With Reluctance (Romania-SRA)

[Markus Wilding]

The following message was sent to the Romanian foreign ministry;

To Whom it May Concern,

Although the Socialist Republics of America and Romania sit on opposing ends of the political spectrum, the tenets of Marx and Lenin speak of peaceful coexistence with capitalist states such as Romania. Therefore, we have neglected a serious aspect of the Republic's foreign policy in Europe owing primarily to the lack of relations between our two states. We would like to rectify this mistake, and are prepared to either host a Romanian delegation in Atlanta or send an envoy to Romania, whichever is most convenient.

Socialist Republics of America State Department

[Niobium2]

The American bid to open relations with Romania was unexpected. The invitation to take part in the Olympic games, hosted by the reemerging power, was at first believed to be a miscommunication. After being confirmed and re-translated, it is brought before the Conducător himself.

Given the great distance of the Socialist Republic of America, and also it's growing presence in world politics, Iolanda judges that, although completely politically opposed, both authoritarian states seek dominance of their respective spheres of influence. Given that the Atlantic separates the two, these spheres are likely to be quite distinct. The Olympics, on the other hand, offers a chance to boost Romanian patriotism and unity, distracting the populace from... unfavorable internal affairs.

Still, Iolanda remains wary. His response is cordial, but tense, noting Romania's respect for the SRA's considerable power, and inviting the Americans to Bucharest. The old USA embassy is vacant after their collapse, and so the SRA is immediately welcome to set up their own operation. Romania shall be sending both an ambassador and a few hand-picked athletes to take place in the games.

[Markus Wilding]

With a clearly terse reaction, one that's not entirely unfounded given the official stance of the Socialist Republics of America, a further reply is sent back to the Romanian foreign ministry, informing them that Secretary of State Wesley Marchegiano would be heading to Romania, with a small delegation of translators as the Secretary did not speak Romanian well enough to carry on a conversation by himself.

Also included in this final reply is a projected timetable for Secretary Marchegiano's arrival, as well as an affirmation that the SRA's media outlets would assist in transmitting Romanian commentators to the Romanian people - for a small arrangement that the Secretary himself wished to discuss with Romanian leadership.

[Niobium2]

Wesley Marchegiano and his delegation are received warmly and grandly in Bucharest- although not so warmly that they are not checked for weapons-and every effort is taken to ensure that the unrest brewing in the city is hidden from the American's eyes. The Câini de Fier wear street-clothes, but nevertheless Mr. Marchegiano discerns that the citizens here are a little too watchful, on edge despite the easy, relaxed gestures of Nadia Comăneci, newly appointed Foreign Minister. Nevertheless, the automobile tour of Bucharest shows off the city's most impressive side, from the sprawling Palace of Parliament to the Grand Romanian Athenaeum.

After all has been shown off, the Americans are allowed to get down to business. The next day the party drives north to Peleș Castle, where the grand medieval hall has been prepared as a meeting room. Wesley is informed that Nicolae Iolanda himself wishes to receive the party, and so finds himself seated across from the Romanian ministers, with the tall, gaunt frame of Iolanda commanding one side of the table, and himself commanding the other.

Iolanda says a few words, and Wesley's translator relays, "To what, Mr. Marchegiano, do we owe this unexpected reception from the Republics of America?

[Markus Wilding]

Wesley Marchegiano was not blind, certainly not to the shades of authoritarianism present in Romania, nor to the tone Iolanda's translator takes when speaking of the SRA. If he had his way, there'd already be Marines storming the shores, destroying the decadence and abundance of lack of spirit the Romanian people were subjected to. Even better, if he had his way, the Socialist Republics of America could withdraw to itself, go back to the world it had built for itself in 1899, not concern itself with the affairs of outside powers.

"To put it bluntly, Mr. Prime Minister," Marchegiano began, clearing his throat. "Europe, Eastern Europe in particular, has been a neglected step-child of American foreign policy. Romania stands as a major persisting player in Europe, and it would be remiss for Atlanta to ignore this corner of the world. Despite fledgling states in Germany, Russia and Sweden, Romania has continued to stand strong, and that alone is to be commended. While ideologies may not be a selling point, the American people are interested in an embassy exchange and, if it would be amenable to the Romanian government, a trade deal."

[Niobium2]

An embassy exchange is desirable, explains the translator, and a trade deal would be acceptable, although the utility of such is limited as Romanian naval trade is blocked entirely by West Turkey. Iolanda, however, is more concerned about political negotiations.

"It is, of course, known that the SRA has taken interest in the defense of European states aligned with it's policies, vocally opposing the expansion of Imperialist Russia. To be frank Mr. Marchegiano, we suspect you have considered interfering in our war with Moldova. Although we do not begrudge you this, what Romania wants and needs at present is the authority to expand our sphere of influence without interference."

Iolanda goes silent for a moment, staring intensely at Wesley.

"Why of course, should you allow a competitor and possible threat to remain unhindered? Put simply, Romania is willing to make our continued cooperation more profitable to the SRA than opposing us could ever be. As to how that could be accomplished, that is what I am here to discuss."

[Markus Wilding]

"Rest assured Mr. Prime Minister, we in Atlanta have no interest in intervening in Moldova. American efforts are directed elsewhere, primarily in ensuring the reunification of lost states to our glorious Union.That said, we do look with concern upon Romanian expansion in Moldova, and while we are hopeful a peaceful solution can be found, that appears to be less and less likely with the passing day. You speak of a sphere of influence, Mr. Prime Minister, but we in Atlanta have no real influence towards events here in Europe, much less southeastern Europe." Marchegiano shrugs, splaying his hands. "As far as authority, I can't guarantee that, not with the present diplomatic situation in Europe vis-a-vis American policy."

"Now, we in Atlanta possess a certain level of refineries and synthetic refinement plants, but as I'm sure you're aware, a nation thirsts for more. The SRA is willing to pay a premium for refined Romanian petroleum, in return for high-quality products originating from the Republics such as cotton, textiles, and machinery. We have no quarrel with Romania other than ideological differences, and so long as Romania continues on a path which does not interfere with American trade interests and strategic considerations, I see no reason we in Atlanta would run counter to Romanian politics."

[Niobium2]

Several months after the successful conclusion of Romanian-SRA negotiations, Wesley Marchegiano awakens with unease. Immediately he can sense something is not right. Bucharest seems... too still. Even the thick snow piling in drifts against the ancient brick gutters can't account for the head quite of the city this morning. He is quickly dressed and departs for the government offices, only to find that the entire Palace of Parliament is deserted. Romanian soldiers, many with blue hats on, apprehend him, and in a matter of hours he has been informed that Nicolae Iolanda is dead. The man now standing across from him is a smartly dressed, middle aged officer who introduces himself as Vasile Atanasiu, and compounds Wesley's surprise by informing him that Romania is now in a state of Civil War, and he is to contact the SRA at once to open communications, imploring the SRA to come to the assistance of the Democratic Union of Romania.

However, across the small pond of the Mediterranean, and the larger pond of the Atlantic, the Americans receive two communications. It seems both the Fascists and Democrats believe that the SRA is their friend. Horia Sima offers the everlasting friendship of Romania and considerable other trifles should the SRA instead support, as he phrases it, "The strong, legitimate government of Romania".

War in Question

[Markus Wilding]

The news of Romania's civil war was not particularly surprising in Atlanta. What was a surprise, however, was the open call for help from both the fascist and democratic factions of Romania. The messages were kept from President Marsden, primarily by Vice President van Baarle's doing, ensuring that the President himself would not know of the call for assistance.

Both factions were not particularly pleasing to Atlanta's eyes, but in the end, they had to do something. Marchegiano, relegated to a mere diplomat following his exile from Atlanta, was told to inform the democratic faction that the SRA was considering the shipment of small arms and artillery, as well as trainers and observers for the small price of perhaps being a little bit more socialist.

[Niobium2]

The Democratic Union is by no description communist. In fact, many worried that inviting a the most powerful communist foreign power to place troops on Romanian soil. But the far more urgent threat of the fascists was such that any offer of help could not reasonably be refused.

Still, Vasile Atanasiu is somewhat glad that the SRA does not seem eager to land battalions of soldiers at Constanța, and informs the SRA that any help would be appreciated, and that surely provisions can be put in place to ensure future cooperation with communist forces. To begin with, perhaps the Americans might send an adviser to ensure that proper rights are given to unions and workers once the war is won. In any event, Romania's gratefulness will have practical advantages to the SRA, proportional to the help they are willing to send.