The (Dis)United Front

[Chocomoto]

A letter to the Soviet Republic of Kaitaine

To President Stephen McPherson,

In the long history of worker revolutions throughout Mundus, there have been many a difference between ideological sectors often either drawing their own conclusions from famed writings or the profound influence of the USR. These differences can often be viewed, and often are, insurmountable to one another. It is through these differences that one can see the diversity forming between the 'Leftist' nations throughout the world, one that threatens to consume the international movement in the long run if these concerns are not addressed; especially when compared to the various monarchical and oligarchic nature of the leading world powers. It is not the Huaxian position to rattle sabres or consider a more offensive position but it is our concern to see that our way of life is not threatened by those who would wish to capitalize on our perceived weakness. To that, the Congress of Trade has granted and petitioned me, President Liu Hai, to contact and hopefully bring about talks with the Soviet Republic of Kaitaine.

These talks are less about ideological differences, as vast as they are between our two nations, but rather about the foundation and formation of something more than the sum of our parts. It would be ill of me to suggest anything so grandiose at the moment so if you are willing to forgive the dullness of this encounter I would wish to speak of the following:

• The current economic situations faced by our two nations, and what (if any) is there to do to further strengthen our economic capabilities.
• The purchase and procurement of military goods, if possible and willing.
• Discussions regarding Yellowtongue and what Kaitaine and Huaxia can do for one another in the event of a global livestock pandemic.
• Future goals that we wish to achieve in this new relationship.

I wish to make it clear that Huaxia, while peaceful by its very nature, is a willing and competent ally in the fight for workers' rights and against those who wish to subjugate us either directly or indirectly. Through these talks it is the hope of the Congress I was elected to represent that this disunified collection of leftist nations around the world can once again be unified in a single cause, regardless of ideological differences. While there are lines in the sand where others dare not tread, the foundations of our cause should be our unifying call. Ideological debates and concerns of how to better implement the vision of a workers' paradise are discussions better left to the future when the future generations are better equipped to engage in this conversation without the ever present fear of the bourgeoisie still apparent.

From yours,
President Liu Hai

[Libby]

President Liu Hai

Our nation has since the collapse of the USR attempted to foster working relationships between nations favouring different forms of socialim or political parties promoting that endevour. Until now this attempt has fallen on deaf ears. We are therefore thrilled that a nation has seen fit to explore oppurtunities of co-operation with us. As such we are happy to send Vice-President Vadik Pasternak and our Foreign Minister (Name to be determined) on an official visit. I am excited to hear of the ideas that you and Vadik conjour up.

Best Regards

Stephen McPherson
President of the Soviet Republic of Kaitaine.

[Chocomoto]

The event wasn't a first for Huaxia, but it certainly wasn't a common affair. At least 6 Presidents have entered and left office without making any official state visits, and while a lot of that can be chalked up to Huaxia's own battle with isolationism in the past, the conflict between Rokkenjima and the USR certainly muddied the waters for international diplomacy quite a bit. President Liu Hai's cabinet didn't even wait for an official response before preparation was well underway, with experts called in from around the country to help the nation best determine how it would represent itself. After a series of rather intense debates and a (few) walkouts, Liu had the final word, choosing something more modest not only to represent his own past but that of the country itself.

The Kaitaine delegation would find their entry to the country rather tame, officials representing different trades gave their greetings in various parts of their travel all while the local militia began to secure areas around the route and escort the delegation to the Trade House. Upon arrival numerous staff assisted with finalizing all the proper procedures up until the last minute before guiding Mr. Pasternak and his company through the house. Along the walls were various paintings and murals depicting the early history of the country along with a few family photos. The building itself was certainly not just for show, it was a very lived in home and the intent to show that was clear. Some rooms, while clean, had an ordered chaos to them that only Liu Hai and his family knew how to navigate while some parts seemed weathered and obviously aged. The tour, along with a mild history of the home itself, came to a close as they approached a larger living room of which the President stood to greet them.

"Mr. Pasternak!" He greeted boisterously, in stark contrast to his letter. He was of average height, his hair already greying well beyond his control and his stomach just so barely beginning to lose its tough and taut shape; though one would hardly notice given his western styled suit. His smile was warm, and his eyes alight with color as he offered a handshake to the men before him—his hands were rough and calloused and certainly told a story of his past.

"It is a pleasure to meet you," He took a moment to look towards the Minister, "Both of you. We have much to discuss, sit sit!" He encouraged, offering a seat to the two of them.

"I'm glad your government responded to my letter, it took quite a bit out of me to be so formal." He joked with a short laugh, his eyes darting to the door as a staff member brought a few glasses of water for them before quickly retreating. "Hope the country hasn't given you any trouble, I know traveling isn't exactly thrilling at my age."

A few moments passed of pleasantries before he reached down and pulled up a leather bag. Rummaging around in it for a few moments he pulled out a few papers and documents before laying them on the table and with a sigh he got to work.

"Well I suppose we should get down to it then, no? State business and all that." He chuckled, taking out some reading glasses as he looked over some papers. "I suppose given its recent effect I'd like to ask about Yellowtongue and the effect you think it might have on your economy? Huaxia itself is rather diversified, but a hit to the livestock could be disastrous to her textile production if left unchecked; not to mention the loss of beef and lamb production. We'd survive really, but 'survive' isn't really what we're looking to accomplish now, is it? Thriving is preferred among all else. As you can imagine, it's rather hard to get the Unions to admit to some things during times like this, some of the farming districts are choosing to not post numbers of infected 'Until they are sure they are accurate' which doesn't really bode too well. Others are more cooperative though, and I can at least say the majority of our stock is healthy and we have yet to report a case in the wild. Given your distance, is it safe to assume your livestock are relatively unaffected? I'd like to ensure if possible trade in that region remains strong between our two nations. If we need to isolate globally from importing meat, I think we might just barely be able to support our two populations so long as we ration just a little. As for wool, that's a bit trickier. It doesn't take too well here, and we mostly import it from other nations so we'd certainly need help there." His words droned on for a few minutes, giving the technical babble required before waiting their responses. This was really just a formality truly, to get a better taste for foreign diplomacy while also getting to know the two men before him.

[Libby]

Vadik was still something of a governmental novice, plucked out of his position as a leader of the Veterans Union to be groomed as a successor to McPherson. He was rather young for a leadership figure in Kaitaine but that perhaps suggested just how long McPherson intended to be around for. Vadik walked with a slight limp which was a souvenior of his time in the Parachute Commando's and a mistimed night jump for a training exercise. He had landed heavily and smashed both bones in his left leg, it had been a mistake that had ended his military career but thankfully the government took care of its serviceman and women and the promising young officer had found himself looking after issues of housing for other veterans. He had risen through the heirachy of the VU largely thanks to his ability to solve problems for his members and having a likeable personality that always seemed keen to help. Vadik has already though upset Grigor Mealov the Foreign Minister who had been sent to act as a kind of mentor during the meeting. While Grigor had sat in the rear of the military operated aircraft that had flown them over with only the security agent for company Vadik had taken it upon himself to sit in the cockpit enjoying chatting with the pilot, navigator and engineer. As they landed Vadik emerged from the cockpit with a large grin on his face and laughing as he shook hands with the pilot clearly sharing some parting joke. "Thank you" Vadik was still chuckling as he shook the hands of the other aircrew. "Enjoy your stay while we conduct business.......but not too much enjoyment." Vadik patted the engineer cheerily on the shoulder before joining Grigor in exiting the aircraft.

Vadik hoped he wouldn't be expected to remember the names of all the officials he meet but tried to exchange a few words of conversation with each as he greeted them. He suspected Grigor would be much better at this kind of thing as the life long pen pusher seemed to never forget a thing but Vadik knew he'd manage to muddle through if he had to. As they meet the President Vadik warmly shook the man's hand. "Thank you for inviting us to your nation and your home." Vadik said as he accepted the pro-offered seat. "This gentleman here is Grigor, he's primarily here to make sure that I don't mess things up too badly." Vadik waited for Grigor to shake the Presidents hand. "Stephen, President McPherson that is, sends his greetings. He is sadly a man that prefers to sit by his desk all day managing the affaris of the people rather than taking the oppurtunity to travel the world. I suspect his devotion is my luck as I get to come here."

As matters turned quickly to business Vadik was rather pleased. He wasn't one for too much small talk unless it was with people he knew and liked, he was still making his mind up about Liu Hai. Vadik began responding to the Presidents questions. "As of yet we have had no cases of Yellow-Tongue, thankfully we don't have a huge international trade in live animals, add to that the desert in the west I think we have a fairly useful buffer. We are though putting in place precautions. Rodinha has more of a agricultural and livestock industry than us so we may need to be working with them if they declare any cases." He looked over at Grigor who nodded in support of his statement. "A lot of our industry is about metal extraction and a fair bit of heavy manufacture, I think therefore we're likely to be semi insulated against this. However I am sure if there was anything we could do to help Huaxia we would. Our landscape along the coast supports a fair few sheep so wool wise I think we could help."

"Hmm." Grigor mused indicating he had something to say, "We can just about cover the amount we need for ourselves however Vadik is correct that we do have a significant number along the coastal plain. However Rodinha are fortunate enough to have more than enough so perhaps that is an avenue you could tap into. I'd be happy to make the neccessary first contacts with them should this become a path you have to follow." He gestured that he had done and Vadik could continue.

"Perhaps we should explore a first joint project." Vadik leaned back slightly in his cair. "It sounds like you have cases, as far as we know we do not. Perhaps there is someway I could leave here today with samples. We could use this as a foundation for us learning more about the virus. Just as I assume you already are. With actual samples to work with our scientists could begin exploring treatments, managements, even vaccines. Also should we find we have cases we can compare the two samples and see whether this is a global pandemic or several variations of the same disease. Naturally I would like to share everything we find with you, assuming you would likewise share what you find with us. With you sadly seeming to have a headstart I would assume you've begun work on the virus and potential vaccine routes already? If so could we please access that and support your work?"