NationStates Jolt Archive

Aiur, Zukariaa

The flight dropped in altitude as the pilot was vectored in towards the airport by the air traffic controller. President Holden Reid's flight, codenamed Eagle Wing One, was arriving from Akimonad after a short stop in Innovata to Zukariaa for a last minute state visit with their Emperor Conrad II upon his invitation. The recent proposals put forth by Reid in the past weeks, although mainly internal, had reached the ears of those in Haven with the signing of the Kent Agreement. From his seat in the aircraft's main entertainment suite, the Aequatian leader could see the famously massive Sukarus Magnus Zukariaan Polytheist temple that was the centerpoint of the worldwide religion. The information package provided by the Aequatian Republic Intelligence Agency officer accompanying the president mentioned trivia concerning not only the nation but of the temple, including the nearly twenty thousand resident monks in training living there along with the massive amount of daily visitor traffic.

The arrival at the airport just outside the massive capital was low-key, with the accompanying military airlifter unloading the motorcade vehicles and Reid and his entourage quickly set off towards the Imperial Palace where he would meet Emperor Conrad II for the first time. He noticed the visitors, likely pilgrims, kissing the feet of a tall, golden statue of an octopus creature, one of their main deities, sitting in a powerfully imposing pose. A short journey longer and the pair of vehicles arrived at the Imperial Palace where the covertly-armed Blackthorne Inc. bodyguard in a black suit, dark sunglasses and headset opened the door and stepped out onto the ground first along with the other three operators as they determined the area was clear and Reid exited himself and greeted the midday sunlight as he stood up straight.

Aiur, Zukariaa

The path up to the Imperial Palace was a long one, lined by massive fountains, characatures of the Zukariaan gods, spouting water in fanciful designs. A light snowfall, combined with the falling pink leaves of the cherry trees around the court, created an elegant atmosphere. As the Aequations would approach the stone steps into the main hall of the Palace, they would be greeted by a golden statue of the same octopus-man. His muscular body directed an arm, a hand, and a pointed finger to what was seemingly the sky; but upon closer inspection, it actually pointed to the mighty golden statue at the top of the Sukarus Magnus, which could be seen even here. This was the God-King, Sukarus (http://www.maj.com/gallery/Humhum/Stuff/cthulhu.png), foremost Deity of the Zukariaan pantheon.

At the top of the steps, on either side of the massive wooden doors, stood the blue-uniformed men of the Honour Guard of Aiur.

"OUR LIVES FOR AIUR!" not a single man spoke out of touch with the others, or too quietly.

Passing through the doors, the Aequatian would enter into the main hall of the Palace. The intricate designs, golden linings, and religious symbols carved into the walls, the chandeliers, the steps leading up towards the dining hall were all perfect in their design. Several monks, garbed in blue robes, walked across the large hall on their way to the Palace's private temples. Senators in elaborate suits and uniforms walked past in the middle of discussions. At the top of the steps at the end of the hall stood the Emperor (http://www.maj.com/gallery/Humhum/lolz/kaiser_konrad_ii.png) and his Questarian-born wife Mihoko (http://www.maj.com/gallery/Humhum/lolz/empress.png).

The Emperor, though resenting meeting with a Gholgothan leader, was intrigued and still couldn't help but put on a good show. He and his wife moved down the stairs and towards the Aequatian president, firmly grasping his hand.

"Mr. Reid! I hope you enjoyed coming here. The scenary is always nice," the Emperor motioned for the Aequatian to follow him, while waiting for a reply,"Follow me, we'll talk over a feast and a show."

The sheer extravagance of the palace grounds was overwhelming to the pragmatic Aequatian as he was taken aback by the golden statue of the deity monarch, the octopus creature seemed rather offensive, but Reid could still appreciate the movement's value to its followers. The honour guard at the doors were impressive, their stoic discipline and imposing presence helped project their strength and resolve, the interior of the palace halls would be the only element to outdo the exterior as the leader stepped forward in awe before being greeted by Emperor Conrad II, "I must say, your majesty, you do things big here in Zukariaa," He said releasing from the handshake, "It is nice to finally meet you and your exquisite wife," Reid smiled as they moved towards the dining hall.

The sheer quality and quantity of the food set out on the table was massive, the scent was overwhelmingly pleasurable as they were seated opposite each other and started to gather pieces for themselves, "The very nature of what I've witnessed upon landing here gives me the impression that you Zukariaans are a proud people."

"Indeed. You should be here for tomorrow. There is going to be an annual festival in honor of Dumus (http://www.maj.com/gallery/Humhum/NewCrap/dumus.png), the War God," Conrad responded,"We're expecting record numbers, and the military will be parading all day throughout Aiur. Especially downtown near the High-Temple of Dumus."

Conrad toar a chunk of steak from his plate, bit down, swallowed and went on,"I have to tell you, we lot love our festivals and parties. It pleases the Gods and it pleases us."

Empress Mihoko spoke for the first time now,"When I moved here from Questers I noticed that the Zukariaan people are much more open about things, especially when it comes to religious matters. I wont go into too much detail, but during the Season of Love dedicated to the Love Goddess, well.. the temple harems.." she seemed to trail off, wandering if this was an appropriate topic to discuss with a foreign diplomat, the president of another nation even.

"I would be honoured to attend the festival," Reid responded as he took a draught from his wine glass, "Large festivals are not a common occurrence back home, it will be exciting to witness." He set the glass down on the table, "To view a showcase of your nation's military will be exciting as well, the only information I have on your armed forces was that provided during the war so long ago."

He turned to the empress in reply to her comments and grinned as he felt her slight embarrassment with the topic she chose, "Such a cultural attitude will certainly clash with the closed-off and private attitude chosen by the Republic's citizenry, who are free to undertake whatever leisure activities they see fit, as long as it remains out of public view. The country has no business in any one citizen's bedroom."

The president returned his attention to Conrad, "Spirituality appears to be quite the pilar of your society, is it safe to assume that you are driven by its guidelines in everyday life?"

Conrad made a slight nod to his wife that she hadn't done anything wrong and replied,"Oh, sure, but it isn't anything like to the extent of a devout Christian unless you're a monk. As long as someone lives happy and honours the Gods, they too are happy. If you insult the Gods I don't expect you to have a very pleasant day, however. Whether it be because of the displeasure of the Gods or the anger of those around you, though that may be two sides of the same coin."

"I'm sure you've seen this guy around a lot," Conrad pointed to the center-piece of the dining table. It was a mountain, and around the mountain climbed the deities of the Zukariaan pantheon. Beautiful women garbed in nothing, the armored terror that was Dumus, and at the top stood Sukarus. This was who Conrad pointed to now,"That is Sukarus, King of the Gods. He is our chief deity, and we call upon his blessing in many things, generally along with the God that represents whatever situation you are in. If we go to war, we call upon Dumus' protection, but we also call upon Sukarus to guide us. He drives the fates of all men."

"In fact, legend says that my ancestors were the illegitemate descendants of Sukarus," Conrad couldn't help but chuckle at this.

"He is something of an imposing figure," Said Reid as he could not help but smile himself at the comment, "That's quite a heritage for your family line and I can see it keeps you quite well-taken care of in this setting." He took a mouthfull of rice and ate it quickly before swallowing it, "These cultural trivia bites are nice, but I was hoping we could get down to the business of normalizing relations, narrow that gap between A.P.O.C. and G.R.A. and maintain stability within the region."

"Right," Conrad shifted his position in his chair and the smile from the previous discussion faded from his face,"Well, as I am sure you know, Zukariaa has a long history of being strongly opposed to Gholgothic nations. We supported Questers in the Four Day War, we supported Doomingsland in his war with Automagfreek, and as of yet we have no trade agreements or, really, any agreements with them at all.

"I'm sure you are wondering why this is, of course. I do not know much about the majority of the nations of Gholgoth. Throughout the years Automagfreek has made more than a few enemies under the reign of Dreadfire and his ilk. We've been on the opposing side to that nation for as long as I can remember. Automagfreek's actions are opposed to our various goals, and Gholgoth inevitably backs it up. As well, at this point Gholgothic nations are finally doing what we feared for quite some time that they would do. They are moving into Haven. Your nation is even moving into Arterus.

"You might not be able to imagine the symbolic nature that has amongst Zukariaans. Arterus was our discovery, something we hoped for ourselves and our allies to colonize. Now your nation has moved in even there. All of this land is so far away from Gholgoth that it causes us to wonder,'What reason could Gholgoth have to be here besides a check for Haven or Continentia's military strength?' We feel that its a threat, so to speak.

"Your intentions may be different, but we know that can easily change. If tensions between APOC and Gholgoth continue to worsen your people, based in areas near to us, could become our enemies. Those colonies could become staging grounds for invasions, and we can't accept that," Conrad finally finished. Conrad's eyes focused on Reid, awaiting his response.

The Aequatian leader set his utensils down as his opposite laid it down for him, "It was those very tensions that has brought me here to Haven personally, I won't lie to you, several leaders in the G.R.A. military institution and political administrations called on me to bring allied forces here and billet them on the Aequatian holdings. Given that the Republic was not seeking to tip the balance that exists in Haven relating to Gholgothic overseas possessions, I made the decision to refuse such a mobilization, despite the personal ridicule I received for it and my desire to make peace. I feel that our nations have stood opposed each other in the respective shadows, holding coattails, of our alliance masters and that it was finally time that we made the drive to hold the destinies of our collective citizenry in our own hands and forge normalized, mutual relations.

The moves to Arterus were performed before my presidency, but let me assure you that if they were done today, regional leaders would have been consulted in the process and everything would have been determined with full disclosure. Aequatian interests, both political and economic, in Haven have to do with cooperation and support for our allies located here and not as stepping stones for the dark jackboot of Gholgoth. However, the rift that exists between our nations does not allow for trust by word alone and I am well-aware of that, which was why I was more than happy to accept your invite upon receiving it while in Akimonad.

For a new type of progress throughout the world to become a reality, everyone must change, Gholgoth and Haven to ensure a great future. Tolerance is the alpha and omega of a new world order and these kinds of meetings are just the first of many baby-steps towards that ultimate goal," He sipped from his glass of water after finishing speaking.

"Regardless of what your intentions are, I don't like it and neither do my people. I am especially against this Kent Agreement. It seems to me that in the case of a war breaking out, you simply wish to have a staging point for invasion. In my opinion, your country has long since gone against the agreement the Haven Defence Initiative set out for you when you first began your streak of colonization," Conrad said,"As such, I really dislike this agreement you've made with Akimonad."

"Our positions reversed, your majesty, I would have said the same thing before these times," The president started, "The Akimonadi and their leadership approached us with a call for security given their leaving of the Questarian Commonwealth and fear of repercussion by memberstates, I am afraid that I cannot in good conscience dishonour our agreement without some assurance from the leaders and nations on your side of the fence that you will not collectively punish the nation for leaving your master's circle of influence."

The mention of the failed H.D.I. talks following the Haven War brought an expression of irritation on Reid's face as he took a long draught of his water and continued speaking as he set the glass down in front of him, "All due respect, your majesty, but no such agreement or treatise was ever signed between the Republic and the Haven Defence Initiative organization, not by my administration or any others. The vague discussions that were entered upon broke down and were abandoned when it was felt that the Republic's interests would be threatened regardless and I did everything within my power to ensure their collective security against those that would see them eliminated.

I admit, the outlines that were briefly mentioned in the original negotiations have been breached, but we were never held by any pact that isolated our possessions and threatened the lives of Aequatian citizenry, which happened to include the expansion of our holdings. We were given the impression by H.D.I. and the Questarian Commonwealth in the post-war setting that we would be considered enemies to the end of eternity no matter what we were forced into signing, so the Republic took it on itself to reinforce ourselves for a fight we have been expecting since that time."

Sweat formed at the president's hairline on his forehead as his face was tinged with a slight hue of red and he dabbed his skin with a napkin, "The policy we followed was that as long as we never presented a threat to any on your side and you followed suit, we would never have a problem. The lack of open hostility or even communication from Havenittes afforded us a foolhardy attitude in what appeared to be appeasement and that allowed for us to continue in preparing ourselves for what we saw as an inevitable and costly conflict between the power blocs again. We never had any intention of ever bringing the war to you or the region, but at the same time we did not want to be caught with our trousers at our ankles like the first time around and had no intention of losing any fight without costly losses for your side as soon as the situation went south."

"There would be no need to prepare yourselves for a war," Conrad, too, was starting to get agitated,"if the nations of Gholgoth would stay out of Haven. Gholgoth and Haven are thirty thousand miles apart. What reason could you have to come all the way here to colonize if not to strike at us first? We both know that an invasion by Havenic or Gholgothic forces would fail due to the long distances. I can't see this empire-building as anything more than preparation for pre-emptive strikes. All you're accomplishing here is the alienation of Havenic and APOC nations."

"This is our region, not Gholgoths, and we don't want Gholgothic nations rampaging around like they own everything. You want to prove to me that you want peace? Give us a base in Aequatio. I'm sure the G.R.A will love that."

Reid stared blankly at Conrad as he lifted his forefingers to his face and pinched the bridge of his nose and rubbed his eyes before setting his hands on the table and replying, "You claim your people are open and that your nation follows a movement for the advancement of civilized nations, yet when I try and speak of peace and cooperation you throw it back in my face with that bullshit Pan-Havenic rhetoric," His voice was raised before he calmed himself with a drink from his glass and regained his composure, "Why does our geographic positioning limit us in the liberty to achieve our own goals and serve our interests?"

He sat back in his seat and let his left hand sit in his lap as he held his wine glass in his right, "Dividing the world between regional lines only breeds such... ignorance and hypocrisy that you have displayed at this table, eliminating those artificial borders and working in cooperation will bring about new trust. I am willing to offer you a base within Aequatio under the condition that its establishment is justified, you will not gain such an outpost for the simple sake of merely having it. Aequatian possessions in Haven exist in order to serve the collective security and economic purposes of the Republic and her allies, Zukariaan bases within Aequatio at this point in time would have the single purpose that you believe our colonies are here for in Haven."

"Aequatio and the other Gholgothic nations chose to limit themselves based on geography when they formed the G.R.A. and then went on to destroy any nation that even seemed to slightly oppose its position. Your alliance's history is too fucked up for me to even think of allowing one of its member-states to crawl around Haven."

The statement that the base would be used for war now made the Emperor laugh,"Really?! You honestly think that some little base in the middle of a united and aggressive region is going to have any use in attacking Gholgoth? But of course, if I claim that you're using your multiple colonies dispersed throughout our disunited region for a war against APOC or some nation opposed to Gholgoth, then I'm wrong. But because I don't have that base in Aequatio just yet, you can deny it because you have a feeling that I will use it against you. That sir, is the hypocrisy you have accused me of."

"Your majesty, are you blaming me for crimes that were committed by other countries long before I ever came to power?" Reid asked sarcastically before wiping his mouth with his napkin, his appetite having left him. He looked at Conrad II with a very matter-of-fact expression before addressing the comments on the base exchange, "I'll admit, it was a mistake on my part not to improve relations with Havenic nations before establishing the possessions here, but you have to understand at the time in the post-war world, such optimism didn't exist for peace to continue save for a balance of power, a system that history has taught us only leads to destruction.

The Aequatian military bases were established in Haven so that we could better support our allies here if they became threatened and attacked, as long as we felt our allies were not threatened, then the personnel and weapons stationed on those islands would have no reason to remain. Your side is just as much to blame for the maintenance of those bases with your unfounded xenophobia and generalizations."

"Look, we've all been through this before. You can claim all you like that those bases are there for security purposes for your 'allies', but I don't make decisions based on word of mouth. If we're really going to keep our respective nations out of pointless wars, then it is imperative that we make some sort of agreement regardless of whether we like each other," Conrad began,"If we come out of this meeting with nothing accomplished it looks like nothing to the people but our respective sides being proven right to themselves. My people will see it as Aequatian stubbornness, and Gholgoth will no doubt think this is proof that APOC nations wont budge.

"I'm not willing to prove any of them right at this point, so lets just make a deal. Free trade between both of us; how does that sound? I don't think any APOC or Gholgoth nations have allowed free trade between them, so it means something, no doubt."

Reid shuddered inside as the discussion seemed as though it was going to circle back around until Conrad II began speaking about the GRA/APOC rift and a narrowing of said gap. His eyes were lit back up with hope at the mention of the free trade agreement and he spoke with a relieved smile, "Such an agreement would be most welcome within the new Aequatio," He started, referring to the new economic policies being implemented by his government, under the supervision of Vice-President Alexis Castle, "I know how driven A.P.O.C. is to the capitalist ideal of 'laissez faire' and how guarded most of Gholgoth has been in the past economically, however, the Republic has been looking to expand itself in the world markets by opening trade and I am pleased that we can start by signing a free trade agreement with the empire," He concluded with a larger smile and raised his wine glass, "To the future?"

"Always," Conrad said, and drank his own glass of win,"We'll take care of that. Do you plan to be here for the festival tomorrow, by any chance?"

Reid nodded as he set the glass down after emptying it, "Of course, I'm not due in Kingston to meet King George IV for a few days, I would be delighted to attend the festival tomorrow," He paused to think for a moment, "I would like it if I had the opportunity to address the nation and region concerning the new age we shall be entering."

For a moment, Conrad was put off by Reid's statement, but he decided not to bother with it. He stood up and shook hands with the Aequatian president, his wife bowed.

Motioning towards one of the near dozen servants moving about the dining hall,"Take Mr. Reid to the best room we have. Carry his things for him," then addressing the president,"Please, you might want your rest. Tomorrow is a big day, especially for men such as ourselves."

Around the two men, servants cleaned the dining table that had been left less than a minute before. Leaving the room with his wife, Conrad was deep in thought. What would the other nations of APOC think of Zukariaa freely trading with a nation that seemed to be tearing chunks out of Haven ever so slowly?

"What do you think, Mihoko?" Conrad looked down at his wife. She had sat through the entire conversation, absorbing every last bit unimpaired by debate.

"Well, I think he is being honest," she said, as the two rounded a corner into a long corridor. All about them were paintings of previous Emperors and their families. At the end of the hall would be the Emperor's personal quarters. As he came nearer to the end, he began to recognize the men that he saw. His grandfather, his father, and finally himself. Two guards stood at attention and swung the massive wooden doors open.

Within was a room of such detail that it would be hard for most people to even begin to describe. Incredibly detailed statues climbed from the walls, though there was no point at which it became obvious that they were separate from it. These were religious and political figures. The massive bed, being fixed by servants, was made of fine, shining wood. The ruling couple climbed into it to begin another night of sleep in extreme comfort, comfort that some men, somewhere in the world, might kill for. Conrad idly mused that perhaps a Gholgothic citizen might do just that if given the chance. He did not sleep for some time, still lost in thought.

Tomorrow would prove interesting.

Reid was led to his chambers by the servant hauling his meager luggage while the Blackthorne security operator was two steps behind, keeping pace with him as the Aequatian leader appreciated the decor within the palace, including even more extensive and exquisite figures of the various Zukariaan gods. The bodyguard was led to his own room after he had been relieved by another operator at the president's door as Reid prepared for sleep, pondering that day's achievement, "Opening foreign free trade with Zukariaa will certainly bring about some complaints back home, I'm going to get grilled by a lot of leaders back in the 'goth," Fading into sleep, his thoughts were on the next morning's planned events.

The next morning, the Aequation president was awoken early in the morning and rushed about. He was guided to the central hall of the palace, where he would see Conrad and his wife, as well as a newcomer. This man was in his twenties and wore a blue and gold-lined military outfit. He was busy talking to Conrad when Reid arrived.

"Ah, Mr. Reid," Conrad greeted the Aequation with a handshake, as did the younger man,"This is my son, Matthew. He'll be with us. We'll meet up with my other son and daughter at the Temple."

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Reid."

With the greetings done, the group moved outside through the courtyard, past the statues and streaming fountains, and to the gates, where a limo awaited them. Even now, they could hear the roar of a massive crowd within the city, and fireworks were shooting off from the top of the Sukarus Magnus, visible still in the early morning sky. As the limo moved through the streets, more and more people became visible, until the vehicle was almost completely engulfed within it. Dozens of Zukariaan flags were visible, and people held out small figures of the war-god into the air as they prayed.

Atop buildings and in open windows people were visible as well. As the group passed a small, local temple, Conrad called out to the driver,"Tint the windows, I doubt our guest wants to see this," within the temple, an orgy was taking place as a celebration. In the end, however, there was nothing the Emperor could do about the mischief of the crowd. Though the majority made an attempt to make a path, as the vehicle was recognizable by the flag that it waved, some purposely got close. In one case, a naked woman pushed her breasts up against the window on Reid's side.

"Oh, for the love of Sukarus, what are they thinking?" Conrad said, as they moved away,"Excuse that."

Eventually, after nearly an hour of passing celebrations, the limo reached the entrance to the Temple of Dumus. As the group moved out of the car and moved up the stone steps to where an area had been prepared for the speech that Conrad was expected to give, it became clear just how many people were celebrating. From the top of the steps, the roofs of most buildings were visible, and in the distance, the Sukarus Magnus could be seen. The streets were filled edge to edge, and the roofs and windows of most buildings were occupied by a group of some size. Thousands of people chanted in unison, and the blue flag of Zukariaa was everywhere.

When the crowd saw their Emperor reach the top of the steps, enhanced by the huge television screen that had been set up at the top, it went wild. The cheering was like an explosion, and it took several minutes for it to stop. The emperor jokingly asked Reid,"Have you ever spoken to a group like this?"

Conrad stepped up to the podium and began to speak now, addressing the massive crowd.

"Its been nearly a twenty years now since I became emperor, and this celebration never ceases to amaze me. It is rivaled only by the celebration to Sukarus, no doubt. Every year people from all across the nation gather here in Aiur for one purpose: to celebrate our great god of war, Dumus. Every year we accomplish the goals we set for ourselves. To reach a new record number of attendees. To have enough food to for everyone to have a great feast and enough beer for everyone to get drunk!"

This statement was met with a massive upsurge in the crowd. It would become clear over the course of the next day that Zukariaans loved beer. Though Conrad's statement was slightly misleading, as it made it sound like the food and beer was free. Which it wasn't.

"Make today a day to remember. A day without controversy or crime or sadness. Today is a day for celebration!"

Conrad had purposely left his speech abnormally short, as he was almost positive that Reid would be giving one of his own. He stepped away from the podium to the sound of another upsurge in the crowd. He had left them at an unusually high note for Reid.

"It's good to meet you as well," Replied Reid as he released from the handshake with Matthew, "It's a pleasure to have you with us today," He continued as they moved to the waiting limousine outside and started off towards the temple. The open celebrations were not foreign to the Aequatian, given the nation's normally passive attitude, but the sheer scale was something overwhelming in addition to the public displays. A wry smile came across Reid's face when the young woman pressed herself against the vehicle's window, "Such exhibitionism," He thought, "These Zukariaans are certainly a bold people."

He looked over at Conrad, "It is of no matter, your majesty," He said, "Such behavior is well-known during the seasonal breaks during the academic year back home," Holden thought back to his own time in the National Guard, "Especially more so when the reserve units grant liberty at the same time," He said as his smile grew larger as they pulled up to the temple and disembarked from the vehicle. They started up the stairs behind Conrad and his family and reached the top when the Aequatian replied to Conrad's question, "I have, just not one so... jubilant as this."

Once the emperor had completed his short speech and the crowd grew louder and roared with excitement, Reid stepped forward and started speaking as though he were addressing the crowd and not necessarily the microphone in front of him, "People of Zukariaa and the countless more around Haven, I stand before you today as a symbol of the growing trust that exists now because of mutual efforts towards the same goals of peace.

Today, peace means the ascent from simple coexistence to cooperation and common creativity among countries and nations, it is movement towards globality and universality of civilization.

Never before has the idea that peace is indivisible been so true as it is now. Peace is not unity in similarity but unity in diversity, in the comparison and conciliation of differences.

And, ideally, peace means the absence of violence. It is an ethical value.

I am an optimist and I believe that together we shall be able now to make the right historical choice so as not to miss the great chance at the turn of centuries and millenia and make the current, extremely difficult transition to a peaceful world order. A balance of interests rather than a balance of power, a search for compromise and concord rather than a search for advantages at other people's expense, and respect for equality rather than claims to leadership — such are the elements which can provide the groundwork for world progress and which should be readily acceptable for reasonable people informed by the experience of the twentieth century.

The future prospect of truly peaceful global politics lies in the creation through joint efforts of a single international democratic space in which Nationstates shall be guided by the priority of human rights and welfare for their own citizens and the promotion of the same rights and similar welfare elsewhere. This is an imperative of the growing integrity of the modern world and of the interdependence of its components.

The events that have unfolded the past few days have shown that we have been able to cross the threshold of mistrust, though mistrust has not completely disappeared, we must now continue that journey towards a brighter future in which we all desire.

Long live Emperor Conrad II, long live the Zukariaan Empire and Aequatian Republic with which we share a common quest for advancement and peace!" Reid concluded as he turned and shook hands with Conrad, both leaders smiling, as it was highly visible for the cameras covering the event.