It was a cold drizzly blustery autumn morning in New Mako - Izaakston, President Stella Blanc had been up late the night before, making diplomatic calls following the Ryccian Provocation, where Snolland had had agreed to Ryccian bases in Hazelbrust. 
However, she was feeling bright eyed and bushy tailed as she prepared for the visit of King Andrei of Stoinia, a state visit that was going to be the first of a series of diplomatic efforts with the USIs Bailtemic neighbours. President Blanc, a woman of habit, showered, dressed in Blue Jeans, a Green Wool Jumper, and a Black Gilet, and ate the same breakfast she usually eats, a spicy bacon fried rice that was a typical fusion of Huawanese and Montacian food that is common in Izaakia. 
She completed some essential presidential tasks before 8.30am, and did some research on King Andrei. She was hoping that he would be a sympathetic ear to Izaakian concerns and to promoting peace in Bailtem. By 9am, she was leaving Fin House in to her forest green Ice Shark - Armoured Urban SUV, preferring to drive herself, as it often gave her time alone to think.
Without police escort or much fuss at all, she drove from Fin House along the coast eastwards to IAF East Izaakston, which is an airforce base, however it is the normal airport of arrival for foreign dignitaries and where the state jet Bomber Command One is based. Traffic was light as rush hour was ending and she was heading out of town, rather than towards it. Around 5 miles out of Izaakston she turned due south, for a mile into the woods, and arrived at IAF East Izaakston, where her team were waiting in the old Bomber Commanders house, which had been repurposed as a bespoke terminal for state visits and the presidential jet. 
As she entered the house, she was greeted with a hot soy milk pumpkin spice latte, and was told King Andre shouldn’t be much longer than 30 minutes away from landing. In truth, she was rather looking forward to her day ahead, not least because she could see King Andrei’s supersonic plane up close and in the flesh, she had hoped to upgrade Bomber Command One to a super sonic plane by now, however getting funding approval had taken longer than expected, and the similar plane she had ordered from Izaakian Aeronautics was still a few weeks from delivery. 
The weather was starting to clear up a little, which boded well for the plans she had with King Andrei, and then she saw the plan headed down to the airstrip in the distance.

Gianni: “Izaakia, I hate you so much. You’re such a good bad guy. Must be because of your genes“.
Gianni, 21:42 14 Dec 2020, # Pacifica Discussion

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The King's Condor landed smoothly and elegantly on the tarmac of IAF East Izaakston. It was as stylish on the inside as the outside. Stoinia might not be amongst the largest geopolitical players, but it had its own determination and the King's plane reflected it. While the previous supersonic planes received a lot of criticism about the noise, the airliners of Azure World had agreed to limit supersonic flight over landmasses and disengage well before arriving into the hearing range of cities. He had no intention to enter Izaakia with any disturbance to its citizens. As his personal plane Șoim Regal or Royal Hawk landed to the airstrip, his entourage prepared for the ceremonial entry. The door hissed open and a dozen of Stoinian Royal Guardsmen stepped forward. They wore their traditional dark blue uniforms with gilded red epaulets on their shoulders. All of them presented their bayonetted arms made in Stoinia and marched with utter precision as they kept their kepi on their heads straight. They formed two lines across a red carpet and finally King Andrei emerged from the plane in a modest suit with the Stoinian flag pinned on his left chest. He was greeted by a ray of sunlight and couldn't help but see it as an omen. Religion was important to him and it gave him the insights to enjoy such little things. He smiled at President Blanc as he crossed over the carpet, but scanned the surroundings and noticed a lack of cars. Finally he gave his hand to give a firm handshake as he greeted her with a welcoming smile.
- "Ah, President Blanc. A pleasure to finally meet you in person here nearby New Mako. I hope our talks will be as joyful as the weather. Pacifica proves to be full of surprises and too few of them are alleviating. I hope we can count these talks amongst one of them. Though I have an inquiry before we start, I noticed a lack of escort cars during my walk to you. I trust my entourage and I will receive the necessary transportation?"

Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor

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As President Blanc approached the plane, she was rather surprised by the formality of the whole disembarking from the plane. She’d always taken a more casual approach to foreign visits, and this was the first one she’d hosted, but she none the less rather enjoyed the pageantry. 
In response to King Andrei she said.

“Good morning, your highness, yes, it has finally started to turn out well today, was a foggy drizzle earlier. But I’m glad it’s brightened up a bit, because I have a bit of a surprise for you. I’ve actually been doing training to be a helicopter pilot and I’ve just passed my test, so I was hoping you’d oblige me and join for my first solo flight?

The wonderful people at the airforce have agreed to let me take the Presidential helicopter, that wonderful burgundy beast over there. Anyway, it’s the best way to see the city, and we’re flying 80km as the crow flies, so it’ll save lots of time on our journey. Of course if you wish, you could fly with a more experienced pilot I’d be more than happy to meet you there.

and may I say, I’ve been admiring your plane, actually have something similar from Izaakian Aeronautics on its way, with me always jetting between Keyli and Bailtem a supersonic plane pays for its self, I do wonder if it’s quicker to circumnavigate the Remtull islands or slow to sub-supersonic, anyway, I digress shall we?”

Gianni: “Izaakia, I hate you so much. You’re such a good bad guy. Must be because of your genes“.
Gianni, 21:42 14 Dec 2020, # Pacifica Discussion

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- "You're going to give my entourage a headache, Mrs. President."
King Andrei looked over his shoulder back to his Royal Guardsmen. Protocols surrounding his safety had been stricter as he sneaked away with the Stoinian volunteers in the Spirasian Civil War. He had gained a bit of a reckless reputation as a Crown Prince that still echoed to this day to his own discontent.
- "Though it's an excellent opportunity to experience the thrill again from my younger years in Spiras. Have an escort ready for my men and I'll be your co-pilot then. Perhaps I'll even give you a few tips and tricks of how we pilot in Stoinia. I'm sure the view of the city will be splendid. Couldn't think of a more original and symbolic way to open these talks. Please do lead the way and I'll be more than happy to share some insights of supersonic travel."

Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor

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They embarked onto the helicopter, with various security details and advisors boarded onto helicopters that flew in formation behind the lead helicopter. Throughout the flight they mostly discussed planes, helicopters and the view over Izaakia, with various little facts and discussions about points of interests. 

The flew west, over the straights of mako, at first on their left they could see the sprawling planned concentric circles of Izaakston, which is the political capital of the United States of Izaakia, flying over the centre of Izaakston where there is a park surrounded by government buildings, the Classically Styled Supreme Court, Foreign Office, Royal Palace and Home Office on the seas edge the centrepiece of the whole design, the gothic parliament building a majestic collection of grand interconnected buildings that have clearly expanded over time. 

Behind the parliament building jutting out to see were two artificial islands in the shape of the two circling sharks of Izaakia. On these islands we’re various government buildings and residences, including the presidential residence Fin House. 

As they flew over west Izaakston they flew over the three bridges that connect Izaakston and New Mako City, which in contrast to Izaakston is organised in a grid pattern, and is a densely populated high rise city, with a backdrop of mountains, almost forming a valley with the Snowborn Alps on the mainland to the left. Both seafronts by this point are densely populated with shipyards and ports, forming one of the largest trading ports in the world. 

They then turned south, through a valley in the Snowborn alps, where they saw the infamous Snowgard Prison on a snowy peak, a former fortress where Izaakias most dangerous criminals are kept, including former prime minister Ernest Le Rogue. In the foothills to the south of the Snowborn Alps, the finally approached their destination, Slaughter House, the Presidential country retreat. Formerly the home of the Earls of Slaughter, it was gifted to the government during the Great War when the Earl of Slaughters heirs were all killed in an assault on the house by Karnetvorian and Technagnetian forces. 

The Grand House, is large, but not sprawling, and set amongst a beautiful but bleak part of the country, snow capped mountains to the north, and to the south deep purple moorlands and marshes for many miles. The house is only accessible by air, or a single track gravel road that meanders east through the marshes, providing seclusion for the president. 

As they landed gently, on the misty southern lawn President Blanc said, “I thought you might like to stay here, discuss things away from the press, and perhaps we can take the guns out and bag a few birds for supper. Particularly, I would like to discuss the Concordia Entente, and the threat that it poses to Izaakia with its hosting of Ryccian bases.”

Gianni: “Izaakia, I hate you so much. You’re such a good bad guy. Must be because of your genes“.
Gianni, 21:42 14 Dec 2020, # Pacifica Discussion

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King Andrei viewed the city from above. While the urban planning had been clear and showed great Izaakian architectural sense, he still wasn't a fan of it. He'd grown in the classical city of Sinaia where all buildings were neo-classical with Brânșovenesc elements. A blend of an architectural style from the ancient Tolosans and ethnic Stoinian elements. He looked at New Mako with a hint of regret. While it had become a modern city, it also lost some of its soul according to him. The only hint of Izaakian culture in his eyes were the two circling sharks but he couldn't see past the predatory military actions on Crabry by Izaakia. Instead of cooperation, the shark went in for the kill and claim victory as their own. Something King Andrei hadn't forgotten.
As they approached the Grand House, Andrei truly enjoyed the seclusion. He gave President Blanc a few more tips on how to land the helicopter as she still wasn't landing as smoothly as he was accustomed to. A bit more pedal handling had done the trick. Finally he dropped the pilot gear and debarked from the helicopter. The President would likely jump directly to the point but he wished to see how Stella would react to a more regal conversation.
- "A fine place yes. Reminds me of the many castles we have in Stoinia. Though our cities are more entuned with nature and we have less a need for seclusion." He commented on his current surroundings while still softly giving away his opinion on the city. "I'm not one to refuse a pleasant hunt. I take it you'll skin your own food as well? As for the Ryccian bases... Those can wait until supper. In the meantime I wished to discuss how the new arrangement with Her Majesty Empress Astrid is evolving. I understand She's a harbinger of Izaakian values yet I have heard so little of her the past few months."

Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor

(This post was last modified: 05-02-2022, 07:52 PM by Maverick.)

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“Ahah, perfect, I was hoping you’d want to do a pleasant pheasant hunt, try saying that 5 times quickly, and no, not so much anymore, of course I’m familiar with de-breasting a pheasant, but since I’ve been President, the cooks usually do the honour.”

She pulls out two shot guns from her luggage, and they head our onto the moorland.

”You’ll find few better shot guns than these Izaakian made ones, finest craftsmanship on earth. Anyway, back to your question, the empress has been doing just fine, we’ve not really had the new role in the republic to develop itself, she’s effectively been on maternity leave the whole time, spending time with her new family. But she has been of great support for me, especially when I had the two assassination attempts and the land mine incident, and she has been of great support with veterans. 
But I’d like to think the most important traditional Izaakian value is family. Anyway when she comes back to work, I hope she can be the softer side of Izaakia, promote our values, our charity and our traditions.”

BANG! President Blanc gets her first pheasant of the shoot.

Gianni: “Izaakia, I hate you so much. You’re such a good bad guy. Must be because of your genes“.
Gianni, 21:42 14 Dec 2020, # Pacifica Discussion

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- "Listening to royalty isn't just useful for surviving perilous situations. But also at ruling a country. Izaakia is indeed lucky to have sensible royalty. Perhaps a luxury that's been dying off the past decade. May God forgive Faddchinor."
King Andrei did an Orthodox cross-sign as he mentioned the late Emperor of Techganet whose funeral he had attended. He had a deep respect for the man and lamented the recent evolution in Stoinia's Tarnian cousin of Earamia. 
- "Let us not focus on the past, but the future instead. I'm glad to hear Her Majesty is finding a new balance. As you said, despite giving up the crown, she can still be paramount to Izaakian culture. You can tell her that she's more than welcome to pay visit to Stoinia once her schedule allows it. I haven't really gotten to know the softer side of Izaakia yet. Alas... For another time. We'll have to hurry if we're going to catch any pheasants."

King Andrei had been a seasoned hunter in fact. While he was a bit more adventurous and rebellious in his youth, he found that hunting was a way for him to seek the thrill that wouldn't immediately put his entire dynasty at stake. When President Blanc shot down the first pheasant, she alarmed all the other ones in the field. Soon the fields were filled with dozens of pheasants. Andrei wasted no time and shot two consecutive pheasants and loaded his gun just in time to shoot his third bird down.
- "I'm glad I'm not getting rusty with my old age. You haven't done bad yourself Ms President. Glad the wildlife is still blooming on Keyli."

Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor

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“Well, ours managed to stay on top for over 3000 years, so they certainly know a thing or two about sticking around. Between the two of us, I find the whole idea of monarchy old fashioned, but the people do like to cling on to their traditions.” 

*Bang* Dead pheasant

”Perhaps the most sensible thing she, and her family have done is the peaceful transfer to a democracy, with their reputation and property in tact, most monarchies end in heads on blocks. I shall send her your regards, and forward your offfer”

An aide comes along with two glasses of Moorland Whisky. 

“Let’s raise a toast to evolution not revolution” 

“I do hope I’ve not offended. You must tell me more about the role of King in Stoinia. Perhaps we should call it a day out here on the hunt, before we create a local extinction event with your fine shooting skills. You’re truly as spritely as your youthful looks suggest, not rusty at all.”

Gianni: “Izaakia, I hate you so much. You’re such a good bad guy. Must be because of your genes“.
Gianni, 21:42 14 Dec 2020, # Pacifica Discussion

(This post was last modified: 05-07-2022, 05:20 PM by Izaakia.)

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- "I've found that traditions and church are the cornerstones of each ethnicity. You can't have one without the other. That's why people cling to it. But alas the people must choose themselves and preferably without bloodshed. I'm glad Izaakia was able to avert such actions, though I do still pray for Earamia." Andrei replied to the President's comments. He knew they would disagree, but that didn't mean they couldn't enjoy each others company or respect the differing opinions.
As the aide gave him a glass, he grabbed it firmly and smelled the whiskey. It was indeed a good one by the smell of it.
- "Aye. To evolution."
Andrei drank it swiftly while still tossing the whiskey around his mouth for an optimal taste. Finally the strong taste kicked in.
- "One can only imagine what I was able to do in my younger years." He jokingly replied to the compliment before continuing to explain his role as they walked back from the hunt. "I'm not offended at all, Ms President. In fact I rather enjoy the fact that we're not at each others throats despite our differences. I'll tell you a bit more about my role. The official title is Voievod which is used interchangeably since the word King became popular by the turn of the 19th century. In many ways I still hold considerable power, but I'm glad I don't have to use it. Though perhaps I will in case of foreign policy as I aim to improve Stoinia on that front. I'm sure you're familiar with CMEC through Sallodesia. That success is proof that I don't have to insert myself into politics. Let the people govern themselves. Though in times of need, the burden will undoubtedly fall to me. Whether I want it or not. That's what a monarchy is for according to us Stoinians, to provide quality leadership should the need arise. I hope I would be up to the task."

Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor

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