Michael Sterns surveyed the City of Franji almost 2 Years here as part of Lord Henrys program of Peace, and he still wasn't particularly comfortable in the place.  The Embassy was in a good location though Situated overlooking Franji Harbor, and built in the Local Style, it had magnificent views of the City and the Sunsets were truly Breath Taking. 

Looking back into his Office, at the pile of Briefings and Documents there he let out a Heavy Sigh, Back to work it is I suppose he said aloud.  Thankfully the Nonaggression Pact of 1914 was still holding, but the Trade Treaty was proving Difficult to assemble on the best Days, on the Worst it was proving down right impossible.  He sat down heavily in his Chair and Reviewed the Latest Proposal.

To: Ambassador Michael Sterns
From: Khalid Alatara Minister of Trade Franji
Subject: Trade Agreement

Ambassador it pleases me greatly to present you with the Following.

Article 1
It is acknowledged that the Swiss Dollar and the Franji Dinar are sovereign currencies. In the interest of good trade however it is preferable to have a stable currency exchange rate between the Swiss and Franji markets
Article 2
Customs fees and taxes will be brought into line with each other, thus ensuring a smooth and profitable exchange of goods and services.
Article 3
Use of ports, rivers and railways will not be restricted, to ensure Speedy and Profitable delivery of Goods. *
Should these terms be acceptable to your people please contact meat your earliest Convenience

Michael sat down the Memo, it was likely to be the best agreement Khalid would offer.  Not for the First time he wished ardently for a Drink, but one couldn't even smuggle a bottle into this country.  Standing up he Yelled for his Secretary Fredric

Fredric: (Opening the door and entering the Office) Yes Sir

Michael: Call down and get me some tea would you man, and make arrangements for Minister Altara to have dinner with me tonight.

Fredric: Yes Sir I will see to it immediately (closes the door and returns to his desk to make the arrangements)

Michael returned to his desk and the piles of reports sighing, an ambassador's work is never done apparently...  but atleast he had the trade pact a truely Magnificant Day.

*=Pending approval of the Moderators. Maddox.

Michael Sterns looked a crossed the Small table in his Private Dining room at Minister Altara, so far he had been very accommodating during the Negotiations they had undertaken Mike couldn't help but wonder though what actually went on in the mans head.

Minister Altara gazed carefully a crossed at Ambassador Sterns, the Emperor didn't believe his assessment that this man was likely one of the most dangerous people in all of Allah's Creation.  His fellow Ministers dismissed him as just another Swiss Flunky, But Altara knew the Truth Ambassador Sterns could likely have converted the Prophet himself to the Swiss religion of Trade.  The rumor in the Embassy was his Progenitor had been a Horse trader, but Altara thought it more likely he had been a Horse Thief....

Altara: My Friend before we turn to the Matter at hand, my Master wishes me to express his Gratitude at the swift Manner your King and Senate have implemented our Previous Agreement

Sterns: it is our Pleasure my friend, the terms were quite agreeable to both our Nations.  Might I assume that our advisors have arrived with the Aircraft you requested then?

Altara: (sipping his Tea) Yes they have Representatives of the Wright and Curtis Corporations along with several Demonstrator Aircraft.  I must say My Master was quite Surprised that the Businessmen and Engineers that were sent were followers of the True Faith however, I must ask though how is your progress coming on the Elimination of your lake Forces?

Sterns:  Well to my Knowledge which is strictly speaking not complete, Lord Henry was so ecstatic that you agreed to that point that he ordered the whole thing Scraped as soon as humanly possible.  I understand it was quite a scean actually.

Altara: I must admit we found that condition strange, but we to were happy to rid ourselves of that white elephant.  However from what our Diplomats in Phoenix tell us your Lord Protector is quite the Human Wrecking ball when he gets his mind set on something.

Sterns: He isn't quite that extreme I assure you, the man is truly a Servant of the People.  He cares little for his own legacy, but above all he wants Peace for the Republic.  If he can manage that in the face of what the actions of the previous leadership he will feel it was well worth the effort.

Altara: Peace is a Noble Dream my friend, one which has eluded many Nations of late.  One must simply look to the West to see that not all peoples can be trusted to seek it before turning to aggression.

Sterns: I assume you refer to the Conflict in New Zion? That is a Colossal Blunder by all the Parties involved in my honest opinion.

Altara: Is it not necessary to avenge the Murder of ones Religious leader though.

Sterns: You would get little argument about THAT from me, as you know I'm a Catholic myself, but from everything I have read about the issue the Evidence is at best shaky there is actually wide spread belief in the Republic that it was undertaken by a Ottoman Nationalist.  In any case im glad we can avoid such actions in our part of the World, Assassination is such a dirty business.

Altara: But did your Own Government not undertake to assassinate the Leader of the Middle Kingdom and Kidnap the Infant heir?

Sterns: I take it word hasn't reached you about how Lord Henry handled that issue then.  Let it suffice to say that Count Duku and the other surviving member of the group that ordered that action, are shall we say in an Appropriate Place.

Altara: so they weren't Executed as Rumor had it, quite Surprising actually.

Conversation trailed off to the Merits of simply executing ones enemies at that point and Michael thought to himself that Altara was truly a blessing to his Master,  Not only was he a man he could respect but he was wise enough to see the direction things were going to flow in for the foreseeable future.

Altara enjoyed the meal set before him a great deal, but he enjoyed these dinners more for the Companionship of the ambassador.  The man was a true Statesman, so rare a thing to find especially in the New Swiss government.  He mused to himself that Lord Henry must truly treasure this man; He could see Great things in his Future Truly Great Things.

Henry stared out the Study Window of Rochester House, while this place was no Windsor Palace He supposed it would do until the new official residence here in Phoenix was finished.  What a Lovely City he thought to himself while looking out at the avenues.  Everywhere he looked there was evidence that his Plan was working, Peace that was the Key Peace.

Not for the first time he wondered why the Presidents of the Republic hadn't been able to understand that very thing, Likely he supposed they had been to blinded by their own since of self-worth to realize what they were doing to the very People they had sworn to Protect.  Likely the Greed and Corruption that had been standard Business Practice for those few years of Chaos was also to blame somewhere.  Why hadn't mother seen it coming though, was she so weak minded as not to realize where Palentine and Duku were taking the Republic? Did she actually think that there had been a Chance of Victory in the Great War.?  Henry himself knew better, he had seen the Hapsburg forces arrayed against them first hand at the fighting outside New Amsterdam.  He had even considered the Hapsburg offer to surrender the City and fight beside them thus liberating Australia from the Swiss, in the end he hadn't been able to do it.  He would have rather died than Betray the men of his army.  At the end of the Great War he had promised to do everything in his Power to ensure Peace for his men, and now he found himself in Position to do exactly that, and He could not betray that trust.

Henry looked at the Document in front of him for at least the fifth time in the last Hour, it was the second Brick on that road to Peace.  Easier won than the first which he had been forced to resort to Bribery to get through the Senate, the trade agreement with Franji would be easier for Trade to stomach than the Nonaggression pact had been last year.

Henry looked up as the door to the Study opened, seeing the face of his personal Steward he smiled

Henry: What is it Charles?

Charles: Mr. Lefters is here to see you sir, should I send him in?

Henry: yes show him in hopefully he brings good news

Harry: (entering with a swift purposeful gait and bowing a the waist) Milord

Henry: well what news of the Maori as I assume that's all that would dictate your rush.

Harry: yes Milord the preliminary reports were Correct, they are mobilizing their Military Forces.

Henry: (hurling the glass of Brandy he was nursing a crossed the Room) DAMIT don't they realize that we will have to match their action after all the rhetoric they have been spewing about driving the white Devils from their Native Soil.

Harry: I'm afraid you ask the wrong man milord, I'm no diplomat just a simple agent in his majesties service.

Henry: I know Harry I know, is there anything else?

Harry: no Milord I just thought I should bring you that information myself.

Henry: and I thank you for it.

(Harry recognizing a dismissal turns and leaves the room)

Henry Began Pacing the Room, Damit why couldn't it have held off another year.  He had known that Italia was going to invade New Zion ever since he ascended the throne.  He had sincerely hoped however to remain clear of any Foreign matters while he placated the other powers in the world and secured his borders.  Now it was beginning to look all for Naught... It was all that egomaniac Palentines fault really, in return for Italian help during the Great War he had given them a free hand to handle the Zionites.  Then he had gone and signed a treaty to protect them, the man had truly been mad.  The Italians had held up their end even if not fighting they had argued strenuously for the Republic at the Rohan Peace talks, which had in truth saved the republic from almost certain defeat.  No he would have to do his best to honor both agreements, the Supply runs would continue but there was just no way he could offer New Zion direct Military assistance, especially as the Brandenburg were likely to assist in the crushing of that nation.  The Republic had to have Peace, and that must remain his driving goal above all others.

The Maori, now that was another matter Henry thought as he sat down at his desk and began penning orders to his military commanders, yes another matter entirely.

tan, your posting is clear enough

Henry sat behind the Great Rosewood desk in his Study, and once again looked at the Document in front of him, and read through it again.  This was truly a daunting alignment of Force.

To: His Majesty Lord Henry Windsor
From: Harry Lefferts, Director Intelligence Operations DoMI
Subject: Disposition of Naval Forces in and about the Rift Sea

Nassau Forces
  French
    9 Battleships Flagged by Battleship DeCreme, believed to be all of modern types
    Multiple Cruisers
    Source: Force Spotted in Djibouti straits by Merchant Seamen

  Italian
    7 battleships Flagged by Gualius, 4 prearcadia 3 modern types
    Multiple Cruisers
    Multiple Destroyers
    Source: Naval Intelligence Assets

  Confederate
    2 Battleships Modern Types Believed Oklahoma Class
    Multiple Cruisers
    Source: Naval Intelligence Assets

African Forces
  Orange
    4 Battleships of Modern Types
    15 Cruisers of Modern Types
    47 Destroyers Primarily of large modern types

  New Zion
    6 Battleships all Prearcadia types
    18 Cruisers of Various Types
    49 Destroyers of Various types mostly old Lighter types
      *note it is questionable if New Zion can man their entire fleet.

Swiss Forces
  2 Battle Cruisers (Alliance II and Constitution)
  8 Sipan class Destroyers
  Multiple Merchantmen ignoring the Exclusion zone

Henry sat down the report, and looked at Harry who had just delivered it

Lord Henry: Are your people sure on these numbers?

Harry: Yes Milord, the French numbers could be wrong but I doubt it the report came from one of our assets who was being sent to Rome via Egypt.

Lord Henry: Damit all if it had been just the Confederates, we could have supported Orange and brought the numbers close enough to force a Peace.  With the French obviously involved we must assume that the UNK will be mobilizing also however and that is a force that we have no hope of countering even without UNK involvement.  Send Copies of this report by fast Packet to both Orange and New Zion.

Harry: Yes Milord (turning and departing)

Henry stood from behind his desk and turned to look out the Window.  He didn't relish the thought of having the Zionite Royal family in his Republic, but there were very few other options realistically.  He supposed he could always force his uncle to marry the Matriarch of that clan perhaps that would give him a modicum of control over them, although in the past Rochester hadn't been so predictable himself at times.

Henry sat back down at his desk and began the letter he would have delivered by the same fast Packet to New Zion as the intelligence report, it was an offer and the Zionites could refuse it but he felt Honor bound to make it at least.

Quote from: Tanthalas on December 01, 2008, 01:43:10 PM
Thankfully the Nonaggression Pact of 1914 was still holding,

I missed that one when doing Firanji budgets, how mush is the Swiss paying Firanji for it per half, 5€? 10€? More then that?

QuoteArticle 1
It is acknowledged that the Swiss Dollar and the Franji Dinar are sovereign currencies. In the interest of good trade however it is preferable to have a stable currency exchange rate between the Swiss and Franji markets
Article 2
Customs fees and taxes will be brought into line with each other, thus ensuring a smooth and profitable exchange of goods and services.
Article 3
Use of ports, rivers and railways will not be restricted, to ensure Speedy and Profitable delivery of Goods.

If that is what Firanji is proposing, I think they should shoot their negotiator for treason.

Article 1 is Blasphemy, I agree!

I thought that Firaji leadership were supposed to be smart.

I can thing of few things as counter-productive to Firanji interests as signing a non-aggression pact with the Swiss, as it undermines Firanjis very strong negotiating position in other matters

Capitan Reynolds stood on the bridge wing of USNSS Serenity, the provisioning was going well, but he still wasn't sure about these new orders.  The Republic had enemies on all sides and he failed to see how his deployment would do anything but add to that list, with the Maori making Noise about reclaiming their homeland, and the Dutch demanding exorbitant payments to even begin negotiations it looked like at least those 2 countries would remain on that list.  Matters weren't all bad though unofficial word had it that there was soon to be a peace accord with Franji, and relations with Brandenburg were definitely Improving, Even the Japanese were being Cordial. 

He opened his Command Folder once again and pulled out the Order Sheet held within it

To: Capitan Malcolm Reynolds Comander USNSS Serenity
From: Admeral Jonathen M Volpe Naval High Comand
Subject: Patrol Orders

Orders: Procead best possible Speed to Sydney Harbor, where you will reprovision and take Tactical comand of USNSS Audacity, USNSS Osprey, USNSS Eagle, and USNSS Goshawk.  Upon completion of provisioning you will proceed at best pace to Southern Pacific Ocean and Monitor Maori operations in the region.  High Command has the Utmost faith in your ability to complete this operation Capitan, do not disappoint us.

Capitan Reynolds Closed the folder and thought that sometimes being one of henrys new men had its disadvantages.  You were called upon more often than would have normally been the case.  He supposed it was because Lord Henry knew what they all knew, and that was that their Meteoric rise through the ranks was due to his Favor.  Rumor had it that his lordship had reviewed the records of every naval battle in the Great War, and the New men like himself were the ones who had shown initiative.  He wasn't to sure about that all he knew for sure was many of them had been called back after being discharged under the previous leadership of the Republic.

Capitan Reynolds looked down at the pier again, it appeared that provisioning was completed, which meant that as soon as the ready reports came in from the other ships under his command he would be ready to sail, he only hoped that the other ships were as ready for anything as his own Command.

Lord Henry stared at the Insolent Fleet Owner standing a crossed his desk from him.  The Ostentatious Bastard actually had the Nerve to refuse to take Cargo for the Flag his entire fleet sailed under.  He hadn't believed it when his Agents told him that but here stood the Cocksure Bastard, and he was refusing directly to the Face of his Lord.  Red Diamond Lines had traditionally been supportive of actions undertaken by the Swiss Government but apparently for some reason that had changed Recently, Perhaps a lesson was in order

Heinrich Jung stood a crossed from the Lord Protector of New Switzerland, Sincerely Grateful that the massive Rosewood desk was separating him from his Monarch, he hadn't Relished refusing the business, the fact was he just didn't have any ships available to make the Delivery...

Henry: You seriously expect me to believe that you don't have a single ship capable of making this Delivery.

Heinrich: Milord it's the French, they hired my entire line to haul oil, the Rates they offered were 50% above market price.  At that rate, it was more Profitable to work for them than to run the blockade of New Zion.

Henry: And you didn't consider that possibly your own country might have use for you?

Heinrich: Milord we haven't been called upon since the end of the second Pacific war to do more than haul supplies occasionally, we didn't believe that you would have use for us during the Contracted period.

Henry: Blast it then man out with you, you're of no use to me.

Henry watched the fat Bastard bow his way out of the room, there was nothing to be done about the situation he would simply have to find another carrier to deliver the funds New Zion needed.  He began reviewing the papers on his desk looking for another suitable line, perhaps an independent Capitan would be willing to take the Risk... Truth was he needed to keep New Switzerland as far out of this abortion as possible.

Lord Henry sat in his Office, contemplating the events of recent months.  Red Diamond Lines, among others had preformed nothing short of a miracle by going to work for the French.  The opening of the Suez Canal to Swiss shipping had had a marked effect on Commerce.  Goods from Australia and New Switzerland were rapidly making their way into European markets.  Strictly Speaking it was quite amazing really, even more amazing was what was happening in Franji he thought to himself.  Who would have thought that in just a few months trade with Franji would have rivaled that of Trade with Orange and New Zion combined.

In truth he had only hoped to demilitarize the Great Lakes, and perhaps reach an agreement that their 2 Nations could simply ignore one another.  Sending Sterns to Franji had turned out to be a stroke of Genius however, the man could likely sell Ice to the Inuit if he so chose.  He had gotten everything Henry asked him to and more in the bargain, yes Michael Sterns was definitely a man to watch even encourage if necessary.

He turned away from the window and looked at the fine German Clock sitting on his desk, yet another sign of the changing times he thought but it was growing close to the appointed time for that Bastard Clarkes arrival.

Knocking on the Door

Lord Henry: Enter
Charles: Milord Prime Minister Clarke and Mr. Lefferts here to see you
Lord Henry: (Standing) Send them in Charles.

Quite a Surprise really Henry thought to himself, he had expected Clarke but why would Lefferts be here as well.

The door opens and Charles shows Clarke and Lefferts into the Room

Charles: Will you need anything Else Milord?
Lord Henry: No that will be all Charles, inform the Guard that I am not to be disturbed.
Charles: Yes Milord.

Door closes, leaving the 3 men in Private.

Lord Henry: Gentlemen, to what do I owe the Pleasure of your Company on this fine Day?
Clarke: Milord, it has been brought to my attention by Mr. Lefferts, that with the new Government of new Zion perhaps we should reconsider our porting agreement with them.
Lord Henry: What Porting agreement might that be?
Lefferts: Sire, our predecessors saw fit to make an agreement providing Technological assistance to New Zion in exchange for porting Privileges there.
Lord Henry: What sort of Technological Assistance are we referring to dare I ask, and do we truly need to base ships so far from our home Concerns?
Lefferts: Honestly Milord Im not sure what technology was sent to them under my Predecessor, I can however tell you that recently we sent them several Formula for Poisoned Gas.
Clarke: You sent them WHAT, we don't even have a Poisoned Gas program that im aware of.
Lord Henry: Prime Minister there are a great many things you are not privy to, however I must even confess I find this quite alarming, I was aware of the Gas Program.  However I was not aware of this agreement with New Zion.  I think it best to cancel all future exchanges baring my Personal approval
Clarke: Milord the Zionites will throw a Fit
Lord Henry: Let them, I see no reason to give away our greatest national Treasures for little to no reward.
Clarke: Yes Milord, I will see to it that appropriate measures are taken.
Lefferts: Ill draft Orders to see what if anything else they have received sire
Lord Henry: Good, do you have anything Else for me Gentlemen?  No good then you are dismissed to your Various Tasks.

Both men Bowed and turned and quickly saw themselves out.  Henry turned back to his Window and looked out at the Bustle that was Phoenix Truly an amazing City but how sharp a Razor some of its Citizens chose to walk was truly amazing.

Sir Ian: Hello Master Pu Lun let me first tell you how Pleased his Lordship is that you agreed to this Meeting

Master Pu Lun: Prince, if you want to observe the intricacies of diplomacy , Sir

Sir Ian: My apologies Your Lordship

Master Pu Lun: It is the first time in more than a  decade that a Middle Kingdom representative is willing to talk directly to a new Swiss civil servant

Sir Ian: Yes, a quite momentous Occasion, My Master Lord Henry the Lord Protector of New Switzerland wishes to make Peace in our Region.  I am but the Humble Messenger of his
Will

Master Pu Lun: I myself, with the prosperity of the Middle kingdom as first priority understands that issue, and welcome the  opportunity to solve a lot of unneeded grievances

Sir Ian: My Lord Feels that Asia is a small enough place that old Grudges need be buried, he wishes me to point out that even though your rebellious Southern Provinces have approached us Multiple times asking for treaties of Nonaggression that he feels there is only one true China.  His Greatest fear is that your Rebellious Southern Provinces will spread their Communist Filth further in the region

Master Pu Lun: My empress has expressed her worries of that, but her undying hatred to the yang quizi who abducted the Emperor at a young age, and caused the dead of the venerable Empress Dowager Cixi doesn't give any reasonable leeway

Sir Ian: we can make available to you the surviving member of that plot if it is your wish, to be honest Lord Henry has him stored away in a most inhospitable location at this moment

Master Pu Lun: That seems a good start to formalize the relations between the hated New Swiss Yang quizi, and the true leaders of the celestial empire.

Sir Ian: Honestly my Lord views him as a threat to our Nation, Unfortunately his Master is Dead or we would gladly offer him to you as well

Master Pu Lun: I'll convey this offer to the Empress as fast the telegraph can do it

Sir Ian: My thanks Your Lordship if there is any other Way in which I might be of Service your Servants know how to contact me

Politics is politics, but I have to think that Dooku's fate would make other New Swiss espionage-types wonder.  If they conduct a secret op, will their government will throw them under the bus later on?

The Mossad has openings. I could certainly use a few more well trained special ops.