Austeren Leader in New Ireland and Wales

[New Ireland and Wales]

"Baron is a nice person but she doesn't do a lot of anything. Except of course get a paycheck. I can't support her bid for President if I become Taoiseach. Even if the President is gonna have very limited power under the new constitution." Edwards says with a sigh then looks at his phone with wide eyes before glancing at the Chancellor then back at his phone "S***" he mouths to himself.

[Austerain]

Versace replies, with a hint of annoyance in her tone after reading the headline, "Will you be making any endorsements at all with NIW's upcoming presidential campaigns? I imagine that Baron would be less than happy without your support."

After that, Versace looks out the window in silence for the rest of the ride.

[New Ireland and Wales]

Edwards looks guiltily at the Chancellor "I'll probably back the Chief Justice. He's a nice, intelligent, able bodied guy. I think he'd be right for the job." He stops for a moment before continuing "Madam Chancellor, I am sorry for those comments." The limousine pulls up to a crowd of people waiting around a cloth covered wall. "Well we are here." Edwards says before getting out the limousine and walking behind the memorial.

[Austerain]

Versace nods coldly to the President's apology before stepping out of the limousine followed by Mrs. Asher and Secretary Sinclair. Sinclair and Asher exchange nervous looks to each other behind Versace as Edwards leads the way to the memorial. Versace and Sinclair shake hands with a few people along the way.

[New Ireland and Wales]

Edwards checks his phone then calls one of his advisors before walking off with a loud sigh not even looking back at the Chancellor "This is not the kind of crap we need happening right now. Versace knows she's in the wrong here but insists on this cold attitude. Cancel everything tomorrow except the town hall and the State Dinner but move that up as a luncheon. Do it now!" Edwards hangs the phone up and throws it towards his assistant.

[Austerain]

Versace notices Edwards walk off appearing angered, and looks over to Secretary Sinclair asking, "What's his problem?"

Sinclair took his phone out and read it before showing it to Versace, "This just hit the news- source is directly from the Palace."

Sinclair reads it for a minute, then looks down with a sigh, "The staff just loves taking retaliation into their own hands. Tell the Chief of Staff to fire whomever is responsible. Have Greg apologize and clarify everything. This doesn't make me any less angry at him, however. I may have to rethink announcing an endorsement for his Taoiseach bid"

[New Ireland and Wales]

Edwards come back and looks at the three "Ok here's the thing we either discuss what happen and resolve it or perhaps it's best if you all leave after the concert. We can't allow this to go on. It's unhealthy and frankly a big misunderstanding." he says.

[Austerain]

Mrs. Asher, confused, looks at Versace and Sinclair then to Edwards, "Er, did I miss something between the limousine ride and now?"

Versace says to Edwards with an unhappy smile, "It's probably better if we don't. It's quite clear. Let's proceed, shall we?"

Mrs. Asher walks over to Edwards as Versace and Sinclair walk on and asks, "Everything okay?"

[New Ireland and Wales]

Edwards rolls his eyes as Versace walks away then looks at the First Lady "After my first encounter with her she got an attitude when I mentioned that Polocco was in my cabinet even though she knew my hand was forced on it. Later that night I was in a private call and I mentioned how I thought her attitude was annoying. Now someone over in Austerain released a video. I want to talk about it but she doesn't. Very fitting for a leader." he sighs and walks towards the front of the memorial.

[Austerain]

"I think you'll find that many Austerens aren't comfortable with discussing their personal feelings. We just deal with whatever those feelings are until what's needed to be done is done. She could be like this for the remainder of this trip, unfortunately," she explains, "Some of Austerens are worse than others when it comes to this. Exhibit number 1," she gestures towards Versace.

"My late husband had similar frustrations about Sarah and her unwillingness to become more personal. She prefers professionalism but you always know it when you get on her bad side- the frost that gathers once it happens. She'll just have to get over herself, won't she? Let's proceed."

The First Lady walks with Edwards to the front of the memorial, and Chancellor Versace stands 2 feet next to him.

[New Ireland and Wales]

"Professionalism is one thing but I feel her attitude is fairly unprofessional. Anyways, yes, let's proceed." Edwards says before stepping forward to speak "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us for the dedication of this memorial to two brilliant statesmen taken before their time. As we fight Polacco's forces across North Wales the spirit of the Irish and Welsh people. We survived lots of things and we will survive this. Survival and resistance is in our blood. May this memorial stand as a resistance against hate. May it stand as a memorial of what proper statesmanship looks like. May it stand as a tribute to the greatest leaders of our time Chancellor Asher and Secretary Cox both of which I saw as great friends" he looks at the Chancellor "Madam Chancellor, would you grab the other end of the sheet?" he too grabs a side "Pull when you're ready." he says

[Austerain]

Mrs. Asher shrugs as they proceed on.

Chancellor Versace nods with a half smile for the cameras as her and the President pull the sheet together.

[New Ireland and Wales]

The sheet pulls down to reveal a 20 foot tall statue of Asher and Cox standing next to each other with one hand joined together holding up a torch behind the statue sits an 8 foot wall with epitaphs for Asher and Cox on it. Suddenly the torch lights up with a flame.

Edwards takes a step forward with a tear in his eye "Mrs. Cox would you like to give a few words?" he asks the late Secretary's wife who is standing in the crowd she nods and steps forward "When me and Brandon first got married I knew he would be destined for great things. What I didn't know is that he would be instrumental in changing the course of history and end up dying for that change. I also never thought I'd be at a dedication for an actual memorial to him. This memorial has many meaning the torch symbolizes freedom and Chancellor Asher and my husband holding the torch symbolizes our two nation's dedication to each other in a fight for a better future. The reason the statue is so tall is t symbolize that no matter what our two nations will stand tall and next to each other." she finishes speaking and wipes her eyes as the crowd claps. Edwards looks at the Austeren delegation "Would any of you like to say a few words?"

[Austerain]

Versace, Sinclair, and Mrs. Asher look at the statue with astonishment. Mrs. Asher steps forward to say a few words with the water glazing over her eyes threatening to spill over. She hugs Mrs. Cox and stands beside her holding her hand while speaking,

"Mr. President, what a beautiful and impactful memorial in remembrance of my husband and Secretary Cox that will stand through the test of time. My husband would have loved to see the beauty of this country and her people, which is reflected upon in this statue. Like Secretary Cox, he cared deeply for those treated poorly in society- like him, he fought to support the LGBT community and to defend the fundamental values of democracy through acceptance of all.

When Giorgio and I first started dating in college, he was already there standing beside fellow students and citizens, speaking out for the oppressed. When he was a Professor, he did all he could to support his students that felt as if they had no one to support them. When he entered public service, he fought against the vast Opposition to pass laws to protect the oppressed from discrimination. He used his fiery speeches and analytical skills for persuasive pieces in newspapers and magazines across the nation to change the minds and hearts of the Austeren people to reflect upon the continuous fight against discrimination and for equality of all. He clawed his way to the top to better guarantee the rights of happiness of all in my country, as President Edwards has done and as Secretary Cox did.

The pursuit to form a more perfect democracy that will protect the freedoms and liberties of all does not die with its champions, but continues to live on through all of us. This memorial will symbolize our resolute pursuit to do so through time, and the legacy that the two statesmen left behind.

Despite what differences between our people and among our people, this is a legacy that we must continue and to remember the common values and interests we share- not our differences."

At that last part while the crowd applauds, Mrs. Asher stares daggers between Versace and Edwards for a couple seconds before stepping down with Mrs. Cox.

[New Ireland and Wales]

Edwards claps and smiles as First Lady Asher finishes her statement his smile kind of fades when she looks at him. He looks at her "Good job Madam First Lady!" he says. He looks at everyone "Come on! The concert begins soon over there!" he points to the other side of the park overlooked by the House of the President. He looks at his husband, the First Lady, Secretary Sinclair, and the Chancellor "Ready? he asks.

[Austerain]

The First Lady whispers into Versace and Edwards ears aside saying "I hope you two will be cordial to each other. The press has taken notice in the headlines today."

They nod and follow Edwards to the concert on the other side of the park.

[New Ireland and Wales]

"I think we are being as cordial as possible for the moment." Edwards whispers back. Soon the concert begins with the National Anthem of New Ireland and Wales which everyone sings to in the native language after that the National Anthem of Austerain is played which everyone stands in respect to.

[Austerain]

Sinclair, being more familiar with NIW as the Austeren Secretary of State, sings along to the NIW Anthem and the other two stand at attention in respect. They sing along to their own anthem.

As everyone is applauding to the anthems performance, Versace attempts to break the ice that had accumulated between them, leaning over to Edwards and saying, "That was a beautiful dedication, Ted. Thank you."

[New Ireland and Wales]

Edwards smiles "Thank you, Madam Chancellor. You should really thank Michael though. He's the one that planned it all." The concert continues playing many songs of the Royal Revolution and Freedom Revolution as well as popular songs of both countries. At the end of the concert the Governor of Leinster walks up on stage "Thank you all for joining us tonight. Now please join together in a moment of silence for these two men." When the moment of silence is over Edwards looks over and says "There's a press conference that my Press Secretary wants us to have."

[Austerain]

"Well he did a fantastic job," she says with a short smile.

The three Austerens enjoy the music of NIW, with some tears here and there. Mrs. Asher even whispers "amazing orchestra" to herself as they play.

After the moment of silence, Versace replies to Edwards, "I'd be happy to partake. It's probably time we clear the air with the media".

[New Ireland and Wales]

"He always does!" Edwards says with a smile putting his arm around Michael's shoulder. Edwards enjoys the music specifically Come Out and Fight along with Paddy's Lamentation. After the concert is over they walk over to the gathered press. "Good evening" he says

"Jean Clark, New Culture Media. Mr. President what was your favorite song?" a young female reporter asks. Edwards laughs "I think Paddy's Lamentation was beautiful. It was written in the 1840's when Ireland was suffering a major famine and the government wasn't doing anything about it. It speaks of how people had to leave their own country to survive and how they missed Ireland."

Another reporter stands up "Matthew Washington, Cardiff Chronicle. Madam Chancellor, what are you planning to do about the Progressive Democrats in Austerain?"

[Austerain]

Versace walks with Edwards over to the press with Sinclair and Mrs. Asher following closely behind.

"Good evening, everybody. Thank you for your question, Mr. Washington. The situation with the Progressive Democrats was unforeseen and, in my view, purely a political opportunist move by Congressman Winthrop and Grand Senator Giulia. I admit my decision to get involved with the global nuclear war in April was poorly advised and a rash one. However, now was not the time to divide our party over single issues after the political world in Austerain and NIW was upended by Chancellor Asher and Secretary Cox's assassinations. Rather than petty politics, it's time to come together to continue that legacy. I'd refer you all to the First Lady's remarks earlier from the memorial. But at any rate, I will be holding a video conference with Liberal Party leaders and Progressive Democratic leaders on the plane from here to Hirematia, where we will discuss how to come together once again and what I can do to integrate the beliefs of the PDP into the party before we have to take drastic actions by the Liberal Campaign Committee. Next question."

A young woman stands up and asks, "Lucy Inge, Austerain International Times. Mr. President, Madam Chancellor, the frostiness of your relationship has been noticeable ever since the audio from the call and from the Cabinet meeting leaked out. Tell us, how do you both feel?"

Versace sighs, "Mrs. Inge, I will be blunt about this. First I would say that the Cabinet meeting clip that was leaked was not released in its entire context and that I have asked the Chief of Staff to fire the staffer who leaked it as retaliation. After I left the meeting, I was told later that Polacco was appointed to her position because of NIW law that mandated it. I did not take consideration for it at the time, and thought it was a slap in the face. Obviously I was wrong, and obviously the law that put Polacco in that position backfired on them.

As for the call by President Edwards, I am a little disappointed and even angered by it, but considering my failure to understand the full reason, it shouldn't be all that surprising that this was his first impression.

At that, this shouldn't be taken as a freezing of Austerain-NIW relations. The special relationship between our countries goes beyond the personal reservations its leaders might have, especially after all that Chancellor Asher and Secretary Cox went through while making it happen."

Mrs. Inge says, "And President Edwards?"

[New Ireland and Wales]

Edwards sighs "It is true there has been some coldness between me and the Chancellor since these revelations came to light. I also regret making those comments but I want to assure everyone I have no ill feelings towards Chancellor Versace. I understand why she acted the way she did and I hope she can understand at least a little bit of the way I acted. Polacco being in my cabinet was a horrible thing. It wasn't legally mandated but letting opposition party members into the cabinet has just been an unwritten mandate. I appointed her simply to reach an arm out to everyone but I was planning on keeping her in the cabinet for a very small time."

A young man stands up "Mitch Hall, RTE News. Mr. President, are you worried about the uncertainty of your political future?"

"No, Mitch, I'm not. I have confidence that we can win in June." he replies

[Austerain]

A male reporter stands up, "Andrew Williamson, Austraton Daily News. Madam Chancellor, since you both have no ill will toward each other, do you plan to endorse President Edwards in his campaign?"

Versace pauses for a moment and says carefully, "It would not be appropriate for me as a foreign leader to make endorsements in a sovereign nation's elections. If in the case that an opponent does win, it would be terribly awkward in the first phone call or first meeting. Like with the rest of the candidates, I wish President Edwards the best of luck in his campaign."

She pauses again, "But I will say that the only candidate that I will actively speak out against is Chairman FitzGerald. After the way he has spoken about our late Grand Chancellor and his possible collusion with Polacco and her treasonous rebels, he is a disgusting individual who is unworthy to hold any form of elected office. He incites violence and hatred contrary to the values our two nations share. If FitzGerald wins, New Ireland and Wales will be left in the back of the line as Austerain expands its international portfolio. If anyone else, we will continue to have New Ireland and Wales as our closest ally and trade partner besides nations geographically proximal to our secluded nation of islands. I trust that NIW voters will consider this when voting."

Another reporter stands, "Lucilla Albright, Sardinia Herald. Mr. President, what is the update on the war in North Wales and the status on Governor Polacco? Will she be captured and tried or killed on sight?"

[New Ireland and Wales]

Edwards looks at the reporter for a moment before answering "The war in North Wales is going a lot faster than we expected. Their army is running out of supplies and food due to airstrikes by our air force and Austerain's air force. Our army has them on the run and I say within a few weeks they will be cornered and that's probably when the fighting will get heavy as all their forces will be in one area. But when we get to Governor Polacco we will arrest her and deport her." He looks at Chancellor Versace "I think that's all we have time for." he says

[Austerain]

Versace looks back to him and nods, "Yes it is." She looks at the reporters and thanks them. Mrs. Asher and Sinclair give them two thumbs up as they walk away from the crowd of reporters as they click away with their cameras

[New Ireland and Wales]

Edwards thanks the press before walking towards the motorcade to head back to the House of the President. "How'd we do?" Edwards asks before getting into the limousine.

[Austerain]

"As good as any press conference with the current circumstances, I suppose," Versace says as they get into the vehicle, "The memorial was nicely done, and the orchestra was just excellent."

Sinclair responds, "Both of you answered pretty well, I'd say. I hope that will deter the press from the assumptions for awhile."

Mrs. Asher nods, "And that the air is clear between you two. This sudden sourness between you two has to end, because it reflect back upon the relationship between Austerain and New Ireland and Wales if the heads of state have iced their friendship. I expect things as they were before and cordial behavior, especially from you Sarah."

Versace narrows her eyes at the First Lady and begins the speak, but scoffs slightly and places her hands on her lap, looking down at her phone reading the latest news updates.

[New Ireland and Wales]

Edwards sighs as he gets into the limousine. He looks at the First Lady "We are gonna stop by the airport so you can return home, Madam First Lady. " he says then looks back at his phone as it starts ringing "Hello?" he asks. Edwards listens for a few minutes "Thank you." he says before hanging up. Then looks at everyone else "It seems the Department of Justice has brought FitzGerald in for questioning over the assassination of Chancellor Asher and Cox." he says

[Austerain]

Mrs. Asher nods, "Thank you. I hope you and Sarah can behave yourselves when I leave," she jokes chuckling to herself.

As Edwards is listening to his phone, several pings come from Versace's. She reads for a minute and says to Edwards, "Yes, it was revealed in McLean Junior's trial today that he colluded with Conservative Royalists back home and Catholic Democrats here. Including politicians and high ranking party officials. Other investigators hitched onto the First Lady's plane on its way here, so they'll be needing to get in touch with your Department. The head investigator wants to interrogate FitzGerald himself."