Scotland will gain the status of a "fully autonomous kingdom," possessing full sovereignty except for symbolic foreign diplomacy and defense, including North Sea oil and gas.
Wales and Northern Ireland will initiate "maximum devolution" negotiations.
England will establish an elected Parliant and draft a written constitution.
The existing British Parliant will be reorganized into a "United Council" responsible for coordinating regional relations and a few shared affairs.
As the speech aired, the real-ti viewership curve plumted. The public seed tired of such ticulously packaged declarations. More straightforward comnts flooded social dia: "Why not just say 'the country is breaking up'?" "What about my pension?" "An English Parliant? Whoever wants to elect them can; I don't trust these people anymore."
At the end of the speech, the Pri Minister announced that he had submitted his resignation to the Queen, and a new governnt will be ford after party consultations, responsible for implenting the "transition."
The mont the cara turned off, the Pri Minister collapsed into his chair as if his spine had been pulled out, remaining motionless for a long ti.
anwhile, in Edinburgh, Scotland, thousands gathered under a huge screen in the square of Holyrood Palace. When they heard "fully autonomous kingdom," cheers erupted, and a sea of blue and white flags surged. McTavish did not appear before the public but quietly watched the live broadcast in his office with Callum, MacLaine, and others.
"The first step is complete," MacLaine said.
"Ninety-nine more steps to go," McTavish replied calmly. "Build the army, issue currency, handle diplomacy, stabilize the economy... We can't get involved with London's ss anymore. Tell everyone to celebrate tonight. Start working tomorrow."
In Birmingham, England, in the basent of a community church, Sarah Kent and her companions were also watching. When they heard "England elected Parliant," the room filled with applause, but it was not enthusiastic.
"They've acknowledged it," Liz said.
"They acknowledged it under pressure," Sarah corrected, "and this is just the beginning. Where is the Parliant? How much power will it have? Who decides the election rules? Who drafts the constitution? These are the real battles. Tell all local chapters to maintain pressure, remain organized, and not be lulled by a piece of paper. The Parliant we want must be born under our supervision, operating according to our rules."
In xico City, atop the "Feathered Serpent Temple."
Victor watched the live broadcast for only a mont before turning off the screen.
"The last page of the old script is turned," he said to Bramo. "It's ti for us to write the next page of the new script. Reply to Europe's negotiation invitation formally, but set the initiation ti three months later—let them get a bit more anxious. The Scottish advisory group departs next week, taking along the best infrastructure and financial experts. Through a middleman, send an 'organizational guide for local parliantary elections' and 'community financial autonomy model' to the English Congress, anonymously."
"What about India?" Casare asked, "Gujral has stepped down, and the new governnt may seek to ease relations with us to save face."
Victor responded indifferently, "Let them ss around for half a year. Once they're utterly desperate, then send soone to negotiate. We can set higher conditions—like exclusive operational rights at several key ports or sharing their submarine cable data in the Indian Ocean. Before reaching out to help a fallen person, it's best to ensure you can take what's left in his pockets first."
He walked to the window, where the Olympic lights were still dazzling, though approaching their end.
"After the feast, cos clearing the battlefield, and also dividing the territory."
Victor's voice was soft but carried undeniable authority, "Hidden in the dust of the fallen Old Empire are the stones of the New World. What we need to do is move these stones, one by one, back to our foundation."
...
User Comments
0 comments from readers