NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: Dread Lady Nathicana recommended I do this this way so if you disagree with my actions don't all out attack me right away.

IC: Governor Santucci of New Largent sat in his chair thinking. He desperatley needed a Largentian stronghold in Jupiter.

After the figurative slap on the wrists form Sketch after a last attempt at a military build up he knew his situation was growing dire. Without a base he lay vounerable to an outside invasion from either Kaenei or another power in the are.

He made his decision, Largent must have a base on Io. It was his only hope of survival and good terms with his neighbors. He gave the order for two fleets of engineers, scientists, and some defensive soldiers to land on Io. They would carry delegates incase they didn't receive a warm welcome.

As a precausionary measure he would send a message to the moon in advance. It would be directed at Dread Lady Nathicana.

BEGIN TRANSMISSION

To: Dread Lady Nathicana
From: Colonial HQ, New Largent

Greetings. As we informed you before we will be attempting to lay claim to some land on Io, just enough for one base. We have no intentions of hostilities towards you or any other nation there. We hope you will consider us welcome there and try to talk other nations from declaring war in us

~Governor Santucci

ooc: Ok, bub - what part of 'slow and careful' did you not happen to grasp? I think I said that there are a number of rather testy nations up on Io already that aren't terribly keen on you just up and plunking down a ship, let alone a base. What you've done here is -not- quite what I advised you to try, so ... yeah.

What we discussed was ooc - as noted by signing 'Nathi's Player', one might point out. I didn't say go ahead, post "We're taking what you want, and please will you cover our ass for us?" I also advised you that several rather large fleets and the last I heard, Melkor's shipyards are there, so just saying 'we're landing' is what would likely get you shot right out of the sky.

In addition, the official representative of the NDA on Io is Tsaraine, not myself, even though I have forces there. I hope you're ready for some intricate dealings.

Another note. Io is a hellhole. You knew this, right? Constantly shifting terrain, and in fact, were this not NS and the use of the almighty Plot Device available, there is no way in hell any of us would be there. The entire surface is not livable ic'ly, and I'm thinking you're gonna have to negotiate with one of the groups I mentioned previously to get -any- plot of land. I've no idea if you've already established relations with them, but you've yet to do so with us.

You've initiated contact, fine and well. We'll play this out ic'ly. I suggest a bit more thought and possibly a touch of research on this before you accidentally really put your foot in it.

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

To: Dread Lady Nathicana
From: Colonial HQ, New Largent

Greetings. As we informed you before we will be attempting to lay claim to some land on Io, just enough for one base. We have no intentions of hostilities towards you or any other nation there. We hope you will consider us welcome there and try to talk other nations from declaring war in us

~Governor Santucci

Nathicana arched a brow as the report was given over. "They ... what?"

"You heard it. Perhaps a glitch somewhere in communications lines, or a misinterpretation, but yes, they seem to think they have clearance to land on Io and set up shop," replied Giancarlo Torino, Dominion Minister of Defense. "We don't have any such message on record."

"They had bloody well better not just think they can come in and claim land, not after the mess we've had up there, and especially with the Five Kingdoms fleets seeming to be on the move up there. It's a touchy situation as is. We don't need some hotstick newcomer waltzing in and making a mess of things like the Thelasi did last time," she said, scowling darkly. "Get in touch with this Governor Santucci. If there is more to their heritage than the name suggests, they will understand the need for some care and diplomacy in this. Bear in mind - the NDA owes no one anything in means of land on Io. We have the controlling claim on that little piece of hell, and that by damn is how it is going to remain. Forward this information to the Council and to Tsaraine, as well as a summary of our discussion here, and our official response. I would like to have a look before you send it."

"Of course, my Lady," he said with a short bow, heading back to his office to make the proper arrangements, while she poured herself a fresh glass of ice water, and waited impatiently.

*** *** ***

From: Giancarlo Torino, Dominion Minister of Defense
To: Colonial HQ, New Largent

We regret to inform the good Governor that given our lack of information on yourselves, and having no prior dealings or relationship with your nation, we must respectfully deny you access to Io at this time. We understand that you have no hostile intent, and appreciate your reassurance, however, the area has been plagued with tensions, even between those forces already established there, and we have no desire to initiate more with the addition of an unproven and unknown faction.

If you wish to be welcome there, I'm afraid we require more than a few brief words to soothe our fears, and convince us of your good intent. As for the other nations, we can guarantee nothing at this time.

Should you wish to engage in some form of discussion, we are more than willing to proceed with due care and caution, in an effort to better acquaint ourselves with one another. Please send a reply via the proper channels, and we will see what we can arrange.

Sincerely,

Minister Torino

*** *** ***

A copy of the messages, and a summary of the discussion, cleaned up and stylized, was sent to Treznor and Iraqstani offices, as well as the base on Io, under the direction of Tsaraine. In addition, notices were put out to the Dominion fleets there, and those forces friendly to them and their allies, giving them the heads up on Largent's intent, and asking that no hasty actions be taken if they could be avoided.

In addition, Nathicana sent a short summary to Konrad Althalon, commander of the Five Kingdoms forces, noting that a 'request' had been made, and asking if any further information on Largent were available, and if the commander had anything to add.

The fact that lines had been quiet between the two groups of late had of course, nothing to do with the personal message, nor her growing concerns of just where Konrad's loyalties lay.

Of course.

A short, indefinably ugly man snorts as he reads the latest intelligence from the Dominion. Good response from Nath, of course. I'd better put Sanchez on alert in case this gets ugly.

Hmm...now that I think about it, I think we should budget some funds toward adding more protection around Io, although how we're going to top what Lancaster built there I have no idea. It ought to be a fun project for the science folks.

He ponders thoughtfully before tagging some suggestions for his Intelligence Ministry. Then he begins to compose a letter for various members of the Jovian League. He's sure they'll want to keep an eye out, as well. Denied space on Io, he suspects Largent might start eyeing their territories.

**************************
http://www.pwfc.org/images/gallery/smtorso3.jpg
Emperor Devon I
Empire of Treznor
**************************

"What is it with these people?" Errekeradh arTaelkh asked, exasperated. First the Thelasi had somehow assumed that the Dominion was in charge of the NDA's Burninatonian protectorate, and now the Largenti had done likewise?

"There must be something somewhere," Radukh tsaRega replied, via q-link from the Jupiter/Io L2 point. "If there weren't this wouldn't be happening. I've chucked it up the line to Earth, and hopefully they'll get something done about it."

"If the demon of Burecracy has been appropriately satiated."

"Yes, I guess so. In triplicate, and signed in blood." Radukh shrugged. Paperwork might not be nice, but what could you do? Nations ran on it.

"I suppose I should send a message to their Governor Santucci."

"And I'll get the Outer System Fleet on it. It shouldn't be necessary, but ... big stick."

"So I'm supposed to speak softly, is that it?"

---


Message To: Governor Santucci, New Largent Colonial HQ
Message Fr: Offices of the Markhreif, NDA Protectorate of Burninatonian Io
Message Re: Unauthorised Landings and Proper Channels

Esar Santucci,

I was most suprised to discover notification of your intent to land on Io forwarded from the Dominion of Dread Lady Nathicana, the ally of the Greater Ascendancy under the Non-Democratic Alliance.

I must admit that I find this most perplexing, as the Greater Ascendancy of Tsaraine has been given authority over the running of the Protectorate here on Io, and I myself am the local representative of the Ascendancy here on Io.

An attempt to claim land on Io should be carried out through the proper channels, and should definitely not consist of simply landing personell on the planet.

~ Errekeradh arTaelkh
Markhreif of the NDA Protectorate of Burninatonian Io


---

In orbit, the ships of the Outer System Fleet, eight Oberth/Sekhmet-class destroyers newly bolstered by six Ixhwa/Hades-class cruisers, went into a state of alert. This didn't happen often - the last time had been the Thelasi Screwup - but the crews responded smartly nonetheless. With little else to do but train, Radukh tsaRega and his commanders had time to formulate responses to hundreds of differing scenarios, and this one was, statistically, quite likely.

Sketchian satellites traced the Largentian landing force on their passage across space. The intelligence officer on duty kept watch on their progress, shaking his head the whole time. We told them, we told them. "Io's a bit of a touchy deal right now, we strongly advise against going there....." But did they listen? No. The powers only know how we managed to keep that mess away from Europa. *sigh* Now they're running head long into it. Oh well, none of our business. The Io file on the Sol sytem database had been labeled as "extremely volatile", needless to say, that meant that Io was a place that even Sketch, well known for brash actions without much prior political considerations, had decided to tread lightly; in fact, not at all. There was even a note in the file, an informal statement from some anaylst, expressing some suprise at the still existing "stability" of the shared moon. Given the past history of the Five Kingdoms and several uninvited guests over time, it was somewhat unusual that a relatively peaceful coexistence currently being maintained. No doubt due to intricate dealings within the diplomatic circles.

DAJ, Jovian System

It can be annoying, at times, being in a state of... Well, chaos, just like DA and its various off world holdings were. And even though chaos had retreated, the situation was still far from being normal.

The colonies on Ganymede, Callisto and Europa still claimed sovereignity, and the stations floating aroudn the three moons, as well as the inhabitants of Themisto and Thebe, claimed 'loyality'... Mainly because they were incapable of supporting themselves. Autarchic structures tend to be nothing but a wet dream, in space.

Yet, over time, some things reached conclusions. It was somewhat comparable to Mars, where a provisional, 'semi- independent' 'government' had been set up in order to bring the various factions together. The same had happened at Jupiter, although in somewhat different ways. While the Khristian insurrection on Mars had helped to speed up the whole process, the Angstians at Jupiter were still somewhat busy with the petty rivalties, and betrayed, plotting, and the occasional murder in order to make ends meet was far from being uncommon.

Yet, basic cooperation with their neighbors existed, and one could describe it as an almost working system, although the Kaeneians as well as the Konanians tended to take less interest in the local affairs than one would expect. Or, for that matter, hope.

A couple ships, survivors of the great slaughter a while ago, were floating around. Perhaps sixty of them were avaoilable, not in their best state, of course. Maintenance was a secondary issue for this ships, but completely without... Well, one couldn't expect perfection.

Of course, neither they, nor the various... Disagreeing regional councils knew much, apart from noticing increased communication activity (It was somewhat annoying, this transmissions being somewhat harder to crack than before The Hack became an NDA member, an annoyance, that, as various operators assured their superiors) and the Tsarainese activity in the Jovian System increasing.

A little.

Of course, once the Treznorian letter arrived, the overall situation became somewhat clearer. Of course, it striked them (Especially Ivanova, who had survived the cataclysm) as somewhat odd that this people would want Io, when there were other, much... Nicer places out there, like, well, just about every place in sol, expect maybe the sun (Although the life dwelling there seemed to prove this assumption wrong), but perhaps, just perhaps Largent was actually somewhat comparable to the average Angstian, wanting the challenge, rather than success.

Which was, overall, commandable.

Ivanova sighed, softly. Well, it was at least somewhat interesting, and having established contact with some of the safer earth territories, it seemed that she was actually having some (theoretical, but nonetheless) backing.

Contact with the ships floating around was established easily enough, a bit rough, due to jupiter's annoying magnetics, but there were worse things, really.

<Ivanova> So...
<Orbital Enlightment> Ow Ow Ow! When will they have the shipyard free, again? My reactor is leaking fucking PLASMA, you REALLY ought to fix that.
<Tumbleweed> Says a Star Class deatstar. Ah, well. Right, when am I going to receive a new piece of, ya'know... HULL? I sucks having my entire left side, ya'know... Depressurised.
<Flea> And while we're at it, my propul-
<Ivanova> SHUT UP! For fucks sake, I know that. I was just...
<Orbital Enlightment> Tell us that we have to wait for another week?
<Ivanova> That, too. But...
<Flea> You know, I heard the comrades on io, the ones now absorbed by LaTigra's people, have a reasonably good life... They aren't crippled by this kind of problem.
<Ivanova> The ones not sacrificed to some evil and ancient deities, you mean? Yeah. Where was I? Oh, right, you might want to look closer at some ships that might or might not arrive, soon.
<Tumbleweed> How detailed...
* Ivanova sends the fucking data. Now, read and react.
<Tumbleweed> Better. Now, one question. HOW are we going to do that, in our state of, uh... Dysfunction? I mean, seriou-
<Ivanova> Either that, or the beta group will be next, for maintenance.
<Orbital Enlightment> Ummm.. Yeah, OF COURSE we can do it, your deity.
* Ivanova smiles.
<Ivanova> Oh, by the way... We will take a few civilian freighters and build in some of the Territorial guns we still have from Pre- Cataclysm deals. Should be a reasonably efficient.
<Orbital Enlightment> Good luck finding pilots for them.
<Ivanova> No pilots.
<Flea> Oh... Okaaay. Anyway... We will look at them, and I'm sure you told the hives the same...
<Ivanova> I did. You're there to show presence.
<Flea> Good to know that we're actually needed... As If I was a Psychic Cyborg Dragon in the local Zoo...
<Psychic Cyborg Dragon> Huh?
<All> NOT YOU!

OOC: I'll put up an IC post later, SSAT tests today. I think there may be a miscmmunication. I haven't actually started the voyage to Io. I'm just preparing a nonmilitary force to be sent there soon.

[size=1]
From: Giancarlo Torino, Dominion Minister of Defense
To: Colonial HQ, New Largent

We regret to inform the good Governor that given our lack of information on yourselves, and having no prior dealings or relationship with your nation, we must respectfully deny you access to Io at this time. We understand that you have no hostile intent, and appreciate your reassurance, however, the area has been plagued with tensions, even between those forces already established there, and we have no desire to initiate more with the addition of an unproven and unknown faction.

If you wish to be welcome there, I'm afraid we require more than a few brief words to soothe our fears, and convince us of your good intent. As for the other nations, we can guarantee nothing at this time.

Should you wish to engage in some form of discussion, we are more than willing to proceed with due care and caution, in an effort to better acquaint ourselves with one another. Please send a reply via the proper channels, and we will see what we can arrange.

Sincerely,

Minister Torino



BEGIN TRANSMISSION

From: New Largent
To: Tsaraine, Dread Lady Nathicana and Any Other Io Residents That Want To Respond

Your views are completly understandable. This is why we request an exchange of delegates. We hope we can gain the trust of all nations on Io. The force we were preparing has been dispersed and sent back to Largent.

Also, Dread Lady Nathicana, our message was sent to you only because of the fact that we had minute amounts of previous contact with you. This was not so with other nations.

END TRANSMISSION

As Santucci though about how he had only made is current situation worse by his decisions knew that he would have to make a request that may send things over the top.

BEGIN TRANSMISSION

To:Tsaraine and Any Nation Participating In a Delegate Exchange
From: New Largent

I relize that decisions I have made over the past few days may seem idiotic and rash but I swear, I had good intentions. Now, on the brink of total chaos I come to you with a favor to ask:

At first we received a warm welcome on Europa. However, things quickly took a turn for the worse as they have done commonly recently. Kaenei has requested we begin to remove our forces from Europa. It is in our best interests to adhere to their wishes for now. This is why we can't allow delegates from Io just coming to Europa. We must request, that even in this testy time, that the exchange be held on Io soil.

END TRANSMISSION

Althalon looked annoyed. He'd already had his hands full consolidating his position in Alkanphel's power play, and this was another hassle he clearly did not need. Without wasting a moment, he punches up his videocom for a reply.

"Good evening. As I'm sure you've heard from various other sources in the ara, this area is something of a contested zone. Many nations have already established on this satellite, and I daresay many more than there should be. I'm not really in the mood to fuck around here, so I'll get to the point."

He clears his throat, and folds his hands on his desk in front of him. "We don't want anyone else hanging around here if we can help it. Got it?"

The Warlord waits a moment or so for it to sink in, then continues quietly, the tone of his voice only hinting at the contempt he was attempting to hide."We will make an effort to participate in the delegate exchange, if that is your wish. If Tsaraine thinks they're the landlords of this rock, they can kiss my ass."

Santucci listens to the message and sighs. Everyone seems to be a a little overly hostile here he thinks to himself. He could really care less though. It was only one small base so he really didn't see what everyone was up in arms about. Either way he decided to continue to pretend to be courteous.

He sends a transmission to Melkor thanking them for their possible participation in the delegate exchange.

Once he terminated the message he knew it was going to be a living hell with Melkor deciding to join the party. "I'm going to die at a young age after all of this," he said to himself.

Message To: Governor Santucci, New Largent, Warlord Konrad Athalon, Aurontel, Whoever the Menelmacari Guy is, Menelmacari Io (OOC: I cannot for the life of me recall who that is, but Errekeradh would know), the Tribes of the Burning Mountain
Message Fr: Offices of the Markhreif, The Bonecave, NDA Protectorate of Burninatonian Io
Message Re: A diplomatic meeting

Honoured leaders,

It is always good to attempt a diplomatic solution before resorting to violence; the Largenti proposal for a meeting has been accepted by the Ascendancy. Necron's Gate has been opened, and the Bonecave awaits your arrival, should you wish to attend.

~ Errekeradh arTaelkh
Markhreif NDA Protectorate of Burninatonian Io



Message To: NDA Council
Message Fr: Offices of the Markhreif, The Bonecave, NDA Protectorate of Burninatonian Io
Message Re: Meeting with the Largenti

Honoured Councilmembers,

I have taken the liberty of arranging a conference with the Largenti and the other governors of Io at the Bonecave. While your presence is not required, it would be most welcome.

~ Errekeradh arTaelkh
Markhreif NDA Protectorate of Burninatonian Io


OOC: Jolt doesn't recognise things in quotes ...

Largent gratefully accepts your invitation.

~Governor Santucci

BEGIN TRANSMISSION

To: All residents of Io
From: The Former New Largent

We will no longer need a delegate exchange. We have left Europa, never to return. Sorry for the problems we caused.

END TRANSMISSION

OOC: I've since received a TG from Largent saying that he's changed his mind, and he does in fact want to have this meeting. So unless I hear differently in the future, it's going ahead; please feel free to send your people (if you don't, you have no right to bitch about whatever resolution we may reach).

To: Markhreif Errekeradh arTaelkh, NDA Protectorate of Burninatonia
From: Nathicana D'Aquisto, Dread Lady and First Imperatrice of the Dominion
Re: Largent

I commend you on your handling of the situation - it once again illustrates why it is we have placed such faith in our good allies in overseeing Io. While I am unable to attend myself, I am sending Fabian Mancuso - our representative on Unity Island, and an accomplished diplomat in his own right - to speak for the Dominion in this matter. He operates with my full authority, and will, I believe, add a voice of calm reason to the proceedings, should things get 'difficult', considering some of our more charming neighbors.

Best of luck with the talks and negotiations, and our thanks for the pleasant invitation.

--Nathicana D'Aquisto

To: Warlord Konrad Althalon, Fleet Commander for the Five Kingdoms
From: Nathicana D'Aquisto, Dread Lady and First Imperatrice of the Dominion
Re: Io Relations

To my dear Konrad,

I realize it has been some time since we've been able to sit down and speak over a quiet glass and pleasant meal, still, even with the current tensions that seem to be running, I hope all is well with you. I recall your words concerning the stress of your position, and your dislike of that lovely little corner of hell we're all protecting so rabidly, and it is on this account I wished to write you.

By now I'm sure you are aware of outside interest in Io. I think we all knew such things would happen at one point or other in the future, things being as they are. Still, I am not writing to convince you to allow newcomers. What I am asking is that you send a representative so that at the very least we can together lay down some guidelines and methods of handling such situations that will allow us all to work together in making decisions that will undoubtedly affect us all. I am certain you would no sooner have us taking the liberty of introducing new elements to the already delicate mix here than we would have you or any other group do without due consideration. To this end, in the spirit of cooperation and the best interests of us all, I too am sending a delegate, and hope you will do the same.

It is not in our interests to provoke the Five Kingdoms, nor yourself, most especially in an area with such a violent history, and for now, strategic importance especially to yourself. I hope that my assurance of good intent and a commitment to working together on such issues as affect us both will be enough to convince you. Should you have any concerns or questions, do not hesitate to ask - you know how to contact me.

Best of luck in your pursuits,

--Nathicana



ooc: Will be posting arrival later. Just wanted to set up a few lil things.

OOC: Where exactly will this be held?

OOC: The Bonecave, which is the capitol building of the Protectorate, located in the city of Necron II, in the NDA Protectorate of Burninatonian Io. Just post your people coming in to land, and then I've got a nice post set up to get 'em through the city and into the conference and whatnot.

Gabriel Korson sat in the shuttle as it closed in on Io. Santucci couldn't attend seeing as he was working on a seperate negotiation.

Gabriel looked out the window to see the firery land below him, "I'm flying into hell," he told himself. He knew the tremendous pressure riding on him to restore a good name for Largent. He was here to clean up the mess his elders left behind.

Finally the shuttle landed. Gabriel watched for whom ever it was taking him to wherever in hell he was going.

OOC: This also applies to whoever else attends; we should give them some time to get their As into Gs. For Io under the Burninatonians, this (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/archive/index.php/t-282022.html) is good.

The city is visible from a distance, a pimple on the side of Io many kilometers across. There are entire volcanoes under the dome, as well as the city itself. Compared to the expanse of the dome, the gate in it's side seems diminutive; it's not, of course. Necron's Gate is quite possibly the biggest airlock on the moon, unless one counts the ship-docks on the far side of the city.

Passing within the Gate, one sees the Great City itself, sprawling across the landscape contained within. Perfectly polygonal buildings - hexagons, octagons, cubes - march in orderly lines along the grid of the city streets, and stretch hundreds of meters into the air in the low gravity of the moon.

Once, the streets were filled with Hordesmen, great scaly brutes engineered by Lord Lucius Lancaster, former overlord of the Burninatonian Hordes. Lancaster was cast down by his lieutenant, Darius Creed, and the Hordes crumbled; the NDA stepped in to fill the gap. Now Tsarainese workers go to and fro, walking or carried in boxy utilitarian buses.

Here and there, the straight grid of the city twists to accomodate the upthrust bulk of a volcano, capped by a boxy structure atop it's peak; these serve to stop the City becoming blackened by sulphurous eruptions, and generate power from the hot core of Io.

At the very center of the City, the Bonecave itself reaches four kilometers into the sky, a great green obelisk, glossy and unmarked. There is only one break in the smooth façade, the gates into the tower. Like everything else about it, they are built on a massive scale, and graven with the flag of the old Imperial Hordes. To either side, the flags of the NDA, the Greater Ascendancy, and the Protectorate hang limp from their poles.

Within, most of the previous owner's decidedly odd decorations have disappeared, and there is now a simple reception area where the great lava-fountain once stood. Built on a human scale, it is a child's block in the entrance-hall of a giant.

"If you'll come this way, please, delegates?" the speaker is a young woman wearing a black jumpsuit with the sigil of the Arkhreifiate of the Exterior on her chest, and the complex rank buttons of a junior diplomat. "The Markhreif waits."

In the time they have administered the Protectorate, the Tsarainese have done themselves the favour of installing lifts in the Bonecave; it's a short trip up in one to the conference room where Errekeradh arTaelkh waits.

The Markhreif is tall, and lean, and although his hair is white, his face could be of any age. He looks painfully out of place among the grandeur of Lancaster's palace.

"Welcome to the Bonecave," he says, standing and bowing politely as the delegates and leaders enter. "Please, take a seat. We must discuss this current ... situation, I think, and come to some mutually satisfactory arrangement."

OOC: Alrighty, I guess I'll read up and hold off on my next post until everyone is accounted for.

The Viceroy's shuttle departed the Menelmacari colonial complex, skimming over the landscape of sulfur lava away from the colony, which hovered low over the surface on vast gravitic drives. Inside the colony were vast domes of treed and landscaped parkland, a welcome splash of green in this world of red and white and orange and yellow... though the latter was the reason people came here nonetheless. Menelmacari Valarauka was almost entirely a tourist attraction, and the central parts of the colony boasted tall hotel towers, jockeying for position and the optimum views of the landscape of nearly constant volcanic entropy.

Somehow, this was a draw despite the heavy Five Kingdoms presence nearby, mainly because the Menelmacari fleets also maintained a heavy presence... not so much over Io itself, as within the atmosphere of the giant king of planets that loomed vast in the sky, where the second of Menelmacar's mighty shipyards churned out vessels for the Menelmacari military and civilian sectors. Still, the ships were only minutes away were they needed, and this was good enough for most people.

Viceroy Gondramil guided his shuttle towards the Bone-cave, and he thought back on that day years ago when Lancaster had had his... er, summit there. It had been interesting, to say the least. And now he was going back. For another summit. Valarauka was a minor colony with less than a fifth of a million people as a permanent population, though it had at least that many tourists present at any time as well. This made his job was an easy one, since Morgoth hadn't done anything in years, and he would greatly prefer if they stayed easy... Gondramil was not an ambitious elf, but things like these Largenti just made things... less easy. Well, they would likely be told to go away and then things could just get back to normal. He hoped.

He entered the reception hall, precisely on time, and followed the woman to wherever the Markhreif awaited.

Gabriel sat as he watched the Menelmecari elf walked in. The oppresive heat was really getting to him. On his home planet of Cancri there was only ice and stunningly low temperatures. This type of planet was alien to him.

However, Gabriel wondered what in the world the elf was doing here. He had assumed this had very little to do with nations not previously involved. Ah, well, he knew it didn't really matter.

Once a few more arrived the meeting would begin. He hoped he wouldn't do anything stupid.

"Fucking Bone Cave." Ezr spat. He never liked the place, and a part of him doubted he ever would. Five Kingdoms personnel tended to develop a sort of detache hatred for Io, and Sergoyan was no exception.

"Fucking Bone Cave."

Neither was Althalon. Climbing out of the shuttle, the tall Easterling Warlord has a look around, pausing for a moment to ensure that his cigarette was fully lit before hopping down onto the tarmac. "Is it just me, or does it seem like people think that Tsaraine..." he pauses, hitting his cigarette, "runs Io or something?"

Ezr shrugs as he follows Althalon down, tucking his hands into the pockets of his overcoat. "Who knows, who cares. We're just here to say our piece, right? I mean what with the coup and all what can we really do?"

Althalon shrugs, idly meandering towards the designated conference area. "We'll see, I suppose. Remember that we both still officially represent the existing regime, so don't slip up, and don't be stupid."

Sergoyan grins. "Stupid? Me? Oh come off it you prat," heanswers with a laugh.

From one of the Dominion ships floating serenely above the tormented surface of Io, a shuttle emerges, making its way to the appointed landing pad, employing the usual protocols and such. Business as usual. Once on the ground, Fabian Mancuso steps confidently onto the ramp that leads down ... and is immediately stopped in his tracks by the sheer size of the place.

They said it would be big, but ... I had no idea it would be quite like this.

Taking off his suit jacket, he drapes it neatly over the arm carrying his attache case, and continues down the ramp, making his way briskly to a transport, saved by the previous wild rides given by the Hordesmen, for which he is grateful. This being his first trip to Io, the sight of the Bone Cave itself has him staring shamelessly, wondering how even the powerful Alegnan Lord Lancaster had managed this feat of architectural magnificance. The sheer size of the place is only amplified by the human-sized accoutrements that have been installed since the former ruler's fall, and he ponders the lines of thought such observations lead him down with a slight smile.

As flies to wanton boys, indeed.

"Gentlemen." He nods respectfully to Konrad and Ezr, having his own instructions in regards to the Five Kingdom representatives, then offers a pleasant smile to Gabriel before thanking the Tsarainese woman. As the Markhreif makes his welcome, Fabian bows appropriately, then straightens his shirt and tie.

"Grazie, Signore. I have faith that the discussions will go smoothly, especially considering how long we have already managed to get along together on this lovely little moon." He takes his seat as directed, and gets himself settled in, attache case and all, jacket hung neatly over the chair back.

OOC: Well, look at the enormus crowd flocking here. But really, if no else posts soon I guess I'll get my first real post for the meeting up.

OOC: Sorry, I'm currently waiting on one last person - Burning Mountain. BM may or may not wish to attend, but I'm trying to contact him so he at least has the option.

Habitat

Aboard the Embers, Red and Yellow habitat, life goes on. Meaning it ends.

A graftsuited man looks levelly on la Tigra's chosen, Ana Jaguar-Kissed Flower. Lean and muscular and wearing powered armor, he'd still be on the floor with a hiveloc through his stomach for standing up to Ana like he is doing now, and shortly he'd be short a heart. But there's a presence on the habitat that keeps her in line.

"...I reiterate, Flower; Rhea and Copperbelt insist that you show in state. Image of Lancaster will fill in for Ember and the carving will be safe."

It's logic. Even the Flower has to accept logic, particularly backed by la Tigra's sisters, and through them the warsats in orbit. But the Flower isn't a creature of logic.

As the habitat sheers off toward Lancaster's old city Lieutenant Taggart lies broken on the floor. The Flower's made her point. The reason he's not actually dead picks him up and hauls him off into sensor shadow.

City

Like some enormous liner, glowing bright with windows and running lights and thermal dumps, banners aflutter, the habitat glides above the plain. The Tigrans make no concession to niceties; its landscaping tools are in evidence, if in maintenance mode. Terawatt hellwhip, penetrator cannon, hyena laughs drifting down, skullracks cresting the upper decks, this is Lancaster's old Io come visiting.

Envoy

Ana Jaguar-Kissed Flower leaps into the magtruck, garish symbols covering her, lit from within. Her cohorts follow, vying for position, not actually scuffling. The truck tears off toward the meet, preceded by protocol-signals from the patient AI that can actually be bothered with this sort of thing.

When it lands, she leaps off - a short, compactly muscular figure, moving with a loose-limbed grace that's somehow wrong, less superhuman than plain inhuman. Reddish-brown, leathery plates cover her largely sexless form, cobered in glowing tattoos. Unlike the attendants behind her, resplendent in may-colored images, hers are pure white - the most prominent a jaguar curling around her body, gaping jaws over her heart, and a skull-shape over the plate of her face. Radio frequency augmented-reality cues surround them, and rage.

One of the attendants drifts close behind her, bowing. The white-glowing figure shows her respect in another way.

"I come, La Tigra's chosen, Ana Jaguar-Kissed Flower, and I greet you, you who will not allow the rule of the foolish, the weak, the mob. And I greet the one who would walk the world of the man, the turtle, the God, Lancaster. Let gifts of gold and cocoa be brought forth to all, for I greet you, and through me La Tigra. RAWR!"

In the distance, the lines of one of the great images that adorn the moon's surface flares, aurora sheets rising hundreds of kilometers high. Gifts are brought forth to the dignitaries, cocoa packed in waxed cloth to keep stink of sulphur out and gold bars shaped into idols, alll teeth and skulls and tentacles and geometries from a diseased mind.

Errekeradh rose and bowed to the recently arrived Burning Mountain ambassador.

"And greetings to you, Ana Jaguar-Kissed Flower, from the Ascendancy."

Gingerly he accepted the proferred gifts. The Burning Mountaineers were always something to tread carefully around - they respected strength and ferocity, while Errekeradh respected politeness and the ability to put words ahead of deeds. Lancaster had, by all accounts, got on splendidly with them; Errekeradh did ... the best he could, in his own way. TsaRega, with the Outer System Fleet in Jovian orbit at Kel Meralkharant, did it better.

"Well then, shall we begin? Esar Korson, perhaps if you would like to explain your government's interest in Io?"

Gabriel nodded and stood before the others. "As you probably know by now, there was an attempt by Largent to claim land on Europa. However, we were deceived by a supposed friend. This brought us uncomfortably close to a possible war. While we tried to mend the situation we found our desperate need for a space to store our military equiptment. In a rush, we chose Io. We sent transmissions, messages were interpreted poorly, the whole thing jsut basically blew up in our face.

"Now, however, we have secured some territory in the system. The sole purpose of this territory is so that we are such an unreasonable distance from our allies within the system. Of course we have embassies but we need an actual peice of land so that trade and commerce may prosper. Now that we have land on Charon we are not in so desperate need of land on Io, but it surley wouldn't hurt." He returned to his seat hoping things had been started off on the right foot.

Althalon snorts. "I suppose the real question here then is whether or not there's actually any land availible on this rock. A number of nations already have interests here as we have seen, and Io really isn't that large. If there is any unoccupied territory on this moon, I haven't seen it, and I wager we'd be interested in securing it ourselves. If there isn't, then the question here becomes 'Will anyone give up some land?'"

He clears his throat, and pauses to gather his thoughts. "Obviously we're not interested in doing this, and furthermore I don't believe it serves our interests to have another nation mucking around here, as things tend to be pretty heated and a new entry may cause more confusion and uneasiness than we really need at this point. Though I have not had the time to study Largent foreign policy, I'm not sure it makes too much of a difference, either to myself or Melkor."

"Real estate in Sol is rapidly becoming a hot commodity," breaks in Ezr Sergoyan. "It may be wise to exmaine more possibilities outside this system. If you just want a colony, it can be pretty much anywhere, no? Why does it have to be Io?"

Gabriel replies, "Well, I beleive I have already anwered that question. We need land in the Sol because we need an actual peace of land closer to our allies. Currently we are over a three day journey from our closest ally. It is just to expensive an inconvinient to keep it this way.

Our land doesn't have to be on Io exactly, but where then?"

Mancuso tries to take the entrance of the Burning Mountain folk in stride. It is his profession, after all. It is what he does. Still, he finds that the reality of their presence, their appearance, their raw animalistic fervor puts his mind in a spin. No amount of reading could have properly prepared him for them. Slipping out a small flask from an inner jacket pocket, he stiffens his resolve with a quick drink, then opens the attache case in front of him, taking two items from it, and setting them on the table as he rises to his feet.

Accepting the offered gifts graciously while meeting their gazes proudly, without fear, he in turn offers one to La Tigra's chosen. "Ana Jaguar-Kissed Flower, on behalf of the Dread Lady whom I represent, who remembers your proud people, and their strength - you who shake the burning ground of Io, and grind your enemies beneath your thunderous heels ... A token," he says, carefully offering the post-human the sheathed titanium blade (http://home.mchsi.com/~ketri/wsb/links/jagknifewhite.jpg) in his hands, the grip of which is the snarling head (http://home.mchsi.com/~ketri/wsb/links/jagheadwhite.jpg) and partial body of a great white jungle cat carved from ivory. He smiles, decidedly close-lipped. "Well met."

As things calm, and the talk begins, he listens carefully, leaving the second brown-wrapped cylinder on the table for now. "While I must agree that Io, of all places within Sol might be considered a ... poor choice for a base of operations, there are several options available, given time, money, and backing one would think - all to varying degrees." He tactfully leaves the issue of Io land alone for now to address said options.

"I can think of at least one allied manufacturer of reliable gate technology, though the details of that would need to be discussed with them. Regardless of where you ended up locating, that would eliminate that bothersome travel time. There are orbital installations, or stations possible, near many more hospitable or less hotly-contested planets or moons. I believe I've even heard of one or two hollowing out larger asteroids for such use?" he asks more than states, glancing around at the others for confirmation.

"Regardless of the Io issue, there are many ways I'm sure you could gain closer holdings, or more convenient ones, to your allies. Although I am curious ... have these allies no land of their own for you to build on?" Here he arches a brow curiously, looking to Gabriel for answer.

Gabriel grunts. "They are not the problem, their neighbors are the problem. We have tried obtaining land on Earth and other places through diplomacy and allied aid. And yet, some regional bully always seems to come along and drive our people away. We have suffered losses in Kuwait and other places in the Middle East. To many casualties have been sustained without any foot hold to show for it.

"As for orbital colonies, there is a problem there too...Money. We need it for supplies, for they will have few if any of their own, we need money for maintenance. Its just not worth the trouble either. Now we relize Io would probably eaqually as much trouble but, if we could gain some minimal form of support and zero hostilities we would hope to minimize losses. Even if there were trouble we can take care of ourselves...not to sound antagonistic.

"Also, other than the problem with space for us I fail to see how a nation with no hostilities toward any current residents on Io would disrupt anything. We are more than happy to allow trade or sign pacts if any nations wishes us to do so if we end up colonizing here."

The response to simple courtesy shown by the Markhreif is a deliberate relaxation of body language into something that almost approximates a human, rather than something that looks on anything it stands a good chance of getting away with killing as food. Responding to some unseen signal, she even manages an artificial-looking bow, followed by a more natural show of open hands and nod.

The cocoa, one might note, is fine, and the gold, however rudely shaped, pure.

---

Ana's faceplate is expressionless, but to anyone with the gear and protocols to interpret augmented reality cues she looks first simply feral, then appreciative. From her stance, there's just a more deliberate show of covetousness and appreciation for the gift.

She speaks, with no more expression, just the faceplate cracking open to vaguely show a mouth full of slightly-too-large teeth - not a threatening grin, the teeth are only slightly visible, just facial anatomy. "It is hammers and chisels you hear, clever one, Manusco, speakerfor the, ah..." The slit clicks shut as Ana looks for a word and apparently doesn't find one "...Dread Lady. I hope you find your rage."

Shifting her shoulders to a congenial stance, she lowers her voice and purrs, far less formally "Fine skinning knife..."

---

Later, Ana listens and radio passes back and forth in the delegation, and she raises her hand to speak, formally, with traces of stilted machine translation about her speech.

"On Io there are four peoples.
"We bleed in war, always, and give our arms to the gods.
"The en-dee... feh, I will not use that mangling of language; those who extend their will over the bleating mob, they gave much blood to Io - Meteorapolis, Burninatonia, walk along the god drawings and you will always see the skullracks. They have paid their dues.
"The people who serve Arda's iron lord, they brought us the Amarthi, and we remade them so that they can flourish here, and we hunt them, and take their hearts. And they are a fine creation, killing the weak among us, and these two men are strong and wise and hey smell of blood.
Only the Eagle people are worthless, but they rarely go beyond their domes and give little offense. Io is for those who die, the unchanging does not belong. Let them look on if they wish."
She looks straight at Gabriel, slight glow behind the black eye coverings.
"Tell me, Gabriel, will your people live as we do? If you come among us, pay your dues as we do to the God, you are welcome. Otherwise... you are not the Eagle, and one indifferent bird is enough for any pantheon."

Gabriel looks straight back and gives a plain answer, "Our people have always payed their dues to God and will continue to do so. However, I cannot and wil not garuntee our people will live just as you do and no people may change that. Now tell me, are we welcome?"

Mancuso listens quietly, but with growing concern to the connotations of Ana's words and the firm reply from Gabriel, though he did have to stifle an amused smile at the avian analogy. Truly, the man was out of his depth and had no knowledge of the people of La Tigra whatsoever. Nor the fact that their God was not the God the Largent man spoke of. Still, he had answered firmly, fearlessly, boldly, and that couldn't be all bad - in the case of the Burning Mountain representatives, at least. The rest ...

Clearing his through slightly, he leaned forward to speak. "I believe that you misunderstand the rather intricate balance that exists here on Io to begin with, and I think I speak for several of us when I say that given the reasons you have offered for your desire of Io land, we find the request somewhat ... irrational, especially when there exist so many other options. La Tigra's Chosen has spoken well on the history of this place. It is a land of violence and blood, kept in relative peace through the efforts of these you see here taking care not to cross the boundaries that have been set down. Think, if you will, of a set of scales, for now hanging in balance, containing each of the aspects of occupation and politics and treaties spread across each side. Add anything new to that mix, and the scales tip out of balance. That, I believe, is the concern of several here, in addition to all the unforseeable circumstances possible due to your building, expanding, traveling and inviting others to your holdings here which would surely be a result."

"It is not simply a matter of 'welcome' or no. You tell me, good sir. Do you understand just what it is you are asking to get into on this moon?" he finishes, fixing Gabriel with a calm but steady gaze.

Gabriel felt like an idiot. Five minutes and he was already misinterpreting questions. Ah, well, it would be best to move on. Gabriel meets her gaze for a moment and then responds, "I'm afraid we do. We have been told time and again of this delicate balance. We relize that if we colonize here a disruption of the balance will not only affect the nations home to all of you here today, but, you must also relize the great impact it will have on us. Lets say, hypothetically, we found a way to distrupt the balance, I'm sure we all agree the nations on Io would find a way to regain that balance. The first and most obvious course of action would be to rid the moon of whatever caused this imbalance. This of course would be us.

"So you see, what we are asking of you today is both a great risk for us and you. This is why we will do everything in our power to maintain this said balance. We are very open to suggestions on how to do so. That of course excludes, 'get the fuck off my moon!'."

"Ye-es," Errekeradh said, "But certainly the easiest way for us to mantain the balance would be simply not to allow you to colonise Io? You've spoken on how you would be a good neighbour - if you were allowed to land.

"However, given that your requirements could probably be more easily met elsewhere, and the large risk to the political situation that a Largenti colony would entail, what can you offer the nations here that would make it worth our while to allow you to colonise the World of Fire?"

Gabriel frowned slightly then answered, "Well, I know nothing of each nations specific needs. In general I suppose we could give what any nation could. We could set up free trade and just be another friendly faco on the moon. Of course we would need a more in depth explination as to specific needs of each nation and how this balance works so that we may formualte a plan of some sort to maintain it.

"As for immediatley turning us away, no disrespect intended, but in the eyes of Largentians such actions are actions of cowards. So far all you have said is you fear we will disrupt the way things work around here. Why should you fear that which you do not know anything about or that which poses no threat to you?"

"Cowards?!" Althalon is incredulous. It should be obvious to Gabriel at this point that a Five Kingdoms Warlord does not react well to being denounced as a 'coward.' He snorts again. "Such actions are not the actions of cowards, my friend, but the actions of prudent and sane men. You will do well to refrain from using such parallels in the future, as we do not take kindly to those who question our will."

Althalon rubs his temples, wishing with every ounce of his being that he could strike the man for his impudence. Unfortunately, this was not an Imperial Barracks. "Frankly, it does not concern me in the least what you as a nation can bring to the table. As far as I'm concerned, we here have dealt with quite enough strife, what with the passing of Lancaster and the Amarthi and god knows what else..." he trails off meaningfully, shaking his head. "No. We will not abide another resident on this rock. My opinion on this matter is not likely to change with any amount of coaxing or cajoling on your part." He curls up his lips in a challenging scowl. "Especially not if you consider us.... cowards for doing so."

Gabriel tries to refrain from smiling. "I don't believe my comment was directed at you. In fact, it was directed at no one in particular. I apologise if you took it to be an insult. " He then shrugged the whole ordeal off. "Any way, we surely could use information on what nations would like us to bring to the table, as other nations do seem to care even if you don't."

"We..." begins Althalon, growing angrier at Gabriel's apparent amusement, "would like you to leave. Now."

Gabriel was no longer amused. He had come to discuss matters that were of a great concern to his nation and all one arogant ass hole could do was make unecissary remarks and take the whole meeting to hell. "Personally, I don't give a shit about what you want. Now, you can either get over one statement that insulted you and do what we came here to do, or you can shut the hell up and let the rest of us to do it for you." He hated to have to be disrespectful but he did not fear the consiquences and he knew that something had to be done about Althalon or he would never accomplish anything at this meeting.

Oh for the love of ... Save me from having to deal with such bull-headed arrogance.

"If I may," Mancuso says, clearing his throat and stepping forward, putting himself not -quite- between Gabriel and Konrad, but close enough to be a hindrance should either decide to go that final step.

"Perdon, Warlord Althalon." He turns to address Konrad first, his expression one of quiet earnest. "It would seem that the Largenti representative still does not understand what we have all been trying to illustrate. Please, for the rest of our sakes, stay your hand. I understand you have been under considerable strain due to your position and the usual headaches that go along with an Io post, though it seems the good Gabriel here does not appreciate this and other facts."

"Now Gabriel," he continues, turning to face the Largenti man in turn. "Directed or no, such comments are ... careless and irresponsible, especially among so many who have proven their ability and bravery time and again, not the least of which on the shifting face or in the orbit of Io itself. Such an approach as you have fallen to will win you no friends here, I'm afraid. What you seem to fail to grasp is this - and I hope you will pardon me for speaking so bluntly."

"Here, you see, we rule. Those you see before you, and our governments. You, however, have no hold here, no rights, and currently, no support. Why should we, who have fought, and bled, and died to hold this land give you anything, especially when you come here with the attitude of demand and arrogance and insult? If you think that you can afford to alienate any one of us, you are sadly mistaken. It is our cooperative efforts that keep Io from boiling over into war again. This is the balance we spoke of. With your presence, your delivery, you have already thrown the carefully-constructed balance out of bearing, though unless I miss my guess, I think with each statement you make we see it shift back to one of agreement."

He hoped the full meaning of his words would be impressed on the gentleman, though he feared he hoped in vain. After all, it wasn't as though Gabriel had seemed to pay attention to any of the rest as yet, preferring to bull ahead with the 'we want and need and your interests be damned' attitude.

Gabriel listened to this and relised that it was now painfully obvious not a single person in this room even knew of his original intentions. They all assumed that he came here expecting land. Did they even read the message requesting their presence at a meeting? Did they have any idea that Largent had no original need for land and came to this meeting for the soul perpose of diplomacy and to improve relations. It didn't matter now though. The pure stupidity that surrounded him was an obstical he decided he could not over come.

"Very well. It appears that this has gone far enough downhill to the point where it is pointless to continue the meeting. Unless any nation view the situation in a different light I see no purpose for my presence here to continue."

He had given it his best shot. He doubted any nation would wish him to stay, he really didn't care anyways. At some point down the road Largent would fufill their true goal. This meeting was just a speed bump on the road to peaceful relations.

Fabian Mancuso arches a brow slightly, then shrugs before nodding to Gabriel. "As you think best," he says looking somewhat confused. "Your initial missive said you would 'be attempting to lay claim to some land on Io' (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=7677105&postcount=1), after all. Seeing you so unwilling (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=7780018&postcount=38) to discuss options, all too ready to make demands (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=7771971&postcount=36) and resort to outright insults (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=7786984&postcount=40) and aggressive (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=7790071&postcount=44) statements. If you had hoped for these discussions to go in any direction but down, I would respectfully suggest you have been given every opportunity. Good day, sir. May you have safe travel."

And with that, the Dominion representative bows respectfully, then turns his attentions to the others present. "I would suggest that while we are all gathered that we take the opportunity to discuss some potential guidelines and provisions for dealing with such occasions as this in the future. I would think it to be in our mutual best interests to be prepared, and in agreement as to how to handle such things as newcomers wishing land, or orbital space, or the like - and any other concerns our respective nations and alliances might have. It would, I think, be beneficial to clear the air so to speak, and perhaps set things back on a more agreeable footing."

Gabriel shakes his head, "I am very willing to discuss alternative options. A person here has yet to propose an idea that would be in Largent's best interests. I apologise for any agressive statement I have made, it was not my place to do so. Although I am departing from this meeting I'm sure my nation shall remain in contact with you all. I shall be very interested to see how the situation turns out. Good day to you all." With that Gabriel departs, partially disappointed at such a good oppourntunity wasted. Sometimes it is best to put the past behind you though.

Althalon and Ezr fly to their feet instantly as Gabriel finishes his tirade, the Warlord instinctively reaching for the blade sheathed at his side. As Fabian interposes himself between them, his grip on the hilt relaxes, and eventually he drops his hand.

He nods as Fabian speaks, sinking back into his chair as Ezr follows suit next to him. "You'll kindly pardon us if we're a bit apprehensive of people who come around saying 'what's to fear of something you know nothing about?' particularly when the answer to that question is...." he pauses. "Quite obvious. I don't think any of us got to where we are today by taking counsel in such idiocy, and I very much doubt that any of us are about to start. Diplomats, by their very definition, should probably have some nominal interest in 'giving a shit' about 'what you think,' since it's sort of... well, your job. I'm a military man by trade, and I daresay I do a better job of it than you."

He pauses to sip from his flask, half lowering it as he finishes. "Now, kindly piss off," he says quietly. "Lest I get myself drunk enough to slay you where you stand," he adds under his breath as he lifts the flask to his lips once more.

"Yes," Errekeradh said, agreeing with Mancuso. "Some manner of consensus about how to deal with such things would be ideal - in this case, the Largenti were able to bring us to a conclusion fairly easily, but what shall we do if some more silver-tongued representative comes along?"

After the long trip back to Largent Gabriel waited outside the Minister of Foreign Affairs office. He knew he had messed up and it would mean his job. He just hoped things would turn out okay in the long run.

As he was summoned Schelzie, the Minister, waited for him with an expression that told Gabriel he was lucky he would not die. "I will spare you precious time and get to the point," the Minister began, "You are fired. You will never hold a respectable position in our government again. Tell me, what were you thinking?"

"I don't know. Things got carried away."

"Who did the carrying. I'm betting it was you."

"Indeed." Gabriel couldn't meet the mans eyes out of shame.

"Your just lucky it was Melkor and not a nation we have intentions of becoming friends with. However you put us in a nasty position to fix relations with other Io residents. Dismissed." Schelzie decided it best to get started on the situation immediatley and that he handle it personally.


To: All Attendants of the Recent Diplomatic Gathering, Melkor Excluded
Concerning: Diplomatic Meeting

To the leaders of said nations. It is with deep remourse that I must write these messages. We originally intended this meeting to be one in which we may improve relations and then worry about land on Io. Unfourtunatley the second of the two is most likely no longer possible, if either is. However, I wish to make a second attempt at better diplomatic relations. This is why I invite all of you to a meeting in person with me here in Largent. There will be no discussion of land on Io. While absenses are totally understandable at such a time I feel it would be best to fix the situation while it is still possible.

~Minister of Foreign Affairs
<<Transmission Terminate>>

To: Five Kingdoms of Melkor Unchained
Concerning: Recent Diplomatic Meeting

After the totally uncalled for out burst during the said meeting I write to you so that I may properly apologise. We feel it very urgent we fix what our diplomat has done. He has been relieved of duty if it is of any condolences to you. Since improving relations with your nation is of an urgency above all others we have schedueled a meeting with the Largentian Emperor. It is here we hope to discuss a way that we may make up to what our delegate has done. We also hope to discuss improved future relations. Such a meeting would be better held sooner than later if we wish to completley mend what has occured.

~Minister of Foreign Affairs
<<Transmission Terminate>>

Ana, possibly, boggles. A shrug, a roll of shoulders, and a look in Althalon's direction that in quite probably appreciative. A raised hand.

"I did allow myself a sliver, a slim branch of hope, that our visitor, the ambassador, would consider our proposal as a beginning of negotiations; a gateway onto the World of Flame, a World that would welcome his people if they were worthy of it, a Flame that would burn them if they were willing to accept it.
"I seems the hearts of Largent folk will not bring fire to sleeping Jove, their eyes not look on the new sun from the racks, but still. The visitor leaves, but we remain here, and something might yet be done, and I listen, for La Tigra's people are content."

OOC: Just so ya know, if I keep posting on this thread it wnt be for a while. I'm on vacation until new years. See yall next year.

ooc: Taking our biz over here (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=7798978#post7798978) to avoid hijacking and such ....