The lighting was dimmed for comfort in the spacious conference room. Its soft golden light spilled upon the surface of the table, the golden hue tinting the expensive polished surface. As people shuffled and moved, their shadows danced across the surface, black imperceptible movement in a world of light. It was as if a war between light and darkness, good and evil, right and wrong, were taking place on the very surface of that table top.
Novac considered the symbolism as he watched the shadows move on the surface of the table. While he appeared in all aspects to be alert and focused, his mind wondered back to the table top. A simple beauty written in movement, whispered in the shifts of light, its untold artful masterpiece playing at one’s mind.
Silently he sat, his commanding presence written in every aspect of his body. Despite the evident lack of insignia on his uniform, it was difficult to assume this man had no military experience or command. The way he sat silently assessing the situation was almost proof enough of his past service.
It was his partner that seemed to balance his commanding presence. The woman seemed relaxed, comfortable, entirely at ease within the diplomatic setting. She sat in her chair not with the rigid composure of her partner, but rather with an almost casual sense of ennui. She drank from the glass while chatting pleasantly away with a nearby diplomat. Despite the all black uniform, she wore it as comfortably as a socialite wears a cocktail dress. The ease in her movements, the flow of her body movement, gave the impression of drifting stream of water weaving in and out of nestled rocks in a stream.
Light and Shadow. Liquid and Ice. Night and Day.
Together, the Mahanionian team worked well, complementing opposites, each fulfilling the differences of the other…as if their very existence together at this summit was premeditated to ensure the best team was placed on this mission.
“I must say, this is a wonderful facility,” Vaeda remarked as she took another sip from the crystal glass in her hand. “And thank you for allowing us to use your nation for this meeting. My name is Vaeda Desanti and this is General Novac of the Mahanionian military. We have come a long way from Mahanoy to be here with you today. Our nation has charged us with the task of speaking on behalf the interests and priorities of The Elite Empire. Our East Pacific based nation, CARBONIS, is a forerunner in the international trade, funding, and research of The Elite Empire. As this region can impact the Elite Empire’s ability to organize trade within our own empire as well as within other international communities, we are attending this summit to ensure that one of our prime nations is not hindered by affairs within The East Pacific. Be it as such, we are willing to assist this region in ensuring the protection and functional integrity of our nation by providing funding, assistance, or such support to your region in times of need.”
