Emmerich hated this. He wanted to bang his head against the desk or the wall or something. But that would raise more questions. The last thing they needed was more questions. Or of the Acting First Minister to start acting insane.
He was waiting in the conference room adjacent to his office. He'd just finished one meeting. There was no point in leaving since he would just have to come back. He rubbed his forehead. Why did he get this job again? Oh yes, because Mina Jinn knew he would do what needed to be done. Well that was just great. Because right now what needed to be done was building a nation from scratch.
The "Government" consisted of mostly low level staffers being appointed to ministers posts. There were a few old COG personnel but they were few and far between. They had the new constitution as a framework but no foundation to ground them.
They had no Octus Canon, no tomb of the Allfathers, nor the Unknowns. What was he meant to rally people around? Right now they might be happy just going to work and going back to their temporary homes. But what about once the Settlement was built? What would being in the COG mean? If the COG was to survive it would need to draw people to it or risk fragmenting.
Emmerich rested his head in his hands. They needed direction. A guide for their people to live by. The Allfathers had picked eight principles for each citizen to live by. He called up the opening lines on his PDA.
I am responsible for myself and my actions; I shall conduct myself honorably, and live a clean and frugal life. I have responsibilities to my fellow citizens. I shall be loyal to them, and humble, because we are elements of a greater whole, and without them I am nothing, I have responsibilities to our society; I shall understand and respect my place in it, defend it, and work to make it prosperous, so that I may receive society's protection, and that we may hand on safety and prosperity to future generations.
Nice and broad about responsibility and building for the future. That was going to be key. This was going to be a long game. Right now they were planning till next year. But once things got stable they would be planning for the next five years.
He sent a request over to the Ministry of Propaganda asking for some draft speeches. Writing from scratch would take longer than he could spare so he would need to tweak what they sent. They were probably going to use that section anyway but this way he at least got to steer the process.
Next issue on his list, domestic policy. Was he going to keep with Dyer or Jinn's brand of control? Watchers following anyone around who seemed unhappy? Cerfues and bans on gathering? Peacekeepers on every street corner?
No, that tended to put things under far too much pressure. Emmerich had always seen First Minster Stroud's example as good. Set some boundaries but not too tight. The Outsiders had left originally because they feared the COG would constrain them. The events at Settlement 2 proved them right. Emmerich wasn't about to repeat that sort of action. Not if letting people complain outside could avoid it.
So his next issue, the "mission". Emmerich had no plan to actually seek out the relics. But he needed to consider it might become necessary for some reason. From what he had scratched together from reports, briefings and surfing the CCT network no one was bragging about magic lamps. All he found were old fairy tales.
That meant a few things. They were not common knowledge. Otherwise he should have been able to find some hard information. But did that mean they were lost or hidden somewhere waiting to be found? No, Remnants history fragmented as points as old Kingdoms fell and new ones rose. But their records for a few centuries now. If these things were as important as they seemed someone at some point would have recorded it. It's not like someone could keep destroying each record throughout history. That would be ludicrous.
Ok so assume someone or several someones has them. How would they keep them? He tried to think of them like the COG would treat a strategic asset. Likely they were being kept somewhere well hidden. Or at the very least secure, likely with constant guards.
But what matched that sort of thing? On Sera it would be some base in the middle of nowhere. But on Remnant the wild was too chaotic to risk something like that. Wasn't it? Could there be some hidden installation? A village or town perhaps acting as cover?
Perhaps but even then anyone wandering through risked discovering the secret. Be it by overhearing or noticing something strange. Only way to stop it was to prevent the guards from knowing what they were guarding. That meant the information about it must be restricted. So only a small group would know.
So a place that's hidden and or secure. With guards that don't question or don't know that they're guarding something. Along with a small group of people who know the truth running the place? Not much to go on.
He debated asking Myers or Clarke to look into it. How to word it?
I know we're limited both in personnel and resources. But could you have a look for any hidden and secure places. With guards that aren't guarding anything. Oh and who's bosses are suspicious?
That would go well. That and trying to tell anyone about why they were here and that he could see the future. He didn't need to ask the question about how his subordinates would take that news. What sort of padded room would you need for a First Minster? He groaned and slumped back into his seat.
'I'm not interrupting am I?' A voice asked from the end of the table.
Emmerich tilted his head seeing Clarke standing there. She hadn't knocked and Emmerich hadn't heard the door open. For all intents and purposes. His Minister of Security might as well have popped into existence.
'Did they teach you how to do that or is it just a skill?' Emmerich asked. Adjusting his posture to something more befitting his station.
Emmerich thought he was the corners of Clarke's mouth turning about a hair's width upwards. But it could have been a trick of the light.
'I've always been rather quiet even when I'm not trying. The training does help though.' Clarke said.
'So what was so important we needed to bump the...' Emmeerich checked his PDA for his schedule. 'Review of non permanent residents safety.'
'Actually I'm here about that.' Clarke said. Sitting down at the table.
'You're here about that? What does security have to do with working conditions?' Emmerich asked. He sat forward resting his elbows on the table.
'When we think that someone is agitating things.' Clarke said. Taking out her PDA and sending over some files.
Emmerich looked at the information. Reports about workplace disputes, verbal and physical assault, harassment and more.
'This seems higher than we expected. Way higher.' Emmerich said.
Clarke nodded. 'By a large factor. It got flagged by the Internal Security monitoring system. We're not sure but we think that someone has agents here trying to stir up trouble.'
Emmerich looked up from his screen. 'Any ideas or information about who or why?'
Clarke shook her head. 'Nothing solid. Most we've found are your usual easily riled bunch. Wind them upright and point them at something. We're guessing they're being spurred on somehow. Likely over the CCT system'
'Any way to get more access? Try to trace the sources?'
'No our tech and theirs aren't at the point we can do that. We can see from signal activity that the Pearl is relaying more traffic than before. But not its contents.'
'Great. I take it we are monitoring the trouble makers incase anyone feels like being stupid twice?'
'Yes sir. We've got their ID and we passed them to the police system for monitoring. Internal Security is keeping sharp for any other hints that might help.'
'Ok then keep me posted but same as usual if you can't reach me use your best judgement.'
Clarke gave a nod. 'Very good sir. I'll make sure you're apprised of any changes.' She said leaving the room. The door did make some noise as she left. What was that old question again? Something about If a tree falls in the forest. Still at least she was limited to sneaking about how bad things would be if she was telepathic. Emmerich shivered at the thought.
A few hours later Emmerich was trying to sort out his next few days of work. His terminal chipped. It wasn't his normal call sound. He brought up the icon. It was the system that was being used as a stop gap to allow the CCT to talk to COG systems. He tapped accept. A COG staffer appeared on his screen.
'First Minster. We have someone who wants to talk with you.' The staffer said.
'Who is it? One of the councils?' Emmerich asked.
'No it's a Ghira Belladonna, he's the Chieftain of Menagerie, sir.'
'Any idea why he wants to speak with me and not the Foreign Ministry?'
The staffer shook their head. 'He's insistent he needs to speak with you. He's not been rude but has been quite persistent. Given his position I thought best to contact you.'
'Okay. One moment tell him I'll speak with him shortly. You can connect us and I'll be muted for a moment.' Emmerich said.
Emmerich switched his status to observer. He would be able to see and hear but to Ghira it would be a hold screen. He checked his terminal camera view to check his appearance. Not perfect but presentable, bags under the eyes might need some more sleep. He tapped back to the call and saw Ghira waiting for Emmerich to join.
The man was large and clearly quite fit despite his age. Did they have gene treatments here or was being a leader some sort of growth stimulant? Emmerich wondered, recalling Ironwood.
Ghira was wearing a violet robe with white trim, it was open at the front showing a large clump of hair on his broad chest. It gave him a sort of noble warrior appearance. Emmerich looked into his eyes trying to pick out his mind. Worry, concern perhaps a touch of fear? What did he want to discuss?
Emmerich had only held him for a few seconds, no need to be rude. He switched back from observer mode.
'Good Afternoon I'm Acting First Minister Emmerich.' Emmerich said. Nodding politely.
'Good Afternoon to you as well. I'm Ghira Belladonna, Chieftain of Menagerie.' Ghira said. Bowing his head slightly.
'I understand you had a matter that you needed to discuss?' Emmerich said.
Ghira took a breath gathering himself. 'I understand you were attacked by the White Fang during your time in Atlas.'
'I was present during the attack. And the assailant did issue that name during the event.' Emmerich said coolly.
'For what you may consider it worth, I am sorry that you were placed in danger by their actions.' Ghira said solemnly.
Emmerich cocked an eyebrow. He was a high level government official attending an event in a foreign state. Some level of danger was expected. Why else would he have bodyguards?
'Thank you for your concern but the situation was dealt with. Only the attacker suffered lasting injuries.' Emmerich said.
'I understand that you are a reasonable person. But I feel obligated to ask that you be… Lenient with any reprisal against the Faunus.' Ghira said. Looking deflated as he did.
'Reprisals? Why would there be reprisals?' Emmerich asked. Feeling confused.
'You were attacked by the White Fang. They placed your life in danger. Some would feel… validated in acting out against the faunus because of this.' Ghira said. He seemed resigned as though he'd had this conversation before and hated the outcome.
'You're saying you expect me to punish the faunus. Because one person attempted an act of terror of which I could have been a victim? Why?' Emmerich asked.
'Well it's… Normally… Some humans believe the faunus as a whole support the White Fang. So when an event like this happens those humans lash out.' Ghira said. He seemed both confused and at ease with Emmerichs response.
'And the authorities allow it?' Emmerich asked.
Ghira gave a slight shrug. Given his build the motion was still quite large.
'They act but only to prevent larger incidents. Smaller actions tend to be ignored.'
'But how would attacking them help with the situation? The attacker was alone. No one here on the Dragon's Tail could have been involved in any reasonable capacity. More to the point, why are you trying to apologise and ask for leniency? Are you a spokesperson for the White Fang?' Emmerich asked.
Ghira's eyes widened for a moment then he sighed. 'I'm sorry. It slipped my mind that you aren't aware. I led the White Fang for a time.'
'You led a terrorist group?' Emmerich asked deadpan.
'What? No no. During my time as leader the Fang was focused towards organising protests. Trying to help alleviate the suffering of the faunus. But… the Kingdoms were not responsive to our protests. Some started to call for more… direct action. I couldn't support those kinds of actions. But it was clear that those who did were growing in number. I left. And they have become more and more extreme since.' Ghira sighed.
Emmerich looked at the man. He was clearly distressed by the course of events. Despite Ghira's outward appearance being physically powerful he was not loud or brash. He had been the definition of polite and dignified. But he also seemed resigned as though he was trying to hold up a banner in a storm.
'I can assure you that any attempts at reprisal will not be condoned and dealt with swiftly. We won't tolerate such action within our territory that much I can assure you. Human or faunus it makes no difference. Order will be maintained without bias.' Emmerich said firmly.
Ghira blinked for a moment. 'Thank you, it's not often I receive such firm words during these kinds of calls.' Ghira said. He seemed more upbeat now.
'You are more than welcome. Hopefully my comments will remain an assurance. But should it be needed I will stand by my word. The faunus have nothing to fear from the COG or its people.'
'I too hope they remain an assurance. Thank you for your time, First Minister.'
'You are quite welcome Chieftain. Thank you for the added perspective.'
The call ended and Emmerich turned to look out of his office window. Was there anyone who helped with the attack inside the camp? No he couldn't give into paranoia. He had enough enemies waiting in the shadows. No need to start imagining new foes until they had dealt with the current ones.
Inside Ghira's office he sighed and relaxed into his seat.
'That went better than we hoped.' Kali said. Walking around to his side.
Ghira took his wife's hand on his own. 'It did seem to. He seemed more like he was upset at the suggestion he would consider punishing the faunus then anything else.'
'He also took the call rather than put you on hold for hours like the Atlas council did.' Kali added.
'Yes. And even after we waited. They refused to speak with me.' Ghira said. He leaned over resting his head back as Kali rested a hand on his shoulder.
'He seems quite young. But didn't wave his position around. No underhanded comments or even raising his voice.' Kali said.
'Yes. This might be the change we've been hoping for. A new start with no bad blood.' Ghira said. He rose and gave Kali a hug. Normally these sorts of calls left him drained but not today. Today he felt there was a path out of this mire of hate and retaliation.
Blake simmered outside the door peeking in. So what if the new humans claimed they weren't going to punish the faunus unjustly? They could find a way to twist things. They would find a way. An extra check here, a new rule there, until they could trap a faunus and then they would show their true colours.
She didn't know what was worse. That her father had tried to placate the humans or that he was happy they pretended they would be fair. At least Atlas was clear they don't care about anything her father said. The COG was just lying to get them close so it could strike.
Blake had been up each night with Ilia reading the reports from the White Fang on a modded scroll. You could get them free from the market if you knew who to ask. If that heroine had managed to kill Jacques then the humans would have known the fear they deserved. For all the pain and suffering they had caused. But no instead the COG had saved his life and interfered with the attack. Now Atlas was attacking any faunus on the flimsiest of pretexts.
She couldn't take this anymore, she had to act to do something. Ilia and her were going to sign up tonight. They would be off Menagerie before dawn. Off to some training camp on Anima no doubt. She would learn how to fight and show the humans and her parents that the faunus were not weak. That they could defend themselves from humans and strike back. For the suffering and humiliation they had endured for all these years.
Blake had planned to stay for dinner and slip out in the night, but she couldn't stand staying here a moment longer. In this palace whilst everyone else was cammed into shacks. The White Fang was right her parents had betrayed them. They had abandoned the cause and chosen to take comfort over their duty to the faunus. She wasn't going to run, she would set it right and show the world that she won't run from a challenge.