BXBX NOVEL Chapter 92: Recall
In the main conference room, his team had already gathered, seated around the long table, their faces set with concern. Maren, his senior advisor, sat nearest to the head of the table, her expression as composed as always, though Viktor could sense the tension beneath the surface.
Viktor entered the room, his gaze sweeping across his staff. "We\'ve received the recall order from Volkshalle," he said without preamble.
"All Valorian personnel are to vacate Zambesi within three days. This includes our diplomatic staff as well as our military forces stationed in Maputo."
There was a brief, stunned silence before Maren spoke up. "Do we have a plan for informing the Zambesi government? They\'re unlikely to take this news well, especially given the current tensions."
"We\'ll follow standard protocol," Viktor replied. "I\'ve already drafted a formal communication to be delivered directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It will make our position clear—this decision is final. We will not engage in further negotiations."
One of the military attachés, a broad-shouldered man named Lieutenant Gregor, shifted in his seat. "What about the withdrawal of our forces? The navy is still stationed at the port, and we have advisors embedded with the Zambesi army. If they decide to resist our exit, things could escalate."
Viktor nodded. "We\'re preparing for a gradual withdrawal of the army and navy. We\'ll start by recalling our advisors and non-essential personnel, then move on to the full-scale retreat. Gregor, I need you to coordinate with the naval commanders and ensure that the fleet is ready to depart. I don\'t expect resistance from the Zambesi government, but we need to be prepared for anything." Discover exclusive content at mvl
Gregor leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "Understood, Ambassador. I\'ll have the navy on standby, and I\'ll make sure all classified materials are secured before we move out."
"Good," Viktor said, glancing around the table once more. "This isn\'t just about packing up and leaving. We need to make sure that Valoria\'s interests are protected even as we depart. All sensitive documents and equipment must be secured and transported back to Valoria. Nothing stays behind."
Maren nodded in agreement. "I\'ll oversee the preparations for the embassy closure. We\'ll keep our staff working around the clock to meet the three-day deadline."
Viktor\'s expression softened for a moment as he addressed his team. "I know this isn\'t an easy task. Many of us have spent years building Valoria\'s presence here, and now it feels like we\'re leaving everything behind. But this is necessary. We need to prioritize the safety of our people and our nation\'s standing."
The room was silent for a moment as the weight of Viktor\'s words sank in. Finally, Maren stood, followed by the rest of the senior staff. "We\'ll make it happen, Ambassador," she said firmly. "Let\'s get to work."
***
The next morning, Viktor, accompanied by Maren and Gregor, made his way to the Zambesi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The streets of Maputo were bustling as usual, but there was an underlying sense of unease in the air. The rumors of Valoria\'s withdrawal had likely already spread, and the Zambesi government would be bracing for the official word.
At the ministry, Viktor and his team were escorted to the office of Minister Chuma. The Zambesi official greeted them with a guarded expression, his usual cordial demeanor replaced with wariness.
"Ambassador Reinhardt," Chuma said, gesturing for them to sit. "I assume this is about your government\'s decision."
Viktor met his gaze squarely. "Minister Chuma, I\'m here to deliver a formal communication from Volkshalle." He handed over the sealed letter. "Valoria is officially severing all diplomatic, military, and economic ties with Zambesi. Our embassy will be vacated within three days, and all personnel will be returning to Valoria. This decision is final."
Chuma\'s face remained neutral as he broke the seal and read the letter. After a moment, he looked up, his voice measured. "I see. This is… regrettable. I had hoped that we could avoid such drastic action, but it seems King Mwanga has made his position clear."
"It\'s a difficult situation for all of us," Viktor replied, his tone respectful. "But Valoria cannot continue to support actions that conflict with our principles. We trust that Zambesi will ensure the safe departure of our personnel."
Chuma nodded slowly. "You have my word, Ambassador. Zambesi will not interfere with your withdrawal. But I must warn you—this decision will not go unnoticed by our people. The loss of Valoria\'s support will have consequences, and it\'s possible that other nations may take advantage of the situation."
"Well, your country chose that path," Viktor replied calmly, though his tone carried an edge of finality. "We gave King Mwanga every opportunity to reconsider. Valoria can no longer be part of this, and we hope Zambesi will handle the transition peacefully."
Chuma\'s eyes narrowed slightly, but he kept his composure. "We will, of course, ensure that your personnel and assets are not hindered during their departure. However, you should be aware that this will likely fuel anti-Valorian sentiment among our people. Your presence has been significant here."
"I\'m aware," Viktor said, rising from his seat. "But this is the decision that has been made. Our withdrawal will begin immediately. I trust that we will not have any issues during this process."
Chuma nodded, though the tension in the room was palpable. "No issues, Ambassador. You have my word. But I cannot promise that public opinion will be so easily managed."
Viktor inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Then we will take our leave, Minister Chuma. I will keep my staff informed and make sure everything is conducted swiftly and professionally."
The two men exchanged formal farewells, and Viktor and his team left the ministry, stepping out into the bright Maputo sun. The streets were busy as usual, but there was an undeniable shift in the air—rumors and whispers had spread, and Viktor knew that soon, the people of Zambesi would learn of Valoria\'s withdrawal.
Back at the embassy, Viktor immediately convened with his staff to oversee the evacuation. The air was thick with urgency as diplomats, military advisors, and support staff moved swiftly to pack up classified documents, dismantle secure communication equipment, and prepare for the departure.
Maren approached Viktor as he stood near the embassy\'s main gate, overseeing the preparations. "The naval fleet is preparing to pull out of the port. Gregor has the personnel on standby. We\'ll begin the withdrawal of military advisors this evening."
"Good," Viktor replied, watching the activity around him. "Everything needs to move like clockwork. We can\'t afford any delays. How\'s the situation at the port?"
"Smooth so far," Maren said. "But tensions are rising. There have been some murmurings in the local military units. Nothing overt yet, but I can feel the unease."
Viktor nodded. "We\'ll keep an eye on it. I want regular reports from the naval command as they begin to disengage. If there\'s even the slightest sign of resistance or interference, we need to be ready to respond."
Maren agreed and left to check on the ongoing preparations. Viktor remained at the gate, his thoughts heavy. Though the formalities had been handled smoothly, the real challenge lay ahead.
The exit of Valorian forces—especially the navy, which had long maintained a visible presence in Maputo\'s port—would not go unnoticed, and Viktor was prepared for the possibility that things could still take an unexpected turn.
As evening approached, the first stage of the withdrawal began. Valorian military advisors stationed with the Zambesi army were discreetly recalled, returning to the embassy compound under the cover of night. The navy had already begun preparations to leave the port, and the fleet\'s departure was scheduled for the following morning.
Inside the embassy, the atmosphere was one of quiet determination. Diplomatic staff worked tirelessly to catalog documents, ensuring that no sensitive materials were left behind.
By midnight, the embassy was a shadow of its former self. Boxes were stacked near the entrance, awaiting transport, and the few remaining staff were quietly working through the final stages of the exit plan.
Viktor stood at the entrance of the embassy, watching as the final trucks were loaded with the last crates of equipment and documents. The fleet was ready to sail at dawn, and the military advisors had already returned safely from their stations with the Zambesi army. Everything had proceeded according to plan, but Viktor knew better than to assume they were in the clear.