NationStates Jolt Archive

Kent, Akimonad

The arrival of the Aequatian President in the capital of a former Questarian Commonwealth memberstate was sure to cause a stirring with the conservative movements within both of the respective power blocs of the two states. The visit was merely a formal "song and dance" for the symbolic signing of the Kent Agreement which had been formulated in closed discussions between both administrations of President Holden Reid and Lord Protector Dr. Jules Hodz of Aequatio and Akimonad, respectively. The Kent Agreement, or as it was known on its documents as the "The Aequatian-Akimonadi Bilateral Security Agreement" to both sides, was meant to provide both nation's with a number of benefits financially and politically as the first step to improve relations. It called for Aequatian government subsidies for business done with national companies, mainly in arms trading and natural resources, which would benefit the nation's security situation alone with the forward deployment of Aequatian Republic Military Forces elements to the Empire, although they were limited by the agreement's outlines to only support localized Akimonadi-related operations, they could deploy elsewhere with the permission of Lord Protector Hodz's authority.

Under the coverage of the national and regional media outlets, the motorcade of President Reid arrived outside of the Executive Palace in Kent and the Aequatian leader stepped out and waved to the flurry of cameras in the distance before being led inside where he greeted Dr. Hodz, shaking his hand, "Greetings, doctor, it is nice to finally meet in person after so long."

"Indeed," Dr. Hodz said. "I am glad we are finally cementing our relations."

He ushered Reid into the main hall of the palace. "This, as you no doubt already know, is the Executive Palace. It's not a particularly good name but it's practical. At any rate, this is the main hall." He motioned to the hall in general, with its large semi-rotunda and its vaulted ceilings rising up past the three stories of the building. Balconies lined the side walls of the hall, opening up into rooms and other halls. Frescoes, statues and odd-looking gargoyles decorated the walls of the rotunda. The frescoes depicted scenes of peace and war.

"This used to be the Parliament Building. After the revolution it was remodeled. The old chambers and conference rooms are preserved in one wing of the building."

Dr. Hodz continued down the hall, passing a line of unused ticket windows. "There was also a small subway station here. Still is, but use is restricted."

They walked down another hall, passing out of the main hall. As they continued walking, the stone art-deco walls gave way to walls paneled with brushed metal and giving a more modern look. "This is the more modern wing, constructed as an addition about three years ago. This wing contains the most advanced technology in the whole of the building."

Dr. Hodz ushered President Reid into a conference room decorated with a modern feel. Chairs lined the table in the center of the room.

"Now, let us begin." he said.

Reid was led by Hodz through the massive building, "Converting a legislative structure into the bastion for the executive," He thought to himself with a smile as the two leaders entered the very chambers in which they would be signing the formal agreement. The media personnel had already set up their equipment and cameras awaiting their arrival inside as both of the leaders were introduced and took their seats at the table, copies of the Kent Agreement documents at each respective position and the two national flags present behind them as well on free-standing poles.

Simple black ink pens were picked up as both Reid and Hodz scripted their signatures onto the proper lines on the documents' pages to a thunderstorm of flashes from cameras as both individuals finished the motions and rose to shake hands in a blatant photograph opportunity. It was at this time that Reid took the moment in order to speak before the cameras, "My fellow Aequatians, Akimonadi comrades and the citizenry and leaders of Haven and the world,

The signing of the Kent Agreement marks a step forward in the pursuit of peace and cooperation on the part of the nations of the world, this event itself is marked with the fact that two nations, the Aequatian Republic and the Empire of Akimonad, who were once pitted against each other long ago due to our respective power blocs can achieve not only a normalization of relations but a greater element of mutual support.

It is understood that many of the 'old guard' within the region would oppose such an agreement, labeling it a another example in the method of "neo-imperialism" and quick to judge not only the Republic but the Akimonadi people and leadership as well and wish to punish the Empire for its decision, delete the Republic's work here in Haven and see us banished back to the shores of Gholgoth to preserve the old ways. And to them I present this,

All members of the world community should resolutely discard old stereotypes and motivations nurtured by the Haven War, and give up the habit of seeking each other's weak spots and exploiting them in their own interests. We have to respect the peculiarities and differences which will always exist, even when human rights and freedoms are observed throughout the world. I keep repeating that with the end of confrontation differences can be made a source of healthy competition, an important factor for progress.

This is an incentive to study each other, to engage in exchanges, a prerequisite for the growth of mutual trust. For knowledge and trust are the foundations of a new world order," Reid finished to applause from the crowd of journalists and witnesses as he turned the attention of the cameras to Hodz and approached him with a smile, "We have done great things today for ourselves and future generations."