[h3][b]A Diplomat's Discussion[/b][/h3]
[i]A collaboration between [@InfamousGuy101], [@Dyelli Beybi], and [@Badarby][/i]
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Crane’s office door opened with a firm push as he stepped inside without breaking stride. The telephone sat at his desk waiting at its corner like it had been anticipating him.

The staffer stood just inside, already positioned near the instrument.

“They’re on the line, sir,” he said, “Both the Minister and the Inburian delegation.”

Crane gave a short nod as he moved behind the desk, resting his hands briefly against its edge. For a moment he said nothing, he inhaled slowly through his nose, then exhaled quickly and straightened himself.

“Leave and shut the door behind you,” he said.

The staffer hesitated only a fraction.

“Yes, sir.”

Quickly he stepped out, the door closing with a muted click.

Crane sat silently for a moment longer and reached for the receiver. He lifted it, bringing it to his ear as his other hand steadied itself against the phone itself.

“This is Ambassador Crane,” he introduce himself formally before then shifting to a more casual tone.

“Now,” he continued, “would someone care to explain to me why I have a hundred Mittelander officers surrounding my building?”

"We can do whatever we like in our territory.  You have no authority outside of your walls," the Minister replied dismissively, "However, were we, perhaps, have evidence of a foreign agent who had attempted to steal from the Inburian gold reserve, and were it to have been revealed that this person had sought refuge in the Ardellian Embassy, we might be weighing up whether Ardell is conducting sabotage efforts in aid of a foreign power.  Of course, one would never imagine that to be the case as that would be a gross violation of diplomatic privilege.  Is there something else?" 

Crane’s grip on the receiver tightened ever so slightly.

“Minister,” he began, “such presumptions would be… rather absurd. The Commonwealth values its relations with Mittenland far too highly to jeopardize them over something so… speculative.”

His tone remained even, “That said,” he continued, “if this matter concerns an Ardellian citizen, then the embassy retains its full right to maintain vigil and provide assistance where it is required, as is customary diplomatic practice.”

Another pause.

“So I will ask plainly, Minister,” Crane said, “what exactly has occurred and what, precisely, is it that you believe this individual has done?”

"When an individual is in Mitteland, they remain under Mittelandische law.  I trust you would agree that the world would be anarchy if people decided they were not subject to the laws of the land they are in."

Crane nodded to himself as he listened, “Of course,” he said, with a touch of emphasis, “Naturally. One would expect nothing less. The law is the law, Minister, and I would be the last to suggest otherwise.”

He took a brief pause, “But,” he continued, “just as individuals, Ardellian or otherwise, are subject to that law of the land they are equally afforded the right to defense… and the right to request assistance from their home country, especially if they believe they're wrongly accused. At present, I do not have the details of what this individual is alleged to have done. Particularly from our Inburian colleagues, as it is apparently their gold at the center of this matter and the Commonwealth is well aware of the… sensitivities surrounding current situations.”

He took another pause, “So,” Crane finished, “what exactly are we dealing with here?”

The Inburian Ambassador to Mitteland, Demetrios Kostidis, was certainly less calm than the Mittelander Minister.

"I think you know what we're dealing with, Ambassador," Kostidis replied. "An Ardellian national was caught trying to steal from the Imperial gold reserves at our airship and is currently at large in this city. 

"As of now, this Ardellian national is armed and dangerous," he added. "We believe that he might try and seek assistance from your embassy under some guise of innocence. We expect your cooperation in bringing this man to justice."

Crane nodded to himself once more as he listened.

“I understand,” he said, taking out a cigar from a drawer and lighting it promptly before continuing, “and let me be clear, the Commonwealth values its relations with Inbur just as highly.”

A brief pause followed as he took a smoke. 

“We will, of course, do what we can to see this matter brought to a proper resolution.”

He shifted slightly at the desk, “However given the current scale of police presence, it is highly unlikely that any fugitive would willingly approach the diplomatic district.”

“As such, I would strongly suggest that the cordon be softened. At the very least, eased. We would not want an already delicate situation to escalate into something regrettable.”

“Furthermore,” he added, “the embassy is willing to provide direct assistance through its own guard. Coordinated efforts, rather than overlapping jurisdictions, would be far more productive in securing this individual quickly and without unnecessary complication. It serves all parties,” Crane finished, “to resolve this efficiently… and without fanfare.”

The Minister sounded a little less evasive this time, "Your guards don't have jurisdiction outside of your compound and residences," he pointed out, "This should be a matter for the police, who I understand have the situation under control.  If the individual in question enters the embassy or residence, your guards may hand them over to the police.  The cordon at this point is preventing you from having that problem."

Crane closed his eyes for a brief moment, two fingers rising to rub at the bridge of his nose as he let out a quiet breath through it.

“…Yes,” he muttered, more to himself than to the line.

He straightened again almost immediately, "Very well, Minister,” he said, tone somewhat annoyed, “Then at the very least, allow me a smaller request. The vehicle positioned at the rear of the embassy,” he continued, “the one reportedly in need of repair… I would ask that it be promptly removed.”

He shifted his cigar between his fingers as a thin trail of smoke curled upward.

“My escort is due to return from a private errand,” Crane added, “You see I was on a... social engagement, one which I had the misfortune of interrupting to attend to this matter.”

He took a puff of his cigar.

“I would prefer not to compound that discourtesy.”

His tone remained polite, “Surely that is something we can arrange?”

"There's a broken down vehicle?" the Minister sounded genuinely surprised, "I'm sure the police can arrange to have it towed away.  I will see if I can get in touch with whomever is running this operation."

"Right, thank you Minister." Crane nodded, "we will do all we can from our end and keep all parties promptly updated."

With no more to day, Crane hung up the phone. His gazed turned to an empty corner, as if looking way beyond it as the curls of smoke surrounded him. Taking one more puff he took hold of the phone and spoke. 

"This is Crane, connect me with my residency at once..."