Tanks for the Freedom

[Variota]

Het Hart fan'es Folke fan'es Huisselant - Also known as 'The Variotan Parliament' | Two weeks ago

What can one say about the Variotan Parliament? Perhaps that its name is rather pompous, translating into 'The Heart of the People of the Homeland'. Or that it's six chambers are a bit overkill, especially as only three of the six have the ability to decide on issues for the entirety of the nation. Some would even say that the six chambers were nothing more than smoke and mirrors, as they were merely seated in separate sections in the Grootte Kaamer fan'es Huisselant instead of actual different chambers. The building it's located in, the neo-futuristic Arie fan Brookanje building, was both expensive to build and frivolous in nature according to some. One or two past-their-prime Europans might even call the politicians 'a rabble of barbarians discussing irrelevant new world issues'. But what one couldn't say was that it was inefficient, ineffective or useless like some of the parliaments in other nations were. The Variotan culture wouldn't allow it. A politician could be mean to puppies, party every day, go to far-away destinations with the sole intention of spawning bastard children that wouldn't know who their father was... That was no issue whatsoever, as it didn't interfere with the productivity, the efficiency of their job. No one cared if that politician of the Kaltoer or Laagher Party wanted to get whipped by someone in a full leather catsuit during his time off, so long as he didn't take time off to do so.

And even now, the Parliament proved itself worthy of the luxurious lifestyle the politicians received. Having discussed various law amendments, new laws, other such politics and various topics, the first recess was coming up. Depending on how much the politicians had to discuss, there could be three to six recesses. 

''Ladies and Gentlemen of the Parliament, with six out of six chambers voting positive and none of the chambers reaching the amount of voters unable to vote to invalidate their vote, the law amendment 'On the Establishment of Higher Punishments for the Sale of Counterfeit and/or Forged Narcotics' passes!''

A loud applause could be heard throughout the room, as was customary when a law or an amendment passed. While only those in favor of the law or amendment would clap, almost everyone, if not everyone, was in favor of this one. Previously, somewhat-stupid tourists looking to get their rocks off without first checking where they would be able to get items to do so ended up getting ripped off by shady dealers in even shadier back alleys. And while that normally wouldn't really be an issue as Variotans knew the difference and said tourists would normally carve it up to a learning experience, recent months had seen more and more of these cases. Once the initial humor of tourists snorting dry wall, smoking ground up oregano and nettles and swallowing brightly colored vitamins shaped like bears in attempts to get the party going had worn off, a collective of legitimate narcotic vendors had put in time and effort to lobby the parliament, with success. As such, instead of receiving a fine if caught red-handed, one could now receive actual jail time in accordance with the laws in place for fraud.

''If there is nothing else, I think we can adjourn this session and go into the first recess period. For those that have signed-up for the 'Flying Start Feast with the Foorste Frauwe fan'es Ferantwortelik fan'es Folke' networking dinner, please remember to fill in your choice for meat or fish before noon or else you won't be able to choose. As Foorste Frauwe Dina Diva has stated, vegans and vegetarians will not be allowed in as 'they cramp my style and ask if I would eat a dog. b*tch please, if a dog was as good as homemade pulled pork, I'd gobble your chihuahua up.'. Nothing else? Then I hereby de...''

Suddenly, the large doors to the Grootte Kaamer fan'es Huisselant flew open, a young intern of Minister Loopentlant running in with beads of sweat on his forehead and a print-out in his hands. While Het Hart contained elevators, the amount of people working and travelling in the building often meant that those in a hurry would use the stairs. This intern, as it seemed, had done the same.

''Minister Loopentlant, Minister!''

An unified sigh of irritation could be heard as this little twerp, in the minds of the politicians, just prevented his boss from adjourning the session. Nothing could be important enough, except perhaps a declaration of war, to prevent five-hundred politicians, especially Variotan politicians, from their time off. If one had ever seen the human zombies that go to operas and philharmonic orchestra concerts shuffle to the bars and other such concessions in the theater they're visiting to keep their buzz going and ensure the opera or concert stayed interesting, one could multiple that by ten and come close to the sheer willpower the entire parliament was now sending to the intern to drop dead or suddenly combust into flames. 

''Intern Lommert, you are threading on thin ice by interrupting myself and the session! Recess is coming up, wait until then and remove yourself from this chamber immediately!''
''I don't know, Reemy. I like him, I think he's hot. Lommert, is it? You should hear Lommy out, he's cute. How old is he?''
sigh ''I don't know how old he is, Dina. I really don't keep track of that sort of stuff.''
''Be more nice to the kid, Reemy. You should ask his age. Lommy, how old are you?''
''Uhh... Twenty-one, Foorste Frauwe Diva.''
''Oooh, old enough! I'll ask your number from Reemy, we'll talk a bit more private. You're not camera shy, are you? I'm sure you're not. What's that paper you have there?''

Intern Lommert quickly walked towards Minister Loopentlant, the current Spokesperson of the Chambers, and Dina Diva, both of which were seated at the center stage. While the Foorste Frauwe fan'es Ferantwortelik fan'es Folke was not required to sit in any of the sessions of the Parliament, Dina Diva did so twice or so a week. Often, she found a easy, calm morning session of the Parliament to be the perfect way to relax and perhaps nurse a hangover. Of course, some politicians were great to drink and party with, so in some ways this was also somewhat of a social visit with Dina Diva waving and such to her socialite acquaintances. And the fact that the Parliament's bar was one of the most well-stocked and its restaurant served pretty good food helped as well.

''A message, ma'am. Secretary IJsserbranter told me to rush it to the Grootte Kaamer. One of the few remaining slaver states is willing to begin diplomatic relations with us.''
''Ugh, yuck. Like, I can get like getting like a guy that's like submissive or something and calling him your slave. But like actually owning people like some fashion accessory? Yeah, no thanks. I'll stick with regular pets.''
''Here, Minister Loopentlant. I will leave now, apologies for the interruption.''
''I'll call you Lommy! Bye babe!''

Reemy Loopentlant, the Minister of Diplomatic Affairs, took a minute or two to read the document. At the end, his eyes grew wide and a small smile was seen on his face. If this meeting went well, this would be a major PR possibility, an increase in international human rights that would shine a light on himself and his new politicial party, Toekomst!, in the upcoming elections. Luckily for him his right-hand man, Secretary IJsserbranter, had already attached a quick draft for a motion to initiate the meeting.

''Ladies and Gentlemen of the Kaamers, I would like all to please log in into their online parliamentary work area. If Secretary IJsserbranter has done so correctly, you will find a new document. This document outlines a motion to initiate a diplomatic meeting with the so-called @Imperial States of Europe. In order to ensure this happens in a timely matter, I would like to ask the Foorste Frauwe for her authorization code as so to make it a speed voting.''
''You sure? Well, okay, fine I guess. Authorization code DD400CC.''
''With the Foorste Frauwe's authorization code, it is hereby declared a speed vote. Please vote within the next 48 hours through the work area. With nothing else, I hereby declare this session adjourned.''

A speed vote, such as Minister Loopentlant had just invoked, was intended for matters that didn't age well, ones that required immediate attention. A speed vote could only be invoked either though a vote of all chambers or through the authorization code of the Foorste Frauwe, one of the perks of the position. While regular votes required a parliamentary session, speed votes were done through the online work area each parliamentary member had. Additionally, a speed vote had to be voted on within 48 hours, enforcing the feeling of urgency that such a vote was meant to have.

Edited April 7, 2018 by Variota
PR, not RP (see edit history)

[Imperial States of Europe]

The Reasons for this Purchase

If the Infantry is the meat of an army, then the Armour is the spear, the bit that inflicts the damage. The Land Warfare Command is one of the biggest proponents of this theory, and subsequently requires quite a large number of tanks to back up its infantry. However, in recent years innovation has been stifled, and the government has been looking outwards for a replacement. The People’s Government finally found what it needed when it saw the arms company of Varinco: powerful tanks and a and considered the negotiations thoroughly. The upper leadership for years had been considering ending slavery, and they realised that Variota woups never agree this deal unless they did this. But if they put this in the deal, it would give Variota a humanitarian propaganda coup, and increase its standing on the world stage. So the deal was sent to Variota, and they agreed to open negotiations.

[Imperial States of Europe]

The Road to the Protectress’s Private Airport - 12 days ago

The Protectress stared out the blacked-out windows as her motorcade sped towards the airport. A military parade was happening along the sides of the road, and currently the 2nd Assault Aviation Brigade was passing. The 2nd Assault Aviation Brigade was one of the most elite units in War Command, and a perfect example of Imperial discipline. It was units like them that would protect the People from foreign attack. The helicopters flew in perfect formation, not one deviating from the group. It would be the same in combat, with orders being followed to the letter, enabling a massive victory. But for now the priority was to try to prevent a war until it would be beneficial for the State, not the capitalists. “We’re here, my leaders”, said the driver. The delegation walked as a group into the plane, unsure about what awaited them in Variota, for none of them had ever been outside of the ISOE. But chances were that the deal would go well, and if that happened, it would open the way to other deals, hopefully.

Edited April 12, 2018 by Imperial States of Europe (see edit history)

[Variota]

Koos Karrewasser Domestic Airport - Fingerfaaierplaats | Near noon

''Have you ever tried closing off a regular international airport? It's insane, really! The costs, the effort... It's not worth it, you know? Luckily this airport is pretty new and underused so we were able to get it for a steal.''
''Wasn't there a possibility to just close off a part of a bigger airport?''
''Oh yeah, that's a great choice. Let's have us wait on an active airport, I'm sure our ears would love that. And all those vehicles surely wouldn't have spooked any civilians taking off and landing.''
''No need to get bitchy, you know.''

The Koos Karrewasser Domestic Airport was a modern but rather small airport, serving as the second airport for the city of Fingerfaaierplaats. The other airport, the Horst Hildebrant Domestic Airport, was in serious need of an upgrade and the Koos Karrewasser Domestic Airport had been built to both increase the passenger capacity of the area and allow the Horst Hildebrant Domestic Airport to renovate and upgrade, possibly becoming a Regional Airport like some others within the nation. While Regional Airport meant nothing more than 'better facilities than a domestic airport, worse ones than an actual international one', the possibility of having an airport in the area that was able and allowed to receive international flights was seen as an impulse that the area around Fingerfaaierplaats needed. Fingerfaaierplaats had originally been the center of Variotan mining operations, sending off ships, trucks and airplanes filled with ores and minerals, hosting a prestigious university focused on resource extraction and enough monuments, paid for through mining money, to gain it the unofficial title of 'Monument City of Het Huisselant'. 

Modern times had been rough on the area and old-timers of the city were often speaking of a slow but clear descent of the city, albeit clever negotiation and the existence of the Karrewasser Waafen & Fegtfoertuigen factory ensured that they were able to keep the mining industry active. The 1960's were when Fingerfaaierplaats received its death blow. Mining operations in the Klan Reierfer Gebiet were picking up, cheaper in labor and looser in laws, and the Karrewasser Waafen & Fegtfoertuigen company had been integrated into Varinco in 1956. While the Karrewassers, proud inhabitants of Fingerfaaierplaats since 1820, had always kept their factory in the area to provide local jobs, Varinco had no such quarrels and quickly moved the factory to Ferrefaaierhafen. As if one was pushing a domino, the area saw its downfall. The port and other transport hubs were forced to lay off workers and shrink their operations, the Kollege fan Lantwinning moved most of its studies to the Klan Reierfer Gebiet and the only thing the people were left with were the monuments, previous symbols of pride had turned into shameful displays of waste.

Only in the late 80s did the area begin improving again. The lack of available jobs in the area and the accompanying lower prices for goods and services made it very attractive for vacation parks to settle in the area, able to provide lower class citizens from other parts of the nation with affordable vacations. This domestic tourism was helped by the monuments, providing people with enough to see and do. The parks themselves hired local staff but most helped were local businesses, able to expand and improve due to the money coming in.

When J.D. Karrewasser became chairman of Varinco in 1991, the area saw further improvement and finally fully moved from being the cheap and hopeless part of the nation into being the cheap part of the nation. Pulling strings within the company, Karrewasser managed to bring back a manufacturing division to the location where his family had proudly manufactured weapons and vehicles of destruction for decades. Before the end of the year 1992, the Karrewasser Waafen & Fegtfoertuigen factory was producing the then-newest version of the Fliegpaart tank.

The airport had also been done through J.D. Karrewasser pulling strings. When it became clear that the Horst Hildebrant Domestic Airport wasn't up to date anymore, the municipal council debated the various choices with the cheapest option seen as the best, closing down and renovating parts of the airport on a rotational basis. A two million Waarttemun investment and the assurance that the municipal council would be able to hire contractors with Varinco ties at the price Varinco normally received managed to convince them otherwise. 

And now it was to be the opening site of an historic meeting between Het Huisseland and the Imperial States of Europe. The Minister of Defence and the Minister of Foreign Affairs were waiting at one of the gates, a red carpet spread out in front of them. On their left were the press and prominent social media influencers, holding their cameras and other contraptions ready to ensure the perfect picture or sound bit. In Het Huisselant, it was normal for the press and others that could sway public relations to get full access to events. In a game of give and take, it's always better to keep your frenemy more to the friend than the enemy side of things.

To the right were military vehicles and two limousines. Even with the Imperial States of Europe coming to Het Huisselant and their jet receiving an escort the second it crossed into Variotan air space, it looked good for the pictures and ensured proper security. Between the armed Aatlaar multipurpose vehicles and Stoomfaaier APC's, there was enough security to look good on photos, keep the airport safe if needed and escort the limousines that were soon to be stuffed with delegates. The two vehicles were done on purpose, to split the delegation and make it easier to size people up. Both Reemy Loopentlant and Aleiksander fan Gillofan-Lantboer had their own way of sizing people up, Reemy's coming from a long political career and Aleiksander's from serving in the special forces.

This difference between Reemy, the professional politician that had become Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Aleiksander, the retired special forces commander that at one point received the nickname 'Son of the Devil' turned Minister of Defence, was also seen in their clothing. While Aleiksander had various suits and generally did not wear his uniforms, it was times like these when he felt the need to prove his pride in the HAP and the part he played in it. Reemy, with his impeccable black silk suit and crocodile leather shoes, his various golden rings and a haircut that was held together with enough hair spray to make it dangerous for him to light a cigarette. Aleiksander in his black dress uniform with purple trimming, enough medals hanging on it to make one wonder if he had actually earned them or if they gave them away in Het Huisselant and a medium long hairdo that made his face come over soft, as if he was a friendly, relaxed senior-aged man. In reality, Aleiksander was indeed a friendly, relaxed senior-aged man but also one that could still snap a neck, hit a target and hold his own. While he wasn't the Son of the Devil like he was in the 1970's, he'd still be a decent Father of the Devil.

Once the plane had landed and the delegation had walked the red carpet, there was to be a short introduction and some press pictures and videos. After that, the limousines would pull up and both the delegation and the two ministers would divide and enter the vehicles. Koos Karrewasser Domestic Airport was only ten kilometers out of the city of Ferrefingerplaats and thus the drive would prove to be over in less than half an hour. While Ferrefingerplaats lacked the amount of prestige buildings that Grootwaterflakte and Ferrefaaierhafen had, the ministers had planned to use the route to their advantage and pass the various monuments that the city counted. Between statues and other decorations of miners, old battles, naval leaders and military vehicles, the hope was that the sight of these monuments would show off the age and prestige of the nation.

Prestige was an important point here, as everyone wanted it. From the winos of Europa to the communists of Argis and the proud people of Alharu, each and everyone wanted to be seen as great, an example of how things were done. After the small prestige tour, the route would stop at the Kaasmarkt Hotel. One of the oldest and largest in town, it was named after the square in front of it which had previously hosted the cheese market. Its banquet hall, one adorned with a multitude of wood and hunting trophies as had been 'in' in Het Huisselant in the 1800's, was to be the place hosting the meeting. As the leader of the ISE had requested a windowless room, the banquet hall was really the only room within the hotel suitable for it. Additionally, as any proper Variotan meeting contained food and drinks, the banquet hall was like hitting two birds with one stone.

[Imperial States of Europe]

 

Location - Ferrefaaierhafen, Capital of the Unified Variotan State

Time - 1:30 - 3:30 (approx.)

 

If there is one word that can describe the ISOE, it is utilitarian. 60 years of war had meant a total war footing, and entire cities had had to have been rebuilt from the ground up. To minimise production costs, entire cities had been built with almost every building being of a common design. To every resident of the ISOE, this made perfect sense. It was all a matter of efficiency. But in Variota, the opposite was true. No building was the same, and every building was different.

 

This, and many other differences between the ISOE and Variota made it like the Imperial officials were visiting a different planet. Children were present on the streets, with their parents, a completely different scene from what one might find on the streets of Order. Civilian vehicles drove around, and small businesses advertised their goods and services. Propaganda posters were empty from the streets, and the city seemed to have no true center. As the limos drove to the meeting place, the Imperial officials grew increasingly disconcerted with the unfamiliar enviroment. Just the ride planted a small seed of doubt that they were doing the right thing for the People, but they quickly eliminated that thought when they realised they were thinking of treason.

 

When the entourage reached the banquet hall, the party settled into their seats at the table, with the ISOE people clumping at one end of the table, Variotans at the other. The groups from both countries engaged small talk, about minor differences between their respective countries. Awkward moments ensued in many of the ISOE’s stranger policies, like the ritual sacrifice of the old to feed the next generation. There might be a few minutes of silence, and then the room would switch to a new topic. The food was very extravagant, and wouldn’t have been found anywhere in the ISOE. However, the representatives of the European people enjoyed the meal quite immensely. After around an hour of appetizers, small talk, and silence, the main course, (and with it the diplomacy) arrived..

 

The Variotan president didn’t beat around the bush, when she started the meeting off with a bang. “Why should we supply weapons to the Imperial States of Europe?”, asked the leader of Variota. “All you have done so far is oppress millions, and you continue to oppress millions”. “There is no indication that this will even change, as we cannot trust your nation to agree to the terms of the treaty”. After this, loud shouting starts up in the hall, mostly caused by the Variotan officials, and it takes a minute for everyone in the room to quiet down. “While in the past, the ISOE has been what some might call extremist, our new administration is committed to change in both foreign policy and government”. There is silence in the room, as the Variotans converse in urgent, whispered tones and debate if the Imperial officials can be trusted to uphold their end of the deal. (OOC: Most of the Variotans don’t trust the ISOE, due to the fact that the ISOE hasn’t done anything diplomatic with them, and it the ISOE, but some argue that it may change with the new consul)

 

Finally, the Variotan president comes to a conclusion. “To know if you are upholding your end of the deal, you’ll have to allow us to put spectators in your country and watch the former slaves leaving the country. You’ll also have to allow Variota, not the ISOE, to transport only the non-criminal slaves out of the Imperial States”. (OOC: A large percentage of the slaves are murderers and rapists, but most are the leadership of the other rebel factions)

 

For a few minutes after this, the Imperial representatives mirror the Variotans 5 minutes ago, with some indecipherable whispering occurring at their end of the table. The Consul stands. “We agree to the terms requested. We request that we continue tomorrow, and end the current meeting now”. The Variotans agree, and the first diplomatic meeting between Variota and the ISOE ends, to be continued on a later date. So far, both sides had gotten many issues covered, but the specifics of cost and how to pay Variota hadn’t been discussed. So far, the outcome of this unprecedented diplomatic meeting had gone well, but who knew what might come next? Only Europe could tell.
 

(@Prymont here ya go.)

(I’m going to edit the other posts to make them actually good RP)

(If there are any problems, please tell me some way)