An official visit

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Primo de Aguilar
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An official visit

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Saturday, November 26
Vey Aerodrome


Once the ceremonies had been concluded at the Imperial Assembly, all that was needed was a short trip to Francis Joseph III International Airport, where the Third Consul and First Consul-designate boarded a reconfigured tanker of the Imperial Air Force for the long journey eastward.

Why he could not have used this aircraft during a previous official trip to the High Realm was something he was musing.

The timing could not have been perfect, what with him having issued orders for what was essentially a major naval and air exercise. As it so happened, his first official visit to this new nation, particularly in light of the recently concluded Euran War, meant that the trip eastward included a ferry flight of 5 aircraft of the 303rd Fighter Squadron, 2 tankers of the 34th Air Refueling Wing, and aircraft of the 301st Tactical Squadron with air superiority support once they were in Eura.

It was going to be a long trip eastward, save for a stop at the Northern Cibolan Airport in Rennes, Valenciennes, where he would have two hours to speak with local notables as the aircraft refueled. There had been talk of visiting Lindstrom as well, but considering the time, it was proposed that a similar official visit take place on the return trip instead.

Inflight refueling would take place over the ocean, followed by landing at the Valladares airport at the Leon-Venezia isles, where he would have time to eat and speak with local dignitaries, before heading for the Vey aerodrome, over a circuitous route that trailed the southwestern Euran shoreline (HIMS Institution, accompanying frigates and the rest of the 3rd Fleet en route to Luthoria would keep a watchful eye along the way).

It was the planning and protocol staff that did all the necessary legwork, from informing the Constancian authorities (the proximity of Luthoria came in very handily) to ensuring all the pieces were in the right place at the right time.

As the trip went, there was little time to view the Longships Islands before seeing the river, then Portus Felix, and finally, Vey itself.

Communication with the tower was established, and Aquila 3 set foot on Constancian soil, taxiing to its designated location.
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Jaime Augusto Joaquin Primo de Aguilar, PC, GLH, GCNM, FSM, OGKC
Autokrator of Constancia and Co-Ruler of the Kingdom
Kanikleios to Basileusa Megaliótate Cleo, Autokrateira of Constancia
Strategos of the Thema Oranjēsiōn
Minister of Finance, International Trade and Industry and Kyvernítis of the Basileusian Bank,
Sýmvoulos of the High Court of the Free and Associative Kingdom of Constancia
Secretary-General, Micras Treaty Organization
Penultimate De jure Consul for Defense of the Empire of the Alexandrians
Alexandrian exile
Son of Santiago, Santander

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Strategos Metaxas
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Re: An official visit

Post by Strategos Metaxas »

30 November (1642)
Vey International Airport

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They call it the Shamal, an ill-wind that blows from the north-east, off the irradiated steppes of Zjandaria. Funnelled by the Duranian highlands towards Lake Erik and down the Potámi Androphagi, or Sandy River, to use its more prosaic name, the Shamal persist from 24 to 36 hours during the winter and occur as frequently as two to three times per month between November and February. A persistent three- to five-day event occurs only once or twice a winter, and is accompanied by very high winds.

It was this, that the First Consul had the misfortune to arrive into on his first day in Constancia. The Mesazōn prayed silently to Christ the Redeemer, that this in now way constituted an omen now, as his convoy - a fleet of twelve land cruisers - was finally able, as the winds subsided, to move away from the airport towards the city.

Andreas was sat in the passenger compartment of a luxury armoured land-cruiser in the middle of the convoy. Beside him was sat his interpreter, and opposite him was sat the visiting First Consul, and his interpreter. The Mesazōn flashed an apologetic smile.

"You can see why we are so ready to support your stance on nuclear non-proliferation." He paused, and then nodded to his interpreter who then repeated the statement in a passable approximation of Alexandrian French. Once the translation had finished, he resumed talking. "The ecology of central Eura was burned away to a cinder by the Babkhans. Outside the habitable zone between Vey and Portus Felix, the interior is still a ravaged wasteland." He paused once more in order to allow the translator to repeat what he had said. "This is why, like the colonial powers and yourselves, we have to limit our new settlements to the coastal regions. No-one who has to live under these circumstances would ever talk so glibly about 'maintaining deterrence'. A fact we have tried to impress upon the Kaiser during his visit."

Yes, the Kaiser. That 'had' been a bit of awkward timing. The realisation that the two visits were now coinciding had sparked a surge of panic along the corridors of the Nirytos House. Fortunately, the news of a large, potentially radioactive, sandstorm brewing up over Raspur had convinced Dominus Thorgils and his entourage that a tour of the Molivadisan Theme under the guidance of the droungarokomēs Walter Poldark, would make an amusing diversion to last, oh a fortnight or so. Poldark had promised that he would find a luxury yacht suitable for hosting Imperial guests. Andreas, tactfully, had declined to enquire how he proposed to do this.

"The Basileusa, Her Majesty," he began, changing the subject, "was gratified and relieved by the considered response your government has made concerning the refugee question. It is our hope that as many as possible will be repatriated at the earliest opportunity. Constancia was gravely hurt by the war, and we need the aid of all our sons and daughters if we are to achieve our policy of reconstruction."

As the convoy sped towards the Megálo Paláti tou Vey, the royal palace at the heart of the city, along highways especially cleared for their arrival, Andreas glanced towards the dust-stained and slightly tattered Alexandrian and Constancian hanging from lampposts along the wide boulevards and at the trees that had been stripped of their foliage. It had been intended to be a glorious occasion, intended to attract crowds of jubilant and curious Constancians. Instead, workmen in boiler-suits and respirator masks were busy sweeping the dust from the sidewalks and bagging up debris. The Mesazōn sighed at the thought of yet another spike in cancer cases caused by dust inhalation. The strain this would put on the limited health budget his government had been able to allocate for the fiscal year.

He turned his attention back to the First Consul and smiled warmly. "Their Majesties, are both looking forward to receiving you. Hopefully the dust will have settled by the time we have arrived but, if you could keep this to hand in case it has not." He reached into a compartment beside his seat and passed across two paper masks, still fresh inside their plastic wrappers. "We will be driving up to the entrance of the palace, but there is still a short flight of stairs from the ceremonial procession-way to the sublime porte, the archway where the Basileusa will bid you welcome."
Andreas Metaxas | Mesazōn of Constancia | Exkoubitorōn Theos

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Basileusa Cleo
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Re: An official visit

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In spite of the Mesazōn hopes, the dust did not settle as quickly and by the time the convoy entered the Palace's carpark some concerns appeared. No one wanted to delay the meeting, but it was also mentioned that capturing the First Consul with a paper mask on his face on this unique of occasions would be equally bad. So they just waited .....and about 12 minutes later this was all (nearly) over. The First Counsul left the car and was immediately greeted by a member of the Basileusian Private Guard. He nodded ceremonially and smiled as much as protocol would allow.

The two men then headed upstairs, surrounded by Private Guard officials in ceremonial uniforms on both sides. After climbing this mountain of stairs, the First Consul was finally in Their Majesty's presence.

"Basileus Megaliótate, Sir, The First Consul of the Empire of the Alexandrians has arrived" shouted the man in uniform.

Following the protocol, Petros III and his wife Cleo greeted their guest. After a few boring minutes of hand-waving, the trio turned their backs to the cameras and entered the Palace. "I hope this was not the worst of dust experiences, First Consul. Allow me to congratulate you on your appointment. You have reached a level of authority few ever do and I am sure this achievement is a reflection of skill and bravery." said Petros.

Basileusa Megaliótate Cleo
Autokrateira of Constancia


(Co-Ruler)


Déspoina of the Basileusian town of Petros

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Re: An official visit

Post by Primo de Aguilar »

The planning and protocol staff had done their best to anticipate every possible complication for this particular trip - save one.

Adverse weather was a consideration, but not anything like this.

Those of the Alexandrian delegation who were not particularly religious found their life choices questioned on seeing the Shamal in all its horrific majesty, and the bureaucrats who had sedately processed paperwork with respect to Terrenoire concerns about the Ura'Bos incident got a swift taste of civic urgency.

The usual protocols had been followed - two members of the Imperial Air Force deplaning to stand and salute at the base, the usual bodyguards in their suits, sunglasses, and coiled earpieces looking like the automatons that they were, and finally the Third Consul and First Consul-designate, appearing in diplomatic uniform, (with his state decorations: the sash of the Alexandrian National Order of Merit, the stars of the National Order of Merit and the Legion of Honor, and the Foreign Service Meritorious Medal and Imperial Medal of the Alexandrian Nation) that the Alexandrian society, fashion, and coffeehouse gossips were picking up on.

The band played, the honor guard was hurriedly saluted, speeches deferred, a white-gloved handshake exchanged with the Mesazon, and the convoy proceeded.

Primo de Aguilar listened politely as the interpreter did his work, his mind already processing the complexities of this upcoming new arrangement, which he had personally been championing - and which he would take primary responsibility for. Even in a stable constitutional monarchy, the dynamics were all the same. The greater the risk, the greater the reward, but schadenfreude for hubris was an occupational hazard of all politicians elsewhere. This was why he had filled his head with the provided briefing material during the flight.

"War is a terrible thing, which is why all nations must strive for peace, but even so, there is still much for all nations to do with respect to these global humanitarian problems," said he during the wait. There was indeed much to discuss.

Entering the palace, he wasn't surprised to see the ornate architecture and the flight of stairs. Sovereignty needed its imagery, in order to impress the principle to even illiterate folk.

On being shown into the royal presence, he bowed his head, greeted the Constancian monarchs, and with a wide smile, faced the cameras.

That accomplished, and in the privacy of a handful of officials, it was time to get to the real work.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. On behalf of His Imperial Majesty, thank you for your kind hospitality and welcome. The Mesazon was kind to express that this is one of the reasons behind your government's keen interest in our nonproliferation proposal."

Now he could speak somewhat freely, aided by his own interpreter, a native Luthorian, also in diplomatic uniform.

"We were not as active as we should have been during your recent conflict, distracted as we were with domestic difficulties," said he with a grin, recalling the Henryist affair. "I recall that Your Majesty had similar experiences. War is terribly unpleasant. Peace and commerce are the desire of all nations, and it is our sworn duty to secure this peace."

"Speaking now solely as the Secretary-General of the Micras Treaty Organization, I would say that the Constancian voice in global affairs would be welcomed."
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Jaime Augusto Joaquin Primo de Aguilar, PC, GLH, GCNM, FSM, OGKC
Autokrator of Constancia and Co-Ruler of the Kingdom
Kanikleios to Basileusa Megaliótate Cleo, Autokrateira of Constancia
Strategos of the Thema Oranjēsiōn
Minister of Finance, International Trade and Industry and Kyvernítis of the Basileusian Bank,
Sýmvoulos of the High Court of the Free and Associative Kingdom of Constancia
Secretary-General, Micras Treaty Organization
Penultimate De jure Consul for Defense of the Empire of the Alexandrians
Alexandrian exile
Son of Santiago, Santander

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Strategos Metaxas
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Re: An official visit

Post by Strategos Metaxas »

The Basileus and Basileusa Megaliótate nodded favourably as the First Consul's words were translated before Petros III replied that he would consider membership of the MTO to be a worthy goal for his government to pursue. With that the Basileusa turned towards the Mesazōn and, with a few short words of imperious command, instructed him to arrange this.

The Mesazōn, whose thoughts had been distracted by concerns over the delays caused by the inconsiderate arrival of the Shamal wind to the recount of the votes for the Sixth Synklētos, bowed deeply and promised that he would look into the matter. He took this, as was intended, to be his moment to depart.

Whilst the First Consul experienced the finest in pomp and pageantry that the Constancian monarchy could provide, there were documents to draft and, all being well, a signing ceremony to organise.
Andreas Metaxas | Mesazōn of Constancia | Exkoubitorōn Theos

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Re: An official visit

Post by Strategos Metaxas »

When the First Consul and his entourage came before the Basileus and Basileusa of Constancia they were much feasted. This went on for seven nights, with six days of rest and recuperation afforded to the honoured guests, representatives of His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of the Alexandrians.

As the sun set each evening the Alexandrian guests left the quarters where they were staying and crossed the gateway to the palace gardens. This gateway was very broad and high, beautifully decorated with blue and gold tiles. It was guarded by many gatekeepers of the Basileusan Private Guard holding maces. Even though many people congregated there each night to watch the spectacle of the visiting First Consul, none of them dared approach the gate. When the First Consul entered he encountered six of the so-called 'Woolly Giants' who were a gift from the Port Felix Wool Markets. Each of these giants had wooden castles mounted on their backs, each of which had two banners and carried men who made the giants perform tricks for people.

The woolly giants and their antics were situated at the entrance of the garden, at the centre of which was a splendid palace, known as the Megálo Paláti tou Vey, built in the shape of a cross, which is sumptuously decorated. In the middle of the palace there were three alcoves, suitable for a bed or a dais, while the floors were covered in a mosaic of glazed tiles. The largest of these alcoves contained a silver-plated screen, as high as a man and three metres across.

The First Consul was ushered behind this screen to where the Basileus and Basileusa were seated in the porch before the entrance to several fine residences of the palace complex. There was a platform on the floor, and in front of it a fountain which spurted water very high and in which were some red apples. The Basileus and his consort were resting on small round cushions embroidered with silk, and would greet the First Consul and his interpreter warmly before inviting him to sit with them and converse amicably and informally about all manner of things. The talk frequently turned to matters of trade, the proposal that Constancia should apply for membership of the MTO and the desirability of a permanent and wide-ranging nuclear non-proliferation and test ban treaty.

Each evening at least forty-five minutes was given over to these amiable discussions, until the chill of the nighttime began to make itself felt and the Basileusa would announce that it was time to retire indoors for what she would invariably term a "modest supper".

At the Basileusa's suggestion the First Consul would extend his complements to the sovereign couple and retire to rejoin the rest of his retinue, who had by now entered into the gardens with the other invited guests, ambassadors and notables of Vey who had thronged through the gateway of the garden under the escort of a torch-lit procession of the Private Guards of the Palace.

The dining halls, as they entered into it was vast chamber with high vaulted ceilings, the walls of which were decorated with hangings of purple silk, and these hangings were in turn ornamented with gold and silver-gilt leaf, beautifully set with emeralds, pearls and other precious stones. Above these decorations, there were hung down strips of silk, thirty centimetres wide, which had a similar ornamentation to the hangings. From these strips of silk were hung silk tassels in several colours and whenever even the gentlest draught of breeze came into the chamber, the effect of the tassels swinging from side to side was both beautiful and mesmeric.

On the floor there were finely woven Euran carpets and sprinkled scented rose petals. In the middle of the chamber, before a raised dais, were two gold tables, each with four legs, and each all as a single piece. They were one and half metres long and on them were stood seven golden phials, two of which were set with large pearls, emeralds and turquoises, while each had a giant ruby set near the mouth. In addition, there were six round cups, one of which was set with a large round clear pearl rim along the outside, and in the centre it has a ruby, two fingers' breadth across and of a fine natural colour.

It was explained to the First Consul that all this wealth had come from the encampment of the Jingdaoese Marshal Xi and the traitor Prince Alexius, which had been overrun by the Home Guard at the end of Euran War. The previous wealth of the Constancian royal family having been sacrificed to help pay for arms shipments from foreign contractors.

After Primo de Aguilar and his suite had been seated in their places of honour, to the right hand of the Basileus and Basileusa on a raised dais, the servants brought quantities of mutton, boiled, dressed and roasted, and of roast camel, a delicacy learned from the nomad tribes of the Euran interior. As soon as the Basileus called for meat, numerous men would bring it to him, bringing it forth on vast silver platters, such were the great quantities of steaming cooked flesh placed on each. When they were within twenty paces of the Basileus and his wife, carvers came to cut up the meat, the trays of which were placed on a raised stand in the full view of all present at the feast. The carvers wore aprons and had leather over-sleeves so as not to get grease upon themselves.

They took hold of the meat and cut it up, placing it in bowls, some of gold or silver, some even of glazed pottery and others of porcelain imported from Passio-Corum and very valuable and expensive. The most prized cut was a haunch of the camel, with the lion but without the leg. They cut into pieces, sufficient for ten gold and silver dishes; on them they also placed the loin of the sheep, with the leg but not the hock. On the dishes they also placed pieces of horse's tripe, as large and round as a fist, and whole sheep's heads. Around the sheep's head was set mutton & feta skewers with a brown rice salad as garnish.

In this way they filled many dishes and they arranged them in rows. Men came with bowls of broth and crumbled salt into them. They poured a little of the broth over each dish as sauce, and took some thin pieces of bread, which they folded four times and placed on the meat in the dishes.

When this was done, the courtiers of the Basileus, and the leading notables present, took hold of the dishes, which needed two, or even three, men to lift them, for one man alone did not suffice. These men would always take the finest cuts of haunch of roast camel and place them on dishes set before the Basileus and Basileusa and always on each night the Basileus would clap his hands and generously command that the choice cuts be taken and set before the First Consul as their honoured guest, and every night this continued until at last, on the final night, Primo was heard to mutter that he was exceedingly weary of camel flesh and could do with a salad instead. However the Zinjibari wine had been flowing in great quantities by this point, so no-one minded and a light Veylieon salad was provided.

When the boiled and roast meat was removed, they brought mutton, meatballs and rice prepared in a variety of ways. These were followed by quantities of fruit: melons, grapes and peaches, and from gold and silver bowls and basins they were given sherbets and yogurts to drink. All of which was accompanied by more wine, this time sourced from Luthoria, in honour of the guests.

On the final night the Mesazōn, having finally overcome his electoral travails and successfully formed a new governing coalition capable of holding the confidence of their Majesties, was invited to join the feasting. As the night drew to a close with the customary rounds of reciprocal toasting amongst the guests, the Mesazōn was invited forward to the raised Dais, where he was finally accorded permission to present unto their Majesties and the First Consul the proposed treaty between the two realms to receive their signature:
Pact of Perpetual Friendship between the Kingdom of Constancia and the Empire of the Alexandrians.



Their Majesties the Basileus and Basileusa of Constancia and His Majesty the Emperor of the Alexandrians, equally desirous to bring the relationship between their States closer to each other, have respectively appointed as their Plenipotentiaries, for Their Majesties the Basileus and Basileusa of Constancia, His Excellency Andreas Metaxas, Mesazōn of Constancia, and for His Majesty the Emperor of the Alexandrians, His Excellency Jaime Augusto Joaquin Primo de Aguilar, Third Consul of the Empire of the Alexandrians, who after having exchanged their full powers, and after full and mature discussion of the respective interests, have agreed as follows:


ARTICLE ONE: MUTUAL DEFENCE

1. The Kingdom of Constancia and the Empire of the Alexandrians agree that an armed attack against one of them shall be considered an attack against both of them and consequently they agree that, if such an attack occurs, both of them will assist the State so attacked by taking such actions as it seems necessary, including the use of armed force, so to restore and maintain the security and to restore peace.

2. This article shall not be interpreted to include attacks on a State stemming from that State’s decision to go into war or logistical support of a warring party in any conflict.


ARTICLE TWO: MARITIME BORDERS

1. The maritime borders between the States shall be governed with the provisions of the Micras Treaty Organization's Convention on the Laws of the Seas.


ARTICLE THREE: FREE TRADE AND TRANSIT

1. No systems of burdensome tariffs, taxes, searches, or regulations will be applied to goods or services produced or bought in one State and exported or sold in the other State.

2. Internal laws regarding prohibition of certain goods or products are not affected by this treaty and the States retain the right to refuse banned goods and products.

3. Transit passage is permitted only for private and commercial vessels registered to the States through the reserve zones and territorial waters solely for the purpose of continuous and expeditious travel between one part of the international waters or reserve zone and another.

4. Military vessels from one State are barred from the other State’s reserve zones and territorial waters without prior authorization.


ARTICLE FOUR: FREE MOVEMENT OF CITIZENS

1. Each State shall in its own territory allow the citizens of the other State the right to take on residency, work and study without let or hindrance in accordance with their respective laws.

2. Each State may deport a citizen of the other State only if such person has been found guilty in a native court of law of a crime, if such person is by a court of law deemed a reasonable threat to the peace, or if such person is deemed by the Executive to be an agent of the government of the other State and has engaged in espionage.

3. In criminal proceedings, a court of law in one State may request to a court of law in the other to extradite any person resident in or citizen of that first State if that resident or citizen has been indicted for a crime. Such request shall be granted unless it is obvious that the alleged crime is political in nature.

4. In criminal proceedings, a court of law in one State may request to a court of law in the other to extradite any person resident in that second State if that person has been indicted for a crime. Such request shall be granted only if agreed by the governments of the two State.


ARTICLE FIVE: INFRASTRUCTURE COOPERATION

The two States undertake to cooperate on all questions of infrastructure and movement which may affect both of them. They will consult with one another on all matters of infrastructural importance.


ARTICLE SIX: FULL FAITH AND CREDIT

Each State gives to the other full faith and credit to all public acts, records, contracts and judicial proceedings in the field of civil law, including records and documents on marriage, property, titles, death and inheritance, in as much as any act, record, document, contract, proceeding is done according to the law. Executive agreement between the governments of the States may provide for the manner that any act, record, document, contract or proceeding from one contracting party may be validated in the other.


ARTICLE SEVEN: OTHER TREATIES

1. This Pact does not absolve either State of any of its obligations under any other treaty.

2. Each State solemnly affirm that none of its current treaty obligations with other States and Powers are in conflict with this Pact.


ARTICLE EIGHT: FINAL PROVISIONS

This Pact enters force upon the exchange of ratifications which shall occur in the city of Vey as soon as possible.
Andreas Metaxas | Mesazōn of Constancia | Exkoubitorōn Theos

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Re: An official visit

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SIGNED FOR THE FREE ASSOCIATIVE KINGDOM OF CONSTANCIA:
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Re: An official visit

Post by Edgard II »

Signed for the Empire of the Alexandrians:

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E d g a r d v s · I m p e r a t o r · A l e x a n d r i n u s

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Re: An official visit

Post by Primo de Aguilar »

The Imperial and Royal Sign-Manuals imprinted upon the sacrosanct documents, all he did was witness the same on all iterations with his own hand and under his own name, thereafter to pose for posterity as the cameras did their best to capture the moment.

He looked at the instrument that he had used, and wondered what would become of it. It would be worth quite the sum, soon enough, having been used for a matter of great, if not historic, import.

The hospitality with which they had been treated had been...excessive was the word he would have used, although opulent was a close second. While he was a fan of the pomp and panoply (that part of him being the military man died hard), he knew that a similar display of extravagance outside of the requisite State occasions would ignite a revolution, with or without a Socialist Party. Such flagrant ostentation would not sit well while others starved to death, as was painfully evident outside their borders on this continent.

The nightly discussions he had with the royals were pleasant, and polite, and helped him gauge the condition and spirit of the Free Associative Kingdom and its people, not too long from a conflict that had nearly wiped this nation, culture, and peoples from the map, if not living history.

Both their nations would surely benefit, and this was the reason why he was here. What had been accomplished here would have effects that would ripple throughout the known world.

"I suppose that means that you can all visit the Empire now?" said Primo de Aguilar to the assembled party, in jest.
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Jaime Augusto Joaquin Primo de Aguilar, PC, GLH, GCNM, FSM, OGKC
Autokrator of Constancia and Co-Ruler of the Kingdom
Kanikleios to Basileusa Megaliótate Cleo, Autokrateira of Constancia
Strategos of the Thema Oranjēsiōn
Minister of Finance, International Trade and Industry and Kyvernítis of the Basileusian Bank,
Sýmvoulos of the High Court of the Free and Associative Kingdom of Constancia
Secretary-General, Micras Treaty Organization
Penultimate De jure Consul for Defense of the Empire of the Alexandrians
Alexandrian exile
Son of Santiago, Santander

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Re: An official visit

Post by Ivo Angus »

The ceremony was, as the First Consul noted, all in tact with Constancian characteristics, or in other words pomp and panoply, although kept as short as possible because of the Petros III's health - he had to be, and was, in top form for all occasions, yet alone those attended by journalists and servicemen of foreign nations. The Basileus was clearly proud and justifiably - his country, having heroically defended itself from the evilest of empires and, by doing so, making the last move towards bringing it down, was now establishing itself as the Euran diplomatic partner of the world.

In light of what was achieved, the Basileus had decided to give a present to 'The Empire of the Alexandrians' - this could potentially cause some trouble as to who the owner is, but sure the Alexandrian High Court could deal with this, in case someone wanted to challenge, and ... well, it was not the Constancian Sovereign's business to worry about such technicalities. The gift was a knife used by a member of the then Home Guard during the war.


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Re: An official visit

Post by Primo de Aguilar »

The bladed present was not something that the First Consul could casually gift His Imperial Alexandrian Majesty with, even in the most relaxed of circumstances, so he let official channels deal with it. No doubt it was in a bribboned box in Wesloderia somewhere. While he had surrendered the material present to his sovereign, the substance remained with Primo de Aguilar - which helped drive the Strategic Defense Review that even then many a civilian and bureaucrat were already bellyaching about.

He left the Kingdom with some misgivings, and that Eura would not remain quiet for long.

Perhaps it was the sands, if not the very isle that was cursed?

~*~
Saturday, March 18, 2017

Quiet backchannel talks - again through Luthorian interlocutor authorities - discreetly whispered to the proper Constancian ears, and Aquila 1 soon landed at Vey amidst similar significant security, the First Consul bearing a document of great import. Ratifications usually bore many signatures, and he imagined that the added weight as because of it.

It had taken some months, but it was accomplished, and for many a Constancian subject - particularly those who had long camped at the Luthorian border, it would be a memorable day, indeed.
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Jaime Augusto Joaquin Primo de Aguilar, PC, GLH, GCNM, FSM, OGKC
Autokrator of Constancia and Co-Ruler of the Kingdom
Kanikleios to Basileusa Megaliótate Cleo, Autokrateira of Constancia
Strategos of the Thema Oranjēsiōn
Minister of Finance, International Trade and Industry and Kyvernítis of the Basileusian Bank,
Sýmvoulos of the High Court of the Free and Associative Kingdom of Constancia
Secretary-General, Micras Treaty Organization
Penultimate De jure Consul for Defense of the Empire of the Alexandrians
Alexandrian exile
Son of Santiago, Santander

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Strategos Metaxas
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Re: An official visit

Post by Strategos Metaxas »

"My dear Augusto, you are welcome here as always. But I must warn you, our beloved Basileusea, the Autokrateira Cleo, may not be as delighted to see you as she would any other time.

You see, it is a rather delicate matter, but the bill on Public Works that is currently before your assembly, our gracious sovereign is greatly concerned that by guaranteeing employment and contracts to Alexandrians alone the bill discriminates against Constancian contractors as well as migrant workers in your labour force, which may be against the spirit, if not strictly the letter, of our pact.

I would be very much obliged if you could give some consideration to whether some measures might be taken to ameliorate this bill in order to ensure that there are no structural obstacles to full and open trade between our nations."
Andreas Metaxas | Mesazōn of Constancia | Exkoubitorōn Theos

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Primo de Aguilar
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Re: An official visit

Post by Primo de Aguilar »

The First Consul greeted his counterpart, while a military aide carried the ornate box which carried a true copy of the ratified treaty.

"Greetings, Excellency," said Primo de Aguilar. The objection had been anticipated, but their state reaction had not.

"Please reassure Her Majesty that while the measure prohibits employment of foreigners in the Public Works Administration - it is, after all, an agency of government - it does not, in any way, act as a restraint to trade, nor does it prohibit contracting or subcontracting Public Works projects, but I can see how the bill's provisions may appear to say otherwise. Appropriate language shall be inserted to clarify this ambiguity at the appropriate time."

That accomplished, it was time to consider other matters.

"Might I ask how you and the Kingdom have been doing, in the meantime? Has your shipping had any problems with respect to nearby sealanes?"
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Jaime Augusto Joaquin Primo de Aguilar, PC, GLH, GCNM, FSM, OGKC
Autokrator of Constancia and Co-Ruler of the Kingdom
Kanikleios to Basileusa Megaliótate Cleo, Autokrateira of Constancia
Strategos of the Thema Oranjēsiōn
Minister of Finance, International Trade and Industry and Kyvernítis of the Basileusian Bank,
Sýmvoulos of the High Court of the Free and Associative Kingdom of Constancia
Secretary-General, Micras Treaty Organization
Penultimate De jure Consul for Defense of the Empire of the Alexandrians
Alexandrian exile
Son of Santiago, Santander

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Strategos Metaxas
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Re: An official visit

Post by Strategos Metaxas »

"Please be assured that I will convey your response to Her Majesty in the warmest terms.

As for the security of the sea-lanes that pass from Eura through the Sea of Storms, while we do not necessarily approve of the policy of trying to assert sovereignty over international waters, our merchant shipping has been hitherto exempted from 'taxation' by virtue of the Treaty on Cooperation and Euran Trade with Passio-Corum.

In view of our commitments however, our modest naval defence force is maintaining a state of vigilance and we stand ready to assist any of our partner nations, including, of course, our Alexandrian allies, if they are attacked on the high seas and to provide sanctuary in our harbours to the merchant shipping of any nation.

Now, what news from Alexandria? I trust that your strategic defence review is proceeding satisfactorily? If you have any ships that you are contemplating retiring from service, please be assured that we could find them a berth in one of our Constancian anchorages."
Andreas Metaxas | Mesazōn of Constancia | Exkoubitorōn Theos

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Primo de Aguilar
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Re: An official visit

Post by Primo de Aguilar »

A smile found itself on the First Consul's lips.

"We have considered such eventualities, and will advise you and your government accordingly. There is much that I would like to speak of regarding defense matters. You drink tea, I take it? I have been told that it is a remarkably painstaking art for the true connoisseur. Suffice it to say that there are sufficient pots on the boil, but until they have simmered according to plan, a premature taste might not adequately convey the authentic fullness of the flavor. In such matters, a guest may find malice and offense where none was intended, and a host may unwittingly and irreparably bring dishonor on their House, to the jeopardy of their heirs and line."

He paused.

"Please forgive an old man his ramblings. It is difficult growing up a military man, I am used to having my orders followed, and it is somewhat disconcerting when things do not go my way." The First Consul sighed.

"Yet plans often go awry in battle, so we gather our courage, soldier on, and press forward."

He offered an ungloved right hand.

"As I live and breathe, let there be trust, friendship, and cooperation amongst our peoples. I am no sovereign to will this into law and decree, but as a free individual, this I wish of my own accord."
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Jaime Augusto Joaquin Primo de Aguilar, PC, GLH, GCNM, FSM, OGKC
Autokrator of Constancia and Co-Ruler of the Kingdom
Kanikleios to Basileusa Megaliótate Cleo, Autokrateira of Constancia
Strategos of the Thema Oranjēsiōn
Minister of Finance, International Trade and Industry and Kyvernítis of the Basileusian Bank,
Sýmvoulos of the High Court of the Free and Associative Kingdom of Constancia
Secretary-General, Micras Treaty Organization
Penultimate De jure Consul for Defense of the Empire of the Alexandrians
Alexandrian exile
Son of Santiago, Santander

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Strategos Metaxas
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Re: An official visit

Post by Strategos Metaxas »

Readily, Metaxas' grasped the proffered hand and shook it warmly.

"Sir, you may be assured of the fast, and firm, friendship of our Kingdom until the bitter end."
Andreas Metaxas | Mesazōn of Constancia | Exkoubitorōn Theos

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