Region of Selene

Süteshar, Sekia

          Satine looked out the window of the Esper-87’s window as they began their descent into the international airport of the Republic of Sekia’s capital city. It was a rather lovely place from the air and she was quite interested to visit once again as she had many times in the past. The relationship that ran between the Republic and the United Realms was deep and storied, dating back quite some time when an old Empire spanned this region of Artemia. President Xarim of Sekia and Empress Satine of Noveaux shared a personal relationship as friends, colleagues and equals. They always seemed to show the utmost respect for one another whenever the other visited their country or their subordinates did. This kind of mutual respect ran deep throughout their governments but it also seemed to be reflected in society itself. Many similarities could be seen throughout their nations, including similar beliefs in the fact they both had polytheism deeply rooted. Accompanying Satine on this visit were the Ministers of Defense and Cultural Affairs. Though the latter’s intentions in Sekia was actually to attend a separate meeting with the Sekian CA to discuss some exchanges and perhaps sending some Novean artifacts to some Sekian museums for a time and vice versa. The Empress and Minister of Defense however were going to discuss the conclusion of the Nahr War, Noveaux’s involvement there and why there had been such a break in tradition that had actually drawn Noveaux out of its self-imposed Armed Neutrality.

            The plane began its final approach and touched down on the tarmac with the all familiar kiss and thud. Several Imperial Guardsmen exited the plane first, making their way down the stairs and at the bottom arrayed themselves on either side, there for the protection of the Empress and her Ministers. The visit was one she had looked forward to, even if the topic of discussion wasn’t the cheeriest or positive of choices. She doubted that the topic of her successor would be tabled either, it had been swirling up in the media back in Noveaux for some time as speculation over who would be elected the next Sovereign raged. Satine in her white skirt suit and old hairstyle, small white handbag, moderate white heels and her Ministers behind her departed the plane and walked to where the Sekian Servicemen awaited by the cars that would make up the motorcade.

            The nation was safe, though at the advisement of her eldest son Maxus and the High Chancellor herself, the Empress had two guards with her at all times anywhere she went in or outside of Noveaux. “Dreadful how the world changes and things like this are required,” she said motioning to the guardsmen. “When I was but a girl my father used to walk among the people and this was never necessary.” She added reminiscing about the simpler times that seemed so long ago now. The two Ministers smiled at the comments but otherwise went back to reading their dossiers and agendas for the duration of the trip to Sekia. For the Minister of Cultural Affairs this was his fourth trip to the country, though for the Minister of Defense this was her first and she couldn’t help but steal glances out the car’s windows every now and then to see the beautiful architecture and landscape of the capital city of one of Noveaux’s closest allies. The drive though was pleasant enough and uneventful as one could hope.

            The arrival at the Presidential Palace and subsequent procession into the building to meet with the Sekian representatives was pleasant. The Empress took the time to recall other times she had come here and those she had met. Such a storied building in a lovely place, one that truly sung the praises of those that came before. Upon meeting the Sekia President the Empress smiled and greeted him warmly, “An absolute delight to see you again Zhulis.” She said. “Ah I don’t know if you recall but this is my Minister of Cultural Affairs Cassius Donatus.” Minister Donatus bowed respectfully before shaking the hands of those present. Satine then turned her attention to her other Minister, “And this is my Minister of Defense, Olivia Tranto.” She said and like her colleague, Minister Tranto bowed and shook the hands of those present. The Novean delegation awaited the Sekians introductions before getting things underway. 

Zhulis was eager to welcome the Novean delegation to Sekia as he had done for the Empress several times before. As rough as the circumstances were, it was still always a pleasure to be in the company of the Empress and her colleagues. He hoped to get his close friend and ally's concerns and views on the Nahr situation, as it was not often that war was even worried about in Sekia

     The Sekian Tourism and Culture Secretary had never met with her Novean counterpart until today, however the rest of the Sekian side had at least passing familiarity with those coming from Noveaux. It was hoped that the transfer of artifacts from esteemed museums of the respective countries would be negotiated partially in the meetings. Considering their history together, this would likely go swimmingly.

     As the Novean delegation entered, Zhulis and his colleagues introduced(or reintroduced) themselves to their counterparts. It was like a reunion of old friends meeting again after a long absence. The president returned the greeting quite enthusiastically while maintaining his dignified aura. "It's so great to see you, Satine." Zhulis returns as he greets the Empress."Welcome back, Cassius" Zhulis stated with a firm handshake. "And I'm glad to finally meet you." He said as he smiled and shook the hand of the Defense Minister.

"I don't believe you've met our Secretary of Tourism and Culture, Chatiz Sikat, before. Oh and of course our esteemed Secretary of Defense Zhon Sekyaxat is present as well."

Once the introductions were made, Zhulis encouraged all to follow to the room where the proper discussion was to take place. It was a room that had held many historic discussions, negotiations, and treaties in times past. They all were to sit at a large round table that was, according to common belief, older than the palace itself. Of course the two Cultural Affairs officers were to split off on their own at some point, but for the time being they were still to join for an initial conversation over tea between the two delegations.

The Presidential Palace


          The greetings were warm as ever and for Satine it was a pleasant break after a whirlwind session of the Imperistarium a few days prior. She was quite pleased to be able to sit down even though the several hour flight had seen her sitting and reading a book the entire time anyways. These days she was growing more exhausted and tired far more easily than she used to. To the onlooker though she might appear tired but not too noticeably. She had a job to do, even if she was going to give up that job sooner than later. The Empress briefly drifted off into her own thoughts while some small talk was made by Minister Otranto with her Sekia Defense Counterpart. “Well I guess we all know the elephant in the room so I shall tap the thing on the trunk.” Satine said placing her hands on the table and exhaling rather exaggeratedly. “We are at war.” She said looking from Oliva to Zhulis. There was not a smile on her face nor an expression of joy at this circumstance that Noveaux had found itself in.

            “The Imperistarium in all its infinite wisdom decided to honor the clause in an agreement with Alssahra.” Satine said continuing her minor rant about the situation.  She could truly go on and on about how Noveaux shouldn’t have signed the agreement in the first place, let alone it shouldn’t have honored the defense clause, but this came from someone that had overseen a large era of peace only briefly interrupted by a conflict with Noveaux’s northern neighbor, Belka. Even that war was relatively minor, though the Belkans might say otherwise considering how they failed to dent Noveaux’s northern frontiers too much after the initial push. Now Noveaux found itself in a foreign war, in a foreign land fighting what many believed was a war it had no business in sending its young men and women off to die in. “I doubt the High Chancellor will win re-election, let alone her party.” She added though this was accompanied with a rather devious smile. The Empress was a member of the Grand Order Party while the Chancellor was the head of the National Liberal party. The National Liberals along with the United Greens had been ruling in a coalition for about sixteen years having knocked the Conservative Front out of a thirty-year power run. The idea that the war had come under the High Chancellor’s leadership, and during the time her party ran a coalition was appealing for all her political enemies come the General Election in March of the coming year.

            The Empress now turned her attention back to Zhulis and his Minister of Defense. This whole visit was supposed to be about briefing one of Noveaux’s closest allies on the situation in the Nahr, though for the Empress it was more about seeing an old friend. “We are sending thirty-thousand soldiers over a three-week period to the Alssahran Capital City to act as a staging point. From there we intend to occupy the liberated Alssahran cities that have been under the control of Sach’aqa. Distribution of aid along with the restoration and subsequent keeping of the peace will be our soldiers’ mandate. Offensive operations will be left to the Alssahran, Fornoirean and Sartorian militaries present.” The Minister of Defense concluded. Noveaux was capable of a short conflict without causing issues economically back home but a sustained and drawn out conflict in Alssahra would mean Noveaux would be faced with either raising taxes and beginning war time measures to ensure economic stability or withdrawing soldiers from the conflict zone and pushing them into the Civil Reserves. That would really only come about though if Noveaux found itself stuck in Alssahra for four years. “Questions are welcome whenever,” Minister Tranto said with a smile and then it hit her. She forgot to give them their dossiers. “Pardon me!” She said rather startled and reached into her black back and pulled out two neatly made up black folders bearing Noveaux’s fleur-de-lys on the front. “Inside the dossiers is the strategic information detailing our plan and mandate in Alssahra along with the short term effects on our government.” She added now pleased with herself.

The Defense Secretary sighed quietly, "What are the chances it actually will drag on? Is it possible the conflict could spill back into Noveaux? I mean, of course I doubt that. But due to your involvement, I'm sure someone wouldn't mind causing some harm. I just worry. The smallest of conflicts can grow." He taps his pen on the table softly, thinking.
"Also," Zhulis, looking through his dossier, chimed in, "What is the humanitarian situation? While you know we aren't eager for war, we would be willing to help with the distribution of aid."

It had been a long time since Zhulis had tasted war so closely. Like many citizens, he had served a short and mandatory tour of duty. He knew deeply that as much as soldiers can kill, they can be a tool for deescalation and stabilization. He himself had been deployed once to small coastal cities in Sekia that had been hit by natural disaster to restore order and to deliver aid.
"To put it shortly, what should Sekia's role in this be? If any?"

Süteshar, Sekia      
            Minister Tranto looked to Satine and she nodded in response to a silent conversation they just had. “Noveaux does not believe the war will come to our doorsteps as we are present to ensure the distribution of aid to the people as well as ensuring stability in the liberated areas until we are relieved by the Alssahran authorities.” She said before looking down into her own dossier from the Military High Command who had briefed her and the Empress before their journey to Sekia. They believed that the chance of prolonged conflict was minimal and that Noveaux would be fully withdrawn within three to four months depending on the rate of attack by the three other armies. Noveaux was at least thankful that they had only joined in an auxiliary capacity rather than actual front line fighting.

            That’s when the question came from the President about what role Sekia should fill in this conflict. “Ideally Zhulis, Noveaux would appreciate any assistance with the humanitarian front to avoid a long term crisis for the people.” Satine said. The people were only briefly under Sach’aqa’s rule but still the fighting and likely lack of actual supplies there would create a rather delicate situation, one that had to be remedied sooner than later if nations were to avoid an influx of refugees and migrants. Something that Noveaux was not entirely keen on having happen. The nation already had some of the strictest citizenship requirements while seeking asylum was damn near impossible due to incredibly high standards and the lack of international procedures for such a thing. Noveaux for all its culture and flavor was a mostly homogenous population with only about ten percent being foreigners that had moved in during the last century.