Forging Hammers and Sickles

[Kadikistani Union]

Diplomatic Meeting
Democratic Republic of Kadikistan ~ People's Republic of Serenierre​

It was already dark and raining slightly as the plane from Serenierre landed at the Ivar 'Red Star' International Airport. The airport itself was the oldest of the country rivalled in size only by the Rurikgrad airport. But the massive airport looked nothing like it did back in the late 19th century when the first hot air balloons and airships where launched by what was then the Kingdom of Kadikistan. Today the airport resembled a grey industrial zone only without the chimneys and with large landing strips. The buildings were boring brutalist constructions decorated by communist symbols, red- and Kadikistani flags and portraits of past and present party leaders. For the occasion several Serenierre flags had been put up around the terminal where the delegation was landing. The airport was made to impress visitors and serve as a gigantic symbol for Kadikistani efficiency and something they perceived as ‘modern socialist architecture’.

Awaiting the delegation from their Gallian comrades was none other than General-Secretary of the Marxist-Leninovist Workers’ Party, known as the ‘Glorious Leader’, Marshall Nikolai Leninov. Flanking him to his left was his younger brother, People’s Commissar for External Affairs Lieutenant Colonel Dimitri Leninov. On Nikolai’s right hand side was the nations number two and three respectively. General Ivan Tsjekova, Head of the Council of People’s Commissariats for Agriculture, Trade, Fishing and Industry and Patriarch of the second largest Revolutionary Family. The last of the four men was General Bramski Burukova, Patriarch and First Secretary of the International Association of Marxist-Leninovist Parties. All military figures and high-standing state functionaries the men waited, standing tall and proud with their overly decorated uniforms on. All except Dimitri wore the Army colours, while he took on the blue-ish uniform of the Revolutionary Aerial Forces.

As the plane was landing the red carpet was rolled out with the Glorious Leader taking up the most prominent position at the end of it. As the delegation from the People’s Republic exited their plane they would be welcomed by three not unattractive female members of the Marxist-Leninovist Youth League who handed them each a bouquet of rare flowers. One of the teenage girls wore traditional Kadikistani clothing while another wore a military outfit and the last with an industrial overall. It would set the tone for the fact that everything that was about to transpire was carefully and thoroughly planned. The red carpet had soldiers in their finest symbolic uniforms standing in pairs across each other every two metres, their eyes fixed and emotionless. Somewhere in the middle was a reduced section of the MLWP’s official orchestra first playing the Serenierre national anthem followed by the Kadikistani and last but not least the hymn of the International. In the near distance a section for the press was made available from were several flashes occurred every other couple of seconds.

As the Serenierre delegation approached the Kadikistani leadership Nikolai Leninov removed his gloves and stretched out his hand towards his Gallian counterpart. “Welcome to Kadikistan, Comrades. We have a busy night ahead of us.”

 

[Serenierre]

Nicolas Serazin stepped off the stairs connected to the plane with a slight bit of hesitation. Before him, stood the welcoming delegation from the host nation. In all honesty, the Glorious Leader - or so he was known here - was not altogether looked at with much enthusiasm in the ideological circles of the Party back home in Villesen. Although the Kadikistani leadership before him was dressed in their military uniforms, with their wide array of medals and ribbons shining on their chests, and the ribbons of various order sashes hanging off of their shoulders, he almost seemed plain. The Serenierrese were not known for their over the top fashion choices. Under in a heavy coat of grey, the man from Villesen was wearing a muted black suit with a deep crimson red tie, a pair of spectacles, and a top hat - a quaint tradition of the old days that remained ever-present in Villesen.

The First Comrade - as Serazin was affectionately known as - shook Leninov's hand firmly. They were men of almost the same height, with the Gallic man, ever so slightly shorter - he blamed his father's side for that affliction. The usual round of pleasantries were exchanged. He turned around to introduce the Kadikistani men to the other members of the delegation that had come alongside him. One by one, he introduced the leader of the host nation to the Commissars for External Affairs, of Defence, and the Economy. Followed by General Mazarin, the Chief of Staff of the People's Military, and Auguste Charbon, an octogenarian walking with the assistance of a cane who held the ceremonial position of Secretary General of the Party. That man had seen dark days before the Revolution - torture, prison, exile, and eventual victory. It had been a hard life. All that the, relatively speaking, young Communists could do was give this old warrior was to give him a high rank in the twilight of his years. Given the fact that his memoirs had been popular across the world, not to mention in the Communist north-east, one could not under-estimate the cultural capital this man would bring to the visit.

After the two national anthems were played and the guard of honor received by Serazin, the two delegations withdrew from the airport in two separate motorcades. It had been thought best to allow the visiting delegation some time to recuperate from a long time up in the air and so Serazin and the delegation arrived at the Embassy in Ivar. Once there, the Ambassador briefed the delegation on the ground realities in the country, the various power blocs and other matters on which the Intelligence Attache had been keeping a keen eye. Secretary General Charbon, who quite frankly was to be kept busy in unimportant matters, was brought up to speed about his high-profile publicity campaign in a number of locations across the Kadiki capital, culminating of course in a lecture at the University of Ivar.

At a time already agreed to by the two governments in advance, the first meeting began at one the many imposing buildings littered about the Kadiki capital. There, in one of the grandest chambers, a large conference table had been set out. As he walked in, he saw his name tag on the seat facing Leninov's own, a small flag placed beside it. The Kadiki delegation was ushered into the room at the same time. Serazin smiled at his counterpart and waited for him to begin.

 

[Kadikistani Union]

General-Secretary Nikolai Leninov replied to Serazin's smile with a warm nod. It had been a productive and pleasant two days as both delegations learned more about each other while the 'Glorious Leader' had a chance to show of his beloved country. From the mechanized agriculture in Sbrevika to the vast industrial lands of the South everything went smoothly in an atmosphere of comradery that only marxists can understand. After Serazin the Kadikistani leadership was most enthusiastic about the presence of revolutionary hero Auguste Charbon. No only because he was the Secretary General of the Communist Party of Serenierre, a title he shared with Nikolai Leninov, but mostly because in Kadikistan it was considered very prestigious to have physically endured hardships during revolutionary wars. But the formal pleasantries were over and the time for seriousness had come. As both delegations sat down, their respective aids placing some documents and very well crafted pens in front of them, Nikolai Leninov leaned forward and initiated the historic meeting.

"I wish to welcome you, my friends, into this fine hall. I'm sure that today we will make yet another step towads a future of better cooperation and coordination between our two mighty nations. I suggest we keep the talks about closer economic cooperation until the end of this meeting since I believe we share the same opinions on those matters. Now that we are still full of energy it is best to start with some more consuming matters, more specifically those holding international politics within their grip. The first matter I wish to discuss is my countries investments into the backwards nation of Gouw Marken.

I understand that this nation has recently approached you with hopes of exchanging embassies and establishing diplomatic relations. We were sad to hear that you rejected the Markenese hand on the basis of religious differences. I believe this is a strategic mistake and I hope to be able to persuade you to reconsider your stance. As you know we have spent a considerable amount of resources into the Gouw Marken Humanitarian Program, which we later expanded with an Economic Assistance Program. We have never, nor will we ever, ask you to assist us in those efforts, but we do see it as a missed opportunity for Serenierre to gain a foothold in Vaalbara. The Markenese are a great-full people who do not forget those who stood by them and more importantly they are Kadikistan's newest ally in the West. Since we started our involvement in Gouw Marken we have succeeded in turning the heads of their leaders towards the East and managed to persuade them that our system of government and economics is indeed superior. In this nation we have also found another ally against a mutual enemy that we all share, the Grand Duchy of Bourgogne. Do not let the backwards character of the country fool you, there is a lot to be gained from a friendship also on an economic level. We are currently communicating with the Prince-Bishop about sending contractual prospectors to the nation. With a doubt they will uncover treasuries of various natural resources ripe for industrial harvest. We would rather have Serenierre as a partner for the further development of Gouw Marken then capitalist nations such as Cumbria or Eiffelland getting their claws into the nation. Together we can fight as a united front to limited or even destroy the significant Eiffellandian and minimal Cymraeg influence in Gouw Marken"

Nikolai lifted his left index-finger slightly signalling his ever-alert assistant to hand him a cigarette, Red Star Label from Kadikistani State Tobacco Industries of course. While lighting his own cigarette he kept his eye-contact with his counterpart ever interested in analysing his facial expressions that often said more than words.

 

[Serenierre]

The Serenierrese Generalissimo listened carefully to every word Leninov spoke. He was thoughtful; reflecting over the vision laid out by the Kadiki leader. "Comrade Secretary," he responded, breaking the silence that had descended over room after Leninov had stopped his monologue, "What you propose vis a vis Gouw Marken is, indeed, quite interesting." He fiddled with his pen. Again, weighing the words to use carefully, "Seeing that in Ivar's estimation that country could possibly be a useful counterbalance to the pretender regime in Chagny, perhaps a change in policy would be best. However, I must correct you. The reason we have rebuffed their overtures on the Burgundian issue is simply because we do not want to make the bilateral issues between Chagny and Villesen into a wider regional matter. Investing in the country, alongside our brother-state would also not be out of the question."

He paused. Looked straight at Leninov with his piercing grey eyes, "But I must see how much of a commitment is Kadikistan willing to make in our stance against the Grand Duchy, But before you respond, I would appreciate if my Commissar for External Affairs briefed you fully on the state of the Burgo-Serenien relationship."

The Commissar for External Affairs, Madame Elisabeth Martinique, was quick to respond on the matter. They had long planned on detailing the issues that Villesen had with its northern neighbour; and so, from the issue of nascent ethnic nationalism by the Burgundian minorities in northern Serenierre to the efforts by the former Royalist regime's supporters to destabilise and topple the Communist Party, Martinique spoke fluently and lucidly, showing herself to be the intellectual powerhouse that she was. She took questions from the other side and answered each question with poise and skilful mastery over the information, though she did look at her dossier once on a particularly tricky question asked by Leninov.

"So you see," Generalissimo Serazin spoke up again, "There are complex issues at play here. Ideological differences are just the upper most layer of the tensions, we have a historical tension that has been fuelled by the traitorous minorities which remain committed to installing the Royalist regime, albeit with the Burgundian Duke as the head of state of a merged Francophone nation. So, I repeat my question, how much of a commitment is Kadikistan willing to make in our stance against the Burgundians... be it a hot day or a cool evening, so to say, in how we look at Chagny?"

The Generalissimo leaned back. He knew that the global press was well aware of the fact that Serenierre had militarised the border with the Grand Duchy and had, in recent days, enhanced the presence of many military units. It was not impossible for war to break out on the Gallian Peninsula. Often times, when Serazin would be lounging in the arms of his favourite mistress, he would joke that all he needed to do was make one angry drunk call to his generals, the boys in khaki could be on the march. Thankfully, his mistress was a committed pacifist and would always shut him up when he talked like that. But the thought was amusing to him. In that room, Serazin wondered what Leninov thought of the situation.

 

[Kadikistani Union]

"Sadly we have fully experienced the belligerent nature of the Chagny Regime in Milesia. General Sepakov Berbadjov, a close personal friend of mine and a brilliant Commander of the Kadikistani Volunteer Force in Milesia, has told me about the horrors that have been inflicted on his men and the Milesian people by the Burgundian military. Since February General Berbadjov lost over 5,000 men, not in the least killed by the continued and merciless Burgundian air strikes and their forces on the ground in Lowport.", Nikolai Leninov continued before taking another drag from his cigarette. "We have no love for the Burgundians who stir the pot in our backyard and we are extremely committed to keeping its influence contained, as we have proven by our deeds in Milesia. We will never forget their atrocities, which have only strengthened our resolve.", Nikolai Leninov spoke with an emotional undertone testifying to his hatred towards the Grand Duchy. Such a thing was rare as emotions were frowned upon in the higher circles of Kadikistan, but not unseen as feelings for vengeance were often an exception to the rule.

"The broader communist movement must close its ranks in this increasingly troublesome world. We have internally discussed the matter of closer ties between our two nations for a long time and let me assure you. We are willing to discus not only a non-aggression pact between our two nations, but even a mutual defence agreement. We are willing to commit fully for this friendship, in which we wish to include Gouw Marken.". The Kadikistani leader has just thrown a diplomatic grenade on the table as no one in the Kadikistani delegation could predict how there counterparts would respond. It was a risk just proposing such a thing because regardless of the obvious similarities there were still many distinct differences. Differences which are more than enough to create a rift between the two nations if pronounced enough. Kadikistani saw the meeting as a possibility for the creation of a Red Triumvirate that would strengthen the three nations' international position and more importantly deter potential aggressors. Naturally such a commitment would include extensive economic cooperation, especially in the military field. The eyes of every member of the Kadikistani delegation were fixed on Serazin, awaiting his response. A quiet, yet not unnoticeable, suction system activated to clear some of the smoke out as other delegated lighted there various tobacco products.

 

[Serenierre]

Serazin looked at Leninov very sceptically. "To include Gouw Marken in such an arrangement would be politically unworkable in Villesen. Both of our nations are robust bastions of the Revolution, this country that you mention, I do not think fits that criteria - not in the least!" Serazin fiddled with his pen again, looking down for a moment to collect his thoughts. "Where Ivar and Villesen, both, stand to benefit tremendously by engaging robustly but Gouw Marken will be most - what's the word - foreign." He leaned back and rested his arm on the arm rest.

"Now, I understand real politik, but I remain unconvinced as to your rational for it." Serazin spoke directly, knowing full well that the Kadikistani leader was not familiar with being challenged, however polite it was. "I will not work with a regime with a leader called Quintus the Second. If, perhaps, a more covert operation could render that form of government neutralised, then perhaps we will be open to think of them as partners in this arrangement that we seek to strike." The Serenien leader was rather surprised by the turn the meeting had taken that evening.

"But on the issue of Bourgogne, it is positive for us to hear that come what may, the Marxist brotherhood can stand firm. Things are not at all well."

 

[Kadikistani Union]

Nikolai Leninov leaned back after extinguishing his cigarette in the silver ashtray in front of him, decorated with the Kadikistani coat of arms. He wispered something in his brothers, who was sitting on his left, ear for a few seconds before responding thoughtfully. "We will not walk away from something as great as a potential alliance between our two fine nations for Gouw Marken. For us the question of including this nation is not a stumbling-block, despite its great potential. We do however hope that we can work together in gaining and strengthening an ally in Vaalbara. But the Gouw Marken question is only a small note of this meeting, let us not dwell on it. We are satisfied that you have shown interest in investing in this nation and will give you time to consider your position now that you know our strategy and goals.". The Kadikistani General-Secretary continued looking at every single Serenierrese visitor in the process. To his right was Ivan Tsjekova, the second most powerful man of Kadikistan, getting more and more annoyed by Burukova's heavy breathing on his right.

"As far as Chagny is concerned I believe we gave a suitable proposal that would guarantee a more 'moderate' Bourgogne. An open military alliance between our two mighty nations, including large-scale research and development cooperation besides a mutual-defence pact. I truthfully believe we can learn much from each other and with our combined international prestige those who oppose us will have no choice but to fear and thus respect us. In chase we are overwhelming you with our offer rest assure that this meeting won't stand or fall with you agreeing to a certain degree of cooperation.", Nikolai said with his lips forming what would appear to be a smile. The Kadikistani leader knew he was throwing a major deal onto the table that would change not only Kadikistan and Serenierre, but the international political scene in its totality. Like he said the Kadikistani's wouldn't kick out the Serenierrese delegation upon a refusal, but they would be disappointed.

 

[Serenierre]

The Generalissimo looked over to his Commissar for External Affairs. "Madame Martinique, what do you think of this proposal?" As he asked that question, he could not help but smile, ever so slightly; the Kadikistani leader had offered him the absolute best deal that Villesen could have hoped.

Commissar Martinique, well prepared for any eventuality during these talks, spoke in crisp French, which was translated in an even pace by the translator present in the room. "Monsieur Leninov, on behalf of the People's Republic, I must say that your suggestion is most welcome and we are eager to align ourselves with our friends in Ivar so totally. The plans that you speak of are indeed something we ourselves would have sought too - such is the single-mindedness of both our People's Governments - we are, as they say, on the same page."

Generalissimo Serazin interjected: "Come on, Nikolai," in a rare moment of him breaking diplomatic protocol, he used the other man's first name, with his hand extended in his direction, "Let's shake on it!" he stood up and leaned towards the Kadikistani leader. "May our two nations from this day forward grow closer in their alliance."

"Hear! Hear!" the Serenien delegation was heard in unison.

 

[Kadikistani Union]

"Grand!", the Kadikistani 'Glorious Leader' spoke while the Kadikistani delegation spontaneously applauded, clearly happy with the reply from the Serenierrese delegation. An open political and military alliance between Ivar and Villesen would rock the international political scene, but with the world becoming increasingly unfriendly for communists it was deemed necessary. The next three hours the meeting became somewhat intense with larger and smaller aspects of the new alliance being thoroughly discussed in a friendly spirit. The nations would exchange military technology, organize joint military exercises, attempt to increase trade and industrial cooporation and work together more closely on the international scene to achieve common interests. But the men and women at the table wouldn't be the ones micromanaging the more detailed aspects of the alliance and in that knowledge Nikolai Leninov proposed a long-overdue break. Both delegations had a chance to leave the smoky room, breath some fresh air and process the history that had just been writen.

After a long break of exactly 30 minutes, during which industrial tasting Kadikistani refreshments and snacks were offered, both delegations were signalled to return to the meeting room to continue the meeting. Major steps had already been taken, but there was another important matter that needed to be discussed. That was the internationally unrecognised 'People's Republic of Milesia', a de facto Kadikistani puppet-regime holding on to the southern coastline of Ivernia since the beginning of the year. It was becoming increasingly clear that Ivernish and Burgundian forces were preparing for a summer offensive which would more then likely end the Kadikistani presence in Vaalbara. Kadikistan wasn't interested in Serenierre getting actively involved into the sinking Milesian ship that had already succeeded in prolonging the conflict in order to further destabilize and economically raid the potential powerhouse that Ivernia could be. What Kadikistan was interested in was legitimacy. That is why General Bramski Burukova, there in function of his position as First Secretary of the Central Committee of the International Association of Marxist-Leninovist Parties, was the first to take the word after the break was concluded and everybody had sat down.

"As we mentioned before, and you undoubtedly already know, we are heavily invested in Milesia. Our attempts of launching international campaigns to create awareness for the suffering, starving people of Milesia and the defiant revolutionaries have barely expanded beyond our international network. The latter is, while impressive, bound by national restrictions, crack-downs and counter-campaigns. It would be a massive moral victory for the Milesian people if the Marxist-Serazinism movement would more vocally support its fellow People's Republic. We will not ask you to recognizing its sovereignty officially as Kadikistan has recently done, though that would be an unmistakeable token of support for our new international communist front, but rather help us in our quest to continue bringing Milesia into the spotlight and condemn Bourgogne, Ivernia, Cymraeg and Cumbria for their war crimes.".