Palazzo Malzo
June 24, 18:38PM
Valerio sat back, sighing heavily as he considered what he had just read. He briefly looked at Rinaldi, before turning his gaze at the white brief that was lying on his desk, closed as if it was still waiting to be read. Even a mere couple of seconds after, he finally understood, at least in broad strokes, why the Consortium was carrying out its attack, and he understood the potentially devastating implications, should he play into their hands. This had the potential to be disastrous, not only for his government, but most importantly, for the country itself.
"You say this has already passed through all the usual vetting?"
"Yes, First Councillor. All our best analysits agree that the information in this report is as accurate as it possible."
He didn't answer, not immediately at least. He was considering possible alternatives, courses of action he could take, but all seemed futile.
"What do you suggest should be done, Chief Rinaldi?"
"Sir, it would be out of place for me to..."
"I asked you a question, Chief. I want to know what is your suggested course of action. If you were sitting on this chair, what would you do about this report?"
Rinaldi hesitated, hiding his unease at providing such specific policy advice, but he answered in the end. "Sir, I believe it's about time our people were liberated. We just need to make sure that nobody gets...lost, during any such operation."
Valerio nodded, after spending a few seconds starting at Rinaldi, yet not really paying attention to any particular faction of his. "Thank you, Chief. That would be all."