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Jazaar sat alone in the room, drinking his tea and scrolling through the news. The fresh stories that were unfolding regarding the oil crisis gave him worry, but acceptable worry.

For years, what had he done? Been a coward, a traitor, a liberator? The Sumori called him many names, after all. Could he live up to his name of the Lion of Sumoriant in the face of such economic calamity? Was he capable of attaining such a goal?

Yes, he was. Jazaar had a plan in mind on how to immediately begin to repair Sumoriant from not just the oil crisis, but the 1999 Crisis as well…
~~~
Public Address to the Sumori Nation
August 9th, 2024
Haijja Square

“Greetings to all of Sumoriant on this evening of August 9, 2024. I have come to deliver to you a message.” Jazaar began, stepping up to the podium.

Jazaar took a deep breath, looking at the cards before him.

“The days in which we sought glory, fame, and honor under the Caliphate are gone, as are the days in which the Emirs of Sumoriant paraded their power over us. But what have we become in the time since? We have become weak! Economically and politically, our nation falls and drags behind the rest of Fusea! I am not going to be the President who leads the United Republic into ruin. Henceforth, I at this moment declare the beginning of the First Ten Year Plan, to both revitalize and strengthen infrastructure and the economy of the Republic, as well as to ensure our monetary stability together with our friends to the north, east south, and southwest. Furthermore, it is clear that, if we do not seek to change our ways now and adapt our energy industries to the rapidly changing world around us, we will lag and fail to catch up. As such, I have also, together with my Cabinet and the National Assembly of Sumoriant, prepared several bills to implement these reforms, pending review by the two bodies.

Zuraara save Sumoriant, and long live the United Republic!” Jazaar ended his speech, taking a bow.

[i]Jubilation and applause erupted from the crowds of Sumori in the square. Jazaar stepped away from the podium before promptly collapsing.]/i]

“Mister President, are you all right?!” one of the soldiers nearby shouted to Jazaar, as other cabinet and government officials surrounded Jazaar.

“Yes, yes, I’m fine. Just… my heart… acting up. I overworked my cardiomegaly a bit too much with that. Nothing to be bothered by.” Jazaar assured them, regaining his footing and entering the nearby building. “I’ll be fine.”

“If you say so, Mister President. Please see a doctor, though.” one cabinet member said as Jazaar walked away.

“I will,” Jazaar said.
~~~
Haijja Medical Center
August 11, 2024

“Well… we’ve gotten your reports back, Jazaar.” the doctor began. “It’s not bad, but it’s not good, either.”

“Just tell it to me the way it is, doc,” Jazaar said.

“Your speech a few days ago overworked your heart, that much we certainly concur with you. However, such actions in continued and repeated vigor might cause you to suffer a potential stroke or worse if you are not careful. I’m going to prescribe you an Angiotensin receptor blocker to help lower your blood pressure and keep that heart pumping normally.” the doctor said.

“Thanks, doc,” Jazaar said.