Californian

The Northlands welcomes the Northern States of the Atlantic and wishes your nation stability and prosperity in the years ahead. You are invited to set-up an embassy in our capital city of Noordenwind and we invite you to bilateral talks to discuss the relationship between our nations, when you are prepared to do so. "I for one am glad to see the rise of the NSA!" - Edward Snowden, Northlandic encryption defense analyst.

(Closed RP, Californian and Markus) It was time. The Northlands and Alvonia had one of the most tumultuous relationships of any two nations in modern history, with an oscillatory pattern of help and war between the two. The seemingly endless ephemeral German states served only to stoke the flames between the two nations, but it was hoped that this vicious cycle could become a permanent fixture of the past. A message would be sent to the Alvonian government, inviting the Minister of Foreign Affairs or equivalent to talks in Luxembourg City. Royal Officer for Foreign Affairs Lord Timmermans would lead the Northlandic delegation as the most senior diplomat, and would host the summit at a government retreat in the picturesque outskirts of the city. Security would be somewhat enhanced to ensure the safety of all present but Alvonia would be greeted with cautious optimism. Timmermans would wait for his equivalent to arrive. OOC: Feel free to skip straight to the meeting.

It was Timmermans turn to let out a laugh. "I pity the leaders who underestimate our commitment to the Baleares and Gibraltar and choose to commence hostilities with us over some perceived notion of lesser 'nativeness.' I appreciate your concern for our well-being and I trust you would let us know of specific nations that saw as a 'target' in the region, as you say. From a strategic perspective, Greece currently has large amounts of influence and territory particularly in the eastern region of the Mediterranean. The Northlands is currently the only nation with any specific holding in the western part. This presents a felicitous opportunity for our nations to work together in complement of one another's strengths in the region. This would enhance security and trade in the area, as you mention. As such, the Northlands would be willing to pursue closer military cooperation. Due to the geography of our nations, we would be comfortable signing an optional defense agreement, to be upgraded to mutual defense after consultations in one years time. It takes time to commit assets to be in a position to support an ally as far away as Greece, and it will also serve as an opportunity to learn more about one another and opportunities that exist to work together."

"We also approve of Alvonia being invited to the talks, contingent on successful agreement regarding future Alvonian expansion to the Baltic. Relations between our states has improved dramatically, and we are not necessarily opposed to their reclamation of Baltic Sea bordering territory, but it would be prudent to discuss future territorial aspirations to ensure we don't encounter problems in the future. To this end, we have initiated high level talks with Alvonia. We are less familiar with Belarus, and are therefore more hesitant to invite them to be part of an organization the way Mr. Sverk has discussed. I agree however, that our peaceful cooperation in the past and general harmony of northern Europe would make us well suited to taking a more proactive role on the world stage, united as one bloc."

"We too are looking for a peaceful, prosperous Mediterranean and we are certainly interested in promoting and ensuring safe trade. What you say is agreeable enough, and we are glad to see another responsible actor in the region. Is there anything else you wished to discuss today?"

Yuzef Menzhinsky would be greeted at the airport and Sigvard Sverk would be met at the dock of Rugen Naval Base. They would be escorted to the meeting location where Quaeckernaeck was waiting. "Welcome!" he would say, greeting each of the men as friends. Small conversation would be exchanged as drinks were brought out. Quaeckernaeck would ask both Menzhinsky and Jarl Sverk about their trips to Rugen and about recent events in their nations. Slowly the talks would move to the business at hand. "Gentlemen, our nations have long held friendly relations. I wish to confirm the security and economic cooperation via a treaty between our nations once again, so that northern Europe can continue to be a bastion of stability and prosperity in Europe. Northlands wishes to re-negotiate a full military and economic partnership with your nations, as well as an agreement overseeing the maritime and security administration of the Baltic Sea. Please, tell me your thoughts on these ideas." With that, he would pour himself another drink and let the others speak.

"We too are looking for a peaceful, prosperous Mediterranean and we are certainly interested in promoting and ensuring safe trade. What you say is agreeable enough, and we are glad to see another responsible actor in the region. Is there anything else you wished to discuss today?"

Yuzef Menzhinsky would be greeted at the airport and Sigvard Sverk would be met at the dock of Rugen Naval Base. They would be escorted to the meeting location where Quaeckernaeck was waiting. "Welcome!" he would say, greeting each of the men as friends. Small conversation would be exchanged as drinks were brought out. Quaeckernaeck would ask both Menzhinsky and Jarl Sverk about their trips to Rugen and about recent events in their nations. Slowly the talks would move to the business at hand. "Gentlemen, our nations have long held friendly relations. I wish to confirm the security and economic cooperation via a treaty between our nations once again, so that northern Europe can continue to be a bastion of stability and prosperity in Europe. Northlands wishes to re-negotiate a full military and economic partnership with your nations, as well as an agreement overseeing the maritime and security administration of the Baltic Sea. Please, tell me your thoughts on these ideas." With that, he would pour himself another drink and let the others speak.

Strategic Island Modernization & Fortification Directive The Office for Military Affairs has approved this directive, to be led and funded by the Bureau of Military Acquisition with assistance from the Naval, Air, and Island Forces, in light of the uncertainty facing the greater European region. The implementation of this directive, also known as SIMFO, is primarily focused on the Baleares and Madeira, both of which are considered highly strategic integral provinces of the Northlands. Madeira and the Baleares are the headquarters of the Atlantic and Mediterranean fleets, respectively, and both are responsible in tandem for the protection and oversight of Northlandic commerce in and out of the Strait of Gibraltar and the surrounding Atlantic and Mediterranean areas. The importance of these islands in protecting national interests in the region elevates their strategic importance and has prompted the order to increase their security and permanent defenses. The updated security plan for the islands details how they should be capable of inflicting heavy losses on any invading force and slow down such an invasion until an appropriate response can be mounted. The Island Forces operates several divisions of soldiers on the island, including rapid response taskforces, and coordinates closely with the other Royal Forces for overall security of the islands. Additionally, a series of static and mobile defenses have been approved and are currently being constructed to create a layered air defense system. A series of underground bunkers and command networks are to be constructed on the parts of the islands maintained by the military (specifically in the Baleares, large portions of Menorca and Ibiza). Several large gun and missile emplacements are to be constructed overlooking harbor entrances and other important points on the islands including mountain faces and beaches. This would include surface-to-surface missiles at the harbor and surface-to-air missiles elsewhere. The Island Forces are equipped with Starstreak MANPADS, Avengers, and ADATS anti-air systems for short range air defense on the island. Additionally, dozens of camouflaged S10 (Patriot) and S300 mobile missile systems provide longer range defense. Finally, several S20 (THAAD) systems are located to provide ballistic missile defense. These systems are to be fully integrated to create a criss-crossing mesh of anti-air defenses on the islands. In addition to the anti-ship missiles, harbors and other favorable landing locations are to have a mine-readiness status, whereby minesweepers attached to the islands can quickly lay mines to deny enemy landings when necessary. Long range radars are to be constructed, and integrated into the defense system, to both detect enemy ships, planes, and missiles, as well as to direct return fire from the islands.

Timmermans was unsurprised the discussion involved the Baleares. "The Northlands has and will continue to be a respectful partner with all fellow Mediterranean states. Easing barriers to trade and relations only helps us and others in the region, and we thus have no issue with establishing friendly relations and ensuring commerce through our respective waters in the Mediterranean. The Balearic Islands have some of the best ports in the Mediterranean Sea, including the capital of Port Mahon, and your ships will be welcome there." "Perhaps you could enlighten me as to Greek foreign policy plans and goals for the Mediterranean region? I am curious to hear what your national vision is for this neighborhood, and the extent to which Northlandic cooperation is possible."

Lady Clarisa Delacruz-Cortez, Director of Foreign Trade and Commerce from within the Office for Economic Affairs, would be sent to this meeting to represent the Northlands and would for the moment remain silent as the discussions started.

Augustine Timmermans was impressed the man spoke Nordlandic, even if his accent was quite noticeable. As he had come to learn through his years of travel, very few beyond northern Europe knew of, much less spoke, the language and he was used to conversing in English or French with other states. He appreciated the gesture. The meeting was in a large room in a government building, not too far from the embassy sector where the Greeks resided. The room itself looked somewhat aged, and the wear on the oak table they sat around hinted at the volume of past diplomatic discussions that had taken place in the room. Timmermans was sharply dressed in a suit, and was tall even for a Dutchman. He would rise as the congregation entered, moving to greet the men. "Welcome Ambassador Katsaros, Mister Leventis," he would say with a nod. "I'm afraid the interaction between Greece and the Northlands has been too little in the past, and I'm glad to be able to rectify that today. How has your transition been, moving to Noordenwind and starting up the embassy?" As introductions and pleasantries were being made, an aide would walk in with a platter of glasses, ice, and an extremely strong whisky. As it was customary for such talks to begin with a shot of liquor, the man would pour glasses for the guests as per their liking, and do Timmermans in kind. Augustine would lift his glass and cheers, downing the drink and exchanging it for a glass of water. "Now, what did you wish to discuss gentlemen?"

(Invited: Lysergide, JEDCJT) Dante Quaeckernaeck, Lord Protector and acting Regent of the Northlands, would personally write to the leaders of the Nordisk Rike and Russia, inviting them to a conference on the island of Rugen off the German coast in the Baltic Sea. Preparations would be made for the arrival of the foreign dignitaries, with security and transportation silently taken care of. They would have time to enjoy the sights and leisure on the islands, but the conference itself would be hosted in a government building by the Rugen Naval Base. These nations had once shared close bonds of friendship and it was hoped that this could again be achieved once more.

(CNRP2) Northlands moves into Hanover With the collapse of Hanover, the Northlands would deploy several thousand peacekeepers to the German lands to resume protector duties once more. This included Hanover proper, the lands of former Hesse, and the former East German Protectorate Zone. (CNRPA) Northlands Reorganizes Navy The Royal Northlandic Naval Forces was reorganized along with the declaration of the Northlands' reemergence on the world stage. The following ships are currently undergoing sea trials or are under construction at various facilities throughout the nation: Amphibious Assault Ship: 3 Destroyers: 18 Frigates: 30 Submarines: 30

The Northlands accepts the invitation and Lord Timmermans, Royal Office for Foreign Affairs, would be dispatched to represent the nation at this conference.

Ascendance of the Northlands Citizens of the Northlands would wake up like normal, oblivious to the fact they were now in another universe. They wouldn't realize this of course, and business would continue as usual. Had they, they might have noticed that Malta was now independent of the Northlands. Or had never been part of it in the first place! Waking from its slumber, the Northlands would confirm its independence to the rest of world.

Sir Martin van Gogh would arrive in Bucharest. For his status as the man in charge of the Office for Foreign Affairs, he was especially young and his most striking feature was the lack of his left ear. He was well-rested for having spent the previous day in talks with the Regent and Lord Timmermans. He would greet the Romanians as he arrived, eager to begin talks with a state that had previously held pleasant, if not friendly relations with the Northlands. "Greetings, it's a pleasure to be here representing the Northlands," he would begin.

We thank the states of Alvonia, France, Novak, Naples and Hanover for their recognition and look forward to the continuation or start of relations between our states. Private With the withdrawal of French and Alvonian forces from the Low Countries, the Northlands would resume administration of the homeland and begin to bring services online once more. An announcement was expected from the regent shortly, however all government workers were requested to report for work duties. Noordenwind would soon become the bustling site of activity and seat of government it had been before the British occupation of the territory.

For the time being the ships had not yet arrived near Malta, and would slow to a halt just outside the territorial waters in the Mediterranean as CAP patrols and surveillance of the region was established. Meanwhile, several squadrons of B1 bombers and F35 escort fighter aircraft would be readied from Minorca and Madeira. A rapid response airborne division was readied for possible deployment into the Mediterranean region.

We are grateful for the cooperation of our long time friends in Carthage. Northlandic forces would move to secure the locations left behind by Carthaginian troops that were not contested by other states. The following response would be sent to Romania: "Sir van Gogh has been dispatched to speak on behalf of the Northlands. It should be noted that alongside talks of relations between our nations, the status of Malta is of the highest priority for the Northlands. Malta is considered an integral part of the Northlands, as it has been for decades, and we are hopeful this situation can be resolved amicably." Best Regards, Lord Timmermans Royal Officer for Foreign Affairs The Northlands appreciates the support by the Grand Order and accepts its offer for an exchange of diplomatic missions. We look forward to establishing relations with your nation as we continue to rebuild the relevant government and integral structures of our nation.

Northlandic Fleet Deployed Fortuitously, the British had not had time to implement any large scale changes to the operation of the Northlandic fleet and its vessels were still in prime, combat-ready condition. For the time being the fleets would be stationed in bases in the Azores and Madeira under the direct control of the Northlandic government as it re-emerged onto the world stage. The Mediterranean and Atlantic Fleets have been deployed to Malta and are en route to maintain security and peace in the region.

TBM looks and smells like a troll, however I approve this message. Ascend my pretties!

Hello, claiming "former continental Northlands, Baleares, Madeira, Azores, Malta, and Pacific holdings" for the Northlands. Consider any of these places already claimed as disputed as I resolve them ICly. Thanks!

"Governments and people of the world, I am pleased to announce that the Northlands has re-emerged as a sovereign state. Effective immediately, regions including the former continental Northlands, Baleares, Madeira, Azores, Malta, and Pacific holdings are considered Northlands proper. We give our sincere thanks to nations that have stepped up to secure the peace and well being of these areas in the wake of the British collapse, and we look forward to participating once more in the world. I also extend personal invitations to the governments of Carthage, France, Alvonia, Sverige, Russia, and Romania to meet with me to discuss relations with Northlands, in the hopes of resurrecting and resuming prosperous relationships with peaceful nations." Dante Quaeckernaeck Acting Regent for the Northlands EDIT 8:16: Changed some place names.

For people submitting nominations, I highly recommend choosing multiple people not-affiliated with the current conflict. Nominating someone that is involved is great, except they're going to be useless for the issue that requires the largest amount of constant GMing.