Confederate Chief of Police Jeff Johnston had called a meeting of his top deputies, the chiefs of police of the 10 provinces. Only 7 had shown up.
They were gathered in his top floor office of the National Police building in downtown Nashborough. His office had a stunning view of the Presidential Palace.
Johnston, like usual, was chewing on Mercantilist Apple Tobacco cigar. He preferred to keep it unlit because he hated the smell.
"Where is Jacob?" Chief Beau Regard of the West Davis Province asked, referring to Jacob Stonewall, Chief of the East Davis Province.
"He said he had a rebellion he had to deal with. I think he's loyal to Lee..." Johnston said.
It was an open secret that the relationship between Chief Johnston and President Lee had become estranged over the last few years. They were no longer on speaking terms, mostly communicating through official statements and quotes to the press.
At issue was expansion. Johnston wanted to expand their borders and annex the neighboring unaffiliated provinces into the Confederacy; forecfully. Lee said it wasn't a good idea. Their exchanges had only been amplified by the media who was always trying to stir controversy. But Lee, of course, couldn't fire Johnston because he had the loyalty of the all pervasive police force. And Johnston couldn't take out Lee because he had the overwhelming support of the people. And thus they sat, across the street from one another.
"Have we recieved the purchases from the Allied States yet?" he asked to N.B. Forrest, Chief of the Misisipi Province, the southernmost province that sat on the Black Sea where the goods were scheduled to arrive.
"Yes sir."
"Ok, because Chief Stonewall, Chief Breckenridge, and Chief Stephens conveniently decided not to show up, they will not be getting their combat upgrades. That means more for ya'll. We'll keep 45% of the new purchases here in the capital, distribute the rest evenly among your troops. Thank you."
The Chiefs rose and left the room as Johnston turned and looked at the Presidential Palace.
