Spiders, Flies, and Possibly Spies

[DrMedic]

Laurence gave him a slight bow.


"Thank you, Lord Kaln. General Douglas, with me." He said, leading the way to the other room.

[Sophie]

Takanashi turned back and followed Laurence to the other room. "Of course Laurence. What is it?"

[DrMedic]

"So how much of what was said was true, and why didn't your Empress let me know of the food issue?" Laurence asked, hoping for a bit of leverage he could use to quell both sides. "I'd very much like to help, and I believe I know a solution that benefits both of you, but it simply will not work unless you humble yourselves enough to see eye to eye."

[Sophie]

"The food issue is no secret. Everyone is aware of how close Kumosenkan is to starvation. That includes Elenria. Such is the consequence of trying to feed half a billion people." She retorted, making sure to keep her voice down as to not have her cover completely blown. "We've never killed any civilians in any military conflict with the greatferns. Yes, taxes within Elenria are high. It is the cost of modernizing an undeveloped nation. I am willing to work on a solution. Understand that Kumosenkan wants nothing less than the complete destruction of the greatferns right now. They should be thankful if they are given a deal that is anything better than that."

[DrMedic]

Laurence sighed and rubbed his brow. This was the difficult part of such discussions, every side was correct and had a valid point. The worst part about this specific instance was how powerless he knew he was. His authority was nonexistent, and considering the circumstances, there was no reason for him to be involved. He was kicking himself for being such a fool as to even think about helping these outsiders, he could have been minding his own business at home with the outside world going about its own way. The Imperator shook his head as he tried his best to think of a better solution, but deep down he understood that now was not the time for arbitration.

"Is there any way Kumosenkan could consider reducing the taxes on Elenria? Perhaps allowing them that greater economic freedom will help them develop as they need to. Maybe provide subsidies for specific industries you would like them to focus on, that's what I've done in the past. It would ease the burden on the Empress as well, s once she would not have to worry about state businesses and utilities failing in their duties and leaving the state itself responsiblr. Of course, Icannot say for certain what will and won't work, this isn't a people or land I am familiar with, having only seen it from the sky, but that could be an option if it hasn't been tried yet." 

[Sophie]

Rika sighed and crossed her arms. "We've been steadily lowering taxes on Elenria. Part of plan F, which you briefly heard about back in Kumosenkan is drastically lowering taxes on Elenria as well as offering massive food relief on underdeveloped areas. Though it is difficult to provide relief to certain areas when terrorists continually blow up train lines."

[DrMedic]

Laurence scratched his goatee for a moment, pondering on what he could leverage.

"If you are open to a cooperative effort, Eleria has a surplus of food that I believe she could share. We can help guard the transports and distribute it to the citizens, that should help at least build up some form of good will, particularly if we are open about such cooperation."

[Sophie]

"Are you joking?" Takanashi looked at Laurence a bit surprised. "We'd be more than willing to accept assistance from you if you're willing to provide it. We're rather desperate for food and we wouldn't turn it down from anyone. Plus I seriously doubt the greatferns would attack a foreign train transit. If you could help secure food security for Elenrians we would be forever grateful to you."

[DrMedic]

"I believe it could be arranged quite easily. When I return to Iomairt, I can speak with my advisors and discuss the prospect of a relief effort. I would imagine that a simple airlift would be simple enough to set up, and I can't see much that would stand in the way. Besides, I am not exactly certain the Greatferns would be eager to attack us, given they have come to me for aid. Only one group left to worry about, but I would imagine they will come around in time. How confident are you Empress Reitō will support this proposal?"

[Sophie]

She shook her head. "Wouldn't need her approval. At most I'd need to talk to the Minister of Foreign affairs. I have full authority to execute any mission I believe will aid in the execution of plan F. Consider this authorization. As soon as you are able, please send food relief to Elenria. I'll send you some information regarding which areas I believe will need your help the most."

[DrMedic]

"Marvelous. Could you provide a map of airstrips and roadways as well? It would make the task of managing the logistics much easier for us."

[Sophie]

"Of course. Whatever you need to aid you in aiding us you will have it." She nodded smiling.

[DrMedic]

"Excellent, I would imagine that you and I will be working closely on this, and needless to say, I'm looking forward to it." He said as he offered a handshake. After a moment, he sighed, less than excited about resolving the more immediate situation.

"And now we get to take a lovely stroll back into that room and put out the fire my little outburst started. Joy..."

[Sophie]

Takanashi allowed herself to laugh a little. "Yes, I imagine you'll have a lot of fun with that Imperator. We'll manage. Let's get back to work. I'd very much like to report success in dimming the flames that are the greatferns."

[DrMedic]

With a quiet nod, he and Takanashi returned to their seats in the central room of the bunker, Laurence politely pulling out his companion's chair before taking a seat of his own. 

"Thank you, Lord Kaln, for allowing us a brief recess to collect our thoughts. We have a potential solution that benefits us all, but it will require a great deal of effort on your part as well, given what you have said thus far."