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Radilo

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1870

Valmy, Kingdom of Montelimar

To His Catholic Majesty King Louis IX of Montelimar,

There are issues that I would like to petition for the redress of. If it is acceptable I would like to present these to you within a few days time. I thank you in advance for your hospitality.

Humbly,
Jas Lyon Moet Hennessy, Baron of Cognac and Duke of Champagne

Humbleness was not a virtue that was held at all by Jas.


At Hennessy’s chateau in Valmy, Lunette sat quietly in a simple nightgown reading a book. She was alone in her suite resting by fireplace. The flames cast a soft glow in the stone walls. Her large eyes jotted quickly along each page… she felt happy then. The task that she was there to aid was not likely to be easy. The King as a stubborn man, and he would be reluctant to relinquish the last gem in his crown. She was confident, though, and that made her calm. She would fall asleep early that night, dreaming about her home and family. This was for them.

Jas had called upon his old friend, Prince Henri, to join him in his effort. Late that evening the prince arrived at the chateau. Jas and the prince shared salutations; it had been over a year since they had seen each other.

“Henri,” Jas said, “I need help in dealing with your father.”
 
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1870

Hennessy Chateau
Valmy, Kingdom of Montelimar

Henri Charles de Brissac, Prince Royal of Montelimar, Duke of Bourgogne, is a tall, handsome, athletic man with piercing blue eyes and dark hair. His intelligence, friendly demeanor and charismatic personality has made him beloved by Montelimarians, both noble and commoner alike. He is a man who is as much at home in a boardroom, or on a drill field as he is in the royal court.

Henri had met Jas Hennessy many years ago while visiting Radilo. It was just after Louis was crowned King that, as the Prince Royal, Henri was tasked to tour the royal overseas holdings. So, as the Hennessy's wealth and prestige in Radilo rivaled that of the Crown, it was inevitable that he and Jas Lyon Moet Hennessy would meet. Though many had thought such a meeting would turn out to be a clash of personalities, as the twenty-six year old prince had already made a reputation as a charmer as well as a shrewd politician and businessman, it ended up being the beginning of what would be a long friendship.

In the years to come, Henri proved to Jas to be a fiercely loyal friend but he also showed that he did inherit something of his father, that it was woe to those who ever crossed him. For those who proved they were true and loyal , the Prince's friendship was something to be cherished, but those who ever had the misfortune of making an enemy Henri, rued the day they ran afowl of the Prince Royal.

As Henri's friendship was cherished by those who had it, so were their friendship cherished by Henri. So when he had been informed that Jas Hennessy was in Valmy, Henri did not hesitate to accept his friend's invitation.

Upon arriving, and the after the expected greeting and toasts, Henri was hoping that Jas would tell him the more entertaining goings-on in his friend's life, so it was natural Henri chuckled and smiled at his friend request as he was not expecting the conversation would turn serious.

"Help you deal with King Louis? Jas! I am surprised at you. I am merely his son and heir to the throne, do you really think I can be in any way a help to you?"

Henri's smile soon disappears when the look on Hennessy’s face tells him the request was not in jest.

"You're serious, aren't you? If you are asking help to deal with my father, it must be important. Jas, I am almost afraid to ask, but what kind of scheme are you hatching in that head of yours?"
 

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“You know as well as I do that it is the desire of the Radilan people to have independence. I know your father will be reluctant to do so, and the rest of the aristocracy is weary about loosing their holdings in the South. But you can tell your father that he will still be the king of Radilo and that the holdings of nobility will continue to be honored.”

Jas paused, and then continued.

“You know as well as I do that the arch of history bends towards liberty. How often were we drunk in Nouveau Port when you spoke to me about your dreams of bringing Montelimar out of the ages of monarchy and into the golden epoch of democracy? Part of that, you know well, is granting colonies independence. The people of the colonies want independence and seeing neighboring colonies gain independence makes them envious of that. Give them a ballot; let them make their own future. You loose nothing, but will gain immortality.

He stopped, he felt heavy and somewhat dizzy. “I wish I could talk to you about business and reminisce of a time where you and I were less burdened. That girl I brought with me… she can explain everything to you in detail and jargon that even I hardly understand. You will admire it though.

Jas made his way to a marble counter where he poured himself and Henri a drink from a crystal decanter. “In the South we drink cognac on the rocks, I could put some in yours unless you like it neat.”
 
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"Neat...and make it a double!"

Taking the glass from Hennessy, Henri contemplates downing the whole thing in one, then thinks better of it.

"Jas, I know what they want, and I know what you want, and I do know what I said, and I stand by it and if I were King.......Jas, I am not going to try and talk you out of this, but you must realize that we need to be very patient and very careful on how this is presented. If it is done right, you and they will get what you all want. But if we do it wrong, not only will Louis refuse, he will see to it that all of Radilo sees it his way, even if that means at the point of a bayonet.... And you and I my friend, we can contemplate what went wrong while being led to the gallows, after all, I am only the King's son."

Now he drinks down the entire glass of cognac, savoring the taste as if he will never enjoy the likes of it again. Then, setting the glass down, Henri looks over at his friend.

"Ok, Jas. Let me hear what the girl has to say."
 

Radilo

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Jas nodded and led Henri to the suite were Lunette was staying. She had fallen asleep on a leather sofa with a book in her hands.

“Lunette,” Jas said a little loudly as to wake her. Here eyes popped open and she quickly stood up. “This is Prince Henri, he would like to hear you proposals.”

A large smile grew across her face; she curtsied to the royal.

“I have written a draft constitution for Radilo. I think your father and the Court might find it very agreeable,” Lunette said optimistically.

She walked over to the oak secretary desk in her room. She opened it and took out a docket of paper that he had prepared. He handed this to Henri.

“From what I know this is not by any means unconventional. I drafted to so as to accommodate the competing interests of Montelimar, Radilo, and their respective populations. In brief, Radilo would be an independent dominion under the sovereign of the King of Montelimar.

It would be based on the parliamentary model in which a government is answerable to a democratically elected lower house. I think that because of the different competing interests in Radilo and Montelimar than it would be best to have an upper house appointed by the King. This house could veto legislation, but could ultimately be overridden by the lower house—to ensure that ultimately it is the people who are in control. The Monteliman Law Lords would act as the ultimate constitutional court.

I the draft I gave you goes in to much more specific detail about this, but I think that the whole system could work.”

“You wrote this?” asked Henri staring at the young girl.

Lunette smiled and nodded. Henri looked over at Jas.

“Where did you find this girl?”

“She was a worker in my vineyards. She had befriended my daughter. I though it would be a waste for such a brilliant young girl to spend her life picking grapes. So I paid for her jurist doctorate. I confess she is more intelligent on such matters of law and state as I am.”
 
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The more he reads though the proposal, the more Henri was impressed, not only with the document but also by the woman that wrote it.

"Well young lady, I am very impressed. Though I must admit that I am not an expert on the finer points of Montelimarian law, and like it or not, until such time Radilo can legislate their own, it is Montelimarian laws they must live under, but a little fine tuning, this document just might stand up to any legal challenges that might be brought against it beyond those objections my father might have."

Setting the document down, Henri closes his eyes and tries to visualize the future. Even with his support, Henri knows this will be an uphill fight especially when it is found out that the author of the document is, not only a woman, but one of Radilan native blood and not much older than a girl. Will the King or the court even take her seriously. Henri looks intently at the young woman, it will likely come down to her. This intelligent and determined young woman. Maybe, just maybe, once they hear her, they just might be persuaded.......

"Well Jas, do you think she is up to the challenge?"

The Prince smiles at the young woman, and without waiting for his friend's reply, he directs the question at Lunette "Are you up to the challenge of becoming the Mother of your country?"
 

Radilo

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Lunette smiled, “yes I am,” he said almost in a whisper.

Henri looked over to his friend, Jas nodded.

“I need you to schmooze up the court for her. If you have to, lie, say I wrote it they might be more willing to listen… but that’s your choice, you know these people better than I do.”

Henri nodded, “Give me three days, Lunette, and I will get my father to at least hear your case.”

Henri leaned over to Lunette and hugged her, “Merci” she whispered into his ear.

Jas and Henri exchanged good buys and the prince left the chateau.

Jas winked to Lunette; they both knew it would be a long three days.
 

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The Day before Lunette was to give her address the royal court; Jas had arranged a surprise for her. For her big moment she would have the company of her husband, daughter and friends.

Lunette awoke to the first rays of the spring sun. Still dressed in her nightgown, she made her way through the chateau to the morning room where she was going to get breakfast before doing the final preparations on her address. She was elated when she saw her friends gathered. She ran to her husband, holding her child, and embraced them both. She also gave Renée long kiss.

The group had breakfast together. Lunette updated them on the progress she had made. Everyone began to feel the excitement that was brewing. For the rest of the day Lunette would work on her paper, on-and-off while spending time with her friends and playing with her daughter.

That night after most everyone had gone to bed, Lunette and Renée lied in bed together talking.

“It is hard to believe that my little wife has done so much.”

“I know, three years ago I was picking grapes… now I am overthrowing empires.”

The two laughed and kissed. There was no level of happiness greater that what these two lovers felt. All of their dreams were coming true.

In his own suite though, Jas Lyon was not feeling so confident. It was out of his hands now, and while he believed that Lunette was more than up to the challenge, he did not know if the Royal Court would accept her. He would get little sleep that night.
 

Radilo

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1852

Nouveau Port

Haat Bulvier died a few years before Jas Lyon and Henri became friends, but what he wrote and said would have a major impact on the two young aristocrats—and the whole world. Haat was, before his murder, the preeminent writer and orator of the growing Radilan Independence Movement. He had met Jas at a political meeting in Nouveau Port a few years prior to his death.

Haat was something that many viewed to be threatening; he was a very well educated black man who was not afraid to stand up to the establishment. Over the course of their friendship, Jas had to bail him out of jail more than once (or had to arrange to have both of them bailed out).

Born Michael Jats Bulvier, Haat had changed his name to reflect the old Nethian word for poet: Haatbüt (sometimes spelled hatbooth). He was the first prominent figure to advocate for the rebirth of some of the ancient aspects of Nethian culture.

Haat had a major influence on Jas and the other bourgeois of that time. His writings would serve as a rallying point for the independence movement, and later the anti-Apartheid movement.

~~~~~~~~~~~

At the same time in the grimy slums of Nouveau Port, a young girl walked alone in tattered clothes. Her mother had died or had abandoned her. She wasn’t much older than a toddler when she had to begin to fend for herself. Passersby would be kind to the young girl, giving her a few sous (pennies) or something to eat. Despite spending her childhood as a beggar little Lunette never lost her sense of optimism and hope; even while panhandling she would smile. None of those Passersby knew it, but the unusual optimism in that little beggar would lead, one day, to the formation of a new country.

1926

The end was so different then the beginning for Lunette. Born in rags she was destined for a pauper’s grave, but despite this she always looked on the bright side of things; she always hoped. She died scarred by pessimism and woeful to the future—she was laid to rest in a marble and gold sarcophagus in Le-Place-des-Champions.
 

Radilo

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1870

Royal Palace, Valmy

There was a long silence in the in throne room prior to the address of Lunette. The Monteliman Royal Court in its entirety was assembled to hear the petition. Jas Lyon had taken his rightful seat amongst the lords. Louis IX sat in his golden throne awaiting the formal petition. The scene was one burdened by pomp, if the whole room wasn’t gilded the aura it emitted was. High treason never had such an ennobled venue.

Standing outside of the hall was Lunette and Renée. She wasn’t nervous; she knew what she needed to do and how to do it. The lovers kissed then Renée left for the visitors’ gallery above the chamber, joining their friends. Prince Henri nodded to Jas—it was time. Jas stood up.

“Your Majesty, Your Highness, my collogues,” he started, “I stand here today to petition for the independence of the Colony of Radilo.”

There was an audible gasp, whispering ensued.

“I must confess to this honourable court that I am ignorant in the realm of jurisprudence, so I ask for the permission to invite a stranger to address the court.” There was a long pause—all eyes were laid upon the king.

Louis nodded; the Royal Guards opened the large doors, and Lunette walked in. Again there was a flurry of whispers. The king had a perplexed look on his face; his eyes jotted to Jas.

“My friends this is Dr. Lunette DeGinghs; she will be presenting, on behalf of the Radilan Independence Movement, the arguments for such independence.”

Lunette curtsied before the King and the court.

“Your Majesty, Your Highness, honourable lords and ladies of Montelimar, I come before you today to petition for the independence of my country…”
 

Radilo

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"I shall not lecture you on the virtues of self-determination or of liberty; rather, I shall inform you of the new system of government that I am proposing for Radilo--that will be to both of our countries' benefit.

I had drafted a constitution for a Dominion of Radilo, an independent nation under the sovereignty of the Monteliman Crown. There would be a Government, headed by the King and his chosen ministers. There would be a legislature elected by the people of Radilo, to whom that Government would answer. But to balance and check the people, there would be an upper house of this legislature appointed by the King.

I can provide you with many more details about this new system and the new way of doing things. It is not as radical as many contend. It is not perfect, but nothing in the discourse of human events is...

I ask you on behalf of my child, my husband, my friends, and my country to consider the proposal I have given you today. I will clarify or answer any questions you have about it."

That was it... a very short speech. Lunette was wise not to give a long speech; she did not want to step on any toes here, and a long winded lecture about democracy would do just that. Flowery arguments were not going to help in her cause.

Jas had given the court copies of Lunette's draft constitution the day before, so they would have time to look it over. In answering their questions Lunette would best be able to convince them.



OOC: I would have put more into the speech but its 3:00 am Friday night (or Saturday morning) and I'm not exactly too sober.
 

Radilo

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“My lass,” asked the King, “what benefits would there be for us in granting our last colony independence?”

“Your Catholic Majesty knows of the growing unrest amongst the populace of Radilo, and while I do not contend treason, all here assembled know that ultimately colonialism will die. It shall die on terms favorable to Your Catholic Majesty, or not,” she responded.

“Despite your suggestion to the contrary it sounds like treason is being contended.”

“Treason is not being contended here; rather it would be contended in the tropics over the preceding years, long after I’m hung.”

Jas wasn’t too happy with her last remark… but it was out of his hands now.

“So, my young traitor, how else would this benefit me?”

“An independent Radilo would allow Montelimar to abandon her colonial past and fully stride into the twentieth century – head held high.”

“Indeed,” said Louis with a smirk, “but what will my Empire loose?”

“She will loose only absolute control over a territory, but little else. Tell me your Majesty, what revenues does the Empire get from Radilo that it does not have to return to the colony in services? How will this damage your reputation as a strong leader when you will still sit at the nation’s helm?” Lunette responded in an elevated tone.

“If I am to sit at the helm of this new dominion, will I also command her army and navy? And can Montelimar be sure that Radilo will come to her mother’s aid in times of crises?”

“Yes, My King. You will have the same role in Radilo’s army as you do in Monelimar’s now. And Radilo will always come to the aid of its mother country.”

“What of the nobles,” he said as he gestured towards the assembled lords, “what about them? Will they be able to keep their property and titles, without the treat of seizure from a radical government?”

“I do not believe the Hennessy family would be so enthusiastic about this, if their rights were not being protected,” she quickly rebutted. Again whispers filled the hall.

“Would my little traitor then tell me, again, why should I assume all of the risks for this little venture? Why should I offer so much to risk to only to enable a democracy?”

“My good King, you know as well as I that within a generation it will be the people of Montelimar who will determine their own fate. This is the inevitable march of history. And your son, and the lords of this chamber will make sure of that.”

The King looked over at his son…

Louis IX knew of his son’s radical tendencies. He knew she was right… their whole family was notoriously stubborn, but they were not stupid.

“Alright Dr. DeGinghs, Radilo will eventually have her freedom… but there is much work that needs to be done.”

Jas breathed a sigh of relief. He would return to Radilo, along with Lunette’s friends. Lunette, along with her husband and daughter, would stay, spending the next three years haggling with the Royal Court over the specifics of Radilan sovereignty.
 

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For the next three years Lunette hashed out the specifics of a Carte National for Radilo. It was a long and tedious process, orchestrated of herself and a handful of expert Law Lords. And while the document was itself not very long and still relatively vague, it was able to assure each group that it’s powers and privileges would be protected.

In late October 1873, Lunette and her family traveled back to Radilo, escorted by King Louis IV and Prince Henri. They arrived to celebrations in Nouveau Port. The final preparations were made for a formal ceremony to grant Radilo its independence.

November 1, 1873—Independence Day—Nouveau Port: On the steps of the newly constructed Capitol Building, which had been built in the expectation of this event, stood the two Royals, Lunette, and other honored guests. The whole city was draped in gold and white, Radilo’s new national colors.

There was an aura of victory in the crowds that had assembled. But no conquest had been made, nor had any revolt been won. But there was a revolution that had been won. It was a revolution of ideas, and both Radilo and Montelimar were now seeing its results.
 

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1875

Chamber of the National Assembly, Nouveau Port

Lunette had been Prime Minister for a few years, and was enjoying broad support for her radical agenda. The Independence Movement did not stay together after independence was achieved; instead it split up into factions and political parties. Lunette and her supporters had formed the Radical Socialist Party, which was the largest party in Parliament. But there were many parties, and The Radical Socialists did not have enough seats to form a majority. So they sat in a bloc with The Radical Party and the Rally for Socialism and Democracy. The Radicals were led by Jas Lyon, who was at the time sitting as the presiding officer of the Assembly of Lords, the upper house. In opposition to Lunette and Jas’s bloc were the Liberal Party and the Progressive Conservative Party. A third group also existed in Parliament, to the dismay of Lunette and Jas: the Nationalist Front. The Nationalists were a far rightwing and racist party that wanted ethnic separation, or, more honestly, white domination. But they were a small group, and few saw them as a threat to the established government.

Lunette was preparing for debate. She readied her papers and fed her new baby, little Antoinette. After laying her down in her crib, Lunette left her office. It was an odd thing, in an office decorated with mahogany wood and gilded stucco—the seat of national power no less—had a little crib in it. Odder still was the way Lunette would enter the Chamber for debates: barefoot and wearing a simple white sundress. She was elegant in her simplicity. It was always warm so why should she burden herself with formal dresses and corsets. In the chamber was a stark contrast, mostly men in black suites, nearly all older then her. Here was a woman, who was not yet thirty, in command of all of them.

The Speaker of the Assembly, dressed in the full regalia of a Monteliman Law Lord, gaveled the session into order. The legislation being debated was expected to pass easily. It was to make all universities publicly funded. It would enable anyone to attend college for no cost to them, save books and boarding, but even these would be subsidized for low-income students. Nearly all of the parties supported it, even the Liberals.

“Would the Right Honourable Gentlewoman present the legislation for a full review by the Chamber.”

“Indeed Monsieur Speaker,” she replied. She walked to the dossier and handed the papers to the clerk.

“Does the Right Honourable Gentleman have any objections to starting the final voting on the legislation?” said the Speaker to the Opposition leader.

“The Opposition had no objections to the procedure, Monsieur Speaker.”

“Will the clerk call the roll.”

“Monsieur Aaron.”

“Aye.”

“Madame Aloise”

“Aye.”

“Monsieur Boxeur.”

“Aye.”



“Monsieur Opposition Leader”

“Aye.”

“Madame Prime Minister”

“Aye.”

“With a vote of 227 to 23, the measure passes.” The Speaker gaveled, as a cheer went through the chamber. “Will the clerk present the legislation to the House of Lords for their confirmation.”

The measure would pass in the Lords by a large margin, though not as large as in the Assembly. The Lords could not amend the legislation themselves; only send it back to the Assembly with their recommendations. Even then, the Assembly could override the Lords with a 2/3 majority (which would have obviously been enough supporters to do that).
 

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Cognac

Jas Lyon seemed always to be angry. But it would seem that he had a right to be, as he never had much success at anything. This didn't dishearten him though, it only led to an even more fiery passion. He would keep fighting, and being angry, until his objectives were met.

Jas Lyon was nothing like his mother, Lunette, who never got angry, and was lulled into pessimism by failure.

Jas Lyon DeGinghs was the youngest child of Lunette and Renee. But he seemed more to take after his namesake then any member of his family. Jas Lyon Hennessy and Lunette reacted very differently after their dreams fell apart. Hennessy was unapologetic in his vocal opposition to the Second Republic (Apartheid Regime); Lunette was the same way for a while. But after decades with little progress made, she became a recluse. When Renee died, her depression only deepened. She was able to some find comfort in her children and grandchildren, but she was never again the optimistic vineyard worker who led her country to freedom.

Hennessy had died of sclerosis... but everyone saw that coming, as his already heavy binging became evermore intense towards the end. Lunette was now very fragile, and was nearly bedridden; here time was coming near.

...

Jas Lyon sat in a cafe in Cognac. He lit another cigarette and continued fumbling through his papers.

"Monsieur," said a waiter, "this section is for coloureds."

"Do you think I give a damn," he said, not looking up.
 

Radilo

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Nouveau Port

Lunette took her spot in Parliament, and again she cradled in her arms a little baby, Little Jas Lyon.

"Mr. Speaker," the Opposition Leader started, "I believe there is a stranger in this house."

He was referring to Little Jas; a laugh went through the chamber.

"I do not think this little stranger is much of a threat, Mr. Speaker," Lunette smirked.

"The Chair is inclined to agree with the Right Honourable Gentlewoman."

"Thank you Mr. Speaker," said the Prime Minister

"Well if the little stranger is not a distraction to the Right Honourable Gentlewoman, than I offer no further objections, Mr. Speaker. I would, however, like to ask the Prime Minister to address the concerns of my constituents: will the Government expand the estate tax to include non-monetary inheritances?"

"Mr. Speaker, my Right Honourable friend must understand that this government is in no position to tax anything but primary fiat income. The tax on trust funds is not a real estate tax. Besides such a measure would never get past the Lords."

...

Later that day

“I’m not entirely convinced raising the estate tax would be very good for me. My district isn’t as custom made as yours, Prime Minister.”

“Well Deputy,” she said while breast feeding little Jas, “I can promise that I will campaign for you. I need all of the votes I can get; I doubt I’ll get one Liberal vote.”

“The voters who support you are already going to vote for me… I need something bigger.”

The Prime Minster leaned forward, and burped little Jas on her shoulder.

“Well,” she started, “The appropriations committee isn’t planning on building that naval base in Bruke; I will suggest that they reconsider.”

“Thank you Prime Minister,” he said as he left her office.
 

Radilo

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Nouveau Port

By all accounts things were going well in Radilo. Since Lunette had ascended to the Premiership the GDP had doubled; college was readily affordable; social security had ended old age poverty, and welfare had lifted most others out of it; and a nationwide highway and rail system brought modernity to the whole country. Racial tensions were at an all time low and the whole Dominion was steaming head-held-high into the twentieth century.

There was to be an election that year, and despite the progress made under DeGinghs, many politico observers believed that the populace was ready to give the Liberals a chance at governing.

Several months before the election, the Paul Mason Index began to teeter. A recession followed. It was nothing spectacular, but just enough to all but insure the end of Lunette’s tenure. The Liberals felt confident that they would be granted the reigns of state.

There was one group, however, that finally saw their opportunity to take advantage of the weakened economy. The National Front had never enjoyed more then three percent of the electorate’s support, but they new saw their opportunity to gain power. They began an aggressive campaign to persuade the public into believing that it was Lunette’s radical agenda that had caused the economic downturn. Also they pinned the blame on the country’s black population; saying that they were the one’s reaping all of the benefits from the reforms—on the backs of white people.

This message began to take hold. With only a few months before the election the National Front was polling at 25%, higher than any other one party. It would not be enough to form a government… but another concern was brewing. The National Front began to intimate black voters.

Within a few months their reign of terror was becoming increasingly difficult for the government to control. If this was kept up until the election, they could very well grasp real power within the National Assembly.

Something had to be done.
 

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Nouveau Port

Patron Orvillier was not the type of person one would suspect of being the leader of the National Front. He did not have the domineering personality that many of the NF’s other leaders possessed; nor was he terribly aggressive or vitriolic. His power was wielded behind the scenes of the NF… others were left responsible for racist tirades that were the party’s trademark. He had briefly served as a member of the National Assembly, but he had made little legislative impact—he was outcaste from the deliberative process because of his affiliation. But he still had managed to gain a great amount of insight into the delicate workings of Radilan politics.

The recession had made for him an opportunity to put this insight to the test. He understood that the racial tensions that had plagued Radilo for generations could be instantly reignited. If DeGinghs lost support amongst whites he knew he would easily be able to seize power. Blacks still made up over two-thirds of the population, but they could be efficiently sidelined via his goons. He knew that the majority of the police forces and military were white; so if he turned them, suppressing the Nethian vote would be a cakewalk.

Office of the Prime Minister

“Explain to me Colonel why your men are reluctant to follow my orders.”

“Madame Primer, I believe you know full well why they will not. To be honest, it looks like Orviller has more power than you in this country.”

“Well he is not. If any of your subordinates refuse to follow your orders, fire them.”

“Oui Madame,” he said as he left the room.

Lunette collapsed into her chair, and rested her forehead in her palm.

“You know what kind of message Orviller is sending to us,” Jas said as he walked into the room. “And the message is being heard by everyone. We seem weak compared to him. The only reason he does not stage a coup now is that he is patient enough to wait for the legitimacy the election will offer him.”

“I know Jas,” she said, “I don’t think there is much we can do about it.”

“Hmmm,” Jas grunted as he walked over to a crystal decanter and poured himself a drink. “Do you know what your problem is Lunette… you want to play by the rules. You use to be good at breaking rules; what happened?”

“I got use to getting things my way… why break the rules when you don’t need to.”

“Well now we need to. We cannot let Orviller take power or we will see everything we have built torn down.”

“I know that; but I don’t see a way we can stop him.”

“I might have a way… King Henri will be making a state visit in a week, I think the three of us will be able to work something out.”
 

Radilo

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1884

Nouveau Port

Jas stood next to Henri as the battalion of troops marched by. It was the official welcoming ceremony for the King of Radilo.

“It seems there are very few Nethians amongst the ranks,” commented Henri.

“That is our problem,” said Hennessy, still looking forward.


Prime Minister’s Office

“So Orviller,” asked the King, “what are his chances of winning?”

“If by winning you mean he will terrorize the electorate into making him Prime Minister?” said Lunette. “Then it is all but certain.”

“He commands the loyalty of the police and the military,” pointed our Jas.

“So the situation has all but collapsed,” murmured the King, “How much power can the Lords or I exert?”

“If he ends up controlling almost all of the seats in the Assembly… there isn’t much anyone can do politically. The Assembly can override the Lords with a 2/3 vote. And if you refuse to appoint him the Assembly can force a confidence motion to strip you of that power. And dissolving the assembly would just start the election process over again, but with him in power. Had I known I wouldn’t have…”

“Lunette,” Hennessy interrupted, “the constitution you wrote is not at blame here.”

There was a long pause, then Hennessy continued.

“There is still an out, Lunette, isn’t there? Remember, you did leave one last way for the King to quell the National Assembly.”

“The only way the King can outright suspend the National Assembly is if it votes to commit treason,” said Lunette, sounding doubtful.

“Then that is what we will do,” said Hennessy, “again.”


OOC: after a three-month gap, I figured it was time to start this up again.
 

Radilo

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Location
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1924

Cognac


Jas knew the cafe wouldn't call anyone, wouldn't report him. His mother was the mother of the country--he was Radilo's sibling. So he continued to sit in the wrong section of the cafe.

"Dr. DeGinghs," announced a large black man walking up to him.

"Tony," said Jas standing up to embrace him, "how have you been?"

"Good," he said, "how's life been in the white neighborhood?

"Well good for now, my mums not doing to well."

“Sorry to hear that."

"She's been for a while... regardless how has your business gone?"

"I'm moving to Arendaal in six months."

"You're buying your equality?"

"For lack of a better word; yes."


Late that evening Jas returned to his apartment. His four little girls were in bed; his wife was up drinking wine.

"Where have you been?" she asked, standing up to greet him.

"Out drinking and gallivanting with questionable women," he said embracing her and kissing her forehead.

“I had suspected that,” she said, kissing him back.

The two sat down at the table, his wife poured him some wine.

“Tony is moving to Arendaal,” he said, lighting another cigarette.

“I’m not surprised,” she said, “I would too. By the way, Hennessy called.”

“What did he want?”

“To know where you are going to meet with… you know.”

“I’ll call him in the morning. The meeting is scheduled for a week from tomorrow.”


1884

Residence of the Speaker, Nouveau Port


“You are awfully late honey,” said Jas’s wife when he walked in.

He smiled and embraced her.

“You should know by know not to expect anything different.”

The two sat down in the parlor, Jas poured each of them a drink.

“Klarissa,” he said handing her the snifter, “we might have to move to Arendaal.”

“Why?” she said, with a tone of concern in her voice.

“We cannot be in Radilo when things start to unravel.”

“What is going to unravel?” she said, now worried.

“The only way to stop Perrin is to dissolve the government and enact articles of rebellion against the King of Montelimar. We cannot keep our titles and holdings if I participate in a republican led treason against Henri. So we will have to be out of the country when it happens.”

“Why does anyone have to commit treason?”

“If the King just dissolves the Parliament it will just delay Orviller’s takeover, Perrin has control of the army and police. If the Parliament, under DeGings’ control, declares Radilo to be a republic, then the King has grounds to dismiss the whole government and order in Royal forces, loyal to him, to occupy Radilo. They can then dismantle the army and police loyal to Perrin. Once the Nationalists are taken out, then Radilo’s status as a Dominion can be restored.”

Klarissa looked at him for a time.

“And what will happen to Lunette?”

“She will be “arrested” and taken back, with her family, to Valmy, where they will be protected. Then there will be a fake trial and she will be pardoned by the King and re-instated as Radilo’s governor.”

“So you, Henri, and Lunette spent all day planning this all out?”

“Yes. But because of whom I am, I cannot be anywhere near this when it happens, so we are going to have to stay with your niece in Arendaal for a time.”

Her eyes became bright, and a smile appeared on her face.

“I’ve always loved you and your crazy ideas,” she said, hugging him, “I have missed the royal palace.”


OOC: Klarissa is aunt of Queen Louisa I of Arendaal.
 
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