NationStates Jolt Archive

Currently there are many conflicts going on, many of which threaten to draw in powerful alliances. Yet many of these could have been avoided if mediation and cooler heads had prevailed. In some cases matters went too far for countries to honourably withdraw when in fact the matter was barely worth so much as the exchange of a bullet.
Surely it is time for a better way, for free nations to at least have some kind of alternative to haste, suspicion and anger.
The Empire of Lavenrunz wishes to host a summit which will propose the means for a UN Mediation Council, which would ideally satisfy all who supported it and be a means to avoid unecessary conflict.

tag

Comrades,

Although unable to attend in person, as a pacifistic nation, the Shiree would greatly appreciate the opportunity to follow the proceedings via SateliteFeed. However, should something prove to catch our fancy on another channel, we prob'ly won't watch any of it... err...so, actually forget about it... there's prob'ly some hilarious old re-runs on instead.

http://www.benovision.co.uk/NS/FJethoscopes.jpg

Felix Jethoscopes

Shiree Herald to the UN

The Emerald Heights of The SLAGLands will be more than happy to send a delegation to this event. While I wish I could attend personally, unfortunately, my domestic duties cannot wait. As such, Minister Wololo of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be attending, pending the announcement of time, date, and location.

This is indeed a grand idea, and I certainly hope it is a success.

http://invisionfree.com:54/40/9/upload/p3448.gif
Bonne Gregor Westerburg
Prime Minister
The Emerald Heights of The SLAGLands

The Knootian government believes it would be wise for Lavenrunz to cooperate with the already existing New Collateral World Court (NCWC). Surely this organisation deserves another chance. However in the interest of peace we are willing to attend any summit on the subject. Any mediating body should have broad support.
~Knootian ministry of Foreign Affairs public statement

Despite tensions between CACE and SATO nations, in the interests of global peace Celdonia would wish the Foreign Minister, Michael McKay, to attend the summit.

Although any decision found agreeable to our representative cannot be considered binding on the CACE as a body until members have had the opportunity to vote upon it, we shall attempt to "make the case" as it where.

Celdonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In the combined interests of solidarity with our Celdonian comrades and international peace, the Socialist Commonwealth of Anhierarch would like to send a delegation to this summit as representatives of the interests of the people of the Commonwealth.

~Arbiter Dastra

First Among Equals

As with our comrades Celdonia and Anhierarch, in the interests of global peace, the Serene Socialist Republic of Xikuang wishes to send a delegation to the Summit.

Dr. Xu,
the Elected,
Chair of the Elected General Council,
the Serene Socialist Republic of Xikuang

The Conference will be held in Hofburg at the Autumn Palace. Please note: no weapons will be permitted by members during the conference; all security will be provided by official bodyguards carrying small arms only and by the apparatus of state of Lavenrunz.
Empress Aurora, who will be officially hosting the event, has arranged for delegates to stay at the Klefburg Hotel in Hofburg which is very close to the palace.

The Federation will be delighted to send a representative to this conference.

~FSPIRD Comm Tech.

Mangala will send a delegation on behalf of both our own government and acting on behalf of the Duma (Mar's world court-esque thing).

As a neutral Martian nation interested in peace, we would be interested to participate in a sharing of ideas and strategies, and to provide an off-planet perspective.

A diplomatic courier ship will drop off our delegation presently.

To show that Istar wishes nothing but peace for all nations (even ones that do not follow the Light of Paladine) with the permission of the Kingpriest I will attend this meeting to represent EHSMI (Eternal Holy Star Empire of Istar) and the Holy Church.


http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:Nn-yQ0Is6tcC:www.actustar.com/photos/jacksonjanet1.jpg
First Daughter Elsa
Fe Paladas cado, bid Istaras apalo.”
The Eternal Holy Star Empire of Istar

tag

The Armed Imperial Republic of Ruhr has been interested in an international mediation group that settled the issues before small blood can cause millions of lives. Representing the Black Diamond Alliance, the Ruhrian Empire will send Minister Mark Peters to the conference.

Upon further consideration, the Federation will not be sending a delagate.

~FSPIRD Comm Tech.

The Esamopian Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and in charge of the Esamopian Arbitration Council shall be delighted to represent Esamopia at this event.

As a gesture of good will and a hope for future peace, he shall arrive unarmed and without body guard. We trust that your honorable nation and the brilliant goal of the conference will be insurance enough for Dr. Kay Oli's life.

While not a member of the United Nations (for a variety of reasons), the Hack would be honored to send a delegate to The Teutonic Empire of Lavenrunz. We have the utmost faith in Lavenrunzian security, so their arms restrictions will not present a problem.

- President Victor Solis
The Semi-Autonomous Technocratic Oligarchy of the Most Glorious Hack

The Klefburg Hotel in Hofburg had been the site of important conventions and gatherings before, but this would be one of the most momentous.
Because so many people of importance were coming, the custom of the past, guesting foreigners with people of note, would not be done.
Nevertheless, the Imperial Court had planned the Summit to take place during a season of interesting fetes and events. There would be fine dinners, dancing and other entertainments to make the occasion as pleasant as possible.
The diplomatic corps finest were prepared to greet the arrivals when they came to Hofburg International Airport, to convey them to their hotel.
Security procedures at all levels were gone over carefully. Suspicious persons were detained. The hotel and the Autumn Palace were swept with a fine toothed comb.
And ribbons and banners were hung. The anthems of the visiting nations were practiced. Excitement rose in Hofburg...

In the busy lobby of the Klefburg, an old man carrying a small suitcase begins to negotiate his way through the crowds. The man isvery old, his head completely bald and his beard a dusty white. He holds a thick oak cane in his right hand and leans on it as he walks, although the strength in his pace indicates that the cane may be for mere aesthetic purposes. His white and blue robes fit loosely and hang about to his ankles, and his feet are sandled.

With a quick gait, Wololo walks to the guest check-in desk and nods to the employee behind the counter, his face stolid.

"Reservation for Wololo," he says with a slight huff. "I'm expected with regard to the UN Mediation Council Summit."

The register clerk bows politely and glancing at the computer screen says, "Ah, here we are, your Reverence. Yes, your room number is 407, and I am summoning an assistant to carry your luggage and take you to your room." he nods as a young man in a red uniform with brass buttons comes up and bows, offering a hand to the suitcase. "The kitchens are available twenty four hours, and there is a buffet set up in the dining room adjacent to the convention hall. Please enjoy your stay, your Reverence."

From the Klefburg Hotel's Online Brochure
Each room comes with a sitting area, bedroom, bathroom with Lavenrunzian style bath*, is equipped for internet access and is maintained to the highest standards. Suites are larger with more than one bedroom, an additional bar and a small dining area.
The Klefburg Hotel has several fine restaurants and cafes including the Midori (a Japanese restaurant) the Schoenplatz (german) and Bonnheur D'Occasion (French).
A spa including swimming pool, sauna and weight room is also located in the hotel proper.

A few minutes after Wololo is escorted to his room, and young woman in a sharp business suit steps up to the counter. She carries a medium sized bag over one shoulder, and what looks like a slim titanium briefcase in her left hand.

She smiles at the clerk, "Hello. I'm here as an observer for the conference. Elisa Day from the Hack? I should be on the list."

"Fraulein Day...a moment, ah, yes, of course," beamed the registry clerk, "Your room number is 321."
A young attendant arrived to take her bag.
Repeating the information that had been given to the SLAGlands priest, the clerk added, "Ah, and there is a message for you from Colonel Schroeder, General von Hentzau's principal private secretary." the envelope, sealed with a coat of arms, was handed over.

When Elisa Day had leisure to read the message:

To Elisa Day, Representative of the Most Glorious Hack

If possible I would interested in discussing certain particulars of possible trade treaty with you, as there has been little diplomatic opportunity between our nations thus far. Since we share a common ally this would doubtless be to the advantage of our governments. If possible, please meet me at your convenience in the next couple of days.
Cordially
Colonel Artur Shroeder
Principal Private Secretary to
General Ulrica von Hentzau, Minister of War

Elisa smiles at the clerk, "Thank you very much." She takes the key, and hands off the bag to the bell-hop. When he reaches for her briefcase, she shakes her head, "No, I can carry this, thank you." She slips the note into an pocket and follows the bell-hop up to her room.

Awhile later, she was relaxing in her room. The briefcase sat on the bed, open, the laptop that was inside having been removed, and set on a nearby table, connected to the Lavenrunzian networking hub, via a small firewall.

She rather soundly ignored the computer once it was set up, almost as if the act was habit. She hops on the bed, smiling at the note, "Paper... how quaint..." She gives it a quick read before working on a reply.

To Colonel Artur Shroeder, Ministry of War

My itinerary is rather open during this trip, so I will have plenty of time for a visit.

Considering the Hack's protectorate status with GMC, I would say that a free trade agreement is barely more than a matter of getting the proper signatures. However, discussions about other sorts of treaties as well as furthering diplomatic relations seems perfectly reasonable.

Yrs

Elisa Day
Office of Foreign Affairs

The wonderful nation of Vegana will be delighted to attend. AS we already has one of our top diplomats, Duchess Lenore D'elomie, in Lavenrunz, she will represent our proud and peaceful nation.

Mollari arrived a bit late, despite actually living in Hofburg, being the Angstian ambassador to Lavenrunz. It was... well, a habit of him, mainly due to his fondess for alcohol & women.

However, now he was here, doing his usual, rather loud, entrance, making it impossible to overlook him (Although THIS was mainly due to his boldness).

Finally arriving at the counter, he bows (It´s hard to tell... out of sarcasm or out of politeness?). "Ambassador Mollari from DA, for the UN mediation council. Since the embassy is currently busy with a... ah... restructuralisation..."

To Empress Aurora von Sachshausen of Lavenrunz

I myself have had nothing whatsoever to do with the UN or such organizations, however, your efforts I happen to agree with. If I may be so bold as to request attendance? Not only does the subject concern me, but it seems an excellent opportunity to have a more private discussion of other matters previously mentioned between us.

With warm regard,

--Nathicana D'Aquisto of the Dominion

To Empress Aurora von Sachshausen of Lavenrunz

I myself have had nothing whatsoever to do with the UN or such organizations, however, your efforts I happen to agree with. If I may be so bold as to request attendance? Not only does the subject concern me, but it seems an excellent opportunity to have a more private discussion of other matters previously mentioned between us.

With warm regard,

--Nathicana D'Aquisto of the Dominion

Dear Lady Nathicana

It is not boldness at all. I would be very glad to see you again to discuss details and possibilities of what you've referred to.
In any case, the Summit is not merely for members of the UN--perhaps the title is misleading. It is to discuss possible solutions to the increase in conflict.

in friendship
Aurora von Sachshausen of Lavenrunz

Mollari arrived a bit late, despite actually living in Hofburg, being the Angstian ambassador to Lavenrunz. It was... well, a habit of him, mainly due to his fondess for alcohol & women.

However, now he was here, doing his usual, rather loud, entrance, making it impossible to overlook him (Although THIS was mainly due to his boldness).

Finally arriving at the counter, he bows (It´s hard to tell... out of sarcasm or out of politeness?). "Ambassador Mollari from DA, for the UN mediation council. Since the embassy is currently busy with a... ah... restructuralisation..."

The clerk found herself blushing even as she was a touch scandalized. Was the Ambassador drunk or what...but he was so good looking, and had such a wonderfully bad reputation, that she was rather embarassed at the unexpected thought that she hoped he would do something terribly inappropriate.
"Your Excellency," she stammered slightly, "Yes, a room is ready for you of course. Er...there are no staff with you? Or are they expected later."

[ooc: As a matter of fact, he is not good locking... He`s rather... stout, and not exactly young (55 years old). It´s just that his attitude is... ah... unconventional]

---

"Your Excellency," she stammered slightly, "Yes, a room is ready for you of course. Er...there are no staff with you? Or are they expected later."

"Oh... Oh yes, the staff... They will arrive later, as they seem to have important business in the city... Whatever that is." His sarcasm is obvious, his relationship to his staff seems to be rather... 'tense'. "Anyway... very good then, my dear." He continued, a jovial smile (or a grin, thinking of his 'employees', again, one couldn´t know for sure) in his face. For a second or two, he waited. "And... The key, perhaps? Or someone carrying the heavy burden for me?"

The clerk's face was now thoroughly flaming. What a disgusting man. she thought. "Yes, Excellency, the attendant is here, and your key card is here for you as well."
The attendant bowed and took up his bags. "This way, your Excellency."

Stepping from the shower, and wrapping a towel around his body, Miles Heyward walked back into the bedroom, feeling alive again after the journey from Tartarus. Changing into a fresh pair of pants and a shirt, he rubbed his dark blond hair dry, as he moved over to his laptop. Switching it on, he lowered himself into the chair and established a connection with his office.

Reading the screen, getting last minute information from the Empire, Miles picked up the briefcase that was resting on the floor beside the desk. Clicking the locks, he removed some dossiers and began to work his way through them.

The Federal Republic would like to send a delegateion to the Empire to join in on the discussion about the future of the United Nations, and the necessary steps we must take to repair it.

Ashley Dunlop
Secretary of State
Federal Republic of Aerigia

---Post deleted by NationStates Moderators---

The clerk's face was now thoroughly flaming. What a disgusting man. she thought. "Yes, Excellency, the attendant is here, and your key card is here for you as well."
The attendant bowed and took up his bags. "This way, your Excellency."

Mollari bowed again, and took the keycard. Walking upwards, he pondered her for a moment or two. Cute girl... may be worth some further investigations... and investments.

Finally arriving at his room, he opened the door, entering the room. Hope they ain´t building here as well...

The Empire of the Eternal Dawn would much desire to send a representative to this Summit. We cannot guarantee our agreement with the creation of a UN Mediation Council, but we will approach the subject with an open mind.

I myself will be attending.

~ Sarah, AIR (Artificial Intelligence Representative)

The Klefburg Hotel in Hofburg
A small group of people made its way to where the conference would actually take place. After having been greeted by the Lavenrunzian diplomatic corps, they insisted to check the place out as their luggage was being brought to their rooms.

In attendance were notably the former Knootian ambassador to SATO, De Vries (http://invisionfree.com/forums/WBO_and_SATO/index.php?showtopic=373) and his younger assistant, Mr. Merry “Will security be better this time?”, wondered de Vries as they walked to the conference hall. Mr. Merry just did what he usually did when De Vries spoke to him in public – he blushed. “I hope not… what happened to the Prime Minister last time wasn’t pretty.”

A natural attendant was Quinten de Clercq, the Knootian Ambassador to Lavenrunz who had also been present at the coronation. The old man, from a family of former aristocrats, was dressed in slightly less formal wear this time. It was still a black suit, but the tie had a more frivolous pattern. Overhearing the conversation he coughed politely and readjusted his monocle (http://www.picx.co.uk/images/mrmonocle.gif). “I have been assured that there will be no irregularities this time, young Sir, that is – not from Lavenrunzians. Please do not bring up the subject during the meeting. You’d likely insult Her Majesty the Empress.”

Merry nodded quietly, somewhat intimidated by de Clerq’s posture, but de Vries just chuckled lightly. A glare from de Clercq quickly ended his chuckle and he flattened his facial expression. “poor boy…”

Klefburg Hotel in Hofburg

The First Daughter of Paladine Elsa arrived, she glanced in a nearby mirror to make sure she looked perfect. Her ebony skin reflected a heritage that went back all the way to Ergoth in the days when it was a world-class empire and not the Istaran province that it was today. Her finest white silk robes shimmered in the light as she moved, her black hair was straight and long, her soft sandles made no sound on the ground as she walked, and jewels adorned her fingers, wrists, and toes, the only adornment she wore on her neck however was a platinum necklace with the platinum dragon, the sign of Paladine, etch in the metal.

With her was Brother Jendle, a monk of Majere who was very short and was so fat he found it difficult to walk at times. "First Daughter, can we just sign in and go to our rooms so I can sit down?" Brother Jendle moaned while he smoothed out his robes which were so big they could of been the sail of a small boat. "Yes Jendle." Elsa said with a wave of her jeweled hand.

Elsa walked to the counter with the grace of a swan while Jendle waddled behind her. "Hello, I am First Daughter Elsa from Istar, for the UN summit, the man behind me is Brother Jendle."


http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:Nn-yQ0Is6tcC:www.actustar.com/photos/jacksonjanet1.jpg
First Daughter Elsa
Fe Paladas cado, bid Istaras apalo.”
The Eternal Holy Star Empire of Istar

---Post deleted by NationStates Moderators---

Having arrived without fanfare, the group of four people, three men and one woman, stepped out of the car and made their way into the hotel.

The men were dressed in stylish, yet unassuming suits of unrelieved black, even so far as the turtlenecks they wore in place of dress shirts under their jackets of unmistakeable Dominion cut. Their loose charcoal longcoats flowed around their strong frames assisting in somewhat camoflauging their movements. All four people sported dark glasses, and each carried their own luggage.

The woman as well wore black. Tall black boots, low heeled, clicked smartly along the floor as she walked, snug leggings worn tucked inside them. A thick cable knit sweater hugged her lithe form, over which she wore her own longcoat, the tails fluttering behind her as she walked purposefuly towards the front desk. Out of habit, she drew a hand back through her hair, tucking errant strands back behind her ear, then addressed the clerk as the four men stood vigilantly near.

"Nathicana D'Aquisto of the Dominion, party of four, checking in," she said smoothly, with a soft smile for the clerk.


http://home.mchsi.com/~ketri/wsb/links/Nath7.jpg
--Nathicana D'Aquisto dal Lupo, Dread Lady of the Dominion

Mark Peters exited his 1999 Mercedes Benz Renntech S600 Coupe at the front of the Hofburg's Klefburg Hotel. Not trusting the valets with his one-hundred fifty thousand stuka ($1.75US per stuka) vehicle, he requested that they parked it right in front. Peters, wearing a red dress shirt and black sport blazer and pants, stepped into the building making his way to the Conference room.

The Minister of Diplomatic Affairs carried a single black leather briefcase, as well as the holstered Luger around his left shoulder. As he entered the room, he paused, making a note of who attended and possible reasons for them there. He was suprised to see that Knootoss sent their former SATO ambassador, why the hell are they here? God knows these guys probably sparked the idea for these talks.

Due to unforseen circumstances, EOTED will not be sending a representative as previously stated.

~ Sarah, AIR

[OOC: This is simply because people who ignore me are sending representatives. That prohibits me from sending anyone, therefore.]

While it is not our place to comment on, nor is there interest within our government/peoples, which non-CACE nations attend this conference, Sacco & Vanzetti and SeOCC are very concerned with the attendance, involvement and collusion of several prominent members of the Coalition with several hostile capitalist nations. The attendance of CACE members is in total defiance of agreed upon CACE policy, and it is done so illegally and immorally. These nations neither speak for or listen to the people of the CACE, and act as rogues, attending on their unilateral whim without any form of mandate.

The attendance of Coalition members is a threat to the democratic principles upon which the CACE was founded, and undermines the confidence of the Coalition as a whole. When nations can ignore the policies they agreed upon, when they can disregard the voices and wishes of their comrades, in the name of sycophancy to the illusory and deceitful attempt for ‘peace,’ the days of an open alliance are numbered.

Were the attendance of these nations not a breach of CACE policy, it would still be counter productive to the stated and agreed upon aims of the Coalition. The ultimate uselessness of a mediation council designed to prevent conflict is that it fails to recognize several critical forms of violence that create destabilization, suffering, death and international conflict.

Economic violence is still violence. Free trade and capital ownership immiserate and millions each year, but the world has yet to recognize the actions of private corporations and governments as implicated in the plight of the periphery. The participation of CACE nations in a mediation council that does not recognize the aggression of capitalist nations hamstring their own ability to act by limiting the definition of conflict to the purely military.

Most military and political conflicts are created out of economic conditions. People do not become terrorists if they have prospects for secure employment or if they have not lost control of their lives to multinational corporations. Equally, a market economy that creates profit out of seizable resources promotes conflict for control of those resources.

The continued hegemony of capitalist nations creates, by its very existence, conflict. When the less powerful call for equal power it is an increase in their power; when equality is demanded of the hegemon, it is a loss of power for them. therefore, unless this council can ensure that the hegemon will give up their powers, an impossibly unlikely event, the non-hegemon nations involved will be second class participants. war will be avoided at the pleasure of the hegemon. Negotiation with thugs, murderers and rapists only invites these nations to continue to commit the atrocities they have built their empires upon. Participation of Coalition members betrays not just the Coalition, but those people who still live under capitalist oppression who fight daily for freedom, justice, equality and true peace.

As a whole, the council will achieve nothing, and will require CACE nations to compromise on critical issues without receiving any compromises from capitalist nations in return. We only weaken our position by agreeing to the very mediation the WBO/SATO used to push us into inaction; while we attempted to talk they did as they pleased. Capitalist nations continue to have no interest in compromise and will use the council as a forum to keep us busy while they continue their policy of ecological, human and societal rampage and rape.

We condemn, in the strongest terms, participation of CACE nations in this conference, and will seek such internal sanctions as are possible. We call upon all non-capitalist nations in attendance to withdraw their delegations and cease to legitimize and validate this latest attempt of the global capitalist hegemony to disempower movements for revolution and justice. If the capitalists truly seek to avoid war, let them end their brutalization of the working classes first.

Sacco & Vanzetti
SeOCC

While it is not our place to comment on, nor is there interest within our government/peoples, which non-CACE nations attend this conference, Sacco & Vanzetti and SeOCC are very concerned with the attendance, involvement and collusion of several prominent members of the Coalition with several hostile capitalist nations. The attendance of CACE members is in total defiance of agreed upon CACE policy, and it is done so illegally and immorally. These nations neither speak for or listen to the people of the CACE, and act as rogues, attending on their unilateral whim without any form of mandate.

The attendance of Coalition members is a threat to the democratic principles upon which the CACE was founded, and undermines the confidence of the Coalition as a whole. When nations can ignore the policies they agreed upon, when they can disregard the voices and wishes of their comrades, in the name of sycophancy to the illusory and deceitful attempt for ‘peace,’ the days of an open alliance are numbered.

Were the attendance of these nations not a breach of CACE policy, it would still be counter productive to the stated and agreed upon aims of the Coalition. The ultimate uselessness of a mediation council designed to prevent conflict is that it fails to recognize several critical forms of violence that create destabilization, suffering, death and international conflict.

Economic violence is still violence. Free trade and capital ownership immiserate and millions each year, but the world has yet to recognize the actions of private corporations and governments as implicated in the plight of the periphery. The participation of CACE nations in a mediation council that does not recognize the aggression of capitalist nations hamstring their own ability to act by limiting the definition of conflict to the purely military.

Most military and political conflicts are created out of economic conditions. People do not become terrorists if they have prospects for secure employment or if they have not lost control of their lives to multinational corporations. Equally, a market economy that creates profit out of seizable resources promotes conflict for control of those resources.

The continued hegemony of capitalist nations creates, by its very existence, conflict. When the less powerful call for equal power it is an increase in their power; when equality is demanded of the hegemon, it is a loss of power for them. therefore, unless this council can ensure that the hegemon will give up their powers, an impossibly unlikely event, the non-hegemon nations involved will be second class participants. war will be avoided at the pleasure of the hegemon. Negotiation with thugs, murderers and rapists only invites these nations to continue to commit the atrocities they have built their empires upon. Participation of Coalition members betrays not just the Coalition, but those people who still live under capitalist oppression who fight daily for freedom, justice, equality and true peace.

As a whole, the council will achieve nothing, and will require CACE nations to compromise on critical issues without receiving any compromises from capitalist nations in return. We only weaken our position by agreeing to the very mediation the WBO/SATO used to push us into inaction; while we attempted to talk they did as they pleased. Capitalist nations continue to have no interest in compromise and will use the council as a forum to keep us busy while they continue their policy of ecological, human and societal rampage and rape.

We condemn, in the strongest terms, participation of CACE nations in this conference, and will seek such internal sanctions as are possible. We call upon all non-capitalist nations in attendance to withdraw their delegations and cease to legitimize and validate this latest attempt of the global capitalist hegemony to disempower movements for revolution and justice. If the capitalists truly seek to avoid war, let them end their brutalization of the working classes first.

Sacco & Vanzetti
SeOCC


In response, a brief telegram was written to Sacco & Vanzetti as well as SeOOC.

To whom it may concern,

Get over yourselves.

Sincerely,
The Armed Imperial Republic of Ruhr

Elisa opened a small hidden compartment in her briefcase and extracted a small black box. After making sure that the door was locked, and wedging a chair under the handle, she returned to the box. Pressing her thumb on the top, she heard it click, and then open; the biometric lock bypassed. Inside was what looked like a glorified stereo cord. She turned it over in her hands, smiling. So simple... so rare... only six in existance... She sighed, and plugged one end into her computer. The other into the back of her neck.

White light.

Bright color.

Floating.

Once again, Elisa found herself inside her computer. It was impossible to decribe, but the feeling was exhilerating. It was far more real than VR, but then again, it was more real.

Her trip came crashing into a wall of banality as she read a missive that had been forwarded to her. Something from one of the terrorist CACE nations. She sighed, sending ripples out from her avatar, the world around her taking on a blue hue.

She reached up with one hand and created a quill pen in her hand and composed a message.


To: Sacco & Vanzetti
Fr: Elisa Day
Re: Your complaint

I find it odd that so many dignitaries from CACE would be so willing to send representatives in the effort of improving relations with Lavenrunz, only to have you foul the whole affair with propaganda.

If you wish to discuss "economic warfare" perhaps you should have your own conference. Or, perhaps you could cease acting like spoiled children who must constantly be martyrs while seeing a conspriacy around every corner.

This really is getting old. You might note that The Most Glorious Hack did not lodge any complaints about CACE nations attenting this converance, even though the Hack brands CACE a terrorist organization. Why don't you prove to the world your supposed superiority, as opposed to simply barking about it to anyone who will listen.

Or, more to the point, if you don't like it, stay home. We aren't forcing you to show up, and I wager it will be much quieter without you.

You don't hear the Hack complaining about the imperialism of the UN do you?

She sighed. This was shaping up to be a bigger pain than she expected. Ah well. Her avatar shrugged, and went back to communicating with some of her friends back home.

Foreign Minister von Effner roared with laughter, reading the whining, long winded and ridiculous letter from SeOCC. However, he did what the cabinet had decided, after a policey meeting largely discussing CACE in general, to do with all official memos from SeOCC.
He loved using the shredder in his office. It was the best part of paperwork.


Elsa walked to the counter with the grace of a swan while Jendle waddled behind her. "Hello, I am First Daughter Elsa from Istar, for the UN summit, the man behind me is Brother Jendle."


"Yes, Excellency, you are expected." said the clerk, bowing, though it was on the tip of her tongue to explain that the summit was about the UN, not held by it. Perhaps it was some mistake in the translation?
In any case, she summoned an attendant to carry their bags...and discreetly informed the hotel's resident physician in case the alarmingly fat monk had a coronary.
Gracious! The woman was beautiful in a rather exotic way--and the man alarmingly stout.
To Else and Jendle, Lavenrunz is unbelievably full of germanic people. Mostly blondes, redheads and a few darker haired people sprinkled here and there. Now and then people from other countries are seen.


Emperor Joseph Anthony Marzullo departs from Azby (name of nation and capital name, right in the center of the country) airport...
OOC: a taste follows of the kind of welcome given to heads of state...
IC:
When the Emperor touched Lavenrunzian soil, the anthem of Azby was played with great solemnity by the black and silver clad band of the Imperial Hussars. Snow gently fell as the honour guard, from the Halberdier Guards, presented arms, their swords and bayonets glinting.
At the end of the anthem, members of the diplomatic corps bowed and presented the escort which would take the Emperor to the hotel...
Discreetly, a Lavenrunzian security officer conferred with the Emperor's security team to arrange contacts and explain important points of security and law in Lavenrunz.


The woman as well wore black. Tall black boots, low heeled, clicked smartly along the floor as she walked, snug leggings worn tucked inside them. A thick cable knit sweater hugged her lithe form, over which she wore her own longcoat, the tails fluttering behind her as she walked purposefuly towards the front desk. Out of habit, she drew a hand back through her hair, tucking errant strands back behind her ear, then addressed the clerk as the four men stood vigilantly near.

"Nathicana D'Aquisto of the Dominion, party of four, checking in," she said smoothly, with a soft smile for the clerk.


The clerk wanted to check her hair. She felt like she had slept in her clothes and not washed for a couple of days, as though Nathicana had sucked the glamour from the room and slicked it onto herself. Nervously, she said, "Yes, Excellency, your suite is ready for you. Attendants will assist you. Welcome to Lavenrunz!"

Nathicana (and any other guests) found the hotel a curious blend of the old fashioned and the modern. For instance, keys were electronic cards that fitted into slots; each room came with an internet connection, phones placed the facitilies of the hotel at the disposal of the caller. The baths, though traditional in style, were the very best of Ravenspiric bathroom technology. However, each hall had an attendant constantly on duty on each floor at either end of the hall, standing during daytime hours or sitting on a little settee during the night, ready to run an errand, summon a taxi or open an elevator door.
Low voiced courteous Lavenrunzians were present everywhere in the hotel, bowing and making things easy for the guests.

Nathi smiles warmly at the clerk. "Bene grazie, signora. My thanks." With a sharp gesture to the other three, she follows the attendants to the suite, nodding politely to any who greeted them in the halls.

She takes in the beautiful decor, the ambience of the place, smiling quietly to herself, her guards saying not a word as they keep a watchful eye on their surroundings. The room is beautiful, and she assures the attendants that all is in perfect order. Nathi stops just short of requesting ice, noting the fridge is already equipped with an ice maker.

"Grazie," she says, again assuring them that all is well. She tips the attendants quietly, not drawing attention to it, then waits for them to leave. The door clicks closed, and she turns to the others, her face now serious.

"Get to work, boys."

And they do. Running bug scanners over any and all likely surfaces, hand checking wherever they can, they go over the room with a fine-toothed comb, searching for any surveilance equipment or signs of tampering. They scan the phone lines for taps, realizing the technique is limited, but checking all the same.

Nathi meanwhile, busies herself with unpacking, and hanging up her clothing with meticulous care. Once finished, she retreats into the bathroom to relax in a leisurely, hot bath. Soon the smell of jasmine fills the air and the sound of her contentedly humming tunes from Tosca echoes from the room.

Londo was positively surprised, although the bathroom was... well, odd. But aside from that, the room was almost better than what he had in the embassy... well, would have, but since the continuing restructuralization (He prefered to call it complete destruction and extermination) begun, it was sort of impossible to live, or even work there.

All the noise... And here... so quiet... so wonderful quiet... Londo always fell to his knees, tears of joy in his eyes.

"Well... anyway. The bags... ah... It`s ok, just put them there, yes, in the corner..."

He even gave the attendant a sizeable perquisite, which was most definitely against his usual, stingy habit. His days, week, yes, months in the embassy had been a hell... and now this...

He couldn´t believe his luck.

I should make this the new embassy...

And this was when his aides came in.

Klefburg Hotel in Hofburg

"Ah, finally - there the bloody thing is."

A short, scruffy man stumbled into the foyer of the hotel clutching a battered hold-all, and wove his way unsteadily towards the front desk, his tatty old macintosh dripping water onto the polished marble floor.

Staggering, he dropped his hold-all at his feet and leant his elbows against the counter, his head slumping into his hands. He quickly scanned the cubby-holes full of keys behind the counter, and then fixing the young lady behind the counter with his piercing blue eyes, drew himself up to his full height (all 5ft 4in of it).

"Seamus O'Hack ... Wombat News ... I'm here to cover the confli .. consc ... conference. I'm shure you have a room booked." He grinned winningly, the confidence of the old journalist shining through.

He waited, swaying gently, while the nice young lady checked the reservations.

Lavenrunz International Airport: a small, blue and grey plane lands, having been cleared on its way to somewhere else, and a small man in a nondescript dark coat disembarks. He goes through the regular check-in proceedure, is pulled aside, has his passport siezed and his luggage searched, waits for a while in a little room, politely answers some questions politely asked by some people in uniform, waits a little while as his luggage is searched again, finally has his bags and passport returned to him alongside an apology for the inconvenience and a reassurance that this is a standard random security proceedure. He insists it is no bother. He doesn't mention that for this sort of excursion he always includes random security proceedures in his timetable.

He proceeds to the public transportation ranks, gives the driver the right money, and proceeds to the back, as the sign indicates he should. He reads a bit until his destination-- the Klefburg Hotel-- is reached. He disembarks, heads into the lobby, and waits patiently while the receptionist checks the books for a short, scruffy personage who has evidently partaken a bit too heavily of those little bottles of cognac they give one to keep one from kicking up a fuss while one's lift-off is delayed.

He has been here before, in times some might describe as better, others as merely different, and this takes the edge off what had struck him then as exceedingly strange. He is better dressed now than he was then, before economic recovery, but his clothes don't seem to fit him very well. He has evidently dropped a fair bit of weight from what hadn't been a particularly impressive five feet and one quarter inch, ninety-five pound frame.

Once he is satisfied that the inebriated journalist's needs have been met, he approaches the desk.

"Good day. Kham Khitai, EGC Xikuang. I believe I have a reservation for the conference, please."

28,000 feet above the ground Mike McKay relaxed in his executive seat, his eyes closed, a gin and tonic within easy reach, and Mendelson ringing in his ears.

Phil Adamson, the minister's under-secretary, tapped him on the shoulder. McKay opened his eyes.

"Minister, I've got a statement from Sacco & Vanzetti and Seocc you might want to read before we land."

A look of frustration crossed McKay's face. He had no idea what Adamson was saying and, with resigned sigh, slipped off his headphones. "This better be good."

"A statement from Sacco & Vanzetti and Seocc condeming our attendance at the conference. Thought you might want to read it."

McKay seemed less than convinced but took the paper anyway and began to read.

a few moment s later he took a sip of the gin and tonic, and handed the paper back.

"They should have stopped at the first two clauses: 'While it is not our place to comment on, nor is there interest within our government/peoples, which non-CACE nations attend this conference'".

"Do you want to make a statement."

"Good god no. I'm not giving any credence to this. If I'm asked I'll respond, but as far as I'm concerned I'm travelling as a representative of the Celdonian government which is also a member of CACE."

"What if someone accuses us of re-establishing diplomatic relations with SATO nations?"

"Nonsense, we're travelling to a conference that will comprise representative of many alliances. We have not re-established an embassy, nor are we engaging in bilateral talks with SATO."

Adamson scribbled furiously as McKay spoke, knowing quite well that what was said now might have to form the basis of a public response if he was forced to issue one.

McKay went on, "as for accusing us of acting illegally...well that's obvious nonsense because there's nothing legally binding about the decision to cut ties anyway.

"And there calls for sanctions?" asked Adamson.

"Bluster. Ignore it. Anyway, look at who's coming and who's signed this letter. I don't think we have anything to worry about."

Adamson nodded.

"Now. I really would like to hear Fingal's Cave before we land," McKay said placing the headphones over his ears.



A few hours later the plane was taxing across the runway. McKay looked out the window and said, as much to himself as anyone else, "been a while since you've been here. Oh well, at least the food's usually good."

The Commonwealth of Chimaea is deeply interested in this issue, and requests a delegation to represent The Commonwealth and the Empire of Baron be present in the proceedings.

Warmest regards,
~The Office of the Prime Minister

OOC: continuing where I left off...

The Klefburg Hotel in Hofburg
A small group of people made its way to where the conference would actually take place. After having been greeted by the Lavenrunzian diplomatic corps, they insisted to check the place out as their luggage was being brought to their rooms.

In attendance were notably the former Knootian ambassador to SATO, De Vries (http://invisionfree.com/forums/WBO_and_SATO/index.php?showtopic=373) and his younger assistant, Mr. Merry “Will security be better this time?”, wondered de Vries as they walked to the conference hall. Mr. Merry just did what he usually did when De Vries spoke to him in public – he blushed. “I hope not… what happened to the Prime Minister last time wasn’t pretty.”

A natural attendant was Quinten de Clercq, the Knootian Ambassador to Lavenrunz who had also been present at the coronation. The old man, from a family of former aristocrats, was dressed in slightly less formal wear this time. It was still a black suit, but the tie had a more frivolous pattern. Overhearing the conversation he coughed politely and readjusted his monocle (http://www.picx.co.uk/images/mrmonocle.gif). “I have been assured that there will be no irregularities this time, young Sir, that is – not from Lavenrunzians. Please do not bring up the subject during the meeting. You’d likely insult Her Majesty the Empress.”

Merry nodded quietly, somewhat intimidated by de Clerq’s posture, but de Vries just chuckled lightly. A glare from de Clercq quickly ended his chuckle and he flattened his facial expression. “poor boy…”

The Klefburg Hotel in Hofburg
The three Knootians strolled into the conference hall, and noted that it was still empty. Everything looked neat and prepared, with glasses of water ready and such. “We’re early”, concluded Mr. Merry. “That is a good thing, young Sir, it allows us to see where everyone will be seated.” replied de Clerq. “But won’t we see that already when we get in?”, objected De Vries’ assistant. “It gives us a psychological advantage. For example, are people seated by alliance group, or by letter, or perceived importance? If so, this says a lot”

They checked the nametags and the table structure.
((OOC: >insert whatever system Jo uses here please<))

When the old Lavenrunzian ambassador was satisfied he turned back and walked down the hallway. “Are we going to hang out near the reception?”, Merry asked to his ‘boss’ de Vries but before the former SATO ambassador could open his mouth de Clerq objected haughtily: “Diplomats do not ‘hang out’. They confer. I’m going to the restaurant and then I am going to take my afternoon nap.” And with that we went off in another hallway to get to the restaurant.

The two remaining Knootians passed a door, and noted the bowing Lavenrunzian opening it. De Clerq nodded curtly, and Merry bowed back somewhat too deep. Merry came from an egalitarian country and he had never been in Lavenrunz before so obviously he did not understand the intricacies of the Lavenrunzian hierarchy. As they passed the door, de Vries giggled and winked to his friend. He bowed towards him and softy whispered: “Not so deep. Ah, well, you know the unofficial tasks here. Quinten is here to deal with the Lavenrunzians, and the other Royal people, we can deal with the others.”
Merry smiled meekly, and to inspire conference de Vries took his arm as they walked on towards the reception. “Maybe there will be a dance later on… that could be fun. Can you waltz?”

…

When they entered the reception hall again they were holding hands. They noted there were others apart from the receptionist and released their handgrip, perhaps a bit too late. Merry raised an eyebrow when he saw the Wombat News journalist. “Most definitely not a head of state”, he thought. As if he had read his mind de Vries said: “Wombat News. Maybe they are up for an interview.”

They then note a small man with Xikuangese features entering the lobby, waiting patiently while the receptionist checks the books for the WN reporter. They wait patiently, trying not to stare but instead discussing the texture of a painting hanging in the lobby. All the while they position themselves at a place the two men will probably pass.

As one of them ((OOC: whoever of the two posts first, really)) walks on Mr. Merry approaches him. With an effeminate voice he greets in an English with an unmistakable Dutch accent. After the greeting he adds: “So, uhm, glad you could make it.”

The Confederacy of Effrenata, as a nation with a long history of strict neutrality and the promotion of international peace and stability, wishes to send an observer to the Conference.

Provisional Intern to the International Affairs Task Force's Subcommittee for CACE Observation Palee Blackotter will be representing Effrenata. In addition, former Acting Prime Figurehead Dorin narGellis has indicated a wish to attend in a private capacity.

The IATF would like to facilitate and endorse this request, noting that as Acting Prime Figurehead in 1998, Friv narGellis was the recipient of the prestigious Linkrallen International Peace Prize. We respectfully request every possible courtesy on Friv narGellis' behalf, although her attendance will be in an unofficial capacity.

Cordially,
Naling Hyirdahl
Acting Chair, International Affairs Task Force
Council of Figureheads
Confederacy of Effrenata

(OOC: Info on Effrenata HERE--> http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=113835&highlight=)

Gracious, just what we need, a drunk journalist.. she thought. "I'm terribly sorry, mein herr," she said politely, "But I'm afraid there was no arrangement made. However, if you will allow me, arrangements were made for press, and I will contact the person in charge of that."
This took a few minutes, during which she noticed the little man from Xikuang and, bowing, said, "Yes, your Honour. Your room is ready, and an attendant will take you straight up." She was surprised, he seemed almost unimportant looking for a nation's representative.
The computer beeped, and she glanced at the screen. "It's all been cleared up, Herr O'Hack...please make sure that you attend the journalist's meeting with the Empress' Press Secretary."



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

The Commonwealth of Chimaea is deeply interested in this issue, and requests a delegation to represent The Commonwealth and the Empire of Baron be present in the proceedings.

Warmest regards,
~The Office of the Prime Minister


To the Prime Minister of Chimaea

Your attendance would be most welcome. Hopefully it may help us resolve such matters as we always seem to be up to our necks in.

Yours most amiably
Count Joachim von Mirbach
Chancellor of Lavenrunz


The Confederacy of Effrenata, as a nation with a long history of strict neutrality and the promotion of international peace and stability, wishes to send an observer to the Conference.

Provisional Intern to the International Affairs Task Force's Subcommittee for CACE Observation Palee Blackotter will be representing Effrenata. In addition, former Acting Prime Figurehead Dorin narGellis has indicated a wish to attend in a private capacity.

The IATF would like to facilitate and endorse this request, noting that as Acting Prime Figurehead in 1998, Friv narGellis was the recipient of the prestigious Linkrallen International Peace Prize. We respectfully request every possible courtesy on Friv narGellis' behalf, although her attendance will be in an unofficial capacity.

Cordially,
Naling Hyirdahl
Acting Chair, International Affairs Task Force
Council of Figureheads
Confederacy of Effrenata


To Naling Hyirdahl
Acting Chair, International Affairs Task Force
Council of Figureheads
Confederacy of Effrenata

Your delegate's attendance at this conference will be most welcome. It is our intention to find some international means of resolving disputes which will be effective but also not simply slanted to the best interest of the largest alliance involved.
Be assured; she will be treated with every courtesy and will hopefully be able to paint an objective picture of the Summit as well.
respectfully
Karl von Effner
Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Teutonic Empire of Lavenrunz

Chancellor Joachim von Mirbach stood before the mirror while his valet did the finishing touches on getting him ready. Deliberately, he eschewed the Imperial Air Force uniform he liked to wear for important occasions, instead chosing to wear formal robe with his golden chain of office across his chest. It was something like a university don's robes but grander, lined here and there with fur and made of fine velvet.
"Do you know," his secretary, Elsa, said from the open door to his study, "What Pluskat called our delegation to the Summit?"
"No. What?" he asked as his valet finished adjusting his robe to his shoulders.
"Cerberus." she said.
Mirbach laughed shortly, then became grave as the box with the chain of office was brought out. He stood very still as the valet draped it over his head and let it fall against his chest.
He took a deep breath. "I'm ready." he said.
The figure in the mirror was craggy featured, with a hawk nose, cold blue eyes and a slightly crooked mouth. He could almost imagine that he would walk out into a more honourable era.
Sadly, he would not.

The conference was about to begin.

Chancellor Joachim von Mirbach stood before the mirror while his valet did the finishing touches on getting him ready. Deliberately, he eschewed the Imperial Air Force uniform he liked to wear for important occasions, instead chosing to wear formal robe with his golden chain of office across his chest. It was something like a university don's robes but grander, lined here and there with fur and made of fine velvet.
"Do you know," his secretary, Elsa, said from the open door to his study, "What Pluskat called our delegation to the Summit?"
"No. What?" he asked as his valet finished adjusting his robe to his shoulders.
"Cerberus." she said.
Mirbach laughed shortly, then became grave as the box with the chain of office was brought out. He stood very still as the valet draped it over his head and let it fall against his chest.
He took a deep breath. "I'm ready." he said.
The figure in the mirror was craggy featured, with a hawk nose, cold blue eyes and a slightly crooked mouth. He could almost imagine that he would walk out into a more honourable era.
Sadly, he would not.

The conference was about to begin.

Reading diplomatic correspondence in her four-poster bed, Violeta Bi Bere pauses over the call for a conference on peaceful mediation of international disputes. Another bridge-building initiaitive from Lavenrunz. Well, there was a rock of country: always reliable. This was not a conference to be missed, she guessed.

The United Provinces of Tanah Burung would be honoured to be in attendance at this event. Only by talking together can peace ever be realized. We applaud the effort by the Empire of Lavenrunz to beign nations together in harmony.
Violeta Bi Bere
People's representative for foreign affairs & human rights

The Autumn Palace, Hofburg, Lavenrunz
It was to be noted that the conference proper would not take place at the hotel, though the conference rooms
there were available as needed for other meetings. Rather, it would take place in the Hall of Ancients in the Autumn Palace,
one of the official residences of the Empress Aurora.
The Lavenrunzian delegation was to consist of Count Mirbach, Foreign Minister Karl von Effner, and War Minister Baroness von Hentzau.

Seating Arrangements for the Conference
[code:1:a62115ea47] Lavenrunz
Celdonia Aerigia
Dread Lady Nathicana Vegana
Anhierarch The Most Glorious Hack
Effrenata Ruhr
Chimaea Der Angst
Istar Gehenna Tartarus
Knootoss SLAGlands
Esamopia Mangala
Xikuang Tanah Burung
Azby[/code:1:a62115ea47]
An arrangement of feasting tables were brought into the hall, which had been selected for security because of its
thick walls and because it had no windows. The hall itself was exquisitely carpeted and well lit.
The chairs chosen were comfortable--indeed, they had sat delegates to the Peace Conference on Religious Warfare.

Each delegation found before it translating devices, water jugs and glasses,
material for taking notes. The press were informed that there would be regular conferences
but that none would be permitted into the palace apart from that. Baroness von Toll, the Empress' Press Secretary
was to be contacted by them in case they had any questions.

Outside, the snow lay deep. Imperial Life Guards in blue-gray greatcoats patrolled the palace grounds.

OOC: If that above makes any damned sense at all, because this IDIOTIC forum won't let me post two lines parallel for some damned reason.

An ordinary taxi pulled up to the Klefburg Hotel, and a doorman sprang to attention, moving quickly to open the door. First a fresh-faced, exceedingly young-looking gentleman emerged. The youthful appearance was deceptive, for Palee Blackotter was well into his fourth decade, but he had the face and demeanor of a twenty-year-old, an attribute which had contributed to many a useful underestimation of his intelligence and shrewd political instincts.

He had the dark complexion and slightly tilted black eyes of his Yerlat ancestry, and a deceptively slender build. It would have taken a very sharp observer, indeed, to perceive the controlled grace and lithe power of the Kalayat Clan's most formidable unarmed combat champion. He wore unobtrusive business attire and carried a small portfolio. He looked like what his title said he was-- Provisional Intern for a Subcommittee of a Committee of the IATF. Effrenati titles were so deceptive.

Blackotter turned and offered his hand to the taxi's other occupant, assisting her to emerge.

Friv Dorin narGellis was well into her eighth decade, and her lined face and white hair frankly acknowledged the experience of her years. But her figure, though small, was still as upright as ever, and there was nothing at all age-dimmed about her sharp blue eyes. Dressed with quiet elegance, her snowy hair cut expertly but with more attention to easy maintenance than appearances, there was an innate kindness in her expression that made a casual observer think "grandmotherly."

The casual observer would have been quite correct about the kindness, but there was a will of steel behind that genuine warmth and consideration. Fortunately, it was leavened by an entirely irrepressible sense of humor.

"Thank you, Palee." She also smiled warmly and nodded to the doorman. Although she carried a beautifully carved temwood cane, she leaned upon it very little as they made their way to the front desk.

Wololo popped open his suitcase once inside his room, revealing his spartan travelling pack: an extra robe, toiletries, a mat, and a copy of the Shin-hasa, the holy book of yai sao sung. Everything else was on his person, including the small PDA he now removed. The press of a few quick buttons connected him to SlagNet and, moments later, provided maps of the streets of Hofburg.

"Six blocks," he chuckled. "And they expected me to take a taxi?"

Careful to lock his door behind him, Wololo took cane in hand and set out onto the streets. He didn't hail a taxi or wait for a limousine; rather, the old guru from the mountains would make the journey to Autumn Palace by foot.

As he walked, Wololo took in the scenery with a stolid expression. An interesting place... it pleases me to see it at peace.

(OOC: For Lavenrunz... should read like this:

[code:1:562847bba1] Lavenrunz
Celdonia Aerigia
Dread Lady Nathicana Vegana
Anhierarch The Most Glorious Hack
Effrenata Ruhr
Chimaea Der Angst
Istar Gehenna Tartarus
Knootoss SLAGlands
Esamopia Mangala
Xikuang Tanah Burung
Azby[/code:1:562847bba1]

A small, brightly colored butterfly hovered around Elisa's head. A quick tap, and it turned into the seating chart for the conference, and a reminder that she needed to quick screwing around and get moving to the palace. A few moments later she had logged out, and removed the cord from her neck, carfully putting it back in its box. She pondered the chart as she changed her outfit. Hmm... SATO to the left of me, the Reich to the right... she smiled as the Stealers Wheel's song came into her mind. She tapped a few keys on her keyboard and the song filled her room.

Well I don't know why I came here tonight
I got the feeling that something ain't right
I'm so scared in case I fall off my chair
And I'm wondering how I'll get down the stairs

Clowns to the left of me
Jokers to the right
Here I am
Stuck in the middle with you

She laughed softly, it was fitting, it really was. She clicked off the computer and set off for the palace, taking advantage of automotive transportation. She had no interest in walking there. Mildly nervious about having the Anhierarch delegation across the table from her, she reminded herself that she trusted the Lavenrunzian security forces. Also, she was just an observer. She could probably keep her mouth shut for the most part.

Besides, Der Angst was two seats over, and far more likely to draw fire.

"Nothing," Marik said, tossing his equipment back in the bag. "You're clear, Nath."

She nodded, working on getting herself ready for the conference. "Get yourselves ready. We'll be going down soon.

He, Pascali and Massetti all went about checking their gear. All items were small, and secreted away in pockets, clipped to belts, or tucked in boots. Small handheld cannisters of pepperspray, pocket respirators, compact med kits, all black to blend in with their clothing, all distributed so as not to show bulk. Each checked the butterfly knives they had tucked into a thin sheath inside their boots. The last gathering in Lavenrunz had gone amiss. Marik, while wishing to stick to the rules as best they could for the sake of diplomacy, had decided not to take risks this time. Nathicana had protested.

He had taken measures in spite of it.

Nathi in the meantime had chosen militaristic-looking set of clothing that fit her like a glove. A black Dominion-style jacket tailored with a high collar and a short waist, set off with shiny brass buttons, gold braidwork and crimson piping, tails hanging down in the back is worn over crisp white leggings. Her polished riding boots cover her legs to the knee, and clicked sharply when she walked across hard flooring. Her hair she pulled back in an elaborate twist that leaves a cascade of curls hanging down her back, softening the overall look. The only jewelry she chooses to wear are a simple pair of gold loop earrings, not too big, not too small. She also makes sure she has knives hidden away in her boots, much the same as the others. She was seldom without one, regardless. The fact that Marik wholeheartedly approved, she chose to ignore.

Once all were ready and had things checked to their satisfaction, they all pulled back on their longcoats, slipped their shades on, and made their way down to the lobby, and from there, out to their transportation to the palace.

They walked in with a business-like air, Marik behind her, Pascali and Massetti to either side. Each keeps a sharp eye out, familiarizing themselves with their surroundings, taking note of people, placements, and exits. Nathi settled herself down in the appointed seat, her guards, for now, hovering protectively, their expressions unreadable.

Taking off her glasses and setting them aside, she delicately put on the translator device, familiarizing herself with its workings, then pouring herself a glass of water, which she sipped contentedly.

"This should prove interesting ..." she remarked casually, smiling warmly at those few already present.

Elisa was lost in thought, and didn't even notice the Dread Lady's entrance. It was a few minutes before she looked up from the document on the PDA she had been engrossed in. She regarded the woman across the table from her, dressed in pseudo-military garb. She quickly closed the file, figuring a pulp romance novel was hardly dignified for such a setting, and smiled charmingly.

"Good afternoon," her voice is soft, yet carries. The voice of someone while not in a position of authority, certainly not in a position to be ignored. Casually she pulls up the seating chart to figure out who she's talking to. When she sees the name, she seamlessly adds, "M'lady." She takes a drink of water, mentally keying her PDA to pull up the Hack's dossier. She smiles inwardly, Ah, Marcus... a font of knowledge...

Nathi looks over and smiles. "Buon pomeriggio. And who might I have the pleasure of conversing with? You seem to have me at a slight disadvantage," she says, catching the glance. She sips her water slowly, eyes focused on the woman across the way

Elisa is wearing a smart, hand tailored business suit, looking every bit the prim and proper dignitary. Her blue eyes holding Nathicana's without flinching, while also not appearing hostile.

"I'm Elisa Day, I'm here on behalf of the Hack. Largely to observe, but also to expand our diplomatic relations." She smiles, "Only seems to make sense, considering GMC's relations with Lavenrunz."

OOC: I'll skip the landing and stuff. The Prime Minister, Phillip Achefield, and his unarmed bodyguard and aide is in attendance, after having touched down shortly before. The Chimaean Ambassador to Lavenrunz is nowhere to be seen.

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

The Prime Minister entered the Hall, his lips pursed in a slight frown and a look of irritation on his face, just finishing a whispered conversation with his burly aide, who scanned the room with the professional look of all bodyguards.

The Prime Minister's face settled into a carefully cultivated expression of pleasant politeness as he made his way to the assigned seat. His light grey suit and blue tie gave the look of expensive blandness that only a really well-tailored suit could give.

He reached his seat, greeting the participants already gathered with a smile.

The computer beeped, and she glanced at the screen. "It's all been cleared up, Herr O'Hack...please make sure that you attend the journalist's meeting with the Empress' Press Secretary."

"Thank you, me dorling! And my room ... "

Seamus turned to look where she pointed. A uniformed bell-hop appeared by his side and, with a grimace of distaste, picked up the bag lying at Seamus' feet.

"If Sir would care to follow me ... "

***********

The room was small, but adequate. As expected, the organisers had parked him in a small garret, well out of the way of the conference delegates. But still, there was a mini-bar, the hotel did room service, and the bed was . . . a double. Yoo hoo, thought Seamus, as he stripped prior to taking a shower.

***********

Feeling better after his ablutions, Seamus pulled his clothes from his bag. A bit crumpled, but they'll do, he thought to himself, as he shrugged into the jacket of his grey woolen suit. Working clothes, he grumbled to himself before brightening. Heh, expense account! Where's the bar?

***********

Seamus slunk across the foyer towards the door marked "Bar". There seemed to be plenty of comings and goings, and delegates seemed to be preparing for the first round of talks. Fine, he thought to himself. I'm prepared for the first round of drinks!

The bar was a fine example of its kind, the polished wooden counter receeding into the distance. The lighting was subdued, and what daylight there was pooled in front of the tall, French-style windows. Leather armchairs dotted the seating area, and a line of stools ran the length of the bar itself. Seamus sauntered casually towards the far end of the counter, noting as he did so that he seemed to be the only occupant. Pulling himself onto the end stool, he coughed, attracting the attention of the barman. "A gin and tonic, if you please, mein host. And if you have any peanuts, a bowl of them would be greatly appreciated."

Comfortably ensconced with his gin and tonic and, miraculously, a fine bowlful of mixed nuts, Seamus took a swig and paused to consider his situation. They clearly weren't expecting me, he thought to himself. Better keep a low profile for the moment - here's as good as anywhere else! Couple of drinks and - oh, yeah, what was that about a press briefing? Never mind, no-one's told me anything about that! A few drinks, and once the day's chatting is over, I'm sure there will be a few delegates or their staff wandering in for a drink. No-one will pay attention to the old soak propping up the bar. They'll all assume I'm too pissed to pick up anything. Heh. It had worked many times before.

"Another G&T, my good man. Oh, and since I'm going to be spending a bit of time in here, what's your name?"

Mike McKay arrived at the Autumn Palace and immediately he was clear by security he went looking for the seating arrangements. "Interesting," he thought with a wry smile.

He stood for a moment observing the assembled dignitaries. That it was the most diverse group he had been in for sometime did not escape his notice.

Lenore looked around and checked the traditional "Two swordslenghts apart" rule. Well yes, Chimaea was at least that far away from her. She hoped the security was better on this arrangement than the last one in Lavenrunz. But she had great trust in Auroras capability to secure the building and the room, and it wasn't like she was defenseless either. She smiled at the Aerigian delegate and then at the delegate from the Most Glorious Hack. She looked across the table and saw the stunning lady that must be the Dread Lady. This would prove a most interesting meeting indeed.

Mildly nervious about having the Anhierarch delegation across the table from her, she reminded herself that she trusted the Lavenrunzian security forces. Also, she was just an observer. She could probably keep her mouth shut for the most part.

Besides, Der Angst was two seats over, and far more likely to draw fire.


ooc: ROFL

---

Mollari, like most others, prefered automobile transportation to walking. Being the old, and sort of lazy man he was, it gave him time to think. Besides, he had consumed a considerable amunt of alcohol to stand the terror of his 'aides', and it wouldn´t have been good to see the Angstian ambassador reeling through the streets... or at the autumn palace.

Aerriving, he was sort of relieved that the alcohol`s influence was already vanishing, and drinking the non- smelling, but hard stuff seemed to be infinitely preferable to smell after it...

So he seemed to be an honourable diplomat... just like diplomats should be, but rarely were.

Entering the room, he saw Lenore, and nodded to her with a sort of... well, twisted smile. He wasn´t exactly the only Angstian that intended to slaughter a few Reichers at some time in the future...

Elisa, he greeted almost friendly, but still in a haste. Although The Hack charged horrible, if not insane, prices for it`s services, they were still considered very close in terms of, well, 'ideology', although it wasn´t exactly the right word... 'civilization' was probably the better term.

Finally, he seated down, and accessed the language files he uploaded into his half- artificial brain half an hour ago. He prefered it to simple 'translation'. It was always better to actually know the language, rather than being dependent on translations... which were always imperfect. Nodding towards the Chimaean delegate in front of him (There had been a few contacts with Chimaea regarding Reich- affairs), he concentrated, or at least looked like it, trying to defeat the urge to sleep.

Just to say that Regent Edmund Vermillion of the Confederacy of SteamEarth will be attending. (OOC: I'll post his arrival later).

We believe this conference will be of great benefit as we've recently started peace talks with Ruskkia after a border dispute got a 'little' out of hand and lead to Ruskkia invading our border towns.

We will give some info on the conflict on request.

http://img11.photobucket.com/albums/v33/stormwell55/Nationstates/f-payne.gif

Regent Edmund Vermillion

http://img11.photobucket.com/albums/v33/stormwell55/Nationstates/awn_4b.gif

Confederacy of SteamEarth

Elisa greated each new arrival with a friendly smile and a brief welcome, seemingly knowing everyone's name, nationality, as well as a somewhat traditional greeting in their native language.

She saved a particularly charming smile for Mollari, "Always nice to see our favorite... trade partners." Her tone was just sarcastic enough to be slightly teasing, but still well within the bounds of diplomatic propriety.

However, she was most interested in the Delegate from Vegana. The Hack never really had much contact with any Reich nations, save the occational propaganda that floated over the ether, and was rather curious. She kept an eye on this one, hoping she wouldn't fly into a psychotic, God-inspired murder-spree like the tabloids always accused Reich nations of comitting. Didn't seem likely, the woman appeared calm and friendly.

As more and more delegates filed in, she found herself giving brief glances down to the PDA more and more. The little tidbits about the various attending nations was turning out to be quite handy.

(ooc: somewhat before the conference, fluidic time & all that; be down shortly.)

Your room is ready, and an attendant will take you straight up." She was surprised, he seemed almost unimportant looking for a nation's representative.

The receptionist would further be puzzled when the small man declined assistance, carrying his own meagre luggage, most of which he hadn't even bothered to put down. "That's allright. I'm sure I can find it. Thank you very much." He took his key and, looking around for the elevators, almost bumped straight into Mr. Merry, who seemed to have suddenly materialised in his path.

With an effeminate voice he greets in an English with an unmistakable Dutch accent. After the greeting he adds: “So, uhm, glad you could make it."

Mr. Kham just stares at him blankly, causing the Knootian to wonder whether or not he had understood. He is just about to repeat the statement when something seems to settle behind Kham's eyes, a shift back into delegate-mode. "Indeed, it seems the conference will be reasonably well-attended. I'm afraid I must ask to be excused, Mr...?"

"Merry."

"...Mr. Merry... Kham, Xikuang... sorry, please excuse me. The conference will be starting soon and I have a few things I need to go over."

ooc: give you a chance to reply here, but he'll just go straight up to his room. He has a condemnation to read.

Khitai wandered the corridors for a few moments, finding his room at an end. It was, as he expected, far too luxuriously appointed for his tastes, but it couldn't really be helped. He hadn't wished to offend the rather opulently-inclined Lavenrunzians by requesting something a bit more low key. It did, blessedly, have an east-facing window.

He doesn't bother to check the room for bugs. He anticipates there are some, but he doesn't care. Withdrawing a somewhat weathered laptop and a mobile (the latter insistently informing him that he ought to check his e-mail) from his bag, he sets these to do their downloading thing while he heads to the minibar, most of the contents of which he does not recognise. At least orange juice is fairly obvious. He pours a glass and shudders: he hadn't liked the way that Knootian had looked at him. He shook off a sudden, rather unwelcome thought, and returned to the laptop.

First was the seating order: Tashajhila be praised, they've put me across from Tanah Burung. There is some mercy in this world. The next item was almost as unwelcome as it was improbable: a joint statement from Sacco and Vanzetti and SeOCC? He withdraws a pair of reading spectacles from a pocket and puts them on: no, he'd read it right...

While it is not our place to comment on, nor is there interest within our government/peoples, which non-CACE nations attend this conference, Sacco & Vanzetti and SeOCC are very concerned with the attendance, involvement and collusion of several prominent members of the Coalition with several hostile capitalist nations. The attendance of CACE members is in total defiance of agreed upon CACE policy, and it is done so illegally and immorally. These nations neither speak for or listen to the people of the CACE, and act as rogues, attending on their unilateral whim without any form of mandate.

The attendance of Coalition members is a threat to the democratic principles upon which the CACE was founded, and undermines the confidence of the Coalition as a whole. When nations can ignore the policies they agreed upon, when they can disregard the voices and wishes of their comrades, in the name of sycophancy to the illusory and deceitful attempt for ‘peace,’ the days of an open alliance are numbered.

Were the attendance of these nations not a breach of CACE policy, it would still be counter productive to the stated and agreed upon aims of the Coalition. The ultimate uselessness of a mediation council designed to prevent conflict is that it fails to recognize several critical forms of violence that create destabilization, suffering, death and international conflict.

Economic violence is still violence. Free trade and capital ownership immiserate and millions each year, but the world has yet to recognize the actions of private corporations and governments as implicated in the plight of the periphery. The participation of CACE nations in a mediation council that does not recognize the aggression of capitalist nations hamstring their own ability to act by limiting the definition of conflict to the purely military.

Most military and political conflicts are created out of economic conditions. People do not become terrorists if they have prospects for secure employment or if they have not lost control of their lives to multinational corporations. Equally, a market economy that creates profit out of seizable resources promotes conflict for control of those resources.

The continued hegemony of capitalist nations creates, by its very existence, conflict. When the less powerful call for equal power it is an increase in their power; when equality is demanded of the hegemon, it is a loss of power for them. therefore, unless this council can ensure that the hegemon will give up their powers, an impossibly unlikely event, the non-hegemon nations involved will be second class participants. war will be avoided at the pleasure of the hegemon. Negotiation with thugs, murderers and rapists only invites these nations to continue to commit the atrocities they have built their empires upon. Participation of Coalition members betrays not just the Coalition, but those people who still live under capitalist oppression who fight daily for freedom, justice, equality and true peace.

As a whole, the council will achieve nothing, and will require CACE nations to compromise on critical issues without receiving any compromises from capitalist nations in return. We only weaken our position by agreeing to the very mediation the WBO/SATO used to push us into inaction; while we attempted to talk they did as they pleased. Capitalist nations continue to have no interest in compromise and will use the council as a forum to keep us busy while they continue their policy of ecological, human and societal rampage and rape.

We condemn, in the strongest terms, participation of CACE nations in this conference, and will seek such internal sanctions as are possible. We call upon all non-capitalist nations in attendance to withdraw their delegations and cease to legitimize and validate this latest attempt of the global capitalist hegemony to disempower movements for revolution and justice. If the capitalists truly seek to avoid war, let them end their brutalization of the working classes first.

Sacco & Vanzetti
SeOCC


Khitai closes his eyes and shakes his head, anticipating abuse from the office across the hall back in Celdonia. He checks the time, notes thankfully that there is still a considerable amount of it before the conference. He kicks off his shoes, and drawing a string of dark jade beads from a pocket, sits lotus-style on the edge of the bed, facing the window, and begins chanting almost inaudibly, counting off each cycle bead by bead: om mani padme hum.

Count Mirbach, Baroness von Hentzau and Karl von Effner arrived. Von Hentzau had a quiet word with Colonel von Paderborn, who was in charge of Palace Security.
Baroness Hentzau was thought by some to be the most beautiful woman in Lavenrunz. Her dark blonde hair was as natural and lovely as clover honey, her mouth a poem of softness, her eyes sapphires. This all faintly annoyed her; had also become one of the youngest generals in Lavenrunz and was currently Minister of War.
"Nothing must go wrong this time." said von Hentzau sternly to von Paderborn. "Any even imaginary breech of security, be on it like a leopard on a rabbit."
"Excellency." he murmured in assent.
Karl von Effner surveyed the room. Nearly all here. Good. He was one of those short men whose air of authority and confidence made him seem much taller. He was also the other person in the cabinet apart from von Hentzau who always dared to tell Mirbach the absolute truth. He was the most consummate politician of the three; for the last sixteen years he had been a member of the Volksraad, though his radical views had kept him out of any cabinet. Until now.
The three Lavenrunzians bowed to those in the room.
"In the Empress' Name," said Mirbach quietly, "Let's begin this." Aloud, to the room, he said, "Welcome, all worthy delegates and observers! I believe there are a few more to arrive yet, but in case no one has said so yet, you are all most welcome in Lavenrunz."
He took in all there as he spoke.
Styles, Nathicana, McKay, Duchess Lenore...and hopefully at least one representative from Arda would be there.
Where Prince Ivarr and Claudia der Waal had failed the Throne, he would succeed.
Nevertheless he prayed silently, Thy will be done.

Miles grabbed his jacket from the back of the chair, and slipped it on in one easy movement, fastening the buttons with one hand as he gathered up his papers and placed then into his briefcase. Disconnected his link, he switched of his laptop, returning it to its case before proceeding to the door, stopping briefly to check his appearance in the mirror, running his hand through his now dry hair.

Stepping out into the corridor, checking his keycard was in his pocket, he clicked the door shut and made his way casually to the conference room, appraising his surroundings as he went.

Several minutes later, retracing his steps and locating the room, Miles stopped just outside, smoothing down his jacket, then stepped through the doors, his gaze passing over those already inside. Watching the delegates begin to circulate, Miles made the short journey towards the gathered group.

Wololo smiles a bit. Just in time to miss some of the formalities.

Moments after Count Mirbach finishes greeting the guests, Wololo strolls into the room. He makes eye contact with no one except Mirbach for a mere fraction of a second, and he turns away quickly a moment later--not nervously, just quickly. He offers a silent nod to Miles, who held the seat next to his, before sitting down, keeping to himself, waiting for the precedings to properly begin.

Wololo smiles a bit. Just in time to miss some of the formalities.

Moments after Count Mirbach finishes greeting the guests, Wololo strolls into the room. He makes eye contact with no one except Mirbach for a mere fraction of a second, and he turns away quickly a moment later--not nervously, just quickly. He offers a silent nod to Miles, who held the seat next to his, before sitting down, keeping to himself, waiting for the precedings to properly begin.

The Aelosian shuttle landed in the normal landing pad, opening its hatch and dropping a large platform covered by a long red carpet. The landing process were complex, after asking for permission to the Lavenrunz authorities.

When she finally came down of the shuttle, Aliria was shaking. She remembered the last time she came to Lavenrunz, the terror of the capture by the terrorists, the horror of seeing the Adendorff's head all over the ballroom. She trembled in her memories, but anyway this was the time to meet the important delegates of the most powerful nations in the world, and that will need courage, even if she must to be near of that stinking worm of Mirbach.

She walked to the outside, followed by a handful of courtiers, her assistants and attendants, and prayed to Elbereth for wisdom...The wind played with her beautiful skirt, decorated with butterflies, and she took the signal as the answer of the Lady of Stars.

"Here we go, always smile and never show any weakness. That's the way of the courtier", she said, almost to herself as she looked for some kind of welcome.

"Ahh, most excellent. A decided pleasure to make your aquaintance. I've been quite impressed with your nation, and very pleased with our dealings so far. As for relations ... aye, it's always good to make contacts where one can, reasons such as yours, or otherwise."

She nods and smiles in greeting to those others present or arriving, murmuring quiet words of greeting when appropriate, taking note of the interplay between the different representatives, quite curious as to how this mix is all going to turn out.

Her bodyguards take their positions, one to a side, Marik standing behind her with the casual nonchalance of a cat idly watching potential prey. Each of the three seemed to pay no attention to the conversation as they kept a sharp eye out for any signs of trouble, all looking relaxed, yet alert.

At the arrival of the Lavenrunz delegates, Nathicana rises to her feet out of respect, straightening proudly. She then offers them a pleasant smile, looking at each in turn, then makes a slow bow, bending slightly at the waist, maintaining eye contact with Mirbach.

At last we meet, your Excellency. I look forward to the match, for I've no doubt at some point or other, we shall indeed find ourselves sparring, on one level or other.

"Thank you, Chancellor Mirbach, for your gracious welcome. I appreciate the opportunity to attend this conference."

Styles, Nathicana, McKay, Duchess Lenore...OOC: Governor Styles isn't there, he went off the rocker remember? It's Prime Minister Achefield :) But it's only a small detail.

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

The Prime Minister noticed the glance that was shot at him from Duchess Lenore and returned it with a carefully expressionless one of his own. The seating arrangements must have been hell on earth, he mused. Mind you, it was a wonder that so many reps from vastly different nations could be found in one room outside of the UN General Assembly. Then again, it was a miracle that both Chimaea and Vegana were even on the same continent.

Unbidden, thoughts of Sir Scott rose in his mind. He avoided looking at the Duchess as he pondered the fate of the lawman, concentrating on shuffling some papers in front of him. He remembered meeting with his wife a few days before. The poor woman was really on the last straw, though she was holding up as well as could be expected under the circumstances.

He avoided thinking about the Governor. He couldn't figure out what was happening, but sometimes it was only too clear.

He watched Count Mirbach and his Ministers arrive. This was the first time the Prime Minister had set eyes on the man, and he was impressed. The Count had an air of gravitas about him that conveyed a kind of powerful confidence. The Prime Minister, knowing full-well that external appearences at these events were very much controlled, wondered what was going through his mind.

His eyes swept from the Count to one of the most beautiful women he'd set eyes on, though he concientiously reminded himself that his wife Dianne was the best of the best. He'd seen photos of this woman, however, and they didn't do justice. The Defence Minister... No, the Minister of War. Baroness von Hentzau.

The shorter man beside them drew his attention more than the other two. He couldn't recognise him off-hand, but the smaller figure radiated an aura of authority. He was surveying the room, as if ticking off a mental list... Someone to watch, thought Achefield. He decided to ask his aide about him at the earliest opportunity.

Councillor Kham arrived just as Mirbach was making his welcoming statements. Not wishing to interrupt, he waited until Mr. Mirbach had finished and conversation resumed in the room before entering. When he did, he made eye contact with nobody save for Mike McKay, noting that the Anhierarchi delegate's seat was still empty. He took his place, somewhat hurriedly took a handkerchief from a sleeve, was briefly overcome by a fit of sneezing that had the delegates on either side slightly worried he might break, put the handkerchief back. Sniffling slightly, he brought out his battered laptop, a text document already open to receive notes.

The "message" light on Palee's Cbox was blinking when he got to his room. He checked in with the office.

Oh, interesting. SeOCC and Sacco & Vanzetti had sent a rant. Now wouldn't it be fascinating to watch Celdonia and Der Angst and Xikuang integrate that into their conference strategies.

He checked to make sure that Friv narGellis was on the distribution list for a copy of the manifesto. She was here unofficially, so she hadn't been posted to the list. He forwarded her a copy with an "attention" ping. They had arrived fairly late, and would need to leave for the Autumn Palace almost immediately, but Friv narGellis would wish to tidy up after the long journey here.

He pulled up his dossiers on the conference participants, and was annoyed to find some ommissions. The slackers on the GDODAD Subcommitte thought that since the Dominion was largely hors de parlez these days, they could let their dossiers lapse. He filed a routine protest.

Lavenrunz had sent a seating chart. They were between Chimaea-- nice folks-- and...

Well, well. Anhierarch. That might be interesting.

Absorbed in the latest round of updates, he almost missed Friv narGellis' discreet ping telling him she would meet him in the lobby.

*************************

Dorin narGellis had always had the useful ability to refresh herself with a ten-minute nap at will. It had served her well often, especially in the hectic days of her tenure as Prime Figurehead, and Chair of the Zen Progressive Pragmatist SIG (Motto/Philosophy: "Even the smallest flow of water will eventually wear away a mountain.")

When she arrived in her room, she slipped off her shoes, set aside her cane, lay on the bed and closed her eyes, and was instantly asleep. Almost precisely ten minutes later, she sat up, feeling much refreshed. A quick wash-and-brush up, a check in the mirror. (Ah, vanity, vanity... even at eighty-three, one can't bear the thought of presenting less than the best possible appearance to new acquaintances, the thought flitted through her head.)

Her Cbox was in the small leather handbag, and it showed an "attention" ping. Something forwarded from Palee.

Oh, my. Such indignation, such rage, such... fear. The poor things. Really, Palee had been right. CACE was overripe for some kind of major internal conflict that could easily spill over into one of those dreadful, pointless, life-wasting slogging matches involving dozens of nations and generating incalculable tragedy.

The seating chart awaited her, too. How nice. It would be interesting to see who had come from Chimaea and Anhierarch.

She pinged him to let him know she was starting for the lobby, and picked up her cane and handbag. At the end of the corridor, she smiled and nodded at the hotel attendant, who sprang to press the elevator button for her and hold the door.

The path from the elevator to the door led past the lobby bar. She glanced in as she passed, and her eyebrows shot up. She halted, peering to be certain she had seen....

Yes, it was. Seamas, the artful dodger of Wombat News, pickling himself nicely in preparation for eliciting some headline-stealing indiscreet comment from some poor diplomat put off guard by his cow eyes and careless, drunken manner. She chuckled to herself. Naughty lad. But so amusing.

She moved on before he could turn and see her. Not that she was averse to a nice off-the-record chat with him, but they were already tardy for the Conference opening.

As she reached the hotel door (staff springing to attention to open it, and summoning a taxi seemingly from nowhere, as if by magic,) Palee joined her. They got into the taxi for the ride to the Autumn Palace.

"Did you see the SeOCC rant, Jedefriv?" Palee asked. He couldn't bring himself to call her just "Friv narGellis," or even "Dorin," as she'd urged. His respect for her was simply too enormous. And while he was coming to share the almost universal affection she evoked among those she worked with, it didn't diminish her accomplishments in statesmanship.

She sighed. "Please, Palee... you make me feel even older and more decrepit than I am. 'Dorin' will do nicely. Yes, I read it. It looks as though the international stock of common sense is once again sadly depleted."

He grinned. "It's never very high."

"Don't be cynical, Palee. Keep your expectations low, and people will do their utmost to live down to them." The network of lines at the corners of her eyes deepened in amusement as she delivered this.

"Perhaps, Dorin, my current office militates to lowering expectations."

"I admit, the Coalition does provide considerable cause for anxiety. But most of the member states are perfectly consistent-- within their own viewpoints, of course. I will be most interested to listen to them."

"And to speak?" Palee was curious.

The retired Prime Figurehead sighed, and closed her eyes briefly, leaning her head against the seat back. "Not unless spoken to, Palee. I am here solely to listen, observe, and be helpful if an opportunity arises. I have no agenda other than to diminish the likelihood of senseless, tragic slaughter. And according to Naling, your brief is the same, is it not?"

The Intern nodded demurely. "Of course. I'm here merely to observe and report back to the Task Force. And to assist you in any way possible."

"So kind of you, Palee. And of dear Naling."

The taxi pulled up at the secured entrance, and Dorin smilingly relinquished her cane and handbag to the politely apologetic security screeners. Palee handed over his portfolio without comment, and when their belongings were returned, they both followed the Laverunzian escort to the conference chamber.

The Chimaean delegation was already seated, and she was pleased to see that it was Prime Minister Achefield. Count Mirbach had already begun the formalities, so Dorin contented herself with a nod to the Chimaean, and sat down quietly. She was intrigued to observe von Effner in prominent juxtaposition to the Count.

There were a number of very military-looking representatives here... Even Dread Lady Nathicana seemed to be in a martial mood, an observation which slighly depressed Dorin, although as always she enjoyed the young woman's loveliness.

She settled back in her chair and began to study the faces of the conferees.

[Christ knows where I'm sitting...Assume that GMC and Hack are the same position, or something.]

Georgina Bryde smiles and sits in next to Elisa from The Hack. She's wearing a similar business suit to her, tailored carefully to incorporate her slighly odd replacement elbow and knee joints. 'Hiya...Hack delegation got the same seating area, huh?' she grins, her left eye glowing slightly, 'Georgina Bryde, temporary Federal ambassador to Lavenrunz.' she offers her hand, then blinks, 'Err, GMC ambassador, that is...'

She glances around, hoping the black metallic plate replacing half her face isn't drawing too much attention.

She saved a particularly charming smile for Mollari, "Always nice to see our favorite... trade partners." Her tone was just sarcastic enough to be slightly teasing, but still well within the bounds of diplomatic propriety.


Mollari just grinned. "Indeed. I can but return the favour, regarding the secondary sector."

"Welcome, all worthy delegates and observers! I believe there are a few more to arrive yet, but in case no one has said so yet, you are all most welcome in Lavenrunz."

Finally, the 'battle' begins... Mollari thought, seeing Mirbach. He had received detailed information about what happened at the Winterball, and knew that there were enough people in DA, in positions superior to his, that would love to see him crucified. However, this wasn´t the time and the place to make their wish true...
So, instead, he bowed all so slightly. "Very gracious, indeed. Especially since i have heard intriguing details regarding your, ah... hospitality. I`m looking forward to it, i really do."

A wrinkled old woman, skin the texture of paper that has been left out too long in the sun, enters the room as Count Mirbach completes his opening words. Violeta Bi Bere walks with the aid of a cane and carries a small canister labelled "oxygen" from which she takes an occasional puff. She nods to the other late arrivals and loves, as stealthily as possible, to take her seat -- then stands again and puts a small woven cushion on the chair. Adjusting her sarong to get it just right, she finally sinks into a sitting position, and winks at Councillor Kham across the table.

Lenore continued to smile confidently as she meet the delegate from Chimaeas smile with a evenly matched glance. Her eyes never broke from meeting his eyes until he finally broke and started to shuffle some papers. She looked curiously at the two women beside him, and then looked with disdain as some of the male delegates couldn't stop staring at the cleavage of the Lavenrunz official. Men.. She thought How very primitive they are, how very controlled by their urges She shook her head, took a sip of mineral water and then prepared to hear the first delegate speak.

Elisa ponders Nathi's words for a moment, and smiles, "I fully agree." She makes a quick note to schedual a trip to the Dominion when time allows.

Turning her attention to the man next to her, Elisa smiles smugly at Mollari, winking at him as Georgina sits down next to her, "Oh, of course... the secondary..."

She then turns and smiles warmly at Georgina, "Ah, pleasure to meet you." She shakes Georgina's hand, "Elisa Day, generic Hacker diplomat." She grins, "If things go well, however, we may be working together more in the future. We're looking to expand our relations as well... only makes sense, really."

She stops talking as Count Mirbach starts speaking, paying close attention to his every word, as well as the body language exhibited by him and the Lavenrunzian attendants. She glanced down at her PDA and triggered its voice recorder. She smiled to herself and sat back to observe.

A 1912 Vintage Rolls Royce pulls up outside the hotel, a small square on the door declares it belongs to the government of SteamEarth. Another car with the same symbol pulls up behind it as Regent Edmund Vermillion climbs out of the car and runs to the front desk, as his bulter gets out of the other car and take command of the hotel staff.

"Regent Edmund Vermillion of the Confederacy of SteamEarth. I'm here for the conference and I believe there should be a room booked for me?"

The desk clerk bows politely and says, "Yes, your Honour, but in fact the conference is starting right now--at the Autumn Palace." she presents him with directions and calls for an attendant to have his luggage taken up to his room.
Outside, people are admiring the car as they walk by along the snowy streets.

Count Mirbach nodded to security personnel who closed the double doors of the hall.
"Honoured delegates and observers: I would like to suggest the agenda of discussion. Additional ideas would be most welcome.
First and foremost: we are proposing that a mediation council be created under the auspices of the UN. Disputes could be presented to this council by aggrieved parties. However, this immediately brings up the matter of sovereignty. I would like to hear the thoughts of those here following what I have to say.
1. When a group has a dispute with another group, and only one of them appeals for mediation, the body would in theory invite the other to mediation.
2. In the case of them refusing, should the UN have the right to compel them by any means?
3. Should it be a condition for mediation in some cases that troops under UN flag be deployed into a disputed area?
4. To what degree could the body of the UN mediate a decision? Ie: would they be only able to help both parties find consensus, or would they better have the power to insist on an agreement they objectively decide upon?
I believe these are among the key questions that would make such a council possible."

Khitai acknowledges Violeta Bi Bere's wink with a warm smile. Once she is seated-- and then, more comfortably seated, he pushes a small object across the table to her. It is an artfully contrived paper flower or something, folded of two small square sheets, one red, one yellow: a small gesture, but one not without meaning.

Lenore looked around, leaned forward and began to speak:

" I agree with the logic of which Count Mirbach speaks. There's too much violence in the world and most conflicts can be solved by mediation. However, there's an old saying at home "It's not ones fault if two argue". And that is the main problem. Most alliances looks for their own gain and try to point out ONE side as the bad part, thus increasing the tensions rather than defusing them. In some cases the mediating part even turns out as the aggressor and invades and annexes the party they were summoned to protect. Lenore paused and took a sip of mineral water, looking straight at the Knootian delegate as she continued."UN is unfortunately a paper tiger, many nation within the UN outright ignores legislations passed in the UN, and by no means try to be discrete about it. UN needs more power to be reckoned with and today it has none"

The Prime Minister found himself nodding. "The Duchess is right in that the UN at the moment has no power. Because of the divisions and other alliances within and without the UN, it has become... unenforceable.

"However, this is perhaps a good thing, looking at current world events. For every conflict that arises there is at least some party seeking peace, for every injustice there is..." he glanced briefly at Lenore, "Some party seeking to correct it. I put to you, fellow delegates, that there is indeed enough forces out there that can be drawn on for peace-keeping, under their own auspices.

"Also it must be considered that the UN's outdated rules of engagement now hinder peacekeeping activities. I need not point out that Chimaea was unable to act sufficiently to protect Ienotheisa from Iesus Christi agression back in the Ienotheisan Crisis, as we were operating under UN jurisdiction. Thankfully, that situation was righted by Lavenrunz acting on its own.

"I agree wholeheartedly that there does indeed need to be a third party, independant body to mediate when a situation threatens stability. I agree that it should be under the auspices of the UN; however I don't think that anything will be achieved by having a means of compelling parties to act in a given manner. The situation will already be volatile if it calls for mediation, I put to you that more force would not be the answer.

"Having said that... if I may address each of the Count's points...

"I agree with point one. As for point two, as I said, the UN should definitely not have the right to compel them by any means... I agree with point three in that if both parties agree on UN troops being deployed into a disputed area, they should be able to do so--so long as the UN rules of engagement is updated to allow for the correct intervention in the correct situation.

"Point four will, I feel, be a vital factor in the success of this proposed body. I feel that the two methods proposed must be utilised according to the context of the problem. The best way and perhaps the most... acceptable would be to aid both parties in finding a consensus. If this isn't possible, then should both parties agree to respect the findings of the UN body, it should be able to insist on an agreement that is objectively decided upon.

"However, if one or both parties will not respect the UN decision, having the power to insist on an agreement might in fact create a worse situation than before. An all too alarming possibility is a multi-sided conflict between the UN nations and the parties involved."

Palee Blackotter's brief in attending this conference had been quite specific, and rigidly limited. He was to observe, and observe only, although he might answer any questions posed on established Effrenati policy. (Questions that raised matters upon which the government had no policy-- a great majority, probably-- would have to be recorded and responded to later, in writing, by the appropriate Marginally Empowered Bureaucrat or Figurehead.)

Other than that, he was enjoined to assist and, most emphatically, to protect Friv narGellis. Given the past history of impromptu rumbles that had arisen when some of the parties involved were engaged in "discussions," that was not necessarily a ceremonial function.

However, he found himself taking a great interest in the unasked, and unanswered question at this table-- where did the many nations who, like Effrenata, did not belong to the UN, fit into this proposed scheme?

They seemed to be plowing the same old rut. Prime Minister Achefield had summed up the problems connected with basing any solution in the UN quite masterfully-- The body was essentially powerless and deeply divided within itself, its rules were archaic and outmoded-- Then he went straight back and proposed to dump yet another mandate into the powerless, divided, and outmoded body.

Unobtrusively, he entered this observation into his Cbox with a silent ping for Friv narGellis. She was intent on the discussion and did not even look at her Cbox. But the slight twinkle in her sharp blue eyes as she listened to the speakers suggested to Palee that she was way ahead of him in these observations.

Three rather ruffled members of the Non-Human Union entourage announce their arrival at the conference by noisily opening a pair of doors into the main hall, drawing the bemused expression of most occupants. Looking lost before citing their seats what could be detected as a blush, or natural pinkness seems to quickly emerge on their faces as they shuffle past seats and tables on their way.

The three representatives; Sverj Dhain a Biotopian, Margoue III a Greater Bear and Frieda Milkton a Hell Bovine find their seats, diagonal the Xikuang representative. As they sit Margoue coughs in a distinctly “reindeer” like fashion, rasing a quick flash of shock from Councillor Kham’s face. The Anhierarch delegate, apparently holding something close to her lap, also turns to look, receiving a slightly more enthusiastic then necessary hoof wave from Frieda.

-----------------------------
The reception hall
-----------------------------
Mr. Kham just stares at him blankly, causing the Knootian to wonder whether or not he had understood. He is just about to repeat the statement when something seems to settle behind Kham's eyes, a shift back into delegate-mode. "Indeed, it seems the conference will be reasonably well-attended. I'm afraid I must ask to be excused, Mr...?"

"Merry."

"...Mr. Merry... Kham, Xikuang... sorry, please excuse me. The conference will be starting soon and I have a few things I need to go over."

“Uhm… of course”, replied Merry, a bit confused. He nodded: “I will see you there then.”

…

--------------------------
The meeting
--------------------------
All three Knootians had come in well on time for the whole social gathering: smiling to those delegates they knew and exchanging some pats on the back, shaking hands with those they did not know yet, bowing to the Lavenrunzians. Ambassador de Vries exchanged a quick word with the lead representative from Effranata, thanking them for attending.
The ambassador to Lavenrunz, Quinten de Clerq, felt most comfortable here at such gatherings though he did eye Duchess Lenore from Vegana with a cold stare from the corner of his eyes again, despite her prettiness.

As the meeting was about to begin they sat down at their part of the table, three reserved seats right across Wololo of the SLAGlands. De Clerq sat down on the left, closest to the Lavenrunzian head of the table. Merry and de Vries sat down next to each other, and they squeezed their hands together under the table just before it began.
In the short silence before De Clerc’s eyes wandered over to Tanah Burung… he was genuinely curious about the role the former colony was to play. In a paternalistic way, he was genuinely proud of what the nation had accomplished. ”They are still Knootians… in some way”, he thought reminding the likeness between Bi Bere and a woman from an old yellow picture, posing behind his grand-granddad. A small face enclosed in a wooden frame.


… ((OOC: this is where everyone speaks… bringing be up to date)) …


De Vries raises his voice, looking at Chancellor Mirbach first but then resting his eyes firmly on Lenore: “I would like to point out that a mediating council with a UN mandate already exists in the NS world. The World Court may bring some bad memories back to some of your governments, but it has been reformed in the New Collateral World Court which is based on mediation instead. This Ur initiative, though well-meaning, lacked the momentum and formal acknowledgement such an organisation needs, as well as the formal institutional framework.”

The Knootian looked around, trying to gauge the mood: “When I look at the very… diverse… group of people present here I will have to conclude that the momentum is there. I think it would be much easier if any initiative stemming from these talks would use and renew the old World Court charter, if only to bypass pointless UN bureaucracy. An institutionalised form of mediation certainly is an option and deploying troops should just be one of the means available to such a ‘world court’.

He looked at de Clerq for a moment: “But there is a more fundamental problem that we would like to bring to the table. If we are allowed?” Mirbach nodded. ((OOC: I hope you don’t mind.))

The other ambassador readjusted his monocle and spoke: “Yes, quite. Well… what I’d like to address today is the prospect for long-term reconciliation. What we are discussing here, right now, is peace on the short term, where peace is merely defined as the temporary absence of war. Of course, this is laudable and we should surely try to promote that…” his voice lingered for just a moment. “You have all experienced international politics closely. And if one nation is determined to have war, there will be war. No mediation could have prevented the senseless RF-AMF debacle.
We must think about the long term. History teaches us that wars are not merely caused by unfortunate incidents and human”, he eyed Frieda Milkton, “pardon me – sentient – lack of communication. I believe the number of wars that can be eternally avoided by mediation is small, for they have more fundamental causes. Hatred, ignorance, culture, religion, ideology, greed.” He spat out the words as if it was poison.

“What we must take away”… he paused dramatically “is the cause of war. We must root it out. Ladies and gentlemen, we need a War on War.”

“Wow”, commented Merry dryly, but that was clearly intended as a pun.

Bruce hurried through the hallways.... some retard had screwed up the time. He turned around and glared at Jessica, who he didn't think was moving fast enough. He wasn't here to play babysitter.

Jessica was walking quickly along, though her shorter legs didn't let her keep up with Bruce's fast pace. Her white jumpsuit and red open jacket contrasted brightly with Bruce's lack of color in his chosen nanoweave fabrics, dark blue shirt, black slacks, and and his characteristic trench coat.

Slipping into the conference hall, Jessica's step faltered as she saw Mirbach, though Bruce didn't notice, as he smiled upon seeing Nathicana, sliding into reserved seats. He sat down, and hoped to catch up quickly. It didn't appear they'd been in session for long. Jessica sat down next to him and practiced identifying people from her implant memory. She didn't have many opportunities to test it, after all.

A Leopold never changes its spots, the color of this group is plain to see. This council will be nothing more than yes men-look at the usual suspects who have turned up , sniffling sycophants and long time allies of the once powerful SATO
We all know this group will just repeat whatever nonsense is convenient for them and their ends at the time.

Mular Vikram

Sniffling sycophants of SATO? Bi Bere admires the alliteration, although she finds the sentiment bizarre. She pulls herself to her feet, and takes the paper flower from Kham Khitai in her hands, and bows to him and to the chancellor.

"Peace is like a flower, you know," she says. "It needs the light of day to blossom. That's why this meeting is, oh, so very important. Our hands aren't clean. Once, we fought a war, a just war for our independence from Knootoss, and mediation would have saved so many lives then. My father's life among them.

"Forgive me for being pedantic, but my teachers always taught me to define terms before beginning. Mediation is the quest to resolve disputes by consulting both parties, and negotiating back and forth until both are satisfied. Arbitration is the same thing, but the decision of the arbiter is binding. And peace, peace is so much more than the absence of war, it is a world where no one exploits another, where no country exploits another.

"So, let me speak in support of our host's call for a mediation council under UN auspices. This could mediate disputes between those who agree to the mediation, and help the parties resolve their differences peacefully. And if mediation fails, then they should turn to arbitration, which might be best done by the World Court." She tries to remember if she ever signed the treaty acknowledging World Court jurisdiction, and thinks that probably she did, but decides not to say anything in case her memory has failed her.

"There can be no coercion of a country refusing mediation except under very special circumstances. If this council empowered itself to force mediation on an unwilling country, it would be acting in an imperialist fashion. UN armed action should take place only in extreme cases, such as crimes against humanity.

"Finally, as to the terms of peace. There are hostile power blocs in the world today, some even refusing to speak with others. As a very first faltering step, confidence building measures are needed. No responsible alliance should plot war against another. No alliance should refuse all contact with others. No country should hold fireside chats denouncing another unless there has first been a good will effort at peace talks. There should be hot lines between the capitals of even enemy states, to avert nuclear disaster through simple misunderstanding. And ultimately, peace must be a peace with justice. Peace means more than the absence of war, it also means that no country will force another into being a colony, because colonialism is war by another means. An economic system that privileges the rich antions at the expense of the poor is war by another means."

A Leopold never changes its spots, the color of this group is plain to see. This council will be nothing more than yes men-look at the usual suspects who have turned up , sniffling sycophants and long time allies of the once powerful SATO
We all know this group will just repeat whatever nonsense is convenient for them and their ends at the time.

Mular Vikram

The people of Eurusea wonder why Mr Vikram feels it necessary to insult his comrades in The Reich. Describing the representative of the Wonderful Nation of Vegana as a 'sniffling sycophant' of the evil dogs of SATO is simply intolerable; we suggest your representative be perminantly retired from any position in which he is capable of making such ridiculous and blasphemous statements [or any other statements] and a full apology be issued to the Veganian representative.

~Eurusea Dept. of Reich Affairs.

Mollari, looking slightly... disgusted at the 'half- dead' Tanah Burung delegate, nodded. Actually, he nodded to everything that was said, no matter what, indicating that he understood, rather than that he agreed. But finally, his voice arose:

"Thats a lot of very good, very detailed points all of you raised. I agree with some, i disagree with others.

First of all, I don´t think that the UN is the right organisation to work with. [ooc: The NS UN has other priorities than the RL one... using it for something like that is IMHO pointless] We shouldn´t forget that only about 1/3 of all nations in the world are actually UN members... Even within this circle, there are many who are interested, without being in the UN. The Hack, or GMC Military Arms, are examples for it.

I would suggest starting a more, ah... independant organisation that can act on it`s own, without UN interference.

Regarding that joke of a world court created by the UTP... No, i don´t think we should in any way be associated with it, since this world court did, in fact, accomplish nothing. Something new is necessary. And knowing the Knootians, i tend to believe that the only reason that they mention this corpse of a court is the fact that they wielded power in it. Perhaps the Knootians intend to preserve their influence after they selfishly cut themself off from the western alliance network?"

Mollari stopped, eyeing the Knootians. For a moment he pondered answering the Tanah Burung freaks, annoyed by their never ending 'OMG CAPITALISM IS EVIL' propaganda, but he decided to ignore them, not really counting them as relevant, or sane.

Regent Edmund Vermillion arrives a bit late and decides to quietly slip in and take his seat, however a guard spots him and walks up. Vermillion then spends the best part of five minutes explaining that he is here to attend the conference and that his zepplin was caught up in a storm on his way to the country and that he got lost coming from the hotel.

The guard eventually lets him in, somewhat unsure why anyone would use a zepplin to travel internationally.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After listening to the debate for sometime, Vermillion decides to stand up and say his piece.

"Greetings ladies and gentlemen, I am Regent Edmund Vermillion of the Confederacy of SteamEarth. I have been listening to this debate since I got here and I must say that I agree on the idea for an independant organisation that can act on it`s own, without UN interference, as I know that there are many nations not in the UN and many who now have a strong dislike against it namely after when the UN past a Resolution which wrecked the economy of many a nation.

There is another matter about this mediation council idea that it mainly to try to stop two nations going to war against each other. Co's its never as simple as a little dispute between two nations, as said before there are often factors for the war such as history for example. Then again, with regrads to deploying UN troops or whatever, wars often start becuase of a trigger happy nation and this leads me onto what I'm about to say next.

This mediation council could be usueful in stopping furthur conflicts between nations who have fought each other before in the past as is the case of the recent conflict between my nation and Ruskkia. I propose that the mediation council should be given a 'test run' to see if it can stop another conflict before it happens between tow nations who are known have conflicts in the past, tehn we'll know if it works."

De Vries, the former ambassador to SATO, snickered, and for the first time in public the new division with his Angstian counterparts on the other side of the table became apparent. “The same could be said for the Angstians, who seek power and influence in a new body instead of having even a hint of something they opposed in the past.” He turned to the other delegates, “But, no, our humble nation would never actively seek to have any sort of special position in any organisation that is formed as a result of these talks. If responsibility is bestowed upon us, we will take it though.”

[Re: OOC. IMHO it would work as an In Character UN, not bothering with the ‘regional’ UN thingy which hasn’t much to do with RP in NS, but instead acting under some form of ‘UN mandate’ as was established in the formation of the New Collateral World Court. As I read it, Jo… uhm… Mirbach also sees potential for UN involvement where non-UN nations can join in. In the RL UN theoretically nations can also join the World Health Organisation without being in the UN, I believe.]

Moving on, de Clerq continued: “This conference is one of the most heterogeneous collections of prominent people that has ever met together. It is my conception of the head men –and women- of the world, with the absence of the two major belligerents, Menelmacar and Melkor. In the absence of their polarising influence can we perhaps come to sense here. We haven't to stand on ceremony,” he said, “we have to govern the world. We have always pretended to govern the world and here is our opportunity.'

“Of course,” whispered de Vries, nodding his head rapidly as de Clerq continued, readjusting his monocle again.

“The amount of energy that men are able to command is continually increasing. Applied to warfare this means that the power to inflict a blow, the power to destroy, is continually increasing. Destruction is becoming so facile that any little body of malcontents can use it; revolutionising the problems of police and internal rule. A man can carry about in a handbag an amount of latent energy sufficient to wreck half a city.” He specifically eyed the Angstian ambassador here, playing on some old historic reference. “And yet we still, fool around with the paraphernalia and pretensions of war. Must we wait for civilisation to come to a final collapse in a Great War to end all wars? Must we again weep over more nations destroyed, over churches smashed or submerged, towns ruined, fields lost to mankind for ever, and a million weltering bodies?

Neither de Clerq nor his companions, had any assurance in their answers to that question. “Look at the history of NS, since the collapse of the old nations and the foundation of those who now dominate this world, an organised civilisation has given way to a mere cult of warfare, specialised and cruel, and seems as if the whole world is but to repeat on a larger scale this ascendancy of the warrior, this triumph of the destructive instincts.” Have these countless wars and International Incidents been lesson enough for mankind, or would the flames of war still burn amidst the ruins?.”

“I am pleased with the many excellent words that have been spoken so far,” de Clerq said eying Bi Bere, “The world has been smashed up, and we have to put it on its wheels again,' continued the ambassador. “And it is the simple common sense for all to help and none to seek advantage. Is that our tone or not?”

He rested, and looked at the Angstian troublemaker.

The Prime Minister leaned forwards in his chair. "Well as for the issue of this body acting under UN auspices... Chimaea supports this for one reason. This is that the UN has a solid history as one of the longest-running organisations with the purpose of making the world a better place. Its mandate is indeed to bring peace, no matter what the creed and colour of its members. The UN might indeed have lost its teeth in dealing with these matters, but including some careful reforms of the UN laws and regulations as regards to the mediation body should help to counter this.

"However I realise that this may conflict with the views of a fair number of nations that do not support the UN. So perhaps it'd be helpful for me to outline the two options; one is the we have a body that functions under the impartial world-banner of the UN, though is carefully independant from the laws and regulations of that organisation to a degree that the mediation body may rely on UN support and take advantage of UN resources as well as UN resolutions when it is dealing with member-nations. The second option is a completely independant body without any connections to the UN, with a separate charter and so forth.

"Both of these models will work, in my opinion."

The Prime Minister nodded at the Knootonian Ambassadors. "I would like to hear a more detailed description of how a war on war would work, and how a body such as the one being discussed could aid in this. I'm interested in such a concept."

"Sure", said de Vries, nodding. "And I appreciate the wise words by our Chimaean friends. But I'd like to here the general opinion on the concept first. I hope that you share the sentiment that it is the simple common sense for all to help and none to seek advantage?", he said, phrasing the statement as a question.

((OOC: Chimaea's post and mine were posted in rapid succesion, so I doubt he read mine as he posted. My post really begs for a response from Mirbach and the CACE - at minimum - so before I start writing long posts I'd like some image of what the consensus is... I pretty much expect something from DA too... so some insertions behind this would be nice.))

Mollari chuckled. "Have you anything important to say? As in 'productive'? I see a lot of talk about wonderful things, but i fail to see you adding anything we could work with... Except this rather strange idea of a 'war on war', which sounds sort of, ah... how to say it... yes, insane!"

He hesitated for a moment.

"In any case, i think it`s better if Count Mirbach takes the word, before this ends in a verbal battle... For peace, as the Knootian delegate would put it."

The young Mr. Merry seemed visibly shaken by the Angstians extreme rudeness. are all Angstians such complete jerks?”, he wondered, “Oh my – this guy is supposedly a diplomat.” He instinctively turned to the man next to him, but he found no support there this time.

De Vries remained emotionally neutral, his face professionally expressionless as they waited for someone else to speak. Lets not have these Angstians dominate the mood in this phase – where we need to shape mutual trust and understanding above all. Oh why does Mollari not understand that we need to have a common goal first before we can argue over bureaucratic complexities?”, wondered the Knootian who had worked with the Angstians before in SATO. ”Its their nature, perhaps to be sarcastic, mean and unforgiving.” He turned his head to Mirbach looking for support: “Fortunately this ambassadors repulsive personality will quickly alienate the others.”

[ooc:

Apologies for not showing over the past few days. Mid-term assignment submission deadline and all that.

If it's all right by you, Lavenrunz, could my delegates have gotten in and pretty much avoided talking to anybody till now?

The delegation, all dressed in black, formal garments (A well, fitting, floor length and high collared robe with normal sleeves. Preferred formal clothing, as it's pretty much gender neutral, and allows for a great range of movement.):

Jon Ulric. Coordinator of the Synod for External Affairs. Pleading a persistent cold, Sub-Overseer Estha appointed Jon to replace her. A serious workaholic with a scholarly air, in his mid thirties and perfectly happy reporting to someone younger than he is. Somewhat thin, due to a steady diet consisting mostly of coffee and an altogether sedentary lifestyle.

Hirana Tyelzi. Attache to the Coordinator. Athletically built young woman, with a serious mien and a bob haircut. Devoted martial artist, proficient in most of the traditional forms in Anhierarch. Also a talented administrator.

Both are unarmed.]

Miles followed the proceedings in his usual manner of listening, and speaking only when he had an important matter to raise, or to present his opinion if he thought that the others were taking things along a different path than he wanted.

Picking up a jug of water, Miles poured some into a glass, as he began a slow appraisal of the speakers, the highlights of their points being taken down on the notepad before him. He liked to jot down his own brief reminders, as it made him focus better on the things being said, and some of these meeting took a lot of effort to keep focused on.

He took a moment to look at his neighbours, taking in their actions before picking up his glass and taking a sip, as he leaned back slightly in his chair and resumed listening to the discussion around the table.

Finding the lights a little bright, Bi Bere puts on a baseball cap with the word "Vreden" embroidered on it.

The three Knootians look a bit confused at Bi Bere. "A baseball cap?"

Noticing the word for "peace" on the cap they see it as a sign of support and say nothing more of it.

Having reached a first-approximation assessment of the dynamics among the conference participants, Dorin narGellis settled into her chair a little more comfortably, took a sip of the water Palee had so thoughtfully poured out for her, and checked her Cbox.

Palee's observation amused her, but she showed it by no more than a deepening of the creases on her cheeks. Sixty years ago, those creases had been mere dimples, and had fascinated the male half of the Upper Ten Thousand of Effrenata. She realized that she had neglected to greet the Anheirarch delegates upon her rather tardy arrival, and smiled apologetically at them.

The Knootians seemed a bit on edge, but that was hardly surprising, given the big step they'd recently taken. Mostly, people (and sentients) were running true to form. Very little would happen at this table. But she trusted the experience of Count Mirbach and the Laverunzians, and had no doubt that they'd arranged for plenty of 'social occasions' and other unstructured opportunities for the real dickering to take place.

Surreptitiously, she used her Cbox to check the scores for the Upper Iddly District's Secondary Schools Football Tournament. Her granddaughter was goalkeeper for the Archestri team. They hadn't been eliminated yet. Good! She'd send a note when she had a moment back at the hotel. Serenely, she cleared the Cbox and renewed her study of her fellow-attendees.

In the shocked pause that followed Mollari's outburst, Achefield cleared his throat to break the moment. "Mr. de Vries, I think it is fairly rational for all to help and none to take advantage, but it is difficult to keep the world rational..."

He returned the wry smiles from around the table as no doubt everyone thought of any given international situation. Possibly with each other.

"However you're right. This body cannot function without this kind of clear goal to work to. I for one agree with you. The world has changed so much, even just in our lifetimes, and sometimes we're left trying to just keep up. It's because of this, Mr. Mollari, that I find it interesting, not to say vital, that the event of war is lessened as much as possible."

Count Mirbach and his fellow delegates had watched like a trio of cats. One occasionally whispered to another.
Finally, the Count nodded. "I am grateful for the views aired thus far. If I may, I would like to sum them up.
First of all: I really would like to hear what you have to say about my several points. Because I muse emphasize that without a pragmatic idea of how to carry out such a mediation council, any ideals it would espouse would be moot.
Second: while war is horrible, I think that for now we must admit that there is an inevitability to it, and should leave the ending of war forever to God.
Third: economic struggles nonwithstanding, there are International organizations already--" here he glanced in a friendly way at the delegate from Tanah Burung. "And you may be aware that several nations here have made significant contributions already to the DNAC."
Fourth: it is a good point that we should be flexible at this stage of planning. Belonging to the UN or not is irrelevant to the mediation council actually being effective.
Fifth: I think, noble Regent Vermillion, that taking an example is an excellent idea. If you could send us information on this conflict (OOC: paste thread url or what info you have here) we could prepare some of our ideas around it.
Sixth: Supporting the World Court is a possibility, but since that organization's reputation is tarnished with--frankly--a common perception of ineffectiveness, I am somewhat dubious about that.
Are we in agreement so far, and are there any questions?" he asked, pale blue eyes sweeping the room.

Count Mirbach and his fellow delegates had watched like a trio of cats. One occasionally whispered to another.
Finally, the Count nodded. "I am grateful for the views aired thus far. If I may, I would like to sum them up.
First of all: I really would like to hear what you have to say about my several points. Because I muse emphasize that without a pragmatic idea of how to carry out such a mediation council, any ideals it would espouse would be moot.
Second: while war is horrible, I think that for now we must admit that there is an inevitability to it, and should leave the ending of war forever to God.
Third: economic struggles nonwithstanding, there are International organizations already--" here he glanced in a friendly way at the delegate from Tanah Burung. "And you may be aware that several nations here have made significant contributions already to the DNAC."
Fourth: it is a good point that we should be flexible at this stage of planning. Belonging to the UN or not is irrelevant to the mediation council actually being effective.
Fifth: I think, noble Regent Vermillion, that taking an example is an excellent idea. If you could send us information on this conflict (OOC: paste thread url or what info you have here) we could prepare some of our ideas around it.
Sixth: Supporting the World Court is a possibility, but since that organization's reputation is tarnished with--frankly--a common perception of ineffectiveness, I am somewhat dubious about that.
Are we in agreement so far, and are there any questions?" he asked, pale blue eyes sweeping the room.

Fifth: I think, noble Regent Vermillion, that taking an example is an excellent idea. If you could send us information on this conflict (OOC: paste thread url or what info you have here) we could prepare some of our ideas around it.

The somewhat incomplete history (OOC; I'm still working on it) can be found here http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=119153&highlight=

And the peace talks (OOC; about to get started probadly) can be found here http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=119133&highlight=

Mollari just nodded. "So far, I can agree to it."

Councillor Kham coughed slightly before speaking, and when he did, his voice was low and somewhat hoarse; he has evidently been suffering from a cold or something, and delegates may have to strain to hear him.

"Count Mirbach, if I may, might I ask clarification on one point? You said just now that 'Belonging to the UN or not is irrelevant to the mediation council actually being effective.' I was uner the impression that the proposed mediation council was to be formed under UN auspices. How do you see the relation of the United Nations to the mediation council at this stage is the discussion?"

(ooc: and apologies in advance for double posting if that happens, grumble, forum, mrrgl, graar.)

De Clerq was somewhat surprised that he was brushed aside that easily, but waited for de Vries to take the initiative:

“I can agree with a lot of what you say, Herr Chancellor, and I would like to note that pragmatic solutions are indeed important. I will present several key points to you in a moment, with your permission. However I do strongly believe that we should not rush into creating an organisation without a clear consensus. Perhaps this is a cultural attribute, please forgive us for that, but it has worked well for us in the past.

I would like to point out that so far I have not yet heard any representatives from CACE nations and it would be somewhat… dubious… to begin drawing up a charter when even their intent has not been established. That said, the desirability creation of a mediating body is a non-issue for us. Of course it is desirable, and there cannot be organisations without ideals.

However, if you wish I can present our vision on the functioning of such an organisation to you. I fear it will become a nitpicking fest where all nations find something to criticise though. I will forgo the bureaucratic matter of the structure of such an eventual organisation for now and instead I present to you some principles it should adhere to. I presume you all received this document before the conference, but just in case Mr. Merry here will hand it out to you. After all a regular mailservice to Aperin does not exist.”

The young assistant took a pile of papers, stood up and began handing it out to all the delegations.


International Mediation in NationStates
Global Dialogue, for the Lavenrunz summit, 29th of January 20xx

This document examines the general strategies and tactics that will lead to successful mediation in complex conflicts. It argues that mediation is both an art and a science, and has nothing to do with power-based diplomacy.

Introduction
Over the past decades there have been numerous attempts to resolve conflict in NS through mediation. Most of these efforts have failed, with one or more of the parties spurning negotiations, being unwilling or unable to reach a settlement in the course of mediation, or subsequently violating agreements that had been concluded. The factors that might account for the lack of success in each case include the history, nature and causes of the conflict; demographic, cultural and socio-economic conditions; the goals and conduct of the disputant parties; the role of external actors; and the style and methods of the mediator.

This article focuses on the mediator's strategy and tactics as variables that enhance or diminish the prospect of success. State and inter-governmental mediators frequently deviate from the logic of mediation and resort instead to power-based diplomacy. They are insensitive to the socio-pyschological dynamics of conflict and appear to be unfamiliar with the principles and techniques of mediation that provide a basis for managing and transforming those dynamics. As a result, the mediators' endeavours heighten the suspicion, fear and anger of beleaguered disputants and are consequently ineffectual if not counter-productive. A key assumption here is that conflict has both substantive and emotional dimensions that have to be addressed if the conflict is to be resolved.

Mediators must not be partisan
Individuals and groups locked in conflict tend to regard each other with intense suspicion and animosity. They are reluctant to engage in dialogue even when they have begun to contemplate ways of resolving the conflict. Alternatively, they might enter into talks but be unable to move beyond mutual recriminations. The utility of mediation lies in creating a relatively calm and safe space for them to address their concerns with the assistance of a trusted third party. Mediation can thus be viewed as a confidence-building exercise, with the mediator acting as a bridge between the adversaries. Their trust in the mediator rests on the assumption that he/she will treat them fairly. This is a critical consideration especially for weaker parties which fear being outmaneuvered in the course of negotiations. If mediators are biased against one of the parties, they break that bond of trust and jeopardise the success of the process.

Although the mediator's bias may well have been justified, a mediating body that undertakes such action will be mistrusted by the targeted party. It sacrifices its status as an 'honest broker' and becomes a party to the conflict.

Consent of the parties
Paradoxically, mediation is most threatening to disputant parties when it is most required. Where a conflict escalates to the point that its negative consequences are manifestly serious, independent observers might regard mediation and negotiations as obvious means of overcoming the impasse.
At this stage, however, the adversaries are likely to hold entrenched positions and to view the conflict in zero-sum terms. From their perspective, mediation entails talking to `the enemy' and the prospect of compromising fundamental principles in order to reach a settlement. The parties fear losing face in the eyes of their supporters, being outmaneuvered by their opponent's negotiating tactics, and being pressurised by the mediator to abandon their goals. The voluntary and consensual nature of mediation is so widely endorsed at the level of discourse and prescription that it can be regarded as a defining feature of the process. The principle implies that mediation cannot be imposed on the parties without their consent and acceptance of the mediator.

The principle is often ignored in practice, however. When a conflict within or between states reaches a certain level of intensity, third party countries and multi-national bodies tend to assume the role of mediator and appoint envoys to that end without consulting the protagonists. The parties may not be receptive to mediation or they may be ready for talks but have no confidence in the host agency or its envoy. In either event, and especially if their belligerence stems from insecurity, they are likely to regard the endeavour as a form of interference and feel threatened thereby.

The complexity of conflict
Apparently irreconcilable interests and values, exacerbated by intense mistrust and by competition over scarce resources, defy simple solutions. The degree of complexity rises considerably where the conflict has a national character; the adversaries believe that their physical or cultural survival is at stake; there are multiple disputants and divisions within their ranks; large-scale violence has already occurred; and the principal causes of the conflict are structural.

The root causes of (civil) wars in NS are complex: weak or failed states; authoritarian rule; a lack of coincidence between nation and state; the exclusion of minorities from governance; n00bishness and acute socio-economic deprivation and inequity. The conventional approach to 'early warning' and preventive diplomacy relegates these factors to 'background conditions' and assumes naively that mass violence can be averted by reacting to its proximate rather than its structural causes.

In practice, the problem manifests itself in 'quick fix' strategies that reflect little appreciation of the difficulty of achieving reconciliation and little familiarity with the intricacies of local dynamics and culture. ,

The parties must own the settlement
In many situations of conflict, independent observers might view the stance of one or more of the parties as irrational or unreasonable, the issues in dispute as relatively trivial, or the solution to the underlying problems as fairly obvious. If the parties shared these views, however, there would be no need for mediation. Adversaries are typically motivated by an acute sense of injustice, by real or imagined threats to their security, or by unmet needs which they regard as fundamental. Moreover, basic human needs are not limited to material imperatives like food and shelter. Individuals and groups crave respect, affirmation and acknowledgement. They want to be involved in decisions that affect their lives and resent being treated as the object of some other body's plans.

In light of the above, a mediating body will alienate the parties and invoke resistance to its effort if it fails to take seriously the importance they attach both to their positions and to the process of resolving the conflict. Mediators should therefore refrain from prescribing solutions. Their job is not so much to solve problems as to facilitate problem-solving by the disputants. Agreements that are not shaped and embraced by the parties have little chance of enduring. For this reason too, mediators should avoid pushing the protagonists to reach a settlement prematurely.

State and multi-national mediators often tend to be more concerned with securing a settlement than with the process by which this is done. They regard their function as one of persuasion rather than facilitation, relying on the authority and muscle of the body which appointed them to press for rapid results. This invariably gives rise to perceptions of partisanship and coercion. The use or threat of sanctions or force might compel the parties to reach to a settlement but it will be short-lived if they are not genuinely committed to it.

A related problem arises when international actors seek to forge a settlement among political elites without fully engaging local communities. Insisting that mediators should avoid being prescriptive does not mean that they should never make proposals and tender advice. The point is rather that they should exercise great sensitivity and circumspection when doing so.

Mediators must be flexible
Mediators must be sufficiently flexible to adapt their style and methods to the circumstances, the protagonists and the evolution of the conflict. Mechanical and formulaic models are bound to fail. Conflict resolution requires an empirical, case-by-case approach rather than pre-set recipes. The UN lacks the requisite flexibility when their mediation efforts are subject to decision-making by member states. They tend to adopt only those measures on which consensus is possible, excluding ideas on which unanimity cannot be achieved; that such consensus is often ambiguous, reflecting compromises based on the lowest common denominator; that decisions cannot be modified easily in response to new developments; and that the compromises and discord weaken the coherence and credibility of a mediation exercise.

In some instances the organisation is rendered impotent by divisions within its ranks or the formal or informal veto of a powerful state. In other cases disparate state interests within the mediating body are exploited by the disputants and have the effect of exacerbating the conflict. The inflexibility of a multi-national body can also stem from its principles and institutional predisposition.

Mediators must not apply punitive measures
One or more of the parties to a (civil) war is typically resistant to mediation and engages in conduct deemed unacceptable by the international community. Where oppression, abuse of human rights and other violations of international norms are features of an intra-state conflict, external actors might seek to apply pressure on the offending party through enforcement measures. Sanctions can help to weaken an authoritarian regime to the point that it becomes receptive to negotiating a democratic settlement. In other situations the aim might be to impel a belligerent, to adhere to the terms of a peace agreement it has signed.

Many scholars and diplomats believe that effective international mediation depends on the political power and leverage of the mediator. This position is flawed in several respects. First, mediators can achieve a great deal where they have no formal political power and their credibility emanates instead from moral stature and unquestionable integrity. Second, the success of enforcement measures is hardly inevitable. Aside from the practical difficulties of implementation, sanctions and the threat or use of force do not easily deter groups that believe they are fighting for their survival. Punitive action may even be counter-productive.

Third, general claims about the utility of leverage ignore a range of distinctions with respect to the nature, timing and purpose of external intervention. Fourth, and most importantly, a mediating body will almost certainly be mistrusted by a disputant against whom it threatens or applies sanctions or military force. It loses credibility as a peace broker and becomes a party to the conflict. This is not to say that punitive action is intrinsically invalid. Rather, the point is that where it is deemed necessary, it should be undertaken by an agency other than the active or prospective mediator.

Mediation is a professional discipline
Mediation can be regarded as a professional discipline in the sense that it encompasses a body of theory, comparative research, case studies and tested techniques. They relate to diagnosing the causes and dynamics of the conflict; analysing the interests of the protagonists; undertaking 'shuttle diplomacy' where the parties refuse to talk directly to each other; designing and convening the mediation process; setting the agenda and conducting meetings; identifying common ground between the parties; generating options for meeting their needs and evaluating the merits and durability of these options; overcoming deadlocks; and determining means of monitoring adherence to a settlement and dealing with breaches thereof.

However, states and multi-national bodies do not appear to view mediation as a specialised activity. Major policy statements on peace and conflict invariably present a perspective on early warning, military deployment and other topics but say little about mediation beyond asserting its importance. In practice no clear distinction is drawn between mediation and enforcement, with the result that mediation is reduced to power-based diplomacy. Mediators are often appointed on the basis of their political stature rather than their experience and competence as mediators.

In any new world court or mediating bodyt, units comprising expert mediators could be established in the offices of this UN/World Court. Their functions would include fact-finding, monitoring, analysis, confidence-building, mediation, and early warning of both emerging conflicts and opportunities to resolve long-standing ones. They would also serve as technical advisers on preventive diplomacy and peacemaking, to member governments on request and to heads of state and senior diplomats appointed to mediate in high-profile cases. As standing entities, the units would ensure greater continuity, consistency and knowledge of specific situations than is the case with ad-hoc missions.

Conclusion
Mediators diminish the prospect of ending conflict when they deviate from the principles of mediation and are unfamiliar with its techniques. Mediation is a specialised activity that is not a mystical affair, reducible to common sense or synonymous with power-based diplomacy. International actors should acquire greater proficiency in the art and science of mediation. This could be achieved at little expense through comprehensive training; by deploying qualified mediators alongside prominent personalities involved in peacemaking; and by
establishing expert mediation units within any such body.

As some of the delegates leafed through the paper (OOC: which I presume they will have read before the conference)) de Clerq asked: “I hope that these general principles, based on actual experience, are acceptable?”

De Vries looked at Mirbach and inserted: “Conflict prevention and conflict mediation go hand in hand. If we set up a mediating council with international relations remaining as they are it will be utterly useless. Not because is bears the name of the world court, but because if functions exactly like the old world court. Good intentions do not. I understand that we are going to discuss a mediating body first, and this is acceptable of course. If Herr Chancellor will graciously allow it, I’d like to discuss conflict prevention after discussions about the mediating body have ended. I think that you will find our plan less insane then the Angstian ambassador will lead you to believe, as there is little godly or insane about confidence-building measures to prevent conflict.

He nodded his head, as if bowing.

((OOC:
Summary: for those to damn lazy to read the entire document, which is based on research and RL insights on conflict mediation in Africa btw, just read the titles/headers.

Responses
@CACE nations: de Vries indirectly asked for your intentions.
@everyone: can you agree to these principles?
@Mirbach: can we have conflict prevention sceduled after we discussed the UN mediating body? Then we can discuss one issue at a time.))

Taking a pair of reading spectacles from a pocket and putting them on, Khitai scans the document. Ah yes. Tact 101. Ah well... I suppose the principles of basic courtesy must be pointed out to some... He turned towards Count Mirbach. "If I may answer Mr. de Vries?" Recognised, he turns towards the Knootians. "CACE is not here represented. It is neither pertinent nor productive to single out CACE for a statement as to intentions over any other multinational organisation, as I'm sure will be appreciated. Thank you."

De Vries nods in the direction of Kham Khitai, a friendly expression on his face: "I understand this given the... messages... we recieved from some of your fellow nations. However as painful as it is there is the predicament regarding contacts. Please allow me to rephrase." He scanned the table and looked at the delegates from the CACE member nations. "Would Xikuang, Celdonia and Anierarch ((OOC: forgetting someone here?)) be willing to work with such an organisation?

((OOC: *remembers the shadow war negotiations, and various other attempts at mediation by the world court.* Yes, it should be pointed out. :wink: ))

With the precedings well under way, Sir Alec Conover (Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs) slips in. With his latte in one hand and his 4GB audio pendrive in his breast pocket he quickly and quietly has a seat somewhere in the back. He sits very relaxed and sips his latte, listening and observing intently.

(ooc: standard double-posting apologies apply. Stupid forum, mrrg, fraagnagl, iä, iä, Cthulhu fhtagn.)

Councillor Kham coughs again; he's definately not well, but he remains focused.

"Speaking in capacity as a representative of Xikuang, That would very much depend on its form and provenance. These are as yet undetermined, so I can give no unequivocal answer, but you may take the fact that I'm here as indicative of that we might be open to the possibility."

That was vague enough as to be absolutely without content, he thinks to himself. Hopefully satisfactory.

Blackotter and narGellis had both (OOC, I did understand you to say it had been distributed in advance?) studied the Knootian document. Indeed, it had been one of the factors that had decided Dorin to ask Naling Hyirdahl to facilitate her attendance at the conference.

The Knootian grasp of the principles of mediation was masterly and well-stated, if a trifle incomplete. Centuries of strict neutrality, as well as a long history of quietly providing a safe haven for unofficial negotiations and mediations, had given Effrenata ample experience to endorse the principles the Knootians presented.

It was painful, therefore, to watch the Knootians' own concerns undermine the wisdom they had so clearly grasped. Their eagerness for some kind of resolution with the various CACE parties could potentially induce the nations they were putting on the spot to harden or withdraw into established positions, making ongoing dialogue that much more constrained.

A small crease appeared between her brows, and she cleared her throat gently. Friv narGellis did not often venture public statements, but...

The tensions at the table had escalated markedly. Delegates were locked into eye contact, there was a quite definite 'simmering' feel...

In the momentary silence following de Vries' challenge, the sound of her mild throat clearing seemed louder than it was. Rising to her feet, she smiled, and held up a copy of the Knootian paper.

"As I am here in a strictly private capacity, I must begin with the disclaimer that my remarks do not in any way represent the position of the Effrenati government or people."

(Next to her, Palee grinned. Yeah, right. The most distinguished ex-Acting Prime Figurehead in living memory, Linkrallen Peace Laureate, mediator of dozens of conflicts... But she doesn't talk for Effrenata, oh, no...)

"However, I would have to endorse, from personal experience, a great deal of the material presented by Mr. deVries in his excellent summary. I would add only three things from my personal experience--

"First, that there is a qualitative difference between the situation calling for prevention, and the situation calling for resolution. In other words, the question of whether the shooting has already started is a critical one, and considerably alters the dynamics of successful mediation. I would consider this carefully in the structure and mission of any formal mechanism you design and implement.

"Secondly, the notion of the 'non-partisan' mediator is an excellent principle, but as Mr. deVries has already noted," (she sets down the papers,) in practice it is somewhat difficult to achieve, based on the complexity of all parties' perceptions of the interests of neighboring states and their citizens. In that respect, any mechanism created for the selection or appointment of mediators based on specific, consistent criteria, risks inherent flaw. Those criteria themselves become the issue and the focus of the parties' perceptions of bias.

"Finally, no attention has yet been given to the importance of flow dynamics and, most critically of all, time as a parameter for the mediation process. It is my experience that the expectation of the mediation process to have a beginning, a middle, and an end, is the single most common reason for its failure. The most successful mediations are often already underway before anyone realizes that mediation is actually happening. They stop and start, they fail and are re-initiated, they resolve small points and leave large ones unaddressed, and seem most unsatisfactory all around.

"Until, one day, someone notices that, in fact, sufficient change has been achieved to make it possible for some critical resolution to be effected-- and often this resolution has little to do with the initial issues. The "mediation" itself seems a failure. Yet, its very existence made the resolution possible. And this is a process that only plays itself out in its own time-- often a great deal of it.

"Thus, I suggest that we integrate the inherently chaotic nature of this dynamic in both defining the criteria for success, and the expectations for the flow and the timing of the process.

With a smile around the table, she finishes her remarks, "And may I say that it is truly a great privilege to be present among so many individuals and representatives of nations who share the goal of lessening the tragic consequences of armed conflict? I hope I shall have the opportunity to meet many of you in the upcoming days, and learn more about you and the nations you represent."

With an apologetic nod to Mr. deVries, she sits down.

((OOC: profound apologies for duplo post.... frickin'frackin' forum....))

Nathicana gives a brief smile and not to Bruce as he walks in, her attention on those speaking. She scans over the Knootian document, her brow arching a time or two at a particular phrasing or term used. N00bishness? What in hell does that mean? Clearing her throat, she laces her fingers, then stretches her arms out in front of her, before laying them back down across the table in a casual manner.

"For myself, most of this is purely academic, not being a member of the UN, nor holding myself accountable to the organization or its dictates. However, I have always strongly believed in the importance of mediation and as peaceable an end to conflict as possible, or I'd not be here. For myself, the issue of a nation's sovereign right has always been important as well," here she nods to Mirbach. "If such a group is to be created within the UN, I would assume that it would be one that serves other UN members who have already agreed to the strictures laid forth within that governing body?"

"That would be the first step, I think, in establishing just what the rights of member nations and this proposed mediations organization - would nations in conflict be required to accept mediation, regardless of their feelings on the matter? You walk a fine line on this point. If it is voted on, and accepted by the member nations, then by all means, yes. If not, all you can do is offer and hope for the best. In the first case, yes, you would be well within your rights to 'compel' them, as they would be breaking agreed-upon charter if they did not come to parlay. The deployment of UN forces would fall under that, I believe."

"As you can see, much of this depends on the support of your member nations. Without that, you lack the power to enforce any of it. I myself would never agree to such lengths, as I'm sure you well know. I believe that if many sit down and think about it, they would disagree as well, quite possibly for similar reasons." Nathicana pauses, taking a slow sip of her water.

"Here are my thoughts, for what they are worth, towards what could be an effective group to serve as mediators. Thank you to the Knootian delegates for offering an overview of mediation and its uses," she says, giving them a quick nod. "First and foremost, a mediator ought to be one who can remain as neutral as possible given the situation. It is not their place to dictate, but to offer a relatively comfortable space where two or more conflicting nations can come together and discuss their differences without losing face or appearing weak. Morality and personal conviction holds no place in such a position - only the ability to help keep the dialogue flowing, and the opposing forces discussing options."

"Those mediating ought to be as familiar as possible with the politics of the given situation so that unfortunate mistakes are not made by unknowingly insulting or exacerbating the situation out of ignorance. Simply put, one must do their homework. Many of the failures several of you have noted have been because the mediators have forgotten that, and my earlier points."

"As the honorable Chancellor has said, war, as regrettable as it may be, is a reality we are forced to deal with. Sitting and bemoaning this fact gets us nowhere, nor will pontificating on the virtues of peace, as desireable as it is, in this particular group. I would say our attendance here is indication enough of our personal dedication." She keeps her face at a pleasant, neutral smile as she speaks, glancing around at the other delegates in turn, never demanding, and at least appearing equally respectful.

"I myself attempted to take part in assisting with at least one of the attempted World Courts, and I can tell you the perception of ineffectiveness is well earned. I saw those using it to not take it seriously, those running it not to have a grasp for the situations it was called to address, and it lacked the power to demand respect. It was treated as a joke by too many for too long for it to have any lasting effect."

"If you hope to create this council, I would suggest that you not have it fall under the auspices of the UN, but make it a separate ane neutral organization that can serve the needs of both UN and non-UN members. Track the struggles and conflicts in the world. Offer your assistance in helping to resolve the issues. Respect the sovereign rights of those you hope to mediate for. Do not impose your personal beliefs, prejudices, preconceptions, or morals on either side, or let them sway your efforts - remain as neutral as possible. As honorable a goal as this is, there is simply no way otherwise, in my humble opinion, that you will be able to go forward. This will most likely take time as your reputation for equitable mediation is proven. Once you've put in the work, and proven yourselves, I would imagine you will have people seeking you out, rather than you offering on their behalf. Now, I've rambled on long enough. I hope I was able to address your points, Chancellor Mirbach."

Nathi relaxes back in her chair, quietly sipping from her water, and keeping the rest of her thoughts to herself.

Von Hentzau was drawing cartoons.
One depicted the CACE nations present as sock puppets with SeOCC, an unpleasant looking octopus manhandling all of them.
The other depicted a group of sleeping people lying about on tables as the delegates from Knootoss talked ad nauseum.
Von Effner was relieved when the Dread Lady spoke at last. This has to be par for the course. Any attempt at finding a practical means for international diplomacy is squashed by apathy, ideology and caution.
Count Mirbach smiled. "It seems we have a long way to go. And it may surprise you but we have in fact been talking the whole of the day! I recommend that we break for today and return in the morning. Thank you all for coming."
Von Effner stood as well and said, "I would like to advise you all that tonight is the beginning of the Ice Festival in Lavenrunz, and the Imperial Park will be full of ice sculpture displays, which are very much worth seeing. Good evening, worthy delegates and observers."
The Lavenrunzians began preparing to leave.

OOC: Sorry, didn't see Lavenrunz's post 'cause I was writing it out... so pretend he said this just before the close of the meeting :)

Achefield glanced over the document which he had read through before the conference started. He nodded to the Knootian delegates. "I agree with most of the text of this document but I must point out an inherent... weakness, I suppose, in strict impartiality and non-enforceability. These have been mentioned by the honourable delegate for Effrenata; if I may, I'll go back to them in some detail...

"One of the problem is that some nations are indeed not at all willing to negotiate or mediate; I guess we can rule them out as situations for peacekeeping or peacemaking rather than mediation. We can try of course but sadly there are situations where one or both parties are not willing to listen, for whatever reason. It is an impossible situation and sometimes the only thing anyone can do is either, for example, enforce a UN resolution or to just wait until the parties are ready to talk.

"The main problem is that given the extremity of the situation on the ground, as it were, an immediate response might indeed be called for--not necessarily a forceful intervention but a forceful mediation. What the Knootian document refers to as "power-based diplomacy". Sadly what is pointed out by the document is true--such a mediation, while perhaps securing stability and peace in the near-future, is bound to cause further tensions as the mediators are seen as a third party to the conflict.

"So how do we balance this out? How do we achieve the solution between saving lives through dragging both or either parties to a mediated solution, and maintaining that peace through a non-force based mediated solution? With all the best early-warning signs in the world sometimes conflicts happen so rapidly that there's hardly a time to catch your breath. Prevention, in these cases, might indeed be a moot point.

"With this in mind... what sort of body do we want to create? One with the resources to carry out a force-based mediation? Or one with strict impartiality, that can be trusted and relied on by all to have no bias or appearence of bias whatsoever?"

Councillor Kham was visibly relieved, coughing into his sleeve as he gathered himself up. A good night's rest was certainly in order, especially given the extra two hours the cold medicine would put onto Khtai's usual five hours. Oh well. It can't be helped. He picked up his things and headed quietly out.

Sir Conover clicks off his recorder,checks his watch and hurries out to find a pub and catch the late news.............

Count Mirbach and his fellow delegates had watched like a trio of cats. One occasionally whispered to another.
Finally, the Count nodded. "I am grateful for the views aired thus far. If I may, I would like to sum them up.
First of all: I really would like to hear what you have to say about my several points. Because I muse emphasize that without a pragmatic idea of how to carry out such a mediation council, any ideals it would espouse would be moot.
Second: while war is horrible, I think that for now we must admit that there is an inevitability to it, and should leave the ending of war forever to God.
Third: economic struggles nonwithstanding, there are International organizations already--" here he glanced in a friendly way at the delegate from Tanah Burung. "And you may be aware that several nations here have made significant contributions already to the DNAC."
Fourth: it is a good point that we should be flexible at this stage of planning. Belonging to the UN or not is irrelevant to the mediation council actually being effective.
Fifth: I think, noble Regent Vermillion, that taking an example is an excellent idea. If you could send us information on this conflict (OOC: paste thread url or what info you have here) we could prepare some of our ideas around it.
Sixth: Supporting the World Court is a possibility, but since that organization's reputation is tarnished with--frankly--a common perception of ineffectiveness, I am somewhat dubious about that.
Are we in agreement so far, and are there any questions?" he asked, pale blue eyes sweeping the room.

As Count Mirbach closes the meeting, Bi Bere takes another puff from her cannister, and a happy, relaxed expression passes over her face. She walks over to him and says: "Sir, i for one am in complete agreement. Hopefully by morning, everyone else will have agreed too, and we can get down to actually defining this thing. I'll have some brief proposals myself too." Sensing the man's impatience with long documents, she stresses the word brief.

A Leopold never changes its spots, the color of this group is plain to see. This council will be nothing more than yes men-look at the usual suspects who have turned up , sniffling sycophants and long time allies of the once powerful SATO
We all know this group will just repeat whatever nonsense is convenient for them and their ends at the time.

Mular Vikram

The people of Eurusea wonder why Mr Vikram feels it necessary to insult his comrades in The Reich. Describing the representative of the Wonderful Nation of Vegana as a 'sniffling sycophant' of the evil dogs of SATO is simply intolerable; we suggest your representative be perminantly retired from any position in which he is capable of making such ridiculous and blasphemous statements [or any other statements] and a full apology be issued to the Veganian representative.

~Eurusea Dept. of Reich Affairs.

It is a statement and belief held by many of the sultans subjects and by the combined clerics of North Star. this is a meeting of frauds.

~Mular Vikram[clearly not at the con]

Count Mirbach's closing words for the day's session couldn't come any too soon for Palee Blackotter. He realized, now, why Naling Hyirdahl had declined to come himself. Palee remembered something that old Marquan Stonefoot had told him once during a campaign: "My boy, the amount of actual substance in any given discussion is in direct inverse proportion to the amount of hot air released by the participants!"

He stifled the smile the recollection of the old scoundrel provoked, and assisted Friv narGellis to move her chair so she could rise. She was speaking to Philip Achefield.

"I wonder if I could impose upon you to be so kind as to present my greetings to Sir Scott..." she was saying. "I encountered him some years ago, and while our acquaintance is only slight, I hold him in high regard..."

Nathicana gets gracefully to her feet, and stretches. She bows courteously to the Lavenrunz representatives, her gaze lingering briefly on Mirbach.

"Thank you again, your Excellency. Perhaps I will indulge a bit," she says with a smile. She glances down the way to Bruce as well, nodding again when she catches his eye - a brief hello.

Elisa carefully turns off her PDA, putting it back in its place in her jacket, gathering up miscellaneous papers as well. The Knootoss papers were... well... about par for the course, really. They seemed to love endless press releases, it only seems fit that some waste of paper would pop up. While their primer on the concepts of mediation was nice, and chuck full of informational goodness, it was rather unnecessary. She had already learned the ins and outs of mediation as part of various training and refresher courses. Most everyone here was a professional diplomat. Did we really need something like this? Oh well. She had some friends with birds, the document would make for a passable cage lining.

She waits until most of the other delegates have filed out of the meeting room before finally standing. When one is sent to observe, what isn't said is often more important than what is. She sighed softly, fearful of the chances of a succesful resolution. Hopefully the petty differences of the delegates wouldn't doom this exercise to oblivion.

As she passes Count Mirbach, she smiles to him, "Thank you for this opportunity. I hold out the best of hopes for this meeting. With any luck, everyone's done blowing off steam and tomorrow we'll get some actual work done."

Mollari just stood up, and left the room... althought not without quietly greting the delegates from The Hack, GMC, Chimaea, and of course, Count Mirbach himself.

"I`m sure we manage to do something productive... tomorrow."

Arriving at the hotel, he curses the tactless Knootian 'diplomats'. Arrogant children was possibly the better phrase, though.

[i]Lecturing us... who do they think they are? He cursed some more, especially his fate, ending as an 'expendable' ambassador, and with a bottle and a '50%' sign, he went to bed.

Count Mirbach returned Nathicana's bow. He smiled and thanked Elisa Day graciously, and nodded seriously to Mollari.
"I'm sure we will, Ambassador." he said gravely. "But the first day of a council is often full of ideological remarks...we must be patient, eh?"
Count Mirbach took a little detour away from the others and went up a flight of stairs to a little room where a pretty blonde teenaged girl sat stroking the head of a leopard. He bowed deeply. The girl looked up, expectation lighting up her fair features.

He stifled the smile the recollection of the old scoundrel provoked, and assisted Friv narGellis to move her chair so she could rise. She was speaking to Philip Achefield.

"I wonder if I could impose upon you to be so kind as to present my greetings to Sir Scott..." she was saying. "I encountered him some years ago, and while our acquaintance is only slight, I hold him in high regard..."

The Prime Minister's smile didn't falter, but a weary and pained look flashed in his eyes. He nodded slightly. "I'm afraid, dear lady, that Sir Scott is being held by the Reich on unclear charges. I'm sure you've heard about the Syskeyian Embassy incident in St. Dominic... we sent Sir Scott to try and secure the Syskeyians' release. Sadly the situation has rapidly gone downhill. The Reich has denied access to Sir Scott and other Baron diplomats."

He rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly looking very old. "I will pass on your words to his wife, however."

TO: Those whom it may Concern
FROM: Zona Tora, Speaker of the Martian Confederacy
SUBJECT: Khristian War threatens lives of all on Earth

"Please, someone mediate in this conflict, we would, but we are unable to. This conflict is disrupting communications, and millions have been killed in one week of fighting. Nuclear weapons and orbital bombardments have been used indiscriminately. Please, In the name of God we beg that you end this madness!"

To Zona Tora, Speaker of the Martian Confederacy

It would be a great honour to assist you, but we would need to know some details first. If you would please send them to us we would be most grateful.
The difficulties you are being subjected to are horrific, you have our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies.

warmest regards
Count Mirbach
Chancellor of Lavenrunz

OOC:
Please link us or something to the conflicts in question

The Prime Minister's smile didn't falter, but a weary and pained look flashed in his eyes. He nodded slightly. "I'm afraid, dear lady, that Sir Scott is being held by the Reich on unclear charges. I'm sure you've heard about the Syskeyian Embassy incident in St. Dominic... we sent Sir Scott to try and secure the Syskeyians' release. Sadly the situation has rapidly gone downhill. The Reich has denied access to Sir Scott and other Baron diplomats."

Dorin's smile faded. "Oh, dear. I am so very sorry, Mr. Achefield. I had heard something about an incident, but the details haven't come my way. How very distressing...." her voice trails off for a moment, then she looks sharply at the Chimaean Prime Minister.

"And they're refusing access, you say? I wonder... Has the International Puple Star heard about this? I'm sure they'd be very interested in reviewing the situation."

(OOC: International Purple Star: Think International Red Cross, but without the religious overtones. Its international headquarters is in Effrenata, though it's an independent non-profit organization.)

The Ice Sculptures

The lights gleamed on angels, dragons, longships, figure skaters, wolves, eagles and bears. Flowers, fountains and dancing children all stood frozen along the banks of the river in the Imperial Park.
There were Reichskpolizei stationed here and there, distinctive in their black greatcoats.
Count Mirbach, strolling among them, commented to some of the foreign guests present that the police were there because the contest was taken so seriously that people had been known to damage the ice sculptures of rivals by putting kerosene lanterns by them or even taking blowtorches to them.
Here and there, the sound of cutting saws or chisels or knives were heard as people did finishing touches on their work.

Nathicana, whereever she was, received an invitation, hand engraved.

To the Dread Lady Nathicana
You are cordially invited to join me for dinner at my home on HerzogWilhemstrasse tonight. If you wish to bring guests they would be most welcome.
warmest regards
Count Joachim v. Von Mirbach

(OOC: apologies for my low level of aprticipation, but I seem to be having a lot of trouble connecting to the forums at times.)

McKay retuned to his hotel room, slackened hois tie and sat on the edge of the bed with a newly pured glass of whisky in his hand. He took a sip and picked up a note pad.

Twenty minutes later a hand written note is delivered to Councilor Kham's room. It reads:


I gather SeOCC has attempted to get us to withdraw for three days while discussions take place over our attendance. I gather the President has told them to f--- off, so it looks like I'll be staying.

I'm not really one for festivals and the like, how about dinner. My treat. We can discuss what's been going on. I'll ask (insert name of Anhierarch delegate as well, whose name escapes me).

Mike.


A similar message is sent to the delegate from Anhierarch.

Nathicana took in the sights with an expression of wonder and delight. Ice sculptures of this magnitude were far from usual in the Dominion. Only the high mountains along the northern borders tended to see snow. These ... these were works of art.

Flanked on either side by Massetti and Pascali, the quiet Marik trailing closely behind, she made her way through the park, occasionally commenting, chatting with the other three in their native language.

The three men stiffen as the note is delivered, but stand down at a quiet but sharp word from the diminuitive woman. She scans over it, smiling broadly.

"Please, if you could, do let the honorable Count know that I would be delighted to attend, and at this time, will only require the presence of my current companions," she says to the one who delivered the note. She tucks it away in her longcoat pocket, the smile never leaving her face.

"Boys, to the hotel. I've a dinner to attend."

-----------------------------------------------
Special Ambassador De Vries
-----------------------------------------------
Contrary to his original plan, de Vries left the CACE delegates for now, obviously they had no interest in talking business. They probably won’t involve themselves until the endgame. I’ve pushed more then enough now… maybe too much already, he figured. He patted his assistant on the back and exchanged a smile, glad he had gone though the long sit so well.

As he stuffed small piles of paperwork into his suitcase He saw Philip Achefield and Friv narGellis standing together near the table. Just the people I need, he thought. He quickly finished putting away the paperwork and approached the Chimaean Prime Minister and the representative from Effranata.

He nodded and stood quietly for a while as they talked.
The Prime Minister's smile didn't falter, but a weary and pained look flashed in his eyes. He nodded slightly. "I'm afraid, dear lady, that Sir Scott is being held by the Reich on unclear charges. I'm sure you've heard about the Syskeyian Embassy incident in St. Dominic... we sent Sir Scott to try and secure the Syskeyians' release. Sadly the situation has rapidly gone downhill. The Reich has denied access to Sir Scott and other Baron diplomats."

Dorin's smile faded. "Oh, dear. I am so very sorry, Mr. Achefield. I had heard something about an incident, but the details haven't come my way. How very distressing...." her voice trails off for a moment, then she looks sharply at the Chimaean Prime Minister.

"And they're refusing access, you say? I wonder... Has the International Puple Star heard about this? I'm sure they'd be very interested in reviewing the situation."

After any answer that would have been given ((OOC I’ll wait, just insert my bit when its convenient.)) he inserted:

“Indeed, and I must say I’m sorry for what I can only presume to be your tragic loss. Its a nasty business, that whole Syskeyia/Reich situation.” He looked over his shoulder to see if the Veganan duchess was still there. Convinced that she wasn’t within hearing distance he continued: “The Reich is completely disrespecting of international law, has always been. One of our men, a diplomat called Ambassador Herben, was presumably arrested in Iesus. We haven’t heard from them in a long time. It makes trusting them rather difficult.”

He gestured to the exit. “Perhaps we can enjoy a small walk in the the Imperial Park? And if you have not yet found partners to dine with I’d like to invite you to join me in a restaurant nearby. They serve a delicious goose. Of course, the hotel also serves, or so I’ve been told…”

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. Merry, assistant to the special ambassador
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Merry was left with picking up the suitcases and seeing to it that there was someone to pick them up. After having witnessed the decisively frigid negotiations with the Syskeyians earlier, this was somewhat of a relief. But the short Xikuangese man sitting a few metres away behind the Esamopian delegation had left Merry strangely intrigued. During the conference Kham had remained calm, detached even, saying nothing at de Vries’ challenge. But somehow there was more to this man then a cold negotiator. Merry followed him with his eyes as he quietly slipped away.

Without company, he stood about in the meeting room looking for someone who would have dinner with him now that his usual companion was occupied. He felt somewhat rejected but reminded himself ”that these dinners are a part of business too, so its not personal."

De Vries turned for a moment and made a friendly gesture with his hands that was somewhere between “go ahead” and “leave”.

He watched as de Vries talked, pretending to rearrange some paperwork but doing noting at all… maybe he would still be invited. But the trio kept on talking, apparently taking no notice of him. Dejectedly, he leaned against the table watching the remaining guests leave one by one, hoping that one of them might notice and invite him to come along... ((OOC: *hint hint*))

---------------------------------------------------
Ambassador to Lavenrunz, de Clerq
---------------------------------------------------

Ambassador de Clerq briefly joined Count Mirbach before she left, and gave him a polite nod, perhaps exchanging a few small words with him. He is a complex personality, the Ambassador figured, But a nationalist… a patriot. He found the importance of his appointment in Lavenrunz was increasing. There was an interesting international dynamic, or so he figured, in Lavenrunz…

((OOC: I’m a bit confused whether it was possible for foreign guests to follow Mirbach into the park or not… first he leaves the guests to see Aurora, then he is leading foreign guests around. ) )

The Prime Minister looked interested. "I've heard of the Purple Star, I believe they have an office in Chimaea... I would gladly submit a report to them, we can't afford to leave any stone unturned."

He nodded as de Vries told them about Ambassador Herben. It was an all-too-familiar story. "Sadly," he commented, "a fair number of nations have reported political prisoners. The Reich denies it of course... Sending Sir Scott there was a calculated risk, but we never thought he'd be arrested in front of an international broadcast!"

His 'gavely political' expression turned to a smile of genuine warmth as de Vries suggested a walk in the Imperial Park and dinner. He cordially gave his assent, feeling a bit brighter than he had for the past few weeks.

Dorin smiled at Phillip Achefield. "I am certain that the International Purple Star would be very willing to make an enquriy as to Sir Scott's well-being. I was at a luncheon last week, with the Director of the International Headquarters, K'rell Hansarla, and he expressed grave concerns over the upswing in political detainments, not just in the Reich, but in several world regions. I believe they are going to issue a directive to their various national headquarters sometime soon."

She nodded to Mr. deVries. "How kind. I would enjoy a stroll to some vantage point where we can view the sculptures before dinner. I hear they make quite an art of it here, but at my age I do tend to avoid noisy crowds."

She turned to Palee Blackotter, who was waiting alertly for what he feared was coming.

It came.

"Mr. Blackotter, I'm sure Mr. deVries and Mr. Achefield will be able to look after me for a little while. Why don't you take this opportunity to do a little sightseeing for yourself? I know that Naling Hyirdahl will be interested in hearing about the sculpture contest. Those Dallarni are so proud of their own Ice Sculpture exhibition at the Winter Carnival. Take some pictures. Perhaps the Carnival committee should invite a Laverunzian exhibition team next year."

Palee's lips hardened for a moment. Hyirdahl had warned him she was a bit problematic to keep an eye on. He eyed the Chimaean Prime Minister and the Knootian diplomat, then appeared to give in gracefully.

"But of course, Friv narGellis. I confess, I would like to see the sculptures."

He wandered slowly away through the rapidly-emptying room, apparently taking note of the remaining representatives and the directions of their departures.

((OOC: If you want to pursue the International Purple Star angle, post a linky...))

Bruce watched as Jessica pulled on red earmuffs. "For a nation on on the equator, Lavenrunz sure is cold, Ambassador."

"Yes, it certainly is, Jessica. Now are you quite ready to go?"

Jessica nodded sheepishly. She has refused to go until she'd found her earmuffs, which had slipped to the bottom of her travel bag. Her whole outfit was stunningly bright. Red snow boots, gloves, and earmuffs completed the outfit she had been wearing earlier, her white jumpsuit and her red jacket. Bruce snorted and slipped on his own gloves, and strode from the hotel room, Jessica on his heels. Bruce had changed to something a bit more appropriate for wandering around in the cold. He had added gloves to the nanoweave outfit. Great thing about nanoweave; as long as it covered your skin, it would keep you warm.

Stepping out of the hotel, Bruce consulted his memory implant's map to find his way to the park where the Winter Festival was being held, Jessica following along behind, walking quickly to keep up with Bruce, nearly a foot taller than she. The first ice sculpture they confronted was of a rearing dragon, wings outstretched, teeth poised to tear at the sky. The setting sun was hitting it, making it glow a red-gold of the final sunlight, a beacon in the approaching darkness.

"Beautiful." Neither of them knew who had spoken, the whisper barely more than the the caress of the wind, and each would have sworn it was the other.

Thet proceeded deeper into the forest of fantasy, fantasic creatures rearing about them, as their eyes fell on a massive longship, flanked by a snarling wolf and a striking eagle, again, backlit by the sunset, streaming through the carved crystalline structures. It was all Jessica could do to resist touching them, knowing the slightest bit of heat could ruin them.

While Jessica was almost completely absorbed by the ice sculptures, Bruce kept a wary eye out. It wouldn't be worth his life if Jessica got into trouble on this trip.

"So Jessica, what made you decide you wanted to join the IRD?"

"Tradition of service, after all. I was bred into it, nearly, by my brother."

"I suppose."

"Well, D'ron would be a bit upset if I went MD, I think."

"Probably. He is rather protective of you."

"Well, Bruce, he is my 'father,' in a sense, as well as my big brother. That makes him doubly responsible for me, I think, in his eyes."

Bruce nodded. "Perhaps."

Grinning, Jessica responded. "I don't mind, normally. Sometimes he goes a bit too far, though, I think."

"Most people do think that about their older sibling."

"Did you?"

Bruce shakes his head. "No. I'm the oldest of two. Sister is a fighter pilot. She did tell me, on occasion, that she thought I was being more protective than was required by my status as older brother. Course, she didn't phrase it quite that way, which is why I'm IRD and she's MD."

Jessica laughs, a clear, sweet sound, and Bruce smiles, before they continue deeper into the park, closely examining the sculptures, and judging them with each other on quality and detail, as well as comparing ones of similiar subjects.

Soon, they reached the river, and looked along its banks in the darkness, at the frozen figures, delicately carved from ice, as fragile as the lives they portrayed, and perhaps, in some cases, stronger. In the full darkness, the lights caused the scene to glitter, people shadows moving among beings and creatures of light, the darkness spreading where people tread.

The darkness of war seemed to spread wherever people tread as well. But that was what this conference was about. Fighting shadows and darkness. Bruce watched an angel gleaming, refracting the light to disperse the shadows.

Angels... Can we become as they?

Rgent Edmund Vermillion headed straight back to the hotel, thou a visist to Imperial Park for the Ice Display would have been favoured but he had stuff to catch up on. Before going up to his room he called at the front desk to inquire if any telegraphs had arrived regradding events in SteamEarth, specially the business with Ruskkia.

Prime Minister Richard Clark had sent a message briefly stating that Duke Charles Le Thunder of Ruskkia agreed to attend the peace talks and so did the rep from the Ruskkie Collective. Clark also stated that the Ruskkie Civil War was still going on with the Ruskkie Collective ready to state itself as a nation.

Vermillion spoke to the chap on the front desk abouting sending a reply.

OOC: Please note that SteamEarth is kinda a steamtech nation.

hoping that one of them might notice and invite him to come along... ((OOC: *hint hint*))

*********************************

In the Hotel Bar

Seamus was getting into his stride now. A day in a bar usually helped. He'd been travelling far too much recently, and he needed the down-time. Besides, whereever the delegates were, it was clear that no-one wanted to talk to the international press about matters as yet. Still, he was sure they knew where he was ... he still hoped that some-one would drop by for a drink and be .. indiscreet!

Righto, he thought to himself. Now, let's see. We've tried most of the top shelf bottles. Wonder what they can do with the next row ..

He caught the eye of the young lady who'd just started her shift behind the bar, replacing the rather dour young man who'd kept him company thus far.

"Hello, me dorling," he slurred. "I'll have another round - what's that green stuff next to the red stuff?

"Melon brandy, sir. If I might suggest, a cocktail based on that and the Grimoldi liquer, with a dash of angostura .. " She didn't think he would last much longer. Her colleague had told her that he had been packing away the G&Ts since lunchtime, but the old soak just seemed to go from strength to strength. And he was quite charming ..

She set about making him up the drink, keeping an eye out for other customers. She thought that they might have been busier, but it seemed that the delegates were an abstemious lot.

His drink arrived. Seamus sat for a moment, contemplating the virulent green foaming liquid, before taking a gulp. He coughed, and clutched at his chest as the spirits bit into his oesophogus.

"Whew," he gasped. "Now that's what I call a drink!" He took another good slug as a warm, relaxed feeling spread through his body. Not bad, he thought to himself. Not too shabby at all. There's hope yet!

"Now, gorgeous," he said, turning on the charm. "What'sh to do around here in the eveningsh? And whatsh time do you finishesh up? He hiccoughed, which sorta spoiled the effect he was hoping for.

It was an odd feeling, truth be told, to go from never having time enough a breathe, to having all the time in the world. The day's meeting was over, and the evening was... free, open, unschedualed. Highly irregular, one might say.

Oberservation...

Well, one could easily observe at the Ice Festival, couldn't one? Get a feel for how people act in Lavenrunz. Absorb the local custom, the mores, and the like. The justification wasn't really necessary, it just made it feel like one was doing something, as opposed to slacking off. Of course, one must be prepared...

Elisa rummaged around in the briefcase in her room, pulling out some accessories for her PDA. A fresh 4 TB memory chip was slipped in to one of the ports, and the external mini-camera was also plugged in. She put the PDA into one of her pockets, and clipped the mini-camera to the outside of her coat, that way she could easily take pictures of the locals, and the ice sculptures.

Pulling on her gloves and scarf she set out to the Imperial Park. The air was crisp, and reminded her of when she was younger. Not as cold as when she had climbed Mount Voormithadrith, but still... it was a pleasant memory, and it made her smile as she gazed at the frozen creatures.

Returning to his room to attire himself for the cold conditions, Miles grabbed his great coat, and made his way to the Ice Festival. As he walked he went over the course of events in the conference, mentally preparing his report that would be written on his return.

Entering the park, Miles’ gaze was filled with the exquisitely detailed works of art. He had always been impressed at the way someone could use such a delicate substance as ice and turn it into the shapes that stood before him. The wrong temperature or a slightly harder than required knock would render the whole piece ruined.

Moving slowly between each of the statues, facing angels and dragons, watching the light bend through the prisms of ice, Miles took the time to again run over the meeting. The Empire’s stance on a peaceful resolution was high on the Empress’ agenda. She had always been a strong advocate on finding not the simplest, but the best conclusion to trouble.

Finishing his walk around the Festival, Miles made up his mind to head to the hotel bar for a quick drink to help rid his body of the incessant chill, before he had to deal with the onerous task of writing up his report.

OOC:
A few things to clear up.
One: Knoot, what we have here is what's called a scene change. Mirbach went to report to Aurora and then went to see the ice festival. If you want to run into him there you can. Later, however, Mirbach leaves the festival to join Nathicana for dinner. So you missed your chance to speak with him.
Two: Lavenrunz is not near the equator and never has been. Lavenrunz is near the South Pole, thus the northern part of it is tropical but the southern part is temperate and sometimes has bad winters.

IC:
Count Mirbach's home is on a street of elegant townhouses. Wrought iron lamps and fences are seen. To Nathicana's discerning eye, the homes are well maintained and from about a century and a half ago. Admitted by a servant, she finds inside a lot of dark carved wood, paintings on the walls of landscapes and domestic scenes of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. There is a silver dish by the door for calling cards.
Count Mirbach himself, wearing a traditional Lavenrunzian tunic, trousers and boots, greets her in a sitting room by standing and bowing.
"Lady Nathicana, I am very glad to receive you. Please be welcome in my home. Forgive my old fashioned greeting, but I am at heart an old fashioned countryman..." he gestures, and a maidservant in a traditional robe bowes and offers a tray of bread and salt to the guests.
Also present is General von Baden, whom Nathicana recognizes from his television interview during the civil war. In person, he is a powerfully built man whose mess jacket and sash display his broad chest and shoulders. His eyes seem to catch fire like smouldering coals when they light on her, but his bow is most practiced.

At the Bar, Klefburg Hotel

The young female bartender gave Seamus a level glance. "I don't date foreigners." she said firmly and went down the bar to help out a pair of scantily dressed foxgirls from Ravenspire.

[ooc: Drat! I missed this thread!] #tag#

(ooc: standard apologies for double posts apply. Insert standard grumblings about the forum here.)

Councilor Kham returns directly to his hotel room, where he loses no time in preparing a sachet of hot lemon, maximum strength, downed in two gulps with a look of distaste. Nasty, but it does the trick. Setting the laptop up to do its downloading thing, he noted with gratitude that someone had replaced the depleted orange juice in the minibar with a fresh carton. Bless Lavenrunzian hotel staff's attentiveness to detail. He settled down with the orange juice and, after reading a long and effusive e-mail from a certain archives office employee at the Celdonian Diplomatic Quarter (which cheered him up considerably, though no one had yet found the cat), he turned to the more official note from the Council Offices:


We're going through a bit of bother over this SeOCC/Sacco &Vanzetti condemnation thing. SeOCC has called for talks, a precondition for which is that you're to be relegated to observation status only for three days or until further notice. Officially speaking, that is. Ah well--just continue with your usual tact, and I'll attend to SO Khalid. Decrypt the attached file when you're not busy. I'm sure you'll find it... interesting.

-Dorje

PS. How was Svea Riga?


Tapping the function key to switch the keyboard layout back to Xikuangese, he typed up a quick response:


Observation status only, check. The way this conference is going that shouldn't be hard; it'll probably take that long just to settle on an agenda with this lot. Violeta Bi Bere is here, though, so at least someone's talking sense.

I'll tell you about Svea Riga later, but I may need a couple of years of intensive therapy first.


He was just about to decrypt the attached file when there was a tap on the door. A hotel attendant had brought a note:

I gather SeOCC has attempted to get us to withdraw for three days while discussions take place over our attendance. I gather the President has told them to f--- off, so it looks like I'll be staying.

I'm not really one for festivals and the like, how about dinner. My treat. We can discuss what's been going on. I'll ask (insert name of Anhierarch delegate as well, whose name escapes me).

Mike.


"If you don't mind waiing just a moment?" The attendant (he notes that she can't be more than sixteen) indicates that she doesn't mind, and he pens a reply, which will be delivered back to Mike McKay's room:


Mike--

Sure, why not? I'll be in the lobby in a few minutes.

OOC: If people want to join at this stage of the game they certainly may.

Nathicana is dressed much the same as she was upon her arrival, most definitely with comfort and warmth in mind. Soft black sueded leather boots with flat treaded soles are worn over equally black leggings. A thick cable-knit sweater, ivory in color, fits loosely over a deep crimson turtleneck. Her black longcoat, much the same as her companions, she removes and folks over one arm, smiling. As for her companions, their ensembles have not changed in the least. They stand near her, though at a respectable enough distance as not to insult their host with an image of needless overprotection.

"Chancellor Mirbach, I thank you for inviting me to your home. Please, do not apologize. Were we in my own nation, I would have this meeting much the same. I have never been one to rely overmuch on useless pretensiousness. I too prefer the more comfortable setting of my own villa," she says with a smile, returning the courtesy with a graceful little bow of her own. Nathi and the others accept the bread with murmured words of thanks as their eyes wander over the comfortable interior of the home with an air of quiet approval, not missing the significance of the gesture.

"General von Baden?" the diminuitive woman asks questioningly, taking in his impressive frame with a soft smile of appreciation. "A pleasure to meet you."

Two fine-looking gentlemen to spend dinner with after a lovely walk in that winter wonderland of a park ... I could hardly ask for a more pleasant evening - even if that damnable Marik insists on all this security. True, last time ... but still. It puts people off. We have been assured safety here, after all. And he does seem to be one who holds traditions in high esteem.

"Your country is apparently most beautiful, Lady Nathicana." Count Mirbach comments. "Please enjoy these Lavenrunzian delicacies..." another maid, bowing, presents a tray of baked fruit sections that smell of cinnamon. They are stuffed, variously, with berries or raisins or nuts baked in brown sugar.
"Now, Her Majesty speaks very highly of you--and moreover, you have proven most friendly during the recent negotiations with Melkor. We are very interested in pursuing closer ties with your country--and yourself, of course." said Mirbach.
"Indeed. And in visiting it--we similarly of of ancient cultures that are also Christian." commented General von Baden. "And similarly, are led by a ruling class with a strong sense of responsibility towards the state..."

Bi Bere heads for the hotel bar (and if Mr. Merry cares to join her, he's certainly welcome....)

Gasping as she enters the warm room at last, she orders a glass of cognac. Anything to warm the bones. She promises herself this will be the last time she ever attends a conference in a cold country. Sekali kedinginan, she mutters to herself. Always, always overcome with the cold. And that's one advantage to moving mostly within third world conference circles.

"We've always thought so, your Excellency," she says with a smile. "I've found Lavenrunz to be rather breathtaking myself. So much snow - and those fantastic ice sculptures! But truth, your sense of history and ambience here is what holds such a fascination for me."

Nathicana accepts one of the fruits, sampling it delicately, her eyes widening with appreciation at the taste. "Grazie", she says, finishing the bite. "I have found the Empress to be a rather formidable leader already. She does your nation proud. I am flattered at the interest you both show. I have myself desired closer ties with your great empire for some time now, though it seems that only such recent misfortunes have paved the way for opportunities."

She finishes the fruit, nodding to von Baden. "The Church has always had a strong influence in the Dominion. Much of our history was shaped by it, and the struggles concerning it in earlier centuries. As for our ruling class, it is not something one is born into, but rather, something one aspires to. I myself am of humble origins, and we have nothing in the way of nobility or hereditary positions of leadership," she says, her face thoughtful. "At least, we have not for some time. This was not historically, always the case. Perhaps in the future, such changes would be in the best interest of our nation. Stability, you understand."

Massetti and Pascali both quietly accept the fruit as well, murmuring softly spoken 'grazie's while looking on from a respectful distance. Marik merely shakes his head, as always, standing with an air of casual watchfulness, more like a lounging cat, loose muscles and idle demeanor hiding the strength and readiness beneath.

Minister Peters, having been able to avoid all the diplomatic crap by tending to a Ruhrian Crisis in a conference call, quietly walked to the Hotel's bar. In nothing more than a pair of black khakis and a red dress shirt, he sat down right at the end table and watched the rest of the day's golf match in America. The bartender leaned over the granite counter and asked, "Can I get you anything, sir?"

"I'll have a glass of Chimney Rock '97, please?" The waiter nodded and Mark leaned back in his chair. He crossed his right leg over his left and waited for his glass to be served. There was nothing he wanted more, right now, than his round of golf on a beautiful course. Although, he could settle for a conversation.

OOC: due to the poopy forum service I’ll jump the gun slightly. [Apologies].

A thin line of fur waited until Councillor Kham had left his room, presumably to meet up with the other CACE delegates for an informal dinner. The thin line of fur grew into the form of Margoue III, the Greater Bear representative from the NHU delegation. He lumbered up to the Councillor’s door and roughly struggled with the flimsy piece of paper, managing to scratch the bottom of the door until the paper was eventually rammed underneath.

Midnight: The Cat’s Paw

Meanwhile Sverj stood in the lobby waiting for Margoue who said he would be “down in a minute” while Frieda saved them seats in the hotel bar. He noticed the Celdonian delegate also appeared to be waiting, catching his attention Sverj motioned for the Celdonian to come and talk, it would be good to have a fresh update on the whole CACE-SeOCC mess, especially now the Non-Human Union was being persecuted “f*ck” Sverj summarised “we’re not even in the bloody CACE and we still have to deal with their mess.”

Frieda had plonked her bovine behind on a seat one down from Bi Bere. “I’ll have a Kailua on the rocks thanks” she ordered. The somewhat bemused bar tender gave her the glass and then watched gob smacked as Frieda did something he was sure to never see again. Without a concern in the world Frieda began to milk herself, filling the glass before dunking a straw in and beginning to happily blow bubbles. “Cheers” she said with a customary glass raise to Bere.

Mollari was still at the Ice thingy, commenting on the elegant and rather beautiful statues... Unfortunately, usually in a rather sarcastic way. However, since he usually commented quietly, whispering to his aides, while smiling and nodding to the Lavenrunzians, he didn´t ruin the Angstian reputation... if there was one, which wasn`t exactly guaranteed.

Wondering if he would run into any other delegates, he stayed, like most Angstians, he rather enjoyed the cold weather... although he still had problems with the surprisingly clean air.

Wondering if he would run into any other delegates, he stayed, like most Angstians, he rather enjoyed the cold weather... although he still had problems with the surprisingly clean air.

"I thought you'd suffocate from the lack of smog..." That almost-teasing voice again. Elisa smiled a little more warmly than usual to Mollari. "Lovely night, isn't it?"

Remembering that small talk was going to be a waste of time, by and large, she simply cut to the chase. "I'm wanting the opinion of somone from a similar idiological background." A slight sneer plays across her lips, "And from someone who isn't a raving nut-job. Between SeOCC's flunkies, and the Knootosser, do you think there's any hope, or are we just abusing expense accounts?"

Klefburg Hotel

The bartender clapped her hand to her mouth and backed away, appalled.
Some of the guests of Lavenrunzian descent, muttering, looked deliberately away. A few got up and left. One was heard to mutter, "They shouldn't let them out in public. Disgusting..."

Count Mirbach's House

The Lavenrunzians bow politely and smile at Nathicana's flattering words. Count Mirbach and General von Baden both close their eyes and sigh to indicate how profoundly true they find the compliment to the Empress--indeed, nothing else can be said that would not either be mere hyperbole or shocking disagreement.
"Lady Nathicana," says Count Mirbach with a smile, "I now know what it is like for a bee when it drowns in honey."
General von Baden chuckles, nodding in her direction.
"Let me then say that if your land is as beautiful and mysterious as yourself, I long to visit it." the Chancellor remarks.
A manservant enters the room and bows. "Ah...supper. Lady, will you and your guests accompany me?"
The dining room is large enough to accomodate more guests, and yet is not cavernous and uncomfortable. The windows show the Count's garden, which is covered in snow but there is a bell shaped gazebo, hedges and a fountain to be seen.
A tureen of soup is placed on the table. Count Mirbach looks at Nathicana and says quietly, "I will say a grace, Lady. Lord, for what we are about to receive, and for the amity that brings us together, we are truly grateful. Amen."

"I thought you'd suffocate from the lack of smog..." That almost-teasing voice again. Elisa smiled a little more warmly than usual to Mollari. "Lovely night, isn't it?"

Mollari smiled, or grinned, sort of enjoying the 'guest'. "Don´t worry, in the case anything happens, my aides will start smoking. The disgusting smell of burning tabacco would safe me. And yes, It´s a lovely night..." He begun to whisper. "Did you the the statue there? The horseman... I didn`t believe such disgusting works are even possible, just look at his nose!" Talking loud again, he winked at the people that made said horseman, smiling at them. "Excellent work! Truly excellent! Keep it up!" Again, whispering to Elisa, he continued. "Of course, one really shouldn`t break their spirit... perhaps they will be able to create something remotely acceptable in the future... admittedly, a future far, far away from the present."

"I'm wanting the opinion of somone from a similar idiological background." A slight sneer plays across her lips, "And from someone who isn't a raving nut-job. Between SeOCC's flunkies, and the Knootosser, do you think there's any hope, or are we just abusing expense accounts?"

Mollari chuckled. "So, I`m not a raving nutjob? Pity, my people at home think different of me..." He hesitated for a moment, looking at the mullet wine in his right hand. His next words sound far more... serious than usual, almost as if he was really an important diplomat. "In any case... I`m not sure. You read the reports on CACE, regarding their... ah, nut ideas? So, there wont be anything constructive from them, since they`re only playing their own games... sort of sad, abusing the commendable effords of the empress... And the Knootians are, ah... strange. Strange, but useful, one should add, once one knows how to take them. But i would say... No, no, this isn`t necessarily a useless efford. Between Lavenrunz, The Hack, GMC and perhaps even my people... and a few rather less profiled nations that are attending, acceptable results should be possible." He hesitated again, took a sip from his mullet wine, and chuckled. "In my case, i will have to learn to restraint myself a bit, though. I tend to get into verbal battles a bit to easily."

The Bar, Klefburg Hotel

Minister Peters .. a pair of black khakis and a red dress shirt .. a glass of Chimney Rock '97, please .. etc [edited for brevity- WN]

Seamus caught the entry of what looked to be a conference delegate out of the corner of his eye. Since being roundly rebuffed by the barmaid, he'd withdrawn into the comfy seats, and settled in.

Black and red, he thought to himself. Black and red. What does that remind me of. His mind quickly flicked through his mental Rolodex of conference attendees. Could be, he thought to himself. Could be. He sat back to await developments, noting as he did the wine ordered. Not bad, one of those small American vineyards in the Napa, but not a patch on the great Bordeaux vintages. He smiled quickly. Maybe there was a way. He was, after all, on an expense account.

Rising, he crossed to the bar, his swift progress belying his state of inebriation. Having got the wine list, he scanned it rapidly. Not bad, he thought. Not bad at all.

Attracting the attention of the barmaid (still a honey - I wonder whether I can change her mind about foreigners, he thought), he ordered a bottle of bin number 14 to be opened. Not a bad little bottle, he thought. Shame they didn't have any of the '76. That really was a great vintage. Still, he supposed that the '81 would do - after all, Pétrus didn't make all that many bottles a year, and it was quite hard to get hold of!

Tasting it on arrival, he approved enthusiastically, and asked for the bottle to be decanted, and for a second glass. Now for an opportune moment.

The golf on the TV appearing to end, Seamus moved into action quickly.

"G'day, mate. you mind if I join ya? You see, I've just had some great news, and I really would like to spread the joy around, but I wanted to get a decent wine, and drinking a bottle of this stuff on my own seems such a shame. You seem to like a decent wine, so d'ya fancy a glass? My name's Sam, by the way."

Seamus held the decanter poised as he waited for the chap to answer.

---------------------------------------------------
Ambassador to Lavenrunz, de Clerq
---------------------------------------------------
Confused that Count Mirbach had left so suddenly, de Knootian ambassador to Lavenrunz wandered around a bit trying to find him. To no avail, however. Finally he decided that he’d have a nice dinner, and he hopped over to his own embassy for a nice meal.

“Why eat hotel food and sleep in a strange bed when I practically live here, after all.”

-----------------------------------------------
Special Ambassador De Vries
Conference room / Imperial Park
-----------------------------------------------

The Knootian nodded to Palee Blackotter before he left. He then turned to his esteemed company:
“Perhaps we can find a lookout over the imperial park. He turned to Dorin: “Perhaps from a good vantage point, even.” He excused himself: “I must confess I am not all too familiar with the layout of the city centre. My colleague, Mr. De Clerq, would probably know but I am afraid he already left.”

He gestured one of the Lavenrunzian servants to come over. Amiably he asked: “Good man, is there any way you could guide us to some vantage point over the Imperial park?” Remembering the weather, he continued: “Preferably inside, if that is possible.”

The Lavenrunzian nodded and bowed and led on…
((OOC: I’ll talk to Jo on where he would lead us.))

As they walked out of the building following the native the trio talked a bit: “How do you think the conference is progressing so far? What are your expectations?” he asked openly to the Prime Minister and the representative.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. Merry, assistant to the special ambassador
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Bi Bere and Merry headed for the hotel bar together. The pair was an odd couple: an old lady in a sarong and a rather young man with boyish features and curly hair. Merry was a bit shy at first, not really knowing what to say to the woman. As he sees how the woman shudders in the cold he gently offers his coat. “Oh, I’m still wearing a sweater underneath… absolutely no cold” If she accepts, she should note that he shudders now and then.

Arriving in the hotel bar, the assistant spots Seamus, the Wombat News journalist he saw earlier making a scene in the reception. Merry notes that he is saying something to a man wearing a pair of black khakis and a red dress shirt. He does not recognise him as a Ruhrian minister though. He ponders leaking to the press, but doesn’t have any experience doing that so instead he just waits for the WN journalist to approach them if he wants to.

The Knootian takes a drink along with Bi Bere, a very sweet wine, and asks her what she thinks of the conference so far.

BMerry was a bit shy at first, not really knowing what to say to the woman. As he sees how the woman shudders in the cold he gently offers his coat. “Oh, I’m still wearing a sweater underneath… absolutely no cold” If she accepts, she should note that he shudders now and then.

It woule be an insult to refuse so chivalrous a gesture. She may have refused economic aid from Knootoss, but she certainyl won't refuse the loan of a coat. "Thank you, dear boy. Very Christian of you," she says with a wink.

In the bar, she is pleased to see the Non-Human delegation. Once the sight of enormous intelligent animals would have frightened her. Now, she has become used to the sight of the occasional Hell Bovine at diplomatic functions, and even counts Grand Duque Mooo among her friends. A talking bear was new to her, but it takes all kinds, she supposed. Although the sight of the Bovine milking herself caused Bibere to catch her breath. Her face went pale, for just a moment, before she regained her composure. But just for now, she decided not to sit with the Bovine, and took her place along with Merry.

Her eyes scanned the room with practised fashion, taking in the sight of at least two foreigners. She can't place the boisterous journalist, but could that be the delegate from Ruhr? What dress sense! Now there was a man she'd like to meet. She beckoned the waitress over. "Could you send that man in the red shirt a tequila sunrise, with my compliments?"

Turning to Merry, she gathered her thoughts. "The conference? Well, the most important thing is that it's taking place. God knows, we need some sort of mediation body, there have been too many near-brushes with war among some of the countries here. Now that everyone has put their general views on record, hopefully we'll get down to some specifics tomorrow. Actually, I was surprised to see that your delegation was sniping with some former allies. Do you mind me asking, what happened there?"

Elisa nodded a little absently at Mollari's comments, "Hmm... yes... ghastly." She became more attentive as they moved to more important conversation, seemingly having little interest or patience for small talk.

She smiled warmly, "No, I can't say that I consider you a raving nutjob, nor do I view your country in that manner. Obsessive maybe, and certain fun to taunt, but hardly a nutter."

She sighs at the mention of CACE. "Yes, I read their reports. Worthless propaganda, really. It's certainly no help to anything. If SeeOkk and their flunkies don't want to be involved, that's fine, but there's no need to drag down the members that can think for themselves." She smirks, "Of course, that's not exactly square with the Communist mindset, I guess." She grins, "It is heartening to see certain members growing irritated with them. Maybe they'll realise that the ban on external trade will eventually kill them off."

She smirks, "And don't get me started on the Knootossers. Handing out that... book... on mediation to experienced diplomats was almost insulting." She shrugs and continues, "I hope you're right, in your summation. Lavenrunz and GMC have some pretty close ties as is, especially with the Crown. GMC and the Hack, obviously, are closely tied. I think there's a good chance that with these nations forming so tight a core, and with our allies, I think we could actually form a body capable of actually enforcing it's edicts."

"The trick," she adds, "Is keeping the UN out of this. That ineffectual body would just slow things down and muck everything up. And as far as verbal battles, don't worry too much. Just keep cool in the conference room, and bitch in the bar." She giggles, "I'm surprized deVries didn't cover that in his mediation primer."

Mollari couldn´t help but to chuckle. "Indeed... Well, we will see... you know, forming a body competing with the UN, able to enforce it`s resolutions, would actually be nice... although almost certainly impossible, i will admit that. In any case..." He hesitated. "I really hope that Ms. Lenore will do something. She`s actually a good chance, especially since Vegana tends to be an almost rational nation..." Again, he hesitated, drinking the rest of his mulled wine. "God, where are the 'good old times'..." Remembering that he had someone (relatively) important standing with him, he stopped. "However, i`m wondering what The Hack expects from this... negotiations, since your people aren´t exactly known for their involvement in such rather... dirty matters, as international conflicts are. Aren`t you a member of the federation for exactly this reason?"

After dealing with the telegraphs Regent Edmund Vermillion found that he had some share time before retiring for the night, a visist to Imperial Park for the Ice Show perhaps? No it a tad chilly outside and its starting to get late.

The bar it is then.

Vermillion wondered in and soon spotted the reporter chap from Wombat News pestering some fellow who liked his golf, 'Time for some extreme tatics.' Vermillion thought to himself. He quickly moved over to the bar and made his order. "Bartender, a cup of tea to that table in the far corner. Then once that reporter fellow leaves [Vermilion hands over a £100 'tip'], a bottle of your finest ale if you could be so kind."

Elisa ponders for a moment, "Yes, having it operate within the UN would have certain advantages, and might even move that body towards legitimacy. However, it would preclude nations such as mine... or yours." She blows on her hands a little, warming them as they moved from sculpture to sculpture, "We've had precious little dealings with Vegana, or any Reich nation. I don't hold much hope for them, I'm afraid, but I do try to be confident on such matters. After all, if this fails, it bodes badly for the concept in general."

Allowing the vague insult to pass her by, Elisa smiles at Mollari's confusion. "Well, our joining the Federation wasn't exactly planned. For quite some time we were simply close trading partners, like we were, and are, with Vthnaar. However, as time went on, we started to notice that more and more of our products came from GMC. After careful assessment, we realised that we had become rather solidly entwined with them. So, rather than screw around, we just joined the Federation, which does indeed have it's fringe benefits, including, as you say, the avoidance of... 'global wetwork'. On the other hand, look at why the WBO put its headquarters in our nation. We're neutral, we studiously avoid being in wars, but between us and our allies, we can stomp just about anybody around, so we aren't likely to be swayed by chest thumping." She smiles sweetly.

Sheesh, it's getting busy in here, and I'm standing here like a lemon while this rude bastard ignores me. Bugger that.

Seamus sniffed eloquently, and turned on his heel, noting as he did so a conference delegate who seemed to be from one of the steam-tech nations ordering tea (*snorts in disgust*), and a Knootian with an elderly lady who looked like she might be from Tanah Burung.

Figures those two would stick together, he thought to himself. Still, nothing ventured, nothing gained, he muttered to himself, as he started to make his way towards them. The worst they can do is tell me to bugger off, and that I'm used to!

"Hey folks! I just got some great news, and a fine bottle of Pétrus to celebrate it with, but the things is, I don't really want to celebrate on my own - d'ya fancy going a glass or two with me? My name's Sam, by the way .. say, what d'you folks think of this place? Fantastic, eh? I'm here on holiday .. "

Mollari looks slightly amused, although he isn´t sure if Elisa actually understood anything he said... But then, it didn´t matter that much, as long as he understood her. "So..." They walked by an exceptionally good work, and even Mollari couldn´t say anything bad about it, which was likely to be the reason why he did his best to ignore it. "Why exactly ARE you here, then, being a hypercapitalist society... I mean... there isn´t much to gain, is there?" He hesitated, slightly changing his way, aiming to go back to the hotel. "Of course, there might be other interests... But I`m curious." Hesitating again, he finished. "However, you´re right, your neutrality is indeed very useful for such purposes... Unlike my rather... 'aggressive' superiors."

The Prime Minister smiled at the question. "In a way it's going better than I imagined it would. So many factions from opposing spectrums of belief even attending the same conference is a major diplomativ victory for Lavenrunz."

He nodded as his bodyguard/aide gave him a small signal with his hand. The big man walked off towards some transport, heading for the Chimaean Embassy.

The Prime Minister continued his observations. "I thought the UN would be a sticking point in the proceedings. It's sad, the state of mistrust people have in the UN... it really is like a paper tiger. Aptly put. I think the reason is that not many nations are willing to act on enforcing the UN resolutions because of the tightness and inflexibility of regulations that govern it..." Achefield suddenly chuckled. "I'm a politician even when the curtains have closed, aren't I? I'm sorry to bore you with this lecture..."

"Well it seems we've a room full of honey-tongued gentles here, do we not?" she says, following their lead to the dining room. Then men remain quiet for the most part, limiting themselves to being as out of the way as possible. As with the conference earlier, they sit to either side of her, with the exception of Marik now taking the place to her right, the other two, to her left, as refusal would quite clearly indicate a lack of trust.

"If ever the opportunity arises, I can only hope we can repay you in some small way for your most gracious hospitality here."

She and the others all bow their heads respectfully, hands folded, murmuring quiet 'amens' soon after the Chancellor.

"It smells delicious," Nathicana says approvingly, then looks over at her hosts with a slightly mischievous smile. "I am unfamiliar with your customs in many respects, and so, I will share one of ours with you in the hopes that we may find common ground. In the Dominion, it is tradition, as it were, to conduct business over dinner, and most often sealed with a draught of wine. I am most appreciative of your invitation here tonight, but I doubt very much it was extended for the simple pleasure of good company all around."

Nathi sits back in her chair, making herself comfortable. "In short, Chancellor Mirbach, should there be business to discuss ..." she spreads her hands with a knowing smile, clearly indicating her approval should this be the case.

The soup is thick and...green. It is turtle soup.
"I wanted to speak to you candidly so that I can advise Her Majesty on the matter of the non-democratic alliance. It is not the policey of this Government to pursue a complex series of alliances, but I will be blunt: unless revived, SATO will come to an end. Most of the capitalistic nations of the world are rather selfishly pursuing their own ends. This is unfortunate. I am all for supporting business myself but I believe that the corporate reality--which is extremely limited in scope--is preventing some governments from seeing the writing on the wall. Without strength and purpose we will fall. Not, I suspect to SeOCC and the likes of the carping idealism of CACE but to the unbridled ambition of the military powers outside the WBO." Count Mirbach tastes his soup. "Mm. To be blunt: my concern principally is Lavenrunz, of course, but we do not exist in a vacuum. Do you agree with my assessment of world affairs, and if so: what is the NDA doing about it?"

The soup is thick and...green. It is turtle soup.
"I wanted to speak to you candidly so that I can advise Her Majesty on the matter of the non-democratic alliance. It is not the policey of this Government to pursue a complex series of alliances, but I will be blunt: unless revived, SATO will come to an end. Most of the capitalistic nations of the world are rather selfishly pursuing their own ends. This is unfortunate. I am all for supporting business myself but I believe that the corporate reality--which is extremely limited in scope--is preventing some governments from seeing the writing on the wall. Without strength and purpose we will fall. Not, I suspect to SeOCC and the likes of the carping idealism of CACE but to the unbridled ambition of the military powers outside the WBO." Count Mirbach tastes his soup. "Mm. To be blunt: my concern principally is Lavenrunz, of course, but we do not exist in a vacuum. Do you agree with my assessment of world affairs, and if so: what is the NDA doing about it?"

Sir Alec Conover walked briskly back to the hotel from the pub a couple of blocks away, as he passed the hotel bar, he poked his head in. He seemed positively shocked to see the delegates carousing around the bar like singles night. He shook his head and shrugged.

He then headed up to his room to get have an early night and see if any work would actually get done tomorrow at the conference.

Bruce rubbed his ears vigorously as he and Jessica came back into the hotel. She'd been smart enough to wear earmuffs. He had not, and it had gotten ice cold out there.

Once they returned to their floor, Jessica stopped at the door to her room. "Goodnight, Ambassador."

"Just a moment." Bruce made sure he entered the room first, and looked around, flickering his eyes through multiple spectrums quickly. Another trick Jessica wouldn't get until she was older. When she followed him, he turned to her. "Shut the door, we need to talk about tomorrow." Jessica nodded, and sat down on the bed, crossing her legs under her as Bruce paced the room. "Well, I don't want to ask you to do this, but I don't have a lot of choice. Stand by to recieve." Jessica's eyes widened as a small file flooded into her head. It was a list of locations and times. "I need you to be at those locations and times tomorrow. Some of them, you will recieve file uploads. Once you have three, or have been to every place on the list, return and immediately put them on this datapad." He handed it to her.

Jessica nodded. "I'm going to assume this is somesort of ID mission, but why am I doing it, and not you?"

Bruce grinned lopsidedly. "Because. I'm the Ambassador, and you're the cute teenage girl. They won't watch you as close. Not that they should be able to tell what's happening."

Jessica nodded again. "Alright, Bruce. Anything else?"

"Yeah. Other than those stops, the day is yours, as long as you are back at 1830 for dinner."

Jessica grimaced. "You sound like my brother."

Chuckling, Bruce responded, "I know. He told me too."

"Can I invite someone for dinner?"

"Depends. Who?"

"Someone I met last time I was here."

"Alright. I don't care."

Nathi -

I'd be delighted if you could join Jessica and myself for dinner tomorrow night. I'm supposed to be showing her how to be a diplomat, and I'm supposed to follow up on how that trade treaty is working out for you, so I figured I might as well kill two birds with one stone. Shall I see you at 6:45 tomorrow night?

~Bruce

The note was slipped under Nathi's door while she was out to dinner with Mirbach, though it had cost Bruce a small fortune to get the man at the front desk to tell him which room was the Dread Lady's.

Baron von Erhfurt -

As delighted as I am to visit your country again so soon, I find myself somewhat at a loss without your expert guidance. Would you care to join me and the Federation Ambassador Reynolds for dinner tomorrow night in the hotel for dinner? I hope to see you at 6:30.

~Jessica Smith

Dorin narGellis shook her head. "Not at all, Mr. Achefield. Your observations are most interesting. We Effrenati take very little active official role in world affairs, and while many of us do take a keen interest as individuals, we lack the perspective that experienced international statesmen like yourself and Mr. de Vries acquire through experience."

Turning to Mr. deVries, she raises a brow dubiously. "It's hard for me to draw any conclusions, at this stage. All of the usual elements seem to be in place, from the seriously motivated to the potentially disruptive. Fortunately Count Mirbach seems to have things well in hand to prevent the most obvious wastes of time and energy. If he is as shrewd as he appears to be, he will find ways to facilitate the unstructured kind of off-table discussions that enable the interests of the various factions to shake themselves out and become clear to all."

None of the three of them could conceivable have noticed the unobtrusive figure of Palee Blackotter, keeping Friv narGellis in sight, but apparently wandering around enjoying the sights on his own. From time to time, he checked his cbox.

Elisa shrugs, "War isn't profitable. Loss of human resources, capital, property, it's not worth it. That's why the Hack prefers to let GMC handle the warcraft. Besides, look at the Hack. Our industries appeal to nations who actually have infrastructure. Rebuilding is such a..." She pauses as her coat beeps loudly. "A moment." She pulls out the PDA and glances at the message displayed, slipping it back into her coat. She smiles, "I'm sorry, I've got to be going, I'm needed elsewhere." She waves to Mollari and his body guards, before leaving the ice garden.

Several minutes later she was at the GMC embassy in Lavenrunz, talking to the front clerk. "Yes, I'm here to speak with Ambassador Bryde. She said you'd let me know where her room was."

The clerk nods, 'Just upstairs, third on the right.'

It's a very impressive Victorian-English style building, with lots of marble floors. Georgina's room, on the other hand, is pretty cosy. She's sitting at her desk, wearing a loose vest top and a pair of shorts, with her hair tied back in a ponytail, 'Hiya! Come in, sit down...' she puts out a cigarette.

'Just wanted to discuss a few matters relating to the conference with you, if that's ok...Thought this was as good a place as any.' she pauses, 'Drink?'

Mollari smiles as Elisa leaves. "I hope they can appreciate you..."

Intriguing person... He thinks while he walks back to the hotel, not overly caring for bypassers. Well, i suppose tomorrow will be interesting...

Entering the hotel and seeing that disgusting thing that is a humanoid cow, he reminds himself to choose something with lots of leather to wear when they meet again.

Elisa smiled in responce to the delegate from GMC's greeting and offer. "Yes, thank you. I'd love a drink."

"Wine or beer?"

After a moment's thought, Elisa settled on white wine, while Georgina poped out a bottle of beer for herself. The two women sat down before getting to the matters at hand, Georgina starting things off. "So, what's your take on the conference so far?" She grinned, "Oh, and sorry I bailed on you like that, had to talk to External Affairs about this whole 'economic warfare' clause I overheard the CACE group talking about."

"Well, like I mentioned to the Count," Elisa responded, sipping her wine, "I think the first day accomplished little more than giving people a chance to bitch. With any luck we'll make more progress tomorrow," she grined, "especially if the Knootoss delegate gets hit by a truck."

Georgina grined, "No argument there..." she reached for a cigarette, offering Elisa one before lighting her own; from the packet, they're obviously not tobacco. Smiling, "I guess you'd agree with my evaluation on an economic warfare clause?"

She accepted it somewhat hesitantly, getting a 'why the Hell not' look on her face, and lights it, coughing a little almost instantly. Smiling weakly she adds, "Ah, I don't believe I've heard your evaluation."

"Oh...Well, basically it's that we'd never sign a military treaty with an economic clause in it anyway, particularly one defining as warfare something we don't even believe in the existence of. Speaker Knight agrees with me; the Federation won't do it." she smiles, "Got a few ideas as to why they bought it up..."

"That seems perfectly reasonable to me," Elisa said, mulling over Georgina's words, "and I'm sure the Senate and President Solis would agree as well." She smiles a little, "For what that's worth, of course. I think part of the problem here is that some members of CACE seem to believe that the mere existance of capitalism is de facto economic warfare."

"There's that," Georgina nods in agreement, "or it's an attempt to distract from that fact that most of the CACE group has no business being here... Xikuang couldn't contribute to an international peacekeeping force because it has no enlisted men, similar for Sacco and Vanzetti and SeOCC with none and nothing spare respectively, and I don't even want to think of how you'd handle logistics for a unit of cows. Theory two is they're just trying to distract from the fact they have no worth to this treaty without such a clause."

Elisa took another drag, her lungs more accepting this time. "Well... I think this partially depends on the tack Lavenrunz wants to take. If we're talking peacekeepers, CACE is woefully inappropriate, even more so than the Hack. If it's for mediation, they might be able to contribute." She smirked, letting her prejudices show, "Or, as much as a bunch of insane terrorists are capable of."

Georgina laughed, "If they actually want to... Speaker Knight's of the opinion their entire presence here is just a publicity stunt to paint everyone who isn't them as the bad guys; by making a totally ridiculous suggestion and claiming the moral high ground when it's rejected, they're just trying to score more points with fence sitters."

"Simple enough tactic, occationally successful. Perhaps instead of dismissing it out of hand, or simply ignoring them, we provide a counter offer... somehow include policies on so-called economic warfare in a different treaty?"

"A possibilty, certainly... Speaker Knight was very clear on there being no room for such a clause in this treaty, since it dilutes the organisation's purpose to the point of making it totally useless..." she grins, "We could ask the speaker who suggests it to host treaty negotiations in their country, as long as it's not that corpse from Tanah Burung..."

Elisa smiled in an almost feral manner, nodding slowly, "Yes... I think that could work very well. I'm sure we could get Mollari to do that, pissing off the CACE is right up DA's alley. Furthermore, I'm sure they wouldn't want representatives from the likes of DA or the Hack 'soiling' their pristine cities." She takes a sip of the wine, "As and aside, I can't say I much familiar with Tanah Burung. Who the Hell are they anyway?"

"Something to do with Knootoss...Former colony or something." She grinned, "Apparently masters of necromancy, anyway."

"Worst of both worlds. Agreed, let's stay the Hell away from there." She thinks a moment, "So that largely leaves us Xikuang."

"It's possible... Certainly worth suggesting." She added, setting down her empty beer bottle.

Elisa set her glass down as well. "Any other major concerns on your side?"

After a moment's thought, Georgina added, "Working out logistics will be interesting, since from what I understand there'll be an attached peacekeeping force... I guess standardisation will be on the agenda, along with force composition. You know, GMC stuff."

Elisa laughed softly, "We do have a few guys with sharp sticks, you know. I suppose we'll be more religated to logistics, surveilance, and diplomats."

"Ya, that's probably for the best." Smiling, "'Well, that seems to be about everything diplomatic."

"Good to keep our bases covered. Anything else on your mind, Georgina?"

"Not really... Going to the Supercruiser launch?"

"I hope to. Sort of depends on where they're shipping me. Part of the problem with being a generic diplomat, I don't always know where I'll be, day to day. All I know is that I'm doing a lecture in GMC soon..."

From there the conversation turned to more esoteric events and personal observations.

ooc: Can you magically turn this into a real summit?

ooc: that would be magic, ta.

OOC: *is thouroughly enyoying the turtle soup and all* post coming up!

IC:
Mr Merry.
Mr. Merry opens his mouth as if he is going to say something...

---------------------
Mr. Merry
The hotel bar
---------------------
The young Knootian looks at Bi Bere for a moment, but then his understanding dawns and he replies: “Uhm… well, that’s a long story. I was actually surprised that it happened at this time. I guess they – mainly the Angstians - see no point anymore in keeping up the façade of friendliness.” He sipped on his drink –the third glass- “But of course it could simply be the bitter personality of their ambassador Molari.” He takes another sip, before beginning an actual explanation. The wine was now getting to the young boy, who wasn’t used to a lot, and he felt a bit light in his head.

“You see… Der Angst has changed a lot. And I figure we have also. The countries used to be a lot like each other, “hypercapitalist” as the CACE would describe it. During their capitalist period our two governments”, he emphasised governments, implying that he didn’t really consider the corporate conglomerate in DA a government, “…went along quite well actually. Of course there were some, uhm, social and environmental concerns but free trade was perfectly possible and when you’re making money from each other there is no need to complain no?” He paused to check if she shared this vision. [I presume not]

“Uhm, anyway, there were some disagreements… mostly about money and some about foreign policy. Both nations drifted apart. Der Angst is more of a technocracy now and we, well, I don’t know what we are. Confidingly he bowed towards Bi Bere. “They held enormous interests in the Knootian economy which they… well…”

In a moment of clarity, he stopped and the sentence grinded down to a halt. .- this was a story he had heard from the SATO ambassador - For a moment, the Knootian didn’t know what to say.


------------------------------------------------------
Special Ambassador de Vries
Walking towards an observation point?
------------------------------------------------------
“Well, I am certain there will be under-the-table deals. The only thing I fear is that nations will still follow their own interest above that of the group.” He just let it hover, not mentioning anyone specifically and allowing them to draw their own conclusions. “Well, this worries me. I am curious however, did you receive any telegrams yet?” An innocent smile played on the Knootians lips.

They walked on while talking, still following the Lavenrunzian soldier.

Free trade? Bi Bere does not agree, but she lets the point pass. After all, she is not in a bar to argue politics. "An odd choice of diplomat the Angstians ahve sent, at any rate," she comments.

As the Wombat News reporter approaches, she clambers to her feet. "An honour, sir. But you'll have to forgive an old lady her frailties. I must retire to my room and run a spell check on some documents. " With a nod to the others in the bar, she heads for bed, hoping that the second day of the conference will be a productive one.

Dorin narGellis eyes Mr. deVries shrewdly, and then smiles. "Well, since I am here strictly unofficially, I am routing all conference-related correspondence to Frir Blackotter."

She chuckles. "But unofficially, I assume you refer to the Sacco & Vanzetti/SeOCC... ah... 'communication'?"

Her attention is caught now by the ice sculptures coming into view. "Oh, goodness. Isn't that lovely! Really, I must suggest Naling make some kind of connection with Lavenrunz to invite them to the Winter Carnival. They always have a sculpture garden around the Ice Palace, and these are just wonderful."

She glances at Prime Minister Achefield again, who seems a bit distracted... and no wonder.

"You know, Mr. Achefield, I don't know if the International Purple Star is aware of the, ah, situation with Sir Scott's detainment. But I'm certain that a request from your government would move them to look into the situation, and request an opportunity investigate the conditions under which he is being held. I know you must be very worried."

OOC: sorry, I've been kinda up and down with the forums recently. How do I go about making a request to the Purple Star? The main thread now can be found here (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=113816&highlight=) and it contains the links to the events that preceded it.

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

The Prime Minister nodded. "Yes... I will send a request to them as soon as possible. Who knows, they may be helpful in resolving this whole, godawful mess... As might this mediating body!"

He smiled as they came within sight of the ice sculptures. From where they were walking, he could dimly hear the muted shouts of people having a good time and the buzz of machinery and toold used to shape the ice. In the lighting, it looked like a crystal paradise.

He glanced at de Vries and thought about the telegrams he recieved. He decided to play it safe. "Indeed," he said, "We've been sent SeOCC's words of wisdom... Of course there will always be the cynics and the doubters. These days, idealism is on a downward spiral isn't it? Idealists are looked at with suspicion."

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

Chimaean Embassy, Lavenrunz

Harrold Chang, the Chimaean Ambassador to Lavenrunz, wasn't even aware of the intruder until his bedside lamp clicked on, waking him up from a nightmarish sleep. He gasped, turned to admonish whichever staffer had turned on the light and looked into the elongated barrel of a silenced pistol.

The arm holding it was rested on his bedside table, and the figure was sitting in one of the chairs nearby. His face was out of the circle of light cast by the lamp-shade.

The Ambassador's blood froze and he felt weak all over, too frightened to move. The intruder tapped the small table with the gun and each report was like the sound of a shot.

"Ambassador." the voice was carefully modulated and gruff.

"Th... there's no valuables kept in this room. No pr... pr... prescrip..tion drugs, no--"

The intruder laughed. "I didn't get past Chimaea's finest security to steal antibiotics, Ambassador."

"I... My government will not negotiate for me."

"That is true. In fact the Chimaean government would probably prefer to never see you again... Had a bit of a disgrace, haven't you?"

A stubborn expression flitted across the Ambassador's terrified expression. "I did my duty, following orders from--"

The intruder sighed. "Oh dear. You have such a troublesome sense of duty. Tsk tsk tsk. You are in such an embaressing position! Well I have the way out." he leaned forwards into the circle of light.

If there had been a third person in the room, he would have recognised the Ambassador's expression as belonging to a man hang-gliding over hell.

"You! Oh gods, no! Oh dear gods--"

((OOC: OK, I've tagged the thread. Just have someone from your government write or call K'rel Hansarla, the Secretary Director of the International Purple Star, in Ceyce. You can put it in that thread, or start a new one, TG me and let me know.))

[tag]

OOC: Nathi, we can I think assume that the dinner can be alluded to in a sort of flashback fashion.
Chimaea, unless something horrible happens to your ambassador that the whole capital is aware of...
IC:
Duchess Lenore was sent a message.

To her Grace Duchess Lenore
I am sending you information regarding a series of terrorists attacks by the United Moslem Brotherhood operating out of North Star. North Star has, following the worst of these attacks, invited Lavenrunz to participate in rooting them out. Naturally, we wish to observe every courtesy and not offend the sovereignty of lawful nations. I would like you to consider this matter if you would be so kind, in order to let me know how best the government could go about approaching the Benevolent Jaar about this.
warmest regards
Karl von Effner
Foreign Minister

At the same time, Baron Ehrfurt had sent a note.

Dear Ms. Smith
I would be honored and delighted to attend your dinner tomorrow, and will be there at the time specified. It is a great pleasure to know that you are well and that you have visited our country again.
your obedient servant
Baron Ehrfurt

The following day, once all had re-assembled, Count Mirbach sternly looked round the room.
"One thing that disturbs me about these conferences is that people get confused about the purpose of diplomacy. I am not merely pointing fingers. Ultimately, we need to remember that it is in the interests of our countries to have a useful and pragmatic means of mediation. In order for it to be so, we would need to be willing to put strength behind the mediation council. Could those interested in supporting it contribute military forces so that we would have the means to make good the authority it would need?"

OOC: Yeah something 'orrible happened to him, but no-one knows it but the "intruder"... and him, of course. And the third party to it, there's always a third party. One guess as to who that is ;)

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


The Prime Minister nodded. "So we have cleared up the UN issue? If this body is operating under the UN of course we'd have the UN nations contributing.

"That aside, I can assure you that Chimaea has a good track record of putting our money and our military where our mouth is--"

Achefield's aide came into the room, bowed to the delegates gathered, then whispered something in the Prime Minister's ear. His face went wooden and he stared into space for a moment, then nodded at the man, who walked out again.

He nodded to Count Mirbach. "As I was saying, Chimaea and the Empire of Baron is willing to contribute funds and military resources for this endeavour."

To her Grace Duchess Lenore
I am sending you information regarding a series of terrorists attacks by the United Moslem Brotherhood operating out of North Star. North Star has, following the worst of these attacks, invited Lavenrunz to participate in rooting them out. Naturally, we wish to observe every courtesy and not offend the sovereignty of lawful nations. I would like you to consider this matter if you would be so kind, in order to let me know how best the government could go about approaching the Benevolent Jaar about this.
warmest regards
Karl von Effner
Foreign Minister


Lenore read the message and shook her head in disbelief. Those rebels in North Star was beginning to form a problem, a problem that needed to be tended to. She picked up a pen and wrote back.

To Karl Von Effner
I have become aware of the terror deeds accomplished by rebels from North Star, I have also informed the most benevolent Jaar about the circumstances and listened to his wisdom. The Reich will not tolerate any foreign troops on their soil, not even from a friendly nation such as Lavenrunz, not even invited. However this problem cannot be left unattended and It might be a good time to show the noble people of Lavenrunz that the Friendship with The Reich brings security and peace to you. We will bring order to this situation and we hereby invite observers from Lavenrunz to this joint project. We will assume that the observers are well equipped and bring their own vehicles. We will show that we do not tolerate our brothers and sisters in Lavenrunz get hurt by scums.

Sir Alec sat in the conference room as the delegates gathered ,he made sure that his recorder was on again as Count Mirbach began and other delegates began speaking again. He relaxed in his chair and listened intently.

(just before the re-convening of the summit) Mirbach in a towering rage was an intimidating sight.
His eyes blazed like glaciers as he furiously smashed his hand down on his desk, puncutating words with the pounding of his fist. "Unacceptable! Unacceptable! Unacceptable!"
Von Effner, who knew him well, was nevertheless pale. "Excellency," he said formally, "This is only the first pass of the dance."
Mirbach glared at him. "Cannot permit? Our sovereignty was attacked! Our people and property!"
Von Hentzau said, "We'd be made fools of, Karl." she was calmer but her face was set, her beautiful eyes fixed. "Around the world. We must have our own response."
"It's blackmail." said Mirbach with fury. "I know damned well what that bastard Jaar wants. I wouldn't put it past those Reicher bastards to use these terrorists to get us into some awkward position where we have to sign a pact with the Reich. Now." he pointed his finger like a pistol. "Karl--you will get us what Her Majesty desires. Nothing less is acceptable. Ulrica: you will relay orders to General von Baden. The expeditionary force will leave Arda."
"Is that wise?" exclaimed Ulrica. He glared at her, but she insisted, "Chancellor, the Reich might see it as contempt for their feelings."
"For my sword shall be bathed in heaven: behold it shall come down... said Mirbach with a quiet intensity. "The sword of the lord is filled with blood. Let me tell you this: I don't care what they think. If they want my friendship it is they who must appeal to me. It is I, in the Names of our Empress and the Lord God, who hold the peace of this part of the world in my hands."
They were both tense, his closest advisors, but they also followed him because this was what set him apart from the politicians of Lavenrunz. He believed.


Dear Duchess Lenore
A direct assault on Lavenrunzian sovereignty is an act of war. Would you deny us the right to defend our own people? Just as Iesus Christi acted to preserve the sovereignty of St. Dominic against the high handed actions of Syskeyia, so must we act now. What we would greatly prefer to observers would be your cooperation in punitive action against the rebel city which North Star has invited us to deal with.
Respectfully
Karl von Effner
Foreign Minister

Lenore walked into the room and went straight up to Count Mirbach. She made a deep court bow in front of him.

"Count Mirbach, I would greatly appreciate it if you could allow us to have a brief private meeting."

In her hand she held a crumpled papernote, and if anyone could see her eyes they could see that she wouldn't take no for an answer.

Count Mirbach nodded. "Ladies and gentlemen, please excuse me." he said gravely. "Herr Minister von Effner will take my place for the time being. Duchess." The guards at the door sprang to attention, and closed it behind the Veganan lady and the Chancellor.

Violeta Bi Bere takes out a sheet of paper with a number of handwritten corrections. "I tink, yesterday, we cleared the air a bit. And there is a very important question on the floor, what military forces the countries assembled might be willing to put at the disposal of a mediation council. I can speak to that, but first i think the mediation council must be created and defined."

She puts on a pair of bifocals and starts to read. "I have discussed this with several of the non-aligned nations present, and wish to present this proposal as one that incorporates the comments of several states."

1. The countries here assembled agree to form a mediation council. All countries joining this council agree to accept mediation rather than going to war.
2. Any country in conflict may request mediation from this council, even if it is not a member. Appeals may be made by countries engaged in a military or economic conflict with another country, and by colonial territories seeking their independence. The mediation council will normally accept requests for mediation, but may refuse by majority vote.
3. Mediation should preferably be undertaken by agreement of the two parties to a conflict. Normally, mediation will attempt to find common ground between the two sides to a conflict. This will be done by a reconciliation committee established for each case. These smaller committees will normally have three members drawn from the larger mediation council. One member will be selected by each party to the conflict, and the two committee members will then select a third country. This three-member committee will operate by consensus.
4. Mediation is not binding on the parties to a conflict. Its purpose is to find a solution that both sides can agree to.
5. The two parties to a conflict may, if they wish, request binding arbitration. In this case, the mediation council will act as judge to a conflict and decide upon a solution that is then binding on both sides.

(optional points)
6. If one side in a conflict does not agree to mediation, then the mediation council may wish to make the effort anyway. In this case, a 2/3 majority vote must be obtained. The results of a mediation are not binding unless agreed on by both sides.
7. No country will be compelled to take part in a binding arbitration.

"A few words in explanation: if we form a mediation council, then we must ourselves agree to the principle of mediation. The second point includes both military and economic conflict. It is important to include both. When a country is the victim of economic aggression, then war is often the next step. Mediation must be possible before war erupts, not just afterwards. I have set the final two points aside separately, since they deal with what to do if a country refuses mediation. I would personally support a strong stance on compelling mediation, but have listed these points separately because i know some may disagree."

Before sitting, she addresses Chancellor Mirbach's question. "As to committing troops, it would of course depend on the type of council formed. We have no offensive military forces, but might be able to contribute poorly-armed troops to a peacekeeping effort." (ooc: think of us as Bangladesh, plenty of troops but very few weapons.)

Elisa arrived moments before the Lavenrunzians did, a stark contrast to her early arrival the previous day. She seems mildly hung-over, but greets the assembled delegates graciously. She sets her things up and waits for the meeting to begin in earnest.

She is momentarily distracted by Lenore and Count Mirbach leaving the room, making a quick note of it before listening to Bi Bere.

"Well, in regards to the sixth point," Her voice is soft, but carries across the room effortlessly, "It seems rather moot. Why a 2/3rds vote to create a non-binding mediation with an absentee nation that may not even recognize the legitimacy of this council? Seems to largely be an exercise in 'doing something' as opposed to attempting to address real issues and problems. This can probably be struck from the current agenda. Also, point seven seems to be covered by parts four and five. Let's not needlessly complicate things before we even get started."

* for future refernce. The Non-Human Union and thus the Federal Republic of The Non-Human Union are not members of the CACE. Only Biotopia and Hell Bovines are members and desptie bovines and biotopians being present they are citizens of the FedRep and representing the NHU, not the CACE.

** On behalf of all Hell Bovines i resent the use of "cows"; cows to not carry guns , drive tanks and work in university physics departments. Hell Bovines on the other hand do. Please do not enrage the cows 8)

That is all.

Georgina stands, 'Ms Bi Bere*, I don't understand how you would expect the same organisation to be able to handle the completely differing demands of economic and military peacekeeping, quite apart from the fact the the term 'economic warfare' is not recognised as having any definition by my government. I would request that you at least table a definition of the term before you attempt to place it in the treaty, since it's potential implications are rather far-reaching.'

She turns to von Effner; 'My collegue is in a better position to answer the chancellor's question than I.'

A slightly scruffy-looking man stands up**, bows, and starts speaking; he talks a little quickly, and has a strong Irish accent, 'Miles O'Grady, representing the Federal Military. In response to the his Excellency Chancellor Mirbach's question, the Federation is prepared to offer a maximum contribution of thirty-five thousand infantry, sixteen hundred armoured vehicles of all classes, three hundred fifty aircraft of all classes and a carrier group of sixteen combat vessels plus support for the above; this contribution of course subject to the terms of the treaty being acceptable.'

He grins, 'I'd like to bring up a few points relating to military contributions, actually; we feel it's in the interests of the organisation's future effectiveness that the issues of command structure and standardisation be addressed in the treaty before it is signed. Federal defence command feels failure to address these issues effectively is a major contribution to problems with SATO; as you may be aware, we were still shipping five-seven-five ammunition out to our assigned force the day we left, despite all the talk of standards that was thrown around, and that's no way to run a peacekeeping force at all.'

[*insert her correct title if this isn't it]
[** Imagine an Irish Columbo. And he's no diplomat.]

* for future refernce. The Non-Human Union and thus the Federal Republic of The Non-Human Union are not members of the CACE. Only Biotopia and Hell Bovines are members and desptie bovines and biotopians being present they are citizens of the FedRep and representing the NHU, not the CACE.

** On behalf of all Hell Bovines i resent the use of "cows"; cows to not carry guns , drive tanks and work in university physics departments. Hell Bovines on the other hand do. Please do not enrage the cows 8)

That is all.

Memo to the Biotopian Delegation:

You are advised that the culture of Lavenrunz is centered around the raising of beef cattle. To the people here, your 'Bovines' look like a source of leather or meat. There are no non-human citizens of Lavenrunz.
Furthermore, please be advised that obscene public behavior is a jailing offense, or may result in expulsion from the country in the case of foreigners.

Lavenrunzian Foreign Ministry.

McKay listens to the contributions being made, but decides to interject when von Effner stops speaking.

"If I might address the final point made by my colleague from GMC, namely the command structure of such an organisation. I’ll be quite honest here and say that if we attempt to create this council in the form of a military organisation we may end up contributing more to the world’s problems. Particularly if such an organisation becomes, for all intents and purposes, yet another power bloc itself.”

He pauses briefly, before continuing. "Would it not be more appropriate that, should this council be created anyway, it operate on a case by case basis, with the command structure being decided prior to deployment? Does anyone seriously believe that, given the diversity of allegiances and ideologies represented here, it is practical to define a command structure in any other way? Of course, I accept that Mr von Effner was simply opening the matter for debate, and may not have been suggesting a more rigid command structure.”

“However, I do think such considerations are premature given that the role of the organisation is yet to be defined.”

Miles nods, 'It may seem that way to yourself, Mr. McKay, but it's that exact diversity of opinion that means that we can't decide command on an ad hoc basis, since you could easily end up with a situation where soldiers won't take orders from their officers just because of their nationality. As a casual example, do you think any of your troops would follow Angstian officers?'

Georgina smiles, 'Sit down, Miles.' she whispers.

She stands, 'To my collegue from Celdonia, the Federation is not suggesting that the proposed body be governed by a military command structure; we simply wish for the structure of any proposed military arm - the existence of which is clearly implied by His Excellency Count Mirbach's request for our available military forces - to be clearly laid out before we proceed. I for one would not be willing to place my nation's armed forces personnel at the disposal of a body without knowing who will command them and how they will carry out their duties.'

The door was opened and Lenore walked in smiling at Count Mirbach as he held the door smiling back at her. They both strode into the hall and Lenore went back to her seat, the trace of a smile on her face, the eyes were calmer now, she took a sip of mineral water and listened to the other delegates.

Count Mirbach walked briskly back to his seat, sat down and looked directly at the delegate from Tanah Burung.
"I think you have raised several interesting points. First of all: I like very much the way you have made them clear to us, I think that this is important, to be clear and succinct. Points one through five I think we are generally in agreement with. The optional points I think we should table for now, which seems to be consensus..." he looked around the room. "Now. I take exception to the term 'economic conflict' because it is frankly too vague. If we allowed that, we could for instance call something 'political conflict' in the same manner. We must realize that there are ways of resolving differences between nations and within nations that are lawful and perfectly reasonable. I hope that when peace is at stake and when a chance at strengthening international law is possible that we will not get stuck on points of ideology."
Karl von Effner spoke next. "I would like to discuss this economic conflict idea at a later date, however, since there are ways in which it is waged that go beyond mere market competition...if you are referring to covert war--for instance the use by some nations of illegal goods sales to fund 'black' activities in war--this is a good example of things that may need to be brought to light."
Ulrica von Hentzau glanced up at the delegate from Celdonia. "I think that the reason why some of us disagree with you is that cohesion of command, however difficult, is always desirable in war." she was almost wistful as she looked at him. "Our nations, so different, once fought side by side as allies, but we fought for the same things..."
"Nevertheless." said Mirbach quietly, "I ask you," he said, bowing to the delegate from Celdonia, "That we table that for the moment too so that we can consider Madame Bi Bere's points. Leaving the contentious issue of economic warfare for the moment, can we generally agree on points one through five? And if so...then I would like to hear those who agree with economic warfare as an idea define it, please, in the most precise terms possible."

Sir Alec shook his head as the other delegates spoke.

"It seems that once again we are jumping the gun, the Tanah Burung and Knootian delegations have both pointed out, quite correctly, that we need to FORM a mediation council first. Now we're talking about command structures and types of forces to be involved? We haven't even decided on a council, who is on it and how it will operate, I find several of the delegates focus on military issues quite disturbing, since we are here to discuss a council to mediate peace."

"I don't see how or when such a council would even justify using military forces , what part of a 'non-binding' agreement could we enforce by military means? Peace keeping forces are an all together different situation and would most likely be requested by the parties involved in the mediation. Ilek-Vaad has forces specially trained for such missions and they are always ready to move and have secessfully concluded several peace keeping missions, we should worry more about how mediation should take place before we start handing out military mandates."

"I would also like to point out to the esteemed representatives from GMC economic and military conflicts are two sides of the same page. To resolve military conflict peace keepers could be used to intervene, to combat economic war the best weapon is sanctions, which would once again be handled by military forces."

"Let us first decide on an actual mediating council, along the lines of Tanah Burung's suggestion, and then move onto to the logical next step of military involvement. I must say that to give credibility to any international mediation council that any military arm should stay well out of the way until mediation is actually completed, mediating a 'peaceful' solution under threat of arms would be to say the least. a farce."

”No word at all on these terrorist attacks… and then starting out with the formation of a military force when no arrangements have been made?” De Vries thought it was, all in all, strange. The ambassador raised his voice:

“I can also announce that the Knootian government fully supports the Tanah Burung proposal. We feel it is a good compromise in several respects. This includes the clause on economic warfare as it is worded right now and with the intentions as they have been outlined to us by Ms. Bi Bere.” Of course, a mediation council would be limited to conflicts between states and stately actors. An excellent example would be the current Syskeyian-Knootian economic dispute. Or rather their boycott, as such conflicts are suitable for mediation. Not all conflict is military in nature, and economic conflict can easily spiral into war.

Regarding the latter points, limiting it to non-binding arbitration would however be sufficient in our opinion. These are matters that which will have to be decided upon here when the Chancellor brings it to the table.”

He turned to von Effner, and with a clever hand-gesture he said: “And, well, we would of course answer the call for available military forces, when they are needed.” He nodded curtly to the Lavenrunzian. However, Sir Alec makes a good point regarding the setting up of the council. Therefore I’d like you hear all opinions as the Count indicated.

De Vries nodded friendly to the Celdonian, indicating agreement with his point, but he did not speak more to avoid further confusion in the debate,.

Elisa shakes her head slowly, "I think that tabling the discussion of 'economic warfare' is wise for now. Like our fellow Federation members, the Hack does not recognize the term 'economic warfare' making it even more of a non-issue for us.

"Futhermore, I agree that we should not get ahead of ourselves. We need to settle the specifications of what this mediating body will and will not be able to do; moving into such nebulous and controversial issues as 'economic warfare' is getting far ahead of ourselves. I move that we table discussion of such things from this council completely, and leave it for another conference, perhaps hosted in another country."

OOC: Did you all somehow miss this?

"One thing that disturbs me about these conferences is that people get confused about the purpose of diplomacy. I am not merely pointing fingers. Ultimately, we need to remember that it is in the interests of our countries to have a useful and pragmatic means of mediation. In order for it to be so, we would need to be willing to put strength behind the mediation council. Could those interested in supporting it contribute military forces so that we would have the means to make good the authority it would need?"

IC: Georgina frowns, turning to the Ilek-Vaad deligate; 'Sir Alec, as you would be aware had you been paying any attention, His Excellency Chancellor Mirbach specifically requested that nations present state the forces they are able to contribute; I hardly think stating our nation's wishes regarding preconditions to their assignment is in any way premature.'

Miles stands after her, 'And you may also want to note that the diplomatic arm won't be the one getting shot at if you foul up, sir.'

Councillor Kham fiddles idly with a pen as he speaks, quietly, but clearly.

"I am in agreement with Sir Alec as to the inappropriateness of discussing command structure of proposed peacekeeping forces before the structure of the mediation council is formulated. I am not certain that I agree with the appropriateness of the formation of a military adjunct to the proposed mediation council. But I can say that the inclusion of the clause on economic as well as military warfare as meritorious of mediation is wholly appropriate, and I thank Ms. Bi Bere for raising it. I do not agree that the discussion should be tabled.

"It strikes me as extremely curious that anyone should fail to recognise economic aggression as a form of aggression. If it requires definition, then we need only look at what warfare is generally designed to accomplish. War i swaged by one nation against another for any number of reasons, but one factor is constant: the subjugation of the government, the people, the resources, the ideology, or whatever of one nation's party or parties to the other.

"When a government uses economic power to subdue another nation, to seize its resources, to harness the labour of its people, or in any way to remove from the people of that nation their autonomy, that is an act of aggression. It is not just bombs and bullets that destroy lives, livelihoods, land and environment. Poverty, and all its entrapments, can be equally devastating. When a nation finds itself destitute at the hands of another, its people enslaved in sweatshop labour, its food produce going to enrich the markets of a foreign nation leaving not enough to go around, shall they have no recourse to ask for mediation before they are destroyed? If the proposed council refuses to recognise this kind of aggression, acknowledging only military force as meritorious of its attention, it leaves a tremendous amount of injustice unaddressed and removes the possibility to prevent this kind of conflict from spiralling into military aggression, a phenomenon which has been outlined already by several of my colleagues here present. I strongly urge inclusion of the clause, or else I have no choice but to see the proposed council as half-baked."

ooc: apologies in advance if this multiple-posts. The board is possessed by Azathoth.

"I quite agree with Councillor Kham, and I think Tanah Burung's proposal as it is would allow any mediation coucil to also consider economic warfare. Unfair trade practices are often a prelude to open war."

"I would also point out to the GMC delegation that as I stated, Ilek-Vaad has suffciently trained peace keepers in sufficent numbers. I have no authority to diiscuss numbers or how they may be deployed, that is for the Supreme Republican Commander to decide as mandated. I simply wanted to point out that it is getting ahead of this summits scope to propsea military structure for a yet non existant group of mediators."

Sir Alec then turns to Miles and states "I sir am an active member of my nations Velite Guard and it is entirely possible that I may be indeed shot at if I' foul-up' , I have also seen many cases where an over-bearing, gung-ho military has rattled it's sabres so loudly that mediation and diplomacy were impossible, it works both ways. A too strong, too involved military could only hinder peaceful mediations.""

Palee Blackotter stands up, rather diffidently, glancing at Dorin narGellis. Receiving an encouraging smile, he clears his throat and speaks in a clear, warm voice:

"I am here to observe on behalf of elements of my government, and therefore I do not wish to comment on the substance of the efforts here today. However, I should inform the distinguished parties present, that Effrenata has extended an offer to provide suitable facilities for a mediation body in Ceyce.

(OOC: Ceyce--Think "Geneva")

"With a large number of international non-governmental organizations, such as Physicians Without Frontiers, the International Purple Star, Amnesty Worldwide, the Liliental Peace Endowment, and more, all headquartered in Ceyce already, we felt that such a location would facilitate the resources and effectiveness of a mediation body.

"However, I must stress that our offer is contingent upon the non-military nature of such a body. Our long history of official and unofficial facilitation of negotiations, mediations, etc., has led us to the conclusion that 'enforced' mediation tends towards worsening, rather than alleviating, situations of international dispute.

"It is Effrenata's experience that mediation can be "binding" only in the moral commitment of the parties who participate, to the principles of non-violent dispute resolution.

"I reiterate our own commitment to the ideals of mediation and negotiation, and our dedication to providing the resources and environment where non-violent dispute resolution can be facilitated. But we cannot extend this commitment to any body that will invoke violence or the threat of violence to resolve disputes. War is a much more effective tool for such resolution.

"I except peacekeeping forces here, but those are usually employed only after resolution has been achieved, and it seems there is no shortage of existing resources for peacekeeping once agreements are established. The issue of how to reach a point where peacekeeping becomes a productive step in re-establishing stability and positive international relations seems more germane at this point.

"We will continue, however, to endorse all international efforts to develop viable processes for the resolution of disputes, even if we cannot participate.

With a swallow, he paused, looking around as though he might be about to say something more, then sits down abruptly. His dark skin is further suffused with a flush, and he reaches for a glass of water.

Catching up from before - much apologies abound - should not have an impact on the current talks, to my knowledge.

Nathicana delicately samples the soup as her hosts speak, eyes intent on them, glancing away only to assure proper table manners. "We have seen for some time the troubles some of the other alliances have had. Gladly, we've found ourselves rather ... lacking in such inconveniences." She does not gloat, merely states as fact, in a casual manner.

"The NDA is about smart leadership, economic stability, mutually beneficial trade, and of course, diplomacy first and foremost in matters of international conflict. The world has indeed become a volitile place, with many bulling their way through, discarding tact and forethought, diplomacy be damned, with an eye only to the immediate gain. It is unfortunate, but it seems, the way of the world." She shrugs, her manner still casual and at ease.

"We recognized long ago that in order to preserve our way of life and our own ideals, it would be necessary to band like minds together in a strong, stable alliance that would benefit the members without stifling them. The problem with 'doing something' about the current state of things is of course, our firm belief in the sovereign right of nations to rule themselves, without needing to answer to outside influences. While some may point out that our alliance by its very manifesto contradicts that, I say not so. No one who has joined has been forced to accept anything the did not wish to, even in our trade. Each contributes according to their means - we have no set standard on what a nation must do that way. We only request that they contribute in what way they can to the common good of the alliance. We ask that tarrifs be lifted between members to encourage trade without forcing them to take a hit on prices. We have opened up many avenues of opportunity for our members, yet we never force them to take advantage of them, nor to accept trade from any of the outside groups we work with. As alliances go, and for one filled with rather authoritarian figures, I find it has provided the members with a surprising amount of freedom, as ironic as that may seem."

"We have made efforts in peacemaking where we could, have encouraged such behaviour in our allies and those nations we have dealt with even on a casual basis. Promoting diplomacy and communication over warfare is in all our best interests, not to mention, good for business. We have been involved in humanitarian efforts, in defending our allies when all other measures have failed, in assisting in talks and negotiations between agressive parties - whether successful or no. All the same, we have not allowed ourselves to become weak. One cannot be so naieve as to think that our peaceful goals need not be backed up with the strength to protect them."

She smiles pleasantly at the both of them, the other three Dominion folk sitting quietly, trying to impose as little as possible. "The NDA has benefitted me greatly, and, I would say, all of our members. There are those who would say we are small, and of little consequence, but I say to those, look at our membership. We come from varied backgrounds and beliefs, yet all hold in common the goals set forth in the manifesto. While we realize there is in your system elements of democracy, we are not so closed-minded as to think that a true deterrent, should Lavenrunz decide the NDA is for them. The Empress, long may she reign, is the end-all authority of the nation, to my understanding. With the wise assistance of advisors and ministers such as yourselves," here she nods her head to both gentlemen, "she is the one who decides the fate of the nation. A heavy burden to be sure, but one I myself am confident she is quite capable of shouldering. That is the deciding factor, not the democratic processes beneath her. I hope that has somewhat clarified our position, our progress, and our goals for you."

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

Left for Bruce at the front desk ...

Why my dear Bruce, of course I would be delighted to join you for dinner. It has been a while, has it not? I look forward to catching up - see you then.

--Nathi

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

Nathicana sat quietly through the proceedings, mildly amused at the various posturings and puffed-up speech. She had said her part the day before, and in truth, her main goal for attending had been achieved over dinner with the Chancellor - reiterating offers, clarifying positions, and feeling out the responses.

Ah, well ... we shall hope for the best. In the meantime, let the circus continue. This is why democracy does not work, my friends. Mired in endless debate and foundering over minutae. I don't know how they stand it.

She sipped her water slowly, studying the other delegates with a casual air, her blue eyes revealing nothing of the thoughts behind them.

As Palee Blackotter talks, two of the Knootians have a dimmed conversation. ((OOC: so no, you didn’t hear unless you have superman-ears / bionicwank stuff))

“Of course, one cannot suspect sweatshops to be part of mediation, after all mediation is about disputes between nations” says De Clerq with a dimmed voice to his colleague next to him.

De Vries replies, whispering superciliously “Well, if that’s their interpretation of Bi Bere’s proposal then she has been feeding us different stories. I was assured that the ‘inherent evilness of capitalism’ would not be an issue and I have every confidence that they’ll fail to do something idiotic. Those nations affected by their propaganda probably already joined IFTA already and are on our… secondary… trade programmes,” he says citing the government euphemism for smuggling to their highly slick black markets. “And we discussed the advantages before. Let them have this ‘victory’ of theirs.”

The Knootian restrains himself from grinning and instead he just smiles patronisingly to Kham. De Clerq nods to Palee as he finishes his argument.

De Vries, meanwhile, appears to be playing with his mobile phone under the table. A tiny beeping sound indicates sending an SMS to Bi Bere. (OOC: you have a TG)

OOC: once again, it’s the Non-Human Unio being represented here, if I post under Biotopia, my apologies. With the poor server function we have to seize our chances to post.

Memo note to the LFM

I can assure that while Frieda’s actions in the bar (of which I presume you allude to) may seem distressing, it is a cultural norm in Hell Bovines and an accepted facet of the NHU’s multiculturalism. If I may be so bold, for a nation with no non-human it seems a little ‘inappropriate’ that Lavenrunz be so quick to judge what actions are and are not appropriate for another species.

Sverj seizes the opportunity and bobs up once the Efrenata speaker has touched his seat. A little shaky at first a sense of authority as developed in his speech by the end.

“We side with the Economic Warfare proponents; it is a serious matter that we earnestly feel must be discussed at this conference. While we will be persistent on this point, recognising that the wilful destruction of another sovereign’s economy can only be interpreted as an act of aggression, we believe the focus should be on establishing an actual mediation council. Once the organisations foundations had been secured, we can set about building the walls of procedure (including where economic warfare resides). However, if we do not settle the issue of economic warfare, we risk dismantling the infant organisation when the issue is raised at a later date and mediating nations feel secure in their present surrounds.

We endorse the idea of placing the reposed mediations council’s head quarters in a neutral territory, although the mediators themselves would be expected to hold the highest regard to due process, decorum and neutrality in dealing with nations on the brink of war or searching for resolution among bloodshed. So an exact location is not so specific. As to the possibility of an armed wing, we feel that this sort of ‘accessory’ to the purpose of these talks can be postponed until w are building a house together using the same foundations.

We also feel perhaps this meeting is being dragged into the sidelines of nations more ‘domestic’ affairs and we call on all of you to pull on your obvious skill and tact of being diplomats of the highest regard and focusing on the issue that we all came here for. The establishment of a viable body to export peace through mediation, anything else would be an unacceptable waste of time. We have a unique opportunity and I implore all of you to work under the auspices of co-operation and fairness that you will be charged with providing from and to others. Please, do not let this ember of hope and common humanity die out through our bickering and regional rivalries, there is far more at stake here then our own mere national boarders…

Danke”

A somewhat dazed looking Sverj takes his seat once again.

Mollari arrived early, but not exactly in a mood to do small talk, instead, he leaned back, and checked several files he uploaded the last day, wondering if he could perhaps escape his current misery... and his depths, for that matter.

Mirbach and Lenore leaving the table for their little small- talk, however, caught his interest... Naturally, he knew about the recent troubles with North Star, and he couldn´t help but to wonder what exactly had happened inside the room...

During the discussion, he mainly nodded, looking sorta... tired.

However, finally, he raised his voice:

"If I may, gentlemen... ladies and gentlemen... First of all, regarding the economic warfare thingy... While my people do recognise the term 'economic warfare', I`m sure the definition of the term when looking at certain regimes attending this conference... well, differs. Although, with the recent Un copyright resolution, the possibility of being in a state of economic warfare with a few of the aforementioned regimes has been eliminated." He smiles, almost too sweetly, and continues, pondering the first point of the Tanah Burung delegate and DA currently being in a state of war... but then, he didn´t believe this hillbillies were informed about what was going on in the rest of sol. "In any case... Yes, yes, i do believe my people are willing to give some forces to enforce resolutions by the council... provided that they are under a reasonable command and reasonably used. However.." Again, he hesitated. "How much we can send to help the purposes of this council depends entirely on our situation at a given time. The upper limit would be one operative army group. In any case..." He continued, living up. "In any case, using military force would be sort of... strange, since as far as i can see, this council is supposed to end conflicts, or to prevent them, not to send soldiers of membernations to fight them out, right?"

Both de Vries and de Clerq nod agreeingly to the Angstian ambassador Mollari.

OOC: and there is news coverage of the conference people! Check it out!

See the thread here, as a media sidespin to the actual conference. (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=121731) Feel free to post your media stuff there too.

Sir Alec nods as Mollari finishes

"Precisely, a body assembled to find peaceful resolutions to end conflict should only be ready to use military force in a case where an agreement has been reached and both parties agree to peace keepers to ensure no re-initiation of hostilities."

Sir Alec thought for sure that Mollari would have been to hungover to talk, much less make a point that he agreed with. Sir Alec sat back with a pleased yet perplexed look.

Count Mirbach and his fellow ministers listened to the other delegates for the most part with incredulous disdain beginning to appear on their faces.
"Let me see if I understand this correctly. First of all, you all refuse to respond to the outline presented by Madame Bi Bere--which I recommended we generally endorse. Then you present me with an ideological response about economic warfare, without giving a single real world example, and expect me to simply bow to your--let us be frank: it is blackmail." Count Mirbach coldly looked at Sir Alec with eyes as freezing as Antarctic winds. "Finally, you all believe that to even discuss the possibility of military forces committed to the mediation council as ludicrous. Let me tell all of you: without that we will be as impotent as the World Court or the League of Nations. Now: if none of you can be bothered to listen to my attempts to mediate this summit, how can you expect that other nations will listen to us?" He drew back, eyes narrowed. "I am calling for a recess. I ask you to collect your thoughts, read back your notes and respond to the rest of my questions."
He rose abruptly, and followed by the others walked out of the room. The guards sprang to attention as he left.

Councillor Kham couldn't help the slight smile: How quick they are to take offense. Confusing the role of Chair with that of Master of Ceremonies... or perhaps there isn't a difference here.

He bowed towards Violeta Bi Bere, met the eyes of the representatives from Celdonia and Anhierarch, and closed his 'book.

Nathicana snorted quietly at the fools she saw around her. Granted, not all, but enough to earn her disdain. She watched Mirbach intently, rising from her chair immediately as he and the others leave. Quickly gathering her things, she walks briskly after them, calling out in a soft but clear voice.

"Chancellor, if I may ..."

Count Mirbach glanced at Nathicana. "Certainly, Lady." he beckoned her down a side passageway. Soldiers stood erect at intervals, still as statuary in their full dress uniforms.

Bi Bere was startled at the abrupt break. She had chaired enough meetings to know that posturing was a vital ingredient of diplomacy. On the other hand, she'd always had a soft spot for Teutonic men of action.

Idly, she toyed with her proposal, happy to cross more out in the hopes of reaching a quick consensus and moving on the military question which Count Mirbach was so keen to discuss. She was happy enough to delete the final two points, and of the rest, only the reference to economic conflcit seemed contentious, with as far as she could tell, three delegations opposed and four in favour. She started to try out different wordings, and waited for a chance to respond to some of the comments that had been made.


1. The countries here assembled agree to form a mediation council. All countries joining this council agree to accept mediation rather than going to war.
2. Any country in conflict may request mediation from this council, even if it is not a member. Appeals may be made by countries engaged in conflict with another country, and by colonial territories seeking their independence. Conflict is defined as war or non-military (including economic) conflict that could lead to war. The mediation council will normally accept requests for mediation, but may refuse by majority vote.
3. Mediation should preferably be undertaken by agreement of the two parties to a conflict. Normally, mediation will attempt to find common ground between the two sides to a conflict. This will be done by a reconciliation committee established for each case. These smaller committees will normally have three members drawn from the larger mediation council. One member will be selected by each party to the conflict, and the two committee members will then select a third country. This three-member committee will operate by consensus.
4. Mediation is not binding on the parties to a conflict. Its purpose is to find a solution that both sides can agree to.
5. The two parties to a conflict may, if they wish, request binding arbitration. In this case, the mediation council will act as judge to a conflict and decide upon a solution that is then binding on both sides.

Dropping her pen, she strolls over to the Effrenatan delegation. "You know," she remarks. "I hope we do get a council out of all this talk, and that it does get based in Ceyce. If not, i'd love to visit some day, it sounds like a city after my own heart."

Sir Alec shrugged and stood up to leave , he turned to the nearest delegate with a cheerful smile "It's just not a summit without a tongue lashing from Uncle Mirbach,is it?"

He chuckled to him, suprised at how easily the Lavenrunz delegates had been to unhinge ' perhaps the Minister was right, Lavenrunz wants another tool to use against their enemies' he thought as he hummed to himself and headed to dinner

Count Mirbach glanced at Nathicana. "Certainly, Lady." he beckoned her down a side passageway. Soldiers stood erect at intervals, still as statuary in their full dress uniforms.

"I wished to apologize on behalf of those fools who've been hampering your efforts here. No few of them have indeed made a mockery of this conference. Frankly, I'm surprised you were able to bear it as long as you did. Commendable," she says, following quickly, then falling in alongside him.

"All the same, I hope that your efforts for mediation and peace will not be laid aside on their account. I'm afraid the democratic process, from what I've seen, only fosters such rampant idiocy and endless ramblings that seem to go nowhere." Her brow furrows, and she looks up at him questioningly.

"Where do you see yourselves going from here, if I may be so bold?"

Pleased to have a chance to make the acquaintance of someone of her own generation, Dorin narGellis smiles. "You would be most welcome, Madam Bi Bere. Ceyce is a most unique city. And I would be so interested in seeing Tanah Burung some day. I hear it is a truly lovely contrast to our mountainous, temperate country."

Palee Blackotter stands and bows politely to a senior, and distinguished, national representative. "Madam Bi Bere, I am certain that a visit from Tanah Burung would be welcomed by my government, and it would be a most pleasant opportunity to show you our hospitality."

Friv narGellis chuckles, and reaches for her cane. "I think the fireworks are over for the moment. I would appreciate a chance to breathe some fresh air, however briefly."

Count Mirbach said quietly, "Lady Nathicana, I truly cannot imagine. Frankly, I think that democracy is not so much the ill as the lack of any sense of discipline or common sense." his eyes suddenly blazed at her. "But if CACE thinks they can just drag this into their own agenda...let them try." he said furiously.

A the mention of CACE she snorts quietly. "And they call us dictators and despots ... if ever I saw an organization hell-bent on forcibly taking away the sovereign rights of its members, meddling and subjugating them and attempting to do so with those around them, it is that distasteful group."

Nathicana shakes her head. "I am unused to suffering such ... bull-headed stupidity. Still, if there is any way I can be of assistance, please, do let me know."

Elisa sighed heavily as the recess was declared. She frowned as the conference was being hijacked before it even really got started. It was beginning to feel like dealing with children. You tell them what you want to discuss, and they ignore you.

Hopefully they would manage to be successful. She hated to think that this council would become as worthless as the UN. She, Georgina and Miles got up and went to the Hotel's bar, finding a semi private location.

Georgina frowned, "So much apallingly thought out rhetoric in so little time..."

Elisa sighed, nodding her head sadly, "And it looks like they want to make this economic warfare nonsense a key to further discussions."

Miles knocked back a shot of whiskey, "Not to mention they seem to think their diplomats will be bulletproof, daft buggers that they are."

"Why is it so hard to follow a simple itinerary? I hate to say it, but the zombie seems to actually understand that, it's the others that won't quit." Elisa, paused sighing, sticking to water for now, "And who's side is deVries on anyway?"

Georgina shook her head, "I abide by my frequent unofficial statement that Knootian foreign policy is decided by flipping a coin."

"So it seems." Elisa shruged, "It looks like the Count is on our side, at the very least."

Miles nods "Count seems the only one to realise that the military is what keeps the diplomats safe while they're negotiating...Who do they expect to clear mines ahead of their motorcades, check for snipering positions and deal with attacks? Do they think they can talk a car bomb to death?"

Elisa laughed at Miles' description, "Perfectly distilled, Miles. But what do you expect when you discuss these things with pacifists? Alec is in the army reserve, good for him. Who is actually drunk enough to think that his government would put him in harm's way? I'd be tempted to suggest booting those blighters out, but the PR would be horrible."

"Aye, daft bugger thinks he can lecture meself who's been an officer in the Army for twenty years about how to do me job..." he shakes his head, "And talking about gung-ho militaries like that..." he points to Georgina, who's getting a drink, "Can he not see the poor girl only has half her face to show for her term of service?"

"Noticing the painfully obvious is not one of their strong suits, it seems. And anyone who calls the GMC military 'gung ho' obviously needs to crack open a history book. This is getting absurd. We need to pull this bitchfest back on track before the Count kicks us all out."

"At present what we'll get is a totally optional economic babysitting service that's bugger all use for anything..."

"DA seems to recognize it's uselessness, Knootoss is playing both sides, and many of the others seem disinterested in what's happening." Elisa sighs, the veneer of diplomacy waning, "And I'm tempted to bring a pneumatic hammer tomorrow for that... cow."

Georgina sits down, lighting a cigarette, "So, did it sound better from where you were sitting, Elisa?"

"If better means 'an absolute time waster', then yes," she smirks, "Otherwise, I'm close to pulling out my hair."

Georgina nodded in agreement, "Frankly, with the level of disdain for the military here it's a wonder any of the deligates' nations are still sovereign."

"I was begining to wonder about that myself. Actually, I doubt any of them are here to discuss the matters at hand. It seems they're just here to bash the military arm of this council, and yammer about market forces... I mean, 'economic warfare'."

"With the arbitration not being binding, what difference does it make what the treaty says?"

"Good point, and part of why I wanted the last two option clauses removed; they were pointless. Our current heading seems to be an ineffectual debating society. Seems we need to push for binding arbitration."

Georgina exhaled a thin stream of blue smoke, "If the two sides require mediation they should be prepared to abide by the board's decision and the enforcement of it. Anything else, we might as well just talk to them ourselves."

"Excellent point." Elisa nods quickly, pleased with the current direction of their conversation. "Table the economic warfare talk, and push for binding arbitration. The Count should be fine with that, as both those points are innumerated in the zombie's bullet points."

"And we still have to get an answer over how the military arm will be organised; I'm not prepared to assign Federal combat personnel to this enterprise without being assured they'll be supported properly from above. I won't risk thirty-five thousand lives because a few people can't see whats right in front of them."

"Sounds like we've got our talking points then. I don't want to commit troops to unknown leadership anymore than you do. Nor do I want every backwater hole on the planet suing us because our computers are cheap."

"I understand that...Plus, I'm sure they'd love to clamp down on arms sales as 'economic warfare' while they're at it..."

"They'll clamp down on any sales. I'm sure they still view GMC as highly capitalist." Elisa smirked, her mean streak returning.

Georgina grined, "Obviously... Everyone who isn't part of the IFTA is a capitalist, don'cha know."

"And despite deVries' and Mollari's assertations that such a clause could be used to force them to follow the UN's copyright laws, I don't think that's much of a prize. Let the UN police it's own policies, I'm not going to cripple the Hack's industry to protect intellectual property."

"It's not like they can beat your copy protection anyway, is it?"

Elisa laughed, "Oh, no, their Q-Consoles are the pinacle of computational power."

Georgina grined, "Well, we'll see if Sir Alec the Mighty Peacekeeper is as immune to common sense as he seems to be soon enough, I guess."

"Hopefully it'll be more amusing than pathetic." Glancing at her watch she adds, "Hm. Should be getting back in there, I guess."

Georgina nodded, knocking back her drink, stubbing out her cigarette, "I guess."

"Into the fray," Elisa murmured softly, finishing her water.

Miles grined as the three of them got up and headed back to the conference room, "See if we can't get some iron behind empty words."

"Exactly my thoughts." Elisa opened the doors for Georgina and Miles, and they went back to their seats, waiting for the other delegates and Count Mirbach to return.

Mollari left only for a short time, slightly amused at Mirbach`s reactions.

His superiors wouldn`t like what he had to tell them, though. As commandable as Mirbach´s aims were, as much as certain groups in DA actually liked it... The way he tried to achive them was... childish.

Well, he would have to live with it. Although... For a brief moment, he wondered if the empress could help matters... to save what could be saved. But then, there was a slight possibility that Mirbach would be annoyed to... well, quite literally kick out the CACE/ IFTA delegates, especially since, and here, Mollari had no doubts, he most definitely knew about their little games... Games that, by now, threatened the success of the negotiations. At the expense of all.

Margoue III stayed behind, sinking comfortably down into his seat, the winter was a little to nippy outside for him, he couldn’t help but start to fawn and look for somewhere nice to hibernate. Noticing Councillor Kham he passed sly smile and just the twitch of a friendly wink.

Sverj and Frieda meanwhile walk across the road and down the footpath into the crisp whiteness of the ice sculptures. Standing in his all reindeer flares and well-fitted jumper Sverj stares out into the clarity of the air, admiring the gentleness of landscape and the soft atmosphere. Fiddling with her udder warmer Frieda takes out a cigarette and lights up

“Do you want some” she enquired, before taking a long drag on it anyway.

“No, not while I’m on the job” Sverj turned to pace up at the giant ice swan.

“Do you think we’re getting anywhere Frieda? This conference is like that fable about the dog that bit off it’s own tale when it was stung by a bee. Everyone in there is so damn suspicious of the CACE, and they’re projecting it onto us for being IFTA.”

“mmmm” hummed Frieda as she savoured the sweet tasting smoke.

“I do agree with you, most delegates seem to be spending way too much time looking at the who’s instead of the what’s being preposed.” Little trails of steam and smoke wafted out her mouth as she spoke.

“We came here to help set up a peace conference, and we’re getting there…slowly. I don’t think we’re alone in really wanting this thing to work out.”

“You’re right, Bere seems very enthusiastic about the whole thing; I don’t see Kham feeling much different. I think if we stick close to her words then we’ll end up getting closer to what we want. Besides us IFTA need to stick together.”

“Like glue!” Frieda laughs, waving her hoof around. “I think I’ve had enough to smoke.”

Both Sverj and Frieda head back towards to the conference hall.

"I don't think that had much of an effect." said von Effner quietly.
"No." Mirbach stared out at the snowy expanse of the grounds of the palace. "The trouble is that they have focused far too much on their dread of anyone actually effectively placing a hold on their own actions."
"The trouble is that they're more used to the kind of debate that goes on in CACE." said von Hentzau. "And you are forgetting that many of these people don't think of survival as being a necessary part of government. To them, it is necessary to believe in what they're doing before they can convince themselves to do it." she shrugged. "I think it's basic Machievelli. Without force behind you, you're nothing."
"What about Gandhi?" grinned von Effner.
"You're joking, right Carl? You couldn't name a more unperceptive man who ended up being used by his own movement." she sneered. "Leaving a legacy of divisiveness and terrorism. Wonderful. No, I'll give you a good example of peace: our own efforts vis a vis Ienotheisa. And who insisted on punitive action afterward? SeOCC. Who speaks with a forked tongue? SeOCC. And who speaks through this pack of jackals?"
Count Mirbach looked at her. "We will make another attempt. But you're right: these damned communists are blinded by their own ideology. Well, I intend to slap the blinders off them."
The three Lavenrunzians finished their wine. Karl von Effner was paged by his secretary and excused himself. He caught up with them moments later in the hallway.
Whispering to Mirbach, he said, "Our expeditionary force has received its instructions."
Mirbach nodded, and returned to the conference hall.
He waited till people began to reassemble.
"I'd like to consider Madame Bi Bere's point one.
1. The countries here assembled agree to form a mediation council. All countries joining this council agree to accept mediation rather than going to war.
I think that should be reworded to 'agree to accept mediation (in the case of agreement to it by opposing parties) as a form of conflict resolution. This may pose a difficulty to some who may feel it is an attack on sovereignty. But obviously we must practice what we preach.
At the same time, we do I feel need some kind of subtext for those rare cases when a state of war would exist as a result of violation of treaty followed by the use of military force."

The Tartarian delegate watched the return and the gradually settlement of the other member’s of the conference from his seat at the table. Taking the break in proceedings to make sure his notes were up to date.

Listening intently to Count Mirbach, he slowly began to idly let his pen scrawl in the corner of the report in front of him. He couldn’t help wondering how many of those sitting around the table would be able to agree to these proposals, and more importantly, keep them. It was always easier to agree to these things than actually bring them into practice.

Picking up his glass of water, Miles took a sip to wet his drying mouth. These types of summits tended to last for some time, as everyone worked through their own issues, trying to justify why this wouldn’t work in a particular setting. Of course, it wouldn’t work in every case, but if the nations represented here could work out their disagreements without a single weapon being fired, then at least it would make a small but hopefully significant difference.

The Empire was giving its full backing to these talks, its own entry into outside conflict had always been approached from a cautionary angle, not that it wouldn’t defend itself with all its might, but it would not fire upon another unless it could justify that course of action, or all other avenues had been tried, tested and had failed.

Sitting back, he returned his full attention to all that was going on around him. Making himself ready for another round of wrangling, heated discussions and interruptions.

ooc: I'm away this weekend; please forgive me if I'm slow.