03-18-2017, 10:13 PM
Francis interrupted before Evelyn responded, and Nikolai made no effort to keep the sting of a glare from his gaze. His speech made him want to roll his eyes, but as that was unlikely to win any favors, he merely smiled and nodded. "Duly noted, Secretary."
Evelyn picked up the pieces where Francis left them, smoothing out the edges on both sides. She could smooth broken glass with her politicking, and Nikolai began to see why the President sent her in the first place.
Her question conjured the image of Michael's face. He was the point of the spear when it came to rogue channelers. But his jurisdiction operated primarily within CCD bounds. Anything outside their borders was far more difficult to arrange. Let each country deal with their own channelers, Nikolai thought, defensively. Organized groups was a whole other matter. He almost had a similar situation in DV, and that situation almost grew out of hand. The next time it happened, Nikolai's reaction would be swifter.
"We will have to treat the organization of channeler forces as we would nuclear arms. Unfortunately, these individuals will all need to be schooled, as an unlearned channeler is potentially as dangerous as the experienced. Therein lies the promise we require. If the United States and the Custody jointly demand the compliance of the world nations, to equally agree to disband all weaponized channelers, then we have have a chance to prevent any atrocities before they happen.
But. The United States will need to be prepared to follow through on their word. If we cannot allow weaponized channelers, we must be ready to intervene when it becomes necessary."
It had been a long time since the US foreign policy acted aggressively. He found it hard to believe they were prepared to change their ways now.
The conversation went back and forth in similar manner for another forty-five minutes. At the end of the conversation, neither country aggreed to much more than the existance of a potential problem, let alone come to terms on how to deal with such a problem when it arises.
Nikolai called for an adjournment, and invited their guests to continue the conversation the next day. Now that he had a better grasp of their intent and the power play between the three guests, he could proceed strategically. Of course, when it came to the US, there was really only one strategy.
However, there was a need to pivot slightly. As he stretched out an arm to escort the guests from the room, his gaze lingered along Evelyn's profile, curious about the role she - and her power - would play tomorrow.
One more stop to pose for the press, Nikolai flashed the group a charming smile, including the Secretary at the last moment. "I invite these distinguished guests to stay within the dignitary quarters of the Kremlin Palace for the duration of their stay."
A few voices among the Kremlin Press Corps gasped, and all two-dozen faces turned to the Americans, hanging on every word for their reaction.
Evelyn picked up the pieces where Francis left them, smoothing out the edges on both sides. She could smooth broken glass with her politicking, and Nikolai began to see why the President sent her in the first place.
Her question conjured the image of Michael's face. He was the point of the spear when it came to rogue channelers. But his jurisdiction operated primarily within CCD bounds. Anything outside their borders was far more difficult to arrange. Let each country deal with their own channelers, Nikolai thought, defensively. Organized groups was a whole other matter. He almost had a similar situation in DV, and that situation almost grew out of hand. The next time it happened, Nikolai's reaction would be swifter.
"We will have to treat the organization of channeler forces as we would nuclear arms. Unfortunately, these individuals will all need to be schooled, as an unlearned channeler is potentially as dangerous as the experienced. Therein lies the promise we require. If the United States and the Custody jointly demand the compliance of the world nations, to equally agree to disband all weaponized channelers, then we have have a chance to prevent any atrocities before they happen.
But. The United States will need to be prepared to follow through on their word. If we cannot allow weaponized channelers, we must be ready to intervene when it becomes necessary."
It had been a long time since the US foreign policy acted aggressively. He found it hard to believe they were prepared to change their ways now.
The conversation went back and forth in similar manner for another forty-five minutes. At the end of the conversation, neither country aggreed to much more than the existance of a potential problem, let alone come to terms on how to deal with such a problem when it arises.
Nikolai called for an adjournment, and invited their guests to continue the conversation the next day. Now that he had a better grasp of their intent and the power play between the three guests, he could proceed strategically. Of course, when it came to the US, there was really only one strategy.
However, there was a need to pivot slightly. As he stretched out an arm to escort the guests from the room, his gaze lingered along Evelyn's profile, curious about the role she - and her power - would play tomorrow.
One more stop to pose for the press, Nikolai flashed the group a charming smile, including the Secretary at the last moment. "I invite these distinguished guests to stay within the dignitary quarters of the Kremlin Palace for the duration of their stay."
A few voices among the Kremlin Press Corps gasped, and all two-dozen faces turned to the Americans, hanging on every word for their reaction.