It was a dark and rainy day in the city of Ponchertrain, as Zhang went about his office cleaning his desk and organizing his papers. The office was slightly smaller than Rove’s but had the same square shape. The fireplace was always lit, and unlike Rove’s, his desk was considerably larger. He was tidying the pillows on the couches when his office assistant knocked on his door.
“Excuse me sir,” he waved his hand to get Zhang’s attention, “Senator Charles Teasdale and President Rove are here for your afternoon appointment.”
The two men walked in the office, Teasdale’s right hand outstretched while his left clung to his cane, “I am sorry my old friend for cancelling on you for lunch, but the weather in Honolulu was simply awful. It delayed my flight for three hours,” the two men shook hands warmly.
Zhang quickly shook Rove’s hand, “Mr. President” he sighed hastily. The three men sat down on the couches, and Zhang’s office assistant brought in a pot of coffee and some treats to snack on. Teasdale leaned his cane against the couch, and he rubbed his knee: the side effect of an old military injury.
Rove instantly dove for one of the cookies, “My wife left with my son this morning for the beach house. It doesn’t look like they are going to have the best of weather today,” he said looking out the window, biting into the cookie.
Charles Teasdale’s tall thin frame sat in a distinctly senatorial way on the couch next to Xavier. The old man rolled his eyes at the President’s comment. His graying hair and harsh aged features were tokens to be brokered in the aristocracy he had been raised. The wrinkles under his eyes gave him a distinctively aged look, and triggered Rove’s mind to believe Teasdale had experienced far more hardship than most American senators.
Prime Minister Zhang, not wanting to waste any time, clapped his hands and reported, “As you both know, as Chairman of the National Conversion Commission, I am required to give you, Mr. President, and the representative of the legislature of the United States, Mr. Senator, quarterly reports on the progress we are making. From today we have six full months until the vote in the United States Senate on our petition for statehood. Meaning our next meeting will be shortly before the actual Parliament approval vote. As of three days ago, with nearly three years of work behind us, our team of graduate political science students at the University of Virtagwalla has designed how the government integration will completely unfold. Such that in the instance we are approved the government can continue to function properly without any type of delay.”
Looking between President Rove and Prime Minister Zhang, Charles Teasdale asked, his hands laying on his knee and cane, “Now Artimus you may have told us this before, but remind this old man’s mind. Under these plans which of you will become the Governor or the Chief Executive of the new State Government?”
Zhang laughed, as Rove avoided making eye contact, “After many discussions in the Parliament, and having worked with a representative of the UV student team, we figured it was best to name President Rove as interim Governor for the remainder of his term.”
“And the Parliament, will you stay a unicameral legislature, or will you expand to a bicameral?” Teasdale asked again prying.
Giving a comfortable chuckle, “We will be staying a unicameral legislator. The idea of having two bodies of squabbling representatives gives me ulcers. The Minister’s titles will change to Representative, and I will resign the position of Prime Minister for the interim position of Speaker of the House.”
“The courts don’t really need to be tweaked, I can imagine the US Supreme Court will have a thorough going over of their processes but I can’t imagine them having to shift dramatically outside of some official name changes. What about your military?” Senator Teasdale inquired curiously.
Rove took this one, “Mr. Senator, our National Guard will remain just that, a quick deployment team of citizens of the State of Virtagwalla, that operate under my control, of course with approval from the President of the United States. They will operate much like the other National Guard divisions across your country do already,” he reported, nodding his head, “Oh and they will retain their ceremonial sabers. The public just goes crazy over them.”
“Ok that’s fine. Our marines have sabers as well. Nevertheless, in terms of legality, did the graduate students provide you with plans on how your constitution will be modified to better accommodate the flow of power in the United States, and the concept of the divisions of authority? Checks and balances?” Teasdale asked, making the face of someone struggling to articulate his thoughts.
Artimus Zhang nodded again, “Of course, those were the first policy modifications they focused on. Our savings grace throughout the majority of this process is that the United States had a heavy influence into the original structure and legal basis of the nation, so to say we will have to change a large amount of what we already have would be an unnecessary exaggeration,” he explained.
At that moment a knock came from the door. Hampton Ray stepped into the room asking for one moment with the President. Excusing himself Rove shuffled out of the room. After a few brief moments he reentered the room, “I apologize gentlemen. Where were we?”
“I was just expressing my pleasure with the progress the commission has made. I think all the commission has left is to determine the economic integration. That would include many fair labor policies, tax issues, and just how much you want your government to participate in your new state’s economy,” Teasdale outlined.
No one spoke at that point. The economy had been a very difficult topic for the National Conversion Commission, seeing as Virtagwalla, for a very long time, had stood apart in the world as somewhere that was rather pro-business. Their fluidity of zoning policies, and loose lines of governmentally backed credit made it so that expansion could happen rapidly and effectively. The United States has much stricter rules in terms of zoning, taxes, and credit that many businesses either already on the island or looking to come were nervous about what would happen when Virtagwalla transferred over. In addition there were many issues that had to be confronted such as the Metropolitan Foundation Service, an independent not-for-profit corporation of which the National Government owned one hundred percent. Not to mention, the Virtagwallan Gold Depository Corporation, of which the National Government owned only fifty one percent. It was only partially nationalized. Something very frowned upon by the US Government. For that major reason, VirtGold was serving to be a much larger issue than the MFS. MFS could just be officially nationalized, and made an agency or bureau under the state government’s umbrella. VirtGold however had other stakeholders. That is where its market capital came into play. The National Government monopolized the Board of Directors, holding the most share of the company. The other major shareholders sent delegates in their stead. The government historically used VirtGold as a lucrative inflow of cash and collateral, while the shareholder’s used the shares as sturdy foundations for long term growth retirement accounts. In the United States, however, state governments hadn’t traditionally held ownership in corporations or public entities quite like the VirtGold situation.
“The economic integration is serving to be a far more challenging situation than the legal applications,” Zhang spoke slowly, “The commission and the graduate students, together, are facing issues in terms of some of our state and privately owned corporations and how to deal with their assets and holdings at the time of the entrance into the Union. We have all of our top economist and industry experts working on the situation. Our top priority is to not adversely harm either the industries or the financial system during the transition. All things considered, the Committee and I are confident that the issue will be resolved before our next meeting.”
Checking his watch and standing up, Teasdale grasped on to his cane, “Well gentlemen it sounds like Virtagwalla is nearly finished being fitted for its new tuxedo. Just an economic tweaking and we will be in the place for the Senate vote,” he huffed, moving toward the jacket rack. “Mr. President,” he nodded toward
s the President who stood and shook his hand, “And Mr. Prime Minister”, also shaking the now standing man’s hand. “I deeply am honored to be working with the two of you through this process, and the United States is of course swollen with pride that your people democratically have chosen to seek to be a member of our eternal Union. If you will excuse me, however, I do have a plane to catch such that I can make it home before the game starts down at the University.”
Senator Teasdale, coat and hat in hand, grabbed the handle of his cane and was moving towards the door when President Rove spoke, “Mr. Senator,” Charles turned to look at Rove who looked somewhat confused, “Actually Mr. Senator, I have something else I would like to talk to you about before you go.”
Zhang cocked his head sideways and glared Rove violently. Teasdale began shuffling back from the door, confused, “Mr. President, what else can I help you with?”
“Can you please come back and sit down, I think we, as the leadership team, need to think and talk our way through a few last things,” Rove said sitting back down.
Teasdale stalled for a moment lying his jacket and hat down over the back of the sofa. He then slowly moved around the couch, sitting down and laying his cane again at his side. He asked annoyed, “Mr. President, what are these issues?”
Zhang turned his head sideways, and asked in a slow frustrated tone, “Yes Mr. President,” Zhang drug out his title and then sharply proceeded, “what are these concerns?”
Rove sighed, “You see, I actually have two major issues to discuss with the two of you. First, and this is really the concern I want to convey the strongest. There is significant negativity developing from parts of the island that think that applying for statehood is shear treason, and are threatening civil disobedience in order to prevent it from happen.”
Zhang gave a mocking laugh, “And where do you think these cells are?”
Rove nodded, “First of all I think using the term cells to describe pockets of concerned citizens is a bit harsh. Second, these concerned citizens are from all over the island. I get letters every day from dozens of people scolding me for encouraging the exercise. Probably the largest of these organized groups is in the city of Villaggio. I have received information that many of these disgruntled citizens are planning a gathering to protest statehood in the upcoming months.”
Teasdale shook his head, “The vote was taken democratically correct?” Although Zhang initially hesitated, the two Virtagwallans nodded their heads, as Teasdale continued, “Well then, done. I don’t see the urgency of this concern. Simply explain to your people,” he looked at Rove forcefully, “Mr. President, that they decided this course of action: not you, or the Prime Minister, or the Parliament or the courts. The single most powerful entity on this island, the voters, selected this path. It was voted upon as a referendum on the national ballot, and it passed - done, simple as that. There is no going back.”
Zhang nodded, “Mr. President, I believe it is best to simply continue to push forward. As Senator Teasdale laid out quite starkly, the majority decided this. If we were afraid the minority would rise up and do enough damage, and evoke enough fear into people to change the majority’s mind, we would take national action with the police and National Guard before anything got too out of control.”
Teasdale glanced at Rove, as if talking to a son that didn’t understand the world, “Son, sometimes Government, especially the National Government, has to do the dirty work - the grunt work that no one else in society is equipped to deal with, or can do properly. If I have learned anything over my time in public service, it is that more often than not the Government doesn’t always get to please everyone. It must do what is best for the majority, and hope the minority will be pacified or forget about it in time. That is what we are doing. We are guiding your flock to greener pastures,” he smiled speaking to him as if he were Rove’s father.
Xavier Rove instantly picked up a negative vibe; most likely stemming from the fact the Senator had referred to him as “Son”. Zhang was quickly becoming enraged, not removing his eyes from Rove.
He put on a falsetto grin, “Xavier, if you are seriously concerned I will have the Commission look into the situation. Maybe a solace can be found between those that are upset and the Commission. Virtagwalla is known as a place where the culture is to compromise and work together for the betterment of one another,” he smiled at Teasdale, winking.
Zhang’s mocking tone made Rove sick to his stomach and furious. Channeling his anger he stood, “And how do we know this is the direction of greener pastures, Mr. Senator? And why should our government have to make peace accords with its own citizens, Mr. Prime Minister,” he stood firm, “And, when speaking to me, please refer to me as Mr. President, and respect that fact. I am not to be walked on as merely a speed bump in this process. I was elected to voice the concerns of those minorities even in the face of those who merely champion the majority. Now gentlemen I strongly encourage the two of you to think about what is happening here,” he paused and walked to the window, “There are scared people out there. They don’t understand what is happening, and of course they turn to the media for guidance. The pundits are tearing apart this administration and this parliament on this issue, as a set of blind guides who are at the steering wheel of a tractor trailer that is out of control,” turning back to the two of them, “And you two only are helping to perpetuate that criticism. Now let us discuss the future of these people with civility and respect,” the President took a deep breath. “Gentlemen I have a second concern. This concern resolves around recent events involving the Republic Power Company.”
Zhang’s face looked as though someone had punched him. The President, for whom he loathed deeply, was beginning to try to out power the other two men in the room. Artimus Zhang’s face instantly changed to that of a murderer. Senator Teasdale however looked very confused, and asked, “Artimus, I thought you said it was nothing with which I needed to be concerned?”
Zhang was about to leap off the couch and tackle Rove. He had specifically told Rove multiple times in advance that the topic of RPC was NOT to be approached or discussed at the meeting. Any mention of their financial situation was never to be talked about while dealing with the process of state integration. Teasdale looked between Zhang and Rove, and asked seriously, “Artimus, what is wrong with the RPC?”
Zhang didn’t reply immediately. But when he did he flatly alleged, “I must, respectfully, disagree with the President on this topic,” Zhang flashed a deathly leer at Rove, “the events at RPC yield no warrant to be discussed in this meeting. They really are-”
“A cataclysmically enormous deal,” Rove interrupted sharply. Zhang began to dig his fingers into the arms of the sofa. His heart was racing, and his temple was exploding with the hatred he had for Rove.
Rove was howling on this inside. He could see the pain on Artimus Zhang’s face. The Prime Minister’s integrity being questioned in front of someone he could tell Artimus deeply admired. Furthermore Xavier found a bit of pleasure in the payback. The Prime Minister had botched his meeting with the Chancellor of the University of Virtagwalla, Sylvester Chamberlain. So why not mess with his meeting a bit, especially concerning a topic he himself wasn’t totally sold on. After a moment, the President continued, looking towards Teasdale, all the while glancing back at Zhang, “I can’t understand why Prime Minister Zhang believes the financial collapse of the only energy producer on Virtagwalla is not an issue worth bringing up in this meeting,” removing a file from his bag, he handed it to the Senator who ripped open the folder quickly. The President continued, “A few weeks ago the Republic Power Company’s board of directors invited us to their corporate headquarters in the jungle. At which point they informed the two of us,” he pointed between himself and Zhang, who was ready to pounce, “and the Minister of Finance, Jacqueline Sensado, that they were being, quite literally, smothered alive by their hulking amount of debt. It became clear that without immediate assistance from the national government thei
r corporation would be forced to pass a resolution of bankruptcy. Under current Virtagwallan bankruptcy laws, they had no solution other than dissolution. We stepped up recognizing how vulnerable it could make the island, and sold Government bonds to finance a loan of approximately six billion US dollars to keep their doors open. The reason I bring it up is that there are great suspicions amongst economists on the island that the economic downturn the rest of the world is suffering, including your country Mr. Senator, may be coming to our shores. That could lead to larger problems if we aren’t careful. That is why, economically speaking, I don’t know how successful the integration will be at this time – or, more importantly, how well it will be received. I felt it important that you knew this for a variety of reasons, least of all, that this issue could negatively effect our target date in terms of the Parliament approving the petition for statehood,” he finished looking at the now-flush face of the Senator.
Teasdale was succumbing by rage, wrangling the handle of his cane. Turning to Zhang, “How could you possibly think that wasn’t an issue you should be bringing up with me? There is a potentiality that stress lines in your economy are beginning to reveal themselves, and you don’t think that is significant?”
utopia unraveling (The Virtagwala Series Book 1) Page 8