Reich Marshal of the Belkan Reich

RM Vol 4: War – Interlude: Money for the People

When a corner of Europe burns in smoke, steel, and ash, things are much different on the other side of the Atlantic. After the Calamity and the eruption of Yellowstone, many thought that the US would have keeled over and been swept up in the tides of change. Yet, contrary to their expectations. America scales the mountain of soot, striving to reclaim its prior splendor at a rate that can only be described as miraculous. While the scars from such a catastrophe won't fade away for generations, the US managed to restore much of its economy and industries, barring the food sector. Owing to the negative effects of Yellowstone permeating a major part of the farmlands in America, the Land of the Free still imports most of its food from Belka, along with many other things. With this and many other unspecified treaties, the USA persists in its effort to ensure a friendly relationship with the Reich. Such effort also encompasses the need to convene a meeting with the Belkan ambassador, primarily to address the war in Europe.

"Ms. Elv, are you sure that we should keep exporting arms to the Kingdom and its allies?" President Roosevelt asks while resting his glass of water on a fine wooden table. His throat was parched as the talk dragged on.

The meeting is taking place in one of the White House's more private meeting rooms. The room is filled with only some key figures with many chairs still left open. Roosevelt adds after a moment. "Not that we mind earning more dollars for the people, but we are literally exporting heavy weapons like cannons, tanks, and bombers. Even when painted otherwise, it's still made in the US of motherfucking A."

Roosevelt is rightfully concerned that the Eruseans' usage of US-made weapons could harm the cordial relationship between America and Belka. Still, just like the past few times that Belka has confidently given Roosevelt the assurance everything is A-OK, this time is no different. Ambassador Elv, a cultured Vampire lady, smiles while twirling her glass of Champagne.

"Now don't get your pants in a twist, Mister President. Haven't we already given you our blessing? Not to mention arms trading keeps people well-fed and warm these days."

Roosevelt leans back in his wheelchair. Despite the Belkans' help in giving mobility back to his legs, Roosevelt still opts for the wheelchair to maintain his political image. "Then I guess it really is fine then. Between the arms export and maintaining a friendship with the Reich, both are too good to pick one for another."

"Spoken like a true Capitalist, Mister President." Elv giggles while sipping her Champagne, showing a bit of her fang. "Still, it will be remiss of me not to notify your nation of this..."

"And that is?" Roosevelt raises an eyebrow, prompting Elv to say. "For the foreseeable future, you should only finish prior contracts with the Erusean Kingdom, rather than taking up more. This is to prevent your nation from taking a loss in the near future. Other than that, from what I was told, you can still trade with the subordinated nations of the Kingdom normally."

The POTUS mulls over the reasoning behind the advice before comprehending its unsaid meaning. "You're gonna wipe out the Eruseans?"

Elv smirks. "Now that is putting it a bit too aggressive, Mister President. If I am to describe it, then it will be... Subjugate. We're just subjugating our enemies and making them acknowledge our superiority over their antiquity."

"... That really doesn't sound much better, Miss Elv." Roosevelt deadpans.

Elv winks before saying.

"Jokes aside, in lieu of the Erusean Kingdom, it's the Reich who will be commissioning your industry to produce armaments for our allies. Instead of incurring a loss of profit, it's suffice to say that you will be gaining more by fulfilling the Reich's contracts. This is due to the sheer number of things we will be asking the US to produce. I have taken a glimpse at the numbers, and they amount to an awful lot."

Roosevelt can't stop himself from leaning in. "Color me intrigued, Miss Elv. The American people won't say no to even more money and works being made available."

"Still, it will no doubt require us to retool our existing factories." Suddenly, one of the occupants in the room interjects. This person is Senator Jeffrey Iverson, a renowned politician and successful businessman who controls a major part of the US' heavy industries.

"Unless you outfit the newly rebuilt ones with our toolings." Elv adds. "It's known to us that you have reclaimed some broken down or bankrupted factories, Senator Iverson. Still, they haven't been furnished with much if anything at all due to the government's and your priority being elsewhere. The Reich will be glad to loan these factories new tools to fulfill our procurement contracts. A part of the profits these factories make will be used to cover the cost of their loaned equipment until these are theirs to own."

Senator Iverson gives Elv an appraising glance. As both a politician who missed his rise to the Presidency and an adept entrepreneur, the Jewish man knows that Elv presents a very lucrative offer. In the long run, it will even boost his political standing, just because his manufactories will be deeply connected to the Belkans. And no ones mess with the Belkans in these hoods. Surely the Belkans aren't doing this out of the good of their hearts? Nevertheless, the Senator speaks for everyone.

"I have questions, but I am sure that the people in this room feel positive about the offer, Ambassador Elv."

"Indeed we are, Miss Elv." Roosevelt chimes in at one end of the table.

Elv nods.

"I will present the necessary paperwork to the President in the near future then. Given enough publicity, it won't be much of a surprise for me if you all will be tote as heroes for bringing in more jobs for your citizens."

The POTUS and the scant movers and shakers in the room acknowledge the possibility and are even looking forward to it. Suddenly, Roosevelt asks.

"Ambassador, you have said earlier that the procurement contracts are for your allies, am I right?"

Elv smiles understandingly. "I know what you mean, Mister President, and let me explain. As you know, Belka also exports a lot of commodities, including our weapons. Still, with most of our factories now dedicated to fueling our war effort, we can't reliably supply our allies like the Long Dynasty and trade partners like the Spanish Inquisition. This is where America will come in. Owing to your manufacturing experience, it will take little to no time at all for your factory workers to familiarize themselves with our machinery. We will then be acting as the middle person between America and parties that want to get a piece of modernity and civility, with us taking only a small percentage of your profit. Of course, we won't stop you from seeking out buyers of your own. What is important is the factories are to fulfill as many contracts as possible."

Elv stops for a bit to down the rest of her Champagne before continuing. "In the Reich Marshal's vision, a strong alliance is one where each member shares commonality with one another. The standardization of weapons, equipment, and supplies, will ensure smooth cooperation between our militaries in the event that this hidden alliance is forced to reveal its fangs. Nevertheless, whether your country ends up adopting the Belkan standards or not is completely up to you. The Long Dynasty and the Reformists chose to do so out of necessity and practicality."

"I may not be much of a military adept, but even I must admit the notion is one to seriously consider. Yet, it's one that even if I push for, it will take time. Not all of my military members see the benefits of shaking hands with your nation. No offense, of course."

Elv smiles. "None taken, Mister President."

Senator Iverson then claps his hands. "Then, is it good of me to say that I am now rightfully famished? All the serious talks gave me a serious craving for a fine dish if that's even possible without ruffling any feather nowadays."

The others in the meeting room also nod along with Iverson who is stretching his burly muscles. Seeing that the discussion has gone on for hours on end already, even Roosevelt finds himself craving a steak all of a sudden.

"In that case, let's ring for the Chefs. Of course, much like before, we will have to settle for the Belkan MREs, lady and gentlemen. We must uphold an example for the people, after all." Roosevelt says with a knowing smile.

They do eat MREs, alright, but only because it raises some votes for them. In a period where rations and MREs are still prevalent and easier to get than a fresh cut of meat, a politician dining on luxurious steaks is a recipe for disaster. Roosevelt and his government must show solidarity, thus stoking the common Americans' confidence. The fact that the MREs actually taste good when properly prepared is a welcome bonus.

When the chefs arrive, they carry with them plates of different MRE sets and well-prepared utensils. The servers then move to set the plates according to each person's preference. Roosevelt and Elv have steak sets while Iverson enjoys Sardegnian Sausage with sauce in bread. Though the taste is more than adequate and easy to consume, Elv can't help but lament the overall lack of dedication being put into an MRE.

Truly, what she won't exchange for a homemade medium-rare steak instead of these mass-produced steak packs.