Santiago Nights

[TheShammySocialist]

After the visit to Buenos Aires and a day spent on layover, the South African Airbus A380 that the flight crew had dubbed the "flying circus" took off for probably the shortest flight on the legs of the diplomatic tour, to Santiago, Chile. With the fall of Colombia, Chile was one of the senior members of the South American community, and seemed to be taking a leadership role in the continent from what the South African Foreign Service could surmise. Given the proximity to Africa that South America had, Paton and his cabinet had agreed that South Africa had a vested interest in foreign exchanges with South America, and the relationship with the perceived leaders of that region would be crucial to success.

 

Reading diplomatic briefings as the large government airliner would pass over the Andes before making a quick descent towards Santiago, Adolph Paton would take five minutes every so often to observe the large jagged peaks that dominated the landscape below. He had come to appreciate the New World during his travels, and the views he was receiving were spectacular in themselves. He surmised that such a beautiful land could only inspire the populations and the countries that populated South America, and he was looking forward to greeting yet another set of leaders from yet another beautiful nation.

[Captain Enema]

A helicopter would be waiting for Adolph Paton to fly him directly to the Presidential Retreat outside of Santiago.

[TheShammySocialist]

After landing in Santiago, the delegation that debarked would be mildly surprised to see that their flight in was merely a connecting flight, with a Chilean official beckoning them to helicopter that was awaiting them. Savoring little time on the ground, Adolph Paton would lead his aides aboard the helicopter, which would then depart for the outskirts of Santiago. Informed that their ultimate destination would be the Chilean Presidential retreat, Adolph would take the time to relax as much as he could in the helicopter as it soared over the city. The backdrop provided by the Andes to the east was rather stunning, and he would lean his head back against the seat's headrest as he just admired the view, the helicopter tearing through the skies towards their ultimate destination.

[Captain Enema]

The helicopter's pilot had orders to take them on the scenic route to the Presidential Retreat to give his passengers a good, but safe view, of Chile's Andean Mountains and other notable sites around Santiago. Once that is completed the guests would be delivered to the Presidential Retreat where Presidente De Juagari, National Security Administrator Carlos Del Fina, Chief of Staff Montessori, and Senior Member of Parliament Chavez were waiting for them with an honor guard of Chilean Marines. The Presidential Retreat is located near a waterfall and is known for its stunning natural wonders making it a favorite location of Presidente De Juaguari's for relaxation and conducting important diplomatic functions. Less important diplomatic functions tend to be handled at the Presidential Mansion inside of Santiago.

 

Upon landing the guests would be properly greeted, shown to their rooms for a chance to refresh themselves, and cordially invited to a small but well appointed banquet with most of Chile's lead politicians and military figures in attendance. 

[TheShammySocialist]

Admiring the view that was afforded to them by the helicopter ride, Adolph and his associates would relax in the helicopter as it seemed to take a longer-than-necessary swoop over the city and close to the mountains. It was a trip that despite having to be in an aircraft, Adolph would enjoy as he was afforded a variety of views of the geographical charms that a country like Chile was afforded. 'Spectacular' was an understatement, in his own mind, and he would smile wistfully as the helicopter finally turned for their ultimate destination, which, when it came into view, Adolph had no qualms about deeming certainly an ideal spot for a meeting.

 

After exchanging pleasantries with the President and a variety of his leading government figures, and freshening up in their respective rooms, both Adolph Paton and Roland Zawilza would proceed to the banquet, finding themselves surrounded by a larger group of Chileans who had arrived after they had. Rendezvousing with Juagari once again, Adolph would nod curtly, and offer a handshake to him, "Thank you again for inviting us here, President Juagari, it is certainly an honor to be in the company of yourself, and prominent individuals within your country."

[Captain Enema]

"Consider it our pleasure and honor to have you as guests in our country. Please, eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves," Presidente De Juagari insisted as he showed Paton to their table that was sagging under the weight of drink and food. Once everyone had sat down Juagari asked, "Tell me of South Africa, how goes things there?"

[TheShammySocialist]

Paton would nod his thanks as Juagari showed the South Africans to their table, which appeared to be full of various dishes and drinks, and as the banquet started, the South Africans would hungrily tuck into the feast. As he served himself a portion of Chilean sea bass, Paton would look attentively at Juagari as he posed a question to him on the status of South Africa at this point and time. He nervously laughed a little, before putting down his utensils, and smiled politely.

 

"South Africa is in transition at this moment, we only recently settled a nationwide dispute between labor leaders and corporate executives, only because of a militancy that gained traction due to the dispute. There is still much to do in regards to that dispute, but before it can be fully settled, the insurgency that grew in Mozambique due to it, needs to come to an end. We're getting within reach of doing just that, and I'm hoping to hear more news of it when I speak with my Army's Chief of Staff tomorrow," responded Paton, nodding lightly.

 

"What of Chile, how fares your nation thus far? How is South America since Mexico seemed to decide on reducing its influence in the region?" asked Paton, sipping deeply from a glass of wine that had been poured for him.

[Captain Enema]

"Chile goes well. We've had our own internal struggles that we recently resolved. It gives me great pleasure to inform you that Chile will be giving South African Most Favored Nation Status. We give this status out very selectively with an eye on developing relationships in various parts of the globe. It suffices to say that Chile would be most interested in becoming a trading partner with South Africa, if not something more."

[TheShammySocialist]

"I am happy to hear that your own internal issues have been resolved, it is certainly draining to a nation, fighting itself," remarked Paton, as he took a sip of a glass of wine and attentively listened to Juagari's statement on becoming a Most Favored Nation.

 

He seemed taken aback, as he dabbed at his mouth with a napkin, and smiled politely, "It is quite an honor to hear that you are appropriating such a title upon South Africa, I appreciate such a moniker given to our nation, despite our country only still in its early stages of development and organization. We do not have a similar title at this moment, I'm afraid, but given your confidence in my country, at such an early stage, I must say that I shall recommend a similar move by my own nation's Foreign Service upon my return to Cape Town."

 

"On the topic of developing a formal relationship, South Africa is developing as a nation that has a globalized outlook, we are looking to supersede regional politics. The politics of the African continent are still taken into account, but we also look beyond that regional outlook, we recognize the closeness of the world today, and we are looking to build relationships with similar nations that share that outlook," he said, smiling politely at the Chilean leader.

[Captain Enema]

"It is my hope that Chile might begin to look beyond the continent of South America. We've recently been allowed the opportunity to establish an outpost near Cuba for the purpose of trade. It's a very modest first step and I hope to make more steps beyond this continent that ties Chile into a network of strong trade and international friendship."

[TheShammySocialist]

"South Africa has similar interests at the moment, we're hoping this diplomatic tour will result in a positive windfall of diplomatic agreements for our nation, which will enhance both our economy, as well as strategic interests. South America is a continent that is a neighbor to us, and we place great importance on our relations with such a diverse and energetic continental community of nations. How fares Chiles' economy at this moment? What kind of import goods do you look to gain from trade agreements, and what are you looking to export?"

[Captain Enema]

"At the moment the government is passing a  revised tax code policy which will make it advantageous for business owners to utilize alternatively fueled vehicles to help wean Chile off a dependency for foreign fuel. We hope that will increase the demand for such technology. Until such a time that alternative fueled vehicles rise to dominance, Chile always has needed to import gasoline. The overall state of the economy is excellent, very strong, very diverse, and a great number of new small ventures looking to expand."

[TheShammySocialist]

"Such a revised tax code is certainly beneficial and environmentally friendly, and certainly a good instance of foresight on your part. Angola is a primary producer of oil and petroleum products for South Africa, and our oil is available to export abroad, and I am certainly sure that we could provide you with fuel needs at competitive prices," said Paton, as he cut up more pieces of the sea bass he was slowly enjoying as his entree. "South Africa is also, in the process, of trying to rid itself of dependency on inefficient methods of powering our nation, we are looking towards fusion chain reactions providing our nation with our electrical needs. A project that we may be willing to extend to other nations once its testing phase is finished within our nation."

[Captain Enema]

"We'd be interested in importing both gas and fusion technology. What might you be interested in getting in return? Chile has a lively mineral extraction and mineral refining industry. I'd try to interest you in our wool industry but my suspicions tell me you'll be meeting with the Falklanders, or Argies or whatever it is they call themselves at the moment. I normally wouldn't admit this in public, but privately between you and me, wool from the Falklands, by my standards, is better enough to  justify the increased cost. Don't spread that around, my local wool growing cooperatives would run me out of the country."

[TheShammySocialist]

Paton would chuckle lightly at Juagari's commentary about his wool farmers potentially trying to go after his hide for promoting another South American nations' goods, and he would respond, "Duly noted, I'll try to keep that secret between ourselves, I just completed a visit with President Otero two days ago, and I hope to continue to expand my country's relationship with him, as well as the rest of the nations on the South American continent. I must say that I laud you for your promotion of a neighbor's product, despite it being competitive with your own, it speaks volumes of your foresight as a regional leader and your friendship with fellow nations."

 

"As for South Africa's import interests from Chile, we are moving towards an emphasis in heavy manufacturing and your extensive mineral extraction and refining industries would come in handy supply us with raw materials that are needed by the gears of industry."

Edited April 7, 2013 by TheShammySocialist

[Captain Enema]

"Well, Argentina is a friend to Chile. We'd hardly be decent friends or allies to them if we didn't make an effort in supporting them when the chance rises. I think that's the measure of a friendship between two nations, not only how many men and ships they send when trouble comes, but what they say and do for you when you aren't around and looking. As for your mineral needs, we can fill them, and we can sell you heavy equipment. My trade minister will contact your trade minister and they can work out all the fiddly bits. Tell me sir, have you ever been hunting in the Andes Mountains before?" Juagari asked politely.

[TheShammySocialist]

"Of course, just direct your Trade Minister to our Foreign Minister, Lawrence Tenerife, his position is soon to be the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Chancellor of the Exchequer tends to handle internal commerce for our nation," nodded Paton, as he finished scarfing down his fillet of Chilean sea bass. "And I have not been hunting in a very long time, my father only once took me on a safari on the Veldt."

[Captain Enema]

"Good, finish your dinner and join my at the helicopter pad out back. I'd suggest wearing a pair of rugged boots, stout pants, and a warm jacket, and you'll find all those in your room. Swing by my rifle cabinet afterwards. One of my forest rangers called in a report of some bighorn up the valley, damn things aren't indigenous to Chile. It's a short walk, about eight or so kilometers," De Juagari said as he polite excused himself to go change. With that being said the delegation from South Africa would find several pairs of warm boots, pants, wool shirts, and jackets waiting for them in their room as Juagari had the suspicious notion that they probably weren't expecting to go bighorn sheep hunting on a diplomatic function. Also waiting for the  South African delegation are a platoon of Chilean Army Rangers, extra weapons more suited to long range work, and one very nervous Chilean Ranger Captain who has orders to work with the South African Security Services on jointly providing security for the two heads of state.

 

Given the valley selected none of the Chileans are overly concerned as it is swept daily if not more by Forest Service members and Chilean Army Rangers. For Paton,  a lovely hand made .270 rifle is waiting with a Chilean Army Armorer on hand to help him sight the rifle to his specifications at the Presidential Retreat Range just past the helicopter landing pad. Juagari was a bit leery about the whole idea of taking a head of state bighorn sheep hunting, but at the very least it would mean Paton found doing something other than eating lousy buffet food and being polite about it as he probably was having to endure on his international diplomatic tour over and over again. As Juagari changed into his own wool pants, he said to no one in particular, "I'd gone mental long since had I had to suffer through all that travelling about, dunno how he manages."

[TheShammySocialist]

The prospect of leaving behind a formal atmosphere for an informal one would seem to give new light to Paton's eyes, and as Juagari excused himself, Paton would drain the remaining contents in his wine glass, and would nod for some of his staffers to remain, while others would be encouraged to come along. Returning to his room, Juagari's words would be true to form, as he found a neatly folded set of camouflage clothing and boots arranged in a wardrobe for him.

 

Appropriately remember his fathers' words of wisdom when they had gone on a hunting safari, Paton would properly layer his clothes, enjoying the feeling of losing the tailored suit, that, while comfortable, paled in comparison to the baggy hunting clothes. Even the boots he laced on felt comfortable on his feet, and he rotated his ankles to feel how it fit around them. He would look up as Zawilza entered the room, a bewildered look coming across the Chief of Staff's face as he watched Paton strap on harness that would allow him to carry rounds of ammunition, as well as some bottles of water and energy bars that he had taken from his own bag.

 

"Do you think this wise? Going off to hunt in an unknown area with another head of state?" asked Zawilza, shutting the door gently, and looking at Paton with an upturned eyebrow.

 

"I think this to be accepting the invitation of an acquaintance to share a positive experience with him, enjoying the sights his country has to offer," responded Paton, not looking at Zawilza, looking relaxed in the reflection that stared back at him in the mirror. He slid a boonie hat onto his head, and smiled at Zawilza, before heading for the door.

 

"I would much appreciate if my President didn't go into an activity that risked injury or death, you're far too important right now, Adolph," said Zawilza, who made a move to halfheartedly block the door.

 

"And you think flying on an aircraft that is logging successive long mileage without fully complete maintenance layovers isn't unsafe?" chuckled Paton, giving Zawilza a lighthearted look of reassurance.

 

"You shouldn't press your luck too much, Adolph, it could come back to bite you in the ass," responded Zawilza, whose face remained disapproving.

 

"Hawkins already ordered four more members of the SPS to be flown in from the airport, I'll be fine, enjoy the dinner and mingle. Lord knows you do it better than I do," responded Paton, before pressing past the larger Xhosa tribesman, and out the door, leaving Zawilza shaking his head and growling something about "young politicians".

 

Paton would take the assistance of the armorer who was provided to help him sight in his rifle, and after admiring and learning about the handmade rifle that was set before him, would take it over to the firing range quickly. With the armorer spotting for him, Paton would adjust the scope accordingly, and would unload a four round clip at a target slowly, adjusting his scope as the armorer spotted the fall of the rounds. Once he was satisfied that the rifle was properly sighted in, the young South African President would thank the armorer for his time and assistance, before rendezvousing with the Chileans and his security team, which were exchanging notes about the terrain and layout of the valley. The South African security team would be armed with Denel's newest assault rifle, or sidearms, and would greet the President cheerfully, as he made an attempt to mingle with them before heading out into the valley to hunt this invasive bighorn scourge that had been reported.

[Captain Enema]

While waiting for the South African President, Juagari spent a few moments chatting with the various South Africans. He found their accents to be quite intriguing, if anything he suspected they'd be a big hit with Santiago's young women. Once Paton joined them Juagari turned to the Forest Ranger and said, "Right then, lead on."

 

"Si Senor Presidente," the forest ranger replied as he bobbed his head in deference and started walking up into the hills. Along the way he keeps up a running commentary on the different plants, rocks, trees, and other natural fauna. Presidente Juagari falls in along Paton and translates when needed. The trail isn't too steep and it would hardly take the wind out of a young man in good health. 

 

"Tell me President Paton, in South Africa do you place value on the natural delights your country has to offer? Most of the wildlife of Chile is protected, with the exception of the sheep we are hunting." Juagari is curious about this young President as he is curious about South Africa and Africa in general. The fighting in Africa involving the AUP had not been too long ago and it is still very much fresh in Juagari's mind. Rather than ask about it directly he figures he'll get around to asking it about it sooner or later. 

[TheShammySocialist]

The South African Special Protection Service members would excitedly take the chance to speak with the Chilean President tactfully, and seemed to be a lighthearted lot that appeared to be more relaxed than many bodyguard services that served various world leaders. They would form a loose perimeter around the two leaders once they moved out of the grounds of the Estate and into the valley. Paton seemed to be very excited about the prospect of stretching his legs, and would energetically take to the path as they proceeded up into the hills. He would politely nod and make small queries on the narrative the Forest Ranger provided for them as they moved farther from the estate, and nod politely when Juagari fell in beside him.

 

"Most species are protected under South African Constitutional Law, unless acting in self-defense, such incidents have to be reported immediately after they take place as well," said Paton, in a light fashion. "We take pride in the uniqueness of the flora and fauna that inhabit the rural areas of our nation, large tracts of lands are set aside for their use and protection. We are very serious in the preservation of nature, despite our appearances of being a nation that puts a heavy emphasis on economic success, we won't sacrifice something that makes our nation unique to make a couple extra rand."

[Captain Enema]

"That's wonderful, perhaps one day I'll get a chance to come visit South Africa and see some of these spots for myself," Juagari said as he started to struggle a bit at the rapidly increasing grade. Not being a young man put him at a bit of a disadvantage but neither was he out of shape. Taking long walks up into the hills and mountains of Chile has been a long valued past time of Juagari's and it has proven to be a much needed escape from office from time to time from the rigors of office. Quite possibly the only time alone he can get is out hiking in the hills but even then he's normally escorted by a platoon of Army Rangers who have gotten quite good at not being seen, but the knowledge that they are out and about lurking behind trees often has irritated Juagari. 

 

"Tell me Paton, all the diplomatic talk set aside, all the fancy words, all the flattery men and women like us must indulge in.. set all that aside. What do you really hope to accomplish here in Chile?" Juagari asked. 

[TheShammySocialist]

"Our nation is always open to the visits of other world leaders," nodded Paton, as the grade of the hill began to increase and he slowed a little to preserve energy. He could see the screen of soldiers around them, but tried to put their presence out of his mind, as he and Juagari followed the ranger deeper into the valley. He smiled enigmatically, though, when Juagari floated the question to him, and he looked back at the Chilean president.

 

"Building a base of friendship with you and your nation to start with, would ideally see through my goals during this round of talks, but I hope to see Chile and South Africa building a closer economic and military partnership over time," said Paton, avoiding the most fanciest of words and keeping his voice simple and to the point.

[Captain Enema]

Juagari listens without commenting, and in realizes that the answer given is about the only one Paton can give. It's not like the man can go into an full on exploration of his innermost feelings. Not only would that be fairly undiplomatic it'd probably highly embarrassing to both of them. Further, neither of them are Italians so there really is no need to get too melodramatic about it all. Rather than responding to Paton, Juagari stops as he spots a massive Bighorn Ram off in the distance at about 300 yards. He takes a knee and brings his rifle to his shoulder after looking back at Paton and saying, "Guests get the first shot, I'll back you up." 

 

Juagari had grown up hunting in the mountains of Chile and had spent dozens of nights under the open sky. Of late he's given a great deal of thought to his retirement in which he's actively been considering moving to a small house high up in the Andes Mountains for peace, quiet, and solitude. With his wife out of the picture due to an amicable divorce and his children grown and out in the world on their own, there is very little stopping Juagari following up on his dream. One of the papers on the growing pile of documents on his desk is for purchasing that small house in his dreams so very far away. 

[TheShammySocialist]

Paton was quite aware that his answer was a little on the side of opaque, but it wasn't untrue, and he was certainly seeking out amicable relations with other nations, he felt that his trip to South America, was of particular importance. A source of wealth and commerce, it was also a place of activity and outward thinking, along with a strong community that seemed to look out for each others' stability. He had ideas that would shape the relationship as time went on, but he knew that the best friendships were built over time, and thus has resolved to make that his primary goal during this round of visits.

 

When Juagari pointed out the large Bighorn, Paton slid the rifle from his shoulder with a confident motion, having gone on a few safaris to the Veldt with his father and his fathers' friends over the course of his life. He was quite accustomed to being around firearms, and had a small collection of historical pieces in his home back at Cape Town, mainly as conversation pieces and their historical value. The South African took a hunched stance, and instead of instantly taking the shot, he checked his footing with a studious glance to make sure he did not rustle any noisy foliage, and moved forward to steady himself against a short tree.

 

With his scope already adjusted in, Paton would slowly flick the safety off on his rifle, as he looked down the scope with a steady gaze, taking aim for a what he surmised to be a vital region of the large animals' chest cavity. He would adjust his aim a little to the right, to compensate for what he knew would be a fairly sizable recoil from the firearm, his shoulder already a little sore from having cycling it at the target range a couple times. His finger would slowly wrap around the trigger as his left eye widened, and he pulled back on trigger with a steady finger, instead of jerking it, the gun erupting with a loud retort and a puff of smoke.