Emil Bartos is the richest businessman in the country who has a vested interest in Elena’s decisions. Stanley Townsend plays the character.
Emil Bartos is friends with the Americans interested in mining the cobalt in Elena’s country, and he will hugely benefit when she accepts their trade deal.
During the Victory Day celebrations, Bartos makes the introductions and then takes a back seat while Elena speaks with the Americans.
She is initially open to a deal, but after hearing their conditions, she backs out. With growing influence from Herbet, Elena alienates the Americans.
When they send in an envoy, Bartos is her point man. However, Elena spooks the envoy and leaves Bartos with a tough assignment.
Damage control
Bartos is forced to step in and speak with Elena about her decision. He says it is for the betterment of the country that they keep good relations with the West.
Herbert tells her that Bartos is a parasite and he must be cut out for good or else he will continue sucking the country dry.
She organizes a meeting with Bartos but sandbags him with a press conference where accuses him of stealing profits and not paying his workers.
He is humiliated in front of everyone, but his exile is short-lived. Elena realizes that the country needs some kind of investment, and Bartos will prove useful.
He brokers a deal with China, which angers Herbert. During the Heroes’ Banquet, the host cracks jokes at the expense of everyone, including Bartos and Herbert.
Herbert is frustrated that Elena is drifting away from him, and she pushes his buttons to the limit.
He heads down to the room where everyone else is celebrating and he beats Bartos close to death.
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