Encrypted || Hotline between Solis & Villesen

[Serenierre]

Elisabeth knew as she waited for the call to connect there would be consternation in Solis. The news in the Associated Press was rather damning. But, it could not be helped. The deputies in her bloc were incensed by the narratives that were emerging through the statements issued over the past some time since the news of the frigate sinking came to light. And while she had spoken in the heat of the moment, she too, needed clarity from the Aurarian President.

There were many questions to consider and there was much to think about. Both, for her in Villesen, and Sanabria in Solis. But they needed to talk properly -- something which she noted had not occurred following the breakout of the entire debacle. What good was this hotline for? It was not often for the bureacrats in Villesen to be as confused as they were regarding the events in the Long Sea. It was unnerving.

"President Sanabria-" she began. Though, she could not get many words in beyond that.

 

[Oneida]

“In any case, the fact that the Pohjaanma government is officially acknowledging that its military vessels operate on the high seas under internationally known symbols of piracy makes it clear for one and all that the recent spate of piracy operations across the Retalian and Long Seas has been nothing but a sham. The mask has fallen. The spectre of piracy has given way to the very real menace of Post-Delegationism.

Capitals across the civilized world, be they Republic or Monarchy, must be cognizant of this fact. The navies of the Post-Delegationist nations are operating as privateers and that piracy is the official state policy of these radical nations. The threat to the international system of trade is self evident and, as such, requires a unified front in a number of areas.

With regards to the threats against Auraria, I will say this before my comrade deputies, we will not let a brother Gallian state be unjustly threatened with hostile actions. Let my voice be heard loud and clear from Villesen across the region: We stand firm in support for President Sanabria and the Aurarine Republic,” President Sanabria cut off the Premier to read her exact words “Wednesday, March 27.”

He paused.

“The same day, Auraria announces the results of our countries joint salvage operation to find mission directives from the Pohjanmaans to masquerade as pirates in order to incite conflict in the Long Sea,” he continued – giving the Premier no time to interject “Thursday, Auraria and Serenierre agree to participate in a neutral, international investigation into the incident.”

“Friday,” he stated “The Aurarian Government takes serious missteps…Auraria sends the word closer to a dangerous conflict. Let it not be thought that mere status as Gallian is enough to earn our support. Restraint is a hallmark of Serenien policy. I believe we would have offered immediate financial compensation and attempted to de-escalate the matter.”

His re-reading of the Premier’s words over a 48 hour period came to a close and an awkward silence loomed over the call.

“So,” he cut the silence “Elisabeth, I am assuming there’s some sort of explanation or perhaps you have some questions.”

 

[Serenierre]

Elisabeth inhaled sharply. "Manuel, I can understand your frustration. But you need to try and understand it from our vantage point as well. I am under pressure domestically. I assure you that my words from Wednesday are, indeed, true and remain my view. But there is considerable concern in the Commissariat of People's Deputies that the sort of conflict that seems likely is something which cannot be premised purely on the unilateral policy of Serenierre defending Gallia. My Politburo needs more information from Solis about its future intentions and we need clear cut policies."

"While I admit I have a majority in our legislature, the deputies are not keen on engaging in the partnership simply by the Politburo's diktat. Monsieur Presidente, I am sure you have full understanding of how legislatures can be. They always try to assert their importance. Especially more so at the moment since we were just elected. Passions still fly high."

"With respect to my comments from earlier today, yes, I think that Auraria has adopted a bold policy. Perhaps a bit too bold. But that does not mean it affects my personal view about the strategic importance of a partnership between our two countries. It is very straightforward. But to translate that to an official policy, we need something beyond just our personal understandings."

 

[Oneida]

“There is not a damned quiet corner in this entire building!” Sanabria slammed his hand on his desk, causing the towers of papers to precariously wobble.

The staff that had gathered in the President’s Office – and had seemingly followed him with every step he made – fell immediately quiet at the President’s lashing out. Sanabria sighed, pushing his hair back and looked up again to his staff.

“Susanna, Ortenes, General Paredes,” he called to his Chief of Staff, Foreign Minister, and Chief of Defense Staff “The three of you remain, the rest of you please find another room with which to decide the fate of Gallia.”

The horde of people quickly shuffled out of the President’s Office. The three which he told to remain took their seats across from the President’s desk and waited for him to make the call.

“And I had thought the last time her and I spoke the circumstances were critical,” he chuckled to himself as he picked up the phone “President Manuel Sanabria for Premier Elisabeth Martinique.”

 

[Serenierre]

Elisabeth Martinique was not too pleased with the turn of events in Gallia but she was happy to receive the call from President Sanabria. Perhaps, the success of the blitz diplomacy in Pelasgia had awoken them, "Ah, Manuel, I wish we could have spoken in better times. It seems you and I are doomed to only speak to one another with the world about to collapse."