President Connor's sifting through legislation was interrupted when one of his staff, a young man by the name of Fredrick burst through his door, a number of slightly crumpled papers in his hand. "Sir, we just received these from the Syrixian government, it is their latest legislation." Rising from his chair, the leader took the papers and thanked the man, wondering what legislation could possibly concern him. Placing his glasses on, the president read the document, a calm look on his face before placing the papers down, Fredrick waiting anxiously for the entire half hour it took the leader to sift. "Thank you for delivering this, if you could please send in Leo, Jack, Alec and Julie." Nodding, the assistant set off.
When the four reached Johnson's office, they found him staring out of his window, captured in the early afternoon sunlight. They were his four most trusted advisors in the field of finance, economics and industry, and they were only called together when something serious had occurred. "I'm presuming you read the Syrixian legislation?" Julie asked. "I skimmed it, yes. And I must say I find the content disturbing." The leader replied. "Syrixia basically has us by the balls, if Folmerican industry and influence expand too far into the country, they could force all of it out, heavily damaging our economy. Not only that, but if we're deemed too violent or seen as not agreeing with neighboring countries, it'll all be cut. They're holding the strings to everything..." The leader lamented.
"Well, sir, we have already benefited from the expansion of influence, maybe it's time we slow down." Jack offered. "No, the USF needs to continue rapid and aggressive economic growth if we want to position ourselves as a regional power." The leader replied. "Maybe we should focus on expanding our economy back home?" Alec said, offering his own opinion. "That's a goal we're already pursuing, the Syrixian influence is auxiliary, but aiding us exponentially." The leader replied. "But are they truly serious about this? If they antagonize us they'll lose our aid." The president pondered. "Unfortunately, the Syrixian economy has recovered and they no longer need our aid, we've lost that leverage as well." Leo replied, sighing as he flipped through some papers.
"Julie, any loopholes?" This was where Julie's talents lay. A genius with language, she regularly discovered loopholes in legislation that either allowed Connor to close them, or to point out or exploit them in others. "I've noticed that the term 'monopolizing' is relatively vague, there's potential for exploitation there." She explained, also flipping through several papers. "Alright, I'll leave it to the four of you to think of a solution. I'll organize a press conference and announce the slashing of aid and the return of several troops from Osship. We'll agree to the terms of the legislation, best not to antagonize them while they hold this much power over our economy. Syrixia's a big boy now and it doesn't need us."
30 Minutes Later
"Men and women of Folmerica, I have come here to speak about the Syrixian situation." President Connor explained to the crowd, his speech organized for public viewing. "They gave requested we lessen the rate our influence expands in the region, and we will respect their sovereignty. Our industries will remain as they are and no changes will be made to the running of them. My government and myself are currently drafting legislation to support this." The President explained, photos and notes being furiously taken, several microphones held up to record his every word. "Unfortunately, this agreement means Folmerica will have to lessen aid exponentially. Our spending in the region was financed by the growth of business." He explained, and Connor knew that would hurt Syrixia. The money would still be useful for infrastructure projects, and having it cut removed that bonus. "However, military personnel will remain in Osship. We cannot allow the forces of anarchy to rise once more. Thank you." He ess then hit with a barrage of questions, but faced them willingly.
He'd decided against his previous sentiment of removing troops from Osship, as it would remove a very real Folmerican presence in the region. Having the troops there reminded the Syrixian citizens that the USF would always be there for them, to protect them where their government failed. It had been Folmerican aid workers that had rushed to the site of the nuclear bomb, Folmerican money that had rebuilt their capital and Folmerican industries, corporations and businesses that provided many of them with goods, jobs and services. And a handsome tax to the Folmerican government, furthering the advantages of this arrangement.
