NationStates Jolt Archive

Prussian Isles, Haven Strait
Friedenshof

It was the newest – and one of the smallest – palace complexes open for the Dersconi Imperial Family, but it still reflected the surreal grandeur typical of Dersconi Imperial architecture. The advanced technological knowledge base the Dersconi possessed permitted for a Neobaroque structure and landscape without sacrificing any of the modern comforts or securities.

It was a beautiful day outside, so Tsar Xavier ordered the palace keepers to arrange for the meeting to be in the central courtyard of the palace complex, relatively informal. A smooth, black stone table was prepared for the meeting, covered in a substance that removed the typical shine and glare of the stone so as to not be a nuisance, considering the bright sun. Two chairs were brought out, forming a 90 degree angle, so both men would be able to look out over the cliff’s edge to the shining, clear bay down below.

Hofmeister Pytor Stramanichov, the chief butler, and overseer of the palace, stood in the north courtyard in front of the palace as the helicopter landed on the platform.

“Premier Muhammad, welcome to Friedenshof! Right this way, please, the Tsar is waiting!” Stramanichov led Premier Husan Muhammad of Hallad through the front gardens into the Grand Hall of the palace, and then out the back into the central courtyard, where Tsar Xavier smiled and shook hands.

“Welcome to Derscon, and welcome to Prussia, Premier. Please, have a seat. Anything to drink?” The Tsar knew that the Premier was a Muslim, so no alcohol was in the area – something very out of character at a Dersconi meeting, where alcohol was the first thing on the agenda. Even the Tsar abstained, which was completely unheard of. After orders were taken – the Tsar had a root beer – Xavier Andropov sat down and turned to Premier Muhammad.

“It’s such a beautiful day, isn’t it? Very fitting, too. Thank you for coming today, it’s good to see that we can let the past stay buried.”

Hasan was somewhat uneasy about the meeting, though he wore a smile on his face. "A very beautiful day, indeed. I am also glad I could take the time to come and meet with you. Obviously there are... stains on the relations between Hallad and Derscon. Someone of which occured the early years of my tenure." He took a sip of the water that was brought to him. "But, I am older now -- and I hope a bit wiser, too. I'm looking the best interest of my nation, as I am sure you are, and we have both come to a similar conclusion -- our two nations should be brought closer together to create a new era of prosperity." He smiled, and took another drink. "But now I think I'm just rambling. Tsar Xavier, would you like to get down to the business of our meeting here. For the sake of ease, I'll make my intetions clear -- I truly hope we can normalise relations between our two nations."

Tsar Xavier listened closely to Premier Husan’s concerns, and nodded at the appropriate times. He paused for a moment before responding to Muhammad’s statements. “No, no, I agree. We, unfortunately, have had a troubled past, but I see no reason why that should continue, and it’s a welcome feeling that you believe the same thing.” He took a small sip of his drink before continuing.

“I think that the normalization of our relations, as you put it, can be achieved here and now, yes, and want nothing more than to see our two nations be able to cooperate as friends.” Tsar Xavier smiled as he finished this comment – and, for once, it was a genuine smile. He could tell that Husan was uneasy, and wanted to make sure that he was accommodated in the fullest.

“As you know, President Andropov of Hattia has had a continuing friendship with the Dersconi Imperial family, stemming back to even before the election crisis, where he was finally restored to power thanks to the intervention of my grandfather, as well as New Haven and your own nation. Hattia and Derscon have shared continuing friendly relations for some time, including a mutual defence agreement, military and cultural exchanges, as well as trade agreements. To be frank, Premier Husan, I would like to share a similar relationship with Hallad, and on a grander scale, between Prussia and the USR.”

"Yes," nodded the Premier, "I am aware of your relations with Hattia. This is one of the reasons why I feel our current relation is unsatisfactory. I hold the nation of Hattia in high regard and President Andropov is held dear to me indeed. But Hallad is not Hattia..." He shrugged. "I'm being pessimistic, forgive me."

"Your ambitions with the USR is grand goal indeed. I am authorised to make such decisions -- lucky for you. I am the provisional head of the Union until such a time as elections are held. I believe signing agreements for both Hallad and the USR seperately would be the correct course of action, as the USR is not yet organised enough to make its law above that of the member-states. Mind you, though, the nations that for the USR have an obligation to aid our allies, though, and as such, signing agreements with Hallad, or Hattia, is much akin to signing it with the USR itself. Doing this with my signature as head of the USR only makes it more official."

Tsar Xavier nodded. "Indeed, separate relations would probably be best suited for our current situations." he finished off his drink, and a servant appeared out of nowhere to refill it, just as quickly disappearing. Xavier seemed to not have noticed it at all, and picked the drink up again to take a sip.

"Personally, I see no reason why Hallad and Derscon cannot share the closest of relationships." He took another sip. "Now, I was never one for smooth talk. I am, at heart, a soldier, not a diplomat, so I will just lay my thoughts before you. I that believe a trade agreement, a mutual defence agreement, perhaps a military installation exchange, and most definitely a cultural exchange of some sort is in full order for Derscon and Hallad to cooperate on the level I envision. Specifics, of course, can be hammered out later. What do you think?"

"The National Worker's Assembly is stubborn about military installations, but I can push it through if need be. Unfortunately, the Arab Socialist Union is not as cohesive a coalition as it would appear to be. A cultural exchange is something I definately agree with. Perhaps a student exchange program and slight changes to the cirriculum in some schools -- language courses or something of that nature. Most Halladis learn English in the home, it's a widely spoken second language, so generally not taught in schools. Most of ours schools offer Hatti or Edöliani, sometimes Persian. We'd welcome Dersconi into our school, of course." The Premier finished his drink and another was brought to him before he could ask. The butler was gone before he even finished thanking him.

"At any rate, free trade, that can be pushed through the Assembly if I want it to -- and I do. What exactly did you have in mind for the military installations?"

Tsar Xavier nodded at the suggestions for a cultural exchange. "Well, there would be no need to learn Dersconi -- genuine Dersconi is only spoken among the high level aristocracy and scholars. However, Russian and German are both official languages as well as English, with French also being prominent in the south due to our border with Reichskamphen. Hatti is actually already offered, due to our alliance with Hattia, as is Arabic and Persian. However, I see nothing wrong with promoting those languages, as well.

"I believe my Minister of Education would jump for joy at the offer of a student exchange program -- right now, we only have them with the other Prussian states, Democratic Colonies, and Hattia. a new perspective would be wonderful for both of our nations." He took a quick sip of his drink -- since his mouth went dry from talking so long -- before continuing with his response.

"I would be pleased with a free trade agreement, as well. I wasn't sure, though, if, due to your more leftist nature than Derscon, you would side more for a Fair Trade, or a middle ground of some sort.

"As for military installations, not much -- not nearly as much as the Prussian states, anyway. Perhaps one installation per major branch? A naval port, a supply depot/small army base, and an airfield? And the bases would also allow for military cooperation, I would hope."

"Well, I'm sure if the Halladi dialect were promoted, we would be appeased," said Muhammad, in regards to the language issue. "I believe exchanges of teacher could also prove beneficial -- especially in university settings. And, although it is not well-publicised, Hallad has been moving toward free-trade policies with nations. The USR has a policy of free trade and in several other areas Hallad has adopted a free-trade policy. Reciprical tariffs are our general policy, however, and protectionism is something that the conservatives in the Arab Socialist Union try to hold on to. I don't believe it's entirely beneficial. Hallad is a vibrant nation with a skilled and intelligent workforce, and with free tade, so much the better for the workers."

"I believe that your proposal for the military installations is a solid one. Military cooperation is also a key factor. I'm sure the Generals would be interested in cooperating with your own military in wargames and joint operations. Perhaps we could set up and officer-exchange program, having Dersconi officers attend Halladi war schools and vice versa?"

"I'm certain the Halladi dialect could be promoted in these languages, I see no reason why not. I will also promote the idea of a teacher exchange on the university level. While the state run universities will cooperate, as they fall under the Ministry of Education, the private universities would have to be spoken to on an individual basis." He took a quick sip of his drink before moving on.

"It is good to know that the USR has adopted a reasonable policy line when it comes to trade. As far as I know, Derscon does not place any tariffs on any goods from any nation, so that should not be a problem."

Tsar Xavier listened to Premier Husan respond to his proposal and smiled. I don't believe I've ever had a smoother negotiation. "I would have to discuss it with the General Staff, but I am certain they would be happy to set up an officer exchange program, as well as participate in war games. And I'm most certain that Imperial Marshal Razladanov will be overjoyed when he finds out that you would be willing to participate in joint operations." He chuckled a bit as his drink was refilled in a flash. He held up his glass to Husan.

"A toast, to our new-found and, God willing, everlasting friendship."

"To everlast friendship," he said, tapping his glass against the Tsars and drinking down his water. "Well, then, what now? Shall we make these agreements 'official and sign some papers'? That is my favourite part, after all," said the Premier fascetiously.

Xavier laughed. "Of course, of course. I will have my staff draft the treaty, give it to you to look over, and we can turn it into a big public spectacle and make everything official then." The Tsar stood up, beckoning Husan to follow. Xavier jotted down a few notes on a notepad and, as they were walking back to the palace, handed it to one of the ghost staff lurking about the complex.

"The final draft should be ready, pending your approval, in a day or so. When I send it, and you give it your OK, we can meet back here at a later date for a more formal signing and press conference."

Tsar Xavier shook hands with Premier Husan once more as the helicopter started up. "It's been a pleasure. I'll hopefully see you again in a few days!"