Ikrisia gazed over the occupants of the large room before her. She sat down carefully in silence as those who had undoubtedly been discussing the Vekaiyun advancements across Yasteria paused for their leader. It was only proper, even for those who didn’t quite respect her newfound adopted positions on tolerance and gradual assimilation.
“Good evening,” she said as she glanced at an already-prepared drink in front of her, but decided against sipping the nectar of negotiations - alcohol. She wasn’t an alcoholic anyway, not like her father at least, whom she was still at ends with. Just why did he have such hostility against those who she wanted to spend time with? Especially since he wasn’t there for her before? He seemed to want to spend time with her, but it wasn’t productive. Listonia was solidly within the Vekaiyun Union, what else was there to talk about? “I see the conversation has hit a lull in productivity,” she added with a smirk. “Was it something I said?”
Kral Commodore Yamano Nevikalu, the human, bristled his mustache and shook his head. “No, ma’am. We’re discussing terrorist factions entering Allegheny.”
“They should be wiped out immediately!” Sipavu Commodore Aksynia Milostrovi demanded as she pounded her fist against the jaku hardwood table. “Snuff them out before they spread! And they will spread!”
Normally one would ignore such an outburst, but she controlled the mighty and storied 11th armored corps division, one of the largest and most organized divisions in the Vekaiyun Armed Forces. Their commander demanded much respect.
Ikrisia, on the other hand, saw a lot of herself in her demeanor, though without the corrective actions her life sustained upon her. Consequently, she was understandably tempered in her zeal. “Mmn. Yes. Well, this situation merits our attention, does it not? We have already decided the eastern portion of the weakened Alleghenian state is within the Vekaiyun sphere of influence. With Savenchorund within our sphere as well, it would provide a strong barrier against any meddling from the south or the east.”
Ler Commodore Lebivistre jolted to action upon hearing the old directives. “But we have done nothing to accomplish those goals as of yet!” His short, staccato talk coupled with his face frozen as if he was taking a permanent bowel movement was both comical but horrifying at the same time, like one would never dare grin in front of him for fear of him snapping their neck in some form of combat he learned long ago. He did, after all, survive the years of Selvala and Max.
“Yes, well, the plan is still in motion.”
“Still in motion?” Lebivistre asked. “The Premier has spent more time with her private life more than anything else it seems.”
The room fell silent. Only Lebivistre could speak to the Premier like this and get away with it without any reprimands from his superior. For she respected him, and he was one of the very few who sided with her way back when the civil war from seven years ago was in its infancy.
“Alright. No, you are most correct. I have indeed placed my personal endeavors at the forefront of my mind. You are correct that I outlined a goal of affixing eastern Allegheny and Savenchorund within our sphere of influence, perhaps even included in the union. But only marginal progress has been made.” She turned to Aksyina, then to one of her Hejul Generals, Sayli Kostranaru. “Float the possibility of providing defense to the eastern Allegheny people, protection from this new faction of terrorists. Of course, we wish to avoid needless deaths of individuals, but I am aware it may take more substantial efforts for them to see things our way.” She paused and looked around the table. “And our way must always be correct, for if it isn’t, we do not serve the Vekaiyun state to our fullest capacity. We are a leading nation now. Therefore, we must act as such. No sudden movements, no acts of revenge. We simply correct problems. And that is all we must do.”
“I suggest-”
She was quick to interrupt Aksynia. “React, do not act. Let’s see how this situation plays out.”