The Ritz

[Sarah Tintagyl]

In its history of existence, the Hanseatic Commonwealth had enjoyed a plethora of friends, allies, and neighbors. Countries they could count on in their darkest times. Pax Hanseatica had shown the true attitude of the world, one of optimism, friendship, and thanksgiving. Yutkobania was one of the countries at the forefront of this movement. Having been an recent ally of the Hansa, due to their close proximity, as well as their signing of the third tier of the Pax Hanseatic treaty, there was a greater bond that Sarah thought should be formed between the two countries. Closer than most countries good be. She saw hope in the Yuktobanians, people that she could trust, people that would contribute to the overall attitude of peace and prosperity in the world.

The recent death of their forming Prime Minister, hit Sarah hard. But Catherine Renzov was an extremely trusted individual, and so almost as soon as possible, Sarah crafted an invitation to Minister Renzov inviting her to Brisbane for talks to bring the Hansa and Yuktobania ever closer.

Minister Renzov,

I understand the recent death of your superior weighs heavy on your heart. However, if I may inquire your person again in Brisbane, there are things that I would like to discuss with you on a more private matter between the Hansa and Yuktobania, which may if concluded yield great rewards to both our peoples. Transportation will be provided, as well as your lodging in the best hotel I can find in the city. I hope to see you here as soon as possible and anxiously await our talks.

Sincerely,

Sarah Tintagyl

Lady Protector of the Hanseatic Commonwealth

[Razgriz 2K9]

Catherine Reznov sat down and read the letter from her closest friend and ally, Sarah. Understanding the need for increased relations and great rewards between the two states, she put the letter in her pocket and picked up a phone, "Mr. Armakov, get the State Transport ready. I will be heading to Brisbane. I want to have my deputy Prime Minister, Dimitri Petrenko, to take over in my absense."

Ms. Reznov headed towards Cruik Air Force Base to the west of Cinigrad, where the Yuke Air Force One, a modified C-130E Hercules, lay on base. She would quickly board the plane and left for Brisbane.

After hours of flying, the plane has made it over Brisbane. The pilot said, "This is Yankee-Alpha-Foxtrot-One, permission to land at Brisbane International Airport, we are carrying imorptant personnel on board."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Permission granted Yuke-1."

The plane would descend down towards Brisbane International Airport, alongside other various commercial and privately owned jets, coming and leaving the city. Renzov's craft was landed in a much more secluded area away from the traffic of civilian and industrial flights. There upon exiting the plane she would be met by two lines of Hanseatic Marines and Lillian Guard, standing in salute of the Prime Minister. A captain approached, clean white gloves on his hands and bowed. "Your Excellency, welcome to Brisbane. Her Ladyship is expecting you."

Catherine would be taking to a private state limousine, toting the Yuktobanian flags as the car took off down the freeways towards downtown Brisbane. Since the attack, things had not be as vibrant as other leaders would have seen. However, there was still a majesty in the air and a felling of renewal. A new and younger population now held swing in the city, and Catherine would still be able to look out at the citizens each going about their work day, or frequenting the cultural venues around the city.

About a half-hour later, the limousine pulled up in front of the gardens near Diet Hall. The captain of the Marines then escorted her out and walked her through the garden and into the Hall proper. There they ascended the staircase leading up to the top floors and brought her to Sarah's office. "She's right in there Madame Minister. Have a good day."

As she walked into the office, Sarah immediately bounded up from her desk and walked over, briskly, towards her guest. "Catherine, its a pleasure to see you again. How was your ride over here and would you like something to drink?"

[Razgriz 2K9]

Catherine Reznov respnded as she kindly took a seat, "It was a nice ride here. The people of Brisbane has become a little livelier since the last time I came. I know that things will be the way it was before the attack." Reznov knew that the people of Brisbane had suffered much since then, but she also knew that it will get better under the courage and excellent leadership of the Lady Protector. "I would like to have some Chardonnay Wine if that is okay."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Sarah smiled. "Perfect." She walked over to a cabinet and took out a bottle of Chardonnay, removing the cork and smelling its sweet nectar. "I want to use a bottle that's at least decently aged. Perhaps, fifty years or so." Taking out two crystal glaces she poured the wine and walked back over to Catherine and handed her the glass, before taking her own seat on her desk, close to her guest.

"I don't want to keep you for a long long time here, because I know the recent passing of Prime Minister Zakhev has been hard on your people. However there are some things that I was hoping that Yuktobania and the Hansa could join hands together for." She sipped her wine and sighed. "We haven't been friends for an extremely long time, but in recent times, I count Yuktobania as one of the Hansa's closest allies and as such there are a few steps that I want to take to bring a more mutual relationship to flower."

Flipping open a folder on her desk, Sarah looked down at a series of documents. "We are already mutually tied for defense, though I can assure you that even if it weren't for this paper that the Hansa would be there for you as you were there for us. However, what I would like to bring up, is that I want to offer to bring our economies together. Yuktobania is in an area of the world where there is an abundance of natural and mineral resources. But we want to help you exploit the resources to the best of your ability. Recently we've talked with the people of Dranagg and we've been able to merge our economies. Dranagg and the Hansa have both benefited enormously from this. The economy is booming and we think that including Yuktobania will help us compete on the global level as well as bringing resources up from the south for you."

She smiled. "What do you think? Could you see Yuktobania using the Hanseatic Mark in the future?"

[Razgriz 2K9]

"It is indeed possible to see Yuktobania using the Hanseatic Mark in the future." Catherine Reznov said after sipping some wine. "Though it will take some time to implement it, possibly a year at most. But I can see ourselves working together to establish a strong and competitive economy. We have already achieved a strengthing industrial base with our factories, and our infrastructure increases by the day." She paused to drink and said, "I will support this plan one hundred percent."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Sarah smiled. "Wonderful." She pulled out another paper from out of the folder and handed it to Catherine. "All I'll need is your signature and we at least begin trying to implement the system." She sighed. "I hate formalities, but the Diet won't accept anything unless its on paper."

Mutual Economic Pact

1. Joint Economy: Full economic merging between the signatories of this Pact. Resources, exploits, innovations, and inventions to be shared equally among the signatories of this Pact.

2. Currency: All currency of the signatories to be set at a Market Standard between the signatories economic status. (The country will accept use of the Hanseatic Mark)

3. Termination: Termination period is three months after a public notification to prevent severe economic disasters in signatories economies.

For the Hanseatic Commonwealth,

Sarah Tintagyl, Lady Protector

For the Yuktobanian SFSR

Catherine Reznov, Prime Minister

"I have to admit Catherine that this was the main reason that I asked for your meeting. In the near future, the Hansa will be hosting an economic union for countries that use the Mark in their economic system and of course, Yuktobania is expect to be there." She smiled. "Of course is there anything else I can do for you? Anything at all? It wouldn't be prudent for just one nation to talk."

Edited July 2, 2009 by Sarah Tintagyl

[Razgriz 2K9]

For the Yuktobanian SFSR

Catherine Reznov, Prime Minister

Catherine signed the document and gave it back to Sarah. "Well, I would be delighted to see others in the summit. Hopefully, other nations will follow in our example." As Catherine finished her drink, she said, "My only other reason why I'm here is to see that your city is starting to recover from the war. Several Yuktobanian soldiers, including his son was killed when Brisbane was hit, and I think Zakhev had regretted it, perhaps.....that why he was sad in his final days. My only regret was not helping sooner."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Sarah nodded as she took the paper and placed it back into the folder. "Naturally there will be. Dranagg, the Hansa, and a recently declared nation from my northern region of Australia will be represented. With the addition of Yuktobania to the currency, the Mark stretches the entirety of the Western Pacific Rim and we will all have a plethora of resources at our disposal now. Honestly, I see nothing but good coming from this."

She sighed hearing Catherine mention the death following the attack. "I wish I could have changed what happened, brought back his son. To be honest, he's probably buried at Elysian Fields. We could have the body transported to Yuktobania immediately though, if you would like. The Hansa will be forever in your debt. But if you did come to see the city, perhaps I could take you around and try to get our minds off of this depression conversation." Sarah smiled and offered Catherine her hand.

[Razgriz 2K9]

"Yes" Catherine Reznov said, "I think it's for the best that Victor's body be taken to Oshkosh Memorial Cemetery. But for now I think it's best to see what the city we have worked so hard to rebuild." The Prime Minister got up and shook Sarah's hand.