NationStates Jolt Archive

Official Announcement of the Allanean Government


As of today, by vote of the Senate and Congress, President Scalding has been deposed on charges of corruption. It is apparent that President Scalding has been receiving illegal kickbacks from the lobbyists for the medical industry and legal profession, and relevant officials in the various lobby groups are being arrested even as you read our announcement.

Because the vice-President has been arrested as well, and because President Scalding had also performed the duties of Field Marshal of Allanea, the duties of the Presidency will hereby fall upon the Allanean High Command, specifically Marshal Watanabe, Marshal Al-Ghazi, and Colonel Conde, who have been for this purpose selected by the AHC.

With this in mind, the Triumvirate has several announcements to make:

1.The rights and privileges of Allaneans and those foreigners legally travelling in Allanea will not be abridged by the rule of the Triumvirate,

2.Any and all foreign obligations of Allanea will remain secure no matter what government this nation will have.

3.Any and all foreign diplomats and advisors, especially Neville Casanova from Austar Union, and relevant advisors from other foreign countries, will remain in their office, and will not be harmed in any way.

4.Due to fear of armed violence by Scalding supporters, the troops of the High Command Reconnaissance Unit will be posted to protect the Triumvirate and Congress.

5.Several Bolo battalions will be relocated to Liberty-City, their exact number classified.

6.With the exception of accredited foreign diplomats and advisors as delineated in 3, , no foreigners will enter within 2500 meters of the White House and Congressional Hall until the election.

7.All other procedures in our nation will remain as normal.

SIC
Red Army Air Force One, Skies over Wagdog
Sitting in his executive suite's desk chair, far at the back of the Il-87 Maxdome humming as it flew under constant escort due to the military situation just erupting against Mer des Ennuis, General Secretary Charles D. Lind looked over the forwarded Allanean 'Triumvirate' announcement with an eerie sense of foreboding. On the one hand, true, this seemed yet another example of the moody nature of Allanean politics; a mercurial tide one involved in only upon extreme quantities of two things: forethought, and care. But on the other, well, some of President Scalding's recent actions had been of a distantly irritating character; notably those in Nova Europa although specific mention of such probably was not prudent as Charles thought it over, fingering his glasses absently like some archetypal schemer in a cartoon.
Allanea and us have actually worked together well, even despite our 'differences' in proclaimed ideology to say the least of it. It may never be an exactly comfortable cooperation, differences in form being what they are even if substance provides some common ground in certain respects. Hmm... His thoughts ran along for some time in this fashion, calculating possible iterations of action.

Ultimately, however, it was decided that silence could do no real good in this case; not with a nation whom Wagdog had done a fair amount of good back in the day. Some specifics would bear mentioning yes, but those could be managed. Hence, nothing to do but put fingers to keyboard and send the message out for first vetting by the Press Office back in Tailville DR and then broadcast...

IC
Official Wagdian Government Reply to the Triumvirate of Allanea and its' Announcement
Although one must be cautious in commenting upon the politics of other nations, seeing as the gaps in culture and even simple worldview can distort the picture one sees versus that of those being seen, my nation and I must say that we are guardedly optimistic about these conditions laid down by the Triumvirate. Point-by-point, having reviewed the Announcement, we see nothing particularly objectionable and even several positive things in fact.

To begin with, the first pledge is only fair and sensible, plus an excellent gesture of that "decent respect for the opinions of mankind" incumbent upon such political endeavors as this as so correctly put by Jefferson; the second pledge being Allanea's sovereign prerogative and thus not particularly bearing of comment, while the third point further reinforces the first and is indeed an excellent sign of good faith on the new Triumvirate's part. Regarding the various military provisions of this act, though the picture naturally implied by them is disquieting one must indeed take into account the situation's context. President Scalding brought Vice into the house of Liberty, his cronies yet being arrested for abetting said crimes as I compose this message, and as such the situation naturally remains fluid; the acting constitutional mechanisms both old and new thus in objective need of safeguarding whatever one's opinion of the methods used. Considering the fact that the Triumvirate has openly and simply promised an election as soon as possible, and that normal civilian life shall continue in Liberty City and Allanea more generally without hindrance, one cannot but say that this assumption of power is being conducted far more professionally than many I have seen in my day in other nations both great and small. More professionally done, and thus more ethically done in turn, especially considering the observance of constitutional procedure in the actual ouster of Scalding.

Regarding the general situation, I should say that whatever our nations' narrow politics I myself remain cautiously optimistic about the character of ths provisional government. Colonel Conde's still regarded warmly by my people; an example of what free women can do against their enemies when they must rise to the occasion, and a nigh-heroine to my own nation's girls as a result combined with the fruits of her enterprise in the postwar years since the deadly fight in Egypt. As for Field Marshal Shiunji Watanabe, also known as 'The Mortician' to those most-unfortunate enough to face him from the sharp end, I must admit neither I nor my nation have particularly direct experience. Our Vetakan friends have though, in the recent operations which peaceably compelled the tyrant Strator to cease any attempt at renewed slave trading, and their assessment is highly positive. Suffice it to say, if Marshal Watanabe comes highly recommended by the Free Dominion of Vetaka, well then that's enough for me until I maybe have the privilege of meeting him someday. Of Marshal Al-Ghazi we only know by reputation, but that may change in time and for now we see room for optimism still.

Some might question the use of the Field Marshal's office in this manner by the Allaneans, and that is their right to; within reason and respect of sovereignty. Ultimately however, reclaiming the legacy of Field Marshal Alexander Kirillovich Kazansky, whom I know somewhat from the events following the Sofia Conference and other members of my government still more so from those events and ones prior, is entirely Allanea's choice to do if that's what they seek. They have my concern for the trials ahead, and my confidnce they shall prevail over them. My best wishes to the people and nation of Allanea in this awkward transition, and I say that remain hopeful that the legacy of what Kazansky built in his time shall stand. It remains titanic enough that it cannot be avoided in any case, and good enough yet to be of worth preserving at least in my own personal opinion.

Sincerely,
Charles D. Lind
Commander-in-Chief, USSW War Office
Party Secretary, Wagdian Revolutionary Party
General Secretary, USSW Revolutionary Command Council

The Concordian

Field Marshal Alexander Kirillovich Kazansky is a man of more libertine virtues than most of the international community will admit. The respect heaped upon Field Marshal Kazansky is not undeserved. His valor or as some call it, "reckless idiocy that risks the chain of command and is more done out of selfishness than actual care for his own troops" (City's IV/OP-ED/45XXI), is controversial to say the least. Kazansky's War Schools have been well reviewed , his tactics praised and villified as cruel, deterministic, or oddly enough, too compassioned. It is an unverified rumor that Kazansky's training was responsible for a rapid victory in the mainland by hastily organized People's Guard units over better trained and professional Confederate Army forces.

It is well established that Kazansky had a sordid affair during a post war visit with Triumvirate Council member Amanda Arcturus that was covered extensively by the tabloids.

His private life is the most difficult to understand for many people. It is best described as pansexual, or any orifice will do. His only restriction, perhaps his only redeeming quality as a private citizen is his need for consent. Only sentience and consent is required, which explains the penguin orgy. (The Exposer, 20102910, LXI).

He seems the sexual complement to Kant's categorical imperative. The need to do something to sastify a need, whether by divine right or natural necessity, is completely fulfilled in Kazansky's personality. He is the freest spirit to exist that lives by the morals of our democratic and respective society. He is Freud's essential man, driven by sexual desire. He is a hedonistic, pansexual, madman who now spends a quiet retirement surrounded by "bitches, beers, and blunts" (The Word, LXIV, III)

Encoded phone conversation somewhere in Allanea

“But this makes no sense, your Honor! He retired on his own free will, there is no point in trying to get him back!”

“That is not your business. Your business is to ensure that the Leafanistani and Wagdoggian messages are reprinted in Liberty Times as full-page ads, you understand? I will give you all the money needed and you will have hefty profit – and you will not hear from me again. Understood?”

“Very well, Sir.”

“But remember, Jones – if anybody discovers we spoke of this, I get back to you. And that will not be pleasant. We never had this conversation.”

“What conversation?” - Jones was still chucklin when the other person disconnected.

* * *

“Hellow, this is Radio Air Allanea. As some of you already know, several organizations have popped up – the most prominent being the Draft Kazansky Again PAC – which have reprinted in detail various foreign reactions to Kazansky's behavior, even one that is largely negative – an article in the Leafanistani media. However, the allegations of Kazansky's hedonism and reckless bravery have only served to make him more popular among Allaneans, if that were even possible. In the meanwhile, the former President himself has denied connection to these organizations, going as far as to state: “I do not have the intention to return to any kind of public office.”

“It is unclear who, in fact, is behind these statements.”

ATNN News Building
Tellerus, Ancient Terra
185th Floor, 9 PM

Inside the immense 230-story ATNN Broadcast Building in Tellerus, people rushed around, checking equipment or looking for their supervisors. The 9:00 news were about to go live. With a nod from the technical crew, the lead anchor, a pretty woman with brown hair, began the broadcast.

"Hello, and thank you for joining us on the Ancient Terran News Network. I'm Melissa Ariya..."

"...And I'm Koushiro Iyagi. We have several stories to share with you tonight, but our top item comes from the nation of Allanea. Often Terra's friend, but at times a foe, yet another twist has been added to this nation's storied history following the arrest of President Scalding and a significant portion of his government. The arrests stem from allegations of corruption regarding 'kickbacks' received from several lobbyists."

Melissa continued where Koushiro left off. "Several eyebrows have been raised in recent years over some of President Scalding's 'acquisitions', and it appears that the law finally caught up with him. A number of lobbyists were arrested as well, but clearly Mr. Scalding is at the top of the list. Never as popular at home as his predecessors, Scalding's arrest has left a gaping hole in the curious Allanean government, which has been temporarily filled by representatives from the Allanean High Command. A number of groups have been organized, seemingly instantly, calling for various men and women to take the helm of this powerful and oftentimes controversial nation."

She paused for a second, then continued. "Although Allanean officials would not comment on the occurrences in Allanea, officials in the Terran Government have been closely monitoring the situation. The Terran Diet, in particular, devoted several hours to discussing the strategic implications of yet another power shift in Allanea. Ariana Imoto interviewed Shigeru Yoshida, prominent member in the House of Representatives for Terra's leading Liberal Democratic Party."

<cuts to earlier footage>

"Mr. Yoshida, can you tell us what has been going on recently in Allanea?"

"As far as we can tell, a number of groups have organized to promote a ridiculous number of potential candidates. One group that seems to be gaining a tremendous amount of momentum, however, is the 'Draft Kazansky Again' PAC, which calls for the reinstatement of the retired Mr. Kazansky to the office of the President. As you know, President Kazansky led Allanea through many of its most pivotal moments. He denies, however, that he would return from retirement."

"Does the Terran Government have a candidate in mind that they'd like to see leading Allanea?"

Mr. Yoshida paused, as if considering his answer very carefully. "Although...I cannot personally speak for the government, many in today's House of Representatives session would support the return of President Kazansky. His charismatic brand of leadership truly does match that of Allanea, and he saw Allanea through the trying occupation by the Federation of Sentient Peoples several years ago. There are many factors to consider, of course, but President Kazansky's Haven Reconciliation Act is largely responsible for Allanea's position as one of our largest trading partners."

"Thank you for your time, Mr. Yoshida."

<cuts back to the Terran News Room>

Melissa cleared her throat and began to speak. "There you have it, from a member of the Diet. Will we see the return of President Kazansky, and the Allanea he once helmed? We'll follow this story closely over the next few days, to ensure that our viewers are given the best possible information."

Koushiro shuffled his papers and took over. "Now, live downtown is Jessica Balayne, covering auto-worker protests..."

Kazansky-Island, Greater Prussian Bay

“What the fuck?” - Kazansky swore as the mail helicopter passed low over the Island, the logo of his favorite postal company coming briefly into view – and two large sacks of mail dropped out of the sky. “Who the hell uses that much snail mail?”

When he opened the sacks, his anger was not mellowed. It was filled with petitions – page after page of signatures. The DKA-PAC has raised over a million signatures over ten days. A small number, perhaps, for a nation such as Allanea, but Kazansky already understrood that it would soon begin to grow.

Not only petitions were mailed – handwritten letters were there too, as well as five teddy bears, a plush Tux, and a giant, thirty-inch, rubber dildo. Kazansky discarded the dildo immediately, and took the rest into his study. He had nothing to do, he thought. He could at least read some of the letters. At least that really long ten-page one.

And then he would go and tell these people he wasn't going to come back.

* * *

“Hello, this is Cynthia Rylie, Allanean News Network. From our news helicopter we can see Kazansky Island – that dot over there. Unfortunately, we cannot get any closer, because the former Fieldmarshal's home defense systems involve multiple Goalkeeper and Phalanx automated Gatling guns that are in fact capable of shredding this aircraft – and he is not at all fond of trespassers.. At any rate, here is the pressing issue, the one issue that had thrown even the primary races of the differing parties and the prosecution of Scalding away from public attention:”

“Will Kazansky be back?”

“Today, the DKA-PAC has started advocating a series of Constitutional reforms that will transform Allanea into a benevolent dictatorship in the vein of Menelmacar, keeping civil rights protected under law while allowing Kazansky to reign for life. It is yet unclear whether Kazansky – who so far denied any desire to return to office – will endorse their efforts.”

“Interestingly, the Terrans have also weighed in on the issue. After the statements of the leader of the Terran Liberal-Democratic Party were aired yesterday – on our channel, by the way – and our channel also uploaded them to NSYoutube.all, the DKA-PAC reported a rapid increase in their stream of donations.”

“In the meanwhile, another organization, known as “A is For Freedom Foundation”, has rented a large blimp, funded purely by supporter donations, and known as the AlexBlimp. The blimp, festooned with slogans supporting Kazansky, has been last spotted over Western Axackal...”


* * *


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v42/allanea/characters/Alex/UNSHEATH.jpg
Pro-Kazansky poster seen in Port-Allanea, Allanea's first capital

WIBC News Headquarters, International Broadcast Tower 28th Floor; Tailville DR, Wagdog
Anchorwoman Poliana Bárique shuffled her papers for the recording being set up, this time of an interstitial update teaser to be shown on Wagdian International Broadcasting Corporation Channels of all types, as well as the main Channel 1 News which would surely be heard in Allanea given how over the years the two nations’ media had grown steadily more intertwined. Slowly, indeed glacially at times depending on the political tides of any given moment, but inevitably drawing closer all the same. Allanean channels were scoring top ratings among the more libertine segments of Wagdian society, which were arguably the majority if to variable degrees depending on the individuals in question; and among the relatively small Elven population Allanean broadcasts were also popular due to the firm Allanean-Menelmacari connection of course, despite the generally traditional outlook of the ‘state-within-a-state’ that their insular community effectively formed.

As the countdown to recording commenced, the clock steadily ticking towards destiny, Bárique hand-combed the last few raven strands of her shoulder-length hair into place and then steadied for the deed to be done. This will probably be yet more intriguing, but then again I like things curious when it’s needed for them to be… The camera began rolling right then; it was showtime.

“Greetings Comrades, Citizens, and Friends around the world; I’m Poliana Bárique of WIBC News Channel One. Tonight, in our coming update, we’ll feature a videophone interview by myself with General Secretary Lind; linked from his classified location due to the present military emergency. Though his full comments will be on the hour, here is this preview available now regarding the Allanean situation…” The broadcast then cut to splice in footage from the videophone link to the General Secretary, full-frontal view of him in his daily shirt and tie with blazer slung across the back of his desk chair framed opposite Poliana seated at her desk earlier; all framed against a shot of sunrise against the towering edifices of the Wagdian capital whether neo-Gothic or more modern in architectural style as was variably the case.
“It seems that your statement has caused quite the stir, Comrade General Secretary.” Poliana smoothed her skirts in possible anxiety. “Openly endorsing the Allanean Triumvirate has put you in the international papers, especially the Liberty City Times which itself is the third-best-selling paper in Wagdog after the New Theeb Discoverer from Vetaka and our own Wagdian International Herald-Tribune put out by WIBC Press. Comments on this, especially rumors of political-action movements gathering under the reported phrase ‘Unsheathe the Sword?’”

“Well, far be it for me to comment on Allanean political opinion as any sort of ‘expert.’” Charles was clearly hedging his bets for the sake of propriety, keeping his cool and maintaining charm for Mrs. Bárique’s sake. “I only know Field Marshal Kazansky through some minor diplomatic contacts shortly before the Questarian Commonwealth versus New Alliance Treaty Organization War. But I can say, simply speaking personally on the issue, that if Kazansky is truly whom the Allanean people desire to lead them then that is their business. And if they want to dramatize it as ‘Unsheathing the Sword’ of Queen Miriel, then more power to them for their creativity in sloganeering I say.”

Absentmindedly, but perhaps not entirely coincidentally either, Charles fingered the lacquered mahogany hilt of his own sword; a tsurugi style straight longsword forged in what was obviously Vetakan craft but of an origin that he had steadfastly refused any comment upon throughout multiple interview attempts by both state and private media other than to say that it had been ...given to me by a friend we all loved very much, and whose legacy I shall fight for always... so his own thoughts at that moment ran. He stroked his short, shaggy and full beard, lost in melancholy long enough to miss Poliana's concluding thanks before springing back to attention as he returned his glasses and the sharp blue gaze behind to face the video camera and its' linkup. “For now, our position remains as in my prior released statement, but naturally I myself and others in the government are keeping an eye on developments as they unfold. My thanks for your interest Miss Bárique, and I'll of course remain available if you need any more."
The clip concluded, Poliana returned onscreen and concluded. “More on this will be available when our hourly update begins shortly.” Poliana fixed the running camera with her fetching Latina gaze and wrapped her update teaser. “I’m Poliana Bárique, and this has been WIBC News Channel One.” Smiling before the camera cut, she returned to her preparations for the longer broadcast to come shortly, gathering the rest of the interview papers and wondering just how interesting this story might get before long.

New Masada, central Kahanistan, Western Atlantic

Office of the President

President Khalid bin Abdullah al-Omari, Fleet Admiral Carl Jenkins, Lieutenant General Nadia Sklenova, and Senator Alyssa Petrova sat around the President's desk.

"General, Admiral... Senator," said the President, a tall, overweight Arab man of about 60. "I won't be in office much longer, and one of you is almost certain to be the next President. Whichever of you it is, the other two are still going to be in highly placed positions, and you will all want to know this." He set a document in front of the three.

"President Scalding of Allanea has been arrested for corruption," said al-Omari. "A triumvirate is taking over until new elections can be held, but it seems likely that Field Marshal Kazansky will be placed in a dictatorial position."

"This Marshal al-Ghazi..." began Admiral Jenkins, a tall, fit, balding man of 60. The President cut him off.

"The very same. Our own former General Abdullah Hassan al-Ghazi," said al-Omari.

"Wasn't he executed by the Allaneans as a fascist?" asked General Sklenova. She was a slim blonde woman in her early 30's, with long straight hair and a wide smile, which she didn't show as much as she used to. The wars had begun to take a toll on her, especially since circumstances seemed to conspire to keep her out of action.

"We thought so, too," said al-Omari. "After all, he was in the Presidential Palace in Haven when the Allaneans hit it, and the guards ran for their lives. Didn't want to die for him, and the Allaneans grabbed him and took him away. We assumed they had killed him, but apparently he's still alive. I wonder why..."

"That man belongs in a prison," said Sklenova coldly. "He doesn't need to be a head of state. If he had won the elections he ran in, I'd have moved to Doomingsland."

"Why a prison?" asked Senator Petrova. She was about the same age as the general, taller and more athletic looking, shaped like a personal trainer, and had shoulder-length medium brown hair. "Certainly you don't think I belong in a prison. After all, I'm a nationalist, and you might even... say I was a little crazy."

"Why a prison, Alyssa? Well... he practically dared Dreadfire to rampage through Kahanistan, killing hundreds of millions, he incited riots against the Amestrians to push his own political agenda, killing hundreds of thousands, he wrote a book of propaganda with a title ripped from a 500-year-old anti-Semitic hate manual, returned to Kahanistan, blew up tens of thousands of his own people, and had tens of thousands of POW's crucified after he'd ranted about how evil and depraved the Amestrians were for executing POW's. Now, he's defected to the Allanean... maniacs... and he probably has command of their weapons, their troops, he's in a position to really screw us over. Now, tell me you don't think he belongs in a prison."

Petrova nodded. "I see. I'd recommend we put our troops on standby, just in case. Shift the economy over to a war footing. If Allanea attacks us, we'll be poised to defend ourselves, and if they don't, we have a few million jobs for people producing arms."

"I wouldn't rattle the sabre with them," said Sklenova. "Don't get me wrong, I don't like Allanea either. I can't think of any communists who do. Increasing patrols, maybe. Issuing a warning to warships entering our waters, maybe..."

"That's all I'm talking about," said the senator.

"We have... four hundred blue-water warships," said Admiral Jenkins. "Hardly enough to repel an invasion from a seasoned military power."

"You did well enough against the Questarians," said al-Omari. "Kept our shipping lanes open, saved millions of civilians, only withdrew when there wasn't anyone left to save... you're a hero. I'm sure you'll do well in battle."

"I just hope we don't have to fight," replied the Admiral.

"Spoken like a true Kahanistanian commander," said the President. "Of course, we all hope we don't have to fight. It is our enemies who make us fight. We only train to defend ourselves when they do."

---

Official Statement of the Free Republic of Kahanistan

The Government of Kahanistan is most worried by this decision to place the Allanean government in military hands absent a state of military emergency. We are also concerned that our former General, Mr. Abdullah Hassan al-Ghazi, has previously expressed strongly nationalistic and fascistic views, and harsh, inflammatory rhetoric against the Amestrian nation and people, which could cause dire domestic and international consequences if such a man were to be placed at the head of one of the freest nations in the world.

Signed,
Dr. Khalid bin Abdullah al-Omari,
President of Kahanistan

The impact of the Kahanistani message was predictable. The approval rating of the Triumvirate dropped about half a percentile point on the day it was issued, and another two on the day after, because someone – nobody knew who, precisely – forwarded it to several hundred million people using spam software.

Nobody knew that in the meanwhile, the Triumvirate had sent out an encoded, top-secret transmission to the New Dornalians, as well as to other foreign countries, requesting that they issue statements of support of Kazansky reinstitution – but conceal the fact it was prompted by the Triumvirate.

Kazansky himself continued to snarl (and sometimes shoot) at reporters, while receiving a constant stream of fan mail, petititons, and fluffy plush animals. He had received over five hundred teddy bears, seventy-three plush Tuxes, sixteen various firearms, and a plushy Bolo that was over a meter long. Kazansky was perplexed by the Bolo, but still refused to return to politics.

Nobody knew that in the meanwhile, the Triumvirate had sent out an encoded, top-secret transmission to the New Dornalians, as well as to other foreign countries, requesting that they issue statements of support of Kazansky reinstitution – but conceal the fact it was prompted by the Triumvirate.

The Commissariat of Foreign Affairs had recieved the Allanean message, and contemplated its significance. Yes, the Allaneans had nuked New Wuhan, and memories died hard. But, Alex Kazansky was, for all intents and purposes not behind it--no conclusive evidence existed to link him to the crime, and it was noted that Kazansky actually had the committee chaired to investigate it, which happily resulted in the Admiral involved dying. Oh, and it did present an opportunity to get their foot in the door. After all, with the Allanean government currently in transition, it might be time to perhaps get somebody they could work with in there.

With that in mind, a message was issued:

"The Workers State of New Dornalia has been watching the events occurring in Allanea at present. We believe that the Democratic process would have been better used to remove President Scalding, but as it stands we must agree in spirit with the statement from Wagdog that the military interregnum is generally not dangerous at this time.

However, the Workers State of New Dornalia feel that Allanea needs more than an interregnum to truly get the nation back to normal. To that end, our Citizens stand in solidarity with the aims of the DKA-PAC and urge that Alexander Kazansky be returned to power by all safe, sane means.

Despite any problems he may have, we feel that his previous record of accomplishments and highlights of his sensible, lucid leadership history, which includes the contributions he made towards Dornalian-Allanean reconciliation in the wake of the New Wuhan Incident by making the Allanean investigation into the matter possible, makes him an ideal leader who can be trusted with the reins of power."

Kazansky put his hands on the giant pile of petition papers on his table and pushed lightly, making the pile of paper slide off the table and onto the floor like a tiny avalance. “What the hell do you mean, I should come back? I don't want to be back, didn't you hear me?”

“Yes you do.” - smiled Shiunji. - “I know you full well. You want to act, to change things, to – not rule per se, but to be able to affect events, the course of history itself. Down here on this island, you must feel buried alive.”

Kazansky froze. “What?” - the Mortician had hit a mark.

“Oh yeah. And you know what else? Me and the other guys, we know why you want to avoid your return.”

“You do? Oh what geniuses.”

“See, it's that elf.”

“Ha! 'That elf'? You're afraid of me, Shiunji. Just say it. You think I'm afraid to come back because Miriel will think badly of it. She'll think I'm some form of disgusting...”

“Shut up. We both know that's the reason. It is, isn't it?”

There was a silence, long, confusing, as the two men tried to avoid each other's eyes.

“Yes. That's the reason. And you know she will.”

“Well, you know what? She already does think you're some form of creep.”

“What?” - Kazansky raised his eyebrows.

“Please. She doesn't know you. She knows you – as her relatives and friends display you, as the elven media display you. And they lie. They lie so much it'd be impossible even to guess at who you really are.”

“Are you suggesting...”

“Here's what I'm suggesting. I'm suggesting you do what your duty tells you. Get out there and offer your services to the Allanean people. And they want you back. They really do.”

“Right. They do.” - Kazansky laughed - “What kind of fool do you think I am? You want me back. You funded these PACs. You think I'm some form of awesome leader. That's all there's to it. Go away.”

Shiunji shook his head sadly. “Oh no. That'd be simple and straightforward, but it isn't true. Oh, I gave money to these organizations. I set some of them up myself. But the truth is... I created nothing.”

“Wha?”

“I – or rather we, because Abdullah is in on it as well, and so are Pris and Will – we channeled something that already exists. People love you, Alex. Not just these foreign commentators, but Allaneans. They love you, because you deserve it. And they want you back.”

There was an even longer pause.

“Very well, then.”

* * *

ANN, Breaking News:

“Indeed, Alexander Kirillovich Kazansky, Founder of Allanea, is now back in politics. A coalition of Republican and Libertarian Congressment have again introduced a Consitutitonal Amendment allowing him to retain the executive power for all of eternity, and a large Liberty-City rally in support of the amendment...”

"This is ANN Breaking News. Today, Congress started discussing a new adaptation of the Constitution, which will establish Alexander Kazansky in he office of the Presidency, while simultaneously reducing the powers of that office slightly, to placate some opponents of the move..."

OOC: Skipping the boring process of amending the Constitution.

IC:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v42/allanea/characters/Alex/alex.jpg

Inaugural Address of Alexander Kazansky, Fieldmarshal of the Republic

Greetings, fellow Freemen.

Many of you are here today in this sacred hall, listening to me speak. Many more are listening to me at home, through their computers, televisions, radios. But before I begin, I would like you to think of all those who are not here today. Let us think of the millions of Freemen who died in countless wars to preserve Allanea's freedoms, to spread our message around the globe, to keep this hall standing and this flag flying. Before we move on, I would like to request a moment of silence in memory of those heroes.

*60-second pause*

Allanea's past has been filled with many acts of heroism. Many selfless sacrifices. And let there be no doubt, I do not think they were in vain. But let me also say that at least some of our wars – some of our losses – could have been avoided or been less terrible, had we only stopped and listened to our neighbors.

Now I am not advocating groveling and begging before a foreign throne. Allaneans are Freemen, and Freemen never beg and they never, ever grovel. But throughout the years, we've built our foreign policy on the single meme that we are out to change the world, and damn the torpedoes. And that hasn't worked. And that, my friends, will just not work.

Yes, Allanea's political system is one of the best in the world. Yes, our culture is one of the best in the world, and I frankly believe it is the best in the world. But out in the real world, we need to contend with people who are not foolish, and who are not misguided, but who think it is is their system that is best. And we must not ignore that reality.

You know, maybe the world would be better if they were all like us. But we can't lack every wrong abroad, and with our policy blunders, we ensured that even when we send out troops in the most justified war imaginable, the world press descends upon us, and we are still seen as warmongers and murderers.

Ladies and gentlemen, I propose a new policy.

I propose a new worldview, and this view rests upon three pillars - Peace, Trade, and Respect.

No longer will we send troops out to foreign countries to right symbolic wrongs and capture meaningless objectives. We will base our policy on trade and cooperation with our allies and with our former enemies. I will request the aid of the best experts, both Allanean and foreign, to aid in this goal.

Our diplomats will go abroad – and our foreign policy will be formulated – upon the basis of respect for ourselves and our neighbors. We will not debase ourselves before their flag – but we will not act in total defiance of their aspirations, their hopes and their dreams, we will not act recklessly and without concern.

Should we respect our neighbors and ourselves, I believe more of them will soon respect us too – and with that respect will come increased prosperity and security to all Freemen.

That is all.

May God Bless the Queen,
and May God Bless Allanea.

OOC: Just because I feel like it...

Тарасковская Империя
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/SilverEagleCoA_Plain_Sm.gif
Его Августейшего Величества Кабинет Министров

Его Превосходительству Александру Кирилловичу Казанскому, Фельдмаршалу Алланейской Республики
Касаемо
Поворот-Переворота

Ваше Превосходительство,

С возвращением! Вы надолго или просто мимо проходили?

Да пребудут с Вами Боги, которым Вы молитесь,
Анна Муравьев-Апостол (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Chancellor.png)
Канцлер Империи

Official communique of the Freethinker Government

Sir,

It is the wishes of this government that, if at all possible, we should like to send an representative of this legislative body on behalf of the Freestian people to meet with the new president and offer our congratulations upon his victory.

We wish to send our Foreign Minister, of the Freethinker Conservative party, Sir Alex Broxtowe, if you so allow, to conduct both social engagements and personally meet with Mr Kazansky if he is avaliable. We wish also to discuss current ties and future possible economic cooperation and other mutually benefiting arrangements.

Yours in good faith.

Strength, Honour, Courage, Unity

Sir Theodore Barham, Prime Minister of His Majesty's Government of the Freethinker Commonwealth.

Official Message from the Fieldmarshal of the Republic

I would certainly gladly meet Mr. Barham. In fact, would he agree to a social meeting at my own palace, Minas Faerie? I am sure I can receive the Minister with far more of a splendorous meeting than if it were paid for with public funds.

I recommend a two-stage meeting.

First, my men will greet the Minister at LCAX, and escort him to the Theatre Imperial, where we will enjoy a performance of Shakespeare's classic Much Ado About Nothing together. Then we will make way to the top of Minas Faerie by gravcar and have lunch together. I cannot at present reveal the foods that will be consumed there, as maintaining a degree of surprise is necessary to maintainin my so-called prestige as a cook.

Sincerely yours,
Alexander Kazansky,
Formerly Emperor of Greater Prussia,
Fieldmarshal of the Republic,
Sword of the Queen.

"You're sending me to Allanea. I thought you said you'd forgiven me for switching sides." Broxtowe gesticulated as he paced in front of Barhams desk, hands and arms crossed and youngish face locked in an agitative stare.

"Oh I have," whispered Barham, the old man tapping the desk in front of him happily, the small vibrations causing the three dimensional holographic to simmer slightly as its projecter felt the slight recoil. A map of Allanean territories along with basic information, population demographics and economic resources mostly, sat in the air like a twisted globe, small numbers representing known numbers and commodity prices accompanying the various symbols and diagrams.

"Of course," he continued, his eyes tentatively watching Broxtowe as the younger foreign minister came to a slow halt. "You are still in the official capacity of foreign minister and therefore it does indeed fall to you to take on such responsibilities as I see fit. Of course, I'm surprised at your hostility, Allanea's reputation for hedonism is...well, as warranted as ours is. You'd fit in nicely with the locals."

Broxtowe levelled his eyes at Barham. The old man merely smiled back. His approaching retirement had filled him with surprising enthusiasm for his last few weeks in office. "So, meet and greet and smile and laugh and handshake and see how much arse either of us has to kiss?"

"Pretty much, though I'm not expecting us to have to do much in the way of kowtowing here. We're still officially pissed at them for siding with the eternal empire over that little Trade Act affair..."

"Hardly surprising..."

"No...but their behaviour was rash and I'd imagine they would probably want to apologise for that. Our position however remains that the friendship treaty aside from its free trade clauses is officially dead given how they acted at the time. Given changing circumstances I hope thats how it remains, the new policy of active non-allignment is important to hold on to."

"And trade wise?"

"Allanea has a fair bit to offer, though, Broxtowe, I believe its simply a question of strengthening existing ties in that area. There are always opportunities to make more money, of course. You know the drill."

"Of course." Broxtowe breathed inward deeply. "Very well. Consider it a favour paid back though as far as I am concerned.

Barham nodded, taking out a cigar from a pack he kept hidden in the top drawer of his glass-topped desk. Technically smoking was banned in all areas of Government House, but being at the top had its advantages, ones he intended to use given how little time remained.

"Can I at least take the big jet?"

LCAX

The A380 in the white striped affair of the Freethinker government livery skidded awkwardly as a crosswind caught it on its final run in, creating a rather hard landing for their touchdown on Allanean soil. The plane decelerated slowly down the runway before peeling off towards the terminal. Inside, Broxtowe clutched his sickbag with white knuckles. It was a brilliant start.

The protection given to Minister Broxtowe was subtle by Allanean standards – three black Sandstorm SUV's, unmarked, unnumbered, black and precisely identical. Toned windows would make it impossible to determine which of them contained the Minister and which were full of assault infantry.

The Theatre Imperial was build as giant baroque building, an obvious cultural influence of the Greater Prussian Empire. Delicate bareliefs, statues, and painted flower vases were everywhere – even in the Presidential Box, where Kazansky politely greeted the foreign diplomat – just as the play began.

The Imperial Allanean Theater Company had never been into futurustic or avant-garde performances, and this one was no different. Strictly-researched period costumes were reserved for all the actors, and the Stanislavsky System (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanislavski%27s_%27system%27) was their main method of training the actors.

It remained to be seen if Mr. Broxtowe enjoyed such things, of course.

Broxtowe was merely glad to be back on Terra Firma, but he composed himself as he quickly greeted the security team with several hopefully sincere smiles and polite words, smartening himself up and fanning his pale features to try and restore his air of implacable confidence and relaxed laidback nature.

The car ride presented a further opportunity to make small talk and ask a few pertinent and polite questions, as well as a chance to get his colour back. It was impressive given the desert like climate how pale he actually was anyway, but then again only tourists ever took advantage of the Freethinker's clothing optional laws, the locals smart enough to avoid the wonderful days spent looking like a lobster and suffering from mild full body sunburns.

The theatre certainly shattered his stereotyped image of Allanea. The classical stylings reminded him awfully of home in fact, the spartan classical architecture and floral decorations almost Freestian in their execution, save for the somewhat more enclosed feel necessitated by a city he assumed recieved far more varied weather.

"Mr Kazansky," Broxtowe offered his hand, tattooed with celtic decorations and several unadorned gold rings. "It is an honour to meet a man of your reputation." Nice words, said with sincerity and an honest expression, though the reputation in question was more...haphazard. Freethinker opinions after all were formed by the world media as whole, and as such the varied views made interesting comparisons to the young looking and yet confident and proud Allanean standing before him, several inches taller and broader than the Freestian Minister. (OOC: Assuming he's of average height and build, can change)

Polite notices aside, the performance was watched with interest, though Broxtowe would have admitted he had preferred the Navarre nude actors guild performance back home. That said, this performance at least reminded him that there was words and a plot that he had been, distracted from the last time he had seen the play. A man of baser instincts, true Freethinker human perhaps, but he applauded loudest of all when the performance ended in genuine pleasure and admiratation.

"I must admit," he said, leaning over to Kazansky, "what I have seen so far has been quite at odds with what I have lead to expect. A marvellous performance as well, I might add." He nodded towards the bowing cast. "You know, you should really look at getting this classier stuff more exposure abroad."

OOC: Alex is very slender, yet of above-average height, in fact he looks down on some elves.

IC:

Kazansky smiled. “Oh please. An honor? I'm sure meeting me is not something you will mention on your CV. As for getting this stuff more exposure – it's been around for ages. Ever since the post-One-Day-War reconstruction, when the Greater Prussians introduced their love of theater to us. But wait until you see my palace.”

“Come. The gravcar awaits.”

As the sleek black vehicle took off, Kazansky explained:

“The spire of Minas-Faerie is at near six hundred meters long, and is one of the tallest buildings of Liberty-City – quite superfluous for a private Palace, but quite frankly, I have my own failings. That tower is one of them. At any rate, near the the top, there is an observation deck for me and my guests – like you, by the way – from which we can look down at the city.”

The city, as the gravcar rose over it, was giant. Most buildings were not as large as Minas-Faerie, nor were they intended as such. Allaneans, by and large, prefer to live in small houses rather then appartment buildings, and even corporations [except maybe two or three] prefer to spread out instead of up. And thus Liberty-City spread out for miles and miles as a patchwork of roofs, red, blue, round, square, tiny roofs of all shapes and size lost far, far below, cut up with wide roads and even several Strategic Highways that made their way through the city entire.

At the observation deck at the top of Minas Faerie's spire – which, by the way, was jet black, just like the car itself – a table for two was prepared.

“The first dish is actually a sudak – Russian for “Walleye”- served under some exquisite Russian sauce. I am not privy to the details myself – the cook doesn't trust me not to reveal the surprise. The second will involve smoked salmon, sliced into tiny slices, after the Russian fashion, and a bottle of ice-cold Dersconi vodka.”

“Naturally we won't discuss politics until we're both stone drunk.” - Kazansky grinned.

Oh christ he fancies me.

"Well, I would like to get one or two things out of the way before disappearing under the table. That said, Dersconi's meant to be pretty damn good, what I remember of it the last few times I had it." Good nights, too bad most of it ended back up over that poor escort. "And this," He sampled the food with his fork, ridicuolously overcomplicating the delicate bite with pointless whirls of the fork. "Is exceptional. Might have to nick the chef off of you." Another bite.

"And the city, reminds me almost of home. Spread out, though more mountains, less plains. Less roads too, I imagine pedestrianisation never really caught on around here." A complete guess but then most societies like this he had encountered loved their automobiles. "Nice grav actually, you collect them?"

He moved on quickly after the polite question. "I must say though, we thought you had retired for good. In fact I lost money on the fact you came back." Bastard bookies, "and I have to ask I suppose, really, why the change? This doesn't seem like the easiest of jobs, certainly NOt one one would wish to come back to."

He took a glass a glass of the vodka and sipped, staring back out again across the city. "After all, I had assumed you had earned your rest."

“I don't collect automobiles as such – well I do have a dozen, but of course for someone of my level of wealth it's not really a collection. Now, weapons, yes. Rifles, pistols, swords, and so on. I have deals with arms companies that ensure they send me samples of whatever comes off their design boards. Five hundred M16 modifications, Doomani rifles, Allanean rifles, Hattian rifles, Edolian rifles, even a necron gun under glass somewhere.”

“As for the other question – well, as you saw, I wasn't initially willing to crawl out of my cave. But believe it or not, a lot of people asked me to be back, both in Allanean and abroad. I was a bit blindsided by the latter – but as you see I am back.”

SIC
Red Army Air Force Two, Skies over Wagdog
Reading the text of Kazansky's speech, Christine Friedrich's mental wheels began turning. Her husband the General Secretary was her equal in the ways of politics, and she was much more the 'face' of her nation arguably due to her role as Secretary General for the United Federation of Allied Nations, true. However, he'd had his say on this several times and was in fact not taking the incessant reporters' calls for commentary anymore. Hence, it fell to her perhaps to issue a statement if any was needed.

But how? Showing too much of a hand here, not that we had one to begin with arguably... Indirect influence was influence true, but hard to prove unless one tipped one's hand, would probably only create more problems than it would solve. However, a thought suddenly came to her, and she smiled mischievously as she picked up her secure phone and dialed her husband many leagues away across thundering skies on his own command aircraft.

Red Army Air Force One, 501 Nautical Miles East-Northeast from RAAF-Two
"So you're saying I need to get out dear?" Charles was notoriously reclusive among Wagdian politicians; though truth-be-told, it wasn't really a fault per se. He simply was a very private man, not afraid really since the last man who'd directly threatened his life had paid for the deed by Charles' own hand in the end over twenty years ago; that and besides which his state visits had the unfortunate habit of being cancelled due to some crisis or another interrupting, such as easily a year back during the last time the Fighting Stars attacked Vetaka just during the leadup to a joint Lind/Friedrich and Pearce/Rogers state visit to Reloria.

"You know you need to honey." Christine was taking that old 'loving but firm' tone with Charles, like he were a child or a pet. The story of their relationship, made more comical still by the fact that he was used to it by now. "We can't miss an opportunity to repay Kazansky for the political change of tack he's taken here." And she was right too; a more careful foreign policy from Allanea, and maybe an eventual chance to meet the great leader of so much repute (for either good or ill), were not things to be tossed away lightly just for the inertia of the wheels of State and Press.

"Very well; love you, and see you next crew rotation on the ground." Those were the only times the two were able to see each other under the present circumstances, operational security in wartime demanding their respective aircraft be widely separated and under constant fighter escort. However, for the sake of diplomacy certain changes in protocol could be arranged; all depending on the convenience of the host naturally. Hence, after hanging up Charles set to typing and hoping for the timing to be right.

IC
To the Rt. Hon. Alexander Kirillovich Kazansky, Former Emperor of Greater Prussia, Field Marshal of the Republic, Sword of the Queen

Forgive any belatedness on my part, with the wheels of government turning as slowly as they do and my responsibilities so grave as late I was unable to draft this earlier. However, I give you my own and my nation's applause on your reinauguration as President and answering your people's call thereby. Our nations may have never seen things from the exact same perspective, to say the least of that; but as you put in your speech such isn't required for common interest to be served and mutual profit to be had. Not to mention, for good company to be had either; that most precious of things in a world that seems constantly on the verge of falling apart as ours so often does.

As per your statement, Wagdog would be proud to host Allanean diplomats in whatever capacity you and Her Majesty's Government would see fit; and equally proud to visit Allanea should you have us. Our nations already have a trade relationship of far greater than meanly value, and that can certainly be improved further still. I myself haven't yet conducted more than one state visit; that being years ago to the Kingdom of Danno10, which was of no particular political consequence even if enjoyable perhaps. Hard to be bored when visiting a land that changed constitutions and even official languages nigh on the stroke of the hour, is it?

Regardless, should your schedule permit I'd be happy to make what arrangements you would have Field Marshal; a visit by myself to Allanea preferably, seeing as given my land might become a war zone at any moment I doubt it would be becoming to issue an invite. Either works, although I must admit my deputy and wife is much enthused with the idea of me 'getting out' again as she says it; and capable of discharging my High Command responsibilities as required. Naturally you are a busy man, so I will accept any and all delays necessary. Whatever comes, you have my support and congratulations on the new course toward which you steer your home and countrymen.

Sincerely,
Charles David Lind
Commander-in-Chief, USSW War Office
Party Secretary, Wagdian Revolutionary Party
General Secretary, USSW Revolutionary Command Council

500 modifications. For a single weapon. There is nothing to be worried about. Just s'long as the greys don't start telling him the kiwi fruit is out to get him in his sleep. Although I don't see kiwi fruit anyway, actually fancy some of that right now. I wonder why they call it Kiwi fruit anyway. I bet they would have some at Solihull's, wonder if they have those here. I have one of those loyalty cards too, another three mintels and I get those 20% off vouchers. Bet Clodius would appreciate one of them. They have really nice cheese. With holes in it too. I wonder why some cheeses have holes in them. Does the mould grow and then die or something. Oh wait need to say something.

Broxtowe broke out of his smiley trance and nodded at Kazansky. "I'm surprised the Necron's even allow you to keep the gun. I mean those sods don't seem the type to give it up easily." To someone with 500 modifications of the same weapon. Its not even an antique! My shoes look a bit like Tapirs from this angle. What the hell am I talking about, I can't even see through the table at them.

"But, I thought you were one of those chaps that didn't bow to public pressure. I mean, isn't the whole Allanean philosophy, to, you know, self above the state and all. I mean you have a very...well, well developed notion of maintaining one's individual wishes against the collective will of the population in general. Simply because lots of people wanted you back, or do you consider it a duty?" He paused, and took a bite out of the Salmon. "Fucking immense fish though, by the way, seafood's big here aye?"

“Well, I trust the people. If people tell me they need me in government and not Joe Smith, maybe they do have a clue. I don't, you know, enjoy telling people what to do. And in fact, the job of the Allanean executive is not to run people's lives, it's to manage a few government offices for the company owner while he's busy doing things – and of course it's those regular guys who are the company owner. Sure, I'm the CEO. I look big and important, but it's the stockholders who're really in charge. AS for fish, yes. Allaneans love growing their stuff big. You may notice this as a drawback of our society, we like big stuff, sometimes at the expense of its usefulness.”

With a few short, expert movements, he poured himself and the Freestian some vodka.

“So yeah. I am sure you didn't come here for the seafood. “ - Kazansky paused ominiously - “You came for the vodka, right?”

* * *

Reply to the Wagdians

“Please communicate to us over secure channels. We have a proposal to make.”

"Actually given I'm a paid government official I'm actually here to represent the economic and political concerns and interests of the Freestian people. The vodka just makes things...fun."

Of course, living in one of, if not the, world's greatest port (they did trade with *everyone*, after all) the Commonwealth could easily give the Allaneans a run on liking big things and imported brands. Hell, they had ship elevators that dwarfed most skyscrapers. Nothing like seeing a 400,000 ton supertanker lifted 300 metres into the air.

"So, I guess really what we want to know is what this new policy is about. We have heard similar things in the past before now, after all, and we are wondering if this is really a new Allanea." He sipped the vodka again. "I mean, you have never shied away from engagement, for better or for worse, and though you pay service to the importance of trade and mutual respect , which is a good thing, don't get me wrong, but, as you said, you serve as a representative of your people primarily." Another sip, "a popular one too, and some of the popular mood, I guess that poster serves as a good example, seems to *want* a return to moralistic imper...foreign military operations." He did his best to try and read the expression of Kazansky. All he could tell was that he would be a great poker player. He drew in a sharp breathe.

"Has Allanea changed?"

“Sir, let us be frank. I believe a lot of Allaneans believe in a species of – moralistic imperialism, yes. A lot of them also see me as a sort of poster child for that. But let me put it this way, it doesn't work. Foreign intervention, massive annexations, this sort of stuff only works when you have the backing of friends, allies, and a lot of good will.”

“As for Allanea changing – well, that's for you to decide. In my opinion, new leadership under my guiding hand will forge new paths for this nation. If I were you, I'd just observe and learn. For your benefit, I'd rather let the evidence to come speak for itself."

“Now...” - Kazansky smiled - “Let's raise one for change.”

* * *

Official Message for the Wagdians

Dear friends!

As of now, the Executive Offices of Allanea are still in a sort of turmoil after this final reform. As such, I cannot at present attend the meeting with you myself. If you would not mind, Senator Antalia Reynes, our Senate Majority Leader (and at one point President), will either attend a meeting with you in Wagdog or meet you in Allanea, as you would prefer.

Sincerely yours,
Alexander Kazansky

"For change." Broxtowe raised his drink, the chink of glass tinkling in the quiet air.

The evidence. A nerve touched definitely but the Freestian realised perhaps this also concerned the man opposite him. Change... for this particular state maybe not a bad thing but sitting slender in that chair sat the living embodiment of Allanea's past and present and seemingly its future.

He ate on in silence for a few more moments. Peering up occasionally he wondered if the stories of Kazansky, among other things, being able to mind read were actually true. The techniques the Priestess taught him were ill remembered and from he could recall none implementable anyway, and it was certainly unnerving in that respect.

"So I assume the economic replaces the militaristic. I must express curiousity as to how you intend to go about this. I will admit Allanea's economic performance has been varied, albeit from much outside interference to which we must congratulate your people on their impressive capacity to recover and rebuild." He paused for a second. "And engagement via trade is certainly useful, but as far as I was aware Allanea was a free trading nation anyway?"

Kazansky nodded. “Well, really, our.. .regenerative capacity has been always due to a free market, and having a lot, but I mean a lot of allies ready to help if things went wrong. But really, I'd rather prefer things didn't go wrong.”

“We are indeeed a free trade nation, however we operate on the principle of trade reciprocity. You have a five percent tariff on our goods, we'll have one on yours. It's not really all nice, but then we are very, very willing to remove tariffs. We are strong believers in free trade – sometimes too strong, you might say.”

"To be honest, free trade is about the only thing economists agree on as a decent government policy. I'm surprised tariffs are not illegal here to be honest." He took another bite of the salmon and nudge his glass forward. "But as you said, reciprocity is necessary if somewhat of a bitch."

"I...well, our government is interested to see where this new direction takes you in terms of international allignment. I assume you wish to take Allanea away from the pointies in international affairs. You still seem, as a nation I mean, to move with the larger elven block?"

Memories of the past year nudge their way to the fore again, given the last major incident between the Commonwealth and the parties concerned. Broxtowe broke into a grimace at the thought.

"This is dependent utterly on what they do. As far as I am concerned, I am ready for a constructive trade relation with every nation that wants to have one with us. As you know we left the mutual defense agreement with Menelmacar long ago." - Kazansky smiled.

* * *

Official Message for the Wagdians

Dear friends!

As of now, the Executive Offices of Allanea are still in a sort of turmoil after this final reform. As such, I cannot at present attend the meeting with you myself. If you would not mind, Senator Antalia Reynes, our Senate Majority Leader (and at one point President), will either attend a meeting with you in Wagdog or meet you in Allanea, as you would prefer.

Sincerely yours,
Alexander Kazansky
Red Army Air Force One
Reading the printout in his hand, Red Army Air Force One preparing to land at Pinkybrain Atoll AFB for refuelling and crew rotation along with RAAF-Two, General Secretary Lind was satisfied for the moment. Well, that settles that. I can get out for a bit, and leave matters to Chrissy until I'm back. His thoughts running in parallel with his typing as he finished his reply and the required notices to be given, he then sat back and began contemplating the bit of 'quality time' with her he'd be getting again. Might be the last, for all any of them knew, but such was a nation at war. In the meantime, the wheels of State still had to turn...

Esteemed Marshal Kazansky,

That is well. I'm currently at Pinkybrain Atoll Air Force Base (coordinates enclosed in coded section w/ key), my personal aircraft refuelling and rotating crew, and can either proceed to Allanea at once in my own aircraft under whatever escort would be permissible or else accept Allanean transport.

In any case, I should note the presence of some Vetakan Scouts aboard as bodyguards due to fears for my security pertaining to the Ennuisian situation. I would prefer to go myself so as not to inconvenience or endanger Senator Reyes; as said, my subordinates are quite capable of discharging the needed responsibilities and it would do well to show the Ennuisian enemy that I am indeed unafraid. My preparations shall be complete shortly and I look forward to the acquaintance with Senator Reyes.

Sincerely Yours,
Charles Lind

Offices of Anchorwoman Poliana Bárique, WIBC News Headquarters, International Broadcast Tower 28th Floor; Tailville DR, Wagdog
"You're kidding me!" Poliana was having a true journalistic rollercoaster of a time lately. On the one hand, news of the developments between her nation and Allanea was a positive break from the uncertainty of war coverage or the mundane dispatches from corners of the world even a relatively-educated population could scarcely be bothered to locate without undue effort and equally-massive assistance; dispacthes showing that Murphy's Law was indeed the law of this existence. But on the other, it sure wasn't helping her sleep any due to the sheer amount of twists and turns to be followed; naturally with full preparation of stories and analysis to be done of course. "Now we have an unnanounced state visit to arrange coverage for in the middle of a war? ¡Díos Mío! Ellos son borrachos si piensan que puedo trabajar como así." Her exclamation covered how put-upon the workload lately was making her feel, odd since after twenty years she should've been (and normally was) used to it.

"Oh? So you would prefer that I cover the story then?" Francine Godot smiled her wicked smile, she being the anchor for Channel Two News which was mostly domestic-consumption for that steadily-dwindling fraction of hardcore socialists among Wagdog's population; with occasional broadcasts to those nations preferring it over Channel One for whatever reason. "I'd be glad to..." Her ginger's face took on a satisfied smirk as she glowered in, peering at the forwarding from General Secretary Lind's plane alerting WIBC to the travel intent.

"Absolutely not." Poliana knew what a disaster that would be, and though long ago Francine's take on the scandal surrounding Kahanistani General Nora Kasagawa had indicated just how dated the fetching pigtailed redhead's brand of "news" was. In fact, were it not for the influence of contacts Francine had in the neo-Maoist "People's Revolutionary Party" which was the juniormost of the three factions formed from the original Wagdian Communist Party's split following the initial reforms, Poliana suspected that Francine would've been out on the street peddling her propaganda the old-fashioned way years ago; and without much success either most likely. The reforms of the Revolutionary Party ruling faction under Charles Lind and his crowd had done well for the nation, very well so far; and though with it came doubts among the more politically-orthodox about how true to its' foundations the nation was being, most were content to leave the matter aside and enjoy what of the good life they could in wartime. "This event calls for open-minded news and optimism; and though you could help me with the sourcing and technical matters, I cringe to think of what you would say and whom you would offend if you were covering this."

"Very well Comrade," the woman many called the "Ginger Guard" after the appearance her looks and trademark Maoist dress even at work gave her simply sighed, shrugged and decided to leave the issue there. "In any case, I'll be available should you have to change your mind for some reason." Her tone might've seemed more than merely condescending to those inclined to think so, but for now Poliana had more important things to worry about than possible political intrigues. Besides, the nation had been growing steadily more meritocratic for over two decades, and it was Poliana who was definitely the superior of the two women in the WIBC hierarchy. If anyone had to fear for their position, it wasn't her.

Turning to her work, she muttered "That woman really needs to shove off; as is, I've got enough to deal with without her butting in." And so Poliana set to it, unaware of just what might be lurking beneath her rival's mocking phrase. As was, she had stress enough to deal with.

Kazansky smiled. Broxtowe's expression went somewhat grimmer. "Yes, I remember, our own treaty became invalidated somewhat at the same time. Namely because you decided to side with the Eternal Empire (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=518440&page=2), of all people. You threatened much against us, rashly too."

He lightened up slightly then, but continued. "And hence why we are slightlywary, as wekk as interested in how Allanea has claimed to have changed. Your epithany, if you like, is what I was most importantly sent here to find out. What turned a man, though self avowedly independent, but nonetheless was willing to get on his knees and basically kiss arse (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=503064) to the extent said principles died in the dust, to go from a twinkle-toed pointy's plaything to someone who now claims to be wanting to lead Allanea in a new direction." A pause. "A direction it has declared many times before and yet never quite seemed to pull off before events overtook the process."

"See, Mr Kazansky. I am proud to have met you. You ... can claim to have affected history more than most, for better or worse as different people say, far more than any of my countrymen can claim for themselves. But...I cannot figure you out. I think you are what we call a Cidran mystery back home, a riddle in an enigma. What values really do lie beneath the facade? What drives you on more than values of the state that surrounds you."

ATNN News Building
Tellerus, Ancient Terra
185th Floor, 8:30 PM

On the 185th story of the ATNN Broadcast Building, it was once again a scene of marginally-controlled chaos. Technical staff rushed back-and-forth, searching for misplaced equipment and cleaning every surface in sight, while managers screamed at their underlings, reducing a couple of young interns to tears. Alone at the back of the room, Anchorwoman Melissa Ariya sighed and took a sip of tea. ATNN had been broadcasting the news 24/7 for the last 50 years, and yet for the 5 years she had worked there she couldn't honestly remember a single instance where the show didn't seem to come together at anything but the last second. Shaking her head in silent disapproval, she drained her tea mug while she passed the still-sobbing interns and made her way to the massive curved desk from which she would deliver the news to an estimated 2 billion households.

Her co-anchor, Koushiro, glanced up as she approached and greeted her. She smiled and took her seat, quickly skimming through information presented to her on an ultrathin tablet PC. The next 20 minutes passed quickly, and once again the 9 PM news went live.

"Good evening, Terra. I'm Melissa Ariya..."

"...and I'm Koushiro Iyagi. We have several reports to present to our viewers tonight, but firstly we'd like to remind you all that Typhoon Kay-Nami is approaching and is projected to make landfall just south of the Tellerus-Satori-Sora Metropolitan Area in the next 48 hours. The Joint Integrated Department of Oceanic and Atmospheric Observation (JIDOAO) warns that the extremely heavy rainfall seen earlier this week will likely continue well into next week, and dispatches from the government recommend that citizens in affected areas with non-essential occupations do not go into work owing to the extreme likelihood of flooding."

Melissa took over. "We'll keep you posted on the storm situation. Now, at the top of our news reports for the hour, the Allanean leadership crisis has finally reached a conclusion as Alexander Kazansky, a former President, charismatic leader and retired politician of Allanean, has accepted the position of 'Fieldmarshal of the Republic'. In his acceptance speech, he laid out the 3 pillars upon which his government, and indeed the Allanean worldview, would rest upon: peace, trade and respect."

Koushiro began speaking again. "Obviously, this represents a significant departure from previous Allanean policies, especially under President Kazansky. Terran officials were heartened by Kazansky's reinstatement as Allanea's leader. Emperor Kamiya reportedly called Kazansky immediately after he delivered his speech and congratulated his acquaintance and once-again counterpart. Shigeru Yoshida, an influential leader of Terra's Liberal Democratic Party, said in an interview on Terran Sunrise that he was extremely pleased to have 'a powerful and charismatic voice guiding Allanea once again'. Mr. Yoshida's earlier comments in support of Kazansky's reinstatement led to a tremendous swell of support for the onetime President; a splinter of the "Draft Kazansky Again" PAC established in Tellerus was reportedly overwhelmed by over $120 million of donations given by sympathetic Terran citizens in a span of only 48 hours."

Koushiro glanced at Melissa and the anchorwoman began reading from the teleprompter once again. "Despite the huge trade balance between the two nations, relations between Allanea and Ancient Terra have been cool as of late owing to some very hostile policies adopted by the Allanean government under President Scalding. Following his arrest on charges of corruption, Terran officials are once again hopeful for renewed cooperation with Allanea. Emperor Kamiya has made public his intentions to dispatch a high-level delegation to the nearby nation, headed by Prime Minister Talus Karn. The Prime Minister will reportedly push for the revival of projects that were canceled under President Scalding's administration, including the heavily hyped Tellerus-Liberty City Trans-Havenic Mag-Lev railway." She stopped speaking and Koushiro took over.

"The Terran Government is expected to soon deliver an official request to the Allaneans, but until then we will continue to provide our viewers with the most up-to-the-minute information available. In other news..."

" Honestly? " Kazansky replied thoughtfully. " I do it because my country needs me. Heh, if it were all up to me I'd be off shining my gun collection and messing around with my Brettonian flying yacht, but look at them.”

He let his voice trail off into the distance before continuing, seemingly distant in thought. He returned. " We can't all have it our way. If the Allaneans need my service to it then I'll be damned if I abandon my duty. A lot of people here are very patriotic, and you know what, I'm not much different. I do care for the bastards after all.”

Kazansky chuckled. “You've probably heard some crazy stuff about me, and you know what, at least some of it i s true. Hell, more of it is true then you probably think. But I'm not special. I'm just a guy who does his job. I hope it's done well.”

* * *

Official Response to Wagdog

This is well. Senator Reynes will await you at LCAX.

"You see, I think you're being far too modest. Either deliberately or accidentally I don't know, but I think you're far too experienced a man to be this small town good ole boy you play yourself to be."

The line of questioning was obviously digging at something. Broxtowe came from the Realist school of international relations, after all, and as such always viewed ALL actions by individuals and states as self serving, either openly or behind a wall of rhetoric.

"And I guess, that sums up the dilemma for me. The entire Allanean ethos has always been against majoritarianism, I mean, I saw the rise and fall of the centrist policies of past governments here, you guys don't even like traffic regulations and people proposing gun laws are viewed about as low as peadophiles... so....why go with the wishes of the majority when you made it clear in the preelection announcements you had no intention of returning. It just seems so.... un-Allanean?"

"Anyway, I guess I sound too prying. I'm sorry, its just personal vanity coming to the fore. I must ponder whether there is any more vodka?"

OOC: Skipping the largely boring process of arrival, but for a small developing plotline of my own and Vetaka's. I think we can assume any changes of escort or hops can be abstracted out and you can cover me arriving @ LCAX easily enough.

SIC
Il-87 Maxdome Red Army Air Force One, En Route to Allanea
Jonathon McDonald remained in the lavatory of the command aircraft, biding his time and thinking up plans. This unnanounced visit to Allanea was a major complication compared to what Section 28, his branch of the Vetakan Security and Intelligence Service, had originally planned in utmost secrecy together with the more hardline members of the Wagdian government. A plan which, if it worked, would mess up those communists forever in their own little civil war and also end the alliance with them the primitives of the White Phoenix tribe had foisted upon his majority Anglo-Vetakan nation due to the Vetakan Presidency so far having been held by White Phoenix members; at least as McDonald and Section 28 more broadly saw it. There were the bleeding-hearts in each nation who would no doubt fight to preserve so unnatural a union, as his nine years living in Wagdog under dual-citizenship had shown him, but they could be dealt with once the 'official' obstacles were out of the way; and would be for sure. That was as sure as the refuellings to make sure this aircraft's range reached Allanea had been.

Obviously, McDonald couldn't strike now; that would raise too much suspicion and also gain Lind's regime's survivors too much potential sympathy, from a direction the plot absolutely did not need them to gain such in the first place. The funny thing of it was, the current Wagdian regime wasn't really communist at all and only barely socialist to boot; their market economy could arguably make some arch-captialists' blush for its' ruthlessness, and it's steady opening sure had made Allanea no small number of pretty pennies either. But they kept to the trappings of their Revolution for sure, "Comrade" this and "General Secretary" that; disgusting to see such rampant doublethink in action among whom were supposed to be civilized men. And although not for the same reasons as Jonathon and his Section 28 superiors, the hardliners agreed; Lind, the dissolute whom he kept as his deputy and so-called 'wife', all of them had to go. Hence, as was the usual case with the extremists in any government, forging an alliance-of-convenience had only been all too easy.

The waiting was interminable it seemed. Just an assassination and return signal would be required once word from his superior operating in Wagdog arrived by secure pager to commence the operation, and it would be done. After that, McDonald could die as he chose, taking whomever he could with him; and on a command plane like this that would be rich indeed. Checking his secure pager, the appointed time passed without word from said superior, known only as BLG, and so McDonald sighed. Yet again an opportunity was past...

Not ready. Sodding higher-ups, always taking their time until it's past time damn it! At least they have word of this visit, so the Plan can be updated and brought to bear when it'll most flush these Reds and the Tribe both down the drain. Pushing aside his disappointments in thought, the VSIS Intelligence Attache to the Wagdian Joint General Staff washed up and then left for the cabin again. McDonald knew the time would come, sooner more likely; when it did he would be unstoppable. That stuck-up dictator who thought simply splitting his old party into three and opening his office to popular elections on the rare, so far unseen event enough of his toadies should decide he wasn't doing his job right, would die like he deserved to soon. After that, well, the Section's business lay elsewhere really; so long as the Lindites didn't get in the way of it. McDonald felt relieved to think this as he buckled into his seat for landing, and dozed slightly in anticipation of what was to come oh so soon.

Kazansky smiled: “There is something wrong with being a small-town good ole boy? Small-town good ole boys are the backbone of Allanea. It's much easier to tar and feather revenuers when you're in a small town.”

“As for the vodka... there's always more vodka.”

* * *

In the meanwhile the Senate Majority leader was expecting the Wagdian personnel at the airport. She was lightly guarded – the same as the Freethinker cabinet Minister that had just recently arrived here. She knew that her meeting had to go as smoothly as she could possibly accomplish, and yet there was but a small tinge of worry in her mind.

She had no idea what was it that the Wagdians would want to discuss. But the Wagdians were friends of the Allaneans, and so, she hoped, just staying nice and polite would do until she figured out their agenda.

"Nothing wrong at all..." He muttered, lightly tipping his glass of vodka from one side to another. He looked up at Kazansky and pondered. Surprisingly good looking after a few shots of Dersconi 'alcohol'.

He pondered. "So tell me, who catches Kazansky's eye these days? Still stuck on that perky pointy princess?" He asked, leaning back, wondering allowed what he should have put better in the open.

Kazansky remained inscrutable. "Why? Does the Freestian government have a duchess in mind for me?"

"A what now?"

Broxtowe blinked. "Oh god no, we got rid of the landed aristocracy when we kicked the Midlonians out. Got some wierd titles left for ceremonial decoration but sadly nothing royal save the family itself."

Everyone loves a hot princess after all. The Freethinker smiled and drank again, another sip and fire down his throat, and conciously loosened his tie despite the cool air at this altitude.

"Okay, here's something you could explain for me. The Queen of Allanea. Does she still hold the title?"

"The title is essentially ceremonial. It's Allanea's way to thank her for what she did during the Siecle coup, essentially saving our nation from slavery - and by the way, she saved me personally from imprisonment and torture. Let me tell you, I won't ever forget that."

The sentence carried weight, and indeed perhaps said a lot more than Kazansky had intended, or at least how much he appeared to have intended. Personal links were always to be understood in arrangements such as these, and indicted where the future lay far more than any policy statement could make.

"Well, fair enough. So no real power then?"

"No, none at all. By the way, what is your take on the state of affairs on Mars?"

"Mars" Broxtowe rolled the word around, pausing for more than a moment as he contemplated.

"Mars never changes. We came, we looked, we left. Sold our own land to the NDA and aside from watching our former citizens to make sure nothing too bad happened we abandoned the planet and reconcentrated on our Terran colonialisation efforts."

"Mars was the god of war. It seemed appropriate at a time not long ago. Indeed it seems odd that the planet is finally at peace. Trade grows, the established powers entrench. The concern is now about the latest communist airrival as far as I can tell, but even thats a minor diplomatic tiff. Its annoying though..."

He paused again, as if unsure as to how much he should say, "the problem for the Commonwealth is that we are a small fish in a very big pond. Mars is old news, the galaxy opens up and for powers such as ourselves it remains to be seen what part we can play in it."

Liberty City International Airport, Allanea
Debarking from the command plane with only two Consular Guardsmen waiting behind, in civilian attire and carrying only concealed Prestonian-made E-21CS compact silenced pistols which they would gladly surrender if asked to by Customs, General Secretary Charles Lind gazed out the mirror at the sprawling city before him. A vision of the future, it was indeed; perhaps in more ways than just the aesthetic. As a pale ghost in the glass just obscuring the various Space Age architecture be it of indigenous, Greater Prussian or even Menelmacari influence, Charles saw his shaggy full beard growing just a tad longer than he'd prefer normally; but that was perhaps to be expected from spending months on end in a command plane's confines, with only intermittent breaks during crew rotations on the ground. Turning his eyes back to the terminal, he saw Senator Reyes and her party. It was indeed showtime, and he was glad his best normal suit was up to snuff at least; his military uniform and Vetakan sword left secured in his cabin for propriety's sake on what was supposed to be a low-key visit really.

"Greetings Senator!" Charles boomed jovially in his bear-hug of a voice when he let it rise above its' normal muted tones, a gunshot injury to the neck with decades-old scars still visible being responsible for some lingering vocal cord damage; and thus some slight inflexibility to his voice's pitch and volume ranges. Still, despite clearly having the looks of a man who'd preached his revolution the old-fashioned way so long ago with his scars and a bayonet-given limp to his left leg, Charles Lind was a civilized ruler and was doing his best possible to make that apparent. "I must admit I preferred your term greatly to President Scalding's before the recent scandal became known, even if much of recent United States' policy has been irritating at times. You've never failed to speak your mind to the world Senator, nor has your nation; no wonder then that our lands have developed the respect leading to this point."

Getting to said point, Charles extended his hand gently and went on with all the charm he could muster. "I'd hoped to meet with President Kazansky; to congratulate him on his return to office, hear of his new plans and perhaps see their first fruits for myself, and maybe even just finally see the legend in person. But as it stands, Senator, I'm your guest this evening. Take me wherever; the embassy districts, the party zones, whatever strikes you as best to show me Allanea in sum. I'm in no undue hurry really and what I have to discuss isn't quite so formal as to need the usual diplomatic hooplah, song and dancing around the campfire to tell the truth." The other shoe probably should at least be pivoted even if not dropped. "Not that these things aren't substantial, quite the opposite in fact. Simply that they're the sort of things best talked of in a personable context, where freedom to range widely and let the juices flow is at it's best."

With that, General Secretary Charles Lind patiently smiled as he awaited Senator Reyes' meeting in return. He had no doubt she'd exercise the same presence he'd seen in official photographs of her, so he knew that even if Kazansky were busy he was still speaking with an equal. And as such, he intended to honor her; to Hell with protocol, as he figured she'd agree.

Minas-Faerie

"Indeed. I can see where you're going with that. So I guess you're establishing extra-solar colonies now? Or does this talk about "finding your place in the galaxy" mean something less literal?"

LCAX

"Oh I apologize that the Fieldmarshal can't meet with you, he's just settling into work routine again. As you see, our vehicles are even now taking us to the Green Hornet, which is essentially an elite restaurant. The location itself is nothing all that special, but the food! Oh, the food!"

The restaurant was designed with the 19th century in mind, replicating in every detail a Parisian restaurant from before the days of the Commune. The lot of the hapless Wagdian representative today would be wine and oysters. Perhaps he wasn't all that hapless after all.

"As for the effects of Fieldmarshal Kazansky's new policies –" the Senate Majority Leader smiled – "you see them right before you. The main thrust, if you will, of his newest reign is exactly the improvement of relations with all our neighbors, with a key emphasis on peace and trade. Respect and good treatment for all is the rallying cry of this administration."

"We have things in the works. Certain current events have limited us however, but things are getting back on schedule. Its really a hush hush 'watch thsi space' kinda affair at the moment."

Broxtowe grinned sardonically.

"Not that they tell me much anyway. We established a new colony in Haven which has been more successful economically, but being far less of a challenge and still earthbound it does defeats the purpose in a sense in terms of reaching for the stars."

"But still, we grow, we fight to defend others too, and who knows...the future leads to the more interesting of places sometimes."

LCAX

"Oh I apologize that the Fieldmarshal can't meet with you, he's just settling into work routine again. As you see, our vehicles are even now taking us to the Green Hornet, which is essentially an elite restaurant. The location itself is nothing all that special, but the food! Oh, the food!"

The restaurant was designed with the 19th century in mind, replicating in every detail a Parisian restaurant from before the days of the Commune. The lot of the hapless Wagdian representative today would be wine and oysters. Perhaps he wasn't all that hapless after all.

"As for the effects of Fieldmarshal Kazansky's new policies –" the Senate Majority Leader smiled – "you see them right before you. The main thrust, if you will, of his newest reign is exactly the improvement of relations with all our neighbors, with a key emphasis on peace and trade. Respect and good treatment for all is the rallying cry of this administration."

The Green Hornet; Liberty City, Allanea
"A good cry to begin with indeed." The wine, a vintage Shiraz red as General Secretary Lind preferred, was up to snuff in full; and the oysters were simply divine. Infinitely superior to 'airline food, as it were. And excellent fuel for the discussion at hand.

"Though our peoples may find different societies variably easy or hard to respect depending on our peculiar emphases regarding the freedom I believe we both value, placing such respect first is a decision I cannot fault Kazansky for taking; and especially not you for laying the foundations of prior, if I may be so bold as to suggest." No sense in Charles Lind being a merely passive guest, now was there? "Basic respect for those who haven't thrown it away by hostility and injury is only sensible; preparedness, not weakness, as I would chastise any who asserted it were otherwise just like you Senator or President Kazansky would chastise them. To react unduly against mere 'eyesores' is an easy mistake, and an easily explosive one at that; one both our nations have alas made and thus learned about through bitter experience I reckon." His deadpan there indicated Wagdog certainly had at any rate, though what he knew of Allanean history was not likely to weaken the mutuality of the statement either.

Looking out on the bustling streets, the antique setting striking a pleasant contrast to his mental image of the more futuristic suburbs of this megalopolis, Charles went on. "Peace where it will stand only makes sense, with the world still realigning itself in the wake of the recent cataclysm following the Global Alliance of Sovereign Nations' collapse; the old alliances mostly surviving, but unsure of their new roles and their stance regarding those newer blocs emerging. Those seeking to profit by aggression alone risk charging into a mist what may conceal the edge of a cliff before they can see it. And without trade, well..." Charles downed a swig of Shiraz before finishing. "The damage from that war would be exponentially harder to repair, the destitution for those areas and people affected prolonged, and the damage to honor and reputation among the former enemies deepened; things only a fool would welcome."

The other shoe naturally dropped. "And neither we nor our nations are fools, now are we Senator Reyes?" An entirely rhetorical question of course. "For my part I began the opening and reform of my nation fully twenty years ago, our land devastated by a metaphyical catastrophe we still don't adequately understand followed by a near-coup we understood only all too well while fighting it down. A nation does not lose two decades of its' own time in one night's passage, then emerge in a world so different from what it had known as to shortly constitute a new century, and merely carry on with what it had done before if it expects to survive." Having set up, he decided to finish the introduction so as to get fully to the comparison and point in mind. "Hence I both allowed and engineered the split of the then-Communist Party hegemon into three along its commercial versus agrarian versus industrial factions, all adopting a 'Revolutionary' styling of their own name instead so as to attract a gradually broader range of political thought; which was accompanied by allowing other opposition blocs into the legislative organs such as various liberal and conservative coalitions around previous opposition parties. We also began our conversion to what is today almost a fully market economy but for some state ownerships or partnerships which can be revoked in case of corruption or stagnation by particular firms', and of course the public military sector." A second's pause before it was time to roll, "But once certain things are done, doing more becomes progressively more difficult; one hits a 'wall' as it were, barring the path to further progress without drastic alterations to the environment surrounding the path itself..."

Now for the meat of what General Secretary Lind had to say, and a most delicate morsel it was. "Rather than see that wall collapse upon the fool I'd be if I allowed it to stand any longer, I intend to tear it down myself." He allowed a moment's pause for this bombshell to sink in, but no more. "And moreover, tear that wall down upon my own terms in so doing. Simply put, whatever our different beliefs, I myself am a socialist and will probably remain one my whole life; and shall attempt to keep that part of Wagdog's political heritage meaningful somehow whatever changes may otherwise come." Perhaps not the words the Libertarian senator would prefer to hear, but no avoiding the matter nor likely any grounds for awkwardness ideally. "But I simply cannot allow that perspective to stay my hand from what must be done, carefully and gradually wherever possible; but where not, not."

Setting down his utensils a second and swallowing his wine, he wrapped up for Senator Reyes to digest both the food and the politics of all this before he dropped the details on her; those would be even tougher to digest and perhaps best said elsewhere. "I don't doubt I'll face opposition, probably hostility even; and all from those I still want to consider my own would they let me. I hear word some may be planning it already, in which case it would be their last mistake of admittedly few in what they've at least made sure is otherwise commendable service to me; but all the same I come with no regrets. They'll think what they will, and can just decide whether their personal beliefs or their duties as politicians and citizens are to prevail. If they cannot act as citizens before partisans... well, they'll pay the price for their choices according to law." Fixing Reyes' eyes with his steely blue, Charles finished in the most all-business tone he could manage, "'Without Fear or Favor' is the new motto of my Administration; and those who would think to undermine it illegally shall especially come to know it well, for I am as finished with tolerating those would-be Scaldings in my own People's House as ashamed I somehow allowed their emergence in the first place."

"We have things in the works. Certain current events have limited us however, but things are getting back on schedule. Its really a hush hush 'watch thsi space' kinda affair at the moment."

Broxtowe grinned sardonically.

"Not that they tell me much anyway. We established a new colony in Haven which has been more successful economically, but being far less of a challenge and still earthbound it does defeats the purpose in a sense in terms of reaching for the stars."

"But still, we grow, we fight to defend others too, and who knows...the future leads to the more interesting of places sometimes."

Kazansky nodded and emptied another shot of vodka in a single motion.

"Perhaps we can help. Not in a direct sense, mind... but perhaps you can piggy-back on our own effort."

"Imagine, if you will, Freethinker Trade Consulates - plenipotentiary extensions of your government and your chambers of commerce - being posted in Allanean colonies around the multiverse. In Neo-Dallas, on Zarahemla, in the far outer rime, your diplomats and traders will have easier reach."

"And of course none of the burdens of maintaining a colony - unless you really want to, that is."

"Hmmm....well..." Broxtowe finished off the last of his meal and patted his lips on the napkin. "The idea has merit. Freethinker space programs will obviously contue as before but certainly a spread of Freestian diplomatic contact points and trade bureaus would definitely be a proposal I could take back and suggest. All expansion into new markets is a good thing for all concerned."

"Okay, it will be proposed and I will see about funding when I get back, s'long as it isn't a problem your end. We will of course offer a reciprocal stationing should you request it, private holdings made avaliable to Allanean business interests."

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "of course, any other ideas?"

"Oh the usual free trade stuff. I think it's too early to revive our previous alliance status."

"Fair enough." Not fucking likely any time soon mate, not after all that malarkey. Still, some links were better than none. Peace was always preferable to conflict and all that crap.

"Very well Mr Kazansky, I have to say...I believe you, for the moment, that Allanea has changed, and the policies of the Freethinker government will be changed to reflect that. I guess thats the point of my business here, unless there was anything you wished to bring up?"

"No, not at all. Unless you have additional suggestion, I suggest we have another bottle - or three - and then drive what's left of you after that to your hotel."

"I will have to decline. I must compliment you on your hospitality Mr Kazansky, but sadly my duties require my quick return. There is much, after all, to write home about."

He raised his glass one last time.

"To prosperity, Mr Kazansky, and all who sail in her." It sounded drunk, but he meant every word.

"Indeed," - said Kazansky , raising a glass. "Call us if you need anytihng."