The Hegemony held an emergency meeting after Brazil's death. The Jaguar was the Hegemony's main representative for South America and his elimination from the war could hamper their plans in the New World.
Serpent rolled her eyes. "As I said, don't send a boy to do a woman's job. I'll have to shoulder South America for now, if that is your plan, Bear and Dragon"
The Bear scratched his chin. "Indeed. You will have to fend for yourself for now, especially given that the Elk is going to be busy with their own part of the plan. Are the hostages ready?"
Elk nodded. "All is falling into place. The blood of two empires will raise the king of the giants and give the Hegemony a very powerful army to command"
"How do we know we can control them?" asked Crane.
"We have studied the ancient ways" said Dragon. "We also have among our lower ranks some deserters from Gaea's armies, such as the Gegenees and the Gemini. They have informed us on how to raise Porphyrion for our own use. There is no risk, no, Peacock?"
Iran ruffled. "When can we dispense with these silly codenames? Yes, I have the magic down to a science. Call it thaumaturgy if you want something fancy-sounding. England and Spain will bleed to raise the giants, as you well know that we polisaiads are said to be between the gods and the demigods. We will not only raise a more powerful army of giants, they will also be completely at our service. A shame Brazil failed on his end"
"No matter, it is all according to plan," said Dragon. "South America has never, and will never, be an important theatre in a world conflict. What we were really hoping for has happened: The nations of South America have torn themselves apart and will be of no use for the allies to recruit with their power of friendship bullshit"
"A scorched earth policy," noted Bear.
"There's still a matter of new membership," Iran pointed out. "There's a reason there's seven of us in the Inner Council"
"There is a replacement already," said China. "A long-suffering family of mine,"
The replacement stepped out of the shadows, much to the shock of the other members.
"Surely, you jest," said Crane. "This is asking for self-destruction"
"Do not fear, Crane," said Dragon. "He is more than ready to take his place in the Hegemony. After all, there's only one thing he wants. Isn't that right, my son?"
The new nation nodded.
"I want to be whole"