Sarzonia
22-04-2007, 19:44
[The following is a joint post by me and Ottoman Khaif. If this becomes a RP and you want in, please TG me or him.]
Eugene Miller walked slowly, but purposefully into the office, scanning the scene in front of him carefully, as if he were trying to take in every bit of what he saw as sheer magnificence. He hadn't seen anything like it in his time covering campus events at his university newspaper and this trip to Istanbul was his first trip to a foreign country.
He thought he would get a chance to cover the Sarzonian embassy in Daurmont, but that assignment went to a reporter with a bit less comfort in speaking foreign languages. Even though there were several dialects among the people of Isselmere-Nieland, their primary language was English. Thus, he got that assignment and Miller was on his way to Istanbul. He hoped the years of speaking Arabic and studying the Muslim faith would help him in this first major assignment since he landed in Istanbul.
He nodded solemnly, with a simple "greetings, Sultan" getting out what he needed to say without worrying about stumbling over words that suddenly didn't come as easily as he thought they might. He only hoped he didn't show how nervous he was.
"Greetings, Mister Miller, please be seated" said the Sultan, he shook his hand. Then they sat down in leather seats which were custom made.
Miller’s face relaxed just slightly, as if he expelled a huge sigh of relief. He was glad to sit down now, and all of a sudden, the idea of speaking to a foreign leader didn’t seem quite as intimidating. It seemed as though the Sultan could sense his nerves and went out of his way to put him at ease. Whatever was the case, it worked.
"How are you doing, Sultan? How's your health?"
"I’m well...as for my health... still working on that one," joked the Sultan.
Miller laughed, still slightly nervously but as the last chuckle escaped his lips, he felt more relaxed. He looked around with a slight smile and turned to the Sultan.
"I'm really impressed with the decor here. Very nice."
"Ah yes...took me a while since I first became the Sultan to get it to this point.." then the Sultan pointed out to his large book shelves full of classic books ranging from Arabic to English such Moby-Dick, Slaughter House-five and The Count of Monte Cristo to name a few.
Miller looked on, definitely impressed at the collection of books. He wrote down some of the titles in his notebook as he pushed the button to start his digital recorder.
"Very nice. I love to read, but I haven't had as much time since I started at the paper," Miller said with a rueful shake of his head. Writing four stories a week will do that, he groaned, not realising that many reporters at the Portland Press Herald wrote six stories a week.
"Time mangerment is key...manger your time wisely and you'll able to free some time up for yourself."
Miller suppressed an instinct to roll his eyes. His editor harped on him about managing time more effectively and the kid was tired of hearing his editor tell him that he used to write eight stories a week and still have time for his family. He simply said, "thank you, Sultan."
"You’re welcome...but time is relative and nothing ever goes according to whatever you had planned..so therefore..just plan accordingly and things turn out better that way..."
Miller nodded instinctively. He knew the Sultan was right, especially in light of his heart attack. He then turned toward the Sultan with his notebook and pen at the ready.
"Sultan, I wanted to ask you a few questions. One of the central themes on the minds of our readers is the current state of relations between the Khailfah al Musilmeen [OOC: I'm sure I screwed that up] and the United Kingdom of Oceania. Can you tell me a little bit about where you see things going in the next few months?"
"Ah the state of relations with Oceania...well..that's a interesting subject to say the least...they been touch and go for the most part...we have maintain some connect with them to discuss mutual concens in New Albion but nothing more then that recently..but I belive there is a wind of change in the air with the new goverment in Oceania."
Miller's ears perked up at the mention of the new government in Oceania. That was the focus his editors wanted him to take and he was glad the Sultan gave him the opening to ask the question straight away. He wrote down the words as quickly as he could without rendering them unreadable when he sat down to write the story.
"What is it about the new government that leads you to believe that change is on the horizon with Oceania?"
" I sense more openness with them so to speak and plus their plans for change in New Albion are a major sign for us...that we may be able have a lasting peace with them… but that's wishful thinking on my part at the same time...for all I know it could be the same difference… one can never be sure."
Miller nodded. He knew that Sarzonian-Oceanian relations had never been cozy. In fact, the two nations had a perpetual state of verbal cold war, but for some reason, the stuffed shirts at his paper wanted to know about the plans involving Oceanian relations with the Khailfah. What bearing it would have on Woodstock remained to be seen. The last time the two nations had any interaction, it was an unmitigated disaster. The thought that the new Oceanian government and the newly reestablished Sarzonian government would ever see fit to sit down across from each other was almost as foreign as the idea of a Praeto-Sarzonian War just months ago.
"Which plans for New Albion are you referring to? And, if the United Kingdom is genuine about easing tensions between their nation and yours, what effect do you feel it would have on your nation?"
"The plans that I am referring to on New Albion is on the matter of allowing elections for some of regions of New Albion in order to allow them to have final say over staying with Oceania or rejoining the KLM..as for the effect of easing tensions...time can only tell really...the KLM people still harbour ill feelings for how...the Oceanians pulled New Albion under our noses and the fact of the tbc and the fact of the cartoons...still doesn't sit well with most of my people… yet we are willing to forgive over time....only time will show if this easing of tensions will work or not.."
Miller's face took on a more sombre look as the cartoons were mentioned. He knew the hubbub that caused; yet he also had to try to explain to a Sarzonian public that still wanted answers how the cartoons would still upset people months after they were published.
"I know that in your society mocking the Prophet Muhammad is something akin to sacriledge," Miller began, "but could you explain to our readers why the cartoons are still a sore subject for your people in the months since they were published? What is it that the government of Oceania hasn't done that you feel they should have done?"
"Its not really sore subject it use to be say six month agos...but its still beings up some bitter feelings for us..and the fact the Oceania government hasn't done anything about the subject matter doesn't help too..but what can you do, our state has difference mindset on the matter while compare to Oceania mindset so just there is no real point on beating a dead horse as some would say..."
"Just its best in our point of veiw to move on and put the matter to the past."
Miller nodded slightly. He figured the difference in governments played a role in the tensions of six months ago. Now he knew it was time for the interview to move to the next phase.
"Since the return of the President from his self-imposed exile, what is the Khailfah's view on relations with the Incorporated Sarzonian Government in its emergence from Isolation?"
The Sultan smiled and said " Same as always...we look highly at your nation and wish to improve relations even more in the near future. Its the best interest for our peoples to go for closer relations..in order to counteract some existing power blocs such as the big three..."
Miller nodded at the mention of the Big Three. Sarzonia felt ambivalent toward the Big Three. Even though Paci-Sarzonian relations seemed to be on the mend in the wake of Prime Minister Fernando Chiovitti's efforts at openness toward Sarzonia and Sarzonia's known hostile indifference toward Oceania complicated matters. Even worse, Hampto-Sarzonian relations were worse than non-existent.
The KLM bitterness to the Big Three can be trace back to the New Ablion crisis and how they openly sided with Oceania on the illegal act.
"Well, since you mentioned the issue of the Big Three, how do you feel cooperation between our governments would forestall the influence of the Big Three?"
"I would hope that cooperation between our governments would show the Big Three, that there other peaceful yet power blocs that can counteract their influence, and to show the world there is always another way of doing things ..besides the Big Three way for young nations."
Miller finished writing the last sentence and saw that his newly-minted reporter's notebook now was halfway full with writing from this interview. He was fairly satisfied that he had a strong story in the offing from this interview. He looked back up and smiled.
"I'd like to thank you Sultan for this interview. I'm sure our readership will greatly appreciate hearing your insights."
"It's been a pleasure..anytime..I am always up for interveiw just call ahead of time..that's all I ask," said the Sultan.
Eugene Miller walked slowly, but purposefully into the office, scanning the scene in front of him carefully, as if he were trying to take in every bit of what he saw as sheer magnificence. He hadn't seen anything like it in his time covering campus events at his university newspaper and this trip to Istanbul was his first trip to a foreign country.
He thought he would get a chance to cover the Sarzonian embassy in Daurmont, but that assignment went to a reporter with a bit less comfort in speaking foreign languages. Even though there were several dialects among the people of Isselmere-Nieland, their primary language was English. Thus, he got that assignment and Miller was on his way to Istanbul. He hoped the years of speaking Arabic and studying the Muslim faith would help him in this first major assignment since he landed in Istanbul.
He nodded solemnly, with a simple "greetings, Sultan" getting out what he needed to say without worrying about stumbling over words that suddenly didn't come as easily as he thought they might. He only hoped he didn't show how nervous he was.
"Greetings, Mister Miller, please be seated" said the Sultan, he shook his hand. Then they sat down in leather seats which were custom made.
Miller’s face relaxed just slightly, as if he expelled a huge sigh of relief. He was glad to sit down now, and all of a sudden, the idea of speaking to a foreign leader didn’t seem quite as intimidating. It seemed as though the Sultan could sense his nerves and went out of his way to put him at ease. Whatever was the case, it worked.
"How are you doing, Sultan? How's your health?"
"I’m well...as for my health... still working on that one," joked the Sultan.
Miller laughed, still slightly nervously but as the last chuckle escaped his lips, he felt more relaxed. He looked around with a slight smile and turned to the Sultan.
"I'm really impressed with the decor here. Very nice."
"Ah yes...took me a while since I first became the Sultan to get it to this point.." then the Sultan pointed out to his large book shelves full of classic books ranging from Arabic to English such Moby-Dick, Slaughter House-five and The Count of Monte Cristo to name a few.
Miller looked on, definitely impressed at the collection of books. He wrote down some of the titles in his notebook as he pushed the button to start his digital recorder.
"Very nice. I love to read, but I haven't had as much time since I started at the paper," Miller said with a rueful shake of his head. Writing four stories a week will do that, he groaned, not realising that many reporters at the Portland Press Herald wrote six stories a week.
"Time mangerment is key...manger your time wisely and you'll able to free some time up for yourself."
Miller suppressed an instinct to roll his eyes. His editor harped on him about managing time more effectively and the kid was tired of hearing his editor tell him that he used to write eight stories a week and still have time for his family. He simply said, "thank you, Sultan."
"You’re welcome...but time is relative and nothing ever goes according to whatever you had planned..so therefore..just plan accordingly and things turn out better that way..."
Miller nodded instinctively. He knew the Sultan was right, especially in light of his heart attack. He then turned toward the Sultan with his notebook and pen at the ready.
"Sultan, I wanted to ask you a few questions. One of the central themes on the minds of our readers is the current state of relations between the Khailfah al Musilmeen [OOC: I'm sure I screwed that up] and the United Kingdom of Oceania. Can you tell me a little bit about where you see things going in the next few months?"
"Ah the state of relations with Oceania...well..that's a interesting subject to say the least...they been touch and go for the most part...we have maintain some connect with them to discuss mutual concens in New Albion but nothing more then that recently..but I belive there is a wind of change in the air with the new goverment in Oceania."
Miller's ears perked up at the mention of the new government in Oceania. That was the focus his editors wanted him to take and he was glad the Sultan gave him the opening to ask the question straight away. He wrote down the words as quickly as he could without rendering them unreadable when he sat down to write the story.
"What is it about the new government that leads you to believe that change is on the horizon with Oceania?"
" I sense more openness with them so to speak and plus their plans for change in New Albion are a major sign for us...that we may be able have a lasting peace with them… but that's wishful thinking on my part at the same time...for all I know it could be the same difference… one can never be sure."
Miller nodded. He knew that Sarzonian-Oceanian relations had never been cozy. In fact, the two nations had a perpetual state of verbal cold war, but for some reason, the stuffed shirts at his paper wanted to know about the plans involving Oceanian relations with the Khailfah. What bearing it would have on Woodstock remained to be seen. The last time the two nations had any interaction, it was an unmitigated disaster. The thought that the new Oceanian government and the newly reestablished Sarzonian government would ever see fit to sit down across from each other was almost as foreign as the idea of a Praeto-Sarzonian War just months ago.
"Which plans for New Albion are you referring to? And, if the United Kingdom is genuine about easing tensions between their nation and yours, what effect do you feel it would have on your nation?"
"The plans that I am referring to on New Albion is on the matter of allowing elections for some of regions of New Albion in order to allow them to have final say over staying with Oceania or rejoining the KLM..as for the effect of easing tensions...time can only tell really...the KLM people still harbour ill feelings for how...the Oceanians pulled New Albion under our noses and the fact of the tbc and the fact of the cartoons...still doesn't sit well with most of my people… yet we are willing to forgive over time....only time will show if this easing of tensions will work or not.."
Miller's face took on a more sombre look as the cartoons were mentioned. He knew the hubbub that caused; yet he also had to try to explain to a Sarzonian public that still wanted answers how the cartoons would still upset people months after they were published.
"I know that in your society mocking the Prophet Muhammad is something akin to sacriledge," Miller began, "but could you explain to our readers why the cartoons are still a sore subject for your people in the months since they were published? What is it that the government of Oceania hasn't done that you feel they should have done?"
"Its not really sore subject it use to be say six month agos...but its still beings up some bitter feelings for us..and the fact the Oceania government hasn't done anything about the subject matter doesn't help too..but what can you do, our state has difference mindset on the matter while compare to Oceania mindset so just there is no real point on beating a dead horse as some would say..."
"Just its best in our point of veiw to move on and put the matter to the past."
Miller nodded slightly. He figured the difference in governments played a role in the tensions of six months ago. Now he knew it was time for the interview to move to the next phase.
"Since the return of the President from his self-imposed exile, what is the Khailfah's view on relations with the Incorporated Sarzonian Government in its emergence from Isolation?"
The Sultan smiled and said " Same as always...we look highly at your nation and wish to improve relations even more in the near future. Its the best interest for our peoples to go for closer relations..in order to counteract some existing power blocs such as the big three..."
Miller nodded at the mention of the Big Three. Sarzonia felt ambivalent toward the Big Three. Even though Paci-Sarzonian relations seemed to be on the mend in the wake of Prime Minister Fernando Chiovitti's efforts at openness toward Sarzonia and Sarzonia's known hostile indifference toward Oceania complicated matters. Even worse, Hampto-Sarzonian relations were worse than non-existent.
The KLM bitterness to the Big Three can be trace back to the New Ablion crisis and how they openly sided with Oceania on the illegal act.
"Well, since you mentioned the issue of the Big Three, how do you feel cooperation between our governments would forestall the influence of the Big Three?"
"I would hope that cooperation between our governments would show the Big Three, that there other peaceful yet power blocs that can counteract their influence, and to show the world there is always another way of doing things ..besides the Big Three way for young nations."
Miller finished writing the last sentence and saw that his newly-minted reporter's notebook now was halfway full with writing from this interview. He was fairly satisfied that he had a strong story in the offing from this interview. He looked back up and smiled.
"I'd like to thank you Sultan for this interview. I'm sure our readership will greatly appreciate hearing your insights."
"It's been a pleasure..anytime..I am always up for interveiw just call ahead of time..that's all I ask," said the Sultan.