Chapter 18: Plotting

Location: Chau Sara Province

That same time…

Sitting within the darkness, the dark-haired man was bathed by the light of the computer monitor. Tapping the buttons on the keyboard in front of him, he connected himself to his associates.

"We have matters in need of discussion," he stated.

"What could be so important that you had to call this meeting?"

The voice was heavily distorted, though the irritation still managed to be conveyed by the owner.

"A group of emissaries hailing from the Kingdom of Acorn have arrived in the Terran Republic."

"What do these vermin want?" a female voice demanded.

Despite being unseen, the woman's voice alone was enough to convey her air of superiority.

"According to the report filed by Admiral Gaskaville; they're attempting to persuade the Prime Minister into joining an alliance."

"Bah! Like we need to be dragged into their problems," another woman stated.

He was aware of the Mobians ongoing struggle against the Eggman Empire, and that they likely sought to involve them.

"As if we need anymore of their kind within our great country."

"Speak for yourself," the woman snarled, "Things we're better under the Confederacy."

"You'll find few willing to share that opinion."

"We could use this to our advantage," he announced.

"In what way, General?"

"What better way to force out the Mobians then by turning the population against them."

"You have a plan then?" inquired the second woman.

"The National Assembly, in its current form, will force the Prime Minister to put the Ambassador's proposal to a vote. We must make our move before that can be allowed to take place."

"And how exactly are we supposed to accomplish that?" another male demanded.

"Director Cauley, I want surveillance to be placed on the Ambassador."

As Director of the Internal Security Division, Tamsen Cauley could reassign and redistribute personnel without raising suspicions. He was an amoral individual, having established a military squadron that had conducted Black Ops assassinations and espionage. That squadron had gone AWOL, prompting him to utilize Neural Resocialization to ensure loyalty.

"I'll reassign Delta Unit for that task."

"Good. We need to know her whereabouts at any given time."

"You still haven't explained your plan, General."

"The plan, Mr. Thackeray, requires the cooperation of Humanity First."

"For what purpose?" he inquired.

"You must stall the National Assembly, at least until we've managed to acquire the Ambassador."

"And exactly how am I supposed to accomplish that?"

"By informing the Prime Minister that you're willing to hear out the Ambassador."

"Are you mad!? Humanity First will never listen to the words of a Mobian."

"Then convince them," the General said, "But delay yourselves so that we might bide our time."

Despite not seeing the face of Aldred Thackeray, he knew that the political leader of Humanity First was frowning in disapproval.

"Fine, but I do so under protest."

"Noted and disregarded. You'll do as you've been instructed."

Thackeray hissed in annoyance, but otherwise stilled his tongue on making any complaints. Intending to continue speaking, the ring of the General's mobile immediately silenced him. Studying the number, he realized that their clandestine meeting would have to come to an end.

"It would appear that we must call it a day," he stated.

Dismissing the group chat, he rose to his feet and made his way to the outside of the building. He emerged from the log cabin, greeted by the surrounding wilderness of the mountain. With the mobile still ringing, the General waste no more time in answering the device.

"Mister Prime Minister, how can I help you today."

"General Mendenhall, you've no doubt heard that we've been visited by a group of emissaries."

"I saw the report filed by Admiral Gaskaville."

"It turns out that one of the Ambassador's companion would like to recover one their aircrafts."

"And you want an IFF beacon."

"So long as that's not too much trouble."

"Nonsense. I'll requisition a pair of beacons and have them to you the next time I'm at Government House."

"Much appreciated."

Hanging up, General Mendenhall waked away from the cabin and stared out across the landscape. In terms of population, Chau Sara was considered small, being comparable the agricultural provinces. The metropolis of Los Andreas was spread out below, which was the largest in the province. The Ambassador's arrival was truly a gift, and they could use it to further the agenda of Humanity First.