"Carlos, how's the economy?"

Isabella next turned to Carlos Silva, the Minister of Finance.

"Carlos, how's the economy? More importantly, what is the state of the treasury?"

Carlos grimaced, flashing a row of perfect white teeth.

"Well, I won't lie, Presidente. It's not good. Our exports have been hit hard by the increased guerilla activities. Our gas and gold fields have been attacked, and the roads are becoming more dangerous to transport goods to the ports. With the **** of your father, I fear that the rebels will only become bolder, and the attacks will increase."

Starting Quarterly Budget: 5 (minus what Isabella has promised to spend previously)

Carlos sighed and continued, "But most concerning has been the drop in productivity among the workers. The communists give them dreams of "equality", and the men are less willing to work hard for the little money they do earn. And the women, they too, are more likely to refuse the advances of the wealthy."

Isabella couldn't help but notice the genuine tinge of regret in his voice at the latter.

"In short, we are in danger of entering a recession. The good news is, your father has the foresight to transfer a large portion of the quarterly budgets to to his personal accounts overseas. If you would like to access those funds, I only require the account numbers and authorization key to add them to the budget."

Isabella sat back in stunned silence. Personal accounts? She always knew her father had stashed money away, of course, but assumed that the finance minister would hand it over upon his ****, or that it was locked in a vault somewhere in the palace. She felt a flash of anger. Her father thought he had more time, denying her the education and preparation for the situation she finds herself in, and now she was paying the price.

She made a mental note to ransack his office for the accounts later, but for now, she needed to focus on the meeting.

"I will handle that in time. For now, the allocated budget will have to suffice. Any proposals on avoiding the recession? I'm afraid I don't know much about economic policy, and I'd appreciate your wisdom," she said, feigning ignorance and looking to him.

Carlos shrugged.

"I'm afraid the only solution is to get production going again, and that means cracking down on the communists. Without their leadership, the men will fall in line. But we have already decided on the path of action, and there is nothing more that I can offer for now."

"Very well," Isabella replied, doing her best not to roll her eyes. Carlos was not exactly known for his intelligence, and he was certainly not doing himself any favors. Once her position is secure enough to make changes to the Cabinet, he would be the first to go, she decided.