05-24-2016, 01:47 AM
Martin Kambrić pursed his lips and briefly glanced down after hearing the tall Cagontian?s excuse. He knew what was really meant. He was extraordinarily lucky that he had survived what those in his department called ?the shake up? ? a euphemism they used because no one would dare say what it truly had been: a purge. His nation had grown more and more insular in the preceding years when Kuklik had been Minister President. He had seemed unstoppable, even forcing the emperor aside in favor of the inexperienced crown prince late last year. That however, was perhaps the nadir of his power. Within months the food crisis had grown too extreme and Kuklik?s own men forced him from power. It had been essentially bloodless, perhaps one final show of deference to the deposed leader, or perhaps simply because there was no one willing to contest his removal.
The new Minister President, the cold and uninspiring yet intelligent and capable Francis Marix, was determined to retain power for the party while meeting at least the basic needs of the population. He needed foreign investment in Heklocharis, but due to the nation?s isolation there were few potential partners to turn toward. Fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately), they had maintained reasonable relations with Cagontia, which was seeking to broaden its international relations after a period of its own self-imposed isolation.
?Mr. Karlson?all pleasantries aside?you understand that this meeting did not ever occur and that the Empire of Heklocharis will fully deny anything to the contrary.?
?Oh of course, Martin. We know how your government feels about things such as this. These talks are completely off the record,? Jat Karlson responded matter-of-factly as he watched a man finish a plate of oysters and attempt to be inconspicuous.
?Good, I?m glad we have our usual understanding. Perhaps in the future,? Martin hesitated while thinking of the best phrasing, ?our governments will be able to conduct international relations in much more normalized channels. Perhaps very soon.?
?Well?you know that the policy of the Republic of Cagontia is that we are always willing to improve our relations with the Empire of Heklocharis. In fact, my government would be happy to do so and more at the soonest convenience. The days of isolation are past, Martin; a nation and a people have to look to the world if they are to prosper.?
?Yes?the old ways must be cast aside, that is for sure,? Martin said almost wistfully. ?Yes?perhaps Heklocharis would do well to enter onto the broader world stage. It would do well for the world to become familiar with His Imperial Majesty, and perhaps soon they will have a chance??
?Alright Marty,? Jat said with some minor annoyance as he turned and looked at the oyster-eating man, ?would it kill you to not always be so vague??
The new Minister President, the cold and uninspiring yet intelligent and capable Francis Marix, was determined to retain power for the party while meeting at least the basic needs of the population. He needed foreign investment in Heklocharis, but due to the nation?s isolation there were few potential partners to turn toward. Fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately), they had maintained reasonable relations with Cagontia, which was seeking to broaden its international relations after a period of its own self-imposed isolation.
?Mr. Karlson?all pleasantries aside?you understand that this meeting did not ever occur and that the Empire of Heklocharis will fully deny anything to the contrary.?
?Oh of course, Martin. We know how your government feels about things such as this. These talks are completely off the record,? Jat Karlson responded matter-of-factly as he watched a man finish a plate of oysters and attempt to be inconspicuous.
?Good, I?m glad we have our usual understanding. Perhaps in the future,? Martin hesitated while thinking of the best phrasing, ?our governments will be able to conduct international relations in much more normalized channels. Perhaps very soon.?
?Well?you know that the policy of the Republic of Cagontia is that we are always willing to improve our relations with the Empire of Heklocharis. In fact, my government would be happy to do so and more at the soonest convenience. The days of isolation are past, Martin; a nation and a people have to look to the world if they are to prosper.?
?Yes?the old ways must be cast aside, that is for sure,? Martin said almost wistfully. ?Yes?perhaps Heklocharis would do well to enter onto the broader world stage. It would do well for the world to become familiar with His Imperial Majesty, and perhaps soon they will have a chance??
?Alright Marty,? Jat said with some minor annoyance as he turned and looked at the oyster-eating man, ?would it kill you to not always be so vague??