A House of Cards: A Political RP (IC)

[Great Franconia and Verana]

The OOC > viewtopic.php?f=31&t=258925
Hey all and welcome to a House of Cards, an American Political RP. You take control of a politician right after an election. The New President needs to pic his staff. How will you make your way to the top? Will you lie and backstab your way there, or will you suck up, and attach yourself to the right man?
The year is 2012, and the Old President is out, and the new one is in. Yet he must pick his cabinet, and staff. Your goal is to rise through the ranks, or to simply get a certain position.
You decide!

The White House
The sounds of clinking glasses filled the room, along with the laughs of Politicians, overjoyed with their recent Victory. The Democrats had won, there savior, Senator Humphrey Appleby, and their New President.
Christina Durant smiled her best, albeit fake, smile. Seeming as though it was the thousandth time she had done so tonight. As the White House Chief of Staff, Christina's job was to be here, smiling, making crappy small talk with people who did not really like each other. The Director of California Park Administration, a short, sour little man, shook her hand a little too long.


"Creep," Durant thought as she smiled, and moved on, to the next delegate, and the next and the next. Such festivities were a trivial affair, such hypocritical speeches and false promises. Finally she , made it over to the Buffet, only to be cornered by the Governor of Utah, and unpleasant man to say the least.
"Congress was was civilized compared to this," Durant thought to herself. Sometimes she wondered, is it worthwhile to work at the Whitehouse, amid such scum and villainy?
"It is," she thought swiftly. She was the White House Chief of Staff. Get on her bad side, and your about as effective as a Eunuch in a Brothel.

[Themiclesia]

The Capitol Hill. Senate Chamber.

President Appleby, after taking his oath of office as the President of the USA, arrives at the Congress, in a joint session of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, in the Senate Chamber, and readies himself for his speech. It is his first time in such a grand and imposing occasion, but he has prepared with his advisers and staff thoroughly and completely.

"Honourable Senators, and the Honourable Members of the House of Representatives: I have petitioned both houses in this Congress so that I might deliver urgent and pressing words to you, in information of my desires and objects which I strive to achieve in this office, and also the conveyance of needy legislation which I have thought fit to present a preliminary draft, or drafts, as the case may be, for your consideration and deliberation."

He pauses slightly and takes a sip of water. He stands on the slightly elevated platform in the centre of the Senate Chamber, and looks at the senators seated, and Representatives standing at the Bar of the House.

"And also, if I may have the gracious indulgence of these honourable Houses, I shall also take the opportunity to present to your attention, the nominees of my colleagues in the Cabinet. Firstly, Mr de Verre, to be responsible for Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs, and Education."

[Britanania]

Capitol Hill, January 20, 2013

Lucius Augustus, the Speaker of the House, listened as the triumphant Appleby gave his nominees for his Cabinet. Augustus liked Appleby; he was a good gut, a wholesale person popular in his own party and, obviously, the American people. However, he doubted that his policy of "peace is best" wouldn't fly in a global climate that was hanging on a precipice. With civil unrest in the Middle East, the United States will have to get involved.

[Great Franconia and Verana]

Christina Durant stood at one side of the great Podium in the Senate chamber, as the new President began his speech. Appleby was eloquent, and an excellent speaker, but not in the thundering, spirit rousing way. He exuded confidence, quietly inspiring those around him. He was a good man, kind, and caring, and certainly capable.
"But a fool," Durant thought, smiling softly. " Appleby was charming, and was passionate about seriously helping America, but he was trusting, and was, in Durant's opinion, not willing to make hard, swift decisions.


But, he was her President, and she was his Chief of Staff. He gave her that position, and she would be his supporter. Christina Durant listened to Appleby's speech, nodding with interest as he announced the Secretary of State. De Verre had run against Appleby in the Election, and despite his catastrophic loss, was still a dissenting voice amongst the government.

Durant rubbed an eye, yawning slightly. The party last night had take its toll, and she was exhausted. But it was bright and early at it tomorrow as the White House never gets weekends off. As Head of the White House, she never did either.

[Prince-Bishopric Of Liege]

The Capitol Hill, State Chamber

Thomas got out of the big black car, adjusting his red silk tie with one hand. The news of Appleby’s victory was widespread by now and Thomas felt somewhat relieved. He had never hoped to become president, since his candidacy had always been the minor of the three, but he did hope that he had made a valuable contribution.

He watched his car depart. Thomas owned a black Mercedes Benz S-class, but as a presidential nominee, driving around in European sedans wouldn’t improve his standing and he had been forced to swap his far superior Mercedes for a stretch Chrysler. He quickly walked through the corridors of the Congress, dodging journalists left and right and arrived just in time for the President’s first speech. Appleby was a very skilled orator and he had a appealing nature. It was easy to see why he had become President. Next to him stood Christina Durant with her slightly wooden smile. She was a women to be reckoned with.

When the President started to name his Cabinet, Thomas paid attention. He had guessed that the President would give him –more or less- a consolation price, but his posting was better than he could ever imagine. It took him a moment to recover and he slowly walked forward, nearly slipping on the stairs. He turned around and added: “I did that on intention” getting a few laughes from the gathered public.

Thomas shook hands with Appleby and said: “My honest congratulations, Mister President. I am certain that you will do a better job than I could ever do, and you can always count on my full support.” Turning back to the audience, he added: “Honourable Senators, and the Honourable Members of the House of Representatives, Honorable President, I am honoured to become a part of this administration and I do solemnly promise that I will do my very best to support the President and to help America in the countless challenges that it is facing, both abroad and at home.”

[Astholm]

John Hoyte was in the Senate Chamber. He was listening intently and acted calmly. He decided not to make hasty judgments about the President; it was too soon, and would be unkind, anyway. He'd driven in, in his own 1994 Toyota Corolla 1.8 GLi sedan, finished in Bronze Gold. He also owned a 2011 Chevrolet Impala 3.5 V6 LT auto, finished in a Ruby Red shade. Unlike Thomas, he had no such qualms about branding; he'd recommend that Thomas drove something like a Toyota Camry (which would, he reckoned, still improve his standing, as the Camry was U.S.-built, and a fine vehicle at that, in his opinion.). John knew his automobiles inside and out; he was like a walking Wikipedia on the subject. Earlier he'd seen Thomas driving the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and thought, good car, but not quite as good as, say, a Holden or Toyota. He'd driven one in Wigan as a hire car when back on home turf in Wigan and it felt a little rough; it was a newish 2012 car, but it did sway his opinion somewhat.

He didn't feel tired surprisingly; just interested to know the ins-and-outs, as he was new to politics. A baptism of fire, yes, but it seemed to be going well so far.
How long he could keep the momentum going was, well, anyone's guess, but he wasn't the type to put up a facade - he was plain-spoken if inoffensive.

John knew there were pressing issues for his department; imported cars from Canada and people complaining they couldn't import exotic Canadian and Mexican cars due to U.S. automobile import laws, the fact there was a new McDonald's rival from Central Europe which was making inroads into their territory, and motor industry complaints about the previous Government.
In his opinion, the economic issues were bigger than the Middle East ones; it was more pressing for the U.S., he thought. Foreign policy issues weren't his sphere and he had more pressing priorities.

He hoped that Appleby could help him with this. In any case, he was thinking about how to get the Senate to investigate the automobile import trade, but didn't know when to raise the issue.

John had a can of Diet Coke with him, and took a small sip from it. It quenched his thirst so he felt a little better and made him feel a little more alert; but would he become a Coke addict? Hopefully not, but then again... it may be unhealthy but not in the same league as illegal drugs.

[Lunas Legion]

Nathan listened intently as Appleby announced the Cabnet. He didn't trust Appleby; 'Peace is best' as a policy didn't sit well with him, having served with the Army for a long time with the 96th CA battalion and 95th CA Brigade.

But it would be interesting to see whether Appleby remained true to his policy, especally with the highly volatile political situation looming over the Middle East. It was a area which he had experience in; one didn't serve as the Ambassador to Iraq and not gain any experience in the situation over there. Some of the states were relatively stable, some volatile and some that were just bombs waiting to blow.

He couldn't help but think of Israel and Iran at the last statement. But, he would watch, wait and see where the political winds blew. He didn't have time for the backstabbing ways of the political elites, he was a straightforward, practical man. He didn't hide behind half-truths, he said how he was. And he certianly didn't fit with either of the main parties.

[Great Franconia and Verana]

Christina Durant rolled her eyes as the Secretary of State finished his speech.
"How grossly repetitive." She thought to herself. "If he bloody well says anything more with the root word of Honour, I'll smack him one."
She only wished she could actually say so. Yet when in politics, you must make allies, and de Verre was a powerful member of the cabinet, and while she may not like him, his policy must be good for the President to give him the Position.
As the camera panned away from her side of the bench, she whipped out her phone, swiftly reviewing the Presidents schedule.
Meetings, meetings, and more meetings.
"They are going to be thedeath of me," She said, slipping her phone back into her pocket.

[Cylarn]

General Lewis Farrell was the highest-ranking military official in the United States, despite being rather anonymous. He liked it that way, as he wasn't a big fan of the media, and had worked hard to remain out of the spotlight, despite his myriad of accomplishments during his long career in the US Army. As the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, it was his job to coordinate military objectives alongside the Joint Chiefs, the President, and the Secretary of Defense. As a result, he was at the Capitol Building during the President's speech, sitting beside Secretary Dunne during the speech. Dressed in his Army Class A uniform, decorated with a large rack of ribbons and badges, his appearance clashed with that of his colleagues in the room. Like Secretary Dunne, General Farrell felt as though peace was unavoidable, with the turbulent situation in the Middle East. With the many commitments made by the US in the region, they couldn't just sit by the sideline. Diplomacy would be tough for the situation, and military intervention was likely. Either way, with American morale at a low point due to the War on Terror, it would be harder than expected, unless the military could pull off some sort of powerful victory, one that would raise morale. The morale and patriotism of the American people was a finite resource, and in order to gather that resource, the government would have to appeal to the masses. With the military, the American people wanted conflicts to be quick, powerful, and with little loss of life on the American side. Right now, that wasn't the case, and the media was only fueling the opposition to American military involvement in the Middle East, by acting as though US and ISAF forces were taking heavy casualties, while the insurgents were out-performing their well-equipped rivals.

This was a fallacy, of course. General Farrell had been in the Middle East, and he had seen the classified intel that the government hadn't released to the public. ISAF was prevailing, against all odds, and once ISAF pulled out, the new Afghan government would hopefully be able to deal with its own problems. Still though, this wasn't what the American public wanted; the war was supposed to have ended in 2001, and they didn't have the knowledge or thinking skills to realize how to actually conduct a counter-insurgency campaign while also rebuilding a country that had been falling apart since 1979.

[Themiclesia]

The White House, 2 PM.

After the President finished delivering his 4-hour-long message to the Congress, he returns to his official residence in the White House, which looks like a dump of suitcases, boxes, and filing cabinets, since he's not quite finished moving in yet. He had said the most sincere words of encouragement to his defeated opponent, which he meant by all heart.

The President then proceeds to open his suitcases, unseal the boxes, and push the filing cabinets into their rightful places, hanging his multiple suits onto the wardrobe, and putting his books, papers, and pencils onto his desk.

However, desirous that he should be running the nation from day one and be a good servant to the Congress, such as he purport himself, he has requested the cabinet ministers to meet at the cabinet room in the White House later this evening. He had to apologise profusely for calling in great officers of state at the inconvenient hour of 8 in the evening.

"Yes," he says into the phone, "my dear Mr de Veere, I am so sorry to call upon you at this hour... yes... if I might have your gracious presence at my residence... yes"

"Ha ha, yes, but I remind you that it was I who must move, not you... yes... please do come."

And of course, the moving company has dumped all his other files onto the cabinet room's great table, and left without a trace. This table must be cleared so that his officers could see each other when discussing, which was desirable in some ways.

And then he left a small note for the staff at the White House:

If it might not remove you from your duties, I should like immediate assistance in clearing the cabinet room for a cabinet meeting.

Yours most sincerely, etc.,

Appleby.

Before the first cabinet meeting, he feels necessary to consult with his private secretaries and private staff, so he gives Durant a message:

My most esteemed chief of the White House staff:
I have called upon the officers of state for a cabinet meeting later today, and you must have something that you had wanted to say to me, such as you appear earlier today at the reception.

If it be not inconvenient, I shall be in the Blue Room at 5 this evening ensuing to await your company.

[Great Franconia and Verana]

Christina Durant slowly strolled into her Office at the White House, her personal effects still scattered in large boxes about the room. But then again, the entire white house was like this.
Slowly sitting into her chair, she smiled, comfortable to be the most powerful person in the Building... except for the President of course.
Ah the President, a windbag if ever there was one. Durant could have given the speech with more vigour. Yet he won the votes, and she would serve him loyally. But there was something charming about him. Something Christina had yet to figure out.

A letter on the table caught her eye, and she picked it up, and with a flourish of her thumb nail, the envelope spit open.

My most esteemed chief of the White House staff:
I have called upon the officers of state for a cabinet meeting later today, and you must have something that you had wanted to say to me, such as you appear earlier today at the reception.

If it be not inconvenient, I shall be in the Blue Room at 5 this evening ensuing to await your company

"You have got to be kidding me," Christina said aloud, rolling her head back in despair. Yet duty called. Swiftly composing herself, and with a quick pit stop in the mirror to make sure she was presentable, she marched off the Blue Room.
As the Butler opened the door , Durant walked in, smiling her best politician smile.

"Mr. President, congratulations on your speech, very rousing if I may say so myself." Lie
"And im sure the rest of the Chamber thought so too!" Lie
"You wished to see me? I look forward to commencing my duties." Surprisingly truthful.

[Cylarn]

1400
The Pentagon

At the Pentagon, General Farrell sat in his office, going over reports from various US Military Combatant Commands and other military installations. His office was adorned with various pictures, framed plaques, and other items from his long service to Uncle Samuel. From his Basic Training Graduation Portrait and his Commissioning Portrait, to his diplomas, photos, and his Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Portrait, each item told a story about his life. Perhaps his most important item were the two Model 1851 Army Staff & Field Officers' Swords that were mounted on a display rack behind him. The swords belonged to two of his ancestors, who had fought on opposite sides during the Civil War. They were brothers, and although their bond was tight, their loyalties and views on the state of the nation at the differed. Fortunately, both men survived the war and Confederate General Isaiah Farrell and his regiment surrendered to General Elijah Farrell, and both men later served in the Indian Wars out west. The swords were important relics of the Farrell Family, and had been passed down from generation to generation.

Aside from business, Farrell was also dealing with some personal issues. He and his wife Veronica had 3 kids; Chet was an Army Captain, Emma was a First Lieutenant in the Marine Corps, and George was the first Farrell in generations that had actually decided not to pursue a military career. George was the youngest and most wild of the Farrell children. While Chet and Emma went to the Alma Mater of their other family members, George refused to do the same, and instead attended American University, dropping out his Sophmore Year in order to pursue a career in art. In his late 20s, George was an avid alcoholic and drug addict who often participated in various protest movements, from Occupy Wall Street to anti-NATO protests. Obviously, it made Lewis look like a bad parent, but George made his own choices and cut his ties with the family. Now, he had been arrested during an anti-war protest outside of Fort Bragg and was desperately trying to get his parents to bail himself and his fellow protesters out of the Fayetteville jail. Soon, he and Veronica began speaking over the phone about what to do. While Veronica was much more merciful than her husband, both of them were veterans and as a result, had been insulted by their son's actions.

"No," was the collective response from the two. "You cut your ties and turned your back on the family, so now you have to fend for yourself. You made your choices, and you made them poorly. You have not only insulted us, but you have insulted everything that our family has stood for. You're on your own now, George."

It was a cold and ruthless act for two parents to turn their backs on their child, but they had put up with George's antics for years. It was time for George to fend for himself and climb out of the hole he dug for himself.

The White House, 2 PM.

After the President finished delivering his 4-hour-long message to the Congress, he returns to his official residence in the White House, which looks like a dump of suitcases, boxes, and filing cabinets, since he's not quite finished moving in yet.

The President then proceeds to open his suitcases, unseal the boxes, and push the filing cabinets into their rightful places, hanging his multiple suits onto the wardrobe, and putting his books, papers, and pencils onto his desk.

However, desirous that he should be running the nation from day one and be a good servant to the Congress, such as he purport himself, he has requested the cabinet ministers to meet at the cabinet room in the White House later this evening. He had to apologise profusely for calling in great officers of state at the inconvenient hour of 8 in the evening.

"Yes," he says into the phone, "my dear Mr de Veere, I am so sorry to call upon you at this hour... yes... if I might have your gracious presence at my residence... yes"

"Ha ha, yes, but I remind you that it was I who must move, not you... yes... please do come."

And of course, the moving company has dumped all his other files onto the cabinet room's great table, and left without a trace. This table must be cleared so that his officers could see each other when discussing, which was desirable in some ways.

And then he left a small note for the staff at the White House:

If it might not remove you from your duties, I should like immediate assistance in clearing the cabinet room for a cabinet meeting.

Yours most sincerely, etc.,

Appleby.

Before the first cabinet meeting, he feels necessary to consult with his private secretaries and private staff, so he gives Durant a message:

My most esteemed chief of the White House staff:
I have called upon the officers of state for a cabinet meeting later today, and you must have something that you had wanted to say to me, such as you appear earlier today at the reception.

If it be not inconvenient, I shall be in the Blue Room at 5 this evening ensuing to await your company.

A message soon arrived for General Farrell, informing him of a meeting at the White House. Along with the Director of the Joint Staff, Marine Corps Lieutenant General John Greeley, and the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman, Army Command Sergeant Major Dan Preston, Farrell was ferried to the White House in a black Escalade, escorted by 2 black Tahoes. After a ride through D.C., the vehicles arrived outside the White House, and the three men exited the vehicle. As they made their way to the Oval Office, they stood out among the various employees of the White House and the tourists. Each man walked with a brisk stride, with LTG Greeley and CSM Preston on opposite sides behind General Farrell. Upon arriving at the secretary's desk, General Farrell informed the secretary to inform President Appleby that they had arrived and were waiting to speak with him. As they waited, the three men sat down on some nearby chairs and couches and discussed the much-lighter topic of collegiate swimming. One thing that the three men had in common was that they had all been competitive swimmers; Farrell swam for Norwich University, Greeley had swum for Annapolis, and Preston had been a high school swimmer.

[Astholm]

John had made his way through Washington D.C.
The Toyota drove smoothly, although it was a bit old and worn by comparison with the black Government cars. He'd had it for years, but wouldn't give it up. It was safe, trusty and reliable - sort of like him.

Unlike some of his contemporaries, he had never been married or had children; he was either travelling, or working, well, he had worked for General Motors for some years, leaving in 2011.
He also had a car made by them, but rarely driven, a Canadian-spec Chevrolet Impala 3.9 V6 LTZ, but that was kept off-road. It still had Oshawa reg plates on.

He would be going back to Wigan soon, even with the flight distance, but the White House was more important.

He reached the White House, and parked the Corolla up. It stood out amongst the rest of the vehicles; black government Chevrolet Tahoes and a medium Corolla? That had to be a The Truth About Cars moment!

Next, he let the secretary know he had entered the building, and saw General Farrell.

However, he felt he did not fit in amongst them, he could hear their voices but had no confidence speaking to them; they were from military backgrounds, and, he, well, he was a Wigan boy who'd gone into the big world of the automobile industry. Whether they'd understand his Wigan accent, well, that's another thing, he thought.

He turned towards General Farrell, Greeley and Preston and was ready to get down to business.

[Cylarn]

John had made his way through Washington D.C.
The Toyota drove smoothly, although it was a bit old and worn by comparison with the black Government cars. He'd had it for years, but wouldn't give it up. It was safe, trusty and reliable - sort of like him.

Unlike some of his contemporaries, he had never been married or had children; he was either travelling, or working, well, he had worked for General Motors for some years, leaving in 2011.
He also had a car made by them, but rarely driven, a Canadian-spec Chevrolet Impala 3.9 V6 LTZ, but that was kept off-road. It still had Oshawa reg plates on.

He would be going back to Wigan soon, even with the flight distance, but the White House was more important.

He reached the White House, and parked the Corolla up. It stood out amongst the rest of the vehicles; black government Chevrolet Tahoes and a medium Corolla? That had to be a The Truth About Cars moment!

Next, he let the secretary know he had entered the building, and saw General Farrell.

However, he felt he did not fit in amongst them, he could hear their voices but had no confidence speaking to them; they were from military backgrounds, and, he, well, he was a Wigan boy who'd gone into the big world of the automobile industry. Whether they'd understand his Wigan accent, well, that's another thing, he thought.

He turned towards General Farrell, Greeley and Preston and was ready to get down to business.

As Hoyte entered the waiting area, he would get a sense that these 3 men were somewhat intimidating, with their numerous ribbons and badges on their dress uniforms. As Hoyte approached them, Farrell's eyes locked on to those of Hoyte, his dark brown eyes carefully examining the younger Senator. Farrell wasn't a fan of politicians; he was an old warhorse, used to being on the ground with his men. He preferred to be on the ground, rather than be behind a desk, but Washington beckoned for him, and as a Farrell, he had to comply. Before Hoyte could even give the gentlemen a greeting, Farrell spoke up, speaking with the accent of a Southern gentleman (Think of the Governor from The Walking Dead, or Kevin Spacey in House of Cards. The sound of their voices will give you an idea of what Farrell sounds like.)

"Senator Hoyte, is it?" he asked as he stood up and held out his right hand to the young man. "General Lewis Farrell, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

[Lunas Legion]

Nathan considered why he'd gone into politics as he drove through Washington. He'd wanted to do something with his life; that was for sure. But when he joined the army, he'd never considered where he might end up, and he especally didn't consider the White House as a possibility.

Yet here he was, driving his dark blue Cadillac sedan through the streets of Washington DC, on his way to the White House and the first meeting of the Cabinet. No doubt his fellow Secretaries were already there, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs as well. Nathan was slightly relieved that a fellow ex-soldier would be there; someone who would no doubt dislike the petty intrigues of the White House just as much as he did.

As Nathan pulled up at the White House, he spotted a lone Toyota amongst all the black government cars. Obviously one of his fellow members was a fan of foreign cars, but he preferred American cars for the sole reason they were American, and simple. Not full of all those Japanese or European electronic gizmos.

As Nathan walked into the White House, he informed the secretary of his presence before he noticed General Farrell and another man, presumably a senator, who he didn't recognise.

[Britanania]

Speaker Augustus' Office, January 20, 2013

After the President's rather lengthy discourse, Lucius returned to his office on Independence Avenue, just across from Capitol Hill. Things in the Ohio 10th District were fine. Of course suburbanisation was an issue in Cleveland, there was little legislation that could help that. Events in the Middle East, however, were spiraling out of control since December of 2010, and the Speaker was curious to see how and if the new President would respond to this. He was promising peace, but in this day and age that would be a hard policy to stick to.

The economy was still in dire straits, so he had that on his plate as well. He stood to stretch, checking his pocket watch and calling out to his secretary.

"I'm going for a walk. Cancel the rest of my appointments for today."

[Astholm]

As Hoyte entered the waiting area, he would get a sense that these 3 men were somewhat intimidating, with their numerous ribbons and badges on their dress uniforms. As Hoyte approached them, Farrell's eyes locked on to those of Hoyte, his dark brown eyes carefully examining the younger Senator. Farrell wasn't a fan of politicians; he was an old warhorse, used to being on the ground with his men. He preferred to be on the ground, rather than be behind a desk, but Washington beckoned for him, and as a Farrell, he had to comply. Before Hoyte could even give the gentlemen a greeting, Farrell spoke up, speaking with the accent of a Southern gentleman (Think of the Governor from The Walking Dead, or Kevin Spacey in House of Cards. The sound of their voices will give you an idea of what Farrell sounds like.)

"Senator Hoyte, is it?" he asked as he stood up and held out his right hand to the young man. "General Lewis Farrell, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

"John's the name", he said, "Nice to meet you.". His Wigan accent became more obvious. He was no politician either, more a motor industry-employee-turned-blogger-turned-political-campaigner who became a politician.

John wasn't that young, at 36, but he wasn't quite middle-aged either. "Guess it must be hard being new to politics, eh?" he enquired, in a friendly manner. "I used to be in the motor industry before now."

He wasn't intimidated by the men, just not sure what was the right etiquette to do; well, in his previous lines of work he rarely if ever came across military leaders, and well, his knowledge was limited.

"So, anyone want a mint?", he asked in a gentle tone. He pulled out a packet of mints from his trouser pocket.

[Themiclesia]

The President didn't exactly want them to meet him at the oval office, because that room is currently a mess and the furniture have been piled up to make space for the boxes. That would be most embarrassing. However, the secretaries informed him of his officers' arrival. They were early, and they are apparently in the waiting room.

He picked up a phone, and asked the secretary to inform the officers that he will instead meet them at the Yellow Room, on the 3rd floor. Meanwhile, he thinks about what he will say before the formal cabinet meeting. First he will meet the military officers, as he believes that the former president's disclosures of military conditions had been hasty, and, as commander-in-chief of the military, he ought to make himself aware of the latest state of affairs.

Being partly dusty, he hurries back to his living quarters, and changes into a sky-blue shirt and a grey cardigan. A dark blue tie fits the demur and informal occasion.

He then approaches the couches in that Yellow Room, and calls the secretaries to inform the officers that he is ready to meet them, in the designated place.

Yellow Room, the White House, 14:45

[Cylarn]

The President didn't exactly want them to meet him at the oval office, because that room is currently a mess and the furniture have been piled up to make space for the boxes. That would be most embarrassing. However, the secretaries informed him of his officers' arrival. They were early, and they are apparently in the waiting room.

He picked up a phone, and asked the secretary to inform the officers that he will instead meet them at the Yellow Room, on the 3rd floor. Meanwhile, he thinks about what he will say before the formal cabinet meeting. First he will meet the military officers, as he believes that the former president's disclosures of military conditions had been hasty, and, as commander-in-chief of the military, he ought to make himself aware of the latest state of affairs.

Being partly dusty, he hurries back to his living quarters, and changes into a sky-blue shirt and a grey cardigan. A dark blue tie fits the demur and informal occasion.

He then approaches the couches in that Yellow Room, and calls the secretaries to inform the officers that he is ready to meet them, in the designated place.

Yellow Room, the White House, 14:45

Upon receiving the green light from the secretary, Farrell nodded to Senator Hoyte and joined his fellow officers on the way to the Yellow Room for their meeting with the President. The three men made their way over to the Yellow Room and promptly spotted the President, with Farrell taking the lead.

"Sir, I am General Lewis Farrell, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff," he said holding out his right hand. "The men behind me are Lieutenant General John Greeley, the Director of the Joint Staff, and Command Sergeant Major Daniel Preston, my Senior Enlisted Advisor. It's an honor to meet you sir."

[Great Franconia and Verana]

Chief of Staff Christina Durant sits in the Yellow Room, along with the President. As the Head of the White House, it was her job to keep the President up to date, and to accompany him into any meetings. As the Three rather spectacularly uniformed officers marched into the room, Christina sighed slightly.

"The Military, where people go seeking power." She thought, " Yet that power is so fleeting, so temporary. If any of them could think, we would not even have an army."

Standing, with her hand extended, Durant smiled her charming smile.

"General," she said politely. " I am Christina Durant, White House Chief of Staff, it is a pleasure to meet all of you."

[Themiclesia]

The President didn't exactly want them to meet him at the oval office, because that room is currently a mess and the furniture have been piled up to make space for the boxes. That would be most embarrassing. However, the secretaries informed him of his officers' arrival. They were early, and they are apparently in the waiting room.

He picked up a phone, and asked the secretary to inform the officers that he will instead meet them at the Yellow Room, on the 3rd floor. Meanwhile, he thinks about what he will say before the formal cabinet meeting. First he will meet the military officers, as he believes that the former president's disclosures of military conditions had been hasty, and, as commander-in-chief of the military, he ought to make himself aware of the latest state of affairs.

Being partly dusty, he hurries back to his living quarters, and changes into a sky-blue shirt and a grey cardigan. A dark blue tie fits the demur and informal occasion.

He then approaches the couches in that Yellow Room, and calls the secretaries to inform the officers that he is ready to meet them, in the designated place.

Yellow Room, the White House, 14:45

Upon receiving the green light from the secretary, Farrell nodded to Senator Hoyte and joined his fellow officers on the way to the Yellow Room for their meeting with the President. The three men made their way over to the Yellow Room and promptly spotted the President, with Farrell taking the lead.

"Sir, I am General Lewis Farrell, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff," he said holding out his right hand. "The men behind me are Lieutenant General John Greeley, the Director of the Joint Staff, and Command Sergeant Major Daniel Preston, my Senior Enlisted Advisor. It's an honor to meet you sir."

The President turned around swiftly to face the incoming visitors. He heard the declaration made by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, loudly and clearly, yet without imposition in demeanour. He quickly held out his hand in replication of the friendly gesture.

"Good evening, General."

After the shake and amiable smile, he goes then to the Senator Hoyte.

"Good evening, Senator," he said casually and easily, yet not improperly, "and good evening to you too, General, and the Director too. Please, do make yourselves comfortable, with whatever furniture that is yet not occupied by boxes. I should have the oval office cleared out by sometime this week, and we can have you there in the future. Madame," he beaconed to the attendant, "please, if you will bring some tea or coffee for the gentlemen here."

The attendant hurried off to get the drinks.

"Now," he said more officiously, "I know that it is most improper that I have you here at such short notice and then without the other Secretaries of State, but, as you probably already know, I have made a promise to the Congress that I should be running the union from the day I set foot in this place. And furthermore," he paused.

"Furthermore the most esteemed former President, shall we say was rather hasty in delivering certain information to me, and left... certain questions unanswered. I know that the former President was severely pressed for time as he ransacked through this place bringing everything with him, leaving me with next to nothing, so I think you can inform me of what is on your minds at this time."

The attendant cam back with a tray with a teapot, three cups, and some milk and sugar.

"Please, madame, have them on the tea table," he softly said to the attendant, "thank you, and that will be all."

The attendant then left on cue.

[Cylarn]

General Farrell and his assistants soon shook hands with Miss Durant and President Appleby and exchanged pleasantries before the politicians and the military personnel took their seats on the couches, listening intently to the President as he discussed his desire to learn of the current situations at hand. The world was a shit-hole, with incidents in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, and other parts of the world showing no signs of ceasing their unrest. When asked about the current state of military affairs, he decided to speak up.

"Mr. President, as you are aware, the International Security Assistance Force that is in Afghanistan has announced their plans to withdraw from Afghanistan by 2014, but even that deadline is a little quick," he stated. "Civilian media sources are embellishin' the story and makin' it seem more desperate than it really is. Yes, Taliban and Al Qaeda insurgents are still active and threatenin' stability, but the operations that haven't been disclosed to the public have been largely successful, especially as our conventional combat arms elements are beginnin' to pull out. I am also sure that you are aware of various Green-on-Blue incidents, correct? If not, the term describes incidents in which personnel in the Afghan Military and Security Forces turn their weapons on ISAF troops. Currently, we have Army Criminal Investigation Service personnel, as well as Criminal Investigation personnel from other branches assistin' the Afghan government in settin' up organizations to properly detect and prevent Green-on-Blue incidents."

"Aside from that, you are also aware of the incidents in Libya, with the collapse of Colonel Ghadaffi's government," he said. "Currently, the elements of the new Libyan government are attempting to reform the government and rebuild their military. My suggestion for that issue is that we send in advisors to aid them in rebuildin' their armed forces. Rebuildin' them is easier said than done, as they will be dealin' with the issue of Ghadaffi loyalist forces that have surrendered, and integratin' the anti-Ghadaffi militias into the military. Those aren't the only issues, but if we aid them in stabilizin' their defense and government situations, we can guarantee their support."

"In Syria, we have the Syrian people callin' for the resignation of President Bashar al-Asad," he said. "There are riots all over Syria, and the Syrian government is fightin' a rebel group known as the Free Syrian Army, which is comprised of ex-Syrian military officers who have defected, as well as other deserters and civilians wishin' to depose al-Asad. Many nations are beginnin' to recognize the newly-formed Syrian National Council as the legitimate government of Syria. We are also seein' intelligence reports detailing Jihadist elements within the FSA, such as Al Qaeda. This presents a serious, 'cause even though the FSA and the SNC haven't announced their support of Al Qaeda or the other Jihadist elements, their combat experience and trainin' in unconventional warfare is valuable to the FSA. If we assist the FSA by supplyin' them with weaponry and military equipment, we will also be facin' the possibility of armin' elements of Al Qaeda, and this could potentially destabilize the situation in the case that the SNC and FSA announce their distain of the Jihadist and Islamist elements in their nation, but such an event is unlikely, given the current state of affairs."

"I'll sum up Yemen and Iraq with this: they're shit," he continued. "Iraq is still dealin' with sectarian violence, bureaucratic issues, and terrorism, and the same can be said of Yemen, but I'd classify Yemen as much more of a threat, as they have been affected by the Arab Spring. I'm afraid that intervenin' in Yemen and Afghanistan would be extremely risky for us, and we'd have to deal with it in due time. Both nations are receivin' support from the US, but they're still strugglin'."

"In Egypt, the oustin' of President Hosni Mubarak has resulted in the formation of a military junta that now controls the nation," he carried on. "The people are protestin' against the junta, callin' for elections to discover a new President. Islamist elements are active, and the situation is pretty hairy."

"As we can see, the Arab Spring has complicated issues further, as we are not only havin' to deal with Afghanistan and Pakistan, but we are havin' to handle growin' Arab militancy in the wake of the collapse of these governments that have stood since the days of Pan-Arab Nationalism, and we'll have to thread carefully, Mr. President. In the event that military action is necessary, I am here to offer support whenever you need it."

[Themiclesia]

The President initially was fairly relaxed before the divers and sundry weighty declarations of the Chairman had almost brought him to realisation of the weight of his duties.

The situation in Afghanistan is bearable, as at least some success carried therewith. And since the military doesn't think that it is impossible to withdraw troops from that tin-pot little country before 2014, he will press for 2013, preferably before the elections begins during the middle of his term. Unlike the military commanders, the President had to care about politics, and his popularity. Getting as may votes as possible, and as quickly and timely as possible is very important for the politician.

As for the Green-on-Blue situation, the President already had some exposure thereto, provided that as Senator he had visited Afghanistan, including several remote towns. All that is needed is a bit of 'oiling' with the Afghani leadership; this could happen in the way of trade concessions, or, at the worst, some brown envelopes that went the wrong way in the post. As for judicial matters, he is prepared to form a commission of senior justices to investigate the situation, and see if a system of customary law can be instituted there, without of course applying the Sharia.

The situation in Libya is one that the President could work off. He could fix this entire country and gain a halo on his head. The advice of the general is fully accepted, along with trade negotiations with the Secretaries of State.

The situation is Syria is a bit tricky, as the several forces and powers are intertwined with each other. It may even become necessary eventually to dispose of both forces and install a pro-US democratic government.

"Thank you," the President said, "for your information. Is there anything which you think is necessary or urgent that I do?"

[Cylarn]

The President initially was fairly relaxed before the divers and sundry weighty declarations of the Chairman had almost brought him to realisation of the weight of his duties.

The situation in Afghanistan is bearable, as at least some success carried therewith. And since the military doesn't think that it is impossible to withdraw troops from that tin-pot little country before 2014, he will press for 2013, preferably before the elections begins during the middle of his term. Unlike the military commanders, the President had to care about politics, and his popularity. Getting as may votes as possible, and as quickly and timely as possible is very important for the politician.

As for the Green-on-Blue situation, the President already had some exposure thereto, provided that as Senator he had visited Afghanistan, including several remote towns. All that is needed is a bit of 'oiling' with the Afghani leadership; this could happen in the way of trade concessions, or, at the worst, some brown envelopes that went the wrong way in the post. As for judicial matters, he is prepared to form a commission of senior justices to investigate the situation, and see if a system of customary law can be instituted there, without of course applying the Sharia.

The situation in Libya is one that the President could work off. He could fix this entire country and gain a halo on his head. The advice of the general is fully accepted, along with trade negotiations with the Secretaries of State.

The situation is Syria is a bit tricky, as the several forces and powers are intertwined with each other. It may even become necessary eventually to dispose of both forces and install a pro-US democratic government.

"Thank you," the President said, "for your information. Is there anything which you think is necessary or urgent that I do?"

During his assessment of the security situation, General Farrell had been watching the President's reaction to each issue, and the President seemed like he was confident about each issue. Still though, Farrell knew for a fact that Appleby was a politician, and rather than always making the right calls, Farrell knew that the sole motivation of politicians was to get re-elected, and Appleby would make the calls that impressed the majority of Americans, and what the majority wanted wasn't always the best decision for America's future. Farrell didn't want the President to just blow him off and disregard his advice; Farrell's job was to serve as the President's principal military advisor, and he was going to advise the President on the best course of action to take. He needed to know what Appleby's opinion on each matter was, and how he intended to deal with each.

"I'd like to hear your opinion on each situation, sir," he requested. "It would give me a better understandin' of what your goals are when it comes to dealin' with these current incidents."

[Themiclesia]

The President initially was fairly relaxed before the divers and sundry weighty declarations of the Chairman had almost brought him to realisation of the weight of his duties.

The situation in Afghanistan is bearable, as at least some success carried therewith. And since the military doesn't think that it is impossible to withdraw troops from that tin-pot little country before 2014, he will press for 2013, preferably before the elections begins during the middle of his term. Unlike the military commanders, the President had to care about politics, and his popularity. Getting as may votes as possible, and as quickly and timely as possible is very important for the politician.

As for the Green-on-Blue situation, the President already had some exposure thereto, provided that as Senator he had visited Afghanistan, including several remote towns. All that is needed is a bit of 'oiling' with the Afghani leadership; this could happen in the way of trade concessions, or, at the worst, some brown envelopes that went the wrong way in the post. As for judicial matters, he is prepared to form a commission of senior justices to investigate the situation, and see if a system of customary law can be instituted there, without of course applying the Sharia.

The situation in Libya is one that the President could work off. He could fix this entire country and gain a halo on his head. The advice of the general is fully accepted, along with trade negotiations with the Secretaries of State.

The situation is Syria is a bit tricky, as the several forces and powers are intertwined with each other. It may even become necessary eventually to dispose of both forces and install a pro-US democratic government.

"Thank you," the President said, "for your information. Is there anything which you think is necessary or urgent that I do?"

During his assessment of the security situation, General Farrell had been watching the President's reaction to each issue, and the President seemed like he was confident about each issue. Still though, Farrell knew for a fact that Appleby was a politician, and rather than always making the right calls, Farrell knew that the sole motivation of politicians was to get re-elected, and Appleby would make the calls that impressed the majority of Americans, and what the majority wanted wasn't always the best decision for America's future. Farrell didn't want the President to just blow him off and disregard his advice; Farrell's job was to serve as the President's principal military advisor, and he was going to advise the President on the best course of action to take. He needed to know what Appleby's opinion on each matter was, and how he intended to deal with each.

"I'd like to hear your opinion on each situation, sir," he requested. "It would give me a better understandin' of what your goals are when it comes to dealin' with these current incidents."

"Well," the President started with some hesitation as he did not want to expose his military inexperience, "I believe we should focus on the crux of the matter: broad and general interest for these United States, at this time of internal stringency. Now, condemn me yet," he paused.

"But I am the President of these United States, and the interests of this Union must come before those of other nations."

"In the Maghreb countries, I wish to see US action and participation, with as large and patent a civilian role as possible, in the establishment of peace, order, and good government, and I have made those the objects of my government."

"In the middle east, I would like dimishment of military involvement. Those nations must be able to fend for themselves, against theocratical terror and general imbalance."

"In Iraq and Yemen, it is advisable, or so I am told by my other counsellors, that we aid neither government to maintain a better position in negotiations that may happen thereafter, that we are tainted with neither of the issues presented by either party."

"And how is Israel and Palestine going on lately?"