A Scarabs time in the Highlands.

[Sahra]

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A Scarabs time in the Highlands

8/12/2024 |16:00 Hours

Steps of the Airport, Whedon's Row, @Pentium. 

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     The Sahradducee stepped down the steps of the airport, with Scribe Tanen-tu at his heels.  He saw a restaurant not far from the foot of the airport, and decided he would like an early taste of Pentian cuisine. Unsurprisingly, the Scribe would be bleating in the Sahradducee's ear about deadlines and spoiling of dinners. “It is most likely that whatever you decide to try, will be available at the meeting.” she said in a disapproving tone. “Quiet woman, you're sounding like my wife!” he said playfully, the tone he always used when he was getting himself into mischief or doing things the public would deem 'Below a Sahradducee.' “Besides, we arrived a whole hour early, and we will stay within walking distance of the capital.” He retorted with a brief display of his tongue, which was met with a dramatic eye roll. 

     The city itself is a pretty standard modern city, though there were what appeared to be remnants of the previous conflict. Something the Sahradducee would keep in his mind and inquire about at a later date. The weather was overcast, with a mild wind chill, Nephercheres thought to himself “This place is very cold, thank the Gods, for my garb.”

     The Sahradducee and the Scribe would take the next forty-five minutes to play explorer, trying some light snacks, window shopping at some stores. Essentially, the pair would mess around until it was time to start heading back. Scribe Tanen-tu kept a stern eye on the clock, like she had always done.

 

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     Once it was time, they approached the entryway to the hill building, they made their way to the receptionist, who pointed them in the direction of the correct conference room. Once they were in the room, the Scribe would immediately sit while the Sahradducee would wander the room, picking random things up and examining them. The two would go over their ideas for an agreement between each other, in preparation for the contact to meet.

[Pentium]

Whedon's Row, Parliamentary Conference Room 4, 5:01 PM

“Who are you meeting today?” Lachland Sinclair's voice snapped Hera out of her thoughts, the Minister of Defense speaking with his colleague as she reviewed her notes last minute.  What little the Foreign Ministry could manage to gather about the nation of Sahra had been compiled into a few folders and important looking documents.

“I'm barely aware of that Lachland, one Sahradducee Nephercheres, I believe?  I'm guessing either a diplomat or what we would call a minister.  I should have given myself longer to prepare for this, whatever.” Hera stuffed the dossier back into its pack with frustration, there would be some poor, underpaid attendant at the meeting who would have had to study this the night before.

“At least you've got the name, can't help with the rest of it, though.  I think Timon will be able to help you wing it, most of what he manages to do as Minister of Trade & Commerce, at least internally here, is wing his way through his job.  Either way, I'm sure you'll be fine.  Good luck, Hera, this is where we deviate.”

“Yeah, thanks Lachland.  I'll talk to you later.”

The two walked awkwardly in the same direction for a few more moments, before breaking apart.  Eventually, Hera met with her working partner for the meeting and cadre of staffers, Timon Sinovac.  The two of them entered the conference room, a single attendant with each of them prepared with their own, and what information they could gather on Sahra.  Timon, ever the salesmen, spoke first.

“Greetings, Honorable Representatives.  Allow me to introduce my colleague, Hera Theadore, Minister of Foreign Affairs.  I am Timon Sinovac, Minister of Trade & Commerce.  It is good to finally put a face to a name.”

The two ministers sat down, their aides sitting next to them.  Unpacking briefcases full of documents outlining mostly internal information relevant for this meeting.  Growth projections, ongoing projects, important industries and their operations.  There was a fair amount of paperwork before the two parties had even begun talking.

“Agreed, it is good to finally put a face to a name, Sahradducee Nephercheres.  I know this meeting was on short notice. However, we still appreciate your willingness to discuss mutually beneficial trade.”

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@Sahra

[Sahra]

Whedon's Row, @Pentium, Parliamentary Conference Room 4, 5:01 PM

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     The Sahradducee and the Scribe would stand and turn towards the foreign leaders. “Likewise,” said the Sahradducee. “This is Scribe Tanen-tu. The highest er… Secretary…. In Sahra, as for myself, I am Sahradducee Nephercheres. I am one of twelve. 'Sahradducee' is a religious title akin to… a presi-d-dent.” It was clear the Sahradducee made and attempt to learn terms and titles from the Pentium government. His accent would appear thick when saying these words that are foreign to Sahra. 

     The two would take their seats, with the Sahradducee taking a laid-back posture, with one hand on the table, sitting at a slight angle to the rest of the group. “Before we get into boring treaties, I would like to know more about you both.” he points at the two, with a loose form. “Also, to know more about this beautiful place.” He puts his hand down and says, “We would go first, and would keep it brief.” He gives a playful look to the Scribe, who gives an “Are you sure?” look.

     “The Kingdom of 'Sahra' is a compilation of two different Kingdoms. The Kingdom of So-Rah, and the Kingdom of Sa ma khom. Which are currently two distinct political entities, though are under the governorship of the Sahradducee High council.” He takes a breath and takes a sip from a bottle of water. “So-Rah, is a Desert Kingdom, and Sa ma khom is a jungle. The two will be reunited formally in the near future.” 

     “The goal of the Sahradducees, is elevating the Kingdom, without sacrificing the religious and cultural beliefs that have reigned in our region. For most of our history we have been Isolationist, outside of various conflict periods with our neighbors to the north, the Kingdom of Per-Aten.”

     The Scribe, Tanen-tu would chime in and say, “As for us, I was appointed Scribe by the Sahradducee, Nephercheres, when he was put in charge of external relations. We have been working together for a long time.”

     The Scribe would say, “But that's enough about us, how about you?”

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[Pentium]

Whedon's Row, Parliamentary Conference Room 4 – @Sahra

Both ministers listened with interest as the Sahradducee spoke, describing the basics of politics where he came from.  It was clear that the two states had vast differences between their governmental systems and functions, but that should not become an issue for the signing and negotiating of a deal, so long as the other Sahradducees did not need to be here.

“To mirror your description, we are both ministers of the current reigning government.  Much like yourself, we are in-charge of specific facets of the government to assist it in operating effectively.  However, we are working under our President, who is our head of state and head of our political party.  In addition to our duties as ministers, we are representatives of local regions across the country.”

“Despite how it may sound, we are a single entity.  Like you say, So-Rah and Sa ma khom will be soon.  But we are a representative democracy, so we have people from across the nation whom represent those places.  Our goals are to improve the lives of our citizenry in as many ways as possible, and ensure their continued freedom.”

“As for ourselves?  I am from a city to the south of here, known as Elksford.  My appointment to this role is new, but I was a successful small business owner in Elksford before getting elected to office and appointed as Minister of Trade & Commerce.  I didn't believe that I would be getting into politics, but circumstances made it favorable.” 

“I was the regional governor of Kalokai in the southern provinces, I met my term limit there and got elected to office here.  I was in the same position in the previous administration.  It was an interesting time, but my experience in negotiating with the other provinces, and hand in inter-regional trade agreements got me the job.”

Hera finished her brief self-description, and as she did so, a few platters of food were brought into the room.  Various meats, vegetables, breads, chocolates, and sauces were on the sampling tables, a light meal more than anything.  But something to help break the ice between the two parties and give the Sahradducee something more to enjoy about Pentian culture.  The food was on a decorated ceramic plate, blues, purples, and reds displayed on the plates.  Pentian Tea, Hot Chocolate and soft drinks were brought out with the food.

The Ministers waited for their guests to serve themselves first, being the polite thing to do in Pentian society.

[Sahra]

Whedon's Row, @Pentium, Parliamentary Conference Room 4.

The pair would listen to the ministers speak, the Scribe would sit forwards, hands laced on her knees, looking towards the duo. The Sahradducee would maintain his laid-back approach, only leaning forward when the platters were brought in. Nephercheres would stand as soon as the duo had finished their introduction. The Sahradducee would make his way to the sampling table and begin tasting the samples systematically. The Scribe would follow behind, writing down the descriptions Nepherceres would tell her, in a journal provided by the Sahradducee. 

“This is my absolute favorite part of being without a province. Traveling the wurld and tasting the cultures of foreigners. Oh, how it's such a joy.”

The scribe would explain to the Pentian Ministers, “The Council of High priests, the 'Sahradducees' act as one body when all are in attendance. It is only during these councils can each Sahradducee make forth a proposal about things within their territory, then the rest of the council votes to approve or deny this alteration. While in each priest's own territory, they have the important job of maintaining a relationship with a specific God. This includes Temple Maintenance, sacrifices, prayers, offering of incense, washing and feeding the Gods. Each province patrons a specific, different God, so the whole of the Kingdom worships the pantheon. The Sahradducees are the only people allowed in the temples. In previous years, the high priests had priests below them doing these things, but those positions now tend to the general wellbeing of the province they serve. Things included in these duties are, praying for the province, often times among the people. Tending to the sick and poor, and general acts of welfare.”

She takes a deep breath, before trying a specific soft drink. “Naturally,” she gestures to Nephercheres, who would be face first on a piece of bread. “The Sahradducee here, has been moved to the office of all external affairs. This means he doesn't have a province, as he is required to be highly mobile. The council had prayed about this, and it had been revealed he might uphold the high priest's role through the sacrifice of strict asceticism. So, this means he may not break his dietary restriction of harsh vegetarianism. The God, Ra or Re, has blessed this office with breaking the fast only during diplomatic meetings, as he is representing the Kingdom. With his specific role in the Kingdom being very dangerous, he embodies the entirety of Sahra, when he engages with foreign powers.” She would offer these words between sips.

The Sahradducee would add “Often times, my attendance at high tension diplomatic meetings, such as labor strikes within Sahra, or peace agreements with a hostile nation are considered a valid sacrifice.”

After the Sahradducee was finished trying an eighth of the samples available, the pair would return to their seats. 

“So, let's talk about agreements,” said the Sahradducee, with a tone that suggested the boring part was upon them. “Sahra has a limited number of goods and services it could trade. We have cheaper labor, coffee, and spices and other agricultural commodities.” 

Just then, through the window, the sun's light increased, both the Scribe and Sahradducee would give a head dip. 

 “We do have an untapped reserve of natural resources. The Kingdom has spent most of its time keeping itself together and occupying its neighbors. The Kingdom hasn't expanded its mining sector. That, combined with the nation not really being able to afford to kick-start its heavy industry, means we would have to seek foreign investment.” The Sahradducee would add with a tone that sounded like they would be ashamed to say it aloud, or like they had tried to hide this fact. He would await the response to what he was indicating.

[Pentium]

Whedon's Row, Parliamentary Conference Room 4 – @Sahra

“That is sort of how it works here, however, there are hundreds of representatives sent to Whedon's Row that do not have the same power as a Sahradducee may.  But are there rather to ensure their district is being fairly treated by local, state and federal institutions, propose legislation or changes for their district and vote on federal legislation. Any sort of maintenance, or social care is handled by either municipal or provincial governments with similar, albeit smaller systems.”

“Timon and I have districts that we represent outside our duties and ministers, because of this extra responsibility, we are also given teams to help administer our capacity as ministers for our respective roles in government”

Timon nor Hera decided on discussing the prayer aspect of the Sahran governmental system, the Pentian system was secular and didn't rely on prayer or temples for much beyond an individual's desire to engage in religious practices, such as the freedom enshrined to citizens of the Republic.  But it did not seem relevant to negotiations to discuss such matters openly, both the scribe and Sahradducee seemed well-read enough to be aware of such differences.

“As for specifics, what I believe would be best offered between our two nations would be the reduction of tariffs for the most part and the opening of a foreign office within Sahra to facilitate Foreign Direct Investment from our corporations here.  I'm sure many corporations would enjoy a brief of what is acceptable to offer to the citizens of your nation to avoid missteps and issues resulting from our differing cultures and social norms.  As for international trade, I am certain that we could open up the market for some Sahran goods to enter the Pentian market and vice versa.  However, I have an inkling that what is most interesting for your government's interest would be the aforementioned FDI to help kickstart your own economic growth.”

Timon took a moment away from speaking to take a sip of his tea, opening a small handbook and placing it on the table.  With a pen, he began taking notes on what was being discussed.  Just in case he needed to recall something during this spitballing.

“I can think of several companies that would be more than willing to expand into Sahra and allow those goods to flow into your hands and market.  What kind of agreement they would ask to make with your government, however?  That is entirely up to them and your own.  Hence, my suggestion of a foreign office to simplify the matter.  Pentium has much to offer Sahra. However, much in the way of consumer goods, different agricultural goods as you have sampled here and raw materials and refined goods.”

[Sahra]

Whedon's Row, @Pentium, Parliamentary Conference Room 4.

The scribe would follow suit, writing down the minutes of the negotiation. Occasionally, she would glance up at the Sahradducee, trying to gauge interest from his face. 

“We will begin by building a foreign office within the Kingdom. We would also provide room and food for any Pentian diplomat to live within Sahra semi-permanently if available. Once it is operational, we can begin to have meetings with the corporations of Pentium, discussing tariff reductions, opening of free trade agreements, and these FDI's.” Said Nepherceres.

Tanen-Tu would look towards the pair, asking, “Would you provide the contact details for some of these corporations? Or would Pentium gauge the interests of the available corporations and facilitate their appointments in Sahra?”

Nepherceres would stand and move towards the sampling table, taking a bowl and filling it with Pentian fruit. Returning to the table and his seat, he would take a bite and ask, “Would some of these fruits and vegetables be able to be grown in Sahra?” Nonchalantly, seemingly particularly uninterested in the specifics. This behavior would play into what he had said before, when he proclaimed his dislike for agreements, the boring part of diplomacy.

Tanen-Tu would shoot the Sahradducee a silly look, after all this time, he only cares about his stomach. “Is there anything from the list of things we mentioned that Pentium would be of interest? Are your people interested in foreign coffee, spices, etc?”

[Pentium]

Whedon's Row, Parliamentary Conference Room 4 @Sahra

“Generally, these corporations will take interest in you without any intervention from the Pentian Government. However, we are happy to provide a list of contacts of businesses more than willing to participate in the Sahran economy and help to advance the economic interest of both our states. Our economic model encourages them to reach out on their own and interact with your government on their own time, at their own desire.  I will have that shortlist in your hands before you leave.  Hera?”

“If you want this Foreign Office to double as an Embassy, then we would equally be prepared to host a Sahran diplomatic mission in Whedon's Row.  We have plenty of room in the capital for such a matter.  However, I would recommend that we discuss the reduction in Tariffs and Trade Agreements while we are both here.  Those will apply to the companies that open up in Sahra and give them more of an incentive to move into the country.  As for your goods, I could see there being a market for the spices and coffee.  We mostly drink tea up here in Pentium, so another kind of morning beverage could have some success, and I am not an expert in agriculture, but with the variety of produce grown here I am sure something will find roots in your soils.”

Timon stood up for a moment and moved over towards a speaker in the wall, keying one of the buttons on it.  He spoke into the microphone to ask for someone from his department to inquire into retrieving a list of companies that Sahra might be interested in.  Timon wagered that they would find the most value out of companies that could help to modernize their processes and individuals, and perhaps some secondary industries for resource extraction and utilization.  Timon sat back down.

“Oh, most certainly, even if we are only buying the goods and selling them here.  Cities like Saltbrook channel are a bustling center for foreign cultures and their produce, there's enough of a market there to make Sahran products shine among many others, we don't get much out of Alharu in the way of spices.”

[Sahra]

Whedon's Row, @Pentium, Parliamentary Conference Room 4.

The Sahradducee would ask where the bathroom, and before he left, he would make his Scribe clear she could act on his behalf for the rest of the meeting.

She rolls her eyes, as her colleague's age was showing.

Scribe Tanen-Tu would smile at the mention of 'Morning drinks'. “Ah yes, Sahra has a good few of these teas and a soup that's meant to be drunken like a smoothie. I bet it would be most interesting to the People of Pentium.” 

She began looking through the lists of cuisine samples she had made, marking off which ones would make sense to look into.

She would write this down for later, and asked, “What is Pentium looking for in the reduction of tariffs? Sahra, was looking at this from the mindset of, 'Most enticing' And we were leaning in the direction of open and free trade. That way, there would be no question of Pentium corporate interest. Especially because we are so far away as nations.” 

[Pentium]

Whedon's Row, Parliamentary Conference Room 4 @Sahra

“Distance is less of a concern now, bulk freighters and mass transit make such matters more trivial than ever before.  We would, however, be supportive of trade without tariffs if that suits the interests of Sahra, it is in our interests as well to reduce the barriers to trade and prosperity between our two nations.  It would also allow opportunity for business ventures outside what we discuss here to potentially crop up, if we are giving a free rein to business.”

“Both sides, that is, so it would be giving our corporations a free hand in investment and work within our two nations.  We won't have to be particular about which industries get benefits and which ones don't.  Which is fine with us, and the market can figure itself out.”

Hera took down a few notes for the meeting, appreciating the simplicity and straight forwardness of the scribe.  This was how lasting deals were made, both parties wanted to get something done and wanted to make said thing simple.  There would be some minutia to figure out, but that would be between lower offices and officials figuring it out.