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| A Tertiary Meeting of the Victoria Falls Conference | |
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| Topic Started: Aug 17 2009, 06:26 PM (410 Views) | |
| Ulgania | Aug 17 2009, 06:26 PM Post #1 |
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A better Zarathustra has never rode a horse
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Having felt successful with short-lived summit that brought Ulganian-Roman relations to a new level of success, Tres Valentine now put his mind to new matters. Relations with Porcu were strong, and the populations of both countries were willing to remain on friendly terms, but there was the matter of specifying those terms. Tres spoke briefly with his personal secretary, who hand delivered the invitation to the Porcuian delegation to meet with him, at their convenience, in conference room 3. |
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| Porcu | Aug 17 2009, 07:59 PM Post #2 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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Among the large group of foreign dignitaries and diplomats, all clad in clean, never-before-worn suits, were the members of the Porcuian delegation. The Dominion wars had ended but instability and uncertainty still ravaged Porcu by the time the Victoria Falls Conference had been called in Ulgania. Generally speaking, relations between the Afrikan and European nations had always been amiable, but because of the recent intimate relationship between services of the two countries the government of Porcu, specifically its leaders, considered Ulgania its closest ally - ally at least from the perspective of Stockholm. In contrast with the other foreign diplomats, Von Regensburg, Koenraad, and Meijvogel were in full dress uniforms and easily stood out among the self-classified sophisticated political elite. Admiral Koenraad was delivered the invitation by hand from Chancellor Valentine and several minutes later the three men with absolute control over Porcu sat cheerfully with the leader of Ulgania. |
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| Ulgania | Aug 17 2009, 08:17 PM Post #3 |
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A better Zarathustra has never rode a horse
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“Gentlemen,” Valentine said, standing as the three entered the conference room, “it is an honor to finally be able to see you all in person. My apologies, as my Latin is not what a few of my comrades, Pullserva, Stars, and a certain colonel that we all know very well is, but I believe that we may still have a line of discussion that could be important to us all.” After handshakes and personal introductions went around the small table, and general pleasantries were shared Tres eventually got down to business. “Gentlemen, while I have been fully briefed on the general situation in Porcu, I can understand that you will be seeing a general stage of transition in the near future. For that, I would prefer to solidify a proper alliance between our two nations. “In matters of economics, we are prepared to offer as much assistance and general aid for the reconstruction and stabilization of the country. This will, of course, involve the supplementation of the Porcuian military in any areas that it may desire expansion. The Ulganian navy is the pride of our armed forces, and I am sure an agreement can be reached, but we can get to that later. “I would like to see, though, a general formalization of a pact between Porcu and Ulgania that reflects the post-Dominion world. While I have more significant requests, I would first like to hear what the three of you would like from Ulgania. I am sure we will have a lot to talk about.” |
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| Porcu | Aug 17 2009, 09:22 PM Post #4 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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Field Marshal von Regensburg was the natural leader of the three, though publicly all three men repeated the idea that because they were friends since grade school they lead as a group - no individual was more powerful than another, and so he took the opportunity to directly address Valentine's initial discussion points. "Porcu and Porcuians are proud, civilized and sophisticated, but I am not so proud as to turn away assistance, especially when it is so genuinely needed." "You may be aware", Koenraad interjected, sensing Von Regensburg's tangent remark about the high culture of Porcu, "that Porcu for many, many years was a bastion of free enterprise and entrepreneurship and that because of the effects of the Dominion wars this is now in peril. Neither the Field Marshal, Air Marshal, nor I are versed in economic theory but we are of the opinion that significant foreign investment, particularly from the private sector, would greatly benefit Porcu and the firms involved. Our greatest concern in this regard is that while economic incentives are still aligned so that firms and governments are attracted to Porcu, as they were during the Republic, a general uneasiness regarding our country's previous support of the Dominion has scared away potential investors." "Porcu is short on cash and due to the War we have neither the means nor the desire to simply print money and spend it..." Meijvogel added, shortening Koenraad's remark considerably. "In regards to military transactions, if I may bring up the subject again, the Porcuian navy was completely destroyed during prolonged engagements with the Imperial Kasnyian and Russian Baltic Fleets. Again, we are more than willing to place a sizable order in regards to military equipment, particularly naval, but sufficient funds may be lacking." Koenraad said. Von Regensburg wrapped up the Porcuian response, "The only pressing issue we wish to bring up regards the ongoing situation in Porcuian South-East Afrika. Again, you may or may not be aware but vile terrorist activity has been occurring ever since the introduction of Porcuian rule to the area. Much like Porcuian North-West Afrika, the populace is happy and content with Porcuian rule. Living standards have increased; education is readily available for both girls and boys..." "Walter..." "Uh, yes...The point being, Chancellor, that from a military perspective it would be best to take over the remaining territory inland in what is known as Tanzania. With startling activity from the DCA and other Afrikan nations and, more importantly, with no way to effectively defend ourselves against active aggression, we wish to inquire if Ulgania would support such a move by the Porcuian government and Wehrmacht." |
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| Ulgania | Aug 17 2009, 09:51 PM Post #5 |
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A better Zarathustra has never rode a horse
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“I’m afraid that the expansion of the colonial border would most likely incite war from not only the DCA, but from the Commonwealth and potentially the state of Waarland. In the bigger picture, I believe that a formal border expansion would only lead to greater hostilities. The Commonwealth may be content to stand down with the issue of Ulganian support for it during the Dominion wars, but that edge would only last so long. Waarland and the DCA have no reason to listen to the Chancellery, so for that issue I ask that a new solution be considered weighed in on, one that would not enflame the visibly unstable Kalahari region anymore than it needs to be.” Moving on, Valentine was glad to hear the three consider economic issues. Experts on matters of economics, none of them were, but they could certainly discuss the fundamentals of what could be a strong agreement. “As for the issue of foreign investment, I believe an initial idea could be that the chancellery could back a number of loans that you may wish to take out, to whatever amount you see fit. These loans would have a very low interest rate, but the only real strings attached to it would be that a third of the total amounts of the loans would be spent on Ulganian manufactured goods, services, what have you. I believe that this would be advantageous to the long-term recovery of Porcu, and the moderately deprived Ulganian economy. “Also, I am sure that an arms agreement could have similar terms on the matter of naval construction. Lines of credit backed by the Ulganian treasury could account for some initial transactions that would of course be deeply reduced in nature, and would transition as Porcu’s economic recovery moves along. “There are further matters to consider, but I am hopeful that to this point our opinions reach concurrence.” Tres had been briefed in depth, personally, by every Ulganian involved in the fall of Fascist Porcu. Many had feared that they would be reprimanded but instead Tres’ avid curiosity had made him want to know. Colonel al Sandir had personally been a major asset, and had spoken highly of the Porcuians that had intrinsically connected the rescue of Pullserva and Dr. Abdullah. Considering the major events involved, Tres felt a deep personal debt to these men, but he dared not let it be expressed unless necessary. There would be a time for it. |
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| Porcu | Aug 17 2009, 10:20 PM Post #6 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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The Ulgan Chancellor had a way with words and everything he said made sense in the minds of the military commanders. Von Regensburg made it clear that further details regarding a naval arms agreement would best be settled with Koenraad and the other commanders of the Kriegsmarine at a later date but wholly accepted the offer. "We will gladly accept Ulganian loans and conditions for these loans..." Von Regensburg said. "With Ulganian support, the Porcuian behemoth of an economy will return sooner rather than later." Aside from the cheerful response of the three gentlemen to Valentine's generous economic offers lay a deep disappointment with regards to the situation in South-East Afrika. Wehrmacht forces stationed in the territory had been badly unsettled by recent tactics employed by the native insurgency group, a militant Islamic group which the Abwehr increasingly believed had ties with the Dominion, and the local inhabitants who welcomed Porcuian influence were frequently terrorized. The subject was not brought up again and each of the commanders now felt determined to solve the situation on their own as best they could. "I am very pleased, and frankly not too surprised, too see such a high level of agreement thus far." Admiral Koenraad added after a brief pause. "But I do wish to know what benefits Ulgania wishes to derive from Porcu? Certainly they cannot all be economic, for those take time; though, I have no doubt that Ulgania will benefit immensely from the Porcuian economy for years and years once it is up and running..." |
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| Ulgania | Aug 17 2009, 10:38 PM Post #7 |
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A better Zarathustra has never rode a horse
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“There are of course such times that clandestine agreements, the style of which must remain off the record must be made in confidence from one side to the other. No doubt,” Tres said, quickly acknowledging the looks on the three faces hanging on his words, “that not all of our agreements will be completely beneficial, I would like to cut a deal that will make the colonial issue work for all of us. “And, no doubt, you are all aware of the international jostling between Rome and France. This same afternoon, at this very conference an agreement was reached between myself and the Roman delegate. This agreement will make the colony of Srolonka in Iberia a much more useful asset to Ulgania and Rome alike. The politics of Europe are erupting in the post-Dominion world, and it has come down to France and Rome. For this, I would like to ensconce the Porcuian-Ulganian position, and attempt to keep the veiled position of the French from overrunning Europe. What the future holds in this matter, it is still uncertain. “However, this will no doubt put Porcu in a difficult position. For that, you can count on further clandestine measures to stabilize your colonial position. The DCA has curried severe disfavor among Serpentine. But, none of this has to be set in stone. Should any of you take issue with these measures, please do not be afraid to make it known.” OOC: This is happening before any of the Scottish issues are known. |
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| Porcu | Aug 18 2009, 06:54 AM Post #8 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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"If I may speak plainly, Chancellor," Koenraad said anticipating the response of his two friends, "Porcu is in a unique position now which it has not occupied previously. Rome and France are clearly not the same but both are seen as potential friends." The words of the Admiral resonated with the other two Porcuians but it was unclear if it had made an effect on the Chancellor. The Dominion Wars had destroyed the traditional connections the small Scandinavian country had enjoyed for years with other nations. From the perspective of the government this was bad news, but even more so for the average citizen. Porcuians felt apart from the arena of international politics which they had become accustomed to. With nations right and left overlooking Porcu, many Porcuians wished to have their country occupy the position of "middleman" or negotiator in international politics again. "Again," Field Marshal von Regensburg began, "the position of Porcu with regards to its dependencies is brittle and weak. We do not have the ability to turn back any sort of aggressive force and much of our current military equipment is quickly becoming outdated. In short, we are very interested in seeing aggressive forces, such as the DCA, kept at bay." Before the field marshal could continue, wishing to address Srolonka, the still youthful Air Marshal interjected. "In the end it may not matter what we decide here..." Meijvogel said, his comment clearly getting to Valentine. "While even during Nixon's time as Prime Minister it was the Senate that was delegated with formally approving treaties and agreements because Nixon held such sway an agreement with him was an agreement with Porcu. Our country is slowly moving back towards a republican form of government, which means that when a new Senate is elected and formed all treaties and agreements we three have approved will be re-examined and voted on. We cannot guarantee anything in such a late stage of our rule." |
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| Ulgania | Aug 18 2009, 11:17 AM Post #9 |
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A better Zarathustra has never rode a horse
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"Of course, I have no real interest in interfering with Porcuian politics. A progression back to a republican form of government is more of a positive step forward, especially after the fascist movement and the Dominion's brutality. However, I still offer Ulganian forces for the protection of your colonial holdings in Africa. I can only hope though that a formal treaty, minus the rhetoric concerning the clandestine nature of what we have discussed, can withstand the rigors of your Senate. The Quorum in Serpentine is in much the same position. Granted, during the run-up to the Dominion wars I removed many of their powers to subsequently strengthen the country's war footing. The chancellery was charged with the running of the country to a much greater extent. As you can see, we emerged from the wars victoriously, but it appears Prime Minister Drakus will be losing his job soon, as the mood of the nation is now moving against chancellery-style politics. "I understand your positions well, gentlemen. Forgive me if I have come off as greedy in the matters relating to our future relations. But, we still do have a secretive, long-standing MDP, though none of us have ever fully called upon it. Our states were tied together when myself and Nixon," he said, pausing as many of the reports and briefings he had heard on the man throughout the Dominion war crashed into his mind caught him unaware for a moment, "when we drafted our original agreement in Serpentine. You can still count on Ulgania to aid you in Africa, you have but to request it." Edited by Ulgania, Aug 18 2009, 12:48 PM.
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| Porcu | Aug 19 2009, 06:17 PM Post #10 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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The three Porcuians felt very reassured though their body language and facial expressions had a natural habit of not giving any feeling or information away. "We are grateful that your government still honors old treaties and is willing to standby our government. I am confident in stating that a mutual feeling rests with Porcuians towards Ulgania but am I hearing that an updated pact is desired by Serpentine?" Von Regensburg responded. "Be sure that Porcu also honors her past treaties and because of the incredible service of Colonel al-Sandir and Ambassador Stars you can be sure, even when we go, that Porcu shall always be considerate of Ulganian interests around the world." |
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| Ulgania | Aug 19 2009, 06:31 PM Post #11 |
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A better Zarathustra has never rode a horse
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“An updated pact to reaffirm formalities, nothing more. The veracious stances seen around the world have, of late, reflected grandiose desires for absolutes. The matters related to al Sandir have affected me very personally. The issues concerning Pullserva and Abdullah, whom I am sure that you know much more of than you would ever publically let on, are very personal to me. I mean no offense, but just know that while they were personally seeing to many great tasks, they would never wish to deceive. They were very close to me, and they had risen in rank because they were all around genuine. Even when undercover, when they said something, they meant it. When they befriended anyone, they meant it. They reflected an old order that I have all but ended. I was once a member of that order, as was Roland Valentine. “I know it must have been difficult, but Colonel al Sandir, while acting under his own orders, was set to overtake them in the event that they died. I, personally, am happy that he had taken alternative paths in the Dominion conflicts. I owe to you, for your efforts, a deep debt of gratitude that I for one wish to see come to fruition through greater ties, and with old ones reaffirmed.” OOC: Ugh. I can't get myself to do exposition with Tres anymore. I've twisted his character so much that I can't think of his mindset anymore than to express it in his dialogue :lol: |
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| Porcu | Aug 19 2009, 07:01 PM Post #12 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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Though even a few months ago such mention of Pullserva, Abdullah, and al-Sandir would have been enough to spike the blood pressure of the three men, especially of Admiral Koenraad who as Chief of the Abwehr had gotten to know al-Sandir and Pullserva over the course of years in collaboration with the Ulganian embassy. Now, however, tensions had eased and a more rational and levelheaded view of the Ulganians, who had been so instrumental in the ending of a bad chapter in Porcuian history, set in. "It is we who own Pullserva, Abdullah, al-Sandir, and indeed, all of Ulgania a deep debt of gratitude. Two men were saved from a Ulganian perspective but an entire nation was liberated from a Porcuian perspective. Of course I do not wish to devalue the lives of Pullserva and Abdullah..." Koenraad said before trailing off. The last sentence did not need to be said, but the Admiral felt a small obligation. "With regards to this new treaty or pact, should we be in the position to elaborate further on the matter - I do not wish to delve into a subject if you wish to discuss another matter, for we may always return to this!" Von Regensburg mentioned. |
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| Ulgania | Aug 19 2009, 10:32 PM Post #13 |
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A better Zarathustra has never rode a horse
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"Indeed, but," Tres said more poignantly, "it is for these reasons that I wish to reaffirm our relations. I do not with for Porcuians to feel obligated to cooperate with the chancellery, instead I wish for that feeling of cooperation to be mutual. Much was lost, and much was regained in the Dominion wars, on very personal levels between ourselves. To this extent, what tangible benefits can come of it? A mutual defense pact? What more can come of that than the drive to defend each others' colonies in a time of war? "This is why I wish to build economic ties and more permanent diplomatic relations. Gentlemen, I know our ties are strong, but with your move towards Republic I can only hope that our past claims can be tightened." |
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| Porcu | Aug 20 2009, 09:53 PM Post #14 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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By any standard, the supplemental meeting had gone along just splendidly. The Ulganian and Porcuian delegations had not engaged each other at length before during the larger Victoria Falls Conference, however, large strides had been made by the four gentlemen now. Foreign affairs had been a major source of concern and uncertainty in the eyes of the military junta of Porcu but an enormous boost to morale and a sense of achievement had been given to the three Porcuians, something they would trumpet on their return to Scandinavia. "Herr Chancellor," Von Regensburg said in anticipation of the meeting's end, "I believe that a large amount of good and progress has come from this meeting and you may continue to include Porcu in your list of staunch allies. I am always impressed by the relationship our two countries have been able to create and maintain, no doubt acting as a model for other nations wishing to overcome the European-Afrikan continental divide." |
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11:31 AM Jul 13