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Ryccia · 09-25-2021, 06:17 PM

Imperial Palace, Daonlathas
The Core, Ryccian Empire

It had been a chaotic week. The Emperor had taken temporary control of the state. He knew he had to in order to at least try to reset everything and renew the promise of his ancestor, but he was also afraid to death. What if this event became a precedent in the future? What if the military becomes politically prominent in the Empire in future generations? What if his own successors become greedy and continue to seize the power of the state? The Emperor was aware that, if nothing was done now, then the realm would collapse. But, if he failed, he would unleash another horror on the Empire. Only Fate can deliver such judgement.

The Emperor was a political novice. He was highly-educated, yes, and he was a historian by profession, but he was acutely aware that he was entering an arena of fierce jaguars and cunning snakes. What was he compared to these experts in deception, manipulation and control?

He called someone whose dynasty had experience in taming the beasts of the political and military realms. The Stoinian King.

Officially, this call was in relation to the safety of his brother, the Prince-Imperial Charles. He was stuck in Cornucopia and unexpectedly took up arms for the Stoinians, Fate knows why. However, this holographic meeting was actually to earn the insight of a man who had faced this path before, and who is facing this fate again.

"Ah, King Andrei of Stoinia. It is a pleasure to speak with you once more"

The Stoinian King was facing extinction again. That much had become apparent from this Venterran Incursion. His people faced such threats before once by the Mardakii and another time by the Velutarians. When he was barely a toddler the Velutarians ignited the war the would reshape Stoinian society. A war in which could do nothing but stand and watch. He vowed to himself he wouldn't allow such a thing to happen again. Yet, he failed. Now amongst all the troubles in his realm and beyond, the Ryccian Emperor had requested an audience with him. Even the Ryccian Empire had underwent a coup after a coup and he feared that in that chaos, the Ryccians, as decadent as they may be, might be reawaken into some much more dangerous.
He looked sternly and proudly at the Emperor over the holocoms. Holding his hand on his sword, yet smiling with a sparkle in his eye. He then spoke with his baritone voice.
"Emperor Alexander. The pleasure is mine during these troubling times. I'm glad we can still find some time of peace. How may I help you?"

"As you may be aware by now, my brother, the Prince-Imperial Charles, is in quite of a predicament in your world of Cornucopia. I understand he is now bearing arms and fighting in your stead?"

"The entirety of Cornucopia is a predicament in case you haven't noticed and if I could change our places I would, so don't insult my honour with such statements. I've watch my people die during the Velutarian War as they fought in my stead and I regret every single loss. So don't insult my honour again."
The King let his statement sink in for a moment. While he spoke calmly, his face revealed much irritation to the Emperor's tone. He should have remembered not to insult a Stoinian's honour, but given the situation he was in, Andrei let is slide and smiled again.
"The situation of Cornucopia is growing worse by the hour. Though I think his guards will be more than capable to keep him safe. Our forces will hold the line, the spire cities are designed fortifications and the Venterrans will bleed for every inch. By the time they gain any strong foothold on the planet, we'll be able to rescue them as our armadas have mobilized and enter offensive range."

"...I understand. Please, I do respectfully request that you instruct the relevant officials to keep the Imperial Palace and our Foreign Ministry up to date with the latest developments. As you may imagine, having the second-in-line to the throne in danger is not solely a personal affair for the crown, but an issue of national security"

"I understand completely. You have my word of honour that we'll get him out of there as soon as possible. We've faced worse odds before, we'll manage. Which brings me to you... How are you faring with your own... Predicament?"

"Ah, I see you are informed on our...administrative changes. We mourn the loss of the late Chancellor Ferul Blesforn, Baron Blesforn. Through his wife, he has left us an ocean of incriminating evidence against many high officials. They were arrested as per the proper legal procedures, and now they are awaiting their trials for the crimes they are accused of. As the Emperor, I had to take action to end the madness that had engulfed the country after the tragic events at the Imperial Chancellery, where protesters, including myself, were shot by Chancellery forces. I understand the Stoinian Star Kingdom recognizes the urgency of the situation and sees the interim government as legitimate, yes?"

"Indeed, High Legate Sinclair is doing his best to help keep the peace wherever he can. It's been quite shock to your people. My people know first hand what can happen during such instabilities and it certainly isn't something we wish upon our fellow Terran Brethren. But alas the political situation... How are you?"
The King observed the man was speaking as the state, not as a person. Being in a similar situation, he knew the man was troubled deep down and no one in the Ryccian Empire could give him any feasible advice on what to do. On Stoinia however, everyone knew what needed to be said.

The Emperor knew he could not conceal himself in front of a monarch with experience. Andrei had seen through Alexander with accurate and thorough precision. Perhaps consulting him would be a risk worth taking after all.

"...You can see through the stately cloak. This is...well, a new challenge. I am but an inexperienced decoration attempting to keep control of the leash that holds the dogs of the Empire together. The politicians, the finance titans, the military...you impress me on how you are able to restrain them for national unity. I, however, know that, if I make even the most microscopic of miscalculations, the beasts I am trying to control shall be let loose"

Andrei gave the monarch a reassuring smile.
"It's all in the eyes. One learns to read their intent. I too have mostly left politics to themselves as it is their God given right, but they must not forget why they serve their people. My ancestor, Andrei II, made political bureau to hunt corruption down. Similar to what Mr. Snou is doing right now in your Empire. Learn who your true friends are by looking them in the eye. Do they follow the calling of their heart, greed or power? Those that follow the calling to do good are your allies even if they appear ideologically polar. Where there's a will for good, there is a will for compromise. Even if your military is small, Sinclair has told me that the highest officers he met on Voluntaia all follow the calling of their heart. They stood beside you in a coup and if there's anyone who can keep a tight leash on its, it's the military. You shouldn't fear them, walk again amongst them. Prove that you are their Emperor, the representative of the entire Ryccian Empire. You are the embodiment of the Ryccian Ideal and that's what they are worth dying for."

The King then chuckled for a moment.
"However... Being the symbol isn't so easy. In truth I have come to find out that as a symbol, one has no choice at all. The only choice there is, is the greater good of your own people. That task has now befallen unto you, my friend. I too despised it, but that's what a monarchy is for, assure the necessary leadership when the time comes. To that end we're different from our populace. We have a birth right no one else has, but have no choice in the matter. Fate decided you are worthy to be Emperor and now you must prove it. Shine as the beacon of Ryccian enlightenment during this instability. Be the embodiment of what a true Ryccian is and lead by example. Cherish those similar like you and unleash your inner moral lion against those that stand in your way. For if you don't, your realm might fall and like I said... You have no choice at all. For the sake of your forefathers such as Emperor Paulus, at least try."

He had clearly studied his history. Emperor Paulus was a model in the royal family for his dedication to the state despite his terminal illness. Despite his reign having been cut short, he remained a beloved historical figure.

It was true what the King said about the military. In fact, it was not solely due to the pure nature of those who served. The military had been purpousefully declawed politically ever since the New Empire began. If you wanted power of any sort, going into a military career was political suicide. He knew that the high command did not lust for power. Regardless, that was not the Emperor's worry. It was what happened after they were all dead.

Military officers had been prominent in some eras of the Old Empire, prominent enough to probe their hands into the political sphere. The Stoinians may trust their armed forces utterly, but the lessons of the past taught the Ryccians that having a politically-involved military could prove fatal for the authority of the civil government.

"I agree with you, in part. I am aware of the inclinations of those who serve in the armed forces. Despite the fear many hold, those who command it possess a clear conscience. I know I am able to trust them...however, it is only them. What of the generations that are yet to come? How does one set the precedent that the military should not become an independent agent in politics when I may end up doing just that? In the future, more avaricious commanders may take the opportunity and stab the Empire in the back. I am aware one can root out corruption, but my concern goes beyond this. I do not wish to condemn trillions of beings to military despotism"

"Even a monarch doesn't control all his people, those that will come will live different lives which you cannot truly influence. You cannot worry yourself with hypotheticals, but ensure what you can. Don't worry about the future. If you resolve your problems in the here and now, you will be even more armed for the problems yet to come. I doubt any sane military officer would try something similar in the coming decades. Those that attempted a coup in your name have been condemned, discharged and dishonoured. Their names have been cursed for the rest of eternity and none will wish to follow in their footsteps. Most officers would consider that a fate worse than death. For future generations however you again have no choice here. You must not only lead by example for your people now, but set an example for future generations yet to come. If you speak with an open heart and lead like a true Ryccian, none will curse your name. And even if they would curse you, you'd be long dead. Slumbering for eternity and again have no choice in the matter. Be a true Ryccian now, sway aside those that challenge your ideals and show the entire Sector what a true Ryccian is. A clearer message cannot be said than in front of the entire Sector where all sapients can hear your vision, such a statement would echo for millennia as your people awake from their slumber. Reaffirm to all what it means to be Ryccian and when the time comes, hand over the power again to the people once they've learned their lesson. Do the best you can, for that's all you can truly do."

To lead in this sea of snakes and jaguars...that would prove a challenge indeed.

To be the one that brings stability and order to this troubled nation...can it truly be done as the King claims? Would the Empire come out better than he had left it? Should he really take a more active role than he initially envisioned?

Perhaps, as Andrei kept saying, there was no choice. It made sense. If not him, then who? Who was better suited to deliver the country from the dictatorship of corruption and inaction? Could he really do it? Or was he deluding himself, letting some arbitrary title he had gained from being sired by a particular bloodline get to him?

Time would tell. Perhaps he should go with the King's suggestions. Perhaps it was time to take a leading role in this interim government.

"...So it is. Your words have left me in deep thought, King Andrei. I must reflect on what to do next. I hope that, long after I court death itself, your words do ring true"

"That I pray for too. I know the task at hand will be difficult and challenging and I'd like you to share a way to find motivation. I know you walk among the people from time to time, but talk to them. You must inspire them as they inspire you. I sometimes openly walk the streets and talk to my people from all corners of life. To the musician, farmer, teacher, soldier and poet. Each one of them has a fire within them and an inspiring story that will move you. Find your own path in this maze, but I'm confident you'll find the right path for your people through this thick bush. I wish the best of luck of you and consider my palace a refuge of peace if you should ever desire to make use of it."

Deputy Regional Minister of the Planning and Development Agency(March 8-May 19, 2014)

Local Council Member(April 24-August 11)

Court Justice of TSP(August 15-December 7)

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Ryccia · 09-26-2021, 04:29 AM

Imperial Palace, Daonlathas
The Core, Ryccian Empire

The political elite was furious. Thousands of Congressmen had been arrested. Out of 10,000 delegates of the people, 2,652 were now under custody. Those who remained were idealists, low-ranking enough to not have been graced by Ferul's spy ring, or who were not involved in corrupt activities themselves, but tolerated the illicit acts of others or planned to do it themselves to advance.

There is a particular species in the Ryccian Empire that, normally, does not know greed. In general, they are biologically unable to feel avarice or powerlust, as the conditions their species evolved in forced upon them an extremely cooperative and communitarian state of being. The plantoid Viridians were known to be a generous, kind and often naïve people.

Rusia Pionica, however, was the exception.

In contrast to the rest of their kind, Rusia was born with a "mental defect". He could feel greed and personal ambition. From their youth, Rusia was perplexed with the society they lived in: why was it innate for others to be so kind to the point of forgoing personal interest? Why did others share without regard to their own wellbeing as if it were instinct to do so?

Why couldn't they feel what others did?

Initially, this was a hindrance. In Viridian society, sharing your belongings is normal to the point of it being instinctual. Viridian "saplings" shared their food, toys and other personal property with their peers. This not only help build friendships, but it was an instinctual socializing ritual to share immunities, as Viridians naturally secreted their biological immunities to "share" them with others upon touch. Rusia, however, never did. When strangers and acquaintances asked them to let them taste some of their food or play with their toys, Rusia always said no. They never felt a reason to. Why share? What was the insistence on such a thing?

Rusia was an outcast in their childhood, ostracized by their peers. They were such an outcast that the principal recommended that the young Rusia be homeschooled, as they were getting bullied by others for being "selfish" and "mean".

And so they were.

Rusia developed a trauma from their early school days, and this only intensified in their secluded instruction. Being so alone made them feel even more detached from the world. To Rusia, everyone was now a tool to be used. After all, in their mind, no one would care about them anyway. They knew they were different from them. Their only affection was to their parents, who showed Rusia love despite his abnormality. To Rusia, they were the only reason to live, and the only beings they truly cherished.

Their death at a speeder accident when Rusia was 14 hardened their heart more than before. Their uncles took them in, raising Rusia until they were an adult. However, unlike their parents, Rusia never grew to love them. The death of their parents left another scar in Rusia's mind. Now, they were truly alone. Survival and personal enrichment was now their only priority. So, Rusia played the game. They pretended to be kind and generous, always with the intention of

Thankfully, the uncles that took Rusia in were moderately affluent, having made their fortune by building a small empire of ice cream parlors, a Human delicacy they had decided to import to Viridian society. The frozen treat was initially shunned, as it looked like faeces to some, but it was then readily enjoyed. Their uncles employed hundreds of workers who were thankful for their generous labour policies, as was expected of Viridian bosses. This wealth allowed Rusia a path to fulfill their ambition. In the guise of preparing to take over the family business, Rusia planned to study finance, and they were successful in getting into a top university, studying at the Imperial Academy of all places.

In this environment, Rusia met people like them. These students were the creme de la creme of the Empire. In here, Rusia met the love of their life. A fellow Viridian who had the same "mental defect" as them, Daita Toronia was the child of the Senator of Viridia. Unlike their parent, who served their world for the common good, Daita planned to use their connections for their own gain. Desperate for companionship, Rusia and Daita fell in love, admiring the hunger for power and general avarice of the other. As a power couple, Daita helped Rusia enter politics, whilst Rusia helped Daita increase their business connections. Daita recognized that Rusia was charismatic and a skilled manipulator, whilst Rusia acknowledged the natural business spirit of Daita. Both used each other for their own ends, but, in their own way, they were fond of one another.

They married and had children, which did not have this "mental defect". They cherished their spawn, but they also lamented that they were "naïve" by nature. They made certain to instruct their children on the dangers beings like their own parents could inflict, in the hopes that they could be vigilant.

Daita had helped Rusia in their political exploits. They eventually got elected to Congress and rose up the ladder, involving themselves in committee after committee and then becoming a vice-minister and then a minister when National Voice won in 1015. When National Voice won in 1020, they were promoted to a high-ranking minister. In 1025, when the Pacifist Coalition was victorious, they were ousted, but they remained prominent as a shadow minister. When the Pacifist Coalition expanded its majority in 1030, Rusia took the opportunity to oust the party leader and took over.

This crisis had come as a great shock to everyone, Rusia included. They had to witness as their allies kept falling like flies in mere hours. Shadow Ministers for Housing, Finance, Justice...the political arena had been vaporized, massacred beyond recognition. Rusia felt no concern on their part, however. Despite it all, no one could accuse them of any illegal acts. What drove Ferul mad when he was alive was the fact that he could never find any dirt on the Leader of the Opposition. Rusia took extreme care in keeping all of their dealings within the margins of the law. Perhaps he skirted it at times, but no one could prosecute them for it. And, on the odd occasion they did or had to break it, well, they did not get to where they were for nothing.

Like Ferul, Rusia also maintained their power through threats. Rusia's spy network was equal in quality to Ferul's. There was a whole list of politicians Rusia blackmailed to keep them in line. However, this was not known. Ferul's spy ring could only go so far.

Rusia Pionica knew where the wind was blowing. They knew their career was over if they did not act. Thus, they took a gamble.

If you cannot fight them, then join them.

"Your Majesty, it is an honour to be in your presence"

"Spare me the pleasantries, Pionica. There must be a reason as to why you came here"

So, it was true. This drape of the state was something else. Usually, such a man would never even get close to the halls of power, but he had what they had not: overwhelming public support, and force of arms.

"I see. Very well, I have a deal you cannot refuse"

"Speak"

"You see, Your Majesty, in order to keep the peace in our country, you must be able to wield legislative power. In our modern society, one person ruling from a bloodline ages eternal would be perceived as a grim reminder of our darkest days, the Old Empire"

"I am aware of this matter, Leader of the Opposition. What do you propose to not push to the fore these insightly scars of antiquity?"

"You require someone who can control the legislature. With the Pacifist Coalition in disarray and support for militarism increasing, we could see a wave of defections to my own party. If you could grant me the office of the Chancellorship, I shall not only be able to rein in the dogs for you, but actively aid in the investigations of Director Snou. As a private citizen, I have no obligations to take a participatory role in the proceedings"

How curious. The Emperor could already see Pionica's scheme. By gaining the office of Chancellor, they could push their own agenda and fool the people once more. He knew that all he had done would have been for naught.

"I do thank you for the generous offer, Leader of the Opposition. How typical of your kind to be so...kind. However, I believe we can do without. The Empire is in sore necessity of unity from all sides, all parties and all fronts. As is your duty and post as partisan, I regret to inform you that such a Chancellorship must be earned through the polls"

"I see...you are no doubt aware of the hostility of these lawmakers, yes? If you have no one to control a beast, it shall hurt you, sooner or later. I urge you, for the sake of whatever you are plotting, allow me to ward off such dangers for you and in the national interest"

Of course. A veiled threat. They'll stir up the legislature if they cannot be in charge. Disrupt the interim administration to disrupt nothing at all.

"Once more, I must decline this proposal, as selfless as it may seem. You may go now, Leader of the Opposition"

Bring it, you spineless coward.

"I thank you for your time, Your Majesty"

Rusia Pionica's Personal Repulsorcraft
Somewhere in the Executive District

"Ah, yes, Junius! How do you do? Tell me, does the Empress Dowager invest in weapons manufacturers?"

"Yes, Rusia. Is something the matter?"

"Listen to me carefully. Can you produce a story about her investments? Make it...candid, if you catch my drift"

"So, I take it you are aiming at the Emperor?"

"I am so glad you catch on quickly"

Deputy Regional Minister of the Planning and Development Agency(March 8-May 19, 2014)

Local Council Member(April 24-August 11)

Court Justice of TSP(August 15-December 7)

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(This post was last modified: 09-26-2021, 04:31 AM by Ryccia.)

Ryccia · 12-15-2021, 11:24 PM

Imperial Congress, Anobel
The Core, Ryccian Empire

Resistance to a new force is natural. Those elements of the old will always resist the new in some way or another.

The Congress was no exception. The Emperor had been summoned to testify regarding his family's connections to the weapons industry. Alexander knew it was a trap, but he'd make it his own show if he could.

"Your Majesty, are you fond of the Empress Dowager?"

"As any son of virtue is respect to his mother, yes"

"I presume you would then look out for her interests?"

"Congresswoman, all the actions I have taken were constitutional and within the parameters of the law"

"That may be so, however, as you have said, a filial son would cherish his mother to the ends of the galaxy. It is not improbable that part of your rationale behind this atrocious assault on a thousand years of civilized democracy could be influenced by personal motives"

"Congresswoman, I must protest this accusation-"

"Your Majesty, no one is above bias, especially those inexperienced with the intricacies of politics and administration. I believe you must agree with me that such suspicions are not unfounded. The Ryccian people have a right to know the truth that hides behind that mask of stately imperiality"

"Enough! This was clearly a partisan melodrama you have set up to drag my and the royal family's reputation through the dirt! It is such an obvious farce! You political hacks are desperately clinging to whatever you can to save yourselves from the incoming storm! Or do you believe the people see not what is to come? I have attempted to be as civil as my patience could muster with this rump Congress, but it has gone beyond absurdity! I shall not let you make use of the legislative branch my ancestor founded to make a mockery of her legacy!"

"His Majesty will cease speaking out of order"

"Unlike you all, I refuse to partake in these ridiculous games. I shall do what needs to be done. I care not how history remembers me, for my conscience is clear. You lot cannot and shall not say the same. By my royal authority, I hereby declare this Congress and the Imperial Senate dissolved! Begone, now, for your services are no longer required. The Empire shall not pester you any further"

Immediately, there was outrage in the hearing chamber. The Congressmen protested loudly, and they refused to leave.

"We shall remain here! You have no right to dissolve this Congress! Remove the Emperor from this chamber at once, for he is in contempt of Congress!"

The Congressional Guard, loyal to the Congress and no one else, reluctantly obeyed the commands of the chairman of the committee. The Emperor was forcibly removed from the building. However, before he left, he looked at them one last time.

"You shall not survive this, of this I assure you"

The Emperor and his entourage were escorted out of the premises of the Congress. Humiliated before the entire Empire, one of his aides dared speak.

"What now, Your Majesty? The Congressional Guard is occupying the Congress in defiance of your royal command"

"Simple: we shall commence a siege"

"Siege?"

"Yes. Get me the nearest General. If this illegitimate Congress wishes to fight on to the end, I shall give them their wish. Tell the nearest military forces to surround the building. I shall remain here to direct the operation myself"

"...Your Majesty, this is unprecedented"

"Of this I am keenly aware. However, I shan't let these hooligans usurp the legacy of the glorious New Empire that has lasted one thousand years. If history wishes to put its pen to paper and write me a mad tyrant, let it be so. The moment is now"

Deputy Regional Minister of the Planning and Development Agency(March 8-May 19, 2014)

Local Council Member(April 24-August 11)

Court Justice of TSP(August 15-December 7)

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Ryccia · 01-02-2022, 06:41 PM

Vicinities of the Imperial Congress, Anobel
The Core, Ryccian Empire

The Emperor was gambling like never before: he had placed the Congress under siege to show the establishment that their desperate attempts to cling on to power would not be tolerated. Tanks and soldiers surrounded the building, with the Congressional Guard inside the Congressional compound offering resistance.

No shots had been fired. It was a stand-off. Usually, in the Congress's hectic days, there would be around 20,000 security personnel. Given mass resignations by guards in protest for corruption due to the arrests of a fifth of the chamber, there were only 2,500 guards left, and defections had started hours after the building was placed under siege. By the end of the first day, 643 guards had gone awol, dwindling the force to 1,857 guards, many hesitant to even resist anyway. After all, why should they give their lives for these partisan hacks?

The rump Congress knew the guards were only protecting them out of a faltering sense of duty. Once shots had been fired, they would easily disintegrate as a fighting force. The so-called "National Salvation Front" tried to contact senior civil and military leaders in a desperate bid for assistance, but, one after another, they all said the same thing, whether due to a pragmatic analysis of the situation or due to genuine outrage:

"No"

"Any Generals? Admirals? Anything?", the 'Regent' Vonborgen pleaded.

"I'm sorry", said the Velpan Anoxi Furselin, "all of them are refusing to help us"

"By the stars, by the stars...what now?"

"We could launch a legal challenge through the courts, but we won't last that long here"

"...Do we have any other options?"

"It would seem not, unfortunately"

"...Th-This is..."

"We were never going to win anyway. He has the military on his side. We have to surrender"

"B-But-"

"We have to"

The members of the rump Congress were resigned to their fates. It had only been a week, but they were running out of supplies. Many were in despair over their defeat. Others were only there to show an act of resistance they knew was futile. A few were only there out of duty and actually opposed this farce of a "government", but felt that it was their duty to stay as members of Congress.

The Regent was going delusional. She was hoping for a chance, hope for some sort of victory or concession. Finally, after being threatened with dismissal, she relented. She saw the writing on the wall. It was all over. With much regret, she gave the order to negotiate with the Emperor.

An emissary of the rump Congress was allowed to pass under diplomatic protection. As nervous as he was, he was assured that the Emperor would not harm him out of deference to the law.

He was right.

"Emperor-"

"Speak to His Majesty with his proper style of address!", said a furious aide.

The Emperor was aware that this superfluous dispute over how he should be referred to was a waste of time. Annoyed, he let it be.

"Allow him to do as he desires, Claire. I have no patience for this"

"A-As you wish, Your Majesty"

"Very well, let us begin. Does your 'Regent' have any conditions?"

"Our proposal is thus: first, an unconditional amnesty for all members of the rump Congress. Second, a seat in your transitional government in some way or form. Third..."

The Emperor knew that they would use their position in his government for their own benefit. They would attempt to reorganize as a political force and act to disrupt the transition process.

He was no fool. If his transitional ministers could be turned against him, he would have a hard time governing.

He couldn't let that happen. His efforts to bring about a new era for the Empire couldn't be stopped. As such, he had to show he had a spine.

"I accept your conditions. All bar one, the second. There is no possibility for the forces of the old political elite to creep back into power. To this condition, here is my reply. Commander Lightblue!"

Eliza Lightblue and Corcien was a commander of the tanks surrounding the building. It was time to act. Now, more than ever, the duty to save the Empire needed to be listened to.

The tank commander was aware of her duty. She knew what she had signed up for. The order she was about to give was extreme, but she did not care. To her, the politicians were a corrupt clique whose time was over. She was proud of the fact that she was part of a movement to reform and renew the promise of her ancestors. Such a sentiment was widespread amongst her ranks.

The Emperor knew this. He had specifically requested her and her brigade exactly for this reason. Out of all the local divisions, they were the most loyal and most determined to follow his command. He was confident they would obey.

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Order a single shot fired from your best tank crew. Make haste and aim for...there. Wait for my signal"

"As you so desire, so it shall be done"

The emissary from the rump Congress was horrified. What in the stars were they thinking?! What kind of insanity is this?!

"Emperor, desist! Halt!"

"I am making the Empire's position clear on retaining the past. On my command!"

"Are you mad?!"

"Listen here, emissary. All of what I am doing is a necessity. You and your class of wretched, spineless carrions have been proven to be unable to prepare the Empire for what shall come. We are on the precipice of history. Either we secure our future, or we die. I care not how my legacy is recalled in the pages of history. Let them write whatever they desire. Let them spout their drivel and slander. I intend to die with my conscience clear. I shall grant you and your renegade faction my mercy. You are to communicate your superiors that all terms bar the second are accepted. There is no room for further compromise nor negotiation"

The emissary caved in. He knew they would not be able to resist. As soon as the Emperor's tanks fired even one shot, the faltering guards, who now numbered a mere 408 souls, would leave the rump Congress to their fate. Seeing no hope for a better outcome, he messaged the Regent.

However, the Regent was stubborn and had gone delusional. She believed that the Emperor was bluffing, and that, if they resisted, he would stand down. She overestimated how important she and her band of political hacks were, as if they were somehow needed to maintain political stability and unity. So, she refused, demanding all conditions be ratified.

The Emperor was a man of his word.

"Very well, then. Thank you, emissary. Commander Lightblue, fire!"

As instructed, a tank fired a single shot towards the Congressional building. The beam hit the main Congressional chamber, stunning and scaring the deputies and the guards there.

Panic ensued. The few guards at the entrance capitulated almost immediately and they opened the gates.

"What was that?!"

"The Emperor ordered a tank to fire a shot! The guards have surrendered and have opened the gates! His forces are entering the building!"

"SAVE YOURSELVES!", one deputy screamed in horror.

"Get me the emissary!", the Regent screamed in terror, "Tell them we shall comply!"

They accepted the inevitable. The Emperor got what he wanted. As soon as he received word, the Emperor ordered all forces to stop their bloodless assault.

As he promised, he let them all go, and he agreed on some minor concessions. However, he would never let them in his government.

The Empire was forged by the sword so it could live by the pen. By the sword, it shall be defended to the end so it can finally use the pen in peace.

Deputy Regional Minister of the Planning and Development Agency(March 8-May 19, 2014)

Local Council Member(April 24-August 11)

Court Justice of TSP(August 15-December 7)

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