Copalan Copium
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Copala City Hall, New Moreland Province
As promised, Prime Minister Bridges will be meeting the Inquistan Archbishop Mikaela Kligenberg. To prepare for the visit, Simon already went to stay at the Residence Tower of the Copala City Hall along with his entourage. He also invited the new First Minister of New Moreland, Mark Pack, to join in the conversation. Mark travelled from Hargrove City, the provincial capital, to Copala City and stayed at the City Hall and met the Prime Minister.At his room, Simon again wore the suit Mikaela bought him as well as the shoes he bought from Inquista. This time, he had a plan for Mikaela as a sort of "revenge" for what he had been into in Inquista. He met Mark before the convoy left the City Hall for the Kligenberg Copalan Estate.
Kligenberg Copalan Estate
Moments later, the convoy pulled over at the beautiful estate. Simon got out of the car and fixed his suit like James Bond. He made sure to bring his Aston Martin DB5 converted to Electric Propulsion for the "revenge".SB: "Ah Mikaela, it's nice to see you again. It seems like you've just finished constructing this beautiful estate of yours. I hope things had been going very well for you recently, just as my recent re-election. Sorry I couldn't bring my wife, as she's busy with some work back in the Black House."
Mark also got out of the car behind Simon and shook the hands of Mikaela.
SB: "This is Mark Pack, he's the newly elected First Minister of New Moreland. Mr. Pack, this is Ms. Kligenberg, the Archbishop of Inquista."
MP: "Nice to meet you Ms. Kligenberg, I've heard a lot from you even when I was just an MP (Member of Parliament). I hope these negotiations go well."In the entourage are the Ministers for Trade and Industry, Tourism, Foreign Affairs, Local Government, Budget and Finance, and Defense, along with some Secretaries for Sub-ministerial departments such as the Department for Devolution and Autonomy (now the Department for Federal Administrative Relations).
Simon's plan was simple, let his entourage negotiate with Silas and Antoni while he takes Mikaela in a crazy ride worst than what she did to him. He's just waiting for the right time to take Mikaela out on his Aston Martin DB5 and introduce her to the beauty of Copala City.
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The Inquistans politely greeted their Reitzmic counterparts. After exchanging introductions, the Inquistans led their guests to the dining room. A buffet of various finger foods, hors d'oeuvres, and alcoholic drinks stood near the entrance. The Archbishop gestured for her Reitzmic guests to help themselves to some food, and she sat herself on a large circular antique sofa that was somewhat distanced from the main dining table, and was perched by a large fireplace that had been lit. The Archbishop decided that discussing politics was best done over a more informal dinner, which would soften the seriousness of the matters at hand. The Archbishop crossed her legs and waved at her guests to join her, beckoning them to seat themselves on the large sofa as they ate their food.
The Archbishop was flanked by Silas and Antoni who sandwiched her, while the Reitzmic delegation sat at the opposite end, facing them. Once more pleasantries and small talk was had, the Archbishop then got up from her seat and signaled for Prime Minister Bridges to follow her. Mikaela led the Prime Minister to the study room, where she then surprised the Prime Minister with a gift. The Archbishop presented Prime Minister Bridges with a silver and glass beaded bracelet, as well as a pair of glass earrings for his wife. Inquistan glass and glass jewelry are staples of Inquistan craftwork, and so the Archbishop figured they would make for a good gift.
"I hope your wife will like the earrings," the Archbishop commented with a smile, before then looking the Prime Minister up and down. "I also appreciate that you're wearing that outfit I chose for you in Saint Dominico! It really suits you. You look dapper and handsome as always. I'm surprised your wife hasn't announced any new children since then!"
Mikaela reared her head to the side and glanced through the door way, peering into the other room, where she saw everyone else talking rather seriously. The Archbishop decided that this didn't seem very interesting and gave the Prime Minister a skeptical and bored expression.
Once Mikaela left the room, Silas knew she was checking out of the conversation, and so he decided to press forward with business.
"Alright, gentlemen, let's get straight to it. I think we'll be able to come to a positive agreement that'll come to the benefit of Copala City and to Reitzmag. There are two main things Inquista would like to see: have Copala City maintain a certain status as a regional centre for Inquistan Orthodoxy, and have the city economically thrive with a new and larger stimulus and investment package. We understand that the government of Reitzmag wants to change the city name, and we are happy to support that, along with any additional changes your government would like to suggest," Antoni explained as Silas handed documents to the Reitzmic delegation.
Antoni then elaborated further, "these are the conditions that Inquista and Reitzmag agreed to in Nyetthem", before being interrupted by Silas.
"Floptthem", Silas interjected with a steely tone.
"Right," Antoni continued. "Anyway, these were the conditions that were actually agreed upon..."
Inquistan Conditions
- East Moreland shall be renamed New Moreland. New Moreland shall be recognized as a special and autonomous Reich within Reitzmag, and it will also be recognized as a holy Reich for Inquistan Orthodox citizens within the country.
- New Moreland's capital city will be a newly built city called Copala City. All other Inquistan Orthodox citizens across Reitzmag will be encouraged to move to Copala City as New Moreland is being rebuilt. These Inquistan Orthodox emigrants will help resettle and repopulate the Reich, as well as to rebuild it and its economy.
- Inquista would invest in, rebuild and help develop infrastructure in New Moreland, with particular focus on Copala City. Majority of Inquistan funds will be focused on rebuilding civil infrastructure, houses, hospitals, schools and a new and environmentally sustainable electrical grid.
- Inquista shall also provide tax credits to Inquistan investors who invest in or create businesses in New Moreland. Inquista shall also establish the The Air Marshal Copala Grant, which will pay-off all student loans to any European or Reitzmic citizen who has graduated from university within the last five years and has established a business in New Moreland for more than two years.
Reitzmic Conditions
- E. Moreland (New Moreland) will be an autonomous region until it's development is achieved, but shall still be under the laws of the URR.
- New Moreland will remain in its current government structure.
- The new city will rely on Nuclear or Solar Energy, we do not promote the use of pollutant sources of energy such as coal power plants.
- Rebuilding of Inquistan Orthodox Churches especially the Reitzmic Cathedral of Inquistan Orthodoxy
New Moreland would have devolved responsibility over:
- Economic Development
- Tourism
- Culture
- Housing
- Rural and Urban Development
- Food, Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries
- Public Administration and local government
- Health and Welfare
- Education
- Energy
- Infrastructure, including transportation
"As you can see, particular clauses within the agreement are quite oudated-" Antoni explained before being interrupted once again.
"And were completely violated and disregarded", Silas interjected.
"Mhm. Looking at this list, I believe.... uh, virtually none of the Inquista's conditions were actually met by the Reitzmic government. Despite this, we'll let history be history and move on-"
"Remember when the Reitzmic government just gave all of Copala City up to Icholasen? That was completely insane," Silas further interjected. "Insane."
"Mhm," Antoni politely nodded. "So, as everyone can see, this agreement is both outdated and has been violated so significantly it no longer makes any sense to keep. I think we can all forget about it and move on with a new and better accord.
Let's begin on the topic of governance and autonomy. As far as Moreland goes, following its development, the Inquistan Orthodox Church no longer sees it as overall significant to the Church, and so we don't see or expect it to have any special status; we are only concerned about Copala City. Moreland may do with itself as it wishes.
Copala City is a uniquely diverse city, which is multicultural but predominantly Orthodox, with a special history and a distinctly different heritage. With this in mind, and considering its hugely international orientation, investment and linkages, we hope and expect that Copala City will a significant amount of devolved administrative powers. The Inquistan Orthodox Church still recognises the city as a special city and site of Inquistan Orthodoxy, and for similar reasons, also expects it to have substantial administrative control of its own affairs.
As far as Copala City being part of Moreland, that is fine. The city is under Reitzmic law and can be under any sub-state authority that the Reitzmic government wishes, and the Church will continue to adamantly assert that the city is part of Reitzmag, but the city both needs and deserves a level of autonomy that was previously agreed upon.
However, this time, if the city is to have elections, it should be done under the Reitzmic electoral commission just like any Reitzmic election, because the last one was disastrous and almost certainly fraudulent," Antoni finished.
Silas raised his eyebrow and looked at his Reitzmic counterparts. "Opinions?"
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Simon followed Mikaela and wowed at the beautiful bracelet and earrings.
"She will really love these, I'll thank you on her behalf right now. I also brought you something, as I heard of your new engagement and you lost your ring."
Simon took a box of diamond-encrusted gold and platinum rings with the names of Mikaela and her fiancee engraved inside.
"I hope you like them, it was a gift for me from an old friend and I just had your names engraved at a jeweler near my house."
"I wear these in special occasions, this is something really special for me as it's a gift from a true friend. Well, we're yet to announce but she's finally having our baby. We haven't figured out their names yet, so I think it's good if I get some recommendations from my friends like you."
Simon looked at the other room where discussions were ongoing, serious was not in Mikaela's dictionary. And so when he saw her reaction, he began his "revenge".
"I know those things they're talking about are a bit boring, so why don't we get ourselves to enjoy and let them talk."
Before Mikaela uttered a single word. Simon took her out quickly and brought her to his Aston Martin DB5. He sneaked past the guards and drove with her out to Copala City's Central Business District. Simon's fellow ministers just shrugged at what they saw. On their way, Simon made a hard left turn that caught Mikaela off guard. He took a secret path to the Mall Of Asia Complex, the largest in the world by leasable area, where he'll buy her some nice clothing.
Moments later, they arrived and parked before going in the mall. Simon made sure to bring some masks to hide their identities and prevent people from knowing them. He put the mask on Mikaela and then put his. Then they went inside and he dragged her to the large Department Store and into the women's clothing section. Simon and Mikaela came to a part of the women's clothing section where he saw a beautiful dress he found when he planned for the revenge. He took the dress and gave it to Mikaela.SB: "Maybe you should go to the fitting room while I give you more clothes to try."
Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong carefully listened as the discussions went on.
CEY: "I believe that we all agree on these, the treaty was truly outdated and useless. Barely any part of the treaty was really executed as agreed. I think it's best if we hear the opinion of the new First Minister for New Moreland as he's the one to be mainly in charge of the area's local governance and development."
MP: "I don't see any problem with everything we've discussed so far to be honest. Although, the main concern I have is in terms of security in the area. As we all know, extremist groups have risen to destabilize the city. Now they have left, the only thing we have to do is ensure that extremism remains away from communities within my jurisdiction or of the entire country if possible."
BW: "I think we can agree that civil security and governmental stability is the primary concern we have with Copala City, apart from recovering it from the recent events. However, I do not know whether or not the Government of Inquista is trust-worthy for helping us in development of the area as they are a key ally of the country that brought this chaos to us."
CEY: "Inquista is trust-worthy, however I do feel that there needs to be some assurance for this considering the strong ties between them and Icholasen. So, maybe we could agree on something about that Mr. Kligenberg and Mr. Reynels?"
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Mikaela was very pleased that Prime Minister Bridges appeared to be on the same page as her, and she happily accepted being corralled into his Aston Martin DB5. The Archbishop loved the thrill of a sudden adventure, and she especially loved the thrill of a surprise. While the Prime Minister's erratic driving nearly made the Archbishop carsick, she managed to regain her stamina upon seeing the Mall Of Asia Complex, which looked like her sort of paradise. The Archbishop maintained a wide and giddy smile as the pair parked their car and entered the mall.
Upon shopping in the department store, the Archbishop accepted the dress the Prime Minister picked out for her. Mikaela zoomed to the fitting room, where she put the dress on and then studied herself for some time. The dress was very pretty, and Prime Minister Bridges certainly had taste, but the Archbishop wasn't completely sure if it was quite her style. The Archbishop decided she'd need the Prime Minister's opinion.
Mikaela exited the fitting room and waited for the Prime Minister to return to her with more clothes.
"Simey! Annyeonghaseyo! I'm Mikaela Kligenbeleku," Mikaela said as she then bowed. "So, what do you think? I like it, but I don't want to get cancelled for cultural appropriation."
"Very understandable," Antoni nodded. "Security and stability are of upmost importance, which is why the Inquistan Orthodox Church decided to take a firm stance against Copalan separatism, especially after the Nicoleizian exit, which caused chaos and damage that was completely unacceptable-"
"They were utter shitheads, and they will pay for it," Silas chimed in, cutting Antoni off. "Plain and simple. The Inquistan Orthodox Church does not tolerate shitheadry, which is exactly why we're here today, to make sure that such a disaster never repeats itself. The Nicoleizians are getting what they deserve with the mess now in Anastasia City, and Eilidh Whiteford, that fat cow, has gained like another 10 pounds."
Antoni scowled at Silas with contempt, and then quickly apologised on his behalf. "Please forgive him. What he's trying to say is that the Inquistan Orthodox Church is as displeased as you are, and just because the Nicoleizians are allies, does not mean we will tolerate any chaos that they unleash - especially against Inquistan Orthodox people.
Copala City's Orthodox population, status as a special Orthodox site, and the investment that Inquista will continue to pour into the city, should be enough assurance that we are very interested in keeping the city as secure and stable as possible. However, if you would like some more specific assurances, we would be happy to hear what you have in mind," Antoni finished.
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Simon wowed at Mikaela's appearance in the hanbok-styled dress. He responded in Korean while bowing before giggling with her.
SB: "안녕하세요크리겐버그씨, 저는박영기입니다 (In English: Hello Ms. Kligenberg, I'm Park Yeong-gi (Simon's Korean name)). I like it, it looks very fit for you."
He smiled before thinking of some other clothes he saw when he visited the store a few days before meeting with Mikaela. Section by section, he took clothes and started to give them to her.
The Reitzmic delegation smiled at how Silas reacted.
BW: "It's ok, we're used to seeing that expression whenever we drink with Foreign Minister Chung."
Everyone laughed at the joke.
CEY: "Hey, at least I can drive properly when drunk. But jokes aside, I think that the investment would be enough assurance for Inquista's good intentions."
Everyone else: "yeah"
BW: "That reminds me, maybe you and Mr. Kligenberg could come with us for the grand opening of the airport tomorrow."
MP: "I think that one good way of making things better is if we could sign a free movement deal for the province of New Moreland and Inquista."
CEY: "Good idea, but how about the Nyet...sorry, I meant Floptthem Accords. Since it seems very much outdated and failed, maybe we should withdraw from it and have this as a replacement treaty. I believe that is also a way to make things quicker such as changing the city's name to something that really fits."
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Mikaela was having the time of her life shopping, and she was quite pleased that Prime Minister Bridges seemed to be as interested in fashion and clothing as she was. However, the Archbishop was a bit weary of some of the articles of clothing the Prime Minister was picking out for her, since they were not quite her normal taste. Nevertheless, the Archbishop loved to experiment with fashion, and she especially cherished clothing that was picked out for her by her friends, and so she happily decided to try on the clothing that the Prime Minister was handing her.
After changing into another outfit, the Archbishop presented herself to Prime Minister Bridges and gave herself a twirl. "So, what do you think?"
"Agreed, we can replace that agreement immediately once we come to a consensus. We would also love to attend the airport opening," Antoni concurred. "I think we can also agree to a free movement deal. Free movement will help significantly with the development of the city."
"This brings us to the next topic, which is economic development" Silas chimed in. "We have several proposals. Firstly, the Inquistan Orthodox Church is hoping to put forward a Ꮠ300 billion infrastructure package for the city. We hope that this further expedites the development of city infrastructure, which we hope to see as green and as technologically advanced and accessible as possible. We hope that the governments of Reitzmag and Moreland also continue to join us in supporting the city with further investment and stimulus packages of their own."
Antoni nodded along to Silas, before then adding, "We are also willing to provide stimulant payments of Ꮠ1,400 per month for each resident of Copala City for one fiscal year, until 2023. As we understand, the government of Reitzmag provides UBI payments to Reitzmic citizens? If your government was generous enough to offer residents of the Copala City with a special UBI boost of 10% for the next fiscal year, in addition to the stimulus payments we are offering, then we believe that this will significantly attract new residents to the city and generate considerable spending, which will spur economic development even more greatly.
Inquista will also continue to provide tax credits to Inquistans who continue to invest in the city. To further boost investment, we also believe that a free trade agreement between Inquista and Reitzmag, where all tariffs are eliminated, will help further our mutual goals for the city."
"Lastly," Silas chimed in again, "we had a very interesting conversation with our pilot, Jimin of BTS, on our way here. With Reitzmag's Asianization process, K-Pop is quickly becoming a growing and more popular genre. There is definitely a lot of money to be made there, and I think it would be very wise to quickly jump on this opportunity to turn Copala City into a centre of K-Pop, and eventually, into a regional centre of music. Jimin said he would talk to Mr. Bang about relocating the HYBE Headquarters to Copala City, and I believe our respective government could offer grants to K-Pop record labels and companies to establish themselves and grow in the city. The city's K-Pop music industry would provide quite a few jobs, economic opportunities, and generate a lot of tourism. All in all, a lot of money to be made," Silas finished off with a smile.
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Simon was not a fan of weird clothing, but he didn't want to accidentally offend his friend by saying something wrong.
SB: "I'm not a fashion expert but that looks fine. Maybe try more of these luxury clothing."
CEY: "We will look into those, especially the possible increase in UBI. A bill is being discussed within the Labour Party to allow for the delegation of budgeting the UBI to the provinces. However, I don't think it's fair for all other citizens and residents of the country to get a different UBI and might create instability."
JB: "I can't promise anything about companies relocating to the city. Especially record label companies, as we are not allowed to force them to move somewhere unless it is extremely of public interest such as their location may be affected by road widening projects and other government projects. However, the Ministry of Trade and Industry will look into providing a budget for grants to all companies that will be established in the city or at least relocate their headquarters here."
MP: "I will have to consult the provincial government's cabinet and the Provincial Assembly of New Moreland before I comment on this, but I do agree with the honourable ministers of the crown here with us. Free Trade may take two forms, either free trade with the country or free trade with the province. However, I won't be selfish and rather encourage a free trade deal with the entire country instead of just New Moreland."
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Mikaela could read the Prime Minister's facial expression, and she instantly knew he disapproved of the outfit, despite his insistence that the outfit was fine. The Archbishop was somewhat puzzled, since she allowed the Prime Minister to pick the outfits for her, but she decided to move on. "I guess someone just doesn't understand a postmodern deconstruction of avant garde haute couture," the Archbishop thought to herself.
The Archbishop decided to take matters into her own hands and wandered to the pantsuit section in order to pick out a girlboss outfit. After finding a sleek pantsuit, the Archbishop went to the changing room once again, and then returned to the Prime Minister in her new clothes.
"Do I look like I'm ready to sign a free trade agreement or attend an European Nuclear Applications Authority meeting?" the Archbishop asked Prime Minister Bridges as she examined herself in a nearby mirror. "This pantsuit definitely gives me gaslight, but does it also exude gatekeep?"
Archbishop Kligenberg took a glance at her watch and then turned to the Prime Minister. "Simey, we've been gone for a good while. I think we can head back now, they're probably done talking about all that boring stuff. Oh gosh, well, at least I hope they are. I will practice writing my signature on the car ride back."
Bishop Secretaries Silas Kligenberg and Antoni Reynels simply nodded as their Reitzmic counterparts spoke. "Sounds good," Secretary Reynels answered simply and succinctly, who then decided to advance to the final topic of discussion.
"I suppose this brings us to the last order of business: a new name for Copala City. We're open to any ideas, but we also have a few suggestions. The first suggestion is very plain and simple but it does the job, which is to simply rename it to Caspian City. It's a simple and relatively similar name, which also also starts with C, and gives the location of the city. Or it be called Kaspisi, which is just the anglicization of 카스피 시, which also just means Caspian City. Another option is Kaspipinan which is an anglicization of 카스피 피난, which means Caspian Refuge. Thoughts or ideas?"
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Simon loved the outfit as it looks very much well for Mikaela. He was stunned by the transformation it gave to Mikaela. For him, it was one of the best definitions of luxury, something which he had lived throughout his life along with many Reitzmics since the economic boom of the 90s.
SB: "You look...gorgeous in that. It will truly give you a strong appearance in big meetings."
Then they both realized that they spent so much time in the very large department store that they almost forgot the time.
SB: "I agree, we should take some rest for tomorrow. If you want to come to the opening of the new International Airport. I guess they might be done with the boring talk. Let's check these out now and head back."
CEY: "I suppose you looked that up in a translator, so I understand. Caspian City is a good name, but I believe it's best that we consult a specialist for the correct korean translation. And I think it's best we ask Commissioner Park Baeg-beom here of the Commission for the Korean language"
PBB: "Thank you Minister Chung, I've already researched some possible names for the city including Caspian City. What I've researched for the name Caspian City is that it will have the korean name 백해시, with a corresponding hanja of 白海市. This korean name has a literal meaning of White Lake City, since White is the origin of the name Caspian from the latin Caspii. This follows the standard format of city names in the country, which is usually 2-3 syllables followed by the title 시 (which means city)."
CEY: "Well, we now have the correct korean name and hanja for the name Caspian City. I think we can agree that such is a really good name. But I'd like to know what my fellow ministers also think."
Everyone else: "yeah"
MP: "I suppose that we already have an agreement for the name. I'm thankful for this agreement."
CEY: "The Prime Minister requested me one more thing, which is to also ask for suggestions on the new name of New St. Regina City. He told me that he wants to erase the bad memory of what the extremist nicolezians have done. And so I ask you to please also help us for replacing the name of NSR."
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"Regina means 'queen' in Latin, so I simply recommend changing New St. Regina to New Rex, in honour of your own king," Antoni smiled.
The Archbishop and the Prime Minister then returned, and entered the room. The Archbishop seated herself between the Inquistans and flashed them a smile.
"I'm so sorry to have missed all the fun," the Archbishop commented with dubious sincerity, "the Prime Minister and I had to attend... an emergency concerning very important state matters. Anyway, are we ready to sign an agreement?"
"Yes, your Holiness," Antoni commented as he presented a document to the Archbishop. The Archbishop proceeded to glance over the document very quickly, before then signing it and passing it over to her Reitzmic counterparts.
Caspian Treaty of 2021
I. Copala City shall officially be renamed and recognised as Caspian City.
II. Caspian City shall be recognised as a city under the full territorial jurisdiction of the Kingdom Reitzmag.
III. Copala City shall be recognised as a holy city for Inquistan Orthodox citizens within Reitzmag, and for Inquistan Orthodoxy in the East.
IV. Inquista shall continue to invest in and support the development of infrastructure in Caspian City through a new Ꮠ300 billion investment and stimulus package. Inquistan funds will be earmarked towards building new city infrastructure, including houses, hospitals, schools, roads, railways, expanding the energy grid, and other vital civic necessities.
V. Inquista shall provide stimulus payments of Ꮠ1,400 per month to each resident of Copala City for the fiscal year of 2022.
VI. Inquista shall provide tax credits to Inquistan investors who invest in or create businesses in Caspian City. Inquista shall continue to offer the Air Marshal Copala Grant to residents of Caspian City, which will pay-off all student loans to any European or Reitzmic citizen who has graduated from university within the last five years and has established a business in Caspian City for more than two years.
VII. Reitzmag shall be encouraged to contribute federal subsides to the development and economic prosperity of Caspian City. Reitzmag shall offer economic grants to all companies that either establish or relocate their headquarters to Caspian City.
VIII. Inquista and Reitzmag shall establish free trade with one another, and shall eliminate all existing trade barriers and trade tariffs between their respective states.
IX. Free movement and shall be established between Inquista and Reitzmag.
X. Caspian City shall be granted autonomy over matters concerning economic development, tourism, culture, religion, housing, urban development, infrastructure and transportation, food, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, civic governance, health, welfare, education and energy.
XI. Caspian City will be governed by the Caspian City Council, headed by the City Mayor. City elections will be overseen and organised by a relevant Reitzmic electoral commission. New elections for the Caspian City Council and Mayor will be held as promptly as possible.
XII. The electrical grid of Caspian City shall only make use of renewable energies, and the use of coal and other high polluting energy sources shall be prohibited for energy consumption.
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Simon took a short breathing break for a moment before entering the room. He then came in looking at the discussions as if nothing "unorthodox" happened.
SB: "Apologies I did not say we left, we just had to attend to some very important state matters. So....what's the current topic about?"
Minister Chung easily saw something strange about what happened. And as the joker guy among the current cabinet, he knew it was an opportunity for a very good joke.
CEY: "It's okay Simon, we all know what you and Ms. Kligenberg did."
Min. Chung smirked at the Prime Minister before looking at the rest of the delegation. Minister Wallace then made a follow-up statement to support his colleague's joke.
BW: "Come on Simon, don't make your wife nag on us again."
The other ministers then laughed, they knew what it all meant.
SB: "Guys, stop. I know what you all are trying to say. I'll explain what really happened later at our meeting. Anyway, what's going on right now."
CEY: "Well...all that's left is you signing this. Maybe you should review it carefully before signing. We don't want an electric bogaloo."
SB: "Yes yes, I'm doing it."
Simon took a serious look at the document and analyzed it carefully for 10 minutes. And then like in a movie suspense scene, everyone looked at him and hoped he'll be happy. He then took his pen, and placed it over his name. Finally, he signed it and handed the document back to the Inquistans.
SB: "I will try to persuade Parliament to pass this before Christmas Break. Thank you Mr. Reynels and Mr. Kligenberg, and of course you Mikaela. Anyway, we should all probably head to rest now. Is everyone coming for the opening of the airport tomorrow?"
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"I think we will all attended," Mikaela spoke up, looking at both Silas and Antoni. "We would love to see the opening of the airport!"
"That'll be great, hopefully I'll be able to catch the first flight home right then and there," Silas added.
"Let's take a quick photo of Simey and myself to mark the signing of the agreement!" Mikaela suggested with enthusiasm.
The Archbishop got up from the sofa and motioned for the Prime Minister to follow her to the other side of the library. Inquistan and Reitzmic flags stood there, waiting for a photo-op, and the Archbishop took control of the situation. Mikaela gestured for Prime Minister Bridges to stand next to the Reitzmic flag while she stood beside the Inquistan one.
Antoni took out his phone and captured a photo of the two leaders. "Beautiful, no filter needed," Antoni smiled. "Some might say the Prime Minister looks slightly more low-quality, but others might say that the pixels are leaving more up to the imagination - a suave man of mystery."
"Well, gentlemen, thank you all so much for this wonderful meeting! I am glad we could come to a positive agreement. Here, I will help walk you out," the Archbishop beamed with excitement as she escorted her guests to the front door. "Can't wait for the opening tomorrow! Please be sure to take care and get home safely!"
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"Thank you for this fun discussion Mikaela, your presence assures us that the relations between Inquista and Reitzmag remain positive. Same to you Mr. Kligenberg and Mr. Reynels. I'll expect to meet you tomorrow at the airport for the opening at 12nn. Don't worry about going back to Inquista Mr. Kligenberg, I'll request for the RAF to have a Vespina ready as the first flight to serve you tomorrow."
Simon walked with Mikaela and the delegation to the cars waiting in front of the house before waving goodbye and returning back to the Copala City Hall. It was yet another day done.
Moments later, the convoy arrived at the City Hall and went straight for the Conference room where the delegation will discuss what has happened for the day before taking their rests.
SB: "So, what the heck were you doing while we were gone for a while?"
CEY: "Well, just some discussions and don't worry we knew what you really did. Antoni told us that you and Mikaela really go out and leave the discussions to the delegation whenever you're together."
SB: "Ok fine I'll be honest, I just took her to a revenge after what she did last time I visited Inquista. I drove her as fast as I can to the mall and we went shopping but it's really her that wants to do that."
BW: "And your wife who nags at us every time this happens?"
SB: "I'll talk to her don't worry, I'll explain what happened. Mikaela and I are friends, she's engaged and I'm not going for anything about that. So, what about a netflix session later?"
CEY: "Sounds fun, what do we watch?"
PBB: "What about the new series? Whitehall is down?"
SB: "I saw the trailer of that and it looks nice, what else do we watch? We've got so much time, let's just not enjoy too much that we forget to sleep for tomorrow's event."
BW: "I think I saw Copalypse Now already available in Netflix, maybe let's just check it out upstairs."
SB: "Yeah, let's go."
Everyone went to dress up like they normally would on a friends' meetup before taking their positions in front of the TV to watch some Netflix series and movies.
Day 2
Caspian City Hall, New Moreland
It was morning once again, everybody prepared for the occasion and ate breakfast together. The cars were ready outside to service the convoy, some of the ministers with Simon yesterday already travelled back to Hampton earlier.SB: "Are we all ready? Let's just hope they don't get the idea of taking a golf cart and run it around the airport's apron."
The group keeps on discussing things and laughing at some jokes before boarding the convoy towards the airport.
Caspian-King George International Airport
The convoy arrived and entered the airport where they reviewed the interior before they wait for the event to begin.
SB: "This is really impressive, high level security features and world-class airport technology. Hampton's airport really deserves an upgrade much like these."
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"Have you ever been a member of the mile high club, Antoni?" Silas asked as he sat at the back of a golf cart, with Antoni beside him and Mikaela driving in the front.
"The mile high club? Nah, that actually sounds more stressful than having to negotiate some sort of agreement regarding the Spanish straits."
"Not good under pressure, eh?" Silas laughed.
BAM!
Suddenly, the golf cart carrying the Inquistans crashed directly into a large concrete pillar. Silas and Antoni went flying off sideways, while Mikaela clung onto the steering wheel.
"What are you, blind? I know we turn a blind eye to the human rights abuses of our allies, but do we really need to turn a blind eye to physical objects?" Silas scolded from the ground, rubbing his shoulder which was injured from the incident. "You drove right into that thing as if it was about to sell you a fake Dior bag."
"The women's rights movement has been set back by 10 years," Antoni groaned as he got back onto his feet.
"It came out of nowhere! I swear it jumped right in front of us," Mikaela protested defensively. "I think the airport needs to remove it, we can't have it jumping out in front of more innocent people!"
"It looks like it might be vital to the structural integrity of the building, but we can bring it up to the Reitzmics," Antoni answered diplomatically.
"Oh no, the cart won't start again!" Mikaela gasped with a shaky voice. "It's really not turning on again. I think the cart is broken!"
"I don't want to cause any panic, but the front of the cart appears to be on fire," Antoni observed nonchalantly.
"It's gonna blow!" Silas yelled, leaping up to his feet and then tackling Mikaela off the cart and onto the ground. "Take cover!"
"It's a golf cart. It won't blow up. The engine doesn't use jet fuel. It's probably electric," Antoni responded calmly as he examined the flames coming from the front of the vehicle.
"Jet fuel is exactly how the Reitzmics got Coventry, we can't let that happen to us," Silas commented as he held Mikaela tightly to the ground. After a few moments, Mikaela wiggled herself out of his grasp, and the two Kligenbergs got back up on their feet.
"Well, we're definitely running late now," Antoni stated as he looked at his watch, totally unphased by the entire accident.
"My legs hurts, how much further will we have to walk?" Mikaela asked in pain.
"Here, I'll help carry you," Antoni offered as he slowly bent down and offered himself up as a newly-unlocked steed. "Don't worry, I'll have no problem carrying you. I'm deadlifting 120kgs these days. I did a personal best just the other day: a one rep best of 180kgs," Antoni bragged.
"Well, you know what weighs much more than that? My bank account," Silas interjected. "So many 0's, I can't even count. Not to worry though, I would be willing to shed some 0's for you. Let me take you out for some dinner sometime?"
"Si, you need to stop hitting on every living and breathing thing, especially right now," Mikaela cautioned anxiously. "People are waiting for us."
Mikaela jumped on Antoni's back and the Inquistans then set off, quickly navigating the airport until they spotted the Reizmic delegation.
"Should we tell them?" Antoni asked.
Silas shook his head. "No, no, better not."
"We should be truthful! Besides, that pesky pillar needs to go," Mikaela requested.
"But then we have to explain the whole golf cart situation. Let's just say we had nothing to do with it. We can just say it came that way. Yes, brilliant! We can say the airport came with it," Silas commented feeling confident.
Mikaela relented. "Ok, fine."
Upon seeing the Reitzmics, the Inquistans smiled and greeted them warmly.
"We're ready for the grand opening!" Mikaela greeted with enthusiasm.
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Simon wandered around and eventually bumped into the Inquistans rushing to meet the rest of the cabinet. After seeing how Mikaela and the two guys look, he whispered to his mind "as expected".SB: "Oh, you're here. Welcome Mikaela. Why are you running, and rushing as if you came from somewhere...far? Anyway, let's have your appearance retouched before the program starts."
The four went to a small tent where Mikaela had her makeup retouched before heading back to meet the other ministers. Just as they arrived, the program began.
MC: "We will first be blessing the airport with HE Cardinal Medina followed by HH Archbishop Mikaela Klignberg of the Inquistan Orthodox Church."
Simon, as a Catholic, with the rest of the cabinet knelt and kissed the ring of Cardinal Medina as he went past them to begin blessing the airport. Mikaela also followed to a platform where they will recite a joint prayer.
Both: Father, we honor you here in this place. You rule the nations; your Son Jesus sits at your right hand until he has put every enemy under his feet, the last enemy being death. You are God, who made the world and everything in it. You are Lord of heaven and earth and do not live in temples made by man, nor are you served by human hands, as though you need anything, since you yourself give to all mankind life and breath and everything.
So Father, we come to you this morning, not to give you something you need, for you need nothing. But in view of your great mercy, we come to offer ourselves to you this morning as living sacrifices - individually, our families, and this church, and we do it here in this new building we meet in. Father may it be used to further your kingdom.
May this be a place where sinners find their Savior and the prodigal is welcomed by you, a generous and compassionate Father. May this be a place your saints, young and old, are encouraged in the gospel, equipped for service, sanctified in the truth, and joyously assured of the eternal redemption Jesus has earned for us. Where the wounded receive comfort for their souls, the weary are revived, the despairing are filled with hope, the depressed filled with joy, and the sick are healed. Where the thirsty find satisfaction and the hungry are filled up.
May this be a place where your word is honored and trembled at; where your people are perfecting holiness in the fear of you; where friendships are established and deepened and many sins are covered by love.
Where you Father seek and find worshipers who worship in spirit and truth. And Jesus, our Head receives honor and praise – his cross boasted in, the power of his resurrection lived in, and his second coming hoped for. May the Spirit of God, the heavenly Dove, finds a friendly place to land and to dwell.
Father I pray for serious disciples to be made here – blood-bought, Spirit-filled, word-saturated, sold-out, cross-bearing disciples who make an impact on the nations of the world.
Father, I pray that as we gather week after week, we would be filled up with your Spirit, equipped in all kinds of ways for all kinds of service and sent out to touch the world around us – a world so desperately in need of good news!
All of this we pray in the name of Jesus and for your glory Father.
All: Amen.
Everyone then proceeds to the terminal where Simon and the rest of the cabinet are waiting. The group BTS then joins them along with Mikaela and the Inquistan delegates. And there they cut the ribbon and everyone proceeds into the building. There, Mikaela and Cardinal Medina begin to bless the building together with holy water. A few other members of the clergy from both religions then assist them at blessing the entire place. After a few minutes, they reach the apron and the runway where two trucks from the local fire department are positioned. The fire trucks are loaded with holy water and the two board each of the trucks taking control of the nozzle. They sprinkle holy water over the apron and onto the runway.
After the blessing, everyone is allowed to roam around the apron. But just before that, some special performance was prepared by BTS. The k/r-pop group was present as representatives of a partner company that pledged over 10 million RPS for the completion of the airport. A song then starts playing that caught everyone's attention, Jimin then pulls Mikaela into the dance floor while V pulls Simon. And everyone starts dancing. Various planes from different airline companies that registered to open routes at the airport then pass by in a dramatic ending.
After the short dance, Simon takes the podium before noticing a burning golf cart from the distance being extinguished by the firemen with the firetrucks. Luckily, the golf carts were indeed electric-powered so they don't explode like a nuke if they break down.
SB: "I'd like to first thank the organizers of this event, the workers who have helped in the construction of this project, the private companies and NGOs that pledged money and assisted in the completion of this airport, Cardinal Medina and the Catholic Clergy, my dear friend Mikaela and the rest of the Inquistan delegation, and all those who have worked hard to make this dream come true. This airport once began with a barren landscape destroyed by the spoils of war. And now, it has risen through the ashes as one of the most technologically advanced world-class airport. Through the work of various engineers from across Europe, we have been able to create an airport that would meet the demands of the people who wish to visit this new holiday destination. We have made so much progress in the rehabilitation of this city, and we are proud to announce that we are successful in our mission. And to everyone watching right now, welcome once again to Caspian-King George International Airport."
The program ended and Simon came down to talk to Mikaela.
SB: "You might want to say something to me. Why didn't you tell me you're riding a golf cart around the airport? I could've joined you! Anyway, look what they did to the burning electric golf cart. They're extinguishing the fire with holy water."
They then laughed at what they saw. It was a pretty good meme to post in the internet, if only it wouldn't tarnish Mikaela and Simon's reputation once the public knew the backstory.
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"Oh, well, about that..." Mikaela began. "You should probably be glad that you didn't ride the golf cart. A completely wild and insane pillar suddenly jumped out in front of us! I think it needs to be removed in order to keep people safe! Definitely watch out for it in the future.
Anyway, that was an amazing ceremony! Thank you for inviting me to participate. I always enjoy inter-faith events like this! I think they're so beautiful."
Antoni and Silas suddenly appeared before the Archbishop and Prime Minister. Silas flashed two bottles of wine from under his suit jacket and smiled. "The executive lounge of this airport is great, it has an amazing selection of drinks!"
"Not sure I can fit these in my carry-on," Antoni added as he held bottles of champagne in both of his hands. "Also, the souvenir shop could use some better merchandise. All they have are some cheap figurines of the Copala's Freedom statue."
Silas' eyes beamed with opportunity. "Those figurines will probably soon be collectibles considering that the statue itself might eventually get abolished. We should buy some, they'll be worth a fortune if that happens."
"Great idea! I love duty-free shopping," Mikaela commented, before turning back to the Prime Minister.
"Again, thanks for hosting us! I always enjoy every chance I get to see you," Mikaela smiled while giving a friendly nudge to the Prime Minister. "After we visit the gift shop, we'll be off. We're taking the first inaugural flight out of here! Heading straight back to Saint Dominico."
"Such a pleasure," Antoni stated earnestly while extending his champagne-fisted hand to shake hands with Prime Minister Bridges. "I have no doubt our agreement will be ratified soon."
"I hope you feel graced by my presence," Silas added, also earnestly. Silas took out a business card and handed it to the Prime Minister. "Kligenberg Industries will make ample use of the economic incentives to do even more business in Caspian City. If you want to make some money and some smart investments, give me a call! We can make great dividends together. Some call it insider trading, I call it, uhh, intuition."
With that offer at the table, the Inquistans decided to raid the gift shop, buying all of the Copala's Freedom statuettes, before then catching their flight back to Saint Dominico, bringing an end to the successful trip.
