01-04-2020, 03:42 AM
((written with laeral))
Presidential Office, Republic House, Laeralsford
With the entire international community, it seemed, reeling after the terrorist attacks of the previous day, Republic House was still full of activity late into the night. The Presidential Office was something of a sanctuary from the hustle-bustle outside, but aides and generals were still coming in and out. President Liu Mei-han had been taking phone calls all day, many of them condolences from foreign leaders, and placing calls of her own. She was in the middle of reviewing reports from the intelligence community when an aide entered.
"The Shen Empress is on the line, ma'am," said the aide. Liu took a breath, before picking up the receiver.
The forty-two-year-old head-of-state voice was calm and collected. Relaxed even. Seeming to have settled into her role as God Empress more so then at her mother's funeral a few months prior.
" Madam President. Thank you for finding the time to speak with me during this hectic and chaotic day"
"Your majesty, I can always find time for the leader of a partner nation with such strong ties to the Allied Provinces," said Liu. "I was greatly saddened to hear of the attack on your embassy in Vulkar. As a former diplomat myself, it's always heartbreaking to hear of such a tragedy. I mourn their deaths as well."
" and my condolences go to the families of those who lost loved ones when your ship was attacked. A cowardly strike against a nation that has nothing more than the continuing peace and stability we have enjoyed"
"Leading a nation in times of tragedy is one of the greatest burdens there is to bear," Liu said.
" agreed. The true test is how we respond to the tragedy. That's part of the reason I wanted to speak to you today"
"Is the Shen Empire planning a large military response to the attacks?" Liu asked.
" yes. Our Embassy was attacked. And an Ambassador who spoke in my name is dead. I've ordered 4 brigades of my red banner Army, under General change, to head to Vulkaria "(edited)
"A great many nations are preparing for war in Vulkaria," Liu said. "Opinion seems to have swung decisively towards intervention in legislatures and war rooms across the world. The Zamastanians, for one, seem set upon a full-scale intervention."
" i know. I have agreed to coordinate with them in their coalition. If we do not all works together we risk accidentally firing on each other as we target these terrorists. " wu responded, ask the sound of Flint igniting a spark indicating that she had lit up a cigarette
"... what about you madam president? Has your own personal opinion shifted towards intervention?"
Liu sat back in her chair. "Vulkaria has been an area of interest for me for decades. I served on my nation's National Security Council during the Second War in Vulkaria, and I supported Laeralian involvement in the conflict against the M.L.F. I continue to believe that the crimes, including ethnic cleansing, committed by MLF and VNA forces need to be prevented, and I believe that most of Laeral's government and society agree with me. I will support Laeralian intervention in Vulkaria, and the wheels of state are beginning to turn to make this a reality."
" I'm glad to hear it. I like to have more allies that I can trust. For the duration of this conflict feel free to use my ports to resupply and refuel your naval ships away from the war zone. And your Air Force may have free use of my air bases for logistical flights and to station military aircraft. How many troops are you planning on sending to join the Coalition against these terrorist?"
"Your offer is very generous," Liu said. "Under Laeral's system of government, the legislature has say over how many soldiers and how many planes are sent to join the coalition. It's likely that our contribution to the joint force will consist of several dozen aircraft, and maybe between one thousand and two thousand soldiers. Ensuring the safety of the people of northwestern Vulkaria will be a priority, as will rebuilding the infrastructure and institutions of that region, so there will likely be a substantial humanitarian force as well."
" 2000? Madam president I've sent 10 of my sons and daughters for every one child of lareal you propose sending. The more troops we can get the more we can pacify this Wayward territory of terrorism. I must employ you to try and make a case to the legislature about increasing your military commitment"(edited)
Liu pressed her lips into a firm line, the only outward indication of her irritation. Fine enough for the empress of an autocratic state to send 20,000 people to war with the wave of a hand, but Liu had not only a smaller military to deploy, but also greater political risk. She feared the war would bog down, become a quagmire and a never-ending anti-insurgency mission that she and everyone involved would pay for in lives and ill will further down the line. "I think caution is always warranted when it comes to war," she said. "It took Laeralites being rounded up in prison camps for us to intervene in Lauchenoiria two years ago. We're wary of sending soldiers without a plan to stabilize the region and ensure an orderly withdrawal once the fighting is done. I believe that Laeral's best contribution to pacifying this territory is through aerial support and rebuilding aid, rather than just through force of arms."
" I don't want to give these terrorists a moment of respite. Caution and proper planning are essential to this Mission being a success Madam president. But so is making sure we have the assets on hand to execute our plan in the most effective way possible. Ultimately it is up to you. But I must ask as your ally that you do what you can to send as much as you can to this combined effort"
"I can promise that I will do my best to ensure that the coalition can count on robust support from Laeral. Our commitment to the coalition is greater than can be expressed in numbers of front-line troops alone."
" that's all I ask Madame President. I should let you get back to what is no doubt the most hectic time since you have been bestowed the honor of serving as your Nations president. "
"Thank you for your call, your majesty. While our government may move more slowly than yours, you'll find that once we're set upon a course of action, we carry it out very thoroughly. I hope that the coming days are better for all of us."
" we can only hope Madame President. hopefully the next time I call you it's under better terms"
"Of course."
Presidential Office, Republic House, Laeralsford
With the entire international community, it seemed, reeling after the terrorist attacks of the previous day, Republic House was still full of activity late into the night. The Presidential Office was something of a sanctuary from the hustle-bustle outside, but aides and generals were still coming in and out. President Liu Mei-han had been taking phone calls all day, many of them condolences from foreign leaders, and placing calls of her own. She was in the middle of reviewing reports from the intelligence community when an aide entered.
"The Shen Empress is on the line, ma'am," said the aide. Liu took a breath, before picking up the receiver.
The forty-two-year-old head-of-state voice was calm and collected. Relaxed even. Seeming to have settled into her role as God Empress more so then at her mother's funeral a few months prior.
" Madam President. Thank you for finding the time to speak with me during this hectic and chaotic day"
"Your majesty, I can always find time for the leader of a partner nation with such strong ties to the Allied Provinces," said Liu. "I was greatly saddened to hear of the attack on your embassy in Vulkar. As a former diplomat myself, it's always heartbreaking to hear of such a tragedy. I mourn their deaths as well."
" and my condolences go to the families of those who lost loved ones when your ship was attacked. A cowardly strike against a nation that has nothing more than the continuing peace and stability we have enjoyed"
"Leading a nation in times of tragedy is one of the greatest burdens there is to bear," Liu said.
" agreed. The true test is how we respond to the tragedy. That's part of the reason I wanted to speak to you today"
"Is the Shen Empire planning a large military response to the attacks?" Liu asked.
" yes. Our Embassy was attacked. And an Ambassador who spoke in my name is dead. I've ordered 4 brigades of my red banner Army, under General change, to head to Vulkaria "(edited)
"A great many nations are preparing for war in Vulkaria," Liu said. "Opinion seems to have swung decisively towards intervention in legislatures and war rooms across the world. The Zamastanians, for one, seem set upon a full-scale intervention."
" i know. I have agreed to coordinate with them in their coalition. If we do not all works together we risk accidentally firing on each other as we target these terrorists. " wu responded, ask the sound of Flint igniting a spark indicating that she had lit up a cigarette
"... what about you madam president? Has your own personal opinion shifted towards intervention?"
Liu sat back in her chair. "Vulkaria has been an area of interest for me for decades. I served on my nation's National Security Council during the Second War in Vulkaria, and I supported Laeralian involvement in the conflict against the M.L.F. I continue to believe that the crimes, including ethnic cleansing, committed by MLF and VNA forces need to be prevented, and I believe that most of Laeral's government and society agree with me. I will support Laeralian intervention in Vulkaria, and the wheels of state are beginning to turn to make this a reality."
" I'm glad to hear it. I like to have more allies that I can trust. For the duration of this conflict feel free to use my ports to resupply and refuel your naval ships away from the war zone. And your Air Force may have free use of my air bases for logistical flights and to station military aircraft. How many troops are you planning on sending to join the Coalition against these terrorist?"
"Your offer is very generous," Liu said. "Under Laeral's system of government, the legislature has say over how many soldiers and how many planes are sent to join the coalition. It's likely that our contribution to the joint force will consist of several dozen aircraft, and maybe between one thousand and two thousand soldiers. Ensuring the safety of the people of northwestern Vulkaria will be a priority, as will rebuilding the infrastructure and institutions of that region, so there will likely be a substantial humanitarian force as well."
" 2000? Madam president I've sent 10 of my sons and daughters for every one child of lareal you propose sending. The more troops we can get the more we can pacify this Wayward territory of terrorism. I must employ you to try and make a case to the legislature about increasing your military commitment"(edited)
Liu pressed her lips into a firm line, the only outward indication of her irritation. Fine enough for the empress of an autocratic state to send 20,000 people to war with the wave of a hand, but Liu had not only a smaller military to deploy, but also greater political risk. She feared the war would bog down, become a quagmire and a never-ending anti-insurgency mission that she and everyone involved would pay for in lives and ill will further down the line. "I think caution is always warranted when it comes to war," she said. "It took Laeralites being rounded up in prison camps for us to intervene in Lauchenoiria two years ago. We're wary of sending soldiers without a plan to stabilize the region and ensure an orderly withdrawal once the fighting is done. I believe that Laeral's best contribution to pacifying this territory is through aerial support and rebuilding aid, rather than just through force of arms."
" I don't want to give these terrorists a moment of respite. Caution and proper planning are essential to this Mission being a success Madam president. But so is making sure we have the assets on hand to execute our plan in the most effective way possible. Ultimately it is up to you. But I must ask as your ally that you do what you can to send as much as you can to this combined effort"
"I can promise that I will do my best to ensure that the coalition can count on robust support from Laeral. Our commitment to the coalition is greater than can be expressed in numbers of front-line troops alone."
" that's all I ask Madame President. I should let you get back to what is no doubt the most hectic time since you have been bestowed the honor of serving as your Nations president. "
"Thank you for your call, your majesty. While our government may move more slowly than yours, you'll find that once we're set upon a course of action, we carry it out very thoroughly. I hope that the coming days are better for all of us."
" we can only hope Madame President. hopefully the next time I call you it's under better terms"
"Of course."
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