12-15-2020, 07:50 PM
“I didn’t know that you knew of the Empress during your time in Xiomera,” President Liu said softly to Cyril Lin, the wizened former ambassador to Xiomera standing by her side.
“Not personally,” Cyril said. “She was only a fairly minor functionary in their security ministry when I was ambassador. She had a reputation for industriousness and efficiency, or so I recall, but I only ever exchanged a few words with her.”
“Pity,” said President Liu. “There’s virtually no one in Laeral who can claim to know her well.”
“She’s part of an old breed of ASI operatives,” Cyril said. “I’m familiar with her type. Dangerous, determined, and staunchly nationalistic. She’ll keep us on our toes.”
“I see,” Liu said. “I’m very glad that you came out of retirement for this conference; this is very useful information.” She glanced over across the conference room floor to where Tanvi Misra, the Foreign Minister, was emerging from the gaggle of reporters. “Do you know if anyone has gotten a chance to speak with Minmintao Johnson, the Slokaisian? I was meaning to express my sympathies for the terrorist attacks that have struck his nation recently.”
“I’m not sure…” said Cyril.
“I just spoke with the Slokaisians, ma’am,” Alexandre Herault, her Chief of Staff, said from behind her. “Gave them your sympathies, explained that our hearts are broken for everyone they’ve lost.”
“Very good,” Liu said. “And where has Tanvi been?”
“She just got out from speaking with the reporters,” Alexandre said. “Liang is with her.”
“Good,” Liu said. “I want to be sure to speak with the Eirians, the Kerlians, and the Legionans once they arrive. Alexandre, can you keep an eye out for them and find me if they arrive?”
“Of course,” Alexandre said. “If you’ll excuse me though, I need to run. The press is getting antsy that they haven’t heard anything from you yet.”
“Go ahead,” Liu said. “But don’t let them expect me to be coming by anytime soon. I’m sure the journalists are enjoying interviewing all of the foreign leaders, and I don’t want to go before their questions without anything substantial to report.”
“Of course,” Alexandre said, and rushed off.
“Not personally,” Cyril said. “She was only a fairly minor functionary in their security ministry when I was ambassador. She had a reputation for industriousness and efficiency, or so I recall, but I only ever exchanged a few words with her.”
“Pity,” said President Liu. “There’s virtually no one in Laeral who can claim to know her well.”
“She’s part of an old breed of ASI operatives,” Cyril said. “I’m familiar with her type. Dangerous, determined, and staunchly nationalistic. She’ll keep us on our toes.”
“I see,” Liu said. “I’m very glad that you came out of retirement for this conference; this is very useful information.” She glanced over across the conference room floor to where Tanvi Misra, the Foreign Minister, was emerging from the gaggle of reporters. “Do you know if anyone has gotten a chance to speak with Minmintao Johnson, the Slokaisian? I was meaning to express my sympathies for the terrorist attacks that have struck his nation recently.”
“I’m not sure…” said Cyril.
“I just spoke with the Slokaisians, ma’am,” Alexandre Herault, her Chief of Staff, said from behind her. “Gave them your sympathies, explained that our hearts are broken for everyone they’ve lost.”
“Very good,” Liu said. “And where has Tanvi been?”
“She just got out from speaking with the reporters,” Alexandre said. “Liang is with her.”
“Good,” Liu said. “I want to be sure to speak with the Eirians, the Kerlians, and the Legionans once they arrive. Alexandre, can you keep an eye out for them and find me if they arrive?”
“Of course,” Alexandre said. “If you’ll excuse me though, I need to run. The press is getting antsy that they haven’t heard anything from you yet.”
“Go ahead,” Liu said. “But don’t let them expect me to be coming by anytime soon. I’m sure the journalists are enjoying interviewing all of the foreign leaders, and I don’t want to go before their questions without anything substantial to report.”
“Of course,” Alexandre said, and rushed off.