Taming the Bear

[Taley]

Bhawan Palace
Faridibad, Haryana
Varanasese Empire​

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Bhawan Palace​

Bhawan Palace was one of the more impressive works of art built by the Rajas in Varanasi. It was slowly built during the early teens as a means to employ thousands in the local area during a local drought and famine that left many starving and unemployed, mostly farmers. The construction project helped the municipality weather the local storm and has since become a local place of pride. It also serves as the principle residence of the Raja of Haryana, one of the empire's lesser princes, but now it was hosting a tenuous meeting between two of the region's rivals and the small state over which they now fight.

Chancellor Dustara Battacharjee was finalizing the conference details and the varying delegations would soon be arriving. This was not Battacharjee's first interaction with representatives from Kadikistan. He had led the empire as Chancellor of the Privy Council for a little over a decade now and then even more as the Minister of State before his elevation and he has had to deal with the People's Commissar every time there was a border skirmish, naval 'misunderstanding' that brought both nations to the brink of war. Once again he found himself across the table with the Kadikistanis.

As the Chancellor finished with an aid, Field Marshal Inderjit Satsangi approached. Marshal Satsangi was the empire's Minister of War and one of the nation's premier soldiers and a veteran of the Great Patriotic War in which the socialist revolution failed and the Toungoonese rebellion suppressed. The Marshal was an imposing figure standing over 6ft and in his dress uniform decorated in numerous medals and decorative braids according to his rank and status and a white turban as for his Sikh faith. He also wore a large scar that went the the length of the right-side of his face sustained as a young soldier against the socialists over thirty years prior. He strode with a limp, an injury gained in during one of the many skirmishes between Varanasi and Kadikistan long decades ago, and use a decorative cane to assist him. Satsangi was the eldest member of the privy council and his all white beard played into his sage wisdom.

"Are we ready Chancellor?" the military man asked.

"Yes Inderjit, we have to be ready, its Kadikistan." the Chancellor replied.

Satsangi stifled a laugh as the Yuvaraja walked toward them, dressed in the empire's finest silks. "Gentleman, ready?" the Crown Prince asked, and both men nodded, "Then lets secure peace in the Kalahari."

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Malwar Hall​

The Prince led the Varanasese ministers into the Palace's Malwar Hall where the conference would be taking place. Yuvaraja Ramakrishna greeted both delegations and then motion for all the representatives to take a seat, "Gentlemen let us solve the issues of the day."

[MENTION=1839]Justiza[/MENTION] [MENTION=83]Kadikistan[/MENTION]

 

[Kadikistani Union]

The magnificent Bhawan palace never fails to impress, especially for a Kadikistani since their country lost most of its historical architectural grandeur in the 14 years of civil war. Thirty years after those massacres the communist regime has not once restored or reconstructed a building from the 'pre-revolutionary era'. The result of that policy is a country where most building are robust grey brutalist-style constructions where the emphasis lies on efficiency and not aesthetics. Nevertheless certain high-level members of the nations nomenklatura where envious of the high-standing Varanasi architectural grandeur. Colonel Dimitri Leninov was one of those members but did his best to hide his amazement, for of course a Kadikistani could never so outwardly show its admiration for anything Varanasi lest he be considered a potential traitor. As People's Commissar for External Affairs it was evident that he, like he did in Bourgogne, officially lead the Kadikistani delegation in this newest peace conference. But as is custom in Kadikistan official and reality are two different things. Ivar made some alterations in the composition of his delegation.

As an unofficial punishment Ivar decided that Admiral Danilov Teunski would not be taking part in this meeting. Officially it was explained by state media that the Admiral was too occupied with his work as commander of the Southern Fleet. The latter had taken strategic positions all around Justiza ready to cut it off from the outside world once this meeting proved to be a failure. But the real reason for Danilov's absence was his emotional reaction towards the Justinian Minister of Foreign Affairs, during which he dared to interrupt Dimitri, gravely affronting him. If it wasn't for the fact that the Teunski family had some very close ties with the Leninov's, Danilov might have paid in a much more severe way. In his stead the second most powerful Kadikistani would attend. No other than General Ivan Tsjekova, Chairman of the People's Commissariats for Agriculture, Trade, Fishing and Industry, Head of the Directory of Intelligence and main rival to the nation's leader Nikolai Leninov. A grey man with a uniform even more bombastic and decorated then his two counterparts and a face of a reasoned but merciless killer. Despite the fact that Dimitri was the younger brother of Kadikistans 'Glorious Leader', Ivan Tsjekova was clearly a class higher.

The last of three delegates was also a veteran from the Chateau Remigne-fiasco, General Bramski Burukova, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the International Association of Marxist-Leninovist Parties together with various other high-end positions here and there. Burukova was more often than not referred to as 'the Locomotive', according to him because his strength would resemble that of a train, because of his heavy cigar smoking and signature laugh that would make a half-weak table shake. The latter regardless of the fact that Burukova was actually a small and corpulent old man that without his uniform wouldn't really impress. Like in the first meeting Burukova was there because the JMLWP is a member party of the International. His first act in this newest conference was casually lighting a fresh cigar slowly but surely creating a smoky atmosphere even in a hall as great as the Malwar Hall.

In a clear show of dominance not only towards the Justinian leader, but also towards Dimitri who was the younger brother of his main internal rival, Ivan Tsjekova was the first to speak. "I wish to personally thank our Varanasi hosts for the engagement that they have made organising this meeting. It is a clear show of your international prestige and respect for the status quo in the Kalahari Sea." Ivan was glad he could be here, it wasn't even abnormal since his position ensured that he played an almost absolute role in managing Kadikistan's economic policy. But due to his ambiguous relations with certain Burgundian nobles Ivan thought it would be wiser not to be seen in the country. He had many enemies in Kadikistan who would use such an event to attack his political position.

"If our hosts agree we would like to come straight to business immediately. The Justinian delegation knows our proposal. We will only consider counter proposal if it is brought before us with respect and if the content of said proposal does not insult us. Leave in mind that it is our full right to demand an official apology from the Justinian head of state, but we won't as not to potentially stir things up from the start."

 

[Taley]

Malwar Hall
Bhawan Palace​

It was weird to see the three Kadikistanis sit across from the three Varanasese. They looked the complete opposites, with the Varanasese looking pristine in their fancy clothes never out of place, emanating the arts and luxury. However, back in Ivar the preferred term was decadent. The Kadikistanis were more form and function, streamlined and industrious. The colder westerners and the exotic easterners, yet, in Battacharjee eyes he saw more similarities in the two delegations than differences. Both had an aged General of renowned stature; each had a statesman both heir to a legacy, one an empire the other an ideology; and finally the true power-brokers in each realm. The Varanasese Chancellor mused to himself about the vast discrepancies and the many similarities.

"We thank General Tsjekova for their kind words towards our state." Yuvaraja Ramakrishna said as he motioned to a steward to bring him a drink. The steward filled the glass with one of the finest Varanasese wines, and proceeded to fill the drinks of each Varanasese representative and the wine was offered to both the Kadikistanis and the Justizans. Even in tense situations they remained at ease and cool headed.

"We have reviewed the various demands by Ivar from the previous conference in Bourgogne. Firstly, we agree to the first request made by the Democratic Republic." Dustara Battacharjee stated. "In-fact Captain Viktor Janusevic was transferred to Varanasese custody yesterday and flown here to Faridibad, were he under went a full medical evaluation to ensure he remain in good health." Dustara handed a leather bound dossier to Ivan Tsjekova. "That is the full report on his condition. You can see that Capt. Janusevic was in good health when he was transferred to our custody and remains in good health, albeit mild anxiety and exhaustion; normal conditions considering the situation. You are welcome to see the good captain at anytime and return him to his fatherland upon the conclusion of the conference, regardless of the outcome. We," Battacharjee began motioning to his fellow Varanasese, "see no reason why the good Commissars can not return home with the good captain and a propaganda photo opt for your careers. For now Capt. Janusevic is distressing in 'comfort'."

Varanasi was know for both its many virtues as well as vices. One of these infamous vices was the legalized prostitution throughout the empire. Well it wasn't actually legalized, but no one regulated it unless an uptight priest or cleric complained. The government also knew this was a particular vice that several Kadikistanis stationed at their embassy in Varanasi partook in at the local opium dens. After all, Varanasi was the land that originated the Kama Sutra and considered it a holy text. Last reported, Capt Janusevic was receiving a "relaxing massage" by three Toungooese* women skilled in their "craft."

Tsjekova thumbed through the dossier before passing it to his comrades. Chancellor Battacharjee had respect for General Tsjekova, he felt they were kindred spirits using their cunning and ruthlessness to climb the ladder of power. The Tsjekovas were preferred to the Leninovs, as the Tsjekovas always took a more aloof position in relation to the empire as there were far more important priorities to focus on. It was this reason that Varanasi would occasionally throw a bone their way in the their struggles with the Leninovs. In fact this time, the 'bone' was in the customary gifts given to each representative before the conference began. These gifts included several expensive bottles of Varanasese wine, several dresses made of the world famous Karavali Silk, for their wives or mistresses, and a box of hand rolled Damanese cigars straight from the tropical island provinces. The secret in Ivan Tsjekova's box of cigars, hidden beneath the cigars were ounces of some of the most potent pure Opium from the Toungoo opium fields. He could use those drugs for either recreational use or to frame or blackmail opponents back in Ivar. Dustara was curious to how Ivan would use the special gift.

"As for the second request, I see no reason why both the ship and its cargo shouldn't be returned to Kadikistan. I think a ship and cargo are not worth going to war over, however, I defer to the Justizan delegation." Chancellor Battacharjee stated motioning to the Justizans present. "We would need to examine and discuss further the status of the JMLWP, but we can for certain say that we cannot agree to the demands on economic discounts. That is more of a shakedown than a compromise. If Kadikistan wishes to engage in economic talks and pacts with Justiza, then those discussions should be un-tethered from the present crisis, and undertaken when we all are not pointing guns at each other in this Aurarian Standoff** we find ourselves in."

This conference was like night an day compared to the meeting in Bourgogne, but it was just as grave. This was a delicate dance of diplomacy. Behind every smile a punch, and behind every stroke of the ego a dagger. This was the intricate chess game between two of Touyou's greatest powers and Justiza had become a pawn that helplessly wondered upon the field of fire.

OOC: * Toungooese -> Burmese
** Aurarian Standoff -> Mexican Standoff

[MENTION=83]Kadikistan[/MENTION] [MENTION=1839]Justiza[/MENTION]

 

[Furlanìe]

Zordano Benedetti had been the leader of the independence movement that brought Justiza to freedom in the 30s, in his homeland is considered an hero if not a god, and when time came to decide to who the title of president of the republic had to be given he was elected by popular acclaim.
As custom of the island he wore a suit of an unusual opaque green, he had a thick gray beard and neatly brushed hair, the eyes were blurred by his glasses and his face seemed to be always serene.
He was followed closely by the minister of defence Saro Zarabelli, a low importance personality in the republic, often used as a reserve diplomat in unimportant meetings, but he did know very well the military risources and the capabilities of the nation, so, even though he had never the last word, he was often consulted by the government.
Other than the minister there was two tall presidential honor guards dressed with their cerimony uniform and some secretaries.

The two Justinians were indeed suprised in hearing such polite words coming from the kadikistani; by reading the notes of the previous meeting they had a different idea on their behaviour, so they aspected their language to change as soon as they could understand that Justiza would have continued to refuse an unfair treaty.

 

[Kadikistani Union]

The Justinian delegation remained silent, but in the minds of the Kadikistani's that was because Battacharjee had already said everything they would have. That realization angered Dimitri to the point that he turned both his gloved hands into fists, the insults from last meeting still fresh in his memory. Something that didn't go unnoticed by Tsjekova who once again demonstrated his dominance by gently raising his flat right-hand by about a centimetre. His right-hand because that's the side where Dimitri was sitting, the latter instantly realising the signalisation and releasing his fists while remaining silent. There where a lot of similar signals that every high-placed Kadikistani knew, they had to lest they would remain unaware of the many plots and intrigues. In the massive Supreme Soviet, during various demonstrations or even during the decadent late-night party's of the nomenklature knowing the long list of signs by heart could in the most extreme cases mean the difference between life and death.

But after non-verbally urging Dimitri to remain calm he himself had to admit he was not satisfied by the Varanasi initiation. Pragmatically he started by thanking his hosts for arranging the Janusevic-issue, but he realized that he would have had more leverage if the Justinians still held him hostage. Of course the Justinians realized this and released him so they could once again take the role of the brave little island nation facing a large belligerent bully. Tsjekova was convicted to break that charade and convince not only his Varanasi counterparts but also Europe that Kadikistan was the wronged party in this conflict. "With all do respect there can be no renewal of peace talks with our demand for reparations in the form of mutual economic discounts off the table beforehand. I wish to stress the fact that my great nation is the one who fell victim to Justinian aggression which unilaterally pirated a fully loaded Kadikistani commercial vessel and held its Captain hostage for weeks. Even having the cheek of using this poor man as leverage in the so-called 'diplomatic' talks in Bourgogne. Our esteemed Varanasi hosts surely realize what a dangerous precedent it would set if a rogue nation like Justiza is allowed to pirate the Kalahari Sea without even as much as paying reparations. It is in both our interest if Justiza is punished publicly and severely so that they will serve as an example for other nation's. What happens to Justiza must become a warning to deter other nations from endangering the status quo in the Kalahari Sea."

Until this point Tsjekova hadn't yet addressed the Justinian delegation, but directed himself solely toward his hosts. Mutual interests had crafted a relatively strong bond between his family and several high-standing Varanasi, a bond not only build on the occasional common goals but also a certain form of mutual respect. The fact that Tsjekova hadn't really acknowledged the Justinian delegation wasn't as much meant as an insult as it was a show of respect for his Varanasi peers. As for the little gift that was placed under his cigars, he would know what to do with it. Even before the communist regime Kadikistan was a transit country for all opium-related products coming from the Varanasi Empire. Once through Kadikistan those products would be brought onto the western markets. It was a badly kept secret that many Kadikistani apparatchiks profiteered from the illegal drugs trade by either turning a blind eye or downright facilitating it. Kadikistan itself also had his share of drugs abuse especially among the impoverished city youth who didn't have the right familial connects and thus little chances for social improvement. The higher quality products also made their way into the higher circles. For example Ivan Tsjekova's son Milosevic was a known user, which was more and more standing in the way of his position as heir of the Tsjekova dynasty. The latter was a positive thing for Ivan's brother Lazar who was now in the leading position to claim his brother's empire.

But regardless of the drug abuse in his own family Ivan held no grudge towards the Varanasi involved in the trade, whom he considered simple entrepreneurs. In fact much of the wealth that the Tsjekova family has amassed over the last decades was in one way or another linked with the illegal drugs trade. Compared to that the economic discounts Kadikistan demanded of Justiza were peanuts.

 

[Taley]

Malwar Hall
Bhawan Palace​

Reparations, so this is a shake down, Dustara thought to himself. It wouldn't be the first time. The chancellor looked over to his Field Marshal. As the Minister of War, Field Marshal Satsangi oversaw the large Varanasese military, including the navy which has the responsibility of protecting the Kalahari from piracy. "My Chancellor," Marshal Satsangi said looking to his political leader, "I believe that the admiralty would concur with the position of General Tsjekova. Piracy cannot be allowed in the Kalahari nor the unilateral seizure or violation of commercial assets in international waters without the appropriate due process."

Battacharjee nodded, however, he couldn't allow the discounts to go forth. Varanasi couldn't allow for Ivar to get any inroads into the Justizan economy, from which they will worm their way into the heart of the small republic. "While we agree on the idea of reparations, but we disagree on the content of how these reparations should be given. We believe that a more appropriate way would be a 5 Million Lire payment of restitution to Captain Janusevic and his employers. Furthermore, we suggest a punitive payment of 45 Million Lire to the Democratic Republic, to be dispersed with an initial payment 15 million and 10 million paid by the end of the year and each year for the next two years." He said motioning his hand in the air as if pondering on the amounts, which were not set in stone.

The amount would be drastic for the smaller Republic so most knew that Varanasi would end up footing the majority of the bill. Dustara hoped that Ivar would take the hard currency, as it meant that they could pay for a new unit of tanks, guns, or event supporting their revolutionary cause around the globe.

[MENTION=83]Kadikistan[/MENTION] [MENTION=1839]Justiza[/MENTION]

 

[Furlanìe]

"I would like to remind to the participants that the ship was in the territorial waters of our nation and refused to communicate with our coast guard while directing to the coast and not to a port, and that during the inspection of the ship the radio was found perfectly functioning. You will understand that this is quite an unusual way of trading" said Benedetti "but if the idea of money is good for you, that's for sure more acceptable than trade restrictions; I think we have lot to learn from our friends of Varanasi and I hope you will forgive the aggressivness of minister Marghêri, our cultures seem to be so distant, dueling is common between gentelmen in Justiza, is a civilized way of resolving problems and helped our society to develop a great equality aswell, you can be killed by a woman or by an LGBT for insulting them, so you think twice before doing it, you see? Maybe you find it exagerated but if the world were all the same life would be really boring don't you think?" He concluded.

 

[Kadikistani Union]

The Kadikistani delegation had expected a similar offer coming from the Varanasi. Naturally the regional rival would attempt to prevent Kadikistan from gaining more influence on the small but profitable Justinian markets by instead offering a financial compensation. For every member of the delegation it was of the utmost importance that they would return home as the victors after suffering such insults. A loss of face on the international scene would result in a loss of career back home, regardless of their family-ties. That is why if a financial compensation was accepted it would have to be of a level that would equal that of the previously demanded economic discounts. Ivan Tsjekova felt that their was still room for a counter-offer more beneficial for him and his country:

"I am very content that both our great nations can still find common ground in these troubled times. If the bilateral talks between Kadikistan and the Empire remain as friendly as they are today we are confident that the Kalahari Sea will not see yet another war in the following decades. As far as the proposed financial compensation is concerned I will start by saying that our government is willing to negotiate this. We can offer you two counter-offers, one where the economic discounts remains and another were they are off the table.

The first offer includes a financial compensation of 35 million lire, but also a continued economic discount for Kadikistan of 14%. This is a grave concession given our initial demand for a discount of 35%. Furthermore the Justinians will receive an official discount on the Kadikistani markets of no less then 3%. Further details will be worked out should this offer be accepted. The second offer involves a purely financial compensation of no less then 65 million lire to be paid to the Kadikistani state while Capt. Janusevic will receive the proposed 5 million. The timetable of these payments is negotiable, but we request that the Varanasi Empire vouches for the Justinian government to assure the payments are made. You understand our trust in the rouge state is very low and therefore we require some assurances." Tsjekova's counter-offer would be heavy on the Justinian economy, but better then what a full economic blockade could do. Tsjekova was convinced that the Varanasi would pressure the Justinians into accepting the purely financial compensation. Even though the high amount of it could cripple the Justinian cash flow. Varanasi would benefit more from a Justiza indebted to them then the existence of a strong Kadikistani grip on their economy. Thus the status quo would be preserved and both Varanasi and Kadikistan reconfirmed a the sole great powers in the region.

 

[Taley]

Malwar Hall
Bhawan Palace​

Chancellor Dustara Battacharjee thought to himself, We can afford an extra 20 million.

"We agree to your counter offer of payment of 5 million Lire to Captain Janusevic and 65 million to Ivar. The sum will be paid in an initial amount of 25 million and 10 million by the end of the year. The remainder is to be paid out over the course of the next three years at the rate of 10 million Lire a year. Naturally our treasury will guarantee this arrangement between Justiza and Kadikistan and we can have that in writing at the end of this conference if Ivar wishes."

Battacharjee waved over a steward and sent him to have the Imperial Treasurer to place the arrangement in writing for the Kadikistanis.

"Is there any other issue to which either Kadikistan or Justiza wishes to address?"

[MENTION=83]Kadikistan[/MENTION] [MENTION=1839]Justiza[/MENTION]

[OOC: I apologize for my tardiness]​

 

[Furlanìe]

"We are good with this solution" said Benedetti

 

[Kadikistani Union]

Ivan Tsjekova was pleased with the Varanasi agreeing to there compromise. Sure he would have preferred that Kadikistan would have had a stronger grasp on the Justinian island economy, but knowing that the Varanasi respected the status quo was enough. He made direct eye contact with Battacharjee for half a second, but it was more then enough for both men to realize that they had helped each other. Kadikistan would not lose face on the international scene by being royally reimbursed financially and the Varanasi Empire could profit from the loans Justiza would inevitably have to request from their nation. The biggest obstacle over-won there was one more detail to be discussed, that of the JMLWP. Ivan Tsjekova did not expect it to be much of an issue since both Justiza and Kadikistan had already reached an agreement about it in Bourgogne.

"Than we have an agreement gentlemen. The last issue we will bring onto this table concerns the future of the JMLWP. As we have previously stated in Bourgogne we are willing to shut down all hostile operations of the JMLWP in exchange for allowing them to participate in the Justinian democratic system and full amnesty for all members, except for those involved in the Scevola attacks.", Tsjekova stated optimistically while Burukova was nodding besides him. "With that last issue resolved we sincerely hope to bring back peace and stability to the Kalahari Sea."

 

[Taley]

Malwar Hall
Bhawan Palace​

"We at present have no problem with the JMLWP. The empire considered the disagreements between Justiza and the JMLWP to be internal, domestic issues. If Justiza wishes to allow them to participate in their governmental process then we will support them. If they chose to deny the JMLWP participation withing their governmental process then we will support them. Varanasi must insist that the Republic of Justiza make this decision without the prospect of threats against their people or sovereignty." Battacharjee looked at the Kadikistanis and then at the Justizan President.

[MENTION=83]Kadikistan[/MENTION] [MENTION=1839]Justiza[/MENTION]

 

[Furlanìe]

"We are not sure on this topic, if they will be freed they will be probably thretened by the citizens. If you agree we will accept to let them free but for their safety we will keep them under close surveillance" the justinian president said

 

[Kadikistani Union]

For the first time since the meeting began Tsjekova openly acknowledged the Justinian delegation. He would have rather not since regardless of the fact that the Justinian foreign minister had insulted members of rival families, she had insulted high standing Kadikistani's. That was something his honour could not suffer. But with the talks going so well and the Varanasi hosts indicating that they would not interfere in this matter, Tsjekova's pragmatic side prevailed as he looked straight at the Justinian president. "We agree with your proposal, but realize that we look after the well-being of our comrades abroad. If we have any indication that you are unlawfully persecuting members of the JMLWP, it will drastically reflect on the new found peace between our two nations." Kadikistan's second most powerful man paused for a moment before stating in a relieved fashion.

"As far as we are concerned we have no further matters to be discussed."

 

[Furlanìe]

"Excellent" said Benedetti while standing up from the chair with a slow movement "If we need to sign a treaty let me have it, this poor old man needs some oxigen, farewell" than he looked at the minister of defence and both left the room.