Austeren Leader in Hirematia

[Hirematia]

"You would think," Mechhai replies. "But libertarians are against the government doing pretty much anything."

Mechhai closes his laptop, puts it in his briefcase, and stands up. The other members of the Hirematian delegation do the same.

Everyone walks out to the lawn of the Soudhi idh Kharnyaangh while waiting for the press conference to begin. Mechhai and Versace skim through the accords as troupes of reporters and citizens alike file into the lawn. Reporters from accredited journalistic outlets in Hirematia and Austerain arrive. A camera crew from
The Hiremath Slate sets up their equipment towards the back. Even a delegation Finally, sign language interpreters, two Hirematiaala interpreters, and an English interpreter arrive. One Hirematiaala interpreter will interpret for reporters, the other will accompany Versace and translate for her.

The two leaders stand at their podiums as the clock strikes two. The camera crew from the Hiremath Slate goes live. Versace's interpreter walks to the center of the stage and yells (in Hirematian), "Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Premier Minister Vijaranam Mechhai and President Sarah Versace!" This is accompanied by applause. He then adds, "As you have heard, Mechhai and Versace have been working on several treaties in order to improve our nation's ties in national defense, conservation, and environmental research, as well as negotiating the construction of a bridge and a rail line connecting our countries. Questions will now begin!"

[Austerain]

General Brockwell, Secretaries Taylor and Daniels, and the Austeren aides followed the two leaders behind them to the lawn for the press conference. Versace smiles as they stand at the podiums.

As questions begin, hands from reporters raise quickly and Versace picks a young woman in the front from Austeren media,

"Lucy Inge, Austerain International Times. Madam President, the tensions between yourself, the new Congress, and President-Elect Thorne have escalated into a congressional order to return. Why haven't you returned to Austerain sooner and are you trying to hold the presidency hostage from a man you believe to be unfit for office? And Mr. Premier Minister, what are your thoughts about the President-Elect and his behavior? Do you see yourself as complicit in the allegations against the President?"

Versace responds, "Thank you for your question, Ms. Inge. While the President-Elect and I have our disagreements, the point of this trip was not to prevent him from taking office. This trip has been in the books since April, and the objective of this trip has been to strike deals for mutual defense, for the protection of the environment, and to build a bridge and rail connections between our two countries. These talks have been comprehensive and elaborate to ensure that we draw out the best plans possible for both countries."

[Hirematia]

"I do not see myself as complicit in Versace's misdeeds," Mechhai replies. "Versace came to Hirematia in order to, as Versace has already said, negotiate pacts to improve ties between our countries as well as improving our citizens' quality of life. As for Thorne, I see him as a man I can work with. He has shown a strong commitment to progressive values, and I have faith that he will be a great leader."

Mechhai chooses someone else to ask a question, a young man towards the back.

(Exchange translated from Hirematiaala)

"Jagadisha Kapalin, the Hiremath Slate. I have a few questions on the bridge and rail line. What is the expected environmental impact of this project? And how will you ensure border security?"

"The environmental impact is much less then is usual for this type of project," Mechhai replies. "We are timing the construction so as not to disturb migration patterns, we are ensuring that the bridge supports are spaced far enough apart in order not to disturb wildlife and ocean currents, and we are strategically avoiding reefs and other wildlife hotspots. In fact, it is slated to be one of the most eco-friendly water bridges ever built."

[Austerain]

"Yes, the environmental impact was a significant consideration during our discussions," Versace confirms, "There should be very little negative effects on the environment. Regarding border security, there will be border checkpoints on each side of the bridge and the Austeren Coast Guard will continue to monitor our maritime borders."

Versace picks a young man to the left.

"Gregiore Bartoli, Sundester Herald. What are your responses to Progressive Conservatives that say you're signing over control of military bases to a foreign power? What are your goals with joint bases?"

Versace arches an eyebrow and replies, "Mr. Bartoli, we are not 'signing over control' of our bases to Hirematia, we are allowing for the joint use of five bases here in Austerain and we're willing to allow for joint use of five bases overseas. The goal is to have closer collaboration on mutual defense and joint training to stimulate better training of our forces. Hirematia and Austerain must work closely to provide for a common defense of our corner of the region."

Bartoli pipes up, "But doesn't the President-Elect want to cut defense funding and close some of the bases? He has said and I quote 'Austerain spends far too much on overseas installations and domestic installations despite the fact that we are at a time of peace'."

Versace responds, "If the President-Elect chooses to close the military installations in which we have joint control with Hirematia, his administration will have to approve those closures after we agree to this contract. I'm sure he'll figure it out."

[Hirematia]

Mechhai chooses a a middle-age woman standing in the middle.

(Translated to English)

"Parvati Devana, Vadavasha Report. Do you forsee any increases to the military budget due to this deal? And will this lead to more militarization and offensive military missions?"

"There will be some very slight increases," Mechhai replies. "They will amount to a total of about 100 million rupiahs total, so the average family will see almost no difference in their tax bill. And no, this will not lead to further militarization. If anything, this deal will lead to more peace and stability."

[Austerain]

"Right," Versace nods to the side at Mechhai, then back to the reporter, "We will have joint military exercises as a means of preparation for both of our forces. If anything should happen in our corner of the region, which is doubtful, then we'll be prepared. Alright, last question from the Austeren media, then from the Hirematian media."

Hands raise quickly, and Versace points to an older woman in back left, "Angie Duquesne, The Gaul Telegraph. Madam President, are you endorsing Premier Minister Mechhai in his bid for re-election?"

Versace chuckles, "As you know, Mrs. Duquesne, the Omnibus Trade Initiative Act prevents me from making endorsements for any foreign candidates to prevent any tension if the endorsed individual did not win. While I wish the Premier Minister the best in his re-election, I don't think he'd want the kiss of death from me either way, due to my unpopularity both here and in Austerain." The room erupts with laughter.

[Hirematia]

"Right," Mechhai says, laughing awkwardly. "I will pick the last question from the Hirematian press." He chooses a young man in towards the front.

(Translated from Hirematiaala)

"Sukmartaran al-Fairaz, Andamanavipa Exposition. In the environmental pact, both Hirematia and Austerain are going to freeze imports of fossil fuels by 2020. How will this impact our economies, our port workers, and our automobile industry."

"I think this will have a positive impact," Mechhai replies. "By 2020, 75% of road vehicles are expected to be electric, and this will further force a shift away from oil. As for how it will impact our economy and port workers, there is no denying that it will decrease traffic of goods by quite a significant amount in several areas of the country. However, I will meet with James Thorne during his presidency to discuss a free trade deal, which will more than offset these losses."

After the noise dies down, Mechhai and Versace sign the pieces of legislation and hold them up to a chorus of applause. As the constant click of cameras drones on in the background, Mechhai and Versace smile and hold the booklets of legislation in the air triumphantly.

"This is only the first stage of the agreement," the announcer announces. "Now these treaties will be sent to the legislatures of each nation for ratification. I wish everyone a good day, especially to our Guest of Honor Sarah Versace. Unfortunately it is time for her to return home to have rotten tomatoes pelted at her," he says as the crowd laughs. "In all seriousness, President Versace, we are honored to host you and your Cabinet."

After walking back into the Soudhi idh Khaarnyangh, Mechhai says, "Since we're on a time crunch, we've had someone pack your bags for you. They left a few things alone that they didn't know what to do with, but for the most part all of your baggage is ready."

[Austerain]

As they close out, Versace says, "It has been an honor represent Austerain here in Hirematia in order to achieve this momentous deal between our two countries. I thank Premier Minister Mechhai for his hospitality. This is a beautiful country, and I look forward to the years ahead as the special relationship between our two nations continues to grow. Thank you."

As they walk back to Soudhi idh Khaarnyangh, Versace nods and says, "Thank you, my aides will handle the rest."

A motorcade is waiting at the front to take President Versace, her Cabinet Secretaries, General Brockwell, and the aides to the airport.

[Hirematia]

"It was an honor to host you," Mechhai replies. First Lady Indirina Mechhai-Nandina emerges into the room in a nice dress, and Mechhai himself is wearing an all-black tuxedo.

"Greetings, President Versace," she says. "I wasn't able to meet you yesterday because I was taking care of my daughter and doing charity work for the homeless, but I'm glad that I got to meet you today."

She holds hands with her husband as they walk to the motorcade along with the Cabinet and the Austeren Delegation. They sit in the car and make a quick drive to the government airport with no fanfare. When the arrive, the white Gulfstream is waiting for them. They board the plane and talk to each other the whole way back.

"It was an honor to meet with you." After their staff exchange handshakes, they step into their respective motorcades and drive through the majestic city of Austraton.


*********************************END OF MEETING WITH VERSACE***************************************