Eulabia-Inyursta [?] (closed, attn: RNI)

[Europe a Nation]

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Commonwealth of Eulabia
National Security Council, Lunden

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In the confines of the Commonwealth of Eulabia’s National Security Council room in Lunden, the air was thick with tension. Klara Savinkova’s voice, laced with urgency yet controlled, punctuated the silence. “The situation is escalating, Mr. President. Indications point towards an imminent large-scale conflict between Aeyariss and Brigantia.”

Oswald Mosley, leaning forward with intensity, responded, “That was to be expected, Klara, ever since we welcomed Brigantia into the ETO.”

Mereo Augusto, his expression a careful blend of concern and thoughtfulness, interjected, “Indeed, Mr. President, but there’s more. The mood in Aeyariss is turning sharply against Eulabia and the ETO. We’re facing a new adversary, alongside Theedishland.”

Narrowing his eyes, Mosley probed, “What do you imply?”

Augusto, with a hint of resolve in his tone, answered, “The possibility of Aeyariss pushing Theedishland into SACTO seems likely. Despite Kojiro’s reluctance, Inyursta might just give them the nod.”

Mosley leaned back, his gaze distant yet piercing. “Aeyariss, our old-age hidden rival. They’ve made a grave mistake. Aligning with the Theedish menace will only seal their fate. Again...”

You've made a grave mistake by blatantly allowing Brigantia to join the ETO, Augusto internally contemplated, biting back his retort. Challenging Mosley in this setting could spell the end of his carefully crafted career. Mosley, set in his ways, was not one to admit fault. In this room, Karlsson* alone occasionally dared to voice opposition, but no support would come from others; Fox and Marlborough were deeply in Mosley's inner circle, Fairfax would outright rally against Theedishland if he could, and Savinkova followed orders without question.

Mosley, however, was more than a mere political figurehead. His actions had transformed the nation, elevating him to an almost legendary status. Augusto, despite his pragmatism and chameleon-like ability to adapt, couldn't help but admire the man who had done so much for their country. As Mosley’s protégé and the Leader of the NPE, party that Mosley founded, Augusto shared in the reflected glory of Mosley's triumphs, even as he navigated the complexities of his impulsive decisions.

Mosley’s bold maneuvers resonated deeply with the public, propelling his popularity to the zenith. And it was Augusto, as Foreign Secretary, who often shouldered the repercussions of Mosley's contentious policies. He had mastered the art of strategic silence, working subtly behind the scenes to balance the military's agenda, public sentiment, corporate interests, and Mosley's ambitious political ventures with the delicate demands of raison d'état.

Aware that every decision he made carried significant weight, Augusto navigated these waters with a blend of respect for Mosley’s achievements and a pragmatic approach to the shifting political landscape. “Mr. President, a confrontation with Aeyariss might be on the horizon, but Theedishland in SACTO poses a more immediate threat. Your direction?”

Mosley’s gaze focused. “A crucial point, Augusto. We must prevent Theedishland from joining SACTO. That’s your charge.”

Delegation – Mosley’s method of choice when a situation grew too complex. Augusto nodded, as he anticipated this development. “Understood, Mr. President.” ...

***

Retreating to his office after the meeting, Augusto mulled over the daunting task ahead. Mosley’s going to be the death of me, he muttered to himself. But this was on his mind for while and he knew it was only one way forward. He started typing.

When he was finished, he printed a single copy of a meticulously crafted document titled non-paper** and deleted the document.

The following day, he discreetly passed the envelope to First Secretary Josep Pajarero, a diplomat en route to the RNI. “Make sure this discreetly reaches the RNI government.” he instructed, his voice low.

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La Républiqua D'Inyursta
Eulabian Embassy in Inyursta, Castille de Térro

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At the Eulabian Embassy in Inyursta, amidst an evening of cultural diplomacy followed by banquet, First Secretary Pajarero subtly approached Lucilla Levesque from the RNI State Department. Their conversation, weaving through themes of art and mutual cultural interests, provided the perfect cover. As they admired a painting, Pajarero passed the non-paper to Lucilla. “Something you might find interesting,” he remarked casually. “Just an informal thought on ongoing issues.”

NON-PAPER

Reconciliation and Progress Initiative

1. Situation Overview

1. The events of 2018 brought to light a significant diplomatic impasse between the Commonwealth of Eulabia (Eulabia) and La Républiqua D'Inyursta (Inyursta). This began when Eulabia did not recognise Inyursta’s decision to impose navigation tolls under the COSTAL agreement. As Eulabian vessels were subsequently impounded for non-compliance, Eulabia responded with an embargo on Inyursta. This action was met with a reciprocal embargo by Inyursta, effectively bringing bilateral relations to a concerning standstill.
   
   
2. The longstanding issue dating back to 2008 also casts a shadow over regional stability. Theedishland's annexation of Lothringen, a region internationally recognised as part of Eulabia, led to a severe diplomatic rift. Eulabia's response, cutting off all diplomatic ties and imposing a comprehensive trade embargo on Theedishland, has since marked a sustained period of tension and unresolved conflict.
   
   
3. A separate, current and also increasingly pressing issue is the situation in Ensolay in 2024. Characterised by policies that starkly contrast with internationally accepted norms, including practices akin to institutionalised slavery, Ensolay's stance presents a challenge to regional stability and human rights. This situation not only impacts Ensolay's immediate neighbours but also poses broader implications for international diplomatic relations. In addition, Ensolay is aggressively opposing Inyurstan policies, unnecessarily escalating tensions between both nations.

2. Potential Solutions

1. Eulabia could formally recognise Inyursta’s sovereignty over the COSTAL-defined territorial waters, agreeing to adhere to the toll regulations.
   
   
2. Inyursta, in turn, could demonstrate its commitment to regional stability by affirming its position against forming any military alliances with Theedishland. This includes particularly opposing Theedishland’s potential entry into the SACTO alliance, given the historical context and ongoing concerns stemming from Theedishland’s actions in Lothringen.
   
   
3. Should both Eulabia and Inyursta reach an agreement on the above points, they could proceed to mutually lift the trade sanctions imposed since 2018. Such a step would not only symbolise a thawing of bilateral relations but also pave the way for renewed diplomatic and economic engagement.
   
   
4. Should both Eulabia and Inyursta reach an agreement on the above points, they could jointly take a stance on the Ensolay issue. By openly opposing Ensolay's policies and advocating for the recognition of human rights, they could contribute to a more stable and ethical regional environment.
   
   
5. A joint diplomatic and economic campaign to diplomatically and economically isolate Ensolay could be considered. This initiative aims at bringing an end to practices in Ensolay that are in violation of international human rights standards, such as apartheid and institutionalised slavery.

3. Preliminary Steps

1. Initiate a silent and non-committal evaluation among key policymakers in Eulabia and Inyursta to explore the viability of the proposed solutions. (underway)
   
   
2. Establish informal, discreet channels for preliminary discussions between Eulabia and Inyursta. These discussions should focus on facilitating constructive dialogue, particularly in regard to finding common ground on the Ensolay situation.

Lucilla accepted the envelope discreetly, the significance of the exchange cloaked by the evening’s congenial atmosphere.

---

* Characters mentioned: Karlsson (Prime Minister), Fox (Home Secretary), Marlborough (Director of National Security), Fairfax (Chief of the General Staff and Commander-in-chief of Eulabian Armed Forces, Savinkova (Defence Secretary)
** Non-paper - an informal, anonymous document used in diplomatic settings. It does not carry official status and is not meant for public disclosure or to represent an official government stance. Its main purpose is to discreetly explore negotiation options or propose ideas in sensitive political contexts.

[Inyourfaceistan]

Baitmas Executive - Castille de Terro, Inyursta

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A rainy dark gloom engulfed the dimly-lit office, some middle-of-the-building fancy meeting room. The pattering of a nightly Castille rainshower thudded and tapped on the glass window while the faint echoes of traffic horns meandered in through the gentle hum of the rainshower.

"The youth are the future of this country - ergo the development of that future is a direct interest of the state!" Shouted Presidente Jean-Baptiste Calderone, a square-shaped glass of transparent and watery red Liquòre de Maràschínja sloshing about in his right hand and a classic, Topoguyan tobacco cigar in his left hand. The cheif executive had hung up his overcoat, and was wearing only a white pressed button-up shirt with a burgundy tie, khaki slacks and a pair of well-shined oxfords with a darker cap toe and burgundy side leather.
"That is exactly why their education should not be centralized by the state! Not only can the state not be trusted to deliver the highest quality service, but centralization of the country's future in the hands of the government is the basic definition of tyranny!" Retorted Subprésidente Mattéo Armano; himself holding firm a THC-laced vape pen with a long, cylindrical glass of milky, aqua blue Crèma D'Azur sitting in the stand table beside him. He, in contrast, was sitting clad in a coal-grey button-up with a black satin vest. His own slacks were equally dark and on his feet a pair of patternless black patent loafers.

"Everything is tyranny to you people!
Oh wife made me take out the trash? Tyránnica!!!"
Oh mom told me to put clothes on? Dictatiaréa!!!
Oh neighbor told me to turn the music off at 5am in the morning? Oppréssiòne!!!
Oh cop said I can't defacte in public?
Neçesitez rébeliónne çe mòm!!!" Calderone mocked Armano's charge. Armano admittedly chuckled at his jab, knowing it was in part based in some truth, prepared his own careful comeback. While the two were présidente & subprésidente, they were still from opposite sides of the aisle, relatively speaking in the chaotic cut-throat mess of Inyurstan multiparty politics. Calderone's foreign policy had drawn him ire from the export-based businessmen in his own camp, while Armano's unrepentant support of military affairs had landed him in the naughty list of his own isolationist-leaning former allies. In theory, the pair was putting aside differences to craft a working bipartisan administration which benefited the people of Inyursta. In practice it meant that Calderone and Armano agreed on foreign policy, the economy and almost nothing else - though one could make the argument those two things they agreed on were more pressing issues than any other.

The doors to the office came open, while DSE agents led in an uncharacteristically nervous Armando Villanueve. Despite his relative "nobody" status in the executive building, his existing security clearance had helped him reach the office which held two of the most powerful men in the Inyurstan government.
"Bienvenas su, Armando!" Mattéo Armano greeted the man he knew by face.
"Monsenor Subprésidente! Monsenor Présidente!!!" Villanueve nodded.
"Rélatenté! Un bévo?" Calderone responded, motioning to the small minibar present in the office.
"No! No merças!"
"Armando when the president asks if you want a drink, you better take him up on it!"
"Oh, eh. I'll have a half glass of spiced rum!"
"That's your choice, huh? Youre standing in the presence of the two highest ranks in the executive branch and you pick spiced rum???" Armano questioned.
"Well eh, maybe something lighter. Gin and cola?"
Both men began laughing at the request.
"I'm telling you, this dude is usually smooth talking and always projects control." Armano pointed out, still chuckling as he stood up to pour him the spiced rum while Calderone formally greeted Villanueve.

"So what's the meaning of this invite, Monsenor Présidente?"
"I've read your book."
"Ah, which one?"
"All of them."
"Que?"
"Now we've got something for you to read..."

A few minutes later, Sécretaire D'Éstate Françisco Ardonez walked in, and behind him Luçilla Levesque. Françisco, in typical style like he was dressed for a wedding or an awards ceremony in a black tuxedo, carried himself always with a sense of pride. In his late forties, Ardonez skirted the line between "older than he looks" and "silver fox" territory. When he wasn't repeating verbatim what Calderone would ask him to say, as the SdE would often take the role where presidents of less-reclusive nations would in foreign dialogue, he was known for his fast-talking and flattery.
His Deputy was dress much less formal, though still in a well-fitting creme-colored blouse and dark-grey vest, and a pencil skirt of equal color to her vest. Black opaque stockings covered her legs down to her toes, which were clad in a mid-heel pair of black patent pumps with an X-shaped strap across the front. Her face had the rounded shape and cheekbones one would associate with a person of indigenous descent, likely Coacuendo or Rimta'alan; though her nose had the petite button of someone of Eulabian or Musgorocian descent - but it was her amber-red eyes that marked her as undoubtedly Inyurstana without a doubt.
"Who's he?" Sécretaire Ardonez asked, nodding towards Villanueve.
"That's one of my favorite authors." Présidente Calderone replied.
"Really? That him?"
"Yep."
"Huh. I expected someone more muscular in person."
"You have the document?"
"Luçilla, pur le présidente." To which his deputy stepped forward and handed the Eulabian note - or at least a hard copy thereof - to the president.
"Vu az faiçer bon." Calderone whispered in approval. In practice, she had really done nothing except be there to receive the unofficial missive.

Ardonez then poured glasses of water for himself and Luçilla while the rest gathered around the conference table. Villanueve read through the document carefully, though in reality there was no need as the real gem was in bold, plain letters in the second section.

The door to the office came open again, this time without DSE escort. In walked Chief Generale des Forcas Armides D'Inyursta Antonio DeLoroza in his green army Class-As and behind him two entourage officers, a tall, lighter-skinned man with dark-brown hair in a dark-blue Aeroforca class-A, and a shorter, caramel skinned woman with curly black hair and beady brown eyes in a white Marine uniform.

The old warhorse limped in with a cane in his left hand, a far cry from the days of leading tank brigades across the DMZ north into hell. He sat down while his two entourage staff officers stood standing at either shoulder. DeLoroza cast a glance over at Villenueve, who took the cue and passed him the paper.
It did not take more than five seconds for the top military commander to have looked it over and tossed it back onto the table.
"How do we know we can trust what their lot is saying."
"Simply put, we can't. What we can do is look at the response trend of Eulabian leaders -"
"I didn't mean the Comons." Old Ironsides grumbled, looking in the direction of Françisco and Luçilla.
"Oh this nonsense again! We are not here to listen to your grumpy theories, Antonio!" Ardonez spit back.
"It would not be the first time that politicians, especially those in your very position, Françisco..."
"Enough." Calderone stated.
"I'd caution against making similar mistakes as your predecessors, Monsenor Présidente - except that its my people who pay the price when you do."
"First off, DeLoroza." Le Presidente began in a manor for which a superior officer would address his junior, "A Commandante y Chief, I have a constitutionally-obligated right to set military policy. Second, foreign policy matters like these affect domestic policy, which in turn affect military policy. I have a right to take these factors into consideration when I decide policy. After all, even the military is not entirely insulated from economic matters." The Presidente reminded the nation's top military commander that he needed Calderone's support just as much as Calderone needed his support. "Lastly, if we did commit yet another egregious misstep of the political and diplomatic realm onto the brave men and women of Las Forcas Armides D'Inyursta - then rest assured that it is my career -" He glanced over at the Sécretaire and his Deputéa Primiéra. "...and those of my administration... - that will suffer, while you can go off and do what you do best while rambling off how you told us all so."
"Very well then, Monsenor Présidente. By all means let the DDE have the floor." DeLoroza begrudgingly yielded his charge to the Présidente.
Whether or not Calderone was masterfully handling the war-hero-turned-headache or was truly just too tired to deal with DeLoroza's shit was the guess of any person in the room, and no doubt had both men not been in the room the topic would have been debated by most in attendance, save for the out-of-their-league spookish intel advisor.
"I was actually going to let Monsenor Villanueve share his opinion."
Both Calderone and DeLoroza looked over at the vastly outranked man, DeLoroza's eyes though with much more kind interest than his spiteful contempt of Ardonez. By God, was Ironsides a fan too? Afterall, Villanueve had come to his theories 'serving' in DeLoroza's designs in the very same war - and had likely laid eyes on the outrageously lopsided casualty report of the Lollohian People's Navy attempted assault in the Cevronik Isles Campaign.
"Well.. That was unexpected..." He began, the rest of the room watching him with interested eyes, some losing patience at his shallow answer and subsequent pause. "I would say... That a major force of modern Eulabian power - arguably the second or first of such - willing to not only acknowledge but also abide by our territorial sovereignty is a massive win and an opportunity that warrants being pursued."
"So what would you suggest?"
"That's not my wheelhouse, Monsenor Presidente. But what I can tell you, is clearly the Eulabians know what we can do, and that this is an opportunity our ancestors could have only dreamed about. The colonial powers of old now forced to pay the locals to use the sea lanes they once seized by force?"
"Its also self-destructive and short-sized, amio." Armano interjected. "No military alliance with the Theedisch is an absolute non-starter."
"You speak as if the Theedisch are Mericki or Nifonese." Ardonez himself probed the Subpresidente.
"No. But the Nifonese are no doubt looking out for their own interests and would drop us in a heartbeat if need be; while even the loyal Merickis may one day find themselves pulled into new power blocs. We must look at alliances not as past friendships but as beneficial future relationships.
And needless to saw even as far as recognizing our sovereign right, the Theedisch can offer us so much more than the Comons can."
"Oh how les Robios d'Orrages ("Storm Suits (m)") have seduced you so!" Villanueve cried out. "Where was the man who snuck into my church and enlisted my services in securing La Centuríe Nuveau!?!"
Calderone chuckled at the relative middling private consultant to put the Subprésidente on blast like that, as well as the subtle continued theme of Mattéo Armano once again only ever setting foot in a church for his own again. Not as well known as Ardonez's notorious infidelity, but in the highest corners of Castille de Terro Armano's spiritually was known in almost equal regard. Armano, was of course not quite as amused though he certainly had gained a good deal of respect for Villanueve though the outburst.
"I still believe in La Centuríe Nuveau, Compatréo. However, it must be done wisely. We cannot sell away our future to whomever promises to recognize it at this moment and this moment alone. Fundamentally upturning the very system that will be the death of us is not a task which should be taken by short-term gains, but rather playing the long game.
Recognizing the obvious is extremely short-term compared to a strong lasting partnership with the Theedisch. In fact, if I may so assume myself the very reason the Comons are willing to make such a concession is because they themselves see the danger in such a partnership.
"And what exact benefits does an alliance with the Theedisch entail that the Commonwealth of Eulabia cannot?" Ardonez again spoke up.
"That's... That's not yet to be made public, amio." Armando replied while Calderone shot his cabinet member a stare.

"If I may." The deputy of the secretary of state piped up.
She may have not earned the quiet praise of the présidente, but she'd be damned if she was going to go without striking while the iron was hot and seizing her fleeting moment with the positive ear of the head of the executive office.
"Pur favor, Loiselle!" Calderone answered. Her own "boss" looked at her with cautious support, Armano (still with a vape pen in his hand) looked at her with great interest, DeLoroza and his two uniformed mini-me's looked unamused and with passive disdain.
"Apologies for stating the obvious, but these kinds of things are not binary." She began. "There may exist a point in which we are able to secure some level of concession from the Eulabians without compromising our agreement with Theedischland - whatever finer unspoken details that may include" She glanced at Armano. "It would be foolish to trust the Eulabians, no one here doubts that; but it would be even more foolish not to explore all avenues when they appear.
What I propose is not that we accept their deal, nor do we throw it in the trash and laugh as some here would like to do, but rather we negotiate. We probe. We bargain.
If we cannot have the whole lobster for the whole coconut, then maybe we can trade the claw for the milk. We shall draft a response to the Eulabians, and if it soothe your senses then we can pass it around to the other interested parties here for comment, and pass it to them as discreetly as they passed it to us.
Afterall, would not both Eulabian and Theedisch recognition of the Straits of Juarez as rightful Inyurstan wet-clay be the most beneficial outcome?"

[Inyourfaceistan]

Casual voices and moderate traffic mixed in with the sounds of squawking birds, not the exotic parrots, tanagers or toucans one would expect of the tropical nation but more to likes of black grakles and brown pigeons at home in the more urbanized landscape. Manicured palms and Genip trees growing from circular, ground-level planters in the sidewalk provided shade to spots on the rue not covered by either building structure or awnings fashioned from tarps and water-resistant cloths of various colors. A small cornerside cafe was busy, albeit far from packed, at mid-morning.

Castille de Terro - literally named "land fortress" in the Inyurstan language - was not a city with its own distinct culture. Nuveau Lyon with their hanging oaks and their waterman's ways, Madrija with their flowering cactus and surfer raga riffs, Fjorda with its clustered sprawl and red-brick river walk, even in the relatively new metropolis of Cordoba with its cool skies and cool grey sleek build; all had their own little microculture. Castille's only culture was its war-torn history and the fact that it brought people, both those of importance and those wishing to have the ear of the important, from all over the country. Sitting here was Luçilla Levesque, not public enough for many others to recognize her face and dressed-down in a shoulder-less blouse and grey capris she would not draw attention though nor would she stand out like someone who had no business here (literally).

From her bag she produced a piece of paper. Nothing fancy, an exceedingly pale crème-colored sheet that she then folded in half and then double-folded the lip. With the corner of her eye, she kept watch on the Eulabian First Secretary sitting down and enjoying a coffee while he fiddled away on his phone.
If you want anything done right, do it yourself - that and the less hands on the paper, the less chances of a leak.
The black-haired Inyurstan woman gently shook the ice left in the glass of her cold tea. Within a moment, a waitress had appeared to offer her a refill of cold tea. Luçilla nodded and thanked her, though in practice she did not need a second glass of the sugary herbal drink - that yellow chamomile-flavored concoction which caused hard sleep late at night, like a form of anti-coffee. What she needed was the waitress.
"Une carté d'amor pur l'homré en greis." she whispered to the waitress, handing her the folded paper. The young, brown-haired woman in a mint-green apron with embroidered fleur-de-lis down the side, smiled in agreement as she took the paper. As she walked over to the Eulabian First Secretary, she looked back at Luçilla and giggled again.

As the waitress handed the note to Pajarero, Levesque waited for him to look up; and she raised her glass of tea in a toast from across the table before looking back down at her tablet.

---

On the subject of the recognition of Inyurstan sovereignty over Inyurstan maritime territory, as historically claimed and later codified in COSTAL, we are highly enthused by the offer and open to the prospect of opening of mutually beneficial economic conditions and a negotiable toll price.

On the subject of military alliance with the Theedisch, we will not make any commitment to abstain from a military alliance with the aforementioned state or others as we see fit. However, our commitment to Theedisch ascension into the Santiago Anti-Communist Treaty Organization (SACTO) is not set in stone.

On the subject of Enoslay, suffice to say we are monitoring the situation and see no reason for further action.

---

The tolls themselves were a simple, nominal ask; the point was permission. It wasn't about the money as much as it was about the consent. Of course minor, modest request that in turn had taken effect like a flaming arrow into the heart of the old enemies. But regardless, it was not the charge that mattered to Inyursta.
Of course, there were many of those who would have never openly said as much, and kept with the doctrine of always opening with a maximum asking price. Those same would have nay-sayed mentioning that the toll price was entirely negotiable, despite their agreement that the point was permission, had those last five words been in earlier drafts.

That's why they weren't in earlier drafts.
They were in the final copy.
They were in the final copy, because Luçilla - who was already working off temporary grace and her career would likely be made or broken based on the success of this deal, who was already incentivized to see it through - had personally printed the final copy.