The warmth of the reception was genuine, or at least convincingly presented, yet she had not traveled to Thessarapolis to be disarmed by informality.
“Your hospitality is appreciated, Secretary Baker. I assure my senses have not dulled one bit, but that timezone change is no joke.”
She followed Fiona toward the armchairs. When the coffee was placed before her, L.R. inclined her head in thanks, but did not immediately reach for it. She listened without interruption as Fiona spoke of Thessara’s wealth, influence, and supposed exhaustion with the deference that usually accompanied them.
At the reference to Zvlokiquix as a nation that had pulled itself from collapse, L.R.’s expression remained composed. Praise offered before negotiations, however, was still part of the negotiation.
L.R. then lifted the coffee, took a measured sip, and returned the cup to its saucer.
“You have spoken candidly, so I will do the same.”
She rested one hand against the closed portfolio beside her.
“Zvlokiquix does not doubt the scale of Thessaran power. A thirty-trillion-eurodollar economy, control over major financial systems, and the ability to place vast amounts of capital abroad are advantages few governments possess. We would be foolish to pretend otherwise.”
Her eyes remained fixed.
“Zvlokiquix commends what Thessara is doing for the world. In a lot of ways, it’s not too unlike the history my country has gone through. Trying to rebuild in the best way you can and provide a stable future and learn the lessons of the past to not have them repeated.”
Her tone stayed calm, almost conversational, but the message carried unmistakable weight.
“We understand Thessara is not seeking to negotiate our sovereignty and independent military command. We know they will remain after it. With that, let’s begin.”
L.R. opened her portfolio and removed the three draft frameworks, placing them on the low table between the armchairs.
“The €$165 billion may demonstrate seriousness, but any agreement we reach must be beneficial on its own merits, not because the amount attached to it is too large to refuse. There is no doubt that you’re a sensible nation looking to do the right thing”
She placed one finger on Draft 1A.
“We begin with the Bilateral Logistics Zone. Zvlokiquix has concluded that a Thessaran presence in the region may be best suited on our soil after all. We are willing to authorize a footprint for the requested infrastructure on islands Hivata and Io. We feel this satisfies the purpose for Thessara. All facilities should be a joint collaboration of our nations. Their security will remain under Zvlokiquixian command. Access will be only Thessaran.”
Her hand moved to Draft 1B.
“The stabilization fund supports the Grey. Zvlokiquix will retain final authority over domestic monetary policy, reserve deployment, and capital circulation. Thessaran treasury instruments may form part of the mechanism. We are not looking for the world to adopt our currency nor our currency to become worthless”
Finally, she indicated Draft 1C.
“We understand that defense modernization will preserve operational independence. Thessaran compatibility will be useful; however, Zvlokiquix must retain the ability to maintain, repair, modify, manufacture, and deploy all systems without requiring foreign approval. No remote shutdown provisions, concealed access mechanisms, mandatory foreign supervision, or restrictions on sovereign deployment will be accepted.”
Her expression tightened slightly as she reached the resource provisions.
“As for preferential extraction rights, all resources within Zvlokiquix remain property of the state. Thessaran firms or agencies will receive state-supervised contracts, but they will not acquire independent ownership over Zvlokiquixian deposits, territory, or production infrastructure. Extraction cannot be a fire-sale of natural resources.”
L.R. leaned back in the leather chair.
“You said Thessara invited us because it wanted a partner capable of looking it in the eye and saying when it was being too much.”
For the first time since sitting down, the faintest suggestion of a smile appeared.
“Secretary Baker, these are the terms I have been instructed to lay out and, myself, believe in.”
She let the words rest between them before continuing.
“Zvlokiquix is prepared to offer Thessara reliable access, long-term cooperation, secure trade corridors, strategic coordination, and a formidable partner in the region. In return, Thessara must accept that cooperation with us will not resemble ownership.”
L.R. lifted her cup in answer to Fiona’s earlier toast.
“We will negotiate as equals. Not because Thessara has generously chosen to treat us as one, but because Zvlokiquix would accept no other arrangement.”
She took another sip.
“Shall we begin rewriting the drafts.”
