Clash With The Police

Evelyn made an angry face at her brother, clearly annoyed by his remark. Henry, sensing the tension, decided to step in and provide some context. "Aunt Evelyn, you might not know this, but that woman is very important. Compared to Tazkira, where about 70% of the population are Jews, 100% of the population of Sama follows a religion called Hashafiyah. It's a religion specific to Sama and three other Arab countries. In this religion, there are two most important figures in the entire country: the man who put the crown on the prince's head and the woman whose name was just announced. They are actually husband and wife, both revered by all the citizens. Sending one of them is highly significant, and in fact, the woman, Lady Zara, is more popular than her husband." 

Evelyn's face softened as she absorbed Henry's explanation. "Oh, I see. I didn't know that." 

Henry nodded. "Yes, Lady Zara is not just a figurehead; she plays a crucial role in their religious and cultural life. Her involvement in this alliance is a big deal, both politically and spiritually for the people of Sama." 

Evelyn, her skepticism still evident, muttered, "But even so, I still think sending her was not a good choice. Besides, these countries have been enemies for centuries. Forming such an alliance seems pointless. And haven't you heard that many people in that country oppose this decision? I think this new Crown Prince won't last long if he angers his people so much." 

Henry was about to comment when Evelyn's brother, Matthew, interjected, his tone sharp. "Evelyn, you clearly don't understand how the world works. Haven't you been listening to the news? The new Crown Prince is the 11th son of the emperor. There were at least nine other potential heirs ahead of him, yet he managed to surpass all his brothers and become the Crown Prince against the odds. Do you really think someone like that is brainless or lacks support? Besides, in a monarchy, it's incredibly difficult for citizens to enact any real change. Even if the old Crown Prince miraculously wakes up from his coma, he would struggle to reclaim his position from the new Crown Prince." 

Evelyn, looking somewhat chastened but still curious, replied, "I get that he's smart and has support, but don't you think the people's opinion matters at all? If they protest enough, won't it force some kind of change?" 

Matthew sighed, clearly frustrated but also eager to educate his sister. "Public opinion does matter, but not as much as you think in a country like Sama. The monarchy holds a lot of power. And the fact that the new Crown Prince is making such bold moves shows that he's confident in his position. He likely has the backing of powerful factions within the country. Plus, alliances like this are about long-term strategy, not immediate popularity. It's about securing his reign and stabilizing the region." 

Henry, sensing an opportunity to contribute, added, "And remember, the alliance is also about soft power. By sending Lady Zara, they're showing a willingness to bridge gaps and promote cultural and religious exchange. It's a calculated risk, but one that could pay off if managed well. The people's initial resistance might fade if they start seeing tangible benefits from the alliance." 

Evelyn nodded, her expression more thoughtful now. "I suppose you're right. It's just hard to imagine such deep-seated animosity being resolved so easily." 

Matthew, his tone softening slightly, said, "It's not going to be easy, and it won't happen overnight. But these are the kinds of moves that can lay the groundwork for lasting peace. The new Crown Prince is playing a long game here." 

Evelyn leaned back on the sofa, her earlier frustration ebbing away. "I guess I didn't see it that way. Thanks for explaining, both of you." 

While the trio's attention was on each other, the ongoing interview of Sama's citizens on the news was abruptly interrupted by the anchor. "Sorry for the sudden interruption, viewers, but we have important breaking news. At this moment, a fight has broken out at BM Pharmaceuticals in Pinecrest City between the workers of one of its independent subsidiaries that has recently gone bankrupt and the police." 

The camera switched to live footage from the scene, where chaos was unfolding. The anchor continued, "Today, around 11:00 AM, a group of workers began protesting in front of BM Pharmaceuticals' production facility due to their unpaid salaries and other compensation that the subsidiary failed to pay. They are demanding that BM Pharmaceuticals should take responsibility. As you all know, this case went to court, and the court ruled in favor of BM Pharmaceuticals, stating that they do not have to carry the responsibility. However, the protesters do not want to obey this court decision. Due to the protest, the work of the company has been halted. The manager called the police for help after failing to mitigate the situation. A short while ago, when the police arrived, they wanted everyone to evacuate the premises and not create difficulties for the workers. But the workers were unwilling to do so. This led to a sudden escalation, and a fight has broken out between the two groups. Our reporter Trident is on the scene right now, and we will be providing live coverage." 

The camera cut to a scene of chaos outside the pharmaceutical company's gates. Workers were holding signs and chanting, while police in riot gear were attempting to disperse the crowd. The sound of shouting filled the room, and the atmosphere was tense. 

Evelyn, who had been lounging on the sofa, sat up straight. "This looks serious," she remarked. 

On the screen, the reporter, Trident, stood in the midst of the turmoil, his voice barely audible over the shouting and commotion. 

"Thank you, Brian," Trident began, his expression tense. "I'm here at BM Pharmaceuticals, where the situation has escalated dramatically. As you can see behind me, the confrontation between the police and the workers has turned violent. Workers are throwing rocks and other objects, while the police are responding with tear gas and batons." 

The camera zoomed in on skirmishes breaking out between the two groups. Workers hurled objects at the police, who responded with batons and tear gas. The scene was chaotic, with smoke billowing and shouts echoing through the air. 

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