02-05-2004 12:44									#1
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Southern News "Breaking Story" music plays

Hi, viewers, Shepard Smith here. Things are getting rather interesting in Azan, but this is something just a little closer to home. Let's go live to Flaim, the capital of Alecrast, where I'm told there has been a major incident near the Monarch's residence.

Scene changes to an attractive blonde woman standing on the street. In the background a large marble palace is visible.

"Linda Harris here, Shep. Alecrast is, of course, no stranger to political upheaval, but today's scenes here took everyone by surprise. At about 1:30 our time, a group of about a hundred protestors blocked the driveway of the Monarch's residence. Right over here (she points towards the high metal fence behind her).

"Now, usually demonstrations focus on some aspect of Alecrastian policy that people disagree with. Today, though, the demonstrators were apparently calling for the Lord-Captain to step down. We've obtained one of the banners that was being waved at the residence, I'll hold it up so the camera can see it."

She holds a large piece of cardboard at chest height. It reads "We Demand Democracy In Alecrast" in large red letters.

"Shep, there's usually lots of disagreement in Alecrastian politics, but this is the first time that anybody can recall any kind of demand for an actual change in the governmental system. People have generally had a lot of faith in the Alecrastian system since the end of the Chaos Wars.

"After that there was a lecture, with very strong anti-monarchist content. It called the Lord-Captain an 'absolute ruler' and called for him to resign. The police observed but did not intervene, as generally happens with peaceful protests here in Alecrast.

"Apparently, Shep, this isn't the end of it. Several television stations, including Southern News' Alecrast branch, have received anonymous letters promising nationwide anti-monarchist demonstrations tomorrow. The authorities are keeping a close eye on this, and I'm sure we'll hear something official from the Lord-Captain soon. Shep?"

Scene changes back to Southern News main studio

Thank you, Linda. I've just received a business-related item on my desk here. I'm told that the Alecrast Broadcasting Corporation's board of directors has accepted a bid from the Centralian banker, Zacharias Meyer, that will make him the owner of that company.

The board hasn't divulged the exact figure he payed, although it's reported to be very, very large.

Stay tuned for Your World With Neil Baker, at the top of the hour.