Political Proposal to the Allied States of America

[Sorcha Catach]

A bit of over-confidence on the Kingdom of Scotlands part, the next major they would reach out to would be the Allied States, seeking to gain some of their old colonies which are bordering on old USA claims. While they were absolutely not going to dare trying to make ancient and dead claims on the colonies that are now taken by the Holy Britannian Empire, they still wanted to be a Trade Empire and be part of the larger world. It really was unfortunate that they were stuck to occupation and servitude, but hopefully this was a chance to shake hands with the rest of the world, on an independent platform. Similar in fashion as communications were being constructed to connect them with the world, thanks to the United States of Northern Europe, they would be sending a small Patrol Boat, of older design, somewhat closer to the Cold War era. It had two flags; one of the Kingdom of Scotland, and a White flag of peace. The diplomatic representative sent would be in charge of negotiating peace, and given permission to try for a peaceful attempt at claiming their old Panama colony, even if it meant in support of the defense of the Panama Canal for the Allied States. They were given much power in negotiating, but they still had to have everything approved by their Queen back home.

The representative would also be coming with other offers such as trade, seek support either financially or militarily, truly anything that would help them to keep their feet planted and protect their people. The representative would be incharge of the small Patrol Boat, although they were told to take any commands from the Allied States as long as they weren't obscene or out of line, so long as they could enter the country and attempt diplomatic negotiations. Recognizing the representative would be the first step in recognition in the world that they were a real country, but it may or may not put either of them in danger from the British Internationale. The Patrol Boat would be taking the long way around Cuba so as to not gain the attention of the Holy Britannian Empire and causing issues, which would take longer but would be worth it, and they would be attempting to sail into the Port of Texas City.

[Tali]

Texas Coastline

Near Texas City 

Allied States Navy

"Sir, we have an unidentified ship heading towards our maritime borders, they have two flags, a flag to an unrecognized state and a white flag, they may either be refugees, or an attempt to start diplomatic relations. Either way, they will enter our waters in 15 minutes on their current path. What are your orders Captain," Asked the Lieutenant Commander, who temporarily took over the Commanders duties. The Captain silently stares at the report, and gets on the radio to ask for clarifications. "Lieutenant Commander, have the men be prepared to board the ship, and have the 1st Atlantic Fleet prepare to intercept their path."

 

15 minutes later

 

As the boat enters the Texas Maritime border, the 1st Atlantic Fleet moves into action, and surround the boat to ensure the boat complies. Once the ships were in place and the unidentified ship stops moving, a booming voice hits the air, loud enough for the men on the unidentified ship to hear and it said the following command: "Prepared to be boarded by the Allied States Navy, you are not authorized to enter our maritime borders and you must comply with Naval regulations Act of 2018, that permits the Allied States Navy to search and detain potential enemies of the State. Once you have been cleared, you will be taken to the port to meet with the Allied States Naval Administrative Command to testify to the Allied States government for your reasons of violating and failing to gain pre-authorization to enter Allied States Maritime borders. Failure to allow boarding peacefully will be a sign of intent of hostile action and we will act accordingly, you have 10 minutes to make a decision."

 

 

[Sorcha Catach]

The diplomatic representative onboard took command of the communications and attempted to use shortwave radio on the patrol boat, a technology thankfully available to everyone, trying calm the situation. They would comply without issue, and the crewman would relinquish their personal sidearms on demand. They had their standing orders, and while they were meant to protect the diplomatic representative, they were told by the Queen to comply as long as the orders from the Allied States did not give dehumanizing or hostile orders. 

"Yeah, hello, sorry. This is Diplomatic Representative Cormac Todt. I have been requested by the Queen, on behalf of the Kingdom of Scotland, to attempt diplomatic relations with the Allied States of America. We will comply with your demands. My naval crew is standing down and shall do as you order. We mean you no harm."

Edited December 14, 2018 by Sorcha Catach

[Tali]

With the ship identifying and complying with the demands, a boat will be dispatched with a team to board the ship to confiscate weapons and do a sweep of the boat to ensure there was no hidden weapons or bombs onboard. Once they cleared the boat, the Lt. Commander walks up to Representative Cormac Todt to inform him that the 1st Atlantic Fleet will escort their boat to the port so they can file the proper paperwork before the meeting between Cormac and the Secretary of State Elizabeth McCord.

 

When they arrive to the port, the men and women on the boat had to go through multiple tests to ensure they were not carrying any hidden weapons or any illnesses. Any person found to be injured or sick were separated to the medical facility at the Naval port to start treatment, while the rest were taken to a Mess hall where they were served a meal while Cormac was taken to an office to meet the Admiral to start filling out the paperwork.

[Sorcha Catach]

The reduced skeleton crew of the Patrol Boat agreed and withheld drawing their weapons as the small transport pulled up to drop off a squad of soldiers. The crew kept their hands raised, while Cormac, dressed in a plain suit, stood in the open and tried to act approachable and willing. The patrol boat may not seem small, but a vessel meant to be small and travel the massive ocean all the way from the current location of Scotland, without rest or repair to the Allied States, it had to be a slight bit large to handle the harsh ocean and be able to have minor repairs dealt with on the way. It was small for its intended purpose. Like Cormac, the crew were not wearing thick clothing, and just by glance could tell there was nothing under them, but they would reveal what they felt comfortable with, while Cormac was willing to go to his suspenders, laughing all the while, should he be needed to. Cormac agreed and thanked the Allied States for being cordial and appreciated and respected their way of doing things. So far, it still felt like the American brothers across the pond he used to hear about.

None of the men were sick, but they were surely exhausted. The trip was long, and even longer since they had to take a detour around the Holy Britannian Empire, enduring the harsh waves, the open ocean weather, and being a skeleton crew as well. They were gracious for the meals and very respectful to any Allied States soldiers and officers they encountered, and continued to show compliance as long as they were treated with dignity and respect, giving the same back. Cormac followed his escort, hoping to have at least one crewman with him so that he'd have some comfort, but like the other diplomatic representatives, he wouldn't press the issue. He signed whatever paperwork he needed to, filling out the information proper.

[Tali]

After the paperwork was finished, the Admiral makes a call and faxes over the paperwork to the State department. Luckily for the Scottish representative, Secretary of State Elizabeth McCord was already in the area and she makes her way to the Texas City Naval Administration Offices to meet the representative. 

 

"Hello, I am Elizabeth McCord, Secretary of State, what brings you to the Allied States?"

 

[Sorcha Catach]

Cormac nodded his head with a simple smile, although not looking like the happiest man on earth, just doing his job and hoping the Allied States were still like the America of old, or even a little better. "Guid efternuin," he spoke professionally, offering to shake the womans hand after straightening his suit, "My apologies for coming so unannounced, I am Cormac Todt, official representative of the Kingdom of Scotland. Don't worry, we understand you haven't heard of us. We've been occupied by Britain for over three-hundred years, and recently with the changes in the world, the new Queen has been siding with those of us that want independence. We are what you call.... a Government-in-Exile. But... as I said, I am sorry for coming without requesting it officially; where we reside, we don't quite of the infrastructure to independently reach out and communicate, uh you see, all of our internet traffic goes through Britain, and you can understand why we have a need to construct our own systems of communications. I am here, formally, in hopes to gain peace between us. In the unlikely event Britain sees us as a scar, a blemish, on their international face, we wish to try and ensure peace between us so that we do not have to fight. The Kingdom of Scotland, eh, the Queen.... we're not capable of fighting, nor do we want to fight anyone. The Queen urges us to push for independence peacefully, as those in Britain are still our brothers. We would also like to discuss terms in which we may be able to gain some of our old colonies in and around some Allied States borders, if that can be put on the table." 

[Tali]

Elizabeth grabs a cup of tea before speaking, she takes her glasses off and places her hands in her lap and leans forward and says, "I understand you want independence, and we admire your nation's wishes for a peaceful agreement between you and British Internationale. We will support this decision, however you'll have to explain where you wish to gain. The Allied States government is hesitant on agreeing to allow European colonization for multiple reasons. We may not own the North or South American continents, but the state of both are a concern to our national security." She looks back up and takes another sip of tea before offering Cormac a cup.

[Sorcha Catach]

Cormac nodded once more and agreed and understood the Secretary of States request, "do forgive me, eh, miss McCord, is it? As you know, I brought nothing with me, as the men who searched me can tell you. It was thought best I came with nothing to ensure a quick search and a guarantee I wasn't trying to smuggle anything. However, I'm sure the Allied States has the resources to understand what I'm saying. Just, want to say before we start; thank you for the support. Our Queen will be most gracious." He leaned back and took a breath, accepting a cup and sipping, before he started, "it's an old claim, and we won't fight for it.... neither will we force the inhabitants into submission. We see it as a ripe opportunity to increase trade, with not only the Americas, but the Allied States itself. Down near the Panama Canal, we once had a colonial town, before the British exhausted our resources and it had to be abandoned. It's located in a province right next to your border, which is why we haven't made any claims to it whatsoever, and instead. Of course, we plan to help the local populace, but we expect it to flourish with the expected trade, and should we be able to reclaim our Homeland, we'd like to extend a hand of gratitude, and support the defense of the Panama Canal for you should it ever come under attack. I promise you, we have no claims in South America. Our oldest claims are in North America, and we see those as your land, occupied by the Holy Britannian Empire."

[Tali]

"Interesting, I dont see an issue of you claiming the province below the Panama Canal, our only interest in Panama was the canal, so we can agree on allowing you to claim it. Of course we would require you to assist us in defense of the Canal and a few other terms I believe will benefit both of us," she says before taking another sip of her tea. "If we allow you to gain lands here, it would be necessary for trade between us to happen. I am willing to offer to waive tariffs and any other trading taxes as long as you do the same, and allow American businesses to do business in your borders. On top of that, the Allied State government will give financial aid to modernize your infrastructure, communications infrastructure, military modernization on top of allowing your citizens to apply for the International entrepreneurship Program that loans out money to entrepreneurs to start businesses. Participants in this program will receive an interest rate of 6.8%, which is the cheapest interest rate you'll find. With this, American businesses would also move in and open up new jobs, businesses and economic growth for the Kingdon of Scotland. This package will put an investment over the millions into your economy alone. These are the terms we offer, however if you agree, you will be required to use American made goods if they are to be imported to accomplish building your infrastructure, communications systems and modernizing your Military," she calmly states before eying Cormac, and awaits for a response.

Edited December 15, 2018 by Natalia Poklonskaya

[Sorcha Catach]

Cormac took a longer, yet slower, drink of the tea he was offered while listening to the Secretary of State. None of what she said really put him off, nor did he think the Queen would reject. In fact, much of what she said he wanted to hear, and knew the Queen would love hearing it. "Miss McCord," he started, clearing his throat, "everything you said was like music to my ears. As you know, industry is slim at the moment, not only because we don't have access to our homeland, but because we are unfortunately dependent on the British Internationale. Now, if we are able to break out of occupation, we will have to come to this table again, as we wish to be self sufficient, but I promise you; we want to fully cooperate with you and pay back what we owe. We will want to benefit both of our people, but there is a problem with everything you said..." Cormac look disappointed, but it wasn't with the Allied States. "Everything you offer is like a godsend, however, the more you support us, the more recognition of existence we gain. Unfortunately, admittedly, the British Internationale already sees us as foreign... as if we are no longer brothers. The more you support us, the more justified our claims to Scotland are, and the more the British Internationale becomes angered. May we request a similar guarantee as you have given to Central America, please? If the British Internationale truly has casted us out, there is little we can do to stay alive. I'm prepared to listen to the terms and agree for the Panama Colony, and I am authorized to negotiate terms for a Guarantee. We only wish to protect our people, Secretary of State."

Edited December 15, 2018 by Sorcha Catach

[Tali]

"The financial aid to assist to build your infrastructure, communication system and modernization of your military would not be needed to rebuild. I will admit, this aid is a gamble, and we are expecting to regain the aid via economic boom in our private sector, and if you are requesting for protection I can offer the following terms

Defense:

The Allied States will come to the Kingdom of Scotland's defense if a foreign power invades and occupies their lands while the Kingdom of Scotland agrees to assist defending the Panama Canal while holding a province on the American Continent. The Kingdom of Scotland will create a joint military navy and airbase, and allow American military forces to stay in the Kingdoms borders to ensure American forces can respond quickly incase of an event the Defense clause is activated. The Allied States military and The Kingdom of Scotland military will create an agency where military coordination can be achieved with efficiency. 

Intelligence:

Both nations will share intelligence that directly involves the other nation. 

Economic:

Free trade shall commence immediately, allowing, allowing goods to be imported and exported freely. 

If you can agree to these terms, my President will give her signature," she says before sitting back to analyze Cormac's reaction 

[Sorcha Catach]

Cormac leaned back as he took it all in. It was a guarantee, no doubt. A very pricey one... although one that would pay for itself and more in the long run. An Alliance with the Americans have always proved beneficial in the past, and they did show their willingness to allow self-rule in nations they required military access to. It had to be proven whether they would live up to the old American Dream, but Cormac believed this was the best course of action for the Kingdom of Scotland. He slowly nodded, "were I the leader of Scotland, I would agree to this, however, complete military access is something I will need to relay to my Queen. As per your Intelligence terms, I know that can be agreed to, and we can prepare information to be sent over from what we currently have as soon as you choose the means; by that I mean, you could wait until the infrastructure between our nations is up and running, or have it sent by other means. By ship, or by plane. We do have operating Airports, thankfully. I will personally put my faith and trust in the Allied States and agree to the Economic terms on behalf of my Queen, as I believe this will help us both greatly. In the short term, obviously, for us, Scotland, but in the longterm, we can both be true allies, and we will be able to support each other with a strong Economy. Madam Secretary, your terms are both strong, and fair, I am very thankful for the respect and courtesy you have shown me, and the respect you have given to my country and my Queen. However, what I have come to say has been said, and I am more than satisfied with what we have accomplished here. If you wish to have more negotiations, I am here to listen, however, I believe the Queen will want to visit and further the bond between our two nations, herself. I not only feel safe within the Allied States, but I feel comfortable. You have not only shown me dignity, but respect as an equal individual. Admittedly, the crew of the ship I was transported on, and myself, were nervous that we would be taken into custody, and worse. However, I believe Representative MacAonghais, sent to the British Internationale, is the only one that has anything to fear at the moment. Thank you for your time, Miss McCord."

[Tali]

"I am glad that you felt welcomed here, and you are welcomed to come visit the country whenever you want. Get back to us about the terms, and we can move forward from there, and the Queen will be welcomed to come visit, and I am sure the President will make time out of her busy schedule to meet the Queen. I dont have anything further to add for now, so your free to go. Make a stop at the office and they'll escort you out once you are ready to leave and the AS Navy will escort you to the edge of our borders at Cuba. Once you get past our lands in Cuba, the Navy will stop. Good luck, oh before I forget, while we were talking, I had the drydock to ensure your ship was still able to traverse the ocean, and your men will be given back their guns once they enter your boat.," she states before extending her hand 

[Sorcha Catach]

Cormac gives a long nod as he slowly stands, reaching out his hand to shake and agree with the Secretary of State, "thank you again for having me. I told the Queen the States would be there for us, I'm thankful we had this pleasant talk. I think the sooner we get this information to the Queen, the better. Good day to you, Madam Secretary." Cormac gave a slight bow as he smiled, giving the Secretary a wink before calmly leaving the room. He hoped the rush out of the Office didn't seem offensive, but it was big news for the Queen, and a big decision to make. With having to traverse the ocean, it would take longer the more he stayed to relay the information. Hopefully, this Economic agreement can get them some executive jets to ferry between the two nations, with air protection from the British Internationale.

Meanwhile, almost nearly a week later after the encounter, another ship arrived in the port of the Allied States. No representative, but a similar skeleton crew to the last which transported Representative Cormac. They came with a letter, with the Queens official seal. It read as follows,

"Dear President Kamala Harris,
I have received your terms from your Secretary of State, Elizabeth McCord, and I like them. More than that, they benefit both our people, and that is not a compromise, it progress and growth for both of us. To cement this alliance between us, I humbly request a full airflight escort to the Allied States of America, but one that is not public until my arrival, to reduce interference from those who would not wish this alliance to come to fruition. It is recommended with this escort you send air transports with your first compliment of soldiers so that you may begin garrisoning our bases and outposts among our few islands, this way if a war does break out, it won't be a struggle to send military aid. As soon as your planes are recognized and we gain confirmation of their approach, they would be greeted with open arms, and my own, personal, appreciation. The vessel I sent to deliver this letter will stay until you send a letter back. During my visit, I expect nothing more than accommodations fit for any government executive, and will not push for Royal Accommodations. You are a Democracy, and we not only respect, but admire that. Unfortunately, Scotland was not able to grow as much as you have, and our fight for freedom ended swiftly, before we could develop any other kind of nation. Please, allow me to make this formal visit to solidify our alliance and to show my appreciation for what you have offered my people. I do not  want Scotland for myself, I want Scotland for my people.

Her Majesty,
Queen Sorcha Catach."

[Tali]

"Dear Queen Sorcha Catach,

 

I am pleased you have accepted these terms, and will gladly give an escort. I will have a team meet up with your security so we can sync to ensure the escort runs smoothly, with your head of security taking Command. The Allied States Air Force will start the process of transporting Allied States Soldiers, officers and commanders to Scotland while I have the White House in Cheyenne prepared to welcome you to the capital and the Allied States of America for the Queen pushing freedom for her people, which us the same values we hold. Freedom to our people, and we will gladly accept you as a guest, friend and ally in our fight for freedom and liberty. 

 

Sincerely,

Kamala Harris

President of the Allied States if America"