IMPORTANT! This is set around 2011!
Authors note: This fic is set in a 'worst case scenario' modern world. China and the USA already disagree on a lot of policies but imagine if the situation was a bit more heated. The ramifications would be huge. You may also note similarities between my other fanfictions. This is because I give the hetalia personations similar abilities.
I also have no idea if England's plan world actually work so if you do see a major flaw point it out so I can fix it, otherwise employ a hearty amount of suspension of disbelief.
Chapter 2: Get the ball rolling
The room was silent save for the scratching of England's pen as it flew across the paper before him. The thick carpet muffled the ticking of the clock and the occasional gust of wind produced a monotone wail outside the window. England paused, glancing at the clock, startling when he saw the time. His ten-minuet perusal of documents had turned into two hours of work. Just because he had initiated his multi-layer plan to restore the prestige of the empire did not mean his normal workload stopped. He still had a country to run. However, if he did not leave now he would probably be late and England hated being late. He moved to stand, pulling his coat on, pausing when there was a knock at the door.
"Yes?" he called, gathering his papers together in a folder.
The door swung open to reveal David carrying a tray of tea.
"Mr. Kirkland, I have a letter for you from the Prime Minister it about the new trade reform and is of the upmost impotence and there have been several inquiries about your phone…" The man paused, looking up and noticing England's state of dress.
"Are you going somewhere sir?"
Drat, he forgot to tell David not to bring him tea today seeing as he had a meeting scheduled at the European World Headquarters.
"Only for a bit of fresh air," he replied, deciding that he did not need to know his true objective. England sighed glancing down at the tray and noticing the large yellow envelope. He picked it up and snagged a biscuit with the other hand.
"What is the problem with my phone?" he prompted, nibbling the biscuit as he packed the documents away.
David produced a mobile from the briefcase he was carrying, "You really should carry it around with you." England sighed, he had not even realized that his phone was missing. Sometimes new technology really threw him off. It was not just him, a lot of the older nations had trouble adapting to the quickly evolving technology of the modern era as well.
It took little energy to transport himself the European World Headquarters where he was scheduled to meet Australia, Canada and India in an attempt to convince them that altering trade regulation between countries of the Commonwealth would be in their best interests.
He arrived in a large auditorium admiring, as he always did, the beautiful reception hall with its marble floors and dome ceiling, the center of which released natural light from an opening that stretched all the way through the building. It reminded him of a cathedral in its grandeur. Of cause it had to be impressive, the wealth of most of Europe's personifications went in to making it and the other World Headquarters were just as ornate, some even more so, depending on where you went. The European World Headquarters was a designated neutral zone in which country personifications could meet without worrying about far reaching political ramifications if personal debates went awry. And honestly, he could not remember the last time a World Meeting had gone according to plan. It was one of several and the easiest for him to travel to. The building was round, several stories tall and located on a deserted island off the coast of Greenland. It was also a perfect place to conduct private discussions with other nations, giving automatic privacy and preventing other countries from tracking energy signatures. England strode across the rounded hall to the elevators at the far end. Though he had been sure to conceal his own energy he was sure it had not crossed the others mind seeing as they had no need, making it the best location for this discussion. Not that it was really necessary as the first stages of his plan were all rather tame and probably would not raise any eyebrows. But he had always believed it better to err on the side of caution.
Was he going to reveal his full plan?…The answer was no…at least…not yet. They would not understand the benefit of uniting again into an Empire, being so caught up in advancing their own countries they could not see the dangerous state of affairs as the ticking time bombe they were.
He heard Australia before he saw him, animatedly describing some humorous encounter with a koala and a frying-pan. He turned a corner and spotted the three of them, Australia making wild motions, Canada nodding politely and India looking quite disinterested.
India spotted him first pushing himself off the wall he was leaning on and nodding in greeting. He was neat per usual dressed in a light cream-coloured suit.
"Hey! Good old' mums here to boss us around," Australia grinned, noticing India's movement and spinning around to meet him. England scowled at Australia, watching bits of dirt and sand fall out of his cloths. Would it kill him to put a little effort into his appearance?
Canada pulled Australia to the side so he was no longer blocking the door, smiling lightly.
"England how have to been,"
"As well as one can hope given the state of things," He eyed Canada up and down, noting his slightly off skin tone.
"How are you getting on, you look pale,"
"I'm fine. Thank you for asking," was the soft reply.
England barely caught the response as he swept into the room followed closely by Australia.
"Oi, don't I get a hello,"
"Stop referring to me as mum and I might consider it." England sipped. He put his briefcase of the table, turning to India as he entered after Australia.
"India, thank you for coming, I know you have been very busy, so it is appreciated."
Of the three India was the least likely to accept his proposal. He had a rapidly growing economy and already had solid trade relations. Not to mention that he regarded anything England did with suspicion and high scrutiny. It was unfortunate. He remembered a time when they had gotten along better and he had always enjoyed India's more centered quite. But mistakes had been made and there was little he could do to fix them aside for wait and let time and history take its course. They were on better terms these days. England was hoping that that, along with the unrest and turmoil still stewing after the financial crisis, would be enough to sway his decision.
They all settled into seats around the table, Australia on one side and Canada and India on the other. It appeared that India preferred to sit next to Canada then Australia. He sat further down the table and passed out three folders.
"I'm sure you have all read the trade proposal my government sent you several weeks ago,"
" Yeah. You always send the most interesting things. I especially liked the part about traffic evasion. A thrill a minuet that one,"
"Australia if you have something to say make sure it's constructive. This is a business meeting." He would not let this descend into the mindless squabbling that plagued most World Meetings.
Australia rolled his eyes but settled down at the admonishment. Unlike the United Kingdom or other major counties Australia mostly listened to him when he gave orders. It was for this reason that he was not too perturbed by Australia's response, he still had that colonial touch that made him easer to handle.
"I assume this is the full proposal," India was leafing through the booklet.
"Yes, it's the more condensed to the point version. You know politicians you can not spring something on them to fast or nothing gets done,"
"Hmm," was India's non-committal reply.
England cleared his throat, "Primarily, it deals with creating a stronger relationship between the Commonwealth nations. Particularly regarding trade and the bulk of trade moving between our countries."
England gave them all time to skim the proposal. Australia was the first to finish and voice objections.
"My economy and market is experiencing the biggest boom since the recession, and a lot of that is due to China buyin all my raw material and shit. I'd be insane to mess that up."
"I am not asking you to cut all ties to China," England rubbed his forehead in irritation, Australia could be irritably thick when the occasion struck him. The more time he spent around America the worse Australia became. He was just glade Canada appeared to be resisting the influence.
"In fact it would be better for everyone to make as few changes as possible to existing policy." England pinned Australia with his gaze, "What I am asking is simply to renew the trade agreement between our countries. There is no need to become so defensive."
He turned to the other two, "A trading scheme such as this will circulate business between our countries and help everyone recover from the financial crises not to mention help stabilize those facing hardship in Eruo zone."
"A Commonwealth trading scheme?"
England startled having momentarily forgotten the presence of Canada
"Indeed, with your support I hope to extent this offer to other countries in the Commonwealth."
"I suppose it would improve relations," Canada said softly.
Canada, through quite, often had the uncanny ability of cutting to the heart of a matter. That combined with the fact that he just seemed to slip under others radars was both a positive and a negative. He sometimes wished he had the ability himself.
"Yes, hopefully with a focus on improving our international relationships and stimulating the economy."
"Of course I will not give my answer today," India said with an acute finality.
Canada nodded in agreement. Australia looked board.
"Of course," England nodded, smiling.
"Now if you would turn to section 8 I would like to go through a few of the finer details, involving implementation."
"Perhaps also section 4 as I have several questions and disagreements," India interjected.
"And that part about taxation," Australia piped, proving that he was at least paying some attention.
"Yes, Yes," England smiled. Them being interested in the details of the agreement was a good thing. It signaled that they were seriously considering supporting the plan. And everyone knew that once a personification decide something would be good for their country things ran a little smoother.
LINEBREAK- LINEBREAK
Wales sat at the bar, head propped up on an elbow, watching Scotland down his second shot whisky. Around them rose general commotion and din often found in small pups on calm nights such as these. Wales smiled at the good-natured people seated around him, all laughing, joking and taking loudly to one another. A small group had crowded around a counter television, which he knew was playing re-runs, though that didn't deter the enthusiastic watches from cheering loudly and stirring up a storm of excitement when the game turned in their favour.
"I can't believe your not drunk yet," he muttered, noticing that Scotland had made it though several drinks still looking relatively unaffected. Not that it really surprised him, considering how long they had known each other but it was his habit to comment. Earlier that evening Scotland had challenged him to a drinking contest and he had respectfully declined. He was no lightweight but it took someone like Germany or Russia to give Scotland a run for his money. Though that usually wasn't enough to discourage him from trying, tonight he didn't have the heart for it. No one else in the bar had taken the challenge either, laughing at the notion. Scotland, apparently, had a reputation. Not to be deterred Scotland had proceeded to take it as a sort of personal challenge and had been drinking non-stop since they had arrived.
"What can I say laddei. It's a gift," Scotland grinned, waving a hand in the barman's direction and receiving his fourth shot along with another pint of beer.
One drink later on Scotland's part, he managed to finish his first, and the bar began to empty. The crowds spilt from the open doors onto the narrow cobbled streets and the night was filled with the drunken shouts of men and women as they staggered home. They didn't have far to walk considering the small size of the village. Then it was quite, save for the thud of barman's feet as he moved about, clearing and cleaning glasses. Finally, he disappeared out the back, leaving them alone. They both sat in comfortable silence, watching a corner light flicker on an off, each in their own thoughts.
Finally, Wales spoke, "We have all gone crazy. You know that right?"
"Hmm?" Scotland glanced at Wales who was staring moodily at an empty pint glass.
"…I mean, have you seen the plans he's been working on. New international trade relations, alternative energy proposals, manufacturing arrangements, military partnership..." Wales trailed off
"It could to flip the world on its head…" Scotland finished for him, "It makes me a little nervous as well.
Was it bad that Wales was relieved to hear Scotland's doubts? Scotland, who always exuded a sense of confidence and surety and was seemingly unaffected by much of the turbulence that kept Wales awake at night. Sometimes it was nice to know he wasn't alone in the sense of foreboding he had felt upon signing up to England's proposal.
Total transparency with regards to England's plans and strategy had been a key condition to his support. All plans were to be disclosed and discussed with all three of them before being put into action. It was only later, when he had discovered that England did not simply own one or two folders outlining proposals but files and files of information and ideas, that he released that becoming completely informed would be a bit of a chore. The plans England had were extensive and detailed and he was sure he hadn't even seen half of them yet. He was certain England had a dozen back-ups and contingency procedures prepared in case his initial ideas ran afoul. Most of the stuff he had read mainly pertained to him and the rest of the United Kingdom, though, in glancing over England's other files, he had discovered quite a lot of information on the other counties as well.
Not only would reading though everything take a while but the task was made even more arduous by England's encoding of most of the information, the paranoid bastard, and the files were not very ordered.
This had worried him as you didn't just come up with details like that overnight. He was sure Scotland had also realized that this plan of England's had been in the works for many years and that gaining their support had probably been the first step of many. Which raised an important question, 'what would have happed if they had said no.' Upon seeing the amount of work, and from what he had seen, money, England had put into this venture already the thought gave him a queasy feeling. In response both he and Scotland had spent the last month discussing and comparing notes, trying to get to grips with the situation.
"It'ta be a miracle if he manages to get 'stage 1' to work." Scotland grinned, leaning back in his seat.
"As long as he gets the initial support he'll probably be able to get the ball rolling," Wales grudgingly admitted with a sigh, causing Scotland to grumbled and nod in agreement.
"You think he can really convince the rest of the Commonwealth to go along with this crazy plot?" Wale's eventually asked, something which had been bothering him.
"He's not just going to just come out and lay his whole plan on the table." Scotland tapped the table for emphasis, "These sort of things take time and procedure, he will slowly introduce things step by step. They'll probably be just as clueless as the rest of the world if everything goes England's way."
Scotland hummed, adding, "Beside he doesn't need the whole commonwealth. Just India, Canada and Australia. They're the economic leaders off the group. Once you've got those three, plus us, that's a compelling economic reason to follow England on this insane venture. After that the smaller Commonwealth countries are bound to follow."
"But how is he going to do that as all three have good positions in the world at the moment, they will not want to rock the boat."
It was true, considering they all were in the top ten counties in terms of GDP's. Honestly, though he had read a lot on England's overall strategy, he still only had a vague idea about the smaller details.
"Probably a combination of manipulation, truth and lies. That and he'll probably work out beneficial arrangements." Scotland eventually replied undertones of distain underlining the words. Probably remembering some similar situations from his own past. He could think of a few himself.
Earlier that day England had held a private conference with Australia, Canada and India and it did not take a genus to guess what England would be discussing. He would be more interested if he had not been spending so much of his time and energy pushing trade and banking reform through his own National Assembly. He hoped all the stages to England's plan were not so energy draining. But somehow he knew that one way or another England would find a way, most likely resulting in a chain reaction, which would either work in their favor or create a whole lot of chaos. Hopefully the former as he had had enough instability lately, dealing with the global financial crisis. However…
"You have to admit," he began slowly, "If this all pans out," he fiddled with his glass, "It'll be good for us."
He knew Scotland was thinking it as well. Despite the groaning and continuous snarking he had been doing lately they were both well aware of the advantages success would bring to their own countries. In the long run England sort to place the United Kingdom at a center of commerce, banking capital and economic backbone of the world. In the short-term, with tensions running high and China and America seaming moments away from physical blows, the safety net offered by the commonwealth trading scheme provided a welcome fallback. Why else would they agree?
Scotland, reached over the bar to grab the half empty bottle Whisky and poring them both a fresh nip. He then sat back staring thoughtfully out the door, watching the full moon, which had just peeked over the roof opposite them.
"It'll be like the European union only less focused on relationship building and more on world domination." He finally pronounced.
"A new alliance?"
He mulled the though over in his head, he had also picked up on that aspect of the plan but he hadn't thought of it quite like that. Now it was pointed out it was obvious that England was aiming to create his own union of sorts as a lunch pad for his crazy, 'revive the Empire,' plan.
"With England at the head," Scotland confirmed
"I can't think of anything worst," he finally groaned.
"It's England. He's one stubborn guy. We'll just have to ride this whole business out like we always do." Scotland took a swig of whisky.
And they always did. He'd been following and supporting England on his various ventures almost as long as Scotland. He knew how the process worked, England made a move for change and it either failed spectacularly or it opened new horizons and possibilities. Then the world jumped on the bandwagon and everything spiraled into some sort of mess. Lately everything had been rather quite on England's front, with America acting as the center of attention, but as many good things it was too good to last.
He saw what was going on, America and China were continuously at each others throats, each was stretching and testing out their influence. China over his boarder counties and America with his constant interferences in the Middle East. Then they would accuse each outer of over stepping boundaries and there would be a tense stand off while all the other countries looked on nervously. And the sad thing was there was not a lot the rest of them could do about it save to voice their disapproval, and when you were talking the greatest industrial and military powers respectively, giving them the equivalent of a scolding did not do much in improving the situation. So when asked if he was nervous then the answer was a definite YES. Through there was a chance everything would sort itself out there was also a distinct possibility of everything going pear shaped
"Hey," Scotland slung an arm around his neck, "What's the face."
Wales shook himself from the morbid thoughts, realizing that he had been staring at a speck of dirt for several seconds.
"There's no use worrying for the moment. There will be plenty of that later."
Wales sighed.
"I suppose your right," he eventually admitted, turning back to his drink.
Scotland chuckled, slapping him over the back, "Cheers to holding out for the winter, let's hope we make it through in one piece."
He held up his arm, looking at Wales expectantly.
Their glasses chinked together, liquid sloshing over the edge and onto the counter. Scotland drowned his in one gulp and Wales gave a begrudging smile, taking a gulp and relishing the warmth it seemed to generate. He did like whiskey.
The night ended as is usually did, with Wales dropping Scotland back home when his friend became too drunk to properly transport himself. The ability to instantly transport between locations was always hazardous when drunk with a distinct possibility of ending up in some random location.
"Tapadh leat," Scotland yawned, stretching and running a hand through in dark hair. (Thank you)
Wales grumbled as he watched Scotland slouch his way up the stairs, wounding how anyone could still act so carefree in the face to such uncertainty and tension. Scotland had proven tonight and over the past weeks that he was dead serious about England and his plan. He had his own concerns just as Wales did. However, unlike Wales, Scotland had the uncanny ability to relax or at least not let the tension get to him. It was times like these when it was very apparent how much older and more experienced Scotland was than him.