NationStates Jolt Archive

The summer was cool in Faxanavia, as it had always been. Faxanavia was always cool- cool in summer and so cold in winter that many winter days saw potholes so large that whole cars had been known to fall into them. A light summer breeze blew back Prime Minister Garret Linsares' hair in a way that he hoped looked leader-like and heroic, but in reality made him look old and balding, which he was. He held his jacket closer, and stared skyward. The cold gray clouds drifted, almost lazily, overhead, and he waited patiently for the roar of the engines that were soon to come. He was awaiting the leader of Kenavt, who was due to arrive that very day. Vallingard International Airport accepted hundreds of planes every day, yet for once an airstrip was empty, awaiting this very important plane. Though Kenavt was new on the international scene, they had long been in the eye of Faxanavia. And now, with the place of Prime Minister finally secure, Garret thought the time was right to secure alliance between the two states. And now, he stood on the cold tarmac of airstrip 33A of Vallingard International, awaiting the man who would secure that alliance. He shivered, and it had nothing to do with the cool breeze now blowing.

"Do you think I look good?" Premier Duke Andrew da Vincho asked.

"Of course," said Harry, his secretary.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, sir."

"But-" da Vincho's rant was cut off by the pilot through the intercom.

"Sir da Vincho, we are descending onto landing strip 33A of Vallingard International. Get ready for a bump."

The customized Airbus A380 landed on the tarmac and continued to roll.

"There's Linsares!"

"Get ahold of yourself sir! Oh, yes, your tie is off."

"But Faxanavia is so big!" Harry smacked him across the face.

As the portal opened, da Vincho was rubbing his cheek-until he saw Prime Minister Linsares. "Hello! You are Prime Minister Garret Linsares?" The Premier walked down the stairs toward his greeters.

Garret nodded, smiling at the Premier Duke. He extended his hand. "that I am. And you, I assume, are Premier Duke Andrew da Vincho." He released the Premier Duke's hand, and turned to the car which sat, idle, behind him. "If you'll just bring your bags with you, we can get going to Vallingard." Several guards emerged to help with the luggage. Sliding into the car, he looked back at the Premier Duke. "Oh, and Duke..." He smiled. "Your tie is off."

da Vincho followed into the car. "What, my tie is off? Oh... I suppose it is." Andrew muttered under his breath, "Harry!"

"Down to business, then?"

Garret nodded. "Of course." He indicated a cooler sitting on the floor of the car. "Please, help yourself." He opened the cooler and removed a mineral water from within. "Now," he said, "We will be heading from here to Freedom Hall, the government center. That is, of course, you wish to see more of Vallingard. From there, I intend to proceed with discussions. But, "he turned, smiling, the the Premier Duke, "What of your nation? How fair things in Kenavt?"

OOC: My Duke greeted yours in the Conference thread by CM. FYI. Kinda hard to see.

"Things are going quite well, thank you." Andrew reached for a water. "The nation is currently hooked on the drama of the International Basketball Championships and World Cup 41. We had a minor riot in the Baptism of Fire 28, a precedent to playing in the World Cup. I was also elected after my predeccessor was on the bad end of a Vote of No Confidence a couple of months ago."

OOC: Missed that. I'll go post there when I'm done.
IC:
Garret shook his head. "It's always a shame when a politician is forced to leave office. Still," He said, brightening up, "I'm glad to hear your nation fairs well. Faxanavia is doing well also. We just recently had the 2008 elections, and I was elected Prime Minister- obviously. Things are doing well, and we are working to expand Faxanavian influence throughout the international scene."

The car slid up to the front door of Freedom Hall. The vast, dome topped building stood magnificently, it's vast marble corinthian columns a symbol of freedom throughout the nation. Garret lead Andrew through the rotating glass door into the main atrium. "This building was rebuilt from the original Freedom Hall, which was bombed by socialist extremists in 1994." He indicated the vast, golden statue which dominated the atrium. It depicted a tall, heroic looking man, a sword raised to almost touch the high domed ceiling above. "That is Charles L'Enphant, the founder of Faxanavia. This statue was carved when Faxanavia became a republic in 1601." He smiled at the Premier Duke, as he knew the building always impressed. "So, Premier Duke. What do you think?"

"Quite the show," said the Premier, looking around. He had seen equals, like his Palace back at home, but few things surpassed this. "I have to say, quite good workmanship on the statue despite its age!"

Garret smiled. "It was refurbished a couple of years ago, but it's still quite the site." He led Andrew up the stairs to the vast, wooden doors which led onto the main building. "This is where the magic happens." Said Garret, smiling. The two came to a large panel of elevators, and Garret selected the 12th floor. They were bound for the Prime Minister's office. Passing down the 12th floor corridor, they reached a large, embossed wooden door with a plaque: "Garret Linsares, Prime Minister of the Promethian Republic of Faxanavia." Sliding open the door, Garret revealed a modest study- an old looking, wooden desk was dominated by a pile of paperwork and a smallish laptop. Garret led the Premier Duke over to a smaller area to the front of the desk, which contained several plush, dark purple chairs. Seating himself, he drew a bottle and two glasses from a cupboard. Pouring a glass for himself, he offered one to the Premier Duke. "May I offer you a brandy?" He placed the glass down and and smiled. "But, I digress. To business."

"Thank you for the brandy. To business."

"Well, you know why I'm here. To negotiate some sort of alliance. I can tell you that the rest of the government is willing to accept some sort of free trade agreement and some sort of military deal. I'm sure that would appeal to you? Or do you have something else in mind?"

"Thank you for the brandy. To business."

"Well, you know why I'm here. To negotiate some sort of alliance. I can tell you that the rest of the government is willing to accept some sort of free trade agreement and some sort of military deal. I'm sure that would appeal to you? Or do you have something else in mind?"

"That was about what I had in mind. I was interested in discussing the establishment of a free trade agreement between our nations, as well as a military alliance when one or the other went to war. It seemed like a good idea- nations like ours need to stand together, what with power blocks like APOC and Gholgoth running the world these days." he raised his glass to the Premier Duke. "How does that sound to you, Andrew? If I may call you Andrew..."

OOC: Last post of the night. By the way, I may get involved with fighting the Corporate Alliance-let that impact your answer to my question.

"Yes, you may call me Andrew. I suppose then I can call you Garret?" Andrew raised his glass as well. "A free trade treaty is simple enough, but what would you look for in a military agreement? We are open to all ideas."

"Certainly." Garret sipped from the brandy, and set the glass back down. "I think most logically would be if one nation was under attack, the other nation would be required to come to their aid. And, it would leave us open if one of us went on the offensive against another nation, and wants an ally in that- although there should be no obligation to help an invasion, only defense. How does that sound?"

"If you would excuse me for a moment, I forgot to call in my Ambassador to Faxanavia-Sir Robert Cavertype." The Premier quickly dialed a number and whispered instructions.

"I am sorry for the interuption. I assume that my Ambassador shall be in on these talks?"

"As to your comment, I believe that is the way to go. You should not be responsible if I attack another nation, though if I need defense, then I would love if you could come to our aid. And vice versa."

Garret nodded, somewhat surprised, but not showing it. "That's fine. I'd be happy to have him speak up." He sat back in his chair. "But, to the subject of military alliance. That sounds like the perfect idea. I have to ask you though- what military alliances is Kenavt a member of? I'm not aware of the data, and it seems that it could have an effect. Faxanavia is a member of NATO, and, well..." He leaned forward surreptitiously, "It's still in conceptualization, but there has been some discussion of a Faxanavian restarting of the League of Imperial Ocean-faring Nations, The LION. I would imagine Kenavt might be interested in this fact, but that is beside the point. I simply ask about military alliance to get some idea as to what I may be getting myself into." He smiled, laughing.

OOC: This is mainly me trying to have some sort of discussion about the war with Griffincrest/CA that you talked about in the other thread.

"I'm sure we'd be interested in anything Faxanavia is in."

"Currently, we are a member of the United Defense Dictorate, which is fairly minor and doesn't really matter, and the Hegemony. Oh-and I just realized this. The Hegemony is currently facing aggression from the Corporate Alliance over a protectorate of one of the Hegemony's having oil. It appears a conflict is undeniable."

"That, of course, may factor into your thoughts of a military treaty."

OOC: I'm in like five threads right now, so I'm sorry if I post slowly.

Garret nodded thoughtfully. "I've read about the conflict between the Hegemony and the Corporate Alliance. It looks like it'll be bloody, from what's already happened- the Allaneans have declared war on The Griffincrest Corporation already, and it looks like there's going to be something even bigger soon." He rose from his chair, striding towards the desk. Shuffling through his papers he said, "I've had several papers drawn up for the alliance, so, if you'd like to look over them..." He left the question hanging, and approached the two chairs, papers in hand.

OOC: So am I, so no worries.

"Thank you." Andrew quickly flipped through them, taking a long look at the charter and briefly looking through the other papers. "I believe this would be a good thing to look into after the Hegemony-Corporate Alliance affairs are over-thank you very much. However, I do not want to drag LION in any form into this conflict."

Garret nodded. "I, of course, understand. This conflict has been affecting all of us, and I fear it will only get worse. Still, I understand your problem. I know the Hegemony is powerful, but if they need Faxanavian backing..." He left the sentence hanging in the air, waiting for an answer.

Garret nodded. "I, of course, understand. This conflict has been affecting all of us, and I fear it will only get worse. Still, I understand your problem. I know the Hegemony is powerful, but if they need Faxanavian backing..." He left the sentence hanging in the air, waiting for an answer.

"That would certainly be helpful.

"By the way, are you still interested in a defence and free trade treaty of sorts? We will join LION, I can tell you that right now."

"Most certainly. Any way we can ally our two nations is a good thing. If you'll look through those papers, there are several that deal with just that fact." He reclined, smiling. "And as for the LION, we are happy to have you."

OOC: Just a note- you haven't signed up to the LION boards yet- I'd do that soon.

OOC: Just did.

IC:

"Thank you. However, I feel that the only thing that we can do to further untie our countries is to sign a free trade agreement. I believe it would be mutually beneficial."

Garret smiled. "That, also, is in the sheaf of papers before you. If you find any of it disagreeable, please, let me know." he rose from his seat. "But let us not speak of those matters now. There is plenty of time for that sort of thing later. Now, I have planned for you a tour of Vallingard should you be interested. I always find that visiting dignitaries like to see the nation they visit, not just some dark, small office." He gestured around himself. "So, Andrew, are you game?"

Andrew grinned. "Yes, I am game. So where do we go first?"

Garret smiled, and rose. "Well, obviously, you've already seen Freedom Hall. Perhaps, we should begin our tour by going to see the Senate." He led Andrew back down the many corridors, talking all the way. "The Senate building is just a few blocks from here, so I suggest we walk." They were met at the door by two guards, tall and dressed formally with identical shaven heads and black suits. The two passed through the great doors once again, and out into the brisk cold air. Garret indicated, off in the distance, a tall domed building which reached its pinnacle in a long, golden spire. "That is the Senate building, where the Faxanavian Senate sits session." He smiled at his alliteration. "There are 180 members of the Senate, and they should be in session today. Why don't we pop in?"

"Will there be a lot of press?" The Premier asked. He was afraid of getting too much here in Faxanavia-he wanted this to be quiet until details could be announced. But then again, did it matter? "I would like to pop in, certainly."

The Prime Minister shook his head. "Very little. Just the FSV (Faxanavian Senate View), which is on down there all the time to record all of the Senate's activity." the two entered the building, its vast dome hanging above. The doors led into a plushly carpeted entrance hall, with steps leading down into the main entrance area. From there, the two passed through another set of doors, and down several long hallways, until finally they reached the vast amphitheater that was the Senate. 180 chairs sat, facing down into the center. A variety of men and women were seated below, all in neatly pressed suits or business wear. The two seated themselves in the visitor's section, almost empty, and looked on. Below, a tall, gray haired man sat overseeing the discussion of two Senators going on about some package to reduce taxes. Garret turned to Andrew. "What do you think?"

"Well, it's certainly more impressing then at home." The Premier whispered. "Our parliament is usually debating very loudly. It is interesting-for about ten minutes. Then you just go crazy. It takes a lot of stamina to be in the Parliament."

Garret nodded. "Today's a particularly interesting day, actually. The Conservative/Freedom Party alliance is trying to push a bill to lower taxes, and we're meeting some interesting resistance from the Liberals and Labour, but I think we'll make it through." Below, the two men were growing louder. "They're arguing about the way of dropping taxes- the liberal coalition says it can't be done, but we know otherwise."

"As long as it accompanies a drop in spending, I feel that it would try to upset your budget. But, who am I to advise? This is my first time on Faxanavian soil. Do you have any other legislative bodies?"

Garret shook his head. "It's a unicameral system. There's the 180 seat Senate, and the office of the Prime Minister, with all the sub-ministers. Then, the court system keeps everyone up to standards with the law and the constitution."

"Oh, okay. Do you have a Supreme Court-and, if you do have one, is it in session?"

Garret nodded. "Would you like to go see them?" He rose from his chair, leading Andrew out of the amphitheater. They headed back out into the cool Faxanavian day, and down the bustling street towards another smaller, less ubiquitous building. This one was done out in a Greco-Roman style, with vast pillars, and a statue of Justice stood in the front, the blindfold over her eyes carved from the granite of the statue. They entered, out of the cold. "This is the hall of the Supreme Court. Actually, they should be in session- they're handling a very important case right now." He led Andrew down another hallway, and into the courtroom.

"Really? What is it?" whispered Andrew. He looked around, seeing the judges, just one defendant, and a lot of prosecution.

"Really? What is it?" whispered Andrew. He looked around, seeing the judges, just one defendant, and a lot of prosecution.

"Today's a very important decision. They've been arguing for months." Garret whispered back. "Since the refounding of the Republic, 7 years ago, there's been a great deal of controversy over gun control. Up until this year, we've had very strict gun control laws in Faxanavia. But, when the Autocracy was established," Garret shuddered, "people couldn't defend themselves. Now, they want to be able to do so. This case was brought before the Supreme Court, because, in theory, if gun control is outlawed, it will mean changing the constitution which is very much worded against gun control." He pointed out into the courtroom. "The man in the defendant's box is Charles D'Egrassio. He's the head of the FFNGC- Faxanavian's For No Gun Control. He's a character witness."

"But, what if you have people with guns and mental disorders?" Andrew paused. "What is the Court leaning towards anyway? Is there any decision in sight?"

"Well, the FFNGC has stated that they understand certain precautions must be taken, like not allowing convicted criminals to own a gun. But, currently, its almost impossible to own a gun in Faxanavia. They want to loosen those laws, and so far the court is leaning towards agreeing with them."

"Well, good luck with that." What a mess, Andrew thought.

OOC: I thought they already finished that...

OOC: OK then. Let's just tour the place. It doesn't really matter to me. Disregard that post.

IC: Andrew had an inspiration. "Is there a sporting event going on right now?"

Garret shook his head, but then a slow smile spread across his face. "No, but I have an idea of something that might interest you..." He reached into his pocket for a cellphone, and made a brief call. Several minutes later, a car pulled up. The two stepped in, and the car slid away swiftly along the streets. It headed for the arts sector of the city. There, rising over the cafes and the museums, a vast glittering stadium was being erected. Half domed, half open to the air, it rose above the buildings surrounding it, a tribute to Faxanavian engineering. "That, my friend, is Ivan Strucker Stadium. We're constructing it for the Rodinian international soccer playoffs. All very exciting."

"Wow." Andrew was stunned. It was beautiful. But, of course, his brother Connor would appreciate it more-him being the football player. It was all glass, and it was domed... unbelievable.

"Wait a second... did you say Rodinian playoffs?"

"Wow." Andrew was stunned. It was beautiful. But, of course, his brother Connor would appreciate it more-him being the football player. It was all glass, and it was domed... unbelievable.

"Wait a second... did you say Rodinian playoffs?"

Garret nodded, smiling at Andrew's expression. "Yes. The Uir are organizing the playoffs, interregionally We're very excited about the whole thing- the nation's a bit soccer crazy at the moment."

"We love football..." Andrew said. But then an idea occured to him. It might be startling, but it would be good for Kenavt's image. "Do you think we could join? We are not part of Rodinia, but we would love to participate."