Summoning America

Chapter 91: Stockpile

Author's Note: Nothing here is set in stone just yet. If you have any feedback, please leave it in the comments section. Thanks, and enjoy the chapter!

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May 17, 1640
Washington, D.C.

President Lee sifted through a stack of papers on his desk, reviewing the main titles of each section as he prepared for a discussion with the three people in front of him: Secretary of Defense Robert Hill, Secretary of State Gordon Heiden, and Speaker of the House Lynda Schiefer. "Thanks for coming on such short notice," he told them, setting down the papers.

"Of course, sir," Hill replied.

"What's going on with Mu, Mister President?" Schiefer asked, remembering the quick request she received.

"Robert," Lee nodded at the man, urging him to explain.

"A couple days ago, the Sonal Kingdom was attacked by Gra Valkan Army forces. At the same time, a Gra Valkan naval force sank a Nigrat Union patrol fleet and they're likely mopping up the rest of Nigrat's naval forces as we speak. We've lifted restrictions on weapon exports, allowing them to buy certain gear, like body armor and basic rifles." Hill's expression grew dimmer. "Even with the help Mu and the Holy Mirishial Empire are giving, we expect Sonal and Nigrat to fall within a few months – as early as fall."

Schiefer sighed, "Another war looms on the horizon, huh?" Although she and her colleagues had many connections who stood to gain from war, they knew that continued conflict would rile up their constituents sooner or later.

Lee confirmed her thoughts, "Yes. Public opinion might not fare so well, especially for a conflict this far away. So I, along with Robert, have come up with a proposal to sell weapons in bulk to Mu and the Holy Mirishial Empire. We need your opinion on these proposals, to see if Congress will accept them."

"Congress?" Schiefer was confused. "But you already have full authority under the Arms Export Control Act?"

"Under normal circumstances, yes," Lee said. "However, the new Technological Control Act poses a lot of barriers for the responses I believe are necessary to counter Gra Valkan aggression. That, and I need you to justify an expansion of the military budget. We want to bring some more factories online, to produce equipment for Mu and later on, for ourselves – when we finally have to prepare against the Annonrials and Ravernals, that is."

"Okay. What's the plan?"

Hill explained, "We want to sell some of our old, Cold War stockpile to Mu in order to bolster their defenses in anticipation of an inevitable Gra Valkan invasion. Naturally, this violates the Technological Control Act. We would sell World War 2 era equipment, but we have almost nothing but rusting artifacts and museum pieces. This is where Congress would come in, to enable more flexibility with the Act."

Schiefer followed the explanation well, but still harbored some doubts. Moving some gray hairs away from her eyes, she tilted her head and asked, "If we're going to revive some factories, why not just produce the equipment they need?"

"It'll take too long," Hill shook his head. "The Muans think a Gra Valkan attack is imminent, and our analysts share the same conclusions. Reviving the factories, building these weapons, and shipping the equipment there will take a lot of time. We'll probably make the first shipment, but it won't be nearly enough to build up Mu's defenses. If the Gra Valkans attack by the end of summer, then Mu's as good as dead."

Schiefer still felt uneasy about having to convince her colleagues to enact new legislations and revise old ones. "In that case, what about the Mirishials? Aren't they obligated to help the Muans, since they're a member of the Elysian Defense Initiative?"