The white haired woman was standing calmly before the enormous bay windows that produced a view of Metro City’s urban sprawl. While well maintained, the high-rises’ locale in the Political Plaza was oriented towards the more richer merchant and entertainment districts. Rada Maric had spent time in Metro City before, though found it lacking in comparison to the out-country rustic of, say, Nero or her own home, Blueshore.
“Had I known you’d be drinking, I would have brought some of the mead Arjun has been brewing out at Sevastopolc - I do not quite enjoy the taste myself, but then I’ve never been much of a drinker.” Rada offered with a dismissive wave of her hand, watching Johnne pour himself a glass.
“A statesman that doesn’t drink - I’m sure your constituents eat up the ‘pure woman’ drive.” Johnne quipped as he set the decanter back down, drawing the glass to his lips while he noticed the intelligence chief tilting her wrist to glance at her watch.
“I believe we’ve had some new arrivals.” The woman remarked, looking up momentarily as the door to the meeting room swung open to reveal the Aschen. Her features hardly changed, studying the figures before her with sharp eyes. “And it appears they’ve brought an extra … “
While the chief and Rada hardly seemed surprised, President Rodre was another question entirely. Turning in his seat, his eyes promptly narrowed in distrust before his glass was set down with an audible clack.
“What the fuck is this - “ He started, his tone immediately drawing an outstretched hand from Rada. Johnne rose from his seat, soon turning his fury to the intelligence chief. “Is this more of your Cobalt, behind the curtain, dark closet shit? You brought the fucking imperial government - “
“Actually, Mister President, it wasn’t - “ Before she could finish however, she was promptly cut off with another outburst.
“Quiet! You fucking skulltakers have turned my city into your fucking thieves den! And you’re hopping in bed with the god damned Imps? Does the Exogarden know about this?!” Rodre bellowed, though as the intel chief only rolled her eyes, Rada finally stood.
“Johnne … Johnne, that is enough! I invited them. An Artifex put me into contact with the Imperial government.” Rada said, standing toe to toe with the President even as she barely reached his shoulders in height. Rodre’s anger seemed to be replaced with confusion, and a soft hint of betrayal, as he looked to the Secretary General.
“You? Rada what the hell were you thinking - you’re going to cut them in on classified information that could put millions of our people’s lives in danger? Are you insane?”
“And if these threats Cobalt believes they have discovered are true, millions of their people would be in just as much danger.” Rada offered, giving an encouraging wave to the Aschen while Johnne reached a palm to his forehead.
“Rada. I know you’re not this stupid. The High Commodore and that fucking … harpie of a woman working for him are chomping at the bit to dissolve the Separation Charter. If they find out you’re dealing intelligence to the fucking Imperial government - “
“I can deal with the Commodore, Johnne - and his little pet capsuleer.” Rada said dismissively, giving an emphatic sigh. “Where’s your spine.” She finished with one final jab. Johnne was still unconvinced however, rubbing at the bridge of his nose.
“You’re hell bent ending your career in an ITDM gulag, aren’t you? And for a fucking Aschen who wouldn’t even look back twice with the thought of helping you if the shoe were on the other foot.” He said through a blustering sigh, dropping a hand to the back of his chair.
Rada stood with her chin straightened, jaw set as she spoke not at Johnne, but rather past him. “I was eleven years old when the first Aschen began colonizing Terra, Johnne, I was aware of their cruelty before our benefactors across the Veil even heard of our homeworld.” She started, soon pointing a single, spindly finger into the man’s chest.
“Do you know why the Coalition succeeded on our world while the Aschen failed? Because they did exactly what I did here - bring our strengths to the table, all of them. Leaving them in the lurch will play into the hands of the OPA or, even worse, whoever they are working for. These spacers would kill every one of us in this room,” She indicated over to the Aschen, her and Johnne, and then the white haired woman, who simply gave a tiny nod. “In a heartbeat and not even bat an eye. We certainly aren’t allies, but for once we are on the same side of this fight.”