NationStates Jolt Archive

After watching the game, Roumillet was somewhat a mix of emotions. He was happy, sad, distraught, and even confused. It was his joy to watch the cradling Duchy grow into the world, although few nations officially recognized the state. But now, the national team was in the World Cup [E2], and there was some recognition that his state and his people were force in football. But what else was there to this dinky state of some 50,000 people? Was it the aim of the armed forces of Saint Lazare? Not likely, as most nations had militaries larger than the entire population. Perhaps it required the effort to make Saint Lazare an international center of diplomacy and economics; but who pays attention to that stuff anymore?

There were many things going in his head as he passed through the cascades of Johannesburg, a major city and one of the principal political capitols of the United States of Brink. It was an admirable city, and he liked his stay there. But, as much as he wanted to frolick in the gardens and the zoos, he had business to deal, and hopefully the business would be conclusive and worthwhile to both states. But time would tell that story.


[ooc: USB, just start off with something nice to get the two people into the same room with something to talk about, and I'll introduce some things that we could talk about after the chitchat...otherwise, go forth!]

The United States of Brink had been buzzing with activity as of late. The World Cup had literally stopped the nation in its tracks. Before anyone knew it the country was becoming packed with wild and crazy fans with lots of money to spend! With all things going well and with Ezra and the World Cup Commission making it look so easy there seemed little to do but simply watch. However this wasn’t the case, in fact behind the scenes had been going on long before the cup took place and will continue long afterwards. For this reason President Baruti rarely had time to watch the games let alone offer his time to entertain dignitaries, not that he was trying to be rude but with all the issues surrounding the preparation he simply had no time. Also the recent opening of the Johannesburg Courts and the influx of activity in that regards took up what little time he had. Having so much opposition, not to mention so much hope, riding on the Courts he personally invested hours upon hours into forwarding it himself. Most of the time, if not all of it, Foreign Minister Gunter Whitman would have taken the helm and met with foreign dignitaries yet this case caught Baruti’s eye and rightfully so.

The Grand Duke was an easily likeable man, big in stature yet soft spoken and highly intelligent. It was the latter that made Baruti take to him so well, the Duke choosing his words with great weight and delivering in them with so grace. Baruti knew most of the leaders of the world at this point and his opinions were not always that of good ones but with the Grand Duke he knew that any meeting whether the issue important or not would make for a good conversation. Baruti himself was worn down; his early term putting him into the fray of World politics and thus quickly graying his hair. For the most part his efforts to make peace were shot down yet now it seemed he had an ally and this ally was the Grand Duke, thus where the story meets.

He made time for the meeting; in fact he actually arranged it himself. Whether or not it was the intention of the Grand Duke for coming was unbeknownst to him. He had been informed of the Duke’s stay only a few days ago and saw to it personally that he was treated with the best eloquence USB had to offer and than arranged for a meeting, one he hoped would spur a lot more. The Duke quickly returned his message informing him that there was much to talk about, something that put a smile on Baruti’s tired face. Although Baruti was at his desk in Windhoek he was going to make the trip down to Johannesburg, his favorite city, and meet the Duke in the Courts themselves.

Roumillet had arrived with a silent approach, opted not to stir the crowds. Although he was often very vocal and likewise very open to people in general, he didn't want to waste any time before this generous meeting with Baruti in Johannesburg. The President of the United States of Brink had indeed only known on such a short notice and despite this, had arranged a special meeting in the Courthouse of Johannesburg, a fitting capitol structure for international justice and peace.

His company followed him into the building, as they passed through the security clearance on the ground level. There, USB dignitaries greeted the Grand Duke in a shower of applause and some vocal cheers. And at the head of the mission was President Baruti. They chatted a little, but only in slight whispers, unknown to the witnesses around them. Certainly, it must have been something as this: "It is a pleasure to have you here" and the reply, "It is only pleasing to meet with you." But much cannot be said of it, since no one else heard the conversation.

With that, the two strolled through the building, somewhat on a tour of the complex. They visited one of the presiding justices on the Court, and they viewed the principal courtroom. After about an hour, they finally reached their destination: a solid room, with plain white walls and embroided mahogany furniture. The table before them was crafted from teak, harvested in Madagascar. And on the side was a flat-panel screen, divided into 16 sets - obviously for viewing purposes. Baruti immediately took his place at the head of the table, just in front of the open window wall, with a spectacular view of the downtown stretch of Johannesburg.

With that, Baruti opened the discussion: "What brings you to Johannesburg, besides the scenary and some national pride for the World Cup?"

Roumillet, pleased that business was coming to its proper place, took the seat opposite Baruti and sat down. He then explained several ideas that he would like to have resolved: "As you may know, the Grand Duchy of Saint Lazare has undergone some modifications to its structure, both inn urban design and likewise in government. Historically, the Principate was a parliamentarian democratic monarchial state, but with the fall of the former state some years ago to the just reign of two preceding governments - Cotland and then the late government of Huahin - we havev resurfaced with some idea of self-government. However, our transition state has been somewhat rough, especially considering that I have recently ruled as a quasi-formal dictator.
"However, like noble Cinncinatus, I want to step down and begin the reformation of the Monegasque democracy - a Parliament building, which still exists to this moment, shall be the new center of government. Nonetheless, it might seem simple, but we have nearly forgotten self-governing democracy. I fear that some people will exploit this lapse and use the new powers to institute some form of despotic regime that might even supercede my own authority.
"My first concern is that the elections - once given - will be rigged. It is therefore my resolve to make certain that this basic voice of democracy should rise unscathed, and I invite the United States of Brink to provide some assistance in providing free, fair, and unabridged parliamentary elections.

"My next concern is for the safety of the world. I recently gave my full and complete support of this institution here, in the idea that world justice can be achieved. However, few nations have taken the call to follow the justice and decisions of this institution. I feel that more authority needs to be given to it, but since I have none to give, I feel that it would be in its interest that we should resolve to find methods to strengthen its hold on justice. I have also made efforts to increase Saint Lazare's grip in international affairs, partially in the construction of the new Centre des Etats Internationaux... pardon the French, that would be... Center of ... States... of... (looking to his translator who simply says "International States Center") - what he said."

A little chuckling came through at this moment as Roumillet seemed ultimately confounded inn simple English, but he gently swiped his forehead with a cloth and remarked, "I know my French and my English, but when I have to translate, it becomes much harder. Thank God that I am no translator!" More laughs came out, especially from the Saint Lazare delegation. As the laughing subsided, Roumillet prepared to continue, but he glanced across the table and saw Baruti ready to make a reply, and thus decided to hold his other statements.

Baruti was quiet during Roumillet’s turn of the conversation, hardly even moving. His mind was racing with different thoughts, questions, and answers; even his old French, although rusty, was passing through his mind. Still he listened on giving his ut-most attention to Roumillet whose careful selection of words seemed to weigh heavily on all present. When he finally paused for a moment, seeming to want to go further, Baruti knew it was his turn to talk, to answer the questions that were laid before him.

“I believe you know what my reply will be; in fact I think you knew exactly what I was going to say for all your questions. I am slightly embarrassed, I should have been more prepared but as I’m sure you have noticed things have been quite…hectic.” He took a deep breathe and continued, “The world, unfortunately, has been forever sliding down a most terrible slope. It is a slope whose end is something I wish never to think about. There is so much I wish I could do, wish I could change but the boundaries are seemingly everywhere and end in only wishful thinking…wishful thinking, that’s all I have been doing.” The sadness in his eyes was evident even from across the room. His attention was no longer focused on the Grand Duke, on nothing in particular but rather off; as if looking deep into something that wasn’t there. “You, your nation, are a new shining light in this gloomy world and you know very well we wouldn’t let that dull. There is nothing I am surer about than letting people have the voice, a voice for the voiceless if you will. The minds, the thoughts, the ideas of the people are more powerful and more plentiful than anything you could ever imagine!” His voice was getting stronger and louder as we went on, a small fire lit in his eyes. “You will have what ever it is you need to ensure that your democracy thrives. Although I am sure that little will be needed, you are a civilized country…the people will be heard one way or the other. As for the Courts themselves, I fear there is little force we can provide. A military section is something I desire little as it seems almost hypocritical. The key is to create something that makes sense no matter your reasoning, something that would force every nation to compromise and cooperate.” He realized he was getting somewhat ahead of himself and sat back in his chair as he was almost standing. He again took a deep breath this time, however, was simply to recover lost breath. He glanced around the room to be greeted by a few nods of approval and some deep in thought stares. His eyes made their way over to Roumillet who looked ready to make his reply.

Roumillet smiled slightly. Despite being nearly 50, his face shoe with the ecstasy of a 5-year-old.

"You are right to say that I should know what to expect you to say. However, I think you misunderstand me when I say authority. It is not so much that we need a military to enforce the decisions - indeed, that would be as bad as following those who tremble into those courts, seeking to avoid a hefty punishment that they need to avoid recognizing. Sometimes..." he paused. "sometimes, the strongest force is the will, so insignificant to the majority, yet it speaks powerful words with every action. Let us say this will shall be the force of our authority? But what do we say? We say that we are willing to concede to the decisions of another authority, thereby losing that authority to govern a portion of what we had originally set for our own purposes, and instead leaving them to another purpose, something that is perhaps morre grand than our own intended purpose. After all, what is it to us that we should partition a part of our power today, so that we save it - no... that we invest it - in an ideal that gives rise to a beautiful thing. La Paix..."

"But you and I are both men of ideals," he said, rising to the floor. His uniform was somewhat void of the typical royal dreessings and honors, although he did not fail to bear the Cross of St. Charles, the beloved order of his father's father's father's brother-in-law's sister's father. His white overcoat seemed to blend well with the wall, so it seemed to Baruti, especially now that he was standing. However, as amusing as it was, he knew that it was somewhat rude to critique the gentleman's suit matching his wall and paid closer attention. Besides, we can grant him some leniency anyway - too much truth can make a man go mad, and sometimes the utter reality needs to revitalize his senses so he can realize what is the truth.

Roumillet continued to stand and cautiously walked to the glass window, overlooking the city. Baruti turned in his chair, still breathing heavily although at a much more comfortable rate. The officials and delegates in the room held their breathes high as the Grand Duke approached the glass and he peered out into the city.

"Theirs is a life to admire," he remarked, standing still by the windows. "The common folk - as much as I wish not say of it as such - they live the best lives, for they are the lives that give us our dignity. There is the merchant on Rue St. Dénis who has the freshest fish from the entire sea. And I try to visit it every day, to purchase some fish. And the fisher always makes certain that he has the freshest catch available so that he can present it to all of his customers there - and sometimes I think he does me a special courtesy, but I try to avoid succombing to that. And this man, on Rue St. Dénis, he goes out every morning from his house to the ocean where he catches whatever God desires him to catch. Some days, he will have the luck to catch bonito, which is a nice fish for flavor; other days, he will have flounder. In all, he runs a successful business and there is hardly a day that he does't catch anything at all. And he would reply 'Rien à pêche, c'est tout, mais comme d'habitude, il ya aussi un autre jour pour faire la mer.'

"I have come to realize something about being the leader of a country - it means everything to them. It is your obligation to your people - whether elected or not - to serve them with the intention to bring them only the best. It is a great business that we run, the business of welfare, of security, of guidance, of comfort. I know myself, that I would sacrifice everything to my own to make certain that those people whom I call my own, that they should have the ability to live in a world that cherishes the small things of life, that war would become a wasteful endeavour. I would rather see thousands of soldier unemployed than thousands of people displaced from war."

With that, he broke away from the window and returned to his chair. "But like I said, we are men of ideals. Let us hope therefore that our will becomes something more of our ideals than of practicality, because then we would find fewer arguments to say that we are wrong and they are right."

Baruti would have said something, but Roumillet paused, resting his arms on his chair beforer sitting down. "You know you said something of... I can't remember it exactly, but you mentioned that the "ideas of our people are more powerful than anything we could imagine" or something like that. Is it not worthwhile to make those voices of our peoples the voices to the world, the testimony of a peaceful endeavor to bring sensibility to the world politics in our age? After all, what is the beacon to the world if it remains hidden or even ignored?" Baruti added his own comment to the play: "It becomes nothing. I see a little of what you mean, but honestly, we are two nations, in a world filled with countless other nations that would rather slip into conflicts and senseless battles. How do we go to make our voices heard, and not only heard but also heeded? How do we make reason our calling?"

Roumillet brushed his bare chin and nodded. "I am only one man - what can one man do apart from his people?"

“I believe you are looking at this in the wrong light, what can the people do for us? They, my friend, are the key and what they unlock I know not of. Still any right man in the right mind would agree with your statement: unemployed soldiers are the best kind. To waste such a promising life on something dishonorable is my greatest fear as it rightfully should be. They are better than you, than me, the soldiers I mean…they put their lives, families, dreams on the line for something far greater than they could ever know. Such sacrifice is what keeps me determined in the face of all odds to create an everlasting peace for this world. It can still be rescued…it can still be rescued.”

His eyes were filling with tears for he had become very emotional yet he controlled himself. He couldn’t allow any sign of weakness regardless of the people before him. It was as if his whole being was finally hitting him as he imagined, as a leader of something far greater than himself. He was treading on uncharted land and it was not an easy path. His goals seemed out of reach, his ideals fading quickly in the tide of the world. He felt he was being held back, it appeared he could not sacrifice himself like the soldiers; he could not bring himself to their level, their courage. Their mind was so simple, it was easy, and they knew in their hearts what was right, and they did it no questions asked. He too was standing now.

“I do believe you might have been confused with my earlier statement. My comments on the military were aimed not at your asking for help but on the subject of the Courts. In the matter of our assistance what one piece of advice we can offer is education. A tyrants worst fear, nay, enemy is intelligence. An enlightened people, are not an oppressed people. If they have hope and understanding, compassion than you will not need any help and you will see first hand what people can do; what they can accomplish. That…that is our weapon.”

He was sitting now; out of breathe as it were. Everyone in the room could now sense they were in the presence of two of the brightest men on the earth or at least for the moment. Regardless of the outcome of this meeting Baruti had already felt relief. His emotions for too long had been only in his own mind. Here, finally, was his escape and maybe, just maybe, his salvation.

[ooc: I'm kinda tired after reading this - I must say that it's a good read, but I haven't lost my interest; I need some time to think...]

Bizump

[ooc: ready to continue - we should end this soon with something nice, since my leader has to go home]

This talk was just what pleased Roumillet well. He enjoyed hearing the wisdom of other reputable men and women, of whom who should share the desire to institute changes for the better. Where else should the world lie except in the hands of the virtuous?

"You know, when I visit my children - rather the children of my people - I ask their teachers about the little children. I don't ask how or what they teach - I only care about my children, and who they are. I suppose that smart children are a good thing, but I have always valued wise children. I have seen the suffering lot of those who study for years on their subject and fail in liffe because they forgot who they were. I have't had much time, but I have made certain that all of the teachers focus their energy into revitalizing the ideas and the personalities of the Monegasque people, because for so long we have slumbered undder foreign rulers - generous and hospitable, but they all ate at our identities. I think that you would agree that we should do all that we can to remember ourselves, because when the world does fall for the worse, it will fare our kind much better if we remember who we were.

"You say that we can yet save the world, but I say that as long as we have kin who share our principles, our virtues, our ideas - those things that contribute to the human quality of life - we have saved this world from the corrupt nature of baseless ideologies and fruitless endeavors."

He paused for a short moment, looking to his advisor tap his watch. "Monsieur de Rollant indicates that it is nearing the time for my regularly scheduled appointments and such, so we should prepare to quit this business for the moment. I very much doubt that we will ever finish what was started here," Roumillet said. "But by no means do I intend to make it end here. It has been on my mind for the longest while that an organization committed to peaceful diplomacyc should be founded, and for that reason I alloted plans to build the... International States Center, as my translator so eloquently spoke earlier. I alloted plans to build it, such that in all places of the world, there could be one place where all nations could come together and voice their concerns in manners that condone peace.

"I would personally like to know if your government would support such an initiative. Not that I'd expect your government to give up its endeavors with the International Courts - indeed, that still has its uses today; but I feel that some nations should have more opportunities to come together in a single setting to cooperate and to strive for better ideals and ultimately some satisfaction that the world is all well, or perhaps better said, shall be well."

Baruti shook his head in agreement ending with a small sigh. The men and women who were present at the moment began to get up and shake hands, some quietly strolling out of the room and into the contemporary hallway which led to the lobby. ‘Time,’ he thought, ‘never enough time.’ He was the second last to stand leaving only the Grand Duke sitting as a sign of respect. Respect…he had more for this man seated across from him that anyone he could think of. He was saddened with the lack of time allotted for the meeting. Surely they would meet again.

“The next time we meet dear sir,” he said, “I would love it if we could be seated in your International Center in Monaco.” He said this with a bright smile on his face which however also implied his sincerity in the matter. “You ask again a question you already know the answer to” They were both moving to the door standing close as friends do. “We will do whatever it takes, or at least whatever you need us to do to make your Center a success.” They met at the door and extended hands in a departing handshake [not sure if this is correct, I heard it is rude to handshake in Europe or France…or maybe I’m a dumbass].

With that they walked side by side chatting in a far less formal mood towards the waiting limo. Photographers and press lined the velvet ropes that kept them at bay. As the Duke was getting into the limo Baruti called out to him letting down his presidential guard for only a moment, “Your children are always welcomed here!”

(ooc: In France, you hug, not shake. :D It's not so much that it's rude, more that it's uncommon. But many people are now familiar with handshakes and for the sake of business will do so.)

As he made his way out, the memory of concluding a successful meeting - albeit unfinished and presumably neglected by most others - was satisfying to Roumillet. He had to protect nations like these, even though his power was nothing compared to the USB. He would remember the things said, and the ideas expressed. They were genuine two-of-a-kind folk who ought to have ruled the world in peace. But they should be content to each reign over a separate part of it.

Que Dieu les bénisse bien et tout.