Hungarian Negotations

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Theresia had been elated upon receiving the message from Stahl that Dalmatia had accepted Austria's request to discuss the future of Hungary. The response had seemed positive enough and while Visari would not be able to make the trip, it was understandable with the recent problems in Ireland. That said Stahl was to be treated to the finest of Austrian hospitality and when his plane had landed in Vienna's International Airport, an armed guard of thirty Austrian Imperial Marines would be there to receive him, along with the Foreign and Vice Foreign Minister. From the airport they would travel through a vibrant Vienna, filled with the lights and sounds of a city going through the joys of restoration. Hofburg Palace was at the center of this and upon the limousine's entrance, a legion of attendants would be there to make sure everything was in pristine condition. The marble floors sparkled like diamonds and as Stahl was led to the Empress' private quarters for the meeting, quiet music from far off conservatories offered a feeling of relaxation to the extravagant structure.

Finally, reaching the gilded doors of Theresia's quarters, the Foreign Ministers bowed, opening the doors and then dismissed themselves. The Empress had ordered that only her and Stahl were to be present and that privacy was of the utmost importance. When he entered, she rose from her chair, in a white gown that ran to the floor. The state sash of Austria in red and white, hung from her shoulder to her waist, clipped with a medallion of her office and on her head a tiara sparkled in the light of the chandelier.

"Herr Stahl, Your Excellency," She bowed her head slightly and gestured to a red velvet chair across from her sofa. "Please sit." In front of them were two cups of tea and a plate of pastries to hold them over until dinner. "I appreciate you coming on such short notice and please do give my regards to the Autarch, I hope he is good health. That said, I would like to get down to business as quickly as possible, because I know you are an equally busy man. You stated in your letter that the future of Hungary was something that required a solution. Austria, too, would like to see Hungary as part of her future, especially in the way to reincarnate the Austro-Hungarian Empire of yesteryear. The discussion comes of course in how we can go about doing this, what problems could arise and how that both of our peoples can walk away happy, but with our friendship strengthened.

Since you are already aware of Austria's proposition I would be intregued to hear Dalmatia's view of the situation and what you would like to see if Hungarian Concession is possible."

[Malatose]

Stahl exited the plane, wearing his finest uniform. He shook the hands of the two foreign ministers and entered the awaiting transportation. He looked at his surroundings, as he drove through the streets of Vienna. It was a much different atmosphere from that of Dalmatia. The transport slowed to a stop, with Stahl exiting and entering the palace. Upon entering, he met the Empress.

"Empress, there is no need for you bow before me. If anything, I should be doing the same for you." Stahl reached down and kissed the hand of the Empress before moving over to the red velvet chair across from her sofa. He sat down, adjusting his uniform. "Again, it is an honor to be here. I do apologize on behalf of the Emperor for not being able to attend today's meeting. He is attending to state business at the moment." After wards, Stahl listened to the Empress speak with great care. He then began to speak.

"Hungary has always been a place that we have held dearly. It was a founding state of the modern Dalmatia state. However, times have and continue to change. The Empire continues to see growth both economically and militarily, and with this growth, all the Empire's sectors will grow, but what can we offer Hungary? I have discussed this issue with the Emperor, and he believes Hungary to be a valuable province. But I do believe that it will have a greater success through Austria. So yes, we do agree that Hungary should be transferred to Austrian control, for the benefit of the people there.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Yes, I was worried for precisely that reason, that Hungary was part of the Empire's Core, that negotiations would not be accepted. However, if Emperor Visari has no major problem with the concession then I consider myself one of the most elated women on the planet. That said Herr Stahl, surely this concession can come with some form of payment. I can accept the Emperor's goodwill and my family is and has been many times in his debt, but I would like to perhaps alleviate this sense of loss. Whether a monetary payment or something else, so long as it doesn't drastically conflict with my personal ideologies. Do you have anything in mind?" She asked.

"Also if you could tell me a bit about the internal structure of the Hungarian Regional Government. I know of the recent problems Dalmatia has had with Bohemia and if and when Hungary does become a part of Austria, rebellion such as with my despicable cousin will not be tolerated and must be prevented from the start."

[Malatose]

"No compensation will be needed for the transfer of authority. However, the Emperor has asked me to guarantee one thing. I do request that Hungary reverts back to Imperial control if your nation goes through any internal problems, although I doubt that will happen anytime soon."

The Regent reached down and grabbed his glass of water.

"The internal structure of the Hungarian Regional Government is rather simple. The operation of the government is dependent totally dependent on the Moff, otherwise known as Regional Government. A Moff can delegate operations to a deputy or decide to run the area directly, which Moff Brant has been doing for sometime. Brant is a control freak, which has earned Hungary the nickname as one of the most orderly provinces in the Empire. When Hungary is transferred, I wouldn't expect any Rebel activity, unless there is a significant change in things."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"The same deal we have with German if the Austrian homeland would collapse. Consider that deal to be kept to the fullest, Herr Stahl." Then after listening to the internal order that Hungary could post, Theresia nodded happily. "Perhaps then, if Moff Brant would consider staying in Budapest for a few months after the transference, to aid the Austrian governors that will be sent to the region. I expect local elections to happen almost immediately, though I am sure that the philosophy of Nordic Socialism will remain strong there. It will be an interesting sight to see the various ideologies across the Empire blend in with Hungarian philosophies. The political experiment alone will be something incredible to watch and be a part of."

She took a sip from her own water glass before continuing. "That said, Herr Stahl, I'm afraid I don't have much to add if the negotiation table is clear. Unless you have any other statements, I don't want to keep you from your business back home."

[Malatose]

Stahl smiled and stood up. "It was an honor and a privilege to be here. I do hope you have the same luck with Hungary that we had. Alas, I must depart. I have some important matters I must attend to." Stahl smiled and bowed his head in a show of respect.

Edited August 27, 2011 by Malatose