Kannexian Prince to visit Malecia

[Mal]

Malecian President David Ennis announces a state dinner honoring the Right Prince of Kannex. The dinner is to take place in Shiloh in the Executive mansion next week. The Prince will tour Shiloh and will visit the museums. It is hoped he will also visit the war memorial and the Malecian national cemetary.

[Kannex]

A smile forms on Ambassador Trajan Regkilig's face as the royal jets touch down on the field. Military and government personnel pour out and form two ceremonial columns as the Kannexian Prince's private jet opens its door.
A young man in his twenties is first to exit. His short, dark brown hair matches his intelligent, warm eyes of the same color. His mouth forms a smile and his royal, crimson cape flaps in the wind as he returns a salute from his men. He takes a step on Malecian soil and looks around. He opens his mouth as to speak.
"Where is the Malecian Secretary of State?" he asks.

[Kannex]

"Your Majesty!" Trajan Regkilig rushes onto the red carpet and bows. "Welcome to Malecia, Your Majesty," he greets with his usual, casual smile.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

The Kannexian Prince nods. "Rise, Trajan. You're doing a great job as the Kannexian Ambassador to Malecia. Expect a pay raise after this year is over."
He passes by Regkilig as he gets back on his knees.

[Mal]

Secretary Cross and her entourage await the Prince as he moves down the red carpet. She looks over her shoulder and signals. A color guard representing Malecia's Armed Forces. The command "Present ARMS!" is given. The Malecian flag drops half way as the rifle bearers snap their weapons to the "rifle slaute" position.

"Your Majesty," Secretary Cross begins as she bows in deference, "I greet you on behalf of the President of Malecia, and the Malecian General Assembly. From all of Malecia, welcome to our planned capital of Shiloh. A motorcade awaits to transport you to your embassy."

[Kannex]

"Please, I believe the protocol does not say anything about bowing to a foreign prince." He offers his hand and smiles warmly. After shaking the secretary's hand, he opens the door and enters his royal Kannexian limousine made by Kannexian company Erda Motor Corporation.
Trajan Regkilig, Jon Zomzalcon, and two of the Prince's generals follow and enter the limo, along with 4 agents of the VIP protection branch of the 13th Princely Special Corps. Zomzalcon; a bald, old man with pale skin and gray mustache turns on the TV. "It seems we're all over the news".

[Mal]

Network cut in with four bong chime.

Announcer's voice: "This is an MBC Special Report. A visit from Kannex. Now from Shiloh, here's Roger Coakley."

Roger Coakley appears on screen.

"Good afternoon I'm Roger Coakley and this is a special report."

Cut to Kannexian motorcade.

RC: You're watching a live shot of the motorcade carrying the Right Prince of Kannex and his ambassador to Malecia. The motorcade is heading to the Kannexian embassy in Shiloh, where President David Ennis is waiting to greet the Prince. For more on this story, we're going live to Sara Palmer. Sara?

Cut to Sara.

SP: Thanks Roger. We're told that the President is excited at greeting the first foreign chief of state to visit Malecia in over 6 years. Malecia's last state visit occured just before the prior government dragged the country into a six year long civil war.

Cut back to motorcade, voiceovers as cameras stay on vehicle.

RC: Sara, any idea what the visit will entail?
SP: We're told that the Prince will be greeted at the new Kannexian embassy by President Ennis. After a short ceremony, the Prince will be given a tour of Shiloh that will include visits to the State Department, and a visit to the Civil War Memorial.
RC: What about the dinner tonight?
SP: After the afternoon iteinerary is complete, the Prince will return to his embassy. He will travel to the executive mansion tonight for a state dinner held in his honor.
RC: Sara any idea what the President and Prince will be discussing.
SP: Roger one thing we know they will be discussing is the situation in New Tannenberg. We know President Ennis is very upset over the death of retired state department official Roger Wilkes. Forces from Malecia and Kannex have suffered high casualties, and the hospital ship Compassion was attacked, a clear violation of war conventions.
RC: So not all pleasure?
SP: Certainly not Roger. Dinner conversation will be anything but light.
RC: Any indication the Prince will be talking to the press?
SP: Not as of yet Roger. We know the embassy has several interview requests, but no replies have gone out as of this morning.
RC: OK Sara. We'll catch up with you tonight at 5
SP: Thanks Roger.

RC: OK. Sara Palmer covering the State visit from Kannex. We'll have much more on our regular newscast at 5. This is Roger Coakley for MBC news.

Jump cut to program in progress.

[Kannex]

Back home in Kannex, the 5 o'clock news program starts with an oriental-looking male and a blond female in business suits.

Male: Hello, this is Seongjang-Dol News At 5. I'm Dawid Unengi.
Female: And I'm Jennifer Kalhus. Today His Majesty, young Prince Rajeiia is at Shiloh, Malecia on a state trip to the young nation. He is currently resting at the Kannexian embassy, preparing for tonight's state dinner.
DU: Mikael Newosmanus, first time outside of the country and live at Shiloh. How's it going there?

*Cuts to young black male outside of the embassy*

MN: Good afternoon. Right now I'm in front of the Kannexian Embassy to Malecia. As you can see, loyal agents of the decorated 13th Princely Regiment and the Malecian police are now guarding the Embassy, where both the Prince and the President are having a private discussion on national matters.
JK: Any ideas on what might be discussed?
MN: Well, President Ennis has been personally offended by the unlawful murder of Roger Wikes. The Prince is angered by war crimes committed by the rebels, but the Malecian government seems to be advocating peace and supporting the new civilian government.
DU: So, are you excited about the state dinner tonight?
MN: Of course! I'm one of the few reporters they invited. I'm making up my mind to try some Malecian food. Also, I hear the ladies over here are very beautiful and can dance well.
JK: Haha, I bet won't be hard for you to find a dancing partner.
MN: Neither will it be for the popular Trajan Regkilig!
DU: Well, have fun in Malecia! See ya later.
JK: Coming up next: the war in Tannenberg. Will the troops come home this month?

*screen fades*

[Kannex]

Meanwhile, in the Embassy, the Kannexian Prince has just sat down and begun the talk with President Ennis. They sit in a simple wooden table, holding empty teacups. "Nice meeting you. I am the Kannexian Prince," he smiles, holding out his hand to shake.

[Mal]

The President takes the Prince's hand in a firm gesture to convey his welcome and nods his head ever so slightly. "You Majesty, it is an honor to welcome you to Malecia," the President says as he sits down. His mood turns somber. "I apologize in advance for not discussing more pleasant matters, sir, but I think after I speak you will understand."

The President places a file folder on the table with a subdued logo of the Malecian Central Intelligence Service and the words "Eyes Only. Do Not Copy" printed across the front in bold red letters.

"Your Majesty," he begins solemnly as he slides the folder across the table, "I'm breaking Malecian laws related to state secrets by showing you this file. If I'm caught, it is likely that I will be tried for treason, an offense punishable by death by firing squad. And I will definitely be removed from office by The Assembly." He leaves the folder in front of the prince and folds his hands in front of him.

"Nonetheless, I did not feel I could conceal this from you. It's a dossier that our CIS people have been assembling on the situation in Tannenberg. There is evidence to suggest that the Imperial government may have known all along about the rebel threat, but did nothing to stop it. In fact, they may have allowed it to grow in an effort to emphasize the importance of military rule in putting down the insurrection."

His eyes drop the table, the shame over sending Malecian troops into a meaningless fight consuming him. "I'm afraid the entire operation was staged, and when it got out of hand, Tannenberg realized it would need support to put down the rebellion. I regret to tell you that all of the troops from both of our countries may have been sacrificed for nothing..." he pauses, visibly enraged, "And more important, it cost the life of a good friend, and a man who had served Malecia all of his adult life." The president stops and looks of sorrow, guilt, and rage cross his face.

He locks eyes with the Prince again, "And I must tell you your majesty, I have not recalled my submarines from their position off the coast of Tannenberg. All 5 are waiting for orders. They are standing by in launch mode."

[Mal]

State Funeral to be Held for Robert John Wilkes

By Michelle March, Shiloh Post Correspondent

Shiloh-- Following a Resolution by the Malecian General Assembly, President Ennis has ordered a national day of mourning to coincide with the funeral of Robert John Wilkes. Mr. Wilkes was executed by native rebels on a colony island belonging to Greater New Tannenberg. Mr. Wilkes had been dispatched by President Ennis in an effort to help Tannenberg bring civil hostilities in that nation to an end. Sources close to the Malecian State Department said that the execution left President Ennis very distraught.

The President, an Army veteran and leader of the Freedom Alliance during the Malecian Civil War, was hoping that Malecia participation in the conflict would keep Tannenberg from deteriorating into the type of civil breakdown that occured in Malecia seven years ago.

However, Worker's Party spokesman Ron Mann states that the support lent to Tanneberg had less to do with ending the hostilities, and more to do with earning international political capital. The timing of the funeral is also being questioned by Mr. Mann. He says that holding the funeral during the visit by the Royal Prince of Kannex is a blatant attempt by the Ennis Administartion to foster support from Kannex for an invasion of Tannenberg.

But speculation from many Executive Mansion watchers suggest that the President is demonstrating his ability to multi-task. "David Ennis has said since coming into office last year that the president has to be able to do more than one thing at a time," stated Michelle Baumann of the Freedom Party. "President Ennis, like most Freedom Party members, understands the importance of the state visit. What message would it send to the Kannexians if the President put all his tasks on hold while they were visiting?" she asked rhetorically. "and Ron Mann really needs to start thinking before he speaks. I support the right to free speech, but I also wonder if Ron forgot how to exercise discretion. This is hardly the time to be engaging in political discourse. It really shows a lack of respect for Mr. Wilkes' surviving family.

Retired State Department official James Washington stated that the Kennexians will likely view the decision of the president favorably. This is especially true, he said, as the Kannexians also lost many troops in an effort to aid Tannenberg.

CIS ofiicials state that President Ennis is still upset over the wholesale failure of Tannenberg intelligence assets. But an anonymous source told the Post that there may in fact be a more dire answer as to how the Imperial government of Tannenberg was so completely blindsided by the rebellion's strength and capabilities.

Mr. Wilkes' obituary appears today in the Post.

[Mal]

Former State Department official killed during peace mission

Wilkes, Robert J.

A state funeral will be held in Shiloh Saturday for Robert John Wilkes.

Mr. Wilkes, son of a cattle rancher, was born in Aereon Province in Apollo hospital, in Aerelon. He attended public schools in his hometown of Pikling's Brest Wash, graduating with a full scholarship to Athena University in Upper Milling. He declined the scholarship and enlisted in the Malecian Navy so as to satisfy his compulsory service obligation. Subsequently, he took a job with the Malecian Post Office as a clerk. He worked his way through college and law school and after obtaining his law degree, he transferred out of the Post Office and into the Malecian State Department.

He began his career as a Foreign Service Officer as a member of the mission to the United Kingdom. Following that assignment, he was posted to embassies behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War, with service in Czechoslovakia, Romania, and East Germany. After the Cold War, he remained in the newly unified Germany, eventually rising to the rank of Deputy Chief of Mission.

Unhappy with the direction the Union Party was steering Malecian foreign policy, Mr. Wilkes left government at the age of 63 having been in governmet service since shortly after his 19th birthday.

He retired to the family farm in Aereon shortly before the outbreak of the civil war. As the war became more widespread and volatile, Mr. Wilkes eventually reunited with his lae school classmate David Ennis, who was the overall leader of the Freedom Alliance. He served as an intelligence officer with the Freedom Alliance and President Ennis credited his ability to gather and analyze data on enemy troops as "absolutely essential" to the Alliance's victories in Northwestern Malecia.

Following the war, he assited the State Department in reconstituting itself, providing guidance to the Foreign Service Headquarters. He was President Ennis' first choice to lead the CIS, but he declined the position, saying that the job should go to a "lifelong CIS professional who would be on the job longer than a year."

He retired again, but that was short-lived as duty called once more. When asked why he was leaving the family ranch for the dangers of New Tannenberg, Mr. Wilkes stated simply that "When your country calls, you don't say no."

Mr. Wilkes married the former Kara Jean Alves shortly after his release from active duty. They lived all over Eastern Europe in his early career with the State Department, eventually setting in Berlin.

His body is currently lying in state in the General Assembly rotunda in Shiloh. A funeral service will be held Saturday morning near the Temple of Athena, in accordance with his Hellenistic faith. Following the funeral, his body will be flown to Aereon and he will be buried Monday morning in the national cemetary near Aerelon.

He is survived by his wife, son Robert John Wilkes II, son Michael Alves Wilkes, daughter Kara Alves (Wilkes) Trager, and daughter Lt. Co. Pauline Wilkes of the Malecian Marines, as well as a younger brother and several grandchildren and a neice and nephew.

Robert John Wilkes was 71.

[Kannex]

The Kannexian Prince stared at the information intently and with interest. He looked up. "I extend my condolences to Mr. Wilkes and all your fallen soldiers. However, I don't believe Greater New Tannenberg would stage such a bloody operation just to prove something like that."
He sat in silence for a few seconds, then opened his mouth to speak. "Besides, there is a flaw to that tactic. After seeing the horrors of civil war, the people of Tannenberg may disapprove of military rule even more. I'm positive the Imperial government would have thought of that."
He closed his eyes as if pondering for a moment, then continued. "If the war ends with a civilian administration being successfully formed, then the question of whether or not the rebellion was a staged operation would be dealt with by historians. On the other hand..." He glanced at President Ennis. "If the new reforms in Tanneberg fail and the country is thrown in chaos, I believe that would justify foreign intervention. Kannex and Malecia would have to invade Greater New Tannenberg to keep the peace, lest other imperialistic countries seeking colonization of Tannenberg move first."

[Kannex]

Seongjang-Dol News At 5

Dawid Unengi: Hello, welcome back to Seongjang-Dol News At 5, I'm Dawid Unengi.
Jennifer Kalhus: And I'm Jennifer Kalhus. A ceremony will be held on next Monday for the brave Kannexian men and women that sacrificed their lives to retain peace in Greater New Tannenberg. There will be a day off from school to honor our fallen troops.
Dawid Unengi: This will coincide with the state funeral of Robert John Wilkes in Shiloh, Malecia, which the His Majesty Prince Rajeiia will be attending on Sunday.
JK: The Prince is to visit the State Department and the Civil War Memorial. Tonight he will attend the state dinner and is expected to give a speech.
DU: Tomorrow, he will begin his morning by visiting a history museum and an art museum. In the afternoon he will attend a press conference and then retire to the Embassy.
JK: On Sunday he will attend the state funeral of Robert John Wilkes and pay his respects.
DU: He will then hurry back to Kannex in time for the ceremony.
JK: We apologize to end the week in such a sour note, but we cannot forget about the sacrifices our military makes each and every day. May peace reign throughout the world. Long Live the Prince!

*screen fades*

[Mal]

President Ennis takes a breath as he ponders the Prince's words.

"Your Majesty, Malecia has very good intelligence resources. I am inclined to believe the evidence they've gathered. I just don't have the same faith in Tanneberg's sincerity." He stops and exhales slowly. " However, you and your ministers know the Tanneberg situation better than Malecia. You have had relations with them far longer than us. Thus, if you say that the government didn't facillitate any of these actions, I will accept that as word. I merely ask that you keep an open mind and consult your own intelligence people."

"As to intervention... we would of course stand with the Kannexians. However, let us hope that more loss of life is not necessary. Our two countries are on the path to a very prosperous relationship that will be mutually beneficial for generations to come. I am hoping we can focus our efforts there.."

[Kannex]

The Kannexian Prince shakes his head. "I only began developing relations with Tannenberg around the same time as I began relations with Malecia. Aside from that, my intelligence network is still weak in areas like Tannenberg.
"Frankly, I sincerely hope the new Tannenberg government fails. If we intervene and help create a Tannenberg Republic, then that may benefit all of us. The Tannenberg economy is good and strong, and hypothetically the new Republic will definitely enter diplomatic relations with us." He pauses, then continues.
"Of course, they have to move first." Dropping the matter, he quickly moves on to the next issue.
"Speaking of which, have you located the Union Party terrorists yet? The fact that they even mentioned Kannex unofficially draws us into it. Since economic ties between our two nations are growing stronger, they may target one of our cargo ships. As we speak, the terrorists may be planning to assassinate us now."

[Mal]

The President brightens a bit. "Actually, we aren't sure there was a credible threat from the Union Party. Our Counter Terrorist Division and our Bureau of Investigation believe that the 'terrorists' were in fact mercenaries contracted by Whitewash. We believe it was an effort to influence the Private Miltary Amendment to the upcoming Defense Appropriation, which I had intended to veto.

"Our federal prosecutors are confidetn they can secure convistions for the top two officers in the company on charges of treason. But the most important point is that your cargo ships are safe in Malecian ports and waters."

[Kannex]

The Kannexian Prince nods, then calls for tea and biscuits. A waitress arrives and sets a large plate of biscuits and two refilled cups of tea on the table. When the waitress is gone and clearly out of hearing range, he takes a sip and turns to the President.
"What is this Private Military Amendment? It seems quite a controversial issue, especially with large companies."

[Mal]

"I'm not quite sure how much of an opportunity you've had to consult with Ambassador Regkilig, so forgive me if I'm conveying facts of which you may already be aware," he begins as he pauses for a sip of tea. "Your Majesty, I must say this is very good tea. As an old military man, I'm partial to lousy coffee," he says chuckling. "But I must say that this is quite good indeed.

"But as I was starting to say, the Private Miltary Amendment was added late into the Defense Appropriation Bill by Assemblymen and women who were from the Province where Whitewash was headquartered. The Amendment was intended to allow the Defense Department to contract with private military contractors for duties such as providing security to high level officials, training for nationals from other countries, and other duties that didn't involve actually fighting enemy troops directly.

"I'm against such companies. I personally believe that defining their reponsibilities is a difficult proposition at best. Not to mention the reaction from citizens of countries in which PMCs operate.

"The idea is that they could perform the functions must cheaper than our own forces. An proposition to which I do not subscribe. While I do believe in the efficiency of the open market and private industry, some functions such as national defense and diplomacy are the exclusive purview of the government."

[Kannex]

The Kannexian Prince smiles, as if he understands. "I must say, capitalism does have its flaws, doesn't it? I've heard of quite a few countries which were taken over politically by car companies or fast-food restaurant chains." He takes another dramatic sip of tea.

"The more the government relies on corporations like Whitewash, the more powerful they become. Take an interesting example from Kannexian history. Once the central government and the economy was so weak, the craftsmen guilds began to take over the entire country. Craftsmen guilds. They were originally small in number, but they grew by hundreds.

"As for the Whitewash Incident, it would be best if you arrest its leaders. Perhaps you can pass a law that centralizes all weapon-making factories under the jurisdiction of the government. That would better control the situation. Basically, the power of Whitewash is what you need to target."

He looks down at the tea. "As for the tea, it's the finest lemon-flavored, iced tea in Kannex. Suitable for a young military man."

[Mal]

The President ponders the Prince's statements...

"Capitalism is indeed a flawed proposition. But then any proposition that is the product of human efforts is bound to have flaws. It is our flaws that make us human , after all. As to Whitewash, the top two officials of that company are under indictment. They are currently in custody pending trial for treason.

"As to nationalizing weapons manufacture," he says shaking his head slightly, "I'm unaware of where nationalizing an industry has ever proven to be a boon for a nation. The United Kingdom tried it in the '70s with their shipbuilding ands aerospace industries, only to DEnationalize them less than 30 years later.

"The venture proved to be costly and the people who paid for that burden were the ordinary citizens. I do not wish to see Malecian citizens forced by law to endure that kind of hardship."

[Kannex]

The Kannexian Prince shakes his head. "Sorry, did I say centralize? I meant to turn the companies into quasi-governmental organization. A company that is directly owned by businessman, but is subject to monthly inspection."
Another idea pops into Prince Rajeiia's head. "If you haven't, you should consider giving contracts to other weapons companies. Then you won't have to rely on Whitewash so much. Just a though."
He glances at the clock. "Time is running out. I should bring up one last topic before we leave. Would Malecia consider a joint Kannexian-Malecian space mission? Much of the 10000 Islands International Space Fleet was destroyed in battle."

[Mal]

"Ah.. I see the misunderstanding. Whitewash is not a weapons maker. They are, in essence, soldiers for hire.

"As to a space misssion, Malecia would be happy to send astronauts to train in the Kannexian Space Program as Mission Specialists. But until our economy recovers more, we would be unable to afford much in the way of financing technological research or development.

[Kannex]

"Very well. Let's wait until then-"

The Prince is interrupted by a knock on the door. "It's time to visit the Civil War Memorial, Your Majesty," a soldier's voice calls.

"Well, it's time for us to be going. We're scheduled to visit the Memorial, then the museums." The Kannexian Prince drinks the last of his tea and leaves the room. Outside, people cheer him and hold welcoming signs. Prince Rajeiia waves back and enters his "Erda One" limo, decorated with the Kannexian flag.

[Mal]

President Ennis leaves the room somewhat relieved. An old soldier, he was apprehensive about his first meeting with a leader from another nation. Particularly one from a monarchy.

But the experience was a good one and it would be the first of many. His train of thought is interrupted by one of the agents from the Presidential Protection Service detail. "Sir," the man says as he steps to the president's side with a cell phone.

"What is it?" he asks. It's not unusual for the president to get calls like this, but the staff back at the Executive Mansion were left with specific orders not to interrupt the meeting unless it was an emrgency.

"It's Special Agent Power from CT, sir. He says it's urgent," replies the agent.

"Thank you," he says looking at the agent's face for an indication of what the problem might be. He puts the phone to his ear. Bob?"...

[Kannex]

The Kannexian Prince sees the President's concerned face from a distance. "Minister Zomzalcon, please ask the President if there is something wrong. We're to arrive at the Memorial at about... 30 minutes."

Jon Zomzalcon exits the limo and heads towards President Ennis. "Your Ma... I mean, Mr. President. Is there anything wrong?"

[Mal]

The President looks at Mr. Zomzalcon and smiles weakly. " My intelligence people have discovered that the person named as Ambassador from Tannenberg is an individual suspected of committing war crimes during the insurrection. Also, I left explicit instructions for our delegation there to cable us every 24 hours. They are 6 hours overdue."

[Kannex]

Jon Zomzalcon shakes his head and sighs. "I suggest you message the Tannenberg government about the ambassador and the delegation. Perhaps the delegation has not been able to find a suitable telegraphy system." He glances at his watch. "This seems like serious government business. If you cannot attend the tour of the city, please send one of your staff to guide us through the Civil War Memorial and the museums. I understand how it feels to be interrupted from a day off."

[Mal]

"Unfortunately, I won't see a day off until the next president takes the oath of office. However, I have good people in critical places. This will be attended to by them while I have the honor of touring Shiloh with the prince. Shall we?"

[Kannex]

Jon Zomzalcon nods. "Yes, let's indeed."

The motorcade takes the Prince, his ministers, and the President to the Civil War Memorial, which is cut off from the public for the private tour. On the way, the Prince is served with Malecian beef for lunch. The motorcade arrives in 15 minutes.

[Mal]

As the entourage exits the motorcade, the President pulls out a small statuette of Apollo, god of the hunt and healing and prays quietly to himself.

The memorial is simple: A Malecian soldier stands at "parade rest" as an eternal flame burns. A small plaque beneath the flame reads:

In memory of the 4 million Malecians who died in the fight to restore freedom. No words can truly pay tribute to the sacrifice that they laid upon the altar of freedom. May their souls live for all time in eternity...

The President's chief aide, Julie Campos, fights back tears...