Crossing the Alpine Divide

[Sarah Tintagyl]

It was the second time in only a few days that a French limousine rolled down the streets in front of the Palace of the Republic in crowded Vienna. Though this time, the rider was not clothed in black, there wasn't an air of mystery that surrounded her and at the front of the car, two French flags whipped in the wind proudly as the vehicle came to a stop. Therese looked out of the window at the large building, South German flags and symbols proudly displayed everywhere she looked, though she was more impressed with the city itself then with its nationalism. South Germany was one of the technological centers of the world, perhaps even the greatest center, and Vienna stood in testimony of that. Stepping out of the limousine with her entourage Therese was guided up the stairs into the entrance room of the Palace, her eyes widening in surprise at the crystalline beauty inside.

"Well." She smirked. "Perhaps there is beauty in technology, one does not just need to pride themselves on culture. It is a blessing to still know that Vienna is capable of rooms such as these." Therese didn't lie, the floor almost looked like glass and the room was bright from the crystal chandeliers hanging above. Her heels clicked and echoed as she walked down, her hands politely folded over her waist as the German officers in the Palace guided her from the entrance hall down other corridors of the building to another office. They opened the doors for her, she bowed, thanking them and proceeded inside to where the South German sat. "Mr. Chairman." She smiled and curtsied. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I got your letter and, it has been too long since the rise of France for negotiations between our nations. Hopefully we can leave here today with Europe a bit more solidified." Therese sighed. "Recently I've seen the cancellation of treaties between yourself and the North Germans. The last thing that I would want to see right on the border of France is another war and perhaps if the situation between your peoples grows dire, there will be ways to offset the chance of conflict. Besides that, we respect the people of South Germany a great deal and can only hope the feeling is mutual." She smiled. "But if you are ready to talk politics, so am I."

[Lynneth]

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' date='29 April 2010 - 11:09 PM' timestamp='1272575365' post='2280280']
"Mr. Chairman." She smiled and curtsied. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I got your letter and, it has been too long since the rise of France for negotiations between our nations. Hopefully we can leave here today with Europe a bit more solidified." Therese sighed. [/quote]
"Mademoiselle Zelle, it's good to meet you. I do in fact hope the same as you."

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' date='29 April 2010 - 11:09 PM' timestamp='1272575365' post='2280280']"Recently I've seen the cancellation of treaties between yourself and the North Germans. The last thing that I would want to see right on the border of France is another war and perhaps if the situation between your peoples grows dire, there will be ways to offset the chance of conflict. Besides that, we respect the people of South Germany a great deal and can only hope the feeling is mutual." She smiled. "But if you are ready to talk politics, so am I."
[/quote]
"I don't want war, neither do my people. But please, do continue, tell me about what you have in mind for our relations."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Simple Mr. Chairman, to further solidify Europe. Cognition tells me that in the future, France is in the best position to mediate relations between the two German peoples and to not stand firm in the defense of either one would be a proverbial sin. Therefore, I am proposing an alliance between our two nations. Open borders, freer trade, defense of one another in case the unthinkable comes to pass." She crossed her legs and smiled. "This has been the most peaceful years in Europe I think since man first walked on the Earth. We Europeans, all of us, must stick together for the greater good. Surely, considering your philosophy, you can agree with that."

[Lynneth]

Obama nods. "I see what you mean, Mademoiselle. I would gladly agree to such a treaty, for it can only benefit both of us."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Reaching into the pocket of her suit jacket Therese pulled out a small piece of crumbled paper and a pen. "I know this isn't much, but I'm sure your diplomatic office and make it into something nice to sign. Just give me a few minutes."

And she began to write...

[quote]

[b]Preamble[/b]
The German Democratic Republic and the Republic of France, two countries who wish strengthen ties and forge a long lasting friendship and mutual cooperation in international affairs, hereby agree to this pact.

[b]Article I: Non Aggression[/b]
Both nations pledge not to initiate any form of hostile actions against the other, and shall keep an open line of communications between both governments.

[b]Article II: Mutual Defense[/b]
Both nations agree to aid and defend one another in times of war. If one nation becomes the victim of an outside aggressor the other is obligated, by this pact, to aid with political, monetary and military resources.

[b]Article III: Intelligence Sharing[/b]
If either signatory of this pact receives sensitive information concerning the safety and security of the other they are required to share it and when applicable the source of said information.

[b]Article IV: Trade[/b]
Both signatories should endeavor to reduce or eliminate tariffs, and pledge to increase trade between both signatories.

[b]Article V: Withdrawal[/b]
Either signatory may withdraw from this pact at any time, but they are required to notify the other signatory forty-eight (48) hours prior.

Signed for the German Democratic Republic,
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Bayern/GDR/ObamaSig.png[/img]

Signed for the Republic of France,

Therese Zelle
Prime Minister
[/quote]



"Something that you could agree to Monsieur Chairman?"

Edited May 8, 2010 by Sarah Tintagyl

[Lynneth]

He nodded.
"I could," and thus signed the paper.

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Bayern/GDR/ObamaSig.png[/img]
Chairman of the German Democratic Republic

[Sarah Tintagyl]

After the treaty was signed on the piece of scrap paper Therese had pulled from her pocket she looked back up at Obama and sighed. "Monsieur Chairman, there is another problem that I would like to bring up. Burgundy, before their collapse was in possession of the city of Geneve in what would traditionally be your territory, in Switzerland, even though the people of Geneve are French. Therefore I would like to open up the discussion that France, possibly would be able to aid South Germany in such a way that the positions of our borders never really become a problem again. Is there anything that immediately would come to mind Monsieur Chairman?"

[Lynneth]

"Hmmm...Back then, the nation Deutscher Bund 'auctioned' the territory off to the French Government of the time. Without our consent, or that of their people, I might add, in an attempt to 'clean' the nation of non-Germans, an idiotic motion if I may say so."
He typed something on his personal computer, and it emitted a holographic projectiong between the two, depicting the original map of the Bund, changing according to the deal with France. It switched then, showing demographics of the region.
"There's French, Germans and Italians all over the Swiss region, and not the slightest bit of land that's homogenous. I'd love to have that region back in the, well, 'official' swiss region, simply to unite the families that were split by this stupid maneuver. However, I could be persuaded to let you keep it, under two conditions. The first would be a harbour or port where we could station part of our fleet. Leased land, perhaps. I don't trust the Athenians right now, with them restricting our base on Kythira to a rather miniscule amount of land. The second would be free passage between the borders for people from the swiss region into France and vice versa. Is that agreeable?"

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Therese chuckled and nodded. "Open borders? My dear Chairman, we already have open borders between your people and France, it is you who do not have open borders with us. But that kind of progressiveness is music to my ears and to be able to have the French people within France, it is truly a beautiful thing. I remember the Bund from my history classes, a truly idiotic philosophy they had, it reminds me a great deal of Burgundy to be honest. The desire to create a super German state were there are many more other ethnicities, cleansing, the most disgusting thing I've ever heard up in my life."

"However, as to your deal for a harbor, the port of Brest is quite large and I'm sure we could station both some of your fleet and ours in that area. There won't be any leased land, you are just more than welcomed to hold the harbor along with us. We have no problems in allowing our neighbors in the area. To say any different, would be rude. But I think I've agreed to you and you to me. Anything else we need to discuss Monsieur?"

[Lynneth]

"I don't think we have an agreement of free borders as I envision it for the region, meaning zero controls aside from 'You're a legitimate inhabitant of the swiss region, you can pass'. it would essentially abolish all borders for those people, simply to unite the region's people, if not administrations.
Otherwise, however, I have nothing to add."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

It had been the greater part of the year and relations between the South German state and the French Empire had been in a word, positive. The two nations had pretty much the same philosophy on the world, minus their differing opinions of the North Germans, but all friends had their differences. Needless to say, France found itself in quite a sticky situation as of late, worsening relations in Asia, while Eastern Europe seemed to be growing closer together, likewise Asian Affairs going closer with Eastern Europe as well. With the Western European Union nearly run by France at this point, Therese realized early on that while her friendship with Scotland, Valencia, and Taeunas was absolute, their involvement in world affairs in general was barely coherent and therefore it was a necessity to be able to rely on close friends outside Western Europe. Or just bordering as was the case with South Germany.

The French and South Germans had signed a mutual defense pact prior to the civil war and South Germany had been allowed to dock along side French ships in Brest and LaRochelle, in return, France retained the city of Geneve in what could be considered South German Switzerland. However by this time, the Empress looked as though with the Empire's ambitions as well as the South German's own power, combined with France's own could become one of the greatest forces in the world. A reformation of their friendship was in order and a letter was postmarked to the Palace of the Republic in Vienna.

[quote]

[b][i]TO: Chairman Obama of the German Democratic Republic
From: HIH Therese I, Empress of France[/i][/b]
[i]
Excellency,

It has been too long since we last spoke and indeed so much as changed, at least in terms of the crown that now sits a top of my head. With the changes in both South Germany and in France, along with the greater part of the world, I believe there is no better time then to rethink the official friendship of the Franco-South German Alliance. Therefore, I would invite you to come to Versailles for an audience with myself and my Foreign Minister, we would like to talk to you about an upgrade of our alliance to bring our countries even closer together on the world stage.

Sincerely,

Therese Zelle[/i]
[b]Empress of France [/b]
[/quote]

[Lynneth]

[quote]To: HIH Therese I, Empress of France
From: Premier Obama of the German Democratic Republic

Your Majesty,

It has indeed been a long time, and I do agree much has changed, here in Europe and out in the world. The rise of new powers all over the world, nuclear powers even, is something to be concerned about, even if they all scream and cry that they'll never use these terrifying weapons first.
I will thus gladly come and visit you in Versailles, bringing with me Minister Westerwelle as well as two elite Bodyguards, if you do not mind.

I very much look forward to the meeting between you and I. It can only bring good.

Regards,

Alexeij Obama
Premier of the GDR[/quote]


With the message sent, everything would be prepared for the Premier, Westerwelle and the two bodyguards to be flown to the airport nearest to Versailles, the building some claimed to be the most beautiful palace on Earth.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

And indeed it was, when the German delegation arrived, after being escorted by the French Imperial Guard as soon as they had crossed the border of the Empire. From that checkpoint, it was a long drive until they reached the iron gates of the Palace of Versailles. It was a grand day, blue skies, the trees seemed excessively green, and the laughter and cries of aristocrats, lovers, officials, and guardsmen walking around the outer courtyard as when the Germans arrived, the French Foreign Minister, Charles Talles walked down from the entrance corridors of the palace to where the German delegation stood.

"Madames et Monsieurs, Your Excellencies." Talles said as he bowed low. "We have been expecting you, Her Majesty is in the drawing rooms upstairs, if you would follow me." He led them into the palace itself, through the gilded corridors of golden and silver pallets and walls, urns and vases of flowers and plants, while the sun shown beautifully in through the glass windows of the halls. Walking up the staircases to the upper floors of the palace, they approached a set of large wooden door of white with a golden knob. Talles knocked quietly and then opened the doors walking in. Therese sat near the window looking out into the courtyard and then seeing her guests, rose, her dress trailing on the ground, her eyes sparkling the jeweled embroidery on her dress.

"Your Excellencies, welcome to Versailles, I'm glad that you were able to come with such short notice. Please, sit down, we have a great deal to talk about. Pierre should be in soon with a few refreshments." As they gathered around the central wooden table, four manservants walked in with glasses of wine and a plate of pastries, for the four Germans as well as Therese and Charles. Taking a sip of the Merlot, which had been brought, Therese smiled. "I believe our friendship could be expanded, given the changing world. Actually I think it is a necessity."

[Lynneth]

As announced, both Obama and Westerwelle had come here, followed by two guards, one male and one female, those two clad in apparently relatively thin suits with digital urban camouflage and most likely not carrying weapons, as the french probably were careful about this in Versailles. The two guards also had, interestingly, helmets with what resembled cat-ears, though when asked about them, they'd claim it to be built-in radar, radio and audio equipment and they'd refuse to take them off under any circumstances.

Regardless, they followed the Frenchman silently to the room.

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' date='20 May 2010 - 10:39 PM' timestamp='1274387963' post='2305652']Therese sat near the window looking out into the courtyard and then seeing her guests, rose, her dress trailing on the ground, her eyes sparkling the jeweled embroidery on her dress. [/quote]
The female guard's eyes seemed to sparkle a bit when she saw the Empress in her beautiful dress, but otherwise didn't show much emotion.

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' date='20 May 2010 - 10:39 PM' timestamp='1274387963' post='2305652']"Your Excellencies, welcome to Versailles, I'm glad that you were able to come with such short notice. Please, sit down, we have a great deal to talk about. Pierre should be in soon with a few refreshments."[/quote]
"Majesty, I'm nothing but a servant to my people. I'm no excellency or any such thing."

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' date='20 May 2010 - 10:39 PM' timestamp='1274387963' post='2305652']As they gathered around the central wooden table, four manservants walked in with glasses of wine and a plate of pastries, for the four Germans as well as Therese and Charles. Taking a sip of the Merlot, which had been brought, Therese smiled. "I believe our friendship could be expanded, given the changing world. Actually I think it is a necessity."[/quote]
Sitting at the table, the guards would decline any alcoholic drink, instead asking for simple water, in addition not eating. The two older men, however, drank and ate with style.
"There are many things which are a necessity. There also are things that are wants and others that are needs," said Westerwelle.
"What exactly would you have in mind, Empress?" asked the Premier.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"I never like to sound like a pessimist, but the world has been quite volatile of late and this recent explosion in nuclear growth by neighbors and faraway powers alike does nothing to settle my nerves. Worse for the Empire is that whilst I do not deny our desires for imperial expansion both in Europe and across the waters." She winked. "Though both German States would never cross my mind. But given those tendencies, South Germany is really the only state, besides nations like the Imperium of Canada who we are technically rebuilding from the bottom up. With this lack of treaties and the Western European Union essentially unresponsive besides France really. I doubt their ability to respond to anything that would threaten the Empire. Therefore, given our recent friendship over Brest and Geneve as well as the support I believe France can lend to you people. I would be interested in upgrading our treaty to include an aggression clause."

Therese sighed. "I realize that it might seem a bit much, but it is my opinion that it would be best for both of our states. Given at in truth, South Germany and France are the two strongest and influential powers in Western Europe anyways. Your opinions?"

Edited May 20, 2010 by Sarah Tintagyl

[Lynneth]

[i]"I never like to sound like a pessimist, but the world has been quite volatile of late and this recent explosion in nuclear growth by neighbors and faraway powers alike does nothing to settle my nerves."[/i]
"That's not pessimism, it's realism. The world is volatile, always has been, and the explosion of nuclear-capable nations - literally even - is something of great concern to established nations such as the GDR."


"Worse for the Empire is that whilst I do not deny our desires for imperial expansion both in Europe and across the waters." She winked. "Though both German States would never cross my mind."
"Of course not. We still do have a treaty." said the German foreign minister, smiling.

[i]"But given those tendencies, South Germany is really the only state, besides nations like the Imperium of Canada who we are technically rebuilding from the bottom up. With this lack of treaties and the Western European Union essentially unresponsive besides France really. I doubt their ability to respond to anything that would threaten the Empire. Therefore, given our recent friendship over Brest and Geneve as well as the support I believe France can lend to you people. I would be interested in upgrading our treaty to include an aggression clause."
Therese sighed. "I realize that it might seem a bit much, but it is my opinion that it would be best for both of our states. Given at in truth, South Germany and France are the two strongest and influential powers in Western Europe anyways. Your opinions?"[/i]
"The WEU is a corpse. Scotland rarely lets the world know of anything and most others in it are isolationist like few others. In the south, there is only a weak Italy, in the north are numerous small persistant states. In the east are the Slavs, divided by their petty squabbles. The only power in or near Europe worth anything is perhaps the Athenian Federation, and they're only worth anything because Rebel Army is backing them. Without RA, they'd be but a footnote in Europe's history, very much like many other nations." Obama drank some more wine, looking up, through the ceiling and into the sky.
"Our relations are better than with any other state. There are few nations we could potentially gain as true, trusty allies. What you ask is not too much. In fact it almost is too little, Therese. I expect the world to soon go down in flames once more. But this time, Europe must not be touched by any invading force. A multicultural and liberal coalition will defend it, with us two as vanguard." He smiled at her.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

[quote]
[b]Preamble[/b]
The German Democratic Republic and the Republic of France, two countries who wish strengthen ties and forge a long lasting friendship and mutual cooperation in international affairs, hereby agree to this pact.

[b]Article I: Non Aggression[/b]
Both nations pledge not to initiate any form of hostile actions against the other, and shall keep an open line of communications between both governments.

[b]Article II: Mutual Defense[/b]
Both nations agree to aid and defend one another in times of war. If one nation becomes the victim of an outside aggressor the other is obligated, by this pact, to aid with political, monetary and military resources.

[b]Article III: Mutual Aggression[/b]
Both nation agree to aid their partner nation in aggressive action during times of war. This aid stems from political, monetary, and military resources.

[b]Article IV: Intelligence Sharing[/b]
If either signatory of this pact receives sensitive information concerning the safety and security of the other they are required to share it and when applicable the source of said information.

[b]Article V: Trade[/b]
Both signatories should endeavor to reduce or eliminate tariffs, and pledge to increase trade between both signatories.

[b]Article VI: Withdrawal[/b]
Either signatory may withdraw from this pact at any time, but they are required to notify the other signatory forty-eight (48) hours prior.

[u]Signed for the Empire of France,[/u]

[i]HIH Therese I[/i]
[b]Empress of France[/b]

[i]Charles Talles[/i]
[b]Foreign Minister[/b]

[u]Signed for the German Democratic Republic,[/u]

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Bayern/GDR/ObamaSig.png[/img]
[i]Alexeij Vladimirovich Obama[/i]
[b]Premier[/b]

[i]Guido Westerwelle[/i]
[b]Foreign Minister [/b]
[/quote]

Edited May 21, 2010 by Sarah Tintagyl

[Lynneth]

"Consider it signed."

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/CNRP/Bayern/GDR/ObamaSig.png[/img]
[i]Alexeij Vladimirovich Obama[/i]
[b]Premier[/b]

[i]Guido Westerwelle[/i]
[b]Foreign Minister[/b]

[Sarah Tintagyl]

After the reformed treaty had been signed, Therese smiled and rolled it up, placing it into the desk behind her. Returning to the chair she sat down took a sip of her tea. "There will be a copy sent to your Foreign Ministry by tomorrow Excellence. But I do agree with you Monsieur Obama, there is great potential for a Europe lead by the peoples of France and South Germany. Our allies are many, North Germany, Denmark, Scandinavia, and Russia, and I hope one day the East can come to terms, but their paranoia is supreme. I'm sure they will see this as little more as some resurrection of the German Empires of old. Nevertheless their paranoia will not ruin either my ambitions, or your own I am sure."

Therese raised her glass. "Let this be an alliance to last the ages."

[Lynneth]

Obama nodded.
"They'll condemn this and cry and scream about it. But they will not stop us in realizing the visions we have for this world."
He raised his glass, which Westerwelle did as well.