NationStates Jolt Archive

The waters outside the Isle of Rennida are tranquil today. Every so often a dolphin would leap from the blue depths, putting on a show for the waiting news crews on their large sea vessels.

Ahead of the ships, the peak of Mount Ultim could be seen poking over the edge of the large wall surrounding the Isle. Yet not one camera was there to take pictures of the beautiful scenery, something the Isle is famous for both inside and out of it's wall, but to capture an event that hadn't happened for nearly a century now.

The gates of the wall were going to open.


After nearly one hundred years of being a hermit nation, Prince Micah Ronda had ordered the gates to open on his father's wishes. A crew of workers had spent the last month pulling various flora and chipping off the sealing rust from the doors, as to make sure there wasn't a hitch on this, one of the biggest events to hit the Holy Empire of Rennidan in it's recent history. Plenty of citizens were on the otherside of the wall, waiting for the Prince to give the final command for the gate to be opened.

On the other side of the gate sat a news crew from Rennidan National News, resting on the three miles of flat land that seperated the gate from the warm waters on the other side. Mil Verna, perhaps the nation's favourite anchorwoman, was standing by, faux-smile and perfect hair ready. She was rambling on about the significance this event would have for the nation, along with the odd quip about how the nation would fare in the bigger picture.


Prince Ronda checked the clock tower in the distance, his crisp black suit rippling slightly in the wind, his dark green and gold patterned tie gently clipped to his undershirt. He was a broad man, made broader by the padding in his jacket's shoulders, something which always irritated him as he always believed he never needed it. Checking the clock tower again, he nodded slightly and boomed out the command for the gate to be open. The crowd, well into its millions, held their collective breath, as the sound of old clockwork creaked in protest as it's one hundred year rest was disturbed. Everyone outside the gate was quite and awed, including Mil Verna, as they stared dumbfoundedly at the large bronze gates slowly swinging open.


A cool ocean breeze swept through the open gateway, rustling the Prince's suit in the opposite direction. Prince Ronda smiled at both the crowd and the filming news crews alike, addressing his audience as he had learned to do.

"My people, and those of other nations watching over your television sets, today history has been made. Rennidan has kept it's population of just over one billion locked away within it's walls for nearly one hundred years. Today, however, is a new day. The first day of Rennidan becoming accepted into the wider world, something my forefathers refused to accept." Looking around quickly, Ronda checked his area. Ahead of him were his people. Behind him were his monks, in their dark green and golden garbs and numbering just under one million. And to his left was the open gateway. The gateway to the glorious future of his nation.

He turned back to his captive, silent audience and with all the strength his voice could muster, let out a ferocious bellow which was met by the cheers of his people.

"As one, we march onwards!"

Turning from the crowd, Prince Ronda stares directly down the lense of the camera to his right.

"And now, a direct address to the other nations viewing this. This is not a plea, but I wish for the other leaders of the world to know. We are not a new nation by any means, neither are we a small nation. But we have shut ourselves away from the world for too long now, and because of this we have no formal allies. So, this is a call out to the nations of the world. Rennidan is here for you. We will aid you in anyway our views and people believe we should. Whilst we will not march to war, we will be deploying humanitarian aid in the form of our nation's holy men, the Rennidanian Monks." With this he motions to the crowd of green and gold hooded men behind him. "Our Monks are experts in healing and first aid. They will be going to major war zones to help all human life they see in peril."

Taking a moment to clear his throat, Prince Ronda continues.

"We will be opening up embassies in the near future, as well as starting trade agreements with you, the other nations. Thank you, and may we all prosper together."

Stepping down from his platform to the cheers of his people, Prince Ronda slides into the back of his waiting black limousine, and takes off down the old cobbled road towards his family's palace.

OOC: I will respond IC in a moment. But first, I assume that these gates are on land, or do they block a harbor? And do you have a harbor? My Hign King's ship is on patrol, and, after picking up your message, can stop in your nation for brief visit...

OoC: The gates are on land, and there's a road leading from the gate to the harbour about three miles away. Of course, the road is quite old and ill-tended, as no construction workers got permits to leave the walls to fix it, so it could be quite bumpy if driven across.

OOC: Not a problem, as I don't use cars. Oh, and link to fleet list below...

IC:
"My Lord," said Admiral Mathious, "We are nearing the coast."
"Thank you, Admiral," replied Tironus. "Bring the Fleet into position. I will be in the radio room."
"Yes sir."
The Grand Fleet (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=528624), 14 battleships, 6 battlecruisers, 3 carriers, and escort ships, moved in formation just off the coast of Rennidan. They had picked up the Prince's message, and the High King wanted to respond. The I.D.S. Challenger (http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/nx9100/Challenger-classTypeCBattleship.jpg), flagship of the Navy, moved as close as possible to the coast without running aground. It raised its forward-most turret, and fired a single round in greeting (blanks, so no shells to hit anything). This was standard practice, as it was found that the shot would gather the attection of the locals, who would then be fasinated by the massive battleship fleet. The blast echoed off of the walls of the city, and would surly get the attention desired...

"Greetings. I am Tironus, High King of Imperial Delkor. I come in response to your message of friendship, and will gladly come ashore to meet with Prince Ronda."

The limo came to a sudden halt, before reversing into a U-Turn and heading back towards the Gates. The King's message had been relayed over intercom in the Prince's limo. Coughing to clear his throat, Prince Ronda prepared a reply.

"Peace be at you High King Tironus. We would be honoured to have you come ashore and meet with me. I only apoligize my father, our Emporer, cannot be here to speak with you. I will have a welcoming party ready at the harbour for your ship. Come ashore and we shall talk, my friend."

Ending the message, Ronda sent out messages for both Monks and performers alike to be ready and waiting at the harbour, along with the paparazzi and his own Naval officers.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/MattLever/Taerkasten/royal-seal.jpg
HUDSON PALACE

His Royal Majesty, King Benjamin I of the Royal Kingdom of Taerkasten, is most keen on making contact with your long-isolated nation. As a nation we of Taerkasten have remained in isolation for some time also, and we feel a certain degree of empathy towards yourselves.

Ergo, His Majesty is most eager to establish formal contact with yourselves, as you come out of isolation and attempt to establish yourselves as a global power in a highly competitive and aggressive world. With this in mind, permission is sought to send one of our most esteemed and beloved representatives, Princess Laura, to meet with your nation's representatives to forge positive relations. In this hostile environment, we believe that any friends are of extreme value, and there are many nations out there who will not have your best intentions at heart.

Regardless of your decision, it has been a pleasure to write this communiqué, and we all wish your nation the best of fortunes in these trying times.

Yours sincerely,



Gregory Barnes,
Executive Secretary to the Royal Household,
Royal Kingdom of Taerkasten

From the words of His Master Roland Revere, Second In Command to Prince Micah Ronda:

To: Mister Barnes, Executive Secretary to the Royal Household,
Royal Kingdom of Taerkasten.

Peace be at you. We thank you for your communications. Let it be known that Rennidan would be both proud and honoured to have Princess Laura arrive on diplomatic grounds. As we have yet to find a suitable place for embassies to be placed, we shall put her in the Holy Palace, in one of it's finest guest suites.

It is good to know we are not alone in the world, and that we have a potential ally who knows how we as a nation feel.

We welcome all help and look foward to establishing further communications.

Yours Sincerely,

Master Roland Revere,
Second-In-Command to Prince Micah Ronda,
The Holy Empire of Rennidan.

The motor boat pulled up onto the sandy beach. Tironus, in full armor with his long, brown hair flowing down his neck, stepped onto the beach, followed by two guards. The motor-crewman remained in the boat. The young King, only 21 years of age, looked around the beach, and spotted a aproaching limo. "It looks like m welcoming party has arrived..."

The limo came to a halt several feet from the beach. First out of the limo were three hooded monks in green and golden garbs, one of whom held the door open. Next out was Prince Micah Ronda. He was 23 of age, and current Overwatcher of Rennidan whilst his father was doing his monthly rites. He was still in his suit from earlier, but now had strapped to his side a two foot stick with a single bladed end. The short-spear was a national symbol for Rennidan.

The Prince himself was a broad man, with a winning smile that made him popular amongst his peoples. Walking down towards the beach, with said smile, he held his arms out in a sign of peace.

"High King Tironus, welcome!"

Tironus nodded towards the prince. His left hand rested on the hilt of his sword, the symbol of the High King. "Greetings, Prince Ronda," he replied. "I was returning from another foreign visit when we intercepted your message, and decided to change course." He waved his hand towards the fleet. "So, tell me. What made you decide to open your nation? Are you interested in expanding your economy? Industry?"

Prince Ronda let out a hearty chuckle.

"We have opened our gates again because my father and I decided that it was time Rennidan should change, much like the world around us is. Our economy is strong, so monetary needs are not the issue here. What we need, what we as a nation truely need, are friends in the world now. We have watched from within our walls as war has ravaged the lands far away, and have decided that we may eventually become a target. It's a dangerous time, and we're going to need plenty of allies."

Smling, Prince Ronda looked beyond the King and admired the ships from far away. Ronda's great grandfather had disbanded the national Navy at the same time the gates were ordered shut. That would have to change aswell.

"I suppose we could also do with some naval aid. We have no navy, only an airforce and an army, both of which are already strong. But, I suppose, all we're looking for..." His eyes turned back to the foreign King. "Are friends in the world."

http://img466.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vssaseallj4.png

Official Statement
United Socialist Soviet of Abruck


INThe United Socialist Soviet of Abruck welcomes the Holy Empire of Renniden to the world. Though our nations may differ in our political philosophies, we find no reason to encourage a professional relationship between our two countries. Indeed, it may prove to be a profitable venture on the parts our respective nations.

For security issues, we would prefer not to outline any agreements over telegram. If at all possible, I, Jakob Ensor, would like to meet with your respective Minister of Foreign Affairs to iron out any trade agreements.

Jakob Ensor
Jakob Ensor, Commissar of Foreign Affairs

From the desk of Michael Palin, Executive Minister of World Affairs;

To: Jakob Ensor


Peace be at you. We would like to thank you for making contact with our fine country, and let you know we look foward to what could be a profitable and meaningful friendship between two nations. We understand your wish to keep your agenda for our potential alliance to yourself until we can meet face-to-face.

If you wish, we shall have a Palace room readied for you, Mister Ensor, and will have a welcome party ready for your arrival.

Again, we are looking foward to what could be a prosperous relationship.

Yours faithfully,

Michael Palin,
Executive Minister of World Affairs,
The Holy Empire of Rennidan.

Tironus nodded. "I understand completly. That was my Uncle's goal when he brought Delkor into the international world. Now we have many allies, an industry that has expanded into foreign nations, and," he lowered his voice, "a secret military alliance. However," his voice returned to normal, "that is beside the point. You, Price Ronda, and your father have decided to enter the world. Therefor, I have decided to extend a hand of friendship. You speak of not having any remaining naval forces. For the time being, I am willing to provide you with naval protection should you require it. Also, we can assist you in rebuilding a navy. The Delkorian Iron Works has 32 drydocks spread accross three shipyards. We would be more than willing to share our existing submarine and destroyer classes with you, and can build new ships as needed."

Prince Ronda smiled again, listening to what the King had to say.

"It would seem that you have made my nation an offer I cannot back away from, King Tironus. May this be the start of our nation's prosperous alliance." He held out a strong hand for Tironus to shake, the monks behind him going down to one knee in respect for both the leaders.

Tironus shook Price Ronda's hand, matching his grip. "I am pleased. You will not regret this, my friend. With Delkor's industrial might behind you, Rennidan will grow into a strong, prosperous world power. When you are ready to begin rebuilding your navy, please contact the Delkorian Iron Works (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=528075). Upon returning home, I will instruct them to expect to provide you full cooperation."

(OOC: Click on the link, and list what kind of ships you need. Ignore the ones I have listed.)

The Empire of Neo-Ixania welcomes the nation of Rennidan to the world; recognizing the legitimacy of the sovereign independence of the Holy Empire. We are interested in establishing diplomatic relations by beginning with an embassy exchange and the creation of a trade agreement; we can also create a student exchange program. We hope that our nations can create a productive and strong friendship.

Signed,
Ivan Rucinsky,
Foreign Minister of the Empire of Neo-Ixania

OoC: I'll look at getting a list of ships up tomorrow, when I'm not as exhausted after a day's work.


Prince Ronda smiled and nodded at the King. "Then it is settled. I'll make sure to contact the Delkorian Iron Works as soon as I have the budget reports for military spending this year. Peace be at you, King. My nation is yours to roam if you wish to stay. If not, have a safe journey home."







From the desk of Michael Palin, Executive Minister of World Affairs;

To: Ivan Rucinsky

Peace be at you, Mister Rucinsky. We here in Rennidan would be happy to open a trade agreement with you, aswell as a student exchange program. Rennidan prides itself on it's education system, and we are all but happy to share. An embassy swap will be possible in the near future, as we are currently looking into the finest area of our nation in which to place the embassies themselves. I see a strong future between Rennidan and the Empire of Neo-Ixania.

Yours sincerely,
Michael Palin.

Tironus saluted the prince. "You have made a friend today, Prince Ronda. I look forward to a long-lasting alliance between us. If the need ever arrises, the Imperial Delkorian Navy will be there. Farewell." He turned and, with his guards, boarded the boat for the return trip to his flagship. Once he was aboard, the fleet turned and headed for home...

The aptly-named Princess Laura-class carrier entered Rennidanian waters carrying none other than its class' namesake, Princess Laura. Her journey had been long, for she had set sail purely for the purposes of reaching this island as per the request of her own father. She found a sense of apprehension creeping over her, for she had never before embarked upon a diplomatic journey, being but a child until recently, and much rested on her diminutive shoulders. Still, she held her head high and was determined to prove her father proud, as the ship slowed to all-stop before approaching the shallow waters.

Already she had proven herself popular amongst the crew of the HMS Undeniable, making many friends with her jovial manner, her lack of traditional aristocratic prejudice and her amicable sense of humour. As she stood on the flight deck awaiting authorisation to disembark to these new lands, she shook hands with many of the crew members who were sorry to see her leave, even though it was only temporary. During her stay aboard the spartan aircraft carrier she had participated in many parties and other such events organised by the crew, and had only joined the Captain in the wardroom a handful of times. Such was the refreshing attitude she adopted, which made many thankful that she was the heir apparent: everybody was equal, and I can have a good time with them, regardless of breeding.

The helicopter's blades whirled to life and she was ushered aboard along with the compliment of Royal Guards which her father insisted upon accompanying her. It lifted off from the flight deck and immediately began its short journey to the beach of this 'Rennidan' place. King Benjamin was extremely keen on establishing positive relationships with as many countries as he could, given the hostile nature of the world at large, and newly-emerged countries such as this were of particular interest to him as they had no previous allegiances to taint their views. To send his own and only daughter into unknown lands in this manner demonstrated his keenness in such matters.

The helicopter touched down after a very short flight on the beach, and Laura found the island to be most pleasant, with wide, sweeping beaches and, from what she could see from the air, a beautiful interior. Her high-heeled shoe immediately sank into the sand but she didn't mind, being a child at heart, and followed the Royal Guard as they led her further inland towards whatever greeting awaited them.

7:45 - 40 Miles North of Rennidan - APNS Rorch

"Greetings, Comrade Commissar," Kapitan Bohr said as he shook Jakob's hand. "I hope you've enjoyed your stay on the Rorch. If you'll just follow me, we'll take you to the Mi-8 we've been holding above deck."

"Thank you, Comrade."

The Kapitän smiled and led Jakob down the corridor, his large build proving to be surprisingly nimble in the tight space. Suddenly, the Kapitän stopped and opened up a hatch. "Right through there, Commissar. Just go up the stairs. Comrade Hessenbecher is waiting for you at the top. Good luck, Comrade," he said.

"Vielen Dank, Herr Kapitän," replied the Commissar before he mounted the stairs. The Kapitän saluted one last time and walked away. Friendly sort, Jakob though to himself. Probably looking for a promotion, he added cynically.

"Hello, Commissar!" a man shouted from above him. Jakob quickly looked up to identify the voice. It belonged to a young enlisted sailor, a Gefreiter by the looks of his rank insignia. "Gefreiter Hessenbecher reporting for duty!" the sailor shouted. "Just follow the red line right up the ladder," the youth added with the enthusiasm of a new recruit.

Jakob smiled sincerely as climbed up the ladder, a product of some of the enthusiasm of the youth wearing off on him. "Danke," Jakob said to the Gefreiter.

"Bitte schoen. Welcome above deck, Commissar. If you look right behind me," he said, motioning toward the vehicle behind him, "you'll see the Mi-8. Everything is prepared for take-off, Comrade Ensor. Just step right into the helicopter and off you go."

Jakob nodded and strode towards the helicopter. Upon noticing the Commissar, the pilot gunned up the engine, giving time for the helicopter blades to begin their rapid oscillation. Jakob slid into the cabin, closing the cabin door behind him.

"What's our ETA?" Jakob asked as he strapped himself in.

The co-pilot turned around shouted in response, "We're looking at a 20 minute trip! We're going to be over the city before the Prince has finished breakfast!"

Milo Makaner, one of the three heads of the Rennidan Monks, was standing by at the beach. His deep green hood, lined with golden patterns, was down, allowing his blond locks to sway in the wind caused by the helicopter. He had watched the metal bird as it took off from the large carrier out at sea, and had since not let his eyes leave the sky. The helicopter itself was something interesting, as it design was so varied to that of Rennidan's Air Force. But it wasn't the vessel he was waiting for, it was it's passenger.

Milo smiled as Princess Laura took her first step onto one of Rennidan's finest beaches (and breifly thought how lucky it is they touched down in what he thought to be one of the most beautiful spots, with the peak of Isol Mountain almost dead in the background). The twenty monks behind him went down onto one knee and stabbed the pointed ends of their short-spears into the white-gold sand. They flicked their hoods down, revealing a varied pick of people, consisting of all skin colours and both genders. All of them, however, had one thing in common; a small tattoo encircling their left eye, made of a green and gold pattern that matched the colours of their robes.

Milo himself gave a sweeping bow, something he had been rehearsing for the last hour or so, and when he straightened up, he took a few steps fowards towards the Princess and her entourage.

"Peace be at you, Princess Laura. Welcome to Rennidan."

_________________________________________________

Meanwhile Michael Palin himself stood waiting inside Rennidan's walls. He was stood by the helicopter pad selected for Commissar Jakob's landing, a fine spot that overlooked the majority of Rennidan's buildings. A lot of the country was modern, with rising skyscrapers, none of which were higher than the wall, and modern tarmac roads. There were only three things standing out like sore thumbs. The Emperor's Palace; which sat dead centre of Rennidan, a building that was enriched with golden statues and spires, glorious windows and magnificent marble work. The Old Roads; four old, bumpy, yet well maintained roads that lead straight to the doors of the palace from all points of the compass, and Mount Isol, which sat in the distance, behind Rennidan yet still inside it's walls.

Michael smiled at the large mountain, remembering the time each male of Rennidan must spend upon it to pass their Rites of Passage into adult hood, and his left hand passed to his right arm. He touched his suit sleeve where his bicep was, where, under the fabric, was his mark. It was not the marking a monk receives around their eye, nor the mark a Royal receives on the back of their neck, but it was a mark to show that he was an adult. Rennidan may have modernized significantly in the one hundred years of isolation, but their traditions remained strong.

And now, Michael just stood their, eyes to the sky, waiting for Commissar Jakob to arrive in his steel bird.

OOC: I must have not seen this; I apologize.

From the desk of Michael Palin, Executive Minister of World Affairs;

To: Ivan Rucinsky

Peace be at you, Mister Rucinsky. We here in Rennidan would be happy to open a trade agreement with you, aswell as a student exchange program. Rennidan prides itself on it's education system, and we are all but happy to share. An embassy swap will be possible in the near future, as we are currently looking into the finest area of our nation in which to place the embassies themselves. I see a strong future between Rennidan and the Empire of Neo-Ixania.

Yours sincerely,
Michael Palin.

From the desk of Ivan Rucinsky, Foreign Minister of the Empire of Neo-Ixania

To: Michael Palin

Greetigs, Mister Palin. I am glad to hear that our nations will be able to establish diplomatic relations; a trade agreement (what resources does Rennidan have?) is greatly acceptable to me and we can wait to establish embassies, as well as exchanging students between our nations. I hope that our nations can be close friends and have a strong friendship. Please do not hesistate to contact the Foreign Ministry of Neo-Ixania if you have any questions.

Signed,
Ivan Rucinsky