Author Topic: LISA Interviews Baltikum (Read 4631 times)

Achkaerin · « **on:** March 03, 2018, 06:38:13 PM »

OOC - following on from the LISA app of Balt

This wasn't the sort of thing that Tommy Walker had ever imagined would be in his job description, but then he'd never imagined holding such a senior diplomatic position either. The drive from East Moreland to Balitkum was relatively straightforward, for Tommy, his wife Sarah and daughter Kelly. The job seemed so simple didn't it? Talk to the Baltikum Government, essentially vet the country and get a feel for the country. None of the family had been to Baltikum before, so a lot of planning for the visit had been put it, interviews like this meant a slightly different tone was needed to the usual diplomacy - it wasn't just about common ground but about exploring the fault lines.
"So we're doing this as planned?" Sarah asked
"Yes." Tommy said "I talk to the President, you talk to the staff and Kelly can skateboard around getting a feel for the place."
"And then we compare notes over a coffee?" Sarah asked
"Yes." Tommy said "And remember I don't want any punchs pulled."
"No worries there." Kelly said
"And no wondering about how big your internet following may be out here young lady." Tommy said
"Ok Dad." Kelly said

They drove into the capital, the sat nav directing them on their way. Tommy sighed he had to remember whose florin he was on for the next few hours.

The Young Pope · « **Reply #1 on:** March 04, 2018, 09:57:13 AM »

President Marc-Antoine Lavaud, currently in the White House Oval Office along with several staff members including the White House Chief of Staff Gu ZhenKang, had just returned from his internal state visit of the Shangri-La peninsula in the Cotf Aranye region, considered to be the other exotic half of the Baltic beating heart and a major economic contributor, it was important to show the Shangrian inhabitants that the federal government did care about them and not only the mainland. In any case there wasn't really any time left to rest, after all after the cabinet sent an application letter to the LISA organisation, the following few weeks in the White House was all about preparation and more preparation as to make a respectable presentation to the LISA interviewers; this bunch however was totally different, an interesting and peculiar family had been given the task it seemed.

"Ok I guess that's everything that we really needed to discuss for now...it's only a matter of time before they'll arrive here eventually." the President remarked.

"Yes but Sir, may I just..." ZhenKang said before getting interrupted by the President.

"How many times do I need to remind you, this girl doesn't need any executive protection, from what I heard as well as looked, she looks like type who can handle herself pretty effectively..." the President replied in an stern tone.

"Look think about it...the fact that she's quite known here in Baltikum, especially among desperate teenage junkies who have nothing better to do other than watching her vids...If something were to happen to her, we would be liable and held accountable for this to happen in our territory...Please Sir, at least let an unmarked escort watch over her in a discreet manner?" the White House Chief of Staff begged.

After having a short moment of thinking, the President let ZhenKang's request come through, nodding in the process.

"Ok, people, get back to work...dismissed." he finally said, the waiting game could just begin.

A few hours had passed and the Achkaerinese car finally reached one of the entrances to the White House at a check point, which was guarded by members of the Uniformed Secret Service, taking their duties seriously considering they would be one of the President's last lines of defence. "Good Day Sir and Mams, may I see appropriate identification papers please..." one of the guards asked, while the car was checked under with a twistable mirror for any explosives and a dog sniffer checking for any other substances.

Meanwhile, the President had just received the news of their arrival and made sure that the Oval Office looked presentable. ZhenKang was supposed to greet and meet them from the main entrance of the building.

"Good day to the entire Walker family, I'm White House Chief of Staff gu ZhenKang, and welcome to Baltikum! Or at least the half of it...if you want to really get to know the entire country if one has the time, head over to the Shangri-La peninsula, just across the Illumic channel...that's where I'm from and it's definitely recommendable. In any case we're glad that you've been chosen to lead the interviews and we hope that they shall be conducted with efficiency and comfort for all parties involved. I know that Mr. Walker here will discuss with the President, Mrs. Walker will have a lovely chat with me and the senior staff and you ms. Walker...well, you have your own style of doing things which is fine by us. Please follow me as we're now heading up the Oval office..."

Sooner or later theyr reached the Presidential office where Lavaud took them with much passion and enthusiasm, alongside tea/coffee and various goodies already prepared on the table for Mr. Walker and himself, greeting them in the process as well. "So what's the overall first impressions of the Legendary Walker family hehe? I apologise for any inconvenient traffic mess that is caused by the ongoing restoration of the roads, pipelines and similar sorts, but as everyone knows it's important to maintain...at least the White House had its facelift precisely done before you showed up!"

Achkaerin · « **Reply #2 on:** March 04, 2018, 06:35:55 PM »

Tommy and Sarah glanced around, it seemed a fairly good place appearance wise but this was after all about far more than the appearances of buildings. Kelly was standing a little more nervously this was far from what she was used to, yes being the daughter of an ambassador probably had some bearing at University but with the exception of various occasions in Northfort she wasn't much of a visitor to the corridors of power.

"Mr President you'll forgive us if we cut straight to the chase as it were." Tommy said "Our responsibility today is to vet this nation as best we can and then make a recommendation to LISA, if that recommendation raises questions with the LISA Council then a representative of your country may be called upon to answer questions before the Council. However if we're able to present a compelling case for your admission into LISA with a suitably solid wall of evidence then the process will very likely go a whole lot smoother. We intend to do this by launching what we call a three pronged attack as it were, I will talk to you, Sarah will talk to your Chief of Staff and other officials and Kelly will get on her skateboard and, provided she can remember to not film too much, go and get a feel for your country from the people, we'll conduct all three parts at the same time this way we get the best picture."

Tommy paused for a few moments
"However before that starts there are two things we'd like to clear up while we're all here - first is there anything about LISA that you wish to know? Second, in your application letter you state I'm aware of my recent controversial actions which might have jeopardized the application process as it directly affects some of the respected member states in particular. Can you clarify what that refers to?" he asked

The Young Pope · « **Reply #3 on:** March 04, 2018, 06:47:20 PM »

"It's alright, I wouldn't jumping straight into the 'action' so to say...Well before all of us head into different directions, I'll of course adress these concerns. Yes, first of all what is it exactly that LISA requires from a member state? I mean all of us involved in the application process have read what the organisation stands for and what the privileges as well as the duties that one is bestowed upon, however it's always reassuring to hear in spoken word from those who know what's truly going on so to say. Like in the Baltic application letter, this country is willing to provide any necessary support, from financial to military as well as humanitarian aid.

Secondly...hehe, yes am just concerned that my previous stances regarding the Heyran-Himejam conflict regarding Nurashima/Barnacle Island might make some of the LISA members unsettled and think highly suspicious of Baltic foreign policy, which I more than lively sprouted out during my presidential campaign years when. Which is why I would like to reassure the LISA that one shouldn't worry, I've learned how to take it easy on the words regarding that international issue, after all as every sensible government official I wish to have a peaceful solutiom to this mess that's currently ongoing in the Morish. With that in mind...What's the current stance of the LISA if I may ask?"

With that said, the President waited for the Achkaerinese Family's reaction as well as hoping that the answers were satisfiable for now.

Achkaerin · « **Reply #4 on:** March 04, 2018, 07:28:39 PM »

"Generally respect the obligations of the charter, respect international law and conventions, don't air your disagreements with other members in public unless there's no alternative, don't inflame situations and for the most part don't start threatening anybody." Tommy said, he was paraphrasing but that was more or less what LISA expected of its membership "Now as to your second question LISA presently has no position on the matter because it has not been discussed. However it is a tricky situation not helped by inflammation of the situation. When LISA discus's this I would expect an informative debate resulting in a carefully crafted suggestion, probably because the histories of the LISA states is what it is. But as the Himeyaman Premier is due for talks with Achkaerin's Emperor we'll see what happens.

So shall we get started?"

The Young Pope · « **Reply #5 on:** March 04, 2018, 07:40:46 PM »

"Indeed we shall, alright Gu, think you know what to do with Mrs. Walker and Ms. Walker may leave this building and venture into her own little adventure, have fun and good luck meeting the average Balt." The White House Chief of Staff escorted the wife into his office while the husband remained in the Oval office with the President, being asked to sit on the couch opposite Lavaud's while the daughter was going to have an interesting time ahead, out in the busy concrete jungle.

"Please Mr. Walker don't hesitate to eat and drink as much as you need, as you can see I've arranged some goodies which aren't of the sweet-tooth type. Ok...so, what would you like to ask first?" The President asked while pouring cups of either tea or coffee for both of them, snagging a Shangri-Lanian custard tart and cucumber sandwhich in the process.

Achkaerin · « **Reply #6 on:** March 05, 2018, 07:20:22 PM »

Out front of the building Kelly double checked the map on her phone, it did after all help if she knew where she was going. Her skateboard sat at her feet, satisfied with where she was going she slipped on her shades and baseball cap before pushing off on her board. She never really had trouble when it came to talking to people but usually that was about things other than today's subject matter. So she'd go off and do her thing for the afternoon and then compare notes with her parents later.

In the Chief of Staff's office Sarah was taking her time she had the more difficult task, she had to vet not the country but the leaders. Being behind closed doors would hopefully allow for honesty and frankness, she turned to Gu
"Let's start with something simple, can you explain a little about how Baltikum's political system works?" Sarah asked

As for Tommy he was the one with the easy job he sat opposite the President, it was simple enough he had to figure out the various positions of the country on some issues. So first things first test the waters
"What problems and concerns does Baltikum think need to be addressed internationally and why?" Tommy asked

The Young Pope · « **Reply #7 on:** March 05, 2018, 10:50:36 PM »

Making sure that the door was fully closed, Gu sat down with Mrs. Walker where he has his office desk, who became glad upon hearing the simplicity of the first question.

"Oh well if you don't mind this will take a couple of minutes to make a good summary, I'll try my best hehe, ok here we go...

Baltikum is a federation and representative democracy, 'in which majority rule is tempered by minority rights protected by law', composed of 25 states, 1 federal district as well as several uninhabited island possessions. The government is regulated by a system of checks and balances defined by the Baltic Constitution, which serves as the country's supreme legal document. In the Baltic federalist system, citizens are usually subject to three levels of government: federal, state, and local. The local government's duties are commonly split between county and municipal governments. In almost all cases, executive and legislative officials are elected by a plurality vote of citizens by district. There is no proportional representation at the federal level, and it is rare at lower levels.

The federal government is thus composed of three branches:

Legislative: The bicameral Congress, made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives, makes federal law, declares war, approves treaties, has the power of the purse, and has the power of impeachment, by which it can remove sitting members of the government.
Executive: The President is the commander-in-chief of the military, can veto legislative bills before they become law (subject to Congressional override), and appoints the members of the Cabinet (subject to Senate approval) and other officers, who administer and enforce federal laws and policies.
Judicial: The Supreme Court and lower federal courts, whose judges are appointed by the President with Senate approval, interpret laws and overturn those they find unconstitutional.

The House of Representatives has 435 voting members, each representing a congressional district for a two-year term. House seats are apportioned among the states by population every tenth year. The Senate has 100 members with each state having four senators, elected at-large to six-year terms; one-third of Senate seats are up for election every other year. The President serves a four-year term and may be elected to the office no more than twice. The President is not elected by direct vote, but by an indirect electoral college system in which the determining votes are apportioned to the states and the District of Cornucopia. The Supreme Court, led by the Chief Justice, has nine members, who serve for life.

The state governments are structured in roughly similar fashion. The governor (chief executive) of each state is directly elected. Some state judges and cabinet officers are appointed by the governors of the respective states, while others are elected by popular vote.

Too much information at once, further explanation or clarificcation Mrs.?..."

While Gu was having fun reciting everything he had to prop his brain with to be able to reach his level of position he was currently holding, President Lavaud had to precisely tell Mr. Walker what the point of Baltikum's existence was all about.

"Well truth be told I could have made up some fancy lie about the poor single moms and their children all over Mundus but nah worrying about their own futures, I mean not saying that no one cares about them or anything...it's just that us Balts truly do believe that the most pressing issues are those that aren't directly connected to us in any form at all, because we do have big hearts...You see, conflicts such as the ongoing Phuebran Civil War or the Lakzhov-Utman Conflict...based on tragic sectarian details such as ethnicity and religion, have an impact on not just within their confined spaces but also the International scene, affecting each and everyone of us in so many ways as possible, from political and social to the economical.
I'd say in this age of what is to be of reason and logic conflicts such as these no matter how complicated they are should be stopped at all costs taking into account to both sides of the same story unless specific reasons prevent it from so, as well as trying to prevent these from occuring in the first place. God...haven't we the citizens of Mundus learned anything from our bloody past?, the same patterns repeating itself over and over again...I would also like to mention the Heyran-Himeyaman dispute regarding Nurashima/Barnacle, it would be indeed tragic if this got way worse than it currently is and I stand by my reasons previously, as they're also applied here. All of us no matter what colors and creeds we're made of should instead cooperate, work and strive hard together to achieve in the long run a Mundus in a much better shape than it currently is and what I would tell my future son or daughter, patting him or her on the shoulder and proudly exclaiming that 'This is what the Correct and Honest definition of Mundus..."

President Lavaud, feeling satisfied with his first answer took a quick sip from the coffee, needing some liquid to moisturise the throat and prepare once more to speak...

Achkaerin · « **Reply #8 on:** March 06, 2018, 11:29:39 PM »

Sarah nodded, this was the sort of system she'd expected, executive, legislative and judicial. Separation of Powers.

"So I presume from that explanation that if Baltikum were offered the opportunity to join LISA that there would have to be legislation? How confident would you in that instance?" she asked

Meanwhile Tommy was thinking about his next question, Lavaud seemed to have a fair understanding of the situations.

"The nature of the office you hold Mr President is that someday someone else will sit in that chair. Though I hope not for a while yet." Tommy said "So when that time comes what do you hope to pass on to your successor?"

The Young Pope · « **Reply #9 on:** March 07, 2018, 08:11:34 AM »

"Ms. Walker, I have to say that I'm quite overly confident that the Senate would ratify Baltikum's agreement with the LISA membership, considering us National Democrats have the severe majority, as well as in the House. You have to understand moreover that Baltikum, like our dear neighbour and as we like to call 'Little Brother' Heyra, is foremost a dominant one-party state, created not through tyranny and fake democratic means, it's quite the opposite in fact. In the end, it's the citizens themselves who decide all of this in the ballot box in other words; the United Progressives or opposition, no matter how small are still in existence. I just wanted to add on to your question for further clarification and hope that is dispelled any misunderstandings and concerns regarding democracy in Baltikum." Gu replied.

Lavaud didn't really what to answer but gave it a shot anyway. "Well to be frank Mr. Walker, I haven't gone around thinking about what legacy I would like to pass on to my successor, after all it has only gone 1 year of my 4 or possibly 8 years in Power, so can't give you a pleasing answer sadly. However if I had to stress one thing that my successor needed to pay extra attention to, is to be willing to serve this country and her people, especially the majority, not see this position as an opportunity to only abuse and let others suffers...at the same time ensuring that the voice of the minority's heard. This is why our political system's composed like this as a 'pure' democracy according to our reasoning wouldn't bode well in the long run, in respect to those nation's who've implemented it otherwise; First-past-the-post Congress elections and an indirect election of the Commander-in-Chief throughan Electoral College fully illustrate that.

In any case Mr. Walker, I would actually want to inform you later on in the future perhaps, once my term's over and give you an improved answer, if it so pleases you..."

Achkaerin · « **Reply #10 on:** March 08, 2018, 06:56:09 PM »

Tommy raised an eyebrow an interesting and strange choice of words there from the President, he mentally noted it down for later. He also decided he'd have to make sure this President got sent a copy of Donna Steele's On Democracy book, the Achkaerinese Senate's early days were perhaps the best illustration of democracy in both action and style. The introduction of political parties had shattered that ideal though, he thought for a moment it was time to get a little more direct.

"Does Baltikum have any problems with following international laws and Treaties?" Tommy asked, it probably seemed a stupid question but there was method to it, many international crises if not all had a legal element somewhere, it was important to know that potential LISA allies weren't just going to tear up the rule book.

In the other office Sarah was also musing on the intrigue, now she had to go places where she didn't really like going but it had to be done.

"Tell me about President Levaud." she said

The Young Pope · « **Reply #11 on:** March 08, 2018, 09:44:01 PM »

President Lavaud almost sprouted out his coffee upon hearing that funny question. "Haha, you got me good there Mr. Walker...that question is certainly interesting. My answer to that would be that I'm fairly certain the Baltic Republic doesn't have any problems at all following international laws and treaties, unlike a certain holy person down south who apparently didn't have a problem at all breaking a deal with another nation after just a few weeks, in respect to this said holy person. Now as to not only take my word for granted, let me just ask a few people, if you don't mind?

Lavaud simpy stood up from the couch and the first thing he did was to head to the door, slowly open it and ask the SS agent stationed to it. "Bob if you got a few seconds got something to ask...Does Baltikum have any problems with following international laws and Treaties?" Bob the SS agent at first looked confused, before saying "No, sir?"

"Very good answer Bob, very good indeed and for that you shall receive a raise, continue standing sentry, thanks." Lavaud ended with a smile before shutting the door and before returning to Mr. Walker, went up to the desk and dialed the service line. "Linda my dear secretary, if you got a few seconds, there's something critical I need to ask...Does Baltikum have any problems with following international laws and treaties?...No? A perfect answer Linda, truly it is, a raise to you as well. Alright, thanks and get back to work..."

Lavaud hung up the phone and proceeded to return to Mr. Walker and the beloved coffee. "As you can see my peculiar Achkaerinese interogator, two people confirmed what I just told you, if you want we could go out and ask any random bystander and give them their answer. I'm serious, that's a good question to ask people in general, really does wonders for the government transparency and societal trust."

"Lavaud?...Well..." Quite a question to ask, but like the bossman said as long as it didn't endanger national security.

"Now some of the things I might say sound, how should I put it...unconventional. You see Lavaud is described hy his political rivals and enemies as utterly ruthless and Machiavellian, and is willing to commit any crime, including murder, to further his goal of attaining power, a sociopath, "pure evil" even. *Laughs* I mean these fantasies that they can utter...sure, Lavaud may come across as quite strict, orderly, disciplined and all of those characteristics...that would describe the ultimate leader that this country elected him to office and deserves. Trust me when I say that he's as reliable and dependable as a devout Catholic priest who despite being tortured in any way possible wouldn't never 'squeal about any person's sins' if you get my drift Mrs. Walker. He only wants what's best for this country as well as for the entirety of Mundus; his legislative achievements, in respect to our party always holding a mjority in both chambers has been without par these past few years, as well as signing new agreements, take the the one with East Moreland...all of that under just one year.

As a bit of trivia if you decide to spend a day with him, it becomes clear that the President both literally and figuratively uses meat as his metaphor of choice. He may begin a day with a celebratory rack of ribs, because "I'm feelin' hungry today!", and he depicts his life with meat metaphors. For example, he describes me with such a grudging admiration: "He’s as tough as a two-dollar steak" and sometimes plans to destroy an enemy the way "you devour a whale. One bite at a time". He also endures a tedious weekly meeting with House leaders, as he tells the rest of us, by "[imagining] their lightly salted faces frying in a skillet." A charming fellow Lavaud is truly...perhaps life's all about that juicy steak we're all craving once in a while, hehehe....Perhaps you'd like to discuss with the VP for a change?"

Achkaerin · « **Reply #12 on:** March 08, 2018, 11:41:11 PM »

"With respect Mr President" Tommy said "I'll let my daughter provide the confirmation of that." he was mildly amused by the mannerisms of the President, but he had a job to do and he was going to do it. He thought for a few moments determining the next question

"Where does Baltikum see itself in ten years time?" he asked

In the other room Sarah sighed, had no one taught this guy the basic principle of character testimony? Don't joke about negatives and don't do the subject down. Still she wasn't done with that thought and there were other opportunities, still she had her baseline points she knew the system and she knew a character baseline of the President now for her real move.

"I think it's time I met the rest of the cabinet." Sarah said

The Young Pope · « **Reply #13 on:** March 09, 2018, 08:07:29 AM »

"In ten years I'd hope to see the Baltic Republic where artists paint, philosophers philosophize, musicians play, sportspeople do, entrepreneurs undertake, scientists scientize, engineers engineer, inventors invent and everyone and everything else...more livlier and passionate than ever before. That is if everything during my hypotehtical 8 year term goes as planned and comes to fruition. If not, all the details would of course need to be adopted as we the Baltic people embark upon this journey under my cabinet's determined leadership as well as ambitions...all of these would be shared equally with the Baltic Republic's allies and friends." President Lavaud answered.

"Your wish is to be granted Ms. Walker, let me escort you to the cabinet meeting room. The Chief of Staff and the female interogator made their way through the narrow hall ways and corridors, passing by the hundreds of administrative staff, kept busy by the ongoing demands that this country put on them. Gu opened slowly but surely the door, and as it was halfway open the room was buzzling with activity from all cabinet members, it was when Vice President Lavaud noticed who appeared at the door that everyone else stopped what they were doing and stood up from their seats.

"Mrs. Walker, I'm Vice President Gabriel Pomeroy, it'll be the privilege to answer any question you may have..."

Everyone else presented themselves...Secretary of State
Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of Defense, Attorney General, Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Labor, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Education, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Secretary of Homeland Security, Trade Representative, Director of National Intelligence, Ambassador to the AKO, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and Administrator of the Small Business Administration.

Pomeroy showed where she would sit around the table, drawing it out for her before returning to his own seat. "So...shall we commence?"

Achkaerin · « **Reply #14 on:** March 10, 2018, 03:47:48 PM »

Sarah took a file from her bag and handed it to Gu who was stood next to wear she was sitting
"Can you see that photocopies of this are made so that everyone here would have one please?" she asked, Gu nodded and went to deal with it while Sarah turned back to the Cabinet, things would get interesting shortly when the copies were made and handed out, she paused deciding on her approach, while also sending her husband a text message which simply read On Your Marks.

"While we wait for the copies of those folders let me ask a question." Sarah said "Most of you have a role to play in policy making, those of you that don't have roles to play in implementing it or defending the country. So my question is this and I'd appreciate answers from the relevant people - what are your priorities for the current governmental term?"

Tommy smiled when he read Sarah's message this was going well now, they were almost ready for the main event everything so far had been about getting a baseline and fact finding. They'd timed this well hadn't they? Sarah was sitting down with the cabinet just as Tommy was wrapping things up with the President, they were right on schedule. But there were still two questions Tommy had left and he knew he had the time to ask them.

"This country as it presently stands was established following Communist rule in 1992. Is there any ill will in that regard?" Tommy asked, before pausing for a moment "Also if Baltikum was an animal which one would it be and why?"

The Young Pope · « **Reply #15 on:** March 10, 2018, 05:55:45 PM »

Spoiler: Cabinet members answering • show

As the unofficial members of the cabinet were about to speak, Gu ZhenKang managed to return in time with the copies, "My apologies Mrs. Walker, technical problems hehe, nothing one can do about it right away. In any case, I hope my colleagues' answers satisfied you quite well."

President Lavaud took a short pause to think about the extra set of questions, especially the last one before responding. "Truth be told, if one gets to know a typical Balt, which is that he truly despises everything authoritarian governments stand for, those adhering to either fascist or communist ideologies belong to the same pile of crap if I were to put it bluntly. This is why Mr. Walker, why the opposition has never managed so far to attain a leading role in this country, even if they're not communist, too much Socialism is heavily associated as well...Baltikum is also one of the most politically incorrect countries in Mundus and I dare say so in a proud manner, no longer should one be afraid to speak one's mind, a chance that some might get offended or should I say more appropriately 'Triggered'.

As for your more humorous question, Baltikum would assume the form of an mockingjay, a symbol of rebellion and hope, which originated from the communist times. The Communist regime always considered the mockingjay to be a sign of rebellion because they not only failed to kill off this bird, but the bird itself turned into something that the resistance could use effectively for the righteous cause. The mockingjay symbol was used by the Reistance as a sign or way of communication to the other. Rebelling people would bake the bird symbol into breads, crackers, and other things that could easily be eaten or hidden quickly, still continuing til' this day. The mockingjay became a sign a of resistance, a sign of uprising, a sign of hope, a sign of the politically incorrect; all of that symbolism fits well in the previous question...I may add that other prominent symbols used during our righteous resistance include the infamous Mockingjay Whistle, *Demonstrates* oh those commie bastards when they heard it at the start of an ambush hahaha, the three-finger salute, now in offical government use...and one of our patriotic songs, The Hanging Tree, the amount of fire it inspired in our hearts, when the communists enforced a ban on it in all spheres of life, it...it...Oh I'm sorry, this all makes me quite emotional, I do hope you understand well."

President Lavaud said, almost felling a tear while the song was played in the laptop until it finished; he and many in government like the VP were part of the resistance in their younger days, making many sacrifices that would in turn liberate Baltikum from the red plague once and for all.

Achkaerin · « **Reply #16 on:** March 11, 2018, 05:37:26 PM »

Another message popped up on Tommy's phone this one read Set. It was time then, so far the answers had painted one picture now it was time to see what happened when a curveball was thrown at them.
"If you'll come with me Mr President." Tommy said "It's time for the main event as it were."

Tommy and Levaud made their way down to the cabinet room once they stepped inside they saw Sarah distributing copies of the folders to the various cabinet members, she made sure to hand the last one to Levaud.
"Have you told them?" Tommy asked
"Just about to." Sarah said
"We timed this well then." Tommy said, Sarah nodded and walked to the foot of the table

"Ladies and Gentlemen you form the government of this nation, so far we have asked questions and you have provided answers those answers have given us an impression of this nation that will form part of the recommendation we have to make to LISA. Now there is one more thing we are going to present you with." Sarah said "Every so often Achkaerin's government, military and intelligence agencies engage in what we term an Emergency Response Exercise or ERE. These are scenario's usually generated from the imaginations of a specific trio of generals who likely have too much time on their hands when they're off duty. They combine historical elements with possibilities for whatever scenario they pose. So far we know your words but not your actions when put under pressure, so we're going to conclude today with this.

If you'll open the folders you'll find all the information you need. Your scenario is this - a Communist sympathizing group has threatened to release an unspecified agent into your countries water supply if you don't let a Baltikum flight destined for Mountjoy take off, the flight is the suspected departure route of an agent carrying a sensitive package, the precise nature of which is unknown so it could be anything. There are as you'll see in your documents five flights from Baltikum to Mountjoy, you have one objective - resolve the hypothetical situation. You can take whatever action you want but actions will obviously have consequences, you have at your disposal all of the assets Baltikum normally has we've also included in your assets an Achkaerinese Kryptonite Class frigate."

Tommy glanced at his watch, they weren't timing it but it was helpful to keep an eye on things.
"You can ask for clues and we'll tell you if any action has a reaction." Tommy said, they'd dropped the odd hint already "Good luck."

The Young Pope · « **Reply #17 on:** March 11, 2018, 07:59:29 PM »

"Well you heard our guests, get to work people, chop chop!" the President exclaimed, sitting down with his cabinet and started discussing the potential solutions.

"Just a few things that needs to be said" the President said to the couple, "It's completely unrealistic and impossible for some communist punks to hold an entire nation at ransom, there's no way for anyone to slip some agent into our water supply when they're heavily secured and locked up. One of the golden rules is to never negotiate with terrorists no matter how dangerous they are, in the end they'll just backstab you as always and that's what the red regime did, promise but in the last moment it's the opposite. I think the most sensible options are to alert the Mountjoy authorities, if possible find the designated passenger on those flights and apprehend him/her or if not all five are to be grounded from lifting; the Baltic republic shall be enlightened regarding the threats through public announcements, as well trying to uncover their true identities with the help of intelligence services and yadda yadda. If somehow a certain agent would tamper the water supply, we got the necessary filtration tools to sort that problem...so what if innocents die? It's part of war against terrorists and war in general...Don't make this the final, am just laying out the first so-called solutions...I mean communists trying to challenge the might of an anti-communist nation? Good luck I'd tell them in the end..."

After the President had his say the rest of the cabinet were kept quiet, waiting for the guests' response.

Achkaerin · « **Reply #18 on:** March 11, 2018, 11:35:46 PM »

"You fool." Sarah said "Let me tell you something, scenario's like this when they're drawn up are designed to simulate realistic circumstances, you think the authors of it wouldn't have assumed high security or filtration? Of course they did, so believe me when I tell you that it's entirely possible for this to happen, I guarantee your intelligence directors and your national security advisor know how this is possible and if you can't figure it out Mr President I respectfully suggest you look up Shadows of Mundus that should tell you precisely the premise on which such a situation is based, so rather than grandstanding ask the question "How did that happen?"

You do well with the idea of not negotiating with terrorists but your manner in regards to civilian casualties is troubling added to which you're letting your anti-communist sentiments rule your head and that pride of yours while commendable is what is proving your undoing here. Put that to one side and reassess it. Take our advice and think outside the box a little."

The Young Pope · « **Reply #19 on:** March 11, 2018, 11:50:10 PM »

After President Lavaud, calmed down, he spoke once more. "Well what about alerting the Moutnjoy authorities, as well as finding out the who the agent is taking one of the 5 flights to Mountjoy, put a few CIA agents in that specific flight tailgaiting him/her and once in Mountjoy and cooperating with the equivalent intelligence agency bust them once and for all before the situation becomes critical, if said package could contain some sort of explosive? A bit of controversial interrogation thrown into the mix and in no time one were to get valuable info as to where these communists are hiding, their members etc."

Achkaerin · « **Reply #20 on:** March 17, 2018, 07:56:03 PM »

"I'd say we're done." Sarah said "Wouldn't you?"
"Yes I would." Tommy said, there would be no comment from either of them on how the exercise had gone although it was reasonably well in truth. "Mr President, Mr Vice President, Ladies and Gentlemen, we thank you for taking part in this interview process. We'll now collect our daughter from wherever she's been talking to people and then make our recommendation to the LISA Council. Depending on what happens in that meeting your government will either be accepted into LISA or your application will be rejected or a government representative will be requested to answer some questions to clarify things. I would suggest you send your potential LISA representative to the organisations headquarters because if you're accepted then it will allow the organisation to move onto the next matter of business it needs to discuss as quickly as possible."

The Young Pope · « **Reply #21 on:** March 17, 2018, 08:13:29 PM »

President Lavaud gulped as he first turned his attention towards his cabinet before directing it to the couple. "Well am glad that you took the time to come over here and conduct this visit as well as doing your proper, respectful jobs. If you may..." As the President led them out of the meeting room, everyone inside let out their heavy breathing, it seemed that the worst was over and everyone was praying and hoping that it was worth all of the 'trouble' so to say. "Your daughter should be back with us pretty soon" he said, while they returned to the oval office, "I'm sure the citizens gave her all the answers that was required from her...In any case, as much as it's common sense that you're getting outta here as soon as she returns, is there anything else you wish to be seen done before ending this visit?"

"Oh God *panting*, I think we need...we need...can't...Gah, open the bloody windows...someone dammit!" one of the ministers frantically tried to continue.

Vice President Pomeroy picked up one of the phones. "We need Ice-, yes Ice, a lot of ice...FAST! I think we're dying over here...!"

Achkaerin · « **Reply #22 on:** March 19, 2018, 11:15:12 PM »

"No there's nothing else we need to discuss, we'll just go get our daughter and then we'll be on our way." Tommy said "As we've said you'll be hearing from LISA soon."

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Author Topic: LISA Interviews Baltikum (Read 4631 times)