NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: I know I we discussed this OOCly but I never ICly invited you. Sooo....

With the appearent success of the diplomatic meeting between the Largentian diplomat and the Tsarainese official, members withing the government have decided it was time the next step was taken. It had been talked about frequntly but never executed, rather uncharacteristic of the Union's government officials. Still, better late than never...

##Begin Transmition##
##Standard Diplomatic Transmission##
##Destination- Dominion Ministry of Foreign Affairs##

After much planning and several recent events involving your nation we have decided the time would be right to follow through with our plans for a diplomatic meeting between our two nations. This meeting could be held any where that would best suite you, as we have diplomats in several areas that could easily travel to you if it is necissary.

After the opening of your station and after our joining a trade federation which you are spearheading it seems rather important that we hold this meeting. We are quite excited about learning more about you and your people. We anxiously await your reply.

~Gregor Schelzie, Minister of Foreign Affairs
http://www.nato.int/pictures/review/9904/b9904-41.jpg

##End Transmission##

.::Bump::.

bump..just trying to avoid spamming your inbox.

The talks on Io had ended on less of a positive note than had been hoped. Still, one would be foolish to turn away such an opportunity, especially given the chance to learn more about those who would be sharing space on the new station. Information could be used in surprising ways, after all - nevermind the fact that it was never a bad thing to get to know your neighbors better. Their intentions previously had seemed harmless enough, however ill-informed on the delicate balance on Io they had been. Such things were easily overlooked in the interest of better relations overall.

With that in mind, a message was sent back.

To: Gregor Shelzie, Largenti Minister of Foreign Affairs
From: Evangelista Ravanelli, Dominion Minister of Public Relations

Good sir, your offer appeals to us and we too wish to know more. In the interests of increasing our mutual knowledge of one another, we offer Machiavelli as a potential site for these discussions, though we are open to other suggestions of course. I look forward to your response, and to working with you. Is there any agenda in particular you wish to stick to, or do you have a more open schedule in mind? Also, what dates are you hoping to set aside, so that we may better coordinate our efforts.

Thank you for your invitation.

Sincerely,

--Evangelista Ravanelli




ooc: Many apologies for the long delay. Between a block on this end, thinking I had bookmarked when I didn't, and trying to catch up all over, I'm afraid this new opportunity got lost in the mix. I hope my own personal failings won't affect the opportunity for some good rp. Thank you for your patience all this time.

Stupid profile...Why must you toy with me and never show new posts?

Schelzie read over the response. Machiavelli station sounded like a good idea. He pulled up a few files on what Largent had been leased there. They had some offices for trade, nothing with the proper accomidations, then again, the dominion owned the station, they probably had something. He opened a diplomatic link:


##Begin Transmition##
##Standard Diplomatic Transmission##
##Destination- Evangelista Ravanelli, Dominion Minister of Public Relations
##

We are very excited to hear of your interest in our offer. As for a location, Machiavelli station sounds rather convenient, however, our part of it doesn't have the proper accomidations for the meeting. As long as you have the proper offices we could have our delegate there in less than a day. The agenda we had in mind was open but we would like to make sure that we do cover a few topics that are quite general such as exchanging embassies and some very basic information on your nation that may be helpful to us. We are available for any dates since all our delegates are fee at the moment. Whatever is convenient for you works for us.

~Gregor Schelzie, Minister of Foreign Affairs
http://www.nato.int/pictures/review/9904/b9904-41.jpg

##End Transmission##

OOC: Sorry but I won't be able to continue this RP until saturday. I'm going away. I'll be back on saturday(That is, Saturday in my timezone. I'm not sure about you.)

Okay, back.

To: Gregor Shelzie, Largenti Minister of Foreign Affairs
From: Evangelista Ravanelli, Dominion Minister of Public Relations

I'm pleased you find the location acceptable. There is no need to worry about the accommodations - we will be happy to provide for them, as well as any temporary hotel arrangements if necessary, with our compliments. I believe our schedules will work with your proposed timeline, and look forward to beginning the meetings say, three days from now. That should give ample time for arrangements and getting settled in comfortably before the meetings themselves. An open agenda seems quite suitable, all things considered. We will of course be open to any topics or suggestions that come up on account. Lets hope we can find the common grounds necessary to move forward with some of the actions you've mentioned.

Sincerely,

--Evangelista Ravanelli

ooc: apologies for the return pause - was out for the weekend, and have been rather sick. Haven't forgotten.

OOC: Well, it seems that RPing getting every accomodation ready seemed a bit dull and off topic so I'll just skip that for now but we could go back and do it if you feel differently

##Begin Transmition##
##Standard Diplomatic Transmission##
##Destination- Evangelista Ravanelli, Dominion Minister of Public Relations
##

Temporary hotel accomodations will be necissary. We thank you for your hospitality and we look forward to the meeting.

##End Transmission##


Three days later the Largent shuttle closed in on the station. Aboard it Helen Gogolos rubbed her temples. It seemed she was the go-to-girl these past few months. If it weren't paying what it did she'd have been long gone long ago.

The trip had taken all of the three days none stop from Earth and she was glad it was over. She was all to ready to get off that damn ship by the time the shuttle had connected with the station. She got of and stretched her legs and made her way towards the proper office.

She arrived at what seemed to be the right room. The door was closed but upon checking her watch she relized she was a little early. She knocked and hoped for an answer.

Onboard Machiavelli, all the preparations had been attended to. Sottosegretario Diego Abineri glances around the room, finding all in order, from the pitchers of ice water, the Dominion wines, the cappuccino machine, and of course, the refreshments tastefully catered by il Colosseo - one of the finer Dominion restaurants on the station. The middle-aged gentleman takes a moment to stop and straighten his tie and glasses as he passes one of the decorative mirrors in the room, taking a quick measure of his appearance and finding it acceptable to the task at hand.

While not entirely sure what to expect, he and the staff had tried to prepare for every eventuality. Even with the bustling business already being carried out on Machiavelli, the addition of a new partner would be a welcome addition, so long as they were capable of getting along with others. Reports from the Io incident indicated that while perhaps a bit misguided or misinformed, the Largenti had been pleasant enough, and seemed enthusiastic about making new contacts - which was one of the prime reasons the station had been opened to outsiders to begin with.

At the knock, Abineri stands, straightening his suit jacket, and giving the conference room one last glance as he makes his way to the door, opening it with a warm smile, and a shallow, respectable bow.

"Buon giorno! Diego Abineri, Undersecretary to the Dominion Minister of Public Relations, at your service. Welcome to Machiavelli Station - we hope that you will enjoy your stay. Please, come in and make yourself comfortable. We have much to discuss."

The Largentian delegate returns the bow and nods, "Yes, we do have much to discuss indeed." She followed Diego Abineri and took a seat. Once Abineri had taken a seat as well she began. "You must forgive me, I was rushed here on rather short notice and didn't have a lot of time to review notes from the last meeting. I must first ask if there is anything you would like to know or share with us?"

She felt rather silly being so hopelessly lost in the meeting but it was true that she was given little to work with. She shrugged it off shortly deciding that it would soon be in the past.

"No trouble at all, Signora. Such is the way of things these days. Too hurried, too rushed - nothing to do but smile and soldier on, no?" Diego says, smiling understandingly. "I find it both soothes the nerves and smoothes business when one doesn't have to do so on an empty stomach however. If I might offer you a bit of something to drink? A bit of the fine fare Machiavelli has to offer?" He gestures to the food that's been prepared - a pleasing sampling of Dominion cuisine, all in easily-managed portions or artfully arranged samples.

"In the meantime, perhaps if we start at the beginning and see where the discussion takes us it would be easier? I've been briefed on the unfortunate Io situation. A pity that, but understandable given the tensions there between the powers involved. Lets not dwell on that, but rather turn our attention towards what Largent is looking for in regards to Machiavelli, and further ties with the Dominion."

He politely waits for Helen to make her choices, offering suggestions if asked, then taking some for himself along with a conservative glass of wine. Once the lady has gotten herself settled to her satisfaction, he takes a seat as well, smiling pleasantly.

Helen, having never been withing a Dominion controlled area previously to this meeting did ask for a suggestion and upon receiving one decided it best to just take Dieg's word for it and made that selection. She wasn't terribly hungry so she didn't take much, she just didn't want to turn down the offer since she had learned many nations are very proud of their foods. They usually had reason to be.

What are we looking for in regards to Machiavelli... She thought to herself. "Well, as far as our interests in Machiavelli go we would like to become aquainted with our neighbors within the system and strengthen our economy by increasing trade and promoting it. What we are looking to do by strengthening ties with the Dominion is possible gain an ally or at least a friend that can be trusted. It also has partly to do with mending what Io caused."

ooc: Think heavy Italian influence, and you'll have a pretty fair idea on Dominion style, food, etc as a reference.

"Meeting the neighbors - an admirable goal," Diego says thoughtfully, sampling a bit of proscuitto-wrapped melon. He takes his time savoring it, taking a small sip of wine to mingle the flavours. "Trade is, after all, one of the reasons this station was built. I'm certain you would find it an mutually-satisfying venture, given the traffic we've been seeing even in the initial phases of opening. As for talk of alliances ... well, let me say that the Dominion kept itself from allying with any one nation for quite a while, and has never been one to take alliances lightly. Things of that nature are traditionally not the sort that one leaps into without more experience with the nation desiring ties."

He smiles and waves his hand dismissively as he comments on the last point. "Io is a difficult situation in the best of times. Your timing was off, and your understanding of the politics there were lacking. I doubt any serious damage was done, especially considering a good bit of it seems to be misunderstanding or misinterpretation. Truly, nothing to dwell on. It did get the powers that be there finally speaking with one another - it wasn't all bad, you see?"

ooc: sorry about this being late.

Helen nods, "Yes, I was merely speculating concerning an alliance. Thats not really my assignment. However, what I am interested in is what you may suggest so that after this meeting we may continue to build a positive relationship. Certainly this station will probably be a focal point of interaction between us but there could be other things too.

"Another thing I am intersted in is, since you did agree to our meeting, what you may hope to accomplish in furthering relations with Largent. And finally I must ask if you could breifly sum up what groups and/or nations you are allied with and if there are any groups and/or nations you aren't so fond of."

"In truth, we're always open to new contacts and avenues of trade and friendly relations," Diego says casually. "Other than that, seeing as we don't know each other well, I couldn't really say for now, so far as 'furthering relations'. These things take time, after all. We've found that trade and good neighborly interaction has always been an excellent start."

He ponders the rest for a moment, weighing and measuring, taking a slow sip of his drink as he gathers his thoughts. "Our alliances are public knowledge, for those familiar with us. Our first is the Triumvirate of Yut, of which we are a member. The second, is the Non-Democratic Alliance, of which we are one of three founders. Both have different approaches, but neither has been opposed to one another in goals that we've found. Usually they compliment one another rather well. We have no bilateral agreements or alliances, and have never been a nation to ally lightly or easily. We have many nations we are not allied with that we have quite comfortable relations with, some obviously more than others. Often we've had the uncanny ability to keep those relations even among nations who may not always get along. We have no official list of 'enemies' perse, though I would have to say the nation of Sketch is one upon whom no love is lost."

OOC: sory 'bout this being rediculously late but as you may or may not have noticed I haven't been around much 'cause of graduation and finals but I'm back now...Until the summer at least...Ah well..

The Largentain delegate smiles inwardly. "Ah, it seems we have at least one thing in common. You see Sketch is not one of our favorite nations either. Its a long story, I see no need to lauch into a story at this time unless you wish for me to describe the situation." The delegate pauses for a moment before continuing, "I also must agree that we know very little about each other, and as they say, 'there's no time like the present.' Largent is a very diverse people, its customs and traditions vary greatly from region to region but if you have any specific questions I'd be happy to answer them. But first, why don't you tell me a little about the Dominion through they eyes of someone living in it."

bump

"Well now," Diego says, chuckling softly. "There is a question that will get you as many answers as there are people living in the Dominion. We all tend to see our nation in a different light, depending on our circumstances, beliefs, limitations, predjudices, and experiences. Overall however, I would say we are a nation of varied background, yet on the whole, are bound together quite well. We have enjoyed a rich bounty, both in the lands we hold, in the trading partners we have, and the diverse new territories we have acquired over time through peaceable means. Our government style is authoritarian to say the least, having gone from a loose gathering of city states, to being gathered under a succession of dictators, to now being united as an Empire under the Dread Lady."

"I would say we adapt fairly well to change, that we are enterprising, productive, and a curious people, interested both in understanding our past, and seeking out new things for the future. It may be said of us that we have, shall we say, long memories. And of course we feel our culture and background to be rich and multifaceted. Granted, I realize that says much and nothing at all, all at once, but ..." he takes a slow sip of his wine, and shrugs lightly, smiling as he sets his glass aside. "There you have it. So tell me, what of Largent? It's preferred form of government, it's likes and dislikes?"

The delegate leans back in her chair, thinking momentarily. “Largent…well I will be forced just to give a brief overview. In the beginning, Largent was no more than a collection of bickering tribes surrounded by friendly faces. So, after a struggle that lasted many years a ruler finally stepped forward and ended the struggle by uniting the tribes. To this day, or rather up until a month ago, Largent was ruled by his descendents. However our most recent emperor died with no heir, now his wife has resumed his position. So, naturally, our preferred government would be one with a single ruler surrounded by qualified advisors. We feel it is the most effective way of being efficient and swift in our decision-making. It also seems that an imperial government keeps its citizens in order with greater ease. Largent, being so diverse, often has trouble keeping extremists in line. So, over the years we have developed quite a knack for Law & Order.” She then paused considering the last part of the question, “As for our likes…being diverse, our government, like our people have no standardized likes or dislikes. However, I do feel its safe to say that we, as a people like things done quickly, which has become evident to several nations and is probably viewed as one of our shortcomings when we are rather proud of our efficiency even if it comes across as being impatient.”

She pauses for a moment thinking before continuing. “I think that just about sums up Largent. I hope I have done us justice. Now, there has been a question I’ve been meaning to ask you. Who is the Dread Lady? I have heard the name and yet know nothing of the person behind it.”

"There are those who say 'haste makes waste', yes. Efficiency is a desireable trait, if one can pull it off with speed as well, even moreso. Still, I think there is something to be said for taking the time to do things right the first time. It elminates a good many problems in the long run," Diego observes thoughtfully.

"It seems on some levels, we have similarities. Good, good ... most excellent. Now, as to your question about the Lady, hrm ... that takes a bit more thought."

He sips his wine slowly, taking the time to gather his thoughts.

"She is, quite simply, our leader. Having ruled the Dominion for the longest time in recent history, she had lead us to a new age of prosperity and enlightenment. She is responsible for both our alliance ties - the Triumvirate by way of her contacts and diplomatic efforts, and the NDA through being one of the three founders. Nathicana, the Dread Lady, has also more recently altered our governmental system in bringing back the old aristocracy on a limited level, and declaring herself Imperatrice - all in the name of stability and advancement, so I'm told. Now, I myself do not know her personally, though in my time with the Ministry, I have seen her often. A formidable woman, to be sure. One quite accustomed to having her way."

He pauses, taking another sip of his wine to whet his throat. "Now, whether she is loved or hated, feared or revered, depends on whom you ask. She addresses the nation when needed, and seems to enjoy her privacy. There is much about the woman that remains a mystery to the general public - which is how, I believe, she prefers it."

Of course there was more he could offer, but this was a stranger, and in truth, whilst gossip and the like was fine and well with a fellow citizen, pride in one's nation held sway here. So, much that could be said was left, well ... unsaid.

"I am certain more details are available via public records and news articles and the like," Diego offers helpfully. "Much of what has gone on with the nation has involved Nathicana. She does take a personal interest in Dominion affairs, whatever else one can say of her. For myself, I believe she puts the interests of the nation first - something I respect."

"Well, I must agree. Sometimes the best way to rule a nation is to keep it in the dark." One of the main reasons Largentian press had given up on reporting on polotics.

"Now," Helen began, "I have been asked to make a propostion, although it is more of a favor... Largent has only recently obtained its first colony in the Solar system. However, it is still developing economically and is a good distance from our capital."

Helen paused momentarily, "One major problem is that Charon provides few natural resources and could use a trade partner. We were hoping that partner would be you. Keep in mind this would be non-binding and would give you no obligations but it may be a good way to further relations and it would probably be quite easy since we are both a member of the Trade Network Association and are renting space on this very station. I would also understand if this were a matter you would have to get back to us on seeing as it may not be something you may authorize."

Helen then added, "If you do agree to our request and if you have no further questions, I have nothing further planned for this meeting and will look forward to working with your nation in the future." She had finished and waited anxiously for Diego's reply

Diego arches a brow slightly at Helen’s first comment. Keeping it in the dark? Interesting ...

“Let me clarify for you how we arrange trade. Perhaps that will answer a few questions. We do not enter into binding agreements in any case, save for individual contracts between corporations or the like – so this works well. We are always open to trade with those on friendly terms. The fact that you are involved in the Trade Network would by necessity, make establishing such easier. I believe we have the necessary means in place to move forward with this, m’lady,” he says, smiling warmly, then rising from his seat, as she had indicated the discussion to be at a close.

“I thank you for your visit here, and look forward to doing business with you. Please, feel free to enjoy the station while you’re here.”