[b]February 3rd, 4901 YDC[/b] [i]Keishi, Tokushiman capital[/i] [hr] Viceroy Ito Kazuo rested his chin on his hands and sighed. It had been nearly three hours, with minor breaks in-between, and still his staff sat around the conference table, hurling arguments across the room. The news of Emperor Naerzo’s death had sent Tokushima into a buzz and deprived an already-exhausted viceroy of rest. “Ecruir has more influence with the Imperial military,” the Defense Secretary said. “We can’t be sure of the Shogunate’s or the Fibor’s intentions. We need Ecruir’s assets to maintain control in the north.” “Ecruir is a snake!” the Labor Secretary shot back. “He murdered the Fourth Prince and just as well could be responsible for the assassination of the Crown Prince. Is that a man you’d trust?” The gravelly rasp of the Defense Secretary shouted back, and more voices added themselves to the din. Kazuo eyed them each from his perch at the head of the table. His head throbbed and pins-and-needles attacked his feet. He was irritated with the lack of progress, but it was also understandable. Tokushima never fostered a close relationship with either prince. The two members of the imperial family Ito had known best were dead and any dialogue with the two that remained would be starting from scratch, almost. Kazuo wet his lips and stood from his seat. The chorus of dissent softened, then dissolved as he loomed over the table. “I want to hear from both princes before we declare one way or another.” He turned to his Foreign Affairs Minister. “Send telegrams to both. Tell them Tokushima is open to talks anytime. I’m not rushing into this mess without a clear head. In the meantime, Tokushima will do as it has always done: acknowledge and serve the Yllendyr Imperium to the best of its ability. You’re all dismissed.” A hush fell over the table as Kazuo’s staff exchanged looks. The Defense Secretary opened his mouth, but Kazuo silenced him with a hand and turned to leave. His cabinet shuffled their papers and followed him out. [center]- - -[/center] [b]February 14th, 4901 YDC[/b] [i]Keishi, Tokushiman capital[/i] [hr] Kazuo read the letter again, tapping his pen to his lip. It read: [i]I write to you today with grave news, though you may have already heard it. Upon the death of my father, the Emperor Naerzo, and my brother Vomlur, the Crown Prince, this Imperium was thrown into chaos. My twin brother, Ecruir, has killed the Fourth Prince, has locked down his grip over the capital and the northern cities, and plans even now to kill me and resubjugate the nations of this world under his iron, dictatorial grip. I write to ask you to lend me your aid. For too long, Yllendyr has been a force for more evil than good upon the world. The time is right for us to rediscover our mission, our purpose in this world. We are the protectors of the realm, not the conquerors and slavedrivers of the realm. I ask for your aid in deposing this evil traitor who would see you all cast once again in chains and whipped yet harder. I ask those who are sworn to Yllendyr, and I ask those who would not see its tyranny reinforced over them again. As Emperor, I will end the practice of tribute but for what is required simply to pay the maintenance of the Auxilia, and I will grant all vassal nations the right to autonomous self-government in the framework of a federation. Furthermore, I will grant total independence to the five Dominions of the Isles, the Vershellen, the Kitagawa, the Fibor, Tokushima and Endaria. I ask all nations to help in spite of our differences to build a brighter future for all our peoples. Sincerely, Emperor Olarth[/i] He looked up from the paper to a thin, gaunt man seated opposite. Hanzo Tetsuya, Chief of Staff, shrugged and crossed his legs. “It does say ‘total independence.’ That’s an awfully big promise to keep. And I can’t imagine Ecruir will take his hands off the reins and let him do it.” “Certainly not,” Kazuo agreed. “This would be a drastic change to the landscape of the international community. Can the Imperium afford to let go of everything, just like that?” “Olarth seems like an idealist. I’m not sure if he really grasps the weight of a decision like this. Emperor Naerzo and Crown Prince Vomlur were the movers and shakers. They had the political background and the brothers have to play catch-up.” “Olarth is the pen, and Ecruir is the sword, if yesterday was any indication.” “The Kitagawans had it coming, attacking Yllendyr garrisons like that.” Kazuo grunted an acknowledgement and returned the letter to the desk. The unrest in the Shogunate was on the lips of everyone in the capital ever since the newspapers rolled off the press. Ecruir’s move was a message just as it was a military operation. One that promised retribution to all that defied the Yllendyr Imperium. Or more specifically, [i]his[/i] Imperium. “Ecruir controls the navy. He can project his influence where Olarth can’t. And for that reason, we won’t be declaring support for Olarth.” “I get the impression you’re not declaring for Ecruir either,” Tetsuya said, squinting at his viceroy. “Not unless he forces us to. I don’t want to be the one to drag this country into a war because of what happens in Ylleria. We’re a protectorate. We support the Imperium’s policies, answer when called, and that’s all.” “And when both ‘emperors’ come calling?” Tetsuya asked. “Sooner or later, we may have to decide.” “I know, Tetsuya,” Kazuo groaned. He ran a hand over the stubble of his scalp and let out a breath of air. “Right now, I’m concerned about spillover from the situation in Kitagawa. Last thing we need is rioting in the streets and Ecruir’s navy knocking on the door.” Tetsuya looked at his watch, stood and gave him a reassuring grin. “Hungry?” “Starving,” Kazuo said. “Come on, let’s grab a bite and come back to it later.” Kazuo nodded. He folded Olarth’s letter neatly back into its envelope, dropped it in one of his drawers and followed his Chief of Staff out the door.