Ian Zanu - State of the Union 2209
[Thousands have gathered in the central plaza of Castasus. The plaza is filled from front to back. Children sit on their parents' shoulders to get a better view of the stage. A growing, cacophonous rumble from thousands of overlapping voices echoes off the nearby buildings. Suddenly, a booming voice over the PA System cuts off the noise.]
“ATTENTION, CITIZENS OF DESOVO. REGENT ZANU WILL BEGIN HIS SPEECH SHORTLY - CEASE ALL CONVERSATION."
[Following the announcement, the ambient volume rapidly diminished, and only hushed murmurs could be heard through the crowd as they focused their attention on the parliamentary library. On its front, a large screen had been set up. For a brief moment, it displayed the Insignia of the Desovan state broadcast group before a new image filled the frame, that of Ian Zanu, sitting in what was unmistakably the crew module of an RKK-1 capsule, a rocket the crowd had grown accustomed to during the many years of the space program.]
"My fellow Desovans, I come before you in a most unusual circumstance, one none of us could have expected. Still, I believe it is best to speak plainly and without delay, so that confusion may not take root in this uncertain hour.
As you all know, for nearly six decades, I have endeavored to help the people of this beautiful land live as our founder, Clifford Desovo, once envisioned. I have fought bravely for you, and I have done all I could. Yet, as with all things, even I cannot fight against the passage of time.
Just two weeks ago, I celebrated my eighty-fifth year of life. Long ago, I promised that should I ever lose the capacity to serve my people, I would yield my position. Now, I must keep that promise. The time has come: I no longer have the strength to fight for you as I once did.
Before I depart, not just from the rule of the country, but from the shackles of this planet, I have the honor of unveiling to you the next step for this great nation, Project Ziggurat. Recently, we began working with our brothers in the Commonwealth of Veiid to build a small-scale space station in orbit, a test to see whether long-term habitability in space was truly something our people could achieve. After rigorous testing, we were able to verify this. I will be the first on this project to permanently free myself from the constraints of gravity, and I will move to the test station to live out the time I have left. The next phase of this project will involve the creation of a full-scale station that our designers have named the "Zanaru", a refuge among the stars for a quarter million.
As for the question of succession, a matter that has weighed heavily on the hearts of many, I affirm before you on this day that Bhiren will assume the throne. Of all those considered, I trust none more to steward this land and its people through the days to come. Cast aside any rumors and doubts that you may hold, and instead inherit the faith I have placed in him.
And now, as I prepare to journey beyond the rock we call home, I ask only that you remember: freedom is not a place, but a spirit that endures. May Desovo thrive, now and always. Long live Desovo!
[The feed cuts off, showing an exterior view of the rocket as it begins the takeoff procedure, a familiar countdown begins, and when it finishes, the rocket takes off with great force. In the distance, a white line can be seen piercing upwards, beyond the atmosphere.]