“Given the support of Reziel for the Federated Alliance,” Terrus said with a thankful nod to Codric, “I feel it most logical to cast my nation’s vote for itself.”
As Terrus spoke, his assistant covertly texted something on his phone. A few moments later, somewhere in Liberty City, a very concerned Mayor sighed in relief.
“So now he wants my opinion… Funny, given he´s treating us as if we were betrayers. Damn him i say. I´ll say what i believe to be the best for EPTO and he may think whatever he wants. Its my duty, as long as we´re still a part of it.” thought Kotho, as Codric asked for his input.
Then he spoke:
“To us, the choice is obvious. If even Reziel itself is supporting FPS, and they voiced its will to keep the command, we see no reason for a change.”
Tricorne Inside the conference room
As soon as Admiral Kotho had cast his vote, Codric nonchalantly moved his right hand right over his left forearm. Despite hidden under two sleeves, he could still feel the reassuring presence of his Archangelic armband. An almost unnoticeable movement of his fingers and the message had been forwarded.
«Very well, my Lords Lady Secretary General. The risk of a tie is avoided we offer our congratulations to the re-confirmed coordinator of EAF hoping that in the times to come the Municipality of Liberty City will concede us all a little break with paper-filing» he chuckled, his smile dedicated to Lord Terrus. As many, including Terrus himself, chuckled back at Codrics wisecrack, he began to relax. After a number of initial problems, the meeting was now becoming a bit more productive.
«Now
the location of HQs. Allow me to summarize the situation. Historically, FPS has always hosted EPTO. In the beginning, it was some kind of
counterbalance. The Secretariat went to Krechzianko, the HQ to FPS. After that
the Gnidrahns thought it was reasonable to keep the HQs where they were, as moving them elsewhere would have implied costs which couldnt be afforded by EPTO. Thus, the HQs grew in size and technology
and the same has been during the following years. Now
The Elite Empire has brought to EPTOs attention an interesting issue. Our HQ is
right on the front line. This can be an incredibly positive asset
but it risks to be an hindrance, too. Consequently, they propose the creation of
a second-line HQ, mainly for emergencies. Theyre ready to bear all of the costs of its installation
with the condition its placed under their jurisdiction. Which would probably mean Carbonis. But no need to go on stealing others words
Lady Secretary General, am I correct in referring TEEs position?»
[hr]
Tricorne Outside the conference room
Lachdanan smiled.
«Well Novac mine was an unlucky wording, probably. Its just well, each corp has this soldier who happens to be well, he is not necessarily the quickest. Nor the best marksman. Nor the strongest or the one with the greatest stamina. But you would probably have no hesitation in picking him, should you have to choose the best representative of the corp itself. I mean you probably have a better sniper, but said sniper is not such a good choice, when it comes to be a goat. And theres probably someone far better with electronic tapping but this tapper will never be a perfect striker. Arian technically, he is maritime special operations. Indeed, hes probably the best aquatic assaulters weve had in years but hes not just that. You would say hes the perfect jack-of-all-trades»
Lachdanan paused for a while. Right in that moment, the armband on his left forearm buzzed quietly. Glancing quickly at it, he smiled. FPS had been reconfirmed as coordinator of EAF definitely a good news, for the coffins of the Grand Duchy. A matter that, he hated to admit, was something they had to start considering.
«And then he has a better perspective. On the East Pacific, I mean. He is a citizen of this region. Something we fail to be, sometimes»
“Please,” Vaeda responded softly, “call me Vaeda. I am just a speaker for our empire. The real Secretary General of course would be our General Novac. I apologize for his absence. The man does not do well sitting at long intervals, but I can assure you that he is well equipped to handle these affairs.” Vaeda smiled softly before laughing with a playful whim, “of course, the real reason we keep him outside is because we want to give you a chance to speak. I fear if he were actively present this may be his alliance.”
Sliding the humor over Vaeda again turned her eyes back to Codric on his cue, "You are very much correct in many ways although we wish to ensure that this headquarters is not under our jurisdiction as you termed it. We will not dictate the terms of the headquarters. We only wish to offer your region a new ground base of operations free from the chaos. Our General is most concerned with this supposed strategic placement of our headquarters. EPTO has used these headquarters in the past and their presence is well to known to all nations of this Pacific. We feel that it would be very unwise to allow these headquarters to remain where they are with the rise of unstable nations and regional threats such as Vekaiyu, Listonia, and your Packilvania. The current headquarters, while I am sure are well protected, have more than a large target painted on them. My General’s concern is if you continue to utilize these headquarters for official business, you will be placing this organization in harms way and for what gain, convenience and tradition? Carbonis offers a safe haven away from the mainstream politics. Any large scale attack on a headquarters placed in Carbonis would need to cross the region, making our counter assault much more effective rather than a rushed plan from a sudden nearby attack.
“I am certainly not the military one among us, but I know from experience with General Novac that many of you will question the strategic placement of this. Let me explain to the best of my abilities. Carbonis is far removed from the main land of this region. Not only does it provide us an opportunity to provide support and hopefully work with the nations most often forgotten in the outskirts of this region, but it also makes it much more difficult for any assault to take place. The only means to attack Carbonis are through sea or sky. As you are well aware, The Elite Empire loves its air space. Any aerial assault would be stopped before it began and any naval assault could easily be intercepted as our placement near The Sacred Lands would prove a valuable asset. After all, who would dare to drive a military through the Sacred Lands?” Vaeda asked with a wink, “Lady Edea would be very disappointed if militaries came knocking on her door and I think we could use her diplomatic skills and pacifism to this alliance’s benefit.”
Considering for a moment, she took a sip of water and jotted down a note before continuing, “I suggest this even with the realization that this move will place ETPO away from the convenience of all nations in this organization and break its formal traditions. But I must ask what cost is convenience worth? Why give our opposition an easy target? As far as I am concerned, the nations that oppose us are anticipating that we will continue to use the old headquarters. Now this proposition we have made is not to say that we abandon old headquarters. Old headquarters should be utilized to their maximum benefit. I only suggest we take the real core of affairs and business away from the mainland and as part of this alliance, my nation is willing to front the financial cost and resources involved in this transfer. We are after all a military stronghold, we know how to prepare places to store sensitive materials and host high profile international affairs. We have more to gain from assisting you and wish to provide you only with the means of accomplishing your goals. A strong EPTO makes a stronger Elite Empire.”
Hayes eyed Vaeda appraisingly.
Interesting. Codric was of the impression that the HQ in Carbonis would be a secondary one … for emergencies only. That’s definitely not what Vaeda is suggesting. All sensitive data … the “heart” of the EPTO moved to a secure location in a holding of the TEE within the East Pacific. Perhaps more than one location ought to be considered as back-up.
His tone was even as he spoke. “Ms Desanti, while I agree that Carbonis is far more easily defended, I’d suggest that any HQ is at risk. Our current locations are as much at risk now as they’ve always been. Any new locations, including one in Carbonis, will also become targets. I am comfortable with the creation of an emergency HQ in Carbonis. I would rather see the main HQ remain where it presently is simply for convenience, I suppose, but perhaps we ought to consider a tertiary emergency location as well.”
OOC: My apologies for posting without catching up on all old threads. After speaking with people today, I understand that Hayes’ suspicion of TEE is completely unfounded. I am truly sorry that people will have to modify posts and will try to catch up on the last year of TEP more quickly!
“-I share the same viewpoint in this matter as the representative of Kangarawa. The HQ of EPTO should remain in it’s place. I’m also sure that EPTO had plans for emergency HQ’s in the past, and if those plans exist and need no alterations, than I suggest those plans should be kept too.”
“Unfortunately with our HQ on the front lines we do need more than one contingency plan,” Kimberly spoke, “and with East Malaysia being directly to the south of FPS, my nation is a good choice for an evacuation route and a temporary HQ for regrouping and evacuations.” Taking a breath she continued, “But we do need to have more than one option and to make sure if anything happens that a plan needs to be used that it works smoothly.”
OOC:
TEP.com+storm=a no-no 
After a few moments of silence, Terrus spoke. He kept his voice flat, not displaying any emotion, almost as if he were reciting something from memory “On behalf of the Federated Alliance, I have to strenuously object to any relocation of the actual operative Headquarters of the alliance, not to mention the EAF.”
The former President took a breath. “Whether my nation’s viewpoint is necessarily the smartest, well, that’s another question altogether.” He looked at Vaeda. “I think madame, it may be time for a vote on the matter.”
“I believe, sir,” Vaeda responded evenly in response to Terrus’s comment, “that you already have.”
Vaeda only frowned to herself in disappointment. If only they realized what was coming at them…if only they knew what tomorrow planned to bring…
"If that is your official position members of this committee, than I must speak with our General. We are not equipped to run this alliance without access to our security systems. We will not be the most suitable candidates to protect this alliance without our resources and security networks readily available. I am sorry, but if you insist that keeping headquarters where they are is the best move, we will not argue. However, I doubt General Novac would oblige. You must understand the position we are in and it seems you are setting our nation up for failure by limiting our ability to act as the leaders you elected us to be.
“I realize your nations have interacted well in the past and your previous headquarters have suited you well in past exploits, but our region has expanded and it has changed from the original inception of this alliance. There is now an entire eastern arm that was never here before with powerful key players taking the reigns there. You cannot ignore them because they simply do not fit your model of this region or are part of the main land. Your failure to accomodate towards those changes will hinder this alliance’s progression. And I truly fear that your refusal to consider relocating headquarters will cost you dearly my fellow gentlemen. Genral Novac has serious concerns towards the progession of this alliance and the future of The East Pacific. It is why we came here in the first place. Whether or not you wish to relocate headquarters, if our General chooses to remain active in this alliance, we will be operating out of Carbonis. It is the only way we can guarentee the protection and functional integrity of this alliance. I was lead to believe that we were here to form an alliance to accomodate newer nations and new leaderships, please realize that requires a considerable amount of change for many of you,” she spoke, letting her gaze particularly linger on the leaders of the former EPTO nations.
«With all due respect, Lady Vaeda, nobody is ignoring anyone, here. Above all, I frankly find it unacceptable your description of EPTOs decisions in terms of failure to accomodate towards changes, implying were not ready to accept changes themselves nor to be open-minded towards newer nations and new leaderships , to use your own words. To this purpose, Id like to stress that, till now, two official appointments have been made: the Secretariat General and the coordinator of ERF and both of them and Id like to stress both of them have been entrusted to what you call newer members, one of them happening to be the Empire you represent, which is now entrusted with the full leadership over this very organization»
Still bothered by Vaedas words, Codric simply went on.
«But if you think that being open to change basically coincide with the concept of entrusting to a single nation a full, unquestionable and absolute power over the Organization then I fear this is something we cannot agree with. At least, the joint governments of Reziel and Michelsland cannot. All of EPTOs choices, decisions and strategies necessarily need to be well-balanced. In this situation, offering a single nation the Secretariat and the main HQ it doesnt seem balanced at all. And Id like to stress there is no the older members are ganging up against the newer ones, on this: indeed, even the respected Lazlowian delegate agrees about the general concept of keeping the HQ where it stands, with openings towards a second-line HQ for emergency cases only. Which is, basically, the viewpoint of everyone inside this room»
“I can see that this makes you uncomfortable sir. Your tone of voice has changed and the way you tense up is fairly obvious to me. Forgive me for speaking my mind sir or questioning your decisions if that offends you,” Vaeda spoke softly in response to Codric while smiling respectfully. “I was chosen to speak on behalf of my nation because I have spent much time working within this region and within this community. I believe that my nation’s opinion is merited here and I shall freely exert that right to speak now on their behalf.”
“Codric, if I recall correctly, the nation of FPS had previously been Secretary General and had headquarters in their nation. You speak of not giving any one nation absolute control, but you already have in the past. What is so different now? And how is moving the main base of operations giving our nation absolute control? It seems to me that you may be insinuating that our nation will not collaborate and work with you to provide the best defense we are capable of. I may be just a humble representative, but that very thought sounds very hypocritical to me and I do not need to be a politician nor a world-renowned General to know that it your statement is very inconsistent with this organization’s past.”
Stopping for a moment, Vaeda seemed to be deep in thought before again readjusting her focus on the meeting and smiling politely, “I imagine I need to elaborate our plan. We wish to move headquarters because we know how to operate within our own systems and have access to very valuable resources that can be tapped if the need should arise. We have reasonable suspicion that EPTO is in danger and would like to see to it that it would be protected so it may survive a serious threat. Our networks and defense systems are very valuable in this cause, but it requires operating out of Carbonis. The system would take years to integrate into another nation. Not only do we have tested and proven systems, but our leaders are very competent in what they do. General Novac has been a well experienced military commander since the rise of Dante, Mahanoys prominent Figurehead. Not only has he lead several major world based missions and has not yet lost a single mission, but he has managed to keep our own empire together and well defended. This is no simple task men, let me reassure you. Have you ever tried to keep over 10 billion highly trained military professionals together without having them turn on one another and start killing each other?” Vaeda offered with a slight laugh and playful wink before continuing.
"I do not mean to undermine any of your nation’s abilities when I say this. I merely point out that The Elite Empire has for a long time been a global network that has needed to communicate not across a single nation, or a single land mass, or even a single region, but the entire world. Our advanced communication systems and defense networks can be valuable assets which can be utilized within this organization and are not limited to just one small subsection of this region, if you allow us the means to use them. If we were to operate out of FPS, we would not have access to these global networks and therefore, our ability to utilize the fullest extent of the Elite Empire’s resources and abilities would be severely limited. Not only would operating out of FPS hinder our ability to defend this organization and our respective nations, but we would be at a strategic disadvantage against militant threats.
“I ask you all to place yourselves into our shoes for a moment. You have entrusted our nation with a very challenging and honorable responsibility, a responsibility in which we would never want to fail you all with. While we have absolutely no qualms uptaking this tremendous task and will accept the challenge with grace, you are beginning to place restraints on our abilities to do this job to the best that we can. Performing our duties and learning the task is difficult enough as is, but now you are saying that we must do so within a nation we are very much unfamiliar with. Not only are we now responsible for the well-being of this organization, its leaders, and our respective nations, but additionally we must now learn the policies, procedures, and methods of dealing with problems in FPS. By removing us from our familiar and very well adept systems, we must work within the systems of another nation. We may not be granted access to needed systems and networks and there may be a degree of information that is kept from our knowledge which would impair our ability to develop an effective plan or counter-assault. So you see…we are stuck with our hands tied behind our backs and you are asking us to win this fight? Do you not see how difficult you are making this for our nation?”
Taking a momentarily pause again, Vaeda took a deep breath and folded her hands before her while continuing to smile, “Each of you has the right to express your concerns and disagree. I am not asking you to compromise your opinions. However, I am concerned because it seems that you have been disagreeing with much of what we have suggested thus far, even when we have spoken on behalf of others. I must now ask why you have elected us into a position if you do not agree with our methods of handling these tasks? I speak with a relative certainty that Carbonis’s cards are well-known and we mean absolutely nothing more than providing the optimal level of protection when we suggest moving headquarters. We have a reputation for striving to be the best and doing our best…it would only seem to make more sense now that we continue to uphold this tradition. And we realize that we cannot do that without a degree of some real control within this organization. A title without power is nothing but humor. And I must re-iterate that by no means have we suggested abolishing old headquarters. They will be utilized to their maximum potential and benefits even if we move the base of operations away.”
Turning specifically to Codric, Vaeda looked the man in the eyes, “Codric, while I respect you, you have been running this entire meeting and have set the entire tone for subsequent proceedings. If you wish to run this organization, by all means I think it is a wonderful idea and I would happily endorse you. Please do not allow us to interfere if this is the case. However, I must ask that we not pretend to be give power to nations without actually giving any authority to nations to enact that power.”
"So again, if you really believe that moving headquarters is such a terrible idea, I speak on behalf of my nation when I say that we will be unable to uphold the task you entrust in us. In the event EPTO is directly attacked, we will not have access to our defense networks and communication systems which could be tapped to prepare a very effective counter-assault. We will be forced to work within those constraints and in the middle of a direct assault, that lack of security will prove damaging. Current headquarters are right on the front lines gentlemen. If your nations are attacked, EPTO will be attacked, our efforts will be attacked, and our ability to respond severely impaired. In an attempt to protect your own people, your own nations, this region, and this organization, someone is bound to fail somewhere. We have simply offered you the ability to remove one concern out of the equation so in the event of an attack, we can focus on the priorities and not the defense of a headquarters. Again if you feel that moving headquarters is such a terrible idea for legitimate strategic reasons and if you can accept that we may dismally fail at protecting you under these circumstances, than I believe there is nothing more to discuss. "
“For the record,” Terrus stated once Vaeda finished speaking, “the Federated Alliance of Free Pacific States did not at any point serve as Secretary General, and the headquarters of this alliance were placed within the Federated Alliance for the purpose of dividing power.”
The former President took a breath. “But truly, that is neither here nor there. The real question is about the strategic legitimacy of the placement of the East Pacific Treaty Organization headquarters within the Free Pacific States.”
“There is certainly an argument to be made against that placement. The Federated Alliance is indeed the frontline. My nation has a resident drone population with clear loyalty to the Pax, a history of engagements with the Pax that includes an outright invasion, and a proximity to Pax planetary territory. There is no doubt that, in the case of an all-out war, we’ll be a high-ranking target.”
“So far as I can think, that makes us the perfect place to headquarter the Emergency Action Force, and the perfect nation to lead that force. In the case of a conflict with anyone besides the Pax, our central regional location and past peacekeeping experience will facilitate operations, and in the case of a conflict with the Pax, EAF forces won’t need to go very far to get to the fighting.”
“In the opinion of my government’s administration, that also makes us a good location to headquarter the EPTO. President Kroidrik feels that the host nation of the EPTO will become a prime target, no matter that nation, and that it makes the most sense as such to keep the headquarters in FPS, given that it is already such a target.”
“Vaeda, you say General Novac is unwilling to relocate to Liberty City, and equally unwilling to expend the massive resources to connect your nation’s considerable defense infrastructure to a building in a far off land. That makes perfect sense. But it is not reason to move the headquarters. The EPTO headquarters serves as a place for regular alliance meetings in peacetime and collaborative strategic meetings in wartime. It does not become the headquarters of the militaries of the respective member-nations. So General Novac would still be able to command your considerable forces from his regular headquarters – just like the leader of every nation here.”
“But the representative he appoints to the EPTO would act to coordinate the General’s efforts with the rest of the alliance, as well as the EAF, here. That representative would then be closer to the action in the case of an invasion of my country – likely facilitating that coordination – and no further from the action in the case of an attack upon another member state.”
“With that said, I think everyone here agrees with the placement of a secondary headquarters in your nation, Vaeda. Should Liberty City fall, there would be few better places to relocate the commanders of the EPTO, especially since the EAF would likely have ceased to function well by that point.”
Pulling out the small black handheld device, Novac looked at the glowing faceplate before excusing himself from Lachdanan as he turned away to listen to the caller.
“Novac…yes… I understand… Initiate the protocol. I will be right there.”
Looking back to Lachdanan, Novac’s face seemed empty as if years of disappointment and exhaustion had taken its toll, “It seems that one of our men has died on that Arctic expedition. Lachdandan. It was a pleasure talking with you Supreme Commander, First Blade of the Empire, and Exiled Emperor of Irem. I have great hopes for the future of our nations. Take care of Lady Desanti. She is a valuable asset to our nation,” Novac responded with a firm handshake and customary nod.
Seemingly speaking to himself, Novac continued talking as he stepped away from Lachdanan and headed towards the exit, “Desanti. I must leave for the moment. Diehl is having trouble in the Arctic. Stay calm. You are doing well. If you need me, I am still connected to this link and will be until the conclusion of the meeting. I am right here Desanti. You still have my attention.”
Stepping into the awaiting car, Novac directed the driver to take him to the airport. While they drove through the city, Novac absent-mindedly stared before him at nothing in particular. The death of Rumvalsky was difficult news to hear. It complicated their position in Mahanoy. With Diehl’s team taking such a hard hit, he could not rely on them rebounding so easily from this mission which would give the others a much greater chance of taking out the young Diehl. While his face remained motionless, etched in marble, he seemed to still frown to himself. He looked at the window as they stopped at a light. Children played in the park nearby and he watched as they chased one another. The familiar pang of regret gripped him. His life gone with nothing more than this position to speak for it. History would remember him as General Novac, the renowned world general who led The Elite Empire into success. But who would remember him as the father who loved his children? Or the husband who tenderly cared for his wife through illness and health?
The frown seemed to set itself subtly upon him and as they pulled through the changed light, he watched a young boy push a girl on a swing. Mesmerized by the young boy’s obvious affections, he lost himself even as the sudden jolt, screeching tires, crunching metal jarred him. He felt the horrendous pain for only an instant, every single fiber in his body crying out in agony, before it all collapsed with the impact of his head against the side of the vehicle.
All around the pandemonium began after several moments of complete silence and confusion. The van had heeded no warnings, speeding out of control, set on its crash course mission. No one had seen it whiz around the corner until it was too late. It collided with such a vengeance and wrapped the diplomat’s car around a nearby pole before it came to a stop.
Shouts filled the air calling for emergency teams as people grew aware that the accident had occurred and people may be injured.
All this occurred while Vaeda’s face paled significantly. She brought her hands to her mouth and silently gasped, listening in terror. NOVAC! her mind cried, but the words could not find their way to her trembling lips. Visibly shaken, she looked at the conference with the unseen horrors in her mind playing out.
Little did she care about the ambassadors at that moment or that any one of them might be watching her response and judging her. She was lost in the moment, lost in the last words of Novac, I am right here Desanti.
The tears struggled to break free, biting at her eyes painfully as she listened to the cries of help. Novac was silent. She could not help but remark how silent he was. It was so very unusual not listening to him ordering calm into the chaos. Fear and panic surfaced. He’s dead. The thought gnawed coldly at her, stealing her own warmth with it. She listened closely, intently, for any sign of his life…a word, a grumble, a pained grunt, struggled breathing, but all she could hear was the cries for help and emergency sirens sounding nearby.
Biting her lip, she could almost hear him in her head, demanding she take control. You are doing well.
“Very well gentlemen,” she spoke breathlessly barely above a whisper, “perhaps then we should move…we should move headquarters to The Sacred Lands. If you feel…feel that our nation is not the best choice, than I imagine The Sacred Lands would be a much better choice. Lady Edea’s pacifism and her neutral stance on our politics may benefit utilizing her nation to host an organization that requires a neutral stance and independent…independent agendas,” she tried to smile, finding the smile kept faltering with her thoughts.
Codric was right on the point of answering Vaeda, when his armband lighted once again. As he read his message, he remained speechless before raising his gaze on the Mahanoian diplomat.
«Lady Lady Vaeda. A breach in the security. Weve had were under possible attack. General Novac he has been hit and » he didnt get the chance to finish, as the rooms door were slammed open and a certain amount of EPTO troops stormed in. The Rezielan officer leading them barely looked to Codric, knowing that he had already been informed of the details of the situation.
«My Lord, my Ladies, the location is not safe anymore. Weve had an external assault. Were evacuating the meeting room and were doing it now. Sorry for the rudeness, but Im not here to hear possible counter-orders or complaints. And no, I do not care if the meeting is not over. Therefore stand up and follow the indications youll be given. Your staffs have already been alerted and your cars will reach the Halls entrance within minutes» he barked.
Outside, security was being thigthened in the whole city. The Dvarden Music Hall had become an ants nest, as the security of EPTO reacted to the threat even if it was obviously happening far too late. All around the building, the crowd was being dispersed and a number of copters had immediately taken control of the aerial space.
In the meanwhile, having been informed about the explosion, Lachdanan and had reached the place: right now, he was standing near the annihilated limousine, observing the paramedics taking care of Novac. As always happened, he had already entered his double-face mode. The first half of his self was taking care of the logistic details, barking orders, coordinating the movements all around him, giving answer and so on. The funny thing was that, technically, the troops obeying him were EPTOs and thus they werent under his command. But then a good half of them were Archangels. There was no chance they could have ever started philosophying about competences and so on. The Hatians they seemed relieved someone else was taking care of the whole mess.
On the other side, the second half of this self was yes, detaching from the situation. The strategist inside him was already evaluating the overall situation. Possible culprits. Possible leaks in the security. Possible consequences. Possible
«Colonel»
The paramedics voice dragged back his full attention and he waited for the message to be delivered.
«Colonel. General Novac. He is »