The Gallian Reset [ATTN: Serenierre]

[Oneida]

“You should be careful as to not show any sort of superiority over her but also neither to show any sort of out of the normal respect for her position,” Chief of Staff Susanna Petit explained “She is the Head of State of a foreign country, who happens to be a she.”

“Enough,” Sanabria threw his hands up at his Chief of Staff “I do not need to be briefed on how to handle a fucking woman. I’m not a fucking idiot.”

“But you are an Aurarian,” one of his aides spoke, while ironing his white shirt. The President shot him a look “I am just saying, there’s a reputation.”

“Same for the Elbener,” the President said under his breath, rising to his feet. He walked over to a large window in his office that gave an immaculate view of the Moro Gardens. He picked up a glass of Gunnish Whiskey.

“Really?” Susanna asked “It’s quite early.”

“Not in Touzen,” the President replied.

“Are we in Touzen?” Susanna shot back – but she was interrupted with a knock on the door. In came Communications Director Dana Ortega y Gisset.

“Mr. President,” she said “Here is your briefing material on the current situation in Retalia. Along with a refresher on Occitania.”

“Thank you,” the President answered. He walked over to the counter that Dana had put the folder on. On the way, he grabbed his shirt and threw it on. “Cufflinks?”

“They’re so tacky,” his aid replied – the President nodded in agreement as he began shuffling the documents in his briefing book. He paused on a map of the division of Occitania. “They really do surround us,” he thought. His aid came to his side, setting down a purple silk tie that he was so well known to wear.

“Again?” he asked, the aid nodded.

Sanabria wrapped the tie around his neck and started the process of tying it, without taking his eyes off of the briefing book in front of him. Susanna walked up and stood next to him.

“The media storm about this meeting,” she started “it certainly sends a message. A lot is on the line here. I wonder how the Pelasgians will react to this.”

“Shouldn’t be much of a bother,” Sanabria replied “Last I checked, Serenierre was a Gallian nation. We need some sort of relationship here that isn’t based on antagonism. Imagine what we can accomplish.”

Dana looked at her phone as a text came in. “Mr. President,” she stated “I’ve just gotten word that Premier Martinique has arrived. She’s on her way to Marisela Palace as we speak.”

Sanabria nodded, and grabbed his suit jacket, throwing that on as he walked out of the room. He continued down the halls of the ornate Marisela Palace – originally built as the home of the Aurarian Kings. The Palace was certainly not humbled once the Republicans moved in, no matter how much it was claimed that the building now belonged to the people. It seemed that every corner the President turned a new aid would follow his entourage. As he turned the final hall, two members of the Republican Guard opened the doors in the Presidential Reception Room.

He then stood and waited as Premier Martinque arrived.

 

[Serenierre]

In contrast to the cold winters of Villesen, the Aurarian capital to the south was genuinely quite pleasant in winter. As Elisabeth Martinique stepped out of the official aircraft out onto the tarmac, to be received by the welcoming committee and the ambassador. A sea of cameras faced her all through the guard of honor and till the motorcade was on its way to the presidential palace.

As the armoured cars made their way through the city, Elisabeth found herself lost in thought. While she was quickly becoming the most important leader in Gallia, her personal life was in shambles. Her son hated her for what he believed were her war crimes. Her husband had gotten his third mistress pregnant. And Claude, her personal secretary-cum-paramour had stopped exciting her as much as before. Forget about it, she told herself and tried to distract herself. Her attention fell on the flags and the crowds lining the streets. Sanabria had given her the full protocol it seemed. Quite surprising.

The purpose of the summit was rather a mystery to some degree but she could guess that the hostility of the Aurarians had melted away when they had measured the pros and cons. After all, it was not far off when the doyens of many an Aurarian salon treated the Serenien ambassador as the devil incarnate following the use of chemical weapons in Occitania during the war. But something seemed to have changed. Though what exactly that was remained to be seen.

As Marsiela Palace emerged into view, Elisabeth couldn't help but notice the contrast between the presidential residence and the residence of the Serenien leadership. Where the Aurarians had a neo-classical palace with easy accessibility to the public, the Serenien had a formidable fortress hidden behind high stone walls. It said a lot about the styles of leadership in both countries.

The delegation accompanying her followed behind in other limousines but she exited the car first. "Monsieur Sanabrie," she said in her Serenien accent, unable to quite get his name right in Aurarian, so she had decided to use the Frankish equivalent of the surname. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance and I must say that your capital city is one of the most beautiful cities in Gallia."

 

[Oneida]

President Sanabria smiled and extended his hand. “Madam Premier.” As soon as the two shook hands, the buzzing of snapped photos and the accompanying flash of the cameras dazzled the room. This was not the first time that President Sanabria had welcomed a foreign leader, but to welcome the leader of Serenien – in these times, was significant…and seemingly abrupt.

Flanking the President was Consul Varela, Minister Ferreiro, the Aurarian Ambassador to Serenierre, and Chief of Staff Susanna Petit. The media was segmented to a corner of the room that was deemed by the Aurarians to provide the best lighting and backdrop for what would undoubtedly be a well dispersed image.

“Certainly, Madam,” Sanabria continued “As an Aurarian, I always have a taste for the theater of it all, but we have much to discuss. We can entertain the Press in time.”

President Sanabria turned to stand next to the Premier, providing one last photo op for the President before turning to point her to the door. As the two turned their back, he lifted his arm to her back – one last photo op for PR purposes.

“Thank you for your comments on Solis,” he told her “the Architects of Solis throughout the century have always kept the streets of Villesen in mind. Our ancestors are likeminded in their senses that capitals should be reflective of the splendor of the country itself.”

The seemingly endless hallways of Marisela Palace finally ended as two members of the Republican Guard opened two large mahogany doors to an ornate room. The walls were lined with books, a fireplace in the center. Two large windows flanked the fireplace, but the curtains stopped much light from coming in. A gold chandelier provided a nice break of color from the wooden paneling and the cluster of different colors from the binding of the books. Two large couches sat opposite of one another in the center of the room. Several other chairs were arranged as well, to accommodate the entire delegation.

“I hope you do not mind,” the President stated “I spend a significant amount of time in stuffy conference rooms, as I am sure you do. This room is a little less formal, more comfortable.” He motioned for her to take a seat. The President, Consul Varela, and the Chief of Staff sat on the couch across from the Premier after she took her seat.

“I want to start by thanking you for coming,” Sanabria began “but I now assume you want to know why I asked. Kadikistan has destroyed Trivodnia, created a puppet state in Polesia, is placing military equipment into Crotobaltislavonia. Eiffelland, even after its annexation of Retalia, remains in shatters and is retreating from the world stage. Pelasgia, the last true ally of Trier, abandoned the accord and thus killed Trier – at the request of the Aurarians. Additionally, ECONAMS is unifying monarchist states on our continent and afar. The Council of the North is growing by incorporating Caledonia. Justosia, the rogue state, is working to unify monarchists in a new bloc to oppose global communism.”

President Sanabria paused, giving the translators time to do their job.

“Serenierre attacked Occitania after it tried to close off the Retalian Sea. It was warned, it did so anyway. Serenierre responded with a brutal campaign, one that resulted in chemical weapons. Destructive, but quick. I’m not in the business of judging the Serenien Government’s decision. What I am in the business of is stopping a monarchist bloc from growing and throwing this continent in perpetual war. I believe, even with Serenierre’s partnership in Rurikgrad, that there is more that binds us than separates us. At the end of the day, though, should the specter of war once more fall on Europe…I would much rather be allied to like-minded nations than the abhorrent far right countries currently forming their alliances. We are here today to start a dialogue that could fundamentally alter the politics of this continent.”

 

[Serenierre]

"This is admittedly a rather interesting perspective," Elisabeth noted. "I agree with your sentiment that there are dangerous elements uniting in a variety of manners, be they monarchic or fascistic, two ideologies which are wholly against the principles of republicanism or that of one-party democracy as espoused by Marxist Serazinism, as I am sure you're aware."

"I rather thank you for your diplomatic candor on the Occitanian situation. While it ended in a positive way for us, do not think for a single moment that I don't wear the burden of using those horrible weapons heavy on my heart. It was atrocious but we were compelled to use them and that too only on a tactical footing to clear out guerillas. But I do believe a strong Gallia has always been the desire of the Villesen government and I am not averse to broaching the topic of a grand moment of reorientation in our regional affairs. But, of course, at this stage, if we do engage in any conversation it can only ever be a preliminary discussion. Having said that, I say this: I have come to Solis to hear and to discuss everything with an open-mind and without the prejudices of the past hanging over us and it is my hope that the sentiment is reciprocated by your good self," she smiled disarmingly.

 

[Oneida]

President Sanabria nodded at Premier Martinique’s candor.

“Let’s first begin in an area where I believe our two countries will find agreement. It will be the official stance of the Aurarian Republic that the Retalian Sea, due to its vital importance to global trade routes, that they should be classified as international waters and allow for the free passage of trade vessels. The same goes for the Long and Hamar Seas…we will reject any such attempts to nationalize or restrict the free flow of commerce.”

“Additionally, the current map of Gallo-Germania is to be maintained. The direct line that Ivar has achieved, through Crotobaltislavonia, to Bourgogne, Lars, Fleur, Bergenheim, and Gunnland presents a serious threat to the sovereignty of each of those nations. Occitania, well East Occitania, brings up several concerns – however. Its alliance with the Justosians presently a clear danger to Auraria. The Justosian Kingdom has been decidedly hostile toward the Republic with no provocation. Auraria will take the steps necessary to secure our homeland – even if it requires action against Occitania. I would trust that the Serenien would not implicitly support a government that is hostile to the Aurarians.”

“The Aurarian Republic has embarked on several programs to enhance its defense. As you may know, I recently passed the biggest increase in defense spending in the country’s history. This money will go toward modernizing dated equipment, expanding current programs, and increasing personnel. I want to show that this is in good faith by proposing a non-aggression pact between our two countries.”

 

[Serenierre]

Elisabeth looked directly at Sanabria. Her gaze focused directly into his. "That is an awfully generous undertaking to give," she shifted her weight in the arm chair, "I believe until quite recently the Aurarians did not have any firm opinions on the Retalian. But I cannot say that I am not pleased to note the change in policy. For far too long, the Germanic nations have held a hegemonic control over the waters of the Retalian Sea. But Mr. President, while I am in wholehearted agreement about the Long Sea... I find myself ever so slightly unconvinced with respect to the Hamar. It is simply far too distant for us to be effective in... backing the policy."

She knew any attempt by the Gallians to intervene so far into the Hamar Sea would irk the Kadikistani and that was not a tussle that Elisabeth wanted to undertake so openly so close after the end of the war.

"As to your second point, I must inform you that the 1956 Memorandum between Kadikistan and Serenierre has ensured that not one aspect of Leninovism has entered Gallia. They tried in the 1950s to infiltrate into Borovanger and Generalissimo Serazin, himself, launched an incursion into that country and brought the neutral confederation into existence there. While I cannot comment about the realities of Germania, I can categorically agree that there is no space for Leninovism or any other proselytizing ideology in Gallia. Our proud and ancient land is not the playground for these dangerous things."

"I am in agreement that the actions of East Occitania are arguably incredibly irresponsible and dangerous for stability in the wider region. The alliance with Justosia is rather a pointless undertaking which I believe will cause them greater trouble down the line. But I would also imagine that Auraria, too, would not support a government which is hostile to Serenierre. Should your generals advise action. Our response will mirror the response from your end when we were called to action in the war last year."

"Yes," she sipped her tea, "It is quite the talk of town. Your defense expansion has sent many in our defence industry into an excitable state." However, when the President mentioned a non-aggression pact, she suppressed a smile. Ah! The Aurarians are scared, she thought of herself. But she filed that away in her mind, before continuing, "While I am not at liberty to commit entirely to such a proposition, I can tentatively say that such a notion is not entirely against our vision for a strong and peaceful Gallia."

"However, Mr. President," she said, "What thoughts have you had over enhanced economic cooperation? As you may know, nothing ensures a better and stronger peace than a robust and dynamic economy. What have the minds in Solis thought of working with us Serazinists on that front?" a wry smile crossed her lip.

 

[Oneida]

“It’s not generosity,” President Sanabria replied “It’s a simple matter of international trade that we cannot ignore, nor allow the Eiffelretalians to threaten.”

In truth, the Aurarian Government’s interest in the Grand Duchy of Lars as a strategic partner made it essential that the Retalian Sea remain international waters. It was a great opportunity, then, that improving relations with Serenierre coincided with a foreign policy goal of the Aurarians.

“I appreciate Serenierre’s commitment to containing Marxist-Leninovism to Germania, but I do to some extent worry that after some time the ideology simply cannot be contained. The concern of the Aurarians is not communism itself, a simple look to the philosophies of our own politics can assure one of that, but we are concerned with Leninovism’s blatant perversion of republican values. We reject rule by birthright as much as we reject a false Republic that seeks to further the condition of human suffering. Unfortunately, virtually all Germanian states suffer from that condition.”

The President leaned back and drank from a glass of wine that had been provided. In Auraria, it was not considered atypical to drink at any time of the day or in any situation. To think otherwise was a condition of foreign puritanism that the Aurarians were certainly conscious of, but not particularly moved to consider.

“Certainly,” he agreed “enhancing the bonds between our two countries will go a long way toward increasing our relationship and securing peace. I need to admit that a free trade agreement will likely not pass the National Court, this will need to be a relationship that the Aurarians and Serenien work toward building before we can commit to a such an action. However, I do believe we can benefit from a reduction in trade barriers and general encouragements, incentivization for trade across the border. Aurarian businesses are looking to invest in foreign countries and develop new markets, so designated areas with some form of tax-exemptions are viewed favorably by Solis. Obviously, whatever the Serenien provide, we are willing to reciprocate.”

 

[Serenierre]

"The Eiffello-Retalians, and dare I say even the Monarchist Occitan, are unpredictable at this time. The changes of the year past have been profound. In many ways, I believe the dust has yet to settle. The risk of radicalisation of the masses is quite high at present. But a united regional outlook would greatly help in ensure stability."

Elisabeth leaned forward and listened intently to the President. His passion in opposing Leninovism was quite evident, dare she admit, almost attractive. "Oui, the ideologies of Marx or leftism at large are not problematic; after all, has Serenierre not provided a good-neighborly presence on your frontiers since the Sérazinist Revolution of the 1920s?" It was true. Historically, the most tension between the two countries all belonged to the era of rival competing monarchies. The switch to Republicanism and Sérazinism had brought peace, albeit with some aloofness, to the southern fringe of Gallia. "In fact, one could perhaps say that Auraria and Serenierre have espoused a variant of social democratic thought in its unique forms, we have followed the principles of one-party democracy and you have a leftist democratic spectrum. The future of Gallia is not authoritarian or monarchist and I think Solis and Villesen can find very important common ground on that."

"Well, yes, a free trade agreement would be shot down by the Commissariat as well," she thought about how strong the opposition would be in the legislature and felt herself recoil even the suggestion, "But that is why I speak of an enhanced economic relationship, which would include, just as you propose, granting a most-preferred nation status for trade purposes, which would entail a number of reductions of tariffs and duties on a range of goods, which I believe the Commissariats of Finance and Trade would handle from our end and I believe the Ministry of the Treasury would from yours?" She nodded when told the answer. "Ultimately, despite our disagreements, as immediate neighbours, we must realize that the benefit in working together is far greater than opposing one another. But more important than trade for that overarching goal is increased people to people contact, for which I believe we need greater opportunities for cultural exchanges and educational opportunities," she took out a few pages from a file in front of her, "I propose that one of the first steps we undertake is to bring forth a scholarship... Aurarian students in Serenien universities and vice-versa."

"I'm sure your young people would find Villesen slightly dour, but Monserans has a very jovial culture... much more in line with Aurarian sensibilities." Everyone knew the debauched antics that went on in the Aurarian islands. In fact, many People's Deputies were lobbying her to press for easier visa access to Auraria. "So, of course, visa restrictions would be loosened as well. I think visa-free access for 60 days is reasonable?"

 

[Oneida]

The President nodded at the Premier’s suggestion of a united regional outlook and the relative peace that has existed along the Auro-Serenien Border, even if that border had now been forcibly expanded to include Western Occitania as well – encompassing the Aurarian state to the Serenien.

“I imagine it must be easier to have one political party,” the President said, commenting on the fact his coalition has numerous parties and the National Court itself had nine parties in total. He turned to Consul Varela, who nodded with a smirk. Susanna, on the other hand, gave a stark disapproval as she considered the political fallout of the Aurarian President musing over a single-party state to the Serenien Premier. In spite of her warnings, he continued speaking “It can sometimes be difficult to pass even the simplest of legislation without convincing the Republican Left of Tauritania how it benefits the Commonwealth’s special autonomy.”

He grabbed the pages that the Premier handed him, chuckling at the comment of the impression the Aurarian youth would get in Villesen.

“I am very much so in favor of the idea,” he started “In my years at university I have always regretted not traveling abroad. Even being so close, the Serenien Society is still different from the Aurarian. I think it can only strengthen the resolve of the Aurarian psyche to see the world outside our own.”

He handed the documents to Susanna, who immediately analyzed them as if her life were dependent upon it. To the point of visa-free travel, the Aurarians have always been…loose with their borders. While the liberations of the Aurarian State was the exclusive gift of its citizens, it would be a crime to not allow others to enjoy their natural hedonism that puritan societies sought so strongly to suppress. Plus, the Aurarian climate was far more agreeable than the Serenien.

“Of course,” Sanabria replied “visa-free travel is something that can be arranged. How selfish it would be to keep all the luxuries of our country to ourselves.”

The President leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms, covering his mouth his hand before leaning forward once again toward Martinique.

“There is one more thing I think it imperative to discuss,” he started “I find it imperative that the idea of Gallo-Germania be replaced with Gallia and Germania. It’s a subtle, but all too important distinction. Germania is riddled with brutal regimes under the control of religious zealots, leninovists, powerful monarchists and as such the continent has been riddled by war. Part of that constant struggle, I find, is the divide between the Trier Concord and the Rurikgrad Pact. Now Trier is dead and my foreign Minister had worked diligently to get the Pelasgians to withdraw from it to eliminate the alliance’s primary military backer…and remove Himyari influence from the continent. The Eiffellanders will spend a significant amount of time licking their wounds, I doubt they’ll be an issue.”

He paused for a bit, considering his words.

“The Rurikgrad Pact,” he paused again “alternatively, has never been more powerful. Now, you have assured me that it is Serenierre’s position to impede Leninovist influence in Gallia and I believe that to be the case – genuinely. However, let us not pretend that Serenierre is not a member state of the Rurikgrad Pact therefore will always, to some extent, allow Leninovist forces to have a foothold in Gallia. Germania cannot be saved, but Gallia can. I have often juggled the idea of a Gallian Council to oversee the affairs of this continent and ensure its perpetual peace and prosperity. However, I can never convince my government to move forward on that unless the Pact’s ties in this continent are severed. I need to know the true nature of Serenierre’s connections to Ivar and the dynamic that will play for our relationship.”

 

[Serenierre]

"One party? I believe the President has failed to consider the doctrine of one-party democracy and the vibrant tradition of discourse within the Communist Party of Serenierre," Elisabeth said with an exasperated tone. It always irked her, having to explain the concept to foreign leaders who simply threw Serenierre into the same category as the traditional Marxist states of the east. "The Commissariat of People's Deputies is full of debate that my Bloc has to navigate, so I well understand the intricacies of the legislative process."

She smiled at the mention of the Ruriksgrad Pact. "Well, we are closely associated due to historical and philosophical links, but nowhere near as close as the impression prevails in the minds of the public ad rem. I imagine the view that Serenierre is in bed with them is a gross exaggeration by the media. Regarding your concerns, during the Seven Days War, while all of Germania saw itself engulfed in flames, not a single troop of the Ruriksgrad Pact came to our aid in Occitania. Not even one. So I don't think the perception of Leninovism having a foothold in Gallia is true. They tried in the 1950s in Borovanger to smuggle that ideology in and Serenierre, again, singlehandedly fought and kept them out. We have always kept Gallia free of Leninovism or other dangerous ideologies such as Prometheism or Fascism. I don't necessarily think that Villesen needs to exculpate itself in that regard. "

While her words were beginning to show edge, Elisabeth's voice remained smooth and calm, "But if you ask, Ivar and Villesen through the course of history have developed a strong bilateral relationship on the topics of technological and economic cooperation. We have bilateral treaties which respect the ideological differences we both have. It is a relationship which dates back to the days when the wider international community spurned Serenierre due to the Revolution and there is history there. But it is also equally true that tensions do persist. The nuances perhaps would be better conveyed by your ambassador in Ivar and Villesen. But Serenierre ensures that Kadikistan keeps out of Gallia. The only reason Gallia is in a better state is because of the agreements my predecessors struck with the regimes in Ivar."

"Mr. President, you have invited me to your capital and propose a Gallian Council and yet at the same time there is a sense that you are pointing fingers. This I must admit seems ever so slightly discourteous from my vantage point. But, I do believe that we have also achieved many things so it would be better to focus on the areas of cooperation that we can move forward on rather than obsessing on the points of divergence."

"A Gallian Council is very much something will enable a stronger region that plays a beneficial role in the world. Gallia has a complex history which needs resolution and such a council would indeed go a long way in doing so."