Dealing with Orion

[Serenierre]

Prime Minister's Plane

Shahrazad's plane landed at the international airport of Cortuna's capital. Having finished the meeting with the Franconian Chancellor, she had immediately headed off to the Himyari country of Cortuna to meet with the President of that country as well as President Loddi of Abruzicstan to discuss the situation in Orion and the impact it was having on the region.

Located in South-East Himyar, the Abruzzi nation was neighbors with Anbat, an ally, and was a regional neighbor of Hajr, another ally. The instability in that area was detrimental to the economies of those two allied states and Belmont, a major trading partner of those two countries, wasn't about to let a couple of insurgents destroy the economies of the region, where hundreds of millions of francs were invested.

Already, her Minister of Defense had announced that more than 10,000 men were ready to be deployed to the region and that Belmont's firepower was available to destroy the Orion militancy, all the Belmontien armed forces needed was express approval from President Loddi. Apart from that, the talks would also cover topics such as increasing public security and on reconstruction efforts after victory in any operation.
​

 

[Cortona]

The President was looking into a mirror, shifting his tie to his preferred way. Continuously displeased as to how it turned out, he decided to let it go. Capriani was preparing to make history in Cortona. Cortonan Presidents have met with leaders in Abruzicstan, Talemantros, and the Levantine States before, but never a nation that did not border Cortona. It would be the first time that Cortona and Belmont would have formal talks and Capriani wanted to make a good impression.

The 305 year old Rossetto Mansion was nicer today than it ever was before. Aids have been ordered to clean the building up as good as possible. Complimenting the work of the aids, the weather today was absolutely beautiful. Sunny, not a single cloud and the air was warm, not hot, and not cold.

A limo was waiting for the Prime Minister’s plane in Firenze International Airport. Gendarmerie Forces were stationed all over the airport and the route to Rossetto Mansion. If anything, the Prime Minister was safe, Capriani placed the nation’s reputation on the safety of the Belmontien.

When the airplane landed and Shahrazad stepped out of the plane, Rossetto Mansion aids greeted her in a pleasing manner, and showed her to the limo that would take her to the President. The limo ride was short, due to the fact the streets were closed for the occasion. The Gendarmerie stood out of view for, a military force in the streets wasn’t appealing.

When the limo came up to Rossetto Mansion, the Prime Minister’s side door was opened and as soon as it was a food of flashes came before her as the Cortonan Press wished to catch the priceless moment. The President hated the flash of the cameras, so he did not stand outside the building to greet her; he was inside in the lobby. When Shahrazad entered the Mansion, Capriani walked up to her and shook her hand and said, which a warm smile “Welcome to Cortona,”

 

[Serenierre]

"Yes, President Capriani, pleasure to be here. I do hope your Abruzzi counterpart is here. We need to get these talks started... time can not be wasted." She said firmly as she walked into the Presidential mansion.

 

[Chryse]

The car carrying President Loddi sped through Firenzien city streets, acknowledging traffic lights and road signs on the way towards the Rossetto Mansion. Loddi was dressed particularly sharp today, meeting with his counterparts in Cortona and also the Prime Minister of Belmont required the President to look his best. His dark suit sat slim and snug on his frame, his jet black hair slicked back with gel, and three pins adorning his jacket of the flags of Abruzicstan, Belmont, and Cortona were the most striking of his features. His youth showed, though it was Presidential youth. He reclined in his seat, sipping on a glass of the finest wine produced in Abruzzi vineyards awaiting for his imminent arrival at the mansion. After a few moments of sightseeing of various landmarks and structures across Firenze, his car came to a halt outside the Rossetto Mansion. He stepped out and was escorted inside, greeting the awaiting party of President Capriani and Prime Minister Shahrazad.

"I apologize for arriving a little bit late everyone, though I'm sure you wish to skip my excuses and just get right down to business. Excellent to see you again Capriani and it's an honor to finally meet you Mrs. Shahrazad. I regret never having been the pleasure to meet you before during McVeigh's visits to Belmont in the past."

 

[Cortona]

The President smiled at the Abruzzi President and stated “You were not late, you were fashionably late, and that requires no apology. Regardless, welcome to Cortona, President Loddi. Now, let us go to my office, there we can begin the talks.”

The Three Leaders walked into the Executive Office and sat down. Once everyone was situated, the President turned to Prime Minister Shahrazad, “Prime Minister, due to you requesting the meeting between the three of us, I’ll give you the first words.”

 

[Serenierre]

Executive Office,
Rossetto Mansion, Firenze

Shahrazad Martinique, the most powerful person in Belmont, short of the Queen, smiled as she looked at the Presidents of Abruzicstan and Cortona. As the Cortonan president gave her the go-ahead, Shahrazad cleared her throat and began speaking, "We all, all three of us, know that the situation in the Orion can't be allowed to continue like it is at present. Belmont has deployed twelve thousand men under the command of Lt. General Sant-Pierre and, I believe, the Cortonan deployment is at twelve hundred." She leaned forward, her tone changing to a colder, more firm one. "I don't know what Firenze plans to do, but Paris is not willing to let the Orion militancy take over the government in Chieti."

Turning to President Loddi, "Don't worry, Belmont is with you. So, President Loddi what do you plan on doing to resolve the situation? Since this is an insurgency, the political leaders of Abruzicstan must be strong and united. Weakness in Chieti will translate into morale boosts for the insurgents."

Each day, in Paris, politicians saw the situation get worse in the Abruzzi nation and that was worrying to them. The instability in that country was something they felt would affect allies from Anbat to Cortona to Hajr. That was unacceptable, a direct approach was needed to deal with the Orion militants. Having already pledged five hundred million francs for security in Abruzicstan but Parliament had already started talk about increasing that sum. ​

 

[Chryse]

He sat silently listening to Shahrazad begin. He was quickly addressed by the Prime Minister from Belmont, turning to both his counterparts and resting his hands softly in his lap. He began to speak, his first diplomatic conversation as President of Abruzicstan. As Vice-President, he rarely ever did the talking, let alone had the chance to travel the world with McVeigh and his staff on diplomatic missions. He was delighted to have that chance now.

"Chieti still remains clouded in doubt following the death of Johnathon McVeigh, an event still on the minds of many not just in Chieti but all over the country. Thankfully though, we seem to be making progress. While the doubt still lingers, a return to normalcy seems forthcoming. Lawmakers in the Capital are as united as ever, and thankfully the population is more high spirited than before. Political discontent isn't rampant as it once was. As terrible as it may be to say, it seems the passing of McVeigh has shown the passing of pessimistic views plaguing Chieti as well."

He paused to clear his throat, then continued.

"On the situation in Orion, I' am on the phone with troops daily outside Kollat, La'Aquila, and scattered locations inside Orion. Clear cooperation between troops on the ground in Orion and Chieti are key, so I believe. Abruzzi troops are serving their country courageously everyday in Orion. They will not stop until the enemy has been completely eradicated from the South. I' am optimistic about the situation these days, and with Belmont and Cortonian help being offered, I' am certain of success now."

 

[Cortona]

The President listened closely to what both leaders had to say, he then prepared his response. “President Loddi, I am very happy to hear improvements in the daily operations of Chieti. As I’m sure you know, Abruzicstan is response for Cortona’s shift from a third world nation to the growing economy she is today. Having the daily operations in Chieti improving, it’ll make it easier on the three of us. It leads me to commend you on the ability to bring a government from chaos to stability. The cooperation of your legislature also brings me joy.

I wish I could say the same about our Assembly. Although the Assembly did support the intervention, a new debate is reigning about the cost of the war. They tell me that I cannot have numerous programs that I have put in action, it’s quite childish. Regardless of that, I promise you that Cortona will continue to faithfully support Abruzicstan and will not lower our troop levels unless requested to.”

President Capriani turned his attention to Prime Minister Shahrazad. “I’ll tell you exactly what Firenze plans to do. First off, we want to keep both Paris and Chieti in communication with us, to better direct the war effort. I, like President Loddi, speak to leaders on the ground, and I cannot stress more the need of continuous communication. Firenze is determined to do whatever is necessary to bring stability back to Abruzicstan and end the rebellion. We are committed to it, and I will do everything in my power to move towards this goal.”

 

[Serenierre]

Executive Office,
Rossetto Mansion, Firenze

Shahrazad shifted in the seat, hearing both presidents she realized Belmont had much more to do than just provide troops for the Orion region. Belmont had to set up sort of support fund for Cortona and Abruzicstan. Although her party had decided to increase Abruzzi aid to 500 million francs with an option to take a loan of 250 million for security of civilians and military operations, Shahrazad was starting to think something similar was needed for Cortona. Clearing her throat once again, Premier Martinique looked down and started talking, "Well, I am truly happy that President Loddi has united the nation against the militants... also, your optimism is great to hear..." she trailed off.

Now turning to President Capriani, "If funds are an issue, I wish to offer Cortona an aid package... 350 million francs in annual aid and an option to take a loan of 120 million, which can be paid back over the next ten years. Also, Cortona would get discounts on purchases from Belmont on arms. As you must realize Mr. President, Belmont intends to supports its Himyari allies... all of them."

​

 

[Cortona]

Belmont’s determination to support allied nations was surprising to President Capriani. It reassured him that Belmont was a safe and beneficial nation to ally with. Cortona was interested in expanding its military capability, but the Assembly’s conservative attitude on spending made it difficult to convince them to begin any projects. Purchasing equipment from Belmont may be the cheap alternative, so of course the President was interested.

“Your determination to defend and support nations you’re allied to is reassuring to us. Belmont, which we haven’t established any form of formal relations, to be so determined to support us, is sort of surprising. I am pleased by it, truly. I, myself, do not possess the power to accept the financial aid from Belmont. As soon as this meeting concludes, I will go to the Assembly to make the request. I am particularly interested in the discounts on Belmontien arms. Our military was very incapable until about maybe 20 years ago and even today it lacks. Supplying the funding to find new weapons isn’t what the Assembly wants to do first, so purchasing is the only option we have left. And I can guarantee that Cortona will be a frequent customer.”

 

[Chryse]

Loddi seemed uneasy, almost flustered. He didn't expect the situation in Orion to explode into something regional. Now it seemed the world's eyes were on Abruzicstan with Cortona, Belmont, and now Zivotinje the crutches on which the country is falling onto for help. He felt almost ashamed, anger now boiling inside of him. How did McVeigh, a close friend for years, allow for such a situation to happen and tumble out of control? Frequently nowadays he found himself deep in despair, the feeling of being stuck in a rut that his predecessor so generously gave to him the day of his swearing in. Despite setbacks though, Loddi was quick to try and reassure himself that victory was imminent in Orion. The fact he had such close friends and neighbors in his midst helped alot, and he cherished it deeply.

"I'm truly grateful for both of your support. Funds given from Paris are a generous gift indeed, and have sparked a pulse back into the veins of the Abruzzi economy. The help from our brothers in Cortona also have given us hope, and is greatly appreciated. I do hope such smooth cooperation continues into the future. I must ask though, is there anything else that needs to be discussed or hasn't been covered yet? "