NationStates Jolt Archive

===Press Release from the Office of Imperial Orders and Relations Commission===

Prime Minister Sodryestos Karmala and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Daimei Kirolir have landed at Thurgood Marshall BWI Airport just minutes ago, on the first tour of the Republic of the Beltway. The PM and Foreign Minister will meet with the PM and Foreign Minister of the Beltway. AFter that, their visit cumulates in a christening ceremony at the docks of the Baltimore Shipyards, where the HHS Taiarai is to be committed to sea, the first construct of the new model PG-1 Hampton Roads patrol ship. The PM and Foreign Minister will return to the Empire on the HHS Taiarai.

Foreign Minister Mark Warner stood outside the newly-arrive airplane. A band began to play the national anthem of Naktan, and the rear door of the plane opened up, revealing the guests of honor, flanked by eight of the twenty-seven guards. The officials of the government of Naktan stepped down to the tarmac, along with the eight main guards. Fifteen other guards stepped down the unnoticed side door of the plane, where they met with a team of Secret Service agents and compared notes.

Warner greeted the PM, then his counterpart from Naktan. After they exchanged pleasantries and let the newspeople take their photos, Warner pointed them in the direction of the waiting limo.

Once inside the limo, Warner asked, "What do you think of The Beltway so far?"

Hearing the strange words of a foreigner for the first time in a very long time, Karmala slightly shook his head and nodded. "It is good, my friend." Kirolir gave the same nod and replied, "It is always pleasant to be in the company of good folk. However, I must ask. What was that that your band was playing?"

Foreign Minister Mark Warner stood outside the newly-arrive airplane. A band began to play the national anthem of Naktan, and the rear door of the plane opened up, revealing the guests of honor, flanked by eight of the twenty-seven guards. The officials of the government of Naktan stepped down to the tarmac, along with the eight main guards. Fifteen other guards stepped down the unnoticed side door of the plane, where they met with a team of Secret Service agents and compared notes.

Warner greeted the PM, then his counterpart from Naktan. After they exchanged pleasantries and let the newspeople take their photos, Warner pointed them in the direction of the waiting limo.

Once inside the limo, Warner asked, "What do you think of The Beltway so far?"

15 and 8 gives me 23 :)...unless 4 of my men are hiding somewhere in the luggage...which is unfortunately, quite possible...

"The old national anthem of Naktan, as translated to modern brass instruments. It didn't quite translate properly, did it?" Warner replied. He had found a version of the anthem, written for the harpsichord and lirone, online; it had taken the Foreign Ministry staff and the Marine Corps Band the better part of four hours to create the version they played.

Meanwhile, the limo drove into Baltimore, heading past gas refineries and into a tunnel. Traffic had been cleared out of the lane they were driving in.

At the shipyard, Admiral Thad Cochrane stood aboard the HSS Taiarai. She was a beauty of a ship; small but dangerous. Much like his wife, Cochrane mused.

Kirolir wondered if his comments were taken as too harsh. In all of his ventures, he had never heard the Naktan anthem performed like that...it was a curious sound... altogether, it was a beautiful sound...

"Well, we have things to discuss," Karmala said, slightly brushing off Kirolir's comments. "Our liaison offices confirmed the new free-trade status between our two nations, and it is all well and good. We would now like to discuss matters of infrastructure investments, since our economy has focused its attention on small matters, as maintaining public order and the public good. While our education system is rigorous and our small arms manufactures are considerably top of the line, it is embarrassing almost to say that our people still use horses - a tradition that is well intended, but not exactly a source of pride. It takes 4 days - without an airplane - to travel from Anakstin to Zartivor."

"Oh, and speaking of Zartivor," Karmala said, after giving his spiel," I have some wine from the country there. Naktan wine is not quite popular, and I hoping to make a fit christening with it, but seeing as you are willing to spare your own wine for the task, I believe that it would be better spent in a draught. What do you say to that?" With that, Karmala pulled out a fine wine bottle out from his coat, waiting for a response from Warner.

"I'll have a drink. Do you have a glass?" Warner said, then added, "With regards to trade: unfortunately, we make very few cars. However, I'm certain that our corporations would be happy to contribute funding for you to build your own automobile factory. Further, we can help you set up a rail network within your nation; I'll have the Director of Amtrak get in touch with you on details."

Karmala almost laughed.

Catching his thoughts, he replied, "Our automotive industry recently complained to us of the competition in the world, and while nationalistic zeal would forbid us from voiding the tarriffs, His Holy Eminence truly believes in a world-integrated market, for the greater good of the people. So as of the present, the consideration for the rail improvements is a great favor - in fact, it is probably better than cars or making roads. So then...that is very welcome. Kirolir? Dorya eit norm? (Kirolir? Do you have some glasses?)"

Kirolir looked to his guard, who searched in his briefcase. In seconds, the guard revealed a array of nine beautiful goblets. Karmala nodded, and said, "Those will do just fine." And taking some glasses, Karmala shared it with everyone in the car (except for the driver, who unfortunately was driving). And after having served the wine out, Karmala lifted his glass and proposed a toast: "To the eternal prosperity of our peoples and endless friendship!"

(except for the driver, who unfortunately was driving).
Heh.

"To our friendship and prosperity: amen," Mark assented. He drank the wine; it was a bit sweet, and not bad-tasting. "Perhaps you could sell this? I'll take another glass, please."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Timothy Kaine boarded the old VH-60 helicopter. Marine One would be replaced soon with a VH-75 from Halberdgardia; today would probably see its last flight. It struck Kaine that this would probably be one of the last times he did something like this. In some ways, that was sad; yet he was also a bit glad that he'd never have to worry about what he said and did every second of his life anymore. Once he retired, he'd quietly disappear from the spotlight; maybe he'd send the occasional editorial, but otherwise, nothing.

Karmala looked out the window as the limo approached the end of the tunnel. "It seems that we are nearing the port?"

Warner nodded in reply. Kirolir then said, "We do not have large-scale wine manufacturers. As you can imagine, we are starting our world-market appeal, and giving encouragement to go abroad and invest in good, worthwhile corporations, to learn from them and to acquire good products for the people. However, I am certain that we secure grants from the wine-makers of Viroyels to produce in good quantity some wine for exports. In the meantime, we can send them a goodwill gift to your people."

Warner and Karmala both nodded. Just as the limo left the tunnel, Karmala saw an election sign and pondered to himself, asking, "So... how go your elections?"

Warner replied:
"Slowly. Each county holds a primary; there's now over 100 primaries. They don't actually start until mid-April and won't end until August, but the campaign season begins very early here.
"Now don't get me wrong here about elections. Elections are important, however; we don't have initiatives or referenda, so the people need to be able to keep in touch with their representatives. Elections serve as a sort of wake-up call to MPs; six years and three elections ago, I found myself in the electoral fight of my life over alleged corruption. It was nothing, but it looked dirty. Ever since, I've stood in support of lobbying reform and other anti-corruption measures.
"It seems that we're here. It was nice to talk to you; unfortunately, I have to leave to return to my fundraiser."

The doors opened and the guards and dignitaries got out, except for Warner. Outside, a forty-story tall building loomed over the docks of Baltimore. Overhead, a helicopter could be heard coming in for landing. And straight ahead was the HHS Taiarai.

Sorry I didn't mention this until now, but unless you're especially close to us, there's no way the Taiarai could bring your PM and foreign minister home. It's got an extremely short range, after all...

Sorry I didn't mention this until now, but unless you're especially close to us, there's no way the Taiarai could bring your PM and foreign minister home. It's got an extremely short range, after all...
I was pondering on the same issue...considering that, I was wondering how many countries I would have to stop off at, and since we're in Baltimore, and my country is along the Pacific ridge, that means going around the entire continent, until we passed either South America or Panama (I believe that these ships will still fit into the canal locks...). In any case, it's a looooong ride back home.

Karmala nodded. "We have a slightly different system. I'd say more, but I didn't come for a lecture, and I'm certain that you didn't either." Stepping out, Warner nodded. He had just gotten a call from someone, but Karmala didn't know who, and he didn't care to intrude of the affair. They all then walked over to the docks as they reviewed the ship. From a distance, the press zoomed on the dignitaries as they strolled to the ceremony deck, wildly snapping their cameras for the best pick.

The helicopter slowly came to land on the helipad as a rush of security forces went to assist the PM. Karmala looked on with a sense of awe, but quickly turned away to head up the ramp to the ceremony platform. Once up there, he gazed at the ship's frame and structure, admiring it for what it would do for his people. He looked to Warner and calmly said, "It is all too much a great fortune that you did not suffer the disdain of your people for alleged corruption, or else this ship would not be sitting here."

Maybe we could use a C-5 to help you ship it home? You'd take Taiarai out some distance away from the press, then we'd pick your ship up and fly her home.

Warner nodded, then said, "I'm sorry, I really must leave; I shouldn't keep my campaign staff waiting. Prime Minister Kaine has arrived; I'm sure you'll find him more useful than me." He then excused himself and walked back to the waiting limo.

Kaine stepped off the helicopter, then walked aboard the small ship and greeted his counterpart from Naktan, along with the Foreign Minister of that nation. He then nodded to the security guard with him, who produced the cask of Amontillado.

Thad Cochrane walked out from the bridge to greet the dignitaries. He smiled, and walked over to one of the machine gun mounts, posing for the cameras.

Maybe we could use a C-5 to help you ship it home? You'd take Taiarai out some distance away from the press, then we'd pick your ship up and fly her home.

That works too... :P

"What a pleasure it is to meet you finally!" Kirolir said, hugging Cochrane. At first, Cochrane was slightly repulsed at the action, but Karmala could see the strain and reassured him with a good firm hand shake, saying, "In our land, a good embrace of the hearts is more warranted than a simple gesture with hands." Cochrane nodded as the two watched Kirolir proceed to hug Kaine.

After reassuring Kaine with another handshake, they settled in as Cochrane commenced the celebrations. The public gala cried brilliantly as PM Kaine rose to give his speech.

Kaine smiled slightly at Kirolir's handshake. People here had become accustomed to the hug as a sign of welcoming for a while. He then stood at the podium that had been erected near the 76mm gun turret, and spoke:

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here to celebrate the beginnings of a new relationship between Naktan and America. The nation of Naktan has chosen to purchase ten of these fine ships from Baltimore Shipyards, an American company. Further, it has agreed to formalize diplomatic ties with us, and a free-trade agreement has been signed between our two nations. Now, Naktan and America, two nations that had never heard of each other a few short years ago, proudly stand together.

"Today, we are gathered here to mark the beginnings of the new Navy of Naktan. Naktan, prior to its deals with Baltimore Shipyards, had a navy of wooden junks. But now, Naktan has entered the modern era, with ten new, modern patrol craft, and an order for a further three frigates. This will change Naktan, and for the better.

"Today, we are gathered here to note the returning strength of American businesses. Just eleven years ago, America was a pillar of economic strength. Then the Collapse occurred. Now, however, American companies, like Baltimore Shipyards and Lockheed Corporation, are reaching out to the rest of the world and showing our renewed strength. This will change us, and for the better.

"And today, we are gathered here to christen a ship. Prime Minister Karmala, if you'd do the honors..."

Citizens of The Beltway tend to think of themselves as American and their nation as America. It used to be America; then, the Collapse occurred.

I knnew there was something weird about the choice of your people :)...

Karmala stepped up to the podium and shook hands with Kaine again as he returned to sit. Karmala then looked out and addressed the crowd:

"In honesty, I am not a man of good rhetoric, and I hope that I do not prove that today. In 31 years of life, however, I have little seen the beneficence of a nation reach out as much as yours has to mine. I can guarantee you that your people make a wise decision in the aid of such small countries, for it is through development, good hospitality, and the like of good friendships that forges the strongest alliances."
"This navy that you build here today might not seem much to you. After all, it is going to land that is far away, and perhaps has even less significance there. But know that my people, plagued by hostile pirates - and yes, they still do exist in my part of the world - have longed for redemption from these belligerents, and with these ships, we will show them that we do not tolerate their hostility. We have longed for them to cease, on their own accord. However, they have shown that they are unwilling to talk to us, then the weaker kind. I am hoping that they will reconsider before these ships send them away, them the weaker kind."
"As a Naktan, I am not accustommed to using force. We are all commissioned in Imperial Armed Forces at a young age for a one-year service. The training is superb in many ways, but we never are trained to use that force in great detail. I think it is adequately put to say we have a defensive force, a great force when provoked and not."
"But I feel myself boasting, and boasting is for the weak of mind, in my opinion. As you said, Prime Minister Kaine... we are gathered to christen this ship. And may this ship be the first in the long line of a friendship between our two peoples."

Stopping in his speech, Karmala went to Kaine, who gladly handed him the wine bottle and went to the bow of the ship, with the press and dignitaries watching on. Silently, he offered a prayer to Taiarai as he crashed the bottle against the namesake ship.

Crack! The cask opened up beautifully, spilling out Amontillado wine into the Chesapeake Bay. One more contaminant for the Bay, Kaine thought with a smile.

Thad Cochrane then spoke:
"I'm especially glad to be here today. Not more than ten years ago, Baltimore Shipyards was just an idea being hashed out between a few of us retired admirals. We all knew a bit about design; of course, the late Dr. Etter knew the most. She was a good woman, and we miss her deeply.

"Today, we are a major player in the international market. We have finalized the design of our first dreadnought, a ship over fifteen times as long, fifty times as wide, and one thousand times as big as this one. We have sold almost fifty ships, and are now worth billions of dollars.

"What we build matters. We may be building warships, but we see them as being built in the service of peace. Because, as George Orwell put it, 'People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.' Today, a new batch of rough Natkans stand ready to do violence on behalf of their nation against a pirate foe, thanks to us at Baltimore Shipyards, and - more importantly - thanks to their own willingness to fight for liberty."

And with that, good night.

Thank you for this pleasurable setting and my new fleet :) Have a good one :D

Karmala looked on, watching the Baltimore cityscape as the ship strolled on. Kirolir nodded as some of their security guards relayed a call.

"The plane escort is arriving. We should do well to get ready for the ride home."

"As well," Karmala replied, continuing to gaze over at the last glimpses of a new land as the sun set over it all. And he thought to himself, What a great beauty!