Kristen Teller was the Director of Soccer Operations at the Drawkian International Sporting Council (known to most as DISC). She walked through the halls of DISC headquarters in the Pinnapex, the huge skyscraper in the center of Drawkland's capital Metropolon. The Pinnapex was home to hundreds of different offices, stores, hotels, unbelievably expensive apartments, and observation decks. DISC was one of the many organizations to call the Pinnapex home, taking up 2 floors of space in the building which was mostly reserved for the executives in the Council.
Kristen had been summoned to the office of the Council Director himself, Harvey Flantar. She didn't know the exact reason for the meeting. She had been informed of the meeting just a day prior by her secretary, and no further information had been provided. Of course, she had an idea what it would be about. The Kick Corps.
Kristen's heart was thumping as she would through the halls to the corner where Harvey Flantar was located. It wasn't necessarily her fault that the Corps had such a bum run. She was just the one in charge of the operations. Would she really be reprimanded or fired for this? If anything, the Corps manager Ellzidan should be the one in the hot seat. Kristen finally rounded the corner and came to Flantar's office. She nodded at his secretary, who motioned for Kristen to walk in at her leisure. Kristen steeled herself, and slowly opened the door.
"Hello, come in!" Harvey said invitingly from his enormous executive leather chair. Kristen waved in response and coolly made her way to one of the almost comically plain chairs on the other side of the desk. As she walked in, she took a brief look at the walls. They were a few team photos hung up, but mostly newspaper articles about the exploits of Drawkland's various national team Corps. She noticed quite a few didn't even have pictures, just selected clippings from articles, but she was too far from the wall to inspect them further.
"Thank you for having me," Kristen said automatically as she took a seat. She gazed across the desk at Harvey, who had a certainly fake smile plastered across his face.
"Of course," Harvey replied with an exaggerated nod. Kristen noticed that his hair, clearly thinning and greying recently, bobbed up and down a little ridiculously.
Neither director spoke for several seconds. It was an awkward silence, like both were waiting for the other to speak up first. Then came the start-stops of both opening their mouths to speak at the same time, then deferring when they noticed the other had been about to talk. They awkwardly chuckled.
"So, um," Kristen finally got out. "What did you call me in for today?" She put out a nervous, tinkling laugh.
"Excuse me?" Harvey co*cked his head slightly. "What did I- I didn't call you in, did I?"
"Certainly you did," Kristen replied, clenching and unclenching her hands anxiously. What was he playing at? "My secretary informed me that you were calling me in for a meeting."
"That's very strange." Harvey looked at the agenda on his desk. "My secretary told me that you had requested to see me."
"Then who called the meeting?" Kristen asked, increasingly confused by the second.
"Apologies!" An oddly familiar voice called from the doorway. "I hope I'm not too late. Ah perfect, you're already here."
Both Harvey and Kristen whipped their heads to the door. Their jaws nearly dropped to the floor when they saw the man in the doorway. It was none other than Iarocav, one of the immortal Drawkionels in charge of Drawkland.
"W-what are you doing here?" Harvey asked. His face was immediately paler. He'd already had a few intimidating run-ins with the immortal Elite Eleven. Having the actual founder and leader of the nation in his office was even more terrifying.
"I called this meeting." Iarocav answered. He casually took a seat in the chair next to Kristen, as if nothing was bizarre about this situation. "I figure that the three of us need to have a discussion, so I called the meeting. Your office was a more centralized location, Mr. Flantar, so I decided it would be the most convenient venue."
"You set up the meeting?" Kristen screwed up her face in disbelief. "How? I'm sure my secretary would've told me if the Drawkionel had come in to schedule the meeting with her."
"Oh, I didn't schedule it per se," Iarocav replied. "I got an intern to do it. That was rather amusing."
"An intern?" Harvey gaped. "Who? Did you plant somebody here?"
"Certainly not. I just inspired a young person with a real since of duty. And they did their job admirably, it seems." Iarocav crossed his arms, making a mental note to leave the envelope he had addressed to Blake with the front desk staff.
"Why did you arrange this meeting, then?" Kristen asked, trying to smooth her frazzled nerves.
"It appears that we have a big issue," Iarocav began. "Our national soccer team is not playing up to potential, as I'm sure you all know. Quite honestly, it's embarrassing. Two cycles ago we were in the Round of 16, and I still met a leader at some Anaian mixer who didn't know what Drawkland was. It's pitiful, really. We are an extremely affluent nation, you're welcome, with a flourishing sports culture and an enormous population to develop talent from. The fact that we are struggling with the stars we have on the Corps lineup is nothing short of a travesty."
"Well, it's all about perspective," Harvey began, hoping to deflect the talk away from notions of abject organizational failure.
"Harvey Flantar, you are a spineless suck-up weasel who only holds this position because apparently nobody else at DISC has the balls to replace you." Iarocav shot back, a snarl of cold fury on his face. Almost immediately, he sank back into a genial expression like the outburst never happened. "Please do not interrupt me when I'm talking."
Harvey opened his mouth to say that he thought Iarocav had paused for comment, but decided against it. Also, he wasn't sure if his throat would be able to form words at all.
"I think we all know the root cause of the issue." Iarocav gave a meaningful glance to Kristen. "With all this talent and all the inherent advantages in the world, how could this team possibly fail to live up to expectations? How could this squad continue to lose or draw level with national teams they have no business dropping points to?"
After a tense beat, Harvey and Kristen realized that the question wasn't rhetorical.
"Perhaps," Kristen cleared her throat, choosing her words carefully. "It could be a ... managerial issue."
"I believe you are correct." Iarocav nodded, smiling at Kristen. "It seems that the Kick Corps manager's tactics have been less than ideal. It may be time for the Kick Corps to move on to a new staff.
"But-" Harvey stopped himself, looking carefully at Iarocav to make sure he wasn't interrupting. "Ellzidan is the manager. I'm sure you know her better than any of us."
"I'm certain that is the case," Iarocav replied. He said nothing more, forcing Harvey to continue his line of reasoning.
"You must understand that this is a difficult situation." Harvey chuckled nervously, looking to Kristen for support and receiving none. "She's a Drawkionel, after all. Firing somebody who's been around longer than any of us have been alive, and is technically an ultimate authority in this land ... it's not a walk in the park."
"There's a lot of difficult things to do in this world." Iarocav frowned. "This difficult thing happens to be a function of your job. Both of your jobs, really. When most of us have to do difficult or intimidating things for our jobs, we get through it and do them. Do you think that my job as the leader of our nation is a 'walk in the park?' Do you think there's not scary or burdensome tasks that I have to complete? Just because you've done your time and climbed the ladder to a cushy job doesn't mean you're immune to doing things that are hard. I would argue that your pay grade necessitates doing such things, rather than freeing you from them."
"If I may," Kristen spoke up, once again treading carefully. "I feel that your perspective on this particular situation may be slightly warped. You have the benefit of experience with both strange power dynamics and ... well, with Ellzidan herself. It's not as easy for us mortals."
"You have a point." Iarocav nodded. "I suppose I take my more friendly relationship with the Elf for granted. I know she can be a little obstinate with some mortals."
"Very true," Harvey added, perhaps emboldened by Kristen's counter not being immediately rejected. "Don't you think that you would be a better person to convince her to step down?"
Iarocav turned back to Harvey, not with rage, but with a surprised expression. He broke out laughing, a burst of mirth that was probably louder that it needed to be. Not sure what to do, Harvey forced out a couple chuckles as well.
"Oh dear." Iarocav recovered from his laughing fit quickly. "It appears you know less of Ellzidan than I thought. She is probably the most stubborn person on this planet. Just because I've known her for a couple thousand years doesn't mean that she'll just do whatever I suggest. Quite the opposite, in fact. If I told her to step down as Kick Corps manager you'd probably never get rid of her. So no, Mr. Flantar, I believe that I won't be able to do your job for you."
"Of course, of course," Harvey blubbered immediately. "It was just a suggestion."
"I don't mind that you're not willing to help," Kristen started, "but if that's the case, then why call for this meeting at all?"
"I needed to make sure that we are all on the same page." Iarocav gave a humorless chuckle. "For a while I was worried that DISC had no issues with the current state of the Kick Corps, given how no action had been taken to this point. I merely wanted to check in. I trust now that you will do what is necessary for the future of our national team."
"We understand," Kristen replied, shooting a glance at Harvey. "We've been discussing our options already. If she can't deliver qualification, she's done."
"Good, good. Now if you'll excuse me," Iarocav pulled his phone from his pocket to check the time. As he did, he noticed he had two missed calls from none other than Ellzidan herself, spaced a few minutes apart. "Ah, sh*t. We're about to be in for it. Let me do the talking."
"Wha-" Harvey began, and suddenly the door to his office flung open.
"What an interesting coincidence to see you here!" Ellzidan said with an obviously-fake toothy grin. It didn't take her long to deduce what was going on. Her boss's boss, her boss's boss's boss, and her boss-in-a-technical-sense-that-she-ignores-whenever-possible all in a room together? This was a meeting about her. "What brings you to these parts?"
"Just talking shop," Iarocav replied instantly. "I could ask you the same question. You don't seem dressed for the Pinnapex."
"Funny." Ellzidan was wearing a well-worn tunic, leggings, and a pair of leather boots. She looked halfway ready to go to a renaissance festival. "Just wanted to drop by. You weren't answering your phone. I was worried something happened to you."
"I'm in a meeting. My phone was on Do-Not-Disturb," Iarocav waved his phone in front of himself. "Maybe you should've waited 10 minutes to call again before barging in to some place where you're not needed."
"On the contrary," Ellzidan countered. "I believe this is the exact place I need to be. You've all had loads of fun talking about me, I imagine."
"And what gives you that impression?" Iarocav replied innocently.
"What other reason do you have to be here, talking to these idiots?" Ellzidan dipped her head at Kristen. "No offense, Teller. The only common factor that links you three together is me."
Harvey wondered where his apology was. He was also glued to his chair in terror. Iarocav was a borderline ancient warrior, who was renowned for his escapades on the battlefield and ruthlessness in defense of his nation. However, the Drawkionel had spent years transforming his image into a more friendly, even fatherly vibe. Iarocav felt that fear was not the best way to induce respect in his citizens. Ellzidan had not bothered with such pleasantries. Anybody that met her could feel the raw power and strength radiating from her relatively shorter frame, almost like a cat that could pounce at any moment. Or a dragon. She was the kind of person you'd be terrified to piss off. And here she was, in Harvey's office, about as pissed off as one could be.
"A fun assumption, El, but unfortunately off the mark. I was merely asking our lovely directors about the fan arrangements for the playoff in Lodger City." Iarocav smirked slightly, leaning back in his chair. "You are prepared for that match, right? The one against Sarzonia?"
"I'm aware of who we're up against, thank you." Ellzidan snarled. "Nice story. You're a terrible liar, Iarocav. Getting box tickets doesn't require meeting two directors in person."
"You've caught me red-handed," Iarocav replied, but he made no move from his chair. He almost seemed to be at ease. "So what if the meeting is about you? Maybe I wanted to personally congratulate this team for making such an excellent managerial hire."
Kristen and Harvey were afraid to move. They looked between Iarocav and Ellzidan like they were watching a tennis match, but if the pair were hitting a live grenade back and forth rather than a ball.
Ellzidan pressed her lips together and narrowed her eyes. "So you came here behind my back to talk down about my job performance? You don't have the integrity to say it to my face?"
"Nobody here said anything about talking down." Iarocav stuck out his bottom lip. "I do wonder why you'd make such an assumption."
"Hm." Ellzidan growled. "I've heard it's a common belief that the Kick Corps playing slightly subpar has something to do with me. I only assumed that such baseless rumors were being spread here."
"What a relief to hear that such theories are unfounded in truth." Iarocav nodded. "It's a great thing you're here to clear that up. So then, what is the real reason the Kick Corps has been playing like, shall I say, sh*t?"
"It's a variety of complex factors." Ellzidan replied, trying to smooth out her expression. "A lot of things that those not versed in soccer tactics and management may struggle to understand."
"Of course. I couldn't hope to understand all the minutiae." Iarocav pursed his lips. "So, is it the player's fault? Is the roster not constructed well?"
"The players on the roster are good." Ellzidan narrowed her eyes. "You're not insulting my roster construction, are you?"
"Wouldn't dream of it." Iarocav furrowed his brow for effect, as if deep in thought. "And it couldn't be the fault of the format. After all, 41 teams had no issue qualifying for this World Cup outright, a good chunk of them lower ranked than our Corps. And based on what I understand about the qualifying group we were drawn into, we should've easily made second place. So if it's not the players, and it's not bad luck in the competition itself ... then what cause still remains?"
"I suppose that perspective may lead you to an exaggerated conclusion about my ability to manage the kick Corps," Ellzidan replied icily. "I consider it unwise to be so reductive."
"I consider it unwise to believe that a manager who pilots a top 40 nation to a Cup of Harmony appearance in a 48-team World Cup cycle should go without punishment," Iarocav countered. "And that's ignoring the rather embarrassing two cycles preceding this one. Our players don't have forever to wait around. Their careers are finite. They deserve direction from someone who can handle the duty."
"I can handle anything, thank you very much."
"I think you and I both know that's not the case." Iarocav raised an eyebrow. "People expect results. They're going to want somebody who can deliver those results. They don't care how many credentials and years of experience somebody has if they can't deliver."
"Don't talk to me like a child."
"Then don't act like one."
"I am well within my rights to defend myself and my position." Ellzidan crossed her arms.
"And these people here are well within their rights to criticize your performance and question your placement in that position." Iarocav motioned to Kristen and Harvey, who were desperately hoping he wouldn't draw attention to them. "I trust that you'll respect whatever decision they come to regarding your managerial job, if it comes to that."
"Fine." Ellzidan muttered. "If you excuse me, I have work to do." She turned, closing the door loudly behind her, and disappeared. A silence fell upon Harvey's office for several seconds.
"Well, it seems I've caused enough havoc for one day. Thanks for having me over Harvey, Kristen." Iarocav stood from his seat, shaking the hands of both directors. "I'll be off now."
"T-thank you for stopping by," Harvey croaked. His throat wasn't quite prepared to speak again.
"My pleasure." Iarocav turned back to the duo one more time as he opened the office door. "I trust that you'll do what needs to be done." He too, left the room, though he closed the door with an appropriate level of gentleness.
Harvey seemed to collapse onto his desk once the Drawkionel left. Kristen looked back at him, feeling similarly exhausted. This is not how she imagined her afternoon going.
"She better win that game," Harvey said after a moment to collect himself. He propped his head back up, looking over at Kristen. "She better win that f*cking game."
