Chapter 36: Backroom Dealing
From aboard the Aleksander, Admiral DuGalle looked down with a frown at the lush verdant planet beneath him. Umoja was a beautiful planet, much like Earth had been centuries ago. But after being tied down here for many weeks, the only thing he felt now was frustration and anger.
"Have we received any additional news?" DuGalle asked his ship's helmsman.
"No, sir," Mr. Malmsteen replied. "The latest reports from Vice Admiral Stukov state that they remain on alert preparing to defend Char. The enemy is expected to attack any day now."
"We cannot afford to continue wasting time here," DuGalle said. "The Kel-Morians were simple enough to handle. But the Umojans, their intransigence and lethargy are intolerable. I am starting to believe there is no more value in attempting to court them. Let them die once we fall and the zerg come for them in the end."
"You do have a meeting with the Prime Minister of Umoja later today sir."
DuGalle sighed. "Minister Jorgensen finally decides to meet with me at last. We shall see whether he has any true intention of working with us. Ready my shuttle, I should prepare for the meeting."
"Minister, your sudden decision to meet with Admiral DuGalle yourself has caused quite a stir within the government." Samuel Hunt, the secretary to the council of ministers of Umoja, said with a look of deep consternation. "Such affairs should be left to the minister of foreign affairs, to undercut him in this matter is rather improper and could jeopardize the carefully managed negotiations."
Minister Jorgensen scoffed at this statement. "The minister of foreign affairs has had weeks to conduct negotiations. Yet he continues to claim to be on the edge of an agreement, blocked only by the UED's intransigence. It has become clear to me that little will be done if I continue to allow the foreign office to handle things."
"Earth is a very dangerous partner to work with," Samuel said. "Their ultimate aim is to dominate the sector, and if we allow them to achieve their aims, we too shall find ourselves swallowed up in the end. One should be careful when inviting a tiger into your home."
"They shall not succeed," Jorgensen said. "Nearly the entire sector is united against them, and their grip over the outer colonies is shaky. Even should they prevail in the coming battle, they will not be in any position to rule the sector."
"If they truly are so weak, then would it not be unwise for us to throw our lot in with them, to tie ourselves to their mast?" Samuel said.
"There is much that they can offer us. Umoja's strength has been built off of being at the forefront of technology in the sector." Jorgensen turned to gaze out the window at the city below. "Yet compared to Earth we are hopelessly behind. They have technologies which are far beyond our capabilities. If we can obtain some of them, we can earn much from the trade. And besides, if their position depends on being propped up by us, we can dispose of them should they become a danger."
"A dangerous gamble for short term profit, that is all it is," Samuel said angrily. "If we miscalculate, then all that we have built here for the past two centuries will be gone in an instant. Every day we allow Earth to hold onto its foothold here is a risk that they will subjugate us all one day. It is the beginning of the end, the thin end of the wedge."
"Enough of your dramatics, Samuel," Jorgensen said. "I have already heard your views on this matter, and I understand your concerns. But I have made my decision. Do you understand?"
He gave a polite nod. "Of course sir."
"Minister Jorgensen, I'm pleased to be able to speak directly with you," DuGalle said. "I was hoping that we can cut through the difficulties we have had in coming to an agreement."
"Yes, I do hope that we can come to an understanding which is mutually agreeable," Jorgensen said.
"After Moria was attacked, Umoja's military has been mobilized, and surely now you see the danger that the zerg and the protoss pose to all of us," DuGalle said. "Our enemies will not respect such diplomatic niceties and if they covet what your people have, they shall come and take it for themselves, destroying this beautiful world you have."
"I do appreciate all that you have done to combat the alien threat," Jorgensen said. "I sincerely hope for your success and I wish to aid you. But things are not so simple for me. Umoja is a democracy you see, our councilors are elected by the people and represent the wishes of our citizens. I serve at their pleasure, and military action must be authorized by the Ruling Council of Umoja. And unfortunately, political realities have created roadblocks for our cooperation. Our people have long been suspicious of your government and your presence here."
"Our purpose here is to defend humanity from the aliens," DuGalle said. "I have already stated that your independence will be respected."
"Many of the people are skeptical," Jorgensen said. "Who can know whether you're telling the truth or not. It is difficult for us to trust, you see."
"What do you want?" DuGalle said with an exasperated sigh.
"A show of sincerity would go a long way to reassuring the people of your intentions," Jorgensen said with a smile. "Anything which can help us strengthen ourselves would be most welcome. After all, we are on the same side here. Perhaps you could share with us some of the technologies that Earth has developed."
DuGalle's jaw clenched for a moment as he stared forward intensely. "I do not have with me the full extent of Earth's technology. Our resources for this expedition were limited as we had to prepare hastily."
Minister Jorgensen gave him a knowing look. "Well then, let us negotiate what sort of technologies you may happen to discover you have. I can foresee us having a productive and beneficial partnership."
Minister Jorgensen stared down Samuel, who continued to stand aloof with an impassive expression. "Care to explain how the press got ahold of a confidential intelligence briefing?"
"I really couldn't tell you," Samuel said with a sad shake of his head. "The briefing was circulated to the offices of all of the ministers before the cabinet meeting that day. It could have been leaked by any of them or their staff."
"You decided to circulate it to all of them," Jorgensen said, his teeth gritted.
"I am but a humble civil servant, carrying out your instructions in accordance with the proper governmental procedures and regulations," Samuel said. "After you came to an agreement of military cooperation with the UED, you called for a cabinet meeting to discuss how the government will be handling the new circumstances it finds itself in. As such, the ministers were all briefed on the military situation and this included intelligence about the military assets of our new allies."
Samuel shook his head slowly and sighed. "Who could have known that the classified briefing would have been leaked. It has been most damaging for the government's plans. Now that the public has become aware that the UED possessed the means to control the zerg, it seems that many have become disinclined toward the idea of Umoja aiding them. Of course, you could try to force through this decision, though that would be quite a courageous choice."
You wanted this," Jorgensen spat. "You had been opposed to this from the very start. Just enough was leaked to make people believe Mengsk's claims that the UED orchestrated the zerg invasions of Korhal and other terran worlds."
"Are you suggesting that I wanted confidential government documents to be leaked?" Samuel's face took on a look of shock. "I would never want such a thing. I'm absolutely appalled that a leak of this magnitude would happen at all."
"We both know where this leak came from," Jorgensen said.
"Do you now?" Samuel replied. "Do you have any evidence?"
Minister Jorgensen scowled as he knew that his cabinet secretary had covered his tracks well.
"We shall see about that," he said. "Leave me."
"As you say," Samuel nodded before exiting the room.
The vote would have to be delayed, the Ruling Council could find some banal topic to debate today. Meanwhile, there was someone he would have to meet with.
Minister Jorgensen was seated at an ornate table with another man as they ate sumptuous food from fine plates. They were the only ones in the room and the restaurant's waiters were standing outside the room, waiting for whenever they would be called on.
"It's been very good chatting with you, John. I'm glad you were available for dinner on such short notice," Jorgensen said.
"Oh I always have time to catch up with you, my good friend," John answered with a chuckle.
"I've heard your businesses have been doing rather well," Jorgensen said. "You must be rather pleased."
"War is good for business," he smiled with an amused look. "With everyone arming up, demand for the weapons my companies make has been through the roof. But of course you know that. What, are you dragging Umoja into the war just for my sake? I'm flattered, but that amount of generosity is a bit much. You really don't have to."
"Certainly not," Jorgensen said with a bit of exasperation. "My goal is and has always been to protect Umoja and secure our place in the sector. You really shouldn't joke about this, you know."
"Of course, Minister. Now, what are you really here to talk about?"
"You're aware of the ongoing discussions regarding the possibility of Umoja aiding the UED in fighting against the zerg and the protoss," Jorgensen said, tapping his finger on the table. "They've offered to share some of their technology with us in exchange for our aid. Many industries could benefit from such a windfall, especially those currently holding government contracts for military production."
"I would of course love for such wondrous advancements to be gained by us," John said. "It would be a gift for all of Umoja, and help us maintain our technological edge, without which we would find it difficult to contend with those other factions with greater resources and military forces. But as I have understood from the recent shifts in public sentiment, it will be quite difficult to get the Council to approve this military intervention."
"We must of course have the approval of the people," Jorgensen said with a nod. "After all, those in government are the representatives of the people. But the people should be properly informed so that they can make the correct choices. It is of course the responsibility of the media to educate the people."
John leaned back in his chair and sighed. "I only own the second largest Umojan news network you know. Even if I wanted to, it wouldn't be possible for my people to change public opinion so drastically, not with the way things are now. The leaks were big news, everyone has heard that we have images of the UED zerg control devices and their soldiers standing side by side with docile zerg."
He shook his head as he continued speaking. "Even if the news network started insinuating doubt on the authenticity of the leaks, there is simply too much discussion going on about it. The other news networks will still be covering it, and the Dominion's UNN broadcasts can be viewed here too. Mengsk's claims that the UED were behind the zerg invasion of Korhal are seeming more believable by the minute. I'm even starting to wonder whether it's true that Earth has always controlled the zerg from the very start, toppling the Confederacy to advance their goals to control the sector."
Jorgensen cut him off with a wave of his hand. "I assure you, it is false. Control over the zerg has shifted throughout the course of the war, but Earth was not responsible for Tarsonis or Korhal. They have managed to control most of the zerg now, but it is a necessary measure to neutralize them as a threat to us all, as well as a tool to combat the remaining zerg still not under their control."
"The people aren't just going to take your word for it," John scoffed. "I can't work miracles here."
Jorgensen smiled. "Well, what if somehow new information was leaked to the public. Perhaps something like a video recording proving that not only was the zerg invasion of Korhal not orchestrated by the UED, but was in fact the result of a personal grudge with Mengsk. And Mengsk was aware of it from the very start."
"Personal grudge?" His voice was practically dripping with incredulity. "With the zerg? What are you on about?"
"Well let's just say, there is a surprisingly human mind controlling the zerg, and they were rather displeased with Mengsk."
"And there is a recording of this?" John asked.
"Yes, one recorded by our spies in the Dominion. This information is of course strictly confidential. It would be terrible if someone accidentally left files lying around and it got leaked to the press."
John looked amused. "Ah. Be careful to not be too clumsy."
"Now, I really must take my leave now," Jorgensen said. He stood up and tidied up his suit. A small data chip fell from a pocket, landing on the tablecloth.
"Good night, Minister." John leaned over and picked up the chip, still looking rather amused.
Minister Jorgensen switched off the television as he turned back toward Samuel, whose face was twisted in deep consternation as he grinded his teeth together.
"I'm simply appalled," Jorgensen said with a faux sigh. "All these leaks are simply unacceptable. First they get ahold of information about the UED's zerg control program, now they have a recording of a call between the queen of the zerg and Arcturus Mengsk during the zerg invasion of Korhal, intercepted and recorded by one of our spies. I've never been more disappointed in my life."
"And I suppose the fact that public support is once again amenable to your plans to throw our lot in with those from Earth is just a pleasant coincidence now?" Samuel said, his voice barely kept under control.
"It is just as coincidental as the earlier leak shifting public opinion in the other direction," Jorgensen said.
"It is not!" Samuel growled. "It being revealed that we were monitoring the UED is one thing, they are a transient presence in this sector. But the Dominion finding out we were able to intercept their communications at the highest level could seriously compromise our assets. And for such a leak to occur, this could only happen from within our intelligence bureau… or from the highest levels of government. This will shake public confidence in our government."
"It is most serious indeed," Jorgensen said. "Something must be done to address the public's concerns about leaks in the government. Otherwise this will negatively impact their faith in our ability to govern."
"A leak of this magnitude has tremendous security implications," Samuel said. "The security services must be brought in to investigate."
"Perhaps we should start with investigating the source of the original leak then," Jorgensen said with a smile.
"No, the most important thing is to prioritize the leak with greater security implications," Samuel said.
"One thing leads to another," Jorgensen said. "I think I'll instruct our security services to investigate the original leak first. That is my decision. Let's see what comes of it."
"Looking into one thing might lead to another," Samuel replied. "Who knows what might be uncovered. Are you sure you want to do this?"
The two stared at each other for several moments more.
"Perhaps prudence would be best here, in such an unstable and tense situation," Jorgensen said. "I think it would be best to set up a leak inquiry as soon as possible to look into this matter. The committee can take its time in collecting and discussing the facts, and recommending a course of action. What do you think?"
"Fine. You may have won this round, Minister. But you are playing with fire here."
"I have no idea what you are talking about," he replied with a grin. "Now, I should prepare for the Council session today. Once the vote goes through, I expect our fleet to move out at once. I expect them to be ready with no delays. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Minister."
"So the Umojans are finally acting," DuGalle muttered. "I sincerely hope they will be worth the effort. Witnessing this… circus has been truly disconcerting."
"Admiral, we've received word from Stukov," Malmsteen said. "It looks like the enemy is attacking Char."
"Damn it," DuGalle said. "We've wasted too much time here. We must return as soon as we are able to. Tell the Umojans to depart at once!"
"They are still finalizing their preparations. I have informed them of the timetable. They will be ready to depart shortly."
