NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: Events preceding this can be found here: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=142094&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=80

Forrest Turley wore his confident smile like a mask as he strode into his office. Not his main office in Courtland, of course, he wasn’t that foolish. No, he as going into one National Combat System’s field offices Arland. Graham Yultilde and the rest of the board were still in hiding. But, Turley had decided it was important to put in an appearance. There was no sign that Altman was targeting the Chamber and no sign that Altman had connected them – and their coup-plot – to his imaginary plot involving the late-Diana Silina.

Turley smiled politely to his somewhat nervous staff and them ducked into the plush office set aside for his use. He settled into the comfortable chair behind the desk and typed his logon into the computer.

The coup, he thought, was going nowhere. Too many people were involved now; too many people who didn’t share his values. Originally, Yultilde had encouraged Turley’s own natural ambition and pushed him to unseat Brandt. Then, Yultilde had persuaded him that Altman and his capricious rule was bad for business. Turley had believed him. And he still did. Terrorized, oppressed workers weren’t as productive and didn’t consume as much as happy workers. And Altman’s dictatorship exercised too much control over business.

Once Altman was gone, the free market could take hold along with free elections. Society would heal, business would grow and everything would be better. That had been the dream, at least. It was still Turley’s dream, but he was starting to fear that Yultilde, not to mention General Harrison and her foreign allies had other visions. Visions of welfare states. It wouldn’t surprise Turley if Harrison and Yultilde didn’t reach out to the socialist FVLA soon.

Turley sighed and scrolled through his calendar. Nothing too interesting, except for the Knootian. The Dominion didn’t do much trade with Knootoss, but maybe that would change.

#post placeholder#

Pieter de Groot peered down on a suburb in one of the cities in Upper Viriginia from the back seat of his helicopter. Houses flashed by as the rotors propelled the machine that carried him forward to his meeting with Forrest Turley.

To pass the time, the envoy of the Knootian ministry of economic affairs leafed through his informational sheet on the current situation in Upper Virginia. The briefing was sketchy at best; the ministry had never had much interest in Upper Virginia, and this view had been shared by most Knootian corporations. Consequently, diplomatic relations had always been distant at best. Despite being rather close geographically, the Exalbian Isles could just as well have been on an other planet as far as politics were concerned and previous administrations had always been anxious to avoid too much association with the oppressive government. Pieter had always considered it a missed opportunity, but there were always other Markets to exploit and other governments to persuade so he had left his ‘Exalbian’ ambitions in the proverbial fridge. There they had remained for over a decade.

But a new wind had been blowing through Knootoss in recent years. The new conservative/liberal administration had been very interested in economic expansion at any possible front and this had accelerated the careers of ambitious men like Pieter greatly. He had a KIST (http://s7.invisionfree.com/KIST/index.php?) treaty to sell to any government that could possibly be interested and lobbying for corporations was becoming one of the ministries main tasks.

Rumours and media reports suggested that unrest in Upper Virginia was brewing and the chaos might provide an opportunity to tip the balance in the DDR’s favour. The report suggested that Turley might be just the man to speak to.

…

Pieter opened the door to Turleys office and peeked in. The Knootian appeared tall, with blonde hair that had been cut short and flashing blue eyes. He smiled as he saw Turley, and approached him, offering his hand.

Forrest Turley stood and smiled as the tall Knootian walked confidently into his office. He took the Knootian's offered hand and gave him a firm shake. "Mr. de Groot, welcome to the Dominion of Upper Virginia and to Arland. Please have a seat." Turley gestured towards a comfortable sofa.

Once de Groot had taken a seat, Turley eased himself into a soft chair across from the sofa. He picked up a fresh carafe of coffee and poured two cups. "Coffee, Mr. de Groot?"

Taking a sip from his own coffee, Turley eased back into his chair. "I'm pleased you were able to shift our appointment from my Courtland office to Arland. Things are a bit... unsettled in Courtland. I fear that a history of such troubles have all too often interfered with establishment of mutually profitable trade relations."

Turley set the cup down and passed de Groot a glossy prospectus of National Combat Systems and its related businesses. "Hopefully, we will soon see some changes in Courtland and will have, shall we say, a more stable business environment. Once we have that stability, I'm hopeful that we'll be able to chart a new and mutually beneficial relationship. I think you will find that our businesses are very well developed and that we possess some intriguing technologies that would be interesting for import and potentially large and profitable markets for exports."

De Groot had taken up Turley on the offer of coffee and was sitting down rather comfortably. He nodded after taking a first sip. “I hope so too.”

He shifted a bit in his seat. “And my government has no doubts at all that your nation has much *potential* as a Market and we have a positive attitude to free trade in any circumstances – which is something I’d like to talk to you about later.”

With a frown of concern, he continued. “Though I must add that the ministry is rather concerned about the nature of the unrest and to us outsiders the situation is rather confusing. This seriously hampers trade. However from what I understood you might play a *personal* role in restoring a sense of order to this country?”

He paused encouragingly, hoping that the man would understand.

Turley smiled as he set his cup on the table. De Groot had done his homework, Turley thought. The Knootian seemed to know a lot about the situation in Upper Virginia. Perhaps too much. At least as far as his own role was concerned.

“I understand your government’s concerns about the unrest, Mr. De Groot. The turmoil and violence has been bad, very bad for business. Markets have suffered tremendously. Consumer confidence and spending are down. Dramatically. And the situation is, as you say, confusing.” Turley picked up his coffee and took a quick sip. “Hmm. I hope the coffee is to your liking. A blend of Columbian and Indonesian beans.” Turley smiled again at De Groot. “Where was I? Oh, yes, the confusion. We have an increasingly fearful government on one side and increasingly ambitious revolutionary movement on the other. My hope is that, some how, a third force will emerge and restore our liberty and free markets. And, I believe that my hope is not, shall we say, in vain.” Turley expected the Knootian would take his hint and he was interested to see how he would respond. “Let me ask you, has your nation faced similar challenges? I believe I’ve read something the situation in Columbia…”

Pieter de Groot raised an eyebrow. “is he thinking…” he thought. He noticed his jaw had dropped and he closed it again quickly. “Yes, yes”, he quickly said. For a moment he was stumped, and to hide this he took a sip from his coffee. Colombian blend; familiar, hot. He savored the taste.

“A third force. It was the same in Colombia. A force to provide security, to crush the rebels and to promote the Market. There was a military presence in Colombia. But surely…” he put the thought in the fridge again. Suggesting that Turley might want the same might be deeply insulting, not to mention rather radical. Inviting Knootoss into this place? It would not be the first time, however, and he had be equally surprised when the communist regime in Zvarinograd had come to The Hague asking for help in reforms. Instead of pursuing these wild dreams he said rather more modestly: “Promoting the Market is regarded as critical by influential Knootians. It is also a… personal… philosophy of mine.”

Forrest Turley slowly sipped his coffee as he listened to de Groot and studied the Knootian's face. It seemed as if something had momentarily flickered across de Groot's face. Turley wondered for a moment if the Knootian official had misunderstood him. Surely, he thought, de Groot didn't think that he was inviting Knootian military intervention. Heaven - or whatever was in charge of this world - knew the last thing Upper Virginia needed was another military force poking around. The Dominion Army, the FVLA, the coup-plotters in the SSS and the bloody Varesans were enough!

"Promoting the market," Turley said finally, "is also very important to me, Mr. de Groot. And, I happen to believe, it is the only salvation for Upper Virginia." Turley took another sip of coffee.

"As for the comparison to Colombia, I was thinking that there has been a long history of chaos and violence in the country, but now Knootoss is trying to rebuild the country on the basis of a free market. Such knowledge and experience might be beneficial to us." Turley sighed and decided to plunge in.

"And, if my information is accurate, we will soon have an opportunity for a new beginning in Upper Virginia and I, for one, want that new beginning to be based on a free market."

Turely leaned forward. "So, what might Knootoss might be able to offer us for our new beginning?"

"Hmmmm... that depends", the Knootian said ponderingly. "What the DDR is willing to give is very much related to what exactly it is that you require. Knowledge and experience, sure. We are very willing to assist an emerging free market. Many other nations no doubt would be willing to do that when the situation is stable. Of course, you could become signatories to the KIST treaty and such."

He shifted in his seat. "However how do you... I mean... how is this change to be brought about in the first place? This is perhaps of more direct concern."

Bump

Bump

OOC: Well, I'm finally back on the forums. I don't know why it was so difficult to get back in, but here I am. Once everything is squared away, I'll have something posted soon. Thanks for your patience.

"Hmmmm... that depends", the Knootian said ponderingly. "What the DDR is willing to give is very much related to what exactly it is that you require. Knowledge and experience, sure. We are very willing to assist an emerging free market. Many other nations no doubt would be willing to do that when the situation is stable. Of course, you could become signatories to the KIST treaty and such."

He shifted in his seat. "However how do you... I mean... how is this change to be brought about in the first place? This is perhaps of more direct concern."

Turley set his cup of coffee and studied de Groot's face for a moment. "Well, Mr. de Groot, how exactly the change will happen is, shall we say, sensitive information. I can say, however, that General Altman has few friends left in the Dominion and the tide has turned against him. He simply hasn't realized it yet. I have no doubt that in short order he and his oppressive, merchantilist government will be gone."

Turley tensed and leaned forward. "The bigger question is what will replace the Altman government. I have assumed that the majority of those who wished to Altman's reign come to an end shared my vision of a free society based on the free market." Turley furrowed his brow in a mild expression of disgust. "Recently, however, I have realized that some of those who wish to remove Altman hope to replace him with a welfare state, if not a full blown socialist regime."

"Perhaps," Turley smiled weakly, "there is some room for Knootoss to help us ensure the triumph of the free market."

bump

"I think so too", the Knootian agrees. "It is a risk worth taking. Socialist regimes are not too welcome in our foreign policy book. Especially when they reach out to certain detestable regimes you may be familiar with." A brief pause for effect leaves no doubt about the nations meant. "Of course, our government support will have its limits."

He smiles. "Actually, I think that apart from the government there may be other groups willing to assist you. Please tell me, Mr. Turley, have you ever heard of the Order of The Invisible Hand?"

Turley frowns and de Groot sees this as an invitation to continue.
"The invisible hand was first thought up by Adam Smith, as you may know, when he explained the principle that the individual is let by an invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention. Market forces, as we know now, are such forces. By pursuing ones own interest one frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when one really intends to promote it."

He continues with a somewhat hushed voice, as he gets a little closer to his conversation partner. '"The Order is a group of noble individuals dedicated to upholding the principles of the Market. They include several influential figures in Knootoss and beyond. Perhaps you would do well to associate with them."

Turley leans forward and listens intently to de Groot. "Hmmm, I've heard rumors of such a group," he nods when the Knootian has finished. "Certainly, I have always believed that the individual pursuit of self-interest in a society where all are free to maximize their own interests will yield the greatest good for the greatest number far more effectively than any central plan or welfare give-away."

Turley sits back and takes a sip of his cooling coffee. "I also believe, along the same lines, that support from a group of like-minded private actors may be more effective than government support. Tell me, Mr. de Groot, do you know how I might acquaint myself with such individuals?"

"Well, I happen to know a few individuals associated with that group. I could certainly bring you into contact with them", the Knootian replied. With a smooth motion, he got out a device the size of the palm of his hand. Using an attached stick he began to scribble things on it. "I can provide you with contact information, but I can also speak on your behalf if you desire so..." he hesitated for a moment and let out a small sigh.

"If you could come to the DDR with me that would make things so much easier.... I assume you cannot be missed here?"

Turley rubbed his chin and seemed to stare into space for a minute or two. Hmmm. It might be easier to go the DDR. Things will probably remain chaotic here for at least a few more days and I won't really be missed. But, Yultilde...

"I think you're right, Mr. de Groot," Turley said finally. "I think I should go to the DDR and meet these people. We are still picking up the pieces, as it were, from the recent unpleasantness in Courtland and there is little for me to do in the meanwhile. I wouldn't want to make it obvious, though, that I'm leaving for a few days, so I wouldn't want to use my own plane. Tell me, do you have access to your own transportation? Also, I'll need a couple of hours to arrange things..."

"I am here by helicopter", the Knootian said simply. "From there I will fly to a foreign airport outside of the region where a plane is standing by. We have a spare seat if you can come along on a short notice, or I can simply arrange for you to be picked up later. Either way, I am a mere emissary. I can wait", he added with a smile. "And instead of packing your things, I think it would be most acceptable for the ministry of Economic Affairs to pay any expenses for clothes, the hotel or any items or services you may need for the duration of your stay."

When the Knootian spoke of services he did so in the most neutral of ways. Some foreigners had moral qualms about being given the Royal treatment but the majority of those he had met would gladly indulge in a few days of excesses in the liberal nation.

Turely smiled. Generous benefactors. I wonder what the quid pro quo will be... "Mr. de Groot, I will take certainly take you up your kind offer."

Turley stood and walked over to his desk. He hit the handsfree button and there was a soft chime.

"Yes, Mr. Turley," a pleasant feminine voice answered.

"Helena, could you get Mr. Yultilde on the line? He'll be on his private mobile."

"Yes, sir."

Turley drifted back over to the Knootian. "Graham Yulitlde, as you probably know, is the Vice Chairman on the Chamber of Industrials. I simply need to let him know I'll be unavailable for a little while and that he should come into the satelllite office here. Just to keep things going, you know, until the situation is back to normal in the capital. Do you need to notify anyone before we leave?"

The Knootian shook his head. "Nope. Pilot is waiting outside. I am ready to go as soon as you are."

De Groot took a first step towards the exit, hoping that Turley would follow.

((You have anything else to arrange here? Or is it simply: next stop, Knootoss?))

Before Turley can answer, his phone buzzes. "Just a moment," he says as he crosses back to his desk. Turley partially turns his back and speaks into the phone in low, urgent tones. After a couple of minutes, he hangs up. He opens a briefcase on the desk and throws in a handheld PC, a couple of mobile phones and an engraved leather portfolio. Closing and locking the briefcase, he smiles and walks towards de Groot.

"All done," Turley says as he opens the door and holds it for the Knootian. "Shall we go?"

(OCC: Over to you to set the scene in Knootoss!)

----------------------------
Rotterdam Mainport
Knootoss
----------------------------

As the plane connecting Menelmacari America with Knootoss banked and descended downward, Turley looked out of the window to see a vast concrete plain dotted with containers and cranes grouped around a banked-in river that had been put entirely between concrete banks. A flurry of containerships, oil tankers, coastal patrol boats, yachts and the occasional sailing ship made its way up and down the river.

De Groot commented in the background: “This is the mainport in Rotterdam, where the main rivers come together. It is one of the largest ports in the world and it is also the second city and the industrial heart of the Dutch Democratic Republic and the economic, social and cultural centre of the Rhine Estuary’ region. Millions of people from 298 countries live here.”

The plane made its final approach for the regional airport. “Most of the industrial activity is concentrated here along with several headquarters of multinational corporations. I’ve arranged for an Order delegation to greet us at the airport. Just those that could come on such a short notice, really. The industrialists tend to be busy, and though the thinkers arguably have some more time they may be less useful for your direct needs, so to speak”, he added with a grimace.

At the airport, Turley found three men to be waiting for them. One was a long, distinguished gentleman with greying hair and a black top hat with matching clothing. “De Clerq”, he introduced himself. “From de Clerq Industries.” The man standing next to him wearing a tweed jacket was smaller and younger, but with fiery eyes and matching enthusiasm. This man took off his Bowler as he introduced himself to Turley. “Jaap Koopman, glad to meet you. Finally, a man in a suit introduced himself as “Teun van Moorsel, ministry of Economic Affairs. Welcome to the DDR.”

Before a conversation could really begin, de Clerq suggested that he would appreciate a late lunch and the party went into a plush restaurant at the airport. Sitting down, Koopman was the first to ask. “I was a bit surprised when de Groot called but I must admit I’m very curious Mr. Turley as to your situation.”

Carefully draping his napkin across his lap, Turley smiled at short Knootian who had introduced himself as Koopman. "Well, Mr. Koopman, I must admit that I am very curious about you myself. Mr. de Groot tells me that there men here in Knootoss who are dedicated to upholding the principles of the free market and are willing to assist other similarly dedicated to advancing the market in their own countries."

Turley took a sip of water from the impressively heavy glass on the table and decided to dive right into the heart of the matter. "You see gentlemen, to many - especially those on the left - Upper Virginia almost appears to be a capitalist paradise. Corporations seem to control daily life and businessmen reap huge profits. Indeed, as Chairman of the Chamber of Industrials I sit as one of three members of the Provisional Ruling Council. However," Turley's face seemed to darken, "I have come to realize that, in fact, private enterprise - indeed the market itself - is but a canary in a gilded cage in the Dominion. We are ruled by an oppressive military government that has instituted a merchantilist economy that allows the illusion of private enterprise and which enriches the owners at the expense of everyone else as a means of buying our loyalty.

"Recently, a number of us have resolved to end the tyranny and free our land. However, I have just realized that not all of our opposition band are as committed to the ideals of the free market as I am. They would create a welfare state or even install a socialist government. This, I believe, would be simply trading one tyranny for another. Our only hope for genuine liberty is in the free interplay of market forces.

"Fortunately for me, just as I contemplating this, Mr. de Groot came to office with his wonderful news that here, and in other countries, there may be found men who share my passion for the market. He said that these men belonged to an order. Frankly, Mr. Koopmen, I was hoping to make allies of such men."

bump for Knootoss

TG sent to Upper Virginia.

Reply sent.

Turley watched as the men seemed to confer amongst themselves. "I've heard rumors," he ventured hopefully, "that some of your order may already be in the Excalbian Isles. In the C.S.S. to be precise. Unfortunately, with relations between the Dominion and the Confederation being somewhat, shall we say, strained, it would be impossible for me to discover these men on my own and seek their assistance. But," Turley smiled, "perhaps you could arrange some sort of contact with them?"

(OOC: Link promised by UV: http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=354264)

The three men looked up from their quick conversation amongst themselves. The government representative smiled. “I think that can be arranged”, he continued, “My sources within Foreign Affairs told me that they would be sending a liaison there soon. It would be a perfect opportunity for Economic Affairs to send a representative of its own.” He continued a bit apologetically: “Without trying to speak ill of your great nation… the Excalbian Isles have always been on the margin of our affairs, if you understand. Far away from the clashes of the major powers and not on any of our great trade routes… but now with unrest brewing the DDR may well choose to get involved. And we would especially appreciate it if you could tell us of any indications of other… foreign powers being involved on the Isles.”

The businessman interrupted: “Regardless, you have our support and friendship, right?”, he jovially outstretched his arm, his speech accompanied by animated gesturing. “If your new nation requires investment we will give it… and if you need some resources for a little push then I am your man. I see that your intentions are noble and your spirit is strong. I like that. Upper Virginia and the C.S.S. may become much better investment locations in the future and we, gentlemen, will have the scoop, so to speak.” He reached for his pocket and got out an expensive business card. He handed it to Turley. “Here. Take it as a friend. All I ask is to remembered as a friend in the better times that lay ahead.”

The philosopher had been quiet during all of this but now he had emptied his glass and spoke up. “Well, it is wonderful that Market forces have a proponent such as yourself, Mr. Turley.” He frowned. “However it is all one thing to have the right intent. Passion for the Market can only be total if one grasps the Market. It is both one of the simplest principles and one of the most complicated ones because Market is everywhere. Human behaviour is economic behaviour, but the Market, in my opinion, extends beyond human behaviour. It is a philosophy – it is man and nature and the creation of the universe itself.” He sighed: “I can imagine this is all a bit difficult to appreciate especially if one lived in a nation where people are forced to act against Market forces. It is sin, in a way, even in a world that has no good and evil… only Market.”

Koopman paused and grabbed a small bag he had been carrying on his side. He mumbled as he searched in it. “I always carry one for the occasion, and I think you might take an interest in it. I wrote it myse… ah, there it is.”

He handed Turley a booklet with a brown leather cover and in golden letters Market and the Cosmos: Market Metaphysics’. “It is yours to read, Mr. Turley. Giving things away is perhaps a violation of principle in the short term but we are hoping for the returns to be great.”

De Clerq, the businessman, frowned: “Perhaps if you are to give him reading material it is better to give him something more practical. Like a rulebook or something.

The philosopher was not impressed. “You would give him that rules of acquisition book of oneliners instead of a complete philosophical and ideological groundwork for the Market?”

De Groot intervened: “Gentlemen. Please. We can give Mr. Turley an entire library of books if you will… there really is no either/or decision here.”

“True,” de Clerq said (still slightly taken aback by someone speaking against him but cleverly hiding it.) He turned to Turley: “That is, presuming you like to read at all? Perhaps you would prefer our entertainment.”

Turley smiled. “Time management has always been my strength. Time enough for everything, you know.” Turley took booklet from Koopman and flipped through it. “Very interesting, Mr. Koopman. I will certainly enjoy reading this and, more importantly, I am sure that I will find it profitable. The philosophical groundwork that you speak of will certainly help me persuade more of my colleagues to commit themselves to the Market. And,” Turley turned to his escort, “Mr. de Groot, please do send me ‘the entire library.’ I know I will put it to good use.

“And,” Turley nodded to government official across the table, “Mr. van Moorsel, please provide me with those contacts in the C.S.S. – particularly the names of your representatives there. As for your question, several foreign players are involved in Upper Virginia. Some of my allies in opposition to General Altman have joined forces with Varessa – a relatively middle-of-the-road parliamentary democracy with fair expertise in military research. The Excalbians – our neighbor to the south – and her imperialist allies from Pantocratoria are involved to some extent, but I do not know how deeply. Lastly, I am certain that some foreign power is sponsoring the FVLA – the communist guerillas in the northwest – but no one seems to know which one…”

Finally, Turley picked up de Clerq’s card. “Now, once we have exchange all of our contact information, perhaps some entertainment might be in order…”

[Ack. War keeping me busy. Hope to reply to both threads tomorrow.]