State Visits to Covonant (IC, TWI ONLY, CLOSED)

[Covonant]

October 2017

[Vancouvia]

Ambassador Montgomery Alabama threw upon his car door and emerged into the cool Amber Sea air of Covonant. He couldn't help feel like he was in a land of giants. In Montgomery's mind, Covonant was a metropolitan bear, growing in girth and stature, but never aggressive enough to warrant defense.

It was at this time that Alabama re-emerged from his thoughts and found his way up into the Palatine Manor.

[Covonant]

At the Palatine Manor, the residence was decorated to receive the visiting Vancouvian representative. The grass at its usual trimmed height, the barricades put up to demarcate those granted the privilege to view the ceremony, and chairs lined off to the side of the podium reserved for special invited guest which ranked from government officials to high members of the Supreme Court. Praetorian Guards were placed in their respective spots with some holding the flags of the zones of Covonant along with the flag of Vancouvia, while the Coldstream Guard band were placed on the top tier to provide the ceremonial music. Prime Minister Crassus Gais and his wife Cynthia Gais were busy putting on the final touches to their preparation for the arrival of Ambassador Alabama who was to arrive at the Palatine Manor momentarily, already having landed in Coventry.

"Sir, the motorcade is presently on its way, the Vancouvian Ambassador Alabama should be here in under 12 minutes" informed Amelia, the Prime Minister's personal Aide.

"Ambassador Alabama, I was informed the Vancouvian Special Speaker to their legislature was to be the honoured guest" implied Gais.

"Not sure of that Sir, the Protocol Department had not updated the Office" Responded Amelia

"I see. Well minor changes, matters not who they send as long as it was someone of importance" Crassus remarked with a smirk as he smooth the sides of his hair. "Cynthia are you ready. I think we should go down and take our place" Crassus expressed holding his hand towards his wife gesturing onto her to follow his command. Crassus was not a man that believed in domineering his wife so to the onlooker this may seem a show of power and patriarchy, but to Cynthia she interpreted the gesture as her Husband yearning for her support and to be by his side. She finished applying the last touch of lipstick and extended her hand out to her husband as they walked off to the Western Portico of the Palatine Manor where the state visit ceremony was being held.

The walk to the Western Portico saw both Crassus and Cynthia surrounded by Palatine Manor staff and Praetorian Guards. They knew that every state visit event would see them limited privacy once they came out of the private quarters of the Palatine Manor. They walked up to the door leading to the outside of the Western Portico and awaited for their announcement.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, The Most Honourable Crassus Gais, Prime Minister of Covonant and Mrs Gais" announced the announcer followed by a double door exit of the Prime Minister and his wife accompanied by the Song for the Arrival of the Prime Minister{Fanfare of the Chief Command} played by the Coldstream Guard Band.

As the two emerged into the opening of the Western Portico the scene was in Gais's mind very ceremonius with Covonantian symbols and history on full display. He was not used to hosting state visits, he more remembered standing in the position of an invited guest. He had the sense of pride which was visibly seen on his face as he was to make history as being host to a Vancouvian government official which last occurred in Covonant well over half a century ago.

In the distance, the motorcade could be seen making its way towards the Western Portico, by that time most of the other vehicles continued straight towards the Palatine Manor parking area while the most important guest of the Vancouvian delegation turned towards the ceremonial area. As the vehicle approached the feet of Crassus and Cynthia, the Coldstream Guard Band began to play Song for the Arrival of Foreign Ambassadors and top diplomats. As Ambassador Alabama stepped out of the vehicle had the cameras began going off.

"Welcome Ambassador Alabama, it is a pleasure hosting you, may I present my wife Cynthia Gais" Prime Minister Gais expressed has he shook the hand of the Vancouvian Ambassador.

Once the Prime Minister and the Ambassador greeted, Crassus gestured to the Ambassador to follow him unto the podium. Cynthia on the other hand stepped away from the Gais and Alabama and made her way towards the seating area to join the other specially invited guest. When both men had made their place on the podium the flags of the Union of Covonant and her six zones and 1 territory were placed out along with the flag of Vancouvia followed by the announcement.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, please be of standing for the national anthem of the Union of Covonant. Following the playing of the national anthem will be the playing of the national anthem of the Free Lands of Vancouvia performed to a 21 gun salute by the Union of Covonant Marines"

The national anthem I Vow to Thee My Country began playing. Gais could never get tired of hearing that rendition of the anthem played. He absolutely loved it as it invoked every sentiment of pride for country in every verse and chorus. He was particularly bias but one he proudly proclaimed as he thought the anthem to be the best in the entire region. The Vancouvian anthem Our Land began playing immediately following the Covonantian anthem. It was the first time Gais had heard the Vancouvian anthem and thought of it has somber and to represent a people filled with patriotism for their country but a deep love for freedom and peace.

Following the anthem, the Chief of the Combined Household Guards, which comprised the Praetorian Guards and the Coldstream Guards invited the two political figures to review the troops.

"Mr. Prime Minister, Mr. Ambassador Sirs, the Combined Household Guards have been prepared for your inspection, Sirs" the two men came down the podium and began to march between the Guards as the Coldstream Guard Military band unit played Song of the Union of Covonant Air Force a favourite military tune of the Union. Following the reviewing of the Guards, the men made their way back to the podium to deliver their speeches. Prime Minister Gais was to go first followed by the Vancouvian Ambassador.

"To His Excellency, the Honourable Seneca Gauis President of The Union of Covonant, to the Opposition Leader, the Honourable Imperatus Marl, government Ministers and Opposition Spokespersons, to the Members of the Consul, members of the diplomatic corp, members of the judicial arm of the Union, members of the combined forces, to the media and to all others present here, good morning. It is with great pride and pleasure that I welcome the Vancouvian Ambassador Montgomery Alabama. Covonant and Vancouvia have for the centuries engaged in a soft diplomatic approach to each other though not having much interaction political for half a century, we have always remained respectful and cooperative whether in be in the area of defense or mutual interest of supporting and ensuring peace and stability in our respective sub-region and the wider region. Ambassador's Alabama visit to Covonant today eschews the sense that diplomacy and unity will be a greater device used in promoting and ensuring a peaceful region which both countries are supporters of. I hope that during this visit our interest may be intertwined and our reliance and cooperation on each other will grow. Covonant recognizes the importance of Vancouvians in regional politics and military roles and believe that they serve to assist in Covonant along with her allies in projecting our shared understanding of stability to other parts of the region including our own. At present the Mesder is rife with tensions that have seen Covonant thrust into the arms of an awful but necessary war. We see turmoil rising more than ever in the east in the Southern Seas. We have to at some point come together to rectify these issues and I hope from this visit our relation will grow stronger and together we can work to create a better peaceful region."

The Prime Minister stepped back to allow the Vancouvian Ambassador to give his opening remarks.

[Vancouvia]

Montgomery was certainly impressed. He was used to the simple north: a land of spartanism and conformity. The fanfare he had just witnessed had truly touched his spirits and made his acknowledge and improve upon his initial impression of the nation. Montgomery, truthfully, was unworthily honored.

Although Montgomery hadn't exactly planned a speech, his experience as mayor of Lexington eased his nerves.

"Ladies and gentlemen of Covonant, Prime Minister Gais, I thank you for this great warm welcome I have received here today. It seems it WAS worth the long flight down here after all..." Montgomery eased off the podium, hoping that they would recognize the light joke for what it was. After mild commotion, he continued, much more somber in tone. "I recognize that my visit comes upon a most uncertain time, a dark time, especially here in the Mesder, but in the entire region as well. Vancouvia, too, shares in this grief. I fear for our soldiers in Athara Magarat right now, but I also empathize with Covonant's path in the upcoming fight. It is my hope that our states can and shall grow closer, united against fear and tyranny, uplifting the innocent and downtrodden. Yes, it is my true hope that real and substantial unity can be created in the days to come."

Montgomery caught a glimpse of a Vancouvian flag swinging in the wind. He smiled.

"Although Vancouvians and Covonantians are a separated people by geography, we are united by ideology and fervor for the ideals of justice, peace, and democracy. I wish to thank you all for coming out today to honor our two countries."

Montgomery paused, turned and shook Gais' hand, then took his seat.

[Covonant]

Following the open remarks of the the two men, Gais gestured towards Alabama for them to walk off the podium. The ceremony had ended and it was time for the two individuals to introduce key parties that would be partaking during the rest of the state visit. As the two walked off the podium and towards the door leading into the Foyer of the Western Portico, Cynthia.walked over to join her husband along with key senior government officials. The President understanding his role was ceremonial was escorted back to the Presidential Palace where Alabama was to be hosted in a few hours and where he will spend the rest of his visit as honored guest.

Inside the Foyer the media was not present as this part of the visit was to be personal which each individual beginning to know the true nature of each characteristics and personality. The room was however filled with Palatine Manor staff that belonged to the pantry division as they served light finger food and wine. Also in the room were the ever present Pretoria Guard who were always on guard to provide protection to the Prime Minister and during the visit such protection was extended to the Vancouvian Ambassador.

As the men walked through the door had Gais started introducing important individuals of his government.

"Ambassador Alabama, I would like to introduce my Foreign Minister Mrs. Lydia Abbasca, my Defense Minister Mr. Crixus Ignacio and my Minister of International Trade and International Development Gaius Bato. They will be apart of bilateral discussion had between Covonant and Vancouvia during the visit" expressed Gais has he paused to allow the Ambassador to declare the members of his delegation accompanying him on the visit.

[Vancouvia]

"I look forward to getting to know you, Ministers. I regret that our Senators could not join us here in person, but they quite literally do not get a day off. It is my understanding, however, that the Foreign Committee is available for a teleconference tonight or tomorrow, whatever is more suitable. Senator Henry Mayfair is the chair."

Montgomery shook their hands and fiddled with the buttons on his suit. "I'm sure we will have much to discuss."

[Covonant]

Prime Minister Gais had in that moment realised that the state visit would have taken a different route than what he was accustomed to, he however thought less of it and was pleased to hold bilateral talks with the Vancouvian government representative.

"Likewise, expressed the Foreign Minister and Defense Minister. We look forward to the discussions"

The three were interrupted by Chief Praetorian Guard Malachi Rowe. "Sorry to interrupt Sir, but the motorcade is ready to transport the Ambassador to the Presidential Palace"

"Ahh yes, thank you Malachi. Mr. Rowe it seems this is where our meet ends for today. We shall commence talks first thing tomorrow morning. I should inform that while a guest representing your country's government, it is protocol for such individuals to reside during their time here at the Presidential Palace". Crassus then escorted Mr. Alabama to the waiting vehicle followed by the Praetorian Guards, Cynthia Gais and the key senior ministers. Crassus shook Mr. Alabama hand one last time as cameras captured the moment before he embarked towards the Presidential Palace.

The motorcade towards the Presidential Palace was smooth sailing with little to no impediments. Once the vehicle arrived at the Presidential Palace the Vancouvian flag was broken out and the Song for the Arrival of Foreign Ambassadors and top diplomats played by the Presidential Guards announcing his arrival. The vehicle stopped at the foot of the President of Covonant Seneca Gaius who alongside his wife Charlotte Gaius greeted the Vancouvian Ambassador. After lenghty discussions between the two and a tour of the important and historical rooms of the Palace, Mr. Alabama retired to his private quarters to prepare for the bilateral talks to be held at the Palatine Manor in the morning.

Following morning

The Cabinet Room inside the Palatine Manor was already filled with key delegates of the Covonantian and Vancouvian government, mainly civil servants and a few Covonantian ministers chief among those being the Foreign Minister and the Defense Minister. The room was decorated with miniature replicas of the Covonantian and Vancouvian flag present with the Covonantian flag placed by the place card of the Prime Minister and the Vancouvian flag at the place card of the Ambassador. The media was limited in the room with only pre-approved media house and Palatine Manor press staff allowed access inside the cabinet room. The tables were filled with documents detailing pressing matters to be discussed.

Prime Minister Gais was presently standing at the eastern entrance of the Palatine to welcome the Ambassador to escort him to the cabinet room to begin discussions.

[Vancouvia]

"This way, Crassus?" asked Montgomery as he approached him. "And I hope you do not mind, but a colonel in the Vancouvian National Army has joined my delegation. Colonel Nathan Windshire - he was stationed at our base in Ipland but Congress thought he would be a valuable addition to the conference. He should be in the room presently. I apologize for any inconvenience - in fact, I was unaware that he would be flying in until this very hour."

Montgomery prepared to enter the room, hopeful that the arrival of Nathan would not imbalance Montgomery's planned agendas.

[Covonant]

Prime Minister Gais greeted Mr. Alabama and began walking side by side towards the Cabinet room.

"Yes Montgomery" Answered Crassus trying to remove any sign of formality as he hoped to have a relaxed conversation.

The two entered the room with all the parties present standing to acknowledge their presence. The two men sat in the chair reserved for them sitting facing towards each other on opposite side of the table.

"I want to thank all those present today for bilateral talks between Vancouvia represented by Mr. Alabama and Covonant represented by the Covonantian Government members present here. We ask that the media may take a couple photos before we begin. After which we ask for the media to leave to allow for the meeting to commence." Asked the Cabinet Secretary.

Once photos had been taken the media were escorted out signalling the official start of the talks.

"Covonant is eager to hear what matters the Vancouvian government wishes to address. Mr. Alabama what is on your itinerary for discussion" Asked Prime Minister Gais.

[Vancouvia]

"Thank you. First, we would like to open a discussion on what our defense forces can do to ensure regional peace..."

"THAT, is of particular importance," interrupted Colonel Windshire, sitting to Montgomery's right. Montgomery gave him a look of contempt and instantly understood his reason for being present.

"Of other interest to us," continued Montgomery. "Is trade, higher education, humanitarianism, and business agreements."

Windshire smiled, as if to patronize him, then nodded in agreement at Gais.

[Covonant]

Gais listened intently nodding in acceptance at the points outlined by Alabama.

"Understanding the militancy of the South Mesder presently Covonant is eager to explore any agreement that leads to a more peaceful region and in particular the Mesder. I am intrigued to know the nature of such agreement on the part of the Vancouvians" asked Gais.

[Vancouvia]

"It is my understanding," said Montgomery, "that our two nations currently have access to the greatest number of military installations between us. It has always been Vancouvia's stance that the ability to respond promptly to any scenario is the first step in achieving victory in that scenario. Our main obstacle in this is geography."

Montgomery wanted to get this out of the way so that hopefully the Colonel would not feel a need to butt in on further matters. He glanced at him and saw that he was most pleased.

"In particular value to us would be the ability to have UAV-capable air stations throughout the region. We currently have quite a few 'dark spots' that prevent us from maintaining surveillance on targets of interest. In combating terrorism, as I'm sure you know, reliable intelligence is everything."

[Covonant]

"Are you proposing establishing such devices on Covonantian bases throughout the region" Asked Minister of Defense Crixus Ignacio.

[Vancouvia]

"That would be ideal," took over Windshire, careful to speak up. "Our current practice is to station destroyers or other ships in necessary zones, but that is costly, inefficient, and only a temporary solution."

Montgomery nodded in concurrence.

[Covonant]

"Covonant could explore the allowing of Vancouvian military personnel to have access to a few our bases, I can't guarantee all but I am intrigued to know if it is just access on a basis of carrying out operations or more permanent in nature. And while we are on the topic of bases, my Ministry has informed me of Vancouvian armed forces establishing a base in Verona Beach, now Covonant has been hoping to have a small unit placed in that area to serve as an extension for our base in both Ipland and Keomora. Presently we had discussions with representatives from the Verona Beach defense ministry of having Covonant establish a base in the country, though they did not object to our proposals their counter-proposal was not favourable to Covonant. I believe Vancouvia serves as a portal to Covonant gaining its wish of having our presence on the island. I would hope something similar between the Covonantian-Vancouvian Brutus Base Agreement" Implied the Defense Minister.

[Vancouvia]

"We greatly appreciated the Brutus arrangement and would of course permit Covonantians sharing our Albatross Base in Verona Beach, so long as the Veronians are agreeable."

Windshire answered his question. "We would prefer permanent installations. A small detachment of 50-100 operators, mechanics, and support personnel, a half-dozen or so buildings, and a small airfield or strip of land we could convert, would be ideal."

[Covonant]

Prime Minister Gais was pleased with the thought of such arrangements he wondered if it could be reciprocated.

"Covonant would be willing to explore such options of allowing Vancouvians to set up installations with approved Covonantian bases provided such arrangements is extended to the Covonantian Arned Forces on Vancouvian approved bases" expressed Gais

"I must note however that two Covonantian bases will not be included in this discussions namely Ailis Naval Base on Flores, Corindia and Base Mer, Arvan, Noronica" informed the Minister of Defense at which the Covonantian delegates nodded in open support.

[Vancouvia]

"We would be most interested in your Keomoran base and one in your homeland. Corindian access would have been beneficial as we currently lack substantial ability in the Southern Sea, but we understand."

The Colonel continued, "Besides Verona Beach, in return we would like to offer you access to our largest base, Camp Plymouth in the I.D., where Noronnican assets are currently being deployed as well. We feel your presence there would only further stabilize the region."

[Covonant]

The Minister listened attentively to the response of the Vancouvian representative. He emphasised with their view on not gaining access to the Covonantian base in Corindia and sought to give proper reason.

"We understand that the Vancouvian government is trying to cut cost as we know having many installations around the isles is a costly venture which is why this administration is looking to reduce some of the bases we have overseas that serves no purpose to Covonant in a significant and we are pleased with the approach taken by the Vancouvians in cutting cost by having their troops housed at established bases which I believe cuts military cost tremendously. Ailis Naval Base in Corindia is our most important base followed by Base Mer and in fact it is our largest foreign base and with good reason. Covonant has a vested interest in the east and that base serves as our only access to the east and operations there are large and strategic in nature which prompts it being off the list, but we can surely make room for Vancouvian troops at our KeoCon Airbase in Keomora provided the Keomoran government is in agreement as the base is jointly owned. For a base in Covonant, we can make arrangement for Vancouvian troops at Critical Point Military Base on Senoica, Covonant which is the largest military base in the country." Crixus informed.

[Vancouvia]

"That would be much appreciated, and I believe that is an equitable arrangement," chimed in Montgomery. "I feel Congress will agree with our assessment."

He eyed the Colonel, like he had just fed a rabid dog a steak, and then shuffled his papers around.

[Covonant]

The Minister of International Trade and International Development interjected as he sense that talks on base where over.

"Could I interest the Vancouvians in investing in Covonant and possibly joint projects. The Covonantian government is tasked to bring meaningful development to our zone Jueverna and we believe the Vancouvians and their expertise in rail construction could invest in that area to provide jobs as well as infrastructure that could lead to the development of the zone. Covonant is also interested in extending our financial expertise and ventures in Vancouvia primarily in the form of Covish Union Bank" Minister Gaius Bato expressed as he awaited a response.

[Vancouvia]

"Yes, I believe there are about a dozen Covish Unions in our major cities - how would you wish to further extend them?" asked Montgomery. "If it's good press you may be after, there is always Illa Isle, which we have been trying to revitalize for three years now. Certainly investing in some initiatives there would be highly praised."

"As for rail, we are always open to most arrangements."

[Covonant]

"Covish Union Bank which has constantly lobbied with my Ministry to see Covonantian influence be used to increase their account holders. And the government having a share in the bank sees it as a priority to increase profits. This I hope the Vancouvian government will understand and keep somewhat confidential. We don't want it to become too much of an issue in the media
" Minister Bato expressed.

The Foreign Minister interjected

"Could you explain the nature of Illa Isle and the sort of investment that is needed"

[Vancouvia]

"The best way to describe Illa is that it is an island 20 years behind us economically, and Vancouvia isn't even 20 years old," interjected the Colonel harshly. "There's many Vancouvians who think we never should have made them our problem."

"You know that gives me an idea," said Montgomery. "Why not establish banks in Illa Isle? Dole out some 'microloans,' help build a school or two..."

[Covonant]

Prime Minister Gais eyes opened wide when he discovered Vancouvia was a young nation. Covonant was over 270 years old and Vancouvia less than 20 already exerted much influence in the region.

Minister Bato interjected at the end of the Ambassador's response.

"I believe Covish Cares Humanitarian Aid will be a wonderful organisation to provide meaningful assistance to Illa Isle. I will inform them post haste once the visit has ended."

Minister of Defense Ignacio then took the opportunity to speak.

"Ambassador I will see that Ministry draft an agreement of what we have discussed here concerning our countries bases, but is there anything more you wish for us to discuss on" Asked Crixus.