NationStates Jolt Archive

Emporer Johnston sat in his office waiting for the transmission machine to warm-up. It was getting dated and started slowly in the mornings.

He was very happy that plans Largent had been making were finally going into action. One thing had led to another in the past and things never got done. That would be different now.

BEGIN TRANSMISSION

To: Scolopendra
From: The Idealsist's Paradise of Largent

I, the Emperor of Largent, am formally requesting an exchange of delegates with the nation of Scolopendra. I beleive such actions will lead to greatly improved diplomatic relations and a possible alliance.

If you agree to such an exchange our delegations will arrive the day following your reply. We request your delegations arrive on the same day.

~Emperor Johnston
Holy Leader of Largent

END TRANSMISSION

"Hey, whatever happened to these guys?"

Advisor Kommetrez shrugged. Now was really not a good time for him, but he had a job to do and here he was, doing it. "Not too sure, Julie. We had some contacts, they went quiet for a while, and now they're back to leave of where they left off, it seems like. Happens more often than we'd like, no?"

Razak nods. "Yup. Send a response, I guess."

Nodding, Alshai turns around to send a thought... and remembers that's not an option anymore. Sighing, he stretches out his fingers and begins to type. It wasn't something to worry about, not yet. That part of his mind is partitioned off to be dealt with later. If it can be dealt with.

* - * - *

--<Transmission Type: Standard Diplomatic Communique>--
-<Sender: International Relations Advisor Alshai Kommetrez, FSS>-
-<Destination: Emperor Johnston>-
--<Subject: Delegate Exchange>--

The Federated Segments of Scolopendra welcomes you back to the international scene and looks forward to a delegate exchange. Hopefully this will bring us closer together as our peoples learn more about each other. My staff at the International Relations Section is ready to send a Diplomatic Officer whenever your are able to receive visitors; likewise, we are ready to host your delegate at your convenience.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/alshai_kommetrez2.gifAdvisor Alshai Kommetrez
International Relations Section
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

--<End Transmission>--

In the Foreign Affairs building in Largents capital a monitor lit up. The person manning it checked the source. "International Relations Section
Federated Segments of Scolopendra? I guess that would be forwarded to the Schelzie."

Just as Gregor Schelzie entered his office with the morning paper and his coffee he found a message awaiting him. Always good to start the day off with a bang he thought as he went to check it. He too read the adress and then opened the file. He smiled and decided that he should get the delegate on her way. "Susan, get me Helen Gogolos," He decided why not send the delegate that went there last time.

Later That Day

Helen borded her shuttle ready to be off to Saturn again(It is Saturn, right?). She new that this was another big job for her. She would constantly be checking composure, speed and clarity of her speech, all the stuff that would eventually kill her at a young age. She shrugged it off though. She'd rather be dead and have seen the world than be well preserved and dull.

BEGIN TRANSMISSION

To: Advisor Alshai Kommetrez, International Relations Section, Federated Segments of Scolopendra
From: Gregor Schelzie, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Idealist's Paradise of Largent

Our delegate is on her way. The pilot will be ready for any orders from your government specifying a landing zone. We are fully prepared to host your delegate at any given time. Please inform the vessel they will be traveling on not to land at the capital's, Winchia, public landing dock. We will be escorting it directly to a private docking space.

~Gregor Schelzie
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Idealist's Paradise of Largent
http://www.nato.int/pictures/review/9904/b9904-41.jpg

END TRANSMISSION

Diplomatic Officer Marie ibnat Hassan looks out the window of the small shuttle launched from the new Valhalla station in antecedent Earth Trojan orbit and chuckles. It's as if she'd never left, really... and, given how things tended to go, it wasn't even surprising. The pilot sitting across the centerline console from her calls ahead to the Largent authorities, announcing presence and cargo, requesting direction and reporting standing-by. All by the book.

Saturnspace

Two Phantom III aerospace fighters scramble from the Loki carrier nearest the Largent ship's approach and hail the incoming vessel, sidling in alongside and escorting it to Al Mahdi ASB in central Titanian Scolopendra. All by the book and easy-going, pilots perhaps sharing jokes along the way.

On the ground, Advisor Kommetrez waits beside the designated parking slot, leaning easily against an electric groundcar. He pushes off as Helen steps out of her shuttle, extending a hand in greeting. "Advisor Kommetrez of the Segments," he introduces himself with a genuine smile but an odd sort of distance in his eyes, "welcome to Scolopendra. We've got arrangements ready for you while we hash out how you want your embassy to be done; I can answer any questions you may have or help you with anything you might wish."

Europan Space

The incoming vessel was sent a radio transmission from ground control

"We will be sending up two fighters to escort you to haner 457 Alpha Bravo. Have a nice stay in Largent."

Two Brutiian Fighters gracefully soared up to meet the ship and slowly brought it back to the ground. They followed it to the hanger and then dispersed.

As Martin Vaughn stood at the limo he watched the shuttle pull up. Out of it steppen Mary bin Hassen. He walked up to her and extended a han.

"Agent Vaughn of Largent's Secret Service. Pleased to make your aquaitance. Please follow me to the car. You have an option of getting settled in or meeting directly with the Emperor now. I will be happy to answer any questions I can while in the car."

Saturn Side

helen smiled, "Pleased to meet you. As for the embessy, is there anything standard to chose from to make this as quick as possible or shall I get into detail. Also, I hope you can answer questions I have about customs so that when I meet with whom ever I'm meeting I wont insult anyone of embarass myself."

Largent

"Thank you." Diplomatic Officer ibnat Hassan bows shortly, then takes the proffered place in the vehicle. "There is one question that we're quite interested in--what have you been up to as of late?" She smiles a little, keeping with the business-like air. "It's often difficult to keep track of people in this strange multiverse of ours."

The Segments

"Well, it gets kinda interesting when one has to stick a billion people on a portion of Titan," Kommetrez says with a chuckle. "Everything is pretty much 'standard,' or at least modular for easy reallocation. We've got a few possible locations relatively close to federal centers in Stonozka; I've got a list of the floorplans available in the car--" he indicates the groundcar with a slight motion of his head "--and you can pick from those. We can have it set up pretty quickly to whatever specifications you want, within reason.

"As for customs, I can answer questions about those." Opening one of the back doors, Alshai offers Helen a seat before closing the door after her and walking around to the opposite side, getting in himself. "Thanks to all sorts of multiculturality, we're pretty difficult to offend. Just don't grin around the kzinti and everything should work out pretty well."

Largent

"Well, Largent hasn't been exptremley active in the international scene as of recently. We do have some plans for the near future though. As you may know Santa Babara has abondoned Mars leaving room for us to get a foothold there. We also are hoping to colonize some of Europa so we can have a military outpost. What has The Segments been doing? I'm afraid your not a priority on our intel reports, perhaps thats a good thing though."

Scolopendra

"The only thing we need in our embassy is offices. Preperably between 10 and 30 for any buisness we carry out here. We would also need rooms for officials. We feel we should keep the embassy subtle so it isn't a target at any time. We would prefer safety over beauty."

In Largent

ibnat Hassan quirks one corner of her lips very slightly, face turning a bit more wry. "I've gathered from intelligence reports that Santa Barbara has not so much abandoned Mars as had their rogue colony invaded from some sort of extrasolar threat. We are currently working with our Triumvirate allies to watch over the situation and preparing contingencies for if the threat spreads... although hopefully your plans work out once this is settled.

"We've been doing what we always do; explore and support our allies. A large number of idealist charities and organizations have sprung up as of late, so a very large portion of our populace is interested in external affairs." She makes no mention of the reinvention of the knight-errant and the various militant orders and chapters running about in an odd form of self-sponsored military adventurism (sometimes known as 'terrorism,' usually by the institutions they oppose). "There hasn't been anything that would make headlines, such as wars and whatnot, but then again we seem to be lucky on that account."

In Scolopendra

"Ten to thirty? We can pull that." Alshai smiles as the groundcar speeds off over the roads cutting through the steppe of Xanadu. "Subtlety's not a big deal; most of Stonozka--and most Scolopendran cities, for that matter--are Art Deco high-rises. You've just got a full floor on one of the larger ones, looking no different from the outside than anyone else. Once you get settled in your temporary lodgings, you can direct how you want the place to be set up. Will you be providing your own security?"

Largent

Vaugh looked slightly uneasy. "Normally I wouldn't do this but not only do I trust you, you already know a great deal of information. Our fleets are currently in orbit over Mars waiting for the opening to storm unsettled land and take it over. We are expecting a rather large fight. This will be the first time a Largentian has died in a battle on foreign soil. It is an interesting situation and we hope it plays out well.

"As for you, I'm happy you are able to keep peace in your nation. Our condolences also go out to any of your friends that may be experiencing turbulent times. I'm also sorry to say that we must terminate this discussion. We have arrived at the Imperial Palace. We have accomodations for you here while we work out your embassy. Just walk straight through the gardens ahead of us. You will meet two Imperial guards. State your name and buiseness. Then tell them whether you would like to start the meeting or get settled in. I will see you on your day of departure. Have a nice stay." The limo then pulled away.

Scolopendra

Helen thought about security for a moment. "Well," she began, "If its not trouble to you, you may want to provide the security. If it is a problem we are more than capable of doing it ourselves. Its just that seeing Largentian Special Forces officers prancing around Scolopendra may not blow over well with the citizens.

"Also, if its not impolite of my asking, when will I be settling in. I think my advisors in Largent should have the final voice as to our embassy."

In Largent

Marie watches the limo drive off for a few moments, a little surprised at the suddeness of it all. Efficient. She files what was said in her mind, turns around, and walks through the gardens until she comes to the two guards standing in front of an entrance. Noting that security checkpoints the multiverse over are generally similar, she stops at a comfortable distance outside of arm's length, bows shortly, and introduces herself as "Diplomatic Officer Marie ibnat Hassan. I am on a diplomatic mission from the Federated Segments of Scolopendra, and am interested in continuing with the scheduled meeting." She travels well, she thinks, and so can get away with not sprucing up first.

In the Segments

Advisor Kommetrez nods. "Actually, that shouldn't be that great of a deal. Most embassies have small squads or whatnot to defend them, as it is considered extranational territory. We draw the line at armor divisions," he grins under closed lips jovially, "and, yes, it has been asked of us before. We'll have no problems with SpecOps running around as long as they mind their own business.

"We've got temp quarters in a hotel in the heart of Stonozka, which we're entering now." Stonozka, as a city, resembles something from a German Futurist dream with Art Deco skyscrapers looming up and creating canyons of roads which are, for the most part, surprisingly empty. The sidewalks are extra-wide to accommodate small roadside parks and street vendors aside from the foot traffic, but the roads are reserved for government traffic and public transportation. "We've already set up a secure communications line so you can get in contact with your government; you can 'settle in' as soon as we get there... and here we are."

The groundcar takes a turn into a well-lit parking garage, relatively small as they go, bordered on one side by the front doors of a hotel, its name in Arabic letters mounted over the doors. "The Hotel Sadalachbia," Alshai announces, stepping out to open Helen's door. "Pretty much everything you can expect from a five-star hotel. I can answer more questions, if you have them, or I can see you to your lodgings and let you settle in."

Largent

They two guards, both ourfitted in all red nod. One of the guards says, "follow me please," as the other guard stays at his post.

He leads Marie through more gardens and such. They go through another checkpoint and then enter the front yard of the palace. It is an enourmous lawn with flowers and a huge statue in the middle. It is of three men, the founders of Largent, and water is flying up behind them. They entire complex is surrounded by golden walls with a freeze on each side of it. The guard takes the oppourtunity to give the diplomat the heads up, "Here its all about the delivery. It has to look good and be efficient."

The two soon enter the palace where priceless works of art from around the multiverse stand, hang, and float. They continue for some time until they reach two enormus oak doors. "The Imperial Office" the guard says. He opens the door to reveal the aging Emperor behind his oversized desk.

The elderly man smiles warmly. "Welcome. Please be seated," he motions to an easy chair in front of his desk. "I have been looking forward to this meeting."

Scolopendra

Helen considers the information. "Well, I guess we could use our own forces then." She admires the building for a moment. It was certainly different from the architechture from home. "I have no more questions for the moment. Also, my idea of settling in is just dumping the suitcase on my bed and checking myself in the mirror. After I have a breif talk with my advisors about the embassy is there a schedueld meeting or anything?"

In Largent

Diplomatic Officer ibnat Hassan follows quietly, examining her surroundings as the guard leads her to her destination. Upon reaching the Imperial Office, she bows shortly, then sits down. "Thank you, sir. That makes two of us."

In the Segments

"There's no meeting scheduled," Alshai replies, "although we can set something up for you if you'd like. We don't believe in rushing guests right off the plane--Arab hospitality, after all." He winks.

Largent

Johnston nods. "I'm very pleased to hear that. Now, since I asked you here, I suppose I should start the meeting. I will be honest, when we requested a delegate exchange we had every intention on working towards some form of an alliance or pact. This may not be made for many years but I feel it would be beneficial. Now, I relsize contact between us hasn't been all that exstensive so I don't beleive we will start planning an alliance just yet. I figured for now we may as well just play with the idea a little. I am very interested to see your views on the idea."

Scolopendra

Helen debates whether or not to start a meeting just yet. She finally makes a decision. "If there is any opening for a meeting today, why not schedule a meeting. We have a lot of things to cover, may as well start sooner than later."

In Largent

Marie smiles diplomatically as she folds her hands together and settles them on her knees, leaning forward almost imperceptably in an engaging way. "Closer relations are often the ulterior motives behind any contact; in fact, it's honorable of you to say that right up front. Admittedly, besides the Triumvirate, the Federated Segments have been very careful to avoid international engagements that could be overly... constricting. We are signatories of KIST, but, as a multi-tiered trade organization, it hardly forces us to do anything we wouldn't do anyway. We have been invited to VERITAS, but Supreme Emperor Speaker-Rrit has not informed us of the conclusion of that quite yet."

She looks down momentarily at her hands, then back up. "That being said, it is always good to have friends. The mutual trade of goods, goodwill, and culture can only be beneficial, and it gives us opportunities to broaden our horizons as a culture. If our future relations turn out to be good enough, there can, perhaps, be questions of an alliance. As you said, though, that is simply a potential goal to work towards; right now, regular peaceful relations are the first step and we can grow it from there."

In the Segments

Kommetrez nods. "All right, then, I'll see what I can do. For now, I recommend you take the opportunity to make yourself at home." After making sure Helen is checked into her room, he bows politely and leaves. "I'll warn you ahead of time, then send someone to pick you up for the meeting."

Largent

The emperor smiles to himself mainly. "Ah, a beutifully crafted pollitically correct answer. Satisfying yet vague. Although, lets not dwell on the subject, we should move on to what we are really here for, making peace and gaining trust. Now, I must ask you something before we go on, do you have any concerns about us or questions that would better help me inform you?"

Scolopendra

Helen bows back and smiles. "Thank you very much."

As the man departs she calls back to Largent and gets Schelzie. She talks to him about the embassy for a moment.

"What should I request for it?"

"What have you already requested?"

"Offices and sleeping quarters."

"That is more than good enough. Just let them build that and we should be fine."

Scolo?

(OOC: Sorry--finals.)

In Largent

ibnat Hassan bows her head respectfully at the compliment, her businesslike face smiling just a little. "You flatter me, sir, but diplomacy is my expertise. One question I was asked to relay--what is your current status in the international scene? I am sure that during your recent period of international inactivity that alignments have changed somewhat."

In the Segments

True to his word, Advisor Kommetrez calls ahead before sending someone around to pick Helen up. The end result is, after a very short trip through Stonozka, Helen finds herself sitting in a very simple conference room with gently shining ruddy false-marble walls, a solid oak conference table shaped like a stretched hexagon, stained and sealed so darkly to appear a solid, glassy obsidian black, and a large steel frieze of a centipede coiled on one of the shorter walls. In the corners to the left and right of the centipede is a flag of Scolopendra, gules and sable gyronny with lines of division or, a large centipede rampant sable with eyes azure overall.

Supreme Emperor Speaker-Rrit bows shortly as Helen enters the room, then motions to one chair set in the minor axis of the hexagon while he moves to the other--essentially, setting them up so they can speak comfortably across the relatively short width of the table instead of the long length. Despite Speaker's chair being intentionally shorter than Helen's, he still has an unfortunate propensity to tower, given that his felinid kzinti frame stands two and a half meters tall when slouching comfortably. Folding his broad orange-furred hands, he looks at Helen with keen yellow eyes and smiles, tips of his thin black lips curling up a bit as his pinkish batwing-like ears wink in an analogous gesture.

"Welcome to the Segments," he begins in a voice pleasant enough, even if a bit gravely, "I am Supreme Emperor Speaker-Rrit, elected executive leader of the nation. We look forward to continued diplomatic relations with the Idealist's Paradise of Largent and hope to establish an effective working relationship with your nation, growing on the successes of the past. I am here now to answer any questions you may have and ensure you have what you need for your diplomatic mission."

Largent

Johnston gave faint grin, "That is an understatement to say the least." Just as he is about to go on, the terminal beside him came to life displaying a message.

Johnston rolled his eyes and glanced it over wuickly with a practiced eye. When he returned to ibnat Hassan his face was far more grave. "Well, it appears we have had a slight situation. On Europa we were brought uncomfortably close to war with Kaenei. I must ask, how are relations between you, Kaenei, Sketch, and nations on Io such as Melkor."

Scolopendra

Helen bows in return and takes her seat. She was rather impressed by the room. It had a buisness like air and yet, she could tell the art was carefully made and crafted well.

However, she soon turned to buisness. "Well, I am very happy to be able to be here. Here I have been instructed to deal more with things that take place in The Segments and things they are involved in throughout the multiverse. In Largent we will be doing the opposite.

"First, I would like to ask for information on both what Scolopendra is involved in currently and recently and who they are closely involed with or, for that matter, not so friendly with."

In Largent

"That is most unfortunate." ibnat Hassan frowns slightly. "The Serene^Union is one of our closest allies, a member of our defense and trade confederation the Triumvirate of Yut. Likewise with Menelmacar, the Territory, and the Dominion of Dread Lady Nathicana, which have interests on Io. Sketch is the head of the Order of the Seraphim and the Five Kingdoms of Melkor Unchained are the leadership of Arda, both alliances that are ideologically opposed to ours. We have clashed with them over Europa and Io and other than the current detante' there is no desire for closer relations with them."

In Scolopendra

"The Federated Segments have always been a leading member of the Triumvirate of Yut," Speaker replies with no small amount of pride, "and is often considered that confederation's de facto head. This is an honor and a responsibility we do not take lightly. Our closest relations are with Triumvirate member states, being open to free trade and discourse with them all. Outside that, we are friendly to many more nations, including those aligned economically by the KIST treaty and those aligned diplomatically by the VERITAS pacts."

His voice shifts a bit, a little firmer on the next topic. "Of course, this means that we conflict with a small but sizable group of nations. The Order of the Seraphim and Arda are our largest opposing factors due to their abuses of sentient rights and belligerent stances. Forces such as the Reich are less of a concern, being less powerful and less organized."

Largent

The Emperor sensed some concern, it was fairly obvious. "Well, you need not worry. It turns out that an outside force tricked us into this confrentation. I would consider us on neutral terms. Since they are your ally I would be happy to invite them to diplomatic discussions as well if it would be comforting to the Segments in the future. As for the other nations, you said there would be no closer relations, but does that mean there will be any growing hostilities or just mutual toleration?"

Scolopendra

Helen grins ever so faintly. "Well, I can't say this is bad news. At least the nations we have our strongest dislikings for are in the same general pacts and alliances. As for the Triumvirate, we have had little or no contact with them at all. However, we do see eye to eye with them on several issues and hope one day to form some sort of friendship with them.

"Now, after these discussions are over we would like to maintain good terms with you and any of your allies. What would you recomend is the best way of going about this?"

In Largent

Marie gets an almost sly look to her normally extremely professional face, pondering the question. "It has normally been our position to not start any trouble. We do, however, have no compunction about ending trouble. Growing hostilities are not in our best interest. Mutual tolerance... is asking a bit too much for either side. A more appropriate way of thinking about it is a mixture of staying out of each others' way, coupled with being careful to make sure that the opposition doesn't change their way to meet up with yours. Our habits are relatively unchanged by this; however, Arda has been forced to be more... subtle in its expansion. They also don't do subtlety very well, so their expansion has thus been slowed somewhat concerning our spheres of influence."

She pauses a moment to think. "Actually, requesting friendly relations while apologizing for starting out on the wrong foot may not be too untoward. Something with a little bit of trade and cultural exchange. The Kaeneians are somewhat insular, so give them their space, but if you aren't overly brash about it there shouldn't be a problem."

In Scolopendra

Speaker-Rrit winces very slightly at the grin but shrugs it off. "Our allies respond quite well to trust and being informed. Jumping into things without research, as you have seen, does not often go well." He chuckles slightly. "The Dread Lady is quite put out over Europa and, generally, while you are not considered bad people the nation of Largent appears to be considered a bit... hasty in its actions. We respond well to subtlety and tact, and this all requires the ability to carefully deliberate. If you wish better relations with them, talk with them as respected equals. Show sincere curiosity in them and be up front concerning yourselves. This strategy has worked well enough for us." He smiles again behind closed lips with a slight chuckle.

OOC: With the holidays and all I wont be able to get a post up for a few days. Sorry.

Largent

The Emperor smiles, "Intersting. As for the Kaeneians, they have failed to respond to any of our diplomatic invitations so I figured we may as well give up. Well, you have been very kind as to answering my questions and you have answered all the ones previously prepared. Unless you wish to discuss anything specific I suppose this meeting is pretty much over. We have very little fundamental ground to cover. I suspect we will being inviting you back for further discussions if all goes well in bettering our relations in the international scene."

Scolopeendra

Helen nods in agreement. "It is definatley top of our priority list. As for bettering relations with you on the international scene we will be on the lookout for such an oppourntunity to present itself. Until such a point I'm afraid we have very little ground left to cover at this meeting unless you would like to ask me anything.

Largent

"No, sir, I believe we have covered enough for one day." Diplomatic Officer ibnat Hassan smiles cordially. "There is plenty of time for further discussion later. I must admit, it's been quite a trip and I'm looking forward to getting my embassy established."

Scolopendra

The kzintosh nods slowly. "A simple question. What are Largent's goals not in relation to the Segments?" The one word is not said forcefully; rather, merely emphasized to point out a difference. "What are your goals, your aspirations, and your ideals?"

Largent

Emperor Johnston smiles and extends a hand, "Very well, I hope we may meet again soon."

Scolopendra

Helen frowns, "We have no current specific goals other than developing our economy and helping our allies in any way neccissary. We are concerned with aiding nations less fortunate than ours. Our major goals are basically making te world a better place any way we can. There are other minor things we are concerned with but they have no place on the international scene. I hope I have answered your question for there is no singular answer I could give." She shrugs.

...bump...

Largent

Marie accepts the hand with a short bow from her seat, shaking firmly. "Thank you, sir, for this opportunity. I look forward to working with your government in the future, and I also look forward to learning more about your culture in the meantime."

Scolopendra

Speaker-Rrit nods. "Understood. We will learn more as we work together. If you have no particular questions, then perhaps we should adjourn for today."

Largent

Johnston smiles warmly, "That is very good. As you may have guessed, Wincha being the capital, you are in the center of Largentian culture and I would be more than happy to scheduel a tour of this amazing city. This of course could be at your leasure."

Scolopendra

Helen agrees. "Indeed, we should probably adjourn for today. I look forward to setting up our embassy and continuing to learn about the Segments and its people. As forworking with you and your allies, we will be on the look out for such an oppourntunity to present itself. It would also be appreciated if you should remember this meeting when the said oppourtunity arrives that you just point it out, although I don't expect it to be of upmost importance which is understandable."

OOC: Just wondering, do you think it necissary to RP embassy construction and such or should we just consider it taken care of for now?