The First Frontier (Attn. Pelasgia)

[Great Engellex]

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Wuffingas Court, Dulwich​

May, 1957
Wuffingas Court, Dulwich, Angellex, the Engellexian Republic

It was a typically cool evening of May, 1957, and despite the vast expanse of halls, drawing-rooms, and corridors, the delicate elegance of the strings, playing celebrated Engell baroque composer

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, could be heard throughout - uplifting and haunting - Wuffingas Court, in West Dulwich. There had quite already been some thoroughly serious discussion on the erection of a new and properly established formal residence for the Lord-Protector of the Engellexian Republic, which would, they all desire, give great competition in both the prettiness of pennies and of the unbound splendour to those official residences belonging to heads of State in Europe's rather grander capitals; but in absence of any particular inclination on the part of the Lord-Protector-to-be, the ministers, senators, and other official Grandees of the Republic were all reasonably content to attend to the Lord-Protector-to-be in the dusty halls of the palatial sixteenth century Wuffingas Court, where the winter's chill of sixteen-ninety-two had snuffed out all hope of one's body ever being sufficiently warm. Privately Admiral-General Walter Drake cherished it for being a grossly intimidating and terribly inconvenient residence, thus hoping to forbid any actors of Republic importance from daring a step or two across the threshold of his somber domain; he was also quite drawn to it, hence his initial reasoning to acquire it for State Office, for its art, its history - including a solid number of famous beheadings, and the ability for the artistry of the Baroque Orchestra of Dulwich to be carried through its many, many rooms without any diminished and declined quality.

It was within the week of the first sitting of the Council of the Republic of the Fifth Protectorship, and all members of that Council - the executive authority of the Republic - were being transported by all manner of means, and across many distances and environments - the Southern leaders, of course, crossing the great expanse of the Thaumantic Ocean to attend Dulwich, and with the greatest fanfare, too. To be conveyed by way of an entire fleet was quite a decision of imperialist fashion for Engell ambition and design over the Thaumantic, it had even been quietly humoured in the drawing-rooms of the Great Houses of the Republic that the Lord-Protector wanted a foreign vessel to approach the fleet, simply so that the Republic would have an opportunity of blasting something out of the water. Action for the Republic Navy has been rather thin, and quite the cause of much consideration of lesser estimates for it by the Senate and Bare Commons; the ambassadors extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Republic to all capitals of Europe will no doubt be privately sitting down to suggest the Engellexian Republic is more persuaded to a style of gunboat diplomacy in these newer days than those previous. Of those attending Wuffingas Court the mode of conveyance was somewhat more honourable, and comfortably efficient, with the Stately black Rolls-Royce Phantoms IV assembled to deliver all number of guests and those invited for meetings - members of the Council of the Republic, the Republic's ambassadors from across Europe - yes, quite a few of them have been recalled, important members of the Senate, and a particular Pelasgian guest - attending on behalf of his imperial Sovereign, but only quietly so. The diplomatic shenanigans taking place in the middle of the first sitting of Council are to be held to a new standard of outward public silence, for many quarters of Europe are too confined to the tragically narrow interpretations of freedom and liberty to understand the First Republic's designs for Europe - designs which she hopes to persuade the Pelasgians to a joint enterprise on.

At this diplomatic meeting there were a number of people in attendance, representing quite a multitude of interests, and all sat on one side or another along the great table in the Hall of Banners. On the Engell side, well, the rather throne-like leather chair in the middle was a necessary reservation for the Lord-Protector-to-be, seated to his left - the Lord Governor of Elephant and Castle, then the Lord Lieutenant of Gewissex, the Lord Governor of Babbage, the Lord Lieutenant of Hwiccent, the Lord Lieutenant of Hammersmith, the Lord Lieutenant of the Gyrwassen Islands, the Lord-Guarantor of the Engellexic Thaumantic Company, the Lord-Guarantor of the Engell-Himyar Trading Company, and the ambassadors to Sheridan and the Socialist World Republic; from the right of the Lord-Protector-to-be sat the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Joint Committee, the Lord Lieutenant of Angellex, the Lady Governor of Henrietta, the Lord Lieutenant of Westellex, the Lord Governor of Somers Islands, the Lord Lieutenant of the Wergorent Islands, and the ambassadors to Pelasgia and Kadikistan. Immediately behind them stood a throng of advisers, including the two Captain-Generals of the two Armies, the two other First Lords of the Admiralties - Walter Drake being one of the three, and the Air-General of the Republic Air Force. Opposite the chair for the Admiral-General was Admiral and Sevastokratōr Theodoros Laskaris-Phouskarnakēs, half-brother of the Emperor of Pelasgia, and though it might seem without balance - the two sides along the table - the Pelasgian Empire was invited and encouraged to have a delegation entirely suited to its own estimation of the diplomacy to be had. Exactly at three - the bronze clock that sat imperiously centered on the mantle of the fireplace of stone did not finish striking - the Lord-Protector-to-be and Admiral-General of the Republic, the Viscount Walter Drake, entered in full service dress of the Republic Navy and adorned it was with the various medals of his recently acquired constitutional position as Lord-Protector.

When the Lord-Protector-to-be entered through the doors of the Hall of Banners the attendees of this particular diplomatic occasion had already just been seated along the great table. There was no given reason why the Admiral-General should not have arrived earlier, for he had enjoyed breakfast a good number of hours previous, and had lingered afterward over a selection of important state papers in the Scarlet Chamber with red silk damask walls and two-hundred year old furniture. But, more to the point of actual reasoning, why he dawdled over official papers, because he is a strategist, and thinking over an engagement to come often gave him a subtler positivity and focus than he could realise from simply just attending on time. This was especially the case when the engagement was a delicate affair, as his engagements now usually were, and this particular occasion the moment he pondered and considered was so extraordinary and required such care that - well, if he had timed his arrival in accord with every other attendee, and importantly the Pelasgian, he may not have entered the Hall of Banners with a more focused, and collected mindset than that which he did upon entering just now. Clutched to his breast was a blue leather-bound file with the words Ère des Trois Tiburs (Era of Three Tiburs)* etched on the front with gold lettering, and, like the title, the entire contents of the diplomatic file was documented in French*, since an unalterable and unquestioned law of Engell international texts required that the Engell documents of civilised diplomacy engaged with those in Gallia and along the Long Sea be written in French for the proper understanding of the Engellexian Republic Parlement for when they are taken in the context of previous, and possibly historical, diplomatic treaties and accords. This to the Engellexian Republic was seemingly as natural as all the other conventions on which the affairs of the country were moulded; such as the Senate conducting affairs in Engelsh, and the Bare Commons in both Engelsh and Modern Engellisċ, and the Constituent Assemblies in a variation of both.

It would appear that from the most honest of persuasion, that the Republic is pulled from her isolation, declared the Lord-Protector-to-be, with the subtle charm of triumph, to his assembled delegation and, of course, Theodoros Laskaris-Phouskarnakēs, as he pressed the leather file further onto his being. No expense had been spared on this occasion, which the Engell ambassadors, recalled and in attendance, acknowledged to be quite more elaborate than any setting of diplomatic discourse they have themselves attended in the countries they had been dispatched to. The walls of the cathedral-like Hall of Banners were very recently hung with golden silk damask - a colour thought most appropriate and in common between the Republic and the Empire. In the centre of the Hall, and with a stretching length of eighty-five feet, was a single mahogany table of great size, enough for one-hundred people, and finely but simply decorated by a fifty-piece setting of eighteenth century silverware service with its seventeen imposing and illuminating candelabra. Gigantic, well, considerably large flags - two, one of the Republic and one of Pelasgia - were hung majestically above the setting for the diplomacy, and were crafted to the highest of quality and of material, no industrially mass produced rubbish for Wuffingas Court. About the Hall, footmen, in scarlet velvet pattern jackets and white cotton breeches, and antiquated powdered wigs, affected a careful comprehension of the desires and instructions of all those in which they are there to serve, whether by word or glance, they - all seventy-five of them - attended dutifully, swiftly, but gracefully.

We've had our disagreements.. we certainly have had our disagreements, spoke the Lord-Protector-to-be languidly, as an actor would a stale part, and complacently seated himself upon his proper chair at the table. But, but.. long held I have indeed that we - the Engellexian Republic and the Pelasgian Empire - have been honest collaborators to the cause of an appropriately, if not an excellently, civillised Age for Europe. And though a number of differences have undone any hope of notable partnership, there exist - just - two nations in which I could only perceive to be adequately proper toward the greatest scheme of European advancement as to be in agreement for terms to be found to in time exist between the Republic and them, in equal and prominent collaboration, for the empowerment and obligation to a most civilised cause - the Pelasgian Empire and the Grand Duchy of Bourgogne.

Those grey, terribly cool days of many years past.. of the most splendid reserve to international considerations are quite happily at a close, and taking their place the First Republic will, quite well do so, I am sure, and am confident you will also find in time.

But, I daresay, not one of us - Republic, Empire or Grand Duchy - shall taste the bread of idleness, for there is much rumour and intrigue on whatever conventions have been had in Touyou, between those of Touyou, and in their own words - for Touyou. There can be not any doubt that they did discuss and arrive to terms for a binding treaty that would not simply neglect to serve our interests, but seek to forcibly dislodge them. It would have been quite the marvel to have been honoured with an attendance there, if only to affect the.. style of its prose, said the Admiral-General without alteration of his tone, beneath the politeness and affected concern of which mockery and even irony could be discerned, but for his own sharper delegates who at once were found smiling by the humour of his less than delicate jab toward the Touyou nations.

I do believe, Admiral and Sevastokratōr, Theodoros Laskaris-Phouskarnakēs, that any document of binding agreement that has surely emerged from the decrepit Courts of Touyou will be sufficiently compromised by a document we, here can reach terms on and be quite confident.

A document, to be writtern here, establishing binding collaboration between the Republic and the Empire, that will aid in the establishment of stability and permanent legality, quite essential to the preservation and extension of civilised Power in Europe. And from it a breach, I should see it prove, to the integrity, the command of the Revolutionary ideals, which from it shall pour the forces of moderation and respectable society, and deliver us from the barbarity and corruption of the Revolutionary aggression.

And while I am certain we will continue to disagree a great deal - the Republic itself founded on that particular liberty - still we must prevail if only to prove the Revolutionary States wrong that we will not reduce ourselves to irrelevancies by force of our arms over any disagreement that we should look to agree are lesser to the greater scheme. We have seen ourselves take steps back, but we must forget petty rivalries and march forward, in step, else the consequences for Europe are quite terrible to consider.

It is no small trifle to seek a new, a better Europe. We have our Republic, and you - your Empire, and we must always endeavour to keep them.

Foreign affairs and diplomacy, spoke he before a moments pause to observe a line or two from the carefully and properly prepared diplomatic document - the Ère des Trois Tiburs - which all at the table had been presented. I am increasingly persuaded that the oceans should belong exclusively to those that can Master* them, that other nations have no given right to challenge that possession - unless they can muster sufficient arms. We sincerely do believe that no nation has a right to command another, but the right to challenge another nation through arms is a right entirely distinct and separate.

[[OOC: *This French is quite possibly incorrect.. but one must try. *He refers to Engell and Pelasgian mastery of the seas, exclusively, and the Pelasgian delegation would be aware of that.]]

 

[Pelasgia]

His Highness, Admiral and Sevastokratōr Theodoros Laskaris-Phouskarnakēs was clad in the all-white uniform of the Imperial War Navy, his chest being covered with the decorations he had been awarded due to his rank and status as a member of the Imperial family, as well as his military service in a number of conflicts in the Empire's name, the most recent of which was pacification of Philistaea. Among his decorations were a golden-threaded fourragère and the azure sash and golden and red grand cross of the Imperial Order of Saint Valentian the Great, the Empire's second most senior order after the Imperial Order of Christ Pantokratōr. He stood before the Lord Protector of the Engellexian Republic, a fellow navy man, though they belonged to different navies, having just presented the committee with a long, white sheet of paper, whose ornate uncial letters extended to the bottom of the page, where the Emperor's signature was inscribed in a rare red ink, flanked by a pure golden seal. The document in question was a plyrexousion chrysoboulon, an Imperial decree granting whomever bore it complete negotiating power in the name of the Emperor and the Empire, so that whatever agreement they might reach be valid and binding for the Empire for all eternity and without reconsideration, unless otherwise specified within the agreement or the chrysoboulon itself.

"Our disagreements might be grave and, in some cases, even intrinsic to the nature and function of our respective Commonwealths," he declared after having listened to the Lord Protector's speech attentively; "However, we do find ourselves in a rather peculiar position: the security of both of our Commonwealths, as well as the liberty and justice of all of Europe, find themselves assailed by a common threat, whose name and identity is alien to neither the Empire nor the Republic, as one would be justified in assuming."

"That perilous menace, which has perfidiously sought to assail all that Pelasgia, Engellex and even Bourgogne hold dear and holy on every continent and every sea necessitates our forging a pact or accord which could regulate the relationship between those three mighty states, so that the torch of civilisation, which I dare say this room exemplifies, might not be extinguished but, rather, spread to all of Europe."

"Indeed, despite the differences which might divide the Pelasgian Empire, the Engellexian Republic and the Grand Duchy of Bourgogne, of which there are many, the wish to see civilisation spread to every corner of Europe is common and central to Propontis, Dulwich and Chagny alike," he remarked, his tone switching to one of evident yet not superfluous disdain and contempt as he uttered his next phrase; "There are two Eastern Realms which would style themselves our equals or even our superiors and would seek to liken or surpass themselves in ferocity, might and industriousness to our most terrible common foe; they have thus found themselves so confused that they know not who, if anyone, is bound by the treaties they have signed to assert a supposed dominion over Toyou."

"As for the dominion of the seas which Gloriana and Porphyrogennētē[SUP]1[/SUP] seem to hold over the waves, let us not forget that the rule of the sea is a grave matter[SUP]2[/SUP]. Moreover, the ocean is one of the few places where the strong truly do what their might permits them to and the weak invariably endure what their weakness prescribes[SUP]3[/SUP], in accordance with the laws of man since antiquity, if not with any other, superior rule or custom," he remarked, avoiding any reference to a God, knowing all too well what the views of his audience were on such a being.

"Whereas as the sea might be that domain from which our countries derive the most pride in ruling, the fair continent of Himyar is yet another environment where we find ourselves to be both dominating and coexisting. While there might be those who would seek to overthrow the current order of affairs in that continent and to terminate our rightful domain over it, together we can most certainly bring civilisation, peace and prosperity to all of Himyar, which is what makes the officialisation of our cooperation through a formal pact even more imperative and pertinent."

"In the realm of trade, too, we find ourselves in a similar state of affairs, a state which could be altered to our mutual benefit," the Admiral and Sevastokratōr said; "The bounds of trade would only serve to make the bonds of peace and cooperation stronger, while investing in us an unforeseen power to drive back those who would seek to spread barbarism and tyranny to all of Europe by painting the overthrow of reason, custom and legality as both justified and inevitable."

[1. Porphyrogennētē (Πορφυρογέννητη - lit. "she who was born in the purple"), is the national personification of Pelasgia, a true-born Empress, victorious military commander, pious virgin and a just ruler | 2. a quote from Pericles' Funeral Oration from Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War | 3. a paraphrased quote belonging to the Athenian delegation in the Melian Dialogue, from Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War - the Engellexians would probably understand these references, assuming they have received a classical education like RL British aristocracy]

 

[Great Engellex]

May, 1957
Wuffingas Court, Dulwich, Angellex, the Engellexian Republic

The Lord-Protector of the Republic was agitated; this extraordinary gathering not only of those of the Council of the Republic but also of the imperial Pelasgian and his delegation - all on behalf and with plenary powers of the Emperor - evoked in him a whole series of ideas he had long laid aside as the mere Admiral-General of the Republic but which were deeply graven in his mind - thoughts of Maritime Powers holding the balance, and powerful Companies seizing the wealth of lesser kingdoms for the benefit of their Mother Empire, or Republic. The words that had struck him in the address of the Admiral and Sevastokratōr Theodoros Laskaris-Phouskarnakēs - Gloriana and Porphyrogennētē seem to hold over the waves - strengthened this idea. And imagining that in this direction something important which he had long considered was possibly within reach by negotiation, he stepped back from the Pelasgian, watching him and listening as he continued to speak, and finding further confirmation of the ideas that too held his thoughts. The conditions of this diplomatic convention are so decidedly extra-ordinary, spoke he with greater a sonorous, musical, and aristocratic baritone voice. The language you have now held is so decidedly proper, and the feelings you have spoke of so.. justly adapted to the occasion that I not only receive with sincere pleasure the assurance of the friendly disposition of the Pelasgian Empire. But that I am very glad.. very glad, indeed, that the opportunity has fallen on myself and you to delicately navigate the course of these extra-ordinary negotiations.

Seated at the table they both continued conversing lightly - the Lord-Protector mentioning the Courts of Touyou and suspected treaties, Admiral and Sevastokratōr, too. The the Lord-Protector found himself reading his Ère des Trois Tiburs as Theodoros Laskaris-Phouskarnakēs spoke of trade, and he was listening, with the Pelasgian's words evoking enthusiasm to Walter Drake's ears and those elsewhere on the Engell delegation. One should be moved about to better discuss these matters, he instructed himself in thought. Besides the topics of Sovereignty and Maritime Domain that the Lord-Protector desired to discuss first but saw the notion surrender to others, Drake heard questions of how does one oversee industrial expansion in a truly free trade relationship between two such nations, whether there should be trade offs to protect and expand one another's critical industries and manufactures, and so on from the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Joint Committee, Lord Boxer, toward the Pelasgian side. The Lord-Protector was less inclined, believing such negotiations could become quite undecided and stalled, less matters of greater importance be settled. So, he dismissed the questions of Lord Boxer before any Pelasgian could answer them, by simply waving his hand languidly to his fellow Engell. The two aspects of what Dulwich had termed Sovereignty and Maritime Domain needed to be clarified and terms agreed at the earliest, before anything else Drake admitted to himself, having struck down the questions from Lord Boxer. I think that before discussing those questions, he began, we should ask Theodoros Laskaris-Phouskarnakēs - most respectfully ask his Highness - to oblige us on the feeling and design of our respective maritime positions.

A middle-aged man, handsome and virile, in the uniform of a retired naval officer, approached the table and dutifully unveiled

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, as long as the width of the table and of paper material. It was placed to their side, the Lord-Protector's right, and the Pelasgian's left. Drake eyed the hasty cartography, feeling stirred, and quite encouraged by the potential liberties being traded in the acceptance of these lines, or some lines quite similar.

Now, I do hope our proposition will be received with great interest, he began. It goes without saying that the substance of our negotiations is to be divulged to no one but his Imperial Majesty and his Imperial Majesty's government. It is a courtesy I of course extend to you, and assure you that none but those in whom the Republic holds complete trust are informed. Oblivious to Theodoros Laskaris-Phouskarnakēs, or perhaps not, the sentiment and intention of the Lord-Protector's words were more a passive warning to those along Drake's own delegation than careful advice to those of the Pelasgian. With a gesturing of his right hand, the Lord-Protector-to-be graciously sought to direct Theodoros Laskaris-Phouskarnakēs eyes to the map, as you may observe, I do not want Engello-Pelasgian relations to lack any in ambition. Reclining in to the depths of his leather-studded arm-chair, Walter Drake paused until he had the opportunity to seek out direct contact of eyes with Theodoros Laskaris-Phouskarnakēs; it all went very quiet.

The Republic desires to render the Thaumantic, the Clarencian, West Himyar, and much contained within, her own Sovereign possession, he admitted so delicately it could almost be described a whisper if not for the absolute silence of the Hall. Our chief concern is how to persuade our worthy Competitor - the Pelasgian Empire - to unite with the Republic in such an Enterprise of Imperialism? Traditional considerations.. currency, bettered commercial terms, all found wanting of the intrigue to keep you engaged at this table. No, I should not like to insult you so cheaply.

But it was observed... what does one offer a King who styles himself an Emperor? And I thought... an Empire - one worthy of such style and culture as his Imperial Majesty's. Turning to a page of the Ère des Trois Tiburs, the Lord-Protector-to-be spoke to detail his outlined ambition. Publicly our engagement is much less than would be liked. Together we do understand one another, evidently so, he said alluding to their opening words of common enemies and the like. For the Revolutionary leaders, daring and desperate is their spirit, whose object has always been dominion and power over all, have succeeded in openly renouncing all allegiance to civilisation, and destablished all connections to free and moderate Powers. Notwithstanding the fair prospect of our individual Arms, it is quite necessary to prepare for something different entirely. And what I propose is quite simple; we divide Europe between us and align our guns.

The Republic formally concedes Pelasgian Imperialdom over the Long Sea, the Kalahari, and the ocean of the Implarian; additionally we shall affect recognition of your possession of East Himyar, and any thing you can hold in South Touyou, as that under the Sovereignty of the Court of Propontis. And the Republic? I will affect the consolidation of the Wergorent Sea, the Clarencian, the Thaumantic Ocean, and West Himyar, under the absolute Sovereignty of the Engellexian Republic Parlement - and the Pelasgian Empire shall publicly acknowledge such efforts, in equal measure... to those of the Republic.

There can be no greater scheme than that which permits friends to the agreement of terms - in humble recognition and respect of another in equal feeling, for the eventual campaign of resisting and subduing our common enemies in a most equal partnership?

 

[Pelasgia]

Wuffingas Court, Dulwich, Angellex, the Engellexian Republic
May, 1957

Though the parlance pertaining to trade and industry was indeed enticing and important, any rather strong interest the Sevastokrator had had in it saw its place in his mental list of priorities diminished and usurped by the matter of dominion over the sea almost instantaneously, as the map of Europe detailing potential zones of influence and control was unveiled. Carving up the world, so to speak, was utmost wish of any Empire worthy of being called such, and never before had Theodoros seen it so blatantly and clearly done; in a way, he found the sight somewhat ironic, if not out of some anti-government columnist's fantasy, but could not help admitting a slight feeling of delight in how much simpler this literal approach to determining the boundaries of zones of influence was.

"You can rest assured," he started, "that any information related to these negotiations, as well as the very existence of the negotiations themselves, shall remain a closely guided secret, entrusted only to the highest authority in our land, and to those in its immediate proximity and deserving of its complete trust. One would not dream of extending information about such delicate affairs to anybody beyond His Imperial Majesty and a handful of Ministers and officials."

The Sevastokrator's eyes were fixated the map itself, carefully following the locations listed by the Lord Protector. Indeed, the arrangement proposed seem rather agreeable and equal; there was a minor nuisance in that Southern Himyari lands under the Empire's control would have coasts in a sea entirely under the Republic's control, but such an issue was balanced out by the agreement to recognise Pelasgian control over any territory in Toyou the Propontine Crown could place under its dominion, something which was perfectly in line with the Empire's ambitions in the peninsula across from Tephanon, to ensure complete control over the Pillars of Nearchus, known to foreigners as the Sortan Straights.

"The arrangement proposed seems to be equitable and mutually beneficial in all respects, serving as the basis for a true and just friendship. There is of course an assumption that Pelasgian civilian vessels would be able to leave and enter Imperial ports in seas under Engellexian control, while a rather minor presence of armed vessels, probably belonging to a coast guard of sorts, would be permitted to ensure the security of these areas. The same would, of course, be true, for Engellexian vessels in a similar state. This concern is primarily centered around the territories of Southern Himyar's eastern half, which are terrestrially under Pelasgian jurisdiction, but whose shores are watered by the Clarencian Sea. Of course, we also take it that the Burgundians, whose current naval might is not comparable to either one of ours, would not take it upon themselves to contest such an arrangement."

 

[Great Engellex]

May, 1957
Wuffingas Court, Dulwich, Angellex, the Engellexian Republic

The Engellexian Republic has long endeavoured to remain indifferent, even courteous, to the position and interest of Bourgogne, but the Engellexian Republic Parlement have now seen to be impatient to the silence of Chagny, and desire the Republic proceed with regard - to intervene in Europe with a willing respect and friendly disposition to Bourgogne - and be ever hopeful of their union to our European concern and civilising enterprise. There were possibly only one or two strong cards at most in the Republic's hands, and all things considered, the Lord-Protector-to-be was determined to play them adroitly. These were the international embarrassment that could be injured to Bourgogne by a severe escalation of the Revolutionary States against Chagny - while Chagny remains somewhat without formal alliances, and then there was the potent authority possessed by a negotiated Engello-Pelasgian alliance which Bourgogne would certainly desire a part of. Even though the Lord-Protector-to-be was reluctant to divulge on his interest, his intention, to approach Bourgogne to formally come to terms with Dulwich and Propontis for a triple alliance, he was delicate with his words toward the Pelasgian in respect of Bourgogne - positive, but not quite illuminating.

By our treaty, few nations will have claims by inheritance of territories and past empires, we will have claims - no - possessions by law and arms. Those few nations should need not fight us for the dominion of the seas as I am encouraged that accommodation should be given, but should they choose to challenge then I can see no reason why we should not permit them that honour, there are many within their governments and councils that might benefit from war I am sure, Drake said evenly. But rising within his chair to a stature of regal defiance, having noticed among the myriad faces sharp and most serious countenances, he continued, the Power of our fleets to dispatch their warships to the darkest depths of the oceans will not be seen wanting.

But you are quite right, a Europe much divided between ourselves we should observe the duty of our present discussions in the establishment of policy between us - to be acknowledged by such treaty - for the fair affecting of dominion that may see conflicting interest. Let us move then in discretion to a treaty between the Engellexian Republic and the Pelasgian Empire, to apportion the watery dominions between us, and divide the continent of Himyar to within our possession. The potency of the rule is paramount to the continuity of State and Power, and none else possesses that which we here hold. The Lord-Protector-to-be's fingers wrapped around the arms of his chair and narrowed his eyes on the leather-bound document. An aide dutifully opened to the correct page, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Joint Committee found that particular assistance rather curious.

TREATY OF FRIENDSHIP AND DOMINION
BETWEEN THE ENGELLEXIAN REPUBLIC AND THE PELASGIAN EMPIRE 1957​

Friendship - Article One - There shall be a Civilised, universal, and perpetual Friendship, as well by sea and air as by land, and a robust and strict Alliance established between the Honourable and Mighty of the Engellexian Republic, and his Imperial Majesty the Emperor of the Pelasgian Empire, and between their successors and heirs, republics and kingdoms, dominions, provinces, citizens and subjects, of what quality or condition so ever they be, without any exception; so that the High Contracting Parties shall give the greatest attention to maintain between themselves and their said dominions and peoples, this reciprocal Friendship and Alliance, without permitting, on either side, any kind of disagreement, by sea, by air, or by land, to be committed, from henceforth, for any cause, or under any pretence whatsoever, and everything shall be carefully avoided which might, hereafter, prejudice the union happily established, applying themselves, on the contrary, on every occasion, to procure for each other whatever may contribute to their mutual glory, interests, and advantages, without giving any assistance or protection, directly or indirectly, to those who would cause any prejudice of everything of the High Contracting Parties.

Alliance - Article Two - There shall be between the Engellexian Republic and the Pelasgian Empire, and between all their republics and kingdoms, dominions, provinces, and peoples, a most civilised, robust and inviolable cooperation; and a perpetual and sincere amity; and a strict and enduring Alliance during Any war against Any common enemy. The Engellexian Republic promises to engage in full assistance, to the utmost of its Power, the Pelasgian Empire in their struggle against the tyranny and usurpation of the Revolutionary States and common enemies of Both; and the Pelasgian Empire promises to engage the Engellexian Republic fully assisted, to the utmost of its Power, against the aggression and destruction by the Revolutionary States and common enemies of Both.

Alliance - Article Three - The High Contracting Parties agree to make common cause against the Revolutionary States and common enemies at a time of struggle against the tyranny and usurpation of the Revolutionary States and common enemies; and not to make Peace with Any of those Powers except by common consent.

The Andal Line - Article Four - In order to secure the permanence of Peace on solid and durable foundations, and to remove for ever all subject of possible dispute with regard to the limits of Engell and Pelasgian Sovereignty and Sovereign Interest on the continent of Himyar; it is agreed, that, for the future, the confines between the Engellexian Republic, and those of the Pelasgian Empire, in that part of Europe, shall be fixed irrevocably by a line drawn along the eastern limit of West Himyar, from the south-west border of Andaluz to the Mirmaran Lakes, and from thence, by a line drawn along their eastern embankments, south, to the Maranee Estuary, and to Bonne Bay; and for this feeling and understanding of Sovereign Interest, the Pelasgian Empire will cede the Concern of the far western province of the Socialist World Republic - Lymhosteys, and the Alsatien and Liberty islands in the Eastern Clarencian; the Engellexian Republic guarantees to cede all inherited and legal claims, including the pertaining rights held by such claims, that everything which is situated, or ought to be situated correctly, on the right side of the Andal Line and north of the limit of Lymhosteys; both the Engellexian Republic and the Pelasgian Empire shall legally observe that the navigation of the seas and oceans surrounding the continent of Himyar be equally free, as well as to the citizens of the Engellexian Republic, as to those subjects of the Pelasgian Empire, in the whole breadth and length; it is further stipulated that the vessels belonging to the peoples of either nation, shall not be stopped, visited, or subjected to the payment of any duty whatsoever.

Thaumantic Dominion - Article Five - In consequence of the stipulations in the preceding Articles of One, Two, Three, and Four, the Pelasgian Empire cedes and guarantees, in full right, to the Engellexian Republic, the Thaumantic Ocean, with the Wergorent Sea and the Clarencian Sea, as well as all that possessed within, from north to south, from the eastern limit of the Implarian Ocean and east to the middle of the Varden Strait. And, in general, everything that depends on the countries, and lands, with the Sovereignty, property, possession, and all rights, acquired by stipulations of preceding Articles or Otherwise, which the Pelasgian Empire have had till now considered and recognised Domain of Maritime Power, which, till now, both nations were Competitors within; so that the Pelasgian Empire cedes and makes over the whole to the Engellexian Republic, and that in the most ample manner and form, publicly, legally, and politically. The Engellexian Republic agrees, on its side, to grant to the mercantile and commercial enterprises of the Pelasgian Empire, the liberty of free and unhindered navigation of the Thaumantic Dominion. It is also stipulated that the Pelasgian Empire shall not have the liberty to cause all the effects, that may and do belong to it as a Sovereign Maritime Power, to be brought upon the Thaumantic Dominion in enjoyment of free and unhindered navigation, as indulged by private national peoples, whether it be Arms of sea, air, or land, or other things; such concerns are stipulated to belong to the friendly and sincere discourse of the Allied Powers, for equal understanding and cooperation.

Implarian Dominion - Article Six - In consequence of the stipulations in the preceding Articles of One, Two, Three, and Four, the Engellexian Republic cedes and guarantees, in full right, to the Pelasgian Empire, the Implarian Ocean, with the Long Sea and the Kalahari Sea, as well as all that possessed within, from north to south, from the western limit of the Thaumantic Ocean and west to the middle of the Varden Strait. And, in general, everything that depends on the countries, and lands, with the Sovereignty, property, possession, and all rights, acquired by stipulations of preceding Articles or Otherwise, which the Engellexian Republic have had till now considered and recognised Domain of Maritime Power, which, till now, both nations were Competitors within; so that the Engellexian Republic cedes and makes over the whole to the Pelasgian Empire, and that in the most ample manner and form, publicly, legally, and politically. The Pelasgian Empire agrees, on its side, to grant to the mercantile and commercial enterprises of the Engellexian Republic, the liberty of free and unhindered navigation of the Implarian Dominion. It is also stipulated that the Engellexian Republic shall not have the liberty to cause all the effects, that may and do belong to it as a Sovereign Maritime Power, to be brought upon the Implarian Dominion in enjoyment of free and unhindered navigation, as indulged by private national peoples, whether it be Arms of sea, air, or land, or other things; such concerns are stipulated to belong to the friendly and sincere discourse of the Allied Powers, for equal understanding and cooperation.​

 

[Pelasgia]

Wuffingas Court, Dulwich, Angellex, the Engellexian Republic
May, 1957

The Sevastokrator looked through the document diligently, having heard the Lord Protector's words attentively. The wording certainly left no room for error or insincere interpretation, as one would expect of the Engellexians, he remarked to himself silently. Effectively putting all that had been discussed in writing, including the map shown by the Lord Protector to the Sevastokrator, its added clauses pertaining to freedom of navigation and a binding alliance and commitment to friendship between the two maritime powers certainly helped in alleviating any concerns the Propontine Crown might have had over the areas where the spheres of control of the Empire and the Republic overlapped.

He motioned one of his aides, who came forth bearing a case with a pen, a seal and two inboxes. The former was meant for the signature of a Sevastokrator, who bore the privilege of signing using a special and rather expensive blue ink ex officio; the latter was a small version of the personal seal of the individual Sevastokrator, which in Admiral Phouskarnakes' case consisted of his personal arms, the black eagle of the Laskarid dynasty on a golden field and the white Virgin Mary with Jesus on a blue field quartered, surrounded by an inscription in a ceremonial version of uncial Pelasgian bearing the full name and title of the Sevastokrator. The seal was meant to be stamped right next to the signature on the document, while a larger silver seal was to be attached separately on the document afterwards. Before touching either instrument, he spoke to the whole committee, though the focus of his speech was clearly the Lord Protector, whom he perceived to be the authority in the room.

"The treaty which you propose is indeed necessary and, I might say, imperative for our continued dominion over Europe and for the bringing about of a state of peace and prosperity between our two great Empire and, by extent over the whole world," he said; "I hope you will then permit me to add that this well-drafted and thought of treaty encompasses the wishes, ambitions and desires of both of our countries, as expressed today, in this very room. As such, the Pelasgian Empire would be more than willing to accede to such a pact, should a similar wish be found in our Engellexians counterparts."

"Of course," he added, "since it the Engellexian delegation which first brought this proposal to the table and went through the trouble of drafting it, and since we are, after all, visitors to your great land, I find that the honour of signing the treaty first could only be afforded to the Engellexian delegation, headed by the honourable Lord Protector."