It's The End Of The World As We Know It [GO Only, Closed]

[Tero Malstreciga]

The Confidence Crisis
Malstrecigano Meltdown 1
Malstrecigano Meltdown 2
The End of the World As We Know It

Griztono, Riviera State, Tero Malstreciga
19th March, 2020

"-is why the best course of action... the BEST COURSE OF ACTION, SENATORS, is voting to compel the Governor to sign the Federation Agreement!" The State Senate erupted once more into screams of outrage, direct threats, jeers and boos. "Making a... MAKING A DELAY on this decision only serves to ISOLATE the state from the rest of the country!" The futile calls for order by the Speaker were barely audible over the cacophony.

Two rows back from the front bench on the right, a few gentlemen quietly exchanged words unnoticed. Scemo tilted his head as he spoke, "Poor Fablo, he really should have stormed out with the rest of his party." The others nodded in agreement, as they watched the lone remaining LibSolPro Senator arguing his case. "How much longer until cloture?" asked an older man, Aveco. Scemo checked his watch, and replied "A few minutes ago. Speaker hasn't noticed yet." The screaming carried on around them, some Senators going so far as to throw pens and other office supplies at each other across the aisle.

Even after Senator Fablo was removed, there was no end in sight to the chaos. The RLP and KLP, nationally unused to being in opposition, had been utterly incapable of pushing in any concerted direction. Koralo supporters denounced Armiro supporters, Armiro supporters denounced Koralo supporters, and both had made moves to eject NSA supporters from their party caucuses. There wasn't even a dip in volume when Majority Leader Mensoganto leaned into his microphone to speak, though the large man had no trouble vocalizing. "SENATORS, I AM OUTRAGED!"

He continued booming though few seemed to notice. "The lies, mistruths, and falsities offered here today should be unacceptable!" Some jeers of support led to balls of paper and other items being thrown at the Speaker, who was forced to duck behind his desk. "It is inconceivable to me that we have expended such time on the sorry delaying tactics of the enemy!" Mensoganto's special term for the opposition was technically against standing orders, but he had been using it for a long time.

The gentlemen a handful of rows back watched from behind as the Majority Leader berated those across the aisle. "Looks like it might finally come up for a vote." Scemo mused as he watched. Krimo, a younger man who the group had picked up as a protege, was excited. "It's about time we throw out the oppressors." The others found him amusing. The Senator was from Yaqonqe Rajtoj, originally, though the recent merger deal in the governing coalition had put him in their party. "ALL IN FAVOUR?"

The Majority Leader had tabled the bill with barely anyone even noticing. The Governing side raised their hands and shouted their ayes over the noise, and the Majority Leader pounded on his desk with his fist in want of a gavel. Without even asking for the votes of the opposed, he proclaimed "THE AYES HAVE IT!" There were cheers from the governing bench, while the RLP and KLP senators opposite threw their binders and documents into the air, many marching out of the chamber in outrage.

"That's it, then. We're independent." Krimo was overjoyed. The others nodded. Aveco, tactless man that he was, turned to Scemo and pondered aloud "So, that means we need a Minister-President." Scemo nodded, affirmingly, but didn't speak. "Is Mensoganto going for it?" He prodded. Scemo shook his head. "No, the Majority Leader will be staying in the legislature, he thinks he can have the most impact here." Krimo turned to him, wide eyed. "Will it be you?" Scemo chuckled lightly, and shook his head once more. "Not me, I was never one for the spotlight. Leadership decided to nominate Murdo Mortigi." He managed to say the words as though they made sense. Aveco furrowed his brow. "Murdo Mortigi, the actor?"

Scemo raised a finger, and added "-the actor and political activist." Aveco sighed and deflated somewhat, but Scemo carried on. "Mensoganto picked him personally, he thinks Mortigi will be easier to control than any of us." Aveco sat back up and leaned forwards. "Is he a member?" Krimo looked confused, and interjected "Of the party?" The other gentlemen turned to him for a moment, surprised. He really was quite naive.

[Tero Malstreciga]

Rua Nebulo, Riverine Republic
21th March, 2020

Adamo Mensoganto aimlessly glared at the passing mansions as the state car drove him down one of the most famous streets in Tero Malstreciga. Not in Tero Malstreciga anymore, he mused.

It had taken many frustrating hours to arrange a time that "played nicely" with the new Minister-President's schedule, as he himself had put it. Finally, however, he had come to an arrangement with the petulant man, and he could get the rubber stamp for some key appointments. Most importantly he wanted to pack the courts as quickly as possible, but there were of course a number of minor executive roles to be filled. And once that business was sorted, Adamo could get back to getting this country off the ground. Maybe he'd table the National Symbols Bill tomorrow...

As the driver pulled in to one of the winding driveways, Adamo got a good look at the home of Murdo Mortigi. The estate was beautiful, of course, and the home itself stood out from the other gaudy monstrosities along the avenue for its distinctive observatory. He doubted Mortigi used the thing, in all honesty, he didn't seem much like an intellectual. But he certainly loved to project an image.

After being welcomed into the house by a private security guard, Adamo was led down far too many corridors, before arriving at the in-house gym. Being let in, he entered to see Mortigi in the middle of a routine of bench presses, shirtless. He had a personal trainer behind him, muttering something. Mortigi called out across the gym, "Adamo! I'm glad you're here. Come over here, will ya?" Adamo nearly sighed. It was already later than their scheduled meeting time and the Minister-President seemed in no rush.

He walked over, manila folders in his hands, and cleared his throat. "Mister Minister-President, congratulations on your election." Mortigi set the barbell down a final time, and sat up on the bench. "Come on now, I have you to thank for that, huh?" Mortigi grinned at him. He suddenly stood up from the bench and entered Adamo's personal space, at which point Adamo became acutely aware of the man's size. They held eye contact for a few moments, before Mortigi glanced and nodded downwards. Looking down, his hand was held out to shake. Adamo let out a small exclamation and took his hand, shaking it.

The Minister-President's grip was powerful, and went on for perhaps a second too long. Suddenly, he slapped Adamo on the shoulder and let go of his hand. As he turned to grab something from his exercise bag, he started speaking. "Come on then, what did you come out to talk about?" Adamo was about to speak when Mortigi turned back around, holding out a protein bar. He held it out to Adamo for a few seconds, who did not move, before nodding and biting into it himself.

"I, uh, Minister-President, I've brought some recommendations for appointments to the executive. For Chief Justice we were thinking-" Mortigi tilted his head to the side. "No need, I've already made a decision on that." Adamo furrowed his brow and opened one of his folders, stuttering. Mortigi carried on. "It's my responsibility as Minister-President, right?" Mortigi's stare was strangely focused. Adamo nodded.