NationStates Jolt Archive

Somewhere in Vrak…

Translated from Vrakian.

-Is this wise?
-Why not? We have watched them from afar and it seems that their policies coincide with ours rather than differ.
-But our foreign policy coincides with many nations but we don’t necessarily reach out to them. Besides, this current trend of befriending everyone could backfire.
-Don’t be ridiculous. The only thing constant in this universe is change. While that is a trite expression, there is some wisdom there. Besides, we still limit our alliances and engagements. Really, one major economic alliance and one mutual defensive pact is hardly a track record for involving our nations in other’s affairs.
-I feel that we should concentrate our energies on building the Klatch.
-We are. Why do you think the President has created the new cabinet posts? Delegation my dear friend. As well, picking your friends carefully is always a win-win situation. Now, write the note and send it out within the hour.
-As you command.


The message was sent and a favorable reply came back. A final message was sent advising the nation of security protocols while preparations were now in full swing. Orith Hagwonak, having just recently finished with the Der Angst affair, was now assigned his very first “contact” situation”. Information was scant about the newcomers, but then a diplomat was trained to dig for information. As well, the one offer was still his hook.

[code:1:4e64513089]TO VRAK:
------------------------
We accept your terms and our Ambassador-Speaker cell, Deliah, is en route to your social body via undersea stasis submarine.
------------------------

THE LEADER[/code:1:4e64513089]

*Tag*
OOC: Are you trying to have Parliment put you under Military Attainer?

[code:1:9bc908af62]*bump*[/code:1:9bc908af62]

Out on the Artic Ocean…

The two destroyers, the VNF Fury and the VNF Glory were out in the Artic ocean, ready to initiate contact.

“Sir! We have an unknown at 10 nautical miles out,” exclaimed the sonar operator.
“That’s not an unknown. Those are our guests,” snapped the XO, “Monitor their movements and I’ll inform the Captain.”


At a naval dockyard…

Orith waited on the International Pier. He gazed at the nearby shipyard filled with civilian container ships and the ever-versatile Ro Ro carriers. Further on, the military yard could be discerned and a Soyuz III battleship was currently in dry dock.

Normally diplomats fly to Vrak, thought Orith, and by Bok’s maw we’ve had our share as of late. But this would be the first time someone came to us by submarine.

Orith looked again at his information about the People’s Anthill, such as it was. Which strangely energized him. My first diplomatic contact situation, he though. Representing the Kingdom to outsiders before anyone else!

OOC: Ah…I have this link and thread on my hard drive so it’s not necessary to bump it. But I thank you for your consideration.

<tag, to keep track>

Tag for monitoring

The submarine, all five hundred metres of black titanium ceramet alloy, crept on its five magnetohydrodynamic drives through the icy waters, leaving behind only a quietly rippling wake of heated water and heavy metals. The Vrakian dock was approaching.

Deep within the steel inner hull, the stasis cells were prepared, and their single passenger, Deliah, was slowly revived as the gelmixture carefully unfroze. The tubes leading into her throat and mouth began to pump and cycle, and other tubes injected chemicals to rouse her blood and flesh from hibernation. It was all done smoothly, efficiently - the submarine being crewed not by a team of sailors, but by a single military Cell, its brain distended, its eyes and neck flayed open for nerve-junctions and wires. The command pod was placed to the fore of the stasis pods, keeping the submarine's 'brain' carefully protected, within easy access to the nurturing reagents and neurochemical trigger baths that the Brain depended on for sustenance and control.

As the submarine entered the docks, a black apparition slipping silently through the water, a tube extended from the glossy 'hump', and Deliah came sliding out, her arms and legs stiffly at her sides, amidst a mess of gel and oily liquid. Her pressurised helmet began to bubble, the blueish PFC fluid filling it, life support mechanisms firing. Deliah struggled to her feet and looked around with her pale, hollow eyes.

So this was Vrak...

As the submarine entered the docks, a black apparition slipping silently through the water, a tube extended from the glossy 'hump', and Deliah came sliding out, her arms and legs stiffly at her sides, amidst a mess of gel and oily liquid. Her pressurised helmet began to bubble, the blueish PFC fluid filling it, life support mechanisms firing. Deliah struggled to her feet and looked around with her pale, hollow eyes.

So this was Vrak...


OOC: Okay. We can assume that you came at a more northern port which would make it…fairly cold. The pier would be a busy place but this area would be cordoned off for your arrival.

IC:

Orith and his marine escort were a bit taken aback at the manner of Deliah’s arrival. But no matter. The band struck up the tune “Ode to Clams” while the marines in Royal Dress snapped to attention. Out in the bay, the two escort destroyers held position.

Orith moved towards Deliah and exclaimed,

“Welcome Ambassador-Speaker cell Deliah to our humble kingdom. You grace us with honouring our invitation. Are you cold? Shall we go?”

At this, Orith gestured to the waiting limousine.

OOC: Sorry. I usually take the weekends off so I was a bit negligent in responding. 8)

Deliah brushed at her skintight, grey-black suit and a bubble escaped from her nostril, making its gentle way up through the blueish PFC gelmix. She smiled in her strange way, with a strange tightening of the muscles around her eyes. A hacking, slurping sound escaped from her voxor, a sort of mucousal, gurgling snort combined with a heavy clearing of phlegm from the throat.

"I am honoured to be in your... kingdom. I've had a long voyage from the South Pacific. I'm not cold - my life support system keeps me in a comfortable 35 degress Centigrade constantly when I am outside the Hive. Now... if we may?"

Deliah followed the walrus into the limo.

The limousine, escorted by a trio of Vodniks, made their way to the nearest diplomatic Hall of Meetings office in Vrak Tors Kators.

Orith began, in a somewhat apologetic tone,

“I’m sorry for not allowing your vessel to come to our main port and capital, Vrak Prime. Truth is, it’s a rather busy port and heavily guarded. Not quite so busy up here.”

Orith leaned back, well, as far back as space would allow.

“I must say that I find your method of arrival quite fascinating. That is, most diplomatic visits usually come by airplane. Is submarine a common mode of transport for your people? As well, what is the proper form of address Ambassador-Speaker cell Deliah? You may call me Ambassador Orith Hagwonak, or Orith for short. Basically, my name is a fairly decent translation from Vrakian into English, although not quite exact.”

Orith paused and then began again solicitously,

“Please let me know of any special needs you may require while you are outside your Hive.”

"I must say that I find your method of arrival quite fascinating. That is, most diplomatic visits usually come by airplane. Is submarine a common mode of transport for your people? As well, what is the proper form of address Ambassador-Speaker cell Deliah? You may call me Ambassador Orith Hagwonak, or Orith for short. Basically, my name is a fairly decent translation from Vrakian into English, although not quite exact.”

Deliah made a wet, bubbling sound with her voxor and spoke in a neutral tone, utterly devoid of warmth or human feeling.

"We prefer submarines because they are easily launched from the pens in the Hive, deep under water, and because they are stealthy. We find it useful to not be noticed and vulnerable. Aeroplanes are vulnerable and noticeable, submarines are not."

"You may call me Deliah, or Ambassador. I have no surname, nor is there any personal mode of address in the Anthill's lexicon."

"As for my needs... my life support equipment provides it all for the duration of my stay. I doubt that you would have the capabilities to duplicate the precise mixture of specialised psychoactive drugs and neurochemical triggers that I would require - the formulae for which are specific to the Anthill alone, much in the same way that the genetic composition of the Mallbertan MALLNET fungus is unique to Mallberta, or the way the pheremonal sequences and psychic network in the Arach Hive are specific to the Arachs."

Deliah speaks with a light British accent, and her pale, luminous eyes stare straight into Orith as she speaks... as if piercing his heart with arrows of the mind.

Orith nodded, meeting her gaze yet somewhat unsettled at her fixed stare and emotionless tone.

“Ah…well. Only proper to ask. But yes, I have to agree with you about the submarines. We are semi-aquatic by nature so we have a special affinity for the sea, Deliah.”

The limousine soon reached their destination, a rather large dome surrounded by a high wall. They passed through the check point and arrived at the main entrance. Orith exited first and motioned for Deliah.

The dome itself was about 50 meters in height and 100 meters in diameter, made of sturdy rock and reinforced cement. In fact, it resembled many of the buildings found in the city in various sizes. The cool wind blew from the north, but not affecting Orith at all. Weighing nearly 1600 kg does have its advantages.

“This is our Hall of Meetings,” exclaimed Orith, “This city was originally a contact point between the walrus and human folk long ago and this place was the original meeting hall between the chiefs of various tribes. Now, we use it for our international guests.”

Orith began waddling up the ramp to the main doors along with their marine escort.

Deliah followed, noting the strange architecture that had evolved in a cold climate.

She thought to herself, 'This race is interesting, but would be very poor candidates for assimilation or subjugation. Their vast bulk prohibits much efficiency, as I see...'

OOC: Sorry. I should have mentioned that the marines and most folks you will encounter will be humans. So far, Orith is the only walrus at the moment.

They passed through the main gate and into a large foyer. Various personnel could be seen darting about, carrying briefcases and notepads and generally looking busy. Some walrus kind could be seen along with their various aides

Orith led the delegation into a richly decorated conference room. Various artwork adorned the wood paneled walls and they sat down at a round, stone table. Orith was at one end and Deliah sat three meters opposite him. Two trays of various fruit was brought in and set within easy reach of each diplomat. Orith grabbed a pear and popped it into his mouth. Only two marines remained, flanking the entrance. A private secretary was also present.

Orith began.

“Again, we are glad that you responded to our invitation. As mentioned before, we seem to share a mutual desire to chart our own destinies with the desire to have others respect our sovereignty. Wouldn’t you agree?”


OOC: The room is heavily shielded in that communication with the outside would be quite difficult. As well, it is quite safe in the remote chance that Vrak is attacked.

"I would not know. As of yet, I do not know much of your social body. Could you give me some historical references and a cultural overview?"

Orith eyed Deliah with curiousity.

“Ah, most people outside our borders are not aware of the Great Blood Wars that plagued our nation. Needless to say, the brutal wars that involved the Evil Polar Bears, the Orca Dominion, ourselves and our human allies cost millions of lives. Hence why we are somewhat isolationist in nature. Only recently have we begun to open up our borders.

“As for yourself, we have observed that many nations have opposed your very existence. United Indiastan seems bent on your destruction. Others don’t seem to be very happy about how you organize your society and your development of weapons.

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=64849&highlight=

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=68493&highlight=


“The FKC itself was pushed to the brink of war by one outside nation which basically misunderstood how another nation organized itself in regards to the treatment of its populace. This nation, Snubnose 38 organized a coalition to try and destroy our way of life. Clearly, we have been willing to fight for our right to cherish our own sovereignty and certainly you have too – judging by your somewhat turbulent history.

I can provide you with a brief overview of our history if you wish a tour of the local museum. Some documentation can also be provided.”

OOC: I honestly haven’t fleshed out my entire history due to time constraints but you can observe our actions on the NS boards. As well, the incident I refer to has been purged by the forum but it happened back in May 2003.

Deliah nodded, knowingly. Such a short time after the Anthill announced its existence and its intentions to the world, and it since then it has been preyed upon by the ignorance of other nations, hounded for its beliefs and culture, out of simple pig-headishness and stupidity. That was her purpose - to foster understanding for the survival of the Anthill. But she couldn't help but feel a flicker of a certain sadness. Self-pity?

"Indeed, it seems we have much in common. But I was wondering how the government works - to see if the same commonality exists there as well. Do you exert the same control over your populace as we do?"

Orith replied.

“Well, our government is basically a monarchy ruled by our wise King Vrak the First. The system might best be termed a ‘corporate monarchy’, in that the Great Houses are not necessarily composed of families but corporations.

For exerting control over the population, we have an extremely efficient police force along with various educational measures that have been implemented. But I daresay that you have more control over your citizens than we do. But we have maintained our economy and sovereignty for a long time so we must be doing something right.”

Orith grabbed a banana and popped it in his mouth.

"Ahhh." Deliah nodded, "So now we come to the meat of the problem. Pardon me, if I am blunt - why, if our cultures and societies have so little in common, are you willing to ask for a treaty with us? What shall this treaty be? How shall it benefit yourselves, and us?"

Deliah sat straight, prim and rigid, no slack in her posture, no inadequacies or flaws in her manner, calm, pale eyes regarding the walrus before her, chewing on that bannana.

Orith replied.

“Frankly, I don’t see much of a problem. Would you not agree that the best way for nations to try to understand each other would be to sign various forms of treaties, irregardless of how much initially they may not have in common? For example, between our two nations, perhaps some form of cultural exchange could take place. Not all treaties have to be just military and trade. Besides, we are a naturally curious people, even if we did have a long period of isolationism.

But, I admire your bluntness Deliah, and shall answer you in the same manner. We offer you membership into a powerful organization – the Order of the Seraphim.”

Here, Orith pushed across a document outlining the Charter:

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=87075&highlight=

“Quite frankly, we feel that you would be a great addition to the Order. In fact, we would prefer that your entire region – the Collectivist region – consider joining. You feel misunderstood. So do many members of the Order. You value your sovereignty. The Order cherishes it. Again, the methods may differ but many of the goals are the same.

Why not think about it and discuss it among your fellow regional members? I should add that we don't make this offer to just anyone. As well, a cultural exchange between just our two nations is on the table and will remain so even if your answer is a negative regarding the Order.”

Orith leaned back in his large chair and gazed at Deliah, his large flippers resting on his chest..

The Speaker-Ambassador Cell paused for a moment, as if lost in thought. Then, slowly, she shook her head.

"I've conferred with the LEADER by TP-Satellite."

"I'm afraid that this 'Order of the Seraphim' is redundant, for you see, the Collectivist Alliance provides all that we need, guards the sovereignty of every alliance member. We do not need another alliance.

"But, however, your marked interest in our nation merits further cultivation. We shall be willing to sign this cultural exchange treaty, in the hopes of understanding the means and the methods of the uncollectivist social bodies."

She puts her gloved, suited hands in her lap and a sighing gurgle escapes from her machinery.

"You have told me so much about Vrak, now it is only polite for us to return the favour. Feel free to ask anything you like."

Orith frowned slightly and then let out a deep sign.

"It is too bad that you refused our offer. Perhaps you may want to talk this over with your fellow regional members?

Anyhow, why did your nation pursue the current path that it did? That is, collectivism. Surely there must have been a time in your earlier history when this was not the case."

Deliah sighed, and her eyes flickered, as if about to recount some embarrassing débacle.

"The Leader's records go back a long long time. The story goes as thus:

The People's Anthill (once known by a name now long-forgotten) was founded in the early 1600's by a group of 400 men and women, who went to North America to create a utopian society based loosely upon the principles expounded in Sir Thomas Moore's Utopia. For five hundred years the tiny commune, never truly settled in one area, prospered. Individuals recognised themselves to be individuals, with inalienable rights and liberties, however, they came to a mutual consent as to what was best for society as a whole. Private property - meaning land and factories and what have you - was abolished and every individual was taught to recognise the importance of the group.

However, the utopian experiment would not thrive for much longer. In the mid 21st century, driven out of the North American continent by increasingly right-wing persecution and the loss of arable land to mega corporations, the utopians - now numbering in the millions - fled to a remote island in the South Pacific. There they strove to once again establish their utopian society. Yet with increasing global sentiment and influence from globalist ideals, the Amish-like utopians began to lose sight of their utopian vision.

Thus it was resolved to strengthen the utopian values through increasing repression of individuality. This trend continued for nearly two hundred years as the tiny utopian nation, under the stresses of internationalism and an increasingly unsustainable food supply, slowly morphed into the totalitarian, collectivist state that it is today. In 2250, the rise of the first great LEADER, known now by only a designation: TF562267-ARX, was created by the society and given absolute control of the state, marked the end of utopia as individualism was abolished forever. ...

And thus we took the right path - the correct path - and we shall never deviate from it!"

And thus we took the right path - the correct path - and we shall never deviate from it!"

Orith smiled at Deliah’s outburst. Clearly these people feel most strongly about their values.

“Please Deliah, there is no need to become agitated. You are here as our guest. There is no threat here. Only inquiry.”

Orith paused, and then began again.

“Would you care for a tour of our local museum? As well, I can arrange for some data about our nation for your consumption.”

With this, he motioned with his flipper and an aide brought a richly decorated box.

“Inside you will find some discs that provide a brief, public overview of our nation.”

"That would be most excellent, Mr. Orith," said Deliah, nodding.

Hm. Interesting reaction. Not altogether different from the LEADER's predictions. This might be useful for us... she thought.

Suddenly an aide rushed in and whispered in Vrakian into Orith’s ear. Orith’s merely nodded and then waved the person away. Calmly, he turned to Deliah and said,

“It appears that our region, the FKC, might go to war. To ensure your own safety, I would ask you to leave immediately for your lands.”

A long pause. Orith bowed his great head.

“I deeply regret this latest development and so much wanted to continue our discussion. However, I hope that we can keep the lines of communication open and that, for the moment, these discs should whet your appetite. I would ask that you think about both of our offers. Shall we?”

Orith began to stir his great bulk.

OOC: Background (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=93916&highlight=)

"Very well. We thank you. I suppose we'll be off now. Pity - it was a pleasure to see your social body, and I hope we'll have further contact in the future."

Deliah took the diskette and pocketed it.

Orith led Deliah out to the docks, flanked by marines. As Deliah climbed back into her sub, Orith called out,

"Farewell Deliah. May we meet again soon. Perhaps next time I can come to you? We shall see."

With that , he bowed his great head one more time.