Austeren Secretary of State in NIW

[New Ireland and Wales]

The Tánaiste, Michelle Asher arrives at the airport arrives at the airport awaiting the arrival of the Secretary of State of Austerain, Anna Lacroix. She arrives at a massive crowd of press, supporters, and even some protestors. She waves and shakes hands as she walks by. A protestor yells at her "Universal healthcare is a stupid commie plan that will bankrupt us all." She looks at them rolls her eyes then says "I'll remember that if you ever go to the hospital." She continues down the line taking selfies as she goes with enthusiastic supporters. When she arrives at the end of the rolled out carpet the military guard snaps to attention and she salutes them and then proceeds to wait for the Secretary. 

[Austerain]

A G650 lands on the runway and pulls up to the rolled out carpet in line with the doors. Secretary of State Anna Lacroix and Deputy Secretary of Defense Major General George Hurley step out with several aides. They shake hands with Tánaiste Michelle Asher, and the Austeren Ambassador to NIW Angelina Asher comes up to shake hands with all of them.

[New Ireland and Wales]

The Tánaiste shakes hands with Secretary Lacroix, Deputy Secretary Hurley, and Ambassador Asher. "How are you doing, Madame Secretary? Honored to have you in New Ireland and Wales!" She starts heading towards the motorcade "The Taoiseach will meet us at the Government Buildings."

[Austerain]

"Madam Tánaiste, it's an honor to be here," Secretary Lacroix responds, "There have been better days, we have much to discuss with the Taoiseach."
The Austerens walk with the Tánaiste to the motorcade and file in.

[New Ireland and Wales]

Asher sighs "Indeed. The Council of State was seriously in a meeting for about 20 hours afterward. A few in my party wanted to pull out of the coalition but that's just drastic. Still, it was quite stressing but we'll talk more with the Taoiseach." The SUV pulls away from the airport and onto the highway towards Downtown Dublin. 

[Austerain]

Major-General Hurley says gruffly, "We expect a better explanation than what was given, Tánaiste Asher, this has be-."

"We'll discuss this later when we get, Hurley," Lacroix says to him slightly annoyed, "We've only just met, and I'd rather leave the unpleasantries for later." She looks at the city from the windows of the SUV to the city, "What a beautiful city, Madam Tánaiste, I can see what the late Grand Chancellor was talking about."

Ambassador Asher smiles and says, "Yes, Giorgio loved this place when he visited. It's been an honor to live here to represent Austerain."

[New Ireland and Wales]

"I assure you General we will give the best explanation we can," Asher says mildly snappy then looks out the window "It is indeed a beautiful city kind of hard to believe that this city is over 1,000 years old. The history is just as amazing as the architecture."

The SUV pulls up at the Government Buildings and a young soldier comes and opens the door to the SUV and salutes the Tánaiste and Major General(NIW Military Code mandates all foreign soldiers with a General Officer rank whether active or retired is given a salute) as they pile out. Asher looks around "Well we are here. I guess the Taoiseach is still meeting with the Chancellor of the National Assembly."  

[Austerain]

Lacroix gives an amused half-smile, "Indeed, Austraton back home is much younger, just under 400 years old. Your country has a long and rich history."

When they finally arrive, Major General Hurley gives a salute in return. Ambassador Asher whispers something in Lacroix's ear. Lacroix says to Tánaiste Asher, "I'm sure he must be busy with legislative business, the President and many other Austerens were very happy to hear about the passage of the Irish-Welsh Healthcare Services Act today. President Thorne has been very busy on working with legislation with members of our National Congress himself, which is why he couldn't make it all the way here."

[New Ireland and Wales]

"Filled with a bunch of wars. Funny how it was a female who successfully united the identity of Ireland." Asher says with a laugh and looks back at the Ambassador and Secretary "Yes, he's meeting with the Chancellor to discuss the budget discussions. Doesn't want to mess up like Edwards did when he just threw his budget at Congress. He'll be around soon I imagine. Let's head to the Council room." she says and walks into the building running into the Defense Secretary "Ah, Celandine this is Secretary Lacroix, Major General Hurley, and Ambassador Asher." The Defense Secretary bows head "How do you do?" she asks. The group continues walking towards the Council room.

[Austerain]

"If more women were in charge, the world would be a more peaceful place," Lacroix winks at Tánaiste Asher, "Except if your name is Sarah Versace. At least Collins is better prepared than his predecessor as well!"

When the NIW Defense Secretary catches up to them, Lacroix and Ambassador Asher her hand and Hurley gives a salute and responds, "Pleasure to meet you," as they walk to the Council room.

[New Ireland and Wales]

"I fully believe that would be true. Though to Collins' credit, he's appointed more women to the cabinet than any other leader in history. Still, have a long way to go." Asher says as she walks down the hallway turning down a corridor with portraits of the former leader of NIW. After a short walk she walks into a room with a giant table in the middle with chairs around the table and bordering the wall with many screens up on the wall temporarily displaying the Seal of the Democratic Union. "Please sit. The Council of State and the Defense and Security Council will be arriving soon." Just as she finishes the sound of a helicopter coming in is heard "Ah, guess the President is here."

[Austerain]

"I commend him for that, there are always glass ceilings to be broken," Secretary Lacroix says, "Fortunately, Versace wasn't the one to break that ceiling as Chancellor, otherwise it would be a long time before we elected another woman to a position like that. President Thorne's Cabinet is also gender-balanced and one of the most diverse in recent memory, much to the relief of Austerain's popular feminist movement."

As the sound of a helicopter cuts through the quiet crisp air of the council room, Lacroix subconsciously smooths the wrinkles of her pantsuit as she stiffens her tough exterior to meet her first head of state as Secretary of State. Ambassador Asher says to Lacroix in a low voice, "He isn't the one to have an icy shoulder with, Collins is the reason you're here, not Floyd." Lacroix nods and relaxes a little

[New Ireland and Wales]

"It's an exciting time in New Ireland and Wales. Collins finally has the Council of State he wanted to begin with. On top of that, there are 6 people of minority backgrounds, including myself 5 of which are women." Asher says while waiting for the President.

A few minutes later a 6 ft 4 in man walks into the room with a cup of coffee in his hand he maintains a humble yet strong composure as he walks in with a young black man coming in behind him. Asher and the Defense Minister stand as he walks in. He sees the Secretary of State and walks over "Ah good morning Madame Secretary I'm President Benjamin Floyd. Honored to have you here in our country. I hope you have been enjoying it as much as you can despite the reason you are here. Michelle, when is Edward going to get here?" Asher looks at the President "He and the rest of the Council are on their way Mr. President." He nods "Good good the sooner we can get this situation fixed the better. I imagine the Defense and Security Council are on their way as well." the President says before sitting down, sipping his coffee.

[Austerain]

Secretary Lacroix shakes Floyd's free hand and says, "Good morning, President Floyd, it's wonderful to finally meet you, I've read and heard so much about you, your story is inspiring us all. I wish our meeting was under better circumstances, but here we are. While we're waiting for Taoiseach Collins, can I ask what you thought about all of this when you found out? Obviously Austerain wasn't notified beforehand, but surely you were informed on it?"

[New Ireland and Wales]

Floyd grins "Well, thank you, Madame Secretary. I hope if I'm an inspiration to anyone for anything it's for people to stand up for what they believe in and fight, fight, fight for it. I've been lucky." Floyd takes a long sip of his coffee and sighs before answering "I am Commander in Chief of the military but I only know what the Government tells me. What I was told when I "approved" the mission is that all necessary officials had been informed and they had given permission. I trusted the Generals and ordered the mission to happen. I just wish I would've picked up the damned phone and called to be sure. To the Taoiseach's credit, however, I think he was forced into it as well basically he was told "Either it happens now or not at all." but you'd have to ask him."

[Austerain]

"President Thorne certainly found your story encouraging," Ambassador Asher says to the President, "He would be here himself to meet you if he wasn't tied up with business at the National Congress."

Lacroix nods in agreement. After she listens to Floyd's response, she raises her eyebrows for a second and nods, "I see. We certainly don't blame you for the incident, Mr. President, I only ask to clarify your position and involvement to report back to Thorne."

Major General Hurley chuckles to himself, "'Forced into it'? Collins let his generals push him into doing it? Sounds like Versace, eh Anna?"

Lacroix gives Hurley a severe look as if to tell him 'shut up', but stifles a chuckle at his last comment, "I apologize for Major General, Mr. President, I think he left his tact on the plane."

[New Ireland and Wales]

The President begins to respond when the Taoiseach interrupts "Yes General I like to take the advice of my General as I like to think my Generals know what they are doing. Should I not trust my Generals, General?" he responds in a calm manner before introducing himself to everyone else "Would anyone like coffee, tea, or water before we begin?"

[Austerain]

Hurley's face reddens with a mix of embarrassment and anger, and he manages to croak carefully, "Of course."

Lacroix and Ambassador Asher are covering their mouths slightly trying not to laugh. Lacroix gives a slight laugh and smile as she shakes hands with Taoiseach Collins, "You've broken down my tough exterior before we began, Taoiseach, a pleasure to meet you. The President apologizes that he could not make it here himself, he's busy with members of Congress on his legislative agenda back home."

Lacroix and Asher request tea.

[New Ireland and Wales]

Collins smiles at the Major General "Good, welcome to New Ireland and Wales." Floyd has to take a sip of his coffee to avoid laughing. Collins turns to Lacroix and shakes her hand "Glad I did, Madame Secretary. Of course, I understand why he isn't here. I've been in meetings all day got a gun bill, budget, etc. to get through." Just then the Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister walks in with General Michael Barret, the Chief of Staff of the NIW Army and greet everyone.

[Austerain]

"You little-" the red-faced Hurley begins before Lacroix cuts him and whispers to Collins, "Don't mind him, he's angrier than the President himself about what happened, he was one of the generals urging the President to authorize engagement during the whole... ah... incident."

"But yes," Lacroix continues as she shakes hands with General Barret and Minister Wright, "Congratulations on your Emmy, by the way. Anyway, we've been keeping up to date on the progress that you all have made here, well done on that health care bill! We know all too well how hard it is to pass a reform of that size as Angelina can attest from when her late husband had universal healthcare passed a few years ago. Lobbyists and lawyers, angry health insurance CEOs, the whole whirlwind. It's worth the tumult at the end, for the welfare of the people."

At the side, Major General Hurley looks angrily at General Barret as they shake hands tightly.

[New Ireland and Wales]

Collins smirks as Hurley gets angry. "Ah, I see. How angry is the President would you say?"

Wright looks at the Secretary "Ah, yes thank you. I wasn't expecting such an award for simply satirizing one of the worst political leaders in the country but I'm not complaining. " he says with a bit of a laugh "That bill was a fantastic thing and at first Collins was letting amendments be added to it from the opposition but he got angry with them after they tried stripping the bill of its basics so he demanded an open up or down vote and luckily the bill passed."

As General Barret shakes hands with the Major General the rest of the Council of State as well as the Defense and Security Council pile into the room. Collins waits for everyone to greet each other and sit down before speaking "Well I guess we are all here now." he says then looks at Secretary Lacroix "Does the Austeren Government have any statement they wish to give?"

[Austerain]

"On a scale of 1 to Hurley, he's an 8," Lacroix responds, "Level-headed and not angry enough to retaliate as Hurley here wanted to, but enough to be open to signing sanctions against NIW if Congress decided to pass any. People back home are in fury over this, considering the misinformation given and the way this was handled. There is a growing movement within our Congress to repeal our treaty, which the Administration is doing everything to stop in its tracks."

After they greet all the appropriate officials, Secretary of State Lacroix stands up from her seat and clears her throat,

"The Austeren Government has condemned the illegal breach of our sovereignty in the strongest possible terms," Secretary Lacroix continues, "And the President is personally disappointed about the Taoiseach's mistruth during the press conference that contact with the Austeren federal government was made. We're here to express this discontent, and to amend the bilateral agreement if necessary to increase correspondence and transparency so that this never occurs again. If Frank was in Austerain, Austeren forces would have worked alongside NIW forces to capture him. If not alongside NIW, we would have captured him ourselves and tried him for espionage, possibly extradition back to NIW afterwards."

[New Ireland and Wales]

"Ah." Collins puts his head in his hands "Seriously wishing I could hit rewind on all this. Guess I've learned not to blindly trust General and advisors even if they are intelligent." he frowns and takes a sip from the coffee that was just brought in.

After listening to the Secretary's speech the Finance Minister Allison Conway leans forward "Madam Secretary can you tell me if Austerain wishes for NIW to pay a fine because I think-" Admiral Hanna grumbles and speaks with his deep, rough voice "They better not because we don't need to give them a-" Collins snaps his head "That's enough Admiral." "But sir we can't expect-" Collins sighs and slams his fist on the table, "I said that's enough." He looks at Secretary Lacroix for her to answer Minister Conway's question.

[Austerain]

Lacroix holds her hand up and shakes her head, "No, a fine isn't necessary. Your taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for the mistake of the Taoiseach and his generals, and that money could be better used invested into your people instead. What we would like you all to do is to do a review of your military intervention policies and make amends where needed, and to issue a public apology in front of the cameras to your people and to Austerain for the misinformation and for undermining our sovereignty. We will also need re-commitment to transparency and correspondence between our militaries with operations like this, because the President can't promise that a complete repeal of our bilateral agreement won't pass National Congress. If a repeal does pass, he'll have little choice but to sign onto it if his coalition supports it."

[New Ireland and Wales]

The Taoiseach opens his mouth to speak but he is interrupted by shouting out in the hallway a few seconds later and the Leader of the Opposition steps in "Oh Goddam* it." the Defense Minister says a bit too loudly. Collins sighs "What are you doing here Malaki?" Malaki Duncan snorts as he breaths in "I'm here for the meeting you bumbling bimbo. Need more leverage to use against you when I start going after your job." The Labor and Economic Reform Minister laughs "Don't you have to be polling in the double digits and above 4th place to do that? I don't know if you've heard but we are polling 24 points above the nearest opponent and it's not your party." Malaki clinches his fist "Shut up you senile old, short man. I'd like to know why I wasn't invited." Collins rubs his temples "Because this is a classified meeting and you don't have security clearance so please get out." Malaki glares at the Taoiseach "I demand to sit in on this meeting." Collins stands up and slams his fist into the table again "You will not come into my office and demand anything. You are not allowed to be here and that's final. Now stop acting like a spoiled little brat and get out before I have you arrested." The Opposition Leader gives the Taoiseach the bird before storming out. Collins rubs his temples before looking up. "Sorry about that. Anyways back to what we were talking about. We can easily issue and apology and are more than willing to do so as with the military review would you want that to be a joint activity? The last thing we, the NIW Government, want is for the treaty to be repealed." he says.

[Austerain]

Secretary Lacroix and Ambassador Asher give Malaki the side-eye during the whole exchange, as Major General Hurley looks between them looking amused.

Lacroix, with her eyes slightly widened, clears her throat and says, "Well... he's a.. um... colorful character. The Minority Leader back home sits in on almost all meetings with the Cabinet as well, but never on the President's meetings with foreign leaders. They're not usually as... openly vulgar as that gentleman. Anywho, we can do the reviews and so forth jointly, the Austeren forces are up for review this year anyway. The President and this Administration certainly don't want the treaty to be repealed anyway, and as we've said, he is doing everything he can to impede the progress of the repeal's support in Congress, going as far to threatening withdrawal of party support in re-elections. But of course we can never guarantee that it won't still gain steam if the public is supportive of a repeal."

[New Ireland and Wales]

"He sits in on cabinet meetings from time to time and will occasionally receive a briefing but this is well above his security clearance. He's a very vulgar person in private. Yes, I think joint reviews will probably be the best solution so both your government and our government are satisfied. The National Assembly will probably open up a review of the situation so I'm not sure whether any Austeren officials will be called or not. Speaking of that what's happened with the governor that we actually did talk to?" Collins says.

[Austerain]

"That's fine, the Grand Senate at home is opening an investigation as well," Lacroix says, "Your ambassador may be called testify on behalf of your government, but it might be a good idea to send someone from your military involved with the operation too. As for the Governor of Springvale, Governo Forli is being charged with falsely representing the Austeren government, and will likely be removed from office by the Provincial Assembly. She'll be unable to leave the country, but she could appear in court via satellite video uplink."

[New Ireland and Wales]

"Anyone the Grand Senate wishes to talk to we are more than willing to send over. I can't tell who the National Assembly will want to as I signed an agreement with the Chancellor before I came here that I wouldn't have any part of the investigation and that I wouldn't be informed of its proceedings. I can imagine that they would want to talk to the Governor though." The Justice and Equality Minister has a conversation with the Attorney General before looking at the Secretary "Madame Secretary, what would Austerain think of a joint tribunal sort of setup between Austerain and NIW to put President Frank on trial?"

[Austerain]

"We can certainly arrange for the satellite video feed if they want to speak with Forli," Ambassador Asher says, "I can arrange with directly with Secretary Lacroix when the time comes, and we'll work with your foreign and justice ministries to arrange it."

Lacroix looks at Minister Hall, "It's an interesting idea, but under whose jurisdiction would President Frank be sentenced? It would make more sense to just try him here in New Ireland and Wales. If he ever gets out of prison here, he will have trials to face in Austerain as well. The statute of limitations for espionage does not apply to foreign nationals."