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Post by killer spork on Sept 14, 2015 6:03:52 GMT -6
'' That's President elect Sidow, not Mister. '' The new President of Asteron snapped. '' You will show respect for this office and the choice of the People. '' Sidow said standing, his hands balling into fists. '' As a representative of the international bourgeoisie as a you say, if you intend to meddle in Asteran affairs, then I will do my utmost to destroy your Revolution. I will pressure the Wuxian and the Conglomerate to end their trading relationships with you. I will divert Asteran merchant ships into Conglomerate ports. Or maybe the Viscarri? I haven't quite decided yet but I have contacts amongst all of them. I will leave the RWU a pathetic backwater amongst the stars, its workers howling for the blood of their masters when they don't have the bread to feed their children. '' Sidow's face had gone red, rage in his eyes that this wretch would dare to lecture him! Finally, he took a calming breath. His fists unfurling as he looked into the eyes of this smug fool.
'' Now get out, this meeting is over. You will relay any other requests through your old comrade Abdulya. You'll find him at the Foreign Ministry. ''
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Post by RWU on Sept 14, 2015 22:35:03 GMT -6
"Thank you for finally answering my question, Mr. President" Kniov replied, his tone seemingly more polite as he stood up. Upright, the man was quite a figure, very tall and very thin with pale skin and large eyes. Something rather inhuman, for a human. "I look forward to having a proper diplomatic counterpart once again." He ambled slowly towards the door, prolonging his presence with every lethargic shift in his feet.
Finally, once the Secretary was at the door, he turned for one last remark. "As they say when they clock out of Vorcian factory floors: Take care, buddy." With that, the meeting was truly over.
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Post by RWU on Oct 6, 2015 19:39:43 GMT -6
"Is the ANF trying to shoot itself in the foot, or is it just incompetent?" asked Secretary Kniov with a look of distaste as he sat down for his meeting with Colonel Abdulya. "It's obvious those arrests were a government scheme, they're too convenient for right-minded folks to think otherwise. But even if they do, what you can't deny is the debacle this is for my agreement with President Sidow. How do you expect us to call your government legitimate now?" Kniov's strained expression curled into a wry smile as he waited for the Colonel's response. He knew the fun was just beginning.
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Post by killer spork on Oct 6, 2015 19:49:15 GMT -6
'' Are you always so loud so early in the morning? '' Zaren Abdulya complained. Rather than meet in the stuffy confines of the embassy, the Colonel had instead arranged for breakfast at a nearby restaurant that had sprang up in the government district. It was one of the many new posh places and with his connections, he had arranged for a portion of it to be closed so that the two could talk privately. '' Enjoy the fruits of capitalism! '' The Colonel said, sliding over a menu. '' I hear the omelettes are to die for. '' Zaren murmured as he tapped his glass, a waiter hurriedly coming over with more coffee. The Colonel then added a generous amount of his own booze out of his flask. He ended up putting the flask between them, after this Kniov would probably need a stiff drink.
'' A government scheme Kniov? You are beginning to sound paranoid. These unions that you supported were clearly defrauding their member bases of millions, no billions of credits. Have you read the paper? You should read the paper. '' He said passing a data slate over with the latest headlines.
'' Has the ANF ordered these unions to disband? Of course not. That would be in violation of our agreement. But nor can President Sidow ignore violations of Asteran law. These people were criminals, preying upon the sheep of their flock and the government put a stop to it. Even the PUF isn't complaining too loudly. ''
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Post by RWU on Oct 6, 2015 19:59:45 GMT -6
Sebastiyan Kniov took one look at the menu and immediately turned to a waitress as she neared the table. His answer to Zaren would wait. "Comrade-madam, I would be much obliged if you would bring me an order of deep-fried fish and sweet potato fries." A properly proletarian dish, if there was one. "And be sure to give my compliments to the cook!"
Then and only then did the Secretary return his gaze to Colonel Abdulya. "Please, comrade, don't try to obfuscate the situation with technicalities and official statements. Am I supposed to believe that almost all the functionaries of the Asteran branch unions were somehow corrupted, and that subsequently they were all caught and later arrested around the same time? Not to mention, the number your government is reporting, seven billion credits, is suspiciously identical to the amount of funds we recently sent to the branch. Do you mean to tell me that these supposedly criminal functionaries amassed almost exactly the same amount of money over several cycles as the aid package we just so happened to send them recently?
"Dear Abdulya, you mistake me for someone far more gullible. The entire situation smacks so strongly of classic union-busting, you could forgive me for thinking I was in Old Antoviya."
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Post by killer spork on Oct 6, 2015 20:06:38 GMT -6
'' I am hurt at these false accusations. '' Abdulya said, in between noisy munching of hashbrowns. '' How do you expect us to have peace, solidarity, and to fight the hive if we cannot work together? '' Abdulya leaned across and stole a potato fry from Kniov's plate as the diplomat hit him with more 'alleged' facts.
'' The numbers are inconsequential and I am not privy to the details of the Prosecutor General's case. Now that we're a democracy we have what is it called....separation of powers. I might have been able do something under the Chairman's regime but alas those days are gone. '' He said, giving Kniov a hateful stare before he stole another fry out of spite. The full greed of capitalism was on display.
'' I do think that it is important that we move on from this though. My government has not directly blamed yours, though it certainly good. Under a different light, that seven billion in aid could look very suspicious. Although as I said, I do not know the exact details, I have heard several of these union bosses were involved with criminal gangs. ''
'' Certainly, if this came to light, the UCP's election chances for the future might be jeopardized. You don't want that and I'm not interested in a knife behind held to my governments throat like on Tusi. ''
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Post by RWU on Oct 6, 2015 20:19:23 GMT -6
The battle had begun in earnest. With careful maneuvering, Kniov struck out swiftly and silently with his fork, retrieving hash browns and delivering them to his mouth before his "comrade" could do much in response. One way or another, he would enforce a just balance of potato consumption.
And, of course, there was the discussion. "I could ask you the same question about working together, my dear Abdulya," the Secretary reparteed with a smile, a glowering stare, and a stealthy swipe of his fork to grab a second small mound of hash browns. "If this 'separation of powers' is so earnest, why were PUF cabinet members entirely unaware of the operation and left out of the prosecution? Surely, if your evidence is as solid as you claim, they would be equally committed to ridding unions of corrupt leaders - for the good of the proletariat.
"And don't kid me or yourself. You've already made your attack against the UCP in full, but you presume to tell me retaliation is useless? The words of a true bourgeois politician...it's disappointing, even for you." The RWU human grinned, eyes locking with his fellow countryman. Maybe in a different reality, where their two nations of citizenship weren't at each other's throats, their shared origins would be cause for trust and solidarity. But not here.
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Post by killer spork on Oct 6, 2015 20:36:48 GMT -6
Abdulya struck a blow for freedom by stabbing at the greedy hand of communism (or the greedy hand of Kniov in this case) when it made another strafing run against his dwindling supply of hashbrowns. The fork his weapon and the courage of his convictions his shield! He carefully pulled the plate back behind a newly entrenched defensive line of glasses and condiment bottles. His nemesis would have to reach through the barricades, potentially knocking over cups and glasses and inflict collateral damage to reach his prize.
'' This was a security issue. The PUF receives donations and support from the syndicalist's. What if they had tipped them off? President Sidow made the decision to inform his cabinet only after the arrests were made. We couldn't reach allow this group of corrupt bandits to flee. '' Abdulya smiled at the barb, a tsk, tsk sound leaving his lips.
'' You can consider this retaliation for the RWU's earlier betrayal of the Chairman. Now that the threat of the Union's and their striking workforces have been removed, we can negotiate on equal terms. That is all President Sidow has sought from the beginning. Equal partnership and parity. '' A swig of more alcohol laced coffee.
'' I don't want this turning into anymore of a witch hunt than you do. Although there are extremist factions within the ANF that want just that. Nor should we push for more tension between our countries, not with the Hive strengthening and rumors that Nas have fallen. The damage for these unions in the public eyes has been done though. You need to accept reality my friend and try to pull something positive from this. If it's the aid package you are concerned over, I'm sure after a careful review and audit then some of the funds could be returned to your charge. Do you have any proposals you would like me to relay to Sidow? ''
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Post by RWU on Oct 8, 2015 2:09:27 GMT -6
The battle-lines were being drawn. Kniov quickly maneuvered his own plate to mirror Abdulya, creating his own entrenched position to face the enemy's. Now the question was if the situation would settle into a cold war, or one side would boldly disrupt the balance of forces at the cost of ruining the tablecloth with spilt beverages and condiments. Would Zaren dare? Would Kniov?
"Hogwash. If you were really so concerned with the well-being of the workers, you would have made the whole process public and allowed the unions to speedily elect new representatives. The functionaries were unarmed and not in hiding, so there was no need for a paramilitary sting operation. No...comrade, this great, coordinated operation of mass skullduggery is the tactic of a band of plutocrats secretly expanding their wealth and power, not that of a healthy transparent democracy.
Kniov leaned in towards his counterpart, gaze unbroken. "If your 'equal partnership' means abandoning our commitment to the workers and peasants of Asteron and the galaxy at large, then we have no interest in it. Either prove to us that you are willing to negotiate in good faith with a Worker's Democracy, or be honest and announce that you won't deal with us unless we take the form of a bourgeois state. Don't try to have your cake and eat it too...or should I say potatoes." Using the brief moment in which Abdulya was forced to look to his precious hash browns, Secretary Sebastiyan Kniov nimbly curled his fingers around the Colonel's glass and took a small sip. If one target was entrenched, it was time to find another!
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Post by killer spork on Oct 8, 2015 7:21:45 GMT -6
During the War of Unification, the Hive of Jouran had entrenched itself behind a massive network of trenches, forts, and strongpoints that had stopped the Vorcian advance for years. The battlefield was littered with the dead and charred vehicles from the many failed attempts to storm the line. It would take unconventional tactics to break the stalemate here at this table, it was no different.
The Vorcian's took to space in order to achieve their objective, winning the race to put a ship in orbit. The orbital bombardment that followed was devastating, raining destruction down on the enemy and breaking the trench lines wide open. Using the same thinking of unconventional tactics, Zaren signaled the waiter over.
'' Please take this away, we're finished. '' One by one, Kniov's glasses were stripped away, leaving his plate open for Abdulya's assault.
'' Ah, not that one! There's still some left! '' The soldier said with a rakish smile before advancing to seize his prize!
'' Please, a refill as well. '' He knew Kniov's counterattack was coming.
'' Kniov, this is all sounding very conspiratorial. I would advise you to stop reading far fetched stories on the holo-net that are being circulated by hacks and conspiracy wonks. You won't get far with that view. '' They both knew the real truth but Abdulya was determined to be as cagey as possible during this debate.
'' Now. '' He said coming to wipe his mouth with a napkin.
'' I don't hear many solutions coming from your lips, old friend. I hear condemnations and accusations. Thing's will never return to the way they were. The Syndicalist Union's are dead in the publics eye, they don't want them. '' A slight pause as he took a sip of coffee, swirling it around as he looked into its inky black depths.
'' We have two choices I could see going forward. The first is war, but what does that accomplish? The Asteran Navy is one of the strongest in the region and our armed forces have tripled in size since the Hive invasion. Our trade agreement would end, depriving you of much needed funds. In turn, I would pressure the Kwazan to end any free passage agreements that they have with you to make it difficult for you to replace that lost income. Nor with your agents neutralized can you play havoc with the Asteran economy. ''
'' Oh and let's not forget, once we have exhausted ourselves fighting each other, the Hive will close in to gobble up the victor. ''
'' The second option is negotiation. The President is willing to release the aid package you gave back into your custody during the next galactic cycle, once the Prosecutor General has finished with his case. In addition to other concessions such as pardons for prisoners that weren't key conspirators in this money laundering scheme. What we will not tolerate is another Tusi. Mass death and disorder, the Asteran people have experienced enough of it Kniov. '' The rebel activity on Tusi had been the straw that broke the camel's back.
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Post by RWU on Oct 9, 2015 15:02:21 GMT -6
Ah, the old orbital bombardment tactic. The Antoviyans had used it to great effect in the First and Second Revolution Wars. But the Antoviyans had still lost, in the end, due to one key factor: Defection. For every atrocity the Royalists committed, their own numbers were sapped.
Continuing to rely on the speed of his well-trained hands, Kniov seamlessly replaced every glass taken away from his side with one of Abdulya's own, filling his own gaps while creating them in his enemy's defensive line. It was one thing to rely on waiters to take glasses, but they couldn't all be expected to remember exactly which were whose. And once the opposing line was entirely deserted, the way would be clear for the advance of Revolution!
"Comparing the union situation here to Tusi is ludicrous," Kniov deflected. "You know well the RWU did not order any uprising, that was the fault of heavy-handed Kwazan repression. If anything risked causing a similar debacle here, it was your own operation." He smirked, cocking his head ever-so-slightly to the right wryly. "Maybe, in fact, I should be thanking President Sidow for bringing us so close to a conflict. A union rebellion would have been the perfect catalyst for a general PUF uprising, and in turn the perfect pretext for us helping restore the Red Guards to power." Kniov's smile widened into a cruel grin, but after a few moments it subsided.
He sighed. "The RWU does not want war with Asteron. But you're not making it easy for us. The minimum we would require is the restoration of our aid funds and pardoning prisoners, but the most that would do is avoid immediate war. If you are serious about harmonious relations, some extra reparations and an apology for your disproportionate use of force could go a long way towards easing the fears of the Union Council."
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Post by killer spork on Oct 9, 2015 15:40:58 GMT -6
'' Tell me Kniov, I don't suppose you have your secret stash on you? '' Abdulya said with a conspiratorial waggle of his eyebrows.
'' I believe you've been indulging in the stuff for far too long if you think Sidow would ever agree to that. The government might be persuaded to allow the prisoners to seek political asylum in the RWU and release the aid package, but there will be no apologies or indemnities. But I have been instructed that the Asteran military is prepared to defend the country if the RWU wishes to push this further. You have a take it or leave it offer. The government will no longer have its internal affairs dictated to it by Victory City or its bureaucrats. This is an issue of sovereignty. The unionists ran a money laundering scheme and are subject to Asteran law, which they will be prosecuted under to the fullest extent. ''
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Post by RWU on Oct 9, 2015 15:54:21 GMT -6
"If I recall correctly, Comrade Abdulya, it was you who was having trouble last time we partook," Kniov countered with twinkle of his sinister eyes. "Should I consult the photographic evidence?" He mock reached towards his jacket, as if to pull out the images. But of course he didn't have them here. That would be too easy...Zaren would have to work very hard if he ever wanted to find them.
"I seem to recall you asking me if I had any proposals for peace," the RWU Secretary pointed out, "but now it's a take it or leave it? Are we here to negotiate, or just for you to deliver an ultimatum?"
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Post by killer spork on Oct 9, 2015 16:51:02 GMT -6
A slight chuckle escaped his lips as he drummed his fingertips on the table. '' I shall have to embark on a secret mission to have the evidence disposed of. '' But then an exasperated sigh rolled from him. '' Those are the parameters I have been given that I can work with. Seven billion credits is a lot of money and we are showing good faith by restoring it to you...after all...whether the RWU likes it or not, they were aiding a criminal operation. Our foreign relationship could have to be reexamined based upon that. '' He leaned back in his chair, full of potatoes, eggs, and whatever else he had managed to steal from Kniov's plate.
'' And let's not play the victim here Kniov. We both know what your government did to the Chairman. I think the lady doth protest too much now that the tables have turned. Realistic expectations have to be met. The President is constrained by his own party at showing any sign of weakness. Reparations and public acknowledgement of wrongdoing when Asteron has acted in the best interest of the public is unacceptable. Come back with better terms or accept what I've offered, which is a fair deal. Full reinstatement of aid monies and the release of the bulk of the unionists. Within a cycle or two, even those charged will be pardoned after public outcry has died down. ''
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Post by RWU on Oct 10, 2015 18:17:12 GMT -6
Kniov would have loved to keep playing games and getting on Abdulya's nerves, but he was Foreign Secretary now, not just a rank-and-file diplomat. He would have to let Zaren off easy...for now.
"Very well. In the interest of preserving our common defense against the Hive, I will accept these terms on behalf of the Union. But that doesn't mean the ANF's moves have fostered anything but ill-will. Although we will not go to war over this, you have put our recognition of President Sidow's government in jeopardy. At a later date, after the insectoid menace has been dealt with, we will have to revisit this issue."
With that, Sebastiyan Kniov abruptly stood up from his seat and took a moment to brush crumbs off of his jacket. "Is there anything else we have to discuss, or shall I make my leave?"
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