NationStates Jolt Archive

Esteemed Minister Bushant,

The Latin Union cordially awaits the envoy from the Empire of Treznor. Please inform us of by what means the envoy is to arrive and when, so that a greeting party and tour can be organized.

Signed,
Mario Salazar
Minister of Foreign Relations

fo

TSMIT Broadcaster
Encryption: none
Broadcast type: open
To: Mario Salazar, Minister of Foreign Relations
Return transmission band: Open
IDENT: Devon Treznor - Treznor

It is my pleasure to inform you that Ambassador the Honourable James Grant will be arriving by aerospace transport along with his staff, Junior Ambassador Catherine Ravon and his personal aide, Charles Bishop. The Ambassador and his staff are currently on assignment, but should arrive early next week. We will provide the identity codes and itinerary for the aircraft in the next few days.

Mark Bushant
Treznor Minister of Foreign Affairs
<end transmission>

<Begin transmission>
To: Treznor Ministry of Foreign Affairs

We await the arrival of the Ambassador and his staff. President Pedro Marquez and Minister Salazar will be present at his destination, along with a selection of diplomats, the Latin Honor Guard, and the prospective ambassador to your nation, Silvia Marina Olmos. A tour itinerary is being drafted jointly by the Ministry and the Bureau of Tourism.

Signed,
Gisele Lima
Deputy Minister of Foreign Relations

<End transmission>

-----

"What do we know about Treznor?" asked the President.

"Well, sir, Treznor is an empire, a nation encompassing a population nearly four and a half times our size," Salazar replied. "Their current leader is Emperor Devon Treznor."

"He named the nation after himself?" asked the President incredulously.

"Apparently, sir," Salazar continued. "The nation was formerly known as the Republic of Drona, a place apparently rife with crime and internal unrest. Devon Treznor was the leader of a resistance movement that managed to overthrow the government. After he claimed the title of Emperor, he started cracking down on political freedoms and civil rights across the whole nation. People fled in droves."

"And this is who wants to open relations with us?" the Vice President asked Salazar incredulously.

"Mr. Vice President, if our nation is going to get into the scheme of world politics, we need to at least open relations with those who seek them with us."

"I'm not opposed to the move," said the Vice President. "But I just think it's interesting that such a government would want to seek relations with us."

"I think it's a good sign," the President put in. "If even the most tyrannical of nations seek friendship with those nations of more open-minded government, it shows that they're not truly tyrannical after all."

"Well, sir, that may not be the whole reason," Salazar remarked. "Treznor's economy is massive, almost totally unregulated, and partially compulsory."

"Compulsory?" asked Giulio Cagliano, the Minister of State.

"According to our intelligence, their consumers are at times forced to purchase certain products."

"Good Lord," Cagliano remarked.

"Yes," the President concurred. "So they might just want to use us as a sales base. What else do we know, Mario?"

"Mr. President, the government of Treznor is in almost constant flux. Various ministers rise to office, only to disappear inexplicably soon after. Unless you're on good terms with the Emperor, apparently, you won't last long."

The President shook his head with a slight smile. "Unbelievable. I stand corrected on tyranny."

Salazar smirked. "The chief industries are mining, arms, and automobile manufacturing."

"Well, that rules out using us as a sales base," chimed in Armando Fegirez, the Minister of Internal Affairs. "We've got those industries covered." The President nodded.

"As to their foreign relations, Treznor created a mutual defense pact with its neighbors, and was part of the Global Organization of Dictators until its collapse. Currently it is a founding member of the Non-Democratic Alliance and a member of the Triumvirate of Yut."

"So they're not an aggressive nation," the Vice President said. "G. O. D. was created to promote peaceful relations with the world."

"And the Non-Democratic Alliance also contains Dread Lady Nathicana, who was present at the ball you attended in the Resurgent Dream, Mr. President," Salazar finished. The President chuckled.

"Well, that helps," he remarked. "I can't remember a damn thing of that night!" The whole table laughed. "But I hope I was friendly to the Lady."

"In recent years, Treznor has increased civil liberties while maintaining a stranglehold on the government. The nation has been involved in a few major conflicts, but largely has been on the defensive. The Emperor has maintained a neutral stance in his military relations with other, except in the case of attacks on his allies. They are currently pushing into outer space with exploratory missions. They have ways to travel to other galaxies, even."

The President's eyes widened. "They are obviously out of our league technologically."

"Yes sir."

The President sighed and laid his hands on the table. "Well, I think it would be best to be friendly, cordial, and distanced with these people. Their affairs are clearly out of the realm of our own expertise, and if I'm not mistaken their economy, such as it is, wouldn't be a truly beneficial source of income."

"Mr. President, I would have to agree. Their diplomatic contact with us can be limited to a small presence in Diplomacy Tower," Salazar concluded.

"Felipe?" the President said, turning to his second-in-command.

"I agree. Hands off Treznor," the Vice President said.

"Any further comments?" the President turned to the rest of his Cabinet. There were none. "Very well, let's move on."

"No, Charles. The blue tie not the red one." Ambassador the Honourable James Grant glared at Charles Bishop before going back to preening in the mirror.

"Yes, Sir." Charles put the offending tie to one side where he could reach it easily. The blue tie did not go with the Ambassador's outfit but he knew well enough not to argue. Eventually Grant would scold him for tying on the blue tie with the blue jacket, and he would be sent to fetch the red one.

"Go ahead, Catherine."

"Yes, Ambassador," Catherine Ravon threw Charles a pitying look before continuing with her report. "The Latin Union is a constitutional democracy, not unlike the old republic before the Emperor took over. So far as I can tell, they appear to have set up their government fairly closely to that of the old United States of America. The constitution is fairly new, so I can only imagine they're still working out the bugs, as well as fiercely patriotic about it. There's still only one major political party riding high from the formation of the government, but there are a number of independents who could benefit from external assistance if it comes to that.

"They're a relatively small nation but their government seems to have a good grasp on things. They're busy producing as much as they can to become more attractive to trade and such. Many of their primary industries conflict with ours, so they're more likely to see us as competition than partners. However, they have a thriving agricultural industry, and produce a great deal of biomass that would help us fulfill and probably increase our contractual obligations to Titan.

"Their economy is in decent shape for their size and condition, but their currency is highly devalued, giving us a great deal of buying power and making our dubloons a windfall to their market. Our people indicate that there's a small shadow market, largely for medicines and luxuries. They're also highly dependent on fossil fuels for energy, with some inroads to fission. They have a sufficient technology base to handle EXL fusion; I'm guessing no one ever pointed out the possibility to them. We might score some points by steering them in the right direction.

"Their primary language is, ironically, classic Latin. However, like Treznor they're required to be fluent in multiple languages and English is one of them. They may not be aware of our education system so we might learn a bit until they figure it out. I'll leave that one up to you, of course.

"That's about it. They're not really a threat to us militarily; they appear to be a fairly young nation trying to establish positive ties and work their way up to a stronger position. I'm not sure what attitudes they'll have toward non-democratic governments; there's no fanatic like the recently converted. My read on this is that we'll need to be on our best behaviour and play up the positive role we've played in the international scene. Our relationship with the Triumvirate is probably our key selling point; it demonstrates our ability to get along famously with nations of opposing ideologies."

Grant nodded seriously, only half-listening as he contemplated his image in the mirror. "Yes, of course. We're always on our best behaviour. We're diplomats, remember. The first contact most governments have with the Empire is through us. That's why the Emperor always sends his best."

He grunted in frustration and tore away the tie from his neck. "No, no, this is all wrong. You can't have a blue tie with a blue suit! The shade is all wrong! Fetch me my red tie, Charles. Do I have to do everything for you?"

"Sorry, Sir. Right away, Sir." Charles deftly caught the blue tie in mid-air and carefully set it aside where it wouldn't wrinkle. He quickly snatched up the red tie and made a neat, efficient knot with a few quick twists. He stared at it critically before making one final adjustment, then stepped away to let the Ambassador view the result.

Grant frowned again and re-adjusted the tie. "That's better. I guess we're ready. Come, Catherine. It's time to meet our hosts."

Charles bowed and got out of the way. "I'll be along shortly, Sir. I won't be but a moment." Nor would he. All he had to do was put the clothing back where it belonged. He never left things unpacked where the curious might have excuse to browse through their personal effects.

"We'll wait for you," Catherine assured him as she linked her arm through Grant's. Then they paraded out the door, giving Charles a moment of peace and quiet. But only a moment. There was work to do.

"Irina, how's my hair?" President Pedro Marquez asked his personal aide one more time.

"Impeccable, Mr. President. Don't make me touch it again," she scolded jokingly.

"Just making sure," Marquez added with a wink. He glanced out the French doors onto the Grand Veranda of the building, the site of his not-too-recent inauguration. On that day the weather had been beautiful - crisp, clean air, a vibrantly blue sky, and a gentle wind from the north. That had been a welcome boon to the future of the nation. Today, though, it was cloudy outside and beginning to look like rain. Many of the reporters had already broken out their umbrellas, and most of the news cameramen had their equipment decked out in ponchos. Hopefully the Ambassador wouldn't get his head dripped on. "Run over the first part of the trip one last time, Irina."

"When we get word that the Ambassador's limo is turning onto the Via, everyone lines up, and you take the podium. They get let out, the Honor Guard does their thing, you give your welcome, shake some hands, then it's back inside for the Red House tour," Irina sped through the plan quickly, making quick adjustments to Mario Salazar's tie and handkerchief.

"And after that, helicopter tour, the walk along the river, the... the..." Marquez strained. The chairman of his personal staff was brilliant, but horrendously last-minute in handing him a printed itinerary. That might not have entirely been his fault. Next time Marquez needed to remember not letting the Bureau of Tourism in on any diplomatic meetings. They were well-intentioned, but horrifically slow-moving. Too much time spent debating what places were more beautiful.

"The luncheon in the Capitol Ballroom," Irina said.

"Right! The luncheon! Can't forget I've got to eat with the man," Marquez blurted, snapping his fingers. "The visit to the Chapada do Guimarães, then the return trip to the Hotel da Democracia. We say goodnight, let them get over the jet-lag, and that's it for my part."

"Yeah, I take it from there," Salazar remarked. "I meet them tomorrow morning for a helo ride to Setubal, the brief aerial tour, then the first of our diplomatic meetings, et cetera, et cetera."

"Hand me that breath spray," Marquez asked of Irina. She snagged it from another aide who was busy prepping Silvia Olmos.

"Open," she ordered. The President complied. Two spritzes later and the President's mouth was tingling with minty freshness. Irina tossed the spray back to the other aide.

"Irina, sometimes I think you're forgetting who you work for," Marquez chided benignly.

"And sometimes you forget where you'd be without me," his aide responded matter-of-factly. She put a hand to her earpiece. "There's the word. 'Bravo One turning left onto Via Consociatio.' I love the way those military hunks sound on the radio." Marquez frowned as she brushed some last minute imaginary dust from his shoulders and sleeves. She tweaked the pin of the national flag on his left lapel and looked up at him with a smirk. "All systems ready, sir."

"Where would I be without you, Irina?" Marquez chuckled, giving her a pat on the head he knew would infuriate her. As she scrambled to fix her hair, he looked at Salazar and winked. "Ready?"

"Always have been," Salazar replied. Two Secret Servicemen opened the French doors and one of them announced, "Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the Latin Union!" As the reporters outside applauded, Marquez and Salazar stepped out onto the circular stone Veranda, waving and smiling, heading for a raised red dais on which a dozen or so diplomates and officials stood waiting, applauding also. Marquez stepped up onto the dais, waving again to the reporters as flashbulbs started going off like mad. He shook hands with the diplomats on the dais, smiling and nodding as he worked his way down the line, watching Salazar do the same in his peripheral vision. When he reached the end of the line he waited for Salazar to finish, then followed him over to the podium, lining up with Olmos in a three-person greeting committee. The Honor Guard sergeant in charge of today's display was at the foot of the dais there, awaiting Marquez's signal to "present colors when ready." Marquez waited for the limousine to pull up.

Within moments, the long, silver vehicle, flying miniature flags of Treznor from small poles on its fenders, came to rest at the curbside, just at the end of the red carpet. The Honor Guard, lined up on either side of the carpet, snapped to attention. Marquez nodded to the sergeant, who saluted him, had the salute returned, and marched over to the end of the left-hand line. Salazar took the podium, awaiting the Ambassador's arrival. As the sergeant called out orders in nearly unintelligible Latin, a private opened the limousine's door and stood to the side, announcing, "Mr. Minister, I present to you Ambassador the Honourable James Grant of the Empire of Treznor, and his staff!" The Honor Guard presented their colors, side-by-side military flags of both the Union and Treznor, and the Honor Band struck up the Greeting Anthem. As the diplomats lined up on either side of the carpet to receive handshakes, flahbulbs started going off in a firestorm, enough to make even the most stable fall into a seizure.

"We wish to assure our counterparts in the Latin Union that we have no interest in reducing competition in the automobile industry. Quite the contrary, we seek to capitalise on it. With sufficient investment, we propose to build an industrial complex that would enable us to assemble many of the smaller components required for our vehicles before shipping them home for final assembly. This would result in lower costs for our industry and higher wages for your citizens. Productivity goes up, unemployment goes down and everyone benefits." Catherine paused to take a sip of water before continuing.

It was the third day of talks, and they were just now getting down to the point. However, it had allowed Grant to shine doing what he did best: being cheerful, genial and above all, harmless. He'd stuffed himself full of local food and beverages until Charles mentioned he thought the old man might burst. If there had been any liaisons with local women, he'd managed to keep them discrete. Catherine had long ago learned not to ask; so long as their security cleared them, she didn't need to know about it.

But now it was time for the second phase of her mission. It fell to her to outline proposals by the Empire, to demonstrate their good will and capitalist inclinations.

"You may have asked yourselves why we're interested in your nation. The answer is easier than you may think: the Emperor believes in capitalism as an economic model. In order to excel, there must be competition. Certainly there are economic powerhouses out there such as Santa Barbara, Karmabaijan, Der Angst and the Grendels. However, these nations and the corporations within them represent known quantities. In some cases, the products they're famous for are outside our sphere of influence. In other cases we have successfully outstripped them as competitors. We seek new markets and new challenges. Sometimes it means we need to make new friends to bolster competition. Often it means we need to give less fortunate nations a hand up in order to join the battle. Ultimately it's about staying sharp and seeking new innovations to broaden our horizons."

She looked around the room briefly before continuing. Her eyes met briefly with Salazar. She found she liked the man. Marquez had remained largely distant, but she thought they had Salazar hooked. She'd already let slip some of the concessions they were willing to make, and he seemed surprised. Now she was sure he was waiting for the other shoe to drop.

"We are very interested in your agricultural sector. We have an extensive farming and husbandry industry in Treznor, but we seek to import as much as possible from external sources. Ultimately, we end up producing and importing over ten times more biomass than we could ever hope to use ourselves. The reason for this is trade. Through our allies in the Triumvirate, we have the means to export those goods to offworld interests who cannot produce them independently. As our exports grow, so does the demand; our economists indicate that growth will continue exponentially as interstellar colonisation and exploitation expands. Ladies and gentlemen, we're in on the ground floor of a very lucrative niche market, and we're offering you the opportunity to reap some of the benefits.

"Politically, we have no aspirations in your region beyond encouraging stability. As you may already be aware, our Empire is not interested in war or conquest. As our Emperor is fond of saying, 'war is bad for business.' Strong, healthy business partners promote better competition and trade than ones constantly embroiled in war. We might benefit in the short term, but ultimately it weakens the playing field. We have supported dictatorships and democracies alike on the sole condition that they pursue international peace above all else. We confess we're not above leveraging our economic strength to influence international policy, but it has always been to promote stability rather than war. If a nation chooses a diplomatic path we disapprove of, we merely withdraw our support and let them fend for themselves.

"We encourage you not to mistake our choice of government for tyranny. Our Emperor rules firmly, but fairly. More to the point, he has no quarrel with anyone who does not pick a fight with him. Our record on international policy and our relationships with democratic nations both as allies and trade partners speaks for itself. At best we can be very good friends to have. At the minimum we'll keep ourselves neutral. Only when pushed will we pursue a military solution, and I assure you that Ambassador Grant and myself are tasked to ensure that does not happen."

She glanced down at her own section, surrounded by the black-and-silver flags of the Empire of Treznor. Grant appeared to be dozing lightly; whether a sign of apathy or faith in her abilities she could never tell. Charles was watching the room intently, and shot her a look during her pause. He didn't look too worried, but she would hear his assessment later.

She looked back up and stole another look at Salazar. The man had a damnable poker face. She started to reassess her assumption that she had him hooked. Maybe, maybe not.

"If these negotiations are successful, the first stage of our plan would be to ramp up your industrial infrastructure to meet our needs. That will include additional training for local employees so they understand the foundations of the technology that forms the base of our industry. Our research indicates that your education system is superlative, so I estimate that it will take very little time to get your people up to speed. In the second stage we'll begin a trial phase of construction to give your people time to get used to the demands of the job and familiarise themselves with the end result. Finally, in the third stage we will pull our managers and engineers out entirely, leaving you in full control of the facilities. From there you'll be able to build new factories and train new people as demand requires. Ultimately, we project that you'll be fully self-sufficient to compete in our markets in just over a decade.

"On the agricultural side, we estimate that you already produce a hefty surplus of grain, fruit and meat that you slate for export. We can offer you nothing here but another market to sell to; we promise top dollar for quality goods. At our current rate of exchange we foresee only good things for your economy."

She put down her datapad and spread her hands in a sweeping gesture. "That's our Empire's position in a nutshell. I am available for questions, both now and later until we depart. Ambassador Grant is also fully briefed on our offer and can supply whatever information you may desire."

Well, that's the theory, anyway. She glanced over at the elderly gentleman, who had just been roused from his light sleep by Charles' elbow. He nodded seriously and did his best to look sober. Catherine knew from experience that he had no idea what was going on, but he had ample practice at faking it. She'd make sure he was up to speed later.

She looked around the room and braced herself for questions.

Salazar glanced sideways at Armando Fegirez, the Minister of Internal Affairs. Taking the hint, Fegirez shuffled a paper or two and cleared his throat.

"Your projections seem very favorable," he began. "One thing we've always been in favor of is improving the industrial sector of our economy, while still maintaining a sizeable degree of worker's rights and environmental protection. From what you've outlined, however, it seems you intend to subsidize a sizeable portion of our industry. My economists tell me that the continued government initiatives supporting alternative fuel sources and public transportation have already caused our own automobile companies to become almost exclusively export-dependent and up to now they've mostly met with success. But as the alternative fuel initiative continues to grow, our companies will have to begin the expensive process of retooling their factories if they wish to remain competitive in the domestic market. By introducing your own manufacturing methods, and in effect your own technology, to our market, most of our companies would run the risk of going bankrupt in trying to assimilate this new knowledge and stay competitive. You said there would be need for sufficient investment, but our own companies would not have the capital to handle such a change, and if your own investors were willing to contribute, our companies would be beholden to their interests.

"What would ultimately result is a mass exodus of our petroleum-powered automobile industry from the Union to overseas nations still running that technology, and a very sudden market shift towards companies either directly under the control of your own, or reliant on part designs and technological advances from your nation to stay competitive here in the home market."

"President Marquez has made it very clear that our nation cannot become slaved to another nation's economy in any market," Salazar suddenly put in. "The General Assembly and my Ministry concur with his judgement."

"As does my Ministry," Fegirez continued. "Though we do wish to become very active and competitive members of the global economy, we don't want to run the risk of a growing trade deficit with any one nation."

"Should relations suddenly sour with that nation, we would not be able to recover on our own. But we're not entirely selfish, mind you," Salazar continued, locking eyes with Ms. Ravon, "it's just that we've seen other nations so eager to advance technologically that their dependence on a single nation has brought them massive unemployment when they refuse to bow to the political or military desires of their economic masters. Now, our research indicates that your economy has a propensity for sudden increases in demand when certain markets are threatened with downturns. The general feeling on our side of the fence is that if we become a part of your industrial market, we'd get used to this nearly constant high demand for products, and here at home the job market could become highly dependent on your nation's ability to keep the demand for our labor up. This amounts essentially to a lack of competition in general."

"In essence, the idea could amount to veiled communism," Fegirez concluded. "Our companies would be much more at ease finding a market in your nation for our products. We feel our petroleum automobile industry could benefit highly from entering a huge consumer market such as Treznor's. Our companies produce cheap, reliable, compact vehicles that generally have high gas mileage and can go for a good amount of time before the need for scheduled maintenance. Your nation's automobile market would receive some healthy competition from ours."

"The market for our agricultural products is very intriguing," Salazar said, referring to a document at hand. "Our nation has kept genetic enhancers and harmful pesticides out of the production of our foodstuffs, in favor of higher quality products. Recent advances in planting and harvesting technology, and the sizeable amount of arable land in the Union, have allowed us to be a leader in the agricultural field. Our farming companies would be more than happy to open themselves to your demand. Because the companies would remain independent of your nation's technology and the demand would be almost constant, unemployment here would drop and your colonies and allies would be getting the food they need. And if anything unfortunate were to happen that would necessitate the withdrawal of our products from your market, the increased surplus could always find a alternative market.

"We appreciate your commitment to peace and capitalism," Salazar added with a final glance at Ambassador Grant, who had again been nudged by his aide. With a ghost of a smile on his face, he turned back to Ms. Ravon. "It is our government's firm belief that peace is the ultimate aim of any responsible government. Though force at some times is necessary to defend one's own family and way of life, the use of force to impose one's will on others always amounts to decay. Our Constitution provides for the interests of all within our nation, though we recognize this is not the ideology others believe in. It is our commitment to remain open to other ways of doing things, and though we might disagree with how your nation is run, that is only because we know our nation could not stand for it. It is not for us to impose our beliefs on you. Your people could be completely different altogether, and we respect their ideology."

Fegirez sat back from the table to rifle through his briefcase, but his nod to Salazar showed he had nothing further at the moment. Salazar took a quick glance around the table for anyone who had more to add, but as some were avidly working out figures or whispering, it seemed for the moment he'd summed up the Union's position. He looked back over at Grant and Ravon. They'd laid out their side, he'd laid out his.. It was their ball.

Grant's eyes went wide, and he struggled to his feet. "Now see here! We're not some communist aggressors trying to bully the world into submission!"

Catherine glanced sharply at Charles, who helped the Ambassador back to his seat with urgent whispering. Then she turned back to Fegirez and smiled. "What my esteemed colleague says is true enough, but I apologise for his outburst. He's sometimes quite passionate about his work. However, I believe I can answer your concerns.

"In order to remain competitive, your local companies are going to need to retool to meet international needs. We'd be happy to open our markets up to them if they meet our technical standards. Frankly, sir, at this time they do not. We moved away from fossil fuel dependency some time ago, and have a zero-emissions standard for private transport. Our oil and refined petrochemical imports are used primarily in the creation of plastics, not fuel. We still have a significant pollution problem from other industrial processes, but we've managed to reduce it significantly since moving to that standard. I would suggest that they would fare better if they began learning how to retool and gradually phasing out their old systems now instead of later.

"I had the chance to briefly discuss the matter privately with Mr. Salazar earlier, but I will now elaborate on it for you. Some time ago our scientists made a breakthrough (http://www.aero.tailus.com/energy/fusion/) in an area of research previously considered a dead end. It involves bombarding hydrogen and other light elements with electrons until they're forced into a higher energy state and form helium or other heavier elements. All you need is an electromagnetic grid and the ability to project electrons within that grid. Ladies and gentlemen, that technology already exists in common cathode-ray tube boxes called televisions. Once sufficient fusion is achieved, the process creates an excess of electrons that can be siphoned away from the grid. We call that electricity. The process is clean, safe and generates very little heat. The major by-product is helium or whatever element you were using for fusion. At present most of our commercial vehicles use elements as heavy as carbon for the process, because they're just not that power-intensive.

"If you approve the industrial plant, we'll show you how to make these generators and yes, for a while your native industries will have to catch up as they retool to take advantage of it. Once they do, I can't imagine they'd lag behind in competition. This technology is so pervasive and based off of tools already in existence in every nation in the world, the Emperor decided against trying to keep it a secret. It has been freely available for some time to anyone who asked.

"As for your second point, that of Treznor dominance over your economy, we indeed look forward to investing heavily into your economy. The Emperor has done this many times in nations he felt were a good bet. At this time our own economy is very heavily tied into the Dominion of the Dread Lady Nathicana, but we both have very diverse trading interests. That, ladies and gentlemen, is the key to avoiding dependence on any one nation. We're offering you a means to become competitive in the market and ultimately to compete against us; the last thing we want is to bully you economically. Once you've diversified your markets and trade partners sufficiently, you'll never need fear consequences of a drop in our imports."

She glanced over at Grant, who appeared to have calmed down but was still grumbling under his breath. She'd deal with the fallout of that later.

"If you wish to restrict trade to purely agricultural interests we will naturally be happy to to advantage of whatever surplus you can spare. Our offer of competitive prices will not change, and given the nature of the market we're pursuing should only ever go up in your favour. However, I urge you to consider the nature of the industrial investment we're offering to you. We're not just looking for cheap labour for our parts; we can get that anywhere. We're looking for trade partners who can help spur our own growth through competition. We're looking at long term results, with short-term benefits for both of us. If you feel your industries are not up to the task you are certainly able to decline. Bear in mind we've made no mention of exporting our own vehicles to your nation, merely giving you the ability to build your own. In a competitive market, a vehicle that can run a thousand kilometers on a single generator will outstrip a competitor's offer of half a thousand kilometers on a full tank of petrol. That would be unfair, and have disasterous effects on your economy unless all of your industries were able to provide matching benefits."

Fegirez regarded the Ambassador with some bemusement, but quickly turned to his documents and said nothing more. Salazar was busy reading over the documents Ravon had given him concerning the concepts of EXL fusion. After a moment he looked at Fegirez, who took a moment to realize he was being watched and looked back at him warily over the edge of his reading glasses. Salazar very gently nodded in the direction of the Ambassador. Fegirez hesitated, then reluctantly turned to the Ambassador and leaned forward. "I apologize if my remark was offensive to you, Mr. Ambassador. However, the domination of our labor market is a concern to me, and --"

"Begging the Ambassador's pardon, but I must be excused for a moment," Salazar interrupted. Fegirez moved to continue, but as Salazar rose to step out of the conference room he laid a heavy hand on Fegirez's shoulder. Fegirez took a moment to excuse himself also, replace his briefcase, and follow.

In the restroom, as Salazar washed his hands, remaining staunchly silent, Fegirez paced behind him. "They see us as a source of cheap labor," he finally piped up. "I wasn't about to let them suck up all our jobs. They're bribing us, Mario. They're holding out the big carrot - this fusion-power design - and in exchange they're going to take all of our good jobs."

"Armando, you know as well as I how much the President doesn't want to lose our economic independence," Salazar replied, not looking up. "When I asked you to play bad cop, I didn't say turn into a paranoid anticommunist."

"They force products on their own people!" Fegirez nearly shouted. "That's great for business, but it totally eliminates competition, Mario. Sure, it keeps everyone employed, but when everyone's employed, everyone makes money, everyone has the same benefits, and everyone is on the same level. That's communism. That's why I said it."

"You know better than to say that," Salazar said sharply as he reached for a towel. "'Communist' is a bad word, Armando. You can't say it in a diplomatic gathering. People get angry if you even come close to calling them communist. Unless they really are."

"But they are."

"No, Armando, to you they are," Salazar tossed the towel into the recycle bin and turned to Fegirez finally. "I don't like the way they run their businesses either, Armando, but what did I say out there? 'It is our commitment to remain open to other ways of doing things.' You believe it, I believe it, so does the President. If we're going to globalize, Armando, we've got to learn to compete with every kind of economy out there. I have no problem letting them invest in our automobile industry - you've seen the figures yourself. At the rate our sales overseas are declining, we're going to have to retool and start competing on the domestic market again. With this new fusion reactor technology, not just the automobile industry but the whole of our industry is going to change. Everyone's going to be scrambling for the EXL fusion generators so they can both increase sales and make the government happy by obeying environmental restrictions. That new fission power network we commissioned won't even have to go up - it can all be switched in a few years."

"In the meantime they'll have free reign in our labor market," Fegirez retorted. "Our companies will be indebted to their investors and they'll be able to jerk us around however they please."

"Every change takes time, yes, Armando, but you forget we're just the government," Salazar raised a hand and pointed in the direction of the conference room. "There are dozens of CEOs and shareholders in that room just itching for a look at the new fusion design already. The minute they heard that, I saw all their ears prick up. Now, Treznor hasn't given us all the specs yet, but just news of that technology and where to get it is going to spread like wildfire across this country. Even if we don't open trade relations - which is doubtful considering the benefit to our agriculture - those men out there will find ways to get a hold on that technology soon enough. Pretty soon we'll be dealing with a massive market shift anyway, just put off for longer." Fegirez deflated slightly. Salazar lowered his hand. "You are the Minister of Internal Affairs, Armando, but that doesn't give you complete control over the economy. We've got to adapt to what comes. Can you imagine the jump we'd get on the rest of South America by updating to this technology? There will be some time before we'll be fully capable to sell it on our own, yes. But when that time comes companies will flock to us."

"I'm just wary about the transition period," Fegirez admitted.

"I can see that," Salazar replied. "The President is, too. So am I. But this is our country, Armando. Anything they do within our borders is subject to our laws and mandates. We can withdraw relations at any time, and if they get angry they have their image to worry about. They're in the Triumvirate and the NDA, they can't be an aggressor militarily. And if they start to threaten our domestic business with too much leverage we can pull out with whatever technology we've gained from the experience."

"They're an Empire, Mario."

"And we're not. What is your point, exactly?"

"There's no such thing as a non-aggressive Empire."

Salazar paused. "It's good that you're not the Minister of Foreign Relations, Armando." With that, he turned and left the room. Fegirez stood silent for a moment, then left also.

Back in the conference room, Salazar entered with a smile. He sat down in his chair and said into the microphone, "Ladies and gentlemen, if I may have a word." The room grew silent. "We gratefully appreciate the Empire of Treznor's interest in improving the global economy as well as their own, and generating healthy competition in foreign markets. I'd like to ask our colleagues from Treznor about the specifics of this proposed industrial complex, keeping in mind, however, that any civilian institution constructed within our borders will be subject to the mandates of both the federal government and the provincial and municipal governments of the region it is located in. Of course, if we feel this industrial complex is too great a step for us right now, I believe there are several companies represented here today that would be willing to compete for advisors and trainers from Treznor to assist in their retooling process." Fegirez sheepishly came in, sat down, and put on his reading glasses, burying his nose in a document. "We will gratefully accept the designs and specifications of the EXL fusion technology as a goodwill boon, assuring us that our concerns over market domination may be put to rest." Salazar had to lean closer to the microphone to have himself heard over the growing murmur of approval from the businessmen and women behind him. "As to the agricultural market, I think I speak for everyone here when I say we'd be glad to open our surplus to your market. Before we move on to the more political stipulations of our future relations, I'd ask the Ambassador if he or his Deputy have anything else to say regarding our economic relations."

Grant stood and spent a moment adjusting his coat until he was satisfied. Then he addressed Salazar directly. "Sir, I wish to reassure you that our Empire's interests in this region are purely economic. We offer you the means to become an economic power in your own right. Certainly, we're not giving it away for free. We're making an investment and we expect returns on it. But in the end, this is your land and the decisions are yours to make. We will always respect your sovereignity."

He opened his mouth to say more but foundered. He looked desperately toward Catherine, who smiled and addressed the rest of the room.

"In our Empire, national corporations receive significant subsidies from the government in the form of stock investments. All companies are required by law to sell a minimum of 20% of their stock to the Empire. In that way, the Empire becomes a stockholder with all of the rights and benefits thereof. The corporations receive investment money and the Empire retains a measure of oversight. To date, the Emperor has chosen to exercise voting rights for those stock options precisely five times; each time when he was advised by his Minister of the Treasury that the company was being mismanaged.

"The industrial complexes we propose to build will supply us fine electronics and power systems. Our needs are precise, and we're always in the market for better goods. The Emperor has requested bids from national corporations to invest in a factory in your nation, with some minor incentives to encourage them to do so. Last I heard there were three companies competing for the right to do so. The factories they build on your land will be subject to your laws and taxes, but will remain the property of those companies until such time as they can be bought out by local competitors here in the Latin Union, or by the employees themselves. Then the Emperor's stock in the factories will be sold along with the complexes themselves, and our influence over your local affairs will be restricted purely to trade."

She paused to wink at Fegirez. "If you're concerned about us monopolising your industries, then we invite you to investigate membership in the Trade Network Association (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=392054) formed by our ally, the Dominion of the Dread Lady Nathicana. I think you'll find their terms agreeable, and the diversity of interests to be just what you need."

Salazar let a ghost of a smirk flit across his face as the Ambassador fumbled for words. The man was likeable, he had to admit. Blustering and narcoleptic, but likeable.

Fegirez looked at Ravon. Whether she was an attractive woman or not, that wink was to him like the smile of the spider. He returned to the document in his lap.

Salazar leaned forward into the microphone. "We will certainly investigate the Trade Network Association and evaluate its potential benefits for our economy," he said. "We thank you for the recommendation. Since the bulk of discussions on economic relations seem to be closed, I would invite the Empire's envoys to formally present their proposal. I must remind you, however, that despite any signatures we may affix to it today, the treaty will not be binding until ratified by the Latin General Assembly. Of course, if there are any last points you wish to bring up, you may do so now. I'd also like to discuss the establishment of a permanent delegation from your nation in ours, and vice-versa. If only a small staff is needed for the management of our relations, there is office space free in Diplomacy Tower. If a larger delegation is desired, however, we'd be happy to let you peruse the many recently renovated buildings and vacant lots along Via Consociatio for the location of your new embassy."