I am deeply regretting that for my political satire series I went with a head of government who is merely a faceless Lovecraftian Elder God with a skull-collecting hobby.
He seems kind of understated these days.
Should have picked a cross between the South Dakota Puppy Shooter and Liz Truss instead ...
@cstross The Laundry needs some modicum of peace, government, and good order to exist as a thing in a context, and the Black Pharaoh does provide.
The current crop of politicians aren't arguing about how to do the thing; they're arguing about what other thing should be done instead, if only people can be compelled to be good, righteous, moral people who understood their duty to die uncomplaining in specific ways with specific timing, lest the incumbents face alteration of circumstances.
@cstross Most historical examples of "Above all else, I stay in charge" are terrible slow grinding collapse scenarios; in the angry weather, I don't think we'll get that. (Truly alternative base of power? ungovernable import replacing cities? It seems unlikely; too much force concentration lying around.)
But swelp me if I think I know what we will get, and at least this way you can have His Nibs doing a lot of "I think not" creative responses about those going off their political brand.
Charlie Stross
Graydon
Dena