Kingdoms of Cal Unification. (Done)

[Kingdoms of Cal]

The Unified Broadcasting Corporation Radio:

“We have discovered information that none of the Kingdoms are willing to deny that tomorrow may be the day that has been long speculated about. The Kingdoms of Teu and Drew have been unwilling to comment, the Kingdom of Sae has, as it's not unusually, been non-responsive as with the Kingdom of Teer. The Ten Baronies are also unavailable for comment and the City state of Tel have also gone quiet, there is most definitely an issue at foot like never before..

The “Acts of Union” have been before the parliaments and the councils, it is very possible that on the day that the UBC starts televisual broadcasting the parliaments and councils will formally unite.

Eye Salator en has unusually not been open to comment as leader of the Provisional Unified Parliament.

So we wait for the dawn of a new age, but we have waited for along time, with many false starts. It may not be tomorrow but very soon now that Eye Tulator an's dream becomes true, via his grand daughter.”

[Kingdoms of Cal]

The Unified Broadcasting Corporation Radio:

From the steps of the unified electoral commission a statement in the port city of Kye has been made at 01:30 this morning.

“As leader of the unified electoral commission I am here by authorised to state and declare that the date for the first unified election of Kingdoms of Cal has been designated to take place on the thirty first of un and first of du”

To those from out with the Kingdoms that is the thirty first of January and first of February. It appears to have started, now it ......it's happening.

Signing off Tae Laterto an on what may be on the start of the most historical day in perhapses a thousand years.

[Kingdoms of Cal]

UBC Radio News:

“Usual activity is currently taking place in the parliaments of Drew and Teu both of which have announced that they will sit tomorrow, despite the unusual nature of a Sep sitting. The Council of Tel will also sit in the morning, as has the Council of Barons, though this is not unusual. We are also getting confirmation that the Teer parliament will sit, this is again, not unusual.

The Kingdom of Sae has remained, as usual, evasive and we are still to get word with from Eye Salator en.

Salator has been notable by her absence, it is unusual for her not to have denied an issue of this magnitude before it reaches our ears. She has been reported by our inside sources as being “livid” and a member of the Drew civil service reassigned to her office is now in police custody facing charges under the government discretion act. Little more has now been herd from her office from any of our usual sources.

We have confirmed reports that the civil servants of the provisional unified parliament are now returning to there offices at 04:00, as this report is being recorded, and the Drew and Teu civil service are also returning to their offices. Activity at all of the residencies of the monarchs has now been observed, even some unconfirmed reports for the Kingdom Sae and the residencies for all ten of the Barons.

The city chambers of Tel are reported to be “busier than they would be on a weekday” and, like all the administrative centres, are refusing to speak with any member of the media now.

This is Tae Laterto, I will be here all night if more information is released, though I suspect that is unlikely since the governmental institutions have uniformly 'gone to ground'.”

[Kingdoms of Cal]

UBC Radio:

“This is good morning Cal with the news at eight. A little under ten minutes ago the unified parliament house of the common man went into early morning session for what is, likely to be, the last time in it's current appointed form. The announcement of the date of the first unified election means that the next time this body meets it will, most likely, be a directly elected body. We take you to the chamber now.”

*Silence, only punctuated by footsteps echoing around an obviously large chamber.*
*Large amount of movement of people getting to there feet*
*Cough*

A deep highly cultured voice speaks:
“I Lord Exern Teluan as appointed speaker of the Royal Council of the Commonwealth of Baronies, Principalities and Kingdoms of Cal do here by give notice.

By royal command of the council, this house, the house of the common man, is here by dissolved. This place will be reconvened at such time that new members have been selected by the peoples of the Baronies, Principalities and Kingdoms of Cal.”

*Applause*
*fade out back to the studio*

*Radio Presenter*
“I have our politics editor with me Ple Opertara am. Opertara can you explain to our listeners what this means?'
*A slightly gruff voice speaks*
“Well, this was just a formality simply the dissolution of the house in it current form. The only people who can do this are the Royal Council, acting as the monarch, though they would only normally do at the request of the chamber itself. In short it's basically formally starting the election process.”
Radio Presenter :“So Eye Salator en requested it?”
Opertara: “Yes. As Prime Minister, acting admittedly, she will have requested it. Though from what I have been able to ascertain things have happened a little earlier than she planned”
RP: “Why do you say that?”
Op: “Well from the sources that I have been able to contact, she was taken aback by the electoral commission's announcement.”
RP: “You mean it wasn't meant to have been made?”
Op: “Well as one contact put it. 'It's been a total balls up in Kye'. The commission is still a young body made from people who are very good at collecting number, names and other such information that is need to run elections. However. They have no real experience at the upper levels with dealing with the media and how it behaves.”
RP: “So they panicked?”
Op: “That looks to be the case. They had a leak but they could have ignored it like most of the governments' departments have for decades. It would have been forgotten about with in a day or so.”
RP: “So what now?”
Op: “Well by the looks of it Salator was been put in an unenviable position. She could have gone with the plans she had and toughed it out, but the genie was out the bottle. From the mass of activity that started about thirty minutes after the announcement she and her allies around Cal have moved forwards the plans and..”
RP:”So this might not be the only parliament to dissolve today?”
Op: “It's more than possible. One of my friends in the drew parliament said when I asked about this 'It's a good a day as any'. I have to say it's one hell of a gamble by Salator“
RP: “Why do you say that?”
Op: “Well a vote for the union in not by any stretch of the imagination guaranteed in any of the parliaments or councils. Even in her home kingdom of Teu there are a number of Mps who are not one hundred percent committed to the union. They may be even more likely to vote against it if they feel they are being bounced into a decision.”
RP: “So we it will be a busy day for her?”
Op: “Well she will have to be on the eight twenty train to Liye Andrac if she is to get to the Teu parliament before eleven when they start there session. I doubt she will be off the telephone the whole way, let alone be able to relax. I doubt she has even finished her speech, then again she is always at her best unscripted.”
RP: “So what chance do you give the acts union?”
Op: “fifty fifty, but if anyone can do it Salator and her friends can do it”
RP: “Thank you.

The orders of business for today for both the Drew and Teu parliaments have been publish for both chambers of the respective parliaments. They all contain only one item.

'Act of Union'

The votes in all four houses have been scheduled for two thirty this afternoon.

In related news the UBC televisual service has moved forwards it's planned launch at six this evening. The exact new time has not as yet been announced, but it will go on air 'as soon as feasible' according to Kurb Phonane the directory general in order to cover todays unfolding events.”

[Kingdoms of Cal]

UBC Television:

A Fox sits at a desk, behind her is a news room which appears to be in a state of disarray with furs, mostly of a foxes, sat at there desks intently looking at there monitors and typing away in their shirt sleeves. However there are a few in blue paint splattered overalls walking about and a couple of furs in jeans and teeshirts periodically diving under desks.

The news reader looks more than a little nervous, and is looking down at the papers she is holding. Suddenly she looks up and all signs of worry are gone.

“Welcome to the Unified Broadcasting Corporation news channel this is Ote Latora en. This is the news at noon.

The headlines.”
*Shot of a Gothic looking building*.
*Shot of a Classical looking building.*
*Shot of a squat round house.*
*Shot of an ultra modern glass fronted building.*
*Shot of a large wooden construction high in a tree.*
*Shot of a cave entrance.*
“Possible votes on the Act of Union today.”
*Shot of a tall gaunt building.*
“Unified election to be the end of this month.”
*Shot three of a tall spires rising out of a city next to a wide river.*
“Unified Parliament dissolved.”

“A little over one hour ago the Teu, Drew, Teer and Sae parliaments and the council of Tel and The Baronies went into session. Before all of them is the Act of Union.

In an unprecedented move all of the chambers of the parliaments and councils of Cal are in session to debate and possibly vote on the same act. With the exception of the council of The Lords Of The Isles that will meet at dusk, as is tradition. If passed by all it would see the dissolution of all of them and power passed to the Unified Parliament in Tel.”

The news reader looks a little confused for a moment

“We Now take you to the Teu parliaments lower chamber where Eye Salator en is about to speak”

*shot of a large marble circular room, amphitheater like, with a large circular marble table in the center. The marble steps are occupied by fox type furs sat on red cushions waring red toga like robes. One is sat on a marble thrown at the top of the steps. He is greying to such an extent that he is more Grey than red.*

He speaks.
“The chair recognises Eye Saltor en”

*Cut to a younger looking Fox, perhapses in her late twenties, with long hair neatly tucked behind her ears. She looks unsure for a moment and looks down at the paper she is holding with her green eyes, then discards the paper mouthing something under her breath. She looks up nods her head at the older fox and begins to talk in a clear calm voice, all signs of nervousness gone.*

“Thank you mister chairman, my honorable ladies and gentlemen, the bill before us is one that will reshape the future of the entire Cal peninsular. Not since the times of the Minopeans some seven thousand years past has Cal been united. A time before the great disruptions, a time of legends.

The varied peoples of Cal have too long been divided when our goals have been the same, to make something bigger than we have. This bill will not be the end of our grate nation, we will still be Teuie nothing is going to take that away from us. Nothing can. Like wise the Teerie will remain Teerie, the Drewens, Drewens, the Sae, Sae, the Telen, Telens and the peoples of the baronies will remain. We will still be sworn to our sovereign and our sovereign power of our people.

What will change will be we will become part of a united, unified force for good. We have remained isolated by both choice and geography too long. That will have to end.

*Applause*

If we are to step forwards into this new era we must do it united. Though we are a great nation we, if we hope to hold any sway in the wider world, we must unite with our brothers and sisters in drew, and Tel and our cousins in Teer, Sae, and the baronies . We do this not out of weakness but our of strength. Our strength in our confidence as a nation, our strength in our belief and our strength as a people. A strength that can never be bent by any army, enemy or invader.

*applause*
*a ticker appear on the bottom of the screen, the message “The Council of Tel is voting. Tlop Ranopen an has moved to vote in the Drew lower chamber.”*

It is this strength that will lead the family that is Cal towards a new, greater future. The one dreamed about by my grandfather and many others though this diverse and beautiful land. Though no nature beauty can mach that of it's peoples.

*she pauses for a second.*
*The ticker has now showing “The Council of Tel is voting. Both Drewen Chambers are now voting. The Upper Chamber of the Tueie parliament now voting. No smoke is visible at the meeting house of the baronies. Teerie parliament voting.”*

So....I now move that we vote upon this act with no further delay. I call for a division el."

*With that she takes her seat again. The chamber goes deftly silent.
*The chairman stands*
“Does anyone object to this call for a Division El?”
*Much mumblings from the benches but no sign of any one speaking up*
“Then it is settled, the naes to the right of me the Yeas to the left. Seal the chamber, the count will take place in fifteen minutes.”
*He looks up*
“I see strangers”

*Cut back to the studio and the presenter looks more than a little taken aback for a second*
“Well all the chambers, except Saeie, confirmed to be voting, we have had some reports that the chamber of the Peoples chamber of sea may now be voting, how ever this is just hear say at this time”

*She looks a little confused for a moment*
“We have a report from Tel where the vote is about to be made public”
*Cut to a feline standing in front of a large screen with the words displaying:
“Issue: Unification
Vote: underway”*
“This is Fal Wen reporting from in front of the Telen council building, where the results will be displayed on the screen behind me any second

“We have confirmation that the vote has been completed and is now being confirmed.”

“Is there any indication as to which way it has gone?” Latora's voice asks
“Well it this is by far the most likely of the Cal chambers to vote for it and it only requires a simple majority, unlike most of the others that require a two thirds majority to pass a bill such as this.

From the sounding I took before the vote it looks very hopeful for Salator.”

*Behind him the screen flash's for a second*
“but it is possibl..”
*He is drowned out by a cheer and he turns to read the screen*
*The camera zooms in one the screen that now reads:
“Issue: Unification
Vote:
For: 20
Against: 3
MOTION PASSED”*
*Barely being herd of the background noise*
“Well there we have it the principality of Tel has passed the motion”
(To be continued)

[Kingdoms of Cal]

*Cut back to the studio*
“I have with me now Ple Opertara am, our political editor”
*Cut to a shot which now shows Ple Opertara am an aging fox wearing glasses in a slightly scruffy grey suit*
“Opertara, first what is the implication of the Telen vote?”
Ple Opertara am speaks in his gruff voice “Well in short it shows things seem to be going in favour of the unification. If anything the vote was stronger than was expected”
Ote Latora en: “Stronger?”
PO: “Well there was a large amount of resistance from the banking sector to the unification in Tel and ,well, the Telen council is famous for being influenced by business interests.”
OL: “Most things are in Tel, but why were the banks against it? Surly they would benefit from easier access to the larger market?”
PO: “They would also have more competition and more regulation. Currently the Tel banks are almost entirely unregulated remember, that and they would probably lose the ability to offer entirely secret accounts that make up a large amount of there business. Remember that no one can see the records to a secret Tel held account, no matter who they are.”
OL: “Surly that true of all banks?”
PO: “No, the police can get warrants and court orders can be applied for in most nations, this is not true of Tel”
OL: “Moving on to the rest of today's events, the various votes that are now under way, how do you see them going?”
PO: “Well it was an interesting move by the unificationists to force early votes simultaneously. It could go either in their favour or the other way.”
OL: “Why do you say that?”
PO: “Well”
*Opertara pauses and looks at the floor as if distracted by something for a second*
PO: “You see having the vote simultaneously means that they can not have any effect on each other, so you will not get a domino effect. By forcing the votes they might cause some of the undecided to vote against it, thinking it is an attempt to bounce them into a decision. How ever they have in one stroke prevented any attempt at filibustering that may have been in the planning. Quite a cleaver if risky move”
OL: “I see strangers?”
PO: “Oh that is just a tradition in the Teu Parliament, it just means that the chamber is going in camera until the vote. This might give Salator a chance to persuade some of the members that may have been planning on abstaining since she must have a full two thirds of the house voting for the act.”
OL: “So there is going to be a lot of horse trading and cajoling going on as we speak”
PO: “Undoubtedly”
OL: “Some people would say that only having one hour of debate before the vote is a little short”
PO: “That is misleading, the union has been debated in all the parliaments many times, but no vote ever took place. Now I think of it Salator and her allies have managed to get this to vote is quite an achievement on it’s own. The use of Division el quite so out of the blue will have taken the opponents of the act by surprise, as it did everyone else, so it may work in her favour.”
OL: “Division el?”
PO: “It’s an old parliamentary mechanism in Teu, rarely used where the member’s physical position in the chamber indicates the way they are voting rather than using the electronic voting devices they usually do. This might also help the unificationist as it will be impossible for the members to hide while voting, expect a lot of glares from Salator and her supporters.”
OL: “Why isn’t is used more often?”
PO: “Oh quiet simply because no one who sponsors a bill or member of the same party or have submitted an amendment can call it. The bill was sponsored by Nem Philapor am of the socialist party, not Salator. Something that is often forgotten, so since she did not submit any amendments and as you know she is the leader of the Liberal party, she was within her rights to call it”
OL: “What did you make of her speech”
* Latora looks a little distracted*
PO: “Not vintage Salator and I doubt…”
OL: “Sorry to interrupt you but we are getting reports that the Council of the baronies is about to announce there vote”
*Cut to a Wolf standing in front of a crowd, mostly made of other wolves but with a small contingent of felines and foxes mixed in most wearing thick woolen blankets worn in the same manor as highland dress, most are carrying at least a sword or other tradition weapon. Behind the crowd a small wooden door in is visible flanked by to other wolves, both are standing to attention*

“This is Alex MacBakson reporting from the baronies meeting house where an announcement of the vote is imminent

Behind me is the door that the barons and princess Lyien will exit before making there proclamation. It is worth noting that the baronies are not democratic if they vote for unification it will be the first election to have taken place”

Ote Latora en voice cut's in from the studio “Any idea how soon the announcement will take place?”

Alex MacBakson : “Well the princess's retinue seem to be getting ready to move,”
*The camera pans over to a group of felines busily forming up round a sedan chair, there dress and appearance very different from the tough looking wolves that surround them.*
“as are the house guards of the various barons. So I would say any second now”

OL: “Ah, princess?”
AM: “Well strictly speaking the 'barony' of Inleef is in fact a principality and under unification will get the same status as Tel, the fact that it is often referred to as the tenth barony is a historical misnomer dating back to the war of.....”

*The wooden door behind Alex opens and the first of the barons ducks out though the door, blinking a little in the sun light, he is looking none too happy*

“Here they come all ten have to have left the meeting house before the announcement can be made and looking at baron Leck things have not gone his way, this might be a good sign for the unficationist since he has been staunchly opposed”

*The second then third leave both looking fairly annoyed, the forth and fifth smiling, the next four exit looking non-committal. Finally the tenth 'baron' leaves this being princess Lyien resplendent in her silk sari like clothing elegantly draped over her light feline form, looking so different from the large rough looking wolf like barons*

*she steps forwards*

AM: “It was the Inleefs turn to chair the meeting so princess Lyien will make the announcement, lets listen”

princess Lyien in her odd almost French sounding accent speaks “I Princess Lyien here by declare that the council of barons and the principality of Inleef vote for unitication and this vote is binding to all"

“This council will be dissolved and it's powers will be passed to the unified Parliament upon it's formation”

*She smiles and turns as the barons behind her start to move off towards there house guards and horses*

AM: “Well there we have it, though we will probably never know how close or otherwise the vote was, but it seems to have been quiet a debate by council meeting standards. Though many will be surprised that Barron Leck allowed the decision to be binding, unless it looked like it may have gone his way”

*A news tick appears on the bottom of the screen again, it reads: The Telen council votes for unification. The Council of the Baronies vote for unification with a binding vote. The upper chambers of both Teu and Drew both pass abdication acts. The lower Chamber of Teu still in camera. The lower chamber of drew confirming vote. Teerie and Saeie parliaments still in session*

Ote Latora en voice cut's in from the studio: “News just in the higher chambers of both Drew and Teu have passed abdication acts that means that they will not vote on the act of union them selves but leave the choice to their respective lower chambers. Just to recap the now the principalities of Tel and the baronies have passed the act of union, so that should either Drew or Teu vote to join the union there will be at least some form of union formed in the new......Sorry the Drew lower chamber is about to announce it's vote”

*Cut to a large wood paneled chamber with long wooden bench's down either side and a large raised thrown at the far end. The green leather cushions are occupied by a large number of fox like furs some pure white , though the bulk are normal*

*There is much activity on the benches as an old greying fox walks up the centre and passed a piece of paper to the fox sitting in the thrown who looks at it and stands*

*The chamber is filled with a hushed anticipation*

“The vote is as follows, the no to the right of me three hundred and sixty three,”

*A cheer goes up*
“ the yaes to the left of me four hundred and seven, so I here by state that the motion is passed”

Ote Latora en voice cut's in from the studio: “So there we have it Drew, the first of the kingdom to vote, has passed the act of union. So with three of the powers of Cal now voted for it, it will happen even if the other three kingdoms vote it down”

*Cut back to the studio, the news ticker now reads: The councils Telen, The Barron and the parliament of Drew pass Acts of Union. Lower Chamber of Tue still in secret session. The upper chamber of Teu passes abdication act. Saeie and Teerie parliaments still in session*

[Kingdoms of Cal]

“Now with.....sorry we now take you to the Teuie chamber of the common man that has just come out of secret session and will vote now”

*Cut to the large circular lower chamber of the Teuie parliament where there is a large amount of movement on the benches as people move to and frow. Salato is still on the floor of the chamber remonstrating with a group of foxes*

*The older fox sat on the thrown clears his thought in a theatrical manor*

“Members please take your sides, the vote will now be taken”

* Salato says something and flips her hand at the group of foxes and walks to the front of the benches to the right of the speaker and fixes a glare on the group that she was talking to*

Ote Latora en voice cut's in from the studio: “Remember that she requires a two thirds majority so any abstentions are effectively a vote against her.”

*The older fox stands up from the thrown and looks about*

“Let the vote be counted, first the naes then the yaes.”

*A gap has appears on the benches about two thirds of the way round the chamber and a fox is now countering the members on the left of the chamber, how ever there is still a group of foxes that have not taken a seat. Salato is still glaring at them. The chamber is deadly silent*

Ote Latora en voice cut's in from the studio: “It looks like it will be very close and the abstentions might be what sinks Salato's dream and she knows it. She will not know about the other votes or even that of the upper chamber of Teu. Remember she needs two thirds and of the vote of this chamber of six hundred and twenty three, that would be a yes vote of four hundred and sixteen.”

*The fox who was counting the vote approaches the thrown and says something to the older fox on the thrown and starts to count the yeas. Salato sits impassively glaring at the group of foxes that have not taken there seats who are now in some kind of dispute*

Ote Latora en voice cut's in from the studio: “It's those abstentions that have Salator worried I count seven of them, it looks like the vote might be so close that they will matter”

*The fox doing the counting is approaching the end of the Yeas*

*The unseated group suddenly move as a cheer goes up and join the yaes on there benches, Salato smiles at them and nods*

*The fox doing the counting looks unsure for a minute and looks to the older fox who nods. HE then goes back to counting*

*A few more seconds of silences pass before he walks up to the thrown and speaks to the speaker who then stands, but not before scrupulously typing some numbers into a calculator and had secreted on his thrown*

“The division is as follows, the Nos to the left two hundred and one, the Yeas to the right four hundred and twenty two”

*A cheers goes up and the camera zooms in on Salato's bowed head*
“There were no abstentions and so the act is passed with by two thirds and six votes.”

*pandemonium has now broken out a surge of people moving towards Salato. She looks up, smiles, mouths something under her breath and forms a fist that she slowly raises .*

“Order Order” is shouted by the speaker, but this has little effect

*Salato is now barely visible due to the number of people now surrounding her now*

Ote Latora en voice cut's in from the studio: “So Teu has passed the act, this only leaves the elder kingdoms of Sae and Teer to decide, but it is now clear that Drew and Teu will united under the new parliament, when it opens”

*The pandemonium subsides as the speaker gets control back. He speaks*
“The other place has abdicated on this issue, this act will now be passed for immediate royal accent. As there are no other issues to be discussed to day, this chamber is here by dismissed”

*Cut back to the studio, the ticker has now been updated to read: “The councils of Telen and the baronies Vote for union. Drewen and Teuie parliaments Vote for union. Teerie and Saeie Parliaments still in session.”*

Ote Latora en speaks, behind her the various furs are now busying them selves at there computes “It is now certain that there will be a union between the four younger powers of Cal, how ever there is no indication from the elder kingdoms of Teer or Sae. It is unlikely that we will get a result from either of them for some time and the final say in Sae is, as always, with the twelve Lords of the Isles who will not meet until dusk.”

“In other news...”

[Kingdoms of Cal]

UBC Television (16:00 hrs):
There is a rugby game being shown (Drew vs Teu (Teu 15 Drew 12)) A ticker appears at the bottom of the screen, just as the ball gets kicked into touch, it reads:Saeie parliament votes for act of union by a non-disclosed amount, Teerie parliament still in session. More in the news at Six”

[Kingdoms of Cal]

UBC Television News (18:00):
Ote Latora en sits at the news desk “The Saeie parliament announced at four o'clock this afternoon that they have agreed to the act of union though this is a major boost to the unification in Sae it is not binding as the Lords of the Isles have the only say on a matter on this. How ever the elected power's agreement to union will put pressure on them to pass this act.”

“The Teerie parliament is still in session, and has been in session since midday. It would appear that reports of them voting were premature and no vote has yet occurred it appears. We now go over to Ed in Teer”

*The screen splits between Latora and a tall thin skunk like fur, oddly green where in normally a skunk would be black. He is entirely naked, oddly this causes there is surprise visible on Latora's face as if this is normal. Behind him is a large wooden construction built into a tree with it's limbs pretending from various places in the structure*

“Ed, can you bring up to date on the status of the debate?”

In his soft accent Ed speaks: “Well it appears that at noon a vote was indeed called for, however objections were raise by opponents of the act and those objections are still being debated, though it appears that most of them have now been struck down. How ever an amendment to the act has been passed that would only commit the Teerie to the union if all the other kingdoms agreed to it so even if the act is passed it would still require that Sae joins the union.”

*Cut to a film of a helicopter landing on the building and a tall wolf like fur disembarking, he is wearing black and walks has a military baring*

“A few minutes ago we got these pictures, from what we can see of his clothing he would appear to be from the Saeie Kings own personal guard. We do not of course know what the message he was. How ever to use a messenger. rather than some more modern and quicker means suggest that it was of importance”

*Cuts back to the split screen*

Latora speaks “Could you speculate on what the message was?”
Ed replies “Well it could be that as word of the amendment reached Sae they have decided to make known their likely decision. Other than that there is a very remote possibility that some ancient agreement between the Teer and Sae is coming in to force”
“Ancient agreement? What...”
*The sound of a helicopter interrupts latora's response and the camera pans up to show the same wolf like fur from the previous film boarding it before it takes off*
“Looks like they've got there response then” Ed says in a flippant manner.
“Sorry, Teer and Sae being the oldest of the kingdoms have many centuries, in fact over two millennia, of treaties, agreements and other such things. It is possible that one of those has been called” Ed continues.
“Do you have any indication as to how the vote, when it is called, will go?”
“Well since both Teer and Sae are so old and have been independent countries for over two millennia it will be very hard for them to end their independence and pass power to the unified parliament. How ever both nations would benefit greatly in terms of trade, defence and in many other ways from being part of the union. So the vote could go either way here and the in Lords of the Isles council, but don't forget the eleven t eerie Lords also have a say, though they have always indicated that they would rubber stamp any decision made here.”
*An amount of commotion has started behind Ed*
“So it's still anyone guess then?”
*Ed begins to look distracted as he becomes aware of the commotion*
“Well yes, but by the looks of it the parliament has made a decision”
*the camera zooms over Ed shoulder to a group of other green skunk like creature now leavening the building. Ed holds a hand to his ear*
“What?” he says distracted
“They voted for what?!?!”
“Ed?” Latora enquires
“Sorry I'm just getting in a report, please note this is unconfirmed, that they have voted for the union but the final decision is to go to the ' Lacan Council' . I am unsure exactly what the 'Lacan Council' is, but I suspect it must have something to do with the Sae”
“I can now confirm that the parliament did vote for the union, but the 'Lacan Council' will meet to make the final decision for Teer AND Sae at dusk”
“Wouldn't that clash with the Lords of the Isles meeting?” Latora enquires
“Yes it would” Ed replies in a confused manner, looking around.
*Cuts back to the studio*
*The news ticker now reads: Teuie and Drewn kingdoms vote for union. The Principality votes for union. The council of Barons votes for the union with binding vote. Saeie Parliament Votes for union. Teerie parliaments passes decision to 'Lacan Council'. Saeie now confirmed that the Lords Of The Isle will defer to the Lucan Council*
“We were going to go to an interview with Princess Lyien, but with braking event...” Latora looks confused for a second, “Sorry we are going to that interview”
*Cut to outside the baronies meeting house where Alex MacBakson is sat on a stone, opposite him is Princess Lyien sat in her sedan chair*

“Your serene majesty” he bows his head slightly, “It is an honour for you to grant us this interview”
She smiles “Not at all, it is interesting to hear that a 'Lacan Council' will be called, I don't believe one of those has been called in the last four hundred years”
*at the bottom of the screen an insert appears above the ticker reading: Princess Lyien HSH, MA, MPhil, PHD*
“What is your reaction to the events of today?” Alex enquires.
“The vote in Tel was little surprise, many of the barons had serious misgivings and still do, however they had to accept that they had more to gain than lose so most went with what was best for their people. Making the vote binding was a master stroke though, that aswaged most of their misgivings. The closeness of the Teuie vote was not a surprise, after they are, or perhaps now more correctly, were the biggest of the powers. They had the most to lose with their wealth and influence amongst the baronies now lost in a large part to the new parliament. Saying that it even they stand to benefit from it.”
“And drew?”
Lyien smiles and says “The Drewen will do whatever the Drewens do, who knows some day some one will care”
Alex is taken aback by this remark, then thinks for a second, and smiles.
“And what of the elder kingdoms?”
“That is very interesting” Lyien replies leaning forwards a little in her chair.
“How so?”
She looks at Alex with a curious look and laughs “You don't know what the 'Lacan Council' is?”
Alex looks confused and is dumb struck. Lyien leans forwards out of her seat and pats him on his knee, which causes Alex to look even more surprised.

“It's fine dear.” Lyien smiles.
“Listen and I will tell you, after all I was a historian before I became the princess of Inleef” she continues.
Alex is now looking like a deer caught in headlights.
Lyien leans back in her seat and speaks “The 'Lacan Council' the highest council of both Teer and Sae, though it rarely meets and only does so when a there is a matter of such great importance that it is required by both kingdoms. The council it self consists of the twelve Lords of the Isles, whom the monarch of Sae is one, the eleven Teerie lords, the monarch of Teer and one outsider, in this case my self to brake the stalemate should one occur.”

“They meet on the isle of Lacan, hence the name and have final and total executive power over the two elder kingdoms. The Isle of Lacan is little more than a speck in the sea, being less that one hundred meter in diameter and almost perfectly round. It will be being readied as we speak and the air space and sea about it will be cleared, no craft, other than those ships carrying the council members will be allowed within fifty miles of the isle and it can not be seen from any of the other islands or the mainland.”

“Also it should be noted that anything that is said on the island may not be repeated or used by anyone. Only the decision of the council will be announced ”

*insert of a clip of a black clad wolf entering the Teuie parliament building*

“Oddly one others presence has been commanded by the council”

Alex, now looking a little more sure of him self, asks “Commanded?”

“The Lacan council does not request. It is not a body to be tangled with since it has full control of both the Sae and Teer military along with some other forces and absolute power over the two elder kingdoms.”

“Who have they commanded to attend, other than yourself?”

“Well the members of course and in this case Eye Salato en of the Teuie to make her case for unification directly to the council members. I believe this meeting may be the last as the powers it has may be passed to the parliament, if unification is agreed”

*Insert of the black clad wolf leaving the Teuie parliament with Salato*

“Do you have any indication as to which way the council will vote?”

“Another thing, you NEVER speak of any expectations of the council to an outsider”

Alex looks taken aback.

“I must leave you now, I have to get to my yacht that is currently on route to Lacan.”

Alex looks even more taken aback “You predicted this more?”

“No I would never presume to, I was planning on visiting Sae as it happens”

“But?”

She smiles as she gestures to her people and with a laugh in her voice “a pure coincident obviously, we in Cal would never spy on each other, would we and in any case there is no way that I could get an agent that close to the kings of Teer or Sae, is there?”

Alex smiles “Never. Well there we have it, now back to the studio”

*Cut back to the studio*

“The Lacan council will meet at dusk, we will bring you their decision as soon as we can, now in other news....”

[Kingdoms of Cal]

UBC Television 18:00:

Another ruby game is being played (Sae vs Teer (Sae 25, Teer 48)), the flood lights are on and it's a Sae line out. A news ticker appears, it reads: ”Sae battle fleet under way, Teerie air force has mobilised. Inleef fleet mobilised. Lak Enaerta ka steps down all Teuie forces, the southen barons have also stepped down defences”

[Kingdoms of Cal]

UBC Television 04:30

*There is a black and white move being shown, a bad horror, it cuts just as a particularly badly done zombie walks towards the camera, to an image of a single white flare rising in the sky*
*A banner at the bottom of the screen reads: Live*
Tarl Grimberson voice speaks “The 'Lacan Council' has decided, we will bring you there decision as soon as it is announced....”
*The flare starts to fall*
“We now return you to your normal programming”
*The camera continues to follow the flare until it drops below the horizon*
*Cut back to the movie, where the scene is of a ripped up 'body', though the special effects are, to say the least, unconvincing*

[Kingdoms of Cal]

UBC Television 05:00

*The credits (or perhaps more correctly the names of those that claim responsibility for the previous crime against cinema) scroll past. A banner appears at the base of the screen, it read:'Lacan Council' announcement 'imminent'*

[Kingdoms of Cal]

UBC Television 05:17

*The shipping forecast in being shown and over the mantra of apparent gibber and random symbols a banner appears, it reads:'Lacan Council announcement 'imminent'*

*Apparently Eten is forty two, rising, good, but Sae bite is twenty three, dropping, bad.*

[Kingdoms of Cal]

UBC Television 05:55
*The farming forecast is being shown and unlike the shipping forecast it almost looks like a normal weather forecast, though it is still a bit off the wall in places. A banner appears, it reads 'Lacan Council announcement 'imminent'*

*West Inleef is apparently mildly moist, twenty five degrees, north westerly, clean, but south drew central is hostilely dry, 48 degrees, northern, dusty*

*sudden cut to a shot of a Chinook like helicopter flying thou the pre-drawn murk over the sky line of sky scrapers and other modern constructions, a wide river is visible in the background. It is escorted by a fleet of three helicopter gunships and half a dozen small thin fighter air craft fly over head, their con trails are beginning to change colour as the rising sun begins to strike them*

*A banner appears: Live from the Unified parliament buildings*
Tae Laterto's voice cuts in “We are now getting these pictures from the Unified Parliament buildings area, and we believe that the helicopter in this shot is carrying Eye Salato en and their royal highnesses Princess Lyien of Inleef, Lord Ducar the Fourteenth of Sae and Lo the fifty third of Teer.”

“We have in the last few minutes been informed that they will make the announcement of the decision of the Lacan Council will be announced from the steps of the Unified Parliament Buildings at dawn, which by our estimation will make it just after six oh five am”

*Cut to a shot of three Chinook type helicopters on the ground, with their back doors down and a number of heavily armed wolf like furs running being disgorged from them*

“The Saeie royal guard arrived a little under five minutes ago so we can be pretty sure that the information we have received is correct. A little under half an hour ago we received reports of unusual activity at the Teuie air base at Elactra Plain, this would appear to have been the transfer point for the royal parties.”

*Cut to a long distance shot of the Parliament building, the three spires projecting into the sky far above the neighboring buildings, the tips of which are now changing from blue light of pre-dawn to the dark pinks of dawn, behind them is the vast expanse of the Drewen desert still bathed in blue light. The fleet of helicopters have come to a stop amongst the spires, they look little more than insects against the massive constructions. The camera zooms in on them as the largest of them begins to drop. There is a coat of arms on the side of the rear pylon of a red fox and a white fox rampant, between them a symbolic representation of a river flowing though a green background*

“The fighters above us appear to be from the Teerie air force, the escorting helicopters unknown and the coat of arms on the larger helicopter appears to be that of the Drewen royal family, how ever what is missing for the Saeie monarch is...”

*The camera zooms to the river where in the distance a large dark shape is looming out of the morning murk*

“Ah, there it is, a battle ship. It looks a little small for the Saeie fleet, and it is moving faster than I would expect, it may be one of their new Tava class battle ships that rumor has it they designed with the Teuie.”

*The shape becomes clearer and the ships massive guns become visible*

“Yes that is most definitely of at least some Saeie design.”

*The camera pans away from the ship and swing round to a number of shapes flying at speed down the river valley*

“I can't make out what those craft are but from the direction I would suspect that they are of barony design”

*The camera follows them until like the previous craft they stop hovering amongst the massive spires, the tips of which are now turning orange and the dark red light is moving down the structures. The camera zooms in on one of the helicopter, on it's side is a coat of arms this simply has a stylized white wolf facing right, rampant, holding a sword.*

“Yes that is the coat of arms of the baron Leck of Leck”

*The camera pans to another and after a second focuses on it. On it's side is a heavenly stylized dragon.*

“and Baron Tie of En Leck”

*The camera pulls back as the helicopter start to descend looking like little more than specks amongst the spier's*

“I count another seven so I believe that all of the barons are here. I think we can be almost certain that the Lacan Council have said yes, but that still raises the question as to why almost all of the leaders of cal are here.”

Under his breath he says “Can we get a closer look at one of the escorting helicopter?”

*The camera pans in on one of the gun ships of the escort, that are now hovering over amongst the spires. On it's side a coat of arms just visible on the nose of the craft. It is of a heavily stylized dragon passant above it is a red fox rampant, also heavily stylized and below it a green block and sever blue curved lines*

“Ah yes that is the arms of the Teuie royal family, so all of the leaders of the powers are here”

*The camara pulls back and only the three escorts are visible and in the far background is the shape of the battleship now at anchor in the river. The clock in the corner of the screen ticks over to six oh three*

<to be continued>

[Kingdoms of Cal]

“We now take you to Fal Wen who is in front of the parliament buildings”

*The camera pans over the flat featureless Drewen desert, over the small green patch on the bank and over the wide river, with a Sae battleship at anchor, to a feline, puma black, like all Inleefers.*

“This is Fal Wen reporting from the steps of the parliament buildings, behind me it is believed that the official announcement of the choice of the Lacan council will be made. As of yet there is no sign of her serene highness Princess Lyie who is to make the announcement”

“If, as widely expected, she announces that the council has voted for unification this building will serve the purpose that is was built for some fifty years ago by, though construction started some seventy years ago.”

*The camera zooms over his shoulder to show a large glass frontage with a massively think over hanging roof, there appears to be some movement, a small group of felines have exited the building and are matching towards the camera, closely behind them a group of Teerie skunks come into view. A few seconds later a group of heavenly armed wolf like furs follow.*

“Looks like they are getting ready for the royal parties”

*The camera zooms in on the group of felines and Princess Lyie distinctive figure becomes apparent*

“Yes there we have Princess Lyie, I wonder if we can see any of the others?”

*The camera pans over to the Teerie skunks, then zooms in on one in the centre of the group. She is wearing a simple gold tiara, he long green hair tied back, the sides of which are grey.*

“Here we see Queen Lo the fifty third with her guard.”

*The camera pans up to the roof of the building, on the edge of the building there are what look like specs, the camera zooms in on one. The shape of what can only be a Teerie skunk becomes visible, it's tail raised, it is holding what looks to be a long bow with arrow at ready, though the bow is not drawn*

“A one of the royal bow men of Teer, they always travel with the princess and ....Salato.”

*The camera quickly pans back down quickly and zooms in on the figure of Salato, looking a little worse for ware. The previous twenty nine hours beginning to take there toll, she walks unguarded, unlike the rest towards the camera. Behind her a group of furs of wolves and foxes, some white, is also moving forwards*

*A small crowd is forming in front of the huge semi circular steps in front of the parliament buildings, they stand in hushed anticipation. The crowd is mostly of a canines though there are some felines and a contingent of Teerie skunks*

* Princess Lyie's party have now reached the top of the steps, though there is no lectrum she stops. Between her and the crowd is a line of heavily armed wolf type furs*

“ Princess Lyie looks like she will soon make the announcement”

*The hushed anticipation continues as the group of Teerie skunks join her party and queen Lo joins her, standing a step higher up and to her left, nude but for her tiara*

“There's Queen Lo of the Teerie” Fal Wen adds, redundantly.

*The group of wolves have now reached the others and one steps forwards and joins Lo on the same step but to the right of Lyie. He is by far the tallest of them, his hair and fur is heavily peppered with grey and his left eye is missing, where is should be is a mass of scares. He walks with a staff, this left leg looks to have be carrying some old wound and is wearing loose combat like trousers and a light waist coat, but little else*

“ And Lord Ducar of Sae”

* Princess Lyie, clears her throat, it is the only sound now, other than the background roar of the city of Tel, which even at this time in the morning is busy*

“I Princess Lyie the third as the selected other of the Lacan council here by state that the council decision was reached without my vote and was unanimous”

*The clock ticks over to Six Oh five and sun light strikes the princess, she blinks in the early morning light, lowers her head, then raises it. Even the roar from the city seems to be gone now and the silence is deafening*

“On the opening of the unified parliament the powers of the Teerie parliament and most of the powers of the lords council will be passed to this place”

*A cheer goes up in the early morning light. The camera pans round to Salato who is slowly forms a fist and says something with her head bowed, then she looks up beaming*

“How ever” Lyie continues as the camera quickly pans back.

“The Lacan council will not dissolve.”

*the crowd goes silent again*

“Instead it will be expanded and will move to this place to act as a unified body to sign all the laws that, in time, this place will pass. We believed that it was nonsensical for the acts to have to be signed independently by the royalty of the nations of Cal. The new council along with it current members will be expanded to include the monarch of Tel and the lord mayor of Tel city”
*Behind her a fox dressed in light satin robes, wearing a small crown and a wolf dressed in a suit step forwards, Lyie razes a hand in their direction*
“Myself and my successor along with the two high dukes of Inleef”
*Two feline step forwards both dress in the same manner as Lyie step forwards*
“The barons”
*A group of nine wolves step forwards*
“The monarch of Teu and the eight dukes of Teu”
*A group lead by a Fox dressed in heavy satin robes and a heavy jewel incrusted crown steps. The others ware similar robes but no crown*
“Finally the monarch of Drew, the six high chieftains of drew and the duke of Rew.”
*Group of foxes step forwards, only two have the normal colouring, the rest are white. The lead fox, normally colour, is dressed heavy satin robes and wares a heavy crown though it has far fewer jewels than the Teuie crown. Beside him the other normal coloured fox also wares robes like him, but the white foxes all ware white arabic like closes*

“We felt it important that the historical crowns of Cal had a voice, though it has been agree that it will rarely be used as is true of the powers of most of the monarchs of Cal. The view of this council will be the final arbitrator and shall be binding on all members”

*The camera pans round to Salato who’s ears are now squint, she has the demeanour of some one who has just found a buffalo in their bath tub. The camera pans back to Lyie*

“The leader of this council will come from the baronies and it's first leader will be Barron Leck. I my self shall take on the roll of special ambassador and shall represent the council and the monarchs of Cal to forgiven governments, in the absence of a single monarch.”

“We have also agreed to form 'The Law Lords' that will be the final arbitrator in all legal and constitutional matters for all of the peoples of Cal. They will be provided by the kingdoms in equal numbers to the members of the Lacan council and shall be selected by lot for each case to for a tribunal”

*Lyie looks towards Salato, who seems to have got at least some of her composer back*

“I assume that this we can be accommodated?”

*Salato bows her head slightly, then looks up and nods*

* Lyie smiles, turns to leave and walks up the steps followed by the various royal parties*

*A chant of “Speech, Speech” start amongst the crowed who's attention has moved to Salato. She looks a little worried for a second, then smiles and walks towards where Lyie had stood*

*She stands for a second as the crowd becomes quiet*