to track their movements, and assigned their court dates to formally confess to their crimes against the State.....they were also assigned a "case worker", essentially a parole officer, who would "assist the reintegration process."

And then certain of them were stopped and redirected to a small room, wherein waited another figure....Second Citizen Idar Calin.

"Good morning, Citizens, Sulin, Madin, and Corin. Remember me?" the Director asked them.

"Idar....thank Goddess, you've helped us get out of this!" former High School Principal Mair Sulin started to embrace him, so sincerely was she glad to see someone that she thought was her benefactor.

"Second Citizen Calin to you, Principal. Or should I say, former Principal? You've been....reassigned. Your negative influence on our youth has been removed at last. You misunderstand....don't you get that I haven't forgiven what you tried to do? Only the right intervention back then allowed me to make a speech that was mine to give by right as the valedictorian. Well, that old way of thinking is over. Done for. You'd best get behind the New Order. It's here to stay. If anything, you should be glad that I didn't push for a longer session of re-education and detention. I somehow doubt the sincerity of your confession, but I will give you the benefit of the doubt in this case.

"In any case, I reported you for re-education. Yes, that's right. And when the second-most powerful man in the country arranges such things, they're going to happen. You're in because I put you there and you're out because I've allowed it. Get used to the new, United Macureus and the revolutionary changes that it has brought to our civilization. They are here to stay. Are we clear? Oh, and don't forget to show up and confess your crimes," Calin insisted.

"Yes....of course, Second Citizen," the former Principal was stunned into silence and now rather cowed.

"Oh, well, Second Citizen, it is clear that I have something to atone for.....perhaps we can meet privately and....discuss how I can make amends?" his former classmate, the salutatorian, Eva Madin, began to insinuate something quite clearly.

Grinning a little now, despite the public persona, Second Citizen Idar Calin nodded, "I think that we can work things out to our....satisfaction."

"What about me?" former schoolmistress Par Corin caught on and began using a very deferential tone of voice....even smiling suggestively at Calin.....

"Yes, you too. But for now, wait until I call upon you. We need where to find you, after all," Calin's voice had a tone of aggressive warning to it.

Democracy might be the future, but dictatorship was the present...and for the present, retribution was the reality.....and restitution had to be paid.....

[Macureus]

To: Lady Enya Curran
From: Commissar Dir Datin, Second Citizen Idar Calin
Encryption: High

We are naturally gratified to receive your response and look forward to the contact from the appropriate officers. It is clear that our mutual interests can best be served by mutual co-operation in foreign affairs and mutual security.

Science and reason,
Foreign Commissar Dir Datin
Second Citizen Idar Calin

[The Shrailleeni Empire]

She who sees the shadow...

The Shrailleeni Empire had done much more in the dark days following the assassination of the Grand Coven than prepare evacuations. Before the fall, the Shrailleeni had been major trade and cultural exchange partners with Old Macureus. Shrailleeni-owned businesses had just started to become a common sight in port cities and in the capital, and as one of the few matriarchal nations in the region Old Macureus had drawn a high degree of Shrailleeni tourism as well. Priestesses of the Temple Order had attempted, very softly, to make inroads into the nation, attempts largely unsuccessful but whose effects were still somewhat felt.

The net result of all of this was that when the time came, the Empire had been able to levy enough connections to place Shrailleeni Imperial Intelligence agents into deep cover across the country. The S.I.I. was a relatively new organization, replacing the old Order of Silence after a series of incidents in the homeland which had been effectively hidden from the public eye. Some were native Shrailleeni, others were Old Macureans who had been hired clandestinely in the chaotic hours after the old regime had fallen. There was no mission here, deep cover meant complete cover. These women, and quite a few native Shrailleeni men, were in the country for the long game. Integrating into communities, keeping their noses clean, building contacts and buying time, even integrating into the new regime where possible.

There were a very few S.I.I. agents who had ended up in a re-education center. To call them agents was to be generous, as these select few held the rare and unique position of being both members of the old regime and individuals who had been recruited in time by the Shrailleeni Empire to act as its eyes and ears. Their instructions were to learn as much as they could, keep out of too much trouble, and report to one of the S.I.I. safe houses set up in the country after a sufficient amount of time had passed.

In another case, a large handful of Shrailleeni men remained in the country, ostensibly as expats in favor of the new regime. It was a cover story that had its risks, the new government could easily use them to embarrass the mother country, but the relatively small risk hid large rewards. These supposedly disgruntled men stood the best chance of integrating into the now-male led regime, and perhaps enabling the Empire to visit their poison back upon them sometime in the future. Due to the risks these men had the deepest cover of all, they were to make no contact whatsoever with the homeland for quite possibly years to come.

These were only a few examples. The stage was set. The long game had begun.

[Macureus]

The masses of citizens going to the polls, knowing the main attraction was just a week away, made the reunion plebiscite an excellent rehearsal for the Congressional elections set for the 18th. The conclusion was a foregone one, but the other importance of the referendum couldn't be overlooked. The people were about to give reunion a legitimacy that would be very difficult to deny, though the Shrailleeni for one were expected to continue to do so.

In droves, they came out, even the small minority of actual opponents, though their voices were drowned out by State propaganda in favor of reunification on both sides of the vanishing border and there was a hushed sense that even with the secret ballot, opposition was understood to be subversive if done too brazenly....and it may have adverse circumstances for one's career and private life as well. Few people, even those sympathetic to the old religion and regime, dared to make too much of a public life of it. They didn't wish to be confronted, ridiculed, criticized, ostracized, etc. by those in their lives who had embraced progress, reason, justice, merit, equality, national unity, etc. It was hard to risk being seen as "old-fashioned", "reactionary", "anti-meritocratic", "unpatriotic", "superstitious", "oppressive", etc.

So the final vote was no real shock.....just the degree to which the "public information campaign", with its images of how horrid things were in the old days, especially under the Prophetess and before more recent reforms, as well as propaganda against life in Deadora, Ali-Zebu, Anathaat, and Shrailleen, even under the Feminists in Gloria Regis, were effective and resulted in a landslide of sorts.

Sure, there was still surprising dissent for all that. 8.2% of voters registered their protest at the manner of reunification rather than the reality itself by voting "No." Those who would dare to be interviewed explained it largely in those terms. Still, their voices were drowned out by the 91.8% who voted "Yes."

As soon as the votes were tabulated, certified, and announced, the final preparations were implemented, and the proper stationery that had been pre-ordered replaced the old, offices were vacated and refilled, insignia and flags changed, name signs altered, and the announcements were made....

"Effective at 12:00 am local time, the Scientific State of New Macureus and the Liberated Meritocracy of Old Macureus will cease to exist, and the Socialist State of United Macureus will be formally instituted as a single nation-state, founded upon the principles of meritocracy, equality, socialism, humanity, progress, reason, justice, science, and freedom. Its economic model will be mixed-market, but it will be socialist in the sense of regulatory and social protections for the public interest above private gain. It will be a great advance for the human race and the People of Macureus. The division of our people having ended, national reunification will make us stronger, freer, more progressive, and more respected throughout the region and the world."

[Macureus]

New Macureus City Probe,
Alar Darin

The new Special Executive has been faceless since the dissolution of the two separate national governments and formation of this interim governing body for the reunified nation, but now its membership has been confirmed. The following people are members of the new transitional regime: Anu Namin, Chairman of the Special Executive, Dir Datin, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Idar Calin, Secretary of Information and Communications, Nora Lavin, Secretary of Justice, Aren Dazun, Secretary of Internal Affairs, General Ira Murayawa, Secretary of Military Affairs, Cair Danin, Secretary of Economic Affairs, and Ras Vatin, Secretary of Culture. Of this group, Danin and Vatin were relatively junior officials before, the former having been Chairman of the State Central Bank of the former New Macureus and the latter a recent Mayor of the port city of Lurin. General Ios Melin has been appointed Ambassador to the World Assembly and Delegate to the CPO Peace Council, essentially turning over supreme power entirely to the Special Execution for the transition.

Secretary Calin issued the following statement to the press regarding the policy of the Special Executive of the Socialist State of United Macureus with respect to matters in foreign nations:

As even the current members of the entirely self-appointed Theocratic Republic of New Edom tacitly accepted the legality and legitimacy of the Council of Ministers as appointed under the late Brigadier-General Perrin Pahath-Moab by accepting positions of authority under his Presidency and resigning their former offices, it is illogical and contradictory them to now assert that said Council of Ministers was never legal or lawful, nor a constitutional body, and it is further subversive and inconsistent for them to dispute the legality and supremacy of elections and the constitution authorized by the National Elections Committee appointed by the late President of the Council. Accordingly, the Special Executive recognizes but one national government of the Allied States of New Edom as a legal entity, the Regency of Vice Admiral Prince Elijah Shalmaneser, who was accepted as Regent by the Queen and Heir. It is the lawful and legitimate successor of the previous Interim Government.

Regarding Gloria Regis, it is the position of the Special Executive as the current Premier illegally resumed office without the authorization to do so from the National Government and thereby usurped the lawful powers of the then Military Governor, General Zadok Hesperinus, until such time as martial-law is formally lifted and the Premier reappointed by the Regency of the Allied States of New Edom, neither the so-called Premier, nor her Council of Ministers, nor the Feminist Militia, are to be regarded as legal and duly constituted authorities in the Protectorate of Gloria Regis. Secession by Gloria Regis from the Allied States of New Edom shall not be considered legal nor shall it be recognized by the Special Executive until such time as it is recognized by the Regency.

With respect to the Hemar Islands, the Special Executive is pleased to formally recognize that they are a Protectorate of the High Kingdom of Ossoria. Accordingly, said Protectorate shall be designated and regarded as Ossorian soil and integral territory, regardless of whatever position other nations may take concerning it.

With respect to Arcologia, it is the proposal of the Special Executive that the Union of Urdnotia, Imperium of Arbites Materia, and Republic of Adiron should partition the stateless territory and annex their own distinct zones of the same.

This last statement, while surprising, reveals that the Special Executive is not comfortable with the legal limbo of Arcologia and would prefer to see it annexed to the three nations of Ceti. This would stabilized and resolve the future status of the people and territory of Arcologia. No statements regarding Dengali, Azurlavai, or any other contentious issues have been issued or declared as of this time.

[The Shrailleeni Empire]

She who sees the shadow...

The results of the plebiscite were not surprising to anyone, least of all the agents of S.I.I.

The reunification of the country was a foregone conclusion. Even before the coup the people of Macureus had spoken longingly of it. The division of the two Macurean states had never been as solid a line as the Shrailleeni had hoped. All the political differences in the world seemed unable to permanently keep families, friends, and relationships apart from one another, and the Treaty of Arod ensured that it would remain that way. Regardless of how it had came to be, the Shrailleeni knew that the Macurean people would grab for it eagerly and thankfully.

Even were this not obvious, the talk on the street and from friends and neighbors would make it so. Many of the Shrailleeni native-born, now immigrants, knew those around them well enough to talk politics and learn how strongly the wind was blowing.

But the truth was that the Shrailleeni, even the S.I.I., weren't interested in trying to stop the vote, or even swing it. For all that it was an ally, the Grand Coven had been problematic politically, its interpretation of the official religion unyielding. Old Macurean intelligence assets, both those still in the country and those who had fled to the Shrailleeni Empire, were very clear on this. The Macurean people wanted reunification, democracy, and equality, and Imperial officials recognized that it would be foolish and indeed morally corrupt to deny them this.

What the agents of the S.I.I. were interested in were the dissenting, the opposition, and even those who were simply uncomfortable with giving up all of the old ways. 8.2% was a minority, but that number only reflected those whose minds were set in stone, and the rare few who opposed reunification. How many more supported a united Macureus, but still believed in some of the old ways? How many wanted to have equality and national unity, but also faith and family? The old religion and its traditions had flaws, but it had merits as well. Family, faith, and history still a lasting appeal to many, but even the most moderate viewpoints were now viewed as hostile by the new regime. These people would be looking for an outlet for their discomfort, and with some careful planning this could either be provided...or provoked.

The long-term goal of the S.I.I. was the elimination of Macureus as a military and political threat. It was possible that this goal could be achieved simply by supporting the moderate voices, appealing to tradition, and instigating the new government to reveal its true nature.

[Macureus]

To: Lady Enya Curran
From: Foreign Secretary Dir Datin, Special Executive, United Macureus
CC: Hemar
Encryption: High

Your Excellency,

I wished to add that since it is highly plausible that the decision to recognize your suzerainty over the Hemar Islands will meet with Shrailleeni approval, I strongly recommend that the host nation be one that the Shrailleeni would not dare to offend, such as TECT. If you have any thoughts about this further note, please reply at your convenience.

Science and reason,
Dir Datin, Secretary of Foreign Affairs

[Macureus]

The Congress had taken days since its May Day opening session to sort through its dickering, but finally a government had emerged to replace the Special Executive. It was to be called the Council of Executive Commissars, and its Chairman was the incumbent, Anu Namin. Progressive leaders managed to get a new Deputy Chairman, Silar Kozin, who was handpicked by the Standing Commission of the Progressive Party of Macureus. She was the major change, of course, and thus acted as a liaison between the largest party in Congress, which named the new President of the Congress, Antir Sulon, from its own ranks as well, and the executive, the traditional source of authority in the nation. General Ira Murayawa was retained as Commissar of Defense and Security, Dir Datin was still Foreign Affairs Commissar, Idar Calin was now Commissar of Finance, and Nora Lavin was now Commissar of Trade. Dr. Sivar Ulin of the National Legal Institute was now Commissar of Justice.

The next change was the creation of a Presidency, which was naturally vested in General Ios Melin, since the short absence of him from being head of state had been alarming to people used to his leadership. He was formally elected President by the Congress of People's Deputies for a 6 year term, which meant that he would not become a private citizen again until 2021. Former First Citizen Aren Dazun was chosen as Ambassador to the WA and Delegate to the Peace Council of the CPO in his stead. Of course, for those really in the know, there was never any real illusion that Melin was ever out of power, whatever his nominal office. He was going to be dictator of the nation until the day he died.

President Melin now publicly denounced the Othmani coup as "a serious breach of the peace of the region and international treaties. As we in Macureus are now advancing toward a progressive socialist republic, it would appear that New Othman is regressing back in the direction of a theocracy, the very inhumanity which the people of Old Macureus removed from office despite the Shrailleeni support for superstition and fanaticism. Those of us secular, progressive nations must firmly commit ourselves to the cause of peace and justice."

[Ossoria]

To: Commissar Dir Datin, Second Citizen Idar Calin
From: Lady Enya Curran
Encryption: High

Her Majesty has agreed to your suggestion to hold the meeting in Commoner territory and has contacted them to inquire about the possibility. The Commoners have agreed and suggested that we hold the meeting in the conference suite of the Gottlieb Hotel in Lewerentz, the capital of Franklin Island. They have also offered to provide additional security for the summit in the form of both civilian police and Royal Guard MPs. If this is amenable to your government, we will make the necessary arrangements as soon as is practicable. We will, of course, forward any additional details and concerns to you as they come up, though we do not expect anything serious to develop between now and the summit.

Fair winds,
Lady Enya Curran
Foreign Secretary

[Macureus]

To: Lady Enya Curran, Foreign Secretary of the High Kingdom of Ossoria
From: Dir Datin, Commissar of Foreign Affairs of United Macureus
CC: Conference
Encryption: High

Your Excellency,

The proposed details are perfectly acceptable to the United Macurean government, which, of course, is now headed by Chairman Anu Namin. Please bear in mind that in reality, however, the ultimate power remains with General Ios Melin, who is now President Melin. He has given his approval, however, and accordingly, we are prepare to discuss the details at lower levels of the diplomatic corps of both our nations. This is a sensible and necessary partnership for both of our nations, I am confident, and I have no reason to suppose that you would dissent from that conclusion.

Science and reason,
Dir Datin, Commissar of Foreign Affairs