STORY ♚ JUNE

[whitepiece]

Who: Thierry Toussaint, Ryder and Black Lightning
When: Rosa 23, 2016
Where: Caissa
What: In light of recent events, some announcements are due.
Rating: None.

(Rosa 23rd: Caissa, after the Prime Minister's address...)

Prime Minister's Address

A large visual appears on screens across the nation; those in Caissa will be able to see it in person outside the White Rose City Hall. For Heroes, you will also be able to watch the broadcast using your Carrier, no matter where you are.

Thierry Touissant is accompanied by many of his staff and ministers, as well as Ryder, the guest from Gammon. If the Prime Minister looks solemn, the Gammonian’s countenance is firm and void of emotion as he walks behind his bodyguards.

The audience is quiet even as the Prime Minister steps forward to make his address.

Thierry Toussaint This 20th of Rosa was meant to be a day of celebration. Countless people were excited for the arrival of Ryder, a national icon in his own homeland. Even more were expecting refuge from the dangerous lands where they did not once live, but merely survive. Yet once more, Noir threatens the greater peace on this continent. Not just for those who wish to visit our great nation, but those who wish to make it their home. That is where this tragedy lies; in striking near our borders, Noir has struck the entire world. Noir attacked these trains, claiming they held traitors to their country. But at what cost? Hundreds of innocent lives were taken by their deceitful ways before we ever even realized it. Many believe our military is to be blamed for this action. But one of my best soldiers now lays in a hospital bed. She fought for Blanc. She did what she believed was right for our people. If there is anyone at fault, then it is I. I am sorry, Blanc. I am sorry, Enprise. I said I would never leave you again, and so I didn't. But now I realize that I cannot do this alone. We, Blanc, cannot face this problem ourselves. For the sake of our families, our country, and the entire world, the two great nations of Blanc and Gammon will unite to put an end to the violence in the Rokirovka. We hope that Noir will reconsider its actions and join us in our efforts towards a world of peace and prosperity for all. Our guest also has a few words for the people of Blanc. [ he steps aside and allows Ryder to come forward ] Ryder, if you would.

Ryder Thank you, Minister. I will handle the situation from here. [ the honored guest, Ryder, wears a dour expression. his eyes are strikingly severe; his tone is crisp. it's clear he has little sympathy to offer today. ] Citizens of Blanc, I address you on this harrowing day with heaviness in my heart. No, actually, I should say… my heart isn't the slightest bit heavy, for I am filled with resolve. A resolve for justice. I will not speak to you of what took place. This you know already. Instead, I speak of what we must do, moving forward. [ his fist curls, in sudden intensity. ] Annihilation. Complete and utter annihilation of the Noir threat. That is what I propose. We will kill them on the field; we will slay them in the streets. We will rob them of their lives and livelihoods. We will burn their cities and ravage their towns. None shall be spared, not women, not children, for they are all the spawn of wickedness and corruption and so must be purged from the earth. No mercy will be granted. No quarter spared, for have they spared us? No. They have given us suffering, so only suffering will we give in return. I hope word of this reaches of them. I hope they have nightmares in their beds, that they might toss and turn at the thought of themselves aching for breath and finding none. It is not murder if it is justified. It is not crime if it is punishment. So let us punish them, desecrate them, destroy them, as they deserve. [ his fleeting rage flips into a pleasant smile, as if it had never been. ] Really, truly, I believe this is for the best. Plant them on stakes, make a display of their folly, and make them regret ever crossing the likes of Ryder. …I mean, of Blanc. That is all.

Thierry Toussaint [ he simply stares at Ryder, dumbfounded. ]

There is a long silence until murmurs from the crowd begin to fill it in. Is this the right path? Or will it turn them into their enemies? Why does the Prime Minister look so stunned?

This is not something that can be answered immediately.

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Comments

(frozen comment) Rosa 23rd: Caissa, after the Prime Minister's address...

[boardmaster]

If you look closely enough, you’ll find Black Lightning lingering around Caissa. Where you find her will always be different, but once you speak to her, you won’t be able to see her again. Not for a while.

Black Lightning Yes, is true. Noir gave Blanc spy wrong information, but target was not you. Plan of Noir make Blanc look incompetent, like civil servant in Korchnoi. But Hero is strong. Save the one train, Blanc make enemy inside. Save the other train, Blanc make enemy outside. Result is not important. For Noir, it is also winning, no? [ she almost laughs at the irony but something tugs at her stomach—pain. she winces and keels over slightly. ] Ngh… No… It is nothing. …You have good commander. You do not need my help now. Do not find me. I find you. I follow no one, but Noir have not what Blanc has plenty. [ as she turns her back toward you, you could swear you saw her smile ] Goodbye.