Thanks :) Sometimes it's fun just to write something completely silly.

I think if you're going to write something political it has to matter passionately to the characters. If they don't care, why should the reader. Their political actions should impact on their lives and their choices.

I'm thinking about starting a general discussion post, not just about this challenge, but about the specific challenges and rewards of working in a long-existing universe.

Thanks for the comment, m'dear :)