During a closed Board meeting..."Blue April? Who are these people?" asked a Board member.
"Who cares?!" replied another. "We are the Allied States. No terrorist organization can dream to wage a successful campaign."
"Successful or not. Its our job to protect the people. We cannot give in to their demands. If we just left South Plains, they will fall into anarchy and chaos. We saved them from oppression and brought freedoms they never even had before. And we also advanced the culture and people of The Great Tribe. They were bound by the few that controlled the silver mines. Now they no longer have such restraints. We must seek out these terrorists and bring the fight to them first!"
EA Director Jean Raneau, as well as the other Directors were also present in the conference room. Many Board members and Directors were called to the emergency meeting by the Chairperson. Some were called from the middle of their vacations, some were on visits to other nations, and some were deeply busy with special projects and tasks, however all were present and accounted for after the Chairperson sent out couriers to locate and bring them to this meeting, six days ago.
Some Directors had also voiced their opinions with the Board members in the large conference room. The round table was large enough to sit fifty people, sat the twelve Board Members, the seven Directors, and the Chairperson himself. Chairperson Bustos was fond of how this gave the illusion of equality, when the final decision was ultimately his. But it served its greater purpose of allowing everyone to see each other clearly and opened the floor for debate.
Silence fell the room when he cleared his throat. The Chairperson looked over at the EA Director and nodded. Director Raneau motioned to his aides to begin passing out folders that commonly read classified, as if anything he was personally involved in wasn't.
"Blue April is an organization that has feeds itself through terror, oppression, and hypocrisy. While I've been aware of them for quite some time, they had never made themselves public until now. External Affairs is aware of certain bank accounts, and I am talking about
large bank accounts, that are tied with this organization. However, we are not entirely sure where the money that enters these accounts are from and we suspect there are many more accounts we have yet to discover. We know Blue April has in fact made purchases from companies in our nation, mostly recreational drugs and small arms, that were later traced to nations that ban these products. No doubt reaping profits to support themselves.
From a simple point of view, these people are businessmen that use terror has a means to achieve its aims. Many of its members are Ozians that have anti-imperialist ideals. Hence the ultimatum to..."
Board members and Directors alike listened in as Director Raneau continued his summary of the reports before them. Some were already browsing through the folder before he concluded that Blue April could not succeed in against the Allied States for there would be no popular support. If anything, Blue April's attacks would bring a surge of patriotism amongst the populace, crying vengeance against them and granting the government free reign to fully mobilize the military to seek them out.
Many of those present suggested stepping up the DEFCON to level one immediately and begin unleashing the hounds on Blue April, looking towards the Chairperson for approval.
"They sent us a letter," the Chairperson finally spoke. "Why not return their kindness? Have not other nations recieved a letter too? This isnt personal and who's to say they are terrorists? They act like businessmen and show respect. Everyone has ideals. Afterall who are we, without our ideals of freedom? There should be a meeting between them and us.
Patrica, you will take care of arranging a meeting. Send someone important but, not too important in case they try to hold our representative hostage.
Jessica, they have flexed their muscles and we shall do the same; by going to DEFCON THREE in all territories. We will also inform our people of this Blue April.
Apollo, make sure the media gets a copy of Blue April's letter.
Jean, keep up with your efforts. Get everything you can on Blue April but, do not forget about the first thing. Make them both your priorities.
The rest of you, keep your eyes and ears open. Keep doing your jobs."
A reply was sent.To: My Friend Eaquaevifri
From: PR Director Patrica Belkin
Dear Friend,
The Board would like to send a representative to meet with you and discuss business. As businessmen, we are reasonable people and we ask for an opportunity to understand each other. As a nation that has brought freedom, economic growth, and stability, at home and abroad, an organization like yours will have a difficult time gaining popular support in our territories. However that does not mean we cannot help each other in our goals.
In search of a mutual friendship,
Director Patrica Belkin
Office of Public Relations
The Allied States of Bustos-21
