[Democratic Republic Of Eiria]

(Made in collaboration with Xiomera)

Outskirts of Juraceda, Auria

The loud ruckus of an Eirian transport truck driving down a dirt road seemed to echo through the usually peaceful Laklār Forest. The truck, a bit worse for wear after frequent use in the Aurian countryside. Sitting at the other end of the canvas-topped truck were a pair of Eirian army soldiers, their dark green fatigues sticking out a bit in a forest largely made up of birch trees.

The thick forest widened out into a small clearing, allowing the driver of the truck to see both a farm house nearby and the shadows of Juraceda further beyond. At this point, the truck had slowed to a halt, prompting the pair of soldiers in the back to stand and step out. One of them pulled a couple of large boxes out of the way, revealing a Milintican in a suit that was just a little dirty from sitting in the back of a truck for a while. The more senior of the soldiers extended his hand, helping his passenger down from the truck. "We'll be waiting here, Kuren. You can return once the first demands are made." He handed over a small device. "Here is your panic button... Just in case."

Aika Mete nodded politely and accepted the device from the Eirian soldier. With a quick brushing off of his suit and straightening of his tie, he began walking towards the farmhouse. The sunlight glinted brightly off the Milintican flag pinned to his lapel as he walked forward. He stopped about thirty feet from the farmhouse, waiting calmly for his hosts.

In the distance, an Aurian peeked through one of the windows of the farm house, examining the situation thoroughly. The Eirians had retreated towards the edge of the forest, cautiously watching Mete and the house. They didn't want to escalate any sort of tensions, but they also did not want to abandon an allied dignitary to a pack of unpredictable partisans.

The door to the attached garage creaked open, revealing a group of black-clad UAC members walking towards the Milintican while carrying a table and chairs, which they unceremoniously dropped in the grass. Alain Bonnet walked out with them, sitting down in one of the old chairs.

"Welcome, my friend. Please, sit." As the negotiator sat, the Aurian eyed him with a warm expression. "My lieutenants wanted me to ask you inside, but I do not wish to intimidate you. There's no point to it, I think." He glanced upwards, over Mete's shoulder. "Although I'm not too sure I like the look of that truck over there..."

"You needn't worry about them. They won't cause an incident while I am here. I am Aika Mete, special representative of the Milintican government. I can assure you the intent of everyone here is to seek a peaceful and acceptable resolution to your issues with the current Aurian government." Mete placed his briefcase on the table, opening it in view of the group. Inside, along with a bunch of papers and pens, was a bottle. He handed the bottle to Bonnet. "Kawhe pango roa, a traditional beverage of the Paora people. My people don't drink alcohol, but hopefully a nice strong coffee-based drink will help us celebrate if our discussions are successful. Either way, it is a gift in the spirit of openness and discussion."

Bonnet smiled widely. "How kind of you!" He glanced towards one of the other UAC members, who was standing just a few meters behind them. "Could you bring us some glasses, or at least cups, so we may enjoy this gift together? And I believe we have some local soup in the house, as we just prepared dinner for our camp. Could you bring us a few bowls please?"

Bonnet's subordinate nodded and walked back to the house as the communist leader turned back to face the Milintican representative. "There are some amazing cooks in town that made us some delicious green onion and potato soup. I hope you may partake in it as well? I could not live with myself if I left a guest without food at dinnertime."

"It would be my pleasure to try it," Mete smiled. "Hospitality is a high value among my people, so the kindness of others is always appreciated." As the two men waited for Bonnet's subordinate to return, Mete leaned back slightly in his chair. "So, before we begin with the nitpicky details of negotiation, why don't you tell me about yourself a bit? I like to get to know someone before getting down to business, as the capitalists say," he added with a slight laugh.

`Bonnet chuckled at the turn of phrase. "Well, there's not much to know, I'm afraid. I'm just a writer who has always dreamt of a better life for all of us, past vanity and greed. Unfortunately, there wasn't much use for dreamers under the old monarchy, and especially not under the Orange Crown*, so I was forced to put down my pen for a while. But I've always been... How do you say it in English? An ee-dealist." Bonnet's Aurian accent faded in and out as he spoke. "What about you, Kuren Mete? How can a person end up as a negotiator and diplomat in the middle of an impending siege?"

"I grew up as a very talkative child," Mete laughed. "I was told it would be best to turn that into an advantage and become a diplomat. I joined the MPP during high school, entered the diplomatic service after college, and that was how I ended up here. Not directly here, of course. I've represented Milintica in many places around the world. I'm semi-retired these days, but I still get asked to help out now and again if I can be useful. That's what drew me to this particular mission. I want to help the UAC survive, ideally without bloodshed. There are very few socialist places in the world nowadays, we Milinticans would hate to see one overrun."

"I'm glad that there are more like us who are willing to take action. And a diplomatic career is full of honor. I just wish that I thought that diplomacy would work very well in our case. It's a bit harder to represent our cause and negotiate when we are unfairly labeled terrorists by those who have stayed past their mandate." Bonnet grabbed a pen and tapped it against the table a few times. "I admit, I was surprised that the Aurian army and their Coalition didn't destroy the whole city as soon as we declared independence. May I ask why that is? The area has been cut off from cell service."

"The Coalition has no interest in letting the Queen simply blast you off the map and won't support that. I can promise you that Milintica, in particular, is not prepared to allow such an outcome. It is my understanding that the Eirians have also interceded to prevent a military operation. Both of our governments desire very much to ensure that Katherina restrains herself and acts in a civilized fashion in regards to this matter."

Bonnet smiled wryly. "We were saved from being killed by our own government by you all down south and our siblings across the strait? If that doesn't say something about the current state of Aurian governance, I don't know what does."

A pair of UAC devotees brought a pair of glasses, two mid-sized bowls of a thin, cream-based soup, and a pair of spoons. Bonnet bowed his head in thanks to his followers before gesturing to the soup."It won't stay warm for long, you know. And besides, between bites, we can hear each other's positions and concessions. Have you gone to the Aurian government with any deal, or am I the first visit you've made?"

"You are the first visit. I was hoping to be able to take your position back to the government as a neutral party in the dispute, who wants a good outcome for everyone involved. I will add, though, that should it come to it, you will have the full backing of the Milintican government." Mate paused to take a spoonful of the soup. "Ah, delicious."

"I appreciate that support. And I assume, if the Eirians stepped in so willingly, that they'd be willing to offer their assistance as well? I served with some Eirian soldiers last year, and they were less than happy to have to fight a war in strange woods." Bonnet took a sip of the kahwe pango roa, nodding his approval. "Very nice. We do not have much coffee here, so this is interesting." He put down his cup. "And as for our position, we would either like fast, tangible reform, or independence. We would be willing to settle for less than independence, perhaps, under the right circumstances."

"I am definitely willing to present your position to the government, but would suggest a third option. Perhaps substantial autonomy within the current state would be in order?" Mete removed his suit jacket to make himself more comfortable as talking began in earnest. "Along with some form of security guarantees and agreement to drop the terrorism charges?"

"That is perfectly acceptable, provided that the government in Lumiere honors these terms. I, sadly, do not have as much faith that they will." Bonnet sipped another spoonful of soup. "And, my question is, what would we have to give up in exchange? How much of our souls do we have to sell in order for us to gain basic security?"

"That would be depending on what the government in Lumiere expects in return," Mete replied. "I would, naturally, try to keep their demands as reasonable and as simple as possible. I do have to find out what they expect though. I will put it this way: without the Coalition, the government's support and even its very survival become debatable at best. That is a powerful bargaining chip I intend to draw upon if needed to ensure things go well."

"I see. Well, as long as we have a fair degree of autonomy, or at least a way to influence policy... I believe we could listen to the government demands. As much as we loathe their actions, sabotaging our own existence out of an ideological disagreement seems... Impractical."

"In that case, I will be happy to present your position to the powers that be. Given the situation, I am confident that I can make them see reason. Unlike some I could mention," Mete laughed.

Bonnet returned the laugh politely. "Thank you, kura. I do appreciate your willingness to help us. I do realize that the situation that we are in isn't exactly ideal." He took the last bite of his bowl of soup before flipping it over, an old Aurian superstition. "What else do you need of us?"

Mete smiled. "Nothing other than to be patient and let me try to work my magic with the representatives of the government. Eirian and Milintican forces will make sure you are safe until then. I hope to have promising news for you quickly." Mete mirrored the gesture with the soup bowl before nodding. "Is there anything specific you would like me to communicate to the government or to the Coalition forces other than what we have discussed?"

"Well, you can give my thanks to the Coalition forces for waiting and giving us some buffer space. As for the government, make it clear that unless elections are held as soon as possible, the United Aurian Commune will remain in Juraceda." Bonnet thought for a moment, seemingly weighing a decision. "And... Tell them that, in exchange for quick elections, we can tell them where to find one of their most hated fugitives."

Mete raised an eyebrow. "That last bit will certainly be an intriguing incentive to the government. Is the name something you can release at this time?"

"With respect, not at this time. We have to bait the hook, as my fisherman brother would say." Bonnet looked distant, his joking tone not meeting his eyes. "But I have a feeling the capital people will know what I mean. Or, at least, enough to suspect." The distant look now had an unsavory snarl to it, as if Bonnet had bit into a lemon.

"An understandable precaution. I am sure the government authorities will be sufficiently intrigued." Mete found himself very curious as to who the mystery fugitive was, but knew better than to press the issue. "I will convey all of this to the other side and negotiate from there, but this is my number." The Milintican passed a small card over to Bonnet. "You’re welcome to contact me with any concerns or requests as I proceed."

"Thank you." The Aurian stood and bowed, placing the card in the pocket of his suit. "I hope you make it back past the blockade safely. You've got a heavy weight in your hands, Kura. Please, for our sakes, don't drop it."

----

Mete found himself thinking about Bonnet's parting words on the long drive back from Juraceda. He indeed had a weighty responsibility on his hands now, to convince the Aurian government to listen to the UAC and be reasonable. Mete could only hope he was up to the task.

*A name for the regime of Andrew Laurent-Ćordonnier