Seref Games

The request for a diplomatic meeting from a nation across the world had come as something of a surprise. However, given the small number of nations available for trade, the Kingdom saw no reason to be stingy in their friendship. A response was sent across the ocean to the SRA, accepting their request and inviting them to Dar es Salaam.

A small group of workers assigned to the Department of Foreign Affairs was dispatched to the city’s airport. A small suite of offices was prepared there to host the meeting, so that the foreign diplomats would be kept from wandering too deep into a city still recovering from the fighting that had brought Queen Akinyi to power.

When they did arrive, they’d be greeted by Colonel Jane Aondi and a group of her aides. “Welcome to the East African Kingdom.”

Secretary of State Wesley Marchegiano was not a man who preferred to venture to foreign areas. In his mind, the SRA was better off keeping to itself, and not involving the nation in far-away continents and irrelevant wars of ideology. He saw full well the irony of being a man committed to isolationism and serving as the top diplomat of a nation.

Upon spotting the Colonel, Marchegiano nodded, extending a hand. "Secretary of State Wesley Marchegiano. It's a pleasure to be here. Shall we get started?"

Colonel Aondi raised one brow at the foreigner, but took his hand and shook firmly. “We weren’t expecting such a high ranking guest. Regardless, yes. Let’s get to it. We have coffee and water if you want refreshment.” She gestured to a side table where drinks were set out. She took a seat at a table that was clearly intended to serve as the centrepiece for meetings. “What can East Africa do for a remnant of America?”

Marchegiano took a seat, as well as a cup of coffee. "Primarily, we in Atlanta are interested in securing a trade agreement. We in the Socialist Republics are unable to grow much on the way of coffee, for example, and among other things, we would be a primary buyer of coffee and other cash crops from the Kingdom's fields. Most of our crops and other industrial output can be offered at a reduced rate compared to other nations."

The Colonel chuckled softly. “Well. We all know how much Americans enjoy their coffee. I’m sure the Department of Economic Affairs can draft up an export agreement. I’m given to understand your region of the Americas also enjoys some type of tea, another product we have in abundance. In return, I imagine an export agreement for your coal, iron, and industrial products would be a fair expectation.”

"This is agreeable," the Secretary of State said, nodding. "The Kingdom will enjoy favorable rates for purchasing iron, coal and refined products from the Republics. Should I assume we will be exchanging embassies as well?"

“Hmn.” Colonel Aondi tapped the table in front of her, eyebrows furrowed. “Yes, I think an exchange of embassies can be arranged. It will take a small amount of time for us to prepare a suitable building for your delegation, however. The former colonial regime did not leave us many facilities in good standing, unfortunately. Queen Akinyi’s priority has, so far, been to care for her people before anything else, such as building embassies. I think we can have one ready in two months.”

"Well, we aren't in any rush for that. We'll keep a line open at the State Department for you to let us know when a suitable building is open. That said, if the Kingdom would allow it, I am authorized to offer an aid package to you that would consist of economic development like construction materials, trained builders willing to come and work, and a sizeable sum of money for further development. Think of it as an investment in our future together."

“An investment?” The Colonel chuckled without making any effort to hide her mirth. “We’ll accept it, gladly. You’ll just have to pardon my amusement at an avowedly communist nation making investments like this. It is a little ironic. But whatever floats our boat is good for us, eh? I can promise that any workers you send will be protected by the Kingdom’s labour laws. Any unions they belong to can petition for formal recognition here, or they can join a local trade union while they remain in the Kingdom. The Foreign Affairs Department can have worker visas drawn up.”

Marchegiano smirked as well, fully aware of the irony. "Oh, believe me, the State Department finds it funny too. Regardless, we'll pass along the information on the workers when they're rounded up, and when the embassy is built, an ambassador will soon be on their way. Atlanta doesn't have any other pressing matters to speak of, so if the Kingdom has nothing more, I believe we can spend some time around the area before heading back home."