NationStates Jolt Archive

Generalissimo J.L. loved to read. He subscribed to dozens of newspapers from around the world, and had extensively studied the histories of literally hundreds of nations of every size, stature, and political stripe. Thus, it was no surprise that he was aware of the Holy Imperium of Banduria, a fellow dictatorship. Both nations seemed to have little regard for such silly liberal concepts as "liberty," "human rights," ad infinitum. The Emperor of Banduria struck J.L. as a highly respectable fellow, one he would be honored and privileged to meet. The two nations had much in common, and an alliance would be mutually beneficial. Usually, when the Generalissimo invited a foreign head of state, he delivered a message via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, he had a strong intuition that the meeting with the Emperor would be a great success. He felt so confident of the outcome that he personally wrote a letter, by hand, which he delivered to the Emperor. It read as follows:

"Dear Esteemed Emperor,

My name is Generalissimo J.L. I am the head of state and head of government of Roach-Busters, and will remain so until the day I do. I have analyzed your great nation's history, culture, and politics, and have noticed quite a few similarities between Banduria and RB. Your nation is one I would be honored to count among my allies. I would be greatly pleased and honored if you accepted my invitation to dine with me at my castle, where we can discuss matters further. If you are interested, please convey your interest to my secretary, Claudia Sandoval, who, in turn, will relay your reply to myself. I look forward to hearing from you. May God's glory shine upon your nation."

Yours sincerely,
Generalissimo J.L.

The Throne Room of his Sacred Imperial Highness, Lucius I of Banduria, was situated on the top floor, the ancient throne rotating a full circle from the ancient high-vaulted room itself to the windows looking out over the nation at its end. It was centuries old, for many years the tallest building in the nation and still the highest in Bandurià City, built atop a hill. It was from here that the Emperor watched his Imperium, both literally and figuratively, with parts of the Imperial Palace containing the rows of monitors connecting to the hidden cameras all over the nation.

Lucius I himself was a man of indeterminate age, of about average height, with short graying hair and a scar disfiguring most of the right side of his face. He had earned it long ago while fighting in the Legions for possession of a small atoll that had been lost and retaken by the Imperium dozens of times. He was cordial and polite in speech, albeit occasionally cold and sardonic; he had a reputation for fairness without mercy, which was well-earned by his treatment of traitors, dissenters, and so on.

Lucius liked to take his tea facing the windows and watching the motion of the city far below. Generally, it was then that he was handed his first correspondence of the day. Now, Lucius was reading the transmission from Generalissimo J.L. as he sipped from a warm mug of his favorite mint tea.

"Hmmm...So the state of Roach-Busters wants to enter into an alliance with us. Well, it would be beneficial to the Imperium, after all..." Lucius looked from that to the folder full of the information on Roach-Busters and flipped through it. One had to admit, the two nations did have their similarities...

Abruptly, Lucius set down his tea, turned in his throne, and stood, walking towards the far wall, where his desk was situated. He began writing a message to respond to the Generalissimo. Alliances were always useful, especially between large military powers.

Official Message from His Sacred Imperial Highness, Emperor of Banduria

To the esteemed Generalissimo J.L.:

I, Lucius I of Banduria, send you my greetings. As the leader of the Imperium I would be honored to accept your invitation. We are interested in expanding our contacts and allies beyond the immediate region; the Imperium has long maintained a policy of isolation, but in my rule I have determined to end that policy and begin Bandurian relations with other foreign powers. I would be greatly pleased to go to Roach-Busters as soon as you are ready to accept me.

Signed,

His Sacred Imperial Highness, Emperor Lucius I of Banduria
Divinely-Appointed Ruler of the Holy Imperium

To: His Sacred Imperial Highness, Emperor Lucius I of Banduria
From: Claudia Sandoval, secretary to Generalissimo J.L. the Great

"Excellency,

The Generalissimo is pleased with your reply and eagerly anticipates meeting you. Please let him know which day and time are most convenient for you, and we can schedule a meeting accordingly."

The return message arrived shortly afterwards. Lucius glanced at it. Cryptic, he muttered to himself. Or not. Well, I'll look over my schedule.

As the emperor of a vast Imperium, Lucius I was understandably a busy man. But not unduly so. And diplomatic meetings such as these tended to override most other national business, which could anyway be left to the ministers. Besides, it would be an excellent time for Lucius to test his eldest son and heir, the Crown Prince Lucian, on the throne. He smiled a little bit.


I can come to Roach-Busters in a week's time; my plane will probably arrive around 16.30. If this time is in any way inconvenient, please inform me so I can change it.

~Lucius I, Emperor of the Holy Imperium of Banduria

"That will work just fine."

--Claudia Sandoval, secretary to Generalissimo J.L.--