NationStates Jolt Archive

Official Request of the United States Department of State
To:Michel-Wilhelm, Director of the Austar Union Officeof Foreign Relations
From: Ahmad-din Al-Mussar

Dear Sir!

For too long, the United States of Allanea had been – let's speak frankly – outcast in certain circles of the international community. The situation has been changing somewhat in the last few years, but we believe more friendship and trade with the outside world is always a good idea. As such, I have been entrusted by the government of the United States with the mission of visiting your glorious nation.

The purpose of our visit will be simply to re-establish the mutual diplomatic recognition of our nations, and to establish embassies in our nations to ease future relations and to prevent misunderstandings, and further to sign a peace treaty between the United States of Allanea and the Nationalist Union of Austar Union.

Please accept, as a gift of first reconciliation, the attached package. It includes a box of Grade A+ Stossel tea, a handwork Kalandian pipe, a gold-plated cigarette lighter from Axackal and a bottle of beer from Allanean Kentucky. One hopes you find them enjoyable.

Sincerely yours,
Ahmad-din Al-Mussar

"Dont laugh," snickered Michel who walked to and fro on the floor of his office. "This is an official request of the United States government of Allanea." Chuckling ensured.

They couldnt help themselves but to laugh it seemed, despite Michel's sarcastic request of them. The Office of Foriegn Relations had heard, read, and intercepted some funny messages throughout various points across the past, but had never actually had a request of them become such a point of comedial amusement. For one thing, this Akban Allah fellow, (or whatever his named happened to be), seemed to just assume that he had the right to invite himself into the Union to presumerably make friends and reconcile past error. And sure his intention was honorable enough, but... all he had to do was ask. On top of this, the fool seemed to know little of the standard forms of punctuation, which immediatly put a negative taste in the proverbial mouth of Michel Wilhelm. That said, at least he was direct to the point, and didnt piss-fiddle around the topic in question.

Allanean arrogence, once again, didnt seem to help. But Michel was willing enough to overlook this minor error. A nice diplomat; or so he considered himself to be. Was this arrogence in itself? Perhaps. And did he care? Not in the slightest.

< Transmission Type: Standard Diplomatic Communique >
- < Source: Michel Wilhelm, Office of Foriegn Relations >
-- < Destination: Ahmad-din Al-Mussar, the United States of Allanea >
--- < Subject: Re: >

It is regrettable that I will not be able to meet with you personally, Mr. Ahmad-din Al-Mussar. Since your visit was relatively unplanned (until I was duefully informed within your message to us), I havent exactly made room for an appointment with yourself in my already busy schedule. I can however, spare one of our junior diplomats to meet with you for lunch / afternoon tea / dinner; whichever you prefer. Please forward us your most convenient time and we should be able to arrange to have you fit in. I will of course notify you closer to the date to confirm, and to reschedule if need be.

Your gifts in the meantime were well recieved, and Kanzer Milano sends his regards. As for your goals between us, I cannot promise that any of these will be either furthered or achieved. But if you bring these points up at the appropriate time however, we will remain relatively open to the ideas presented, and you will be able to at the very least return home, having said that you had tried.

Signed,

Director Michel Wilhelm
Office of Foriegn Affairs
< End Transmission >

To:Michel-Wilhelm, Director of the Austar Union Officeof Foreign Relations
From: Ahmad-din Al-Mussar
Subject: Clarification

Dear Sir!

It pains me to no measure to notify you that you have slightly misunderstood my message. It is, of course, my fault. I beg your pardon for my extreme incompetence, but it was not in any way my desire to notify you of an impending Allanean visit – rather, only to receive permission for such a visit for a time and date most convenient to the representatives of the glorious Austarian government.

As it is in the custom of the United States of Allanea, I am attaching a second shipment of gifts with this message, to atone for my terrible mistake. First of all, a case of Allanean Kentucky bourbon is sent along with this message. Second, a Collector’s Edition of the Complete History of Allanea, by CBD Press. And finally, permit me to present you with a seal-fur coat, hand made on our colony of Egeruo.

I would be pleased to meet with whatever Austarian representatives you would be willing to permit me to meet with.

Sincerely yours,

[j]Ahmad-din Al-Mussar[/I]

The message back was this time much more simple. Perhaps it would be better this way. Respectfully and duefully, Michel responded.

< Transmission Type: Standard Diplomatic Communique >
- < Source: Michel Wilhelm, Office of Foriegn Relations >
-- < Destination: Ahmad-din Al-Mussar, the United States of Allanea >
--- < Subject: Re: >

That is fine. Thankyou for the gifts, but they were un-nessasary. In the meantime, I have attached a full list of instructions and times you may select from. I will have a diplomat available.

With Respect,

Director Michel Wilhelm
Office of Foriegn Relations
< End Transmission >

FromAhmad-din Al-Mussar
To:Michel-Wilhelm, Director of the Austar Union Officeof Foreign Relations
Subject: Arrival

Dear Sir!

I am most pleased to hear that the situation had been so resolved, and I will arrive at $date at the $place International Airport. I am very thankful to you for your hospitality and the hospitality of the Austarian people.

Sincerely yours,
Ahmad-din Al-Mussar

*Several Days Later*

The small DC-46 jet began to descend slowly over the Austarian capital, Al-Mussar smiling softly as he looked out of the window. “Well… let’s see how that one goes through.”

Directing the " old " craft onto one of the appropriate tarmacs, Aeroport Berlin had certainly seen its fair share of diplomats only recently. Of course, that it came during this time when the Milano administration was more keen to extend its so-called global reach. And for the Allaneans it seemed, that they had always been keen on rebuilding certain relations with the Austar Union. Ever since its involvement with the former UnAPS, and the subsequent war that arose. Gods, that was a long time ago.

Meeting the Allanean was a small team of diplomat and security. Not at all equal to the amount of attention the Tiburonese President was getting, but enough to consider it a minor diplomatic visit. Al-Mussar had come to re-establish ties with the Union, and it was important that said efforts were left up to them. At least however, that's how the Kanzer and his political minions thought to see it.

"Greetings," welcomed Johan Belixa, the junior diplomat. "And welcome to the Union." Johan smiled and motioned toward the waiting vehicle, "Please, my staff will take any bags you have for you. Are you planning to stay long, or is your trip purely business?"

“Thank you, Sir” - said Ahmad-Ad Din Al-mussar as he followed towards the vehicle. “I'm going to rent a hotel room for a day or two, see how it all turns out. The length of my stay is going to depend on the results of my mission.” The Allanean ambassador-rank diplomat smiled at his Austarian colleague. “In other words, if I manage to achieve the main goal of my mission, that is, the extension of Union diplomatic recognition to the United States, I will remain in your nation as an ambassador – unless of course your leaders will want someone else to be sent to fill that important post.'

“I don't have many bags, though – only two small suitcases with persoal belongings. Now, if I do move in as Ambassador, that is going to be a completely – but completely different matter, Sir. Then I assure your there'll be plenty of luggage – which I hope your friends will not have to carry for us.”

“Oh, and my other goal is the signing of a peace treaty with your glorious nation. Do you think that'd be a possibility? I realize you're not the one making the decision, but still, you probably know which way the wind is blowing here... so say, dear sir, what do you think are my chances for success in this,umm, enterprise?”

Johan only shrugged. "I cant promise anything either way, Mr ... uhhh." He struggled along as he tried to pronounce the ambassador's name. "Al-Mussar."

He stopped when they reached the groundcar, and turned to face the Allanean. "As for the political climate, well... I would probably say that it may have changed since the last time we had contact with the United States of Allanea." Johan frowned. "Im sorry if Im not very helpful, Im only new to this. But I do know this; that previously where there had been a lot of anger and hatred toward the Allaneans, has now been replaced by a silent apathy."

"Apathy, meaning we dont really have any particular bitterness toward you," the door was opened for both diplomats. "But, I cant say that we're particularly keen to make friends." The Allanean clambered inside, and Johan followed after.

Taking his seat beside him, he gave a light shrug again. "Ultimately, what happens depends really on the talks to come. But, lets leave business till later. Im sure you are somewhat tired after your flight."

“Well, thank you.” - said Al-Mussar. - “I realise you're not psychic – I just wanted to know how the general feel is in the Union, and I got that. Thank you very much, Johan – that is your name, right?”

Then, he reached for his pocket, taking out a package of CaffPills. They weren't cough pills, my dear readers – they were Caffeine Pills, manufactured by the Allanean Caffeine Company. Composed of caffeine, sugar, and artificial flavorers, they were the best thing you could get to beat flight fatigue – short of stuff that was surely illegal in Austar Union. And so the United States ambassador smiled happily and looked out of the window, looking at his first sample of Austarii life.

Even now he could see that the Austarians were rather different from the Allaneans. Where the Allaneans spread their dwellings - red-roofed homes, flat family mansions, round 'concrete igloos' – over miles and miles of terrain, the locals lived in ultra-tall sky-scrapers. As he could see on the road, many of them also used public transport. Allaneans, on the contrary, were a proud nation of the automobile.

This was going to be very interesting, though Ahmad-din Al-Mussar. Sounds like an Edolian curse, that.

Certainly, a new world of concrete and politics would have passed by as the Allanean diplomat watched outside his glass, but bulletproof window. Travelling as a convoy, the groundcars gained some degree of attention from the average Austarian, but nothing special. These were government vehicles, with a whole new set of rules and regulations attached than the ordinary " motorist ". As such, they need not stop for traffic lights nor stop signs, or anything of the like. And a strong presense of police remained all around, making sure security was tight enough to be respectable, and tight enough to prevent incident. Onward they pressed, deeper into the city.

What the ethnically Arabian Allanean would have noticed in the meantime, was the strong presense of Nationalist that had adorned the streetside, in all its glory. National and Party flags had become standard decoration, and a lack of patriotism was fiercely despised. Being " anti " to one's country in the meantime, was even worse.

Johan looked over the the Allanean Diplomat, whom was staring at the passing world. A new world, perhaps. "Are you a religious man, Mr. Al-Mussar?" He chuckled, "Forgive me if I might be so intrusive."

“Define religious.” - smiled Ahmad-din Al-Mussar. “I believe Allah is God, and none is God but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet, if that is what you want to know. But I do not approach women in the street to badger them about their attire, nor do I annoy the men because they eat pork. I am also not really observant of most customs of my faith – even though perhaps I ought to be.”

He smiled at the flags in the street. “I see your nation is a proud one. That is very good. In some places, people are ashamed of their own flag – the Knootians are like that, for example. Allanea, of course, is a proud nation, too. Sometimes too proud.” He smiled.

Johan nodded duefully, "Yes. The Milano administration has particularly encouraged our citizens to be prideful of this nation, as you can see." He winked. "Also to be dedicated to, would be the National Vision. That is, to further the Union's goals and abilities at the expense of one's own so called freedoms."

He turned his head more toward the diplomat. "Allanea, and the Austar Union differ on this subject. Your own beauracrats teach that personal liberty is above all else, important." He motioned with his other hand. "Whilst as we teach dedication and pride in one's nation. Race, comes just as one factor."

As the vehicle made its way through the city Johan flashed the Allanean a smile. "If you're wondering where we are going, I thought I would first show you to your hotel. Security of course, will be tight. And after you are well rested we might begin with just a little of sight-seeing, shall we?"

Ahmad-din Al-Mussar nodded politely. "I see the difference - although I may note that any Allanean public servant would not like being called a 'bureaucrat'. As per patriotism... we teach that the protection of individual liberty such as that exhibited in our society is rare... very rare - and we teach the citizens to be ever vigilant in its defense, against threats domestic or foreign."

He suddenly smiled. "The spine of an Allanean is made of steel, and he never bows it to a bureaucrat or a policeman. The joke tells that the best way to get an Allanean to sit on a chair forever is to poke a gun at him and tell him to get up. This is not necessarily a good thing, as the One-Day War proved - but what we strive to do as public servants, as those entrusted with the powers of the People is to forge that steel into the founding of a Republic."

"As such, it is the permissiveness of Allanea that induces her citizens into patriotic sacrifice - they know that if Allanea falls, they will lose that permissiveness, and possibly never regain it again. Now, it seems to me that we're already arriving at the hotel... this is an excellent car, Sir. Very fast. You should consider importing them."

"You mean, exporting them?" replied Johan, his eyebrow raised only slightly. "The Alzerian Motor Corporation is probably already our single largest exportation group in the industry of automotives. And whilst we dont manufacture them within the Union, they are still an Austarian branded and owned name."

He chuckled, "I could go into detail about Austarian Economics, but to be honest I wouldnt want to bore you." He snickered lightheartedly. "Geschäft, bestes link zu geschäft, afterall.*" He chuckled some more.

"My staff will escort you to your room upstairs. I am sure you will find it quite luxurious," he nodded, the vehicle door being opened as he spoke. "In the meantime, I trust that your relative foriegn departments have equipt you with the schedule we forwarded." Shaking the Allanean's hand firmly, he bid his good wishes. "Until then, rest some. We have a big day ahead tomorrow."

* Business, best left to business.

"Exporting them from the Union" - smiled the Allanean - "But, of course, importing them into the United States of Allanea. I am sure they will be quite the hit - even with those Blastolene Specials that are now getting much more popular in our nation then you'd expect them to be, really. You could even set up factories - given we have no minimum wage laws or central regualtions, you'd fit in just fine."

He smiled back. "But yes, you are perfectly right. Business - tomorrow. Now I'll go to bed and sleep some, once the caffeine wears off. Good night, Sir. I'll see you in the morning."

As for the hotel, the Austarian diplomat was quite right in his description of the furnishings - it was indeed quite luxurious. Ahmad-din Al-Mussar considered submitting a review to some small Allanean paper when he came back. He'd probably be paid handsomely, he thought as he drifted off into sleep.

When morning had come, the Allanean diplomat may or may not have been startled by the existance of a gigantic portrait above the main fireplace. Obviousy, he had missed it when he had come in, for he would have surely noticed it by now. And in the meantime he may or may not have known, that the portrait was indeed of a semi-famous Austarian General; claimant to some 1.6 Million Allanean deaths in the various wars of Edolia. Some time ago.

A knock came at the door, "Room service!"

"Good Morning," -said Ahmad Ad-Din Al-Mussar as he walked towards the door, impeccably dressed. While he did, of course, recognise the general, he did not let himself display any negative emotions. Allaneans do not keep grudges long, and the Austarians have fought well back then. He respected that.