>>468988
>election by the masses

>Other

Installed By KGB

>>468988
>> Civilian coup.

>>468994

Do you mean we became a dictator after we were a democratically elected leader?

If not, shall I put this under Riot and Referendum?

>>468988
Oh this will be entertaining to watch.
> Other.
Coup through technology, hijacked drones, the internet, and transit system.

Lost election, followed by riots and referendum.

We may not be as popular, but our followers are as lions.

>>469000

What are a internet? What are drones?

>>468994
>>468996
>>469012

Shall I combine these three?

Alternatively, will wait on more votes.

>>469035
Seeing as we are before the age of high technology I change to this.

File: image.jpg (57 KB, 350x230)

57 KB JPG

>>468988
This thread seems cool
> Election

>>468988
Wew lad is that my dude Jorge Rafael Videla?
I'm into this.
>Civilian coup

>>468988
Military coup

>>468988
>> Military coup.

>>468988
>> Civil war victory.
We had Russian support, we won, our enemies can go home now, shush.

>>468988
> Civilian coup.

>>468988
Public out cry over the death of Harambe your compassionate speeches about the tragedy of the humble gorillas death riled the people up resorting in a coup by both high ranking military officials and civilians alike however bordering nations disagree with your views on Harambe and refuse to get there dicks out to honor his memory

i think the QM gave up

im not the qm i never give up

>>471014

No, I'm still around. Just woke up. Going to count votes now...

File: pict3.jpg (376 KB, 1200x800)

376 KB JPG

>>471875

> Civilian Coup
> Aided by Military and Unrest

You wonder if you should have been happy or terrified that this is what put you in power. The mass unrest on the streets, and then that fateful meeting.

You remember the meeting, of course. The high, vaulted ceiling of the meeting hall, the long, glossy wooden table. Such a long way from the chaos and tumult outside in the capital. Except it wasn't - the crowds were being shoved and held back just 150 metres away.

'The military's support is wavering,' you hear someone report.

'Several general staff officers have come out in favour of the protestors...'

'We estimate there are more than 100,000 on the streets now...'

'What is this, then? What are you telling me all this for? I am already briefed. Appropriate actions will be taken!'

You remember who that last person is, of course. He's the authority - or he *was* the authority. He's the...

> Your choice below will determine the sort of government that you've overthrown.

> President (presidential republic)
> Prime Minister (parliamentary republic/constitutional monarchy)
> King (absolute/quasi-absolute monarchy)
> Head of the Committee (civilian dictatorship)
> Commandant of the Security Council (military dictatorship)

>>471948
> Commandant of the Security Council (military dictatorship)

>>471948
> President (presidential republic)
lets not go easy on ourselves and go full napoleon.

>>472196

Which Napoleon?

Commandant of the Security Council (military dictatorship)

>>472196
>> Head of the Committee (civilian dictatorship)
no, wait, wouldn't this have been what napoleon overthrew? I cant recall if it was before or after Robespierre.

>>472241
Bonaparte of course

>>472196
>>472250
oh well, looks like military dictatorship won.

>>472252

It was after the Directory, so yeah more like Head of the Committee. Robespierre was taken out by the Directory.

>>472259
man I love French history.

>>471948
Yeah sure lets be head of the committee, why not.

>>472316
The post isn't asking who WE are it's asking who the protagonist deposed.

>>471948
>> Commandant of the Security Council (military dictatorship)

>>471984
>>472196
>>472250
>>472252
>>472316

> Yeah, uh, this is not YOU. This is who you OVERTHROW. The previous guy.
> So we're a civilian government that just took out a military government by a coup.

The Commandant of the Security Council - since six years ago, the country has been under military government, but the controls are finally slipping. Civilians protesting - well, that can be dealt with.

But when entire brigades and battalions are circulating a pledge not to open fire on the crowds, even under orders from above? That's when you know you are fucked.

But the Commandant doesn't seem to know that. 'Appropriate actions will be taken!'

'Sir, with due respect, appropriate actions are already being taken. We are here to inform you that, effective immediately, you are relieved of your duties as the Commandant and the head of the government...'

That voice? That is you. Standing there, watching as the Commandant's face turns bright red. But why you, though? Who are you speaking as?

> Okay, THIS is YOU.

> A minister under the military government - and, of course, the leader of the coup.
> A minister under the military government - one of several participants in the coup.
> A senior civil servant, but not a minister - one of the participants.
> A mid-level civil servant who, uh, they asked me to do this...
> Other.

>>472336
> A senior civil servant, but not a minister - one of the participants.

>>472336
> A minister under the military government - and, of course, the leader of the coup.

Magnificent Bastard?

>>472336
> A minister under the military government - one of several participants in the coup.

>>472390
>>472343
>>472340

Nice tie we got here, heh

>>472394
I'll change my vote to
> A senior civil servant, but not a minister - one of the participants.

>>472395
>>472390
>>472343
>>472340

'You-' the Commandant, a major general, points his finger at you, then at the people behind you. There's almost twenty of you. Not counting the other generals, and also the guards, who are on your side. 'And you...'

'Please, sir,' you say, trying your best to stay calm. This... you're part of the plot, but it's really your relative obscurity that's pushed you right to the front of this pack. The people behind you are the real leaders; you're just part of this. 'If you do not resist, this will be a lot easier.'

'You fuckers! You! You motherfucker!' The general springs to his feet, and then the guards come in from just outside the room - two holding pistols, the other four coming to protect you. The general points at the man on your right. 'You son of a bitch! After what I did for your son, this is what you do to me? And you!'

He's pointing at you now.

'You... who the FUCK are you even? Huh?'

'Please, sir. We will not mistreat you-'

'Enough. Guards, detain him!'

'You fuckers! You cunts! I'll cut the cunts out of all your mothers!' The general is grabbed, and then the guards apologise before slamming him onto the table so they can pin and handcuff him...

... and so that's how you came to be here. Yeah. It's June 5, you don't even remember the year now, and you're somehow now the leader of the country. And you can't sleep. You roll over to your side to see...

> Your wife.
> Your partner.
> Your bolster.

>>472487
> Your wife.

>>472487
> Your bolster.

>>472537
>Your Bolster

>>472512
>>472537
>>472558

> Aww.

Well, it might be nicer if it were someone living, but right now what you've got is your bolster. Ah. There's nothing to do...

... turning to the other side, you see that - damn, it's 4am now. It's quiet outside. You know, never in your craziest dreams would you have considered that you would end up here in the Palace of the Nation. Even if the government isn't *actually* at your command - you may be the head of the government, but you know where the real power is.

But still, maybe it's worth testing your power...?

> ... nah. Let's get up. No point sleeping. Read some reports.
> Let's try it a little. Get up and summon the Palace Guard commander. We'll inspect the troops.
> Let's try it out more. Get up and summon a minister - one of the more marginal ones.

>>472583
> ... nah. Let's get up. No point sleeping. Read some reports.

>>472583
>Read reports

>>472583
> ... nah. Let's get up. No point sleeping. Read some reports.

>>472594
>>472598
>>472605

But... but nah. Even if you were to test your power, it's probably best not to test it in such a capricious way. You sit up, rub your eyes, and then stumble over to the table and fumble until you find the light switch.

Ah. On the vast, mahogany study table, there is a large pile of reports. Since you are the titular head of the Interim Governing Authority, or IGA, the reports all ultimately come to you to be approved. But of course, most of them are in fact approved by the IGA beforehand - you mostly sit quietly at the meetings.

So it's not that different from what you used to do, sit quietly at meetings, and occasionally get up to read reports that you may or may not have written yourself. It was this service that got you here though. You were from the Ministry of...

> Defence - therefore you could coordinate defections.
> Finance - therefore you could coordinate resources.
> Internal Affairs - therefore you could keep tabs on the riots.
> Education - you couldn't keep tabs on anything and that was kind of the point.

>>472620
> Defence - therefore you could coordinate defections.

>>472620
> Defence - therefore you could coordinate defections.

>>472620
> Defence - therefore you could coordinate defections.

>>472620
Defence - therefore you could coordinate defections.

>>472667
Defence - therefore you can coordinate defections.

>>472630
>>472635
>>472666
>>472667
>>472701

> Woah, unanimity! Nice.
> Back from dinner. Writing.

>>472763

As the Undersecretary for the Board of Officer Review in the Ministry of Defence, your role in the coup wasn't small - you literally had all the records of the country's military officers in your hands.

As such, even though you were nothing in the public eye throughout the period of unrest, you had something that the civilian coup plotters desperately needed. You knew whose loyalties were suspect, and could report them to the Security Council...

... or you could keep that under wraps and coordinate defections, quietly keeping records for the other side and pointing out who would be loyal to your side, and who to the military commanders. Speaking of which...

'Huh, what's this?'

It turns out to be a list of names, with a simple message: 'Officers held in detention awaiting further action'. There's 6 ranks and names; 1 is a captain, 3 are lieutenants, 2 are majors. So neither here nor there.

But from what you can remember, of the 3 lieutenants here... hang on a minute. None of them are loyalists to the old regime! The two majors and the captain certainly are. But all of them are being detained together now, and no doubt they will want to treat them together, which is why the list is given to you as it is. If you approve it, then there's no doubt they will be locked in prison awaiting their fate...

Hmm.

> Approve. Lock them all up.
> It's a test of your powers, but strike the 3 lieutenants out. They are not old regime loyalists, and you know that. But there might be other reasons they're on the list, so...

>>472792
>> It's a test of your powers, but strike the 3 lieutenants out. They are not old regime loyalists, and you know that. But there might be other reasons they're on the list, so...

>>472792
>> It's a test of your powers, but strike the 3 lieutenants out. They are not old regime loyalists, and you know that. But there might be other reasons they're on the list, so...

>>472792
> It's a test of your powers, but strike the 3 lieutenants out. They are not old regime loyalists, and you know that. But there might be other reasons they're on the list, so...

File: tegaki.png (6 KB, 400x400)

6 KB PNG

op are there going to be any write ins?

File: tegaki.png (11 KB, 400x400)

11 KB PNG

>>472833

>>472833

Depends what you mean by write in?

>>472813
>>472817
>>472824

You take a deep breath. This is actually, in two weeks, the first report about former army officers that you've seen, though you've heard the debate about the coming purge. Of course it was going to come.

But now it's in your hands, from the Ministry of Law, to purge. And you can't bring yourself to agree to purge the innocent, so you strike the three names off the list and write below:

'Not disloyal according to records'.

You put down the pen and look at those words. Huh. You've put your imprint on quite a few policy papers and proposals, always for a higher up to look at. So this is what it's like to be a higher up...

'Sir, guards reporting for duty.'

You start, then turn to the door, but it turns out it's just a change in the guard. They're talking to each other, not you.

'Is all well, sergeant?'

'All is quiet, sir.'

'Good. You are relieved.'

'Yes, sir.' Bootsteps down the hallway. You look at the pile of reports... actually, you really need to start clearing them. Having spent the last two weeks in so many emergency meetings and then going right to sleep, it's time you put your stamp on more things, so you look through them...

... by the time the sky is dark blue, you have dug out another few reports about officers in detention, and struck out another 8 or 9 names as 'Not disloyal according to records'. But you also notice how long some of these reports are - what you thought was a big pile, over here, is actually just five 'papers' on 'Edcuation Ministry Refrom'.

They can't spell correctly. IN THE BLOODY TITLE! Who can deal with this? As a senior civil servant, not you!

> Make a note to summon the people who write this shit, and dress them down.
> We can't keep reading long reports like this. We need a personal secretary or three to summarise this.
> Ugh. Well, there's no choice - we must soldier on and read as much as we can.
> Other.
>

>>472845
>> Make a note to summon the people who write this shit, and dress them down.
Followed by

> We can't keep reading long reports like this. We need a personal secretary or three to summarise this.

Sorting out our edumucators is important, as is delegating all the crap we have to get done.

>>472848

Hah, going for the retributive solution after all? To assert your power, perhaps?

>>472849
Asserting power is only the beginning, we also have to cement it.
And to do that with the new generations, we need to make sure they are properly indoctrinated.

Also, having a poor education system is a national embarrassment, can't have that.

>>472853

Makes sense. I'm beginning to wonder what our education level is like. We'll have to come to that next post.

>>472856

Any more votes, people?

>>472845
> We can't keep reading long reports like this. We need a personal secretary or three to summarise this.

>>472867
thought you were already working on the next post

>>472848
>>472868

> Oh dear - sorry I was waiting, hah. Will keep that in mind next time.

Pfft. Just to see how bad it is, you flip through the first few pages, and... no, the spelling is atrocious, the grammar is bad. The report is unreadable. You wouldn't have stood for this.

And then it occurs to you why the Security Council would have stood for it. Of course - they never read this shit! Well, that's not you. You are, after all, an educated man - which is already a rarity in your country. But to make you even more distinctive, you are also...

> ... a scion of a major mercantile family in the capital. Old money, as it were.
> ... a scion of a much older, noble family. You may no longer have the power (until now) but you've always valued education.
> ... a graduate from abroad. You've studied in excellent institutions overseas.
> Other.

>>472877
>> ... a scion of a much older, noble family. You may no longer have the power (until now) but you've always valued education.

>>472877
> ... a graduate from abroad. You've studied in excellent institutions overseas.

>>472877
> ... a graduate from abroad. You've studied in excellent institutions overseas.

>>472877
>A god damned honors student and graduate from one of the most prestigious and rigid schools in the country, with majors in history and government. This is a personal offense!

This is a write in.

>>472877
>>> ... a scion of a much older, noble family. You may no longer have the power (until now) but you've always valued education.

>>472887

Ooh. Yeah, well, it's a good write in.

That said, we *are* in a rather shitty third rate country, so would you mind if we turned this into a prestigious and rigid school from another country?

>>472894
Well, foreign exchange student DID win.

>>472877
>> ... a scion of a major mercantile family in the capital. Old money, as it were
Add outside education too, we're old money, we can afford that shit!

>>472879
>>472882
>>472883
>>472887
>>472889

Well, you're a graduate from abroad. And not just any graduate from abroad! Your family, an old family of long history but not much wealth, damn near bankrupted itself in order to pay for what you studied.

And you didn't let them down. You have a top degree too - a Bachelor's in _____ from _____!

> Economics... LSE.
> Engineering... MIT.
> Political Science... Oxford.
> History... Cambridge.
> Other.

>>472904
> History... Cambridge.

>>472904
>> Engineering... MIT.

>>472904
> Economics... LSE

>>472904
Political science would be figuring out how other politicians think. Economics would allow for a very strong logistics and potentially happy citizens. Engineering would allow for us to get directly involved in creating new defenses. Finally history would give us insight on how to not make the mistakes of other countries and possibly military strategy.

I vote
> Economics... LSE.
Logistics wins all wars.

>>472917

Thanks for laying it out!

>>472917
In practice, I've noticed that it's mostly just engineers getting things done and lead while the econimists do clerk work and the politicians steal.

Still a technically valid point, though.

>>472923
I imagine one of our first initiatives is to get a lot of local talent in engineering

>>472923
Hmmn. What are the odds that we could get the engineers to take the initiative without giving them an in to stage a coup?

>>472925
When it comes to education in a country that doesn't have money, your first initiative is preventing brain drain or you are just training another faction's workforce.

>>472925
A strong government (in the modern era) should have a strong engineering core.

>>472904

> Economics... LSE

>>472930
Start doing the opposite of merica and start funding our schools?

That said, so far economics wins though, right? So we're an LSE bach.

Hmm, a familiar situation.

>>472934
America doesn't fund its schools precisely because it doesn't need to because it imports educated foreigners who are paying for it.

I mean, we're poor so we have to pay for education if we want our populace to get educated because they can't pay for colledge, but we can't pay them as much as someone else can once they graduate, so they are likely to just fuck off the moment they get the chance.

And even then, unless we have a developed industry in place, any engineers we train are going to lack opportunities here and leave because they can't find a job in their chosen profession.

Ideally, you want to pay for the education of exactly as many skilled workers as your economy is capable of absorbing + a but extra to be safe.

Unfortunately, our people in charge of that are illiterate, so the odds of them figuring this out correctly are low.

>>472940
Huh. That's interesting. So if we started an ambitious public works program ala Napoleon Bonaparte, with a focus on engineering projects we could facilitate creating a military engineering corps after. Am I mistaken?

>>472946
That's one way to go about it, if we can afford it.
We currently have very little information about our country, so it's hard to make any real decisions until we know more.

Also, military engineers aren't as immediately useful as civilian ones because you have to pay for military engineers, while civilian engineers make you money.

>>472940
We're just going to need to find a great source of trade income and educators. Maybe even equipment for the educative facilities.

>>472948
That last point really drives it. An educated dictatorship is a strong dictatorship.

>>472917
>>472913
>>472912
>>472911
>>472933

An economics Bacherlor's degree from the LSE is no mean feat for someone from your country, and well... if you haven't done them proud now, eh? Though you're not sure what they might have thought about your involvement in a coup.

Well, for your parents at least it doesn't matter. They're six feet under now. ANYWAY... at around sunrise, you come out of your bedroom and the four guards quickly turn to you and salute.

'Good morning, Mr. President.'

'Good morning.' You salute back. 'Do you know who submits the reports to the office?'

'Yes, sir.'

'Get him to meet me later today.'

'Yes, sir. Also, the Minister for Internal Affairs requests a meeting.'

'He's early.'

'The official came in around 5 in the morning, sir.' He pauses and listens out. 'That should be him coming in...'

Internal Affairs. The man in charge played a marginal role in the coup at best; he claims his entire machinery was absorbed in dealing with the mass protests and riots. Which makes sense, kind of, but... is he holding back for reasons of his own?

But whatever he is, you think perhaps the commander of all the police and internal forces is not to be trifled with. And yet, you don't owe him great deference...

> Hmm. Let's quickly shower and go meet him.
> Let's go meet him in our pyjamas.
> Eh, relax. Shower... then breakfast. He can wait.
> Other.

>>472952

But an educated populace is a populace that's difficult to rule. It's an independent populace, an intelligent and questioning one.

Do you really want to rule people who are constantly, intelligently questioning?

>>472954
>> Hmm. Let's quickly shower and go meet him.
And admonish him for not meeting at the appointed time or at the very least announcing his early arrival.

>>472954
> Other
Let's get someone to tell the Minister that you're indecent and then take the quick shower.
Wouldn't want to offend him for something silly.

>>472957
I find that rule only applys when your doing a shitty job, suppressing the countries intelligence, and you can't generate a single shred of good publicity for yourself.
>>472954
> Hmm. Let's quickly shower and go meet him.

>>472957
That's fine unless you are doing a shitty job or foreign infiltrators foster revolt.

>>472954
> Hmm. Let's quickly shower and go meet him.

>>472954
> Hmm. Let's quickly shower and go meet him.
This official doesn't command our respect, but he does command our attention

>>472954

> Hmm. Let's quickly shower and go meet him.

>>472959
>>472960
>>472962
>>472968
>>472971

'Right. Fine. He really ought to have told us earlier.' You sigh. 'When the Minister arrives, tell him I'm showering. I will be right down.'

'Yes, sir.'

A quick shower later, you wipe the mirror and look at the reflected image, which is...

> Roll 2d12.

Rolled 6, 1 = 7 (2d12)

>>472977

Rolled 1, 10 = 11 (2d12)

>>472977
please don't be hideous

>>472983

This ain't for hideous, it's for height.

Rolled 8, 8 = 16 (2d12)

>>472986
Dice. Dice pls.

Rolled 2 (1d3)

>>472981
>>472983
>>472990

> Hang on, is this how you roll?

>>473000

> Excellent.

Well, at 5' 11", you're a little taller than your average countryman. And as for looks, well, you don't think you'd call yourself a famously handsome face. But you do have to maintain it, even more nowadays, and so you get your razor and trim your face...

> ... removing all the hair. Clean shaven is your way.
> Trimming some errant strands from the edges of your moustache.
> Trimming to keep beard from becoming neckbeard.
> Other (just state what facial hair you might have).

>>473003
>> ... removing all the hair. Clean shaven is your way.

>>473003
> Trimming some errant strands from the edges of your moustache
All hail the mustachioed economist, our emperor and savior.

>>473003
Clean shaven. We'll rule with efficiency.

>>473003
> Trimming to keep beard from becoming neckbeard.

Can we have a goatee? I ask because I love mine. XD

>>473003
Clean shaven my man

>>473003
>> Trimming some errant strands from the edges of your moustache.
A thick, bushy, Saddam-style stache

File: 18jb2rteyleh6jpg.jpg (26 KB, 636x387)

26 KB JPG

>>473011

What, like this?

>>473011
+
>>473014
=
>>473016
Oh my various Lords. It's perfect. o.o

>>473016
Let's go with it.

>>473016
>>473003
This is perfect

>>473016
Awful

> Well, let it never be said that I'm not democratic. Even in a dictator quest.

You trim a little of everything - your moustache as well as your goatee - and then look in the mirror. Hmm. Well, you're neat, and neat is good enough. Quickly you throw on some clothes and head down to meet the Minister of Internal Affairs.

'Jack,' you shake his hand. 'Morning.'

'Morning, Mr. President,' he says, sounding a little tense.

'Is something the matter?'

'Well, it's this.' Jack gestures, and his aide comes up with a news report and passes it to you. You read it. 'As you know, the protests have been going quiet since democracy was restored, but I think now they are beginning to...'

'A march, huh? To here?'

'Yes, sir.'

'And it's happening today?'

'Yes, sir. We are already transferring police and cancelling leave. Needless to say, the security will be watertight.'

> Mm. That's good then. But remember - no undue use of force.
> No, no. Let them come. I want to address them - the balcony overlooks the square they'll be gathering in.
> This couldn't have taken a single night to plan. Why wasn't I told earlier, Jack? Hm?
> Other.

>>473056
>> No, no. Let them come. I want to address them - the balcony overlooks the square they'll be gathering in.
>> This couldn't have taken a single night to plan. Why wasn't I told earlier, Jack? Hm?

>>473056
> No, no. Let them come. I want to address them - the balcony overlooks the square they'll be gathering in.
> This couldn't have taken a single night to plan. Why wasn't I told earlier, Jack? Hm?

>>473056
> No, no. Let them come. I want to address them - the balcony overlooks the square they'll be gathering in.

>>473058
This.

File: image.jpg (142 KB, 1120x839)

142 KB JPG

>>473062
>>473060
>>473058

> Populism intensifies?

>>473056
>> No, no. Let them come. I want to address them - the balcony overlooks the square they'll be gathering in.
>> This couldn't have taken a single night to plan. Why wasn't I told earlier, Jack? Hm?

We're going full Peron in this thing

>>473070
Indeed.

>>473074
>>473062
>>473060
>>473058

'Watertight, Jack?'

'Definitely. Posts all around the Square.'

The Square - well, it's officially called the Cavalry Square, after the four equestrian statues on each corner - is the centre of the city's political centre. On its north and south, governmental buildings; and on its eastern end, well, the Palace. So it's no surprise people would gather here to protest.

'We won't let them in, certainly.'

'No, no. Why not? That would just lead to violence, wouldn't it?'

'But, Mr. President-'

'If they come, it would be best,' you say. 'I'd like to address them from the third floor balcony. None of us from the IGA have made an appearance since two weeks ago - I can understand why people are anxious.'

'But it's a matter of security, sir.'

'Speaking of which, how come we only were aware of this today? They must have planned this in advance, no? The march?'

'I was told about this today, Mr. President,' Jack says, stiffening a little.

'I see...'

'Also, the security plan is actually drawn from a contingency plan that was discussed last week. In case there was another march on the Square. So we decided it was best not to, you know, let them in...'

You know what he's trying to do, of course - shield himself with the real ministers who are leading the coup and are now in 'subordinate' positions within the IGA. Who is chief among them, anyway?

> The Minister of Defence - your old boss, in other words.
> The Minister of Finance.
> The Minister of National Development.
> The Minister of Law.
> The Chief Minister, of course - the head of the civilian government under the Security Council.

>>473116
> The Minister of National Development

>>473116
> The Minister of Defence - your old boss, in other words.

>>473116
What does The Minister of National Development do, exactly?
Hand out grants for projects or something?

>>473116

> The Minister of Finance.

Also Hi, great thread.

>>473132

Thanks very much!

>>473131

Well, partly that, partly things like industrial development, economic development. Important stuff.

>>473134
Seems legit

> The Minister of National Development

>>473138
> The Minister of National Development.

So instead of development what has this clown been doing?

>>473158

Who the fuck knows, hah.

> Writing elsewhere, gimme sec.

>>473184
In the lack of any information on a characters activities when they fail to preform their duties, it is assumed they have been funding the local prostitution ring. This is now my head canon for the minister of national development.

>>473184
>>473158
>>473138
>>473132
>>473131
>>473129
>>473124

> Sleeping after this post. Thanks for playing.

Well, many of them are in it - but you'd say Peter, the Minister of National Development, is probably the leading figure among them. Or well, the ex-Minister of ND.

For he is now the Chief Minister, holding a portfolio that has as much power as you, but without the exposure. You wonder...

'We did, did we, Jack?'

'Yes, sir.'

Damnit. You glance out. All's quiet here - but then this opening isn't the one that leads to the Square. On the other side there's a high enclosure wall, and guards - you should be safe, surely? But a plan is a plan...

> Well, defer to the plan.
> Ask Jack to get the Ministers gathered here - we can send someone to address the crowd, make an exception.
> No need to consult! Amend the plan.
> Other.

>>473259

> tfw you realise Littlefinger is the key player in your freaking cabinet

>>473263
>> Well, defer to the plan.

>>473263
>> Well, defer to the plan.

>>473263

> Well, defer to the plan.

>>473263
> Well, defer to the plan.

>>468994
>>468997

I think he means something like Hitler.

He was elected democratically, but became a dictator.

>>473291
>>473298
>>473592
>>474511

'Well, the plan is...' you trail off, considering it. Is this really worth fighting over, though? You got to choose your battles and choose them carefully. Your political capital - if you have any at all - is very limited.

'Yes, sir?'

'Mm. Nothing. I see what you mean. Well, since there's already a plan in place, best not to disrupt it.'

'My sentiments exactly, sir.' He smiles. That 'sir', from his mouth, somehow doesn't sound respectful at all. 'There's also something else I'd like to talk about, sir, while I'm here...'

'Yes?'

'It's just about the report that was sent in last week. Regarding a reform of the Ministry.' He nods. 'I have some supplementary material to it that I'd like to pass on now, if it's not too much trouble...'

Damn. You're really going to need that private secretary. But you have seen that report - and while its grammar and spelling is fine, you did notice what it was asking. Requests for new police stations in the capital... requests for pay rises... while it seems true that the police have not had a pay rise since the Security Council was in power, you're not sure this can be afforded...

But what should you say right now, though?

> Go ahead. I haven't read the report so will read them all together.
> Is it anything to do with the pay rise issue? (Shows you've read the report)
> Can you summarise the report for me now? (Puts Jack on spot)
> Other.

>>475990
Fuck jack.
> Can you summarise the report for me now? (Puts Jack on spot)

>>475990
>> Can you summarise the report for me now? (Puts Jack on spot)

>>475990
>> Can you summarise the report for me now? (Puts Jack on spot)

>>475990
> Can you summarise the report for me now?

>>476080
>>476181
>>476190

> Why so aggressive to Jack?

'Oh... yes, of course. Is that it?' You take the file over from the aide.

'Yes, sir.'

'I have to say, though. I haven't read the report yet - just saw the first part. Didn't see a summary or anything.' You look at Jack. 'Could you give me a summary what's in there? And what's in this one?'

'Ah, sir...'

Jack hesitates, then turns to his aide, who glances at him nervously then at you. 'Mr. President...'

'Yes?' You nod. 'Go ahead.'

'To summarise, sir, the report is divided into three major sets of reforms - one for the Capital Police Service, one for the working conditions of policemen, and one for the Firefighting Service in the capital.'

... well, you hadn't read the third part, but hmm. You can see Jack glancing at his aide with... what? Anger? Confusion? But it's not comfort, is for sure.

> Good. Thanks very much.
> Tell me more about the Capital Police Service.
> Jack, you should promote this young man.
> What is your name, officer?
> Other.

>>476394
>> Tell me more about the Capital Police Service.

>>476394
> Tell me more about the Capital Police Service.
"In fact, let's ask that officer over there."
> What is your name, officer?

>>476426
Wait, I'm assuming said officer is jack's aid and a officer of the Capital Police Service.

>>476426
>>476429

Sorry, should've clarified. The 'officer' here is Jack's aide. As for whether he's from the CPS, you have no idea.

Asking about the guy's name is a pretty clear signal that you're interested in him. A president's interest and favour could be useful - and Jack might not like that.

>>476448
But why do we see him as an "officer"? if he has a uniform to suggest so then it's safe to assume that there is a high chance he is CPS.

File: Za Rodina.jpg (26 KB, 391x440)

26 KB JPG

>>476394
>> What is your name, officer?
>>476448
More of a, "introduce yourself before you speak kinda way" We can speak to him later when we are not infront of Jack. Like how its impolite to start talking before introducing yourself so tell me who the heck you are before continuing.
Or
We can ask ask jack, who is this guy? In a way that says we aren't favoring him right now...
> Tell me more about the Capital Police Service.
Ask this to jack so as to not seem to favor the young man.

>Dictator Quest
Fucking love these type of quests! Why didn't you tell me sooner!

>>476408
>>476426
>>476461

'Mm. Thanks for the summary. What is your name?'

'I... Joseph Bellson, Mr. President.'

'Good, Joseph. Very well. And about the CPS, Jack, what's this about?'

'It's a proposal that came up to me before that report, sir,' he says. 'So it's a plan to improve policing in the capital, through expanding our network of outposts and stations. Currently, there are... Joseph, was it in the report?'

'Currently, sir, the capital is divided into 9 policing areas, but people are stretched thin,' Joseph says. 'So... under the plan, the idea is to redivide into 20 districts, and increase hiring...'

Increase hiring? On top of that pay rise? Wow, *somebody* is really daring to ask for more resources, huh... but again, Jack is moving to shield himself.

'So, now that the IGA has deliberated this matter, it's all for your reference, sir.'

In other words - you're just a figurehead president, we've already talked about this. Just put your damn signature on it and we're set.

> Thanks, then. I'll think about it. (Polite)
> There must be more economical ways of achieving the same goals. I'll think about it.
> Mm. Worth considering. I think you have a demonstration to deal with? (Dismiss)
> Other.

>>476472
Try to get some specifics about exactly how much this would all cost.
Make them stop and think about where the money would actually come from.
Then eyeball the actual amount of money we can reasonably make available to them and see how that all fits into the current plan.

>>476474

Well, I'm sure they've already thought about where the money is coming from, because the money is going to them. I don't think you'll go very far getting them to back down from taking more money.

> 'We want more money, sir'
> 'But that's a large amount of more money'
> 'Oh, so it is. Never mind then, sir'

Yeah, that ain't happenin'.

>>476461

Well, you're welcome to join in!

>>476478
>>476476
Since I have no idea as to how much we have and how much they are asking for and how these relate to eachother, I'll just go with

>> Thanks, then. I'll think about it. (Polite)

They presumably know what they are talking about so there's a decent chance this is getting approved.

>>476479

Sorry by the way - I'm not saying that to slap you down. Just kind of explaining the logic behind why that wasn't in the options, I thought of it as well.

>>476472
> Thanks, then. I'll think about it. (Polite)
I'll support this just to get them out.
We're gonna have to start taking notes on all this corruption.

>>476472
> Thanks, then. I'll think about it. (Polite)
Do we have any sort of pay scale to reference, and any minimum wages, cost of living and our nations financial situation, status of the treasury?

>>476476
What are we doing with this?

>>476502
>>476485
>>476479

> The nation's economy has been poor, but exact numbers are difficult to come by. You *do* have numbers when it comes to police, but you'll need to dig them up.

Well, honestly, you haven't the time to tangle with all of this right now. So you just smile.

'Thanks very much for your summary. I'll think about it.'

'Right. Yes, sir.' Jack nods. 'So I'll see you at the IGA meeting then.'

You nod. During the first week of your appointment, you hardly spent any time here in the Palace; most of the time you were with the IGA in the Ministry of Defence Building, just on the north side of the square, in emergency meetings. But now that the immediate crisis has died down, you've instead switched to meeting every week.

And that makes it easier to reckon the weeks, perhaps. So for example, in your diary, this week is...

> Week 25. Almost mid-year.
> Week 1, of course. It's all about *me*.

>>476519
>> Week 25. Almost mid-year.

> Week 25. Almost mid-year.

>>476527
>>476533

> We're not an egomaniac? Whaaat?

>>476519
Is this 25 weeks front he start of the year? Or the start of coup or both?

>>476535
We are, just not overt about it.
I would pick week1 if we were the founder of a new nation or something.

>>476535
Egomaniacs make rash decisions, a good dictator is cold and calculating, while pretending to care and be passionate.

>>476537

Yeah, that's the choice. If we record the time as Week 25, then that's from the start of the year.

If it's Week 1, then this is FIRST WEEK OF GLORIOUS PRESIDENCY.

Also, this is how we reckon time from now on, so yeah!

>>476543
I'd rather we keep track of the date and how long we have been in power but since both will be using weeks to measure time, I'll go with:

>>476519
> Week 25. Almost mid-year.

>>476544
>>476527
>>476533

> Week 25.

After Jack leaves, you nod and then retreat from the sitting room. Only a servant comes over to you, with a tray with some wine glasses.

'Mr. President, drink?'

'Hmm?' You turn and gesture to the empty sitting room. 'They're left.'

'Sorry, Mr. President. Sorry I'm late.' She bows repeatedly, but you wave it off.

'It's fine. It's fine. I'll have one.'

One drink later and you're back in the bedroom. Of course, there are plenty of things to think about in terms of national governance. Things aren't going well.

The Great Crash 2 years ago fucked things up badly - GDP dropped by about 6% over that year. And then, over the next two years, while other countries are busy trying to recover, the Security Council has been busy doing fuck knows what. And now they're gone.

As far as you know, those two years were worse than wasted. The GDP has gone down another 2% during that time. And your instincts tell you that in a shithole country like yours, it's probably worse than 2%. Possibly a lot worse.

Of course, the other ministers know that as well. They worked together to seize power because they knew the train was headed for a cliff. But they're not doing it for the country - they're doing it to save themselves, their ministries. You can tell from the way they were yelling at each other, from all the competing plans being sent into the Palace awaiting your signature.

'Fucking hell,' you say out loud in the empty room. 'They chose me because I'm their fucking puppet! But everyone's pulling the strings in different directions. So what dance is it for me, eh?'

'You called, sir?'

You start violently and turn around to see the cleaner, a young man in a nice shirt. Fuck! What did he hear? Did he hear you say all of that?!

> N-no. Lock the door behind you.
> When did you come? Have you been eavesdropping?
> Get up and rage at him. If I don't call out, you had better not fucking disturb me!
> Other.

>>476557
> When did you come? Have you been eavesdropping?
>Lock that door door behind you.

>>476557
>Draw your pistol
Who the hell are you?

When did we call for him? How did he respond? What was his tone? What does his eyes say about him? I think hes a spy from one of the many ministries to keep a eye on us.

>>476557
I think it means lock the door that leads to the room we are in and shut the cleaning man out.

>>476572
I thought it was get in here and lock the door.

>>476572

> Yeah, you're right. It's lock the door behind you after you leave. Thanks for clarifying.

>>476575
Well the stuttered "N-no" make me think hes saying no I did not call you, "shuts the door in his face, and engage door lock" makes me think otherwise.

>>476560
>>476572
>>476575
>>476577

The look on his face is fright, and you suppose yours is too. 'N-no, I didn't call. When did you come?'

'A-ah, I just heard you sir, I thought...'

You frown. Eavesdropping? But then if he was eavesdropping, why would he want to alert you? That does not make sense. But still. 'Did you hear anything?'

'I thought you came-'

'Don't presume next time,' you say, sternly, and he jumps. Then he bows deeply.

'I'm sorry, sir. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to...'

'Get out. Lock the door behind you.'

'Y-yes, sir...'

Damn it. You don't even know who's doing what these days... in fact, you don't even know what the Palace staff looks like. You've moved in here in a hurry, and so far your life here has been restricted to the main guest space (where you met Jack) and the upstairs suite of six rooms.

The rest of it has been mostly sealed off, for various reasons. The safety of documents... the lack of staff to clean and tidy the place... things like that. Indeed, in a sign that they do know how decrepit this whole place is, the IGA has been happy to just put you here and leave you.

They know - or they think - that you'll just stick to the suite of rooms and stay out of trouble...

> ... and you think you will oblige - for now.
> ... but you really should get a new cleaning staff. Release everyone, get a new crew in.
> ... in which case they're wrong. You'll have to start restoring this place quickly!
> Other.

>>476598
> ... and you think you will oblige - for now.

>Hmmn. The financial records. It seems the current government is busy feeding itself and security. . . I wonder if we got our hands on those, if we can us it to stage our own coup against the council?

>>476598
> ... in which case they're wrong. You'll have to start restoring this place quickly!
We don't want to set the tone as complacency, it will be harder to have the brass to escape their clutches. We can do what the arab dictators do, and play the ministries against one another, trying to vie for our favor and signature for their bureaucracy.

> Other.
Meet the dam staff, do the > Let's try it a little. Get up and summon the Palace Guard commander. We'll inspect the troops.

We need to get a grasp on things here and build our power base.

>>476598
Just to clarify, are these votes for moving against the council, or fixing up and getting the affairs of the palace in order? At first I thought it was degrees of which we let ourselves act like a stooge.

>>476645

This is for the Palace, but it's all linked up kinda. The IGA is complacent enough to just put you in the Palace and not really care - they figure you're going to just be the figurehead.

But what you do for the Palace will probably catch their notice, so it's both asserting yourself and cleaning up this vast moldy place.

>>476598
>>476614
Supporting

>>476694
Hmm, I'm tempted to hire an entirely new crew then, odds are they are aren't.... reliable.

>>476694
But this happened so I just want to get on with it.

>>476602
Feeling cautious? Let me know what your thinking so I can maybe back you in the future and we won't need tie breakers like this fine gentleman here >>476710

Salve Videla, Gran Defensor de la Patria, y que en paz descanse.

>>468988
I saaaawww thaaat 'man' rotttt in prison like the turd he was aaaaajajajaj

>>476602
>>476614
>>476645
>>476694
>>476710

This time round, as you resolve to yourself, you do it quietly. But I'm going to put quotation marks here anyway. You didn't say it out loud, don't worry.

'I'm going to have to do something. While I'm president on the face of it, the IGA knows - or thinks it knows - they've got me caged up properly. But, well, well... there are definitely measures I can take... I can restore this palace, and assert myself in unobtrusive ways.

'Perhaps, if I can make them think I am merely here to make the palace lovely again and just live like a king who doesn't give a shit, then they'll trust me even more. We're all on the gravy train, right? Hah. And that's when I can consolidate power...'

Meanwhile, the demonstration is beginning to gather, and throughout the afternoon you can hear their shouts ringing out throughout the square. They're bearing down on the barricades, but when you go and take a look, it doesn't seem like they're breaking through...

... hmm. Oh well. There's no point being on the balcony then, if there's no one to see. You just hope no one gets hurt, and thankfully it seems nothing major happened.

Over the next few days, while there are rumours of more impending protests, nothing much seems to happen. But you do think you have an idea of what the people are protesting for - sensible demands, really. They want:

- A new constitution,
- A new election to re-elect a legislative body,
- An independent judiciary, and
- A quick announcement that all these things are in the works.

Of course, the issue is whether the IGA, or the army or other interest groups, actually want these things to happen...

>>476758
amerindians have replaced you and your kind

>>476758

... in the meantime, two days before the Week 26 meeting, you finally manage to dig out something of interest to you - namely the new budget that the IGA has proposed for the President's Office. And, uh, wow. They've really slashed it, as you can see.

Damn. At this rate, even if you let everyone go who's now in the house, you could probably hire... maybe... given your knowledge of civil service ranks, you think you'd get about 10 or 12 Junior Executive grades, and then a few managers and seniors to lead them. And that would consume some 2/3 of the budget as it is.

What sort of hiring should you prioritise, then? As it is, you get the sense the IGA isn't really watching. They've left you alone for some four days now, only occasionally visiting to check on you...

Tsk. You'll have to fight for an expanded budget too, then. But even if you don't get it you should plan for your future office.

> Let's focus on hiring educated secretaries. We need to get through those papers.
> Let's focus on hiring skilled workers to clean up and maintain the Palace. It's a public image thing too.
> Let's focus on hiring muscle. We never know when we might need some...
> Other.

>>476777
>> Let's focus on hiring educated secretaries. We need to get through those papers.

They are all important, but getting things done efficiently is out first priority. Hopefully, this will raise our budget a bit and we can get more staff then.

>>476777
> Let's focus on hiring skilled workers to clean up and maintain the Palace. It's a public image thing too.

>> Let's focus on hiring muscle. We never know when we might need some...

A little bit of both. Let's discreetly tighten security whilst making the palace a bit more respectable looking. Should make the government look a bit stronger whilst giving us a nicer and safer place to live and work in

>>476777
> Let's focus on hiring educated secretaries. We need to get through those papers.
This has more place in government, we can influence the education system and its dogma, make them loyal to us, it will help if we want to make a move for a populous dictator.

We shall begin first by determining the structure and channels and framework of the education system, followed by the dogma and principles that it will hire, teach and operate under. Once that is done we wor kdown to the lower levels until it hits the committees>schools>teachers>students>parents. Raising awareness of the problems we face, and who, or where those problems may stem from.

This is a long game strategy, so no direct benefits will be had for some time except for people being happy and glad they are getting decent education and parents seeing that their kids are going to schools to learn.

We can always shift to hiring goons after we attrition the pile of paperwork down to manageable levels, and don't need as many secretaries.

> Other.
Let the image of the palace really degrade. Atleast superficially. Things like overflowing garbage, less frequent garbage days, weekly cleanings outside of the premise so litter builds up a bit, but not too much, and nothing structural that we can't fix clean up with a bit of effort.

We shall do this to put on an image for our controllers, that we don't care much for the outside world, we are disconnect, distant, and more concerned with our inner sanctum away from the unwashed masses outside, until we have to pay minimal lip service to them.

Speaking of lip service, don't we have to address the crowd outside at some point?
How well are we known? I doubt there are many pictures of us, and many know what we look like. We could blend into the crowd to ask some questions.

>>476777
>> Let's focus on hiring educated secretaries. We need to get through those papers.
I am also curious as to how well known we are. though we really should try to get some eyes and ears outside the palace and do what we can to build and expand our power base... What happened to the 3 soldiers we spared earlier? They owe us big time...

>>476830
Fairly certain they are in jail. The ones we did not spare, likely will face execution at some point or another.

Also
>3 lieutenants
we had names and lists of the countries armed forces personnel. It had generals to privates on that list, I'm fairly certain we can recruit more than mere butter bars. But if we want, we can "interview&scrutinize" them, to see if they can be useful to us.

>>476842
Thanks, i thought they were officers but my memory was lacking. I agree, we should see if they can be of use... I am sure we will have to sign some more death warents before too long so we have some leverage

>>476758
See if you can't make the judiciary look more independent, while still allowing the IGA and other powerful individuals to influence rulings.

>>476811
>>476816
>>476819
>>476830
>>476842

> The lieutenants - and a bunch of other officers whose identities you have cleared - are in prison. Yeah, it's either execution or a long jail term for those - and to be honest, even you don't know that your 'sparing' them will have an effect...

Well, if it has to be this tiny budget, you reckon it's best to hire educated people. The whole reason you have no resources is because you have no power base, and the two feed into each other.

With muscle, you could probably build up some sort of power base, but perhaps that's not the way you want to go - for now. Anyway, if you needed muscle, having the records of military officers would help.

So what you really want now? Brains. You're sure you can find some in a few different places. The military, again, has its share of educated officers, often young too. It'd be good in the short run to employ them but you're not sure about making your government more military.

On the other hand, you could go to the conservative, old families, somewhat like your own - the closest to you in terms of familial links, but also the most conservative, sometimes outright regressive, constituencies in the country. And while you do sympathise, of course, your education and foreign ideas makes you a little suspect to them. And you may find them suspicious too.

Finally, there are the 'new people'. Even in these shit times, a country of your size has got a few hundred, maybe one or two thousand, of these people - professionals, intellectuals, the relatively progressive middle class. It's small, so it's weak. But it's often ignored - and might be happy for any attention it can get...

> Let's look through the military.
> Let's look through the old families.
> Let's look at the middle classes.
> Other.

>>478791
> Let's look at the middle classes.

>>478791
> Let's look through the military.
> Let's look at the middle classes.
Can we do both? If not then I'll go military.
keep in mind we are in an Interim Government, we can be removed as fast as we are put in power. Having some hard power works well against quick removals, and it plays to our strength on knowing who, and how much, a soldiers loyalty will cost and where they lie.

The old families will be too aristocratic, and self serving to be allying with, we may have to have some political marriages for us to work well with one or 2 family clans.

The middle class would be good economically speaking but are currently too few in numbers to provide the support we need, and to new to be in any decent positions of power that we will need.

>>478791
Hey beggerman, what timezone are you in? I ask because you run it eclipses my bedtime.

>>478844

Yeah, you can do both to keep your options open. The middle class being small is part of their usefulness - they're easy to control, and they'd probably be grateful for power. But they might be too small, I get you.

>>478861

GMT+8. Eastasia. Which you've always been at war with.

>>478844
Also, If we work on education and the economy, the middle class with come to love us either way.

>>478864
>GMT+8. Eastasia
Darn, closest guessed was Hong Kong. For some reason I thought you were a britbong too.

>The middle class being small is part of their usefulness - they're easy to control, and they'd probably be grateful for power. But they might be too small, I get you.
We won't really be able to directly control them like we can do soldiers, no direct orders like "go arrest this guy", and we'd probably have to do popular appeal to them in order to get them to do what we want, with mixed results.

>>478791
> Let's look through the military.
and
> Let's look at the middle classes.
If not both than just the military for the hard power.

>>478791
> Let's look through the military.
> Let's look at the middle classes.
Same as the others.

>>478866
>>478917
>>478944
>>479020

It seems the best way is to look at both the new class of educated professionals... and also at the military class. For the first, you are going to need contacts and people to help you look - you don't know very many of these people, except in occasional dealings.

For the military, though, you know where they are. And actually, more importantly, *they* know where *you* are. It's just that right now they are running a lot more tightly with the IGA... but you still have ways, of course. You do.

But for now, there's something else you'll need to go for.

> Week 26

You get up early, get dressed, and then the servant who you thought might be eavesdropping on you the other day brings you a drink. 'Breakfast is ready, Gen- Mr. President.'

'Thank you. I'll be right down.' You take the juice, then go back and sit down. This time round the IGA has not even sent round a meeting agenda, so... you don't know what they'll be talking about. Probably not a good sign.

Why is everyone so secretive? Or are people just not talking to you? Either's possible - you may be getting cut out of the decision process. But how will you react to that?

> Raise the issue of the agenda later.
> Let's just sit quietly and nod along, as we've done so far.
> Write up an issue - about education reform.
> Write up a sensitive issue - about the purge of the officers.
> Other.

>>479145
> Let's just sit quietly and nod along, as we've done so far.

>>479145
> Let's just sit quietly and nod along, as we've done so far.
> Other.
Raise the budget cuts they made against our staff.

>>479145
>> Let's just sit quietly and nod along, as we've done so far.
We are playing the long game after all but if an opportunity presents itself:
> Write up an issue - about education reform.

>>479145
>Write up an issue - about education reform.

Preferably we'd get a word with the Minister of Education in private before the meeting, to convince him to back our reform and get his thoughts on the matter.

>>479145
>> Other.
Demand a budget for restoring the palace

Let's show them that we are just as mad as they are.

>>479145
> Write up an issue - about education reform.

>>479149
>>479173
>>479177
>>479206
>>479215

Hmm. Well, you're not about to push too hard, but you are interested in a few things. Two things mainly:

- Education reform, and
- The Palace budget.

To that end, about an hour before the meeting, you meet with the Education Minister - a bald, bearded and slightly stooped man called Duncan. But if he looks a little pathetic physically, he's not to be trifled with politically.

'Mr. President, Mr. President,' he smiles and shakes your hand warmly. 'You're really early.'

'It's how I know I'll catch you,' you say.

'Oh? Is something the matter?'

> Let's talk about his education reform ideas.
> Let's talk about how things are in the IGA.
> Ask about his family. You heard something about his kids.
> Other.

>>479267
> Ask about his family. You heard something about his kids.
> Let's talk about his education reform ideas.
Small talk first, then on to business.

>>479267
>>479274
Agreed, we came early. We have some time to spare.

>>479274
>>479280

'Well, well, that's for later. How's the children, Duncan?'

'Oh, how are they indeed,' he smiles. 'Well, one newly graduated, coming to work soon.'

'With the Ministry?'

'Hah, well, a ministry. He's over at Health now - an administrator.'

'A good start, yes. And the daughter?'

'Who knows what she wants?' Duncan sighs. 'But enough about that wench... how about you, actually?'

Well, your siblings have their families sure. But as for you...

> You're a widower with kids.
> You're divorced, with kids.
> Never married, don't have any.
> Widowed, don't have any.
> Other.

>>479359
>You're a widower with kids.

>>479359
> Never married, don't have any.
Less things to be used against us.
Or
> Widowed, don't have any.

>>479359
> You're a widower with kids.

>>479359
> You're a widower with kids.

>>479368
>>479374
>>479394
>>479407

See, that's how little known you are as the President. Your ministers don't know if you've got kids.

'Yes, the kids. I have the same problems as you too.'

'Your wife?'

'Passed away a few years ago.'

'I see, I see. Doubly difficult for you then. Education and the like...'

Yes, especially since your oldest is now 17 and it's time to really think about education - specifically college. The LSE was great, but it's so fucking expensive, you're considering options elsewhere. But since Duncan's on to education, let's latch on to that.

'If it's a problem for us, imagine for all the others.'

'Oh, don't talk about that,' Duncan sighs. 'Education, Health, Transport, that kind of shit - way, way down the priority list. Not even on the agenda today.'

... fuck. So there WAS an agenda today! But you shake your head to conceal your shock. 'That's not right.'

'It's not wrong either. We're the IGA, not a permanent government. We just have to pass edicts and ensure stability, that's all... what do you think is the main problem with the state now? I mean, it's a long list to choose from...'

[Choose up to three.]

> Those protesting groups. Disrupting the economy, and stability.
> The economy. The Security Council ran a stagnant mess. The demonstrations are from people who are left behind.
> External threats. Countries around us? They want to see us fragmented.
> Internal ethnic divisions. We could break into a civil war at this rate.
> Internal religious divisions. Ditto above.
> Government legitimacy. We're going to need to bolster our legitimacy quickly.
> Other.

>>479440
In this particular order most to least going down the list.
> The economy. The Security Council ran a stagnant mess. The demonstrations are from people who are left behind.
I think this is already cannon in earlier posts you made.
> Those protesting groups. Disrupting the economy, and stability.
Although, that protesting crowed that supposedly gathered in front of the palace isn't doing anything of note recently.....
> External threats. Countries around us? They want to see us fragmented.
There are no such things as allies or friends, only mutual interests.
> Internal religious divisions. Ditto above.
Not trying to knock on religion, but poorer and less educated, and desperate people tend to be more religious, one way or another.
> Government legitimacy. We're going to need to bolster our legitimacy quickly.
We've not done anything to really make the country unstable, the IGA included.
> Internal ethnic divisions. We could break into a civil war at this rate.
Those pesky [insert ethnic group]
Just take the top 3, the rest probably are below the threshold of "being an issue" that it can afford to be ignored until later, or put down on the priority list.

Bonus other:
>government corruption, incompetence, and inefficiency.
>Foreign saboteurs and subversives.

>>479451

A well thought out reply. Though those protesting groups have quietened down - they're not gathering at the square. They haven't been there for a week. But they could well come back in force.

>>479440
> Internal ethnic divisions. We could break into a civil war at this rate.

File: Spoiler Image (143 KB, 700x1000)

143 KB JPG

>>479468
Pisst! Hey! We can choose more than 1, up to 3!

>>479490
Didn't see that bit T^T

> Internal ethnic divisions. We could break into a civil war at this rate.
> Government legitimacy. We're going to need to bolster our legitimacy quickly.
> The economy. The Security Council ran a stagnant mess. The demonstrations are from people who are left behind.

>>479440

Any more? Or I'll go and sleep for now...

>>479440
> The economy. The Security Council ran a stagnant mess. The demonstrations are from people who are left behind.
> External threats. Countries around us? They want to see us fragmented.
> Those protesting groups. Disrupting the economy, and stability.
In that order.

>>479515
It would help if the quest posts didn't have hours inbetween, and we could all get together on a time where we can all agree to participate.

If your sleeping, I'm sleeping, its 8:48am for me. What time will you resume if you do go to sleep?

>>479440
> The economy. The Security Council ran a stagnant mess. The demonstrations are from people who are left behind.
> External threats. Countries around us? They want to see us fragmented.
> Those protesting groups. Disrupting the economy, and stability

>>479546

Hmm, hard to say. I'd say in about 9 hours?

>>479609
So no more posts after this? Kay, I'm lights out.... dam Sun won't turn off.
passing out.gif

I'm awake. Anyone else here?

>>482615

I'm here too, just caught up in work right now.

Others?

>>482617
>ID post
What kind of work do you do that allows you so much free time, if you don't mind me asking? No need for specifics.

>>482628

Prostitution.

Hah, I kid, it's not as pleasant as that. Tutoring.

>>482632
who says you cant do both? :^$

>>482617
I'm here too, though I´m going to sleep in half an hour.

>>482642
Take a nap and check back in a few?

>>479514
>>479517
>>479586
>>479451

> Let's just do one post now then.

'It is a long list, isn't it? But the most important thing to me now is the economy.' You sigh. 'Maybe it's just me as an economist, but let's face it, none of this is sustainable.'

'It isn't, politically.'

'But even with good politics - we need to get the economy growing and going again. That thing is the issue that leads to all the other issues. The protests, the external threats. All of that.'

'Not to mention the fact that the police has not been paid for five months, and the army for two or three. You can certainly see why they weren't so keen on the Security Council.'

'So what's in the agenda to deal with that?'

'An emergency budget,' Duncan says. 'Or that's what I heard. Absolute priority to the security forces and armed forces. We want to clear all arrears with those guys before getting on to business elsewhere.'

'I see...'

'And well, I don't think there's any dispute about that. It's a no brainer.'

'So it is, so it is.' And you do see the logic. If the troops at the borders get any ideas, or the police in the capital no longer feel motivated, what could possibly happen?

Eventually, at the meeting itself, three options are proposed for this immediate crisis - and damn, it *is* a crisis.

You know all about it of course, what with your command of the records. The ranks of the army and police have been swelled by the Security Council, with many units serving as patronage arms; but even if those people aren't actually boots on the ground, there's still no good in antagonising them. Or at least, that's the consensus you sense here.

So instead, three plans...

> Resume pay. Arrears are kept in records and will be paid out as a raise over the next two years. This will mean turning off the spigot on most initiatives - a bare maintenance budget.
> Pay off half the arrears, and pay the rest over 12 months. This will hurt pay arrangements elsewhere, to a pretty serious extent.
> Pay off all the arrears at once. This is practically shutting down government except for the security arm for the next two or three months - but their support was critical, and it still is now.
> Make another proposal. (Break your silence)

>>482667
Hand out government bonds to the civil police, and pay the military with money.

>>482664
Nah, I have work tomorrow. Really cutting it close.
>Make another proposal. (Break your silence)
Demand a full audit of government assets, income, and expenditure. Create a package of privatization, tax reform, spending cuts, tax hikes, and the selling of permits for natural resources to create a budget that is at least close to being balanced. Resume pay and suspend arrears while the budget is made.

>>482694

C-comprehensive! Thanks for that.

Also, go sleep mate, don't be late for work.

>>482711
K then. Good night, beggerman.

>>482667
>>482694
I'll back this guy on the auditing, some tax cuts. I'd hold off on selling resource until i know what we have, the quantity, and quality of it.

G'night.
>>482690
Sounds good in theory, but giving that we just staged a coup, and our workers are protesting instead of working. i doubt we can attract many bond buyers foreign or domestic.

>>482714
>I'd hold off on selling resource until i know what we have, the quantity, and quality of it.
True, but once we've got an overview we can start selling. We need to find the profits of our national industries too, selling those who are struggling, keeping those who are profitable and/or increasing windfall taxes on then to ensure the money goes straight to the treasury.

>>482714

Speaking of that... let's roll 3d100 for our general resource endowments. We can dig into more detail based on these.

Rolled 14, 52, 69 = 135 (3d100)

>>482725

Here's me roll. Is it impolite here for QM to also roll?

Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>482725

Rolled 22, 3, 19 = 44 (3d100)

>>482724
I'm all for doing biz. I just don't want to get in a long term contract, that while necessary, is not beneficial in the long run. One that I know some of us will be mentally kicking ourselves for signing.

>>482725

>>482728
Not that many people on at the same time, and you'd not voting on options so I'm fine with it.

Also my roll is shit.>>482734

>>482731

> First you choose one option when we ask for three, then you roll 1d100 when we ask for 3d100 XD

> Roll the other two pls?