One concerned Cabinet

[Furlanìe]

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[/div]It was received as a shocking threat to the current status quo of the region, the BPR had been accepted by the Rurikgrad Pact, a rushed decision definitely not expected by the Friulian Government, that hoped to work its small influence in the way of a slow inclusion process.

After a brief Government meeting concerning the newfound geopolitical balance in Gallia, the Kadikistani Ambassador in Grau was summoned by the Foreign Ministry to seek a dialogue and help evaluate the threat.

The two guards at the entrance of the Ministry stood at attention as the ambassador went through the door, he was quickly accompanied to the office of Minister

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, that stood up and shook his hand with the guest
"My dear, what are you doing? does your government have any idea of the situation this abrupt action of the Pact means for us? did the Kadikistani Republics support this decision or was it a collective resolution?" he poured some friulian grappa on two little glasses, and offered one to the guest "there's only us here, let's be honest to each other, I've known you for some time now, I'll notice if you lie to me, you know that"

@Kadikistani Union

 

[Kadikistani Union]

The 48-year-old Andrej Zukastov was in the forth and final year of his term in Furlanìe as the All-Union ambassador. In one year he would return to the All-Union not because he didn't like the country, but because all diplomats dispatched abroad worked in a rotation system. In order not to loose touch with the fatherland it was deemed most opportune to rotate the diplomats and their respective staffs every four years after which they would spend one year in the Kadikistani Union doing various jobs and further schooling within the diplomatic corps before being dispatched to a different nation for another four years. During his stay in Grau and while visiting various other places in the country both professionally and personally he had grown quite found of the Tiburan culture and especially the architecture. Before he joined the diplomatic ranks he had studied to become an architect and after all those years he still maintained the latter as a hobby. In fact it wasn't long after he finished those studies that he was recognized by a high ranking Party functionary for his diplomatic skills during a controversial state construction project.

Thus Zukastov became one of the very few low-born Kadikistani's to have enjoyed two educations beyond secondary schooling, architecture and international diplomacy. This also made him an older graduate having sat on the same benches of what were mainly sons and daughters of very influential figures in the All-Union nomenklatura. The position of diplomat not only sought after for the privileged and highly esteemed experience, but also seen as a way for powerful Kadikistani men to keep at least one of their children relatively safe from the life-threatening Kadikistani power struggles.

On his third rotation, previously dispatched to Entre Rios and Azraq, Zukastov had some experience. Unlike what the Kadikistani stereotype demanded he believed that his country's true intentions were best hidden behind a smile rather than an emotionless face. The ambassador walked through the door in a perfectly fitting dark-blue custom-made suit with a white shirt, a 'Kadikistani red' pocket square and no tie in an attempt to mimic the Tiburan 'informal' formal wear. "Ciao vecchio amico!", Zukastov said warmly as if he was greeting an old friend while approaching Minister Jacum Sordèl to shake his hand. Anticipating the courtesy five minutes of small talk before getting down to business the Kadikistani was thrown a bit off balance as the handshake was immediately followed by a set of questions and concerns even if they were uttered informally.

Zukastov listened closely and respectfully to minister Sordèl. Despite being thrown off at the start he had prepared for these concerns to be raised the second he knew the Burgundian People's Republic applied for membership of the Rurikgrad Pact. As the Furlanìe minister wrapped up his last sentence, Zukastov reached for the glass of grappa and took a sip from it while contemplating his rebuttal in his head. Making a short approving statement about the drink itself bought him a few more seconds along with putting the glass back on the table and folding his hands on his lap. "Jacum, my friend, you know how these things work." he said with a modest Kadiko-Ruskastani accent. "Off-course I fully understand your concern and so does my government, I assure you. Permit me to start with stating that the All-Union has no ill-will towards the Grand Duchy. In fact I have been ordered by my superiors to state that we seek further rapprochement between our two fine nations.", Zukastov said in a very determined manner in an effort to turn the mood into something more positive from the start.

Already taking his second sip and showing his gratitude for the drink in doing so, the ambassador continued. "Full membership of the Rurikgrad Pact is achieved only by a unanimous vote of all members. The Burgundian People's Republic was already closely associated with the Pact members, their full membership a mere continuation of this process. Rest assure my friend, aware of the current tensions between your and the Burgundian border this is positive. You know my nation isn't interested in war, it is interested in business. Let the nations of Westernesse and Eastern Touyou worry about petty ideologies. Let us continue to walk the path of pragmatism which has benefited both our fine nations." Zukastov readjusted himself in his seat and took a slightly more formal tone. "My government under the new leadership of First Secretary Mladzic may speak a more radical tone, but it is almost traditional for a new All-Union leader to profile himself as strong both to our own people and those abroad. Do not take such rhetoric too serious. Comrade Mladzic himself allowed me to offer our best abilities to moderate diplomatic efforts between Furlanìe and Burgundy in order to establish cordial relations. "

 

[Furlanìe]

Although the danger of this new balance didn't reach the public opinion, the newly confirmed Confenonîr had been clear on his concerns, from his point of view Furlanìe wasn't far from being invaded; maybe an exaggeration, maybe a reflection of the Friulian way of thinking, but the concern was real, and the Vuaite Nazionâl, National Guardian by name and definition, wasn't gonna trust any simple reassurance from the now neighbouring superpower.

Good old Jacum had seen some national pivotal moments in his long political career, and if he learned something from all those years in service, was that trusting someone is a bad idea regardless of truth.
He appreciated Andrej's un-kadikistani methods, and that was the reason he took a liking to him, their friendship helped build trust in the wider Friulo-Kadikistani relations, as Andrej was reinforcing with a smiley face the Confenonîr idea of a super partes Grand Duchy, with positive relations with all the big actors of Europe.

The Minister took a little sip of grappa, back in the day he would have swallowed it completely, but the consequences at his age scared him enough times to convince him to be more careful.
"Good words from a friend of Furlanìe, if you were Rurikgrad I would join the party myself! but we are talking about a super entity now neighbouring us on a border that was once safe. the BPR is but an insane bastard son of the once glorious Burgugne, and now they want to destroy that past too, change names, what's next? killing minorities I guess... listen: the Grand Duchy has all the good faith and availability towards the All-Union, and further cooperation was already planned, with full support of the Grand Duke, Government and party, but this changes everything, we need real reassurances, if your government is really in favour of peaceful cooperation, can you bring me proof? some form of demilitarisation requirement for BPR to keep my Government at ease and my people safe? can we put on paper these good intentions to work towards a better future? we know you are all men of your word and I would buy you all the time necessary to bring me something before Parliament decides it's time to jump on a boat with other less friendly people. anything, my friend, anything in my power I will do, but I need more than words"

 

[Kadikistani Union]

It was made abundantly clear for Zukastov that his Friulian counterparts were seriously concerned. Not that the Kadikistani ambassador didn't sympathize, himself being from a nation that puts nearly all of its international efforts into assuring the stability of its own periphery. With the tensions between Furlanìe and the Burgundian People's Republic recently reaching a new high it was clear that this issue needed to be resolved. While preparing his reply in his mind he couldn't help but smirk at the assumptions made by Sordèl as if Ivar controlled all members of the Pact. The assumption was relatively accurate for states like Calidia, Milesia and Polesia, but for the states that weren't conquered by the All-Union itself it was a different story. Zukastov grabbed a pack of Natalian Red Sun cigarettes from his breast pocket, already waiting longer than the average Kadikistani before fumigating the room. While at home he would be frowned upon or even put under review by the Shlebuchya for not smoking the All-Union State Tobacco brands, he could modestly enjoy some premium tobacco from the Federation of Natal while abroad.

After lighting his cigarette and exhaling the smoke with obvious enjoyment Zukastov began his rebuttal; "My friend, all members of the Rurikgrad Pact are independent sovereign nations. Even if they are not recognized by war-mongering states like Justosia. This independence is especially true for the newest arrivals within the peace-loving organisation.", Zukastov leaned forward and took a more informal tone after just rattling the Party-sanctioned narrative, "Unlike Burgundy and Ostmark, who's application for full membership is currently being discussed by the Political Consultative Bureau of the Rurikgrad Pact which I consider a formality, the other members of the Rurikgrad Pact are either remnants of the legacy of Nikolai Leninov or conquered militarily during the Seven Days War. My government is determined to preserve the sovereignty of these new nations and frankly isn't interested in hijacking deviationist socialist regimes already friendly to us like we would have done in the high-days of sectarianism 60 years ago." Zukastov did realize that he had to give the Friulian Minister something to take back to his peers and superiors.

"What we can do is facilitate a diplomatic solution to your current problems. We can offer substantial incentives to both parties along with the prospect of a secured southern flank for Furlanìe. Let us sit down with each other and resolve this like civilized people, lest we fall risk of being compared to the Engellkin.", Zukastov said with a broad smile in an attempt to keep things light, "Since I realize your government doesn't recognize the Burgundian People's Republic we can even do these talks in a more private setting so nobody looses face.", the All-Union ambassador leaned back and finished his half-burned cigarette while waiting for a response by his counterpart.

 

[Furlanìe]

Sordèl, a surname probably originated from a mockery of the Friulian word 'sort', or the Frankish 'sourd', implied that a forefather of Jacum had some hearing problems, but for himself this wasn't true, he always had a very good hearing, and the words of Andrej didn't convince him at all.

He had a theory, according to him, when a Kadiki lights a cigarette, it stops being sincere, and all those words about the 'free nations' gave him the impression to be right once again. to him that cigarette was just part of the costume tailored for every diplomat and politician of the All-Union.

Jacum sipped a little more grappa and moved it around in his mouth to better taste it and then swallowed, enough time to think of a suitable answer
"I must correct you, for the sake of clarity, the Grand Duchy does recognise the BPR, we are as pragmatic as you, they own that territory and we recognise that they do; what we do not recognise is its claim on the whole of Burgugne, which is, let's be honest here, quite ridiculous and now, under the umbrella of the Pact, quite dangerous, my friend"
One last sip and the grappa in his glass was over, so he leaned to pick the bottle and refilled both glasses
"I realise I can't ask your Government alone to take over the situation and do our bidding, of course, but, what I can do, is ask you to speak with your government and help us achieve a treaty, a formal agreement, that will assure us that you will stand in the way of further Gallian expansionism, and that you won't support a BPR aggressive plan of any kind towards Furlanìe or the surviving Eastern Burgugne. of course-"
He took a good sip of grappa
"I can't expect you to have this agreement made immediately just because we want it, we will negotiate and find a compromise, but I want your word that you will work to get that discussion started... it's not just BPR at this point, what could an agreed peace between our two governments mean if the Pact prepares a military expansion in Gallia in the meantime? with the fall of the Caudillo in Auraria and of Burgugne to the north, we are not bound to any particular treaty, although we are discussing the possible full participation to the ODS. this is a political window for your nation and ours to create positive and lasting cooperation, if nothing is done quickly, and we remain backed in the corner, that window will close. you need to realise how incredibly important this is, we could be a diplomatic link between the east and the west, a tool to ease tensions and bring peace in Gallo-Germania, but again: the window is closing"

 

[Kadikistani Union]

Not that he would let Minister Sordèl notice it, but Zukastov was getting somewhat annoyed with the pressure being applied. the pressure itself didn't affect him too much, but such a form of pushing was not deemed respectful in Kadikistani culture. The smile disappeared from his face as he spoke again; "The 'Reunification of Burgundy' under whatever flag is a very delicate matter that affects both Gallia and Germania, but mainly the people of its territories. The same people who will ultimately have to decide the future of their nation or nations. Preferably they will do so without any foreign interference and through diplomacy. If you expect us to somehow force the Burgundians to abandon all hopes and dreams for reunification I can be quite blunt in saying that we will not. Not because we have ill-will towards Furlanìe, but because it is not our choice to make. Such a matter also does not seem to be the current primary objective of the Ouistreham government, which seems to be occupied with consolidation rather than expansion."

Zukastov tactically looked at his watch; "Nonetheless I will relay your words to my superiors in Ivar. "

 

[Furlanìe]

"don't you dare leave without finishing your glass of grappa, are we going to depart like dogs? come on, five minutes more won't start a war. I'm sorry you took this matter so personally, I enjoyed our previous meetings and discussions, under much more relaxed conditions it was a delight to philosophise on the morals of Marxist-Leninovism with you... and you must admit I beat you once or twice" he smirked
"Let's not ruin this friendship for the passions of the moment, I enjoy listening to your arguments, but do let me defend my position, youngling. The people of Burgugne will chose their faith freely, without pressure, at least that's what my Government supports, what I asked pretty clearly is not to have the BPR claim all Burgugne without any popular support, that is no free choice, that is military occupation and would have serious consequences. I'm afraid you didn't get my point there, we are here, open to dialogue, bot only if our safety, which is bound to the safety of Gallia, is respected. I talk on behalf of my Government alone but is obvious that our commitment would be geopolitical and not local, as I said, we could be the All-Union link to the west, open dialogues with the rest of Gallia, bring peace, isn't that something we all strive towards? and of course, don't take it as a threat, it's just the reality I'm putting in front of your eyes, of course the closing of that window would mean we would need to create other strong friendships to assure our survival, friendships that would lean towards a confrontation, far less amusing than what we want to achieve. I'm telling you this because I need you to have clear in mind that we can do it without you, but we would much prefer a better future, I want you to talk with your government with all the passion I'm giving you, and all the composure of your people, together we can make a better world, one our grandchildren will remember us for"

 

[Kadikistani Union]

A smile came back on the ambassadors face after Sorbèl's playful first statements. "I wouldn't dare leave without finishing this delicious drink, my friend." He grabbed the grappa again as an illustration before continuing. "We want the same things, but you must understand that my government simply can not force the Murat Administration to do anything. Their internal matters are there own. We understand and sympathize with the Burgundian sentiment to be reunited with their brothers and sisters in the East, their very separation being a mistake of history. That said I can pledge on behalf of my government that we will do anything within our power to have the hypothetical reunification go through a peaceful and democratic process with not a single shot fired. This already implies that these efforts should have popular support both East and West." Zukastov proceeded.

"You know the All-Union is very much interested in continuing the economic cooperation between our two fine nations. We are very willing to work towards some sort of geopolitical frame that would assure the safety and independence of Furlanìe."

 

[Furlanìe]

"let us cheer to this, and to a better future, as we say here, cinç' un franc!" he raised his glass with a smile.

E cumò... spietin he thought, arms crossed, as he was looking, from the window of his office, Andrej leaving the palace.
And now... let's wait