From the Office of Pax Foreign Affairs
To the Lyon Department of State
The Pax request a meeting with the Lyonese Head of State to discuss matters pertaining to the future relations between the Pax and the Lyonese. We strongly urge you to make this a priority, and alert the Pax to the designated time and place. The Pax thank you for your cooperation.
Miku
Pax Foreign Relations Minister
Lyon had stood on the brink of civil war when President Christopher Arctoris interceded in 2009. The agreement he had crafted had paved the foundation for seven years of unprecedented prosperity in the Lyonese Republic. Wages had risen, infrastructure had been repaired and improved, fine healthcare and education systems established. Many of the nation’s leading economists believed Lyon to be going through a golden age; conditions had improved immensely since the end of Tyrsin rule.
Prime Minister Alexis Jacobs repeatedly reminded herself of these facts as she finished the call with Foreign Minister Lie-Liu Zheng. Jacobs was formally Zheng’s supervisor, but in reality, when it came to foreign policy, the Tyrsins – and by proxy, Zheng – had nearly complete control. It had been part of the deal that had allowed Lyon to achieve this prosperity. But it still vexed Jacobs. She was supposed to be the leader of her people, and yet, here she was, effectively taking orders – from a Tyrsin at that. But as much as Jacobs hated it, she knew it was the best way.
And so, after concluding the call with Zheng, Jacobs drafted the exact reply that the Foreign Minister had indicated she should draft.
— Begin quote from ____
Miku
Pax Foreign Relations Minister
Your Excellency,
It is with the greatest honor and pleasure that I have received your most recent communication. The Lyonese people appreciate their unique relationship with the Pax, and certainly favor a beneficial relationship going forward. We are absolutely willing to receive you, and I would be willing to meet with you regarding any topics you desire to discuss.
Yet Lyon also maintains a very special relationship with the Federated Alliance of Free Pacific States and the Sovereign Empire of East Malaysia. If any substantial Pax-Lyonese negotiations are to take place, I must insist that representatives from these nations also be invited. Peace should be our greatest focus at this time, and bringing together the Pax, Free Pacificans, and East Malaysians will undoubtedly further that focus.
If you are agreeable to these terms, I would be happy to host you, and the other delegations, in Port Lyon immediately.
Sincerely,
Alexis Jacobs
Prime Minister of Lyon
— End quote
‘It is so humid here’ Miku thought as she watched condensation form on her metalic parts.
She sat in her transport on the border to Lyon. The road was little used, and the guards looked anxiously at the Pax vehicle. Miku guessed that border crossings were rare from the Pax. She looked towards her companion.
“I hope that you are prepared for what is to come. If this goes well, many things are going to change, and many of them should benefit your people directly.” She smiled her mechanical smile. “For now though, let us pray that we begin moving again soon. I doubt I will rust, but I fear the interior of this vehicle will mildew.”
<No name Decided Yet> chuckled. The Tysirin looked out the window. The lands were familiar. He gazed out over the expanse that the Pax had cleared, wondering what the future would hold for his homeland.