09-05-2025, 07:22 PM
Drugs, gems and... future investments
![[Image: 0UhezBSm.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/0UhezBSm.jpg)
Office of the Emperor, Quattregni Palace, Romula, Istalia.
11.40 am.
It was almost noon at Quattroregni Palace, and the southern summer sun of November beat high on the large windows of the western wing, flooding the Emperor's vast study with light. The air was made bearable by a portable air conditioner, one of those column models with wheels, placed discreetly near the unlit fireplace, which hummed softly as it diffused an artificial coolness against the growing heat. The heart of the room, furnished in Baroque style with evident Rococo influences, was occupied by a small sitting room with sofas upholstered in light brocade; on one of the side tables, a tray with three porcelain cups, now empty, testified to a coffee already consumed. In the background, the Emperor's large desk was placed in front of a large historical painting in vivid colors, while the long council table, capable of seating at least twelve people, extended in front of the windows on the opposite side of the fireplace.
The Emperor, looking out one of the Windows of the large hall, turned to the two interlocutors sitting on the sofas and said, approaching:
«The tour is fast approaching and the stop in South Dovani remains the most... uncertain. Director, what is the overall assessment of security? The reports I have read are not encouraging»
The newly appointed Director of DISIN, Arturo Malvezzi, a plump, fair-haired man with a gentle expression, cleared his throat before speaking, a warm and calm voice, different from the cold and cutting tongue of his predecessor:
«Your Majesty, understandable caution... but the situation is manageable. The Unified People's Militia has intensified its activities in the east of the country, yes, but the capital and the main cities of the central corridor are well secured by the government. Our contacts on the ground, both official and... unofficial, assure us that the South-Dovan authorities will provide adequate protection during your visit»
Minister Secretary of State Saragat intervened with his arms crossed and a firm tone:
«"Adequate Protection" is not enough, Director. There are very strong suspicions that Kimlien is arming and financing the Militia... what are the real chances of an armed provocation during our presence?»
«Very low, Madam Minister Secretary: it is not in the interest of either the Militia or Kimlien to draw a direct international reaction. In fact, your visit could consolidate the authority of the South-Dovan government and temporarily reduce the audacity of the insurrectionary groups and... of course, it is a topic that could be discussed once you'll be in Kimlien with its government»
«And what do our contacts tell us about Kimlien?» asked the Emperor who remained standing with his hands on the back of one of the sofas «to what extent are they involved? Better to know it before to adress the topic with the Kimlien authorities»
«The evidence is indirect but numerous. Training, funding, and logistical supplies. The intercepts we shared with the South Dovani services indicate a Kimlienian will to keep the region unstable enough to hinder the full affirmation of the democratic government, but not to the point of causing a collapse. They are moving with subtlety... for now, but what is certain is that their major interests is in the eastern and southern regions of South Dovani, the most rich in natural resources»
«And in the midst of all this» intervened the Minister Secretary angrily «our companies, a part hunting for mining concessions, are even considering the relocation of production segments. But we cannot sell the skin of Istalian workers for two tons of rare earths or a few handfuls of emeralds, perhaps extracted in desperate humanitarian conditions. The Socialist Democratic Party will not allow it. My position will also be clear in South Dovani and Kimlien: cooperation yes, but with conditions!»
«I understand your concerns, Minister Secretary, but... in foreign policy you also have to be able to accept strategic compromises. Offshoring a portion of the work does not mean betraying our workers, but strengthening the overall competitiveness of the Istalian economy. Furthermore, the advantages in terms of privileged access to critical raw materials are... inestimable»
Saragat remained silent for a few seconds, mulling over the fact that, despite appearances, Malvezzi reasoned exactly like "the old one".
«It is not acceptable! Not if our trade unions start to lose faith in the government's intentions. And not if it means fueling exploitation in South Dovani just to balance the books of some board of directors here at home. I hope you understand the political delicacy of the issue»
The Emperor, raising an eyebrow, thoughtfully intervened:
«And precisely in this regard, I have read in your latest reports, Director, a growing reference to the activity of the Ndranghetìa in the region. Is it really that deep-rooted?»
«Yes, Your Majesty. We are witnessing a silent but methodical expansion. The Ndranghetìa has insinuated itself into the supply chain of gems, especially emeralds and rough diamonds, is very active in the production and sale of narcotics, and is increasingly approaching the rare earth sector, all taking advantage of the lack of controls, forced labor in the mines, and widespread corruption in the areas affected by the activities of anti-government militias»
«This is unacceptable!» Saragat exclaimed once again with even more emphasis «we are talking about child exploitation, work in inhumane conditions and there is the risk that Istalian companies, even unknowingly, end up entangled in these dynamics. I will formally request an in-depth investigation by the DISIN and the Anti-Mafia. I want names, bank traces, flows of gems. Everything!»
«Of course, but... if you allow me an operational note, Madam Minister Secretary, strategic interest cannot always coincide with absolute ethics. The Ndranghetìa, in the Dovani context, operates no differently from other informal entities, it is often one of the few structures capable of guaranteeing "security" on certain flows. I'm not saying we should ignore it, but...»
«But we cannot tolerate it! Otherwise, what distinguishes us from a criminal association and from the predators we are offering to fight alongside South Dovani?»
The Emperor, calm and conciliatory, intervened again between the two:
«Director, Madam, I believe that you are both right, in part. The balance is delicate. Our task, after all, is precisely this: to maintain moral firmness without compromising the projection of national interests. Director, ensure that all useful information on criminal activities is made available to the Minister Secretary. Madam Minister, I will fully support you in ensuring that the economic agreement is also socially sustainable»
Saragat nodded satisfied, but then immediately began to look for more in the dossier that until a short while before had been kept next to her on the sofa:
«There is a passage that struck me in one of the latest reports on the South Dovanian economy. Director, explain to me better: it is presented to us as a strategic frontier, but from the data it seems to be a mosaic of fragilities»
«It is, Madame. But that is precisely why it is an opportunity! South Dovani emerged from a socialist regime a few years ago and the transition was abrupt: dismantling of state cooperatives, improvised privatizations, poorly regulated foreign capital. The mining sector, despite being the heart of the country's economic potential, is largely underdeveloped. There is little mechanization, a lack of transportation infrastructure, and qualified technical personnel is almost nonexistent»
«They have the resources but not the tools to exploit them» commented the Emperor.
«Exactly, Your Majesty. Emeralds, rubies, diamonds, rare earths, gold in some central provinces. The problem is that the regions richest in deposits coincide with the most unstable areas. And that's where the militias come in»
"And the Ndranghetìa, I imagine» added Saragat darkly «they exploit the confusion to get their hands on what escapes state control!»
«Exactly! They use "parallel" routes that bypass official customs controls. They smuggle raw gems through villages under the control of the Unified People’s Militia and other factions, then pass through Dalibor where they can manufacture fraudulent quality and origin certificates. In some cases, we have evidence of joint operations: the Istalian criminals provide capital and logistics, the local militias provide manpower and territory. As for narcotics, the modus operandi is similar: the Militias receive money and the Ndranghetìa takes the drugs out of the country to take them to international markets»
«It is a network, not simple field sales!»
«That’s right, Your Majesty, a real structure. And I talk about synthetic substances, opiate cultivations in the mountainous territories, mobile laboratories. The Ndranghetìa provides international connections, and it seems that criminal groups from other regions of the world are establishing operational contacts in the region»
«All this while the central government is trying to maintain a minimum of order» said Saragat «but let's talk about the armed groups: beyond the UPM, who is on the ground?»
«There are several actors, Madam Minister: it is a fragmented theater! The Government of the Republic of South Dovani is supported by liberal-democratic, pro-Western and, economically, market-oriented forces. And it is on them that we are aiming our official and diplomatic support; then there are the left-wing militias: the Unified People's Militia (UPM), ruarist, radical, violent, and as we have seen it is the most active group militarily. Then there is the People's Liberation Front, which harks back to libertarian-socialist ideals, more autonomist than revolutionary. They have effective control of some mountainous regions still in the east, but they are content with self-management and do not seek direct confrontation with the government. They are less dangerous, if kept on the sidelines.
Then we have the ethnic autonomist militias, such as the Sumanese Liberation Front, they seek greater autonomy, if not independence, for their province with a Sumanese majority. So far they have not declared secession, but they receive moral support, and perhaps more, from foreign actors, we suspect Kimlien.
Finally the right-wing militias: the Hanzai Rangers, ultra-nationalist monarchists, nostalgic for the old Kingdom of Hanzen. Well armed and often collaborate with police forces and the army against the UPM; then the National Defense Corps, rural traditionalists, more than anything local self-defense groups that protect villages from left-wing incursions and from the activity of criminal groups»
«so, tell me» asked Saragat «our contacts? Do we maintain them only with the government?»
«Officially yes. But… we are also establishing informal channels with right-wing militias: from an anti-communist perspective they can be useful»
«I should have guessed» sighed the woman, taking off her reading glasses.
«We are Following guidelines that you too approved Madame Minister, since your first time you entered Antinori Palace!»
«yes, thank you Mr Director» responded freezing him with her gaze.
«so… the Hanzai Rangers» Director Malvezzi continued «for example, hate the UPM more than they hate the current government. And the National Defense Corps seems to be even more pragmatic: they protect their communities but I don't think they would disdain temporary cooperation»
«A fragile network» exclaimed the Emperor «a balance that can go out the window at any moment»
«And we are walking on a tightrope over a minefield» added the Minister Secretary of State «our state visit will have to clearly demonstrate which side we are on, but I will also be very clear: it will be conditional support, because we will not sign agreements with a government that turns a blind eye to drug trafficking and dirty gems»
«With all due respect, Minister Secretary... to have a say, we need to be in the game. We cannot demand cleanliness without getting at least a finger dirty. Istalian companies need priority access. This tour also serves that purpose»
Saragat looked at the Director with extreme coldness.
«I can assure you, Director, that I will make sure that no one uses our economic interest to cover up crimes or violations of human rights, I will not allow my Government to be remembered for having made the country make money on the skin of some poor South Dovanian!»
«Madam Minister» Malvezzi replied with his usual mellifluous tone «I assure you that will not happen! Instead, it will be remembered as the Government that helped a democratic state defend itself from the threat of chaos and violence!»
Saragat did not answer, to her seemed that the Director was making fun of her, but she had absolutely no desire to continue in that endless bickering, and fortunately the Emperor was the one who intervened:
«It is decided then. We will go to South Dovani and do our part to strengthen the republican government, but without illusions. Director, I want reports as frequently as possible from our cell in the field, and any developments regarding these "informal" contacts will be communicated to me personally, as well as to the Minister Secretary of State, obviously»
«It will be done, Your Majesty»
«And upon my return...» the Head of Government resumed speaking «I will demand a full investigation into the links between the Ndranghetìa and the companies operating in the region. If there are Istalian implications, I want names and proof!»
«You were more than crystal clear, Madam Minister» responded Director Malvezzi with a big sly smile.
Office of the Emperor, Quattregni Palace, Romula, Istalia.
11.40 am.
It was almost noon at Quattroregni Palace, and the southern summer sun of November beat high on the large windows of the western wing, flooding the Emperor's vast study with light. The air was made bearable by a portable air conditioner, one of those column models with wheels, placed discreetly near the unlit fireplace, which hummed softly as it diffused an artificial coolness against the growing heat. The heart of the room, furnished in Baroque style with evident Rococo influences, was occupied by a small sitting room with sofas upholstered in light brocade; on one of the side tables, a tray with three porcelain cups, now empty, testified to a coffee already consumed. In the background, the Emperor's large desk was placed in front of a large historical painting in vivid colors, while the long council table, capable of seating at least twelve people, extended in front of the windows on the opposite side of the fireplace.
The Emperor, looking out one of the Windows of the large hall, turned to the two interlocutors sitting on the sofas and said, approaching:
«The tour is fast approaching and the stop in South Dovani remains the most... uncertain. Director, what is the overall assessment of security? The reports I have read are not encouraging»
The newly appointed Director of DISIN, Arturo Malvezzi, a plump, fair-haired man with a gentle expression, cleared his throat before speaking, a warm and calm voice, different from the cold and cutting tongue of his predecessor:
«Your Majesty, understandable caution... but the situation is manageable. The Unified People's Militia has intensified its activities in the east of the country, yes, but the capital and the main cities of the central corridor are well secured by the government. Our contacts on the ground, both official and... unofficial, assure us that the South-Dovan authorities will provide adequate protection during your visit»
Minister Secretary of State Saragat intervened with his arms crossed and a firm tone:
«"Adequate Protection" is not enough, Director. There are very strong suspicions that Kimlien is arming and financing the Militia... what are the real chances of an armed provocation during our presence?»
«Very low, Madam Minister Secretary: it is not in the interest of either the Militia or Kimlien to draw a direct international reaction. In fact, your visit could consolidate the authority of the South-Dovan government and temporarily reduce the audacity of the insurrectionary groups and... of course, it is a topic that could be discussed once you'll be in Kimlien with its government»
«And what do our contacts tell us about Kimlien?» asked the Emperor who remained standing with his hands on the back of one of the sofas «to what extent are they involved? Better to know it before to adress the topic with the Kimlien authorities»
«The evidence is indirect but numerous. Training, funding, and logistical supplies. The intercepts we shared with the South Dovani services indicate a Kimlienian will to keep the region unstable enough to hinder the full affirmation of the democratic government, but not to the point of causing a collapse. They are moving with subtlety... for now, but what is certain is that their major interests is in the eastern and southern regions of South Dovani, the most rich in natural resources»
«And in the midst of all this» intervened the Minister Secretary angrily «our companies, a part hunting for mining concessions, are even considering the relocation of production segments. But we cannot sell the skin of Istalian workers for two tons of rare earths or a few handfuls of emeralds, perhaps extracted in desperate humanitarian conditions. The Socialist Democratic Party will not allow it. My position will also be clear in South Dovani and Kimlien: cooperation yes, but with conditions!»
«I understand your concerns, Minister Secretary, but... in foreign policy you also have to be able to accept strategic compromises. Offshoring a portion of the work does not mean betraying our workers, but strengthening the overall competitiveness of the Istalian economy. Furthermore, the advantages in terms of privileged access to critical raw materials are... inestimable»
Saragat remained silent for a few seconds, mulling over the fact that, despite appearances, Malvezzi reasoned exactly like "the old one".
«It is not acceptable! Not if our trade unions start to lose faith in the government's intentions. And not if it means fueling exploitation in South Dovani just to balance the books of some board of directors here at home. I hope you understand the political delicacy of the issue»
The Emperor, raising an eyebrow, thoughtfully intervened:
«And precisely in this regard, I have read in your latest reports, Director, a growing reference to the activity of the Ndranghetìa in the region. Is it really that deep-rooted?»
«Yes, Your Majesty. We are witnessing a silent but methodical expansion. The Ndranghetìa has insinuated itself into the supply chain of gems, especially emeralds and rough diamonds, is very active in the production and sale of narcotics, and is increasingly approaching the rare earth sector, all taking advantage of the lack of controls, forced labor in the mines, and widespread corruption in the areas affected by the activities of anti-government militias»
«This is unacceptable!» Saragat exclaimed once again with even more emphasis «we are talking about child exploitation, work in inhumane conditions and there is the risk that Istalian companies, even unknowingly, end up entangled in these dynamics. I will formally request an in-depth investigation by the DISIN and the Anti-Mafia. I want names, bank traces, flows of gems. Everything!»
«Of course, but... if you allow me an operational note, Madam Minister Secretary, strategic interest cannot always coincide with absolute ethics. The Ndranghetìa, in the Dovani context, operates no differently from other informal entities, it is often one of the few structures capable of guaranteeing "security" on certain flows. I'm not saying we should ignore it, but...»
«But we cannot tolerate it! Otherwise, what distinguishes us from a criminal association and from the predators we are offering to fight alongside South Dovani?»
The Emperor, calm and conciliatory, intervened again between the two:
«Director, Madam, I believe that you are both right, in part. The balance is delicate. Our task, after all, is precisely this: to maintain moral firmness without compromising the projection of national interests. Director, ensure that all useful information on criminal activities is made available to the Minister Secretary. Madam Minister, I will fully support you in ensuring that the economic agreement is also socially sustainable»
Saragat nodded satisfied, but then immediately began to look for more in the dossier that until a short while before had been kept next to her on the sofa:
«There is a passage that struck me in one of the latest reports on the South Dovanian economy. Director, explain to me better: it is presented to us as a strategic frontier, but from the data it seems to be a mosaic of fragilities»
«It is, Madame. But that is precisely why it is an opportunity! South Dovani emerged from a socialist regime a few years ago and the transition was abrupt: dismantling of state cooperatives, improvised privatizations, poorly regulated foreign capital. The mining sector, despite being the heart of the country's economic potential, is largely underdeveloped. There is little mechanization, a lack of transportation infrastructure, and qualified technical personnel is almost nonexistent»
«They have the resources but not the tools to exploit them» commented the Emperor.
«Exactly, Your Majesty. Emeralds, rubies, diamonds, rare earths, gold in some central provinces. The problem is that the regions richest in deposits coincide with the most unstable areas. And that's where the militias come in»
"And the Ndranghetìa, I imagine» added Saragat darkly «they exploit the confusion to get their hands on what escapes state control!»
«Exactly! They use "parallel" routes that bypass official customs controls. They smuggle raw gems through villages under the control of the Unified People’s Militia and other factions, then pass through Dalibor where they can manufacture fraudulent quality and origin certificates. In some cases, we have evidence of joint operations: the Istalian criminals provide capital and logistics, the local militias provide manpower and territory. As for narcotics, the modus operandi is similar: the Militias receive money and the Ndranghetìa takes the drugs out of the country to take them to international markets»
«It is a network, not simple field sales!»
«That’s right, Your Majesty, a real structure. And I talk about synthetic substances, opiate cultivations in the mountainous territories, mobile laboratories. The Ndranghetìa provides international connections, and it seems that criminal groups from other regions of the world are establishing operational contacts in the region»
«All this while the central government is trying to maintain a minimum of order» said Saragat «but let's talk about the armed groups: beyond the UPM, who is on the ground?»
«There are several actors, Madam Minister: it is a fragmented theater! The Government of the Republic of South Dovani is supported by liberal-democratic, pro-Western and, economically, market-oriented forces. And it is on them that we are aiming our official and diplomatic support; then there are the left-wing militias: the Unified People's Militia (UPM), ruarist, radical, violent, and as we have seen it is the most active group militarily. Then there is the People's Liberation Front, which harks back to libertarian-socialist ideals, more autonomist than revolutionary. They have effective control of some mountainous regions still in the east, but they are content with self-management and do not seek direct confrontation with the government. They are less dangerous, if kept on the sidelines.
Then we have the ethnic autonomist militias, such as the Sumanese Liberation Front, they seek greater autonomy, if not independence, for their province with a Sumanese majority. So far they have not declared secession, but they receive moral support, and perhaps more, from foreign actors, we suspect Kimlien.
Finally the right-wing militias: the Hanzai Rangers, ultra-nationalist monarchists, nostalgic for the old Kingdom of Hanzen. Well armed and often collaborate with police forces and the army against the UPM; then the National Defense Corps, rural traditionalists, more than anything local self-defense groups that protect villages from left-wing incursions and from the activity of criminal groups»
«so, tell me» asked Saragat «our contacts? Do we maintain them only with the government?»
«Officially yes. But… we are also establishing informal channels with right-wing militias: from an anti-communist perspective they can be useful»
«I should have guessed» sighed the woman, taking off her reading glasses.
«We are Following guidelines that you too approved Madame Minister, since your first time you entered Antinori Palace!»
«yes, thank you Mr Director» responded freezing him with her gaze.
«so… the Hanzai Rangers» Director Malvezzi continued «for example, hate the UPM more than they hate the current government. And the National Defense Corps seems to be even more pragmatic: they protect their communities but I don't think they would disdain temporary cooperation»
«A fragile network» exclaimed the Emperor «a balance that can go out the window at any moment»
«And we are walking on a tightrope over a minefield» added the Minister Secretary of State «our state visit will have to clearly demonstrate which side we are on, but I will also be very clear: it will be conditional support, because we will not sign agreements with a government that turns a blind eye to drug trafficking and dirty gems»
«With all due respect, Minister Secretary... to have a say, we need to be in the game. We cannot demand cleanliness without getting at least a finger dirty. Istalian companies need priority access. This tour also serves that purpose»
Saragat looked at the Director with extreme coldness.
«I can assure you, Director, that I will make sure that no one uses our economic interest to cover up crimes or violations of human rights, I will not allow my Government to be remembered for having made the country make money on the skin of some poor South Dovanian!»
«Madam Minister» Malvezzi replied with his usual mellifluous tone «I assure you that will not happen! Instead, it will be remembered as the Government that helped a democratic state defend itself from the threat of chaos and violence!»
Saragat did not answer, to her seemed that the Director was making fun of her, but she had absolutely no desire to continue in that endless bickering, and fortunately the Emperor was the one who intervened:
«It is decided then. We will go to South Dovani and do our part to strengthen the republican government, but without illusions. Director, I want reports as frequently as possible from our cell in the field, and any developments regarding these "informal" contacts will be communicated to me personally, as well as to the Minister Secretary of State, obviously»
«It will be done, Your Majesty»
«And upon my return...» the Head of Government resumed speaking «I will demand a full investigation into the links between the Ndranghetìa and the companies operating in the region. If there are Istalian implications, I want names and proof!»
«You were more than crystal clear, Madam Minister» responded Director Malvezzi with a big sly smile.