| This forum is used with the NationStates web-game designed and run by Max Barry. While not officially affiliated, this serves as the regional forum for the regions: Middle East, African Continent, American Continent, Asian Continent, and European Continent. You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and can "read only". In order to get the most out of these forums, please become a member and read this guide - http://z3.invisionfree.com/nationstates/index.php?showtopic=3060 If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features: |
| A Meeting in Berchtesgaden; Porcu-Rome Relations | |
|---|---|
| Topic Started: Oct 2 2009, 12:13 PM (174 Views) | |
| Porcu | Oct 2 2009, 12:13 PM Post #1 |
|
"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
![]()
|
Posted Image Some time had passed after the large round of talks in Paris and looking to continue to expand her voice and influence Porcu had invited Rome to Scandinavia for a follow-up conference. Just a few weeks before, Nixon the Younger had rolled to an easy victory in the presidential elections following the Wehrmacht's abdication of power. Though Porcu was still a fragile nation, the nation Nixon inherited from his 'uncles' was ripe for a strong recovery and expansion. Several new territories and dependencies had been acquired in the final years of the Dominion, as perhaps the greatest contribution the Wehrmacht had made during its short tenure. However, Porcu had managed of late to progress and improve its situation quite a bit. A solid believer in free trade, Nixon was joyed to see other European nations open their gates and was happy to see capital flowing back into the country. The Wehrmacht was still in bad shape and so Nixon's foreign policy depended upon navigating the rough waters of international diplomacy, staying clear of either extreme. That is why the President was excited when word came to him that the Romans had accepted his invitation for further talks. The site chosen was the northeastern most town of Berchtesgaden, a stunningly calm and beautiful area famous for the mountains bordering the village to the North/Northeast. A fifteen minute drive from the town would land you either in the mountains or at the beach, depending in which direction you went. A true jewel among European towns, Nixon was confident that Berchtesgaden would prove to be advantageous, showcasing Porcu's natural beauty and humble power. |
![]() |
|
| Rhadamanthus | Dec 3 2009, 03:50 PM Post #2 |
|
Legitimist
![]()
|
Dressed formally in his uniform, the Roman dignitary Prince Theodore Aldebaran came to Berchtesgaden, ready for his meeting with the Younger Nixon. The empire was interested in cooperating with Porcu in Europe, Africa, and other theaters, and it was hoped that this meeting would demonstrate that the two nations shared common goals and interests. |
![]() |
|
| Porcu | Dec 3 2009, 10:51 PM Post #3 |
|
"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
![]()
|
The usual polite pleasantries were exchanged between the hosts and the guests as the Roman delegate Prince Theodore Aldebaran met the Porcuian President. For now, Porcu's position in the world was tenuous at best. With Porcu's still suffering from the Dominion Wars, even years after the fact, Nixon had little room to maneuver as he wished. Once Porcu was again established as a major European power, a center of commerce, trade, finance, and culture, Nixon would have the ability to choose his battles, but for now he could only pool as any resources as he could to expedite that return. Everyone was a friend of Porcu. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Nixon said, extending his hand. "I am honored that someone of your standing would accept my offer, on behalf of the people of Porcu, to continue our negotiations. There is much to be shared and gained between Stockholm and Constantinople. I hope you are not offended if we begin our discussions immediately, for Berchtesgaden has many luxuries that we may indulge in later." |
![]() |
|
| Rhadamanthus | Dec 4 2009, 11:51 AM Post #4 |
|
Legitimist
![]()
|
"Of course," Prince Aldebaran responded, "I can a man who's ready to get right into things. And of course, we can indulge in such luxuries later. The empire was, of course, fundamentally shaken by the Dominion Wars. Some might criticize the decision, but I still think it was wise of the emperor to attempt to keep us out of the war, and hopefully insulate us from the worst of the fighting. But with the Dominion allied to mad Caesar Antonio, it was not to be... but for all the suffering it caused, Antonio's dream of a greater Mediterranean Empire seems to have outlasted him in a way. But that empire is ours, and not his. "I know that there were many were critical of Porcu's conduct during the war, but I think that as with the Empire, it is easy to criticize such things in retrospect. We are here to build a future." |
![]() |
|
| Porcu | Dec 4 2009, 05:14 PM Post #5 |
|
"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
![]()
|
Though it was not Nixon's cross to bear, Porcu still carried a heavy conscious from her conduct with the Dominion. What stung more, however, was the realization that previous to the Dominion Wars the Porcuian Republic, the longest standing republic in the world up to that point, was turned on its head by an insecure and cowardly individual. At conferences across the Continent, Nixon had to endure the slight, indirect looks of disapproval. Finally, there seemed to be a nation that understood. Gathering the Prince, Nixon lead the way to a large balcony where padded seats encircled a large wooden table. The view was magnificent and soon traditional Porcuian appetizers and snack crackers were brought out to the two dignitaries, as well as several choices of refreshment. Nixon, like his father, began to sip on a glass of wine before turning to his guest once more. "I believe that in uncertain times, such as these, there are only a handful of things that can guarantee future success and peace between nations. One of those is free trade. Porcu, as you may know, was a vital center of European commerce and finance. Credit is hard to come by these days and I am not willing to spend untold amounts of money now and bankrupt future generations. Constantinople has a great amount of influence in three continents and, with Porcu's overseas dependencies, a solid, long-lasting economic relationship awaits only your approval." |
![]() |
|
| Rhadamanthus | Dec 4 2009, 05:20 PM Post #6 |
|
Legitimist
![]()
|
"Yes," Lord Aldebaran responded, "That would certainly be beneficial. Such a relationship would benefit us greatly, especially as our policy seems bent on rebuilding our core territories and expanding our influence at the same time. But the international climate has calmed somewhat, and I think it will allow countries like your and ours to rebuild peacefully. This is the ideal time for us to build strong international trade links." |
![]() |
|
| Porcu | Dec 4 2009, 06:04 PM Post #7 |
|
"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
![]()
|
"Excellent!" Nixon responded with a beaming smile. "I am happy to hear that you understand the difficult circumstances we find our world in and the need for cooperation rather than traditional antagonism." Wishing to see if Prince Theodore Aldebaran had any topics of discussion himself, Nixon took a minute to calm his growing hunger with a few appetizers. |
![]() |
|
| Rhadamanthus | Dec 4 2009, 09:32 PM Post #8 |
|
Legitimist
![]()
|
Lord Aldebaran saw his chance to take the initiative: "I believe that we should take this opportunity to ensure the closest ties between our nations, not only economic but in other manners as well. I think it would be advisible that we seek to improve diplomatic communcation between our nations, building on this fundamental meeting. It is my belief that stability in Europe is the key to world peace, and that our countries should cooperate to ensure this goal." |
![]() |
|
| Porcu | Dec 4 2009, 11:17 PM Post #9 |
|
"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
![]()
|
Nixon nodded slightly as Prince Aldebaran spoke. "I hope you understand the reasoning behind the Wehrmacht's decision to close Embassy Row in The Hague during their tenure. Suspicion regarding future plots against the state fogged the minds of my uncles and, unfortunately, diplomatic ties have been slow to be re-established. Of course, I look to restore Porcu's reputation as a home for all peaceful diplomats and emissaries. Renewed ties between Constantinople and Stockholm will send a message to other European and world powers, in addition to providing excellent means of communication. However, I do feel the need to address my country's relationship with nations such as France." Bracing for the worst, Nixon continued as carefully as he could. "Porcu and France share common ideals, however, I do not believe that these pose a threat to Constantinople, nor to future peace in Europe." |
![]() |
|
| Rhadamanthus | Dec 4 2009, 11:32 PM Post #10 |
|
Legitimist
![]()
|
Lord Aldebaran, "Well, democratic ideals have historically been the greatest and most violent threat to Europe bar the Dominion. But I'm not interested in re-living the past, especially as your country under the elder Nixon signed the Treaty of Cerdoville permanently foreswearing militant republicanism. My country and my emperor respect Porcu's honor and do not in any way believe that Porcu poses a threat to Constantinople or to Europe. "However, France is another story. We will not attempt to dictate your policy, but France has continually shown itself to be aggressive in its promotion of its ideals, and has sought made no attempt to hide the fact that world democratic revolution is its ultimate goal. That is fundamentally threatening to the stability of not only the Empire, but the Continent and the World as a whole. What we seek from Porcu is that any defensive agreements aside, Porcu will not support any aggressions posed by France, and will always honor the spirit of the Treaty of Cerdoville. We do not ask you to end or harm your relations with France - but we must insist that we are to enjoy good relations, then the more extreme aspects of the French project must be distinguished." |
![]() |
|
| Porcu | Dec 5 2009, 12:06 AM Post #11 |
|
"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
![]()
|
Nixon perfectly understood the Roman Prince and, in all honesty, could not agree with him more. "I am honored that you hold Porcu's word and honor in such high regard. The lessons of the Çerdoné War are not easily forgotten and as it was my father who had to make those difficult decisions I understand his reasoning perfectly. The terms of the Treaty of Çerdoville will continue to be respected and honored. As to France, you have my word that I will not support militant republicanism..." Nixon hoped that his frank response would convey his sincerity, especially considering what he planned to ask next. "If I may, there is an issue dear to many Porcuians regarding the dependency of South-East Afrika. You no doubt hear on a regular basis about the atrocious acts of violence committed by self proclaimed "freedom fighters" against fellow Afrikans, Porcuians, and foreign tourists. The Tanzanian Independence Movement is a militant group that has long fought against the legitimate local government of the dependency. While it is perfectly within our means to deal with the group, I have been careful not to upset the regional Afrikan powers. In short, what would be the Roman position to a full counter-insurgency operation by Porcu in South-Eastern Afrika?" |
![]() |
|
| Rhadamanthus | Dec 5 2009, 12:11 AM Post #12 |
|
Legitimist
![]()
|
Glad that Nixon had given him the assurance he craved, Prince Aldebaran felt empowered to give a supportive response: "Crush them. I do not know if this is offensive to the republican sensibility, and if it is, I assure you that offense is not my intention. And though I am a rare civilian diplomat in a service staffed largely by soldiers, and thus, I am somewhat partial to peaceful means, I must nevertheless state that the only way to deal with such a menace is by suppressing it as quickly and forcefully as possible. You have our full support in this matter." |
![]() |
|
| Porcu | Dec 5 2009, 12:03 PM Post #13 |
|
"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
![]()
|
"When it comes to terrorists, or those in general who seek to impose themselves upon the peaceful, then there can be no other response. The difficulty in any operation rests on the Democratic Confederacy of Afrika, whose response is predictable and cannot be underestimated. Hundreds of soldiers have already given their lives to defend the dignity of the citizens of South-East Afrika and I hope to avoid unnecessary bloodshed." Nixon was overwhelmed for a few moments. It finally appeared that a solution was at hand. TIM had been a thorn for Porcu since the final days of the Dominion, no government since gaining much progress towards victory. With the Afrikan powers of Ulgania and the Roman-Byzantine Empire now squarely behind him, Nixon felt empowered to deliver the final blows. Porcu would continue slowly, for Nixon did not want to spoil his new found support by prematurely launching a massive operation. Victory was not assured, but for the first time in years there was light at the end of the tunnel. Noticing that the sun had shifted its position in the sky, blasting its warm beams onto the balcony, Nixon guessed a couple of hours had quickly passed. He politely asked the Roman Prince if a short break was in order, the discussions waiting until later that afternoon or during dinner. Berchtesgaden was awaiting the Roman, its mountain paths and luxurious accommodations calling him softly. |
![]() |
|
| Porcu | Dec 8 2009, 10:57 PM Post #14 |
|
"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
![]()
|
And so ended another chapter in the great book of European diplomacy. While a few additional but minor points were discussed afterward the main topics had been covered and satisfactory conclusions reached. Nixon made sure that his Roman guest was comfortable during the remaining portion of his trip and that he returned to Constantinople with a bottle of excellent Porcuian wine and a box of world-renowned pastries. |
![]() |
|
|
|
| « Previous Topic · Inter-regional Relations · Next Topic » |









11:34 AM Jul 13