[HIC] Message to USA

[Alex]

Message to the United States of America
Private & Encrypted

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To: Office of the Ambassador of the United States of America to the Honourable Company of India
From: Office of the Governor-Chairman of the Honourable Company of India
CC: Lord Sebastian Llewellyn, Governor-Chairman; Lord Henry Stroud, Minister of Foreign Relations and Overseas Affairs; Department of State of the United States

Your Excellency,

On behalf of the Office of the Governor-Chairman, I write to formally request that the United States of America designate and assign an Ambassador to the Honourable Indian Company at the earliest convenience, so that our two nations may begin to engage in the full and proper diplomatic exchange befitting this relationship.

Upon the assignment of an Ambassador, the Governor-Chairman, Lord Sebastian Llewellyn, would be most pleased to extend a personal invitation to said Ambassador for a private luncheon at his residence, located at the following address: Flagstaff House, Haifa Road, Delhi-110011. The following matters would be on the agenda:

• Establishment of Diplomatic Relations: Formal recognition of the sovereignty of the Honourable Indian Company; the pursuit of economic ties and possible trade agreements of mutual benefit; and the fostering of closer Corporate-American relations, including potential joint training operations between our respective armed forces.
• Thailand: Discussing the Confederation of Thailand's continued rogue conduct on the world stage, and in particular its recent support for the Kurdistan Workers' Party, with a view to coordinating a mutual response.

We would also ask that, upon confirmation of an Ambassador, their office provides us with any dietary requirements, restrictions, or preferences, so that we may ensure the luncheon is a comfortable and fitting occasion.

We look forward to your response.

Sincerely,
Sir Edward Pembrook
Private Secretary to the Governor-Chairman
Honourable Indian Company

Odinson

 

[Odinson]

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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE​

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ENCRYPTED MESSAGE​

TO: Sir Edward Pembrook, Private Secretary to the Governor-Chairman ( Alex )​

FROM: Luke Adams, Secretary of State of the United States of America

Sir Pembrook,

Your message is received with the warmest of regards. I am writing back to inform you that President Sinclair has appointed Dr. Archibald Foster as the United States Ambassador to the Honourable Company of India. Dr. Foster has been a long-time professor of Economics at Harvard and has been a close, unofficial advisor to President Sinclair during his time as a United States Senator, Vice President, and President. While the remainder of President Sinclair's term in office is small, he is confident that Dr. Foster will, at the very least, be an excellent transitional representative of the United States until there is a new President, if not a long-term ambassador. Regardless, I can confirm to you now that he the full faith and backing of the White House. With that being said, because of the transitional nature of the federal government, he will be limited in how much he can negotiate in regard to trade and commerce.

In regard to dietary restrictions, the only thing he mentioned is that he does not like curry. Dr. Foster will be leaving for India tomorrow and would be honored to meet with the Governor-Chairman at his earliest convenience.​

Best regards,

Luke Adams
Secretary of State
​

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Private​

If the Honorable Indian Company had any kind of an intelligence service, it was most likely that they would ascertain that Dr. Foster was, indeed, a highly educated individual who had the best interest of the United States at heart, was a true friend of President Sinclair, had an almost autistic obsession with the British Empire, and was a high-functioning alcoholic.

 

[Alex]

Message to the United States of America
Private & Encrypted

---

To: Office of the Ambassador of the United States of America to the Honourable Company of India
From: Office of the Governor-Chairman of the Honourable Company of India
CC: Lord Sebastian Llewellyn, Governor-Chairman; Lord Henry Stroud, Minister of Foreign Relations and Overseas Affairs; Department of State of the United States

Your Excellency,

We extend our sincerest gratitude to President Sinclair for his prompt attention to this matter. The appointment of Dr. Archibald Foster as the Ambassador from the United States is most welcome news, and we have no doubt that a man of his distinguished academic and advisory background will prove an exceptional representative of the American people.

I have informed Lord Sebastian Llewellyn the constraints under which Dr. Foster will be operating, and we wish to assure that the Governor-Chairman harbours no expectation of binding agreements at this stage. The luncheon shall be, first and foremost, an occasion for the laying of foundations. A time to establish trust, goodwill, and a shared understanding. There will be time enough for the harder work once a new administration has settled in Washington, D.C.

I have noted Dr. Foster's dietary preferences and I am pleased to inform you that Maximilien Duval, the Governor-Chairman's personal chef, is a man of considerable range and versatility, and has already been instructed to ensure that the luncheon menu reflects the finest of Continental cuisine.

Upon Dr. Foster's arrival in Delhi, his office is kindly asked to contact this office directly to confirm a date and time for the luncehon at Flagstaff House. A car and escort from the Company's Household Guard will be placed at the Ambassador's disposal for the duration of his stay in the capital.

The Governor-Chairman looks forward to welcoming the Ambassador most warmly.

Sincerely,
Sir Edward Pembrook
Private Secretary to the Governor-Chairman
Honourable Indian Company

Odinson

 

[Odinson]

Private​

Dr. Archibald Foster - affectionately called "Professor" by his younger friends who were in their 60s and 50s - was a 71-year-old economics professor who taught at Harvad University. Foster was originally from Maine, where he had met President Sinclair, but now he spent most of the year in Boston, Massachusetts. Foster was an eccentric man known for many things: he was in exceptionally good health and spry for his age, he had a historical fascination with the British Empire, he was a functioning alcoholic, and he only slept three or four hours a night. After his wife died when he was 52, he engulfed himself in his works, and the liquor bottle, to escape from his grief. He was a brilliant man with a good heart who had lived through several unfortunate events in his life.

Dr. Foster travelled to India via a State Department-chartered aircraft. Aboard the aircraft were five armed Diplomatic Security Service agents, a small staff of four women (blonde, brunette, noirette, and ginger), and Foster himself. All of the people on the aircraft were given the proper travel documents by the State Department and the fact that they were travelling to India was transmitted to The Company before their departure. There would be, of course, more embassy staff to come, but Foster simply couldn't wait to get to India.

Once the American delegation arrived in Delhi, they would travel to the American Embassy and set up shop with the skeleton crew that now made up the entirety of the American Embassy. The first order of businesses was the DSS Agents requesting an increased security presence around the embassy until additional American security personnel would arrive (hopefully later in the week). Next, one of the ambassador's staffers - the noirette - sent a respectful, carefully crafted message to Sir Edward Pembrook confirming that Dr. Foster would be ready to meet with the Governor-Chairman the following day for lunch, if the Governor-Chairman was available.

If Dr. Foster was invited to Flagstaff House the following day for lunch, he would get dressed for the climate: a cream-colored three-piece suit with a dark blue vest and a gold tie. He had a thick head of white hair that was combed and a short white beard that was surprisingly well-maintained. Two DSS Agents accompanied Foster, and the ginger who was an excellent note-taker, to Flagstaff House.

Alex

 

[Alex]

Secret

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Day Prior

A clerk of the Governor-Chairman’s office walked quickly the great length of the hall of Flagstaff House, her feet echoing against the recently waxed white-black marble, the noise broken only by the occasional embroidered rug of black, red, and gold. On each side of him, hanging against the walls, were the portraits of historical Governors of the East India Company, and also portraits of the Governor-Chairmans of the new Honourable Company. Above were great hall lantern chandeliers, made of glass and dark metal, hanging from the carved stone above with black chains.

Each door of this great hall, of which were present on either side, were thick and heavy, surrounded by marble and made of African blackwood, each as heavy as a man and decorated with engravings of the company’s coat of arms, and adorned with golden hinges and handles.
As the clerk slowed to a stop at the final door of the hall, next to a great window that overlooked the city of Delhi below the forested hill, a soft scent of resin and citrus came through the other side of the wood. Raising her hand, he knocked against the surface, next to the great seal of the Governor-Chairman that rose from it.

A moment later, a voice echoed from beyond. “Enter.”

The Governor-Chairman’s office was warmer than the hall, devoid of marble with the exception of that which surrounded the fireplace across the entrance, above which a large portrait of Lord Albert Victor Llewellyn hung. Polished wooden floors were covered with rugs and matching wooden pillars kept the black stone walls at bay. Above, a large crystal chandelier shined brightly.

To the right of the entrance, a small platform rose, two steps leading to the Governor-Chairman’s empty desk, which seemed heavier than even the double-doors of his office. Behind it, hanging off the wall between two flagpoles of the Union Jack and of the Honourable Company, was the coat of arms, made of solid gold, silver, lapis, and a great many gemstones. Savita had calculated its worth once, when she was last here and should have instead been taking notes . . . It would take her family nearly two thousand years to afford it.

“Was there something you required, Savita?” Asked a voice from the smaller desk that rested by the windows, below the great pedestal of the Governor-Chairman.

“My apologies, Sir,” she looked away from the wealth and approached the Secretary. Upon his desk, in a bowl of sand, a hot coal melted resin the colour of gold. “The Americans have arrived at their embassy and the ambassador's staff has sent a letter confirming that Dr. Foster will be ready to meet Lord Llewellyn tomorrow.” She handed him the letter, its contents already read by the Ministry of Foreign Relations.

Looking up from his work, Sir Pembrook took the letter from its envelope and began reading it, quickly. “Ah,” he said upon finishing it. “Good. Please see that all preparations are underway by the kitchen staff so that they are ready by 12 o’clock tomorrow. If anything is amiss, tell me directly.”

“Of course, Sir.” With a final glance to the coat, Savita departed from the room, the heavy door shutting behind her.

Morning of

Flagstaff House was, as any Delhi citizen would know, half office and half museum to the Company's four centuries of history. The west wing, which was often open to ticketed visitors on weekdays, was home to an extensive collection of Company artifacts such as original trade charters, antique navigational instruments, portraits of former notable figures, regimental colours, maps, a collection of Mughal-era objects, and replicas of famous EIC merchant and war ships—the largest among them being the Red Dragon, the first of the EIC’s ships to reach the subcontinent.

Since the day prior to the arrival of the Americans, the museum wing had been closed to the public with the only reason given to them being that a private function was to be held within its halls. Of course, however, the Company took security very seriously, and sweeps for trespassers and bugs were done every morning and every night regardless of the doors being locked to the outside. Corporate spying still remained a large issue within the borders of the company and with an American ambassador to be present meant the security had to worry about foreign interference as well. Everything was done to assure the safety of everyone involved, but also to uphold the privacy required of the meeting.

While members of government were the only ones permitted in the east wing, the Governor-Chairman did, however, request a small museum staff of a curator and two assistants to remain in the west wing rather than being sent home. Sir Edward Pembrook, having learned of Dr. Foster's fascination with British history from his research, had recommended the museum to remain open in its bare minimum operational state should the ambassador accept the Governor-Chairman's offer to tour the collection after their luncheon.

Meanwhile, in the kitchens below, Chef Roger D'Amboise had spent the last evening redesigning his personal menu to fit Dr. Foster's dietary desires. There was no curry to be found within (not that curry was very popular with the GC’s staff) and the food would be kept light and various options given should something be seen as non-palatable for the ambassador.

The luncheon was to be held in the formal dining room, a handsome room of dark teak paneling, tall windows overlooking the rear garden, and a long mahogany table that could hold two dozen but was laid only for five: the Governor-Chairman Lord Llewellyn, Lord Stroud, Sir Pembrook, Ambassador Foster, and his staffer. Though the table could be seated for many more should the ambassador bring more people with him. Silver cutlery, crest china, and fresh-cut flowers from the garden were placed across the wood.

Place upon each dish was this afternoon's menu, which comprised of:

• Entrées:
  • Seafood bisque — A slow-simmered cream soup enriched with a decadent cognac reduction and succulent morsels of butter-poached lobster brought in freshly today. Finished with a touch of fresh chives and a drizzle of oil.
  • Poivronade — A spread of fire-roasted red peppers blended with garlic, capers, and extra virgin olive oil. Served alongside warm, crusty slices of house-made baguette.
• Main Courses:
  • Steak au Poivre — A prime cut of beef crusted in cracked black peppercorns and pan-seared to perfection. Finished with a rich reduction of shallots, fresh herbs, and full-bodied red wine.
  • Stuffed Pork Tenderloin — Tender, herb-roasted pork loin filled with a blend of smoked bacon and aromatic herbs. Served with a sauce crafted from crisp apples and a bright Riesling reduction.
• Desserts:
  • Chocolate Soufflé — A cloud-like dark chocolate creation featuring a molten, airy centre. Baked to order for a delicate rise and served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of chilled crème anglaise.
  • Strawberry Tarte Tatin — An upside-down tart, featuring caramelized, jammy strawberries nestled beneath a layer of golden, buttery, and flaky puff pastry. Served warm with a dollop of fresh vanilla bean whipped cream.

As for drink: the Company maintained a well-stocked cellar, and Ser Pembrook ensured a good Scotch whisky was available both before and following the meal. A Macallan Cask Strength was selected and placed on the sidebar, where a professional bartender would be waiting at the table. Wine would accompany the meal as well, as per the Governor-Chairman's personal taste, an Italian Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva.

Lord Sebastian Llewellyn received Sir Edward's briefing on Dr. Foster over his breakfast of tartines with jam and a side of berries. Edward had come to know him over the years, and understood that he had the habit of knowing something personal about everyone he sat across a table from. He believed that to do otherwise was to be not only disrespectful but also led to what he saw to be callousness.

"I believe we'll get along just fine, Edward," the Lord spoke as he sent the paper down.

"I agree," Edward answered.

"I'll begin getting ready," he looked down at his Grand Complications 5316 watch and wiped his mouth, standing. "I trust you to make certain nothing goes amiss today."

"Of course, my Lord," he bowed and stood himself, once the Lord departed.

12:25, afternoon

At 12:25, Sir Pembrook departed with a small motorcade of armoured SUVs with blackened windows, and headed towards the American embassy. As per the request of the embassy security staff, the Company's internal police and members of the National Security Guard had doubled its patrol presence on Haifa Road and the surrounding quarter for the duration of the Ambassador's meeting. Many of the roads were also closed, leaving traffic only for the essential. Every block, an armoured Japanese Komatsu truck was stationed, with three or four counter-terrorist personnel patrolling.

The small convoy arrived at the American Embassy at 12:30 precisely.

Sir Pembrook stepped out of the armoured Rolls-Royce Seraph, buttoning the jacket of his black suit as a member of his security informed the gate that they had arrived. Upon the appearance of the Ambassador, Edward extended his hand in greeting. “Good afternoon, Doctor,” he began. “I’m Sir Edward Pembrook, the Governor-Chairman’s private secretary, it’s good to finally meet you.”

With greetings exchanged, the motorcade was underway once more, returning to the great Flagstaff House by 12:40.

A gate spanned the premise of the house, black metal set into white stone, and two armed household guards pushed the large gate open. Beyond was a large courtyard, with a round driveway of red bricks, a large fountain at its centre. All surrounded by green grass, lush trees, and various bushes of flowers. Rolling to a stop, the Rolls-Royce's doors opened to a great set of stairs, leading up to Flagstaff House, an enormous building of white, brown, and red stone and waving at its zenith was the national flag of the Company, its pole standing thirty feet high.

Two of the Company’s staff members descended the stairs and opened the doors of the vehicle, for Sir Pembrook and the Doctor both. Edward walked around the back of the car to meet the ambassador and climbed with him up the stairs. At the peak, after the final stair and before the great double doors of Flagstaff, stood Lord Sebastian Llewellyn. He wore a heavy-weight, textured blazer in grey over a dark-coloured cardigan and beneath it a pinstripe shirt, with a brown and beige tie looped around it. His khaki trousers ended just above his freshly shined black shoes.

"Welcome to Delhi, Dr. Foster," the Lord spoke. "How was your first day here in the Indies?"

Odinson