The Jewel and the Junta [Koi-Orthoria]

[EpicToaster1]

To Orthorian Mini of Foreign Relations STOP
From MiniFriend, Koi STOP

Urgent Meeting Requested STOP

On Staol Trade and Construction STOP

Meet in Koi or Orthoria STOP

[omega]

Upon receiving the telegram from Koi, it was forwarded directly to the country's ruler, Mikhail Yagoda. He looked at it briefly, before sighing. An urgent meeting over the Staol trade? That never boded anything well, yet he was curious as to what made them call it in the first place. Not wishing to disrespect them by not giving an answer, he ordered an answer to be given, as dictated by their foreign relations minister, of course.

To MiniFriend, Koi STOP

From Orthorian Mini of Foreign Relations STOP

Will attend meeting STOP

Will travel to Koi Republic STOP

[EpicToaster1]

The Orthorian diplomats would be received by rail, the train steaming through along the staol lines with large staol seals on the sides of the tender and Koian and Orthorian flags waving on the front of the locomotive. The locomotive, a Rytov P1-Class streamlined steam locomotive, would be pulling three passenger cars; a diner, coach, and sleeper; and a armored through the countrysides of several countries on its way to Koi. The few day journey would end in Põhiliin, the train finally coming to a full stop where it would end its journey for now.

Several guards would be waiting on the platform for the ambassadors. The other platforms would be busy with people walking about, but their platform was cleared of everyone, only a few police officers around who were directing people away. Much like the rest of the Koi, the train station would be relatively colorful, with travelers and workers alike also wearing multi-color clothing. The guards would be wearing outfits consisting of light grays and light browns, making them stand out but still the same color spectrum as the rest.

"Welcome to Koi. Please come with us, the Ministers are expecting you."

[omega]

"Thank you for the welcome." The diplomat answered shortly after being greeted by the Koians. The diplomat was instructed to try and respect the culture of the people to the best of his ability, though depending on circumstances, that could safely be ignored. An unassuming man, the diplomat was active during the previous government, having quite a few years under his belt on the international scene. Following the Koians, the diplomat awaited the talks with the ministers. It was a miracle he managed to convince the Vozhd to send him without any supervision - it would appear he was trusted enough to go on his own.

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The group would hop into several cars, led by two police cars. They'd quickly make their way to MiniFriend, the large seal and name giving away the building as they stopped in front. The guards would step out first, opening the doors of the cars. From there, they'd be led up to the front, where a different set of guards would lead the way to a meeting room.

Inside, several officials, some Koian some human, would be sitting around, talking about something over a map before they'd all stop as the Orthorian entered the room. They'd all stand then bow, one Koian stepping around the table. He'd outstretch a hand, smiling. "Welcome to Koi, sir. I'm Ambassador Toivo Nurme, I'm the ambassador to Orthoria. These are representatives from MiniStaol, MiniRail, and MiniMove." He'd motion to the others, about six in total nodding to the diplomat.

[omega]

The diplomat would nod and bow in return, shortly before accepting the ambassador's handshake. "I am glad to have come here. I am ambassador Pyotr Levinov, it is good to make your acquaintance." The diplomat responded, looking over the representatives quickly, before letting go of the ambassador's hand. "I was summoned here concerning the Staol trade, am I correct?"

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"Yessir. Our ambassador to Kumosenkan is looking to change its staol routes from through the Confederate Insectoid Empire to through Orthoria. While naturally this would not warrant anything more than just a notice, we have called for a meeting because we'd like to ask for Orthoria's permission on a project."

He'd motion for Pyotr to follow to the table, the other officials moving slightly to allow them to see the map better.

"We seek to build a railroad tunnel from Orthoria to Kumosenkan under the Woodpool Sea. We will finance its construction, and we can use our own labor unless you would like us to hire Orthorian citizens."

[omega]

"I see." Pyotr began, looking over the map to see where exactly the railroad tunnel would be. It was meant for Kumosenkan, that was more than certain - but such a railroad could potentially benefit Orthoria, as well. Just not immediately. "And how long do you project this project to be under construction?" He inquired.

"Please, do not get the wrong idea. We would most certainly approve of such a project, with our own labourers ready to assist. I am simply asking due to concerns over safety of the labourers." He began explaining. "Recently, subversive elements began growing bolder and bolder, especially the less-than-respectable 'ultranationalists' as they call themselves. My government would simply wish to know how long you believe this project will need, so that we may adequately prepare."

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The Official wearing a badge of the Ministry of Transportation [MiniMove] would turn to look at Pyotr. "We suspect that the project will require about two years. Maybe three at the worst case."

Toivo would speak back up. "The tunnel is expected to be a series of three tunnels, each with two tracks within."

The Official from the Ministry of the Railroads [MiniRail] would speak up. "Loodame, et kaks tunnelit, neli rööbasteed, on määratud kaubaveoks. Teine tunnel, kaks rööbasteed, oleks mõeldud reisijateveoks." The other officials would pause before nudging her. "Wait, right. We plan to have two of the tunnels for freight services, the final tunnel will be for passenger services."

"Once Empress Reitō of Kumosenkan agrees, we plan to start construction on both sides so we can get this done quick. They may also provide support, so you could potentially ask them for help in defense if you'd really like."

[omega]

"Around two years, then?" He asked, mulling it in over his head. Certainly an achievable goal to get security tightened, though he would leave that to the Vozhd himself. "I can assure you that we will be able to protect the workers and the tunnels for however long you will be constructing them." Pyotr concluded, smiling a little in a polite manner. "Where would I sign the confirmation of this deal, if you do not mind?"

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Toivo would nod to the MiniStaol official, who would pull out a massive stack of papers, a good 100-some-odd pages of contract.

They'd separate it out via the paperclips contained within. "You are not obligated to sign all this right now. A lot of this is the standards to which we'll be constructing and working, so we suggest having others read it as well, as well as these papers here," they'd slide some away from the rest, "should be shown to any construction firms or groups that will be taking part. These three contracts are just stating we're allowed to construct the tunnel from your nation to a foreign nation, we're allowed to charge extra for passage through the tunnels while we remake the cost of construction, and the track-rights of tunnel while it passes under international waters. Each requires signatures. This one is just on the materials we plan to use and who we will be getting them from. No signature required, unless you request us to use something else. These two are on standard safety procedures for the construction crews and expected safety measures for the tunnel after completion. These require signatures from both you and your Vozhd to ensure they meet the safety standards of your nation. This file is on the expected use of the tunnels, basically what trains are allowed to operate within, their allowed tonnage, and whatnot. This final file requires the signature of all three nations, Koi, Orthoria, and Kumosenkan, as it's on the topic of trains and their allowed passage between the nations, including the need for passports and paperwork. Any questions?"