Bridging the Gap (MT, closed)

[Jimanistan]

It had been long in coming. The fallout from the "Imperial Dinner Fiasco" three years earlier had destroyed the fledgling relationship between Jimanistan and Royal Calathonia, a relationship that, as most observers noted, probably would not have worked very well, anyway. Immediately afterward violence erupted between natives and Jimani expatriates living in Calathonia. But quite a lot had changed in that time. The Second Socialist Republic had collapsed under the weight of its own derelict economy, and was swiftly replaced (with help from striking workers and laid-off soldiers) by the Third Socialist Republic. The new government did not intend to play senseless games, or to make boisterous attempts to undermine th authority of other nations by refusing to hand over prisoners. Royal Calathonia, too, had undergone a transformation of sorts. The last few monarchs had been particularly tyrannical and, well, simply lousy. Their sitting Empress, however, Catherine II, seemed to be doing well, and had devoted herself to reforming her government, liberalizing her society, and modernizing her nation.

Even so, it came as something of a surprise when Her Imperial Majesty's government requested a meeting with the Socialist Republic. The Political Bureau had spent quite a lot of time discussing whether or not it would be perceived by the public as 'Capitalist-friendly' to meet a Calathonian delegation. In the end, a meeting was decided safe enough, and was beside likely of very little public interest. An encounter was quickly arranged through the proper diplomatic channels, to be held at a Government-owned piece of beach-front property in the tropical Seabreeze Islands, an overseas part of the Socialist Republic.

---

A villa outside of Warm Harbor
Seabreeze Islands District, Jimanistan
15:13 JCT (Jimani Central Time)

The tide rolled in and out rhythmically, washing over the sands, and back again. The mid-afternoon sun beat down mildly, as it often did during the Winter in the Seabreeze Islands. Liebowitz closed his eyes and listened for a moment, trying to time his breathing with the tides. It was difficult, as the burned-out alveoli in his lungs attested, due primarily to his lifelong habit of smoking. Opening his eyes again, he glanced a delegation approaching. The Calathonians, of course. He rose to his feet and extended his hand to the highest-ranking member of the group.

"Greetings, and welcome to the Socialist Republic. I am Johnathan Liebowitz, Comrade-Minister of Diplomacy. I trust your trip was pleasant?"

The table at which he had been sitting was large, made of finely-wrought wood, and was surrounded by several chairs shaped in a similar fashion. About it were various other government functionaries, both high and low in rank. There were bowls of fruit and plates of bread and cheese, as well as several bottles of choice wines, along with an appropriate number of glasses. Armed guards, too, were present, to defend against trouble-makers, although they were taking great pains to remain well out of sight. It was best not to upset a delicate diplomatic affair by spooking someone, after all. The table was on a sort of stone deck, which was covered from the sun by a colorful awning, and was adjacent to a stately beach home that had belonged to a foreign Tobacco merchant. The merchant was now in exile, due to 'crimes against the Working Class.'

The notion of holding the meeting in such a warm, pleasant atmosphere as Warm Harbor had been Liebowitz's own, he recalled with a certain satisfaction. A somewhat more relaxed setting, he hoped, would help to break the ice. And, that beside, the capital of Verdemont was notorious for brutal winters. He was glad to be out of the city for a day or two. Due to the climate, he was dressed a little bit lighter than usual, having shed his usual three-piece suit in favor of a shirt, waistcoat, and tie, along with matching trousers, all of lighter materials.

[Royal Calathonia]

It had been long in coming. The fallout from the "Imperial Dinner Fiasco" three years earlier had destroyed the fledgling relationship between Jimanistan and Royal Calathonia, a relationship that, as most observers noted, probably would not have worked very well, anyway. Immediately afterward violence erupted between natives and Jimani expatriates living in Calathonia. But quite a lot had changed in that time. The Second Socialist Republic had collapsed under the weight of its own derelict economy, and was swiftly replaced (with help from striking workers and laid-off soldiers) by the Third Socialist Republic. The new government did not intend to play senseless games, or to make boisterous attempts to undermine th authority of other nations by refusing to hand over prisoners. Royal Calathonia, too, had undergone a transformation of sorts. The last few monarchs had been particularly tyrannical and, well, simply lousy. Their sitting Empress, however, Catherine II, seemed to be doing well, and had devoted herself to reforming her government, liberalizing her society, and modernizing her nation.

Even so, it came as something of a surprise when Her Imperial Majesty's government requested a meeting with the Socialist Republic. The Political Bureau had spent quite a lot of time discussing whether or not it would be perceived by the public as 'Capitalist-friendly' to meet a Calathonian delegation. In the end, a meeting was decided safe enough, and was beside likely of very little public interest. An encounter was quickly arranged through the proper diplomatic channels, to be held at a Government-owned piece of beach-front property in the tropical Seabreeze Islands, an overseas part of the Socialist Republic.

---

A villa outside of Warm Harbor
Seabreeze Islands District, Jimanistan
15:13 JCT (Jimani Central Time)

The tide rolled in and out rhythmically, washing over the sands, and back again. The mid-afternoon sun beat down mildly, as it often did during the Winter in the Seabreeze Islands. Liebowitz closed his eyes and listened for a moment, trying to time his breathing with the tides. It was difficult, as the burned-out alveoli in his lungs attested, due primarily to his lifelong habit of smoking. Opening his eyes again, he glanced a delegation approaching. The Calathonians, of course. He rose to his feet and extended his hand to the highest-ranking member of the group.

"Greetings, and welcome to the Socialist Republic. I am Johnathan Liebowitz, Comrade-Minister of Diplomacy. I trust your trip was pleasant?"

The table at which he had been sitting was large, made of finely-wrought wood, and was surrounded by several chairs shaped in a similar fashion. About it were various other government functionaries, both high and low in rank. There were bowls of fruit and plates of bread and cheese, as well as several bottles of choice wines, along with an appropriate number of glasses. Armed guards, too, were present, to defend against trouble-makers, although they were taking great pains to remain well out of sight. It was best not to upset a delicate diplomatic affair by spooking someone, after all. The table was on a sort of stone deck, which was covered from the sun by a colorful awning, and was adjacent to a stately beach home that had belonged to a foreign Tobacco merchant. The merchant was now in exile, due to 'crimes against the Working Class.'

The notion of holding the meeting in such a warm, pleasant atmosphere as Warm Harbor had been Liebowitz's own, he recalled with a certain satisfaction. A somewhat more relaxed setting, he hoped, would help to break the ice. And, that beside, the capital of Verdemont was notorious for brutal winters. He was glad to be out of the city for a day or two. Due to the climate, he was dressed a little bit lighter than usual, having shed his usual three-piece suit in favor of a shirt, waistcoat, and tie, along with matching trousers, all of lighter materials.

The head of the Royal Calathonian delegation, Chancellor Halifax, said to Liebowitz "Hello, Minister Liebowitz. I am Edward Halifax, Chancellor of Royal Calathonia." Halifax was a elderly man, sixty-nine years old, having served in government for forty-four years. He walked with a cane.

[Jimanistan]

"A pleasure, Mister Halifax."

Liebowitz subtly gestured to an aide, who moved to help the elderly Calathonian to his seat. The Diplomat, meanwhile, retook his seat, and made a sweeping gesture toward his companions. First, he motioned toward a plain-looking brunette woman, who was probably in her mid-thirties. She was dressed conservatively, in a simple black dress.

"This is Comrade Zoe Commena, head of the Central Economic Planning Committee."

She nodded her head and smiled slightly, while Liebowitz motioned to a second figure, a man. He was tall and imposing, the very picture of aging well into middle age. Black hair flecked with gray framed his long face, which was clean-shaven. He was dressed in a crisp brown uniform with red piping, adorned with numerous medals, ribbons, and pips of every description. On his head was a matching cap brown cap with a red band, a multi-colored Jimani star cockade pinned at the crux.

"And this," the Diplomat went on, "is Comrade-General George Victor, High Commander of all Jimani Forces, and Minister of Defense.

"But no doubt you are thirsty. Or hungry. Perhaps some wine and cheese?" he asked, as low-level functionaries began pouring glasses and setting plates. Occurring well after the usual time for luncheon and well before the usual time for dinner, the meeting did not include a proper meal, but did involve food (and, more importantly, drink), as nearly all Jimani endeavors did.

[Royal Calathonia]

"A pleasure, Mister Halifax."

Liebowitz subtly gestured to an aide, who moved to help the elderly Calathonian to his seat. The Diplomat, meanwhile, retook his seat, and made a sweeping gesture toward his companions. First, he motioned toward a plain-looking brunette woman, who was probably in her mid-thirties. She was dressed conservatively, in a simple black dress.

"This is Comrade Zoe Commena, head of the Central Economic Planning Committee."

She nodded her head and smiled slightly, while Liebowitz motioned to a second figure, a man. He was tall and imposing, the very picture of aging well into middle age. Black hair flecked with gray framed his long face, which was clean-shaven. He was dressed in a crisp brown uniform with red piping, adorned with numerous medals, ribbons, and pips of every description. On his head was a matching cap brown cap with a red band, a multi-colored Jimani star cockade pinned at the crux.

"And this," the Diplomat went on, "is Comrade-General George Victor, High Commander of all Jimani Forces, and Minister of Defense.

"But no doubt you are thirsty. Or hungry. Perhaps some wine and cheese?" he asked, as low-level functionaries began pouring glasses and setting plates. Occurring well after the usual time for luncheon and well before the usual time for dinner, the meeting did not include a proper meal, but did involve food (and, more importantly, drink), as nearly all Jimani endeavors did.

The elderly Chancellor sat down. He began eating some of the cheese. He then said "Minister Liebowitz, I am aware of General Victor and Minister Commena, for they both were some of your government officials at the previous meeting...but anyways I must discuss to you the reasons Her Majesty decided to try to reopen relations with Jimanistan."

[Jimanistan]

"And I should very much like to hear it," Liebowitz began. He took a long, thoguhtful sip from his cup, letting the wine wash slowly down his throat. It was a sweet, fruity wine, of good vintage, and was not entirely unlike sangria.

"indeed, the entire Political Bureau would be pleased to hear the reason Her Majesty requested a meeting with us. It was something of a surprise, you understand, considering our- shall we say- less than warm relations over these past few years."

[Royal Calathonia]

"And I should very much like to hear it," Liebowitz began. He took a long, thoguhtful sip from his cup, letting the wine wash slowly down his throat. It was a sweet, fruity wine, of good vintage, and was not entirely unlike sangria.

"indeed, the entire Political Bureau would be pleased to hear the reason Her Majesty requested a meeting with us. It was something of a surprise, you understand, considering our- shall we say- less than warm relations over these past few years."

The Chancellor drank some champagne, and then said "Well, the Empress simply wanted to restore relations with your nation, to strengthen them and to make sure we could become more friendly."

[Jimanistan]

"Well, of course." Liebowitz said politely, nodding. He made his best attempt to keep his vexation from showing on his face. It was an absurdly generic answer he had been given, and one that failed to satisfy his curiosity, which was both professional and personal. The Calathonians must have had some other reason for moving for diplomatic ties. What sort of country would strive for closer relations simply for the sake of 'being more friendly,' without some ulterior motive?

"I think Comrade Liebowitz is curious about Her Majesty's motives." Victor interjected, in his gravelly voice, almost as much growling as speaking. He was not attempting to threaten or unnerve the Calathonian, but rather carried himself in such a fashion more or less all the time. He had very few friends, perhaps as a direct result.

"You must surely want something else. Favorable trade status, perhaps? A military alliance?" he went on, oblivious to Liebowitz tapping on his foot with a quietly desperate sort of forced calm, attempting get the man to shut up.

[Royal Calathonia]

"Well, of course." Liebowitz said politely, nodding. He made his best attempt to keep his vexation from showing on his face. It was an absurdly generic answer he had been given, and one that failed to satisfy his curiosity, which was both professional and personal. The Calathonians must have had some other reason for moving for diplomatic ties. What sort of country would strive for closer relations simply for the sake of 'being more friendly,' without some ulterior motive?

"I think Comrade Liebowitz is curious about Her Majesty's motives." Victor interjected, in his gravelly voice, almost as much growling as speaking. He was not attempting to threaten or unnerve the Calathonian, but rather carried himself in such a fashion more or less all the time. He had very few friends, perhaps as a direct result.

"You must surely want something else. Favorable trade status, perhaps? A military alliance?" he went on, oblivious to Liebowitz tapping on his foot with a quietly desperate sort of forced calm, attempting get the man to shut up.

The elderly Chancellor then said "We would like the establishment of free trade, relaxed immigration, and easier diplomatic interaction."

[Jimanistan]

"Those are perfectly reasonable demands," Liebowitz said, nodding with an air of approval. He was pleased that the Calathonian did not seem to take offense to the General's foreword, blunt nature. Many people did, unfortunately.

"Indeed," began Commena, chiming in for the first time. She had not touched any drink, but had been nibbling on a wedge of cheese.

"but I am afraid I find myself troubled by your use of the phrase 'free trade,' Chancellor. You surely know that Jimanistan is a Socialist state. As such, we have no companies and corporations, at least not in the sense that your nation does. All business is run for the benefit of the many, with workers electing their managers, and higher-up executives being appointed by my Committee, and the various subcommittees beneath it. I am not sure that competition in the national marketplace from the Royal Calathonian business community would be in the best interests of our people."

She paused, taking a bite from a piece of sharp yellow cheese, before continuing.

"However, I suppose it would be possible for us to open up limited competition in certain tourist areas, which would be beneficial to both your nation and ours. Further, I would suggest an arrangement that would encourage tourists from your airports to visit Jimanistan. This could be most easily done by allowing Air Jimanistan to operate out of your International Airports (for a fee, of course), and providing travel between Royal Calathonia and the Socialist Republic at a lower rate relative to other nations."

Liebowitz cleared his throat as the woman finished her proposal, announcing his intent to speak.

"A very excellent suggestion, Comrade Commena. As far as easier diplomatic communication is involved, I am entirely in favor of such an agreement. We would be more than happy to reopen our embassy and consulates in Royal Calathonia, and would be pleased if Her Majesty would reopen the Calathonian embassy in Verdemont. As to your suggestion for relaxed immigration, the Political Bureau would be pleased to see immigration between our states streamlined.

"On a related note," he said, taking a sip from his cup, "we are still a little troubled over treatment of Jimani expatriates in Royal Calathonia. We should like to see legislation in the near future protecting the rights of those of Jimani descent living in Royal Calathonia."

[Royal Calathonia]

"Those are perfectly reasonable demands," Liebowitz said, nodding with an air of approval. He was pleased that the Calathonian did not seem to take offense to the General's foreword, blunt nature. Many people did, unfortunately.

"Indeed," began Commena, chiming in for the first time. She had not touched any drink, but had been nibbling on a wedge of cheese.

"but I am afraid I find myself troubled by your use of the phrase 'free trade,' Chancellor. You surely know that Jimanistan is a Socialist state. As such, we have no companies and corporations, at least not in the sense that your nation does. All business is run for the benefit of the many, with workers electing their managers, and higher-up executives being appointed by my Committee, and the various subcommittees beneath it. I am not sure that competition in the national marketplace from the Royal Calathonian business community would be in the best interests of our people."

She paused, taking a bite from a piece of sharp yellow cheese, before continuing.

"However, I suppose it would be possible for us to open up limited competition in certain tourist areas, which would be beneficial to both your nation and ours. Further, I would suggest an arrangement that would encourage tourists from your airports to visit Jimanistan. This could be most easily done by allowing Air Jimanistan to operate out of your International Airports (for a fee, of course), and providing travel between Royal Calathonia and the Socialist Republic at a lower rate relative to other nations."

Liebowitz cleared his throat as the woman finished her proposal, announcing his intent to speak.

"A very excellent suggestion, Comrade Commena. As far as easier diplomatic communication is involved, I am entirely in favor of such an agreement. We would be more than happy to reopen our embassy and consulates in Royal Calathonia, and would be pleased if Her Majesty would reopen the Calathonian embassy in Verdemont. As to your suggestion for relaxed immigration, the Political Bureau would be pleased to see immigration between our states streamlined.

"On a related note," he said, taking a sip from his cup, "we are still a little troubled over treatment of Jimani expatriates in Royal Calathonia. We should like to see legislation in the near future protecting the rights of those of Jimani descent living in Royal Calathonia."

Chancellor Halifax said "Your proposals on limited economic interaction are..troubling to say the most, but I accept your ideas. We encourage you to continue modernization and liberalization of your industries. And also, embassies can be reestablished. And about those Jimani immigrants......they are being treated fairly now, and will be fully protected by the upcoming civil rights charter."

[Jimanistan]

"Excellent," Liebowitz said, glancing first at his watch, and then back to his Calathonian counterpart.

"Comrade Chlalabi will be most pleased to hear that our expatriates are being protected. As for our industries, I assure you that they are entirely modern. Likely, our infrastructure in general is more advanced than your own. Perhaps you would like a demonstration, Chancellor? I have arranged a tour of the power plant outside of town, and you will have a chance to see our advanced metro-train systems in action."

[Royal Calathonia]

"Excellent," Liebowitz said, glancing first at his watch, and then back to his Calathonian counterpart.

"Comrade Chlalabi will be most pleased to hear that our expatriates are being protected. As for our industries, I assure you that they are entirely modern. Likely, our infrastructure in general is more advanced than your own. Perhaps you would like a demonstration, Chancellor? I have arranged a tour of the power plant outside of town, and you will have a chance to see our advanced metro-train systems in action."

The Chancellor said "Sir, you are bluffing. You are saying your infrastructure is more advanced then ours? I don't believe that. Our nation has been industrialized since the early 1800s, and yours, only for the past century. And our nation is modern as well. But I would like to see this plant for myself."

[Jimanistan]

"And you shall." Said Liebowitz with a polite smile, offering a hand to the crippled Calathonian.

As he did so, a functionary had a sleek black car called up, which stopped about fifty yards away from the table. It was on a private road, which led out to the city of Warm Harbor. They, of course, would be headed for the Power Plant on the far side of the city, going by way of the Metro-railway.

"If the rest of you would be pleased to remain," Commena said, smiling as well, "we, sans Comrade Liebowitz, I would like for us to engage in a less formal, friendly discussion."

[Royal Calathonia]

"And you shall." Said Liebowitz with a polite smile, offering a hand to the crippled Calathonian.

As he did so, a functionary had a sleek black car called up, which stopped about fifty yards away from the table. It was on a private road, which led out to the city of Warm Harbor. They, of course, would be headed for the Power Plant on the far side of the city, going by way of the Metro-railway.

"If the rest of you would be pleased to remain," Commena said, smiling as well, "we, sans Comrade Liebowitz, I would like for us to engage in a less formal, friendly discussion."

Halifax followed Director Liebowitz into the car. Meanwhile, the assistant to Halifax decided to remain, and said "Go on, Minister Commena."