Snows of Remigne

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Remigne Chateau
Near Agneaux, Bourgogne

The oldest part of the Chateau was built in 1468 by the newly ennobled Remigne family. It was only a small tower which now sat at the rear of the newer building. Though minor nobility, they had become vastly wealthy in the 1670's and in 1707 began to build the more modern home. It was completed in 1711 and was not large by the standards of its day. The Remigne family had become quite influential in the 1840's but suffered decline after near bankruptcy in 1893. The last inhabitant of the chateau and the last Remigne died at 106 years of age. August Remigne had been one of the few nobles allowed to stay at the rise of the Republic- partially due to his charity work and partially because he was beginning to turn mad. By the time of his death, alone in hospital, he had totally lost touch with reality. The chateau therefore fell to the ownership of the state. Republican officials used it as a summer retreat and sometimes a place for more nefarious activities. Now it had reverted to Ducal ownership. Most vacant estates had been either turned over to a public trust or had been sold. A select few were absorbed by the Ducal family itself. Now it was playing an important role....hopefully.


The Grand Duke had greeted the two representatives personally. Standing on the steps which looked down on the circular drive, he had been clad in a brown tweed with blue dress shirt, topped off with a bowtie. The Grand Duke looked more professor than monarch. Accompanied by translators, the Grand Duke showed the gentlemen the rooms at their disposal should they choose to stay at the chateau instead of the hotel and quickly escorted them to the meeting room. The room was relatively untouched since the death of August Remigne. It was approximately 40 feet by 50 feet and the walls were white plaster. On either side of the door were velvet tapestries with the Remigne coat of arms. At one end, 3 tall windows dominated the wall and at the other, a fireplace. A long table of black ash had been placed in the center of the room with bright yellow upholstered chairs that were mid 19th century original at the latest. They contrasted with the red tinged wood flooring and the modern brass ash trays which were at either end of the table. 3 chairs were on either side of the table and 2 chairs at the ends. The Grand Duke however sat in a wing-back leather chair which had quietly been modified due to his bad back. At the other end, a secretary would take notes of any French translations. The Grand Duke had invited the representatives to sit on his left and right with the translators seated towards the notary.

The Grand Duke began by simply stating "Gentlemen, I would like to suggest some ground framework. First, let us agree that any yelling be resolved by an immediate 10 minute cessation of this meeting. Second, we should pledge to interrupt as little as possible. Third, we should agree that if this meeting should last longer than today, we agree to break at each day for lunch at noon, not matter the circumstance" he said; glancing for confirmation.










OOC- I skipped past arrivals

 

[Furlanìe]

it was the first time for her to be so far away from the island and she was still agitated for the trip: ''Diplomatico 1'', the airplane that brought her to Bourgogne was built in Justiza and was the first national plane to undertake such a long route, she felt like being a test animal and expected to fall at any moment, the bad weather that raged on the Long Sea didn't help her to relax but between a turbulence and the other she didn't forget her responsibility and would not ever disappoint the Gonfaloniere's trust in her, at the cost of taking as hostage a shoe from the surly character she imagined the kadikistani was.

while the Grand Duke was explicating the rules to follow Giuliana Marghêri observed the people in the room trying to understand how it would be better to behave.
''I agree, your majesty''

 

[Kadikistani Union]

The Kadikistani entourage was impressive to say the least. Representing the devoutly Marxist-Leninovist country where no less then three high-placed government officials. The one who would do most of the talking was Colonel Dimitri Leninov, Commissar for External Affairs and brother of the Kadikistani leader Nikolai Leninov. Dimitri was there not only because his function demanded it, but also to make sure theoretical purity was ensured. The second most important official was no other then General Bramski Burukova, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Marxist-Leninovist International (IAMLP), Head of the Army College of the People's Commissariat for War and Patriarch of the Burukova family. Burukova's presence was not only due to the fact that the Justinian state was at war with the JMLWP, a puppet-member of the International, and his position within the Commissariat of War, but mostly because the Leninov family wanted to gain the favour of the Burukova's in order to tip the scales in the power struggle with the Tsjekova's. Last and least was Admiral Danilov Teunski, Head of the Naval College of the Commissariat for War, much less influential then the mighty Army College, and devout follower of Nikolai Leninov. All of them whore highly decorated military uniforms, Dimitri's and Burkova's where grey, the colour of the army, while that of Danilov was dark blue since he belonged to the 'Kadikistani Revolutionary Naval Forces'. The many medals where there to remind the people around the table that all three of them where veterans from the long and bloody Kadikistani Civil War that ravaged the country for no less then fourteen years. Besides military men of them where careerists with a lust for power, nobody doubted that many men had fallen under their knife during their rise to power.

Besides these three notorious men the Kadikistani entourage had another 64 members. Besides twenty-eight administrative and logistic personnel each of the three delegates had a security detail the size of a platoon. The three commanders had hand-picked twelve men, each out of their own units to make sure nothing could happen to them. It was safe to say that the Kadikistani's did not trust the Burgundian government to keep them safe and it wasn't often such high-ranking government officials would be abroad.

Once the extensive entourage had reached Chateau Remigne and got settled it was time for the talks to commence. As expected Col. Dimitri Leninov was the first to speak and thus show his dominant position within his entourage.

"First of all we wish to express our gratitude towards the Burgundian government for hosting this meeting. Especially you Grand Duke for moderating. It is a clear reflection of your international significance."

Dimitri then turned towards the Justinian delegate with a seemingly emotionless, yet aggressive face.

"Furthermore we demand assurances that the Kadikistani's you have illegally detained are all in good health. If not these discussions will be over very soon..."

The tone was set.

 

[Furlanìe]

-is this a diplomatic meeting or a military invasion?- thought Marghêri just before putting her best smile upon her face, ''the smuggler is healthier than when he left Kadikistan, I can assure that, but you're using the plural, the five terrorists that the national police captured some days ago were all of justinian nationality. About the ship and his cargo nothing has been touched, it's all in his place.
Getting back to the important topics:'' she fixed up her dark green jacket ''our government has offered to your nation to free the kadikistani citizen in exchange only of the promise of your government to stop its intervention in our internal affairs, it is a reasonable agreement, we have all the interests in having good relations with you.'' concluded the speech she looked at the three waiting and hoping for the best.

 

[Kadikistani Union]

"We are aware that your government captured five freedom-fighters and even butchered others. Despite not having all the data on such short notice we are speaking in plural merely because several of our sources indicate that there was more then one Kadikistani manning the ship. Future intelligence will bring clarity on that, we will let the matter rest for now.

We will also overlook your insult concerning the health of Captain Janusevic."

The short-tempered Dimitri stood up from his chair and slammed his both fists on the table while loudly yet with a certain calm.

"But we will NOT negotiate with you while you hold one of our loyal citizens hostage! We are here to discuss his safety in a peaceful manner not in a manner where you us this poor man as leverage like a group of common thugs!"

A mere second after Dimitri finished his sentence Burukova, already smoking his Aurarian sigar, looked at the Justinian and knocked his hand on the table gently as if someone was knocking on the door. As he put his sigar down, blowing his smoke towards Marghêri he spoke slowly with a deep smokers voice.

"Concerning our alleged interference in the internal affairs of Justiza we must stress that it is the working class that is currently defying the Justinian authorities, seeing no other way then the justified use of violence. We do not control the people's lust for freedom."

You could see a small smile on the wrinkly face of Burukova after he spoke those words. That is if you could see through the thick smoke of his sigar. He smiled because he knew, together with all others present, that it was Ivar that determined if the 'Partito Marxista-Leninovista dei Lavoratorii Justino' (JMLWP) would continue the fight or not. One order from Kadikistan and the JMLWP would lay down their arms and return to their clandestine existence from before. Even if certain hard-line elements within the JMLWP would ignore the order and continue fighting they would run out of weapons and supplies soon as Kadikistan would withdraw its support.

"We do however have our way of influencing our Justinian comrades, but before that your government must put something more on the table. Not only the return of the Kadikistani citizen, the ship and its cargo, but also certain... economic benefits. The latter concerning your renown agricultural sector."

Dimitri added arrogantly:

"Compensation for the terrible crimes committed against our great nation, of course."

 

[Furlanìe]

''of.. course... yes.. yes! we can arrange an agreement'' said Marghêri while trying to calm her heart, beating forcefully -in the next meeting I'll most probably bring with me some of those tanks of the special forces- ''we can give you some benefits, and we could buy some of your rifles for our army, by the number of innocent soldiers and policemen killed they are indeed accurate'' her hands were tightening in fists ''I must say that your 'captain' was alone in the ship, I think your intelligence is a bit patchy, another reason for you to stop your aggressive behaviour. And we can offer to your families the best Justinian wine as a present, in the name of peace, if you are like you seem you cannot refuse such offer, what is a little social democracy in the middle of the sea compared to a box of Picolit or Chardonney of Monte's Wine. You would regret refusing this offer, trust me'' finally she managed to get back her smile.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

The Grand Duke was at first impressed then decided that the Kadikistani delegation was ridiculous. But to each, their own he thought. The Grand Duke had remained quiet and did not want to intervene so early. He smoked his pipe and listened to the translations. His face betrayed nothing. The act by Dimitri of pounding of fists caused Maximilien to lower the pipe from his mouth very mechanically and place it calmly on the table. He waited for a pause before putting his hand up. The sudden motion caught the attention of those at the table and he slowly rose from his chair. "Gentlemen, I understand the tempers and tensions at work here. I must plead with you to not use such theatrics of pounding on the table. I have thus far only allowed for you gentlemen to converse in plain dialogue; no interruptions. Both parties have agreed to allow me to moderate. I have chosen a more hands off approach. Please do not let me regret this choice. I wish to not have to stop these proceedings because of pure hostility. I will also add that I am willing to have Burgundians from our embassy check into the health of the Kadikistani citizens who are in custody" the Grand Duke said, finally lowering his hand and taking time to look each person in the eye; even the translators. The aging Grand Duke had spoken with pure confidence and a steady tone but did allow some alarm to show. "Please gentlemen, let us keep it civil so we may find a civil solution"

 

[Kadikistani Union]

The three where somewhat surprised by the progress this meeting was beginning to make. They thought they would have had to face some more Justinian resistance, but then again everyone around the table knew Kadikistan's capabilities. Dimitri sat back down, suddenly transforming into a very calm person. He waited a few seconds after the Justinian response before he answered.

"It seems that these talks might be fruitful after all. Our offer is the following:

• Release the Kadikistani Captain Viktor Janusevic
• Return the captured commercial vessel with its full and intact cargo
• Decriminalize the JMLWP and offer all of its members full amnesty and the right to keep their arms as a precautionary measure
  
  ~ The JMLWP will become a legal party free to organize and participate in the democratic system​
• A special commercial discount of 35% when trading with Kadikistan
  
  ~ This includes all agricultural products Justiza has to offer. Kadikistan will be free to claim whatever percentage of surplus agricultural products coming from Justiza. For example should Justiza produce a surplus of 500 tons of apples the Kadikistani state has the right to claim up too 500 tons while enjoying a 35% discount.​

In return we will influence the JMLWP to lay down their arms and participate in the parliamentary struggle rather than the ongoing insurgency. We will demobilize the Southern Fleet and pull them back out of the Kalahari Sea. Furthermore we are authorized to give you 'special trade status' giving you the possibility of privileged trade agreements and discounts up to 4%. This includes military equipment such as infantry assault rifles."

 

[Furlanìe]

Minister Marghêri couldn't hold back a laugh ''this is a joke right? the 4%? amnesty to the terrorists? I'm starting to think that you accepted to participate to this meeting only to impress the world with your mighty 'diplomatic corps', I can't discuss of diplomatic and commercial matters with soldiers and admirals'' she stopped and took a deep breath.

''we can give you 30% discount for a 10% on your equipments, the discount won't be available on our wine, still, you'll have your free wine as a present, and our intelligence will collaborate with yours if any diplomatic incident occurs in the Long Sea, we will also free the smuggler and his properties, and you will stop supporting the JMLWP, witch will be persecuted by the national police, you can take them to Kadikistan if you want, exile is as bad as life imprisonment for a justinian'' she leaned forward with her hands joined on the table.

 

[Kadikistani Union]

Dimitri responded to the Justinian counter-offer swiftly and with great resolve as he looked Marghêri straight in the eyes:

"You realize that the Justinian navy is no match for the mighty Southern Fleet? Than you must also realize what a trade embargo would do to your economy... I think it would be wise for you to rethink your counter-proposal because a trade embargo would be a lot worse then this potential trade agreement. As a sign of goodwill we are willing to raise your discount to 7.2%, this is our final offer on this matter."

General Burukova now took the word while putting out his sigar.

"Regarding the JMLWP we can not ask of them to stop their righteous struggle without any form of compensation. As you say there is nothing worse for a Justinian then to leave his country. I know this first-hand after speaking with several JMLWP members already in-exile in Ivar. Therefore we think we can persuade them to lay down their arms if they will be allowed to take part in the diplomatic process without any form of discrimination. The only compromise we wish to make on this matter is that the JMLWP will have to turn in their weapons to the Justinian authorities. We suggest you take this offer before you provoke some highly-trained Kadikistani volunteers to join the JMLWP in their courageous struggle."

Regardless of the Grand Duke's intervention the tensions remained high. The Kadikistani delegation grew annoyed by Marghêri's attitude. Especially the comment about them being undiplomatic military grunts. For the first time Admiral Danilov spoke.

"Regarding your lack of faith in our diplomatic and commercial skills I must tell you that Kadikistani men can specialize in many things unlike the Justinians. Yes we have all fought and bled for our fatherland, but rest assure we are scholars in our respective fields. But I understand that, as a woman, you must have it difficult to control your irrational emotions. Therefore we will not take this kind of comments seriously."

All three men and several of the guards smiled in amusement after Danilov's comments. Only old guy Burukova laughed loudly uttering a sound that resembled a starting locomotive before signing one of his men to light his next sigar.

 

[Furlanìe]

"now that we have complitely understood your higly diplomatic skills, admiral, can we get back to work?" She smiled with satisfaction "our conditions on the prices rimain, but... we can accept to let free the terrorists that didn't take part to the attack in scevola, they will be free to participate to the elections, but if they manage to reach the 0.1% I will be surprised, what about it?"

 

[Kadikistani Union]

"The electoral results of the JMLWP do not interest us as long as they are given an equal chance in the diplomatic progress and freedom of organisation. We are willing to agree that there will be a trail around the Scevola attacks, but the punishment of these freedom fighters must be limited as not to affront our nation. Should we at a later date receive word that your punishment is out of proportion we will be forced to respond. You understand that we must satisfy the hard-liners in order to come too a sustainable solution. I hope you are pragmatic enough to understand that."

It looked like both parties had reached a consensus about the JMLWP, but the economic price-card would evidently prove more difficult. Dimitri turned towards his peers and softly discussed the Justinian stubbornness. It was clear that only Danilov was willing to make a more beneficial deal for Justiza, but sadly for Marghêri Danilov was the least influential of the three. Danilov, a notorious macho in Kadikistan, wasn't willing to make a better deal because he was more moderate but because he liked Marghêri's feisty attitude. A woman willing and able to stand up against a man wasn't very common in Kadikistan. Danilov liked the idea of a woman who would put up a fight.

"Our economic proposal remains as it is. We have already conceded more then enough given that your nation is the aggressor by illegally capturing a Kadikistani vessel. Either you will become one of Kadikistan's greatest external businesspartner under our terms or you will face economic isolation and a highly active better trained JMLWP that will target your internal economy."

 

[Furlanìe]

"I'm sure we can meet your requests over the JMLWP, one way or another, it's not a problem" she said calmly "we can't offer you a deal so unbalanced, but here's my idea: we'll accept a 30/7 deal but only for three years [months in RL time], than we will discuss again, in a less tense meeting perhaps, still the wine will not be discounted, that is not even slightly possible. Think about it, you'll have the chance to strenghten your exports, secure your people's food suplies and also have some more eyes in the Long Sea... I mean, are we still talking about this?"

 

[Kadikistani Union]

"Many of your agricultural products are considered luxury products in Kadikistan so I suggest you do not overstate the importance of your products to our economy. As for the wine, only the most loyal subjects of Kadikistan will enjoy it as gratitude for their services. We therefore accept that the discount will not affect the wine sector. Furthermore we will not agree to a contract limited in time, which is a clear scheme to buy time while you build up your naval forces."

Dimitri decided he would reply short and clearly. Kadikistan wanted to remain dominant in the Kalahari Sea. There where more then enough competitors already without Justiza joining them.

"But if you accept our proposal we promise not to intervene as you expand your naval capabilities in the near future. In other words we will not stand in your way if you desire to increase your influence in the Kalahari Sea. As long as you stay away from Kadikistan's sphere of influence of course."

 

[Furlanìe]

"We're building up that fleet just to protect our coasts from your 'good citizens', if we menage to boost our relations those ships won't be used, as I already said, we are not going to start any offensive action against your nation, we have not even a single reason to do so, we just want peace and freedom" she articulated these last words slowly, lake if she was talking to a child "so I can't understand your concern frankly, the 30/7 agreement for three years would be just a start, to assure our good intentions, what do you want exactly? Half of our government's badget? We are not a vassal of your 'anti' imperialist nation."
She stopped talking and looked at Dimitri right in the eyes with her most serious expression
"You. Must. Stop. Playing woth our patience"

 

[Kadikistani Union]

"Now you listen to me little lady." Danilov said in a degrading tone. "The length of your patience is irrelevant. Do you honestly believe you hold any leverage? Do you think we care about one little boat, its insignificant cargo and its expendable Captain? You have nothing but our goodwill, you should be begging for forgiveness. I don't think you would look half bad on your knees..."

Danilov smiled disgustingly and looked at Marghêri top to bottom, while Burukova released another locomotive-esque laugh while coughing as he chocked on his own smoke. Dimitri joined his two comrades by uttering a modest laugh. He continued the conversation.

"As my most esteemed peer so roughly put it...", a small pause ensued, "you have no choice."

 

[Furlanìe]

She thought of some possible answers but all were quite drastic, at this point she were really near to decide to put an end to the meeting; she looked at her hands and than at the Grand Duke and spoke to him "I think we should take a break if you agree"

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Maximilien had listened quietly and made no indication of his opinion. The Kadikistani delegation was keeping the Justizans on the ropes. He had only taken a few notes personally and instead decided to let them carry on. But he could not help expressing surprise at the request for a break so soon. It dawned on him how disadvantaged the Justiza delegation seemed right now to their counterparts. He made a motion and tea was brought in with simple tea sets. There was sugar but no milk and the Grand Duke poured himself a cup but took no sugar. It was quiet in the room as he nodded in thought and shrugged. He sipped his tea and inhaled deeply. Setting the cup down, he leaned back, looking up at the ceiling. "We will break for 45 minutes. Before we do, I am going to urge that when we return that we will be civilized. If certain delegates are unable to control their tone or belittling manners, they will be excused from the meeting. I will not allow undiplomatic behavior to become the norm at my table. With that, I will let us adjourn. Tea and coffee will be made readily available as well as some food". With that the Duke stood and waited for the delegations to exit the room

 

[Furlanìe]

She was very disappointed by the meeting, initially the talks were starting to make sense, but then again Kadikistan had the whip hand in the situation.
The possibilities were few: giving to kadikistan what it wanted and make her country weeker but safe, giving up and hope in other possible resolutions or trying to go on with the meeting, but this would have been just a loss of time.
After some time she decided to try another way, it was one of the drastic thoughts of some minutes before; her honor had been offended by Danilov, and accordingly to justinian law this gived her the right to challenge him in a duel of first or last blood, her choice would have been last blood, but if she was the winner the kadikistani would have probably used that as a casus belli, so the first blood was the best idea also because in this type of duel only hand weapons are permitted, and she was surely the best in this: as offspring of a noble family she was trained to defend her honor by sword from an early age.
If she had won probably the delegation would have considered a bit more her propositions, otherwise nothing particular would have appened.
To legittimate the duel asking the Duke`s permission or going to the justinian embassy would have been enough, and there was no possibility for her that Danilov would have refused to fight, and if he would that would have been just a little bit less than winning.
-but is really drastic, that`s for sure... well, let`s see the positive sides of this, if I fail maybe I`ll get a medal or I`ll be made kight of the republic by the president and if I win I`ll do aswell and maybe help my country at the same time... and if I die? and what would be living and knowing that I haven`t done all what was in my power? Prestige, happiness or sorrow...- she looked at her pocket watch, there wasn`t much time left -I`ll do it-




OOC: sorry for any grammatical error

 

[Kadikistani Union]

The break was over and the three men accompanied by a hand full of men from their security detail re-entered the room confidently. They where the first ones to go back in. The meeting had been fruitful, regardless of the lack of diplomacy in the last few minutes. But then again every half-decent diplomat in Europe knows that Kadikistani authorities are notoriously hard to talk to, getting worse the higher you climb in the nomenclature. The first half of the meeting ended up dominated by the Kadikistani delegation and they wanted to keep it that way. They went back to their seats from before, Dimintri in the middle, Burukova to his right and Danilov to the left. Burukova was quick to put another sigar in his mouth, after one of his men lit him up a stench arose from it that was even worse than the previous one. "Fuck Burukova.. How do you still have a throat?" Dimitri said while waving some smoke away with his hand. Burukova laughed shortly at Dimitri's comment until Danilov interupted: "At least it will make that Justinian cunt uncomfortable."

The men became silent and returned to their straight intimidating faces as the Justinian delegation entered the room. Dimitri didn't wait for Marghêri to reach her chair and assertively said: "Whatever happens, this meeting will be over within the next 2 minutes. Either you agree to our generous compromise or we walk away and your nation will face total economic isolation and large-scale internal insurgency."