I Am The Truth II

Chapter XXII: A Cheap Bargain

Abbigail had a knack for responding to problems with a speed, something that earned Sapphire's respect. After the near-riot that broke out at the first rally, Abbigail had introduced the idea of video conferences instead, holding 'online' rallies with hundreds of people across the state. Cybercafes all over Nōtterskarten were filled with people tuning in to what she had to say. And while Abbigail did not have a solution for everything, she knew well to mention every major issue possible, for she knew that would garner more votes eventually; thus, almost all of the labor class was united under the same side, something whose cause could be attributed to the collaboration between the NPLP and CPRU.

"How?" Sam Racher, the chief minister of Nōtterskarten demanded.

In days, Abbigail was a somebody here. Three days till ballots opened across all four nations of the coalition. As far as the CPRU's strength was concerned, it had been heavily concentrated in the north. And now, he could only watch with his mouth hanging open as the news broadcasted throngs of people in support of Abbigail.

In contrast, Sam Racher's power largely rested on a massive, but concentrated pool of supporters inside Nōtterskarten. Some from the neighboring state of Lydst-Rūhrskarten showed their support, but they could only do so much for a different chief minister than their own. The middle and upper classes were strong supporters of Emerald Heights, but they were outnumbered. The only reason Sam Racher's government was in power was because he had maintained a plurality among the total number of regional votes cast. 

And now, a farmer girl was going to defy the largest megacorporation in all of Ardonia's history. 

"Do you see this?" Sam exclaimed, pointing to the screen. "How did their banner rise so quickly?"

"Well sire," His chief advisor began. "We have hardly ever tried to garner the support of the laborers. As fragmented as they were before, they opposed us nevertheless."

"Yes, but I didn't know the CPRU would get involved," Sam grumbled, running fingers through his hair. "If she wins, the national government of Crown Peak will be restricted, and thus, we will lose what leverage we have as a mere district government."

"She can't sire," His advisor replied. "If she truly wants to earn a majority in the coalition, she will have to build her support in all four of the national legislatures, something that takes a decade."

"Or less than a year if we misstep on our part."

"Have some faith sire," The other insisted. "She has a large following, but it only makes a mere percentage of the coalition's population."

"With more than two billion people, I find a 'mere percentage' to still be quite the sum," Sam replied. "And of the four nations, Conchord has been wracked with continuous protests. Even worse, terrorists from the enclave they call Ataraxia have begun going on killing sprees."

"That isn't something we can do anything about."

The chief minister nodded. He was a paranoid man by nature, but not without reason. Along his district's southern border was a massive coalition force assembled, facing directly at Tartarus. However, he also knew what militancy was brewing on the other side. He knew that plans were being made to move in on K' Arthen with haste, but if the partisans dealt their cards first, then it would be K' Arthen doing the invading.

"I have an idea however," Sam began, thoughts connecting in his mind. "Will you come with me?"

His advisor looked at him in curiosity.

"Sire?"

"The chief minister?" Sapphire repeated, quite perplexed. "At our doorstep."