[center][h2] [color=ed1c24]The Xian Clique [/color][/h2][/center] [center][img]http://www.worldstatesmen.org/ch_1915.gif[/img][/center] [center][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PpvxMoMeTQ][b]Our Empire is emblazoned by light[/b][/url][/center] [center][h1]Imperial Palace of Foedinei, Grand Survaek Empire, June 26, 1904[/h1][/center] [center][img]http://i759.photobucket.com/albums/xx233/Derbedeu5/6-4.jpg[/img][/center] The Xianese delegation, consisting of the crew of the Tai-Shun, Shiu Fuhua, and Fuhua's staff, arrived in the capital of the Grand Survaek Empire on the 26th of June, after a two week long voyage from their setting point on the western coast of Xian. The delegation brought with them gifts of silk, Xianese jewelry, and tropical spices from the agricultural heartland of Faresia. The gifts, the translator says, are traditional signs of good intentions and respect in Xian. "The Silk represents comfort, the jewelry represents nobility and good fortune, and the spices represent long lasting life." While kept out of the papers and headlines of the ever-growing international news system, the Xianese delegation comes to Survaek with the intention of aid. "War is coming to Faresia. In the north monarchists loyal to a remnant shogun wage war against new growing states, and the Varians from the west continue to occupy rightfully Xianese lands to our south. Mister Fuhua has been requested to come to the Empire in a desperate call for Survaekom aid in the coming conflict with the Shogunate." "It is a rare pleasure to receive gifts from those foreign dignitaries to whom I grant an audience, as was the standard in the old days. Perhaps without even knowing it, you do justice to Survaekom customs as well as your own, which all too many Varians are loathe to observe in this age. I must insist on returning the favor. My staff will return with a large case of the finest wine of all the Empire, representing friendship in good spirits, and an Yvorian Era suit of armor in pristine condition, in acknowledgment of your respect for history and tradition." Indeed, soon the servant returned with a small train of assistants carrying the requested items before the Xianese delegation. "Please be sure to direct these gifts to General Chiang Cai Xiao and The Liberation Council, on behalf of my Majesty of the Grand Survaek Empire." Now it was time to get to the reasons for the delegates' visit. The Emperor took a moment to consider his reply before answering, "I believe the Empire shares the goals and interests of the Xian Republic. Your nation must be restored to its rightful power, glory, and territorial extent. I am more than willing to aid you in this endeavor, but I must first know what exactly you require." The Emperor's gifts are accepted graciously and the Translator listens to Shiu Fuhua's words carefully before replying. "First, Mister Fuhua thanks you for your gifts, General Chiang Cai Xiao will certainly be glad to see your respectful attitude towards the Xianese people. Secondly, the Xianese Republic requests naval aid in a theoretical situation of conflict with Soroya and her guard dogs. It has been many years since Xian had a navy worthy of mention, and on the sea the Varians will put our ships to the bottom very quickly. However, Survaekom has a navy worthy of her status and one that could greatly assist in defending the Xianese coasts from Varian attack. In addition, any other form of supply or manpower the Empire can send would be greatly appreciated." Emperor Shayaer pondered the ambassadors' proposal. "The Grand Survaek Empire has its own threats nearby. If we were to send our navy to assist you, Soroya or Deltora could attack our home shores unimpeded. I do not believe it would be prudent for either of us for Survaek to intervene directly in your war; it would only escalate the matter, bring in more enemies, and create conditions less favorable to victory. "Instead, what I offer is to sell the Xian Republic ships and weapons. Artillery, machine guns, destroyers, and perhaps a few light cruisers. We would even consider loaning equipment out to Xian for payment at a later date. Would this be sufficient?" The Ambassador thinks for a moment, and turns to discuss the matter with his own advisory in Xianese. The men speak for some time before he turns and gives a reply to the Translator. "Mister Fuhua agrees. The Republic requires stronger naval vessels and machine guns to properly defend both her coasts and her own trenches on the front against the Shogunate. What prices would the Survaek Empire be requesting?" The Emperor leaned over to the right to consult Vizier Ayan Sujjid, who had been standing silently by his side throughout the negotiations. After a short discussion, Shayaer Khaitis was ready to answer. "$3 billion per ship for up to six destroyers, $6 billion per ship for up to three light cruisers, $3 billion for 1,000 machineguns up to a purchase of 3,000, and $3 billion per 10,000 rifles for up to 40,000." The Translator smiles as she listens to the words of the Ambassador, and replies quickly. "Mister Fuhua is very gracious of your pricing, your majesty. The Liberation Council will gladly spend the necessary funds for your light cruisers and machine guns." "Excellent," the Emperor replied, offering a smile to the Xianese delegates. He believed this would be a stepping stone for Survaek's political reach, and for the Imperial Restoration. [hr] Collab between Chairman Stein and [@AspenIvan]