Common Grounds across a sea (UKUG-Eleria)

[DrMedic]

Laurence smiled, giving Howell a firm nod. "If it's an air force you seek, it's an air force you'll get. I take great pride in my pilots and our aircraft, they have proven decisive time and time again, I would certainly like to believe they will do so in the future. What of your doctrine? How do you use your aircraft, and what do you feel you're lacking?"

[Greywall]

"Our current doctrine is strategic destruction and battlefield support. We use heavy bombing craft that escorted by fighters to bomb enemy factories and positions. We use the Spitfire as our jack of all trades fighter craft but also use the Hawker Hurricane and a few others. Where we lack is radar detection and a total air supremacy fighter, I don't know if you've been keeping up with current affairs but Galra has annexed the UAR. The UAR is where most of the Galra bombers came from to hit our homeland and did unimaginable damage to our people. So interceptors and adapting aerial logistical support is where we think we lack. But i'm sure a fellow nation that sees the value of aerial supremacy could point out flaws in the RAF."

[DrMedic]

"Well, I serve as the commander-in-chief of the Imperial Air Force. If you'd like a hand sorting out tactics and logistics, I'm more than happy to lend one. As far as producing interceptors though, I'm afraid I won't be much help. We're using P-51 Mustangs as multirole fighters, F4U Corsairs for carrier fighters, and P-47 Thunderbolts in a fighter-bomber role. Each of those performs quite well at altitude, so interceptors haven't necessarily been an issue for us."

[Greywall]

“We’d be more than happy to have you give some insight. We might put in a buy order for those interceptors if you don’t mind, as I said we need anything and everything we can get our hands on in the event galra wants to cross the channel again. But other than that, what else would Eleria need from the UKUG?”

[DrMedic]

"Mainly experience in surveying and assistance in building infrastructure. We've managed to conquer a sizeable chunk of land to the east, but haven't been able to properly settle and efficiently work the land, as we don't have the money to construct roadways and rail lines."

[Greywall]

“We can provide several companies that can contract through the ministry of foreign affairs to help construct necessary infrastructure in those territories. As for the railway you have Wallace rail a family owned company that operates nearly all rail on the main islands and Great Western Railway which is a publicly owned company that is here in touli. Both can help construct rail networks and sell locomotives to run them.”

[DrMedic]

"That would be most appreciated, though our rail situation is rather... unique. We require locomotives with a great amount of tractive effort, but it's been a struggle for us to develop one. Perhaps some shared experience between each of us could be mutually beneficial?" Laurence asked with a raised eyebrows.

[Greywall]

Howell leaned in on his shillelagh trying to put weight off his bad leg, "There's two locomotives in Wallace Rail that would fit that need, the Mallard which is some new high end engine and the LNER A3 which is their prized class locomotive, the latter is more commonly referred to as a 'Flying Scotsman'. Both have immense power and speed, there's also the 8P 4-6-2 'Princess Royal' class from Great Western that's an all around strong locomotive."

Howell grunted as bent his leg trying to get blood flow to it to ease the wear and tear he had gained in it, "I suppose both companies will try and convince you to buy them, you'll have the advantage of them trying to under price the other."

[DrMedic]

"I expected nothing less, and I can assure you I'll be doing the best I can to hunt for a decent deal. As far as training the Royal Air Force goes, I believe I could perhaps part with some of the footage from our gun cameras gathered during the recent civil war. I might even have some of my own combat reels somewhere in here, I'll have to check though."

[Greywall]

Howell showed a look of confusion, "pardon me Imperator Laurence, but...I knew you were a commander but are you implying...you flew in the war. As in fought in it?!"

[DrMedic]

He gave Howell a confused look, taken aback by the question.

"Umm, of course? Why wouldn't I? This is my country, it's my duty to fight for it just as it is anyone else's. I've been fighting since I was.... I think I'd just turned sixteen. That was what, eight years ago maybe? I started out in infantry, spent a little bit of time with a mortar team, then put in for flight school. Did a bit of that and then got sent up in a bird, I'll tell ya, yae learn quick when yae in the thick of it, that or ya die stupid." He replied, his formal accent slipping for a moment.

[Greywall]

Howell laughed, “That’s how it’s done lad, I was just shocked is all. But I must say this has been a very pleasant meeting, suppose all that’s left is details for our diplomatic arrangements. Would you approve an embassy here? We would without a doubt do the same in Edinburgh.”

Howell then had a thought flash by him, “speaking of which, when was the last time you and the Imperatrix left the country? If it’s not rude me asking of course.”

[DrMedic]

"I believe an embassy shouldn't be a problem, I might be a bit concerned about finding space, but that's an issue with the private sector you'll have to solve, it's out of my hands." The Imperator replied, still unsure about exactly what an embassy should do aside from house an ambassador. 

Marina seemed almost lost in thought for a moment, but responded shortly thereafter. "The last time I left the country was... well, I suppose it depends whether or not you consider our warships part of our country. I haven't set foot on foreign shores since I was a little girl still travelling back and forth between Eleria and Eonia. Even then, it was just because my parents needed to travel, so they brought me along with them. Most of my duties are domestic, Laurence typically handles foreign affairs." 

[Greywall]

“Well, you’re always welcomed to the islands. I think we have covered everything we can, is there anything else I can do for you Imperator?”

[DrMedic]

"I think so, actually, I have a very small, simple gift in mind for you to return to Queen Colleen for me, if you are willing. Please, pardon me a moment." Laurence said, standing from his seat and exiting the room.

Left alone in the room with Minister Howell, Marina felt it prudent to press further on his last statement. "Was that an invitation, or simply a kind gesture?" She asked as she leaned forward, clearly very interested in what he had to say.