Blood Is Thicker Than Water

[Girkmand]

 

The Free State of Sachsen lies to the eastern border of Girkmand. It is an administrative anomaly that the federal government often juggles with; the people of Sachsen share the same ethnic, cultural and lingual traits as their Girkmandian contemporaries. The close kindred ties have long been a subject of curious comparisons by inhabitants of both neighboring countries, as well as researchers abroad. The Sachsen dialect of English that is spoken across the border is further complemented by what many consider a funny, alien accent. Genetic research has proven that both the Girkmandians and Sachsenians share a common haplogroup pertaining to the Saxon influence in the Middle-Argis region.

Many Girkmandians have distant relatives living in Sachsen, and vice versa. As such, relations between the two nations’ citizens are warm and welcoming. Frequent tourist trips are made to and from Sachsen by organizations promoting Saxon heritage.

Intergovernmental bonds are strengthened by heavy Girkmandian investment in the Sachsenian hydroelectric sector, which is primarily controlled by the Girkmandian Federal Power Corporation. The heavily industrialized Sachsenian economy compensates for its lack of agricultural output with its proficient manufacturing industry which it uses to import other resources, primarily from Girkmand. In 2007, a customs union between the two nations was proposed by prominent Girkmandian and Sachsenian economists, backed by a lobby of merchants, corporations and free trade activists. The union was officially taken into effect the following year in 2008.

The Federal Railway Company of Girkmand undertook a massive infrastructure project that sought to build an international railway from Girkmand to Sachsen in 2010. The railway was completed in 2013 and taken into service in 2014. Today, the railway is considered to be a vital organ of both countries’ economies. The railway was a direct result of the 2007 customs union that paved the way for further economic integration between Sachsen and Girkmand: now, the two are economically virtually inseparable.

Argis, and by extent, Middle-Argis, are primarily populated by Slavic peoples, designated as the following: Western Slavs (Girkmand, Cavunia)  East Slavs (Eurofuhrer, Polish-Lithunianian Commonwealth, Greater Serbia) and North Slavs (Ahrana, Hellenic Rus). This is no surprise, as both Girkmand and Sachsen are host to a numerable Slavic population. The geographical significance of Slavic to Saxon inhabitation is often referred to as the “Argis encirclement theory” by ultra nationalist movements and it is a facet of many racist and fascist ideologies. The “theory” concludes that Girkmand, and by extent, the Saxon peoples, are encircled by the “lesser” Slavs, who directly threaten the sovereignty and freedom of the Germanic Saxon race, which has to unite in order to ward off the threat of Slavic communism.

In moderate circles the idea of unification has received a fair amount of support from the peoples of both nations, particularly on the basis of economics. Sachsen and Girkmand greatly depend on each other for economic sustenance, and are both culturally, lingually and ethnically related. The Free State of Sachsen is to hold a referendum regarding its entry into the Girkmandian Federal Republic as a Free State, which would retain all of its current administrative privileges in the federation, were it to join.

The Girkmandian federal government is publicly more than receptive to the idea, as it would help strengthen the nation’s cultural and economical ties while improving the nation’s security on the eastern border. The wheels of bureaucracy have started moving, and the preparations for the referendum are currently under way, with both nations’ top lawyers and politicians busy with the plans of officially integrating Sachsen into the federation.

Edited May 25, 2018 by Girkmand (see edit history)

[Girkmand]

A Girkmandian presidential private jet made its landing on Saxonia International Airport in Sachsen at approximately 06:00 in the morning. President Gerald Webb and his aides exited the aircraft accompanied by several burly secret servicemen from the Federal Political Directorate. The party made their way down the staircase, greeting the crowd of spectators and press representatives restrained some fifty meters away by a guard rail and a handful of Sachsenian police officers. At the bottom of the steps stood President Walter Fischer, a middle-aged gentleman with pale wrinkled skin, receding brown hair and old fashioned round glasses. Fischer was a stout conservative who personally supported traditional social values and free market economics, as one would expect from a self-made businessman. The two men shook hands and exchanged pleasantries like old pals.

“How was your flight?”

“It was fine, thank you. I hope we did not keep you waiting for long! It’s windy out here.”

“No, no, not at all. A little breeze won’t knock me over.”

President Webb followed alongside Fischer as the group made their way through the pathway draped in red carpet. The euphoric crowd’s cheers eventually fell into the background once they entered the airport terminal, which was entirely empty save for a few strategically placed policemen. One of the Sachsenian bodyguards navigated the group to the airport’s primary front exit, where another controlled line of spectators and media had gathered some meters away. A few headline shots later and the visitors finally embarked a sleek black armored limousine parked up front. The limousine took off, following the two police motorcycles driving ahead. Another pair of police motorcycles covered the rear of the convoy.

The droning hum of the limousine’s engine was interrupted by the sharp clinking of glasses.

“Can I offer you a drink?”

Within seconds, Fischer produced a pair of beer glasses from the minibar cabinet and gently propped them onto the center table. It would have been rude to decline the offer at this point, considering Fischer was already pouring both men a glass of premium Sachsenian lager beer. Sachsen is renowned for its thriving lager industry and cheap alcohol, which is one of the most popular reasons for Girkmandians to visit the country. Conducting business over a drink is not uncommon in Sachsen, as drinking beer is a big part of local culture, especially in more rural areas.

The convoy halted in front of the towering Prima Hotel in the heart of the city, where the Girkmandian delegation was set to stay for the duration of the visit.

Inside, President Fischer was eager to personally show the visitors around the hotel. The Prima was built in 1953 during Girkmand’s long going Disorders by a diverse workforce of Sachsenian and Girkmandian laborers. Shortly after a trip to the glamorous penthouse suite, the tour concluded somewhat predictably in the hotel bar, where the two presidents reportedly talked quite passionately about history, politics, art and the coming unification referendum. The state visit was primarily just a popularity stunt, and the amount of headline photographs of Gerald Webb drinking a Sachsenian lager were largely proof of that.

Over the coming week President Webb is scheduled to tour various parts of Saxonia, as well as appear on Sachsenian news channel Daily Pager for an interview about the plans for unification. Webb will attend two more meetings with the Sachsenian president on Friday and Saturday, before departing home on Sunday.

[Girkmand]

The initial preparations for the First International Congress of Saxonian Peoples were just about complete. The parliamentary chamber of the grand Sachsenian parliament house was refitted to accommodate the state representatives from Girkmand and her federal subjects, Sachsenian governmental representatives, individuals and organization. The last few contracted movers who continued work on this late Thursday night were finished as the last row of folding chairs was placed down. Behind the speaker's booth hung two enormous polyester banners depicting the flags of Sachsen and Girkmand; the vast space in the middle covered by thick red stage drapes.

Tomorrow's schedule was set to begin at 15:00. Guests, speakers and other attendants would arrive by 13:30. Arriving guests would be treated to a traditional Sachsenian catering consisting of a cup of coffee and a slice of cake. The congress will be officially opened by President Walter Fischer, after which Professor Curt Hecker of the University of Saxonia will speak about Saxonian history, culture and tradition. 15:30-16:00 the stage is reserved to the Speaker of Congress Tobias Müller, appointed by the founding members of the federal government of Girkmand, the federated states of Vanisten, Jugen, Orde and Sachsen. The congress will then adjourn to enjoy the catering inside of the dining hall at approximately 16:00. State representatives will partake in a brief photo-shoot before the congress resumes. The meeting shall resume at 16:30. A joint panel of delegates will officially establish the Saxon Peoples' Consultative Committee, after which the event ends on Congressman Müller's closing statements at around 17:00.

Squiggly black cables and large TV cameras intended for live coverage were strategically placed at the corners of each room. The event was going to be streamed live on international television as well as on a few online services.

The event is a stepping stone in Girkmandian-Sachsenian relations, and the birth of a Saxon national identity. Lineages as old as the Mediargic itself can be traced to this land in Mittelargis; from the Teutoburger river to the Rhein, the people between these two bodies have forever felt like aliens, surrounded by a distinctively more Slavic population, with no tribe to call their own, isolated and alone. The shroud of time will eventually let us uncover who we once truly were.

[Girkmand]

The festivities had begun and the dining hall was filled with the sounds of clinking coffee cups and teaspoons scraping cake icing off of plates: rows of guests sat at the tables and rose off to make room for others after finishing their meal, the conversation flowing up and down the room fluidly. The gathering was certainly nothing special, rather it was quite modest and homely.

People slowly began to flood into the parliamentary chamber as the clock began to inch closer to 15:00. Hushed whispers among the socialites were the only real source of noise, aside from the odd cough or sneeze.

A minute past three o'clock, President Walter Fischer rose to the podium.

"First and foremost, I wish to thank all of our guests for attending. Secondly, I wish to extend my gratitude to the congress' founding board for allowing me to be here today. It is a great honor, thank you." Complementary applause followed.

"It is with the establishment of this congress and the consultative committee that we dedicate ourselves to the research and protection of the Saxon people. I hope that one day we may look at each other as brothers and sisters, rather than neighbors.

Every community and nation has a flag, a banner to rally behind. A sign that we show to each other to let others know we are of the same clan. It is my honor to present to you the flag which the students of the University of Saxonia have designed to represent us, the Saxons."

The red stage drapes are swiftly pulled back, revealing a ginormous white, green, black and yellow polyester banner :

A thundering display of applause follows the reveal, forcing President Fischer to pause. "Thank you, thank you." The rows of guests stared up at the banner with dignified smiles. TV cameras showed the flag in full view. Eventually the crowd quieted down.

"The black and yellow were chosen to symbolize the Saxon people. Together we wish for these two colors to become synonymous with our community. The white, representing our tradition and culture, and lastly, the green, together representing our shared common values of freedom and order." President Fischer shuffled through his papers.

"I leave you with this banner, which shall continue to hang from the parliamentary chamber's walls in celebration of our unity. Now, please welcome Professor Curt Hecker of the University of Saxonia."

Professor Hecker rose to the podium, shaking hands with President Fischer.

The event continued as scheduled. A surprising amount of people tuned in to watch the broadcast, and quickly screen captures and officially published images of the revealed banner began to make their way into public forums and national news. A newfound feeling of unity had been established between the Saxons of Girkmand and Sachsen, perhaps paving the way for greater things to come in the future.

The July polls regarding the Girkmand-Sachsen unification referendum were just around the corner. Poll predictions were more overwhelmingly positive than ever as a result of the congress, which was overall considered to be a great success.

[Girkmand]

Inside of the federal building in Girk, representatives from the thirteen federated states flock inside the federal council's chamber. Each state's four delegates vote as a single bloc, if the members of a delegation cast different votes, the entire vote of the respective state is invalid.

Earlier this week the neighboring state of Sachsen held a referendum regarding unification with Girkmand. The vote passed, and now it was up to the Girkmandian federal council to decide whether or not to integrate Sachsen into the federation.

After complementary adjusting of seats, the council begins its meeting. A brief headcount reveals that each state has the correct number of delegates in attendance.

Chairman Konrad Bergman contextualizes the situation: "Today's meeting concerns the integration of the state of Sachsen into the federal republic of Girkmand." Vice Chairman Erwin Hauser hands out one ballot for each bloc. "After five minutes, the votes will be counted. It's time to choose."

Hushed whispers are interrupted by the occasional sliding of chairs from those walking over to deposit their vote into the ballot box.

Five minutes pass. Chairman Bergman and V. Chairman Hauser sat hunched over a neat pile of votes. Hauser tilts his head up periodically to read out each individual vote.

The organization of the Girkmandian federal council.

"Federal District of Girk: Yes

Girk: Yes

Annabell: Yes

Serens: Yes

Uurman: Yes

Luwidg: Yes

Varma: Yes

Jugen: Yes

Kannas: Yes

Orde: Yes

Vanisten: Yes

Kerlia: No

Untenvik: No."

V. Chairman Hauser took a moment to calculate the total outcome. "11 votes for yes, 2 votes for no." Chairman Bergman banged his wooden hammer. "The resolution passes eleven to two. Council is adjourned until the next scheduled meeting."

The doors to the federal council open once more and a tidal wave of virtually indistinguishable suited men and women politicians pour out. Chairman Bergman is ambushed by a horde of TV news people on his way out, officially declaring the outcome of the vote to the public.

[Girkmand]

An unmarked blue '86 Bhevolret parks in front of the Palm Street Mall in the city of Beyer. Two masked gunmen rush inside, carrying automatic weapons and heavy rucksacks full of spare ammunition. The people inside are caught by complete surprise: they can barely fathom what is happening. One of the gunmen trains his modified AG-81 assault rifle on a crowd of shocked civilians. The gunman yanks his rifle downwards. "Down! Down!"

Crowds further away look on with concern: was this a practical joke? A robbery? Some stall, while others slowly begin to pick up their pace as they head for the exit doors on the other side of the mall. It begins to become more and more apparent what is happening by the second.

The second gunman climbs up on a fountain, waving his AG-56. "Everyone! We want everybody to assemble at the center! If you run, the blood of these people will be on your hands!"

Several people continue to run on, while others slow to a halt. A handful of people closest to the gunmen sheepishly walk to the assembly point, where the first gunman herds them onto the floor. "If you do not come out, we will kill you and these people!". Another handful of civilians pour out of nearby department stores and jewelry shops.

The fourth minute passes: 18 people lay on the floor with their hands above their heads. The first gunman patrols through the hostages. A man tilts his head up, and is immediately stomped down: "If I see your eyes, you are dead!"

At the fifth minute, the front door slams open. Junior Constable Harry Smithson is the first responding police officer to the scene. He was conducting a regular traffic stop just across the street when alarmed citizens alerted him of what was going on inside of the mall. Ear shattering bangs explode inside of the mall, first by an obviously smaller caliber handgun, second by what could only be described as two buzzsaws cutting through a plank of wood. After the smoke clears, Junior Constable Smithson can be seen lying face down on the floor with a pool of blood forming around him. The first gunman shrieks in pain, having been hit in the right shoulder.

Grasping his wound, the first and second gunmen quickly begin to herd the hostages into a nearby jewelry store. Dazed and confused from the gunfight, the shaking pale civilians are quickly moved into the backroom of the store. "Davai, davai!"

As the sixth minute passes, distant police sirens quickly close in around the mall. A quarantine area is formed; several police officers duck behind their cruisers parked across from the mall's front entrance. By the minute, more police cars arrive on the scene. Concerned officers peek through the bloodstained front door in an effort to identify the body. Two officers abandon their positions to retrieve Constable Smithson from the doorway despite the danger of the situation.

By the tenth minute, there is an all-out siege: makeshift barricades surround the mall and a local Special Weapons Unit arrives on the scene. Plainclothes officers scramble to find floor plans of the mall for the coming assault. The motives of the gunmen are unknown, and all available communications are watched in case the assailants try to get in contact with the police.