closed to free cities

[unwings]

Hello. My name is Castiel.

I overheard a pair of soldiers discussing Prime Minister Marlo’s declaration of martial law, and indefinitely postponed elections. They implied she has a history of election bribery, and mentioned the disappearance of someone named 'Latimer'.

Does 'Latimer' sound familiar to anyone? What else have the rest of you heard?

This message goes to the Summoned of the Free Cities only. For obvious reasons, let’s keep the suspect nature of our leader to ourselves for now.

Comments

[nadine_he_loves]

Do we actually know if any murder happened? Someone disappearing could mean a lot of things. Not that a lot of the other options are GOOD...

I'm pretty sure a dictator's a dictator, even when there isn't martial law.

[unwings]

No, we do not, you’re right. Though I wouldn’t be surprised by a murder, it’d be more fortunate for all of us if it were simple disappearance. At least we’d be able to question them.

A dictator is a dictator so long as their power is absolute. Martial law is the tool with which she’s able to become a dictator.

[nadine_he_loves]

Maybe it would be a good idea to try and figure that out, before calling a rally against somebody. It's just there's a really big difference between having someone murdered and paying off all their debts so they'll go away or something.

Look, I don't disagree that the government here is questionable. Martial law isn't great. But I think it's a little much to jump to we're all under the threatening thumb of a dangerous tyrant.

[unwings]

Am I calling a rally? Reporting information and requesting others’ notes was the aim. When I asked if anyone’s heard more, I assumed that made it clear I intend to “try and figure that out,” anything beyond that hypothetical. I assume a rally requires an impassioned call to action, or a middle aged Caucasian man doing an arrhythmic dance on a patriotically decorated stage. Possibly, “monster” trucks.

I never said tyrant. Or threatening, dangerous, or thumb. I said ‘worry’ and ‘dictator’, as the definition is a ruler with absolute power, such as one suspending elections to remain the uncontested head of state. Some sovereign states function stably under dictatorships, but that does not change the definition.

I’m not suggesting she be deposed. [ yet, but that’s a concern for a potential future he’d like to be privately prepared for, if needs must. Cas will never be convinced brainstorming contingency plans for the worst possible outcome isn’t worth doing, after so many worst possible outcomes have come to pass for them. Not with everyone he loves here, not with Dean, not with a son. But still, he’s not making a call for revolutionary action, just requests for investigation. ] My single personal concern is about the possibility it opens to a compulsory draft of the Summoned into the war effort for Free Cities. It’s an issue I’d like to see coming from far enough away that mitigation - protecting my family - is still possible.

[nadine_he_loves]

I'm sorry if I made any wrong assumptions. It's just throwing out suspicion of murder and the word 'dictator' give an impression. It doesn't take much to get from that to torches and pitchforks. Especially if people are nervous and worried already.

This is the kind of talk that comes right before revolutions, you can see how I got to worst scenario.

[unwings]

My apologies, perhaps I'm too accustomed to death being as reasonable an outcome as anything else. I do believe it's important to recognize the situation for what it is, regardless of corruption and plays at unchallenged power being commonplace. But, even if we were to find evidence of murder, I'd be more interested in information and leverage than a frenzied civilian mob.

Choas doesn't do us any favors. This country wouldn't survive a war on two fronts, nor would we, if Thorne took advantage. I intend to keep this between the Summoned of Free Cities only. If word reaches the people, it won't be from me.