02-25-2022, 06:38 AM
Lancaster Manor, Nordjura Province
February 21st, 2022, 8:23 PM
Senator William Lancaster sat on the couch of his suite, going through the TV menu idly. He and Jacob were staying at the Lancaster Manor, the large manor turned hotel his parents ran dutifully. The pair had been staying at the manor while they looked for an apartment to share around western Nordjura Province, although with Will's Cabinet nomination, they began looking at New Riga as a potential hometown. The former Chancellor was due to present his credentials to the Senate in a couple days, so in the meantime, they had some rare time to relax.
Will settled on watching a news channel while his husband prepared snacks for their first official "Movie Night" in several years. The tradition had fallen by the wayside while they lived in the Chancellor's Manor, forced out by Cabinet meetings and press conferences. Will read the flashing news headline as it blinked across the screen. "Lauchenoirian Golden Blade Hostage Released". Thank God they found him. Wait, "Released"? What the hell?
He fumbled for the remote and turned the volume up, listening to the ENN Newscaster narrate the situation before cutting to Prime Minister Toquihu’s and Vice-Speaker Tiacihitli’s speeches on the release. Why would Calhualyana intervene? That’s a lot of leverage over Lauchenoiria to give up wantonly. Unless…
As Jacob brought out the bowl of snacks, his husband sank back into the sofa, processing what he just saw. Please, God, say that this is some vain effort by Calhualyana to gain favor with Lauchenoiria. But would Calhualyana really be foolish or naïve enough to negotiate release for no visible gain?
As he turned the channel to a recent Eirian Science Fiction movie, only one thought was on Lancaster’s mind.
Metdi.
—
In the Chancellor’s Manor, surrounded by Ministers and Aides, Chancellor Leah Stendē had met the same conclusion. “If this is true, how much of a dumpster fire will we have to put out between our allies?” She asked her gathered advisors after a sigh, almost fearing their answers.
Alice Lancaster stood on the Chancellor’s left, pacing the small area with her arms crossed. “Let’s just say it won’t be pleasant. If Lauchenoiria negotiated with Calhualyana, she would’ve asked for something to gain in exchange. Whatever it is, it could possibly weaken our Aurian coalition right as we need them to be strong. Plus, if Huenya and Lauchenoiria come to blows, we could be caught in the crossfire. Which means that we have the responsibility to clean this up, if this situation further degrades.”
Stephen Bruin, the recently-confirmed Minister of Defense, was seated on the right side of the Chancellor, scratching at the stubble on his chin. “According to our most recent intelligence reports, the Cordonnier Regime is facing heavy public unrest, due to resource shortages and martial law impositions. They have increased their propaganda output and conscription laws, but the Aurian people are still in uproar. We may have the perfect opportunity to stage an intervention in the coming weeks. But if our allies are too busy fighting each other, we may lose this opportunity.”
Zoe Provost, the new national security advisor, and Julius Riekstins, Stendē’s Chief of Staff, sat between the two Ministers, both with varying shades of concern on their faces. “It’s a very uncomfortable situation, one that the Xiomerans are sure to exploit. Between Auria and the Golden Blade, we are already running the risk of being spread too thin. Huenya and Milintica will devote more resources to fighting the Golden Blade, and with Lauchenoiria’s potential conflict with Huenya, the two largest allies in the Aurian coalition may be out of commission.” Provost paused, adjusting in her chair. “We should contact our allies now, and try to put out at least some of the fires.”
Riekstins shook his head. "If we contact our allies now to talk about the subject, we run the risk of exposing the whole situation. Right now, the Huenyans and Lauchenoirians aren't publicly at odds. We should remain alert for any potential tension and deal with it as it comes. It's pretty much all we can do. Calhualyana will attack any crack in our coalition she can see, so let's not give her any more weak points to exploit."
Chancellor Stendē pursed her lips. "All of this is presuming that Calhualyana struck some deal with the Lauchenoirians, and didn't just offer it as a gesture of peace." The silence from her four advisors made evident what they thought of that possibility. Stendē sighed. "I know. Calhualyana, despite being a megalomaniacal bitch, isn't stupid. It's not very likely that she would give up a hostage without solid gain. We need to watch Huenya and judge any sign of visible conflict with Lauchenoiria. I'm not sure I trust them not to make a rash decision and begin a destructive domino effect."
"The 'Whether with support, or alone' line from the Vice Speaker's address was a clever attempt to send Prime Minister Alvarez a message. I'm not sure he'll go further than just a hidden message, and only time will tell." Riekstins paused, trying to assemble his thoughts. "But this whole situation is dangerous on another level entirely.The entire public sees these news headlines and veiled speeches. How long will it take before the public or the press begin to connect the dots? They could set the whole thing into motion and force the Huenyans and Lauchenoirians apart."
"Then we'll have to move on from it. Make it yesterday's news. It's the only thing we can really do at this point." The Chancellor nodded to Minister Bruin. "Develop different options for an intervention in Auria within the near future. We need to strike while the iron is hot." Bruin nodded and started for the door while the Chancellor nodded to Lancaster and Provost. "You two should monitor public relation information from Lauchenoiria and Huenya to examine for any growing hostility. Also, make sure Calhualyana's not stoking the flames with malicious news or social media campaigns." The two women turned and followed Bruin out the door, leaving the Chancellor and her Chief of Staff.
"Do you think that Alvarez will pull out of Auria? Do you think that's the deal she made?" Julius stood and stretched his legs, his expression solidly neutral.
"I… I don't know. Lauchenoiria is a wild card. It was almost jarring, seeing how they reacted to the Aurian coup versus the war in Huenya. The first to insist on military action in one situation, yet unmoving and indecisive in another." The silence of the study was unnerving, causing Stendē to continue talking quickly. "Between the 'Neutrality' and this possibe hostage trade, I don't know how reliable Lauchenoiria will be as an ally. I guess we really only have one option now: Move on, stay prepared, and keep fighting."
The man nodded and slowly walked to the study's door. "Have a good night, madam Chancellor." Stendē didn't respond, instead focusing on her thoughts. This situation could have the power to tear our network of friends apart. And no matter how much she thought, one question kept bugging her.
If worst comes to worst, who's side are we on?
February 21st, 2022, 8:23 PM
Senator William Lancaster sat on the couch of his suite, going through the TV menu idly. He and Jacob were staying at the Lancaster Manor, the large manor turned hotel his parents ran dutifully. The pair had been staying at the manor while they looked for an apartment to share around western Nordjura Province, although with Will's Cabinet nomination, they began looking at New Riga as a potential hometown. The former Chancellor was due to present his credentials to the Senate in a couple days, so in the meantime, they had some rare time to relax.
Will settled on watching a news channel while his husband prepared snacks for their first official "Movie Night" in several years. The tradition had fallen by the wayside while they lived in the Chancellor's Manor, forced out by Cabinet meetings and press conferences. Will read the flashing news headline as it blinked across the screen. "Lauchenoirian Golden Blade Hostage Released". Thank God they found him. Wait, "Released"? What the hell?
He fumbled for the remote and turned the volume up, listening to the ENN Newscaster narrate the situation before cutting to Prime Minister Toquihu’s and Vice-Speaker Tiacihitli’s speeches on the release. Why would Calhualyana intervene? That’s a lot of leverage over Lauchenoiria to give up wantonly. Unless…
As Jacob brought out the bowl of snacks, his husband sank back into the sofa, processing what he just saw. Please, God, say that this is some vain effort by Calhualyana to gain favor with Lauchenoiria. But would Calhualyana really be foolish or naïve enough to negotiate release for no visible gain?
As he turned the channel to a recent Eirian Science Fiction movie, only one thought was on Lancaster’s mind.
Metdi.
—
In the Chancellor’s Manor, surrounded by Ministers and Aides, Chancellor Leah Stendē had met the same conclusion. “If this is true, how much of a dumpster fire will we have to put out between our allies?” She asked her gathered advisors after a sigh, almost fearing their answers.
Alice Lancaster stood on the Chancellor’s left, pacing the small area with her arms crossed. “Let’s just say it won’t be pleasant. If Lauchenoiria negotiated with Calhualyana, she would’ve asked for something to gain in exchange. Whatever it is, it could possibly weaken our Aurian coalition right as we need them to be strong. Plus, if Huenya and Lauchenoiria come to blows, we could be caught in the crossfire. Which means that we have the responsibility to clean this up, if this situation further degrades.”
Stephen Bruin, the recently-confirmed Minister of Defense, was seated on the right side of the Chancellor, scratching at the stubble on his chin. “According to our most recent intelligence reports, the Cordonnier Regime is facing heavy public unrest, due to resource shortages and martial law impositions. They have increased their propaganda output and conscription laws, but the Aurian people are still in uproar. We may have the perfect opportunity to stage an intervention in the coming weeks. But if our allies are too busy fighting each other, we may lose this opportunity.”
Zoe Provost, the new national security advisor, and Julius Riekstins, Stendē’s Chief of Staff, sat between the two Ministers, both with varying shades of concern on their faces. “It’s a very uncomfortable situation, one that the Xiomerans are sure to exploit. Between Auria and the Golden Blade, we are already running the risk of being spread too thin. Huenya and Milintica will devote more resources to fighting the Golden Blade, and with Lauchenoiria’s potential conflict with Huenya, the two largest allies in the Aurian coalition may be out of commission.” Provost paused, adjusting in her chair. “We should contact our allies now, and try to put out at least some of the fires.”
Riekstins shook his head. "If we contact our allies now to talk about the subject, we run the risk of exposing the whole situation. Right now, the Huenyans and Lauchenoirians aren't publicly at odds. We should remain alert for any potential tension and deal with it as it comes. It's pretty much all we can do. Calhualyana will attack any crack in our coalition she can see, so let's not give her any more weak points to exploit."
Chancellor Stendē pursed her lips. "All of this is presuming that Calhualyana struck some deal with the Lauchenoirians, and didn't just offer it as a gesture of peace." The silence from her four advisors made evident what they thought of that possibility. Stendē sighed. "I know. Calhualyana, despite being a megalomaniacal bitch, isn't stupid. It's not very likely that she would give up a hostage without solid gain. We need to watch Huenya and judge any sign of visible conflict with Lauchenoiria. I'm not sure I trust them not to make a rash decision and begin a destructive domino effect."
"The 'Whether with support, or alone' line from the Vice Speaker's address was a clever attempt to send Prime Minister Alvarez a message. I'm not sure he'll go further than just a hidden message, and only time will tell." Riekstins paused, trying to assemble his thoughts. "But this whole situation is dangerous on another level entirely.The entire public sees these news headlines and veiled speeches. How long will it take before the public or the press begin to connect the dots? They could set the whole thing into motion and force the Huenyans and Lauchenoirians apart."
"Then we'll have to move on from it. Make it yesterday's news. It's the only thing we can really do at this point." The Chancellor nodded to Minister Bruin. "Develop different options for an intervention in Auria within the near future. We need to strike while the iron is hot." Bruin nodded and started for the door while the Chancellor nodded to Lancaster and Provost. "You two should monitor public relation information from Lauchenoiria and Huenya to examine for any growing hostility. Also, make sure Calhualyana's not stoking the flames with malicious news or social media campaigns." The two women turned and followed Bruin out the door, leaving the Chancellor and her Chief of Staff.
"Do you think that Alvarez will pull out of Auria? Do you think that's the deal she made?" Julius stood and stretched his legs, his expression solidly neutral.
"I… I don't know. Lauchenoiria is a wild card. It was almost jarring, seeing how they reacted to the Aurian coup versus the war in Huenya. The first to insist on military action in one situation, yet unmoving and indecisive in another." The silence of the study was unnerving, causing Stendē to continue talking quickly. "Between the 'Neutrality' and this possibe hostage trade, I don't know how reliable Lauchenoiria will be as an ally. I guess we really only have one option now: Move on, stay prepared, and keep fighting."
The man nodded and slowly walked to the study's door. "Have a good night, madam Chancellor." Stendē didn't respond, instead focusing on her thoughts. This situation could have the power to tear our network of friends apart. And no matter how much she thought, one question kept bugging her.
If worst comes to worst, who's side are we on?
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