First contact

Origins of the Term
First Contact is the term used by Anthi-CL historians to describe the first instance of contact that Anthi-CL had with members of an advanced, independent sovereign nation, in 2052. It is argued by most that several city states and governments had been known to the Kingdom of Anthi-CL prior to this such as the Birmingham, but the term was in fact used to differentiate between contact with the native population of Britain and a surviving culture from overseas, a condition once feared to be impossible. In the immediate aftermath of the Great Nuclear War, it was commonly belived by most that the rest of the world had been completely scoured of human life. The event of first contact disproved this theory, and brought a wave of hope to the citizens of Anthi-CL.

New Hebrides
The New Hebridean traders had originally been blown off course in 2051 by strong summer winds, and in order to avoid the fearsome techno-pirate nations of the Southern Pacific, found themselves pushed ever northwards by a combination of mishaps, clashes with pirates, and adverse sailing conditions. However, this eventually proved to their benefit as the northern Siberian coasts were populated by a large number of primitive tribes that they were able to trade supplies with, in return for simple machinery. The trade mission pushed onwards, but the onset of winter saw their return trail covered by ice. Forced to forge forwards at a frantic pace, the trade ship began to experience severe mechanical failures.

The wandering Traders eventually picked up radio signals from the southern coast of the British Isles, and managed to navigate their vessel towards the Channel, hoping to find a civilisation advanced enough to provide the much needed reapairs for their failing ship. The remaining machine shops and docks of Portsmouth, while relatively rudimentary, were sufficient to conduct some much-needed repairs.

The find was considered a great stroke of luck, for Anthi-CL had a good supply of aluminium and it was willing to trade it for the fine Hebridean furs and hardwoods the traders had brought with them. Aluminium was a highly useful material, lightweight and durable, and most importantly it would not perish during the long trip home.

Effects
Over the years, several trading missions were sent by both nations despite the great distances involved, and finally powerful radio transmitters were employed by both nations in order to communicate more efficiently.

It was through these trade pacts that the New Hebrides introduced Anthi-CL to the MAD alliance, of which Anthi-CL is now a loyal member.