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Post by Germany on Apr 22, 2013 11:08:40 GMT -5
September XX, 1934
Zurich, Switzerland
Ludwig was to accompany Martin Bormann to Switzerland to check up on the assets of the Third Reich. This had not been the first time he had gone with the man and the last time it was almost an embarrassment when the account was opened up and there was barely enough money to properly sustain their state. Ludwig had nearly gone red in the face in shame but it hadn’t been that many years after the Great War for the German state to actually work back everything lost during the war and even the money that had to go to war reparations due to the Treaty of Versailles.
Vash had been smart to stay out of the arising conflict and had come out of the war possibly wealthier than he had been when they had gone in. Then again, Vash had always been good with money especially considering the intricacies of his entire banking system—a banking system that most nations revered. So much so that all of the funds of the Third Reich were kept in one of the vaults here, in what was assumed to be one of the most secure locations on the planet, money wise.
There was something about coming over to Vash’s house that put Ludwig a little more at ease especially during such a hard time for him. However, with die Fuhrer just coming into power in August, Ludwig was hoping that things would start looking up for the people within his borders. Well, honestly, he was hoping every aspect of Germany: the economy, the quality of life, the national disposition and even the shame from losing the war would transform into something new and better. He wanted his people to rise up again and understand that what had happened during the Great War was not the German’s people fault, but the fault of the royalty who believed in a dream that had been dead for much too long. It was unfortunate that they had to learn the hard way…that he had to learn the hard way and even understand the errors of his youth.
They had landed in Zurich barely a half an hour ago and Ludwig was sitting a good seat away from Martin staring out the window. Bormann looked non-pulsed by what was going on but for the tall blonde he could feel an anxiousness that was causing his stomach to clench almost painfully. It bothered him but he remained quiet deciding it wasn’t a matter anyone else should be privy too. Occasionally he could feel the other man’s gaze on him as if questioning why he had been sent out of all the officials in Germany. Unfortunately for Martin, he had no idea who he was actually dealing with, only Hitler knew of his true identity…and that would depend if the man would keep it to himself as he was meant too.
The car swerved to a stop in front one of the main bank branches in Zurich and the chauffeur was out of the driver’s seat opening the door for both Martin and him. Ludwig stayed by the decently tall Bormann as they strode up the stairs and through the door. There was something about the way Martin carried himself that reeked of a high social class lifestyle and although Bormann wasn’t the worse of the men he had met, Ludwig had yet to form a concrete opinion on him.
“So Ludwig, first time in Switzerland?” Martin smiled as his gaze fell on the tall blond, who looked to be too young to know as much as he did.
Ludwig’s brows knitted for a second before he schooled his expression into neutrality. “Nein, Herr Bormann. I have a cousin who lives in the countryside of Switzerland and have come to visit him on numerous occasions.” He replies truthfully but ambiguously nonetheless.
“Judging by your appearance I imagine he’s a fine German boy. The Fuhrer would be thrilled if he returned to the Fatherland to support the German cause.” Bormann grinned as they both stopped and were soon escorted towards the office of the head of the bank.
Ludwig wasn’t even sure what to say and so opted to nodding as, luckily, a few minutes later they had reached the office and were ushered in.
Sorry this took so long but here it is, finally. If you want me to add, elaborate on or take away just let me know.
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Post by Switzerland on Apr 30, 2013 14:08:29 GMT -5
Vash had many responsibilities, given his several evasively worded titles within the Swiss government, but today the particular one he had to pay attention to was ‘Special Government Liaison for the Department of Finance and Customs’- which was just a fancy way of saying he needed to be there when transactions involving the German governmental accounts took place.
And as a phonecall had been placed informing him of the impending visit of Herr Bormann and of course, Ludwig, Vash was on point and on time at the bank in Zurich that morning.
He hadn’t arrived early enough to truly worry the director or the managing chairman of the bank, but he had arrived early enough for one of the junior tellers to nervously offer him a cup of coffee. This he accepted with a smile which seemed to put the teller slightly more at ease. He thought about the probable course of events the day would take, while he drank his coffee.
The last time Vash had seen Ludwig, his client hadn’t exactly been flush with cash, but Vash would have died a thousand painful deaths before he let himself be unprofessional enough to comment on such a thing, or to let his thoughts show in his face. Ludwig had a few bad years. That sort of thing could and did happen to anyone. Hell, Vash himself had had bad years and even now couldn't shake a compulsive urge to save money against the inevitable rainy day.
Vash decided he would be willing to extend a loan to Ludwig if that was what he needed. Although Ludwig's economy had taken some severe hits and his currency had been badly devalued, things were starting to look much better for him recently. Which was all to the good. Prosperous neighbors caused less trouble than broke ones.
At five minutes prior to the arranged meeting time, Vash was shown into the chairman’s office. “Ah, Herr Zwingli,” the chairman smiled. “A pleasure as always.”
Vash nodded. “Herr Kehrer, likewise.”
They chatted briefly about the weather, but avoided talking about finances, that could wait until their clients arrived. And they arrived and were shown in precisely on time, which Vash appreciated.
“Herr Bormann,” Kehrer smiled. “We’ve spoken before. Allow me to introduce my colleague from the Department of Finance and Customs, Herr Vash Zwingli. How may we be of service to you this morning?”
((OOC: I love your post! Sorry for my late reply, RL was crazy!)
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Post by Germany on May 13, 2013 11:54:31 GMT -5
The office was lavish, huge really in comparison to most normal sized offices. It certainly showed the wealth of the bank and state. Ludwig was not at all surprised when he spotted Vash beside the bank director. He acknowledged the shorter blond with a slight nod as he followed Bormann further into the room.
Martin looked in his element. If he had been at ease before he was even more so now as he strolled up to the desk and extended his hand clasping and shaking hard that of Herr Kehrer. Bormann had always been of the belief that a strong handshake determined an individual’s character. “Herr Kehrer, it’s great to see you again and very nice to meet your colleague as well.” He says as he then clasps Vash’s hand giving him a firm handshake before easing himself into the seat in front of the desk. Martin pulls the chair a little closer to the desk, straightening out his posture and revealing much more of his up-bringing in such a simple action.
Ludwig was a little more hesitant in making himself comfortable and so decided on standing beside Bormann’s chair much in the same way a bodyguard would stand beside a Chancellor during an important event. “Herr Kehrer, my apologize, I feel so rude. This is my colleague Herr Beilschmidt, he came with me our last visit.” Martin’s gaze turns to Ludwig’s and the man’s brow quirks up at the fact the tall blond had opted to standing. “Ludwig,” He speaks up informally. “Please, take a seat and relax. No one here wants to harm us.”
Ludwig didn’t find comfort in those words but decided not to test Martin’s patience as he eased into the seat next to him so they were facing the bank director and Vash. “Now, business.” The man smiles as his full attention falls on Herr Kehrer. “The German Government wants on update on our savings before and after the deposit of the new sum of money that I’ve brought with me.” He says simply.
Ludwig’s gaze falls on Vash for a few seconds before his attention falls back on the bank director. This would hopefully be far from the embarrassment of when they had first opened the bank account. “I have a transfer number from the branch we’re currently keeping our funds to make it easier but I would like a copy of all the paperwork that will be done today concerning our account.”
Ludwig kept quiet as he listened attentively to the exchange, his only solace was that they would hopefully be getting all the paperwork, and paperwork was something he was very good at.
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Post by Switzerland on Jun 15, 2013 2:53:28 GMT -5
"Of course, Herr Bormann," Herr Kehrer said politely. "We are very pleased to have your continued confidence in these matters. If you'll just give the account numbers in question to my associate, he and your colleague can obtain the account records whilst you and I discuss the impending deposit. In anticipation of your arrival, we have assembled both a list of some attractive prospective investments as well as several loan options with competitive interest rates."
As the exact purpose of the German visit hadn't been disclosed in the inital telephone call, the bank had very correctly, in Vash's opinion, called up the full array of options. And, if it had been any other aspect of Swiss business, the customer's desired product would have been immediately available upon arrival, but not banking information. That took a little time due to the unique nature of the Swiss banking system. Vash loved how his banking system worked. The very strict rules about account information were almost like a part of his own internal idea of religion, appealing to both his Protestant and Catholic sensibilities.
And Vash didn't object in the least to the opportunity Herr Kehrer had unwittingly given him to talk to Ludwig. He held out a hand to take the transfer number from Herr Bormann. "Just to confirm sir, you want only one copy of the records?" he asked.
Dangerous, the word sprang to Vash's mind unbidden. He hadn't really paid much attention to Herr Bormann earlier in the conversation, despite the man's firm handshake and definite presence- nations were too used to the presence of other nations to usually be impressed by mere mortals who weren't their bosses. That changed now that he actually looked at Herr Bormann. This man wasn't a numbers-crunching accountant or a useless aristocrat from a good family, safely promoted to somewhere he could do as little damage as possible. This man was extremely capable and would be a dangerous enemy.
Fortunately we aren't enemies, Vash thought. He's a client. We're providing a service for his government. Get a grip! You have all kinds of clients, you treat them all the same. Fortunately, Vash was very adept at not letting other people know what he was thinking. He was certain that Herr Bormann was none the wiser about the thoughts that had rapidly passed through his mind. Ludwig, on the other hand, might have noticed something.
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Post by Germany on Jul 3, 2013 10:38:25 GMT -5
Martin Bormann seemed pleased with the developments as his lip curved up at the idea of things finally falling into motion. Ludwig didn’t need any more urging than Herr Kehrer’s words for the tall man to get up and step towards Vash, his brow quirking up at the look that had fleetingly come over the Swiss’ face. He kept his mouth shut knowing full well that this was far from the time and place to comment on such a thing as he turned to look at Herr Bormann, respectively of course.
“I’d actually like two copies.” The man corrects as he meets Ludwig’s gaze and gives him a smile but also a serious look that the younger looking male can easily read. He returns the look with a curt nod before Ludwig’s turning back around to face Vash.
“I have the account numbers so we don’t have to waste any more time staying here.” Ludwig finally speaks up but lowly so Vash is the only one that can clearly hear him. It wasn’t like the Bank director nor Bormann didn’t already know what they were talking about. However, there was a part of Ludwig that liked a small bit of privacy albeit the insignificant comment.
He had been stuck with the overly chatty Bormann (which wasn’t quite normal and wasn’t abnormal either but had caught the German nation a little off guard) for an entire plane ride and car ride and before meeting up with Bormann, Ludwig had the unfortunate encounter with Himmler. Upon laying eyes on Ludwig, the man had not ceased his campaign to recruit the tall blond for the SS, which was an organization, that Ludwig, honestly, had absolutely no desire to join. Talking to Himmler for any amount of time always left him with a bad taste in his mouth. It was a little ironic considering Ludwig was certain he had met a man that looked nearly identical to Himmler…but had the completely opposite effect.
However, besides all that, Ludwig was just glad that he could at least fall back on spending a little time with Vash, one of the only nations that weren’t judging him too harshly and with whom he could hold a semi-normal conversation. And so, when they were asked to leave, Ludwig did not complain (not that he would have even if he hadn’t wanted too). He began the slow walk towards the door leading out of the office as he waited for Vash to engage him further. Ludwig was sure that Bormann could hold his own, however, the bank director…maybe not as well as the Swiss might think.
(( Vash....I'm a horrible person....I always leaving you hanging for so long. However, voila, I have a post for you! Let me know if you need extra information or not. )
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Post by Switzerland on Jul 26, 2013 23:07:53 GMT -5
In a few quick but still dignified strides, Vash caught up to Ludwig to exit the office, making a point of getting the door for him as Ludwig was a guest and client after all. After Vash shut the heavy office door quietly behind them, he led the way across the tiled floor towards the accounts management section of the bank. "It's good to see you again, Ludwig," Vash said honestly. The rather worrying representative of the German treasury and banking system aside, Vash did look forward to seeing Ludwig at least occasionally. "And if you'll continue to permit me to speak as a friend and not as your banker, you're looking very well."
Much better would be nearer the mark, but I don't want to sound rude, Vash thought. He didn't consider himself to be exceptionally good with people, and occasionally worried about that, especially insofar as it might impact business. He could be polite, as with clients, or friendly as with family, like Lili, but people who were both friends and clients were a bit tricky sometimes. He was glad to see Ludwig looking better though- the taller nation had hit a serious rough patch in the not-so-distant past but just from appearance alone on this visit so far, Vash thought he was recovering. Which was good! Stable neighbours were safer neighbours, after all. He seems a bit more confident somehow, a bit more recovered, thank goodness...
They reached the accounts management section of the bank, with its attentive personnel. "If you'll just give the account numbers in question to the clerk, he will find them and make the requisite copies," Vash said, indicating the bespectacled clerk behind the counter. "That shouldn't take very long at all, but I believe we would have time for a cup of coffee, if you'd like?" The time to find the records in question would be negligible, Vash knew, but the matter of copies would inevitably take a little longer. Vash really did hope that Ludwig wanted a coffee- it was about time for the second coffee of the morning, and possibly a pastry... and that would give them time to talk before they had to return to business and their respective men of finance.
((I am quite definitely just as bad, please don't worry about it! And as always, likewise, if you have any questions or such, just let me know!))
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