01-17-2025, 05:42 AM
New Riga, Eiria
January 8th, 2025
The usual sounds of phones ringing, papers shuffling, and footsteps echoing filled the lofty halls of the sleek Blakwell Office Building, but there was a palpable energy in the air. The modern construction of glass, metal, and granite housed Eirian civil servants from a variety of ministries, departments, and offices whose roles focused primarily on defense policy and intelligence analysis. And these government employees had been recently set abuzz by the news of new institutions within the Union of Caxcanan States.
“I'm not saying I'll go for one of them, I'm saying that it's nice to have that option open. Besides, even if I don't apply, it will clear the path to promotions down the line,” Paulus Kalitis, a Ministry of Diplomacy analyst, said over his shoulder as he waited for the large printer to release the documents he was copying. “What I'm saying is that it's good for everyone, at least everyone here.”
Sara Bardej, his colleague from the Ministry of Defense, sat on the edge of a table, an eyebrow raised. “I know. But you can't say you aren't tempted to go for one of those jobs. You are a diplomatic analyst whose job centers around comparative defense policy. It's not like this sort of opportunity comes very often.”
“I'm perfectly happy with the job I have, thanks. Besides, you're the one who has worked for MdĀ* for a lifetime and a half. You would be a much better fit for a job with the Eirian delegation to the Caxcanan Defense Council than I would. And shouldn't you be doing something other than pestering me about my career right now? Like, I don't know, your job?”
“Calm down. My meeting with the military intelligence liaison was cancelled, she got stuck in a meeting with an attaché to the Council of Nine. So I have some extra time to annoy you.” She peered over Kalitis’ shoulder. “They built a state-of-the-art facility but couldn't buy a new copy machine?”
“Apparently not. Would you like to contact the union, or should I?” He quipped. “But anyways, I.. I would love the opportunity, but I just don't want the hassle. The workplace politics around here are bad enough. Can you imagine how bad it will be with four different civil services fighting in a single organization? I might as well run for the Senate at that point.”
Bardej’s face lit up. “...That's not a bad idea.”
Kalitis’s eyes widened. “No way. No way! I was just complaining about workplace politics.”
“Not the Senate, the Caxcanan Assembly. You have degrees in political science and public policy, with a speciality in comparative policy. You've worked for multiple Senators, so you have connections that you can call on, not to mention political experience. And the union would practically trip over itself to fundraise for you. This would be the perfect shot for you to make a serious difference in the world, Paulus. Will you let that chance get away from you?”
Kalitis was silent for a few moments, before sighing. “...Alright, I'll think about it. Only if you apply for one of the Defense Council jobs as well.”
“Deal. But don't think about it for too long. The election is in a month, and the filing deadline is in just over a week, if I remember correctly. Don't let this slip by.”
—-
Vaun University, Geminus
“...And that is all that I have for today's lecture. Remember, your papers on your chosen domestic policy effect of the Great War are due at midnight tonight. See you all next week!”
Professor Lilija Lang shut her laptop and slid it into her computer bag as the flock of students made its way out the door of the lecture hall. After waiting a minute for any student to ask for an extension on their assignments (and being pleasantly surprised), she slung her bag over her shoulder and made her way towards the door, her longer black hair getting caught under the strap as she did so.
As she attempted to disentangle herself, the door swung open, revealing a younger gentleman in a blue business halar. “Dr. Lang. Would you mind if I talked with you for a minute?”
Though a bit confused, she nodded and walked back inside the classroom. “Of course. Can I ask what this is regarding?”
“Of course. Apologies if I scared you, I promise that I'm not a bearer of bad news. Quite the opposite, in fact.” He gave a formal bow, holding the sides of his halar customarily. “Juris Walker. I'm the Manor’s Foreign Policy Liaison.”
“I see.” The professor raised an eyebrow. “So, what would you be doing here? Shouldn't you be out whipping votes in the Square** or flying from embassy to embassy, or some other aspect of what I assume is a busy job?”
“Well, this is part of my busy job, Doctor. A job that became even more busy recently, as I'm sure you know.” With a nod of affirmation from Lang, he continued. “Our administration is attempting to create a completely new level of policy and governance. We need a lot of help with that, understandably.”
“You need me to vouch for one of your new policy measures again? I'd be glad to help out, so long as I don't have to miss a lecture. Where do you need me?”
“Well, we don't need you to advocate for a policy. We want you to make the policies. The Caxcanan Policy Council will need a First Minister, and we believe that you would be a perfect fit for that role.”
Lang stood in stunned silence for a few seconds before regaining her composure. “I… I'm flattered, but are you sure that I am the right choice? There are plenty of more flashy and qualified candidates who can craft your UCS agenda.”
“It wouldn't be our agenda, Doctor, but that of the UCS itself. And while there may be people who are more flashy, I can't think of anyone who is more qualified.” Walker pulled a paper out of his pocket and began to read. “Doctor of Political Science, Masters degrees in Public Policy and International Law. Almost twenty of government and academic experience, as well as a career of activism during the Civil War. Former Director of Political Analysis for the Ministry of Diplomacy, the current Dean of Public Policy Studies here at Vaun, and a notable member of the Chancellor’s party. Plus, you received a glowing recommendation from Minister Kalina, who could not stop talking about you. Did I miss anything?”
Lang adjusted her glasses with a smile. “Renata and I worked together on the Chancellor's National Policy Council a couple years back, before she was appointed as UCS Minister. She's a brilliant woman. And while I appreciate that award-worthy rendition of my résumé, who says that the position of First Minister is even yours to give? The Huenyans wouldn't exactly like giving such a powerful leadership role to an Eirian after giving us a majority share in the Assembly.”
The Chancellor’s staffer gave a smug grin. “It would just be for a term, and then they can have their turn steering the ship. And besides, even if we can't get you on the CPC as First Minister, we would still want to nominate you for something. Perhaps a portfolio around justice and security. Regardless, the point is that we want you on that council, charting a new and beautiful course for our nation and its allies.”
The ticking of the clock above the room’s whiteboard punctuated the professor’s astonished silence. After what felt like a minute, Lang sighed and grabbed her laptop bag once more. “Alright. If everything goes well with the elections, I'll do it. But I would not be a servant of the administration, I'd be an independent administrator of the region and its institutions. As such, you may not like the decisions I make.”
“Then I will take time to try to convince you, and abide by whatever your final decision is. Due respect, but if Chancellor Stendē wanted a lackey to lead the Union, she wouldn't have chosen you.” Walker bowed again, before walking towards the door. “I'd recommend that you get your affairs in order before February. Something tells me that you'll be receiving a promotion around that time.”
—
*Ministre dei Āsenz - Ministry of Defense
**”The Square” - A reference to Liberty Square, where the Eirian Senate building is located. Liberty Square is used as a metonym for the Senate.
January 8th, 2025
The usual sounds of phones ringing, papers shuffling, and footsteps echoing filled the lofty halls of the sleek Blakwell Office Building, but there was a palpable energy in the air. The modern construction of glass, metal, and granite housed Eirian civil servants from a variety of ministries, departments, and offices whose roles focused primarily on defense policy and intelligence analysis. And these government employees had been recently set abuzz by the news of new institutions within the Union of Caxcanan States.
“I'm not saying I'll go for one of them, I'm saying that it's nice to have that option open. Besides, even if I don't apply, it will clear the path to promotions down the line,” Paulus Kalitis, a Ministry of Diplomacy analyst, said over his shoulder as he waited for the large printer to release the documents he was copying. “What I'm saying is that it's good for everyone, at least everyone here.”
Sara Bardej, his colleague from the Ministry of Defense, sat on the edge of a table, an eyebrow raised. “I know. But you can't say you aren't tempted to go for one of those jobs. You are a diplomatic analyst whose job centers around comparative defense policy. It's not like this sort of opportunity comes very often.”
“I'm perfectly happy with the job I have, thanks. Besides, you're the one who has worked for MdĀ* for a lifetime and a half. You would be a much better fit for a job with the Eirian delegation to the Caxcanan Defense Council than I would. And shouldn't you be doing something other than pestering me about my career right now? Like, I don't know, your job?”
“Calm down. My meeting with the military intelligence liaison was cancelled, she got stuck in a meeting with an attaché to the Council of Nine. So I have some extra time to annoy you.” She peered over Kalitis’ shoulder. “They built a state-of-the-art facility but couldn't buy a new copy machine?”
“Apparently not. Would you like to contact the union, or should I?” He quipped. “But anyways, I.. I would love the opportunity, but I just don't want the hassle. The workplace politics around here are bad enough. Can you imagine how bad it will be with four different civil services fighting in a single organization? I might as well run for the Senate at that point.”
Bardej’s face lit up. “...That's not a bad idea.”
Kalitis’s eyes widened. “No way. No way! I was just complaining about workplace politics.”
“Not the Senate, the Caxcanan Assembly. You have degrees in political science and public policy, with a speciality in comparative policy. You've worked for multiple Senators, so you have connections that you can call on, not to mention political experience. And the union would practically trip over itself to fundraise for you. This would be the perfect shot for you to make a serious difference in the world, Paulus. Will you let that chance get away from you?”
Kalitis was silent for a few moments, before sighing. “...Alright, I'll think about it. Only if you apply for one of the Defense Council jobs as well.”
“Deal. But don't think about it for too long. The election is in a month, and the filing deadline is in just over a week, if I remember correctly. Don't let this slip by.”
—-
Vaun University, Geminus
“...And that is all that I have for today's lecture. Remember, your papers on your chosen domestic policy effect of the Great War are due at midnight tonight. See you all next week!”
Professor Lilija Lang shut her laptop and slid it into her computer bag as the flock of students made its way out the door of the lecture hall. After waiting a minute for any student to ask for an extension on their assignments (and being pleasantly surprised), she slung her bag over her shoulder and made her way towards the door, her longer black hair getting caught under the strap as she did so.
As she attempted to disentangle herself, the door swung open, revealing a younger gentleman in a blue business halar. “Dr. Lang. Would you mind if I talked with you for a minute?”
Though a bit confused, she nodded and walked back inside the classroom. “Of course. Can I ask what this is regarding?”
“Of course. Apologies if I scared you, I promise that I'm not a bearer of bad news. Quite the opposite, in fact.” He gave a formal bow, holding the sides of his halar customarily. “Juris Walker. I'm the Manor’s Foreign Policy Liaison.”
“I see.” The professor raised an eyebrow. “So, what would you be doing here? Shouldn't you be out whipping votes in the Square** or flying from embassy to embassy, or some other aspect of what I assume is a busy job?”
“Well, this is part of my busy job, Doctor. A job that became even more busy recently, as I'm sure you know.” With a nod of affirmation from Lang, he continued. “Our administration is attempting to create a completely new level of policy and governance. We need a lot of help with that, understandably.”
“You need me to vouch for one of your new policy measures again? I'd be glad to help out, so long as I don't have to miss a lecture. Where do you need me?”
“Well, we don't need you to advocate for a policy. We want you to make the policies. The Caxcanan Policy Council will need a First Minister, and we believe that you would be a perfect fit for that role.”
Lang stood in stunned silence for a few seconds before regaining her composure. “I… I'm flattered, but are you sure that I am the right choice? There are plenty of more flashy and qualified candidates who can craft your UCS agenda.”
“It wouldn't be our agenda, Doctor, but that of the UCS itself. And while there may be people who are more flashy, I can't think of anyone who is more qualified.” Walker pulled a paper out of his pocket and began to read. “Doctor of Political Science, Masters degrees in Public Policy and International Law. Almost twenty of government and academic experience, as well as a career of activism during the Civil War. Former Director of Political Analysis for the Ministry of Diplomacy, the current Dean of Public Policy Studies here at Vaun, and a notable member of the Chancellor’s party. Plus, you received a glowing recommendation from Minister Kalina, who could not stop talking about you. Did I miss anything?”
Lang adjusted her glasses with a smile. “Renata and I worked together on the Chancellor's National Policy Council a couple years back, before she was appointed as UCS Minister. She's a brilliant woman. And while I appreciate that award-worthy rendition of my résumé, who says that the position of First Minister is even yours to give? The Huenyans wouldn't exactly like giving such a powerful leadership role to an Eirian after giving us a majority share in the Assembly.”
The Chancellor’s staffer gave a smug grin. “It would just be for a term, and then they can have their turn steering the ship. And besides, even if we can't get you on the CPC as First Minister, we would still want to nominate you for something. Perhaps a portfolio around justice and security. Regardless, the point is that we want you on that council, charting a new and beautiful course for our nation and its allies.”
The ticking of the clock above the room’s whiteboard punctuated the professor’s astonished silence. After what felt like a minute, Lang sighed and grabbed her laptop bag once more. “Alright. If everything goes well with the elections, I'll do it. But I would not be a servant of the administration, I'd be an independent administrator of the region and its institutions. As such, you may not like the decisions I make.”
“Then I will take time to try to convince you, and abide by whatever your final decision is. Due respect, but if Chancellor Stendē wanted a lackey to lead the Union, she wouldn't have chosen you.” Walker bowed again, before walking towards the door. “I'd recommend that you get your affairs in order before February. Something tells me that you'll be receiving a promotion around that time.”
—
*Ministre dei Āsenz - Ministry of Defense
**”The Square” - A reference to Liberty Square, where the Eirian Senate building is located. Liberty Square is used as a metonym for the Senate.
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