Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Qi joins the Campaign Office for Mr. Truman's presidential campaign.
• The team starts working on printing posters for Mr. Truman, emphasizing his military background to appeal to the public's war concerns.
• The campaign strategy is discussed, focusing on the South and Swing States, and abandoning some Conservative Party territories.

Character Developments

• Lin Qi demonstrates strategic thinking and political acumen by suggesting Mr. Truman highlight his military background.
• The Sergeant shows loyalty and discretion by offering his cousin as a reliable and controllable asset for Lin Qi.

Significant Themes

• The influence of capitalists on politics and the media.
• The importance of strategic planning and resource allocation in political campaigns.
• The separation of military and government, and the potential risks of blurring these boundaries.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qi interacts with the Campaign Team, providing valuable insights and receiving explanations about the campaign strategy.
• The Sergeant interacts with Lin Qi, offering his cousin as a potential asset and expressing his embarrassment about the situation.
• Old Granden and Little Granden discuss the campaign strategy, emphasizing the focus on Swing States and the abandonment of some territories.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sergeant's wife's cousin, a shrewd man, takes a job from Mr. Truman to influence Lehmer's politics.
• Catherine arrives in Bu Peien, joining Lin Qi's campaign team.
• Lin Qi and Catherine attend a political party hosted by Senator Landon.
• Lin Qi's Saint and Harmony Society Level Three certification is confirmed.
• The Federal Military Court reopens with new evidence.

Character Developments

• Sergeant's wife's cousin demonstrates his cunning and ambition.
• Catherine's political acumen and ambition grow, with plans to run for mayor and eventually governor.
• Lin Qi's influence and power increase, with more political figures recognizing his importance.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power dynamics in politics.
• The complexity of rural life and people.
• The impact of war on neutrality and international relations.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qi and Catherine's relationship deepens, with Catherine's political career benefiting from Lin Qi's influence.
• Lin Qi and Senator Landon's partnership is solidified at the political party.
• Catherine impresses political figures at the party, securing her place in their memories.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A military court acquits a Lieutenant General, later promoted to Admiral, signaling the Federal's readiness for war.
• The Federal announces joint military exercises near Lehmer, provoking protests from Lehmer and Peng Joe.
• International tension escalates as Lehmer and Peng Joe accuse each other and the Federal.
• Mr. Truman, the International Affairs Department's highest official, gains public support due to his tough stance in international diplomacy.

Character Developments

• The Lieutenant General-turned-Admiral experiences a sense of freedom and renewed purpose.
• Mr. Truman's public support rate increases due to his active role in international affairs.

Significant Themes

• Freedom and oppression, and their effect on emotions and perception.
• The Federal's growing sense of mission and justice in international affairs.
• The importance of understanding and support in politics.

Character Interactions

• The Admiral interacts with his officers, expressing his determination for the upcoming responsibilities.
• Mr. Truman's tough attitude in international diplomacy gains support from the Federal people.
• Lin Qi, Catherine, and Little Granden discuss strategies for Mr. Truman's election campaign, focusing on education reform and social insurance reform.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Federal airplanes fly over Lehrmar, causing concern and disgust among locals.
• Lehrmar's President protests to the Federal, but receives no substantial response.
• Lehrmar is pressured to express its position, with potential consequences being war.
• A storm hits Lehrmar, mirroring the societal turmoil caused by political divisions.

Character Developments

• Lehrmar's President: Struggles with maintaining neutrality, feels betrayed by officials, and grows increasingly disheartened.
• Lehrmar's Officials and Politicians: Some lobby for the Federal, others for Peng Joe, disregarding the country's interests.

Significant Themes

• Neutrality vs. Involvement: Lehrmar's struggle to maintain neutrality in the face of external pressure.
• Betrayal and Self-interest: Officials prioritize personal gains over the country's well-being.
• Cultural Influence: The Federal's cultural output impacts Lehrmar's society, particularly its youth.

Character Interactions

• Lehrmar's President and Officials: The President feels isolated and unsupported by his officials, who prioritize their own interests.
• Lehrmar's Society: Divided into groups supporting the Federal, Peng Joe, or neutrality, with young people favoring the Federal due to cultural influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Lehmer Autonomous Party, seeking to boost its approval ratings, aligns with the Federal People against the Peng Joe people, aiming to gain political and economic benefits.
• The Autonomous Party begins a campaign to sway public opinion against the President and the People's Aid Party, accusing them of bias towards the Peng Joe people.
• A large-scale demonstration is organized by the Autonomous Party, with many citizens joining to express their dissatisfaction with the government's neutrality.
• The President delivers a public speech, warning the people about the consequences of abandoning neutrality and the dangers of war.

Character Developments

• The Lehmer Autonomous Party Chairman is portrayed as ambitious and manipulative, willing to use propaganda and protests to gain power and influence.
• The President is shown as a cautious and responsible leader, prioritizing the safety and well-being of his people and advocating for neutrality.

Significant Themes

• Power and Ambition: The Autonomous Party's actions highlight the corrupting influence of power and the lengths some will go to achieve it.
• Neutrality vs. Intervention: The President's stance on neutrality emphasizes the importance of staying out of conflicts that do not directly involve one's country.
• The Consequences of War: The President's warning about the potential horrors of war serves as a reminder of the human cost of conflict.

Character Interactions

• The Autonomous Party Chairman and his colleagues work together to manipulate public opinion and sway the President's stance.
• The President addresses the people, attempting to reason with them and warn them about the dangers of aligning with either the Federal People or the Peng Joe people.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lehmer President's speech against war spreads internationally, gaining support.
• Federal and Peng Joe manipulate the situation to maintain their interests.
• Lehmer President and Federal President have differing views on military fortifications.
• Lin Qi arrives in Lehmer for commercial negotiations, planning to acquire the National Bank of the Lehrmar Islands.

Character Developments

• Lehmer President: Shows determination to keep Lehmer out of war, gains international support.
• Federal President: Understands Lehmer's position but maintains military strategy, guarantees Lehmer's neutrality.
• Lin Qi: Sees opportunity in Lehmer's situation, plans to acquire the National Bank for personal use.

Significant Themes

• Neutrality vs. Involvement in War: Lehmer's desire to avoid war contrasts with the Federal's strategic needs.
• Manipulation and Power Dynamics: Both the Federal and Peng Joe manipulate the situation to maintain their interests.
• Opportunity Amidst Chaos: Lin Qi sees the potential for personal gain in Lehmer's precarious situation.

Character Interactions

• Lehmer President and Federal President: Their differing views on military fortifications cause tension.
• Lin Qi and Lehmer President: Their interaction is anticipated, as Lin Qi plans to approach the Lehmer President about acquiring the National Bank.
• Lin Qi and the Sergeant's wife's cousin: The young man eagerly assists Lin Qi, hoping for opportunities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lehmer's President offends the Federal, leading to a sudden flight of foreign investors.
• Lehmer National Bank faces a cash flow crisis due to the withdrawal of foreign capital.
• The Head Office Director calls for loans from regional banks and international bankers to alleviate the crisis.
• The Head Office Director seeks authorization from the President to print additional currency to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances.
• The Mint starts working overnight to print the new batch of currency.

Character Developments

• The Head Office Director demonstrates strategic thinking and proactive problem-solving in the face of the crisis.
• The President shows willingness to authorize additional currency printing, indicating trust in the Head Office Director's judgment.

Significant Themes

• The interconnectedness of global finance and the impact of foreign investment on local economies.
• The importance of cash flow management and reserves in banking.
• The role of secrecy and confidentiality in crisis management.

Character Interactions

• The Head Office Director interacts with regional bank managers and international bankers to secure loans.
• The Head Office Director communicates with the President to seek authorization for printing additional currency.
• The President trusts the Head Office Director's judgment and authorizes the currency printing.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lehrmar faces domestic issues like capital flight and declining exports, leading to potential food shortages and unrest.
• The President seeks foreign assistance, mainly from neutral countries, to stabilize the economy.
• Lin Qi, a wealthy Federal businessman, visits Lehrmar and meets with the Self-Government Party, expressing the President's goodwill and offering significant investment.

Character Developments

• The President: Struggles to address domestic economic issues and seeks foreign aid.
• Lin Qi: Demonstrates his wealth and willingness to invest in Lehrmar, showing potential political influence.
• Self-Government Party Chairman: Acknowledges Lin Qi's wealth and the opportunity it presents for his party.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and power dynamics between Lehrmar and the Federal.
• The role of money in politics and society.
• The potential impact of foreign investment on Lehrmar's economy and politics.

Character Interactions

• The President: Not directly present but influences the story through his actions and the challenges he faces.
• Lin Qi and the Self-Government Party Chairman: Lin Qi's visit and investment offer create a significant interaction, with the Chairman expressing awe at Lin Qi's wealth and the opportunities it presents.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Qi, a wealthy investor, meets the Self-Government Party Chairman and expresses his interest in investing in Lehrmar.
• Lin Qi offers to invest 15 million Federal Sol (approximately 1 billion Ares) in a Paradise Island tourism project.
• Lin Qi requests a loan from the Lehmer National Bank using his real estate in the Federal as collateral to facilitate the project.
• The project begins, and the society responds positively to the investment, with jobs created and the local market stimulated.
• The Head Office Director of the National Bank expresses concerns to the President about the potential risks of lending to the project.

Character Developments

• Lin Qi: Shows confidence and generosity in his investment offer, but also displays cunning in his loan request.
• Self-Government Party Chairman: Initially impressed by Lin Qi's wealth, he becomes eager to secure the investment for his party's benefit.
• President: Initially relieved by the investment's positive impact, he later shows concern about the potential risks but prioritizes stability.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and power dynamics: Lin Qi's wealth allows him to influence Lehrmar's politics and economy, while the Self-Government Party Chairman seeks to capitalize on this.
• Stability vs. long-term risks: The President prioritizes immediate stability over potential long-term risks, such as currency depreciation.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qi and the Self-Government Party Chairman: Lin Qi manipulates the Chairman's eagerness for the investment to secure a loan from the National Bank.
• The President and the Head Office Director: The Director expresses his concerns about lending to the project, but the President prioritizes stability and approves the loan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Qi finally gets a loan from the Bank, but realizes Lehmer's liquid funds are nearly depleted.
• Lehmer's economic situation is dire, mirroring the Federal's past struggles with capital outflow and factory closures.
• A worker suspects the salary he received is counterfeit money, leading Lin Qi to investigate the authenticity of the banknotes.

Character Developments

• Lin Qi demonstrates his business acumen and resourcefulness in dealing with the loan and currency investigation.
• A young worker, passionate about painting, shows courage in raising his concerns about the money's authenticity.

Significant Themes

• Economic instability and its impact on society.
• The power dynamics between businesses and governments.
• The tension between personal dreams and practical realities.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qi interacts with the young worker, appreciating his honesty and encouraging his artistic pursuits.
• Lin Qi's staff assists him in investigating the currency issue, displaying loyalty and competence.
• Lin Qi's interactions with the Lehmer National Bank remain tense, with both parties cautious and guarded.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ares currency is not internationally recognized, unlike Fula and Sol currencies.
• Lehrmar National Bank is over-issuing currency due to funds shortage.
• Self-Government Party's influence spreads rapidly, causing unrest in Lehrmar.
• People's Aid Party struggles to counter Self-Government Party's public opinion campaigns.
• Lehrmar's most popular current affairs program hosts a debate between the Self-Government Party Chairman and the Host, swaying public opinion against the President and People's Aid Party.
• Protests, marches, and petitions for the President's resignation escalate, causing the President and People's Aid Party to feel threatened.

Character Developments

• Lin Qi: Realizes the National Bank's over-issuance of currency and understands their strategy.
• Self-Government Party Chairman: Successfully manipulates public opinion and gains support.
• Lehrmar President: Struggles with the consequences of his actions and considers if he was right or wrong.

Significant Themes

• The power of public opinion and propaganda.
• The consequences of actions, regardless of initial intentions.
• The struggle for political power and influence.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qi and the National Bank: Lin Qi understands their strategy and decides to exploit it.
• Self-Government Party Chairman and the Host: The Chairman successfully manipulates the Host and the audience's emotions.
• Lehrmar President and the People's Aid Party: They struggle to counter the Self-Government Party's influence and face growing public discontent.
• Lehrmar People: Their opinions and actions are swayed by the Self-Government Party's propaganda, leading to protests and petitions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The President is advised to keep a low profile due to public dissatisfaction with his decisions.
• He considers completely cutting off contact with the outside world to preserve Lehrmar's strength, but the People's Aid Party Chairman discourages this due to foreign investments.
• The Lehrmar Parliament launches an Impeachment Proposal against the President, shocking him and the public.
• The President receives a mysterious phone call accusing the Federal People of orchestrating the impeachment conspiracy.

Character Developments

• The President: Initially emotional and considering drastic measures, he becomes more serious and concerned about the impeachment threat.
• The People's Aid Party Chairman: He remains pragmatic and politically savvy, trying to manage the situation and reassure the President.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of the President's decisions and their impact on Lehrmar's society and economy.
• The struggle between isolationism and international involvement.
• The power dynamics between political parties and the influence of external forces.

Character Interactions

• The President and the People's Aid Party Chairman: They discuss the political situation and the President's future, with the Chairman trying to reassure and advise the President.
• The President and the mysterious caller: Their brief conversation hints at a larger conspiracy involving the Federal People and the Self-Government Party.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The President receives a late-night call from a Peng Joe Diplomat, warning him about the Federal People's influence and revealing that Paradise Island might be a defensive fortification.
• The President realizes the political implications and potential benefits at stake, understanding the ugly nature of human ambition.
• The Peng Joe Diplomat visits the President the next day, offering cooperation to prevent the Federal People from gaining influence in Lehrmar.

Character Developments

• The President: Becomes more aware of the political undercurrents and the potential threats to his position. He starts to consider his own interests and the benefits of cooperating with the Peng Joe People.
• Peng Joe Diplomat: Demonstrates his diplomatic skills, offering persuasive arguments and incentives for cooperation while maintaining a charming demeanor.

Significant Themes

• The corrupting influence of power and the potential for ambition to lead to betrayal of one's people.
• The manipulative nature of international politics and the role of great powers in shaping global dynamics.
• The importance of information and intelligence in political decision-making.

Character Interactions

• The President and the Peng Joe Diplomat: Their interaction highlights the President's growing awareness of the political landscape and his willingness to consider cooperation with the Peng Joe People to maintain his power and protect his country from external influence.
• The President and the Peng Joe People: Their potential alliance is driven by mutual interests in preventing the Federal People from gaining influence in Lehrmar, with the Peng Joe People offering political and economic support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kent, a local Aborigine, loses his job at the trading company due to its sudden closure.
• He finds a new job clearing plants on an island, provided by the Self-Government Party.
• A construction site on another island faces safety issues, leading to a two-day work stoppage.
• Lin Qi, a Federal businessman, decides to completely halt all construction projects, shifting blame to the President.
• Workers, including Kent, protest and riot due to the sudden job loss, targeting the President and his residence.

Character Developments

• Kent: Initially content with his new job, he becomes enraged and joins protests when he learns about the work stoppage.
• The President: His actions, intended to stall and appease, backfire, leading to public outrage and protests against him.
• Lin Qi: He strategically uses the situation to his advantage, shifting blame and causing chaos.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between tradition and modernity, as seen in Kent's generation's reluctance to engage in fishing.
• The power dynamics between the local government, the Federal People, and the ordinary citizens.
• The consequences of political maneuvering and lack of clear communication, leading to public unrest.

Character Interactions

• Kent interacts with his fellow workers, both at the construction site and during the protests.
• The President and Lin Qi engage in a power struggle, with the President trying to maintain control and Lin Qi manipulating the situation.
• The relationship between the President and the citizens deteriorates as the protests escalate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Qi, a wealthy Federal citizen, observes a growing protest outside the Lehmer government office due to a controversial Shutdown Order.
• He invites the Lehmer National Bank's Loan Department Director to his office, asking about recent loan applications.
• Lin Qi reveals that he knows the bank has no money left and that foreign capital is fleeing Lehmer too fast.

Character Developments

• Lin Qi: He is calm and calculating, understanding the economic situation of Lehmer and its implications. He's willing to help the Loan Department Director immigrate to the Federal States.
• Loan Department Director: He's nervous and sweating profusely, realizing that Lin Qi won't repay his loan and that he might be the scapegoat for the bank's losses. He's desperate and contemplating his future.

Significant Themes

• Economic instability and collapse: Lehmer's economy is on the brink due to the lack of foreign capital and the bank's dwindling reserves.
• Power dynamics: Lin Qi, as a wealthy foreigner, holds power over the Loan Department Director, who's at risk of being scapegoated.
• Desperation and contemplation of alternatives: The Loan Department Director is desperate due to his precarious situation and considers immigrating to the Federal States.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qi and the Loan Department Director: Lin Qi is assertive and honest about his intentions, while the director is nervous and evasive, trying to understand Lin Qi's motives. Their interaction reveals the power imbalance and the desperate situation of the Loan Department Director.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lehmer National Bank faces a potential bank run, which could lead to bankruptcy and severe consequences for its upper management.
• Lin Qi, a wealthy and influential businessman, offers to acquire the bank if it goes bankrupt, giving hope to the Loan Business Director.
• Lin Qi reveals he has business dealings worth over 100 billion Ares with the Federal Government, confusing and impressing the Loan Business Director.
• The Loan Business Director decides to support Lin Qi's interests, hinting at approving loans for those Lin Qi recommends.
• The President and the Head Office Director of Lehmer National Bank face public anger and internal issues due to their actions against Lin Qi's projects and the bank's loan policies.

Character Developments

• The Loan Business Director transitions from despair to hope and support for Lin Qi after learning about his wealth and influence.
• The President and the Head Office Director face growing anger and pressure from the public and their own employees due to their decisions.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and wealth disparity
• The consequences of poor decision-making and corruption
• The impact of political influence on business and society

Character Interactions

• Lin Qi and the Loan Business Director: Lin Qi offers hope and a way out of the Loan Business Director's despair, while the latter becomes an ally to Lin Qi.
• The President and the public: The President's actions against Lin Qi's projects lead to public anger and protests.
• The Head Office Director and the Loan Business Director: The Head Office Director confronts the Loan Business Director about the sudden increase in loan approvals, leading to tension between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lehmer residents easily obtain mortgages at the National Bank, fueling a desire for immediate cash and revealing the scarcity of materials.
• The Bank's Head Office Director is infuriated by the Loan Business Supervisor's continued approval of loans despite the Bank's financial strain.
• The Head Office Director fires the Loan Business Supervisor and later adjusts the annual interest rate on savings from 7.79% to 26.9%, causing a brief societal calm.
• The President's people confront the Head Office Director about the interest rate hike, leading to a revelation about the loan given to Lin Qi in new currency, which is essentially "fake money."

Character Developments

• The Loan Business Supervisor shows resilience and composure when facing the Head Office Director's wrath, but ultimately loses his job.
• The Head Office Director, initially enraged, becomes resigned and desperate after realizing the Bank's dire situation and the Federal People's impending actions.
• The President is overwhelmed by the Head Office Director's revelations and the pressures from Private Banks and the public.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between individuals and institutions, with the Head Office Director and the President struggling to maintain control.
• The consequences of poor decision-making and the inability to adapt to changing circumstances, as seen in the Bank's handling of the loan to Lin Qi.
• The interconnectedness of societal and economic issues, with the Bank's crisis affecting Lehmer society as a whole.

Character Interactions

• The Head Office Director and the Loan Business Supervisor: The Director's anger and the Supervisor's defense lead to the Supervisor's dismissal.
• The President and the Head Office Director: The President's inquiry about the interest rate hike leads to a candid conversation about the Bank's precarious situation and the loan to Lin Qi.
• The Head Office Director and the President: The Director's revelation about the "fake money" loan to Lin Qi shocks the President, highlighting their shared predicament.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lehmer National Bank raises savings interest rate to absorb idle funds, aiming to stabilize the economy.
• International hot money flows in, attracted by the high interest rates.
• Lehmer's currency, Ares, faces refusal from international markets due to its plummeting value.
• Local banks face a run on deposits, with customers unable to withdraw their money due to various excuses.
• Kent, an unemployed man, experiences difficulties in withdrawing his savings, sparking panic among other depositors.

Character Developments

• The Head Office Director: Realizes the dire situation of Lehmer's economy and the National Bank, but feels helpless and despairing.
• The President: Initially optimistic, he believes in the power of the Lehrmar People and the Republic, but remains uninformed about the true extent of the crisis.
• Kent: Experiences firsthand the difficulties in withdrawing money, sparking his anger and frustration.
• The Plump Lady (Bank Teller): Remains professional and indifferent to the customers' plight, following bank procedures to the letter.

Significant Themes

• Economic Crisis: Lehmer's economy is on the brink due to a lack of trust in its currency and the National Bank's desperate measures.
• Powerlessness and Despair: Characters like the Head Office Director feel helpless in the face of the crisis, while Kent feels powerless against the bank's bureaucracy.
• Greed and Self-Preservation: International hot money only cares about profits, while the bank focuses on self-preservation at the expense of its customers.

Character Interactions

• The President and the Head Office Director: The President remains optimistic despite the Head Office Director's grim assessment of the situation.
• Kent and the Plump Lady: Kent's frustration and anger contrast with the Plump Lady's indifference, highlighting the disconnect between the bank and its customers.
• Depositors: Customers share their experiences and realize the common issue of being unable to withdraw money, sparking panic and fear.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bank run on Private Bank due to rumors and fear, leading to island-wide unrest.
• National Bank remains stable, but Private Banks close early, fueling anxiety.
• Riots erupt, with people trying to break into Private Banks.
• Peng Joe Empire orders for Lehrmar's seafood arrive, offering temporary relief.
• Federal and World Development Committee downgrade Lehrmar's trade status and terminate currency exchange, causing global impact.
• Federal Financial Management Committee issues a warning about Lehrmar's unannounced currency printing.

Character Developments

• Kent: Angry and desperate due to his trapped money.
• Lehrmar President: Initially optimistic about solving the crisis, later unaware of the international developments.
• Peng Joe Diplomat: Realizes the importance of economics and finance, vows to report his findings to the Emperor.
• Lin Qi (implied): Actively involved in exacerbating Lehrmar's crisis.

Significant Themes

• Fear and paranoia during social instability.
• Economic interdependence and global impact of financial decisions.
• The power dynamics between large and small economies.
• The consequences of rapid development without risk management.

Character Interactions

• Lehrmar President and Peng Joe Diplomat: Collaborate to address the crisis, expressing optimism and mutual respect.
• Lehrmar People and Bank Employees: Tension and conflict, with people trying to withdraw money and banks closing early.
• Lehrmar President and Lin Qi (implied): Unaware of each other's actions, leading to a widening gap between their perspectives.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Qi, a disciplined individual, starts his day with exercise.
• The Lehmer Republic's communication with the international community is limited, relying on telegrams due to lack of deep-sea cable connections.
• The Lehmer Republic's currency, Ares, is collapsing due to unannounced currency issuance and loss of investor confidence.
• The collapse leads to a bank run, price inflation, and ultimately, a coup attempt as people blame the President for the economic crisis.

Character Developments

• Lin Qi: Maintains his disciplined lifestyle, showing resilience and calmness amidst the chaos.
• Lehmer Republic President: Implicitly portrayed as irresponsible and secretive, leading to the economic crisis and facing a coup attempt.

Significant Themes

• Self-discipline: Lin Qi's self-discipline is juxtaposed with the chaos caused by the lack of discipline and transparency in the Lehmer Republic's governance.
• Trust and Credit: The loss of trust in the Lehmer Republic's government and currency leads to a collapse of its economic system.
• Consequences of Actions: The President's actions (offending the Federal People and unannounced currency issuance) have severe consequences for the entire nation.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qi and the Lehmer Republic: Lin Qi is an outsider observing the Lehmer Republic's collapse, serving as a contrast to the chaos and lack of self-control within the country.
• Lehmer Republic Citizens and the President: The citizens blame the President for the economic crisis, leading to a coup attempt, while the President's actions have led to a loss of trust and control.