[PRIVATE] The Diamond Office Term 10

[Josephus I]

Josephus looks over the documents. When done, he takes his pince nez off, and files the documents away. He looks up at O'floinn

Per O'Floinn. What do you want me to do with this information, exactly. Any opinion I make will be somewhat tainted due to two reasons: One, Loic is a hard-working member of my cabinet and two, Loic, as you know, helped me out with the whole head scarf ban.

Josephus whispers. Between us, and these walls, you've known me long enough to know how I feel about land and title holders. Frankly, I have no time for the landed aristocracy. But obviously it has to be a legal decision. Does Loic have legal rights to this land? And, even if he does, if he hasn't been paid rent for all these years, he doesn't stand much of a claim, does he? But you're the legal expert, not me.

To another topic, for a second. I'm submitting Per Gonzov and Per De Fourgeres to the Council of State...do I have to make that official somewhere?

And finally, I've been asked to talk to you about the state of our prisons. You must have heard about the situation. What do you think?


Josephus

 

[unmerged(10397)]

I'll take the easiest topic first. I'll take the neccessary actions to put your appointees on the Council, if you want to officially anounce it, that's your business.

To be honest, I haven't researched the prison situation extensively. I'll put a few things in motion, see what I can find out. I'll report back when I know more.

Now, about Loic, it's a very complicated issue. There are arguments both ways, but I think I have a proposition that could settle the issue once and for all. I will bring his claims to the High Court for validation. If the HC rejects them, it's over, we keep the land and Loic learns to live with it. If the Court accepts his claims and binds us to the lease, then we either renew it, let it expire and give him back the land, or buy it àla his proposal to Al'Aeshir. Buying it, I believe, would require the joint agreement of yourselves and the Assembly.

You have yet to submit your budget, correct? If you intend to buy the land or continue leasing it, you may wish to start factoring the cost into your budget.

What do you think of the plan?

O'Floinn

 

[Voshkod]

Levarge, in his full-dress uniform, arrives at the Diamond Office, his expression grim. "If the President has a few minutes, ma'am," he says to the secretary, "could I get on his schedule?"

 

[Josephus I]

Josephus listens to his secretary on the phone.

Yes, please see the general right in.


Josephus

 

[Voshkod]

Levarge salutes the President and stands at attention. "Good morning, Mr. President. Thank you for making room in your schedule.

"I've had difficulty getting through to the Minister, so I decided I should speak to you directly, sir. Please forgive the breach of protocol. There are a number of military and security issues that are urgent. The state of the Air Force, the embargo, the exercises, and ENDTech are the most pressing. Where would you like to start, sir?"

 

[Josephus I]

Now, about Loic, it's a very complicated issue. There are arguments both ways, but I think I have a proposition that could settle the issue once and for all. I will bring his claims to the High Court for validation. If the HC rejects them, it's over, we keep the land and Loic learns to live with it. If the Court accepts his claims and binds us to the lease, then we either renew it, let it expire and give him back the land, or buy it àla his proposal to Al'Aeshir. Buying it, I believe, would require the joint agreement of yourselves and the Assembly.
What do you think of the plan?

O'Floinn

Very well, Per O'Floinn. Bring this issue to the HC as soon as you can. Let's see what happens.

Josephus

 

[Josephus I]

Levarge salutes the President and stands at attention. "Good morning, Mr. President. Thank you for making room in your schedule.

"I've had difficulty getting through to the Minister, so I decided I should speak to you directly, sir. Please forgive the breach of protocol. There are a number of military and security issues that are urgent. The state of the Air Force, the embargo, the exercises, and ENDTech are the most pressing. Where would you like to start, sir?"

Josephus motions to an armchair.

At ease, sir. Please sit down. Can I get you anything? Some cognac, perhaps.

Josephus pours himself a drink and puts the crystal decanter in front of Levarge.

You've got my attention. Permission to speak freely.

Josephus

 

[Josephus I]

A letter arrives with the official seal of the St. Esprit embassy; it is handwritten on embassy letterhead.

Dear Mr. President, I am delighted to accept your invitation for a meeting in your office and will be making my way over for the appointment. In hopes of mutual agreement and a good lunch, your obdt. svt. [signed] Armand Hamer

Meanwhile, in another timeline, Josephus prepares to dine with Armand Hamer.

OOC: Whenever you're ready Hajji.

 

[Voshkod]

"Thank you, Mr. President." Levarge sits on the front three inches of the chair, his back ramrod straight. He waves off the drink. "No thank you, Mr. President."

"I'll start on the state and future of the Air Force, sir. If you've read my reports, you'll see we don't have an Air Force at all. We have a handful of operational aircraft - nothing more. However, the Air Force maintains a complete command, control, and logistics structure, at great cost. Therefore, I recommend that, by executive order, you terminate the independent Air Force and place it's assets under the control of the Army. The Navy will retain control of naval aviation. This will create a cost savings and can be reversed when the embargo is lifted and aircraft can be brought on line.

"It's a radical move, sir, but I'm afraid it's necessary.

"Regarding the embargo and the exercises, I have a planned exercise, 'Hidden Herald,' ready to start in the Foss River area. I can turn it into a whole government exercise, including FLEA and our anti-terrorism elements. We can show the Americans we're competent enough. Later, we can run a tri-nation exercise in the border region. Just give the word, sir, and I'll invite the Americans and start the exercise.

"Finally, ENDTech has stagnated again. Without leadership, they've stopped functioning. Therefore, I'd like to request an additional hat - acting ENDTech Director. I realize this would be a fourth hat for me - Chief of Staff, Chief of the Army, Chief of the Air Force, ENDTech Director - but I don't have much of a social life to begin with."

 

[Josephus I]

Josephus listens to Levarge with obvious signs of interest, on occasion scribbling something on a notepad. When Levarge finishes, Josephus pours another drink.

Per General. First of all your suggestion to put the airforce under control of the armed forces, believe it or not, is one I recently suggested to the Minister of Defence. He hasn't commented at all.

Regarding the military exercise you suggested, let me give you the green light straight away. Our army has been docile for too long. Please advise me when this will take place and I would appreciate a debriefing after the event.

As for Endtech. Let me discuss this with the Cabinet. I'm not against it per se, but some might think all these hats, as you say, might make you too powerful. I'll get back to you.

Per General, if I may now, can we discuss politics for a moment. I have an idea, which I think may make you happy.

Josephus

 

[Voshkod]

"Thank you for listening, sir. I'll initiate Hidden Herald as soon as possible. [OOC: After I get mod opinion on something] Regarding the Air Force issue, I believe your authority as commander-in-chief should be sufficient to effect that change. And as for ENDTech, it's not a hat I want, sir - Army and Air Force are more than enough - but it's a hat someone has to wear.

"Now, sir, if you want to talk politics, well . . . maybe I'll have that drink after all." Levarge pours himself a glass.

 

[Josephus I]

Josephus picks the phone up and talks to his receptionist. "Susan, no interruptions for the next little while. Thank you." He puts up the phone, stands up and begins pacing the room as he talks to Levarge.

General. As you know one of my campaign issues was to cut funding to the military. I know that given that the military is your life, this was not a popular decision with you, and that I am not a popular figure within the military.

I understand all that.

But see things my way for a moment. I believe, and so does my constituency, that we have limited funding and that the military is a low priority. People want job security, they want health care, they want all the social security stuff. The other parties were talking as if Eutopia faces a huge military threat. They spoke as if we were under threat of invasion.

The way they spoke, it appeared as if they wanted to make Eutopia into a military power. I was, and am, against all that.

Josephus pauses and gauges the general's reaction.

However, since I've come to the Diamond Office, I have become aware of the fact that our military is in dire straits. Our equipment is antiquated and our troops have low morale. I know Eutopia needs to invest in military and cutting military spending is the wrong thing to do.

We need to do something.

Here's my proposal. General, provide me with a reasonable projection of where we need to upgrade and what we need to bring our military up to a decent defensive force; and for a rapid-depoloyment unit to face emergency local matters.

I"m not talking aircraft carriers or long range bombers. I'm talking light arms, modern APCs, helicopters, light armor, fighters...that sort of thing.

Now where do we get the money from? Yes...the big question.

Josephus tops Levarge's glass and pours another one for himself.

VAT. A value added tax on all goods and services sold in this country. General, I can't talk bottom line numbers. I don't have them. But suffice to say this would bring a huge boon to our coffers. If I allocate a chunk of that to the programs that I promised the nation, it will still leave me with monies to spend elsewhere.

Now, if your Party were to support VAT in the Assembly, I could then go ahead and introduce the budget I want which would have a substantial increase to our military. I know I'm speaking in abstract figures; but I believe you have a member of your party on the budget committee, so he'll be able to look at the figures before they reach the assembly.

Per General, between us, I think this is a good deal, yet one that can hurt me politically. Yet I'm willing to put the interest of my nation before my political career. Let's work together on this general. What are your thoughts?


Josephus

 

[Voshkod]

"It may surprise you, Mr. President, but I do realize that the military does not exist for the sake of the military. It exists for the sake of the people and the state. And there are times that the military must sacrifice for the people - people who need to be fed, housed, clothed, people who need jobs and health care. If it comes down to a tank or a school, and all things are equal, I will choose the school every time.

"But things have gone to far. The military has to protect the people and the state, and it can't. And I'm glad you realize that, sir. I don't want to turn Eutopia into a military powerhouse. I know full well that we can't win a war against the United States, or even against the United Kingdom. But the people need a military that can defend them against reasonable and likely opponents - Spain, Tilipia, St. Espirit.

"The Tilly plan was a good one, sir. Three full-strength divisions, instead of five, with two additional regiments and the Marines. A viable, modern, and smaller navy, without the absurd aircraft carriers. An air force half the size, but with modern planes. It's a respectable military, sir, and one that can defend our coasts and borders. We can do it for $25 billion over two years, and an additional $12 billion to ENDTech over two terms.

"If we did half of that cost off of loans, and the other half off a VAT, in two years - assuming we can get the embargo lifted - we'll have an armed forces again. If you can agree to that, Mr. President, I'll try to pull CUE into backing it. I don't have any personal issue with a VAT - hell, I'll even seconding it in the Assembly - we are in tough times, and everyone needs to sacrifice."

 

[Josephus I]

Very well General. I'll take your figures into consideration. Let me discuss this with some people. We'll talk again soon, General. I think this meeting was productive.

So let me know about the war gaming. I'll make an official announcement about the airforce shortly.

Thank you for coming, General.


Josephus

 

[unmerged(11366)]

Ambassador Armand Hamer, representative of the republic of St. Esprit, strolls purposefully into the antechamber and gives his name to the secretary.

"Ah, yes, the President will dine with you shortly."

The ambassador takes a seat in one of the plush chairs and gazes at the decorations in the room until the secretary beckons.

"Just through here...that's right, then second door on the left, up the stairs, around to your right, down to the end of the hall, to the right, to the right again, and then just across the little courtyard and three doors down, on the left. You okay?"

"Yes, I think so," replies the ambassador, pointing his fingers in various directions and trying to recall the directions.

Eventually he enters the dining room and meets Josephus...

 

[Voshkod]

Very well General. I'll take your figures into consideration. Let me discuss this with some people. We'll talk again soon, General. I think this meeting was productive.

So let me know about the war gaming. I'll make an official announcement about the airforce shortly.

Thank you for coming, General.


Josephus

Levarge rises and salutes. "Yes, Mr. President. I'll send letters to the Ambassadors of the United States, Tilpia, and St. Espirit, informing them of the exercises and inviting observers. You may wish to tell your cabinet that they may be asked to participate - just like you, sir."

"Thank you for taking the time to speak to me, sir."

 

[Josephus I]

Eventually he enters the dining room and meets Josephus...

Ambassador Hamer. Please sit down. Hope you're not a vegan...we got a lovely spread all set up. Some wine to start us off, perhaps? Italian I believe, from the Campobasso region.

So, Mr. Ambassador. There's a few things to discuss while we enjoy this spread. First off, what's up with that Jean Thurmonne guy and his fillibuster? I'm prepared to deliver a state of the union address in a week or two, and one of the things I wish to talk about is our free trade agreement. Now, this, Thurmonne, well he's throwing a spanner in the works. Any idea when he's gonna run out of things to talk about. Last I heard he's analyzing the entire 12 volumes of Proust's À la recherche du temps perdu. And he's only on Volume two.


Josephus

 

[unmerged(11366)]

"Ah, M. le President, it is a very fine spread...and a very fine wine." He swirls it around the glass, sniffs it carefully, and then takes a tiny sip.

"M. Jean Thurmonne is a completely unforeseen hurdle in our effort. We are working to pressure him into returning to his seat...while he was walking around the chamber reading from Proust this morning, one of our MPs took several books out of his desk, including the Handy Russian Phrasebook which he apparently was going to use to turn our great shrine of democracy into a classroom.

"I think we will be able to finish him up shortly. My friend the Vice President has assured me he has a plan, although he has not told me what it is in details.

"Rest assured by your speech the invitation measure shall be passed."

The Ambassador taps the table to some unknown rhythm for a while before looking up to the President...

 

[Josephus I]

Josephus politely waits whilst the white-gloved waiter pours them both another glass of wine.

This is good, per Ambassador. Now, with CAFTA, we have one minor issue which I'd like to be resolved. As you know we're having a problem with day labourers. As you know some St. Esprit citizens are coming here to work, because, allegedly, our wages are higher. This is resulting in some chronic job shortages, particularly in the border regions.

Frankly, I'm surprised at this. I'm amazed that there is such a discrepancy in wages between our two nations, especially considering we haven't been separate for so long.

ambassador, I am toying with the idea, still in draft form, of making it so St.Espritians and Tilapians would require work permits. This would allow us some control over the number of people coming here to work. It doesn't violate the spirit of CAFTA. Canada, the US, and Mexico have a similar deal in place with NAFTA but one just can't up and work in one country without the proper papework in place.

What do you think?


Josephus

 

[unmerged(11366)]

The ambassador, less comfortable now, frowns and creases his napkin.

"Well, Monsieur, I would ... ehm... have to consult my President on that issue...however he feels that 'day laborers' have every right to travel across the border, and I cannot guarantee he would be agreeable with you on the subject." The Ambassador frowns once more and coughs politely. "Of course, it could be that the Eutopian labor costs so much more because they are affiliated with rather money- um... with labor unions. Our St. Espritian workers are just as good as yours, and, um, just as much regular people, with all respect.

"M. Jean Thurmonne is not the only St. Espritian member of parliament who will fight for the day workers; although the President may be convinced to see your point of view, much of Parliament would be wary of alienating some ...ah... key constituents." The Ambassador dabs his lips with a linen napkin and takes another elaborate sip of wine.