King Arik Coyotus-I of the People's Republic of Canissia had drama aplenty at the Palace, but he also had official duties to perform as well-- and a renewed sense of determination about the seriousness of the situation.
War and fighting are not the only paths to security, he knew,
Wars are fought --ostensibly-- for the purpose of securing a better peace afterwards. Peace is the goal, and it can be had through alliances, sensible policies...
He'd gone to the other side of the capitol city, to the newly-constructed Parliamentary Towers, where a press conference was being held to celebrate the Canissian acceptance into the International Sea Commerce Agreement, or ISCA.
"The ISCA," he said, "Is an important step towards a better future. A future based on trade, commerce, and agreements with neighbors, and not one of division and mistrust. The People's Republic of Canissia wil reach out, not just to immediate neighbors," he said, with a smile and nod towards the Red Technocracy delegates, "But to all. As I put my signature to the ISCA, I reiterate my position that the nations, and multi-national treaty organizations, can --and should-- work together so we can reach this brighter future, together."
With that, and to applause, the King signed the paper on th epodium before him. It was, of course, symbolic-- the real agreement had already been signed, and the more fanciful, parchment-style version with the gilt edges --something Arik found overly-extravagent, but his advisors insisted-- but it made for good show. As the applause died down, however, something happened that caused Arik's old combat reflexes to go on alert.
One could never really say what it was-- a sudden, electric change in the atmosphere, somehow, but suddenly, through th econfusion, a subtle shift in the demeanor of a part of the crowd poked at the subconscious. A white megaphone came up, and an angry voice shouted:
"An agreement for the rich nations! No justice for the poor! No justice for the voiceless! End the economic stranglehold! End the oppression!"
It was a small crowd of protesters, a college-age man in the center was surrounded by four accomplices, who fended off the crowd as he delivered his call for 'justice'. The protesters strted to get fidgety, though, as a small phalanx of Police and Secrety Protective Services made their way quickly towards them.
Arik stepped back from the podium, and SPS agents --a special division of the Royal Canissian Border Guards-- stepped in front of him. But it had been a diversion-- while security forces focused on the vocal protesters, many diverted their attention from elsewhere.
"Incoming!" a man shouted, and Arik was thrown to the ground, suffocated by three burly protective agents. The screech of a small rocket motor roared overhead, followed by a loud explosion, a type of explosion Arik had heard once before in his life.
"RPG!" someone screamed, echoing the Canissian leader's thoughts. Panicked screams and crowd noises could be heard, and sirens went off seemingly from all directions. The crowd stampeded, and Police shouted orders. Arik was unburied from th ebodies but a heavy vest was immediately thrown over him, and he was picked up and hustled towards an armored car, unceremoniously shoved inside. The car, an RCBG M-1117, roared through the streets towards the Palace, other cars, Police and SPS alike, in a tight phalanx around it.
They reached the Palace, and only then did Arik get out.
"What happened?" he asked the chief of his security detail.
"Classic bait-and-switch," Chief Tigh grumbled, "And we fell for it, gods-damned it. We expected protests, but nothing like this was on our threat list."
"Was it me in specific they were aiming for?" Arik asked, dusting himself off absently, "That RPG hit seemed far off."
"Actually, I don't think they wanted you specifically," Tigh said, "The RPG hit the fountain, where there was no one around. It'd been roped off to provide you an uninterrupted backdrop with the Towers in back. I think they just wanted to punctuate their protest in a way that wouldn't be forgotten. They had a clear shot at the podium or the crowd, but took the long shot for the fountain."
"We can't count on them to be so accomodating again, if there is a next time," Arik said.
"Agreed, sir," Tigh said, "With your permission, sir, I'd like to coordinate an investigation with agencies that have had similar problems recently. The ISCA seems to be a magnet for half-baked lunatics with agendas."
"By all means, Chief, do so," Arik said, "And let's make sure that the ladies have security details now, too."
"I'll see to it," the security chief said, frowning.
While Arik set up to do a hasty interview in the Palace reception hall to assure the public of his safety, and the investigation, he was already sorting through in his mind who he'd have to coordinate with overseas to make sure Chief Tigh had everything he needed to get to the bottom of the --apparantly international-- conspiracy.
"An
international organization of anti-globalist anarchists," Arik muttered, "The irony never stops."
"
- PeZook
