Caracasusian embassy to Cardulan
The armored limousine that bought the Tekeristani diplomat to the embassy crunched along the crushed marble drive, navigating the large fountain and decorative arches. The rear of the embassy was a mess of construction rubble, large vans and trucks and security personnel on breaks. The front however, was maintained as pristine as it had always been.
Yohan had read the file on the Tekeristani diplomat. The man had served many years as a diplomat to the United Socialist States of Caracasus and performed well. As a time honoured Tekeristani tradition, he had produced the “letters” - tongue in cheek satirical correspondence from a diplomat to Tekeristan following the end of their diplomatic posting. Yohan had read the “Caracasusian Letters” and laughed in places. When Jan Itzbasa arrived, Yohan was waiting in the library that would serve as his office until such time as reconstructions to the west wing were completed.
Jan entered to find Yohan scanning through the “letters from Caracasus” he had authored.
“Mr Itzbasa – welcome. Make yourself at home, so to speak. There is tea and coffee on the sideboard – I am afraid I do not know which you prefer”
Jan poured himself a cup of tea. Yohan laughed.
“I like this bit... Caracasus is a sprawling subcontinent of nearly half a billion people, and over a billion voices..”
Jan looked askance – went to open one of the large shuttered windows.
“I am afraid those don't open at the moment – security reasons you see. We are... fairly certain you are safe here but you're in the unfortunate position of being in a country where quite a few people would see you dead. If you are killed, however, the history books of the future would likely pinpoint the start of the next global war at the assassination of Mr Itzbasa. Rest assured, the air conditioning units will be installed tomorrow. Now, this bit I like as well – where are we... ah Caracasusian foreign policy is one of arrogance. The assumption is that the Caracasusian plan is the one that must be followed, that must be adhered to for success. It is fortunate that Caracasusians cannot however, agree exactly on what that plan should be. It is, perhaps the only thing that has prevented the development – or saved – depending on your viewpoint, of Caracasus's neighbours.”.
Jan frowned. He had heard of Yohan, and the man's methods. This, no doubt was some tactic to put him off center – as if that was needed here! “Mister Patel, you realise of course that those letters are meant as a satirical statement, not to be taken in any way as an official position?”
“Of course. You are correct though, if not in the finer details in the general assessment.” Yohan sighed.
“I represent a direct democracy Mr Itzbasa, in a country that decidedly does not. I represent a communist collective in a nation that is still in many important aspects feudal. My job is to interpret the will of the people of Caracasus in as honest a way I can. This is no easy job, and it is fortunate that the general will of Caracasus at present is one of co-operation and multilateralism. Caracasus has... not always been as lucky as it is now. My team has been working solidly to improve relations between Tekeristan and Cardulan, and now – now that we have actual, tangible progress?”
Yohan reached for his coffee. “The Peninsula starts to tear itself to pieces”
Yohan skimmed through another piece of paper.
“Something else you wrote – a piece in a newspaper. In spite of every diplomat's assertion that their mission, their aim and their job is to represent the interests of their nation over that of all others the very best diplomats recognise a higher calling. That calling is to ensure peace and stability between all nations. It is, after all, only in such an environment that progress of any kind can be attained.”
Yohan sat back. “I hope you meant what you said. Now, you may have some idea as to how Cardulan works. There are important factions within the government, the armed forces and the church that seek power over each other. It can be hard, at times to distinguish between them. Once they have gotten over the fact that you are Tekeri, you will be approached by these factions. Make friends carefully and with great caution. Decisions, comments and conversations on hunts or at balls and banquets are never, ever off the record. Caution is vital, never ever commit to one faction over another. If all else fails limit your conversation to the weather.”
Yohan frowned. “Whilst talks are ongoing you are here as a member of my staff, officially at least. Cardulan has yet to ratify the ongoing peace process, or grant Tekeristan an official embassy. This means any and all written correspondence must go through me or a senior staff member. I do hope this is acceptable.”
The effect of Yohan's speech was marred slightly as Barney the elephant splashed through the mud and water in the ornamental pond, trumpeting happily.
]
![[ National Flag ]](https://i.imgur.com/7vADKOP.png){kind=link}