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| Decay & Resurgence | |
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| Topic Started: Sep 22 2011, 10:07 AM (1,792 Views) | |
| The Authority of the Grand Moff | Dec 27 2011, 05:30 AM Post #76 |
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2nd Lieutenant
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| NRE | Dec 30 2011, 08:34 PM Post #77 |
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"Burgos would indeed be a dangerous mission" said the General as he stroked his chin. "However, with it would logistically be feasible for Russians to get air cover to your forces should we strike Burgos, it is something I will have to discuss with my command." "I must say though" said the General with a smile, "I liked to idea immensely as it would put the Union on two fronts if we were to secure Burgos before our main offensive across the Catalan border. I am sure we can get Venetian assistance near Burgos. I will highly recommend this to my commanders, if you'll simply give me some time Colonel." Juan smiled as the diplomat and then shook his head. "The Russians are men of history, they hold grudges longer than I seen any other men hold" said the Premier, still shaking his head in disbelief. "They, much like the Romans they so faithfully bow before, live in the past and refuse to believe that anything can change without their expressed permission first. When the Kingdom fell, the Russians and Romans were at a loss as how to react and what to do. They grabbed what they could and refused to give an inch to change. They see the Union as change, a change they are not prepared to accept and one they cannot understand. Even with the successes met in the Dominion Wars between Russia and the Union, they look at us and beyond our borders to yours with suspicion. I will speak candidly when I say I had to work hard to keep your consulate but it was one I gladly fight for. We have not abandoned our roots despite Russia's best efforts to convert us to Orthodox and make us more Russian." "This all said, I don't believe this has to come to war. Just as you've said the Union has shown itself as a great negotiator so surely if I can bring the Russians to the table, something can be negotiated. I know that the Russians are amassing soldiers, they've even brought in foreign forces, but I don't believe Russia truly wishes to allow it come to war. If you can assure me that the Union will sit down and negotiate an agreement with the Russians, I know I can force their hand and bring them to the table. For whatever reason, the Russians refuse to give up Barcelona and when pressured, are willing to give in to our demands to keep the peace. I cannot talk them out of war, but I am confident I can talk them into coming to the table." Edited by NRE, Jan 10 2012, 11:08 AM.
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| The Authority of the Grand Moff | Jan 4 2012, 06:41 PM Post #78 |
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2nd Lieutenant
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((General Yermelov has yet to reply to my Colonel NRE...)) The Star Fort of Moff Thanas Command Center Posted Image "...large, complex city of 180,000. Like Burgos, Castellon de la Plana features several historical points of interest, including a Gothic cathedral rebuilt after the Spanish Civil War and the Basilica of Santa Maria. The Sego River passes through the northwestern quadrant, but otherwise the only significant disruption to the jumbled cityplan is the Parque Ribalta." "What force would be required to take Castellon?" "We are fortunate that presently the city presents a low priority to the so-called 'Unionists', with the majority of their forces concentrated further northwest. Venetian control of the coastline gives us an avenue of advance However, air cover from the Russians or the Venetians would still be desired, as it is highly likely a deployment into the city would provoke a hurried response from the Iberian invaders." "You didn't answer my question." "Apologies, sir. Projections suggest at least a doubling of the IEF, but specifics must wait until further communication with Russian Command as to their intentions on Burgos, as well as how strongly the Venetians intend to support us in this operation." |
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| Union | Jan 5 2012, 04:27 PM Post #79 |
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Pyrenees Republic
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OOC: Castellon has a heavy military presence, actually, because it was not entirely conquered. A corridor was opened to allow passage of Porcuian delegates to Zaragoza, and that corridor is both being maintained, and being used to expand Union operations. I'll, at some point, draw something up. I don't get back to Uni for about a week yet, and I'd like this thread to be on hold until then, if that's all right. |
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| NRE | Jan 10 2012, 11:09 AM Post #80 |
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OOC: Sorry about that, I've amended my last post to include that bit, I wrote it to sort of go along with what you wrote in your last post so that nothing will be changed. I'll wait for U to post again and then My General will give your Colonel an answer. |
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| Porcu | Jan 27 2012, 06:13 PM Post #81 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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OOC: I apologize U if you didn't want this started up again, but looking back through I felt that I should make a reply. IC: Although the other members of the joint Porcuian/EU delegation looked out from the vans with keen eyes, scribbling notes occasionally in notebooks each had brought with them, Atios closed his and seemed to be resting. The drive from the plaza where the delegation was received by Secretary Marcos to the first of the humanitarian facilities set up by Unionist forces dragged on somewhat. Soon enough, however, Atios and his team descended from their vans and entered. With the Union Secretary beside him, Atios led the way without obstruction. Over the course of the next few hours, the Porcuian and EU officials were led all over the city, visiting numerous - albeit predetermined - facilities dispensing humanitarian aid. Whereas other officials expressed their surprise at the staffing levels, amount of food stuffs available, and ease of access for medical treatment of one kind or another, Atios was deeply skeptical. He had observed quite a lot and wished to pen a few thoughts in his own notebook, but he also wanted to phone Kenna-Olps and check on how things were for the second team. Entering an empty room, save for a few crates stacked awkwardly in the corner, Atios moved to the windowsill and wrote before returning his notebook to his pack and dialing his friend. "Good day." greeted a warm voice. "Yes, same. Let's not keep this conversation going too long; what are your thoughts?" Atios said. "Truthfully, things are in much better shape than I would have imagined. Damage to basic infrastructure seems to have been kept to a minimum, though it's unclear if reconstructive efforts are underway at all." "Very much the same here. These facilities are relatively clean and, generally, well staffed. I am quite suspicious that these are only the handful of good ones and that all this touring is essentially a farce." "That's certainly possible, but I've spoke to a number of civilians and they seem to be content with..." "Content?" "Relatively speaking, of course. Some other cities were hit rather hard by Union forces and so it is natural to take some comfort in being spared further destruction. As I said before, at least the people here seem to be getting proper attention." "And what of Rinae?" "She's...pleased." Kenna-Olps replied with a slight chuckle. "Right...Well, good work and I'll be seeing you this evening. Bye." Exiting the room, Atios walked past a number of rooms until he came to where the Secretary was. |
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| Union | Jan 27 2012, 06:55 PM Post #82 |
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OOC: Yeah, my updates are well overdue at this point. I was going to them this weekend, but three of my friends are celebrating their 21st.... I'll start dicking around on it during the day tomorrow, and have an update, by the latest, Monday night for you guys. Thanks for the patience. |
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| The Authority of the Grand Moff | Feb 13 2012, 10:06 PM Post #83 |
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2nd Lieutenant
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OOC: -cough- :dry: -cough- |
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| Union | Feb 13 2012, 10:14 PM Post #84 |
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Pyrenees Republic
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:wasclose: Writer's block. Edited by Union, Feb 13 2012, 10:14 PM.
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| Union | Feb 21 2012, 11:26 AM Post #85 |
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Pyrenees Republic
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This is an OOC post about where the RP is at the moment, and where I'd like it to go in the immediate future, based on discussions I've had with other participants. The Union has advanced and occupied, in this order: 1. Lleida - this province was quickly subjugated, but due to its Catalan composition, more resistant to Basque and Spanish governance. However, also due to its Catalan identity, it is more malleable with the Union variant of Falangist ideology, which originated in Barcelona, and historical connections with past Falangist administrations. It is currently heavily reinforced, as the border with Russian Catalonia has become heated, and thus stable. 2. Zaragoza - this province is more in the limelight in this RP. The province has been occupied and is stable, with the majority of resistance occuring as minor anarchist skirmishes, and the conflict in the city with the remnant of government forces. It has been occupied, and the city itself is host to a heavy military and humanitarian effort, due to its status as a flagship city for Union assimilation. The rest of the province is regularly policed by military police units, but they work in conjunction with pre-war police personnel in the area leading to some inconstincies in performance. 3. The Basque Country - this province was assimilated with great ease, due to the prominence of the Basque nationality in Union governance and politics, and heavy nationalist rhetoric by Basque nationalists in favor of Union. There is some opposition, however, due to the recent political manuever by Trouillefou to limit the possibility of Basque dominance in the National Congress [where, under the old provincial system they would control an absolute majority of votes], but the Basque republics still a higher share of the seats than any other ethnic group. Many pre-occupation administrations have been left intact, with minimal changes and assimilation with Union government. 4. Teruel - sparsely populated, occupied quickly and without incident during the advance into Tarragona and Castellon. Light presence of military police. Home to several minor anarchist groups that resist government forces. 5. Tarragona - Occupied quickly by Union forces, it shares many similar charecteristics with Lleida, due to the Russian border and the Venetian blockade. 6. Castellon - Partially occupied - Union forces quickly took control of the central highway the AP-7 in order to escort a Porcuian humanitarian mission from the Venetian Valincian border to Zaragoza. This strip has the most concentrated military presence on the peninsula. The Venetian blockade will increase this somewhat, as concerns about amphibious assaults take hold. The city of Alicante is under seige, but still resisting. Telosan wanted to claim the entire Valencian province. Alicante is a good place for Venetian intervention on behalf of the city. We could end this with a Venetian occupation of the city, in a situation similar to Gibraltar, and broader Venetian claims, and with Union control of the rest of the province. 7. Soria - sparsely populated, occupied quickly and without incident during the advance into Leon. 8. Leon - ongoing seige of Burgos, but with heavy handed force. This will be completed by the end of the current "day" which is the same day as Union representatives meeting with the Catalan governor and the Russian Premier, and the same day as the Porcuain tour of Zaragoza. Province in process of being occupied. All other advances have been halted. The air force is active, and competent, so making bombing runs will be difficult to justify in my eyes. My navy is wholly concentrated in the Bay of Biscay, so an amphibious assault there would be impossible, but we have no current presence in the Mediterranean, and the Venetian blockade is currently unchallenged. Edited by Union, Feb 21 2012, 06:53 PM.
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| Rhadamanthus | Mar 3 2012, 12:25 AM Post #86 |
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Legitimist
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OOC: Without reading the whole thread, would these advances give you a presence on the Mediterranean? I haven't been paying much attention, and I don't know if I'm going to start getting active, but it seems that that is the kind of thing that would get the Empire's attention. But, as I said, I don't know if I want to get involved in another big RP. An alternative would be a thaw in relations, though I don't know if you are up for that. |
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| Telosan | Mar 3 2012, 12:28 AM Post #87 |
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The Foremost Intellectual Badass
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Yes, the full expansion would give the Union a coastline from Russia's Barcelona to Venice's Valencia. This is what Venice is in opposition to, since a Union presence in the Mediterranean threatens the Veneto-Roman dominance there. Venice is trying to counter this by taking the coastal strip in question first, or at least enough to contest it and prevent reasonable deployment. |
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| Union | Mar 3 2012, 02:21 PM Post #88 |
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OOC: The Union military has a presence on the coastline already, with possible action to occur in Castellon in the near future if Telo likes my offer. |
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| Union | Oct 13 2012, 04:27 PM Post #89 |
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"Thank you for taking the time to meet with me, gentlemen. Today is a big day, and I will not keep you long." Miguel Trouillefou took a deep drink of ice water from his glass, as he spoke softly into the speaker phone. "As I understand, we have a great deal to discuss - but let's move quickly. I have to brief our ambassador by 8. General Alvarez, what is the situation in Castellon?" "The Porcuian delegation arrived without incident. The Fourth Cavalry is moving throughout the province without major contest. The exception is Alicante. We have the support Ruben sent, and it is prepared - awaiting of course, your order." "General Ruben, what do you advise? I understand the artillery line is prepared to fire on the city, but I do not want bloodshed if it can be avoided. This is a campaign of reconstruction, not death." "I understand, Chairman, that you wish to avoid such a ghastly and terrible course - however, I cannot say that encirclement will work in this case, unfortunately. Alicante is a developed coastal city, and is more than able to receive supplies from enemy powers. We will be unable to, as you said, isolate it into submission, in my professional opinion, sir. While we can block any overland access to the city, we have no naval presence in the Mediterranean from which we might complete the blockade. In addition, the city could easily serve as a beachhead for a landing of, er, Venetians or Russians, opening a third front against any possible offensive that would require a tactical retreat from Castellon -" General Alvarez interurpted, "Sir, an aerial presence might suffice in preventing any ostensibly hostile activities, while the threat of bombing should do away with commercial shipping -" Trouillefou spoke more forcibly, "I will not murder merchants or fishermen. Alicante must see its situation is untenable, and will surely surrender." "With your permission," Ruben interjected "Such an aerial response might very well provoke Roman retaliation against our movement." "Fuck the Romans." "Regardless, we cannot fight a war against Venice, Russia, and Rome concurrently. Or rather, we cannot maintain our gains." "We have called off the advance for this reason, Ruben." Trouillefou had not been happy about that, but they could not advance further. "Once Burgos falls... How is that going?" "The campaign is continuing -" Alvarez interrupted Ruben quickly, "Chairman, if we are willing to drop bombs in Burgos why not in Alicante?" "We need to prove our resolve, here and then, and Burgos is far more import strategically than Alicante. We hope the bombs in Burgos can convince the rebels in Alicante to surrender." "As I said, the campaign is continuing according to the timetable. We are preparing to land forces in the city, secure the province. Our air force is doing flyovers of the full territory now under our effective control, including the rest of Burgos province." Spain was, due to its demography, relatively easy to control from the skies. Outside of major population centers, there was little to require a drastic presence on foot. "I have the Defense Minister on the other line, gentlemen. Continue as ordered - do not bomb Alicante, not yet. Dismissed." Trouillefou switched calls. "How did the Porcuians find Zaragoza?" "I am confident we have demonstrated our humanitarian resolve, Chairman." "Very good. I want a full report in the morning." "Yes." ( :o Is that a mother fucking update? ) Edited by Union, Oct 13 2012, 04:27 PM.
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| The Authority of the Grand Moff | Oct 13 2012, 05:16 PM Post #90 |
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2nd Lieutenant
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OOC: Oh come on, really? Now? With all this other stuff going on, now you decide to necro this story? I understand the glacial pace of things on this forum, but cripes, I'd given up on this storyline months ago. I mean, nothing personal, I understand real life and all that, but can we just drop this? I'm not even interested anymore, personally. |
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| Union | Oct 13 2012, 05:59 PM Post #91 |
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Pyrenees Republic
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OOC: I was asked to wrap up loose ends. Post at your convenience, I expect little.
Edited by Union, Oct 13 2012, 06:00 PM.
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| NRE | Dec 11 2012, 10:20 PM Post #92 |
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OOC: I'm working on the premise that we're still relatively in the same time period, that is, before Russia's war in the Americas, the Pope's election, the Crusade in Cologne, etc. etc. I'll modify if you'd like to jump forward in time, otherwise I'm going to say only a few days or maybe a week or so has past. IC: Barcelona, Catalan Autonomous Okrug... Though the Russians had put plans in place, an attack against the Spaniards never came. Certainly this was to the delight of the Union, who undoubtedly believed that the Russians, with their help from the Sectors and possibly their Venetian allies, were ready to begin an offensive across their Catalan border. Indeed, the Russians maintained a fierce position along their border. One that indeed spelled clear their intent to attack, the only question was....when? Stalled at the border, from the outside the Catalans seemed frozen in place but this was deceiving. For as the soldiers remained stalled on the border, inside the region and especially in the capital much work was being done to overt total war. The Spanish under Russian control, almost all of whom were also Catholics, began their protests and demonstrations. They never liked Russian rule, that much was certain almost from the beginning. They had, however, become complacent when some autonomy was given to them to go about their own business. Still, that Russia was now antagonizing the Union was something they could not stand for. After all, they saw the Union was the new Spain and naturally were drawn to its allure. Premier Juan Consuelos, since his meeting with Ramón Cajal de Arriortúa, the Union's diplomatic adjunct in Barcelona, had been working hard to get the Russians to sit down with Union representatives. It wasn't an entirely obscure idea, after all the Russians were not fond of the idea of a war with the Union, especially now that any such conflict would result in more civil unrest in the region. However, given the current political stance with the Union the Russians seemed adverse to any ideas that didn't involve war. After all, the Union had poked its nose in the affairs of the Irish several times already, why shouldn't the Russians given them the same courtesy? However, to get the Russians to sit down with the Union, Consuelos had to give the Russians something they could hardly refuse. Though it was a difficult task, the Premier believed he had a bold idea that could do just that. It was a radical plan but it was one the Russians became interested in if the Union could also be brought to the negotiation table. Word was then sent from the Premier's office to the Union's consulate, notifying them that the Russians were willing to talk. A few days later an official aircraft from Moscow landed in Barcelona and Count Ivan Tolstoy, Russia's Minister of Foreign Affairs disembarked. Juan Consuelos as well as the Governor welcomed the Foreign Minister before showing him into a car to take him to the government center. They were also awaiting to see who the Union would be sending. |
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| Union | Dec 12 2012, 10:49 PM Post #93 |
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Pyrenees Republic
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The political ascent of Chairman Marcos is taken for granted as inevitable, though it was not always so. Though by the end of the Civil War* he was a well-known figure in academic circles, and a political power who had clawed his way to the top position of the State Department, his name was not what it is today. It was the events of the Fifth Campaign, or rather, his masterful handling of the campaign, that propelled him into politics. With Miguel Trouillefou an aged hero at that point, Marcos offered a youthful face for the humanitarian aspects of the campaign. He spoke publicly to the world at ICON and spearheaded many of the refugee and aid programs today lauded as models for similar operations around the world. He met publicly with Porcuian delegates before cameras, and explained in detail both the domestic audience as much as the foreign one the scale of effort the Union was putting forth for his fellow Spaniards. It can largely be attributed to this public relations campaign that the dominant image of Trouillefou is not one of a conquering tyrant, what ever my revisionist colleagues may say, but a romantic nationalist. It was just a few days after the consolidation of the Union advance into northern Spain, during those apprehensive moments when a world war was risked, and the eyes of the international community were fixed upon the Iberian peninsula like nothing since the Hispanic-Andorran Unification War, that he was nominated by Trouillefou to officially represent his government at secret negotiations with the Russian Foreign Minister, Ivan Tolstoy. *In the Union, the collapse of Spain and the slow reclamation of these territories is considered to be part of a single civil war between monarchism and republicanism. |
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| NRE | Dec 15 2012, 10:49 PM Post #94 |
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The setting of the meeting was the Russian Tsar's personal palace in the city. Its lavish rooms and furnishing certainly a testament to the power and prestige of the Russian Empire. Perhaps a put off to the more nationalist democrats of the Union, the Russians did not seemed to worry of attempt to take this into consideration. Count Tolstoy had already made himself at home, enjoying a glass of imported wine aged to near perfection. Premier Consuelos had barely left his side the entire time since the foreign Minister had arrived in the city. The brief time he was gone was when he left to great the Union representative upon their own arrival. It was by the time he'd just started on his second glass that he was made aware of Chairman Marcos's arrival, sitting it down on a small table in the sitting room he was enjoying to leave and great this man upon his entrance into the palace. Posted Image "Chairman Marcos of the Union of Free Falangist Republics, welcome" said Count Tolstoy before extending his hand to the chairman. "I am Count Ivan Tolstoy, Foreign Minister of the Russian Empire. While his majesty and his government have shown our concerns with these matters here in Iberia, showing force in times of need, let is not be mistaken. We enjoy the power of diplomacy just as much as any sovereign nation, be they autocratic or democratic. It is his majesty's desire that these negotiations attempt to bring the gaps between our two governments and bring the issues that seem to plague us to a point of mutual benefaction. I can only hope your government is equally interested in such things." |
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| Union | Dec 16 2012, 06:48 PM Post #95 |
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OOC: Marcos is still just a Secretary of State. That post was written from a future perspective, which was unclear in retrospect. He will become Chairman in a small RP i will have that takes place between present day (the Crusade) and the conclusion of this RP. Feel free to give him a voice to keep the fluidity of conversation. He was born after the fall of Hispania. He is a short man (5'4") and obese (BMI 44, 280 lbs). He is friendly, and confident. He is a workaholic, and rumors indicate an amphetamine dependence. He is Basque, and proud of it. He is married, but hates his wife, who he knows is having an affair. He is sterile. He transferred from Minister of the Interior to Secretary of State during the last few days, though nobody knows why Trouillefou did this. ------------------------------ Secretary Marcos shook the Count's hand, "Count Tolstoy, it is an honor to be here, though I am saddened that my visit is under such nervous circumstances. I hope our discussions will prove fruitful in the pursuit of civilized peace for Iberia." Count Tolstoy motioned toward the conference table, where Premier Consuelos was already seated. Marcos followed his motion, sitting down at the chair marked with his name across from the two men. He had come alone, as a show of trust in his host's hospitality. Marcos took a glass of water and gulped it down quickly. This unusual September heat wave had yet to dissipate. The two men looked at him, as if waiting for him to begin. Very well, he thought to himself, I'll start this gathering. He stared intently into Tolstoy's eyes while speaking, all but ignoring the Premier seated beside him - recognition of who the true master was in the room. "My Lord, I am here today to continue the negotiations begun by our two governments, with the aim of bringing peace to the Iberian peninsula. I have nothing but respect for yourself and your country, and it is my hope that this meeting will represent a return to our historic relationship of friendship. Your people are honorable, loyal, friendly, and make a damn fine drink, if I may say so. It sorrows me, and my government, that our relationship is what it is. I would first like to make it explicit - the Union has no intentions whatsoever to violate the borders of any established government on the Iberian peninsula. This reclamation is not a campaign of conquest, but a restoration of law and order to lands ungoverned. The Union government cannot tolerate the existence of land which is used as a haven for terrorism, international criminals, and the manufacture of narcotics. Less than scrupulous capitalists pollute our air and our water with factories outside the legal jurisdiction of any civilized power. Refugees from the anarchic plains of Spain tax our people by free-riding on the government services we work hard to provide. Families have been torn apart by artificial borders that run through ancestral homelands. It cannot be tolerated, and we will not tolerate it. The Union government has made a magnificant effort in providing humanitarian aid for these poor souls that have so long been deprived of the fruits of law. We have not fired a single shot at any of our neighbours, and we do not intend too. We are aware of foreign interference in this reclamation - how could we not. The Venetians blockade our ports along the Mediterranean - but again, we restrain ourselves. If I may be bold, I see Russian interests in this region stemming from two principle causes. The first is the fear that this reconquest will extend into Russian Catalonia. I cannot state enough that our government desires no such thing. We recognize the legitimacy of your government, and the sanctity of its borders. No Union soldier will step on Catalonian soil, or fly in Catalonian airspace. The ammassing of your troops along that border does nothing to protect it, for we have no ill intentions - but does increase the possibility of an accident plunging our nations into a bitter and destructive war. The status quo will not suffice. The second reason is one which we cannot rightly condemn - loyalty to your allies. Your country's principled action stands as a model to which we aspire. However, we cannot help but feel that your loyalty, at least in this case, is misplaced. The Venetians have once again violated our Concordat and declared a blockade of our shores. Their lack of regard for international treaties should be of a far greater concern to your government - can you trust them to comply by the terms of friendship which you so nobly uphold? Your allies will drag you into war. They have declared themselves to be enemies of the Spanish people at every oppurtunity they can. Our occupation of Houat Island preceded the Irish expansion into Brittany - and yet they called us aggressors, and attempted to annex our territory. I fear they will lead our proud peoples into conflict again and again. I cannot speak as to their motives, but we cannot be expected to bow to tyranny, or the allies of tyranny. I'll be concise. The Union does not want war, and never did. The legitimacy of our reclamation is without question - these are our countrymen, even if the country no longer exists. That our enemies wish to keep us weak and chained to the Pyrenees is understandable, but are you prepared to send Russian boys to die for that? What do you gain? The Union is prepared to halt its advance at its current position, leaving a no-man's land between the Roman Empire and the Union. We will not violate the territorial integrity of Russian Catalonia, or Venetian Valencia. In exchange we want recognition of our government's claimed territory, a condemnation of Venetian conduct in violation of the Concordat, and Russian support for a Venetian evacuation of Galicia." |
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| NRE | Dec 19 2012, 10:24 PM Post #96 |
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OOC: Ah, my apologies and will do! IC: Count Tolstoy sat at the other end of the table, his hands clasped as Secretary Marcos spoke. It was true, before a series of unfortunate events, the Russian Empire and the Union enjoyed a rather peaceful coexistence. Allies in the Dominion Wars, both countries had since the war enjoyed peace, security, and unofficial trade that helped both nations prosper(1). However, as hostilities soon emerged between the Union and nations such as the Venetians and Irish, the Russians found themselves in strained relations with the Union. Naturally, the Romans also held their reservations with the Union given its history and opposition to the Spanish crown and this too, had influenced the Russians in recent years. "Your people have always been, if nothing more, hospitable as well as willing to negotiate" said the Count. "The honor of your people and their dedication to diplomacy above all other options precedes itself. Let it never been said, by at least any Russian in any setting, that your people are not approachable. It is certainly true that our people have since the time of the Dominion Wars, enjoyed a mutual agreement of respect and understanding, allowing an unprecedented era of peace between us. While it is true that in recent times our allies have placed our faith in them and our allegiance to them into questionable situations. This is perhaps no more true, than with our friends of the emerald isle. The Irish King means well and surely, he acts in what he thinks is the best for his people and while we cannot fault him for such things, we can at least attempt to advise him when possible. Your reclamation of the Iberian peninsula did cause concern, perhaps misplaced concern, but nevertheless we acted as we believed was necessary. However, perhaps mistakes were made as they are so often made by governments from time to time. We can recognize the problem the anarchy of the Iberian wilds has become and we too, have become concerned. Since the fall of the Spanish Kingdom, many of the territories have, as you said, been host to all sorts of vile criminals and other unscrupulous individuals. Russian authorities in Catalonia have had a particular problem with illegal drug smuggling and though we've done much to contain such things, we understand more could be done. Your country's integration of many of these territories will certainly aid our own people in that area as we certainly have no fear that your government can control the areas. We certainly are not interested in hostilities with your people. Yes we have positioned soldiers along the border, but this was merely a defensive measure. The increased presence of the military in Catalonia was a measure to hopeful quell any sot of civil unrest that could break out in the region. I don't think I need to tell you, that your government is highly respected by the Catalonians and while they've never been betrayed by the Russian crown, they do not identify with us as they do your own. The Russian Empire will have no problem officially recognizing the territory as part of the Union. This is something the Tsar will have no problem in doing. We are even willing to express our concerns to the Venetian Doge personally, over the terms of the Concordat signed between your two people and possible violations made through their policies. However, asking that we pressure a Venetian evacuation of Galicia is a very strong demand made by your people. It is generally not in Russia's foreign policy to demand an ally leave a territory they control. Is Venetian control of Galicia against the Concordat or have to infringe upon the Galician people somehow? Surely you understand that Russia is going to need more than just the promises of halt Union advances in Iberia to ask us to do what you have so requested." 1- By unofficial, I mean that the Russian Empire and the Union do not have a formal trade treaty between them. That said, like with other nations, I've always assumed some trade exist between them even if it is minor when compared to more traditional trade partners for either nation. |
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| Union | Jan 4 2013, 06:14 AM Post #97 |
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"I can, of course, both understand and admire the tenacity of the Russian people, and the desire of all people to defend themselves from foreign aggression. I cannot hold your country at fault for desiring to arm their border to prevent any, as we say, temptation, from occurring. Such a course is natural and just. But it is also dangerous, for when two men stare at one another with their fingers on the trigger, there is no room for mistake - and we both know that one cannot expect a human being to avoid mistakes in perpetuity. Only God is perfect. Thus, your defensive measure may do more, paradoxically, to provoke a conflict than anything else. One wayward patrol, crossing into Union territory. One accidental firing from a new Union recruit with more enthusiasm than sense. I have no doubt of the merits of Russian discipline, just as I have no doubts of that of my own comrades, but when human lives lay in the balance, I find faith to be the poorest of defenses. On the Galician matter, I thank you, Lord, for your pledge to investigate the matter. The territory was leased by the old Falangist government to an entity known as Telosan. How this territory passed from Telosan into Venetian hands is a question that has troubled us, though they, like all states, had the right to transfer the territory as they wished. However, to have that which has declared itself to be our enemy time and time again at our doorstep, governing our people... it is easier to stomach the nobility of the Russian state, and their stewardship of Catalonia. We can trust your government to protect the interests of the Catalan people, our brothers, to work with us in earnest good will to ensure that families are not driven apart, and that peace can reign supreme. We have no such bonds with the Venetians, despite our efforts at ensuring peaceful coexistence, and as such cannot make the same declarations of faith and friendship with regard to Venetian control of Galicia - or Valenica. While we do not wish to instigate war through conquest with the great powers of Europe, we cannot recognize their occupation as just, and I would be remiss if I did not ask you to pass along our discomfort with the present status, and acting in bad faith if I did not disclose it. While we cannot defend the friends you keep, it is your right to keep them, and absent any formal relations between the Union and the Venetian governments, I would ask that you serve as a mediator between us. " OOC: Sorry for the delayed response. X-mas, etc. |
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| NRE | Jan 9 2013, 06:38 PM Post #98 |
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OOC: No problem, I was a bit slow on my own response. ^^ IC: "I see no reason why the Russian Empire cannot, in the interest of peace, use what sway it has with the Doge of Venice, to resolve the issues between you" said the Count. "Mediation is an art and while we do not jest to be the masters of such, we will do everything within our power to bring these issues to a head and perhaps find a middle ground on which both the Venetians and yourself can stand pleased on." "The Emperor understands the situation as such as well, regarding the current military build up at the border" Tolstoy stated as he continued, " an like yourselves, has decided that while the build up was in our best interests, it is no longer. Due to such, he asked that I express his intentions to demilitarize the border and bring the situation back to where it was previous to this misunderstanding. We can only assume the Union will do the same as we've already state either our two states have any intentions of aggregating the situation any further than it already has. Indeed, I believe we both wish to resolves the situation forthwith." Secretary Marcos nodded in agreement, and Count Tolstoy continued. "Indeed, his majesty has expressed his desire to bring a more permanent solution to the current problems that seem to plague Iberia. I stated previously that while the Russian Empire has done much to improve the lives of the Catalan people, they relate more to their fellow Spanish than they do us. They have, for sometime, have expressed their desires for more and more autonomy from the Russian Empire and we are no fools. We understand that as time goes on and their quality of life improves, they will eventually seek full autonomy from the Russian Empire. We can either assume they will live on as a state of their own choosing or, and more likely the case, seek inclusion into the Union. Naturally, we should be offended that a people to whom we have given everything, should have such intentions. Yet in truth, we understand that if we were to be in their own position, we would choose the same course for a future if given the opportunity to do so. Hoping that it shall never be said that the Russian Empire stands in the way of a people's chosen future, we would like to make an offer to the Union that would bring pleasure to the Catalan people and perhaps your own, if we are not completely mistaken. The Catalan people want to be apart of your Spanish Union, your Union we imagine has no problem with this so long as it is the will of the people. The Russian Empire has, therefore, decided to offer the Catalan region to the Union, under the terms of a leasing agreement perhaps very similar to the agreement spoke of with the old state of Telson. We cannot, for financial reasons, give up the Catalan region after the large investments we've made in basic infrastructure. However, if you're government is willing, Russia would lease Catalonia to your Union under terms we hope would be beneficial to both countries. For instance, Russia would turn over all administrative duties to the Catalan people and through them, the Union. We would cease to tax them as well as terminate their military requirements to the Russian Empire. We are willing to offer them a more limited form of Russian citizenship, if they wish to keep such a thing with us. For all intent and purpose, the Union and Catalan people would become the de facto power in Catalonia while the Russian Empire would retain de jure control over the territory as it would technically remain our territory should the leasing agreement every be terminated. In exchange, the Russian Empire asks really only three conditions to the agreement. First and foremost, Russia would like to continue to maintain its naval base in Barcelona however is willing to agree to stipulations in regards to the number of personnel as well as supplies, weapons, and other materials held there. Secondly, the Russian crown also wishes to continue to hold ownership of this palace. Thirdly and finally, his majesty has had desires of restoring the County of Barcelona and in such, restoring the Count of Barcelona. His majesty wishes that once restored, the Catalan people agree to recognize this individual and their inherit titles and rights. We shall not ask them to have any special administrative privileges, just that their title and rights be acknowledged by the state." Edited by NRE, Jan 9 2013, 06:43 PM.
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| Union | Jan 25 2013, 06:24 AM Post #99 |
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Marcos was quiet for a long time before finally speaking. It was known by the National Congress that he had no authority, not officially, to make such a deal, but knew that if he returned with the deal in hand, and if it was good, that not even Trouillefou would have the power to prevent it's passing, and in so doing, promote himself to the top of the national pyramid of prestige. The reclamation of Catalonia had not been imagined as a feasible objective, but the old capital of Hispania - it would overshadow all of Trouillefou's gains elsewhere in the peninsula. "My Lord, I must admit to be surprised to such a proposal. It is not what I expected. I can see little issue with the first term. The details of such an arrangement, of course, should be conducted between men with greater knowledge of the subject, but your position of the negotiability of these details is sufficient to prevent this from being a major issue between our governments. In fact, I can see how such a facility may perhaps herald a new age in Russo-Spanish friendship. Yes, yes, the Union can agree. The second term is hardly that. The Crown is a private actor, and we allow for private ownership of property. The difficulty, and it is a minor one, would be in the tax status of that estate. There is no law allowing individuals to be exempt from the land value tax in the Union... presently. How much of an issue would it be to have the Crown pay taxes to the government. I am sure that creative accounting in the terms of the annual lease can mitigate any tax income paid to the Union back to Russia, while maintaining appearances for the sake of objectivity. The third term is problematic, this I will admit. However, if I understand the proposal, this is only a de facto administrative cessation, not a true turn-over of the land. The de jure status of Catalonia in the eyes of the Russian government is not within our power or desire to control. That being said, the administration of the territory will be conducted in accordance with the principles of the Union government, and as such, cannot be a royalist institution. Our administrative mechanisms will be republican in nature, and no special administrative powers can be afforded to this hypothetical Catalan Count except through those institutions. These are, of course, just my preliminary thoughts on the proposal, but these are the immediate problems as I see them." Edited by Union, Jan 25 2013, 06:25 AM.
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| NRE | Jan 30 2013, 11:06 PM Post #100 |
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Count Tolstoy sat quietly, nodding at various times as Marcos spoke. He could tell from the way the conversation was progress that relations between Russia and the Union had not fallen as far as perhaps either side had believed. After all, the two powers were allies once, fighting the Dominion out of Iberia and afterwards, out of Europe completely. That relations had soured at all, perhaps was the fault of the Russians and their diplomatic relations elsewhere. Regardless, the Spaniards were, if Marcos was any indication, willing to negotiate and so were the Russians. Certainly, should realistic heads prevail, an agreement would be reached between the two European powers. "I am glad we agree on the first term" said the Count, "an I agree that there are others more qualified to set down the raw structure of such an arrangement. I imagine this to be a preliminary agreement, as I am sure both governments will agree to leave the specifics to perhaps a committee of delegates from both nations. In terms of the palace, and tax paid on the property, his majesty is willing to submit to an assessment of the property for tax purposes. That tax, as you suggested, can be calculated into the lease itself, depreciating the amount to be paid by the Union. Can I assume that such an arrange would be beneficial for the Union, given your government policies?" "I realize the Catalan people, once administrative authority is given to them and with your help, will form a republican-style government. In such things, it will be up to the people to decide whether or not to accept the title of Count upon whom his majesty should bestow it upon. That said, I should stress that this would be a ceremonial, at best, title that the Catalan people would be accepting. Russia does not wish to infer any special privelages or powers onto the Count, simply that his title and status as a lord of Catalonia be recognized by the state and the people." |
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11:32 AM Jul 13