Oneida
Established Nation
“You’re quiet today, Julio,” Urbina said.
“I’m sorry Beto, long nights, I’m sure you’re aware,” Escamilla responded.
“All too well,” Urbina replied.
There was an awkwardness between the two friends, and the feeling was palpable. Almost a month into the new government and the problems, the sum of their fears, were creeping away from fears and into the realm of reality. It was something Urbina needed to deal with, despite his discomfort with it.
“Beto. CADA is organizing in ways that don’t quite fit a political party,” Escamilla finally said.
Urbina rose from his chair and moved to look out the window of the Executive Office. From his window he could see the courtyard of the Capitol Plaza. The Plaza was square in shape with the Presidential Palace on one end and the Capitol on the other. In the center, what was once a normal park open to the public, now has construction teams that were quickly erecting an obelisk – a war memorial. The symbol of all those who gave their lives for democracy and a commitment to the future generations.
“I know,” Urbina replied “but what would you have me do?”
“We need to discover who is loyal and who is not. I already have lists, and I have connections to the people in those lists, but I know damn well that they aren’t the only ones,” Escamilla responded.
“It wasn’t supposed to play out this way, the war wasn’t supposed to last 5 months, 70,000 people weren’t supposed to die. The threat of another war is not supposed to constantly hover over our heads, ready to strike at the slightest fuck up,” Urbina mumbled.
“No, it wasn’t, but it did. The world is a dark place Beto, there’s no sugar coating it. When the revolution began, it was already well known that you would lead it,” Escamilla was interrupted.
“Well known by who?” Urbina interrupted.
“Colleagues. Such an action was being planned for a while, but we needed public support and power in Heredia itself, Vicario was particularly skilled at keeping the military away, on both sides of the coin. He capitulated to the Conservatives, but he did keep the military at bay,” Escamilla answered.
“What of Zavala?” Urbina asked, knowing the answer.
“His death was unfortunate, he was charismatic, but he never could have lead a nation. He lacked the skill,” Escamilla stated.
After a small silence, Urbina spoke “so you killed him.”
“We did not kill him,” Escamilla replied.
“But you’re not innocent,” Urbina pressed.
“His location was known, the attack was known. We knew when and where they would go for him, and we kept that information to ourselves,” Escamilla explained.
Urbina laughed sarcastically and leaned against the wall.
“I know he was like a son to you, the decision was not easy. They never are, Beto,” Escamilla expressed “Like I said earlier, the world is a dark place. It needs two kinds of leaders, one to lead in the light, and the other to lead in the darkness.”
“You’re no better than them,” Urbina said.
“Don’t pretend like you didn’t know,” Escamilla demanded “Not even Calderón united this country through handshakes and a friendly smile. I know my past, I know what I’ve done and I know where my loyalties are. Roberto Urbina, you are President of the Aurarine Republic, you are the light the country needs to continue and prosper, the people look to you and invest all of their hopes. We need that and I promise you I will do everything in my power to keep you there. I will protect you, and this Republic, from those who would seek your death. There are many people who want you dead and they are less moral than I am.”
Urbina was unmoved by Escamilla’s words, a short silence occurred as Urbina continued to stare at the construction of the monument. Escamilla stood defiantly, awaiting Urbina’s answer, he heard a long sigh from Urbina and then his posture rose.
“Defense Minister Julio Escamilla,” Urbina began.
“President Roberto Urbina,” Escamilla answered.
“Our war is not over and our world is not ideal. The Autonomous Right, CADA, will not compromise the sanctity of this nation again. I won’t allow it. It is no secret that CADA is reorganizing its military power, and this expansion of yours gives them the perfect opportunity to do so. CADA’s continued existence will forever stand as a threat to the Republic and I will not have us constantly teetering on the brink of civil war. Either we die, or they do,” Urbina declared.
Escamilla nodded, remaining silent.
“But, these people don’t deserve to live in fear,” Urbina continued, referencing the populace “Auraria does not need, nor shall it have, two leaders – a light and a dark. I will lead this Republic, but I will allow you to do what you see necessary.”
“Of course, Mr. President,” Escamilla answered, preparing to leave.
“Sir Minister,” Urbina said, Escamilla turned to look “If you ever hide anything from me again, I swear to you that you’ll regret it. There is no shadow government and do not mistake my leniency for submissive state of power. You are in my administration, you will do as I say, and you will report to me – and no one else.”
“Understood, Mr. President,” Escamilla responded and left the room.
“I’m sorry Beto, long nights, I’m sure you’re aware,” Escamilla responded.
“All too well,” Urbina replied.
There was an awkwardness between the two friends, and the feeling was palpable. Almost a month into the new government and the problems, the sum of their fears, were creeping away from fears and into the realm of reality. It was something Urbina needed to deal with, despite his discomfort with it.
“Beto. CADA is organizing in ways that don’t quite fit a political party,” Escamilla finally said.
Urbina rose from his chair and moved to look out the window of the Executive Office. From his window he could see the courtyard of the Capitol Plaza. The Plaza was square in shape with the Presidential Palace on one end and the Capitol on the other. In the center, what was once a normal park open to the public, now has construction teams that were quickly erecting an obelisk – a war memorial. The symbol of all those who gave their lives for democracy and a commitment to the future generations.
“I know,” Urbina replied “but what would you have me do?”
“We need to discover who is loyal and who is not. I already have lists, and I have connections to the people in those lists, but I know damn well that they aren’t the only ones,” Escamilla responded.
“It wasn’t supposed to play out this way, the war wasn’t supposed to last 5 months, 70,000 people weren’t supposed to die. The threat of another war is not supposed to constantly hover over our heads, ready to strike at the slightest fuck up,” Urbina mumbled.
“No, it wasn’t, but it did. The world is a dark place Beto, there’s no sugar coating it. When the revolution began, it was already well known that you would lead it,” Escamilla was interrupted.
“Well known by who?” Urbina interrupted.
“Colleagues. Such an action was being planned for a while, but we needed public support and power in Heredia itself, Vicario was particularly skilled at keeping the military away, on both sides of the coin. He capitulated to the Conservatives, but he did keep the military at bay,” Escamilla answered.
“What of Zavala?” Urbina asked, knowing the answer.
“His death was unfortunate, he was charismatic, but he never could have lead a nation. He lacked the skill,” Escamilla stated.
After a small silence, Urbina spoke “so you killed him.”
“We did not kill him,” Escamilla replied.
“But you’re not innocent,” Urbina pressed.
“His location was known, the attack was known. We knew when and where they would go for him, and we kept that information to ourselves,” Escamilla explained.
Urbina laughed sarcastically and leaned against the wall.
“I know he was like a son to you, the decision was not easy. They never are, Beto,” Escamilla expressed “Like I said earlier, the world is a dark place. It needs two kinds of leaders, one to lead in the light, and the other to lead in the darkness.”
“You’re no better than them,” Urbina said.
“Don’t pretend like you didn’t know,” Escamilla demanded “Not even Calderón united this country through handshakes and a friendly smile. I know my past, I know what I’ve done and I know where my loyalties are. Roberto Urbina, you are President of the Aurarine Republic, you are the light the country needs to continue and prosper, the people look to you and invest all of their hopes. We need that and I promise you I will do everything in my power to keep you there. I will protect you, and this Republic, from those who would seek your death. There are many people who want you dead and they are less moral than I am.”
Urbina was unmoved by Escamilla’s words, a short silence occurred as Urbina continued to stare at the construction of the monument. Escamilla stood defiantly, awaiting Urbina’s answer, he heard a long sigh from Urbina and then his posture rose.
“Defense Minister Julio Escamilla,” Urbina began.
“President Roberto Urbina,” Escamilla answered.
“Our war is not over and our world is not ideal. The Autonomous Right, CADA, will not compromise the sanctity of this nation again. I won’t allow it. It is no secret that CADA is reorganizing its military power, and this expansion of yours gives them the perfect opportunity to do so. CADA’s continued existence will forever stand as a threat to the Republic and I will not have us constantly teetering on the brink of civil war. Either we die, or they do,” Urbina declared.
Escamilla nodded, remaining silent.
“But, these people don’t deserve to live in fear,” Urbina continued, referencing the populace “Auraria does not need, nor shall it have, two leaders – a light and a dark. I will lead this Republic, but I will allow you to do what you see necessary.”
“Of course, Mr. President,” Escamilla answered, preparing to leave.
“Sir Minister,” Urbina said, Escamilla turned to look “If you ever hide anything from me again, I swear to you that you’ll regret it. There is no shadow government and do not mistake my leniency for submissive state of power. You are in my administration, you will do as I say, and you will report to me – and no one else.”
“Understood, Mr. President,” Escamilla responded and left the room.