New Eldoria

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟕: 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?

The Felora'n Palace, a bastion of tradition and authority, hummed softly with the rhythms of daily governance. President Brooks sat at his polished mahogany desk, the steady ticking of the ornate clock in the corner marking the passage of time. The room was bathed in the warm glow of the afternoon sun filtering through the grand windows, casting long shadows that danced across the walls.

The tranquility was interrupted by the shrill ring of the telephone on President Brooks' desk. He picked up the receiver, his fingers deftly navigating the old-fashioned rotary dial, and greeted the caller with his customary professionalism.

"President Brooks speaking."

On the other end of the line, Gianna Florell, the President of EITN Industries, greeted him with a strained cordiality. "Good afternoon, President Brooks. I hope this call finds you well."

"It does, Ms. Florell. What can I do for you today?"

There was a pause before Florell's voice took on a more serious tone. "I'm calling regarding the upcoming Economic Meeting with the NED Council. I understand that there are discussions on transitioning Eldoria to a free-market economy. I strongly believe this would be detrimental to our current economic structure, which has been working well for us."

President Brooks frowned slightly. "I see. And you have a particular stance on this matter?"

"Indeed," Florell replied, her voice taking on a tone of urgency. "I would like to propose that we maintain the state-market system. I have always supported this model, and I believe it is in the best interest of Eldoria's economic stability."

Before President Brooks could respond, Florell continued, her tone shifting subtly. "In fact, I have been authorized to offer a considerable sum to ensure that you will not support the transition to a free-market system at the meeting. A sum of 500 million Fellors."

President Brooks' eyes widened in surprise. He leaned back in his chair, the gravity of the offer sinking in. "Are you suggesting that you are trying to bribe the President of the Republic of Eldoria?"

Florell's voice remained calm, though there was an edge to her words. "It is not a bribe, but rather a financial incentive to persuade you to reconsider your position. We believe this is the best course of action for the country."

President Brooks' demeanor hardened. "I must make it clear that I refuse your proposal. I find your attempt to influence my decision through financial means both unethical and unacceptable. I will attend the Economic Meeting as scheduled and represent the interests of Eldoria, not those of a private entity."

Florell's tone became more cautious. "President Brooks, I hope you will reconsider. EITN Industries has been a cornerstone of Eldoria's economic structure. We are only trying to ensure stability and growth."

"Ms. Florell," President Brooks replied firmly, "your offer is both inappropriate and illegal. I expect that you will conduct your business within the bounds of legality and integrity. Be very careful with your words and actions moving forward."

There was a moment of silence before Florell responded, her voice now tinged with frustration. "Very well, President Brooks. I trust you will make the right decision for Eldoria."

With that, the call ended. President Brooks placed the receiver back on its cradle, his mind already racing with the implications of the conversation. He had been offered a substantial sum to sway his position, an attempt to undermine the integrity of his office. The audacity of the proposal left him resolute in his commitment to transparency and fairness.

The upcoming Economic Meeting with the NED Council would be crucial, and President Brooks knew he had to navigate it with the utmost integrity. As he reviewed the documents on his desk, the weight of his responsibility pressed heavily upon him. He had to ensure that the interests of Eldoria remained paramount, regardless of the pressures and temptations that came his way.

The Day of the Economic Meeting

The sun hung low in the sky as President Brooks prepared to leave the Felora'n Palace for the long-awaited Economic Meeting of the NED Council. The grandeur of the palace, with its ornate architecture and historical significance, seemed to fade into the background as the urgency of the situation took precedence. Brooks, dressed in his formal attire, reviewed the final documents and briefed Vice President Gourd on the day's agenda.

"Are you ready, Rico?" President Brooks asked, glancing up from the papers on his desk.

Vice President Gourd, who had been reviewing his own set of documents, nodded. "Ready as I'll ever be. It's an important meeting, and we need to make sure we represent Eldoria's best interests."

The two leaders made their way to the grand entrance of the palace, where their car awaited. The vehicle, an elegant yet discreet black limousine, was surrounded by a contingent of the Presidential Secret Task Force (PSTF), their presence a silent reminder of the heightened security around the President.

The drive from the Felora'n Palace to the Royal Palace of Valeria in the SAPs Province of Valens was expected to be uneventful. The route was well-protected and heavily patrolled. As they settled into the car, Brooks and Gourd engaged in a final discussion about the upcoming meeting, their voices a mix of strategic deliberation and casual conversation.

But as the car glided smoothly down the road, a sudden and violent disruption shattered the calm. Multiple shots rang out, striking the vehicle with a deafening impact. The sound of gunfire pierced through the vehicle's interior, followed by the sharp, staccato rhythm of the tires screeching as the car came to a halt.

Panic ensued inside the car. President Brooks and Vice President Gourd were thrown into disarray as the vehicle's armored frame absorbed the brunt of the attack. The PSTF, trained for such emergencies, sprang into action. Their training and instincts took over as they quickly assessed the situation, their faces set in grim determination.

One of the PSTF agents, his face a mask of focused intensity, immediately radioed for assistance. "We have an attack on the President! Immediate extraction required!"

As the remaining agents secured the perimeter and engaged with the assailants, two agents carefully extracted President Brooks and Vice President Gourd from the damaged vehicle. Both men were visibly injured, their faces pale and their movements weak. The agents swiftly carried them to a secondary vehicle—a medical transport specially equipped for emergencies.

"Hang in there, Mr. President, Mr. Vice President!" one of the agents shouted, his voice filled with urgent reassurance. "We're getting you to the hospital."

The convoy raced towards the nearest hospital, a state-of-the-art facility equipped to handle high-profile emergencies. Inside the transport, medical personnel worked feverishly to stabilize the injured leaders. The atmosphere was tense, punctuated by the rhythmic beeping of medical monitors and the low murmur of urgent conversation.

As the convoy approached the hospital, a throng of reporters and photographers had gathered outside, their curiosity piqued by the sudden, unanticipated event. News of the attack spread rapidly, creating a maelstrom of speculation and concern.

Inside the hospital, the emergency rooms were transformed into battlegrounds of their own. Medical teams rushed to attend to President Brooks and Vice President Gourd, their faces grim but determined. The severity of their injuries was yet to be fully assessed, but the priority was clear—stabilize and treat.

The political landscape of Eldoria was now uncertain, teetering on the edge of chaos. With both the President and Vice President in critical condition, the nation held its breath, waiting for news of their condition. The security forces and intelligence agencies began their investigations, piecing together the puzzle of the attack and its perpetrators.

As the night deepened, the hospital's corridors were filled with a somber, anxious energy. Eldoria's future hung in the balance, its leaders' fates intertwined with the nation's. The Economic Meeting of the NED Council was now overshadowed by a crisis of unprecedented magnitude, leaving the country on the precipice of uncertainty.

The question loomed large in the minds of all: What would happen next?