[Germany] Message to Ukraine

[Ivansky676]

Igor would blink twice and half turn towards the Monarch, "Yes Your Majesty, though I had thought to introduce you to how our executive powers function. This is the Upper Presidium and acts as the Head of Government, all 7 of us while I act on behalf of the State mostly as just a mediary." Igor paused and pointed to each Epilarch, "This is Natasha Yaramenko, Antoniy Nesterov, Oleg Alexandrov, Ivan Kapustin, Yulena Ishikov, and Yuri Makarov." Each of the Epilarchs would greet and shake the hand of the Kaiser while giving a brief greeting and moving towards the ministers at the doorway and exiting allowing the Kaiser and Igor to talk without interruption on what bilateral relations they could work out.

Igor would walk around the table and reach for a decanter of Cognac and some ice as well as retrieve a lavish walnut varnished case. "Do you perchance play chess?" Igor would ask as he made his way back to the end of the table to offer a drink to Georg and set the case down on the table as well as a sheef of papers.

@NagandEmerald

 

[NagandEmerald]

@Ivansky676

Georg gave a nervous chuckle; despite his years of being in the company of men who valued patience and, in many cases, having rubbed elbows with chess masters, he had never really played all that much Chess. As fun of a game as it was, he never had the time to really learn.

"I'm going to be honest," he admitted, taking the offer for the drink as he took his seat in front of the table, "I never played that much chess. Never really had the time for it...especially recently; I used to play it with my father, but he could be a little bit of a sore winner." His eyes looked to where Igor was already setting down the sheets of paper, and he took a sip as he gazed between the board and the papers.

 

[Ivansky676]

Igor would give a small snort of amusement, "Don't worry my father was much the same though now he's a sore loser." Igor would wink at the end of that but quickly grow somber as he moved his pawn up the board, looking to the side a bit and with a hard steel in his eyes and a set jaw. "Speaking of sore losers, these communists even in Europe's soft underbelly is more than a little alarming and concerning. Perhaps France's communist government didn't last the week but all the same, I find it quite suspicious how quickly the Yellow Vests gained so much power." Igor's gave would soften a bit as he took another sip and waited for a reply.

@NagandEmerald

 

[NagandEmerald]

@Ivansky676

"Hmm...I don't necessarily think that what came into power was truly a Yellow Vest movement," Friedrich mused, chosing instead to move his knight outside of its starting position first as he did, "I recall the Yellow Vests to be more liberal, primarily centering in movements deposing Macron and his government in order to either revitalize a traditionalist or liberal-democratic movement. That being said, I'd be dishonest if I didn't have my suspicions regarding how quickly the 'Reds' came into power." the Kaiser took a sip of his drink, scrunching reflexively and humming in thought.

"You wouldn't suppose they had assistance from the French military, do you? A coup by its own army, like Napoleon?" he asked, the issue now piquing his curiosity. While his government had made statements of concern regarding how quickly the Reds had come into power, it was almost strange how quickly they had gathered weapons and equipment.

 

[Ivansky676]

Igor would ponder the thought as he idly picked at a paper, "Indeed, I know of the goals of the Yellow Vests, in fact that is even more suspicious in my honest opinion. The French Military stood idly by as the coup occurred, it is possible they were involved but it was too passive to truly be considered however. I've been quite disturbed by how many foreign powers have been actively undermining European affairs... I think perhaps a foreign nation was behind arming the radicals within the Yellow Vests, perhaps Argentina or Brazil. Though considering how blunt and absolutely uncontrolled the Brazilian government has been, I doubt it was them... That leaves Argentina as a possibility." Igor would quickly move his own knight as he finished that thought.

"Honestly it's not even just foreign powers meddling where they don't belong, it's just the general resurgence of communists that concerns me most and Ukraine has not yet rebuilt its defense infrastructure."

@NagandEmerald

 

[NagandEmerald]

@Ivansky676

"I agree," Friedrich concurred, already calculating his next move, looking at his knights before looking to the pawn in front of his left-side bishop, "However, the Yellow Vests were a problem long before the South Americans had a chance to do anything remotely aggressive towards Europe...if it was the South Americans, I would presume President Romero to either have his head too far up his ass to keep such a plan secret, or he would delegate it to some other nation, likely Argentina...but that does not explain why they still fought against the French in the brief conflict for South Guinea." He finished his thought with a two-spaced movement of his far-left pawn and took a sip from his drink, scrunching reflexively as he met Igor's eyes.

"Minister Jürke finds it far more interesting that the Chinese government was one of the first nations to defend the communist coup in France; the other was Ireland, but they have had a rather...schizophrenic foreign policy, as of late. It would either have to be an inside source, or a foreign instigator that allowed the communists to rise into power so quickly. I, for one, am suspicious that there may have been foreign involvement with Herr Shröder and his attempts to bring back National Socialism as well...perhaps they're connected?"

 

[Ivansky676]

Igor would smile and ponder the revelation, just what he was expecting, "Your Majesty is on to something, the Chinese have been very exuberant lately and their past aggression over the decades has always been alarming not to mention their human rights violations that even the USSR never would've imagined." Igor would move his second knight to the middle of the board to uniformly have his knights in position. "I believe that while South America needs to stay out of European affairs much less show reckless aggression against our continent that they are far too simple to have conducted such a covert action on France. As for the NSDAP, nazis and national bolsheviks are one and the same, one blames race, the other blames success which when you think about it is much the same."

Igor would stroke his chin while thinking, "I would think that you should watch your NSDAP party more closely, else they also topple yet another stable European nation. I think deeper defence ties would be prudent given our similar interests of liberty and the disdain for tyrannical mistakes."

@NagandEmerald

 

[NagandEmerald]

@Ivansky676

"We have already taken to watching them closely as it is; it was in the stipulations that the Reichstag Committee for Political Parties gave to Shröder that it would report all of its activities, or risk the potential of being made illegal. Shröder may be a deplorable person, believing in eugenics and other pseudo sciences, but I cannot overstate that the man knows when he is on thin ice." Friedrich proceeded to move the pawn in front of where his right-sided knight used to be, in order to give the bishop room to move out in the next turn.

"I don't think that they will try anything, as much as I disagree with them...but extra surveillance wouldn't hurt, especially considering the support that they have from the general public," he tried to reason, "Regardless, I would say that we both keep our eyes on East Asia and — by extension — our neighbors in the West. I expect some support for Die Linke or the German Communist Party in the election for 2016." The Kaiser tapped his chin for a moment, before a thought finally hit him; Igor had brought up South America several times, and perhaps now would be a good time to speak of them.

"Speaking of belligerents, what is the Ukrainian view on the South American issue? Argentina and Brazil have been becoming more and more violent over the past few months...I'm curious to what the opinion of Eastern Europe may be on them."

 

[Ivansky676]

Igor would continue his pondering unperturbed as he moved his bishop across the board in front the pawn that was just moved. "My thoughts of the South Americans are that they are children, at least Brazil, Argentina was protecting its investment... Though considering the amount of posturing they've been doing I am legitimately worried about Europe's sovereignty as a whole."

Igor would take another glass of Cognac and think for a bit before continuing, "I don't have much to worry about with communists here, the way the executive power is held ensures that it is illegal for partisanship within the Upper Presidium and moreover they have little support. Ultranationalism however is definitely concerning here, neo-nazis are a tad too popular for my taste." Igor thinking about chess and how best to broach defensive interests with Germany as it seemed aside from Italy, Europe was embroiled in NATO-like alliances or susceptible to communism and tyrannical governments.

@NagandEmerald

 

[NagandEmerald]

@Ivansky676

"I find both of them equally obnoxious," Friedrich stated bitterly, moving his knight to take the bishop as soon as it had moved in front of the pawn: using the piece as a distraction for the knight to do its duty.

"The Brazilians act like petulant children; they continue to insult and belittle the efforts of my diplomatic corps, and now myself, in an effort to make themselves seem like the bigger, stronger man, even when they're apologizing! In hindsight, perhaps I should not have negotiated a smaller settlement with President Romero to cool tensions, if they were going to continue to raise them with the French. However, while I can simply shove a whinging child out of the way to deal with more pressing concerns, I cannot do the same with the Argentinians..." Friedrich proceeded to take a much bigger sip of his Cognac before setting his glass away, already beginning to feel a buzz.

"I do not see the reason why the Argentinians continue to support Brazil as an investment or interest, when all they have done is endanger their own reputations, especially with the fiasco that was French Guinea...I would expect a nation like Argentina, as respected as it was, to simply leave Brazil to the wolves...as for the popularity of Neo-Nazis, I would blame active partisans who voice the concerns of the People, like Shröder and Hertzberg, and weak links in governance, like Angela Merkel and Emanuel Macron. As the saying goes: Strong men create good times, good times create weak men, weak men create hard times, and hard times create strong men."

 

[Ivansky676]

Igor would laugh, "Merkel, I could honestly never tell if she was a he to be completely honest, maybe it's the cognac but I wondered if perhaps her wishy washy and ineffectual behaviour was the result of some kind of transgender hormone issue." moving on to more serious concerns, "I can see your point, why would Argentina support Brazil despite so much animosity and drama if they did not have an agenda that went beyond skin deep analysis? I hate to be blunt and frankly we have little to no relations up to this point but frankly I see our two nations both in terms of strategic positioning and in terms of ideological interest as naturally of similar goals. So I'll just be blunt, what is the state of your military?"

After asking the question Igor would briefly look down and after mentally kicking himself for such a stupid mistake briskly move his left knight to dispatch the right pawn of Friedrich.

@NagandEmerald

 

[NagandEmerald]

@Ivansky676

Friedrich's brow cocked upwards in intrigue. It was such an personal question to ask, but he couldn't disclose everything. After moving his right-side rook into a position to potentially attack or deter the knight, the Kaiser cleared his throat, and switched to a more professional attitude.

"I cannot disclose the finer details Herr Malkovich, but since our reforms, the Streitkräfte has steadily been rearming and retraining its troops to a proper standard...but my Reichsmarschall and Defence Minister both fear that much of the current equipment of the Armed Forces will not be up to standards for high-intensity warfare, especially with a lack of proper aviation and the seeming lack of proper logistical organization that is slowly being fixed. I can only guess why you would ask such a personal question, Premiere, but please...go on. You have my attention." Friedrich began to scratch his beard in thought. Perhaps Ostpolitik was finally back on the drawing board after all. He had wished to make amends with the East for a while, but Ukraine already asking about his Armed Forces' readiness was a strange way to start off making amends with the East and being a good neighbor. Perhaps this would be much easier, and Germany could truly atone for the misery it had caused in the 20th Century.

 

[Ivansky676]

"Well a politician I may be but I'm a military man at heart Your Majesty. As such I am simply asking because frankly Europe isn't safe, the lessons of the 20th century are dogging us like rabid wolves biting at our ankles on a night time trek through Siberia. Spineless communists and upstart South Americans, next we'll be dealing with a vengeful Reverse-colonial Africa... My intention was merely assess were our strengths lie. I'll be candid, Russia was the heart of the USSR and while Ukraine was a close second we are stuck in the 1980s in terms of equipment, we have been pursuing extensive modernization programs and we certainly have all the necessary industry to do so. I propose that we develop a mutual defence treaty as Ukraine sorely lacks basic modern munitions and arms and you lack basic infrastructure."

Igor would then cock his eyebrows himself before cursing under his breath and moving his left kinght backwards on the board. "You're not half as bad as you seem to think Your Majesty." Igor would say in a friendly manner.

@NagandEmerald

 

[NagandEmerald]

@Ivansky676

The Kaiser would chuckle at the friendly comment, rubbing the back of his neck as he considered his next move.

"Believe me...once I start losing more pieces, I'll start panicking. I always start off well...but I quickly fall apart. History repeats itself yet again, hmm?" he jested before moving back to the topic at hand

"Regardless...you make a very tempting offer Premiere...and a very good point; if there is one lesson I have learned in my time on the Throne, it is that Germany has stood alone since the collapse of the Holy Roman Empire. A mutual defence treaty may be asking for much right now, considering the state of both of our Armed Forces, but what of a mutual cooperation treaty? If we can prove to one-another that we can improve our countries in both civil and military projects, I do not think that my government would see any problem with a mutual defence treaty." Snapping his fingers in thought, the Georg made a decision to make a bold move into "enemy territory", and seize the pawn on the other side of the board with his right-side rook after Igor's knight had moved out of the way, giving lighthearted "Hah-hah!" as though he had taken an important piece.

 

[Ivansky676]

Igor would simply smile and gently push his forward most pawn up the board to D5.

"You make a good point of course, I have no doubt a mutual cooperation treaty and trade agreements would be easily accepted by the Presidium and by Parliament here. I'm sure our Ministers can handle the specifics of what projects need to be handled or what weapons we need and what we can offer. I do know we're currently working on replacing our 120 year old 7.62x54r cartridge... Imagine if Germany still used the 7.92 Mauser! Igor would give a hearty laugh as he refilled his glass with Cognac.

"I believe your aerospace industry is sorely hurting, yes? I believe that would be a good first project if we are to take this mutual cooperation seriously. I was wondering about that offer you mentioned earlier about observing the Reichstag and... Volksrat you call them? Mind explaining how they function?"

@NagandEmerald

 

[NagandEmerald]

@Ivansky676

"Of course," the Kaiser beamed, enthusiasm and pride for how his government had been set up practically radiating off of him as he moved his right-side knight out of the way towards the board to a5.

"So, more like previous German governments prior to the Federal Republic, we have switched back to primarily one legislative house for the Federal level: the Reichstag. Nothing much has changed, bar the fact that, now, it no longer requires the approval of a secondary house to put forwards a bill, so long as it does not affect the Constitution. They still elect the Chancellor, they still debate and discuss on proposals and bills, and they still put forwards concerns to the government; however, the real beauty comes from the new parts of government; myself as Head of State, and the Volksrat." The Kaiser proceeded to take the last sip of his Cognac before refilling his glass, continuing on with his explanation.

"I will not lie...I could be considered one of the most powerful monarchs in the world right now, due to the fact that I don't simply do ceremonial duties. I share responsibility for running my country with the Reich Chancellor, who hosts a number of the same powers of governance I possess: dismissal and promotion of government officials, creating decreed legislature, and other, similar duties. However, while we share such power, we also must use it in a responsible manner. While we can veto each other's decisions, the Volksrat — the People's Council — acts as a mediator. While they typically fulfill the role of an advisory council for both the Chancellor and myself, their primary duty is to act as a tribunal to our actions. If the Chancellor wishes to challenge my veto, she can bring it to the Volksrat to be voted on by its 17 members; I can do the same regarding her. By extension, they also exercise the right to dismiss either of us from our positions of power if we are found to have been violating the Constitution, or have been found to be in contempt of governance." The Kaiser proceeded to take another sip, trying to keep his explanation as brief and simple as possible.

"The Volksrat is set up every year by what is essentially a raffle of the 17 Federal States' citizens, observes our actions, and reports them all to the Federal Constitutional Court. They cannot have a criminal record, must have at least graduated from secondary school, be over the age of 32, be non-partisan to political entities or positions, and cannot ever rejoin it. It's a much simpler system of governance in comparison to whatever it was that the Basic Law designers had in mind with the Volksrat. The Reichstag debates on issues of federal importance, such as the military, federal spending, and internal crises that require federal assistance, the Chancellor and I essentially have free reign to govern as we see fit so long as it is in line with the Constitution, each other, and the Volksrat, and the Volksrat itself acts as an arbitrator for the two of us, comprised by the German People themselves."

 

[Ivansky676]

Igor would listen attentively as he casually moved one of his pawns up two spaces to e4 and took a sip of his own Cognac, noticing the bottle was running out.

"Quite interesting, the system rewards merit, I can agree with a system such as that. The Federative Directorate isn't fully functioning yet but citizenship tiers based on fluid categories of social responsibility and other factors are one of the driving forces behind our system. I already showed you the Presidium, the Upper Presidium which collectively acts as the Head of Government, I only truly have as much power as my single vote among our 7 has. We've been working on a system similar to the Volkrat in the form of the Cabal of Responsibility which is a sort of advisory council to the government and has tribunal powers over the executive and legislative branches in a way that doesn't corrupt the Judiciary of the nation. Fascinating that a monarchy bore such promising fruit. Igor would think for a bit before continuing.

"How does succession work if you're dismissed by the Volksrat? Do your children take the throne?"

@NagandEmerald

 

[NagandEmerald]

@Ivansky676

"That all depends on whether or not the German People wish to continue to have a monarch," Georg explained, taking a moment to think on how he was going to move next, "If I abdicate the throne, or if the Volksrat dismisses me of my duties as Kaiser, the Royal Household decides who is next in line based on eldest blood and relation to the previous monarch. However, if the German people decide they no longer wish for a monarch, it must be done by Constitutional Amendment. In particular, only the Landtägen or members of the Volksrat themselves can present Constitutional amendments. In the Volksrat, the bill is debated twice. Once before it goes through the Reichstag, and once after; this happens before it comes to the Federal government. The Volksrat must have at least 13 of its members agree to the amendment before it is passed along to the Reichstag. The Reichstag votes as usual, but it requires a strict 2/3rds majority "yes" vote with no abstentions. If it makes it through the Reichstag, it goes back, with any new amendments included, to be amended and debated on one final time by the Volksrat. Afterwards, it comes to the Chancellor and whoever is taking my place, typically the Royal Household Minister. If they deny assent of the bill into law, the Volksrat can make one final vote to overrule the veto." The Kaiser looked towards his knight on H6, and moved it to G4, his mind on how, if he did poorly, his People could see him ousted from power, and leaving the Chancellor as both Head of State and Head of Government. It was a terrifying thought to him, as someone who held the sway of the People in such a way could create a dictatorship again in some capacity.

"If the People do not wish for a monarch, they can vote me out of my inherited position, or choose a new Royal Household if they so-desire. Alternatively, they could reinstate the Führerstaat in its place, or bring back the President. The only exception to what they can do is in the Volksrat; no matter what you call it, no matter how its responsibilities change, I made it in the Constitution so that the German People were the ultimate authority; an entity that hosts the primary responsibility as non-partisan arbitrators must remain, if German democracy is to remain. Our position of governance is a privilege given to us by the People, and my titles are just as much a privilege as the Reich Chancellor's powers that she is given by me. It's something that many nations don't realize, and something that not a lot of the German people are even comfortable with exercising to its fullest extent. With the Volksrat, and with the Unalienable Rights being unamendable, I've reminded the political elite that they are given these positions to serve the people first, themselves last."

 

[Ivansky676]

"I see, that is quite a robust system though completely removing a duality from the executive branch seems rash" Igor would respond as he felt stumped but eventually moved his knight on f3 to d4.

"I can't wait to see these functions in person, I have no doubt they will prove useful for our own constitution." Igor would smile as he took yet another sip from his Cognac.

"If I've been informed correctly, Germany's aerospace industry has been largely destroyed am I right? Ukraine's own industry may not be as robust as Russia's, the US or Airbus but we do make some of the most world renowned rockets, turbofans, and turboshafts. I feel that would be a fruitful area to start our mutual cooperation in. Igor would wait patiently for the Kaiser to think on those words.

@NagandEmerald

 

[NagandEmerald]

@Ivansky676

Friedrich thought carefully for a moment, moving his left-side bishop from F8 to G7, starting to internally sweat as he tried to think on the game at hand.

"Of course; especially in regards to the military. While I am certain that the People will enjoy domestically-produced airliner airframes, the military would absolutely need something, anything really, to get domestic aviation off the ground. The pun is intended," he smirked, both proud and disgusted at the pun he'd just made.