NationStates Jolt Archive

<OOC: Just a few ground rules, the same as the first two times.

• 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 New Genoa, capital of the Free Republic of New Genoa. You're free to bring along a small (twelve person) Secret Service detail, as well as a small fighter escort. You're also welcome, should you be worried about terrorism, your Intelligence services are welcome and are free to New Genoa'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: "Are you ready, Mr. President?" asked his aide, Mitchell Jamison who stood next to President's master bedroom.

"Yes, Mitch, let's get going," responded Carter as he straightened his new tie, leaving the bedroom.

The two walked down the hallway until they came to a wooden staircase on their right-hand side. They turned and stepped down a flight of stairs before reaching the main lobby. Two burly looking bodyguards, wearing dark sunglasses and a black suit and tie, stood next to the door awaiting to escort the President and his aide outside.

"Before you leave sir," said his aide as he handed the President a thin folder, "the morning reports. I skimmed through them, nothing too big. I'll call you with further updates. Do you have your cell phone with you?"

"Yes. Yes, I do, Mitch."

Out of the White House left Carter and his bodyguards walked down a path bordered by blooming flowers and lush green shrubs. They turned right, where a black limousine was awaiting them. One bodyguard rushed ahead and opened the back door for President Carter.

"Thanks," said Carter as he lowered his head to enter the vehicle.

The man closed the door and stepped into the front passenger's seat. The car strolled down the driveway and out the Northeast Gate. A quick left turn followed and they drove down 2nd Street until they came to the Diplomatic Reception Building.

"Ahh, we must as well wait here a bit to greet our guests, they should be arriving soon," Carter said as he glanced at his wrist watch.

"If you wish, Mr. President," responded one of the guards.

"Anyway, while we're waiting, Brutus, go inside and tell those nice people inside to prepare some tea and coffee for our guests."

Brutus nodded and walked up the white stairs and through the golden door.

Third time's a charm. thought President Carter.

"Alright, you guys break off now. NE 2 out." 4 F-109 fighters broke away from the small VTOL over New Genoa.
The engines of the "New Empire Two" C/V-16 transport droned as the pilot manuvered into a vertical landing. The Gray and Blue aircraft came to a halt as the door swung open, and Dleroes, with 12 Marines in Class As holding M-8 Carbines escorting. She sighed as she looked over the Kurtz Reports on her Tablet PC. All through Christmas Eve, artillery and slaughter. She typed out a memo to make sure everyone there got a very good Christmas day meal.

<OOC: FYI, there is ONE helipad in the back of the Diplomatic Reception Building.>

IC: "President Carter, word has reached us that the New Empirian delegate has arrived," said the secretary of the reception building, he had just received a phone call confirming their arrival.

"Who has come?"

"President Dleroes herself."

"Ah, excellent. Do they have a transport to the building, or shall we provide them with one?"

"I'll ask that right now, Mr. President."

They waited at the helipad after Corinth responded to the New Genoan question, hoping the transport wouldn't take too long to get there.

<OOC: helipad is behind the meeting building (the 'back yard'), you'd just have take a short walk :wink: >

<OOC: helipad is behind the meeting building (the 'back yard'), you'd just have take a short walk :wink: >
OOC-Ahhh...
IC-
Deciding to walk the group set off toward the meeting building, Corinth cycling through her email and a few Marines adjusting their dark blue berets.

OOC: OKay guys this is CLF, this is one of the PRovinces IN the commonwealth. The home province of the character I am going to RP with in this meeting, This is because he is the Vice-Chancellor/Marshall of the CLF. Chancellor/High Marshall O'Connor, along with his son, are of in the ShaRa conflict. So yeah theres the deal.

Two Black Hawks circled upon noticing the single helipad full. Having already contacted the NG control, Vice Chancellor Alexzander Gordon, being a retired marine, decided to improvise. Giving the order himself, he, and his 12 marine excort, quick-rope inserted onto the surrounding ground. Quickly they bid the choppers farewell and the group on men walked towards the main building.

Two Corino ASF-22 and an VIP V-Tol peel of from the escort party and begin an approach to the Diplomatic Reception Building's Helipad.

"Time for another meeting," HC Cheif Foreign Policy Advisor, Michel Pearl, says as he taps his pile of papers on the open inside of his suitcase and proceeds to file them away.

"Man, this world has some crazy problems. I can't even go to a friendly allied territory without the charade of secret service protection, enough guns and ammo to equip a small third-world army, and a round suitcase just incase I want to carpet-nuke another country..."

Mr. Anderson and Mr. Pearl hop out of the V-TOL as a Secret Service agent opens the door and promptly salutes.

"Well Mr. President, I looks as if no one had tried to asassinate you yet."

"Yeah really, try and explain that to my Security Cheifs"

They walk down the steps of the helidpad and turn the corner for the front of the Diplomatic Reception Building watching the small army of reporters gathered a few hundred feet away behind roped off sections.

The Adejaani Presidential VH-60 helicopter landed with a slight flare. In the back, President Morghan Harrington and Secretary of Defense Bunker Mark Bunker shook hands with the pilot and co-pilot as per the custom and disembarked. Two lone Secret Service Agents also disembarked, they were there merely because law dictated it, not that they would be doing any real guard duties.

"Remind me why it's so good not having to play host this time, Bunker." Harrington smiled, remembering the fiascos the last two conferences had produced. Bunker only snorted in reply as they headed into the Diplomatic Reception Building.

"Welcome, welcome!" said Carter as he greeted the newly arrived leaders and delegates, "Come, this way now," he continued as he walked up the white stone staircase into the building.

He opened the doors, allowing the delegates to enter, before entering the building himself. Down the corridor he walked until he came a large room of the right hand side. Inside sat a long furnished table lined with enough cushioned seats for every one of his visitors. Two pitchers of water rested in the center of the table.

Ahh... so it begins. the President thought to himself. A soft smile swept across his face.

http://www.ustreas.gov/education/fact-sheets/images/photo-secconferenceroom.jpg

Corinth sat down, awaiting the inveitable verbal conflict that she had experienced the earlier meetings. She looked through the report prepared for her by the DIA on the Defense Perimiter proposal, and the "Poseidon Project", which was a veritable oceanic city now.

President Carter, too, took a seat before making an announcement to the assembled, "Greetings, ladies and gentlemen. Today is the first of a week-long meeting where we will discuss current issues involving APTO and the outside world. Before we begin, however, I'd like to wait a bit for several more delegates to arrive. Help yourselves to a glass of water, and if you request it, we have prepared coffee and tea," he picked up his glass of water, "and enjoy your stay here in New Genoa."

OOC: Ive decided ill just use my same nation, what was I thinking? I dont know...Anyways.

Gordon, and his costomary 12 marine-detail parted at the door. 2 were to stay at the door, the other 10 were to stya on the grounds, lend an extra hand to the compound secrutiy. Gordon walked in, he had heard and red so much about the members of the meets, others his nation had never spoken with, he felt it was his first major diplomatic mvoe as the CLF's vice chancellor.
He felt safe with his allies, expecially New Genoa, he had been one of the Marines sent to southport during the Melkorian threat, he felt a close emotional tie to the New Genoese, he couldnt quite place why.
As he hefted his brief case into the confrence room and took a seat next to President Corinth. He knew about the Kurtz conflict, and wondered how his old buddy Ambrose was faring.
Nodding to the NE Head of state as he took the seat next to her. Opening up his brief case he removed 2 PADDs, and a tablet PC. He then glanced at President Carter, and remebering the attempt to take his life. How Gordon had felt as he was one of the RLD's first to respond and land in New Genoa after the news. Gordon began to realize that his late military carreer was in New Genoa, he was now able to place his emotional ties to the land...

"Coffee, if you don't mind. Whatever you have."
She continued going through the long report, mentally outlining what she had to say, and twiddling with her stylus.
editty
Corinth nodded in return to Gordon, and forwarded him the Kurtz material via Tablet PC email, he had as much a right to know as she did.

"Why can't they serve Elaran Ale? Maybe I suppose we're on duty." Bunker rumbled quietly to himself. "I developed a taste for it considering our close ties with the Elarans. Helluva way to wake up in the mornings, but it's good." Bunker sipped at his water as he stuck by his President's elbow.

President Carter gave a nod to Dleroes and clapped his hands twice saying, "Rosemary, prepare some coffee for this beautiful young lady," he winked at Corinth before continuing, "Anyone else?"

The meeting of the minds has finally come to New Genoa... what to do next? he thought to himself before remembering the packets he had prepared before the meeting.

"Jerry," he said motioning towards the backroom, "grab those packets in my briefcase and hand them out to our friends."

"Yes, sir, Mr. President," Jerry said before departing from his position into the backroom.

He opened Carter's briefcase and pulled out two large, heavy folders and re-entered the conference room.

As he passed out each packet, which consisted of several stapled documents, President Carter spoke, "My good friend and assistant Jerry Franciscan is passing out to you a packet that consists of an outline of our last meeting. Major issues discussed in Ticonderoga City are listed as well as ideas and suggestions given. The last few pages contain several propositions New Genoa has suggested. Please read over them until several more delegates arrive, whereas we shall begin the true discussions."

Each packet listed, as Carter had said, an outline of the last meeting's discussions, suggestions, and ideas. The last few pages, as again Carter had noted, spelled out several New Genoese propositions -- including a unified space program and a stronger trade agreement among the nations of APTO.

Harrington put on reading glasses and read through the proposals. "Well, he's our Delegate. Let's hope we can at least vote on these proposals this time. Bunker?" But her Secretary of Defense wasn't listening, he was flagging someone down to ask for a sandwich or something to eat.....

"Well, we do have a few things to say."
Corinth leaned forward, pushing aside her Tablet.
"On the subject of this defense perimiter. We can't always afford to have large amounts of forces overseas on these islands, and I believe that much of these defense systems should be automated or remotely controlled. Our nation in particular has many systems on this level, and UCAVs and USVs are other technologies we use that could be very useful to this proposal.However, all these islands, even our huge artificial ones, are all good and well, but I think an APTO wide information network would be very useful not only for coordinating a defense, but inter-reigonal trade and communications as well."

"President Dleroes, the APTO Defense Perimeter was designed as a buffer zone, such that in the event of an invasion, the Perimeter will buy us time to properly marshall our defenses or to blunt it off such that our homelands will not be touched. The original proposal was perhaps four wings of aircraft (two fighter, two bomber), plus anti missile and air defenses, plus a small port for ships. I do believe that was an omission from the original proposal, for which I apologise." Bunker began. It was his idea from the very beginning, after all.

"You should also note, madam President, that during the last meeting, we proposed a series of region wide training initiatives. An expected outgrowth of that, would've been, a regional defense network with multi national compliant communications, sensor and command systems."

"While cross training is a good idea, the problem is putting these "speedbumps" at the perimeter would be much better as mainly automated systems. UCAVs instead of manned craft would be cheaper, and reduces the necessary amount of logistics and space on the base. Besides, these could be remotely operated from any allied base, and they don't use people like human shields. We can also contribute our rapid aerial response units, or Air Battle Forces. These are heavily modified B-1s, EB-1Cs to be exact, that can be operated with 2 crew, or even remotely. This concept allows us to project large amounts of firepower, or even UCAV vehicles, to a battlefield in a very short amount of time, as these craft travel at Mach 2. They can also function as ELINT and missile denfense, as well as perform C3 duties. Now I'm not saying we'd all use these, but if you're talking buffer response forces, multirole unmanned craft are the way to go. Minimal lives at risk, long ranges, the whole shebang. It isn't worth the money to have valuable pilots in a vulnerable position."

Vice Chancellor Gordon spoke up,
"I agree maddam president, that having unmanned weapons as the 'speedbumps' is a good idea, do you really want a machine in chanrge of your most important line of defense? I served for 27 years in the LFMC, and as good as computers and machines can get, I would much rather have my wife and children protected by the brave men and women of this great alliance, not by some machines. And, eventhough it isnt a point to take into consideration, Im not sure the troops would take too kindly to being replaced by circutry."

"I suppose the meeting has begun. The others can wait, everything is being recorded for late-comers anyway. Now, let me begin by commenting on both of your comments.

On the subject of this defense perimiter. We can't always afford to have large amounts of forces overseas on these islands, and I believe that much of these defense systems should be automated or remotely controlled. Our nation in particular has many systems on this level, and UCAVs and USVs are other technologies we use that could be very useful to this proposal.However, all these islands, even our huge artificial ones, are all good and well, but I think an APTO wide information network would be very useful not only for coordinating a defense, but inter-reigonal trade and communications as well.

I agree with you on the first point stated, Ms. Dleroes. Maintaining large amount of armed forces overseas is quite difficult indeed. Commenting on the usage of UCAVs, I also agree, that these would simplify the defense permiter system. However, how expensive would these UCAVs be to build and maintain? Paticularly, what would the cost be to construct an effective UCAV force? And lastly, an APTO wide information network indeed is a fine idea and I myself endorse it. Anyway to ease communications and improve trade is fine by the people of New Genoa. But again, at what costs?

Mr. Bunker, your comment now:

President Dleroes, the APTO Defense Perimeter was designed as a buffer zone, such that in the event of an invasion, the Perimeter will buy us time to properly marshall our defenses or to blunt it off such that our homelands will not be touched. The original proposal was perhaps four wings of aircraft (two fighter, two bomber), plus anti missile and air defenses, plus a small port for ships. I do believe that was an omission from the original proposal, for which I apologise.

Agreed, but we can always extend the proposal to include a UCAV force, the more the merrier as they say.

While cross training is a good idea, the problem is putting these "speedbumps" at the perimeter would be much better as mainly automated systems. UCAVs instead of manned craft would be cheaper, and reduces the necessary amount of logistics and space on the base. Besides, these could be remotely operated from any allied base, and they don't use people like human shields. We can also contribute our rapid aerial response units, or Air Battle Forces. These are heavily modified B-1s, EB-1Cs to be exact, that can be operated with 2 crew, or even remotely. This concept allows us to project large amounts of firepower, or even UCAV vehicles, to a battlefield in a very short amount of time, as these craft travel at Mach 2. They can also function as ELINT and missile denfense, as well as perform C3 duties. Now I'm not saying we'd all use these, but if you're talking buffer response forces, multirole unmanned craft are the way to go. Minimal lives at risk, long ranges, the whole shebang. It isn't worth the money to have valuable pilots in a vulnerable position.

Intriguing suggestion and it seems to solidfy your previous suggestion concerning the implementation of the usage of a region wide information network. Again, a compromise would work the best between these two proposals."

"I agree. The best system for protection, is to
Stall the enemy and shoot down as many as possible at long range
Prevent the enemy from getting close with minimal human risk
Shoot down anything that begins to approach (usually involves some risk, though that is better than the alternative)
As a last resort fight the enemy on your turf.
Such a system stops them from getting here, thus keeping the fighting off of our citizens. This system if carried out would enable entire wars to be minimalized if not ended.
House Corino would be perfectly willing to put its resources into such a program. It has a very large military science program and defense technology department. I also suggest that we form an Allied Powers Defense Council (APDC) to handle the APTO's defense needs.

<OOC: disregard that post>

"Mr. Gordon, I believe you misunderstand. These UCAVs are not computers. Oh, no, we haven't come that far. I'm talking about flesh and blood pilots controlling these craft from miles away, out of harm's way. And if we implement a reigon wide infonet, the control can be transferred anywhere to anyone necessary.
And on costs-UCAVs are not as expensive as normal craft, and can be more effective. Unmanned craft do not require the life support of normal craft, meaning they can carry more or be smaller than manned craft, and much more manuverable without the G-limit worries. When you consider the cost of the human life, UCAVs are very inexpensive indeed. Using small, cheap, disposable systems like the American X-45 or X-47 UCAVs will allow skilled pilots to make attacks, and should they get shot down, no problem. Just transfer them through a defense net to another UCAV. No expensive CSAR mission."

"Ladies and gentlemen, please. Regarding this perimeter, it hasn't even been enacted, though they're being prepared and built. Perhaps we should leave it to the discretion of those nations whose responsibility is to contribute to 'their' side of the perimeter. I remind you this is a multi national project and each nation has been 'assigned' to a particular 'sector' in the perimeter. So if you want to provide manned aircraft, you can. If you want to provide drones, you can. But it should be the choice of each nation." Bunker took a sip of water. It was easily the longest and most political speech he'd made in recent months.

I agree. The best system for protection, is to
Stall the enemy and shoot down as many as possible at long range
Prevent the enemy from getting close with minimal human risk
Shoot down anything that begins to approach (usually involves some risk, though that is better than the alternative)
As a last resort fight the enemy on your turf.
Such a system stops them from getting here, thus keeping the fighting off of our citizens. This system if carried out would enable entire wars to be minimalized if not ended.
House Corino would be perfectly willing to put its resources into such a program. It has a very large military science program and defense technology department. I also suggest that we form an Allied Powers Defense Council (APDC) to handle the APTO's defense needs.

"Agreed. And the defense council, I believe it was discussed in previous conversations that this would not be the best idea to have one's military controlled by the votes of several high-ranking individuals of another nation. A head of military operations was appointed to handle official APTO wars, and that nation only conducts military operations of wars not on the homeland of an APTO nation, unless of course, that nation is the one being attacked."

Gordon looked at bunker and chuckled to himself.
"Mr. Bunker, you are quite right, I personally find it funny it took us so long to notice that, thank you. So yes, if you want to contribute manned aircraft, by all means do so. I can assure you the CLF will. And as a side note maddam Corinth, I know what UCAV's and UAV's are, my point was, It would make alot more comfortable to know that we have Humans there, fighting. Soldiers tend to be alot less careless when it is thier own life on the line, not the life of a remote control device. And we want that feeling of mortality when they have control over as powerful weapons as they do.
But to clear it up, you have an excellent point Mr. Bunker, but I still urge the fact that we have more manned, than unmanned weapons on our frontline. (OCC: Editited to add this part, to respond to NG) Furthermore, the joint training, and alliance wide intel/communications network would be wonderful. The Security council also a great Idea. I do belive that regional heads should be established, one for North, South, East, West, and maybe even Central."

Bunker took a moment to wink at Gordon.

"I should further note that while I termed the perimeters 'speed bumps' (my actual words were 'buffer zones'), those forces on those islands are not sacrificial lambs. We'll go out to defend those islands to the last if we must. But I still insist, one way or the other, we'd have this extra layer of security as opposed to waking up and finding an enemy aggressor on our doorstep and a knife to our throats. Not that it can happen with our fine defenses, but it's what we don't expect that worries me."

"I could not agree more friend. So do we have it? Because I can assure the support of the CLF on this matter."

"Well, we need an information network, and we need this perimeter. However, we will still have more UCAVs than manned craft on this perimeter. While you may worry that the pilots are reckless, we assure you that these men can perform just as well as any manned craft pilot. When we have our enemies coming down on us, where do you want your pilots to be? At risk, or fighting safely? Now I've heard it all from other nations, and not just about UCAVs, but almost all of our technologies. They say it's dishonorable, it's not proper. But frankly, trying to fight this war with the last war's ways is going to leave us fighting the battle of Normandy-As the Germans."

"Maddam president, I do not, in any way belive that using unmanned weapons is dishonorable, and furthermore, I do not belive it is an ineffective weapon. I know about remote weapons, marvelous things at that. But I simply mean to say that, if it is our first line of defense, our front against any agressors, I would like it to have the highest ability to win. So I propose this, manned and unmanned craft. Unmanned craft cdan be easily and compactly stored, so space wont be an issue, and this issue wont be an issue.
Now as I look at the minutes from the last meeting, the joint information/intel network was High Marshall O'Connor's idea. And because he and I stand together, I want to re-urge the importance of it. With out info/intel linked, terrorist threats will be reduced dramitcly. Furthermore, joint operations will move much more smoothly and effectivley. Allowing for fewer losses on our side, and more on thiers."

President Carter spoke up after a long period of silence, "I think we can both agree that this perimeter and region-wide information network are necessary componets to APTO security. Now what we need to do is compromise what they will consist of: manned or unmanned vehicles. My opinion: unmanned vehicles provide lower casualities and may work only to hold off the enemy until we get trained pilots into the air. But we cannot always rely on UCAVs, I propose a compromise -- that we allow some squadrons of manned aircraft to support the UCAVs or for the UCAVs to support the manned aircraft. Eh?"

President Carter looked around. So few had come as to this point and taking a final tally of votes would be merely impossible.

"Exactly. The first step to this defensive latticework is information. When we're talking operational level combat with large amounts of nations on each side, C3I is an abseloute must. However, we need to make sure it can work in a combat situation. We need the full spectrum, radio, modem, wi-fi, even satellite communications. The more we have to fall back on, the better we can work. Also, we believe the establishment of several "APTO Channels" for defensive and combat units will ease the process of multi-national communications."

Gordon jotted notes down as he hummed then a little to himself, he had a very pleased expression on his face.

"Both very good points, and I can do nothing but agree with both. The few numbers of members here does not comfort me though, we are making smo much progress, but only between us. Even the CLF's closest ally, the Empire of ThirdEye, has not gotten here yet. Sadly I must suggest we postpone until more delegates show up."

OOC- Why isn't this being held on are off-site forum? That way we aren't exposing "defense related" strategies and plans.

Bunker sat back and watched a moment. The Perimeter debate had bogged down and the communications debate was going well, with some consensus there. President Harrington just sat there. While she knew the basics of defense, her SecDef knew a lot more. Bunker sipped at his water and began.

"Further to this communications and APTO channels thing, perhaps we should look at information sharing. Although our various C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence) systems are different, I feel it necessary to build joint command centres, each responsible for coordination of region wide air, surface, subsurface and land defenses. Furthermore, we should consider standardising those systems, such that if I were in a bunker or a NEACP (National Emergency Airborne Command Post) aircraft, that what I see on my screens would be the same as anyone else's. We should also develop a network of backup C4I posts where we can go if one is knocked out due to hostile action or mechanical failures or whatever."

OOC- Why isn't this being held on are off-site forum? That way we aren't exposing "defense related" strategies and plans.

OOC: Because having the information isn't the same as being able to use it. In real life, we know how Stealth Aircraft work, but has anyone been able to reliably track them? Of course not! And they know our doctrines (hell, the US publishes them freely too!), but they don't know the specifics. We're not giving anything away, really.

Here's my basic idea. There are undoubtedly more branches and opportunities to add things.

OK, Since it doesn't load for some of you, and the bbcode is acting funny

www.freewebs.com/housecorino/APTORIN.gif

http://www.freewebs.com/housecorino/APTORIN.gif

OOC: Pic didn't load.

IC: The Empire of Crimmond respectfully declines to attend, for matters of internal strife.

(OOC: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=109866 )

"Very nice work, delegate," said Carter, "As you said, more details will need to be attached, but it seems like an excellent base to build off of. Now, if only those no-shows would come!"

OOC: Pic didn't load.

IC: The Empire of Crimmond respectfully declines to attend, for matters of internal strife.

(OOC: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=109866 )Just in case someone misses it.

The doors of the Reception Hall open up as Elarian Delegates walk in. It was EIM General Vel'Aroth and Serinia Coriness of House Coriness escorted by four Imperial Guards.

Some people looked a bit confused , this was the first APTO Conference that Elara had attended. Vel'Aroth put three bottles of Elarian Ale on the table. As the group sat down the two Imperial Guards stepped back against the wall , the other two walked outside to patrol the area.

Serinia shuffled through the papers in front of her , she was dressed in a long Elarian Nobles Dress and wore a thin silver ring resembling a crown atop her head of golden blonde hair. EIM (Elarian Imperial Marines) General Vel'Aroth looked across the table to the Adejaani delegate , trying to hold back his feelings. Elarian/Adejaani relations had not been that well of late.

Serinias ice blue eyes gazed across the room. She smiled as she looked around.

"Forgive us , it seems we're a bit late." Serinia says as she picks up the packet that had been passed around earlier.

Moments later after the Elarian Delegates arrived, two men dressed in all black robes acompanied by a tall slender woman, enter the room.

I am Nyasha Wotumba, Sambizie Intelligence. I have been assigned Delegate to this conferance. Nyasha makes her way into the room and finds a seat between the Adejaani and Elarian Delegates. "Forgive my tardiness President Carter", she states as she sits down. The two men in robes take their place behind Nyasha.

Nyasha glances over at the Elarian Delegate with a puzzled look on her face, "Excuse me, but have we met?", she inquired.

Hi!

A fleet of Hummers arrive, lead by the presidential Corvette. Out of the first two hummers come the 12 Secret Service members. Out of the remaining 4 hummers come a small escort of soldiers. Two secret service officers walk to the driver's side door of the presidential Corvette to let out President Max Powers of the United States of American Motorcars. The President then enters the conference room, along with his 12 secret service members. "Please excuse my tardiness", says President Powers, "I was busy at a peace treaty signing with the Unfathomably Powerful Empire of The Great Piccolo." Mr. Powers then paces around the table. "So, then, the subject must be of Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles, or UCAVs, for short..." He then drops some photos on the table. "Behold the NASA-developed AJ-220, with enough jet fuel to circle the globe, and enough firepower to level a city."

Hi!
Upon noticing the seemingly random intruder, 2 of Corinth's Marine guards raise their weapons and begin to apprehend the intruder.
"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law..."
OOC-Read the first page, dammit.
IC-
"Ah, we're talking defensive weapons... Please, someone get him the minutes of the meeting."

Moments later after the Elarian Delegates arrived, two men dressed in all black robes acompanied by a tall slender woman, enter the room.

I am Nyasha Wotumba, Sambizie Intelligence. I have been assigned Delegate to this conferance. Nyasha makes her way into the room and finds a seat between the Adejaani and Elarian Delegates. "Forgive my tardiness President Carter", she states as she sits down. The two men in robes take their place behind Nyasha.

Nyasha glances over at the Elarian Delegate with a puzzled look on her face, "Excuse me, but have we met?", she inquired.

Serinia looked over to Nyasha with a smile.

"Ahh your from Sambizie." "Hmmm well I did work on a umm...project with Sambizie Scientists and a few Elarian Scientists on Siesana." "My name is Serinia Coriness of Elara , the House of Coriness." "This will be Elaras first meeting at an APTO Conference , I didnt know Sambizie would be attending considering they are no longer part of APTO." "It is a pleasure to see some of Elaras closest friends and allies here." "With all that I must say , I hope this meeting remains civil."

just minutes after the Sam, Elarian, and Motor delagates arrived, a large shuttle landed, and Senator Orion himself stepped out. Not leting Intar attend diplomatic meetings agien, Senator Orion and his guards walked into the main halls.

The wonders a chain e-mail will do... thought President Carter. He chuckled a bit to himself.

"Welcome delegates from Elara, Sambizie, American Motorcars, and Atlantian Outcasts. We are glad that you've arrived," he said before turning to General Vel'Aroth, "Thank you for bringing some of that fine Elarian Ale." President Carter pointed to the packets resting before their seats and spoke, "Please, take a seat. We have much more to discuss now that you have arrived. As you can see before you are information packets of what was discussed last meeting and several ideas of New Genoa herself."

He signaled to his assistant who had been standing at the right hand side of the back room. The man nodded and turned and entered the room, returning with the transcripts that had been recorded already from the current meeting.

"I hope no one feels offended that we are recording this meeting, it is in the best interest of those who arrive late. We have several mighty fast typists back there and they type what is recorded," he explained.

Orion took the Packets and Transcipts, and rapadly skimmed over them, as he took his seat.
"Mr. Carter, I do not care if you record this meeting or not"

"Mr. Carter, I do not care if you record this meeting or not"

President Carter nodded his head in acknowledgement in the direction of the Senator speaking, "Understood, friend. Before we continue, does anybody have any conflict with the recording of this conference?"

OOC- Recorded, as in what... (typed up by somebody with too much free time)

I appologize for the image below's reuctance to load, please go to the plain text url.

IC- As I was saying, this is my proposed network or RIN (Regional Intelligence Network)

freewebs.com/housecorino/APTORIN.gif

http://www.freewebs.com/housecorino/APTORIN.gif

Serinia looks to Carter and nods.

"The Elarian Delegation has no problem with this Conference being recorded." "It is in everyones best interests that we have a record of all that occurs , could come in handy in the future."

Bunker looked up and over at Carter. "Perhaps, Mister President, since now the major powers of APTO have arrived, we can continue on where we left off?"

Carter nodded in agreement, "Indeed. I believe the delegate from House Corino was displaying an outline of the information network."

"Yes, I was unveiling my early design for the structuring of a RIN (Regional Intelligence Network)."

Please visit the following url for a visual of the proposal.

freewebs.com/housecorino/APTORIN.gif

President Carter typed the URL into the address bar of his laptop and waited about thirty seconds before the page loaded.

"Interesting, delegate. May you go over your plan of the RIN with the rest of us once more so we can get the gist of what you're proposing?"

"Certainly, my central idea, is that the APTO RIN should be made up of three key ingredients: The Mainframe computers of each nation, the databases of each nation, and the data being provided for all APTO members through surveillance. In short, live data from direct sources, concrete data from the archives, and a mix of both coming from each nation's mainframe. Thus a huge pool of knowedge will be accumulated.

Maybe this diagram will help to explain the "pool of knowledge" idea. Each nation would submit the following types of information:"

http://www.freewebs.com/housecorino/APTORIN2.gif

OOC- I appologize again if that didn't load, here's the url:
freewebs.com/housecorino/APTORIN2.gif

"Hmph. Although we are all allies here, I'm not sure we should share certain (classified) information with each other. It only takes a nation to falsely join our alliance and steal important information... and then use it against us. I suggest the creation of a head council in addition to the defense council, and grant those nations the exclusive power to view the vital information."

"Well, of course each nation could have filters on what info goes into the net, and I'm sure the Delegate could choose how much info each nation recieves. We can get our men from the "MilNet" and "WarNet" Integrated Strategic Systems to help work on the large amounts of supercomputers we may need to control all this."

I agree that we must not reveal everything, and I also would be glad to supply computers and the technology neccesary to make this a reality.

Nyasha raises her hand seconds before she speaks, "Gentlemen, sorry...but we would have to disagree with the RIN". "Each nation could, as the Delegate from New Empire stated, "filter" the data, but this would incure an unwanted "cost" to our nation. We would have to pay for additional software/hardware to make sure that government systems could not be "hacked". It seems that with the more systems and larger network, lies a greater "security" risk. I'm certain that these "additional" cost for an already "secure" network, will not be alotted by the Intelligence Division."

"It is however a good idea to share intelligence with our allies, but this should be in the form the governments chosing and time." "I mean no disrespect when I ask..Do you really want other governments "tapped" into you national mainframe?" "I would have to say that until this idea is presented to the Emperor, there will be no access to the Peacekeeper Mainframe."

Serinia nods as she begins to speak.

"The Elarian Delegation concurs with the Sambizie." "As some of you know , Elarians are a bit secretive , the Empire would never agree to this." "You could move forward but Elara would have no part in it."

She takes a sip of Elarian Ale and then looks back up.

"Our rituals except for the wedding rituals have been closely guarded secrets." "Many know that Elara never gives out its own technology , and there is much more information that I dare not discuss." "The mainframe would give all of our information to all of APTO , and to those who wish to intercept this information and bring it to those who would see us destroyed." "Before you know it all Elarian technology would shut down temporarily and an invasion of Elaras Earth lands would commense." "Sure we may be paranoid in some aspects of our dealings , but better safe than sorry." "We in no way mean this as an offense to House Corino , no doubt it is a good idea we just cannot be apart of it."

"I suggest a compromise." Bunker began, going without any real plan. Although Secretary of Defense, he hated guesswork, especially intelligence stuff. "The APTO RIN should only gather, process and handle information on non APTO issues (ie information on foreign governments and whatever) as described there."

He then paused as he measured his next words. "Although Adejaani is behind an in principle sharing of military information, any 'APTO Defense (Information) Network' should be displaying enemy forces via sonar, radar etc, not our own units, should the information be tapped into and compromised."

A sleek Scarab shuttle marked in Imperial blue and white lands among the other transports, probably suprising a few people, as it is a little late for arrivals.

-------------

The door to the conference room opens slowly and three people enter. One is a young woman who is completely bald, the major indication of a Delta Human(cyborg, though not noticable) and the other two gaurds, one of whom stays outside.

She stands behind her chair and looks to the others. "I am Larea dinAthos. Assistant Head of Foriegn Relations and Head of Interspecies Relations. Forgive my late arrival. Things are a little hectic back home." She takes her seat and goes over the review of the latest discussion.

"The first proposal is unnacceptable, for many of the same reasons layed out. The second is much better in theory." She paused for a second. Military forces and Intelligence were not the thing a pacifist usually dealt with in detail. "How would this information be shared? Having one of our submarines see an enemy sub is one thing. Telling the rest of you about it without comprimising our sub's location is a whole nother story. Rader range is limited. What is the point in telling you if we see an enemy aircraft on radar, as it would be over our territory already? We would simply shoot it down."

Orion said nothing. One of the things that had led him to dipomacy, he was indifferent in alot of things. Alowed him to be flexable. He simply sat, watching the others speak.

"I can understand your concern, and I have decided that tapping into the mainframes doesn't sound practical in a security sense. I however am very supportive of having a "pool of knowledge" that contained only enemy knowledge. The only problem I see in this is if one nation blindly attacks a hot spot with a few tactical missiles and wipes out a division of allied forces."

"Alright, then perhaps the Military Information Network should tie in all our C4I systems. To address the concerns of the Crimmond delegate, the sharing of information should be, such that we could combine forces and coordinate our attacks and defenses." Bunker took a sip of water and figured he'd need a break soon.

"I need not remind you Adejaani has, at the last two conferences, proposed that we begin joint training iniatives and standardisation of things like refueling ports and compatible communications system. Maybe at least some way to share what we know, such that if my troops fall in battle, that you'll get the enemy and vice versa?"

"Agreed, Bunker. Well said. Well, I'm starving... how about some lunch?"

"Lunch sounds great."
She put down the stylus for her tablet PC; she was taking notes the whole time.

Serinia taps her comm device and begins to speak Elarian. Soon afterward an Elarian maid and butler push in two large carts filled with Elarian cuisine.

"Help yourselves ladies and gentlemen." "Afterwards if I may the Elarian Delegation has a few topics it wishes to discuss."

"Ah, thank you, Lady Serenia. You Elarians are quite hospitable people, even in foreign lands! And be our guest, once we commence talks after lunch, Elara shall have the floor. That is, after we wrap up this information network issue and put a vote forward."

Serinia and General Vel'Aroth stand and begin to fix a korjoth (Elarian Plate) full of Elarian Cuisine.

They then walk back to the table and begin to pray to the Elarian Gods. After which they begin to eat.

Serinia looks around , some people seem a bit nervous about trying the Elarian delicacies.

"Please feel free to help yourselves." "Fear not theres nothing fatal to Humans or Atlantians."

Serinia smiles and goes back to eating her food.

Bunker stepped up to the cuisine carts that were wheeled in, but got a frown from the Elarans. It seemed there was still some bad blood there between his two nations. Or maybe it was against him, for all his comments. Bunker resolved to have a talk with Emperor Meridius of Elara about patching things up as soon as possible.

"So please tell me, what is this fine feast, exactly?" Bunker said as he picked up a plate and began forking samples of everything onto it.

Serinia looks over to Bunker , not looking too pleased with him.

"Its good , trust me." "Right side is vegetarian and the left is cooked with meats."

"Try some you may like it." Serinia mumbles something about 'It would be the only thing Adejaani seems to like about Elara.' She then goes back to her meal.

Bunker again frowned. Maybe now..... No, no. Emperor Meridius was with the Coalition Fleet, making final preparations to attack two worlds and a major station. He wasn't going to delay them by this. He could live with frowns and hurt feelings for the moment.

"Quite delicious. My compliments to your chefs." Bunker said as he swallowed what tasted like chicken. Serinia didn't even answer him.....

Gordon could not even contain his excitement, although having spent most of his time in New Genoa during his military years, he had known and tasted very good Elarian feasts. The Elarians had been there at the beginning of the CLF, Gordon knew very well all the food on the carts and helped himself generously, also pouringhimself a shot of Elarian Ale, he could hold his alcohol....for a human.

Larea looks at the food and nods, but doesn't get up from her chair. "It looks good. I sahll pass however. I don't require food for another fourty hours." She says, like going without for almost two days is normal.

Her gaurd however seems to be eyeing the food tray more than gaurding his represenitive. He is about to ask permission to eat when he hears a voice in his ear. The shuttle pilot. After a few seconds, he leans down and speaks quietly, but not so quiet that someone could overhear, to Larea. "Madame... the death toll from the nuclear attack on Prauge has arrived. Nearly 12,000." He pauses for a second. "One of them was Star Commander Ranar dinAthos."

Her face remains steady, but her eyes soften. "Thank you, Corporal."

"Lord Tian also wishes you to try and steer any conversations away from the war. Actions being taken by the military are... rather extreme."

Larea simply nods.

Nyasha leans over to Serinia after taking a fork full of food, "This is very good", she stated. Not waiting for a response, "So, you say you have been to the Emperor's homeworld..Siesana?" "Actually, I guess you could say this is my last 'official' action for Sambizie interest in Sol...I'm being transfered to the Sambizie Defence Platform in two weeks." "Is it much different there...?" Nyasha takes another bite of her food...

Serinia looks over to Nyasha and smiles as she nods.

"Ive been to Siesana , though I didnt know it was Mwto'ars homeworld." "Trust me its a very beautiful place , though it has a very colonial feel which I just love." "Fear not my friend you will be fine!" "Glad you enjoy the food , some of our finest." "So how is our close friends and allies the Sambizie these days?" "Well as can be I hope , given the war and all..."

General Vel'Aroth walks over to Gordon and pats him on the back as he takes a swig of Elarian Ale.

"You drink like a Marine , thats why we love you CLF , warrior and kindred spirits to our own." "Im General Vel'Aroth of the Elarian Imperial Marines , pleased to meet you Gordon , your reputation proceeds you."

"I don't need a babysitter, thank-you-very-much, Doctor Ryan, I can manage just fine. Ah, good day, Doctor Bunker. Sorry to see you go, I hope I can manage without you." Bunker, the Secretary of Defense shook the newcomer's hand with deference and care. Judge Harry Bell was old and seemed frail and simplistic in lifestyle and outlook in life, but he knew the law inside out. He should, he'd practiced law for almost seventy years, first as a lawyer in a county firm, then in the big leagues and then as a Judge. Although no longer an active Judge, people still called him that, and after many long years of badgering, was finally the Attorney General of Adejaani.

He looked like a kind grandfather (and was, numerous times over) and while he knew the law inside out, his knowledge in almost every other area was lacking, though he applied the common sense and fairness from his time as a Lawyer. Which was why the Adejaani Deputy Secretaries of Defense, State and Treasury, plus the Secretary of Intelligence, Doctor Anne Ryan was there.

Bunker and President Harrington were needed back at Adejaani, on a pressing concern. Namely with the next climactic chapter of the Sha'Ra conflict about to be written, they needed to be on duty. Bell and the various other people could more than make up for Adejaani's prescence at the conference.

"So, what did I miss?" Judge Bell shuffled over to the food cart. "You know, if my wife Mildred caught me eating this food, she'd hit the roof. She gives me the same food similar to what animals ate when I was growing up in that old farm. It was healthy, alright, but I'm as thin as a stick, hardly any muscle! Why, one gust of wind and I'd probably fall right over!" Bell smiled and tried to break the ice with the other delegates, wondering if the polite laughter was genuine or diplomatic.....

OOC: CLF Asked me to take care of this since hes gonna be away for a bit.

IC:

Gordon falls over drunk. General Vel'Aroth signals the two Elarian Imperial Guards to take the poor man to the CLF Transport where he is then brought to CLF to recuperate.

Serinia and General Vel'Aroth finish their plates. As the servants take them away Serinia wipes her mouth and leans over to Vel'Aroth.

"These Humans eat alot." "Should I interrupt to get things started?"

Vel'Aroth snickers and turns to Serinia.

"Let them enjoy our food." "Im sure their bodies cannot possibly hold much more." "We'll get back to discussion soon enough."

Serinia nods and begins flipping through her notes.

::President Carter finishes his plates and wipes his mouth with a napkin::

"Why I don't think I can eat anymore," Carter said complimenting the fine Elarian cuisine. "Now, shall we hear the closing arguments concerning the information network, ladies and gents?"

"Agreed, President Carter. May I please ask for a summary or each person to go around stating their opinions?" Bell said, fanning himself. He'd bitten into a fairly large Elaran Blue Pepper and was red faced and coughing quietly. "I tell you what, the Elarans cook a good meal. The heat from that Pepper is ready to make me dance a fine Mamba!" Bell grinned and danced a few steps and hummed as he returned to his seat.

::President Carter finishes his plates and wipes his mouth with a napkin::

"Why I don't think I can eat anymore," Carter said complimenting the fine Elarian cuisine. "Now, shall we hear the closing arguments concerning the information network, ladies and gents?"

Nyasha clears her throat be fore she begins to answer Carter's question...

"The Sambizie Peacekeepers position is this; Though we are an indepent "state" in the respect of econimics and trade, we are still ruled by the Empire." "The Sambizie have taken great strides into forming a concrete relationship with APTO, thus our presence in the region." "As for now, due to certain assets of the Empire, we can not allow the 'tapping' of the mainframe or any other government servers."

"We would like to stress that the sharing of intelligence is good." "But we find it economically unsound to try and bring uniformity to 'imformation-hardware'."By this I mean...save your money for your computers." "Your nation's leaders as well as my Emperor know all too well that if intelligence is required of the Sambizie...they need but to ask."

Serinia nods to the Sambizie Delegation.

"As stated earlier , we of the Elarian Delegation have to agree." "While the sharing of information is good and this was a good idea , we prefer not to freely open up our mainframe for all tos ee so to speak." "We vote against the Information Network." "Oh andwe appreciate all of the compliments on Elarian cuisine , we are happy that you all enjoyed it."

Serinia says with a smile.

Judge Bell felt the gentle tap on his shoulder and put on his glasses. "This note here from the Secretary of Intelligence, Doctor Ryan, I'm meant to read this out loud." Bell peered at the paper and raised an eyebrow, but dutifully began reading.

"Sharing information, while laudable as 'knowledge is power', does have its limits. There must be a limit to the information shared between the nations of APTO. Such information would include defense policies, personal records, budgets, plans for various buildings and other designs and so forth.

"Adejaani reaffirms its commitment to share information on Foreign governments and everything we know, information like leader dossiers, population numbers and everything else.

"We will, however, offer any information requested by our good friends within APTO, upon direct request as such.

"Adejaani, however, remains commited to a limited battlefield compatibility between our various communications and command systems, if only to see and properly direct our military operations. Certainly, communications capabilities are a must, regardless. For the command part, this could come as part of a joint command facility of some sort."

Bell stopped reading and looked up at President Carter. "Might I suggest, if we were to vote, we compromise between the various 'for' proposals and then vote on that?"

Larea shakes her head. "There is no way to make our military and information technology compatible with any technology from a nation that has not yet harnessed the abilities of fusion or plasma, required to make some of the major components. We have, since the beggining, made it so that our technology is unique. So much so that it becomes tedious to try and link into them with anything but our own technology. I'm also sure that you know of the... odd power requirements of the systems, to make it even harder. In short, we would have to scrap all our technology and start over or you would have to develop something like ours. The best way to get information on a nation is to simply contact the Black Staff, our information service and make a request for it. No record will be kept of the data transfer and it would not be traeable. Or so I'm told..."

She shakes her head again. "The Empire of Crimmond votes Nay to the Information Networks, in any form."

Judge Bell sighed and held out his hands in surrender. "If we can't work out an information network, then I counterpropose to use smoke signals to share information between our two countries, or at least some fast couriers to deliver any requested information to each other's countries. Either that or just use the media to get it through, they seem to be 'everywhere'."

The Adejaani Secret Service Agents, who had thus far kept quiet, shoved off the wall, put one hand on Judge Bell's shoulder and whispered in his ears. "Oh, excuse me, Ladies and Gentlemen, apparently, these fine folks assigned to protect me have told me I need to get going. My apologies." Bell smiled and was led outside. There were two helicopters already warming up. Once Bell got aboard, he turned to the nearest Agent and yelled "Mind telling me what's going on?!"

"Yes, sir." The lead Agent handed over a sheet of paper. "The Adejaani Capital has been nuked out of existence. As the last, most senior surviving member of the government, you're now the leader." Bell only gaped in shock.

OOC: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2535324#2535324 :wink:

"Well, good-bye Mr. Bell," said President Carter.

The meeting had come to a standstill.

"Now that this information proposal seems to have been gunned down, why don't we make a voluntary information network? Any APTO nation may join and leave at any time they wish. Eh?"

I agree with the general opinion that sharing mainframes is not worth it. However, I would like to strongly support the database of foreign information, military data, and intel. Such a system would benefit all of the APTO and leave no one leary about security leaks. Why don't we put this to a vote eh?

Larea shakes her head. "There is no way to make our military and information technology compatible with any technology from a nation that has not yet harnessed the abilities of fusion or plasma, required to make some of the major components. We have, since the beggining, made it so that our technology is unique. So much so that it becomes tedious to try and link into them with anything but our own technology. I'm also sure that you know of the... odd power requirements of the systems, to make it even harder. In short, we would have to scrap all our technology and start over or you would have to develop something like ours. The best way to get information on a nation is to simply contact the Black Staff, our information service and make a request for it. No record will be kept of the data transfer and it would not be traeable. Or so I'm told..."

She shakes her head again. "The Empire of Crimmond votes Nay to the Information Networks, in any form."

OOC: I know Gordon left(im back btw, IRL that is) but I know the CLF has, and so has Elara, use Plasma.
Another point, seeing as this whole thing was orgininally O'Connor's idea, let me clarify OOC what I meant. I dont mean opening up all your closets to your allies, Im talking about a network of information that you would share anyways, but instead of wasting the time and having to ask, it is already available. I wasnt proposing giving all your secrets, trust me, the CLF could not afford that... :twisted:

"We understand it is hard to integrate your systems, but did your Black Staff learn of the nuclear bomb recently detonated in your territory before it was used? We cannot always trust our own systems alone. I believe a voluntary information network would be a great boon to APTO nation intelligence. Each participant could decide what goes on the network."

OOC: Sorry, couldn't get on the forums at all (as you all know)

IC: Orion walked out of the bathroom, ready to re-enter the conversation

Another CLF Chopper approached New Genoa City, not bearing the executive seal how ever, it was simply the CLF Boarder Guard's Seal. Out stepped a man in a suit, followed by the commander of the Boarder Guard, Staff Admiral Callard, alogn with 5 Boarder Guard Patrol men, all armed. The entered the room and the man n the suit stepped back, as if fearing recognition, and the look became evident he was made uneasy by the presence of the Elarians. The Staff Admiral took a step foward and spoke up.

"Excuse me ladies and gentlemen, I am Staff Admiral Callard of the CLF Boarder guard, I am here to pick up Mr, err Vice Marshall Gordon's notes along with anything else he may have left..."