A Battle Unseen

[Elena1012]

A Problem Looming.
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January 3rd, 5654
Johnston, Baltusia.
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Merridan sat in his office. He quickly shut the TV off. Kalistan. A noble nation, but also the biggest threat to his administration. He had every reason to distrust Kundrati. The deal didn't bring good PR, but it was needed for the time being. Expanded trade with anyone was necessary. But if it came at this cost? The public would quickly turn on him, and everything he built would come crumbling down. He couldn't allow that. Anarchy would sweep Baltusia again without him. The fascist dogs in Kundrati would be useful for the duration of the deal, sure. But they'd hardly be worth the hassle if Kalistan fully pulled out. He had to think. What could be done? Send the foreign minister to Kaliburg to negotiate and reassure? Pin the blame on someone and fire them? The opposition was only going to get louder if no solution is found. And if that happens, they will overpower the Social Radicals, overturn the EPSA and charge Merridan of treason.

He couldn't cut ties with Kundrati instantly. A flipflop on such a scale was something even the media couldn't control. It would hurt Baltusia more. But evidently keeping the deal as it was is no better. The Foreign Ministers dream of the NSEC was killed. But perhaps some of the situation could be salvaged? Free trade was dead. Sure. But maybe an alternative to keep the benefits with Kalistan, and reassure them that the Kundrati dogs won't enter. Either it involved directly going to Kaliburg and negotiating with the Chancellor, or using the Royal Security Bureau. Anyone from Kundrati was a fascist, there's no doubt there. A stain on liberalism. But you can't make a better country with white gloves. Merridan knew that. But perhaps both options could work?

Use the RSB to keep a close eye on anyone from Kundrati. He couldn't let them disappear. In every sense of the word. But perhaps he could keep them under close watch and keep them away from Kalistan. Even if negotiations failed, keeping a dossier on them would be a valuable tool. Surely. He would have to visit the Chancellor in Kaliburg. Not the foreign minister, but himself. It would have to be tried. Even if it failed. But the biggest threat lies in influence. It's always influence. Not guns, but words. The King. If he gets any ideas, he can easily try a coup, remove Merridan and kill liberalism. Sure, precautions were installed via the EPSA, but if the economy suffers, then there's no doubt that the possibility becomes real.

It was a tough situation to be in. 15 years, then the deal expires. And Merridan will not need the Kundrati fascists on his soil. For now, he'd have to entertain them. Extract as much value as he realistically could from them. But the situation wasn't lost. Baltusia would have to lay low, do what it can to make up for this blunder, and control the situation as best as possible. It won't be enjoyable. But it'll have to be necessary. As long as the regime endures. Merridan kept finding himself disgusted with the deal. Economically, it was fine. But who it was with, was what disgusted him. Not everyone is a saint. He knows he isn't one. But Kundrati? A stain on liberalism. King Alvarez was surely plotting his own scheme from this. He was an ardent anti fascist. Keeping him out of the meeting was the only way to make sure it happened. But maybe he should've been allowed to ruin the deal.

Whatever. He knew what he had to do. Get the RSB to work, and put the foreign ministry on overdrive to fix the issue. Damage control was needed. No matter what it costs.