When the Water Falls

Abhisit Muangsook had known Misaka Tawanoa for a long time. She had been given a scholarship by the University of Lhammasat after the Shiheist government of Skanda had enrolled her in a special exchange student program. They were both in the class of 1995 at the University, and had both taken, with exceptions here and there, mostly the same classes.

By chance, they had both become the leaders of their respective communities. Abhisit was nominated by the Emperor for the Chairmanship in November of 2010 and subsequently affirmed by the popular vote. In Skanda, six years later, Misaka was elected President. During her term, she had visited Truongla many times and was very popular there, and sometimes, the greater Empire, however this time was different.

On August 17th, 2017, Misaka initiated a coup, toppling the Republic of Skanda and instituting the Democratic People's Republic of Skanda, a socialist regime. Her popularity among the Truong was still decently high, as many things were better now in the DPRS than they were in the old Republic, and despite the coup she was still the same Misaka Tawanoa, however since the coup the Phrang- the Syrixians- lost whatever trust they had for her.

In their eyes, her "true colors" were revealed. She had betrayed democracy and freedom for international communism and self-aggrandizement. Abhisit had organized this particular visit for a particular reason- to show the Empire that Skanda could still be trusted, and to reassure the people of Truongla that the Misaka Tawanoa they knew did not die with the Republic.

It was not easy to convince the Phrang to allow this visit, but Congress approved it, as did the Ratthasapha, the TAR's own legislature. Abhisit was certain that all would go well, and that, perhaps, the Phrang would even see the Skandans in a better light. It was with this optimism that he watched as his friend exited the plane. Misaka had arrived in Chiang Mai.

Thoughts and plots raced through the mind of Misaka on her flight. She hadn’t initially planned to visit Truongla until at least the anniversary of the August Coup, but couldn’t refuse an invite from a close, old friend. This meant she needed to change her roadmap for the future a bit. Depending on how this went the Syrixians could view the Skandans very well- An old enemy that Skanda would no longer have to worry about, at least for the near future, and a friendly autonomous region she would be able to visit at any point.

Aside from the political benefits it was… well, it was reassuring to hear from her friend, as a real friend and not as a politician. She needed this little vacation, but after this it was back to work at home. Maybe she could even visit the old university that both her and Abhisit went to, north of Chiang Mai? Misaka had no more time to think, with the plane beginning it’s descent to the sprawling city of Chiang Mai. It’s deep blue, boat-filled rivers and canals glistened like pearls in sunlight and branched off into the municipality like veins, spreading out from the heart that was the sea. As seen from the air, ruins that seemed like they had been there for eternity sat just south of the city long since reclaimed by Mother Nature. Puffy white clouds were above the plane now as the descent continued over the sunbathed city. Memories of her university years, long nights of endless studying and going out with acquaintances who had long moved on, among other things, flooded back to her and brought a smile of mostly delightful memories to her face.

The rubber wheels of the plane screeched when they began to bring the aircraft to a halt, and the whole vehicle slowed down as it taxied where ever it had been directed to. Misaka, luggage being carried by someone else, stood up in her flowy, short red dress, which had a simple black leather jacket over top. There was a good amount of effort in her make up, and it complimented her choice of clothing nicely making her eyes pop. Short black heels made their way down the small stairs that lowered from what had been the door of the plane. She hugged her old friend out of joy.

Her Truong was never the best but it was clear she was trying her hardest to think of what she was saying before saying it in her more natural, peppy tone. Not what you typically heard in her speeches on television or in formal conversation with politicians.

“Abhisit! It’s great to see you again! It’s been too long…”

Abhisit watched as Misaka walked down the stairs, and hugged his old friend. She always did have that Skandan accent in her Truong, and it was clear as day. "Abhisit! It's great to see you again! It's been too long..." she said, to which he promptly replied, "Likewise! Welcome back-" then stopping briefly, just enough so that Misaka wouldn't notice he was about to say something else. He had wanted to say "Madam Premier", however he didn't want to move things along too fast. He was walking on thin ice here.

The Phrang knew they were close friends, but likely had hoped that he, like them, would distance themselves from Misaka. Abhisit, at least in public, had to not be too friendly. Hell, the Darshak could be watching. Meanwhile, as Abhisit and the Truong delegates led Misaka and the Skandan delegates to their car tour of the city, in what appeared to be the small Ranikhet Cheese Shop, the Darshak- egged on in secret by the Imperial government, specifically the Department of State Security, the Empire's homeland security department- was doing just that.

Neither the government of the Truong Autonomous Region nor the Democratic People's Republic of Skanda were aware that the Empire was conducting surveillance of the whole thing. Darshak agents had infiltrated the staff of the Samakhom Palace, the residence of the Chairman of the TAR. They had also bugged most, though not all, of the limousines that would be used, among many other things, items, and places.

In addition, per the informal intelligence-sharing agreement between the Empire and Goyanes due to their close alliance- what many political pundits termed the "Special Relationship"- the Darshak also sent Gojannesstad two messages, both encrypted; one stated the context of the situation in the usual code, describing Misaka and Abhisit's personal friendship, the difference between this visit and the previous ones, and noting Abhisit's invitation, among other necessary details.

Following this message was another- more encrypted than the first- detailing the recent events.

Message- Heavily Encrypted:

EAGLE FROM SGNC9427 ARRIVED IN CHIANG MAI, TRUONG AUTONOMOUS REGION.
TAR EAGLE HAS PARTICIPATED IN RENDEZVOUS. SO FAR FRIENDLY TO SGNC9427 EAGLE.
POSSIBILITY OF DETENTE AND LESSENED THREAT IF ALL GOES WELL. WE ARE WATCHING ALL PROCEEDINGS CLOSELY.
WILL KEEP UNTERRETNINGSTJENESTE UPDATED.

Click to expand...

A brief embrace was had before she attempted to converse in the alien language- She was never amazingly familiar with Truong and therefore when unfamiliar with a word she would use the Skandan or Mercanti word instead.

“Yes, yes, it is great to see you. It feels like it’s been forever since I’ve been here, even if it was only a couple years ago at most. I can’t wait to see the city again.”

With luck, Abhisit got the gist. Unbeknownst to everyone but Misaka and her peers, the Skandan Bureau for State Security, the KKY or Kahu'nia'kalei'ma'ky'ena was listening in on the conversation. They went through the Shi'jise'k?'ina, or the Ministry of Intelligence. A lapel mic was hidden beneath the jacket, allowing them to listen in on the conversation. A heart monitor was built into a modern watch which Misaka wore on her right hand, with it’s statistics being transmitted directly to the KKY.

Misaka stepped into the presumably armored limousine, having the door held open for her as she did. The black limousine set off, bright yellow lights glimmering off of the car as it drove forward.

“So, Abhisit, how has your nation reacted to the… Change in government in Skanda?”

KKY Report - Heavily Encrypted:

KARIKAI 1 HAS ENTERED IKI'NO SAIKA, HENCEFORTH KNOWN AS SAIKA 0, AT 1321 HOURS, HAS BEGUN TOUR OF HAIT'OA'KUHE WITH KANI 1, KARIKAI 1 HAS BEGUN CONVERSING WITH KANI 1 ABOUT MATTERS OF THE STATE, VITALS NORMAL, STAY ADVISED, CONTINUE MONITORING VITAL SIGNS AND LIVE AUDIO.

Click to expand...

As the limousine made its way down Prajadhipok Avenue, right past the Darshak's secret base, and turned onto Samakhom Avenue, heading towards the Samakhom Palace, the residence and office of the Chairman of the Truong Autonomous Region, Abhisit got the question he was expecting. "So, Abhisit," said Misaka, "how has your nation reacted to the...change in government in Skanda?"

Abhisit knew the truth. The Phrang were terrified following the August Coup. Skanda was socialist once again, and the Phrang had gotten flashbacks to the Iterian War. To this day, the Empire was the only nation that still refused to admit defeat in the Iterian War- even Iraelia had. But at the same time, despite knowing all this, he had to be careful of what he said. Close friend or not, he was speaking to the Skandan leader- the woman who masterminded and directed the coup.

"With...uncertainty." he responded. "But I'm sure that uncertainty can be rectified given time, trust, and amiability."

"You'll be happy to know, however," Abhisit continued, "that the people here have been generally more acceptive. They, like the Phrang, are still uncertain, but to a...lesser degree. I'm sure they'll be glad to see you."

The car stopped. The motorcade had arrived at the Samakhom Palace. The elegant residence, which was the third incarnation of the palace- the previous two having been destroyed at various points in history- was constructed in the Neo-Truong style that emerged in the 1960s. Traditional rooves, adornments, and windows accompanied a modern shape and modern technology. This was where Misaka's first visit to Truongla after the August Coup would truly begin.

And the Darshak was watching all of it.

"With...uncertainty." he responded. "But I'm sure that uncertainty can be rectified given time, trust, and amiability."

"You'll be happy to know, however," Abhisit continued, "that the people here have been generally more acceptive. They, like the Phrang, are still uncertain, but to a...lesser degree. I'm sure they'll be glad to see you."

Misaka had expected worse reactions. She imagined that the Syrixians would have gone onto a sort of red alert, in fact she was surprised that this state visit was allowed to happen at all. As the car pulled to a halt in front of the palace, she opened her car door before any sort of chauffeur could get to her and leaned against the door for a moment, staring at the sophisticated palace. In a way it reminded her of home- A modern nation that still hold onto a lot of it's traditions.

"Well they should be happy in knowing that I am still the same person that studied here all those years ago, and the same person that has visited them routinely since then. I wouldn't betray their trust after a single coup."

Closing her door she waited for Abhisit to pull himself out of the car, or for the chauffeur to do it for him. Her old friend seemed to still trust her on the surface but she wasn't sure how far down that trust went. Misaka hoped that she hadn't misplaced her own trust in Abhisit.

Samakhom Palace, Chiang Mai, Truong Autonomous Region

"After a single coup."

Those four words, though he didn't show it for obvious reasons, both shocked and intrigued Abhisit. He didn't think Misaka would be so candid about her own actions, even to an old friend such as himself. As he and Misaka got out of the car, they both entered the Samakhom Palace. After a brief tour of the palace and its grounds, the two were ushered to a private conference room upstairs. As they did, Abhisit thought back to the imperial audience that allowed this meeting to even occur.

---

Golden Palace, Pataliputra, Pataliputra Metropolitan Prefecture

The door opened slowly as Abhisit entered the audience hall and came before the Amethyst Throne, performing the ceremonial kowtow. Standing up, he then stated, "Your Majesty-" but before he could continue, the Emperor responded, "The circumstances of this audience, Mr. Chairman, are greatly extraordinary. I will be frank with you...they surprised both myself and the Cabinet." Rajesh then stood up from his throne and began to walk down the stairs.

"As you no doubt know, Mr. Chairman, Imperial foreign policy has been, for the last several years, for the preservation of international trade for the benefit of the State and for the citizenry. The rising tide of international socialism, as well as that of international terrorism such as the attacks in McMasterdonia or Goyanes, have caused an upending of the global social order and have therefore contributed in a detrimental manner to our designs."

"In keeping with this policy, as well as in recognition of similar commitments to democratic freedoms and similar cultural traits amongst our peoples, we were very close with Republican Skanda. Now, you come before me to request that, following a socialist seizure of Skandan state institutions, we treat them the same way? I always knew you had a soft spot for the Skandans ever since your old friend Tawanoa, the woman /responsible/ for the coup, took office as their leader, but surely you understand that such a thing would be going too far?"

Abhisit nodded respectfully. "Your Majesty, I know Misaka Tawanoa well. She is a good person. Her actions were a shock to us all, but she is no Jirou Yoshi'hiwe." he replied, referring to the Skandan communist leader who had dealt the Empire an embarrassing military defeat in the 1960s. "Though democratic freedoms under the new regime have been limited, corruption has fallen, and special economic zones have been established to continue free-market trade. I do not believe Misaka to be a socialist ideologue, Your Majesty. Skanda deserves a chance."

Rajesh sighed and then nodded, both lightly. "The Cabinet showed the same optimism as you, but I remain unconvinced." Abhisit began to look down slowly, dismayed, but then Rajesh continued, "However, the coup having been committed, it is necessary not to create new enemies. We will have to make do, or at least attempt to. I will give you your chance." Rajesh paused. "Do not fail me, or there will be problems, Mr. Chairman." Abhisit gave his gratitude to the Emperor, and assured him he would not fail, before being dismissed.

---

Samakhom Palace, Chiang Mai, Truong Autonomous Region

Abhisit and Misaka entered the conference room, and Abhisit invited Misaka to sit. After they sat, Abhisit stated frankly, "Misaka, I think you should know why my invitation was authorized...why you're here." He paused. "As I said to the Emperor just days before your arrival, it is well-known that under your administration the corruption that plagued Republican Skanda has fallen significantly, and through your nation's Special Economic Zones, trade continues smoothly. I told him that I do not believe you, my friend, to be the object of concern. I told him that I believe the new Skanda deserves a chance. Both he and the Cabinet agreed, and so...here we are."

Abhisit continued. "I need you to help me show my people and the Empire at large that there need not be renewed hatred between our nations, but a continued peace in our time."

“...I see.” Abhisit being this upfront caught her off guard at first. There was a long pause while Misaka lost herself in thought. After the events of the August Coup, Misaka understood she’d need to rebuild international trust in her leadership. For some countries this would be very difficult- Syrixia was one of these nations. While the Truong Autonomous Region was typically sympathetic to Skanda it seemed even they had grown wary due to recent actions. This was expected. Even the closest of allies would be a little cautious of a nation that had just undergone a coup even if it was bloodless but a nation such as Syrixia had practically never had good relations with Skanda in the modern era. Even if the task ahead would be difficult it was still possible, surely it- Wait how long had she been sitting there quiet?

“Er.. Well I’m certain we’ll find a way to not only renew the trust of the Truong Autonomous Region,” The earlier brainstorming was being used spring-pad for her speech, unknown to Abhisit. Initially Misaka spoke with what seemed to be an unsure, wavering tone. There was another brief pause as she collected herself.

“But to be able to at least begin to mend the rift between Skanda and Syrixia. Ever since the Iterian War, and even before then; Skanda and Syrixia have detested each other.” As she went onwards her own confidence in what she was saying seemed to increase exponentially; the wavering of her voice was fading quickly.

“It truly, originally stems from the First Nordic-Imperial War of the 1740’s and the burning of the Andrennian South Iteria Company’s ports in Saito and Kuhe’nai.” By now she was speaking with true passion and belief for her own subject. There was a reason she was elected into her presidency those few years ago and that was showing now.

Her speech had taken a cool, charismatic tone, as if she was a history teacher giving a laid-back lecture to a relaxed university class. “Even if they were being leased by Andrenne they were still legally part of the Kamaheo Dynasty. This fed into our future clashes despite it being from the 18th Century. This long-lived hatred must be extinguished after all this time.

Misaka suddenly took a more serious sort of attitude while maintaining the earlier charisma. The tone of a leader. “We must simply show our respective nations that the conflicts of the past shouldn’t have effects on the relations of modern, civilized nations like ours, and that despite our coup we mean them no harm; we do not want to export any sort of revolution, we understand and acknowledge our own mistakes, we do not want to destroy Syrixia, and we do not want conflict- We want to, as some say... bury the hatchet. We are just as human a nation as Syrixia.”

As if on cue, there was a loud knock on the door. “Ah. I suppose it’s time for the tour of the Univeristy. We can continue this conversation in the car my friend. For now let us go.” With that she stood and pushed in her chair while waiting for Abhisit to take the lead. Even though Misaka had spoken longer than she thought she believed this would help make some real progress. With a bit of luck and hope their Emperor and the Syrixian people might actually listen to and understand what Misaka is saying, and they could finally begin to mend the damage between the two nations.

Rajesh sat in his private office, intently going over the footage the Darshak had provided him. Across his desk from him sat Diwan Sahab, and, via secure video call, Sasil kul Kyloth was there as well.

"We mean them no harm." Misaka had said about the Empire. "We do not want to export any sort of revolution, we understand and acknowledge our own mistakes, we do not want to destroy Syrixia, and we do not want conflict- We want to, as some say... bury the hatchet."

The Emperor paused. "More than likely empty words, but all the same surprising." he said, looking up and fixing his glasses.

"The Skandans are a proud people, your majesty." followed the State Curator. "Misaka is either a fool, lying to us, or a real believer in peace with a real aspiration to it. That's one-out-of-three odds."

"Correction, Mr. State Curator." Rajesh interjected. "It's two, not one. If Misaka is a fool, then we can manipulate her into getting peace. If she's a real believer, then we'll probably get peace."

"I say go for it." Sasil chimed in. "With what's going on in Yukkira, we should put as much stock as we can into not allowing the possibility for any further problems to manifest in South Iteria, which a hostile Skanda would present."

Rajesh nodded. "But if it fails, see to it that the media doesn't turn it into a fiasco."

Later on, in the Chiang Mai evening, Abhisit and Misaka heard a knock on the door of the private lounge within which they were conversing. Clad in their distinct traditional uniform, two Imperial Sentinels stood in front of Abhisit as the door opened.

"Mr. Chairman, we have been sent to inform you that His Majesty has graciously invited both yourself and Premier Tawanoa to the Golden Palace for an audience."

Abhisit smiled. He did it.