NationStates Jolt Archive

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Department of External Affairs
Government of the Pacifican Federation

Official Diplomatic Communiqué issued by the Government of the Pacifican Federation

Regnant Marco de Rossi,

The Federation of Pacifica cordially invites the Most Serene Republic of Santheres to send a representative and/or delegation to meet with Pacifican External Relation officials and myself in Georgetown hopes of strengthening Santheres-Pacifican relations.


Hon. Rebecca Josette Laugier, EC, MNA, BSc.FS
Secretary of External Affairs
Federation of Pacifica

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To: Secretary of External Affairs

The Most Serene Noble Republic would be pleased to send a delegation to Georgetown. We strive to further peaceful relations with many nations and would relish the opportunity to meet with your representatives.

I have contacted the major Houses of my nation and hope that some will have in attendance a notable member. The delegation may therefore consist of several representatives, their names and number to be forwarded at a later time as I become aware of the final plans. You may expect an update within eighteen hours of this message, more than likely as they depart.

Pax tibi,
Marco de Rossi
Regnant
Duca, House de Rossi

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Department of External Affairs
Government of the Pacifican Federation

Official Diplomatic Communiqué issued by the Government of the Pacifican Federation

Regnant Marco de Rossi,

We appreciate the immediate response to send a representative or delegation to Georgetown. We look forward to building an everlasting friendship with Santheres and it’s people.

Hon. Rebecca Josette Laugier, EC, MNA, BSc.FS
Secretary of External Affairs
Federation of Pacifica

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The delegation should be on its way shortly. They will apprise you of their arrival, estimated twelve hours of flight time between our nations.

For your reference, aboard are:

Duca Alfonse Anerio
Duca Salvatore Paladino
Conteasa Mirella Condozzi

Pax tibi.


A private jet waited on the tarmac of Giarelli International. The three members of the delegation to Pacifica were arriving separately, as they commonly did so. At the very least, the Condozzi woman would never be seen with such a patriarchal pig as Salvatore Paladino unless there was no other option. Had she known he was coming, she would have lodged a complaint with the duchessa and demanded their family not show themselves.

Of course, the duchessa would have sent her anyway. After all, they couldn't have a Paladino going around and sowing lies about the Condozzi, could they?

At least she could revel in the fact that Salvatore had to come to the Giarelli airport. It must have been a constant niggling that the Giarellis had been given the honor of being the namesake of the largest hub in Western Santheres instead of his House. Not only that, but the jet in question was the property of the House Condozzi -- a Falcon 7X that had set them back 27 million lira and had been bought on a whim. The Condozzi were moving up in the world, far beyond the upstart matriarchy they had been just fifty years ago, and were ever more powerful than the Paladinos wanted them to be.

The expected reaction came quickly as Salvatore stepped out of the tram that taxied him to the tarmac. Mirella watched as he spat on the ground in a naturally undignified and spiteful manner. He glared at her and stalked past without a word, ascending into the jet.

She smiled as Alfonse, likewise, stepped from his taxi and followed Salvatore. As a conteasa, she was of lower standing and thought she would be respectful and wait for them before seating herself. She then followed suit, as well.

Ten minutes later, they were airborne. Alfonse sat between Mirella and Salvatore and kept asking their stewards for more alcohol. The more liquored-up the other two were, the more pleasant they would be to each other, and therefore would be much more pleasant to be around.

Drunk and later unconscious, the flight was almost over before they knew it.

Four black luxury sedans pulled up next to the Falcon 7X resting on the tarmac. The Secret Service had secured the area before the Santheres’ arrival. An agent opened the door to the fourth car. Secretary Rebecca Laugier stepped out of the vehicle. Her eyes rested on the Falcon 7X. She spoke while still looking at the aircraft, “Alert the External Affairs Office that the Santheres have arrived.”

“Yes Madam Secretary,” the agent replied.

Secretary Laugier walked midway to the aircraft waiting for the Santheres dignitaries to step off the aircraft.

Mirella was supported by Alfonse as they stepped out on to the tarmac. One hand rested on his shoulders, the other covered her eyes. She cursed at herself for likely ruining the first impression of her family by still being overly wobbly and a little nauseous. How she had drunk so much without noticing, she had no idea.

Salvatore seemed fine, though. He walked stiffly, perhaps moreso than normal, and moved faster than the other two, making him the first to make it to Laugier. He offered his hand. "Salvatore Paladino, signora." Motioning back to the pair, he added, "He is Alfonse Anerio, and the ill woman is Mirella Condozzi."

Secretary Laugier offered Duca Salvatore a smile while she shook his hand, “Welcome to the Pacifican Federation Monsieur Duca Paladino.” Her voice’s tone to a concern when she looked over to the woman apart of the Santheres delegation. The other gentleman had his hand over her eyes, “Does Madam Conteasa’s condition require any assistance from a medical professional?”

Before Salvatore could respond, Alfonse and Mirella reached them. Alfonse spoke up immediately, "The conteasa is well enough. Her stomach simply isn't made for air travel."

Mirella took a step away from Alfonse and took a deep breath, straightening her white jacket and clearing her throat. "Hello! I am the conteasa Mirella Condozzi, representative of the Condozzi family, and fully authorized to speak not only on behalf of my family, but also Houses Giarelli and de Rossi. Salvatore, how many do you speak for?"

The man didn't answer; he only adopted a thin smile.

Alfonse, however, did laugh lightheartedly in an attempt to ease the tension that was evidently forming between the other two. He said, "Oh, these games can wait until later, surely? Always the friendly rivalry between them. I notice you, ahem, use two titles to refer to us? There is no need to use monsieur or madam and indeed, I believe we might all drop other such formalities. You may call me Alfonse. And, pray tell what should we call you, signora?"

“Rebecca will do,” Secretary Laugier smiled at Alfonse Anerio and greeted Mirella, “Welcome to the Pacifican Federation. Conteasa.” She took a step back to look at the three Santheres standing in front of her, “I look forward to getting better acquainted with the three of you over the course of these discussions to strengthen Santheres-Pacifican relations in hopes to build a foundation for a bilateral partnership.”

"As do we, Rebecca, assuredly," Salvatore replied. "If you don't mind my asking, do you have this time scheduled or will there be ample time to do everything in a leisurely fashion?"

Mirella nodded. "I would appreciate experiencing your country. Believe it or not, this is my first time overseas, and back home everything is just so ... homogeneous where I've been."

“Of course, the Prime Minister has instructed me not to be a “bore” to our guests,” Secretary Laugier laughed with a smile. The Secretary nodded, “I’m sure we can make some arrangements for the three of you to visit various parts of the country. The Prime Minister did express interest in taking the time to become better acquainted with the three of you during your visit in Pacifica.”


“The Prime Minister has mentioned that he wants to take the three of you to the Georgetown FC and Sheffield United football match if any of you are interested in accompanying him this Thursday."

OOC: Football = Soccer.

Mirella clapped her hands together and immediately regretted it as the noise echoed in her skull. She did her best not to let it show, clasping her hands together and squeezing tightly. "Fantastic. I would love to watch a game."

"And I would greatly enjoy speaking with your Prime Minister." Salvatore snapped his fingers, "Ah, I nearly forgot, I have something for you; a token of ou--House Paladino's esteem." Reaching into his pocket, he withdraw a small box wrapped with a thin, soft, even silky fabric. Hidden inside was a gold pen, not gilded but gold, that was functional enough if slightly heavy for a pen.

"Might we continue this in the car?" Alfonse suggested as Salvatore took out the box, not knowing that he had an extra gift for the person who greeted them

Neither of them had known, but Mirella wasn't surprised. She simply rolled her eyes, expecting the item to be unnecessarily ornate.

“Thank you Salvatore for the gift,” Secretary Laugier said thankfully while she lent him place the gift in her hand. She nodded in agreement with Alfonse, “Please come with me.”

Secretary Laugier led them to the four black luxury sedans idling in a straight line with Pacifican Secret Service personnel standing at guard for their protection. She turned around to face the three Santheres, “We can go ride into town separately or I can request the Secret Service take us to the limousine waiting for us off the tarmac to become better acquainted?”

"I think we should all take the limo. After all, we are all friends here and should get to know each other much better!" Alfonse wanted to make sure that the other two would both behave and stay in close proximity. After all, Mirella was there for the protection of the two heads of house as much as she was to be a representative.

They both understood, not being entirely irrational. "Yes, let's," they said almost in unison, and proceeded to glance at each other oddly.

"Well, I say lead the way then, Signora Rebecca," Alfonse said, offering an arm to Mirella.

Rebecca nodded to Alfonse. She turned around to face the Secret Agent standing at the car, “Please call in the limousine, Agent Garrigues.”

“Right away ma’am,” Agent Garrigues said. He put his hand to his ear, “Agent Garrigues. Request: limousine for pick up.”

The Agent nodded, “Affirmative.” He looked at the Secretary, “Madam Secretary – Limousine – ETA five minutes.”

In two minutes the Secretary spotted the approaching limousine. She turned around to face the Santheres delegation, “I apologize for the wait.”

Salvatore only nodded. Mirella stayed quiet but smiled at Rebecca and sized her up for the first time, having finally realized she had neglected to originally on account of her not feeling well. But now that the nausea had subsided and the only remaining issue was some sensitivity to sound and light, she could bite through the day until that cured itself. Then she looked away quickly, and realized an error in her action -- that could have been horribly misunderstood. She refused to glance back; that would only make the issue worse. Instead, she looked at the agents nearby.

Alfonse shrugged, having not noticed a thing, "We did choose it, really."

“Are you okay, Conteasa Mirella?” Secretary Laugier asked with concern.

The limousine pulled up in front of the four sedans behind Secretary Laugier when she took a step forward to Mirella. Agent Garrigues came around the limousine. Two additional agents stepped out of the limousine to inspect the limousine.

"Oh, just fine. A little anxious being so far away from home."

Salvatore chuckled, "Yes, the Condozzi women in general don't get out of Santheres much."

Mirella kept her mouth shut. Now was no time to start something, no matter how much he tried to raise her hackles. She was moderately relieved that the Secretary was a woman and would possibly be sympathetic to her side of any argument, but that didn't really mean anything.

"Nor do most Santherese," Alfonse said. "Regardless of family or sex. Signora, perhaps you would tell a little about yourself."

Yes, change the subject, Mirella thought.

Secretary Laugier nodded her head understandingly. She offered Mirella a smile before being noted that the limousine was ready to take them into the city, “Just to let you know, the Secret Service has informed me that the limousine is ready for us.”

She allowed her guests to enter the limousine first. She sat down beside Mirella and crossed her legs ladylike and folded her hands on her lap, “What would guys like to know about me?”

The limousine slowly accelerated on the tarmac.

The three of them sat quietly for a moment, Salvatore and Mirella both with their legs cross at the knee. When they noticed they were doing the same thing, they both shifted in their seats and adjusted position. Salvatore put his feet down together while Mirella simply reversed her legs. Alfonse chuckled softly and shook his head at the two of them. One day their families would get along, perhaps, but that day was a long way off.

Mirella covered the somewhat eccentric behavior by speaking. "Well, let's start with your academic background? Interests, perhaps? I apologize, I'm not a diplomat, myself, so I have little of which to work off."

She smiled at her three new friends, “I joined the Pacifican Diplomatic Corps shortly after graduating from the University of Sussex with a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service. I was stationed in Novus Prosperitas until 2001. From 2001-2005 I consulted for the Prosperitan and the Pacifican government on various treaty negotiations. In 2007, I ran successfully in a byelection and last November I became the first woman to hold the Secretary of External Affairs position. What about you three?”

Salvatore, ever proud of his service, was the first to answer. "I joined the military at twenty, attending OCS, after earning a degree in political science. I have since become the head of my House, Grand Marshal of the Air Force, and a Minister of Defense."

"And we are always grateful to have such a man of integrity as a commander of our military," Alfonse added. "I, of course, have a humbler life. I attended university and received degrees in business administration and political science. Prior to inheriting my House three years ago, I earned an MBA and was working toward a law degree, which I admit I never quite finished. My family was more important than another superfluous piece of paper."

Mirella didn't speak for some time, wondering how she could follow the both of them. She should have gone first -- at least then, she would have simply been forgotten rather than shown to be clearly inferior to her companions.

She decided to go the "mysterious" route. "I have a degree in electrical engineering. My career choice is not something I'm at liberty to discuss with anyone, however. If you don't mind my asking, is it normally difficult for women here to hold office?"

“Not quite Madam Mirella,” Secretary Laugier continued, “In the last decade women in Pacifica have become a visible force in national politics. Over one hundred women were elected to our National Assembly last November. There are nine women including myself who hold cabinet positions in the Wittrock government.”

"Oh, well, then. Perhaps everyone who hasn't become so enlightened will learn from examples such as yours." Mirella smiled at Salvatore, who immediately had something to say.

"People should succeed based on merit, not on sex, one way or the other. I would be shocked if anyone supported candidates with no ability simply because they were female -- or male. It would be most disastrous."

Alfonse was noticeably uncomfortable and cleared his throat rather loudly.

Laugier offered a smile at her new companions before looking out the tinted window. She glanced over at Conteasa Mirella and nodded at the two men before turning to gaze out the window. She lightly closed her eyes and quickly reopened them, “My apologies. I’ve been up since four o’clock this morning prepping for your arrival.”

She brainstormed for a subject for discussion that wouldn’t make the parties involved uncomfortable. She knew the Santheres dignitaries didn’t want to be quick to discussing their role in laying the foundation for a bilateral partnership shortly after their arrival. They wanted to relax and enjoy themselves, “What recreational activities are available in the Santherese?”

"My favorite sport is fencing," Salvatore said. "Not that rules-ridden Olympic style but real fencing. Skill and speed, with some danger."

Mirella nodded. "The melees are fun, too. I don't believe many outsiders would hear of such a thing and not think us barbaric, however. They'd change their minds soon enough when they watched it."

"Of course, we have many of the same things everyone else does. Or most, anyway. There are dozens of popular sports and outdoor games. The bath houses are something the younger generation has repopularized, of course, and that's probably unique to our culture," Alfonse added. "I don't think I could go to such a place, though. Just a little too free if you ask me."

Mirella nodded again in agreement. "Our beaches are wonderful, though. I do hear they are famous amongst some outsiders. The northern ones, of course. The water is much too cold in the south."

“Something Santheres and Pacifica share in common: glamorous beaches. I was raised in the beach of Newmarket, which is southwest from our present location. Here in Pacifica, our recreational activities change seasonally. Football is all year round depending on the league. In the summer there are plenty of water-related activities such as swimming and polo. In the fall, Pacificans have taken an interest in baseball. In the winter, Pacificans like to hit the slopes to ski and snowboard. In the spring, there are festivals, fairs, etc.”

"We have our own share of snow sports in the south. I've never been, myself," Alfonse said. "My family has me much too busy in the north."

"As does mine," Salvatore added, likely to set Mirella apart as of lower status.

Mirella didn't bother replying to that. She changed the subject in hope of getting Rebecca to take up more of the conversation. The less Salvatore was given leave to speak, the better. "What are your festivals like? I love the festivals in Santheres."

Laugier replied to Mirella, “Day Festivals are family orientated with parades, open markets, free concerts. Evening festivals are oriented for adults with open markets, free concerts, beer gardens, et cetera.”

"Out of curiosity, what is the age of adulthood here?" Salvatore asked. "I've noticed most countries coddle their children and don't prepare them adequately for the world before they're eighteen, if not twenty. The very idea that those in the military cannot vote or enjoy a good drink because they are three or six years too young...."

"It is ridiculous, yes," Mirella said, happy that they may have found common ground. Of course, she was young and had strong feelings on the subject; he had been in the military since he was twenty and had doubtlessly had fifteen- and sixteen-year-olds in his command.

Alfonse simply nodded and looked out the window, watching the passing scenery.

“The age of majority is eighteen in Pacifica,” the Secretary informed them while she offered them a smile while she thought of a happier subject to discuss. They entered old sector of Georgetown, Louisbourg Square. The architectural style of the 18th century Pacifiquois (French Pacificans) with a modern approach. There were cafes and colberstone paths, “This is Louisbourg Square filled with so much Pacifican history.”

"Oh!" Mirella exclaimed. "It's almost like the Old City in San Gianpiero." Indeed, it was in many respects, though the style was somewhat different. There were clear similarities, however, all throughout the Square. Cobblestone streets, narrow as they would have been two hundred years ago, were generally the same everywhere they went. That didn't stop it from having a comforting effect on those whose homes had such roads.

"Quite. Rather Frankish, though." Salvatore nodded. "And what precisely is this Pacifican history of which you speak?"

Laugier gave the three a brief historical synopsis, “Pacifica was a overseas possession of the Kingdom of France from 1713 to 1763. War erupted between the French and British forces. The British seized Louisbourg, modern day Georgetown in 1763. France surrendered Pacifica to the British. Most of Louisbourg lay in ruins except for this quarter from British bombardment.”

"Oh, that is dreadful. Fortunate for tourism now, though, I suppose. I don't think Santheres was ever involved in that war."

Salvatore said, "Indeed not. Our ancestors had long since fortified the area and built an infrastructure they couldn't beat overseas. Maybe if we were in Europe, but so far out here, they couldn't touch us, so they ignored us."

He did know his history, didn't he. It put Mirella to shame, really, because she could only attempt to bluff her way through most of the topics that much of the nobility was expected to be at least passingly familiar with. Her job had set her apart, making those things much less important than, say, human biology and chemistry ... perhaps psychology. The humanities were far down the list. "When did you attain independence?" she asked.

Rebecca Laugier smiled at Conteasa Mirella and answered her question, “Pacifica obtained it’s independence on September 22, 1883 after we repatriated our constitution. We succeeded through negotiations.”

"Peacefully, and so early. We were independent almost immediately upon reaching the region. One day we stopped sending word back to Venice and they didn't do anything about it. Quite uneventful and doesn't make a good story." Alfonse spoke, still looking out the window, his tone somewhat distant.

Secretary Laugier offered Alfonse a smile, “Is there something wrong Monsieur Alfonse?”

The limousine turned down a curvy street with few mansion-sized homes.

He glanced over at her. "Oh? No, absolutely not. I'm just exhausted and smalltalk isn't really my forte."

Mirella noted the houses outside; they were big, yet still dwarfed by that of her family. She grinned a little, always pleased to see real evidence that her family really was as successful as her grandmother claimed.

“We have prepared three separate accommodations for you during your stay here in Pacifica,” Secretary Laugier continued, “the Pacifican government wants all you to be comfortable during your visit. There’ll be a full staff of butlers and maids per location.”

Mirella nodded. "That should be fine. These are all close together, yes?" It was her job to watch the other two, but she figured that as long as she was somewhere nearby, everything would be fine. "Will there be anything tonight?"

“You three will be practically neighbours. The Secret Service is the neighbourhood watch. They’ll have a presence at the three villas you’ll be staying at for your safety and protection,” Secretary Laugier continued, “The Prime Minister has expressed interest in meeting the three of you this evening at his residence.”

OOC: Sorry, stuff came up and is still ongoing. I didn't want you to think I'd just bailed altogether, though.

Salvatore nodded and replied, "Are we to head there straight away, then? I would sooner meet him than waste time at the villas. I believe we are all refreshed enough."

"I'd like to reapply my makeup, though I suppose that could be done anywhere." Mirella scratched the bridge of her nose. "Is that possible, Rebecca?"

OOC: No problem. I've been busy with several things on my end. All is forgiven.

“Of course Mirella,” Secretary Laugier offered her a smile before turning around. She pushed a button to buzz the Secret Service in the limousine’s cab. The window rolled down, “Change of plans – take us to the Prime Minister’s residence.”

The Secret Service Agent nodded her head and the window rolled up. Secretary Laugier picked up her cell phone and dialed the Prime Minister’s number. The Prime Minister’s private Secretary Mrs Janine Schofield answered the phone, “Please alert the Prime Minister that the Santheres delegation and I will be arriving at the residence within a half hour.”

The Secretary hung up her phone and slid it back into her purse.

OOC: Okay, bump for you and can you post again and get us to the residence and have whatever welcoming take place? I'd like to keep this going but have no ideas on how to continue small talk.

I'll delete this after you reply since OOC garbage sucks.

OOC: Sorry about being unable to continue with the story. I took an improptu hiatus from the game to look for work after losing my job. I've "rebooted" Pacifica as a monarchy, if you want to do a similiar RP like this one - let me know dude. Sorry again for the delay.