Madossa wrote:Snofjogur wrote:Ambassadorial meeting room, Nordlander Þing, Reykjavík, Nordland
The packed crowd's attention was suddenly drawn to the computer screen. An Israeli declaration of war. Things had gone south much quicker than anyone in Nordland had expected, and the first sign of aggression had come from a continent other than the one most people would have guessed. This was not good.
"Well, it seems there is a war and the side opposing the NAS is not the good side," Representative Axel Svensson said worriedly. "It's now or never, ambassadors. Will you stand with Pere Housh Alpha and Nordland in a non-military union to aid each other in the event of a crisis?" he asked, stressing the word non-military. Nordland would not enter an armed conflict, but it would peacefully aid any nation which opposed the NAS's genocidal actions.
Jonathan Robillard was barely hiding the fact that he clearly did not want to be there. The white-walled meeting room was stiff, cramped, and uncomfortably heated; either the crowd or a poorly-managed thermostat was causing the heat, maybe even both. Bright white fluorescent lights beamed overhead, and the general air of the room was one of unease.
The bright-crimson message reporting the declaration of war from the Israelis came as no surprise to Jonathan. As the Nordlander Representative worriedly urged for the other ambassadors to join Nordland, Jonathan bided his time.
Ambassador Taylor could sympathize with other ambassadors who didn't want to be here. This meeting was merely a formality for Significance. But now the Israeli's had escalated that. There was only one course of action for Significance.
"We will join your union, but on one condition. We must also condemn Israel for there rash actions. While before, we could easily control the NAS, they have now unleashed the lion, and the lion is looking for blood. History is littered with nations who thought they could win a war in a single battle, but in reality couldn't. When this conflict explodes, Israel will have to share the responsibility of the bloodshed with the NAS.
You may think Significance is anti-semitic for condemning Israel, but seeing the blood our nation has, you can't help learning to hate it"
Emperor's Palace
The Emperor was busy reading a newspaper, with the more palatable images of the Chancellors affair on the front cover, when the Chancellor himself burst it.
"I'm sorry to hear about the media circus surrounding you, my condolences"
The Chancellor was about to about to take the bait Frank had laid, then remembered why he was there.
"We saw you, at the rally last night. You think you're smart, but you're not. The NAS have your little pet"
Frank gulped. He was also slightly offended at Lucy being called a pet, but now was not the time.
"They'll keep her alive, for now, but you have to turn your back on all this. As far as you are aware, the official policies are being upheld, and nothing unofficial is happening"
Frank sighed.
"Gordon, you really think someone won't discover the truth?"
Gordon smiled.
"Everyone has a price"
Frank chuckled.
"And what price did the NAS offer you?"
Gordon now chuckled.
"More than you'd ever give me. But this isn't about sides, it's about money. The NAS pay, all we have to do is supply, as long as no one finds out about it"
Frank became curious.
"And will you still sleep at night when war breaks out?"
Gordon's face remained positive.
"War has already broken out, the Israeli attacks have seen to that. Maybe if you read a real newspaper and not that gossip stuff, you'd know about it. And when we start selling to all sides, I'd say I'll be able to sleep well pretty easily in my bed of money"
Frank let it all sink it. Damn. Gordon noticed the defeat on Frank's face.
"Enjoy the rest of your day, Emperor, I hear it will be pretty quiet for you"
Gordon laughed as he left the room. When Frank was sure he was gone, he relaxed slightly, and leaned back. He needed a plan, and fast.
