A Battle Unseen

[Elena1012]

Meeting the Rook.
August 17th, 5654
Johnston, Baltusia
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Alvarez was lucky. He had a rare opportunity. He had to keep playing it safe ever since the SAFE Act passed. But he finally had an opportunity. Congress had invited him for an opportunity to build up Royal history, and connect the masses to the monarchy. This was a blessing in disguise. He had an opportunity to meet with the RPP. Even if it was a low member or the secretary of the party, anything was better than nothing considering the circumstances. And fortunately, the Congressmen he had the joy of meeting would give him genuine joy. Madyson Skinner, secretary of the Royal People's Party. Skinner was his best shot at getting not just a few members of the RPP to support him, but the entire party infrastructure. If that happens, he could speed things up. Could. He shouldn't, as that would risk everything, but he could.

He would just have to get through the photoshoot. For public relations of course. The media, whatever wasn't gutted and turned into state media or puppets wanted images of the King interacting with the population or Congress. Of course, it would be curated. We didn't need another incident like what happened to Merridan. So as luck would have it, the Royal Garden was chosen for it. He had to get through the photoshoot and quickly find Skinner. His closest confidant, a Royal Guard, Jackson Lloyd, was fully loyal. He would help out in making sure no one leaked anything.

Seconds turned into minutes and minutes turned into hours. But eventually it was over. Most Congressmen left. Most. Fortunately Skinner wasn't one of them. He had to make his move. As everyone else was socializing, he and Lloyd made their move and invited Skinner for a private talk. A moment at least. Lloyd led the two to a different part of the Garden. Less people. Matter of fact, no one besides the three. Alvarez spoke rather quickly, but politely.

"Miss Skinner, I want to start off with a thank you for lending me some of your time. I know you're a very busy woman in Congress." He paused for a moment, letting the words sink in as it was clear he was leading up to something. "I want to ask, how is Congress nowadays? Ever since the SAFE Act and the EPSA?" Alvarez thought to himself. Make it seem casual. He didn't know if she was a Merridanist or a loyalist. Skinner replied back, softly, "It's been... tense to say the least. Congress has been worried about foreign policy mostly. You know how it is. The Libertarians try to slow everything down. The Social Radicals govern as if the EPSA never happened. The BFP is on its way to being banned. Fortunately. I can't say I like the direction the country is going, but I can tolerate it. I have to serve my country somehow, Your Majesty." 

Not an unexpected answer, but not the one Alvarez personally expected. But it means she wasn't a Merridanist. Just not an open rebel. But an opportunity is an opportunity. "Ah, I see. Nothing is more greater than serving our country. I find myself agreeing with you however. I don't like the direction the First Minister is taking us down. While I trust the people will make a choice that reflects their will in the elections, but I want to ask. How much longer can we tolerate? We can keep waiting and waiting. Hope the right direction shows up. Or, we can imagine a better future for Baltusia. Merridan is a ... Lovely First Minister," A part of Alvarez died inside when he had to praise Merridan. "But, I think there's always room for improvement, don't you think? How much longer can we tolerate the status quo before it turns into silence?" A bit risky, but gives deniability. She remained silent for a bit. Alvarez feared he blew his chance before she responded, as if she was wondering what to say. "I'm inclined to agree. There is good stuff Merridan has done. The Real Deal, rebuilding our country. But he's just a man. With flaws, like everyone else. But I do find myself sometimes agreeing with the rest of the opposition. Some of his moves, especially the EPSA and some of its clauses seem.. constitutionally ambiguous. Especially the term limits and abdication clause. Your Majesty, you've been going on tours to the public to build up confidence in the monarchy, but I want to ask you honestly. How do you feel about that clause? The Social Radicals say it's for future heirs who may go rogue, but..." She remained silent, pausing. As if hesitating to pick her words carefully. "Nevermind, just, what do you think of the clause?" 

An opportunity widened. Alvarez came looking for copper and struck gold. He pressed on, ignoring her question. "But? You're with friends here. There's no need for hesitancy. Lloyd and I will keep whatever you say confidential. I assure you." Skinner seemed conflicted. Alvarez thought to himself in ecstasy. He could turn things around. Skinner replied back carefully. "I know this sounds... Treasonous, but it seems like that clause of the EPSA was made to empower the First Minister, and purposely bring your power down. I mean, you weren't even involved in the deal with Kundrati. Some within the RPP have had concerns about Merridan, and the fact that you're what essentially amounts to a puppet." Alvarez had to fight himself to stop a smile. This was perfect. It couldn't get any better. He had to strike while the iron was hot. He could avoid checkmate in this cursed game with Merridan. "You're not wrong. That's how I view the EPSA as well. You can rally the entire RPP, yes? What if there was a Baltusia without the EPSA? Without the RSB? Without fascist sympathies? I'm working on something. I can't say much yet. But I want to know if you can give me the support of the RPP. Please Madyson. There is potential for a better Baltusia. To serve your country. Not just your Sovereign." He had to admit that this wasn't exactly subtle. But she wasn't subtle either. 

"You want... The support of the RPP for a potential plot?" She asked curiously. Yet, no hint of disapproval in her voice. "That's.. a big ask. But how would you bring Merridan down? He has.." she paused, connecting the dots of the visits to the military bases now that she knew the relationship between Merridan and Alvarez wasn't good. "Oh my god. You're preparing a coup? I.. yes, yes you'll have the support of the RPP. I'll do my best to whip up loyalty. Whenever you need us, we'll try our best to help." Before she could finish, the phone in her pocket began to ring. "Oh. I'm so sorry, Your Majesty, but that's my cue to go. But this was a productive meeting." 

Just like that, she was gone. Lloyd walked back into the garden as she left. Alvarez continued to stare at the garden, and spoke. "Well Lloyd. We're onto something great. Skinner is with us. That was surprisingly easier than I expected. Maybe we can still win this." He felt reinvigorated. He didn't need to despair. If Merridan was closing in for a checkmate, then Skinner was his key out and his key to turning the tide.