SRA-Victoria DiploMagic

[Markus Wilding]

"The future may yet hold opportunities for increased cooperation between our forces," President Marsden said, nodding slowly. "We hold no quarrel with Victorian forces, but respectfully, the American people did not invite the fires of your reign upon Columbia. If such a move had been discussed with Congress, I imagine we may have been more amenable to this alliance today."

[Sabriel]

"If such had been discussed with your Congress, you would have faced hundreds or thousands more dead facing an enemy that had already bloodied the nose of your army. I find that, when a rescue is in order, it is best not to sit and discuss that rescue in committee."

[Markus Wilding]

"I believe what Comrade President Marsden is trying to say," Secretary of State Sharp interjected, readjusting his tiny round glasses, "is that while we are not ungrateful for Victorian aid, our intelligence indicated that the United States Army did not have the energy or capacity to launch a full-scale assault until... well, at least this month, if not late February at the earliest. We believe this would have been ample time to at least consider this course of action. Of course, if Your Majesty believes this was the correct course of action, then... well, who are we to say no?"

[Sabriel]

"War is not something to be dragged on, gentlemen," Catharine said sharply. "War is a tragedy, something we do when we must, and that we end as quickly and decisively as we can. We end the enemy so that they can never threaten us again. You don't sit around a table discussing whether you should do just that. All the world needs to understand, all the men who would sit safe behind the lines and insist that war go on, that this is no longer an option. That choosing this will result in nothing but complete destruction. That's what I gave to Kampala, that's what I gave to Columbia, and that's what you should give to those who resist you in the future. There can never be a question of some war of attrition, ever again."

She sighed and shook her head, holding up her hand in a gesture that asked for a moment. She took several deep breaths and slowly lowered her hand as she began to speak again, "It's clear that we have different views on war. But you have an entire continent to cross. I hope you see that putting an end to resistance like I have is the best option available to you. And if you're squeamish about ending so many lives... Perhaps you need an ally who can do just that."

[Markus Wilding]

President Marsden sighed, shaking his head. "Different views on war, yes, that much I believe we can agree on. Mr. Secretary, I believe I'm beginning to run late for my meeting with Mr. Garver. If you could...?"

"Uh, y-yes, Comrade President," Sharp replied, clearly not expecting to have this handed off to him in this manner. With barely another word, President Marsden departed, leaving Secretary of State Sharp with Queen Catharine. He nervously cleared his throat, reaching for the cup of water in front of him. "Well, uh... as previously stated, uh, the State Department does believe that potential cooperation is on the table in the future? I don't believe cooperating is counterproductive to President Marsden's policy of isolationism..."

[Sabriel]

Catharine's eyes narrowed sharply and she watched the President leave the room. She stood and brushed her pants off, glancing down at Secretary Sharp.

"I'm not important enough for your President to even schedule a full meeting for, eh?" Whatever geniality had been in her voice before, it was gone now. "This has been a disappointment through and through. If isolation is what he wants, so be it. Victoria will do what is necessary to ensure that peace and order are maintained. And if your will of the people decides to honour friendship and mutual aid, your next President can beg a meeting in Nairobi."

She gestured to her guards who shifted out of their positions and clearly were ready to leave.

[Sabriel]

A member of the Victorian embassy in Atlanta arranged to eat lunch with one of his colleagues from the SRA one day. He ordered southern style tea, something far outside the norm for him, with his meal and made inane small talk for most of the gathering. Until the very end when he placed a hand on his counterpart's shoulder and said gently, if firmly, "your tea here in the south is very sweet, and your people very friendly. Queen Catharine hears that the nations north of you are not so friendly, and have no tea. She thinks they wouldn't be worth visiting right now." He left the meal with that and returned to his regular work at the Victorian embassy.

Sometime later a Victorian submarine surfaced off the American eastern seaboard and its captain stood in the fresh air, staring toward the SRA, a steaming cup of tea in hand. After finishing his drink he returned below deck and the submarine went below the waves once more.

[Markus Wilding]

A message was sent to the Victorian government, personally delivered by the American ambassador in Dar es Salaam, which detailed what could be constituted groveling for a meeting. President van Baarle indicated a great pleasure to see Dar es Salaam himself, as well as hoping for the chance to meet Queen Catharine in person.

[Sabriel]

The Victorians responded with their own message: "Condolences on the loss of a visionary statesman of Marsden's calibre. Queen Catharine may find time in her busy schedule to meet with President van Baarle if he is present in Dar es Salaam."

[Markus Wilding]

President van Baarle headed to Dar es Salaam almost immediately after receiving a positive reply - even if that positive reply was dripping with barely-concealed derision. But, he had no choice - the rift between two of the world's leading powers had to be mended.