Meeting with a Kaiser - Part 1 (ATTN: Orlkjestad, CLOSED)

[Wolfenium]

OOC: This is a continuation from my previous series of threads, Interview with an Emperor. The setting is still the same, in the White Citadel, the royal family's official residence, now in the middle of winter.

IC:

24th December, Year 300 of the Imperial Calender, eve of the Bruhl Ceasefire... As the cold of winter creeps its way deep into the very heart of the imperial capital, Wolfsburg, the solemn memory of the First Astoli War once again resurfaced in them in the mind of the people. For Wolfeners, the war would always be a reminder of a constant struggle against a shadowy foe to the north, a fight for survival against an enemy that has haunted the empire since its existence. For many, the war had far from ended with the ceasefire. Instead, all the ceasefire did was buy time and delay the inevitable. What the outcome of this inevitable conflict may be? No one was for sure. But one thing remains certain, the ceasefire was nothing but a lie...

In the outskirts of the city, the White Citadel laid prominently in the snowcapped background of the Alstein Ridge. As the snow trickled down onto the ground, one man (pictured on the right) gazed out of his window, his thoughts as uncertain as many others. For him, the emergence of the terrorist group, the 'Schatten der Vergangenheit', Shadows of the Past, was an indication of rising unrest over the ceasefire. For him, it is a sign that his stranglehold on the powerful military was waning. He knew how much his sister, Eva had moved to gain the favour of the commanders. He knew how much his adopted heir, Fuchsin, was rising in strength within her own faction of the military. It was like choosing from a basket of rapidly rotting eggs. If there was one thing he hated from inheriting his grandfather's throne, was inheriting a military powerhouse, fanatical and set to take over the world. It made him look like an overlord and a pariah, and rightly so. He had given in once to the generals... and it cost Wolfenium its one rare chance to make peace.

But all that does not matter as much for now. Now, he had another visitor coming...

"Is he here yet," the man asked his assistant, the minute fairy-like girl, Weisswind.

"Yes, Master," Weisswind curtly replied to the Kaiser, Karl Franz von Wolfenstein, "the Prime Minister is arriving at Freiheit Airport at this very moment, he should be here shortly..."

[Orlkjestad]

Eagle 1, The Prime Minister's Aircraft
Nearing Freiheit International Airport, Wolfsburg, Wolfenium

"Merry Christmas, boys," newly elected Prime Minister Adriaen Christiaansen said while raising up a glass of wine along with a few OCIS agents tasked with his protection, along with the head of the OCIS, Johann Wieke. The large double-decker super-jumbo jet slowly made its way on approach to Freiheit International Airport. As the plane slowly descended to the runway, the co-pilot in the cockpit radioed the control tower, saying, "Eagle One, requesting permission to land."

OOC: Sorry about the small post, I'm a bit tired.

[Wolfenium]

"Roger that, Eagle One," radioed the control tower operator in a light German accent as he monitored the digital screen for air traffic, "you are cleared to land. Your docking gate would be A-27. Welcome to Wolfenium. Do be careful with the landing, though. The snow's starting to carpet the runways again."

[Orlkjestad]

"Rodger that, Eagle One cleared to land." The plane started to begin its descent to the runway.

"Flaps, down full."
"Engines low."
"Landing gear extended."
"Autopilot off, I have the controls."
"You have the controls."

The gigantic plane finally managed to touch down on the runway, as the pilots announced, "Mr. Prime Minister, welcome to Wolfsburg, Wolfenium. Merry Christmas."
"Well, we're here. We just have to stay frosty until we push up to the gate.", the Prime Minister said. The plane, with its blinking lights offering a beacon through the storm, slowly pushed through the taxiways. After a few minutes of travel through the storm, the plane finally pushed into the gate, and the front door opened. The prime minister, his guards, and the head of the OCIS exited the plane, and entered the jetway, unaware of what would happen.

[Wolfenium]

The daily routine of the airport remains largely unbroken as the Prime Minister's entourage entered the arrival hall. Sans a few reporters, most did not pay any attention to them. In fact, most of the media's attention remained fixed at the Bruhl Ceasefire as the Prime Minister's arrival was only given a fleeting announcement on the news shown on the television screens hung over the central hall.

But one thing was clear. The amount of security placed at the airport was enormous. As armed guards, dressed in full black uniforms, Stahlhelms and Sturmgewehr 92s watched ominously over the commuters, a familiar young girl made her presence known in the crowds.

"What do you mean, 'NO'!?" an agitated raven-haired young girl blasted, dressed in a red shirt and a mini-skirt as she jabbed her finger at a more mature looking woman, an albino dressed in a white sweater (Pictured in the background). Unlike the girl, she remained stoic, calm and otherwise unfeeling. "Who do you think you are!? HUH!? I'm the Kaiser's sister! Heir to the Wolfen throne! What gives you any right to order me around!?"

"Grand Duchess Wolfenstein," the woman addressed in a monotone, "I have orders from my master to escort the Orlkjestadi Prime Minister personally. Your presence is not necessary here. I suggest you leav-"

"I have important matters to discuss with him," she shot, "I don't NEED my brother's personal slut to boss me around!"

As the confrontation heated up, a circle soon formed around them, made up of both Eva and Schwarzlicht's assigned guards and the few onlookers who dared to probe. Unfazed by the verbal assault, the woman reiterated, "I repeat. I have orders to escort the dignitary personally. If you wish to follow, that is your discretion, but I'm afraid I did not arrange any transport for you, so-"

"Oh..." went the snide girl, "is that so. Who do you think I am, Schwarzlicht, Guardian of the Silver Light. I am Eva Lilith von Wolfenstein. I always have a plan-" However, her proclamation was cut short as she noticed the Prime Minister arriving at the hall, being addressed by one of Schwarzlicht's escorting men.

"Prime Minister Christiaansen," addressed a guard dressed in black in a regal manner while his comrades shielded them from the rabid press, "we've been expecting you. Madam Schwarzlicht and our team would be escorting you to the White Citadel. If you care to f-"

"That won't be necessary, Gefreiter," Eva cut in, approaching the group, "my team would be escorting the Prime Minister from here."

"But Grand Duchess-" the guard stuttered in confusion before Eva passed him, approaching the Prime Minister.

"Forgive me for that unsightly scene," she introduced herself, "sometimes, you have to show others who has the right of rule. I am Grand Duchess Eva Lilith von Wolfenstein, heir to the Wolfen imperial throne. I'll be your escort to the White Citadel for today... unless you wish to follow that soulless machine over there." Her gaze flashed at the ever silent Schwarzlicht, still staring without a word of protest - or a word period.

[Orlkjestad]

"Well, I honestly don't care, actually," the Prime Minister said, still shocked at the outburst previously. His guards were showing off their MP7s as a form of intimidation. "Well in any case, perhaps the best way would so that both of you escort me to the White Citadel, hmm?" He prepared to depart for the Citadel.

[Wolfenium]

Glancing at the MP7s with a subtle lack of amusement, Eva replied, "as you wish then. I do hope those guns are registered with the Foreign Ministry though."

"They were," Schwarzlicht answered automatically, "I sought approval from Foreign Minister Katusga myself."

"Right..." Eva blurted indignantly, "this way, please. Do have your coat prepared. It's getting cold outside."

As the two females led the PM and his entourage to the frigid snow-capped porch, several black cars lined the entrance, again protected by guards from all sides. At the center laid two limousines. Both, however, were intended for him.

"Hmm..." Eva pretended to wonder, "too many people to fit into one car... Why not you-"

"I'll drive," Schwarzlicht cut in immediately, as if like a computer program triggered by a prompt, "Mr Weike shall take the front passenger seat. You join Prime Minister Christiaansen at the back."

"You?... Drive?..." Eva growled in surprise. However, remembering the Prime Minister's presence, she quickly regained composure and resigned, although reluctantly, "fine... You drive... Gefreiter," she addressed the chauffeur in one of the limousines, "nehmen Sie das Auto wieder auf den Fuhrpark!"

With a shout of acknowledgement, the driver quickly made a turn out onto the road, disappearing into the misty city outside. As one of the guards opened the doors of the other limousine, Eva curtly stepped aside, gesturing to the two to step inside. "After you, Sirs," she politely addressed, a hint of displeasure painfully suppressed as her gaze glanced intermittently at the crimson-eyed woman.

[Orlkjestad]

"Okay," the Prime Minister said as he and Mr. Wieke entered the limousine. As the Prime Minister took his seat in the limo as he grabbed a glass of champagne, he asked, "Well, how long is it until we get to the White Citadel?"

[Wolfenium]

"On a speed of approximately 60 kilometers per hour," Schwarzlicht answered, "we should reach the White Citadel in an estimated 42 minutes and 16 seconds. Please put on your seatbelts, we are moving off."

---

As the convey moved out into the streets, there were clear signs that there was an occasion to remember in the country. Sadly, it was not the same occasion a merry-making Orlkjestadi back home may expect. While the rigours of daily life still gone on unabated, one could not help but feel an air of bitterness and gloom over the air. There was something going on, just not an event to celebrate about...

"So..." Eva asked, "Mr Christiaansen... congratulations on your electoral victory. May I ask... what brings you to Wolfenium?"

[Orlkjestad]

"I'm just here for a little state visit to my significant other," the Prime Minister responded, as he took another sip of wine. As he looked outside at the gloomy city, he thought high in his head, "Wow, I wonder what's happening here..." He then turned to his hostess and asked with a curious tone, "Anyway, what's going on here today?"

[Wolfenium]

"Today?" Eva remarked, her eyes turning back to the streets outside. On a solemn note, she mentioned, "today (24th December) is the eve of the Bruhl Ceasefire, the day that marked- well... should have marked the end of the First Astoli War. The armistice was signed in the border town of Bruhl, located at the former Wolfen-Amythysian border on 25th June, 296 I.C. (2006 A.D.) and took effect six months later, 1200 hours on 25th December. The town itself was completely wiped off the face of the earth just a week prior, in the closing stages of the war. No peace treaty was ever signed. At least not yet."

[Orlkjestad]

"Huh, that's unfortunate..." the Prime Minister said with a sense of pity towards the girl. Her nation and family must have been through a lot for quite a while. He looked out of the window and looked at the cityscape of Wolfsburg. He decided to simply sit back and relax for the rest of the trip, and as he relaxed, he asked, "So, tell me about yourself, is it... Eva?"

[Wolfenium]

"Ya," Eva replied with a gracious smile, looking back outside at the faint outline White Citadel over the mountainous skyline, "I'm not much of a person really... My dad disappeared long ago and my mom died of childbirth bringing my youngest sister, Hilda to the world. I've always lived in the White Citadel, with my grandpa, brother and two sisters. Especially my twin, Heidi. For some reason, it's not that hard for people to tell us apart. She always the quiet person. A shy soul compared to me... If only..."

She cut herself short as she tried to hold back a tear in her eye. Heidi had always been a source of remorse for the young heir, a reminder of her failure to protect the people closest to her. True, she may be a child back then, but that was no source of solace for the proud Grand Duchess. To her, if she had tried harder... she could have saved Heidi... and so many others.

As she stiffened up, she continued, skipping the last part.

"Well... you could say now I'm planning to follow the succession, once my brother abdicates. That may not happen very soon, but who knows... What about you, Mr Christiaansen. What goes on in your life?"

[Orlkjestad]

"Well, not much," He said. "I was born July 13, 1955, on a farm in the rural west of Orlkjestad. I was home schooled until I was 11, when my family moved to Loransk, in 1966. My dad enlister in war soon after, and ended up missing in action in 1969. In 1973 I graduated high school and went to college at Great Northern University, located in a suburb of Loransk. I graduated with a major in military science in 1977, and went for law school. I passed the bar in 1981, and was an attorney for a short while in Loransk. In 1985, I had my son, Josef. The next year, I enlisted in the military, and started to move from base to base. I became an officer in 1989, and a high-ranking member in 1992. In 1994, I became the marshal of the Air Corps, and settled down back in a small town at the other end of the island Loransk is on. In 2000, I became the Generalissimus of the Military, the highest rank somebody in the military can get. After the Prime Minister's assasination in 2003, I ran for senator for the provinces of Ryti. I lost, but managed to keep my office a Generalissimus. I ultimately decided to run for Prime Minister in 2008, and so here I am. He stayed in his leaning position on the chair, taking a sip of wine every now and then.

[Wolfenium]

"Aren't you the military man," Eva commented, grinning cheekily, "I can see we're going to get along very well together. There's the Citadel, we should be here shortly."

As the White Citadel moved closer into view, the city scenery was soon replaced with mountainous road and light forestation. Soon the front gate of the White Citadel presented itself, a towering giant to behold.

Like the airport, the castle is heavily guarded with watchtowers, armed guards and even batteries ready to fend off any attacker. As the convey come to a halt at the entrance. A guard moved forward to check the vehicles. After a brief observation, he waved the convey off, allowing it to pass under its hallowed gates.

As it ground to a stop at the porch, more guards opened the doors to the limousine, awaiting the dignitary's exit.

"Well..." Eva said, stepping out "here's my home. Follow me, my brother awaits your arrival at-" Glancing at the silent Schwarzlicht, she stared for a moment, hoping for an answer. Sadly, the seemingly robotic woman remained quiet, as if taunting her. Relenting, she requested indignantly, "you lead the way then."

As if waiting for the chance, Schwarzlicht addressed the dignitaries, "this way, Your Excellency." Eva was livid. She was sure underneath that stoic face lies a gremlin just laughing at her embarrassment. 'Why am I not surprised...' she thought to herself, as she recalled the other 'gremlin' who had been her brother's right hand woman, if not literally the size of it.

[Orlkjestad]

"Fine by me." The Prime Minister said as he walked along with the two into the massive castle. He looked around to absorb the atmosphere, took a few breaths of fresh air, and asked, "Where are we going to meet the good Emperor?"

[Wolfenium]

"Here," Schwarzlicht answered, her hand already at the door, "the same place as the OBC interview." True enough, as she opened the door, she revealed the same lounge room where the first interview took place. As a solemn melody played from the speakers of the High Fidelity sound system, an aloof looking man gazed out of the fogged windows in a loss, a half-finished cigarette in his mouth. Noticing the PM's arrival, he took out his cigarette butt, whipped out his remote and with a flick of a button, switched off the sound system.

Regaining his focus, he explained, "sorry... I was just musing for a moment. A lot has happened here since that TV interview. I just though I need to think this out. Emperor Karl Franz von Wolfenstein, Eighth Sovereign of Wolfenium. Please, take a seat, Mr Christiaansen." He gestured towards a seat near a table, with an ashtray half-filled with cigarette butts.

[Orlkjestad]

"Ah, greetings." the Prime Minister said. He took a seat in the seat the emperor mentioned, and lit a cigarette. He took out a large book and said, "This is for you. It's a book filled with stories and fables from our nation. I hope you enjoy it." He handed the book to the emperor, and then asked, "So, tell me about your fine nation here. What's its history? How's its people? What kinds of resources do you have?"

[Wolfenium]

Flipping over the contents briefly, the emperor replied politely, "thank you, sir. This piece of knowledge would be most valuable to us." In all honesty, Karl was too lazy to read, but he knew a fair bit of people who would be more than happy to spend their time with it.

Putting the book aside on the table, he continued, scratching his head, "well... where to start..." Thinking through his words, he explained, "well... Wolfenium is a fairly small nation, compared to our neighbours. It was founded exactly three hundred years ago by a prince named Fredrick Staufen, who led the city states of South Astol against their colonial master, the Commonwealth of Amythyst, to the north. Naturally, faced against such a formidable foe, it took considerable determination to achieve independence. But achieve it we did.

But shortly after that, our new nation quickly fell into civil war as the various city states that once fought on the same side, now fought for control over the region. No points guessing who emerged triumphant.

Fast forward ten years ago... Back then, a terrible ice age had engulfed the continent and Amythyst was playing a dangerous zero-sum game with their rivals to the south, the Agarian Federation, led by the Vinchi Republic. Widespread famine and civil strife plagued the countryside as separatists and rebel factions waged war against the Tsarina. In desperation and for their own needs, the Amythysian Duma sanctioned an invasion on the empire, seeking a quick victory before their eventual confrontation with Agaria. However, what was believed to be a mere walkover within six weeks became a tense fight for control as Wolfenium quickly proved to be too stubborn a foe to deal with. Needless to say, the war 'ended' with a ceasefire, starting from the 25th of December, Year 296 (2006 A.D.). Sadly, with recent events... I fear this tenuous peace may soon break at any moment...

Resource-wise, Wolfenium is quite diverse in terms of the range of resources at our disposal, Iron, Agriculture, Coal, Oil and Precious Metal etc. The problem, though, is that we lack the quantity to sell to the world market. However, that is why we rely a lot on trade and advanced technology to get by. It helps offset the disadvantages."

What Wolfenium did trade on, as the Kaiser failed to mention, was just too much to say for the young leader. For him, such details were unnecessary - and unsightly.

"So, Prime Minister," asked the emperor, "what brings you to our country?"

[Orlkjestad]

"Ah, I'm just here for a little visit, perhaps work out some agreements..." the Prime Minister said sheepishly. For some reason, he hated answering questions, being used to giving orders and asking the questions as a high-ranking military officer.

[Wolfenium]

"Arrangements, huh..." Karl muttered, "perhaps. But first things first... I didn't hear much from my younger sister, Hilda, about her trip to your country. What was it for again?... May I ask what happened?"

[Orlkjestad]

"Arrangements, huh..." Karl muttered, "perhaps. But first things first... I didn't hear much from my younger sister, Hilda, about her trip to your country. What was it for again?... May I ask what happened?"

"it was to celebrate National Day, our independence Day, when we were unified. She did have a little run-in with the police, but it was resolved quickly, and all-in-all she had a good time."

[Wolfenium]

"I see," Karl replied, feeling rather relieved, "that's good to hear-"

"So, Prime Minister," Eva cut in, sliding onto a set near the table, "tell me... Are there any... defense contractor or P.M.C.s that is of notable standard in your nation?"

"Eva," Karl reprimanded, "what's his talk about weapons?"

"Isn't it obvious," she childed back, before explaining to Christiaansen, "you see, Prime Minister... There has been a... change... in the present situation here since the OBC interview. There has been a spike in terrorist activity in our neighbouring state of Amythyst. I believe you've heard about it...

Well, besides the rebels and separatists they had to deal with... There is also another extremist group on the rise. The Schatten der Vergangenheit, or Shadows of the Past as we Wolfeners translate. They're a Wolfen extremist group bent on continuing the First War where it left off, conducting attacks against key command centers and officers throughout the Commonwealth. Alisagrad (Capital of Amythyst) places the blame squarely on our government and had repeatedly demanded we... 'come clean'. Problem is, we have nothing to do with it-"

"Eva," Karl interrupted, before placing a sigh. He did not want to explain such a sticky situation, but since she had already spoke out, he definitely had little alternative, "Prime Minister, our Reichspolizei are already looking into the matter. If this is truly the work of insiders, I will handle them accordingly. Let's not trouble you with domestic affairs-"

"That's why we're seeking new partners..." Eva took charge again, "allies and firms willing to supply us with the means to defend ourselves lest things... go out of hand..."

[Orlkjestad]

"Well, there is the Silver Star Company, but I wouldn't trust them. They have something to hide. Of course, we could always send in peacekeepers from the Royal Orlkjestadi Armed Forces, and try to intimidate them out of it, and the ROAF would be a powerful ally. If you count paramilitaries, reservists, and active troops together, the ROAF has tens of millions of troops. of course, the active makes only a small fraction of that number. And our air force is a force to be reckoned with. We have good shots, good pilots, good planes, some people envy it, others fear it. But since numbers are inconclusive, it's probably not the best one out there, which surprises me. The navy is not too powerful, but still decent. Most of the others, like the Royal Orlkjestadi Border Patrol, are only used in domestic matters."

[Wolfenium]

"Peacekeepers..." Karl whispered under his breath. In all his honesty, Karl never trusted peacekeepers. To him, those who claim to send them on humanitarian or diplomatic grounds would always demand something in return, be it trade incentives, political bargains or whatever else. While this proved to be an effective mindset when dealing with less than benevolent leaders, it had also shunned those with genuine desires to aid his ailing nation. Of course, there was still the issue of pride. Peacekeepers do not normally enter First World nations for anything.

"I appreciate the offer, Prime Minister," Karl replied, "although I doubt my countrymen would support such a move. Our nation has always been fiercely proud of its independence. I seriously don't think peacekeepers would help the matter... Besides, we're not dealing with some Third World backwater. This is Amythyst we're talking about... A regional superpower. They're not as likely to be intimidated as we are."

"Silver Star," Eva mused, curling up a smile, "what exactly have they been hiding? Illegal research? Chemical and biological weapons? Or maybe something more along the lines of science fiction? I'm eager to know..."