[h1]Greece[/h1]

[h2]Algiers, Algeria, July 1959[/h2]
(Collab with [@SgtEasy])

Adrian Emirolou furiously splashed water over his face, cursing the heat and the sun. Clearly, the heat must be the source of the nerves that plagued him today. The aging man shuffled over to a nearby window, forcing his short, fat fingers under the lip of the portal and lifting with an audible grunt, pryed it over his head as a cool breeze wafted in. The serenity of the alabaster city before him was intoxicating, and he feared if he looked at it any longer, he would get lost in its beauty, and lose sight of what he had been summoned here for today.

The Greek Embassy in Algiers had only been established 5 years ago, yet it was quite successful, to say the least. The secret behind it was none other than the corpulent man who had been with it all this time. Adrian Emirolou had a reputation as something of an Afrophile, a distinction he wore with pride since his childhood in Macedonia. Adrian was a natural choice to head the embassy at Algiers, and it showed in his masterful execution of the trade agreements for the acquisition of Algerian Oil. With a loud cough and an adjustment of his tie, it seemed that he was ready. 

Farid Hamidou was known for his vigor and charisma. He oozed confidence and had all the qualities of an  inspiring leader. He was also known to brute force his way through problems and was seen as foolhardy, stubborn. But you couldn't tell the  man that he was a bad leader of any sort. Evidence has shown that he has led the country into a new golden age. People were wealthier than ever  before, more Algerians are attending university than before.  Unemployment has decreased due to his pipeline building plans that will  boost the country's economy to new heights. Some may point to Farid's inspiring speeches that moved the nation to be greater, others may point  to his choice of Secretaries and their help with the urbanisation of  Algeria. All would agree that Algeria was on the up and up, despite  growing turmoil within the south but they were confident that their  President had plans for it. And he had many, many plans indeed, one of  them coming into fruition at tis moment. He watched the Greek ambassador enter, hands clasped together.

It had been a long while since Adrian set foot into the office of the Algerian president. He would never be quite used to just how small the meeting place was. Adrian gave a slow, dignified bow, before opening his mouth to send forth his message in perfect French, no sign of his native Greek accent peeking through the words.

"Mr. President, it is an honor to speak with you once again," he spoke as a smile crept across his face. 
"I have come to you today with a proposal from my superiors about an issue that affects both of us."

Adrian cleared his throat as he once again spoke strongly and firmly, "As I am sure you are fully aware, the
The Greek nation has long been at odds with our neighbor to the East, the Ottoman Empire," the fat man clasped his
hands together audibly as he continued. "We are no stranger to the military ambitions of the Turks, and it is
only a matter of time before they seek to begin retaking lands that rightfully belong to us." Adrian stood himself up and looked directly at the president. "We are fully aware that you are no friend of the Turk, and we believe that with the conclusion of our military action in Albania, it is the perfect time for us to make a proposal for mutual military support in the event of Ottoman military aggression towards either of our nations."

Adrian stepped back, placing his hands behind his back and clasping them once more, eagerly awaiting the president's response.

The Prsident nodded, keen eyes scanning Adrian's body up and down. He kept his hands clasped and looked into the ambassador's eyes. After a moment, he broke the stare and gestured for the man to sit down. Adrian looked reluctant as he sat down but followed his gesture. The president smiled at him. "I am not surprised about your presence within my office, ambassador Adrian. We Algerians have also taken note of your dislike towards your imperialist neighbours. We hold no love for the former colonial powers and although we tolerate most of them, the Ottomans have proven most difficult to telrate." He paused, standing up to pick up a textbook on his desk and handing it to the ambassador. "All you need to do is pick up a history book and see the actions they took against my people all those years ago. And despite their "liberalisation" since the Great War, I have no doubt that they are sinking back into their warmongering ways. And, as you may know, my people's opinion of Osman IV is not a positive one."

Farid paused again, turning to look back at the paintings of what he saw as greater men than him. He smiled. He would ascend higher than these men and make his mark in history. "Our obvious differences would make an alliance, even a purely military one would be difficult." A communist government and a democracy working together in harmony? Even he wasn't so foolishly optimistic. But he could see an opportunity when it was presented and who knows? Maybe something greater could become of this. He turned and looked at the ambassador with a serious expression on his face, clasping his hands behind his back. 

"Is Greece and its people ready to rid themselves of the old ties, Ambassador Adrian?"

Adrian coughed softly into his hands and returned the look to the President. "President Hamidou, I believe that the safety of our nations is ultimately a more important issue than the minor details of how you and my superiors choose to run our nations." 

"I can assure you, however, that the Greek nation is far from a relic of a long since gone past such as our neigbor," Adrian's expression changed from his usual jovial grin to something much more serious, "We are willing to do anything to ensure the survival of our great nation, and to make it more than what it was. And I know that you are a man who is willing to do the same for your nation."

The President smiled back, a proud glint in his eye. "I would do anything for my people, Ambassador Adrian. I agree that despite our differing ideologies, the current situation takes precedence. A defensive military alliance against the Ottomans will be most beneficial for our two nations, especially seeing the tensions flaring over Eastern Thrace." He paused and smiled even wider, showing his pearly white teeth. "You have my word that if any acts of aggression or declarations of war given by the Ottomans are directed towards your state, Algerian and Greek shall stand side by side in war. I will have my secretary look over the details of a pre-prepared document and send it to your embassy. Will you want to announce our alliance, Ambassador?"

Adrian's face once again lit up with his usual cheerful demeanor, "This is most excellent, Mr. President. I will be more than honored to announce this declaration of Greek and Algerian co-operation." As usual, Greece could count on the skill of Adrian in securing an crucial alliance in the defense against Ottoman interests. "This will be a celebrated day in Greece for years to come, and I believe that this shall be the beginning of a powerful force against any ambitions that the Turks may have in the Balkans or Africa." Adrian extended a hand to the President, happy in the success he had on this day.

Farid took the man's hand with curled lips, also happy in his small victory. This was one more step towards his plans. "It will be a glorious day indeed, for both of our nations. And any nation who sees the Ottoman militarism for what it truly is." His face turned mischievous, letting go of the man's hand and showing him to the door.

"Oh and ambassador," the President said with finality in his tone, the ambassador halfway through his doorway "the Mediterranean Defence Coalition has this ring to it that I like, wouldn't you agree?"

Adrian nodded his head, "Yes, I do agree. It's to the point"

"I'm glad we agree then, the document will be at your door as quick as possible." With that, Farid waved a friendly goodbye and Adrian was shown out by two Presidential Guards. They escorted him out of the People's National Assembly., leaving the man to his thoughts.

[h2]Athens, Attica Department, June 1960[/h2]
"Comrade Hoxha, the Council will see you now,"

Officially, Vafeiadism is against imperialism, requesting freedom for all, and the right for nations to determine their own destiny. Albania was, however, the best argument against that. Greek interference in Albanian politics was the nation's worst kept secret. The Greeks liked to assert that their occupation of Epirus was only them acting on the will of the Greek people to be a part of the Greek nation. Their sheltering of a wanted rebel leader and his followers was also justified as protecting the will of the People against a despotic tyrant. 

Enver Hoxha had been in Athens for the last 20 years, etching out an existence with what little of his followers had survived King Zog's purges back in the 40s. His request for asylum was granted by the Premier, and the ragtag survivors of the Albanian Socialist Army had taken to living in a government refugee camp. Hoxha knew that the support of a powerful nation was required if his cause was to ever be successful. But a meeting with Markos Vafeiadis was not an easy thing to get, and what little chances he had gotten to meet with him were rarely successful. Greek ambitions for Epirus took precedence over the backing of a coup leader. 

Today was, however, no ordinary day. Hoxha was escorted out of the camp by armed guards and brought to the Council house, stood before, arguably, the most powerful man in Greece. 

Stephanos Papayannis had eyes and ears all over Greece and beyond. He had been expecting Hoxha today.

"Enver Hoxha, the would-be leader of Albania," Stephanos looked up over the clipboard he was using, addressing him in his own language. "I'm sure you're wondering why I suddenly give a damn about you after leaving you in that refugee camp for almost 2 decades now." Straightening himself out, he continued. "To put it simply, you're actually useful now."

"And how is that?" 

Stephanos grinned, "The Kingdom is sick, Comrade. Zog is dead, and his successor is, shall we say, not up to par."

Skander IV was the only surviving son of the old king. Skander was mentally deficient, afflicted by some kind of disability. Every would-be manipulator in Albania who could get close to him sought to use him for their own gains. Albania was heading down the path of turmoil, and now was a perfect time for the Greeks to do with Albania as the pleased.

"Your movement gives us a perfect opportunity to turn Albania from a hostile monarchy into a friendly neighbor. Thus we have a proposition for you, Comrade Hoxha." Hoxha listened intently while Stephanos spoke once again. "Your movement will get the full support of Greece, with as much monetary and military support as you need. Once you capture Albania, you will get our support as an ally."

Hoxha nodded, "So you've finally seen the value in my cause?"

"Something like that," Stephanos spoke as he motioned for the guards to come remove the man and take him back to the camp. "We will begin preparations to train you and your followers tomorrow,"

As Hoxha was escorted out, a voice spoke up,

"So what do we do when he makes it?"

"Enver Hoxha is not to be trusted," Stephanos replied, standing up. "I have details for what to do if he is successful in this. Do not allow him out of your sight, keep tabs on him at all times, and we will deal with him when the times comes."