NationStates Jolt Archive

Aboard Alfkonur

President Caine smiled as Dr. Drapeur approached. Caine’s perfect smile and rugged good looks nearly matched the Excalbian Chancellor’s telegenic looks. Some might have noticed the irony that two nations with such disparate political systems, which now stood at odds with other, should be led similarly made-for-TV leaders.

Caine extended his hand to Drapeur and gave him a firm handshake. “Doctor,” Caine said, “a pleasure to finally meet you.” He released the chancellor’s hand and stood, confidently at ease. “I must say that I’ve followed your career with interest, sir. Your unexpected rise to power in Pantocratoria, I believe, mirror’s my own emergence here. No one, I think, expected either of us to gain the positions we now have, nor effectively use that position to remake our nations.” Caine laughed lightly. “While we almost certainly disagree on politics and economics, I – for one – cannot but admire your accomplishments, sir.”


Last Night, On the A-6 Expressway Near Cesis, Capital of Sovereign State of Trondgard

As the long dusk began to fall, Thomas continued driving in silence, his attention focused on the roads, which had become a maze of light and shadow. Very late in the evening, with the sun still lingering above the horizon, but hidden by the high mountains, the truck passed a sign saying, “Welcome to Cesis.”

Thomas let out a low sigh. Street lamps, just springing to life, now lined the highway, which expanded from two lanes in each direction to three.

“We’re almost there,” he said. “We’ll take the next exit and head to the print shop and the loft.” He glanced at Araceli and his passengers in the back, both of whom were dozing lightly. “I know you ladies are beat,” he said, “but do you want to stop for dinner first, or go directly to the loft and to bed?”

Last Night in Amsterdam District, Knootcap, Dutch Democratic Republic

Lord James Reynolds looked at his watch with a look of disgust. He didn’t really like the Knootians, but knew they would be a useful tool. So, he ignored the fact that he had been waiting 11 minutes already, sipped his drink and waited for the Telegraaf reporter.

"I think the factors at play in each of our elections were rather different, in fact, monsieur." said Drapeur. He added mentally, but didn't vocalise I didn't need foreign puppet masters to get me where I am, for instance. "It is in any event good to see you here. These negotiations are vital to the security of the entire region, but especially to Saxmere and the Confederation, although I suppose I hardly need to say that. Have you met Lady Christina?"

Hovering above the Alfkonur

Bah, an old navy ship. Hans van Mierlo thought to himself as he caught sight of the Lavenrunzian destroyer anchored in Saxmere. Why can't we do this in a comfortable stateroom somewhere?

The minister had transformed greatly since the days when he had been referred to as a “whelp” by an angry anticapitalist diplomat - back in the old days of the parties in Hofburg. Now his body was rather decrepit, the vessel carrying an aging mind about from place to place.

“Yes, shame that it had to be on a ship”, he reminisced. Some part of him longed to see Hofburg again, one last time before his retirement. The dancing halls, the music, the Imperial air – that Imperial air which was not captured by land holdings or colonies or gigantic armies drilled to utmost precision. The world had plenty of such “empires” whose Emperors barely rose above the status of petty thugs or dictators. That Imperial air of Lavenrunz, that dream of which one could only whisper, had captivated a young and enthusiastic Knootian foreign minister trying to find his place in a whole new world and it had fascinated him, amongst the most Republican of Knootians, throughout the rule of Empress Joanna.

But the Alfkonur conjured up other, darker memories of Lavenrunz. Joanna’s death had gripped Hans deeply, but it had also opened his eyes to that other side of the Teutonic empire. That narrow-minded nationalism, deep unrest, hatred of non-humans and the militaristic aggressiveness of other Empires also reflected upon old Lavenrunz. The Empire was not just its ballrooms and Empresses – it was also the rowdy streets and its navy ships - a military juggernaut that he considered would not even hesitate to oppose Knootoss itself once stirred.

The minister shrugged off his gloomy feelings of premonition, choosing instead to glance over his notes last time while the helicopter pilot cleared final landing procedures with the Lavenrunzians. He had briefly visited President Caine yesterday, as well as spoken to some of the Knootian personnel on the ground. The meeting with Caine had been polite, as expected, and he had tried to convey the Daatman idea upon him. He wasn’t sure if it had been effective, but stressing the possibilities for increased trade should have appealed to him, he thought. The local Knootian AIVD liaison, however, had made him feel decidedly unwelcome, as if he was meddling in affairs that were none of his business. His sudden transfer to the EIVD had also struck him as odd, and in his younger days he would have pulled in favours to find out more. But there was just too much to do, too much to finish up before the curtain would fall for his twenty-four years as minister of Foreign Affairs.

“We’ll find out now”, he thought to himself as he helicopter touched down upon the deck, causing a slightly squeezy feeling in his stomach.

OOC: This post moved to here: http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9179981#post9179981

Feel free to stop by and try your hand at influencing our upcoming elections!

Siegfried Schertz politely bowed to van Mierlo as he stepped onto Lavenrunzian sovereign territory--albeit floating territory. "Welcome aboard, Herr Minister." he said with a click of his heels. "I believe everyone else has arrived and they are making their way into the meeting area...would you care to accompany me?"

Indeed, as they went in they could see the others gathered there. In the room there was a sense that they were actually in Lavenrunz itself; right down to the Imperial Leopard flag draped gracefully in folds of blue and gold over one of the walls. As they came in, the precision of Lavenrunzian etiquette came to bear, and Chancellor Schlabel came through another door at that same moment. Schlabel was wearing a formal suit, with his sash of office, rather than a military uniform, though he wore it with a straight backed dignity and bearing."My dear friends," said the General in his gruff but pleasant voice, "I am very glad that you all took the trouble to come all this way. Forgive me if I do not establish any order of precedence in welcoming you: President Caine; Chancellor Drapeur, Lady Christina, Minister van Mierlo, Governor Peller, and to all of you: in Her Majesty's Name, most welcome."
He paused. "First of all, though they are not present, I wanted to publically state my gratitude for those who have supported this mediation. Not the least, and certainly with the highest esteem we thank the High Danaan Kingdom of the Resurgent Dream, whose noble High Queen Agwene and Prime Minister Lacau have been the most kind of allies in supporting our efforts. Friends: to join together in so worthy an effort towards peaceful resolution is one of the noblest causes imaginable."

"I believe you know my colleague, Siegfried Schertz, who is representing the Imperial Foreign Ministry here. Please, do sit down and let us make ourselves comfortable. You will find that there are places for each of you."
Rather than letting the dignitaries scurry, stewards politely led each delegation to a place, bowing gravely before them. Chairs were pulled out and they were seated as neatly as though they were sitting to an Autumn Palace dinner.
As they sat down, Schlabel nodded to Schertz, who said, "I was hoping that we might begin by having each delegation state their views on the matter that is before us: the status of Saxmere."

Drapeur sat down in his proper place, and nodded to the Governor of Saxmere when Schertz asked each delegation to outline their position. He felt it most appropriate for the question of Saxmere to be first and foremost referred to Saxmere after all.

I can't believe that preening TV quiz show host... thought Drapeur, glancing at Caine. ...had the nerve to draw similarities between our two elections. The bloody nerve! I can't think of a democratically elected head of government with whom I'd rather have less in common...

"Well. Caine begins with a C at least", van Mierlo quietly thought to himself as he wondered why Schertz had not provided an order. Recognising this he nodded to Caine with a friendly smile.

Seeing Drapeur do the same with Peller surprised the Knootian minister somewhat, and looking at the Pantocratorian directly he raised an eyebrow.

Caine listened attentively and nodded as Drapeur spoke. I seem to have touched a nerve, he thought to himself as the chancellor protested Caine’s comparison of their unexpected rise to power. Nevertheless, Caine continued to smile graciously and warmly at the Pantocratorian. Typical Pantocratorian arrogance.

“Yes,” Caine said in response to Drapeur’s question, “I have met the lovely Lady Christina. Before I was elected President, I visited Excalbia as part of a trade mission and met her at a reception, so I doubt she remembers the encounter.”

Before he could say anything else, Caine turned towards the sound of a descending helicopter. As he watched the Knootian foreign minister’s arrival he thought of their meeting the day before. Van Mierlo had tried to reassure him about the possibility of a Daatman premiership, but Caine still feared the loss of the Order’s influence over Knootian policy and the long-term consequences for his own chapter of the Order.

After van Mierlo’s arrival, Caine and his delegation followed Herr Schertz to the meeting room. Caine noted how incongruous it was to find what appeared to the dining hall of a feudal castle aboard a modern warship. Its vague resemblance to Excalbian architectural tastes made the President feel vaguely uneasy as he took his seat.

Seeing van Mierlo’s reassuring nod eased his tensions somewhat and Caine sat back to wait for Governor Peller to speak.

Governor Peller led the Saxmerean delegation into the meeting room. He took his place and listened to Chancellor Schlabel’s and Mr. Schertz’s introduction. He returned Chancellor Drapeur’s nod and looked towards the Lavenrunzians.

“Your excellencies,” Peller said looking around the table, “if I may, I would like to begin to laying out how the Saxmerean people view the status of Saxmere.

“The Grand Duchy of Saxmere, alone among the states of the Confederation of Sovereign States, had been a fully sovereign, independent nation prior to the founding of the C.S.S. When Saxmere joined the C.S.S., it did so with the understanding – enshrined in the Confederation’s constitution – that it, along with the other states of the C.S.S., would retain a high degree of sovereignty over its internal affairs and economic policies.

“This constitutional arrangement had been successful for nearly two centuries, until the current administration,” Peller nodded to Caine, “launched an extensive series of reforms that, for the first time in the Confederation’s history, imposed the central government’s economic and social policies on the states.”

Peller took a breath and looked gravely around the table. “While this is not the venue to debate the wisdom of those policies per se, what is important to note is that the people of Saxmere have, for more than three and half decades, consistently elected a parliament that sought to maintain a certain balance between private enterprise and business interests and the needs of our labouring class,” Peller turned and nodded towards Colin Hannigan, the President of the Confederation of Trade Unions, “and society’s interest in helping the poor and downtrodden.

“President Caine’s reforms, however, have imposed a set of policies on the democratically elected government of Saxmere that have completely reversed the policies we have followed for almost forty years. In doing so, not only have we suffered disruptions and dislocations in the economy, but – more importantly – our constitutional rights to sovereignty have been abridged and our democratic rights neutralized.”

Peller flashed an anguished look. “We have sought redress for our grievances through the Confederation legislature and through the courts, but we have been ignored. However, as the elected representatives of our people, we cannot ignore their wishes. Therefore, with heavy hearts, our democratically elected parliament voted to secede from the Confederation.

“In our view, there is nothing in the Constitution that compels us to remain in the Confederation against our will and there is no moral argument for denying the will of our democratically elected legislature.”

Peller looked at Caine and gave just the slightest hint of a smile. “So, any decision for us to remain in the Confederation must be ours and ours alone and must be taken solely in accordance with our own national – and by this I mean Saxmerean – interests.”

Caine listened politely as Peller spoke, maintaining a neutral expression. When Peller finished, the President could feel eyes around the table turning towards him. He scribbled a few notes, then looked up, meeting the gazes levelly.

“Your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,” he said speaking deliberately, “with your permission, I’d like to respond to Governor Peller’s comments.” Caine paused briefly, then hearing no objections, he continued.

“First, I would like to thank Governor Peller for showing a bit of flexibility this morning and at least considering the possibility that Saxmere might remain in the Confederation.” Caine spread his arms and flashed a soulful look. “And that is my greatest hope for this conference – that it will allow his to come to a compromise that will allow Saxmere to not just remain in the Confederation, but to be satisfied and happy with that outcome.

“Secondly,” Caine lowered his head dramatically, “I must accept a share of the blame for this crisis. In hindsight, I’ve realized that in my zeal to promote liberty – both by promoting freedom of conscience and speech and by promoting economic freedom – I have pushed my reforms to fast. I may have neglected historical precedent and the cultural values of some states, such as Saxmere. I freely admit to that. However, I have always believed that doing the right thing for people now is more important than limiting ourselves to models of the past.

“I still believe in that principle and in my policies. However, I am prepared to admit that, for some of our people, historical precedent is important and must be honoured. So, I am prepared to negotiate a new arrangement that will give the Saxmere the time and autonomy that it needs.”

"Since Pantocratoria's interest in the matter is fairly peripheral when compared to the interests of Saxmere and of the Confederation, I'll be fairly brief in stating the Pantocratorian view." said Drapeur, rising to speak when it was his turn. "Pantocratoria believes that the security of the Atlantic is best served by diplomatic engagement, and the recognition of each nation's right to self-determination. We believe in self-determination for Saxmere. Saxmere has decided to secede. We believe that that decision, made by a democratically elected and legitimately constituted legislature, must be respected and accepted, both out of respect for the people of Saxmere's right to decide these things for themselves, and in the name of regional stability."

Drapeur looked to Peller, Caine, van Mierlo, Freedman, Schertz and Schlabel, as if he were appealing to them to see reason.

"This isn't about the Confederation's specific policies which brought Saxmere to this point. This isn't about our own respective national interests. This is about Saxmere's national interests. How can we have friendship and security in the Atlantic if the will of a people is so easily ignored, denied, and suppressed? We can't, and yet some would still see us ignore, deny, and suppress the Saxmerean people." Drapeur concluded. "Pantocratoria's position is simple. Saxmere's will must be respected. The Grand Duchy of Saxmere must be free."

Siegfried Schertz, while listening, was making some notes, nodding now and then as each leader spoke. He felt a certain flush of pride; this was the first such conference he had attended, and such attendees! Heads of government and prominent political luminaries such as Van Mierlo and Lady Christina Freedman...this was the sort of thing that put a Lavenrunzian in the history books.

Chancellor Schlabel sat almost like a statue as he listened, his expression grave, his only physical reaction to adjust his eyepatch at one point.

Lady Christina Freedman listened carefully to Governor Peller, President Caine and Chancellor Drapeur. When the Pantocratorian finished, every eye in the room seemed to turn towards the Excalbian Chancellor. Lady Christina sat still for a moment, her expression solemn, but her eyes full of energy. She waited for a beat or two, then folded her hands neatly on the table in front of her and turned slowly towards Chancellor Schlabel.

“Your Excellency,” she bowed her head slightly, “on behalf of His Imperial Majesty I would like to commend you and Her Majesty’s Government for arranging this meeting.” She looked around the table. “Excellencies,” she said addressing them all, “with your cooperation, I am certain we can succeed at our noble endeavour – establishing a just and lasting peace in the North Atlantic.

“Just. That is the word that lies at the heart of our conflict. We, it seems, have here represented two very different ideas of what is just. On one hand, we have President Caine, and I presume Minister van Mierlo, who would argue that justice is best served by the Confederation government – duly elected by the people of the Confederation- being left to pursue the policies upon which it campaigned. On the other hand, we have Governor Peller and Chancellor Drapeur who have made the point that justice is best served by allowing the people of Saxmere to determine their own fate through their own democratic institutions.

“Our view,” Lady Christina paused for a beat, “is that a just peace can be built only on the will of the people. This leads us to a second critical question: what constitutes a people. Are the Saxmereans a separate people entitled to determine their own fate? Or are they part of the Confederation and is their fate linked to that of the Confederation? Going beyond that,” Lady Christina gave a slight smile, “we Excalbians believe that we and the Confederation’s people and the Upper Virginia are a people together – the peoples of the Excalbian Isles.

“So where should the decision be made? We believe that the choice between independence and union should best be left to the people who are directly involved – in this case, the Saxmereans.”

The Chancellor took a sip of water, then continued. “Almost two centuries ago, the peoples of the Confederation faced a similar choice: union with the Holy Empire or independence. At the time, the Empire had the power – and legal right – to force the states of the Confederation into union with the Empire. But they wanted independence. So, Emperor Joshua, the Great, listened to his people in the east and simply let them go.

“The Confederation may have some claim to keep Saxmere in its union – I admit that their own Constitution is rather unclear on the point – and it and Knootoss have the power to force Saxmere to remain in the Confederation – though no without risking war,” Lady Christina’s face grew cold for just a moment. “However, morally there can be no question – just as Emperor Joshua let the states of the Confederation have the independence they desired, so now should President Caine let Saxmere have back the independence it desires.

“The Saxmerean people have spoken. The Saxmerean parliament has spoken. Now, we wait to see whether President Caine will have the courage to follow the example of his nation’s original patron and benefactor and honour the cry of his people in Saxmere for yheir freedom.”

Hans van Mierlo had been listening to all speakers with a sincere frown on his face. He was so quiet that it sometimes looked as if he were fast asleep, but then his eyes would dart to something that had caught his interest. Behind him had arrived a tall elf whom Drapeur was sure to recognise as Amras Eärfalas, who had also been at the ball in Lavenrunz.

After Freedman had finished, Hans van Mierlo nodded to Schertz and spoke:

"In response to Lady Freedman, I would think that we are all, every one of us here – Excalbian, Confederate, Knootian or Pantocratorian, citizens of the world and inhabitants of the North Atlantic region. The tragedy of our times is that we do not know this”, he paused for a moment to gauge Drapeurs expression.

“I agree with the principle Lady Freedman laid out”, the Knootian said, smiling apologetically, “that democracy and sovereign will of a people must prevail. I don’t think the president of the Confederation needs to be reminded of this – it is his duty to protect a constitution that guarantees democracy and republicanism in all of the Confederation. I applaud him for his frankness, and I have all faith in his ability to reach a compromise.”

The aging Knootian minister gave Caine an almost fatherly smile before he lowered his head again, turning to the room in general.

“At the same time I am wary, of history repeating itself”, he said, pausing for effect, “Under all circumstances we must not agree here to turn Saxmere into the puppet for any specific foreign interest. I have listened to the people of Saxmere speak as well. It is by no means their love for the Imperial Family of Pantocratoria, or a desire to be ruled by foreign monarchs that drives them to protest. The voices of the peoples of Saxmere and the Confederation must be heard, truly heard”, he looked at the other side of the table as if appealing to reason, with his hands open towards his conversation partners.

“In our view, mob rule and a parliament under revolutionary pressure are not a proper basis for installing dynasties and it is certainly not the sort of liberal democracy common in either Knootoss or the Confederation. Secession is a grave step and to secede over disagreements over some policies of this or that temporarily elected Federal government – even if the emotion of some people may run deep – is not something that should be done without a rational debate and a direct vote of the people involved.”

The Knootian turned now directly to Drapeur as the man behind the campaign to install a Grand Dutchy in the Confederation:

“I can venture to understand the desire of Pantocratoria and her allies to see a divided Confederation, but you as surely as I will see that this will only bring more pain to an already troubled region. Caine is prepared to negotiate a new arrangement that will give the Saxmere the time and autonomy that it needs. It is time to heal, and it is time for a rational internal debate in Saxmere.”

He sighed, looking from Drapeur over to the Lavenrunzian hosts, Siegfried Schertz in particular:

“More importantly, it is time to look at the big picture and turn the pages on our national rivalries. I think the ideas expressed by Jan Willem Daatman in his letter to all of you are a good starting point. He believesthat there must be settlement without a perceived victory; as only a peace between equals can last." In an afterthought he added: "the Knootian government happens to share this view.

My good friend Daatman also said that there must be a community of power; not organized rivalries, but an organized peace. I’ll try to explain this plan in practical terms and leave the arguments to the letter which you have all received”

The Knootian smiled politely, and peeked on a small list which he had on an electronic padd in front of him before continuing.

“First of all we need intergovernmental cooperation in matters North Atlantic, as opposed to the politics of exclusion: an alliance or covenant of all North Atlantic nations, if you will. Secondly, I propose the creation of a North Atlantic Free Trade Area. Thirdly, I propose a series of referendums in the Confederation to determine the will of the people with regards to more autonomy or independence. Lastly I propose an immediate withdrawal of all naval forces from the eastern North Atlantic to de-escalate the military situation.

Knootoss is willing to put its will behind an agreement – but not just any agreement. I realise these gestures I am proposing all require a great deal of trust from the parties involved – but it is necessary to create an organized peace rather then some temporary shift in the balance of power. Trust from us will be given as much as it is received, and all of you I would like to give our enduring friendship.”

As the minister spoke, the Elvish companion of the minister had put down his things on the negotiation table. They included some nondescript papers and a newspaper. The Paper (“De Telegraaf”) had been put on the table face-forward, a front-page article with a big header was accompanied a suggestive photo of what appeared to be Princess Christianna, the sister of the Excalbian Emperor. Nothing on the perfectly neutral expression of the elvish face seemed to betray, however, that putting the paper there was intentional.

What a gas bag. Drapeur thought to himself as he watched Hans van Mierlo's long, drawn out, and tedious repetition of the same old spiel. Still, he felt that he could do business with van Mierlo, that he wasn't as intractable and pigheaded as Galadriël, even if he was a doddering old Tory. He recognised Eärfalas, though, and remembered him being an abrasive, cocky, loose cannon at the negotiating table. Clearly Galadriël had sent him along as a minder for the more reasonable elderly gentleman. He turned to Schertz and waited for him to move things forward.

Siegfried Schertz quickly whispered in the Chancellor’s ear. Schlabel nodded and glanced up as Schertz rose to his feet.
“Summing up: I believe that the position of Saxmere’s delegation is that their own chosen representatives and leaders do not agree with certain policies which Sovriegn States would have them follow. That they have attempted to make their grievances known but have not been heard.
President Caine in response says that he now realizes that he may not have properly heard the concerns of the people of Saxmere and would therefore like to do so now.
Chancellor Drapeur tells us that he believes that the decision already made by the government of Saxmere must be upheld.
This notion is also believed right according to Lady Christina Freedman on the part of Excalbia.
Minister van Mierlo is telling us, I believe, that he thinks that Saxmere should take more time and thought before seceding from the Confederation, and also that those nations currently in contention should form a mutually amiable agreement.”
“If I have missed anything of great significance, please do let me know. Otherwise, the Chancellor would like to respond.” the Lavenrunzians' demeanor was genial, pleasant, considerate, and also quite unreadable. They had not made their plans or intentions known to anyone, even the Papal Nuncio.

"I believe that summary to be more or less accurate, although I think perhaps it oversimplifies the reasons which have brought Saxmere to this point. But I've no objections. I'd like to think that I speak for the other delegates when I say that we'd all like to hear Chancellor Schlabel's position." Drapeur replied.

"Thank you, Herr Chancellor." said Schlabel, with a bow in that worthy's direction as he rose. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is a grave matter before us, as our Knootian friend has said, and as we all feel, most particularly I am sure the people of Saxmere.
I have considered this problem for some time, namely: what is the worth of a people's self determination? What determines what is a people? And at what cost are national identities resolved against that of their neighbors?
You see, this is my concern. Whatever it is that we call a nation is bound by a social contract of the law. This is, to put it most simply, whatever makes life best livable according to the standards of the people in question.
For instance: the Grand Duchy of Mirenburg, in Lavenrunz, and the Principality of Mittelmarch as well as the Protectorate of Surya are all national groups within Lavenrunz that have policies which contradict those of the Empire. For instance, Mirenburg has a far more lax immigration policey, while Surya is religiously biased towards Islam rather than Roman Catholicism.
So it is entirely possible for a nation to exist within another nation, in spite of occasional strife and differences."

He sipped a glass of water and continued. "And I must emphasize that that may be the case here. Perhaps, as with our Protectorate of Surya, there needs to be a more than token gesture of respect towards the uniqueness of Saxmere, which would for instance permit Saxmere to remain within the Confederation without having to follow its current economic policies." Schlabel cleared his throat and adjusted his eyepatch slightly. "However, I have another idea which is this: a national vote held in Saxmere, which would be overseen by members of the international community...of which I have a list. A vote to determine how the people of Saxmere feel about the particular issue of whether or not to remain within the Confederation, and one which the Confederation and all concerned would agree to abide by. I welcome your comments."

Araceli grinned when they finally arrived. "I can't wait to get to bed after that long a drive." She got out, stretching her somewhat plump legs.
...
Minister Brown continued to wait for any news from the conference with an air of irritation. Of course, there was none yet and might not be for days, certainly none before the first day's session was over.
...
Meanwhile, the Danaan fleets were called away. They were no longer needed and they were being sent to both more important and more dangerous duty. The Danaan military had seen action in Marlund and they were off to do their duty.

"My only comment is that the democratic will of Saxmere has already been expressed by the Saxmerean Parliament." Drapeur said. "But if the Saxmerean delegation is happy with your proposed solution, and the state's government was to present a plebiscite on the issue of independence to the Saxmerean people, and if everyone else here would accept the outcome of such a referendum as the end of the issue, then we would hardly be in a position to object."

As Lady Christina Freedman listened to van Mierlo, Chancellor Drapeur, Herr Schertz and Chancellor Schlabel, she made a few notes on her handheld computer and conferred quietly with Deputy State Minister Sarah Harrington and ADM Virities. When van Mierlo’s elvish aide placed the Dutch newspaper with the inflammatory pictures of Princess Christiana on the table, Harrington gave a slight gasp and gently touched the Imperial Chancellor on the arm.

Lady Christina glanced inconspicuously at the paper and quickly keyed it into her handheld PC. Within moments she had the article in front of her. She ran it through a quick translator program and scanned it. With a subtle sigh, she attached the translation to an e-mail and sent it back to the Chancery in Citadel Excalbia. The Emperor would not be happy. And, intentionally or not, Lady Christina thought, the Knootians might have just made the comprehensive peace they claim they want that much harder to obtain.

After sending her message, Lady Christina waited for a pause in the flow of speeches. Once Drapeur had finished his response to Schlabel, the Excalbian Imperial Chancellor softly cleared her throat. “I believe Herr Schertz has given us an excellent summation of our respective positions and,” she nodded towards the Lavenrunzian chancellor, “His Excellency has given us some keen observations and made an excellent proposal.

“Before we proceed, however,” she nodded towards the Knootians, “I should like to comment on Minister van Mierlo’s rather interesting three-part proposal. On the surface, it seems to fit nicely with Chancellor Schlabel’s proposal of a referendum in Saxmere. However, I noticed that van Mierlo’s said his referendum would take place through out the Confederation, implying at least that the other states of the Confederation should continue to have a say in determining Saxmere’s future.

“Excalbia would find such a Confederation-wide referendum pointless and demeaning to the people of the Saxmere. A referendum in Saxmere itself, while it would be,” she nodded towards Drapeur, “as Dr. Drapeur pointed out, redundant, would be reasonable and acceptable to us. If it is acceptable to Saxmere.

“Additionally, we would welcome the establishment of a North Atlantic Free Trade Zone, including Knootoss,” Lady Christina paused a moment for dramatic effect, “however, we could accept Knootian participation only if they were prepared – by treaty – to abandon their attempts to influence the internal politics of other nations through this so-called Order of the Invisible Hand.”

(OOC: For more reaction to the De Telegraaf article, look here: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=429611)

Umbra, Capital of the Sovereign State of Saxmere

President Tom Caine nodded thoughtfully and turned the edges of his mouth up in a slight smile. “I agree that Mr. Schertz has given us a fair summation of everyone’s position. And that Chancellor Schlabel has put forward a valid proposal. I would suggest that we explore merging the chancellor’s proposal and that of Minister van Mierlo to produce a mutually agreeable resolution of this crisis.”

The president turned to Lady Christina, the Excalbian Chancellor. “I do wish to address a couple of Chancellor Freedman’s points, however. First, I do not think it is strange in any way that a referendum on Saxmere’s fate include all of the Confederation. After all, whether or not Saxmere remains in the Confederation will affect the whole of the nation, not just Saxmere; the states together created the Confederation and only the states together are constitutionally empowered to alter the Confederation. Whether the referendum in other states is ultimately binding on Saxmere’s decision regarding secession may be a matter for further discussion.

“Secondly, I would ask, once and for all, that Excalbia either present irrefutable proof that some secret organization is interfering in our political process or accept, no matter how repugnant it may be to the Holy Empire, that the people of the Confederation have duly elected a government committed to rationalism, the preservation of personal liberty and the preservation of a free market. Baring proof of these conspiracy theories let Excalbia drop its dogmatic opposition to the philosophy of the Order of the Invisible Hand and deal with the political realities of today’s North Atlantic. Let them – and all of us – embrace the larger peace proposed by Mr. van Mierlo; a peace guaranteed and secured by a treaty of free and open trade.”

Cesis, Capital of the Sovereign State of Trondgard

The night before, after arriving in town, Thomas Quickly showed Araceli, Janice and Elza to the loft above the store. He pointed out where the nearest quick mart was and bid them a good night.

The next day, about mid-morning, Thomas returned. He quickly opened up the printing shop downstairs, then climbed the stairs to the loft and knocked on the door.

The Saxmerean delegation conducted their own lively debate during the lulls in the discussions. At times the debate continued in the form of written notes passed back and forth. Finally, shortly after Caine finished speaking, Governor Sean Peller felt he was ready to put forth a common position for Grand Duchy.

Peller folded his hands neatly and looked around the table. “Now that everyone has had their say and my countrymen and I have had an opportunity to… discuss,” a few chuckles came from the Saxmerean delegation, “the proposals, we are ready to offer our own comments.” The governor looked down at his notes. “We are willing to hold a referendum in Saxmere on secession. We are also willing to include in the referendum an option for a loose form of association, along the lines of what His Excellency, Chancellor Schlabel has proposed.”

Peller took a look around at his delegation. Lieutenant Governor Douglas Aldaris gave him a nod. It was accompanied not so much by a look of encouragement as a one of steely determination. Peller gave Aldaris a slight nod and a reassuring look. “In addition, we would include in our referendum a question as to whether the people desired a restoration of the Grand Ducal throne.” Peller again folded his hands and glanced up from his notes. “This would raise the possibility that the people might chose both to restore the Grand Duke as a constitutional figure in the Saxmerean government and retain an association with the Confederation.” Peller looked at Caine. “And that might be an area for further discussion.”

Araceli took in the area around her. "Where now?" she asked, as she unpacked her bags from the truck.

"I would be careful in the structuring of the referendum so as to ensure that the answers don't become too diluted. With more than two options you're unlikely to get a clear majority for any one of them. We naturally support anything Saxmere is happy with, but we feel it is important that Saxmereans be given a chance to express its will with a reasonable chance of success." Drapeur said.

He looked to van Mierlo.

"As for the other, unrelated things, in the longer term, Pantocratoria would not be adverse to considering something along the lines you mentioned, monsieur. I do thoroughly believe that we will be able to avoid future confrontations like this through diplomatic engagement and only through diplomatic engagement." Drapeur nodded.

Governor Peller listened carefully to Dr. Drapeur. “Excellency, I agree that we need to take care to ensure that the referendum yields a clear and unequivocal expression of the will of the people.” The governor leaned forward. “I think, however, that if we use a two-part referendum – posing two questions, if you will – we can address the fundamental issues.

“The first question, in our opinion would ask whether the people preferred independence or a form of loose association with the Confederation. I do not see that it would be productive to give the option of the current status quo. There may be those of us who do not wish to leave the Confederation entirely, yet, I believe I can speak for all of us, none of us wish for things to continue as they are. I believe the parliament’s provisional declaration of independence is proof of that.

“A modified form of membership in the Confederation, such as the kind of loose association Chancellor Schlabel described, however, might interest some of our people.

“The second question would also be fairly simple. It would be whether there should be a role in a future Saxmerean government, whether it be independent or autonomous within the Confederation, for the Grand Duke.”

"Good, that sounds like an excellent idea, Governor." Drapeur nodded. He looked to Caine and van Mierlo, trying to gauge their reactions.

((*Gentle nudge about the Araceli plotline*))

Umbra, Capital of the Sovereign State of Saxmere

President Caine, smiling despite the worried wrinkles around the edges of his eyes turned towards his closest advisors. Press Secretary Shannon Coles bit her lip and nervously flipped a strand of hair away from her face. She looked towards Chief of Staff Rihards Krauklis. Krauklis leaned over and whispered in the President’s ear.

Caine nodded and looked towards van Mierlo. The Knootian seemed intent on his silence for the moment, so Caine winked reassuringly and turned towards Schlabel.

“Chancellor,” Caine said breezily, “in principle, I believe we can accept Governor Peller’s proposal. We do, however, have a few concerns. First, if we do concede for the moment that Saxmere’s future should solely be decided by the people of Saxmere, at least some of the options put forth by the governor would involve major constitutional changes in the Confederation. The loose form of association proposed by the governor would certainly require ratification by the other states through a referendum. And,” the President smiled and shrugged, “as for including a Grand Duke in this new hybrid associated state, this would absolutely require a constitutional amendment. The current Constitution requires that the Confederation ensure a republican,” Caine stressed the word, “government in every state. This, too, would need a referendum…”

Cesis, Capital of the Sovereign State of Trondgard

The night before…

Thomas helped Araceli lift her bags out of the truck. He then helped Janice and Elza with their own baggage. “Well,” he said, pointing to a staircase leading up the side of the small two-story building to a blue door, “there’s your loft. You ladies will be staying there.”

Thomas led the women up the stairs and helped them get their bags inside. The loft was fairly spacious but sparsely furnished. There was a sofa, a chair and a small TV on one side and two twin beds on the other. Through a small door the women could see a small kitchen. Another door presumably led to the toilet.

“There’s some food in the kitchen and a Quick Mart around the corner, if you need anything. I’ll come by in the morning to get us started.”

The next day, about mid-morning, Thomas returned. He quickly opened up the printing shop downstairs, then climbed the stairs to the loft and knocked on the door.

Elza bounded to the door and opened it. “Good morning, Tom,” she said cheerily.

“Morning, Elza. Ladies,” Thomas said with a nod. “I hope you slept well. If you’re ready, there’re some fellows down at the Commerce Hall who I think would be interested in hearing about Dana. I’ve been telling them for a while, but they want to hear it from someone who knows more than me.”

Governor Peller rubbed his chin and waited for van Mierlo's reaction.

Schlabel glanced at Peller and said, regarding him curiously, "Does the Governor of Saxmere have anything to say in response to the words of the President of the Sovriegn States?"

Araceli nodded. "Of course." She walked down to Commerce Hall, taking in the crowd quietly. "My name is Araceli. I'm here to talk about Dana today." She smiled a little, carrying her guitar to the front of the hall.

Van Mierlo cleared his throat to speak...

OOC: tonight!
EDIT: Tomorrow. Fucking bitching with Siri kept me up all night. I am in a pissed-off mood now but will go try again tomorrow. Constantly going off the point, and spending ages on my use of the word billion is apparently very amusing.

Looking at Peller rubbing his chin and observing him, the Knootian minister thought it his turn to speak. After Peller remained quiet for a few moments, he raised his voice.

“If our gracious Lavenrunzian hosts will allow, I’d like to say something too”, he said cautiously so as not to anger Schlabel – and though he had no doubt that he would be annoyed, the signs given to him first by Caine and then by Peller made him feel that he could be silent no longer.

“I think we are making good progress on the referendum”, van Mierlo said with a cautiously optimistic smile. “President Caine has made some excellent points, which should very much
be taken into account.” He smiled briefly. “That said, I’d like to add that no referendum should be held without the option of maintaining the status quo. President Caine has supporters in Saxmere, too, as well as those who do not wish for pseudo-independent arrangements. Forcing them to vote for a loose association would, in my opinion, be undemocratic.”

“As for the other, but in my opinion very much related point” – van Mierlo looked at Drapeur- “I’m glad to hear positive responses from both Excalbia and Pantocratoria on a comprehensive treaty… but I doubt we could make a provision in such a treaty to control religious organisations abroad. I’m not exactly sure what your Ladyship expects us to do, or what influences you suspect the Knootian State is enacting. Please do not hold me for uncompromising, but the demanded clause strikes me as rather… odd.”

Schlabel covered a yawn with his fist. "Forgive me, ladies and gentlemen." It seems like we've been here for days instead of a couple of hours. "I think that we are all generally in agreement. Let me sum up: a referendum to be held within Saxmere with the options being:
1. to maintain the status quo vis a vis the question of remaining within the Confederation.
2. to have complete independance from the Soveriegn States.
Am I making this clear to the sufficiency of the understanding of all present?" he asked with a smile.

Hans van Mierlo looked very puzzeled, in fact, as he did not understand what the Lavenrunzian had just said at all. He was also slightly disturbed that his own proposal was completely unmentioned.

posting for Soveriegn States...

Umbra, Capital of the Sovereign State of Saxmere

Governor Peller nodded towards Chancellor Schlabel. “Actually, your Excellency, I believe we were speaking of a slightly different array of options on the referendum. Namely, a choice between a modified form of association with the Confederation granting us greater autonomy or independence.”

President Caine noisily cleared his throat. “Gentlemen, I believe that Minister van Mierlo has made an important observation.” Caine turned directly towards Peller. “Some of our citizens in Saxmere did vote for me, after all, and may wish to maintain the status quo.”

Peller turned and conferred hurriedly with Lieutenant Governor Aldaris and the rest of his delegation. As Peller turned back towards the table, Aldaris was obviously unhappy, but said nothing. “Mr. President, we are prepared to accept a referendum with three options – the two I outlined and the one you propose.” Peller nodded towards his Lieutenant Governor. “Provided, of course, that you lift the blockade of Saxmere.”

Caine smiled broadly. Despite how he felt, he was determined to keep up appearances. “Very well, we will lift the blockade. As long as Excalbia is prepared to lift its own blockade of the Confederation.”

Chancellor Lady Christina Freedman steepled her fingers, leaning her elbows on the table in front of her. “The Holy Empire is prepared to lift his naval blockade on two conditions. The first is that the Confederation keep its promise to lift the blockade of Saxmere. And the second is that some neutral third party – perhaps Lavenrunz,” she nodded towards her Lavenrunzian counterpart, “or the Resurgent Dream – will agree to patrol the waters off the Confederation in order to guarantee that there is no outside intervention from Knootoss or any other party.”

Caine nodded. “We agree.” He turned towards van Mierlo to gage the Knootian’s reaction and then looked to Schlabel to see if he would accept Excalbia’s request to act as a neutral peacekeeper.

Cesis, Capital of the Sovereign State of Trondgard

The men and women gathered in the Commerce Hall shifted in their seats waiting to hear what the young foreign woman had to say. Most of crowd knew Thomas personally and had some interest in this new religion he spoke about. For some, their interest was mere curiosity, but for others, there was a deeper searching.

"Wait a moment," Drapeur interjected, frowning a little. "I think you should be wary about referenda with more than two options. Such things muddle the democratic will, provide a natural barrier against change. What about two separate referenda. The first asks whether there should in fact be any change. If it passes, then a second referendum is issued, providing the two options you suggested before, Governor."

He looked to the Saxmereans and to Freedman for support.

Governor Peller nodded. “Yes, of course Dr. Drapeur is correct.” He looked towards Lieutenant Governor Aldaris who nodded sagely, concealing a slight smile. “We would not want to confuse the issue.”

Peller rubbed his chin for a moment. “Perhaps, it might be best to have a referendum with multiple questions, rather than multiple votes.”

He looked towards a suddenly skeptical Aldaris, then continued. “For instance, the first question would be whether Saxmere should be independent or remain in the Confederation. The second would ask whether Saxmere, if she remains in the Confederation, should maintain the status quo or seek greater autonomy. And finally,” he nodded to Aldaris, “whether or not the grand ducal throne should be restored in an independent or autonomous Saxmere.

“So, in each question there are only two choices and shall move down in order or priority. So, if the pro-independence faction wins the first question, the second question is skipped. But, if they fail, we move on to the second question. If the status quo wins the second vote, then we skip the last question. If it fails, then we continue to the third question.”

Peller chuckled. “Not the easiest thing, but doable, I believe.”

Across the table, President Caine nodded and looked to see van Mierlo’s reaction.

Seeing President Caine nod, Lady Christina Freedman turned towards Chancellor Schlabel. “Your Excellency, it seems an agreement has been reached.” She looked pointedly at van Mierlo. “And hearing no objections, I propose we adjourn here and begin immediate implementation. The only questions being whether your Navy, your Excellency, is prepared to relieve our Fleet in its mission of preventing foreign intrusion in the crisis and how quickly Saxmere can mount its elections.”

Governor Peller looked over at a silent President Caine, then smiled. "We are ready to hold the referrendum within a week."

OOC: You are invited to participate in the referenda here:
http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=438918

((OOC: narc. Damnit! Sorry I am so slow. I did want to respond though. :confused: ))

"Huzzah!" shouted the Lavenrunzians. To the surprise of everyone the stewards broke, with utter solemnity on their faces, into a dance, tappy-tapping their feet vigorously. Chancellor Schlabel raised his fists like a heroic boxer and shook hands with Siegfried Schertz, and each lit the other a cigar. They grinned, waved and gestured to the grand buffet nearby, and roisteringly danced out in tune to the triumphal dance of the stewards.

OOC: Uhm, go ahead with the referendum but I never agreed to anything without a wider treaty and indeed I never would. I'm fine with adjourning, but certainly no celebrations or concluding anything. Excalbia can you TG me on how to proceed? And again I must apologise for my sloth but I'm not surrendering so the Lavenrunzian party is a bit premature.

OOC: Fuller response to Knoot by TG. Sorry if I jumped the gun on anyone. Simply put, I propose that we continue with the referenda while all parties agree to continue negotiations for a wider treaty.

OOC: replied to TG and agreed. Negotiations can continue after recess, of course Knootoss has not formally agreed to anything but from an OOC POV the referendums can continue ;)

President Caine’s widened at Chancellor Schlabel’s unrestrained display of self-satisfaction. He looked nervously at van Mierlo, then at Krauklis and Shannon Coles. He suddenly felt as if he had given away the farm.

“Gentlemen, ladies,” Caine said just load enough to get everyone’s attention. “I am glad that we have reached partial understanding – a truce of sorts – but there are still fundamental issues to be resolved. I suggest that after a recess we continue our discussions.”

Governor Peller nodded and turned to silence his red-faced lieutenant governor. “Perhaps there is room to continue our discussions, but I think it might be more conducive to do so after the completion of the first steps of our agreement – the lifting of the embargoes on Saxmere and the Confederation. We can continue to meet even as we begin preparations for the referenda.”

“Agreed,” Caine said. “In which case, we might want to reassemble at another venue. I would be pleased to offer Jefferson and all of our facilities.”

“I think neutral territory would be better,” Peller said.

“Where do you propose finding a neutral venue in the Excalbian Isles,” Lady Christina Freedman said sharply.

Caine looked to Krauklis, then to van Mierlo, then turned back to the Excalbian. “Upper Virginia. I am willing to bet that President Harrison would love the opportunity to add legitimacy to her rule by hosting our meeting. And Upper Virginia has not only been silent through out this crisis, it is, honestly, incapable of intervening even if it wished to do so.”

“Agreed,” Lady Christina said. She turned to van Mierlo, Chancellor Drapeur and Chancellor Schlabel. “Gentlemen, are you up to another round of discussions? Assuming President Harrison is willing to have us?”

“I’m fine with it”, van Mierlo grunted, looking somewhat embarrased at the celebrating Lavenrunzians whom he thought might be offended at being denied their ‘prize’ of a diplomatic victory.

“However I would like to discuss this as one package deal. I cannot take any steps without a larger agreement. As far as we are concerned, we should agree that no agreement on anything should be publicly announced or confirmed before we have this package deal.”

The Knootian minister smiled at Caine, whose feelings he thought he shared.

“Excalbia and Pantocratoria got their concessions with the suggestion of a referendum, but Knootoss and the CSS do not have the security guarantees and promises that we demanded, so there can be no agreement. Without these things, we cannot stand down.” He stood up, preparing to leave, looking at Freedman. “I hope that your Excellency and Mr. Drapeur can appreciate the concessions made by the President of the Confederation and that we can expect similar expediency in discussions regarding security and cooperation.”

"It's Doctor Drapeur, actually monsieur." Drapeur corrected van Mierlo with a sardonic smile. "I have no objection to reconvening in Upper Virginia, assuming President Harrison will have us. I would caution you, Monsieur le President, and you, Monsieur van Mierlo, not to insist that unrelated issues be made part of some package agreement, to use Monsieur van Mierlo's term. There will naturally be some things on which no agreement can be reached - that is surely no reason to discard those things on which an agreement has been reached."

He rose to his feet to shake Chancellor Schlabel's hand, before making his way over to the buffet, followed by the rest of his little delegation.

Chancellor Schlabel shook Drapeur's hand with enthusiasm, and looked at Van Mierlo and Caine afterward. "Gentlemen, I urge you: enjoy this little feast we have brought you. Forgive us our little dance of joy, but surely this ushers in peace and understanding! What other issues could there possibly be? Surely you do feel that Saxmere's democratic process will solve the whole problem?"

The elvish aid stared at Schlabel coldly.

“No”, he said simply in high-German, "I think you are badly misstaken Herr Chancellor" before turning to go to the deck.

Hans van Mierlo, meanwhile, immediately approached President Caine looking rather put off by the comment of Drapeur and the cheering of the Lavenrunzians.

“You know”, he whispered with his head closer to the Confederate president, “From all the cheering one would expect that this was their deal and nothing else is to be agreed upon. I’d deny any sort of agreement has been reached for now if I were you –“ he paused. “Lest they do indeed intend to deny us any concessions on our own issues.”

“Also”, he moved his head even closer so as not to be heard “dump the Lavenrunzian negotiators. The last thing we need is to have people so openly on the Excalbian side ‘mediating’ in Upper Virginia.”

Schlabel glared at this impertinent elf with his remaining eye, and said in a quiet and unfriendly tone, "So rather than respond or discuss, you chose to be surlly, eh, Herr Alfar? Well, be that as it may. If you Knootian folk stand for democracy, you might think of the people of Saxmere rather than complaining and refusing to state things openly." He nodded with barest politeness and went back to speaking courtesies to the other delegates.

Prince Andreus lay in bed next to Empress Aurora in the Palace of the Moon and Stars. He rolled over onto his side facing her, and ran his hand gently through her strawberry blonde hair, which was strewn about the pillow.

"Aurora..." he started. "Can I ask you a serious question?"

"Yes." Aurora turned over to lie on her side, her curving hip pushing up the sheet, her chin resting on one of her hands.

"What would happen to the two of us if Pantocratoria and Lavenrunz ever found themselves on opposite sides in a war?" he asked her softly.

"I believe Chancellor Schlabel is lookiing into the possibility of a closer alliance. It would be too bad if that happened though." she said, her fair brow creasing in thought.

"Too bad? It'd be disastrous!" Andreus said, his eyes widening with concern. "It could happen too, very easily..."

"Why would that happen?" Aurora asked, looking puzzled. "What would we fight over?"

"Well, it isn't so much that our countries would fight over something... but our allies..." Andreus mumbled. "Sorry, I know you can't want to talk about politics tonight, you get it all day from Schlabel and all the rest..."

"Not quite all day. But what allies do you mean?" Aurora persisted, now looking at him rather intently.

"Well, Lavenrunz is allied to Knootoss..." he started, as if she was dragging it out of him. "Pantocratoria is allied to Excalbia. Knootoss is on the verge of starting a war with Excalbia... our countries could be pulled in on opposing sides..."

He reached his hands around one of Aurora's, held it gently to his mouth, and starting kissing her finger tips softly.

"I can't stand the thought of our marriage being destroyed by Knootian political jockeying in the Excalbian Isles." he concluded with a sincere look of concern.

"Knootoss?" Aurora asked with a wrinkling of her nose and a look of puzzlement as she sat up, momentarily distracting him before she pulled the sheet around her shoulder like a toga. "Knootoss has one of the worst military forces in the developed world. And Excalbia is hardly a match for us. So it would come down to Pantocratoria and Lavenrunz and we're practically family now."

"You under estimate both Knootoss and Excalbia, I fear, but that's neither her nor there." Andreus said, sitting up with his young wife and putting his arm around her. "Our countries could still end up at war with each other because of them."

With a grave look Aurora said, "Then why did your father recognize the man who is calling himself Grand Duke of Saxmere?"

"Excalbia asked him to, and it was before the two of us were married." Andreus told her. "As for why he decided to go along with Excalbia's request, I don't know... I'm not my father."

"Then what are you worried about?" Aurora said, suddenly pushing the sheets aside and scratching her bare hip before rising from the bed. "It's not as though you make foreign policy, Andra."

"That's why I'm worried! I would never making foreign policy which would put the two of us on opposite sides in a war!" Andreus exclaimed, following Aurora out of bed. "But we could find ourselves in that predicament through the machinations of others, and it worries me, Aurora. Doesn't it worry you?"

"No. I've told Chancellor Schlabel I have every faith in his ability to handle it. I can't do everything," Aurora told him. She went into the bathroom and sat down.

Andreus followed her into the bathroom, and knelt down on the floor next to her seat.

"Aurora, I'm not asking you to do anything." he said softly. "I'm just asking you what would become of the two of us?"

With a shy smile, she said, "We'd stay together." her hand reached out and her fingers gently laced with his. "Wouldn't we?"

Andreus smiled and kissed her delicate fingers.

"Sleeping with the enemy?" he asked her playfully.

"If we get any sleep." she responded with a tender smile at him.

Lady Christina Freedman could not resist the impulse to smirk just a little as van Mierlo and the Knootians flew into what her mother would have called a tizzy over the agreement reached. Still, she felt the Holy Empire had enough at stake that she could not risk seeing the negotiations come naught over Knootian stubbornness.

"Let me assure Mr. van Mierlo," Lady Christina said loud enough for all to hear, "that we do appreciate the Confederation's and Knootoss' willingness to compromise in these discussions. I believe that our preliminary agreement, if you will, to end these blockades and begin work on the referenda is a significant step forward. One that, if seen to completion, will certainly make it easier to conclude the kind of comprehensive agreement that Mr. van Mierlo seeks.

"That said," the Chancellor bowed towards Chancellor Schlabel, "let me thank our Lavenrunzian hosts and second Dr. Drapeur's recommendation that we continue with the steps laid out so far and reconvene in Upper Virginia."

Caine lowered his head slightly and turned just a bit to listen to van Mierlo whispered comments. The President nodded as he listened to the Knootian.

Caine held up a finger and turned briefly to listen to the Excalbian Chancellor. Then, he lowered his head and turned back to van Mierlo. “I agree that we can’t let them off the hook, Mr. van Mierlo. However, I think it might be unwise at this point to publicly deny any forward motion.”

Caine glanced at his press secretary and motioned for her to join him and van Mierlo.

“Shannon,” he said softly as she approached, “how would you characterize this,” Caine waved his hand expressively, “to the press?”

Shannon Coles chewed her lip, then smiled. “I would say that we’ve reached provisional agreement on certain… confidence building measures, which the Confederation and Excalbia will implement on a reciprocal basis so as to foster further discussions on the framework of a general settlement…”

Cain smiled and turned towards van Mierlo. “Now that’s a press secretary, Mr. van Mierlo.” Caine nodded and Shannon quietly withdrew. Once she was gone, Caine looked back at van Mierlo. “I suggest we follow Shannon’s line. Acknowledge the steps we’ve agreed to – steps that benefit us enormously. First,” Caine raised a finger, “it lifts the Excalbian blockade on my country and, second,” Caine lifted a second finger, “we’ve gained a significant concession on the referendum – the Saxmereans have accepted, in principle, that there will also need to a referendum in the Confederation on its status, at least as far as autonomy goes.”

Caine smiled. “So, we take what we have and declare it merely a prelude to the general agreement we really want.” Caine leaned close to van Mierlo and lowered his voice. “And don’t worry about he Lavenrunzians; in Upper Virginia we have allies.”

(OOC: Catching up a bit from the endless Upper Virginia crisis thread and setting the stage for the return of Upper Virginia...)

Courtland, Capital of the Dominion of Upper Virginia

President Becka Harrison sighed heavily and pushed some of the paperwork out of her way. She picked up the remote control on her desk, turned on some music and leaned back in her chair.

Most of the damage from neglect and riots that had been repaired and the Presidential Palace had been restored to its former glory. Yet, it still felt like temporary to Becka – more like a hotel than a home. In fact, she had been unable to work in the Octagon Room – the ceremonial office of the President – and had insisted on making a small office in the study of the residence. It was cozy and messy and felt more like her old office in the Directorate of Procurement and Research.

Becka swiveled in her chair and looked out the window. Repairs on the National Assembly were proceeding slowly, but repairs on the nation’s psyche seemed to be going even slower.

She shook her head. In hindsight, the coup had been the easy part. They – really the Excalbians, the Varessans and the Pantocratorians, to be honest – had defeated the Altman loyalists within a few days. The fighting had been vicious and determined, but in the end most of the military had opted for neutrality over open support of General Altman.

Of course, she sighed, Craig Altman had never been found and his fate remained unknown. And occasionally some commander in a remote outside would still rebel, usually out his own dreams of power. Yet, such problems were easily dealt with. After all, Varessa still had a large presence in Upper Virginia and there were Excalbian and Pantocratorian troops as well. Ready and able to put down these small rebellions.

Institutional reform, however, was harder. The Upper Virginian military had been a mess. It was big. Bloated. Officers were all too often thuggish and egotistical, professional NCOs were almost unknown and regular troops were poorly trained. Becka had made Brigadier Alex Holmes, now General Alex Holmes, the new chief of staff and he had slashed the military, cutting numbers while trying to professionalize. But it was hard going.

The communist insurgents – the Free Virginia Liberation Army – had used the coup and the chaos that followed to consolidate their position in the west. Commander Lazarus, their leader, had even gained a foothold in the capital itself. Becka shook her head. Some thought she had given up too much to get the FVLA to relinquish their hold in southern Courtland, but she had no choice. Other than risking open conflict between the FVLA and Upper Virginia’s foreign “liberators.” She could not, would not risk that, so she had traded the slums of Courtland for virtual autonomy around the so-called Liberated City of Harrington. At least, she thought with a slight smile, Lazarus had taken a back seat to Harrington’s FVLA chairman, Uldis Marko. And Marko had proven to be a fairly competent and pleasant negotiator.

Marko was, she thought, in some ways easier to deal with than Frank Turley. Turley ought to be one of her closest allies. Together with her, Major Richard Thorsen – now the Director of the Dominion Intelligence Agency – and Graham Yultilde, Turley had helped plan and lead the coup against Altman. Now, however, the Chairman of the Chamber of Industrials was playing politics and apparently looking for power for his own ends.

Turley had refused to take a role himself in the government, but he had pushed his minions – Marcus Poole, now the Secretary of Commerce, and Elizabeth Pilmana, Chief Advisor for Economic Reform – on her. And he kept pushing for the government to take a very particular slant. One that was clearly in line with what was going on the C.S.S. In fact, Becka suspected that Turley was himself part of the Order of the Invisible Hand. Still, she needed him.

Becka turned back to her desk and checked her schedule. She sighed heavily. The Excalbian and Pantocratorian ambassadors were both on the schedule. Probably with more demands. The President looked at her watch, counting the hours until dinner and the end of her day.

bump for Knoot ...

OOC: my deployment of the fleet into the artic hearkens back a loooong time OOC, but ICly it is only a few days ago. Uhm. Yeah. Might be a way to take this to UV in a symbolic way as well, so I figured I might as well post the arrival of the western fleet which is now, due to the provisional agreement, a bit moot. But still.

Western Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of north-east Upper Virginia

Open sea again.

Commander Dekker of the Ondeugd-class battleship KDF Gulzigheid breathed a sigh of relief as the icebreakers parted before the bow of the 350-metre long monster of the third fleet (now officially designated ‘KDF Observer Battlegroup Fleet West Atlantic’ in VERITAS military lingo)

The icy-cold wind blew through the pale green officers uniform of the 39-year old Commander and played with the small stubbles on his bare chin as he stood on deck watching the proceedings. All things considered, the weather was better now than it had been when they were still fighting the Arctic itself. In the distance, the frigate Ursula was beginning to take up its new position relative to them as the entire fleet began to spread out after having been confined to a few small passageways in the ice for a large part of the journey.

“Aaaah, Dekker, glad you’ve decided to join us!”, the captain of the battleship said jovially as he entered the bridge. The ambitious navy technocrat was carrying a data padd which he handed immediately to his commander.

“Take a look at this report. Commendable efficiency I say. We are writing the next generation of navy textbooks right now. Look at this…”

Dekker perused the report CAESAR had drawn up on the journey. For a ship named after gluttony, the Gulzigheid had been remarkably efficient in her polar trip across the narrow icy passageways, cut out by the sturdy icebreakers. Regardless of what was to come, Dekker considered, this journey had been an impressive feat of naval ingenuity and from the clean radar sweep ahead of them it appeared as if surprise had been achieved.

“Captain?”, he asked to which the man nodded. “Have we received any new instructions since radio silence? I mean… with the summit and all…”

“Nothing yet Commander”, the captain replied. “But we will be getting them very soon, I’m sure. It will not be long now before the Pantocratorians or the Excalbians discover us at which point contact with Den Helder will be restored. Take your station and get the tactical update.”

“Aye Captain.”

Hans van Mierlo looked decidedly displeased as he packed his things. He had been sleeping during the negotiations, it seemed, that he had not seen this coming.

“Virginian allies indeed”, he muttered to himself repeating the words of Caine, mistified. “I must be getting too old for this. I cannot even focus anymore. I never allied any Virginians.” His eyes scouted to see if Drapeur, Freedman or Schlabel were available to talk to but it appeared that right now they were all engaged exchanging the usual pleasantries. Later perhaps he thought to himself.

The minister was tired, very tired, after the long negotiations and the flight on the chopper. His stiffened limbs were strained and his muscles ached. His thoughts, too, were confused as if his brain was no longer putting things in place. The luxurious illusion of a palace room created for the purpose of negotiations had caused the aging Knootian minister to forget the fact that they were not in his beloved Hofburg but on a destroyer with some painfully steep metal stairs. With a particularly ill-placed step on the metal stairs leading to the deck, the Knootian minister tumbled and fell backwards, dropping on his head with paperwork flying all around. A Lavenrunzian marine immediately kneeled next to him, but blood from the back of his head was seeping through his cracked skull onto the carpet, mixing with his thin grey hairs…

Drapeur's eyes went wide with surprise as he casually looked away from his conversation partner for a moment only to see Hans van Mierlo lying at an odd angle on the floor, with a Lavenrunzian marine kneeling over him. He set his buffet plate aside and hurried over to the man.

"What happened?" he asked, crouching over van Mierlo and seeing the blood in the carpet. "Does this ship have a doctor?"

Unfortunately, Dr Drapeur was a doctor of philosophy, not of medicine, and was helpless to assist van Mierlo. Then again, judging by the look of the man, there was nobody who could help him now...

***

Lord First Admiral Phocas stared out the window on the bridge of his new flagship, HIMS Southport, across the sea at HIMS Imperator Andreus, his flagship at the beginning of operations off the shore of Upper Virginia. Imperator Andreus had by now been repaired after suffering a devastating missile hit during the coup, and Phocas found himself missing his old ship. The Southport was a Majesty-class carrier, developed as part of the Excalbian Mark-V naval program. Its hull had been laid out in Excalbia, although with the exception of the computer control system, most of the ship's systems had been built in Pantocratoria (to Excalbian specifications).

"Message from the Imperial High Command to Commander, Upper Virginian Stabilisation Naval Group!" started the communications officer, snapping Phocas out of his reverie. "My lord First Admiral, MATER wishes to speak to you."

"In the booth." Phocas nodded, and headed over to the secure, sound proof booth and mini-office where Phocas took all his orders from the Imperial High Command's eyes, ears and mouthpiece, the MATER computer system. It wouldn't do to have the crew overhearing such things, after all. He closed the door and in two seconds, the light in the room went blue.

"Door seal confirmed." said an electronic voice.

Phocas flicked the communications switch, and MATER's voice filled the little booth.

"My Lord First Admiral, the Imperial High Command informs you that a Knootian Defence Force naval battlegroup, designated henceforth in future communications as Battlegroup Insolence, has arrived in the Excalbian Isles. Exact position to be transferred into your tactical computers at end communication." said a cold, vaguely female voice.

"What?" Phocas snapped. "Why wasn't I informed earlier? Fleets don't just materialise out of the air!"

"Analysis suggests that Battlegroup Insolence took an arctic route. Its presence was not detected until one hour, thirteen minutes ago." she replied.

"Not good enough!" Phocas said, slamming his fist down on the desk.

"-ding dong-All equipment on-board ship is Crown property. Please do not damage it. -ding dong-All equipment on-board ship is Crown property. Please do not damage it." buzzed an annoying electronic voice from the booth's own computer system.

"Please do not damage your equipment, my lord First Admiral. All equipment..." MATER started.

"I know, all equipment is Crown property." Phocas rolled his eyes. Computers!

"The Imperial High Command advises that you effect maximum peacetime level alert. Under no circumstances are Pantocratorian forces to fire first. We do not foresee a shooting war at this time." MATER relayed.

"Very good." Phocas nodded.

"Communication ends. God Save the Emperor!" MATER concluded.

"God Save the Emperor!" Phocas replied. The blue light went off when he flicked the switch to close the line to MATER.

President Caine, who was watching van Mierlo stalk off, was one of the first to see the elderly Knootian fall. Caine rushed to the man’s side, arriving just as a Lavenrunzian Marine knelt beside the diplomat. The president felt for a pulse.

"What happened?" The Pantocratorian Chancellor asked, crouching over van Mierlo and seeing the blood in the carpet. "Does this ship have a doctor?"

“A ship’s doctor probably wouldn’t be equipped to handle this,” Caine said, without turning to look at Drapeur.

Governor Peller and State Police Commandant Mike Mackeown ran up behind Caine.

“Dear Lord,” Peller said, covering his mouth in shock.

“We need to get him to St. Joseph’s – they have a trauma ward,” Mackeown said, gentling tapping the governor on the shoulder.

“Yes, yes, call them, Commander,” Peller said. He reached out and tapped President Caine. “Mr. President, we’re going to take Mr. van Mierlo to St. Joseph’s. I plan to accompany him. Would you like to join me, sir?”

Caine looked up and nodded. “That would be nice of you, Peller.” The president scanned the room looking for the rest of van Mierlo’s delegation. They should probably be escorted to the hospital as well.

“Governor, Mr. President, Mr. Chancellor,” Mackeown said, “we have a medevac chopper on its way; we’ll have Mr. van Mierlo to the hospital in,” the police commander looked at his watch, “about seven minutes.” Mackeown turned to the Lavenrunzian Marine. “Can someone get us clearance to land? And we’ll need a stretcher and a neck brace, if you have one.”

The Imperial Marine had of course shouted "MEDIC!" and in short order a medic and the ship's surgeon were there, preparing Van Mierlo for transportation from the destroyer. Schlabel arrived, his cigar clenched tightly, and silently watched. Before they carefully lifted Van Mierlo, braced on the stretcher so that his head would not unduly move, Schlabel bowed to him gravely.
"God be with you, Hans van Mierlo." he said quietly, knowing ruefully that the elderly Knootian would have possibly flinched at the blessing, but not knowing what else to say.

"Ah, Monsieur le Maréchal," said Jocelyn Verditanie as she rose to her feet to greet Marshal Louis Fizcésar, Comte de Joilliet, as he entered her office in the new Pantocratorian embassy in Courtland. "Welcome back to Courtland."

Without a word the aristocratic officer handed his baton to his aide-de-camp. Then, holding his white gloves in his left hand, which remained firmly on his hip as was the fashion at the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator, he nodded slightly and smiled courteously by way of acknowledging the acting ambassador to Upper Virginia.

"A pleasure as always, madame." the Marshal replied. "Any news of Sir Pierre?"

"Unhappily, no, Monsieur le Maréchal." Verditanie replied. "Please, take a seat."

Both the Marshal and his ADC, Colonel Markos, sat down in the chairs across the desk from Verditanie, who sat down herself. She hated dealing with this self-important chauvinist, but as the commander of Pantocratorian military forces in Upper Virginia, the Marshal couldn't be ignored. She just wished he wasn't so opinionated about...

"Madame, I demanded this meeting because I have a list of certain members of the bourgeoisie whom I want to arrest as traitors to Their Majesties, and the interim government." the Marshal said flatly, holding out his hand to his aide-de-camp awaiting the list.

...everything. There was virtually nothing the Marshal didn't have a strong opinion of, and certainly nothing on which he thought it prudent to keep his opinions to himself. He had been ranting about the bourgeoisie in Upper Virginia for sometime.

"Monsieur le Maréchal..." Verditanie started. "You can't simply arrest Upper Virginians for treachery against foreign monarchs, even our own. And..."

"Nonsense, of course I can!" the Marshal declared. "I have holding cells a-plenty, and I could have MPs sent to the homes of every one of these traitors during the night, and in the morning, they would be gone."

He thrust the list across the table into her hands. To humour him, she began reading.

"This man is the President of the Bank of Courtland! And this one the Chairman of the Chamber of Industry! Half the Chamber of Commerce... Monsieur le Maréchal... even if I had the power to authorise you to arrest these people, I still wouldn't! These are some of the most prominent names in Upper Virginian society!" the acting ambassador exclaimed as she skimmed over the list.

"Prominent?" snorted the Marshal derisively. "Mere bourgeoisie!"

The remark burned Verditanie a little. While he never said anything to her face about it, she knew that the Marshal had complained to New Rome on several occasions that whereas Sir Pierre was a person of quality, she was a commoner. Her friends in the Department of Foreign Affairs in New Rome had tipped her off about a phone call he had made. She wondered whether he used the term bourgeoisie then to describe her with such derision.

"Monsieur le Maréchal... however lowly you may regard their birth..." she replied, struggling to keep her tone soft and inoffensive. "These men are not the sort who would... be gone... as you put it, without a fuss. I have no authority to issue arrest warrants for Upper Virginians, or Pantocratorians for that matter, so I can..."

"Pardon me, madame, but you are about to meet the President, are you not?" Colonel Markos interrupted.

Try as he might, Markos couldn't get the Marshal to understand that the list of names he had composed from IFIS reports should be passed on to President Harrison, and so had been forced to endure his attempts to convince the acting ambassador to make the arrests himself. The real man in charge of the Fifth Provincial Infantry Legion could no longer remain silent and let his blundering commander - or should that be his charge - confuse the issue further.

"I am, monsieur." nodded Verditanie.

"Perhaps then..." Markos prompted.

"...oh, yes..." the Marshal nodded, remembering the conversation. "Well perhaps, madame, if you refuse to do anything yourself, you could pass these names on to President Harrison, and recommend that she do something about them?"

Markos nodded to Verditanie, who knew that if Markos thought the list needed action, it really must be an important list.

"I shall do so, Monsieur le Maréchal." she promised. "Is there anything else?"

"Yes, I wanted to talk to you about getting more wines in from home, the local wines are barely fit for cooking. Some not even fit for use as cooking wines in the kitchens of places of disrepute, even..." the Marshal began.

Jocelyn Verditanie could tell this was going to be a long meeting.

***

Two hours later, she found herself waiting outside President Harrison's office, fifteen minutes late to her meeting, the list in her hand, and her ears still ringing with the Marshal's complaints.

Central Atlantic

Admiral Keyserling was in the gym doing situps when the 1MC went off informing her that there was a message for her. She sighed, toweled herself off a bit, ran a comb through her hair and pulled on a warmup suit that was in navy colours and bore her patch on it, and went up to the CIC. There she found her chief of signals with her operations chief, with a message for her.
She glanced at it, and after going through authentication she nodded. "Have the squadron advance into the North Atlantic. Apparently we''ve been invited to take part in exercises with some of our VERITAS allies."
"I thought the exercise was still only theoretical." offered the Operations Chief.
"Well, the Navy is always prepared." she quipped. "I'm going to have a shower; by the time I get back be ready to brief me on the status of all vessels."

“Medevac flight’s here,” Commandant Mackeown said, folding up his mobile phone. He reached down to help the Lavenrunzian medical staff lift van Mierlo’s stretcher. Together they carried the Knootian to the top of the stairs and out to the deck.

A dull white medevac helicopter stood waiting on the deck, its blades still turning. A large red cross adorned the large side door, which stood open waiting for patient. Carefully crewmen in orange flight suits jumped out and rushed to take the stretcher from the Lavenruzians. Crouching low, they eased the stretcher into the chopper. As the crewman climbed back in, a doctor bent over the Knootian and began examining him.

Mackeown, bending at the waist, rushed towards the chopper and helped slide the door closed. He backed away from the helicopter as it lifted off the deck.

As the helicopter cleared the deck, Governor Peller and President Caine approached Mackeown. The state police commander turned and nodded. “He’s on his way. We should go now.”

Peller nodded and led Caine down the gangway to their waiting vehicles. Mackeown saw the governor and president safely into their cars, then looked to see if any of the Knootian delegation would be joining them.

The Presidential Palace, Courtland, Upper Virginia

Gwen Ubrecht, an attractive young woman in a smart business suit, greeted Ambassador Verditanie with a polite nod. “Madame Ambassador, the President will be ready to see you in just a moment.” Gwen, a junior assistant to the provisional president, nodded again and stepped into the Octagon Room. A few moments later she returned and nodded again to Verditanie.

“Madame Ambassador, the President is ready for you.” With a sweeping gesture Gwen led the ambassador into the president’s formal office.

President Becka Harrison, a short middle-aged woman with sandy blonde hair, stood and extended her hand to the Pantocratorian ambassador.

“Madame Ambassador, it is a pleasure to see you. Please have a seat.” The president led the ambassador to sitting area next to a darkened fireplace. As they passed the president’s large oak desk it was obvious Harrison did not use the desk – there were no papers, no pens and no personal photos.

The president, dressed in a dark blue pants suit gestured for the ambassador to sit.

“I hope you are finding your new embassy acceptable. Are the renovations complete?” The president gave the ambassador a knowing smile. “And I understand the Comte de Joilliet is in town. How is the Marshal?”


Aboard DNS New Hope in waters off the northeastern coast…

“Captain,” LCDR Uldis Stalis said with a click of heels.

SCDR Stefan Pilnvaris, the battlecruiser’s commanding officer, swiveled in his seat and nodded to his second officer. Ever since the coup, Pilnvaris had noted a renewed crispness in discipline – in the Navy at least. He was relieved to see it and attributed to the officers and men knowing that they were no longer serving a tyrant. Instead, they now felt they were serving their country. And that seemed to have renewed everyone’s sense of pride and duty.

“Report, Commander,” Pilnvaris said.

“Forward patrols report multiple contacts 20 k-m off the port bow. At least one contact has been tentatively identified as a Knootian frigate.”

Pilnvaris gave Stalis a grim, silent look. After several seconds, he nodded. “Mr. Stalis notify the NMCC, flash precedence.”

“Aye, aye, sir.”

“Also, Commander, please send a message to the Knootian fleet.”

“Aye, Captain,” Stalis said.

“Send my compliments to their commander. Tell them we have no hostile intentions. Advise them that they are approaching Upper Virginian territorial waters and ask them to advise us of their intentions.”

“Very good, sir,” Stalis said turning to carry out his orders.

From: Commander, DNS New Hope
To: Commander, Knootian Naval Force

Please accept my complements to you and your fleet.

Be assured that neither my command nor any element of the Upper Virginian Navy have any hostile intent towards your forces. However, you are approaching Upper Virginian territorial waters.

Therefore, we request that you advise us soonest of your intentions.

Regards,
Senior Commander Pilnvaris

(OOC: bump for Knoot and Panto)

Western Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of north-east Upper Virginia

"The bridge has detected an incoming transmission", CAESARs soft female voice whispered aboard the flagship of the Knootian Third Fleet. Without commenting, an elderly grey gentleman in green uniform withdrew himself to an antechamber only to reappear 15 minutes later. A short burst from one of the battleships communications disks shot a message back at the New Hope

To: Commander, DNS New Hope
From: Commander, KDF Observer Battlegroup Fleet West Atlantic

Be assured that the Marine, including the fleet under my command, has no hostile intentions towards the Upper Virginian Navy or any other naval presence in the region. We will take every measure to avoid Upper Virginian territorial waters in our mission.

I duly apologise that the naval geography of these waters has made this close approach unavoidable but hope that you will understand this. Our fleet is on a course due south, and we expect to clear your EEZ within a reasonable timetable so as to minimise any interruptions in patrol schedules and civilian traffic.

Regards,

Admiraal Bronckhorst

OOC note about military ranks:
There is an entry on ranks in the Knootian Defence Force in NSwiki (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Knootian_Defence_Force#Ranks) with a comparison to their approximate modern NATO equivalent. I sometimes use the English equivalent word. i.e. Dekker is a "Commandeur" (OF-4) which would translate into English as Commander and it would also be a Commander in the RL Royal Navy. If it were to come to a meeting I guess we should work out how Panties fancy titles compare to the Knootian system if both are going to pull rank ;)

Lavenrunzian destroyer Alfkonur

Amras Eärfalas had been looking at the foreign ministers body, rather nonplussed. As he overheard Schlabels blessing he even smiled briefly. Just before the helicopter landed, he flipped open a phone-like device and started a conversation in advanced Quenya, pressing his hand against his free (pointy) ear to increase reception. Although the words were in all likelihood incomprehensible to anyone else in earshot, his tone and body language was relaxed.

Still very much engaged in his long-distance conversation, the Knootian elf nodded briefly to Mackeown and followed him to one of the cars.

***

The helicopter flight seemed to last an eternity for Hans van Mierlo as his consciousness floated between the bright lights with the stressed human faces hovering above him, and the darkness that kept overtaking him periodically. He grunted something and tried to open his eyes more as he felt the life slip from him slowly. Something was put on his mouth, and a piercing pain at the back of head would not go away. As for the rest of his body he did not feel much at all. He tried to gather his thoughts, but he felt nothing. All around him, a cacophony: agitated shouting all around him, electronic device beeping and buzzing, the distinct sound of landing gear directly below him, fading. Silence and blackness.

***

When the cars with their high-placed passengers pulled in front of St. Joseph’s Hospital, a doctor was waiting for them, blood on his white gloves. Standing around him were several nurses and the hospital manager. The looks on their faces said it all…

Trouw, front page, the next day.

http://www.martijnbeekman.nl/beeld_portret/015_portret_groot.jpg

Foreign and Defence Minister Hans van Mierlo dies

THE HAGUE - Cabinet minister Hans van Mierlo, 89, has died from fatal injuries after falling from stairs while attending diplomatic talks on the conflict with Excalbia, in Saxmere. He fell down from the stairs of the Lavenrunzian destroyer Alfkonur directly after finishing the talks.

Hans van Mierlo was flown by Medical helicopter to St. Josephs hospital in Saxmere, where he was pronounced dead, a visibly emotional Foreign Ministry spokesman told the assembled press. It is understood Mr Van Mierlo, who has several adult children and granddchildren, arrived at hospital about 15 minutes after his fall and was declared dead five minutes later. It was more than three hours before the Foreign Ministry confirmed his death, as it is believed family members were being informed.

The Foreign Ministry also announced that the minister and his conversation partners had agreed upon a provisional agreement containing confidence building measures, which the Confederation and Excalbia will implement on a reciprocal basis so as to foster further discussions on the framework of a general settlement.

Van Mierlo had been at the head of Knootian foreign policy for almost 24 years, making him the longest-serving minister in Knootian history. He was due to retire in several weeks following the instalment of a new government.

Following Mr Van Mierlo's death, former friends and colleagues paid tribute to him. Conservative leader Hugo Deburghraeve said: "He is a very great loss. He was someone who made an immense contribution to Knootian modern history." Green leader Femke Halsema said: "Both Knootian and international politics have lost a good and gifted man.". The SLP is "in mourning about this pillar of Knootian social-liberalism, one of the Great Knootians." Jan Willem Daatman told journalists he was still too much in grief to comment, and was reportedly spotted crying in the The Hague town hall.

Prime Minister Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan told the press in a written statement released by Noordeinde Palace that her minister was "an outstanding, extraordinary talent". In the same statement, she also announced that she would take over his duties and act as foreign minister and supreme commander of the Knootian Defence Force until a new government would be installed. She has also pledged to attend the continued talks on Excalbia in his place, where she is expected to take a firm but confrontational stance.

The Prime Minister will not be changing her schedule to attend the cremation, but she has pledged to honour the minister posthumously with the highest rank in the Order of the Guinea Pig. All other cabinet ministers have so far pledged to attend, and foreign dignitaries are also expected. The family has requested that the scope of the cremation will be limited to personal friends and acquaintances of the minister.

[See: Pages 2,3,4: the extraordinary life of “Mr. Knootoss”, obituaries page 7. Commentary, page 10,11.]

A cartoon on the "potential referendum" on Saxmere, in the left-wing newspaper de Volkskrant, 2 days after the death of Hans van Mierlo, paraphrasing Order of the Invisible Hand doctrine as quoted by a well-known Order publisher.

http://knootoss.vogels.nu/images/Saxmerecartoon.JPG

"Monsieur de Joilliet is well." nodded Verditanie, as she sat down across from President Harrison. "He's concerned though, Madam President. In his capacity as commander of Pantocratorian forces here in Upper Virginia, he has access to a variety of sources of information. He's had some alarming information of late about... potentially subversive elements within the country. And I don't just mean loyalists to the previous regime, Madam President."

She produced an envelope and laid it on the President's desk tentatively. She was still relatively new to the job and was still nervous dealing with sensitive issues like this.

"We understand that in your situation, Madam President, you've been forced to rely on support from whichever sections of the community were ready to offer their support." she started, her tone slightly strained. "However, Monsieur de Joilliet strongly urges that you look into the names on the list in that envelope. We'd strongly suggest that you investigate each of these names, and we believe it would be in your interest, Madam President, to distance yourself from the people on this list as much as possible."

***

Imperial News Nightly

"..Chancellor said that Monsieur van Mierlo was a fine negotiator and extended his condolences to his family." said the news presenter, Georges Pelopoulos. "On the topic of the negotiations in Saxmere, I spoke with the Foreign Minister, Demetrios Raoul, earlier tonight."

The presenter looked at the monitor on the wall, and his pre-recorded interview with the minister began to play. After half a second, the main feed switched over to the feed on the monitor.

"Minister, the passing of Hans van Mierlo is obviously a tragedy. Would you describe it as a great blow to these negotiations?" Pelopoulos asked.

"Well, it is a tragedy and can I just start the interview by extending my condolences to Hans van Mierlo's family and friends." Raoul said. "But look, I don't think this is a great blow to negotiations, I believe that the incoming Knootian Government is committed to these negotiations, is committed to peace, and will share Hans van Mierlo's commitment in that regard, and that ultimately, the process is bigger than any of the individuals involved."

"The Knootian Prime Minister, Galadriël Táralóm, has indicated that she intends to take over from Hans van Mierlo in these negotiations." Pelopoulos said. "Do you think she shares that commitment?"

"Well..." Raoul said, shifting in his seat a little. "I don't think it is worthwhile anybody negotiating with the outgoing Knootian Prime Minister at this point. It would be far better for us to simply wait and resume negotiations when the new Knootian Government is in office. That way we can be sure that the incoming government is happy with the agreement and intends to honour it."

"You were prepared to negotiate with Hans van Mierlo. He's a part of the outgoing government..." Pelopoulos said.

"Yes but his party will also be part of the new government. Knootian politics are rather stagnant like that, you see." Raoul replied.

"So if the outgoing Prime Minister were to call you tonight, say," Pelopoulos asked. "And wanted to resume negotiations in Upper Virginia say next week, what would you say?"

"Well, I would naturally consult with my cabinet colleagues..." Raoul equivocated.

"But if it were up to you alone?"

"I would thank her for the call, hear what she had to say, but tell her that we were only interested in negotiating a settlement which would be agreeable to the incoming government, and that to that end, in my opinion, we should only negotiate with that incoming government." Raoul said.

"So you'd rather wait for the next government to be formed in Knootoss before resuming negotiations?" Pelopoulos asked.

"Well, I think that would potentially be the wisest course of action." Raoul nodded.

Aboard DNS New Hope...

SCDR Stefan Pilnvaris read the transmission from the Knootian battlegroup and turned to his XO, CDR Porter Hall. “XO, flash this to NMCC. Advise all ships in our area of the Knootian presence and recommend that they give them a wide berth.”

“Aye, sir,” Hall said as he turned to carry out the CO’s orders.

At the Presidential Palace, Courtland...

President Harrison opened the envelope and began reading the names. The first name was Forrest Turley, the Chairman of the Chamber of Industrials. Below that were numbers of bankers and industrialists. All supporters of Turley and, for the moment at least, backers of her government. The president held a massive headache beginning at the base of her skull. It was bound to be a whopper.

“Madam Ambassador,” she began, sounding a little more plaintive than she intended, “I certainly understand the Marshal’s concern about some of these individuals. My own chief of intelligence, Maj, er, Mr. Thorsen, has cautioned me that at least some of these individuals may be members of the Order of the Invisible Hand or, at least, sympathetic to the Order. I also understand that Pantocratoria, like Excalbia, has had some… disagreements with Knootoss and the Order and that you regard the Order as a… subversive element.”

The president swallowed hard. She was going to need at least 800 mg of ibuprofen and a cup of strong coffee. “However, as much as we appreciate Pantocratoria’s assistance, we are not a party to your… disagreements with Knootoss or the Order. The Order is perfectly legal in Upper Virginia and it has shown no interest in subverting the government, at least no more than any of our other nascent political parties that are trying to sway the government one way or the other. Why, my Secretary of Commerce and special advisor for economic reform are both associates of Turley and as likely to be members of the Order as anyone on this list. And my Secretary of Social Welfare is, at the very least, sympathetic to the FVLA, if not an actual member.

“So, what can I do, Madam Ambassador?” The president shrugged. “I could fire the suspect cabinet secretaries and cut my ties to Turley and suspend negotiations with the FVLA. But then, I would be leading a minority government in a highly fractured society with a recent history of civil war and coups d’etat. How long do you think the provisional government would survive in that case, Madam Ambassador?

“Now, that said, if the Marshal, or you, have any evidence – real evidence – that any of these people have taken or have supported any actions against the government or against your own forces in Upper Virginia, then I can proceed against them through the courts. Other than that, all I can do is say that I appreciate your warning and assure you that I will take such steps as I can to monitor these people and keep sensitive information out of their hands.”

Becka forced a smile despite the throbbing migraine. “Was there anything else, Madam Ambassador?”

Aboard INV Majestic, Off the Eastern Coast of the Excalbian Isles

ADM Stephen Virities took the sheet of paper from the communications chief and unfolded it. His eyes went wide as he read it.

To: Commander, Home Fleet
From: Chief of Imperial Naval Operations

Subject: Knootian Fleet Movements

Upper Virginian NMCC has advised that Dominion naval forces have made contact with a large Knootian battlegroup – designated KDF Observer Battlegroup Fleet West Atlantic - off their northeastern coast moving south towards the Confederation.

MinDef and the Citadel concur to raise national threat con to Bravo. Recommend you raise your command to threat con Charlie.

Take no hostile actions. Locate Knootian force and track. Establish communications and determine intentions.

If Knootian force enters Confederation waters do not rpt do not engage. Advise CINO and Citadel immediately and seek further guidance. Notify Lavenrunzian naval forces of the Knootian action and report it as a violation of provisional agreement.

By order of the Emperor,
ADM Sir Derek Kunle
CINO
COGS

Virities crumpled the paper. “Orders,” he called out softly. Immediately, CDR Alison Fridberga, one of his staff aides, approached.

“Admiral?”

“New orders for the fleet, Commander. Establish threat con Charlie. Begin full combat air patrols. I want forward patrols to the north up to 300 klicks from the fleet. Weapons to stand-by, but no one is cycle up to firing ready or fire without my explicit permission, unless fired upon. Active ASW and AA measure within the fleet. I want any contact reported to me immediately.”

“Aye, aye, sir,” Fridberga said, a slight nervous tone to her voice.

“After that, come back, Commander. We need to send a message.”

“Yes, sir.”

To: Commander, KDF Observer Battlegroup Fleet West Atlantic
From: Commander, Exalbian Imperial Home Fleet

My complements to you and your command.

Please be advised that you may be headed for an interdiction zone. As commander of the Excalbian fleet, I am declaring a security zone within a perimeter of 100 kilometers of our fleet. You are requested not to approach or enter this zone. We are conducting exercises within this zone.

We also request that you advise us of your intentions and course in order to avoid any misunderstanding.

Regards,
Admiral Virities, Commanding

Umbra, Capital of Saxmere

The following morning, Lady Christina Freedman stood in front of her hotel in the old quarter of Umbra under the glare of television lights.

“Ladies and gentlemen of the press, I will not be taking any questions, but I do have a brief statement.

“Today, we in the Holy Empire of Excalbia join the people of the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss in morning the loss of Hans van Mierlo. Mr. van Mierlo served his nation for over 20 years as a government minister. He was a capable and effective advocate of his nation’s policies and interests. At the same time, he was unfailing a gentleman.

“It is much to his credit that his last act was to help forge a provisional agreement between the Holy Empire and the people of Saxmere and administration of President Caine. This agreement, while yet to be finalized, does provide a way forward to peaceful and permanently resolve the conflict between the people of Saxmere and their allies and the Confederation and its allies.

“Therefore, I am pleased to propose that when negotiations resume in Upper Virginia that they be dedicated to the memory of Mr. van Mierlo and his diplomatic accomplishments.”

Sweyn Castle
Citadel Excalbia

Lady Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan,
Prime Minister of the D.D.R. of Knootoss

Your Excellency,

Please accept my condolences in the loss of your Foreign Minister, Mr. Hans van Mierlo. While I never had the pleasure of personally meeting Mr. van Mierlo, I have heard from my Chancellor, Lady Christina Freedman, that Mr. van Mierlo was a gentleman and an accomplished diplomat. Certainly, his legacy of achievement proves the latter.

Please pass my condolences to Mr. van Mierlo’s family. My wife and I pray for the eternal rest of his soul.

Please also be assured of my hopes for a peaceful settlement or our current disputes.

Yours sincerely,
David IV
Emperor

"Madam President," Verditanie said. "You misunderstand me. I am merely asking for you to investigate these names yourself, not for you to arrest anybody on the basis of a list of names handed to you in an envelope by a foreign ambassador. Have them looked into. No investigation ever harmed an innocent man, after all."

She shrugged and continued.

"I'm sure Monsieur de Joilliet could've provided me with more evidence, details, more than just names. But we wouldn't want you to simply take our word for it. Pantocratoria would like for you to look at these people yourself, and make your own determination as to what should happen to them. Trust, however, Madam President, that we do expect you to investigate. And consider whether you owe more to men whom your own investigation will find to be treacherous or to your supporters in New Rome and Citadel Excalbia." she said as non-threateningly as she could. "Which reminds me, in his most recent letter, the Emperor expressed his concern that his ambassador to the Dominion, Sir Pierre de Thrake, has not yet been returned. Perhaps the Secretary for Social Welfare might ask some of his... friends... where Sir Pierre might be? Perhaps he might ask before the Emperor is no longer content to merely write me letters on the topic?"

***

"Trade agreements?" the Emperor asked, as if amused.

Sitting in the chair across from the Emperor's desk in the Sun King Room, Drapeur looked tired. He had only had a few hours sleep the night before after flying back from Saxmere, and then a late night meeting with the Socialist frontbench.

"The Knootians attach some value to trade agreements. They believe that with economic interdependence comes closer diplomatic ties." Drapeur explained.

"I understand." the Emperor nodded. "But why would they think we want either?"

"I don't think it is so much a matter of them thinking we want either, Sire, as it is of them wanting both." Drapeur said needlessly.

"What is your opinion, doctor?" the Emperor asked.

"There is little doubt that a free trade agreement between Knootoss and Pantocratoria would benefit Knootoss more than it would benefit Pantocratoria, which isn't to say that it wouldn't be of benefit to both our economies." Drapeur started. "There are some sectors of our economy which would probably find the increased competition forced them out of the market, but there are some who would argue that if those sectors cannot be competitive, then the effort expended in them should be refocussed in other areas. I am reasonably comfortable with the economics, and think that we should probably agree. Knootoss has made some concessions. While trade is hardly related to the real dispute here, the Knootians would see us agreeing to their proposal as a concession of sorts on our side, so that things are not entirely one-sided."

"We shouldn't need to make any concessions. They are the ones, after all, who caused all this through their interference in the Excalbian Isles." the Emperor said. "This is probably what they've wanted all along. They encroach into our sphere, and then offer to pull back in exchange for tribute! We'd only be encouraging them to try it again if we agreed. They are the ones in the wrong, why should they get anything?"

"Sire, perhaps this is a matter for pragmatism, not for principle?" Drapeur suggested.

"Perhaps." the Emperor said. "In any case, I agree with Monsieur Raoul. There's no point in negotiating with that elf in the Hague. Let us wait for her to depart, and see how their demands change with a change in government."

"Sire, a Knootian fleet has arrived. I fear things may escalate the longer we leave this..." Drapeur started. "Raoul hadn't consulted with me when he said that we could and should wait."

"If the Knootians escalate things, they will only have more egg on their face when they are forced to withdraw." the Emperor replied.

"I am not convinced that we aren't able to wait, and agree that if we can, waiting is the better option, Sire, but if it is better for us to negotiate sooner, then I feel we should do it." Drapeur said. "I wish it wasn't an issue. Monsieur van Mierlo was a reasonable man, we could've dealt with him."

Drapeur paused melancholically, but it was clear that the Emperor was disinterested in the fate of the Knootian Foreign Minister.

"Thank you, Doctor Drapeur." the Emperor said, rising to his feet, indicating that the meeting was over.

"A pleasure, as always, Your Majesty." said Drapeur, rising to his feet and bowing politely.

President Harrison put her hand to her forehead. Soon, she would have to excuse herself to take something for her headache. “I apologize, Madam Ambassador. I fear I was thinking of what I suspect the good Marshal wanted to request. Of course, we shall continue our investigation into these names. I shall ask Mr. Thorsen to attend to it personally.

“If we can find any evidence of wrong doing, I assure you that we will take the appropriate actions. In the spirit of cooperation, Madam Ambassador, I will be happy to share with you the results of Mr. Thorsen’s investigation as soon as I have reviewed it.”

The president picked up folder that her staff had prepared for the meeting and began flipping through its pages. “As for Sir Pierre de Thrake, we have been receiving regular communications from the FVLA about his fate; I had asked my staff to forward them to you. Ah,” the president pulled out a sheet of paper and passed it across her desk to the ambassador, “her is the most recent message.

“As you can see, the FVLA has gone out of its way to reassure us that your predecessor is being well cared for. They have tried to use him as a bargaining chip without being too blunt about it. However, in the latest communiqué, it sounds to us as if they are looking for a way to send him back without losing face. They talk about an offer he made of having Pantocratoria assure them some kind of hearing for their position. It seems to me that, perhaps, if you were to offer to let Sir Pierre de Thrake carry a message from the FVLA directly to your government, they might accept that.”

The president shifted and picked up a copy of the same document. “And, one unusual thing, they mention another employee of your embassy who approached the FVLA during the coup, also apparently with some kind of offer of assistance. I don’t recall reading anything about her in any of your official reports on losses suffered during Altman’s crackdown and the coup. I was wondering if you could shed any light on who she is.”

The Liberated City of Harrington, Upper Virginia

Sub-commander Ulman shrugged and played with the unlit cigarette in his hand. “I understand, Chairman. It’s just…”

“Just what, Sub-commander?” Chairman Uldis Marko, the de facto mayor of the so-called Liberated City of Harrington and the public face of the Free Virginia Liberation Army leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms.

“Just that the ambassador is so… annoying.”

Marko chuckled and leaned forward, placing his elbows on his desk. “So he is. So he is.” Marko stood and straightened his neat, green camouflage fatigues. “And that, my friend,” he put his arm around the far less tidy revolutionary, “is why you are the one who deals with him and not I.”

Ulman frowned and shrugged. “I thought we are about overturning hierarchies?”

“No,” Marko laughed, “just replacing the existing hierarchy with ours. “Now, Sub-commander, I suggest you attend to the ambassador’s needs. Remember, as Commander Lazarus said: He is our guest, not our prisoner.”

“I understand, Chairman.”

“And how is our other guest, Ms. Peterson?”

“She practically admits that ‘Joan Peterson’ is a false identity, but she still refuses to tell me her true identity or true mission. Surely, I should be able to interrogate her; she is not an ambassador, merely a spy.”

Marko shook his head. “No, Lazarus – and I – want her well treated. Isolated from the ambassador, but otherwise well treated.”

Ulman nodded and turned to leave. “Any word from the Commander?” He asked over his shoulder.

Marko shook his head. “No, the Commander is still attending to our defensive perimeter. Besides,” Marko’s tone was flat as spoke, “he has left me fully in charge.”

Ulman nodded again and continued out the door.

INS Morning Report

"Good morning, loyal fellow subjects, I am Max Fersen and this is the Early Morning News." said a resonant voice as the image of a fair haired man with chiseled features appeared on television screens across Lavenrunz and in some foreign households as well.
"In recent news, Her Imperial Majesty is reported to be settling down pleasantly into Her new marriage. A spokesperson for the Palace stated that Her Majesty is glad to have established close ties with the Empire of Pantocratoria in this manner.
Recent hsyteria regarding a biologically related incident near Carlsbad has been calmed. An outbreak of several communicable diseases has resulted in an investigation by the Ministry of Information into the activities of the Disease Research Administration. However, an official with Information Dispersal assures us," here Max Fersen smiled happily, "That there is no danger, and that citizens living in or near Carlsbad should obey public warning announcements such as those to wear paper facial masks when travelling in hazardous areas."
"Recent events in national government have focused on a study on obesity and whether or not a national exercise program should be conducted. The Minister of the Treasurey announced that more funding would be given to the Ministry of Public Services in order to make certain that public announcement systems exist in all possible public areas of Lavenrunz. And the public nudity laws have been repealed for further study; abuses of this especially in such areas at Atlach have resulted in public debates and outrage. One of the worst of these debates raged over the polytechnical college of Atlach where students proposing their religion as 'naturist' used both the freedom of religion law and the public nudity law to go nude to class." he chuckled as an image of a bare bottomed pair of students, their only clothing the straps of their shoulder bags, walking by a group of surprised looking people up the stairs of the college. "I suppose some of those students are getting down to the bare facts. What?" he asked as groans were heard around him.
"Ah. A study recently showed that one of the causes of childhood ailments near industrial areas could be pollutants that result from disposal of chemical byproducts into waterways. The new Ministry of the Environment will be launching a full investigation of this matter to find out whether or not it is true."
"In foreign news: our Chancellor Hans Schlabel has achieved a great diplomatic victory by persuading the North Atlantic Nations of Knootoss, Pantocratoria, Excalbia, Sovriegn States of the importance of permitting the people of Saxmere to chose how they should define the sovereignty of their nation.
"A sad note: Hans van Mierlo, former foreign minister and roving diplomat of Knootoss, and several times a significant guest here in our country, died after falling down a flight of stairs on the destroyer Alfkonur. Though rushed to a hospital, he nevertheless died. A true gentleman, and one who graced many an important occasion here in Lavenrunz with his presence, he will be missed for a man who epitomized the best of his nation. Hearts go out to his family."

North Atlantic

Chancellor Schlabel had flown back home, and was in his mind preparing a speech he would give on the current situation.

Alfkonur remained in the area, waiting to rendevous with the Imperial navy squadron that was on its way. For once the seas were pleasant, and its arrival was expected within a day or two.

(OOC: Bump for Pantocratoria and Knootoss. Once we finish the current interlude with the Pantocratorian ambassador and the Knootian fleet we'll start the next round of negotiations in Courtland.)

To: Commander, Lavenrunzian Flag Ship Alfkonur
From: Commander, Exalbian Imperial Home Fleet

My complements to you and your command.

Please be advised that a force of Knootian warships has been reported off the northeastern coast of the Excalbian Isles headed south towards the Confederation and the interdiction zone.

We have declared a security zone within a perimeter of 100 kilometers of our fleet and have requested that the Knootians not approach or enter this zone.

We request your assistance in determining Knootian intentions so as to avoid any misunderstanding.

Regards,
Admiral Virities, Commanding

"Really?" Verditanie said. "Sir Pierre's personal secretary disappeared at the same time, we assumed that she had either been killed by the FVLA or was caught in the crossfire during the coup. Maybe that's her. We would of course not object to Sir Pierre being given a message to deliver to the Imperial Government and released."

She smiled and rose to her feet.

"If there's nothing else, Madam President?" she said.

OOC: I have made a Character wiki entry (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Admiraal_Bronckhorst) for the Knootian admiral in question. Also, Excalbia, I think there has been a small misunderstanding here about the location of my fleeyt, I suppose due to my mistaken use of “southeastern” coast of UV. I have drawn a map to make it a little clearer. Clicky clicky! (http://knootoss.vogels.nu/images/excalbiajourney.jpg). Basically this fleet was sent out at the beginning of the crisis (I mentioned the third fleet being missing, and dropped some other arctic hints) and only just restored radio contact after being spotted in the narrow straights west of UV. Obviously, the political situation has changed a bit since the fleet was sent out. Should this location affect your response (a higher threat level I suppose) then please TG me and we can work something out.


To: Commander, Exalbian Imperial Home Fleet
From: Commander, KDF Observer Battlegroup Fleet West Atlantic

Thank you for advising us of the situation. I have received orders to proceed on schedule and would like to receive coordinates of the declared interdiction zone, as well as a timetable for your exercises. Please be aware that I am not allowed to detour because of unannounced exercises insofar as they are taking place in international waters. I would request that a path is cleared for my Battlegroup Fleet into the Mid-Atlantic within twenty-six hours at the latest to prevent undue delays.

KDF Observer Battlegroup Fleet West Atlantic has been tasked with monitoring ship movements in the West-Atlantic region. Its secondary objectives include Arctic naval research. I am also pleased to report that this is the shakedown cruise of two of our new Ondeugd-class battleships.

Pending information with regards to your interdiction zone my fleet will proceed on a south-southwesterly course.

Regards,

Admiraal Bronckhorst

OOC: This post is an introduction to a thread that will be posted tomorrow about the Order rising in Guffingford. I telegrammed Knootoss about it and he liked the idea I proposed. This post might be a bit short, but this is to 'advertise' the thread I am going to post, which is going to be open RP. I'll edit this tomorrow to add the link. To be honest I only have a vague idea what is happening/what has happened in this thread, so this post does not bear much revelance to the thread itself. My apologies for this, I didn't want to post a simple OOC message without some IC.

Link to thread: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9592494#post9592494

A Brief Prologue

Just what is the the Order of the Invisible Hand going to do in Guffingford? Why do they need to be here? Guffingford isn't rich, but it is in some way. The workers are having a pretty good life, the nation's certainly not a plutocracy but it isn't a capitalist only state. So tell me, what is an order, a sect is maybe a better word, who worship the Free Market in a nation such as Guffingford? Well, there's something in Guffingford a Free Market the Order promotes just loves. It's a shiny yellow metal and is valued by every human being. We're talking gold here, the purest form dug up from the barren soil it lies in. He who has the gold, rules. And that is something the Order knows well - too well I'm afraid. Not a single soul knows what these crooks are up to, or what they are going to do with the gold. Building a shadow empire, finance their secret projects. A nation as fractured in politics and daily life as Guffingford, it shouldn't be hard to find some local corrupt mining officials who are glad to hand them over control of a mine or two in return for a job that pays better, a few right wing symthatisers. The future remains a mystery.

"Really?" Verditanie said. "Sir Pierre's personal secretary disappeared at the same time, we assumed that she had either been killed by the FVLA or was caught in the crossfire during the coup. Maybe that's her. We would of course not object to Sir Pierre being given a message to deliver to the Imperial Government and released."

She smiled and rose to her feet.

"If there's nothing else, Madam President?" she said.

"Very well, Madame Ambassasor," President Harrison said, sounding clearly relieved. "I shall pass the word to the FVLA through their negotiator. Hopefully, you shall have Sir Pierre and his secretary back within the week."

The President stood. "Thank you for your visit." Suddenly she paused. "There is one last thing, Madame Ambassador. What do you know of these talks in Saxmere? I know there are large scale fleet movements in connection with the dispute and now I hear the rumour that the parties may be seeking a change of venue. Perhaps to Upper Virginia..."

"I'm afraid I don't know very much about that, Madam President." Verditanie replied. "I believe my Government has no objection to moving negotiations to Upper Virginia pending your own approval. I don't yet know whether the Knootians intend for any third party mediation, and I don't know how they intend to explain their hostile action against Upper Virginia in the form of their fleet movements either. Thankyou very much for seeing me, once again. Good day, Madam President."

Bump for Excalbia? :p

To his Excellency Admiral Virities:

I will uphold to the best of my abilities the spirit of the negotiations at hand by laying my ship in the path of those who might oppose it. I am also authorized to inform you that a Lavenrunzian Carrier Group is on its way to reinforce this area.

I have the honor to be

Captain von Greim
Commander
Her Imperial Majesty's Ship Alfkonur



The destroyer was already on its way. The mood of the crew and officers was one of anticipation and excitement. No one seriously wanted to go to war with Knootoss, who were however irritating at times considered to be allies. And the irritation was largely with their government or the academics who insisted on iconoclasm. The people themselves had always been a friendly folk, and it was easy to smooth over those linguistic differences. But the idea of taking this updated sleek slick warship into action was a thrilling prospect...

The following messages were sent from INV Majestic, the Excalbian flagship...

To: Commander, KDF Observer Battlegroup Fleet West Atlantic
Copy To: Commander, HIMS Alfkonur
From: Commander, Exalbian Imperial Home Fleet

Thank you for clarifying your mission and intentions. Please be advised that the interdiction zone covers an area of 400 square km off the territorial waters of the Holy Empire of Excalbia. Exact coordinates will follow.

Due to the size, scope and number of ships involved in the current exercise, we recommend that you chart your course well to the west of the Excalbian Isles, towards the coast of Greenland.

If you are unable to do so, we are prepared to provide an escort of Imperial Naval vessels and aircraft to guide you safely through the interdiction zone.

Regards,
Admiral Virities,
Commanding

To: Commander, HIMS Alfkonur
From: Commander, Exalbian Imperial Home Fleet

Thank you for your commitment to the spirit of the recently concluded negotiations. We welcome your presence and the imminent arrival of your Carrier Group.

At this time it appears that the Knootian force is intent on approaching the western coast of the Excalbian Isles, off the territory of the Holy Empire itself.

We give you our assurance that we will not, repeat not, initiate any hostilities with the Knootians. However, we remain concerned about Knootian attentions.

Regards,
Admiral Virities,
Commanding

"I'm afraid I don't know very much about that, Madam President." Verditanie replied. "I believe my Government has no objection to moving negotiations to Upper Virginia pending your own approval. I don't yet know whether the Knootians intend for any third party mediation, and I don't know how they intend to explain their hostile action against Upper Virginia in the form of their fleet movements either. Thankyou very much for seeing me, once again. Good day, Madam President."


President Harrison stood and bowed slightly. “Thank you and good bye, Madam Ambassador.”

The President stood as the ambassador made her way out of the office. Once she was gone, she picked up the phone on the desk. “Gwen? Get Chairman Marko in Harrington on the line. Then, I want to speak with General Holmes. No, I’m going back up to my office; put the call through there…”

Several moments later, Becka Harrison was once again comfortably in her own cozy office. She kicked off her shoes – a pair of low-heel pumps that were too uncomfortably dressy – and settled into her chair. Her phone buzzed and she picked it up.

“Thank you, Gwen, put him through. Chairman Marko?”

“Madam President.”

“Chairman, I just met with the Pantocratorian ambassador. Or rather their acting ambassador. It seems you are still holding their ambassador and they are, now, quite anxious to have him back.”

“I understand. Are they prepared to allow him to carry our message to his government?”

“I have their acting ambassador’s assurance on that.”

“Then I shall send him and their… spy to Courtland tomorrow. Frankly, I shall be happy to see him depart. He has been a rather demanding guest.”

Becka ignored Marko’s attempts to provoke her on the subject of the Pantocratorians. “Good. We shall be expecting at our checkpoints.”

“Is that all, Madam President?”

“For now. Thank you, Marko.”

“You are welcome, Becka.”

The president hung up the phone. It was a bit of shock to be on a first name basis with the leader of a communist insurgency, but she was learning that the personal touch could pay dividends in politics.

-------------------------------------------------------
North Atlantic, Excalbian western seaboard
-------------------------------------------------------

On the radar of the Excalbian and Pantocratorian vessels in the northern parts of the waters east of the Atlantic, the number of unidentified ships rose steadily as time passed. Between 50 and 60 confirmed large contacts in total registered as time passed, identifying a number of battleships as belonging to the Third Fleet. The presence of airplanes flying combat air patrols around the fleet hinted at the presence of at least one aircraft carrier.

Some of the identified contacts, mostly frigates and destroyers, were taking up forward positions, coming to a halt at a line at the same latitude as Citadel Excalbia, roughly, only much farther towards Greenland. There these ships engaged in a full stop in what appeared to be some sort of defensive fleet formation.

To: Admiral Virities, Commander, Exalbian Imperial Home Fleet
From: Admiraal Bronckhorst . Commander, KDF Observer Battlegroup Fleet West Atlantic

Sir,

I thank you in turn for clarifying interdiction zone and your offer of an escort. Both have been received in due order and communicated back to our central command. I am afraid that I have orders not to deviate from our course. I must therefore repeat my request for a timetable with regards to your unannounced naval exercises.

I thank you for offering an escort of Imperial Naval vessels and aircraft to guide us through the interdiction zone, but must decline for security reasons. As it is possible for us to chart a path according to your previous letter, I’d like to request we be allowed to do so ourselves. I am willing to follow instructions from the Excalbian Imperial Navy to this end.

I have ordered my own fleet to hold position at coordinates sent to you. I ask that you likewise refrain from approaching the zone around my ships so as to avoid any security incidents in the meantime.

I anxiously await your speedy reply,

Admiraal Bronckhorst



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bunker under the Ministry of Defence, The Hague, Knootoss
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CAESAR MILSAT download complete and processed, anomalous reading detected.

A skinny man with huge thick glasses put down the pizza slice he was busily consuming in his office chair. Shutting down the streaming ‘pictures’ on monitor 1, he refocused himself on work.

“CAESAR, Define anomaly?”, he asked into the room, the same soft computer voice answering him immediately.

MILSAT 304 has revealed ten VERITAS signature ships in the Mid-Atlantic Region below the equator on a course due North-North-East. No VERITAS activity is scheduled in the North Atlantic and I am therefore required to report this reading and request that the alert system is raised to yellow-two. Defence Plan Raven is the protocol response if the likelihood of military naval engagement in the North Atlantic exceeds two percent.

“No data?” the programmer said, still more annoyed than concerned about the report and the threatening advice, putting away the pizza. He figured that it was some NYNJ ships triggering the oversensitive alert. It hasn’t been the first time, especially at the current heightened alert condition because of the crisis in the North Atlantic. It was a bug he was intent on having fixed as soon as possible.

“CAESAR, identify ships and display them on monitor 3. Also access the VERITAS military database on scheduled exercises and download updates.”

The computer hummed as it connected to other computers at the other side of the world to find a possible explanation for the anomalous presence.

No updates from the VERITAS military database are available. A match in the naval military database reveals that the vessels have been constructed in the Teutonic Empire of Lavenrunz, CAESAR buzzed as it processed the next request Displaying MILSAT imagery on screen 3… now

A globe displayed in one of the monitors in the administrative centre swirled around, zooming in on the mid-Atlantic region just below the Equator. Gradually the image became sharper, revealing a top-down satellite view of slender grey shapes headed north, leaving a trail of water in their wake.

“That’s no bug, they’re Lavenrunzians alright – but why?”, the Knootian asked himself out loud, whispering at the monitor as he adjusted the image.

Input error, please refine your question, CAESAR hummed.

“Why… I mean…”, he struggled for words for a moment, “CAESAR list plausible destinations and mission objectives.”

The projected course from current location is: Mid-Atlantic Region, North Atlantic Region, Excalbian Isles waters, Eastern Excalbian Isles.

The monitor displayed a red line that was drawn from a Lavenrunzian naval base and extended to the Excalbian Isles, from there several dotted lines indicated five possible courses of action.

Projected mission objectives can only be calculated at a significance of zero-point-zero-nine….

A 71 percent likelihood that the fleet is assisting the Holy Empire of Excalbia.
A 17 percent likelihood that the deployment linked to the Third Fleet deployment.
A 4 percent likelihood that the Teutonic Empire of Lavenrunz is preparing for military action against the Knootian Federation.

Defence Plan Raven is the protocol response if the likelihood of military naval engagement in the North Atlantic exceeds two percent. , the computer reported matter-of-factly.

“Your odds are off, CAESAR”, the programmer replied grumpily. “Lavenrunz is a Knootian ally. The assumption is false. Are your Integrity values corrupted?”

Lavenrunzian political integrity have been updated manually to report at a constant rating of 37/100. All political integrity levels below 50/100 do not rule out military engagement between the target nation and the Knootian Federation or its allies, the soft human voice whispered back

“You must be mistaken. CAESAR,” the programmer said more concerned now. This was no simple bug; someone had been tampering with the software. “CEASAR show me the manual data edit to the Teutonic Empire of Lavenrunz political integrity levels.”

That information is classified.

He now tapped in a code on one of the panels behind him, an appreciative high-pitched bleeping sound affirming his acces.

Code recognised. Authorisation denied. Requested information is restricted to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence. Please contact the systems administrator if you believe you should have acces.

“What the?”, he thought to himself. “CAESAR, alert the CiC.”

…

To: Lavenrunz Military Command
From: Knootian Defence Force HQ, The Hague
Priority: Urgent

We have detected a Lavenrunzian naval detachment headed into the North Atlantic. We request that you immediately inform us of the destination and purpose of said naval vessels.

The Imperial Cabinet room was a fairly understated, depressing room of grey stone in the Palais du Parlement in New Rome. The four women and twelve men of the Imperial Cabinet were seated around the large, heavy oak table. The atmosphere was thick with palpable concern, even fear, and several of the cabinet members, especially the larger men like Demetrios Raoul, were sweating profusely.

"...and the Imperial High Command advises that all intelligence and strategic analysis suggests that in any confrontation, and with the rapid build up in the Excalbian Isles the High Command feels we're heading that way... that in any confrontation, Knootoss would be prepared to escalate engagement to the level of large attacks on civilian populations." Gregory Nikomedes, the Minister for Defence reported.

"Even without any direct attack on Knootoss itself?" asked Isabelle Folquet, the Treasurer, as if the idea was alien and incomprehensible.

"Knootian military doctrine holds the annihilation of the Knootian navy as a prelude to invasion, even when the geopolitical situation makes clear that no such invasion could take place. The Imperial High Command even advises that Knootoss could go nuclear." Nikomedes said gravely.

"This is absurd! These are civilised people! A democratic nation! The High Command is buying into propaganda!" Folquet argued, as if trying to convince herself more than anything.

"That is the opinion of the Imperial High Command." Nikomedes shook his head.

"We need to tone down the rhetoric and slow the build-up..." said Manuel Sebasto, shaking his head. The Minister for Public Safety was the last person most of the cabinet members would've expected to say such a thing.

"Not just slow it, we need to reverse it." chimed in Marie-Anne Trabzondi, Minister for Education. "Diplomatic engagement, Thibault, not military engagement!"

"Just words..." Drapeur replied across the cabinet table to his Education Minister, with a characteristic melancholic half-smile.

"Not just words!" Raoul snapped. "Dammit we can't continue this madness! If this is going to be resolved with a referendum and diplomacy, those two respective wheels need to be seen to turn! Thibault, you need to make them turn!"

"What was the Imperial High Command's recommendation in response to the continuing Knootian build-up?" Drapeur asked Nikomedes.

"Their military assessment..." Nikomedes said, tossing the folder aside. "Well, if you want to handle this militarily, we have to send more ships, simple as that. It's a numbers game... but that would only add to the problem..."

"Is it a numbers game we can win?" asked Pierre Gastinois, the Minister for Health.

"Pantocratoria, Excalbia, Lavenrunz together?" asked Nikomedes, and nodded. "Yes, we'd win the numbers game at sea. But Knootoss may as well be a rogue state for what its response would be to such a defeat. The Knootian navy could be dispensed with, not at an unsubstantial cost to our own naval assets, but it could be dispensed with. But so could tens of thousands... hundreds of thousands of civilians, on both sides, as a result of the pre-defined Knootian response to losing its navy."

"That's a pretty shit numbers game to win, then." Sebasto observed, frankly.

"Enough." Drapeur said, cutting the debate short. "We don't want a war."

"We might get one anyway!" Raoul snapped.

"We have to wind this thing down, away from military confrontation. I'll invite the Knootian ambassador to a meeting first thing tomorrow morning..." Drapeur nodded.

Imperial Shipyards, New Boston

“Damn strange business,” CPO2 Nelson Muznieks muttered as he leaned against a pallet of packaged rations.

“What’s that, Chief?” Crewman Vince Merkel asked wiping his forehead.

“Huh? Oh, just I’ve never seen anything like it. They’re putting everything to sea. Why Dauntless here hasn’t completed sea trials! But they’re rushing her to sea so quickly that she can’t even stock food.” The chief shook his head. “That’s why they have you loading rations.” He looked up at the graceful aircraft carrier. “She’ll sail by noon…”

“Chief!” Merkel jumped up and pointed into the channel. “What’s that? Coming down from the mothball yard…”

Muznieks stood and craned his neck for a better look. In the distance, like a ghost emerging from a fog an archaic mid-twentieth century battleship sailed silently towards the open harbour. “Good lord,” the chief stood slack jawed for a moment, “it’s Excalbian Empire… she hasn’t sailed for decades…”

“I heard rumours they were doing some work up in the mothball yard,” Merkel shook his head. “But this…” He leaned forward, as if to take a closer look. “Say, chief, if that’s Excalbian Empire, then where’re her 16 inch guns? I see something there, but they don’t look like gun turrets…”

The chief squinted his eyes. “They’re not turrets. Not for 16 inch guns anyway. Looks like those new magnetic particle weapons… Crimson Star… they say we got them from the Varessans…”

Merkel shook his head. “Whatever’s going on, chief, I got a bad feeling about it…”

Hundreds of Meters Below Citadel Excalbia…

Admiral Sir Derek Kunle* stood casually in the observation room overlooking the Imperial Command Centre. He sipped at a cup of tea, then placed it carefully on a saucer and handed it the steward beside him.

“Everything we have is being put to sea as we speak, Sir Derek.” The vice admiral standing beside the Chief of the Imperial General Staff looked far less comfortable than the Chief.

“Very good, Admiral Blaine,” Sir Derek said. “What is the latest from Admiral Virities?”

“He advises that both Vice Admiral Allen and Vice Admiral Norland are moving their CBGs into position to intercept the Knootians. Rear Admiral Taliefero’s strike group is already ahead of the Knootians.”

Sir Derek nodded. “The Emperor? Lady Christina?”

“Lady Christina is still in Saxmere and the Emperor and the Imperial Family have been moved to safety at Kuldiga.”

The Chief rubbed his chin. He doubted the Knootians intended to attack the Empire directly. Yet, their turn towards Excalbia itself and their refusal to deviate their course significantly certainly raised that possibility. He was certain that raising the possibility and rattling the cage, as it were, was all they intended. And he had told the Emperor and Lord Yornis as much. Still, prudence was demanded. If they left themselves unguarded they might invite further such maneuvers from the Knootians.

“Admiral Virities is awaiting instructions on replying to the Knootians, Sir,” VADM Blaine said.

“Advise the admiral that he should give the Knootians the exact coordinates and timetable they requested. Have DAIN come up with them. I want them designed to keep the Knootians as far away as possible from our ships and our waters and to give us as much of a tactical advantage as possible in the event of hostilities. He should ask the Knootians to provide us with their exact course and timetable and request that they hold to it, for their own safety.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And,” Kunle added in his deep melodious voice, “inform all of our forces to stay well clear of the Knootians’ own interdiction zone around their ships. I do not want an altercation. Anyone getting too close to the Knootians, flashing them with targeting radar or committing any other breaches of the rules of engagement will answer to me.”

“Yes, sir.”

To: Commander, KDF Observer Battlegroup Fleet West Atlantic
From: Commander, Exalbian Imperial Home Fleet

Admiral Bronckhorst,

My compliments, and those of the Imperial Navy, to you and your command.

Following this transmission we will send you the exact times and coordinates of our exercises so that you may chart your course around them. For your own safety, we ask that you maintain a minimum distance of 200 kilometres from each coordinate during the exercises; we will have a large number of ships deployed and have scheduled some live fire exercises.

In order to maximize the safety of both parties, we request that you transmit your final course and schedule to us so that we may ensure that our forces remain well clear of your own interdiction zone around your fleet. We further ask that you not deviate from your course or schedule, for your safety.

If this proposal is acceptable, you are free to proceed with your mission.

Finally, I wish to invite you and any members of your senior staff that you may wish or require to accompany you to dine with me this evening aboard my flagship, Majestic.

Regards,
Admiral Virities,
Commanding

*This, of course, takes place before our elections, under the old government.

The next morning, Thibault Drapeur sipped his morning cup of coffee and popped a segment of an orange into his mouth behind his desk in his office in the Palais du Parlement. He looked over the morning paper briefly, his eyes passing over the opinion polls and a dissatisfied cringe appearing on his face. After a few quiet minutes like this, he set aside his breakfast and picked up the phone.

"Margueritte, can you get me the Knootian embassy please?" Drapeur asked his secretary. In a few moments the phone began to ring, and he arranged an appointment to see the Knootian ambassador, Berend De Wijkerslooth de Weerdesteyn.

Drapeur was on his third coffee of the day when the Knootian ambassador arrived at his office in the Palais du Parlement. Berend De Wijkerslooth de Weerdesteyn was looking all polished up, his bald head shining and his top hat under his arm as he entered Drapeur's office. His monocle (in all likelyhood an unneeded accessory) had been polished, too, and it reflected the sunlight in the window.

"Ambassador, welcome. Please sit down." Drapeur indicated to a chair across the desk.

The ambassador gave a slight bow, in the Lavenrunzian tradition, before sitting down across the desk. His smile was polite as he thanked the Pantocratorian.

"Monsieur de Wijkerslooth de Weer..." Drapeur's tongue twisted over the second part of the ambassador's foreign last name, despite the numerous times he had practised saying it while the ambassador was on his way over. He finished saying it on an nonsensical note, and moved on. "I am concerned, alarmed, and frankly, surprised to hear about your Government's naval build up in the Excalbian Isles. Just a short time ago your late Foreign Minister was participating in negotiations. What are we to make of this sign of bad faith?"

"I can assure you that the Dutch Democratic Republic is committed to the provisional agreement, in the expectation of future negotiations", the Knootian replied diplomatically. "And I can assure you that no naval build-up is taking place beyond those measures that have been taken to ensure our continued virgilance, pending the withdrawal of the Pantocratorian and Excalbian navies."

"The Pantocratorian navy is there for unrelated exercises at the request of the interim President of Upper Virginia." Drapeur replied. "And do you really expect the Excalbians to withdraw their ships when yours are encircling their homeland? Monsieur, Knootoss sending more ships doesn't exactly help to de-escalate the situation, which was the stated intention of all parties concerned at the negotiations."

"We share that intent, your Excellency," - he paused - "and consequently there has been no increase in the number of ships actively deployed to the defence of the Atlantic since the provisional agreement has been reached", Berend smiled, "We are expecting Excalbia to honour its part of the agreement now, and our observation group is in an excellent position to monitor this withdrawal."

"Ambassador," Drapeur said with an air of gravity about him. "I didn't call you here just to recite the usual positions. I called you here because the situation is only getting more and more intense. Whenever the ships were deployed, they only arrived after negotiations were closed. Their arrival suggestions bad faith and is a provocation, intentional or otherwise, to Excalbia and its allies. We cannot have more provocations. This crisis, and it is a crisis now, must be resolved diplomatically."

"Au contraire, I would consider it a sign of faith that we have redeployed ships to observation missions in the West-Atlantic, rather than retaining these ships to defend the Confederation and the Dutch Democratic Republic against agression!" Berend replied with some indignation. "I would expect Pantocratoria and her allies to take it as such."

"What you expect is entirely irrelevant!" Drapeur replied. "I didn't call you here for rhetoric! We need to bring this situation to a close, a diplomatic close, and that means that negotiations must resume as a matter of urgency. And until they do, we can none of us send anymore ships to the Excalbian Isles, whether they're there on observation missions or not."

"The Dutch Democratic Republic is always open to a mutual agreement or settlement, your Excellency. In fact it is the Pantocratorian government which has pressed for a delay in the negotiations, much to the displeasure of the Lady Galadriël", Berend said more tensely. "My government would likely agree to having the current deployments remain where they are, provided the Excalbian withdrawal from Confederate waters continues."

"Lady Galadriël is a lame duck Prime Minister. She cannot speak for the policy of the future Knootian Government." Drapeur replied. "Negotiating with her would be a complete waste of time. While we don't know what the next Knootian Government will be yet, we do know that it will be led by Prime Minister Elect Daatman. Pantocratoria is eager to negotiate with your incoming Prime Minister, ambassador, extremely eager. Now Monsieur Daatman has already been elected, how much longer do we have to wait before we can negotiate with him?"

"As an ambassador it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the internal political process", Berend said uneasily. "I can only express my regret at the ongoing Pantocratorian refusal to negotiate, even when it sees our own innocuous redeployments as a threat". He paused as if to think, frowning.

"Pantocratoria isn't dragging its heels. Lady Galadriël is deliberately stopping us from negotiating with the next Prime Minister of Knootoss!" Drapeur replied. "She may be acting Prime Minister, but nothing is stopping her from appointing Daatman as the negotiator on behalf of the Knootian Government. That way we can negotiate with the incoming Prime Minister, and that way we don't have to run the risk of dragging this process out even further."

"I am afraid that Monsieur Daatman is extremely busy putting together his new government," the Knootian ambassador replied with feigned regret. "He is not in a position to negotiate, or make any committments without a coalition agreement on foreign policy. However, I shall relay your suggestion to the Prime Minister."

"Monsieur de Wije..." Drapeur stumbled over the Dutch name. "...Ambassador. That isn't sufficient. These negotiations must resume, or this situation will continue to escalate until sooner or later Monsieur Daatman and myself will both be leading war-time governments! It cannot continue. When you relay my request to your lame duck Prime Minister, I want you to ask Lady Galadriël to for once, for once, put petty political games aside, and do the responsible thing here to avert a war. Let us negotiate with your democratically elected Prime Minister!"

"I will do what I can, Your Excellency." Berend said.

Aboard INV Excalbian Empire…

Commodore Felix Bulvitis stood, arms crossed behind his back, gazing out over his aging command. The antique battleship had seen limited action early in its life, but had represented the Empire as its flag ship for decades. It had finally fallen victim to the parsimonious governments of the seventies and had been mothballed.

While the great battleship and a few – all too few in Bulvitis’ mind – of her sisters had sat in silence, the Imperial Navy had fallen into disrepair; it’s state so low that the battleship’s successor as flag ship had been a mere AEGIS cruiser. Finally, under this David IV, God save him, the Navy had been rebuilt.

The new foamed carbon alloy Navy with its swift and stealthy ships, however, had little need for the old battleships. Until now.

Excalbian Empire might be anachronistically bulky, heavy and slow compared with the ships of the new Imperial Navy, but she would still be tough in a fight, and with her new particle weapons she could pack more of a punch than she ever did with 16 inch naval guns.

Bulvitis looked across his bridge. Most of the crew could have been the children or even grandchildren of the battleship’s last crew. Looking back to the sea, he saw the old AEGIS cruisers, slated to be sold, but now pressed back into service as escorts for Excalbian Empire. Beyond them, out of sight, the commodore knew his ship’s sister, Holy Empire, was heading to sea with her own aged escorts.

Yes, Bulvitis thought, we are a motley collection of old ships and retrofitted modern hardware, but, if the Knootians try to attack before the Home Fleet can get back from the eastern coast, we’ll give them a reception to remember.

Aboard INV Majestic off the waters of Upper Virginia…

Majestic and its carrier battlegroup had sprinted ahead of the rest of the Home Fleet in order to catch up with the Knootians. The last of the fleet had departed their station in the waters off the coast of the C.S.S. and the Majestic’s combat air patrols had just made radar contact with the Knootians.

In keeping with the CINO’s rules of engagement, they had made no hostile move.

ADM Stephen Virities turned to his staff aide. “Any response from the Knootians?”

“No, sir.”

Virities chewed his lower lip. “Let me know as soon as we hear something.”

“Yes, sir.”

Foreign Affairs page, NRC Handelsblad

Galadriel protests Pantocratorian escalation
THE HAGUE – The Foreign Affairs Ministry today launched a firm diplomatic protest against what it calls "continued Pantocratorian provocation" in response to revelations that the Pantocratorian Empire is sending more ships to the North Atlantic. "This is entirely contrary to the spirit of the provisional agreement", a spokesperson told the assembled press. "Knootoss has not increased its naval presence since the agreement was reached. We are monitoring the withdrawal of the Excalbian Home Fleet from the Eastern Atlantic. By sending more ships, Pantocratoria is jeopardising this tentative agreement."

The Knootian ambassador to Pantocratoria, Berend De Wijkerslooth de Weerdesteyn, confirmed that he had met with the Pantocratorian Prime Minister, Drapeur, but he refused to go into details. He did disclose that Drapeur had asked for an urgent diplomatic solution, while refusing to engage in negotiations with the Knootian government. He stressed that it was not the Knootian government that opposed a solution to what he called "a Pantocratorian-created problem." He also refused to enter into speculation as to whether the Pantocratorian naval escalation was a deliberate strategy to prevent a comprehensive agreement.

Femke Halsema and Jan Willem Daatman interrupted their coalition negotiations to make a joint statement, endorsing the idea of sending Tim de Boer as diplomatic envoy to Pantocratoria. De Boer is currently still employed by the diplomatic corps of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Daatman also restated the importance of a comprehensive military, economic and political agreement to secure a lasting peace in the North Atlantic.


OOC: will ventury to reply to the navy thing when I get home

"No questions..." Drapeur told the throng of reporters as he made his way through the crowd to the limousine waiting for him at the foot steps of the Parliament.

"Dr Drapeur! Is Pantocratoria sending more ships to the Excalbian Isles? The NRC Handelsblad, a Knootian paper, reports that Pantocratoria is sending more ships. Prime Minister Galadriël is calling it a provocation! Dr Drapeur!" called a journalist from the mob.

"What?" Drapeur frowned at the question.

"I'll quote the Knootian Foreign Ministry..." said the journalist, glancing down at his notes. "By sending more ships, Pantocratoria is jeopardising this tentative agreement."

"That's absurd, the Knootian Foreign Ministry said that?" Drapeur asked, incredulous. "Pantocratoria hasn't sent any more ships at this time. At a meeting of the Imperial Cabinet last night, the Cabinet explicitly resolved to not send any more ships pending further diplomatic developments..."

Drapeur shook his head in disbelief as he got into the limousine. He looked at Demetrios Raoul, already inside.

"I can't believe it, those simple bastards in the Knootian Foreign Ministry are telling the press we're sending more ships!" Drapeur scoffed.

"What? But that's a flat out lie!" Raoul frowned.

"I know! They're escalating things as much now as if we really did send more ships, and we're no more secure for it!" Drapeur shook his head in disbelief. "I want you to call the Knootian ambassador this afternoon and straighten this out. I'm going to have to arrange some sort of press conference... probably with Nikomedes... make sure people know we're not really sending more ships... those lying two-faced bastards..."

Admiral Sir Derek Kunle stood with his hands folded behind his back gazing at the glass top of the long table. To his right, General Viktor Erglis, Chief of the Army General Staff, tugged on the blue sleeves of his uniform tunic. Across the table, Air Force Chief of Staff General Inese Miele looked intently at the images displayed on the table. Marine Commandant Lieutenant General Abel Stockmann looked up from the table, which was actually a large plasma screen display, and touched Sir Derek lightly on the arm of his white tunic. “The old man, sir…”

Seconds later, a Marine guard snapped to attention. “His lordship, the Minister of Defence!”

Lord Yornis Halton entered the command centre. The chiefs of staff snapped to attention and saluted. Lord Yornis nodded in reply and walked briskly to the display. “What is the situation, Sir Derek?”

“My lord, the Knootian force is so far holding its position, as it said. Admiral Virities is still awaiting a reply to his last message. If they follow the course we gave them,” ADM Kunle gestured towards a red line on the table, “they will pass near, but not through, our territorial waters. They will, however, be close enough, theoretically, to launch attacks in these areas,” a significant portion of the Holy Empire turned a bright orange.

“And our forces?”

“The last of the Home Fleet has left its position off the east coast – adjacent to Saxmere – and is steaming towards our waters. Lead elements of the Home Fleet’s flag elements are nearing the Knootian force. We have also put all of our reserves to sea, including the newly activated elements of the mothball fleet, to serve as a picket along the boundary of our waters.”

Lord Yornis nodded. “What do you think the Knootians are up to, Sir Derek?”

The chief of naval operations rubbed his chin. “My instinct is that this designed – before we reached an agreement – to send us a message that we were vulnerable to Knootian forces and to cause us to withdraw our blockade and call our fleet home. With an agreement reached, and with our forces already headed back to port, I think this exercise has lost its original purpose and is serving just to rattle our cage in hopes of spurring us to seek a non-aggression pact or some kind of comprehensive peace treaty…”

The defence minister nodded. “My feelings as well. But, if that is what they intend, they have miscalculated His Imperial Majesty’s reaction and that of Lady Christina’s government.”

“Begging your pardon, my Lord,” GEN Miele said, “but might the Knootians be looking beyond Lady Christina to the next government and trying to influence them to make concessions she wouldn’t?”

Lord Yornis swallowed. “I have considered that, General. As well as the unpleasant possibility that they might succeed in doing just that.”

(OOC: Assuming that this current confrontation doesn't escalate to war, I propose we move forward once we can to the further negotiations scheduled in Upper Virginia. Again I assume these will take place under both Knootoss' and Excalbia's new governments. To pave the way for such negotiations and further develop my new government, I have placed a relevant post, set a few weeks in the future relative to this thread, here: http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9681577&postcount=63. Hope that didn't confuse everyone else as much as it just confused me...)

Dr Thibault Drapeur and Gregory Nikomedes, Minister for Defence, sat at a long desk in front of an array of flags and coats of arms in the press room of the Palais du Parlement in New Rome later that same afternoon. In front of a mob of flashing cameras, the Chancellor began to speak.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the press," Drapeur began. "I wish to state unequivocably and for the record, the Pantocratorian Empire has not expanded its naval deployment in the Excalbian Isles in response to the continuing Knootian build-up. The Imperial Cabinet considered increasing our naval commitment at a meeting last night, but instead decided to return to a diplomatic path, rather than follow the path of continuing the build-up as other involved parties have done. While we reserve the right to send more naval assets in the future, the last thing Pantocratoria wishes to do is to add fuel to the fire."

"That is why this morning I met with the Knootian ambassador and told him that the Pantocratorian Government wants to resume negotiations as soon as is possible." Drapeur continued. "I also explained to Monsieur Berend De Wijkerslooth de Weerdesteyn that it is the position of the Pantocratorian Government that there is little point negotiating with any Knootian Government not led by its democratically elected incoming Prime Minister, Jan Willem Daatman. Pantocratoria seeks a lasting settlement to ensure peace in the North Atlantic. Lasting settlements cannot be entered into by outgoing governments, especially those which have been democratically rejected by their constituencies as has the Galadriël Government. Pantocratoria wishes a settlement for the future of the Atlantic, and such a settlement can only be reached by a Knootian Government which will be in place in the future, that is to say, the incoming government of the already elected Jan Willem Daatman."

"I am disappointed, but not surprised, that the Galadriël Government is still refusing to allow us to negotiate with the already elected Prime Minister Daatman. Nevertheless, Pantocratoria remains committed to diplomacy, and when Jan Willem Daatman is allowed to form government, we will negotiate with him. Any questions about the deployment or the military situation as it stands in the Excablian Isles will be answered by the Minister for Defence, Gregory Nikomedes. Thankyou."

Drapeur left without answering questions and the attention of the journalists was turned towards the Constantinople Party's Defence Minister.

OOC: I had the same feeling as Excalbia, and this post was moving along to it. :) Since I was wrong about Pantocratorian ships OOC, I decided to play along and put it down to a mistake.

---------------------------------------------
Deep below the Ministry of Defence
The Hague
---------------------------------------------

"Like moths to a flame", Lady Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan whispered as she turned her head up. Towering above the human generals and admirals around her, she was clad in a modified Elvish dress uniform. The dark red sleeves and undershirt contrasted sharply with an extremely light cuirass covered in carefully crafted Elvish writings. The cuirass was oddly coloured, glowing in a golden hue as the light fell on it, only to shift into a silvery moon-like metallic shade as darkness touched it. Her hair was, for the occasion, bound together, giving her a decidedly martial appearance. One of her gloved hands reached out towards the display wall, touching it.

The holographic representation of the North Atlantic was much like the one she had seen some years earlier when she had visited Mephet’ran. Although this design was arguably more primitive, it relied successfully on MILSAT feeds and CAESAR computer interpretation to update the military status of selected territories.

“Have they all taken the bait?”, she asked as she trailed her finger past a collection of symbols representing elements of the Excalbian Home Fleet. She dipped her finger in the holographic projection, disrupting the flow of light, which was recast on her face in a display of blues and greens.

“The Excalbian fleet is moving to defend its own coastline, M’lady,” one of the admirals replied. “Although I must point out that they were set to withdraw anyway under the terms of the provisional agreement…”

“…I know that, Admiraal van der Meer”, Galadriël answered impatiently “Now… I want you to proceed in securing our advantage. You are to withdraw the following fleet elements”, her finger drew a broad circle around the centre of the Knootian battlegroups at sea across most of the eastern seaboard, “and return the centre of the force to the Western North Sea segment, as if we’re falling back. Keep the seventh and 8th fleet in reserve… here.”

Her hand moved rapidly to the northern sector of the map, the men around her following tge movements with their eyes.

"Send these two battlegroups here to plug the northern gap between Iceland and the Excalbian Isles. Then move the southern fleets into a defensive position to hold off Pantocratorian and Lavenrunzian reinforcements. Give Admiral Bronckhorst orders to stall on the requests to leave…"

"… that is a deviation from Golden Fish", General Donner snapped unexpectantly, his voice insistant, "We should be withdrawing the third fleet now in accordance with the timetable the Excalbians suggested. Their mission is done."

Some of the Knootian generals carefully assented, while others remained deliberately expressionless.

“I am the Commander in Chief now, do you contest my authority?”, she glared. “If the fleet is not in place during the negotiations, the threat of a Knootian attack on Excalbia will have dissipated.”

Donner flushed red in response, his normally calm appearance almost angry.

“With all due respect, this was not what van Mierlo wanted us to do. We are not attacking Excalbia and when their Home Fleet arrives, Bronckhorst will be completely outnumbered. Keeping the third fleet on the western seaboard is useless militarily.”

"He is there for political reasons, just as Hans intended it", she replied coldly. "And he could do significant damage to their navy could he not?”, Galadriël insisted. “We have superior weapons, have we not? Did you – all of you - not assure me that it was so?”

Several naval officers held their breaths, none speaking up. It was only Donner, the conscientious army general, that dared answer.

"Not against such numbers, Ma’am" he said calm. "It would be a provocation, especially with the planned withdrawals."

"The Pantocratorians are sending extra ships. So are the Lavenrunzians. We are fully justified in doing so."

Donner raised an eyebrow.

“Joseph, did you not tell her?”, he asked incredulously while turning towards a grey-haired man in Marine uniform standing behind the group a little. So far he had remained silent, and he dropped his head to look at his shoes as Galadriël turned about briskly herself, She looked down upon him with some surprise.

“Is there something I was not made aware of?”, she asked with a tense voice.

“Yes Ma’am”, he muttered, speaking hurriedly and almost tripping over his own voice. “Well, it is not really confirmed so MILSAT is making another sweep in forty minutes but certainly some preliminary data would seem to probably suggest that…”

“Spill it!” she ordered.

“Well, the Pantocratorian reinforcements Ma’am, it was a false alarm. Not really reinforcements. Well, they were Pantocratorians but not… really… reinforcing anything.” He grinned nervously. “It turned out… it… they, well, they were cargo ships and a luxury liner sailing in convoy. Or rather their convoyed pattern threw CAESAR off guard. Funny, isn’t it?”

“You fool”, her eyes seemed to shoot lighting.

“Well, on the upside”, he tried to look up but failed miserably at keeping his face level with the elf, “this is really a good thing because it doesn’t actually threaten the peace negotia…”

“And you made me look like a fool!”

“Sorry, Ma’am, it won’t happen again. We’ve compensated for the error.”

“Leave”, she said bitterly. “I’ll deal with you later.”

She turned again to the tactical display, her clothes shimmering in the light of the projection as she did so.

“Well, gentlemen, throw this in reserve also then”, she motioned listlessly at the remaining southern forces. “Send whatever stealth elements you can muster to guard the southern tip of the Isles. I’ll be off now to repair the damage our former naval intelligence chief did.”

Some of the generals nodded as Galadriël turned to leave the bunker, but all were exchanging looks. Donner just stared speechless at the elf as she climbed the small stairs leading to the elavator.

-----------------------
Pantocratoria
-----------------------

Berend De Wijkerslooth de Weerdesteyn hurried back to the office of the Pantocratorian foreign minister. He was a little less composed this time, one might say even nervous as he passed the security personnel of the parliament.

A mistake , he muttered to himself as he wondered how this could possibly be spun in
Knootoss’ favour…

"Your Excellency," started Raoul as he rose from behind his desk to greet the bald, top-hatted Knootian. "The Imperial Chancellor was exceedingly disappointed in the misinformation the Knootian Foreign Ministry was putting out about us sending more ships this morning. Exceedingly disappointed."

"Good afternoon", the Knootian ambassador started, a polite smile on his face as he bowed a little. "I was hoping to work out some of the mutual misunderstandings here and now."

"That would be good." nodded Raoul. "You could start on your end by having the Prime Minister hold a press conference to explain that the Foreign Ministry was in error and that Pantocratoria is in fact the only party which has not sent additional naval assets to the area."

Berend shook his head slowly, pausing in silence for a moment. "Well, the Knootian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defence did detect Pantocratorian vessels heading towards the Excalbian Isles. A protest was be the natural course of action. Fortunately, closer examination has revealed that these vessels were not of a military nature", he smiled, inclining his head slightly, “which only serves to show as an example of why we need to improve the exchange of information between our nations, something which the Lady Galadriël has always pressed for."

"Has she? I'm Foreign Minister of Pantocratoria, monsieur, had she pressed for anything of the sort one might have thought I would have noticed." Raoul sneered. "Nevertheless, all will be forgiven, assuming that she is now prepared to admit the mistake and explain to the Knootian public and the world that Pantocratoria isn't sending more ships."

"Oh, I can assure you your Excellency that the Dutch Democratic Republic will take all possible steps to punish the wrongdoers. The Lady is personally overseeing this. Commodore Teunissen will announce his resignation shortly."

"I don't want or need bureaucratic blood spilled, Your Excellency." Raoul said. "I want to calm the rhetoric down, de-escalate... we all want to avoid a war, after all. I want... the Lady... to explain that the previous information she released was untrue, and to tell the world that Pantocratoria hasn't sent more ships. We don't want that sort of misinformation floating around, do we?"

"Monsieur Teunissen will admit to all his wrongdoings in public," the Knootian replied. "The Prime Minister has seen to this personally and I can assure you that this particular misunderstanding will be cleared up today. Unfortunately, she had to rely on information provided by his command that proved on closer examination to have been incomplete."

"Not good enough." Raoul shook his head. "She was all too eager to play up to the newspapers when this misinformation was leaked to the press, she must now retract all that, in order to calm things down.

"It isn't a threat, ambassador." Raoul frowned. "On both sides of this thing we need to calm things down. Lady Galadriël made inflammatory statements based on false information. She should now retract those inflammatory statements and explain that they were based on false information. Nothing else can... take it back... so to speak. Nothing short of a retraction from Galadriël herself will unring the bell. It isn't a threat. It's a statement of fact. We both want to avoid war, so we must both calm things down."

"Agreed", the ambassador said. "I think that she would be more then willing to make a joint statement to that effect with your own Prime Minister. Show the press that Pantocratoria and Knootoss are united on this issue. A statement from her alone would add nothing."

"I agree, they both need to say this." Raoul nodded. "At this moment the Chancellor is making a statement to explain that we've not sent anymore ships. All that remains is for your Prime Minister to do the same."

"I will relay your suggestion to the Prime Minister", Berend said as he inclined his head.

"Wait, you just said she'd be more than willing to do this, now you're saying you'll relay my suggestion?" Raoul asked, confused by the apparent inconsistency. "Either it is something she is willing to do or it isn't."

"I am but a humble communicator", Berend said with false humility, "I know of the measures planned by Prime Minister nos Círdan including the press conference of Monsieur Teunissen, but I can only recommend to her a personal appearance. It is a suggestion I will convey to her personally."

"Sorry Your Excellency, I must have just mistaken what you said earlier, I thought it might have been something the Prime Minister had already conveyed to you as part of her handling this matter personally, which you were in turn suggesting to me as her humble communicator... nevermind, a small misunderstanding." Raoul shrugged and smiled. "Let's change the topic to Tim de Boer, shall we?"

"Yes, lets", Berend replied. "I was hoping to learn whether Pantocratoria is accepting this particular attempt of Knootoss to enter into direct negotiations."

"As I understand it, both the SLP and the KGP support the appointment of Tim de Boer?" Raoul asked, to which Berend nodded silently.

"So a majority of your Staten-Generaal supports Tim de Boer..." Raoul said. "We would have no problem negotiating with Monsieur de Boer as Prime Minister Daatman's Foreign Minister. Since both the SLP and the KGP support him, they could vote to approve a Council of Ministers consisting of Monsieur de Boer and Prime Minister Daatman, which would allow Monsieur de Boer to negotiate while the Prime Minister remains in Knootoss to finalise his permanent Council of Ministers."

"I'm afraid I do not entirely follow your suggestion", the ambassador said with a frown. "Monsieur de Boer is a member of the corps diplomatique, a non-partisan function. While he is certainly a candidate for a ministerial position, there can be no question of any such position being elevated before a coalition agreement has been reached."

"I'm sorry..." Raoul frowned. "I must have misunderstood, I thought the KGP and the SLP both supported him handling this matter..."

"This is true", the ambassador said with a smile. "Both Monsieur Daatman and Mademoiselle Halsema have expressed their support for sending him."

"So... I don't quite understand what the problem is then..." Raoul inquired.

"Neither do I", the Knootian said, a bit miffed.

"This de Boer has the support of a majority of the Staten-Generaal, correct?" Raoul asked. His tone remained mild.

"Presumably, there is support amongst all three parties" (there were, of course others but the Knootian subconciously did not even consider those) "for his diplomatic mission to Pantocratoria. Not to elevate him to the position of minister as you suggested. As a diplomat, Monsieur de Boer represents the Knootian State."

"Oh. I thought there was a serious offer on the table here." Raoul shrugged apologetically. "My mistake."

"I can assure you, the Knootian offer is quite sincere your Excellency", Berend said now almost visibly annoyed. His smile became even thinner. "The Lady Galadriël has offered to personally head negotiations, but this offer was refused. Monsieur de Boer is our attempt to meet Pantocratorian wishes, as odd as they may appear to us."

"Wishing to negotiate with a government with a future as opposed to the government of the past is hardly odd, Your Excellency." Raoul replied dismissively. "And if you're not letting us negotiate with your already elected Prime Minister, no effort has been made at all to meet Pantocratorian wishes in that respect. If all parties support Tim de Boer, let them make whatever temporary arrangements they must make to allow Prime Minister Daatman to send him."

"Can I be frank with you Monsieur?", Berend asked, his accent shifting back a little to Dutch - overtones which had not been present in his speech generally.

"No." Raoul replied, surprisingly pleasantly. "It's clear this isn't going anywhere. I suppose we'll just have to wait for Daatman to work out his coalition. Thank you for coming on such short notice, Your Excellency. My secretary will show you out."

De Telegraaf front page:
PANTO’ EMPIRE: NO NEGOTIATION WITH KNOOTOSS
THE HAGUE – Pantocratorian Imperial Chancellor and Catholic-Socialist leader Thibault Drapeur today refused the latest attempts of the Galadriël to negotiate with the Pantocratorian Empire, threatening the ‘comprehensive treaty’ as promised by Daatman.

The refusal has angered many across the political spectrum. “The Pantocratorians mustn’t think that the provisional agreement will let them off the hook”, an angry SLP MP replied on condition of anonymity. “Without a comprehensive agreement, this conflict will escalate. The Pantocratorians must stop stalling the diplomatic process by making unreasonable demands.”

In a public response, Daatman expressed regret that the Pantocratorians would not accept Tim de Boer as Knootian representative. “He is an able man, who had the support of all the mayor Knootian parties”, he told the Telegraaf. “If the Pantocratorians will not accept him, I do not see them accepting anyone else in the short term. This is a very disturbing development.”

[On page 3: Infobox: The Pantocratorian Imperialist Agressor, and a timetable of events so far]

A small corner of the De Volkskrant foreign affairs page:
Commodore resigns over intel failure
THE HAGUE – Commodore Joseph Teunissen, the Chief Naval Intelligence of the Knootian Defence Force, today offered his resignation at a press conference in Press Centre Nieuwpoort. Teunissen accepted full responsibility for an intelligence error that led the government to believe that Pantocratorian reinforcements were headed for the Excalbian Isles.

Teunissen offered a five minute statement to the press explaining that the failure was the result of a human error on his part, stressing that the Marine as a whole had not made any mistake. "I apologise for mishandling information for which the brave men and women of the Marine have put their lives on the line", he told the press, "And because of that, I will resign." Teunissen refused to answer any questions, and the ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defence also refused to comment.

To: Commander, Exalbian Imperial Home Fleet
From: Commander, KDF Observer Battlegroup Fleet West Atlantic

Admiral Virities,

Your transmission has been well-received and your intent is clear. Our final course and schedule have been included with this message. We will depart pending permission from central command. Our Prime Minister, Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan, has indicated that she is consider a personal visit to inspect the Battlegroup. Pending this, we will remain at current station.

I also happily accept your invitation for dinner. Myself and two of my senior officers will attend, if it is not too much of an imposition.

Regards,

Admiral Bronckhorst,

OOC: to make sure the timelag of this thread doesn’t increase, I’d suggest not RPing the dinner and deciding together on whether the food was nice and such.

"Monsieur, His Imperial Highness the Right Honourable Purple-Born Prince Basil, Leader of the Opposition." announced a herald clad in the standard of the House of Bourbon-Comnenus-Palaeologus.

The press was assembled in a magnificently rococo appointed hall of the Petit Palais de l'Imperatrice in New Rome, a small palace of pleasure built for the consort of Emperor Manuel VII (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Manuel_VII_Comnenus), Empress Helen Phocas, in the eighteenth century, for a press conference by the leader of the United Christian Front. The Varangians snapped to attention and a flourish of trumpets accompanied Prince Basil's entrance, a not particularly subtle reminder to the people watching the press conference at home that while he may presently not be occupying the Chancellor's offices in the Palais du Parlement, Prince Basil was still born to rule. He moved behind the podium to speak, which in turn stood in front of a magnificent fresco depicting cherubs, angels and nymphs showering blessings over his distant ancestors, Manuel VII and his Empress. The art historians watching might have recognised the painting; specifically the nymphs, who were some of the Emperor's more famous mistresses. They would have been ill-advised to point out the hypocrisy of the leader of the United Christian Front apparently basking in the reflected glory of his sensuous and adulterous ancestors.

"Mesdames et messieurs of the press, and watching from home," Basil began in his confident aristocratic tone. "We are today in the midst of a most serious diplomatic crisis, brought about in no small part by the blundering of what is no doubt the most incompetent Government in the history of Pantocratoria. The time has come for leadership, the time has come for us to see what the Chancellor's flowery talk of diplomatic engagement really means - both the Chancellor and his flowery speech have been found wanting. The Knootian Republic of the Low Countries has provoked Pantocratoria and our Excalbian allies gravely, and repeatedly, and all Doctor Drapeur is able to do is scramble to correct the smallest fraction of outgoing Knootian Prime Minister's lies and deceit."

"Just this morning she told the world Pantocratoria was sending more ships to the Excalbian Isles. This afternoon the Chancellor took great pains to assure us all that he had no such intention. His Knootian counterpart naturally refuses to withdraw her rhetoric. Make no mistake about it, there may be no gunfire yet, but a war is already at hand. A war of words. A war in the seedy world of public relations." Basil said severely and disdainfully. "Pantocratoria is already losing this war because the Chancellor simply allows Knootian lies, falsehoods, half-truths, and propaganda go unanswered."

"Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan..." Basil sneered. "...has lied once again today, saying we're sending more ships. Thibault Drapeur says we're not. The Opposition asks why not? Knootoss has repeatedly demonstrated it cannot be trusted, continuing its military build up even when the Chancellor claims a preliminary agreement has been reached. They are threatening the security of our dearest friends, and consequently, the security of the Empire itself. Since the Hague is content to lie to the world and paint us as the aggressors whether we take action or not, and since the Chancellor is clearly already losing this war of public relations, the Opposition asks, why not take action? If we are to be damned for doing a thing when we've not done it, why not do it?"

"The Opposition is not alone in this." Basil continued, producing a piece of paper. "I have obtained a copy of the following brief to the Minister for Defence, Gregory Nikomedes, from the Imperial High Command, recommending that Pantocratoria's naval deployment in the Excalbian Isles be increased as a response to the changing military situation. The Government is putting the Pantocratorian sailors already deployed in the Isles and indeed our Excalbian allies at risk by not reinforcing them, all so that it can continue this war of public relations it calls by the euphemism of diplomatic engagement. A United Christian Front Government would be strong where Thibault Drapeur has been weak. A United Christian Front Government would listen to the Imperial High Command, our military elite, heed their advice in military matters. A United Christian Front Government would not stand for this continued, prolonged, sustained Knootian aggression!"

((OOC: Skipping ahead to roughly the "present", as per Excalbia's request))

The smiling young brunette delivered the news of the day in a frustratingly chipper tone. "Good evening. I'm Dinah Lerner and this is World Wide News. Tonight we have a number of new developments regarding the ongoing conflict in the Excalbian Isles. It seems the diplomatic policy of the current Pantocratorian government has come under attack from within Pantocratoria herself." The video then shifted to show highlights of Basil's speech. "That was His Imperial Highness, Prince Basil, who's also the leader of the United Christian Front or UCF Opposition in Pantocratoria. While His Highness out of power now, some sources say that his party is on the rise after recently reforming from the Loyal Christian Front and the Pantocratorian First Party. The UCF has gained a great deal of credibility after the passage of a number of controversial reform bills by the joint Socialist and Constantinople government. Officials in our own government refused to comment on His Highness's speech, saying that, even though the speech is about foreign policy, it is an internal Pantocratorian affair as it is not a statement of current government policy but a domestic criticism. However, leader of the opposition, the Right Honorable Thomas Baxter, was willing to speak with us." She then turned towards a small television screen on camera showing MP Baxter. "Dr. Baxter, you've said before that you think the Danaan government should abandon entirely its alliance with Knootoss. Is that still your position?"

"What alliance, Dinah?" the scrawny, bookish man answered. "VERITAS was a dead letter the moment it was signed. It's a binding treaty, yes, but it's no real alliance. We have decent relations with most of the member states but what do we really get? Of the nations helping us in Ambara, not one is a VERITAS nation. Of the allies who helped us in the Dreaming War, not one was a VERITAS nation. We know who our allies are when things get tough. Let's not pretend everyone we ever signed a treaty with is our bossom buddy."

Dinah nodded a little. "I'm not so sure that that's an accurate assessment of the popular sentiment. Recent polls show that 73% of Danaans consider Knootoss an important or very important ally."

"Compared to what?" Baxter asked.

"Compared to 78% for Pantocratoria and 69% for Excalbia, meaning that over half of Danaans polled wish to remain allies with both Pantocratoria and Knootoss."

"Well..." Baxter snorted a little. "I don't think that's possible. I think it'd be less possible if the Pantocratorians elected a government with some..."

"Thank you for talking to us, Dr. Baxter." She cut him off hurriedly. "In other news, the Danaan representative to upcoming talks about a comprehensive Atlantic treaty was announced to do. While this might seem like a change from the Resurgent Dream's non-participation in the recent talks over the situation in the Excalbian Isles, officials say that it is merely an appropriate reaction to a different topic. The Resurgent Dream withdrew from involvement in the CSS, not from existence in the Atlantic Ocean, and has cause to partipate in any conference about the future of the Atlantic as a whole."

"Overriding the suggestions of the Foreign Ministry, His Most Esteemed High Majesty has personally nominated his youngest sister, Her Royal Highness, Grand Duchess Morgan, to represent the Resurgent Dream at the conference. Crown officials claim that the move does not represent any lack of confidence in His Majesty's government but merely the importance which His Majesty attaches to this conference. Critics have suggested that Her Highness's inexperience in diplomatic matters may outweigh the symbolic advantage of sending a member of the royal family..."

OOC: I agree with Excalbia et al that the thread can now advance a few days/weeks to the point where both Excalbia and Knootoss have their new governments so that we can negotiate. Everything before that point is done now from my perspective.

Imperial Command Centre Below Citadel Excalbia

Having just flown at top speed back to a capital under siege Lady Christina Freedman showed little sign of stress or fear. Her hair was perfect, her clothes stylish, attractive and shockingly unwrinkled. Those who knew her, however, could see a certain flash in her eyes. A flash of anger.

“What is the latest?” The question burst from the imperial chancellor before the officers and civilians gathered in the situation room could even formulate the usual pleasantries.

After exchanging glances with Lord Yornis and State Minister Cummings, ADM Sir Derek Kunle stepped forward and nodded to the chancellor. “Our refitted battleships, together with Dauntless and their respective escorts have formed a picket along the edge of our territorial waters. Detached Wraith squadrons from the Landing’s strike group have moved ahead of the Knootian force and are attempting to take up flanking positions. Landing herself, as well as Majestic and Glorious have closed on the Knootians. The remainder of the Home Fleet is now north-northeast and moving to join Admiral Virities.”

Kunle spoke in a soft, even tone, his deep, rumbling voice lending his words an air of reassurance. “The Knootian commander is joining Admiral Virities for dinner; Virities is confident that he can reach a ‘sailor-to-sailor’ understanding with Admiral Bronckhorst. He, and I, are of the opinion that this mere Knootian sabre-rattling intended to push to the negotiating table, but now lacking that purpose thanks to your provisional agreement with the late Mr. van Mierlo.”

“I don’t think much of Knootian negotiation tactics,” Lady Christina said coolly, “if this indeed what this is all about.” She turned to the minister of defence. “Lord Yornis, do you agree with Sir Derek’s conclusions?”

“I do, my Lady.”

Lady Christina nodded and turned to Albert Cummings. “Albert, what do you make of this tempest in a teapot about whether or not Pantocratoria has sent naval reinforcements? Are the Knootians looking for a pretext for a fight?”

“I don’t think so, my Lady. In this case, I actually believe the official explanation of an intelligence failure.”

“And I agree with that,” Lady Gwyneth Hapsgaard, the Director of Imperial Intelligence, said with a nod.

“If Knootian intelligence was mistaken about Pantocratorian ship movements, perhaps they have also underestimated our naval capabilities,” the chancellor said slowly. “Maybe we should go ahead with a live fire exercise… tow some hulks out and let our Samuel II cruisers pop out of nowhere and blast them with Crimson Star…”

Sir Derek and Lord Yornis traded nervous looks. “My Lady,” Sir Derek said, “certainly the ability of our Wraiths to penetrate an Upper Virginian carrier battlegroup and sink their carrier was ample demonstration of our stealth capabilities and the Upper Virginian use of Crimson Star to destroy General Altman’s headquarters and sink the better part of cruiser squadron on a single pass was sufficient demonstration of its capabilities. I think the advantage demonstrating our capabilities to the Knootians would be far outweighed by the risk that such an exercise might be misinterpreted as a provocation…”

The chancellor looked to Lord Yornis, then to Lady Gwyneth and Albert Cummings, all of whom nodded in agreement with Sir Derek.

“Very well. I will brief his Imperial Majesty…”

(OOC: If Knoot agrees, I suggest we agree that dinner was delicious and that ADM Virities and ADM Branckhorst took good measure of each other as professional naval men and that two fleets passed each other without incident. So then, if we all agree, we can bring our current governments into the story and pick up with the next round of negotiations… and then I can finally announce the results of the referenda…)

(OOC2: If we all agree to the above, the following takes place after this meeting: http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9681577&postcount=63)

Ministry of Defence, Citadel Excalbia

Defence Minister Davis Robb looked nervously into the faces of the assembled chiefs of staff.

“Has His Imperial Majesty approved this negotiating policy, Minister Robb?” GEN Viktor Erglis, looking stiff in his crisp blue uniform, looked wearily at the defence minister.

“This is the policy of the government,” Robb said evenly. “His Imperial Majesty will be briefed by the chancellor, General.”

GEN Erglis gave his colleagues a skeptical look with one eyebrow obviously cocked.

“Has the government considered where it plans to draw the line on concessions, Minister?” GEN Inese Miele said, her voice flat and emotionless.

“We don’t plan to give away the farm, if that’s what you mean, General Miele,” Robb forced a smile on his face. “Beyond that, the chancellor, Lord Albert and His Imperial Majesty will confer with our allies on the exact negotiating strategy…”

“Lord Yornis used to keep us informed of our strategy in negotiations of such magnitude,” GEN Miele began.

“Lord Yornis is no longer the minister of defence,” Robb said, his smile fading.

“That is obvious,” Lord Admiral Derek Kunle said softly.

“I’m sorry, Lord Kunle, what did you say?” Robb asked defensively.

“I said, Minister, that it is quite clear that you wish to run the ministry in quite a different fashion than your predecessor,” Lord Kunle’s deep voice lent his words an air of quiet authority. “Such is your right, Minister. Nor is such a change unexpected. However, it may take us some time to adjust.” The Chief of the General Staff nodded slightly towards the minister.

Robb nodded, keeping a cautious eye on the lord admiral.

In the Chancellor’s Car, En Route to Miller House…

Lady Jessica Tagaarth leaned back in the well-upholstered seat of her official vehicle. One noticeable change in her government from that of Lady Christina was her use of Miller House. Whereas Lady Christina had worked and virtually lived in the chancellery, where she could just walk across a park to Sweyn Castle, Lady Jessica preferred to keep limited office hours in the chancellery and work out of her official residence. Hence her several times a week drive to and from Sweyn Castle.

None of her meetings with the Emperor had been particularly pleasant. Nor had they been contentious. It was obvious that David IV respected her and wanted his relationship with his new chancellor to work. However, the Emperor had clearly been pushed to his limits this afternoon.

Lady Jessica rubbed her eyes at the memory of the Emperor’s frown – a clear sign of quiet furry – as she outlined the position she wanted to take in the negotiations with Knootoss. Nevertheless, he had not objected. In fact, he had agreed that the conflict needed to ended and ended once and for all. He was very concerned that Saxmere move forward with its referenda and that the military be able to turn its attention back to restoring order in Upper Virginia and possibly in Marlund. And, in the end, she thought he had been, if not pleased, at least willing to accept her government’s position.

The chancellor picked up her phone to see if Sir Albert had succeeded in arranging an appointment with the Pantocratorian ambassador…

OOC: Agreed. For reference, my list of ambassadors has been expanded to include foreign policy officials (and the poor minister of domestic affairs, he was the only minister unmentioned.) Linky! (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/List_of_Knootian_ambassadors#Knootian_Ministers_and_Foreign_Affairs_Officials)

We now return to the story with a random picture of the location...

http://www.minaz.nl/ministerie/non_vr/fotos/6_tre.jpg

Trêveszaal, Knootoss

"So who do we send?"

There was a moment of silent contemplation as the first discussion on the North Atlantic situation by the brand new cabinet of Jan Willem Daatman came to an end.

"I think this is something for the foreign minister primarily," Daatman said, clearing his throat immediately afterwards. His gazed trailed to Femke Halsema who was seated next to him as deputy Prime Minister.

"The comprehensive agreement is your brainchild, Jan Willem, you should go", she replied with a bit of surprise.

"Surely a diplomat would be more suited for this sort of thing", Daatman said with a sigh. "Someone with experience abroad. You and Mr. de Boer maybe? The former protégé of the late van Mierlo and the new face of a progressive Knootoss. You’d make a dazzling couple, I’m sure."

Tim de Boer (who was seated next to Femke Halsema) flushed red at that remark, before composing himself.

"Diplomatic protocol holds that you should attend if the Heads of Government of Pantocratoria or Excalbia are present," he said with a quick nervous glance over to the woman beside him. "Regardless of who does most of the talking."

"True, true," Daatman conceded. "I’ll shake hands and smile if I have to. Please coordinate this with the other parties at the conference, if you will?" He nodded curtly to Femke, as if trying to move on as quickly as he could.

"I think the Prime Minister should be present, if only to underscore the importance of these negotiations to Knootoss," a stern Hendrik Zeevalking said slowly. "And Mr. Davinci should come too, this being a meeting to establish a Free Trade Agreement."

"Not just a Free Trade Agreement!", Tim said jumpily.

"A comprehensive agreement", Daatman said with an ironic smile. "I guess I’ll need another speech too?"

"Free Trade is the most important aspect of the agreement, nonetheless," the Economic Affairs minister insisted. "It would therefore be an omission not to include the F.E.P."

"Then Mr. Davinci can come too, if that is all right with you?" Daatman asked to Tim and Femke on his left. The Foreign Minister and her secretary both nodded as a sign of assent.

"Where is he anyway?", the Green Minister of Education & Science had whispered to her counterpart on Domestic Affairs as soon as the topic of Davinci was brought up.

"Probably out 'networking'", Klaassen replied back as he rolled his eyes. Continuing on a conspirotal tone he whispered. "Mind you, I don’t think we’re missing much."

Daatman raised his voice to be heard despite the whispers.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I’d like to turn to the issue on the agenda. The advice of the Council of State on the Waste Regulation Act – Mr Klaassen by all means…"

Monsieur le Marquis Jean-Pierre de Nouvelle-Thessalonique, the Pantocratorian Ambassador, naturally had no objections to arranging his first meeting with the new Excalbian Chancellor. He had talked Sir Albert's ear off on the phone - the man had a deserved reputation for being the most frightful bore. Thankfully he was also exceptionally good at his job, otherwise the Excalbians might think that the only reason he had been sent to Excalbia was so that the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator could rid itself of his ceaseless, directionless, and uninteresting commentary.

The Pantocratorian Ambassador waited for the Chancellor to receive him in Miller House, pottering about the waiting area and taking mental notes of the antiques and furnishings, and cross-referencing them with his vast knowledge of such trivia to develop a list of potential talking points. There was, after all, no conversation so dry which a spirited discussion of antiques couldn't liven up.

A gentleman in a conservative suit approached the Marquis de Nouvelle-Thessalonique and bowed. “Your Excellency, the chancellor will see you now,” the man led the Pantocratorian ambassador through a set of double doors into a large office furnished with fine antique tables and chairs. On the walls portraits of recent chancellors, including Lady Christina Freedman, shared space with a large portrait of David IV.

Lady Jessica Tagaarth stood and approached the ambassador. There was a surprising spring to her gait, despite her slightly slouched, frail-looking appearance. The chancellor nodded to the ambassador.

“Welcome, Monsieur le Marquis,” she said with a pleasant, almost motherly smile. “Please have a seat,” she indicated a sofa in the middle of the room. Taking her place at a sofa across from the first, she lowered herself and took a seat.

“Thank you for coming on such short notice,” she said. “Would you care for tea?” She reached for a china tea service on a low table between the two sofas and poured a cup of tea.

“How are you faring at your embassy these days, your Excellency?”

"Why yes, thank you, I'll take tea. No milk, thank you." said the Marquis. "The embassy is most comfortable, thank you, Your Excellency. Why, that is a most splendid coffee table. It matches most splendidly with the furniture in the waiting areas. You know, many people overlook the importance of matching the furnishings between an official office and its reception area, being under the misguided impression that it is adequate merely for the décor in a given room to be consistent. What sort of impression do they think, I wonder, it creates when one moves from a waiting area decorated one way to an office decorated another? Hardly the sort of impression one would want to convey, I should think. It's rather like the way those Knootians shameless mix antique and very pleasantly, if somewhat bourgeois, appointed rooms with all those panels and buttons and holothingies in so many of their buildings, a trend which I note with a good deal of pleasure hasn't yet taken hold completely, at least not the same extent, here in Excalbia. I feel that technology, for all its wonderous applications, is best incorporated into a room only so far as it is consistent with the rest of the room for it to be so. In my own study, heavy oak and wood panelling features prominently, thus I thought it important to see that my computer be housed in a similar French polished wooden casing. I had to have it specially built in Montmanuel, mind you, but I feel it was well worth the time and money."

As he paused to take a sip of his tea, the thought suddenly occured to him that perhaps the Chancellor had invited him to Miller House to actually talk about something.

(OOC: Not to interrupt the current flow of this thread too much, I have posted a related item of interest here: http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9707982#post9707982)

Lady Jessica smiled and poured a cup of tea for the Marquis. She handed it to him carefully, then took her own cup and sat back to listen to the ambassador’s discourse.

“Thank you,” she said at the end. “I agree with you about keeping technology in its place. That is the reason I refused to break tradition and allow desks and computers on the floor of the Senate, when I was Speaker. We had secretaries and clerks, of course, who had computers, but we kept them well out of sight, nestled into the existing 19th century desks and benches. So, I quite appreciate your own decisions regarding the casing of your machine, your Excellency. Indeed, at some point, on an official visit to Pantocratoria, for example, I should like to visit Montmanuel and inspect some of their furniture and wood work.”

She set her cup on the table and leaned forward slightly. “However, I am afraid that for the moment I do have other matters to discuss. As you know, our negotiations with Knootoss and the C.S.S. over Saxmere remain pending, in a state of adjournment.”

The chancellor picked up her cup and sipped the hot tea. “Now, as you may also realize, your Excellency, my government is quite a bit keener than my predecessor’s to resolve this dispute with Knootoss once and for all. So, we are intending to extend a formal invitation to resume the negotiations. I have already spoken with President Harrison in Upper Virginia and she is prepared to host the talks at a conference centre in Stonebridge, a peaceful – and secure – town just outside the capital.

“Before the invitations go out, however, we wanted to confer with our Pantocratorian allies in order to come to joint position on the talks.” The chancellor smiled. “Now, our first priority, of course, will be to ensure that Knootoss and the Confederation abide by the provisional agreement and allow Saxmere to proceed with its referenda. We will also push for their commitment to honour the results, regardless of what they may be.

“Beyond that,” she paused for a sip of tea, “we are prepared to accept, as gesture of goodwill towards Mr. Daatman, the Knootian request for a comprehensive North Atlantic treaty…”

"Well frankly, Your Excellency, neither His Majesty the Emperor nor the Imperial Government are particularly enthusiastic about concluding any sort of broader, comprehensive treaty with Knootoss, and both are much less enthusiastic about a free trade agreement with the Knootians." the Marquis responded. "We are naturally eager to resume negotiations, and are content with them being located in Upper Virginia. We feel that the referenda in Saxmere negotiated by your predecessor, the Saxmereans, and Chancellor Drapeur will produce a most satisfactory outcome, which is to say, the restoration of the Grand Duke and an independent Saxmere."

The Marquis sipped his tea again.

"Some concern has been expressed to me that the other side may wish to expand on the referendum idea and make the referenda in question issues for the whole of the Confederation, which would naturally see them defeated. This is of course, unacceptable to Pantocratoria, and I dare presume that Your Excellency would find it unacceptable as well, least of all the Grand Duke." the Marquis continued. "The final issue about the negotiations is that the Grand Duke should be represented formally there. The Grand Duchy of Saxmere should be a party at these negotiations. The Foreign Minister's suggestion was that the Governor Peller be issued with a letter under the Grand Duke's seal authorising him to negotiate on behalf of the Grand Duke - His Royal Highness need not be there in person. All the involved parties should be properly represented at the negotiations after all."

Lady Jessica sipped her tea and carefully placed the cup in its saucer on the table. “We agree that Saxmere ought to be represented. I believe that your suggestion that Governor Peller obtain a commission from the Grand Duke quite practical. I would add only that he should also receive a letter of commission from the parliament. In that way Governor Peller may represent the legislature, the government and the crown, symbolizing that represents all of Saxmere.”

The chancellor picked up a small plate of cookies. “Cookie, your Excellency?”

Leaving the plate aside, she smiled at the Marquis. “I also agree that the question of the referenda not be reopened. As I read the transcript of the former negotiations, it was agreed that Saxmere would have three questions or three referenda – the first being whether the nation should be independent, the second being whether, if independence were rejected, it should seek autonomous status in the Confederation and, finally, whether the grand ducal throne should be restored. As I recall, the Confederation accepted that, noting, however, that a separate referendum might be needed in the Confederation to amend their Constitution to allow autonomy or a grand duke in an autonomous region of the Confederation.

“Apart from that proviso, I agree that the referenda should not be extended to the whole of the Confederation.” The chancellor took another sip of tea.

“As to the larger agreement, I certainly understand Pantocratoria’s reluctance to conclude such an agreement; His Imperial Majesty and, indeed, my own government, undoubtedly share some of your concerns. However, we believe that some concession to Mr. Daatman – establishing a regional peace treaty and non-aggression pact, for instance, would not only contribute something towards peace and stability in the North Atlantic, but would also make it easier for the Daatman government to back away from the previous government’s position on Saxmere. It may also serve as gesture of good will towards Mr. Daatman and an incentive to future ‘good behaviour,’ if you will.

“More tea?”

(OOC: Bump for Pantocratoria? After this meeting is finished, we'll launch the next round of negotiations...)

"Yes, thank you." said the Marquis, taking one of the offered cookies. "I agree completely about the parliament doing something similar, and of course, the Governor himself is democratically elected. Three sets of mandates makes it hard to dispute the legitimacy of his presence at the negotiations."

He listened and munched on his cookies as Lady Jessica spoke on, first about other referenda, and then about concessions to Daatman. He nodded thoughtfully, finished his cookie, and nodded enthusiastically to the question about more tea.

"Well Your Excellency, if I may, the Imperial Government is quite keen on the idea of non-aggression pacts and regional peace treaties. But linking these things to free trade is a leap which only makes sense in terms of Knootian ideology, and the Government is divided on the issue." the ambassador replied. "Surely we are making plenty of concessions as it is - nobody is depriving Knootoss of their stranglehold over the rest of the Confederation. I should've thought that was a fairly significant concession. However, we are willing to make a further gesture of goodwill in the form of non-aggression pacts, regional peace treaties, things of that nature. A free trade agreement won't help regional security in the slightest. If Knootoss wishes to negotiate free trade agreements, the Government is happy to listen... but it shouldn't be linked to this issue. The Chancellor therefore asked me to ask for Your Excellency's support of a joint position... that whatever agreement is settled to resolve the issue of Saxmere and the Confederation be based on a diplomatic understanding between the nations involved, not on trade or other economic understandings, which should be pursued separately, and after the immediate crisis is brought to a close."

The chancellor daintily ate her cookie and sipped her tea, looking exactly like a kindly grandmother. She listened carefully to the marquis, nodding here and there as he spoke.

“I believe we can come to an agreement on a common position, then, your Excellency. We will jointly accept the proposal of a regional non-aggression pact and general peace accord, founded on the principles of non-interference and peaceful resolution of disputes. We will propose a third round of negotiations on an economic agreement, be that a free trade pact, or something closer to a fair trade pact. I think the Knootians should find that a sufficient show of our good will.”

Lady Jessica finished her tea. “I expect President Harrison to extend invitations for the second round shortly.” She stood. “Sir Albert will be touch with you to finalize the details of our understanding.” She smiled sweetly. “Thank you for coming today, your Excellency.”

"Thank you for seeing me, Your Excellency." the Marquis smiled, rising and nodding politely. The meeting over with, he withdrew back to the Pantocratorian Embassy and began to write his report.

De Telegraaf (right wing paper), front page.

Protestors gassed in Amsterdam
http://portland.indymedia.org/local/images/20011029shac/3_20011029_009.jpg

AMSTERDAM (from our reporter) - the planned far-right demonstration on Dam Square in Amsterdam starts with the assembly of a group of men and women wearing old brown shirts and carrying signs with slogans against the ‘Pantocratorian Imperialist Aggressor’ abroad as well as the ‘Elvish-dominated elite’ at home. The number of far-right demonstrators approaches about one-thousand, but the city is overfull with over three hundred thousand left-wing counter-demonstrators surrounding the central square. These numbers ignore the limitations imposed by the permit and threaten to surround the right-wing demonstration from all sides, eliminating the possibility of escape.

The police is out in force, with Military Police, horsemounted riot police and military vehicles with guns and water cannons to keep the two groups apart. Officially the protest is directed against Daatman and a North Atlantic Agreement with Christian nations, but it quickly turns ugly as one man from the crowd shouts ‘Heil Tator’, followed by the echoes of a few others shouting the same. Groups of agressive left-wing demonstrators begin to storm the square. A police whistle blows, pods fired from somewhere else in the city land in the square in some sort of pattern. A strange sort of pink gas envelops the protestors causing all to pause in disorientation. I myself get dizzy and nauseous and suddenly feel hormones raging in my body. I lose control of most of my bodily functions and can only watch as the police cavalry (all wearing gasmasks) begin to charge in on whoever is still standing. Some try to run away with pieces of cloth in front of their mouths, but all succumb to the gas eventually. What follows is an indescribable orgy of people unable to control their lower passions. Men and women alike are copulating amonst the screams of the sick and dying just as arrests are being made by the police. The chaos prevents ambulance personel from reaching the far-right demonstrators in time ...

[Continues on Page 3]

De Volkskrant, page 3

Police breaks up anti-Pantocratorian demonstration.

AMSTERDAM – the Amsterdam municipal police and the ME made 57 arrests yesterday as they intervened to keep a small anti-Pantocratorian demonstration allied to the forbidden Conservative Party apart from a massive progressive counterdemonstration. Forty people were hospitalised.

Almost half a million Knootians had gathered as a show of solidarity with the peace movement, in opposition to the 500-or-so far-right activists on Dam Square. The police intervened when the far-right activists challenged the peaceful counter-protests with forbidden fascist slogans.

A police spokesman confirmed that the police had deployed a new non-lethal gas in Dam Square to quell the protest and prevent a riot. The police claims the new invention to be a huge success; there was virtually no resistance against arrest after deployment, and the number of adversely affected people was limited and hospitals were able to respond adequately.

De Volkskrant, Foreign Affairs page.

Knootian Delegation Leaves for Upper Virginia

COURTLAND – Prime Minister Jan Willem Daatman and a delegation from the Knootian cabinet left for the Excalbian Isles this morning to attend negotiations on a comprehensive agreement for the North Atlantic.

The Prime Minister stressed again the pressing need for a comprehensive agreement, while recognising the steps that had already been taken. He also expressed confidence that the negotiations would go well.

As both the Prime Minister and the Deputy-Prime Minister are away, the domestic responsibilities of the Prime Minister are being overseen by Domestic Affairs minister Teun Klaassen for the duration of the negotiations.

Miller House

Lady Jessica Tagaarth neatly arranged the papers in a folder and closed it. “Not an auspicious sign, is it, Sir Albert?”

Sir Albert Cummings, the Minister of State, brushed at tight vest stretched across his ample stomach. “No. No it isn’t, Lady Chancellor. However, I think given the… peculiarities of Knootian society such incidents are almost unavoidable.” He sipped at the tea the Imperial Chancellor had served him. “And, at the least, it seems a far larger number of demonstrators were out to show their support for peace…”

“True, true,” Lady Jessica said. “And the Knootians are on their way. So, we should be on ours soon.”

Sir Albert looked across the table to his deputy minister, Sarah Harrington. “Sarah?”

“Yes, Sir Albert,” Sarah said, “we are scheduled to leave for the airport in about two and half hours. It should only be an hour and a half to Courtland. Our ambassador will meet us at the airport there, where we will also be received by President Harrison.”

“Very good, Mrs. Harrington,” the chancellor said.

“Have you decided who you are taking to represent the MOD and Commerce?” Sir Albert doodled on a pat of paper as he spoke.

“Yes,” the chancellor said with a ghost of a smile, “I’m leaving Davis behind to mind the store, so I have asked Lord Admiral Kunle to join us. And I am taking Baroness Vivian.”

Sir Albert nodded. Both decisions made sense. And it was far better to leave the Minister of Defence in charge of the government than some of the other members of the cabinet that the chancellor could have chosen.

“So,” Lady Jessica said rising, “I shall see both of you in, shall we say, in two hours?”

Sweyn Castle

Emperor David IV flipped gloomily through the papers on his desk. He looked across the table to his friend and former defence minister. “I am very nervous about this, Lord Yornis. What do you think about these negotiations?”

Lord Yornis Halton leaned back in his chair. “I am sure Lady Jessica is up to the task. She does have your trust, doesn’t she, your Majesty?”

The Emperor nodded. “She does. But I’m not sure I can trust the rest of her government…”

“Sir Albert is still Minister of State,” Lord Yornis said matter-of-factly.

“He is. But I fear he is, at least in part, a prisoner of the rest of the cabinet. You know better than anyone, Lord Yornis, that the minister of state doesn’t make policy on his own…”

Lord Yornis nodded. “True, your Majesty, but Sir Albert and Lady Jessica are certainly formidable and capable of holding their own. They have conferred with you in formulating their policy, haven’t they, your Majesty?”

“Yes, yes they have,” the Emperor said. “Still, I fear the cabinet will try to push them beyond what we have agreed upon…”

Lord Yornis smiled. “Your Majesty, if you will recall when I was your superior officer in the Navy I used to say, ‘Don’t borrow trouble; deal with the problems before you and the future will sort itself out.’”

David smiled. “And you also used to say that success was 90 percent preparation.”

“Preparation but not worry,” Yornis said.

Imperial Bulletin
BOLKUS RULES OUT FREE TRADE AGREEMENT
Acting Imperial Chancellor Spiro Bolkus told the Parliamentary Press Gallery today that Pantocratoria signing a free trade agreement with Knootoss was "out of the question".

M Bolkus, who is acting Imperial Chancellor while Chancellor Drapeur is out of the country to attend the conference in Upper Virginia with the CSS, Excalbia, Saxmere, Knootoss, and the Resurgent Dream over a lasting arrangement for security in the North Atlantic and an end to tensions in the Excalbian Isles, spoke to the Press Gallery, taking Dr Drapeur's place in what Dr Drapeur has established as a weekly press conference.

"A free trade agreement with the Knootian Republic has minimal benefits, at best, for Pantocratoria." said M Bolkus. "Besides which, nothing of any substance is truly achieved by a mere economic arrangement."

The Imperial Farmer's Federation applauded the Acting Chancellor's pronouncement. Although Pantocratorian agricultural exports to Knootoss might be expected to increase under a free trade agreement between the two nations, the Imperial Farmer's Federation expressed concern about Knootian imports into the domestic agricultural market, especially about genetically modified (GM) crops, which it says pose a major biological hazard which could have a long-term detrimental impact on Pantocratorian agriculture.

"Pantocratorian beef and peacock meat are the finest in the world." said M Kastapapoulos, the Imperial Farmer's Federation's spokesperson. "Yes, in the short term we might see an increase in exports of both beef and peacock-poultry under a free trade agreement with the Knootian Low Countries, but imagine what would happen to our exports after a few years of feeding our animals GM animal feed. Our exports would plummet in the medium to long-term when our animals started growing extra heads and whatever else can happen when you feed them dangerous GM food. If a free trade agreement means we have to take GM products from the Low Countries, then it's just not worth it."

Pantocratoria seeks a lasting arrangement built on diplomatic agreements, according to Acting Chancellor Bolkus. "As the Chancellor is fond of saying, things like this can't be settled with ideology. Ideology is what brought us to the brink! Things like this can only be settled through diplomatic engagement."

In other news...
Princess Helen jumps from brother to brother... page 4
Imperial Reserve Bank decides against rising interest rates... page 17
Sport: Grand Final Fever... page 23
Comics... page 40
Editorial and Letters to the Editor... page 42
Classified Advertisements... page 44 to 48
Amsterdam Protests... page 48
Advertiser Index... page 48

(OOC: Tying up a loose thread...)

The drive from Harrington had been fairly long, but not unpleasant. The rolling countryside offered some lovely views and the driver stopped periodically for breaks. There had been lunch – from a drive-through, unfortunately – it had been too risky to let the passengers loose in a restaurant. It was somewhat odd, some thought, that in a territory now controlled by committed socialists there were still fast food drive-throughs; it must just be that some habits were too hard to give up.

Finally, the two cars bearing the official red and blue insignia of the Liberated City of Harrington approached the designated checkpoint. As instructed, the driver stopped 20 meters away and flashed his lights before continuing to the checkpoint.

Upper Virginian soldiers leveled their weapons at the two cars, but made no attempt to fire. An officer in a tan uniform with four stars on his shoulder approached the cars alone.

Comrade Stephen – as Stephen Milton liked to be called – stepped out of the lead car and approached the officer. He extended his hand and the officer shook it. “I am Comrade Stephen Milton, Under-commissioner of the People’s Committee for Public Safety.”

“General Alex Holmes, Chief of Staff,” the officer said. “Do you have the ambassador and his secretary?”

“We have the ambassador and a ‘Ms. Peterson,’” Comrade Stephen said. “Are there any foreign troops here?”

“As you requested,” Holmes said, “none. Only Upper Virginians.”

“Good.” Comrade Stephen motioned to the cars behind him. A guard opened the rear door of the first, where Sir Pierre de Thrake sat unrestrained with a bag of fast food and a plastic glass of wine – his escorts had learned not to offer him soft drinks. Another guard opened the rear door of the second car where the woman known as Joan Peterson sat with her own lunch in a sack.

With a nod Comrade Stephen took his leave from General Holmes and walked back to the cars. He nodded to Sir Pierre. “You are free to go, Mr. Ambassador,” he said. “I hope you will remember to deliver your message, as promised, and will remember that we made every attempt to extend you every possible courtesy.”

As the Pantocratorian ambassador stepped from the car and approached him, GEN Alex Holmes saluted. “Sir Pierre,” he said, “I am General Holmes, Chief of Staff for the Armed Forces of the Provisional Government of Upper Virginia. I am ready to take you to your embassy or to the Comte de Joilliet, the Pantocratorian military commander in Upper Virginia. Or, if you need medical attention, I can take you to the hospital…”

* * *

Stonebridge, Outside Courtland

Forrest Turley sat back on his sofa smiling. Things were going very well indeed. To be certain there had been some setbacks – the election of a left-leaning government in Excalbia, the election of Datmaan in Knootoss and the Saxmere secession crisis – but in general the opportunities for a Market-driven economic renaissance in the Excalbian Isles seemed very good.

He looked over the faces of those assembled in his living room. They were business partners, colleagues, employees and government officials. Most were members of the Order, but not all. Some were simply good businessmen who could see that the Order meant economic opportunity for all, whether they followed its tenants in their private lives or not.

Turley’s eyes fell on Jonathan Harker, the executive vice president of the Bank of Courtland. Harker was a good man of business and he believed in the Market – but only in the economic sphere. Harker was also a very prominent member of the local Methodist church. An elder, even. In the Isles, Turley thought, men like Harker might the best hope for the Order; men willing to embrace a syncretistic view that could embrace the Market in the realm of business and commerce while still holding onto the Christian God in family and private affairs.

Turley turned to Marcus Poole, the Secretary of Commerce and his former protégé at SysDim, and smiled. Poole was fully committed to the Order and truly embraced the power of the Market. “Marcus, I understand that you’ve arranged for President Harrison to meet privately with President Caine when he arrives this afternoon…”

“That’s right,” Poole said, smiling, “I’ve traded e-mails with Caine’s Chief of Staff; Caine will make a strong push for a free trade pact with Upper Virginia and for UV membership in K.I.S.T. and UV support for a North Atlantic Free Trade Zone.”

“Do you think Harrison will go for it?” A man in the back asked.

“She’s divided. She understands in basic economic terms that all three pacts would be good for our economy. However, the Pantocratorians and Excalbians have her spooked about the Order and Knootoss…”

“Hopefully Caine can reassure her,” Turley said.

“I know he will try. I also understand that Mr. Davinci will be in Daatman’s delegation. I hope to arrange a meeting with him to advance our cause”

Aboard Confederation One, En Route to Courtland…

President Tom Caine sat comfortably aboard his luxuriously appointed A340 jet. He was working his way through a number of files; reading the executive summary of each, then reviewing it quickly before placing in a growing pile of completed work.

All-in-all things were going quite well. He had been concerned when the death of the Excalbian bishop seemed likely to provoke an Excalbian incursion into the Confederation. Then, the Bible-thumpers in Saxmere – in part, he believed, due to the bishop’s death – declared their secession from the C.S.S. In the long-run, however, it seemed that even their declaration was for the best. After all, it was news of the secession and the ensuing naval crisis that had driven the bishop’s death, and suspicions about its cause, off the front pages and out of the evening news reports.

And, just when the secession crisis had seemed destined for a confrontation – and a defeat for the Confederation – there had been that wonderful conference in Saxmere. Caine’s trip to Umbra had allowed him to stare down his worst opponents and come across as a humble, compassionate leader who was willing to admit his mistakes. The peace talks that followed and given the Saxmereans a sop – a promise of a referendum to chose between independence and autonomy.

At first he, and even more so the Knootians, had been skeptical of the referendum idea. But, in the end, it worked. With the promise of a referendum, tensions had lessened, the Excalbian navy had gone home and Saxmerean unity on secession had crumbled. Once it became a choice between independence and autonomy – rather than the status quo – a number of Saxmereans had come out against independence. The first was Paul Mardan, who had led a demonstration against independence and the Order while Caine was in Umbra. Mardan wanted to stay in the Confederation to explicitly fight against the Order. Others emerged who saw autonomy as a way to preserve their silly rituals and moralistic social policies while keeping their money-making connections to the Confederation and Knootoss.

Caine chuckled. It was true than every investment earned its own return. He had invested in softening his image and negotiating, while applying the always lucrative political capital of favor-giving and had been rewarded with polls showing that the independence referendum was likely to fail. It would be difficult to amend the Constitution to grant Saxmere the autonomy it now craved; especially if that autonomy included a grand duke. But, it was far better from Caine’s point-of-view than swallowing the bitter pill of secession.

The president opened a new folder. Now it was time to think ahead. He had no reason to believe President Harrison could be recruited in the Order, so he would not even try. But, she might be persuaded to accept some of the obvious economic benefits a freer Market in Upper Virginia. That might make her a valuable ally.

Grand Duchess Morgan sighed slightly as she looked out the window of her plane, on the way to Upper Virginia. She had been listening to the reports of the people travelling with her for hours. The woman talking now, Elleni Teshome, was giving her the details of the dike constructed in Fireforge now. "...at least 57% of the crops currently grown in Fireforge are directly or indirectly made possible by our trade relationship with the Knootians..."

Elizabeth Cheatham sat nearby, adjusting her glasses as she listened politely. It would be her turn to start talking again soon enough, and then they would land.

As the Pantocratorian ambassador stepped from the car and approached him, GEN Alex Holmes saluted. “Sir Pierre,” he said, “I am General Holmes, Chief of Staff for the Armed Forces of the Provisional Government of Upper Virginia. I am ready to take you to your embassy or to the Comte de Joilliet, the Pantocratorian military commander in Upper Virginia. Or, if you need medical attention, I can take you to the hospital…”

"Thank you, General, that will not be necessary." said Sir Pierre. "I'd like to be taken to the embassy at once, if you please."

OOC: Bump for Knoot!

http://www.grotekerkdenhaag.nl/images_global/023_l.jpg

---------------------------------
The Hague, Knootoss
---------------------------------


Joy is drunk by every creature
From Nature's fair and charming breast;
Every being, good or evil,
Follows in her rosy steps.

An organ softly played Beethovens 9th Symphony in the Grand Church in The Hague. The church itself had survived a fire during the Catholic period, the iconoclasm, and the inevitable decline of the number of visitors, and nowadays it had been converted into a meeting centre for the Humanistic League as well as being used for exhibitions and the like. In fact, it was one of the Humanistic League meeting centres which was famous (or infamous) for having Deist inclinations. The church was full, as it drew active Humanists from far and wide, and you could sense that there was a real sense of community.

Mr. and Mrs. Daatman were sitting on the front row as men and women in the church began to sing. Holding a piece of paper together, they seemed to mouth the words along…

Be embraced, millions!
This kiss to all the world!
Brothers, over the starry firmament
Must live a loving father.
Do you bow down, millions?
Do you sense the Creator, world?
Seek him beyond the starry firmament!
He must dwell beyond the stars.

The altars had been removed, but instead there was a smartly dressed middle-aged man walking in front of and inbetween the crowds. Instead of the aggressive voice of the televangelists, his was soothing and encouraging. A cleverly-built teleprompter hanging in front of one eye made sure that he could keep up.

“Today I’d like to talk with you about our country and its history. For those of you who are here for the first time today, I’d like you to know that you are free to contribute and discuss about your feelings. We will have group sessions in a moment to make this easier. Today I’d like to read to you some things from the Humanist Manifesto, with my interpretation of it. After that the floor is for you.”

The man smiled, looking around the church as he rested his hand on the back support of one of the front benches. He glanced over at Jan Willem Daatman for just a moment before he began.

“Humanists see Knootoss as the inheritor of the contributions of many peoples and cultures that have found themselves in a common space. Mixing and interacting, they have advanced and widened the horizon of the sentient spirit. Our history is the interplay of influences, invasions, wars, moments of darkness and also moments of great human and social development.

Knootoss: invading and conquering, invaded and conquered. While it colonized, it learned from the people it sought to subjugate. If our country has produced moments of pain and suffering, it has also stored the treasures of knowledge – and at times that knowledge has grown and been projected towards the firmament, giving rise to science, art and human development.

Collapses and relapses, followed by reconstructions, learning how to give each other a hand, and how to give it to others. Today, as in other times, peoples from all corners of the world are coming to Knootoss, living together and dreaming of a common future. They have arrived, settling in these wet, drained-out marshes, in the fertile plains where the days are bathed by the sun.

At this crossroads, will Knootoss be able to find the best from within itself? Will it be able to learn again? To unite the wills and efforts and make a new jump in its history?

The Manifesto tells us that we, as Humanists, stand for a diverse Knootoss, a Knootoss of open doors, a Knootoss that grows richer from human knowledge, and that enriches it as well, a Knootoss that fights to make way for the times to come, opening the doors of the future for all.

I ask myself today: "Who are we? What is Knootoss?"

We are not the product of marketing, or the Market. No cold and calculating force with hegemonic dreams. We are not a perfect machine, nor the dominant culture, nor barbarian warriors who plunder treasure and land.

We are, I think, a group of peoples who, tired of fratricidal wars, have decided to walk together. We are a people who have ventured to know and invade other cultures, and history has shown us that the hand is better than the sword, dialogue better than imposition. We bear the legacy of millennial cultures, the past, but also the future.

As Knootians especially, we are part of that renewed humanist pulse that sinks its roots in yesterday, and that today fights to express itself in the world. To do this, we must reject all forms of violence: physical, economic, racial, religious, moral and psychological. Furthermore we must reject all cultural forms that empty the sentient being of its essence and convert it into a thing.

We must rebel against the tyranny of any dehumanizing system that, aside from the illusory triumph of a very few, leaves millions of people in social, moral and spiritual misery and reclaim the need to fight for a just and non-violent future, not only for us but for all peoples who live in and come to our common space.

We recognize the failure of a civilization based on violence and we are prepared to build a new human civilization based on the moral principle: "Treat others as you would like them to treat you."

------------------------------------------
Upper Virginia, Excalbian Isles
------------------------------------------

The rain was pouring down from the grey skies as the KLM-Republican airplane carrying the Knootian delegation to the conference in Upper Virginia made a slippery landing on an airfield near the capital. Despite the nifty umbrellas carried by the members of the delegation (there were at least twenty officials with the Knootian Prime Minister this time) the rain poured in from the sides, making Daatman and Femke Vologdov (fresh back from her wedding) look like sad wet kitties on the obligatory photo-op.

This did not prevent the Knootian Prime Minister from enthusiastically launching into an motivational story about the importance of these negotiations, and the Knootian commitment to a ‘comprehensive agreement’. When the Telegraaf journalist present had counted that the term ‘comprehensive agreement’ had featured 14 times in his speech, it was over and the delegation made its way to the official meeting.

One of the more low-profile members of the delegation, the Knootian state-secretary of Foreign Economic Policy David Davinci, had already been in the Confederacy for two days for ‘talks’ and he now rejoined Daatman and Vologdov to attend the formal meetings. The Volkskrant had of course already ran an article insinuating that Davinci (a “Handy” as they called him) had been in talks with both Caine and other groups on the Excalbian Isles. Talks made sense, though, Davinci had charmingly replied in front of the press, for the purpose of building consensus and support for Knootian ideas and policies.

Being amonst the first delegations to arrive gave the Knootians the opportunity for some last minute pre-meeting diplomacy, and they made sure not to miss any opportunities…

OOC: Just back from holidays; hope to have some posts tomorrow as UV and as Excalbia to open the negotiations. Cheers.

OOC: Looking forward to it!

Outside Courtland

GEN Holmes nodded to Sir Pierre. “As you wish, your Excellency.”

Holmes escorted the Pantocratorian to a car, which whisked him off towards the new Pantocratorian Embassy. After seeing the ambassador off, Holmes climbed into his own car and rushed towards the airport.

Courtland International Airport

President Becka Harrison waited patiently under darkening skies as the red and white A340 carrying Confederation President Tom Caine taxied to a stop in front of a long red carpet.

Stairs were moved quickly into place and the door of the plane opened. Caine flashed his TV-perfect smile at the cameras and waved. He climbed down to the tarmac followed by his press secretary, Shannon Coles, chief of staff Rihards Krauklis, Foreign Secretary Janice Rudeles and Commerce Secretary Anton Binks.

President Harrison met Caine at the bottom of the stairs with a warm handshake. She and Caine turned towards the press for the obligatory photos as they shook hands.

“It is a pleasure to be in Courtland and to greet the civilian president of a fellow democratic state,” Caine said, speaking loud enough for the press microphones to record his words. “We in the Confederation, who have long championed freedom and liberty, are pleased today that Upper Virginia stands with us on the path towards liberty and democracy.”

Becka smiled. Caine’s words were clearly intended for the press, so she let them go with a simple nod. She motioned for the president to follow her towards the VIP terminal. Caine nodded and followed, with his delegation trailing behind.

Inside the terminal, chairs had been arranged in a semicircular pattern with the flags of the Confederation and the Dominion in the centre. Becka took the seat on the right, nearest the Upper Virginian flag, while Caine took the seat to the left beside the flag of the C.S.S. Rudeles, Binks, Krauklis and Coles sat to Caine’s right according to their formal rank, which ironically placed Coles, Caines’ closest advisor, the furthest from the president.

To Becka’s left sat Foreign Secretary Graham Yultilde, formerly the Vice Chairman of the Chamber of Industrials, Commerce Secretary Marcus Poole, one of Forrest Turley’s protégés and a widely presumed member of the Invisible Hand, and General Alex Holmes, the military chief of staff. Somewhere among the lesser officials, out of sight, stood Richard Thorsen, the ever suspicious and increasingly invisible Director of Dominion Intelligence.

With the Knootians scheduled to arrive forty minutes after Caine, the staffs of the two presidents had arranged a mini-summit between the two leaders. After some more obligatory photos, the press was escorted out of the room.

“Thank you for coming, President Caine,” Becka said. “I compliment you for finding a peaceful solution to the Saxmere crisis.”

Caine let out a small chuckle.

Becka’s eyebrows shot up. “Did I say something funny, Mr. President?”

“Forgive me, President Harrison,” Caine said silkily, “I was just thinking of irony of our situation. After so many years of armed repression and belligerence from the former regime, it is… a little startling to be sitting here with the civilian president of a free Upper Virginia talking about the peaceful resolution of conflicts.”

Becka gave Caine a half smile. “I suppose, Mr. President. I guess I am so busy organizing a new government that I sometimes forget how dramatically things have changed.”

Caine nodded. “Indeed. And, Madame President, you are to be congratulated for bringing peace to Upper Virginia. And freedom. I, and all of the Confederation, sincerely hope that you will continue to lead your nation on the path towards greater freedom and liberty.”

Caine paused and smiled. “Speaking of liberty, President Harrison, have you given any thought to our proposals on enhancing economic liberty?”

Becka’s half smiled faded. “I have, Mr. President. They are striking in harmony with the proposals of my own Secretary of Commerce, not to mention my advisor on economic reform,” Becka nodded to Elizabeth Pilmana, who was standing in the crowd, “and Chairman Turley of the Chamber of Industrials…”

“Not surprising, Madame President, since they make good economic sense…”

“They do make some economic sense, President Caine.” Becka said. “And I do not deny that reestablishing free trade within the Excalbian Isles and expanding it to the North Atlantic would benefit Upper Virginia. Of course, there are always costs… disadvantaged workers, failing industries…” Becka looked to Yultilde, who nodded and smiled in a grandfatherly way. “And there are political concerns…”

“The Excalbians and the Pantocratorians,” Caine said coolly. “They are still here, aren’t they?”

Becka nodded. “But it is also the FVLA. We are in delicate stage of negotiations with them. In a sense they are our ‘Saxmere,’ if you will.” Becka searched the faces in the room for support, wishing that the Varessan commander, Shaun Roberts, were there. Even if had violated protocol. “Nevertheless, we are willing to explore these proposals in a multilateral forum…”

Thirty minutes later, while Caine and his delegation enjoyed a light buffet in the VIP terminal, Becka was back on the tarmac. Rain was now falling, pounding a steady beat on the slick, black pavement. The president stood beside her Foreign Minister and two aides holding large, black umbrellas. As the KLM-Republican airliner taxied up to the red carpet, Becka turned towards Yultilde. “How long until the next arrival?”

Graham Yultilde consulted a list in the palm of his left hand. “Grand Duchess Morgan of the Danaan High Kingdom is due to land in half an hour. The Excalbians and Pantocratorians will land shortly thereafter.”

Becka nodded then stepped forward to greet the Knootian prime minister and his delegation.

Despite the umbrellas carried by his large delegation, and the extras carried by Dominion soldiers, the wind-blown rain seemed to have soaked Prime Minister Daatman and his foreign minister. That did not, Becka noticed, stop Daatman from giving a rather long-winded statement to the press.

She waited patiently until Daatman had finished, then stepped forward. “Your Excellency,” she said, offering Daatman her hand, “I am President Becka Harrison. Welcome to Upper Virginia.” She gestured towards Yultilde. “This is my Foreign Secretary, Graham Yultilde. President Caine and his delegation are already here. Please come inside. We have a few minutes to get to know each other before the next delegation arrives.”

Becka turned and began leading Daatman and his delegation towards the VIP terminal.

Courtland International Airport

[...]

Thirty minutes later, while Caine and his delegation enjoyed a light buffet in the VIP terminal, Becka was back on the tarmac. Rain was now falling, pounding a steady beat on the slick, black pavement. The president stood beside her Foreign Minister and two aides holding large, black umbrellas. As the KLM-Republican airliner taxied up to the red carpet, Becka turned towards Yultilde. “How long until the next arrival?”

Graham Yultilde consulted a list in the palm of his left hand. “Grand Duchess Morgan of the Danaan High Kingdom is due to land in half an hour. The Excalbians and Pantocratorians will land shortly thereafter.”

Becka nodded then stepped forward to greet the Knootian prime minister and his delegation.

Despite the umbrellas carried by his large delegation, and the extras carried by Dominion soldiers, the wind-blown rain seemed to have soaked Prime Minister Daatman and his foreign minister. That did not, Becka noticed, stop Daatman from giving a rather long-winded statement to the press.

She waited patiently until Daatman had finished, then stepped forward. “Your Excellency,” she said, offering Daatman her hand, “I am President Becka Harrison. Welcome to Upper Virginia.” She gestured towards Yultilde. “This is my Foreign Secretary, Graham Yultilde. President Caine and his delegation are already here. Please come inside. We have a few minutes to get to know each other before the next delegation arrives.”

Becka turned and began leading Daatman and his delegation towards the VIP terminal.

OOC: Well, if Becka had been there he would have greeted her first and maybe done the press conference together. Anyway, no mater. ;) I apologise again for ridiculously slow postage.

IC:

"It is very nice to meet you Your Excellencies," Daatman said pleasantly, introducing himself and then pointing in turn to the foremost members of his delegation, who shook hands with each upper Virginian in turn.

"This is my Foreign and Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Femke Vologdov (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Femke_Vologdov) - or Countess Vologdov of Pereslavl I should say now I believe?" Daatman hesitated in his pronunciation of the Russian Surname as he introduced an energetic grey-haired lady

"I do not insist on any inherited title being used, so please do feel free to use whatever form makes you feel more comfortable", Femke offered with a sincere, earthy smile as she looked at President Harrison and Foreign Secretary Yultilde. "Some people prefer to use a title of nobility over a professional title, but I must admit that I am personally more attached to the latter which is earned." Looking at both Upper Virginians in turn, she smirked ironically. "I’m looking forward to having constructive discussions today. These talks will be very important for intra-regional security, and having them hosted by a stable, civilian government in Upper Virginia shows that so many things are possible if the political will exists." She paused, and with a brief nod inclined her head a little more towards Becka, "I’m very anxious to learn about your personal expectations for this meeting."

"And finally, let us not forget David Davinci (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/David_Davinci)", Daatman urged later on, "He is our state-secretary of Foreign Economic Policy and as such he is intricately involved in the economic side of these talks. Much of the good work on economic international relations comes from his department."

"I am honoured to meet you", Davinci said with a polite but almost deliberately listless voice. He bowed a little while still holding a black top hat under wan arm, resembling the Lavenrunzian manner as he shook hands with the Upper Virginians. The bow exposed his bald head, which was pleasantly scented and shiny without being greasy. "I am personally very much hoping for an opportunity of expanding economic relations in the region, including your own gallant little country."

"Full diplomatic and economic partners is what we are always looking for", Daatman added with a light but not overly worried frown on his forehead. "And I’ve always envisioned Upper Virginia as playing an important part in a comprehensive agreement."

OOC: I'm happy to skip my own delegation's arrival and move them straight along to the negotiations with a brief summary post for the sake of moving things along. I figure that this way, I could do that and so could others without us each waiting to post in turn. Would that be OK?

OOC: I talk to Panto on MSN of course, so I'm good with it obviously. But yes, please move along. Stage is all yours, Excalbia. ;)

Courtland International Airport

After exchanging formal pleasantries on the rain-soaked tarmac, President Harrison and Foreign Secretary Yultilde led Prime Minister Daatman and his delegation to the VIP terminal. As waiters and waitresses offered drinks to the dignitaries, the President and her advisors continued their conversations with the Knootian delegation.

"I do not insist on any inherited title being used, so please do feel free to use whatever form makes you feel more comfortable", Femke offered with a sincere, earthy smile as she looked at President Harrison and Foreign Secretary Yultilde. "Some people prefer to use a title of nobility over a professional title, but I must admit that I am personally more attached to the latter which is earned." Looking at both Upper Virginians in turn, she smirked ironically. "I’m looking forward to having constructive discussions today. These talks will be very important for intra-regional security, and having them hosted by a stable, civilian government in Upper Virginia shows that so many things are possible if the political will exists." She paused, and with a brief nod inclined her head a little more towards Becka, "I’m very anxious to learn about your personal expectations for this meeting."

Becka smiled and nodded as Vologdov spoke. She was not much interested in noble titles herself and she appreciated the Knootian's attitude. "I can certainly appreciate your preference for a title you have earned, Madame Minister," Becka said. "As a republic we have little use for noble titles ourselves; one of the cultural differences between us and our Excalbian neighbors, I suppose."

The President looked to Yultilde, who nodded reassuringly. She turned back to Vologdov. "Well, Madame Minister, I suppose that my personal expectations are less important that our goals as a nation." She paused and smiled warmly. "To be frank, our first goal is to see the provisional agreement reached in Umbra established as permanent and binding. As a nation recovering from dictatorship and civil war – and still," Becka bit her lip – occupation was the wrong word, so she concentrated on finding a new one, "hosting," she said with a sardonic smile, "allied troops, the last thing we want is a military confrontation in the Excalbian Isles.

"Beyond that, Minister Vologdov, I suppose our secondary goal is to the peace settlement expanded into a permanent – or as permanent as possible – peace and non-aggression pact that would ensure the safety and stability of the North Atlantic." Becka looked around her own delegation and caught sight of Commerce Secretary Poole. "And, finally, a tertiary goal would be to reestablish free trade through out the Excalbian Isles. And, if possible, through out the North Atlantic."

Becka lifted an eyebrow at Davinci's reference to Upper Virginia as a little country. The Dominion was hardly little in terms of population, economics of weaponry. Her face lightened at Daatman's comment and she turned back to the Prime Minister. "Thank you for that, Mr. Prime Minister. I hope we can play a constructive role in these talks and in fostering diplomacy in the region." Turning back to Vologdov she added, "If I do have a personal goal, Madame Minister, I suppose it is to use this conference to mark Upper Virginia's return to the world stage as a free, democratic and principled nation."

As the members of the two delegation mingled, a slim attractive woman in a conservative suit made her way towards Davinci. She nodded as she approached and offered the State Secretary her card. It read, Elizabeth Pilmana, Special Advisor to the President on Economic Reform.

"Welcome to Upper Virginia, Mr. Davinci," she said. Then, lowering her voice she added, "My old boss, Forrest Turley, asked me to give you his personal and fraternal regards. Mr. Turley is a friend of President Caine as well. I hope we will have a chance to talk with you about furthering our Market reforms."

Soon, the President returned to the rain to welcome Grand Duchess Morgan of the Danaan High Kingdom. Shortly afterwards, the Excalbians, Pantocratorians and Saxmereans arrived. After sufficiently cordial greetings, the delegations were led to their respective motorcades which carried them into the centre of Courtland.

Courtland

The centre of Courtland was a jumble of old and new. The former government had cared little about zoning or historical preservation. Monorails passed perilously close to the tower of the city's Catholic cathedral and the Excalbian cathedral sat between tenements and seedy storefronts and office towers.

It was also obvious that the city was still recovering from the wounds of the urban fighting during the coup against General Altman. The burned brown hulk of the skyscraper that had house the former Directorate of Justice was shrouded in mesh nets as it was waiting to be torn down. The dome of the National Assembly no longer showed the scorch marks of two direct missile hits, but it was still hidden behind scaffolding as it underwent a major renovation and restoration.

Just after the motorcades passed the site of the ruined Pantocratorian Embassy and its new, shinning replacement they arrived at Liberation Square. A statue representing the overthrow of Altman was overwhelmed and dominated by the towering glass and steel buildings of the National Convention Centre.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v209/ILCLBT/PC280282.jpg

As each car discharged its passengers, they were greeted and directed to their lodgings within the centre. In each room a welcome packet and fruit basket awaited. According to the packets, the first meeting would begin in an hour.

An hour later, after all the delegations had been seated, President Harrison stood. With a warm smile she nodded in greeting to those assembled in the large hall of glass, steel and marble. "Good afternoon," she said cheerily. "And once again, welcome to Upper Virginia. He hopes that this meeting will be productive and will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Excalbian Isles and the North Atlantic.

"To begin, I would like to propose the following agenda. First, a discussion of the provisional agreement reached by the parties in Umbra and discussion of a permanent agreement on Saxmere. Second, a discussion of a regional peace agreement and non-aggression pact. Third, a discussion of a regional economic agreement. And, finally, a discussion of how any or all of these agreements may or may not interact with each other."

The President looked out over the crowd. "Is there any discussion of the agenda before we begin?"

"Oui, merci, Madame la Présidente," said Demetrios Raoul in French, Pantocratorian Minister for Foreign Affairs as he rose to his feet. Thibault Drapeur looked on with his usual expression of thoughtful melancholy. "Premièrement, je crois que je parle pour tous les délégués quand je vous communique nos mercis sincères pour offrir pour être la hôtesse pour ces négociations. Je voudrais pour proposer un vote des mercis à Madame la Présidente de Virginie Superieure."

"Yes, thank you, Madam President, first, I believe I speak for all the delegates when I convey to you our sincerest thanks for agreeing to host these negotiations. I would like to move a vote of thanks to the President of Upper Virginia." said the Pantocratorian translator in English into the earpieces of most of the delegates. A translator said the same thing in Dutch into the radio earpieces of the Knootian delegation. Raoul looked about to the other delegations for a seconder to the motion.

"I'll second the motion." nodded Daatman*.

"Thank you, Prime Minister." nodded Raoul with a satisfied grin, although across his broad, red face, the difference between a grin and a grimace was a fine one. The translators translated as he spoke, managing to remain less than a sentence behind the Foreign Minister. "Second, on the matter at hand, being the agenda proposed, on behalf of Pantocratoria, I move that the third agenda item be deferred to a future date. These negotiations are ambitious enough as it is."

Raoul sat down and Drapeur thoughtfully glanced across the room, his gaze passing over the Saxmerean, Excalbian and Danaan delegations, quietly hoping, although not expecting, one of them to second the motion. While the Chancellor and his Foreign Minister hid their hopes that their proposed modification to the agenda would be accepted reasonably well, each man having a different sort of well-practised poker face, their respective staff behind them watched on with some obvious anxiety.

* OOC: This surprisingly polite display of Knootian behaviour was OKed by Knoot on AIM. ;)

Daatman, like the others, waited for the translation to come in. Like Raoul, he was not a native English speaker, and while he was considered fluent in English (if accented) the Knootians had not adopted their usual approach of speaking English in mixed company for this meeting. There was an awkward silence as Daatman (who did not speak French at all) held a finger to his earpiece and waited for the translation to come in.

"Ik denk niet dat het verstandig zou zijn om de onderhandelingen over verschillende elementen van een alomvattende overeenkomst uit te spreiden over de tijd", Daatman said equally congenically, "I kan de agenda zoals voorgesteld door President Harrison daarom volledig ondersteunen als de manier om deze onderhandelingen vooruit te krijgen."

We zijn hier tenslotte nu allemaal, en mijn delegatie wil graag dat dit onderwerp aan de orde komt. Ik denk niet dat een overeenkomst vandaag mogelijk is zonder hierover te praten."

The earpiece whispered, meanwhile, the words of Daatman simultaniously: "I do not think it would be wise to spread out the negotiations on elements of a comprehensive agreement over time.", the translator whispered in a neutral British accent which did not display the congeniality Daatman had applied in this native tongue. "I can therefore endorse the agenda proposed by President Harrison as the proper way of moving these talks forward. We are all here now, after all, and it is a deeprunning wish of my delegation that this issue be brought to the table. I do not think any agreement today is possible without it."

OOC: from now on, purple = Dutch and translation can be assumed unless otherwise stated.

"With respect, Prime Minister," replied Raoul from his seat when the translation of what Daatman had said into French was complete. "President Harrison is proposing two distinct agenda items, which suggests that each can be discussed and agreed upon separately. We believe that the first and second agenda items are matters of urgency, and the third is a good deal less pressing. Naturally, we would like to talk about it, but before we can possibly discuss economic agreements, we think it is important that we step well back and forever away from the brink of war. It is appropriate that some... breathing space between the current level of very high tensions and the sort of climate in which a meaningful economic agreement could be reached would be appropriate. I'm sure you'd agree that a meaningful economic agreement would be quite difficult to negotiate with the political situation in the region as it is at the moment, Prime Minister."

Drapeur couldn't help but smile almost imperceivably at his Foreign Minister's subtext, hinting to the Knootians that although the present political climate in Pantocratoria made a free trade agreement quite impossible, that might change if given a few more months. Drapeur had serious doubts that the political climate in Pantocratoria to such an agreement would change under any circumstances, but he had to admire Raoul for suggesting it.

*copies Knoot by making French blue*

Daatman frowned, a little annoyed that the Pantocratorian foreign minister had not waited for President Harrison as would have been the proper decorum. During the awkward pause brought about by the running translation Daatman looked in the direction of the chair for a moment to see if he would be allowed to explain himself his position. Satisfied by the absence of a protest by Harrison, he continued in the same tone of patient congeniality.

"I will be happy to discuss political considerations such as those you raised when that issue comes to the table. Certainly you raise some interesting points,", he started reassuringly, "but it might be more appropriate to have that particular discussion later today, and focus on confirming the agenda for today first. Of course if the chair would like to discuss the merits of an economic agreement now, I am happy to oblige, but I think this is getting ahead of an important discussion that we should all have today. If anything, your comments only show that the issue is part of a larger comprehensive situation which merits discussion."

OOC: To make things easier on me, I'll post for all the nations of the Excalbian Isles.

Governor Sean Peller put his hand over his microphone and spoke in urgent, hushed tones with his delegation. His lieutenant governor, Doug Aldaris, wanted to embrace the Pantocratorian position and reject any discussion of an economic pact. Colin Hannigan, the leader of the trade union movement, supported that view. Jacqueline Sanders, the parliament’s most outspoken proponent of independence, was uncharacteristically equivocal. And, oddly enough, Paul Mardan, who had been a late addition to the delegation to represent the anti-secessionists, agreed with Aldaris and Hannigan; he was at least as opposed to the Invisible Hand as he was to secession.

Peller sighed deeply. Democracy and, he was learning, nation building were messy things.

“Madame President,” Peller said, “we concur with the distinguished gentlemen from Pantocratoria on both points. We thank you for your hospitality and willingness to host these… rather delicate discussions. Unfortunately, we must also state our preference for deferring any discussion of an economic agreement to a later date.”

Tom Caine turned to the sharp-featured man beside him and gave him a lopsided smile. “What a surprise,” the president whispered to his commerce secretary. Anton Binks nodded, then gave a slight shrug and shake of his head.

Caine turned to his foreign secretary and nodded. He echoed the gesture with a slight motion of his hand.

Janice Rundeles drew in a breath through pursed lips then leaned towards her microphone. “Madame President,” she said evenly, “the Confederation of Sovereign States also wishes to express its thanks to you and to the Dominion of Upper Virginia. We also wish to join the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss in accepting the agenda you have proposed.

“We believe strongly that economic relations are an intrinsic and indivisible part of the fabric of normal relations between states. We also firmly believe that a true and lasting peace in the North Atlantic is only possible if the nations of the North Atlantic can maintain normal relations. Therefore, we feel that a discussion of the economic dimension of a general agreement is not only proper, but necessary.”

Cain smiled and nodded towards Rundeles.

Lady Jessica Tagaarth sighed heavily. On either side of her Sir Albert Cummings and Baroness Vivian Bodniece anxiously waited for her attention. However, she knew each of the minister’s positions and felt no need to publicly consult with them as Governor Peller had; she considered such public displays of indecision and division to be poor leadership. And poor tactics in a negotiation.

So, the Excalbian Imperial Chancellor flashed her motherly smile and leaned slightly forward to speak without looking at either of her ministers.

“Your Excellency,” she said in firm, yet warm voice, “we, too, wish to extend our thanks to you and your nation for hosting these talks. In my long political career I never dreamed that I would one day be received in Courtland by civilian leader committed to democracy in Upper Virginia and peace in the Excalbian Isles.” Lady Jessica looked slowly around the room at the other leaders, politicians and diplomats. “We should all take a lesson from your experience and remember that no good dream is too far-fetched, too unimaginable to realized through dedication, hard work and sacrifice.”

The chancellor rested her arms on the table and steepled her fingers. “As for the agenda, I share Monsieur Raoul’s reluctance to jump into an economic agreement with parties with whom we have stood on the brink of war before the ink is even dry on the peace settlement.” She nodded towards the Pantocratorian delegation. “However, Secretary Rundeles argument possesses a powerful logic of its own; economic interconnections, like personal connections, cultural exchanges and even ordinary tourism, help bring nations together and give nations a more realistic and even-handed understanding of each other. Such greater understanding, in our opinion, does not eliminate conflict, but does work to confine to peaceful avenues.”

Lady Jessica sat back. “Therefore, I propose that we keep the third item on the agenda, as a separate and divisible agreement, apart from the peace settlement. It may be that once the outlines of an economic agreement have been discussed some of the parties here may wish to enter into it, while other may wish to take the matter under advisement and defer their entry to a later date.”

President Harrison listened patiently to all of the speakers, then looked to her own foreign secretary. Graham Yultilde pushed a shock of white hair off his wrinkled forehead and nodded reassuring to his president.

Becka looked towards the Danaan delegation and the place reserved for the Lavenrunzians. “If there are no further proposals on the agenda, it seems to me that we have two parties in favor of eliminating the third item, two in favor or retaining it and one in favor of retaining it with certain conditions. If those conditions are acceptable to the Confederation and Knootoss, and unless the Danaan High Kingdom objects, I believe we can, at least, provisionally agree to keep the third item on the agenda and move on to the first substantive point.”

Grand Duchess Morgan placed her hand over the microphone, speaking in hushed whispers with Dr. Teshome and Dr. Cheatham. Finally, she looked back to President Harrison. "Your Excellency, we too would like to begin by thanking you for your invitation. You and your government have certainly served as beacons for the responsible settlement of the many tensions in the Excalbian Isles."

"The Danaan High Kingdom also votes in favor of the agenda, as proposed and with no conditions. We expect the business of this conference to result in a single, comprehensive treaty and not in a modular treaty. The idea of a modular treaty, we hate to say, presumes a much greater sense of common interest than currently exists between the parties. We do not believe that an economic treaty could be formulated which all parties would be willing to sign without the incentive of non-aggression, peace, and other considerations. Likewise, we do not believe a peace treaty could be drafted to the satisfaction of all the parties. We do, however, believe a comprehensive treaty can be formulated which all parties might be willing to except as an overall treaty, even if they would not all embrace each part in itself. In our view, that is the road towards a lasting and stable peace in the Atlantic."

With a simple, clear, nod to Grand Duchess Morgan, Daatman acknowledged his agreement with this point of view.

Raoul rolled his eyes as Morgan spoke, recalling his discussion several days ago at lunch in the cabinet room about the inappropriateness of King Owain sending his twenty one year old sister as his envoy rather than letting his government send someone better suited to the task. Seeing that his comrade looked a little agitated (although not understanding that it had more to do with Morgan personally than what she had said), Drapeur leaned forward to speak before Raoul did.

"With respect, Your Highness, some of us may not be willing, or able, to accept any treaty which includes any part we are unable to... embrace, as you put it." Drapeur said, his voice dispassionate but sincere. "In any case it appears that a majority of delegates do not wish to see the agenda changed. We shall abide by the majority's view of the agenda. Shall we move forward then, with the first item?"

Drapeur leaned back in his seat. He looked to Raoul and gave a knowing half-smile.

Morgan inclined her head. "We understand that, Your Excellency. We desire a comprehensive treaty which shall, in and of itself, be amenable to all parties. We do not insist that such a treaty must, a priori, contain any given provisions or features or that fulfillment of the provision of the previous agreement regarding Saxmere to negotiate a comprehensive treaty requires, a priori, that such treaty include any particular provision or set of provisions."

“Well,” President Harrison said, letting out a breath she did not realize she was holding, “shall me move ahead, then, to the first substantive point of the agenda?”

Becka caught a sharp look Yultilde. She raised an eyebrow, then nodded. “Of course, we thank the parties for their agreement to proceed.”

She looked over the assembled leaders and noticed a light illuminated in front of the Saxmerean delegation. “The chair recognizes the Saxmerean delegation.”

“Thank you, Madam President,” Governor Peller said. “Since we reached our provisional agreement in Umbra, we have been moving forward to prepare for the referenda. We have tentatively scheduled the vote for next week, assuming that the provisional agreement is ratified by this conference. We hope that all the parties gathered here will reaffirm their commitment to the provisional agreement and confirm that they will abide by the outcome of the referenda.”

“The question,” Janice Rundeles said, turning to look at Peller, “is whether Saxmere – including the so-called grand duke and his backers – will abide by the vote if it fails to affirm independence.”

Peller turned and looked to his lieutenant governor. Doug Aldaris returned the look, then turned towards the chair. “We – all of us – will abide by the results of the referenda.”

“Are you willing,” Chief of Staff Rihards Krauklis spoke sharply, “to also accept that a vote to remain in the Confederation while seeking greater autonomy would require amending the constitution, which will require a referendum in the other States?”

Peller nodded. “We understand that, Mr. Krauklis.”

The light in front of the Pantocratorians lit up and Drapeur leaned forward to the microphone briefly.

"Pantocratoria will abide." said Drapeur in accented English. He leaned back in his chair. He expected that every other delegation would do the same - after all, the issue had already been worked out properly at the previous negotiations.

"The Resurgent Dream will abide." Morgan said perfunctorily.

"Knootoss will accept the result of referenda, provided that they are part of a comprehensive agreement," Daatman said with a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"Knootoss acceptera le résultat des référendums, à condition que ils fassent partie d'un accord complet," the translator tasked with Dutch-to-French translations said with special emphasis on the conditioning clause added by Daatman, whereas the English translator droned the affirmative on in a neutral tone.

OOC: this might be good French, but it probably isn't. >_>

"So the two delegations actually involved in the referendum will abide by its results, but the Knootian Low Countries wishes to impose additional conditions?" asked Demetrios Raoul. "Perhaps, Prime Minister, you could condescend to tell us exactly what you mean by a comprehensive agreement? If you mean whatever agreement which we will reach in these negotiations, then naturally the referenda results form part of that agreement, since we're discussing them now. If there are specific conditions, then they should be discussed now. Under what circumstances would Knootoss disregard the results of the coming referenda, whatever those results may be?"

Morgan placed her hand over the microphone, her face visibly angry as the Knootian spoke. "Is he insane? I mean...did he really just basically threaten to invade the CSS, against the wished of his own client government as much as against the Saxmereans, as punishment if the Pantocratorians don't enter into a trade agreement with him? Of all the ludicrous, idiotic, ungrateful..."

Teshome frowned slightly. "Our orders are explicitly to try and convince the Pantocratorians to sign just such an economic agreement, Your Highness."

"I'm aware of that." Morgan said with a sigh. "But if the Knootians have no intention to engage in diplomacy in good faith...What should I do?"

Teshome frowned. "Dr. Cheatham and I will need to discuss it and contact the home government. We'll be right back."

The two older women slipped out of the room and Morgan took her hand off the microphone. She didn't speak after taking her hand off the microphone and thus, officially, and probably as far as most of the delegates could hear, made no comment. She waited for the Knootian to answer Raoul.

"I think you just explained it yourself in your initial suggestion, Minister.", Daatman said with a fading smile and a vaguely concerned glance in the direction of Morgan, "Knootoss will naturally agree to abide by the results of referenda, provided an agreement is reached today that establishes formally the desire of parties here to have referenda. As you are well aware, I believe that referenda are but part of the solution," he looked at Drapeur and Raoul in turn, "and I would like to negotiate in good faith about all the issues at hand and not just this particular issue which has been agreed upon provisionally at the previous negotiations already. My wife owns her own real estate agency you see", he explained with a playful smile and a glitter in his eyes as he looked around the table, "and she always tells me - 'Jan Willem, don't you forget that everything is still on the table until the deal is closed.' - Monsieur, I always trust my wife when it comes to business advice."

"And in more general terms, of course, for us to accept the results of any election they will have to be considered Free and Fair", Foreign Affairs and Defence minister Femke Vologdov added with a smirk at Daatmans comparison. "We would very much like to send international observers to Saxmere to verify this for ourselves. The Confederation of Sovereign States has a proud tradition of direct democracy, but with so much at stake the incentives for fraud and voter intimidation becomes perilously high."

"With all due respect, Prime Minister, we aren't interested in your wife's real estate business." Raoul said in a no-nonsense tone, a look of annoyance evident on his face. "You just indicated that there would be conditions under which Knootoss would not accept the results of the referenda. I think we all need to hear exactly what those conditions are and what exactly Knootoss plans to do about not accepting the results of the referenda which the Confederation and Saxmere have both indicated they will accept. Be specific, if you please. These are diplomatic negotiations, Prime Minister, not some campaign speech to fill with flowery language which doesn't mean anything."

Raoul reclined back into his chair and stared expectantly at the Knootian delegation. Then, as if not satisfied with his terse instructions, he leaned forward again, across the table, and pointed a finger across the table at Daatman. Drapeur arched an eyebrow and watched on quietly.

"The time for positioning statements and cute stories about your family life is done with. So get on with it and tell us what you mean!" Raoul concluded.

Murmuring and agitated whispering arose from the sizable Knootian delegation sitting behind Daatman, Vologdov and Davinci. Some were speaking shame of the rude and abrasive atittude of the primitive Pantocratorian union hack Drapeur had brought. David Davinci himself turned around to one of his colleagues of Foreign Economic Relations, observing quietly that it was an insult of the First Lady and the Prime Minister to act this way. Daatman and Vologdov, however, appeared unphased.

"I have told you, minister", Daatman began without the lingering pretense of cordiality, "that we will accept the results of referenda if we at this table agree to have them at the end of the day. I am not making any specific demands on these negotiations, as you implied I would. I do ask however that you in particular negotiate in good faith about all the points on the agenda before I agree to anything."

"And of course, we are asking for Knootian observers - if the C.S.S. will agree to that", Vologdov said politely.

"Not good enough!" Raoul replied, shaking his head firmly. "You don't just drop a bombshell like that and then refuse to explain yourself. You are the one not negotiating in good faith here, Prime Minister. You agreed to the agenda. Item one, the referenda in Saxmere and the Confederation. We are discussing the referenda right now. You placed a condition on Knootian acceptance of the referendum results, now, explain what that condition is. You are the one who put it on the agenda, Mr Daatman. The Confederation and Saxmere are the only ones with anything to gain or lose by these referenda, and neither of them placed any conditions on it. You owe it to them, and the rest of us, to be upfront with your conditions for accepting the outcome of the referendum! And further, I feel you should explain to your supposed allies what it is you plan to do if they have a referendum within their borders whose result they will abide but which you reject. I think you should explain to President Caine, who is here negotiating, like everyone else here who didn't place conditions on the referenda results and then refuse to explain what those conditions are, in good faith, what your position actually is!"

"Ladies and gentlemen, I have already explained my position clearly and several times now and I bid the chair recognise this. For the last time, I refuse to impose preconditions on these negotiations", Daatman said with rejection dripping in his speech, "No, I am here to negotiate, in good faith, a comprehensive agreement for the North Atlantic without imposing our exact vision of what it should be like. That is up to all the parties involved, not just us.

It is my deeply-held conviction that having referenda without a comprehensive agreement is the recipe to violent conflict, and to be entirely frank I will not let Pantocratoria get away with torpedoing any other sort of agreement once your single negotiating point has been cashed in, as you seem to be bent on doing based on your hostile posturing in public as well as right here, right now," he continued, bristling. "I am willing to talk with you up front and honestly about resolving the outstanding issues. I want a Free Trade Agreement for the North Atlantic but I am not going to impose it as a precondition for referenda. It would be nice, too, if your schools were to stop teaching your children that we forcibly euthanize old people and that their grandparents would be dead already if they lived in my country, or that we turn a blind eye to headmasters sexually abusing children to turn them away from religion!

Having a referendum without addressing these issues and turning Saxmere into a Pantocratorian sock puppet which is just as hostile to the Confederation and Knootoss will not make tensions go away and I will not agree to a deal which gives the Saxmere revolutionaries - which represent only about half of their population - their referendum without establishing a context of enduring peace. What this context will be I leave entirely up to this esteemed assembly, and I have no doubt whatsoever that most parties here want to think about ways to ensure this. However I am not at all convinced by the Pantocratorian desire for an actual settlement, and your rude remarks, Minister, only reinforce my fears that Pantocratoria is negotiating with a Cold War mentality."

"So first you impose conditions but won't tell us what they are, and now you claim that you won't impose preconditions?" Raoul shook his head incredulously. He turned to President Harrison. "We are trying to negotiate here, Madam President, in good faith. If the Prime Minister is now withdrawing his previous remark to the effect that Knootian acceptance of the referenda results would depend on certain other unnamed conditions, then we would be happy to proceed. Since I am unable to get a straight answer out of Mr Daatman, would you, Madam President, be able to confirm that?"

"President Harrison, at no point has the Prime Minister sought to impose preconditions on either the referendum results or on these negotiations", Femke Vologdov appealed in turn - speaking impeccable English. Gesturing with her hands, she tried to make some sort of disctinction.

"He has made it clear several times now that Knootian acceptance of the referenda results is not dependent on any preconditions, bar those I mentioned which is that the elections are Free and Fair. Our acceptance of the referendum idea an sich in these negotiations assumes, as the Prime Minister rightly pointed out, that we do reach a comprehensive agreement here which includes having them in the first place. Knootoss and its allies believe that referenda are the solution, but only as part of a larger arrangement which is what we are negotiating about today. I hope this clears up any confusion and I motion that we move beyond this unpleasant interruption by the Pantocratorian foreign minister and start actually talking about content."

She sighed, and bowed her head towards Daatmans next to her

"If anything this paranoia shows that we have a long way to go."

"I've been begging Monsieur Daatman to move on to actual content for some time!" Raoul replied in accented English, nodding to the chair that he was either satisfied with Femke Vologdov's explanation or so exacerbated by the lengthy Knootian equivocations and attempts to avoid clarifying what they actually wanted in the comprehensive agreement they were always talking about that he just wanted them to get on with it.

"We're happy to move on now, Madam President, and second the Knootian delegation's proposal that international observers monitor these referenda, if the Confederate and Saxmerean delegations do not feel that to be too insufferable an imposition." said Drapeur, his calm voice quite a contrast to Raoul's. "We are of the opinion that every nation represented at this conference should send electoral monitors, if the CSS and Saxmere would accept them."

"The Resurgent Dream also supports the presence of foreign observers from all parties to witness the referenda. However, we have a motion to amend the proposal as it is now on the table. In addition to the parties at this conference, all interested parties in one way or another, that another party in whom all parties are willing to place their trust be asked to send observers, in the event that the observers of the various parties might report differently." Morgan said. "While we are open to a great many possible nations to request this of, we would propose as a possibility for further debate that an invitation to perform such a role be issued to the Grand Duchy of Taraskovya, to see if they would be willing." Morgan smiled slightly as she watched the other delegates. Her advisors returned to her side and slipped her a small sheet of paper. It contained sixteen specific proposals for treaty provisions that the Prime Minister wished her to propose. Taken together, they constituted a treaty Karamanlis thought was the basis, although a basis which would be amended and negotiated over greatly, of an agreement the Pantocratorians and the Knootians could both accept, if both were willing to give a little. Morgan nodded as she read, she couldn't wait until they finished approving this referendum so she could propose her first point...well, the PM's first point.

"I propose Upper Virginia take that place, not Tarasovka." Drapeur piped up, nodding along with what Morgan said.

"After all, Tarasovka is hardly a neutral party like our esteemed hosts." Raoul added, nodding to President Harrison. "They're a Knootian ally, surely a neutral party should either be a mutual ally of all parties or otherwise neutral."

“Knootoss shares the sentiments of the Danaan”, Daatman offered cordially, “if I may be allowed a small correction, though - Knootoss is not allied to the Grand Duchy even if our relations with them are cordial. I see no reason for them not to be considered a neutral party.”

Femke Vologdov looked at Daatman, blushing a little. The fact that the Knootian foreign minister held a Taraskovyan title of nobility meant that this was perhaps not the best of times for her to speak up on

“It should also not go unmentioned that the Taraskovyans and Pantocratorians share the religious sentiments, with a large part of the Pantocratorian populous supporting their Orthodoxy,” David Davinci could not resist adding with a sharkish grin.

"I must confess that I never expected to have to ask a Knootian to leave aside the topic of religion." Drapeur replied lightly with a dry smile on his face.

"The proposal was for a state not a party to this conference." Morgan said to Drapeur, thinking to herself that a grand duchess should be sent to perform diplomacy, not babysit. Daatman and Raoul were both being rather extreme.

"Very well. What about Tanah Burung? They've extensive experience observing referenda due to their unique system of decentralised government." suggested Drapeur in a thoughtful tone.

"The Danaan High Kingdom seconds the motion to extend an invitation to Tanah Burung." Morgan said.

"Furthermore, the Resurgent Dream, in the interest of moving things along, and taking into account the probability that all parties will not be willing to support each individual provision, would like to suggest to the Chair a means of proceeding. We would propose that parties introduce proposed provisions related to part two of the agenda; that, if seconded by another party, these provisions be subject to debate and amendment; that they be voted on after a majority of the conference feels debate and amendment has concluded; that provisions approved by a majority be accepted into a provisional treaty; that these same procedures be adopted with regard to potential provisions regarding part three of the agenda as soon as they are completed for part two; that the resulting provisional treaty including all provisions accepted into such a document regarding both parts two and three of the agenda then be subject, as a whole, to debate and amendment; and that the final document not be considered binding until all parties are willing to sign their consent to its varied provisions as a total and comprehensive arrangement, notwithstanding reservations regarding the benefit of individual provisions."

Foreign Secretary Graham Yultilde turned towards President Harrison. His expression was stern, yet his eyes reflected great anxiety. He slipped his hand over the microphone and whispered, "You have to intervene, Madame President; the conference is falling apart." Yultilde shifted his eyes, pointing them towards Daatman and Rauol, who seemed to be getting more agitated by the moment.

"Not yet, Graham," Becka whispered. "I don't want Upper Virginia on either party's bad side. Let's give them a chance to work through this; I think he have a fair amount of misunderstanding and rash assumption going on here, no doubt fed by mutual mistrust at a systemic level. But it'd be better for them to realize that than have me tell him."

Becka nodded to her foreign secretary, who sunk back into his chair.

Through out the discussions, the Saxmerean delegation had been carrying on a lively internal debate. Lieutenant Governor Aldaris was managing – just barely – to keep his voice to a whisper, but his red face spoke loudly. Governor Peller rubbed his temples. Paul Mardan, the only member of the delegation not gesticulating and shouting in whispered tones, chuckled at Daatman's reference to Saxmere becoming a Pantocratorian sock puppet; it was nice to see that even the Knootians had picked up on that bit of street theatre.

Finally, as everyone eased back into their chairs, Peller leaned into the microphone. "Saxmere is happy to accept international observers. All of the parties represented here today are welcome to send official election observers, provided each observer is vetted and certified as not being a member of the sending state's – or any other – intelligence organization.

"In addition, we, too, favour the idea of including a totally independent observer and endorse the proposal to invite Tanah Burung to send observers."

President Caine, who had been watching the Saxmerean delegation's very public display of disunity with a thin smile, turned to his chief of staff. After a few minutes of whispered conversation, he turned to his foreign secretary.

Janice Rundeles listened to the President, then leaned towards the microphone. "The Confederation believes that Mr. Daatman's points are well-taken. Obviously, acceptance of the referenda results – by all parties, including Saxmere and the Confederation as a while – is dependent on this conference reaching agreement on a formal treaty to recognize those results and abide by them. However, we do not see this as a problem, since we are all agreed that a peaceful resolution is needed and that the referenda are an integral part of that resolution. Further, while we believe that a treaty that fails to include the trade and commercial aspect of international relations in the North Atlantic would be flawed and unnecessarily weak, we do not place any preconditions on the final treaty. We – as a group – are certainly free to adopt a treaty without these provisions, but I fear we do so at our own peril."

Rundeles turned towards the Pantocratorian delegation. "And let me clear: we say this not as a threat – indeed, the Confederation has made a conscious choice, despite the size of our economy, to maintain a very small military in the belief that free societies do not need excessive coercive instruments to maintain themselves and we are, therefore, in no position to threaten anyone. So, our statement is not a threat, but rather a realistic assessment of the prospects for success for a partial peace treaty versus a full and comprehensive peace treaty.

"Secondly, we, too, agree with Knootoss that the referenda, in order to be acceptable, must be free and fair. Therefore, we endorse the idea of having international observers and will gladly open our own referendum on amending the constitution – should such a referendum be necessary – to observers. While we have no specific objection to including Tanah Burung as an observer, we do note that it has a history of conflict with Knootoss. Therefore, we believe it would be better to have two independent observers. Perhaps Tanah Burung and the Grand Duchy of Tarasovka."

"Madame President," Lady Jessica Tagaarth said softly, "the Holy Empire of Excalbia is, frankly, somewhat disappointed that these discussions have strayed into so many ancillary topics. We also wish to note that we do not need to be lectured in tautologies or in the need for free elections…"

The Imperial Chancellor turned away from the microphone. "What is it?" Lady Jessica whispered to the young diplomat urgently tapping her on the shoulder. She took a small note from the diplomat and read it quickly. The color drained from her face and she covered a gasp with one of her thin, wrinkled hands.

"Pardon me, Madame President," the Chancellor said, turning back to the microphone. "It seems His Imperial Majesty has taken ill*; I need to urgently confer with my government." She turned to Sir Albert Cummings, handed the note to him and whispered quickly in his ear. Cummings' eyes seemed to darken and his brows knotted as the Chancellor stood and hurried out of the room with the young Foreign Service officer. Lord Admiral Kunle stood and followed.

Sir Albert turned back to the microphone. "Um, pardon us," the Minister of State picked up a glass and swallowed some water. He set the glass heavily on the table and leaned forward. "Yes, well, as the Chancellor was saying, we are prepared to endorse the inclusion of independent foreign observers for the referenda, contingent on Saxmere's agreement. We also endorse the Danaan High Kingdom's proposal for establishing rules of procedure."

President Harrison leaned forward with a worried expression. "Minister, is the Emperor's condition serious? Would you like to request an adjournment?"

"We do not know His Imperial Majesty's exact condition," Sir Albert said hesitantly. "However, Her Excellency was quite determined that we press ahead."

"Very well," Becka said with a sympathetic smile. "It seems we finally have a motion on the table: to accept the Saxmerean referenda as binding, conditional on the naming of independent international observers. Further, we have an amendment that has been seconded to invite Tanah Burung to serve as the independent observer. There is also a further amendment that both Tanah Burung and Tarasovka both be invited to send observers.

"So, I first call for a second to the amendment to include both Tanah Burung and Tarasovka. If the amendment is seconded, we will immediately vote on the motion to accept the referenda as binding provided that these two states serve as independent observers and that the parties here present be allowed to send their own observers; if it is not seconded, we will move to a vote on the motion to accept the referenda as binding provided that Tanah Burung is invited to serve as an independent observer. "

Becka looked across the room to look for a second to the Confederation's amendment.

*(OOC: This refers to events taking place here: http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9929924#post9929924)

"Probably a skin irritation from the hair shirt." Raoul joked quietly to Drapeur in French at the news of the Excalbian Emperor's condition. Naturally, the microphone was covered and the joke was quiet.

"Perhaps." Drapeur said, his eyes moving across to the Knootian delegation, a look of quiet concern on his face as he recalled all the other victims of mysterious ailments and unsolved crimes who had opposed Knootian foreign policy. "Or perhaps His Majesty is suffering the same affliction as Bishop Purins..."

The slight twinkle in his eyes fresh from the joke at the expense of royalty faded quickly and Raoul frowned in concern.

"Surely they wouldn't... not while we're all here negotiating!" Raoul whispered.

"Who has been more adamant in his opposition to Knootian imperialism in the Excalbian Isles than the Excalbian Emperor, Demetrios?" Drapeur observed quietly. Raoul looked back across the table disdainfully at the Knootian delegation.

"And I thought this Daatman might be a different sort of creature from the elf..." Raoul whispered in quiet disappointment and worry. If the Emperor of Excalbia couldn't be safe from Knootian assassins and poisoners, who could be? The two men and their staff watched in silence and waited for somebody else to second President Harrison's suggestion.

Morgan frowned at being openly ignored by the chair, who was herself steadfastly refraining from laying down any rules or procedures to clarify what was going on or to get the conference on track. "We second the motion to amend." she said resignedly.

“Thank you, your Highness,” President Harrison said. She looked over those assembled in the hall. “The motion now on the floor is that the referenda in Saxmere be accepted as binding on all parties; that all parties be invited to send election observers to Saxmere; that Tanah Burung and Tarasovka be invited to send election observers; and that this provision be made part of the final treaty among the parties gathered here today.” Becka looked to her foreign secretary, who nodded encouragingly. “Please signify your vote in favour of the motion by illuminating the signal lights at your tables.”

(OOC: Please indicate a vote yes or no on the motion – Excalbia, Saxmere and the C.S.S. all vote yes. Based on the preceding RP, I think this will pass, so I hope it will not offend anyone if I have President Harrison move on to the next point. If there are any problems, I’ll edit my post.)

Becka nodded as she noted the votes. She felt Yultilde’s gaze and glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. He nodded slightly towards Grand Duchess Morgan. Becka nodded and smiled.

“Before we move on to the second item on the agenda, I would like to discuss the Danaan High Kingdom’s proposed procedure for working through items two and three on our agenda. As I understood the proposal, the Resurgent Dream has suggested that we open the floor to proposals for a regional peace agreement and that any proposal that is seconded be opened for debate and amendment. Once the debate is closed, the proposed provision would be put to an immediate vote. Approved provisions would be added to the draft treaty.

“Once there are no further proposals for a regional peace agreement, the same procedure would be followed for a regional economic agreement.

“After that, the draft treaty itself, with all the proposed provisions, would be subject to debate and amendment. Once all parties are prepared to sign the treaty, it would enter into force.

“Under this procedure, the previous motion on the referenda in Saxmere would become the first provision of the treaty.” Becka took a deep breath and looked around. “Is there any discussion of this procedure? It seems sound and fair to me, and I encourage the parties to accept it.”

Janice Rundeles illuminated her light. “The Confederation thanks the Resurgent Dream for its proposal and accepts it wholeheartedly.” Leaning back, she added in a whisper, “Anything to get us moving forward and to keep us from running aground on irrational objections to trade agreements.”

President Caine, who barely heard his foreign secretary, smiled thinly and nodded. “Indeed,” he whispered.

Governor Peller shifted restlessly in his seat. “We require some clarification, Madame President. Is the Danaan delegation proposing that economic agreements be incorporated into the final treaty by simple majority vote? If they are, then we have some concerns…”

“Not to speak for the Danaan High Kingdom, Governor,” Becka said, “but it is the Chair’s understanding that proposed provisions would be included in the draft treaty by majority vote, but that the final treaty would be subject to amendment and would be approved only be consensus.” Becka turned towards Grand Duchess Morgan. “Would you care to comment, your Highness?”

Morgan illuminated the yes light with regard to the motion before her before responding to Harrison. "Your understanding is correct, Your Excellency. The final treaty would have to be ratified by all parties to take effect."

Pantocratoria's light illuminated a vote in favour of the motion regarding the referenda, and then Drapeur leaned into the microphone to speak on the motion about adopting a formal structure.

"Pantocratoria supports the motion and commends it to the other delegates." Drapeur said in accented English.

OOC: I'm deeply to go back in time, but the TB motion presents a bit of a problem.

As the motion was being discussed, Jan Willem Daatman and Femke Vologdov exchanged a few calm words. Vologdov nodded several times as Daatman whispered something, and then opened the microphone just before the vote started.

"I'm sorry, but I must object to inviting Tanah Burung observers" , Vologdov said with a clear voice to the conference at large. "I fear that inviting them will endanger the process of peace and reconciliation with Knootoss by stirring sleeping dogs. President Caine did not make the point of our history with them without reason, and no purpose of this conference justifies involving them. As much as I am personally fond of Tanah Burung and its people, I'd like to dissuade the parties at this conference from supporting a motion which includes what the Knootian State considers to be an unacceptable observer. We would like to propose for a motion instead that all parties represented at this conference agree to send observers, and that other states may do so at their own discretion with the mutual agreement of the Saxmere State government and the Confederate government without according these observers with any special status."

---

While discussing the formal structure, Daatman frowned a little.

"We support the proposition for a formal structure, but I’d like to remind all parties involved that the purpose of this conference is to produce a document to which we can all consent. I’d like to urge parties to remember this before they cast their votes."

OOC: I'm not going back in time to respond to Knoot's objection IC since I feel it is rendered redundant through the mechanism of having a vote on the topic, and Pantocratoria voted yes. I frankly don't understand why it was necessary to move back in time at all because of that.

OOC: You raised the point knowing we would not like it. They are obviously not neutral. I expect others to change their votes based on the objection we voiced. Getting obviously biased observers against our will, that is.

Drapeur can certainly choose to be an ass to Knootoss IC and vote in favour of having Tanah Burung.

EDIT: however I expect the others to comment on the motion. If there is going to be no clarity on it, I want a discussion. If it becomes evident in that discussion that we aren't getting our way because of this majority vote system with a majority biased against Knootoss then Daatman wont accept that either and demand normal negotiations which require consensus.

Morgan voted in favor of the Knootians amendment. She did not speak on it. She voted in favor of the final provision again regardless of whether or not the amendment passed.

((OOC: There. Not going back in time more than that though))

(OOC: President Harrison is going to exercise a bit of executive fiat and amend the motion slightly in an effort to reach a compromise. I hope this will be ICly acceptable.)

Becka sighed heavily as Vologdov stopped the vote to raise an objection to Tanah Burung. The President dropped her head into her hands as she heard out Vologdov. She glanced at the Pantocratorian delegation and saw that they were in no mood for further debate on the point.

“Madame President,” Governor Peller said, illuminating his light. His lieutenant governor, Douglas Aldaris, was practically leaning over Peller’s shoulder. Aldaris’ eyes were narrowed slits and his face was red. “We object to the Knootians trying to amend after a vote has been called.”

“The Chair did ask for objections prior to the vote,” Foreign Secretary Rundeles said. “Knootoss is perfectly within its rights.”

Becka glared at the Saxmereans and the Confederation delegations, then turned to recognize Grand Duchess Morgan. The head of the Danaan delegation indicated her approval of the Knootian amendment. She smiled with relief when she realized that Danaans were prepared to vote without further discussion.

Becka closed her eyes for a moment, then dropped her hands to the table. “In the interests of time, please allow me to offer a compromise and to put it to the vote. I suggest that the motion be amended to state that the referenda in Saxmere be accepted as binding on all parties; that all parties be invited to send official election observers to Saxmere; that other nationstates may be invited to send unofficial observers upon the agreement of the governments of Saxmere and the C.S.S.; and that this provision be made part of the final treaty among the parties gathered here today. Further, it should be noted that nothing in this motion prevents any of the parties from inviting Tanah Burung, Tarasovka or any other nationstate to send unofficial election observers, provided that both Saxmere and the C.S.S. agree to accept them.” Becka paused for a breath. “Please indicate votes in favour by illuminating your light.”

(OOC: Excalbia, Saxmere and the C.S.S. vote in favour; TRD has already voted in favour. Please indicate your votes.)

Sir Albert tried to listen to the discussion of procedures, but he kept finding his thoughts drifting back to the Emperor and the note the Chancellor had handed him. A nudge from one of the Embassy diplomats setting behind him stirred the minister of state to turn on the light on the front of the table. “The Prime Minister makes a good point – the final treaty must be accepted by consensus and, indeed, that fact should keep all of us,” Sir Albert turned towards the Knootians, “all of us,” he repeated, “from trying to force through overly divisive provisions that would only serve to undermine final acceptance of the treaty.”

“Both points are well-taken,” Rundeles said, “but let us not overly restrict ourselves either; we owe it to ourselves – and to the citizens of the North Atlantic – to formulate the best treaty that we possibly can.”

“The Chair,” President Harrison said, “appreciates the points that have been made and commends them to the delegates. At this time, I ask whether the delegates are prepared to accept the proposed rules of procedure. Please indicate your votes.”

(OOC: Again, Excalbia, Saxmere and the C.S.S. vote in favour of the Danaan proposal.)

((OOC: Knootoss voted in favour of the amended proposal, as well as the Danaan proposal for a procedure with the assurances of other parties on the subject.))

The Pantocratorian delegation voted in favour of both motions in the interest of moving things along. Drapeur dispatched one of his staffers to go and get more information about the Excalbian Emperor's situation between the votes.

After the delegates passed the motion on the Saxmerean referenda and on the rules of procedure for the remainder of the conference, President Harrison let out a small sigh of relief. "The motion passes," she said softly after the vote on the second motion. "I believe it might be useful for us to take a brief – very brief – break before continuing on to a discussion of a regional peace treaty. Shall we say ten minutes? Coffee, tea and pastries will be available in the adjoining room."

Becka stood up, nodded to Yultilde and made her way towards the door.

Lady Jessica Tagaarth was making her way back to the meeting room when she came across a Pantocratorian staffer talking with one of the Excalbian Embassy's junior diplomats.

"Your Excellency," the junior diplomat said with a bow, "the Pantocratorians are inquiring about His Imperial Majesty's health…"

Lady Jessica nodded. "I will speak with Dr. Drapeur myself." She turned from the pair and walked towards the hall.

Lord Admiral Derek Kunle, who had been waiting outside the door for the Chancellor, bowed. "How is His Imperial Majesty, my Lady?"

"His condition is grave, Lord Admiral. Very grave. And there is division in cabinet." Unlike her minister of defence, Lady Jessica implicitly trusted in the professionalism and neutrality of the military and willingly took Kunle into her confidence. "We are trying to keep his actual condition quiet, Lord Derek; we don't wish to cause a panic, especially when the government and the Senate are not yet unified."

Kunle nodded. "Has there been," the Lord Admiral's rich, faintly accented voice dropped to a whisper, "any suggestion of foul play?"

Lady Jessica shook her head. "But I am not sure anyone has had time to consider that, my Lord."

"With your permission, I would like to contact the General Staff and the Imperial Guard to discuss this question. And, of course, Minister Robb."

Lady Jessica nodded her head and Kunle, with a quick snap of his head, rushed off towards the office that had set aside for the Excalbian delegation.

Inside the hall, Lady Jessica walked up to her minister of state. Sir Albert Cummings turned and gave the Chancellor a worried look. "His Imperial Majesty…" Sir Albert began.

"He is in serious condition, but the doctor's are hopeful. However, he has suffered two heart attacks and is in a coma."

Sir Albert nodded. "What is the reaction?"

Lady Jessica whispered, "Divisions are showing in the cabinet. We are keeping the true seriousness of His Imperial Majesty's condition quiet – for now. And Lord Derek is going to ask the General Staff and Imperial Guards to launch an investigation to rule out foul play. And there will be a conference call this afternoon with all the leaders of all the parties in the Senate and the Speaker. You should, of course, take part in the call, Sir Albert."

Sir Albert nodded.

Lady Jessica squeezed the minister's arm and nodded. "I need to find Dr. Drapeur…"

The Chancellor walked off and quickly spotted the Pantocratorians. She approached Drapeur. "Monsieur Doctor," she said, sliding up to the Pantocratorian chancellor at an angle, effectively cutting him off from those around him. She leaned towards his ear and whispered, "I believe you should know about His Imperial Majesty's condition. However, we are trying to keep the details quiet until the government has had a chance to come to a consensus on how to proceed.

"It seems that His Imperial Majesty," Lady Jessica began, keeping her voice low and soft, "has suffered two heart attacks – one this morning at the Castle and one just now in hospital. The doctors believe they have done everything necessary to prevent extensive damage and to ensure a full recovery. However, the Emperor has slipped into a coma. If he does not come out of it shortly, we may need to take certain steps to ensure stability in the national executive authority. Until then, I am afraid we are a government operating at a reduced capacity. Terrible timing, really."

"Indeed it is, Madam Chancellor." Drapeur nodded, a grimace across his face. "Quite a coincidence that his happened now, don't you think? I don't want to speculate... but foes of Knootian foreign policy have had an alarming tendency to fall victim to all sorts of disasters over the past few years. Didn't Bishop Purins also have a heart attack? Let's hope that His Majesty recovers, but if this is a ploy designed to weak Excalbia's resolve at this crucial moment, it cannot be allowed to succeed. Lady Jessica, it falls to you, whatever the situation in Citadel Excalbia may be, and it will no doubt change hour to hour, it falls to you to see that Excalbia remains resolute. At home your government may be one operating at a reduced capacity, but the Emperor was never here with you in Upper Virginia. Here, at these negotiations, you are the government, and you are still operating at full capacity and must remain so."

Lady Jessica nodded as Drapeur spoke. "You certainly raise a troubling possibility," she said in a quiet voice, leaning a little closer to the Pantocratorian chancellor. "I have asked Lord Admiral Kunle to initiate an investigation that will, hopefully, rule out foul play."

The elderly chancellor lightly touched Drapeur's arm and looked into his eyes. Though her face was wrinkled and her skin seemed almost too thin and too fragile, her eyes were intense and full of life. "You need not worry about the negotiations, my good doctor; our approach to them was agreed upon before I left the Citadel and I plan to stick to our plans. As I informed your ambassador, we are prepared to give at least the appearance of concessions on the economic front in order to get what we want on the defence and security fronts." She looked down slightly. "I can only hope that our Pantocratorian allies will find our concessions palatable."

As the Chancellor spoke with Drapeur, Baroness Vivian Bodniece, the Reform Party Minister of Commerce, was searching for Daatman, hoping to have a brief, informal conversation. At the same time, Sir Albert Cummings, having already sampled the light buffet, was walking purposefully towards Grand Duchess Morgan.

"Our flexibility on the economic front is limited by the political circumstances which confront the Government." Drapeur admitted, rather candidly. "More importantly, they're limited by the principle that an aggressive power such as Knootoss shouldn't be able to force Pantocratoria's hand in its own economic, financial and trade policies through first engaging in diplomatic and even military aggression and then backing away from them in exchange for economic concessions. I was a university lecturer in history before my election to parliament, Chancellor. Concessions on too large a scale here would encourage the establishment of a pattern practised by many regimes in the past. Perhaps the one which the Knootians would find least flattering is Louis XIV's France, which expanded herterritory through seizing a number of territories, and then offering to give up all but one or two of them in the peace settlement so that her foes regarded her as being comparatively reasonable. We shouldn't lose sight of the fact that we are all siting here today because of the aggressive foreign policy of Knootoss. We're prepared to be reasonable, but we're not prepared to reward Knootoss for bringing us to the brink of war."

Lady Jessica nodded. "Your point is well-taken, Doctor. And certainly we do not wish to encourage further Knootian intrusions in the Excalbian Isles. However, we believe that some economic component is necessary." Lady Jessica kept her right hand on Drapeur's arm and gestured with her left. "You see, Doctor, this government believes – unlike its predecessor – that the Confederation turned to Knootoss, in part, because Caine felt the need for outside support for his government. That need was fueled, in turn, by the previous government's reactions to his election and probable membership in the Order."

Lady Jessica gave a faint smile. "We believe that the Order is not monolithic and that chapters in other countries do not necessarily take orders from Knootoss, but rather turn to Knootoss for support. By ending our embargo against Knootoss and the Confederation, and by restoring free trade within the Isles – that is among us, the Confederation and Upper Virginia, and by offering the promise of incrementally extending most favourable nation trade status with other nations in the region, such as Knootoss, we believe we will accomplish two goals. First, we will take away some of Caine's need for foreign support and reduce the Confederation's interest in closer ties to Knootoss. Second, we will give Knootoss, itself, a stake in preserving the peace in the region."

The Chancellor's eyes quickly darted around, as if looking for any stray Knootians. "That said, we will not diminish our opposition to the Order; rather we will simply channel it in other directions, trying to target it directly as an entity, rather than making the struggle a conflict at the state-level. Frankly, I have become convinced that the more we – those of us who oppose the Order – insist on identifying it as identical to Knootoss and the more we treat opposition to the Order as opposition to Knootoss and vice versa, the more we strengthen the Order's hand in Knootoss and push other nations into Knootoss' grip. Syskeyia's approach, for example, is completely wrong. We believe there are subtler and more effective ways to combat the Order."

"Indeed. Well I'm afraid my view on the Order is rather different from yours, Lady Jessica. I believe it to be little more than a front for Knootian foreign policy, or rather, to advance the foreign policy of certain Knootian political interests, like the allies of their former Prime Minister." Drapeur replied. "I mean, are we really to believe that an extremist neoliberal organisation like the Order of the Invisible Hand exists independently, gains members on pseudo-religious grounds? The sort of person who would regard neoliberalism as a religion is hardly like to be a threat to foreign powers. The only recruiting pull it has, therefore, is based entirely on perceived benefits - economic and political influence. I don't think it is a coincidence that those objectives line up with the far right agenda of the Knootian RCPK and SLP, or more correctly, the far right agenda of factions within both of those political parties, and of their allies and supporters in certain sectors of Knootian society."

"However," Drapeur said, drawing a long breath. "I do agree with you that the approach adopted by the Syskeyian Republic is a stupid and likely to be ineffective one. There's a right way of dealing with the Order of the Invisible Hand, and it isn't to accord it the status of some unfortunate discriminated-against group, nor to force its few open members underground so as to preserve their company's ability to trade with Syskeyia. We should instead be encouraging these people to come out into the open and engaging their neoliberal ideology in open political debate. That will expose it for the organisation it really is, and that will cut the legs out from under its recruiting drive. Only when it has lost what little credibility it has would a clumsy, ham-fisted implement like the Syskeyian Anti-Marketolatry Bill have its desired effect - by stamping out the influence of a few remaining die-hards."

"None of that however is a matter for today though, I suppose." Drapeur said. "Whatever Excalbia would like to do on the economic front, Chancellor, is of course a matter for you. Pantocratoria's flexibility on the issue is limited, and even if we wanted to sign something as expansive as a free trade agreement or even a favoured nation trade agreement, the political situation at home would prevent us from doing so. I hope you understand what I mean."

Lady Jessica listened carefully to Drapeur. She smiled slightly and nodded as spoke, giving the impression of a kindly grandmother. “You are quite correct, Doctor, in saying that our goal ought to be to draw the Order out into the open and engage it in a public political debate. All too often, it seems to me, they engage in an apples and oranges debate – setting up neoliberal economics and pseudo-libertarian social policy against the straw man of medieval religious excess – rather than engaging in a debate on the real issues of private versus public interests.”

The Chancellor shook her head slightly and patted the Pantocratorian on the arm. “You are also quite correct, however, in observing that today is, perhaps, not the best time or place for this discussion. And I understand perfectly your limits, my good doctor. It is, I fear, one of the prices we pay for democracy that in most cases international politics must be subordinate to domestic politics and needs.”

"You are, unfortunately, correct." nodded Drapeur, before checking his watch. "I think we had better get back to business, President Harrison only wanted us to take a brief break, after all. Thank you for updating me on His Majesty's condition, Lady Jessica."

Grand Duchess Morgan was speaking quietly to her aides as she sampled some of the refreshments. She sighed lightly as she set down her juice, running one hand lightly over her forehead. This was going to be a lot harder than she thought. "Do you think the Pantocratorians and the Knootians will accept our proposals?" she asked. "The first eight, I think, are propositions on which all reasonable people could agree. The second eight..."

"The second eight are likely to be a much harder sell." Teshome admitted. "The Knootians have traditionally shown a near inability to be reasonable in diplomatic negotiations and, for all the talk surrounding Daatman, his actual behavior is almost identical to that of Galadriel."

"Perhaps with a few less murders." Cheatham piped in.

"True." Teshome said. "And the Pantocratorians are hardly being more reasonable. Granted, they have already conceded the entirety of the Confederation excepting one state. The Knootians have already gotten the largest concession anyone's made and refuse to act like it."

"I kn..." Morgan started before noticing someone approaching and immediately ending her private conversation. "Good morning, Your Excellency." she said as she turned to Cummings.

Morgan smiled at Cummings as her aides also looked to him, waiting to hear what he had to say.

((OOC: yes, yes. Sorry. Will make this my priority when I get home tonight. Test now!))

As soon as the session was brought to recess, David Davinci stood up to approach President Caine. When the Excalbians and Pantocratorians had scurried off to their respective bilaterals, he patted the Confederate president on the back with a friendly grin.

"So far so good I suppose", he said musing quietly. "I suppose this early recess has something to do with the situation of the Excalbian Emperor… and judging by some of the looks we got from the other side it might be wise to reassure the Conference that our assasination attempt on David IV was only planned for next week."

"Some nerve those Pantocratorians have to suggest Tanah Burung, though", Davinci continued more seriously as they both walked away from the conference table, slowly raising one end of his lips into a devious half-grin as they did so. "Of course we in Knootoss are very much aware of the reconstruction problems that the United Provinces are currently facing. Unfortunately, with our recent withdrawal there has been a bit of a political vacuum, and we are… concerned… that their participation as observers might be politicised to disrupt the democratic processes within that country. In that light, it might be wise to hold off on their participation as observers." He paused, looking over his shoulder, "...and as we just consensually decided that the Confederation has the right to veto observers, I wonder if you might care to use that right... in the interest of Burungi domestic stability of course."

Davinci paused for an answer before continuing.

"I’m also a bit concerned that the Excalbians might be unwilling to enter a full trade agreement, seeing as they were all too willing to pospone the issue.” He frowned. "I would just like to make sure that we will not agree to enter an agreement that discriminates against either of our countries economically, do you not agree?"

---

Femke Vologdov meanwhile picked up her mobile phone immediately after the recess began. Walking off into an unused antechamber she began a discussion in fast-paced Dutch which went off into increasing concerned-sounding diphtongues. With a clipped voice she asked the person on the other side questions before hanging up and whispering something to Daatman.

"I’m looking for Imperial Chancellor Lady Jessica Tagaarth, I urgently need to talk to her", she asked one of the assisting Upper Virginia staffers, “could you tell me where she is?"

---

Jan Willem Daatman, for his part, slowly approached Grand Duchess Morgan and Sir Albert Cummings after having talked to Femke.

"Your Highness," he said with a warm voice, nodding his head and turning to Cummings. "Minister."

((OOC: test went well, yay.))

Sir Albert bowed slightly to Grand Duchess Morgan. "Your Highness," he said flatly, but not unpleasantly. "The Chancellor wished that I inform you – and your government – of His Imperial Majesty's condition."

The Minister of State stepped perhaps a bit closer to the Grand Duchess than protocol might normally allow. He positioned himself to her side, so that anyone behind her would be screened from their conversation.

"His Imperial Majesty," Sir Albert began in a voice barely above a whisper, "has suffered two heart attacks and seems to have fallen into a coma. Lady Jessica is insistent on completing the negotiations, but the situation in Citadel Excalbia is somewhat tenuous. That may force our hand in certain matters…"

The rotund minister visibly bristled at Daatman's approach. However, he recovered sufficiently to keep his surprise in check and to render the appropriate bow of the head. He was certain that Daatman had not overheard. At least he hoped he had not.

"Your Excellency," Sir Albert said as pleasantly as he could. "The negotiations seem to be going well so far. Would you agree?"

President Caine was speaking with his chief of staff as Davinci approached. He broke off his conversation with a dismissive nod and turned towards Davinci. He smiled and offered his hand in greeting.

"Yes, very well I think. I think it will prove to have gone very well indeed once the referendums take place; I think the Pantocratorians and Excalbians will get a nasty surprise."

Caine shrugged at the discussion of Tanah Burung. "Frankly, we're open to any observers they want to send. As long as we have at least some friendly observers and can send our own observers to Saxmere. Our polling tells us that the tide is turning in Saxmere; between our efforts and our unwitting ally Mardan, it looks like people there are starting to rethink the idea of independence. Though they still seem to somewhat fixated on the idea of having a grand duke."

Caine listened to Davinci talk about the Excalbians with the smile of man holding a secret. "I wouldn't worry too much about the Excalbians," Caine said. He lowered his voice and tilted towards Davinci. "Let's keep this just between you and me and our closest friends, if you get my meaning." Caine winked. "We have certain sources in the Excalbian capital and they've just told us that the word among the elite is that David IV is near death and that the cabinet is split on succession. They also say that the traditionalist are overplaying their hand and have surrounded the capital with troops. If only half of that is true," Caine's smile widened, "the old lady will be in a hurry to get home, so she'll go along whatever the majority wants to put in the treaty. So, the keys here will be to keep the Danaans on our side of the economic argument, to establish a majority, and, since we all agreed on the need for a consensus on the final treaty, we need to leave the Pantocratorians a big enough escape hatch on the trade deal to keep them from blocking the whole thing."

Caine put his arm around Davinci's shoulder. "As long as we play this right, I'm pretty sure we can get – at a minimum – a restoration of free trade in the Isles – which will benefit us and your companies that do business with us – and establish some kind of mutual most favoured nation status for the larger North Atlantic. It might take some kind of gradual phase in or opt in provision just for Pantocratoria to get everyone to swallow it, but I feel pretty optimistic."

The Upper Virginian Foreign Affairs officers nodded politely. "Certainly, your Excellency. I saw her a moment ago with the Pantocratorian Chancellor. This way, if you please." The staffer dutifully led Vologdov towards Lady Jessica and Dr. Drapeur.

As they approached, Lady Jessica was nodding slightly to her Pantocratorian counterpart. "You are quite right, my dear doctor, we should return to our places so that we may resume. If you will excuse me." She turned and started to walk away.

The staffer closed the gap with the Excalbian chancellor in a few quick steps. "Your Excellency, Minister Vologdov was hoping for a word with you."

Lady Jessica turned and nodded to the staffer. She smiled at Vologdov. "Yes, your Excellency. What can I do for you?"

Morgan's expression sombred as Cummings spoke. "I am...sorry. I will light a candle for His Majesty." The girl looked down slightly before noticing Daatman's approach. Turning, she nodded to him. "Your Excellency."

OOC: Since I'm back, I'll bump this for Knootoss, in whichever of his incarnations is able to post these days. :)

OOC: aye, post coming up!

"As well as can be expected, I suppose" Daatman said with a serious nod to Sir Albert. He turned slowly to the Excalbian. "Although I must admit that a hint of pessimism is clouding my staunch faith in a positive outcome, much needed as it is." The Knootian Prime Minister slowly rose his hand as if to gesticulate a detailed point, but then he lowered it again, aimlessly. "I’m afraid that too staunch a Pantocratorian resistance could compromise the comprehensive nature of the treaty, especially in the economic area." He paused, looking over at Morgan before turning back. "I need not tell you how important this issue is to my own country and government, and my own wiggle room is very limited if I want to get anything accepted by the Staten-Generaal. I fear, however, that the same may hold true for the Pantoratorians." He sighed, just a little, before continuing. "Pantocratoria may wish to insulate itself economically from the North Atlantic for her own reasons, but what we must not have – what we cannot have – is an end result that excludes my country from the greater region. That would, I’m afraid, defeat the entire purpose of a North Atlantic community."

With a smile, he turned to Morgan.

"That is also why I am most interested in the proposals by the Resurgent Dream."

---

"Well, I can only hope that that’s true", David Davinci told Caine, nodding slowly as they whispered. "But we have big problems with a trade deal that excludes Knootoss. In fact, that would make the economic treaty nothing more than a tool for the Excalbians to affirm their economic weight – surely you can see that", he continued with a more pleading voice. "What we need is maintaining the Free Trade Zone with the C.S.S. and Saxmere in whatever form, and expanding it to include Upper Virginia and perhaps Excalbia too. That… socialist Drapeur can go stuff his ass with low-quality peacock feathers and take the MFN route if they insist but we should not be excluded from this Market because they choose to be excluded."

---

Femke Vologdov smiled back at Lady Jessica.

"Yes, I wanted to talk to you about the current…. situation… in Excalbia, if you don’t mind”, she said matter-of-factly. "I’m hearing this news of the Emperor... and troops closing in on your capital. My own people are confirming military units moving in on the Citadel. With all due respect, what is going on there your Excellency?"

Drapeur returned to Raoul and the rest of the Pantocratorian delegation.

"I wonder when everyone else intends to return to the actual negotiating table." Raoul remarked to Drapeur sardonically. "There hardly seems much point in having a conference at all at this point, with all the delegations being too busy talking to each other ex parte to actually get on with it."

"Be patient." Drapeur replied with a shrug of his shoulders. "Knootian arguments are no more convincing when repeated for the umpteenth time in private than they are when repeated for the umpteenth time in public."

"You know what's really absurd about all this? That General calling herself the President of Upper Virginia, presiding over it all like a leader of some neutral power." Raoul whispered. "She's in a delicate political position, you know. She talks an awful lot of restoring the constitution and yet she still hasn't called elections. And she needs to prove to her own people that she's not a Pantocratorian or Excalbian puppet, just because of the assistance we rendered in placing her in power..."

"It doesn't matter who is presiding over these negotiations or what their political situation is, so long as they maintain a modicum of control and keep things moving." Drapeur told Raoul. "Although I do wish she'd recall everybody to the table..."

The Volksraad, Hofburg, Lavenrunz

Arvid Pluskat stood up and leaned forward dramatically. "Madame President, I wish to ask the Foreign Minister how long Lavenrunz is going to find itself tied to the atheistic conspiracy against Christendom?"
There was a murmur of approbation not only on the side of the Populists but also even among some of the Constitutionalists. The few Christian-Communists among the CPL ranks merely stirred uncomfortably; they did not believe in Pluskat's sort of views of Christianity.

Aurora von Konigsmark rose elegantly and smiled as though this were a mere distraction in the day's business she was too well bred to simply ignore. "I'm sorry, Madame President, but what atheistic conspiracy would that be?"

"Madame President, I am sorry, very sorry, that the Foreign Minister is so ignorant of international life, given her portfolio. Surely she must be aware that the Order of the Invisible Hand is developing dangerously long fingers? Surely she must know how the state of Knootoss is becoming increasingly atheistic, militantly so, and is proselytizing its so called faith!" he ended this with a shout and a shake of the fist.

"Madame President, forgive me if I seem unusually good natured in the face of this, but it is necessary when Herr Pluskat acts like Matthew Iesus on a good day." von Konigsmark smiled demurely at the laughter this raised. "But when Lavenrunz joined VERITAS and the NDA we did not do so because we expected that everyone would be a good Catholic; we did so out of necessity of acting according to the diplomatic, economic and military needs of the state. As a result we have entered into new economic agreements with Pantocratoria, Excalbia, and the Resurgent Dream in addition to maintaining our good relations with Nathicana, Treznor, Menelmacar...well the list goes on."

"Madame President this is obfuscation. It is one thing to be aligned with nations which do not practice our faith and which have no active hostility towards it. It is entirely different to be aligned with a nation which is the fount of a conspiracy against the Church." Pluskat said glowering. "I would like to ask, Madame President, that an Imperial Commission be formed to investigate the matter of Knootoss' activities to undermine the propagation of the Gospel."

Before so much as a groan or a murmur could come from the Constitutionalists, one of the Populist backbenchers shouted, "I second the motion, Madame President!"

The President cleared her throat and announced, "Very well...the Volksraad will vote on the issue of whether or not to request that Her Majesty appoint an Imperial Commission to investigate the Order of the Invisible Hand tomorrow during the morning session."

Courtland, Upper Virginia

Sir Albert returned Daatman’s nod and reflected the Prime Minister’s serious countenance in his own expression. “We, too, see a few inauspicious signs, not the least of which is our Emperor’s sudden illness. Nevertheless, as you rightly noted, your Excellency, this matter is far too important to give into pessimism.”

The State Minister glanced casually towards the Pantocratorians in the distance. “Obviously, there are lines that neither you nor Dr. Drapeur are prepared to cross. Just as there are lines that we may not cross. The art of succeeding in a multilateral negotiation, then, lies in finding a way to give each side part of what it wants without crossing anyone else’s lines, as it were.”

Sir Albert adjusted his suit over his rather ample stomach. “For instance, if I might, your Excellency, it seems to me your “line” is accepting an agreement with no provision for furthering economic relations or one that explicitly excludes Knootoss from such arrangements. Our “line,” I may say quite plainly, is any agreement that would deny Saxmere its self-determination – through a referendum – or that forces us into an immediate free trade arrangement with Knootoss. Pantocratoria’s “line,” it seems to me, is feeling that is being forced into any kind of trade agreement with anyone.

“So, where can we find the common ground? I believe between these all these lines there does lie a common ground.” Sir Albert looked levelly at Daatman. “As long as all of us are prepared to accept something less than our maximal aspirations.”

The State Minister turned to Grand Duchess Morgan waiting for her opinion.

* * *

Caine nodded and smiled as he listened to Davinci. “Absolutely,” he said. “I give you my personal word that nothing will be allowed to interfere with the freed trade agreement between Knootoss and the Confederation. And, once Saxmere votes to remain in the Confederation, they will also remain in KIST and will remain part of the free trade agreement.” Caine’s smile widened. “As for Upper Virginia, we have many friends in the new government and they assure me that President Harrison is giving serious thought to joining KIST herself. And, if treaty makes provision even for an optional trade agreement, she will certainly join it. Now, Excalbia may take some time to opt in; they might insist on going through MFN and a gradual relaxation of tariffs before going all the way. But, we have time to spare, I think.” Caine’s smile turned bitter. “And, as you said, who cares whether the Pantocratorians join or not; frankly I’m not that fond of peacock pate.”


* * *

Lady Jessica felt her face tighten into a scowl. Damn. Knootian intelligence is quicker than I gave them credit for, she thought sourly. She forced her face to relax into a neutral expression. “Your Excellency,” the Chancellor said calmly, “unfortunately, His Imperial Majesty has suffered a cardiac arrhythmia and is hospital. Under the circumstances, we have taken certain prudent steps to ensure order and to investigate the causes of this sudden illness, simply to rule out any possibility of anything other than natural causes.”

The Chancellor smiled and gave Minister Vologdov a motherly pat on the arm. “I can personally assure you, your Excellency, that this will in no way affect the stability of our coalition government nor alter our negotiations; His Imperial Majesty approved our policies before I departed the capital and I assure you, whether is well or ill, that I am acting with his full confidence and support.”

* * *

“Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,” a voice echoed through the hall, “if I might call us back to order.” President Harrison, flanked by Foreign Secretary Yultilde, stood at the dais holding her microphone in her hand. “We have a quite a full agenda and I hope that we can make some further progress before the end of the day.”

Hofburg, Lavenrunz

Lady Allison Bluger, Imperial Ambassador to the Teutonic Empire of Lavenrunz, sat in her chair beneath a portrait of Emperor David IV sipping tea. She reached down picked up a blue folder from the coffee table.

Flipping it open, she read the draft message to the Citadel. One of the Embassy’s political officers, a young man assigned to follow the Volksraad, had drafted it. It read well, though it showed the obvious signs of both her political counselor’s and her deputy head of mission’s editing. She picked up a pen and let it hover one sentence. She considered changing something, but concluded the change would be merely stylistic and unnecessary.

The Ambassador closed the folder and initialed the slip of paper stapled to the front. This commission, if it was created, could be an interesting development; she would be curious to see the Citadel’s reaction.

Morgan inclined her head non-commitally to Prime Minister Daatman's speech. "I do not believe that there is any North Atlantic Community excluding Knootoss." she said. "Nonetheless, we intend to ensure the comprehensive nature of the agreement by constructing its provisions from the ground up, beginning by formally agreeing to the most basic principles governing relations between civilized states and working up to economic, political, and, most importantly, cultural ties."

Morgan looked to Sir Albert. "That might well be accurate but it seems to me a rather negative way of thinking about the whole affair, reducing the matter to finding out what arrangement everyone is not absolutely unwilling to accept. I would describe Danaan perceptions of this conference and substantially more..." She paused as they were all called back to the table. "Well, gentlemen, I suppose we should get back to the meeting room..."

Sir Albert nodded. "Indeed, we should, your Highness." He bowed and gestured for the grand duchess to proceed. He turned to Daatman. "Your Excellency," he said, repeating the gesture with a nod of the head.

As the delegates returned to their seats, President Becka Harrison nodded with satisfaction. "I hope that the brief break has been useful to the delegations." With a nod to her Foreign Secretary, she took her seat.

"We have a rather ambitious agenda before us," Becka said heavily, "so with your kind indulgence, I'd like to move immediately into a discussion of the next point – a regional peace agreement – and, in keeping with our rules of procedure, open the floor for proposals for such an agreement."

The C.S.S. delegation illuminated the light next to their nameplate. "The chair recognizes the Confederation of Sovereign States," Becka said evenly.

Foreign Secretary Janice Rundeles leaned forward slightly. "Madam President, the Confederation offers the following proposal for a regional peace treaty.

"Quote: The parties hereby agree that all disputes between the parties, and more generally all disputes in the North Atlantic, ought to be resolved by peaceful negotiation. Therefore, the parties commit to observe the principles of non-aggression in the conduct of their foreign policies towards each other; they unconditionally forswear the use of armed force – including the establishment of naval blockades, no-fly zones or cordons sanitaire on the land borders; they renounce the use of economic force – including embargos and boycotts; and they abjure the use of threats of force, both in the form of military force and economic pressure. The parties resolve to settle all disputes through peaceful negotiation and commit to each other to invoke the use of third party mediators in the event that bilateral negotiations fail to resolve any dispute. Further, the parties agree that, in keeping with the spirit of non-aggression, they shall deny the use of their territory, airspace and territorial waters to any nation seeking to engage in hostilities with any other party to this agreement."

Rundeles smiled and leaned back in her chair, folding her hands neatly in front of her.

Becka paused for a moment to be sure the Confederate was finished. Then, she looked slowly over the delegates. "That was quite a… detailed proposal," she said finally. "Is there second for this proposal?"

"The Dutch Democratic Republic warmly seconds this proposal and endorses all of its provisions", Daatman said with an amiable nod to the chair.

"Very well," President Harrison said with a nod. "The proposal has been seconded. Before I move it a vote, I ask whether there is any opposition or any one wishing to speak to the proposal."

Becka looked over the delegates expectantly.

Letter to JoJo:
To: Aurora von Konigsmark , foreign minister, Lavenrunz
From: Tim de Boer, state-secretary of Foreign Affairs and Defence, Knootoss
Subject: Imperial Commission
Status: Confidential, Stg. (State Secret.)

Your Excellency,

The government of the Dutch Democratic Republic has been made aware that some members of the Volkraad intend to form an Imperial Commission to investigate the matter of Knootoss' alledged "activities to undermine the propagation of the Gospel" and the Order of the Invisible Hand. On behalf of my government, I cannot but in the strongest terms oppose this proposal and ask that the Imperial Government see to it that such a Commission is not appointed.

Knootoss enjoys a very strict separation of Church and State and it promotes no religion in particular, including the absence of a religion. This is entrenched in the Knootian constitution, and it is an intrinsic part of Knootian values. Lavenrunz joined VERITAS knowing that not every member nation is predominantly Catholic, and the historic ties between our two nations are only an indication that such differences in creed can be overcome.

The requested inquiry is a misleading, open-ended attempt to polarise and play people of different creeds against each other for the purpose of political gain, and the Daatman administration condemns such a move. In consultations with other VERITAS partners such as the Austar Union we resolved to lessen tension between religious denominations both within Knootoss and on the international scene. An Imperial Commission, we feel, would be fuel on the fire for radical elements on both sides. The Knootian government is committed to denying radicals such fuel.

We would not regard such a move politically prudent, additionally, especially in the light of the recent debacle with Syskeyia. We believe that it will serve to further polarise the North Atlantic in a time of intensive negotiations, and undermine the Knootian position in any such negotiations as well as the perceived role of Lavenrunz as a mediator in regional conflict there. It would be very detrimental to bilateral relations if Lavenrunz is perceived in the public eye to move with flying colours into the camp of Knootoss’ enemies at a time when the Daatman administration is struggling to maintain support for our important alliance.

Yours,

Tim de Boer
State-Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Defence, Knootoss
Omnia mutantur nos et mutamur in illis

"I'd like to speak against the motion, Madam President." started Raoul, rising from his seat. "We are substantially satisfied with much of it, but understood that discussion of economic issues were to be deferred until later in the negotiations. With that in mind, we do not believe that economic provisions have any place in the discussion of the regional peace agreement. We're especially alarmed with regards to the idea that a nation in the North Atlantic shouldn't be allowed to boycott trade with another nation in the North Atlantic. Boycotting trade is one of the few peaceful and effective means of strongly registering displeasure with a given nation over an unjust act. If I may provide an example, before the current Pantocratorian Government assumed office, Pantocratoria boycotted trade with Knootoss over the latter's occupation of Tanah Burung. Given the severe nature of a military occupation, one might argue that a simple trade boycott was scarcely a sufficient response, however, it was a peaceful response, and it was not entirely ineffective. We all want peace in the Atlantic, but when it comes to responding to an action like a military invasion of a non-Atlantic nation, I believe we'd all like to be able to do something more than write strongly worded letters of condemnation, no?"

"We're quite comfortable with the military provisions." Drapeur leaned forward and briefly added in English with a dry smile as Raoul sat down.

"Unfortunately, Knootoss cannot agree to sign any treaty that permits Pantocratoria to wage continued economic warfare against North Atlantic states and we find Pantoctatorian opposition to be both surprising and extremely disappointing", Vologdov said shortly, "we therefore move that the proposal be approved unamended."

"Madam President, may I clarify here, shall we be following a format whereby if a proposed amendment is agreeable to the mover and seconder, or if either of those should be unsatisfied, whether another party may move or second an amended proposal?" asked Raoul. "I think a ruling from the chair is needed here, clearly Madame la Comtesse opposes our amendment, we would never the less like to see the motion proposed by the Confederation's delegation amended, or failing that, an alternate motion be put to the conference for co-consideration... some mechanism should exist for amendments to motions or alternative motions anyway. I'm sure Madame la Comtesse would agree, even if she doesn't agree to our suggested amendment."

Instead of answering the question, Femke leaned back - deferring the issue to the chair.

Becka paused to sip from a glass of cool water, then she looked over the delegates, here eyes darting between the Pantocratorians and the Knootians. “As I understand our rules of procedure, your Excellencies, during the debate on any seconded proposal amendments may be offered and if they are seconded, they become subject to debate and a vote.” The president let her eyes drift around the room. “So, the question is whether there is a second to the Pantocratorian amendment striking from the Confederate proposal all language concerning economic force?”

“We second the Pantocratorian amendment,” Governor Sean Peller said.

“We have a second. And, I presume, a call for debate from the Knootian delegation. So, do I have a speaker for the amendment?”

“I would like to speak for the amendment,” Lieutenant Governor Douglas Aldaris said, leaning slightly across Governor Peller to reach the microphone. “As his Excellency, Minister Raoul, has noted there is a clear difference between armed aggression and threats of armed force and using economic leverage as a tool of foreign policy.

“Without the right to boycott, embargo and impose punitive tariffs, there is little middle ground between so-called ‘strongly worded’ diplomatic communiqués and armed conflict. Without these tools of muscular diplomacy, the nations of the world, when faced with atrocities such as unjustified military interventions in foreign lands, the nations of the North Atlantic would face the choice of compromising moral principles and national interests by accepting such acts as faits accomplis and offering strongly worded letters as a salve to their consciences or abandoning the treaty and risking conflict here in the North Atlantic in order to take a stand.

“No,” Aldaris shook his head, “we cannot allow the nations gathered here to have to face such a terrible choice. While we certainly have every hope that this treaty will bring a lasting peace to the North Atlantic, it is the height of reckless naiveté to think we will also be in agreement and that we will never again find ourselves on opposite sides of a dispute that goes to the moral core of our nations. Therefore, if we want this treaty to survive such moments, when they will certainly come, we must allow the parties the freedom to express their disagreements with some effect, without risking military conflict. Therefore, we should not prohibit ourselves from employing such economic levers as a tool of foreign policy.”

President Harrison nodded. “A speaker against the amendment?”

“If I may, Madam President,” President Tom Caine said, leaning forward slightly in his chair, “I would like to respond to the Lieutenant Governor’s argument and defend the original proposal.”

The Upper Virginian nodded and Caine continued. “I understand the Lieutenant Governor’s point, just as I understand Minister Raoul’s objection. However, I disagree. First, this proposal does not address economic affairs, per se, and, second, renouncing economic warfare is essential for a lasting peace.

“To clarify, let me say that our proposal says nothing about whether or not one party must trade with another. Under our proposal Upper Virginia, for instance, would be free to restrict trade with, let’s say, Pantocratoria for any of a host of economic reasons. Economic relations and trade arrangements are, according to our agenda, being laid aside at the moment. What our proposal is saying is that, if Upper Virginia were already engaged in trade with Pantocratoria, then it could not embargo that trade or threaten to do so in an effort to extract political concessions from Pantocratoria.

“And,” Caine turned towards the Pantocratorians with an earnest and sincere expression, “stepping away from such economic bullying tactics is essential to the long-term peace of the North Atlantic. Let’s be honest,” Caine looked around the room, “this conflict began over just such economic hostility. Pantocratoria objected to Knootoss’ intervention in Tanah Burung and called a boycott. Excalbia followed suit for a variety of reasons. When the Confederation decided to follow an independent policy and sign a trade agreement with Knootoss, Excalbia extended its boycott to the Confederation.

“It was, I believe in part, the Excalbian boycott that helped hold back the economic development of Saxmere, which – along with their legitimate objections to the speed of my economic reforms,” Caine gave an almost apologetic look to the Saxmerean delegation, “is what led to the current secession crisis, which in turn led to the brink of armed conflict between Excalbia – which deployed its fleet in part to enforce its boycott – and Knootoss.

“So, we see there is a direct line from boycott to armed stand-off. Treaty or no treaty, future boycotts and embargoes will lead us back to armed stand-offs.”

Becka sipped her water. “Any additional speakers?”

"I fully share the analysis of the President", Vologdov said simply. "The Dutch Democratic Republic does not intend for history to repeat itself. This proposal calls for mediation as the key to problem-solving in the North Atlantic, and we find economic embargoes and economic bullying to be utterly incompatible with such a method."

Daatman then leaned forward just a bit as the name 'Knootoss' lit up again in front of him.

"I agree with my foreign minister", Daatman said diligently. He then turned to Lieutenant Governor Douglas Aldaris, "And I'd like give Saxmere delegation something to consider, too. If Saxmere were to form its own independent state it would, from an economic perspective, be utterly at the mercy of the Confederation. Likewise, the Holy Empire would be able to use the tools of economic warfare aggressively to promote its policies own policies in the Isles. I've wanted for a concord of power in the North Atlantic region to prevent such power politics. President Caine has already given excellent reasons why continued economic warfare is an unacceptable option."

Daatman paused for an almost untracable sigh, before he turned to the assembled delegations at large.

"What this boils down to is appealing to trust and cooperation. This proposal and other Knootian proposals will place North Atlantic nations in a truly unique position to influence Knootian foreign policy by establishing an open dialogue which means that we can hold each other to account. What a comprehensive agreement is about... is preventing that we get to the stage where we have to write angry letters. I therefore wholeheartedly reject the amendment."

Grand Duchess Morgan hit her button and spoke as her light came on. "We believe that most of the arguments which could be put forth for or against the amendment have been put forth. Correspondingly, we move that in the absence of any objections, the chair call a vote on the amendment and we return to discussion of the proposal, amended or not as the case may be."

The Knootians meanwhile managed to pass a message to the chair.

Asking urgently for immediate recess if this amendement is passed.
-Vologdov

"In conclusion would only like to emphasise again that it will be very difficult, if not impossible, for us to conclude these negotiations positively if Pantocratoria and Excalbia allow themselves to continue to use economic warfare against Knootoss. I would ask all to be mindful of this when they vote," Vologdov said dejectedly with a glance in the direction of Morgan.

"Very well," President Harrison said flatly, "seeing no further speakers, I will call the vote. All those in favor of the Pantocratorian amendment, please indicate your vote by illuminating your signal lights."

(OOC: Please post your votes. Saxmere and Excalbia vote in favour of the amendment; the C.S.S. votes against.)

"The Resurgent Dream votes against the Pantocratorian amendment." Morgan said with a slight frown. "Assuming the Pantocratorians will vote for their own amendment and the Knootians continue with their states position of voting against, it seems we will have a 3-3 tie. Do we have a procedure for tie-breaking?"

"This 'voting' idea was just unbelievably fucking stupid", Vologdov growled quietly as she pressed the 'no' button. "She'll have to call recess."

"Agreed", Daatman whispered back. "I'll talk to Harrison about it first, though. This won't produce something we can possibly agree to, with the Excalbians outvoting us by merit of more countries being on their side so they get to the terms. Now if we were actually working together..." his voice lingered. "And who gave Saxmere voting rights anyway? They aren't even a sovereign state!"

"In our parliament that would constitute a rejection of the amendment", Daatman spoke up in plain English. His voice sounded rather dissapointed. "But this isn't a parliament. And this result shows the weakness of the voting system we agreed upon, especially if it allows a majority of parties to vote in provisions that others have deemed unacceptable."

He threw a hand up in the air in a desperate gesture.

"Voting is just going to accentuate our differences. Not end them. This isn't working." He rubbed his chin slowly, looking at President Harrison. "I propose instead that the chair listen to these deliberations and submit a working document that she feels will be acceptable to all. I would like it especially if the Resurgent Dream were to assist her in this task."

"In light of the fact that the vote on the amendment is tied, Pantocratoria would be content for the chair to submit a working document, that is to say, I second and support Prime Minister Daatman's suggestion, despite the theatrics." Raoul added to Daatman's desperate outburst calmly. "I might add, and this isn't serious but I think it should be borne in mind for next time, I don't think it was proper for the Grand Duchess to suggest, or for the chair to accept, that a vote be called with two speakers against the amendment and only one allowed to speak for it. These are very sensitive negotiations after all."

President Becka Harrison sighed wearily. Someone must have talked me into this, she thought to herself. Yes, it must have been Yultilde. I’ll blame him for this when it’s over.

“Pantocratoria’s point is well-taken and the chair apologizes for rushing the vote. Nevertheless, the vote is three to three. With no previously agreed procedure for breaking ties, I believe that most common rules of procedure would lead us to conclude that the amendment has failed to pass and that, therefore, we should return to the Confederate proposal.

“The Chair also understands the point made by both the Knootians and the Pantocratorians that the Chair should offer a compromise. However, I am, I hope you will understand, reluctant to place myself in the role of drafter for this agreement. I would prefer to solicit a compromise from the floor in the form of further amendments. However, failing that I would be prepared…”

The president stopped speaking as she saw the Confederation delegation illuminate their light. “Yes,” she said sounding a tad too grateful, “the Chair recognizes the Confederation.”

“Thank you, Madam President,” President Tom Caine said leaning forward. “We have no interest in seeing our proposal also fall victim to a tie vote; therefore, we would like to take a stab at offering a compromise.” Caine looked to the other delegations with a friendly, open smile. “After all, we are not seeking a diplomatic victory here, but a permanent resolution we can all live with.”

Rundeles leaned towards Caine, but he waved her off and shot her a quick look. The harsh look was quickly replaced by the president’s trademark smile.

“So, here’s my proposal. We modify the proposal Ms. Rundeles put forth,” Caine picked up a sheet of note paper and read from his hand-written notes, “to say, quote: The parties hereby agree that all disputes between the parties, and more generally all disputes in the North Atlantic, ought to be resolved by peaceful negotiation. Therefore, the parties commit to observe the principles of non-aggression in the conduct of their foreign policies towards each other; they unconditionally forswear the use of armed force – including the establishment of naval blockades, no-fly zones or cordons sanitaire on the land borders; and they abjure the use of threats of force. The parties resolve to settle all disputes through peaceful negotiation and commit to each other to invoke the use of third party mediators in the event that bilateral negotiations fail to resolve any dispute. Recognizing that economic force – such as embargos and boycotts – and the threat of such force can be as disruptive to peaceful relations as military force, the parties pledge to abstain from the use of economic force, except as a last resort in the case that negotiation and mediation fail to resolve a dispute to the satisfaction of both parties. Additionally, the parties agree that economic force ought to be used sparingly and rarely and that the imposition of economic sanctions should automatically trigger further rounds of mediation that should continue until the dispute is resolved and the sanctions are lifted. Finally, the parties agree that, in keeping with the spirit of non-aggression, they shall deny the use of their territory, airspace and territorial waters to any nation seeking to engage in hostilities with any other party to this agreement."

Becka nodded as Caine sat back in his chair. “Is there a second to the amended proposal?”

Lady Jessica Tagaarth leaned forward and flicked on the Excalbian indicator light. “Provided that President Caine is prepared to accept a few modifications, we are prepared to second the proposal.”

“What are the modifications?” Caine leaned towards the Excalbian delegation, a skeptical look in his eyes.

“First,” Lady Jessica said, “we propose changing the phrase ‘economic force’ to ‘economic sanctions’ through out and to replace the phrase ‘as disruptive to peaceful relations as military force’ with the phrase ‘disruptive to peaceful relations.’” She turned towards Caine. “If you can live with those changes, then, in the interest of moving things forward, I can live with the rest.”

Caine smiled. “Agreed. I wish to amend my proposal.”

“Noted and amended,” Becka said.

“Then,” Lady Jessica said, “I second the motion.”

“Are there objections or further discussion?” President Harrison looked over the delegates.

To his Excellency Tim de Boer, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Defence

I do hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits and that all is well with your family. Frankly I am rather worn out and am looking forward to a brief holiday, but with struggles among countries that we are close to that does not look very likely.

I should like to state the position of the Government with regard to the matters you spoke of in your letter. First of all, the Volksraad will vote, since proceedure is being followed. Following this, there will probably be some debate upon the subject. Since it will be a multi-party commission should it be appointed I am sure you would realize the difficulties in it accomplishing anything in any short time.

However, I must frankly tell you that Chancellor Schlabel is currently disposed towards not standing in the way of Her Majesty making a decision simply upon the basis of the vote. He told me, and I agree, that for those Lavenrunzian subjects who have conceived a dislike for dealings with your nation that it will be a sop to them, and when (as it must) they find that there are no particular ties to your government's activity and that of the so called Order of the Invisible Hand, and that your country has no policey to pursue an international agenda of atheism then the concerns will be laid to rest.

I hope that you understand that Lavenrunz has no intention of antagonizing an ally and trading partner of such long standing, but that we must also support the policey of democratic legislation insofar as we are able.

I have the honor to be
Aurora von Konigsmark
Foreign Minister

Vologdov and Daatman exchanged a few whispers before speaking.

"Knootoss is prepared to accept this compromise", she said with a tight smile. "Although I would ask both the Excalbian and Pantocratorian delegations if we can take this as a guarantee that both parties end all sanctions currently in place against the Dutch Democratic Republic."

Reply:
To: Aurora von Konigsmark , foreign minister, Lavenrunz
From: Tim de Boer, state-secretary of Foreign Affairs and Defence, Knootoss
Subject: Imperial Commission
Status: Confidential, Stg. (State Secret.)

Your Excellency,

The position of the Government is well-understood and respected, although I would press upon you the importance of people such as Chancellor Schlabel or yourself speaking against this proposal in the vote tomorrow.

The problem we have with such an Imperial Commission, rather than a government investigation, that it is likely to become a political circus with those parties disposed against our nations seeking to find whatever it is that they desire to find, slanderous and harmful to relations as it may be.

I must also press upon you the very great limitations that apply to the Knootian government in cooperation with such an inquiry due to the separation of Church and State that exists within our own nations. The ties that are alleged in this inquiry, simply put, do not exist. If the Volksraad desires to inquire into the very nature of our people, they are free to do so although we do not believe much good will come from it.

On a less official note, please consider yourself forewarned that hostile responses may be forthcoming which will be outside of the control of the Knootian government. As you are aware, our Prime Minister Daatman is a religious person and therefore especially vulnerable to accusations from the more secularly inclined within his (and mine) political party. There are factions within the SLP opposing the moderate line of the PM who would use this diplomatic incident to create disunity and turn to oppose the current coalition government. Should this Commission be voted in diplomatic relations may be in for a rocky ride but I can assure you there is an unwavering commitment of the Prime Minister and his government to our alliance.

Yours,

Tim de Boer
State-Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Defence, Knootoss
Omnia mutantur nos et mutamur in illis

Morgan looked rather somber as she pressed her button to speak. "The Resurgent Dream is a signatory to collective security agreements which require our country to use armed force in certain circumstances. The parties here are not all signatories of non-aggression pacts with all the members of the aforementioned collective security agreements. Correspondingly, we cannot and will not foreswear the use of force in any conflict that might arise between signatories of this treaty in terms which do not limit the behavior of signatories towards states outside of this treaty. It would, quite literally, be illegal for the Resurgent Dream to sign a treaty containing this provision as it is currently worded or containing the original provision that was proposed."

"At this time, we would not offer any compromise proposal on a non-aggression pact. We believe that if the trust necessary for these negotiations to proceed is to be established, we must create a truly comprehensive treaty from the ground up and not move to such superstructural and controversial questions so immediately. We apologize that we apparently misunderstood the Chair's intention when the agenda was stated. Had we understood what was meant, we would have objected at that time. Be that as it may, if there are no objections, we would wish to move back and begin negotiating the more basic parts of a genuine and complete comprehensive agreement before moving on to the question of resolving disputes. We believe that with, and only with, these more basic agreements in place, can the parties be in a position to enter into negotiations on the use or non-use of economic or military force on the basis of mutual trust."

Before Morgan spoke, Drapeur leaned forward to the microphone to reply to Vologdov's question.

"That matter is on the agenda of the next session of the Imperial Parliament, and it would be improper for me to make any guarantees as to its passage through the parliament, except to say that, should these negotiations be successful, it will be my recommendation to the house as Chancellor that the act in question be repealed." Drapeur replied. "I might also add that the house has taken my advice in the past on this matter before the negotiations at Chantouillet."

Morgan spoke, and then Raoul pressed his button and rose to speak.

"The Resurgent Dream's point is well made." added Raoul. "Almost every nation here is a signatory to alliances with nations or groups of nations outside these negotiations, which might require us, in certain circumstances, to violate the agreement presently being proposed. Perhaps we should either, as the Grand Duchess suggests, simply discuss an arrangement to end the present military tensions as opposed to a broader non-aggression pact? Failing that, perhaps we should amend President Caine's proposal to say that this agreement shall not take precedence over commitments made in pre-existing treaties to which the signatories of this agreement are signatories... let us say, hypothetically, if Knootoss invaded Syskeyia, Pantocratoria would be obliged to assist Syskeyia, irrespective of the agreement reached today. If the concerns of the Resurgent Dream are addressed, Pantocratoria would be prepared to support the motion."

The Volksraad, Lavenrunz

It was chaos, an uproar. Fists were being shaken, voices raised and papers flung. In spite of the best efforts of the ushers and the gavel whacking of the President, accusations were flying back and forth even among the parties as the Volksraad responded to the announcement that the vote had resulted in a tie. Schlabel stood looking disgusted, shaking his head. Aurora von Konigsmark languidly sniffed a flower and smiled. Admiral de Goethe red faced refused to stand next to Dr. Eric Frank who had voted along with other Constitutionalists in favour, and who was shouting for a re-tallying of the votes. Arvid Pluskat was leading other Populists in shouting "truth truth truth!" as they hammered their hands on the bannister rails. Up in the gallery people were exclaiming in surprise, shaking heads, clapping.
This is Max Fersen, loyal fellow subjects, with a shocking report from the Volksraad, returning to you after displaying a scene never before seen in Lavenrunzian history. A leading economist from Carlsbad University has stated that this in effect is a confrontation largely over whether or not Lavenrunz is to continue in its attempts to remain a Catholic State, one avoiding close entanglements beyond the necessary, or whether it is to fully embrace modern life with the tolerances that it implies....

"Others might suggest," the man on the television was saying, "That this is simply a political ploy on the part of the Populist Party and possibly members of the CPL to undermine the Government. For the INS, I'm Max Fersen. We'll be back after these messages."
"But we won't." said Dieter Lutz, shaking his head and changing the channel. His wife laughed, and they settled down to watch the Foxes take on the Woolly Rhinos. Neither of them had any idea of where Saxmere, or for that matter Knootoss even was. All they knew was that Schlabel seemed like a decent guy; he had lowered taxes, saved the automotives industry and kept millions employed who might have been out on the streets. Both of them worked; hopefully when they'd saved up enough they could maybe invest something so that when they had kids they could have a bigger apartment or even a house! It would be nice to imagine their kids getting a better education than they had had , but when it came right down to it the important thing was to learn something useful so you could get a good job, which in Lavenrunz meant manufacturing, agriculture or working in the government in some capacity.

"I suggested that? What's he talking about? If he agrees with us, why is he still talking about the form a non-aggression pact should take?" Morgan asked her aides in English, although loud enough to hear. The poor girl was flustered beyond measure. Dr. Cheatham frowned slightly and whispered with the other two delegates at some length before taking the microphone herself.

"The Resurgent Dream thanks the honorable minister for his compliment. However, I believe there is a misunderstanding of the Danaan position which should be cleared up immediately. The Danaan government, as Her Highness stated, would wish to move back and begin negotiating the more basic parts of a genuine and complete comprehensive peace agreement before we discuss any more superstructural matters and I would wish to ask again if anyone else has any objection to such a move? It is my considered opinion and the considered opinion of the Prime Minister that such a course is the only way to pave the way for a fruitful agreement on the use of military force. The only way to frame a non-aggression pact which all nations here are capable of signing in good faith is to definie in exact terms what is not to be aggressed against, not to sign a general pact against force, even with exceptions and provisions. I hope that our position is now clear." Frowning slightly, she turned the microphone back to Morgan.

"The Resurgent Dream moves that the provision now under discussion be tabled until such time as a set of groundwork provisions, most of which should be non-controversial, can be agreed upon. The Resurgent Dream announces its intention to introduce eight groundwork provisions dealing with recognition and respect for sovereignty, the binding nature of this and other treaties, the right to national self-defence, intervention or non-intervention, equality of sovereignty, rules of war and of international waters and space, sentient rights, and general aid. It is our belief that, once these measures are addressed, the now problematic question of force can be dealt with almost easily, by a further provision denying any power party to this treaty the right to use military of economic force to interfere with any other nations actions within the sphere of the sovereign rights recognized by these groundwork provisions." Morgan smiled almost shyly as she spoke. Perhaps she realized that a professional would have been able to make all this clear the first time she spoke and would have saved a lot of trouble. Whatever was going through her mind, she settled abashedly into her seat and waited to see the response of the other delegates to this idea.

(ooc: forgive me if this RP is closed -- i am venturing a small comment on the assumption that parliamentary debates in Lavenrunz are public. Will delete if desired.)

An open letter to the people of Lavenrunz.

In the name of the holy cross, greetings.

We hear tell that the empire is considering a commission to investigate the Order of the Invisible Hand's efforts to undercut the teachings of the church and its attacks on social justice in general. Such a commission would be a contribution to the cause of peace throughout the world. It is our belief that this atheistic mind control cult has already caused the deaths of millions of people including princes of the church through its worship of Mammon. We hope with all our hearts that Lavenrunz will indeed establish such a commission. The Hand cannot be allowed to extinguish lives in darkness: its evil actions must be brought into the light for all people to see.

+
Bendoro
Bishop of Tiga Burung
and 1,462 other priests and members of religious orders

"So why doesn't she just get on with it and propose them?" Raoul snorted quietly to Drapeur, holding his hand over the microphone. Drapeur nodded, shrugged and leaned forward to speak.

"Seconded." he said simply.

President Becka Harrison shook her head and raised a hand. “Alright, alright. Enough, please.” She swallowed her next words, then paused for a deep breath. “We now have three motions on the floor, so I suggest we move through then in order before we have any further discussions.

“The first motion is the original, unmodified Confederate proposal, which was seconded by Knootoss. The second motion is the modified Confederate proposal, seconded by Excalbia. And the third motion is that we start over at more basic level. This motion was offered by the Resurgent Dream and seconded by Pantocratoria.

“All those in favor of the original motion, please vote now.” After a brief pause, the president continued. “All those in favor of the second proposal?” After another pause, Becka said, “All those in favor of the Resurgent Dream’s motion?”

(OOC: Please vote. The C.S.S. and Excalbia vote for the second proposal. Saxmere votes for the third. FYI, as I understand it, TRD’s motion is – as Becka said – basically to start over. If the first and second motions fail to gain more than three votes, we will essentially start over, whether or not the TRD’s motion carries. If this is the case, Becka will call for new motions, at which time someone can submit something addressing the more basic issues.)

((OOC: Voting for the third motion))

Aurora von Konigsmark gladly received her youngest child from the arms of a nurse and held him against her, breathing in the sweet scent of his downy hair, feeling his chubby hands exploring her sleeve. Peace descended upon her. She knew many mothers in Lavenrunz did not have such moments save at some price to their daily sanity and rest, and yet it was the same for her, dealing with hundreds of shouting, derisive, competetive people on a day to day basis, sometimes literally dozens of petitions in a day, like the one that had been, naturally, placed on her desk from Tanah Burung's spiritual leaders. She had of course invited in a representative of the Primacy of Lavenrunz. This man, a Bishop named Munster, had advised that the Cardinal believed that the Order of the Invisible Hand was dangerous, even satanic.
"It's very protestations of innocence are inherently worriesome because they suggest an entire lack of moral compass."
She rubbed her cheek against her baby's head. What kind of world would he grow up into? What could she build for him?



To his Excellency Tim de Boer, Foreign Secretary of Knootoss

I have carefully considered your words, especially because the tie in the Volksraad now requires that a formal deputation go before Her Imperial Teutonic Majesty to decide the matter, as an abstention ruined the possibility of the President of the Volksraad breaking the tie.

Therefore, I must consider frankly whether or not we ought to advise that this commission idea proceed. I feel that it hinges upon your answer to a question: why in particular would it be more harmful to form it than not to? Surely in a democratic setting debate, confrontation, disagreement are not bad things but rather necessary in achieving understanding of where we all stand. Sometimes it can get ugly but surely this is better than a 'star chamber' style of approach.

There is another part of this question, which some here have asked: if they have nothing to hide, why are they so eager not to be accused? Surely to be accused in the open and investigated would prove innocence of the charges in question?

Please answer as soon as you can.

I have the honour to be
Aurora von Konigsmark
Foreign Minister

"Point of..." Morgan started before Dr. Cheatham put a hand on her arm, whispering into her ear fairly rapidly. The grand duchess simply nodded before rising and slipping out into the hallway. Dr. Cheatham readjusted the microphone so as to hold Morgan's place until the lady returned.

((Actually, tabling the motion doesn't start over or get rid of it. The motion still isn't passed or failed. It's just waiting to be taken up again. Our motion is just to go back and do that other stuff and then return to this.))

Pantocratoria voted in favour of the third motion.

OOC: Honestly I'm a little at a loss of what to do. I don't exactly understand the discussion here, nor how there can possibly be voting after we agreed voting was bad, hmmmk? Nor do I understand TRD objections entirely and was unable to respond to them or ask for elaboration. :confused:

OOC: Honestly I'm a little at a loss of what to do. I don't exactly understand the discussion here, nor how there can possibly be voting after we agreed voting was bad, hmmmk? Nor do I understand TRD objections entirely and was unable to respond to them or ask for elaboration. :confused:
OOC: It's perfectly simple Knoot. Instead of simply saying that "we just won't have any conflicts" as the CSS motion basically says, TRD is proposing that we look at the underlying reasons for conflict and try to do something about them, and then resume discussion about what we will and won't do to each other. It isn't in the slightest bit cryptic either.

Lady Jessica Tagaarth turned off her microphone and leaned over to her Minister of State. "Is it just me, Sir Albert, or does President Harrison seem a little… impatient? And a little… unfamiliar with rules of procedure?"

Sir Albert Cummings shook his head. "It isn't just you, my Lady. However, we should remember that President Harrison spent much of her adulthood as an Upper Virginian general and they are not known for either their patience or their knowledge of the finer points of debate."

The Chancellor suppressed a chuckle then turned back towards the dais. "I just hope she develops both traits before the new National Assembly is installed after the first of the year. Or else this might be a short-lived republic."

On the dais, Foreign Secretary Graham Yultilde was looking ever more frustrated. Finally, seeing Grand Duchess Morgan visibly agitated and the Excalbian chancellor all but sniggering, he leaned over and spoke into the President's ear. President Harrison's mouth twisted into a frown and her brows furrowed. Then, her cheeks reddened.

"Very well," she said a little too loudly to Yultilde before turning back to the delegates. "It seems I misunderstood the Resurgent Dream's motion. It is motion not to scrap the current proposal but to table it and discuss the underlying sources of the current conflict." Becka took a deep breath. "So, let us just vote on the motion to table the current proposals. All those in favor…"

(OOC: Mea culpa, somehow in reading and re-reading TRD's post my eye skipped right over the key phrase… So, with the correct motion on the floor, Excalbia and Saxmere both vote to table. Taking TRD's and Pantocratoria's votes as votes to table, the motion should pass. If anyone has serious objection to this, please let me know….)

"The motion carries," the president said flatly. "The floor is now open to proposals and discussion related to the root causes of the current conflict… Yes, the Chair recognizes Saxmere."

"Thank, Madam President," Governor Peller said, "we would suggest that the root cause of the current conflict is the Confederation's interference in the Constitutional sovereignty of its constituent states and that any peace agreement must address this issue."

After a moment or two, Morgan came back into the room and resumed her seat, reclaiming the microphone. Smiling slightly, Dr. Cheatham stood and passed out a document to the assembled delegates as Morgan spoke. "The Resurgent Dream moves that the conference consider the proposed article being handed out now, the first of eight we plan to submit. We believe that it, combined with the agreement already reached regarding a referendum, answers Governor Peller's concerns."

Article 1: Mutual Recognition of and Respect for Sovereignty

1. The Danaan High Kingdom of the Resurgent Dream, the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss, the Holy and Most August Empire of Pantocratoria, the Holy Empire of Excalbia, and the Dominion of Upper Virginia are recognized as unconditionally sovereign states. The Confederation of Sovereign States is recognized as a sovereign state but without the right to unilaterally alter its relationship with Saxmere unless Saxmere chooses to remain in the confederation under the terms of the agreed upon Saxmere referendum. Saxmere is recognized as a sovereign state if and only if such should be the result of the agreed upon Saxmere referendum.

2. The existing and established governmental institutions of all signatory states are recognized as the only legitimate claimants to sovereign authority over the sovereign territory of the signatory states except as provided for in the agreement on a Saxmere referendum. This provision shall not be interpreted to in any way prejudice the existing federal system in the Resurgent Dream and the Confederation of Sovereign States.

3. The generally recognized territorial claims and claims for exclusive fishing rights of each party (as detailed in Appendix A) is recognized by all the parties.

4. Each sovereign state signatory to this treaty undertakes to maintain an embassy in every other sovereign state signatory to this treaty. Each signatory undertakes to respect reasonable diplomatic norms with regard to the embassies of other signatory states, including the recognition of diplomatic immunity, the recognition of the extraterritoriality of embassies, and the sanctity of the diplomatic pouch. Signatory states reserve the right to expel a diplomat from their territory and request another in the eventuality that a diplomat’s conduct actively poses an ascertainable threat to the public safety or the national security of their host nation. Each nation also undertakes to manage its embassies in such a way as to minimize any such eventuality.

"Pantocratoria seconds the proposed article." Drapeur said after reading it.

Morgan rose to speak in favor of her government's proposal. "The Resurgent Dream does not believe that the actual terms of this proposal require debate. They are the basic terms on which civilized states coexist. What might need some explanation is why we consider it necessary to include such a provision in the treaty. It is, after all, highly unlikely that any party here today would violate these terms even if they were not formally agreed upon in the form of a treaty provision."

She smiled slightly. "Our plan, as we have explained in part before, is to comprehensively detail the legitimate rights of the parties, the legitimate extent of their authority, and their legitimate interests and activities, starting at such a basic level and moving on to more and more complex things. This then allows us to formulate a non-aggression provision which allows us to prevent, in very precise language, any aggression by one party against another, without involving the surrender of legitimate military or economic recourse in situations where a nation might act outside the ultimate sphere of the comprehensive treaty."

Lady Jessica nodded and turned to whisper to her Minister of State. Sir Albert listened carefully, then illuminated Excalbia’s voting light. “The Holy Empire agrees with the proposal and urges that it be accepted without debate.”

Governor Peller likewise nodded, but did not speak.

President Caine, however, bit his lower lip and narrowed his eyes. “The Confederation does wish to raise an objection to the proposal. We cannot accept being singled out for a restriction on our sovereignty. We have accepted the proposed referenda in Saxmere as means to resolve the current crisis; we did not agree, however, to surrender our sovereignty to this or any other body.”

Caine leaned forward and for just a moment seemed to lose his well-practiced cool. “We demand that the Confederation’s sovereignty be accepted unconditionally, not withstanding our commitment to the referenda in Saxmere”

“Does this mean you are backtracking on your commitment to stand by the results of the referenda?” Lieutenant Governor Douglas Aldaris was half out of his chair. “If so, then this conference is over!”

“Calm down, Douglas,” Governor Peller said, tugging on Aldaris’ arm.

“Yes,” Caine said, his calm returning, “take a seat, Douglas. We have given our word that we will accept the referenda and we will not go back on our promise. But that doesn’t mean I will sit here and agree to something that recognizes everyone else sovereignty unconditionally, but places condition on ours! That implies that, if we do violate the agreement, we could legally be invaded and occupied by any nation here!”

"I must agree with President Caine, the proposal should be amended to recognise Confederate sovereignty", Vologdov said, "If that is done we can agree to its provisions."

"Mr President," said Raoul, leaning forward into his microphone and speaking in French like he was speaking to a small child - something which was lost in the translation. "If you fail to recognise the outcome of the referendum, as you have previously assured this conference you will do, then you would be breaking this treaty, and it would be quite legitimate for every other signatory of this treaty to use whatever means available to force you... and I assure you, the world would regard that as quite a legal action."

"The only reason you would seek this amendment is because you don't intend to honour your agreement to abide by your previous commitment to the referendum in Saxmere, and if that is the case, there is no point to us even having these negotiations. If this amendment is carried, we see no point in proceeding further. We have no intention of participating in a farce." Raoul continued. "We urge the other delegates to vote against President Caine's attempt to create a loophole through which he can slither if the referendum goes against him, as the polls indicate it will."

Drapeur put his hand over his mouth in an expression of quiet contemplation, as he regarded Caine closely.

"We agree with the Pantocratorians." Morgan said. "President Caine's proposed amendment is nothing more than a statement of bad faith in the negotiations by both himself and Prime Minister Daatman. If this amendment is not with drawn, if Knootoss and the Confederation will not agree to even a basic recognition of sovereignty which also recognized the results of the referendum (and nothing more, Mr. Caine, if you read it without looking for something to take offense at) then we too will consider these negotiations meaningless and withdraw. I do not think that I need to add that the refusal of either side in the ongoing disagreement to negotiate in good faith creates a clear aggressor and negates the grounds of the neutrality my country has observed in this matter. We have voted with Knootoss and the Confederation more often than not so far, and that by a good margin. We have , with virtually no support from Mr. Daatman's government, strained our relations with numerous other allied governments in order to stay true to our friendship with Knootoss. My brother sent me, at some political cost, as a sign that at least one royal court in the world was not partisan to the grand duke of Saxmere. The Prime Minister sacrificed trade to an entire nation in order to protect the freedom of conscience of members of a Knootian based organization also prominent in the Confederation. Our country's business community began to set up Cousin Books in the Confederation at a time when that country was under economic attack, leading to a substantial capital investment. However, in the last hour or so, I have seen a great deal of evidence that our faith and friendship have been misplaced. I hope that you gentlemen might prove me wrong in the next minute or two?"

The look upon Daatmans face was clearly abject and defeatist, but the rest of the Knootian delegation showed only poker faces. It was Femke Vologdov who first raised her voice, addressing Morgan.

"I was always under the impression that your foreign policy was based on principles and fairness, rather than offerings of scraps and favours as bribes. We certainly have not been asking for any favours in our friendship with your country, madame. It feels like a dagger in my back... a personal affront... for a VERITAS ally and a supposed friend of Knootoss to suggest, here and now, that Mr. Daatman and myself are trying to obstruct the referendums we have argued for so hard, and that we are not negotiating in good faith for a treaty that we, more than anyone, have wanted. Us. Not Pantocratoria, and Excalbia, which had to be dragged to this negotiating table by their hairs, but us. I cannot believe that this is what we defeated Galadriël for."

She shook her head and turned to the group at large.

"Iin these talks Pantocratoria has been unwilling to even pledge not to invade us unilaterally if it so pleases them, refusing even a simple non-aggression clause! The current wording of article one is abused to limit Confederate sovereignty when all parties have already pledged to abide by the results of the referendum, if we have a treaty! A treaty is, in itself, a commitment of all of us to abide by – but sovereignty is always absolute.

So far these talks have focussed only on giving the enemies of the Confederacy what they want whilst postponing or deferring discussion on clauses desired by the Confederation and Knootoss. Perhaps President Caine can dissolve this latest provocation with a clever compromise wording as well, but it would be nice to see our opponents actually make an effort to compromise for once instead of constantly attacking us and expecting us to crawl back and cave in to threats."

Davinci, meanwhile, leaned forward, looking Drapeur in the eyes.

"Please tell me, Chancellor, why are you even here if you want to leave so much? You and your foreign minister have not done anything but obstruct. Go home to Pantocratoria, continue to teach your schoolchildren your filthy propaganda about our country. By all means, continue your silly trade restrictions which only hurt your economy anyway. It has become clear here that your intentions are to continue doing this regardless of what is said here. Why prevent the serious parties at this table from reaching an agreement? President Caine here has been nothing but reasonable…" he jerked his head in the direction of Daatman, "and my Prime Minister is a trusting fellow, a true believer in a common peace. He offered our friendship, he campaigned on offering our friendship, and your abrasive foreign minister has spat in his face today... "

Daatman cleared his throat and Davinci leant back in his chair, not taking his look off Drapeur.

"I would suggest", he began slowly, "that a comprehensive agreement is not possible if the parties maintain these positions. If the others are truly unwilling to accept a wording that recognises Confederate sovereignty, and furthermore if the parties here are unwilling to accept an economic treaty then these talks have failed for us because if will not create a treaty that we can sign. This round of talks is over as far as I am concerned, but my delegation will remain here in Upper Virginia to see what can be salvaged.

I will be very clear; I came here for a comprehensive agreement with economic clauses, referenda, and a common cause between equals. It is pretty clear what Knootoss is offering now. I've yet to hear what you, Pantocratorians and Excalbians, are offering us in return. Go now, to your back rooms. Have a think. I’ll hear it if you have a proposal and I'll draft one of my own if anyone at this table still cares to hear us..." he glanced at Caine briefly.

"I would ask the chair to censure this meeting now so we can work out a new consensus with the information gained from this exchange. Ladies, gentlemen, this has been a very enlightening afternoon."

And with that, Daatman began to arrange the paperwork in front of him to put it back in a briefcase standing next to him. The other Knootian delegation members also made preparations to leave.

OOC: Panto wins, I guess. Oh, yeah, I'll reply to Jo later too. Excalbia: telegram.

"You haven't offered a damn thing which ever should have been yours to offer." Raoul snorted dismissively. Drapeur cut him off with a motion of his hand.

"It seems pretty obvious at this point that the Knootian delegation isn't here negotiating in good faith. All you want, Prime Minister, is for Pantocratoria and Excalbia to make concessions to you. All we want is a peaceful resolution to the crisis which has developed out of the moves for Saxmere to be independent from the Confederation." Drapeur observed as the Knootian delegation began to leave the room in its collective hissy fit. He directed himself at the remaining delegations. "The crucial thing here is that an agreement be reached between the Confederation of Sovereign States and the Saxmerean delegation about the conduct of the referendum and how its possible outcomes will be dealt with. Pantocratoria is utterly committed to a peaceful resolution of that situation... the last thing we would want to see would be civil war across the Excalbian Isles. Monsieur le President, Monsieur le Gouverneur, Pantocratoria is committed to supporting the two of you in resolving the issue in whatever way you find mutually agreeable."

OOC: we have not "left the room in a hissy fit". That is a misstatement of fact and not what I posted. Please do not assume control over my characters.

OOC: we have not "left the room in a hissy fit". That is a misstatement of fact and not what I posted. Please do not assume control over my characters.
OOC: I beg your pardon, you only began to leave, I have edited, although you know very well that I wasn't assuming control over your characters, since we were talking on AIM at the time you posted this.

Morgan walked over to the Knootian Foriegn Minister and spoke under her breath. "Madame, I am going to ignore the fact that you just accused my country of acting for sordid ends and not for principles. However, I will tell you bluntly that either you and Mr. Caine do not understand the language of the provision or you are lying to myself. There is not one word in there which is not explicitly contained within the terms of the referendum, which isn't just something that the Confederation is obligated to do by treaty but which contains two possible outcomes which do literally restrict the absolute sovereignty of the Confederation by allowing for a semi-sovereign Saxmere. You should know that we did value the friendship between our countries. You should also know that if you continue down this path it will lead quickly, absolutely, and unalterably not just to the end of our alliance but to the end of even friendly relations with Knootoss, to open opposition within VERITAS, and to resignation from KIST. Do what you will." With that, she turned her back on the Knootians with open contempt and walked back to her seat, turning her microphone on before the Knootian woman had a chance to reply. "The Resurgent Dream remains committed to peace with all parties willing to negotiate in good faith. However, we do resent the patently unfair characterization of our proposal. There is no restriction on Confederate sovereignty in this treaty not already agreed to during the referendum. This document, if you read it, guarantees the unconditional sovereignty of the Confederate government over all territories but Saxmere and absolute sovereignty over Saxmere should it vote to remain a part of the Confederation. The only imperfection in sovereignty is if the option of the referendum allowing for Saxmere to have a recognized semi-sovereighty over its own territory is choosen and, of course, that the confederation would not have sovereignty over Saxmere is sucession was chosen."

"What we are asking for, what we have been asking for from the beginning, is a thoroughly comprehensive agreement, including a non-aggression pact, economic provisions, and common cause among equals, exactly like Prime Minister Daatman. We are trying to make such a treaty in a way which will be agreeable to all parties ny starting at the beginning. That beginning is the recognition of the sovereignty of nations and the recognition of the results of the referendum. Saxmere is not granted sovereignty by this provision unless the referendum turns out that way nor is any limitation placed upon the Confederation except that part of their territory might become semi-sovereign depending on the outcome of the referendum." Morgan said, slowly, visibly stressed.

"I must confess that I myself honestly do not understand what the Countess means when she somehow ascribes to me an offer of favors and bribes when I have told her that we have honestly extended our hands in peace and friendship towards both Knootoss and the Confederation and I am also confused as to why she refers to a comprehensive treaty as scraps. What I am doing, Countess, is asking you, if our nations were ever actually friends, not to abandon the idea of peace over an entirely imagined threat to Confederate sovereignty. I had believes, Madame, that that was one of your ideals once upon a time. If you are willing to negotiate in good faith, then simply come to the table and prove it. So far, you have seemed the least willing to compromise on even the smallest point out of all the parties. If you have defeated Galadriël, defeat also her legacy. Trade is important, yes, but more important is peace, respect, understanding, and self-determination of peoples and nations. That is why I want to take the time to do it right, from the ground up, and not simply sign an agreement not to go to war and to trade. Peace is not merely the absence of war but the presence of justice. I know that the Greens, of all people, certainly hold these ideals."

Morgan leaned forward slightly. "I am afraid that I cannot take back anything that I said a few moments ago, either to you directly, Countess, or to this body. However, I will clarify that I spoke to stress the serious dangers of a course which some delegates seemed to be following, to warn them away from such a path and back to negotiations." The young woman rose to her feet, as though preparing to say something else, and then simply collapsed to the ground, knocking over her chair.

OOC: Placeholder. About to have a meeting in RL. Post coming today. I hope to strike a compromise, but I need to read through everything first :) Cheers.