NOVEL NEXT Chapter 91: Recall Orders
Emily turned in her chair to face Julieanne, her eyebrows raised slightly as she processed the gravity of the situation.
"Cutting ties with Zambesi. That's no small task," she remarked, though her voice carried a casual tone that only close friends shared.
Julieanne gave a small shrug, glancing around the bustling Foreign Affairs Ministry. "No, it's not. But the king of Zambesi isn't leaving us much of a choice. Alexander's made his decision, and it's my job to make sure it's carried out smoothly."
"You know, it feels like just yesterday we were putting all this work into strengthening ties with Zambesi. Now here we are, tearing it all down."
Julieanne nodded, leaning against the desk. "Ironic, isn't it? But that's the nature of diplomacy. One wrong step, and everything unravels."
Emily reached for a stack of official documents from her desk, flipping through them methodically.
"Feels odd doing this by hand," she muttered as she organized the papers required to start the formal recall of the ambassador. "I'm used to diplomats talking their way out of things, not pulling the plug like this."
Julieanne crossed her arms and smiled slightly. "Diplomacy isn't always about endless negotiations, Emily. Sometimes you've got to cut your losses before they drag you down."
Emily sighed as she grabbed her pen and began to write on the recall notice. The soft scratch of the pen against the paper filled the small office, blending with the muffled hum of activity beyond the closed doors.
"I just hope this doesn't spiral into something worse. Zambesi's in a bad place right now. Pulling out our support could mean their enemies will smell blood."
"They've chosen this path," Julieanne said firmly. "We gave them every opportunity to change course. King Mwanga made it clear he would rather sink his kingdom than back down."
Experience tales at mvl
Emily nodded, carefully rolling up the parchment she had just completed. "You're right. But I can't shake the feeling this won't end cleanly."
Julieanne uncrossed her arms and leaned closer to Emily, her voice softening. "Nothing about Zambesi's situation is clean. You know that. If we stick around and continue to support them while they commit atrocities, what does that say about Valoria? We can't be associated with what they're doing to the Matalebe."
"I know, I know," Emily conceded, rolling her eyes slightly. "You sound just like Alexander."
Julieanne chuckled. "Maybe I've spent too much time around him."
Emily finished the last of the documents, sealing them with the Valorian crest. "Alright," she said, handing the papers to Julieanne. "That's the recall order. Once this reaches the embassy in Zambesi, Reinhardt and his staff will begin packing. We should have them back in Valoria within the week."
Julieanne took the documents and nodded. "Thanks, Emily. I'll make sure these get delivered right away." She paused before leaving. "You know, it's been a while since we've had a drink together."
Emily grinned, leaning back in her chair. "Well, after all this is done, I think we've earned one. What do you say?"
"I'll hold you to that," Julieanne replied with a smile, then turned toward the door. "I'll see you soon. Hopefully, when this mess is behind us."
***
The sun was setting over Maputo as Viktor Reinhardt, the Valorian ambassador to Zambesi, sat in his office. Weeks of negotiations and warnings had amounted to little, and Reinhardt knew that the delicate ties between Valoria and Zambesi were fraying.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. One of his aides entered, holding a sealed document bearing the Valorian crest. "Ambassador," the aide said, his tone cautious, "a message from Volkshalle. It's marked urgent."
Reinhardt stood, taking the document with a grim nod. He broke the seal, his eyes quickly scanning the contents.
[Ambassador Reinhardt,
In light of the recent developments and King Mwanga's continued refusal to comply with Valoria's request to halt the aggressive campaign against the Matalebe tribes, it is with great resolve that I issue this order of immediate recall.
Effective immediately, all Valorian diplomatic personnel are to vacate the Kingdom of Zambesi. You and your staff are to make all necessary arrangements for the secure transport of sensitive documents, classified materials, and diplomatic equipment. The embassy will cease all operations within three days from receipt of this notice.
Your presence in Maputo is no longer required after this period, and you will be expected to return to Valoria promptly.
Additionally, it is imperative that you notify the Zambesi government of our decision through the appropriate formal channels. This communication must convey that Valoria, under no circumstances, can support the actions undertaken by Zambesi against the Matalebe people, and as such, we are severing all diplomatic, military, and economic ties effective immediately.
We urge you to exercise caution in your interactions with local officials. Your safety and that of the diplomatic staff must remain a priority.
You are expected back in Volkshalle within the week to brief us on the final details and ensure a seamless transition of this withdrawal.
]
Viktor Reinhardt set the letter down, his face hardening as the full weight of the recall settled in. The reality of Valoria's decision to sever ties with Zambesi was now undeniable, and the process of dismantling the embassy's operations had to begin immediately.
He stood and walked to the window, the golden hues of the setting sun casting long shadows over the streets of Maputo.
"Aide," Reinhardt called out, his voice firm. The young man who had delivered the letter stepped forward, standing at attention.
"Summon all senior staff to the main conference room. We have much to discuss, and little time to do it," Reinhardt ordered.
The aide nodded swiftly and left the room. Reinhardt turned back to his desk, collecting his thoughts as he began to draft his formal communication to the Zambesi government. He would need to tread carefully; the severance of diplomatic ties could lead to unintended consequences, particularly in such volatile times.
As he sat back down, he pulled out a fresh piece of paper and a pen, and he began to write.
[In accordance with the orders issued by His Excellency, Supreme Leader Alexander of Valoria, I regret to inform you that Valoria will be withdrawing all diplomatic personnel and severing our formal relations with the Kingdom of Zambesi.
This decision has been made following Zambesi's continued refusal to cease operations against the Matalebe tribes, despite repeated requests and warnings from our government. Valoria cannot, in good conscience, support actions that have been viewed as violations of basic human rights and dignity.
All Valorian diplomatic staff will vacate the embassy within the next three days, and no further communication between our nations will occur beyond this point. We trust you will respect the safety and security of our personnel as they prepare to depart your nation.
This termination of relations also includes an immediate cessation of military, economic, and developmental aid. We will no longer be responsible for any existing agreements or obligations.
We wish your people stability and peace in these uncertain times, though Valoria will no longer be a partner in those efforts.
]