Post by g2m559 on Jul 17, 2023 18:18:51 GMT
In the opulent Grand Council Chamber of Avalon, High Chancellor Eduard Grieg sat upon his seat - stainless steel construction, with padding made of fine leather - presiding over the seated assembled council members. Among them stood High Admiral Tenax, a commanding presence in his formal military attire, exuding an aura of authority. Tenax’s black armor, a style becoming more and more common within Noviy’s commanding ranks due to the Admiral’s heroism in Corona. Tenax’s hologram shifted slightly - he was speaking remotely, his true body being in Novish-controlled territory in Corona. The room was hushed, and tension filled the air as they discussed the future of their nation.
Eduard leaned forward, addressing Tenax with a sense of urgency. "My trusted High Admiral, Noviy stands at a crossroads. The ever-shifting tides compel us to adapt in order to secure our destiny." Tenax nodded solemnly, fully aware of the challenges that lay ahead, a stoic visage mirroring the gravity of the situation. "Indeed, Your Excellency. The tempests brewing beyond our borders demand a reinvigorated military force. Our adversaries grow bolder, and we must meet them with unwavering strength. Our efforts in Corona would have been entirely undermined by the panopticon, should we not have taken advantage of our environment. I fear one day we will not have such good fortune, and the Novish fleets will find themselves insufficient to both deter, defend, and project the power of our Nation - a possibility I will do all within my power to prevent from manifesting. I have ensured that the rungs of command below me are both read and equipped to undergo the metamorphosis which awaits." The hall above them was decorated by red geometry, all around one ninefold point of symmetry, angles of 140, 70, 40 exactly composed the extensive tapestry of the room, reflecting off the polished darkstone slab that made the table around which the council sat. Via projectors: images, data, and infographics all relevant to Noviy’s recent economic conditions, corona campaigns, as well as kolleron prices were displayed, accompanied by short video segments of important current events. The images took on the blue hue of darkstone, like images in a still ocean. Looking down at the table, through repeated layers it seemed like the deep blue went on forever, despite the slab itself only being four centimeters in depth; an eerie reflection of the meridian.
A smile tugged at Eduard's lips, reassured by Tenax's steadfast dedication. "I knew I could count on your loyalty, Tenax. Our military has seen better days - it yearns for rejuvenation. We must modernize, fortify our defenses, and ensure our naval fleet is formidable, to be one of the greatest in our periphery.”
The council members looked on, towards Grieg as he proclaimed this. Though the specifics eluded them, a singular truth emerged clear: the reformist top echelons of the military, long plagued by stalling conservatism and reluctance to embrace advanced Novish technology and evolving doctrines, had been deftly disempowered. A reshuffling of authority within the military, enacted by none other than chancellor Grieg via methods currently utterly unknown. Perhaps it has been quiet executive action, or agencies that were under his direct oversight, the action was shockingly swift. The smiling old man had, despite appearances, never lost his wit or ruthlessness; Noviy had not seen such a chancellor since the days of Caliga. In a swift and astonishing shift, the ideological balance tipped dramatically in favor of sweeping reforms and the ousting of entrenched naysayers.
With a determined look, Tenax responded, "We shall breathe new life into our forces, equipping them with the latest in Novish technology and the finest training. Much expertise has been gleaned from our campaign in Corona - and much knowledge. We know where our weaknesses now lie, upon being tested by worthy opponents, and not asymmetric regional battles between ourselves and marauders, pirates, separatists. The battleship programme is back in full swing, prototypes having already been produced, we are conducting preliminary testing, and without breaking the seal on information, the internal results are very promising.”
Eduard's grin widened. "But that is not all, my old friend. The phasic wastes, with its abundant kollerons, hold the key to our prosperity. The time has come to expand our mining operations, tapping into its vast resources. We have the capability to enter a completely new phase of mining operations, taking advantage of the heightened kolleron prices, Noviy will become, for the first time, major kolleron exporters should we take on this opportunity to its fullest. "
Tenax leaned in closer, captivated by the Chancellor's vision. "Kollerons, a new lifeblood for Noviy. The phasic expanse’s potential is boundless, and its benefits for our people undeniable. We shall establish greater mining operations, ensuring a steady supply for our industries and navy. A fresh batch of kolleron harvesters are due to complete production within the following days. Not to mention, cheaper access to exodion gasses means Unmar Steel could be produced more inexpensively." The mention of Unmar Steel had sent a wave of murmurs across the entire council chamber. Such a material had the genuine possibility of altering Noviy’s standing in the international community, not only as a regional power, but as an innovator. An ambitious national focus indeed, but one that is solidifying into something not merely to dream of, but as a feasible goal. From the initial release of research paper results, all the way to the announcement regarding the production of the first batches of the supermaterial had imaginations running wild throughout the nation; the possibilities were genuinely endless. Following a moment of pause, several new images appeared on the darkstone slate in front of the chancellors, showing the contours of three four nations with emblems inside their respective perimeters, in the center was Noviy, the nations around them being the Columen Artificialis, Republica de Barçialo, and the Altarian Systems Authority.
The High Chancellor's eyes sparkled with excitement. "The phasic wastes are a gift we cannot ignore. By embracing it fully, we secure our economic stability and pave the way for a prosperous future. Displayed here in front of you are three nations which have placed contract orders with Noviy, hearing of the future expansion of our kolleron industries. The ASA seeks mostly non-Ancerium kollerons, the Columen has placed orders for darkstone, and la Republica wishes to buy Ancerium. Phase one, the most investment heavy of our mining operations will be well funded. "
“And what of the Elvorian influence over the Ancerium market, namely in the Unmar Expanse?” a sitting council member raised a point, inducing yet another wave of murmurs around the darkstone table, some dismissive but some pondering this point. The image changed to reflect different shares of the kolleron market, as well as displaying pale infographics on known state and non-state entities conducting mining operations in the phasic wastes.
Eduard Grieg would be prompted to respond in a fairly nonchalant but precise manner, “I understand the Elvorian goal is the creation of a monopoly over phasic wasteland kolleron exports - specifically fuel, Ancerium fuel. Is Noviy’s rapid expansion of kolleron mining operations in the wasteland - and export - going to undermine this goal? Yes. Does Noviy strive for cordiality with Elvoria? Also yes. Will the mining operations create tension with the Elvorians? Indeed, it could. This is a conundrum that has occupied my mind for some time now, however the conclusion is quite simple. The wastes are lucrative and expansive, and it’s to be expected that individuals will tap into it for their own purposes - and they do. Unaligned, the Singers, and more operate mining ships in the wasteland. Unless the Elvorians plan on being aggressive towards Novish mining convoys directly, our operations will be unhindered and undeterred. Nobody wants a monopoly in the Unmar expanse, and it will take the sacrifice of substantial political capital and goodwill to establish and maintain one perpetually; it is why it is my belief that the Elvorians will not be taking substantial action against Novish mining operations. Tensions can be mended over time, however should a monopoly be allowed to form, it would create a much more inflammatory political status quo. We are not being antagonistic, merely realistic. This is good for the region.” On that note, the High Chancellor returned to a more relaxed, but straight position in his seat. His words quelled the murmurs of the sitting chancellors, providing sufficient argument to address the political concerns of such mining operations.
Grieg continued, "Tomorrow, at the entrance to the Silver Hall, I shall address the public. We shall unveil the blueprint of our grand endeavor, a testament to Noviy's infinite rise."
In the heart of Noviy's political nucleus, the council chamber, history had been forged. With the decisive words spoken, Chancellor Grieg left the chamber; the council members dispersed, each carrying the weight of their roles in shaping the future of Noviy
Meeting notes
NEW NATIONAL GOALS
- Kolleron exports
- Novish naval assets and doctrines.. to be modernized