Like Looking in a Mirror (Closed)

[Hugora]

The Presidential Estate was a holdover from another time, from the reign of the Comstock family. The Comstocks had run Hugora for decades, corruptly controlling the White House from 1940 until their overthrow in the Second Revolution in 1960.

During that time, however, they had built a quite impressive estate on the outskirts of New York City. Surrounded by high walls, it came complete with a small forest stocked with game. It had withstood a week-long siege until finally surrendering for lack of food.

With democracy restored, the estate had become Hugora's Camp David, a place for the sitting President to meet foreign heads of state. Today, it would be playing host to President John Henry Eden, from Amerika.

President Bryce, when told of this country which seemed to model Hugora, was slightly suspicious. However, it was true: Amerika, or at least the eastern half, was almost identical to Hugora. It was very strange.

But it was also lucky, for Hugora had few friends in this world, and many who wished them harm. An alliance with Amerika could be most beneficial, and it was with this in mind that Bryce had invited Eden to the Presidential Estate.

A small airfield existed nearby to handle such visitors, and Eden's plane should just be landing now.

OOC-Feel free to skip right to the meeting, the trip from airport to estate isn't anything special.

[Amerikians]

President John Henry Eden was a celebrated sort of man in his own country, in his mid-40s and 'handsome' by rights he walked with a purpose and had a powerful look. The sort of look that turned cold stone Generals into meek boys, the type that scared Russians into compliance; and if anyone knew what Ivan was like, that was scary indeed. He wasn't much for luxury though; growing up as a farmboy in rural Kentucky.

His current thoughts were consumed by this meeting; the countryside he flew over he recognized, was familar with. Yet it was foreign? This made no sense, these geographical anomolies that made up their world. He could've sworn it was New York below him but yet it was not; not to his knowledge. In fact he knew very little of this Confederacy he was due to land in in mere moments; they had thanked him for his making the Presidency but little else was known beyond their name. All in due course; he assumed.

Indeed though; Amerika was in a similar boat to this place; with few friends it was a place that stood alone, isolated. Yet in simultanous contrast they wielded immense clout in some areas of the world. The plane landed shortly after; the ride was nothing special either he was used to this sort of thing during his time as a Kentucky Senator; traveling this way and that to this place and that place.

As the unmarked unassuming car pulled into the estate he did not find himself impressed by such granduer; such a palace often spoke of kings and dictators, neither thing he did appreciate himself. As he left the vehicle, surrounded by four men in suits that spoke 'secret service' all over them, he ascended the stairs [presumably] and well, knocked.

[Hugora]

The Secret Service detail, three men and a woman, opened the door for President Eden. As was the custom, their eyes were hidden behind mirrored sunglasses. The idea was to make them almost inhuman-many would-be assassins had surrendered upon seeing a detachment of these cool, professional men and women appear, weapons in hand.

Inside, the place seemed a bit confused. Portions spoke of monarchic grandeur, the palaces of kings, but many places seemed to have been converted into almost rustic rooms, all plain and homemade. It was obvious Hugora did not know exactly how it wanted to present this place.

Finally, the doors to the meeting room opened, and President Julian Bryce rose to greet his equal.

"President Eden," he said, extending a hand. "Thank you for agreeing to meet me. Do you want something to drink?"

[Amerikians]

President Eden had barely a second to blink. "Theodore Roosevelt?" The thought rang through his head as he clasped his hand around the other man's and shook it firmly. "A pleasure to meet you, President Bryce." Eden responded with a cheery stereotypical political smile. "A very unique if not nice place you have here." He said noting the various blends of monarchism and democracy sidebyside.

[Hugora]

Bryce nodded. “Yes, it’s a bit of a holdover from the older days. Not the best memento, but it does a fine job as a meeting place and a retreat.”

He indicated the seats, implying that they should sit. He sat down, and waited for Eden to do the same before speaking.

“President Eden, our states are quite similar. Almost identical, in terms of geographic features. The main reason I asked for this meeting, is that I think that states like ours are not always the most popular in the world. Many see us as evil imperialists, others think us deluded do-gooders.

“It is my belief that we must band together,” he continued. “An alliance between our two states would be incredibly beneficial, as would increased economic ties and military cooperation.”

[Amerikians]

Eden sat shortly after and listened intently to the President of the Confederacy with a careful ear, listening. "Indeed, I must admit Mister President the similarities between Amerika and Hugora are quite...Discerning." He said with a deadpan sort of voice though he remained open and friendly with his words. "I agree, sadly most of the world over believes that we are either imperialist or ner-do-gooders as you said."

"An alliance between our two great nations would indeed do great amounts to forward the prosperity of our people." He said as though it were practiced with grace. "Indeed though to say that we are not do-gooders would be a bit of a contridiction. In fact my own congress recently passed a law that has us set up as how to say it 'world police-men'. Eventually when the support is sound I will repeal it, not out of callousness but I agree with the Amerikan public. If it isn't our war, why is it our business?" He paused a moment.

"Economically speaking I must admit you would be uncomfortable speaking with us. We are wealthy to be sure; beyond a doubt we've more monetary value than most of our neighboring states. But it is heavily regulated this wealth and the system it runs in to assure the safety and health of our people and workers in more ways than one. Staunchly conservative ideals and a heavily Catholic nation leave greed as something looked at what it is, sinful and wrong. Your trade would take some time to be accepted."

[Hugora]

Bryce nodded. "Of course I understand your stance on trade-Hugora also was quite xenophobic for some time as well. I believe that time, and the benefits said trade will being, will eventually make Hugoran products accepted in Amerika. But that is a long-term affair, not likely to come to fruition during my term. What can be done more immediately, then, are the military portions."

He withdrew a file folder and laid it on the table. "This is a series of recommendations that my Secretary of Defense drew up. They're mainly along the lines of improving coordination, if Hugoran and Amerikan forces ever operate in joint action. Specialized communications channels, communications links between high commands-and a direct line between heads of state, would probably be useful."

He slid the folder over to Eden, leaning back a bit. "Of course, this is all dependent on your agreement. I'll bet a state like yours probably has some long-standing ways of operating, it's always difficult sometimes to change things."