Banana Republics (Closed, Cornellia Only)

by **Republica de San Carlo** » Sun Mar 10, 2019 8:09 pm

This thread is an Ayaca General thread meant for interactions between and with the nations of Ayaca.

by **Neue Regensburg** » Wed Mar 13, 2019 5:27 pm

Oberst Konrad Baumann sat at the head of the newly-formed Exploratory Committee of Intelligence. It was composed of him and six other people of various skill and knowledge sets. A highly decorated Special Operations officer in an earlier life, he had been leased off to the Ministry of Intelligence to organize an independent intelligence agency. “Gentlemen, we have one asset currently deployed in Saranidia. He’s observing insurgent tactics and keeping an eye on the Saracens. I put forward the idea to infiltrate the nation of San Carlo. Having assets there will enable us to have a better hand in trade negotiations, give us a base to expand our network into the rest of Ayaca, and might just get us one step closer to securing a Naval Air Base somewhere on the continent.” An intelligence analyst asked, “So is the play here to obtain a puppet state?” A deputy minister of intelligence piped up, “That shouldn’t be necessary, at least in the short term…” At this point, it became clear that this idea had been on the table for a lot longer than either gentlemen would admit, and Baumann cut them short. “All right, anyone opposed to the deployment of intelligence assets to San Carlo?” No objections were issued.

“All right, we’ll need four groups of operatives in order to infiltrate this country. All of these men will need to be current or retired SKC operatives or otherwise elite troops with honorable service records. The first group will be made of SKC and humanitarian workers willing to work for their country again. They’ll need to network with local opposition organizations, to gain support from the citizenry. The second will be made up of aristocrats and businessmen who will garner support for our interests in the upper classes of society: planters, congressmen and businessmen. The third will be support, all active elite forces. The fourth will attempt to blend in with the local populace and glean any information they can. The first group and the second will stay in the areas they are infiltrating, so most likely hotels and inns. The third and fourth groups have safe houses across the capital city, purchased by a retired Hauptmann on the second task force. Any questions?” Again, nobody at the table had any objections.

Some Hours Later
Arriving at San Carlo

Fireteam Nebelstreif were the first off the plane, a day before the next arrivals, and they had the extremely important job of getting to and securing theirs and Geist Platoons’ safehouses, one for them and three for each squad of Geist’s. It had been bought by a nebulous “government-related entity” some months ago, in reality one of the businesses of the gentlemen who would be using their business cover to try and influence politics.

They would also have the task of confirming transport for Infiltrieren Gruppe. They would ensure that the incoming, sporadically arriving assets of Task Force Ausrichter would be able to get straight to their missions, so as the four stepped off the plane, they were well aware it would be a busy day.

by **Republica de San Carlo** » Wed Mar 13, 2019 6:52 pm

Written with Nueu Regensburg

Juan Baptiste Anton Araneta de Castillo International Airport
Outside Seville, San Carlo

The plane rolled up to the gate and a group of ground workers slowly left the shade where they had been standing in a circle and arguing with each other about which foreign soccer player was the best. The argument had been growing heated, so the arrival of the flight was a weight off of the supervisor’s mind, who had broken up fights in the past over such discussions. The workers wore dirty blue coveralls with aging reflective vests. They moved towards the plane to begin throwing the bags down on to the cart.

Passengers waited until the jetway was secured and the doors were open. They grabbed their baggage and began deplaning. The walk up the jet way was short but it led to a maze of dingy hallways in yellow light that was decorated with images of beautiful landscapes and other popular tourist destinations for those that visited San Carlo. Signs were posted with arrows that had “Aduanas/Customs” labeled, though there was no choice in the direction that people had to take.

In the hallway waited a bored police officer who held the leash of a German Shepherd. Passengers filed past, some looking at the dog nervously. As the hallway proceeded, other hallways joined and people from other international flight joined the march until the room opened up to the customs booths. Three signs were visible. OAS Passport holders moved to the shorter line to the left, where about half of the customs officers were waiting to process them. The longest line was to the right, where signs labeled “Non-OAS Passport Holders” led them. a single line in the center was marked for people possessing diplomatic passports.

The room was warm, the poor air-conditioning could not quite handle all of the people’s body heat. Ceiling fans, blew the air around the room slowly. Women wearing black trousers, whited dress shirts, and too much makeup, directed passengers to the correct line, and tried to make sure everyone had their passports and declaration cards ready for the officers at their booths.

One of the customs officers stamped a passport and sent a tourist into the baggage claim area where they would need to collect their things and go through the scanners. Then out onto the street. He looked at the Regensburgers and said, “Next person in line please.”

1st Lieutenant Robert Hermanos, under the assumed name Luigi Ramos, stepped forward. He was tired after the long flight from his home town of Goldstadt, and though it wasn’t visible, he was extremely nervous about the mission at hand. He took out his passport, and handed it to the man.

The officer took his passport and flipped it open. He asked in spanish, “Do you have your declaration card?”

Hermanos, a part of the Latino minority group on the diverse coast of Regensburg, replied in Spanish, “Here,” as he took it out and gave it to the man. He began nervously checking his watch, they had a strict schedule to keep today.

The Customs officer took tha card and looked at it, to make sure it had been signed. He saw that there was nothing to declare. He scanned the passport and looked at his computer screen to make sure that the man wasn't a wanted criminal or otherwise banned from the country and then flipped it open and looked for the visa that would have been issued from an embassy. As he was doing this he was asking questions in a calm bored manner, “Why are you traveling to San Carlo? Where do you plan to visit? How long do you plan on staying?”

Robert answered these questions in a manner just as relaxed as the officer, though his heart was pounding out of his chest. “My friends and I have always wanted to visit San Carlo. We figured we’d visit the museums and try to immerse ourselves in the culture, but also to see what life is like for Spanish-speaking people outside of Regensburg. We’ll probably stay a while, we’ve been planning this trip for a while.”

The officer was annoyed at getting this man’s life story about wanting to visit without getting two of his questions answered. He curtly asked, “Where are you visiting theses museums and how long is your planned stay? Let me see a copy of your return ticket.”

Robert replied, “We are going to visit the museums in Sevilla and Antigua, and we anticipate to stay for about a month, to escape some of the drama going on back home. Here’s my return ticket.” He handed it over, dated a month on the dot. That’s when they would return to Regensburg for debriefing and if need be, to have their assignment changed. “We might come back, though, especially if San Carlo is as great as we’ve always imagined.”

“Mmm hmm.” The officer muttered and looked at the ticket. He checked the visa, and matched everything to the computer again. He then took and entrance ticket and wrote on it and stamped the passport and wrote in 40 day limit on the stay. He handed the documents back to Robert and sent him through to get his bags. He then did the same one by one for all of the other Regensburgers and sent them past, and continued to call other passengers.

Past customs was a large duty free store that the passengers had to walk through, liquor and cigarettes were loudly advertised as well as other things like designer perfumes, jewelry, and candies. The store ended into a hallway that came out to international baggage where a large crowd was waiting by the belt to get their checked bags. Once the bags were gotten, they then had to wait in line to go past the final line of customs workers who scanned bags of people declaring items, and random non-declaration passengers.

Nebelstreif, literally meaning a wisp of fog, moved through the store. Maria stopped to examine the perfumes, while the men looked at various articles of tourist clothing. They bought some gag items to sell their cover, and went through to baggage. Each of them got their bags, filled with only the most innocuous supplies needed for the mission, and waited to get checked.

The group was waived through and came out to the inside of the airport where a large crowd was gathered. Taxi drivers and representatives from local tourist companies all shouted at the groups of people trying to come through the gates. A mob of locals was gathered looking for friends and family members who were arriving. Past all of them was the outside parking lot where cab drivers were parked and asking if people needed rides.

The group moved past the noise of the airport and the rather annoying taxi drivers and tourist agents. They had been told that a car would be waiting for them, courtesy of their businessmen friends, and an employee of one of theirs rushed up to the fireteam. In German, he asked, “Are you Luigi Ramos?” Robert replied, “Ja, ich bin.” The employee, a clueless kid, said “Here’s the keys for your car. My boss must really like you guys! Have a good trip!” They thanked him and moved on, speaking in excited Spanish to keep up appearances. Seraphim had a noticeable Levantine accent, being Aramean rather than Latino, but in all the bustle of the airport, nobody noticed. They exited the airport and made way for the car that would carry them for the next month, at least, as they began making calls to arrange the rest of the Task Force’s arrival.

by **Neue Regensburg** » Sun Mar 24, 2019 4:47 pm

Seville

Oberlt. Hermano and his team continued making calls as they drove to the safehouse, passing through the city of Seville. The planes transporting the support and humanitarian teams would need to be cleared, and there was no telling when they would get their weaponry.

They saw beautiful, colonial-era architecture as they drove by, that captured the imagination and stole the soul. Everybody took time to admire the buildings during the car ride, and they even took pictures, both to capture the sights and begin assimilating into their cover as tourists. Soon, however, shanties and slums replaced churches and towers as they made their way to the discreet suburban house where they would stay.

Stabsfeldwebel Patricio Sanchez, in the heavily German accented Spanish all of Fireteam Nebelstreif had grown up with, asked “Do we want to route the jets to a different airfield?” Hermano replied with a succinct “No. We need them in Seville. They’ll be transporting the support platoon so they don’t have to arrive by fireteam.” Sanchez asked, “Won’t that increase our chances of getting caught?”

Lt. Rainer Seraphim, reverting to German, pointed to the safehouse. “We’ve made enough calls for today. How about we discuss strategy after we sweep this house for bugs.” Hermano agreed, and parked the car in the driveway of the suburban house, registered to Epsilon Industries, a shell corporation of Gallinium Tech.

Juan Baptiste Anton Araneta de Castillo International Airport

A lone jet, belonging to Gallinium Tech, hit the tarmac and rolled to a stop. Contained inside this jet were not just businessmen, back in service to their country, but a handpicked squadron of SKC operatives that would pose as “business associates” to get past the gates, and then would disperse throughout the city. Jets from Vulcan Arms and Goldstaat Solutions would arrive later in the week.

The gentlemen travelling on the jet of Goldstaat Solutions would stay by the annals of power in Sevilla, while those with Gallinium Tech would reside near the business centers of the city. The “associates” with Vulcan Arms would stay in a house in the suburbs, close to the slums, but the entrepreneurs of Vulcan themselves would stay in an up-scale suburban hotel.

The entourage of businessmen and dressed up SKC men made their ways towards the airport proper, and chatted casually about computers and innovations in Latin so they would seem to be keeping with their cover.

by **Republica de San Carlo** » Sun Mar 24, 2019 8:16 pm

Seville, San Carlo
Written with Nueu Regensburg

Adler Gareth,chief technician of Gallinium Tech, called the publicly listed phone number for the National Police’s Procurement office. An automated voice in spanish answered the call, “Thank you for calling the Procurement office for the National Police of the Republic of San Carlo, if you would like to speak with a representative please hold.”

Music played while Gareth was on hold. It played into the phone line for a little over one hour before a bored woman’s voice answered and said, “National Police Procurement.”

Gareth took a deep breath, and in his Ostberg Gallic accented Spanish responded. “Hello, ma’am. I hope you are having a good day. My name is Adler Gareth and I am the chief technician of Gallinium Technologies out of Regensburg. I am calling to see about pursuing a deal between our two entities that could prove beneficial to everybody involved.”

The woman seemed unimpressed by the tone in her voice, “What kind of deal would you like to pursue with the National Police at this time?”

Gareth was irritated by the lack of interest, but realized halfway through the woman’s sentence that it was his own impatience causing the irritation. ‘Gotta love that Catholic guilt,’ the more progressively minded Gareth thought. “We are on the cutting edge of technology in Neue Regensburg, and our systems could aid in police work immensely. We would be interested in helping to modernize the computer systems currently in use by the National Police.”

“Please hold for Information Technology.” The woman said flatly and the elevator music began playing in the phone again.

This time it was only for twelve minutes before a man answered saying, “Corporal Cambeiro, Information Technology. Who is speaking?”

Gareth found himself amused by the elevator music, and was in good spirits when Corporal Cambeiro picked up. “This is Adler Gareth, Chief Technician with Gallinium Technologies.”

“Hello Mr. Gareth, what can I help you with.” Corporal Cambeiro said, “I see we have no current contracts with your company.”

Gareth smiled. “That is correct, Corporal, we do not have any contracts at present, however we have noticed a potential deal that could be worth considering. We have provided services to the Sovereign Guard of Regensburg since their inception, and so are experienced in producing police technology. We would be willing to sell that same technology to the National Police.”

Corporal Canberro answered, “Our current technology needs are met by contracts with Adiran companies. Why would it be beneficial for us to consider such a large break and switch to a company that we have no relation with?”

Gareth was thinking from a purely business standpoint, although his mission depended on giving the right answer to this question. “Adiran companies no doubt makereliable technology, but where Gallinium takes the edge is in experience and in forward thinking. We make not only police and defense products, but also those for the civilian market, and this aids innovations in each category. Also, and I apologize if this sounds like a salesman’s pitch, we truly do prioritize quality over profit. Other companies that produce lower-end gear occasionally outsell us at home, but our focus is solely on producing the best technology possible. If an Adiran company worries that they may not make as much money on a project, can you truly say that they’d give you the best gear they can?”

At the mentioning that Gallinium was not as interested in profits, Corporal Cambeiro perked up, “So you would be willing to sell to us better technology, and at a cheaper price than the Adirans?”

Gareth smiled. “Of course. It is our motto to provide the best technology possible at reasonable rates, but when it comes to guardians of order and safety, it is an imperative.”

“Well perhaps we should meet face to face. How about the Cafe Rojo? I can give you my cell number.” Corporal Cambeiro said.

“Of course, that sounds like a good idea. In fact, I’ll give you my number as well.” Gareth was excited. Not only was he propelling his company outside of Regensburg borders, but he was doing a service to his country.

The Cafe Rojo was a small shop in a part of town that was clearly not frequented by tourists. It was a bit shabby and grubby. Ugly concrete buildings were the main sights in this area. Clothes lines could be seen all along roof tops. Locals walked up and down the busy sidewalks, with children in shabby clothing running around here or there. The grime of the neighborhood would seem like poverty to an outsider, but here this was a normal neighborhood.

Corporal Cambeiro sat outside the cafe at a little table. He was a pudgy short man, with dark skin. He wore the black uniform and boots of the national police with two chevrons on his sleeve. As he waited for his guests he ate a sandwich and drank a bottle of local beer.

Gareth had walked the few miles from the hotel to the restaurant, leaving early to allot for time. He was glad that he had stayed in the Regenswehr reserves, it kept him in shape. He was aware of the stares of the locals around him. It reminded him somewhat of the look on the faces of the people of a village that had remained isolated since the fall of the Cornellian Empire, until the 1st Shock Division rolled through on the way to crush Nazi guerillas hiding in the nearby jungle. As he moved towards the door of the restaurant, he noticed a man in a National Police uniform on the patio. He walked up and smiled. “Hello. This is Corporal Cambeiro, I assume?”

“I am.” the man said smiling. He joked, “Mr. Gareth is it? The man who wants to pull the whole government away from the Adirans! Well I am here, how do you propose we go about making such a massive undertaking? This is a big deal, but I like to think of myself as a man who can put the idea into the right ears.”

Gareth smiled at the corporal as he took a seat. “It’s a pleasure to meet you in person, Corporal Cambeiro. I am aware that my proposal is… unorthodox to say the least, but Gallinium has the production capability to begin such a transition, were it to be accepted, sooner rather than later.”

Cambeiro shifted he spoke quietly and slowly to try and make sure nothing was missed, “Production capacity is one thing, stepping on the toes of foreign policy is quite another. There are other branches that might complain, and what you ask me to do would put my reputation and career on the line. I have children, I can’t just walk in without motivation or security and lay all of that down. I need good reasons to bring to these people.”

Gareth noticed that the mood had changed, and he let each word hit him. He decided to open up a little, and give the reason he went to work for Gallinium in the first place. “I wouldn’t expect that you would take such a risk without a solid reason. My first encounter with Gallinium was when I was a young 1st Lieutenant in the Regenswehr. We were battling national socialist insurgents in the jungles of Goldstaat, and I saw some of the most horrific crimes committed against the Antiochene population there. Once, after a particularly fierce gunfight, we rounded up the weapons of these rebels as per usual. Gallinium was just a start-up, competing against big name companies that had dominated with cheap and unreliable tech for years, but the government gave them a contract to develop fingerprint detection technology. We had looked for the monster in charge of extending an insurgency that had lasted from the end of the civil war to then. We had had no luck for the 6 years I served, but when we compared the fingerprints on the weapons to released felons’ fingerprints, we found that most had an address in the same town. The day after the results came back, we surrounded the town and captured the leader of the group. As soon as my tour was up, I joined Gallinium, and we’ve been pushing the frontiers of technology ever since. If you’d like, I can have files of cases where our technology helped against criminals and insurgents sent to you. And as for your family, if you do stick your neck out and the proposal is rejected to the detriment of your career, we can arrange for you to be taken care of.”

As the story went on Corporals Cambeiro’s eyes began to glaze over. He began flashing looks at his phone, and at people passing the street. He swirled his beer bottle and drank the last bit. Even the way it ended seemed to be unimpressive to Cambeiro. He waved his hand for the waitress to bring the check to his table, “Well it seems well and good that I would take a risk for the promise of some kind of protection should it fail. Do you have a proposal? I suppose I could see what it is and see what could be done with it.”

Gareth had noticed that Cambeiro had gotten bored, but he was not particularly any way about it. One of the quirks of Regensburger culture was that long-winded stories and conversations tended to be normal, and he hadn’t stopped to considered whether Carlosan culture was the same way. He responded, “I propose that Gallinium update the computer and forensic technology currently in use with the National Police, for a reasonable price. If it would please the powers that be, it could always be tested by one field office or another before a wider-scale overhaul.”

“You have nothing on paper though? Nothing with you about pricing, software, hardware, or any of the benefits that your companies products have over Adiran ones?” Corporal Cambeiro asked a bit curtly, “Do you have an address I can find you at if we have questions at least, or did you forget that as well?”

Gareth’s face grew red when he realized that he may have jeopardized the deal when he had the documents in his very briefcase. “Mein Gott, I completely forgot.” He pulled out a folder, containing brief descriptions and the pricing of the hardware and software in bulk, comparisons between Adiran prices and products with Gallinium’s, and a file detailing how forensic technology from Gallinium had caught the Red terrorist who killed the baby prince. These were all standard documents that were used in deals, but Gallinium had not faced serious competition in government sectors for years, save paper-pushing agencies with no need for advanced software. “I’m afraid I’m not the best at this. My sincere apologies. If you need to contact me, I’m staying at Hotel Las Torres De Ugarte, in room 351.”

Corporal Canberro picked up the papers stacked them together, “Well I will see what can be done. It is risky for me though and would be a good thing to have... assurances of your company’s seriousness.”

Gareth replied, “I appreciate the risk, and the CEO of our company is in town at present. If you would like, I can give you his cell number.”

“Yes that would be helpful, I will give him a call and schedule a meeting.” Cambeiro said, “What is his number and where is he staying?”

Gareth handed Cambeiro a business card in Latin, with the CEO’s number on it. “Mr. Saarberg is staying in the penthouse suite of the same hotel where I am staying. I will tell him to expect a call from you.”

Cambeiro took the card and looked at it. He put it in his chest pocket. He looked at the check then out of sheer habit looked expectantly at Gareth, then muttered something to himself and shook his head. He gave the waitress money said his goodbye to Garreth and then walked up the street.

After shaking hands with Cambeiro and saying goodbye, he stayed to order food. He had not eaten all day, and was extremely hungry. After he had finished eating, he walked back to the hotel, and called the Hauptmann to tell him to expect a call.

by **Republica de San Carlo** » Sat Apr 06, 2019 6:53 am

Seville, San Carlo

Ismael Cambeiro had left the meeting with the foreign businessmen utterly disgusted. He could not figure out how they clearly were asking the moon of him, and yet showed no gratitude. Did they even value him as a contact into National Police Procurement? He had fumed about it all afternoon, and it even affected his interaction with his family when he got home. Cambeiro’s distraction had caused him to lack interest in his wife, even when she had tried to arouse him. Finally, he had yelled at her to, “Stop mashing his manhood like she was kneading dough.”

Her sobs could be heard throughout the house and Cambeiro had yelled at her to shut up or go cry on the roof. After all he had been trying to improve their standing and didn’t need to hear it from her. After a frustrating sleep he had woken up the nest morning and blankly ate his breakfast, thinking of some way to try and get back at the foreigners for wasting his time. Then he remembered the business card in his pocket.

“Of course!” He thought, “Those fools I met today were just lackeys! The CEO will surely take care of the needs of my family.”

These fools had been tactless the day before, but surely this man had the power override their idiocy. They clearly had no contacts in the government if they were calling the publicly listed National Police phone number. Cambeiro pulled out the card and called the number. When the other end answered he began speaking, “Samuel Saarberg? This is Corporal Ismael Cambeiro, your men said you would want to meet me. Hahaha, tying to undermine international contracts, are you? That is fine, I am a fair man and will hear out your pitch.”

by **Republica de San Carlo** » Sun Apr 14, 2019 8:19 am

Seville, San Carlo

The phone rang again and Angel Cambeiro cursed to himself. The call then went to a voicemail, and he hung up in anger. He tried calling several more times with the same resort. He sat down at his desk and began a tirade. His sergeant looked over and told him to shut up, “Luis, these foreign idiots seem to think they can play with the police like some kind of toy!”

“Come over here, don’t shout.” The sergeant said.

Angel pulled his chair over to the other man’s desk and sat facing him. Luis turned to look at him, “Ok, what happened?”

“Some foreign fools, from Nueu Regensburg were trying to skirt the law and the Foreign Ministry by calling out public number to get us to switch all of our computers and software to products by their company.” Angel said.

Luis made a face, “The whole National Police?”

“Yes” Angel said.”

“They’re delusional. Don’t they know we have an agreement and contract with and Adiran company?” Luis asked.

Angel sighed, “I explained that to them. I also told them, I could get their pitch heard, but that it would be dangerous to my career and family.”

Luis laughed, “No doubt to further an investigation into their intentions.”

Angel smiled, “Of course. Anyways, the cheap bastards made grand claims that if I was fired, they would take care of me. But never offered anything up front, not even donations to the Police Officer’s fund.”

Luis was amused. There was no such fund. He asked, “So what came of it?”

“Well, we had a lengthy meeting where they would not stop talking about dumb personal shit. They didn’t even have any kind of plan ready until I asked for it.” Angel said.

“Do you have a plan?” Luis asked.

Angel walked over to his desk and pulled out a binder. He brought it back and gave it to Luis. Luis picked it up and flipped through it, “This is one lengthy piece of evidence. So, do you know where these guys are?”

“Yeah, their CEO is even here, they gave me their names, numbers, and hotel information. I tried calling their CEO like they told me too, but he wouldn’t answer.” Angel complained.

“Hmm, well why don’t we walk over to the immigration department and find out if they can tell us about these fellow’s visas. I bet they aren’t here on a business visa.” Luis said.

The two men got up and walked down the hallway to the stairs. They walked down a couple of flights and then moved towards the department door marked immigration. They opened up and saw one of their friends sitting at his desk. He looked up and smiled, “Hey guys. What brings you to our part of the building?”

Luis and Angel grabbed chairs and sat. Luis asked, “Can you run some names for us and look up their entry information, Tomas?”

“Sure, what are their names and nationalities. Do you have their passport numbers?” Tomas asked.

Angel answered, “They are Regensburganos, here are their names and a business card of their boss. I don’t have their passports.”

“Ok let me see what I can find.” Tomas said. He began typing information into his computer. He mumbled to himself and chuckled a bit as he did so. After about five minutes he began printing out information on them.

He walked over to the printer and grabbed the sheets. Copies of their passports, and entry photos were printed on them as well as their information. Tomas handed them to Luis, “These the guys?”

“I recognize the one, Gareth, and this is the name of the CEO, but I do not know the others.” Angel said.

“These are men that arrived with them. They all came in on a private jet several days ago, and cleared customs. There are no exit stamps, so they are all most likely still in the country. They came in on tourist visas, and have a 90-day limit in the country. There are fourteen of them in total. Only three said that they are staying in a hotel on their declaration sheet, the others are at this address apparently.” Tomas said.

“Why would rich foreigners be staying in a neighborhood? There aren’t any tourist spots around there, or businesses.” Angel asked.

“I have no idea. Try to experience the culture maybe? You know how these foreigners are.” Tomas said.

Luis moved on, “Well, either way, they are here on tourist visas, and trying to do business with the government while skirting the Foreign Ministry, and Trade Ministry. I think we should get a few more men together and pay them visits. Can you put a hold on all of their passports?”

“Certainly, any police checks, or them trying to leave the country will be flagged now.” Tomas said. Then leaning forward, “How many do you want to take? Any thing offered would have to be spread among them.” Tomas said.

“Yes, that is true, but at this point they will have to offer quite a bit, so it won’t be a big deal, we can all benefit. And, if they don’t, then we will get the press of leading a task force to close down a foreign corruption conspiracy!” Luis laughed.

Two groups of police, a mixture of men from immigration and procurement offices headed out in four Toyota Land Cruisers total. Two vehicles headed for the hotel, and two for the house that was listed in the suburbs where most of the Regensburgers were apparently staying. Luis led the men headed to the Hotel, while Angel and Tomas went out to visit the house.

Upon arrival to the house, the police got out and loafed around the vehicles, while Tomas, walked up and knocked on the front door.

At the Hotel, Luis split his men up and they went to visit all three of the rooms of the Gallinium Tech employees. He knocked politely on the door and waited for an answer.

by **Neue Regensburg** » Sun Apr 14, 2019 6:20 pm

Republica de San Carlo wrote:Seville, San Carlo

The phone rang again and Angel Cambeiro cursed to himself. The call then went to a voicemail, and he hung up in anger. He tried calling several more times with the same resort. He sat down at his desk and began a tirade. His sergeant looked over and told him to shut up, “Luis, these foreign idiots seem to think they can play with the police like some kind of toy!”

“Come over here, don’t shout.” The sergeant said.

Angel pulled his chair over to the other man’s desk and sat facing him. Luis turned to look at him, “Ok, what happened?”

“Some foreign fools, from Nueu Regensburg were trying to skirt the law and the Foreign Ministry by calling out public number to get us to switch all of our computers and software to products by their company.” Angel said.

Luis made a face, “The whole National Police?”

“Yes” Angel said.”

“They’re delusional. Don’t they know we have an agreement and contract with and Adiran company?” Luis asked.

Angel sighed, “I explained that to them. I also told them, I could get their pitch heard, but that it would be dangerous to my career and family.”

Luis laughed, “No doubt to further an investigation into their intentions.”

Angel smiled, “Of course. Anyways, the cheap bastards made grand claims that if I was fired, they would take care of me. But never offered anything up front, not even donations to the Police Officer’s fund.”

Luis was amused. There was no such fund. He asked, “So what came of it?”

“Well, we had a lengthy meeting where they would not stop talking about dumb personal shit. They didn’t even have any kind of plan ready until I asked for it.” Angel said.

“Do you have a plan?” Luis asked.

Angel walked over to his desk and pulled out a binder. He brought it back and gave it to Luis. Luis picked it up and flipped through it, “This is one lengthy piece of evidence. So, do you know where these guys are?”

“Yeah, their CEO is even here, they gave me their names, numbers, and hotel information. I tried calling their CEO like they told me too, but he wouldn’t answer.” Angel complained.

“Hmm, well why don’t we walk over to the immigration department and find out if they can tell us about these fellow’s visas. I bet they aren’t here on a business visa.” Luis said.

The two men got up and walked down the hallway to the stairs. They walked down a couple of flights and then moved towards the department door marked immigration. They opened up and saw one of their friends sitting at his desk. He looked up and smiled, “Hey guys. What brings you to our part of the building?”

Luis and Angel grabbed chairs and sat. Luis asked, “Can you run some names for us and look up their entry information, Tomas?”

“Sure, what are their names and nationalities. Do you have their passport numbers?” Tomas asked.

Angel answered, “They are Regensburganos, here are their names and a business card of their boss. I don’t have their passports.”

“Ok let me see what I can find.” Tomas said. He began typing information into his computer. He mumbled to himself and chuckled a bit as he did so. After about five minutes he began printing out information on them.

He walked over to the printer and grabbed the sheets. Copies of their passports, and entry photos were printed on them as well as their information. Tomas handed them to Luis, “These the guys?”

“I recognize the one, Gareth, and this is the name of the CEO, but I do not know the others.” Angel said.

“These are men that arrived with them. They all came in on a private jet several days ago, and cleared customs. There are no exit stamps, so they are all most likely still in the country. They came in on tourist visas, and have a 90-day limit in the country. There are fourteen of them in total. Only three said that they are staying in a hotel on their declaration sheet, the others are at this address apparently.” Tomas said.

“Why would rich foreigners be staying in a neighborhood? There aren’t any tourist spots around there, or businesses.” Angel asked.

“I have no idea. Try to experience the culture maybe? You know how these foreigners are.” Tomas said.

Luis moved on, “Well, either way, they are here on tourist visas, and trying to do business with the government while skirting the Foreign Ministry, and Trade Ministry. I think we should get a few more men together and pay them visits. Can you put a hold on all of their passports?”

“Certainly, any police checks, or them trying to leave the country will be flagged now.” Tomas said. Then leaning forward, “How many do you want to take? Any thing offered would have to be spread among them.” Tomas said.

“Yes, that is true, but at this point they will have to offer quite a bit, so it won’t be a big deal, we can all benefit. And, if they don’t, then we will get the press of leading a task force to close down a foreign corruption conspiracy!” Luis laughed.

Two groups of police, a mixture of men from immigration and procurement offices headed out in four Toyota Land Cruisers total. Two vehicles headed for the hotel, and two for the house that was listed in the suburbs where most of the Regensburgers were apparently staying. Luis led the men headed to the Hotel, while Angel and Tomas went out to visit the house.

Upon arrival to the house, the police got out and loafed around the vehicles, while Tomas, walked up and knocked on the front door.

At the Hotel, Luis split his men up and they went to visit all three of the rooms of the Gallinium Tech employees. He knocked politely on the door and waited for an answer.

Suburbs of Seville

Oberhauptmann Brenner saw the policemen approaching the house, and his face quite nearly turned pale. The SKC men were all listed under alias as employees of Gallinium, and were fairly conversational about technology. The house was relatively small, but it had a modern layout. The open concept kitchen and dining room flowed into the living room, making it appear as if there were much more space than in reality. The operatives of Fireteam Eis were playing cards, and Fireteam Hölle were debating whether Gallic or Germanic beer was better over on the couch, and had taken to dividing a six-pack of each between them. Brenner opened the door.

At the Hotel

Gareth stared at Saarberg, having explained the meeting that was had with the policeman. Saarberg looked at him. "WHY did you just tell me about this now?!" Gareth was extremely confused. "I slept in, its not the end of the world." Saarberg said, "I warned the stone-headed fools running the intelligence committee about this. We served together against the Nazis, and that bond can never be broken, but you just made this whole affair a hundred times worse. They insisted I call the PUBLIC OFFICE of the Police Ministry, and then you don't give me the one chance to jump ahead of this shit before this kid reports it..."

Knock. Knock. Knock.

"Fuck." Saarberg answered the door.

by **Republica de San Carlo** » Mon Apr 15, 2019 5:14 pm

Seville, San Carlo
Written with Nueu Regensburg

The House

When the door opened Tomas told the man, “Hello, I am from immigration police. I need every foreigner to show me their passport for inspection.”

He walked into the house, and the rest of the officers loafing around walked up the steps to follow him inside.

Brenner looked over at the people in the room. “Well, do as the man says.” Everybody began filing to the front of the room, and waited their turn to present their passports.

The police officers began checking all of the rooms to make sure that every one listed in the house was present in the living room with their passports. Tomas gathered them up and one by one ran them on a program on his phone. He looked at Brenner who he supposed was speaking for the group, “You all arrived on a private flight on this date with three others from Gallinium Tech according to your declaration cards and entry information. Is that where you gentlemen work?”

Brenner smiled, knowing that any trace of his men’s or his existence had been erased by the government. They were civilian employees, and that was it. “Yes sir. We are mostly technicians and programmers. Would you like to see our company IDs?” The question implied a slight annoyance with the disturbance, but he maintained a friendly demeanor.

“I do not need to see your company ID’s though it is good to know you have them.” Tomas said, “You are part of the group that came with your CEO correct? Why are you staying in this local neighborhood so far from him? Would it not have been more comfortable to stay in the hotel in the nice part of the city? You are all on tourist visa, what sights interest you here?”

“Its much less expensive to lodge us here than in a hotel, since if a business deal we are hoping hoping pans out does, we would come back on business visas to provide additional assistance. I personally enjoy the cathedral, and other religious landmarks here. It's such a culturally rich city.”

Tomas asked, “Out of curiosity, what kind of business deal were you hoping to complete here?”

Brenner replied, “Well, we had planned on some sort of deal with the government, but there was a breach of diplomatic protocol or something, so that might be on the rocks for now.”

Tomas chuckled, “I would look for a new job. A cheap boss brings you to another country for no reason and then makes you all share a home in the suburbs, while he tries to make deals. Doesn’t even give you a hotel room.”

He looked to Angel, “Could you please call for a van?”

Angel picked up his cell phone and called a local police station and had them bring a van. Tomas looked at the group, “I am sorry about this gentlemen, but we need to have all of your group together to finish up. Pleas all step into this vehicle while we take you to your bosses hotel.”

Tomas and Angel took the passports and jumped into one of the land cruisers and let some of the others assist the Regensburgers into the van.

Seville, San Carlo

The Hotel
“Hello sir. I am from the National Police Immigration department.” Luis said, “We need to check the passports of all foreigners here in your room.”

He pushed into the room with the other police officer and looked around, “Everyone please present your passports for visa inspection.”

Saarberg shot Gareth a dirty look, and produced his passport. Gareth meekly followed suit. “I trust our documents are in working order? I apologize for inconveniencing you on this fine day.”

Luis took the passports and handed them to an immigration officer to check. He then looked at Mr. Saarberg and asked, “There was one more who was listed as staying here according to their declaration cards. Where is Mr….Quartheim?”

Saarberg replied, “Herr Quartheim is in a separate hotel room. The only reason that Herr Adler is here is because it seems that he needs to be taught common sense.” Adler blushed with embarrassment, and took a step back. By obeying the intelligence committee, with no business experience, rather than Saarberg and compounding that mistake, he was on thin ice.

“Ah, well two of my officers knocked on his door, and there was no reply. Perhaps you could call him and have him join us here.” Luis said

The Immigration Officer came back and told Luis, “They are here on tourist visas for thirty days.”

Luis nodded, “Let's wait for their friend. Mr Saarberg, your flight manifest had it listed that fourteen of your group flew in together, but only three are at this hotel. Why are you staying separately?”

Saarberg replied, “Well, until Mr. Adler here almost certainly blew it, we planned on making a business deal and leaving. It is cheaper for us to lodge our support staff separately, especially since they would come back on business visas after the deal was done. As of now they are here to see the sights and get familiarized with the city.” Adler wanted to shout that he was following orders, that he was doing as he was told, but there was no excuse that would work on Saarberg anyways. Saarberg asked, “May I call Herr Quartheim now?”

“By all means, please call him and have him join us now.” Luis said.

Saarberg picked up the phone, and switched to German, saying, “Quartheim, get off your lazy ass and come join us at the penthouse. Some gentlemen from immigration wish to speak with us.”

Luis waited for the third gentleman to arrive. While he waited he received a call from Angel informing him that they were all heading to the hotel.

As everybody arrived, they stood in a lazy half circle. Brenner stared bullets at Saarberg. Service record be damned, he put this entire mission in jeopardy because he didn’t do a single shred of research beforehand. Neither did the damned committee, for that matter.

Tomas counted the group and checked all the passports. The room was crowded now. When everyone had arrived he began speaking, “Gentlemen, you have all violated your tourist visas by coming to San Carlo to make a business deal with the National Police. You have failed to contact the Ministry of Trade, to declare intentions, and you have all admitted to future conspiracy to commit visa fraud by having workers return on business visas, rather than work visas. It must all be very confusing, but you are from a large company and should know better. Your company jet will be impounded and released upon payment of a fine. All of you face deportation and a ten year ban from entering the country.”

Tomas looked hurt, “I hate to have to do this to you all, but unless some other kind of arrangement can be had I don't see how to avoid it.”

Saarberg stared directly at Adler, and said “I entrusted you with this deal, and rather than go through the proper channels, you called the National Police directly. What were you-“

Brenner responded in German, angrily, “Mr. Saarberg, you are the one who promised us a pay increase for this job here. You lied. In hopes of this, we trusted that you had some sort of deal to allow us to do business under the wrong type of visa. You lied. This entire trip shows how cheap and incompetent this company has truly become. Adler was just following your lead.”

Saarberg looked stunned, but didn’t say anything. This was not normal in a society where authority was highly respected, but Brenner was a hardened combat vet, with a hatred of anyone that would jeopardize his men or the mission. Saarberg understood, and a wave of guilt washed over him. He turned to the officer. “What kind of other arrangements could be made, sir? There is no excuse for my gross mishandling of this situation, failing to contact my Economy and Foreign Ministries, as well as your Trade and Foreign Ministries. This is the first any Regensburg company has tried to work internationally since the Great War.”

The police officers stood, and grew visibly frustrated at the yelling in a language that they did not understand. They were all on edge now and watching everyone closely.

Tomas said in a serious voice, “I ask you all to not hold conferences in any language but Spanish, since you have all shown competency in our language. As for the other arrangements we would like it if you could do something generous. As to what exactly that is, I must leave up to you.”

Saarberg thought carefully. “I apologize for my subordinate’s outburst. It will not happen again. The fine will be paid immediately, and we can make a donation to…”

Brenner cut the man off again. “Saarberg, it’s over. You’d assume the CEO of a giant company would be able to take a hint. Maybe if you’d actually followed through on any of the promises you’ve made us, we wouldn’t be in this situation.”

The officer’s eyes had lit up at the mention of a donation, but it all came crashing down when the other man began yelling at him. Angel looked at Luis, “See, I told you they were cheap.”

The officers led the men down to the same van and loaded their belongings into the back of the land cruisers. The men were driven to the airport, to the immigration cells, while they had their deportation papers and bans issued.

by **Neue Regensburg** » Tue Apr 16, 2019 8:55 pm

Black Site Reinhardt
1 Day Later
Undisclosed, Neue Regensburg
The entire team that had infiltrated San Carlo, minus the recon squad, stood before Oberst Baumann. "How, pray tell, did you get your stupid asses DEPORTED and put in the media!?"

Saarberg, who had sniveled his way up the ranks of the military by letting other people do the hard work, pointed to Gareth Adler. "Adler couldn't bother going through the official channels to set up a deal, and YOUR committee-"

"Saarberg, its clearly been a while since you've had to serve, you know, actual hard work, so let me refresh you; in NO CIRCUMSTANCE do you talk down to a superior."

Saarberg replied angrily, "I'm not under your command, Oberst. Your ignorance of international affairs makes you susceptible-"

This time, Oberhauptmann Brenner cut off Saarberg. "They left the businessman in charge of securing the visas and contacts for the business deal. Adler may be incompetent, but at least his heart is in the right place. You are just a stone-headed opportunist."

Saarberg turned to Brenner, "How dare you question my competence. I served, same as you."

Brenner chuckled with malice. "Tell me about the Battle of Westberg then. I read the documents, you disappeared in the heat of the battle while your brothers were falling to Nazi machine guns, and you were found SCREWING a local villager." Brenner was a Latin-rite Catholic with little patience for laxity in faith or duty, and that patience had long since run out. "We had a chance to secure contacts so we could reform San Carlo to a better place, and you get us kicked out of the country on visa fraud."

Saarberg blushed bright red. "We are updating our computer systems across the government at the end of the month. Herr Saarberg, you can expect that your company will struggle to retain its bids in the security and intelligence sectors," commented Baumann. "Oberhauptmann, good work. We are going back to the drawing board on this. You cannot be redeployed, you would be instantly detected, but we do need to set up some sort of training center. You would need plastic surgery, but then we can proceed." Brenner nodded. "Anything for God, King and country, sir."

Regenschloss Press Room
King Peter was infuriated when he had heard the news of Saarberg's incompetence. He was at Westberg, and was already disgusted when it was discovered that he would be taking part in the operation. Though not surprised, the King wanted to personally condemn Gallinium for their actions.

The cameras went live and King Peter began to speak. "The CEO of Gallinium Technologies, disgraced soldier Herr Samuel Saarberg, has been found guilty of multiple indiscretions and crimes by the government of San Carlo. Visa fraud, intention to commit visa fraud and skirting the Foreign and Trade ministries of San Carlo in trying to secure a business deal are just a few. The Government of Neue Regensburg had no knowledge of this folly, and it is a matter of record that he never even attempted to communicate his wishes with the Foreign or Economic ministries of our own nation. We condemn these actions to the strongest extent, and we are beginning to search for companies that are more ethical for government contracts."

Regensburger Embassy
Seville
Ambassador Auldheim was tired, and when he saw the news, he perked up out of his chair. Immediately, his staff and he were making calls, desperately trying to avert an international incident. The committee had failed to tell them anything, and now they would pay the price. He made a call to his counterpart in Seville, praying that with the King's condemnation of the damned fools, the damage could be slightly mitigated.

by **Republica de San Carlo** » Thu Apr 18, 2019 9:50 am

To: Ambassador of Nueu Regensburg, San Carlo
From: Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Subject: Crimes of Gallinium Tech
Security: None

Ambassador,

The unacceptable actions of actions of the senior staff of Gallinium Tech will require a proper response from your government. You are being summoned to the Presidential Palace to answer questions at an inquiry of the President and his cabinet. We cannot believe that this kind of business is seen as acceptable in Nueu Regensburg, and yet your largest tech company is exporting law breaking and corruption abroad.

As of this moment Gallinium Technology is banned from doing any business in San Carlo. A vote of congress will likely raise tariffs on tech products coming from any Nueu Regensburg businesses, and increased background investigations for Regensburgers will be required for any new visas to be issued for travel to San Carlo.

All of these measures will remain in place unless your government can satisfy the inquiry, and find suitable measured to rectify the situation.

Jesus Gutierrez,
Minister of Foreign Affairs

by **Neue Regensburg** » Sun Apr 21, 2019 11:11 am

Republica de San Carlo wrote:
To: Ambassador of Nueu Regensburg, San Carlo
From: Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Subject: Crimes of Gallinium Tech
Security: None

Ambassador,

The unacceptable actions of actions of the senior staff of Gallinium Tech will require a proper response from your government. You are being summoned to the Presidential Palace to answer questions at an inquiry of the President and his cabinet. We cannot believe that this kind of business is seen as acceptable in Nueu Regensburg, and yet your largest tech company is exporting law breaking and corruption abroad.

As of this moment Gallinium Technology is banned from doing any business in San Carlo. A vote of congress will likely raise tariffs on tech products coming from any Nueu Regensburg businesses, and increased background investigations for Regensburgers will be required for any new visas to be issued for travel to San Carlo.

All of these measures will remain in place unless your government can satisfy the inquiry, and find suitable measured to rectify the situation.

Jesus Gutierrez,
Minister of Foreign Affairs

To: The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republica de San Carlo
From: Ambassador Charles Auldheim

Minister,

First and foremost, there is no proper way to apologize for the actions of Gallinium Technology, and the gross oversights our own government made in ever letting them leave the country. I cannot stress enough, that Gallinium Technology has always had a tenuous relationship with our government, and they will find their business suffer as contract season comes around. No nation should never be subject to the blatant disrespect shown by this coward and his business.

I will gladly answer all inquiries of the Government of San Carlo, and I offer sympathies from the King himself. We are prepared to take extreme measures to rectify this stain upon the honor of our nation.

Most Sincerely,
Ambassador to Republica de San Carlo

by **Republica de San Carlo** » Sat Apr 27, 2019 3:15 pm

Seville, San Carlo

The large sitting room at the presidential palace was gaudy in its décor. Large red velvet curtains adorned the windows overlooking the gardens, with gold large golden cords holding them open. Paintings of past presidents and national heroes, all in military uniforms covered the walls. Antique overstuffed chairs were arraigned in a semi-circle around a coffee table and facing a single wooden dining chair that was alone in the middle of the room.

In the center sat the President of San Carlo, around him were Minister of the Treasury Ramon, Minister of Trade Maximiliano Coronil, Minister of State Security Guillermo Gálvez, Minister of the Interior Francisco Montenegro, Head of Guardia Nacional Fabián Arias, Head of National Police Angel Andino, and the Attorney General Saul Buen Hombre. All waited with drinks in hand, many of them smoking cigars. A servant informed the group that the ambassador from Nueu Regensburg had arrived.

“Let the little rat wait a while.” The President said, “I want to hear what was saying first.”

The head of the Guardia Nacional continued with his story, “So apparently the little weasels tried to hide in a tea plantation, and a green snake bit him right in the balls! My men found him screaming and begging for help. Well they laughed so hard, he ended up dying of the poison right there in the field!”

The room erupted in laughter. The president laughed, “Like we would waste good anti-venom on that scoundrel. I swear, all of these foolish peasants and their dumb foreign ideals… ‘We must share profits’ ‘It’s our labor that produced this’… I swear, you could drown all of the workers on a plantation, and the next day their family members would sweep up their jobs without a complaint.”

“Well, you know what Don Enrique Avarez de Santiago y Juarez does when he catches his men in some socialist plot?” Angel Andino the Head of National Police asked.

“What’s that?” the foreign minister inquired.

“Well, if it’s a man, he has his thumbs and big toes smashed with a hammer, and black balls him and throws him off the land and if it’s a woman, he keeps her until he gets her pregnant and then black balls her and forces her off the land.” Andino said, “And I heard once he found a group talking about forming a socialist labor union and he drove them over to the border with Ashab and shoved them one by one across the line, in view of their guard towers. Needless to say, they didn’t make it very far.”

“Yes, I’m still bitter about that, I tried to prosecute him, but some congress supporting judge dismissed the case.” The attorney general said, “Girl! refill this cosmo!”

“Well, you know how hard it is to go after a Don.” Police Chief Andino said puffing his cigar, “At least we have most on our side for the next election. I am sick of having the opposition control congress. That upstart Juan Sebastián, should be taken down for treason, the way he acts.”

“Well, your work with the police has shown results here, so that should go a long way.” The president said, “Shall we let that foreign maricon come in now? Does everyone have fresh drinks? Anyone need a new cigar? Alright, Donna, let the ambassador in.”

by **Neue Regensburg** » Sat Apr 27, 2019 5:15 pm

The ambassador waited silently. He wondered at the stupidity of Gareth and Saarberg, the pretentious pricks. They had jeporadized any chance of diplomacy, much less amicable agreements in the area. He recalled the battle where Saarberg had derelicted his duty. "Special Operations, my ass." he thought. He had been on the front lines, Saarberg was in the back. In a way, nothing had changed.

When the door opened, the ambassador walked in, bowing his head slightly. He waited before introducing himself, so as not to offend the Carlosans any further than had been done by the zurückgebliebend fools from Gallinium Tech already.

by **Republica de San Carlo** » Fri May 03, 2019 3:38 pm

The Regensburg ambassador walked in and just seemed to stare at the carpet. Some of the ministers shot glances at each other wondering if this awkwardness was some kind of political play. The Minister of State Security, leaned forward and stared hard sipping his drink, wondering what was going to happen. The president furrowed his brow and cocked his head looking silently at the man. Francisco Montenegro, the interior minister raised his glass for a servant to refill and then took a long puff on his cigar. He received his refill and then took a sip.

by **Neue Regensburg** » Fri May 03, 2019 4:02 pm

Republica de San Carlo wrote:The Regensburg ambassador walked in and just seemed to stare at the carpet. Some of the ministers shot glances at each other wondering if this awkwardness was some kind of political play. The Minister of State Security, leaned forward and stared hard sipping his drink, wondering what was going to happen. The president furrowed his brow and cocked his head looking silently at the man. Francisco Montenegro, the interior minister raised his glass for a servant to refill and then took a long puff on his cigar. He received his refill and then took a sip.

The room smelled of smoke and liquor, and Auldheim raised his head. The ambassador caught the glances out of the corner of his eyes, and realized that he'd have to take the initiative. "Hello. I am Ambassador Charles Auldheim of the Federal Kingdom of Neue Regensburg." Analyzing the room, he saw the casual disposition of the men in the room. Was this some kind of joke to them?

by **Republica de San Carlo** » Mon May 06, 2019 12:11 pm

Seville, San Carlo

President Santos spoke first, “Yes, ambassador, we are quite aware of who you are. We are more puzzled by the way that you have chosen to carry yourself, though I suppose we shall not focus on that right now. Sit please.”

The President took a sip from his scotch and though for a moment. He then calmly began opening up the conversation to the topic at hand, “Gallinium Tech, the largest company of its kind and biggest supplier of hardware and software to Nueu Regensburg, has just had their CEO and other high ranking people arrested and deported for a number of petty visa crimes, while trying to skirt proper channels of doing business with the Carlano government. I have no clue how they thought this could go unnoticed seeing as they were trying to sell to the very people they were violating, but it has happened. You have been summoned her for questioning by me and my cabinet as to the nature of this company. Firstly, I want this to be clearly on record, is this a national company, or a private one?”

by **Neue Regensburg** » Thu May 09, 2019 12:20 pm

Republica de San Carlo wrote:Seville, San Carlo

President Dolores spoke first, “Yes, ambassador, we are quite aware of who you are. We are more puzzled by the way that you have chosen to carry yourself, though I suppose we shall not focus on that right now. Sit please.”

The President took a sip from his scotch and though for a moment. He then calmly began opening up the conversation to the topic at hand, “Gallinium Tech, the largest company of its kind and biggest supplier of hardware and software to Nueu Regensburg, has just had their CEO and other high ranking people arrested and deported for a number of petty visa crimes, while trying to skirt proper channels of doing business with the Carlano government. I have no clue how they thought this could go unnoticed seeing as they were trying to sell to the very people they were violating, but it has happened. You have been summoned her for questioning by me and my cabinet as to the nature of this company. Firstly, I want this to be clearly on record, is this a national company, or a private one?”

Auldheim was a little annoyed. He tried to show humility, and was treated like an idiot for it. It was a small matter, however, and he had his directives. Gallinium had failed to get proper paperwork for a government operation, and as such had not contacted State or Economic. The Minister for State had called him and told him to completely disavow the fools.

"Gallinium is a private company. They failed to get proper foreign business permits from our own government as well, instead stating to our authorities that they were travelling. Giving them the benefit of the doubt, that they were actually travelling, will go down as one of the biggest embarrassments in our Ministry's history." Auldheim hid his nerves quite well, but inside, his stomach was turning over.

by **Republica de San Carlo** » Thu May 09, 2019 3:03 pm

Seville San Carlo

Auldheim was a little annoyed. He tried to show humility, and was treated like an idiot for it. It was a small matter, however, and he had his directives. Gallinium had failed to get proper paperwork for a government operation, and as such had not contacted State or Economic. The Minister for State had called him and told him to completely disavow the fools.

"Gallinium is a private company. They failed to get proper foreign business permits from our own government as well, instead stating to our authorities that they were travelling. Giving them the benefit of the doubt, that they were actually travelling, will go down as one of the biggest embarrassments in our Ministry's history." Auldheim hid his nerves quite well, but inside, his stomach was turning over.

Maximiliano Coronil, the Minister for Trade, spoke up, “So you have heavy amounts of government authority, and apparently bureaucracy in letting your businesses try to sell overseas, and yet your government allows companies to act in such a wild manner because the are given the ‘benefit of the doubt’ as you put it? Sir, this is surely a system that must be rife with corruption.”

“Clearly.” The Minister of State Security, Guillermo Gálvez, added, “This so far has not shown us why we should not keep all of our safety measure we have planned. It is in fact making me more concerned than ever about companies from Nueu Regensburg. If they are given free reign, despite such interventionalist policy, then we certainly cannot trust your government to act on our behalf. It may do both of our governments some good to launch investigations into the dealings of all Regensburger companies working in San Carlo. Us on our end, and your government in Nueu Regensburg.”

“This is something that must be considered, ambassador.” President Santos said, “All in all, I am willing to hear your thoughts on the failures of your government to enforce its own laws and suggestions on how to proceed.”

by **Neue Regensburg** » Thu May 09, 2019 4:34 pm

Republica de San Carlo wrote:Seville San Carlo

Maximiliano Coronil, the Minister for Trade, spoke up, “So you have heavy amounts of government authority, and apparently bureaucracy in letting your businesses try to sell overseas, and yet your government allows companies to act in such a wild manner because the are given the ‘benefit of the doubt’ as you put it? Sir, this is surely a system that must be rife with corruption.”

“Clearly.” The Minister of State Security, Guillermo Gálvez, added, “This so far has not shown us why we should not keep all of our safety measure we have planned. It is in fact making me more concerned than ever about companies from Nueu Regensburg. If they are given free reign, despite such interventionalist policy, then we certainly cannot trust your government to act on our behalf. It may do both of our governments some good to launch investigations into the dealings of all Regensburger companies working in San Carlo. Us on our end, and your government in Nueu Regensburg.”

“This is something that must be considered, ambassador.” President Santos said, “All in all, I am willing to hear your thoughts on the failures of your government to enforce its own laws and suggestions on how to proceed.”

Auldheim knew that corruption in the government was bad, simply because the technology Gallinium gave the government during the civil war came cheap. They made up for it in contacts. Ministers were appointed afterwards in order to clean house, but it is doubtful that the situation would be fixed until the government was able to switch away from Gallinium.

Auldheim spoke,

"There is an issue with corruption in our government, and it is centered around providers of equipment during the civil war. The government was not picky about where we took equipment from during the civil war, so they had an opportunity to bribe officials for support later down the line. Cheap, effective equipment meant that more mouths could be fed. There are new Trade, Interior, Energy/Transportation and State Ministers that were appointed by the Executive Council and ratified by the College of Electors in the 2018 elections, held after the civil war; they are cleaning house, and I can assure you that we have already opened an investigation into Gallinium. In fact, the legislature is debating cutting ties completely, and whatever measure makes it through will almost certainly target corruption.

It is of course your government's prerogative to investigate Regensburger companies operating in San Carlo, but I feel that we have been much more proactive about hunting corruption since the end of the war, and that companies have found it much more difficult to bribe our officials. An example would be the Gothisch Innovations scandal. When Tanja Deutel was appointed Economic Minister, she opened an investigation that ended in the shareholders firing the CEO and bringing up a new, more ethical person to lead the company. Similar investigations were opened into Obertal Rail and Freight, Fleugluft Industries and many other companies.

It hurt the economy in the short term, but we have no credibility overseas if we permit corruption, as this incident shows. All of the aforementioned officials have fired several bribe-takers in each of their ministries, and the memo is out that any corruption will not be tolerated. I guarantee that our investigation will turn up the person or people responsible for issuing Gallinium free reign to travel here and insult your nation, and discredit ours. If you do investigate the few companies of ours operating here, us having a very small international business presence, we would be more than happy to comply with any and all inquiries."

by **Republica de San Carlo** » Fri May 10, 2019 7:08 am

Seville, San Carlo

President Santos listened carefully, nodding his head as Auldheim spoke. He sat up a bit to speak, “Sir, the problem of rampant corruption in your government is a sad thing. I am moved by your peoples innefectual struggle against it, and I will pledge to do everything on my end to assist in that. I will order an investigation into all Regensburger companies in San Carlo, and I will order my Customs and trade officials to give all businessmen from Nueu Regensburg the highest scrutiny. We will of course give your people all the reports and open up new channels of communication with your embassy.”

The president stood up, followed by the rest of his staff, “Thank you for coming ambassador, this has been an eye opening meeting, and I wish you the best.

by **Neue Regensburg** » Fri May 10, 2019 12:50 pm

Republica de San Carlo wrote:Seville, San Carlo

President Santos listened carefully, nodding his head as Auldheim spoke. He sat up a bit to speak, “Sir, the problem of rampant corruption in your government is a sad thing. I am moved by your peoples innefectual struggle against it, and I will pledge to do everything on my end to assist in that. I will order an investigation into all Regensburger companies in San Carlo, and I will order my Customs and trade officials to give all businessmen from Nueu Regensburg the highest scrutiny. We will of course give your people all the reports and open up new channels of communication with your embassy.”

The president stood up, followed by the rest of his staff, “Thank you for coming ambassador, this has been an eye opening meeting, and I wish you the best.

Auldheim responded, "Thank you for you assistance in our struggle to liberate or Ministries from the clutches of corruption, Mr. President. It was an honor to speak with you, and I wish you, your family and your country great health."

Auldheim stepped outside, and got into the car, driven by a member of the Sovereign Guard DPF (Diplomatic Protection Force). As the car got underway, he swore under his breath. He had provided several clear examples of public incidents where corruption had been rooted out, and just because the Gallinium investigation wasn't over, they dared label the entire endeavor as ineffective, as if taking down the government's largest supplier of technology was any easy feat. The one thing that was remotely close to good is that new channels of communication would be opened.

He called Minister of State Marius as soon as he got back, on an encrypted phone in his office. There were daily sweeps for bugs in every embassy, the paranoia of the Regensburger people on display again. No foreign power could be allowed to listen in on the sensitive material discussed. "Minister, we have a problem. The Carlosans turned my words around. I blamed the corruption of certain governments and businesses, and how we'd made much progress, and he declared our program ineffectual. The nerve."

Minister Marius sat in his desk, and played with his sight goatee. "This is to be expected, Ambassador. It is clear that the Carlosan government is using us to boost their public image. We will need to publicize our nation's successes in purging corruption before they get the opportunity. Though it technically was a Military-Intelligence joint matter, it was a corrupt offical at State that granted the requests. He is being arrested as we speak."

Auldheim nodded. This was some good news. "The only salvageable part of the meeting was that they are going to open up more channels of communication with our embassy. They are going to investigate the few Regensburgers that have business here as a part of this PR stunt, but to be honest, no major company of ours has dealings here."

Marius said, "I am sending you extra political, consular and economic officers to accommodate diplomacy with the Carlosans. There will be intelligence operatives among them. They were highly effective spying on Reds in the War and some are now part of State, furthermore, their identities have stayed classified; this being said, they'll be starting slow so as not to arouse suspicion. Our goals have changed to damage control, and only after can we worry about what comes next. Good day, Ambassador"

Auldheim was a little surprised to hear Marius act so abruptly, but he decided not to push the matter. "Good day, Minister."

by **Neue Regensburg** » Sun May 12, 2019 7:58 am

After receiving the call from Auldheim, Marius buried his face in his hands. How could the man be this stupid. The corruption scandal was being brought under control, Saarberg had been sentenced and all ties with Gallinium cut. Now, smaller Regensburger companies would suffer. He picked up his phone again and called Chancellor Zähringover.

"Hello Chancellor, it is Minister of State Marius. We have a problem."

The Chancellor, at his office in the College, adjacent to the President's, responded. "Yes, Minister. Am I to assume this is about the San Carlo debacle?"

"Yes. Ambassador Auldheim 'admitted' a corruption problem even as Saarberg was being sentenced. Now, they're using it as a PR stunt to investigate our few, relatively small companies operating there."

"I want to speak with the Ambassador. Would you agree that his behavior is unbecoming of a serious emissary of our Kingdom?"

"Yes. I would have said that I 'resented the implications' that such an accusation brought. Instead, he makes this issue so much worse."

"Good. I want you to start silently looking for replacements. Preferably, someone with their head screwed on straight."

"Yes, sir. Would you like me to schedule for him to fly back to meet you at some point in the next few months?"

"Yes, I would like that very much. Good day, Minister."

"Good day, Kanzler."

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Banana Republics (Closed, Cornellia Only)

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