-=The Sovereign's Arrogance=-

- Knight to G6. How do you feel, Alfredo, when I tighten the noose around your king like you around our country?

President Amarante sighed and swept his gaze around the empty, richly gilded banquet hall.

- You are overconfident and arrogant, Luiz. Someday this will doom you. A bishop to B4. Check, my friend. Just don't get too high-strung.

General Paranhos twitched nervously on the extra seat cushion that allowed him to reach the chessboard on the table. His gold medals on his uniform rang ominously.

- Me arrogant? - he shouted. - Do you think I don't see what you are doing to our beautiful city? Kidnappings, deportations and unexplained disappearances. Our population is vanishing! Pawn on C3!

- Do you think we are behind all this? - replied Amarante in a more serious tone.

- Who else? We are a bloody enclave Alferdo! As far as the eye can see beyond our borders, we see you. It is no secret that we are a bone in your throat. A small one, but an annoying one.

- Don't flatter yourself Luiz. I only want friendly relations with my neighbours. You are no exception. - replied Amarante conciliatorily.

- Then where are these people? Have they been kidnapped by aliens? - The general slammed his fist angrily on the chessboard. The figurines began to swing dangerously.

- No, Luiz. You don't see your part in this. - replied Amarante, reaching for the queen figure. - Do you think people will put up with life under the boot of an authoritarian, complacent leader who doesn't give a damn about their opinions or their lives? They'd sooner flee to a friendly neighbour. Queen on H4, checkmate Luiz. It's over. You have lost.

After his last word, the door to the hall opened with a bang and the presidential guard rushed in, guns pointed at General Paranhos.

WC: 300

On the fishing boat The Flounder Pounder, the enthusiasm in the crew was boiling over. They were getting ready to pull out another full net.

- Just be careful this time! - shouted Captain Samatar over the radio in fluent Mandarin.

He turned in his bridge chair to Officer Farax.

- If we'll lose one more freight like that and we can say goodbye to the boat. - He muttered. - Cheap labour was supposed to help us bounce back. With each passing day, I'm becoming more convinced that chasing these freeloaders off and working on our own would work out for the better! - he almost shouted, banging on the table.

The pompous tirade was interrupted by a stone that shattered the glass in front of the helm. The two officers looked out onto the deck.

- Captain, I don't think you've switched off your microphone... - whispered Farax.

Somewhere from the crew a loud "Feed the fire!" rang out in an Eastern accent and all hell broke loose.

WC: 162