Tea and Empathy

[TheShammySocialist]

Taking into account geographical proximity, after spending a night over in Montgomery to refuel and maintain their transport, President Adolph Paton and his delegation would depart from the CSA early in the morning and would circle north towards the lands of Faraway. With the written invitation to a session of tea and scones, and Adolph being an avid tea drinker, it was an experience the President looked forward to very much. They would overfly the Ohio Valley and head north for the Great Lakes region, trip would be a short one compared to the flight from Cape Town to Montgomery, and soon they would be fast approaching Ottawa over Lake Ontario.

 

"You look a little relieved now that our feet are wet," remarked Adolph, looking at his Chief of Staff, Zawilza, sitting in his airborne office as they overflew the large inland lake.

 

"North America has been rather tense since Mexico transitioned to a more localized governance, rather than the large vast empire we knew before," responded Zawilza, the hulking Xhosa tribesman perched on the edge of his chair.

 

"And there could possibly be some advantage to take in that tension, many countries do not like to stand alone when they are threatened with tenuous times," said Adolph, twirling a pen in between his fingers, and taking a sip from his glass of orange juice. "Formalizing friendships and cementing them tend to be much easier in times like these, and South Africa is a country that is on the rise regionally, I want to see that become one that is globally. We have a lot of potential, and I'd much like to see it not wasted."

 

"You've been listening to Tenerife's rhetoric a lot lately, I think," remarked Zawilza, commenting on the ambitious and driven rhetoric of Lawrence Tenerife, Foreign Minister of South Africa.

 

"He certainly has a way with words, but I don't think his ideas are out of sync with reality," commented Adolph, looking out the window as they approached the other side of Lake Ontario, the plane edging closer towards Ottawa.

[Evangeline Anovilis]

As soon as the aircraft was recognised by the airspace monitoring authorities, the airport of Ottawa would contact them with instructions on the landing. The Macdonald-Cartier Airport was rather deserted and overall, flights in and out of the realm weren't really conducted on a regular basis. Most of the airport infrastructure was unused and the state funded it just so it didn't fall into ruins in the long term, with slight prospects that at some points a more frequent flight pattern may be used again.

 

Still, the airport was kept clean and hundreds of employees made sure to keep it that way, as for many foreign dignitaries, the airport was the first thing they would see of Faraway and for a Realm that prided itself to be orderly and properly administered, such an impression would also have to be given by the airport.

 

However, once past all the airport security, the delegation would be awaited already by a small group of three, one woman of the clergy and two female servants of the Rideau Hall household. While the Clergywoman only wore a black and white habit, thogh without coif, the two servants just a simple black dress.

 

"Welcome to the Faraway Realm, monsieurs. Am I correct assuming you to be from South Africa? I'm Wiltord, Court Chaplain at Rideau Hall and I was tasked to guide you there, for her Highness awaits us with tea already."

[TheShammySocialist]

The President would admire the level of cleanliness kept at the airport, as well as the slow level of activity that seemed to be taking place there, the large A380 sat alone like a great white whale beached on the tarmac behind them, a sort of mechanical Moby Dick of sorts. After cooperating with a security check that seemed to be a little over the top for a visiting dignitary, but not voiced against, Adolph Paton and his aides would find themselves greeted by the trio of women. It was a greeting party that Paton had not exactly expected, but he took the greeting for what it was, and bowed his head lightly.

 

"You are most correct, a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Court Chaplain Wiltord, President Adolph Paton," he said, smiling politely at the clergywoman who greeted him. "I look forward to my audience with her Highness, if all is squared away here, I will gladly follow your lead so that her highness is not kept waiting on us."

[Evangeline Anovilis]

While the state-owned limousine drove along Airport Parkway and Bronson Avenue, the ordered image of the airport was soon complemented by the impressions that could be gained from the urban life under the Faraway regime. Wiltord just looked out of the window and smiled, while seeing the many people on the streets, mostly walking or using bikes, or the public transportation system. Cars had become more scarce, though one still saw them at times. They were mostly, for when one wanted to meet up with someone that was in the remote regions of the Realm, as public transportation covered most areas of interest. Also, most people only wore black, white or grey clothing, held in a more simple style, though others would say old-fashioned. The most colourful pieces of fabric were most likely the flags hanging from flagpoles every now and then.

 

The ride would go rather smoothly, until they reached the crossing of Bronson Avenue with Laurier Avenue. As the limousine approached the crossing, a policewoman in her entirely brown uniform stopped the car and a column of Royal Faraway army Soldiers marched past them along Laurier Avenue.

 

"Ah, excuse the disturbance please. It seems the army is sending additional troops to the west. With the recent troubles in the former Mexican protectorate, it's almost as if we were at war. To keep up the order in the Faraway portion, her Highness even calls upon the reserves... and the Maidens of Faraway head the call. I just hope the daughters of the Realm won't be forced to actually become involved in violent fights to keep peace and order."

 

Wiltord's words were mirrored in the eyes of the women passing by, unsure about what awaited them in the strip of land that noone really knew what would happen to it. Not even the name used for the lands they were deployed to was uniform, instead it ranged from a conservative Michigan or Illinois, to Greater Lakes Region Protectorate to New Faraway. Most also seemed to be rather young, more like drafted women that were issued a uniform, a rifle, ammunition, their field bagback and a bayonet, than professional soldiers.

 

"Well, they are reserves. But still, not to be underestimated. They got drilled, they know how to use their bayonets and how to fire aimed shots. Still, we could do better. But say, how was your flight? And if I may ask, how does south Africa fare currently? It's not like we have many news from the outside here."

 

The chaplain showed a modest smile. But while the rest of her expressions seemed rather calm and moderate, her emerald-green eyes were filled with an almost fiery aura, as she shifted the focus of the discussion to the guest's country.

[TheShammySocialist]

As the limousine traversed the city, Adolph seemed to have found himself in a nation that had reverted towards a more early-20th Century motif of living. The method of dress for Faraway was not colorful, but it held a style all its own, much like South Africa had its own groups of individuals who would wear various styles of dress. He was also quite amazed at the large number of cyclists and dependency on public transportation, cars seemed to be few and far between, and he would smile thoughtfully at the time machine he had seemingly stepped into. As they came to a stop at Laurier Avenue, he would notice the troop of soldiers as they marched past, and he relaxed back into the seat as they waited for the troopers to pass.

 

What seemed to really raise an eyebrow, was that the column of soldiers apparently all appeared to be female, seemingly not a man among them as they marched past. He would nod when Wiltod remarked on the column that passed by, "I was aware of the recent issues in the North American Midwest Region, I daresay I hope that the issue is resolved peacefully and soon, for the benefit of all in this region. Violence during this matter will only make things worse for all sides, there is no need for suffering in North America right now."

 

Taking in their kit and their demeanor, Adolph determined that the young women that trooped by certainly seemed to be disciplined enough, but it was all to often that once an actual fight got going, that discipline would be tested. He would leave that remark unstated however, as Wiltord leveled a question for him to answer.

 

"South Africa is faring well these days, our flight was certainly long, but manageable, as we stopped over in the newly-formed Confederate States of America yesterday. We have our own civil conflict that quickly devolved into violence in the territory of Mozambique, my fingers are crossed that it is resolved quickly and with as little bloodshed as possible," he replied, in a businesslike tone. "What of Faraway, besides this conflict in the Midwest, how does it fare economically and politically?"

[Evangeline Anovilis]

Wiltord followed the man's words with interest, before she herself was asked a question. For a quick moment, she looked out of the window as they went along Sussex Drive and she saw a slight reflexion of her own green eyes in the glass.

 

"One could say, things are fine. The main country is in a stable transition and most political debate is settled without bloodshed. Mostly it is the discussions between Lady Helena and her followers versus Lady Hanobel and hers, as both are having a different idea of how affairs should be run. But I'd rather keep out of political discussion as a member of the clergy. Though, I do hope that once a queen is crowned, this slight partisan politics calms down a bit with the final authority of the monarch. At least, we don't have the same degree of competition as most of our neighbours."

 

as she wondered whether she should expand on her country or return to the topic of South Africa, she started to roll strains of her blonde hair around her index finger.

 

"One really can be happy to live in a country like ours that values its order. Sadly, our troubles in the protectorate indicate some don't value it as much. I hope that your own troubles will also not last too long and that peace and stability may return soon."

 

At the end, she did smile a bit again, though it never seemed as if Sister wiltord could ever get enthusiastic about anything.

[TheShammySocialist]

Adolph seemed to take a genuine interest in hearing the clergywoman's words, even though her words seemed to be careful and considered in response, they said a lot in few words. He would nod lightly as she finished her answer to the query he posed to her, and smiled politely.

 

"Thank you for your wishes of peace in South Africa, I keep my fingers crossed that it will be resolved in the near future," he responded

 

"Also I hope that the situation within your nation seems to stabilize a little bit more with a single ruler, a single vision able to be enforced. I can see some parallel lines being driven between our nations, the militancy in Mozambique was driven to fruition by the existence of a divide between major forces in politics. Now those forces in politics have been neutered because of the blame they share in the militancy there," nodded Adolph, speaking in an even and measured tone.

 

"At some level, its unacceptable that bloodshed is driving my country towards unity, but at the same, it is certainly encouraging to see opponents and rival factions being driven to compromise by it," he added, looking out the window as his eyes surveyed the variety of structures lining their route, and the people of Faraway with a seemingly polite respect.

[Evangeline Anovilis]

"To avoid bloodshed is surely a good thing, but it also is a weak basis for unity, if I may say so." Wiltord answered. "In the long term, I do not think humans always seek to avoid conflict, especially if they see for themselves a chance of prevailing. I hope you are not angered that I counter your words like this, but I hope you agree, that the mere avoidance of bloodshed can be a good restart, but in the long term, it has to be a new foundation of unity, one that is more positive, which allows for social stability and cohesion. A uniting idea."

 

The car now moved onto the grounds surrounding Rideau Hall. The Royal Guards in their red uniforms opened the gate, before returning on their posts, to the left and right. The trees were still only about to bud and no real leafs had formed, it was the early spring after all.

 

Rideau Hall

 

In front of the entrance, surrounded by two more domestic workers dressed in plain black clothing, Dorothy Alcott awaited the limousine and its guests already. The young woman, the little sister of the Lord Protector, shared some similarities of her older sister, most strikingly the blonde hair and blue eyes, but while Cecilia preferred to dress in elegant civilian clothing, Dorothy took pride in her rank as General of the Faraway Armed Forces, commanding the Northern Army, and her own unit, Her Majesty's Horse Guards, an armored unit. Thus, it was not unusual to find her in her uniform of the Guard Armored Corps, a red jacket, with black collar, black cuffs and black skirt. Most likely, the Armored Corps was the new home of nobility after the end of the cavalry. And that maybe not for the better. While infantry uniforms already had undergone three changes since the establishment of Faraway, adjusting the clothing to the actual battlefield, instead of being purely aesthetic, the Armored Corps, just like Hussars and Guard cavalry of old, still wore clothing that was more fancy than practical. And while most Faraway women preferred to wear their hair open, for the military, long hair had to be tied up or to be carried in an orderly way as outlined by the Faraway Field Manual. Dorothy was no exception.

 

The young general immediatly moved forward and after one of the servants opened the door, she also extented her hand to help the South Africans out of the car. "Greetings, my name is Dorothy Alcott. I hope Miss Wiltord has guided you here well and it was not too uncomfortable. Please excuse that I could not welcome you at the airport myself, but you know, there is a crisis in Madison, which needs to be handled..." The young Lady sighed. But once the delegation would have left the car, they would be let into the building, to one of the rooms that were prepared for the occasion.

[TheShammySocialist]

"I lament the fact that bloodshed is formulating the basis for unity right now," said Paton, as he looked over at Wiltord. "Positive interaction will always trump negative, and I hope that positive interaction and mediation will be more prevailing and build a stronger understanding between labor leaders and corporate executives. You are right in your words, I don't take offense."

 

Paton would look out the window of the car as they passed onto the grounds of Rideau Hall, observing the well-manicured grounds, despite the fact that it was still early Spring. The guards at the gates reminded him of his time in London, observing Buckingham Palace and the guard posts that sat at its front gate.

 

The women that stood at the entrance to Rideau Hall were striking ones that Paton raised an eyebrow at, noticing the elegant uniform of the Faraway Army, and Paton remembered the words of one of his relatives well, it was the cavalry that wore the most outlandish of garments. Paton was one to accept tradition and could admire the trim and crispness of any good military uniform, and had even been privy to the military's discussion on formal dress for the South African Armed Services. He smiled as the car's door was opened for him, and he would step out with a energetic smile on his face, as the two women came forward to greet them.

 

"Well met, Miss Alcott," nodded Paton, as he shook the offered hand with a polite nod. "Miss Wiltord was most enlightening in our ride over, and gave me an idea of what your nation has been dealing with to an extent. Its a busy time for North America, and South Africa as well, I completely understand your absence."

 

Once pleasantries were concluded on the front steps, Paton and his staffers would follow the Farawayans into the Hall. The South African leader, along with many of the South Africans among him, would interestedly survey the rooms as they passed through, seemingly taking interest in what they saw as they moved along to the appropriated meeting venue.

Edited April 6, 2013 by TheShammySocialist

[Evangeline Anovilis]

The group would be led through the hallways to the Large Drawing Room. Everytime they passed domestic personal along the way, of which they passed two porter maids, who passed immediatly at the entrance to take care of any luggage the South Africans may have, one maid that was moping the floors, as well as another one which was carrying the tea water that was destined for the meeting, these servants would stop and bow before their master and the honourable guests of the house. And while Dorothy seemingly ignored these gestures and led the way, Wiltord smiled graciously and nodded friendly, seemingly to show approval and recognition of the respectful staff.

 

As the group entered the Large Drawing Room, Dorothy would offer them seats, before sitting down herself. Wiltord took her place in the background, sitting diagonally behind the current master of Rideau Hall. The Maid they had already encountered in the hallway carrying the water now would put down the teapot on a small stove and ready the tea leaves. As part of the servants, the third estate, the Maids were part of the Lower estates. They therefor dressed merely in uncoloured clothing, though, in contrast to the servants that had accompanied Wiltord to the airport, these domestic servants wore the classic uniform of their profession, a black long dress, a white apron, tied at the back with a white ribbon. The sleeves were to be long and ending in white cuffs, white was also the collar with normally a white ribbon, though these maids wore red ribbons, indicating their service to the royal household. On their head rested a white bonnet. The uniform of domestic personal across Faraway was the same, standardised for all kinds of employees, from maid to stable boy.

 

Dorothy Alcott smiled. "It is good to hear that Sister Wiltord was good company. As said, I'm sorry that I could not go myself, but I was right in entrusting the task to Sister Wiltord. She served us quite well up to now, as Chaplain, providing advise and spiritual guidance at times. Now, please have some tea and..." The Lady glanced angrily at the Maid, who immediatly bowed and went out. "Excuse the short interruption. It seems Emma forgot something. Anyway, until she returns, may I ask, how are things in South Africa? One does not hear much from there, once there was Arctica, but that's also already years in the past. Now one hears of a few internal troubles, and you yourself said it was a busy time for your country, Mister Paton." The Maid returned with a plate of scones, putting it on the table. "And of course it is in general the collapse of african states lately... I guess that's also not something South africa can ignore."

 

As Dorthy ended, the Maid turned to the Paton. "May I ask how you want your tea? It is Darjeeling tea, imported from India. I hope it is to your liking."

[TheShammySocialist]

Paton would nod thankfully to the servants who took some of his luggage that he had been carrying, a simple duffel bag that he had brought from the aircraft, he had another bag of briefings and a tablet computer that he carried. He would nod appreciatively at the staff as he passed them, as Dorothy led the South African delegation through the Hall towards their final destination. He couldn't help but feel he had stepped into a time machine that had brought him back to some bygone era of dress and deportment, but he smiled thoughtfully as he took his seat, and tea was put on and was brewed before their eyes.

 

Noting Dorothy's reaction to the maid forgetting the plate of scones, Paton would smile politely, and brush it off lightly, "It's quite alright that the scones are tardy to the table." He would nod lightly as she rushed out, and he turned his attention back to the Faraway leader. "South Africa is a bit of a complicated situation, our economy is stabilizing and starting to show signs of positive growth, but the conflict in Mozambique is draining much national attention. Our military is still a skeleton force of what it is going to be, undoubtedly our soldiers are brave, but they are going into battle only with the basic of training. We have good leaders, and we have had a string of good fortune lately, that I can only hope continues for our country."

 

"Other than that conflict, the country is moving to push for industrialization in the country's interior, as well as some much-needed infrastructure improvements that will link the country by high-speed rail. There are many social programs I hope to enact as my term as president goes on, but the issues in Mozambique dominate much of my time at the moment," he added, taking a scone from the plate that was set before him. "Just straight, no honey or cream, please," he said, when the maid queried him on what he wanted in his tea.

 

"How fares Faraway's suppression of this rebellion?"

[Evangeline Anovilis]

"The rebellion... well, it is a bit tricky. We aren't going to lose, but I think also here our problems are not much different. Our forces do lack in some regards, due to the reluctancy in funding since the foundation of the Realm. And honestly, the situation as we face it now has hardly been expected. Mexico's demise caught us off-guard." Dorothy sighed. The losses of almost 86 soldiers weighed heavy. The number was not sbstantial, for 250,000 surrounded the town, but the kill to loss ratio was vastly disproportionate. "But I guess with your own internal strife, it is not like South Africa would be able to help much. Or would you know a way to find some professional support?"

 

Meanwhile, Emma the Tea Maid served Patton his Darjeeling silently and moved on to the next member of the delegation. The tea was one of the early harvests and it showed a rather bright gold to amber colour, characteristic for the tea.

 

"But excuse, if I am troubling you with my own internal affairs. It is just... the lives of our soldiers, though I am sure they would give them for the realm, if required, these lives are still precious. And as commander I would like to have to sign as little letters as possible to the parents of my subordinates."

 

Edit: Typo: Maid, not Mais

Edited April 7, 2013 by Evangeline Anovilis

[TheShammySocialist]

"Such times tend to catch many off guard, its a reason why my nation has sunk funding into its defense spending, that will help spur economic activity for the nation as our military builds itself up, but every nation has their own outlook on such things. What kind of equipment do your forces find themselves lacking, might I ask?" asked Paton, thoughtfully tact as he approached the subject that seemed to be a touchy one on the minds of the Faraway officials.

 

When Dorothy leveled a question to him about South Africa's involvement in foreign conflict, he let out a nervous chuckle and leaned back in his chair, "As with most nations around the world, South Africa tries to remain aloof of involving itself with internal strife and conflicts of nations abroad, especially ones who are not even allied." He considered his next words for a moment, before noting, "Although this is a policy that is upheld by the Union of South Africa's government, and by extension, the South African Armed Services, the same is not to be said for South African private military corporations and private industries. That said, I can certainly provide you with contact information that could be useful in your quest to finding 'professional support'."

 

When she apologized about her bemoaning the current conflict, Paton was in the process of downing some of the tea he had been served by the maid, which he thanked quietly, and he waved off her reservations about discussing the issue with him. "It is quite alright, this is a time of upheaval and transition for the continent upon which your nation makes its home. It is quite alright that your mind is here and with a topic relevant to your nation."

[Evangeline Anovilis]

Dorothy sighed a bit in relief as she heard the words of Adolph Paton. "If you could leave us this contact data, that would be great, thank you. We got our troops trained and equipped, but the way they are trained and equipped... I argued already for some time for reform, but only now do the ladies in the Royal Chamber see that it is actually necessary. Now that people are getting killed. I can understand that it is nothing you want to get meddlesome yourself in, only natural, but if one can hire these 'professionals', I hope the crisis can be solved as soon as possible, so we can actually start preparing for future problems. It sadly is not as if such a crisis calls us to warn us in advance most of the times, but it comes knocking and then kicks in the door."

 

The Maid meanwhile served the tea, until she also served Dorothy her tea. The last to be served was Sister Wiltord though, who sat quietly in the back and just listened to the conversation, not attracting attention, just like a humanoid furniture.

 

"But yes, in the long run, there is a great need for reform. Material will have to be procured, troops trained with these new weapons, the army will need to be responsive to new styles of warfare. And the other parts of the armed forces will need to be build up into actual forces. In this matter, I see us advancing on similar lines again, for there are plans for strengthening of our domestic arms manufacturing sector. We currently produce mostly ground vehicles, artillery, rifles and a few surface ships. There will be a great deal of investment into establishing industries to fill the gaps. Though..." Dorothy paused for a moment. "we would of course not be unwilling to procur quality arms from outside our borders, should someone be interested. And while noone sends troops without an alliance halfway around the world, I think in this matter, cooperation could be far easier, no? And really, it is not as if the absence of ties prevents their creation." Dorothy took a sip of her tea.

[TheShammySocialist]

Paton would nod lightly, as he listened to her with a thoughtful look on his face, and finally responded, "Well, these are the kinds of people you contact when you need to fill a gap in capabilities, they may appear to be a ragtag force," he said, remembering some of the individuals involved with Multinational United. "They know what they're doing. I'm sure they'll gladly accept your business, and will be able to respond to your call in a relatively quick fashion."

 

He would produce a small notebook from his briefcase, and then looked through what looked like a collection of business cards that were neatly arranged on the inside of the notebook. "Ah," he would say, as he produced one, and slid it across the table. Emblazoned in one corner were the letters "MNU", and below, the text "Multinational United", with a motto of "The Private Security Experts". The business card, beyond that, was fairly simple, with a contact number for one Michael Weathers, the Public Relations Officer, and a series of phone numbers, emails, faxes, and a Post Office box.

 

"Beyond that, our country is very willing to provide military equipment for export to any and all nations that qualify our Foreign Ministry's standards, as well as providing technical assistance and advice," said Paton, having plenty of time on his flights and layovers to look over brochures and products from various firms from South Africa. He would produce a tablet computer that was linked to a detailed catalog of samples of products that was provided to him by various South African firms. After selecting a section on military hardware, he would slide it gently across the table to Dorothy, where a menu for various equipment - Firearms, Force Protection, Aircraft, Vehicles, Artillery, could be selected for preview.

 

"Feel free to look through for yourself, just tap a picture associated with whatever you're looking at, and it'll give you more data on the product," he said, with a polite smile, as he sipped his tea.

[Evangeline Anovilis]

Dorothy would take the tablet and look a bit estranged over the technology. For her, using this was a first. In the armed Forces, but also in the administration, most things got processed by normal computers, but had a whole backup infrastructure of old-style typewriters and mountains of paper. For some people it was even the norm to first have things go through the old system, before they were brought into the new system. Fearing that she may mess up something, she carefully touched one hand grenade and watched as the text appeared. How to close it again, Dorothy could not figure out´.

 

"Eh, well. May I ask for some time? I'm sure the High command would like to first have a look at it too, before making any great decisions. Is there any possibility to transfer the data?" Lady Alcott smiled uneasily, as while she favoured reform of some kind, she was not well-versed at all with modern devises... at best she could use a cellphone. But to show that, after already the failure with the scones and her inability to pick up Paton herself, not to forget the unsightly request of help in Madison. somewhere it had to end.

 

"Overall though, I have heard only good things about South african systems. I'm sure, we'll find something that fills gaps we currently have, espacially in such areas as aerial warfare and air-land combined operations. Most of our current aircraft are produced by De Havilland, which however excells mostly at building utility aircraft. And while we are happy to produce useful seaplanes and STOL aircraft... it does not help in keeping our skies clear at all."

[TheShammySocialist]

"Of course, please allow one of my staffers to provide you with one of these tablets as a gift, it is exclusively filled with economic data from our top corporations, I'm sure it will be of use to you," responded Paton, as one of his aides would produce a tablet that was similar to the one Paton had given to her, and set it down on the table. The one the aide provided wouldn't be filled with more personal information as Paton's was, which included schedules, timetables, and plans.

 

He would respond in a proud but thoughtful voice to Dorothy's insinuations that South Africa had a first-rate arms industry that, although wasn't fully developed, was clearly making some news somewhere. "Well, I can't speak for South Africa's military industrial complex as a whole, but it is certainly something that is getting a number of domestic contracts in my tenure as President. Atlas Aircraft Corporation and Albatross Aerospace are both first-rate companies, and they have a number of products that might interest you, particularly in the realm of air mobility, Atlas produces the Oryx and Crux helicopters, and Albatross is in the process of testing and fitting out the first Albatross quad-tiltrotor aircraft examples. If my memory serves me well, anyways."

[Evangeline Anovilis]

Dorothy looked a bit surprised upon receiving the gift. "Ehm, well, thank you. I'm sure that once the High Command has evaluated exactly the needs of the Armed Forces and has seen what South Africa has to offer, it will make more concise requests for purchases." She handed the tablet back to Wiltord, who began to quietly inspect the content, seemingly much more adept at using the technology. "I trust your words, Mister Paton, if you say so, the quality of your arms manufacturing will surely be worthy of consideration for our decisions where to procur from. And a quad-tiltrotor aircraft... I must say, I feel somewhat proud to understand the term, but saddened to not see the actual aircraft. I bet, if it can be achieved, it surely could be useful...though, if I may ask, what sort of role do you intent to use it for? If this can be disclassified, of course."

 

Meanwhile in the back, the Chaplain quickly looked through descriptions, made a few notes, looking especially through the sections of aircraft. After a while, she put the tablet away in a bag and took a sip of her tea, silently watching the conversation again.

[TheShammySocialist]

Paton would smile lightly, and nodded as he was thanked for the gift, and watched Wiltord take the tablet and seemed to be much more savvy with such things. He would turn his attention back to Dorothy as Wiltord thumbed through the large selection of aircraft that were on the tablet, and he would smile at the question floated to him.

 

"I'm not the most qualified of people to handle such a question, I do know that such an aircraft could be quite useful, Lieutenant Nzimande, perhaps you are better at explaining such things," said Paton, looking over his shoulder at one of the staffers with him.

 

A haughty and broad-chested Nama tribesman, Nzimande looked out of place to be in an air force uniform, especially one with pilots' wings, seeing as usually pilots tended to be smaller individuals. He stepped forward and nodded lightly, "The quad-tiltrotor was a project that was conceived by the joint services of the South African Armed Services, to provide a transport that could land in something almost as small as a football pitch. It is designed to be able to be deck-transported by our large amphibious assault vessels, or an afloat staging base, and have the payload of an upgraded C-130, able to transport troops, cargo, and vehicles into an active combat zone. It also can serve as an evacuation vehicle, and its ability to land just about anywhere that has a field certainly outmatches anything most heavy helicopters can do, there is also a concept variant that envisions a possible aerial gunship platform."

 

"The applications on any modern battlefield that requires maneuver and air-mobile warfare, mixed with mechanization, can be limited only by the aerial supremacy a nation can provide it with," said Nzimande, nodding confidently. "And its capabilities can also be used as an aid to the civil authority as well, providing supplies for disaster relief, or transporting large numbers of specialists into a region that could be without an adequate aerial facility."

[Evangeline Anovilis]

Dorothy listened with great interest, nodding at the end. "With this great a payload, it surely must be a techological masterpiece. I can not even imagine what awe this rotorcraft would inspire. Yes, I think if the rest of your arsenal too displays such levels of technological prowess in manufacturing, then, even if I cannot yet say what, I can guarantee you, that we will order something of your manufacturers." Dorothy took a sip of her tea, before continuing.

 

"Well, if I may get to a less militaristic subject though... would it be possible to strengthen the trade between our two countries? Faraway always looks for reliable trade partners for its imports of key ressources and currently, the greatest trading partners are Quebec and the American Commonwealth and while we appreciate the current ties, sadly these countries cannot provide everything our country may need. It recently has thus occurred to some of our nobility, that looking overseas may be needed."

[TheShammySocialist]

Nzimande would nod lightly, "For as much of a technological masterpiece, it is also mechanically complicated, and it is still going through the paces of testing right now. Albatross is working on trying to simplify maintenance routines, but the Armed Services only expect a limited production run for its own ranks. Orders for outside parties are only opt-in right now, and fronting of cash for the orders is not expected until it completes its' full aerial testing and customers are satisfied with its' results." The aide would step back as Dorothy got under way on a less militaristic-oriented line of conversation.

 

Paton would stir his tea slowly, and lean back in his chair, "If you would like to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement with me to be signed here, I am definitely amenable, such a treaty could certainly include incentives for overseas investment in Faraway or South Africa, raising or lowering tariffs on certain goods. I am sure such a treaty could be ratified by my Parliament upon my return to South Africa."

[Evangeline Anovilis]

"Well, that is good to hear. I'm sure, my sister will ratify any agreement made here too.", answered Dorothy and paused while taking a sip of tea. "Now, to talk about certain goods, I think South Africa got quite a lot that we do not have, or which we have only in limited quantity. Your country is rich in ressources after all, I bet some of our industries would be more than pleased to have a secured supply to these. While I do not know how great your capacities to extract these ressources are, I'm sure investment to build up local facilities could be provided, once trade gets going, as I'm sure, with a secure supply at reasonable prices, interest in expansion will just naturally crop up."

 

For a moment, Dorothy thought about how to best approach the issue, before continuing her explanation.

 

"I must admit, the Faraway Ministry of Foreign Affairs has given me little data on the situation of South African economic facilities. So I don't know how developed some of these are, though I assume civil strife takes its toll."

 

Wiltord suddenly looked tapped at Dorothy's shoulder. As the Lady leaned back, the Chaplain whispered a few words to her. Dorothy just looked somewhat annoyed and turned towards Paton again.

 

"Excuse, Sister Wiltord just had notified me of a small concern, but unrelated to these matters... Anyway... Now, while ressource extraction does not sound great, nor does the fact that Faraway's economy revolves mostly around the export of manufactured goods, so I do understand if some people don't like the idea, I want to reassure you that such trade would be one between equals, only that both sides use what they got. You got ressources, we got a manufactoring sector. Given our limited trade policy, I would say, the natural riches of your country would find a secured customer, and we are unlikely to change our terms anytime soon. Also, I am sure that while most basic manufactured goods are made in good quantity by our industry, the production of certain goods by your country may be reason for us to import these too, as we ourselves do have areas we lack. I mean, weapon systems surely cannot be the sole advanced industry your country has, right? While our country has a more protective approach to industry, I think one could try encourage this trade as well. Now... as you may wonder what ressources I got in mind, I think the greatest interest would exist for any possible ores, gold, diamonds, minerals of value, any possible fossil fuels, but not just those, but also we have a constant need for agricultural products, such as coffee, cocoa, tea, tobacco, all kinds of things that do not grow within our own borders. Because the sole thing we soon will have plenty of, will be maize." She smiled a bit uneasily, though it was at least something. "I do hope these wares are available for trade. Right? Also, is there anything specific you might want to import from our country?"

[TheShammySocialist]

"Currently, South Africa is a leading, if not the leading producer of gold and platinum, which has its own applications within the economy of this day and age. Production and refining of materials is a definitely a key part of economy, and our production and supply capabilities are quite high. Further investment could certainly be useful in helping keep mines and refining facilities upgraded with the latest editions of extraction technology," said Paton, before taking another sip of tea.

 

"The tablet that I provided you with will give you much of what you need to know to make any sound decision on economics between South Africa and Faraway. It was compiled by the Foreign Service with the assistance of both public and private economic analysts, as well as advisors from many of South Africa's companies and name brands," he added, before leaning back in his chair again.

 

Paton would grin lightly as Dorothy spoke of a mutually beneficial economic agreement, and he would respond, "South Africa's economy does not solely lie on the production of minerals and weapons of war, you are quite right. We have quite an extensive industrial base with a concentration in heavy industry; vehicle and transit system components are quite the growing industry, high-quality appliances, electronics, pharmaceuticals, apparel, energy-related construction components, and raw structural steel," he said, offering options that were available.

 

"And yes, we have quite an extensive agricultural sector, which does include tobacco, coffee, and cocoa, which, as you mentioned, you desire for consumption here. We are looking for an overseas market that could perhaps produce spare parts and components for certain products, which could bring jobs here to Faraway if you so wish to accept such an offer. What kind of industrial focuses does Faraway have that could prove useful for us to import, that could possibly be lacking in South Africa at this point?"

[Evangeline Anovilis]

"While I don't think there is much of a lack in South Africa, I would not be surprised if the Union could use some imports to complement its own production. In raw ressources, our country exports mostly timber, smaller amounts of uranium, and a few rather niche products, like walnuts and hazelnuts. Once order is restored in the protectorate, we also expect crops like potatoes, maize, beans, but also cattle and sheep to be possible for export. It is more in the manufacturing sector though, that our country is strong. Depending on how far the pre-crisis capacities can be regained, we expect to produce at least 5 million cars, trucks, buses. And believe me if I say that we surely do not need them all by ourselves.", Dorothy thought for a moment. "Did I forget something? Ah, yes. We also export salt. Does South Africa need salt?"

[TheShammySocialist]

Paton would stroke his chin slowly, considering what Dorothy spoke of, and he would nod thoughtfully, "Given South Africa's policies on logging in the country, timber could certainly be an appreciated trade, considering the amount of growth being experienced right now. Uranium could also be a lucrative import to us as well, what with goings on in South Africa right now associated with nuclear power and energy research."

 

"On the subject of manufactured goods, so long as the buses complied with ecostandards that are being nationally enforced across South Africa, I see no problem with your export and competitive business with transport production companies. Such a competitive business could extend into trucks as well, we've heard of the quality handiwork by heavy truck manufacturers in this region, and we hope that standard is still kept," he added, as he took a few notes on his tablet. "As for maize, its not a widely grown crop in South Africa, and I don't see why it couldn't be a market for such a commodity."