Interlude 5 – An International Connection.

Interlude 5 – An International Connection. Announcement

2 Chaps.

In the wake of Akagi's extermination of Libra and demonstration to the world, the leaders of China and Russia held a secret meeting in Moscow. Chinese President Lin Gui had been in Moscow during the incident for separate trade negotiations between their two countries, though this was simply a cover for his real objective. Once the official negotiations concluded, he and Russian President Alexander Mikhailov sat in a meeting room together with a third individual and began the real meeting.

"It would seem that everything is going to plan, President Mikhailov." Gui smiled. "Libra has been crushed, along with any definitive proof we were involved in their creation, and on top of that, we got access to some interesting information. The Americans won't be able to cover up the Japanese nuclear program anymore. Well, not unless they are willing to work with us." Gui gave a nasty smile. He knew just how far the Americans would go to keep this under wraps, as Japan was vital for American Indo-Pacific strategy. The discovery of a hidden nuclear program would cause international outcry and likely cause a huge shakeup in Japan, something the United States couldn't afford.ViiSiit novelbi/n(.)c/(o)m for latest novels

"Indeed." Mikhailov nodded. "Now that Belarus has been brought back into the motherland, I have a bit more leeway in my diplomatic maneuvering. And these events in Japan will strengthen our hands to reclaim our rightful territories." He was referring to Ukraine and Taiwan, respectively. "That fool Lukashenko caused decades of delay, and his longevity only further stymied the reunification of our peoples. But that is all in the past, and we can now move together as one again." Belarus had only voted to unite with Russia a few years after Alexander Lukashenko's death at an extremely advanced age. The man had stood in the way of Russian efforts for decades, and even in his nineties, the dictator blocked attempts to unite the countries. Mostly for his own personal reasons since he enjoyed the power and wealth from being President.

"Yes, that was a truly unfortunate matter, and hopefully we can convince the Americans that further efforts to enforce our sovereignty and territorial integrity should be permitted." Gui said. "But moving on to the present circumstances, while I expected Libra to eventually be destroyed, that Akagi woman's power was unexpected. I must admit, I didn't expect the backdrop of this meeting to be such an extraordinary display of power."

"Indeed. She effortlessly killed the most powerful members of the organization, and my spies tell me that Herlex's final attack would make our weapons seem trivial by comparison.” He chuckled. “I am glad to see him destroyed, for I suspect he may have turned that power on us in the future. I believe that we may have underestimated these returnees' powers, and it would be wise to take a more cautious approach towards them in the future." Mikhailov sighed. "I would like to acquire one or two of these superpowered individuals for myself, and I can imagine your military wishes to inspect them as well. My agents in the United States tell me that there are ongoing negotiations between them and the Japanese for the transfer of returnees to their military and civilian commands." Their two countries were pushing to lift the ban on international travel for returnees.

"Yes, I've heard similar reports. It seems the Americans wish to get ahead of us in the research of magic and its military applications." Gui pursed his lips. "It may not be easy to get hold of such individuals for ourselves, and so far, our recruitment attempts have been cold at best."

"I don't know, shall we ask our friend here? Ambassador Nima, you have come here on behalf of your master. Would she be interested in working with our governments on this matter?" Mikhailov looked over at the black-haired cat-eared woman wearing a suit. She'd been sent by Akagi in the days before the attack on Yumi, and as a result, certain changes were made to her instructions.

"My Lord has informed me that she would love to work with your governments. Though you should understand that she intends to invite those who were trapped within FWO, even those without powers, into her new nation." Nima pulled out a notepad. "However, she is willing to offer people a choice, and if you would present an attractive enough offer, I suspect you might find at least one or two people willing to enter your services. The only caveat is that you must agree to treat whoever you take in well, meaning involuntary experiments and such are not permitted." Akagi didn't want people being sent to nations just to be turned into guinea pigs, not after what she'd heard from Alice.

"Indeed," Gui held the cigar off to the side and knocked it against an ashtray. "The world order that has been stagnant for over one hundred years is about to change, and that Akagi woman will be at the center of things." He took a puff of the cigar. "I suspect she is also speaking to the Americans as well, she seems more interested in playing all sides, not that I blame her. So I think it would be best if we try to persuade that we are the best partners." He looked at Mikhailov.

"I think you're right." Mikhailov thought for a moment. "Security is not something she needs, nor does she need material wealth. I honestly do not know what she could want from us."

"Well, if she plans on building her nation, power or not, she's going to need material and people for that." Gui said. "I suspect infrastructure and technical cooperation will be at least part of what she seeks from her partners. Her nation will be small and have limited manpower and natural resources, things we can provide in abundance."

"Perhaps." Mikhailov nodded. "And I imagine the Americans will be all too eager to build up another ally in the far east. I suspect there will be quite the bidding war between our nations, this will be interesting."

"Yes, but we have a bit of the upper hand in those negotiations." Gui grinned. With their information about the Japanese nuclear program, they could strong-arm the Americans and Japanese into staying out of their way. "I doubt she will ally with us outright, but I believe a mutually beneficial relationship between us is possible. Especially if she's anything as I believe."

{That woman wants to watch her pawns dance on the chessboard. She's not interested in playing the game so much as she is curious to seeing what happens when pieces move. That makes her both a powerful ally, and a dangerous opponent.} (Gui)

"We should just be careful not to allow ourselves to get too caught up in whatever that woman has planned. " Mikhailov reminded him. "Working with her is fine, but I'd rather not become little more than puppets dancing to her commands."

Gui started laughing. "My friend, it may already be too late for that. After all, that woman was the one who approached us first about all this! We're already dancing to her tune, and at this point, why not see just how much benefit there is to following her song." He figured that he and his party would benefit even if Akagi was just using them.

"Perhaps, but I still don't like it." Mikhailov frowned.

"Like it or not, it's simply how things are. That woman is a schemer, and I personally wish to see just what her end goals are." Gui smiled. "After all, she is a Demon, and what can man do against such a creature? So long as she does not ask for my soul, I'm happy to make deals with a real-life Devil if it benefits me and my party." He laughed.