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Hæstur Palace, Residence of The Scepter
Hæstur, Capital of The Supreme & Sovereign Drakun Imperium
Monday Morning - 24 Hours Before Scepter Gabriel's Speech to The World
Meticulous. The word summed up preparations for the first major televised speech to the international community that Scepter Gabriel Abeloth would deliver. Sure, previous Scepter had given major addresses… the only problem was no one had bothered to even tune in. In fact, a study had showed television ratings had been higher for an infomercial highlighting a discontinued product promising to put an end to the dust bunnies than the speeches of the Scepters. That was changing, and the firm, cold hand of Gabriel, had guided that change into a new reality. From a balcony above Gabriel watched with a grim smile down at the rising stages and television screens amidst the falling snow. Barely an hour from now rehearsals would begin; the careful stage choreography would be practiced over and over again until it was drilled into every square inch of brains involved in the event.
His eyes narrowed as he glimpsed several individuals slacking off in the final stages of the stage’s construction. He would find out their names, and positions then bring on a suitable punishment. There was no time or tolerance for laziness; these men were building the foundation of The Imperium’s reputation in the international community not the scenery for a high school play. His hands, covered by black gloves gripped the balcony’s edges ever more slightly. He swore a small oath to correct those seemingly insignificant laborers’ misbehavior, “If they do not possess the capability to understand the magnitude of their undertaking, I will impress upon them the consequences of ignorance.”
Gabriel’s penchant for rigorous, sometimes brutal enforcement of discipline was legendary. It was what spawned rumor’s from hidden dictatorial ambitions, to a scarred childhood, which could be the only cause for such brutality. Yet these rumors also gave birth to the loyalty of his supporters, the reluctant obedience of his enemies, and the acknowledgment he was no one to be taken lightly or ignored by his rivals – and there were plenty of those who had yet to be marginalized.
“Your Excellence, if I may have a moment of your time?” Called one his secretaries from behind him, a slight shiver in her voice. Gabriel could not tell if it was from fear, or the frigid temperature out here on the balcony.
He didn’t give an answer. She was below him, and not worth a word more than what was necessary. She knew this though; this was how Drakunian society worked. His lack of dismissal signaled that she could disturb his solitude, “The Foreign Executor… he recommends that the seating for foreign dignitaries, media outlets and corporate interests be moved closer to the stage. He fears that their distance from the stage could alienate potential allies.”
His fingers danced along the railing, free from the tight grip his hand had called of them. Gabriel chuckled slightly at the amusing complaint, “So the Executor would have me place foreigners closer to the stage? Closer than my fellow Drakunians? He would undermine centuries of history and facts and imply that these foreigners are of more worth than even the lowest member of our society who found their way in somehow to attend such a historical address?”
“I sought to explain that line of thinking to him Your Excellence –“
“It is the only line of thinking my dear. We act out of the truth, while the world acts out of delusions and foolish dreams. That is what has separated us, and always will from the filth.”
“I understand Excellency.”
“So no, their seating will not be moved. They will be kept at the very back, and in front of no Drakunian citizen, regardless of their family allegiance. Am I clear?”
“As always. Will that be all?”
“Yes…” His eyes fell darted once more towards the final set up, “Actually no. Come here.” Gabriel waved the nameless secretary to his side and pointed down at the fools who, unaware their Scepter was watching, had taken a break and enjoyed a moment of their time lollygagging instead of building his stage. “You see those men down there? Bring them up to the balcony will you.”
Although puzzled she didn’t question the will of her superior.
“My dear, how far down of a drop do you think it is from this balcony?”
Confusion seeping into her voice she didn’t dare a false answer, “I wouldn’t waste your time with a guess sir. I do not know. Only that it is quite a steep drop.”
Gabriel’s smile flashed a hint of pleasure at that answer, although she could not see, “That will suffice. Thank you.” The scepter cracked his knuckles in sadistic anticipation.
Hæstur, Capital of The Supreme & Sovereign Drakun Imperium
Monday Morning - 24 Hours Before Scepter Gabriel's Speech to The World
Meticulous. The word summed up preparations for the first major televised speech to the international community that Scepter Gabriel Abeloth would deliver. Sure, previous Scepter had given major addresses… the only problem was no one had bothered to even tune in. In fact, a study had showed television ratings had been higher for an infomercial highlighting a discontinued product promising to put an end to the dust bunnies than the speeches of the Scepters. That was changing, and the firm, cold hand of Gabriel, had guided that change into a new reality. From a balcony above Gabriel watched with a grim smile down at the rising stages and television screens amidst the falling snow. Barely an hour from now rehearsals would begin; the careful stage choreography would be practiced over and over again until it was drilled into every square inch of brains involved in the event.
His eyes narrowed as he glimpsed several individuals slacking off in the final stages of the stage’s construction. He would find out their names, and positions then bring on a suitable punishment. There was no time or tolerance for laziness; these men were building the foundation of The Imperium’s reputation in the international community not the scenery for a high school play. His hands, covered by black gloves gripped the balcony’s edges ever more slightly. He swore a small oath to correct those seemingly insignificant laborers’ misbehavior, “If they do not possess the capability to understand the magnitude of their undertaking, I will impress upon them the consequences of ignorance.”
Gabriel’s penchant for rigorous, sometimes brutal enforcement of discipline was legendary. It was what spawned rumor’s from hidden dictatorial ambitions, to a scarred childhood, which could be the only cause for such brutality. Yet these rumors also gave birth to the loyalty of his supporters, the reluctant obedience of his enemies, and the acknowledgment he was no one to be taken lightly or ignored by his rivals – and there were plenty of those who had yet to be marginalized.
“Your Excellence, if I may have a moment of your time?” Called one his secretaries from behind him, a slight shiver in her voice. Gabriel could not tell if it was from fear, or the frigid temperature out here on the balcony.
He didn’t give an answer. She was below him, and not worth a word more than what was necessary. She knew this though; this was how Drakunian society worked. His lack of dismissal signaled that she could disturb his solitude, “The Foreign Executor… he recommends that the seating for foreign dignitaries, media outlets and corporate interests be moved closer to the stage. He fears that their distance from the stage could alienate potential allies.”
His fingers danced along the railing, free from the tight grip his hand had called of them. Gabriel chuckled slightly at the amusing complaint, “So the Executor would have me place foreigners closer to the stage? Closer than my fellow Drakunians? He would undermine centuries of history and facts and imply that these foreigners are of more worth than even the lowest member of our society who found their way in somehow to attend such a historical address?”
“I sought to explain that line of thinking to him Your Excellence –“
“It is the only line of thinking my dear. We act out of the truth, while the world acts out of delusions and foolish dreams. That is what has separated us, and always will from the filth.”
“I understand Excellency.”
“So no, their seating will not be moved. They will be kept at the very back, and in front of no Drakunian citizen, regardless of their family allegiance. Am I clear?”
“As always. Will that be all?”
“Yes…” His eyes fell darted once more towards the final set up, “Actually no. Come here.” Gabriel waved the nameless secretary to his side and pointed down at the fools who, unaware their Scepter was watching, had taken a break and enjoyed a moment of their time lollygagging instead of building his stage. “You see those men down there? Bring them up to the balcony will you.”
Although puzzled she didn’t question the will of her superior.
“My dear, how far down of a drop do you think it is from this balcony?”
Confusion seeping into her voice she didn’t dare a false answer, “I wouldn’t waste your time with a guess sir. I do not know. Only that it is quite a steep drop.”
Gabriel’s smile flashed a hint of pleasure at that answer, although she could not see, “That will suffice. Thank you.” The scepter cracked his knuckles in sadistic anticipation.