NationStates Jolt Archive

(A.P.- Vector, Darzee) The polls are closed and the results are in. Zanzibar Lodestone was elected to the office of Great Comrade with 99.5% of the vote. Zanzibar, who was the main driving force behind the new government's formation, said of his victory "Well, John put up a good fight, but we were happy to call him with his concession." Zanzibar, who was ultimatly confident throughout the eleciton, culminated his victory following The Great Debate which he won soundly, at one point embarassing his opponent (Zanzibar: Capitalism? Please the people of this great nation deserve more than a system that greases its own gears with the blood of the working class. Everyone should start on the same level. John Stewart: Huh?) Zanzibar was widely expected to win the election that was agreed upon by the Congress of Formation which Zanzibar himself presided over. He gained popularity with the voters with his firey speeches about Equality and Freedom, and has become a national symbol. He outlined the nation's goals Election Friday, "First and formost, we will form the military using conscripts as every citizen, male a female, will be required to serve in the army from ages 25-30. People accepted into the police force may forgoe their military training. Second, in the interests of self-protection and a healthier enviroment we will also begin acquiring the materials nescesary for nuclear testing. Lastly, efforts will be made to ensure equality among all peoples of Darzee and to ensure also their freedom. We will be intimidated by noone!!!" The cheers following this short speech we deafening and left neighboring nations wondering exactly what they had on their hands now.

You’re message is incoherent. The polls suggest the election to be fraudulent. This is deeply concerning.

One of the many reports that crossed the desk of the First Speaker was that of new nations. In this stack, was a report on yet another small nation known as Darzee. She flipped through the pages, and noted the fact that they had yet to claim nuclear power status, and also had yet to threaten anyone. "So there is hope still left. Even if they are a bunch of dirty commies." She sighed. "Wanna send Fortier?" she asked her Foreign Affairs Minister.

"I dunno, we've been running him rather hard. I think we should give him a break, let him take some time off from this whole Ambasador kick." He was right. Ever since leaving office, Fortier had gone to countless confrences, nations, war zones, and others, represting Imitora.

"So would you rather have him tooling around Northampton? I heard he might have just picked up a new M6. You think he's gonna stay quiet with one of those? Remeber, the goal is to keep him outa our hair until we can find a suitable way to keep him quiet."

The FA nodded. "Your right. Guess thats the best way to keep him quiet. I'll call him up, you see if we can set up a meeting."
_______
Great Commerade Zanzibar Lodestone,

It is good to see that you have managed to unite your nation in a peacefull way. In the idea of diplomacy and friendship, I would like to request a meeting with you or a representative of your government in order to extend the hand of freindship. We look forward to a response, and to possibly meeting. Respectfully

First Speaker Anna Fratelli

"What I need to know is whether they can be trusted, John, can they be trusted?"

John pondered this question, suspecting that he knew the answer, "Well sir, uh, they have billions of citizens. I'm sure that if they were interested in removing you that they would simply walk in and do it."

Zanzibar slouched back into his chair and ran his hand through his hair. That perfect hair never allowed to go a single strand out of place, lest the people come to believe that he is anything less then perfect.

"John, I will not meet them. This is far too crucial a time for our nation. Bruno?"

Chad, a man standing 6'6 and 245 pounds jolted to his feet. "Yes sir?'

"You and John will meet with them. Prepare to leave at first notice."

It was John's turn to jolt to his feet, "We are going there to meet them?"

"Absolutely, it is always safest on the enemies turf when you are expendable. And you both happen to be expendable. Chad, enact plan Bravo just to be safe."

"Yes sir!" The man turns on his heel and marches out of the room.

--
First Speaker Anna Fratelli,
First of all we wish to thank you for your invitation of meeting. The People's Repulic of Darzee wishes very much to begin a friendship between our nations which will be lasting and strong. Unfortunatly, the Great Comrade himself is unavailable, do mainly in part to the recent elections and the country's dependance of him. He is booked solid for months and has absolutely no free time to himself for such a visit. However, I and Chad Sheeks who is the head general, are available and waiting confirmation to come meet with you. I myself am John Stewart, National Secretariat the top advisor to Comrade Zanzibar and His former opposition opponent. We are prepared to make the trip and look forward to seeing your amazing nation very soon.

-John Stewart, National Secretariat for The People's Republic of Darzee

"So there comming here? Damnit," Fratelli swore. The whole goal was to get Fortier out of Northampton. She sighed, and jotted up a response, and hit the '1' button on her phone. As much of a bother as he could be, he was the first person anyone went to.

She listend to the dial tone, and waited. Then she heard his voice. "Fortier speakin'," he said rather casually. She hated how he was so casual. Even if it was rather becoming of him.

"Robert, its Anna. Forget the trip, they're comming here. Probably afraid we'll try to kill them or somthing. We'll have you meet them here in Northampton, and I'll be with you."

He laughed. "Thats cool. Call me when they come in, I'll be there." He hung up.
________

Secrateriate Stewart,

I look forward to metting with you and General Sheeks. Transportation from Northampton International Airport will be provided, and Master Ambasador Robert Fortier as well as myself will be meeting with you. I hope this brings great and everlasting friendships between our nations. With Respect

First Speaker Anna Fratelli

John closed his eyes and muttered a short prayer to himself, "Grant me the strength." It wasn't bad enough sitting in a huge hunk of metal that was somehow expected to fly through the air, but he had to do it sitting next to General Sheeks, whom he feared and resented. He felt a hard smack on his knees and jerked upright.

"Calm down comrade. Planes are nothing to be afraid of. Safer then cars."

The buffoons voice actually reassured him and he opened his eyes. "I hate flying, my parents went down in one."

Sheeks either didn't have the courtesy or the brains to respond, either way he let the matter drop. John opened his dossier. It was believed that Imitora had been involved in more then one covert operation, but he tried not to ponder it, he wasn't sure on the specifics but he imagined Plan Bravo probably didn't allow for their capture. He thought on it, turning over many possibilities in his head untill a voice brought him back into reality. "Ladies and gentlemen, fifteen minutes untill landing."

John put his things away and prepared to do what he did best, buttkissing. After all, it had landed him his job right?

A simple file crossed the desk of a young, unimportant, clergyman in the Foreign Affairs division of the Hierarchy. It was read, reread and passed on to someone higher up the chain of command. While small nations were neither here nor there to the Hierarchy of Isam, it would doubtless be useful for the new non-isolationist position the Empire was returning to with the ascension of a new Holy Father.

After passing through several hands it finally reached Bishop Simon Andwin, assistant to the Archbishop of Foreign Affairs. After a quick glance through the file he penned a short letter, signed and sealed it before dispatching it to the new nation.


To the "Great-Comrade" of Darzee.

I greet you in the name of the Christian Empire of Isam,
While I realise that you may be busy just after your election, I wish to give you the congratulations of the Hierarchy on the success of your election. Those who preach equality rarely succeed without resorting to violence and I am glad that you have proven the exception rather than the rule.
If you would be amenable to my sending a member of Foreign Affairs to visit and congratulate you I would be delighted to send one of our rising stars to discuss potential relations with your good self.

Signed and sealed by the Grace of God,
Simon Andwin,
First Assistant to the Archbishop in charge of Foreign Affairs.

As the Darzee plane landed, several black automobiles quickly procedded onto the tarmac. All the vehicles, a mixture of BMWs, had a white liscense plate that read simply 'SSFGO'. The Imitoran Secret Service Foreign Government Operations. These men and women would give their lives for the foreign diplomats that travled to Imitora. They were just as well trained, and armed, as the First Speaker protection unit.

They drove in a straight line out to the aircraft, and parked. One slowly pulled out towards the aircraft, a slightly modified 760il limmosine. A man wearing a black suit stepped out of the passangers side door, and procedded to the rear door, and held it open. Another diplomat, dressed in a smart suit, exited from a black 540i. He walked towards the exiting diplomats, ahnd extended. "Johnathan Mitchels, Imitora Foriegn Affairs. Thanks for comming," he saind introducing himself. He lead them towards the 760il. "I'll be in the car ahead, the ride wont be to long."

He was right. The convoy, consisting of 3 545i's and two 645i's, with the 760il limmo, quickly moved through the city streets of Northampton. In the distance, the early setting sun was slowly kissing the horizon, an orange glow casting over the city. Northampton came alive most at night, and it was assumed the diplomats would like to have some relaxation time after the meeting. The drive was short, no more than five minutes.

The arrived at a classical looking building. On the outside, it looked like a neo modern Greek building, modeld loosely on the buildings found in Washington, DC, or London, England. The two men were lead inside, past security measures. They were brought to a small confrence room, and when the entered, found themselves across from a young woman and a middle aged man, both standing, and smiling. They both approached, the woman speaking first. "Sorry for the sparse arival fair and the speed of they way you were brought in. We've had problems with recent diplomatic visitors and less than open citizens, so we wanted to ensure your safty. I'm Anna Fratelli, this is Robert Fortier. I'm glad you could make it."

She offered a warm smile with a generally firm handshake for a female. Robert offered a smirk that was oddly comforting, like the friendly smart ass of a highschool. A prankster, but someone you could count on no matter what. "Welcome to Imitora," he said, speaking.

Fratelli-http://www.timharmonphoto.com/img/samaire.jpg
Fortier-http://www.lightindustry.info/steve_pyke/images/photos/40.jpg

John reached out and shook Anna and Fortier's hands, noting the firm handshakes. Anna looked nothing like he had expected, she was far more attractive then he would have gueesed. Fortier, well, there was something about the guy that just didn't feel right. He would try to keep focused on Anna during the conversation in an attempt to avoid this man. "Hello, my name is John Stewart, of course we have corresponded, this is Head General Chad Sheeks," he gestured to the hulk of a man who showed no signs of acknowledgement, "We are very pleased to meet you representing The People's Republic of Darzee and also, more importantly, Great Comrade Zanzibar Lodestone. We bring you a gift as a sign of our gratitude, we have broughten you a tame baby Jaguar. It is probably very little to one who has so much, but it is our nation's animal and I noted from my dossier that there does not appear to be much as far as wilderness or animal are concerned."

The big goony pulls the small purring pup from his oversized coat pocket tossing it gently to Anna. The animal lazily rests for a nap.

"Ahem, we assume you wished to meet us to discuss the recent formation of our government. It has been only a few short weeks since the elections were concluded, and I was sent home the loser. Luckily, Zanzibar decided I could be useful to him. When the different cities, groups, and tribes of our country agreed to come together it was thanks to the great efforts of Zanzibar, who jockied and cajolled and convinced them that this was a nescessity for their safety and progress, and eventually into forming a Congress of Formation, where the elections were eventually set up and which he presided over. He is much loved in the nation and the old divisions are forgotten already. But you did not call for a meeting to learn all this. Please tell us the intentions of your nation and what you could possibly stand to gain from friendship with a tiny speck on the map like Darzee?"

John leans forward to listen.

John Stewart- http://www.riddel.com/riddel/john_stewart_sm.gif
Chad Sheeks- http://www.soundgate.org/images/jmw.jpg

Zanzibar stared at the message a long time. This was a nation that there was a very very ugly dossier on, and he wasn't sure what to do. Would he really allow such people to come into his country? On the other hand they were assuming new leadership, which might not be quite as phsycotic as the previous leader. Still it was a gamble, and he hated to gamble with anything. He made his descision and pressed a button on his desk phone. "Josh, review the specifics for plan Nathan and prepare for it as soon as possible."

"Yes sir."

He sat back into his seat.

Simon Adwin,
I would be delighted to personally meet with you as sson as possible. I am out of the captial right now but could meet you in the city of Iames. Please feel free to come as soon as you wish.
- Zanzibar Lodestone, Great Comrade for The People's Republic of Darzee

Bishop Andwin smiled as he read the message, the Great Comrade was being careful, something that the Bishop admired when someone dealt with Isam, although also something that other members of the Hierarchy considered an insult, hypocrites that they were.

Great Comrade Zanzibar of Darzee,

I would be delighted to take you up on your kind offer as soon as possible. While the Archbishop would like to attend rather than sending my humble self, he is unfortunately engaged with the chaos surrounding our cessation of isolationism. Depending upon weather conditions, I should be able to meet with you very shortly and will leave this very hour. I will be arriving by one of our civillian transport planes, accompanied by a pair of Zealot Wings of the Second Air Fleet, who will return to one of our airbases once I have passed into your airspace.
I look forward to meeting you.

Signed and sealed by the Grace of God,
Simon Andwin,
First Assistant to the Archbishop in charge of Foreign Affairs.

Anna supressed the urge to go back to her 'girl mode' with the baby Jaguar. She had a soft spot for cats, and when interning in the Imitoran House of Speakers, had lobied to get the Imitora Black Tiger on the endangered species list. She thanked John, and signaled to a table with some chairs for them to sit.

"Recently, under my leadership, Imitora has made a move to become more global. Recently, we have noticed a suden explosion of small nations claiming goals of world domination and other tinpot ideaologies. Darzee, however, was different." She sat, and an usher brought in four cups of dark Imitoran coffee. It was tropical in nature, similar to Kona blend.

Fortier spoke as Anna took a sip of coffee. "Most new nations come across the desk of the First Speaker in a defense notification folder. A warning folder that highlights the results of a satalite overflight, and from there, we decide weather or not to act. However, Darzee came across in a diplomatic notification folder."

"In laymens terms," Anna spoke, "we noticed you, in a good way. What I would like to do is possibly set up a trade pact, mutual defense, the like. Possibly a cultural exchange program. Of course, this is just the basis of opening relationships. Hopefully, a full alliance could possibly grow from our friendships."

Fortier again spoke. "Regarding an early set of pacts, we could have the foriegn affairs program meet with yours, and start drawing up plans. Of course, it is up to you. Even if you deny, we wont regard you as an enemy." Yet, he didn't add.

The Presidential elections were getting very close and the polls were going poorly. The coalition was doing well under Jefferson but his men weren't on game. The libertarians were not doing well at all, only 10% party ID. The house races were a little better, it looked like perhaps 15 to 20%.

There was a knock at the door was a bit startling. Minister Wheatly laid down his paper and spoke firmly, "yes dear."

"I'm sorry, but the office is on the phone."

"Thanks Sweetheart."

He picked up the phone, "What the hell do you guys want, its 10 at night."

"uh-huh. OK, I'll send a message immediately."
----------------------------------------------------------------

Official Letter to the People's Republic of Darzee

The Grand Repunblic of Fultonia cordially invites open relations with youe great nation. Please send word if you wish to open relations.

Respectfully,
Minister of Foriegn Affairs Wheatly

First Assistant Adwin would be arriving soon and Josh was nervous. He was about to go out and do what he had been trained several times to do. He had never done it for such an important reason before though. Heck, the well-being of the whole country rested on him and his abilities. Why if he were too... no, he calmed himself. This will be simple and effecient. He had memorized everything on the plan down to the "t." He watched the planes begin to land and prepared to do his civic duty.

Zanzibar walked towards the plane in business attire, waving his arm in welcome.

John's brow furrowed as he watched Sheeks down his coffee, then John's own. John turned towards Anna. "Well, we would definatly love to open up agreements with your powerful nation. Obviously a defense-pact would be very advantageous to us as we are sort of the figurative small kid on the playground, but there are two sides to each coin and I need to know what conflicts you are currently involved in, have been over the past ten years, and whether we would be expected to dispatch troops immediatly to your aid. Not that any of those figures would dissolve our interest, but we would like to know what we would potentially get ourselves into. Further, would we be expected to house either troops or bases? If so would we be barred from entering them? And if not, which nation's troops would preside over the camp? Sorry to bombarde you, but these things are very much pressing on the Great Comrade's mind."

"Some kind of leg-jerk militaristic nonsense going on in Darzee." Minister Appleby commented cheerfully, leafing through the notice from Intelligence.

"Darzee? Toss it over would you, old boy? I know someone there." Chatterham sat forwards and motioned for Appleby to throw the dossier across the three foot gulf that seperated their desks. The two men were deep within the bowels of the Government Buildings. Ostenation, windows, wallpaper and all the other luxuries of life were limited to the above ground levels, to impress visiting delegates and house the important officials. Appleby and Chatterham occupied a concrete box in sub level five, lit by a single ailing bulb that strove day and night to battle the inky darkness into a grayish, pale soup. The locals called it "Tapioca Decor".

"How do you know somone in Darzee?"

Chatterham caught the file, scanned it briefly for decent pictures, sighed when he found none and picked up the telephone. "Friends in high places." He smiled mysteriously as he punched a long series of numbers into the phone. "I hope this is the right number." He muttered, settling down to wait for an answer.

Pause.
"Hello? Yes hello, this is Minister Chatterham of Slutbum Wallah here, could you put General Drummond on the line please?"
Pause.
"Drummond. General Drummond. Dee are yoo double emm oh enn dee."
Pause.
"What did you say?"

Appleby's interest rose as the confident smirk fell from Chatterham's face.

"Uh... just out of random interest, I don't suppose 'Excecuted for High Treason' is a charming local euphenism for 'Promoted to High Office', is it?"
Pause.
"Ah. Thought not."
Pause.
"Friend of his? Why no this is... this is Blockbuster video! He had some overdue cassetes hired and we had to call up and check you see, sorrytobotheryougoodbye!" Chatterham slammed down the handset, yanked out the lead and hurled the telephone at the wall for good measure.

"Something up?" Appleby grinned mercilessly.

Chatterham brushed an imaginary speck of dirt from his shoulder and reset his tie. "You know what? I think we'll just sit this one out, old boy."

Anna nodded. "I understand, after all, you dont want to jump into anything that might hurt you. Look before you leap. Leesee," she said, looking off in thought. She had been a teen during most of the wars, so she took little intrest in them in all. However, Fortier, being a former Marine among other things, remebered them well.

"Well, first I'll start with the wars," he said. "Twice with Markov, both descisive wins. Both times we went with the help of New Empire. Once with the nation of G-Corp, another quick win, they backed down once they saw waht we were comming with. We came to the defence of an ally, Agrigento, bout four years back when they were attacked by, Belem, I believe. Quick kill, all naval battles. Another win, we only lost two ships." He paused.

"Then there was Deazeman. To call it a war is wrong. It was more of a one sided turkey shoot, with the most respect to them. We had been trading words for five or so years, with a quick build up at one point. It blew over, and we went back to a war of words. Then, at one point, words just stopped comming, and bullets started flying. In two quick attacks, we decimated their infastructure and military," Fortier finished. "Then there were the wars of Hodganian agression, where we suplied the nation of Hodgania with weapons. When they were slowly pushed back, they looked at us for an attack. We moved in, and in about three days had taken 80% of thier nation. We now still hold it, and are currently involved in a police action against terrorist units in Aubania, a nation that borders Hodgania. However, it is being resolved rather quickly with the help of the nation Fultonia, who controls Aubania and the other neighbor of Coastal City."

Anna nodded. "Yes, thats right. All wins, most of them rather desicive. Now, on to your next point, I wouldn't expect you to imidiately send off troops if some nation randomly shouted of insults at us, and we decided to silence them. Nor would I expect you to run to our aide if somehow we piss off another nation and cause them to attack. More of the responsibility falls on us. My idea is, in order to see your nation grow, as we are rather impressed by what we see, would be to act as a big brother of sorts. You said your the small kid on the playground. Well, we'll be the big brother who kicks the bully's ass." She paused to take a sip of her coffee.

"Further," she continued, "we'd be willing to help train troops, pilots, sailors, and the like. And of course, with the several military arms corporations operating in Imitora, I'm sure any needs that need to be filled in your military would be taken care of. Regarding troops, its up to the Great Commerade if you wish to house troops or have a base in your nation."

Minister Wheatley,
With great happiness we recieved your messsage. It is good to hear from another nation of our comrades. Please let us know when our delegates may visit.

- Zanzibar, Great Comrade of The People's Republic of Darzee

"Play that back one more time."

Dover listened through the headset to the tape again.

"Minister Chatterham of Slutbum Wallah, that is quite distinctly what he said, and General Drummond. Run that to the top right away. The Great Comrade will be most interested."

Dover sat back in his chair, and lit his cigarette. He marvelled at the intelligence of Zanzibar, pinning the list of phones to tap starting with those who attempted to wage war with the new Congress of Formation. It pays off already. Great.

To the People's Republic of Darzee,
The Grand Republic is in the middle is a tight election. Once the issue of who the new leaders of our Grand Republic has been decided we will be glad to host a delegation for your glorious leader in our Magnificant Capital Anora. Until then peace and prosperity.

Respectfully,
Minister of Foriegn Affairs Wheatly

ooc: I'll tg you soon with a thread if you wish to meet.
here's the link to the Fultonian elections http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=344574&page=1&pp=15

nice meetin ya

The Plane, proudly bearing Isam's flag, landed almost perfectly, the only apparent fault being that the pilot did not know this airport well. A couple of minutes afterwards the door was opened and the stairs were dropped.

First a man wearing a black uniform stepped out and walked calmly down the stairs, looking about as if admiring the scenery. Once he reached the bottom of the stairs the First Assistant exited the plain and walked down to join him, followed by another of the men in uniform.

Bishop Simon Andwin was reasonably tall, standing at about six feet, and appeared to be in reasonably good shape although that is hard to tell as he wears a long white robe that appears to be fairly bulky, adorned along the arms with black and gold bands and lines. The closed front of the robe bears the same markings along its edges.

The two men with him wear high-collared black military jackets under a greatcoat (also black). The epaulets on their greatcoats bears the Isam flag and no other device, as though someone should already know their rank and organisation. The sleeves of their greatcoats carry two gold bands, circling around white crosses.

The Bishop, accompanied by the other two, waved back at Zanzibar and headed towards him across the tarmac.

John sat back in the chair with a thoughtful look. "Can they be trusted?" rang the Great Comrade's voice in his ear, and he still wasn't sure. He believed that Anna believed what she was saying but this man, this Fortier... no he could not be trusted. Always got to go with your gut on these things. But how could he get her alone for further discussion.

"Well, this sounds like something that we would definatly be interested in pursuing. Perhaps, however, we could break down this meeting a bit for effectiveness. Forgive me, but I beleive you would call me a Communist? No matter how accurate or inaccurate, it is true that I am always thinking of how to make things more effective. Fortier could accompany Head General Sheeks to your stockades, to see some of the arms your army uses. Surely they must make our own look prehistoric. Anna and I could wrap up the details?"

Aware of the cameras all around, Zanzibar offers his hands and shakes with the hand of the Bishop. "Welcome to the most beautiful yet powerful nation on the world. Lucky for you to have been allowed on the mainland. Perhaps, we can get going to discuss what we can do for you and your poor people?" Zanzibar leads the Bishop to the awaiting car. Nothing too fancy, but better then most civilians.

"Welcome Bishop. I hope that we had you adequetly prepared for that greeting. Our policy when our people are watching is the utmost arrogance. They must never be allowed to know that we are anything less then invulnerabe. Forgive me. Now here is our stop."

The car pulls to a stop in front of an office building, six stories high, with a plain face. The only thing that sets it apart is the commando unit surrounding it on all sides, and from the roof.

"It was a difficult decision to make, whether to make the civilians proud of our governments excess or to be as average as possible. I think we went the right direction."

They pass into an office on the top floor marked "Meeting Room Q". Inside this room is a small table and a chairs, light music wafts through the room playing the national anthem. Zanzibar pressed a button on the desk. "Service please."

He sits back into his chair. "Welcome to Darzee sir. We appreciate your travelling to meet with us. Now, tell me why you have wished to meet?"

The Bishop's handshake is firm, and his expression one of serene but total confidence in himself. His only change of expression at Zanzibar's public arrogance is to allow himself a small smile as he follows the Great Comrade to the car. One of the two men seats himself in the front beside the driver while the other returns to the plane.

Once in the vehicle, Simon smiles and nods at Zanzibar's explanation.
"I understand totally, we maintain a similar policy with our people. While Holy Mother Church is guided by the Lord our God we are but mortals. However, you can understand why our people would prefer to believe in the Church as wholly perfect under the Lord. I am afraid a humble bishop like myself cannot hope to atain a state such as the Archbishop's, let alone that of the Lord Secretary or the Holy Father."

Once inside the office, the Bishop's attendant stands next to the door, just inside the room, and stands there quite calmly with an unchanging expression.

Bishop Andwin seats himself opposite the Great Comrade, relaxing only slightly as though he is unused to soft chairs.
"It is quite simple, Great-Comrade Zanzibar"
His pronounciation seeming to combine the Great and Comrade into a single title.
"As you are probably aware, our Holy Father died recently, and with the ascension of a new Nameless Ruler, we are once again opening ourselves to the wider world, except this time without the intent of bringing other nations under our heel. As a result, we are taking more of an interest in the, if you'll pardon the expression, younger nations.
"If we form a treaty of some kind with Darzee then not only will it benefit both of our nations - us in the form of trade and possibly bringing another nation into the arms of God Almighty, and for you there is not only the benefit of trade with a nation possessing cutting-edge technology (particularly in the military arena, I am sad to say) but also the protection of Holy Mother Church against heretic agressors, if you were to convert.
"Trade for trade, assistance for faith. In addition, a benefit to us is that it would help demonstrate our peaceful intent toward the world in general, and that we are not out conquering once more"

Having said his openning piece, the Bishop sat back a little further in his seat, and waited for a reply.

John sat back in the chair with a thoughtful look. "Can they be trusted?" rang the Great Comrade's voice in his ear, and he still wasn't sure. He believed that Anna believed what she was saying but this man, this Fortier... no he could not be trusted. Always got to go with your gut on these things. But how could he get her alone for further discussion.

"Well, this sounds like something that we would definatly be interested in pursuing. Perhaps, however, we could break down this meeting a bit for effectiveness. Forgive me, but I beleive you would call me a Communist? No matter how accurate or inaccurate, it is true that I am always thinking of how to make things more effective. Fortier could accompany Head General Sheeks to your stockades, to see some of the arms your army uses. Surely they must make our own look prehistoric. Anna and I could wrap up the details?"

Anna looked at Fortier, and he at her. The truth was that Anna didn't really know where to go from here. She was young, new at the job, at a bit inexpierinced when dealing with foriegn leaders. Fortier on the other hand had done this for four years before being shot, and even before then had served at highlevel positions in the government. But eventually, you needed to cut the cord. "Sounds great," Fortier said, to Anna's suprise. "I'm sure First Speaker Fratelli," he emphasised this as if trying to boost her confidence, "will be fine. Anna, you got my cell if you need me.

Robert lead the General out of the office, leaving John and Anna behind.
______

The drive to the nearest military base was short drive away, just under twelve minutes. Fortier flashed his id, and was let right onto the base. He cruised along the streets for a few minutes before pulling into the parking lot of a large building labled 'Armory'. He flashed his id to another gaurd, this one dressed in combat armor, and entered the building.

"Right this way, General," he said, leading the man down a long pristine white hallway. The air reaked of crisp military form, and at the end of the hall, they turned a corner. Another gaurd, this time in fatigues stood behind a soor. Seeing Fortier, he opened it, and Fortier led the General to a final room, adorned with weapons of all sorts.

"Well, I gues I'll start with the basics," Fortier said. He was back into one of his elements: firearms. First he grabbed a rifle, and held it up, checking the safty, and making sure it was unloaded, he handed it to the general. "This is the standard issue BR55 Battle rifle (http://the-junkyard.net/images/weapons/halo2/battle_rifle.jpg). 9.5x52mm, 36 round magazine, and a 2.5x optical scope for increased acuracy. The 9.5mm round fired is available in Armor Piercing, Boat Tail Hollow Point, and Jacketed Hollow Point. It fires in single shot, or three round burst, in order to assist for acuracy. It has an increased range, thanks to its rail assisted firing mechanism."

He took the weapons back, placed it on its stand, and removed another, more compact assault weapon. "M7 SMG (http://the-junkyard.net/images/weapons/halo2/smg.jpg). Standard used for CQB and Hostage Rescue. Its decently acurate, and fires a caseless 5mm round from a 60 round magazine. Fires in three round burst, full auto, and single shot. Its a nice gun. Not my favorite, but nice none the less." He again let the general inspect it, and took it back, placing it on the wall. He next pulled down a pistol.

"M6C (http://the-junkyard.net/images/weapons/halo2/w_magnum.jpg). Standard side arm for the ICMC, it fires a 12.7mm Anti Personel round. Six round magazine, acurate as hell. The M6D model comes with an integrated 2x scope, that works with our combat armor. I'll show you that in a second." He next pulled down a large, meanicing rifle.

It was about five feet long, and looked like an anti tank weapon. "This is one of my favorites. The S2 AM Long Range Marksman Weapon (http://the-junkyard.net/images/weapons/halo2/w_sniper.jpg). This is our sniper rifle. Gas operated, with rail acceleration, 14.5mm Fin Stabilized, Armor Piercing, Discarding Sabot round. Its like shooting someone with an arrow, but the arrow is a 14.5mm tungston carbide sabot moving at near mach two. Works great against armor, but its the perfect fear weapon against enemy personel. Scope is adjustable up to 10x, with a five round magazine. You can really reach out an touch someone with this. Longest recorded kill was just under two miles."

"We do have some other weapons used by ICMCSOC, but I cant show you those, we need to keep them under wraps. Protection of our unamed specialists and all. I'm sure you understand. Let me show you the combat armor," he said, leading him out of the room.

They walked down another set of coridors, and opened a door into a dark room. Fortier fliped a light switch, and what stood in front of them, and in the other parts of the room, was a large piece of armor. It was an olive green with splashes of molt green and drab green. A helmet was topped with a sun visor, and the gold face plate reflected the looks of Fortier and Sheeks..

"The MJOLNIR Mk. VI Combat Assualt Armor. Stops anything below 5.56 fired from more than a yard away dead in its tracks. 7.62 anything more than 20 yards away. We've even had Marines survive shots from .50cal machine guns and sniper rifles with this armor. Uses an advanced Carbon/Ceramic composite mix, with a touch of kevlar, and a bit of steel plating where nessacery. A microfiber jumpsuit is worn under the armor, which is filled with a cystaline gel. This gell not only holds all the elctronic goodies that connect with the armor, but it also keeps you cool when its hot, and warm when its cold. Further, the suit can connect with any AI systems, and literaly 'talk' to them. The visor allows full vision in regular, infared, night time veiwing, and enhanced bincocular modes." He walked over to the suit, and placed its hand on the shoulder. It stood at just under six foot five, with a shoulder width of near two feet. "Its also scary to see a full platoon of these things running around a neighbor hood at night."
_____

Meanwhile, Anna and John began their work of setting out the details of a treaty and trade agreement. She offered him a seat, and took her own next to the sleeping Jaguar kitten. "So," she started, hiding her nervousness well, "where would you like to start?"

Bump?