International Insurance

[Beautancus]

International Insurance​

Podtrzymują Dwa (Pillar Two)
Ivory Towers Complex
Cassiopeia City
The Most Serene Commonwealth of Cassiopeia


Having been one of the two great sky-scraping facilities erected over the ruined "government district" of Old Hrodino, the rather unimaginatively named Pillar Two was in some ways dwarfed by its fellows. Nowhere near as tall as Pillar Five, which housed the now expansive "Societal Cohesion Control System," or Pillar Eight, which housed the offices of the sitting members of the Prince's Advisory Council, the austere and in some ways- outdated- facade of Tower Two seemed rather humble in comparison to its younger siblings.

Still, the architectural achievements seized upon in the construction of this building were manifold, and could never be diminished by something so slight as having been "born before" its younger and infinitely more expensive fellows. The sheer history of the place, and the fact that it had been completed a mere four years after the foundation of the new nation of Cassiopeia were marvels enough, to say nothing of the palpable aura of power that emanated from its eldritch polished-white columns, and honeycomb of reflective, crystalline glass.

Konstantin Ostrogscy, Chairman of the Directorate of Foreign Affairs, and Senior Elector, paced before one such window in that vast honeycomb, glancing, every few minutes down to the main thoroughfare dozens of floors below him. That street had been cleared of all regular traffic two hours before, cordoned off squadrons of the Ivory Towers' Special Security Force, amongst the best trained, and certainly the best equipped professional soldiers and law enforcement personnel in Cassiopeia. Hundreds of them lined either side of the street, urban camouflaged body-armor and TLAK-7 carbines seeming all the darker amidst the deepening shadows cast by the gargantuan towers flanking their position.

It was a rare thing for business as usual to be shut down, especially there- between Pillars Two and Three, arguably the nexus of international affairs, both diplomatic and commercial, in Cassiopeia. Today though...today was a very rare occasion indeed. Today, Konstantin would be hosting a delegation, or at least a representative, from one of Cassiopeia's three sister-nations, one that had until a few months prior been perhaps the most ideologically hostile. Ideological hostility was still there, at least in theory- but the chance to ensure that no great martial conflagration born of something so frivolous as differences in political praxis far outweighed the propaganda possibilities born from that supposed hostility.

Many nations in the world placed ideology at the forefront of the determinant factors in policy-making, and truly, Cassiopeia had for two tenths of its history as a "resurrected" nation. That was changing, with the Prince's new push to adapt, and profit upon the ever-shifting waves of human development. As such, it had fallen to Konstantin, who was most fortunately, perhaps the most "open-minded, progressive, and liberal" of any of the Chairs of the Electorate's many Directorates to discuss, shape- and hopefully cement a mutually beneficial future between Cassiopeia, and her western neighbor, Kryobaijan.

The tell-tale and entirely musical chime of the intercom which linked this conference room to his secretary's desk turned him away from the window- though he already knew the cause. The conspicuous motorcade entering the street on the northern end had already told him all that he needed to know...still, he paid the woman more than well for a specific reason, and she might as well feel as if she were earning it. "The Kryobaijani delegation is arriving, Sir."

"Good. See to it that their greeting is as comfortable and splendid as possible Ms. Sapieha."

Turning back to the window one last time, Konstantin smiled. This would be quite the little coup, if he were able to sufficiently woo the Kryobaijani Intersectionalists. In fact, it would likely firmly establish his status as a contender for a much more profitable position within the rigid- if rather dangerous- Cassiopeian hierarchy. Yes, it likely would. Nodding to the butlers stationed at either corner of the conference chamber, and doors, Konstantin took the time to light a truly massive cigar, pulling at it casually.

"No, no. Not the vodka, unless they ask for it. Put the whiskey out. They have enough of that watered down swill in their own country. While they're here, we might as well do a little marketing while we're at it...introduce them to the fineries of real liquor."

 

[Mergogne]

Podtrzymują Dwa
Ivory Towers Complex
Cassiopeia City
Cassiopeia

As the Kryobaijani motorcade proceeded through the busy streets of Cassiopeia City, USSK Director of Foreign Affairs Vadim Nodishenko couldn't help but notice the cultural influences of the Khazar Empire. In Kryobaijan, he had grown up in the old town of Nova Bryansk, where many of the churches, marketplaces, and other buildings were first built under the Khazar occupiers. He wasn't sure if he was imagining it, but he could have sworn that a similar aesthetic pervaded the Cassiopeian capital. Perhaps, in his mind, he sought to create a romanticized image of the Khazars as an integral shared figure in Cassiopeian and Kryobaijani history—a binding force for the two nations that were otherwise worlds apart. When the Ivory Tower Complex rose from the horizon to greet the motorcade, Nodishenko saw that the imposing series of alabaster monoliths were most definitely not of Khazar origin.

As the Kryobaijan delegation exited their motorcade in front of Pillar Two, Nodishenko strained his neck in an effort to appreciate the full height of the structure. It seemed that such soaring turrets were popular as seats of power for Northern governments, Kryobaijan's own Bashnya was a building of similarly phallic construction.

Nodishenko was the primary member of the delegation. He was the quintessential Krosdiak Kryobaijani. While the stereotypical personification of his tribal background was of little importance to his hosts, it was still a source of great humor and ridicule among his colleagues. Sophisticated, entrepreneurial, and scheming, the Revolutionary Council member was a veritable mascot for the Krosdiak nation. Regardless, Nodishenko was an expert diplomat, with immense knowledge of the European political arena and unquestioned skill as a statesmen. A typical delegation accompanied him, including the usual advisors, clerks, bureaucrats, and security personnel. However, in addition to this routine entourage, a functionary from the Revolutionary Intersectionalist Party of Kryobaijan was in attendance. The presence of a RIPOK officer was unnerving for Nodishenko, who preferred that Kryobaijan's diplomatic engagements remained unhindered by ideological considerations. Nevertheless, he would abide the mousy political officer's presence, for the time being.

As they waited in the elevator of Pillar Two, Nodishenko looked at his watch and reviewed the agenda for the meeting. To begin, there would general introductions, formalities, and chatting. It seemed unwise to launch directly into negotiations as soon as they met the Cassiopeians. This was, after all, the first high-level meeting between the governments since the end of the Great War. After the pleasantries, Nodishenko was hoping to move onto some general bilateral trade agreements, perhaps reducing or eliminating tariffs on foreign goods. Any other concessions that they could extract from the Cassiopeians would be welcomed, as well. Perhaps they could even convince the Cassiopeians to invest in the newly privatized Kryobaijani economy. The final issue was the matter of true importance to the USSK.

While it was true that Kryobaijani-Cassiopeian relations had slowly improved since their Great War hostilities, the mood was still frigid. And with the recent developments involving the European Left, government were no doubt wary of any socialist government, intersectionalist or not. The fundamentals of Kryobaijani foreign policy were also a destabilizing factor as well, as the Party's desire to support oppressed minorities abroad would no doubt make several neighboring governments extremely nervous. Thus, it was with permission from the rest of the Revolutionary Council that Nodishenko was to inform his Cassiopeian hosts that, despite what they might hear on the news in a few weeks, Kryobaijan had no intent on overthrowing the Cassiopeian government. A similar delegation would in all likelihood deliver a similar message to Kyiv. The USSK's dedication to "liberating the oppressed of the world" was a priority for the Revolutionary Council, it was simply a lower priority than the survival of the regime. Nodishenko's discussion of this topic with Ostrogscy would be complicated by the presence of the RIPOK apparatchik, but the Director was sure he'd manage to get the message across.

Nodishenko soon saw his reflection in the chromed elevator doors disappear into the walls, as the delegation reached the floor of the conference room, and they saw the Senior Elector waiting to greet them.

"Good morning, Chairman Ostrogscy," Nodishenko said, extending his hand for the Cassiopeian to shake. "I am Vadim Nodishenko, Director of Foreign Affairs for the United Socialist States of Kryobaijan. It is a pleasure to meet you."

 

[Beautancus]

Konstantin had immediately set his most charming smile- a veritable iron mask of amicability, accepting the hand as soon as it was given, offering a grip that was both firm and reassuring. He, like most men in his trade- and it's various sibling-trades and bastard offspring understood quite well that the first tactile contact between people could very well determine the outcome entire of any encounter such as this.

"Director Nodishenko, I must say that I have been lookin forward this meeting with a higher level of anticipation than I have nearly any other in many a monotonous decade. Please, allow me to formally welcome you to both The Most Serene Commonwealth, and to the center of our vast web of international comings and goings."

Having already been apprised of the presence of the RIPOK officer- which wasn't entirely unexpected, but still a bit more of a complication that Konstantin had expected, he proffered his hand to that man as well, with perhaps a bit more firmness than reassurance in that shake.

Nodding back to the conference table behind him, the Chairman swept a hand out to the lines of immaculate- and obviously quite expensive chairs, pulled back from the table and set at a slight angle, in perfect anticipation of the number of men that would be seated there. "Please, have a seat, make yourselves as comfortable as you'd like. I have taken the liberty of having drinks made ready, as well as our finest assortment of tobacco, regrettably all imported- as you well know, our beloved Northern climate isn't conducive to the growth of that most glorious of weeds. Other refreshments are available upon request- my subordinates will see to any desire you might have in your time here at Pillar Two. Likewise, my staff are preparing a lunch for us, to ensure that we have more than enough food for thought."

Another serene smile, rather quite pleased with himself for carrying through with that obviously intentional attempt at poor humor. Konstantin took his own seat, after making sure that the Kryobaijanis were satisfied with the accommodations, and took his cigar back up. After relighting it, and taking a few long pulls, he glanced back up at Nodishenko. "I hope that your journey was a comfortable one? The scenery around the Towers is, if I may be so bold as to say, amongst the most beautiful of the North's ancient jewels. No more beautiful meeting of antiquity and modernity can be found in Cassiopeia, I assure you- no matter what those hard-headed Khazars might say of Balanjar."

Moving right into the business at hand, Konstantin carefully prefaced the main push of his agenda, "It was with a mighty gladness that my government noted the successful liberation of your proud nation from the wasteful rule of the KCP. Though the mutual histories of our two nations in the Twentieth Century was most...regrettable...well, the szlachta and stratocrats of the former Międzymorze are an ever-more distant memory- as well as your own oppressors- and as such, there is absolutely nothing keeping us from building upon our common cultural heritage and values. In truth, it would be an utter dereliction of duty on all our parts should we not seize upon this moment to stand shoulder to shoulder once more, to demonstrate to the world the true power of the North- the tremendous industriousness of our myriad of proud and storied peoples."

Carefully gauging both the reaction of Nodishenko, and the RIPOK man, Konstantin swirled the whiskey in his tumbler about, taking a small sip- reveling in both its charcoal imbued potency, and the sweetness of his own rhetoric.

"So, it is obvious that we have any number of "interest groups" waging a war of words at the chance to work in Kryobaijan, to do whatever is necessary to ensure that your new Intersectionalist government has every means available to make good on the tremendous potential that you have shown- should your government desire it. Investment bankers, industrial firms, commercial enterprise, all the manifold suits that man the sprawling economic complex that we have so carefully crafted here in Cassiopeia- all of them, crawling and scraping over each other for just the chance to offer you, and your people the world entire." He paused for another sip of that whiskey, and another long pull from his cigar.

"Naturally, it is in our best interest to be the best neighbor that we can be, to prove to Europe what we have so long wanted to, that we are as different from our monarchist predecessors as his humanly possible. For, despite the fact that we place so heavy an interest on commerce, we truly do care for the needs of the proletariat, as you now doubt might have surmised from the rather scathing remarks of His Excellency, the Prince in his recent address to the Electorate and Senate."

And the loveliest part of all of that- it was plainly, and undoubtedly true. None present in this room could draw issue with the voluntary form of citizenship that Cassiopeia had so long ago instituted, nor draw issue with the solidarity of the so-called welfare state that saw to the needs of the aforementioned proletariat. In truth, each and every politician and capitalist in that "sprawling complex" of government and industry that Konstantin had mentioned viewed that same proletariat as nothing so much as flesh and blood assets, cogs in the great Cassiopeian machine. But they did, above all else, recognize that these machines required a great deal more than grease and oil to keep them running as well as possible. Whatever was necessary to ensure the continued accumulation of wealth and power, they would see done, including providing any and all material needs- and many wants- to the proletariat, exchanging their voices for assured comfort- food, shelter- and entertainment.

"Well...I suppose I should give you a chance to get a word in edge-wise Director, lest I allow my fondness for speaking overtake this whole affair. I have so eagerly awaited the chance to hear just exactly what Kryobaijan desires of us- and so, please, inform me."

 

[Mergogne]

Podtrzymują Dwa
Ivory Towers Complex
Cassiopeia City
Cassiopeia

The Kryobaijani delegation took their seats at the table, a few hesitantly partaking in the refreshments offered by the Cassiopeian hosts. The imported cigars proved to be quite popular among the envoys, as tobacco products were illegal in the USSK. Many accepted glasses of whiskey as well, as the bureaucrats and aides took numerous manila folders and papers from their briefcases. Many Kryobaijanis simply had tonic or seltzer, as such soft drinks were historically popular in the USSK.

The RIPOK politruk abstained from smoking or drinking, self-consciously adjusting his Party armband while his the rest of the delegation settled in. However, after Konstantin had finished speaking, the political officer was the first to respond, much to the annoyance of Nodishenko.

"Mr. Chairman, I'd like to thank your government for your hospitality—we have found Cassiopeia to be a stunning nation, and we believe it has the potential to become a liberated and enlightened country. Both of our governments have only recently gained power, and the Intersectionalist Party believes that this shall provide for an excellent starting point for improved future relations. The Serene Commonwealth has much it can gain from a partnership with the USSK, and we—"

Before the RIPOK man could continue, Nodishenko covered his mouth and made a guttural noise that was a mix of coughing and clearing his throat. As the political officer stopped speaking to look at his superior, Nodishenko immediately started speaking.

"Uh...yes, this is one of the IPK's political officers, Rodion Barovich. I would like to express my hopes for a fruitful relationship of mutual cooperation and understanding between the Serene Commonwealth and the United Socialist States as well. From past statements, policy decisions, and what we've managed to uncover so far from the communist archives, it seems to us that the former KCP government did not value our relationship with Cassiopeia, and did not consider our neighbors to be true partners in forging a stronger Northern Europe. The new government would very much like to change this policy, and start a new era of goodwill between our countries."

Nodishenko paused, stealing a glance at Barovich, who sheepishly stared at the table, wallowing in his admonishment. Seeing that he would not be interrupted, the Director continued.

"I think that the first order of business in affirming this new chapter of Kryobaijani-Cassiopeian relations is to reinvigorate our economic cooperation. With the new social and economic liberalizations that have taken place in Kryobaijan, we have many new, recently privatized businesses that need investors. While the government is reserving a majority of the shares for sale to Kryobaijanis, there is still quite a profit to be made by any foreign individuals or corporations that would be interested in our markets. That his how the Cassiopeian nation could help Kryobaijan at this time. However, we understand if you are not able to facilitate this, as we cannot expect the Cassiopeian government to direct the nation's industries in their investments. Nevertheless, we would like to propose several trade agreements to your administration, which would foster goodwill between our countries, and would help stimulate the Kryobaijani economy at the same time. While we need to protect several specific markets for domestic Kryobaijani industries, there are other sectors that we would be more than happy to open up to foreign exports. Thus, I propose a series of bilateral free trade agreements. What export markets are Cassiopeian companies currently looking for? I suppose determining our shared needs and surpluses would be an excellent starting point for arranging such an agreement."

Nodishenko sat back in his chair to hear the Cassiopeian's response.

The proposal likely sounded odd to many present at the meeting. The concept of a new, socialist government rapidly privatizing state-run industries was not a commonly accepted one. However, that was exactly what the IPK was intent on. Shifting the Revolution's emphasis from economic to other social areas constituted a core element of the IPK's agenda. The modernized, more agile economy produced by a more laissez-faire model also permitted the new USSK to maintain some semblance of economic viability during after a period that was marked by rampant strife, corruption, and stagnancy. Cassiopeian cooperation would be essential in the effort to revitalize the Kryobaijani economy.

 

[Beautancus]

Podtrzymują Dwa
Ivory Towers Complex
Kasjopeja (Cassiopeia City)
Cassiopeia

Konstantin drained his tumbler, and let it fall hard upon the table- and almost made as if to grab for the decanter himself, as he normally would have, but after his mind had coiled in upon itself another half dozen times, his eyes slid to one of the statuesque butlers that was poised to meet just such a frivolous occasion.

His chair creaked slightly- quite notably in the long silence that he'd allow to draw out in the wake of Nodishenko's spiel- and the butler quickly refilled his tumbler, carefully replacing three cubes of ice for the ones that had been nearly spent in the first (few) rounds. Nodding his thanks to the all but faceless servant, careful to poise himself in a way that made it clear that this simple thing was something that he, and more importantly Cassiopeian men like him took entirely for granted, Konstantin reflected on the subtle interplay between Barovich and Nodishenko.

No, better to let that lay as it is. Both men are smart enough- one would hope- to know that I was counting on something like this happening, so it's best to just let it slip by- for now, as it likely will be infinitely more beneficial much later, and much deeper into our dealings.

"This, as you can well imagine, is exactly what I- and my people- were hoping to hear from you, Director. It is common knowledge that the strength of our national system is rooted in the versatility and ability to adapt to and capitalize upon opportunities such as what you offer here. As you have alluded to, however, we cannot specifically direct- order is much too strong a word, don't you think- any corporation, or individual to invest in any sector- domestic, or foreign...though, we can facilitate a certain higher level of cooperation between these firms, and your own government than would be the case with some other governments, both within Sarmatia and in the wider world. The most obvious, and logical steps for us to take in facilitating any level of greater cooperation would be the elimination, or significant reduction of long-standing, and entirely outdated tariffs between our nations, created and maintained in a climate of fear and mistrust." Konstantin accentuated his words by spreading his arms out, to encompass the room around him- and hopefully- indicating that he was willing to take immediate personal responsibility for a large portion of that mutual fear and mistrust.

On that cue, three more of the Chairman's "butlers" swooped down on the table, distributing a collection of rather thick manila folders to Nodishenko's aids, and promptly returned to their stations, hidden in the room's corners.

There were seventeen of the folders in all, containing rather extensive corporate dossiers ranging from mass-media, information technologies, telecommunications (in those cases, some of them were- rather naturally- geared towards all three at once), major agricultural production, automotives, construction, shipping, mass transportation, energy, mineral mining and refinement, and rather surprisingly pharmaceuticals.
As Nodishenko began to thumb through the folders, the Chairman of the Directorate of Foreign Affairs took up the sales pitch again. "I will facilitate any meetings you feel would be beneficial before you depart for your homeland. And, if needs be, I will likewise facilitate similar meetings in Kryobaijan at later dates, for your convenience."

Taking up his tumbler once more, he tipped the rim of the glass towards the men opposite him on the table, "At the root of anything we do would be the elimination of the previously mentioned tariffs, the basic flow of goods and ideas between our two sister-nations would be greatly expanded, allowing the firms outlined in these folders to conduct their business, both at the behest of your government, and alongside private interests that will develop under your new, stream-lined system. Clearly, the most immediate areas of interest would be in the creation and maintenance of a network of raw material exchanges. Cassiopeia, though blessed with an abundance of resources, just as any other country in our beloved Sarmatia, has long ago reached a stage where we require far more in the way of such raw materials than we can produce on our own. Metals, both rare and "common," grains, natural gases and petroleum, all of these most basic elements of any modern economy are sought, and will be paid for rather handsomely by any number of the firms you will find in those folders." Konstantin resituated himself, and nodded towards a heretofore inactive projection screen on the far wall of the chamber.

The screen came to life, immediately displaying a detailed topographical map of the long border region between Cassiopeia and Kryobaijan. A number of townships and small cities along the border were outlined in a deep red, as were the entirely nonexistent highways and rail networks that "linked" these locations on that map. "I tender to you that it might behoove us to begin this great series of joint adventures along the border region, to offer all parties involved a chance to exercise a greater level of control that would be possible if we simply through our investors and developers into the situation, with no idea on how things might unfold." The Chairman stood, and walked to the screen, where he traced one particular route, that connected two previously unimportant towns along the border.

"Both of these locations have held little importance in times past, but with these proposals in mind, could very quickly grow to be the center of something like a free-trade zone between our nations, the focus of immense investment and production. Though they lack much of the necessary infrastructure to support these ideas, that in and of itself might offer us a chance to shape this exchange as we see fit. Should things develop well here, it would serve as an example to the rest of our nations- proving that high levels of cooperation could in fact yield considerable dividends." Konstantin looked back to the Kryobaijanis, that same serene smile creasing his craggy Sarmatian features.

"But, again, please, more input is needed. On first glace through those folders, do you see anything remotely interesting? What of this proposed joint-production project along our border?"