THE PRESIDENTIAL MANSION
BELMONT, BZERNELEG

"Mr. President, your intelligence briefing, sir," addressed the Director of National Intelligence, Mr. Ralph Corcoran, as he approaches the President's desk.

They shake hands and the President welcomes Mr. Corcoran to take a seat.

"Why isn't my usual aide-de-camp handing me this, Mr. Corcoran," asked the President while scanning through the brief, "is there something particularly important you want to inform me about?"

"Compiling results from the most recent aerial reconnaissance missions, we have reason to believe that the RIM is prepping to take action against our forces on Zett Island. As you can see, there was troop buildup in areas near the Southern coast of Reizen, where the RIM is in control. There is no indication, however, of heavy weapons anywhere."

"I see," the President replied simply.

The vague response very much surprises Mr. Corcoran, who expected an order for action of some kind.

"We will not respond to their buildup, Mr. Corcoran. I do not want us to get stuck in playing their game."

"But, if they want to attack us in some ways, and to mitigate offensives from other factions, here's what I propose: we make sure that normal life runs again on Zett Island, it will no longer be a war zone, and we will voluntarily protect it from any danger. We will introduce civilians on the island and build temporary housing and services for basic needs. That way, any attacker will have to think twice before doing whatever the hell they're doing," proclaimed the President.

"I understand, sir," replied hesitantly Mr. Corcoran.

"Good," said the President, "thank you for today, Ralph."

"Pleasure, sir," said Mr. Corcoran as he prepares to leave.