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

[Wolfenium]

"I suppose that is fair," Eva replied, "but for a deal to form, we'll have to discuss the terms with the respective firms. This nation is, for a large part, a capitalist economy, one at which the government lacks control of. As for a military pact... maybe you could elaborate on your situation a bit more? I'm sure you're quite clear about ours, but do ask if there is still information you're not sure about."

[Orlkjestad]

"We're pretty much in peacetime, excepting for skirmishes at sea with nations that have committed civil-rights infractions. Our military is equipped with the latest in high-tech in weaponry, but it isn't the largest it could be. Our pride and joy is the air force, primarily based on fighter-bombers. Most of our submarines are nuclear, and our ships are usually large and have tons of firepower, but small in number. Overall, we're high-tech and excellent at fighting, even if we're a small force."

[Wolfenium]

"In short," Karl summarized, "your military focuses more on quality than quantity. You'll do very well with our weapons. Our military also focuses more on firepower than numbers. If we tried to concentrate on the latter, we'll definitely lose out against our neighbours. The most feared faction, in my opinion, would have to be the air force, albeit in a... different way. We don't have as many fighters to match the others, but we have the most powerful aerial mages to deal serious damage to both enemy fighters and armour columns. That, we have to say, is still thanks to the Belkans, probably the biggest irony in the country.

Our submarine fleet are mainly made up of conventional U-boats, utilizing an air-independent propulsion using hydrogen fuel cells. Vessels are mainly geared for speed and firepower, flanking slower and larger enemy fleets with incredible pace. Our ground forces composes of some of the strongest Panzers to be held in the armoury and a highly trained citizen fighting force, ready to react to any threat. We try to avoid using nuclear power. We don't want to be caught cleaning up radioactive waste lest something happens.

We're still trying to compile a list of military hardware in our possession, but it's going to take a while before we sort out everything. Having captured so much equipment during the war, most of which are not compatible with our existing weapons, our logistics had been reduced to hell. You're welcome to ask, though."

[Orlkjestad]

"You aren't supposed to take the enemies weapons. As you said, they're usually incompatible with your resources, et cetera. We only take the valuable things, such as logistics reports, plans, and sometimes, currency. So, the basic framework of the alliance?"

[Wolfenium]

"Well," the Kaiser explained, "we've haven't had any experience forming alliances as of yet. But the basic framework would be a mutual defence, joint exercises, exhibition of military hardware... As for the equipment we've captured, that pretty much incidental. We didn't intend to seize so many. They were jsut left behind en-masse when the Amythysians evacuated from Wolfenium. Cut off from all land routes and facing a blockade, they probably wanted to escape as fast as possible."

[Orlkjestad]

"Then let's draw up a quick treaty, and get this thing signed. We then announce it to the public. Alright... let's get this over with."

[Wolfenium]

Karl raised an eyebrow over his hastiness. He did not expect to form an alliance so quickly. But Eva was not bothered by such details. Pulling out a laptop from the lower deck of the table, she quickly typed out a draft, tapping the keyboard at a rapid pace.

"Let's see... promise of mutual trade cooperation... military pact... Seems empty but I can fix that later," Eva mentioned as she crafted the key points.

• Promise of mutual trade cooperation
  
  • Export of food products from Orlkjestad to Wolfenium
  • Export of petroleum, liquid gas and coal products from Orlkjestad to Wolfenium
  • Export of military hardware from Wolfenium to Orlkjestad
  • Export of luxury items and jewellry from Wolfenium to Orlkjestad
• Military cooperation between the Wolfen Imperial Defence Force and the Orlkjestadi Military
  
  • Mutual defence of both nations
  • Sharing of military knowledge between the two nations
    
    • Exchange of military experts and officers
    • Presentation of military hardware

"Any points you'd like to add," she asked, turning the monitor around to show him the draft.

[Orlkjestad]

Karl raised an eyebrow over his hastiness. He did not expect to form an alliance so quickly. But Eva was not bothered by such details. Pulling out a laptop from the lower deck of the table, she quickly typed out a draft, tapping the keyboard at a rapid pace.

"Let's see... promise of mutual trade cooperation... military pact... Seems empty but I can fix that later," Eva mentioned as she crafted the key points.

• Promise of mutual trade cooperation
  
  • Export of food products from Orlkjestad to Wolfenium
  • Export of petroleum, liquid gas and coal products from Orlkjestad to Wolfenium
  • Export of military hardware from Wolfenium to Orlkjestad
  • Export of luxury items and jewellry from Wolfenium to Orlkjestad
• Military cooperation between the Wolfen Imperial Defence Force and the Orlkjestadi Military
  
  • Mutual defence of both nations
  • Sharing of military knowledge between the two nations
    
    • Exchange of military experts and officers
    • Presentation of military hardware

"Any points you'd like to add," she asked, turning the monitor around to show him the draft.

"Looks good. And travel, such as visas, passport requirements, et cetera..."

[Wolfenium]

"Travel restrictions, huh," Eva commented, "well, entry visas are typically available to all foreign nationals, but those carrying Amythysian passports are, more often than not, rejected entry. Those lucky enough to enter are mostly on official business or under limited travel.

For the issue of passports, for an individual to be eligible for a Wolfen passport, one must first be a Wolfen citizen or permanent resident. Since our nation does not practice dual citizenship, it's very unlikely for a foreigner living outside the country to obtain one.

We can remove visa fees in travels between our two nations, in our opinion, but what do you have in mind?"

[Orlkjestad]

"As for Orlkjestad, all nationals of other nations must register for a visa, excepting those on the Visa Exception Program. How long it takes to get one varies, in some nations its a few weeks, in third-world nations or known collapsing countries, it could take a few years. As for th Visa Exception Program, citizens in participating countries only have to fill out an Electronic Visa Clearance, or EVC, which is processed in minutes.

Passports are only given to Orlkjestadi citizens or permanent residents. Dual citizenship is practiced, here unlike your nation. To be an Orlkjestadi citizen, you have to have lived in Orlkjestad 2 years, or be born here. Permanent residence, or the White Card, is obtained by either getting sponsored by an immediate relative that is an Orlkjestadi citizen, be the immediate relative of an Orlkjestadi citizen, possess exceptional ability in your field of work, be an investor of an Orlkjestadi company, be a former Orlkjestadi government worker, be looking for political asylum, be a refugee, or participate in a kind of lottery where about 55,000 members of an ethnic group are automatically given a White Card.

As for a suggestion, I'll get you on the Visa Exception Program and you can do what you wish."

[Wolfenium]

"Sounds good," Eva agreed, "I suppose we can adopt an EVC for your citizens as well. It's only appropriate." As she filled out the point in her draft, she noticed there is a lack of presence beside her. Turning her head to the side, she realized her brother had vanished, a depression on the chair cushion was all that's left.

"Wait... where's Kar- I mean His Majesty," she questioned Schwarzlicht, her eyes narrowing on the woman standing beside the door.

"He went outside," she responded immediately.

"Where?" she ordered sternly.

"He never said." That was all she replied. Sighing in resignation, she apologized to the Prime Minister, "I'm sorry... he... How can I explain... Things had been quite troublesome lately here and I've been seeing him drift off in his mind a lot. I wish I knew what was going on..."

As she thought over her next response, she suddenly popped an interesting question, "tell me honestly. I won't fault you... Who in my house is best suited for the succession? I understand that as a constitutional monarchy, a succession wouldn't have much effect on your national politics, but for us... it means a lot more..."

[Orlkjestad]

"Well, I suppose that I could make a suggestion. Let's see... well, Fuschin is too, well, how do I put this... she's too secretive, too dictatorial, and just plain creepy. After some of the things I've read... well, pretty much tons of people in our nation would stay away at least 20 meters. As for you, Eva... apparently,, you're too nationalistic. In this kind of world, globalization is inevitable if you want success. If you don't open your doors and go to the world, the world will go to your doors and open them theirselves, which I've seen dozens of times. Even happened to Orlkjestad, too back in 1936. Foreign nation invaded us, before which we were isolationist, along with pretty much most of about 2 continents with its allies. Estimated death tolls go up to 50 million conservatively, over 100 million liberally, which doesn't even count deaths from injuries, disease, and suicides. Majority of which were civilians killed during said nation's mass-slaughters. My dad fought in the war, and even him, said to be the bravest in his unit, was shell-shocked. he said soldiers weren't even trying to stay alive, simply praying for it to all end. His contemporaries ears were bleeding due to sonic shockwaves from artillery being fired en masse. Soldiers were so hopeless, some even committed suicide to stop the pain. Some of the scenes he saw were so disturbing, he couldn't even tell me about it when I was an officer in the military. Long story short, I believe your sister Hilda should succeed you."

[Wolfenium]

Eva was genuinely surprised. However, it was not because she wasn't picked but rather who was. As she made her reply clear, a gentle smile crept up her face.

"Wow..." she remarked, "this is the first time anyone ever said my sister was suitable... I always thought she was the frail one. But I guess she's changed a lot since that trip... But thanks for the insight. I am somewhat disappointed, but that's OK. You need me to tell her, or do you want this to be our secret?"

[Orlkjestad]

"Why not you tell her, I suppose?" The Prime Minister had a small smile creep across his face for a short time.

[Wolfenium]

"Great," she answered, before typing out the last detail into the draft.

• Promise of mutual trade cooperation
  
  • Export of food products from Orlkjestad to Wolfenium
  • Export of petroleum, liquid gas and coal products from Orlkjestad to Wolfenium
  • Export of military hardware from Wolfenium to Orlkjestad
  • Export of luxury items and jewellry from Wolfenium to Orlkjestad
• Military cooperation between the Wolfen Imperial Defence Force and the Orlkjestadi Military
  
  • Mutual defence of both nations
  • Sharing of military knowledge between the two nations
    
    • Exchange of military experts and officers
    • Presentation of military hardware
• Easing of Travel Restrictions
  
  • Implementation of Visa Exception Program and use of Electronic Visa Clearance for Wolfen and Orlkjestadi passport holders

"Anything else you'd like to add before we sign off," she asked, before tapping the air in front of him. Immediately, a holographic writing pad appeared before him as Eva handed him a spare pen.

"If there's nothing else, just sign here and I'll countersign. I'll get my brother to countersign as well, once I get a hold of him."

[Orlkjestad]

"Looks good... Okay, I'll sign." He took the pen and made his signature on the pad. "So, you just have to sign, and we announce it to the general public."

[Wolfenium]

As Eva penned down her signature on the pad, both the Prime Minister's and her own signatures could be seen at the bottom of the draft. As she saved the contents, she explained, "I'll get this printed out very soon. As for announcements, I get one up later on. But for now, it was a pleasure doing business with you, Prime Minister."

[Orlkjestad]

"Same to you. Anyway, now that that's over with, what now?"

[Wolfenium]

"I suppose that's all for today," she murmured, "unless there's something else you'd like to know about us, or somewhere you'd like to go?"

[Orlkjestad]

"Perhaps I'd like to go somewhere... why not a tour of the city's highlights? How does that sound to you?"

[Wolfenium]

"I guess," she replied, "where do you wish to go first?"

[Orlkjestad]

"Well, where is there to go to?"

[Wolfenium]

"Not much, actually," she admitted, "there's the Imperial Archives, the Central Metro, and monuments located all over the city. Mostly monuments. Most of the more interesting sights are in Saint Olivie, though."

[Orlkjestad]

"Too bad, I really wanted to see some sights... Well, why not the Imperial Archives?"

[Wolfenium]

"Alright then," Eva agreed, as she proceeded to the door, "let me get the limo." With that, she was gone, leaving Schwarzlicht and the Prime Minister alone. An awkward silence fell over the room at first as she stared silently at the dignitary. However, after a moment, she broke the silence

"Well, for your information," she said, "I've been researching in the archives for a while, many of which are classified, but I can answer what is not. Anything you'd wish to know? History? Military? Organizations?"