Mr Makanai. I must thank you again for inviting us. Orga could not unfortunately make it as he has other matters in Tekkaden to attend to." I said in my best sincere tone as I entered the luxurious vehicle.
"It's quite alright," he replied as though he expected this. "I understand that your group is busy. I wouldn't want to pull your partner away from celebrating with his family."
"I must say, though," he continued, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he studied me. "you wear that suit very well. It reminds me of my own youth, when I thought a well-tailored coat was half the battle in politics." He gave a soft chuckle. "But clothes can only do so much, wouldn't you agree?"
" Of course, but it does do something, however little. I'm sure even with our achievements as a company and your backing, there shall be those who at best, will look down on us and me, so I would like to try change minds, or at least build amiable relationships with those of more flexible mind."
The old man let out a small, approving hum.
"Indeed," he said, his tone laced with a kind of fatherly amusement. "You're wise beyond your years, Darius. The truth is, a well-tied tie can open doors that even a bullet sometimes cannot. You understand that the game is not just won on the battlefield but also over drinks and polite conversation."
I could guess that old man, I snorted inwardly. Still, he's just trying to help me, so I shouldn't act like an arrogant know-it-all.
The old man paused, his gaze shifting to the passing cityscape outside the window as if searching for the right words.
"It pleases me to see that you're willing to build those bridges. Arbrau's parliament is a place of tradition: old men, old families, old money. They'll be slow to warm to Tekkaden, but you've given them the courtesy of showing respect with that suit and your words. Your group's effort in getting me here should also be a good impression."
He turned his attention fully back to me now, his expression growing more serious.
"Still, don't think that a handshake over a dinner table will win them all over. Some minds will never change, no matter how fine the suit or how polite the conversation is, even if the tables are filled with those who have aided in my reelection. But for those that can be reached, well, that's where your skill and ambition come into play, something you have shown to have."
So, choose your allies well. Dropping gems on me I see.
" Well, I'm sure if you were to show me to the right people, that would be an easier endeavour." I said with a more genuine smile as the car pulled over.
Makanai gave me a measured nod. "I'll introduce you to those who need to be impressed and those who might become allies or, at the very least, not obstacles. But remember, introductions are just the beginning. What you do with them will be what shapes the future."
As we exited the car, we were bombarded with flashes of camera lights and shouts from journalists and reporters. " If this is what I have to look forward to when our contract is finally announced, I suspect I shall be sneaking into any event I may be attending." I muttered with my best picture-esc smile as we walked toward the entrance.
Makanai leaned in just enough for his voice to be heard over the reporters' clamour. "Ah, yes, this is the price of power, my young friend. Cameras, questions, assumptions, rumours. They all come with the territory." He paused, giving me a brief sidelong look. "But you seem to be a natural. Remember: it's not always about what you say to them. Sometimes it's about what you let them believe. Luckily, you do not need to speak to them today.
He raised his head and offered a gracious wave to the journalists in polite acknowledgement then turned his attention back to me. "As for sneaking into events," he said with a low, dry laugh, "I suspect you'd manage that, too. But tonight, let them see you. The power of a first impression is worth more than any press release."
When we finally walked through the grand doors, I dropped my smile for something more neutral. I suspected I would have to do a lot more smiling, so it would be good to take breaks at any chance I could.
Walking through the hallways, we finally entered one of the open doors that led into a massive room where all the elites of this bloc were playing the game of politics.
A game I would be entering now, even if just temporary. Well, temporarily if my vision for the future doesn't work out.
I followed Makanai as he walked to the stage, merely nodding my greetings along as the old man greeted every single person he passed. When we made it to the stage, I stood at the edge of it, watching as the Master of Ceremonies called the old man's name.
A hush settled over the room. The lights above the stage cast a warm glow, highlighting his lined but dignified face as he stepped up to the microphone. He let the silence stretch for a heartbeat.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice calm but carrying just enough weight to silence even the most stubborn of side conversations, "Thank you for gathering here tonight. It is an honour to stand before so many who have given so much to Arbrau, who have guided our nation through challenges and opportunities alike."
He let a small, satisfied smile touch his lips. "Tonight, I bring news of a partnership forged not only in mutual benefit but also in the hope for a brighter, more secure Arbrau. A partnership with those who have proven themselves on the field and off. Who have shown ingenuity, strength, and, perhaps most importantly, a commitment to the ideals we hold dear."
A few parliament members shifted in their seats, and some already leaned in with interest. The anticipation was palpable.
"With that," he continued, "I am proud to announce that we have signed a comprehensive support and development contract with Tekkaden. A name that has earned its place in our history books with their recent actions. Their expertise and determination will aid Arbrau in securing not only its borders but its future prosperity."
A ripple of murmurs spread through the room, some curious, some sceptical. He glanced to the side of the stage where I stood, which I took as an invitation onto the stage. Walking up, I sent the crowd a smile and a wave.
"Represented here tonight by Mr Darius Kingston, a leader of this organisation, Tekkaden stands ready to support Arbrau with logistics, security, and military reconstruction efforts. We have placed our trust in them, and I believe that trust will be repaid tenfold."
He raised his glass, a silent toast to what came next. "To Arbrau. To new beginnings. And to those who dare to build them."
The crowd clapped as the master of ceremonies took stand at the microphone and asked me to say a few words. This wasn't mentioned with what I would do. Glancing at Makanai, he only gave me an encouraging nod.
I guess I'm just an idiot for not preparing.
Taking a deep breath in, I walked up to the centre stage where the lights were almost blinding, and my nerves rose a few levels.
Miss Atlin, hope you were right about my talent at improv.
" Good evening to you all. I must say, I thought I had walked into the wrong room with how many handsome and gorgeous people there are here."
That earned a round of laughs.
" Anyway, I just want to thank both you and Makanai for the opportunity and responsibility placed on Tekkaden. I know that our youth may bring apprehension of our abilities, but I want to assure you here and now. Do not mistake our youth for incompetence. We at Tekkaden have been through perils and faced foes that would leave lesser military organisations as space dust. We have even faced the once thought indomitable Gjallarhorn and come out not only alive but on top. Even aiding in exposing their corruption."
I paused to look at the whole crowd. " So, allow our track record to speak for itself and give us the chance to continue proving our value to this illustrious nation. Thank you."
I was met with applause that was greater than I expected. One that widened my smile a bit.
With that little introduction over, Makanai began parading me around to his buddies.
Makanai started with the easier introductions: minor parliament members, long-time supporters, those who prided themselves on being open to new ideas.
"Minister Shida," he began with, introducing a tall man with silver hair and a round nose. "May I present to you Mr. Kingston of Tekkaden. A rising star with a head for logistics and a taste for politics, I think you'll find."
Shida gave a tight smile, nodding politely but with a calculating glint in his eye. "A pleasure," he said. "Arbrau needs new blood and new ideas. I look forward to hearing yours."
" The pleasure is all mine. I shall also look forward to hearing your experienced words, as it is that experience that refines new ideas into working plans."
" Well said young man."
My greetings and small talk continued till I was upgraded to more important people I may work with in future such as the Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Steward, something or other. He was secretive about his name for whatever reason.
A cautious man with eyes like a hawk who was quite stern and had a sparse vocab that amounted to, 'I don't trust you but I trust Makanai so I hope you're as good as Makanai thinks'.
However, the next person I came into contact with, the Minister of Defence, Rebbeca Black. A sharp-featured woman with a reputation for both wit and steel. She was much more amiable in our conversation. She even cracked a few smiles at some of the jokes I dared to make.
Though she was a bit…touchy but I might just be imagining things. I mean, she was a married woman in her forties and had two kids so my age could have just brought out a motherly instinct or something.
I was a bit confused when this department came up however, since I thought Gjallahorn handled such issues, but apparently, the blocs had some autonomy due to a pesky neighbour she didn't elaborate on.
From Miss Black's words, specifically," this defence force is a joke, I'm glad we're finally getting something more than token support."
I suspect every bloc has some sort of defence force but it's to a ridiculously scaled-down level because of Gjallahorn.
So they were basically glorified policemen.
Hmm…
Anyway, the last person I was especially eager to meet was the minister of finance, Yelena Volkova. The woman was easier to talk to than I thought, considering her Russian-sounding name, though our conversation mostly revolved around one thing, which was obvious.
Money.
Now, as someone who was, at best, morally grey when it came to anything involving money, I had learnt to spot someone of my kind, and it was clear that this woman was willing to do a lot to line her pockets.
Did you know all her family and friends had hands in many of Arbrau's top industries, specifically retail and entertainment?
Well now I know.
Another interesting tidbit was how she supposedly took control of the department. There were rumours and she insisted that they were mere rumours, was that she only got her position cause of her grandfather and her willingness to open her legs to the right people.
She seemed self conscious about it considering she was the one that brought it up.
We only touched the topic as the mere mention of it soured her mood, but if I ever wanted more private conversations on investing in Arbrau, she was more than happy to help.
Finishing another conversation with another nameless in a suit, I felt my smile strain a bit with how hard it was at work.
Damn, How did Makanai do this for as long as he had?
My complaints had to be put on hold as the next old face came to greet me. The minister of intelligence, Borrat Brosovski. The plump white bearded bear was an amicable man and quite the chatterbox.
Funny considering his position.
It was extremely useful though, since he was up to date with gossip, rumours and the like.
" I must warn you, behind that sharp face and family facade is a man-eater. I've seen men change after trying to get with her for favours,"
I duly noted that for any future encounters with the defence minister. Maybe it wasn't in my head after all.
" Oh, and that man over there." He vaguely gestured to a young man with a sharp butt chin and a movie-esc stylised haircut. " Minister Enzo Verrat, a rising star in the internal affairs department. However, some say his rise is a manufactured one due to his rumoured deep ties to Arasaka."
Thats ni-wait what?!
" Arasaka?"
" The one and only. "
Oh no