Leaning some more into the sofa, I bring a leg up and relax it along the cushiony length. A sigh drools out and a hand starts to drum. The screen stops showing off a reel detailing the giant's path and the areas it's already destroyed. The presenters share a glance that threatens to break their professionalism.
"As I was saying, Gardelaune, there has already been a staggering loss of life and country. Let it be known that if people do not already know why their sons, fathers and brothers are being called to arms. This monster is why." the other reporter's partner, Waltcronite continues. My drumming hand clenches and stops short of my gapped lips.
"We're looking at one of the largest mobilisations in the country because of this. Now, earlier today, I was able to get my hands on some reports from our lot in the economics department and I quote. Ahem. A near-total shift has occurred within all factories and places of production, Grade Two and higher. Places that once packaged cans of cattle meat are now filling out bombshells." Gardelaune adds, his callous hand setting back some of his white hair. Glasses that are slipping down are prodded back up with a finger.
"I cannot imagine that we will be able to sustain ourselves for long in such a situation. Without any form of compensation being listed by the government within the Gnomon, once this threat passes, we may have no economy to speak of." Waltcronite says and I find myself nodding a bit as these thoughts have passed me by before.
"I agree, for the most part. We can only hope that the war going on to our north lasts long enough for us to put this arms build-up to good use." Gardelaune goes, his voice bordering as close to muttering as can be allowed by his profession.
"With the capital of Waionr's Chosen Theocracy last reported to be under siege directly. Well, I have my doubts." his partner host remarks.
"Which is why I emphasise the hope part." Gardelaune reminds, his hand moving a little before he pulls out more of the tablets they have stocked up on their flashy table.
"But, I guess my own reminder is more sinister than any of us could wish it to be. Our country is being destroyed and that which is the cause is not slowing down. If we suffer another disaster like we have had at what was the city of Ungzieluck, we will not have any troops. If the Seven-Peaks Union of Jherikra catches our weakness, we could face an invasion. The Grandguard, now Dictator, will have to start calling on boys not even a decade old! She has that kind of power now." Waltcronite emphasises and I look away slightly, my brow going down. If I must then... Then, I guess I will have to, should that be our only option anymore.
"I don't care what laws approve her power, I will not see my family wiped out like it's the Time of Liquid Mountains because she cannot get her act together." Gardelaune is rather critical in saying.
"Now, Gardelaune, to give her the benefit of the doubt. The most powerful weapons in our country's arsenal have already been called upon. Twice. Were it not for such actions, we may still be in the dark about this situation." Waltcronite says, putting a stop to any running of the mouth. The muscles around my eyes prepare a fine glare.
"I have to admit, now, very personally..." Gardelaune starts to say and he removes his glasses, his bare eyes coming into view, "Perhaps it would have been better for us to be in the dark. Now, this crisis has been fairly accurately traced to the now clearly false alarm about a dragon migration from the Dragon Coast. The one reported on not that long ago."
"Care to elaborate for those at home or at a nice seat enjoying a cup of tea and a sandwich perhaps?" Waltcronite asks, a glass of water entering his hand at the reminder of such essential delights.
"A threat this incomprehensible has set this country off. Every news station and group we've been in collusion with is reporting the same thing nationwide. Riots of unimaginable scale. Quite frankly, it's a miracle we do not have a death toll on par with that proposed, theoretical war with how brutal the state and city guard are being. Pair that with so many being called up to help with unending evacuations that are creeping closer and closer to home... It's..."
"Mmmm, we are certainly in dangerous times. As is natural, while we understand that you are all scared. We are too, we are no different from you lot. For the sake of our country, I implore you, not as Newsman Waltcronite of the Golden Dial Newsgroup, but, simply as Waltcronite. The name my mother gave me. Please, those who are listening to us, do as the government is telling you. These riots are only impeding their efforts to save the country. Every guard in the streets keeping you in check is less manning the airships to get your far away family to safety."
Getting up to my feet, I turn that screen off and bring up another. Putting my hands behind my back, I stare almost blankly at the plethora of different news speakers. Some are doing their best to keep as professional as they can be, others have made a point of coming into work with their clothes shredded. Their faces are scraped and some are even nursing burns, proof of the viciousness of the riots.
Others, however... Others are actively encouraging the mayhem. They think I am not trying hard enough or perhaps they are involved in something more illicit that they're not letting on. All in all, it's presenting me with a problem larger than the giant that's the root cause of it all.
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As Waltcronite put it, everyone who is involved with the riots means we have fewer men and airships doing what truly matters. While I have made sure to tighten down on any information leaks, the pipes are too long, too moist from the weather. Information is still getting out and while I have the authority to shut down nearly all of these places. I am not sure if it's the right call.
Thrustradtur-Suhurlodst is a country that's aligned itself most explicitly with certain concepts. The freedom of the press is core among these things. The call to arms that tyranny once brought to this country could come again if I overstep my boundaries. But, at the same time, I cannot allow problems to fester while something insurmountable charges us.
A blade longer than even the grandest of airship runways...
I guess I should be thankful that further loss of life is currently something not in the public mind. This change in speed since the loss of Ungzieluck has caused us to abandon so many places. Some cities, even those still teeming with life are now on a list. I don't want to comprehend it, but, I will eventually have to give the order to abandon some places still being evacuated.
I will hear the communication lines cry out with disbelief at the sight of filled airports...
I am not sure if I can make that call and the people already calling for my head will have all the more cause. I've already had the Clockword Council called for additional security to be posted around our housing estate. It doesn't set the best image, having such a blatant bolstering of our security while millions are left to their deaths. Hundreds of millions.
My expression goes blank and the word keeps repeating. It's such a swollen number that keeps growing and it's not losing potency. I can comprehend the details as they get out of hand, I'm not able to simply see it as a statistic. The Gnomon may not be getting any quieter, but I can tell the hearts and minds of so many are.
The hard-hearted among those I have employed are bitter they cannot go to the toilet in peace. Nominally quiet places are filled with tears and cries of rage. People are losing contact with their families or prized possessions. Homes that are generations in the keeping, assets worth enough to retire fat on.
I cannot just order everyone here to stow their worries and fears, not when I walked out when Ungzieluck was lost. My time to set an example of an unyielding, indefatigable leader has passed. So long as people continue to do their jobs well, that is all I can expect of them. And, I must sigh at such an idea.
Am I doing a good enough job? Is this a situation I should be able to put vastly more effort into? Am I doing all I can or am I not trying hard enough and just pretending? I do not know.
Clutching my head with both my hands, I squeeze and tighten my eyelids shut.
Ending the frustrated expression, I straighten myself out, "I suppose I have spent enough time alone with the news to come to a conclusion."
I take a final glance at all the screens still up and steadily get rid of them. Those most able to keep my attention remain up and I start to get rid of the most positive among them. All that remains is a lone, vile-faced woman who has certainly been doing some digging in the bins. Information with no basis in reality and while the view figures on loan from those in charge of this information paint an inconsequential light...
I know better. I've known better for years now.
I turn the final screen off and leave my office behind. My secretary gets the next door for me and I give a quick wave as I depart. The group of men gossiping at the climax of a changing shift get going. A couple pass wayward glances back to me.
Opening the door to the conference room, I walk in on my chatting chiefs of staff, "I take it we've all seen enough?"
"Certainly seems like a fair bit can be crushed right at the neck." one huffs and a couple of others emulate him. As I near my seat, one of the men turns around a bit and raises a hand.
I focus on him, "We need to be careful if we are to start reigning in outlined civil liberties."
"I agree. However, we cannot let some of this stuff stay on the air and in the hands of those brave enough to head to work these days." I clarify so they know what page I am on.
"This is a troubling thing to contemplate..." one man mutters to himself, his only mistake being he's not quiet enough with it.
"My main concern is how the people as a whole will react. In my time before I became the Grandguard of Thrurstradtur-Suhurlodst, I commanded sieges and handled the security of castles and forts. You can meet a fair few characters in such situations, but, two are relevant for now. Those who say they hold to a standard and commit. And, those who merely say so, but will run when the pressure is applied." I recollect to them, my bottom not finding the comfort of my chair any time soon.
"We have talked somewhat about those who are acts merely put on for the sake of viewers, readers and listeners." one of my men nods out and I think more on my example.
"I have seen men stick to the walls as the fighting grows fierce, as the stone falls and magic flies. All hope can seemingly be lost but they will keep fighting. Sometimes, it takes only one blow that's too close to Waionr's grip and they'll flee. Other times, they will keep on fighting, ignoring death's call until they find victory or are met with inescapable blackness." I explain, settling my hands on the table and then looking down.
I watch carefully as my fingers shake even without much weight being forced through them.
"We need to pick those who will be silenced carefully. Though the benefits to slapping the cuffs on and throwing them away to become clay is tempting, a voice cannot be chained. Those we will be taking off of the air will need to be silenced in their entirety. I do not mean death, I mean more so along the lines of sensory deprivation... In a time like this, we cannot allow for even the slightest infighting." I tell them, not really able to offer any real solution.
"Perhaps if we implement an emergency code of conduct? Any found in violation of its principles will allow us to act swiftly and justly. The news of the giant is out so only the most dire details should be withheld. Let them all know the stakes, let everyone know and when they do, no one will contest harsh measures." one man suggests and we all put our eyes on the stone-faced man. Looking away myself, I sigh towards the table and look back up.
"Very well, make it so." I say, adjourning the meeting.