Oraglo Tempo

Chapter 3: Diplomacy

23 March 2037
23rd of the 3rd, 751
Kingdom of Kestario, Bastoni

In the capital city, Queen Linia was present in a meeting room with government officials and lords. It has been three days since the attack on Antino occurred. The first two days were spent discussing the attack and the Indonesian aid, including their weaponry and the damage caused. However, today was the day for discussing the Indonesian demand once again. The young Queen Linia paid close attention while Malarus presented the request given by the Indonesian delegation.

Malarus read out the list of requests made by the Indonesian, "Your Majesty Queen Linia II, the delegation of Indonesia has requested a few things to be approved:

1. The rights for Indonesian company and business to mine for oil and minerals around Antino.
2. The establishment of a Consulate General office in Antino to better communicate with Kestario.
3. Permission to build a base in Antino and station 300 men of the Indonesian army there.
4. Formalization of a defense treaty between the Republic of Indonesia and Kestario, and
5. Establishment of proper trade with Kestario."

As soon as the demand was stated, there was a commotion. Some agreed to the request while some were against it, believing that it would undermine Kestario's sovereignty. Lord Tironio III led the opposition, still harboring resentment that a portion of his county was "taken" by Indonesia.

Queen Linia sat silently, listening to the heated discussions of her council members. She knew that the decision she would make could have far-reaching consequences for her kingdom. She took a deep breath and then spoke, "I understand that there are concerns about our sovereignty, but we cannot deny the fact that we need help. We need to find a way to work together with the Indonesian delegation to strengthen our position and protect our people."

Some council members nodded in agreement, while others looked disapprovingly at the queen. Lord Tironio III stood up and spoke, "Your Majesty, I urge you to reconsider. We should not allow foreigners to come and dictate our policies. It's a matter of principle, a matter of our national identity."

The room fell silent as Queen Linia thought about Lord Tironio's words. She understood the importance of national identity, but she also knew that her people is in the threat of war with Silgonia. She spoke again, "I understand your concerns, Lord Tironio. But we must also consider the well-being of our people. We need to find a way to protect them, and if the Indonesian delegation can help us do that, then we must work together with them."

After several hours of intense debate, the council finally came to a decision. They would accept some of the Indonesian demands, but with certain conditions. The Indonesian delegation would be allowed to establish a consulate in Antino and station a limited number of troops there. The two countries would also work on a defense treaty and establish a proper trade relationship. However, the mining rights and establishment of a permanent base would have to wait until further negotiations. For now, the Indonesian could only have less than 300 men in Antino stationed in a temporary base.

Queen Linia breathed a sigh of relief as the council meeting came to an end. She knew that there were still challenges ahead, but she was confident that her decision was the right one for her people.

Meanwhile, in Nusantara Capital

President Hendri sipped his coffee as he sat across from the Vice-President, Fitri Bunga Putri. Although, the usual calming atmosphere is replaced with a tense air.

"You didn't consult me." Fitri said, wiping the dew on her glasses with her handkerchief.

"About what?" Hendri simply responded.

"Your demand for the native." She said.

"I think-"

"I can see beyond your lies, Hendri." Fitri firmly stated. "You think I don't realize that your 'demand' to the native of Kestario is one of your ploy to create a colony?"