At 1430 on 24 Laemil, 10DA, the first reports of gunshots being heard in the Senate House were reported on the local Elw language news channel. Kapten Kolja on an errand from the Hall of Peace had just concluded a supply meeting with the battalion officers and was waiting, with mild impatience, in the queue consisting of two other gentlemen for coffee in the officer's mess hall when the news broke.
It was a quiet day, many personnel were taking advantage of the warm weather and had booked their annual leave for this week. There were barely a half-dozen other.
A low murmur echoed round the room. People had been following closely the tense debate in the senate following 'Honorary Senator' Ayreon's maiden speech. Torn between indignation and accusations of stoking xenophobia, the Shirerithian Kaiser's speech had caused a polarising effect on popular sentiment. The Kapten had wondered whether the recent spike in leave applications was a result of the warm weather or because the officers and men alike were reverting to type and seeking the reassurance and solidarity of family and community.
The city was potentially, once again, a powder keg, waiting once more for a careless spark to set it off. All it needed was for someone to say or do something stupid.
Oh gods... Kolja, numbed, stepped out of the queue and turned towards the telescreen along with everyone else in the room. It was going to be a very long day.Elw News Reporter wrote: Sources within the Hall of Peace and Kinetics have confirmed that what they are terming a 'hostage situation' has developed at the Senate today. They have refused to comment any further but we have subsequently received an audio recording that has allegedly been made within the Senate Chamber.
"Elwynn is no longer in rebellion. Elwynn is no longer in rebellion against its Qaisar, Our Lord the Radiant Sun, Farzân Pâdeshâh, Shâhanshâh-yeh Babkhâ, Qaisar-e Sathrati."