The PacificBoard

The Emmalinan Minister of Foreign Relations sits comfortably in chair sitting directly in front of the President's desk. Timothy Molten marvels at the design and size of the desk. Perhaps all leaders have a throne, he thinks to himself, some are just more glamorous than others. After the brief thought, Molten looks upon the book he requested upon his departure from The First German Order.American Nightmare: The Birth of a New Nation. Molten laughs to himself, the title appears to be full of paradoxes...but he supposes a book about the death of a nation and the founding of a new republic should be full of them. He's enjoyed the reading thus far, and he feels as if he understands the United States a little better than before.

He opens the book to the bookmarked page but doesn't get two sentences in before the door of the Diamond office open. Molten rises to his feet and is astounded to see that President Salvatore and Vice President Pence enter at the same time,but through separate doors. Salvatore is technically above his Vice President, but you would never know by this entrance. Two powerful and equal men just entered into room. The three exchange pleasantries and Molten and Salvatore both receive a glass full of bourbon. Pence, citing his attempt to quit the stuff, declines the butler's offer. The three men then take their places within the room. Molten returns to his seat, Pence sits directly to the left of him, and President Salvatore roots himself in the seat to which he was elected. Both men look at Molten with expressions that tell him that they have been here before. Molten feels as if he is about to receive a good cop-bad cop routine, and he is becoming more aware that Emmalina's alliance will not be enough to force this partnership into a corner.

Finally, the President breaks the silence, "Well, I hope that your travel and stay have been up to your standards thus far." Molten smiles and nods, "Yes, Mr. President. The Capital has more than met my expectations." "That's great to hear," says the Vice President, "You'll have to excuse me for my boldness, Molten, but we assume that the news of Alexander's apparent escape is what has prompted this emergency meeting. No offense, but you've been here for weeks and have made no contact." Molten is taken aback by the statesman's bluntness. Usually it is Emmalinan diplomats that are notorious for their arrogance. "You'll have to forgive me, but I've been busy." Pence chuckles to himself, "Busy? Busy studying our founding I suppose?" Pence taps the book and Molten feels his cheeks begin to become heated as his patience for the elder politician is becoming strained."Well, given how little assistance you have actually provided, it is easy for me to understand how you would forget about the resistance in which I am playing a part!"

Based upon the change in expression upon the face of Pence, Molten can see that his response came out much louder than he anticipated. Pence opens his mouth to speak, but is cut off by the sound of a heavy glass being placed down upon the a desk. Molten shifts in his seat to face the President. "You'll have to forgive my partner's heavy handed tone, Minister, what can I do for you and Emmalina?" Molten feels his body calming itself. "Mr. President, with the news of Alexander's escape, Lord Gibboras is ready to make a move. We had feared to strike in any way while the King was still held hostage. However, if we are able to recover him, we are prepared to strike. We are sure that The First German Order will assist us, but we were hoping to have your more literal backing as well." The pause is evident. Pence, still blunt but somehow clearly sympathetic, "And if you all never recover him? I'm sorry, Molten, but the United States cannot place its support behind a government without a clear head...and we do not want to occupy the Kingdom."

Molten feels his chest tightening, he had suspected many things, but he had not prepared for Emmalina's oldest ally to hand him conditions. President Salvatore feeling the anxiety within the room, "Minister, if you Alexander is recovered alive and well...you have our full support. If not...well, that's a conversation for another meeting. Tell Lord Gibboras that the United States is with you." Salvatore and Pence rise from their chairs, shake the hand of Molten, and exit the room.