Requiem
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SOCIALIST PARTY HQ
Bornholm, Trøndelag
21:15 UTC 25 March 2020"Erik! You were amazing today!" Erna exclaimed as she rushed into his office. "I saw you on the television! You made it onto tomorrow's front page!"
She held up an early copy of the next day's issue of Die Zeit, with JOHANNSEN MAKES STAND FOR FREMET emblazoned across the front page.
"This is Prime Minister material here Erik, why aren't you more happy about this? We have a real chance here to LEAD!"Erik had remained silent since she had arrived, and he hadn't moved from his position looking out from his 10th storey window, a commanding view of the city of Trondheim before him. He turned towards her, the city's gleaming lights illuminating his face. The two had worked together for many years, and it wasn't hard for Erna to see if there was something wrong with her mentor and friend.
He spoke at last, "I'm leaving."
"What do you mean you're leaving? We have an election to win!"
"I'm leaving."
"So you've said. Where are you going to go?"
"I don't know the answer to that. I wish I did, I really do, but I don't know. No one does." He sat down on a couch hear the window, and motioned for her to sit next to him.
"What are you talking about? Oh god you aren't dying are you?"
"Not just yet. Do you remember last week, when I went on that 'fact-finding mission' to Blumenfeld?"
She nodded slowly.
"Well, I didn't just pop in on some of my constituents. I had a biopsy done at the cancer centre in Rhodenheim. And, well, what do you know, I finally beat the fucking odds." His voice choked up at those last words, and what they meant to him, his family, and those he held dear. He paused and looked out the window again, the city still bustling off in the distance. "Surely it quietens down at some point?" he thought to himself. Though he had spent many nights in this office, he had never truly taken the time to just look out at the city from here, the bright lights of the towering urban core shining out over the bay.
Erna didn't cry. She always kept a cool composure, that was why Erik had tapped her for Foreign Minister. He knew she could keep her emotions in check when she needed to. This was an exception though, and she began to tear up and looked back at him, just looking into his wistful eyes for a moment before collecting her thoughts and asking, "What's the prognosis?"
"Oh, a couple months. Maybe a year with treatment. There's a clinical trial in Inquista they're looking into for me. They say it is quite promising, but I have to face facts. And the fact is Erna, I don't want to spend my final days squabbling with some jingoistic idiot from Midt-Fremetia or battling Von der Leyen for even a centimeter of progress towards our goals. It also wouldn't be right to the voters. What am I to do? Conceal my illness from the public? What if we win, and I become PM? What then? What if I die in office? Do you have any idea what losing her leader would do to this country right now? No, I can't do it to the people, I can't do it to this party, I can't do it to you or Frank or anyone in this building, I can't do it to my family, and, perhaps most of all, I can't do it to myself. You know I've been an MP since 1973. I remember the old days, and let me tell you, they were NOT as good as some might have you believe. Regardless, it is time I hang my hat." He sighed and took one last look before turning to her, "That is why, at the party conference next week, I will not stand for the leadership, YOU will."
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RFAF Helicopter
Skies over Vestlandet
09:21 UTC 26 March 2020"Are you sure you are going to be okay today?" It was only last night when Erik had told her of his condition, but she had to leave Trondheim to attend to her duties as Foreign Minister. Though she appreciated getting out of the hustle and bustle of the city, she couldn't help but feel slightly guilty at leaving Erik in the hands of his aids and—she shuddered at the thought—the INTERNS. "I'm sure I can delay this another day— at least long enough for your wife to make it up to Bornholm."
"Erna, you and I BOTH know you can't do that. These negotiations are too important to be delayed. You are strong Erna, perhaps more so than you know. Your job isn't to care for me. Going to Mjøsa is. Now, if you wish me luck today I will do the same for you."
"Good Luck Erik! Maybe soon we can actually use the trains again."
"Good Luck Erna!" He laughed a bit and disconnected the call.
Erna looked out the window. She knew she had to do her job, and she was going to do just that. "Think of it as a vacation," she said to herself. Erik still hadn't made it public. Erna wasn't even sure if the PM knew. Regardless, the party brass had left it up to him to decide when, where, and how, and it wasn't her place to question Erik's choice to keep it quiet for the time being. He was still her boss after all. As the helicopter made its way out over the suburbs of Trondheim, she tried to turn her mind to her upcoming summit, but all she could do was feel awful for not doing more for Erik. He didn't have any family in the north, and it would be at least until the end of the day before his wife could make it up there. She was a kind, quiet woman, who loved Erik dearly. Erna knew she would be taking the news hard. All the more reason for her to stay in Trondheim, Erna thought. But no, she had a job to do, and she wasn't going to let the fragility of life jeopardise these talks.
She opened one of her colour-coded binders and got to work.
Trondheim, Trøndelag
09:26 UTC 26 March 2020"Have you still not heard from Erik?" Ursula was making her way from the Transport Ministry's offices in Trondheim to the Staatsrat. Today was a big day for her coalition, and she needed Erik to make sure that today went perfectly.
"Not yet. I've texted one of his aides though. I let them know we dropped his action plan off at the MoT and are on our way to the vote." Leo responded. He was one of Ursula's closest advisers. He had been with her since she was elected Mayor of Trondheim all those years ago.
"I really hope he makes it on time."
"He will. Say what you must about Socialists but this one is just as punctual as any other Fremetian."
"I suppose, now let's go and make sure our trains can be just as punctual."
As their car weaved through the busy streets of Trondheim, Ursula got a call. It was from Erik. She picked up immediately and said to him, "Erik where in the hell are you?! You were supposed to meet me this morning to take the plan to the MoT. I got some aid instead!"
"I'm sorry Ursula, but I had some personal matters I needed to attend to. You didn't scare the civil servants at Transport too badly did you?"
"Only a bit. I may have fired someone. It's okay. I don't think I can actually do that. I will be seeing you at the 'stag today right?"
"Yes, I'm on my way there now. Say, is there some time we can meet sometime soon? I have some things I need to go over with you." His voice sounded serious, which piqued Ursula's interest.
"I have an opening tomorrow morning at 09:00. Does that work for you?"
"I'll see you there. Toodles!"
The call disconnected, and moments later the Prime Minister's car arrived at the Fremetenstaatsrat. When she saw Erik, he seemed his usual chipper self, aside from the rings around his eyes. Ursula shrugged it off. "Another all nighter" she thought to herself before addressing the speaker to bring the session to order.
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Statsministerboligen
Trondheim, Trøndelag
09:26 UTC 27 March 2020Ursula was shocked. She could never have imagined that such a towering figure in Fremetian politics could be brought down so quickly and so... quietly. She looked up at him, his eyes gazing out the window, sipping some tea.
He felt her eyes watching him and turned to meet them. "I won't lie to you—" he said, "I always wanted this office. With its beautiful trimmings combined with a sleek, Scandinavian design, it is a real testimate to what Fremet was and what it has become. But do you want to know something I never thought of before? I've been in this office hundreds of times, but I never realised that I have a better view than you. Yes you can see right into the street and right up to the Staatsrat itself, but from my office, all of the majesty of Trondheim— what many consider our nation's crowning achievement— in my window." He smiled and chuckled a little bit.
They had always had a friendly rivalry, but that always took a backdrop to governing. Sadly, Ursula's promising early days as a reformer had long passed due to internal pressures within her party. Erik sympathised with her, he hated party drama, but, in the end, it was her house to keep in order, and as much as he enjoyed working with her and the Lib Dems (He always thought their battles kept him sharp), it was more important to keep Fremet from falling into a state of political stagnation. There was still more work to be done, and he was going to set the stage for a new era in Fremetian politics.
"Oh Erik, if there is anything I can do..." Ursula's voice trailed off. She decided to try and light things up a bit with a joke. "Other than giving you this office." She smiled.
"There is one thing," Erik responded, "Let me make this public. I promise that I'll make an announcement before the party conference I.. just want to make sure that my affairs are in order."
"Of course Erik. We've worked together long enough for me to know you as an honourable man."
"And you, as ever, a boss bitch." He chuckled again.
Ursula smiled and walked him out of her office, "That's right Erik, and don't you forget it."
He walking towards the exit to where his car was waiting for him when Ursula called out to him, "Erik? What's this I hear about Erna? I know she's been putting out feelers for your job."
"Erna? Ah yes." He paused at the door and turned back to Ursula. "She's the future."
He gave a sly smile and scurried out the door, off to his next appointment.
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The Nordstrand
Trondheim, Trøndelag
18:48 UTC 29 March 2020Erik had finally announced it to the world. That made it so much more real. Erna couldn't help thinking about it as she made her way back home.
Though, in some ways, Erna was feeling refreshed. In the car back from the airport, she looked out of the window as her AA driver took her along the Nordkanal in Trondheim. Erna always liked it here. It always felt so peaceful and homely. She had enjoyed many long walks along the canal over the years, and there were many fond memories tied to the idyllic spot, an island of serenity in the hustle and bustle of Centre City. It also meant that she was nearing home. She was excited to see Sir Cuddles and have a nice relaxing evening before launching her campaign tomorrow. The Gallois Foreign Minister had recommended some Gallic literature for her to read and she had already put a few titles on her Kindle. She finished the last of her work just as the car reached her home in the Nordstrand, one of Trondheim's outer boroughs. As Erna put her green binder in her briefcase, she noticed more cars on her street than usual. "Maybe someone is having a houseparty," she said to herself.
The car pulled out in front of her home, and Erna thanked the driver as she got out of the sedan and made her way to the door. Her security detail opened the door for her, and, strangely enough, all the lights were out inside. Usually the security services kept a light on for their officers inside. She made her way to the kitchen when—
"SURPRISE!" the crowd cheered, turning the lights on. They filled up the kitchen in the Gammelt-Fremetia style home: Erna's aides, Erik, his wife, Socialist party brass, Frank (Minister of Transport), and various other old friends of Erna's from her days in the Staatsrat and in the Ministry of Defence. Her mother was there too, holding Sir Cuddles.
Erna gasped when she saw them and hugged Erik and her mother, who handed her Sir Cuddles. "Why are they all here?" Erna asked Erik.
"To celebrate your amazing work at the summit with Gallorum! I'm sure you saw, but I made my condition public today. It's time for you to pick up the torch." Erik said to her, beaming.
"Thank you all so much for coming! There is a lot of work to be done, but together, I have no doubt that we can take Fremet into a new era!"
They all got together for the obligatory selfie and partied on.
The Nordstrand
Trondheim, Trøndelag
22:36 UTC 29 March 2020"What a party!" Erna said to her mother as they walked to her mother's taxi waiting outside.
"It was awesome Ernie. I'm so proud of you!" They hugged and her mother got into the cab.
Erna was at the top of the world, but there was so much work to do if she was really going to make this happen. She walked back inside, where her team awaited her, and got down to it.
The Nordstrand
Trondheim, Trøndelag
07:48 UTC 30 March 2020"We've been at this for HOURS." Erna's youth campaign advisor, Svelter, complained.
"This has to be perfect!" Erna responded. "I can't fudge my speech to the Table and Chair Design Union!"
"Erna they are less than .2% of the electorate!" Svelter exclaimed.
"Yes, but they have a huge influence over who the furniture manufacturing unions endorse, and we are going to need every shred of help we need if we are going to be able to pull off governing without the Liberals."
"That's another thing. We've been in a coalition with the Lib Dems for years! Why stop now?"
"Because they have stopped listening to us. There is still so much to be done, but the Lib Dems are complacent in their high tower. I'll be damned if this party goes down that path as well. There's more to governing than just keeping your job."
"Right, as always." Charles Michel, one of Erna's closest friends and current councilor to the EU, replied. He stretched, glaring at Svelter. "You woke me up with your whining. This binder full of utility payment data for Vestlandet was making for an excellent pillow."
They laughed.
"You are right about one thing, Svelter. We have been at this for a while. Perhaps it is time we all clean up while I make breakfast." Erna started waking everyone and showing them to the spare bathroom and bedroom so they could freshen up.
She walked into the kitchen and put on her apron. She started the kettle for the Kokekaffe and got out a pan for the Havregrøt.
About ten minutes later, Erna had the table set and breakfast ready for her team of 8. As they started filtering into the kitchen, she served them a bowl of Havregrøt and a cup of black Kokekaffe, staples across Fremet. They sat down at the classically designed Fremetian table made out of Fjellmarker Spruce.
"I must say Erna, this is just devine." Charles said, digging into his bowl.
"Awww thank you. After breakfast we can finish up our speeches for the convention tomorrow. I want us all to be able to have a good night's sleep tonight, even if we'll be spooked out of our minds." Erna smiled and took her seat at the head of the table. She looked at her team. They were talking and enjoying eachother's company. It filled her with excitement. All of these brilliant, experienced people want her to rise to the top. It was humbling. She finished her meal quickly and, while the rest of her team was still eating, opened one of her coloured binders and got back to work.
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The Nordstrand
Trondheim, Trøndelag
23:00 2 April 2020Erna and her team gathered around the television screen in her home: it was tuned to SR1, which was running a report on the rising shipping costs of armoires.
“C’mon any second now…” Charles popped open and starting prematurely partaking in the wine. “I can’t take it anymore!” he said as he took a series of large gulps out of the bottle.
“Charles, ease up before you start scaring Sir Cuddles.” Erna said, picking Sir Cuddles up and holding him tight, eagerly awaiting the upcoming news. “I’m counting two minutes to eleven.”
At exactly one minute thirty seconds to eleven, the screen flashed away from pre-recorded footage of armoires being loaded into shipping containers bound for Europe to the SR Election theme. After the theme, at 11 pm sharp, an SR news anchor appeared on the screen…
”Good Evening. It is 23h00 and the results are in: Doctor Erna Solberg has been elected leader of the Socialist Party, with 62% of the vote, a landslide victory for Fremet’s newest party leader. For the first time in history, all three of Fremet’s major parties are being led by women. The previous leader of the Socialists…..”
The television faded away amid all the cheering in the room. Erik popped the cork on a bottle of champaign, Sir Cuddles adorned a party hat, and Erna took in a deep breath. She knew this was only the beginning. The leadership challenge was just a trial run for the real fight: the General election. She had two weeks to prove to Fremet—and the world—that she and her party could lead. She turned to Erik, who looked at her with a proud smile.
One of her aides came rushing in: “Dr Solberg, they’re waiting for you outside.”
“Indeed.” Erna said as she began walking out.
“Fix a leg!” Charles called out to her.
Erna already had her speech memorized, but she still grabbed the final copy off her desk before popping out front. When she emerged from her home, her street was lined with reporters and broadcasters from across Fremet. She took the podium and spoke…
“Good Evening. I am honoured by the faith the Fremetian people and my party have bestowed upon me. Every election is important, and this one is no different. I intend to lead Fremet forward into a prosperous present and an even brighter future, reaching out to Europe in the spirit of mutual cooperation and friendship to build a system that works for all Europeans.
I will carry on the banner of reform that has served this nation so well for so long. We will continue to adapt and transform this country into a nation and a society that ensures that no one is left behind, one that defends the vulnerable, one that supports the weak, one that speaks up for the silent, one that protects the rights and privileges of all, and one that looks to build a better future for all of us and our descendants. We all have a right to lead happy, fulfilling, and prosperous lives, and I will continue Fremet’s long tradition of pushing the envelope forward, ensuring the best quality of life, freedoms, and equality possible for everyone.
To that end, I strongly support the motions set forth in the party manifesto. These policies and ideals are critical to us building a better future for our children, and our children’s children. These policies set out tangible goals for our nation to strive to in the future to ensure our lasting prosperity.
Furthermore, in the spirit of ensuring the Kingdom’s lasting prosperity, I propose the implementation of a national sovereign wealth fund. A fund that will channel Fremet’s vast capital resources into a stable and long-term tool for ensuring our lasting financial security and prosperity. The Kingdom has almost 250 billion Francs in cash reserves, and that doesn’t even consider the huge value found in the FKEM dividend. A sovereign wealth fund would allow for new investment of capital in the Fremetian economy, providing for a new scheme for the expansion of all types of business in Fremet. In addition, this proposed fund would open large amounts Fremetian investment in our European neighbours. This new fund would establish a means of generating wealth for Fremet in a sustainable and lasting way, ensuring the financial security of subsequent generations.
I’m also proposing new energy research. We have become complacent in our time. Over 93% of the electricity generated in Fremet is generated by our numerous nuclear power facilities. These facilities, while proven technology, are not the be-all end-all for the future. Therefore, should I take office as PM, I would instruct the Ministry of Energy to establish a new research board into new and experimental electricity generation. There are already promising new technologies being researched at the National Energy Laboratory in Sydgård, and I know that with the right investment and enough political will, this research is going to be paramount in maintaining Fremet’s energy self-sufficiency. We are an island, with no reliable neighbour to lean on, thus, we must forge a path ahead that ensures the lasting prosperity for our Kingdom.
Indeed, our natural environment is critical to Fremet’s national identity. That is why I am proposing a new set of legislation designed to protect it for generations to come. This legislation would seek to ban all land-based internal combustion engines in Fremet by 2040, starting with the car. By 2025, all diesel cars will be banned. By 2030, all gasoline cars will be banned from Fremet’s roadways. This, combined with my proposed plan for new energy initiatives, will allow Fremet to pursue electric cars and trucks to meet our needs, completely removing our reliance on foreign oil.
Finally, I will seek to expand Fremet’s already extensive education system. There is still work to be done. Universities are filling up, and teacher pay must be allowed to increase with inflation. Therefore, I will enact a series of legislation that would expand funding to the Ministry of Education, with a focus on increasing teacher pay and positions in higher education. With these reforms, we will continue to improve our education system.
Fremetians, there is still work to be done. Questions to ask. Problems to solve. We can only do these things together. I’m Erna Solberg, and I want to lead you into this new decade because if we go— we go together.
Thank you.”
Erna stepped down from the podium and walked back inside. The campaign had begun.
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The Nordstrand
Trondheim, Trøndelag
23h58 FST 4 August 2020Erna stepped inside from giving her victory speech outside. She looked around the room: her friends, family, and colleagues had all gathered in her home to watch tonight’s results.
“Thank you all— I couldn’t have done this without the help of each and every one of you. There is still work to be done, but first: who’s thirsty?
Erna pulled out an absolutely ridiculously massive 8 litre bottle of Gallois champagne, and after some minor difficulty, opened it and overfilled everyone’s glasses.
The Nordstrand
Trondheim, Trøndelag
07h35 FST 10 August 2020Erna was absolutely floored. She had spent the rest of the weekend pouring over the countless binders that filled the shelves of her home. Today was the first day of the rest of her life. She was to be the Statsminister of the Kingdom of Fremet. Even saying it out loud filled her with an unsettling mix of fear and excitement. Today’s agenda was long, but Erna was ready for it. She gave her beloved feline, Sir Cuddles, a snuggle before walking out the door.
As Erna got into her car, she realised that this may be the last time she actually drives herself somewhere for the next 4 years. As she weaved her way through Trondheim’s morning bustle, she jammed to some of her favourite tunes, including the Inimican EuroVoice hit “It’s Raining Men.” As Erna neared the Staatsrat building, she noticed the crowds of people already packing into Republic Square to watch the inauguration.
She passed through the barricades that had been set up by the Statspoliti and went to park in one of the Staatsrat’s subterranean parking garages. As she pulled in, she noticed Jermias Corbychov in stepping out of his camper van. He was supposed to be getting a co-op flat in the south of the city, but maybe he enjoyed the camper life? He had always had a screw or two loose anyways, Erna thought to herself. She pulled into her assigned parking space and was greeted by 4 members of the Statspoliti, who promptly guided her to upstairs to the great hall of the Staatsrat, where countless aides, party officials, and civil servants rushed about, preparing for the upcoming session of the Staatsrat.
As she was making the final touches to her speech, Erik approached her. “Erna, we are all so very proud of you. You have managed to do what too many thought was impossible. You have proven that Fremet has a future, and you’ve given renewed hope to millions.”
“Thank you Erik. You and I both know it wasn’t just me. You, Michel, mother, Hans, Skei— even the interns —we did this together.”
“You are right. Is your speech ready?”
“As ready as it is going to be.” Erna said as she closed her coloured binder.
An aide approached them “Ms Solberg, it is time.”
Erik turned to her as Erna walked towards the door to the podium, “Seize the time, Erna. Live now. Make now always the most precious time. Now will never come again.”
