February 16, 1641
Ragna, Gra Valkas Empire
IBC Headquarters
Senior Investigator Falk Richter had never found places like this impressive. The IBC, with its sterile corridors and polished floors, struck him as a monument to mediocrity. A facade. The people here might think they were doing important work, but Falk knew better. They were just cogs – convenient tools for people who understood real power. He didn’t even bother hiding his impatience as he strode in, with Senior Investigator Helmuth Krieger trailing alongside, keys in hand. Krieger was a competent enough sort, though Falk couldn’t help but think he lacked any proper conviction. The man was neutral, as if neutrality was an acceptable stance in times like these.
Krieger took his time unlocking the door to Skaldottir’s office, no doubt trying to make it all look so official. Falk refrained from rolling his eyes. Skaldottir, with his quick cooperation, was exactly the kind of person Falk despised – too eager to please and, worse, an opponent of Marix. Falk could barely stomach the thought of sifting through the files of someone who lacked the conviction to stand with the Chancellor. Well, if the man was too spineless to defend his own work against Marix, Falk would do it for him. He stepped inside, barely acknowledging the decor, and went straight to the desk.
Most of the papers were irrelevant distractions: equipment maintenance logs, scheduling notes, salary adjustments. Falk moved them aside with a quick sweep, stacking them in a neat pile on the desk. He wasn’t here to sift through the mundane; he needed something substantial, something that would vindicate Marix and confirm what he already knew. Skaldottir’s office was full of these trivialities, but Falk was sure the real information was here somewhere, buried beneath the bureaucratic clutter.
He finally uncovered a folder marked IMPERIAL – CONFIDENTIAL. Inside lay a document from the Office of the Chancellor, titled Official Health Bulletin [1]. His pulse quickened. This, at least, would be something substantial. Setting the other files aside, he opened it and let his gaze settle on the top page. Tuberculosis. So that was it. The Emperor had been diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis.
It all lined up. Marix had publicly announced the Imperial Family’s illness, and now here was the medical proof. Falk felt a surge of satisfaction – this was the validation he’d been hoping for. Marix wasn’t hiding anything; he’d taken the necessary steps to keep people informed while also maintaining order. The man understood what needed to be done.
“There it is,” he muttered, almost to himself, feeling a renewed sense of confidence. “Marix knew exactly what he was doing. The Emperor’s condition – it’s exactly as he said. The right call to tell the public, manage expectations.”
But that contrarian Krieger just stood there with that abnormally calm expression. “Did you catch the broadcast, Falk?”
Falk glanced up, slightly annoyed. “What of it?”
“The Crown Prince’s speech. The entire Imperial Family was there. They didn’t look sick. Not even a bit. True, the Emperor did look a bit weak, but he looked more injured than sick. Kind of strange, don’t you think?”
How irritating. Always with the ‘questions’—as if Krieger had some privileged insight. Falk was certain this was typical paranoia from someone who couldn’t see the bigger picture. “TB’s unpredictable. Remissions happen. The Emperor’s clearly responding well to treatment, or he wouldn’t have been seen at all. You said it yourself; ‘the Emperor did look a bit weak.’”
Krieger gave a noncommittal shrug, as if he’d heard it all before. “Yeah, but weak from injury. They looked healthy, though. Not just stable. Healthy. Almost like there hadn’t been an issue in the first place.”
Falk closed the folder slowly, a touch of condescension in the motion. “Helmuth, not everything needs to be a conspiracy. The file’s right here. Marix laid it out for everyone to see – there’s nothing to hide.”
He tucked the folder under his arm, a quiet dismissal of Krieger’s skepticism. Falk knew the truth, and he certainly didn’t need Helmuth Krieger pointing out incongruities like some amateur. There was more to find, and Falk had every intention of collecting all the evidence he needed to support Marix. He didn’t expect Krieger to understand, really. He was a man with no allegiances, and that lack of loyalty was exactly why he’d never understand Marix’s real value.
“Let’s move,” he said curtly, already turning for the door. He’d show Krieger the truth, and if the man couldn’t keep up, well, that was hardly Falk’s concern.
Falk exited, barely waiting for Helmuth to lock up Skaldottir’s office before setting off down the hall toward the CEO’s suite. The IBC’s higher-ups always liked to tuck themselves away in the most lavish offices, as if a bigger desk somehow granted them more importance. He expected no less from the IBC’s top man. At least he’d have a proper place to work through what they’d come to find.
Helmuth trailed behind, keys still in hand, quiet as ever. Falk had already pegged him as one of those types who fancied themselves the voice of reason – too afraid to commit, always circling the issue without picking a side. If only he’d realize that hesitation was its own kind of betrayal. Falk would never understand people like that.
They reached the office, and Helmuth unlocked it with that same infuriating calm, as if they had all the time in the world. Falk pushed the door open and stepped inside. Now this was what he expected. Plush carpet, a desk the size of a small car, and shelves lined with books he doubted anyone had read. He went straight for the filing cabinet, yanking open drawers until he found one stuffed with folders marked Media Operations.
He pulled out a thick file labeled Approved Broadcast Material [2] and flipped it open. Another directive, this one on what footage could and couldn’t be aired. Falk scanned the text, his eyes catching on phrases like “pre-approved” and “exclusive content.” So that was Marix’s game. Only certain victories were to be shown—recycled images of the fleet returning in triumph, battle scenes that had played out months ago.
Falk felt a swell of satisfaction. Perfectly logical. The public didn’t need to see everything, didn’t need to know the finer details of each skirmish. They needed to believe in the Empire’s strength. Marix had been right to keep a firm grip on what got out. Not everyone could handle the full truth. Most of them wouldn’t even know what to do with it.
“See?” Falk looked up at Helmuth, his tone bordering on smug. “This is exactly why Marix is the only man for the job. People need to believe in something consistent. Can’t have them questioning every report, doubting our victories.”
Helmuth leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, that infuriatingly calm expression on his face again. “Consistent. Right. Even if it’s a lie?”
“It’s not a lie,” Falk shot back, sharper than he’d intended. “It’s strategy. There’s a difference. People need something they can hold on to. Marix understands that better than anyone.”
Helmuth shrugged casually, almost like it was an insult. “Funny. I thought truth had a way of inspiring people too. But I guess that’s just a luxury these days.”
Falk felt the stirrings of irritation, an uncomfortable prickling in his chest. This was exactly why Helmuth would never be more than a secondary player – always hung up on ideals instead of the reality right in front of him. Falk knew better. He’d seen how things worked, how the world really turned, and he wasn’t about to let some abstract notion of truth get in the way of real progress.
“Truth’s no good to a populace that doesn’t know how to use it,” he said, turning back to the file. “The Empire needs order. Stability. People like Marix see that, and they’re willing to make the hard choices to keep it that way.”
Helmuth didn’t respond, just watched him with that maddeningly neutral look, as if he was content to let Falk stew in his own justifications. Fine. Let him stand there in his cloud of self-righteousness. Falk knew he was right, knew that Marix had made the only call that mattered. He shut the file with a snap, the sound echoing in the quiet room.
“Let’s move,” he said, tucking the folder under his arm as he brushed past Helmuth. He wouldn’t give the man the satisfaction of a debate. Helmuth might have his doubts, but Falk knew where he stood. And that was more than he could say for his so-called partner.
Falk led the way out of the office, the document tucked tight against his side, as if it could somehow shield him from the unsettling presence of Helmuth’s skepticism. They still had one more place to check, one more piece of the puzzle.
They made their way to the last office, one more stop before he could be done with this farce. Helmuth walked beside him, quiet but not silent, a constant reminder of how much Falk hated having a witness to any of this.
They were greeted by a sign on the door – Director of Propaganda and Communications. Falk had never met the man, but he’d heard enough to know that this office was where reality got its final polish before being delivered to the public. He felt a surge of vindication as he glanced at Helmuth. This would be the proof he needed. If there were questions to be asked, they’d find their answers here.
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Helmuth unlocked the door, and they stepped inside. The room was dimly lit, with a heavy desk at the center and walls lined with cabinets and locked drawers. It felt more like a bunker than an office, a fortress of secrets. Falk moved directly to the main desk, finding a locked drawer. He looked at Helmuth, who didn’t even blink as he worked the key into the lock and opened it.
Inside was a single, thick file stamped in red, marked TOP SECRET. Directive on Media Reporting [3]. The weight of the document made Falk pause. He’d known they’d find something substantial here, but… it felt like the very core of Marix’s power. He pulled it out and opened it, Helmuth at his side.
He’d seen Marix’s directives on approved broadcasts—keep the people focused, show them what mattered, skip the mess that’d only get in the way. That was practical. Necessary, even. The document before him was anything but; it was a complete blackout on losses, with a threat of treason if anyone stepped out of line. Treason! It was as if Marix had anticipated the need to snuff out any whisper of dissent before it started.
Acknowledge a setback, and you were done for. And that – well, it was...thorough. A bit extreme, maybe, but Marix wasn’t one for half measures. Falk respected that. He had to. He wanted to.
“It’s containment,” he said finally, the words coming out steadier than he felt. “The Empire can’t afford leaks, not when it’s on the line. Marix is making sure no one gets the wrong idea. People need to stay focused.”
Helmuth, always with that insufferable calm, leaned back like he was settling in for a debate. “Containment? I’d say it’s something more. Focus? Pfft,” He scoffed. “It’s about hiding something, don’t you think? If the Empire’s as unbreakable as you say, why hide?”
Falk forced a smirk, though doubts were already beginning to infect his mind. “Because people are fickle, Helmuth. They’ll – they’ll latch onto anything they can twist into a weakness. Talk of defeat results in true defeat. Marix is protecting them from themselves. That’s the role of a leader, isn’t it? Cut the cancer before it spreads.”
“Cancer.” Helmuth let the word hang in the air, and Falk could see that he was being sized up, judged even. He hated that feeling. “And you’re sure this is just cutting out the weak spots, not hiding a weakness that’s already there?”
Falk dismissed the suggestion. “You think Marix is desperate? Don’t be absurd. He’s doing what any intelligent leader would. We don’t have time for fragility. It’s cleaner this way. People need to see an Empire that doesn’t flinch. Marix is smart enough to know that half the battle’s perception.”
Helmuth raised an eyebrow. “So you’re okay with people risking treason for mentioning losses? You don’t think it means there are losses to mention?”
“Of course there are setbacks,” Falk snapped, more to shut him up than to concede. “That’s a given in any war. The difference is, Marix doesn’t need to broadcast them. He knows what he’s doing. He’s taking out the noise. The Empire doesn’t need to see the small picture. They need to see what Marix is building.”
“Even if that picture’s a fabrication?” Helmuth’s tone was maddeningly neutral, his words measured like he was poking holes in Falk’s logic on purpose.
Falk glared at him, though he couldn’t shake the slight unease growing under his skin. “Fabrication? It’s selective. It’s control. If you can’t see that’s how leaders work, then I’m not sure you belong here. You think you’re above this, Helmuth, but you’re not. We’re here to protect stability, not indulge your doubts.”
Helmuth shrugged, but the calm in his expression was almost mocking. “Then maybe General Siegs and Admiral Karlmann can put it to rest for us. If you’re so sure this is all just strategy, why not confirm it?”
Falk hesitated, but only for a second. Helmuth could have his little investigation. Falk knew the truth, or at least enough of it. He nodded. “Fine. Let’s confirm it. But don’t expect me to indulge every wild theory you come up with. Marix has it under control. We’ll get the rest of what we need, then move on.”
– –
APPENDIX
[Document 1]
Gra Valkas Empire - Office of the ChancellorMemorandum for Internal Distribution OnlyClassification: Confidential
Subject: Official Health Bulletin - His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Gra Lux
Date: December 20, 1640Reference: H-411/1641-GVE
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To:Chief Technical Officer Marcellon Skaldottir
Imperial Broadcast Corporation (IBC)
Ragna, Gra Valkas Empire
From:Chancellor Marix, Office of the Chancellor
Gra Valkas Empire
----------------------------------------
Directive:
Enclosed are the official medical records concerning His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Gra Lux, prepared and verified by the Imperial Medical Bureau. These documents constitute the sole authorized account of His Majesty’s current health status and are to be disseminated exactly as outlined below:
* Health Status - Pulmonary Tuberculosis:His Majesty has been diagnosed with Pulmonary Tuberculosis, a bacterial infection affecting the lungs. This condition, exacerbated by His Majesty’s demanding responsibilities, necessitates a period of rest and isolation to prevent further complications. The attached documentation details the treatment regimen prescribed by our leading specialists, underscoring that His Majesty’s condition remains stable and is under strict observation.
* Public Communication:Announcements regarding His Majesty’s health shall report the diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis and emphasize that he is receiving advanced care from Imperial medical experts. Messaging should reassure the citizenry that His Majesty’s absence is temporary and required for a thorough recovery. Deviations from this prescribed narrative will be treated as violations under the National Integrity Act, Section VI, and sanctioned accordingly.
* Compliance and Security Protocol:The contents of this memorandum and all related documents are classified. Unauthorized disclosure, duplication, or alteration is expressly forbidden under the Official Secrets Act of 1639. Non-compliance will invoke penalties as prescribed in the Imperial Statutes on State Security and Public Order.
Your cooperation in presenting this information with absolute fidelity is vital to maintaining the morale and unity of our citizens. The Empire depends on your discretion and professionalism in all aspects of this matter.
Hail Gra Valkas!
For the Empire,Chancellor Guinea Marix
– –
[Document 2]
Gra Valkas Empire - Office of the ChancellorMemorandum for Internal Distribution OnlyClassification: Confidential
Subject: Approved Broadcast Material - Military Engagements
Date: January 4, 1641Reference: M-825/1641-GVE
----------------------------------------
To:Chief Technical Officer Marcellon Skaldottir
Imperial Broadcast Corporation (IBC)
Ragna, Gra Valkas Empire
From:Chancellor Marix, Office of the Chancellor
Gra Valkas Empire
----------------------------------------
Directive:
The Imperial Broadcast Corporation is hereby instructed to exclusively utilize the pre-approved footage of military engagements, which has been supplied by the Office of the Chancellor. Only this footage is sanctioned for public dissemination and represents the official account of our recent operations. You are expected to ensure that no alternative materials are introduced into any broadcasts, nor should additional footage or commentary be sourced beyond what has been provided.
This measure is essential to uphold the integrity of our public messaging and to reinforce the unwavering strength of the Empire’s forces. Compliance will be strictly monitored, and any deviation will be addressed as a violation of the Imperial Communications Policy. Non-compliance will prompt immediate review under the National Integrity Act, with consequences proportional to the breach of protocol.
The Empire depends on your commitment to maintain this unwavering consistency in all broadcast material. Your diligence is critical to our collective efforts.
Hail Gra Valkas!
For the Empire,Chancellor Guinea Marix
– –
[Document 3]
Gra Valkas Empire - Office of the ChancellorMemorandum for Internal Distribution OnlyClassification: Top Secret
Subject: Directive on Media Reporting of Military Engagements and Civilian Impact
Date: January 24, 1641Reference: C-912/1641-GVE
----------------------------------------
To:Chief Technical Officer Marcellon Skaldottir
Imperial Broadcast Corporation (IBC)
Ragna, Gra Valkas Empire
From:Chancellor Marix, Office of the Chancellor
Gra Valkas Empire
----------------------------------------
Directive:
Effective immediately, all media coverage concerning military engagements, particularly reports involving military losses or civilian casualties, is to be strictly regulated. The following measures are to be observed without exception:
No content, whether visual or verbal, relating to any destroyed assets, lost territories, or fallen personnel may be disseminated without explicit authorization from the Office of the Chancellor. Any such information is to be treated as classified and is not to be included in broadcasts or publications, regardless of the source or credibility.
Only the official accounts provided by the Imperial Department of Media Control are to be presented to the public. These narratives, which highlight our successes and the relentless advancement of our forces, must remain the sole perspective conveyed to the citizens of the Empire. This office will supply all approved content, as well as guidelines on its distribution and presentation.
Any deviation from these restrictions will be regarded as a breach of state security and will prompt an immediate investigation by the Bureau of Investigation. Offenders will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the National Integrity Act, Section IX, and may face further legal consequences under the Imperial Statutes on State Security, including penalty of death if charged with treason.
Your unwavering compliance is critical to our success. The continued resilience of the Empire relies on a unified message of strength and victory.
Hail Gra Valkas!
For the Empire,Chancellor Guinea Marix