Nouvelle-Ville-Lars, the train of 8h47

[Nova]

CCXXVII Nivôse 13​

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De : Madame la Ministre des Affaires Structurelles et Énergétiques Juliette Z. C. Loucasse,
À :

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,
Statut : Confidentiel.

Salutation Representatives of Bredo Rail Lars,

The République Fleuroise train network have, since the year CXC (1980) known a large boost with the development of the

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as this finial of our industry would rule the coming decades in terms of transport. As Minister in charge of our infrastructure, I have careful foresee its successor, the

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to be deployed as fast as possible throughout the railways of our nation. With a greater efficiency and speed, this heir to the T.G.V., the A.V.G. is proclaiming new hopes for our economy as it allows a physical connection unmatched.

A physical connection, certainly, however restricted to the République Fleuroise. Therefore, we would like to approach your company to request a study of project for the construction, layout and activation of two high-speed lines passing from Fleur to Lars and conversely, one remaining in the deep-country-side and heading into the deep of the continent, while the other reaching for the coastal cities while passing through Lari and finishing at Lars. We demand however this study of project to remain strictly confidential, as it is our will to recover as much data as possible before approaching the Government of Lars to make an official proposal. Discretion is key. We are ready to advance the payment as soon as your have made us reach a contract.

If the study of project was to be feasible, we would inquire ourselves with the Government of Lars and negotiate concretely the creations of those two lines. The possibility of associating Bredo Rail Lars in the construction, layout, activation and completion of the vehicles with our national companies Altaïr, Vinci and Inouï shall be carefully studied.

Let us known your answer,
Respectfully yours,

- M.A.S.É. Loucasse​

 

[Imimoya]

From: Bredo Rail Lars,
To: Madame la Ministre des Affaires Structurelles et Énergétiques Juliette Z. C. Loucasse,
Statut: Confidential.

Respectable Madame la Ministre des Affaires Structurelles et Énergétiques Juliette Z. C. Loucasse,

The presence of a common railway gauge between the nations of Lars and République Fleuroise and a well-developed high-speed network in the Grand Duchy would require only precise interventions. The interventions would be limited to the construction of a railway connection in the direction of Pisa (coast line) and Lari (inland direction).

For further clarification, we remain at your disposal.


Group Bredo Rail Lars.

 

[Imimoya]

From: Bredo Rail Lars,
To: Madame la Ministre des Affaires Structurelles et Énergétiques Juliette Z. C. Loucasse,
Statut: Confidential.


The BRL is happy to confirm the first analysis performed by its team of researchers. Following a new and more in-depth geological study of the areas involved and of benefits-costs by our team, we are able to offer you the following railway route projects.

Looking at the map attached to the document:

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​

"BLUE" N1 Railway Track PISA-CONCORDE: The railway will follow the valley of the river for all its persorco up to the economic capital of the Grand Duchy, Pisa. The city is also home to one of the largest ports and shipyards in the area.

"BLUE" N2 Railway Track LARI/VOLTURRIE-NOUVELLE-VILLE: The N2 high-speed railway track will travel along the entire Etrurian plain. The choice to realize this new track is seen in anticipation of the completion of the works along the celestial line "VOLTURRIE-INNSBRUCK". With the completion of the celestial line, the new line will take the name of "NOUVELLE-VILLE-VOLTURRIE-INNSBRUCK" connecting the northern republican reality with the southern kingdoms. Volturrie is a mining town of alabaster and marble. It is also the leading exhibitor of luxury furniture, as well as being home to many national museums and cultural associations. It is a city rich in culture and life, so it is a popular tourist destination.

 

[Nova]

CCXXVII Nivôse 13​

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De : Madame la Ministre des Affaires Structurelles et Énergétiques Juliette Z. C. Loucasse,
À :

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,
Statut : Confidentiel.

Esteemed Representative of Bredo Rail Lars,

We could not be more grateful for your most impressive reactivity and decisive pieces of informations you are supplying us with. Not only the possibility of a connection between Fleuroise and Lars cities is made real and sustainable with your words, but also connect it is a large piece of our continent incarnated by Eiffelland-Retalia. We are therefore more then delighted to be able to move forward on this matter and file that I shall transmit to the appropriate authorities to engage the measures before finally making such knowledge public. Rest assured that Bredo Rail Lars shall be recognised as a determinant factor of this project, and such fact shall be widely acknowledged in front of journalists once the time of public debate around this project shall come.

Remain safe in our determination to make those three dimensional figures be true in time, and that we shall take further steps to contact the Lars Government to fully engage manoeuvres on this matter.

I am thanking you once more for your exceptional work,
Respectfully yours,

- M.A.S.É. Loucasse​

-

CCXXVII Nivôse 12​

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De : Monsieur le Ministre des Affaires Diplomatiques et Commerciales Jérôme M. A. Richard,
À : Primo Ministro di Granducato di Lars e Ducati di Pisae, Etruriae e Donesia Xeno Marino,
Statut : Public.

Salutations à Son Excellence le Premier Ministre Marino,

I hope Your Excellency in this most delightful newborn winter is doing well, the same as Her Royal Highness the Granduchessa. I am reaching you in this letter to call for the establishment in the near-future hopefully, for the organisation of a Summit over our bilateral economic and cultural relations, which have thrived in the last decade. The World economy, even if in difficulty a couple years ago, seems to have resized its happiness of living, and developing at an incredible rate, pushing initiatives and cooperation on each corner of our glob.

It is with this perspective that I admire the Grand Duchy to have made a project in that path towards a thriving World. Effectively, it have came to our attention the development of a most interesting project, over a high-speed train line with your southern neighbour and we could not prevent ourselves from seeing the opportunity in having a similar agreement with your esteemed Government. This matter would be the backbone of our Summit, which is to not be limited in terms of matters to be discussed, however we particularly would enjoy your point of view and agreement for the discussion of such project which have seen already involvement and investments on our part, as a first study performed by the Bredo Rail Lars have validated the possibility and viability of our offer.

I am looking forward to meet Your Excellency,
My sincere regards,

- M.A.D.C. Richard​

 

[Imimoya]

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​

From: Primo Ministro del Granducato di Lars e Ducati di Pisae, Etruriae e Donesia Xeno Marino,
To: Monsieur le Ministre des Affaires Diplomatiques et Commerciales Jérôme M. A. Richard,
Statut: Confidential.

Respectable Minister Jérôme M. A. Richard,

The Grand Duchy of Tuscany has always been a country that loves to engage in projects that can improve the general well-being of the population. We are therefore happy to accept your invitation to a future summit, where we could discuss the project you mentioned in your letter. During the meeting, we could discuss the best of the project you asked the BRL and the possibility of financing it or not by the Lars government.

Waiting for the summit, we renew our best regards.

-Prime Minister of Grand Duchy of Lars
Xeno Marino​

 

[Nova]

Nouvelle-Ville certainly was a remarkable city… Only in terms of efficiency however, built in the 50’s, it was only concrete on concrete. No particular smell other then the one spread by the trees and of the smoked cigarettes crushed on the ground. No, this couldn’t be where foreign representatives would be received. It wouldn’t. Certainly Nouvelle-Ville was the administrative and political center of the République, but something truly Fleuroix was needed, as a choice, to host this meeting. Concorde shall be.

In the South-West of the République, at the opposite of its mountainous twin Rochetaillée, which was the heart of Fleuroise aeronautic industry, Concorde was relying solely on train network. Deep background as the place of rebirth of the Fleuroise-nation, and main-figure of Fleuroix Republican-Radicalism and Conservatism throughout the decades, it was perfect.

The welcoming committee, composed of the M.A.D.C. and the M.A.S.É., foreign minister and infrastructures minister to make it short, would be waiting behind the heavy glass which was covering the diplomatic lodge at the airport from the noise and sound, along obviously the rightfully strong wind which had seen no obstacle due to the large landing strips. Both Ministers, Jérôme M. A. Richard for the foreign affairs and Juliette Z. C. Loucasse for the infrastructure were standing, exchanging formalities. A regiment of the Garde Républicaine was standing ready, to deploy itself and unleash the red carpet once the aircraft would have landed and arrived to the rendezvous point. Cars were also waiting, as they’ll drive the representatives to a meeting point in the heart of Concorde to enjoy wider commodities to talk, where they’d be meet by three Presidents from the Sociétés d’États which were impacted by the potential agreement Lars and Fleur could come to agree today.

 

[Imimoya]

The plane of the Grand Duchy had landed on time. Outside the side window of the pilot's cabin, the flags of Lars and Fleuroise were displayed. On the plane were present over the staff and security, the Prime Minister Xeno Marino and the Minister of Economy and Finance Folco Cuneo.

The door of the plane opened and the first to go down the stairs was the Prime Minister Marino, to follow the Minister of Economy and Development and then the rest of the staff. At the bottom of the stairs, Prime Minister Marino stopped to speak for a few seconds with the Ministers of the Republic of Fleuroise.

While all the representatives were preparing to reach the cars, the Republican Guard, with their shining armor, was at attention. The armor was very reminiscent of those of the Grand-Ducal Guard.

Before leaving for the place where the meeting was to take place, there was the hymns ceremony.

 

[Nova]

The plane would slowly roll on the tarmac, until it stopped. This kick-started the time for the unrolling of the carpet to be fully completed, having the Garde Républicains regiment moving to show the honours on the left-side. On the right-side of the carpet, the band of honour shall be disposed, as it’d play both national anthem as the protocol requires. This was it. Wind in this period was particularly strong, and given the lack of relief, it was accentuated. Journalists would have a hard time catching a proper audio, even with all the care they could put in.

The stairs were put in place, the sealed door of the plane would open, and leaving it were the three Lars representatives. Immediately the band of honour shall play a welcome music, under the heavy watch of the paparazzi which were eager to size the picture of the day of Fleuroix and Lars representatives shakings hands. It’d be accomplished a few moments after only, as the M.A.D.C. advanced and greeted the Lars cortege, starting with Primo Ministro. « Benvenuto alla Concorde » expressed Richard, as Loucasse would stay a bit behind, waiting for Richard to pass to the next representative to, at her turn, have the possibility greeting the Primo Ministro Marino, « Spero che voi abbia avuto un buon viaggio » she’d comfort. Then, moving a bit on the side as she still firmly handshakes Marino, to allow a proper photo being taken, she’d make a smile she only knew far too well, the one used during campaigns, but this time it had a bit of sincerity.

Richard, M.A.D.C., Minister of Foreign Affairs, even if knowing quite many languages, didn’t spoke fluently Italian, while his colleague, the marvellous M.A.S.É. Loucasse, Minister of Infrastructure, was. It certainly was the thing she’s been waiting for, to eclipse in the national news Richard as she’d been the one leading talks and get the political credits, it was her intention.

The five (wo)men of State, would stand-by as both national anthems would be played, before reaching the cars. A limousine, build on-demand by the M.A.D.C. have been built by a car-manufacturer on a previous occasion, as it was able to host 6 representatives with no issues. With all in, the cortege would move on as it’d be plated from either side of motorcycles. « I am honoured by your visit, and delighted of the possibilities such a meaningful meeting can mean for us » expressed with gratitude Richard in his mother-tone, French, as he turned to Loucasse to translate the full sentence to the three Lars representatives. After all, the airport being a bit far from the city-center, car-talks would fill the time.

 

[Imimoya]

"This is an extraordinary opportunity for both countries. If we are able we could write a significant page in the history of Lars and Fleuroise." Folco told the Republican counterpart while he was observing the landscape outside the limusine.

Marino spoke immediately after his colleague. To return to look sporadically at the urban landscape that the limusine traveled. "Let me thank again for the possibility of this meeting. As my esteemed colleague has now said, this meeting has every possibility of becoming something unique and positive. That said, we would like to know the precise topics you would like to deal with. The invitation we accepted simply referred to topics and did not clearly expose him.

 

[Nova]

After a couple minutes, finally the escort would dive into the city, as it wouldn’t be stopped by anything. Bridges, Palaces, river’s docks, grand boulevards, as many surprises that one might discover when entering this city, former illustrious capital before the Grande Guerre and being destitute by the new Nouvelle-Ville. Atmosphere remained quite historical, spreading this feeling of each corner being a monument of history itself, smelling those exceptional prepared meals that were worth centuries of the finest experience in the art of cuisine, hearing the active population which was heading to its daily life, hearing the trumpets… The trumpets? Effectively, as the Garde Républicaine Montée would

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as soon as the cars passed the city’s doors. The First Regiment opening the way, the Orchestra following, the 2 escort cars and the limousine behind, and closing the march was the Second Regiment.

Richard, even if not speaking fully Italian, could however understand it well, particularly when Lars were speaking, as it was the one taught in school. « Pleasure is ours » restated Richard, as Loucasse would translate it immediately in a better Italian to the three Lars representatives. « Given that your nation have agreed to

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, I believe it non-necessary to discuss about matters concerning our respective diplomatic representations. However as effectively stated in the letter, the negotiation of a treaty for sealing the establishment of two high-speed railways is our main priority. With that said, I would also wish to invite later in our talk our Minister of Education, to discuss about some exchange program we are keen to put in place. Those are the two matters I shall be delighted to talk about, would your Excellencies have other subjects or concerns in mind? » expressed Richard, as Loucasse, even if Minister, would be pleased to fulfil her duty to translate in Italian to make their guests most comfortable.

With that said, as soon as Marino had finished his reply, the escort would move on, while the limousine would turn right passing through a heavy gate which had been opened for the occasion; saluted by Garde Républicains, as those were the symbol of the enforcement of the Constitution, the limousine would finally stop in the court of the Palais d’Alexandrie, one of the Republic’s residences made to host foreign representatives and talks when needed, along cultural events. Gardes would open the doors, allowing the guests and the two Fleurois to move out, and enjoy the fresh temperature that was a result of the current season.

 

[Imimoya]

"If there are conditions, we could think of simplifying the bureaucracy on the border between our countries, after all we are politically stable and similarly similar countries." Marino replied before the car stopped.

 

[Nova]

« Indeed » said Richard, as he was thinking. Doors would be opened, and as they moved out, the view of the Court may be enjoyed. Gardes at the entry, showed sabres, while, as soon as the little committee entered, a Fonctionnaire de Palais would bow, and invite them to follow him. The tradition have been kept, since the Royals and their fastidious Palaces, no corridors, only passing from large and spacious rooms to another, with every single one having its very own theme. Finally after at least three rooms, what seems to be the Grand Salon was reached, there Richard, still thinking about those words over the “symplifying bureaucracy” matter questioned him as he would salute, waiting in the room, three Présidents of Sociétés d’États. Altaïr, the company in charge of the design and construction of the trains was there, Inouï the one managing all the railways and trains too, and finally Vinci, the fine hand in an iron glove. All three were companies needed for the railway project, even if it remained true that smaller private companies were to be called on the Fleuroix side, it wasn’t a necessity to have them present.

« Would your Excellencies wish any beverages, refreshments or mignardises? » asked the Fonctionnaire de Palais, and as soon as he was replied by the Lars representatives, Richard would call for « As usual please » he spoke in French, while Loucasse, willing to make efforts, would order a « Caffé con panna, merci ». « With that said » started again Richard, as he would advance a big from his comfortable chair, « I firmly believe in the idea of your Excellency » he pointed at Marino, giving him a slight sign of the head, as an approval, « For the lift of bureaucracy. Now I’d just like to enjoy of those gentlemen, attending » he moved his hands indirectly pointing at the three Présidents, « For finished the part of the railway, so that we have the free way » he’d propose, with a smile. All of that being said in French, Loucasse would give herself as a challenge to translate, and Richard not willing to take a translator for more confusion, found Loucasse at the peak of her shape while doing this.

«

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» said Loucasse, as she gave an electronic tablet to each, starting with the Prime Minister Marino, followed closely by the Minister Folco. « As you may see, the simplest specifications are stated in the Treaty. I suspect however that Annexes, for developing the order shall be needed » said Loucasse in Italian, to move forward in the talk. « Oh, just one thing, 900 km/h, it’s on Metric Hour » she said giggling a bit, « This gives us, approximately 360 km/h, of Gregorian Hour ».

« I’d like to point out that this would be a première for our nation, given that national railways are all owned and managed by Sociétés d’États, the same goes as the construction, which is why we proposed a 50-50 in this Treaty » pointed out the Président of Altaïr. « For the construction and maintenance, it shall be no issue » replied the Président of Vinci about the 50-50. « Now for the train, given that most likely you shall operate your own units, while Inouï would do ours, it shall not be an issue either » retook the Président of Altaïr. « Which make us come to the point of authorised companies, which shall have a licence, and the structuration of the schedule, which is to be negotiated with validation from both nation’s respective authorities needed » pointed out the Président of Inouï. All three had prepared the legal corner on the Fleuroix side, and made it open to other specifications from Lars potentially.

 

[Imimoya]

"A cold green tea if you do not mind." The prime minister was a lover of tea, every time there was an opportunity to drink it, cold or hot he did not make any difference. The finance minister instead ordered a small coffee.

The document was read by everyone present. It was a well-written draft that represented the seriousness of the Republic of Fleuro. "Three months, they are more than enough time for work purposes." He read Cuneo on the document, assenting with his head. "In the grand duchy, another high-speed operator operates using locomotives of foreign production, if I'm not mistaken they are built at Fluer, but as written in the agreement it is a competence of local laws." There is a slight pause for reading before the minister spoke again. "As for the division of costs, we have nothing to object."

Now it was up to Prime Minister Marino to intervene in the speech, he read the document carefully and did not understand a thing. "This agreement should aim to bring our countries closer, but I can not read one thing that I think is a fundamental strategy for the Fleur Republic. The agreement does not talk about goods, maybe you are not interested in having access to one of the largest ports in the area?" Marino possessed the document on the table. "Access to a port from where you can ship your products, would greatly benefit the GDP of your country. Are not you agree?".

@Nova PS: sorry for the delay

 

[Nova]

As talks would move on, the Fonctionnaire d’État would come back, to serve the ordered beverages, starting with Prime Minister Marino, as he would quietly put the cup in front of him, on the table, then the tea-pot, as he would be assisted by another Fonctionnaire d’État, for minuting the time the tea was left in the tea-pot, before removing it and serving in perfect oriential manners, the tea. Minister Folco would have his short-coffee, expected to be strong, followed by a “Chocolat de chez Chocolat” for the Minister Richard, as this seemingly was his “usual beverage”, « Oh thanks, it’s a real addiction » he’d comment as he was served.

The three (3) Présidents were pleased with the Lars Minister of Finance Cuneo’s words, the same went for M.A.S.É. Loucasse, meaning a green light for such project. With that said, Richard would make a sign for them to not leave, as Prime Minister Marino words were more then interesting. « Know that we are trying, when doing Treaties, to have equal benefits for both parties » first explained Richard, as fairness in relations was everything to have a long-term productive and fruitful relations, even more when those were close neighbours. « Now you are reading in my mind, as it effectively was an important point I was keen to discuss » explained Richard. Loucasse would pursue, « We were thinking about something, specifying that, goods and productions entering into Lars harbours that are seeking direct destination Fleur wouldn’t have to pay for the Lars importation tax fee » she developed, as « We would be more then open to finance at 100% the needed logistic to link those harbours to logistic entrepôt bases in Fleur » she added, something she have been planning on her own, but without Richard’s knowing, making Richard bit surprised by her declaration.

 

[Imimoya]

The Prime Minister and the Minister of Economy exchanged a few sentences in dialect, after which Marino replied to the Fleur delegation.
"We have nothing to complain about customs duties except for some industrue in particular. The military industry, the taxation will have to be 14% while on the petrochemicals 8%. Everything else such as medicines, end-of-food products, etc. will be exempt from customs duties."

Now it was the turn of the Minister of Economy to speak. "However, to show our full interest in helping you to sign the contract with our latest additions, we are willing to buy some military aircraft of your production. We recently doubled the military budget due to the nearby military presions. For this we would be interested in buying thirty of your best fighters."

 

[Nova]

A knife on his throat, this was it. Not only would the Fleuroix pay for the massive infrastructures needed, but they’d get themselves taxed on their way. Richard had a meeting planned later for ensuring Fleuroix oil supplies and logistics

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. However, if he was to cut cost of this most important source of energy, which even if way-secondary when compared to electricity, at least in Fleuroix strategy, some yet to be developed technologies and products, asked this resource in large quantities. With a concerned look as he would, for the first time, lift his cup and sip his “Chocolat de chez Chocolat”, Richard could surely enjoy the warm and inspiring beverage he was enjoying. Enjoying? At one exception, the 8% tax quoted by Marino, something he’d have a tough time digesting if it was to stop there. Fortunately for him, the Minister of Economy, the third (3rd) man of the Lars delegation, would speak up, allowing a mutual balance in terms of needs to be established.

« We would certainly need to simplify this, exceptions aren’t that good, are they? » said Richard, as he directly suggested on the draft of the Treaty to simplify by just putting all taxes aside for goods, materials and resources transiting through Lars for landing in Fleur. He’d then turn to the three (3) Presidents, to exchange informally few words, as Richard would have his hands on a tablet, typing. After a few minutes, wondering, Richard would finally cease and, through Loucasse’s translation, would pursue, « Therefore, if you were to agree to Article III in its totality, we may obtain the following

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» would introduce Richard, to the three Lars representatives at the benefits he was offering to such deal.

 

[Imimoya]

The representatives of Lars all read the draft agreement. The last to read was Prime Minister Marino, who saw the approval of his collaborators and he said: "We have an agreement that we are willing to sign. I think it's a fair deal if I have to say mine."

 

[Nova]

« No second thoughts? » asked, amused Richard. Obviously, he wanted more, ever ever more… But for a first meeting, first approach and first treaty in this new Gregorian Year, he had to restrain himself, and finally shot before it’d fully burn, a simple question of balance. It would cost much to the Fleuroix tax payers, but it was needed for this sea access, in exchange of the removal of those absurd tariffs Marino wished, fortunately a short-term financial profit would negotiate the suspension of this ludicrous pourcentage of import-tax. It was however, even if at an expense, providing work for the Sociétés d’États, and all of this to give further profits later, as the expansion of the harbour along the train connection that it would require and possible pipelines were to be profitable in terms of asset, as most likely private Fleuroix companies would like to use them, and who knows, potentially Lars ones too?

With the simplest gesture with his right hand, a Fonctionnaire d’État would get the meaning of what shall come next. He’d move outside the room, and a few minutes later and polite comments are being exchanged in the salon, he’d come back with a plateau. On it, what seems to be four (4) copies of the Treaty that have been discussed, half in Italian, half in French, along two (2) pens. He’d softly pose it on the low-table, and retire. « After you » would comment Richard, as he’d invite his guest to be the first to affix his signature on this historic treaty. Richard would follow, in his quality of M.A.D.C., now it was to be proposed to the people through the Action Public, for a final vote as it would need to be ratified.

 

[Imimoya]

"No rethinking for today" replied the Prime Minister. There was no need for any change of mind, Marino knew very well that this agreement was just the beginning of something bigger, it only remained to find out how much the Fleur republic was reliable. The agreement not only doubled the strategic importance of the port of Pisa, but made Fluer dependent on Lars, which remained its owner. The history of taxes was instead an idea of the colleague minister of the economy, imposes taxes in the agreement and then immediately removes them in exchange for discounts on the true interest of Lars, the jet fighters.

"Thank you, today we make the history of our nations." Marino signed this agreement and invited the Fleur delegation to do the same by handing them the pen.

 

[Nova]

« Parfait » would just throw Richard, a soon as he himself joined the Prime Minister Marino in signing the said Treaty. He’d stand up, and extend his hand for a handshake, as he had the documents closed in his left hand. The other Fleuroix members would give a sign of approval from the head, being arranged by the Treaty as it was. The

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would now move on to the Action Publique, for the final step as to ratification. Fleuroix bureaucracy would be activated the minute of the agreement, as a press conference would be prepared for both representatives.

« I propose that we shall pursue, towards a press conference, shall we? » invited Richard, as he’d hand over his copy of the Treaty to a Fonctionnaire d’État which shall hopefully make copies of it and archive it in the deep core of Fleuroix’ bureaucratic system. Just Marino and Richard would attend the press conference, as the other Fleuroix would be dismissed in the moment to vacate to their work.