Austeren Leader in Hirematia

[Hirematia]

"Yeah," Mechhai replies, checking the time. "It's only 8:00. I'll just go ahead and inform the kitchen staff of Secretary Daniels' peanut allergy," he says pulling out his phone. The first thing he sees is a notification from the Global Times reporting that James Thorne had won the Austeren election. "Wonderful. Now our treaties will be set back by months," Mechhai mumbles. He then tweets, "Congratulations to @jamesthorne and his PDP on their impressive victory. We look forward to working together with your administration."

The appetizer comes out. It is steamed shrimp wrapped with thin, spice-covered slices of eggplant. On top is chili oil, mint, and a little bit of grated cheese. The waiters set down a plate in front of each person along with a napkin with silverware inside. "So Thorne won," Mechhai sighs. "I haven't heard much about his policies other than what I've seen on the Austerain International Times," Mechhai comments. "What are his attitudes towards Hirematia and his attitudes on foreign countries in general? He seems pretty isolationist from what I've heard."

[Austerain]

Versace too pulls out her phone to read the headlines and briefing emails.

She sighs and looks back up to Mechhai and says, "Ah, just great. I would describe him as a staunch isolationist per se, it seems to me that he feels that I am too elitist and too hawkish with regard to foreign policy and too friendly to certain countries with autocratic tendencies. To Hirematia, I believe he's open to the potential economic ties, but I'm not sure when it comes to defense. He's very weak on defense, quite dovish and anti-war, which I can sympathize with. He's terrible at communicating his message, however, he's far too blunt. Nevertheless, you shouldn't find him too difficult to deal with, as he is very progressive."

Versace tries the appetizer, "Well this is quite delicious, you will have to pass the recipe along to the Palace chef."

[Hirematia]

"Thank you," Mechhai comments. "It's a Hiremath speciality. About the recipe-"

"Don't you dare give away my secret recipe!" a distance voice from the kitchen shouts.

"That's what I was going to tell you," Mechhai resumes. "This recipe is our Chef Ilardana Kudala's secret family recipe that has been in his family for 6 generations. I can pass along a recipe used by many nice restaurants, however." He opens a webpage explaining how to make the dish, called sigadasutta (shrimp roll), and emails it to Versace. He then puts his phone away in his pocket.

"I'm glad to hear that Thorne is not a steadfast isolationist," Mechhai begins after taking a bite of his sigadasutta. "I led a progressive campaign similar to his when I was elected, only I was running against a ultra right-wing libertarian party, rather than a center party such as yours. Thus I advocated for building a stronger military for defensive purposes, and I may be able to convince Thorne to accept a defense pact, although it may be more limited than the one we are signing today."

"I am confident that Mechhai can convince Thorne to accept a defense pact," Baahubala chimes in. "Mechhai is a wonderful speaker and has great persuasion skills. Besides, Hirematia is far from an oppressive regime. Out of curiosity, what authoritarian governments does Thorne accuse you of being too friendly towards?"

[Austerain]

Versace chuckles about the chef's warning to the Premier Minister, "I don't blame him." Her phone chimes as it receives the email with a recipe, and she thanks him.

After taking another bite, she looks up and continues, "I wish you luck with that prospect, he isn't easy to convince on these matters. I sincerely hope you can change his mind, I'll do all I can in another phone call tonight and the next time we meet," she takes another bite.

"As for what authoritarian government Thorne is stirring the pot with, I suspect that he believes that we're too friendly with nations such as the Paguio Empire, where they have an Emperor who is above the law. Before the campaigning, he was adamantly against sending representatives to all of the royal funerals and events there, as well as establishing ties. When our ambassador to the Empire died from his injuries after being attacked over there, he stormed the Secretary of State's office demanding his successor to do something, to which we agreed to recall all diplomatic staff from there. It still hasn't been enough- he sees the royals over there as 'unstable and incompetent to satisfy the needs of his people', by Thorne's words. Thus his history seems to be suggestive against the Paguioans among others authoritarian governments. He means well, but I fear that this will stir a controversy among SLU Member States."

[Hirematia]

"I do agree that we have tolerated the Paguio Empire's authoritarian nation for too long," Mechhai comments. "But I don't think going from tolerating it to threatening sanctions and expulsion is the best diplomatic strategy. His recent compromise is helpful, but I'm not sure it can repair the damage that his initial statements did. I've forwarded a very-carefully crafted response to my Press Secretary, which he is reading at tonight's press conference. Hopefully a diplomatic response will help to ease tension and put the Empire on track for a system compatible with the SLU. If Leopold XII fails to democratize, however, I will be fully open to sanctions and expulsion. However, I feel like the most pressing concern in the region right now is Auze. Regional cooperation will be necessary to defeat Auzean occupation of Grackle Rock, even cooperation with the Paguio Empire.

[Austerain]

"Yes, I was surprised and pleased with the compromise he offered. My Secretary of State has been in touch with the Paguioan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and their Prime Minister doing his best to smooth things over and convince them to agree to Thorne's offer. I think they're close to agreement, but support shown from other nations' leaders such as yourself would certainly help influence their decision to the right direction."

Her phone pings and she reads it for a moment, and says, "I agree. I've become increasingly concerned with the occupation and the involvement of other Member States. Auzean aggression has been very counterproductive to the objective of the Social Liberal Union and ought to be stopped. However, it is highly unlikely that the President-Elect will agree to offer Austeren forces to interfere in a foreign war, especially since we have no bilateral commitment to assist. He has however to defend Hirematia because of your geographical proximity and the trade lanes going through your waters, including using the OLDIE-P system to defend against any attacks on Hirematia by Auze."

General Brockwell looks over and says, "Madam President, the systems have just been ordered online by the Defense Secretary and Austeren Security Council after their latest threat of a preemptive strike against Hirematia, and are on standby if there should be any activity. OLDIE-P application on your mobile phone is activated and your codes are of course in your pocket."

[Hirematia]

"This is a grave situation," Mechhai responds. "I hate getting involved in war, but this effort seems necessary. If Auze's forces are high enough in number, we will be able to use our devastating antimatter bombs."

"Hirematia has quite a few tricks up its sleeve," Baahubala adds. "We have underwater mines triggered only by enemy ships, an elite aerial squadron, and enough submarines that Auze will never see most of our soldiers. With a ruthless nation like Auze invading however, we could be in deep trouble. We may even have to modify our antimatter weapon policy to defeat them."

Waiters take away appetizer plates and bring out the soup course, a vegetarian soup called daal. It is a thick stew made from lentils, tomatoes, spices, green chilis, spinach, and onions.

"From the perspective of liberating Grackle Rock this invasion could be a good thing," Baahubala comments. "If another more militarily powerful nation was able to take the brunt of the offense while Auzean forces are distracted, the war could perhaps be won. Even with the help of the OLDIE-P system, I am still unsure about the success of the defense of our nation. Even if we succeed, thousands of lives will be lost."

[Austerain]

"It is my hope that none of us will have to turn to our weapons of mass destruction. Regarding an invasion," Versace sighs, "I can guarantee you that President-Elect Thorne will not commit any military assets for such a massive operation. I couldn't commit any assets myself if I wanted to either. Austeren laws require approval by National Congress to deploy troops or send weapons, and I no longer have the political capital to request this from Congress. I imagine that the people back home would be in fury over the perceived hawkishness of it all. What I could do however, is commit some funding from the Defense budget for the invasion before Thorne takes office. Once committed, Thorne cannot cancel the payment."

Versace sips her soup and says, "Absolutely delectable."

[Hirematia]

Mechhai takes several spoonfuls of soup when an aide arrives at the table.

"The status of the invasion is highly unclear. We have not detected any signs of Auzean activity since Grackle Rock left the union," the aide says.

"That's a relief," Mechhai replies. He turns to Versace. "Now, about the whole controversy with you undermining Thorne: I personally disagree with what you were attempting to do. But I will still work with you until Thorne is sworn in. Now I need to prepare a public statement, especially since I'm currently meeting with you," he laughs. "I need something that condemns your actions, but doesn't come off as too strongly-worded in case people think I'm taking sides in this political drama."

He then types on his phone, "Hirematia is opposed to President Sarah Versace's attempted undermining of President-Elect James Thorne's policy towards the Paguio Empire. The Austeren people clearly want a tougher policy towards the Paguio Empire, and an elected leader should respect that."

"How does this sound?" he asks Versace.

[Austerain]

"We'll continue to monitor Auze," Brockwell says, "I expect that all of this will calm down after their 'Graxit' from the Union."

Versace sighs, "I understand your position. My actions were in the interest of preserving our Union and Austerain's foreign policy, but I admit it was the wrong approach. Your public statement sounds just fine. Shall we continue our talks or do you feel that you should hold off talks until the next administration?"

[Hirematia]

"I feel that holding off talks until the next administration would send the wrong message," Mechhai answers. "But, if Thorne will be assume power in less than 5 days, I would like to adjourn until he takes office."

The kitchen staff brings out an entree of matanakalva (green curry) served over a bed of grilled potatoes. The green curry is made from coconut milk, herbs, chicken, thin strips of bacon, spinach, bell peppers, and green peppers.

"We still have lots to talk about, and I doubt we'll finish with everything before Thorne is sworn in. If we are meeting tomorrow, then I think we should discuss environmental protections and the building of a bridge between our nations," Mechhai replies. " Since you and Thorne both seem to be committed to similar environmental policies, I think that negotiating an environmental pact would help your situation, as well as help your approval ratings before Thorne enters office." Mechhai eats a spoonful of green curry.

[Austerain]

"He'll assume power once I return to resign, he can wait," Versace says as the entree comes out, smelling the symphony of aromas. "We can certainly discuss environmental protections and the construction of a bridge, I'd certainly hate to waste the trip. You're certainly correct that an environmental pact might help, so I thank you for that. However, I fear it wouldn't have too much of an impact in comparison to the bigger news story. We can proceed though."

She takes a bite of the green curry.

[Hirematia]

"That sounds fine," Mechhai replies, "Although I don't want to drag on the meeting for too long. People will interpret that as you clinging to power. I think that tomorrow we should negotiate an environmental pact and bridge pact, and leave the creation of an economic and customs pact to the Thorne administration. That way Austerens will feel that their voice is being heard by their government."

"Well it looks like Auze wants to destabilize Austerain and Paguio Empire now," Baahubala sighs. "I would order a mole to infiltrate their intelligence, but that would only ask for a full-scale invasion attempt. Our best option now is to place an indefinite travel ban on Auze and increase port security."

[Austerain]

Versace says, "Certainly wouldn't want anyone to make such an interpretation. The President-Elect will be very pleased with an environmental pact and a bridge deal."

"Yes, it seems that Auze is seeking another way to destabilize the region," General Brockwell says, "We've had spies in the upper echelons of that rogue state for some time now. I'm unsure how serious they are with this threat."

Versace pulls her phone out and types a few sentences for a couple minutes, "I've emailed the Departments of State, Defense, and Labor and Commerce to issue a travel ban and to increase patrols in Austeren waters, as well as Domestic Security and Transportation to increase seaport and airport security. My Defense Secretary has been in touch with the President-Elect on all developments and to try to convince him to submit to an eventual invasion attempt, but he refuses."

[Hirematia]

"So the new itinerary is that we'll meet for tomorrow and you will return to Austerain the next morning?" Mechhai asks. "If that's the case then I would also like to fly to Austraton to attend Thorne's inauguration, then continue the meeting. How should I contact him to invite him to a meeting? Or is it a given that he will come here after his inauguration?"

"That's perfect," Baahubala replies. "The intelligence you gain from Auze will be shared with us under the new treaty, correct?"

[Austerain]

"Indeed," Versace answers, "You can travel back to Austraton with me in the Gulfstream as to conserve fuel. I'll have the President-Elect's aides set up a meeting with you after his inauguration to discuss economics and customs. When you meet with him, you can invite him to visit here for the official signing."

Brockwell responds to Baahubala, "Correct, all intel will be shared from the ABI to the Hirematian Cyberwarfare Unit and Hirematian Counterterrorism Squadron."

[Hirematia]

"Ah yes, speaking of official signings," Mechhai replies, "Tomorrow evening we have a press conference to attend over at Founders' Square. We have to answer questions about the treaties for about an hour starting at 5:00 PM. Then I'm giving another 30-minute speech to kick off my primary campaign."

"Just wanted to make sure," Baahubala replies. " The situation in the SLU has become more unstable than I ever thought it would."

[Austerain]

"Very well, sounds like plan," Versace says, "Do you feel optimistic for your re-election?"

"Yes, we have to work closely with each other to maintain the stability of the Union. I am sick of these armed states constantly trying to destabilize us," General Brockwell growls.

[Hirematia]

"I feel pretty confident for my re-election," Mechhai says, "But I'm trying not to act like it. Arrogance and overconfidence have destroyed many campaigns."

"I agree. We need to start putting some serious pressure on Auze, economic or otherwise," Baahubala responds.

[Austerain]

Versace nods, "I know that all too well."

"If Autz is among SLU leaders attending the President-Elect's inauguration, you all could pressure him and hold intense talks with him in private," Brockwell says, then looks at Versace nervously, "Err, Mechhai and Thorne I mean."

"Indeed," Versace says, "Pressure from direct interaction with SLU leaders may be what we need to ameliorate the conflict. And if necessary, a joint statement from many leaders condemning Auze's actions."

[Hirematia]

"I need to know more about this Autz character before I can pressure him with certainty," Mechhai comments. "Using assertive methods on an unstable leader could spark war, and simple pleading with a strong leader could lead him to think that we are weak. I'm not sure which tactic I should use."

"One tactic that I've found works very well in such a situation is an overbearing friendliness," Baahubala advises. "He will only be present via livestream. Position the webcam at around your shoulder level, talk down to him the whole time but in a cordial manner, and slightly elongate the ends of your phrases to add emphasis and importance to your words. You won't have the benefit of a strong handshake, but I'm sure you can find a way to make it work.

[Austerain]

"I believe the best tactic would be from a position of strength. That's the only thing these sorts of leaders can understand. I'm sure Thorne could meet his match with Autz," Versace chuckles, "Negotiating can be the first step. If that doesn't work, move on to the joint statement and increased pressure from SLU leaders."

Versace listens to Baahabula, "I'm unsure how effective that would be with this certain individual, I'm still trying to get a read of him."

[Hirematia]

"He's too much of a recluse for us to even get an accurate judgment of him," Mechhai comments.

The salad comes out. It is a mix of fresh greens, tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, onions, peanuts, almonds, and grated cheese with a little bit of yogurt dressing. Mechhai takes a bite.

A second waiter follows with a salad with a sign in it. The sign reads, "Peanut Allergy" in 5 different languages. The waiter presents the salad to Secretary Daniels.

"We don't mean to single you out Mr. Daniels," Mechhai chuckles. "We try to practice very good food safety here, and that means taking no risks with cross-contamination. Your salad has cashews instead of peanuts."

[Austerain]

"We could send a delegation of diplomats to meet him," Versace suggests, "However, with how unpredictable he is, I would fear for their safety."

Secretary Daniels smiles, "Not at all, Premier Minister, I appreciate the attentiveness." He tries his salad and says, "Quite tasty as well."

[Hirematia]

They eat salad for a while until they finish, then a fruit platter is brought out. Sliced pineapple, apple, mango, pear, and kiwi, sliced and arranged very neatly into a spiral pattern, with a little bit of honey drizzled over it.

"We usually don't eat dessert after dinner in our culture, we eat it after lunch," Mechhai explains. "A sugar boost is useful in the middle of the day, but it makes it harder to fall asleep if you eat it at night. On a different note, I'm trying to think of a diplomatic gift for Thorne, and I'm not getting him black tar heroin," he laughs. "Is there anything in Austeren culture that would be unacceptable to give as a gift? As for your gift, I will present it to you at the press conference tomorrow."

[Austerain]

"This is absolutely lovely," Versace says, "The island province of Westerhaven back home is well-known to have healthy desserts such as this after lunch, many other Austerens find it unusually delightful. It's wonderful to see that there is a similar cuisine culture here."

"Anything that is meant to be a joke or lethal is unacceptable as a gift, really," Versace responds, "As a tip, the President-Elect was once a literature professor and political economics professor years ago, so he does love his literature and economics novels. I believe he also dabbles with some archaeology as well in his spare time. We too plan to present a gift to you, so I do hope you find historic works to be acceptable."

[Hirematia]

"That's perfect," Mechhai responds. "I'll give him one of the 10 original copies of the Manifesto of Revolution, along with an English translation. The Manifesto of Revolution was a short book written by this nation's founders as a call to arms against the monarchy. It advocated for liberty, democracy, socialism, and nationalism. There are 4 original copies in Hirematian museums and the other 6 belong to the government archives. As for your gift, I hope you like maps."

[Austerain]

"He would enjoy that very much," Versace chuckles with a rare smile, "And that would be a wonderful gift, thank you. I-"

The aide walks in quickly and whispers in Versace's ear. As the aide speaks, Versace's face pales and she looks increasingly concerned. When the aide leaves, she sighs and sends out a few tweets and emails from her phone. When she looks back up at Mechhai and everyone else, she says gravely, "It seems that our Secretary of State and his Deputy were attacked by a gunman at the Paguio Empire. Secretary Sinclair is in the ICU, but Deputy Secretary of State didn't make it."

[Hirematia]

"That's awful," Mechhai replies. "These people have no respect for human life. This is the second or third time that your diplomats have been attacked in the Paguio Empire. If Mr. Presca's funeral coincides with my visit to Austerain, I will attend. If not, then I will send my Minister of State to attend."

He then tweets out an official statement. "Deeply saddened by Brian Presca's death. I send condolences to his friends and family, as well as the people of Austerain. Thorne's resolution was meant to give Paguioans a say in their govt, not to undermine their monarchy."

[Austerain]

"His funeral will likely be in the wake of you visit, since the State Department has to process bringing the body back and with the investigation," Versace says, "This is very outrageous. My aide tells me that the President-Elect is outraged himself and showing restraint from toughening his stance out of respect for the Secretary of State, who convinced him in the first place to soften his stance. I think he would go as far to push the Paguio Empire out of the Union if the Emperor rejects the Accords. He may confront the Paguioan Delegation at the Inauguration or keep them from entering the country."

Versace sighs, "Of course, I couldn't blame him for his desire to be harder on them. Outside of the public statements, they don't seem to particularly concerned with it, and I daresay probably hired the individual if we want to lean towards conspiracy. We'll see what the investigation leads to, our cyber teams have obtained his laptop. Once we leave this dinner, is there an area that is secure for transmitting classified information to use?"