Austerain Welcomes the Irish and Welsh President

[Austerain]

"I really must visit New Ireland and Wales sometime, sounds like you have a rich history that I can already sense." says Grand Chancellor Asher.

A waiter walks over to the table. His accent has a hint of the local dialect (almost like Italian), "Hello everybody, welcome to Sardinia! Mr. President, Mr. Secretary, welcome to Austerain, I hope you've been enjoying the country so far. Governor McCord, shall we begin with the wine and salads first for your lunch?"

McCord smiles at the waiter, "Yes Antonello. I hope everybody likes white wine and strawberry and cranberry spring mix salad. A light start to our lunch. In Hyacinth, lunch is the largest meal of the day instead of supper."

The waiter smiles back at McCord (a little wider than he should), and says, "Right away Governor. I'll be back, friends."

When the waiter leaves, Sinclair clears his throat and says, "Well, Governor McCord, how is everything in your area? Besides your adoring fans, evidently outside and inside these walls." He tilts his head towards the direction of where the waiter went.

"What can I say? The people love me," McCord says smugly, "Things have been not too shabby here. Though I'm still waiting for some aid funds to help with recovering from that earthquake. You can fix up the capital in time for the President's arrival, but you can't send aid for farmers and homeowners to recover their lifestyles and assets?"

"Governor," Chancellor Asher says, "I understand your concern for your people, and I assure you that aid money is coming your way. The reason it is taking so long is because we had to direct funds towards larger cities to recover commerce first. I already have enough millionaires breathing down my neck trying to get me to send funds for them to rebuild their country estates, even though they could do so themselves. After the large cities, I promise funds will proceed to the rural areas next. You have my word." Asher looks at Edwards and says in exasperation, "Federalism. 'Uneasy is the head that wears the crown,' Shakespeare predicted the story of my life."

[New Ireland and Wales]

"Well I'd love to have you visit at some point." Edwards says.

When the waiter smiles at McCord Edwards looks at both the waiter and Gov. McCord and winks at Gov. McCord

Edwards chuckles slightly at the conversation between McCord and the Chancellor. "I have a new saying. Uneasy is the politician that has to deal with Polacco." Edwards says in response "Now excuse me for a second as I look at polling"

Edwards looks at the sheet in front of him with a smile before getting a sort of sad face at one point. "Well certainly alot of good news. My approval ratings are at 85% and 86% say they would vote for me, the Progressive Union is due to take all but one governorship from the NCP, but sadly Polacco is polling incredibly high in North Wales so she'll most likely be Governor there." Edwards says with a sigh.

[Austerain]

The three Austeren gentlemen look at Edwards impressed. Chancellor Asher says, "Your numbers are every politician's dreams, Ted, well done. I'm very disappointed about Polacco's popularity over there, she must be stoking the populist flames. With your appoval numbers in mind, what have been the developments of your administration so far?"

The waiter returns with glasses of white wine for everybody, along with a healthy green spring mix salad of leafy greens, cranberries, feta and goat cheese, pecans, strawberries, and cranberry vinaigrette. Everyone digs in

[New Ireland and Wales]

"Ah, well I'm sure it's just a honeymoon phase. The NCP is in disarray. This time last year they had a majority in everything there was to have a majority in. Congress, Provincial Houses, etc. Now they're getting ready to lose almost every Governorship they have. It's gonna take some reorganizing but I'm sure when they reorganize the numbers will fall. But, I have done a lot since taking office. The biggest one being government reform which we desperately needed, but we've passed jobs bills, this recent agreement, and more. The main priority right now is reforming the government and getting the economy back on track. Which economists say we are on the brink of an economic boom thanks to things this government has done since taking office." Edwards says "As for Polacco she's not popular around the country just in one province. That province being North Wales which has always been far right-wing and controlled by the Traditional Union so I wouldn't exactly worry about her."

When the wine and salad arrives the President starts eating as he continues to chat with the men.

"So Gov. McCord how long have you been in politics?"

[Austerain]

"Always nice to have the opposition in disarray, it makes things easier for political leverage. When I won 81% in the 2005 Election, the Progressive Conservatives still held majority, but their numbers fell by the 2010 Election and we took a majority of governorships. By the time of the 2015 Election, we finally took control of Congress and retained control of governorships. PC has been in full crisis mode lately, although there are alot of issues in which the Liberals and Progressive Conservatives share. When the Progressive Conservatives had control, I wasn't able to get anything passed that would open up trade and travel."
"With Polacco, she always does best in regions where the far right are more effective. Auradon is the Province here where the far right do well in suburbs and rural villages, where she was elected Delegate of its capital Strasguard. Looks like she's taking advantage of another similar place. Be careful with her."

McCord replies, "I've been in politics for a few years. I was elected Governor in 2010. Before being elected Governor, I was both Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General for the previous provincial Governor, a Progressive Conservative. I was Lt. Governor because of a coalition there between the Liberals and PC that was needed to form the government, because there was a third Communist Party that had so many seats in the assembly, that no government could've been formed except under a coalition. The Hyacinth Liberal Party decided that we had more in common with the Progressive Conservatives than the Communists, so that's what we did."

[New Ireland and Wales]

"Oh it's certainly a blessing. I think that having absolute power for 30 years and being ousted in a landslide would put any party in disarray. I used to be a member of the National Revolutionary Party shortly after the war which was a radical right-wing party though I was a member of the centrist wing of the party. They held literally every political seat there was for about 4 years before the centrist wing split and formed the NCP and were horribly defeated in November of 1984. The party was dissolved in December of that year. I don't want that to happen though. It's good to have opposition to keep the government in check but I do like them in disarray."

"The funny thing about North Wales is they always complain we spend too much on welfare and other "entitlements" but they have 25% of the nation's welfare recipients because they are more poor than any other province in the nation. So I fully expect Polacco to get reelected but that's because the NCP hasn't held power there since the 90's and the Social Democratic Alliance(formerly known as the Progressive Union) does not even have an organized party there except for maybe a few councilmen/women."

"Hmm quite a career you got there. Building up a national profile, eh?" Edwards says with a smirk.

[Austerain]

"The Conservative Royalists do the same thing. I suppose you're half hoping that NCP will get their act together to fight the more extreme right wing as I am with the Progressive Conservatives!" Asher winks.

McCord laughs, "I'm happy where I am.. for now. There's alot of talk in the party that I might succeed Asher once he steps down, but we'll see."

After the waiter comes in with their entrées- consisting of pesto pasta, garlic Parmesan salmon, and a Sicilian soup- an aide rushes in and whispers in Asher's and Sinclair's ears. Asher's eyebrow raises and he looks at Edwards visibly disturbed.

"President Edwards," he says with a careful voice, "My aides has just told me that the news cycle is announcing that intelligence agencies in your nation have collected Intel from our government servers and placed operatives in the echelons of my circle. Now I have members of Congress on all sides of the aisle urging me to charge your operatives with espionage with no extradiction, and the Progressive Conservatives are threatening to push for a repeal. Vice Chancellor Versace is about to speak to the press soon, and you know she will not hold back. A top aide and several foreign policy advisors connected to this are in custody. Care to explain?"

[New Ireland and Wales]

"I do actually hope that happens." Edwards says


When Edwards gets questioned on the recent intelligence scandal he groans and rubs his temples before answering "There's honestly not much that can be said. The data collecting began in 2008 before I took office and it might or might not have been ordered or by President Frank who was known to have strong ties to the agencies. We will be fully investigating the matter. It's truly horrifying to learn that this was going on. But it's not going to go on anymore. I, on behalf of New Ireland and Wales, am deeply sorry. Once the directors are removed and the Senate passes the intelligence reform that needs to be passed we will charge anyone and everyone involved in it if that includes President Frank we will have to list all protections on him. With the aides, not all of them are from New Ireland and Wales but the ones that are I beg of you to release to the Justice Department in New Ireland and Wales and they will be charged for their crimes. We won't hold back."

[Austerain]

Asher sighs and pauses for a minute to think, staring out the window towards the blue ocean. Then he turns to the aide and says, "Deport the Irish and Welsh operatives back to NIW. I'm sure President Edwards will have his Justice Department officials waiting for them upon their arrival."

"Yes sir," the aide says quickly and runs off to tell the Austeren Justice Department to transport the Irish and Welsh ops in custody.

Asher turns to Edwards, "This is a disappointing development and will have a toll on our open trade and travel initiative. I expect this not to happen again. You realize that after the skepticism even within my own party for opening up diplomacy, that this only confirms their fears? They will react to this and I would have no choice but to stay out of their way. In the meantime, for the operatives that are Austerens hired by your agencies, our Justice Department wants to gather information on the tactics and information relayed so they will be interrogated humanely during their prison sentence." Sinclair's phone pings.

"And now" Sinclair says, "The Grand Senate is already debating sanctions against former President Frank and your intelligence directors. Press is gathering outside so we may have to cancel the tour and have a short press conference. Is that all right, Mr. President, Mr. Chancellor?"

Asher nods and places his closed hand under his chin.

[New Ireland and Wales]

"Thank you, Mr. Chancellor. I assure you they will be apprehended by Justice Department officials. We will send you all the information that they gathered so you can use it for interrogation of the operatives." Edwards says then looks at Sinclair "Yes a press conference will be fine." then he places his head in his hands.

[Austerain]

McCord notifies his team to set up for the press conference. With an awkward silence, the men continue eating their lunch. Asher and McCord tip the waiter generously, who smiles back (concentrating more on McCord). McCord leads them to the great entrance foyer where two podiums are set up in front of numerous journalists and cameras, which start clicking as they enter the room. They take their places. Secretary Sinclair addresses the press first,

"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here on short notice. We will have a short Q&A session for President Edwards and Chancellor Asher regarding the espionage situation. We will now take questions."

Numerous hands shoot in the air. Asher points to a young lady in a navy blazer in the front,

"Lucy Inge, Austerain International. Mr. President, Mr. Chancellor, these reports are alarming if not potentially damaging to our ties. How do both of you feel about these revelations and will it affect the agreement or our ties in general?"

Chancellor Asher says, "These reports certainly are alarming and disappointing. I have been briefed on the situation and all officials involved have been apprehended and taken into custody. We will deport the Irish and Welsh spies back to their country, where President Edwards has promised that they will be charged by their Justice Department and information will be relayed to us . Austeren spies have committed crimes against Austerain and will be charged for espionage and treason.

These revelations will not compel me to make any changes from my side of the agreement, however Congress may choose to react rashly, which I discourage. From what I've heard from some of New Ireland and Wales' members of Congress and their VP, they are equally disturbed and with President Edwards will take action. For this, I commend them and remain committed to a relationship of trust and understanding with the President and his country."

"President Edwards, your comments?" Lucy Inge asks

[New Ireland and Wales]

The President nods and then answers "Well I'm certainly grateful that Austerain is committed to the relationship I also realize it's gonna take time and commitment from New Ireland and Wales. It's not just something we can brush off. The number one thing that has been breached here is trust. Austerain may not trust New Ireland and Wales as much, this makes it seem like New Ireland and Wales doesn't trust Austerain, the government's trust in the intelligence agencies have been breached, as have the people's trust in these agencies. That's gonna take some fixing."

A hand shoots up in the back and President Edwards points at the reporter. "Donald Pence, Irish-Welsh Times. Mr. Chancellor, are you at all worried about the possible information that might have been gathered from you and your staff and Mr. President what do you plan to do with the information that was found?"

"Well we will use the information to charge everyone that Austerain has handed over to us and President Frank if he indeed was involved in it. We will also hand over any relevant information over to Austerain for their use."

[Austerain]

"I'm not personally worried about my own information from my emails, texts, and phone calls other than possible personal information that could be potentially leaked such as credit card numbers, and the personal phone numbers and email addresses of private citizens that I have contacted. I hope, however, that my staff has nothing that is compromising to national security or ethics. If we find anything to that account, we will of course take action."

Another hand goes up and Asher points to a young man in a tan suit. "Bernard Cooper, CNN. A few questions for both of you. Will any content be available for public viewing? Will the public be fully informed on the investigation by the NIW President? Mr. Chancellor, will you begin an investigation and release findings to the public?"

Asher clears his throat as camera keep clicking, "For content, we may release them in the future, limited to content that does not include private information. As for an investigation, I will instruct the ABI to investigate on how these operatives infiltrated the government, what information was gathered, whose information was gathered, and what we need to do to prevent any other spies in the future (and charge any others if needed) based on information that New Ireland and Wales turns over to us and communications records. We appreciate that President Edwards is cooperating with us and taking action to remedy this shocking development."

[New Ireland and Wales]

Edwards looks at the Chancellor as he speaks "Well personally I don't think any information that has been collected is of the business or of relevance to the public. But if we do release anything it will be stuff that is not personal and stuff that is not in any way endangering to the national security of Austerain, New Ireland and Wales, or any other nation. Of course as the investigation goes along we will update the public on it,"

[Austerain]

Another voice rises out of the crowd,

"Lee Dansby, BBC. Several members of Congress want to sanction the former President George Frank and some of the intelligence heads. Mr. Chancellor, will you sign this bill if it passes Congress or will you veto it? Mr. President, how would you feel if this bill passes? Would you be offended or I dare say speak out against it and retaliate?"

Asher narrows his eye at the reporter, "Well Mr. Dansby, if the representatives of the people vote overwhelmingly to sanction these officials, I will have no choice but to sign it," he says bluntly, "I hope that this bill wouldn't offend President Edwards as it's expected for political reaction to something this scandalous, even if it's an overreaction. I will not however sign a bill that would jeopardize our relationship with NIW, especially if it sanctions the current President himself as one particular Senator proposed himself. The Irish and Welsh government is doing their best to work through this with us and is working to reform their intelligence agencies, so I see no reason to retaliate against their government and people as a whole. The situation is being contained."

[New Ireland and Wales]

"Well I myself have condemned President Frank and these intelligence heads so I fully expect Austerain to do the same. So, no I won't be offended. However, I would be offended if it happens to where myself and future Presidents are sanctioned for what happened. That would be sanctioning the Presidency and that solves nothing."

Edwards points to a reporter near the front. "Jonathan Grace, RTE International. Mr. President and Mr, Chancellor what is your reaction to what the Vice Chancellor said?"

Edwards coughs and then speaks "Well if I were to say I fully support what she said and wasn't offended a little bit by what she said I would be lying. She seems it is right to blame me and the people I serve for this. She wants to bring up how we had a certain person in our cabinet when that was simply me reaching out to all parties so they could get a voice in the cabinet. I didn't like Polacco anymore than anyone here. So her saying this brings whether Austerain can trust New Ireland and Wales is quite concerning but I do understand where she is coming from."

[Austerain]

Asher grimaces in disapproval, "Vice Chancellor Versace has never been afraid to speak her mind so bluntly, but there is some truth. I understand that people were skeptical of opening our foreign policy and trade with other nations because of alien influences, and this might be seen as confirmation of their suspicions. I can assure the Austeren people that we are working with New Ireland and Wales to contain this, and that we are taking steps to seek out any other foreign agents within the government. I also understand the internal procedures by which President Edwards made his decision to appoint Ms. Polacco. I will not comment on my opinion of her candidacy for Governor, because it should be obvious."

Sinclair speaks up, "All right, that's all the time the Chancellor and President have. Thank you for being here." Asher and Edwards step down from their podiums and begin to walk towards outside to the motorcade, Asher places his hand on Edwards' back as a show of friendship.

[New Ireland and Wales]

Edwards steps down from the podium and begins to walk to the motorcade. "Well that wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be." he says witha slight chuckle.

[Austerain]

Asher grins, "At least Sinclair stopped before BertBrait Right News started their questions. They would've started pushing questions to turn the people against the agreement."

The gentlemen get into the limousine, and the motorcade departs. The motorcade passes stucco and stone shops and homes and onto the highway. As they drive on the seaside expressway, the blue expanse of the ocean to their right, they pass a sign saying HYACINTH UNIVERSITY 1 MILE. When they turn on their exit, they see rolling forests and a group of classical style buildings by the seaside. When they finally arrive, they pull up to a neoclassical building with huge flags of both countries hanging on the sides. The limousine pulls up as students cheer their arrival with their red and white school colors, little flags, and large poster signs saying things like "WELCOME PRES EDWARDS" and "GO CONDORS".

[New Ireland and Wales]

As the motorcade gets close to its destination a voice over the radio says "Christiana Polacco, former Domestic Affairs Secretary under President Edwards and Austeren Congressional Leader has been elected Governor of North Wales." Upon hearing this Edwards has to fake a smile as his lets out a few curse words. "I'm sorry Mr. Chancellor just not the news I wanted to hear right now."

[Austerain]

As they get out of the limousine, Asher fakes a smile as well and says at the corner of his mouth, "It's not your fault, Ted. I guess we'll officially have to keep an eye on her and come what may." Cell phones start ringing and chiming from nearby aides and students alike as news breaks of Polacco's victory. The cheers quiet down a little as people murmur things like "Polacco... Governor... ruin North Wales... tension.." Students look warily, almost a little angered, at the President and warily at the Grand Chancellor.

Asher, sensing the tension in the air, throws his hands up and says, "Chin up, everybody! Things will continue business as usual. She is no threat to any of us." He places his hand on Edwards' back as a sign of friendship again and the students cheer. They shake hands with students as they slowly make their way to the front thick wooden doors of the building.

[New Ireland and Wales]

Edwards smiles as he shakes the hands of the students and talking to them as he goes along heading towards the doors. "This is a beautiful college." he says to one of the students.

[Austerain]

When they enter the doors, the Dean, who is wearing the red and white academic regalia with his red and black dean's cap, shakes their hands, "Mr. President, Giorgio, welcome to Hyacinth University, it's an honor to have you both here. The students are waiting for you!"

"Good to see you again, Dean Thomas." Asher pats his back.

The Dean leads them down a long corridor with high vaulted ceilings. Flags hang from the trusses of the ceiling, with symbols of each province and each School of Hyacinth University decorated on them. They finally reached the end of the hall and the Dean opens another set of wooden doors with metal braces. As the great doors open apart, a resounding applause thunders into the hall. They enter a huge room. On each side as they enter, there are rows of students clapping, cheering, and waving flags. Their walkway leads up to a stage at the head of the room. On the stage, there are three high-backed wood and velvet chairs (almost like thrones), the one in the center slightly taller than the other. On each side of the chairs, the flags of Austerain and New Ireland and Wales flanks them. The Dean is the first to walk on the stage to a hanging microphone in the center. He holds his hands up for silence, and the room silences.

"Students and farmers of Hyacinth,
We are honored to host President Theodore Edwards of New Ireland and Wales and Grand Chancellor Giorgio Asher here with us this evening for a town hall. Tonight, they will answer the questions you have about their policies, what you want to see, and your own ideas. Once we start, please remember decorum and represent this University with the respect and dignity it deserves in front of international television and the visiting dignitaries."

Some grumbling is heard, but the Dean raises his hands again in silence.

"Now without further ado, please put your hands together for President Edwards and Grand Chancellor Asher!"

Cameras click from the back of the room where the press is and from students' own phone cameras as the two men approach the stage, and the Dean sits on the center chair.

[New Ireland and Wales]

Edwards shakes the Dean hands when he meets him.

After the Dean makes his announcement and calls out Edwards and Asher, Edwards walks out with a big smile on his face shaking hands and waving at the people.

He approaches the stage and turns around and continues to wave before sitting down.

[Austerain]

Grand Chancellor Asher approaches the stage and waves, crouching down in the front of the stage to shake outstretched hands of students and others. He sits down as a man in a black suit walks up to the stage with his own mic, his face caked with stage makeup, and wavy blond hair.

"Welcome to Hyacinth University's town hall with your host, Cooper Sanderson! Thank you all for being here. Questions have been submitted by members of the audience in this room. Let's get started!"

Applause resounds from the audience.

"Our first question is from agricultural engineering major Logan Walton. Logan?"

A guy stands up near the front, wearing an HU spirit t-shirt, blue jeans, and a red and white hat.

"Hello Mr. President, Mr. Grand Chancellor. My first question is for the President. Mr. President, what are you doing in your country for current and prospective college students to make college more affordable and available?

And will there be open student exchange and study abroad programs between our two countries? Either of you can answer that last one."

Asher stands up and answers, "I'm glad you asked, thank you for your question, Mr. Walton. The answer is yes to study abroad exchange programs. Section 8 of our Bilateral agreement covers our education and work exchange to make it easier and more affordable for students to attend college in NIW and vice versa, which the Austeren government is funding through our affordable higher education initiatives already in place to make college more affordable for students here. With our exchange, not only is it easier for students to go to classes abroad, but the agreement makes it easier for students to be able to work for financial aid in order to help pay for extra tuition fees or living expenses."

[New Ireland and Wales]

Edwards stands up and looks out at the crowd then answers "Thank you for that question. We have been making slow progress since taking office. We've mostly had to wait until the SDA took control of the provincial governorships which e have just done. Most colleges are under their control or at least public colleges. But on a national level we have implemented interest-free student loans. I just don't see how it's good for the government to profit off of our college students getting an education. We've also set up more grants and scholarships over a wide range of topics. We've also made tuition to two of our national colleges, University of Dublin, Trinity College and the Dublin Institute of Technology, free for students of families that make under 50,000 a year. But now that we have taken the governorships we can pivot towards real educational progress."

[Austerain]

There is polite applause as the student sits down.

Cooper Sanderson says, "Thank you. Next question is from Buddy Wilson, a farmer from South West Hyacinth in the small town of Saint Paul. Buddy, your question?"

A man in blue overalls and a clean white button up shirt stands, his beard neatly trimmed. He says in the Hyacinth country dialect, "Mee-ster Preysideynt, Meester Chanc-lar, with the r-eye-sing amount of fayst food 'n processed food, farmahs like me will struggle. What will y'all do to support ahr b-ee-usiness?"

Asher nods in Buddy's direction and smiles "Mr. Wilson, thank you for your question. For the past 11 years in my administration, we have been redirecting our subsidies from corn to vegetable and fruit farmers like yourself to buy better technology, hire more labor, and decrease the costs of produce in stores to create a more efficient agricultural sector without falling prey to monopolistic corporations, to help consumers make healthier choices with low prices for healthy foods, and to help farmers sell more of their produce. We've done very well at doing this, but since we've taken control of Congress, it has yet to make a more impactful change towards limiting the threat of unhealthy processed foods that do more harm than help from farmers to the consumers who face related medical issues to the taxpayers. When I return to Austraton, I'll be pushing Liberal legislators to pass legislation to eliminate subsidies for the unhealthy food industries, passing better regulations on the types of chemicals, and the amount of influence of corporations over food safety regulations. There will be short term effects to the overall economy of the food industry, but over the long term, companies will adapt with better and new practices, as well as sources of their ingredients- from you the farmers."

Cooper Sanderson looks at Edwards, "Mr. President?"

[New Ireland and Wales]

"Thank you for that question Mr. Wilson" Edwards pauses before continuing "Agriculture is a major part of New Ireland and Wales' economy. What we have done is start subsidizing small farms pulling them away from big farms. This has allowed the smaller farmers to sell their products for cheaper, allows them to hire more people, invest in better technology and techniques. As a result our agriculture sector is more diverse and competitive and small farms now provide 40% of all products versus 15% two years ago. Our next step will be to take focus away from unhealthy foods and companies that produce these things towards more healthier options which we hope will make a more healthy nation and will overtime better impact the economy."

[Austerain]

More applause. Cooper Sanderson thanks them and continues, "Our next question is by Dr. Steve Magners, a research scientist for the university's Turner Research Institute. Dr. Magners?"

"Yes, thank you Cooper. As a scientist, I am concerned about the use of pesticides and herbicides on the foods we grow and the long term effects on those of us that consume these contaminated foods such as cancers, infections, and mental birth defects. I know that the Chancellor's government has banned their use and supported safe pest-resistant GMOs, so my question is got the President. Mr. President, what are you doing in your country to prevent companies and farmers from using these harmful chemicals if any? Is your government seeking to export produce that use these chemicals to thus country?"

[New Ireland and Wales]

"When I took over as President I also reformed the Agriculture Safety Commission. The former Presidents and Presidents before had appointed business representatives, big farmers, and Doctors who said that these pesticides were safe. That was appalling so I removed them all. What we have now is health food advocates, small farmers, and actual Doctors and scientists. So far we have drastically reduced pesticides and herbicides in being used in farming. Small farmers no longer use them, big farms get fined for using them, and we have banned them from being exported to other countries. If you get any food from our country it's gonna be truly healthy food. However, we haven't quite yet solved the meat part of it though we have plans set up for it."