A Battle Unseen

[Ligbruderkrieg]

Surprise
Undisclosed location, Confederation of New Englia, 14 August 5714

“We are seeing results, do not get much from that failure, Agent Myers.”, the man said as heard apologies from his office’s phone. 

“As you wish, sir.”, the female agent’s voice pitfully answered, she didn’t know what went wrong, it’s most likely that other nations went further in their efforts and that she remained on the sidelines, damn it. 

She was taken off her thoughts as she heard the Director-General's voice on the phone, seemingly having taken an interest at this conversation, rather than his dull and uninterested voice that she must deal with in every conversation. 

“Look. I know it’s disappointing, specifically considering the number of efforts you pulled off.” he said, his tone titled with a sentiment that she never saw from him, sympathy? 

I mean, he was right after all. She pulled off some strings in order to secure a place at the table in the New Englian government. All of that for nothing, she thought. So frustrating. 

“Agent Myers, we haven’t sent you nor Agent Pryce to merely secure an oil bid,” he added. “It would be a complete waste of money and of your talents”, he continued. 

“With all due respect sir, you did say that the oil was *critically* important to Luthorian interests.” she argued, but he sharply cut her off. 

“It wasn’t that important, I merely made it so that you would *actually* work on the field.”, he stated, fact of tone. But in his office, the Director-General's mouth couldn’t help but escape a small smile as he thought about the reaction of the agent back in New Englia. 

He continued “We’ve sent you there as pioneers. New Englia remains critically vital for Luthorian interests in the Eastern Dovanian Seaboard. And I’ve heard that you’ve secured a *very important* ally in the Cabinet.” 

She knew what he meant, no need to elaborate it further. 

“Following the... weird results of the oil bid, Temania, Bianjie and Egelion were chosen as the three exploiters of the oil fields at Rosafadda. It’s likely that Egelion’s victory shall secure Prime Minister McDermott some breathing room in the short term. Although, it’s likely that Bianjie’s inexperience and Temania’s brewing instability shall cost New Englia more than expected.” he stated bluntly. 

He continued “Basically, we are in a good position as of now. The oil bidding process was a very controversial process. Each nation which was involved got something bad from it. But, this is also an opportunity. Your mission is now simple.” 

As he mentioned her next mission, her ears came back to life, having been shut down following the beginning of his rant on the geopolitical implications of her failure. 

“It’s simple? Really? Coming from you, nothing is ‘simple,” she replied, her voice filled with sarcasm. 

“Yes. You now have carte blanche. We are merely awaiting your reports from now on.” 

“Wait, what the hell? I swear if this is a fucking joke, I will-” 

“It’s not. It’s serious.” he cut her off immediately. “You are now responsible for the IFIA Liaison Office at the Luthorian Embassy in New Englia.” 

Her mind went blank; haven’t she failed her mission? If so, why are they giving her a promotion? God, was that a dream, had she drunk too much? She must be dreaming. 

“Wait, wait, wait, hold up.” 

“Hm?” 

“You are kidding...right?” 

He ignored her remarks. 

“You’ll be taking over as the IFIA Liaison Officer tommorow. Details of your mission shall be communicated after you are sworn in in completely secrecy by the Ambassador.” 

“Wait...huh...just...wait...”, her mind felt dizzy, she couldn’t say any word, she was just stunned, but the voice on the line acted as a constant reminder, this was real. 

“By the way, the Prime Minister personally commanded you and signed over your appointment.” 

Huh? The Prime Minister, now this was weird. Elected officials took a liking at the IFIA now? Was this an alternative world? Nope. Same old world. 

As she tried to reach for the phone for explainations, her mind a little better – the line went blank.  

Now, she was here, in a weird-ass country, all alone, in an apartment which smell like shit...Elijah, it really smells like shit. As she opened the window and begun to clean up an apartment filled with empty bottle of alcohol, she heard a knock.  

She opened it and she saw her frienemy, looking rather annoyed as she entered without a second thought. 

“God, I didn’t know you were that disorderly in your life,” she said with a mocking tone. 

“What do you want, Mary?” 

“Haven’t you heard, we got new appointments.” 

“Wait, you too?” 

“Of course, me too, what did you even expect?” Mary’s voice feinted indignation, but that turned into a slow, mocking laugh. “You are doomed to be with me, Cat.” 

She sighed, feeling very tired from this day. “Wait, aren’t you supposed to be with someone at a date now?” 

“I mean, I was. Then the guy revealed himself to be lacking in some aspects.” 

“Elijah, save me...” 

“I meant in conversation! He was just saying platitudes to the point that I was so *bored*. Come on, you have such a deranged mind to think about that! I’m very disappointed, Cat.” 

“Tch. You are only there for that anyway.” her fake attempt at indignation didn’t pass through her. 

“That’s very untrue, missy. But enough about me. I’ve been appointed as Senior Advisor to the Luthorian Embassy in New Englia. You are now the IFIA liaison officer in New Englia. A nice little promotion, isn’t it?” 

“Yeah...” 

Her colleague saw through the mask of confidence that she placed on her head: “Now, I know how you feel, you feel that the failure was your fault. But we aren’t here for one-time goals, we are here to build something. Something far bigger than ourselves.” 

“That’s true.” 

“So, please. Stop with your little depressive mood and remember. Focus on the next goal. Don’t remind yourself of your failures, it’ll just drag you down with them anyway.” 

She couldn’t say a word. Mary looked over and saw the dirty apartment and confidently boasted. “C’mon. I’m sleeping here tonight, so best to have something cleaned.”