City of the Fallen Angels

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41

Governor-Lieutenant’s Residence, Eastern For’af, East Dannistaan
09:15 EPT

“Very well then, I thank you for visiting me,” Francis said, “Hal’vo be with you and I wish you a safe journey bck to the camps.”

As Nil’a turned to walk out the door with her minders, the Viceroy’s intercom buzzed. He walked over to the unit on the table and pressed a button on it.
“Yes?”
“Your Excellency, First Minister Dr. Kah’riinah is here to speak to you.”
Francis paused briefly.
“Speak of Ne’valu,” he muttered, “Very well…tell her to wait in the atrium. I will personally see her in.”

09:30 EPT
“So, you are denying my request to dissolve parliament?” Sarah asked as Francis poured another cup of tea.
“No, that is not the case. I will say however I am not entirely convinced now is the right time to hold a snap election, given the problems in For’af. However I do not want to reject the request outright. So I have decided to reserve the matter for the Governor-General’s pleasure.”

Sarah paused. There was an awkward silence for several minutes.
“You do realise I no longer have the confidence of the parliament?” Sarah finally asked.
“I have seen the results of the vote. From my understanding, there was only 3-4 votes in it and 5 abstained from having any part in the matter. I would say that is hardly a resounding indication of failure. Obviously enough voted for you, Dr Kah’riinah.”
“But even so. The precedent is that…”
“…that every Vice Regal representative in East Dannistaan has never refused a dissolution of parliament. Yes I know. But you have to consider, this is obviously an extreme circumstance on two counts. One, there is a massive humanitarian problem going on at the moment. People are not really going to be concerned putting crosses on piece of paper when they don’t even have food or water. Two, the DNP obviously are trying to hammer you for what it’s worth for political capital, even though it was their mismanagement that caused the situation we have today in the first place.”

Francis paused to take a sip from his cup.
“If you really think it’s the right thing to do, I will grant you the right but I believe now is not the time for more upheaval. Once the humanitarian crisis is dealt with, then we could consider the future of the parliament then. But not today. Today you need to clean up the mess in the streets first.”

Sarah nodded solemnly.
“OK. We’ll play it your way. Send the request to the Governor-General. Maybe Miss Clahrk’sohn can bring order to chaos.”

Neorvins Road Infirmary, Neorvins Road, Coldfield District, Western For’af, East Dannistaan
09:45 EPT

It was in a situation like the recent riots in For’af that the DNHS East Dannistaan branch was glad to have the https://forum.theeastpacific.com/invision-404 or NRI fully operational. The NRI, previously a private hospital, was now the largest major public hospital in For’af. Despite the severity of the situation in the city, the hospital was coping well. A large exclusion zone with a 5 mile radius was set up so that the hospital would be secure. An oasis in the desert of horrifying violence. This was where the very best of For’af’s humanity was to be found. Where people were treated, both in the main building and the temporary accommodation set around the hospital campus, regardless of colour, race, creed or insurance details. As the rioting continued, the medical staff did all they can to help everyone.

For’af Southern General Hospital, Southside District, Southern For’af, East Dannistaan
09:45 EPT

The situation with the DNHS’s other main hospital in For’af contrasted with that of the NRI. Intermittent supplies, understaffing and the outbreak of cholera along with a lack of fresh water was now creating a dire situation. Even some of the staff were succumbing to the effects of cholera. Overcrowding in wards, piles of waste and dead bodies did not help matters. The State Government had tried several times to get proper supplies in and transport patients out. But previously the no-fly zone being enforced over the city made this next to impossible. The roads being lawless meant travel using trucks and cars was suicidal.

Today though, a reprieve as finally a Hind-D on the supply drop run finally made it through with new medical supplies and water from the aid camp established in the north. After unloading all the pallets, the staff quickly transferred as many of the most urgent medical cases onto the helicopter, before it took off back towards the camp.

DNP Political Broadcast

As the turmoil of the political situation in For’af started to reach the streets and the media, the Dannistrian Nationalist Party decided to really hammer home the problems to the public in some attempt to score cheap political points by emphasising the racial spin on events. A transcript of the video appears below.

Caption: IT IS NOW ALMOST 4 MONTHS SINCE THE RIOTS IN FOR’AF BEGAN.

Cut to footage of disturbances. Many store fronts broken and looted. Particular emphasis on fighting involving the Bai Lungese.

Caption: THE CONSERVATIVE STATE ADMINISTRATION HAS DONE LITTLE.

Cuts to colour fading to saturated black and white footage of First Minister Sarah Kah’riinah.
Sarah Kah’riinah: We will deal with the situation as quickly as we can. There is a lot going on at the moment and we are trying our best to sort out aid efforts.

Footage of the rioting is juxtaposed.

Caption: THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT HAS DONE LITTLE.

Cuts to colour fading to saturated black and white footage of Prime Minister P’aanil F’orrlason-Smith.
P’aanil F’orrlason-Smith: We need to show restraint and tolerance in these trying times.

Footage of the rioting is juxtaposed again.

Caption: WE ARE BEING MOCKED BY OUR SO-CALLED PARTNERS.

Cuts to colour fading to saturated black and white footage of Âvrît Âlîât. Subtitles are shown in this clip.
Âvrît Âlîât: And who are the Dannistrians, exactly? Drapo and the current New Democratic Alliance*** Khagan-Chancellor, for all of their goodwill, have aligned this nation with a schizophrenic confederation of bantustans that can’t agree on whether it stands for justice and liberty or for xenophobia and oppression. I mean, just look at what’s happening in For’af; it’s a manifestation of a failed society.

The last sentence is repeated over and over again, each instance the screen zooms a bit further into Âvrît’s face and the sound is slowed down more and more until it sounds like a distorted echoey growl.
…it’s a manifestation of a failed society…
…manifestation of a failed society…
…failed society…
…failed society…
…failed society…
…failed…
…failed…
…failed…
…failed…
…failed…

Footage of a recent Populist Party advert mocking Ms. Jones is juxtaposed here as the sound returns to normal only to slow down into a grumble again. More footage of the rioting is shown, eventually going into slow motion and fading to black near the end.
…it’s a manifestation of a failed society…
…manifestation of a failed society…
…failed society…
…failed society…
…failed society…
…failed…
…failed…
…failed…
…failed…
…failed…

Caption: DO WE REALLY HAVE TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE?

Caption: NOT THIS TIME!

Caption: NO MORE!

Caption: THE ONLY THING THAT HAS FAILED IS LEFT WING POLITICS!

Caption: OUR TIME IS NOW! FOR A BETTER TOMORROW, JOIN US!

Caption: THE DANNISTRIAN NATIONALIST PARTY. FOR A BETTER TOMORROW!

The DNP logo appears in the background of the last caption to the Dannistrian National Anthem.

42

Greater For’af, East Dannistaan

The city had now been paralysed for several months now due to the rioting. While the rest of the state of East Dannistaan moved on as though nothing had happened, the state capital was still frozen in time, with streets unswept and stores closed. Slowly though, things started getting back to some form of normality. Public transport started running again, albeit with large numbers of soldiers and police officers around on the roads in checkpoints. Aid was being given out and any disturbances were now small scale in comparison.

However, there were now rumblings amongst the general populace as rumours of a state election were going to be called amidst the failings of the ruling Dannistrian Conservative party. Some were already vocally declaring allegiance to the DNP despite them being the previous administration which presided over far worse conditions. But the damage was done. The Conservatives were seen as ineffectual and weak and many ordinary For’af citizens, and East Dannistrians, wanted the DNP back, for whatever twisted reason.

Governor-General’s Study, Governor-General’s Residence, Dannistra Onn, Central Dannistaan

Marie Clahrk’sohn looked through the report from her vice-regal colleague in East Dannistaan. She rubbed her chin slowly as she pondered her decision. Already, Dannistaan was in much turmoil without the situation in For’af. Eventually, she signalled for one of the aides to enter her study.
“Inform the Prime Minister, First Minister Kah’riinah of East Dannistaan and Governor-Lieutenant Ah’marsii that I will be granting a suspended dissolution,” she finally stated, “I will not allow parliament to fully dissolve until the majority of the humanitarian crisis has been dealt with.”
“Yes, your excellency,” the aide replied before leaving to advise of the situation.

43

Steps of the Republican Cama
Tkanatdovakhiastaat

The Khagan-Chancellor sighed a little before he shook the Elections Commissioner’s hand and made the following statement:

«I, Ânâtöl Jânâ Êfösêbâd, Khagan-Chancellor of the Republic-Khanates of Dovakhan, hereby certify these the results of the 2009 Elections for the Republican Cama of the Republic-Khanates of Dovakhan» he said while affixing the Republican seal to the bound book of election results.

— Begin quote from ____

NEW DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE - 146 seats (49% / -55 seats)

POPULIST PARTY - 108 seats (36% / +75 seats)

EVOLUTIONARY COMMUNIST PARTY - 27 seats (9% / +6 seats)

SOCIAL-DEMOCRATIC PARTY - 19 seats (6% / -26 seats)

Total: 300 seats

— End quote

The Khagan-Chancellor’s New Democratic Alliance had suffered a major blow due to aggressive campaigning by the Populists, especially in Tschmusch and Islmeer. People were not only fed up with the Dannistrian debacle; the New Democrats were waffling on all aspects of their policy. They had promised liberalizations, but relatively few industries had been privatized, and even those that were still had significant government control.

Most of all, though, there was a sense that the same left-wing intelligentsia that had controlled the subsequent regimes since the 1968 General Strike was simply camouflaging itself behind the “New” Democratic Alliance. In fact, the only way that the Populist candidates got the signatures to run was because the Populists had been slowly building support on the very local level for years. Meanwhile, right-wing intellectuals were building strong institutions in their very own writer’s cooperatives and cafés in the New Canal district of Selande.

This had all come to bear on the most recent election. There was now no solid majority for any single party in the Cama (although the Social-Democrats would soon join the NDA); a viable two-party system was in the making. This is significant for a country that has generally been governed by a series of dominant party systems. Thus we were indeed living in interesting times…

Friendship Square (Former Republic Square)
Alv’a-On, Tokan Republic

Meanwhile, the pan-Melanasian nationalist crowd was gaining ground in the former Dovakhanese Marian Sea territory (now the Tokan Republic protectorate):

«Not only have the paternalistic mainlanders failed to fully support our Dannistrian brothers, they’ve elected a bunch of racist rightists who would allow our ancestral homeland to eat itself alive!» jeered a Marxist leader into a microphone.

«Down with Dovakhan, up with Greater Dannistra!» cheered the crowd as they clogged the main north-south boulevard.

As with the Populist victory on the mainland, nationalist gains in Tokana are the result of multiple phenomena. The nationalist movement began to oppose destructive nuclear testing conducted by the Dovakhanese government under Darsi Maar. The country received nominal independence as the Tokan Republic, but was still “freely associated” with the Republic-Khanates.

This was supposed to mean that social welfare and defense spending would continue as normal, but the New Democrats had allowed this to faulter. So, the Tokans were paying the same price to receive worse services in virtually the same state of mere semi-autonomy. Also, the mainland continued to have undue influence over major industry, as the New Democratic regime used political blackmail to prevent the Tokanization of industry and big capital.

These frustrations found their catalyst in the Dannistaan crisis. Here the mainland government, in the minds of ordinary Tokans, showed its ultimate indifference to the plight of the Melanasian peoples. It was under these circumstances that the growing Marxist Action Committee of Greater Dannistra began to hold the capital virtually hostage with non-stop protests, slowing the extremely lucrative coffee and sugar trade with Dovakhan to a complete standstill.

OoC: Blue, in this case, represents the Tokan language, which is closely related to Classical Dannistrian.

44

City Centre, For’af, East Dannistaan
08:00 EPT

The news that the Governor-General had only granted a suspended dissolution of the State Parliament was not met well. Angry protesters upset with the Conservative State Government’s reprieve took to the streets, threatening to do anything and everything to make the state Government leave office. An effigy of Sarah Kah’riinah was burnt and then stomped on as it fell and hit the ground. Fists started pumping and “DEATH TO KAH’RIINAH!” was chanted repeatedly.

Then gunfire filled the air and people started running in all directions. The situation degenerating into Bedlam as people started looting from the already broken and looted store fronts. Amongst the panic and chaos, several police officers and soldiers appeared and started opening fire on those in the process of stealing from the store fronts. More screaming and from amidst the crowd, someone fired an RPG at one of the armoured police vans. It missed but hit a parked car, causing it to explode and burst into flames. The crowd chanted at the police to leave but were eventually dispersed when a large Armored Core mech finally appeared after 30 minutes…

State Parliamentary Buildings, City Centre, For’af, East Dannistaan
09:30 EPT

An emergency session of the State Parliament was held regarding the decision of the Governor-General to only grant a suspended dissolution. Mar’ril Aien’orr, leader of the DNP contingent in the State Parliament, stood up and voiced her parties line in the matter.
“Mr. Moderator, the granting of a suspended dissolution is unacceptable,” she said, “As this violates the principles of the rights of the people, through us, to bring to account the failings of the administration. As a result, can the First Minister explain when she will be appealing the decision and asking for an immediate dissolution of the State Parliament?”

Jeering as Mar’ril sat down and Sarah took her place at the dispatch box.
“Mr. Moderator, can you advise the Right Honourable member that there will be no appeal…”

Sarah was interrupted by jeering from the DNP side as the Moderator attempted to maintain order.
“…there will be no appeal as the Governor-General has made her decision and the State Government will stand by that. Can it also be pointed out that at this time of great need, the last thing on peoples minds is to vote when there is hardly any drinkable water and food available!”

More jeering as Sarah sat down and Mar’ril stood up for her rebuttal.
“Mr. Moderator, may the First Minister be reminded that outside this very Parliamentary building, there are people protesting angrily over the maintaining of her administration and it is no longer wanted by the majority of people in our hallowed land. The First Minister must understand that this cannot continue. We will be launching an appeal with the Dannistrian High Court if a dissolution is not forthcoming soon.”

Sarah stood back up as Mar’ril returned to her seat.
“Mr. Moderator, the Right Honourable member may have a point, but the situation in this city is so dire the last thing we need is more instability. The humanitarian and civil order situations must be dealt with first before we can even entertain the idea of an election…”

Dannistrian High Court, Dannistra Onn, Central Dannistaan
12:00 EPT

The reasons given by the First Minister of East Dannistaan did not wash with the DNP. Sure enough, at the stroke of midday, Kelly Minn’ow-Jones, along with a large entourage of bodyguards, police and lawyers made their way to the courthouse of Dannistaan’s highest Judicial body to submit their official appeal against the Governor-General’s decision. They were well within their rights to and have, some would say unfortunately, a good chance of getting the decision overturned and an immediate dissolution granted as similar previous cases in Dannistaan’s history have been ruled unconstitutional and ended up with an immediate dissolution being granted…

45

Dannistaan International Airport
Metro Nordu Danistra City

«I am greatly saddened that I must leave this land and this people that I have come to know and love over my few weeks here. However, my homeland beckons with ominous rumblings of unrest. Thank you for your generous hospitality; it will not be quickly forgotten» said Elder Nil’a F’amavega before she boarded the plane to return to Tokana.

Seat of the Republican Cama
Tkanatdovakhiastaat

The opening session of the Cama had come to a screeching halt within a matter of days. Populist delegates filibustered by introducing junk amendments that under the normal legislative process would take an estimated ten years to sift through. Their motive was to use the legislature’s power to summon the Khagan-Chancellor to the Cama for inquiries on the East Dannistrian and Tokan Questions.

«The Khagan-Chancellor and his majority party must be brought to bear for their incompetence in matters foreign and domestic. The People of Dovakhan need not accommodate a government that sells them short abroad while frittering away subsidies in rogue former colonies. I think I can speak for all of us when I say that there must be a change» said Âlâstâr Mâkdât, Cama Leader for the Populist Party, when speaking to the Cama correspondent for the Dovakhanese New Star.

Residence of the Dovakhanese Commissioner for the Tokan Republic
Azure Corniche, Alv’a-On (Azûr), Tokan Republic

Alv’a-On had been shut down for nearly three days as the general strike continued. Members of the Marxist Action Committee had taken control of the Alv’a-On dockyard. Dovakhanese commodities companies in Tokana were losing millions of dollars of revenue from the stoppage.

The terms of the Tokan Republic’s free association with the Republic-Khanates call for the Dovakhanese direction of foreign policy, defense, currency, social welfare, and development aid. The Khagan-Chancellor and Cama appoint a Commissioner to oversee the Tokan offices of these Dovakhanese government agencies.

And the Commissioner had decided enough was enough:

«I’m not going to be caught on the defensive, Lârâ. Call the army post on Airport Island. Tell them to close the airport and take strategic positions in the harbor»

«A blockade, sir?»

«They want a stoppage, so let’s put everything to a complete halt. Alv’a… f* it… Âzûr won’t last long without shipments from the provinces. Hopefully the prospect of starvation will put the restless natives in order. In any case, I’m not staying for the fireworks; get me a government flight out of here.» said the Commissioner as he sipped the last of his whiskey on the veranda of the residence.

At the same time, the small footsteps of a Tokan maid pit-a-patted out the back door and through the gate to a public telephone on the corniche. Her shadow cast long across the lagoon as she rang the dockyard-master’s office.

«I’ll let the Committee know, thanks Sar’a» said the voice on the other line.

Department of Diplomacy of the Republic-Khanates of Dovakhan
Esplanade of Khanates, Tkanatdovakhiastaat

«In view of the situation in East Dannistaan, we have decided not to expand humanitarian aid in For’af as planned. The Green Crescent Director and I will also be taking a serious look at the present deployments, since we woud require the Cama’s approval to extend the mission beyond the next few weeks» the Director of Diplomacy told the press in the weekly briefing.

46

Four Days later, Dannistrian High Court, Dannistra Onn, Central Dannistaan
19:30 EPT

After several days of deliberation, the judges finally exited the building of the High Court to deliver their verdict on the DNP appeal regarding the suspended dissolution of the East Dannistrian State Parliament. One of the female judges stepped forward to speak to the press. After some introductory preamble, which in itself last 10 minutes, the main bulk of the verdict was given.

“In light of the humanitarian situation in For’af, the State Capital of East Dannistaan, this decision was somewhat difficult to make. On one hand, we had to uphold the Constitution of the Royal Confederacy of Dannistaan and ensure that nothing can stand in the way of the will of the Dannistrian people to voice their opinions and right to representation in Government. On the other hand, we need to ensure that the people have a fundamental right to safety, to food, to water and to shelter, especially in times where they need it most and we must ensure that those needs are met and political process does not get in the way of this.”

The judged paused.
“With that said, we have been deliberating for some time over this issue, we have finally come to the consensus that, according to the current interpretation of the constitution, the suspended dissolution is unlawful and we hereby repeal in line with the legal precedent set by previous appeals of 1990, 1997 and 2002. The State Parliament of East Dannistaan must now either be dissolved immediately and fresh elections held or Her Excellency, the Governor-General may instead reject the request for a dissolution of the State Parliament of East Dannistaan. Or she is, under the Civil Contingencies Act of 1992, amended 1999, to use her reserve powers to ensure the situation in East Dannistaan is stabilised to the extent that Her Excellency, the Governor-General, is satisfied that an election for the State Parliament in East Dannistaan can be held. However, we must also advise that under the obligations of the constitution and the Human Rights Act of 1996, amended 2000, the people of the city of For’af must have their humanitarian needs satisfied as well. With this in mind, any election held must not be allowed to interfere with the humanitarian aid efforts. That is all.”

The judges retreated back to the High Courthouse as the reporters attempted to shout out unanswered questions to them and take photographs.

City Centre, For’af, East Dannistaan

The news that the suspended dissolution had been overruled and brought an immediate dissolution a step closer was welcomed by the protesters in For’af who cheered repeated their support for Minn’ow-Jones and the DNP. There was still no reply from the current State Government about what their next move was to be.

47

Office of the Director of Diplomacy of the Republic-Khanates of Dovakhan
Esplanade of Khanates, Tkanatdovakhiastaat

The patience of the Director of Diplomacy was wearing thin. The Khagan-Chancellor was feeling the pressure from a very worried Green Crescent Director and angry Populists in the Cama, who were using filibuster powers to force the Khagan-Chancellor to testify on the East Dannistrian Question. Therefore, the Director ordered the dictation of the following communiqué to his counterpart in Dannistaan:

— Begin quote from ____

The Republic-Khanates has consistently extended the hand of friendship to its non-aligned partner, especially during this time of crisis.  Now is the time, however, for the Republic-Khanates to consider whether further assistance would be merited.

In the last few weeks, it seems to be clear that the Dannistrian Confederal Government has no intention to take action to curtail the political unrest in East Dannistaan.  This inaction has raised doubts among the people of the Republic-Khanates as to the safety of its humanitarian mission.  Indeed, the Khagan-Chancellor and his Directorate has lost considerate mandate in the recent elections over the East Dannistrian Question.  As a result, the Khagan-Chancellor will have trouble justifying additional funds from an increasingly hostile legislature.

If the Foreign Office would like to announce an amendment to the Confederal Government’s policy, forthwith response would be greatly appreciated in view of the legislature’s impending subpoena of the Khagan-Chancellor.

Thank you,

Êvrâs Âlîât
Director of Diplomacy
Republic-Khanates of Dovakhan

— End quote

Voice of the Revolution Radio
Dockyards, Alv’a-On (former Azur), Tokana

«Attention comrades, the Marxist Action Committee has learned that the imperialist pig Commissioner in Alv’a-On is trying to strangle the movement and cripple our capital city with a cruel blockade. They will certainly cut off communication at this, the mother station, so take note of the following orders:

Student leaders on every atoll, awake! You must rally the people! The seconds in command in each Local Action Committee are hereby ordered to communicate with each other and meet at a central location as soon as possible. You are the new Marxist Action Committee. Your task is to coordinate the atolls in the liberation of Alv’a-On.

Take heed, however, the colonial pigs may shut down the radio waves across the archipelago just as they will soon do on this station. Don’t give up, though, the cause is too great. Persevere, and may Alv’a give you speed! The Battle of Alv’a-On has begun!»

This announcement shows that the Commissioner’s decision to blockade Alv’a-On had come a critical moment. Student leaders at the University of Tokana (former University of Azur) were the lifeblood of the Marxist Action Committee, and had not yet returned from summer break when the announcement broke. To fully understand the ramifications of this, a little explication of the educational question in Tokana is required:

The university was the capstone of groundbreaking social and educational reforms brought forth by the left-wing Popular Front that ruled Dovakhan from 1969 until the Krech invasion. The Melanasian natives of the outlying atolls could send the best and brightest of their tribes’ youth to study sciences and humanities that would improve their lot. Several sister university programs were also established to allow Tokan natives to study on the mainland.

Providing experiences abroad and widening educational opportunities would eventually backfire on the Dovakhanese. Newly-educated Tokans began to realize that their island’s largely agrarian economy was still being manipulated by mainland-owned firms, especially shipping and commodities companies, which were less regulated in the archipelago than government-owned railways on the mainland. The conciliatory move of providing education in simple human development seemed paltry compared to the vast riches the mainland was gleaning from the oppression of the Melanasian farmer class.

These students were a key part of the broad-based sovereignty movement led by traditional tribal elders that came with the opposition to Dovakhanese nuclear testing and led to nominal independence several years ago. However, the students broke with their tribal elders when the latter decided to accept a free association pact with the Dovakhanese, which granted only nominal independence. Apparently, the tribal elders were willing to concede on these points in exchange for the establishment of a bicameral system where the tribal leaders would be re-empowered after centuries of direct secular republican rule from the mainland.

This betrayal lead to the creation of the Marxist Committees of the Correspondence, which communicated when university was out of session to establish the principles of a youth-based movement for total independence. The result was the creation of the Marxist Action Committee, which consisted of student representatives from each island. They established Local Action Committees to organize students by university faculty and rally the local population to their cause.

Meanwhile, besides being a huge university town and therefore an incubator for the student’s movement, Alv’a-On was the major port bound for the mainland. The student leaders, in collaboration with the equally disgruntled dockyards workers, could effectively cripple the lucrative trade with Dovakhan that brought the colonial oppression in the first place. Preparing for this moment, the key student leaders that made up the main Marxist Action Committee had stayed in Alv’a-On all summer preparing for just the moment when they could integrate the workers into their movement and create a broad-based independence movement.

The East Dannistrian debacle had proved the catalyst for the workers in Alv’a-On to join the Marxist Action Committee. The core leadership of the Committee hoped that the Battle of Alv’a-On would do the same for the integration of farmers, workers, and students on the outlying islands. This was a massive gamble, but the Marxist Action Committee was nothing if not idealistic.

48

Foreign Office, Dannistra Onn, Central Dannistaan
10:00 EPT

Tr’valis read over the communique again as he spoke to P’aanil over the phone.
“Yeah…yeah…it’s hard to say from looking at text alone,” Tr’valis said, “But I would say the Dovakhanese are slightly annoyed at our lack of action.”
“In the foreground, maybe,” P’aanil mused, “They aren’t able to see the background negotiations with the emergency session with the First Minister’s Conference that has been going on…very well, inform them of our plans.”
“Will do, I’ll speak to you later P’aanil.”

Tr’valis put the phone down. Taking a pen and paper he quickly drafted a reply to the Dovakhanese Director of Diplomacy.

Lord McDonald Suite, New Central Parliament Hall, Dannistra Onn
10:15 EPT

“Well, then it is settled then,” P’aanil remarked at the show of hands from all five of the First Ministers of the states of Dannistaan, “Ayes 5, Nays 0. It is hereby declared that the measures discussed to deal with the unrest in For’af will be implemented. That is all.”

The entire delegation rose from their seats and left the meeting room. P’aanil sank back into his chair and sighed.
“Here’s hoping it works,” he thought.

Londonside District, Northern For’af, East Dannistaan
11:30 EPT

The entire area of Londonside was completely deserted as the area had now been sealed off to allow armoured bulldozers to make their way into the area. Slowly, several ruined buildings where reduced to rubble and a very large imposing wall and observations towers were built, some of which to replace the semi-permanent shorter wall and towers build weeks before. By the end of the day, the flimsy temporary palisades were replaced by a solid reinforced concrete wall with controlled gates across the roads the only gaps in the wall. By late evening, the wall had now stretched to each of the main thoroughfares in Londonside…

Press Room, State Parliamentary Buildings, City Centre, For’af, East Dannistaan
The next day…

Sarah Kah’riinah faced the press pack ahead of her. She waved for silence to the murmuring as she prepared her notes for her announcement.
“As per the judgement of the Dannistrian High Court regarding the suspended dissolution of the State Parliament of East Dannistaan, I hereby declare the state elections, for the State Parliament of East Dannistaan, will be held two weeks from now. As part of the security measures, however, we will be increasing security at polling stations in For’af and will lift the 12 hour evening curfew in For’af temporarily on polling day to allow people to vote. Be it noted however, no intimidation or violence will be tolerated. It is my intention this election will be held on the merit of party policy alone. Thank you.”

Sarah then quickly retreated back into the bowels of the building as questions were shouted in her direction.

DNP gatering, Just outside the Consulate of the Republic-Khanates of Dovakhan, McNamara Square, Downtown For’af, East Dannistaan

As soon as the announcement had been made, Kelly Minn’ow-Jones made a surprise appearance at a DNP rally. As if to make a point, it was held just behind the Dovakhanese consulate.
“My fellow Dannistrians!” Jones shouted at the crowd to a rapturous applause, “We are one step closer to returning East Danistaan, and potentially all of Dannistaan, back to a path of economic recovery. One where a Freer Market WILL lead to a Freer People! And one where we cast aside the folly’s of left wing politics!”

The crowd, numbering several hundred thousand, roared in delight.
“For too long, the corrupt Socialist Central Government has attempted to put a stranglehold on the potential of East Dannistaan. We could’ve been prosperous even beyond my dreams. Beyond ours. But instead, all our of economic prowess has been frittered away on large public projects and used to prop up states within the Confederacy unwilling to see past their errors. Money that could’ve been used to help ourselves is instead used to create massive folly’s like the NAM, where our so-called partners in the NAM cannot even hide their blatant racism for our people!”

Jones pointed at the consulate as she spoke. Much booing filled the air. Several placards with “FROGS OUT!” were held. Suddenly there was a commotion as someone brought out a flag of the Khanates and set it alight. Several people cheered and joined in stamping it. Jones continued when the crowd died down.
“Our so-called Partners are, at this time, attempting to blockade and starve our fellow brothers and sisters in Tokana! We cannot tolerate this! Is this what we want?! IS THIS THE SO-CALLED PARTNERS WE WANT TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH?!”

The crowd roared back, “NO!”
“Then join us in taking back our state! Back our lands! We were once subjugated by foreigners who once thought Dannistrians were nothing more but cheap slave labour! NOT THIS TIME! We will show the Bai Lungese and the Dovakhanese the might of the Dannistrian people! Join us in taking back ALL that is ours! Support our brethren both in the other four states and Tokana! Join me as we support them all in solidarity and show our contempt for those who attempt to oppress the Dannistrian spirit! HAIL GREATER DANNISTRA!”

HAIL GREATER DANNISTRA! HAIL GREATER DANNISTRA! HAIL GREATER DANNISTRA! HAIL GREATER DANNISTRA! HAIL GREATER DANNISTRA! the crowd now chanted feverishly. The police and soldiers monitoring the rally looked on uncomfortably as the crowd pumped fists into the air and more placards were waved…

49

— Begin quote from ____

“I can see through all space and time…I can see the Dannistrians, standing at the beginning of time…[Long before any other man, woman, child and animal from anywhere else was standing]…And [then,] I can see the Dannistrians, standing at the end of time…”

-Quote from Hal’vo’s last prophecy

— End quote

Just outside the Consulate of the Republic-Khanates of Dovakhan, McNamara Square, Downtown For’af, East Dannistaan
00:30 EPT

The earlier DNP rally had since dispersed with the help of the police and army. But several people still lingered on in an attempt to disrupt the operations of the consulate. Somewhere along the line though, someone decided more direct action needed to be taken…

McNamara Square Electricity Substation, McNamara Square, Downtown For’af, East Dannistaan
00:45 EPT

Despite the signs warning of dire health, safety and legal consequences, several people managed to break into the substation for the area. Inside they were seen to be placing an object into the middle of the substation grounds before running away.

“Blow it!” shouted someone. A large explosion followed, filling the air with smoke and scary looking arcs of electricity. The activists cheered as the lights went out throughout now just the square but a significant southern portion of downtown For’af.

Just outside the Consulate of the Republic-Khanates of Dovakhan, McNamara Square, Downtown For’af, East Dannistaan
00:50 EPT

“They shut the power! Quick! Get the water supply!”
On that signal, several of the activists used torches to light the area and look for the street stopcock for the consulate. On finding the metal cover hiding it, they shut the water supply and damaged it such that it could not be immediately reopened without a water maintenance engineer arriving on sight…

50

East Dannistaan Municipal Utilities (EDMU) Regional Control Centre, Outskirts of West For’af, East Dannistaan
01:05 EPT

EDMU was the company subcontracted by the For’af City Council to monitor and service all public utilities within the greater metropolitan area of For’af, principally the electrical grid. However they were also responsible for coordinating personnel for repairs to water supply and telephone lines on behalf of various other companies and agencies.

“Got another call from the Dovakhanese Consulate,” muttered one of the emergency service dispatchers to his engineer colleagues, “Apparently the power has been cut and there is a loss of water. Think some rioting hit a substation and stopcock.”

The engineer sighed.
“Surprised they haven’t hit it already. Right…get a plumber from the water division out there. I’ll deal with the substation…”

McNamara Square Electricity Substation, McNamara Square, Downtown For’af, East Dannistaan
01:25

The engineer from EDMU arrived at the substation to find it a large fire in it’s place. Several blocks had also lost power alongside McNamara Square.
“Hal’vo hav’nar…!” the engineer muttered. Then he was brought out of his thoughts by a large thud followed by a smash. He turned around to find a large rock had been thrown onto his van’s windscreen. This was followed by rapid gunfire. The engineer dashed into his van and gunned the engine to leave as more gun fire pinged against his van.
“Dammit! Get police and fire department out here!” he shouted into his radio, “Damned place is overrun with crazies…”

51

City Centre, For’af, East Dannistaan
10:00 EPT

“RIU’ENII! RIU’ENII! RIU’ENII!”

The crowd of protesters and striking workers only seemed to grow minute by minute. Police looked on with despair as the crowd proceeded to add more objects to the blockade, now several metres high and deep, to prevent anyone using the thoroughfares in the city. Admitting defeat, the police and their assisting army units stood watch outside the blockade to monitor the situation. Several police helicopters were hovering overhead, checking the situation from the air as commanders on the ground shouted down radios asking for advice or backup.

Press Room, Grand Chamber, New Central Parliament Hall, Dannistra Onn
10:15 EPT

P’aanil hurried to the lectern to speak to the reporters. Almost as soon as he appeared there were questions shouted at him from all directions. He signaled for silence and prepared his papers.

"Thank you all for coming at short notice. We are all here regarding one event which has concerned the Dannistrian people. That is the plight of our brethren in East Dannistaan. We are highly alarmed at the deterioration of the political situation in East Dannistaan, especially given that the general strike seems to have spread outside of For’af. This indicates that things are now beyond the usual unrest in For’af that we have seen in the last few months.

With this in mind, I have decided to declare a state of emergency in East Dannistaan. Pending the approval of the Governor-General, we will be initiating the procedures set out in the Civil Contingencies Act of 1992, amended 1999, and initiate Direct Rule of East Dannistaan. It is not a decision I take lightly. However, given the current circumstances, we cannot stand and watch a constituent part of our nation fall apart. Amongst the measures we will take will be massive attempt to restore order to the state. My only regret is that we have not taken this step sooner. But I believe that East Dannistaan, when the new state administration is voted into office, will emerge stronger out of this crisis. Thank you."

P’aanil raced back into the corridors leading to his offices. The reporters shouted more questions after him to no avail…

52

— Begin quote from ____


To whom it may concern,

Due to the deteriorating situation in East Dannistaan, we have decided to place the Royal Confederacy of Dannistaan on the Restricted Travel List. We will not entertain any requests to remove the nation until such a time where the state of East Dannistaan has returned to a more stable position which we consider to be acceptable to Nahrin citizen safety.

Yours Faithfully
Kenny Cuthbert, NLU, SMNA
Prime Minister of the Republic of Nahris/Nahrin Union

— End quote

53

Foreign Office, Dannistra Onn, Central Dannistaan
16:00 EPT

It was coming up to the end of the working day and Tr’valis, the Foreign Secretary ended up with yet another thing he didn’t need at this time. In this case, it was a communique from the Nahrin Union detailing that Dannistaan was on their infamous Restricted Travel List.
“Great…just what we don’t need,” he muttered as he read the note attached to the communique from P’aanil. It simply said “WTF?! Please respond in kind Tr’valis. -P’aanil”. Tr’valis sighed and started drafting a reply to the Nahrin Union.

— Begin quote from ____

FAO: Kenny Cuthbert, Prime Minister of the Republic of Nahris/Nahrin Union

Dear Sir,

We are somewhat dismayed and mystified to hear we have had Restricted Travel Status put on our entire nation when it is clear that the issues are only affecting one state out of the five in the Royal Confederacy. We are extremely concerned about the impact in trade this may have on both our economies. We strongly protest at the RTL status and request you either remove them as a matter of urgency or at least review them and consider a less restrictive form of RTL status. We also strongly protest against the idea that all of Dannistaan is dangerous when it is only a single state that is having any serious issues. We are also puzzled as to why this sanctions have been placed against us now when the situation in East Dannistaan has been unstable for the last year.

We again appeal to you common sense and request you to review your position.

Hal’vo hav’nar
-Tr’valis No’oonsoko
Foreign Secretary of the Royal Confederacy of Dannistaan

— End quote

54

A Bai Lungese worker attempts to avoid the strike by taking as many detours as he can. Almost no Bai Lungese person goes on strike due to the conditions they live in. Low pay, poor rent yet highly expensive means the average Bai Lungese worker has to work 100 hours a week to keep up with the exorbitant rent. It is still much higher pay to work overseas than to work in native Bai Lung.

Bai Lungese bricklayer: (Honking at a blockade) “HEY!!! GET OUTTA THE WAY! I’M HEADING TO WORK, @SSHOLES! MY BOSS’LL FIRE ME IF I DON’T TURN UP EARLY ENOUGH!”

55

The protesters manning the blockade refused to move. Not for the police, and certainly not for a Bai Lungese person who in their eyes, rightly or wrongly, was stealing their jobs. Ignoring his abuse, they instead signaled for back up, which appeared on the streets. Slowly they converged on the car belonging to the Bai Lungese man.

“I’ve got a better idea,” one of the workers said, “How about we make sure you never have any work to worry about ever again?”

Before the Bai Lungese man could say anything, they proceeded to drag him out the car and then started smashing the windows.
“HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MY CAR YOU CHA…” the Bai Lungese man was about to protest but was swiftly silenced by a blow to the head.
“SHUT UP! YOU STEAL OUR JOBS! OUR LIVELIHOOD! OUR BENEFITS! OUR FUTURE! AND EXPECT US TO MOVE FOR YOU?! NOT THIS TIME, BAHR-ELL! YOU WILL BE LUCKY IF WE LEAVE YOU LIKE THIS! YOU HEAR ME?! YOU F***ING HEAR ME?!”

There was then a loud crackle of gunfire as the head of that particular blockade produced a sub-machine gun and fired several shots beside the Bai Lungese man before kicking him several times. Afterwards they then dragged him away from the blockade into a side street. Despite his injuries, the Bai Lungese man got up and rather than fight decided to run away to get help.
“YOU CHAPPIES! YOU HAVEN’T HEARD THE LAST OF US YET! YOU’LL SEE!” he shouted as he ran off. The Dannistrians simply spat at him.
“JUST TRY US!” the worker shouted back, "YOU’LL BE SORRY YOU RAISED THE IRE OF THE DANNISTRIANS OF FOR’AF! "

56

One of the protesters got so angry from hearing the word chappy, he took pot shots at the Bai Lungese worker, with one of the bullets delivering a fatal wound. The now motionless man leaves a gradually widening pool of blood.

Protester: “DIE BAHR-ELL MOFO SCUM!!! YOU P!SS US OFF ENUFF!!! WE BUST A CAP IN YO’ ASS FOR HAVING A BEEF WIT’ US!!!”

The protester took more shots, hitting the corpse in the legs and thighs.

Protester: “THAT BAHR-ELL MOFO IS AN EXAMPLE TO ALL THE BAHR-ELLS OUT THEIR STEALING OUR JOBS AND WIVES!”

57

Emergency Services Control Room, Port Ourad, East Dannistaan

“Medcall, level 1 to For’af City Centre, Coldfield Road!” shouted the dispatcher to Colonel Cahill. Cahill sighed, looked at the board in the room and sighed again.
“Check what armoured ambulances we got available and send one with 2 ETU’s and 2 CAPS units to escort it.”
“Yes sir!”[hr]Several sirens pierced the general ruckus as the crowd shouted more abuse at the dying Bai Lungese man. There was more shouting and jeering as the paramedics checked the man. Several gun shots and debris was thrown at them.
“Move! Move! Get him in the back!”

The paramedics strapped the man to a stretcher before bundling him in the back. The ambulance then drove off with it’s escort just as several explosions went off in the barricade…[hr]An apartment somewhere in Central For’af, East Dannistaan

Mou’mahd Tan’aar’sen looked at the picture of his family once more. Sighing, he took a large swig from the bottle of cheap brand whiskey, putting it back down with a thud. He looked out the semi-boarded up windows of his apartment to the scene of utter chaos. Guns were being fired into the air and into lines of police. The police would then charge forward, only to fall back when the crowd was riled enough. Then, an explosion would randomly echo throughout the streets.

Mou’mahd turned away from the scene, dragging a curtain across the windows. He sighed again, took another swig from the bottle before sitting down on a worn sofa. He looked again at the picture of his family. Himself, his younger brother Hah’fiidh and his two parents. After staring at the photo, he knew what had to be done. Standing up, he turned around and slowly flipped the sofa over to reveal a large cache of firearms and ammunition underneath it. Picking up some of the smaller weapons, handguns and grenades along with appropriate ammunition, stashed them away in the the pockets of a leather jacket beside him before putting it on himself. He then headed for the door, turning one last time to the picture before he headed out.

“Brother, may Hal’vo forgive me for what I’m about to do…but I must avenge our parents…”
Mou’mahd then exited his apartment…

58

— Begin quote from ____


To whom it may concern,

We have received a request from yourselves to remove the Royal Confederacy of Dannistaan from the Restricted Travel List. We are unable to do this due to the situation in the state of East Dannistaan at the moment. Although we acknowledge that the nature of the Royal Confederacy of Dannistaan means that all states are autonomous, we cannot risk the safety of any of our citizens in case they encounter issues in the other parts of your nation, so hence on the advice of our experts, we have decided to restrict travel to all parts of Dannistaan. The RTL status will be reviewed when the situation in East Dannistaan stabilises to a point where we few it is safe to lift those restrictions.

We consider this matter to be closed and would appreciate it if you do not comment further on the situation in future correspondence.

Yours Faithfully
Kenny Cuthbert, NLU, SMNA
Prime Minister of the Republic of Nahris/Nahrin Union

— End quote

59

After learning the death of one of their fellow men, the Bai Lungese working community are simply left foaming with anger and many of them couldn’t hold back their sheer frustration with the handling of the Bai Lungese’s death. A strong group of 5,000 men marched to the scene where the man died when going to work only to be beaten and shot by Dannistrians.

60

City Centre, For’af, East Dannistaan
01:00 EPT

“They be coming guys! Take cover!” a voice shouted from the blockades as a large crowd of Bai Lungese appeared several yards ahead of them. It didn’t take long for the predictable reaction to occur.
“DIE BAHR-ELLS!” screamed the same voice before an animalistic roar from both sides filled the streets. A torrent of gunfire, thrown missiles and actual fired missiles from both sides followed. As people were killed and injured, more appeared to replace them. The fighting went all for several hours.

Emergency Services Control Room, Port Ourad, East Dannistaan
01:10 EPT

“Priority one incident!” shouted the dispatcher to Colonel Cahill, “Gun fire at city centre blockade!”

Cahill ran over and looked at the CCTV monitor. It showed from the camera’s vantage point the carnage. After some hurried phone calls, Cahill turned back to the dispatcher.
“Forget the police. Send in as many Ha’na-bi soldiers and ACs as you can, ASAP!”

City Centre, For’af, East Dannistaan
01:45 EPT

The fighting between the two sides was showing no signs of abating. Despite the casualties mounting up, Bai Lungese and East Dannistrian alike refused to back down. The fighting only stopped briefly when both sides ran out of ammunition and stopped to restock. It was at this moment several explosions rocked the entire city centre, forcing an abrupt end to the fighting.

“ATTENTION! THIS IS AN ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE DANNISTRIAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT! ALL PERSONS IN THE AREA ARE TO LAY DOWN ARMS AND SURRENDER IMMEDIATELY. FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL BE DEALT WITH SEVERLY!”

The announcement boomed from a large Armored Core mech as several other mechs and APCs screamed around a corner. This was enough to make everyone scramble for cover. Once the APCs were in position, several nekomimi soldiers jumped out and started spreading out, arresting anyone who surrendered, and shooting any who stood their ground. The resulting chaos resulting in the night air filling with screams and cries. More gunfire, this time from the soldiers as they ensured the blockade was cleared away and more ended up being arrested…[hr]Mou’mahd watched the resulting violence from the window of the cafe he was sitting in. It was one of the few places still open for business. As the Ha’na-bi soldiers swept past, Mou’mahd covered part of his face with his right hand and looked away. The soldiers moved on, shouting at a child with an AK-47 to lie down on the ground or face the consequences. The boy tearfully did what he was told before being dragged off by the soldiers in restraints. Mou’mahd sighed and looked away again as the soldiers went past the cafe a second time.

“Mr. Tan’aar’sen,” I presume?
“Who’s asking?” Mou’mahd replied, eyes not moving from the cup of coffee set before him.
“It’s me, Ric’ii. We spoke on the phone.”

Mou’mahd looked up. A large man with a weathered face greeted him.
“Do you have the merchandise?” he asked in hushed tones.
Mou’mahd sat back in his chair, looked out the window to check the soldiers had gone and then reached into an inside pocket and revealed a large pistol.
“500 for this piece,” Mou’mahd said, “I can give you 3 mags of .45 ACP ammo with it at the moment. Can’t carry all the stash with me. You’ll need to drop by my place to see more.”

Ric’ii looked at the pistol for a few moments.
“Got anything else?”
“A submachine gun, custom modded it myself. And 2 mags for it. 4 grenades, HE. I also have a sniper rifle if you want it. 1 clip but I have more. 800 for the subber. 1000 for the grenades. 3000 for the rifle.”

Ric’ii nodded, impressed at the selection. He then reached into his coat pockets and produced a large wad of notes. Mou’mahd counted them. Satisfied, he took out the other weapons and pushed them over to Ric’ii.
“The rifle is in the back of the cafe. Ask the waitress over there that you want the ‘Dead Eye Special’. He’ll take you outside to the back alley and give you a key. The rifle will be in the locked cabinet in the back. Any problems, call me but not on a cell phone. I think the cops may be on to me.”
“Understood, thanks pal.”
Ric’ii quickly sweeped the weapons into a duffel bag he was carrying and turned away to head to the counter of the cafe.
“By the way. Why are you selling these fine pieces to us now? Especially at those prices? Previously you said…”
“That I don’t help criminals?” Mou’mahd completed the question, “Let’s just say I want revenge.”
“Revenge?”
Mou’mahd took out a cigarette and lit it, taking several puffs before continuing.

“My family. I want to avenge them all. The Bai Lungese have hurt my family too many times. Now I want to show them I’ve had enough. My brother almost got killed by those punks. They drove a car into his apartment. Guy is lucky to be alive. As for my mother and father…”

Mou’mahd remained silent for several seconds.
“…Let’s just say they are in a better place now and no longer have to worry about Bai Lungese immigrants. I made sure of it…”
Ric’ii nodded and walked away. Mou’mahd took one more drag on his cigarette before walking out the cafe.[hr]“Brother!”
Mou’mahd turned around. Someone was shouting at him as he made his way down several side streets to avoid the patrolling soldiers. He recognised the voice. It was Hah’fiidh. He was staring at Mou’mahd with piercing eyes before walking over to him.
“Brother…” Mou’mahd replied with a hint of sadness. Hah’fiidh looked at him in disgust before speaking.

“Why are you doing this?!” Hah’fiidh demanded.
“Doing what?” Mou’mahd sighed, producing another cigarette from his pocket.
“You know what.”
The words were almost spat out accusingly. Mou’mahd nodded as he lit the cigarette.
“Because it is the only way I can get back at them. The Bahr-ells. Who hurt you. Me. Mum. Dad. Everyone I hold dear. I’m not a fighter anymore, Hah’fiidh. Not since that accident which saw dad…”

Mou’mahd cut himself off.
“…and I’m no friggin’ activist either. I don’t believe in politics. They see us as nothing more but idiots who they have to ask to keep them in power, we then vote for them, or not. But it is all the same. The same people, Hah’fiidh. They just treat us all like scum. I can’t fight against the Bahr-ells in that system. I have to do it my own way.”
“And that makes it right? That some how you can hurt the…‘Bahr-ells’ by selling guns to everyone else?” Hah’fiidh looked at his brother accusingly. Mou’mahd took another drag on his cigarette.
“It does for me!” he hissed, “After that accident that wrecked your apartment, I couldn’t take any more! They have to pay! They must know the pain I endured!”

Hah’fiidh looked shellshocked at his brothers outburst, but he recomposed himself enough to continue.
“But brother, didn’t Hal’vo tell us that violence will only be met with more violence? And that we have to meet violence with peace? We can’t keep shooting each other. All life is precious. I realised this just after the incident. I don’t know what I didn’t see it before. But…but…I can say this. They may have hurt us, but that doesn’t give us a right to just kill the Bai Lungese like that. What gives us any more right to exist at their expense? It’s this sort of attitude that…”
“Save it!” Mou’mahd handwaved Hah’fiidh into silence, “…I do wonder if that accident has damaged your brain…” he said sinisterly, “…Hal’vo also told us to stand up and fight against our enemies. The Bahr-ells are the enemy. They chose to come here and not obey our laws. It is their fault and their fault alone, that we are in this mess…”

Hah’fiidh watched as Mou’mahd took another drag.
“‘I can see the Dannistrians, standing at the beginning of time…And I can see the Dannistrians, standing at the end of time…’ That’s what Hal’vo told us, brother. We need to fulfill his destiny. Even if it means the bloodshed of a trillion Bahr-ells. Even that much will not equal the blood of one innocent Dannistrian! Never! They have to pay. We have to eject them from our lands. And only then, can I be at peace with my family!”

Hah’fiidh seemed horrified at his brothers reaction. Before he could respond, Mou’mahd turned around.
“I’m heading back to my apartment. Know this, brother. I respect the fact you can show your assailants any mercy. But I can’t. I never can. I’m sorry. If you can’t accept that, well, that is up to you. But know this. I’m doing this all for you, mum and dad. Nothing else matters now. If you can’t accept that, then don’t get in my way…”

Mou’mahd walked slowly away back to his apartment, leaving Hah’fiidh standing in the dim light of a broken street lamp. Mou’mahd flicked the cigarette stub behind him and walked around the corner. He looked up and noticed several thunderclouds had gathered above the city. There was a bright flash of lightening followed by a loud clap of thunder as rain started to pour down heavily. Making no effort to hurry, Mou’mahd continued down the street to his apartment and sighed as he walked into the lobby of building…