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The_Hawk

To live, to die, to live again.
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In the plaza before the General Assembly, a podium has been erected, from whence a forest of microphones emerges. Tilly appears from within the Assembly buildings. He’s dressed in a gorgeous new light gray suit, exquisitely tailored, complete with a matching gray tie on a vibrant blue shirt. He’s exceedingly well-groomed, and sports a fresh haircut, which despite his thinning hair gives him a distinguished widow’s peak. He strides confidently forth, notes under one arm, and flashes a half-grin as he surveys the assembled crowd. In short, he appears to be a man In Command. He clears his throat – the grin vanishes – and he begins somberly:

“Since the dawn of the Enlightenment one of the greatest aims of free societies has been to secure and guarantee the right to freely practice one’s religion. It is no coincidence that freedom of religion is entrenched in our constitution before even freedom of speech, or similarly in South Africa’s constitution, or in America’s First Amendment. What are the words that accompany the free exercise of religion? Belief. Thought. Conscience. The most personal and internal of our characteristics, inalienable, the most fundamental and basic of those things which make us who and what we are. It is fitting, then, that this right to free exercise should be among the strongest and best-protected in our Republic.

“And so it is. ‘The free exercise of religion shall not be restricted,’ the Charter of Rights tells us. Millions have died for one religious cause or another, but millions more have died for the promise implicit in those nine words! No government organ, they say, no mere politician or agent, no person, no one shall presume to dictate how one may pursue one’s religious beliefs, or not. A breach of that promise cuts to the very core of the individual. Thought, belief, conscience, speech, religion – it is the confluence of these that is the wellspring of all other rights that are guaranteed to our citizens. What good is the right to vote if you cannot speak in favor of one candidate or another? What good is the right to an education if, to accept it, you must deny who you are, your basic identity? Is there any mandate in our constitution that is more compelling, more immediate, than the right to believe, practice, and speak as one might? I submit to you that there is not!

“This is a hard road, and a dangerous one. We may be educated by the pitfalls of others who have walked this path before us. Should anyone who claims to have crafted their own religion be entitled to tax exemptions and holidays as they see fit? No. Should a person be allowed to pursue unfettered a religion that involves drug use or human sacrifice? No. Where does one draw the line in these cases? I do not know. But they may be drawn from case to case by the wisdom of our High Court, and checked in turn by the legislative branch, and our ultimate accountability to the people, our sovereign. It is imperative that we protect and further the rights of all of our citizens no matter their color or their creed, their self-definition, their politics, or their age. That is the mandate of our constitution, it is the mandate of good government, it is the mandate of the people, and it is the right and moral thing to do!”

Now Tilly leans forward on the podium, meeting the gaze of each of the assembled listeners in turn. “Then what has happened in Nouvelle Aquitaine? Why has the High Court said that merely upon a showing of rational basis, a province may infringe on this most basic of our liberties? I say to you, my fellow Eutopians, that the answer is fear! Fear on the part of Nouvelle Aquitaine’s students, directed at those who are different. Fear on the part of the school board of violence between students, and the possibility that they might be liable in the event of serious injuries or death. Fear on the part of the High Court that a firm decision for either side would lead to continued violence. And I can relate to that fear. The government must prevent violence between its citizens wherever it may. But this is not the way!

“It is time to conquer our fear! It is time that Nouvelle Aquitaine take responsibility. If your children fear difference, they must be educated! They must know that they are more like Muslim students than different. They must know that the headscarf is to Muslims as the yarmulke is to Orthodox Jews or the cross-necklace is to Christians – the outward sign of an inner faith. And they must learn the importance of the right to believe as one will and practice as one will! A school uniform policy is a shameful means of avoiding the responsibility of educating our children properly, and tramples on our most basic rights and fundamental freedoms. I call on the High Court, the General Assembly, and the President to stand against this injustice. It will not be an easy fight. The provinces will oppose infringement on their unfettered right to control education, and they are right to do so. But in the end, if our society is to truly show its respect for individual rights, Nouvelle Aquitaine’s stance must be overturned.

“But it does not end there. I must confide, my fellow Eutopians, that I fear for our country. We may win the fight for our right to practice freely – I hope we will. But what then? What of the next fight? We in the federal government must take responsibility too. If we demand that the provinces educate their children in diversity, then we must show our dedication to that goal! We must fund programs to teach diversity! We must pay incentives to the best teachers to teach in underfunded districts! We must, in short, do all of the things that only we can do. The government of Nouvelle Aquitaine can make a better Nouvelle Aquitaine; the government of Jacobia can make a better Jacobia – but only together can we – all of us – make a better Eutopia.

“Who will do it? Three years ago I came together with a group of elder statesmen, people who have served Eutopia faithfully through good times and bad. We saw a lack of experience in politics and hoped, prayed that we could rectify this. We hoped, more than you can imagine, that in three years we could transform Eutopia, shepherd her through her immediate problems, and hand the reins to a new generation. Eutopia has come far in those three years – but not far enough. The next generation of politicians has come far – but not far enough. The cry has gone out for good governance, for experience, for hard work, for self-sacrifice, and though not without trepidation, I feel I have no choice but to accept that call. It is therefore with pride and eagerness, willing and able to confront the challenges of the next Term, conscious of our past but with great visions of our future, that I, Hawkton Tilly, officially announce my candidacy for the office of President of the United Provinces of Eutopia." Tilly allows his confident pronouncement to ring across the plaza for a long second before continuing.

“There is a long road ahead. I have no party behind me, yet – I will find one if I can, or build one if I must. I have but a handful of supporters behind me so far – but I am confident that more will come. I know I am not alone in my desire to defend the rights of individuals, to make Eutopia safe, to rebuild our economy, and to reaffirm our alliances with our neighbors and the world. We can show compassion to our youngest, our poorest, and our weakest; we can give them better lives. We can defend our home against our enemies, we can end their crimes, we can bring them to justice – and then we can show them, too, compassion. We can rejuvenate our economy while never forgetting those who came before, who have already given their best years to our nation; while never forgetting our veterans; while never neglecting our quest to uphold and protect the indomitable Eutopian spirit. We can do it, together, and I look forward to the opportunity to aid the cause as your next President. Thank you, my fellow Eutopians.”
 

unmerged(33865)

Eutopian Chess Champ
Sep 2, 2004
64
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Loic drops by after work to check that the preparations for the memorial service (reassembling the podium and setting up the sound system) for the former Vice President and Minister of Infrastructure and Domestic Affairs PJ Vasquez are proceeding on schedule.
 

unmerged(33865)

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Sep 2, 2004
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Loic arrives early for the memorial service for PJ Vasquez, adds a spray of flowers to the display, and looks around for Father Mendez to give him an envelope containing the check for the honorarium. Everything appears to be in readiness fir the service.
 

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Father Mendez arrives approximately an hour before the memorial service is due to start. He is a small, timid looking man who is constantly looking around nervously, as if looking for crowds. It's quite clear he's nervous about the whole thing, and his condition worsens as more people arrive. He's probably never spoken in front of more than 50 people at a time.

His voice is soft and skittish.
"Minister de Fourgeres, I assume?" he says, stepping forward and offering a hand. "I'm Padre Mendez...ah...how did you want to organize this? Did you want to speak first?" he asks, hopeful of the answer 'yes'. "Or am I leading off?"
 

unmerged(33865)

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Loic de Fourgéres greets Father Mendez.
"Thank-you for coming. I hope you had a pleasant journey.

As I understand it, the Catholic church doesn't usually hold a mass in open air, and as many of those attending aren't Catholic, it is probably best that way. Besides, there was a mass the funeral of PJ Vasquez, may he rest in peace, wasn't there? I got this order of worship that you can use if you wish."
Loic hands him a sheet of paper.
Greeting
Reminder of Baptism
Processional Song 'On Eagle’s Wings'
Opening Prayer
Old Testament Reading
Responsorial Song 'Blessed Assurance'
New Testament Reading
Alleluia
Eulogy - Loic de Fourgéres
Gospel
Musical Selection 'His Eyes Are on the Sparrow'
Sermon
Prayers of Intercession
Remarks and Acknowledgments (including any other Eulogies)
Final Commendation
Recessional Song 'Amazing Grace'
Loic then hands him a Douay-Rhiems Catholic Bible with several passages bookmarked.
"Here is a list of oft-used passages for this occassion, but you probably know the ones you would chose."
Loic hands him another list.
Old Testament (choose one)
Job 19:23-27 Wisdom 3:1-9 Wisdom 4:7-15 Isaiah 25:6-9
Lamentations 3:17-26 Daniel 12:1-3 II Maccabees 12:43-46

New Testament (choose one)
Acts 10:34-43 Romans 5:5-11 Romans 6:3-9 Romans 8:14-23
Romans 8:31-39 Romans 14:7-12 I Corinthians 15:20-28
I Corinthians 15:51-57 II Corinthians 4:14 – 5.1 II Corinthians 5:6-10
Philippians 3:20-21 I Thessalonians 4:13-18 II Timothy 2:8-13
I John 3:1-2 I John 3:14-16 Revelation 14:13

Gospel (choose one)
Matthew 5:1-12 Matthew 11:25-30 Matthew 25:1-13 Matthew 25:31-46
Mark 15:33-39, 16:1-6 Luke 7:11-17 Luke 12:35-40 Luke 23:33, 39-43
Luke 23:44 – 24:6 Luke 24:13-35 John 5:24-29 John 6:37-40
John 6:51-58 John 11:17-27 John 11:32-45 John 12:23-28
John 14:1-6 John 17:24-26 John 19:17-30

Psalm (choose one)
Psalm 23 Psalm 25 Psalm 27 Psalm 63 Psalm 103
"There is a wake afterwards at the 'Horse and Trombone' to which you are invited. No one else confirmed that they wanted to deliver an eulogy, but sometimes people are inspired by the service and want to do so. I am not sure if the President will attend, but if wants to speak, he certainly can. However, the officials who had the closest contact with the deceased are the former President who has retired, and the former defense minister, who is in Canada getting medical treatment. I wouldn't expect either of them to put in an appearance, but if they should, then we should certainly accommodate them."
 

unmerged(33865)

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Sep 2, 2004
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Loic looks at the crowds, looks at his watch, and tries to catch the eye of Father Mendez to indicate it is time to proceed.
 

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"I was at a funeral, the day I realized,
I wanted to spend my life with you.
Sitting down on the steps, at the old Post Office,
The flag was flying at half mast.
And I was thinkin' 'bout how, everyone is dyin',
and maybe it's time, to live."
- The Eels, "P.S. You Rock My World"​

Vincent Alejandro looked absentmindedly out the window of the car as the music played in his ears.

* * * * *​

A white towncar pulls up near the site of the ceremony just before it begins, their path to the front blocked by crowds of moaning and wailing mourners. A young, tall latin man gets out of the car, his long black hair falling loosely over his face and shoulders, partially obscuring the sunglasses he wears over a somber face. He moves to the other side of the car with a quick, deliberate step, smoothing out the wrinkles on his black double-breasted suitcoat and adjusting his black tie. His shirt is a dark charcoal gray, well-pressed, and he wears a white rose in his lapel.

The well-dressed man opens the door to the towncar and helps out Ambassador Paolos, who leans on a cane heavily as they make their way through the crowds to Minister de Fourgeres. With soft words in Spanish and gentle pardons, Paolos eventually makes his way through, leaning on both the cane and Vincent Alejandro for support. They arrive at de Fourgeres' side just before Padre Mendez begins the ceremony. Paolos extends a hand and gives a rough, forced smile...perhaps the best to be expected at such a somber occassion. Alejandro gives the Minister a nod, his face still a blank mask behind hair and sunglasses.

Father Mendez begins the ceremony, his jitters nearly overtaking him as he steps to address the loud and gathered crowd. However, as he begins the prayers and songs, leading the crowd in familiar hymns, the spirit of the occassion overtakes him, gradually stiffening his backbone. His statements become more spirited as the prayers continue, and by the time they move on to another hymn, the Padre had fully transformed into a dominating Man of God, leading his flock in a Spanish-language song common at Latin funerals. Much of the Ibero crowd loudly sings along. By the time they get through "Alleluia", the Padre has full command of the audience...which is a startling task considering the strength of their lamentations and volume of their cries.


"Now, I would like to introduce to you, my fellows, the current Minister of Infrastructure and Domestic Affairs and Vice President of the United Provinces of Eutopia, the successor to the late PJ Vasquez's office, Per Minister Loic de Fourgeres, who shall deliver the eulogy on behalf of the state of the United Provinces of Eutopia."

-von Streusser
as Tilapia
 

unmerged(33865)

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Loic makes his way to the podium and begins to speak, trying to keep eye contact with the crowd.
“Gracias, Padre Mendez.

You may have heard me making speeches for the Party for Progress, but I am not here to make a political speech today, but instead to celebrate the life of my predecessor as Minister of Infrastructure and Domestic Affairs, Peter J Vasquez.

There are others who knew Señor Vasquez better than I. I met him only once, at a party the night of the term nine elections. He was a private investigator then, and looked like he had recently escaped from a tough scrape. Beyond that I don’t remember that much from our meeting. But he did. To be a successful private investigator, and let me tell you, he was the best, you have to be more than just observant, you have to be a true student of the human psyche. That profession has a reputation of not caring about people. When I met with the Tilapian Ambassador here to discuss arrangements for this memorial service, he already knew quite a bit about me, information that PJ had provided him. Information that he had collected more than three years earlier, at our one meeting, but not shared until after he moved to Tilapia. How can you recall details like that if you don’t care about people?

I got to know PJ Vasquez better, indirectly, after I took office. I was not the first choice that cabinet position. I understand that both Presidential candidates had offered it to PJ during the campaign, but he had refused. He had other plans.

He had stepped up an accepted the Vice Presidency when we didn’t have one. He was offered the post because he had earned the trust of President Al’Aeshir, handling a very important investigation. During that investigation, he risked his life for our country, which is why he is honored today.

With the Vice Presidency comes a cabinet post, MIDA was vacant and as Federal Law Enforcement was part of that ministry, it was a logical fit, given his background. He was only in office a short time, but he had a profound impact during his tenure. He energized and revitalized FLEA. He increased recruitment of those with Spanish or Iberian heritage so effectively, that in FLEA at least, those of Spanish heritage are no longer an under-represented minority. I am working to build on that legacy he left, to try to make sure that what he made true for that minority can come true for others.

Yes, he could have stayed here, safe and collecting a good salary. I expect he now wishes he had. But he had other plans. The split between the nations of our island created divisions between us, some natural, others artificial. PJ consider himself more at home in his native land of Tilapia than here in the United Provinces of Eutopia. But having someone that we knew and had worked with in Tilapia could have served as an anchor point for a bridge of understanding. The border between Tilapia and the UPE is a land border, so there are no physical bridges. But there are important cultural and political differences that do require bridging, so we can get along well. PJ, if he had lived, would have helped build some of those bridges. As he is not, it is up to us…”
Loic glances at the Tilapian Ambassador.
“…to carry on that work. To remind us of this, as my job gives me responsibility for inter-provincial land transport, I am hereby proclaim that the bridge where the A5 highway crosses the Conder River just south of Gilford, shall henceforth be known as the Vasquez Memorial Bridge."
Loic shifts his glance to Vincent Alejandro.
If PJ Vasquez were here, I am sure he would appreciate, but be somewhat stunned by the volume of grief, the number of mourners. He would then tell you to go on with your lives.

He a had but a short time in office he had but a short time on this earth, 33 years, the same number as Christ our Savior spent here. Now I am not comparing PJ to our lord, no man can live up to that comparison, but they both had a large impact in a short time.

'Let others hail the rising sun:
I bow to that whose course is run.'”
Loic steps back slightly and partly turns toward Father Mendez, waiting for him to regain the podium before returning to his seat.
 

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Padre Mendez nods to the Minister as he finishes his eulogy, then steps to the podium for the sermon.

"I knew Peter Julian Vasquez much as all of you once did; not as a friend or acquaintance, but as a fleeting symbol of what all of us can accomplish. There are many among my fellow Latins and Iberos who would claim that the government housed here in Eutopia City has never cared for us, has never represented us, and has always swept our concerns under the rug.

But for a few months, a common latin man, a private investigator with no political connections or money, rose to the second highest office in the UPE's government. For a few days, he rose to the very top. Any man who thinks that this occurrence was trivial or unimportant, I tell him to look at this crowd that has gathered here today to mourn the loss of that symbol, of that hope! No one can see what happened here today and claim that PJ Vasquez left no mark and had no impact on the collective soul of the latin people.

The message former President Vasquez leaves us with is this: that any one of us, through hard work, diligence, determination, and a bit of good fortune, can overcome the hardships unique to our people. Peter Vasquez was a latin man, first and foremost, and when his home in Tilapia broke away from the Eutopia he had always known, he was left with a choice...betray his former employer, his friends and colleagues, or betray his people, his heart, his soul. His choice was no easy one, and no man should envy it. But he remained faithful to his people, his blood, and his family, and there can be no wrong in that.

In the tumultuous years of the Eutopian Republic, there are precious few latin victories to count. But the Vasquez Presidency should be admitted among them, if only for its symbolic reasons. President Vasquez showed that Eutopia City was not necessarily an Anglos-only club, and that the latin people can strive to change their own lot. The responsibility to do so, for all latins, lies among the latins...it lies within us. Our people have shown that we are capable of righting wrongs thrust upon us by taking the initiative to do so.

There could be no more fitting legacy for the man we remember today than one of hope. Peter Vasquez showed all latins that we too can accomplish much, that we too can make a difference, even without a powerful title and family fortune. I hope that many of you take that lesson to heart, as there could be no better tribute than that."

Mendez concludes the sermon and then advances on to the next part of the program. Following another prayer, he looks to Minister de Fourgeres, and asks softly if there are any other remarks or acknowledgments. Ambassador Paolos indicates he will say something after any other Eutopians have finished.

-von Streusser
as Tilapia
 

unmerged(33865)

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Sep 2, 2004
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Loic speaks in Father Mendez ear, away from the microphone, that former MDIS Tilly and former President Al'Aeshir, who he believed both wanted to speak, are both out of the country, for health and business reasons, respectively, and that he wasn't expecting any other current official to come forward.
 

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Ambassador Paolos, with the assistance of Vincent Alejandro, steps up to the podium. It is a slow, difficult-looking process, but he makes it the short distance without too much trouble. Throughout his short speech, Vincent stands at his side dispassionately.

"The nation of Tilapia would like to thank Minister de Fourgeres and the United Provinces of Eutopia for arranging this service, this gesture and outpouring of compassion" he begins, his voice rough and gravelly. "I can say no more to commemorate the man we remember today, not after the words spoken so eloquently already. Additionally, I will thank the Minister for his gesture in memorializing a hero of the latin people with the Gilford bridge.

The good Minister stated that, with a good man capable of spanning the gap between our two countries gone, the task of bringing our people and countries closer to some sort of common understanding falls to us. Senor Minister, I accept your challenge. May we all move forward from this day of grief to a day of mutual understanding, prosperity, and peace. I am sure that Senor Vasquez would want no less."

Vincent helps Paolos away from the podium, and the Padre concludes the memorial service. After the service, some of the crowd begins to disperse, but many remain to converse with each other in groups or continue their mourning. Paolos and Vincent approach Loic, and Paolos extends his hand again.

"A good memorial, and a fine eulogy. Let me thank you again for organizing this. It has been...enlightening. I understand there is a wake being held down the street somewhere now?"

-von Streusser
as Tilapia
 

unmerged(33865)

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Loic shakes the Ambassador's hand.
"Thank-you Per Ambassador, you are too kind. My halting words count for little next to the deeds of the deceased. You are right, there is a wake planned at a pub near here, the Horse and Trombone. It is owned by an ESA MGA, but I expect it will mostly be packed with Federal Law Enforcement people who were colleagues of Señor Vasquez. Some of the may have started early. I will be putting in an appearance, if only to sign a chit and have a ceremonial drink. You and Señor Alejandro are of course welcome to come."
Loic provides directions to the pub.
"Perhaps I will see you there."
 

Voshkod

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As he leaves the General Assembly, the President passes in front of the ever present Press gaggle. A squat short man in an ill-fitting shirt and a battered fedora (with a press pass shoved in the hatband) shouts out a question:

"Per President! Ted Rapp of the Eutopian Newswire. Per Rashaad has said in the National Assembly that there was an agreement between the coalitions on using some of the VAT revenue for the military! Is this true? What were the terms of the agreement, and who agreed? Has the CUE/UMP coalition broken some sort of arrangement?"

-Voshkod, as demi-mod
 

Josephus I

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Josephus looks visibly annoyed at the lack of security around him.

If you watched my press conference, I did mention that proceeds from VAT will go the military. No, there was no official agreement with any party that passing VAT would equal increased military spending. I spoke a while ago with General Levarge and told him that the only way to increase military spending without harming our social spending would be to raise revenues. Read into that what you will.


Josephus
 

Voshkod

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The President's security detail is where it always is - right around him - but they usually don't shield him from the brays and barks of the press. Of course, nothing forces the President to stop for a shouted press question, but now that he has . . . .

"Pre President, Ted Rapp here again! What happens if the VAT goes down? What will you have to cut? And what programs would you want to fund that you can't?"

-Voshkod as Demi-mod
 

Josephus I

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Josephus smiles at the reporter. Fine, he thinks. An opportunity for a quick speech.

What happens if VAT doesn't pass? I'll tell you. Read my Lips. No Military Spending.

The repercussions if VAT doesn't pass are horrendous. People make it seem like it's an unusual tax grab. It's not. Every nation in the EU, for instance, has a form of VAT...some at higher rates then what we propose.

Truthfully, we are one of the least-taxed nations in the world. All my opponents say Eutopia needs to be competitive with our trading partners, etc. etc. Yet they blindly object to any progressive tax scheme that already exists in these other nations. How can we possibly compete when we can't raise the revenues required to invest properly in the system?

Our tax revenues compared to our GDP are nothing compared to those of other industrial nations. VAT is our long-needed opportunity to catch up. A five-per cent VAT, as some propose, is inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. If we're gonna do it, let's do it properly.

We can't keep increasing taxes every term. If we only pass a five percent tax, future governments will feel the need to raise revenues from another source. I say, let's get our proposal for VAT passed, and there won't be any need for future taxes.

Josephus
 

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"Thank you, Per President," Rapp shouted at the departing Josephus. He and the scrum settled down and waited. Shortly, another target came into view.

"Per Reczynski, Ted Rapp, Eutopian Newswire here. The President just told us that if the VAT doesn't pass, the military won't get any funding. Is the CUE willing to take this fight to the mat? Do you view this as class warfare? How do you respond to the President's ultimatum?"

-Voshkod as demi-mod
 

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Another reporter slaps Rapp upside the head with his notebook. "Come on, Rapp, at least read the paper before you write for it. That's not Reczynski, that's the Clerk of the Assembly."

Chagrined, Rapp fell quiet, waiting for any Assembly member to throw some questions at.

[OOC: If you want to answer some press question, Assembly members, now's your chance.]

- Voshkod as Demi-mod
 

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A peaceful demonstration develops outside the General Assembly, protesting the seemingly imminent passage of FPPRA. Librarians wheel around carts of books they claim will be banned under the new legislation, while schoolteachers and professors carry signs and chant catchy slogans (such as "Speak your mind, do time!")
 
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