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A Meeting of Equals (ATTN: Serenierre)

Bezonvaux

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Premier Jerome Cuervo was sitting in his office, this would be his first official communique with the head of a foreign state, he would be phoning the Premiere of the People's Republic of Serenierre. He had much to discuss with his Serenien counterpart not least was the issue of a Serenien military presence in the Al-Kez.
Picking up the phone he spoke into it " Hello Premier Martinique I trust you are well"
 

Serenierre

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"Bonjour, Premier Cuervo," she said with warmth. The man in Saulot had been elected recently and she was happy with the result of the elections in Borovanger. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
 

Bezonvaux

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" Premier Martinique I wish to talk to you about the relationship between our two nations and the war currently engulfing Gallo-Germania, now our two nations have a long history of friendship, however our policy of neutrality makes things somewhat difficult after all if we are to have our neutrality respected we must be seen to be open to all nations and not be seen to align ourselves to any of the great powers".
Cuervo paused to gather his thoughts and catch his breath.
" The Confederation will continue trading as per our previous treaties, however with all the instability across the globe we may have to raise the prices on certain goods such as petroleum and coal". He hated this part acting like some corporate gangster but needs must, the proposed social and economic reforms had to be funded somehow.
 

Serenierre

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"Premier Cuervo," the Serenien woman said calmly. She had noticed the nervousness in the man's voice. It was understandable. He had barely been in office for a month and an inter-continental conflict had broken out. Poor man, he must have been way out of his league. She empathized with him wholly. "The neutrality of Borovanger is a principle that Villesen is wholly committed to. And we are well aware of the constitutional tenets of neutrality that the Confederation was founded on." Of course, she knew the history well. Everyone one did. "And I know that some would expect a left leaning government such as yours to support Serenierre in a more forceful manner. However, for us, in Villesen, we value Borovanger as a neutral and impartial Gallian state. So, to that effect I would implore you to uphold the policy of neutrality that has defined Borovanger since the Confederation was established."

She heard him speak. Blackmail on prices? How devious. She smiled. "Well, Monsieur Cuervo," she said, "Well, in times such as these prices do inflate, of course, my only request to you would be that if you shall charge Serenierre more for the provision of certain goods," she was vague, "I would request that in view of our bilateral treaties, you charge the others more... I need not remind you that under our existing arrangements, Borovanger has supplied Serenierre with oil and coal and natural gas at rates well below those prevailing at the open market and in return, Serenierre's economy has been a vital market for your products, ranging from food stuffs to your technological products. Are we not your largest trade partner?"
 

Bezonvaux

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She was of course quite right, Serenierre was Borovangers largest trading partner and the Confederations economy was reliant on its neighbour. " you certainly are our largest trading partner...at present, certainly we will charge other nations but to charge them more would be unwise we would risk alienating foreign markets and from a diplomatic point of view it would make a mockery of our policy of neutrality" Martinque's quip about being the Confederations largest trading partner seemed to be a thinly veiled threat and he did not take kindly to being threatened." At present Serenierre is a nation at war and Borovanger is not, I would say this gives us a certain amount of influence in any trade negotiation, after all while you remain at present our largest trading partner and our two nations continue to enjoy a close friendship this too could be subject to change". He was worried that he was too harsh but at this early stage in his Premiership he had to stand up to Villesen and the war in Gallo-Germania gave him a strong bargaining chip, certainly reversing his stance now would be disastrous so he and the Confederation would continue on their current course.
 

Serenierre

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"Monsieur Premier, you by your own speech said that you had every intention of upholding existing arrangements between Serenierre and Borovanger, that includes the right of first supply that Serenierre enjoys with respect to oil from Al-Kez," she said firmly. No nonsense. "Now I understand that your government is new and you have certain ideological positions to take, but let me just tell you that if any politician seeks to stay in power must be flexible." She leaned back in her chair. "Monsieur Cuervo, you know it and I know it that our economies are too intricately linked for you to proceed in too hostile a manner against Villesen. And as friendly advice, let me just say that it is most unwise to be this undiplomatic when speaking to a foreign leader. In my seven years as Premier and my twenty years as a politician I have seen many Premiers come and go in Saulot but what I have seen remain forever strong is the Boro-Serenien partnership."

As she said those words, she jotted down some points that she would need to discuss with the head of the Directorate 77, should Cuervo become unreasonable. Certainly with all those assets in Borovanger, it would not be hard to arrange a coup.

She continued: "But I understand your position, Monsieur Premier," she tried to disarm him, "Your position is difficult. But also remember that while your position might be difficult, it does not mean you have to turn your back on a traditional alliance that has seen your country prosper. Is it not true that had it not been for Serenierre, the options for the Borovangerese people was either fascism or Ivar style communism? Both equally bleak fates. And those that Serenierre rescued the nation from. Has not the Confederal system brought stability? Has not Villesen been a fair and neutral arbiter? So Premier Cuervo, remember that in Villesen you have the best friends of all. Why would you try alter such a brilliant friendship?"

Silence.

"But Premier Cuervo, I am not saying that you should charge the others more, simply charge them at the market rate," she tapped her fingers at the desk, "And the effect of our pre-existing agreements would see a discounted rate from the market price. If I am not mistaken we already get Borovangerese oil at a discounted rate. So my point is to say that existing agreements should continue. If you are anxious about proving your neutrality to the world... go ahead and make a full declaration that effect but for practicalities sake don't harm the economic standing of Borovanger by coming across as a market which does not respect its contracts."

She thought for a moment. "And," she paused, collecting her thoughts, "I had been meaning to discuss the matter of utilizing Borovangerese banks to hold several billion livres as a reserve fund for us, which as you know would have been incredibly generous to the Borovangerese banking industry. But seeing that your government has other priorities perhaps we should defer from doing that." She wondered if it had crossed his mind that it would not take long for the information to leaked to the heads of the banks, who would rather understandably be miffed at the loss of such a glorious opportunity.

"Although, of course, this would be strictly between you and me."
 

Bezonvaux

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" Well Madam Premier strictly between you and me I would like to thank you for your nations most generous gift and for the trust placed in us, now in regards to the increase in prices, my government might be persuaded to provide Serenierre with a reduced price in exchange for certain economic benefits for example the aiding in the reconstruction of a post war Gallia, the Confederation would appreciate being given opportunities to aid in rebuilding the region".Of course the war was still in its infancy and it was not entirely certain that Serenierre and the Rurikgrad Pact would win,but Cuervo was something of a betting man and the potential economic benefits of reconstruction could not be underestimated, guaranteeing Borovangers place in the construction of a new Gallia would also cement his status as Premier and perhaps even help the Confederation ascend to the ranks of the great powers of Gallia.
 

Serenierre

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"Monsieur Premier," she said in response. "This would not be gift. Obviously this fund that would be established would remain very much the property of the Serenien state, however, we would not be opposed to bankers in Saulot or Tremere benefiting from the profits they can raise from such funds." It pleased Elisabeth tremendously to see that when push came to shove even the ideologically driven politician was open to negotiating.

"Economic benefits, you say?" she feigned surprise. "Well, I was hoping that Borovanger would indeed play a role in the reconstruction of Gallia. No matter the direction of the war," she hated having to say that. It was victory or bust for Villesen! "It is neutral nations that are incredibly vital to see the world resurrect itself. You can be sure of my support for a Borovanger presence in the rebuilding efforts."

They discussed the matter in greater detail for some time before she broached another topic. "Borovanger is long recognized for its technological prowess. And your digital companies have helped our companies tremendously in many ways and we hope that our connections remain strong on that front as well."

And then after that point, she moved the conversation to Bourgogne: "So, Monsieur Premier, have you had a chance to contact the Grand Duke of Chagny?" She was curious how Borovanger under Cuervo would conduct itself with the traditional enemy of the Serenien nation. Quite curious indeed.
 

Bezonvaux

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" Regrettably Madam Premier I have not as yet had a chance to contact the Grand Duke, But I assure you that a meeting is on the agenda, the Grand Duke and I certainly have much to discuss, however only time will tell how the relationship between our nations progresses".

" in regards to the aforementioned digital companies I see no reason that we cannot continue our current arrangement, and speaking of arrangements, given the recent geo-political climate in Himyar I feel it would be in best interests of both our nations to have the Al-Kez secured against a foreign threat, I would propose a small Serenien military mission...anything too large may be seen as a provocation by certain powers maybe a few hundred advisors etc...would that be possible?"
 

Serenierre

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Ring. Ring.

"Monsieur Premier," Elisabeth said over the hotline to Saulot, "Let me first and foremost begin by saying that we condemn the wanton declaration of war by the vile agents of the Dulwich regime and stand in solidarity with our brother state of Borovanger in these troubling and traumatic times." She spoke in the way she had rehearsed it. "And I assure you," as she emphasized the word, her voice went low, driving the point home, "That not a single foreign troop will be allowed to breach the neutrality," she chose her words carefully, "of the Confederation of Borovanger as enshrined in the principles of Gallian national sovereignty that Villesen holds dear."

Sitting in her office, Elisabeth knew that the aides from the Secretariat and the Foreign Commissar were listening in to the conversation covertly.

"And I assure you that the horrors of Himyar shall not reach the shores of Gallia." Another well rehearsed line. As she said it, her mind raced to the agreement that was in the works with Engellex and its trading companies.
 
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Bezonvaux

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" Well I would like to thank you and your nation for your condemnation of the corporate bandits hounding the Al-Kez and for standing by the people of Borovanger in their hour of need but I feel that I have to stress to you that the Al-Kez is an integral part of of the Confederation and as such comes under the principle of Gallian national sovereignty that we both hold so dear, also regrettably due to the blockade Oil shipments will be delayed indefinitely, no regrettably madam I have matters of state to attend to...as you know leading a country at war leaves little time for pleasantries ".

So what she just said is that Serenierre will promise much but do nothing..alas so much for the special relationship between Borovanger and Serenierre but such is life.

He gestured to one of his aides " find out the nature of our diplomatic channels with the Rurikgrad Pact...we need every friend we can find in this fight".
 

Serenierre

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Though it stung her as he ended the call on her rather abruptly and rudely, she smiled. Cuervo thought he had the upper hand. Little did he know that Villesen was already a few steps ahead of Saulot. She placed her own receiver down and looked up at her aides.

"Etienne," she said, "Ring up the Chief of Directorate 77." The very mention of the secret service's name always inspired a quiet reverence, or perhaps fear was the correct emotion, even in the ranks of the highest of her aides. "Premier Cuervo might need to be taught a lesson."

She still remained unsure how to handle the Anarchist politician. Ostensibly leftist, his manner was rather undiplomatic and more and more Elisabeth had come to develop a dislike for the man. The sort of dislike one has for curdled milk. But doubts lingered in her mind. Oh, how they lingered.
 
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