Papacito and the Archbishop
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"Crying every 4 hours? Giving you lots of work and keeping you up at night? Are we talking about baby Isabel or Prime Minister Bridges? Oh, Isabel, got it." Mikaela smiled.
"Yes, it is quite the shame that the treaty I signed with the Reitzmic Prime Minister was not ratified. I did put in a lot of work, particularly in the outfits I chose for that day... man, what a waste of some good outfits! The Reitzmic Prime Minister is quite the character, and I do hope that your two countries are able to establish a lasting friendship once and for all."
Mikaela then nodded. "The Atlantis discovery was quite amazing! I always thought that Atlantis was a fairy tail. I hope that both our scientists and our historians can learn a lot from its discovery. Likewise, in Inquista, Spain is considered one of our best and closest allies. Which is what brings me here today."
"I think it's very important that we establish an agreement on travel, economic matters, as well as matters of security. If there is anything else you wish to include, please do! I want to hear everything mi mejor amigo has to say."
"Beginning with travel, I think it would be excellent if we formally established visa-free travel between our two countries. I also think it would be an excellent idea if we also eliminated the needs for work permits or study permits for workers and students who wish to work and study between Spain or Inquista, and instead establish a single type of permit that allows Inquistans and Spaniards to work and study in each country for an indefinite amount of time as long as they are working or studying, plus an additional year-long grace period following the completion of their studies or the termination of their job."
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Aguilar laughed at the comment about Prime Minister Bridges and added: "I'm sure that it was Prime Minister Bridges when he was 'invading' Eastern Haane or maybe there was a lot of tension with us, who knows? He laughed for some seconds and then stopped. I also hope hat we are able to establish a long lasting relation between Spain and Reitzmag, but it's Reitzmag so you can never expect something you can expect from Fremet for example. Also, about those outfits, I think they were good despite the Treaty wasn't ratified."
Jesús Aguilar smiled and then went on: "I thought Atlantis existed but it was all in ruins somewhere in the Atlantic, but Minister Calvo-Sotelo was being really stubborn with starting a search with the Inquistans and I said: 'Ok, but you are going on that boat.' He accepted and now I have to pay the next dinner we take together at a restaurant. The historians are making a great job on reseraching for data, and the Spanish Government has established a non-navigational zone over Atlantis to allow the team to do their work properly. They have told me about more adventures in December, I don't know if Juan Bernardo has told you the same." Said the Spanish President before moving on to the agreement talks.
"Moving on to that agreement, Spanish - Inquistan relationship proves that we both consider ourselves as close allies, in fact, co-operation on matters such as the Atlantis' search shew the European Union and our citizens that both countries are great friends. I'm really open minded in terms of travel, security and economical problems so reaching an agreement with an ally like Inquista is a great idea. Starting with travel, I agree on every single thing you've said Mikaela. Allowing Spanish and Inquistan citizens to work and study here with no perms is great and will enhance co-operation and integrity in our nations. I would like to add that Inquistan and Spanish citizens could stay as much as they want in both countries, without any days limit, so we get a real Free Travel area between us. What do you say?"
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"I think that sounds lovely! A very great idea," Mikaela agreed emphatically.
"With Inquista suspending all trade with Icholasen, Spain has become Inquista's largest trading partner. Creating an economic area between Inquista and Spain would be most beneficial to the growth of our economies, the prosperity of our businesses, and the prices paid by our consumers. I propose that we eliminate all tariffs and trade barriers between our countries, creating a single economic area. Hopefully with the Treaty of Finisterre signed soon, this will also compliment our common currency."
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Aguilar nodded and sopke once again:
"It's great to hear Spain has become the largest trading partner of Inquista, which by the way some enterprises have told me to thank your country and your government for buying their products. The suspension of all assets with Icholasen in order to follow the EU Law was more than necessary, and I hope that Copala City helps our Nicoleizian friends to find the right path. I agree with the idea of an economic area, which sounds exciting with the Treaty of Finisterre which currency, the EMU, has started to be tested according to what we signed back in August. I hope that our Health Ministries can keep the security controls as usual, as with cargo inspection, to avoid any illnesses to expand along Inquista or Spain because of our products. We cannot allow some products to sink our well-gained reputation. Also, the Strait of Gibraltar applies a 0% tax to Inquista, so there isn't any problems with that. You shall really look into to tax any Strait you get Mikaela, it gives benefits." Said the Spanish President slightly laughing.
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"Tax the straights?" Mikaela asked with confusion. After spending a few seconds questioning whether LGBT people deserved reparations, the Archbishop suddenly realised what Prime Minister Aguilar actually meant. "Oh, straits!" she blushed with embarrassment.
"I honestly think your government's decision to tax your straits is a very smart business decision. Why not make that extra money, you know? You're making some money moves.
Our authorities and ministries can definitely keep our points of entry secure and well-inspected as required. As you say, it's important that we prevent the spread of any illnesses, and also prevent the spread of any illegal substances. Recently, the Inquistan Orthodox Church has legalized marijuana, so you'd probably want to have these inspections in place to prevent any weed from coming into your country from Inquista. Personally, between you and me, a little bit of maría isn't that bad. Although, I did see a pre-election speech given by Mr. Santiago Abascal and I'm almost certain he's high on something. Maybe he's high on weed, or maybe he's just high on xenophobia? Maybe both? I don't know.
In terms of security, I think it's very important that we work together to keep the Mediterranean secure, and that we protect each other from common threats such as the UNSR. I propose that we establish a formal military alliance between Inquista and Spain. In order to strengthen this alliance, we can share military intelligence between our intelligence agencies, and if it interests you, I'm also more happy to grant your government a license to buy any military weapons and vehicles from Inquistan military producers."
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Aguilar laughed when the Inquistan Archbishop confused between LGTBQ people and the Straits. "Don't worry Mikaela, I know my English can be much better." Said the President smiling after the funny moment. He then listened to the Archbishop and when she stopped talking, the Spanish President decided to answer:
"Taxing the Straits and respecting the Autonomous Communities on their decision making rights was difficult, but the creation of the GSSA and the ASMSA have helped us to keep them, not break any Spanish law and give the autonomies enough power to take decisions together, in the case of Adventuranza, or just one autonomy making decisions, like Gibraltar.
In Spain, Marijuana it's illegal, but we have many problems with drug dealers and stuff coming from the other side of Europe, specially over Cádiz where the drugs' business it's worrying. According to stats, around a 55% of Cádiz population is unemployed, which means that a huge amount of that percentage could work with drugs on the beach or something. The mafias in Andlaucía, mostly focused in rich zones around Málaga and Cádiz regions, are also quite worrying, but we are investing to upgrade the Guardia Civil and Policía Nacional equipment and protect them even more. I've never smoked in my whole life Mikaela, so I don't know about Marijuana. And also, between you and me, if my wife watches me smoking, she would make me sleep on the sofa for a year" The President then laughed a bit.
The President went on again: "Abascal is a pretty worrying person, and we were lucky that the Partido Socialista decided to support our Governments with Ciudadanos despite them winning the election in most of those territories. VOX is, in my opinion, a pretty dangerous party and could be dangerous for the civil rights and Political Freedom in Spain. I think he's high on Xenophobia, but maybe he smokes weed too... Who knows? And about security, that's a pretty good proposal I'm pleased to accept. I was also going to tell you about the possibility of closing our borders in an exceptional situation is given, so we can keep our countries safe from any thread on us, on a country we have a Treaty with or in a neighbouring country."
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"Oh definitely, the security of our borders is very important. I'm glad that we see eye-to-eye and that we're on the same page. I don't think there's anything else I have to propose. Altogether, I think we've had a great and constructive discussion. Is there anything you want to add or propose? If not, I think we can put this agreement onto paper and then sign it."
Just as Mikaela finished speaking, her phone suddenly began to vibrate very loudly, shaking her purse.
"Oh, I'm so sorry! That's very rude of me. I thought I had my phone on silent. It's only supposed to vibrate during emer-", the Archbishop's embarrassed explanation was then cut short by a beep, which was a HEATHERS signal notification. The HEATHERS signal was a notification of great importance.
"O-M-G! This must be serious. Pardon me for one second President, I have to check my phone. Something very important must've come up," Mikaela announced with worry as she then opened up her purse and grabbed her phone. Mikaela studied her phone for a few seconds, before her face suddenly dropped. The Archbishop seemed very confused. She then stood up from the sofa and excused herself.
"I need to go the bathroom very quickly. I'm so sorry. I'll be back in a minute," Mikaela walked out of the room and then walked aimlessly around the building until she could find a ladies room, and then walked inside. Mikaela's phone beeped again, and this time she answered the HEATHERS signal.
"What's the stich?" Mikaela asked with a sad tone.
On the other end was Bishop Secretary Anja Emerett, the Bishop Secretary of State. "Have you read the article which I just sent you?"
Mikaela took her phone away from her ear and glanced at the most recent gossip article in Inquisa Today, who seemed to expose an affair between her fiancée and this so-called Renata, who was actually Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn. Mikaela was stunned. The Archbishop brought the phone back to her ear.
"Yes," she answered very meekly.
"I thought I needed to let you know as soon as possible. I just saw the notification for the story now."
"Do you think it's real?" Mikaela answered in a sorrowful, but uncertain tone.
"People saw what people saw. This Renata, err, I mean Corinna, has quite the past. She doesn't seem above this at all. But I don't know."
"Alright, thanks for letting me know so fast. I'm... umm... I gotta go," Mikaela answered, barely able to hold back tears. Mikaela ended her call with Bishop Secretary Emerett and then looked at herself in the mirror. She wiped away the tears that began to collect at the inside of her eyes. The Archbishop then walked out of the bathroom and returned to the room with the President.
Mikaela seated herself back down at the sofa. She was unable to force a smile. She then looked down at her feet and spoke solemnly to the Spanish President. "I... I think I'm finding myself in my own scandal today, President. Are you familiar with a Spanish woman known as Corinna? I think... my fiancée might be cheating on me."
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The President decided to print the Treaty while the Inquistan Archbishop was going to the bathroom. He asked for 2 folders, specially made for the chance, to sign the Treaty. While he was preparing everything, the folders arrived and he seated again on the sofa waiting for Mikaela. The Archbishop arrived and told the President about what was going on...
"Corinna, Corinna, Corinna... Said the President thinking; Oh my god, I know that woman! It's the same woman who had a scandal with His Majesty the King Juan Carlos! Said the President surprised, as he couldn't expect that from El General, and then he hugged Mikaela. When the hug stopped, the President talked: I'm really sorry about this scandal, Mikaela, now I feel bad for you. May I give you an advice? Sort it out with him as soon as you see Juan-Bernardo again, and don't believe everything, just what you really think it's true. You are an independent and strong woman, and if you feel that there's no other way but being independent again, then take that way. Corinna only wants money, and if she finds out anything illegal or irregular about anyone, she will say it. That woman is like a vampire, she extracts your blood and money until you have no more money to give her."
The pens arrived in order to sign the Treaty, as the dish of Jamón Ibérico that the President had ordered for Mikaela, so she could relax a bit. "Eat as much Jamón as you need Mikaela, I hope you find it delicious. And when you feel ready, we will sign the treaty. Take as much time as you need."
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"Thank you, President Aguilar, that is very sweet of you," Mikaela replied, barely able to muster a smile. The Archbishop genuinely appreciate the Spanish President's words and affirmations. It was great to know that the Spanish President could be a personal friend that the Archbishop could rely on. She definitely intended to take upon his advice.
Mikaela took a few breaths, relaxed, and ate some Jamón. It was delicious and definitely what she needed at this moment. Some moments later, the Archbishop then sat up straight and took a pen out of her purse. She glanced over the treaty, which contained everything that was discussed and agreed upon in the meeting, and then proceeded to sign it.
The Archbishop then exhaled, stood up, and gave the Spanish President another hug.
"Well, I think this meeting became much more eventful than either of us ever intended. Sorry about this whole ordeal. What a mess. Who'd have thought that today your party would have been ruled against in a court case, and I'd be wrapped up in a scandal? Maybe I need to go to court? Get some sort of restraining order against Corinna? But anyway, it was great meeting you today, President. As always, it's such a pleasure. I'm really glad that we could come to such a comprehensive agreement. Our countries will be cooperating greater than ever, and I think that will be greatly beneficial to both our states.
"Normally, I would love to take you and your wife out for some dinner as a celebration, but I think I need to sort a few things out. I promise you, this agreement will be ratified in no time. I'm hoping this whole court case things blows over for your party. I also wish you the best of luck in your upcoming election! You know that you have my support."
Mikaela was escorted by the Spanish President to the entrance of La Moncloa. The Archbishop then shook the President's hand and gave him a kiss on both his cheeks.
"Hopefully we can catch up soon, ok? Take care! Say hi to your wife and kids for me," Mikaela smiled as she then left La Moncloa, walked down the steps, and entered her pink limousine.
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The President noded at the comments Mikaela made and listened to her, which is something that Aguilar believed she needed. Before Mikaela left, Jesús escorted Mikaela to the front door.
"It was my pleasure to see you again, Mikaela, and I hope you have a nice comeback to Inquista! Take care too!" Said the President before Mikaela entered the motorcade and left. He then went back to his private residence, and the summit was over.
The Kingdom of Spain