"That's insane!" Hussar protested vehemently.
"I don't see any problem with it. I think you could move your entire base here if you wanted," Falael responded calmly, indicating his openness to the idea.
In the expansive meeting room, Hanna explained the proposal to the other stakeholders of Saven. Falael welcomed the idea of troops with open arms, especially since he had already established positive relations with Eldrin, the current head of the army operation in Saven.
"Falael, are you crazy?" Hussar retorted with concern.
"I don't see the issue with having a local garrison in this town, to be frank," Bell added, supporting Falael's stance.
Hussar raised valid concerns, "Firstly, we're on a thin line with the Southern Coalition here. After your army sent their merchant ships running, we're hanging by a thread. Secondly, allowing a foreign army, especially yours, would entangle us further in the war between the two sides that we've been working so hard to avoid."
While Falael welcomed the idea with open arms, acknowledging the locals' inability to maintain security, Hussar vehemently opposed the decision to let the Federation handle law and order in the region. He stressed the importance of Saven maintaining neutrality, despite Falael's acceptance of Federation assistance.
Hussar conceded that there were some dissenters, but he doubted they would incite a mutiny, at least not from the human side. However, he couldn't speak for the other two races in the town. If a mutiny were to occur, it wouldn't originate from his faction.
Sensing the tension in the room, Hanna decided to intervene diplomatically. "Let's approach this pragmatically," she began, attempting to diffuse the escalating conflict. "The presence of the Federation's army could be a temporary measure. We can establish clear terms and boundaries for their involvement in Saven. This way, we can ensure our neutrality while addressing the immediate security concerns."
Hussar interjected with skepticism, "Sounds like someone who disappeared only to return draped in their flags."
"I assure you, my allegiance still lies with the people of Saven," Hanna affirmed earnestly, seeking to reassure Hussar of her intentions.
Hussar, though still skeptical, reluctantly conceded to the proposition, acknowledging the logic behind it. "Fine, but any hint of overreach from the Federation, and we'll reconsider this arrangement immediately. And Bell, I would advise you to exercise caution. This could spell trouble for Saven."
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
"I believe it will end well for all parties involved, except perhaps yourself," Bell responded confidently.
With a sigh, Hussar abruptly left the meeting room, slamming the door behind him, his anger palpable. His departure only fueled further suspicion, particularly from Lisa's perspective.
"Well, hopefully, that's the end of our troubles," Bell remarked casually.
"I hope so," Lisa whispered, her tone cautious.
"Hope?" Bell inquired.
"Yeah, hope," Lisa confirmed. "Bell, we need to talk."
"Here?" Bell questioned.
"No, at Hanna's office," Lisa replied.
Exiting the meeting room, Bell and Lisa left Hanna and Falael to resolve the remaining issues. If Lisa requested a private conversation away from Falael, it likely indicated something clandestine was in motion.
Once inside Hanna's office, Lisa handed her phone to Bell. It displayed a chat directed at Gerhard, the current director of RAA, outlining plans for direct infiltration using agents within the general populace of Saven.
"What's going on?" Bell asked, studying the message on the phone.
"Just wait, Bell. I only sent the message a moment ago," Lisa explained.
"What's the plan?" Bell pressed for more information.
"We'll observe and gather intelligence on who's doing what. Then, we can strategize our next move. The MP can handle basic security, while the RAA deals with covert operations," Lisa outlined their approach.
"That's not a bad idea," Bell nodded approvingly. He then leaned against the wall, his gaze fixed on Lisa. "So, essentially, we're setting up a two-tier security system?" he inquired, his voice conveying a mix of curiosity and concern.
"Exactly," Lisa affirmed, her eyes gleaming with strategic acumen. "The Military Police will handle overt security measures, maintaining order and serving as a visible deterrent. Meanwhile, the RAA's role will be more discreet. They'll infiltrate, gather intelligence, and intervene only when absolutely necessary."
Bell contemplated this approach. "It's clever. The MP's presence will reassure the populace and discourage open dissent. Meanwhile, the RAA can quietly neutralize any serious threats before they escalate."
Lisa stepped closer, her expression serious. "But there's more to it, Bell. This isn't just about maintaining peace in Saven. It's about control. By having both overt and covert forces at our disposal, we can manipulate the situation to our advantage, perhaps even gain control of the town."
"Tell Gerhard to exercise extreme caution. The last thing we need is to be labeled as the villains in this scenario," Bell cautioned.
Lisa smiled, a hint of determination in her eyes. "That's why we need to tread carefully, Bell. We keep our intentions close to the chest. No one, not even Falael or Hussar, should be privy to our full plans."
"You're right, but it won't be hard to trace back any interference to us," Bell added, alluding to the Federation's considerable power.
"Indeed, but still, covert security is preferable to imposing martial law on the entire town," Lisa agreed.
"Agreed. Proceed as planned, Lisa," Bell instructed.
"Understood," Lisa confirmed.
"And Lisa, consider everyone a potential player in this, except Hanna," Bell advised.
"Got it," Lisa acknowledged, ready to execute their strategy with caution and precision.