A Battle Unseen

[Elena1012]

When That Day Comes.
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Metz-Leonid, Karoboro, Xsampa
July 1st, 5700
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Metok sat down at the table. In front of him, were the various Peoples Commissar's, and directors of the CSS and ISC. He had called a meeting for the direction of his administration, particularly in regards to foreign affairs and industrial growth. "Tell me some good news." He wanted good news, even the slightest of good news. The People's Commissar of Economic Management, Monlam, spoke up, clearing her throat. "Well, the economy is stable and fine. It isn't slow, or sluggish. You can argue we're in growth. Regarding your industrial plans, you have a blank check basically. Metaphorically. You have popular support so PAX won't be an issue. Any industry we invest into, will be worth it and has potential." Metok nodded. Not the worst. Quite ideal actually. "I see." He paused for a moment to collect his thoughts. "Splendid. Then I want to know this." He let the words float in the air. "How is the XDA? I understand Comrade Asselin began naval patrols in the Sovereign Sea due to the instability in New Verham." The People's Commissar of Revolutionary Defense, Pema Cordonnier responded in a confused tone. "The XDA is fine, it the XDAN can adequately handle the task of patrolling the Sovereign Sea. But, if I may ask comrade, how does that relate to industrial growth?"

Metok had an idea. Not a good one, but not a bad one either. Just, an idea. "Xsampans want industrial growth. That's why they voted for me. And comrade Monlam has told me that any sector can benefit from growth. Why don't we target the military industry?" Monlam objected rather quickly. "Or, we could invest into other industries. Such as the textile industry or expand our gem mining operations. We have no need to expand the military industry." She wasn't wrong per say, but Metok couldn't help but feel disappointed in the idea. "Maybe. But look around us. Look at the world. New Verham is in chaos, and the world jumped to move in. Right in our backyard. I promised 50 years of progress in 5. Military industrial growth is how that's possible. We can't neglect civilian industrial growth by any means, but we can no longer afford to sit idly by. The capitalist world, those who want us quashed, they outperform the XDA heavily. We won the Red Bass War not because the XDA was superior, but because of luck. And then the Bargas Chenpo happened. It's time to view the bigger painting. If we cannot preserve our own backyard without foreign powers rushing into it, what good is any talk of Dovani Unity? What if another Red Bass War occurs? Or another Vascania crisis? The best way to ensure peace, and that the socialist island lives in peace, is to ensure that it can defend itself adequately." 

People's Commissar of Foreign Affairs, Kalingpong quickly countered. "The best way to keep socialism safe, and stop your enemies, is by turning those enemies into your friends. It's kept Xsampa safe since the Bargas Chenpo." Kalingpong wasn't wrong. He was People's Commissar of Foreign Affairs for a good reason. Kalingpong continued. "If we want to ensure that Xsampa thrives, and the socialist experiment thrives, we must befriend the world and ensure we have no enemies. We continue expanding the New Hope Initiative, and continue soft power. We're showing ourselves as reasonable adults in Dovani. Let's not tip the boat." 

Metok thought for a moment. Kalingpong wasn't wrong. Not in the slightest. He sighed. "Perhaps you're right. But that doesn't mean we can't be bold. It doesn't mean we have to sit idly by and let the world define Xsampa first. Comrade Cordonnier, the XDA is what, 20 to 40 years behind the major powers of the world, even with an aircraft carrier? We must start making good on that distance. That doesn't mean tripling the budget. We don't want to scare the media, or our neighbours. We'll focus on expanding industrial military production. Get more jobs and more growth. Comrade Kalingpong, the Sunshine Policy will continue. You'll need to work extra hard and make ground with the major powers in other continents. All the major powers. All the relevant ones. Friend or foe. Direct the PCFA to start looking into opportunities in Dovani. Director Tsundue, have the CSS work with the PCFA. If they can't secure our interests, the CSS will salvage what's possible. I'll meet with PAX later this year regarding the Tsokling Reforms I have in mind. We'll get the funds without reaching deeper into the pocketbook. Any objections?" A moment of silence passed. No objections. "Then you're dismissed. We have work to do. Alot." As the various Peoples Commissar's left the room, Metok thought to himself. What was Xsampa? A regional power? A vassal state in all but name? A major power in waiting? Or a state with delusions of grandeur? He didn't know. But he did know that no other past Premier would have answers. They all did what they thought was best for Xsampa. He would have to continue that tradition.