The Gubernatorial Bar | The European Forum's Bar & Lounge
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Josepania
Establishing Nation
Sipping her Josefino Libre at the bar, Anayansi Quintanilla Cuesta, Representative of San José to the European Forum, gave off an aura of sulkiness and irritation. She had recently been informed of the deal struck between the Natalian Representative Sebastian Whitaker and the Tarusan Representative Baron Boris Bakhmeteff regarding what to do about the Zarans, and it left a bitter taste in her mouth. A taste she had hoped the mixed drink of El Capitán brand Josefino rum, Josefino Buena-Cola, and a lime wedge would wash away, but it made even the drink itself taste somewhat off, which only increased her irritation.
It's not like she felt she was above Representative Whitaker when it came to striking backroom deals, let alone with the Tarusans. After all, she had done the exact same thing for the resolution regarding Lethonia and Bourdignie only a few days prior. And it wasn't that she thought the deal was bad, at least from a Josefino perspective. Leaving aside the de facto decolonization of Sankt Katharina was a huge win for the Free New World and El Presidente's primary foreign policy focus. Additionally, an internal poll that came out shortly after the assassination of the fiancee to the Csgenian queen allegedly at the hands of Zaran terrorists revealed that only fifteen percent of Josefinos wanted San José involved in anyway, shape, or form in Zara. The Zaran Folly still left a bitter taste in many a Josefino's mouth, especially that of El Presidente, who still struggled with the reality that he may have been a catalyst for the anarchic state of Zara that existed to this day. The taking in of now Generalissimo Corrado Leone and numerous other socialist Zaran exiles was a way to do penance for the failure of San José to protect Zara against Csgenia and Tarusa, but the truth was it was impossible. Realistically there was no way to prop up any form of government suitable to San José, the logistics of Zara's landlocked nature and isolated diplomatic status made damn sure of that.
That didn't change the fact it was a betrayal of the Zaran people and of Josefino proclaimed ideals to bring freedom to the whole world, including the Corrupt Old World. The unspoken reality was that keeping the Free New World safe from the Global Exploitation Conspiracy always took priority, and if that meant abandoning the people of Old World to save the people of the New World, that was a choice any Josefino would take in a heartbeat, including her. Plus, Secretario General Gabriel Morales made it clear in a phone call she would vote in the affirmative, and the most she could get out of El Presidente was that he would not oppose an affirmative vote.
But she didn't have to like it, nor go through it completely sober.
It's not like she felt she was above Representative Whitaker when it came to striking backroom deals, let alone with the Tarusans. After all, she had done the exact same thing for the resolution regarding Lethonia and Bourdignie only a few days prior. And it wasn't that she thought the deal was bad, at least from a Josefino perspective. Leaving aside the de facto decolonization of Sankt Katharina was a huge win for the Free New World and El Presidente's primary foreign policy focus. Additionally, an internal poll that came out shortly after the assassination of the fiancee to the Csgenian queen allegedly at the hands of Zaran terrorists revealed that only fifteen percent of Josefinos wanted San José involved in anyway, shape, or form in Zara. The Zaran Folly still left a bitter taste in many a Josefino's mouth, especially that of El Presidente, who still struggled with the reality that he may have been a catalyst for the anarchic state of Zara that existed to this day. The taking in of now Generalissimo Corrado Leone and numerous other socialist Zaran exiles was a way to do penance for the failure of San José to protect Zara against Csgenia and Tarusa, but the truth was it was impossible. Realistically there was no way to prop up any form of government suitable to San José, the logistics of Zara's landlocked nature and isolated diplomatic status made damn sure of that.
That didn't change the fact it was a betrayal of the Zaran people and of Josefino proclaimed ideals to bring freedom to the whole world, including the Corrupt Old World. The unspoken reality was that keeping the Free New World safe from the Global Exploitation Conspiracy always took priority, and if that meant abandoning the people of Old World to save the people of the New World, that was a choice any Josefino would take in a heartbeat, including her. Plus, Secretario General Gabriel Morales made it clear in a phone call she would vote in the affirmative, and the most she could get out of El Presidente was that he would not oppose an affirmative vote.
But she didn't have to like it, nor go through it completely sober.
Radilo
Establishing Nation
Anzolo felt that he should roll his eyes for show, but that would be counter productive... and rude to Anayansi, who was always nice to him. He also got her point, at least on paper. This still all reeked of underpants-gnome logic. Do something for the sake of doing it... even if it makes it worse... or at least won't help. That's what he told himself anyway...
He turned to his assistant, "go fill up my thermos with whiskey."
"Do you have a preference sir?" she asked.
He looked at here dead-eyed and grunted, "no."
She nodded and grabbed the thermos by his briefcase, sitting on the floor. As the @San Jose representative was still speaking, she quickly and quietly made her way to, ironically, the Presidential Bar.
While the bar tender was filling up the thermos, she got a call from the foreign ministry.
"Shit," she thought, "Minister Barnapola," she answered in a faux-cheerful tone.
"What the fuck is going on?"
"We seem to be at a bit of an impasse with our allies over in the far west."
"That's a hell of an understatement. Where the fuck are you, I don't see you in the chamber?"*
"Anzolo sent me to get him a coffee--"
"--A Nievish coffee, I presume."
"If the Nievish take theirs without coffee or cream, then yes."
"Goddammit, how much has he had to drink already?"
"Two Vespers and three Negronis."
"Jesus Christ... Alright, does he know what to say at least?"
"To cover our asses, yes."
"Good... oh fuck me, this is going to upend the state visit next week."
"No... that will just let us paper over this whole mess."
"And that's why I have you over there to keep all of this together."
"Happy to help, sir."
After he hung up, she took the thermos, tipped the barkeep, and made her way, briskly, back to the chamber.
"I swear to god, these useless men," she muttered, under her breath.
*he's watching it on tv.
He turned to his assistant, "go fill up my thermos with whiskey."
"Do you have a preference sir?" she asked.
He looked at here dead-eyed and grunted, "no."
She nodded and grabbed the thermos by his briefcase, sitting on the floor. As the @San Jose representative was still speaking, she quickly and quietly made her way to, ironically, the Presidential Bar.
While the bar tender was filling up the thermos, she got a call from the foreign ministry.
"Shit," she thought, "Minister Barnapola," she answered in a faux-cheerful tone.
"What the fuck is going on?"
"We seem to be at a bit of an impasse with our allies over in the far west."
"That's a hell of an understatement. Where the fuck are you, I don't see you in the chamber?"*
"Anzolo sent me to get him a coffee--"
"--A Nievish coffee, I presume."
"If the Nievish take theirs without coffee or cream, then yes."
"Goddammit, how much has he had to drink already?"
"Two Vespers and three Negronis."
"Jesus Christ... Alright, does he know what to say at least?"
"To cover our asses, yes."
"Good... oh fuck me, this is going to upend the state visit next week."
"No... that will just let us paper over this whole mess."
"And that's why I have you over there to keep all of this together."
"Happy to help, sir."
After he hung up, she took the thermos, tipped the barkeep, and made her way, briskly, back to the chamber.
"I swear to god, these useless men," she muttered, under her breath.
*he's watching it on tv.
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Gran-Occidentia
Establishing Nation
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Santiago sat at the bar looking down at the glass of Mezcal that he had ordered a bottle at some considerable expense from Gran-Occidentia, a little taste of home. It failed to cheer him this time, after all even if the Peace Plan were to succeed it would be a bitter peace. Zara would be subjugated once more and the Tarusans and their lapdogs would claim another victory, but he and his government had to agree to the plan relations with the Occidentian powers were too important to jeopardize.
Still he could not in good conscience abandon the Zaran's to their fate and he and an inkling that there were others here who shared his views. First he needed to talk to the Scanian representative, she was a formidable women and would make for a useful ally.
" Madam Johansson, might I have a word in private".
Still he could not in good conscience abandon the Zaran's to their fate and he and an inkling that there were others here who shared his views. First he needed to talk to the Scanian representative, she was a formidable women and would make for a useful ally.
" Madam Johansson, might I have a word in private".
Radilo
Establishing Nation
Anzolo walked briskly into the bar. He sat down at the main bar, in front of the extravagant selection of liquor his otherwise miserable job left him to enjoy.
"A glass of Natalian Pappy."
"Sir, there is a bit of an upcharge on that." Anzolo, cast her a weary glance, "right away sir."
The barkeep poured 2 oz of the ultra-rare liquor into a glencairn. Sliding it towards the middle aged man, he slid her back a ducat note (~100 euromarks).
He sat in silence for several minutes, occasionally sipping on the Pappy.
"That's quite the upgrade from that cheap stuff I got you earlier," his assistant said, taking a seat next to his. "I'll have what he's having, bill it to the Embassy." The bartender nodded.
He took another sip.
"You spoke to the Foreign Minister, I take it."
He didn't respond.
"We'll this puts us in a bit of a bind, but we'll be able to paper-over it soon with the state visit next week. Not to mention we, at least now, have a legitimate reason to send Radilan troops into Zara. That might have favorable implications."
"Ellie, I'd be useless without you," he said, as he necked his drink, signaling for another one.
"I know," she said, taking a sip of her own.
"A glass of Natalian Pappy."
"Sir, there is a bit of an upcharge on that." Anzolo, cast her a weary glance, "right away sir."
The barkeep poured 2 oz of the ultra-rare liquor into a glencairn. Sliding it towards the middle aged man, he slid her back a ducat note (~100 euromarks).
He sat in silence for several minutes, occasionally sipping on the Pappy.
"That's quite the upgrade from that cheap stuff I got you earlier," his assistant said, taking a seat next to his. "I'll have what he's having, bill it to the Embassy." The bartender nodded.
He took another sip.
"You spoke to the Foreign Minister, I take it."
He didn't respond.
"We'll this puts us in a bit of a bind, but we'll be able to paper-over it soon with the state visit next week. Not to mention we, at least now, have a legitimate reason to send Radilan troops into Zara. That might have favorable implications."
"Ellie, I'd be useless without you," he said, as he necked his drink, signaling for another one.
"I know," she said, taking a sip of her own.
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Hanseatic Republics
Establishing Nation
Hanseatic Ambassador to the EF, Ludwig von Lengerke Meyer sat at a table across from an empty chair, hoping to meet a representative from Tianlong. He was early, as to be on time was to be late as his mother always told him.
He was informed by the Foreign Minister herself that he was to be having a rather important meeting, but she did not provide him many details beyond that fact. It could be because she did not have any details, but it could also be because she wanted him to be a blank slate for the meeting. Sometimes a foreign office could do silly things like this. Either way, Ludwig was a man from former nobility and would honorably maintain his posting and his duty to the best of his capability for the Hanseatic Republics. If this meant to form better relations with Tianlong then great. If Tianlong became hostile, then that would be fine too. Yet, if anything the lack a briefing and the fact this was at a bar in the European Forum meant this was by nature an impromptu meeting. Considering the crises around the world, it likely meant the topic would be on one of these crises and how to work together.
Thus, it was fully possible his counterpart did not have much to go on either, and perhaps they'd forge some kind of entente that they'd have rejected upon their speaking to their superiors. Either way, Ludwig would do his utmost best. He waited for his counterpart to arrive before he ordered any drinks.
He was informed by the Foreign Minister herself that he was to be having a rather important meeting, but she did not provide him many details beyond that fact. It could be because she did not have any details, but it could also be because she wanted him to be a blank slate for the meeting. Sometimes a foreign office could do silly things like this. Either way, Ludwig was a man from former nobility and would honorably maintain his posting and his duty to the best of his capability for the Hanseatic Republics. If this meant to form better relations with Tianlong then great. If Tianlong became hostile, then that would be fine too. Yet, if anything the lack a briefing and the fact this was at a bar in the European Forum meant this was by nature an impromptu meeting. Considering the crises around the world, it likely meant the topic would be on one of these crises and how to work together.
Thus, it was fully possible his counterpart did not have much to go on either, and perhaps they'd forge some kind of entente that they'd have rejected upon their speaking to their superiors. Either way, Ludwig would do his utmost best. He waited for his counterpart to arrive before he ordered any drinks.
Imimoya
Established Nation
Tao Shun arrived at the meeting right on time. He found the Honorable Ludwig von Lengerke Meyer already seated at the table, as he was informed by Minister Liao Jianhong a few hours earlier. It was unusual for the bar of the European forum to be used for this kind of meeting, but these were turbulent times and Tao didn't have the courage to contradict the foreign minister himself.
Tao sat down opposite his colleague whom he had already glimpsed in work sessions or in the corridors of the facility. He herself had never spoken to him directly, but he wasn't such an unfamiliar face. Before speaking, the Tianlong ambassador took a small device from his pocket, from which parallel antennas came out of the body, and placed it on the table, covering it with the Tianlong language newspaper that was delivered to him every morning.
"Hello Mr Lengerke Meyer, first of all my apologies for my delay", the man was right on time, "this device was give to me by our secret service to block signals, I think it's called a jammer, but I don't know about this stuff". "I have been asked to confer with you as the Tianlong Republic and Metsamaa have a certain mutual respect and common interests. Right now the world is subject to such rapid political changes and alliances that it is hard to keep up with them. But one thing is certain, Tianlong's commitment to friends is a certainty and serves as a beacon in this stormy sea.
For this reason, I inform you that these days, a joint CETO force is operating in international waters north of Al-Magrab and other Taruse colonies. Ready to intervene when a Taruso soldier fires the first shot. Because as you noted it's no longer a question of if he shoots it, but when. We are currently focusing our activity against Tarusa and deliberately ignoring the activities of the Hanseatic Republics, out of respect for Metsamaa and now the Hanseatic Republics.
Let me be clear, the position of the territories of the former EF Mandates in the hands of the Hanseatic Republics are in danger. I wouldn't count much on the alliance that is being born to counter the Taruso Empire, because once the goal is reached, your external territories will again be in the interest of other powers out there. Our intelligence services are even seeing military activity from Pelasgia towards Tarusa's allies, Serbovia. Tarusa's power no longer scares anyone.
That said, the Tianlong Republic is ready to offer the same deal we had with Metsamaa to the Hanseatic Republics, allowing you to ensure your territorial integrity well beyond this crisis."
Tao sat down opposite his colleague whom he had already glimpsed in work sessions or in the corridors of the facility. He herself had never spoken to him directly, but he wasn't such an unfamiliar face. Before speaking, the Tianlong ambassador took a small device from his pocket, from which parallel antennas came out of the body, and placed it on the table, covering it with the Tianlong language newspaper that was delivered to him every morning.
"Hello Mr Lengerke Meyer, first of all my apologies for my delay", the man was right on time, "this device was give to me by our secret service to block signals, I think it's called a jammer, but I don't know about this stuff". "I have been asked to confer with you as the Tianlong Republic and Metsamaa have a certain mutual respect and common interests. Right now the world is subject to such rapid political changes and alliances that it is hard to keep up with them. But one thing is certain, Tianlong's commitment to friends is a certainty and serves as a beacon in this stormy sea.
For this reason, I inform you that these days, a joint CETO force is operating in international waters north of Al-Magrab and other Taruse colonies. Ready to intervene when a Taruso soldier fires the first shot. Because as you noted it's no longer a question of if he shoots it, but when. We are currently focusing our activity against Tarusa and deliberately ignoring the activities of the Hanseatic Republics, out of respect for Metsamaa and now the Hanseatic Republics.
Let me be clear, the position of the territories of the former EF Mandates in the hands of the Hanseatic Republics are in danger. I wouldn't count much on the alliance that is being born to counter the Taruso Empire, because once the goal is reached, your external territories will again be in the interest of other powers out there. Our intelligence services are even seeing military activity from Pelasgia towards Tarusa's allies, Serbovia. Tarusa's power no longer scares anyone.
That said, the Tianlong Republic is ready to offer the same deal we had with Metsamaa to the Hanseatic Republics, allowing you to ensure your territorial integrity well beyond this crisis."
Josepania
Establishing Nation
A few seats away from the conversing Hanseatic and Tianese representatives sat Conte Maurizio Auditore, sipping a Nievish Coffee, and reflecting on the events that had recently transpired, primarily in the Forum itself with Resolution 9/2023, but also the little information he was receiving from Valls. Combined, it appeared as though the Mondo Libero was finally stirring from its slumber, unwilling to take abuse and humiliation from the Tarusan autocrats any longer, and perhaps also sensing opportunity with the Tarusan Civil War that was even keeping the Tarusan representative from attempting to block or derail any resolutions aimed at condemning the country he represented.
It was exciting news, and was trending towards something decisive in the fight against the Cospirazione di Sfruttamento Globale. That did, of course, potentially mean war, and war was a supremely unpleasant activity he preferred not to be involved in... but then again, that was the attitude among the nations who proclaimed democracy as their beacon of guidance that brought them to this mess, two years after the Pannonian Crisis first erupted. It was becoming increasingly clear that open conflict was a necessary evil to counteract the more dangerous and maliciously evil forces from the Mondo Corrotto.
It was now a scramble to prepare for what was to come, as he could gather from the inaudible conversation happening now between Representatives von Lengerke Meyer and Tao, representing two nations which could be critical parts of a pact meant to push back Tarusan hegemony once and for all. Representative Tao's resolution was promising, and their lack of assigning any imperialist blame to the Hansa in Hajr but instead the Gutnish was not lost on the Oltremarino. He supported it as best as he could, which admittedly drew the ire of his nominal superior Representative Anzolo, but that was an ire he could shrug off. Oltremare had little international weight, but it did have plenty within Radilo, and was not afraid to use it whenever and wherever possible.
It was exciting news, and was trending towards something decisive in the fight against the Cospirazione di Sfruttamento Globale. That did, of course, potentially mean war, and war was a supremely unpleasant activity he preferred not to be involved in... but then again, that was the attitude among the nations who proclaimed democracy as their beacon of guidance that brought them to this mess, two years after the Pannonian Crisis first erupted. It was becoming increasingly clear that open conflict was a necessary evil to counteract the more dangerous and maliciously evil forces from the Mondo Corrotto.
It was now a scramble to prepare for what was to come, as he could gather from the inaudible conversation happening now between Representatives von Lengerke Meyer and Tao, representing two nations which could be critical parts of a pact meant to push back Tarusan hegemony once and for all. Representative Tao's resolution was promising, and their lack of assigning any imperialist blame to the Hansa in Hajr but instead the Gutnish was not lost on the Oltremarino. He supported it as best as he could, which admittedly drew the ire of his nominal superior Representative Anzolo, but that was an ire he could shrug off. Oltremare had little international weight, but it did have plenty within Radilo, and was not afraid to use it whenever and wherever possible.
Hanseatic Republics
Establishing Nation
Ludwig noticed how the Tianlongese man jumped straight to business and without a beer and that was quite unfortunate in Ludwig's mind. Perhaps Tianlong was quite strict on alcohol and work, but they were meeting at a bar. Who was to know which was what. There seemed to be a great deal of importance attached to Metsamaa and that made Ludwig quite curious. He knew there was a lot of Metsamaan deals before they joined the Hanseatics but he did not know all of them specifically. Especially this one...
"Now, Herr Tao Shun... I understand a great deal of what you are saying and do not disagree, but I must insist on setting some common ground. My concepts of the deal Metsamaa and Tianlong had might be one thing, but I want to make sure my understanding is very precise and this precision in definition is shared between us. Otherwise, some future diplomats might run into some disagreements. What specifically do you have in mind here. As I am in agreement philosophically with you on much of what you have had to say thus far."
Lengerke Meyer would wave down a waitress and asked for a Zahorian Pilsner, and the waitress waited to see if Tao Shun wanted anything. While that momentarily happened, he pulled a notepad out of his inside suit pocket and a pen. He was a bit old fashioned, but he did not want to miss a beat.
Imimoya
Established Nation
Tao listened with interest to the words of the representative of the Hanseatic Republics, and was rather surprised to learn that there was a certain lack of communication within their republic. Nothing to worry about, after all the meeting with the Metsamaa authorities was quite confidential.
"A beer, possibly from Radillo." Tao said to the waiter who was waiting for his order. Once the drinks arrived and were handed over to them, the speech began again.
"I don't know how much his government told you about what happened the day before the Forum on Security and Democracy in Tokjin. Concretely, the Metsamaa and Tianlong authorities have begun to prologue the causes of one and the other in their respective circles of influence. This is evidenced by our willingness not to prosecute your activities south of the Meridian Sea. We haven't forgotten, we've just stopped barking, if you'll excuse the pun. We have created a joint polar research site."
Tao let the information be assimilated by his interlocutor for a couple of seconds of silence, before speaking again.
"But I guess you are making some reference to a verbal agreement between our former President Zhuan Lingxin and Foreign Minister Jaan Anton Pärn. Well, that's true, Tianlong is ready to protect Metsamaa, and today the Hanseatic Republics, if, like then, our interests coincide. Do our interests coincide, sir?"
There was another second of silence as Tao sipped his cold beer.
"Regardless of how this event concludes, it is my duty to inform you that the international machine is now in motion, many high caliber players have joined the table and we are working to create the legislative basis for our activities against Tarusa."
Hanseatic Republics
Establishing Nation
Ludwig nodded several times and took several sips of beer as his counterpart explained things. Some things Ludwig knew vaguely, like the Polar Research Site, which he knew had some joint operations between Tianlong and Metsamaa, but he also knew that it was hardly there for just research on a purely scientific level. That said, as far as he knew, scientists were up there as well. The pause gave him reason to consider that science really was not what it was there for of course.
As the question of interests coinciding was posited, Ludwig did not really like the addition spoken to him. It felt as though the question was question overruled by a statement of there being no real alternative. Here was a question, and if you do not give the answer we like, it matters not, for everything is happening as Tao Shun wanted it anyway... or at least Tianlong. The Hanseatics may have been a smaller nation, but they were a proud one, and did not like being dictated to. Even still, Ludwig really did not have reason to say anything otherwise. So he spoke as plainly as possible, "Our interests coincide until they they do not. It is my intention to have that be a long time. It is my hope to maintain Tianlongese work in Metsamaa. So, the Hanseatic Republics fully intends to work with Tianlong, but must of course tread far more carefully than Tianlong as our neighborly relationship is far more delicate than any other in the world."
Ludwig paused, took a larger swig of beer, and looked Tao Shun directly in the eye. Such eye contract would probably make an Engwahlian uncomfortable, but it probably did not phase Tao Shun at all. "I will be very forward with you, we have no intention to join CETO as we do not trust all of your partners as well as we might trust you. The current »Vallspakt« as I hear is being negotiated, is something I believe is precisely as close as to some of the partnerships you maintain as we are comfortable with. However, I believe if you want a specific bilateral treaty, one-on-one between the Hanseatic Republics and Tianlong, that can be arranged and is something I think Hammaborg will approve of."
The Federation
Established Nation
Sarah Weaver sat at the bar, positioning herself to watch the table the Hanseatic and Tianlong representatives sat at. Sarah worked for the Federation ambassador to the EF Kirsten Harding at least that was here official cover title, Sarah was actually an Office of Strategic Services operative embedded within the Federation EF delegation. Most important Federation organizations had an OSS agent installed within, while it was a secret, it was well known within the Federation that if you worked for the government, the OSS was always not far behind.
The bartender came up to her as she sat down, "What are ya having?"
Sarah smiled and asked for a light beer from the Federation. Electronic monitoring of the conversation would not be possible, it seemed that the Tianese delegate had thought of that. However from where she was sitting she could read his lips. Sarah took out a tablet and began taking notes as best as she could, having only one side of the conversation.
The bartender came up to her as she sat down, "What are ya having?"
Sarah smiled and asked for a light beer from the Federation. Electronic monitoring of the conversation would not be possible, it seemed that the Tianese delegate had thought of that. However from where she was sitting she could read his lips. Sarah took out a tablet and began taking notes as best as she could, having only one side of the conversation.
Imimoya
Established Nation
Tao listened with some interest to the response of the Hanseatic Republics delegate, their requests were not completely senseless and it is normal that they had doubts about some CETO members. After all, the Tianlong Republic itself did not trust the renewed federation interest in the Tarusan question.
"Mr Ludwig, do not be surprised if in the next few days my country refuses to sign a probable Valls agreement. We simply don't feel the minimum requirements have been met to engage with so many countries. For this we have opted for an alternative way, a resolution, which if passed, will allow all nations that respect international law to act in accordance with the law against Tarusa. So we would do much more for Valls than they have done and will do in the short to medium term.
Having said that, I think the conversation has come to a crucial point. If Hanseatic Republics wants a one-sided agreement between our nations, it is a modification of what was agreed upon, so we ask you to provide us with your requests on paper so that we can analyze them.
If, on the other hand, you are only interested in our money and our economy, then I can turn your attention to
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. I'm sure they will be more than happy to find an agreement that will satisfy both parties, without tying the issue to mutual security and defense."
Hanseatic Republics
Establishing Nation
Ludwig did not entirely understand what direction the conversation was going towards, but he did rather agree with the point that it had reached a point that was "crucial". At least in the eyes of his counterpart. So to speak, he still did not really understand what the people at Tianlong really wanted. Since he did not really understand his counterpart, it felt rather difficult to go on anything. Tianlong was mysterious. Its goals not entirely understandable by himself, nor probably many others. What Ludwig didn't know was that events that would conclude at Valls would make Tianlong even more mysterious and impossible to understand. For the present time, Ludwig would instead make himself clearly understood even if he found it difficult to understand Tao Shun. "I'll make it very clear that the Hanseatic Republics are skeptical of the World Belt Initiative, and it is something that as far as I know, even the Metsamaans were uncomfortable about. We smaller nations are dangerously at risk to be indebted to the larger nations around us, and the World Belt Initiative would appear to be a fast track to not interdependence, but instead a fealty to Tianlong. Instead, yes the Hanseatics would like to engage in economic ties, but on a basis of free trade. Yes, the Hanseatics would like to sharpen ties with Tianlong in terms of defense by expanding current defense agreements and plans, but not under the CETO framework which includes several nations we are distrustful of. However, if you are wanting clearly drawn out proposals, then I will have to inform my superiors and they'll send you a more formal dispatch."
Ludwig paused because this seemed off-beat with how he expected the meeting to go. "My understanding was that this meeting was for far more recent events. Thus the haste required in this unconventional setting. Do you not have any bold proposals for solving the impasse of current world affairs?"
Imimoya
Established Nation
There was a slight confusion in Tao, as if he was having difficulty speaking to his counterpart Ludwig. Metsamaans themselves had spoken of a completely different way of doing and understanding politics than that used in Far Eastern countries. Perhaps with these differences in mind one had to talk to the new Hanseatic Republics.
Tao paused briefly, took a sip of his beer and sighed long enough.
"I believe there has been a misunderstanding in my words and in our government's willingness to form an alliance with the Hanseatic Republics.
The World Belt Initiative does not approve of funding that it believes cannot pay for itself or is not profitable. It is not an instrument of our government to promote a form of economic imperialism disguised as humble aid. This is demonstrated by the numerous completed and currently operational projects and the zero infrastructure controlled by Tialong. Uicheon would never allow such behavior, it would be a significant scandal for the country's politics.
Speaking of the defense agreement, I am aware that the political and economic situation is completely different from the one in which Tianlong and Metsamaans were negotiating. It would be really ridiculous of us to continue to expect the same obligations as then to be maintained. For this reason, I will be very grateful if you will convey to your government our sincere willingness to examine the proposal for bilateral defense agreements which they will send to our diplomatic office."
Tao got up from his chair and made an institutional bow. A formal bow reserved for the most illustrious offices in the country, as a form of apology in this case.
"My sincere apologies if our meeting was in any way disrespectful to you. I await your reply with interest."
Before leaving, the man took the device that was under the newspaper placed on the table.
Josepania
Establishing Nation
Conte Maurizio Auditore observed the conclusion of the conversation between the Hansa and Tianese representatives with a raised eyebrow he didn't even bother making subtle. The Oltremarino wasn't able to hear what had been said, but there appeared to be mutual confusion between the two representatives, and the overly formal manner in which Representative Tao withdrew from the conversation didn't give an aura of success to the whole endeavor. That didn't sit well with Conte Auditore, as it meant growing discord between diplomatic representatives of nations who were destined to be allied in principle, but in practice thanks to Tianese refusal to sign the Valls Pact that actual alliance did not exist on a practical scale, and it put the principle in grave danger.
It was a frustrating state of affairs to say the least, not least of which because the Oltremarino felt the need to step in and see what bridges had been burned and needed mending, no small feat for any diplomat, let alone one whose actual power in shaping foreign affairs was... limited to say the least. But, Il Governatore would've wanted him to be decisive, to start throwing that Oltremarino soft power around, and by god he wasn't going to let the statesman down in his own damned bar.
So, after ordering a second drink, this time a Radillan Beer, he eased into the void left by the Tianese Representative before Ludwig got it in his head to retire from the bar. "It's always a challenge to talk politics and diplomacy with the Tianese, isn't it? No matter if it's in a conference at Valls or one-on-one here in Frescania, it's hard to figure out exactly what they want, or what it is they're proposing."
The Conte took a sip of his beer during the small pause, "And no doubt the last thing you Hanseatics need are cryptic promises, isn't it? Given your rather... delicate geopolitical situation. So tell me, as I'm a bit curious, what is it the Hanseatics are looking for from CETO, and if not from CETO, then from specific members of CETO, such as the Radillans? I personally would like the whole of the Mondo Libero to be united against any threat from the Tarusans, the past two years have brutally taught us the drawbacks of remaining divided with our own bickering and quarreling."
Hanseatic Republics
Establishing Nation
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Ludwig gave him a look a slight displeasure to suddenly be barged in upon, but noticing who it was and of course the Radilan cultural difference in mind he excused the intrusion and softened his look. "Please, take a seat, I'm sure you're a bit more straightforward a fellow than my last guest." Ludwig finished his beer and signaled the barkeep for another. Ludwig looked his counterpart in the eye and decided that quickly that although he wasn't the best person to have this discussion, the ministry would be happy to know something came out of today beyond a vague promise to look over any requests. So Ludwig decided to be a bit blunt in the stereotypical sense of everything that was German and Hanseatic, "I don't think we ever liked CETO that much. I assume that now we do, but that does not change a least a year of general disinterest and continued acquiescence to the Tarusans from your bloc. I'm an old man, so Tarusa has always been my enemy, but I know my priors in the Scanlaw did business with them and is soured some of you. I cannot lie that I also hold a grudge for you all demanding that Lethonia end our chemical and biological weapons program. So obviously we're not on the right foot from the start. We're friends though, in a world world where are easy come, easy go. So perhaps the real question is how to make this friendship lasting, and it is possible only Radilo can do that. So I'd like to know how can Radilo help the Hanseatic Republics remain free and independent?"
Ebria
Established Nation
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Ada Valen Fernandez, as always, ensured that her first stop in her return to Frescania will be to visit the Gubernatorial Bar, to get a pick me up for the future Security Council meeting and to see first and foremost if she can grease some palms here and there with other representatives. As she came in, she ordered a Jerez wine, something that became so typical of her that when the barman stated, as always, that they don't carry it, always a series of quips followed.She saw Ludwig von Lengerke Meyer, the Hanseatic representative on a chair at the bar, by the Ultramarino. She knew Ludwig for many years now, as both had long diplomatic careers and they both ended up at the EF, which she called the elephant cemetery, where diplomats go to grow old and die. Compared to her more boisterous approach, Ludwig always was stern and frugal, and she always wondered if his eyes hurt him when he was rolling them so much. Even so, they were close. Not really friends, but more than just tolerating each other.
She decided to join them, because in the end, she knew the Ultramarino's foreign policy takes were more like a think tank on the Radilan ones, plus, officially those nations were allies of Ebria, so there wasn't really something that they talked that should be that big of a secret, especially as it was done in the EF bar, not in some secretive governmental cave.
"Camarero, can you please serve these two gentlemen and me with some brandy de Jerez?" she said, seating on a chair besides Ludwig. When the bartender stated again that they did not carry Jerez products she waved him off. "Make it a sad Neustrian cognac then," she said and then mumbled a bit to herself about the shame of being in Frescania, an Ebriano speaking island, and not caring such quality products.
"Good afternoon señor Lengerke Meyer, sorry if I barge in, I know you hate that a lot," she said, knowing that she can use such familiarity to him, as it wasn't the first time and usually when it was only the two of them at the bar, he was responding friendly, but now, being with the Ultramarino, he would probably just roll his eyes and moan about personal space. "Conde Auditore, such a surprise," she says nodding as a greeting towards the other member. "Such a gathering of nobility here," she says half bemused, "of course, not me anymore, for I lost my hidalgo privileges in the past referendum, but still... it's the legacy that matters," she continued with a bit of self mockery.
"As I said, I don't want to barge in, not derail your discussion, but I want to talk with you a bit, before the Security Council Meeting. Resolution no.9 feels very much targeting the Tarusan presence in Himyar, but I must be honest that I hate it, and the Neustrians and Hansa should hate it too, for it creates a precedent where the EF ends up creating even more mandates. Today it may be Al-Magrab and Noks. Tomorrow may be Propontis and Isphilisteia, the day after might be Loago and Natal and so on. We did our best, constitutionally, to move Rio de Oro and Natal from 19th century style colonies to full on associated states, part of a multinational and pluricontinental community. You know very well that Ebria has a reason for Hansa to keep Hajr as a mandate under their administration, for EbroGas and EbroPetrol can't wait to invest there, but at the same time, I fear that the Hansa still carries the original sin of the Scanlaw when it cooperated with Tarusa and took over the two mandate. Now, we know that it was a Gutnish elite that pushed it, we know Thuringau-Lethonia has been on the receiving end of this agreement hence the Polar Divorce too. But what we must ensure it never happens is that the Tarusans take over this narrative and weaponize it," she said as she looked through her purse for an enveloped paper.
"It is just my own recommendation that the Hansa request white helm presence, more like to create an image of working with the EF in that mandate, even if the end goal is an associated state..." she then stopped, knowing Post-Delegationist were hating that word. "...associated polity, so that the Tarusan narrative that we are as colonial, as imperialist, as militarist as them, but more hypocritical, can be negated," she said and then opened up the envelope and presented the two a report of CSID, the Ebrian military intelligence service, which was mostly redacted, but contained some significant paragraphs.
I have been authorised to off you this, and it is perfect, Conde Auditore that you are here, for you can distribute it in the CETO circle, which you, Colleague Lengerke Meyer, can distribute it in the DDI circle. It is a report on how and why the Csengian Patriotic Council operation failed and why we believe that the enforcement of resolution 9 will bring us to a global war that I feel we're not ready for," she said and gave the report to them to have a look.
"Hope it is not an apocalyptic read and that both of you, hopefully, will say that you know and expect all of this. Should Resolution no.9 be enforced, Tarusa will state that the Valls Pact will attack them. Should they open fire on the Pact, the defence treaty of the pact will get activated. If that is so, Tarusa will activate its own allies, especially if they are to create a united front in the face of such a global response to them. First, the Gothic Sea Pact, which will push the pirates of Gutarike in their camp, and secondly, which I fear many forget about, the Tripartite Pact, which cemented the alliance of Tarusa with Csengia and Serbovia. The latter might have been quiet now, as they took no side in the Tarusan Civil War, but should a Tarusan United Front be formed, we expect them to aid their allies," she stopped as if for a momentary break.
"If that happens, the frontlines of this war will be the Tarusa-Hansa, Ostveg & Metsamaa-Gutarike, Ebria-Csengia and Rheinbung-Servobia & Csengia. Currently, we feel that our alliance is literally unable to respond in such a way with such power to ensure that Hansa, Ebria and Rheinbund are not destroyed it this before they act. And I hope you will further up this message to your allies. In the Valls Pact, the periphery nations are the strong ones: Touzen, Tianlong, the Westermen, and the core nations are the vulnerable ones: Hansa, Rheinbund, Ebria, Radilo. Unless we feel 100% sure that the periphery nations are ready for the war and have boots on the ground in the core nations to ensure that no inch is occupied by the Tarusan led alliance, my goal in the Security Meeting is to delay the enforcement of the resolution until we feel the world is ready," she said and only then took a sip of her cognac.
"There are five members there, two from CETO, two from DDI and Ebria as a useless third party. I will allow both camps in the meeting to state their position, and then I will ensure that they know our fears and concerns. God even knows what will happen to Ebria and Radilo if Caelia would join the Tarusan too..." she said, letting them to scan through the document more and present their positions.
"If that happens, the frontlines of this war will be the Tarusa-Hansa, Ostveg & Metsamaa-Gutarike, Ebria-Csengia and Rheinbung-Servobia & Csengia. Currently, we feel that our alliance is literally unable to respond in such a way with such power to ensure that Hansa, Ebria and Rheinbund are not destroyed it this before they act. And I hope you will further up this message to your allies. In the Valls Pact, the periphery nations are the strong ones: Touzen, Tianlong, the Westermen, and the core nations are the vulnerable ones: Hansa, Rheinbund, Ebria, Radilo. Unless we feel 100% sure that the periphery nations are ready for the war and have boots on the ground in the core nations to ensure that no inch is occupied by the Tarusan led alliance, my goal in the Security Meeting is to delay the enforcement of the resolution until we feel the world is ready," she said and only then took a sip of her cognac.
"There are five members there, two from CETO, two from DDI and Ebria as a useless third party. I will allow both camps in the meeting to state their position, and then I will ensure that they know our fears and concerns. God even knows what will happen to Ebria and Radilo if Caelia would join the Tarusan too..." she said, letting them to scan through the document more and present their positions.
Josepania
Establishing Nation
Conte Maurizio Auditore read through the document quickly, taking the sudden inclusion of the Ebrian representative in stride, for lord knew his own swooping in to speak with the Hanseatic Representative was similarly sudden, and to take any offense was too obviously hypocritical to be wise. "I appreciate this information, Representative Valen Fernandez, and will forward it to Il Doge's government as soon as possible to ensure the proper authorities in CETO possess this intelligence. I share your concerns regarding Caelia, and also agree that the primary movers and shakers in this coalition are in the periphery, ironically enough two from the DDI faction and one from CETO. Anyways... it does not hurt to have you present for this conversation, as I was just about to tell our good Hanseatic friend here what Radilo can do to help protect the Hanseatic Republics."
"And on that note sir... I must first confess that the Radillan Republic's primary expected theatre of operations in any future conflict must remain in the Meridian, for I'm sure understandable geographic reasons. That being said, the very fact that both the Hanseatics and Radillans are signatories to the Valls Pact ensures their involvement in keeping the Hanseatic people free if the Tarusans regardless of which faction in their civil war are the ones to declare war or commit any preemptive strike," the Oltremarino Conte took care to subtly stress that last bit, a deft bit of legal maneuver, "... and part of that could, potentially, be through helping secure the bases of operation in Al-Magrab and the Hajr, freeing up valuable Hanseatic military resources for any fight in the Gallo-Germanian homelands. CETO has no wish to see Tarusan influence in that area expand any further, and if anything it'd be nice to remove it entirely, such as kicking them out completely from Al-Magrab and ideally the Noks Free State as well. Of course, Caelia's predatory hovering in the background complicates matters, given their authoritarian paranoia, so we must tread lightly there, but that is one aspect I can stress to Il Doge and his government if it pleases you."
"Another aspect of what I expect Radilo can do to provide assistance is by not antagonizing Konstantin in Csgenia, an early error with the Csgenian Patriotic Council that is being corrected through covert channels as we speak, as much as it pains me by principle. The Hanseatic Republics being attacked from two sides is simply unacceptable on a practical level, and so ideally keeping Konstantin happy and, potentially, willing to allow CETO and other VP military forces to move through into Hanseatic territory to assist in defense against Ivanist Tarusa is a long-term goal. Worst-case scenario, if our nightmare comes true and Konstantin decides to invade the Hanseatics, I would expect the Radillan Republic to respond with an invasion of Csgenia, to take pressure off and punish such hubris."
"And on that note sir... I must first confess that the Radillan Republic's primary expected theatre of operations in any future conflict must remain in the Meridian, for I'm sure understandable geographic reasons. That being said, the very fact that both the Hanseatics and Radillans are signatories to the Valls Pact ensures their involvement in keeping the Hanseatic people free if the Tarusans regardless of which faction in their civil war are the ones to declare war or commit any preemptive strike," the Oltremarino Conte took care to subtly stress that last bit, a deft bit of legal maneuver, "... and part of that could, potentially, be through helping secure the bases of operation in Al-Magrab and the Hajr, freeing up valuable Hanseatic military resources for any fight in the Gallo-Germanian homelands. CETO has no wish to see Tarusan influence in that area expand any further, and if anything it'd be nice to remove it entirely, such as kicking them out completely from Al-Magrab and ideally the Noks Free State as well. Of course, Caelia's predatory hovering in the background complicates matters, given their authoritarian paranoia, so we must tread lightly there, but that is one aspect I can stress to Il Doge and his government if it pleases you."
"Another aspect of what I expect Radilo can do to provide assistance is by not antagonizing Konstantin in Csgenia, an early error with the Csgenian Patriotic Council that is being corrected through covert channels as we speak, as much as it pains me by principle. The Hanseatic Republics being attacked from two sides is simply unacceptable on a practical level, and so ideally keeping Konstantin happy and, potentially, willing to allow CETO and other VP military forces to move through into Hanseatic territory to assist in defense against Ivanist Tarusa is a long-term goal. Worst-case scenario, if our nightmare comes true and Konstantin decides to invade the Hanseatics, I would expect the Radillan Republic to respond with an invasion of Csgenia, to take pressure off and punish such hubris."
The Federation
Established Nation
OSS Agent Sarah Weaver continued to take notes of the developing meeting, she had been shocked that the dialogue between the Tianese and the Hanseatic representatives had seemed to fall apart so quickly and confusedly. Her superiors back in Charleroi would be happy to hear it, they did not want the Hanseatic League to fall into the Tianese sphere of influence. Just as she was just about to finish her beer and head out, this new development with the Oltremarino and the sudden Ebrian intrusion had her back on her note taking, reading the lips of the delegates sitting across from the Hanseatic representative.