19 Condado Street, Lykens, Lykens
12:23 PM
Kenneth scribbled a few more notes onto the legal pad in front of him. On second thought, he scratched out several lines. He absentmindedly tapped the pen against the table and sighed. He looked over to Arecelis.
“I can’t say that it feels good having the wield the stick in diplomacy when the Tanayans have so far been very cooperative. Grimy almost.” He grimaced.
Arecelis shrugged. “World diplomacy just doesn’t leave everyone satisfied at the same time. Hopefully we won’t even have to mention any sanctions, and their Presidium can come to easy and agreeable terms with us.”
Tulio grunted further down the table, “The Presidium is probably divided between a compromise position of withdrawing some of the garrison and then they’ll have Wohlgenannt on the other side ready to lead an army group up through Mu-Kal to Lykens.” A few chuckles scattered around the table.
“I mean we joke, but from my understanding of it before the Tanayans and Meronnians came to an agreement over Irpan, she was ready to simply lead the forces they’d landed in Irpan to take the country.”
“He’s right,” Eneida put down the folder she was reading, “We were fully expecting Irpan to be taken by the TPRA, when it was discovered that the Meronnians were working with the Tanayans we were shocked.”
“You can’t play around with these people, Kenneth, Tanaya moves for one goal, international revolution. I can’t understand how you’ve managed to work with them for so long.” Tulio shook his head.
Arecelis rolled her eyes and Kenneth waved him off, “A few of you have to really reconcile your anti-socialist tendencies. Socialists are valid and equal partners in statecraft, you all seem to have grown accustomed to the privilege of not dealing with fascism, which is a much bigger threat by far.”
Tulio passed around a green folder, “Speaking of fascists, here are some reports about Tia Regnessian moves on Palai, which is in the midst of its own crisis, yet again. We’re planning on opening up a dialogue with our Storsnian counterparts to assess the situation and how they’re fairing with it, considering the recession.”
Kenneth nodded as he leafed through the folder. “Sounds good, coordinate with Candelaria and Arecelis so that the Union is appraised of the situation. In fact, Candelaria add that to our agenda for the Assembly meeting.”
Kenneth looked at the clock on the wall, reading 2:29 PM in Plamenov, he began to collect his notes as Zoraida Rivera, his National Security Adviser, entered the room with yet more folders.
She took the phone out of the cradle and spoke into it, directing the switchboard to connect her to the appropriate channels.
She pointed a finger gun at Kenneth and passed the phone.
Taking it, he smiled as he brought the phone to his ear, “Madame Chairman, it is an honor to be speaking with you again.”
Palace of Councils, Plamen, TSPR
1425
Alexandra Stamboliyskaya was blankly staring out of the window of her office in the Palace of Councils.
On her desk were several folders prepared by the Central Military Council of TPRA and several other councils. All of them were about one thing. Fortress Sepura, the principal IRP stronghold in the South East Nori. Yet right now she was not looking at their contents but instead on Plamen a hundred meters below.
The door to her office opened and two women entered, the younger one, about 25, and the older one, about the Chairman’s age.
“It is almost time, comrade Chairman.” Said the younger one, with shoulder-length black hair, piercing black eyes and skeletal look. Chairman continued staring blankly at the window.
She approached her closer. “It is almost time, comrade Chairman.”
Stabmoliyskaya didn't even glance at her. “I know, Mirai, and quite well.”
“The moment we have been waiting for a week.” Noted the last woman, slightly taller, with short brown hair, relaxed brown eyes and more filled up look, while taking a seat. “All aspects analyzed, all contingencies considered. It looks like we may get out of it without much harm.”
“I wish I had one quarter of your confidence, Irina!”
Chairman turned around and went to her armchair.
“But I don’t see any reason not to be confident.” Irina boldly replied. “The Union is in recession, Sasha. Economies are on decline. And if Ostojich and his bureau can be trusted they won’t begin recovering until April next year. For the MU, sanctioning
Tanaya is like shooting out its own leg. For an agricultural exporter like Lykens ─ twice as much.”
“This is not the question of the economy, Ira.” Chairman started. “It is the question of politics, like Souchon five months ago. That was the test of the Detente; this one will be the test of the integrity of the Union. That monk gave us a test case and now we shall see how the command heights of Lykens will behave under it.”
“You sound like you don’t trust comrade Tikhomirov and his diplomatic achievements, comrade Chairman.” Mirai noted.
“Mirai, I thought you should’ve known better that it’s hard not to trust comrade Tikhomirov. Especially for someone he held his trust in, like me back in the REC.”
“Then there is zero need to be concerned.” Irina said, leaning back in her chair. “Not after the course of Tano-Lykensburg relations for the last 17 years have been set on rapprochement.”
After a pause, she added. “Not with
your REC playing part in that course succeeding.”
A phone rang. Chairman switched on its loudspeaker. “Yes?”
A young communication specialist girl answered from the other side. “Secure communication from 19 Condado Street, Lykensburg.”
Three women glanced at each other. Mirai took her seat.
“They sure had us waiting.” Irina noted, raising herself forward. “Let’s see what news they will bring.”
Chairman switched off the loudspeaker and picked the phone.
“Salutations, Councilor Diaz, delighted to hear you. I hope you have been doing well.”
"I've been doing amazing, thank you. The autumn yields of wool were terrific, and the ranch is doing pretty alright all things considered. How is your latest book coming together?"
“Quite smoothly. If it wasn’t this load of… If it wasn’t this
situation in South-East Nori,” She hissed the ‘situation’, “I’d already have the chapter on 1972 Plamenev’s reforms finished.” She smiled. “Something quite personal for me as the former Chairman of the REC ─ as you are probably aware.”
Kenneth chuckled at the Chairman's self censor, "It is quite a mess down there. A real situation you've found yourself in. I'm sure you'll give lots of good first hand accounts of the period, I have to say I quite admire the work you put into memorializing important parts of Tanayan history, the Soviet People's Republic is lucky to have you."
Chairman smiled. “Well, thank you, Senhor Councilor. I hope their legacy will be a foundation for something greater to be built upon. And it is already quite solid, wouldn’t you agree?” Her smile turned into a sneering one, granted she had a point.
"Truly, I doubt the Tsardom could ever have reached the achievements of Tanaya today, the Soviet People's Republic has done wonders. It's unfortunate that some just can't see that, like the Baskan in Jashnagar."
“Baskan, yes… I think not understanding us is something to be expected of a reclusive uneducated parasite. Sad and unfortunate, indeed, but what can one do? I myself am used to not being understood.”
Beat.
“Yet, what is more unfortunate to me, Senhor Councillor, is that we will have to fight his damn zealots, on the islands half a world away, protecting a failed pseudo-socialist regime no one on the ground approves because otherwise one of the cornerstones of our foreign policy will just fall apart ─
and face his cowardly pleas to our friends in process. And to those of our friends we never wanted to drag into this mess in the first place, for more insult!” Chairman now sounded slightly disappointed. “Appalling, isn’t it?”
"It's never fun to have your plans shot out from under you, I can understand that annoyance." Kenneth scoffed, "It's funny when a theocracy with a historical propensity for," Kenneth lowered his voice, "
cannibalistic expansionism…
The whole reason for Tanayan involvement is to protect from
their aggression. But alas, they do raise a point, a hefty military presence can give off the impression of a menacing and oppressive force. Those aren't optics that reflect well on the Union, which is not good for foreign or economic affairs. I'm hoping we can strike a balance that satisfies a good representation of the Union and for Tanayan interests. I like to think we work good together, Madame Chairman, and we've guided our peers through several crises so far."
"You raise an interesting point, Senhor Councilor. Tanayan involvement there is done under the aegis of the IRP. I'm not aware of any member of the Union having any solid ties with Sepura." Beat. "And the REC is not aware either, so to say. It's entirely in the sphere of interests of the Pact and I don't understand why the Union would be concerned by actions at most barely related to it."
"As a leading member of the Union, Madame Chairman, you must realize that the opinion of the Union is related to Tanayan actions and opinions abroad. But you misunderstand my intentions, I only wish to provide assistance in dealing with the Jashnagari pests."
"If it is so, then all I can do is to apologise for my misunderstanding. Yet if it really is so, then I would like to know what kind of assistance you wish to provide. In other words, how do you formulate this obvious dilemma and what are you suggesting for solving it, Senhor Councilor?"
"Well it's quite simple, Madame Chairman, simply lie. The Baskan is not a friend of yours, and while Lykens has extensive links to the nation of Jashnagar, we have no loyalty to an aggressive theocrat. Announce the depletion of the garrison, move out some old or damaged planes to keep up appearances, and allow the Baskan to fall into a sense of security.
It's hardly proper to ask Tanaya to draw back on measures that guarantee its safety, and I hope you wouldn't think I would ever try to jeopardize that."
Beat.
"That's… an interesting idea, yet I don't think it will give him a sense of security. Something tells me he won't feel himself secure even if we withdraw half of our air fleet from there. With all his friends, mind you."
Rare sounds of carefully flipped paper filled a small pause.
"That's not to say we haven't already been considering rearrangement of our forces in Sepura. Incidentally, the plan goes along with your idea well, Senhor Councilor, so I think we can set it in motion.”
"Of course it won't, he doesn't want security, he's simply trying to make fools of us both. Unfortunately for him, he's playing with two who are very adept at statecraft. I'm glad we've solved something so trivial so easily.
Moving on, there's also the Tero Malstreciganoj Question, which I believe would be best solved by the Assembly at our next meeting. It's time to get the Isthmus back at the international table."
“Good timing. I think the Isthmus is already good enough for that as well.
“Now, as far as I see it, the question revolves around the status of Bonporton. We both remember what it is and how it was born; and as for me, just going along with one representative for the whole Commonwealth would sideline the Commune. I say… we allow a special representation for Bonporton, however do we want to call it ─ a voice in the Assembly, maybe even a full vote ─ and certainly a full Secretariat representation to reflect Commune’s different economic position.
“Yes, I… think this is as good of a starting point as it is.”
"Due to Bonporton's nature, it's obvious that it'd need a separate voice in the Assembly or Secretariat from the Commonwealth, however I'm not entirely sure that it'd be feasible to grant a voting seat to Bonporton, however if the Assembly so decides I will abide by it.
While Bonporton is vastly different from the other Isthmian States, it is still Malstrecigano at the end of the day."
“Then I think we are in agreement on this one. And since we are here, we should discuss another matter, painfully close to our borders. I’m talking about Palai.”
"Of course, that poor little country. Horrible what's happened there, the Storsnian people have been so charitable to the Palaians. Might be best to consider sending a task force to steady and resolve the situation, before the entire country empties out. We've had intelligence coming in of potential Tia Regnessian moves to take advantage of instability. What're your thoughts on the matter?"
“You’ve read my mind when you mentioned Tia Regness.”
Sounds of shifting paper were heard on the other side of the line.
“We’ve been observing it since the recession hit and more closely since the situation in Magnostria started to unfold. We knew they’d want to take something over to cope with the recession. That would be Palai, as we know. And I have asked some of our structures to run a game to see what would happen if Tia Regness takes over Palai. Our conclusions are, let’s say, not too promising.”
Chairman started listing those conclusions of hers in a matter-of-factly tone.
“Immigration crisis to be aggravated. Exploitation for resources highly likely. Genocide through labor highly likely. Storsnian border lengthened… Storsnian border lengthened.”
Her voice turned back to normal.
“Right, should Tia Regness ever want to mount a diversion or threaten Storsnia, they will have more space for maneuver if they take Palai. And if they create a good enough launchpad, the Gulf of Salta and its section of the Trans-Mukalese Railroad are in 15-17 days of march ─ barely slower than the Union would be able to react, we believe.
“And if it wasn’t bad enough, this situation in Magnostria will tangle this knot even further. Right now we believe Jashnagar will align Tia Regness ─ and Beinan because the more the merrier. A very heartfelt union of the enemies of democracy, may I say. One that may survive, if we don’t deal with it.
“This is what we have, and there are two options in the end. Either Regnessian fascists take over Palai ─ or the Union. So, I suggest we raise this topic in the nearest session of the Assembly, but before that, we should discuss this situation with the First Minister Tamvere.
“There may be war, Senhor Councilor.”
oof. Kenneth thought to himself.
"Now, now, I'm not sure war is exactly a foregone conclusion, we may yet avoid such a nasty spat.
However, you raise good points about the Tia Regnessian threat, and the potential downsides of taking over Palai are obviously enormous.
A joint task force of the MU, under MU command but composed of several national armed forces, should move into Palai to stabilize the situation. We would not be seen as aggressors trying to conquer land, and we'd have a bulwark, not to mention an impregnable mountain fortress to defend from. We can assist the people of Palai in setting up a government that can keep order, as well as opening up new markets.
I feel like this could be a multifaceted win if we execute this correctly. And you're right about First Minister Tamvere, she'd be a necessary partner in this endeavor."
“Good plan.” Chairman noted. “I wouldn’t have much hope on Palai markets, however, for one-point-something-million subsistence farmers and miners do not give one a large market. But this is a question for after the operation.
“Other than that, it sounds like this one is settled as well.”
"Fair, though population grows exponentially, we can hope a future Palai returns our kindness. In any event, this was a most productive discussion, Madame Chairman, I appreciate you taking my call and assisting me in solving a plethora of issues. I look forward to seeing you in person next month, for the Assembly meeting. Our staff will be in touch to coordinate the agenda."
“True. It was a pleasure, Senhor Councilor.”
"Have a lovely afternoon, Madame Chairman."
Kenneth ended the call and sat back before looking at the assembled secretaries.
Arecelis spoke first, "That wasn't quite what we discussed prior to your call, but I understand things change in the moment."
Kenneth nodded. "The Tanayans have been very good to us, and so far for nothing in return, there is no reason to burn them. You get more with the carrot than the stick.
I respect the Tanyans, though I’m sure they’re hungry for a war to bring about the revolution, they’re working with me as I work to prevent war at any cost.”
Tulio cast the State Counselor a contemptuous look, “You know they’re going to use Palai to start the very war you refuse to accept will happen.”
Kenneth snorted before shaking his head, “The war will happen, Tulio, I have since accepted that, I will simply ensure that when it starts, we are in the most favorable position that we can be in.”