NationStates Jolt Archive

International Consortium of Economic Powers

Greetings to all nations,

In times of Economic instability and turmoil, it becomes necessary for those nations, whose foundations are laid in the free market and ingenuity of its people to band together, in a declaration of greater Economic ties, and pursuit of greater economic zeniths.

I , Edmund Dantes, propose, ICEP (pronounced eye-sep) the International Consortium of Economic Powers. Together member nations will open exclusive trade routes with one another, that will generate trillions of dollars in revenue.

Member nations must also be prepared to defend the said trade routes, as a matter of tighter International Defense may become necessary.

ICEP Charter

*International Consortium of Economic Powers shall herein be referred too as ICEP.

*Member Nations must open trade routes with one another. Not every nation must open with all consistent members, but a minimum of two per nation, is required.

*Nations may not petition the CEO or the Board of Directors too join ICEP, soley for membership, and no other action, trade is a requirement of membership. Inactivity can result in dismissal of membership.

*Full Membership requires an Economy of at least “Powerhouse.” Partial Membership will be given to members below this rating.

*Active and Respected Member of the International Community. (Reputable RP record.)

*Nations may apply for Economic Boost Packages, to increase ones Economic Rating.

*Nations may petition for a redress of grievances, in a International Consortium Court, if they believe a member nation has acted unaccordingly to the Charter.

*No nation may attack another nation within ICEP, for ICEP-related matters. All grievances must be brought before the International Consortium Court. These statutes apply solely to ICEP-related affairs. Those nations that do will be expelled from ICEP, and summarily have sanctions placed upon them.

* All nations are given the right to rule in sovereignty, ICEP, the CEO and the Board of Directors, may not pass any statute that interferes with the sovereignty of a nation, save in place of sanctions, or other disciplinary actions, economically.

*ICEP shall be ran by a Chief Executive Officer and an appointed Board of Directors

*The Board of Directors, shall consist of five appointed nations, who in turn will by 75% majority vote, elect a Vice Chairman. The CEO will appoint a Chairman to oversee the Board of Directors.

* Tersanctus shall appoint the Chief Executive Officer of ICEP.

*The International Consortium Court shall be appointed by the CEO, with an approval measure of 75% majority vote from the Board of Directors.

*The CEO may propose a new amendment to this charter, or too remove an existing one. The Board of Directors shall decide to remove or add by a 75% majority vote.

*In cases of Ties, the CEO will make the final decision.

*The CEO, with the support of the Chairman, and Vice Chairman, may overturn a majority vote, if just cause or reason is shown. If the Board has made a unanimous decision, The CEO, Chairman, and Vice Chairman cannot overturn the vote.

*The CEO shall hold Executive Authority to declare Emergency state on a trade route, and deploy ICEP-DF (ICEP Defense Forces), to protect them. If after 45 days, the board decides that there is no Emergency Situation, or the situation no longer requires the ICEP-DF. They may, by a 50% Majority vote, order the withdrawal of forces.

*The Board shall hold the authority too approve or disapprove membership, to a petitioning Nation. In Cases of the CEO, Chairman, and Vice Chairman unanimously voting a Member nation in, shall override a majority vote of the board, if just cause, or reason is shown. The board may also override this with a unanimous vote.


*International Consortium of Economic Powers Defense Forces shall herein be known as ICEP-DF. All nations totalling a census of more than 500 Million, shall be required to devote .5% of their standing military to serve as ICEP-DF, except in cases of blockades, when the offending nation, shall not be required to use their own military against themselves.




http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:BZZcREnlSscC:www.celebrity-exchange.com/celebs/photos48/James-Caviezel.jpg
Executor Edmund Dantes
The Imperial Republic of Tersanctus
Founder and CEO of ICEP (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=133957)
Tersanctan Delegate to the United Emirates Leadership Council

Membership Status' and Rankings

President and Chief Executive Officer- Edmund Dantes; Tersanctus

Chairman - Lord Alkanphel; Melkor Unchained

Vice Chairman- Kwarliu; Vrak

Chief Financial Officer- None Currently Appointed

Director - Xavier Delyrn; Crownguard

Director - Sandra Devonstraea; California and Alaska

Director - The Eastern Bloc

Director - Natalya DeGrief; Presgreif

Director - None Currently appointed

As stated, Crownguard agrees fully with the fundamental charter of the ICEP alliance and supports the Tersanctan CEO in all regards concerning this alliance.


-Tercero Xavier Delryn

The Senate met to discuss the implications of joining the ICEP. The head of the Economic Subcommittee discussed the matter thoroughly and persuaded The Senators to vote to proposition ICEP and perhaps obtain a position on the board.

A delegation was assembled, and Senator David Owen of the Economic Subcommittee was appointed as the representative. Owen sent a letter to Dantes.

Mr. Dantes,

The Senate of The Dominion of The Captain has appointed me to represent my nation as a prospective member of the ICEP. We have looked over the charter, and are ready to pass it if accepted into the group. We are a very large and powerful country, and would prove an essential member of this group.

Sincerely,

Senator David Owen
Chairman, Economic Subcommittee

The Senate met to discuss the implications of joining the ICEP. The head of the Economic Subcommittee discussed the matter thoroughly and persuaded The Senators to vote to proposition ICEP and perhaps obtain a position on the board.

A delegation was assembled, and Senator David Owen of the Economic Subcommittee was appointed as the representative. Owen sent a letter to Dantes.

Mr. Dantes,

The Senate of The Dominion of The Captain has appointed me to represent my nation as a prospective member of the ICEP. We have looked over the charter, and are ready to pass it if accepted into the group. We are a very large and powerful country, and would prove an essential member of this group.

Sincerely,

Senator David Owen
Chairman, Economic Subcommittee

OOC: It is heartening that there are decent, large nations that arent full of dirty righteous hippies....I would certainly welcome you with us.

"Hippies....hiiippies...no...they want to save the Earth but all the do is smoke pot and smell bad....mommy..help.." -Cartman

When the message from Tersanctus was received, the Diplomatic corps immediately passed it along to the Economic Affairs division for assessment, while the Corps reviewed the contents from a purely diplomatic viewpoint. It was no small amusement that a nation owing allegiance to the UE would actually even consider a member state within the FKC to be part of an alliance. Clearly, there were many who were wary of such a message, wondering if it wouldn’t be another UE deception. Only a minority of those in the Corps thought that it would be beneficial for Vrak and the FKC as a whole to explore relations with Tersanctus. After all, nations within the UE can pursue their own foreign policy? It was finally decided that a cautious yet opportunist reply would be sent.

====

To: Executor Edmund Dantes c/o Tersanctus diplomats
From: Vrak Diplomatic Corps
Subject: ICEP

While we are intrigued at the proposal of the ICEP, we nevertheless pursue a policy of avoiding entanglements wherever possible. At the moment, we are focusing our efforts in revitalizing the former Ur Trade Pact. However, we would be remiss not to explore this opportunity further, if only for the present time in a low level fashion. If perhaps this fledgling organization were to hold some kind of conference, we would be happy to send a representative from our Economic Affairs division.

"So what do you think?" Economic advisor Berossus Nabonidas asked, cocking his head. Across from his Lord Alkanphel sat grimly at his desk, his hands steppled before his face.

"I think it's a pie we can afford to stick our finger in. Ardan trade is more than enough for our purposes, and our stockpiles are larger than ever.

Berossus nodded. "And if we open up that production surplus, we'll make billions."

Alkanphel lowered his hands and nodded curtly. "Yes, indeed we would. Your plan is a good one, Lord Nabonidas. I'll run it past Lord Melkor and I imagine we'll soon be making a statement. Dismissed."

The man stood and snapped to attention, and saluted. Alkanphel stood and saulted back, then the advisor was gone.

Now, down to business...

***
"As a formality I must first clarify with Mr. Dantes as to what the provisions are for adding amendments to the charter, or removing them in turn. We are considering membership, but must first know more of what power the CEO and the Board wields. We feel the Imperium's massive sproduct stockpiles are ready for the ICEP and its member nations to receive them, but will continue with great trepidation on account of the fact that many member nations are bound to hate us for their idiotic ideological reasons."

Lord Alkanphel
High Warlord of Lord Melkor's Imperium, First Counselor to Melkor Himself
http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/alkanphel1.jpg

Edmund Dantes took to the Communique room and prepared Encrypted transmissions to the nations that he had personally invited to join.

"Gentleman, let me thank you once more for seeing fot too respond to my proposal of ICEP. Let me state the unequivocally, ICEP is a business. Whatever political differences we each may have had in the past are irrelevant to what lies on the table before us now. Whatever alliances we belong too, have little too do with ICEP, I understand that in certain cases the Charter's and Constitutions may prohibit full involvement."

"But part of what will make ICEP so great, is the very thing that makes a strong economy, and that is flexibility, and diversity. That is why there is a statute stating that ICEP cannot make any descisions in regards too a nations Sovereignity, save disciplinary actions, such as sanctions, and fines in case of gross negligence or violation of the Charter. And besides, any violation of the Charter, would only mean that all parties involved are making less money, which is opposite of what we are trying to do here."

"As for the power the board, and CEO would hold is rather ceremonial. They would approve new members, order military defense of trade routes, and the CEO may propose new amendments, or propose to remove existing ones. The Board in turn can also do as such. The board will make the desisons with amendments based upon 75% majority vote."

"In cases of ties the CEO will make the final descision, In cases of overturning a vote, the CEO may do so, with the support of the Chairman, and Vice Chairman, unless the Board passes a unanimous decision."

"And to Vrak, you are absolutely right, we will be holding a conference shortly. To Lord Alkanphel, All I can say that if a Member nation has a problem due too Ideological Differences, they are more than welcome to leave, or not join in the first place. Business speaks one language, Money."

"Indeed it does. As acting CEO of the Imperium's largest corporation, Chronos, I know this firsthand. Lately I've been searching for an economic project with which to busy myself, as Lord Melkor is uninterested in the study of economics and generally doesn't afford me much space to expand in that regard.

If Mr. Dantes is to personally appoint the Board of Directors, I must declare my interest in a post on the board. I'm sure my skills will suffice nicely, as I've kept Chronos on its feet now for quite some time.

And boy, have we got warehouses full of goods for you."

Lord Alkanphel
High Warlord of Lord Melkor's Imperium, First Counselor to Melkor Himself
http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/alkanphel1.jpg

Edmund's eyebrow twitched nervously at the you emphasis Alkanphel gave.

"Well, You are a highly educated in the field which I seek. All right Lord Alkanphel, I will appoint you as Chairman of ICEP. There will be a few formalities to follow of course, and I wonder how the world will percieve this, two nations with a....interesting history. Nonetheless, Business is Business, as Chairman, you are my right-hand man. I require objectivity and professionalism of the utmost, and professionalism like you would to Melkor himself. Remember we are representing an International Trade Pact, that has the potential to become the largest in the world." he paused for effect.

"I dont think I need elaborate much more than that, welcome aboard,....Chairman Alkanphel."

Ronald Talkos, the Financial Minister of the Austar union was reading over the documents. Turning to the new Foriegn Minister, James Keller, he gave his advise on the alliance;

"James, I think this alliance will be highly benificial to the Republic of Austar Union. It would boost our economy, and will also increase our foriegn relations, which would be very handy for the Republic."

James read over the documents once more, "Hmmm, I agree. I will fax a message through immediatly. I think we should join this one..."

Edmund went over the fax from the latest request...Austar Union...so this was coming together nicely. ICEP semed like it could take off the ground.

He lit a ciggarette, and pressed a button on his desk phone.

"Nancy, have Patrick Stewart give a ringy-ding to the Austar Union Embassy if we have one. And get them ready too sit down for some talks, it looks like they fit the bill."

To:David Owen
From:Executor Dantes
Subject: ICEP Membership

Dear Senator Owen,

We have gone over the aspects involved in your nation, and we would be ecstatic to accept you into the hallowed halls of ICEP.

Furthermore, we are going to begin too need too apointing board members to ICEP. We are very closley considering you for a position.

Congratulations,

and may we walk a profitable future together.

Executor Edmund Dantes.

"You do me much honor, Mr. Dantes, to appoint this position to me. Perhaps this is to be the beginning of a prosperous relationship after all. We're surely looking forawrd to opening up some new trade routes of course, and I'm much looking forward to seeing who my colleagues will be in the Board of Directors."

Lord Alkanphel
High Warlord of Lord Melkor's Imperium, First Counselor to Melkor Himself
http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/alkanphel1.jpg

Edmund went over the fax from the latest request...Austar Union...so this was coming together nicely. ICEP semed like it could take off the ground.

He lit a ciggarette, and pressed a button on his desk phone.

"Nancy, have Patrick Stewart give a ringy-ding to the Austar Union Embassy if we have one. And get them ready too sit down for some talks, it looks like they fit the bill."

Inside the embassy, Ambassador John Grant was in the process of signing documents, when the telephone rang. Reaching over his desk, he picked up the handset, "Hello?"

OOC: I would have RP'd a bit further, to include the telephone conversation, but I wasnt sure how you wanted this to go so...

To:David Owen
From:Executor Dantes
Subject: ICEP Membership

Dear Senator Owen,

We have gone over the aspects involved in your nation, and we would be ecstatic to accept you into the hallowed halls of ICEP.

Furthermore, we are going to begin too need too apointing board members to ICEP. We are very closley considering you for a position.

Congratulations,

and may we walk a profitable future together.

Executor Edmund Dantes.

Executor Dantes,

Thank you very much for the opportunity to be in a group such as this. I will be in contact with The Senate later today, and we should expect a vote on the charter to occur sometime after the lunching hour. I've seen some strong support for the ICEP, and I don't think there will be any problems.

As for a position, I notice that Vice Chairman is still open. It would be an honor for us to serve in that position, if you'd allow us. I can assure you that I'll be an asset to this group.


David Owen

Mr. Dantes, as Deputy Economic Director of the Sovereign Federation of California I agree with the terms of the charter and will support you and your nation no matter what.

California has a great economy, with our massive industrial centers and our technologies we deem that our nation will have alot to offer this coalition upon membership.

Californian Deputy Economic Director,
Gabriel Byrne.

I have surveyed this, and I believe it shall be a highly profitable venture, and I request that The Silver Turtle be considered for membership.
It has a frighteningly large economy, and being the capital of the Ineffable Empire it handles all trade to such far off parts of the empire as Whang, Warmongering Evildoers and even the remote Leda Colony, all of whose products you may find highly desirable.
I await your response.

His Imperial Majesty, The Great Ineffable Bob.

After consulting my advisors, I have decided to apply for my nation's membership in ICEP. Presgreif is a nation which has much to offer in both the fields of import and export, as our economy continues to flourish in previously unimagined ways. Our main company, The Greif-Mitsubishi Conglomerate, would benefit greatly from the system you have outlined, as we will soon be seeking markets for our new Interstelar Travel and Defence Department. We await your decision pertaining to our candidacy.

Natalya d'Greif

A most intriguing proposal. However, as we feel that we would bring more to this arrangement than this arrangement would bring to us, we must point out that there are several utterly unacceptable points in the Charter.


1. Tersanctus shall appoint the Chief Executive Officer of ICEP.

2. International Consortium of Economic Powers Defense Forces shall herein be known as ICEP-DF. All nations totalling a census of more than 500 Million, shall be required to devote .5% of their standing military to serve as ICEP-DF, except in cases of blockades, when the offending nation, shall not be required to use their own military against themselves.

In order of appearance above:

1. This is wholly unacceptable. If we are to join - and again, I must point out that we would not benefit as greatly as those member states that would gain trade with us - then we will not be dictated to by a weaker economic power.

2. Utterly unacceptable. The Imperial Defense Forces would not, could not be used for the benefit of foreigners - and, supposing that we do 'apply' for membership, we would request exemption from any such requirement. We would, of course, provide protection for trade routes - but our forces would remain wholly under the authority of IDF High Command. However, another acceptable alternative would be the appointment of the Supreme Commander of the IDF as the leading military official of the ICEP-DF.

We note that we alone could potentially bring trillions in trade to the Consortium - our current trading relationships generate approximately Rlh8.3trillion (US$20trillion), and our GDP is in excess of Rlh29trillion (US$70trillion) - and so we do not feel that these suggestions (albeit suggestions critical to our potential application to join ICEP) are in the least grandiose.

In stability we trust,

~ EOTED (the Empire of the Eternal Dawn) 1st Ambassador Nejure

We would like to join, as a large economical nation.

As acting Chairman, I feel it necessary to reccommend and Amendment to the charter stating that the ICEP-DF be used solely for the protection of established trade routes between member nations, and not for offensive action against any would-be enemies of the Consortium unless an immediate threat arises to the detriment of all member states. I also request that member nations be able to withdraw their coalition troops in times of national crisis: these situations should be judged on a case-by case basis by either Mr. Dantes, myself, or the Grand Court.

Also, it might be a bit hasty to put a percentage on that amendment at this time, as we do not yet know how many members the ICEP will end up having. .5% could turn out to be a lot more than we need to keep the routes running properly.

Lord Alkanphel
High Warlord of Lord Melkor's Imperium, First Counselor to Melkor Himself, CEO of the Chronos Corporation and Chairman of the ICEP
http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/alkanphel1.jpg

"I am Kobyalovich Narminov, CEO of The MGED's largest Corperation, Imperial Arms Manufacturing, Inc. Although I do not diplomatically represent the Empire, I have been authorized by the Finance Minister to officially ask for entrance in to the alliance. The Derscon Imperial Arms Manufacturing Company produces State-of-the-Art (((((for both Modern and Space))))))) weapons that can top anything you've ever seen. To my right is the Deputy Finance Minister, Yuri Andropov."

"The Czar of MGED has authorized me to negotiate the acceptance of MGED in to the alliance. If there is anything you might ever need, Derscons Factories, farms, and research plants can give it to you, probably better than you asked for. You will not regret a decision allowing MGED in to the alliance, you have my word."

The Neverending Dictatorial Land of Barbarosea would like to apply for this allience, althought the fact that Melkor Unchained is in a leadership spot doesn't shine brightly on our nation. But none the less, this is a econimic allience, so I will put aside our differences.
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http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:uhPFTc9k5a4C:www.loc.gov/preserv/man.jpg
Fredrick Barbarosea Jr.
High King of the Barbarosea Empire

Sir, a transmission for you.

A snoozing Arthur Guilder slowly opened his eyes. With operations on the Titanus in full swing, the Imperial Governor had no time for rest; he only managed to shut his eyes for moments at a time. He sighed and rubbed his eyes. "What is Diom?"

It's from Tersanctus. I'll route the message to your console.

"Thank you Diom." Arthur leaned back and viewed the message. His dreary expression left quickly and was replaced with a look of interest. After looking it over Arthur eyed it with more scrutiny. I think this warrants a call to... let's see, now that I think about it, who would I call? There's the Minister of Commerce or the Minister of Foreign Relations, either one would do. Maybe I'll just contact Emperor Traiden.

"Diom. Get in touch with the Emperor."

Yes sir. One moment sir.

After a few seconds the holographic representation of Emperor Traiden swirled into existence on the other side of Arthur's desk. "What can I do for you Governor?"

"Sir, Tersanctus has started a trade 'consortium,' and it appears we've been invited. The pact would help to boost our trade considerably."

"Well, It's not that I don't trust Dantes, but first let our legal analysts pour over the message to see if there are any flaws or loopholes. Then we may have to give Dantes a call." Emperor Traiden smiled cheekily.

"Yes sir. I'll send it over now."

hours later... and after much scrutinizing


We are deeply interested in ICEP, and wish to join. I wonder if this alliance will be engaging in massive amounts of trade outside of Sol? If that is indeed the case, I would like to offer up our Titanus Starbase (the gateway between Eurydice and Sol) as a possible hub for intergalactic trade. The starbase is well protected and large enough to handle an influx of goods or people, should the need arise.

Good times to you.

-Wayden Ultran
Minister of Commerce

With the blessing of Overlord Bradley Steelblood, I appeal for membership into the International Consortium of Economic Powers on behalf of the Eternal Dominion of Wretchengard. Our nation boasts a powerful economy, and we are always interested in making money. This organization appears to be right up our alley.

Vogan Stormcrow
Lord of Trade & Finance

Crownguard would be interested in a position on the board, if that is acceptable. Also, we will send news of this thread over to our home region, the Corporate Islands. We feel that our economy and policies speak for itself as to our nation's integrity and commitment to free market ideals, with a vestige of protection for the descriminating consumer.


Honourably Yours,

Tercero Xavier Delryn
Crownguard

To: Executor Edmund Dantes c/o Tersanctus diplomats
From: Vrak Diplomatic Corps
Subject: ICEP

We look forward to the conference. We assume that nations that are interested or that have been invited will be in attendence. As well, we suggest that any concerns or ammendments to the charter, nominations of positions, etc... be done at that time, and not before.

====

At a military airbase

A hypersonic transport was put onto standby, while a team from both the Diplomatic Corps and Economic Affairs Division was being assembled. A platoon of the King's Own was also being readied for the upcoming journey - since at the moment security protocols were not established.

bump

DA, Triluminarium

"I mean, is this really necessary?" Sakurai looked rather... annoyed, and certainly not overly favourable at the matter. Probably because, very much to her surprise, Althena and Clark agreed that joining would be a good idea.
"Not necessary, but probably useful. Look at it like this: The WBO is basically inactive. We still have our shiny trade concessions, but... well, it could be better."
"You did notice that Alkanphel, of all people, is appointed chairman? You know, this Imperium Guy, the very imperium that nuked us on Mars?" I can`t believe they forget about such things...
"Yes. Which is the reason why we want to join." It was Althena who spoke, softly, her lips slightly curved up, indicating that she was amused. Well, slightly amused.
"Errr... I don`t need to know how your reasoning works, do I?"
"No. No you don´t."

Sakurai sighed, and decided to let it go. The earlier she was back in the lab, the better.

From: The Corporate Oligarchy of Der Angst
To: Tersanctus
Subject: ICEP

"We made up our mind, and would be interested in joining the ICEP. We would be honoured to be considered a worthy addition."

~ Mr. Morden

"Yes? What is it this time?"

"Mylord Kane, forgive me for disturbing you, but there is a business opportunity that the Brotherhood could gain much from." Slavick answered hastily. It was generally not a good idea to disturb the Messiah. Disturbing him twice a day, just when the latest reports of the Brotherhood's successes where in was outright dangerous.

"Don't tell me you've found another deposit of gold in the Tangyanika lakes. A few more and we can start selling it as if it were copper. Do you have any idea how much the price of gold has fallen on the international market?" Kane asked rhetorically with a tone of anger in his voice. "Just leave the gold or give it to the brethren who found it."

"No mylord, it's much bigger than that. Someone founded a new business alliance, and several wealthy nations have joined already. Intelligence says Der Angst is also joining, and we had quite some profitable business relations with them back in the days of the CC."

The Corporate Coalition had been an extraordinarily wealthy organization, and the Brotherhood made a lot of money out of it. Kane thought of it for a moment, then replied: "Send the founder- who is it, anyway?"

"Tersanctus, mylord."

"Send Tersanctus the following message:"

Word of the ICEP has reached the Brotherhood, and after some consideration we have decided to file a request to join it. The Brotherhood's economy is considered to be one of the strongest in the world, and our products are widely known for their quality and their low price. We are also by far the largest supplier of automobiles on the world market, and we control over 40% of the Tiberium mining activities in the world. We feel every ICEP nation would profit from us joining this economic alliance.

Kane

Edmund hadnt got sleep that night, the applications were pouring in at an Extraordinary rate. And Acumen was working full time reviewing each of the Nations. It would be a neat trick too evenly appoint bord members to maintain a balance of power.

The latest was from Brotherhood of Nod. Kane himself had sent a message, and this was not a People too be taken lightly frrom Edmunds own personal Experience, they had watched Nod from afar, simply interested in their dealings, never wishing too interfere, for the p[rice of such was well-known.

"Greetings Kane. We are currently holding a Conference, please send your Delegate there, as soon as possible. I accept your application, soon a Borad will be set up, and from there, they shall make decisions regarding these. welcome Aboard."

"Greetings Kane. We are currently holding a Conference, please send your Delegate there, as soon as possible. I accept your application, soon a Borad will be set up, and from there, they shall make decisions regarding these. welcome Aboard."

"Our delegacy is underway as I speak. We look forward to many mutual profitable opportunities with ICEP members."

A statement from the Minister of Finance (OOC: Who, as usual hadn't read his briefing on the Charter, mostly due to abject incompetence):

This is little more than an evil Capitolist plot to subvert the glorious achievements of the Socialist Revolution. We shall resist it most bitterly!

"No. Absolutely not."

Othey Selim shook his head, while a grim Kathdug stood in the corner of his Menelmacari Tulkas office. On the laptop computer screen Mardai Sehndem frowned at Othey's response.

"And why not?"

"Alkanphel is already Chairman, for God's sake! Chairman! If Xaosis is involved with this ICEP he's gonna cause us nothing but trouble."

Sehndem leaned back, considering his next response. It was probable, no, likely, that Menelmacari intelligence officers were listening in on this conversation. He was, after all, in their "protective custody". Well, they were welcome to listen all they wanted. Xaosis, after all, was still a private enterprise.

"Listen, Othey, if the Trium nations decide to take a hand in this- and they might, just to keep an eye on Chronos Industries- we could simply keep away from the Ardans and do business with KCTS and Menelmacar like we've always been doing. And in any event, I'd be a lot happier if I still had a chance to bring about Xao-Tech, and this alliance might make that possible."

Othey sighed, and flashed a glance to Kathdug. The Orc was silent. Though technically a board member, his job was security, not administration. "What do you think, Kathdug?"

The Orc grunted. Unlike most of his brethren, he had something approaching conventional intelligence, even if it was brutish sort. "If we join, we got problems. If we don't, we still got problems. Melkor would find a way to screw us no matter what."

"But what about security?"

"There's no way ICEP could dismantle Xaosis private security if we joined. We'd still have our own protection. Besides, with Menelmacar watching us, they'd have a say in anything the Imperium decides to do to Xaosis Enterprises."

Othey grimaced. It wasn't what he wanted to hear. "If it were up to me, we wouldn't have this albatross around our necks and we'd be firmly a Trium company anyway."

"Well, we aren't," said Sehndem. "We need to explore other options until I can rebuild our ties to Menelmacar and KCTS. We still have friends in the Trium who admire us for breakning from Arda to join their side of the line. The problem this company has, gentlemen, is that nobody trusts defectors, and that's exactly what we are, like it or not. So it makes sense to create a working relationship with a new organization with a lot to prove."

Othey grimaced again. He knew where this was going. Though he was now acting CEO of Xaosis, Sehndem still called the shots here. "All right, I'll send them the letter, and I hope it works, chief."

"Of course. Look, Othey, Chronos may be an Imperial company, but it's still a business, which means as long as they are sure that we have no interest in competing with them, they'll leave us alone. Ever since we crossed the line, Chronos has become Melkor's largest defense contractor."

Othey snorted. "Yeah, before that we were his biggest contractor."

"But we aren't anymore," Sehndem smiled grimly. "And more importantly, I have no intention of resuming that role. I've got other plans."



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

To Executor Edmund Dantes, and all relevent Transactus diplomats
From Othey Selim, Board of Directors, Xaosis Enterprises
Subject: ICEP

The Xaosis Enterprises Corporation is interested in what kind of relationship we can establish with the promising agency such as ICEP. The Corporation prides itself in it's productivity and it's tremendous success in generating profits, despite recent misfortunes and misunderstanding.

It is true that Xaosis still has much to prove, and ultimately it is up to you to decide if we have anything of value to offer ICEP. We are, however, businessmen, and despite whatever issues we may have with members of the international community, we never refuse any business that we deem to be in our best interest. It is the position of Xaosis Enterprises, then, to petition for a consulting membership role within ICEP. Not being a true nation-state like other interested member, we feel it would be inappropriate to ask for full membership. Instead, we would like a non-voting advisory position and an oppurtunity to facillitate trade with member states.

Do understand that our interest in ICEP is purely economical, not political, in nature. For this reason we do not ask for nor do we wish any kind of place within that actual decision making structure within ICEP itself. We are, however, eager to act as consultants, and if accepted we would welcome other corporations, such as Karma Corp Tech Systems, the Resi Corporation, or Vortex Industries, along side of us should they be accepted in similar positions. We'd share even with competion; after all, capitalism is all about the exchange of goods and ideas, and that includes the right to choose between competing sellers.

Whatever your decision, we welcome the formation of ICEP regardless and wish it the very best.

(double post)

I would like to apply, after being accepted to the alliance itself, to become Vice Chairman.

Thank you.

A heated argument rose in a joint sitting of the Kanabian Parliament today, involving both the People's Senate and the Workers Congress. The argument was between two factions: One who regarded the founding of the ICEP as a severe threat to all socialist nations, and another who believed that the ICEP would, just as capitalism was sure to, crumble away with time.

However, an agreement was reached to issue the members of the ICEP a stern message: "If the ICEP-DF makes any hostile actions, or uses their economic clout to cripple the economies of smaller nations with developing economies, we will bitterly oppose such actions, with force if necessary. Be advised that there are many nations who would rally behind such a cause.

However, if the ICEP conducts its business ethically and does not harm the rights of workers, we shall remain on a neutral footing and may even opt to establish a line of contact between member nations.

Good luck with your future endeavours, and we hope that we shall not become enemies.

Sincerely,

All members of the Kanabian Workers Congress, The Peoples Senate and the Citizens of Kanabia"

The Brotherhood hereby makes subtle hints that we would be the best candidate to the post of Chief Financial Officer.

OOC: I must say Tersanctus, I'm disappointed in the idea stealing.

"Interesting. But not interesting enough. What would we gain from this? We would have to part with half a percent of our standing military, for the protection of trade lanes which are already protected. We would be subservient to the likes of Tersanctus or Melkor in a hiearchical organization with unclear goals. Lastly, we wouldn't make a dime out of this any more than that Corporate Coalition idea. So, what is it about this alliance you find interesting, Mister Forsythe?"

"Well sir, when you put it like that..."

"Good man. We will check this out, of course. We are stronger economically and militarily, but these are no minor powers, and we must watch them. For now... I want you to concentrate on that PrattCo stock of ours..."

"Intern Boy! Give me a Post-it!"

"Yes Sir!"

"Now, Intern Boy, hold that thread for me so I can stick a Tag on it!"

Udona is interested in establishing further trade relations and relations within this organization.

JS

Yes, this is a great idea. You guys should check out the Free Trade Proposal on the floor of the UN which promotes trade and free trade at that.

You have not added me to the list yet...