Austeren Leader in New Ireland and Wales

[New Ireland and Wales]

"It seems she's heading Northeast. She won't be crossing any borders though. Right now our army has regrouped and is slowly marching and fighting the Welsh Rebels as they go along. We are also about to have forces cross from Wales Valley into North Wales and start fighting the rebels from that way too." Edwards says

[Austerain]

"What about special forces?" Secretary Sinclair pipes up, "Would it be feasible for a special forces team to extract her? Or is she too heavily defended?"

Versace gives him a side eye, "Dmitri, I assume they've considered this option, so your latter question is most likely the answer!"

She looks out the window for a moment then back at Edwards, "Is there anything we could do to help? Anything militarily?"

[New Ireland and Wales]

"It's quite alright Madam Chancellor. We have considered that option but we want to make getting her the last thing on the agenda so as to ensure her army won't still be able to fight and resist when we do go get her." Edwards thinks for a moment "Well if you could help with air strikes against her officers and supply caravans that would be most appreciated."

[Austerain]

Chancellor Versace nods in acknowledgement to Edwards, then takes out her phone to send an encrypted email to the Defense Secretary back in Austerain requesting airstrikes and supply support.

After she finishes she asks, "So, how are the latest polls?"

[New Ireland and Wales]

"Thank you." Edwards looks at the paper "Let's see. Sinn Fein is at 17%, Fianna Fail at 25%, Fine Gael 42%, Catholic Democrats/Party for Wales at 4%, and Independent Alliance at 12%. Sinn Fein has collapsed in the polls. At first they were neck and neck with us but Fianna Fail has picked up major steam. Catholic Democrats polling at 4% is still a lot lower than what they used to poll at. "

[Austerain]

"It's reassuring that most of the New Irish and Welsh people are wise enough to not fall for the lies of FitzGerald and his party" Versace says, "Back in Austerain, the far right Conservative Royalist Party only has three seats in the National Congress. They lost Polacco's seat in the special elections, so hopefully that momentum strengthens. Congress and party politics have become tumultuous back in Austerain."

[New Ireland and Wales]

"Well most of the collapse with the Catholic Democrats came from the split when Fianna Fail broke off. I should be worried that our party got 60% of the vote in the last election but I'm not. I quite like this diversity." Edwards says. The motorcade pulls up to Leinster House and stops at the entrance.

[Austerain]

"Well as you've said before, always campaign as if you're losing." Versace says.

As they arrive at Leinster House and step out of the limousine, the three Austerens look and admire the building.

[New Ireland and Wales]

"True to that." Edwards says with a smile. Before he gets out the limousine he looks back at the three "Would any of you like to speak?" he asks.

When he steps out the military guards snap to attention and salute him and he salutes them back before heading inside. Once instead a man walks up to him "Mr. President, the Speaker cancelled the luncheon we are just gonna go straight to the memorial service." Edwards sighs "We don't need an opposition party, do we Jonathan? We do that just fine ourselves." The man laughs. Edwards looks at the others "Have you met our wonderful Foreign Affairs and Trade Secretary?" he asks.

[Austerain]

"I'd like to speak as I have prepared remarks on behalf the three of us," Versace says as they step out. As the walk towards the entrance and Edwards introduces them to the new Secretary, Versace and Sinclair hold out their hands for a shake.

"I don't believe we have," smiles Versace, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Secretary, congratulations on your appointment."

Sinclair says, "It's great to finally meet you, Secretary Wright, how do you do?"

[New Ireland and Wales]

Jonathan shakes both extended hands "Thank you, Madam Chancellor. It is an honor to meet you." He then shakes the Secretary of State's hand "It is also great to meet you. I am doing fine and yourself?" As the group gets to the chamber the President looks at the Sergeant-at-Arms and says "Sergeant-at-Arms can you please tell the Speaker we are ready?" The Sergeant-at-Arms nods and opens the heavy double doors into the Chamber. "Mr. Speaker!" He yells "The President of New Ireland and Wales, The Grand Chancellor of Austerain, The Secretary of State of Austerain , The First Lady of Austerain, and the Council of State!" The house comes to their feet with thunderous applause as the group walks up to the raised platform behind the flag draped casket of the former Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

[Austerain]

After meeting the new Secretary, they proceed into the chamber as the Sergeant-at-Arms announces their arrival. As the house applauds, the Chancellor, Secretary of State, and First Lady give short waves to the members of the house. The First Lady is already choking up at the sight of Cox's casket as they walk up to the raised platform.

[New Ireland and Wales]

The President shakes hands as he walks up to the platform. When he steps up he walks over to the podium and waits for the chamber to quiet down. When they do he wipes his eyes before speaking

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. May his soul be on God's right hand side. New Ireland and Wales and Austerain lost men that were truly great men. In an act of terrorism and hate two great men were taken from this planet way too early. I want to thank you all for being here. I see the Catholic Democrats aren't here. Obviously already preparing for what it's gonna look like after the election."

*laughter from the crowd*

"In our tradition funerals or memorial services are for a lot more than tears. We don't wear black, we don't speak in hushed tones, and we aren't afraid to crack a smile or laugh. These are times for laughter, love, happiness, and even tears. Let's remember the great life that Secretary Cox lived. A dedicated statesman, an intelligent man, a great family man, and truly a great person. He was a brother and a friend to me. Many of you knew him as well.

I remember when he met his wife. We were in our last year of High School and it was the beginning of the year. Literally the first day. We were walking to our first class of the day mindlessly talking and he suddenly stopped. I turned around and promptly said "What the heck are you doing?" Though I didn't say heck."

*slight laughter from the crowd*

"He looked at me and said "Ted, Ted, Ted! I'm in love!" With who? I asked. "With her" he pointed to some girl I had never seen before and neither had he. I was like Brandon you don't know her. "I know but I'm in love with her. She's perfect." He went over and in a very embarrassing manner he asked her out. She said no the first time, and the second time, and the third time. But the 4th time he did something different. He asked her out in a bit less of an embarrassing way. She said no again. She finally said yes on the 5th time. I told him to stop after the 2nd time but he refused to. After high school and I think in their second year of college they got married. After college they had a family. That's why he didn't go fight in the war. "Ted I want to but I can't defend my family by doing that." I guess I could understand-"

*the President stops for a moment and takes a few breaths*

"Governor Polacco, you took a father from his children, a husband from his wife, a friend from me, and many great me from this nation and this world. I don't know if your ambition has blinded you or if you've never had a heart but your hatred has caused pain in this nation. I can never forgive you nor do I want to. Right now the Army is marching across North Wales fighting back your rebels. Our Air Force and the Austeren Military are bombing your supply caravans and killing your officers. Your hatred will not last. You may have turned a few but no more. We have always stood against hatred and that means you Governor Polacco and anyone who supports you or your politics.

Secretary Cox was an innocent man. He loved his wife, his children, and his country. He only sought to make this planet a better place for all people. No matter their age, sex, race, ethnic group, sexual orientation, or class he wanted all people to live a happier and healthier life. Filled with joy not fear. Love not hate. Healthiness not sickness. You took him, Chancellor Asher, and now Lt. Gov. Earnest but you will not take the soul of this nation.

To all the people out there who want to spread hate and violence. To all the people who want to weaken us. To all the people who want to spread fear. No matter who you are or where you are you will not be welcomed here and there is no place on this planet safe enough or far enough away where we will not find you. We as a nation will join the rest of the world in standing up against you.

You may have sought to weaken ties between Austerain and New Ireland and Wales but you have failed. Our commitment to them is stronger than ever and I hope their commitment to us is strong as well. This is what Secretary Cox wanted. The world working together to solve problems. He threw aside party lines and reached across the aisle to work with everyone. This is his legacy. A legacy dedicated to New Ireland and Wales and to humanity. This is why I have decided to posthumously award The Order of St. Patrick to Secretary Cox and posthumously give Honorary Citizenship to Chancellor Asher for their dedication to making the world a better place. "

[Austerain]

After Edwards finishes, Versace approaches the podium with her leather-bound notebook and begins,

"Thank you for your moving words, President Edwards,

Mr. Speaker.. Mr. President.. esteemed members of the Council of State and Members of Congress... citizens of New Ireland and Wales,

I wish I was addressing you in happier circumstances. I feel guilty to be here, for I know Chancellor Asher would have wanted to be here among you to admire the beauty of New Ireland and Wales and her people. As First Lady Asher could attest to, he was proud to call himself a new friend of President Edwards, and would be grateful for the honor of honorary citizenship in this wonderful country.

As Chancellor Asher was, Secretary Cox was a talented statesman who was dedicated to his work and to his country, with the potential to bring fresh ideas and bold insight into New Ireland and Wales. The potential, I daresay, to reach the Presidency.

Those that are weak always feel threatened by those that demonstrate strength and leadership. They attempt to tarnish the credibility of others when they have none themselves. They try to "inform" the public on the so-called truth when they don't know the real truth themselves. They whisper of oppression and rile up war against the values of an open-minded democracy as they seek to oppress people themselves and seek to usurp the fundamental necessities of a liberal democracy.

History has demonstrated that those who seek to usurp such principles and undermine them are never successful over the long term.

She pauses, then resumes

This is why, Christina Polacco, you will never succeed in your crusade and your authoritarian demagoguery. This is why you were pushed out of office as a Congresswoman back in Austerain in disgrace after your misleading and vile comments against Chancellor Asher. As we speak, you are being pursued and hunted, cornered like a rat. Those with similar views to your own will never have a place in modern society, for the age of tyranny and closemindedness is coming to an end. It is why scum like Chairman FitzGerald and his band of bigots will be discarded from this country by New Irish and Welsh voters that can see right through you and FitzGerald as the horsemen that could slaughter the civil rights and liberties that they hold sacred.

With approval of Austerain's National Congress, I will have the honor of bestowing the Medal of Excellence posthumously to Secretary Cox, the highest honor in Austerain. Our Secretary of State Dmitri Sinclair has also approved bestowing the Most Distinguished Medal of Diplomacy and Global Peace, the highest diplomatic award in recognition of Secretary Cox's dedication to public service and diplomatic interests.

Secretary Cox and Chancellor Asher, rather than victims of divisiveness, will have died as martyrs of the principles of a liberal democracy. As those who worked hard in public service to protect such values and fundamental building blocks of a democratic society, their legacies will be boom with reverence for generations to come while yours will be heard as a whispering echo of the past and the tyranny of the old days.

We will never surrender. Death to authoritarian demagoguery and bigotry. Long live Austerain and long live New Ireland and Wales. 

Thank you."

She looks down to Secretary Cox's flag draped casket with her eyes glistening, then shakes the hand of Speaker Duncan and President Edwards.

[New Ireland and Wales]

The President stands and claps after the Chancellor is done giving her speech "Good speech, Madam Chancellor!" he says. Representatives and Senators start singing the national anthem of Ireland and Wales and pretty soon everyone, including the President starts singing it as well. Once that is over the President starts walking towards the door with everyone else.

[Austerain]

Versace thanks the President while stepping down from the lectern. As everyone is singing the NIW national anthem, Secretary Sinclair (being more knowledgeable in NIW culture) sings along as Versace and First Lady Asher try to keep up singing as well. The three follow the President out the door, Versace shaking hands with NIW politicians meeting her on the way.

[New Ireland and Wales]

As they head out the chamber a young aide runs up to the President "Mr. President the High Criminal Court is about to issue a verdict." Edwards "A verdict? Oh! Yes, thank you." he starts running towards the Fine Gael Leadership Room to watch the verdict on TV. As he enters the room judges file into the courtroom. The Chief Justice stands up and begins to speak "In the case of New Ireland and Wales v. John McLean the court rules 13-0 in favor of New Ireland and Wales. We find McLean guilty of being an accessory and mastermind to the assassination of Secretary Cox and guilty of the attempted assassination of President Theodore Edwards. This court also finds him guilty of being an accessory to the assassination of Chancellor Giorgio Asher. In accordance with the laws of this land we sentence Mr. McLean to life in prison without chance of parole and with the approval of the Government of New Ireland and Wales we also recommend the death penalty and recommend a rejection of Mr. McLean's application for political prisoner status." Edwards looks at the group assembled in the room "Attorney General?" he calls out.

A woman with black hair steps out from behind the crowd "Yes sir?" she asks. Edwards looks at her "Deny the application for political prisoner status and get me a meeting with whomever is relevant to discuss whether we should let the death penalty happen or if we should commute the sentence." She nods and walks out the room dialing a number on her phone.

[Austerain]

As the three listen to the judge's ruling, Versace and Sinclair smile with satisfaction and Mrs. Asher's eyes glisten as she places her face in her hands. But when death penalty was mentioned, Mrs. Asher looked up with an eyebrow arched as Sinclair and Versace looked at each other waringly.

"Mr. President," Sinclair begins carefully, "I hope you're not seriously considering death penalty. Remember when we were discussing extradition and death penalty in the Cabinet meeting back in Austerain, Secretary Cox himself said that NIW is "dedicated to ensuring justice is carried out" but it doesn't mean you should be inhumane either. Chancellor Asher himself emphasized the need for appropriate and fair punishments and that death penalty wouldn't meet the standard as appropriate in all cases. In fact, it was you who agreed and said that it solves nothing."

First Lady Asher clears her throat and says, "He's right. I don't think my husband would want an eye for an eye. It is statutorily outlawed back in Austerain."

Mrs. Asher and Secretary Sinclair look back at Chancellor Versace for a response, to which she says, "I hate to seem like we're telling you what to do, President Edwards, but we couldn't support the decision to put Mr. McLean to death, as vile as his crimes were."

[New Ireland and Wales]

"I don't know. I really don't know." Edwards says he looks around the room and his heart starts beating fast. He looks at the Chancellor and starts walking around the room he kinda starts stumbling around. The Foreign Affairs and Trade Secretary rushes over to him "Mr. President you need to sit down." Edwards nods and sits down at the table. He puts his head in his hand "I can't forgive for him for this. I want to kill him myself." The Secretary sits down next to him "Mr. President, he did some horrible things. No one is expecting you to forgive him. No one. But death shouldn't be an option." Just then the Attorney General walks back in. "Mr. President the Director of Penal Services." Edwards looks up "Sit down." He says lightly "What would the death penalty entail." The Director looks at the President for a second before speaking "Well since 1994 the death penalty has been outlawed in this province since you banned it as Governor. But that doesn't include the National Prisons. Death penalty on a national levels is hanging and if the prisoner's neck doesn't break immediately it's lethal injection." The President looks at the Director with wide eyes "Hanging?! Please tell me you cut them down before lethal injection" The Director sighs and licks his lips "No, Mr. President. They're injected while still hanging." Edwards starts rocking in the chair "I think I'm gonna puke" he then looks at the Attorney General "We need to commute his sentence to life in prison. The death penalty is horrific."

[Austerain]

The three Austerens, with eyes widened, step back as Edwards appears angry and red-faced as he stumbles around the room. Sinclair and Mrs. Asher looked down to the floor, wondering if they went too far. Chancellor Versace's facial expression returns from wide-eyed to stony faced, slightly narrowing her eyes at the President and new Secretary and their exchange. When the Director describes their method of execution, her face returns wide-eyed and her nose crinkles with horror as she mutters "Jesus Christ" under her breath.

[New Ireland and Wales]

Edwards looks at the Chancellor, Secretary, and First Lady "I am so sorry for that. You had nothing to do with it. It's just that happening right after the funeral of someone I've known for 60 years just made me stop thinking. It's not an excuse it's just what happened. I hope you'll forgive me. I don't know how I didn't know how people were executed in this country. Wish I had officially banned it earlier. It's horrify-" Before the President can speak gunshots ring out from the TV and he looks at the screen just in time to see McLean fall down the steps outside the court after being shot. Edwards looks at the staff gathered in the room "Someone better find out who did that and why it was even possible for it to happen." Edwards sighs and walks out the room

[Austerain]

Mrs. Asher gives a generous smile to the President and says, "It's an understandable reaction, Mr. President, I felt the same way at first. Even threw a vase at the aide who informed me that my husband had died from his injuries."

The three Austerens gasp and cover their mouths as they watch McLean shot on live television. After awkward silence, Secretary Sinclair remarks, "Looks like he got what you both wanted." Versace elbows him to shut up, then sits down on the edge of the table and sighs, crossing her arms.

"Ray McLean is supposed to be ruled and sentenced once the finalization of our own investigations are complete. I'm expecting a guilty sentence with life without parole. Part of our investigation revealed many staff members back in North Wales, a list of names that the ABI is supposed to be sending to your intelligence agency this evening."

[New Ireland and Wales]

"Very well" Edwards nods "We'll make sure whomever is on that list is dealt with in a legal manner." He looks at the schedule "Now let's go we have a memorial dedication to go to. Madam First Lady when did you want to leave?" he asks

[Austerain]

First Lady Asher thinks a moment and says, "I'll leave after the memorial concert, Mr. President. I haven't spent time with Giorgio's family yet, which I'll do once I return to Austerain."

[New Ireland and Wales]

Edwards nods "Very well. We can have that arranged." he steps out the building and walks down the steps to the waiting limousine.

[Austerain]

Mrs. Asher says "thank you" as they step into the limousine.

As they ride on, Versace's phone pings three times quickly. She types for a few seconds, then looks up rolling her eyes annoyed.

"What a [expletive] mess. More Liberal Delegates defected and joined with the Progressive Democrats, letting them take majority in that House. Perhaps I should step aside to Governor McCord- I am not willing to submit to left populism, especially when they formed their own party as political opportunism"

[New Ireland and Wales]

Edwards looks up from his briefing book and looks at the Chancellor "I hope everything turns out alright. I have confidence in you and I think the people of Austerain do too. Things might get better when people look past it all. Maybe you should sit down with the Progressive Democrats and Liberals and have actual discussion about what might need to change? When my approval ratings plummeted to 40% and Congressional leaders asked me to resign I sat down with them and we worked out our differences."

[Austerain]

"Yes, I was planning to do so as soon as I return to the country. The row over entering the nuclear war was what started this, though I'll admit that it was a poor decision on my part. I'm hoping to reunite the party, but I refuse to take on democratic socialist policies. I expect they'll demand that the party is reformed to align with their beliefs or have me step down."

Versace thinks for a moment, "I probably just have a video conference with their party leaders when we leave here to Hirematia. Vandercraft has proven herself incapable of taking on leadership while I've been away, with a weak stomach for the complications of party politics." She looks at Sinclair and says, "You might be replacing her soon, Dmitri".

Sinclair raises his hand slightly and says, "I'd rather not. You should consider Congressman Hall, Secretary O'Brennan, or Governor Bellevue instead- maybe even Governor McCord or Congresswoman Giulia if you want to reunite the party. I've never liked Vandercraft anyway, she'll say anything but change nothing."

Versace chuckles and thinks to herself.

[New Ireland and Wales]

"Party divisions seem to be a big issues these days. I have three candidates for parliament attacking our party platform. They say it's not progressive enough. Then my Health Secretary resigned from the party and plans to run against me for Parliament. I'm meeting with the three soon though. Need to hear their suggestions. If we play it right we can pull the rug out from under Sinn Fein and win an outright majority. As with the Health Secretary I can't outright fire him but I can ban him from the cabinet meetings." Edwards chuckles "I might also be throwing down the gauntlet with Baron soon. She too is resigning from the party but she was useless anyways. When she was Governor of West Mooreland she did nothing at all. She served in that office for about 2 years before being recalled. Then when she was acting President she took all her plans from the Generals and did not sign one piece of legislation. VP ATNA they call her." He sighs "Forgive me, I really shouldn't bash members of my own Government."

[Austerain]

"Really?" Versace says surprised, "Baron seemed to be governing just fine when I encountered her after the assassination. But it sounds like you all are more divided than we are! Sometimes I get sick of my Labor and Commerce Secretary Price. He keeps going on about how the "top 1% still have control of some members of Congress" and phrases like 'HYUGE' constantly, and I think he was tempted to join PDP. Yet his approval numbers are 20 points higher than mine. Honestly a couple of my Cabinet members need to retire, they're borderline senile sometimes in our meetings."

Versace's phone pings again with a notification from RTE News. She looks up and narrows her eyes briefly at Edwards. First Lady Asher looks over and sighs.