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Jungles and... Jungles


Lynneth

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The Confederacy of Brazil has, with communications restored, sent several diplomatic missions from its borders to deliver messages to any signs of civilization. One of the first places contacted were the outlying islands around Brazil's coast, which had not been heard from by the mainland since before the war. They were, however, not uninhabited, or in decay, but seeing construction and flying under a flag that was certainly not Brazilian. A small boat detached from the main armada and sailed towards Belmonte island in the Saint Peter and Saint Paul archipelago. As radio transmissions broadcast friendly desires, the boat inched ever closer to the dock. It contained a crew of three persons who were authorized by the Confederacy to seek out the government, if any, that controlled these islands and begin proper diplomatic communications.


The crews rebuilding and refurbishing the research station on one of Saint Peter and Paul's islands were not numerous, but accompanied by a single Corvette that was anchored perhaps a hundred or so meters from the docks at the entrance to the cove, the inner waters deemed too shallow and dangerous for it at the time.

Upon approach, the Brazilian boat would be hailed via loudspeaker instead of radio. Once close enough that they could be talked to normally, one of the crewmen who could speak Brazilian Portuguese told them that the main fleet was near Fernando de Noronha, and that they should kindly go there to discuss anything further. None of the people on board or on the island had any capacity to speak for Tikal, and the equipment to quickly contact the mainland hadn't been installed yet. Only the helicopter carrier with the fleet was currently able to permit such communications.

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Although happy to not be bombed, the crew was somewhat dismayed over the requests of the personnel. While they seemed friendly enough, this "main fleet" had the potential to wipe them and their shipmates off the map. With little other choice than to take their word for it, however, the men thanked the crewman and headed back towards the main vessel. Taking a quick vote, they all agreed that they should proceed towards the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, albeit cautiously, and with their eyes and ears open. As they neared their destination, they began to see what they thought might be a ship on the horizon. With this, they continued moving forward but also began broadcasting that they were Brasileiros whom had been to the islands of St. Peter and Paul, and who meant the unknown navy no harm.

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The fleet was anchored some distance south-east of the island giving the archipelago its name - Fernando de Noronha. The largest ship, a Wasp-class helicopter carrier, was visible from quite a distance away, though several smaller vessels were escorting it, both military and civilian. Among them were a modernised Ticonderoga-class cruiser and some frigates, as well as two destroyers and a number of patrol boats. For its owners, it was a minimal fleet, barely able to project power. For most of the world, it was a force to be reckoned with.

The Brazilian main vessel was hailed by the carrier, the person on the other end speaking perfect Portuguese.

"Greetings, friends from Brazil. Please approach the main vessel and move alongside it. A ladder will be lowered so you may come on board and we can speak face-to-face. Be assured that no harm will come to you, regardless of the circumstances."

Once aboard, the Brazilians would be led to the bridge, where the fleet's commanding officer was already waiting; a Rear Admiral by the name of Alfonso Portillo. "Welcome on board the Vision, my friends," he said in Portuguese with a slight accent.

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"Quite a ship you have here..." quipped a soldier to the left flank of the diplomat. While the original diplomatic team had been but two soldiers and a diplomat, being received in this way by the Vision allowed an extra pair of soldiers to hop on board. Admittedly, if you were to have asked them in private, more to see the sights of the carrier than any perceived security threat.
 
The diplomat used the soldier's statement as a springboard to begin the conversation. "Indeed it is. I wonder if it's hosts are as refined? I'm Emilio, Emilio Santana. And you are...?" he questioned, reaching out to shake Alfonso's hand.

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Portillo shook Emilio's hand firmly, afterwards bowing slightly with his hands cupped, left in the right. "I am Alfonso Portillo, commanding officer of this mission and Rear Admiral by rank, and unfortunately not educated well in the art of diplomacy. This fleet hails from the Principality of Tikal with orders to establish bases and outposts on these islands. Our goal it to establish a perimeter around the Americas from which we can prevent imperialists and neo-colonialists from attempting to claim any land. Judging by your language and the flag your ship flies, you represent a resurgent Brazilian state, I presume? If so, my congratulations to that achievement. However, I believe you would rather talk to actual diplomats and not an ageing naval man. So, if you'd follow me to the conference room, we'll get you in contact with our government."

 

Motioning the Brazilians to follow him with as much politeness as he can manage, the Rear Admiral would lead them a few decks lower, into a more homely room with a wooden table and chairs, amongst other things. Once Portillo had seated the visitors, the table's centre opened to reveal a miniature podium.

 

"Just a second here, good Sirs..."

Several techs worked on a console on the far end of the room, the Rear Admiral overseeing them and making several commands in Yucatec. Soon enough, the space above the podium lighted up, showing a holographic image of the Prince of Tikal. He smiled and nodded at the Brazilian diplomat.

 

"Well met, Mister Santana. I am Prince Chak Tok Ich'aak, Diarch of the Principality of Tikal. I was informed that you hail from Brazil? What would you like to speak about?"

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The face of the diplomat did not betray the shock he felt inside at seeing the hologram. Those of the soldiers, however, were not so loyal. Emilio quickly hushed his comrades before somewhat-nervously addressing the prince. "Hello, yes you are correct, and we are pleasured to make your acquaintance. We have been traveling looking to make contact with other nations in the world, and happened upon one of the fleets working on the islands here, not too far from our homeland. Where is it, exactly, that you and your people come from? We are not familiar with Tikal, although you seem to be very familiar with Brazil..."

 

He cleared his throat before continuing; "However, it is clear to me that your nation has advanced technologies, as well as a desire to defend the Americas from harm, as we were informed by the Real Admiral moments ago. My mission is to make friends of other nations, and encourage prosperous trade, as well as work on behalf of the defense of Brazil in a way that might be mutually agreeable. It would certainly be in our interests, as neighbors sharing land so close, to work together. Don't you agree?"

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"Let me first answer where we're from." The holographic Prince turned his head a little, "Admiral, if you'd please?"

 

"Certainly, your Highness."

 

Only moments later, the wall to the left of the Brazilians was brightened by a map of the world, major states highlighted in various colours. Brazil was missing on the map, though the outline faded into being over the next seconds. Tikal's possessions were highlighted beyond being coloured in.

"The Principality controls the territories you see highlighted in orange. Several islands throughout the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as most of Central America. Our nation was one of those that existed before the cataclysm that ended much of civilisation and the world as we knew it. But, we clawed our way back up and managed to re-unite several core territories. The islands were annexed only after some states began exhibiting neo-imperialist signs, one even attempting to outright colonise North American territory. I hope that satisfies the 'where'."

The Prince smiled at Emilio. "Trade and friendship certainly is something that we would welcome, though in this somewhat unique case I would ask for Brazil acknowledging Tikal's possession of these few islands for the purposes of protecting the Americas. An outright treaty for defence is a bit rash at this time, I must say, though if our nations improve mutual relations, over time such a document may come into existence. Would that be acceptable?"

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Emilio requested a few moments to discuss with his party, which was granted warmly by the Prince.

Upon returning, he smiled and agreed to recognize Tikal's wishes to protect the Americas from invasion, as well as their jurisdiction over the islands. However, he also relayed a request from the mainland that if the islands are to be used for the defense of the region, that the Brazilian armed forces be given military access to the islands off of their coast. He proposed that this military access be conditional on a state of peace between the nations, not working directly against the military interests of Tikal, and warning the government of Tikal of any movements to or from the island at least 24 hours ahead of time. The government of Brazil was very much wanting to cooperate with Tikal and even help them, if necessary, to defend the integrity and independence of at least South America. However, they recognized the strategic value of the islands as well, and given their status as once having belonged to Brazil, felt it was fair that Brazil have access to the facilities available.

"Of course," Emilio smiled, "we would be willing to grant Tikal military access to any non-mainland holdings as well, although we do not have any at this time."

OOC:
[spoiler]Emilio has no idea what's happening/what did happen in Cabo Verde, and neither would Tikal, as this took place chronologically before that event.[/spoiler]

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"That seems quite reasonable to me. If you'll excuse me for a moment, I'll just prepare and send a treaty over for you to look at."

 

The Prince vanished from the hologram for a minute or two. Then, on the table in front of Emilio appeared a draft of the treaty, while the Prince stepped back into view.

 

"There we go. The clauses are, and I'm saying them in no particular order, for non-aggression, recognition of the islands belonging to Tikal, military access to those islands for Brazil, sharing intelligence or other sensitive information if deemed vital to the other nation, and a commitment to cooperate further and strengthen the friendship between our two nations. If you'd like to change anything, I can do that in just a moment. If you think it's okay, I'll sign the digital copy and have the Rear Admiral print out two copies for you. One for Brazil to keep, the other to send back to us once ratified by your government."

Edited by Lynneth
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The Brazilian delegation would look over the treaty and find its terms agreeable. They bid the Prince farewell, and took the treaty back to the mainland where it would be ratified by the States and signed into law by the Premier. Shortly thereafter, the government of Tikal was notified of Brazil's commitment to the terms of the treaty, and South America as a whole seemed a little bit brighter.

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