NationStates Jolt Archive

Princeps Nataša Anić (http://my.imageshack.us/edit.php?url[]=209/4131/366616524/collegehumor3857b2537ef.jpg/y)(the Head-of-State's title had been changed to go with recent democratic reforms) stepped gingerly onto the tarmac. She glanced at the platoon of soldiers of the Skraelingian Militus Cataphractii, the elite Imperial guard, who had been assigned to protect her. And, true to form, as her brother Isaac would have said, she immedietely stumbled, directly infront of the Zinairian delegation that had come to welcome her to their nation.
Dammit! she cursed mentally. Damn woman's fashion! as she stumbled on the high heels (though not particularly large ones, she remembered embarassed) she was wearing. Luckily, she caught herself, and avoided the embarassment of faceplanting. She picked herself up, brushed off her blouse, and began walking, more carefully now. The last thing she needed to start off a diplomatic meeting was to have to spend ten minutes trying to get her lip to stop bleeding. She strode up to the Zinairian welcome-wagon.
"Pozdrav ja sam Nataša Anić." (Greetings, I am Nataša Anić). She paused, realizing, with embarassment, that the Zinairians probably didn't speak Croat.
"My apologies!" she exclaimed, mortified, and blushing profusely. "I forgot you probably don't speak Croatian!" she paused, and composed herself. Just great, you idiot! she mentally berated herself. First diplomatic meeting and you're making an idiot of yourself! "I am Nataša Anić, Princeps of Skraelingia. You are?"

Lady Valérie Bardet, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, stood surrounded by Foreign Service employees and Special Protective Service agents. The agent assigned as her personal guard held an umbrella over the diplomat's head, shielding her from the light rain and tropical sun. Lady Bardet wore a cream-colored silk blouse and a long, high-waisted black skirt. The SPS agents surrounding her were a wall of lightweight grey, black and blue suits and the gaggle of lower-lever diplomats and administrators wore a variety of office-wear.

Lady Bardet offered her hand to Princeps Anić with her trademark cold smile. "Welcome, Madame Princeps. I am Lady Valérie Bardet, Minister of Foreign Affairs. As soon as you're ready, we'll be taking you to the capitol. However, Madame Princeps, I must ask that you limit your security detail to just a couple of your own soldiers. Our Special Protective Service will be handling your security, if that isn't a problem."

Nataša took the offered hand and shook firmly. As Lady Bardet gave her smile, she felt herself shudder slightly. That cold smile was doing nothing to inspire confidence in her.
She nodded. "Absolutely. I trust three men are acceptable?" She turned to Captain Henriks Johannson, the Dane in charge of her personal security. "You, Leopold, and Fedor?" she asked the Captain.

"Absolutely. Leo! Fedor! With us now! Your Lady needs you!"

"Got it, chief," Leopold smiled wryly as he spoke. The short, lean soldier carried the FN 1949 characteristic of Skraeling forces at that point, but it was important to note the heavy infantry saber belted to his waist. It was not for show. Leopold Landsermann was one of the most deadly swordsmen alive. He did not cut, thrust, and parry. He was economical, precise, and above all, not afraid to fight unfairly. He was one of the few in the Skraeling forces that still used a sword as a preferred close-quarters weapon.

"My pleasure," Fedor Mannheim grunted. The larger soldier was comprable to a bear. Big, fast, and strong enough to rip a man apart. He also carried the standard weapons of the Militus Cataphractii, but, unlike Leopold, he carried a night stick as a last-ditch weapon. It was iron reinforced, and was often enough used to break men's bones when necessary. While his exterior suggested a slow, dull-witted man, Fedor was actually as clever and well-read as they came.

She smiled. Anyone would feel safe with Henriks, Leopold and Fedor at their back. "Anyways, please, call me Natasa. I find titles so cumbersome," she fluttered a hand casually. "When shall we go?"

Lady Bardet led Nataša and her guards to a line of black SUVs with small Zinairian flags mounted on the hood. Most of the staff assembled around the minister seemed to know where they belonged. Most of the diplomats and administrators retired to two SUVs at the back of the line. While a handful of SPS agents stayed with Nataša and Lady Bardet, most either went to the first of the fourth SUV in the line.

In the second SUV, a SPS Counterattack Team was visible through the open windows. The men were fully armored and carried K29 carbines.

Valérie's guard collapsed his umbrella and open the back door of the third SUV for the two women.

"Perhaps one of your men can ride in the first car." Lady Bardet said as she entered the vehicle and slid to the far side of the third row bench. Two SPS agents already occupied the first row and the minister's guard took one of the second row bucket seats, leaving the other open for one of the Princep's men. Lady Bardet indicated for Nataša and the second guard to join her in the back row.

"Absolutely," Henriks replied. It was fitting, seeing as he was head of Nataša's guard, that he handle her security. "I'll take the front. Fedor, Leopold, at your Lady's side."
"Sir," Fedor replied curtly.
"Got it, chief," Leopold replied with the ever-present wry smile. Nataša held back a smile. Leopold was a particularly nasty Romanid (Thraco-Nordic ethnic group in Skraelingia), and she would, quite frankly, feel safe with an entire army bearing down on her if Leopold was standing guard. That man was dangerous.
"I am ready when you are," she said simply as she climbed into the SUV.

Lady Bardet tapped the driver on the shoulder, "We're ready." The SPS agent spoke into his headpiece and soon the first of the SUVs pulled out. As the small motorcade left the airport, heading towards the capitol, Lady Bardet turned to her guest.

"I'm afraid the Chief Executive wasn't available today, but Councilor Claudia Lavigne will be meeting with us. She's a foreign policy expert, but she's also rather...blunt. They call me the Ice Queen of Zinaire, but frankly, I think she deserves the title more. Did you have an agenda in mind for the meeting?"

"No. Not particularly, though I was hoping to cover trade, investment, and maybe getting a few pointers on how to get our nation up and running again." She paused, and brushed a few locks of hair out of her face. "You see, the Empire actually imploded in 1929, and has been subjected to internal strife for the last 80-odd years. So, because of the length and intensity of the fighting, infrastructure, welfare, communication-- all are practically non-existant, and there is deep-seated resentment between ethnic groups." She paused again, looking out the window for a moment before resuming.
"You have to understand that there are no fewer than six major ethnic groups in the nation, three of which are related, but perhaps all the more resentful towards one another for that. There are the Romanids, who are Nordic peoples that settled and inter-married into Thrace and its population, the Vraenids who did the same in Transylvania and Hungary, and the Ilirrinids, who did likewise in Dalmatia and Illyria, which actually accounts largely for why Croats survived (we were under Ilirrinid protection) when the other Slavic peoples were not so fortunate. The nation is also home to Croats, such as myself, Austro-Bavarians, and Thracians. So you can begin to understand the problems we face. The idea of the reunified nation is relatively foreign to most of these people. As it is, rule of law is being enforced by my brother Isaac and Field Marshal Arturic, but that is tenuous, at best."

Valérie had spaced out briefly during the description of ethnic groups, many of which she could not remember or even pronounce, but her attention returned as the Princeps concluded her description.

"What are your plans for Skraelingia? Pardon my boldness, but have you considered a multistate solution? It can be near impossible to unify a nation with so many ethnic groups."

She frowned. "Unfortunately, no. That is one of few things we are unwilling to try. When the Empire imploded, multiple states were created in all but name. It only led to catastrophic levels of violence. So I'm afraid a multi-state solution is out of the question. I'd almost rather go back on my promise of no military rule than that, for all the violence that would result from it. Do you think maybe a federal system might work...?"

"I apologize for my boldness, I oughtn't to have suggested that. However, I feel a federal system would be a good bet. Although I am not particularly familiar with the histories of the groups in your nation specifically, I feel it is usually best to allow incapsulated ethnic groups the most freedom possible without allowing for infighting. The worst thing you can do is to establish one ethnic group as the dominant one."

Natasa nodded. "I had a hunch that might be a good path. Thank you for your voice on the matter." She looked out the window for a moment, then continued.
"But what do you, in your honest opinion, think I should do about those that see my asencion as evidence of the primacy of one group? It isn't, but many, particularly the Vraenids, don't see it that way."

"As long as you maintain a system with a strong executive, it will be possible to see that executive's ethnic group as the dominant one. It's important that you diversify your government as best you can so that it does not appear that one group holds all the power. Of course, if ethnic cooperation is your top priority, you could also regress to a somewhat primitive and tribal system where members or a ruling council are selected from each ethnic group. I don't support this since I believe governance should be on the basis of personal merit, not satisfying quotas, but I feel it would be effective in unifying the groups."

"Thank you for the advice then. I'll bear it in mind. I personally don't like the idea of quotas either, but then the main problem isn't terribly organized resistance, it is simply that non-compliance and disorder will reign. But if, for a short time, the military is on hand to enforce the government's decisions (a democratic government, of course, or else it will only cause resentment) until it is no longer necessary. I can see the beginning of a plan. Thank you, Ma'am."

Leopold opted to insert his own comment at that point.
"Ma'am, if I may respectfully say so, you're nuts. If the racists view you as the greatest threat, they'll organize in a heart beat, and boy, then we'll be in some deep shit."


OOC: Should we have Natasa and Counselor Lavigne start soon?

Lady Bardet nodded, barely restraining her distaste with the bodyguard's comment.

Shortly, the car stopped and one of the SPS agents turned from the front seat and said, "Lady Bardet, we've arrived at the capitol."

The group unloaded and walked up the capitol stairs, surrounded by SPS agents. At the door, all but two of the agents fell away.

"You should be perfectly safe in the capitol, so if you wouldn't mind just taking one of your men inside," Lady Bardet said to the Princeps.

OOC: Leopold's comment was actually directed at Natasa, not Bardet.

IC:
Noticing the sour look on Lady Bardet's face, Leopold shook his head quickly.
"You misunderstand me, Ma'am. I was refering to Ms. Anic's words. If she makes herself too strong an executive, she'll become a focal point of all resistance, and then our problems will really begin."

As she heard Lady Bardet's words, Natasa nodded. "Absolutely. Leopold, with me. Fedor, you and Henriks stay here. She's right. I should be safe," then she changed to a more sarcastic voice "unless they're planning to kill me. Unlikely, as they seem perfectly trustworthy," She then added seriously. (OOC note: the last part is spoken in her somewhat rudimentary German, so unless your people can understand German as a whole, the joke will be somewhat lost on them.) And with that, they began striding up to the building.

OOC: I know, but Zinairians have old-fashioned views on how servants and the like should act.

IC: Lady Bardet knew a tiny bit of German due to Zinairian-Leistungi relations, but she could only pick out a few words of the joke.

Two SPS agents ushered Lady Bardet (http://wikistates.outwardhosting.com/wiki/Valérie_Bardet), Nataša and Leopold into the capital building. At the checkpoint, Valérie flashed a lapel pin to the capitol policeman at the metal detactor and he let her pass around it. The SPS agents did the same with their badges and got the same treatment. Nataša and Leopold were also allowed to skip the search after Lady Bardet identified them.

The group took the elevator to the third floor and emerged in a large room with many windows, a marble floor and modern couches and chairs in small groups. The agents led them through the room and to a door with a plaque reading "Council Claudia Lavigne" outside. They entered into a smaller waiting area with a receptionist's desk. As Valérie entered the room, the receptionist got up from behind her desk and crossed to open the door to the councilor's suite.

"Lady Bardet, Madame Princeps, Councilor Lavigne is ready for you."

Lady Bardet led the way into the suite and the two SPS agents waited behind, one of them putting his hand on Leopold's shoulder to indicate that he should stay in the reception area with them.

Claudia Lavigne (http://wikistates.outwardhosting.com/wiki/Claudia_Lavigne), a weathered veteran of Zinairian politics, sat at her desk at the back of the office. As the women entered, she got up and took a seat in the small sitting area of the room, indicating for the other two to sit down as well.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Madame Princeps," the councilor said, offering a hand to shake, "I'm Councilor Claudia Lavigne."

Nataša extended her hand in return, shaking firmly, and introducing herself in a solid voice, as she had learned when helping to coordinate the allied-nationalist forces only a year or two earlier. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Councilor. I'm Nataša Anic, Princeps of the Skraelingian Empire. If it would make our discussion easier, feel free to simply call me Nataša."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Leopold nodded curtly at the guard's gesture, and stopped following Nataša. He turned, and opted to lean against a wall, seemingly at ease. In spite of this, as a veteran of a bodyguard in the Skraelingian Re-unification, he was instinctively distrustful of almost everyone, and his eyes could be seen darting around the room, taking in both security measures and potential dangers or entry points of enemies. He had left his rifle at the airport, and his left hand was discreetly on the hilt of his infantry saber, utterly relaxed, the poise of a dangerous professional evident.

After a moment of silence, he broke the ice. "How many years you been in the service?" he asked the guard casually, attempting to pass the time.

OOC: Bump.

OOC: You don't need to bump, especially if it's only been a few hours.

The councilor gave the kind of polite smile that seemed to be common among Zinairian politicians. "So, what brings you to Zinaire?"

---

(OOC: There were two guards, but for simplicity, I'll say one wandered off to the bathroom or something.)

"Ten years in the SPS after five in the army. I reenlisted a couple months ago when Lady Bardet was appointed and I was assigned to her so I could join the DDB."

OOC: Sorry...
Also, off for the night now. G'nite.

IC:
Natasa managed refrained from gritting her teeth. That smile! Its so disconcerting! she thought somewhat angrily. "Oh, a number of things. First, so that our nations can have a proper start to diplomatic relations. I believe we have already established an embassy with you, and I hope you will reciprocate once we clear some of the rubble out of Skrael.
"Second, to inquire as to exactly how close our nation's relations should be. The extent of trade, cultural exchange, and, though I hope it wouldn't be necessary, if it were beneficial to all, potentially a military defensive agreement.
"Third, because our nation has been fragmented and wartorn for the last eighty years. Aid will probably be necessary in rebuilding our nation, and we would like to appeal to you and your people for help in rebuilding our hospitals, major roads, and the things necessary for a people to have civilization. I understand the costs of such a venture, and I'm sure some repayment could be worked out, but we are in dire need of it." She paused, and shrugged slightly, trying to get herself into a more comfortable position. "My questions are, though, will you be able to help us? And what did you have in mind for our meeting?

-----------
(OOC: I knew, but I was having him direct it to either both or the one who had gestured to him to stay behind.)

Leopold nodded. He knew the type. Most of the Cataphractii had transferred from the regular army or elite units, usually in the hopes of an exciting job that wasn't quite as likely to get them killed.
"Umm...the DDB?" he asked, confused (not knowing what the DDB is).

OOC: Just in case you were curious, the weird smile is a product of Zinairians (who are generally quite cold and don't smile much) feeling they need to smile at foreigners and that's the best they can muster.

IC: The two Zinairians listened intently, their faces not giving away any of their thoughts. Once Nataša was finished, Councilor Lavigne spoke.

"Really, our actions depend on the direction in which you plan to take your nation. I feel we can offer a generous aid package and some commercial perks to a republic with a good human rights record, but I'm afraid we couldn't do the same with a more oppressive state. Perhaps you could tell us how you plan to run the country."

---

The agent scratched his forehead awkwardly, "Sorry, the Diplomatic Defense Battalion. It's an army unit that does basically the exact same thing as the SPS, except they do it while officials are abroad and the SPS does it while they're in Zinaire."

Nataša nodded happily. "Absolutely. My plan is, assuming something doesn't prevent me from putting this into place, is to create a constitutional monarchy, once we find where the remainder of the Royal Family is, with an elected Senate and Grand Council. I'm not sure how well secularization will work, as Catholicism is very deeply ingrained into most of the people within the Empire. However, I aim to guarentee all basic freedoms and rights, such as speech, assembly, exercise of religion, life, and fair and speedy justice. The only thing that would really prevent this from occuring is if we are required to declare a state of emergency, such as if general strife as was common before flares up once more. However, short of that, those are my goals, and I will aim to settle for no less."

----------

Leopold shook his head apologetically. "I'm sorry. Didn't know. I just assumed your notables and dignitaries had a general bodyguard service." He raised a hand in gesture. "You have to understand, the leaders of the Empire are--and always have been--guarded by the Militus Cataphractii. Even in Medieval times. The Cataphracts have always been the best of the best, pledged to the Emperor's--or now the Imperator's--service. Of course," he gestured at his uniform, "we don't have the plate and mail armor anymore. Thank God. Don't know how you can move in that stuff."

OOC: For the good of the people, a BUMP has been declared necessary. luhlz.

OOC: Oh, honestly, I thought about replying a while back but I figured you'd given up on NS. Sorry, I'll get a reply up shortly.

OOC: Sorry, I stopped posting because I was waiting for you to respond. Oh the misunderstandings, they pile up.

Also, my brother (known hereabouts as Fanboyists) and I always have to be switching off on the computer for posts. So don't worry if I log out randomly sometimes.

Councilor Lavigne turned to Lady Bardet. The two women made eye contact briefly before Valérie turned her gaze donwards. The women turned back towards Nataša almost in unison.

"Madame Princeps," said Councilor Lavigne, "we're very glad to hear that you'll be guaranteeing your people basic human rights. However, I can't help but wonder, if you don't even know where the Royal Family is, why move forward with a constitutional monarchy instead of a republic? Do you fear that such a drastic change would be a shock for your people?"

---

The SPS agent shrugged. "I'm not really sure why we divide it up. Half the time, the only difference between an SPS agent and a DDB member is the color of the pin on their lapel. I figure half of the SPS is also in the DDB, it's just a strange system. There must be some reason for it though, we're practical folks here."

"The monarchist faction is still very strong. Many of the generals that aided in the reunification joined us with the understanding that some restoration of status would be granted to the royal family, if any of them were still alive. For all the corruption of the last Imperial ruler, the Stahlburger family still has a strong following."

From what I've heard, constitutional monarchies seem to be an effective way of appeasing both more liberal and more conservative camps. Also, the Royal Family is relatively apolitical, where the factions and the like are concerned. They long ago abandoned any affiliation with any ethnic group, as they were careful to integrate each into the family through marriage and adoption. Undoubtedly, each faction will form their own political parties in the upcoming elections. However, if any of them should win, the others will undoubtedly shout 'rigged elections!' or 'this 'republic' is a lie!' and will band together against the winner, thus repeating exactly the scenario I hope to avoid. However, because the royal family is generally considered to be the peace-maker amongst the factions, no one will really have a legitimate reason to try and overthrow them, and while a legitimate reason is sometimes not deemed necessary by some people, the lack of one will do nothing for popular support. The generally longer regime of a monarch would also help project a sense of stability, which is what I have heard repeatedly when talking to people throughout the country as what they want most after all these years of war. Nevermind that the monarch would have their hands tied by the law or a Constitution."

"The simple fact that the head of state reigns for a long time will help establish that stability. Even if the royal family is nowhere to be found, someone with enough ties to the family will inevitably turn up and, excuse my French, purity of the line my ass, they can be monarch. If they're a bad ruler? They'll be under enough control by laws that they shouldn't be able to cause too much damage. Those, are my reasons for thinking a constitutional monarchy would be effective. Do you feel there is anything I have overlooked that could seriously jepordize this possiblity?"

*****

"Hmm. Something worth looking into. Probably has its origins in some obsolete function, but it simply might not make a difference, so it isn't worth reorganizing the whole thing. I mean, the Cataphractii actually have three different functions: protecting the leaders of the Empire, functioning as a battlefield elite 'shock' force, and detachments of more junior troops usually guard embassies."

Natasa shrugged. "You have to understand, the need for a relatively apolitical leader is necessary. At least for a while, while everyone settles in."

Valérie and Claudia exchanged glances again. This time, Claudia yielded and Valérie cleared her throat softly.

"It appears you have this very well thought out. How can we help to insure that things in Skraelingia proceed peacefully and that the nation remains stable?"

----

The agent nodded, "The DDB handles embassy protection in Zinaire too. I dunno, maybe that's why they handle all the other overseas stuff. I'm not a member myself since I have rotating assignments here. Valérie's guard is enlisted though, he may know when he gets back."

OOC: Woo! 2,000 posts!

"I am aware that Zinaire most likely has other matters to attend to, so I won't be surprised if there isn't much that is possible at the moment. Ideally, peacekeepers, say, 5,000 or so, to help augement our forces in maintaining order for the first few months would be useful. I'd also like for Zinairian officials to take part in our elections as impartial observers to guarentee fair-play, so that none can claim afterward that the results are invalid. And, again, ideally, a loan of some sort to help finance our search for the royal family, so that this plan may succeed."

-----

"Who knows. Terminology can be so confusing sometimes." After a moment, Leopold abruptly changed the subject.

"Seen any good movies?"

Claudia took note of this on a canary yellow legal pad then looked up. "Election oversight shouldn't be any problem at all. Deploying troops or sending substantial financial aid will require a little more paperwork. How much money do you need and what kind of conditions and situations will our troops be facing?"

-----

The SPS agent thought for a second, drumming his fingers on the grip of his handgun. Finally, recollection dawned in his eyes. "I saw Russian Dino Space Pirates in MiGs: Return to the Island of Death with my son last week. It wasn't as good as the first two."

"As far as money goes, we're about USD$100,000 short of where we need to be to fund the program. We could afford it ourselves, if we were to take money out of repairing infrastructure, but that is one of the last things we can afford to do. With our infrastructure repaired, though, which will probably cause an increase in commerce, we should be able to pay you back fairly easily."

"As for troops...the conditions they would be facing would be multifarious: about 2,000 would function as an auxiliary force defending the capital incase rebels attempt to storm it to end our attempt at a unified government; the other 3,000 or so would be serving in one of the more troubled provinces, in Magyary, alongside about 35 battalions of our own troops, to help remove some of the more active rebel-rousers. At this point those truely opposed to us are fairly disorganized, so they aren't much of a threat, unless they start having major successes. As long as we keep them off-balance, they shouldn't be a problem. The only reason we would need assistance is that we're a little stretched thin as it is."

--------

"Was it any good?" Leopold asked. "I've never heard of the series. Last movie I saw was the movie version of my favorite book, The Watch. Pretty good adaptation."

Valérie couldn't help but let out a small snort and Claudia took the opportunity to scratch her nose, concealing a smile.

"Yes," Councilor Lavigne said, "$100,000 is certainly, uh, doable. We may even be able to push that through as a rider on some domestic bill."

"Could you give us a more thorough description of the rebels?" Valérie asked.

----

The agent shrugged. "You have to understand, the Russian Dino Space Pirates series isn't particularly deep. They're popular, but I wouldn't really say they're good."

Natasa smiled too. "I know, you were probably expecting more than that. I mean it when I say we are really short of money back home. By other nation's standards, 2/3 of our population is in poverty, mostly because of the constant warfare and damage to commerce and infrastructure that tends to be associated with it. Hence, why my brother and I set out to reunify the Empire. It wouldn't take much to operate the search, particularly if its clandestine, or relatively low-key."

"As for the 'rebels'? I wouldn't even call them that. A few dozen armed partisans in the Magyar province. I was overly optimistic with the 35 battalions estimate; 30-some battalions sure enough, but most are understrength. Think half-strength or less in most cases. It's not an issue of the rebels being too numerous, or too skilled: they're pretty sparse, and downright clumsy and inept in a bunch of cases. No, the main problem is that they're spread out and like to attack from wherever. We simply don't have the manpower in the army to patrol that much ground. Like I said, if it weren't for our lack of manpower at this point, they wouldn't even be an irritation. The main thing is giving them no place to hide, in which case I suggest troops that are probably at least semi-well-trained in counter-insurgency for the job."

********

Leopold shrugged. "Doesn't need to be deep. The Watch is actually a comedy. One of many by a specific author, lives in another country, makes fun of cliches in cop-shows and novels. The way I see it, if you're looking for something simple but fun, deep and meaningful is totally optional." He paused, then grinned at a thought. "Is the Russian Dino Space Pirates series actually about that?"

Valérie and Claudia both nodded as the princeps spoke.

"We should be able to approve the money for the search as well as the deployment quite soon," Claudia said. "Will you be lobbying us for aid in order to restore infrastructure or rebuild the economy?"

----

"Is it actually about Russian dino space pirates, you mean? It sure is. Stop me, if I'm going to spoil it for you, but in the first one, these dinosaurs come down from space and start stealing things from ships using tractor beams mounted in their MiGs. Then this sailor tracks them to their island base and kills them all and has a fist fight with the dinosaur pirate king."

"Probably not. We don't need that much aid. Its just that at this point, I'd have a hard time explaining to my advisors why we should divert money, even a pathetically small amount like this, off on-going projects. Most of our money is already going into those."

------

Leopold snorted. "Oh my God. I wish we had movies like that back home! Movie critics would have a field day in the 'logic' department! That would be hilarious!"