Realpolitik of the Smoky Skies - The Reboot

Good afternoon. Today I will talk about personal advantages a dominant economy can bring. Most of you want to be wealthy. If the country is poor, we will have few large companies and old technologies. This means you can't make yourselves very wealthy easily. If we have many trade routes and a large number of people to work for you, then you can make a big, and thus wealthy, company easily. We need to expand our wealth. We can do this if we have enough big businesses and people to give you money to start your companies. I can do this. Vote for me.

Not normally one to be timid, this was the second interview with a female candidate I was apprehensive of. The first one was because it was completely new and I had no reference points from which to go off, and this second one because I was coming face to face with the woman who had publicly called me sexist in this national newspaper.

I met with the fiery Aurora Gurra, President of the Pulias People's Party and senatorial candidate for Pulias City at a restaurant near her apartment. From my research I knew that Miss Gurra was an engineer who worked at a factory nearby, just like her late father did before his entry into politics decades ago. The restaurant was in an industrial and working class part of the city, so it was by no means the most luxurious restaurant I had even patronised, but I did have to concede it had a lovely view of the Pulias River and the railway bridge currently under construction. I had been told the best coffee in town could be found at this restaurant.


H. Godwin: Thank you for making the time to meet with me, Miss Gurra.

A. Gurra: No problem, I'm working a night shift at the factory today anyway. And now I get to meet you in person.

H.G.: Yes, indeed. Please accept my condolences for your loss. I didn't spend much time with your father, but I was always impressed by him and his presence. He was truly a great man, a titan of the nation's political sphere, and he will always be remembered.

A.G.: Thank you for those words. I believe his fire and dedication still lives on in all of us who continue to do the work he was once part of.

H.G.: Before we begin, I'd just like to ask if you consider politeness to be important?

A.G.: Yes and no. Politeness is important in the way that we should be careful about people around us to make for a friendly environment where we don't hurt one and other. But being polite and being offensive don't necessary contradict each other, and in my opinion politeness often builds on a false view of who deserves respect.

H.G.: That's interesting to hear. I myself would consider it rude for someone to call a man "Mister" instead of "Doctor" if he holds a doctorate. I'm sure I'm not alone in having this view. You would appreciate, surely, that knowing whether to call a woman "Miss" or "Missus" is a matter of manners and etiquette rather than a judgement on her marital status and worth as a person?

A.G.: Manners and etiquette are not forces of nature, they are invented by humans and formed by our society. I prefer when people are straightforward with me, and don't hold much regard for titles. You can call me Comrade, Miss, or a Mannerless Whore if you like. I won't care as long as I know my own worth. The existence of two different titles for whether a woman is married or not stems from the belief of married women belonging to their husband. This is inherently patriarchal and sexist but rather than nitpicking about petty things like titles I believe we need to adjust our attitude towards women in general.

H.G.: I don't personally believe a worth of a woman to be determined by her marital status, but it is the standard of etiquette and I will deign to comply with it in the name of politeness. But I am, of course, referring to your letter to the editor. In that letter you accused me of asking Miss Megame about her qualifications solely because she's a woman. That accusation shocked me, so I went back and checked my notes. In my interview with the Honourable William Melda, after the 1822 election I asked him about his qualifications, and indeed I too asked Edwin Zachariah about his lack of qualifications for public office. Do you still believe I asked Miss Megame that question because she was a woman, or do you accept that it is a perfectly valid question which I have asked men in the past?

A.G.: The thing is, it was not just that one question. Yes, you have asked other candidates about their qualifications as well but I haven't ever seen a man being asked for example if their political work will hinder them from finding a spouse. But Megame is a woman in politics and no man wants an activist for a wife because wives are supposed to be quiet and don't object to anything a man says. And of course a woman's biggest dream is to get a husband because why would a woman want anything else but a man in their life?


She laughed bitterly at her own personal joke and shook her head sadly.


A.G.: My letter to the editor was not meant to paint you as the Master of Evil, which you are not, but rather point out that we have a long way to go despite women being able to run for Senate and all that.

H.G.: I can see we're going to have to agree to disagree on the merits of my interviewing style, but moving on I would like to congratulate you on your appointment as President of the Pulias People's Party.

A.G.: Thank you, I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome of the party vote and hope to do as good a job as I can.

H.G.: Regarding your leadership of the party, do you think the voters are ready to vote for a party led by a woman? Before you respond let me explain. I'm not saying that because I'm "sexist", I'm asking if you genuinely believe the voters are ready for such a novel concept. Miss Megame herself indicated the probability that her sex would count against her in the upcoming election.

A.G.: To be honest, I don't know. This election is after all the first time a woman, not just one but two, contest a seat in the Senate. But I hope the voters can look past this and see my politics rather than me. Because if elected I won't work for my or any other individual's personal gain, but for the community of women, men, and people of all kind here in Pulias who deserve a better life. But change is slow, and if me being a woman holds me back then all I have to say is: Fine. We need to work on this. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was Pulias.

H.G.: The latest opinion polling released seems to be pointing toward a possible Fourth Senate where the PAU and PPP between them form a majority. If this is indeed the outcome would the Honourable Heerlo have your support to continue as Prime Minister, or would you want the top job for yourself?

A.G.: Heerlo is an honourable person who has shown to set the needs of the many before the needs of his own, and I am sure that if either one of us were to become Pulias' next Prime Minister the other would support it. I can't say much more than that before we have the final results.

H.G.: Everyone in Pulias knows of your father's achievements and exploits. Why do you feel the voters of Pulias City should give you their vote?

A.G.: Simply because I want to focus on development and Pulians themselves rather than some perceived threat from other nations. I have lined out a plan to reduce the budget deficit through trade and cooperation with the rest of Europa. The Pulias People's Party believes in the people and we have listened to the citizens, not only ourselves, when working out our plans for the future, such as my promises to research Expedition and adopt a Mandate of Heaven policy. Also, I support the plans to construct a Pulias Tower to make Pulias City a cultural centre in Europa. It would truly show what the people can accomplish if we let them. And such a tower will be very useful for the up and coming technology of steam-powered transmission of information. I want Pulias to embrace the future.

H.G.: To that end, what are your plans for the Fourth Senate?

A.G.: My plans are to see to it that things get done, not just talked about. I will follow up with the promises me and my party have made to the people in any way that I can.

H.G.: If you form the Official Opposition, what would your priorities be as Leader of the Opposition?

A.G.: If elected I am there to represent the workers and people of Pulias, regardless of whether my party ends up in government or in opposition. I will always work for a fair and equal Pulias and do my best to keep the peace. Believe me when I say that a People's Party opposition will be the most effective opposition you have ever seen.

H.G.: Something to look forward to, no doubt. Now, it's well known that your father travelled extensively throughout Europa. Do you have any plans for travel yourself?

A.G.: No, not at the time. I would love to see Eruch sometime in my life though, the city where I was born. Perhaps I will even get a chance to do that as a representative of Pulias, only time will tell.

H.G.: It will indeed. I thank you for your time.

A.G.: It was a pleasure to talk.



Without a doubt, that was definitely the most confident woman I have ever conversed with. While I am pleased she does not consider me to be the "Master of Evil" I do wonder how much of our disagreement simply comes down to a disconnect between the respect for etiquette and a desire for irreverence.

It sounds as though the Pulias People's Party is in safe hands after the Honourable William Melda's resignation as president. Unfortunately he refused my request for an interview, but at least I have spoken now with his party leader.

Far be it for me to be accused of sexism. I would encourage all voters at this coming election to disregard the candidate's sex, and simply focus on their policies and personalities. This is not an endorsement for one candidate or a disendorsement for another, for that would be breaching the Haven Herald's editorial guidelines, but in this brave new world of steam and progress, it seems having women in the political sphere is something that will soon become a new normal and people will just have to get used to it.

When the secretary for the Honourable Ernest Barnard, founder and leader of the Pulian Advancement Union and former Minister of Economy and Infrastructure, arranged a time for me to meet and interview him, I was surprised that I would be meeting him in the Department of Economics and Infrastructure itself. After the dissolution of each Senate and prior to the swearing in of government after an election, caretaker provisions mean that the government is temporarily run by the civil service directly, without oversight by elected officials. All previous Senators and ministers become private citizens. But I was surprised to realise the Honourable Ernest Barnard, not presently a minister or a Senator was still overseeing operations in the building

After I made my way through the labyrinthine halls of the Department building, I meet his secretary, Elizabeth Turner, in a waiting room. She apologised and explained my meeting needed to be postponed by a quarter of an hour because of an issue regarding the National Railway Network. No rest for the wicked, it seemed because even as a private citizen the Honourable Mister Barnard was here continuing to work as though the Third Senate had never ended, and that there wasn't currently an election campaign. After waiting patiently I was led into the secretary's office and through a side door which opened up into the former minister's office. I was announced, and I had the distinct sense I wasn't welcome until Mister Barnard summoned me in.

Much like Mister Barnard's study, which I remembered from when I had been invited into his home some years ago, the room was littered with books and documents. However, whereas the study in his home had contained a multitude of portraits of personal significance, this office's walls were mostly lined with maps showing everything from the locations of mines and fields to the frequency of Luddite attacks, graphs and the like.

But there were some personal effects that I noticed occupying a seemingly prized spot which had been kept clear of the documents and other work-related paraphernalia that otherwise filled the room. It seemed almost like a shrine. I could see personal mementos such as an artist's impression of the formation of the Gurra Ministry in 1800, featuring the late and Honourable Gustavus Gurra and the Honourable Ernest Barnard shaking hands, while the Honourable Silverman put down his signature on a document titled The Governance of Pulias, with the Honourable Heerlo looking on as the very model of a statesman; an old-looking key, of the type which have recently become to symbolise the many homes lost in to the chaos before the Dawn; and a "medal" made of paper, with the words "BEST MINISTER" written on it, with the Es turned the wrong way, clearly written by a child.

Time would surely be starting to get the better of the former minister, as he was now in his sixties. But he didn't seem to be allowing that to slow him down one iota.



H. Godwin: Thank you for agreeing to meet with me for this interview. I understand you're very busy at this point in time.

E. Barnard: Thank you for coming. I’m not sure how much my secretary told you, but a barge that was carrying some of the construction material was delayed by a malfunction at a water lock, and I had to . . . Ah, I’m afraid that I’m rambling. Do forgive me. And as you’ve probably already noticed, I am indeed rather busy, on account of the national railway project and managing the economy. Unfortunately, this means that the effort I can put into campaigning is rather limited, even after taking to sleeping in the office more often than not.


He gestured toward a doorway, which I presumed led to a sleeping chamber. I wondered if he actually realised the Third Senate had been dissolved, along with his ministerial commission.


H.G.: I see. Before we get into the current campaign, I was wondering if you could give me an overview on what you thought of the Third Senate, now it's done and dusted?

E.B.: We have done admirably, I feel. While we have been criticized, especially during this campaign, for allowing the apparently dreaded deficit — please do give Miss Megame my regards next time you see her — to arise, it is my belief that we have done what is best for Pulias.

H.G.: Is there anything you'd like to do more of next time, assuming you're returned to the Senate?

E.B.: More? Hah! Between my duties as minister of both Economy and Infrastructure, I’ve almost forgotten the meaning of relaxation.

H.G.: Anything you'd like to do differently, if you had your time over again?

E.B.: By over again, do you then mean from the Dawn, or since the last Election?

H.G.: Well, since the last election?

E.B.: There was a while where we were tied up with properly structuring procedures for bills and the like. I don’t regret that we did so, but if given a do-over, I would do my best to speed it up, thus allowing us to do more for Pulias.

H.G.: Since you mentioned it, what would you do differently since the Dawn?

E.B.: Most of all, I would encourage even more people to join politics. While I believe that we currently have nothing but dedicated and able Senators, greater numbers would mean even more political debate, which can be nothing but good.

H.G.: Most people do agree more diversity in candidates is a desirable thing indeed. So why should the voters of Pulias City give you their vote?

E.B.: Because they know what I am; a tireless worker who will toil away for the wellbeing of our nation.


Clearly, I thought, given that the former minister was here working when he was technically unemployed right now.


H.G.: The national deficit has arguably been one of the most important issues this election, especially as it pertains to the National Railway Network. Would you like to elaborate on that?

E.B.: Alarmism, all of it. Well, not all of it. If our treasury was to be depleted on account of the deficit, it would be grave news. My memory is no longer what it once was, so I don’t recall if I’ve revealed this, but when the Second Heerlo Ministry was formed, I jokingly said that as long as it doesn’t bankrupt us, I would approve anything my colleagues felt warranted. That was with the understanding that they were all distinguished statesmen who would weigh the costs and benefits of expenses prior to petitioning for funds. While I would naturally prefer a surplus to a deficit, the deficit is currently not harming our nation. What some people forget is that the deficit is only for the state, rather than Pulias as a whole. Indeed, our people have experienced almost constant economic growth since the Dawn, with the establishment of a railway between Pulias City and Haven of Peace being one of the most significant contributors.

H.G.: What do you say to Treasury analysis that shows that even when the project is complete it will still not pay for itself? Were the people lied to, being told that the network would pay for itself?

E.B.: In some ways, yes, and in other ways, no. The railway project will indeed be operating at a loss for some time, but as our population grows, it will generate greater and greater income for the government, eventually earning us well more than it costs us.

H.G.: Is there any chance you'd consider putting a freeze on the project until economic circumstances improve?

E.B.: No; what rail we have already placed between Pulias City and Coventry will tie up maintenance no matter what, so it is much more beneficial to complete the network.

H.G.: What is your view on the Luddite refugees that have recently reached the nation?

E.B.: While I would not say that we should welcome them with open arms, it is my belief that we should allow them within our borders, within reason. Until their loyalty is proven, they should be kept an eye on in order to prevent possible Luddite agents from working against Pulias from within.

H.G.: With that in mind, how do you feel about so-called "Luddite sympathisers?"

E.B.: While I do not agree with the extent to which many of the sympathizers believe we should go, I find that their heart is in the right place.

H.G.: I see. There are, of course, other views on the opposite end of the spectrum. What do you say to the view that the Luddites deserved what they had coming, and that we should either imprison or expel the refugees who've breached our sovereign borders?

E.B.: As long as they are willing to abandon their reactionary ways, I believe that the former Luddites should be allowed within our borders, though with the stipulations I mentioned earlier.

H.G.: How do you feel about the Honourable William Melda renouncing his presidency of the Pulias People's Party? Especially given that it was over the issue of the treatment of Luddites.

E.B.: I know that if he chose to do so, it was because he judged it to be what was best for his party. I’m confident, however, that he will continue to be a part of politics, and I look forward to continuing working with him, as well as getting to know Aurora Gurra.

H.G.: Opinion polling seems to point towards a likely PAU/PPP majority between the two parties in the Fourth Senate. Can we expect another coalition government? And would that be likely to be a Third Heerlo Ministry? Or a Second Gurra Ministry? Or perhaps a Barnard Ministry?

E.B.: A Bernard ministry? Hah! I’m too old for that. Everything depends on what the Senate turns out like, but I hope to be able to continue to work with the Pulias People’s Party.

H.G.: Any thoughts of retirement, then? Could this be the last election we see you contesting?

E.B.: Doubtful. I’ve still got energy left in me, and for as long as possible, I’ll continue to serve Pulias as best as I can.


The secretary at that moment burst in with an urgent look upon her face. Clearly something required Mister Barnard's urgent attention.


H.G.: I'll best leave you since you seem to have quite enough on your plate without me taking up more of your time. Thank you for fitting me in.

E.B.: Thank you for coming.

I made the arduous journey out to Coventry for the final days of the campaign. What had initially seemed to be quiet, sleepy town electorally had suddenly turned into the most contested city in the nation.

Mister Henry Absoluti was seeking to hold the seat that his late father held, and the former Senator Albert Bazil had given up his safe Pulias City seat to try and turn Coventry into a Pulian Imperial Party stronghold. With the Pulias People's Party candidate, Percy Huggins it seemed as though Coventry was crowded enough already before the arrival of the independent candidate David Richterson, who I had the opportunity to interview.

The latest opinion polling seemed to indicated he had blitzed to the front of the candidates running in Coventry, and I was interested to shine some light on the mystery of the candidate about whom we didn't previously know too much about.

As for the candidate himself, David Richterson was the very image of a working-class man: he wore a dirty leather apron with many stains, he had short and greasy hair and he was stood motionless in his front lawn, holding his mallet, which seemed to have become presumably by accident a signature trademark of his personal brand. I thought we would go into the house. We did not. We awkwardly stood in the yard and conducted the interview. I could not sit down. I did not have a table. I had to try and make notes as I stood. It was quite a bizarre experience.



H. Godwin: Thank you for agreeing to meet me on such short notice.

D. Richterson: It was not a problem. I work in my personal workshops; there are no deadlines.

H.G.: What made you decide to run for public office?

D.R.: Issues exist. They need to be fixed. My solutions are efficient. Other peoples' solutions should not be used. I will replace them.

H.G.: Are you concerned that you're running against the leader of the Pulian Imperial Party, Henry Absoluti, and Albert Bazil, arguably a political veteran with one term already under his belt as a Senator?

D.R.: Yes. This is probably my biggest challenge.

H.G.: How do you intend to overcome this challenge?

D.R.: Speaking to people about my solutions. Not that that is something they will not do, just that this is my approach as well.

H.G.: Recent opinion polling shows you potentially defeating the former Senator Albert Bazil. What are your thoughts on this matter?

D.R.: This is only to be expected. I am the better candidate.

H.G.: I understand the National Railway Project is quite popular here in Coventry, due to its isolated positioning. As an industrialist, what is your view of this project, especially with consideration to the current national deficit?

D.R.: Pulias leads the world in manufacturing of goods. We must take advantage of and strengthen this lead. The railway will help.

H.G.: What is your view on the recent influx of Luddite refugees?

D.R.: Cheap labor is never without use.

H.G.: What do you say to the view that we are responsible for these refugees, since we destroyed their home?

D.R.: We are not responsible because we destroyed their home. We are responsible because they live in our country.

H.G.: Some people say that Luddite sympathisers are traitors. What is your view on the subject?

D.R.: I don't understand how one can sympathise with them. They are people. How can you sympathise with one person over another because of groups they previously belonged to? It makes no sense.

H.G.: I see. If you are successful in your current bid for election to the Senate, you will be but one vote in the seven seat chamber. Which parties would you see yourself most likely to work with?

D.R.: The PAU views are the most collaborative.

H.G.: In what way?

D.R.: Overall, I agree with them the most. Their military policies most match mine, but not completely, in social policies they mirror me, but in technology our opinions differ.

H.G.: Who would you like to see as Prime Minister?

D.R.: Miss Megame.

H.G.: Why do you say that?

D.R.: She seems to be capable, both as a leader and in making sensible change. If one person is a leader, even democratically, for their entire life, how are they distinguishable from a monarch?

H.G.: An interesting point of view. Where do your social views sit, politically?

D.R.: I see my views as a sort of collaboration between Miss Megame's and the general theme of the PAU.

H.G.: That's very interesting. You find the PAU most agreeable, but you prefer Miss Megame? It is true that most commentators consider Miss Megame's views to be essentially a more populist face for PAU policies. Do you agree?

D.R.: A more populist face is what the PAU needs. They are too distant from their supporters, while Miss Megame has created what will be a very effective strategy. I support the actions of one and the ideas of the other.

H.G.: This election has seen the running of two female candidates, the first entrants of their sex in what has been up until now a male-dominated sphere. What are your views on this?

D.R.: As I answered in the Luddite questions: They are politicians. Male or female. Why does this matter?

H.G.: I see. I guess I had best let you get back to your . . . whatever you were doing.

D.R.: Thank you for taking the time to visit me. I will go back to my forge now.


That was truly the most bizarre interview I've ever had. Actually, no, it was only the second most bizarre interview that I can recall.

But, there you have it: that was Mister Richterson, presently the front-running candidate in Coventry, ahead of even Mister Absoluti of the Pulian Imperial Party. Make of that what you will.

Perhaps instead of the anticipated return of the PAU/PPP coalition there could foreseeably be a coalition formed by the PAU and two independent Senators, headed by the Prime Minister, Sofia Megame? We will see. Interesting times, dear readers, interesting times.

Rumors are trickling from the Royal Palace that the Grand High Exalted Majah may be losing his marbles. Relatively young at the time of the Fall, since his restoration at the beginning of the new century the Majah has seen our nation through over three decades of unprecedented growth. But it seems that the man may now be suffering from a combination of advanced age and the strain of maintaining his position as symbolic head of our nation.

Though some have questioned the Majah’s sanity ever since he first took the title ‘Majah’ following the end of the Fall’s turmoil, this questioning is becoming increasingly widespread. A current story making the rounds of the coffee houses of Pulias City is the claim that the Majah now believes himself to be a canary. Indeed, reportedly, during a diplomatic meeting with leading members of the Eruch diplomatic mission — with whom, it should be remembered, relations have been fairly strained of late — he was heard declaring that, out of the Pulian government as a whole, “I’m your only friend!” According to our information, he then backpedaled, declaring that “I’m not your only friend! Well, really I’m not actually your friend” before proclaiming that he was a ‘blue canary’. He was then forcibly removed from the room.

Are these rumors true? Is the man truly going mad, or are these merely elements of propaganda released by our enemies in an effort to undermine the state? Time will tell.