Black Gold
Ernst Pederson looks into the mirror as he straightened his tie, The usual Royal Garments he wears are forsaken for a more formal and business suit, as today he shall serve a Diplomatic Agent for one of the most important deal for Estovakia. Finishing the final touches and combing his Hairs he leaves the bathroom and greeted his wife, they left the Royal bedroom and are greeted with their personal Bodyguards they escorted the couple to the dining room where a lavish breakfast meal is prepared curtesy of their cooks and servants.
After eating the meal Ernst kissed his wife goodbye and was escorted by his bodyguards to the front yard of the palace where a helicopter with Economic minister and good friend Tord Holt sitting inside waiting for them.
"What took you so long, come on we have business to deal with."-Tord Holt
"Easy for you to say Holt, your not going to be the one who have to make deals with snakes and devils"-Ernst Pedersen
"Whatever you say your Majesty"-Tord Holt
Climbing into the vehicle they were lifted up into the sky as the transport headed to their destination, high above the ground Ernst could directly see the kingdom and how it was recovering. Rural lands that were desolate and scarred by the Civil war are now replaced by expansive farmlands with tractors dotting around the area, roads once deformed and cratered by shells were replaced by sleek highways and railroads with cars a vehicle once considered a status for the elite now offardable for everyone and was everywhere, cities that were once piles of rubble and burning ashes were reshaped into large cities with rows upon rows of concrete apartments that were fully furnished housed almost all of those who went homeless during the civil war, truly Estovakia was booming.
"You knows its pretty crazy that less than 3 years ago the Kingdom looked like any warzone from the Belkan war, I would have called you crazy if you told me Estovakia would look like these within two years when I first became a Economic Minister."- Tord Holt
"Thank God and the Estovakian people for this miracle Tord, without them this wouldn't have been possible"- Ernst Pedersen
However there was still one more thing that needs to be done to cement this recovery, a year ago a survey into the coast of the kingdom had discovered a truly monstrous deposit of oil, a deposit so large and deep that it had made Estovakia the largest known oil reserves. As the helicopter leaves the coastlines of Estovakia with the green grasses of the ground now replaced by a beautiful blue waves of the sea the kingdoms most precious resource and assest comes into view, offshore oil rigs dots the sea, with many of them being connected by platforms and pumping millions of dollars worth of oil per day, the main destination however was much further and deeper in the field was a massive behemoth as in the center of the deposit is the black palace one the largest offshore derricks in the world and the place where he will meet with the most important men in the world to discuss the matter of trade with the resource.
The helicopter lands into the pad and Ernst exits the pad along with Tord Holt and the Bodyguards, the Chief Manager and the Security Chief who waited for them gave him a quick salute and bowed their heads in respect and awe.
"Your Majesty it is an Honor to be with you today i hope your talks will be meaningful and that we shall profit immensely with this endeavor"- Chief Manager
"Your Majesty this place is Locked down and secured, Not even a single fly will come within a perimeter of this building without being spotted and dealt with"- Security Chief
"I thank you for your Service men, Your dedication and Hardwork gives me pride as the King of Estovakia."- Ernst Pedersen
"Trust me my fellow men we will accomplish more today than the last two years combined"- Tord Holt
Ernst and Tord Holt was quickly escorted to the negotiations room. The room was heavily decorated to perfection and had Ernst not just arrived into the Derrick he would have believed it to be one of the negotiation room back in the Palace. In the middle of the room was a large rounded table with a bottle of fine wine and glasses in the middle, as they sat down on the table Tord took a bottle of whiskey from his coat and poured it on one of the glasses.
"You know this negotiations couldn't have been in a better time, The recent militarization of Belka coupled with the escalation of the Lesath-Aurelia war and the Trade war between Osea and Yuktobania has crashed the world economy, all of the usual exporters of Oil are either at each others throats or too busy putting down fires in their own backyard."- Tord Holt
"Well let's just hope we won't be putting a giant target on our backs with this. God knows the last thing Estovakia needs is another God damn war. The people want peace, land, and bread not another war to send their sons and daughter's to die."-Ernst Pedersen
"Amen too that your Majesty."-Tord Holt
Tord toast to the King before downing the entire shot of glass, just as he finished it a knock on the door was heard and Tord quickly put his whiskey away a few moments later the first of the guest arrived, The President of Osea Osbert Woods along with the Osean Ambassador to Estovakia Junk Duncan entered the room guided by the Chief Manager, Both of the stood up from their seat and shook hands with their counterparts and sat back on the table.
As curtesy and tradition Ernst presents a gift to the Osean president, one of the original copies of the first Constitution of the Kingdom and Osbert Graciously accepts the gift while also presenting a gift to the King one of the original copies of the Oured Charter. Having finally completed the usual gift giving, they sat down at the opposite sides of the table.
"All right now that's settled let's talk business Gentlemen"- Osbert Woods
With a careful nod Tord Holt stood from his seat and placed three classified files to each of the men's desk, Ernst opened the folder and began to skim through the pages with Osbert following after him. Reading through the files it is estimated that the Kingdom is producing around 5 to 6 million barrels per day with expected oil barrels extraction reaching towards 25 million barrels by the latter half of the 2020s.
Osbert closed his file and looked at Earnst in the face.
"With the current predicament my nation is in and the criticality of this trade I will unusually be blunt with my offer, open up your oil to Osean markets and I can promise you that billions of dollars of recovery aid will flow into the country and many Osean businesses will more than happy to open branches in your country."- Osbert Woods
"While that is a tempting deal Mr.President I unfortunately have to discuss with my cabinet about the possibility of such a trade."- Ernst Pederson
"There is another offer we are willing to make, the deal is the same however there is one thing we want, the National Estovakia Petroleum Company (NEPC), should you be open to privatizing shares of the Business to Osea we wouldmore than grateful for it."- Osbert Woods
"And it just so happens that Congress is about to go in session to begin forgiving and restructuring the previous debts of governments and it just so happened that Estovakia was recently put on the list."- Junk Duncan
"And
If Estovakia were to have their debts be forgiven Osea would be forced to begin calling in long time debts from other countries and from what i heard
Emmeria has been paying barely anything for debts and has been provoking war with an innocent Kingdom which dissapoints me greatly that they have been spending Taxpayer money for weapons of war and Conflict."- Osbert Woods
Although you did barely notice it you could see Tord smirk a little.
"While such debt forgiveness and economic aid will greatly benefit Estovakia Your Majesty it must be considered that such extreme actions as selling shares of the NEPC will draw the ire of our people particularly the Nationalist and the Militarist but should you believed that such actions are necessary for the sake of the nation the Cabinet will be behind your back"- Tord Holt
"I see, However thank you Mr.President for your offer I believe that this talks have will fruitful and I hope that we will meet each other again"- Ernst Pedersen
With a firm handshake the Osean Delegates leave the room, while the Estovakian waited for the next one to arrive.
"God I hope you aren't actually considering selling out our Oil Company to Osea."- Tord Holt
Before Ernst could reply the faint sounds of knocking was heard again and the door was opened revealing the next person of Intrest to be a Yuktobanian Foreign Minister Andrei Vokalov and his Aide. Ernst shook hands with Andrei Vokalov and gifted them Estovakian vodka with the Yuktobanian gifting them a 1950 Yuktobanian Cigar in mint condition. They then seated on the table and a tense silence followed as Andrei read through the files given to them by Tord.
"With how important both of our time is I will get straight to the point. With the poor state of your Armed forces the Yuktobanian people offer to sell modern surplus of our weapons and vehicles to your troops in exchange of Oil from your Kingdom, we could also agree on selling you surplus steal ans other materials"- Andrei Vokalov
"The Kingdom of Estovakia is keenly interested and would willing to consider such an offer."-Tord Holt
"There is also another offer I could give to you, with the recent purges of Bourgeois influence from the Yuktobanian State our prisons are overwhelmed by the amount of Traitors found within our Glorious nation, that is why the State of Yuktobania is willing to transfer a large portion of our prisoners to Estovakian where they will serve as Labourers and workers in exchange of a lease on a few of the Estovakian Oil rigs and refinerys."- Andrei Vokalov
Ernst could sense slight unease within Tord as he became uncomfortable with what Yuktobanian Offered
"While i am thankful for such an offer by your nation i am sure that the council will look further into that matter"- Tord Holt
"Mr. Vokalov I think we had a fruitful discussion today but I think our time is running short"- Ernst Pedersen
He shook hands with the Yuktobanian Diplomat and as they left the room Tord sighed in relief.
"I never did liked dealing with them, they always were in a grey morality at the best of time and at worst kept Marcus up at night and checking his bed"- Tord Holt
"I don't like it either but we are facing a labour Shortage right now so every man helps whether that be through dubiously legal means are left for me and the Cabinet to decide"- Ernst Pedersen
They didn't have to wait long for the third Diplomat to enter, the FCU Diplomat Feng Tian, she shook hands with Ernst and sat herself to the table.
"Thank you for giving my nation a chance to negotiate a trade with your nation Ernst, The Lighthouse war destroyed a lot of our Cities and left most of Usea in ruins"-Feng Tian
"Estovakia is always open to helping out other nations, just a few years ago Estovakia looked like any other war torn nation and look at us now, we are closer than ever to recovery"- Tord Holt
"I think its time we discussed what we each offer here"- Earnst Pedersen
"With the war over the FCU has found themselves with a large surplus of military equipments particularly our Aerial fleet, the cost of maintaining such large fleet of planes while Usea is still recovering is untenable and most within our government are planning on scrapping the planes, however the president considers scrapping them wasteful and turned to you, should Estovakia be willing to open your markets for us, the president is more than willing to send all of our surplus planes towards your military."- Feng Tian
"We are more than happy to accept such a deal but protocol must be followed and my Cabinet will be informed first and their opinions heard before we accept the deal."- Ernst Pedersen
"After the Lighthouse war we recently recovered blueprints of Stonehenge after we previously thought they were destroyed in the Continental war should you bewillinv to sale shares of your Petroleum Company to the FCU we would be willing to share the blueprints of this superweapon to your Kingdom"- Feng Tian
"Although that will be a harder sale to my Government I will try to get it through the Parliament"- Ernst Pedersen
"Thank you, the FCU will be grateful for your help in rebuilding Usea"- Feng Tian
Feng offered her hands to Ernst and they shook hands
"One more thing, as a sign of good faith between our nations please accept this gift"- Feng Tian
She produced a box from under the table and opened it revealing an old paper.
"Almost 20 years ago the Republic of Erusia invaded San Salvacion and took over the Super weapon Stonehenge, the aggressive moves committed by Erusia pushed then president of the FCU Robert Sinclair to form the Independent State Allied Forces (ISAF) to counter Erusia in the event of war which saddly occurred. Although the alliance has been disbanded for over a decade its dreams for a united Usea is still being followed today, with this deal that dream is closer than ever before so please accept this gift."- Feng Tian
Inside the Box was one of the original paper declaring the Founding of the ISAF with the original signature of Robert Sinclair and other Leaders still fresh in the papers. Ernst pulled the box from her hands and closed it.
"My Nation is grateful for this gift, thank you Feng Tian."- Ernst Pedersen
The Diplomat bowed her head and left the room.
"Alright the next one is both the last and most desperate of the four nations we agreed to meet your Majesty."- Tord Holt
The door opened revealing the Erusean King Célestin Sault along with his daughter Princess Rosa Cossette D'Elise. Both Ernst and Célestin bowed each other in respect with Rosa Bowing her head to Ernst in respect.
"From one king to another, Congratulations Ernst Pedersen for ascending throne and becoming King, I would have joined your Crowning Ceremony had matters not crop up within my kingdom that i had to personally take care off."- King Célestin Sault
"No need to apologize for it Your Highness the matters of your nation are more important than any festival or ceremony in the world"- Ernst Pedersen
"Your fast recovery and rebuilding inspires my Kingdom, though it brings me great shame that I could not do the same in my own Country, Erusia still suffers from the War till today."- Rosa
"Every Country has a different way to recovery your Highness, what matters the most is if you have the right tools for the job"' Tord Holt
"You may be right on that but now is not that time for small talk, there is a deal to be negotiated and trade to open"- Célestin Sault
"Your right about that King Célestin, so what shall Erusia offer to open our Markets to you"- Tord Holt
"Although a lot of it was destroyed In the Lighthouse war Erusia still possess a large Naval Fleet, one we can't simply maintain with the state of the Kingdom so I offer to sell you a large portion of our fleets in exchange of Oil from your Country." - King Célestin Sault
"That is a generous offer King Célestin but I don't think that's the only thing your offering"- Ernst Pedersen
"Thats right, with the state of the world and the Aftermath of the war Erusea founds herself alone and without allies"- King Célestin Sault
He produced a piece of paper and slid it to Ernst table
"That is why I offer a defensive Pact between our two Kingdoms, we both are Monarchies and had experienced defeats at the hands of our enemies who want to keep us under their boots. With these agreement we shall guarantee each others territorial integrity from those who seek to crush us."- King Célestin Sault
"Though I hope for peace to prevail the recent buildup of Emmerian forces proves otherwise, Very well I will accept a joint defensive alliance with Erusea I will inform parliament of the alliance."- Ernst Pedersen
Ernst took a pen from his suit and signed the paper. Tord and princess looking on with both shock and joy
"I hope you know what your doing Your Majesty we could be dragged into their wars too and we are unprepared for that"- Tord Holt
"We shall announce the alliance with a joint meeting in Farbanti. There we will discuss more details of the alliance but for now it should be enough"- King Célestin Sault
"If there is nothing more that you are offering I suggest we conclude this meeting."- Tord Holt
"No there is one more thing to discuss, Rosa dearie can please wait outside for a moment, I have something very important to discuss with King Ernst."- King Célestin Sault
The princess look liked she was about to argue with him but after he gave her a stern stare closed her mouth and left the room with a huff.
"Now that's taken care off we can discuss something we are really interested in"- King Célestin Sault
He produced another paper and slid it to Ernst
"With how much of your lands were left devastated during the war by Emmeria, Erusia is willing to support and join any aggressive war against Emmeria or other Nations inexchange a part of the barrels produced by Estovakia will be sent to Eurasia"- King Célestin Sault
"You sure you want to sign this Your Majesty, if any of this were to leak Emmeria will try to invade Estovakia first and they would have a good reason for it"- Tord Holt
"It's your choice King Ernst whether you want to keep this alliance purely defensive or make it something more special."- King Célestin Sault
As the talks with Eurasia end Tord and Ernst walks to the helicopter waiting for them. As the King steps inside the vehicle he ponders how the actions and the papers signed in that room will change Estovakia and Strangereal.
For now he hopes to get home and enjoy his dinner
(Took me a few days to complete but I finally checked in this bounty. Thank you for
@Maybe a Commie for helping out and beta reading this post.)
Ernst Pedersen meeting with some foreign leaders ( Any Nation could work) to discuss trade deals on oil
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