[color=ed1c24][b]Bethlehem, Free Commonwealth of PA – Congress  [/b][/color]
 
There was a great bevy of activity within the halls of congress. People were scurrying about delivering messages from the front and the outposts along the border. Lt Governor Daniel was reviewing recent communiqués from the front; Governor Sam was sending frequent messages with orders and intel.  
 
He was unsure about the whole campaign against the Cult, however Governor Sam had ensured to swell the ranks of the military with loyalists and had charmed or threatened most congressmen into approving her plan. The Commonwealth had for the longest time, focused on defense and rarely if ever ventured outside its borders. However, Sam had made it her goal to reunite the whole of the state.  
 
“It seems the army is progressing slowly but steadily. Minimal losses,” the governor said to his chief of staff who just nodded as he was deep in thought while reading some reports. Before he could say anything else, a messenger arrived and handed the Daniel a note, “Ah, we seem to have a visitor from the Key Republic.”

His Chief of staff looked up, “What do they want? Come to ask for more coal and steel? Another discount? I swear, that’s all they care for”

“Does not say, they just said it was urgent matter and needed to speak to us. They are in the lobby, come let us go see what they wish.”

Daniel headed down to the lobby and there they stood waiting for him, “Gentlemen, sorry to keep you waiting…”

Before he could say anything else, the envoy handed Daniel a sealed letter. He opened it and read its content. His face turned pale as he read of the situation in the south. He looked at the Envoys, ‘This couldn’t have happened at a most unfortunate time… I’ll have to convene a council with the governor’s cabinet immediately and recall her from the western front.”  
He moved at a quick pace and had one of his aides fetch the members of the Cabinet.



[color=ed1c24][b]State Capitol – Cabinet Room – Bethlehem PA[/b][/color]

“Gentlemen, we must act immediately. We cannot stand by while our allies lose control of their land.” Daniel said as he addressed the members of the Cabinet 

“You surely jest, the bulk of our armies are currently engaged in battle out west. The remaining units must remain to secure our borders and towns. Our internal security MUST come first!” replied the Secretary of Agriculture.

“We cannot leave them to fend for themselves. That group under…what was the name … Sutt something,” Said the Secretary Commerce & Industry as she scratched her head trying to remember the name.

“Suttbray” Spoke up one of the Secretaries.

“Thank You… Yes Suttbray, he worries me. He is a cult Sympathizer. Last thing we need is those beast on our southern border.” 

“Yes, but should we send troops south, we would stretch ourselves thin and risk the stability we have struggled to obtain. Are we willing to risk the safety of our people because some hicks down south failed to stamp out dissent?  Because their leaders lacked fortitude and a backbone?” Exclaimed the Secretary of Education.

“Our Holy Crusade in the west would come to a halt if we were to aid. Worse, we might have to retreat back to our border and our walls. We have a duty to push forward and destroy the infidels, let the keys fend for themselves, they worry me not,” Said the Secretary of the Cross.

“Gentlemen, let’s look at this from a financial standpoint. Our trade with the Keys is vital. Our miners and smelters would suffer, if we lost the Keys as a trading partner. Plus, we need the bio-fuels and goods they provide…” replied the Commerce Secretary as she leaned on the table looking at her co-workers. 

 “They are luxury goods, nothing else. Our people will have to get used to not having some additional fruits and tobacco. As for fuel, we have the largest deposits of Anthracite coal, I think we’ll be fine,” Replied the Agriculture Secretary condescendingly.

“We must protect our homeland,” said the Secretary of Defense as he removed his glasses and stood up, “We cannot risk the cult being both at our west and southern border. If that were to happen, we would be stretched thin. We must act now and prevent them from gaining a foothold. I recommend we send an expeditionary force south, and strike.”

“Agreed, I recommend we send part of our navy south, our current defenses along the Delaware and the bay are strong we can send them to aid them along with barges of coal and steel.” Replied the secretary of the navy as he nodded to the statement of the Secretary of defense. 

“Ladies, gentlemen… let us just take a vote.” Daniel spoke up as he rubbed his temples.