The convoy slowed to a halt at the edge of Gaborone, the capital of Votswana. Tembo peered out of the armored vehicle as they approached the city's administrative district. His eyes scanned the streets filled with people—traders, soldiers, and civil servants moving with purpose. Gaborone was nothing like Maputo.
The buildings were well-maintained, the streets orderly, and the signs of prosperity were clear. But for Tembo, the difference only sharpened his sense of urgency.
Zambesi was collapsing while their neighbors thrived.
As the convoy pulled up to the imposing gates of the governor's palace, Tembo felt a tension settle over him.
One of the officers approached Tembo, nodding briskly. "The Governor is expecting you, Mr. Tembo. Follow me."
The officer led him through the grand doors of the palace and moments later, they reached a large set of double doors, and the officer paused.
"The Governor is inside," he said. "Be mindful—he is a man of few words, but every decision he makes is calculated."
Tembo nodded, appreciating the warning.
The doors opened, and Tembo stepped inside. The room was vast, with large windows that let in streams of sunlight, casting shadows across the floor. At the far end of the room sat a man behind a broad desk, his posture rigid and his gaze sharp. Heinrich von Strauss was not a man who smiled easily, and his expression as he regarded Tembo was unreadable.
"Mr. Tembo," von Strauss greeted him, his voice carrying a formal tone. "I've been informed of your arrival. Please, have a seat."
Tembo approached cautiously, seating himself in the chair across from the Governor. He noticed how the room was meticulously organized—no clutter, no unnecessary decoration. Everything about von Strauss radiated control and discipline.
"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me, Governor," Tembo began, trying to match the man's formal demeanor. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Tembo, an envoy from the Kingdom of Zambesi. I've come here under dire circumstances. My country is on the brink of collapse, and we seek your help to secure an alliance with Triesenberg."
Von Strauss remained still. "I'm aware of the turmoil in Zambesi, Mr. Tembo," he said. "You have come a long way. I trust this request is as urgent as your journey implies?"
Tembo nodded, his expression grim. "It is, Governor. The situation is worsening by the day. Zambesi's infrastructure has crumbled, our military is stretched beyond its limits, and the Matalebe rebels are gaining ground faster than we can stop them. Valoria's sudden withdrawal left us vulnerable, and without external aid, we will not survive this crisis."
Von Strauss raised an eyebrow but said nothing, prompting Tembo to continue.
Tembo exhaled slowly, the tension in his body releasing just a little as the Governor's words sank in. Relief washed over him, but only for a moment. This was only the first step.
Von Strauss continued, his voice calm but firm. "I have been given the authority to formalize the alliance. Zambesi's strategic importance has not been overlooked by our leadership. The trade routes, the resources, and the potential to stabilize the region are all factors we cannot ignore."
Tembo nodded, understanding the significance of what had just been said. "On behalf of my king and my people, Governor, we are grateful. But I must ask, what does Triesenberg require in return? What terms will accompany this alliance?"
Von Strauss leaned back in his chair, folding his hands in his lap. "Our terms will not be unreasonable, Mr. Tembo, but they will be necessary. First, we will provide military support—troops, equipment, and tactical advisers to help you stabilize your borders and push back the Matalebe forces. However, in exchange, Triesenberg will assume control over the trade routes running through Zambesi.
This will allow us to ensure that these routes remain secure and profitable, not just for Zambesi, but for Triesenberg and our allies as well."
Tembo listened carefully, his mind racing. The offer was generous, but control over the trade routes was a significant concession. Zambesi had long prided itself on its control of those routes, but the reality of the situation was that without Triesenberg's help, there would be no trade routes left to control.
"What you ask is reasonable, given the circumstances," Tembo said after a brief pause. "But I must stress that Zambesi will need to retain some measure of control. We are willing to share oversight of the routes, but complete control would undermine our sovereignty."
Von Strauss nodded slowly, considering the proposal. "Shared oversight is possible," he conceded. "We are not here to strip Zambesi of its sovereignty, Mr. Tembo, but we need to ensure that our interests are protected. The Matalebe rebels are not just a threat to Zambesi, but to the entire region. If they gain control of the trade routes, the economic impact will ripple far beyond your borders."
"I agree. And Zambesi is committed to protecting those routes, with your help. What other terms do you have in mind?"
"The second part of the agreement will involve economic assistance. Triesenberg will assist in rebuilding your infrastructure—roads, power grids, and communication networks. However, we will need assurances that Zambesi will prioritize trade with Triesenberg and its allies. Your markets will need to open to our goods, and we will expect favorable trade terms in return for our investment."
Zambesi's infrastructure had been decimated, and without external help, there was no way it could recover on its own. The promise of Triesenberg's assistance was vital, but opening up Zambesi's markets could have long-term implications for the nation's economy.
Still, there was little choice. Zambesi's survival depended on this alliance.
"We can agree to that," Tembo said finally. "Our markets will be open to Triesenberg's goods, and we will ensure that your investment in our infrastructure is protected. Zambesi is prepared to meet these terms."
Von Strauss nodded, satisfied with Tembo's response. "Very well. Then it is settled. I will draft the official documents, and once they are signed, we can begin the process of deploying military support to Zambesi."
Tembo felt a surge of relief. The alliance was a lifeline, the first real hope Zambesi had had in weeks.