NationStates Jolt Archive

(OOC: My intro. No invasions please, would like to get this moving along a bit first. Hope you enjoy.)

Late 2008

‘Fuel prices continued to rocket following the Arab-Israeli war declarations yesterday. Across the country, protests in favour and against opposing sides in the conflict reached their greatest intensity since the crisis began. The government appealed for calm from the populace, and a State Department spokesperson stated firmly, “civil disorder will be punished to the full extent of the war.” Meanwhile, the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions have been placed on high alert for movement orders, and analysts expect the United States to intervene on behalf of the Israeli state…’

‘…as stock market prices took their second tumble in the space of a week, the President today announced that the United States would be deploying combat troops into Israel following an official request from the Israeli Prime Minister. “We cannot allow tyranny and oppression to continue in our lifetime,” he was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, sporadic arguments over fuel prices at several gas stations across the country resulted in local police call-outs…’

‘…entered into combat with Iranian forces earlier today. The Department of Defence has currently claimed a body count of 23 American servicemen in the fighting as the situation begins to escalate. Meanwhile, stores in rural areas were beginning to warn that rising fuel prices meant shipments of food and other stock were becoming harder to acquire, and economic forecasters warned of risks of inflation rises…’

‘The weapon detonated at 8.32 this morning a mile above ground level, wiping out a large section of Jerusalem. Leaders worldwide have condemned the nuclear attack, and the President has promised retaliation should nuclear weapons be used against American civilian or military personnel.’

‘…the National Guard was deployed into Richmond earlier today amid rioting over rising fuel prices as the scarcity of fuel begins to cripple the national transport system. Tear gas and plastic bullets were utilised in order to dispel the crowds, who threw projectiles and Molotov cocktails at the Guardsmen. The Governor has yet to comment on the situation.’

‘…the letter, signed by twenty-three state governors and one hundred and twelve legislators from various state legislatures, criticises the central government harshly for its heavy-handed and slow response to the developing national crisis, and calls for greater powers to be deployed at the state-level to help combat the crisis. Some extremist state groups have called for secession from the Union to protect citizens from the policies of the Federal Government.’

‘…in utter chaos. The weapon, thought to be a warhead stolen from the Russian nuclear arsenal and believed smuggled into the country by Iranian intelligence groups, successfully detonated in the centre of Washington. As of now, the Federal Government literally does not exist, with the majority of legislative and executive personnel, including the President and the Cabinet, known to be in the city at the time. The military has declared a state of emergency and National Guard forces have been called up as widespread panic, coupled with the rising unrest and the paralysis of the civilian transport system, essentially strangles the United States of activity.’

‘…has so far resulted in a total of twenty-three of the fifty states refusing to acknowledge the bare remains of the Federal government or its military support, citing “no longer the necessary democratic representation or political acumen to handle the crisis on behalf of state citizens.” Several of these states have declared de jure independence from the United States, whilst other groups are claiming a temporary de facto independence until the resolution of a crisis that analysts are calling the most dire threat to the union since the Civil War.’

-----

Several months later, 2009
Present Day

“Mister Speaker, the Governor of Alabama.”

The Alabama House of Representatives erupted into rapturous applause as Governor Andrew Black took the podium, a small smile across his lips as he modestly adjusted the sheets of paper in front of him. He looked across the room as members of the house left their seats to give a standing ovation; it was exhilarating, but expected. The Alabama Imperial Party had taken both houses by storm in last week’s elections, and a sea of party badges made up the majority of the house. The Governor placed both hands on the side of the podium and waited patiently as state media captured the scene on whirring cameras and flashing lenses. After a few minutes, the applause began to die down, and Andrew smiled as he began. “Fellow citizens of the great state of Alabama, our time of ascension is upon us once more.” He was interrupted once again by applause, and smiled again, more out of amusement this time.

He continued, panning the room with his eyes. “This great state, rich in history, proud in its defiance, has a long heritage of leadership in revolution against those who would seek to keep us down. This state, the first capital of the Confederate States, the proudest fighters that this country has to offer, will take that stance once again.”

More applause. Andrew paused for dramatic effect, his chin raised slightly to allow the cameras a more dignified and dramatic angle to his photographs. “Our Federal government has failed us,” he continued. “Their economic policies destroyed our country’s infrastructure, and even now fuel is scarce in supply. Their political policies led to the despicable terrorist nuclear attack on Washington, and have placed us all in great danger.” Andrew slammed his fist onto the podium, staring at the television cameras. “Their high and mighty aloofness has led to the destruction of the country, and I can no longer allow this to continue.”

Several calls of support from the assembled members met his declaration, even from those of the minority political parties in the room. Andrew nodded in satisfaction. “This is why we took the necessary steps to safeguard our citizens and our way of life. Our declaration of independence last month, perhaps the only thing I agree with the previous administration about, was the best course of action to allow our great state to grow and prosper once again amid the economic and political crisis that swept the Union.”

Black took a moment to breathe, dramatic effect being caught in cameras across the room. “However, this was not enough, and the great people of this state declared this to be true in last week’s elections. The Alabama Imperial Party has always maintained that we should take a more pro-active approach to the problems that face our country, and now, with the mandate of the people, we have the ability to carry through on our promises.”

Applause began again, but Andrew continued as if he had not noticed, his eyes beginning to blaze with emotion. “For make no mistake, our entire civilisation is under assault!” He slammed his fist once again at the end of that sentence for effect. “Communism, far from being part of a failed past, is still vibrant and destructive across the world, destroying our independent, proud and above all Christian way of life. Cultural intrusion on our state has reached rampant levels, to the point where intelligence groups of foreign nations could smuggle with ease a nuclear weapon right into our heart of government!”

More shouts of support. Andrew paused to take a breath, allowing his heart rate to slow slightly. He then continued in a slower tone. “We must correct this course of decay. We must prevent our state and our way of life from being destroyed, eliminated, diluted, oppressed and ridiculed. We will stand tall once again,” at which point the Governor spread his arms, looking to the ceiling, “and with God’s blessing and support, we will sweep across this land as saviours. This land, this Imperial Alabama as I propose we here forth be called, will embrace the values and desires of our forefathers and our national founders. For our imperial dream is to reunite our once great nation under one state once again for the protection of our culture and our way of life, and our name and policies shall encompass this from now until the end of time. Thank-you, and God Bless Alabama.”

The ovation continued for over ten minutes, longer than it took for the vote on changing the state’s name to take place. The Republic of Imperial Alabama had arrived in the world, and it was making noises already.

‘In the wake of the landslide victory of the Alabama Imperial Party, the organisation's Department for Public Information has re-issued the key points of the party’s manifesto, published through state media outlets to a wider audience. The AIP, a right-wing nationalist group that has long campaigned for Alabama independence, was swept to power in the backlash of anti-Federal and xenophobic sentiment over the last year following the collapse of the US economy, the Second Arab-Israeli War and the terrorist nuclear bombing of Washington. The party, following an ultra-nationalist, ultra-Christian platform, has promised to “restore Christian values across Alabama, combat terrorist and anti-Alabama activities and develop a “fortress state” mentality in national defence. The AIP manifesto also refers to the party’s desire to “reunite the former United States under a crusade of purity and glory and ensure that the greatest union on earth may never fall again.” However, whilst reception of the party has been largely positive by the voters of Alabama, critics and other political groups have cited the unconstitutionality of several AIP policies that stand in direct contradiction to amendments to the Alabama Constitution, an example being the party’s desire to promote Christianity as a state religious doctrine standing in contradiction to Section 3 regarding religious freedom.’

---

“So, gentlemen, we’re here.”

Andrew Black sat back in the plush leather chair and looked around at his advisory team on the other side of his desk. David Wrenshaw, his Chief of Staff and closest advisor, several years his senior and adopting a bushy salt-and-pepper beard across his chin, stood to one side of the desk, watching Andrew with intensity. Next to him stood Marcus Crawley, Communications Director for the AIP and now in charge of the communication apparatus. Gemma Haynes was the official Governor’s Spokesperson, a woman nearly fifteen years Andrew’s junior, looking vaguely uncomfortable in a high-power business suit. Finally, dressed in a sophisticated Saville Row outfit, looking far gentler than he truly was, Daniel Paine, the Branch Commander of the AIP ‘Grassroots’ Brigade, the activists on the street for the party that doubled as strongmen for the party structure. Various other lower-level staffers stood around the room with notepads and files. Each of them looked distinctly proud to be there, heads held high, their faces adopting a serious expression of businesslike showmanship for their new boss.

Andrew wondered how many of them would still be here by the end.

He clasped both hands together gently, and smiled. “How is the first phase going?”

Wrenshaw spoke first. He rubbed his beard gently for a moment, glancing down the row of his colleagues as he began. “We’ve begun the process of installing party loyalists into the higher levels of the civil service machine,” he spoke quietly, his voice deep and slightly rasping from years of smoking. “As this comes into place, we will continue down the line to the lower levels.” He cleared his throat. “That’s the easy part, however appointees to the judicial branches will require Congressional and Senate approval, and even with our overall majority I don’t like the publicity that will attract for some of the more…interesting candidates we have planned.”

Andrew looked at Marcus Crawley. The Communications Director nodded in agreement. “I concur,” he said, brushing a hand through short brown hair absently. “It’s far too early to move onto the judicial branches, even if we currently have the majority of public support. Currently, we’re in the honeymoon period of the administration, and there’s no telling how some of the population will react to some of our more…progressive policies as they come apparent. It will be a while until we find out how deep the hardcore support for the AIP goes within the population, and we will run into difficulty on the way there.”

Andrew smiled at the urgency in Marcus’ voice. He raised a hand in deflection of the matter. “Patience, my friend,” he said easily. “We have plans in place for this, and those will become apparent as our mission in this state progresses.” Andrew looked at his watch. “In a few hours time, I will be attending the House to announce my list of appointees for the Cabinet, and I expect very little problem with passing them through.” He smiled, looking briefly at Daniel Paine, who returned a brief curl of his lips. “In the mean-time, continue with your current instructions, and we’ll approach Phase Two soon enough.”

The advisors nodded, turning to leave the office. Andrew looked up again briefly from his notes. “Daniel, can you hang back for a moment please?”

Everyone else filed out, and Daniel remained behind. After a moment, only the Governor and Grassroots Branch Commander were left in the office. The sunlight through the window behind the Governor’s desk was beginning to fade, casting dim shadows across the room and outlining Andrew’s silhouette against the light. “How’re things progressing on the street?” the Governor asked quietly, rolling a pen between his forefinger and thumb.

Paine smiled slightly. The move showed a prominent scar across his jaw, and gave his grin the ugly texture of a slight grimace. “We’re beginning to run through the lists of voters from the election; general harassment, phone calls, propaganda leaflets, that kind of thing. ” He sighed, leaning on the edge of the Governor’s desk. “We are however going to require more manpower for later phases of the plan.”

Andrew nodded, leaning back in his seat. “I’m aware of that,” he said, dropping the pen onto the desk with an air of finality. “Mark my words, I have plans in place Daniel.” Governor Black eyed the Commander with a piercing gaze. “Do not fear, I will carry them out.”

Daniel smiled, then stood to his full height and saluted the Governor stiffly. “Just like old times, Andy,” Paine said with a smile, looking at his old war comrade.

Andrew grinned. “Just like old times, Danny.” He returned the salute, at which point Paine turned and left the office. As the door closed, Andrew was left alone in the office with his thoughts. He looked across the room at the emblazoned Alabama flag on the wall, framed and august, the light from the window highlighting it in a halo of reverent light. Andrew smiled, leaning back. “Just like old times,” he whispered.

OOC: Not planning to invade, despite my track record. It's more fun to undermine from within. <.<

The South Arctic

If there was one quality Tenurians could be said to possess as an ethnic group in totality, it was patience.

Fifty-six years ago, Thane Darlash, general of the Imperial Army, had overthrown the reigning family and its Senate, established himself as supreme ruler, and laid out a far-reaching master plan to bring peace and stability to his iron-fisted dictatorship and the world it controlled. Now Darlash was long since dead, but through the patience of the High Command who continued to carry out his plan, it endured; he had predicted that within a hundred years of his ascent the citizens would no longer require depressants to work peacefully, and now already the daily drug injections were lessening. The members of the High Command knew that there were still two hundred years or more to go before Darlash's vision was achieved, so they instilled these virtues of patience in those they selected to take their place.

The fourth section of Darlash's will told them that, to establish stability, the resource-poor Tenuria had to become self-sufficient, and to grow sufficiently large that outside nations with differing views would think twice before attempting military action against it. The best way to do this, Darlash had said, was to gain allies among like-minded governments, and establish similar mindsets in the citizens; this was always preferable to a simple invasion, which Darlash had felt to be wasteful, expensive, and lacking in subtlety. Never use soldiers when posters will do, he had once said. If you have to use soldiers, prefer a thousand to a million, a hundred to a thousand, and let the real battle be fought in the mind of the enemy. Besides, he had added, soldiers are expensive.

When the High Command noted the appearance of Imperial Alabama, it immediately saw a potential strong ally. The mindset of the government was fairly similar -- the strong centralized control, the focus on education and military defense, the initial populist appeal -- although it still remained to see how much further they would go towards the Tenurian ideal of proper government. It also remained to be seen whether they were genuinely ideologically motivated, or only using the ideological motivation as a bid for popular support. The High Command looked askance at ideological government.

Nonetheless it sent a message to the new government, offering aid. Diplomacy would provide them an opportunity to take a closer look and decide whether the newcomers were worth befriending.

Official Message

To Governor Black, of Imperial Alabama;

We are pleased to welcome you to the community of nations, and congratulate you on taking a firm stand amidst the increasingly fractured political warzone that is the United States. We are prepared to recognize your independence and to offer you whatever aid -- economic aid or military or infrastructuring assistance -- you might require at this time.

If you have time, we would be pleased to send an ambassador to your capital, to discuss these matters at greater length than is possible in this missive.

Thank you,
The High Command
si'Thaluö Tenuria

‘In an expected move following the landslide victory of the Alabama Imperial Party in the legislative and governor elections last week, both houses of the legislature approved Governor Black’s appointments to the State Cabinet by a huge majority. Speaking afterwards, Governor Black was quoted as saying this was “a great day for Alabama, a great day for the people and a great day for God Almighty” as he left the Senate this afternoon. The cabinet itself comprises several controversial figures in Alabama politics now in favour with the new administration. Chief among these include Warren Chiswick as Secretary for State Defence, noted for extremist comments in the press regarding foreign military intervention and his membership of Liberty Prevails, a right-wing pan-American think-tank that has put forward notable statements regarding the benefits of American world hegemony. Secretary for Education is filled by Duncan White, a prominent conservative whose reactionary views on education has lead to criticism from both academics and feminist groups. Secretary of State comprises Esmeralda Harcourt, a long-term ally of Governor Black and ardent Christian, anti-feminist and pro-life campaigner, whose position in charge of the police will highlight past comments regarding stricter punishments for offenders and a proposal last year to reincorporate corporal punishment into the penal system. The appointments, despite getting the majority approval of the legislature, has gained heavy criticism from liberal media outlets and pressure groups, and small protests were carried in towns and cities across the state. Meanwhile, fuel prices continue to remain at record levels as the Governor of California joined the increasing number of defecting states from the union, whilst US Army infantry engaged with the protestors in New Hampshire…’

---

Official Diplomatic Message

To: The High Command of Tenuria
From: Tyler Albright, Secretary for Foreign Affairs

‘On behalf of Governor Black, I would like to thank the High Command for its welcome to the international stage, its recognition of our independence as a sovereign nation, and its offer of aid. I would furthermore like to accept the offer of the High Command to send an envoy to discuss the aforementioned relations between the Republic and Tenuria.’

T. Albright

(OOC: Would you like to RP our meeting in a seperate thread?)

OOC: 'Tis your decision. If you do move it to a new thread, post link here.

The High Command selected Inquisitor Antonia Marevna as an ambassador. It was based on numerous factors.* First of all, she was unquestionably a good diplomat, despite her relative youth and military training, and she spoke English flawlessly. Second, she was meeting with religious conservatives, who tended to have.... certain views regarding women. As she was in her mid-thirties, and not attractive, they would slot her in the "motherly" category, and thus not consider her a threat. Third, she projected an aura of quiet self-assurance that seemed to convince the listener of the absolute veracity of whatever she was talking about until they stopped to think hard about it, a consequence of her years of training in the Sol-Marii, the Tenurians' elite paramilitary police, which meant that they didn't need to pay for an expensive bodyguard.

And of course, like all Inquisitors, she knew exactly what the High Command expected, and what the penalties were for failure.

She arrived several days later on a private plane, which landed at the closest airfield to the capital; it was an overcast blustery day, with the winds creating the perfect billowing image of an Inquisitor's cloak as she descended onto the tarmac. In the unfamiliar light she blinked, looking around at the peculiarly warm and verdant landscape; the sky was different here, but she had been told to expect that, and not think it unusual. Time to put the High Command's plans in motion, now.

* There's also an OOC reason, that being that I don't feel like I RP enough female characters.

(OOC: Apologies for the delay.)

Montgomery Regional Airport was ringed with soldiers of the Alabama National Guard, all civilian traffic officially stopped for the day. Several platoons had been pulled from the 1st Batallion to guard the facility for the arrival of the Tenurian dignitary, and no chances were being taken given the political state of mainland America at that point.

Tyler Albright was a tall, dark-haired man with an old-style handlebar moustache that made him look like an exaggerated stereotype of a Confederate General. Sporting a dark business suit with a lapel pin of the Alabama flag, he stood with two non-uniformed soldiers of the National Guard on the tarmac as the Tenurian aircraft spooled down its engines at the edge of Terminal One. As the diplomat descended from the aircraft, Tyler eyed the women with a vague degree of suspicion. After a moment however, he afixed a diplomatic smile on his face and stepped forward, walking across to the Tenurian diplomat and her entourage. A black limousine waited nearby, flags of Alabama flapping lazily in the breeze from the headlights. "Madam Diplomat," Albright said with a diplomatic tone, extending his hand. "I'm Foreign Secretary Albright. Welcome to the Imperial Alabama Republic. Please, if you'll follow me, we have a meeting arranged with the Governor to discuss the matters of our two nation's relationship. However, I am entitled to negotiate the preliminary aspects of the arrangement as we travel."

The entourage moved on to the limousine, climbing aboard and moving off, National Guard Humvees on either side of the vehicle as it moved off into the traffic of Montgomery. Secretary Albright sat opposite Antonia, trying to maintain a diplomatically friendly smile. "Tell me, what are the general concepts of the deal your government is proposing?"

Inquisitor Marevna sighted the Alabaman immediately. It is worth noting that one of an Inquisitor's many required functions is to blend in; what she wore was as close to traditional Western female business attire as the Tenurians had managed, with only the long black cloak as a concession to her position. A single attaché accompanied her, a grave hatted man only a little taller than her; that appeared to be the entirety of the Tenurian entourage. (It was hard to find a Tenurian who could speak good English.)

"Madam Diplomat, I'm Foreign Secretary Albright," said the Alabaman official, shaking her hand.

"Inquisitor Antonia Marevna," she said. "And my aide, Martins."

"Welcome to the Imperial Alabama Republic. Please, if you'll follow me, we have a meeting arranged with the Governor to discuss the matters of our two nation's relationship. However, I am entitled to negotiate the preliminary aspects of the arrangement as we travel."

"Thank you," she said, following him into the assigned seat in the limousine. Martins murmured something inaudible in Tenurian but she appeared to ignore it. "I have to say, four thousand kilometers feels a lot longer when you're just talking about it."

The man, Albright, sat down opposite her. Maintaining an appropriately stoic countenance, she wondered vaguely whether all Alabamans had facial hair and funny accents, or only this one was so unfortunate. "Tell me, what are the general concepts of the deal your government is proposing?"

She collected her thoughts for a moment. "Initially we'd be looking at a basic aid package; whatever you need up to a certain financial threshold, free. So if, say, you can't meet adequate police and military numbers for the first projected financial year, or if the former U.S. blocks any oil imports into Alabama, or... anything like that, we'd be able to help. Above that threshold, we'd be offering loans, interest free for the first few years, until Alabama's up on its feet."

"Initially we'd be looking at a basic aid package; whatever you need up to a certain financial threshold, free. So if, say, you can't meet adequate police and military numbers for the first projected financial year, or if the former U.S. blocks any oil imports into Alabama, or... anything like that, we'd be able to help. Above that threshold, we'd be offering loans, interest free for the first few years, until Alabama's up on its feet."

Albright nodded politely, his mind going over the points of the Alabama government's hopes for the deal. "That would certainly be something we would look enthusiastically at examining and hammering out into specific details," he said, stretching across in the vehicle to offer the Tenurian diplomat a glass of water from the limousine's miniture refrigerator. As the convoy winded through the streets of Montgomery, flags of the Imperial Republic waving enthusiastically in the breeze and the Foreign Secretary could not suppress a patriotic smile. "I hope you enjoy your stay in our historic state as well as pursuing government business, Inquisitor." Albright looked across at the diplomat. "Our state has a long and distinguished history since its initial colonisation, and local culture and architecture are second to very little in the former United States."

The limousine took the better part of half an hour to reach the Governor's Mansion, where it pulled in between a pair of armoured gates surrounding the building. Members of the National Guard were present across the grounds of the garden, M16s slung loosely over shoulders as they patrolled around the building. Albright nodded at one of the soldiers as they pulled up to the building. "As you can see, we are taking the threat posed by the remnants of the Federal Government very carefully. They still hold several northern states along the Eastern Seaboard, but what's left of the U.S. Army is too busy holding down the riots and civil disturbance to bother with the South right now." Albright grimaced. "However, we will be ready when they inevitably come."

The group was ushered from the vehicle into the Governor's Mansion, moving through the lushly decorated hallways until they were ushered into one of the State Rooms. Albright smiled politely at the Inquisitor. "If you'll excuse me, I shall attend the Governor presently and return for the meeting. If you require anything, there is a guard on the door." And with that, he left the room, leaving the Inquisitor and her aide alone in the room.

(OOC: Bump)

"That would certainly be something we would look enthusiastically at examining and hammering out into specific details," said Albright, as he passed Marevna a glass of water.

"Thank you," she said, tracing with her eyes the progress of a drop of condensation down its side. "I must say that what I've seen of Montgomery so far is.... very different from what it's like at home." She made this sound like a compliment.

Albright smiled. "I hope you enjoy your stay in our historic state as well as pursuing government business, Inquisitor. Our state has a long and distinguished history since its initial colonisation, and local culture and architecture are second to very little in the former United States."

"So I see," she said. "I'm sure I'll learn a lot here. I mean, Tenurian history goes back quite a long time as well--" she diplomatically avoided mentioning how long-- "but so much of the earliest history and culture has been lost to time." She smiled. "And the climate." (Albright might know that the Alabaman winter was more like a Tenurian summer, if he'd done the research.)

They pulled up to the Governor's mansion, which was heavily guarded. "As you can see, we are taking the threat posed by the remnants of the Federal Government very carefully. They still hold several northern states along the Eastern Seaboard, but what's left of the U.S. Army is too busy holding down the riots and civil disturbance to bother with the South right now. However, we will be ready when they inevitably come."

"As an Inquisitor, I was in command of a military unit for a few years," Marevna offered. "This kind of situation is where I would call in a preemptive strike -- to suggest to the USA that we're going to be too much trouble to deal with militarily. By the time they've rebuilt enough to consider themselves capable of attacking Alabama -- if they rebuild -- Alabama itself will be much more prepared for war." Pause. "Of course, I really shouldn't make suggestions like that. That's best left to the appropriate department."

Albright appeared to agree, as he said nothing. It was too early to make diplomatic blunders, anyway. That was best reserved for later on. He brought her into a state room, open and airy, well lit despite the overcast skies. "If you'll excuse me, I shall attend the Governor presently and return for the meeting. If you require anything, there is a guard on the door."

The Alabaman departed. Martins murmured something in Tenurian again; Marevna responded with a few sharp syllables. She instructed him to sit down. He did. She looked around at the wood paneling, the soft light, a painting on one of the walls. This made a nice change from the cold steel and bare walls of the Tenurian Command Bunker, miles under Tengrad megacity, and its labyrinthine passageways and hidden doors. Of course, Tenuria was one place where you didn't want to go onto the surface. It was bitingly cold, there were nuclear waste dumps and factories, the sky was a weird shade of red, and if you wandered too far from a megacity.... the Outsiders would get you.

Involuntarily she shuddered, and immediately chided herself. Inquisitors aren't supposed to know fear.

"Yes, that's fine." Governor Black was on the telephone when Secretary Albright was ushered into the ruler's office by an aide, and he held up a hand in a neutral request for patience. Albright stood at the edge of the room, the door behind him closing softly as the aide returned to their desk, and waited whilst the Governor continued his conversation.

Black was pacing behind his desk, a manner that Albright knew meant the man was nervous. "Look, all that matters to me is that Phase Two goes ahead as planned," the Governor was saying into the phone. There was a brief pause as the person on the other side on the telephone answered the Governor. Black nodded to himself again. "Good, just see that it gets done." Then he replaced the reciever on its cradle and looked up at Albright. "Tyler?" he asked with a pleasant but hurried tone.

Albright smiled briefly. "Sorry Governor, but the diplomat from Tenuria is here."

"Ah," Black said brightly, rubbing his hands together. "Alice?" he called out the door. An aide walked in, files under one arm, and placed them on the table for the Governor to collect. "So, what's he like?" Black asked, not looking up from the papers.

Tyler hesitated. "She seems a capable official," he said tentatively. He watched Black's eyes flick up from the pages. "Yeah..." the Foreign Secretary said, shrugging.

Black sighed, closing the papers in one hand with a snap. "Fine," he said with an exasperated tone. "We must remember to be diplomatic with these people, even if they do go against God's will." The Governor collected up the rest of the papers on the table and turned to the door. "Let's go," he said with a notable firmness in his voice.

The two walked out of the office and made their way to the State Room. After a moment's pause, Andrew turned the door handle and stepped into the room. The first impression the Tenurian Inquisitor would get would be of a tall man, six feet in height, with shortened dark hair, a clean-shaven face and a diplomatically pleasant smile. "Madam Inquisitor, I'm Andrew Black," he said, stepping forward with a hand outstretched. "Welcome to the Imperial Republic. I trust your journey was uneventful?"

The group moved across to the long, oak table in one corner of the room. Several aides stood around the room, one of whom began pouring drinks. Another aide sat in the corner of the room, a laptop computer in front of her in order to take minutes of the meeting. Andrew took a chair at one head of the table, placing the documents under his arm on the desk. "Firstly, I'd like to officially thank the Tenurian High Command for its recognition of our sovereign status, and in turn recognise the rule of the Tenurian High Command as legitimate over all Tenurian territories." He leant forward over the documents, hand reaching for a small glass of Scotch which he offered in toast before taking a sip. "I have several things I wish to enquire about regarding your government's offer," the Governor said with a businesslike manner. "However, first I would like to open the meeting to any opening comments you wish to make on behalf of your own government."

Inquisitor Marevna turned from where she stood, opposite the door. It would have been ideal to hold this meeting early in the morning, when sunlight streaming in from the windows would silhouette her and the long cloak of the Inquisition in a suitably dramatic way, but unfortunately today her dramatic entrance was subverted by clouds. It was no great loss anyway. The Inquisitor's garb was quite dramatic enough on its own, and the face above it -- angular and not handsome, but charismatic, dominated by compelling and somewhat hypnotic blue eyes, crowned with a neat expanse of ruthlessly repressed dark hair -- was suitably magisterial to be worthy of the title bestowed upon the mind that lay behind it.

"Madam Inquisitor, I'm Andrew Black," said the Governor of Alabama. She accepted his handshake. "Welcome to the Imperial Republic. I trust your journey was uneventful?"

"Yes, thank you," she said, seating herself in the designated chair alongside the aide. Martins had told her: They don't trust you. She agreed. They had no good reason to trust her. Time to change that, then.

"Firstly, I'd like to officially thank the Tenurian High Command for its recognition of our sovereign status, and in turn recognise the rule of the Tenurian High Command as legitimate over all Tenurian territories." He leant forward over the documents, hand reaching for a small glass of Scotch which he offered in toast before taking a sip. "I have several things I wish to enquire about regarding your government's offer. However, first I would like to open the meeting to any opening comments you wish to make on behalf of your own government."

She suppressed a smile at the formal language. Transparent motives had always amused her; in this case it appeared that Black had only agreed to the meeting because he knew something was in it for him, if only he could get past this damn woman. "In Tenurian, si'Thaluö means roughly 'transitional state'. Fifty-six years ago we rebelled against a decadent, decaying Empire to establish the government that now rules. The conditions were harsh, and nobody was there to help us survive and grow. So after fifty years we have yet to advance to an ideal form of government. Thus, it is only natural that when like-minded states arise, we are willing to offer them assistance, the assistance that we never received." As she spoke she became somewhat more animated, creating the appearance of relaxation while internally she remained coiled like a spring.

"As I've already mentioned to your Foreign Secretary--" her eyes flicked towards Albright for a moment, then returned to Black's, with an almost eerily steady blue gaze-- "the High Command is willing to offer substantial aid packages, up to a financial threshold to be determined, and no-interest loans above that threshold, until the Imperial Republic is self-sufficient and capable of survival in an increasingly fractured international community. The High Command believes we can learn much from one another, and it hopes -- I hope -- that we can build a mutually profitable and successful diplomatic relationship."

So saying, she cast her eyes downwards for a moment to the papers that Martins had handed her, then brought them back to Black's, in a silence that he felt compelled to fill with words.

Black leant back as he listened to the Inquisitor speak, his fingers absently tapping on the papers in front of him. He was silent for a moment, letting the information sink in. After a few moments when Black was sure the Tenurian was finished speaking, he nodded slightly and leaned forward again. "Firstly, I salute the activities of the Tenurian people in throwing off their decaying government and installing a regime indicative of the true requirements of protecting the people," the Governor said with a diplomatic smile. "We find this to be much similar to our own revolution, and with God's help I hope we can both step into the future as international comrades in the fight against those who would destroy us."

Black looked down at his papers once again. "Your offers of aid and loans intrigues me. Part of our policies include an emphasis on greater economic activity, an increase in public works and employment that will assist the development of our economic infrastructure. I also wish to pursue aggressive and rapid reorganisation and armament of our military forces to assist in pursuing the expansionist policies of my government and to aid in our protection against the former oppression of the United States to our north." Black turned over a page. "This aid would certainly help in payment for these policies as we developed our own self-sufficiency. What kinds of limits would we be looking at for this aid before it became loans?"

This time it was Marevna's turn to lean back. She'd read the projections the High Command had offered her, of Alabama's GDP for the next five years, adjusted for the most optimistic of plausible economic scenarios. "We're expecting the High Command to authorize aid up to a total of between four and six hundred billion dollars. Maybe more, if I can get away with it. This includes whatever the costs are of arms shipments, building equipment, even deployment of military and paramilitary forces if necessary, plus the requisite cold hard cash to fund domestic economic policies. The only limits are that it would have to be used for the benefit of the public -- which, after all, is the main purpose of government. Whether it's by building a military force to keep the people safe, by creating jobs to keep them employed, by establishing educational initiatives to keep them happy -- well, you know."

She wasn't too happy with the "well, you know", but she avoided showing it, maintaining a suitably diplomatic composure.

Black glanced momentarily at Secretary Albright as the Inquisitor outlined the totals in question, the two sharing a brief communication in their eyes. As a small nation, 400 to 600 billon dollars would go a long way towards developing their policies. The Governor smiled, this time more earnestly, and took a sip of his Scotch whilst an aide offered Marevna a selection of drinks. “This certainly sounds most interesting,” Andrew said carefully, placing the glass back lightly on its coaster. “I would thank yourself and your government for such a generous offer of help.” Black smiled, steepling his hands and leaning towards the Inquisitor in an almost confidential manner. “I can certainly tell you that our plans for the public good are wide-reaching, and are indeed already in action. Only just earlier today I announced to the houses of legislature my intention to bring forward a budget to fund a massive public works program to develop the economic and social infrastructure of the country in order to better serve our nation. Such aid would go a long way towards this. As for the development of our defensive capabilities, this would be also highly beneficial to our plans.”

The Governor took another brief sip of his scotch, and then thought for a moment, formulating his words diplomatically and carefully. “In terms of this offer,” he said neutrally, “I have to enquire as to the proverbial ‘catch’, so to speak. For example, you mention that the aid would require use towards the public good – what would the High Command define as such investment and expenditure? Would there be oversight on such spending from bodies external to the Imperial Republic, or would signing the cheques be left solely up to us? Furthermore, what would your government expect in return for this aid investment on a short- to long-term basis, either in terms of repayments or other agreements concerning Imperial monetary, territorial or other assets?”

Ah, money. The universal language. Marevna sipped from a glass of sparkling mineral water and frowned; it wasn't nearly bitter enough. Setting it down on a coaster and carefully wiping a droplet off its side, she said: "You needn't worry too much about the proverbial, as you say, catch. The High Command intended its aid to be used for the growth and development of the Imperial Republic, for the kind of plans that as it happens you have already made. What you use the aid money for is entirely up to your discretion; the stipulation 'for the public good' only requires, as far as I can tell, that it be used for official government programs aimed at improving the quality of life. That would cover everything from your public works program, to rebuilding police and military numbers, to--" a pause as she seemed to think of something-- "promoting political awareness in the general public."

She removed another page from the dossier and brought it to the top. "As for what we're expecting in return? Friendship.... perhaps an embassy.... it's possible that the Inquisition will ask you for intelligence on the former United States, although only at very infrequent intervals; it's been looking to 'plant a flag' there for several years now, and you'll be allowed to turn down their requests if they do. Repayment will not be required. We don't generally attach strings to these things."

Governor Black smiled as the Inqusitor spoke; this was sounding too good to be true. He nodded enthusiastically, leaning forward across his notes towards the woman. To one side, Secretary Albright was in conversation with several other officials, one which was wearing a military uniform. Low, urgent voices filled their small conversation, ideas being thrown between them regarding the uses for such money.

The Governor took another sip of his scotch, noticing that Marevna did not seem to approve too highly of the water. He made a mental note that, should the Imperial Republic continue to have close dealings with the Tenurians, to keep a supply of imported water from that country for such occasions as this. He would speak to Albright about this later. Then Black continued, "This deal sounds most satisfying to both our nations, and in principle I would say I approve of such an agreement wholeheartedly." Andrew rubbed the back of his left hand with his right absently. "Forgive me; how far do you have authority to negotiate these deals on behalf of your government? Is this something you would be able to sign into effect as a treaty document now or would this be something to be officially agreed between myself and your national executive?"

The sun was reaching lower into the sky outside the office, one or two birds flitting past the window peacefull in their own natural ignorance to the machinations of the world's dominant species. Arranged by the window were several of officials; one man in a military uniform, another two with badges of the party on their lapels, and another man wearing a butternut-coloured dress uniform with a red armband depicting the letters IR in black. All of them were smiling politely as the deal was arranged in front of them. All of them would inevitably gain some jurisdiction over the money being arranged. They stayed silent, listening intently as their leader and the Tenurian hashed out the deal that would help put their individual plans into action.

"The High Command has invested in me the authority to do everything necessary to close the deal short of actually signing cheques," Marevna said. "The financial side will be dealt with by the appropriate department of the si'Thaluö. However, I'm authorized to negotiate the details of how you'll receive the aid, whether each installment will be made payable to you directly or to the department responsible for the program for which you've requested aid, and the exact financial cap -- although the High Command has asked me to consult with them before putting any numbers on paper."

As she spoke, her aide Martins was watching the men at the window with an apparently imperturbable gaze, smiling only with his eyes, perhaps trying to decide what they did in the organization. He tried to avoid giving them the feeling that he was sizing them up, the way a torturer appraises his victims, but some of that was perhaps inevitable (and the title of 'Inquisitor' definitely didn't help).

Andrew nodded as he listened, smiling with restrained anticipation. He clasped his hands together in a gesture of good spirits, and glanced at the others in the room before turning back to Marevna. "Excellent, I'm sure we will all agree." There were a few nods from the wall. Governor Black continued. "In which case, the money would be best paid directly into the government accounts within the Department of the Treasury, so as to allow the smoothest of processes in allocating the funds to appropriate areas by myself and my Cabinet."

There were a few more murmurs of approval from the group of officials lined against the wall. Martins would not have to look far to discover who they were; AIP propaganda was full of their faces following the party's election to power. The military official, in dress green uniform and sporting the insignias of a Major General in the US Army - Stars and Stripes torn from the shoulders of the uniform - was Charles Stopworth, formerly an officer in the Union and the most senior soldier in the Alabama National Guard, an ardent nationalist and outspoken supporter of the AIP since its inception several years before. To his left, sporting dark suits with AIP badges on their lapels - the state flag with the party's initials emblazoned in gold upon the red cross - were Secretary of Defence Warren Chiswick, a tall, dark-haired man with thin stubble across his cheeks and a foul smell under his nose, and David O'Donaldson, newly-appointed Secretary to the Treasury, a blonde-haired youthful figure in his early thirties with a calmer expression on his clean-shaven face. The man in the butternut uniform, mock-military dress in its design, was Daniel Paine, a tall, well-built man with a glint of cold indifference in his eyes and an unflinching expression as he regarded Martins in return. In politics, he was the leader or 'Commandant' of the Imperial Republicans (IR), the activist wing of the AIP and answerable directly to Governor Black. The Tenurians needed only to look back at the track record of IR members to see the kind of low-level vandalism, harrassment and bullying they had subjected upon opposition voters in the direct run-up and aftermath of the election.

The Governor continued. "I would like therefore to propose a matter whereby we take the maximum amount of aid your government is willing to provide us before it crosses into territory that would be considered a repayable loan. After which point, should our plans require further funding we cannot find from within, we would look to the High Command as the preferential lender for government loans. Black leaned forward again. "In return for which, I would welcome greatly a diplomatic embassy within the Imperial Republic to represent the High Command's outlook, and furthermore would look very favourably on interaction and cooperation between our intelligence services and those of your own government once our own agencies have been fully established and begin their operations. Assuming the High Command found these terms prefereable, we would be willing to sign such matters into effect once documentation was provided."

"That sounds acceptable," said Marevna, noting to herself that she should convince the High Command to give people money more often: the negotiations always went so smoothly. Martins handed her a PDA, and she typed out a short message, then looked back up at Black. "The High Command isn't back in session for two hours or so. I'll just write in the aid package for six hundred billion dollars, and if they want to complain, they can complain to me when I get back." She reread one of the papers in front of her, scribbled in the amount on the appropriate line, and continued reading, frowning. "There's another line in here about any requests for 'tangible services' being taken out of the aid money. Unless you think you're likely to require, for instance, the assistance of the Sol-Marii or the Inquisition in the immediate future, I'll just cross that out." She turned over a page. "Something else about setting up the special aid account... irrelevant, since it's being paid direct to the Treasury." She crossed something out and continued skimming the page downwards, nodding a few times.

"The documents are ready to be signed, I think. We may want to prepare a few clean copies, though; Command left room for all the contingencies, so I had to cross a few lines out." Marevna'd crossed them out with a black highlighter, too; a relic perhaps of the Inquisition's long history as an intelligence and counterintelligence agency as well as being a diplomatic unit. She was a little bit surprised at this; after all, the High Command knew everything, and could predict the future through simple mathematics. Perhaps it hadn't wanted to intimidate the Alabamans by providing eerily prophetic documents. Perhaps the mistake had been due to a low-level functionary. Who knows.

Andrew nodded with a smile. "By all means, should some time be taken to prepare fresh copies to be signed you are welcome to the accomodations of my home and my country." He looked over his own documentation. "Everything seems to be in order," he said without looking up. "May I enquire as to what services were possibly available from the Inquisition or the...Sol-Marii?" He looked up at the last part with a questionable expression, clearly unsure of what the name referred to.

Albright fidgeted momentarily by the Governor's side. He had stood silent for a while, and both he and the members of the regime by the wall were itching to get on with business. There had been some question within the upper levels of the party about even allowing aspects of foreign help at all, although the Governor had silenced these voices quickly. "We are setting about history here," he had said at the Cabinet meeting. "We should not pretend that we are the only people in the world who have similar aims as ourselves. Standing obstinately on our own out of misplaced pride is completely different from developing an independent, self-sufficient national situation over a period of time to further our own plans." Albright had not entirely agreed, but had gone along with the Governor's plans; his loyalty to the man was absolute, and Black had not shown them wrong yet, organising the AIP from a minority rabble just a few years ago to the current regime as it stood. For Albright and his like-minded companions, the future was bright under Governor Black.

"Essentially, direct military assistance," Marevna said. "The Inquisition was originally, many years ago, a counter-intelligence agency.... it sought out or 'inquired' spies and heretics, and made it its business to know everything that was occurring in the land. It seemed only natural, therefore, to extend our functions to diplomacy and military command when the si'Thaluö took power. Aid from the Inquisition could come in the form of seeking out terrorist cells, of sowing dissent and confusion among opposition parties, of conducting more ... effective interrogations of enemies of the state.... if you felt less than complete confidence in your intelligence organisations and partisan brigades, which I rather doubt.

"As for the Sol-Marii... I believe you have a similar organisation operating in your nation now. The Imperial Republicans, I think. The Sol-Marii were the vanguard of the popular front under which the si'Thaluö took power. By now, with all of the citizens fully won over to the transitional government, their role has evolved into a sort of paramilitary police and black ops force. If the streets of Montgomery were filled with angry rioters, and the National Guard could barely maintain control of this mansion, the Sol-Marii would be in their element. As I see it, however, your government has successfully taken control with nary a drop of blood spilled, and in a remarkably orderly fashion, for which you should be congratulated."

There were a few things Marevna neglected to mention about the Sol-Marii; things which were not common knowledge, but which an Inquisitor should have known. It was a long story, but the short version was that the Inquisition had created, tortured, brainwashed, and conditioned them until they followed its orders absolutely, while it used its control over the media and education to generate a popular insurgency against the Empire. All this was unknown to the short-sighted Imperial Senate, which asked the Inquisition and the military to halt the insurgency; they responded by deploying the Sol-Marii and ordering the insurgents to stop their activity. Once enough Sol-Marii had been deployed, including as the Emperor's personal guards, they were simply ordered to execute the entire Senate, the Imperial family, and every loyalist official they could find. Then they also killed the leaders of the insurgency, barcoded every citizen of Tenuria, installed cameras in people's houses, separated families and moved children into re-education camps..... okay, so they're not a perfect analogue.

The Governor nodded. "Well," he said, glancing briefly at his companions. "Those offers are most appealing, however I believe the notion of having soldiers of a foreign nation on Alabama soil in large numbers would be...undesireable by the party and the people that put us in power." There were some nods from that group.

Black continued, looking back to Marevna. "However, I am interested in the notion of some links between our military, intelligence and para-military organisations beyond intelligence sharing. For example, although we have some personnel experienced in the fields of intelligence and military operations, I would be very interested in some form of training scheme between your intelligence officials and my own, and assistance in the formation and structure of the intelligence organisations that I have just recently have formally commissioned. Furthermore," he continued, "I would be interested in some form of military advisors from your own nation co-working with our own officers in the training and formation of future officers and fighting personnel of all branches of the National Guard, along with...its future descendents." The Governor smiled. "Including that, I would be glad to sign the official documents as soon as possible. I have big plans for Alabama, and I am eager to put them into play."

(OOC: Bump)

"Those offers are most appealing, however I believe the notion of having soldiers of a foreign nation on Alabama soil in large numbers would be...undesireable by the party and the people that put us in power."

"My thoughts exactly," murmured Marevna, quietly enough that it didn't seem to interrupt Black's train of thought.

When the Governor had finished she smiled, taking a last sip to drain her glass. It was almost certainly only a diplomatic smile, but it felt somewhat friendly. "That should probably be acceptable. The Embassy will be staffed by members of the Inquisition, who will of course be free to work with the branches of your Government to whatever degree you consider best; as for military advisors, I'm sure that could be arranged with the appropriate branch of the High Command." She coughed once. "Of course, the salaries of any such advisors would probably have to be taken out of the aid package, but again, that's not exactly my domain."

"Including that, I would be glad to sign the official documents as soon as possible. I have big plans for Alabama, and I am eager to put them into play," said Governor Black.

It sounded as though the meeting was reaching its end; the dialogue seemed to indicate that, anyway. "We're looking forward to seeing it," the Inquisitor said, briefly wondering whose responsibility it was to bring it to an official close. (Obviously it wasn't the end of the summit. The documents needed to be redrafted and signed; redrafting was new to the Inquisitor, as the High Command usually provided the documents on its side in their final form, almost as though the negotiations were merely a formality for an agreement they had known the others would sign from the start.)

OOC: Lol, timing.

Governor Black nodded with firm purpose, and stood from his chair, extending a hand to the Tenurian in a gesture of goodwill. "Excellent," he said with a genuinely enthusiastic smile. "Whilst the documents are being redrafted, I would like to invite yourself and your entourage to be guests within my country until such a time as the documents are signed. You are welcome to the use of one of the Mansion's guest suites for your own comfort."

(OOC: Sorry, very short but very tired.)

(OOC: Bump. More detailed post next time.)

Marevna stood as well, accepting the handshake. "Thank you very much," she said. "We would be delighted to accept your generous offer."

As they departed the meeting room in the tow of whomever the Governor had designated to guide them, Martins murmured a few words in Tenurian. "<Some of them did not seem especially friendly.>"

Marevna didn't turn to look at him. "<Information leaks out. And, of course, some people simply don't trust foreigners. We can only hope that they'll warm up.>"

There was not much danger of anyone understanding them -- Tenurian was spoken by only a few outside of the mainland itself, and had evolved enough from its Finno-Ugric roots that even native Hungarian and Estonian speakers could only catch one word in five -- but they nonetheless spoke very quietly, and said nothing too revealing. Mishaps had happened before, and the usual Tenurian response (killing everyone who knew about said mishaps) was a definite diplomatic faux pas, even more severe than making a rude hand gesture at the nation's leader by accident.

OOC: Short post. I couldn't think of much to write.

(OOC: At this point, do you want to make a news-based announcement regarding the deal to close down this RP? Or write up the document so both sides can sign it IC. Seems like a good place to shut things down from here.)

(OOC: Bump)

(OOC: Bump)

It was a new day when Inquisitor Marevna next stepped into the conference room.

In the meantime she'd spent time in Alabama. She'd visited the historic buildings and Civil War sites in and around the capital, paying close attention to everything the tour guides had said, to their mild surprise. She'd attended a concert of what she decided was Alabaman music, held by a choir that sang a variety of strange and unusual sounds. (Someone named "Traditional" had written most of the songs, but they weren't any she'd ever heard before.) She'd climbed a mountain in the Blue Ridge, a couple of hours away from the life of the city, and wondered exactly why it had been considered a "strenuous" hike -- the elevation gain was scarcely a thousand meters.

Now the agreement had been fully executed and, opposite her and with a genuine-looking smile, the Governor had stepped forward from the ranks of Alabaman government officers and shook her hand, while cameras clicked and blinding flashes of light temporarily burned out her peripheral vision, from behind a barrier where numerous officers of the press were waiting. Then, with a suitably dramatic gesture, she laid the completed agreement out on the desk and signed it with a flourish, taking a moment to glance briefly over it to make sure everything was in order:
This agreement of Economic Aid, between

the si'Thaluö Tenuria (hereafter "Tenuria" or "the si'Thaluö") -- benefactor,
and
the Imperial Republic of Alabama (hereafter "Alabama" or "the Imperial Republic") -- beneficiary,

is to be fully executed and legally binding upon all signatory parties once it has been signed by official representatives thereof, as described below:

1. (a) Whereby, upon the signing of this agreement, the si'Thaluö Tenuria shall deposit the sum of Six Hundred Billion Dollars [$600,000,000,000] into the accounts of Alabama's Department of the Treasury, for official use, and to be used for the good of the nation as a whole;
(b) wherein "the good of the nation" (1a) is defined as use for projects including but not limited to public works, national security and defense, education and media initiatives, and other similar projects.

2. The allocation of the sum amongst the various Alabaman government Departments shall be overseen by the Alabaman Department of the Treasury itself, not by any Tenurian authority; the High Command of the si'Thaluö is entitled to request a summary detailing the use of the funds, but the Treasury is not required to provide full details thereof, nor will there be a time limit of any kind imposed upon the Treasury for its distribution of the funds.

3. (a) Due to the nature of an Economic Aid agreement, the Treasury is not required to pay any amount back unto the si'Thaluö in connection with this agreement.
(b) If the Imperial Republic requests any military, engineering, agricultural, or law enforcement assistance from Tenuria, or any other aid requiring the deployment of Tenurian personnel, it is not required to cover the costs of deployment or of equipment used; however, it will be required to host Tenurian personnel on Alabaman soil until such time as the aid is completed.
(c) If the Imperial Republic requires additional funds in aid or assistance, it will be eligible for a loan from the Bank of Tenuria as a favoured customer up to the sum of Ten Trillion Dollars [$10,000,000,000,000], which is to be negotiated separately.

4. (a) A Tenurian embassy in Montgomery, or whatever other city the Imperial Republic designates, is to be constructed and staffed to facilitate further diplomatic relations.
(b) Costs incurred by the construction of this embassy are to be paid in full by the Imperial Republic. Costs incurred during the Tenurian si'Thaluö's lease upon the embassy are to be divided equally between the si'Thaluö and the Imperial Republic, with further negotiation possible.
(c) Should the Imperial Republic desire, an Alabaman embassy may be constructed in Tengrad as well, or whatever other city the si'Thaluö designates, to be staffed by Alabaman envoys.
(d) Costs incurred by the construction of this embassy are to be paid in full by the si'Thaluö. Costs incurred during the Alabaman Republic's lease upon the embassy are to be divided equally between the si'Thaluö and the Imperial Republic, with further negotiation possible.

5. The Inquisition, or its successors, is to be allowed access to work with the Alabaman Department of Intelligence, or its successors, for the benefit of both nations. Inquisitors and affiliated personnel are to be hosted by the Imperial Republic while stationed on its soil.

6. Upon the request of the Imperial Republic, military advisors from the si'Thaluö will be allowed to work with the Alabaman National Guard, or its successors, for the purposes of training and exercises. Military personnel are to be hosted by the Imperial Republic while stationed on its soil.

7. (a) The si'Thaluö shall update Alabama's status to a favoured trading partner, and tariffs on Alabaman exports entering Tenuria shall be lowered by five percent.
(b) The Imperial Republic shall update Tenuria's status to a favoured trading partner, and tariffs on Tenurian exports entering Alabama shall be lowered by five percent.

We hope for a brighter and more propserous future, and look forward to future interaction.

Signed for the si'Thaluö Tenuria,
____Antonia Marevna_________
Inquisitor Antonia Marevna
Vicemoderator, Oversector Six
[Official Seal of the si'Thaluö]

Signed for the Imperial Republic of Alabama,
____________________________
Governor Andrew Black
Governor of Imperial Alabama
[Official Seal of the Republic]

Then she handed the pen to Black, Black signed it as well, and spouted an undoubtedly historic one-liner which would most likely be the headline in tomorrow's paper.

And, within an hour, it was all over, and she was back on the plane to Tenuria.

The strangeness of everything about Alabama was somehow disorienting, she decided. There was something comforting about the largely underground megacities of Tenuria itself, even if they looked cold and clinical at first. And blue skies? She could understand red, purple, grey; but blue was a little unrealistic. She wondered briefly why there even was a difference. What had happened that had made Alabama's skies blue, and Tenuria's red.

But it is, after all, those little differences that make the world turn.

With that comforting thought she went to sleep. With one eye open, as Inquisitors do.

OoC: Alabama are you new here, you're an excellent RPer

Official Government Communique

'On behalf of my government, I confirm the validity of this Agreement between the si'Thaluö Tenuria and the Imperial Republic of Alabama. Furthermore, as according to the articles of the Agreement, my government officially requests for an exchange of embassises and associated diplomatic envoys, along with a request for the deployment of military and intelligence advisors to the Imperial Republic to assist with the development, training and reorganisation of our military and intelligence infrastructure.'

Governor Andrew Alexis Black