NationStates Jolt Archive

His Holiness Edwardo Listless's Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor lands at a small air field outside Vladistov, Stoklomolvi. Edwardo steps out flanked by his eight man security squad. He is rushed across the runway into the waiting CH-47F Chinook. As soon as he's on board the helicopter lifts off, and heads toward the Beaturian Embassy.

Minutes later the helicopter touches down in the center of the embassy compound. The entire staff is on the parade ground at attention. Edwardo's security team disembarks from the helicopter, does a quick sweep of the surrounding buildings before motioning for Edwardo to disembark.

Commissar Alexei Aleksandrovich Stuyonovich, the great ruler and leader of the Communist Dominion of Stoklomolvi, arrives at the embassy in an armoured car. He tells SMPF Head Iosef Aleksandrovich Stuyonovich to prepare the military, and he strides into the embassy.

"Greetings, Your Holiness, Edwardo Listless of the Theocracy of the Beatus. I am Alexei Aleksandrovich Stuyonovich, and it is a great honour to meet you in my fair nation's capital!"

Meanwhile, Iosef was preparing the military for a parade into the Vladistov Kremlin. Hundreds of SMPF members awaited outside of the embassy for the two to come outside in an armoured car. Citizens began to gather around at the streets and were murmuring to each other.

Slowly, Edwardo limps out of the helicopter, leaning heavily on his can. On of his soldiers attempts to help him, but he waves him away. As he approaches Alexei he says, "Commissar Stuyonovich, the honor is all mine. I wish to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet me today," he continues as he reaches out his hand for a hand shake.

Commissar Alexei shakes Edwardo's hand in front of many cameras. Photographs were taken of this great international meeting. Alexei helps Edwardo board the armoured car, which had an open top for this meeting. The military outside awaited, and as the gates opened the crowd cheered. The armoured car followed one column of infantry while the rest were behind the infantry. A tank followed at the very back. The Kremlin was in sight straight down the road, which was swarmed by cheering civilians as they saw the broadcast on the many "CommissarCams" on the street corners.

OOC: To know that CommissarCams are look at the very bottom of my factbook.

"Alexi, my I call you Alexi? Well any way, Alexi, you have a very nice capital here."

"Well, I would prefer Alexei. Yes, Vladistov is a great city. It was built by my ancestors over 6000 years ago. It has build up to become like this over generations and generations."

The armoured car continued to stroll down mainstreet. The beginning of the first column reached the Kremlin, and they parted to allow the armoured car through.

"So how are things going? You know with your government and all," Edwardo says as he removes a flask from inside his suit and takes a drink.

"Everything is perfectly fine. The citizens are completely obedient and obey all of our laws. Dissenters are shot as usual. Not much else is happening. The people are now used to military police strolling the streets."

The armoured car enters the Kremlin, and Alexei jumps out of the armoured car. Two military policemen rush over with a small staircase and Alexei helps Edwardo down. Alexei motions for Edwardo to follow him inside.

"Yes, my people were more than willing to except the military police patrolling the streets, after what the king had done and all, anything was acceptable to them, after I eliminated the naysayers, basically anyone who spoke out against me, at least. I told the people they, the naysayers that is, wanted to bring the king back, and the people took care of them for me," Edwardo said with a laugh, as he followed Alexi.

"There's always time for the media, Alexi" says Ed as he waves at the press. "Ed's fine buy the way."

Alexei walks down the halls of the Kremlin. Great tinted glass windows face the inner courtyard, while smaller windows and paintings line the outer wall.

"Come, Ed, can I call you that? Anyways, let us sit in the inner courtyard to get away from those pesky media people."

Alexei motions for the guards to open a set of massive doors, and he walks outside. He motions for Ed to follow. Outside, the media are snapping photographs through the windows to view the two leaders. Reporters were talking about how this was a great day, and the civilians continued to watch the military parade.

Alexei continues to walk outside, where he sees a small house structure in the middle of the courtyard.

"I dislike the media for its tendencies to report false things. This makes the number of people executed in Stoklomolvi grow way too fast."

A guard opens the door, and Alexei motions for Ed to follow him.

"My brother runs the press in my country, so I don't really worry about that," replies Ed as he follows Alexi.

"I only have two brothers, and they are already pre-occupied. One of my brothers is the head of the SMPF, while the other manages foreign affairs and civilians. We are trying to stamp the media out, but they keep appearing. As such, we just execute dissenters."

He helped Ed up the stairs to the outside diplomatic office. The two guards opened the double doors, and Alexei walked inside and sat down in the large chair.

"Have a seat!"

Ed sits down and says, "My brothers are to stupid to be in any position of command. The one in charge of the media just does what ever I tell him. My other brother is in charge of deciding the color of paper for governmental decrees," says Ed with a laugh.

"Ha! Now that is an important job. What if he chooses blue instead of yellow?" Alexei laughs.

"Anyways, my brothers are in command of the other people, and they report directly to me if they have any questions. Of course, there is always the matter of rebelling subordinates, but what can the military police not do?"

Alexei stands up and stretches, and then looks out the window.

"Besides, I enjoy living here, mainly 'cause I have excellent treatment due to my position as Commissar, but how is it in the Beatus?"

occ: can I join this?

"It is great, we are still in the process of setting up a government. The old regime was dated and backwards, but the people are behind us so we have a lot of support," says Ed as he takes another drink from his flask.

[OOC: Sure, I suppose, but you must land in a plane of some sort and Beatus must agree to it as well.]

occ: okey dokey then! :)

"Ding! The capital of Stoklomolvi has been reached, please pepare for landing"

The Prime Minister was extactic in having contact with a new nation, more open relations means for better diplomatic standards for other nations.

The private jet glidded gracefully down to the runway, and began to come to a halt.

occ: you wont have too come to me.....

"Well, that's good to hear. It is always nice not to have rebellion sprouting up everywhere in the country, eh? Besides, any rebels here would have no place to run. Almost all of the factories are state-owned, and the only private corporations here are arms-manufacturing plants. And, of course, those places are guarded most heavily because they do manufacture weapons."

Alexei strolls over to a nearby couch and sits down. He motions for Ed to join him.

"Tell, me, Ed, what's your country's main industry? Arms manufacturing is only so well until people attempt to raid them!" Alexei laughs a bit.

OOC: I suppose if Stoklomolvi supports it then sure but you have to come to us, I'm not going off to some airport to meet you.

[OOC: I agree with Beatus. If you want join, then go ahead. But you must travel to the Vladistov Kremlin yourself and knock on the door where a billion reporters are.]

Alexei sits on the couch when a voice on the intercom sounds.

"Sir, there is an aircraft that apparently belongs to the nation of Zoingo. Shall I tell them where you are right now?"

Alexei stands up and presses a red button.

"Yes, Ivan. Tell the leader of Zoingo to meet me here."

"As you wish, comrade."

"Now, where were we?"

occ: billion reporters?!?!?! wow, this meeting must be popular....:eek:

"Where to sir" the taxi driver asked Francis Pierock, the Prime Minister.
"Vladistov Kremlin please" Francis told him
"Right away, sir"
-------------

"Well here we are, though I doubt you'll get through the crowd up there."
"That will be alright, I can manage,"
"One more thing, you need to pay for the ride, do you have any money?" the driver asked him.
"Uhh, just some Zingers, forign money..."
"Ooooooh, other type of money." *swipes cash away*
"Thank you"
"ohh thank you sir!" said the driver.

The Prime Minister walked up to the Kremlin, some hundred reporters swamped him with questions before he was able to get inside.

"Forign reporters" he sighed.

Ed limps over to the couch and sits down. "Some would say basket weaving, or gambling, but I'll tell you a secret Alexi, my friend our nations biggest industry is religion, we make it, we package it, and we sell it to anyone willing to buy it," says Ed with a grin on his face.

"Heh, what used to be my country's main industry was not even an industry! It was little kids selling lemonade haha! Anyway, that is interesting. Religion as an industry...I have never thought of it that way."

Alexei ponders for a moment, and then the intercom sounds again.

"Sir, the leader of Zoingo is at the gates. Shall we let him in?"

Alexei pushes the red button again.

"Yes, yes, let him in and tell him where we are. But DON'T let any paparazzis in!"

"As you wish, sir."

Alexei sits back down.

"That's what you get from being the leader of a country. Tell me, where is your country? If you look at the factbook which my scholars are writing for me, you will see an unfinished documentation of Stoklomolvi's history!"

[OOC: I was exaggerating about the billion reporters, but it sure seems like it when you're swamped by them!]

occ: pointy stick as to your location:confused:???? Works for me!! :cool:

Francis was able to get through the gates without delay and made It inside. He then saw two gentlemen and knew these were the leaders. He took of his barret and gave a bow.

"Hello gentlemen, Im Francis Pierock, Prime Minister of Zoingo. Naturally in my nation, it is never polite to bow to Presidents, Kings, Dictators or such, because in our beliefs in equality. But since im not in my nation, I guess its okay over here!" he chuckled.

"My country's not far from here. It is high up in the mountains. We have every pass into the country covered, and an almost impenetrable air defense system. My nations history how ever only goes back to 1890, the year before that a peasant rebellion burned half off our capital and all of our historical records. It was a sad, sad incident for my people," said Ed. "Any chance we could get some food? It was a long flight and I just can't eat while flying."

"My apologies for not getting up Mr. Pierock, but with my injury and all the walking I've done today I just need to sit for a while," says Ed as he reaches out his hand for a handshake.

Alexei looks towards Ed and nods.

"Of course, of course. We shall dine soon."

Alexei then stands up.

"And welcome, Francis Pierock, to this fine nation! No need to bow, since all of those who are in power are completely equal to one another!"

He then mutters, "My departments are not in power and never will be."

"Ah, yes! Let us go to the royal dining room, where my finest cooks shall prepare the finest dishes! What would you two like to enjoy today?"

Mr. Pierock shook his hand and then addressed Alexei

"Okay then, so we all are! For dinner, I wanted to know the standard food items in Stoklomolvi, except for dessert, which I brought some of the Dark Zoingonian chocolate, some of the best in the world if I do say so myself,"

He pulled out the chocolate he had in his briefcase, it still was dark and cold, unlike what happens in most planes when it melts.

"Well if you asked my doctor he'd say a small salad, but he's not here, no is he," Ed replies with a laugh. "Lobster if you have it." Ed takes another drink from his flask. "I'm also not supposed to drink, so if you see my doctor, this is water."

While Alexei thinks about all of the historical records burned in the fire, Mr. Pierock wishes to show him something. He stands agape at the wondrous chocolate that Mr. Pierock pulls out of his briefcase.

"Why would you keep such a magnificent display of true confectionery art in a briefcase? I'm not saying the briefcase is bad or anything, but that, my friend, is true chocolate. Oh yes, and we have many food types."

He ponders for a moment.

"Yes, we do have lobster, and if you desire lobster then you may have lobster. We have many, many kinds of fish, and we have come up with a method of wrapping fish with a seaweed slice and rice bits [A.K.A. sushi], and we also have many types of grains delivered by our small, collective farming plots on the outskirts of this very city!"

Alexei leans over to Ed.

"You can have whatever you want. You can keep absolute trust in me, and I will not tell your doctor." Alexei chuckles.

"Oh come now, surely your doctor wouldn't have gone all this way to make sure your keeping your diet," Mr. Pierock laughed.

"And the lobster sounds delicious, we too, have a wide variety of fish, as well as rice grown in tidewater country, we also make wheat, oats, coca, a variety of dairy products, and spices."

"Then I will have the lobster. Oh, I just remembered the gifts I borough for you," Ed says to Alexi. "Sorry Mr. Pierock, but if I had know you would be here tonight I would have brought something for you too," Ed said as he grabbed his attache case.

"Then I will have the lobster. Oh, I just remembered the gifts I borough for you," Ed says to Alexi. "Sorry Mr. Pierock, but if I had know you would be here tonight I would have brought something for you too," Ed said as he grabbed his attache case.

"Why thank you! As a larger nation, no offense intended, we have been able to go into the service and full scale agriculture and mining industries.

"Alas, that is okay, but I had planned that you would be here, so I did get something for you" Francis said.

He reached back into his briefcase and pulled out 2 objects. They were 2 magnificent swords, both had diamond implated blades, and the brim of the swords had magnificent saphires and emeralds. At the end of the blade, the offical seal of Zoingo was etched in it, along with the motto -ik zal handhaven-.

"Both were made of materials that are naturally found in our nation"

he then stood back in shock to find that today was now a national holiday....

[OOC: I posted a little too slowly, so my post was supposed to mention the farm/resources and then gifts.]

"Most interesting. Stoklomolvi has colonies in the south, but they produce items not nearly as exotic as yours!"

Alexei then clapped his hands together as he heard the mention of the gifts. After a moment, he frowned and slapped himself in the head.

"Oh, dear, I have forgotten about something. I will return in a moment."

Alexei ran off in one direction. He yelled out to his secretary.

"Remember to make today, October 7, 2007, a national holiday!"

"As you wish, sir!"

Alexei then ran back to the others.

"Ah, yes. The meeting of world leaders is always a fascinating day, don't you think?"

"Now for the gifts," said Ed. "First we have," he pulled out a M14 7.62mm Rifle, "the rifle I used during the recent coup in my nation, this baby saved my life more than once you know."

"Next," he pulls out a hand made tapestry, "a tapestry I made just last week depicting me decapitating the former king of my nation."

"And finally," he pulls out a batch of delicious cookies, "cookies freshly baked by my royal chief down at the embassy."

"This last gift I offer both of you."

"Oh, I forgot one last gift, an autographed copy of my autobiography," Ed said as he pulled a thick book for the case. "This is a most special edition, it was hand written by some of my best calligraphers."

Alexei wonders over the swords, the M14 rifle, the autobiography, and, of course, the cookies. He feels a bit embarrassed over not having prepared much, but at that moment he remembers something else.

"I'll be right back."

He runs off in the direction of his secretary's office.

"Ivan, I need you to get those coins that I have been keeping for these thousands of years."

"Which ones? The ones in Storeroom 1A or the ones in Storeroom 1B?"

"Doesn't matter! The most precious ones then."

"Alright, sir."

The secretary muttered something into his sleeve. A moment later, three guards and a caterer arrived with two small glass boxes. Each box contained three precious items. One stuyovich coin dating from 3000 or so B.C.E., one solid gold stoklomov found at the remains of an ancient burial ground, and one pure diamond that was obtained during the Stoklomolvi Empire era.

"Excellent, good job Ivan."

"Thank you, sir."

Alexei proudly strides back into the dining room where the others are waiting.

"Gentlemen, I have found suitable gifts for the both of you!"

"This coin is nice, when did you say it was made?" asked Ed examining the coin carefully.

"Oh! Right! These coins are very, very old and very, very delicate. They date from about 3000 B.C.E., which is about 5000 years ago. These stoklomovs are made from very thin sheets of pure gold and were discovered to be intact in an ancient burial ground, and these diamonds were obtained from small villages and cities when Stoklomolvi extended all the way to the little sea on the other side of the earth [OOC: Mediterranean Sea]. A fine collection if I do say so myself."

Alexei looked quite pleased.

"Your people were remarkably good at gold working to have crafted coins of such quality. This is just remarkable. Are you giving these to us?" said Ed.

"Of course! I had forgotten about them while we were talking. Look, there are your names inscribed on the glass boxes. Take them, and think of it as a gift from me to you."

Alexei snaps his fingers, and the caterer offers the boxes to the two leaders.

"On behalf of my people, I thank you for your generous gifts. When I return to my nation this will go on display in the national gallery for all my people to see, and learn about this historic event."

[OOC: Apparently Zoingo is offline, so let's stop here and wait for him to return. We can then continue. I'm going to be offline in about an hour or so too.]

ooc: I must be going too, good-night

"I thank you for your kindness and for your acceptance of my gift. Now, let us eat what our cooks have prepared for us!"

Alexei turned to the head chefs who had prepared the finest lobster dish, authentic crab meat, and fillet of fish.

"Bon appetit, Monsieur Alexei. And to you too, Mr. Edwardo Listless and Mr. Francis Pierock."

[OOC: Goodbye, then. I will see you soon.]

occ: hi guys, apparently my parents restrict acess to my own computer after 2:00 am Prime meridian time which the fourms are currently set to

"Wow, these are marvelous coins, such detail and craftmanship, thank you! These deserve to go into into the Internaitonal Diplomacy offices...."

"Oh, Alexei, your cooks shame even the great of Beatuian chefs. The food all looks so delicious. I must know, where did your chefs learn?" asked Ed, mouth watering at the sight of the good looking food.

"Ah, yes, take these precious jewels, as they are my gift from me to you. And Ed, don't even consider feeling ashamed of your country's cooks. These men were raised from birth to be chefs, like any other very skilled specialist in Stoklomolvi. Even my diplomats are raised from birth and kept at the ready. And now, let us stop wasting time talking. Dig in!"

Alexei looked at his plate of fresh crab. He savoured the smell.

"Ahh..."

He picked up his fork and knife and cut off a single piece, and he ate it.

"Mmmm....this truly is the greatest food that I have ever had since I left the country....:

Ed picked up his fork and knife and began eating the lobster, with a "Ummmm," or a "Simply scrumptious," after every bit. Every once in a while he took a drink from his flask. "So, Alexi how is the economy doing in your country?" asked Ed.

"Yes, do tell, about your economy, since this is so, I guess you don't need to hear about our economy....."

Alexei sat up, and wiped off his mouth.

"The economy is doing wonderfully, thank you. The state manufactories are under constant management of my Stoklomolvi Minister of the Department of Internal Affairs. He watches over state manufactories. The only private companies in Stoklomolvi manufacture arms, and are obviously well guarded to prevent theft. How is your economy, Beatus? Oh, yes, and Zoingo?"

Alexei took another bite of crab.

[OOC: I thought it was Beatus, not Beauts as it is in your signature...?]

"Well then, if you must know...." *bite of lobster*"...our economy is based around mainly in the service industry, of that field, we are strongest in the tourism/cruise line and banking sectors; then auto manufacturing, and then mining precious gems like the ones in the swords I gave you to, and finally, agriculture.

"My nations economy is booming. Its topic #1 on my weekly radio address, a strong economy is the sign of a strong nation, as I say," says Ed.

"This food is truly delicious. You are a most glorious host, Alexi," said Ed as he takes a long drink from his flask tilting it completely upside down. "I guess I'm out," he says shaking the flask up side down.

"Here, Ed. Have some of this wine. This is some of the newer wines that I have. It's only about 500 years old."

Alexei takes out a fine looking wine bottle with the numbers 1523 emblazoned underneath the name of the wine, Vladimir's Finest White Wine. Alexei snaps his fingers, and a nearby butler arrives with three wine glasses. Alexei sets them on the table.

"Thank you, Jared."

"My pleasure, sir."

Alexei pours the wine into the three glasses. He raises his own.

"Let us toast to the meeting of our fine nations!"

"Cheers!"

"Bottoms up!" says Ed as he downs his glass.

"This is good wine, Alexi. Good wine."

"Cheers!"

Alexei stands up and toasts. He then drinks some of the wine.

"Ah...wine fermented for just the right time tastes wonderful."

He sits down, and continues eating the crab. After while of eating in silence, Alexei stops and looks outside. The media had all left, and it is late in the afternoon. The clouds had set in, and after looking for a moment, it begins to drizzle, then rain, and then thunderstorm. Alexei shakes his head and faces back to the table.

"Curse this weather. It is always so unpredictable, and now it's raining! Bah...you two want to stay here in private rooms, or do you wish to stay at the nearby Dominion Hotel? It is government owned and currently has two rooms reserved for you if you wish to stay. You can travel there using the underground pedestrian walkway that extends between the Kremlin and the hotel. Of course, it is highly monitored at all times, and autocannons watch over the hall. It is getting quite late, so I think we should finish up our meal."

Alexei starts eating his crab again, and he drinks some wine.

"Oh! I almost forgot."

Alexei takes two bottles of wine from the butler.

"Thank you, Jared. You may leave."

"If you wish it, so shall it be done, sir."

The butler leaves. Alexei sets the bottles on the table.

"Here are two bottles of medium-aged wine for your tasting. Both are about 1000 years old, compared to this wine, which is only 500 years. It was made by the Grumann Distilling Guild in 1024 C.E., and we kept some bottles here for special occasions. If you find it worth your tastes, then telegram me and I will send you some of the oldest wine in Stoklomolvi."

Alexei nibbles at the last bits of crab on his crystal plate.

"Thank you, Alexi, for the wine and the offer of recommendations, but I would prefer to stay at my embassy. I have a private suit there," says Ed, finishing the last of his lobster.

"A delicious meal Alexi. After being so generous, I feel the need to invite you back to my embassy for drinks and maybe some talk over an alliance, or trade agreement?"

(OOC: Link still not working)

"I have a fully stocked bar!" says Ed with a grin.

"And some of my nations finest cigars," says Ed.

Alexei stands.

"This was a very fine day for all of our countries. However, it appears we have a bit of a dilemma."

He glances out the window, and outside the pedestrians had left and only cars remained. Sheets of rain continued to pour onto the street.

"Well, Ed, you may use the subway system to reach your embassy building. Here."

Alexei hands Ed an umbrella with the Stoklomolvi Seal emblazoned on it.

"Take it, it's yours. Now you may return to your embassy if you wish. Mr. Pierock, since you have been quiet, I will assume that you have found it quite agreeable to staying at the Dominion Hotel. And don't forget, the room is free and the service shall be the absolute best or else they will literally never be seen again."

Alexei claps his hands together.

"Well, the rain is heavy, so I am going to go to my upstairs office to finish up some paperwork, if you will excuse me."

Alexei stands and waits.

"I expect you to take me up on my offer," says Ed. "I'll just call my embassy for a ride, hows the cell service here?" asked Ed pulling out a cell phone.

Alexei, embarrassed that he had forgotten Ed's offer, restrained himself from slapping himself in the face again.

"Why, um, yes, of course! Also, our cell coverage here is quite extraordinary. There's a tower beyond the hill behind Vladistov."

"What am I thinking," said Ed. "The roaming charges would be outrageous."

He pulls a satellite phone out of his pocket. "I better use the satellite phone," he says.

"So Alexi, we would you like to visit me at the embassy? We could go now if you like."

"I am sorry Francis, I forgot you were here, you've been so quiet, are you o.k.?" said Ed.

"Yes, Im fine, its just naturally im a quite person when two are engaged in a good chat. The hotel is fine and I may be back in a...."

Suddenly, his phone rang....

"Yes, oh hi Mr. President....mmmm...okay, yes I see, very well then, I shall ask them. Bye!"

Francis, then closed his phone

"Ed and Alexei, I have a question for you that both of you may be interested in hearing."

"Yes, Francis," replied Ed.

"Speak your thoughts, my friend."

"Soon to be coming up is our International Relations Week, and since both of you are interested in more older and a bit more progressed nations, we wanted to know if you would like to visit our country and take a tour of our fare nation."

"I await you answers my friends"

"Of course, Francis. Personally, I will be happy to take a tour of your country! It sounds quite exciting. And I mean that. While we talk about it, why not an alliance between our three nations..."

"Of course, Francis. Personally, I will be happy to take a tour of your country! It sounds quite exciting. And I mean that. While we talk about it, why not an alliance between our three nations..."

"An excelent Idea, and we will be able to visit most of the more prominent sides of the cities and the countryside. And the alliance sounds like a good Idea!"

"Ah, excellent."

Alexei then snaps his fingers, and a secretary arrives with a paper and pens.

"Ah, good man. Now, let's formalise this alliance, shall we?"

On the paper are three lines; one for Francis, one for Ed, and one for Alexei. Alexei signs his large signature on the line and awaits the others.

"Shouldn't we have something on the paper before we go signing it?" asked Ed skeptically.

Alexei, upon hearing this, then scraps the paper and pulled out another one. He begins to write.

Today, the the leaders nations of Stoklomolvi, The Beatus, and Zoingo have gathered as the first true international act between these three nations. After some deliberation...

He writes furiously.

"So now how do we want this to sound?" asked Ed.

"To some obvious consent, it must be legal" Francis laughed. "It must also be formal, since most nations today wont accept alliances that don't sound formal. Oh, and it must state the reason of alliance."

"By the way, this Friday (real time, as in Friday), we will have everything set up for your nations to come over."

"We also don't want to sound aggressive, and we don't want to offend anyone," said Ed. "We need to be careful with this it is a very delicate issue."

Alexei pauses for a moment, and then continues writing.

"...we have come to the conclusion that an alliance would be beneficial to our three nations. Seeing as to how our three nations certainly have things in common, and how we could benefit from trade with each other, it is only reasonable that we ally each other."

Alexei puts down his pen and looks at the paper for a moment.

Alexei pauses for a moment, and then continues writing.

"...we have come to the conclusion that an alliance would be beneficial to our three nations. Seeing as to how our three nations certainly have things in common, and how we could benefit from trade with each other, it is only reasonable that we ally each other."

Alexei puts down his pen and looks at the paper for a moment.

"That sounds like a good opening," said Ed.

Alexei then begins to write furiously again.

"...NOTING that alliances have been formed in the past;

NOTING that alliances have been broken in the past;

ACKNOWLEDGING that other nations may oppose this alliance;

NOTING that other nations have been known to attack each other over alliance discrepancies;

OBSERVING that nations are stronger when together than when alone;

NOTING that some nations are large enough as several alliances;

We three nations hereby sign this alliance to ensure the safety of the peoples in our nations. This alliance includes a Free Trade Agreement and a Mandatory Protection and Offensive Pact."

Alexei pauses for a moment.

"Good, good, now we need describe what military and economic commitments will be required and how decisions will be made," said Ed. "By the way you seam to be getting a little tense, maybe you should try yoga or something."