NationStates Jolt Archive

"Secretary, something I wanted to discuss with you... the Alla-"

Carmine interjected with a single handed gesture, "Please, not at the dinner table. I have enough to deal with during my day let alone in my relaxation time also. Now, as for Allaneans..." He cringed at the very word. "I think it's coming time to reassess our position regarding them. I'm aware of your burning hatred for their entire racial existence, Minister - but I want it kept off the job; I've been receiving a lot of heat over your most recent message (http://z4.invisionfree.com/The_Planet_Mars/index.php?showtopic=1152&view=findpost&p=1642723) and quite frankly, I want it to stop. Got it?"

This was a non-negotiable; Michael conceded with a nod. There was a pause as Michael thought for a second. "If for example-"

"Not now, Michael," Carmine interrupted a second time, becoming visibly angry with him. "I'm going to brief you in the morning, but I want the way we deal with Allaneans to change. We're going to be a lot smarter, a lot wiser over which fights we pick and when, among a few other things."

"Fair enough," the Minister for D.F.A.T. nodded again, this time much more convincingly. "I get the point."

Carmine sighed, he hated having to bring his people back into line. But just some things were unacceptable. This was something he had made the mistake of letting it get too far... now was a time for damage control - not even, now was a time to move into the future, and learn from past 'incidences', hoping that such and such things could easily overcome with time, and further interaction with the Martian community. Easily done.

"Michael, I have another assignment for you."

Michael looked up from toying with his food, "The Dominion?"

Carmine grinned, "I suppose you've read my dossier already then?"

"Sure have," replied the Minister. "I've been briefed and am ready to go whenever you need me."

"Good, that means in two weeks time."

Two Weeks Later

Reading over the documentation one last time, Michael relaxed in the back of his groundcar as it sped along a preprogrammed course to the International Aeroport at a pace only described as 'fast'. Traveling in a government authorized convoy, aforementioned vehicles had the right of way on all streets and roads, Austarian police working overtime to close off intersections ahead and behind, providing security to the general area and warning the local citizenry to stand clear. In such times when a Senior Ranking Official was traveling from 'Point A' to 'Point B', Police are issued a shoot-to-kill order on anyone even looking like they were about to launch an attack on the government convoy. In the Unione, government was the absolute authority, and security was an absolute must at absolutely all times - not to be something taken lightly; it's watchword, even.

In the meantime, he worked to relax himself before the meeting with the Dominioneers. He would soon be arriving in Devras; the flight there would take just under an hour in total including takeoff and landing procedure. Furthermore, it would give him more time to revise the upcoming agenda and various ideas to be presented to his Dominion counterparts. Not to mention reading new transmissions, replying to in-house correspondence (and out of house correspondence), and then keeping in touch with the Secretary-General on the most important issues that couldn't wait until his return to the Austar Union - all made possible by a portable console with wireless access to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; not entirely new technology in itself, but revolutionary in the way it accessed the network from normally out of the usually enabled areas.

Within the period of half an hour the Minister for D.F.A.T. had already arrived at the Aeroport and boarded his private luxury craft, especially set aside for him, and him alone... or at least anyone who held his particular office anyhow, which of course was that of he who was using it this particular day. Flying now at a speed only known to Michael as 'very fast', he was now well on his way to Devras. Soon enough, a message would be sent to whomever was the appropriate authority regarding Dominion airspace.

" This is UCSGRS-002 on a bearing of Zero-Two-Four-Six Point Seven... requesting permission to land at $airport_location... "

Precautionary measures were not quite so obvious in the Dominion when it came to the traveling habits of leaders, ministers, and other assorted governmental officials. Confidence in their ability to maintain the safety of their charges was one factor, along with the capability to back it up. Another was the fact that if someone were to the point of making such an open attack, they had not to this point been doing their jobs – which was certainly not the case. Yet another factor was the belief that force was something to be used sparingly, and where necessary to avoid both desensitization of the citizenry, and to keep them guessing as to their exact capabilities and latest methods. Troublemakers who were kept wondering were less apt to follow through. That, and the citizenry overall had better things to do, given the overall contentment with and understanding of the system. If one did not start trouble, one usually did not get trouble.

Usually. Exceptions to the rule were watched for, monitored, and dealt with as quickly and quietly as possible. The fact that additional protection was enjoyed due to the mutually comfortable yet quiet relationship with la cosa nostra was neither here nor there.

Of course there was security. Cameras, uninterrupted communications over Spook, armed soldati, both seen and unseen. The difference here was it was subtle.

The usual arrangements for visiting foreign dignitaries were made as quickly and efficiently as possible, certain schedules were rearranged and cleared where needed, and by the time the Austarian craft was requesting clearance, an armored limousine with the appropriate security detail was waiting at the more secure diplomatic wing of the airport.

Evangelista Ravanelli, Dominion Minister of Public Relations, straightened her jacket, and brushed a stray lock of hair back behind her ear as control relayed permission to land, and the proper coordinates to do so to the Austarians. Upon arrival, she stepped out of the car, and waited with a welcoming smile for Michael to disembark.

Coming to a halt at a point closest to Evangelista and her associated staff as possible, the main hatch to the cabin of the aerospace vehicle lowered revealing a rather traditionally compact staircase. Almost immediately, a small team from the Austarian Secret Service appeared, the leader of these security operations meeting quickly with that of the Dominion to firstly initialize a concerted effort from both sides to provide a more standard level of protection to both representatives, and then to carry out said duties included in such an operation. Not soon afterward in the meantime, stepped out Michael Thatcherson -- foot placed after foot, he strode rather confidently to the Dominion representative, albeit not overly full of himself either.

Now to do this correctly.

"Ciao, Signorina," the Minister for D.F.A.T. flashed a warm, yet respectful smile. "Thank you for welcoming me here. This is my first time to the Dominion, but I have heard marvelous things about your country's wine. Actually, I hear it's absolutely outstanding."

It only took him half a second to consider whether or not to lean inward for a kiss on the cheek, and based his decision on local Dominion custom.

The soldati had little problem coordinating, being used to working with foreign dignitaries and their entourages, allowing the visiting team to work as they felt necessary while keeping a close eye on the proceedings, making any requests needed politely and succinctly.

Evangelista saved the visiting diplomat any confusion as to custom by offering her hand in greeting, along with a warm smile, and pleasant ‘Buongiorno’, more intimate or informal greetings being reserved for more than first time meetings, and usually spared those unfamiliar with continental customs.

“A pleasure, Signore,” she replied, nodding and smiling at the compliments. “We shall have to be sure you have ample opportunity to sample then, no? If you care to join me, we can be on our way.” Here she indicated the limo, which had ample room for several guards to accompany him if he wished, in addition to several other vehicles available both for escort, and for the transportation of any others of his team that were in need.

“We have refreshments onboard – even some of that wine you mentioned.”

Michael took Evangelista hand and shook it gently, nodding and smiling occasionally as they exchanged greetings between themselves. The Austarian Secret Service seemed to prove rather efficient in working with the Dominion's soldati, working quickly to form or join an otherwise already existing security perimeter. In the meantime they kept their distance from the representatives, more or less a sign of respect than anything - privacy by the Austarian was appreciated and any encroach on that 'personal space' was generally seen as rude unless circumstances justified it. Categorized into a list which determined each and every nation's 'risk level', the Dominion came up as 'very low' and as such the security provided by the Secret Service was minimal at best, and for anyone wondering; No, circumstances provided no such justification. As such in these circumstances, the requirements of security-keeping according to official policy was flexible, allowing a level of freedom which meant that said agents would default according to how the representative preferred it on a case by case basis.

"Oh wonderful," Michael exclaimed at the mention of sampling wines and the like, not that he cared for drinking too much during his trip. A simple glass over or after dinner suited him just fine. Nevertheless, he appreciated Evangelista's offer. "I look forward to it."

If you care to join me, we can be on our way.

"Sure," Michael nodded, agreeing.

Following Evangelista's lead, he followed her to the limousine and took up his seating place within it. Clicking himself in, his entourage would not be joining the representatives in the same vehicle; choosing to ride in set-aside groundcars in front and behind the Austarian and Dominion Ministers respectively. Although they provided a lesser amount of security, they still remained cautious for any abnormalities but relied largely on that of the soldati's ability, and its organized cooperation with the local police.

As the convoy began to move, Michael turned to Evangelista and posed a much more personal question.

"So, if you don't mind me being so forward, what was it that inspired you to get into politics, much more, a diplomatic role?"

The question takes Evangelista by surprise, and she pauses halfway to opening the minibar to look over at Michael with a curious expression before finishing, and gesturing to the array of wines, liqueurs, juices, sodas, and waters contained therein, with proper glasses and ice if needed.

“Please, you’re welcome to whatever you like,” she says first, selecting an apricot juice for herself before settling back.

“I suppose the most succinct answer is simply that I wanted to make a difference,” she replies thoughtfully. “I didn’t have much of an interest in the family business, and it was clear I wasn’t cut out for continued military service during my obligated time. I don’t really have the stomach for a medical profession, and while I’m interested in the application of law, the idea of being stuck inside a courtroom arguing in circles doesn’t appeal. So how better to be of service and accomplish, hopefully, something good?” she finishes, offering him a slightly self-conscious smile.

“It has been an interesting ride, to be sure. And what of yourself? How do you manage to find yourself here, and now, representing your government in the Dominion?”

Michael makes a selection favoring bottled water and cracked open the seal, taking a small and not impolite sip. He savoured it's fairly blandish taste as Evangelista replied to his question, and offered the same of her own.

"It's difficult to tell really," he pondered for a moment, thinking. "During my teenage years I had always wanted to be in a band; lead guitarist actually, although I was never really good at paying any instrument, triangle aside."

He chuckled, "I came out of college with a degree in public relations and no real direction, and completed my minimum service within the military afterward as little more than a Corporal." He grinned sheepishly. "I suppose I'm a little unlike some other ambassadors who have every medal under the sun; I soon found myself in a seemingly dead-end job within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and worked as an Admin Assistant at a consulate within Iuthia. Being exposed to letters and the like gave me enough practice I suppose because after our own kind of national renaissance, I was asked to work in Anatoba City as one of the Minister of the day's assistants, where I was groomed for a promotion which came soon afterward, and here I am."

"Not terribly exciting, but I've always been someone who's dreamed to one day save the world, whether it be through music, with a gun in some faraway war, or via quite possibly the most boring desk job ever." He smiled, "Well, not too boring. But here I am today, and I'm loving every minute of it. I didn't quite become the embodiment of world-wide salvation as every kid hopes to be, but I can do my best to nudge an ever changing world into hopefully a positive direction."

He shrugged nonchalantly, and took another sip of his water before studying it's label. "I suppose, Signorina, that puts us as being in the same kind of business, then."

Michael smiled politely and inoffensively.

“The business of politics, yes,” she replies, smiling softly. “Which brings me to my next question – the purpose of your visit. What is it we can do for you and your nation, Signore Thatcherson?”







ooc: Apologies for brevity, but I honestly couldn't think of what else to say. *sheepish grin*

Michael took another sip, smiling and nodding cordially now. "Actually," he grinned from the corner of his mouth. "I've been sent on behalf of the Secretary-General to discuss... a deepening friendship between the Dominion and Unione of Capitalizt States."

"I think at least in our perspective, we have noticed that most ideologies are agreed upon by the both of our governments -- particularly that of a need for prevailing common sense," He chuckled. "Although, I don't mean to come across-"

Michael paused, trying to think of a suitable expression.

"Self-inflated?"

Shrugging it off, he continued. "Anyhow, since the Secretary-General has come into office, the Austar Union has experienced a fair amount of development in a reasonably short period of time--particularly that of a colony on Mars, and our let's say, lack of appreciation toward certain methods of governance?"

He smiled playfully.

"Getting more to the point, I don't suppose the Dominion would object to an amount of cooperation between our respective governments? Nothing too heavy of course, but something more tantamount to a genesis of sorts. Some joint military training exercises, some mutual concessions regarding trade... that sort of thing perhaps?"

This sort of approach by the Austarians had been tried before, and sufficient grounds had been found lacking then. It seemed that agreeing on such a small thing as Allanea being a problem had spurred another attempt, which she supposed was unsurprising, considering past track records.

“Well,” Evangelista began carefully. “Joint military exercises are something we reserve for allied states, and even then, on a limited basis. Trade concessions you already have via your Trade Network Alliance membership - which again, tends to be as far as we go with things outside our alliance ties. I’m afraid so far as other things, the Dominion has no bilateral treaties, nor does it plan on entering into any. In addition, we do not believe in signing ‘friendship’ treaties, or non-aggression pacts, as we have seen historically just how useless they really are, and how they tend to lead to a false sense of security, which in the past have lead to disasters. Or was there … something else you had in mind?”

It was fortunate that the Minister for DFAT had the ability to detect that there was something more. Not only would he save himself the embarressment, but could managed to change how he approached the situation also. At least he hoped he could.

Michael smiled warmly, "That's fine. I was expecting something fairly similar actually. For all purposes, the level of our government-to-government cooperation has been seen as just fine, really. With no need to change much in that department, anything of the aforementioned would be much more of a bonus than something we're willing to take unnessasary offense over."

He lightened the mood by chuckling.

"Never the less, what I did have in mind which might be of more interest to you, would be the promotion of a cultural exchange. To put it simply, think student exchanges between both secondary and tertiary-level institutions. My government has also been considering a project you might be interested in; the creation of an 'Education Standard'. What I mean by this, is imagine if a Dominioneer could move to the Austar Union and have his qualifications formally recognized after twenty-years of being within the profession as a doctor, teacher, a lawyer, et cetera. I would imagine that by very nature, this person would have to undertake some minor courses to get them more understanding of certain methods or ways unique to their new home - but for the most part, an electrician could continue his profession and not become a taxi driver. Or anything less than he or she deserves for that matter. Not only would this assist in migration between the Austar Union and Dominion, it would also bring about a closer understanding between Dominioneers and Austarians. All of a sudden either has something to identify with in the other, and so a exchange in culture begins to take place naturally. I was also thinking of a means to fast-track the visa process, or even applications for citizenship if you wanted that included also."

Shrugging, he continued. "And this 'Education Standard' could be further extended to a signable treaty if you wanted it to. The possibilities are fairly well endless in that regard."

Michael pulled a face, "I'm terribly sorry. This must be all a lot for you to consider in one moment. Would you like me to forward a copy of all this to your office?"

Evangelista’s reply was interrupted by their arrival at the downtown offices in the newer city. She made her apologies as they exited the vehicle, giving his team ample time to situate themselves to their satisfaction before directing him towards the mirrored glass entrance.

The entryway goes up several stories with the upper levels sporting walkways that overlook the open area. Décor and architecture is a blend of old and new, remaining true to their roots while using modern materials. Ample greenery is tactfully placed, and warm, rich colors are prevalent. Security is tight here, being one of the government buildings, but as clearance has been arranged, and the building’s teams have been kept updated by the soldati accompanying the party, there are no problems getting into the prepared conference room on the main floor.

Light refreshments are available by way of some light antipasti, various juices, several wines and liqueurs, and of course water, both plain and flavored – more than enough for the security detail to partake of as well. All but two of the soldati remain outside the room, which from the back looks out into an inner courtyard full of trees and flowers and stone pathways. Comfortable red leather chairs are seated around a dark table, its polished nearly black surface reflecting the scene from the window, the surrounding room, and the items laid out on it.

“Please, make yourselves comfortable,” Evangelista said, taking a seat before getting back to the previous conversation.

“Student exchanges would fall under the Ministry of Education, and the purvey of Niccolo Ugurgieri in particular. I can’t really make any promises that way, all things considered. This ‘education standard’ would also require a detailed review by this department, as well as being overseen by my office, Donatello Calfa, Minister of Finance in reference to how said changes might affect our industries and competitiveness, and if we are to create a new standard with a foreign nation, Antonio Pellegrino, Minister of Central Intelligence would need to review the overall plan as well. I can’t think offhand what other ministries might need to be involved, but there could be several, depending.”

She paused for a moment, taking a sip from one of the juices, letting the information sink in. “We’ve never done anything of the sort before, so I can’t give any indication of how such a proposal would be received. A detailed plan would have to be submitted for review before we could offer anything. Imigration has always been something we’ve dealt with on a case by case basis, and I would imagine that this trend would continue, given our usual penchant for security. Things are not always as simple as they might seem at first glance in the Dominion, Signore, for which I apologize.”