NationStates Jolt Archive

Dartonia, Capital City of Voltana
Prime Minister's Office

"I simply feel that this deal is not within Voltana's interests at this time, Mr. LaGord. I'm very sorry." Prime Minister Ocato sat tensely at his desk, his eyes fixed upon the phone set to 'speaker'. His hands were clasped together in front of him to give an impression of calm, when really it was to cover the sweat on his palms.

Amassed in front of him, on the various leather sofas that decorated the office, sat his Cabinet, each wearing expressions of discomfort in spite of the expensive upholstery.

"I'm sorry too, Mr. Ocato." Came back the smooth voice from the phone. Despite the electronic edge of the medium, it still sounded sharp and confident. "I've already stressed what an excellent offer this is, and it would further cement our relationship together."

"It's not like Voltana doesn't appreciate your help," Interjected Ocato suddenly, "The Mercer Trading Company has been more than fair in its dealings with us in the past despite it's..."

He cut himself short. There was an awkward silence for a few seconds. Finally, it was broken by a short chuckle from the telephone.

"Despite it's somewhat foul reputation, yes. Unfortunately, bad-mouthing your competition has become a large part of international trade these days. And we haven't come away unscathed."

"Well, yes. As I was saying, Voltana appreciates very much the continued investment in our industry, as well as the more than fair trade agreements that we have signed over these last few months." Ocato rubbed his forehead, "But this new deal is... well, I'm afraid it's just impossible at this time."

Several members of the Cabinet looked relieved and offered morale boosting thumbs-up to the PM. Others looked crestfallen. One shook his head in disgust.

"No reason to be afraid, Mr. Ocato! We understand and respect your wishes, as always. Rest assured this will not affect our plans in any way. Now, if there is nothing else you wish to discuss...

Ocato glanced up at the Cabinet, making eye contact with the Minister of Finance who looked back pleadingly. "No, Mr. LaGord, that is all. Thank you for your time."

The Minister shook his head again as Ocato pressed the 'Disconnect' button.

"The day I sell away Voltana's independence in the hope of raising money for more tanks is the day I've ceased to be in charge." He glared at the Minister of Finance. "Is there a problem with that, Eric?"

The Minister shook his head. "No, Prime Minister. No problem at all."

His phone began to ring in his pocket. He quietly excused himself and left.

Ghastopol, Capital City of Dregruk
Offices of the Mercer Trading Company

Giarc LaGord hung up his phone and placed the handset back in its cradle. Around the table of the boardroom, each person did the same. All eyes rested upon LaGord, President of the Company, as he reclined in his chair and lit a cigar. Silence ensued.

"Well, it's clear what we do now, isn't it?" Said LaGord finally, a thin smile on his lips as he took another drag from the cigar.

More silence.

"The Mercer Trading Company has substantial interest in Voltana. It's a nice little investment for us. Booming economy, eager to expand its industry, democratic to its core... well organised terrorist cells..."

A board-member spoke up, "With all respect, sir, we've heard absolutely nothing about terror groups within Voltana. In fact, it's one of the most stable nations we've dealt with recently."

LaGord shot him an icy glare and leaned forward in his chair.

"Make no mistake, Mr. Kennedy, terrorist groups are present anywhere you care to look for them within a civilised society. Sometimes one must look very carefully, but that doesn't mean they aren't there." A few board-members nodded in agreement. LaGord continued, "That the Voltanese government was unwilling to accept our generous offer of increased investment shows that they are indeed fools. I find it very reassuring that at least one man within it knows a good deal when he sees one."

He lifted his phone again and hit speed-dial. The phone rang a few times before the answer came.

"Hello, Mr. LaGord?"

"Hello, Eric."

Eric Bernbaum walked briskly through wood-paneled corridors with his phone pressed against his ear. His eyes darted to and fro, looking out for potential eavesdroppers as he headed out the building to his car.

"I'm terribly sorry about that, Mr. LaGord, I really am." He said, an edge of worry noticeably in his voice, "I stressed the importance of increased investment to the PM before you made your offer, just as you asked. This really is a blow..."

LaGord let out a single, relaxed, "Heh" before he replied.

"Please, call me Giarc. We're good friends, aren't we Eric? I like to think we are." He reclined further in his chair and stubbed out the cigar in an ashtray, letting his words sink in, before he continued.

"Eric, I'd be lying if I said I thought this would go forward without a hitch. And a man in my position can't be seen to lie to his clients; and especially not his favourite.

"Listen, Eric, we're going to continue trying to make this deal here at Mercer. Because more than anything else, we believe in a stronger Voltana. And especially because we've received information from the Dregruk government that their colonial interests are possibly going to encompass Voltana in the near future."

Eric was halfway into his car when he stopped suddenly. LaGord's revelation took him by surprise and left a hollow, numb feeling inside him. As a member of the government of Voltana, he was obliged to report this revelation to the Prime Minister immediately. He stood with the car door open, one leg inside the vehicle, the other on the concrete of the car park.

"Are... are you sure?" He stammered, pressing the phone so hard to his ear that it began to hurt, "How can you know?"

"How can you know?"

LaGord smiled rakishly before answering. Bernbaum had taken the bait.

"The Mercer Trading Company has invested a great deal of money within Dregruk, particularly heavy industry and the government itself. Money buys you the attention of interesting people, Eric.

"Now, obviously, this information was brought to me under the strictest confidence, which I intend to respect. So I'll only elaborate in as far as my source is extremely reliable on these matters."

"My... god..." Mumbled Bernbaum absently, lowering himself into his car seat and shutting the door. "You understand this is shocking news, don't you, Mr. La... Giarc?

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Why are you telling me this?"

LaGord's grin widened. Several board-members shifted uncomfortably in their seats and exchanged embarrassed glances with one another.

"As I said before, I believe in a strong Voltana. United as one, ready to face the future. A fine example of a modern society. Under Dregruk's thumb, Voltana will just become another resource state. Culturally repressed, stripped of its wealth and prestige. I don't see that as a strong Voltana, Eric. Do you?"

LaGord didn't wait for him to answer, leaving a few seconds for the words to sink in before continuing.

"Eric, we can save Voltana from its fate. But we're both powerless to stop the machinations of an imperial power unless we work together on this. There can be no doubt if we're going to succeed.

"Will you help me, Eric?"

Bernbaum leaned back in his chair and ran a hand through his hair.

As Minister of Finance, he knew how heavily in debt Voltana was becoming. In a few years, the economy would be imploded and the entire nation vulnerable to foreign intervention. All it needed was the money to stay afloat and expand its industry. Things would be back on track after that.

Damn it all, didn't Prime Minister Ocato realise just how serious their situation was?! He'd always preached pragmatism over ideology; now, faced with the worst financial crisis in its history, he refused to accept help solely because it was slightly unsavoury. The man was a fool.

"Yes, Giarc." He said, sighing, "I'll help you."