30-10-2025, 09:54 PM
A really risky ambitious operation
Provincial Road 133, Municipality of Castrocaroli, Province of Neapulia, Region of Fidelia, Istalia
26 May 5684, 3:50 pm
![[Image: PceWne1m.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/PceWne1m.jpg)
Marina Cantalamessa stood against the light, not at all warm, streaming through the windows overlooking the Melfian coast. Rain clouds were gathering on the horizon, while the pine trees' crowns swayed more and more in the wind. It was certainly not the season to enjoy the Melfian coast, but the Minister Secretary of State enjoyed her weekend retreat, far from the chaos of Romula, even in winter, with a roaring fireplace before which rest under a warm quilt with her husband.
Her blond hair fell neatly to her shoulders, and her smile, as she turned toward the front door, had an ironic angle. She had learned of the meeting at the last minute, and it was clear from the way she folded her arms that she wasn't pleased with the "last minute" moment.
The Director of Imperial Intelligence entered slowly, calm and measured as always. Luciano Pardi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, followed him at a leisurely pace, while General Elvira Baratti, Minister of Defense, had a markedly martial gait. Brigadier General Arturo Magliano Solìa, Viscount of Lamessia Terme, First Adjutant of the Emperor's General Staff, closed the circle with his austere bearing.
«I must admit that when you asked me to meet "unannounced", I didn't imagine such an ambush. Which of the four decided to let me spend Sunday in the trenches?» the tone was light, but no one present smiled.
The Director of Imperial Intelligence, a calm man with measured language, spoke first.
«Madam Minister Secretary, this is not an ambush. It is... a consultation. Informal, if you like. But necessary.»
She looked at them sideways for a few seconds, then gestured for them to follow her and led them into her office. Cantalamessa sat behind the desk, the others spread out between the two sofas and the chairs. Luciano Pardi, on one of the sofa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, removed his glasses and carefully placed them on the coffee table. It wasn't a reassuring gesture, Cantalamessa thought: he always did that before starting a long conversation.
«So? Who wants to start?» Cantalamessa asked after looking at them one by one, as if trying to glean something from the conversation.
The Director of Intelligence was the one, in that calm voice that never raised its tone but which, inevitably, imposed silence:
«It's something we couldn't discuss elsewhere. About... informal conversations... between us and Deltaria.»
The Minister Secretary narrowed his eyes.
«Informal? In what sense?»
«The kind it's best no one hears!" He always answered very laconically, but immediately noticed a certain irritation from the Head of Government, so he continued to explain «Some agents and officials from our two states, in a very informal and unofficial manner, as mentioned, had the opportunity to... discuss and exchange ideas. The topic was the Vanuku Grand Canal.»
«The Grand Canal?»
«An asset for Wiel, but also a tool of diplomatic pressure. And after this "exchange of ideas", the hypothesis that emerged was twofold: to render the canal economically irrelevant and to reduce its geostrategic impact.»
Cantalamessa remained silent, his brow furrowed, a barrage of questions behind his gaze. The Director continued:
«The Grand Canal is a geopolitical and financial weapon in the hands of Vanuku, and the question is simple: how to render it useless? Or at least reduce its importance.»
General Baratti then intervened, saying directly and in a clipped tone:
«The Grand Canal blockade was not only a commercial injustice, but also a slap in the face to our strategic position. Vanuku will never stop trying to subdue those they consider inferior... it's their nature. The Grand Canal is just another weapon with which to blackmail the world. With their arrogance, they push entire regions into conflict. If we don't stop them, contain them, they'll send Majatra adrift.»
The Director of Intelligence had taken advantage of Baratti's intervention to take a candy from his pocket and resumed speaking after putting it in his mouth:
«The crisis with Wiel has left its mark on us, and as you know, Deltaria is increasingly allerted by Vanuku, who has returned to extend his clutches over Jelbe. And both governments know that a "Jelbosphere" is in no way beneficial to anyone. So, to file off their claws, we could hit them on that financial and diplomatic leverage without touching a weapon or moving a soldier.»
Pardi rested a fist on the armrest of the sofa and leaned forward to intervene, with the air of someone who has spent his life rigorously measuring risk:
«If the Canal were to lose its economic value, Wiel would also lose its political value. If shipping companies avoided the Canal, it would lose revenue and its ability to blackmail others.»
«Okay, I get it» replied the Minister Secretary, his face betraying the many doubts and surprise she felt hearing such a proposal «And leaving aside the enormous repercussions this could have, the risks... there's the question about "how" to do it, but not only that: why should shipping companies do it? Why should they accept lost profits? How do we convince them, and with what arguments? In short, beyond the idea, is there a concrete proposal? Because so far you've given me the framework but not the solution.»
It was the Director who provided the answer, filling the air with a certain hateful practicality:
«During these "informal exchanges", it was concluded that the solution would involve compensation, cost reductions and logistical incentives. Essentially, it would involve the creation of a hidden fund to offset the higher costs of alternative routes: additional fuel, longer travel times, mooring costs and logistics in alternative ports. It would be structured on multiple levels and as an extensive network of companies so that no one could trace the origin of the flows. And in addition to compensating for the increased costs, we will have to make the alternative routes more streamlined, more attractive, with improved services and lower costs.»
Silence fell into the office, the sound of the rising sea and the increasingly loud wind seemed to amplify within the office.
«A hidden fund?»
Marina Cantalamessa's face remained a mask of doubt and perplexity, so it was the Minister of Foreign Affairs who broke the silence, the person in the room closest to the Minister Secretary of State and on whom she placed great reliance given his extensive political and diplomatic experience.
«It wouldn't just be a matter of paying. We can also offer operational advantages: cheaper docking, more efficient logistics, easier maintenance. Deltaria and Istalia have strategic ports, and even by working within SOMECO we could make the alternative routes even more convenient.»
The Minister Secretary remained still silent, his interlocutors exchanging questioning glances, except for the Director of Intelligence, who, with his hands folded on his stomach, gazed impassively at Cantalamessa while continuing to suck on his candy. He knew that countless questions were piling up in the woman's head, and he gave her time to try to sort them out.
«So» Cantalamessa continued, carefully enunciating and weighing each word «If I understand correctly, you are proposing that the Istalian and Deltarian governments clandestinely finance the diversion of a significant portion of continental, if not global, maritime traffic?»
Her interlocutors looked at each other quickly, as if trying to figure out who should answer her. As expected was the Director who, with the greatest calm in the world, simply replied with a laconic «yes!»
«Gentlemen...» it seemed that Cantalamessa had hoped until the very end that she had misunderstood, and it was inevitable that her words would now sound uncertain and worried.
«Leaving aside the diplomatic and moral implications... we here... we are... we are talking about hundreds and hundreds of ships! We are talking about dozens of companies, millions of tons of fuel, costs for delays at destination ports, for personnel, maintenance and so on. But do you realize, even if something like this were possible... how much will it cost us?»
The Director of Intelligence didn't hesitate in responding, he had clearly already prepared his responses to the objections:
«The resources can be found. It won't all come from a single source. As far as we're concerned, we're talking about the Treasury, ministries, state-owned companies, our Sovereign Wealth Fund: each source will contribute marginal and... peripheral shares. Even existing government programs and allocations can be redefined, with small percentages reallocated so as not to compromise public objectives. The network of shell companies, located in opaque jurisdictions, will make everything untraceable, with a flow ramification that will not attract attention.»
He paused, as if testing whether he had begun to chip away at the Minister Secretary's armor of mistrust, then continued:
«We're talking about compartmentalization measures, intermediary companies, complex accounting operations. The structure, as mentioned, will be international and fragmented, far from Majatra's waters and the most suspicious eyes. Some companies and intermediaries will be focused on funds transfert, other will act and provide services to shipping companies without knowing the final plan. Local employees will think they are carrying out normal commercial or intermediary activities, at the least they will believe to manage the money of some fat cat or dirty money. The level of secrecy will be extremely high.»
After him, the others quickly chimed in, starting with Pardi, who, as a close advisor and political ally, tried to reassure Cantalamessa:
«It wouldn't just be a question of money, but also of supply: more efficient ports, reduced docking costs, supplies and maintenance at competitive prices. With Deltaria, we can coordinate services and infrastructure. Within SOMECO, we could propose investments in infrastructures, land connections, whether rail or road, that will convey goods to alternative ports. Imagine rail or road connections between Deltaria and Kalopia, and their ports, or agreements with Zardugal for ferries on Majatran Lake. This isn't a geographical fantasy: these are logistical solutions that could reduce real time and costs, making alternative routes attractive.»
Then General Baratti spoke:
«Part of the funds needed for the operation can also be hidden among Defense appropriations. The Armed Forces are awaiting funding for new STOVLs for the Navy, to finalize the development of our hypersonic missile, for the new tankers for the Air Force and the naval nuclear program requires substantial sums. If we plan carefully, additional funds can be drawn from these expenditure headings.»
« Okay, okay... even assuming the funding issue is resolved, but... do you understand the implications? Ethical, legal and in terms of image! If it ever comes to light... I don't want to think about the consequences! Istalia risks losing far more than it would gain.»
«Minister Secretary» the Defense Minister resumed «We're not talking about war or tactical operations here, but strategic pressure. The Armed Forces expect the Government to defend the country's interests and if we can strike Vanuku without firing a shot, then this proposal could be a legitimate tool. Also because, let's face it, Vanuku will never stop trying to bend those they consider inferior. It's their nature. The Grand Canal is, in every way, a weapon with which to blackmail those who don't fall into line.»
Pardi, who until that point had been the most measured, intervened more firmly this time:
«Marina, listen. It's now clear that Vanuku isn't negotiating with half measures. He has only one strategy: expand his Jelbic hegemony and reclaim northwest Majatra, including Amudim. Analysts are certain that Vanuku is behind all this chaos and the Director has already authorized several missions to gather evidence. We are really meant to believe the "anti-imperialism paladin's story"? Oh, come on...»
The Minister Secretary felt a shiver of surprise run down his face:
«Luciano... I didn't expect you to support such an option so much.»
He smiled, somber.
«I don't support it with joy. But sometimes international politics requires uncomfortable choices. I'm not saying it's nice, I'm saying it makes strategic sense. Especially when faced with those who have no scruples and don't know how to compromise.»
Baratti spoke again:
«Those people think they're so superior that they feel entitled to strangle world trade and strike at their neighbors without having to foot the bill. With their arrogance, they're pushing entire regions into conflict. If we don't stop them, they'll send the continent adrift!»
Cantalamessa took a deep breath, then stood up and turned to look out the window at the sea, trying to sort out the thoughts swirling in her head. She remained like that for almost a minute before turning away and asking, still unconvinced:
«So let's leave aside the feasibility, how to raise the funds and the ethical implications, which apparently have already gone out of the window: we should involve ministries, departments, offices... and how do we deal with this in Congress with the Defense and Treasury Committees? Each step adds more people informed of the affair and exponentially increases the risk of information leaks. And I remind you, not least, that almost half of the Commissions and Congress are occupied by the opposition: how long would it take for them to let something slip? We'd end up, well... actualy, I'd end up on the front pages, and the position and credibility of the Government and the Nation would be totally compromised. It would be the end!»
Once again, it was the Director of Intelligence who responded, still unruffled, and in fact, he did so while nonchalantly searching for another candy in his grey coat pocket.
«If the Supreme Council of National Defense approves and decides to classify the plan, it has the tools to secure the proceedings for even prolonged periods. This doesn't eliminate the risk, there will inevitably be questions, but it limits institutional exposure. As far as politics are concerned, it's your job to ensure the discipline of the majority members in the Commissions.»
«And what about the opposition?» she pressed him angrily, partly because she didn't like anyone telling her how to do her job.
«For the opposition, there are institutional and unofficial channels to reduce their ability to undermine the plan. The opposition's Armed Forces representatives will obviously respect orders from the top and apply the necessary pressure on their parties. Furthermore, I can personally approach some influential members of the PNL and some of the UOD. I won't reveal anything of substancial, just enough to make them understand how important those resource allocations are. I'm sure they'll be willing to collaborate. When it comes to foreign policy, they can be convincing, even with D&L, and lately the Liberal Democrats seem particularly interested in reconnecting with the rest of the right.»
«It's a big bet plain and simple... perhaps we're relying a little too much on hypotheses and assumptions that we can't take for granted. Such as, for example, that Deltaria's intelligence apparatus is capable, first and foremost, of guaranteeing the impermeability of information.»
«Their intelligence are far more on alert than ours currently due to fears for the northwestern border. Furthermore, our assessment of them is not critical.»
«And Vanuku's Intelligence?»
«Vanuku, came back from their golden isolation after Deltaria, few years ago. They are still reorganizing their operational capabilities and, if what we suppose about the turmoils in Amudim, their resources are focused there. In any case, we will work closely with Deltaria to increase discretion and improve organization and operation capabilities.»
«Hopes! For now, we are clinging to mere hopes, Mr. Director. Are you aware of that?»
«Hopes?" the Director retorted as he unwrapped the candy he had taken from his pocket moments earlier «A careful, serious and well-researched organization will handle the situation. But above all, fewer scruples will be needed.»
«Are you criticizing me for having scruples, Mr. Director of Intelligence? I remind you that as Minister Imperial Secretary of State, O cammpt ignore scruples!»
«Then, let's end it! Because, if you haven't figured it out yet, we need to forget our scruples and show some boldness! And to do what we want to do, and I'll tell you this straight away to avoid further surprise, we can't even rule out using organized crime!»
«The Ndragatìa? We need to use the Ndragatìa? Do I understand correctly?»
«It won't be a primary option. it's a path full of unpredictable counterparts, I know, but if necessary, we can't rule out hybrid approaches that combine legal and "informal" channels. Not to mention how convenient such a channel would be, based in Solentia, a state with a weak government, no oversight, with entire areas under the control of foreign interests or local tribes and warlords, just a stone's throw away from us.»
«No, no, no!» Cantalamessa snapped, this time with a fiercely annoyed look «I don't want anyone to suggest, not even by mistake, relying on criminal organizations. It's a boundary I won't cross!»
She said it frankly, not at all theatricality, but with a clear line that wanted to close that door. The room's attention focused on her: it wasn't an emotional refusal, but a political principle. Yet, in her mind, the "shadow" solution had already sparked an unwise curiosity. And someone seemed to have noticed.
«Madam Minister Secretary» spoke the First Attendant of the Emperor's General Staff «As you can imagine, Your Majesty too has expressed fears and concerns, not unlike yours, but... it is my duty to tell you that the Emperor agrees that we must do something to contain Vanuku, certainly before his "Jelbosphere" crushes half the continent.»
When she heard the name of the Crown mentioned, Cantalamessa felt the balance of the room shift, because the Crown's participation immediately raised the stakes: reputation, ancient prestige, moral risk. Yet she couldn't help but blurt out as she reflected on another thought that had immediately occurred to her:
«But I'd be the one to put my face on the line! The political risks would all fall on my shoulders!»
«The Crown could also financially support the initiative, also through subsidiaries or affiliates abroad. Small sums here, other small sums there, well dispersed, perhaps in Dovani countries, in economies with little oversight. Scattered investments, payments for services, all in complete opacity.»
Cantalamessa raised an eyebrow.
«Are you telling me the Crown itself would be willing to get its hands dirty?»
Provincial Road 133, Municipality of Castrocaroli, Province of Neapulia, Region of Fidelia, Istalia
26 May 5684, 3:50 pm
Marina Cantalamessa stood against the light, not at all warm, streaming through the windows overlooking the Melfian coast. Rain clouds were gathering on the horizon, while the pine trees' crowns swayed more and more in the wind. It was certainly not the season to enjoy the Melfian coast, but the Minister Secretary of State enjoyed her weekend retreat, far from the chaos of Romula, even in winter, with a roaring fireplace before which rest under a warm quilt with her husband.
Her blond hair fell neatly to her shoulders, and her smile, as she turned toward the front door, had an ironic angle. She had learned of the meeting at the last minute, and it was clear from the way she folded her arms that she wasn't pleased with the "last minute" moment.
The Director of Imperial Intelligence entered slowly, calm and measured as always. Luciano Pardi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, followed him at a leisurely pace, while General Elvira Baratti, Minister of Defense, had a markedly martial gait. Brigadier General Arturo Magliano Solìa, Viscount of Lamessia Terme, First Adjutant of the Emperor's General Staff, closed the circle with his austere bearing.
«I must admit that when you asked me to meet "unannounced", I didn't imagine such an ambush. Which of the four decided to let me spend Sunday in the trenches?» the tone was light, but no one present smiled.
The Director of Imperial Intelligence, a calm man with measured language, spoke first.
«Madam Minister Secretary, this is not an ambush. It is... a consultation. Informal, if you like. But necessary.»
She looked at them sideways for a few seconds, then gestured for them to follow her and led them into her office. Cantalamessa sat behind the desk, the others spread out between the two sofas and the chairs. Luciano Pardi, on one of the sofa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, removed his glasses and carefully placed them on the coffee table. It wasn't a reassuring gesture, Cantalamessa thought: he always did that before starting a long conversation.
«So? Who wants to start?» Cantalamessa asked after looking at them one by one, as if trying to glean something from the conversation.
The Director of Intelligence was the one, in that calm voice that never raised its tone but which, inevitably, imposed silence:
«It's something we couldn't discuss elsewhere. About... informal conversations... between us and Deltaria.»
The Minister Secretary narrowed his eyes.
«Informal? In what sense?»
«The kind it's best no one hears!" He always answered very laconically, but immediately noticed a certain irritation from the Head of Government, so he continued to explain «Some agents and officials from our two states, in a very informal and unofficial manner, as mentioned, had the opportunity to... discuss and exchange ideas. The topic was the Vanuku Grand Canal.»
«The Grand Canal?»
«An asset for Wiel, but also a tool of diplomatic pressure. And after this "exchange of ideas", the hypothesis that emerged was twofold: to render the canal economically irrelevant and to reduce its geostrategic impact.»
Cantalamessa remained silent, his brow furrowed, a barrage of questions behind his gaze. The Director continued:
«The Grand Canal is a geopolitical and financial weapon in the hands of Vanuku, and the question is simple: how to render it useless? Or at least reduce its importance.»
General Baratti then intervened, saying directly and in a clipped tone:
«The Grand Canal blockade was not only a commercial injustice, but also a slap in the face to our strategic position. Vanuku will never stop trying to subdue those they consider inferior... it's their nature. The Grand Canal is just another weapon with which to blackmail the world. With their arrogance, they push entire regions into conflict. If we don't stop them, contain them, they'll send Majatra adrift.»
The Director of Intelligence had taken advantage of Baratti's intervention to take a candy from his pocket and resumed speaking after putting it in his mouth:
«The crisis with Wiel has left its mark on us, and as you know, Deltaria is increasingly allerted by Vanuku, who has returned to extend his clutches over Jelbe. And both governments know that a "Jelbosphere" is in no way beneficial to anyone. So, to file off their claws, we could hit them on that financial and diplomatic leverage without touching a weapon or moving a soldier.»
Pardi rested a fist on the armrest of the sofa and leaned forward to intervene, with the air of someone who has spent his life rigorously measuring risk:
«If the Canal were to lose its economic value, Wiel would also lose its political value. If shipping companies avoided the Canal, it would lose revenue and its ability to blackmail others.»
«Okay, I get it» replied the Minister Secretary, his face betraying the many doubts and surprise she felt hearing such a proposal «And leaving aside the enormous repercussions this could have, the risks... there's the question about "how" to do it, but not only that: why should shipping companies do it? Why should they accept lost profits? How do we convince them, and with what arguments? In short, beyond the idea, is there a concrete proposal? Because so far you've given me the framework but not the solution.»
It was the Director who provided the answer, filling the air with a certain hateful practicality:
«During these "informal exchanges", it was concluded that the solution would involve compensation, cost reductions and logistical incentives. Essentially, it would involve the creation of a hidden fund to offset the higher costs of alternative routes: additional fuel, longer travel times, mooring costs and logistics in alternative ports. It would be structured on multiple levels and as an extensive network of companies so that no one could trace the origin of the flows. And in addition to compensating for the increased costs, we will have to make the alternative routes more streamlined, more attractive, with improved services and lower costs.»
Silence fell into the office, the sound of the rising sea and the increasingly loud wind seemed to amplify within the office.
«A hidden fund?»
Marina Cantalamessa's face remained a mask of doubt and perplexity, so it was the Minister of Foreign Affairs who broke the silence, the person in the room closest to the Minister Secretary of State and on whom she placed great reliance given his extensive political and diplomatic experience.
«It wouldn't just be a matter of paying. We can also offer operational advantages: cheaper docking, more efficient logistics, easier maintenance. Deltaria and Istalia have strategic ports, and even by working within SOMECO we could make the alternative routes even more convenient.»
The Minister Secretary remained still silent, his interlocutors exchanging questioning glances, except for the Director of Intelligence, who, with his hands folded on his stomach, gazed impassively at Cantalamessa while continuing to suck on his candy. He knew that countless questions were piling up in the woman's head, and he gave her time to try to sort them out.
«So» Cantalamessa continued, carefully enunciating and weighing each word «If I understand correctly, you are proposing that the Istalian and Deltarian governments clandestinely finance the diversion of a significant portion of continental, if not global, maritime traffic?»
Her interlocutors looked at each other quickly, as if trying to figure out who should answer her. As expected was the Director who, with the greatest calm in the world, simply replied with a laconic «yes!»
«Gentlemen...» it seemed that Cantalamessa had hoped until the very end that she had misunderstood, and it was inevitable that her words would now sound uncertain and worried.
«Leaving aside the diplomatic and moral implications... we here... we are... we are talking about hundreds and hundreds of ships! We are talking about dozens of companies, millions of tons of fuel, costs for delays at destination ports, for personnel, maintenance and so on. But do you realize, even if something like this were possible... how much will it cost us?»
The Director of Intelligence didn't hesitate in responding, he had clearly already prepared his responses to the objections:
«The resources can be found. It won't all come from a single source. As far as we're concerned, we're talking about the Treasury, ministries, state-owned companies, our Sovereign Wealth Fund: each source will contribute marginal and... peripheral shares. Even existing government programs and allocations can be redefined, with small percentages reallocated so as not to compromise public objectives. The network of shell companies, located in opaque jurisdictions, will make everything untraceable, with a flow ramification that will not attract attention.»
He paused, as if testing whether he had begun to chip away at the Minister Secretary's armor of mistrust, then continued:
«We're talking about compartmentalization measures, intermediary companies, complex accounting operations. The structure, as mentioned, will be international and fragmented, far from Majatra's waters and the most suspicious eyes. Some companies and intermediaries will be focused on funds transfert, other will act and provide services to shipping companies without knowing the final plan. Local employees will think they are carrying out normal commercial or intermediary activities, at the least they will believe to manage the money of some fat cat or dirty money. The level of secrecy will be extremely high.»
After him, the others quickly chimed in, starting with Pardi, who, as a close advisor and political ally, tried to reassure Cantalamessa:
«It wouldn't just be a question of money, but also of supply: more efficient ports, reduced docking costs, supplies and maintenance at competitive prices. With Deltaria, we can coordinate services and infrastructure. Within SOMECO, we could propose investments in infrastructures, land connections, whether rail or road, that will convey goods to alternative ports. Imagine rail or road connections between Deltaria and Kalopia, and their ports, or agreements with Zardugal for ferries on Majatran Lake. This isn't a geographical fantasy: these are logistical solutions that could reduce real time and costs, making alternative routes attractive.»
Then General Baratti spoke:
«Part of the funds needed for the operation can also be hidden among Defense appropriations. The Armed Forces are awaiting funding for new STOVLs for the Navy, to finalize the development of our hypersonic missile, for the new tankers for the Air Force and the naval nuclear program requires substantial sums. If we plan carefully, additional funds can be drawn from these expenditure headings.»
« Okay, okay... even assuming the funding issue is resolved, but... do you understand the implications? Ethical, legal and in terms of image! If it ever comes to light... I don't want to think about the consequences! Istalia risks losing far more than it would gain.»
«Minister Secretary» the Defense Minister resumed «We're not talking about war or tactical operations here, but strategic pressure. The Armed Forces expect the Government to defend the country's interests and if we can strike Vanuku without firing a shot, then this proposal could be a legitimate tool. Also because, let's face it, Vanuku will never stop trying to bend those they consider inferior. It's their nature. The Grand Canal is, in every way, a weapon with which to blackmail those who don't fall into line.»
Pardi, who until that point had been the most measured, intervened more firmly this time:
«Marina, listen. It's now clear that Vanuku isn't negotiating with half measures. He has only one strategy: expand his Jelbic hegemony and reclaim northwest Majatra, including Amudim. Analysts are certain that Vanuku is behind all this chaos and the Director has already authorized several missions to gather evidence. We are really meant to believe the "anti-imperialism paladin's story"? Oh, come on...»
The Minister Secretary felt a shiver of surprise run down his face:
«Luciano... I didn't expect you to support such an option so much.»
He smiled, somber.
«I don't support it with joy. But sometimes international politics requires uncomfortable choices. I'm not saying it's nice, I'm saying it makes strategic sense. Especially when faced with those who have no scruples and don't know how to compromise.»
Baratti spoke again:
«Those people think they're so superior that they feel entitled to strangle world trade and strike at their neighbors without having to foot the bill. With their arrogance, they're pushing entire regions into conflict. If we don't stop them, they'll send the continent adrift!»
Cantalamessa took a deep breath, then stood up and turned to look out the window at the sea, trying to sort out the thoughts swirling in her head. She remained like that for almost a minute before turning away and asking, still unconvinced:
«So let's leave aside the feasibility, how to raise the funds and the ethical implications, which apparently have already gone out of the window: we should involve ministries, departments, offices... and how do we deal with this in Congress with the Defense and Treasury Committees? Each step adds more people informed of the affair and exponentially increases the risk of information leaks. And I remind you, not least, that almost half of the Commissions and Congress are occupied by the opposition: how long would it take for them to let something slip? We'd end up, well... actualy, I'd end up on the front pages, and the position and credibility of the Government and the Nation would be totally compromised. It would be the end!»
Once again, it was the Director of Intelligence who responded, still unruffled, and in fact, he did so while nonchalantly searching for another candy in his grey coat pocket.
«If the Supreme Council of National Defense approves and decides to classify the plan, it has the tools to secure the proceedings for even prolonged periods. This doesn't eliminate the risk, there will inevitably be questions, but it limits institutional exposure. As far as politics are concerned, it's your job to ensure the discipline of the majority members in the Commissions.»
«And what about the opposition?» she pressed him angrily, partly because she didn't like anyone telling her how to do her job.
«For the opposition, there are institutional and unofficial channels to reduce their ability to undermine the plan. The opposition's Armed Forces representatives will obviously respect orders from the top and apply the necessary pressure on their parties. Furthermore, I can personally approach some influential members of the PNL and some of the UOD. I won't reveal anything of substancial, just enough to make them understand how important those resource allocations are. I'm sure they'll be willing to collaborate. When it comes to foreign policy, they can be convincing, even with D&L, and lately the Liberal Democrats seem particularly interested in reconnecting with the rest of the right.»
«It's a big bet plain and simple... perhaps we're relying a little too much on hypotheses and assumptions that we can't take for granted. Such as, for example, that Deltaria's intelligence apparatus is capable, first and foremost, of guaranteeing the impermeability of information.»
«Their intelligence are far more on alert than ours currently due to fears for the northwestern border. Furthermore, our assessment of them is not critical.»
«And Vanuku's Intelligence?»
«Vanuku, came back from their golden isolation after Deltaria, few years ago. They are still reorganizing their operational capabilities and, if what we suppose about the turmoils in Amudim, their resources are focused there. In any case, we will work closely with Deltaria to increase discretion and improve organization and operation capabilities.»
«Hopes! For now, we are clinging to mere hopes, Mr. Director. Are you aware of that?»
«Hopes?" the Director retorted as he unwrapped the candy he had taken from his pocket moments earlier «A careful, serious and well-researched organization will handle the situation. But above all, fewer scruples will be needed.»
«Are you criticizing me for having scruples, Mr. Director of Intelligence? I remind you that as Minister Imperial Secretary of State, O cammpt ignore scruples!»
«Then, let's end it! Because, if you haven't figured it out yet, we need to forget our scruples and show some boldness! And to do what we want to do, and I'll tell you this straight away to avoid further surprise, we can't even rule out using organized crime!»
«The Ndragatìa? We need to use the Ndragatìa? Do I understand correctly?»
«It won't be a primary option. it's a path full of unpredictable counterparts, I know, but if necessary, we can't rule out hybrid approaches that combine legal and "informal" channels. Not to mention how convenient such a channel would be, based in Solentia, a state with a weak government, no oversight, with entire areas under the control of foreign interests or local tribes and warlords, just a stone's throw away from us.»
«No, no, no!» Cantalamessa snapped, this time with a fiercely annoyed look «I don't want anyone to suggest, not even by mistake, relying on criminal organizations. It's a boundary I won't cross!»
She said it frankly, not at all theatricality, but with a clear line that wanted to close that door. The room's attention focused on her: it wasn't an emotional refusal, but a political principle. Yet, in her mind, the "shadow" solution had already sparked an unwise curiosity. And someone seemed to have noticed.
«Madam Minister Secretary» spoke the First Attendant of the Emperor's General Staff «As you can imagine, Your Majesty too has expressed fears and concerns, not unlike yours, but... it is my duty to tell you that the Emperor agrees that we must do something to contain Vanuku, certainly before his "Jelbosphere" crushes half the continent.»
When she heard the name of the Crown mentioned, Cantalamessa felt the balance of the room shift, because the Crown's participation immediately raised the stakes: reputation, ancient prestige, moral risk. Yet she couldn't help but blurt out as she reflected on another thought that had immediately occurred to her:
«But I'd be the one to put my face on the line! The political risks would all fall on my shoulders!»
«The Crown could also financially support the initiative, also through subsidiaries or affiliates abroad. Small sums here, other small sums there, well dispersed, perhaps in Dovani countries, in economies with little oversight. Scattered investments, payments for services, all in complete opacity.»
Cantalamessa raised an eyebrow.
«Are you telling me the Crown itself would be willing to get its hands dirty?»
[to be continued in the next post]