Royal Proclamation VI

[Cormac]

Sixth Royal Proclamation from the Pharaoh of Osiris
Emergency Amendments to the Laws of the Osiris Fraternal Order

---

It is hereby proclaimed by His Royal Majesty Cormac of House Sethos, Pharaoh of Osiris and First Lord of the Nile:

Following the events of recent days, it is clear that our process for revoking the citizenship of individuals who threaten the security and stability of Osiris, and removing them from the region, must be streamlined. No regional community should be forced to harbor its enemies because the laws or institutions of the community are shielding them, nor should any regional community see itself subjected to attacks by its enemies because they are using the laws or institutions of the community as weapons. As noted in the recent Declaration of a Regional State of Emergency, the laws and institutions of Osiris exist to serve the community of Osiris. When our laws and the institutions they create fail to serve the regional community, they must be altered or abolished to make way for modified or new laws and institutions that better meet the needs of the Osiran community. This is the philosophy that inspired the Transitional Government of the Osiris Fraternal Order, the predecessor to this government, in April of this year, and this will continue to be the guiding philosophy of the Osiris Fraternal Order.

Therefore, it is the decision of the office of the Pharaoh that the Council of Priests will be abolished, that suspension and revocation of citizenship for security reasons will be carried out by the Pharaoh with oversight by the Council of Guardians, that interpretation and enforcement of the laws of Osiris will be the responsibility of the Pharaoh, and that other tasks assigned to the Council of Priests will be transferred to the Council of Guardians. Pursuant to Article III, Section 1(8) of the Scroll of Ma'at, which vests legislative power in the office of the Pharaoh during a regional state of emergency, the following amendments are made to the Scroll of Ma'at, to the Legal Code of the Osiris Fraternal Order, and to the Rules of the Council of Scribes to reflect these reforms:

Emergency Amendments to the Laws of the Osiris Fraternal Order

Section 1: Amendments to the Scroll of Ma'at

(1) Article I, Section 1(2) of the Scroll of Ma'at will be amended as follows:

(2) The Pharaoh is responsible for approving or rejecting citizenship applications within seven days of filing. Citizenship applications neglected for more than seven days will automatically go to vote before the Council of Priests.

(2) The Pharaoh is responsible for approving or rejecting citizenship applications within seven days of filing. Citizenship applications neglected for more than seven days will automatically go to vote before the Council of Guardians.

(2) Article I, Section 1(3) and 1(4) of the Scroll of Ma'at will be stricken, and all subsequent clauses in this section accordingly renumbered.

(3) Article I, Section 2(3) of the Scroll of Ma'at will be amended as follows:

(3) The Council of Priests may impose suspension or revocation of citizenship as sentencing for crimes committed against the Osiris Fraternal Order.

(3) The Pharaoh may, with the approval of the Council of Guardians, impose suspension or revocation of citizenship to preserve the security and stability of Osiris. The Pharaoh may exercise this power during a regional state of emergency without the approval of the Council of Guardians.

(4) Article I, Section 3 of the Scroll of Ma'at will be amended as follows:

Section 3: Rights of Citizenship

(1) Citizens have the right to a speedy, fair, public, and impartial hearing before the Council of Priests for any criminal charges.
(2) When there is a conflict between the law or policy in place at the time of a hearing before the Council of Priests and the law or policy in place at the time of an alleged criminal offense, the more lenient of the two, with respect to the accused, will be used.
(3) Citizens will face neither multiple trials for the same violation of the law once acquitted before the Council of Priests nor be punished more than once for the same violation of the law.
(4) Citizens have the right to vote in the Council of Scribes and in all elections, in accordance with this constitution and provided they maintain citizenship for the duration of voting.
(5) Citizens have the right to stand for election to any elected office, provided they meet the qualifications established by law.
(6) Citizens have the right to be secure in their citizenship. Citizenship may only be revoked in accordance with this constitution.
(7) Citizens have the right to petition the Council of Priests for the redress of grievances when they believe a law or government action contradicts this constitution or laws made pursuant to this constitution.
(8) The free exercise of these rights may be limited by forum terms of service, applicable NationStates rules, and laws that reasonably serve to protect the region, its community, or its government.

Section 3: Rights of Citizenship

(1) Citizens have the right to vote in the Council of Scribes and in all elections, in accordance with this constitution and provided they maintain citizenship for the duration of voting.
(2) Citizens have the right to stand for election to any elected office, provided they meet the qualifications established by law.
(3) The free exercise of these rights may be limited by forum terms of service, applicable NationStates rules, and laws that reasonably serve to protect the region, its community, or its government.

(5) Article II, Section 1(6) of the Scroll of Ma'at will be amended as follows:

(6) If the office of Chief Scribe is vacant, or for the duration of discussion and voting on a motion to remove the Chief Scribe from office, the business of the Council will be administered by a deputy previously designated by the Chief Scribe. If no deputy is available, the business of the Council will be administered by the Pharaoh, by the Heir Apparent if designated by the Pharaoh, or by a Priest designated by the Council of Priests.

(6) If the office of Chief Scribe is vacant, or for the duration of discussion and voting on a motion to remove the Chief Scribe from office, the business of the Council will be administered by a deputy previously designated by the Chief Scribe. If no deputy is available, the business of the Council will be administered by the Pharaoh, by the Heir Apparent if designated by the Pharaoh, or by a Guardian designated by the Council of Guardians.

(6) Article III, Section 1(3) of the Scroll of Ma'at will be amended as follows:

(3) The Pharaoh is responsible for in-game enforcement of this constitution and laws enacted pursuant to this constitution.

(3) The Pharaoh is responsible for interpretation and enforcement of this constitution and laws enacted pursuant to this constitution.

(7) Article III, Section 1(7) of the Scroll of Ma'at will be amended as follows:

(7) The Pharaoh may, with the approval of the Council of Scribes, pardon or commute the sentence of anyone convicted of any crime by the Council of Priests.

(7) The Pharaoh may, with the approval of the Council of Scribes, reinstate citizenship that had previously been revoked to preserve the security and stability of Osiris.

(8) Article IV of the Scroll of Ma'at will be stricken, and all subsequent articles appropriately renumbered.

(9) Article VI, Section 1(1) of the Scroll of Ma'at will be amended as follows:

(1) The Pharaoh, the Heir Apparent, the Chief Vizier, the Chief Scribe, and Priests are classified as senior government officers. Senior government officers may not serve in more than one senior government office at a time.

(1) The Pharaoh, the Heir Apparent, the Chief Vizier, and the Chief Scribe are classified as senior government officers. Senior government officers may not serve in more than one senior government office at a time.

Section 2: Amendments to the Legal Code of the Osiris Fraternal Order

(1) Article II of the Legal Code of the Osiris Fraternal Order will be stricken, and all subsequent articles appropriately renumbered.

(2) Article III, Section 1(2) of the Legal Code of the Osiris Fraternal Order will be amended as follows:

(2) In the event that the Pharaoh is unable or unwilling to administer an election, the Pharaoh may designate the Heir Apparent to administer the election, or the Council of Priests will designate a Priest to administer the election.

(2) In the event that the Pharaoh is unable or unwilling to administer an election, the Pharaoh may designate the Heir Apparent to administer the election, or the Council of Guardians will designate a Guardian to administer the election.

(3) Article III, Section 2(3) of the Legal Code of the Osiris Fraternal Order will be stricken.

Section 3: Amendments to the Rules of the Council of Scribes

(1) Section 1(4) of the Rules of the Council of Scribes will be amended as follows:

(4) If the office of Chief Scribe is vacant, or for the duration of discussion and voting on a motion to remove the Chief Scribe from office, the business of the Council will be administered by a deputy previously designated by the Chief Scribe. If no deputy is available, the business of the Council will be administered by the Pharaoh, by the Heir Apparent if designated by the Pharaoh, or by a Priest designated by the Council of Priests.

(4) If the office of Chief Scribe is vacant, or for the duration of discussion and voting on a motion to remove the Chief Scribe from office, the business of the Council will be administered by a deputy previously designated by the Chief Scribe. If no deputy is available, the business of the Council will be administered by the Pharaoh, by the Heir Apparent if designated by the Pharaoh, or by a Guardian designated by the Council of Guardians.

(2) Section 2(2) of the Rules of the Council of Scribes will be amended as follows:

(2) The Chief Scribe may correct grammatical, formatting and spelling errors in any proposal, provided that such changes are non-substantive in that they do not in any way affect the interpretation of the content of the proposal. All such corrections must be publicly declared in the relevant thread, detailing the full extent of corrections made. The corrections may be overruled by the Council of Priests.

(2) The Chief Scribe may correct grammatical, formatting and spelling errors in any proposal, provided that such changes are non-substantive in that they do not in any way affect the interpretation of the content of the proposal. All such corrections must be publicly declared in the relevant thread, detailing the full extent of corrections made. The corrections may be overruled by the Pharaoh.

(3) Section 2(4) of the Rules of the Council of Scribes will be amended as follows:

(4) Only the Pharaoh may introduce nominations for the Council of Guardians or Council of Priests before the Council of Scribes.

(4) Only the Pharaoh may introduce nominations for the Council of Guardians before the Council of Scribes.

So let it be written. So let it be done.
Cormac Sethos, Rex

[Adytus]

Hail!

[Amerion]

Hail!

Seriously? Hail! I am so disappointed

This is a blatant consolidation of power by the Pharaoh for purposes which yet to be seen. There is no need for all these 'emergency' declarations; any security threat could have been properly and speedily addressed by the Council of Scribes. The alleged threat posed by The Grey Wardens is by no means an immediate one.

Honestly, it feels like I'm in a country which has just experienced a coup under the pretences of saving democracy ...

It seems like Cormac just wants some 'crisis' to bump his thread in the gameplay forum. This itself would be sad enough had it not been for what appears to be a chorus of yes-men tripping over themselves, and trampling on democracy in the process, to curry favour.

[Cormac]

Hail!

Seriously? Hail! I am so disappointed

This is a blatant consolidation of power by the Pharaoh for purposes which yet to be seen. There is no need for all these 'emergency' declarations; any security threat could have been properly and speedily addressed by the Council of Scribes. The alleged threat posed by The Grey Wardens is by no means an immediate one.

Honestly, it feels like I'm in a country which has just experienced a coup under the pretences of saving democracy ...

It seems like Cormac just wants some 'crisis' to bump his thread in the gameplay forum. This itself would be sad enough had it not been for what appears to be a chorus of yes-men tripping over themselves, and trampling on democracy in the process, to curry favour.

I will note that Amerion is in fact a recruit for the Grey Wardens, who has not yet undergone their joining ritual.

I will also note, once again, as another Grey Warden talks about "a coup," that this power was granted to the office of the Pharaoh by a vote of 11-0 in the Council of Scribes, and by a vote of 3-0 in the Council of Priests. It is entirely legal, and an entirely appropriate response to swiftly dealing with the emergency threat posed by people like Tim and Amerion, who are out to invade and destroy Osiris, according to the creed they've adopted. I'm sure they would all prefer that this had been done through ordinary legislative or judicial processes so they could find some loophole to wiggle their way out of it, but fortunately those of our citizens who are actually loyal to Osiris have the sense to know there are times when emergencies must be dealt with quickly and without those posing the security threat being able to appeal to legal loopholes to worm their way out of trouble.

I will also note that this has not even been posted to the Gameplay forum, nor has the state of emergency declaration. If I'm just trying to bump our Gameplay thread with crises, I'm doing a really terrible job.

[Amerion]

Hail!

Seriously? Hail! I am so disappointed

This is a blatant consolidation of power by the Pharaoh for purposes which yet to be seen. There is no need for all these 'emergency' declarations; any security threat could have been properly and speedily addressed by the Council of Scribes. The alleged threat posed by The Grey Wardens is by no means an immediate one.

Honestly, it feels like I'm in a country which has just experienced a coup under the pretences of saving democracy ...

It seems like Cormac just wants some 'crisis' to bump his thread in the gameplay forum. This itself would be sad enough had it not been for what appears to be a chorus of yes-men tripping over themselves, and trampling on democracy in the process, to curry favour.

I will note that Amerion is in fact a recruit for the Grey Wardens, who has not yet undergone their joining ritual.

I will also note, once again, as another Grey Warden talks about "a coup," that this power was granted to the office of the Pharaoh by a vote of 11-0 in the Council of Scribes, and by a vote of 3-0 in the Council of Priests. It is entirely legal, and an entirely appropriate response to swiftly dealing with the emergency threat posed by people like Tim and Amerion, who are out to invade and destroy Osiris, according to the creed they've adopted. I'm sure they would all prefer that this had been done through ordinary legislative or judicial processes so they could find some loophole to wiggle their way out of it, but fortunately those of our citizens who are actually loyal to Osiris have the sense to know there are times when emergencies must be dealt with quickly and without those posing the security threat being able to appeal to legal loopholes to worm their way out of trouble.

I will also note that this has not even been posted to the Gameplay forum, nor has the state of emergency declaration. If I'm just trying to bump our Gameplay thread with crises, I'm doing a really terrible job.

Ah yes, me being a recruit for TGW ... A month or so ago, I had a look at their forums to see what all the fuss was about and signed on for the fun of it. Note that I have not posted on their forum, visited their home region, nor taken part in any of their operations. I am about as centrist as they come.

This reaction is so disproportionate I don't even know where to begin. If every GCR responded to rumours of a coup, we would be in a never-ending state of emergency crises. But no, we're not. As it so happens, the other GCRs know how to react in a sensible manner. Osiris would do well to learn from us, or at least hold a discussion among its citizenry before declaring what is in effect, martial law.

Oh please, out to 'destroy Osiris'? Is your head so far up your ideological butthole that you can't distinguish R&D rhetoric with reality? Osiris is secure, in large part due to your paranoia.

I hate to break it to you Cormac, but this is not a matter of a 'us vs them'. Although I'm sure you would like it to be, dictators thrive on a climate of fear.

Any good government would tell you, such state of emergencies should only be initiated at times when regional institutions are in immediate peril, whether it be by domestic or foreign forces. And I don't see how that is the case here, nor can I fathom how my fellow Council members can stay silent as the institutions they serve are being so unilaterally abused.

I'm all but certain my citizenship will be revoked under these draconian measures and I think it speaks volumes about the unhealthy uniformity of this Council that more members won't have their citizenships revoked. Dissident voices, especially those against such poor leadership, is necessary for an active community. Something which Osiris sorely lacks.

[Kyorgia]

This is a blatant consolidation of power by the Pharaoh for purposes which yet to be seen. There is no need for all these 'emergency' declarations; any security threat could have been properly and speedily addressed by the Council of Scribes. The alleged threat posed by The Grey Wardens is by no means an immediate one.

Honestly, it feels like I'm in a country which has just experienced a coup under the pretences of saving democracy ...

Nothing new democracy died in April.

[Cormac]

Ah yes, me being a recruit for TGW ... A month or so ago, I had a look at their forums to see what all the fuss was about and signed on for the fun of it. Note that I have not posted on their forum, visited their home region, nor taken part in any of their operations. I am about as centrist as they come.

You have indeed posted on the Grey Wardens forum. You posted an application to join the Order of the Grey Wardens, and you were accepted and masked as a recruit, their lowest rank, which you cannot advance beyond without participating in their joining ritual. Thus far, you have not yet participated in their joining ritual, but you remain a recruit and could participate in the joining ritual at any time.

Regardless of your level of participation thus far, you have chosen of your own free will to commit to eventual participation in an organization that, in High Constable Tim Stark's words, believes "in the destruction of invader regions via any legal in-game method including invading them." If that meets your standard for being "centrist," but you regard protecting ourselves from that overt threat as extreme, that just tells us your priorities are far from any concern about the security of Osiris.

This reaction is so disproportionate I don't even know where to begin. If every GCR responded to rumours of a coup, we would be in a never-ending state of emergency crises. But no, we're not. As it so happens, the other GCRs know how to react in a sensible manner. Osiris would do well to learn from us, or at least hold a discussion among its citizenry before declaring what is in effect, martial law.

"Osiris would do well to learn from us," you say? Who comprises this "us"? Are not we all Osirans? Or are you instead primarily a participant in "the other GCRs" and only stop in here on occasion to make noise when you notice something you don't like? We haven't heard much from you since you resigned from the office of Chief Scribe because Lazarenes would not elect you Delegate if you didn't -- and then they didn't elect you Delegate anyway, but I digress. If you're here saying "Osiris would do well to learn from us," implying you are here representing foreign regions and their ideological and political interests, your masking should be that of a diplomat rather than a citizen.

For four and a half years, Osiris tried to model itself after the so-called "democratic" Feeders and Sinkers. Our first government, which eventually collapsed in total chaos after months of infighting and multiple coups, was a so-called "democratic" republic. Our second government, which endured only slightly longer than the first, saw "democracy" expanded, and once again imploded after prolonged infighting. The so-called "democratic" way yielded disorder that made Osiris the butt of every joke told by the so-called "democratic" Feeders and Sinkers, which looked down their noses at Osiris no matter how hard we tried to do things their way. We are done doing things their way. Doing things their way, this situation would have taken weeks, if not months, to resolve, if it had ever been resolved at all. Let me be completely candid: The so-called "democratic" Feeders and Sinkers that lord their rigid ideologies and political preferences over others can take their "sensible manner" of doing things and shove it right up their Fènghuáng.

We have indeed learned from the regions you idolize, and we have learned from them what not to do if we want a secure, stable, active region with a real community instead of a motley crew of opportunists constantly at each other's throats with political posturing and sniping.

Oh please, out to 'destroy Osiris'? Is your head so far up your ideological butthole that you can't distinguish R&D rhetoric with reality? Osiris is secure, in large part due to your paranoia.

Was seizure of our territory rhetoric? Infiltrating our military? When the Grey Wardens unequivocally state that they want to invade and destroy our region, and then follow up those statements with concrete acts of war, we must take them at their word.

You're right, though, Osiris is secure. Osiris is secure because we don't care what outsiders think, and we act to protect ourselves rather than surrendering at foreign behest. We'll make no apologies for that. It's part of what makes us equal to the greatest and better than the rest.

I hate to break it to you Cormac, but this is not a matter of a 'us vs them'. Although I'm sure you would like it to be, dictators thrive on a climate of fear.

In response to this, let me just reiterate your own words, spoken here in Osiris as a citizen of Osiris: "Osiris would do well to learn from us."

Rather speaks for itself as a rebuttal to... yourself. Doesn't it?

Any good government would tell you, such state of emergencies should only be initiated at times when regional institutions are in immediate peril, whether it be by domestic or foreign forces. And I don't see how that is the case here, nor can I fathom how my fellow Council members can stay silent as the institutions they serve are being so unilaterally abused.

Which "good government" would that be? Lazarus, which recently had a Delegate so inactive that they nearly ceased to exist, and had to be recalled by the legislature? The South Pacific, which has toxic political conflict as its main source of activity? From which of these "good governments" should we be taking our marching orders? Most Osirans seem pretty happy with our government. Maybe if you spent more time here instead of only popping in to voice your discontent or just for the monthly purpose of maintaining your citizenship, you would like it here too. It's a shame you've never participated here in any meaningful capacity, just running for a shiny title and then abandoning it when the potential for a shinier title arose in Lazarus. Some regions must find such "cosmopolitanism" valuable. To each their own.

I'm all but certain my citizenship will be revoked under these draconian measures and I think it speaks volumes about the unhealthy uniformity of this Council that more members won't have their citizenships revoked. Dissident voices, especially those against such poor leadership, is necessary for an active community. Something which Osiris sorely lacks.

Your citizenship will only be revoked if you do not repudiate and end your participation in the Order of the Grey Wardens within the 72 hour period articulated by the state of emergency declaration. Speaking your mind is not grounds for revocation of citizenship, but it does help clarify that you hold a very low opinion of Osiris and our community, which leads one to wonder precisely why you are a citizen here. There is, of course, nothing unlawful about being so open in your disdain toward a community to which you swore your loyalty, and you won't be shown the door merely for that. I doubt I'm the only one who would be fine with you seeing yourself out.

Regarding your prescription for chaos supposedly being necessary for an active community, Osiris has over the past few months often been more active than Lazarus or the South Pacific, two of your model "democratic" regions, where all you hear is a cacophony of discord that turns off newcomers and chases longtime participants away. If you're expecting us to apologize because our community finally gets along and we actually like each other and work well together now, well, we're sorry the regions you prefer are so terrible that you want to drag others into the mud with you. It must really be true that misery loves company.

[Derpsy]

A consolidation of power, to combat the vast, shadowy warden threat? Colour me entirely surprised.
Have fun chasing after your figmentary enemies.

[Amerion]

Thus far, you have not yet participated in their joining ritual, but you remain a recruit and could participate in the joining ritual at any time.

Yes ... Because my affinity for defenders outweighs my lack of interest in R&D play.

We haven't heard much from you since you resigned from the office of Chief Scribe because Lazarenes would not elect you Delegate if you didn't -- and then they didn't elect you Delegate anyway

Indeed, I lost to a worthy candidate. However, do take note of how to lose honourably Cormac. You could learn a thing or two from me. I did not throw a petty temper tantrum and coup Lazarus.

For four and a half years, Osiris tried to model itself after the so-called "democratic" Feeders and Sinkers. Our first government, which eventually collapsed in total chaos after months of infighting and multiple coups, was a so-called "democratic" republic. Our second government, which endured only slightly longer than the first, saw "democracy" expanded, and once again imploded after prolonged infighting. The so-called "democratic" way yielded disorder that made Osiris the butt of every joke told by the so-called "democratic" Feeders and Sinkers, which looked down their noses at Osiris no matter how hard we tried to do things their way. We are done doing things their way.

There is nothing fundamentally different between Osiris and Lazarus. We both are sinkers, drawing our strength and population from re-founded nations. I would argue that it is rather the structure and the culture we choose to foster which differentiates our regions.

Despite recent events having greatly diminished your dignity, I would like to think that what is left is enough for you not to stoop so low as to play the victim card. Democracies are by no means Osiris' Achilles heel. Whatever infighting broke up those governments was a result of the culture, not of the structure.

Doing things their way, this situation would have taken weeks, if not months, to resolve, if it had ever been resolved at all.

I would strongly dispute this, the Council of Scribes would have had this handled within a week, if not, a little more than a week.

Let me be completely candid: The so-called "democratic" Feeders and Sinkers that lord their rigid ideologies and political preferences over others can take their "sensible manner" of doing things and shove it right up their Fènghuáng.

... This is so strikingly similar to what a dictator would say in real life.

Was seizure of our territory rhetoric? Infiltrating our military? When the Grey Wardens unequivocally state that they want to invade and destroy our region, and then follow up those statements with concrete acts of war, we must take them at their word.

While I disagree that they pose any threat to the home region, even if they did, this is a disproportionate response.

Which "good government" would that be? Lazarus, which recently had a Delegate so inactive that they nearly ceased to exist, and had to be recalled by the legislature? The South Pacific, which has toxic political conflict as its main source of activity? From which of these "good governments" should we be taking our marching orders? Most Osirans seem pretty happy with our government.

Did you notice how we recalled Starberry? We had a Cabinet discussion about it, which then proceeded to an informal vote and a subsequent recommendation to the Grand Assembly. Then, the people had a discussion about it, and we held a vote. A vote which normally would have normally lasted a week was expedited after receiving approval from elected officials. The entire process was wrapped up in a week - discussion, consensus, vote. It was not a unilateral decision by a nation, it was a joint effort by the entire region.

And we (Osiris) would have been well served if the region discussed this issue and the measures you've taken before you declared them.

Maybe if you spent more time here instead of only popping in to voice your discontent or just for the monthly purpose of maintaining your citizenship, you would like it here too. It's a shame you've never participated here in any meaningful capacity, just running for a shiny title and then abandoning it when the potential for a shinier title arose in Lazarus. Some regions must find such "cosmopolitanism" valuable. To each their own.

If other people had the balls to speak up against this absurdity, I wouldn't be here.

Ah, never participated in any meaningful capacity? You forget that this was the first GCR I started in, after following Ainocra from Monkey Islands and long before Lazraus. You also forget that I was Scribe of Media and Curator before being elected as Chief Scribe. But then again, I suppose your time in exile for treason against the Pharaoh meant you were disconnected from Osiris ... the irony.

Your citizenship will only be revoked if you do not repudiate and end your participation in the Order of the Grey Wardens within the 72 hour period articulated by the state of emergency declaration. Speaking your mind is not grounds for revocation of citizenship, but it does help clarify that you hold a very low opinion of Osiris and our community, which leads one to wonder precisely why you are a citizen here. There is, of course, nothing unlawful about being so open in your disdain toward a community to which you swore your loyalty, and you won't be shown the door merely for that. I doubt I'm the only one who would be fine with you seeing yourself out.

Yes, I have a very low opinion of this community. Standing by while democratic institutions are arbitrarily swept aside is a reason for disappointment.

I've set up my timer, can't wait for the 72 hours to pass.

[Koth]

Don't let the door hit you on the way out.