01-18-2022, 03:24 PM
Chancellor's Manor, Geminus
January 18th, 2022
Chancellor William Lancaster tapped his favorite pen on his desk, sighing heavily. The tide of nonstop morning meetings had finally abated, leaving a slice of time for him to actually accomplish some of the things he wanted to do before he left office. He straightened a copy of the Geminus Gazette sitting near the corner of his desk, the headlines exclaiming about Huenyan election results and Eirian political polls. Hmm. Might as well be neighborly and offer congratulations.
"Could you get Vice-Speaker Tiacihitli on the line?" He called to his chief of staff, who nodded and raised her phone. He followed suit, waiting for the line to connect. Let's see how much more we can get done before I'm out of here.
At the newly opened offices and residence for the Vice-Speaker in Chuaztlapoc, people were still in the process of setting the place up. Furniture, decorations and supplies were making their way inside in a steady stream. Luckily, the Vice-Speaker’s office had already been set up. “Good morning, Chancellor Lancaster. Good to hear from you,” Tiacihitli said, grateful that someone had already shown him how to work the new phone system.
Lancaster cleared his throat once before beginning to speak. "Good Morning! I wanted to wish you congratulations on your election, and on your party's victory in the legislative elections. I'm glad that our countries can remain prosperous allies in these trying times. The attacks on your polling stations were quite horrifying to hear about, and my sincerest condolences for all lost or injured by the Golden Blade."
”Thank you very much,” the Vice-Speaker said. “The deaths and injuries caused by the terrorists were terrible, but I was pleased to see that our people were not deterred by that barbarism. We will just have to work harder to break these terrorist groups now that our government is formally established.”
"Yes, an established government helps. Well..." The Eirian leader trailed off, taking on a more joking tone. "Coalition building can be a nightmare now that you have a full legislature to work with. But with your party having as large of a plurality as it does, it seems you won't have as much trouble as we've had in the past. That's the 'fun' part of democratic politics."
”I am hopeful that turns out to be the case, but there will be some issues to sort out. The Greens could very well ally with some of the more left-wing parties and cause trouble. The Party of Huītzilōpōchtli could also decide to team up with the more right-wing parties, depending on the issue. But I am hopeful that we can get most, if not all, of our agenda through without obstruction. Any advice you might have on that would be great, seeing as how this is our first foray into legislative politics in….well, in ever,” Tiacihitli said with a laugh.
"Well, I don't have much direct advice on coalitions, due to our situational differences. However, the thing that I can recommend is to try to maintain a sense of respect in politics. Once you lose respect for your opponents, you lose many opportunities for coalitions and any sort of contingency plan in case something falls through. Also, be wary of standoff situations. With a country at stake, those situations can get messy." Lancaster sighed. "Especially when your coalition is locked in one."
”That is very true, and I will definitely keep it in mind. I do always try to respect all of my colleagues - even the ones who aren’t all that respectable.” Tiacihitli chuckled softly again, before his voice took on a more serious tone. “It’s appropriate that you mention standoffs though, because our government has been pondering one lately. The one we’re in with the illegitimate Aurian regime and its supporters.”
"Ah." The Chancellor's expression became stoic. "We should make some moves soon, before it is too late for any progress. The Lauchenoirians are clearing the way with additional hacking campaigns and a new no-fly zone. They demand action, and I can't say I disagree with them. The blockade has weakened their resolve greatly. If we can undermine the authority the coup plotters cling to, we may be able to save hundreds, if not thousands, of lives."
”I would agree, and sooner rather than later would be best. I fear we may have given the coup regime and its proxies too much time to entrench themselves already. Huenya will provide all possible support and assistance that it can to place increased pressure on the coup regime. I had planned to discuss that with Prime Minister Alvarez as well, once my cabinet is fully in place and we fully transition from the interim government to the real one.” Tiacihitli paused. “I need to reach out to the Milinticans as well, to see if they are ready to increase their own efforts.”
"That would be prudent. We need to move in unison if anything is to work." Lancaster glanced out the window in dismay. "This world is spiraling out of control. Wars, coups, tension. Where will it end? If we don't end this soon, we will all be at risk."
"I am afraid we are already at risk. Calhualyana isn't going to back down unless she is given no other choice. And she's hardly the only scheming tyrant out there. We need to begin discouraging their conduct now, while it is still possible." Tiacihitli sighed. "We will talk with the Lauchenoirians to see if they wish to use bases in Huenya to help with the no-fly zone. We will also look into beginning our own flights over Auria to assist."
The Chancellor adjusted in his chair. "And we will plan to do the same with our air force. We've also heard rumors of increasing resistance to Cordonnier's rule in southwestern Auria, so we may want to look into ways in which we can bolster resistance and potentially use the area as a starting point to retake the nation. Hopefully, once we have a potential invasion started, the coup government's legitimacy will crumble."
”That is a sound plan. I am not a military man, myself, but the Great Speaker was, as you know. He has been discussing plans with our Defense Secretary and they both agree that finding ways to increase resistance and unrest throughout Auria as a whole is the best way to stretch the resources of the coup plotters and their mercenary proxies. That should make them spread their forces thinner and make it easier to focus on one leverage point to hit them at. Stepping up the counter-propaganda against the regime should help that plan.”
"That's a very sound plan. I'd expect nothing less of the Great Speaker." The smile was evident in Lancaster's voice. "My military experience has been mostly resistance-based, and a number of my colleagues are resistance veterans as well, so we can help the Aurian resistance leaders get a foothold to help retake their nation. Once they have a foothold, it will be hard for the coup government to stop their momentum."
”Especially once we cut off access to their resources and support from Xiomera,” Tiacihitli replied. “Have your advisors recommended a timeframe for possible intervention?”
"The timeline for retaking the nation heavily depends on how prevalent the resistance force is in Auria. Establishing a connection with them should be our greatest priority." The Chancellor cleared his throat again. "We should mobilize our forces as soon as possible, so we are poised to strike if an opportunity presents itself. I know I won't be command in the near future, but I'm sure my successor will cooperate with you to their fullest capacity."
”I look forward to working with them,” Tiacihitli said. “Any suggestions or hints as to how best to interact with whoever wins?”
"Well, if it's Stendē and Morrin who win, I doubt you'll notice much of a difference compared to my administration. There may be more internal disagreement, but they are both highly skilled professionals, and they won't let internal division adversely effect foreign relations."
Lancaster thought for a moment before continuing. "If Vihrovs wins, you will likely see him attempt to withdraw from the CU, or at least withdraw from the economic portion of the Union. He recognizes the significant military threat Xiomera poses, and he won't endanger Eiria, no matter how much he dislikes the economic developments the Union would bring. He would still likely be on board with retaking Auria."
"Finally, if Ronis and Levefre win, they wouldn't withdraw from the Union, but you will see more resistance and hesitation to retake Auria. Ronis is very insistant on using resources efficiently, to the point where he would veto any plan that he thinks wastes even the slightest of resources. He's an economist by training, and is very much a perfectionist."
”That is very useful information. I thank you for it,” Tiacihitli replied. “Many in Huenya, frankly, will be sad to see you depart the Chancellor role, as you have been a good friend to us. But I am optimistic that your successor will be one as well.” The Vice-Speaker looked at some papers on his desk. “I also had another question. As you know by now, we have agreed to let the Sanctarians build a naval base in Ixtenco. I do want to reassure you that does not change our commitment to the Caxcanan Union. In fact, now that our new government has taken office, we wanted to raise the prospect of building joint bases in Huenya as a further deterrent to Xiomera.”
Lancaster nodded to himself, his clumsiness almost causing him to drop his phone. "I'm glad to hear that the Caxcanan Union will not be affected. I actually was glad to hear about the Sanctarian naval base. It will provide a helpful deterrent, as well as a semblance of insurance in case Xiomera plans to try anything. And I agree, building joint bases and beginning to form the framework of the CU would greatly help our situations." He paused. "I would also have to insist on forming civilian oversight bodies while joint bases are constructed. There is still a lot of hesitancy in Eiria regarding the abilities and independence of the military, and many fear that as a joint military is formed, officers could take advantage of regulation gaps. Plus, forming the official bodies of the CU would entrench the alliance."
”That is totally understandable. We are building our military from the ground up at this point, so we understand hesitancy. There is a fair amount of that taking place here as well. Oversight bodies are very much something we are on board with. Civilian control is something very important to us as well.”
"I'm glad to hear that. Judging by the state of things, an Eirian ambassador to the CU will be appointed after the election as a Cabinet official. They should help streamline development nicely. Of course, that's assuming that we don't partially pull out of the CU after the election." The Chancellor's nerves became evident in his tone.
”We definitely hope that does not happen. The CU is very important to deter Xiomera. Even a Sanctarian presence in the area might not be enough to completely deter Calhualyana or the XCP should the CU not be fully formed.” Tiacihitli tapped his pen as he thought. “If there is anything we can do to help make sure that outcome doesn’t happen, or to stress the importance of the CU to the voting public, we are more than happy to do so.”
"I appreciate the support, but I don't think that would be a good idea. It would only open up attacks on the CU's perceived 'Overreach'. We've already been working on promoting the CU from our side, so I think we are set. At least as set as we can be." Lancaster sighed. "It'll be weird, not being in this manor or the executive spotlight. I'll miss it, but at the same time, I could use some decent sleep for once."
”Normal sleep isn’t something I have had for a while, or am likely to have soon, so I can relate to that. I am glad you’re going to have that part of your life back now, though. And we’ll stay out of the political machinations and hope for the best.”
"Thank you. Again, congratulations on your election, and it's been a pleasure working with you. Hopefully, with a little luck, we'll have the chance to work together in the future. I know you'll lead your country into further prosperity." The Chancellor smiled to himself.
"The same goes to you. Always glad to help. Have a good day, your excellency." Lancaster placed his phone down with a content nod to himself. Now back to chaotic reality.
January 18th, 2022
Chancellor William Lancaster tapped his favorite pen on his desk, sighing heavily. The tide of nonstop morning meetings had finally abated, leaving a slice of time for him to actually accomplish some of the things he wanted to do before he left office. He straightened a copy of the Geminus Gazette sitting near the corner of his desk, the headlines exclaiming about Huenyan election results and Eirian political polls. Hmm. Might as well be neighborly and offer congratulations.
"Could you get Vice-Speaker Tiacihitli on the line?" He called to his chief of staff, who nodded and raised her phone. He followed suit, waiting for the line to connect. Let's see how much more we can get done before I'm out of here.
At the newly opened offices and residence for the Vice-Speaker in Chuaztlapoc, people were still in the process of setting the place up. Furniture, decorations and supplies were making their way inside in a steady stream. Luckily, the Vice-Speaker’s office had already been set up. “Good morning, Chancellor Lancaster. Good to hear from you,” Tiacihitli said, grateful that someone had already shown him how to work the new phone system.
Lancaster cleared his throat once before beginning to speak. "Good Morning! I wanted to wish you congratulations on your election, and on your party's victory in the legislative elections. I'm glad that our countries can remain prosperous allies in these trying times. The attacks on your polling stations were quite horrifying to hear about, and my sincerest condolences for all lost or injured by the Golden Blade."
”Thank you very much,” the Vice-Speaker said. “The deaths and injuries caused by the terrorists were terrible, but I was pleased to see that our people were not deterred by that barbarism. We will just have to work harder to break these terrorist groups now that our government is formally established.”
"Yes, an established government helps. Well..." The Eirian leader trailed off, taking on a more joking tone. "Coalition building can be a nightmare now that you have a full legislature to work with. But with your party having as large of a plurality as it does, it seems you won't have as much trouble as we've had in the past. That's the 'fun' part of democratic politics."
”I am hopeful that turns out to be the case, but there will be some issues to sort out. The Greens could very well ally with some of the more left-wing parties and cause trouble. The Party of Huītzilōpōchtli could also decide to team up with the more right-wing parties, depending on the issue. But I am hopeful that we can get most, if not all, of our agenda through without obstruction. Any advice you might have on that would be great, seeing as how this is our first foray into legislative politics in….well, in ever,” Tiacihitli said with a laugh.
"Well, I don't have much direct advice on coalitions, due to our situational differences. However, the thing that I can recommend is to try to maintain a sense of respect in politics. Once you lose respect for your opponents, you lose many opportunities for coalitions and any sort of contingency plan in case something falls through. Also, be wary of standoff situations. With a country at stake, those situations can get messy." Lancaster sighed. "Especially when your coalition is locked in one."
”That is very true, and I will definitely keep it in mind. I do always try to respect all of my colleagues - even the ones who aren’t all that respectable.” Tiacihitli chuckled softly again, before his voice took on a more serious tone. “It’s appropriate that you mention standoffs though, because our government has been pondering one lately. The one we’re in with the illegitimate Aurian regime and its supporters.”
"Ah." The Chancellor's expression became stoic. "We should make some moves soon, before it is too late for any progress. The Lauchenoirians are clearing the way with additional hacking campaigns and a new no-fly zone. They demand action, and I can't say I disagree with them. The blockade has weakened their resolve greatly. If we can undermine the authority the coup plotters cling to, we may be able to save hundreds, if not thousands, of lives."
”I would agree, and sooner rather than later would be best. I fear we may have given the coup regime and its proxies too much time to entrench themselves already. Huenya will provide all possible support and assistance that it can to place increased pressure on the coup regime. I had planned to discuss that with Prime Minister Alvarez as well, once my cabinet is fully in place and we fully transition from the interim government to the real one.” Tiacihitli paused. “I need to reach out to the Milinticans as well, to see if they are ready to increase their own efforts.”
"That would be prudent. We need to move in unison if anything is to work." Lancaster glanced out the window in dismay. "This world is spiraling out of control. Wars, coups, tension. Where will it end? If we don't end this soon, we will all be at risk."
"I am afraid we are already at risk. Calhualyana isn't going to back down unless she is given no other choice. And she's hardly the only scheming tyrant out there. We need to begin discouraging their conduct now, while it is still possible." Tiacihitli sighed. "We will talk with the Lauchenoirians to see if they wish to use bases in Huenya to help with the no-fly zone. We will also look into beginning our own flights over Auria to assist."
The Chancellor adjusted in his chair. "And we will plan to do the same with our air force. We've also heard rumors of increasing resistance to Cordonnier's rule in southwestern Auria, so we may want to look into ways in which we can bolster resistance and potentially use the area as a starting point to retake the nation. Hopefully, once we have a potential invasion started, the coup government's legitimacy will crumble."
”That is a sound plan. I am not a military man, myself, but the Great Speaker was, as you know. He has been discussing plans with our Defense Secretary and they both agree that finding ways to increase resistance and unrest throughout Auria as a whole is the best way to stretch the resources of the coup plotters and their mercenary proxies. That should make them spread their forces thinner and make it easier to focus on one leverage point to hit them at. Stepping up the counter-propaganda against the regime should help that plan.”
"That's a very sound plan. I'd expect nothing less of the Great Speaker." The smile was evident in Lancaster's voice. "My military experience has been mostly resistance-based, and a number of my colleagues are resistance veterans as well, so we can help the Aurian resistance leaders get a foothold to help retake their nation. Once they have a foothold, it will be hard for the coup government to stop their momentum."
”Especially once we cut off access to their resources and support from Xiomera,” Tiacihitli replied. “Have your advisors recommended a timeframe for possible intervention?”
"The timeline for retaking the nation heavily depends on how prevalent the resistance force is in Auria. Establishing a connection with them should be our greatest priority." The Chancellor cleared his throat again. "We should mobilize our forces as soon as possible, so we are poised to strike if an opportunity presents itself. I know I won't be command in the near future, but I'm sure my successor will cooperate with you to their fullest capacity."
”I look forward to working with them,” Tiacihitli said. “Any suggestions or hints as to how best to interact with whoever wins?”
"Well, if it's Stendē and Morrin who win, I doubt you'll notice much of a difference compared to my administration. There may be more internal disagreement, but they are both highly skilled professionals, and they won't let internal division adversely effect foreign relations."
Lancaster thought for a moment before continuing. "If Vihrovs wins, you will likely see him attempt to withdraw from the CU, or at least withdraw from the economic portion of the Union. He recognizes the significant military threat Xiomera poses, and he won't endanger Eiria, no matter how much he dislikes the economic developments the Union would bring. He would still likely be on board with retaking Auria."
"Finally, if Ronis and Levefre win, they wouldn't withdraw from the Union, but you will see more resistance and hesitation to retake Auria. Ronis is very insistant on using resources efficiently, to the point where he would veto any plan that he thinks wastes even the slightest of resources. He's an economist by training, and is very much a perfectionist."
”That is very useful information. I thank you for it,” Tiacihitli replied. “Many in Huenya, frankly, will be sad to see you depart the Chancellor role, as you have been a good friend to us. But I am optimistic that your successor will be one as well.” The Vice-Speaker looked at some papers on his desk. “I also had another question. As you know by now, we have agreed to let the Sanctarians build a naval base in Ixtenco. I do want to reassure you that does not change our commitment to the Caxcanan Union. In fact, now that our new government has taken office, we wanted to raise the prospect of building joint bases in Huenya as a further deterrent to Xiomera.”
Lancaster nodded to himself, his clumsiness almost causing him to drop his phone. "I'm glad to hear that the Caxcanan Union will not be affected. I actually was glad to hear about the Sanctarian naval base. It will provide a helpful deterrent, as well as a semblance of insurance in case Xiomera plans to try anything. And I agree, building joint bases and beginning to form the framework of the CU would greatly help our situations." He paused. "I would also have to insist on forming civilian oversight bodies while joint bases are constructed. There is still a lot of hesitancy in Eiria regarding the abilities and independence of the military, and many fear that as a joint military is formed, officers could take advantage of regulation gaps. Plus, forming the official bodies of the CU would entrench the alliance."
”That is totally understandable. We are building our military from the ground up at this point, so we understand hesitancy. There is a fair amount of that taking place here as well. Oversight bodies are very much something we are on board with. Civilian control is something very important to us as well.”
"I'm glad to hear that. Judging by the state of things, an Eirian ambassador to the CU will be appointed after the election as a Cabinet official. They should help streamline development nicely. Of course, that's assuming that we don't partially pull out of the CU after the election." The Chancellor's nerves became evident in his tone.
”We definitely hope that does not happen. The CU is very important to deter Xiomera. Even a Sanctarian presence in the area might not be enough to completely deter Calhualyana or the XCP should the CU not be fully formed.” Tiacihitli tapped his pen as he thought. “If there is anything we can do to help make sure that outcome doesn’t happen, or to stress the importance of the CU to the voting public, we are more than happy to do so.”
"I appreciate the support, but I don't think that would be a good idea. It would only open up attacks on the CU's perceived 'Overreach'. We've already been working on promoting the CU from our side, so I think we are set. At least as set as we can be." Lancaster sighed. "It'll be weird, not being in this manor or the executive spotlight. I'll miss it, but at the same time, I could use some decent sleep for once."
”Normal sleep isn’t something I have had for a while, or am likely to have soon, so I can relate to that. I am glad you’re going to have that part of your life back now, though. And we’ll stay out of the political machinations and hope for the best.”
"Thank you. Again, congratulations on your election, and it's been a pleasure working with you. Hopefully, with a little luck, we'll have the chance to work together in the future. I know you'll lead your country into further prosperity." The Chancellor smiled to himself.
"The same goes to you. Always glad to help. Have a good day, your excellency." Lancaster placed his phone down with a content nod to himself. Now back to chaotic reality.
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