Spring Fever

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Rijeka was as beautiful as ever, Commissar Dusan Mejic thought. He had taken the train to work, as usual, and was watching the Dunay river promenade to his left where some early morning people walked their dogs or spent sunrise with their lovers. A mild warmth was hanging in the air, the typical Carentanian warmth. Rarely ever was it cold, but just as rarely Carentania became a hot country. Overall, it was a pleasant land, at least that was what every citizen thought when the bright red sunlight broke through the fog in the city's streets.

Surely it would have been unusual for any other country's government officials to travel by train, together with the morning commuters. But from Carentanian politicians, this was expected, even during more dangerous times than the current. After all, they had to keep in touch with the remaining population, stay true to their proletarian ideals. And besides that, Carentania could easily be considered a safe country. During its existence, the Workers' Republic had nourished an attitude of "looking out for each other" in its population, installed a sense of civil courage in them and, renouncing a general police force, based its executive around the general populations awareness.

This, Commissar Mejic was convinced, had worked quite well. Of course, no system will ever be perfect and there was the occasional case of self-justice, but the laughter of the capitalist world and their prophecies of chaos and terror had died out over the decades as Carentania managed to prove to the world that it had built a stable society. Yes, Mejic trusted everyone on this train to team up on a possible attacker and make sure he would be brought to justice. But just in case, the Commissariate for Inner Security had tasked two agents with the protection of the Commissars each.

Finally, Mejic shook off the thoughts about this daily routine and the structure of the Carentanian society. His work day would involve more important tasks, as the Vangalan ambassador awaited him for talks about the future relationship of their two countries. Carentania, reaching out for the world after all these decades again, knew that Vangalas relative isolation meant it could be willing to make some political concessions in order to gain the Workers' Republics' support. And that aside, it could never hurt to have a thorn in the side of the world biggest fascist and imperialist empire grow larger.

 

[Polesia]

Sitting in the back of his chauffeur-driven luxury saloon, cruising alongside the River Dunay watching the warm rays of the rising red Sun gently remove the blanket of fog that had been loosely wrapped around Rijeka, Ambassador Chhabi Das wished he was back in Vangala to enjoy Spring. Women would be dressed in bright yellow saris, the markets full from the recent harvests, the long, hot days returning and the atmosphere full of anticipation as Vangalan New Year approached.

As the car followed the black four-by-four filled with security personnel around the corner and towards the Embassy, Chhabi checked his appearance for the final time in the reflection of the flawlessly cleaned windows. Today he was meeting with Commissar Dusan Mejic, responsible for Carentanian foreign policy. Vangala and Carentania had much to discuss, and the Ambassador's briefcase was heavy with relevant notes and documents. Both were socialist states in a largely hostile world, both were candidates in the Security Council elections, both interested in the complex and bloody situation in Ratomkira and both needed as many allies as possible.

Since the dissolution of the International Revolutionary Bloc, Rijeka had sent feelers out to Kilkila, offering aid to Vangala's impoverished and to the thousands of refugees that had amassed, fleeing the violent in neighbouring Ratomkira. Yet for ties to grow stronger and closer, everyone in the Vangalan Communist Party knew the Carentanians would demand political reform, an idea that sat uncomfortably with the elite.

They had arrived at the Embassy and were now rolling past the opened gates towards the entrance. Stopping just outside the doors, Ambassador Chhabi waited patiently for his door to be opened before heading inside, where he would wait for Commissar Mejic.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Commissar Mejic smiled as he arrived, five minutes earlier than announced, at the Vangalan embassy. Not letting someone wait was considered common courtesy in Carentania and even moreso by Dusan Mejic, who had been elected to the head of the Commissariate for Foreign Affairs based on the fact that he was a nice man with an almost obsessive cordiality. The perfect diplomat, he would never let slip an insult against anyone, which meant that many of the harsher notes from the Commissariate were written by one of the secretaries or under-secretaries working with him. But, contrary to popular belief, Mejic was still able to speak clearly of his intentions and say no, when appropriate. He was by no means a weak diplomat.

"Ah, Mr. Chhabi, a pleasure to meet you," Commissar Mejic greeted the Vangalan diplomat warmly.

"I hope you are not too surprised by our rather suddenly organized meeting. We had wanted to make something with more... grandeur to it, but to be frank, time ran us away and we had to do with this hushed talks. That we just meet as if our intention was to just drink a cup of tea together should not fool you, though. Carentania considers this meeting highly important and I wished to personally lead them to ensure a success on behalf of both our countries, as there is a lot to gain."

Sitting down, Commissar Mejic continued.

"I believe we should begin with that issue which we can most easily come to an agreement on and proceed to the more tricky ones as our meeting progresses, do you agree? In my opinion that would mean we begin with talks on the Security Council elections. Carentania wants to be in it and desires Vangalas vote. Meanwhile, for us, it is already our intention to cast a vote for your country, so I believe with both our aims being for a strong socialist representation in the Council of Nation, this settles the issue."

 

[Polesia]

Normally a dour person who spent his hours reading theoretical works of Vangala's and Communism's greatest thinkers, Chhabi Sen could not help but smile slightly as Dusan Mejic spoke. Having served as the Ambassador for the People's Republic to Carentania for a long time, he had met the Commissar several times and while relations between the two countries had at times been frosty, Mejic never was: he was always a warm, pleasant character.

As the Commissar finished, Chhabi poured them both a cup of tea, as was customary back in the Motherland, before sinking further back into his chair, enjoying the comfort of his private office.

"Comrade-Commissar Mejic," The Ambassador always insisted on calling Dusan that. "I take no offence at the hasty arranging of this meeting and nor do my superiors back in Kilkila. In fact, the Communist Party places a very high priority on our relationship with Carentania and believes, despite past misgivings, we can have a very fruitful friendship. You should know this."

He took a few sips of his steaming hot tea, savouring the earthy flavour, before gesturing for Mejic to do the same.

"You can guarantee Vangalan support for Carentania's place on the Security Council. The People's Republic is aiming for a strong, alternative presence from Europe's socialist states to break the stranglehold the Alliance for a Greater Europe and League of Free States have maintained for too long over that body. So you are indeed correct, the issue is settled."

He continued to sip his tea, politely waiting for the Commissar to continue the discussion.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

"Yes, the next thing on our agenda should be the continued existance of Vangala. It's a sad thing we even have to talk about it, but I think you know better than I what threat looms just behind your homecountries northern borders. Oikawa will not stop until all the world pledges allegiance to its emperor, we all know this is a fact. Our duty is to maintain the strength to ensure they will never get the chance to try. Thusfar, your country has fared quite well in achieving this goal, that is both impressive and comforting.

However, with the collapse of the IRB your country faces new challenges. Carentania considers it its duty to step into the void that the sudden disappearance of your allies have left and I believe we have the means to do so. Our country can committ its forces to the defense of Vangala in the deplorable event of an Oikawan agression and we can help to modernize the Vangalan forces if deemed necessary, both in training and equipment."

Commissar Mejic left a dramatic pause after his last words, letting them sink in with the Vangalan ambassador. When he continued, he still had this subtle cheerfulness that many liked about the Commissar, but it was clear he was speaking demands for Carentanias support.

"But we will have to make sure both our countries pursue the same strategy towards your countries safety. Our support is useless if it contradicts Vangalas actions. Guarantueeing its peoples freedom and security is the only justification an armed force can have for its mere existance. There needs to be no doubt that this and only this is the duty of the Vangalan army. Any even slightly credible accusation of political abuse of the armed forces will threaten Carentanias support for Vangala during the next All-Workers Congress.

We understand that Vangalas situation is special and that it needs to employ harsher measures to ward off the threat coming from the LFS. And it is not our intention to advise or even lecture you on decreasing your states power. Quite to the contrary, I believe that Vangala, above all, needs a strong, socialist constitution that guarantuees its citizens freedom and equality."

 

[Polesia]

The Ambassador took his teapot and carefully refilled his cup, watching the steam swirl and form intricate patterns as the dark liquid gushed from the spout. Chhabi knew he would need several more cups of tea for these talks. Mutual support for eachother's Security Council candidacy was an easy topic. Reform of Vangala's powerful Revolutionary Armed Forces was not.

"Carentania's renewed interest in Vangala's well-being and independence will be well received by the Communist Party, Commissar. Solidarity between Europe's revolutionary states is paramount and let me assure you the People's Republic will be there in your time of need," He began lightly, using the rhetoric to cover his own discomfort.

"However before we continue I feel I must clarify some misconceptions. The sole responsibility of the Revolutionary Armed Forces is national defence; we are not some tinpot military dictatorship," The Ambassador's voice was heavier now, weighed down by a combination of sterness and offence. "And while the smear campaigns of the People's Republic's enemies may tell you otherwise, there is no 'political abuse' by the Vangalan military. The Vangalan constitution grants full rights and freedoms to the Vangalan people, rights and freedoms that have been deprived to us by centuries of colonialism and feudalism."

He paused and checked whether his tea was cool enough to drink. It was still too hot.

"I understand with the widespread propaganda and slander surrounding the Motherland and Vangala's strong stance on terrorism and sectarianism that many in Carentania may fret about Vangala. If our relations are to move forwards, Commissar, you must allay these fears."

Whether this meeting would be a success or a failure would now depend on how strongly Carentania would demand reforms in Vangala. Compulsory military servive meant that many leading politicians in the Vangalan Communist Party has close friendships with senior officers and felt an affinity with the armed forces, whose official history traced its origins to the peasant-based guerilla movement who fought for Vangala's independence and later spearheaded the Revolution. Yet Vangala knew Carentanian support would not be unconditional and expected some compromise.

Checking the temperature of his drink again, Ambassador Sen waited for Dusan to reply.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Commissar Mejic poured his cup of tea so full it almost spilled. He savoured the taste of the exotic drink, which was unavaible to Carentanians most of the year. A tender bitterness moistened his tongue and the thought that, with improving relations to one of the tea-producing countries of Europe the Office for Foreign Trade may consider to expand the import volume of tea, made him happy. Real green tea leaves instead of the fruit and herb mixtures the Carentanians produced, a promising outlook.

"Oh, it was never my intention to suggest that Vangala was ruled by violent autocrats. Please, accept my deepest apology if I made it sound like that. For a nation like Vangala, with its history of subjugation by colonial powers, this must be indeed a very insulting suggestion. Of course, Carentania understands that Vangala has a democratic constitution and we cherish its role as outpost of freedom and socialism in the east."

Again, Commissar Mejic paused to let the words sink in. Diplomacy was like a gentle dance in a crowded room and it was all to easy to step on your partners toes. Having taken another large gulp of the freshly brewed tea, he continued.

"But we understand that Vangala is in a difficult position and under constant threat. You may not believe it, but we Carentanians can look back to the past to find a period in which we too had to fear for our continued existence, as the Talemantines, the Levantines and Mezhist terrorists threatened what the revolution had achieved in our country. We know how tempting certain measures can be in this situation as they seem to promise an easy and quick solution to the problems created by foreign aggressors and their agents.

But sacrificing our freedom to protect it is a paradox, and I just wish to make sure Vangala understands this as well. Carentania is more than willing to aid the defensive ability of the Vangalan military. Depending on what you need, we will provide you with military experts to improve your training or we could even - and I am risking my own position by offering you this - provide you with sophisticated equipment, made in Carentania. I have to point out that there are laws in Carentania which make the export of our weapons illegal and this law makes only exceptions for allied countries. Our population is highly suspicious about any arms export and if we make an agreement here today, it will be subject to debate in the next All-Workers Congress, I can promise you that. What I wish to make sure, is that the next AWC approves of my offer to Vangala.

So I hope you now understand my reasoning why I wish to make sure that we can rely on Vangala not to use its military for police duties. There needs to be a strict seperation if we are to aid you, both for your own peoples sake who have fought so hard to achieve freedom and should not deprive themselves of it now, but also to ease suspicions of the Carentanian people and make sure our cooperation and friendship will be a lasting one."

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

ooc: this is why I don't like meeting threads.

 

[Polesia]

The Vangalan Ambassador relaxed a little as Commissar Mejic rephrased and began to enjoy his tea, picked from the gardens and estates in the shadow of the Meghalayan Mountains, in earnest. Perhaps he would suggest more tea imports from Vangala in the next meeting concerning trade between the People’s Republic and Worker’s Republic.

He quietly opened his draw and discretely removed a beedi, tobacco wrapped in a tengu leaf, from an exotically decorated paper packet that featured Hindu gods, the mangrove swamps and wildlife such as the elephant and tiger. Brought back from the colourful bazaars of the Motherland, Chhabi preferred these to the tobacco and cannabis cigarettes sold in Carentania. Lighting and dragging on it gently, the Ambassador then offered Mejic one. Many Vangalan politicians smoked, although beedis were preferred by the poor, with Communist Party officials purchasing more expensive Marquen or other foreign cigarettes.

“Let me stress no offence was taken, Comrade-Commissar, I just wished to dispel any of the myths created by reactionary propaganda,” He began with a forced half-smile, trying to mask his slight lie. “Let me ask you before I offer you a firm answer, what do you define as police duties? While I have the utmost faith in and respect for the valiant officers of the Vangalan National Police Service, I do not believe they are suitable to respond to every incident. In cases where we are facing threats like violent, heavily armed extremists and terrorists, the Revolutionary Armed Forces are more suited to respond due to more adequate training and equipment.”

He took several more mouthfuls of rich and heavy tobacco smoke, before enjoying more of his own tea, allowing Commissar Dusan to think.

“However, we are willing to change other areas of the Revolutionary Armed Forces are involved in the maintenance of law and order and the justice system.” He added quickly.

Ambassador Sen was referring to the secretive military tribunals that currently suspected terrorists and foreign spies faced if caught, together with the camps ran by the Military Intelligence Division that held suspects and prisoners. Many within the Communist Party felt the Military Intelligence Division was too powerful and wanted a party-controlled security apparatus and recent debacles abroad gave further justification to remove power.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

The Commissar politely declined the tobacco. He had never been a smoker and did not plan to start it any time soon.

"Yes, we understand that there are situations that the power of an armed force may be necessary to protect the rights of your citizens. Carentania had its good share of such experiences about half a century ago. And we realize that your neighbours are willing to exploit any sign of weakness or anything they perceive as loophole within your institutional framework. But we believe that such cases as an armed guerilla force of such strength, that mere police units can not combat it, can be adressed with exceptional powers. A peoples representatives may have the power to declare a state of emergency to temporarily utilize all military capabilities to the fullest extent, in order to combat such dangers. But it needs to something exceptional, a measure that can only be taken under the most threatening circumstances. It is, in our eyes, and from our own experience, important to seperate the powers of a military force from the internal security duties.

To clarify: the powers to enforce laws must, if not within the people itself, be vested into a controlled branch under the authority of the civil government, a police force. They, and not the army, should have the power to arrest people or to utilize necessary violence to protect the rights of your people. Situations where the military has these abilities may prove to work for quite a while, but it always remains an open door for tyrants through which they can easily tear down the freedom you've fought so hard to achieve.

It is positive that Vangala is willing to move closer towards such a seperation of powers and I am optimistic we can proceed with our cooperation on such a level. As I have already stated, if Vangala can convince the Carentanian people that its socialist achievements are safe from corruption from within, we are willing to help you in protecting it from threats on the outside. Military equipment and training can be offered, but you need to tell us what exactly could be of use to you."

 

[Polesia]

"I will make sure your recommendations and suggestions are passed on Comrade-Commissar," The pause coincided with Chhabi shutting his drawer firmly. Military reform had proved to be a contentious subject and the Ambassador was keen to move ahead onto different topics of discussion. He would send a dossier concerning Carentanian demands for changes to the Revolutionary Armed to the relevant Communist Party committees, although the People's National Defence Commission, the body in control of the Vangalan military, was likely to reject most of them.

The Ambassador suspected Dusan Mejic knew this already, but did not question his knowledge of the Vangalan political system. Carentanian assisstance in modernising and training the Vangalan armed forces was a more agreeable topic.

"The Ministry of National Defence will soon be releasing a paper detailing exact plans to reform the Revolutionary Armed Forces to ensure they remain an effective fighting force, which will involve extensive equipment upgrades and a new training programme. When it is released, I will make sure you and your colleagues have a copy and we can further discuss co-operation then. Your generous offer is well received, Comrade-Commissar."