NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: Just a few ground rules, the same as the first time.

• APTO members only (members of the region "The Allied Powers"). Which means that no one else is meant to know about it. So any non APTO people may only observe, not participate.

• Anything said in this thread, unless properly marked OOC (Out of Character) will be treated as IC (In Character).

• The meeting takes place in Ticonderoga City, capital of the Republic of Adejaani. You're free to bring along a small (twelve person) Secret Service detail, as well as a small fighter escort, but the Adejaani Air National Guard will be on constant patrol. You're also welcome, should you be worried about terrorism, your Intelligence services are welcome and are free to Adejaani's police and intelligence services and police facilities.

However. Each delegate is expected to retain decorum and respect throughout the meeting. Failure to do so would lead to the delegates being removed from the room or expelled, depending on the seriousness of the transgression.

IC: "Just don't break your nose or anything....." Vice President Aireserkeiel laughed as President Harrington strolled down the corridor, eyepatch on, arm in a sling, bandage on her forehead. No, she hadn't fought the Panteran delegate. The eyepatch was a result of anger and high blood pressure, when a small artery in her eye had burst. Surgery saved the eye, but she needed an eyepatch while it healed. The broken arm was caused by her muttered ramblings and didn't notice she'd come to a flight of stairs. She only noticed at the bottom, her arm neatly broken in two places. And finally, the bandage from her forehead was a result of her playing racquetball, which smacked her straight in the forehead. While this only left a bruise, she also tripped and in sprawling backwards, sent her head through a glass wall, which meant a fairly nasty cut.

"The only thing I'll be breaking is treaties with the other APTO members if they make a fuss over this." Harrington huffed. "Any idea when the other delegates arrive? They better not do what they did last time or else I'll kick their asses myself." Harrington paused long enough to smile and wave for the camera as they stood on the lawn waiting for the delegates to arrive. Second time lucky, right?

Senator Intar walked out of the Scarab shuttle that had recently been built for personal escort for the senators. He and his 12 Trident Defenders walked into the meeting hall.

The BWB448 Presidential Aircraft touched down, and President Dleroes got off, with 4 SSA agents at her side.

Mark Durcan came flying down the corridor outside Cathal Ó Séagdha's office.

"Tigern, there's an APTO conference that demands our presence."

"I know Mark, I know. We will be boarding a Calypso transport soon and heading off for Ticonderoga City. Go now and prepare, bring any files that you feel may be of assistance."

"Yes, Tigern"

With that, Mark strolled out of the room and slowly down the corridor to his own office to do as he'd been told.

********

Several hours later, the 2 men, along with 2 members of the elite Army Ranger Wing walked out onto the government transport pad where the transport was awaiting them. They swiftly boarded and after a short systems check, the Calypso left the pad and flew off towards Ticonderoga City and would arrive in all of about 10 minutes.

Two Blackhawks touched down, the first unloading Marshall O'Connor and 2 RLD's. The second unloading the other 10 RLD's. O'Connor, again ion his uniform, not a suit strode up to Ms. Harrington.

"Sorry for the casual wear again Maddam president, been very busy. Looks like you have as well, I hope you are feeling well enough to keep certain delegates in ther places as you did before."

A shuttle sets down and two people exit. One is a man in a fighter pilots jumpsuit, black with a fighter squadron's insignia on the arm and left breast. He wears a sidearm and a stun baton on his belt, making no attempt to hide them.

The other is a guard much like the ones that were at the other conference. Only this one carried a heavier rifle than the others, perhaps because of the trouble at the last conference.

They approach and the one in the flightsuit bows. "I am Lord Reil Tian, ruler of the Crimmond Imperium." He makes no apologies for how he is dressed and doesn't seem inclined to.

A black ISSAPC and small "Vampire" fighter escort enter the atmosphere over Adejaani. The sonic boom was heard shortly after the crafts were sighted. The APC hovered for a moment, the touched down on the lawn while the fighters sped off. The door of the APC, bearing the Sambizie flag, slowly opened. After opening, two heavy Mechs exited and stationed themselves below the ramp. A man wearing a fine pressed suit and 4 familiar SSF agents proceeded down the ramp as well.

The man and the agents approached President Harrington, "Pleased to meet you madam President." "I am Richard Kwanda of the Sambizie". "President Uganda has assigned me to this conferance and also apologizes for his absence." "The president has sent along some fine gifts for the APTO Delegates to celebrate the birth of Sambizie's 1 billionth citizen, he hopes you enjoy them"

The men then proceeded to the meeting hall.

The Calypo class (http://home.ripway.com/2003-10/31257/CalypsoClassShuttle.jpg) shuttle touched down next to the Blackhawks and the rear hatch opened and the 4 occupants exited.


Mark and Cathal were dressed in traditional Milesian dress, a style made popular by Neo in the Matrix trilogy, while the other 2 men were dressed in standard military gear and had the ARW patch (http://home.villagephotos.com/2003-9/26949/ARW.gif) on their arm.

The 4 approached President Harrington and bowed, then proceeded into the main hall.

"I'm sorry that Senator Orion himself could not join this meeting" said Senator Intar. "He is currently buisy with other matters"

OOC: Although we're not all here, it's time to get started.

IC: "Okay, come on, come on. Now. Just in case you don't know each other, I've taken the liberty of giving us all name stickers. And I'd like us, before we begin, to say our name and a brief introduction about yourself." Harrington barely managed to keep a straight face and had the desired effect of breaking the ice and getting everyone in a friendly mood. "I'm just kidding. You all should know each other by now."

A moment later, when Richard Kwanda (the Sambizie representative) entered, Harrington felt a pang of sadness her good friend M'to'war Uganda hadn't come, but crossed the room and hugged the man. For a moment, there was a respectful silence as two citizens representing their nation exchanged a silent message of friendship, closeness and alliance.

"So..... If we're all ready....." Harrington said a few minutes later and took her seat at the head of the table and opened her folder again. "As per the last conference, the question, before things got out of hand, was how to increase everyone's awareness of APTO. Basically, how do we sell ourselves on the international stage. Be it tourism or a space station or some sort of display of technology, weapons or civilian...... I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts, please. How do we get more respect and publicity?"

"Unfortunately, power still flows from the barrel of the gun. We need to show the world APTO can and will defend it's members, and will not tolerate those who seek one member or the alliance's undoing. Although this can be done on a battlefield, I'd prefer not, or at least not on a lethal one. Wether this statement be shown politically, militarily, or otherwise would have to be chosen by us."

Intar spoke up.
"Display of millitary technology is a good way to get respect. A Space Fleet, an MSV, a....... <stopps to think for a moment>....a way to build things a bit faster, a Cloking device."
Intar thought about his list
"we have 3 out of 4, not bad....." He thought

"Hmmm, Publicity...Respect", Kwanda asked outloud. "It is very unfortunate that most the Earth nations respect those who have displayed acts of war, thus the same holds true with publicity." "Ask yourselves, Are you reconized and respected more through your peaceful dealings such as business, or are you most respected when you have won a glorious battle?"

"I believe it is the latter." "The inhabitants of Earth will always be a warlike species, gauging their success through their military conflicts". "It is unfortunate...but I feel it won't change". "We as a region have strived towards peace and even offered APTO as a 'safe-haven' for smaller nations." "But just as we strive for peace, there will always be those who strive for conquest and destruction". "It is the way of life...the balance of the universe." "The Sambizie have always strived for peace...but we have had our conflicts as well".

"Madam President, you ask.."how do we sell ourselves to the international community" "I believe we already have". "The Sambizie belong to 7 different alliances throughout the universe, but what is it that APTO can offer that no one else can?" "Is it the idea of free trade...defence". "I assure you, APTO is not the only region that offers such things..."

"As many of you may know, the Sambizie are somewhat isolated from the Sol system...this was not by choice..it was by experiance". "The Sambizie have been 'crime-free' since the begining..."If we were to open our borders for tourism, it would invite the criminal elements we we have left behind". "Not saying that a program of this nature would be a bad idea, but it would certanily pose several obvious national security risks...risk that you would have to decide if reconition is more important than the safety and security of your citizens."

"We must show that we have a true bond... Not just some random pact, but one that can run down to the very essence of our nations. Something that proves we are not just another political entity, that we are truly allies and friends, more so than what is dictated by a treaty or PR show."

High Lord Enroth walks into the room, with his 6 guards behind him. He wore a black cloak that hid everything beneath it and what looked like a hilt jutted out from behind his left shoulder. "Sorry I came late, I had to deal with some business and forgot the time." He quickly went through what had happened. "I believe that to make APTO stand out we would need to make something outstanding, something that would be a sign of our alliance and how strong it is. Glorious battles won also would make us stand out but that is usually not a desired thing." He sat down and waited for the next representative to talk.

Harrington stood a moment. "I'd just like to interject that while this conference makes up the bulk of APTO represented, I cannot, in good conscience pass a vote to ratify this for all of APTO. Similarly, I cannot force any nation to accept a region wide agreement and force them to change their national policies. Any proposals to open up our borders or whatever other reason, only those that sign and agree to it will do so. Those that abstain will not be forced to do it." She sat down and signalled for the debate to continue.

"Now I never said anything about opening up borders, but we need to show up on the stage before the next guys do, and outdo them as well. How it's done, I don't care, as long as it doesn't get anyone killed or addle some nation."

"I didn't say that we all had to be in agreement, I was just stating my opinion"

Lord Tian nods, he had discarded the sticker with his name on it, as his flightsuit already stated it. He speakes softly, a trait common in ambassadors from Crimmond, it made you have to actually listen to the words. "It is important to act quickly in whatever we do. I can tell you right now military spectectals don't work as well as you think." He plops about 25 photos on the table. "All of those are from the GDODAD 'demonstrations'. Very well known." He plops three times that many beside it. "These are from several smaller and less known alliances, ranging from the CCIRA to the New Trans-Palistine Alliance. All the alliances except a few are defunct, but only one you know of."

Intar picked up 1 of the Photos and studied it

"My question is," Harrington leaned forward at last to say something "why place so much emphasis on military strength? Would we not be seen as thugs, who'll get what we want through war? Perhaps we should be sending aid to smaller countries. Build friendships by teaching them, helping them get on their feet. We need to spin the propaganda our way.

"Should the world not judge us as a beacon for freedom, making friends and playing nice?"

"My question is," Harrington leaned forward at last to say something "why place so much emphasis on military strength? Would we not be seen as thugs, who'll get what we want through war? Perhaps we should be sending aid to smaller countries. Build friendships by teaching them, helping them get on their feet. We need to spin the propaganda our way.

"Should the world not judge us as a beacon for freedom, making friends and playing nice?"

Intar responded with a smirk
"Playing Nice is what the Native Americans did to the Europeans. And guess what happened?"

Tian looks at Harrington. "Which exactly my point. A military display will not get us very far. And..." He turns to Intar. "Who are 'Native Americans'? Some group in Menelmacari America?"

OOC: The Europeans didn't really do a lot in America on NS, as far as I am aware of.

"I would have to agree" Kwanda stated. " "A display of military is not a way of getting reconition nor attention. We all have substantional militaries, but how can we show the world that we are on a peaceful...invasion free quest?"

"I would also agree with some type of international aid program for smaller nations".

Tian looks at Harrington. "Which exactly my point. A military display will not get us very far. And..." He turns to Intar. "Who are 'Native Americans'? Some group in Menelmacari America?"

OOC: The Europeans didn't really do a lot in America on NS, as far as I am aware of.

OOC: ok, let me think of another analogy.

IC do-over: "Playing Nice" Is what we did with the Rukemians, until they declared war on us.

"If we play nice and they declare war on us, then we have the moral high ground. And then they'd learn there's nothing to gain from pissing us off." Harrington said with a laugh.

Reil smiles. "Simple. Don't ever make an official regional defense force as they are almost always used as a offensive force.. If a nation is attacked, they may cal on other members for assitance, but not have it in writing that 'You get attacked, you get full military support of the defense force' as the attacked nation could have goaded an enemy into war to have the defense force destroy them."

Reil pauses for a moment and looks at a picture of an old Crimmond carrier that was in one of the GDODAD photos, he continues after a moment. "The Imperium has been around too long and advanced too much to help in most fighting that happens of this mudball of a planet. We have had to adopt a policy of, unless you are attacked by a nation with military technology equal or almost equal to ours, you do not recieve military assistance to any large degree."

He looks at the photos again and saw that Crimmond forces were in many of them. The warmongering years, as they are called now. Reil sighs. "I am afraid that if the APTO becomes a military alliance, which is the next step up from a defense force, that we are to repeat the past and fall like so many others... only photoghraphs and skewed history books to tell our story."

The silent hum of two Black Hawk helicopters sounded as the two aircraft touched down quietly. Twelve New Genoese Secret Service agents hopped out, followed by President Carter, who was moderately dressed.

He looked very tired, these were the last months of his last term as president, and he had many loose ends to tie up.

Carter straightened his tie and walked up the stairs to enter the building. He walked down the hallway and entered the room.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Sorry for being a bit late, duty calls during these last days. Please inform of what is being discussed so I can become engaged in this conversation as well," he said. "Glad to see you all once more," he remarked cheerfully.

Reil smiles. "Simple. Don't ever make an official regional defense force as they are almost always used as a offensive force.. If a nation is attacked, they may cal on other members for assitance, but not have it in writing that 'You get attacked, you get full military support of the defense force' as the attacked nation could have goaded an enemy into war to have the defense force destroy them."

Reil pauses for a moment and looks at a picture of an old Crimmond carrier that was in one of the GDODAD photos, he continues after a moment. "The Imperium has been around too long and advanced too much to help in most fighting that happens of this mudball of a planet. We have had to adopt a policy of, unless you are attacked by a nation with military technology equal or almost equal to ours, you do not recieve military assistance to any large degree."


He looks at the photos again and saw that Crimmond forces were in many of them. The warmongering years, as they are called now. Reil sighs. "I am afraid that if the APTO becomes a military alliance, which is the next step up from a defense force, that we are to repeat the past and fall like so many others... only photoghraphs and skewed history books to tell our story."
Intar sighed.
"Maybe your right. We may be fairly young on the international stage, as apposed to the other major powers here. We where around to see WW5 and the collapes of GDODAD, though."

IC: Harrington nodded silently at Carver and pointed to the laptop data slates on the table, which not only recorded the minutes (they actually recorded everything spoken, even sounds like grunts or laughter), but could also take notes and could tie into national databases, computer networks etc

"Speaking of regional defense force, which isn't precisely what we have, but at the last meeting, we all agreed, in principle, to adopt so called APTO defense perimeters and to provide training for defense of the APTO mainland on a whole. Do you think this would be forseen as a 'regional military'?"

OOC: The first meeting is here: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=88161&highlight= I can't remember what pages they came on, but generally, four island bases to extend our defensive zone, the senior nation in each being responsible for coordination, multi national training etc with Pantera (as APTO Head of Military Ops) to conduct region wide national training initiatives as required.

"I think it could be seen as a regional defense force, depending on what your viewpoint it. I myself think it wouldn't be, because it is controlled by a nation who has the majority of troops in it, the other troops aren't permanent" (I hope I got that right) Enroth put his hand in one of his deep pockets, seemingly rubbing something because he had nothing else to do with his hands.

The only problem with this is that we will be getting the short end of the deal. AO is compleatly off the Earth, so if we are attacked, unlessyou all have transport ships, we are on our own. Granted, Sambizie, Elara, and several non-APTO nations will flock to our aid.

Enroth put his hand in one of his deep pockets, seemingly rubbing something because he had nothing else to do with his hands.OOC: :shock:

IC: Reil looks to Intar. "The Imperium would be willing to help any other space nation, within the Sol system at least. The drain of having forces throughout the galaxy was immense, so we pulled back." he pauses. "However... if it is outside the Sol System, we cannot assist..."

Enroth put his hand in one of his deep pockets, seemingly rubbing something because he had nothing else to do with his hands.OOC: :shock:

IC: Reil looks to Intar. "The Imperium would be willing to help any other space nation, within the Sol system at least. The drain of having forces throughout the galaxy was immense, so we pulled back." he pauses. "However... if it is outside the Sol System, we cannot assist..."

Intar smirked
"It turns out we ARE outside of the Sol system. But, since an APTO defence force would be sort of out of our leauge, I'll just sit back and listen"

Harrington turned to Intar "The defensive perimeter and forces outlined during the last meeting are restricted to our terrestrial assets here on Earth. However" Harrington nodded in the Sambizie delegate's direction "we've got our own small fleet over Siesana, where the Sambizie people have relocated. I'm willing to extend our offer of a permanent but token defense fleet to 'hold the line' until the bulk of my space fleets can muster. I extend this offer to all non terrestrial APTO nations. For the terrestrial ones, the regional defense plan is still there on the table, waiting for ratification."

Carter took a sip of from his glass of water and cleared his throat.

"The plan agreed to in the previous meeting does seem to be some sort of regional defense force," he said, chuckling a bit before he continued, "however, I barely had much time to attend the first meeting to discuss this in detail. Pantera, as head of military operations, executes that power when APTO itself declares war involving either Pantera's homeland or a foreign state. In the case in which any APTO nation except Pantera was being invaded, the invaded would be the commander of APTO forces in the area to a certain extent of course.

As Harrington noted earlier, APTO does not have to help through military might. We can perhaps found an international humanitarian society. Membership would be complusory, but contributations would be voluntary, thus, any nation can contribute if they wish. We could help many impoverished nations this way. APTO needs to gain a better reputation as 'do-gooders' and this would be an excellent way.

Perhaps, another way APTO can help peacefully is by negotiating wars among nations. We could set up some sort of diplomacy division to pacify the innumerable wars erupting everyday. Remember, peace is power.

I also have several other suggestions for APTO in this folder here," Carter said as he slid the thin folder across the table to Harrington.

Inside there were ideas for sports leagues, student exchange programs, more detailed trade pact agreements, and planned military projects. Carter took another sip of water and smiled.

Harrington thanked whatever Divine Entities there were as Carter spoke up and shoved the folder over. She then got up, fixed herself a cup of tea (Earl Grey) and sat down, but put her feet on the conference table. There was a polite but interested silence while she spoke.

"I can say of the older nations within APTO, Adejaani is probably the least known, at least generally. I grew up with parents who believed in equality, fairness, justice, human and civil rights for all. Basically, I was instilled that we had morals, that we should try to make sure we remained true to them and ourselves." She paused to take a sip of tea, placed her glasses on the table and rubbed at her eyes.

"When the Republic of Adejaani was founded, I was actually in a small apartment, wondering if I would be on the street the next day because I had little money in my pockets. A writer doesn't make much if their books don't sell, you know? So I lived in one of the lesser civilised sectors of the city, the same one in which you folks are now. In those days, the buildings were run down. The parks had more syringes than blades of grass sticking out of them. The schools were hardly ever open, as the teachers received a lot of abuse, both verbal and physical. Everyone was armed to some degree and shops resembled forts, with bars on the windows and several armed guards to prevent theft, or if there was a gun robbery, at least make sure the thugs didn't get away.

"But I was honest and known, if I didn't have much money. So when we became a Nation State in our own right, by public consensus, they chose me as their leader. President Morghan J. Harrington. Huh. I knew nothing about politics. I get bored at formal functions, hobnobbing with people who drank more champagne than water or people who didn't eat unless there was caviar on their plates.

"But they knew I was honest, just and fair. That I'd do what's right for the people, because we as politicians and public servants are meant to serve the people. I made good my promise. The police were increased. Public funding was boosted for new infrastructure, old buildings rebuilt, hospitals refurbished. The crime started disappearing. The schools opened their doors and people got a good education. People stopped cowering in their homes and old people could now enjoy living their lives in peace, taking their grandchildren to the parks to feed the ducks or a nice stroll.

"We forget why we became national leaders in the first place. And just what we're here to do. Because we're duty bound to our citizens. So let's change tack. How do we help our own citizens and by extension, APTO on a whole?"

Reil pushes aside the outrage that flared for a moment when she put her feet on the table, a sign of extreme disrespect in the upper classes of the Imperium.

"We are willing to open our medical and scientific research to the world, at least the parts that less technologically advanced nations would find of use." he paused and looked over a report he had in an electronic device. "Obviosly the release of the genetic manipulation technologies is out of the question, it causes gross over population if not strictly controled. But there are several other medical advancements, some more succesful than others. Damn common cold..." He smiles. "I doubt we'll ever beat that one."

O'Connor had a deep admiration for both Harrington and Carter, and so far these happenings had done nothing but increase such admiration. He spoke up.

"Ms. Harrington you are exactly right. Some of you who have dealt with me and my people before would describe us as militant, but we care for our people too. In a couple days I was going to publicly announce the medical break throughs our doctors have made.

But I would like to go even farther. For example, something that has proven very profitable for all involved. The Empires of Rouin, ThirdEye, and the CLF are currently involved in what I refer to as 'the great tech exchange', where we share all our tech, or most of it. Numerous projects have blossomed, like the Shadowblade for instance. So if our alliance as a whole was to participate in such a 'melting pot' of ideas, it could do wonders."

President Carter nodded and added this to the conversation, "The good of APTO and our citizens?

How about we establish an APTO medical research organization? Cures for cancer, diabetes, and AIDS would be quite nice, wouldn't they? As for military technology exchange programs -- yes, to a certain point. Remember, as Ms. Harrington already stated, we do not need to place so much emphasis on military. Now, if you're talking about a general technology exchange program, that would be a superb idea."

"Yes Mr. Carter, that was my general idea. But I cannot take credit for it. The original idea for a share between TE, Rouin, and the CLF was Emporer Arys's Idea. But yes, a general share was my idea.
However it poses major problems.
1.) Not all of our allies would like it too much if made manditory, which I dont suggest.
2.) It would kill all trade of weapons tech between us, which some of us rely on pretty heavily.
3.) It doesnt look good comming from a leader of a nation such as myself, who is obviously behind in tech compared to most here, in some way or another.
Those are the problems, but if this does happen, I will assure you the full participation of the CLF. If some minor details are stamped out."

Reil is about to speak when the doors burst open and another man in a pilots uniform comes in. Reil blinks at seeing his co-pilot just barge in to the conference. "What do you think you are doing pilot?"

He looks at Reil and one would see his face is pale. Too pale. "Lord Tian, turn on the Crimmond news feed. Now!" That was the first time that anyone in Crimmond history had ever ordered the emporer to do anything, but Reil obliged and put it on one of the rooms screens.

A city appeared as a reporter told the story, a grey foglike gas rolled through the streets and military were everywhere. Reil watches the entire report and mutes the brodcast, sitting in the uncomfortable silence for almost two minute before looking to Harrington. "I assume I am dismissed?" When she nods, he and the gaurd leave, pilot trailing behind.

OOC: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=94750 for info.

"So....." Harrington began after the Crimmon delegate (Reil) left "How about spreading some of our love and kindness around? Not just in APTO, but across the globe. Building hospitals. Sharing medical research and cures. Major iniatives to fight diseases which ravage nations whole. Sending teachers and educators to prop up ailing school systems. Even something so simple as pouring a few million dollars to fix up roads and street lights and traffic signs. We'll not only be increasing their way of life, we'll be making lifelong friends, too."

OOC: just so you know, Intar is a bit of a whiner. The only resion he is here is that Orion and Andromada are preoccupide with other things, and Intar is 3rd on the chain of command.

OOC: The news feed from Crimmond is still on, as far as I know, thoughh muted. That means that everyone happening to look at it saw Reil slice through someones neck with a sword. The look on his face should tell you he is beyond pissed.

O'Connor stands up and motions to one of his agents. The agent hurries over and O'Connor whispers something in his ear. The Agent nods and hurries out the door trying to catch up with the Delegate from Crimmond. O'Connor then, still standing, turns to the rest of the delegates.
"This is most disturbing, another one of our allies hit by terrorists. It came to me the about a week ago, that this happens much more than expected among our allies. It got me to thinking how, along with the regional defense force, or for some instead of it, we need to have some sort of Region-wide Intel link. True we do share intel from time to time, lend accerss to eachother's sattelites, but that is only occasionally. I propose that we have state-of-the-art survailence(sp?) sattelites linked to each nations Intel processing dept or what ever. These sattelites would provide a shield over the whole region, making it very hard for the enemy to do anything un-noticed, leading to easier response and ion some cases prevention. Also an orbital missle defense system, like the infamous skynet also seems like a good idea. Both of these systems linked to every nation, each nation getting the same level of use out of them, no one with higher access.

The sattelite and missle defense systems were part one of my proposal. Part two would be the linking of intel abroad from all our allies. This would allow our nations to work in joint much better. In times of war, it would allow tactics to work better, allow allies to protect a weak spot another nation left in thier defenses etc, the possibilities are endless. Now I understand how we might not want to open up every single top-secret document and share it with everyone, that is why the shared intel would only be to a certain degree, a degree which I belve should be agreed upon here."

(This is IC knowledge for crimmond: The agent I send after you is going to give you a messege, if you are interested.)

Intar's phone rang
"Hello?"
the conversation lasted a few minutes, with Intar's expression becomming more and more glum.
"I see"
He hung up, and took the remote.
"I hope you all don't mind me switching the channel for a moment" he said, as he swiched to a Silver Turtle Channel, witch was talking about the glorys of GDODAD.
Intar sighed. "Who wants to take bets on how long it will take for WW6 to start?"

"Great. Just great." Harrington threw down her pen and turned to her Vice President. "This conference has lost its way again. I don't know why I bother setting these up if we're not going to talk about APTO issues....."

OOC: Reil, the delegate already is in Crimmond. I am sending someone else though.

IC: The doors open and a figure enters in... a wheelchair? Stark white hair and beard with thick grey and white robes, he wheels himself in and the chair's seat raises to the proper leve with the table. He speaks in a gravelly voice. "I am Ambassador Nartar, representing the Crimmond Imperium as Lord Tian is unable to attend, hunting down the terrorists and mourning the death of his sister in the attack."

He has no gaurds with him, as the other represenitives had. He looke to the video screens showing the TST news outlet. "I really fail to see what those news reports have to do with the APTO."

He reads over the events since Reil left and blinks in suprise. "I do not think a regional satalite system would have helped the people of Myer. I doubt even more a Skynet system will help with problems in our part of the world..."

President Carter's cell phone rang. He answered, perturbed.

"What the fuck is it now?" he indignantly steamed.

The expression on his face changed massively after several minutes of chatter.

"Now? Damnit," he grunted. "Alright, well is the ambassador on his way to Adejaani though?"

Carter nodded. He hung up and stood up.

"I'm sorry, I've just been informed of civil war in Imitora. This our chance to oust Oliver. Anyway, my escort and I shall be leaving, BUT," he said stressing the conjunction, "a New Genoese ambassador is being dispatched. He's our best -- Jonathon Hammond. He'll be arriving in two or three hours. I'm extremely sorry, once this situation is sorted out, I shall return to this meeting. Until then, Mr. Hammond will attend the meeting. You'll find him to be very similar to me in some ways, and he's a potential presidential candidate for the president of New Genoa is 2008.

As for my final comments before I depart for now, I agree: APTO should spread the 'love' around. As I said, an international/regional APTO charity organization would be swell. New Genoa would certainly support it. Toodles."

He exited the building, followed by his 12 bodyguards.

--

3.5 Hours Later

Jonathon Hammond fidgeted constantly as they the black UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, bearing the green and white flag of New Genoa, settled down. He wiped the sweat that had been accumulating on his forehead for quite some time and brushed back his black hair.

He hopped out, followed only by four personal bodyguards. They were burly men though and they wore the typical bodyguard apparel... with tinted sunglasses of course. Up the stairs all five went and into the meeting room once more.

"Hello, I'm the new representative from New Genoa, Ambassador Jonathon Hammond. President Carter says that he greatly regrets that he had to leave the meeting several hours ago," Hammond said, introducing himself.

He took Carter's former seat and took a sip from his glass of water.

"So? What has been discussed since our three and a half hour absence?" he inquired.

Nartar looks up from watching some anime show and shrugs. "Not a whole helluva lot."

O'Connor stands up and shouts

"HAVE SOME RESPECT SIRS! We are here to help the people of our nations and others, and you are watching TV! Or worse yet, not saying anything! Do you have no opinion on anything said?!"

OOC: just a big IC 'start saying stuff u guys, u arent saying anything'

Corinth, startled by O'connor, looks up from the Imitoran reports on her Tablet PC.
"Well, I think we should go ahead with the foreign aid programs. If you need any kind of vehicles or electronics, we can get them to you."

"What about policies? Who to help, how much to help, when do we step back and say 'we're done'? Anyone?" Harrington doesn't even bother trying to restore order. She'd have more luck getting her nieces to behave.....

Nartar doesn't say anything, simply looking at the table in thought. He speaks slowly and with a force that seemed suprising coming from the frail man. "I would suggest you lower your tone, Mr. O'Conner. THe Imperium has seen nothing so far that we would be able to help with or anything that would be able to help the Empire. The 'Skynet' system may be feasible for your nations but you don't seem to realise that the Empire is not anywhere near your nations, we are simply members. We could fund the aid programs but so far most of you have even so much as offered to send assistance to the Empire, before or after Lord Tian said that such aid would be too much of a risk for the Empire to allow."

He looks to each one. "I personally do not see why the Crimmond Imperium even joined this aliance, seeing as we are more advanced in almost every technological and medical field... but it is Lord Tian's decision. I must follow his will, no matter what I think of it. I do have to admit, one good thing has come of this... Lord Tian was supposed to be in Myer along with his siter. He was here instead and it saved him from the terrorists attack on the city."

He goes silent, the long speech draining his strength.

The Sambizie represenitive sat in silence as people were entering and exiting the room. Fully aware of all the other "pressing" issues by the the other nations, he just sat shaking his head. For Kwanda this was an experiance he has never had, in fact this meeting has been the first time in his 80 years of life that he has left the sovern soil of Sambizie. The actions, emotions, and the rather odd way of diplomatic discussions umongst allies, left him rather speechless.

Kwanda turned to Harrington and began to speak in a calm, soothing voice...

"I applaud the effort you have put forth in respects to this gathering. Our Emperor...our people, have full faith in your decessions. We are reminded daily of your compassion and willingness to help, as we walk past the monuments of your people in the Great Halls of Sambizie. All these questions you ask are truely honorable and deserve answers. However, I am not sure that the Sambizie can provide these answers. Our course, the Sambizie couse, takes us further away from Earth every single day. For what we hold now is through the blood, sweat, and hard work of the Sambizie and the Sambizie alone. We have had some help and as you know, we do not forget our allies nor our enimies.

We know our bonds run deep with not only your great people, but within APTO as well. You ask, who do we help? My answer, we help ourselves first. The Sambizie have always helped wherever, whenever they can. We are willing to help others...but at a time of our chosing. I mean you no disrespect when I say this, but the people of this system are full of hate and destruction. When these people and governments begin to put forth a sincere effort towards peace, perhaps then it will be time for us to help. But, until then...the Sambizie will continue doing what they do best...and that is keeping their nose out of others affairs."

Kwanda turns to the Crimmond represenitive....

"Sir, you may fail to see why your leaders decided to join this alliance, perhaps you are not as informed as you should be. You boast about your technological and medical superiority as if you are the only advanced species to walk umongst the stars...this is a gross underestimation on your part, I'm sorry but it is true. Our Emperor has sent his condolances to your people...I truely hope your your people have not underestimated these terrorist as well."

Kwanda stands after sitting through the entire course of this meting. He walks over to Harrington, reaches into his pocket and removes an envelope...

"I'm sorry, but I must depart for now. I wish to thank you once again for the hospitality...This will only streanthen the, already good stories of Adejaani, to the people of Sambizie. Before I go...Emperor Uganda instructed me to give you this...*hands Harrington the sealed envelope*. When you have time...read this."

Kwanda gives a slight bow of respect to Harrington, then turns towards the rest of the represenitives and gives a slight nod before exiting the room.

Nartar just grumbles to himself. "Underestimate the terrorists my ass. We're doing everything but launching nukes at them..."

He sighs and looks at the televion screen, now showing a view of earth from some nations spaceship. He could pick out several fleets in orbit, a few large space stations, several cargo ships and the one thing they all hated. The massive amount of debris from countless nations sending things into orbit. Everything from communications satalites to hulls from destroyed cruisers were in there, obstructing travel and giving traffic to and from Earth one hell of a headache.

"Want people to like you? Why don't those of us with space fleets take care of that damned trash heap above us? The Imperium always has ships in for repairs because of all that..." He thinks for a minute. "Propbably only clear it out for a decade or two, but hell. I think it'd be worth it."

O'Connor looks up from his notes, he had a disgusted look of frustration on his face until he heard the words of the Crimmond representative.
"Why sir, that is an excellent Idea. An Idea so simple, but yet has a great impact, and would be widley appriecieated. The only thing we have to worry about is not angering other nations. That should not be to hard though, we just notify them that scrap colletcting ships willl be over thier space picking up the debris. They can even inspect the ships for weapons, they dont need to be armed. And we profit even more! The scrap can be melted down and re-used. I say again sir, brilliant Idea!

And to make a humanitarian impact on the world, I suggest we become more informed with current issues. There is alot of opression of people, including slavery. Alot of wars that could be avoided. We sit back and do not do much. Granted we are not obligated to, but we could make things much better."

"You all remember that, "The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." Well, we aren't doing as much as we can. Most people here in the APTO do not worry about famine, disease, Economic troubles, or any of the problems that plague the less fortunate nations of the world. Once we figure out who and when we want to help, we can leave a 'footprint' on that nation's populace, which lessens the chance we'll have to worry about them going to war with us, and it makes us seem benevolent. But we must beware of 'Peacekeeping'. Not only does it drain resources and kill our people, it will eventually seem to one nation that we are biased toward another, which puts a label on us. We must be careful with who we aid, and why. We need to keep military force out of our actions as much as possible. As for the suggestion of cleaning up space, we're all for it. We have plenty of Spaceplanes that could assist in salvage, and Heavy Lift/Lander Vehicles for transporting any salvage."

"You all remember that, "The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."

OOC: The first true conservative, Edmund Burke, said that, and that was also the theme for my dads graduating class in college.

OOC-I know... It's a good quote.

I have the full quote tattooed in Gaelic on the inside of right shoulder blade, lol.

Nartar nods, glad he actually managed to say something that did something other than make him or others mad. "The Empire would be happy to support an aid program with funding."

Harrington looked up. "So..... Anyone want to lay this out as a formal proposal? I can't make much sense of what you folks said. Or, if you want me to write it, just give me a general set of guidelines."

"Well I guess so, Im not good with official proposals I must admit, anyone want to take a stab at it?"

OOC: Nartar doesn't say anything. He was too busy nodding off from the inactivity in this thread. He ends up falling asleep and BUMPing his head on the table.