07-01-2024, 04:37 AM
Chancellor's Manor, Geminus
June 10th, 2024, 10:26 AM
“Atlauyat lei Krōnis brulet.”
Chancellor Stendē's voice, usually enthusiastic and professional, was as cold as the winter breeze that was hitting the bulletproof glass that lined the ornate study. Chief of Staff Riekstins and Security Advisor Prōvost sat in a pair of chairs in front of their boss’ imposing desk, their faces attentive and characteristically stoic. Prōvost spoke up first. “Osvald has definitely crossed every line here. Even his people think so. But I hesitate to say that we should do anything. The people will make him pay the price for this.”
“The people are fighting centuries of precedent and tradition. A few riots and occupations might not do the trick. They may need a bit of a push,” Riekstins replied. “I'm not suggesting that we summon the Council of Nine, but we can still act without being directly involved.”
Stendē pursed her lips. “You suggest that we… What is the English phrase? ‘Stir the pot'?”
Riekstins nodded, a certain glint in his eye. “It won't take much. The people are already calling for the abolition of the Monarchy. All we have to do is encourage them to do it themselves.”
Stendē looked towards Prōvost expectantly. “Do you agree with Julius' analysis?”
She thought for a moment. “Yes. With a combination of social media manipulation and the promotion of influential anti-monarchists, we could boost the movements. We could also start funneling resources to some of these movements, but as that leaves a greater trail, I suggest that we only do that as a last resort.” Her expression darkened. “But I also must advise caution. Authoritarian or plutocratic elements may take advantage of this situation in order to promote their interests in Zongongia. We need to be careful. This type of unrest can be easily exploited.”
“In that case, we must ensure that our messaging remains strictly egalitarian.” The Chancellor looked back at her Chief of Staff. “I’ll need to meet with Minister Ainina today, as soon as possible.”
The National Security Advisor raised a finger. “Before we go through with this, we also should discuss the diplomatic implications. If our involvement was exposed, our allies in Auria could get nervous.”
“I hope they will be able to understand the difference. After all, Auria is causing no problems for us right now.”
“Well, about that…”
Both the Chancellor and the Chief of Staff looked at her in surprise.
“A few Aurian gossip columns have reported that Prince Mathēu missed a few of his scheduled commitments. Normally, I wouldn't trust those kinds of outlets for reliable intelligence, but around a half hour ago, we received a communication from a Department of Investigation and Enforcement agent. He is currently investigating organized crime in Serenity Province, and is undercover with a RoJi organization. He believes that his employers manufactured a new identity for Mathēu and that the Prince is currently living in a coastal town in southern Eiria.”
Stendē was speechless for a few moments. “An Aurian prince has fled his homeland in secret and is living as a commoner in Eiria?” She asked incredulously. “Well, sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. Let’s see if we can reach out to him and hear his reasons. We could get him into the Cloaked Life program, instead of him having to resort to forgery and other things only the water should know.”
She stood, buttoning her suit jacket. “Thank you both for your counsel. Let's get to work.”
June 10th, 2024, 10:26 AM
“Atlauyat lei Krōnis brulet.”
Chancellor Stendē's voice, usually enthusiastic and professional, was as cold as the winter breeze that was hitting the bulletproof glass that lined the ornate study. Chief of Staff Riekstins and Security Advisor Prōvost sat in a pair of chairs in front of their boss’ imposing desk, their faces attentive and characteristically stoic. Prōvost spoke up first. “Osvald has definitely crossed every line here. Even his people think so. But I hesitate to say that we should do anything. The people will make him pay the price for this.”
“The people are fighting centuries of precedent and tradition. A few riots and occupations might not do the trick. They may need a bit of a push,” Riekstins replied. “I'm not suggesting that we summon the Council of Nine, but we can still act without being directly involved.”
Stendē pursed her lips. “You suggest that we… What is the English phrase? ‘Stir the pot'?”
Riekstins nodded, a certain glint in his eye. “It won't take much. The people are already calling for the abolition of the Monarchy. All we have to do is encourage them to do it themselves.”
Stendē looked towards Prōvost expectantly. “Do you agree with Julius' analysis?”
She thought for a moment. “Yes. With a combination of social media manipulation and the promotion of influential anti-monarchists, we could boost the movements. We could also start funneling resources to some of these movements, but as that leaves a greater trail, I suggest that we only do that as a last resort.” Her expression darkened. “But I also must advise caution. Authoritarian or plutocratic elements may take advantage of this situation in order to promote their interests in Zongongia. We need to be careful. This type of unrest can be easily exploited.”
“In that case, we must ensure that our messaging remains strictly egalitarian.” The Chancellor looked back at her Chief of Staff. “I’ll need to meet with Minister Ainina today, as soon as possible.”
The National Security Advisor raised a finger. “Before we go through with this, we also should discuss the diplomatic implications. If our involvement was exposed, our allies in Auria could get nervous.”
“I hope they will be able to understand the difference. After all, Auria is causing no problems for us right now.”
“Well, about that…”
Both the Chancellor and the Chief of Staff looked at her in surprise.
“A few Aurian gossip columns have reported that Prince Mathēu missed a few of his scheduled commitments. Normally, I wouldn't trust those kinds of outlets for reliable intelligence, but around a half hour ago, we received a communication from a Department of Investigation and Enforcement agent. He is currently investigating organized crime in Serenity Province, and is undercover with a RoJi organization. He believes that his employers manufactured a new identity for Mathēu and that the Prince is currently living in a coastal town in southern Eiria.”
Stendē was speechless for a few moments. “An Aurian prince has fled his homeland in secret and is living as a commoner in Eiria?” She asked incredulously. “Well, sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. Let’s see if we can reach out to him and hear his reasons. We could get him into the Cloaked Life program, instead of him having to resort to forgery and other things only the water should know.”
She stood, buttoning her suit jacket. “Thank you both for your counsel. Let's get to work.”
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