Your avg trade talks [CLOSED|Attn:PAS]

[Bengal and Assam]

Tarmac Area C
Queen Elizabeth International,
Saint Martin, Minato, British Kawa[Bengal]
11.23 am

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A small motorcade of a limousine, microbus and two undercover police sedans, all government plated, were parked beside a designated tarmac area, waiting for the guests to arrive. Ministry of External Trade and Investment, Foreign Communications Office undersecretary Edward Kazama looked up at the sky, and then at the VIP terminal building, in front of which they were standing at the moment. The Union Jack and the Colonial Ensign were fluttering in the wind.

"I hope they won't be long" said Assistant Officer Maria Chatterjee, Kazama's glorified secretary . "The overcast sky and the wind isn't a good sign. It might rain."

"Hmm..." sighed Kazama, looking at the planes passenger and private jets landing one after the other. "I'm from the Midlands, Dacca in particular. Winters are like this all the time there though. Overcast skies, windy, but no rain. But then again, we're right next to the sea, in one of the southernmost parts of the country. It does rain here in winter a few times, but hopefully we'll be long gone for us to get drenched, eh."

The plane carrying the delegation came into view soon. Causing Edward to sigh somewhat. "Right lads, for anyone smoking, put any ciggies out. Enough slacking off. We've got a trade deal to make."

[Pan-Asiatic States]

Out of the dark skies of Bengal and Assam the first of several Pan-Asiatic States government planes arrives. It bears the markings of the oriental country - a yellow-and-red yin-and-yang on its tail and a red streak across both its sides.

"Ah, the land that the samurai built," muttered Ong Visothirith, one of the spokesmen of the State Development Directorate and the leader of the Pan-Asiatic States' trade delegation to Bengal and Assam. He walked calmly down the stairs from his state-sponsored plane and descended upon the Kawanese tarmac. His entourage followed closely behind him.

Each and every one of the delegates which emerged from the relatively small aircraft wore cold black suits and red ties, as well as the hammer-and-sickle pin of the Asian Communist Party. Some wore long trench coats together with their formal attire.

Spokesman Ong shook the hands of the Kawanese delegation, and reminded Foreign Communications Office undersecretary Edward Kazama of the other planes' arrival. "You know how it is, Mr. Kazama. The Pan-Asian government doesn't like to put all of its eggs in one basket. I assume you've prepared some place for us to stay at while we wait for the others? Or shall we proceed straight to our hotel?"

[Bengal and Assam]

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"Welcome to British Kawa Mr.Ong. Must've been a very long flight." said Undersecretary Kazama, as he looked at the sky, hoping for the second plane to arrive at any moment. Given the weather, he didn't want the delegation's first impressions to be dashed by being a drenched mess as soon as stepping out of the plane.

"Well, since you're saying that the plane is gonna be out for some time, we do indeed have temporary accommodations in the airport building" said he, as he made a hand motion towards Assistant Officer Chatterjee, the same "Stay here" sign that everyone who've gone through National Service is aquainted with. She understood that it was to wait for the second plane, and incase of the weather going more bad, getting the rest of the entourage in the vehicle as soon as possible.

He continued on with Ong, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs have got some rooms set aside in the VIP terminal in particular for cases like this. That aside, I apologise for such a weather greeting you on your arrival to Bengal Mr.Ong. As soon as the rest of your entourage arrives, we'll take you over to your reserved accommodation at the Minato Marriot. Very close to everything Minato has to offer.
I'd personally recommend visiting the Shogun's Bukeyashiki if you like history. Nothing as grand as the old Imperial Palace the Japanese has, but its a testament to the humbleness of our old Samurai who built this country from almost nothing."

[Pan-Asiatic States]

"The weather's no trouble at all, Mr. Undersecretary. We are experiencing more or less the same in Neo-Manila."

The spokesman introduced members of the present delegation first, which included officers from some of the Pan-Asiatic States' biggest firms: the Isayama-Hwangbo Manufacturing Group, the Northeastern Foods Co-Operative, the Pan-Pacific Infrastructure Concern, and even a few from Feng Limited. He also introduced the Party Security cadre agents that would be accompanying him and his men anywhere they went, at all times. The spokesman's personal agent was a stoic, tall, tan-skinned Tagalog man named Graciano Lopez.

Ong then heartily agreed with the notion of visiting the Shogun's Bukeyashiki in the meantime. He consorted with his comrades, some of whom elected to stay at the VIP lodgings instead. The requests of each SDD delegate in the present company were relayed to the Kawanese government officials and in the end, Ong took on the Undersecretary's offer with six out of the thirteen delegates.

"Perhaps on the way there we can discuss each others' forecasts of the coming talks? Myself, I am quite excited that our governments have finally greenlighted this project. This country possesses many areas of comparative advantage that have long been sidelined by the current administration. It is my ardent hope that we can 'bury the hatchet' on any disagreements our two countries might have shared in the past, and take the first steps towards the future..."

Spokesman Ong opened his own umbrella - one that was black and matched his attire - while the other Party Security cadre members opened umbrellas for other members of the delegation. Then they were each escorted by the Kawanese men to their respective limousines.

[Bengal and Assam]

"A very long list indeed. While our delegates are not here with us, they're going to be at the Marriot. The meeting will start 3 hours from now, with lunch in between. We can push it back an hour or two if you want though, the PAS delegation must feel very tired due to the long trip from Manilla. "

He then proceeded to hand over Ong a list of Kawanese delegates attending the meeting, from Bengal's biggest firms and corporations: the Kei-Vauxhall Group, the Adamjee Industrial Concern, the Kojima Industrial Concern, and a few from the state owned Crown Cooperative Corporation. Then he introduced his his Assistant Officer, Maria Chatterjee. Moving on, he introduced him to an Anglo, fair skilled, tall and stoic. "This, sir, is Joseph McLeod. He's the Royal Kawanese Constabulary attache for this particular event, from the Security Division in particular. He and the men under him shall provide and coordinate security and the safety of your men and women from our end."

He noted down the people who wanted to visit the Bukeyashiki, and relayed it to his government. Another attendant showed the SDD delegates who wanted to stay in the airport accommodations for the time being to their rooms in the VIP lodgings attached to the airport. Kazama, Ong and those who will head to the Bukeyashiki proceeded towards the vehicles in waiting. McLeod sat in the front seat of the sedan, as an attendant ushered Ong and Kazama to the back seats. "Its a 10 minute drive there" said McLeod. "By the time the other planes arrive, we'll be back."

"Yes ofcourse. I'd personally believe that the talks will be fruitful. The Government of Prime Minister Itai has long made it a policy for better relations with our Oriental neighbours. It was a campaign promise, and her recent landslide reelection is the proof that the Kawanese people are willing to look beyond past differences, for better working and commercial relations with the PAS. The Ministry of Trade and Investment believes that a healthy commercial relations between Bengal and the PAS would solve the problems we have in the long term. The Rohingya issue being one of the most pressing of them from the Government and public perspective."

[Pan-Asiatic States]

"A very long list indeed. While our delegates are not here with us, they're going to be at the Marriot. The meeting will start 3 hours from now, with lunch in between. We can push it back an hour or two if you want though, the PAS delegation must feel very tired due to the long trip from Manilla. "

"Neo-Manila, Undersecretary," Ong told Kazama, correcting his faux pas sanctimoniously. "The city has been reborn by our Pan-Asian revolution," he explained. "As for your offer of delaying, I don't see why not. We are not in too much of a hurry."

"Yes ofcourse. I'd personally believe that the talks will be fruitful. The Government of Prime Minister Itai has long made it a policy for better relations with our Oriental neighbours. It was a campaign promise, and her recent landslide reelection is the proof that the Kawanese people are willing to look beyond past differences, for better working and commercial relations with the PAS. The Ministry of Trade and Investment believes that a healthy commercial relations between Bengal and the PAS would solve the problems we have in the long term. The Rohingya issue being one of the most pressing of them from the Government and public perspective."

"Good, good," said the spokesman while nodding his head in approval. "I'm glad we both see eye-to-eye on the value that friendly economic ties will have on our two countries. Now, as to the Rohingya issue - I think it best we hold off on that before the talks begin in proper. Let us not unravel the tapestry before the spindle has even left the rod."

One of the delegates, sitting behind Spokesman Ong and Undersecretary Kazama in the back row looked out the window of the vehicle and took in the sights of the Bengal and Assam urbanity.

"This Bukeyashiki does seem like quite the attraction, I wonder what else this city has in store..."

[Bengal and Assam]

"Neo-Manila, Undersecretary," Ong told Kazama, correcting his faux pas sanctimoniously. "The city has been reborn by our Pan-Asian revolution," he explained. "As for your offer of delaying, I don't see why not. We are not in too much of a hurry."

"I apologise Mr. Ong. Rather undiplomatic of me, especially since how the Pan-Asian Revolution is held in high regards among our honourable guests." said Kazama in a rather formal yet apologetic tone. "From a personal standpoint, having an introductory meeting during the evening, instead of lunch would be better. If there's one thing us Kawanese, the Pan-Asians and the Brits can agree on, its that tea brings good feelings into an event's atmosphere. I'll inform my higher ups and the PAS Embassy then."

"Good, good," said the spokesman while nodding his head in approval. "I'm glad we both see eye-to-eye on the value that friendly economic ties will have on our two countries. Now, as to the Rohingya issue - I think it best we hold off on that before the talks begin in proper. Let us not unravel the tapestry before the spindle has even left the rod."

"I agree. Better to get a working relation going first. Then most, if not all the fundamental problems will go away." said Kazama in a nodding tone. "But then again, I'd personally believe that Bengal understands, and is very well into the idea of better ties with the PAS.
For example, we have tried to reduce hostilities in the region from our end by moving all American and APTO(Asia Pacific Treaty Association) bases out of Bengal into Ceylon(Sri Lanka), which has put extra expenditure on the Treasury. We have to pay for our 60% existing obligations to upkeep those bases, as well as the rent for the land those bases are located on to the Ceylonese government. "

"This Bukeyashiki does seem like quite the attraction, I wonder what else this city has in store..."

"Since you're interested, we've got a lot to do here in my opinion. I'd say we may even rival Neo-Manilla, although we don't have malls the size of a city block here" said Kazama. "I'd say, the street food is a must try. You can find your home staples from the PAS, created in a more unique manner with unique flavours. Nan San Pao Night Market is the best place to go in my opinion.Say, what part of the PAS are you from?"

[Bengal and Assam]

[OOC:I really should get a tourism factbook out.]

[Pan-Asiatic States]

"Since you're interested, we've got a lot to do here in my opinion. I'd say we may even rival Neo-Manilla, although we don't have malls the size of a city block here" said Kazama. "I'd say, the street food is a must try. You can find your home staples from the PAS, created in a more unique manner with unique flavours. Nan San Pao Night Market is the best place to go in my opinion.Say, what part of the PAS are you from?"

"Ah - excuse me for not having introduced myself first. I'm with the Feng Limited delegation. My name is Sun Seong-Hyeon, my family's from the DPRK but I was actually born and raised in Hong Kong," the man responded. "I'm sure an arrangement can be made for us to have a free day. This is my first time in Bengal and Assam."

[Bengal and Assam]

"Ah - excuse me for not having introduced myself first. I'm with the Feng Limited delegation. My name is Sun Seong-Hyeon, my family's from the DPRK but I was actually born and raised in Hong Kong," the man responded. "I'm sure an arrangement can be made for us to have a free day. This is my first time in Bengal and Assam."

"Welcome to Bengal Mr.Sun. From the Pearl of the Orient I see. I myself went there like 5 years ago, as a part of a delegation that worked with PAS Finance Ministry officials to establish a financial legal framework between the PAS and Bengal. Lots of Kawanese investment heading over there at the time. Very interesting place in my opinion, although the Cantonese diaspora living here may disagree, no offense" said Kazama.
"That aside. The timetable does allow a fair bit of free days, two to be exact. For example, we have the introductory meeting this evening. A Preliminary meeting tomorrow, to affirm and do any necessary last minute changes to agenda for negotiations by both sides. Then there's a free day after that. The Foreign Office is willing to provide guides if needed. And since you're staying almost a week, leaving in Sunday, you'll have the final day for free, even more possibly if negotiations conclude much more earlier than the set timeframe.

As they continued talking amongst themselves, the convoy pulled into a driveway, then the 'Visitors Parking' area of an otherwise ancient building. The walls and the atmosphere itself seemed modest, yet fortified well for the 17th and 18th century.

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[Pan-Asiatic States]

"That aside. The timetable does allow a fair bit of free days, two to be exact. For example, we have the introductory meeting this evening. A Preliminary meeting tomorrow, to affirm and do any necessary last minute changes to agenda for negotiations by both sides. Then there's a free day after that. The Foreign Office is willing to provide guides if needed. And since you're staying almost a week, leaving in Sunday, you'll have the final day for free, even more possibly if negotiations conclude much more earlier than the set timeframe.

"That'll do just fine, Undersecretary," Ong replied. "This visit means a lot both to Pan-Asians back home as well as your own people, I'm sure. The current schedule is amicable and I think provides enough for both work and play."

As they continued talking amongst themselves, the convoy pulled into a driveway, then the 'Visitors Parking' area of an otherwise ancient building. The walls and the atmosphere itself seemed modest, yet fortified well for the 17th and 18th century.

The Pan-Asiatic States delegation exited the vehicle, awestruck by the beautiful Kawanese landscape and the architecture of the structure which seemed unshaken by its surrounding environment.

"Well, lead the way then, Mr. Undersecretary," Sun expressed excitedly. "Perhaps you can teach us a little bit about Bengal and Assam's history while we're here."

[Bengal and Assam]

"That'll do just fine, Undersecretary," Ong replied. "This visit means a lot both to Pan-Asians back home as well as your own people, I'm sure. The current schedule is amicable and I think provides enough for both work and play."

"Alright then. We'll keep travel guides at the hotel, and MOFA staff shall be ready to accompany you if you require someone to guide you in the city."

The Pan-Asiatic States delegation exited the vehicle, awestruck by the beautiful Kawanese landscape and the architecture of the structure which seemed unshaken by its surrounding environment.

"Well, lead the way then, Mr. Undersecretary," Sun expressed excitedly. "Perhaps you can teach us a little bit about Bengal and Assam history while we're here."

"Of course Sir." said Edward as they were walking up the stairs. "I did indeed do a part time job in a heritage site tour company while a student. Let's proceed"

"As you can see. The Bukeyashiki complex itself was built on higher ground, with the hill being cut to form a vertical surface, allowing only 2 entry points using stairs, in the East and the South, and also, the higher ground helped the old Shoguns, and the men stationed here to avoid the floods that were, and are to a degree fairly common here."

They front was lined up with a garden, and after walking amidst nature for about a mile, they came across an intersection.
“If we go the left, then we’ll see the barracks and stable areas. To the right we have the Ogeshuku, a series of boarding houses meant for the guests of the Shogun. Important Samurais, Daimiyos, captured enemies of extremely high rank, such as the last Nawab of Muslim Bengal, Sujah Shah, and in the latter part of the Shogunate period, foreign representatives, mainly British. Lets head that way”

As they went to the lodging house, they came across a garden. While it was traditionally Japanese-style, to the religious people in the audience, mainly those who adhered to Feng Shui, something seemed off.

“Now, if we have people from the Japanese Socialist Republic here” said Kazama. “It might not seem that different to you from the traditional Japanese garden. Your average stream, pebbles, exotic trees etc. And also a couple species of exotic birds to please guests that came here. But then again, if you look closely, and as Cantonese visitors point out, this garden has no regards for Feng Shui. And this has been done across the complex deliberately.” After a bit of thinking, he continued “Mainly because it was of the opinion of the first Shogun Nobunaga that it wasn’t any luck, or any divine favour that allowed him to carve a domain out from the Mughals and allowed his ships to travel thousands of miles to Bengal, rather it was pure tactics on part of himself and his generals, as well as the hardships of those who came with him after his exile from Japan. You might as well compare the man to Atarturk from Turkey”.
They then came across another set of the lodging house. But this one was a bit different. There was a counter, with a woman sitting behind in a Kimono, as well as Hostesses bringing tea and other pieces of culinary items into different rooms.

“Well. We’ve walked a lot.” remarked Kazama. “How about we have some tea, and something to eat? Should we reserve a room here for some time before heading on towards the Bukayashi?”