"Look, Colonel. I have the highest respect for your nation and your government." He took the report and set it aside. "I'm sure you're right and that those measures taken were those of reasonable men.

Antiochus drew a deep breath and held it for a moment. "But it is no longer sufficient to be right, Colonel. You have to be convincing. You may tell Mr. Wilde that a media blackout is not the course of an innocent government. While I have personal trust in the Eraetian government, there are those who do not, and after the little media stunt, there is no amount of evidence you can show that will convince them."

Just then his secretary entered and handed him the telegram.

"On second thought. I will tell him myself. You have my leave, Colonel."


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Telegram to Minister Wilde:

"Mr Wilde,

I will of course attend, but why stop at Ventia? I propose that we invite the Irodein Empire as well and form an anti-syndicalist coalition.

Sincerely,
Antiochus Soter"