A Different Republic

[Ayzek]

Aselkam, Republic of Nyland
15 Vintyr 1592

Lalanda Marionett had not expected to actually win the election. Since the 50s, the Progressive Conservative Party had been in decline, nearly consisting losing seats to the Liberals, socialists, and even the reactionary Ultranationalists. Though there was a resurgence of Conservatism in Nyland when the New Conservative Movement exploded onto the scene in 1582, the PCP itself only continued to decline. Only now, in 1592, has it made a comeback—set to gain over 40 seats in one swoop. Though its influence was nowhere near the levels it had at the middle of the century, the PCP hoped to lead Nyland into the next one. If it managed to maintain this year's moment, doing so wasn't impossible.

"Thank you, Nyland!" Marionett said, a wide a smile on her face as the applause died down. "And thank you all that are here with me tonight to celebrate our victory this year!" The crowd erupted in applause and cheers again, as the PCP celebrated their first election victory in almost four decades.

"It was a truly stunning victory," the President-elect continued when the crowd calmed, "and I hope its a sign of many more to come. It was a long and trying road to stand here with you all tonight and I greatly appreciate the hard work put in by our next vice president Liam Lofgren, our staffers and volunteers, and everyone else in the Party that supported us along the way. Thank you. I also want to thank my husband and our children for their love and support.And I am especially thankful to each and every one of you, every Nylander, for the confidence that you have invested in me. I am proud, honored, and privileged to have the opportunity to serve as your next president. Thank you! Thank you!" Marionett waved at the crowd and then into the cameras, beaming as the crowd exploded once more.

It took several moments for it to settle and allow Marionett to continue. "Thank you to my rivals in the Central Democratic Alliance and the Nyland Liberalists for the great race. Astrad Bengtsson, Lenna Schenkenberg: it was an honor. I look forward to working with you and all our friends and colleagues in Nykoping this coming Alvan. I am grateful to you and the Nylander people for once again being able to peacefully resolve our differences and keeping our democratic tradition strong. It is that democracy and the right of the people to be heard and to elect their leaders that makes Nyland strong.

"As leaders and as Nylanders, we must never forget that. We must ensure that we do not fall victim to divisive partisanship and instead continue to work across party lines to ensure a stronger, greater, and united Nyland. Only with its people working together for the common good can Nyland remain the leading world power.

"Only together can we make sure that our education system remains globally competitive and that our youth's future remains bright and full of opportunity.

"Only together can we resolve the challenges facing social security and ensure a safe retirement for future generations.

"Only together can we fairly and responsibly reduce the tax burden on all Nylanders.

"Only together can we ensure that the Nylander economy market remains strong and globally competitive.

"Together, we will address these challenges and more. We will ensure a safe and secure Nyland, protected from threats both domestic and abroad. Together with our allies and partners we will ensure a safe and democratic Skathia and promote a free world safe for all peoples and trade from the scourges of fascism and totalitarianism. Together, we..."

Lalanda's speech continued for several more minutes.

[Ayzek]

Nykoping, Republic of Nyland
Wednesday, 18 Vintyr 1592

Albert Holmgren had been Chairperson of the Progressive Conservative Party since Francis Ek had resigned in 1586. Some saw Albert as the driving force behind the party's resurgence, taking it from the verge of disintegration to having their candidate in office. However, he and the Party leadership were quite aware they were still a minority in the Assembly and that alliances and careful maneuvering were necessary to achievement their legislative agenda. They'd a positive relationship with the New Conservative Movement despite their competition for votes, though that alone was not nearly enough.

Luckily, the PCP did have more dependable partners in the Assembly. It wouldn't be the first time they'd formed a coalition with the Liberalists, and both Holmgren and Marionett felt that they could see eye to eye with the other parties on particular issues. But it was preferable to have official agreements with the other parties, rather than hope for the best on the floor. To those ends, the PCP had been hosting conferences all week. Holmgreen and Marionett had met with NKR leaders on Monday, and the Nylander Liberalists on Tueday. Today, they were seeking an arrangement with the Moderate Coalition.

Such a coalition would have a slim majority in the Assembly, and the PCP's negotiating position with the other parties would be that much stronger.

As the clock ticked closer to 12, Marionett joined Holmgren in the conference room of the Stark-Miklhrain Capital Hill Hotel and the two chatted about the weather with their colleagues as they waited for the Moderates to arrive.

[Flo]

The Moderates arrived, led by Party Chairperson Roxanne Deitrich-Hall.

It was considered a long-shot by many in the party leadership, but Dietrich-Hall was keen to see what they had to say, as it would be imprudent to refuse to even listen.

As she and the other higher ups in the party, including the lead MCN delegate in the legislature and several other party leaders, sat at the table, a silence ensued, begging for someone to speak first.