Current

A door of Germany's office in the EU headquarters. A muffled discussion over Czechia's protests is heard through the thin walls all the way to the waiting room. As she listens, Serbia sits in the chair waiting. A memory pops into her head.

Flashback: 2009. A similar discussion happening, only this time Serbia is doing the yelling. "I really don't understand what you want from me anymore? I have done everything the EU officials asked for. I sent all the people from the Hague's arrest warrants. I sold my factories and opened my market. I have learned the EU laws and protocols by heart. I kept my head low and didn't let the actions and words of my former roommates to antagonise me, and trust me they tried! So I ask again...What does it take for me to become an EU member?!"

Germany watches her calm. He shakes his head disappointed: "Why must you shout so much. You could have said that calmly."

She inhale in order to stop a flow of negative emotions. One calm, she continues: "You know, you're right. I shouldn't have yelled. I apologise. But please understand. After years and years of trying and finding no understanding or support, I kind of have to ask myself - is this done solely for the purpose of seeing me fail?" she says holding back her suppressed emotions.

He looks at her with a cold expression. "No, that cannot be further from the truth... Honestly Serbia, what kind of logic is that? You just have to try harder. That's all" he says and starts writing with his pen which has been his cue for her to leave.

Not wanting to leave without any progress, she clenches her fists and clears her throat. "To be honest I don't know what else I can do. I'm all out of ideas. This may seem radical but, here it goes. Why don't you...take over" she says a little hesitant. Germany stops writing and lifts his head. "Excuse me?"

"Not in the actual sense of course. More like a mentorship" she adds with a fake smile.

He scratches his head. "I suppose you do need to adapt your education system if you plan on joining us...Perhaps even the food industry."

"Good luck with that. I honestly don't know where half my food is coming from."

Confused, the nation at his desk continues: "Alright?! Well, in my opinion, let's start with something easy. Tourism is a good way to boost the economy. From the experience of many EU countries, legalising gambling and opening exclusive clubs is a good way to do it. Perhaps open a Red District or two..."

"No" she says bluntly.

"Honestly Serbia...It's the twenty-first century. If you don't believe me asks the Netherlands or some central European countries" he says genuinely trying to help this time.

"I'm sorry but no, and I am going to need you to stop talking about that. According the the peace treaty we sighed after WWII, you are not allowed to insinuate such promiscuous ideas to me or spread them about me" she says slowly and formally taking out her phone to check the details.

"What?"

"Yes, it says so here. Right before the permission to kill any German that sets foot in some parts of central Serbia." (Something like a Castle doctrine in the USA but for an entire region and only a specific nationality in mind.)

Raising his eyebrow, Germany stutters: "I see. I...And I signed that?"

"Yes. Your signature is right here" she says showing him the picture. "And don't worry. It expired a few decades ago."

"Unbelievable!" he adds looking at the screen. He sits down and puts his hands over his face with a scribbly cloud above his head.

She taps her phone calm. "Boy...France and Britain must have really hated you to allow this in" she adds nonchalantly.

The EU nation slouches depressed and lets out a loud sigh.

End of flashback: As Czechia leaves shutting the door with a frown on her face, it's Serbia's time to enter. Inside, Germany greets her and asks her politely to take a seat.

"I suppose you are wondering why I called you here today" he says almost ceremoniously.

Slightly nervous, she nods clenching her knees. He stands up and declares formally: "It is here that I inform you that you have earned the right to temporary accommodations in the EU nations' residential area."

Not believing her ears, she jumps from joy. "I can't believe it! This is finally happening!" she yells excited.

"Now, please understand. These are accommodations for EU candidates...a place where you can spend the night while away from your home country. This does not mean you are a full-fledged European Union member" Germany continues taking out a pair of keys.

She accepts them smiling. "So when can I move?" she asks happy.

Next scene: A few days later. Serbia waits in front of the EU residential area for her guide with her luggage. A luxurious black limousine appears. Monaco steps out nonchalantly. Everything about her, from her hairstyle to her wardrobe screams high class and elegance. She takes off her Louis Vuitton prescription sunglasses and spots the standing nation. She frowns not very happy with the task handed down to her.

"You must be the candidate" Monaco addresses her formally. "France sent me to get you situated. He send his regards and apologises for his absence. He really wanted to be here; however, the major EU nations are just so busy these days."

Serbia nods doing the fist bump thing. "It's fine. I understand."

The elegant nation starts walking making her follow in haste. "What about my bags?" Serbia asks.

"Don't worry. Someone will take care of it" Monaco adds nonchalantly.

Next scene: Monaco takes out the key from her lovely but overpriced bag and opens a large shiny gate. "You have been here before, have you?" she asks the still dazed nation.

Serbia flinches, pulled back into reality: "Of, a few times in the past. It has changed a lot since then."

"Yes, a lot of work was put in this place. Too bad the pools are so boringly rectangle" her guide responds.

As they pass the beautiful residences of the EU states, along with the fountains and the statues Monaco adds: "And here is where you will be staying."

Serbia sees a gated apartment complex. There is a row of doors inside, and a small terrace connecting them all. In the middle is a large pool and some recreational terrains. As Monaco shows her to her door, a few men arrive with her bags. Taking them, Monaco comments on her large sport bag. "You must be really into sports when you carry so much equipment around with you" she says slightly intrigued.

"Well, yes. Competing sports are one of my hobbies. I also like to train with my army. Every so often I join a military exercise or two" Serbia says trying to sound carefree.

"Why on Earth would you do that?" her guide asks raising her upper lip.

"Because it's fun."

Monaco blinks baffled. Once the door is open, Serbia looks inside excited. The place is a one room apartment with a small kitchen and a bed. Everything seems clean and orderly. The furniture still has that store smell and all the machines are top grade. The room itself leaves a person feeling comfy and safe.

"Alright then. I'll leave you to enjoy your new accommodation. I have some other business to attend to so I'll be going..."

"Oh, alright then."

"Goodbye for now. Perhaps we will can arrange a tennis match sometimes" she adds trying to sound inviting. Serbia accepts this proposal with a nod. She then turns to her room and goes inside.

Next scene: Serbia sits on her new bed content. It is not where she expected to be after 20 years or trying but it was something. "One big plus is that I won't have Croatia next door" she says remembering his late guitar practices.

Next scene: Stepping outside and locking the door, she notices Albania. Her southern neighbor waves and inserts a key in the door next to hers. "What do you know...It looks like were neighbors here too" Albania says seeming happy. Serbia waves with a fake smile. Once Albania is inside, Serbia looks away annoyed and leaves muttering.

Israel-Palestine conflict

Flashback: 1948. Israel walk down the middle Eastern Mediterranean cost enjoying the view. Seeming content, she takes a deep breath. Someone caught. Turning around, Israel sees a Middle Eastern nation. It's Palestine. He watches her intrigued as he glided his short beard. She is slightly flattered by this but quickly turns back to the sea.

"Are you enjoying the view" he asks making his voice silky. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

"Yes very...In fact I can already see a large modern city adding to the splendour" she says happy.

Palestine approaches her. "Oh...are you a real-estate developed? Perhaps an architect?" he asks calmly.

She chuckles and tells him "Actually, I'm Israel."

His face turns from confident and inviting to shocked and angry. "What! Your here!" he says and starts pacing. "I can't believe those bastards! Promising land that is not there's. Just who do they think they are!" he mutters bitter.

A hand is extended towards him. He stops and looks at it confused. "Don't worry. we can share. I assure you, I'm an excellent roommate" the girl nation says with a friendly smile awaiting a handshake.

End of flashback: Some time ago. Israel's face is angry. She growls in the mids of what seems like a destroyed complex of buildings. Breathing heavily, she carries a large cannon-like riffle in her hands. "I'm telling you for the last time. Stop your attack and I'll..." she yells before a rock hits the back of her head.

Turning quickly, she sees Palestine holding up another rock.

She opens her mouth baffled. "Are you hitting me with rocks? What's wrong with you?!" she exclaims.

Pointing his finger he yells back offended: "What's wrong with me? Look at what you did!"

"Because you keep attacking me! Why won't you negotiate?" she grabs her head frustrated.

"Because you refuse to leave!" he yells.

"I'm not going anywhere! You tell your friends that! You better accept that and treat me like an equal or I'll..." Israel screams as the other rock flies towards her.

Furious, she fires her large weapon. The shots, large like balls, fire all around as she moves the heavy thing from left to right. Palestine quickly hides before another wall is destroyed. They take cover on the opposite sides, both miserable and fishing this would end.