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Post by killer spork on Jul 25, 2015 7:32:27 GMT -6
The crash of thirty thousand pairs of boots smashing onto pavement echoed throughout the square. The rumble of tanks, armored vehicles, and missile carriers was nearly drowned out by the noise of the crowd that stretched on and on. Overhead came squadron after squadron of aircraft, leaving red and blue contrails (the color of the Union flag), overhead. Massive portraits of Leneru and Chairman Galiani were everywhere, while the civilians that jam-packed the square waved smaller Union flags as they proceeded down the thoroughfare. Following the soldiers came thousands more workers to fill out the parade, brandishing shovels and pickaxes.
Today was Revolution Day, one of the very few national holidays that the Union observed. Industry grinded to a halt today (much to the frustration of the bureaucrats) and the citizens flooded to government sponsored activities. Of course, the highlight of the day was the gargantuan military parade that the Union organized to showcase its most recent weapons that were about to enter full production. Ironically, Revolution Day marked the day when the military overthrew former President Ambrose’s government rather than the day the High Council (composed of industrialists and aristocrats) fled from Vorcia. It was a deliberate statement that the Army was the true guardians of the Revolution and the People (or at least that’s what blaring state propaganda would say).
As one of Astera’s few allies, representatives of the RWU had been invited to observe the parade from the review stand. The review stand was swarming with Asteran officials and soldiers. Chairman Galiani himself, a rare sight, was in attendance. Though speculation raged among the officers present whether it was the old General or if it was one his many doubles. Colonel Abdulya observed the festivities with a passive eye. The official liaison between the Asteran Government and the RWU found himself with a seat next to the RWU Ambassador (if they had decided to come), a cigar in one hand as he casually blew smoke rings, much to the annoyance of a few General’s that were infront of him.
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Post by RWU on Jul 25, 2015 18:24:38 GMT -6
In the sea of dark green uniforms there sat two figures in drab grey, one noticeably taller than the other, each bearing a cap with a single red star. Slowly thickening whisps of smoke hung in the air before them: One of the green uniforms was tearing through his cigars like a harvester through cornstalks. The taller figure seemed completely unphased, but the smaller seemed to struggle with the stench. She was actually quite well known for her strong composure, but sadly a sensitive Ayar nose could only take so much.
"Comrade Abdulya, would you mind?" gently asked the taller one, a human with skin tough and copper from decades of hard toil in the fields. Her sun-reddened eyes looked sideways to the Colonel, as if to remind him he was (supposed to be) making at least a half-decent impression of Asteran hospitality.
Thank the Gods for Comrade Jaoa the Ayar beside reflected silently with no small gratitude in her eyes. How the fucking hell do humans stand that shit in the first place? Councilor Jaira Devikar would have intervened herself among comrades at home in Victory City, but she didn't want to interrupt the flow of things any more than she had to when acting as Foreign Spokesperson, especially as an Ayar speaking to humans. But, hopefully, a comment from one Asteran to another would make no poor impression. And then she could focus better on the scene below.
Columns and columns of tanks, missiles, and soldiers on the ground with matching rows of warplanes ahead. It was an impressive sight, but not one the Councilor fully understood. The Army of Workers and Peasants was only one component of a People's Revolution, even if for the Asterans it held special primacy. Were other examples of Revolutionary Asteran successes on their way, further back in the parade, or was this really all there was? Of course there were the crowds and banners, but where was the traveling farmers' market, the civilian vehicle procession, the row of royal effigies to knock down? Where were the megaphones and bullhorns, the random cheers, the speeches of old organizers and young partisans? Maybe this is just another aspect of cultural difference...but are all those ideas really unique to Ayar culture?
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Post by killer spork on Jul 26, 2015 11:09:38 GMT -6
Jaoa would receive a puff of smoke in the face for his trouble before the Colonel begrudgingly crushed the cigar underneath his bootheel. '' If you insist. '' The Colonel said. It was such a waste. He missed Comrade Kniov, now there was a man he could smoke with (if not agree with on certain aspects of politics). His gaze returned back towards the parade as the workers passed the reviewing stand. The Chairman stood to receive their salute. Behind the Workers came a much slower procession. Veterans of the Hive Wars, some of the old soldiers were wearing their tattered uniforms with matching decorations. A loudspeaker overheard piped incessant chatter, extolling the virtues of the Revolution and the heroic feats of Asteran Valor. As a native Journanian, Abdulya held a slightly jaded view over the procession. The vast majority of those appearing today had been on the winning side, the Vorcians.
Of course, the entire parade itself was all very well choreographed by the army. There would be no mobs of peasants appearing in this parade, armed with ancient rifles and cudgels that had won control of the factories. The picture that the army presented to the people was one that had been white washed. It had erased the existence of the radical Red Guard and the role that they had placed in the uprising (and the bloody battles they had waged with the Council across the planet). The Army had not intervened to crush the rebels but nor had it done much to aid it until the outcome was nearly decided. If President Ambrose had not attempted to purge the army of its counter revolutionary elements than a much more liberal (and extremist) government would no doubt be in power today. Yet history is written by the victors. Ambrose, the Red Guard, the Council, all were painted with a broad brush as villains and it was was there that they would stay.
'' Are you enjoying yourselves on Astera, comrades? '' He said with a raised eyebrow in the direction of the RWU delegates.
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Post by RWU on Jul 29, 2015 18:18:49 GMT -6
"I'm not sure if enjoyment is the point," countered Jaoa, throwing the colonel a nonchalant glance before returning her gaze to the parade. Already she was beginning to loathe the man's attitude, but now she understood why Comrade Kniov had been assigned to the embassy. Few were so well equipped for engaging in endless verbal sparring.
"I believe my good comrade means," interceded the Union Councilor with a squeak translated into awkwardly-toned Asteran through her mouthpiece, "to say that the principal object of our visit is solidarity for our Asteran siblings. That being said, personally I am quite enjoying the spectacle. Though if I may ask...where are the People's Militias, or whatever the equivalent was in the Asteran Revolution? Or are there none to celebrate?" Of course, she had a general idea of the answer to that question, but she wanted to hear what the colonel himself had to say. And later, if the opportunity presented itself, she could ask Cormade-Marshal Galiani himself.
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Post by killer spork on Jul 30, 2015 9:38:42 GMT -6
'' The Workers played a vital role in the Revolution. Hence their representation here. '' Abdulya said, with a sweeping gesture towards the procession that was continuing it's long march through the Square. '' It was the Army however that proved the decisive factor in our Revolution. It is the Army that is the embodiment of the People's Will, Strength, and its unwillingness to be kept underneath the thumb of its former capitalist masters. '' That statement was a bold face lie, militias played a vital role in the early part of the Revolution. The Colonel however, wasn't an idiot. The delegates must've known the history of Astera and that the Army had infact overthrown a previous Revolutionary government that it judged far too extreme for its tastes.
'' One has to understand the armies role in our history to understand why it is such a unifying force. '' He said, repeating the words as if they were from a propaganda holo (verbatim most of them were). '' In the end, the parade is only for a few short hours. We cannot fit every facet of the Revolution here within this square. '' Abdulya said with an insincere smile. '' Such history is best left to the classroom... '' A history that was being taught by government professors and from officially approved government textbooks that had been sanitized. '' I trust the Revolution is continuing to grow and advance on your own homeworld? Soon we may spread it's message across the stars. '' The Colonel said, his gaze leaving the spectacle, to travel towards the Heavens.
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Post by RWU on Jul 31, 2015 18:29:40 GMT -6
A predictable answer, thought the Union Councilor as her translator earpiece registered the human man's reply. The Colonel was keeping himself safe from even the slightest suspicion of insufficient military loyalty. She had hoped as an officer he might have felt more at liberty to speak with nuance, but either Asteran officers were as vulnerable as any other potential nay-sayer or this man was a doctrinaire loyalist. Either way, Jaira was disturbed by the implications.
But no matter, now she had her own people's story to attend to. "The scars of the wars and abuses of Antoviya remain. We remember the hundreds of millions of people we had to bury just some fifteen years ago. We still know among us those whose bodies did not leave the fires of battle unscathed, the wounded and tortured and bereaved. And even when these painful memories fade, we will never know the old world with its grand forests and plains and open mountains, nor the countless forms of life that now survive only in legend. Even as we advance and celebrate, there is much to mourn." Councilor Devikar was well aware of her statement's sharp contrast with the triumphalist tone of the parade. "But yes, the Revolution advances nonetheless. Syndicalism will spread to the stars and beyond, there can be no doubt."
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Post by killer spork on Aug 1, 2015 6:49:10 GMT -6
The Colonel was a careful man whom liked to keep his cards close to the vest. The secret police, surveillance drones, and the fact that the reviewing stand was likely bugged gave him all the more reason to stick to the Asteran armies policy. Jouranian's were still viewed under a veil of suspicion by their Vorcian counterparts whom were a notoriously clannish lot.
'' I can sympathize, during the Hive Wars, Asteron has been scarred by war, infact it has been shaped by it. The industry of our armaments manufacturing has caused irreparable damage and nuclear warfare has left entire areas far too irradiated to even settle. '' He said, nodding his head to the delegates. By now, the parade was slowly but surely winding down. Another flyover by the aircraft was sure to follow with fireworks once evening fell.
'' I must tell you that the Chairman is keen to strengthen our alliance with trade. There is too few in the way of goods flowing between our peoples. I trust that you will carry the Chairman's sentiments back to Victory City? '' Who said that he couldn't sneak in a little business during a holiday?
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Post by RWU on Aug 2, 2015 17:06:11 GMT -6
"I agree, for too long the Two Syndicalist Unions have been comrades at a distance. Trade between us will doubtless bring mutual prosperity to the Workers of the Revolution." Union Councilor Jaira Devikar considered going further into RWU interests in a potential trade deal, but she decided against it. The Colonel did not seem like an official capable of negotiating beyond platitudes and generalities, at least not here. But there was someone else who could...
"I would be joyed and honored to carry on this conversation in more detail with the Chairman himself, given he has decided to attend the parade personally. As designated Foreign Spokesperson of the Union Council, surely I would hold sufficient authority to merit his attention." In other words, if she wasn't allowed to have a word with Galiani, she would have every reason to take him as a thinly-veiled King or Emperor.
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Post by killer spork on Aug 2, 2015 21:40:07 GMT -6
'' I would not wish to bother the Chairman until we have an agreement that is worth presenting. Specifics, facts, and figures, these are all required. '' In short, the Colonel was stating that he didn't want to waste the Chairman's time and if the Councilor wanted to see him, she'd have to play ball. '' The Chairman is a busy man and this is a state function. Hardly the place for diplomacy. But if you would care to meet with me later this evening, then perhaps we can negotiate the finer points of a plan before presenting it to the Chairman for His approval? After all, it's not just trade that the Chairman will want included in any deal but other issues as well. '' The astute Councilor could draw her own conclusions on those remarks, but surely, the Colonel was referencing the tens of thousands of Asteran's that had become stranded within the RWU... or at least in the eyes of Asteron.
'' Shall we meet at the Ministry then? '' Abdulya said, his smile holding not a hint of mirth as he turned to face his counterpart.
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Post by RWU on Aug 3, 2015 15:12:46 GMT -6
"Did you personally ask the Chairman about his schedule?" the Ayar retorted flatly. "He doesn't seem very busy at the moment." After all, Marshal Galiani was simply sitting and watching the parade as far as she could tell. More importantly, Councilor Devikar's sensitivity to cultural difference did not mean she was receptive to being treated as a less-than by a supposed revolutionary comrade.
"I remember when Jawalir Leneru was a Union Councilor," chimed in Ambassador Jaoa. "Neither him nor the other four Councilors were obstructed in meeting with the Chairman-Marshal. Has he really changed his outlook so much..." the RWU Asteran smiled wryly "...or is it only his officers?" In other words, if the Colonel wanted to insist on painting the Chairman like some bourgeois-democratic Prime Minister or a royal sovereign with a schedule too important and busy to spare time for the Revolutionary Workers' Union Councilors, Galiani would hear about it directly at a later date.
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Post by killer spork on Aug 3, 2015 16:10:31 GMT -6
'' Comrade Jaoa, you've been away from home for so long now. You've forgotten the formalities of this place I'm afraid. The government might have changed here but the customs have not'' He said with the same mirthless smile that never quite touched his eyes. The Union was run by its bureaucracy, it was the foundation of its government, and the red tape could be the death sentence for many a diplomat. Nor was this RWU Councilor Leneru in either prestige or stature.
'' Where is Kniov? You should bring him along next time, he's quite good at navigating the channels of this place. '' But there was a darker reason that the Colonel was acting as the Chairman's shield and it was simply because he didn't know if Galiani was really on that reviewing stand or not. The Chairman was notorious for using doubles and his paranoia had only grown with age. By now, the parade was wrapping up and the reviewing stand was beginning to thin.
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Post by RWU on Aug 4, 2015 12:03:06 GMT -6
Councilor Devikar's demeanor soured, but this would not come through to the humans simple because their noses were too weak to pick up the relevant smells.
"Kniov is at the Embassy, keeping our diplomatic mission running," she replied matter-of-factly. "You will have to make due with Comrade Jaoa and me. Let us meet in the Ministry as you proposed, Colonel Abdulya." A subtle but biting choice of words: Colonel, not Comrade. By referring to him almost as a superior, she hoped to make plain to the man the implications of his higher-than/less-than games. Was he just an old commander like those of Antoviya, happy to bask in the powers and privileges of his title? Or might he have a shred of actual concern for the values of the Revolution, which proclaimed all people as equal comrades?
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Post by killer spork on Aug 4, 2015 14:12:19 GMT -6
‘’ But of course. ‘’ Abdulya celebrated his victory in their little skirmish by lighting another cigar and exhaling in the Councilor’s general direction (meaning quite nearly in her face). ‘’ I will meet you there within the hour. ‘’ An official escort from the Asteran Military Police would be waiting for the Councilor, mounted on hoverbikes. They guided their way through the labyrinth of traffic, sirens humming to force aside commuters, trawlers, and buses alike. The Colonel himself upon leaving the review stand descended via elevator towards the tram lines. The high speed underground rails were designed first and foremost to transport troops and supplies in the event of an attack and avoid the worst of artillery fire. It also served as an important hub for important officials like Abdulya, especially when the tram line connected via underground tunnel to the Foreign Ministry.
The Foreign Ministry was an imposing building, if not quite aesthetically pleasing. An eagle on the roof watched the crowded courtyard below, clutching the Revolutionary Star between its talons. The Councilor and her companion would be guided to a nondescript conference room, where they would find the Colonel waiting, along with a handful of staffers that watched the pair expectantly.
‘’ Please…sit. ‘’ He said, with a wave of his hand in the direction of the chairs. The Colonel, as befitting his role, sat at the head of the table.
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Post by RWU on Aug 6, 2015 16:29:39 GMT -6
The Union Councilor involuntarily winced, shivered, and sneezed with a high-pitched whoosh when the smoke hit her face. It would doubtless take days to get the stench out of her fur. There was no question about it now: Colonel Abdulya's conduct would be reported to Marshal Galiani at the first available opportunity. But for now, there were negotiations to conduct.
Once in the conference room, both Councilor Devikar and Ambassador Jaoa sat down as requested.
"Let's make this quick and to the point, shall we?" asked the Ayar. She generally rather enjoyed extended conversations, but this man was a glaring exception. She had nothing to gain by drawing this meeting out any longer than necessary. "We propose free and open trade between the two Unions, with a jointly-maintained commercial artery to be set up at the first opportunity. Acceptable?"
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Post by killer spork on Aug 6, 2015 17:14:33 GMT -6
The Colonel was no doubt about to give one of his famously snarky replies when a commotion outside interrupted him. Someone was shouting, there were boots crashing against the floor, and a woman screamed. '' What in the name of -- '' Abdulya said, rising. The door was nearly kicked in a moment later, a white faced aide standing by.
'' The Chairman.... '' He stuttered before Abdulya could lay into him, holding a secure vox link in his hand. Abdulya trudged into the corner, trying to keep his voice low and the contents of his conversation hidden from Ayar ears. Abdulya however had little to say as his face steadily drained of color... '' Yes sir. '' The Colonel said at last.
'' It appears you will be meeting with the Chairman after all. Please follow me. '' Abdulya said, his voice slightly shaken. The Colonel, his cohorts, and the RWU representatives were herded into an elevator that descended at gut wrenching speed. From there, it was another tram line (this one reserved once more for private individuals). Within a matter of minutes, the high speed mag line had allowed them to reach their destination.
'' The Chairman is this way. '' Another staff officer said, as the group exited the tram. Security here was noticeably stricter. Gone were the soldiers in pretty dress uniforms with ancient bolt action rifles with bayonets. Here, there were Asteran Marines armed with carbines and body armor. A network of checkpoints lead them deeper into a tunnel network into what suspiciously began to look like a hospital ward.
'' In here... '' The officer growled, the Colonel, and the ambassadors coming face to face with the legendary Field Marshal. The Chairman of the Union of Asteron was strapped down to a wheelchair, fluids and medication being fed to him by a medical bot.
'' Ah, I am pleased that you could join me. '' Galiani said, giving the medical bot a venomous stair as it withdrew a vial of blood. '' Cursed thing will be the death of me...if the blood poisoning isn't first. '' He said, with a snort of laughter. Abdulya's suspicion that the '' Chairman '' at the event had been a double was confirmed. There had always been rumors that Galiani was sick....but the Colonel never would suspected that he was little more than skin and bones.
The Chairman was not alone in his hospital ward. There were four high ranking Generals, including Gustavus Kruger. This was no ordinary meeting. A display on the wall related the latest intelligence.
'' Two hours ago, a massive invasion force arrived in Asteran held space. They are en route to make landfall within the next twelve hours. I suspect less. '' Galiani said breezily, as if he was discussing the weather.
'' Millions of troops... '' He caused to cough, bloody phlegm leaving his lips.
'' How soon until I can be reinforced by the Ayar? '' He said, turning his pale blue eyes to lock with that of the Councilor.
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