Navigating the political quagmire

[nietzsche_waifu]

Thank you for your hard work. As usual, it is your incredible efforts that allow State of Gucun to prosper.

[Devon has unceremoniously utilized one of the smaller briefing rooms as a... film-making studio? Whatever it is, she's talking in front of a camera, dressed up all professional-like. It doesn't look like she's having a live feed conversation with someone. Rather, the film is being recorded for later sending.]

We received your message. Worry not - I will handle our neighbours, assure them on our peaceful intent. Focus on internal affairs of the State.

Yun Li Kwan, out.

[Camera goes off.]


Neighbours, is it? Sometimes I miss the times when I didn't care what other people thought about me. When I didn't have to care.
No, not about me. About my country.

[Devon looks at a long, long list of further video messages to prepare and send, and sighs. Time to grab something to drink. Whether you were just passing by, actually have business with her, or perhaps you were forced convinced to help as camera crew - now's a good time to say something.]

Comments

[saikyocivrobo]

Seems that "with great power comes great responsibility" is a saying with many facets, huh?

[No, Werter is not the cameraman. Prometheus is, though.]

[nietzsche_waifu]

I was always responsible for many things.

They just felt less like a chore.

[saikyocivrobo]

I thought you're already used to chores, being the mother of two and all.

[nietzsche_waifu]

Well. Yes. But that's different. Taking care of your own children gives you a sense of pride and comfort. Even if sleepless nights tire you out.

[saikyocivrobo]

Well, as far as I'm concerned having no activities you dislike and enjoying all your work and chores is a sign of mental illness, so I'm glad to see you retain your sanity.

[sonofgucun]

[And Cheng enters, looking quite severe. While Devon was taking care of the return message - Cheng was going through several of the documents received. He sighs and takes a chair.]

Times were easier when we were not leaders weren't they?

[Reports from home were not pretty. Nationalist support getting tenuous - between having one of their outstanding figures labelled as a rebel and the many outsider problems this was to be expected, Traditionalists being difficult to move into action given their sympathies to the rebels, the list went on - and that was just the political situation.]

It was easier when the world was just Gucun, and before that - when we did not have any authority at all... when it was just the Chalice.

[He pinched the bridge of his nose... a tiny quirk of his lips. He tried to smile... but failed.]

I could go further... but I think my point is made...

[Nostalgia for the old days...]

[nietzsche_waifu]

Yes... each step brings new duties and responsibilities, but old ones do not disappear.

[Devon is no mood for reading, having studied all these documents twice already. She takes a sip from a water bottle.]

Yet this also means, an opportunity to make a bigger difference on the world.

[sonofgucun]

And the better the difference we can make... the brighter the future to look forward to.

[nietzsche_waifu]

You have it all figured out, don't you.

It is all true, though. Hard days may be upon us. But one day, even you will be able to smile sincerely once again.

[emorangerpink]

New problems, or just the usual routine?

[Laura's at the door, looking tired but less intense than she has in days. She's carrying what looks like a - boxed lunch?]

[nietzsche_waifu]

Not really problems - obligations. Gucun rose in power recently, and neighbouring countries are worrying it means we are going to invade them. I need to reassure their leaders that this is not the case.

[Whatever Laura is carrying, Devon does not comment on.]

But it's new, yes. This wasn't an issue a few months ago, for obvious reasons.

[emorangerpink]

I guess from their point of view, you rebuilt yourselves overnight. It's no surprise they're nervous.

[She holds up the box.]

Here. I've got to imagine trying to convince people you're not dangerous is hungry work for you. The girls wanted to help make you lunch.

[nietzsche_waifu]

It definitely makes me want to bite into something, yes.

[Lunch get! Devon wastes no time opening the box and examining its contents.]

You've been doing a great job teaching them things, I see.

[hominilupusinexilio]

Resnick stands in the doorway, cocking an eyebrow. He's learned that Earthlings consider it cool when you lean on things (via Marlon Brando), so he leans on the door frame.

"And what are you going to assure us of?"

[nietzsche_waifu]

That Gucun's rebuild and advancement happen to secure a brighter future for its citizens, and not to run guns blazing and conquer all the other, surrounding nations.

[Devon answers without losing a beat. Like if she practiced this before.]

[hominilupusinexilio]

"Perhaps you should hire a..." There's a pause. He was just discussing this concept with Laura. "...a dedicated speaker for your interests. After those stravag imposters pretended to be us, we are in a similar position to you."

Yes, Resnick. Public relations for an entire country is something that one dedicated person can do.

[nietzsche_waifu]

Wouldn't it be best if for such important matters, the leader of the country in question was the one speaking?

Or, the leader's wife as the case may be - but I speak with Cheng's full authority, and they know it. Do not worry, it is something I have experience with.

[rushing_wings]

I guess these problems don't just go away by getting rid of the corrupt politician do they.

[nietzsche_waifu]

I can't blame my neighbours for being worried. Wang Ding Bang is an internal affair - from the outside, all they see is Gucun suddenly being much stronger, and more advanced.

[rushing_wings]

Seems like everything comes back to that bomb for you.

[nietzsche_waifu]

An accident like that... its consequences will hound us for years now. For better, or for worse.

[hobo_lantern]

Ooh... I'm too late. What a shame.

[nietzsche_waifu]

Too late? For what?

[hobo_lantern]

Oh you know, I thought I could pop up behind you when you were filming.

[nietzsche_waifu]

I check videos before sending them, so I would have noticed.