The representatives in the first meeting room were about to discuss a matter that would change the fate of many:
Unifying the commercial laws, currency, and measurements of the various republics, abolishing checkpoints, transit taxes, and consumption taxes, to achieve the free circulation of goods within the Alliance, and to reach the ultimate goal — the establishment of the "Grand Senas Customs Alliance".
...
Twenty-one years ago, on an ordinary autumn day.
At the tavern of widow Airen, Poltan, Paulo Vinius, and Peter Ganchalov were brooding over their drinks.
"Mejery, you have to come up with a solution!" Paulo Vinius broke the silence, slamming the table and shouting, "We all listen to you."
Poltan shook his head.
Peter Ganchalov silently sipped his beer.
This was Poltan Mejery's ninth year since he arrived at the Newly Reclaimed Land.
Little widow Airen had become widow Airen, and a silver hair or two had crept into Poltan's temples.