Power

## Chapter 1

It happened to be a conversation on politics. The two men, both retirees who had recently sold their small businesses, got to know each other by frequenting the coffee shop every morning. The first man, dressed in a striped blue and red polo shirt and a pair of khaki shorts, listened to his compatriot’s chatter while taking a sip of kopi, which is coffee with condensed milk added into it.

The establishment they were in was a traditional Moon Islander coffee shop, also known as a kopitiam in local lingo (which originated from a Zhouese dialect called Hainanese). Such establishments were founded by Zhouese immigrants and served fares such as charcoal-toasted bread slices with coconut jam and butter and half-boiled eggs served with a pinch of pepper and a drip of savoury soy sauce. These kopitiams would also rent out spaces to hawkers to set up food stalls, which was a genius business move that brought extra rental income to the kopitiams, increased consumer demand by offering food options and in turn increased demand for the kopitiams’ own beverages and fares. It was then that a bowl of curry laksa, soup noodles with a curried broth, was placed on the table in front of the first man. He took out a pile of banknotes from his fanny pack and peeled out a 100 Luna banknote (equivalent to 17.14 International Dollar) to be handed over to the server.

Server: “Sir, do you have smaller notes?”

Retiree 1: “Keep the change, son.”

Server: “Thank you so much, sir!”

As the retiree started slurping on his piping hot noodles, his friend smirked. This person was dressed in the same outfit as him, except that he donned a white short-sleeved floral shirt.

Retiree 2: “What you ordered only cost 7 Luna (1.20 International Dollar). You must have struck the lottery last night, eh?”

Retiree 1: “Nah, I’ve patronised him for over a year now, so I might as well give him some extra dosh as a gesture of goodwill.”

Retiree 2: “Ah interesting. I moved here 4 months ago so I haven’t seen him for as long as you did, yet.”

In reality, the two retirees were millionaires. Not just “Luna millionaires”, as was the derogatory term for Moon Islanders who thought they were hot shit just because they have over 1 million Luna, but below 1 million International Dollar (5.84 million Luna). The duo was the stereotypical rich Moon Islander elderlies who dressed frugally and only carried cash. Usually, they were successful business owners who sold their businesses and made side income from flipping properties and speculating in the stock market.

It was then that a young man who appeared to be his early 20’s entered the kopitiam. He was wearing a plain white shirt and what appeared to be black trousers. He was sporting gold-rimmed aviator-style sunglasses. The 2 looked at him with a glint of disapproval. He was followed by 2 men around his age, both of an athletic build. They occupied a table and the young man ordered some coffee.

Retiree 1: “Young people nowadays are so lucky. Back then, we didn’t even dress as good as that. The sunglasses appear to be made of gold. It must cost as much as what I paid my part-time employees per month.”

Retiree 2: “Yeah, and he even has 2 bodyguards. These so-called social media influencers think they are so high and mighty that they hired fucking escorts.”

The young man took off his sunglasses, revealing his facial features completely. He appeared to have overheard the duo. He decided to continue chatting with his bodyguards. They shook their heads.

Retiree 1: “He doesn’t look completely Zhouese.”

Retiree 2: “Yeah, his rich dad probably fucked an indigenous penguin and he’s the result of the affair.”

The young man looked at them sternly, but the 2 retirees appeared to be ignorant of what they heard.

Retiree 1: “He does look rather familiar though. Is his father a politician?”

Retiree 2: “I doubt it. Maybe you have seen him on social media or something.”

The television in the kopitiam started broadcasting some breaking news. The 2 elders turned their heads towards it, having caught their attention.

News reporter: “This is Pheonix News Channel. We would like to report that Golden Coaster State-president Gideon Lim has announced that the Golden Coaster cabinet has been reshuffled. One of the key changes is that economics affairs minister Ouyang Haoguan will also be taking the position of finance minister, after his incumbent perished 2 weeks ago due to leukemia.”

As a portrait of Ouyang Haoguan appeared on the news channel, the 2 retirees were visibly confused. Their confusion turned to shock, as they realised that they had been bad-mouthing one of the most powerful men in their state. As the Golden Coast Republic was granted special autonomy by virtue of constituting a very significant portion of the national Moon Islander military, constituting over 38% of the national population and most of the country’s energy resources, they also insulted one of the most powerful men in the country. Unbeknownst to them, his influence extended far beyond that. They found themselves surrounded by the 2 bodyguards.

Bodyguard 1: “Gentlemen, we suspect both of you to be in violation of the Sedition Act, We are taking you two into custody so that you will be questioned.”

Philip blushed as he gazed at his crush from a safe distance in the classroom. As it was in the intermittent of classes, his classmates were walking around to chat with their friends while waiting for their teacher to arrive at the class. Since his deskmate was sick today and didn’t show up to class, he decided to look around and let his mind wander around. It was then that he caught sight of Yvonne, who was happily telling a joke to her 3 friends.

She turned and looked at him after noticing that he had been looking at her. Her huge, almond shaped eyes pierced into his soul and he felt embarrassed for getting caught. However, he maintained some composure and smiled at her before pretending to do his homework.

Yvonne: “Danielle, did you see that?”

Danielle: “Yes! He must be interested in you!”

Yvonne: “Oh, I wasn’t the only person who thought so them.”

Danielle: “Since his deskmate is absent, you should go over to his desk and start a conversation with him.”

Yvonne: “That sounds rather awkward.”

Danielle: “Come on! Girls are allowed to make the first move nowadays. His deskmate will return someday and you won’t get an opportunity anymore. Am I right, Shu Li?”

Shu Li: “Absolutely, just go for it Yvonne!”

Having overheard the conversation, Philip pretended to be immersed in his schoolwork. Yvonne sat next to him on his deskmate’s seat.

Yvonne: “I haven’t got to know you. Your name is Philip, is that right?”

Philip: “Yep, I’m Philip. What’s up Yvonne?”

Yvonne: “I just want to know more about you. Where are you from?”

The obviously foreign Philip, who had Caucasian features and some Asian ones, had expected this question. In contrast, Yvonne looked East Asian, Zhouese to be more specific.

Philip: “I’m from Norland. You know, the island located southeast of Moon Island?”

Yvonne: “Yep definitely! My dad brought me there for vacation when I was 11. You’re the first Norlander that I’ve ever met. Both Norland and this country were once British colonies, so I guess that explains why you are here.”

Philip: “Yeah, my dad wants me to be more fluent in Mandarin and have more exposure to Zhouese culture in general, so that it might benefit me in the future.”

Yvonne: “So he had the same thought as every other foreigner who sent their kids to the school, that Zhou will emerge to be the world’s next superpower and that it’s better to be fluent in Mandarin to conduct business.”

Philip: “Yep, you’re right for the most part. That’s exactly what my dad thought. What part of Westion are you from?”

In the 17th century, the island nation of Britain possessed the largest empire in the world at the time. The kingdom’s colonies included Westion, Norland, America and Magonia. The dying king had 5 sons, all of whom wanted the British throne. On his deathbed, he granted the throne to the eldest son. He also granted the colonies to each of his remaining sons as independent nations. In return, the 5 colonies were to be allied with each other economically and during conflicts. The 4th son, who was infertile and gained control of Westion, modelled the new country’s system of governance after the Dutch Republic at the time. The legislature, restricted to landowners at the time, was responsible for electing the State Steward who acted as head of state and government. It was the earliest constitutional republic among the 5 countries. Eventually, “State Steward” evolved into the modern-day office of President of Westion and some of its powers were granted to the role of Premier of Westion.

Unlike the 4 other countries, due to its close proximity of 220 kilometres to mainland Zhou, Westion’s population remained predominantly ethnic Zhouese until this day. As a result, Mandarin was recognised as the second official language. Zhouese dialects such as Hakka, Hokkien and Cantonese were also recognised in the current constitution and widely spoken.

Yvonne: “I was raised right here in Kennedy, so I am quite a city girl hahaha.”

Philip smiled a bit as he witnessed Yvonne’s infectious laughter. He no longer felt tense around her.

Philip: “I’m from the capital of Marlborough, although I can’t say that I’m a city boy since we also grew up in the Norlander countryside.”

Yvonne: “Oh so you moved from the countryside to the city, or is it the other way.”

Philip: “I spend a great deal of the year in the countryside, since we have Owen House in the countryside.”

Yvonne: “Pardon me, but what’s Owen House?”

Philip realised that he had screwed up. He accidentally revealed one of the Norlander royal family’s countryside residences. He scrutinised Yvonne, who didn’t appear to be someone who would search up the name out of curiosity.

Philip: “Oh, well Norlanders have a habit of naming their houses after things, especially in the countryside. Our house was previously called Owen House, so we decided to go along with it. Might be peculiar to most, but eh.”

Yvonne: “I thought only aristocrats name their houses.”

Philip: “Nope, that’s a misconception.”

Thank goodness that there is no other Norlander in this school, Philip said with a relief. Otherwise, if Yvonne decided to ask about this habit or was told about the true meaning of “Owen House”, his identity as His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Prince of Marlborough would be exposed.

The black Jaguar XJ entered through the famous entrance of Admiralty Palace, which was the official residence of the Norlander monarch. The name was bestowed by the first King of independent Norland, Howard I, who was the Lord High Admiral of the Kingdom of Britain prior to his father's death. Admiralty Palace was situated adjacent to the 58 acre Admiralty Park, which once constituted part of the palace's private gardens but was open to the public since 1932. Due to the palace's proximity to Government House, the residence of the prime minister, the black sedan arrived after just 10 minutes.

Prime minister Richard Barnsby walked confidently as he was escorted by a military aide to meet King Howard II. They entered one of the palace's many drawing rooms, which was decorated with neoclassical style furnishings. The king, who held the title of Lord High Admiral of the Kingdom of Norland like every one of his predecessors did, was dressed in a dashingly formal naval uniform.

Howard II: "Good afternoon, prime minister."

Barnsby, who was dressed in a naval blue suit, sat on the chair opposite of the King. This went against palace protocols, as he was supposed to greet the King first prior to sitting down.

Richard: "Your majesty, I'd like to present a bill recently passed by Parliament."

Howard II: "Mr. Barnsby, even if I grant royal assent to your same-sex marriage bill, if it is disputed in the courts and it somehow reaches the Supreme Court, I will still exercise my vote to render it null and void."

Unlike many other constitutional monarchies around the world, the monarch of Norland was granted significant reserve powers to guard against the excesses of the executive and the legislature. For instance, the monarch was granted the right to vote in Supreme Court decisions if the monarch is qualified as a lawyer. If there was a tie in voting, then the monarch would have the discretion to break said tie. In addition to that, the monarch also directly appointed officials for independent bodies such as the Election Commission, National Audit Office, Royal Ombudsman and the Bank of Norland (the central bank). Therefore, the King of Norland nominally held great power, especially since Howard II was qualified as a lawyer after reading law in the University of Marlborough.

Richard: "Sir, if you do that, my party will pass a bill that automatically disqualifies members of the royal family from gaining legal qualification."

The prime minister's bold threat surprised Howard, even though he knew the prime minister held republican sympathies. When Barnsby was the minister of finance in 2002, he pushed for parliament to pass a legislation that cancelled the monarch’s civil list payments. Ever since then, the monarchy had sustained itself based on the private income generated by the royal family’s holdings and portfolios. Its official expenditures were all paid for from this income. What was worse was that Richard Barnsby once publicly voiced support for Gerald Clarke, who was a prominent republican politician who declared that the royal family rigged the parliamentary election of 2006 and made the National Constitutional Party win. He then fled to London, the capital of the Commonwealth of Britain, and set up a government-in-exile under the auspices of the British Commonwealth’s republican government.

When Howard I’s eldest brother inherited the British throne, he insisted on his “divine right to rule”, which resulted in a series of unpopular decisions that alienated the aristocracy and the masses. His successor was subsequently overthrown and executed 2 years after his coronation in 1663, when he attempted to have his troops storm the parliament. Ever since then, the Commonwealth of Britain was ruled by a Lord-President elected every 10 years by universal suffrage. The Norlander monarchy had been wary of republican sympathies and attempted to strike a balance between being democratic while retaining royal prerogative, especially after the American monarchy was overthrown in 1725.

Howard II: “Alright fine, I won’t vote if it’s ever challenged in the supreme court.”

Dissatisfaction was rife among the circles of the Golden Coaster elite at the same time. Deputy State-president Imran Farouk decided to hold a meeting at his mansion in San Anderrie. Many senior military officers and civilian government leaders attended the meeting.

Imran: “Is it just me or that we are sick of the Moon Island Council? First of all, they cut our budget by a significant percentage 11 years ago in 2006 and demanded that we find ways to fund it via our state government, ‘’while’’ also expecting us to defend the entire country.”

One of the generals, Kazuo Aoyama, spoke up. He was among the most respected officers among those gathered, due to his strict code of principles.

Kazuo: “Yes, I definitely remember that year. I was worried for my troops’ well-being and whether or not they would be laid off due to the budget cuts. However, thanks to Ouyang Haoguan here, we managed to not only survive, but return stronger than before.”

Haoguan: “It’s just my duty to the state, General.”

In 2006, after learning about the budget cuts, the Golden Coast regional government scrambled to find a way to fund its military. The government at the time considered the issue of more debt to pay for defence expenditures to be untenable as the region wasn’t earning much from its newly found natural gas and oil revenues yet. It was then that a military intelligence officer named Lieutenant Colonel Ouyang Haoguan came up with the suggestion to fund the military with the production and export of narcotics to foreign countries.

Initially, many in the military were opposed to such a vehement idea, but faced with the prospect of dismissing their subordinates, they opted to establish a “Special Finance Unit” and give Haoguan a 0.5% cut of the net profit earned by the narcotic trafficking operation. By utilising state resources, the scheme managed to generate over 16 ‘’billion’’ International Dollars in 2007 from selling drugs. This not only ensured the GCR government didn’t have to run a budget deficit to fund the military, but it was also enough to fund some of the regional government’s infrastructure projects.

Imran: “After that, that cockhead Tom Saworton Junior thought it would be a good idea to ask for a 1% cut of the profits. He threatened to expose all of us if we did not agree to his provision, even though it was he who forced us to resort to drug trafficking in the first place.”

What Imran said was true. Tom Saworton Junior, the president of the Moon Island Council and the ‘’de facto’’ head of state, earned over 1.49 billion International Dollars over the past 11 years from the Golden Coasters’ scheme without any effort. This was in spite of the fact the national government or the council did nothing to aid in the Golden Coasters’ drug operation at all.

Hearing everyone else pussyfoot around the issue, Haoguan decided to speak up.

Haoguan: “We need to weaken Saworton’s hold on regional politics.”

Kazuo: “What do you mean?”

Haoguan: “It is no secret that the Freezestonian Autonomous Region, which shares our level of autonomy, dislikes the MIC administration as much as we do. This is especially apparent last year when the council decided to establish ‘federal territories’ that are directly under the council’s administration. There were rumours that he would replace the elected premiers of each non-autonomous state with those directly appointed by himself.”

There were 5 constituent states of the republic, namely Dacing, Sirpathe, Norholm, Moonholm and Moonover. The rest of the republic consisted of 2 autonomous regions, namely Golden Coast Region and Freezestonian Autonomous Region, as well as 1 federal territory (commonly called the Federal Territory) that was home to the MIC’s ‘’de facto’’ seat of power in New Typhoon City. Haoguan then elaborated further.

Haoguan: “In addition to FAR, the premiers of the 5 states are mostly neutral, if not opposed, towards the MIC and Saworton. The only one who’s been kissing his boots is the premier of Sirpathe. As we all know, he’s in deep shit recently.”

The Sirpathian premier was a fellow named Abdullah Osman. Having been in power for 13 years since 2004, he was the longest serving premier of Sirpathe. His tenure was dogged with numerous allegations of corruption and abuse of power. A few weeks ago, a Member of Parliament distributed a 40-pages booklet to all MPs in a session, detailing Abdullah’s numerous incidents. The following were alleged:

1. In 2003, he allegedly promised to give 2 major business concessions to party allies for backing him to be the party’s next candidate for premier.

2. In 2005, he made various obscene gestures towards supporters of opposing parties while campaigning on behalf of a state legislator’s by-election.

3. In 2007, state investment company Sirpathe World Ventures Holdings (SWV Holdings) lost over 2.8 billion International Dollars after a failed bet on equity derivatives and natural gas futures, advised upon by Nexonan investment banking group Kingsley Orien. From 2005 to 2007, SWV Holdings made an average of 107 million International Dollars per year from its trades with the Nexonan bankers and paid a majority of that out to its top management. Abdullah received an additional 4 million International Dollars per year on average from the performance of these trades.

4. In 2011, Abdullah granted closed-tender concessions worth over 800 million International Dollars to companies linked to the then-Sirpathian governor. One of the companies was owned by the governor, while he sat on the board of several others. One of the companies, for which the governor was non-executive chairman, was in a joint venture for the concession project with another company owned by Abdullah’s second and third wives.

5. From 2005 to 2017, Abdullah allegedly earned over 110 million International Dollars in kickbacks by “introducing” local companies to multinational companies.

6. Throughout his tenure as premier, each of Abdullah’s 3 wives gained an average of 6 company directorships. His supposed “favourite” son gained 13 company directorships, while his eldest daughter secured a job in Kingsley Orien’s subsidiary in Moon Island despite dropping out from her undergraduate studies.

7. In 2010, riot police officers teargassed and beat up pro-LGBTQ rights demonstrators with batons. A few weeks later, a police raid on a “gay orgy” escalated when police officers shot 2 of the participants dead with shotguns. A third participant died under police custody.

8. In 2014, a Sirpathian state-owned investment company named First Sirpathe Fund sold a real estate portfolio worth over 1.1 billion International Dollars to companies owned by Abudllah via proxies, at a cost of only 352 million International Dollars. One of those companies then sold a block of apartments in Snowdon, United Kingdom, originally valued at 80 million International Dollars and bought at only $23.5 million, for 96 million International Dollars.

It was later found that the companies had previously issued corporate bonds worth over $200 million to FSF and another 3 state-owned companies. Those companies borrowed another $42 million in bank loans that were guaranteed by SWV Holdings. In other words, those companies only financed $100 million of the 352 million needed to buy the assets worth 1.1 billion. This enabled Abdullah and proxies to achieve 748% in return. By the time the entire portfolio was disposed of in 2016 for 1.24 billion I$, Abdullah made $400 million from his cut of the profits.

9. Abdullah had the electoral districts of Sirpathe malapportioned in 2 state elections to ensure a victory for his party.