Dread Lady Nathicana
15-01-2004, 21:58
Much had happened since she had first sent an emissary to the nation of Melkor Unchained in what felt like decades ago. That first contact had gone very well indeed, setting up the Dominion for the fine relationship it had since enjoyed.
Subsequently, the initial trade agreements that had been tentatively begun, and the contract for the cleanup of the oil spills along the coast on account of the war, had been both profitable, and had increased both the stockpiles of the Dominion, and the NDA.
Meeting the warlord, Konrad Althalon, at the Bone Cave meeting, so tragically cut short during an internal uprising on Burninatonia, had offered another venue for comfortable contact and relations. When things had gone sour on the Mars front, negotiations had been brought up yet again, this time at the request of the Imperium. Those dealings had been quiet and careful – as had they all, other than the trade, which was seen as nothing more than good business. The results of that maneuver had far outstripped expectation ... and had more importantly, raised their esteem of the Dominion in a decidedly pleasant manner. The funds from that sale were to be put to good use indeed, and Nathicana felt confident in the increased trade between the Imperium and the NDA.
All the same, when a request for a meeting came, it caught her by surprise.
"To what do I owe this honor?"
Alkanphel laughs. "Fortunate circumstances and trusted ties. We've an offer for you."
The dark-haired woman nods thoughtfully. "Say on."
Alkanphel paces idly. "As you may or may not know, the Imperium has in its employ the one of, if not the finest Officers Corps in the known worldwould you agree?"
Nathicana nods and smiles, making herself comfortable, and watching closely. "True enough
Alkanphel shrugs. "Well, in an effort to strengthen our ties, and as a repayment of sorts for NDA support on Mars and Io, I have been authorized to make you a offer: the Imperium will drop all NDA weapons trade tariffs, and in addition we're also prepared to offer instruction to NDA member states' officer's corps."
She arches a brow, maintaining an expression of neutrality. "Quite the generous offer. Two things come to mind: One, what would this instruction entail, and two, what else is required?"
"All terms are negotiable. Nothing is required, you've already met your requisites for such treatment. And the instruction would be a voluntary process, and we'd either open our Academy here, or build them where we need to, with your blessing. It would be a 4 year program."
"I think I would like to present this rather gracious offer to the council, and the other members before giving a solid answer, if that is acceptable? With such an unexpected offer, I would be out of line making decisions for the rest without some input at least."
Alkanphel snorts. "Well, such as it is, it seems rather odd for an alliance of autocrats to take a vote, but the offer is offered to you alone as well, if you would take it now. Surely you need not wait for a vote on matters of internal affair?"
Nathicana grins broadly. "Of course not. As for the other, it isn't so much a matter of vote as a matter of politeness and civility. Checks and balances there are for looks and the comfort of rather cautious people, as you should well know yourself. Truth matters not. Appearances are everything."
He chuckles and takes a seat, fidgeting about for his cigarettes. "Indeed, we're used to dealing with our alliance single handedly. Generally, as I'm sure you've guessed, we're just used to running the show ourselves."
Nathicana nods and smiles as she listens. "Much more efficient that way. And why not? Those best suited for leadership ought to bloody well lead. There are few in your alliance who could challenge that position, from what I've observed. Not to mention, many seem to need a strong hand to guide them."
"Well, in our world, Melkor's nature more or less speaks for itself. The Emperor of Kalessin is also venerable and wise. Say what some might of our workings, we're fiercely loyal. The GDODAD and the Reich will be tested soon."
Nathicana perks up at that. "Plans?" she asks with interest. "We've little interest in either ourselves, as yet. Though I've noticed GDODAD has often made a nuisance of itself. The Reich, now ... they just seem a pack of radical fanatics with big guns."
Alkanphel snorts. "Both are waning. Both are beneath Arda. They're clearly attempting to shelter themselves from some power."
She shrugs, feigning indifference. "As I said, we've had little interest in either. As for beneath you, I though that went without question. There aren't many alliances that offer much challenge to yours that I've noticed."
Alkanphel ashes his cigarette, and looks vaguely dismayed as he draws a flask from his desk. "Indeed. It's almost boring anymore. Men these days are much like cattle in the days of old: easily manipulated to our ends. Even the elves."
She smiles at that, a bit of mischief in her eyes. "No one to offer even a hint of challenge anymore?"
Alkanphel takes a swig, and holds up the flask, for a moment, if she wanted any. He continued, reaching to his ashtray for that cigarette. "Not so much anymore. Menelmacar yet stands as a power against us, but even they have compromised. They too would back down in the end. With the sundering of the Empire of Eternal Dawn, that bloc has been weakened, whether they want to acknowledge it or not. Even the Nenyans are coming around, it seems."
She accepts the flask without hesitation, taking a couple swallows, then handing it back with a slight cough and a grin. "Menelmacar showed their true colors when willing to work alongside you on Mars. I think they have grown weak in their overly materialistic ways. As for EOTED, their arrogance is their weakness. Being able to properly judge reactions of such is a dangerously convenient tool to have at ones disposal."
He nods. "Indeed. It's become all to easy for us to spread our influence. soon, our power will spread to the Reich and GDODAD as well. When they dissolve, they'll join us for good."
Nathicana gives him a steady look. "And those who have shown a usefulness and good work relationship in the past? Do you also seek to exert influence there as well?" she asks with a little smile.
Alkanphel grins wryly and taps his finger on his flask. He takes a drag of his cigratte and grins. "Perceptive, of all our allies you've proven our most astute," he said with a nod. "We're.... cultivating our allies."
She smiles again. "I haven't gotten to where I am being blind. Nor from underestimating both friends and enemies. I myself never give something for nothing. I expect the same of other intelligent leaderships." She sits back, crossing her legs and relaxing. "Allies are a mixed blessing, I've found. Still, from all your talk, and other signs, you are preparing for something rather ... significant. Might I be audacious enough to ask what?"
Alkanphel grins, and shakes his head. "I think not."
Nathi laughs, not offended in the least. "As I thought," she says, still chuckling. "Most excellent. I will of course keep an eye out, all the same."
Alkanphel nods. "Indeed." Taking another swig from the flask, he set it down again on the desk between them, and leaned forward, exhaling the smoke upward with a grin. "All that are wise should do so."
"It's amazing the ... well, quite frankly, idiots that are allowed to rule out there. I'm surprised more nations haven't been either wiped out by such as yourselves, or haven’t simply run themselves into the ground. I myself am not much of an expansionist, but ... I admit, there are those at times I wouldn't mind 'adjusting' a bit, to a more suitable system."
"Its often better to subjugate them than to destroy them," he says, nodding.
Nathicana grins, eyes sparkling with a bit of mischief. "Or control behind the scenes ... I admit, that -has- been a favored tactic of mine. What we lack in military might, I'd like to think we make up for in intrigue and intel."
Alkanphel nods. "Indeed. We've noticed you're rather adept at this."
She shrugs and smiles. "It has served my purposes. Nothing thus far that I've done has elicited much of a complaint. Even the colony sale went quiet rather quickly, despite several nations being, shall we say, irritated with it. Not one peep from the Triumvirate concerning business and trade ties with yourselves as well. It's all in the delivery and spin." Reaching for the flask, she takes another drink, then sets it back. "Truth is nothing. Image is everything."
Alkanphel peers at her with a arched brow, and grins warmly. "Interesting. Our surmisals of Yut appear to be accurate."
"How so, if I might ask?"
Alkanphel leans forward and grins. to accomodate his hunch forward, he moves the flask. "They've grown altogether too large. They cannot afford to meddle in the affairs of their member-states. By "they" I mean the core powers of the Old Yut bloc."
She grins right back. "Think you so?" she says with a chuckle.
He sighs. "I remember the old days. They'd be down the throats of many, many nations I know, if their policy were held as it were long ago."
"Perhaps my cover efforts are simply good enough to fool the eyes of those who're watching?" she says with a wink. "After all, they do not regulate trade, nor that I've seen, attempt to influence internal workings of member nations. Nothing I've done here, that they know of, is outside their precepts."
Alkanphel nods. He seems to lean back slightly, regarding her intently. "Indeed..."
She arches a brow. "Something I said?" she asks, still smiling.
He taps his flask again with his finger and takes another drink. "Nothing..."
Nathicana runs one fingertip along her lower lip, still smiling pleasantly. "Again, I thank you for this offer. I know I myself am interested, as I am sure at least several of the others will be. I am but a simple leader with simple designs, whatever else I may appear. The defense and continued growth of my nation is my concern, no more, no less. I appreciate the opportunity to forward that effort."
Alkanphel nods. "And we would certainly not deny that opportunity to such a valued ally," she said, rising from his chair slowly. He stretches his arms above his head, and then crosses them in front of his chest. "For we're much indebted to you, as you know."
Nathi gracefully rises to her feet, extending her hand with an impish smile. "Yes, I know," she says. "And I appreciate your sentiment there. I'm glad we've been able to be of help to one another. Mutually beneficial ties tend to be the ones most desired, after all."
Alkanphel shuffles out from behind the desk, and stalks round to the other side, leaning up against it. He smiles a bit. "Indeed. I certainly hope they strengthen..."
Nathicana arches a brow. "In what ways, if I may ask, would you like to see that? I am always open to suggestions."
He chuckles. "Well, a good start would be accepting our offer, it would certainly be a burden off our hearts. But we're open to weighing other offers. This, so far, is what we've come up with for now."
Nathicana nods, and smiles. "Then let us proceed thusly, for now. I will hand pick twelve of my more promising officers to attend in your nation, as well as accepting the gracious offer of tariff cancellations. Those I know I can easily accept on behalf of the NDA as well. As for others choosing to avail themselves of your training, I will of course need to forward your offer to them. Locations within nations as well would be handled similarly."
Alkanphel nods pleasantly and bows. "We're sure you're officers will find our instruction most useful. You'll be pleased should they ever show their proficiency in battle. We do not wish war to come to the NDA, but we fear it may yet."
Nathicana nods. "That is our fear as well. Plans have been in place for some time, and we have not been idle in continuing to monitor and prepare. I am certain they shall be an asset. I hope that we can expand this, based on results from this initial group."
He nods. "Indeed. Time will prove me right."
Subsequently, the initial trade agreements that had been tentatively begun, and the contract for the cleanup of the oil spills along the coast on account of the war, had been both profitable, and had increased both the stockpiles of the Dominion, and the NDA.
Meeting the warlord, Konrad Althalon, at the Bone Cave meeting, so tragically cut short during an internal uprising on Burninatonia, had offered another venue for comfortable contact and relations. When things had gone sour on the Mars front, negotiations had been brought up yet again, this time at the request of the Imperium. Those dealings had been quiet and careful – as had they all, other than the trade, which was seen as nothing more than good business. The results of that maneuver had far outstripped expectation ... and had more importantly, raised their esteem of the Dominion in a decidedly pleasant manner. The funds from that sale were to be put to good use indeed, and Nathicana felt confident in the increased trade between the Imperium and the NDA.
All the same, when a request for a meeting came, it caught her by surprise.
"To what do I owe this honor?"
Alkanphel laughs. "Fortunate circumstances and trusted ties. We've an offer for you."
The dark-haired woman nods thoughtfully. "Say on."
Alkanphel paces idly. "As you may or may not know, the Imperium has in its employ the one of, if not the finest Officers Corps in the known worldwould you agree?"
Nathicana nods and smiles, making herself comfortable, and watching closely. "True enough
Alkanphel shrugs. "Well, in an effort to strengthen our ties, and as a repayment of sorts for NDA support on Mars and Io, I have been authorized to make you a offer: the Imperium will drop all NDA weapons trade tariffs, and in addition we're also prepared to offer instruction to NDA member states' officer's corps."
She arches a brow, maintaining an expression of neutrality. "Quite the generous offer. Two things come to mind: One, what would this instruction entail, and two, what else is required?"
"All terms are negotiable. Nothing is required, you've already met your requisites for such treatment. And the instruction would be a voluntary process, and we'd either open our Academy here, or build them where we need to, with your blessing. It would be a 4 year program."
"I think I would like to present this rather gracious offer to the council, and the other members before giving a solid answer, if that is acceptable? With such an unexpected offer, I would be out of line making decisions for the rest without some input at least."
Alkanphel snorts. "Well, such as it is, it seems rather odd for an alliance of autocrats to take a vote, but the offer is offered to you alone as well, if you would take it now. Surely you need not wait for a vote on matters of internal affair?"
Nathicana grins broadly. "Of course not. As for the other, it isn't so much a matter of vote as a matter of politeness and civility. Checks and balances there are for looks and the comfort of rather cautious people, as you should well know yourself. Truth matters not. Appearances are everything."
He chuckles and takes a seat, fidgeting about for his cigarettes. "Indeed, we're used to dealing with our alliance single handedly. Generally, as I'm sure you've guessed, we're just used to running the show ourselves."
Nathicana nods and smiles as she listens. "Much more efficient that way. And why not? Those best suited for leadership ought to bloody well lead. There are few in your alliance who could challenge that position, from what I've observed. Not to mention, many seem to need a strong hand to guide them."
"Well, in our world, Melkor's nature more or less speaks for itself. The Emperor of Kalessin is also venerable and wise. Say what some might of our workings, we're fiercely loyal. The GDODAD and the Reich will be tested soon."
Nathicana perks up at that. "Plans?" she asks with interest. "We've little interest in either ourselves, as yet. Though I've noticed GDODAD has often made a nuisance of itself. The Reich, now ... they just seem a pack of radical fanatics with big guns."
Alkanphel snorts. "Both are waning. Both are beneath Arda. They're clearly attempting to shelter themselves from some power."
She shrugs, feigning indifference. "As I said, we've had little interest in either. As for beneath you, I though that went without question. There aren't many alliances that offer much challenge to yours that I've noticed."
Alkanphel ashes his cigarette, and looks vaguely dismayed as he draws a flask from his desk. "Indeed. It's almost boring anymore. Men these days are much like cattle in the days of old: easily manipulated to our ends. Even the elves."
She smiles at that, a bit of mischief in her eyes. "No one to offer even a hint of challenge anymore?"
Alkanphel takes a swig, and holds up the flask, for a moment, if she wanted any. He continued, reaching to his ashtray for that cigarette. "Not so much anymore. Menelmacar yet stands as a power against us, but even they have compromised. They too would back down in the end. With the sundering of the Empire of Eternal Dawn, that bloc has been weakened, whether they want to acknowledge it or not. Even the Nenyans are coming around, it seems."
She accepts the flask without hesitation, taking a couple swallows, then handing it back with a slight cough and a grin. "Menelmacar showed their true colors when willing to work alongside you on Mars. I think they have grown weak in their overly materialistic ways. As for EOTED, their arrogance is their weakness. Being able to properly judge reactions of such is a dangerously convenient tool to have at ones disposal."
He nods. "Indeed. It's become all to easy for us to spread our influence. soon, our power will spread to the Reich and GDODAD as well. When they dissolve, they'll join us for good."
Nathicana gives him a steady look. "And those who have shown a usefulness and good work relationship in the past? Do you also seek to exert influence there as well?" she asks with a little smile.
Alkanphel grins wryly and taps his finger on his flask. He takes a drag of his cigratte and grins. "Perceptive, of all our allies you've proven our most astute," he said with a nod. "We're.... cultivating our allies."
She smiles again. "I haven't gotten to where I am being blind. Nor from underestimating both friends and enemies. I myself never give something for nothing. I expect the same of other intelligent leaderships." She sits back, crossing her legs and relaxing. "Allies are a mixed blessing, I've found. Still, from all your talk, and other signs, you are preparing for something rather ... significant. Might I be audacious enough to ask what?"
Alkanphel grins, and shakes his head. "I think not."
Nathi laughs, not offended in the least. "As I thought," she says, still chuckling. "Most excellent. I will of course keep an eye out, all the same."
Alkanphel nods. "Indeed." Taking another swig from the flask, he set it down again on the desk between them, and leaned forward, exhaling the smoke upward with a grin. "All that are wise should do so."
"It's amazing the ... well, quite frankly, idiots that are allowed to rule out there. I'm surprised more nations haven't been either wiped out by such as yourselves, or haven’t simply run themselves into the ground. I myself am not much of an expansionist, but ... I admit, there are those at times I wouldn't mind 'adjusting' a bit, to a more suitable system."
"Its often better to subjugate them than to destroy them," he says, nodding.
Nathicana grins, eyes sparkling with a bit of mischief. "Or control behind the scenes ... I admit, that -has- been a favored tactic of mine. What we lack in military might, I'd like to think we make up for in intrigue and intel."
Alkanphel nods. "Indeed. We've noticed you're rather adept at this."
She shrugs and smiles. "It has served my purposes. Nothing thus far that I've done has elicited much of a complaint. Even the colony sale went quiet rather quickly, despite several nations being, shall we say, irritated with it. Not one peep from the Triumvirate concerning business and trade ties with yourselves as well. It's all in the delivery and spin." Reaching for the flask, she takes another drink, then sets it back. "Truth is nothing. Image is everything."
Alkanphel peers at her with a arched brow, and grins warmly. "Interesting. Our surmisals of Yut appear to be accurate."
"How so, if I might ask?"
Alkanphel leans forward and grins. to accomodate his hunch forward, he moves the flask. "They've grown altogether too large. They cannot afford to meddle in the affairs of their member-states. By "they" I mean the core powers of the Old Yut bloc."
She grins right back. "Think you so?" she says with a chuckle.
He sighs. "I remember the old days. They'd be down the throats of many, many nations I know, if their policy were held as it were long ago."
"Perhaps my cover efforts are simply good enough to fool the eyes of those who're watching?" she says with a wink. "After all, they do not regulate trade, nor that I've seen, attempt to influence internal workings of member nations. Nothing I've done here, that they know of, is outside their precepts."
Alkanphel nods. He seems to lean back slightly, regarding her intently. "Indeed..."
She arches a brow. "Something I said?" she asks, still smiling.
He taps his flask again with his finger and takes another drink. "Nothing..."
Nathicana runs one fingertip along her lower lip, still smiling pleasantly. "Again, I thank you for this offer. I know I myself am interested, as I am sure at least several of the others will be. I am but a simple leader with simple designs, whatever else I may appear. The defense and continued growth of my nation is my concern, no more, no less. I appreciate the opportunity to forward that effort."
Alkanphel nods. "And we would certainly not deny that opportunity to such a valued ally," she said, rising from his chair slowly. He stretches his arms above his head, and then crosses them in front of his chest. "For we're much indebted to you, as you know."
Nathi gracefully rises to her feet, extending her hand with an impish smile. "Yes, I know," she says. "And I appreciate your sentiment there. I'm glad we've been able to be of help to one another. Mutually beneficial ties tend to be the ones most desired, after all."
Alkanphel shuffles out from behind the desk, and stalks round to the other side, leaning up against it. He smiles a bit. "Indeed. I certainly hope they strengthen..."
Nathicana arches a brow. "In what ways, if I may ask, would you like to see that? I am always open to suggestions."
He chuckles. "Well, a good start would be accepting our offer, it would certainly be a burden off our hearts. But we're open to weighing other offers. This, so far, is what we've come up with for now."
Nathicana nods, and smiles. "Then let us proceed thusly, for now. I will hand pick twelve of my more promising officers to attend in your nation, as well as accepting the gracious offer of tariff cancellations. Those I know I can easily accept on behalf of the NDA as well. As for others choosing to avail themselves of your training, I will of course need to forward your offer to them. Locations within nations as well would be handled similarly."
Alkanphel nods pleasantly and bows. "We're sure you're officers will find our instruction most useful. You'll be pleased should they ever show their proficiency in battle. We do not wish war to come to the NDA, but we fear it may yet."
Nathicana nods. "That is our fear as well. Plans have been in place for some time, and we have not been idle in continuing to monitor and prepare. I am certain they shall be an asset. I hope that we can expand this, based on results from this initial group."
He nods. "Indeed. Time will prove me right."