The Visit to Nadrink

[JEDCJT]

It was a busy day in Nadrink, even more busier than usual. Rumors had been going around the former Vinilandese capital that a meeting of some sort was going to be held there, and that it was going to be monumental. There were also rumors - albeit unconfirmed ones - that the new Monarch, Sonia d'Albuquerque, in addition to Prime Minister Giancarlo Norton, was going to be visiting the city. Thus the excitment that pulsed throughout the city was understandable.

[center][img]http://images.picturesdepot.com/photo/b/black_and_white_cityscape-10695.jpg[/img][/center][center][i]Nadrink, Ursalia[/i][/center]
This was further confirmed by a classified communique from the national government in Kamloops - the communication channels had considerably improved in speed, something that was certainly noticed by everyone. It was also confirmed that representatives from the Federation of Disparu was going to be visiting. In nervous anticipation, the local government proceeded to "[i]pamper[/i]" Nadrink up. In the days and weeks before the day of the planned visit, government workers and citizens participated in a massive effort to prepare the city for the arrival of the Disparuean officials. Elements of the Foreign Defense Corps (FDC) were called in from the border to help with security, while police officers of the [b]Ursalian National Police (UNP)[/b] were tasked with maintaining order and to prevent any disturbances (not that they were actually going to happen, given that the excitment was citywide and even nationwide. But still, the UNP wasn't taking any chances).

In this frenized scramble of activity, the already-clean streets were cleaned up, and even cleaned up again for good measures. Laws were passed forbidding littering and "[i]any activity that even came close to threaten to dirten up the city[/i]", threatening harsh punishments for any violations. Ribbons were placed in many areas of the city; the Ursalian flag fluttered proudly all over the city. A section of the Nadrink International Airport (NIA) were exclusively cordoned off, to be used as an area to receive the Disparuean representatives when they arrived.

Finally, the arrival of Prime Minister Giancarlo Norton and her Royal Highness, Sonia d'Albuquerque, in the city was much triumpeted, and vast cheering crowds thronged Nadrink's streets, held back only by the UNP and the FDC. (However, the Prime Minister sometimes stopped the motorcade to shake hands, and exchange some greetings, with some deliriously excited citizens; the same went for the Monarch). As the Prime Minister and the Monarch, along with several high-ranking government officials and some military officers, made their way to the airport, the UNP and FDC, as well as airport police, had set everything in place. A large crowd was assembled at the airport, where they eagerly awaited the arrival of their leaders.

The Prime Minister, the Monarch, and the delegation would arrive at the airport midst considerable excitement. Chatters, squeals, and even wolf-whistles were heard throughout the air as the leaders made their way to the runway where the Disparueans were expected to arrive soon. There, they patiently waited.

Up in the air, a few aircrafts that had recently come off the production line, several strike fighters and interceptors, were patrolling the skies above Nadrink. The pilots had been instructed by the Ministry of Defense to accompany the Disparuean jetliner for security reasons.

[center][img]http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200803/r231917_927082.jpg[/img][/center][center][i]Strike fighters in the air[/i][/center]
Nadrink, located in the southern coast of British Columbia, a short distance away from Vancouver, is the fourth largest city in the Kingdom of Ursalia, after Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver.

[Pikachurin]

Today's state visit was different. Normally, it consisted of an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a chartered aeroDisparu flight. The delegation today, however, consisted of the Monarchy itself, Chancellor Atkin, Foreign Minister Meridian and their subordinates. Sending a minor representative of the Government to Nadrink would've been quite disrespectful; after all, they've heard that the Ursalians had specially prepared and readied themselves for their visit.

The Disparueans' plane, its livery painted blue and red, and a blue maple leaf at its tail, took off from Jubilife's Darach International Airport escorted by Aerospace Command's 14[sup]th[/sup] Jubilife-Mistissini Defencive Squadron. There was, after all, the threat of the Great Lakes Provinces launching an aerial-based attack and bringing down most of the Government's highest echelon. Circumventing James Bay and Ontario to prevent such an attack, the flight continued to be escorted even as they entered Ursalian airspace. To prevent any miscommunication and accidents, the planes' pilots immediately contacted their Ursalian counterparts and rendezvoused with the squadron that was supposed to meet them. The Defencive Squadron continued to escort the Government's plane even as it approached Nadrink's airport; from there, they would contact the airport's air traffic controllers and ask where they could land.

The Government's plane soon landed gracefully into the proper runway and came to a halt a few hundred metres from the Ursalian delegation. As soon as a stairwell was connected to the plane, the doors would silently open; out of it came twelve officers from the Judicial Police, all dressed in full regalia. They were followed by Lance and Maylene, both dressed in winter clothes and were smiling and waving at the crowd that was there to meet them. They were followed by two stern-looking agents from the Disparuean Intelligence Agency, both of whom wore dark sunglasses, earpieces, and suits. Finally, Chancellor Atkin and Lilian came out and followed the two Monarchs down the plane. Once they set foot unto the runway, they proceeded to walk towards the Ursalian delegation. Lance quickly noticed Prime Minister Norton and Monarch d'Albuquerque and smiled at them amicably.

"Prime Minister, Your Royal Highness," said Lance, bowing slightly. "It is a pleasure to meet you both. I must say, Nadrink seems to be quite enthusiastic today, heh," he continued, smiling, referring to the crowd beyond them. The other Disparuean officials then promptly and respectfully greeted the Prime Minister and Monarch and introduced themselves."

[JEDCJT]

Norton grinned widely as he saw the Disparuean King and his delegation approach; the Monarch smiled shyly. Striding forward, the Prime Minister bowed out of respect. "[i]It is an utmost pleasure to meet with you[/i]", he told the King and Queen, where he then proceeded to shake hands with King Lance and to kiss the back of Queen Maylene's hand in a gentlemanly gesture. He greeted the other Disparuean officials with the same enthusiasm.

"[i]It is a pleasure to meet with you, too.[/i]" The petite Monarch said in a soft voice with a smile. She greeted at the other Disparuean officials too.

Glancing around, Norton beckoned toward the waiting motorcade. "[i]Shall we? It seems the crowds are getting frenzied by the second, and we don't want to get swamped, do we?[/i]" The Prime Minister joked, but not before shivering from the cold. The Monarch laughed.

With that, Norton led the way to the motorcade, which had one of the best limousine available in the country. UNP and Foreign Defense Corps troopers kept the excited crowds in check as the Ursalian leaders passed them by, waving to them. A tall and robust agent stood by the limousine, holding one of the several doors open.

"[i]After you, my Royal Highness.[/i]" Norton smiled at Sonia, who giggled a bit. What people did not know was that the two were longtime friends who shared a deep bond. The Monarch gracefully got in, whereas Norton then stood aside to let the Disparuean delegation get in. When they did so, the Prime Minister would get in, sitting across Lance. "[i]I think you will love the view of Nadrink.[/i]" The Prime Minister told Lance.

With that, the limousine sped off in the direction of the Parliamento building, the former legislatural building of the former Viniland, escorted by unlabeled SUVs that were becoming a trademark of the UNP. In the course of the journey, Norton would chat with the Disparuean King and Queen, Sonia, and the others. During the journey, the limousine would pass by several prominent places such as the the Museu Nacional, along with others. The occupants of the limousine would see that large cheeting crowds thronged the streets of Nadrink, waving Ursalian, Vinilandese, and Disparuean flags and chanting something.

It was not long before the motorcade had passed through one of the security gates that dotted around the Parliamento building, and pulled to a stop near the imposing building. An agent hurried over and opened one of the doors to let the delegations come out. Norton let the Disparueans get out first before following out. He then held out a hand to the Monarch, which she accepted with a slight blush, and got out of the limousine.

"[i]What do you think, sir?[/i]" Norton asked Lance.

The Prime Minister and the Monarch led the delegations into the building, where several staff officials in turn led them to the Conference Room, a lavishly-decorated room with a large round conference table in the center. Norton and Sonia would let the Disparueans take their seats first, and then they would do the same. Glancing around the table, the Prime Minister opened his mouth to speak.

"[i]Ladies and gentlemen. It is an honor to have you here, and as you are aware, we have assembled here to discuss several aspects that are of utmost importance to the Kingdom of Ursalia and the Federation of Disparu. This, of course, includes but is not limited to the furthering of diplomatic relations and the promulgation of trade between our nations.[/i]"

[Pikachurin]

[quote name='JEDCJT' timestamp='1289794608' post='2513329']
With that, Norton led the way to the motorcade, which had one of the best limousine available in the country. UNP and Foreign Defense Corps troopers kept the excited crowds in check as the Ursalian leaders passed them by, waving to them. A tall and robust agent stood by the limousine, holding one of the several doors open.

"[i]After you, my Royal Highness.[/i]" Norton smiled at Sonia, who giggled a bit. What people did not know was that the two were longtime friends who shared a deep bond. The Monarch gracefully got in, whereas Norton then stood aside to let the Disparuean delegation get in. When they did so, the Prime Minister would get in, sitting across Lance. "[i]I think you will love the view of Nadrink.[/i]" The Prime Minister told Lance.

With that, the limousine sped off in the direction of the Parliamento building, the former legislatural building of the former Viniland, escorted by unlabeled SUVs that were becoming a trademark of the UNP. In the course of the journey, Norton would chat with the Disparuean King and Queen, Sonia, and the others. During the journey, the limousine would pass by several prominent places such as the the Museu Nacional, along with others. The occupants of the limousine would see that large cheeting crowds thronged the streets of Nadrink, waving Ursalian, Vinilandese, and Disparuean flags and chanting something.
[/quote]

"The crowd seems to be enthusiastic today, heh," noted Lance, chuckling. "To be honest, I haven't seen a crowd as happy as this since the New Englanders' state visit to Disparu a few years ago," he continued smiling.

As their limousine made their way to the [i]Parliamento[/i], Lance, Maylene and the others chatted with the Prime Minister and Monarch in order to break the ice and to make their meeting a bit warmer and friendlier. In addition, Lance duly noted the city's architecture (he was also an engineer, after all), while the others merely admired them. He noted the [i]Memorial da Causa[/i]'s unique architecture and its similarities to Jubilife's Darach Park, and expressed his interest in visiting the [i]Museu Nacional[/i] if they had time.

[quote name='JEDCJT' timestamp='1289794608' post='2513329']
It was not long before the motorcade had passed through one of the security gates that dotted around the Parliamento building, and pulled to a stop near the imposing building. An agent hurried over and opened one of the doors to let the delegations come out. Norton let the Disparueans get out first before following out. He then held out a hand to the Monarch, which she accepted with a slight blush, and got out of the limousine.

"[i]What do you think, sir?[/i]" Norton asked Lance.
[/quote]

"It looks wonderful, really." said Lance, smiling, as he held out a hand for Maylene as she left the limousine; Atkin and Meridian would then disembark and follow the rest of the delegation. Lance silently thanked the agent who opened the door before following the Prime Minister and the Monarch.

[quote name='JEDCJT' timestamp='1289794608' post='2513329']
The Prime Minister and the Monarch led the delegations into the building, where several staff officials in turn led them to the Conference Room, a lavishly-decorated room with a large round conference table in the center. Norton and Sonia would let the Disparueans take their seats first, and then they would do the same. Glancing around the table, the Prime Minister opened his mouth to speak.

"[i]Ladies and gentlemen. It is an honor to have you here, and as you are aware, we have assembled here to discuss several aspects that are of utmost importance to the Kingdom of Ursalia and the Federation of Disparu. This, of course, includes but is not limited to the furthering of diplomatic relations and the promulgation of trade between our nations.[/i]"
[/quote]

The Disparuean delegation duly took their seats and waited for the Ursalians to do the same. All listened intently as the Prime Minister spoke, though it was Lance who would reply.

"Furthering our diplomatic relations is, indeed, of utmost importance to our nations. The voids created by the fall of many North American nations, particularly the Maritime Republic, has affected all nations in the continent and has destabilized its politics. It is, therefore, an excellent time to expand our relations in order to do our part in restabilizing the continent. Such a relation will, of course, also be mutually symbiotic to both of our nations. As Minister Meridian noted in her message, we completely appreciate your offer to increase your trade with us, and we hope we can repay our gratitude to you someday."

[JEDCJT]

[quote name='Pikachurin' timestamp='1289881316' post='2514091']
"Furthering our diplomatic relations is, indeed, of utmost importance to our nations. The voids created by the fall of many North American nations, particularly the Maritime Republic, has affected all nations in the continent and has destabilized its politics. It is, therefore, an excellent time to expand our relations in order to do our part in restabilizing the continent. Such a relation will, of course, also be mutually symbiotic to both of our nations. As Minister Meridian noted in her message, we completely appreciate your offer to increase your trade with us, and we hope we can repay our gratitude to you someday."
[/quote]

Norton smiled at Lance's words. "[i]Anytime. We are willing to help a fellow nation our, as we indicated in our message to Minister Meridan.[/i]" Pausing for a moment, he continued, "[i]Yes, it is of paramount importance that we fill the voids created by the collapse of several North American nations. As for trade, I seem to recall the free trade pact that was signed between Disparu and New England. It was named the Good Neighbor Treaty, I believe. It included a free trade clause, and I seek to establish relations with Disparu where any trade barriers, including tariffs, will be reduced or eliminated. I believe this will help benefit both our nations.[/i]"

[Pikachurin]

[quote name='JEDCJT' timestamp='1289884494' post='2514143']
Norton smiled at Lance's words. "[i]Anytime. We are willing to help a fellow nation our, as we indicated in our message to Minister Meridan.[/i]" Pausing for a moment, he continued, "[i]Yes, it is of paramount importance that we fill the voids created by the collapse of several North American nations. As for trade, I seem to recall the free trade pact that was signed between Disparu and New England. It was named the Good Neighbor Treaty, I believe. It included a free trade clause, and I seek to establish relations with Disparu where any trade barriers, including tariffs, will be reduced or eliminated. I believe this will help benefit both our nations.[/i]"
[/quote]


"Indeed. Now, while reduced tariffs on trade between our nations is a good stepping stone for our relations, I do hope that it will evolve into a much stronger treaty in the future," noted Lance.

Minister Meridian would then extract an elegant scroll from a suitcase she was carrying. Unfurling the blue silk ribbon binding it, she carefully laid the scroll unto the table and began to read:

[quote][center][size="6"][font="Book Antiqua"]TRANS-CANADIAN UNITY[/size][/font]
[size="4"][font="Book Antiqua"][i]Revision II[/i]

[i]A treaty between the[/i]
Federation of Disparu
[i]and the[/i]
Kingdom of Ursalia[/size][/font][/center]

[font="Book Antiqua"][size="3"][center][b]Article I - Sovereignty[/b][/center]

The Federation of Disparu (henceforth referred to as "Disparu") and the Kingdom of Ursalia (henceforth referred to as "Ursalia") hereby agrees to recognize and respect the sovereignty of each other, and shall not commit or support actions that hinders the other signatory's sovereignty.

[center][b]Article II - Non-Aggression[/b][/center]

To promote the spirit of Article I of this treaty, both Disparu and Ursalia shall refrain from committing or supporting acts of war against each other, and the allies of both signatories.

[center][b]Article III - Promoting Trade[/b][/center]

Both signatories shall agree to lower or eliminate tarrifs on imports and exports from or to the other signatory in order to encourage trade.

[center][b]Article IV - Cancellation[/b][/center]

Should, for any reason, a signatory deems it necessary to cancel this treaty, the signatory shall give a ninety-six (96) hour notice to the other signatory. The treaty shall remain in effect during that time period. If one or more articles in this treaty is broken, Article IV shall immediately be activated and the waiting period will be cut to forty-eight (48) hours.

[center][b]Signatures[/b][/center]

Signed for the [b]Federation of Disparu[/b],

Signed for the [b]Kingdom of Ursalia[/b],

[center]~***~[/center][/size][/font]
[/quote]

"Is this acceptable, or would you like any changes?" inquired Meridian.

Edited November 18, 2010 by Pikachurin

[JEDCJT]

Norton scanned the draft of the treaty.

He smiled. "[i]Alright, this looks--wait, I notice something. In Article IV, you mentioned that Article V will be activated...where is Article V?

Other than that, I will happily sign.[/i]"

With that, Norton scribbled his signature. He then gave the pen to the Monarch, who took it with a slight blush and signed her name on it.

[quote]Signed for the [b]Kingdom of Ursalia[/b],
[i]Giancarlo Norton,
Prime Minister
/s/

Sonia d'Alberqueque,
Monarch
/s/[/i][/quote]

[Pikachurin]

"My apologies, I seem to have forgotten something." said Meridian, blushing, as she neatly wrote an 'I' in 'Article V.' "That was supposed to say, '[i]Article [b]I[/b]V shall immediately be activated and the waiting period will be cut to forty-eight (48) hours[/i].' My bad."

"It's not like we'll need it anyway." joked Lance as he took out a pen from his coat pocket. This was a special fountain pen of his—it was flawless and gold-plated, and he had owned it even when he was still the Chancellor of Disparu. He had used it to sign many important documents, ranging from the document confirming his ascension to the Throne, to the aforementioned Good Neighbour Treaty.

The other Disparuean officials would soon follow, taking out their own pens and signing the document.

[quote]Signed for the [b]Federation of Disparu[/b],

[img]http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100319023144/cybernations/images/thumb/3/35/LPikachurinSignature.svg/128px-LPikachurinSignature.svg.png[/img]
[i]His Royal Majesty,[/i] Lance I, [i]King of Disparu, Master of Château Jubilife[/i]

[img]http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100622183014/cybernations/images/thumb/9/95/Signature_of_Maylene_Pikachurin.svg/128px-Signature_of_Maylene_Pikachurin.svg.png[/img]
[i]Her Royal Majesty,[/i] Maylene, [i]Queen of Disparu, Châtelaine of Château Jubilife[/i]

[i]/s/[/i]
Rowan Atkin, [i]Chancellor of Disparu, Leader of the Empire Party[/i]

[i]/s/[/i]
Lilian Meridian, [i]Minister of Foreign Affairs[/i]
[/quote]

And with that, the treaty was finally in effect.

"[i]Madame et monsieur[/i]," said Lance respectfully, referring to the Prime Minister and the Monarch. "Would you like to discuss anything else?"

Edited November 18, 2010 by Pikachurin

[JEDCJT]

Norton grinned. "[i]Well, I remember you did mention that you wanted to visit the Museu Nacional, right? I believe that we had discussed everything for today, so we can go visit the Museu, if you want.[/i]" The Prime Minister glanced at the Monarch before turning his attention to the Disparuean king.

[Pikachurin]

"That would be fabulous," replied Lance, grinning. "You see, my wife and I are quite keen when it comes to museums and galleries. Being scholars, we often like to learn new things, and a museum is definitely a good place for that." He turned to the others. "Shall we then?"

Throughout the day, the Pikachurins would tag along with Prime Minister Norton and Monarch d'Alberqueque as they visited the [i]Museu Nacional[/i]. It already looked spectacular from the outside, but the inside was even more wonderful. Taking a marathon tour of the museum, the group would explore every single part of the museum and savour the knowledge each part gave to them. They learned many new things about Viniland's, and by extension, Ursalia's and Canuckistan's, interesting and colourful history, admired the paintings done by Vinilandese and Ursalian artists, and noted the wit and brilliance of the best Ursalian and Vinilandese literature. The tour was extremely satisfying and, by the end of the day, Lance would jokingly comment about the effort the museum in Darach Park would need to exert in order to meet the [i]Museu Nacional[/i]'s standards. The entire took up the entire day, so the Pikachurins decided to stay another day at Nadrink before returning to Jubilife. They visited more of the city's tourist spots, such as the [i]Memorial da Causa[/i], and hung out at its splendid shops and cafés. Along the way, they would meet Disparueans who were working at or visiting Ursalia, who they would enthusiastically greet and talk to.

Atkin and Meridian, meanwhile, spent the first day in their hotel rooms, trying to catch up with Government work they've missed. They would enjoy themselves more the next day, when they tagged along with the Pikachurins.

[JEDCJT]

[quote name='Pikachurin' timestamp='1290212291' post='2517796']
"That would be fabulous," replied Lance, grinning. "You see, my wife and I are quite keen when it comes to museums and galleries. Being scholars, we often like to learn new things, and a museum is definitely a good place for that." He turned to the others. "Shall we then?"

Throughout the day, the Pikachurins would tag along with Prime Minister Norton and Monarch d'Alberqueque as they visited the [i]Museu Nacional[/i]. It already looked spectacular from the outside, but the inside was even more wonderful. Taking a marathon tour of the museum, the group would explore every single part of the museum and savour the knowledge each part gave to them. They learned many new things about Viniland's, and by extension, Ursalia's and Canuckistan's, interesting and colourful history, admired the paintings done by Vinilandese and Ursalian artists, and noted the wit and brilliance of the best Ursalian and Vinilandese literature. The tour was extremely satisfying and, by the end of the day, Lance would jokingly comment about the effort the museum in Darach Park would need to exert in order to meet the [i]Museu Nacional[/i]'s standards. The entire took up the entire day, so the Pikachurins decided to stay another day at Nadrink before returning to Jubilife. They visited more of the city's tourist spots, such as the [i]Memorial da Causa[/i], and hung out at its splendid shops and cafés. Along the way, they would meet Disparueans who were working at or visiting Ursalia, who they would enthusiastically greet and talk to.

Atkin and Meridian, meanwhile, spent the first day in their hotel rooms, trying to catch up with Government work they've missed. They would enjoy themselves more the next day, when they tagged along with the Pikachurins.
[/quote]

The Prime Minister and Monarch truly enjoyed the company of the Pikachurins during their tour of Nadrink, most especially at the [i]Museu Nacional[/i] and the [i]Memorial da Causa[/i]. It was such an enjoyable experience that the Prime Minister informed the local government of Nadrink about the extra stay of the Disparuean royal couple in the city, which was greeted with joy and enthusiasm.

In the entirety of the visit/tour, large crowds would throng Nadrink's streets, being eager to see their Ursalian leaders and the Pikachurins in person. They, however, knew to be respectful and kept to a distance, being screened by the UNP. Prime Minister Norton, however, went as far to personally greet dozens of citizens, shaking their hands and greeting the Pikachurins to them. It was a field day for the media, and soon photographs of the Ursalian and Disparuean leaders would be everywhere in both the Kingdom and the world.

When Lance joked about the effort the museum in Darach Park would need to make to meet the [i]Museu Nacional[/i]'s standards, Norton joked back that the Darach Park actually made the [i]Museu Nacional[/i] pale in comparision.

OOC: I guess everything's all done.

Edited November 21, 2010 by JEDCJT