A shadow across the warp

[jesbro]

[b]Paul Rousseau sat in his office watching the many news channels on the video screens in his office. The world seemed to be both falling apart and putting itself together at the same time. Much of the Noverian protectorate territory had fallen to a new country called the Republic of Novus Niciae, and in Austria a long lost Empress has returned to lead her country to its former glory, while in Africa things were still intense and it probably won't be long until the whole continent is plunged into war. The world was in chaos to Paul Rousseau's eyes, and he knew that soon the Delian League would have to do something about it, or face another terrible World War.[/b]

Edited August 22, 2011 by jesbro

[Sarah Tintagyl]

[quote]
[b]To: Paul Rousseau, Duke of Andorra
From: Maria Theresia II, Empress of Austria
Subject: Greetings[/b]

[i]Your Excellency,

Do forgive me for the lateness of this letter, I can barely keep track of the time of day let alone try and deal with every piece of news that falls onto my desk. However, it does trouble me that Austria has yet to meet or even speak informally with one of the newest nations in Europe and I believe one that has the most promise. In between two great nations as Monaco-Valencia and the Angevin Monarchy, along with support from Athens through their alliance leagues it is hard to imagine a country asking for much more. That said, it would still be an honor to make even the slightest mark upon your heart and your mind and perhaps we could arrange a meeting, you and I, or at least between representatives, in either Austria or Andorra.

Even with our playing our cards in other sections of Europe, you in the West, Austria in Central Europe, I am sure there is still something we can gain from each other. Understanding, new philosophies, or whatever. So I do hope you take me up on the offer of meeting. I would be happy to make it worth your while.

Sincerely,

Maria Theresia[/i]
[/quote]

[Prime minister Johns]

To: Duke Paul Rousseau
From: Senator Nike Niciae, Secretary of State of Novus Niciae.
Subject: Formal greetings & a request.

Your excellency,

The Second Republic of Novus Niciae wishes to formally introduce itself to your nation, We have a great admiration for your nation for our mutual benefit I would like to ask if we can have an exchange of embassies so that we can communicate more freely.

Regards,
Nike Niciae
Legatus Princeps Senatus

[Captain Enema]

To: Your Pathetic Insignificant Nation
From: The most awesome place in the world, North Pole

Prepare to Die, your crimes against reindeer will not be forgotten!

-Santa Claus

[Triyun]

[b]From[/b]: The Office of the August Imperator of the East
[b]To[/b]: Your Slightly Not Pathetic Insignificant Nation
[b]Body[/b]:

For too long Santa Claus and his reindeer have been menacing the world. He has corrupted children by addicting them to material possessions and making them soft and weak. Join us in waging uninterrupted holy war against Jolly Old Saint Nick and his band of reindeer terrorists. Also Hello.

Edited August 26, 2011 by Triyun

[Captain Enema]

To: The UFE
From: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

SAVE US! He's making us work overtime well past new year's eve this year! You should see what he does to the elves! The man is a brute!

Save us all or my nose won't glow so bright this year!

[jesbro]

Paul had his work cut out for him. It was time for him to talk with the Austrian Empress, and after that open an embassy with Novus Niciae.

[quote][b]To: Maria Theresia II, Empress of Austria
From: Paul Rousseau, Duke of Andorra[/b]

It would be an honor for me to come meet you so we may talk about possible trade and other stuff to better both of our nations. All you need to do is name the time and place you would like us to meet. See you then.

Sincerly,

Paul Rousseau[/quote]

[b]OOC: I am ignoring the Santa Claus stuff since it has nothing to do with this thread. This thread is for actual CNRP stuff. NOT SPAM![/b]

Edited August 26, 2011 by jesbro

[Sarah Tintagyl]

[quote]

[i]Excellency,

I thank you for responding to my letter in timely fashion and I believe an invitation to Vienna is in order for our discussion about future relations and I am have time for audiences over the next two weeks. Simply alert my government of your arrival in Vienna and I will have my Foreign Minister and a company of Imperial Guards meet you and your entourage at the airport to be escorted to Hofburg Palac where we can enjoy a meal and perhaps some time to ourselves in the capital to discuss Austro-Andorran diplomacy.

I anxiously await your arrival and my hope are that this will be a blessed and enjoyable night for us both.

Sincerely,

Theresia[/i]
[/quote]

OOC: Simply RP arriving in Vienna and I'll take you from there.

[jesbro]

[quote][b]To: Senator Nike Niciae, Secretary of State of Novus Niciae.
From: Duke Paul Rousseau of Andorra.[/b]

You are welcome to come here to Andorra to discuss trade and other stuff to better our nations with my Personal Assistant (Second in Command basically) Damion. He will be my representative while I am away on a diplomatic trip to Austria. Just let him know when you are coming so he may get things ready.

Sincerly,

Paul Rousseau.[/quote]

[b]In Paul's office.

Paul: [/b]Everything will be fine Damion. While I am away on the diplomatic trip to Austria you will stay here and oversee the establishment of an embassy with Novus Niciae. As long as you don't make him angry everything should go smoothly.

[b]Damion: [/b]What if he makes me angry? Which he probably will.

[b]Paul: [/b]Lets hope it does not come to that. I am leaving now. Please try not to destroy the country while I am gone.

[b]Paul then leaves the building, goes to the airport, gets on his plane, and a couple hours later arrives in Austria.

(OOC [to Prime minister Johns]: Please create a new thread if your Senator does come to Andorra so it doesn't get mixed with the meeting between Paul and the Austrian Empress which will take place here.)[/b]

[Sarah Tintagyl]

[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lecjKGpD1LA"]The Vienna of Maria Theresia[/url]

When Paul's plane landed in Vienna, the summer months were just beginning to creep over the Alps melting the snow and letting the edelweiss grow along the hills outside of the city. A warm air circulated through the Imperial Capital and as he would step off the plane, the delegation of Imperial Guards and the Austrian Foreign Minister, Frederich Kant was there to receive him with the pomp and pageantry fitting the Duke of Andorra. The instrumental orchestra associated with the Imperial Guard played the Andorran national anthem as Paul would walk down from the plane and Kant would approach him with a sincere smile and a bow.

"Your Grace, Duke Paul. I would like to be the first to welcome you to Austria and Beautiful Vienna." He turned and his arm gestured to the sprawling city behind them. "If you would be so kind as to come with me, Her Majesty, Maria Theresia, is expecting you at Hofburg Palace. We have a limousine prepared for your travel." Kant was an aged man, but spoke with such enthusiasm and joviality that he seemed to channel an eternal youth. He lead Paul down the red velvet carpet which had been laid out, towards a waiting limousine and after removing his top hat, followed the Andorran duke inside.

From the airport, the limousine weaved through the traffic of Central Vienna on it's way towards the palace complex. On the way, Kant made sure to take the Duke through the most vibrant parts of the capital. Storefronts blossomed with people and street musicians, men and women in business attire moved in steady motions towards banks and counting offices, while blasts of music ushered in front the open doors of the symphony halls and conservatories. All the while a city that boasted to be the Heart of Europe, appeared in all it's gilded glory, white and yellow plastered buildings with long arched windows shining into the sun. "You wouldn't recognize it, Your Grace." Said Kant as they neared the palace. "Vienna only years ago was a waste land, destroyed by so many wars and so much internal fighting. We've come a long way since then so I do hope that a friendship can be scored between our peoples, we are just gaining our true strength as a nation and you have just come onto the world stage. There is so much potential for us both."

By this time, they had reached Hofburg Palace where, after parking, a second contingent of Imperial Guards helped Paul out of the limousine before Kant accompanied him again. Another carpet was laid out for his arrival and was led in through the large stone arch into the large wooden doors beyond. The interior of the palace was like something out of a fairy-tale, a virtual labyrinth made of marble, the work of hundreds of thousands of architects and laborers over the course of hundreds of years. Red tapestries, statues of Greek, Roman, and Norse Gods were found throughout, along with portraits of the heroes and heroines of Austria. "The Empress is waiting for you in the greenhouse outside." Kant said as he led Paul through a set of doors leading towards the outer courtyard. There he entered a garden, filled with wandering aristocrats in fancy dresses and men in suits and khakis. The Empress herself was easily seen, in a white gown, with a red and white sash running down her chest, her small tiara sparkled in the bright sun and complimented perfectly with her blonde hair and toned physique.

"Your Majesty," Kant said as they reached her. "May I present to you, His Grace, Paul Rousseau of Andorra. Duke Paul, the Empress of Austria, Maria Theresia."

"But Theresia will work just fine between us, Your Grace, or if I may call you Paul." She offered her hand. "Kant, you are dismissed, I can handle everything from here."

"Very good, Your Majesty." Kant tipped his hat and let the two royals off to themselves.

Taking Paul's arm, Theresia began leading him through the gardens, a classically structured masterpiece of trimmed hedges and aligned trees. "I hope you had a pleasant trip Paul, I know these short flights across Europe can be a pain. It's why I always go by train. But from what you've seen of Austria so far, what do you think? Things have really improved since the Restoration."

[jesbro]

[b]Paul: [/b]I agree. For what I saw from the limo on the way over it looked like the most peaceful place on the planet right now. It really has seemed to recover a lot from the recent wars. Unfortunately the same can't be said for North America right now. My nephew says things are going downhill fast in Noveria, but that is not why I am here. I am here to discuss the relations between Austria and Andorra. Was there anything you wanted to talk about in particular?

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Theresia sighed as they walked through the garden. "We've had quite a history with the predecessors of Noveria. The Holy Empire of Ursalia betrayed Austria's trust when our ally in Cascadia, the territories of Washington and Oregon collapsed. If it hadn't been for Pravus Inguro, we and the Chinese would had to fight off Ursalia and Texas. It would have been a terrible war, luckily thought our adversaries were logical and withdrew their advances. At the moment, Austria is thinking of pursing some relations with the Corporate Republic, but with the internal chaos, I think it would be wise to wait for the dust to settle. Hopefully your nephew is okay."

They came to one of the fountains by this point and Theresia stopped on the edge, looking into the crystal clear water. "As to our personal talks, I am just interested in Andorra's expectations in Europe. I know you are a vassal of the Angevin King and closely knit to the Athenians, but it is always pleasant to see new nations embarking on their own destiny and I was curious what you think yours would be."

[jesbro]

[b]Paul: [/b]It is a very simple answer. To grow in power and prosperity and become one of the best nations in Europe and possibly the world. We are starting out small but with hard work and help from other nations I believe I can make Andorra the best nation in Europe. Starting out small will make it a challenge but I am up for it. I believe in the will of the people and through that we shall rise up and become prosperous. Our military is not big but it is big enough to defend Andorra from any invaders and is still getting bigger every day. Our economy is doing very well right now as well thanks to tourism and our tax system and it is getting better by the second. Andorra is growing but soon we may have a lot of people yet not enough space. That is where things will get a little interesting.

[b]Paul's cell phone begins to ring.

Paul: [/b]I am sorry. I should have put it on vibrate but I told Damion to call me if something urgent came up. [he answers it] What is it Damion?

[b]Damion: [/b]Things are taking a turn for the worse in Eastern France. The Legion has made a foothold there and just after the Angevin military forces started to invade. I don't know how many Legion forces are there but if they counterattack I think the Angevin forces will need some backup. I suggest it is time to activate Alpha Squad.

[b]Paul: [/b]They have been in training for over 10 years but are you sure they are ready for something like this?

[b]Damion: [/b]They are the best we have and currently the only ones we are able to send right now. With how long they have been in training I think they will turn out to be better than Delta Squad.

[b]Paul: [/b]I wouldn't say that if I were you. You and I both know that Jesse does not like to be out-shown and he is already angry enough as it is.

[b]Damion: [/b]I talked with their leader and he says they are ready to go. They can arrive at the front within the next few hours, all I need is your OK.

[b]Paul: [/b]Do what must be done. We need to show Geoffrey that can be ready to face anything and this is the perfect opportunity to do just that. They have my OK.

[b]Damion: [/b]I can assure you that they will not let us down. See you when you get back. Bye.

Edited August 27, 2011 by jesbro

[Sarah Tintagyl]

As Paul spoke on the phone, the Empress played close attention to his words and thus it was no shock when under hushed breath, one of the Austrian generals pulled her aside to explain that the protectorate was under attack by the Angevins, Theresia knew exactly what the Duke had been called about. She returned some ten minutes later, still smiling a cordial. "It would appear, Your Grace, that we have a situation in Eastern France. A misunderstanding by Your Sovereign to nearly invade our territory." She took his hand and continued to walk with him. "This is exactly the type of thing I'm talking about though, Andorra comes into a world already divided between nations, between loyalties as well. King Geoffrey, the Athenian Emperor and Empress...myself." The Austrian grinned.

"So you were saying," she said as they continued to walk. "You have big dreams, surely you have a plan to accomplish said objectives?"

[jesbro]

[b]Paul: [/b]The plan is to become friends with the right people so we are not destroyed by the others before we build up a lot. We are currently undergoing some infrastructure and military buildup to propel us further on our path to prosperity. What we do really depends on how our eceonomy does and what happens elsewhere. Our economy is not building up rapidly but it is quick enough to help us fund these projects and pay our expenses, soon though our land area will be too small to hold us in with our current population and economic growth rate. That is where things may become a problem in the future.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Perhaps then," Theresia said as they came to a quiet portion of the gardens with a white bench looking over the courtyard. "Austria might be able to help." She gestured for the Duke to sit down with her as she sighed happily looking over the landscape in front of her. "We are a developing nation and I do not boast that I have anymore more power than Germany, Athens, or your rulers in Angevin France. However, what Austria can offer is dedication to making sure Andorra reaches her dreams. In all truth, Your Grace, your goals are the same as ours. We are both developing nations, we are both trying our very hardest to become something great and powerful in the world and I believe there is no better reason than that to work together."

As they talked a young woman wearing a blue sundress and a large white hat crossed the path in front of the Empress and Duke Paul. "Ah, Countess Schreiner, do you have a moment?"

The woman turned, her curly brown hair bouncing on her shoulders. "Yes, of course Your Majesty, what can I do for you?"

"I would just like to introduce you to the Duke of Andorra, Paul Rousseau, he is touring Austria. Paul, this is Kirsa Schreiner, Countess of Tyrol."

Kirsa extended her hand and smiled. "It is a pleasure Your Grace. I have only heard good things about your new nation." Then bowing at the Duke and the Empress, Kirsa continued on her way through the gardens.

Then Theresia turned back to Paul and smiled. "So if Austria could help Andorra in any way achieve it's goals, you need only to ask. Be them national, or," she smirked, "Personal."

[jesbro]

ignore

Edited September 2, 2011 by jesbro

[jesbro]

[b]Andorra Capital City, Capital Palace, Paul's office.

Paul: [/b]Things have been quiet lately but that may soon change. Things have gone to hell in Africa and it won't be long before war reaches Europe.

[b]Damion: [/b]The only question is who would be our enemies if war was to come to Europe?

[b]Paul: [/b]We owe everything to King Geoffrey so of course we would be on his side but...

[b]Damion: [/b]I'm sure the Austrians would be on his side as well. I know you think someone from one of the other continents will try to invade Europe and even if they did it still would not be our immediate threat.

[b]Paul: [/b]Then what would be?

[b]Damion: [/b]Panic. People panicking in the street about an oncoming war would be a lot worse than the war itself.

[b]Paul: [/b]The only way to stop that is to not give them a reason to be afraid, and I think I am afraid of what you will ask.

[b]Damion: [/b]We need to step up our military to show the people that there is nothing that will threaten them at all. The more secure we are the less the people will have to fear. Everything will still be normal, we will just have a lot more soldiers than we do right now.

[b]Paul: [/b]Lets just hope the people don't get scared of that.

[jesbro]

[b]Andorra Capital City, Capital Palace, Paul's office.[/b]

[b]Paul: [/b]Any big news recently?

[b]Damion: [/b]Besides what has happened in the Far East it seems that King Geoffrey and Koda are going to have a meeting with the Monaco-Valencia leader.

[b]Paul: [/b]Since they are on our southern borders shouldn't we join them in that meeting?

[b]Damion: [/b]I would think so.

[b]Paul: [/b]If he doesn't call soon remind me to tell him that I will be there as well.

[b]Damion: [/b]Yes sir.

[Maelstrom Vortex]

[b]Paul's Office[/b]

Phone rings, assuming Paul picks up he hears this, "Greetings Paul. This is Joan Clemenceau, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Angevin Monarchy. I'm calling from Paris. I'm faxing you a most interesting set of documents. Read them and if you want to sign onto them as well, just fax it back to us signed. The return fax # is on the cover letter."

The [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=104828&view=findpost&p=2795424"]first document[/url] comes through the fax. Then the [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=104879&view=findpost&p=2795185"]second[/url].

"Also, I'm amidst making arrangements for a meeting in Monaco-Valencia soon with Albert II, Geoffrey, and Koda, do you want to join?"

Edited September 5, 2011 by Maelstrom Vortex

[jesbro]

[b]Paul: [/b]I never thought you would ask. I will sign these and send them back. I do have one question though, are they going to pick me up or should I just go myself?

Both documents signed

[i]Paul Rousseau,
Duke of Andorra[/i]

[Maelstrom Vortex]

Joan replied, "We'll pick you up at the airstrip there. I'll call back once we have the times arranged. For now I gotta go, very busy here." She hung up.

[jesbro]

[b]Back in Andorra. The morning of the day after Paul gets back from the meeting in Monaco. Paul’s office.[/b]

[b]Paul: [/b]Hello Damion. So how is the world today.

[b]Damion: [/b]Things seem to be very quiet right now except for the war going on in Africa.

[b]Paul: [/b]There are always conflicts going on in Africa and I am not expecting them to end anytime soon. What is going on with Jesse?

[b]Damion: [/b]Noveria is still in a state of alert for some reason and we still cant find the exact reason to why they are. And besides I don't think they will let Jesse come here and train Alpha Squad anyways unless we pay them.

[b]Paul: [/b]I will see what I can do about that. We shall talk about this later.

[jesbro]

While Paul and Damion were in Angers with Delta Squad figuring out what happened with the King and Queen Paul's 3rd in command Adrian was busy fixing up Andorra's infrastructure. 2 new public schools are being built to replace ones that were broken down beyond repair before Paul became Duke and many of the nation's roadways are being repaved and cracks in them are being fixed also the airport and train station are getting a big makeover and upgrade to help improve tourism and trade. The airport and train station should be done in 1-2 weeks. The roadways will take a bit longer because there are a lot of them and so will the schools.