NationStates Jolt Archive

The Independent Film Channel presents ...

A John Stahl film

TEMPO

[Dawn in the mountains, Tanah Burung. We hear a bird’s cry, then a gunshot. Over music, a voice-over]

Tempo Funu, a time of war. Once-peaceful Tanah Burung, now a battle zone.

Tempo Dulu, the time before. Both sides remember it, but they remember different times.

[Cue GENERAL DE KASTE, commander-in-chief, Knootian forces]

DE KASTE: Operation Tempo Dulu is not an invasion. We are here to help the Burungis root out terrorism.

[Cue Mari Alkatiri, foreign minister in exile]

ALKATIRI: They came by night and began bombing, bombing, killing our people. Will no one hear the cry of our forgotten land?

[Cue scene of ships from several nations passing each other cautiously]

NARRATOR: This tropical country was until recently best known as a tourist destination, for its beaches and gambling dens and easy-going values. Since a Knootian-led coalition launched what they call “Operation Tempo Dulu,” Tanah Burung has been at war. Today, much of the country is under Knootian occupation -- one the invaders promise will be short-lived. They point to their control of the coastal cities. And so far, the several foreign navies watching each other warily offshore have not exchanged shots. Inland, however, the war seems to still be on.

[Cue stock tourist footage of Matebian City, in the mountains]

NARRATOR: Matebian City last made headlines when it hosted a Third World Solidarity Conference. At the time, it was much admired for the harmony of its dwellings, the way the buildings embraced the mountains, the way the city stood in harmony with nature.

[Cue Matebian today, with the sound of gunfire and a passing helicopter in the background]

NARRATOR: Today Matebian is an urban war zone, a city in ruins. Our film crew dodged bullets to get this footage. We spoke with the Knootian commander there.

LIEUTENANT-GENERAL DONNER: We regret the loss of life. And I repeat my appeal to the terrorist forces to lay down their weapons so we can bring this affair to a close as soon as possible. We are looking for cooperation between Knootian and Burungi people to eradicate a clear and present threat in the form of terrorist forces.

NARRATOR: Why are your forces in Tanah Burung?
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL DONNER: The objective of the operations here are to eliminate the Rumbiak Brigade. Getting these terrorists tried before a court of justice is our main objective.

NARRATOR: Tell me about these Rumbiak Brigades.
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL DONNER: They are a small but exceptionally dangerous group of people, who are bent on attacking nations all over the world to support civil strife, rebellion and revolution.

NARRATOR: What degree of control do you have over the country?
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL DONNER: We control virtually all of the country. Unfortunately there are some terroristic attacks perpetrated by Rumbiak Brigade members in a few rural areas – but even these areas are effectively controlled by Knootian forces.

<Cue: jungle background at night.>

NARRATOR: By posing as bird-watchers, our film crew was able to penetrate into the jungles of Loro Sae Province, home of the late Markus Rumbiak. A guide led us past Knootian patrols to the encampment of one band of guerrillas. Ultimately we were able to speak with Commander Jacob Prai.

JACOB PRAI: There are no more Rumbiak Brigades and Tanah Burung Defence Force. Now we are all one, in the defence of our homeland.

NARRATOR: But you yourself are a member of the Rumbiak Brigades, aren’t you?
PRAI: I was. I joined that noble fight to free all the colonies still unjustly oppressed, like Colombia and Gallaga. But today we only fight for our country.

NARRATOR: The Knootian forces say they came to your country only to root out the Brigades. Do you feel any guilt for bringing this war down on Tanah Burung?
PRAI: We never killed a single colonialist in our fight, you know. It is only lies that Knootoss speaks. They do not know what honour means, or justice, or freedom. Theirs is the way of the bully.

NARRATOR: But they control most of Tanah Burung now, don’t they?
PRAI: Another lie. They hold the cities, and their troops move through the countryside by day. But they do not rule. They fear to come here at night, when only our forces move freely. Outside the cities, Tanah Burung is still a free land controlled by Burungi fighters.

[Fade out to the sound of birdsong as twilight begins and the guerrillas disappear further into the forest.]

[Cue The Hague Binnenhof, stately buildings and the soft rushing sound of a fountain]

NARRATOR: Both parties are locked in seemingly endless negotiations. Even when both sides are still talking, no final word has been said and no agreement has been concluded.

[Cue Hans van Mierlo, Knootian foreign minister, sitting in his office]

Is there any prospect for an early peace? Do you plan to leave?

VAN MIERLO: Oh, absolutely John. My very best diplomats are making a round-the-clock effort to reach an agreement with the Tanah Burung collective presidency. We want to get an international trial for the members of the Rumbiak Brigade. Meanwhile, there are formal International Mediation Council negotiations. There are lots of complicated legal and political matters to be agreed upon but my people are absolutely up to the task.

[Cue: The International Mediation Council building on Marshall Island, GMC Military Arms, where Tanah Burung Ambassador-at-large Violeta Bi Bere sits outside on a park bench]

BIBERE: Negotiations? I wish there were some, dear heart. All we have at the moment is stalling tactics from my Knootian friends. I know they can do better, and it’s a pity they have decided not to. I have made offer after offer for peace, and they still ignore their treaty commitments to abide by mediation. Still, my door is always open, if they ever do decide they want to actually talk peace.

NARRATOR: And the international trial for Rumbiak Brigade members?
BIBERE: That was my suggestion, in fact, to try to prevent the invasion of my country. If foreign armies withdraw from Tanah Burung, the offer is still open, as long as trials are carried out by a genuinely impartial court in a neutral country. We are not interested in a show trial in The Hague, of course.

[Cue van Mierlo in The Hague]
NARRATOR: Why is it so important for Knootoss specifically to go after the Rumbiak Brigades?

VAN MIERLO: Well, the Rumbiak Brigades seem to be mainly after us, because of our historic ties with their founder. In essence, they are a group of people who are abusing the legacy of one of their freedom fighters to perpetrate heinous acts. But -- besides the threat to just us -- we feel a greater responsibility to Tanah Burung and the rest of the world to lead a coalition against this evil. On our shoulders still rests a… a special responsibility. A historic burden, if you will.

NARRATOR: That history is a complex and much-disputed one. Both sides are much concerned with the past, with the days when Tanah Burung was the Knootian East Indies. Knootoss has no claims to rule its old colony once again, but centuries ago van Mierlo’s own family ruled in the Green Palace that was later converted into the Tanah Burung foreign ministry. Until recently, that was the office of Mari Alkatiri, whose election as foreign minister, some say, began the current crisis.

[Cue aerial shot of ocean, zooming in on the shores of the Commonwealth of Galdago]

NARRATOR: Today Alkatiri is far away. After escaping from the country disguised as an injured monk in a RevTerran medical evacuation mission, he and half of the country’s collective presidency fled to Galdago, where they established a government-in-exile.

ALKATIRI: Listen John, let me say very plainly: we were attacked without provocation. It is neo-colonialism, pure and simple.

NARRATOR: Not an international coalition?

ALKATIRI (laughs): They have a few hyenas hoping to pick over the rubble, but no real allies, no. World opinion has been pretty plain: most countries deplore this act of aggression against a peaceful country. You want to talk about international opinion? Look at the elections in Pantocratoria. Look at the streets of Knootoss, even. It’s the criminal gang led by Galadriel nos Taralorm that wants blood. The ordinary people of Knootoss want peace and an end to aggression.

[Cue Amsterdam – a large square filled with people. Close up on a group of people with lots of idealistic buttons and protest signs. Switch camera to an attractive woman with a megaphone standing on a small stage]

NARRATOR: Away from The Hague and Matebian, another battle is fought, peacefully, in the streets of Amsterdam.
FEMKE HALSEMA: (Leader of Knootoss Green party, subtitled as she is speaking) “Knootoss does not want this war! Bring back the troops!”

[Cue Ukun Rasikan. Camera pans over white houses that look almost deserted]

NARRATOR: Ukun Rasikan, the largest city in Tanah Burung, is a city used to protest. Today, there are none. The city has been calm since Burungi and RevTerran forces evacuated to protect civilian lives.

BISHOP F.-X. MANGUNVIJAYA: This invasion opened with the massacre of priests and nuns in the shelling of my country’s oldest city. Is it just as well that we do not fight in the streets here.

NARRATOR: So the people are cooperating with the interim authorities?
MANGUNVIJAYA: Not at all. The people are staying home. There is no collaboration.

[Cue: The Hague office]
VAN MIERLO: I feel deeply for those who died and their families. No stone will be left unturned if we are even accused of doing anything wrong. We have a moral obligation for complete scrutiny of ourselves when searching what is somebody elses house. This campaign is about shared values – about justice, freedom, security. Those are the things that matter to everyone. It is all about working together now.

[Dissolve to music, punctuated by short shots of talking heads]

PRAI: We shall not stop fighting until every invader has gone back to their own country. My gun is my song, now.

DE KASTE: The sooner they surrender, the sooner there will be an end to all this. Until then, we are resolute against terrorists.

VAN MIERLO: I feel a very personal connection to Tanah Burung, you know, a very personal connection. There are some wrongs that can be set right today, and that is what our policy is trying to do.

BIBERE: It might be the greatest tragedy of all, this tragedy of good intentions. My dearest heart is my people, and my deepest pain is the hurt they are suffering.

[Roll credits]

OOC:
This is continued from: The Unlikely Deliverance (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=333648)
EDIT: lets also keep the OOCness limited this time. ;)

OOC: Really really nice. Too biased to be called a documentary though.

Can't see why documentaries have to be unbiased.

Very good writing :) I like it.

OOC: Really really nice. Too biased to be called a documentary though.

Ah, but who is it biased in favour of? ;)

Count Mirbach watched the film from his cell, trying not to look but unable to look away. He had to admit, the filmaker was good, which made it all the worse. If it wasn't this liberal nonsense, they were piping in MTV, just to make his life hell. He prayed for fortitude and ate some more jello.

Diplomatic Diary

Baarn - Juli 15th
First entry. I have been appointed to the Tempo Doeloe negotiating team by foreign minister Hans van Mierlo. I’m exited about the prospect of taking part in these important, high-profile negotiations in GMC military arms. I find it difficult to recall the precise details of my earlier assignments (Zvarinograd embassy, PBC Sisgardia negotiating team) as they blur with time, so I have bought this little booklet to be my “Diplomatic diary”, to scribble down day-to-day events.

I will be the second attaché to the foreign affairs delegation of the Knootoss bilateral negotiating team. Technically, the bilateral team is supposed to solve technical matters relating to bilateral relations. The IMC, meanwhile, gets all the cameras. Apart from the Foreign Affairs & Defence delegation there is also a delegation from our Economic Affairs ministry. I’m sure we’ll get along just fine. Despite the bureaucratic rivalries both ministries have the same goals, after all. I will start reading in on the matter immediately.

The Hague – Juli 20th
I received a message confirming my appointment, along with the negotiating instructions and the latest round of memos.

Also, unofficially, I received a warning from a friend of mine at the Defence secretariat that “some Dutchspeakers may be more dangerous than the Rubmiak Brigades.” I’m sure its well-meant advice but I think I can manage. After all, the corporations also had its share of ambitious colleagues who all wanted to be the one to close the deal.

My friend from Defence also gave me the informal heads up on the roles of the different teams over lunch:

The bilateral team (to which I’m attached) is supposed to work out the legal and political framework for this “international trial” thing for the members of the Rumbiak Brigade in the shade of media attention. (I’m still looking at the main negotiating points – more on that later.) It isn’t supposed to deal with the main issues because the Burungi’s insist on that happening in the IMC.
The International Mediation Council is for the formal negotiations that are supposed to lead to this agreement. This media platform for the government in exile is clogged with ignorant foreigners who sit around not really caring (such as our kind GMC hosts) or being heavily entrenched with either side (the Weegies, Lavenunz et all.) Tanah Burung and Knootoss are ironically the most diplomatically inclined nations on both sides, anyway. Tanah Burung itself is also divided over the IMC. Rumour has that Altakiri wants to quit it altogether, but the only thing stopping him is Bi Bere refusing to give up and they cannot afford to appear disunited at this time. For now, the IMC has its uses for Knootoss but it not the ideal format for a quiet deal.


Baarn - Juli 26th.
I leave for GMC Military Arms tomorrow. KNN World News presents the negotiations as a simple difference of opinion of “withdrawal first” or “trial first”, with the location of the court also being important. It is a lot more complicated, however. These are the main issues I’ve identified for the technical committee:

A mutually acknowledged status of Tanah Burung & their government in exile. Bi Bere claims it is an occupied nation. The position of the cabinet (summarised) is that their government in exile still has power and has only gone away by choice. It is important to us that the word occupation cannot be found in any agreement. The election year is approaching and the official line is still that this is not an invasion. This is in my opinion the root problem.
The status of the agreement – with the disagreement over the status of the Tanah Burung leadership there are several possibilities for any agreement to even potentially take form. (“what does the IMC have to negotiate about”) One form could be a unilateral guarantee from the Tanah Burung government to hand over the Rumbiak Brigade to an int. court. Altakiri and others have pleaded for a referendum on any such pledge after the KDF withdraws so there can be a ‘free’ referendum. This is unacceptable to the entire cabinet here. Foreign Affairs prefer a handover via Chimaean forces, then delegated to a neutral court by the Knootians, or some other agreement which is bilateral and only inter-government.
Finally we are to attempt to get conditions of the trial on the technical agenda if these issues are resolved. I personally do not have high hopes for our preferred location (Menelmacar) but it is mentioned in the instructions.


Marshall Island, GMC – Juli 27th
I arrived in GMC tonight. Its cold! I wonder how these tropical Burungi’s manage with this kind of weather. Other impressions: not much hassle but you can't go far without seeing some kind of weaponry lurking about. Apparently service soldiers are covering shifts for traffic cops because of position shortages.

On the plane I met Lodewijk Erhard, a nice chap from the Economic Affairs delegation. We talked about this and that, but not about work. I offered him to have dinner with me but he politely declined. The embassy and the economic affairs consulate are integrated into one big building here, and Lodewijk directly went over to ‘their’ part of the building. I guess we’ll have some more time to talk later.

Marshall Island, GMC – August 2nd
I met Violetta Bi Bere for the first time. She is the Tanah Burung ambassador at large. She looks old – ancient even - I don’t think I’ve ever met a human that old who is still working full time. She was impressive: through she seems to be nimble and just a friendly old woman at first, she also seems very intelligent and charismatic.

Marshall Island, GMC – August 4th
Negotiations are beginning in earnest today. I received the paperwork for what was apparently an ongoing projected dubbed the “Full package proposal”. It was drafted by the office of the Prime Minister as a way out of the deadlock. Myself and the foreign affairs team were given the entire thing (167 pages of legalistic language) only two days before it was presented! Even Lens Dijkstra, who heads the Knootian team for both ministries, knew nothing. The economic affairs delegation however seems to have had the thing for weeks already. The office of the Prime Minister blames the embassy secretariat for screwing up.

Marshall Island, GMC – August 5th
I finished reading and interpreting the proposal with my colleagues. Summary: the government in exile is to return to work, at which point the KDF will formally be working with their permission. The prisoners will then be transferred to a UN mission consisting of Chimaean troops already there as part of the coalition. The issue of occupation (which I still think is the root problem of the legal mess) is left untouched. As soon as the government in exile is back and the Rumbiak Brigades arrested, negotiations will commence on the basis that the contending nation should have “firm antiterror laws” – which the DDR takes as capital punishment for such crimes. Menelmacar hasn’t given its opinion yet, publicly, on hosting such trials.

Marshall Island, GMC – August 6th
Today was the Meeting on the “full package proposal” It did not go well. The proposal was dismissed out of hand by Tanah Burung negotiators.. During the meeting, Lodewijk Erhard did most of the talking on our part, and he seemed most informed too. I myself suggested that the proposal be used as a basis for further negotiations but the Burungis insisted that the document ‘did not address root causes’. Lodewijk openly questioned their willingness to reach a deal at all.

Marshall Island, GMC – August 10th
Parts of the ‘Full Package Proposal’ have been leaked to the Telegraaf, which gave it a full editorial which described it as a humiliating compromise, interpreting the fact that TB rejected it as proof that the gov’t in exile supports the RB.

In order to revamp negotiations Lens Dijkstra (the head of our negotiating team and a Foreign Affairs man) suggested some compromises regarding the status of the agreement in a team meeting. This included a reference that ‘the legal status of coalition forces in Tanah Burung would have to be worked out in phase 2 of negotiations.’ That formulae of words did not include the word ‘occupation’ but it would perhaps trigger some progress. We felt this concession was justified in the light of Galadriëls recent comments about equality in compromises and the importance of withdrawing (before the elections – I can only presume). The suggestion to include such a reference was rejected unanimously by the economic affairs team, however as it ran contrary to our negotiation instructions. I have no idea how the negotiations can possibly proceed now.

Marshall Island, GMC August 17th
Our entire team has been recalled back to Knootoss to receive new instructions. I think I’ll use the extended time as an opportunity for a holiday break to get my mind clear. Iuthia is supposedly nice this time of year. I’ll be doing a five-day city trip and already booked a direct flight.

The Hague - September 2nd
Anger and frustration. Incredulously, during my holiday the people of Economic Affairs blamed the lack of progress entirely on the attitude of the Foreign Affairs team. In a formal memo no less, which was immediately leaked to the press at home. The Telegraaf made a page three article of it. It suggested Dijkstra offer his resignation.

I drafted a formal letter of complaint, calling for an interdepartmental strategy meeting with both ministers and both teams present. We have to speak with one voice as a negotiating team, and attacks on the head of the delegation completely undermine our position. I have an appointment with Hans van Mierlo in two days.

The Hague - September 2nd
Lens offered his resignation today. He felt he could not negotiate properly without backup of the government and a relation of trust with his team. It is too bad, really. He genuinely tried to get a compromise going but in the end he could not manage the two teams. I do not know who will replace him yet.

The Hague – September 4th
In my brief personal meeting with the minister we mainly discussed Lens’ resignation and who should replace him. I also pleaded for the Interdepartmental strategy meeting, an idea which van Mierlo agreed with.

The Hague - September 5th
The Council of Ministers met today, and the Office of the Prime Minister issued new guidelines for negotiating with the government in exile which were approved. Apparently it took an hour of negotiating in the cabinet. I’ve glanced over these instructions, which are basically calling for re-doing everything and starting from scratch with “a new face”. This will probably be Hans Kortzak: an professor in international law from Rotterdam, who has been doing international policy analysis for KIST. He sure has the legal expertise but has no negotiating experience that I know of. Because of these instructions, the meeting that I wanted has been cancelled. We are to go back to Marshall Island with these ‘new’ instructions and the new leadership and that is to be the solution to our internal problems. I’m sceptical, because we are still facing the exact same deadlock with only agreement on the most minor issues.

Marshall Island, GMC – September 9th
In the first bilateral meeting upon our returning, Bi Bere asked numerous questions regarding the issues that we *did* have agreement on. I had to admit that the text regarding the clauses to several issues did not have the full support of the government. Bi Bere seemed angry. Nobody from the Economic affairs department said anything during this meeting, and our new professor was also remarkably quiet.

Marshall Island, GMC – September 14th
No progress in negotiations. Still facing the same problems. Hans is yet to make clear what he really wants, only speaking about legal constructions…

News release -- Tanah Burung Government-in-Exile

Five members of Tanah Burung's collective presidency announced the formation of a Government-in-Exile today, to be based in the Commonwealth of Galdago. This government carries the mandate of the elected leaders of the United Provinces. It is in close communication with people's representative for territorial defence & sports Bi Kikere, who continues to lead the guerrilla resistance at home.

The 11-member collective presidency was meeting in the Old City of Burung-yang-membuat-dunia when the city was attacked, without warning or provocation, by the armed forces of Knootoss. (Five of the co-presidents were caputured by the invaders.) Several hundred priests and nuns were massacred in that attack, and Burungi defence forces withdrew from the cities to avoid more bloodshed. The civilian population is refusing to cooperate with the invaders.

"We are grateful to the government and people of Galdago for their hospitality in this time of troubles," said Mari Alkatiri, people's representative for foreign affairs & human rights. "However, we are confident that our stay will be short and that our people shall soon drive the imperialist attackers from our shores."
Alkatiri offered a special word of thanks to international supporters. "The armed forces of RevTerr, who were prepared to fight in defence of the cities until they were asked to withdraw, have a special place in our hearts. The nations who are boycotting Knootoss have our gratitude for their solidarity. And those countries which have sent citizens to join the International Brigade in defence of Tanah Burung shall have their names written in letters of gold in the history of our country." The Internationals consist of a force from The Weegies and Hell Bovines, led by the Duque Mooo IV himself.

OOC: Um..very good RP so far.
I truly regret my insufficient participation in the last part of the previous thread.
Well, I'll try to make a summary of the Hell Bovinian position regarding all these events in the form of an editorial article.
If there's anything you feel its wrong, feel free to tell me about it and I'll change it / remove it. :)

IC:
The Bovine Herald
Editorial: By Reason or By Force - by Cornelio Boldhooves*
When the invasion of Tanah Burung seems almost complete, it is clear that the Knootians seem convinced that their will must be achieved, by any means necesary. Why the position of "neutral" nations might be important here.

With a Burungi government in exile and willing to negotiate with the Knootians, cities being evacuated, IMC delegates everywhere talking about "peace" and "mutual dialogue" and allied armies withdrawing from the territory, seems like the war in Tanah Burung has just finished. But if you look closely, you'll realise it has just begun.
While Knootian troops have captured the major cities, the forested interior of the country remains a mistery for these dutch-speakers.
And, like what happened in the first "Police Actions" (a Knootian ironic term for their old colonial actions), liberation may again come from these ancient rainforests.
After all, Burungi defence and sports minister Bi Kikere is still in the country, and ready to command a guerrilla-like force to drive out the invaders, while the international brigades (army of sorts, confromed both by Burungi, Weegie and Bovine nationals that have traveled to Tanah Burung by their own means and conviction) are also a force very active in the territory. These two armies remain a force to be feared by the neo-colonialists, since they have extensive knowledge of the country's rainforests and geography and the advantage of having, generally speaking, the support of a large segment of the population.
Among these troops we should not forget our own nation's leader, the increasingly excentric, yet idealist duque Mooo IV, who is believed to be commanding the Bovine division of the internationals.
In addition, despite the fact that the huge numbers of Vaadian and RevTerran troops that were defending the country have withdrawn, these countries are still presenting a strong opposition to Knootian operations in the area. Knootians have demanded several times that they won't tolerate foreign interventions in their affairs, but both Vaadians and RevTerrans are known as peoples that don't like to follow other nations advices, much less their threats.

The Diplomatic Arena

While having great confidence in themselves, Knootians know deep in their hearts that this is a war they can't win. They have many enemies, many goodwilling nations and citizens ready to give their lives for Tanah Burung. They even have enemies inside their borders - Opposition to the war, liderated by the Knootian Green Party and a vocal, yet small, Burungi community is reported to be quite influential in the Knootian public opinion.
For this reason is that Knootians have begun to test the diplomatic field, to see if there's a peaceful way to get what they want without having to confront their enemies in battle.
In such fashion, they seem to be willing to accept having the Rumbiak brigades judged by a "Third party" IMC trial, after a Burungi proposal. If such thing is achieved, they will be left with no excuses to stay in Tanah Burung and will be, hopefully, forced out of the county.
Currently, Hell Bovines, as well as the Weegies and Ilek-Vaad have been nomited for Tanah Burung's government-in-exile as candidates to be that third party. Menelmacar, on the other side, seems to be the most likely candidate wanted by the Knootians.
In that way, the "neutral" nations in this conflict seemed to have been put in a crucial position.

Chaos as a Diplomatic Stance

With our national leader lost in a Burungi jungle ready to fight for liberation, one may fall under the assumption that the Hell Bovinian government, as any normal nation, would be backing up the decision of its ruler.
Yet, our beloved nation always surprises us for its sheer anormality, and in that way we see a government more concerned about its own survival than about helping its allies. I might be presumptious with this statement, but I think the duque Mooo IV doesn't agree with what our Vice-Duque Whitey Bighorns is doing. I might even say that no Bovine ruler since the revolution would have agreed with what Mr. Bighorns is doing. Since the duque handed, no, trusted him the government, our vice-duque has submerged the country into a path of selfishness and isolationism. What the last ten years have taught us is that we need allies to survive, and our allies also need us.
Diplomatic teams are doing all what's possible to help Tanah Burung, yet, without a strong government backing them, their words may be void of all significance and content.
Mr. Bighorns should remember the old saying, "Unity makes strenght", for we might become the next target of imperialism tomorrow if we don't fight it now.

*Cornelio Boldhooves was military strategic advisor for the Hell Bovinian national army, dismissed after the invasion of Tanah Burung. He currently teaches history and military tactics at the Azulada Bay Naval School

OOC: Good writing :) I do apologise for suddenly vanishing on y'all in the Deliverence thread, but r/l stuff gets in the way a lot.

Anyway....

From Tanah Burung, with Love -- A New Sydney Times Feature by Jonathan Slater (http://chimaea.crforums.net/report2.doc)


edit: the server that's on could be down for a bit. If it doesn't work when you click it, then try again later.

Valprietza Chronicle
The Empire’s only source for realistic news since 278 A.L.

A Test of Will, A Test of Strength: The Tanah Burung Situation
Baron Gunther von Richter, Grossgeneralfeldmarschall of Her Majesty’s Reichswehr, Eleventh Army, Honorable Contributor to the Chronicle

Old Earth has descended into madness. Our noble brethren and predecessors—the venerable empires of Old Earth—have either fallen or are falling. And as their guidance, their knowledge, is driven from the less fortunate regions of Earth one by one, the advancement of civilization, of order, of security, and of prosperity falters or is destroyed. It is a heavy burden and a great task we of the older, wiser nations must bear. One which we are letting slip all too quickly.

We can find no other case that proves this example better than that of Tanah Burung. Where once a people moving steadily down the path to self-determination—of true civilization—under Knootian guidance once existed now chaos, corruption, terrorism, and a complete break down of social order prevail. Operating from camps and hidden compounds in Burung, the ruthless terrorist organization known as the Rumbiak Brigade spread their war of anarchy to the rest of the world. They use tactics without honor, killing innocents along with those they perceive to be “guilty”—if they bother to make such a distinction at all. The “government” of Burung—a corrupted entity, utterly ridiculous in composition—cannot deal with or blatantly ignores the Brigade and its actions. How any government with eleven presidents and no permanent capital could stand firm in any crisis though is inconceivable! Obviously the Burungi remain less than prepared to be masters of their own fate, and require additional tutelage.

Thankfully, the Dutch Democratic Republic led by Prime Minister the Lady Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan has at last taken action to save the Burungi. Working with like minded nations, Knootoss has secured Burung and is working to eliminate the evils of the Rumbiak Brigade. The Knootians hold the nation in trust until it can be returned to the Burungi ready for self-determination.

However, the brave efforts of our friends in Knootoss are besieged, under attack by nations who would see Burung delievered into madness. They delay and challenge the Knootian efforts at every turn, and the corrupted rogues of the Burungi “government”-in-exile conspire with them. And by doing so they show they put their desire to maintain their own power before the future of their people! Friends, write my noble colleagues in the Congress of Lords, petition your Bators, send up cries to your Bursegs, shout to the ears of the Bashars, and appeal to the wisdom of House Alderman. Demand action, demand support for our Knootian brothers! Help Lady nos Círdan in her campaign to return sanity to mankind’s birth world. Do not let madness and barbaric factions take victory!

**********
Lady Diedre Rolt-Adonis, Prime Minister of Valinon, and Duke Adrian Sterling, First Ministry for Her Majesty’s Foreign Affairs, follow Lord Ribbentrop, Her Majesty’s majordomo and ancient retainer of House Alderman, down one of the hundreds of paths meandering across the ground surrounding the Imperial Palace. Rolt and Sterling eye one another. Rarely does Friedelinde Alderman have her ministers tramp across the grounds, preferring to handle matters of state as quickly as possible in the Palace. But then again they had appealed to her unexpectedly.

Ribbentrop leads them to the end of the tree line of one of the ground’s miniature forests. It is hard to believe that beyond the walls that enclose the Palace and its grounds is New Koln, or even the vast marble and granite structures of the Imperial Congressional Building and ministry offices that occupy the rest of the island at the rough center of the Star Empire’s capital. A small brook separates the forest from a row of hedges on the opposite side. On a graceful arch bridge across the brook stand two figures: Friedelinde Alderman and the Prince-Consort James Stewart, formerly of the House Stewart of Yalta. Their hands rest together and they are talking quietly. Friedelinde laughs suddenly, a mild sound in the deepest parts of the Crown Province of New Koln.

“Your Majesty, My Prince,” Ribbentrop says as he reaches the edges of the bridge, “Lady Rolt and Duke Sterling to see you.”

Friedelinde turns, her face taking a more serious tone, the Prince-Consort smiles, benign curiosity in his eyes.

“Thank you, Erwin,” Ribbentrop bows and steps back.

“I take it the Centrists are at it again, Diedre?” Friedelinde continues.

“Yes, Your Majesty. Baron von Richter and Archduke Metternicht are demanding we assist the Knootians in Burung.”

“Von Richter’s version of assistance would be to occupy the nation and kill half the populace,” James interjects sarcastically, his eyes flashing for just a moment.

Friedelinde rolls her eyes, “James…”

“I apologize, dearest, but a man who wears the titles of Blood Marshal and Butcher with the same pride as that of his title of nobility and his rank in the Reichswehr causes me concern.”

“Better ten thousand belligerent old war hawks than one of my half-brother, James,” Friedelinde says, silencing the argument by referencing the deposed Gustav II. “And what is different from the numerous other times they have called for intervention?”

“I think it might be time to throw the proverbial dog a bone, Your Majesty. If we yield ground to the Centrists now, they will have less of a case against us when we bring the Dosadi Initiative regarding the Talbott Cluster before the Lords.”

“Plus,” Sterling speaks in his calm tones, “we can do more than just support Knootian military efforts. We can attempt to break the diplomatic stalemate, offer our own judiciary as a neutral court, or perhaps the forum of the Liga der Raumreich. The Knootians would most likely not object and with a little time the Burungin government-in-exile could be persuaded of our good intent.”

Friedelinde sighs.

“No one said the Throne of the Twin Suns was an easy seat to fill, Friedelinde,” James whispers so only she can hear.

“No, no they didn’t,” she replies in a similarly low voice and looks up at Rolt and Sterling.

“We need the Dosadi Initiative to pass in some recognizable form. I will issue the order to deploy Sardaukar to Burun. But it will be from Oberst Santiago’s Centurion Mobile Regiment. I will not have von Richter influencing the command easily. Adrian, send Henri Leopold as our representative to the talks, he can hold his own in the negotiations.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Sterling says.

“I will compose a letter for Lady nos Taralorm. You can see to it that it reaches Knootcap?”

“Of course, Your Majesty.”

“You will have it this evening. Diedre, keep me abreast on the Dosadi’s progress.”

“Every moment, Your Majesty,” Rolt says with a bow. She moves to leave with Sterling and Ribbentrop, as the two rulers of Valinon talk quietly among themselves.

“Erwin,” Friedelinde says as Ribbentrop starts to leave.

“Your Majesty?” the old retainer stops at once.

“Tell Santiago that I want Gerhard to be assigned to this deployment as well.”

“At once, Your Majesty.”

And so the United Star Empire of Valinon embarks on what will be either a moment of glory or a descent into madness. Sent into whatever it may become are some of the most elite soldiers in the Reichswehr—drawn from the unit used as a pool for the Imperial Sovereign Protectors—along with the son of one of the Empire’s most famous diplomats. And finally, the third child of Empress Friedelinde Alderman I.

**********
Lady Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan,

I cannot allow our long time friends in the Dutch Democratic Republic to face the threats of Burung alone any longer. To do so would diminish the relationship between our two nations.

To assist the efforts of Knootoss to exterminate the terrorist of the Rumbiak Brigade, I have ordered Oberst Corazon Santiago to detach a battalion from her command. Major Ars Kolgner will be in command of this detachment, and he has strict orders to cooperate with General de Kaste and Lieutenant-General Donner. Should you desire it, I will also see to it that intelligence assets from the Minister of External State Security and orbital observation capabilities from the Kriegsmarine are put at your disposal.

I would also like it if Count Henri Leopold were able to represent the Star Empire as an observer, and a possible neutral mediator at the diplomatic conferences between Knootoss, Tanah Burung, and the various members of the international community in attendance. I believe that he can help to form a mutually agreeable resolution in many critical areas using the resources of Valinon. Although this issue undoubtedly has a military aspect to it, we should not let diplomacy languish.

Let us work together in the name of the future of Valinor and Dutchman alike.

Sincerely,
Friedelinde Alderman


OOC: Basic Profile on the Centurion Mobile Regiment's Fourth Battalion

Commanding Officer: Major Ars Kolgner
Second Officer: Hauptmann Gerhard Alderman

Commanding 680 Sardaukar with a total of 952 men. The Fourth Battalion is supported by 115 non-grav combat vehicles, complimented with forty Flynn-class long-range combat/scout rovers. Also on special detachment from the main force of the Centurion Regiment are twenty-four jet-coptors and twelve Needle-class aerospace moduler combat frames. All of the frames assigned to Major Kolgner's command are dedicated interceptor/superiority profiles.

The Nachxa had arrived back at his offices on Marshall Island. Ostenibly he was there to dismantle the Vaadians offices so that the Free Republic could wash it's hands of the international error of judgement that the Council had become.

He smiled to Jonathon Tocatl, his assistant, as he entered. "Good afternoon Jonathon. Everything is on schedule?"

Jonathon smiled and nodded "Of course, we can leave in a few days."

The Nachxa held up his gloved hand "Have the staff take a couple of days off. I want to see what things are like for myself, we are in no rush Jonathon."

The Nachxa then strode out of the office to the IMC chambers to watch the proceedings for himself.

*glorified bump to keep an eye on you kids.*

To:
The Right Honourable the Prime Minister Lady Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan of the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss
The Government in Exile of Tanah Burung via Mari Alkatiri, People's Representative for Foreign Affairs and Human Rights

From:
The Right Honourable the Imperial Chancelllor Dr Thibault Drapeur of the Holy and Most August Empire of Pantocratoria

Your Ladyship and respective Excellencies,

The state of affairs presently existing in Tanah Burung is distressing to all world leaders. By the will of His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty Emperor Andreus, I invite and strongly urge you to attend a diplomatic conference at His Majesty's Chateau de Chantouillet here in Pantocratoria.

It is our hope that at this conference the first steps can be made towards a mutually agreeable end to the situation as it presently exists, an end which embarasses and disadvantages neither side, nor causes the people of Tanah Burung any further suffering. I offer myself as mediator, but ask you to nominate another mediator if you would rather.

The potential benefits of attendance alone to both Your Ladyship and the Government in Exile of Tanah Burung should be self-evident. I would be happy to discuss such topics as the Knootian Boycott Act should Your Ladyship wish to attend, for instance.

In the sincerest hope that through engagement we can resolve this crisis,

Thibault Drapeur

(ooc: nice to see some old faces again, and a couple of new ones. I'm afraid this will have to be my last post for a week or so. Happy Christmas and/or holiday of your choice!)

In some ways, Mari Alkatiri could see a silver lining to recent events. Trying to run the foreign policy of a radically devcentralized state had always been a challenge. Now, there was no need to submit every measure to a referendum. Back home, Bi Kikere had moved swiftly to use her emergency military powers to arrest suspected members of the Rumbiak Brigade.

Alkatiri was already doing the same, firing off diplomatic missives and making policy without having to consult. True, that mostly amounted to accepting any proposal but forward by any foreign government of any sort. Beggars, after all, could not be choosers.

He took a deep breath of the Galdagan air. None of the humidity of the Tanah Burung coastlands. A mountain resident, he had always hated that humidity. Galdago made a very convivial home indeed. While we're here, perhaps some economic restucturing might be in order too, he mused. Never too soon for postwar planning.

And here, an offer from the new government of Pantocratoria. Possibilities there. He tugged on his goatee thoughtfully and started to type the reply.

Honoured Chancellor Dr. Drapeur,

Please allow me to pass along the congratulations of my government on your new adminstration. We are confident that the people of Pantacratoria will welcome the progressive government that you offer, and i am pleased that your Emperor has agreed to an exchange of ambassadors between our countries.

I am very pleased to accept your generous offer of mediation. I am afraid that the International Mediation Council, in which my government placed such faith, has proved itself utterly ineffective. However, its pointless deliberations appear to suit the delaying tactics of the current Big Oil regime controlling Knootoss. Should they decline your offer, we would also agree to an IMC committee of three countries, one to be named by ourselves, another by Knootoss and Pantocratoria as the third country. It goes without saying that I have the utmost faith in the fair-minded and impartial attitude of your government, and that i hope your offer will be accepted by those who have invaded our country.

Please accept, Excellency, the expression of my highest regards and very best wishes.

Mari Alkatiri
People's representative for foreign affairs & human rights
On behalf of the Government-in-Exile of the United Provinces of Tanah Burung

Letter:

To: The Right Honourable the Imperial Chancelllor Dr Thibault Drapeur of the Holy and Most August Empire of Pantocratoria

From: Prime Minister Lady Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan of the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss

I thank you for your kind invitation to a diplomatic conference at His Majesty's Chateau de Chantouillet. It warms my heart to know that the international community shares our desire to end this terrible conflict (and be rid of the Rumbiak Brigades once and for all.)

I can assure you that the Knootian diplomatic corps has been making all possible efforts to resolve the situation as it has arisen in the past months in a peaceable and consensual way. Unfortunately Mari Alkatiri has been deliberately straining negotiations by refusing a great number of reasonable proposals made by the DDR. Instead of attending negotiations at the International Mediation Court in GMC Military Arms he has chosen to spend his time in the heart of Aperin, practicing a ceaseless effort to spout foul and slanderous anti-Knootian propaganda. It is the opinion of the Knootian cabinet that his patent refusal to negotiate is what caused this crisis in the first place, especially considering that Mari Alkatiri is a member of Rumbiak Brigade himself.

In light of the above, we are not convinced that the person Mari Alkatiri takes any negotiations with Knootoss seriously. We are faced with a great number of unreasonable positions that the “government in exile” led by him has taken up. It seems rather more likely that his intention is either escalate this conflict or keep fighting until we give up. And I can assure you, Chancellor, that Knootoss and the international coalition will not give up the fight against terror.

Nevertheless, despite our fundamental doubts about the person of Altakiri, we hold on to the primacy of the International Mediation Court (IMC) and the treaties we have committed outselves to as being of paramount importance for resolving this situation diplomatically. Diverting from the path of IMC negotiations to which we have committed ourselves will require grave reasons. Alternatively, the Star Empire of Valinon has also offered to act as a mediator in this conflict and their offer will be considered alongside your conference proposal.

The Dutch Democratic Republic does not, however, reject your conference initiative. Rather we will accept your invitation in principle, provided the diplomatic state of affairs warrants such a conference as there are still some issues to be resolved.

The status of the self-proclaimed ‘government-in-exile’, the status of the international coalition and the status of Tanah Burung itself have not been resolved satisfactorily. Mutual agreement on this is key, as we cannot attend any conference when the relation the parties have to each other has not been mutually acknowledged.

Furthermore, while I appreciate the involvement of the Imperial Chancellery, I must point out how many here feel that the neutrality of Pantocratoria and its potential as a neutral mediator has been unduly compromised by the Knootian Boycott Act and the accompanying condemnations. Without the prospect of any forthcoming concessions many in my cabinet question this initiative as an effort to further Alkatiris propaganda efforts.

My personal attendance to any conference outside of IMC proceedings will depend on a resolving of these factors. And I can only share the hope with you that these troubles are resolved so that peace may reign in all of our lands.

Sincerely,

Lady Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan

To: Prime Minister Lady Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan of the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss

From: The Right Honourable the Imperial Chancellor Dr Thibault Drapeur

Your Ladyship,

While I am pleased to hear that you have accepted our offer of mediation in principle, I am disappointed that you have not made a firmer commitment.

In your letter, you asserted that Knootoss is dedicated to resolving the conflict in Tanah Burung diplomatically through the the International Mediation Court, but that the government in exile of Tanah Burung led by Mari Alkatiri has not shown similar commitment. Your commitment to the IMC is firm, but to Pantocratorian mediation, it is equivocating. Monsieur Alkatiri is the inverse - he has expressed similar doubts about the IMC process as you have about the proposed Chantouillet meeting, but has made a firm commitment to meet with Your Ladyship at Chantouillet.

I remind you that not a single member of the present Imperial Government was in any way involved in the creation or passing of the Knootian Boycott Act. Neither the Pantocratorian Socialist Alliance nor the Constantinople Party even held a single seat in the Imperial Parliament at that time. I assure Your Ladyship that if you presume any bias on the part of myself or my Government, you are most certainly in error. My only bias is for diplomatic engagement over armed conflict.

Allow me then to present to you an option to attempt to reconcile your commitment to the IMC with Monsieur Alkatiri's doubts in the IMC, to reconcile Monsieur Alkatiri's commitment to Chantouillet with your doubts about my offer. The following option has been discussed with Monsieur Alkatiri and enjoys his support: that an IMC committee of three countries be formed, consisting of one nation to be named by the government in exile of Tanah Burung, another by your government and Pantocratoria as the last country. His Majesty's Chateau de Chantouillet will be provided as the venue for a meeting of that IMC committee and between Your Ladyship and Monsieur Alkatiri. We feel that this approach combines elements of the preferred options of both your government, and the government in exile of Tanah Burung.

I close with the following offer: the sanctions placed upon Knootian imports by the Knootian Boycott Act will be lifted from your acceptance of this invitation until the close of the negotiations at Chateau Chantouillet, at which time the Act will be considered in the Imperial Parliament, pending the outcome of those negotiations.

I urge Your Ladyship to grasp this opportunity for diplomacy with both hands!

Thibault Drapeur

'nother letter, to Valinon this time:

To: Friedelinde Alderman
From: Lady Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan,

I am most grateful with your offer and on behalf of the Knootian people I warmly accept Major Ars Kolgners detachment as a way to strengthen the international coalition in Tanah Burung. We felt we were already assured of the friendship of the Valinor, as the Valinor may feel reassured of ours. Nevertheless we feel this will tighten the bonds between our nations even further.

The offer of the Star Empire as a negotiator is being considered as we speak. We very much appreciate the offer. However we have committed ourselves to the path of IMC negotiations in order to resolve this crisis. Foregoing the IMC will require weighty reasons for us. Interestingly enough, Pantocratoria has also offered to to act as a mediator in this conflict and we will consider both offers by their individual merits. However I will have you know that I would vastly prefer to have Count Henri Leopold as a mediator, should we choose to go down such a path.

In friendship,

Lady Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan


And in reply to Pant.

To: The Right Honourable the Imperial Chancelllor Dr Thibault Drapeur of the Holy and Most August Empire of Pantocratoria

From: Prime Minister Lady Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan of the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss

I thank you, Chancellor, for your prompt reply. With your permission I will be to the point. Your offer as it stands would lie well in line with IMC procedures, for the most part, and we accept it. However, section three of the IMC treaty (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/International_Mediation_Council) clearly states with regards to the reconciliation committee that: “One member will be selected by each party to the conflict, and the two committee members will then select a third country.”

Nominating the Holy and Most August Empire as a third nation in the committee would be a clear violation of this section of the treaty. However, the Dutch Democratic Republic has no fundamental objection to Tanah Burung nominating Pantocratoria as its proposed member of the committee. Thus amended, I warmly accept your offer. Chateau de Chantouillet is acceptable as the location for a meeting, provided my personal security is guaranteed, if sanctions are lifted for the duration of negotiations.

We are happy to agree to enter this mediation process as soon as the status of the self-proclaimed ‘government-in-exile’, the status of the international coalition and the status of Tanah Burung (and the associated problems which are well documented in the international press) have been resolved satisfactorily because, again, it is simply impossible to enter a mediation process when the relation the parties have to each other has not been mutually acknowledged. We would appreciate any pressure you could exert on Mari Altakiri to take up a reasonable position on these matters regardless of his revulsion for both my people and the IMC as an instrument for negotiations.

Yours,

Lady Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan

Major Kolgners shuts his eyes as the shuttle descends through Old Earth's atmosphere toward the the territory of the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss. The shuttle is the smallest craft in the convoy of Reichswehr transports, excluding the escorting force of Precentor-class drone fighters, detached from the carrier task group that had ferried the Centurion detachment to Earth.

"ETA for Knootoss is nineteen minutes, twenty-three seconds," says the pilot.

Kolgners gives a cursory nod, then turns to his second, Hauptmann Gerhard Alderman, the Prince of Archangel.

"Tell me," Kolgners says, "have you ever been to Earth, Gerhard?"

"No, sir."

"Ah, well be forewarned, Knootoss is an...interesting place. I had the pleasure of serving briefly in a security detachment to the embassy there before the War of the Lion. The food was excellent, and under nos Cirdan they seem to be getting their political act together too."

"I doubt we will be staying here long, sir."

"I hope not, but the Council's orders were specific. We are to liaison with the high command in Knootoss first, then await deployment orders to Tanah Burung from them. I do not think De Kaste will keep us waiting long. He can most likely still remember when Adonis and von Richter assisted in the defense of the Dutch Republic when it was beseiged by the GDODAD."

Gerhard gives a nod, and the rest of the journey is in silence. The shuttle, twelve heavy assault transports, three landing transports, and four supply transports are escorted by a squadron of Precentor drones. Five minutes from the edge of Knootian aerospace, Kolgners' pilot opens a channel to Knootcap central aerospace control.

"Knootcap Aerospace Control, this is Shuttle EF-12 leading Reichswehr Convoy Detachment One from the HMS Enigma. We request permission to land at the nearest secure facility. Convoy consists of...." the pilot continues to feed the controllers the convoy's information and statistics.

Galadriels Christmas adress (from the Christmas messages thread). Has some relevance. (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=7789945&posted=1#post7789945)

To: His Excellency Mari Alkatiri, the People's Representative for Foreign Affairs & Human Rights
From: The Right Honourable the Imperial Chancellor Dr Thibault Drapeur

Monsieur Alkatiri,

Lady Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan of the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss has accepted our invitation on the condition that the IMC Committee at Chantouillet be composed of a nation selected by the Government in Exile of Tanah Burung, a nation selected by her own government, and a nation selected by those two selected nations. Her Ladyship has no objections if you were to select Pantocratoria as your committee member.

After specifying that condition, she then talked vaguely about resolving certain other questions before negotiations can begin. I will continue my efforts to bring her to the negotiating table, but I think you should consider the possibility that you and your colleagues may have to make some concessions in order to bring Lady Galadriël to the negotiating table. I would urge you to make whatever concessions are reasonable for the sake of a potential diplomatic resolution to the crisis in your country.

Yours sincerely,

Thibault Drapeur

To: Prime Minister Lady Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan of the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss
From: The Right Honourable the Imperial Chancellor Dr Thibault Drapeur

Your Ladyship,

I was pleased to receive and am agreeable to all the conditions you specified in your previous letter. I am concerned about the final paragraph of your letter, in which Your Ladyship said:

We are happy to agree to enter this mediation process as soon as the status of the self-proclaimed ‘government-in-exile’, the status of the international coalition and the status of Tanah Burung (and the associated problems which are well documented in the international press) have been resolved satisfactorily because, again, it is simply impossible to enter a mediation process when the relation the parties have to each other has not been mutually acknowledged. We would appreciate any pressure you could exert on Mari Altakiri to take up a reasonable position on these matters regardless of his revulsion for both my people and the IMC as an instrument for negotiations.

These additional conditions seem rather vague, and yet it seems to us that they are potential sticking point to be resolved before negotiations can take place. What specifically do you regard as satisfactory resolution to the status of the Government in Exile of Tanah Burung, the status of the international coalition, and the status of Tanah Burung itself? What specifically do you require of Monsieur Alkatiri before negotiations can proceed?

Yours sincerely,

Thibault Drapeur

To: The Right Honourable the Imperial Chancellor Dr Thibault Drapeur
From: His Excellency Mari Alkatiri, the People's Representative for Foreign Affairs & Human Rights

My dear Chancellor,

My thanks, once again, on your efforts to mediate the conflict between my country and Knootoss. I hope fervently for their success.

I feel the time may have some to provide some background on the IMC. My government is a member in good standing of the IMC. Indeed, my predecessor Madame Bi Bere wrote much of the text of the mediation agreement, working closely with the delegations of Knootoss and other countries. The IMC has failed in its obligaiton to strike a three-member committee, due to the stonewalling of Knootoss. My government has already nominated The Weegies to serve on a three-country committee, but Knootoss has nominated no one. Thus the approved IMC channels are blocked, and this is why your government's offer of mediation serves as a way out of the deadlock. My proposal for Pantocratoria to serve as the third member of a mediation committee along with The Weegies and a country nominated by Knootoss remains possible, but first Knootoss must make its own nomination.

Despite the abuse of IMC rules and the Knootian government's refusal to abide by its treaty commitments to the IMC -- not least the commitment to submit to mediation before resorting to force -- the representatives of my government remain in GMC Military Arms and continue to negotiate with Knootoss. Recent statements by the Knootian regime cause me concern. They appear to be denying my government's authority, even while they negotiate with my government's representatives at the IMC. To say the least, this position is logically inconsistent. If Madame nos Cirdan does not recognize my government, than presumably she will break off the talks.

As to concessions, my government would be pleased to consider any measure which might advance the chance for peace and democracy in my country. We have already agreed to negotiations in violation of the IMC Treaty terms. We have agreed to talk to a country which is killing our people. We have offered to hand over alleged members of the Rumbiak Brigade to a neutral party if Knootian trooops withdraw from our country. We have refused numerous offers of foreign military assistance, in order that the conflcit may not spread.

I am prepared to offer a cease-fire for the duration of talks, if this will assist. This would be a substantial military advantage to Knootoss which would be permitted to leave its troops in place. If there is any doubt about the status of my government, i am prepared to submit to a national referendum conducted by international election monitors acceptable to both sides. There is no measure i will not consider. However, since it is Knootoss that requries yet more concessions, perhaps they might suggest what further concession they wish. My government will then be very happy to consider it.

Yours repsectfully,
Mari Alkatiri

To: The Right Honourable the Imperial Chancelllor Dr Thibault Drapeur of the Holy and Most August Empire of Pantocratoria

From: Prime Minister Lady Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan of the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss

Dear Chancellor,

I am pleased with our apparent agreement. And hope negotiations will start soon despite continued delaying tactics on the part of the 'government-in-exile'.

The Dutch Democratic Republic can imagine several resolutions to the status of the Tanah Burung, the status of the international coalition, and the status of Tanah Burung itself.

It is up to Mari Altakiri to stop munching words and recognise several readily apparent facts. Firstly, that the persons comprising the self-proclaimed “government-in-exile” had legitimacy, but forfeited this by choice as the international coalition did not challenge their territorial control over the United Provinces, that is to say recognise that the international coalitions objective was not to remove their government from power but to capture members of the Rumbiak Brigade in several directed strikes. Secondly, to recognise the fact that the international coalition forces are (as the logical consequence of the first position) not occupying powers in the legal sense. Thirdly, to recognise the readily apparent fact that Tanah Burung is without a government at the present time because they abandoned it. Knootoss is willing to take up a caretaker role if the "government in exile" continues to refuse to return to the United Provinces and cooperate with us.

I hope this clarifies our position.

Yours,

Lady Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan


((OOC: was going to do the reply to Valinon too in this post but I'll just post this already to avoid being the chocking point again))

To: Prime Minister Lady Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan of the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss
From: The Right Honourable the Imperial Chancellor Dr Thibault Drapeur

Your Ladyship,

It is readily apparent that your terms before negotiations can begin are designed to make any form of negotiation quite impossible. These are the sort of things which should be discussed as part of your negotiations with what you have recognised in your letter as the legitimate but absent government of Tanah Burung.

I am not going to address any of your conditions directly because they are the sort of things which should not be held as preconditions of a negotiation, but rather, as objectives of such a negotiation. As a potential arbitrator of such negotiations, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on your terms.

I urge you to put aside your cynical attempt to stave off having to actually talk to the otherside of this dispute, and to accept the invitation, as Mari Alkatiri has done. If you find once you sit down with Monsieur Alkatiri that he is inflexible to the point of you being unable to convince him of what you hold as the fundamental conditions to be agreed at Chantoulliet, then you can leave - at least you will have actually sat down with Monsieur Alkatiri and discussed these things in the appropriate manner.

Regards,

Thibault Drapeur

((At this point Gala would not immediately respond to your message but await any other developments.))

At the IMC Building, Violeta Bi Bere took a deep breath and did something she had never done before in her life: decided to break off a negotiation. She cleared off her desk, fussily arranged the flags of Tanah Burung and Knootoss draped behind it, and tapped the video camera facing her. Infernal machine. She had never trusted technology, not even something as simple as a videocam. She barely trusetd the respiratory machines that helped her breathe at night, actually. Finally, she got the recorder working and started to read her open letter to the people of Knootoss.

Bi Bere figured there was one thing she would never have to worry about: censorship in Knootoss. There would always be some newspaper willing to embarrass the government there, even if it meant having to buy an advertisement. They might interfere with the freeom of the press one day, but she was certian they would never interfere with the freedom to advertise. She started to speak, recording the message once in English and then again in the accented Dutch she had rarely spoken since her schoolgirl days under the first colonial occupation.

People of Knootoss, my dear friends.

I hope that there are those among you who will still remember me as a friend. As the woman who was voted out of office becuase i tried to keep our countries friends, to keep the doors open, to always work for peace. My dear ones, my country has made some mistakes. Let us put that behind us, now. Let's try again together to be as sister nations united for the cuase of peace.

Dear ones, our governments have much to talk about. Many wounds to heal. Much work to do to walk once more on the same road. I am ready to begin that healing. Tanah Burung is ready, its government, its people, to try once more for the cooperation i know your people wish for.

I know we are all adult enough to face a hard truth: the International Mediation Council, which i myself devoted so much work to building, with the invaluable cooperation of Knootian diplomats, has fallen. Few nations adhere to it. Fewer still pay attention to its work. I have been talking with your government's representatives for months now. We are not a step closer to progress, and our countries continue to war.

Let us be brave enough to try a new step, a new peace process. One with no preconditions. The Empire of Pantocratoria has offered to host talks between our governments. Your Prime Minister does not recognize my government. Well, so be it. Let us then agree to go to Pantocratoria together, and hold informal and preliminary discussions about the terms for formal talks. If we cannot even agree to talk, then the road ahead is hard indeed. If so, i accept to walk that hard road. Let us then, at least agree to talk about talking. Perhaps the dream of peace and cooperation can still be real.

My friends, today i am leaving the IMC for Pantocratoria. I hope with every ounce of strength that remains in my frail body that a diplomat from Knootoss will come as well, that we may take the first faltering steps to peace. My deputy will remain here, in case there is any chance fo progress at the IMC, but if the Emperor and government of Pantocratoria permit, i shall be there, waiting for a counterpart from your country willing to walk the hard road to peace together with me. To those of you who care for peace, i beg of you to press your government to send a diplomat, to try once more. I know in my heart: Peace is still possible.

((Had to put out a small diplomatic brushfire with Ilek-Vaad today (Menelmacar will post it tonight or tomorrow) but post here is forthcoming ;) Same for my other threads, really.))

http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=333941&page=12&pp=15

The late Empress Joanna had named one of the newest Lavenrunzian frigates Fortinbras. It was this vessel that was chosen to lead the way for carrier group Bretwalda to be the first convoy to arrive in the waters of Tanah Burung. The sailors on deck were shocked at how hot the air was, and how blue the seas. Used to prowling the south Atlantic, they found the area fascinating in its strangeness.

Admiral Tachteberg said to his chief of communications, "Send a message to the Knootian occupation forces, informing them that our first carrier group is arriving. And order Admiral von Lembke to send up air units just in case of a trap."

Admiral von Lembke was a short silver haired man with the grave dignity that almost stereotyped him in his role. He was known for being a bit of a martinet, and yet was a fair man for all that. As he stood in the flight control room he watched his planes taking off, one AWACs, a flight of Wachtmeisters and a flight of Feuerkatzen.
Along with the carrier, Bretwalda, steamed two submarines, two cruisers, four destroyers, six frigates, a minesweeper, an oil tender, and an ammunition ship. He felt his chest swell with pride. This was the sort of command a naval officer aspired to.

http://homepage.residentie.net/~schram-12/paleis.jpg

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Noordeinde palace
The Hague
-------------------------

Alhough Hans van Mierlo was used to excessive decoration from his trips abroad he was amazed at the luxury and magnificence of Noordeinde Palace since Galadriël had entered office. Since then, he had never been invited to Noordeinde. Strange, considering that over seven years had passed since that day. It had been a transformation from a dusty old museum to a live re-enactment of a Fëanor palace – or so it appeared to him. The doorkeeper showed the Knootian minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence into a big reception room where several industrialists - he recognised their faces from SLP engagements and nodded politely - were waiting. After some minutes, the servant came back and asked van Mierlo to follow him.

The minister went through a large hallway – the same one Galadriël had used to receive Mephet`ran – and into a study which was decorated lushly with a combination of Elvish art and Knootian Golden Age paintings. The minister waited a few minutes before Galadriël herself appeared. Her tall face, rather young-looking, wore a gracious and majestic expression of lady-like welcome.

The two greeted each other rather formally for two persons who had known each other for decades now, mostly nodding and keeping their distance. "Good day, Minister!", she said formally, "I have received the letter with your concerns and it is good to see you." She glanced upon Van Mierlo's face and immediately looked past him.

"I do not, and did not, desire for this conflict to endure," she started in direct response to the main accusation in the letter, "This situation has been forced on us by the Burungis and by your failure to negotiate an agreement.” She paused as resentment boiled up in van Mierlo. It was plain then that the concerns her minister had voiced in writing about the ending of negotiations by Bi Bere and some of the more gloomy prospects of Operation Tempo Doeloe did not interest her very much at all. She looked past him again: "I am ready to receive any explanations you can give me for your failure."

The old man began to explain his reasons for the breakoff of the negotiations; the insufficient mandate, the problem that concessions could not be made and the problem of prolonged occupation and guerrilla resistance meant that time worked in Altakiris favour – which gave him little incentive to agree to anything. Judging by the calmly moderate and amicable way in which the Knootian Prime Minister listened, Hans van Mierlo regained some hope that she wished for peace and intended to enter into negotiations in Pantocratoria now. Carefully he suggested this course of action…

Galadriël noticed Hans van Mierlo's tentativeness when uttering his last words. "I desire peace, no less than the foreign ministry," she began. "But in order to begin negotiations, what is demanded of me now?" she said, frowning.

"A new peace process. One with no preconditions, Lady." he replied.

"No conditions?" repeated Galadriël. "So now you want me to give up on all the principles we have defended for many months as vital? That I go to this medieval fancy fair in Pantocratoria and entertain myself like some clown with the very person we have been painting for months at a terrorist, without this man even recognising his regime failed? " the elf said indignant, looking straight at Hans van Mierlo. The latter bowed his head respectfully.

Galadriël turned quickly and began to pace the room. "Bi Beres demand now is that I am to accept no preconditions, but in just the same way before all this started it was demanded that we should withdraw our forces first. And still you are willing to negotiate without conditions?"

She went in silence from one corner of the room to the other and again stopped in front of Hans van Mierlo. "Such demands may be made to a Kerlan, but not to me!" Galadriël almost screamed, quite to her own surprise. "If you gave me the head of Alkatiri on a pike I could not accept such conditions. Months of preparatory talks with Bi Bere by your ministry you offer me negotiations without any preconditions - when we have expended billions and when our position is a bad one. But what has she given you?" she continued hurriedly, evidently no longer trying to discuss the various merits of different negotiating tactics but only to reaffirm her own rectitude and her ministers errors and weakness.

“Well to be fair…”, the old man began but Galadriël did not let him speak. "And only to think about all that Tanah Burung could have gotten from my friendship. What a beautiful friendship it might have been! What could they get through this stupid resistance that they could not get through my friendship?" she demanded. "But no, Alkatiri prefers to surround himself with my enemies," continued Galadriël, proving how right and strong she was (the two were one and the same to her) "And what role is your foreign ministry playing? You compromise him and shift to your fellow Knootians the blame for all that happens."

Hans van Mierlo knew how to reply to each of the elfs remarks, and would have done so if Galadriël had not been in such a state of irritability that any effort would have been futile anyway. The liberal minister began to feel uncomfortable, silent before the feelings of wrath that had evidently seized his Prime Minister.

"And yet what a splendid end to your career you might have had by succeeding in this task that I have given you!"

His retirement. He knew from experience that the elf would be ashamed of her words when she came to her senses, but he also knew that she would never admit that. Now able to reply, he explained that the Foreign Ministry did not think things that hopeless. She just looked derisively at him and evidently was not listening as her minister predicted that good results were expected from the war against the Rumbiak Brigade on the ground and that the Pantocratorians might be willing to accept some preconditions. When he had ended, Galadriël pressed a button on her desk. The door from which she had come opened and a servant entered. Without giving him a glance, she turned to her minister one last time:

"You may travel to Pantocratoria yourself to talk to Bi Bere. But only to Bi Bere – not anyone of their ‘government’. Assure Chancellor Drapeur from me that I am as devoted to to the cause of peace as ever. But no agreement will be made without me approving of it beforehand.”

She reached for her coat.

“I will detain you no longer, Minister; you have work to do.”

OOC: So, Pantocratoria is getting a minister with a somewhat questionable mandate for a visit. ;)

(and another one)
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Tiga Burung
----------------

The harbour was bustling with activity. Shouts in German and Dutch mixed as each ship took a turn at docking in the port (which wasn’t all that prepared to handle such huge fleets) The Frigate Fortinbras now took its turn, and as its crew went ashore for shoreleave materials were being brought aboard and fuel was pumped into the ship using a specially designed transferral system.

A man in a green military uniform holding a form stuck to a wooden holder meticulously monitored how much fuel was being transferred. The expression on his face was worried. Carrier group Bretwalda was using up supplies that could have sustained the blockading KDF fleet alone for a month, and though the Lavenrnzians were paying the government back home for it this still did not do well for the real, physical removal of these important reserves. Reserves that would need to be brought in with the next convoy from home. With a sour face the supply sergeant looked on as jovial Lavenrunzian marines swung aboard several barrels with precious Knootian goods.

The Lavenrunzians all seemed irritatingly goodmooded to the man. They were glad to be on land again – no doubt with the prospect of Burungi company that evening – and in a few days they would be off to fight some heroic battle against their evil foes while he would still be here stuck in this mudhole counting barrels.

It just wasn’t fair.

OOC:
Last one today, its in reply to Valinon. I am splitting up this storylinein a TB-related bit and a future tech bit (as De Kaste is currently on Mars.) The song played is downloadable here (http://www.firstworldwar.com/audio/tanksthatbroketheranks.htm) I am making some mild assumptions about what Major Kolgners does in the name of progress ;)

-----------------------------------
The Hague
Under the ministry of Defence
-----------------------------------

As Major Kolgners and his company made their way through the security clearances of the bunker under the Knootian Ministry of Defence, Kolgners heard a very familiar Shadow War song blare through the radio:

...In No-Mans Land one early morning,
Thirty in the shade,
From out the Knootian lines there came,
The famous Tank Brigade...

The Knootian next to him was humming along with the song while approving their DNA prints. Kolgners quietly wondered to himself why the Knootians were resorting to playing of propaganda music in their very own military headquarters.

...And their guns began to blare,
And the Huns began to swear,
But they pulled the trees up by the root,
And made the Huns look quite aloof
Of The Tanks That Broke The Ranks Out In The Green Heart

Instead of de Kaste, whom Kolgners had expected to be welcoming them, they found that a rather younger (but still reasonably old) man was wearing De Kastes uniform. Well, at least what had been his uniform during the Shadow War. The general greeted his guests with a firm military salute.

“Welcome to Knootoss gentlemen. I’m General Donner, in charge of Operation Tempo Doeloe. I will be heading back to Ukun Rasikan tomorrow but I think we can complete our business before then. Shall we?”

He extended his hand invitingly in the direction of a cramped hallway that had several doors on each side. The Knootian then noticed the wondering faces: “Of course! You were expecting de Kaste”, he inferred from the surprised dace. Major Kolgners nodded and Donner explained: “some time ago he retired to a more ceremonial function. He has been leading the establishment of Nieuw Rotterdam on Mars ever since. In fact, his death is scheduled tomorrow and there will be a small ceremony here tonight. You are welcome to attend, of course.”

(that part would continue on mars boards, uhm, as soon as I have a Valinon reply to work with.)

"General Donner, sir," Kolgners says, returing the salute with faultless precision.

Donner's comment gives Kolgners a moment's pause. The idea of euthansia has always made the Valinor essentially uneasy, in a society where pro-long and gene bath treatments are advanced to creep the citizenry of the Star Empire closer and closer to an artifical immortality it is almost wholly alien.

"Yes, it will be a sad day to lose such a decorated and compotent officer as General de Kaste. Rest assured that the sympathies of myself, Her Majesty, and the Reichswehr go out to the General's family during this time. Although I have no doubt that he will leave a lasting legacy in the form of the progress made at Nieuw Rotterdam. It would be an honor to attend the ceremony on behalf of the Star Empire and Her Majesty's Reichswehr."

Kolgners seems to move on after an invisible self-reassuring nod, "Allow me to introduce my second in command, General Donner. Hauptmann Wilhelm Alderman, commanding our jet coptor gunship troops."

"A pleasure, General," says the man standing next to Kolgners, with an equally professional salute and demeanor to match.

The Prince of Archangel is not set apart from the Centurion detachment commander in any highly noticeable fashion. Indeed, the only mark associating him with House Alderman are the almost minute pair of pins of the Alderman crest that ride next to his rank insignia on his collar. The rest of the uniform is very much like Kolgners, the same charcoal grey trimmed in black with standard issue jack boots, and finally the rank insignia of the Star Empire's equivalent of a captain. Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of Wilhelm Alderman's imperial heritage is the piercing and alert blue eyes that have long been the genetic marker of the Aldermans.

"I must admit, General," Kolgners says, "that the data dump I received from the Council of the Grossgeneralfeldmarschalls and our own General Staff had some vague areas in their reports regarding the Burungi situation. Perhaps you would be so generous as to give me a general update, and also where my command can best assist your own efforts in Tanah Burung?"

OOC: I've posted a thread for the Chantouillet negotiations here: http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=388460

Radio Operator 1st Class Reiner marvelled at the setting sun as it seemed to dip into the ocean. What a beautiful sight! He raised his camera and took a photograph, wishing that his girl (studying chemistry back in Mirenburg) was there so he could take a picture of her standing before it. It was a damn shame that he had to be here in uniform...still, he wouldn't have missed it for the world. It was so hot that he was glad of his tropical whites, which were loose enough that it was not as unbearable as the blue wool uniform he would normally have been wearing.
The only thing bothering him was that he wasn't sure if he was happier to be stationed here with the logistics and infrastructure unit being set up, with command vessel Lohengrin as the command and control center, or more hopeful that he would be aboard a vessel going into action. He felt a bit wistful watching a pair of female aviators in a rickshaw going by, knowing that they would probably see action and get recognition and all that one could want.
However, he watched the last of the sunset, which for a moment glinted on carrier group Alfarkoenigin steaming by on the horizon.

Tiga Burung

All night, they had been working. Home for dinner, and then to the church of Santa Cruz for an overnight vigil, a novena for peace. Or so the priest said.

At least two hundred had entered slowly and solemnly through the doors, dipping their hands into the holy water, touching hands to foreheads and making the sign of the cross as they entered. Inside the church, though, there were only a dozen or so souls, chanting and praying and singing softly. "...full of grace the lord is with you and with the fruit of...

The others? Down in the basement, paintbrushes in hand. They pulled bedsheets from under their shirts, unroleld them on the floor, painted words on them in paints of brilliant blue and sober black and angry, passionate red.

Morning, and they walked out of the sanctuary, into the pink of early dawn. There were the warships lying at anchor, sleek and deadly metal, in a port that was more accustomed to the warm familiarity of a trawling fleet and the smell of monkfish. Hundreds were there to gawk at the ships, thousands maybe. The young people from the church basement mingled among them and unfurled their freshly-painted banners, facing towards the ships. The ones painted in English were clear enough, but those in German were full of grammatical errors, obviously taken from a phrase book by people who had never spoken a word of German:

INDEPENDENCE IS EVERY COUNTRY'S RIGHT, KNOOTIANS OUT!

WIR WOLLEN FREIHEIT, JETZT

BITTE BITTE HILFT TANAH BURUNG BITTE

WE ARE DYING AS A PEOPLE AND AS A NATION

WE DIE, THE WORLD DOES NOTHING, HELP US!

TANAH BURUNG NEEDS PEACEKEEPERS TOO, PLEASE STAY

They started chanting: "Peace Now! Knootians out! Peace Now! Knootians out!" They hoped it was loud enough for those on the ships to hear. It was certainly loud enough for anyone on the docks. One by one, bystanders started to join in.

OOC: Pictures of uniforms now! Hurrah! Click here and scroll down. (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Knootian_Defence_Force). Also features ranks of the KDF (which are still a teeny weeny bit subject to change but pretty established now)

Tiga Burung
Kapitein Fredericks went outside to check on the noise outside. It was after all promising to be a sunny day and some of the locals seemed to treat this port like it was some sort of tourist attraction rather then a very serious military facility, he considered. Some of his men seemed to miss the point as well, the enlisted men often standing still and chatting amongst themselves instead of coming back for new orders. Very serious indeed. The Army Captain found his men gawking at the crowd – not so much hostile but more casually observant with one man resting casually against the wall while smoking a cigarette. One corporal saw the Kapitein storming on like a huge red buoy wearing combat boots.

“Attention!” - he alerted the others as he himself turned and snapped to attention, hastily saluting Fredericks. The other men followed.

“What is the meaning of this!”, their captain yelled.

“Well Sir”, the corporal began, “the Burungis are having a protest Sir. We were just assessing…”

“You were assessing each others lazy asses again!”, Fredericks interrupted. One of the privates in the back blushed just a little as he tried to get the cigarette he had in his hand on the ground as discreetly as possible.

“This area is off-limits to the native population”, he yelled. “If anyone trespasses they are to be removed.”

While this was technically true, there had been many people coming to watch the ships ever since the arrival of carrier group Bretwalda and to remove them all from their own harbour had not been on the mind of the Knootians. Tiga Burung had, after all, been relatively quiet – spared of the guerrilla assaults that harassed the Knootians assigned inland. The resistance had so far also left the cities alone – at least by daytime – and the officer corps assigned to the harbour was hesitant in acting too strongly against ‘ undue fraternisation’, believing that it might work good in the long term. Protesting mobs and shadowy figures were a different matter though.

“Well Sir, we can hardly get ‘em all out just like that can we?”, one of the more slow-witted soldaten suggested.

Several Lavenrunzians had now joined the onlookers, and the captain looked around only to see a very familiar face coming from under the crowd. Fredericks would recognise that huge white moustache anywhere. Immediately his dominant attitude reversed as he almost cowered before his superior officer.

“Kolonel Blinkerhof!”, he exclaimed from a distance before making an elaborate salute. Blinkerhof didn’t seem to take much notice of it, saluting back casually as he came over.

“What is this all about Fredericks?”, the moustached colonel asked rather calmly while making a gesture in the general direction of the banners.

”Yes sir. A protest. Very serious Sir.”, he affirmed. “Very serious indeed. My men and I were just making an assessment on what to do, Sir.”

A small sigh seemed to escape from under the white moustage. “Well, Kapitein? What is your conclusion?”

“We will remove them Sir. On the double. Strong but fair, Sir.”

“Well, go on then alright. Get the men to form a line.”

The captain and his men hurried off to gather any available men while the corporal called for the riot police to be trumped up. When – more or less – ready he positioned his men at the passageway to the docks, which was otherwise fairly enclosed by buildings on both sides. He took out a megaphone and began:

“This area is a military compound and this demonstration is not allowed. You have five minutes to remove yourselves from the compound peacefully.”

The Hague
Donner had answered the salutes equally sharply, regarding the Alderman with much more curiosity as he would have another second in command.

“Most certainly Major!”, the Knootian replied. “If you will just follow me.”

They were led into a smaller room which seemed to be reserved for planning and control with a huge computer screen displaying Tanah Burung on the wall. But it currently wasn’t in use except for a lieutenant pressing some flashy buttons for an unknown purpose. Tactical projections flipped over the screen as the lieutenant went on but as soon as he noticed the other officers he stopped and stood to attention. Donner quickly dismissed the man and allowed his guests to sit down at a table before the tactical projections.

“If I can serve you gentlemen with drinks or anything I’ll have them delivered”, he asked, perhaps incorrectly addressing the Prince of Alderman more then his superior officer. Irregardless, the men quickly got to the state of affairs as the map projected a thematic overview of Tanah Burung.

“Tiga Burung and the areas around Ukun Rasikan are reasonably secure”; he said. “There have been several attempts to blow up the maglev lines connecting the major cities.”, the lines highlighted in blue against a green background, the cities lighting up as red nodes. “These lines are vital as connections as the land lacks any major highways or airports – barring one”, he explained. “We have begun clearing the area around the maglevs as well as laying mines but it is a slow process and they requite constant vigilance.

“The thinly populated rural areas also pose problems”, he explained. “CAESAR, rural overview please”, he commanded as areas around Matebian and Burung Paradis flashed up. “These are mostly controlled by Rumbiak Brigade and resistance forces at night. Any efforts to secure these areas are hindered by a lack of mines and the problem that civilians use these areas as well.”

The general pressed another button and a city near the northeastern coast, at the very tip near the border, flashed up. “THIS, however is the heart of the Rumbiak Brigade. Loro Sae. The population gives us the most difficulty here and it is here that most of the Rumbiak Brigade is said to be hiding.”

He paused his presentation to turn around to the men from Valinon: “We control the major cities and despite their passive resistance we have little problems with their populations. However we could use more help in any of these sectors I mentioned; guarding the maglevs, somehow trying to secure the western rural areas at night and prevent the terrorists from hiding and of course”, a small sigh, “Loro Sae.”

“I will leave it to your judgement what think your men are best suited for. We could use help in any of these areas.”

Kolgners nod, "I wish I had enough men to support you on all fronts, General Donner, but I do not. However, I will make the most with what I can."

He sets his drink now and points his finger along the length of the mag-lev line, "I will detach a jet-coptor gunship squadron and a flight of Needlers to run patrols along the mag-lev line. That way we can have a regular coverage along the most isolated lengths of the line, and will hopefully be able to spot any sabotage attempts. On top of the aerospace support, I will also send a team of my best engineers with four squads of Sardaukar. They will have at their disposal eight IFVs and twelve Flynn rovers. I will also equip them with some of our mines and field sensor packs to setup at areas where your own coverage is not yet online. We can then tie in their efforts to your central command net."

"The rest of my aerospace elements, another squadron of gunships and three more flights of Needlers I will base out of your facilities in Tiga Burung, if that is acceptable. I will also land the remainder of my force there and establish a command post for the battalion. Once that is established, I will have Hauptmann Alderman assemble an appropriate force from my remaining Sardaukar and vehicle compliments and prepare to start to probe the Burungi control of Loro Sae."

The eys of Gerhard Alderman flash with a desire as old as the armies of the world, the desire of a younger officer to prove himself to the older generation. Kolgners looks at Donner with a fire of his own.

"The Star Empire cannot abide terrorists, General. To us they are just as bad as the pirates, genetic slavers, and other barbarians that threaten the frontiers of the Raumreich. The Kriegsmarine and the Reichswehr work to keep those disgusting low-lifes in line there, and I will most certainly help you and your command your efforts to root out this infestation known as the Rumbiak Brigade. My honor as an officer of Her Majesty demand's no less."

Admiral von Lembke had just had a good workout and was showering when his phone rang. He stepped out, grabbing a towel, and took the phone. "Yes?"
"Excellecncy, there is a large protest taking place in Tiga Burung near the docks."
"Violent?" he asked.
"No, Excellency, but the Knootian Army has ordered them to disperse." His chief of staff reported. "Shall I recall those on leave?"
Von Lembke considered, and said, "Find out first if this sort of thing is normal. And put a couple of Seekonigs in the air to observe the situation." with that, he hung up and went back to finish his shower.

The chief of staff, Captain Ernst von Braun-Ataria, sighed. He was a narrow faced, thin man who had not quite gotten his nerves back after he had had to quit drinking, and he was hoping to prove that he had on this mission. Von Lembke's abrupt manner bothered him more than he liked to admit. He called up the contact number he had been given for the Knootian harbourmaster, and asked if this sort of thing--the protest march, that is, was normal. He also kicked himself mentally in the head, wondering if he should have mentioned some of the signs being in german. But he was loathe to interrupt the admiral in the shower again.

Meanwhile, ashore, Chief Gunner's Mate Maxine Tillich, moving quietly through the crowd with the Lavenrunzian shore patrol--of which there were three others--observed the protest. She asked someone who looked reasonably native, "Hey! What are these fellows protesting about?"

Reiner, from his end of the street, took a picture.

Word came fast from the Knootian harbourmaster that this sort of thing wasn't normal. The area was technically off-limits, and demonstrations would be "disruptive to operations," or so he claimed.

The harbourmaster (whose German was appaling - the captain thought -) did not request help just yet, however, but he did ask Captain Ernst von Braun-Ataria that they keep alert for the possibility of change in this the situation.

Dinah Saleh had come to the docks to buy some durian and fish at the harbour market, or so she told her husband, who thought it was not at all wise for his young wife to be so close to the invaders. They were all too likely to take her for a prostitute, after all.

(UN resolutions or not, the Knootian military authorities were none too likely to interfere with the thriving local sex trade. Especially as so many of their own were taking advantage of it. There had been an effort in the Sex Workers Union to refuse services to Knootian soldiers, but most of the city's prostitutes were all too happy to earn a decent hour's pay.)

If Dinah had stopped by to see the ships, then what of it? Wasn't that only natural, to want to expand her horizons? She already had it all worked out, in case her husband asked.

And then the protest started. Nothing unusual there, she thought, and then remembered. Given the miltiary occupation and the sudden transformation of a commercial port into what the Knootians were pleased to call a naval base, it was actually quite unusual. She listened for a while and wondered if she should join in. Plenty of people seemed to be doing so.

"Hey! What are these fellows protesting about?" a pale sailor asked her abruptly as she stared. Four of them, it seemed, and the accent wasn't Knootian. These must be from the new ships!

"A thousand times welcome to Tanah Burung!" she said, the standard greeting as decreed by the Sunny Tanah Burung Trade and Tourism Bureau automatically falling from her lips. "This is a protest for the Knootian soldiers to leave and restore government to our own people, the ones we elected. Surely you heard that they invaded our country, yes?"

She heard the order to disperse, but paid little attention. She was chatting with people from Lavenrunz, and wasn't going to leave a conversation until they said it was over. Hospitality was still an important value, for some people.

The protest leaders paid more attention. "We're not going anywhere, Kompeuni," one said, using the old name for the Knootian East India Company that had been generalized into a derogatory name for all Knootians. "Whose city is this, anyway?"

The protesters began to chant: "Our City, Knootoss Out! Our Country, Knootoss Out!" People were gathering fast. Some began to sit down and hum a tune that was almost, but not quite, recognizable.

Torpedoman Second Class Lieberman looked sympathetic. "Yes we heard about that...it's a shame, you have such a nice country here...say, what is that song?" he couldn't help but admire the pretty exotic young woman, his companions doing likewise and envying that she'd spoken to him first.

Captain von Braun ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Munster of the Imperial Marines to the command and control center. The slightly stocky but tough woman was a bit of a Marine legend; she like Schlabel had been born a commoner, in her case a Southern farm girl. This meant wresting a living out of hard rocky soil with a very short planting season, and meant spending part of the year as a seal hunter. She still had the brawny arms that went with wielding a club or hurling a harpoon at elephant seals. In the war against Sorrow some twenty years ago she had saved the life of her company commander and had been made an officer. He found her pleasant to work with, and noticed with approval that her discipline was firm and that she was clearly respected by her battalion. Standing before the taller von Braun , she said gravely, "You wanted to see me, your Honour?"
"Yes, Colonel. I want you to have your battalion ready to go ashore, please, with one company ready to move by helicopter and your mechanized company to be vehicle mounted. You will be prepared to move to defend the naval base, these communication and transport areas..." he showed her the places on a map, "And this main set of roads where the protest is taking place."
Colonel Munster knew this wasn't much time to prepare, but also that this was what the Imperial Marines were for: to do the unexpected quickly. She saluted, and said, "Will that be all, your Honour?"
"Yes." he returned the salute.

Tiga Burung
The soldiers had by now formed up in two lines of three men deep, one blocking the path of the protestors onto the dock itself with the second row held in reserve. The Knootians were staring with stern faces at the group (‘the mob’ – if you were to read a Telegraaf article about it the next morning), holding their rifles as Kolonel Blinkerhof joined Kapitein Fredericks just behind both these lines.

“They are not moving Sir”, Fredericks reported to his superior officer after saluting him again. Both stood there for a moment, assessing the situation for a moment as a quicklink opened up on Blinkerhof s wrist showing the compressed info of the destroyer Rederijkers communications officer.

“Sir, the Imperial Marines are forming up for the ready and I can report that riot units of the Peace Corps will be here in fifteen minutes.”

The Peace Corps troops had to come from a makeshift barracks on the other end of the city – the blue badged elite forces of the KDF were mainly stationed on TB mainland and only a small detachment had been sent to the island, mainly for policing duties and these kinds of situations. They did not fall under Tiga Burungs direct command and their role often irked the ‘common’ fighting troops. Blinkerhof, a man who fully shared this feeling, spoke some words confirming the report and then closed the quicklink on his wrist. He stared at the group of small, dark people ahead of him and looked confidently at his own troops standing there in line with the utmost discipline. His men. His base.

“No need to wait for them... I can defend my own base from some unarmed civilians.” he thought to himself, gesturing the columns to move forward to a slightly better position (upon which the men were promptly ordered around to do so by a sergeant) Even if his captain might have had doubts about not waiting for reinforcements, he knew that the meek Fredericks was not of the character to disagree with a superior officer.

“Very well then, captain. Show them that its futile to stand against our military might. They can stage their little protest somewhere else – no dispersion orders will be ignored on my watch. Warning shots first, at your discretion.” Fredericks raised his voice so a commanding shout: “FIRST LINE. SHOULDER RIFLES”

The men moved as one as they shouldered their assault rifles, causing a small pleasing smile from both the officers.

”AAAAAIM UP. WARNING SHOTS ON MY ORDER. SINLGE BURST!”

They moved their rifles skyward, as if engaging in a collective round of shooting clay pigeons, or perhaps aiming to shoot one of the fading morning stars out of the sky.

“FIRE!”

The single short bursts fired collectively rattled throughout the western parts of the city, causing the peacekeepers to ride with all the more haste. The two officers oversaw this sight with some satisfaction. Blinkerhof even smelled the air, waiting for a moment to see how the crowd would react. His military brain thinking about military solutions.

“Now, disperse them. Let us see how well these people run. ”

Fredricks only replied with a small nod, understanding.

“FIRST COLLUMN ARM BAYONETS."

The men pulled the sharp knives from a grip to their sides and put it on their rifles. The scene quickly turned grim now as the captain shouted his next order.

“FIRST COLLUMN ADVANCE”

((OOC:
Valinon, I think we are technically finished with the important bits of the bunker scene. We could move on to De Kaste now, if you want, on the Mars boards. Also, check out the Catholic girl thread ;) Post or TG me about it or something, ok?

On another sidenote…
Knootian assault rifle in all-out wank mode with bayonet, as visualised by Sunset (http://www.sunsetrpg.com/images/KDFAssaultRifle(Accessories)2.jpg)

"The song?" Dinah blinked at the dashing torpedoman and listened for a moment. "Oh, that's.... It's on the top of my tongue...." She brightened. "Oh yes, it's...."

The sound of shots tore through the air. She spun to see what was happening. Some of the crowd were runnig towards her, but it looked like many more had sunk into a sitting position.

---

"We don't react well to ultimatums," one protester said as he sat down on the ground. As hundreds sat down on the ground. After all, these soldiers wouldn't dare shoot unarmed civilians. The protesters broke into a new song, one by the poet Borja.

In this place / here i stand / the blood in my veins / becomes a flower / blossoming for freedom

I'll no longer be silenced by your words, salted by your sea

Now i am the words, i am the sea

Two Seekonig helicopters, blunt bodied and heavy, took off from the carrier deck, each carrying twenty Imperial Marines. Shortly after this, with a howling roar, a Feuerkatz Fighter-Bomber left the deck, followed by another in succession. The AWACs in the air was receiving signals,the crew transmitting all that was seen in the city below to the carrier's command center.

The Imperial Marines under Colonel Munster began to rumble down into the streets. The mechanzied company made its way to where the protest was taking place, while those in hum-vees went roaring off to other locations. There was a silence to the mechanized company apart from the growl of the eight wheeled vogelhund apcs. The faces of the commanders of the vehicles were impassive as they stood in the hatches of the 25mm autocannon turrets.

OOC: Whoops, forgot about the other thread, Knoot. I'll read it and make a post here shortly. But could we maybe hold off on the De Kaste affair?


The high-pitched whine of jet-coptors assaults the ears of Major Kolgners and Hauptmann Alderman as they cross the area of the Tiga Burung aerospace port they had commandeered for the initial landing of the Fourth Battalion of the Centurion Mobile Regiment. Six of the heavily armed jet-coptors tear through the sky annd make to go across the island. They are the first flight of gunships to patrol the mag-lev line connecting the major Burungi cities. After a four hour patrol they will be relieved by the other half of their squadron. A flight of Needle-class MASCFs (modular aerospace combat frames), are being readied to assist the gunships.

Kolgners pauses for a moment, inhaling deeply as he watches Sardaukar and their equipment being unloaded from the transports that had carried them from Knootcap. A leutnant approaches the pair of superior officers.

"Major. Hauptmann," he says coming to attention.

"At ease, Leutnant Foerster. What do you have to report."

"Sir, there appears to be some sort of demonstration outside the KDF's command center for the Tiga Burung region. The Burungi citizens participating in the protest have apparently refused to break up."

Kolgners looks thoughtful for a moment, he taps the comp-pad the leutnant handed him with his index and middle finger.

"Have Hauptmann Goettinger contact the KDF commander for the area, a Kapitan Fredericks I believe. Tell him we have a company of Sardaukar at his disposal should he require it. Also inform Konrad that he will be acting as our liaison officer with the KDF for this operation."

"Yes, sir."

"Won't Konrad be needed to deploy his company, sir?" Gerhard acts in carefully modulated tones.

"No, Gerhard, he will not," Kolgners says, nodding to a squad of Sardaukar that salutes as they pass. "You will be taking Konrad's regiment along with your own to start probing the Burungi positions around Loro Sae. I will keep the remaining two company's of the battalion here. One will be left as an emergency response force for either your command or the Knootians should they require it, the other will assist the occupational police forces."

"I see, sir."

"Good. I want your battalions ready to mobilize in nine hours. Devise and appropriate course of action and I will approve of it before your lift-off."

"At once, sir," the youngest of Empress Friedelinde's children salutes and turns to go.

"Gerhard."

"Sir?"

"Restrain yourself. The next supply run from the Dominion of Mizar will not arrive for three weeks. And the Ministry's ERTs have been delayed in Sheffield. I will do what I can to expedite their arrival, but for now we are all the deployment has to offer."

"Yes, sir."

Kolgners turns back to supervising the landing, walking toward an array of crates and strong-boxes that had just been off-loaded.

**********

Ten hours later eight heavy assault transports, escorted by a flight of Needlers and a flight of gunships leaves Tiga Burung. Gerhard Alderman intends to establish a base camp north of the entrenched natives in Loro Sae, near the northern border of Tanah Burung. He has called for three days of aerospace reconnissance by the Needler flight out of Tiga Burung, and four from the gunships.

Afterwards he intends to start probing Burungi resistance from the north, and also land two heavy platoons to the southwest of Loro Sae and start pushing against the Burungi from their start off position as well.

Resupply and lines of retreat are wholly dependent on the presence of the Reichswehr Needlers, gunships, and aerospace support craft--a thing that has almost become a given with this operation. Even the most experienced and capable of Her Majesty's Reichswehr scoff at the fact the Burungi could even have the gross stupidity to try and challenge Valinor and Knootian aerospace dominance.

(ooc: our balloons shall bury you! ;) )

At the waterfront, protesters began to call out to the Lavenrunzian visitors: "join us, sisters!"

Admiral von Lembke, showered and refreshed, strode into the command and control center to find von Braun-Ataria in a state of agitation.
"Valinon has landed helicopters. They're investing forces in the area! This is a foul up and no mistake!" exclaimed the Captain.
"Nonsense. What is this, a military report or an audition? Inform the other carriers under my command that Brinsingamen is in effect now."
Braun-Ataria's face quivered, but as always he was galvanized now that they had crossed the Rubicon, as it were. He sent a signal to all ships in the two carrier groups under von Lembke's command and the amphibious carrier as well: BRINSINGAMEN.

As the Imperial Marines reached the area of the protest, the apcs began to fan into a staggered fire formation, silent except for growling engines and rumbling heavy tires. Their autocannons swung out over the crowd...and then over to face the Knootian troops. Other hatches popped open, and the Tanah Burungi flag was raised alongside that of the Lavenrunzian. An officer, a woman, spoke from a megaphone saying loudly, "Knootian troops, you will lower your arms to the pavement and then raise them over your heads, or we will fire upon you!" As she spoke, the back hatches of the apcs slammed open, and Imperial Marines poured out of them, moving into skirmish formations around the apcs. Overhead, a helicopter thundered, a whirling shadow passing over the people assembled.

The carriers were still sending plane after plane into the air, Wachtmeisters, Feuerkatzen and more helicopters, carrying marines directly towards the naval base itself. From one of the cruisers farther out to sea, a clamshell door opened and a missile rack swung out with sinister efficiency. Signals were being sent to the base, the police headquarters and other areas for the Knootians to surrender. With deadly menace, the planes already in the air began to fly in formations to cover the fleet and meet any resistance.

(Knoot, i'm on sporadically most of the day, let's talk by telegram, OK?)

Low Earth Orbit, Over Tarah Burung

The HA satellite whirled about overhead, and the holographic cameras whirred with activity, snapping photos at a centimeter to a pixel resolution. And that was just the flatpics. Full motion holography recorded the actions as one after another satellites whirled by over the occupied nation.

Then the excitement crossed the active threshold, and brought itself to the attention of one particular EI, Cortana.

Office of the Imperial President, Imperial House, Griffin, Commonwealth of Sentient Peoples, FSP

D'ron looked up from the paperwork he was doing as Cortana's hologram fuzzed into visibility in his office. From the expression on her purple face, he grimaced. "What's gone wrong now?"

She held up a finger and pointed to the HD viewer. "Watch." And so he did, watching everything up to the current time frame.

"That's..." he paused, his face a picture, "...interesting."

"Definitely," Cortana agreed. D'ron flicked open the computer database, scanning through it quickly until he found what he wanted, and in c-space, directed Cortana's attention to it.

NDA Manifesto

2. All member nations must maintain non-aggressive international relations. No member may provoke or engage in war as an aggressor. Applicants for membership must demonstrate a history of nonaggression or a recent change in policy.

5. All members are required to seek diplomatic solutions to international conflicts through talks, mediation, negotiation, and embargoes before resorting to military solutions. War is to be considered the final alternative rather than the first. Any nation that goes to war is subject to review by the ruling council.

Cortana nodded. "That's what I thought too, Mister President. Not to mention VERITAS."

D'ron grimaced. "Yeah, upgrade security monitoring on all NDA nations to class 3, and up it to class 2 if they let Lavenrunz get away with this."

"Any further response?"

"No."

"You've seen the latest, yes?" asked Giancarlo Torino as he entered the Chancellor's office, still going over his datapad. Cesare Calabrese looked up, nodding in response as he gestured for the Defense Minister to have a seat.

"Yes, I have. One crisis after another, it seems. Bloody hell, of all the damnable times for it," he replied, pouring them each a moderate glass of wine, passing the second over across the desk to the other man. "People will be watching, I know. What I hope they realize is what is and is not being done here. Lavenrunz is well within their rights, given the information I have at hand. Nor have they asked for any NDA support in this as yet."

"I remember the memo, yes. I knew they had planned on supporting Syskeyia - Schabel announced that quite clearly in his address. But Tanah Burung?" Torino said, accepting the glass and making himself comfortable.

"Assistance was requested, assistance was sent. It is not for us to dictate to our members what ways they can and can not support their allies, however loosely tied they may be. I am told this is an attempt at peacekeeping and curtailing Knootian hostilities in Tanah Burung. They, after all, are the foreign aggressors in this. Why else were their requests for support turned away here, do you think? They are in clear violation of that nation's sovereign right. Unlike the Knootians, Lavenrunz is there on request. They were, if memory serves me, to use that base of operations as a launching point for their support of Syskeyia - all quite above board. No shots have yet been fired, yes?" Calabrese asked, calling up his own files on the matter.

"Not between the two groups, no. It appears that the Lavenrunz troops were defending a group of protestors from Knootian forces."

"Well then, we wait. Let's hope the Knootian troops there make the smart decision and back down. Perhaps this can be the start of an overall halt to the aggressions there, giving the talks that are said to be going on a chance to come to a solution. As it stands, I see no violation of the Manifesto given the information at hand. And no, before you ask, for now there will be no public response. We need to see how this plays out before adding any potential fuel to the fire. The last thing anyone here wants, I'm sure, is for the mess that could result from dragging whole alliances into this rather minor problem. Given the mixed ties across the board, it could get ... unpleasant," the Chancellor says, brows furrowing.

"Now. What's the latest reports on that other operation? Here's what Toni had for me ..."

Kapitan zur Sternen Arthur Gray, master of the HMS Duke Dorian Wotton and Her Majesty's Kriegsmarine, reviews the transmission that Major Kolgners has forwarded to him from Tiga Burung.

"It seems that Lavenrunz is posing quite a problem, Major," Gray says, steepling his fingers as the transmission from Tiga Burung ends. "My own reconnaissance drones have confirmed your suspicions, there are several ships from Lavenrunz operating close to Burungi territorial waters. And judging by what you just told me their intent is obvious. You have been in contact with our embassy in Knootcap?"

"Yes, Kapitan," Kolgners hologram says. "They will be contacting the Lavenrunz government in short order. Lord Reinstadler is also coordinating with the Knootian government, and he's said that he will impress upon the Lavenrunz government that if they fire on Knootian forces we will take steps to counter their attempt at naval and aerospace superiority."

"And this is where the Wotton and the Varus come in I take it?"

"Yes. If it becomes necessary can you scramble Precentor drones to intercept any attempted Lavenrunz missile attack or en masse naval operation."

"Of course," Gray says as he starts smiling. "For once the Earth rotation might not be so dry after all. Will the drones be on loan to you permanently, Major?"

"No," Kolgners reply is quick. "I will not sanction the use of drone supported operations on the Burungi. The international community would condemn us wholesale if we did because it would be nothing but a slaughter. And that says nothing of how utterly gauche I think it would be. But the Lavenrunz are a different matter, and if they choose to meddle in affairs that do not concern them they should have their hands burned."

Gray nods his assent, "Very well, Major. I shall maintain contact with your headquarters and the embassy. I will also have the Wotton moved to geo-sync orbit over Burung. A full Precentor squadron will be ready to scramble at a moments notice, and will be put into LEO at once. If the Lavenrunz navy fires, it will find that the Kriegsmarine will enforce any decree Lord Reinstadler issues in regards to the situation."

"Thank you, Kapitan," Kolgners says with a grave nod, and cuts the link. Gray sits for a few moments, then activates his link to the Wotton's bridge.

"Sir?" says Fregattenkapitan Harwood, Gray's executive officer.

"Have the helmsman lay in a course to put us into geo-sync over Tanah Burung, Basil. And have a squadron of Precentors scramble and make for LEO over the same."

"Aye, sir."

"Holy mother of--"

The Chimaean Command and Control Center errupted into practiced confusion as uniformed men and women tried to open contacts and find out what was going on. Air Vice Marshall Aladár Csollang, the CAFTBD Commanding Officer, was roused in short order from his nap and helicoptered into the C&C Center.

"...Have ordered Knootian forces to give up their arms and surrender. This is an armed attack on the peacemaking forces--" one of his Aides was saying dramatically.

"Oh, shut up." the Hungarian-descendant officer snapped, pinching the bridge of his nose irritably. "And I was having such a nice dream, too. Ok. Were these protestors armed?"

"Armed? Well... no, but--"

"All right, all right. Inform our field commanders that Chimaean troops are not to surrender their arms or positions until ordered to by Chimaean officers, namely me. Get CAFHC informed of the situation, if they don't know already. Someone call the Governor's Office... And the Foreign Minister, too. Christ, is there no coffee here?"

Coffee was duly provided.

"Right then. Ask the Knootians what's going on from their side. Are there any Chimaean personnel on that Naval base?"

"No combat troops, sir, only Navy technicians and the like on exchange--"

"Right well, try to contact them too. I need a clear picture of what's going on and I need it yesterday. Increase all Chimaean security to high, but no-one's to attack unless they're attacked. We don't let any non-Chimaean personnel access Chimaean facilities either. Tell them to use their discretion." he looked over a wall map at the location where the Lavenrunz forces were moored. "What the hell are you doing...?"

***


SCRAMBLER: 44565372254.46d.v45

*URGENT*

TO: Government of Lavenrunz
FROM: Office of the Governor, Chimaea

It is with most concern that we have wittnessed events unfold in Tanah Burung. Imperial Lavenrunz forces appear to have disarmed Knootian troops attempting to disperse protestors out of a sensitive military area--furthermore the Lavenrunz forces currently in Tanah Burung appear to have gone on an operational footing.

We urgently request further information on these activities and must inform Lavenrunz that there are Chimaean Armed Forces combat and peacekeeping operations in progress in Tanah Burung. We appreciate that Lavenrunz would not wish to cause any instability to the current situation and request that Lavenrunz forces cease or limit the scope of their activities within Tanah Burung.

Chimaea must also inform you that we have dispatched another Carrier Group to protect Chimaean personnel from any negative effects of any possible shift in the situation there.

Warmest regards,
Office of the Governor,
Commonwealth of Chimaea

***


SCRAMBLER: 43573255734.54j.s63

TO: Knootian Defence Force, Commanding Officer Tanah Burung
FROM: Chimaean Armed Forces High Command

Requesting sitrep on events in Tiga Burung. Preparing aid if necessary, keep us informed.

CAFHC

Tiga Burung

The waves washed up on the docks of Tiga Burung City, much as they always did. Not the garish waves of the opposite coast of this island province, waves with something to prove: no, these were little waves, breaking decourously from the straight that spearated Tiga Burung Island from the mainland, not disturbing the fishermen.

On the wharf, though, things were a bit different. Wave upon wave of pale foreigner, bristling up to their necks in high-tech weaponry, shouting at each other. Not to mention the satellite surveillance that no one on the ground was even aware of. All the troops were plenty to keep the minds of the protesters and the bystander more than occupied.

So, well, deliverance, apparently. Unless, that is, those lines of troops decided to open fire on one another. And so they looked on, watching the standoff, hoping there was no one too, too, trigger-happy.

With a cry of relief, Dinah threw her arms around Torpedoman (Second Class) Lieberman and kissed him, full on the lips.

Temporary headquarters, Tanah Burung government-in-exile, in the Commonwealth of Galdago

They say news travels faster by bush telegram than it does by the fastest aircraft, and it was already reaching the nerve centre of what was left of the Tanah Burung authorities. Somewhere, someone had phoned someone else, and they had phoned someone else, and now the co-president responsible for sports and, very occasionally, military affairs was in the know. Mari Alkatiri, tough as the shellacked fingernails of a drag queen, held his breath, waiting for the news from Tiga Burung. Wishing he was there herself, gun in hand, instead of across an ocean with no weapons but his words.

Adrian Weston, the elderly, respectable gentleman that headed ETIS, or Etaran Intelligence Service, was seated at his desk in the underground complex beneath Eledhwen Palace. He sipped his coffee gingerly, as decades of drinking the caffeine-induced drink had trained him that soft and easy was the way to go with some things. Such as allies demanding the surrender of another ally's forces. He shook his head as the data fed in. The network of VERITAS Intelligence Pact satellites and ground networks was aiding significantly in the crisis, and the aging man had already alerted the brass. Ëtaros was sure to know by now, as well as Ilossë. He fiddled with the pen in his hand, becoming extremely worried over the already tense situation. If shots were fired, an entire patchwork of allies and friends would be completely ripped to pieces. The political and economic situation was volatile. The military situation was already on the rise to a dangerous climax, and he truly felt sorry for those at the top of the government. Closing his eyes and shaking his head, he remembered the days of peace. Tranquility, with the Lietuv wind brushing along his hair. Days long gone. He resigned himself to filling out a detailed report on how he discovered the incident.

In orbit, at least two Etaran satellites were designated the coordinates over or near the Knootian naval base in Tanah Burung. One closely watched the movements of the Lavenrunz fleet with the other kept a close, a very very close, eye on the situation on the ground. Any shots fired would result in an immediate buzz to Eledhwen Palace, where red alert lights would flash in the ETIS HQ. Within moments, the entire military would be alerted and prepare to embark should the situation render it required. Snapshots were being taken every three seconds and sent down to ETIS for viewing pleasure and data collection.

In a higher, looser orbit upon the EGNV Torque, a light cruiser, Captain Riósen Borwë stood on bridge and also received the satellite imagery. He kept a close watch on the situation, and had alerted Fleet Command, which was situated somewhere between the Moon and Mars. Borwë was the Fleet's terra connection in order to inform them of happenings on the blue planet. After receiving news of the situation down on the ground, Borwë immediately sent a message to FleetCom, which promptly requested permission from NESCOM to highten its alert status and initiate Defense Protocal 78, which would ensure that any of the fleet's ships' main guns would be prepared to fire on hostile forces, as well as launch fighters or bombers if it contained such cargo. NESCOM then sent the request the Eledhwen Palace, where it was firmly denied. Borwë received the reply via FleetCom's channel, but was thanked for his quick warning and was promised a bonus on his next paycheck. The EGNV Torque was ordered to continue monitoring and alert FleetCom of any further activity.

If worst came to worst, there would always be the Etaran strike group that was sent over a year ago to rest outside of Burungian waters, keeping a close eye on the situation at hand. It too was ordered to stand down and await further orders. Thus began one of the most critical standoffs in history..one that could change the fate of nations if it went badly.

Office of the Imperial President, Imperial House, Griffin, Commonwealth of Sentient Peoples, FSP

D'ron looked down at the report on his desk, sighing his exasperation at the results of the currect crisis. They never seemed to end, and he stared at Cortana's newest recommendations for intelligence priorities.


Recommendations for Change of Classification of National Threat and Intelligence Priority Status - Eyes Only
Unauthorized access to either electronic or hard copy of this document is punishable by no lesser punishment than public execution.

Class 1 - Active Threat to Nation and Stability
The Teutonic Empire of Lavenrunz (Class 4)
- While not technically in violation of the letter of the VERITAS organization, due to the actual lack of any ban forbidding military action against another member state, the recent actions clearly violate the spirit thereof, with the unrequested deployment of military personnel to Knootian waters and lands, waters and lands granted by right of conquest.

Class 2 - Future Threat to Nation and Stability
The Empire of Treznor (Class 4)
The Dominion of the Dread Lady Nathicana (Class 4)
The Free Republic of Kelanthia (Class 4)
The Dominion of Tsaraine (Class 4)
The Empire of Gehenna Tartarus (Class 4)
The Invincible People's Federation of Marshall Island (Class 4)
The Semi-Autonomous Technocratic Oligarchy of The Most Glorious Hack (Class 4)
The Benevolent Dictatorship of Iuthia (Class 4)
The Serene^Union of Kaenei (Class 4)
The Technocratic Kingdom of Britmattia (Class 4)
- Recent inaction with regard to their memberstate's (Lavenrunz's) actions in Tarah Burung have prompted this increase in status. In particular, the apparent disregard of their own Manifesto with the Lavenrunzian violation of Knootian sovereignty, a type of sovereignty clearly recognized and supported by the NDA, especially through the actions of the Dread Lady's Government during our own occupation of Allanea, has prompted this increase in status. Further, their support of actions taken by Lavenrunz in deploying military forces is clear in their lack of condemnation, again, required by their own Manifesto. Such tacit support of these agressive actions signals an apparent shift in NDA policy, though it may be that they have secretly been anti-democracy all along, and were just trying to more subtly build a power base than the previous anti-democratic groups.

Given the above, I hereby request authorization for these category changes.

~Cortana, Chief, Intelligence Division

D'ron blew out his breath softly, and then signed the document, both the hard copy and the electronic, with both a thumbprint and a signature, and in the case of the electronic copy, his authorization codes and his retinal scan as well.

Then he moved on to the next document in the line...

Today was a relatively lazy day in the offices of Iuthia's Intelligence devision... the latest problems in Haven were becoming a little more stable with the finalisation of an agreement between Menelmacar and Ilek Vaad, even if it did leave a horrible after taste which would affect Iuthian-Vaadian relations forever more. The highest issue on the agenda was more or less confirming the latest positions in regards to ongoing concerns and looking up old data on Iraqstan "attrocities".

Overall, the incident which had only just started between Lavenrunz and Knootoss hadn't reached Iuthian ears yet... given that it had only just this moment happened it would be impossible for Iuthia to know anything was happening in Tanah Burung until it had actually happened and reached international ears through the reaction of all factions involved... hell, Knootoss themselves hadn't even had chance to react.

Later it may be asked why nations of the NDA hadn't reacted to the actions of Lavunrunz at the time... however those nations would most likely find the answer to be something along the lines of "How could our intellentience be more like your's in such a way that we could pick up events as they were happening when it's a surprise to everyone in a nation we're not even operating in?" seeing as it would have been impossible for Iuthia or any of it's allies to have gotten word of the incident while it's happening, then varify the factions involved, what they were doing, pass it along to people who could analyse the situation and give a report on it to those with authority to comment.

So... unknown the turmoils in Tanah Burung were to Iuthian Command, for the time being.


OOC: Until I see some actual incident happen completely in such a why we're likely to know about as a nation, I'm ignoring all intelligence on the matter unless they can somehow justify knowing about an action which is still happening which is a surprise to us all. As far I can tell, even Knootoss hasn't had chance to react to this... so how nations can comment already and expect comment is beyond me.

I'll delete this OOC section later or perhaps even replace the entire post with something less blatant... but seriously people, get a grip.

Kaskad HQ
Vigvar

Voronov leaned back in his chair, clearly tired by all the mess, while the aide was reading various report titles and giving a briefing of the latest happenings. Number of police and military officers killed during law enforcement operations, number of White Legion and Valinorhini operatives killed during the same operations, estimated number of approximate civilian casualties with a margin of error of ten percent, locations of the suspected White Legion and Valinorhini hideouts, requests for carte blanche to various operations, requests for authorization to proceed with the arrest and ‘interrogation’ of suspected criminal elements, Lavenrunzian soldiers menacing Knootian ones in Tanah Burung…

- Wha-at? – Voronov blinked with surprise as his hand reached to get the file out of the aides hand, toss all of the not interesting reports on the floor (into a nice pile that has been growing steadily by his desk) and finally laid his gaze on the latest report on the Lavenrunz-Knootoss incident. He blinked again and then looked up at the aide.

- Woah! We’re good. Better than I thought! We manage to gather the freshest intel ever! Ten percent pay rise to all staff!

- Yes, Sir!

Suddenly, a set of numbers attracted Voronov’s attention, tiny numbers in the corner of the report. His face became pale as his jaw dropped. The report was dated of an hour ahead of the actual time. Intel information from the future!

- Woah! We're even better than what I thought we were when I thought we were better than I thought! Make it fifty percent pay rise and find out what Duchess Yastrebova is doing tonight!

- Euh... yes, Sir!

Chancellor Schlabel called up the Knootian government and asked to speak to their Prime Minister.

----------------
Tiga Burung
----------------

Kolonel Blinkerhof turned around in utter surprise. “What the Hell?” The other soldiers also turned around, but Fredericks motioned them to lower their weapons.

“Easy, now, men”, the captain motioned. But while the men did nothing, the colonel was bristling with fury. ”You think I’d surrender to the likes of you? A treacherous hun? I’d rather die with honour then surrender to such traitors. Dan liever de lucht in!*”. The old military man grabbed the officer's pistol from his holster on the side and pointed it squarely back at Colonel Munster – however, he did not fire it. "I can point guns as well!", he exclaimed boldly even if he was perhaps just a little bit outgunned.

“Well, I’m not going anywhere”, the corporal who had been quietly smoking a cigarette just minutes ago said. He sat down on the ground, like the Burungi demonstrators, likewise in protest against the whole ridiculous situation. He pondered that he could sing a song as well… maybe one of the old protestant corsair songs. However with the autocannons pointed at him his fear was greater than any courage for a bold act of defiance. The other soldiers began to look at him, doubtful if they should follow the example. Maybe if some other people would also sit down....

Destroyer Rederijker, harboured in port.
Two reports from soldiers in the neighbourhood who had seen the landing and a look outside of the porthole at the troops assembled on the dock was all the Rederijker captain needed to hit the proverbial alarmbell. Fortunately for the Knootians, advanced Information Technology meant that messages could spread fast. The wristbands were a great aid in this: all activated wristbands that were confirmed by various means (DNA, pulse, etc) to be around their respective owner's wrist could flash tactical information and messages in a moment. And that was exactly what was done.

Alert. Lavenrunzians have landed in Tiga Burung, hostile intent. Tactical information follows next transmission…

What followed was more specific information and orders tailored to be relevant for specific units (with different codes) in the field. The units reported to be in the vicinity of the harbour itself were ordered to immediately assume defensive positions and point a gun at any Lavenrunzian they saw - but not open fire until the Lavenrunzians would. All other units in the Tiga Burung island were given visual aids (small screens, cramped info, but still) on possible locations and ordered to enter the city. The peace corps was given its own, special orders. The forces on the mainland were put on alert, the Air Force was to scramble planes and helicopters and all navy vessels and submarines were to get immediate firing solutions on Lavenrunzian targets or get in positions for exactly that.

High command in Ukun Rasikan was advised with a full report of the situation processed by CAESAR with probability calculations, which was again relayed back to the military headquarters in The Hague. Within minutes "the bunker" decided to call the mobile phone of Hans van Mierlo, minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence, who was holding peace talks with Tanah Burung representative in Pantocratoria…

(the Van Mierlo phone call will be a separate post in a different thread which I will link to later)

-------------------------------------
Adjoining building, at the same time
-------------------------------------
“Grab that last rocket launcher. Hush. Quiet now.”, one of the sergeants motioned. The group waled upstairs, quietly moving up to the roof of the warehouse, taking with them a small arsenal from the armoury including two portable machineguns with bipods and rocket launchers. The rest of the men just carried their assault rifles or pistols, whatever they were able to grab as soon as the trouble started. Trying to keep a low profile they positioned themselves overhead the apcs and Imperial marines.

”Heli!”, one soldaat said with an excited but hushed voice.

“Point weapon but hold your fire.”, the sergant hissed as one of the rocket launchers was pointed at the helicopter. “They haven’t fired yet. Don’t fire yet.” They crouched closer to get better firing positions.

---------------
Downtown
---------------
The Peace Corps forces who had been rushing from the other side of town ever since the protest started (in all due haste after the first warning shots) were making good progress. The tires of their jeeps screeched on the simple roads, carrying riot troops with all their specialised equipment as well as Daniel – chief negotiator assigned to the KDF on the island- . The Peace Corps had gotten their special orders just when they were about to enter visual range of the harbourfront, and immediately they got out of their jeeps.

Daniel oversaw it all, confident in his men even in the face of what had just happened. A vet of Knootian Colombia, he had seen the shit hit the fan before.

“Spread out into pairs throughout the city. Make sure your grenade launchers have good firing solutions on the harbour. Coordinate using your wristscreens. I’ll program a button four alert. When I give that alert or when you hear gunfire, open up a barrage. Gas the entire harbour front. Go on until you are out of grenades and then come help us”
One of the soldiers grinned at the officer: “I wonder who you’ll end up snuggling with Sir. That gas will affect you just as well.”

Daniel smiled back: “Just come to the rescue soon will ya. You might just come in time to join in.”

Getting into the jeep again he rushed to the scene only to see Blinkerhof pointing his pistol at the Lavenrunzian commander. He got out of the jeep and calmly approached the Lavenrunzians...

“Now now”, he said calmly, “what is going on here?”

---------------------------
Tanah Burung mainland
---------------------------
Fighters screeched over Ukun Rasikan and everywhere forces were getting ready for action. Key points in cities were immediately occupied.

At the same time “Radio Free Tanah Burung”, the radio channel instated by the Knootians as a way of ‘informing the citizenry’. Its ratings were decidedly poor, perhaps both because of its awful taste in music (in addition to the somewhat bearable Ode an die Freude every full hour) but perhaps also the idea many people had that listening to it was collaboration. A jolly Germanic Polka was just playing when the newscast interrupted it for a special bulletin in the local language.

“Attention, citizens! Because of a Rumbiak Brigade raid on a civilian depot, Knootian Defence Force commander Donner has declared that martial law is now in effect in Tiga Burung as well as the coastal areas in the following districts. <a list of mostly west-coast districts and everything even remotely close to Loro Sae was named>. All protests are forbidden for the time being; however there is nothing at all to worry about. This situation will be over as soon as the Rumbiak Brigade terrorists are captured. This radio station will apprise you of the situation. Now for some music...”

Hawaiian music began to play, a relaxing aloha.

KNN News Alert!
“…. Is calling an emergency meeting of VERITAS. The ministry has summoned ambassadors from various allied nations in The Hague, there are unconfirmed reports that the Lavenrunzians….”

----

Phone call
“I am sorry, General. The Prime Minister is currently unavailable at the moment. I can take a mess”… “Yes Chancellor. I understand. Please hold.”

Whispering came from the other side of the line.

“I believe you will have her message in a moment. Please stand by. I can connect you to her in a moment.”

The following message arrived at roughly the same time:

To: Lavenrunz government.
From: Lady Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan, Prime Minister

I have received reports of your forces landing in Tiga Burung and demanding the surrender of the local garrison. These actions against us can only be interpreted as acts of war, possibly serious preparations for a war in Tanah Burung.

Our trust was cruelly betrayed. A sneak attack by an ally whom we were hosting as guests, one who opened his doors to another VERTIAS member and found it has let in a Trojan horse. If there was any problem you would have had with any of our actions you could have approached us through various diplomatic avenues, yet instead you have chosen to give us the sword while pretending to speak friend.

I hope that you will agree with me that both of us have a common interest in making sure that this incident will not escalate into a full-scale war. The responsibility of threatening the stability of the civilized world at large will not be of my doing. We will not be the first to shoot. Nobody is threatening the interests of Lavenrunz, which could well have waited for diplomacy instead of this honourless attack. Lavenrunzian honour is at stake. My friendship for you and the Teutonic Empire has always been sacred to Knootoss, and we have backed up Lavenrunz in dire times of need. This, too, is now at risk.

I must inform you now however that my responsibility for the safety of the Republic forces me to take extensive preventive measures of defence.

At this moment you still have the power to avert war. I confidently hope that you will help me in my efforts to smooth over any difficulties in the close and ancient friendship which binds us both.

Yours,

Galadriël


-----
*"Dan liever de lucht in" (Dutch) literally means: "Then rather into the air" meaning: "I will rather blow myself up" And it is a well-known phrase, known as the words last known words Knootian captain J.C.J van Speijk spoke before he blew his ship up to prevent it from capture by the Angstians (during the 19th century).

The First Republican and Minister of Foreign Affairs switched to the KNN as an aid informed them that something was happening.

The First Republican frowned "So, Knootoss is going to declare war on Lavenrunz now?"

The Minister shrugged "They declared war on us for declaring a boycott of Knootian businesses."

The First Republican shrugged "Well, we did arrest some Knootian businessmen, didn't we?"

The Minister smiled "Well yes, you see if we allow them to keep conducting business after declaring it illegal for them to do business in our nation...............well, everyone knew that Knootians were banned from transacting business in the Free Republic, they had to know if they kept doing it , it was illegal, and they'd be arrested."

The First Republican chuckled "That does make sense. So who do we support, the Lavenrunzians?"

The Minister wrinkled his nose "Neither. The Lavenrunzians have defied every attempt we've made to even normalize relations and the Knootians won't even discuss their declaration of war with me, so let them fight each other. It won't hurt us."

The First Republican nodded "Quite right. Switch back to the downhill finals."

OOC: poke,poke,poke ;)

OOC: Fine and well, this conversation but my businessmen were arrested on the spot. Not continuing to do business or anything. In addition you arrested ALL Knootians and non-Knootians just for being alledged members of the Order of the Invisible Hand. Oh, and seizing our goods.

Of course, your First Republican and minster could just be terribly uninformed ICly. Hell do I know. But no matter. :rolleyes:

IC:
A gentlemens club, precisely that moment
With the precision that comes with years of practice in throwing darts at an old dartboard, OotIH member Hans van Buren threw his little arrow at the picture of the first Republican, hitting him square between the eyes.

"Bingo."

OOC: Only by YOUR timeline where six months equal less than a day. And not ALL Knootians were arrested, just known members of the Invisible Hand and those conducting illegal business in Ilek-Vaad. If it makes you feel any better even if they are found guilty of capital offences they'll be deported and simply banned from returning. But I digress.

I won't comment about it anymore here, continue on with your thread.

(now boys, don't make me set up an ooc chatter and poking thread!)

Loro Sae

Tak hated the job of monitoring the enemy radio frequencies. "Radio Free Tanah Burung" indeed. He snorted in derision. On the other hand, the announcer's comical accent when attempting the Biak tongue was always entertaining. Tetemelayu, they were managing to speak well enough, but whoever they had trying Biak was, quite simply, laughable. So Tak laughed.

"All protests are forbidden for the time being..." the staccato voice spat out, after the usual nonsense.

Hmm, that was new. That sobered him up. The city had been silent as the grave since Knootian forces arrived. Something had them spooked. And that bore reporting. He ran off to give his report, elsewhere in the city.

Phone call clarifying thingy to clarify that general person is actually being connected

"I am connecting you to her as we speak, please wait a moment", the random telephone routing person said.

A female voice was answered on the other side of the line, the soft humming of machines and men talking in agitated voices in the background.

"Hello?"

As Chancellor Schlabel was saying "Prime Minister nos Cirdan, I presume?"

Colonel Munster patted the 25mm autocannon that was opposing the Knootian officer's weapon. "You have exactly five seconds...or we will open fire upon you."
Her own forces were grimly ready; the Imperial Marines all looked almost expressionless, their G-11s aimed, each capable of firing a virtual stream of bullets. The sixteen Vogelhund APCs and their cannon, the HMMWVs and their .50 cals, were locked and loaded, helicopters hovered overhead, watching for tricks.

As the planes began scrambling, a signal went to the AWACs and a warning was given: for them to land or else be fired upon. As this warning went out a flight of Wachtmeisters flew out to flank any planes reaching the sky, flanked by another higher above, with the flight of Feuerkatzen circling the town.

From farther out to sea, the two cruisers sent a message to the destroyer, warning that they had Fafnir Missiles aimed in its direction lest it take any action...

OOC: Knootoss and I did a sort of rp online but I'd like before either of us posts anything about it for there to be a reaction to my last post in character, as the phone conversation is long and the other thing would take place in a couple of minutes.

*Moo Moo Farm City Hall, Hell Bovines

The deep voice of the Hell Bovinian vice-duque, Whitey Bighorns, roared inside the main hall of the stone building, the Moo Moo Farm City Hall. A number of farmaceutics, cooperative representatives and health experts were there, attending a conference regarding the exploration of possible solutions to the problem of illegal cosumption of tranquilizers imported from nearby ally Biotopia.
"....More than three thousand Hell Bovinians have become addicted to these dangerous tranquilizers, sold without prescription or recipe. Besides reinforcing border patrols and police vigilance to stop the illegal trade of this drug, the government is currently thinking about creating a special control organism to check the licenses of drugs in the coutry and..."
As the duque finished his speech, he was interrupted by an aide who was calling him urgently. "Mr. Bighorns, I have an urgent phone call from the defense minister!"

"What's wrong, Blinkey?", asked the vice-duque as he picked up the phone.
"Seems like a serious fight is about to begin in Tiga Burung between Lavenrulzian and Knootian troops, according to the Knootian media. Apparently, the Lavenrulzians have tried to stop the knootians from repressing a popular protest and are ordering the disarmament of Knootian soldiers."
"Damn!....Having more Hell Bovinians killed is the last thing my government needs right now. Keep watch of what's going on; If the conflict escalates, you have my authorization to order a small naval detachment to be sent to Tiga Burung, with the orders of protecting the Hell Bovinian ambassador and diplomats in the city and bringing them to safety. I'll meet you at the Royal palace in one hour.", Ordered the vice-duque.
He was rightfully worried, after all. A public campaign against him and in favour of Hell Bovinian intervention in the Tanah Burung crisis had been launched and the campaigners had already managed to achieve many sucesses.
The political trial against him, started by several NGOs, was progressing quickly, and had the ultime aim of removing him from office.
As he hanged the phone, he took a deep breath and returned to the main hall, to continue with that meaningless conference, hoping he could survive unharmed to this political crisis.

*In small village, in the depths of the Burungi Jungles.

The large, crowned Bovine figure was examining a map deployed on the table.
"It is a good plan, a nice plan to strike at the heart of the imperialist murderers", the Duque Mooo IV said to himself as he finished polishing the plan he had conceived.
With the map under his arm he walked torwards the main hut of the village, were Bi Kikere, leader of the Burungi resistance, was resting.
He knocked at the door. "It's me, Milky. I have a plan that might interest you, mau bere."

OOC: What needs to cool down? Why make a big deal about this? All I want you to do, Knoot, is post what your people are doing on the spot in response to what I posted more than two days ago. The conversation we had on irc in fact might change based on that.

OOC: I'm frankly tired of all this. Let's assume that my troops all withdraw. I'm done with this thread. Enjoy.

Phone call
"Galadriël here."

"Ah Prime Minister. How do you do?" Schlabel pressed a button and some Handel quietly came on.

"Quite busy I'm afraid", the elf responded. "Mobilisations tend to cut ones free afternoons short."

"Mobilisations, eh? For what, may I ask?" he asked pleasantly.

"A very good question indeed", she responded much more tense. "I thought that you might know more about that."

"Why don't we stop talking in riddles, Prime Minister?" Schlabel suggested in a calm voice. "I take it you are upset by rumors about our marines asking your troops to stand down in Tiga Burung." Galadriël looked back into the bunker at a holographic map of Tiga Burung lighting up, projected from a solid table. It featured various red and blue spots representing Lavenrunzian (projected) and Knootian units on and around the island. "My generals insist that they are not rumours."

"I agree." said Schlabel. "So whats going on over there? Why are you doing this?", she insisted. "Well, to stop your people from shooting the protestors." Schlabel replied. Galadriël frowned. "I've heard of that, yes. Some protest going on. Our computer predictions find it highly unlikely though that this would require you to deploy AWACS and helicopters. Some reports...." she glanced over the Events Monitor screen in front of her, "are of your troops taking over the base."

"We're being thorough." said Schlabel. He sighed and watched the falling snow from his window. "In other words, we think that your actions demonstrate that you are usurpers in Tanah Burung, and that your troops there should stand down."

"I see", she replied. "Well, I'm willing to look into this protest matter right away. Reports are fuzzy and conflicting from this end but I can assure you that Knootian troops would never shoot protestors." she sighed before continuing. "However allies pointing guns at one another really does not help this situation. I'd appreciate if you would order your men to withdraw back to their ships. I can assure you that I'll prevent any violence from happening."

“Do I have your word of honour that these protestors will not be harmed?”, the General asked. Galadriël replied affirmatively: “They will not. But I will ask to have them moved.”

“I will hold you to your word, Madam”, the Lavenrunzian said in closing. “Goodbye.”

OOC: the last three paragraphs replace the "ARRGH CITIES WILL BURN" bit of the conversation so this makes sense IC. More later. Damn project keeping me busy.

*In small village, in the depths of the Burungi Jungles.

The large, crowned Bovine figure was examining a map deployed on the table.
"It is a good plan, a nice plan to strike at the heart of the imperialist murderers", the Duque Mooo IV said to himself as he finished polishing the plan he had conceived.
With the map under his arm he walked torwards the main hut of the village, were Bi Kikere, leader of the Burungi resistance, was resting.
He knocked at the door. "It's me, Milky. I have a plan that might interest you, mau bere."

Bi Kikere laughed to hear the crowned head of the the Ecotopian Grand Duchy, fourth of his line, refer to himself as "Milky." At least, she hoped it was himself. She didn't quite fancy "Milky" as a nickname, somehow. It sounded udderly wrong.

"A plan, Your Bovine Majesty?" she said with excitement in her voice. All that her so-called colonels had managed to come up with was "when the enemy advances, we retreat, when the enemy retreats, we advance, always harry them, move through the people like fish in the ocean, to resist is to win." Which may have been sound enough strategy for guerrilla warfare, but somehow seemed to lack imagination.

As a former football goalkeeper, Bi Kikere loved imaginative strategies. She hoped that the Duque had one for her. And was that a map, or was he just happy to see her?

"A plan?" she repeated, almost squealing the words. "It would be my honour to hear your Plan, companero."

Spinoff thread, for anyone interested: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=393987

OOC: Hate to be a bother, TB, but could I maybe get some info and action from the Loro Sae front? That way I'll know what I can do with my deployment?

(Hmm. Within the limits of near-complete ignorance of things military, i'll try. It'll have to be atmospheric, though...)

Enarotali village, Loro Sae province

The children were signing Kololele Mai for him as Thijs walked back into the village, tour of duty done for the next two days. A song of sadness and homecoming. Gabriela ran out to meet him, clutching the baby.

"Home from war, darlin'. Home from war." He grabbed his wife and spun her around, being careful to keep his rifle out of the way. They kissed with all the passion of newleyweds separated just months after their marriage.

"Manrmakeri be thanked, you're back safe again," Gabriela said, naming her favourite local deity: the Itchy Man of legend. "Safe to be with us again."

"And to tap the rubber trees, too, eh dear?" Thijs said jokingly.

Gabriela punched him lightly on the arm. "I can tap the trees myself, husband. You worry about defending our country. How goes the battle?"

"As always. The Knootians hold Loro Sae City and we leave them to fester there. They can do nothing there, the general strike has paralyzed everything, and they even have to bring in their own food since none of our people will sell them meat. Well, not meat they'd want to eat, anyway." He laughed. It was not a friendly laugh.

"And the jungles? Have you had to fire shots? I pray for you, whenever i hear one of their helicopters fly over."

"Fire shots? Not too many. Yes, their soldiers come through by day in their convoys of steel, sometimes, but they would not dare travel the jungle paths in small numbers. They know our ambushes await them, and that we'd show them no more mercy than they show us. I have fired a few shots at the helicopters this week, though."

"Be careful, dear one. You have to come home to us."

"If the spirits of the trees are willing, then i shall always come home to you, Gabriela. But you know i have to fight for the cause."

"For the country, yes."

"The country? Maybe. For Rumbiak, more like."

The same wound. Gabriela could never understand her husband's devotion to that old dead fool, tilting at his windmills. The old fool who had brought down destruction upon them, at the hands of these strange ghosts from across the sea with their helicopters and their cruelty and their constant chattering on the airwaves.

"Forget him, husband. Come to bed with me."

From the hills, they heard the low call of a bird of paradise. Dawn's fingers touched the sky: morning. Time to go inside, time for Thijs to switch from soldier to innocent rubber tapper. For a day, at least.

Vrak Prime

Once again to the Dozle war memorial in this infernal Klatchian climate. Something dreadful it was. Sumtiro longed for the beach. He shook off the desire. Duty was here.

And there was his contact, the same man as before. He'd call it careless to send the same man, but perhaps the rebels just had the one man in Vrak. After all, Sumitro was here alone, swapping blueprints for guns.

He'd given the stranger the plans to design luxury zeppelins, as requested. Probably they wouldn't need the plush seats. Probably they were planning something far less tourist-oriented than what these blimps were generally used for.

"No business of mine," he said under his breath.

"What's that?" His contact had heard him muttering.

"Doesn't matter. I believe my friends are due for a second shipment?"

Vrak Prime
The man on the park bench kept his eyes on his newspaper.
"Your next shipment is a bit behind. The tug with the last load out to us got diverted to another customer...emergency order it appears. Seems are so called brethern in Deylli Beybi are up to no good again."

He turned the page and kept reading. "When I leave, the National Geographic next to me has the locations and moon phases of the five deliveries of the next shipment. They are in blue crayon this time."

He folded his paper and stood up walking away from his contact and leaving an old, battered copy of National Geographic with a smiling face of a Burungi on the cover with the words: Knootian East Indies Charts A New Path

Inside was a map that looked like a five year old had used it for drawing on. In amoungst the loops and teddy bears in red crayon were blue circles over various waterbodies. The lines within the circles indicated the moon phase that the deliveries would be made over the comming moon cycle.

Tanah Burung
The odd pitched engine noise of the Cyclops UAV was too quiet to be heard on the ground below. It had become a familiar, odd shape since the intervention, flying through the air quietly like some misshaped bird. The secondary boom that gave the plane its odd shape was filled with equipment that captured infared and false-apature radar images of the jungle below. These were then relayed south to the Knootians.

OOC: Yes, I am helping both sides...I am supposed to be a Machivellian nation.

(ooc: curse you & your duplicity! ;) )

Vrak Prime

Sumitro rolled his eyes, and then laughed at the magazine. Well, full credit for a sense of irony, i suppose. He began to compose a coded message to the Burungi refugee camp in Tosteauveax, Eauz.

Loro Sae City

A fat five-year old boy sat on a small throne, secreted in the basement of an an animal hospital. He was eating an oily paste, some sort of olive and chick-pea concoction from the looks of it. Dribbles of food fell from his lips as he gorged himself.

"It's too much food, guru," he complained.

"Eat, Tashi, eat. It's your destiny," replied a man dressed in saffron robes. "You have to be big and strong for the challenge ahead."

Outside, a gaggle of teenagers was gathering. Oddly enough, they seemed to be carrying megaphones.

Tanah Berung, Eauz Border

Pilgrim-99 roared up the last few thousand feet of the mountain pass. The pilot kept his eyes glued to the mountains on both sides of his Duck through his night vision goggles and licked his lips. His eyes darted to the small digital screen mounted above the rest of the control panel. His eyes caught the two sets of numbers

12,856
298

His eyes were again on the quickly vanishing slope ahead of him. He hated this part of the flight. Trying to stay under 300 ft near the surface while climbing over mountains was a horror. They never talked about this crap in the brochures...

The worst part was that if he crashed, he'd die unsung and his body would be left to mumify in the alpine winds about.

The pilots thoughts went back to the task at hand as his co-pilot with the timer began to read the countdown...."9...8...7...." whoever thought this up in IIS is either a genius or a lunatic, likely both"3...2...1...Mark"

The pilot pitched the seaplane back downwards and towards the jungles of Tanah Burung. "Another hour and a half until we reach the LZ..."

"I hate landing on rivers...always having to suddenly correct for currents...it is a pisser is what it is...."

"All so the locals can have a few more guns and AA missles to push the Knootians back out..."

Naval Research Department,
Thunderbay Naval Base,
The United Duchies

The lights turned back up as the design team leader turned and asked, "So what are your questions?"

"How much time have we saved on the project with the information from Diablo-2?" The voice was female, older. Likely Rear Admiral Pincket, she absoultely detested having anything to do with Mr. Black and the IIS.

"Quite a bit Ma'm, between not having to do new research into envlope materials, the basic design parameters for their beams, and their computer stress simulators as a basic groundwork for our development project we saved upwards to 12000 manhours...maybe 24 months so far in project development time."

"I thought we were not using their envelope material?" It sounded like Fishborne from Fifth Fleet this time.

"No sir, we have used as the basis of our current envelope design, specifically the inner layer....but we have replaced some of the more, traditional materials with modern substitutes and added a thin self-sealing layer to deal with punctures."

"Ah...so Diablo-2 has been a success..." Fishborne added...Fifth fleet spent a good deal of time with Mr. Black and his associates.

"I couldn't say sir..."

"Diablo-1 has been so, so..." That was the Rear Admiral again. Of course she had been a staunch supporter of the cyclops project.

"Oh?"

"Too many of Diablo-2 little presents have..."

"Shown that the cyclops has a potential weakness against multiple, near shoulder fired anti-air missle attacks..." That voice was well known throughout the navy. Sir Pellew, the Naval Marshall Himself.

"Yes sir..."

"We will not discuss the Diablo projects futher at the moment. We are hoping that a peaceful solution to the crisis will make futher extensions of the Diablo impossible..."

Almost everyone said, "Aye, Aye sir..."

(OOC: I am being clandestine in helping both sides in this little mess they have gotten themselves into. Offically A+H is neutral)

"

Bi Kikere laughed to hear the crowned head of the the Ecotopian Grand Duchy, fourth of his line, refer to himself as "Milky." At least, she hoped it was himself. She didn't quite fancy "Milky" as a nickname, somehow. It sounded udderly wrong.

"A plan, Your Bovine Majesty?" she said with excitement in her voice. All that her so-called colonels had managed to come up with was "when the enemy advances, we retreat, when the enemy retreats, we advance, always harry them, move through the people like fish in the ocean, to resist is to win." Which may have been sound enough strategy for guerrilla warfare, but somehow seemed to lack imagination.

As a former football goalkeeper, Bi Kikere loved imaginative strategies. She hoped that the Duque had one for her. And was that a map, or was he just happy to see her?

"A plan?" she repeated, almost squealing the words. "It would be my honour to hear your Plan, companero."

"Well, I'm glad you're interested.", said the Bovine head of state as he placed a large, dusty map of Tanah Burung on the bamboo table.
He felt a flashback to his teenage years, when as a youg spy for the Bovine Liberation Squad, he could overhear the Hell Bovinian revolutionary generals planning their strategies for defeating Galdagan troops. The difference is that he was the one making plans now, and the enemies didn't speak Galdagan spanish, but Dutch.

The duque's mind returned to the present and he start explaining himself:
"If what the explorers have told us is correct, then there is an important airfield, the Kililurang* Airfield, at this location, and it's being used to deploy weapons."
With his hoovish hand he pointed at a small red dot marked in the map.
"Apparently, this airfield is the main weapon deploying center in the whole Burung-Meng-Yuat-Dunia area. As it's close to the Maglev Lines, it's used to deploy weapons to a good part of the soldiers in this province.
Since the weapons are deployed by plane, they need a radar to land. I was thinking that, if we managed to attack this airfield and damage its radar monitoring equipment, we would strike a huge blow to the Knootians".

"The problem is that the airfield is well-guarded. There are around 50 soldiers in the surrounding areas. But I think that if we move quickly and use mortars, we could be sucessful in this."
"What do you think, friend?"


OOC: *Burungi-like name invented by me. feel free to change it....

An airfield on the mainland? Bi Kikere went a little pale in shock. Everyone knew jet planes were not permitted anywhere expect Tiga Burung island.

"Damn those Knootian filth." She spat out the words. "Is it not enough that they kill our people? Now they are raping the earth. There will be a reckoning for these murderers, these sickening offspring of dogs and monkeys." She stopped suddenly. Perhaps it was better not to compare her enemies to animals in front of the most famous citizen of the Non-Human Union.

"Forgive me, Your Duqueness. The Knootians just make me so angry. I think your plan is an excellent one: we must strike now at this nest of viper-, er, this nest of invaders. And we just happen to ahve received a shipment of mortars, conveniently enough."

She called the vilalge forces together, and asked for volunteers. "It's a dangerous mission, adik-adik, but a vital one. The Duque of Hell Bovines himself shall lead the attack. Can true patriots do less?" One by one, guerrillas began to volunteer for the mission.

bump

An airfield on the mainland? Bi Kikere went a little pale in shock. Everyone knew jet planes were not permitted anywhere expect Tiga Burung island.

"Damn those Knootian filth." She spat out the words. "Is it not enough that they kill our people? Now they are raping the earth. There will be a reckoning for these murderers, these sickening offspring of dogs and monkeys." She stopped suddenly. Perhaps it was better not to compare her enemies to animals in front of the most famous citizen of the Non-Human Union.

"Forgive me, Your Duqueness. The Knootians just make me so angry. I think your plan is an excellent one: we must strike now at this nest of viper-, er, this nest of invaders. And we just happen to ahve received a shipment of mortars, conveniently enough."

She called the vilalge forces together, and asked for volunteers. "It's a dangerous mission, adik-adik, but a vital one. The Duque of Hell Bovines himself shall lead the attack. Can true patriots do less?" One by one, guerrillas began to volunteer for the mission.

The duque went inside his hut, left his crown, his staff, and grabbed a machete. He hated fighting, but deep inside he knew he was doing the right thing. For these days, he would not be the duque of Hell Bovines anymore; he would be a soldier.
As he left the hut and the protocols inside, the duque rejoiced when discovering the large number of volunteers that had turned for his mission. Coming from huts, from inside the rainforests; in a matter of minutes more than 25 brave warriors were present at his side. People from different nationalities; Burungis, Weegies and Bovines, all of them carrying guns, machetes and mortars, all of them eager to engage in combat.
"The braveness of these brigades and their members doesn't cease to amaze me", the duque said. "Be proud, soldiers, for today we are fighting not for the freedom of Tanah Burung, but of that of the whole third world"

And with that words, the duque and his 26 followers begun walking north, heading torwards the red cross marked in the map.

((OOC: want me to respond yet HB?
Anyway, cross-referencing the following because I could not decide where to post the KNN news thing. So it is now here and in the KNN news thread.))

The KNN Online Bulletin was the first to break the story, as leaked carefully by top foreign ministry officials:

Peace deal reached with Tanah Burung, say officials
THE HAGUE – Top foreign ministry officials told KNN News that a conference in Pantocratoria with Tanah Burung diplomats has produced a working deal on a Knootian withdrawal before the elections. In the proposed deal the KDF will withdraw in stages from Tanah Burung, agreeing to hand control of the island of Tiga Burung as soon as all suspected Rumbiak Brigade members there have been arrested by a third nation, which has not yet been selected. Full withdrawal is expected in four months.

Foreign Minister Hans van Mierlo and Burungi diplomats are said to be in agreement about trials for the Rumbiak Brigade – to be held in an as yet unnamed nation – as well as agreeing on a procedure for withdrawal. “There are still some minor issues to hammer out”, a foreign ministry official told KNN on condition of anonymity, “but the stakes for both parties are so high that these can be resolved.” While several foreign ministry officials stressed that they were “in no hurry” to conclude a deal there has been some unease amongst coalition politicians about the length of the negotiations, especially as a recent poll put the opposition KGP party at eighty seats in the Staten-Generaal. When asked for comment, the office of the Prime Minister denied that any deal had been concluded.


The headlines of the national papers, as always, gave a mixed view on the situation with each paper choosing its own lead.

LIBERALS RUN FROM TB
Hans van Mierlo bows for terror; secret agreement with enemies

Hawks and doves clash over proposed withdrawal

SLP tries peace with elections imminent

Chantouillet agreement suggests phased withdrawal -
domestic support unclear

Coronada

Know the enemy, Mari Alkatiri reminded himself as he read the lies that passed for news in the Knootian online media. Then the KNN online page he was reading dissolved and came up again with a new breaking news item: Peace Deal Reached...

Alkatiri's stomach dropped into his boots. What was this about? Had his negotiator in Pantocratoria come to a deal without even informing him? Or was this another lie told by the Country of Lies and its corporate-controlled media?

He grabbed for his private satellite phone and began to dial.

OOC: Since there's been some resolution it seems I'll be dictating a post shortly. But I wish to ask you something, TB. Would you be willing to allow the deployment of the Centurion Mobile Regiment currently present to serve as part of the force trying to apprehend brigade members? Small size and the nature of their equipment would allow them to be less intrusive to Burungi life, and I can have them withdrawal as soon as the treaty provisions are fulfilled.

ooc, i'd be perfectly happy with that Val. IC, it would only be agreed if Valinon was one of two or more countries, and only if the team includes others less friendly to the Knootian side.

OOC: Both accounts are certainly doable. A new Centurion detachment would probably be sent under the command of Oberst Santiago, who is known for her political neutrality. If you would be so kind as to point me in the area of the negotiations thread, I will submit the offer formally.

OOC: Both accounts are certainly doable. A new Centurion detachment would probably be sent under the command of Oberst Santiago, who is known for her political neutrality. If you would be so kind as to point me in the area of the negotiations thread, I will submit the offer formally.

OOC: Well actually I've been in T.G. negotations about helping out with extracting Knootoss from this mess...Of course I was going to go post a formal suggestion over on the KIST forum...

OOC: Meh, I think Valinon's alliance with Knootoss and a long-standing relationship behooves us to do something in order to help Knootoss out of this mess besides send one company into the whole endeavor that basicaly didn't do much besides limitedly assist in Knootian security operations. Besides, I think a combined Valinor/Alconan (sp?) operation could go rather well. The Valinor military has a standing respect of the Klatchian militaries based on the Dozle/Adamite wars.

OOC: check T.G.'s

((OOC: post 1/3 for today))

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Tanah Burung jungle
-----------------------

And with that words, the duque and his 26 followers begun walking north, heading torwards the red cross marked in the map.

By the roadside lay a makeshift helicopter base with barracks and a munitions depot baking calmly in the hot Burungi sun. The flags of Knootoss and the protectorate of Ale-Yarok hung lazily by their respective flagpoles, not bothering to wave when there was no wind to stir them. Three slabs of asphalt amidst the clear-cut forest provided for helicopter landing and refuelling,

Simple chained wire formed the bases only apparent defence, but who looked closely would see small yellow signs near the ground with skulls painted on them. Such signs, which always bore under it a small inscription in Russian:

Опасно! Мины!

Indeed, such signs could be found everywhere in the area, courtesy of Taraskovyan ingenuity in laying minefields. But for anyone who knew the area there were paths. Corridors were the mines had not been layed. And some of these corridors provided for walking trails to wherever one wanted to go. In fact it was almost as if the system had been purposefully designed to let leaks pass through.

“We have incoming”, the radio crackled softly as a Yiddish voice cautioned the base. “Heat scanners on heli patrol report twenty humanoid moving into Mine Corridor 415 south by south west. Advise caution.”

OOC: Post 2/3 for today

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Noordeinde Palace
--------------------
That night the Elvish negotiator of the Pantocratoria-mission, Amras Eärfalas, stayed at Noodeinde palace with Prime Minister Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan.

"Elen sila lumenn'omentielvo, my dear Amras! I could not have a more welcome visitor," Galadriël said as she came out to meet her old friend. "So you're a messenger of peace now?" – her greeting was bittersweet. Amras came into the Prime Ministers luxurious study and sat down to the dinner prepared for him while Galadriël, too, settled down comfortably beside the fire. During the Chantouillet negotiations he had been deprived of some of the comforts and refinements of high Knootian life, and the elf felt a pleasant sense of repose among the luxurious surroundings which he had been accustomed to from childhood. And above all it was pleasant to speak Quenya again.

Galadriël was originally of the same circle as Amras Eärfalas. They had known each other previously in Rotterdam, but had become more intimate in The Hague during her tenure as state-secretary in the foreign ministry and his services to Galadriël were valued not only for what he wrote, but also useful given his adeptness in dealing with those in the highest spheres of business life, even if his short fuse was a well-known liability.

"Well, now tell me about your exploits," she asked and Amras described the engagement and his reception by the Pantocratorians. "They received the minister and he listened and ignored your commandment not to agree to anything." he concluded. Galadriël smiled and the frown on her face disappeared.

"Thank you for your report, friend" she remarked, examining her nails from a distance, "But my dear fellow, with all my respect for your efforts to work with that impotent van Mierlo, I must say that our supposed diplomatic victory was not particularly victorious."

"Come now! You with all your forces invade that meek unfortunate state of Tanah Burung, and even then Alkatiri and his troupe and the Rumbiak Brigade and Bi Kikere slip through your fingers! Where's the victory in this whole endeavour anyway?" Galadriël did not stop examining her nails. "But seriously," said Amras Eärfalas after pausing for a moment, "I can at any rate say without boasting that it was a little better than what we had so far..."

"Why didn't you make out proposal to Bi Bere as the plan was?", the Prime Minister said suddenly.

"I know," answered the other elf elf, "you're thinking it's very easy to induce people to do our work or to steer negotiations as a powerless attaché, while sitting on a sofa by the fire!”

“That is true, but you still did not stop this deal when it all went wrong.” She looked straight at Eärfalas. “So don't be surprised if I am not much delighted by your efforts."

"It is now my turn to ask you 'why?' serme," said Amras. "I confess I do not understand: perhaps there are subtleties I can't make out. The Economic Affairs man Erhard manages to accomplish absolutely nothing when we wanted him to, and your newly appointed Mr. Kortzak give no signs of life for months while making blunder after blunder. Hans van Mierlo alone at last gains a breakthrough of sorts and the Prime Minister of Knootoss does not even care to hear the details!"

"That's just it, my dear fellow. You see it's hurrah for diplomacy, for peace, for fighting terror! All that is beautiful, but what do I care for these achievements? Bring me nice news of a victory by General Donner over the Brigades, even if fits just over a group amateur insurgents. That will be another story and we'll spin it round and round! But this sort of thing seems done on purpose to vex the party. As it is the RCPK does nothing while van Mierlo publicly disgraces himself with these Pantocratorians. We will lose control of The Hague, lose our campaign and make a weak deal and then you congratulate me on the victory! Admit that more irritating news than yours could not have been conceived. It's as if it had been done on purpose, on purpose I tell you!” She glared angrily into the fire. “Besides, suppose you did gain a good compromise, if even if its van Mierlo who did the deal. What effect would that have on the general course of events? It's too late now with elections on our doorstep. We won’t even get a majority right now even if the SLP would still want to govern with us.”

"What?!" After the fatigues and impressions of the journey, Amras felt that he could not take in the full significance of the words he heard.

"Lousewies van der Laan was here this morning," Galadriël continued, "and talked to me about the poll numbers describing KGP gains. You see, a peace agreement is no longer a cause for relief. Its no longer the governments savoir."

"Really I don't care about that, I don't care at all," said Amras Eärfalas, beginning to understand that his news of the sortof-almost-compromise with Bi Bere was really of small importance in view of the elections. "But still this does not mean that the campaign is over, we still have time." he said more quietly.

"Well, I think it is. The human RCPK bigwigs think so too, but they daren't say so. It will be the electoral campaign, not the negotiations in Pantocratoria that will decide the matter." She paused.

"Do you really think the campaign is over?" Amras asked.

"This is what I think. Knootoss has been made a fool of, and she is not used to it. And therefore- this is between ourselves- I instinctively feel that we are being deceived; my instinct tells me the foreign ministry is holding these negotiations with Tanah Burung separately without consulting me. The old man has too much influence there left. That is what I’m feeling. A secret deal concluded without consulting me."

"Impossible!" cried Amras Eärfalas. "That would be too base."

"If we live we shall see," replied Galadriël, her face again becoming smooth as a sign that the conversation was at an end.

OOC: post 3/3 in this thread today

http://www.fredvogels.org/images/binnenhof.gif

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KNN News Spin - Binnenhof
----------------------------
Galadriël looked straight into the lens of the KNN camera while posing in front of the The Hague inner court. With the wind only blowing softly, Galadriël made sure that it was playing with her hair only a little. Speaking from memory, she began:

“I have a few words for Mari Alkatiri

First of all, I understand the fear of war and the pain of division that afflicts both our nations -- and I pledge to you my country's efforts to help overcome these burdens. To be sure, we Knootians must resist terrorism and therefore maintain our military strength. Yet we also seek peace; so we must strive to come together.

Several months ago, the Rumbiak Brigade challenged the Free World with a grave new threat of international terrorism. Knootoss and its allies responded by committing itself to the elimination of this threat unless Tanah Burung agreed to a better solution; namely, the elimination of the Rumbiak Brigade in a peaceful way under the rule of law. For many months, they refused to bargain in earnest. As the alliance, in turn, prepared to go forward with Operation Tempo Dulu, there were difficult days--days of protests – while the Burungi side did not make sensible offers.

But through it all, the alliance held firm. And I invite those who protested then-- I invite those who protest today--to mark this fact: Because we remained strong, Tanah Burung came back to the table. And because we remained strong, today we have within reach the possibility, not merely of peace between our nations, but of eliminating the Rumbiak Brigade from the face of the earth.

Mr. Alkatiri, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for both our nations, if you seek reconciliation then seal this deal!”

Having seen KNN, Dr Drapeur held a press conference in New Rome, concerned that the work of the past days had been undermined by that meddlesome elf in the Hague.

"It was my privilege to act as the mediator at the Chantouillet negotiations between Monsieur van Mierlo of Knootoss, and Madame Bi Bere of Tanah Burung, at which the peace proposal, which will see a gradual, but total withdrawal of Knootian and Knootian-allied troops from Tanah Burung if finalised, was discussed and in-principle agreed to." he began. "I believe these negotiations represent a chance for peace for Tanah Burung, a peace achieved not through military adventurism, but through diplomatic engagement and responsible decision making. The proposal as it stands is a vindication of the position of the Pantocratorian Imperial Government, that is to say, that national security can indeed be accomplished through engagement, through diplomacy."

"I am, of course, aware that at this stage, this is just a proposal, and nothing has been agreed to for certain. I would like to commend both Madame Bi Bere and Monsieur van Mierlo and their respective governments for their courage in working for a peace that neither side thought possible just a short time ago." he continued. "But nothing is set in stone, and that is why I am particularly concerned by the efforts of certain people, both in politics and in the media, to spin a mutually sought-after and agreed upon peace proposal into a victory for one side or another. I am concerned because such rhetoric endangers the very peace it claims as a victory. Let us be clear. There are no winners and losers in war, only losers. Likewise in peace, there are no winners or losers; there is, instead, a coming together of both sides, to bring about an end to conflict. We have reached a critical time in these negotiations, a cooling-off period, if you will. Both sides must be able to consider the proposal on its merit. It is my belief that if the rhetoric, the nationalism, the juvenile pride which costs young men and women their lives every day in Tanah Burung, is set aside, then this proposal will mean peace. If on the other hand this proposal becomes yet another weapon in the arsenal of spin, in the rhetoric of war, of winners and losers, of conquerers and the conquered, then these negotiations will have failed. I urge both sides to take the peaceful way out of this situation, and to avoid the temptation of escalating things for political gain."

He stood ready to answer any questions.

To: Prime Minister Galadrial nos Cirdan and Herr Mari Alkatiri of Tanah Burung
From: Count Henri Leopold, Her Majesty's Special Ambassador for the Tanah Burungi Issue
Concerning: Contribution of Peacekeeping and Security Forces

My friends,

Her Majesty and Her Majesty's Government are estatic that your respective nations have at long last been able to reach a common concord regarding the current crisis in Tanah Burung. We are fully confident that the nations of Knootoss and Tanah Burung can continue to work together until the matter is fully resolved.

The United Star Empire wishes to aid and further the peace process in Tanah Burung as much as possible. To this effect, we wish to offer the services of Her Majesty's Reichswehr Centurion Mobile Regiment to assist in apprehending the terrorists that operate under the banner of the Rumbiak Brigade.

We of course realize that their may be some suspicion to our motives on that part of the government of Tanah Burung, and we wish to alleviate this concern as soon as possible. To this effect we offer the following stipulations to the United Provinces in regards to any imperial peacekeeping forces that will be dispatched to assist in the fulfillment of the treaty agreement recently signed by both Knootoss and Tanah Burung. First Her Majesty agrees that any and all elements of the Reichswer will withdraw as soon as the stipulations of the treaty will be met. Second the Reichswehr elements present in Tanah Burung will be under strict and binding orders to abide by the laws and regulations of Tanah Burung sovereignity so long as they are operating under the bounds and constraints of the treaty. Third, the deployed forces will be authorized to use any and all means at their disposal to bring the Brigade members to face a due court of life, however, Her Majesty will consider the use of non-lethal methods a foremost priority in apprehending all Brigade suspects. Fourth, and finally, the Centurion Mobile Regiment will deploy a new company to replace the one currently commanded by Major Kolgner. We feel this is the best course of action as Major Kolgner's command has come to be associated too closely with the KDF forces in the region, and we feel this may hinder the Reichswehr's efforts to use native information to apprehend Brigade criminals.

Her Majesty and Her Majesty's Government will await the mutual response from both the Dutch Democratic Republic and the United Provinces.

(ooc: a more forthcoming response to follow, but may be delayed a couple of days as i'm currently travelling.)

Alkatiri tried to control his rage as the smug face of Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan flashed across his screeen. The insane warmonger, speaking words of reason. An outrage, as was this so-called treaty being thrust upon him by Bi Bere's cloying words. He was torn between the urge to vomit and the desire to throttle the woman. But it had to be responded to. And so he prepared a television statement of his own:

"Peace, it is what we have sought all along. Peace for Tanah Burung and for Knootoss alike may be on the way. Peace with self-determination for the Burungi people.

"My first words are to the people of Knootoss. Your Prime Minister has lied to you, over and over again, about this conflict. She says we refused to take action against the Rumbiak Brigade: not true, we prepared a referendum to outloaw it and were cruelly invaded before the people had a chance to vote. She said we left the bargaining table: not true, we called for talks through the International Mediation Council and Knootoss refused. Even bilateral talks at the IMC produced no agreement. We never left those talks even when they were deadlocked. We merely opened another negotiaiton track in Pantocratoria, one that reached a tentative agreement. Even then, we left negotiators at the IMC. The Prime Minister of Knootoss, i am afriad, is the queen of lies.

"She ordered an illegal and unjust invasion to deal with a problem that could have been dealt with through cooperation. She dragged the good name of Knootoss into the mud and raised the risk to Knootian citizens travelling abroad. Once a watchword for negotaition, the name of Knoootss under her government has become a synomym for treachery, deceit and blood. It is only now that she has even agreed to acknowledge the existence of our government-in-exile. Had she done so from the start, we might have had a peace deal much sooner, with fewer deadths on both sides.

"But that is in the past. I have not yet seen the exact terms of the peace deal reached by Mr Hans van Mierlo and Ms Violeta Bi Bere, but from what i am told, it will be a deal that i can sign in good conscience, one that will set both our countries on the road to peace. It will take time to build trust, but van Mierlo and Bi Bere have set us on the road to trust. I applaud both their efforts, reached in spite of the warmongering of certain parties in Knootoss.

"The real victory in that deal, however, belongs to the peace-lovers of Knootoss, who marched in the streets against the brutality of this war -- they have the undying thanks and friendship of my people. It belongs to the people of Tanah Burung who refused to surrender and who will now take part in an international effort to bring to justice those members of the Rumbiak Brigade accused of terrorism. The victory belongs ot those nations which pressured the RCPK government to end this war, through boycotts and through quiet pressure. And it belongs to Dr Thibault Drapeur, who in a short time as leader of Pantocratoria has already established himself as a world statesman.

"The current Prime Minister of Knootoss -- the people will soon have a chance to decide if she deserves to keep that job -- has asked me to sign this deal. I have not yet read it, but from what i understand it is acceptable and i will be pleased to sign it, once the question of the third party is finalized. It is a crucial question. We cannot and will not trust the current regime in Knootoss to respect its treaties: it has broken its treaties routinely. Other Knootians are perhaps worthy of trust, but not the RCPK mafia. There must be a third party to monitor agreement who can be trusted. Once that question has been resolved, it will be my joy to sign the agreement."

Lady Bryce pressed a button and the wall-screen clicked off, becoming opaque. She leaned back in her chair, swung her booted feet up onto the desk with a satisfying thud and looked thoughtfully at the Prime Minister.

"You'd think everyone would be a little more happier..."

Prime Minister Achefield looked disapprovingly at the boots, but shrugged and replied, "It's politics, my Lady. I don't think the Knootians really want to stay in Tanah Burung... the situation there is pretty much going to the dogs all the time."

Lady Bryce tapped her chin with a finger. "I don't like the fact that Chimaean troops are there either, especially with this Syskeyian business. I want those troops out and back home."

General de Santuro, sitting silently beside the Prime Minister, suddenly came to life. "We are, strictly speaking, not bound by the terms of the treaty. Whilst we can't stay there, we could just pull our forces out. The CAFTBD is there under its own jurisdiction."

The Prime Minister was shaking his head. "We can't be seen to leave the Knootians lurching. The Syskeyian invasion happened because we all got complacent about our allies."

Lady Bryce frowned. "We have to make a... gesture of good faith to the Burungis and to our own electorate. A kind of 'bringing back the troops for Christmas' thing."

Both men nodded.

"Let's scale down the operation a little. We have about 4, 000 personnel there, right, not including the Naval detachment? Well... extract 800-1, 000. Half to stay on lower alert in the troop transports, half to come home. Call it a goodwill gesture."

General de Santuro sighed. "That would leave us dangerously understaffed."

Lady Bryce nodded. "I know. We'll have to count on the restraint of our enemies at this time. The rest of the troops will leave in conjunction with the terms of the treaty."

General de Santuro nodded and made a note on a thick notepad. "Now, onto the next item... the increased production costs of the CR65..."

"Her Majesty wants to achieve a balance, My Lady. And the simple fact is that we must be very limited to give in to additional Centrist request or the United Lords government will appear to be yielding too much ground."

Lady Diedre Rolt, Prime Minister of Valinon, closes her eyes for a moment as she looks at the hologram of Lord Erwin Ribbentrop, Empress Friedelinde's de facto majordomo and chamberlain, sitting across from her in the aero-car.

"So I take it that means that Metternicht's proposal to renew the alliance with the Roum is definitely not an option."

"To say the very least."

"What of von Richter's request to give the Reichswehr additional budgetary alotments, especially toward redesigning and reengineering the the mobile infrastructure and assets?"

"A far more likely possibility, and one Her Majesty would not mind seeing pursued. After all, it will also mean von Richter's opponents on the Council of the Grossgeneralfeldmarschalls will have additional resources to throw at him and perhaps continue to erode his bastion of support. Certainly more of an option than the new Gregor Terminus Transit Codes bill. Treating every Verniian origin ship as if it was a potential terrorist is simply ludicrious, not to mention the potential diplomatic and economic fallout we would experience from its passage. No, by far the easiest of the Centrists proposals to embrace is the Reichswehr appropriations increase. Plus one other matter that Her Majesty recommends."

"Oh?"

"You are aware of the recent agreement reached by the Knootians and the Burungi?"

"Mostly. Adrian covered it in his briefing this morning."

"Ah, good. Her Majesty is willing to continue the deployment of a company of the Centurion Regiment in an effort to support he furtherment of the peace initiative."

"Not to mention the fact it is a bone we can once again throw to the Centrists."

"Precisely. They fought for intervention in Burung so long they cannot easily dismiss it before the Lords again. Her Majesty intends to send Oberst Santiago to supervise and command the deployment personally. That way the Burungi won't also be troubled over possible bias we may have."

"What if the Centrists call for the deployment to be increased?"

Ribbentrop gives a derisive snort, "Let them. Her Majesty will make it personally known that if the Centrists confidence in her armed forces are so low they feel that the Sardaukar require additional support in the United Provinces perhaps the time has come to bring radical change to the Reichswehr's command ranks. A single company, even a mobile element, is more than enough to handle whatever the Rumbiak Brigade can possibly mount against us. Not to mention the fact that a small unit is best suited to be the least intrusive to the Burungi society. Besides, the agreement will most likely name another nation to support the security process of the treaty, whomever this is can provide the numbers."

"Fair enough."

"And it also means that the Centrist will have less of a firm standing when the matters in regards to Earl Cavegn's acension is at hand, politically at least. Personally they will make their usual loud and tiresome outcry, as has become their perrogative."

Rolt smiles at Ribbentrop's wearied sigh.

"Have a good evening, My Lady. I will most likely see you tomorrow before the session of the Lords open."

"The same to you, Lord Ribbentrop."

"And do not worry of the formal side of expressing our wishes to the Knootians and the Burungi. Her Majesty has already taken liberties to have Duke Sterling send appropriate message to both respective capitals. Additionally, Count Leopold has been told to make our...situation in regards to our desire to assist the treaty agreement efforts known in Knootcap."

"I shall bear that in mind."

"What's the problem, Thibault?" Demetrios Raoul asked the Imperial Chancellor. The two men were seated in Drapeur's office in the Palais du Parlement Impérial in New Rome, and Drapeur had been despondent, melancholic for the whole meeting.

"Do you ever feel that there isn't enough time?" he asked.

"For what?" Raoul replied. The idea that Drapeur could've been having cosmic thoughts never entered the thick-necked man's head.

"To get done what needs to be done." Drapeur persisted.

"No." Raoul replied. "If the Emperor dissolved the parliament tomorrow, the polls say we'd increase our numbers, get a majority in our own right. I'm sure the old bugger wouldn't want that..."

"I'm nearly two years older than that old bugger!" Drapeur interjected, smiling briefly, before the depressed expression returned.

"My point is that we've got plenty of time left in this government." Raoul concluded. "It could only be extended, in fact, were the Emperor to take the only action in his power to end it prematurely."

"We don't have plenty of time left, comrade." Drapeur said quietly. "The writing is on the wall."

Raoul snorted in disbelief.

"The party room is pressing for us to start tackling the... values politics stuff." Drapeur offered as explanation. "And if we don't propose the bills ourselves, the backbenchers will. I'm talking contraception, gay rights, genetic research... taking on the Church."

"So what? It is in the platform, we should go for it." Raoul said.

"But the Constantinople Party will never go for it. And the voters aren't ready for it either..." Drapeur murmured. "We're going to be undone on this stuff... and I worry whether we'll get a chance to do the other things which we can do. The good we can do without upsetting the coalition. Everyday, we're running out of time. Next week, next month, next year, whenever it happens, the Government is going to end, and I'm worried it will happen before we leave our mark on history..."

"You mean before you leave your mark on history!" Raoul protested.

"I just made a press conference about the Chantouillet negotiations..." Drapeur began.

"Excellent piece of work, that." Raoul said, in a congratulatory tone.

"...but they're not finished!" Drapeur finshed. "They can still all be for nothing, and we might never get another chance to prove that international security is achievable through diplomatic engagement instead of armed conflict..."

"There's you and that word again, engagement!" Raoul chuckled.

"Every day we get closer to the end of our time, Demetrios." Drapeur said, sounding almost sad. "I just hope we have enough... our diplomatic credibility... my legacy... is in the hands of Alkatiri and that elf in the Hague."

Raoul shook his head and rolled his eyes. It was best just to leave Drapeur to these melancholy thoughts when they came to him.

The gate, composed of six thick steel beams on an electric motor, swung out ponderously. Inside the Chimaean compound, a thousand Chimaean Marines stood in formation as a convoy of trucks and humvees rolled to a stop just short of the gate.

Officers immediately began yelling orders and with practiced ease, the Marines began to file into the vehicles. The Chimaean flags on the guardposts on each side of the gates snapped and weaved in the wind. A small press contingent had been allowed in to wittness the event and cameras whirred and clicked. An army cameraman filmed the proceedings for the military archives.

Air Vice Marshall Aladár Csollang leaned casually against the treads of a tank, took out a cigar and lit it. He was wearing combat fatigues, the jacket casually open, and was bare-headed. His sunglasses glinted silver in the morning light as he looked at the Marines, puffing contendedly.

There was a murmur from the press pack and he smiled inwardly. He'd been spotted. Let's see now, 10, 9, 8, 7...

"Air Marshall Csollang? Could you please comment on the Chimaean pullout?"

"Air Vice Marshall, actually," he replied smoothly, "What would you like me to say?"

There was a ripple of mirth from the hounds. The reporter persisted, though. "Does this signal an end to Chimaean involvement in Tanah Burung?"

"Don't be silly. Chimaea is always here for the international community and for Tanah Burung."

"So CAF is staying on?"

Csollang rolled his eyes behind his sun glasses. "The situation has changed. We're merely making an adjustment accordingly--whether we pull out or otherwise is not up to me, it's up to the High Command and the Chimaean government. I don't make policy." Which was a straight out lie, of course. "I believe one of the terms in the treaty that has been discussed is that Knootian allied forces withdraw. If this is the case, we shall get a corresponding order from CAFHC, and we shall no doubt withdraw in coordination with the Knootian and Burungi authorities."

"Are you afraid that this pullout will leave the Chimaean forces understaffed?"

Yes. "No. This has been on the books for a while, and the time is right. We're still fully capable of meeting our security committments."

Thankfully, the vehicles roared into life. The press pack turned from Csollang to get a good look as the convoy started rolling out, from the compound to the docks. Overhead, four helicopters kept up pace with it, providing overwatch. Just in case.

From: Trouw, a moderate, centrist paper. Posted in the KNN news thead and the Tempo Dulu thread.

Knootoss walks out of Chantouillet Negotiations

THE HAGUE – Knootoss will no longer participate in the so-called ‘Chantouillet negotiations’ where Pantocratoria mediated between Knootoss and Tanah Burung, Prime Minister Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan announced today in a press conference. The move was made after an announcement that Pantocratoria would support the secession of Saxmere from the Confederation of Sovereign States and the installment of a Royal on the throne there.

Galadriël wrote in a letter to Drapeur that “the thought of Holy Empires trampling over democratic governments by underhanded means of incitement is unbearable to my peoples democratic hearts.” Dr. Drapeur dismissed Galadriëls stance for democracy as “self-righteous hypocrisy” in the light of Operation Tempo Dulu, but she in turn rejected that claim, saying that there is absolutely no comparison between fighting terror and installing a pro-Pantocratorian royal to replace a democratic allied government.

The decision was made to maintain Knootian credibility when the Holy and Most August Empire acted “so directly opposed to Knootian interests and the general welfare”. As the Prime Minister explained at the press conference: “You cannot deal with Dr. Drapeur the peace negotiator while at the same time having to deal with a Dr. Drapeur acting blazingly against Knootian political interests in a manner that all civilised states should condemn. His neutrality as a mediator has been tarnished. Only if Pantocratoria stops inciting unrest in the territory of our ally can we sit around the same table again."

It appears that the socialist leader sacrificed the prime example of his own own 'peace through engagement' ideals to defend the idea that divine right of kings is the Emperor's, and that the Saxmere democracy should be replaced by a friendly monarchy. It is thought that the socialist leader does not agree himself with these actions, but he has done little to nothing to stop the emperor from supporting the restoration of the Grand Duke of Saxmere.

Lberal SLP politicians have issued mixed reactions, but all were sad that this step had to be taken. Their candidate for Prime Minister, Jan Willem Daatman ( http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Jan_Willem_Daatman), told KNN that he endorsed the decision by the government but regretted that it had to be taken. “Our foreign minister Hans van Mierlo has accomplished a lot with the current draft agreement. The negotiations should be resumed as soon as possible and they should build on the old deal.” Lousewies van der Laan, who is seen as heading the more left-wing faction of the SLP implied that the move by the RCPK leader had ulterior motives, namely to run away with van Mierlos diplomatic victory. But she also condemned in strong words what she termed ‘Pantocratorian imperialism by proxy’. The KGP disagreed with the decision to break off negotiations in Pantocratoria, with Femke Halsema claiming that more avenues should have been explored first.

It is unclear what will happen next in the peace process with Tanah Burung, but analysts believe that negotiations might have to be moved to another nation. Insiders in the RCPK, however, claimed that Mari Alkatiri might be invited to Palace Noordeinde for a personal audience with Galadriël.

Letter returned:
To: Count Henri Leopold, Her Majesty's Special Ambassador for the Tanah Burungi
CC:Mari Alkatiri
From: Prime Minister Lady Galadriël Táralóm nos Cirdan
Concerning: Re: Contribution of Peacekeeping and Security Forces

I am grateful that the United Star Empire wishes to aid and further the peace process in Tanah Burung and feel that His Majesty's Reichswehr Centurion Mobile Regiment will certainly be of help in apprehending the terrorists that operate under the banner of the Rumbiak Brigade.

I must emphasise however that no treaty has been concluded as of yet, and that the nations involved in apprehending Rumbiak Brigade members in cooperation with local authorities have not yet been selected. We will be sure go get in contact with you once a definitive treaty has been concluded, and will be proponents of Valinon involvement in resolving this situation in any upcoming negotiations.

Yours,

Galadriël

The Royal Ambassador of the United Duchies to Knootoss, Baron Highwater, sat quietly in his office reading the letter. It was not an ordinary letter. It was a direct order from His Grace, Alexander III of The United Duchies. And it contained more cold anger than the nobleman had ever read comming out of Apethorpe Palace in his twenty-five years of service. In his other hand was a memo from the Outer Ministry appealing to him to manage a balancing act between the desires of the pro-trade, anti-terrorist government with the desires of an angered monarch. Highwater knew this was going to be a test of his diplomatic skill.

The Ambassador placed aside the correspondence and looked down at the open news magazine before him. It was open to a page with several images, but one in the lower left corner drew his attention.
"Well, that is the family seal...." He studied a blow up of the magazine photo provided to him by IIS.
"So the International Journal just decides to run this image in the article on the Nova for the Innocents? Great...just great. Damn it...how in the hell am I supposed to suggest that they immediatly restart negotations with Tanah Berung without admitting what the Navy on orders of his Grace, may or may not be up to?"

The Royal Ambassador realized what had happened, the Chancellor had just dismissed this in the Privy Council and it had fallen flat with the other members, effectivly handing the matter into the hands of Alexander and his military. It seemed strange that the other members of the Council had caved in, or appeared to be caving in, on the matter. Or perhaps a few thought the carrot and stick approach would work better then the present situation. The Vaadians had all but retreated from the matter and tabled it in good political fashion.

Highwater looked at the newswire reports on his computer screen. Somehow he thought things were far more etherial than either the papers or the Knootian government wanted to admit. The recent blow up against the mediator nation had just dashed his hopes of keeping Thunderbay's sudden case of Burungi Insanity contained to an internal matter.

"I hope the Knootians realize that if this is an election stunt that they are going to be dealing with serious problems on the eve of the election. Nope, they don't have a clue."

Highwater turned to the phone system on his desk and hit a few buttons. "Pat?..."

"Yes my lord?" the voice of a young officer replied over the unit.

"Will you please inform the office of Minister Hans van Mierlo that I need to speak with him, and possibly the Prime Minister as soon as possible on the Tanah Burung matter. And don't let those twits of his at the gates deter you...this is an urgent matter."

"Yes my lord"

OOC: I moved this post back here since things changed before it was responded to over in KIST.

The First Republican read the briefs from foreign papers and agencies, skimming over the continuing Tanah Burung debacle. He shook his head, he picked up hi Blackberry and scrolled through the calendar to next Monday.

He quickly typed in 'Debate status of trade with Knootoss, no progress in Tanah Burung withdrawal. Also discuss status of states aiding Knootoss.'

He shook his head and moved on to the next set of briefs.

"I would like to respond to the Knootian withdrawal from negotiations with Tanah Burung." Drapeur began the press conference in the Palais du Parlement Impérial. "You have all been issued with full copies of the correspondence between the Knootian Prime Minister and myself, which I feel illustrate the Prime Minister's disregard for the peace process, and her willingness to degrade and devalue those negotiations into little more than a political powerplay. I won't go over them, they speak for themselves. Suffice it to say that the Prime Minister of Knootoss has never been supportive of the peace process, and that her coalition partners in the SLP have had to drag her along kicking and screaming every step of the way, and now, their efforts have been discarded as quickly as possible, on as flimsy an excuse as possible."

"Rather than discuss the correspondence, I will instead talk to the peace process. The Knootian Prime Minister says that she no longer wishes to do business with Pantocratoria as a result of our support for the Grand Duke of Saxmere. I challenge her, and all the peace loving people of Knootoss, to find another mediator, and resume these negotiations there. Just a few days ago, Madame Galadriël nos Cirdan was imploring her Burungi counterparts to sign this agreement. The agreement as it stands was negotiated by Knootoss and Tanah Burung." he continued. "It hasn't suddenly become flawed as a result of the Knootian Prime Minister's linking of two unrelated issues. The only thing which should change is the venue, when the two sides reconvene. I believe that this must be a neutral third party; I cannot urge Monsieur Alkatiri and Madame nos Cirdan strongly enough to find another third party, and to resume their negotiations there as soon as possible. Under no circumstances should negotiations of this sort take place in Knootoss or Tanah Burung, or any ally of either nation. I challenge you both to find a new third party, and to finalise this peace agreement!"

Excerpt from The New Sydney Tribune

In a brief to the press last night, Lady Bryce assured Chimaean citizens that the breakdown in the peace process will not be effecting the Chimaean pullout of a thousand Marines from Tanah Burung.

However, security has been tightened around Chimaean military infrastructure within Tanah Burung, with a large increase in air surveilance and patrols.

The Opposition has criticised the Government's pullout, saying that it increases danger to the three thousand troops stationed in Tanah Burung as part of the Knootian policing action.

Both sides of Parliament agree that the sooner Knootoss and Tanah Burung's government in exile return to negotiations, the safer the situation will become.

(sorry for the delay, back home now)

Official communique from Violeta Bi Bere, chief peace negotiator

It is with joy and gratitude that i can confirm i have signed an agreement with Hans van Mierlo, the Foreign Minister of Knootoss. Peace between Tanah Burung and Knootoss is now only a matter of the terms of the agreement being implemented. We have agreed to an internationally-monitored, phased withdrawal of the Knootian Defence Force from Tanah Burung in exchange for a fair trial for those Burungi citizens accused of terrorism, to be carried out by a neutral third party.

This agreement was only possible with the skilled and thoughtful mediation of the Dr. Thibault Drapeur, the Imperial Chancellor of Pantocratoria. Dr. Drapeur and his government have acted throughout with care and concern for the rule of law and for mediaiton rather than war. Minister van Mierlo and myself share this belief in peaceful negotiations rather than warfare. This is the path of statesmanship.

With the conclusion of this agreement, negotiations at Chantouillet are completed, and with them Pantocratoria's role in the peace process. No other political matters involving the government of Pantocratoria can have any possible bearing on the peace process, which now involves only Knootoss, Tanah Burung, and third parties mutually agreed upon. The Minister and i are in accord on agreeable third parties, and the only remaining issues are those of implementing the agreement already reached. The government of Chimaea deserves praise for recognizing this fact by beginning its withdrawal from Tanah Burung.

I also extend my thanks to the many nations that have offered assistance in the peace process. It is not for me to accept or reject offers: i shall do so only in consultation with Minister van Mierlo and my other Knootian partners in peace. Rest assured however that no country's offers have anything less than my gratitude for their generosity and willingness to assist. Even those nations whose offers cannot be accepted have our thanks and i hope for closer ties with each one as soon as the peace process is complete and Tanah Burung is once again under the full control of its own people. May i add my own happiness that it will once again be possible for Knootoss and Tanah Burung to be friends, once the agreement's terms are implemented.

It's a joyful day, dear ones: peace is at hand. I am confident that it will not be derailed at the last moment by obstruction from either side.

KNN News

“This is KNN World News, with a special announcement by the Prime Minister.”

The scene switched to a view of Galadriël sitting in a comfortable chair, next to a cosy, crackling fireplace in her study at Palace Noordeinde. Placed subtly but clearly visibly behind her is the coat of arms of the former Pantocratorian flagship Constantine the Martyr (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/War_of_Insolence) on display next to a folded Knootian flag. Next to her by the fire was an empty chair, equally comfortable, with a batik shawl draped over it with intriguing native Burungi ceremonial patterns.

“Today, I have some more words for Mari Alkatiri and for the people of Knootoss”, she began calmly. Her attire and demeanour gave the address a certain regal air. “In my last address to Mari Alkatiri I told him how our strength meant that they had come back to the negotiating table.

Recent proclamations by the government of Pantocratoria have compelled us to withdraw from the mediation offered by their Imperial Chancellor. The beating democratic heart of our people cannot suffer the ‘instalment ‘of a monarch by foreign powers, and the incitement against democracy and freedom in the lands of our Confederate allies. I can only hope that Mr. Drapeur realises that he is on a wrong path with his Anti-Freedom actions – but for now it also means that we cannot pretend that he is a neutral partner of the Dutch Democratic Republic in promoting peace and democracy.

Mediation has failed several times, but this does not mean that the quest for a strong peace should be given up. Instead of mediation, I offer that we deal directly. You, Alkatiri, and myself. I will use my executive powers to grant you a safe passage and a safe stay here at Noordeinde Palace for that purpose.

I understand that some of you may have misgivings about talking to an international terrorist, but I can assure you that I do this in the interest of the greater good, and because I believe that it is the right thing to do if we want to get rid of the Rumbiak Brigade and if we want to get our troops home. Justice will be done upon the evildoers, but justice sometimes requires patience and a strong will.

I hope, Mari, that you will accept my offer and that we can work out the final details. If these talks fail there are still other venues to explore, other people to talk to, other options to try. I will not be satisfied until Knootoss has a strong peace. Thank you.”





"Will you please inform the office of Minister Hans van Mierlo that I need to speak with him, and possibly the Prime Minister as soon as possible on the Tanah Burung matter. And don't let those twits of his at the gates deter you...this is an urgent matter."


“Hans van Mierlo here”, a friendly voice on the other side of the line began. “Baron Highwater! It has been some time since we last spoke has it not? Yes, how are affairs in the United Duchies?” The two men exchanged pleasantries, but then the minister got to business: “Anyway, how can I help you your Excellency?”

Alkatiri laughed as he watched the insane dictator speak. He knew she had never wanted peace. And here was the proof: a spiteful woman, comdeming more people to death in a war she could never win, merely to spite the Pantocratorian government.

He fired off a reply, cc.ing major media outlets.

Taralorm:
You have broken your word to the IMC. You have broken your word to your allies. Now, you have broken yet another agreement, one signed by your own foreign minister. You have made a country once known as a pioneer of international law into a rogue state. I cannot and will not trust your so-called safe passage. It is just another lie. Name a country that knows the meaning of honour, and i will meet you there. I will not trust your word again. Name another country, any country that respects its treaties and commitments, and i will meet you there.
- Alkatiri

He called his fellow members of the government-in-exile together. "Friends, we have refused all offers of military help in our war. Is it time that we accept foreign military aid, do you think?"

The other four sat silent for a moment. Were they at the brink?

Lady Bryce paced the room restlessly, like a caged animal, as her full Cabinet watched anxiously from their places around the table.

"...Escallating situation! And Chimaean troops are more or less in the middle of it!" she rounded on the assembled Ministers. "I don't care what it looks like, I don't care how you do it, get them out!"

The Foreign Minister bravely shook his head. "As much as that is appealing, pulling them out at this stage would be considered a rift between Knootoss and Chimaea. It is just because this situation is going bad that we need to retain our military presense there."

Lady Bryce froze momentarily. "Chimaean soldiers are not to take part in any major operations without my direct say-so. Are we clear, General?"

General de Santuro glared at her and for a while they matched glares until at last he glanced away. "Perfectly clear, Governor."

"I do not want CAF forces involved in any clashes with Burungis unless they start something against us." she hesitated. "I would also like the High Command to activate and ready Operation Condor."

There was a brief silence from the Ministers. The Prime Minister was already shaking his head. "I'm sure that won't be necessary, my Lady, I have faith in the Knootian Prime Minister to form a deal with--"

Lady Bryce frowned and shook her head. "A million things can go wrong now. We will prepare for the worst and hope for the best."

"But Operation Condor means committing more CAF forces... a partial invasion--"

"Prime Minister, what else do you suggest. Sometimes the extremes are the middle way. After all... what else can we do?"

Baron Highwater sighed on his end of the line. "I think we should discuss this in private Minister. It regards the situation in Tanah Burung and several disturbing developments on the world stage. I beleive that this is an urgent matter for your government as well as the United Duchies and our arangments against terrorism."

Baron Highwater sighed on his end of the line. "I think we should discuss this in private Minister. It regards the situation in Tanah Burung and several disturbing developments on the world stage. I beleive that this is an urgent matter for your government as well as the United Duchies and our arangments against terrorism."

“This line is secure, Your Excellency”, the minister said while he waved away his secretary. The man nodded briefly and left the room. “Feel free to speak.”

“This line is secure, Your Excellency”, the minister said while he waved away his secretary. The man nodded briefly and left the room. “Feel free to speak.”

The Baron shook his head, but a plot started to fill his mind. "I am not sure if you were aware that a few weeks ago that there was a large destructive incident within the Klatchian Federation territory. An area known as the Gonad. What has come to light from the investigations are well..." The Royal Ambassador paused Oh god, well lying is part of the job

"...possibly distrubing. It seemed a bit strange when, well when the Deyllians annouced it was a metor strike and no one else had seen any metor of the size capable of the destructive power approaching the planet. But there was an odd bit of timing with the visit of the former Surpreme Republican of Ilek-Vaad to visit essentially Deyllians being trained and commanded by Ilek-Vaad. They call this group the Klatch Guard."

The Baron paused walking towards his diplomatic safe. "Sir, what has been discovered in connection with this event was that it was not a metor, but some man made device. Futher, there were reports of armed, well trained Deyllians not working for any of the Deyllian forces in the area near or at the same time. Thirty six hours ago an aircraft was caught on one of our spy sats crossing the western border of Tanah Burung. The same craft may have been imaged leaving from an area along the north Deyllian border some eight days prior."

He paused to let the various facts sink in. "There is a theory in the intelligence community that someone is planning on infiltrating foreign fighters and equipment into Tanah Burung to begin heavy military action against your peace keepers there. I have most of the raw intelligence data here, which I can show you in person if need be."

The Baron was taking a risk, but he needed to demonstrate the seriousness of the problem without destroying Knootian/Alconian relations.

Returned post:

Dear Alkatiri,

First of all, I am glad that you sent copies of your letter to the press agencies. Due to misaddressing me as ‘Taralorm’ the original did not arrive at the proper location.

That you do not trust my public call for safe passage does not bode well for our upcoming talks, where trust will be vital. Nevertheless, I cannot let the whims of a Rumbiak Brigade member be an impediment for peace. Therefore I suggest that we meet in the City of Isasrach ( http://www.necrontyr.plus.com/isasrach.htm), the Home of Great Power. If you cannot trust the Eternal Necrontyr Empire of the C'tan to be honourable then any talks will be futile from the start

I expect that our C'tan friends will be able to retrieve you as soon as you have agreed. See you in Tareldanorë.

Yours,

Prime Minister Lady Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan
Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss

Telephone conversation

“I see”, Hans van Mierlo began. “I thank you for sharing that information and would be very much oblidged if you could meet me at the ministry as soon as possible as I would very much like to see this… data. If that is not too much trouble?” He frowned while waiting for the answerl. “Thank you. I will meet you then, the reception will know that you are coming. Bye.”

As Hans hung up his personal secretary re-entered his office. “Any instructions, Hans?” he began.

”Clear my appointments for the afternoon”, the minister said firmly. “And bring a message to the cellar* that I want to increase our strength in Tanah Burung with extreme urgency. I want a full report detailing what heavy gear for conventional warfare they can get there within a week. I want their report tonight, if its not too much trouble and schedule an emergency briefing with the General Staff and the AIVD tonight.”

“Yes Minister.”

*KDF Headquarters

((Knoot: Galadriel's offer raises ooc veto issues, so i can't respond to it -- explained in telegram))

((Knoot: Galadriel's offer raises ooc veto issues, so i can't respond to it -- explained in telegram))

OOC: Not really. That page is inaccurate in many ways. The fact that said problematic governor is named XX should give away that it's not a finished product. ;)

Baron Highwater nodded. "I will clear my schedule immediatly...." He hit a button on the phone. "Pat? get my car ready I need to travel as soon as possible. Thank you." A moment later he was going through the procedure to open the security safe.

He pulled out several files and began taking out photos out of the various files And placing them on the desk.

The first image was of the devestating attack on the Gonad. A huge swath of jungle had all but been vaporized by some explosion. Rising out of the center was some sort of high rock plataeu that was partly demolished by a gash cut into the living bedrock of the area. The whole blast appeared to be perfectly circular.

The second photo, with a time stamp was of the upper earth atmosphere. A few clouds were in the image. And a dot with marked in yellow grease pencil "Ajax at 80,000 meters". It was joined by a few pages of scientific data including several sismographs.

The next photo was taken from a newspaper. It showed a man in the uniform of the Republican Guard standing with Felix Dyzinkski (sp) head of the Checka and a few other identified souls.

The fourth and fifth image had been taken as a precausion. The image of a an old but well maintained flying boat with markings was scene in the Djel river at Port Olympus. A flying boat crossing the western mountain range of Tanah Burung was in the next image. A short memo stating that due to the wing patches and severe scratches to the fusealage on the two planes appeared in almost the identical locations. As such, they were beleived to be the same aircraft even with diffrent idenfication markings in the two photos. Of couse the other eight photos of the same plan in various guises and international locations were stuffed back into the folder.

The images, and the reports were then stuffed into a secure case.

The Baron picked up the case and walked to the door. He stopped to look at himself in the old peir mirror next to his door. The silk suit was a bit ruffled as was the slightly graying blond hair. "Well, I can't beleive I am doing this..."

Baron Highwater had really one hope of pulling Knootoss, the United Duchies, and even Tanah Burung from an even worse mess. He just hoped that the Knootians would actually listen to him.

Ignoring honourifics, but careful to spell the Knootian Prime Minister's name correctly, Alkatiri sent a quick note: "I shall meet you in a city of the Eternal Necrontyr Empire of the C'tan. I accept them as a country that, unlike your own, can keep its word."

(ooc: to be totally clear: he accepts the C'tan as host, but not a city witha governor from Menelmacar, even if their name is XX ;) )

Meanwhile, Alkatiri dispatched a message to the governments of Chimaea (and any others fighting on the side of Knootoss), carefully cc.ing to press outlets:

Honoured friends:

The Burungi resistance fporces have been ordered not to fire upon your troops presently in Tanah Burung or to take any military action against them. Our fight is with the Knootian invaders alone. Despite their Prime Minister's repudiation of the treaty reached by her own foreign minister, we shall abide by the terms of the Chantouillet agreement with regard to all non-Knootian forces in Tanah Burung. This means we shall observe a cease fire with respect to your forces, and that we continue to be willing to hand over those of our citizens accused of terrorism to a neutral third party.

I hope you will use any influence you have with the rogue regime in Knootcap to see that they will also abide by the promises made in their latest broken treaty. I am meeting shortly with the Knootian Prime Minister and hope that you will urge her to sign the agreement reached by her foreign minister.

In peace,
Mari Alkatiri

As the diplomatic limo pulled out of the grounds, it was stopped by the Ambassador's aide. He handed a newswire report from Tanah Burung to the Ambassador.

"Oh bloody hell, what the...." The ambassador spent the rest of the ride just banging his head against the leather interiror of his limo.

Who in the hell murders an overblown pompus preist now? I am sure this is the work of either a jokester god, or the devil himself. Things don't get better around here, just progressively worse...


OOC: Also known as a B.U.M.P.

Sir Alec, the Free Republic's free-wheeling Minister of Foreign Affairs had kept a close eye on Burungi/Knootian intransagence and had decided to give one last effort at Vaadian intervention. He had little hope of either side accepting his invitation, much less responding.

To: Prime Minister Lady Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan , People's Representative for Foreign Affairs and Human Rights Mari Alkatiri
From: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad

I would like to extend my to both the Democratic Dutch Republic and the United Provinces my hopes that your two nations can find common ground and put aside political wrangling to resolve the abhorrent situation in the United Provinces.

I would also like to offer the services of the Free Republic to act as a neutral venue for your continued negotiations. The Free Republic is ideally suited to facilitate such a meeting. The Free Republic has serious misgivings about both your nations governments and your commitments to peace and democracy. I would be most pleased to lock you both in a conference room until common sense prevailed and some sort of equitable agreement was reached by both sides.

I would also offer to secure the details of such an agreement. The Free Republic would make sure that neither of the involved nations reneged on the agreement after it has been signed and agreed to. I know that it is highly unlikely that either nations would back out of such a lawful agreement, but still it is nice to have assurances.

I still hope that this issue can be worked out in a peaceful and civilized manner.

Yours Faithfully,
Sir Alec Connover, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad



OOC: I had nticed how both Menelmacar and C'tan had stated that they would be a bit idly-poo , so if a more active venue is needed , feel free to visit Ilek-Vaad, you won't exactly be welcome, but we will stay out of your way and let you conference all you want!

Dear Sir Alec,

Many thanks for your offer and your continued interest in the illegal Knootian war against my country. I hope that once this occupation is ended, we can move towards closer ties with Ilek-Vaad.

I should be more than pleased to accept your offer, if the Knootians do the same. I have of course already accepted the Knootian offer for direct talks to be held with the hospitality of The C'tan, but so far there has been no response from the Knootian regime to my acceptance. If this falls through, as seems entirely possible given the Knootian tendency to make promises and agreements and then ignore them, then i will be more than pleased to accept your offer to host bilateral talks.

As you know we are seeking a third party to help ensure that the terms of agreements are enforced. I should be very pleased if Ilek-Vaad were to act in this role, as i trust the word of your government. However, it is my suspicion that Knootoss will not accept you in this role.

In peace,
Mari Alkatiri
People's representative for foreign affairs & human rights
United Provinces of Tanah Burung (government in exile)

To: Prime Minister Lady Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan , People's Representative for Foreign Affairs and Human Rights Mari Alkatiri

Her Majesty and Her Majesty's Government grow increasingly distressed by the apparent crumbling of the proposed treaty agreement reached in Pantocratoria by both the Dutch Democratic Republic and the United Provinces. We feel that at this time one of the main reasons this conflict lacks a resolution is because of both sides' attempts to broaden the issue into areas it need not necessarily address.

Therefore the United Star Empire of Valinon will ofer its service as a neutral mediator and locale for continued negotiations between the Dutch Democratic Republic and the United Provinces with the following conditions. The issues at hand are the subjects of Burungi sovereignity and self-determination, the elimination through fair and impartial judicial procedures of the Rumbiak Brigade as a threat to the international community, and the establishmen of a workable framework through which the Dutch Democratic Republic and the United Provinces may address further greviances peacefully with one another. Her Majesty and Her Majesty's Government grow worried that accusations and demands by both sides and their supporters (the need for government reform in both nations, the selections of neutral sources of both courts and peacekeepers, et cetera) are only further aggrevating the situation and may soon make an equal and peaceful resolution to this conflict unattainable.

Allow the Star Empire to assist you both to reach a fair and equal agreement that targets the very heart of this issue and brings about an agreeable, if not ideal, end to this conflict. Once we have diffused the current powder keg still threatening to erupt in Tanah Burung, we may begin to work toward the more extended concerns of both sides. But to continue this endless list of mutual greviances does not serve to resolve this conflict in favor of either side, it will only lead to an inevitable conclusion of further mutually assured pain and destruction.

Yours with respects,
Count Henri Leopold
Her Majesty's Special Ambassador for the Tanah Burungi Issue

"Ah your grace is that wise?" It was the mousy Outer Minister speaking up. The third one the present government had put in place over the past four years, and was another bone of contention between Alexander III and his administration.

The Outer Minister was of course speaking about one of the most infamous nobles living in the United Duchies, Baroness Winton the current Royal Consul of the United Duchies.

Anne Winton, The Baroness of Winton just laughed at the voice of Outer Minster on her tape of the Privy Council converstion. She leaned back in her seat on the diplomatic Saab 2000 jet and stared out the window again. Her mind wandered over how she had gotten into this postion both as being infamous and Royal Consul.

Anne had gone from being an orphan, disowned by her noble grandfather to being a hero, a knight, and a peer in less than two years. She was one of the few people in Naval Academy history to actually be knighted before she graduated the Academy. But life had thrown Anne a curve ball one night, her slightly intoxicated fiancée had decided to take sexual liberties. He had started to rape her while she was asleep. Her response had resulted in her beheading him with her sword while he was still in-situ one might say. The resulting scandal (some claimed it wasn't rape) had forced her to resign from the Academy and go into self imposed exile.

Then fate decided that her second choice in life, as an assistant engineer on a tramp steamer, was equally wrong as her desire to be an Officer of His Grace's Navy. The old passenger sidewheeler was seized by a group of Iansisle pirates posing as passengers. The resulting massacre of the crew and passengers (envolving the use of machinge guns on unarmed lifeboats) made national headlines. The lone surviving crew member found herself in the spotlight again, but with a populace angry at her forced resignation.

Anne Winton had been returned to the United Duchies with her new found friend, a Klatchian Tiger cub named Chairman Meow, and found a monarch who wanted her to take her rightful place in the College of Peers.
But the fates had decided that Anne Winton was their favoriate ping-pong in the game of Life. Anne's short political carrer turned disastrous at a hunt ball given by an influential Adel. Someone decided to tie a hot warming plate to Sir Meow's tail. The resulting damage from Sir Meow's pain driven scamper around the manor house resulted in a duel between Anne and some overstuffed Lord.

His Grace then intervened, fearing Anne was far too out of practice with a sword to survive, and placed her in the relatively safe position as a Naval Attaché to Knootoss. There the duel was postponed and Anne could regain her skill with the sword before facing her opponent. The government, paying off some political debts, decided to assign her the same position in Iansisle. Anne was left with a State Ambassador that hated her, refused her both practice time and respect, and a member of a group of politcally connected men who wanted her dead.

But again the fates intervened in spectacular fasion. Duke Williams, the famous man of both Larkina and Iansisle wound up being poisoned inadvertantly. Arriving at his own funeral, the Duke collapsed on the edge of death, only to be saved by Anne. The resulting praise from Iansisle made Anne's plight obvious to the College of Peers and a furious monarch. The revolt of every Rector to Anne's cause forced a scared government in to allowing her to be named Royal Consul.

Unfortunately, Anne had crossed the King of Iansisle somehow and was kicked out of Iansisle with her tail between her legs. She had thought that ment the end of her diplomatic carrer. Now Anne was just comming off serving as Admiral for the Klatchian Joint Space Mission and the Klatchworld Project to find a monarch ready to spit nails into the coffins of the Knootians. Only his respect for his ancestors and the Knootian people mullified his opinon, but a diplomatic double front had been begun.

Baroness Winton looked down as the clouds below broke, exposing the city of Coronada below.
I wonder if the Tanah Burung government in exile knows the double edged sword I am bringing? And I wonder what Highridge is up to in Knotcap?

"Well Meow I hope they realize that insulting me means fresh Burungi for lunch." Anne spoke in her natural sweet voice to the large Klatchian Tiger sitting on the floor next to her. However, there was an edge to her words, she had gotten several intel reports on the crap pulled by both sides in the last diplomatic talk.

OOC: finding it hard to keep up with all of these threads at once. I'll give this one a priority tomorrow but can we slow it down please? I already have three or so letters to respond to and a diplomatic trip to describe in my next post. There are only so many ways in which I can say "no thanks, we will meet with the Ctan first". Thank you for your consideration. Post tomorrow.

((OOC: Lazy solution to answer all your posts at once. Hope you do not mind. C´tan can presume Gala has arrived too, as evidenced in this post.))

Office of Hans van Mierlo, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Hague

“Galadriëls flight just left for the C'tan negotiations, Minister. She sent a note to Noordeinde for the staff not to wait up tonight.”

“I’m sure she has fun.” Hans van Mierlo cast a look outside through his window. Outside, the weather was beginning to clear up and The Hague was covered only in a light drizzle of mildly acid rain instead of the threatening grey and black clouds that had hung over the city for much of the week. The minister felt eyes prying in his back, and turning around he noticed that an official he did not know was standing in the hallway behind him waiting.

“Well, what is it?”

“Your diplomatic mail, Minister”, the official began tentatively. “With the Prime Minister absent you are the acting Prime Minister, formally. And there are some messages from Sir Alec Connover as well as from Count Henri Leopold as sent to her Office. They have no particular urgency but we at the Office of the Prime Minister thought you might deem it fit to reply… the Prime Minister has been visiting the Naval Yards to watch the mobilisations and see off the sailors. And with the campaign and the whole Excalbian issue we have not yet had a chance to get her opinion…”

Hans van Mierlo sighed softly. “Seeing off the sailors, the campaign and the Excalbian issue are really all the same thing to her, aren’t they?” his droopy eyes seemed to say as he sat down behind his desk. Both messages popped up on the holoviewer. He took some time to read through both communiqués whilst sipping calmly on the Colombian melange in his coffee cup.

“What makes these people think?”, he said to the civil servant with a frown. “that Galadriël will touch Ilek-Vaad even with a very long bargepole, or that Valinon will be acceptable to Alkatiri as a mediator?”

“That is what we at the Office thought, your Excellency”, the man replied stiffly.

“Well, send them a message telling them that we will consider taking up their offer but that our glorious Prime Minister is already busy getting herself another Nobel Peace Prize in C'tan territory.” The administrator did not wince. “I’m sure you are very capable of telling people off politely over there,” the minister continued.

“Yes Minister”, he replied with a stiff nod. “Will be back for your signature later, Minister.”

As the administrator left his office the minister noticed that his intercom was bleeping. After pressing of a button, the familiar voice of his personal secretary sounded through.

“Minister? Baron Highwater is here to see you.”

“Well, let him in then,” Hans answered kindly. “And tell that AIVD analyst in your waiting room to come to my office too. We’ve kept him waiting long enough now.”

Baron Highwater entered Hans van Mierlo's office. He gave the traditional short headbow of respect. "Good Day Sir...actually It isn't a very good day. Not with this..." He rased the metal attache case chained to his arm

"and I just heard that the Burungi press is dropping this murdered preist buisness on your door." The Baron shook his head as he placed the case on a small table in the room and unlocked it.

"Really, anything and everything that goes wrong in Tanah is automaticly your fault. And the international community is more than willing to go along with that analysis too. Which makes these incidents all that more disturbing in my mind."

The Royal Ambassador began to lay the photo's out on the table. "I wasn't able to get the actual report declassified. Unfortunatly it contained several refrences to other events in the world that my government doesn't want to expose to outside scrutiny at the moment. I hope you understand...but the images themselves do demonstrate that their may be serious problems for you in the future."

OOC: Really this was more of an attempt to get the negotations back on track by my government.

Sir Alec read the polite response to his offer .

"Shocking, absolutely shocking! I don't even think Minister Van Mierlo wrote this. Air Alec said to his assistant Mr. Cherkess.

Mr. Cherkess shrugged " Quite."

Sir Alec chuckled "How can we still be so hated in Knootcap? We met all of their demands for ending their silly non-war war? You'd think they'd be lining up to get over here and make with the nice."

Mr. Cherkess shrugged "I think they're still sore about the outlawing of the Order."

Sir Alec noddded as he lined his pet toucan's cage with the Knootian letter "We offered to lift the ban if the Order's leadership came forward and explained things to us...........I mean really, a secret society in this day and age? The only secret societies that I know of are state intelligence apparatuses. There you go Mr. Loops, a nice fresh paper!"

The toucan, Mr. Loops, squawked in reply "Eat me! RAWK! Eat me!"

Sir Alec shook his head, Vaadian toucan's were renowned for their ill temper and foul language , all of which had develped in the wild.

Sir Alec sat down glaring at the toucan "Mr. Cherkess, go purchase me a cat large enough to eat Mr. Loops."

"Bugger off!" Mr. Loops stated as he heard his name mentioned.

OOC: The letter by the office of the Prime Minister would obviously NOT have used those cyncial words of Hans. It would have been rather polite all, telling that Gala is negotiating now but that we will duly consider taking up your offer as an alternative thankyou for your offer please come again soon. Don't call us we'll call you, blahblahblah. ;)

Office of Hans van Mierlo, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Hague
Hans van Mierlo looked over the pictures and frowned, trying to make sense of them. The truth was, he was no military analyst and many of the important details went over his head.

“Please excuse me,” he began, “But perhaps you could enlighten me about the significance of these pictures and explain to me what is going on. Who exactly is supporting who? And why?”

Office of Hans van Mierlo, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Hague
The Baron looked at Van Mierlo for a second. "Oh, quite...sorry I seem to have picked up a knack for this thing over the years." He stopped for a moment to consider how to begin.

"I think we should start with the facts. First Deylli Beybi and Ilek-Vaad have created a new partnership between them. They have formed a military unit, using ex Deyllian military personell and Vaadian leadership called the Klatchian Guard." He picked up a short report on the Klatch Guard that he had included with the photos.

"Now we also know that just before retirement, the former Supreme Republican or whatever they call him, head of the Republican Guard made a high profile visit to Deylli Beybi, supposedly to visit the Guard's base in Deylli Beybi." The Ambassador pointed down towards one image, "That is him there with Felix Dryzinski, head of the Checka and the Chancellor of Deylli Beybi in a photo op."

Highwater looked up at the Minister. "Everything so far, as they say is Kosher here...but now something starts to smell." He pointed at the first image, a picture of smoke rising from a rim around a vast circular scar in the jungle. "This occured just before the arrival of the Ilek verson of caesar. East of Deylli Beybi, an area that they've been regularly crossing into with units to suppress the local population. The Deyllians claimed that it was caused by a metor impact. I don't know why, but the blast site I am told is completely all wrong for that kind of event." The Ambassador paused, "I am facing years of having a woman with a degree in nuclear physics as Grand Duchess, I tend to just nod a great deal when it comes to those things."

The Ambassador pointed to the image of space. "What is most intresting is that this image shows nothing out of the ordinary fifteen seconds before the explosion. If a metor had been about to impact the Earth, there should be a glow from atmospheric entry of a fast falling moving body."

He shook his head, "This is massive devistation, and based on what we never saw or detected, it was a personel delivered device. Which gives me the chills, that much devistation...you realize that blast radius is the size of Knotocap? Er the scale is a bit hard to read."

"What is highly classified is the fact that some of our agents ran into a group of Deyllians, based on their accents, who were operating with a range of military equipment and apparently not as a Deyllian military unit. Considering the Deyllians have sent entire armed battalions via air cav into this area with impunity from the local government, them operating a disguised operation makes no sense. Unless they were training for a similar operation in a jungle some place else."

The Ambassador paused, "I guess that last bit is a bit of analysis...but not that in depth. The final part, and why this involves Knootoss are these two images here. In the first we see a plane near the Deyllian border loading up on what should be a deserted factory warf. The one below it is of an aircraft flying low and over the western mountains of Tanah Burung. Their is a analysis below them both which details that there is a ninety-five percent chance that these are the same aircraft based on unique physical details captured in both images."

The Baron rose up and looked at the Minister. "Our anylists took all of this in and came up with a startling idea. That Ilek-Vaad and Deylli Beybi are training a superior force of irregular gurrilla fighters and even develop new forms of suitcase nukes. The fact that flying boats, which allow them to land in the rivers and lakes of Tanah Burung rather than need landing strips, are today only used by a few of the world's militaries anymore, including the Deyllian, are going from the Djel river to Tanah Burung makes that they may be deploying in your back yard."

He paused again. "There is even the chance that the Deyllians, if acting without the knowledge of Ilek-Vaad, may deploy this new weapon against you. Likely near one of your ships, with the intention of blaming you for the disaster. After all where would the Burungi get such a weapon? And it would be too large to be deployed by anything smaller than a large cruise missle."

(ooc: if there is a meeting with Baroness Winton, it will come before Alkatiri's departure, i guess. Any other mediation offers will get a similar response to the one below.)

Dear Count Henri Leopold,

Many thanks for your offer of hosting talks betweeen myself and the Prime Minister of Knootoss. It would normally be my pleasure to accept, but i am about to depart for C'tan territory to meet the Prime Minister.

May i add however my gratitude for your nation's desire for peace between Tanah Burung and Knootoss and add that i share it completely. In fact, a peace agreement had already been reached when the Prime Minister of Knootoss unilaterally cancelled it. If you have any influence with their government, i do hope you will be able to convince them to abide by the treaty already reached. It is not so much mediation that is required now, as fair dealing by the Knootians.

In peace,
Mari Alkatiri

Coronada, Commonwealth of Galdago

The five-person government in exile was gathered, its final meeting before Alkatiri left for C'tan territory. Final meeting before peace, inshallah, Alkatiri muttered under his breath as he convened the five member of the collective presidency who had escaped the Knootian blitz, posing as wounded evacuees. Five more co-presidents were enjoying the hospitality of the invader, and the eleventh led the resistance forces inside Tanah Burung.

Despite the well-appointed chambers provided for them, there was an air of decrepitude about the meeting chamber where the five were gathered. Only one of their number had anything to do, and that consisted of little more than hurling diplomatic abuse at Knootoss. It had been a cruel blow to them, a reminder of their lack of power, when the peace deal had been announced and then just as suddenly disavowed. The action, as always, remained on the ground. And now they were waiting to meet a legendary figure -- and possibly her kitty.

Alkatiri cleared his throat and announced the visitor as he opened the chamber doors. "Her Grace, the Baroness Winton."

Coronada, Commonwealth of Galdago
Baroness Winton seemed to glide into the room. Her athletic body seemed full of energy, and her strides were just barely meet the requirements of lady like, but it all fit together. In her wake walked the large Klatchian Tiger, like a protective cruiser waiting to strike out at any enemies

Anne eyes seemed to take the whole small group in as she gave the traditional short bow.

"I am pleased that you agreed to meet with me before your diplomatic trip to C'tan. I am here to represent the intrests of His Grace, Alexander Vaughn Crawford, Grand Duke of the United Duchies and the rights and intrests of the family of the Crawfords of Herzog Island of which he is the current head."

I bet you have no idea where this is going...
"His Grace has become most displeased with disastrous mess that has occured within Tanah Burung. As such he has directed me to ask to offer assistance in facilitating a mutally workable peace. Of course I have some information that may...moderate your view of what a workable peace may or may not include."

Her eyes bore into woman who had spent her time throwing both direct and indirect insults at the last peace confrence. Yes you...I heard about that little stunt burning victims names...Not even I could do something so outrageously counterproductive...

A small metal case was placed on the table. It was opened and each member of the presidency was handed two packets, one red, one green.
"In the green packet are several photos taken near your western border of flying boats crossing into Tanah Burung. One of those aircraft was seized in a raid for secondary legal matters. It was carrying a shipment of shoulder launched anti-aircraft missles. As shown in the second photo. You see the black case with the green stripes in the photo? There is a blow up of it in the next image, and the last shows the contents."

The small black case contained what looked like a segmented ball about the size of a vollyball with a small circular base.

"This Presidents...' Oh god I've got five presidents for one nation before me...God give me strength "is a bio-weapon. We are not sure what the actual disease is as of yet, but our biological weapons experts have nicknamed it the Apocolypse virus."

In reality it wasn't a virus but some sort of horrid nano-tech mass murder device made by Resi Corp that acted like a bio-weapon.

"From our tests of a few samples of the bio-material in that weapon. We estimate a lethality of eighty to ninty percent. I need not tell you what whould happen to your chances for peace and Knootian withdrawl if they had evidence about someone in Tanah Burung possessing this weapon."

Alkatiri listened with increasing annoyance. Yes, another foreigner saying peace was needed. As if that was news. The peace....

He went pale at the mention of the bio-weapons.

"Baroness, this is news to me. As you know, my country avoids any sort of offensive wepaonry, let along the sort of abomination you are talking about. I am certain that no one among our forces would stoop to such desperate measures. I'll verify that with my contacts inside Tanah Burung, of course."

He stopped for a second of thought. Presumably if the Alconans were making the claim, they had at least enough evidence to convince the Knootians. Not that it woudl take much to convince the Knootian government that there were Burungis up to no good, of course.But what was Alcona's interest? Just peace, or something more?

Well, you've had this information for some time," he said. "I thank you for letting us know. Are you simply sharing it, or do you have a suggestion to make? As for me, it makes me all the more anxious for a fast peace. I imagine you already know that we had agreed to asking Alcona and Hubris to serve as a third party at the Chantouillet talks, and i hope the Knootians have not changed their mind on that score."

The Baroness raised an eyebrow at the last comment. "Actually as far as I, and the Privy Council of the United Duchies have not received any invitiation to participate in any negotations about Tanah Burung."

She paused considering the information. "But the United Duchies is willing to help in whatever way possible in securing the future peace of Tanah Burung and her people. For his Grace does not just desire that the Burungi have the right to live peaceful prosperus lives, but his duty to insure it."

If the Burungi here had any idea about Alconian culture, that word should have triggered a few flags. The Alconian veiw of duty was almost cult like, and their royal family were the head priests.

Anne looked about the table. "I am sure you are all recall from your history that the last true sultan Jayawarnam VI left his nation in the care of a trusted warrior named Thomas Crawford."

She paused to let the Presidents dig up the historical fact from deep within their memories. "The odd thing is that his grave was recently uncovered. There is a very good picture of it in the red packets. You'll note the little symbol at the top, what european nations call his arms. It appears Captain Thomas Crawford was the wayward brother of Alexander Crawford, First Duke of Alcona."

The Baroness paused again. "And the heir of Thomas Crawford, Regent and Protector of Burung Paradis beleives his duty is to mitigate the stain of failure upon his ancestor's name, and have the families revenge upon those who murdered Thomas."

And that includes demanding all of your resignations and declaring himself Regent of Tanah Burung if need be. But this will go a great deal smoother if we work together.

"The, uh, connection to Clan Crawford which has recently come to light is one reason why your government may be able to be of help," Alkatiri said carefully. He would not want to to put a foot wrong or open any doors too wide. "The Knootians want only their closest international friends involved, and the Burungi people's affection for the name Crawford may allow them to accept an involvement from Alcona and Hubris that they would not accept from some other friends of Knootoss."

Alkatiri paused, deciding to be indiscreet. The fact that the Baroness seemed to know about what had gone on behind closed doors at Chateau Chantouillet indicated that Alconan intelligence might already be privy to more of the negotiations than she was letting on. So why not leak something that she probably had worked out for herself?

"I think we are almost at the point of peace with Knootoss, in fact. If the current polls are any indication, their next government may be less, er, volatile than the current regime. Which means that either the w-- ... the current Prime Minister of Knootoss signs the deal worked out by her foreign minister, or she loses the election and the new government signs once she has lost power. I do believe that peace is at hand, barring another temper tantrum from the Lady Galadriel."

The Baroness raised an eyebrow. "I am sure that the current government of Knootoss has various reasons, both public and private to sign a peace treaty. And never trust the opposition to do what they say after an election, only before."

Anne paused again, "Well I hope that a more freindly relationship can be formed between the former colonies of Knootoss. We may look at Knootoss in a diffrent light."

She looked arround the table. "I do not want to be too nosy. But you have indicated Benjian support for the involvement of the United Duchies. I have er...secured some idea of the basic outline of the deal presented. But I would prefer to here your version of the peace plan."

Here at least Alkatiri felt no need to guard his words. He didn't trust the Baroness, but no secrets could possibly be betrayed by answerign that question: after all, van Mierlo or someone else had already leaked the deal.

"The peace agreement is much as described in the Knootian press," he answered. "The Knootians will leave, in exchange for our agreement to hand over those accused of terrorism to an international court. As each province is cleared of Rumbiak Brigades, it will be restored to our control. The sole outstanding point is the neutral party able to carry out the trials in accordance with international practice. And we were much impressed with the Vrakian efforts to establish a world court process some time ago. Klatchian justice appears to be consistent, and not controlled by agents of the Invisible Hand."

He almost spat out the name.

Here at least Alkatiri felt no need to guard his words. He didn't trust the Baroness, but no secrets could possibly be betrayed by answerign that question: after all, van Mierlo or someone else had already leaked the deal.

"The peace agreement is much as described in the Knootian press," he answered. "The Knootians will leave, in exchange for our agreement to hand over those accused of terrorism to an international court. As each province is cleared of Rumbiak Brigades, it will be restored to our control. The sole outstanding point is the neutral party able to carry out the trials in accordance with international practice. And we were much impressed with the Vrakian efforts to establish a world court process some time ago. Klatchian justice appears to be consistent, and not controlled by agents of the Invisible Hand."

He almost spat out the name.

The Baroness nodded. "Justice within the Klatch varies from state to state. But I have not heard any thing about Chapters of the Invisible Hand or any other unseen digit having influence in the Klatch."

She paused, "Um, one question how are you determining Rumbiak Brigade membership? That was a question asked around the Privy Council at the last meeting I attended."

"That is a detail," Alkatiri said gravely, "that will have to be worked out. We are well able to identify those we believe are members, and we already have some in custody, but the Knootians do not trust us. And i do not trust them to name their suspects: they would certainly name me as one! This is why an impartial third party, and scrupulously fair trials, are so vital."

The Baroness looked at the elderly Burungi, "The devil is always in the details." Which is why Knootoss didn't want the Holy Empire involved in the next level of negotations.

"And I can see why the news reports were so vauge. You worry that the Knootian list will contain those names that are politically motivated to detain individuals of polticial consequence to your nation. The Knootians are going to beleive that any list you provide will shelter prominant individuals who are members of the Brigade by not listing them." Which was a fairly obvious analysis of the situation.

"Even if a list was somehow agreed upon, the Knootians would want the individuals detained before trial, while you feel they should only be suspects and mass detentions would only hammper the process of rebuilding your nation." The Baroness could see the next hurtle in the process even before it appeared.

"Of course going back to the orginal list we can also say that the Knootians have intelligence from outside of Tanah Burung about individual's involvement in the Brigade. And those individuals could pose a serious threat to allowing you to rebuild without outside interference. And your list contains individuals from local intelligence that the Knootians are not likely to have due to the hatred of the local population. Those individuals pose a threat to Knootoss since that will be the likely next target of a reborn Rumbiak Brigade."

Anne paused with an odd smile on her face. "The only reasonable answer is to use both lists, but create two class of suspects....isn't that right Meow?"

She turned her attention to the tiger sitting next to her, scratching at his ears. Her eyes returned to the collective presidency with some humor in them.

(well, if the tiger agrees, it must be a good plan!)

"This issue caused some, er, dissension in Chantouillet, yes." Alkatiri was back to speaking carefully. And slowly. Very slowly.

"I believe separate classes of accused is the only possible way to go. How did you have in mind determining the division between these classes -- is it our list, and theirs? I have to say that their list will be very short, if it is an honest list. Or very long, if they are trying to score political points.

"But again: we know who these Brigade people are. Don't let our occasional difficulty in coming to a governmental consensus fool you: we do have an effective policing capacity, and we do know when people start to plot revolution in other countries. The main problem is not identifying the suspects, it is convincing the people not to join them. This is why Knootian troops departing is a pre-requisite to any trial."

(Well he does have a knighthood...)

Anne listened and bit back a retort. Just because they are Knootians does not mean everyone on their list that is not on yours was decided on by these invisible hand people.

"Obviously they will disagree with that assessment Madam President. But the two groups would both be investigated by an independent party for international terrorism activities and support. The first group, who would be the individuals on both lists, and therefore the most prominent and likely suspects would be detained. Those on only one list would be considered less likely suspects. They would not be detained, but would be investigated until enough evidence is found to warrent their detention and prosecution under the established guidelines."

"Of course what determines if someone is an international terrorist or major terrorist supporter is going to be quite a messy bit of negotation. After all the Knootians will want this group routed out to the very last root. And your government will see many has having acted only in self-defense of their nation or in a more kindly light."

She paused again looking at the others around the table. "The largest problem here is that because of your history and the nature of your nations societies and structure, you are antagonistic to the exstreme. In general my nation has found that backchannel diplomacy on these matters is far easier and more likely to lead to success. National leaders tend to think more in terms of national, or international, popular support than perhaps is always constructive."

And personally, you old Harpy, I would have placed a muzzle on you after the first day of the last negotiations. The fact that the rest of the twits around this table need to get a backbone and force you to shut your trap and won't just makes matters worse. Of course I dread to think what the Knootians are up to...God this is a ruddy mess

(small factual point -- Alkatiri is a man, and was not involved in any past negotiations. Only ranting against Knoot, to date, but he'll soon be negotiating personally with the Knootian PM.)

"Antogonistic towards countries that have invaded us, yes," Alkatiri said. "We have always enjoyed good relations with others. But that's not the point, really. I think you've offered a valuable point on the two classes of accused, and i'd be very pleased to suggest that to the Knootians."

OOC: Just assume she was looking at the one who did the negotations when she though of that.

IC: "Well, I do hope you have a productive meeting with the Knootians in C'tan Mister President. I think that is all his Grace wished me to convey. I there is nothing else I had best be taking Sir Meow here off to find something sutiable for lunch."

Of course, the Klatchian Tiger was large, but it had one known serious weakness uncommon to the rest of the species. Being alergic to sapian hemoglobin, including humans. The fact that very few outside of the Klatch knew this was due to their range being primarily in the Orclands of the northwest...which was little visited by outsiders due to the high tendeny for the Orcs to butcher intruders.

OOC: As and when you wish to begin, contact me.

Office of Hans van Mierlo, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Hague
“To be honest, we have looked rather warily at this partnership between Deylli Beybi and Ilek-Vaad”, the minister said dejectedly. “Neither is really trustworthy in our opinion, with all respect of course for the Klatchian status of one of them.” He smiled weakly as he put down the pictures.

“This… weapon. It would be terrible if it were ever used. If what you say is true it could already be in the hands of any group there.” He shook his head. “If they have managed to penetrate Tanah Burung already that would be horrible. We couldn’t leave then, the risk of them cooperating with the Brigades or planning an attack themselves would be unacceptable.

If I may ask, what would you recommend us in this situation? I would like the opinion of a valued friend such as your nation.”

The Alconian Baron sat back. "My government is at a bit of a crossroads with the matter of Knootoss and Tanah Burung. But I am going to answer this as a former Lieutenant General of his Grace's Marines. First, your objective is the destruction of this Rumbiak Brigade."
He paused for a moment, "What is Tanah Burung's objective? To get you out of their country. All of the whinning they publicly do is to force your government to back slide in the face of world opinion. What is the Klatchian Guard's Objective? To undermine Knootoss and her place in the world. To undermine you and your alliances."

The Baron looked for agreement from van Mierlo of those facts before continuing. "The Klatch Guard if they have this device deployed is going to do it such that they blame you for the destruction. If they place this thing in a metalic case and attach it to one of your ships in harbor. Well then the Knootian navy becomes unsafe. With dangerous weapons...an accident perhaps...or perhaps start a major battle with your Peace Keepers, force you to use a ship based cruise missle in defense. Then detonate the weapon. You forget the one thing all members of the Checka share is a history of homicide."

Which was true, Checka agents prided themselves on having fed many a Deyllian noble to a Klatchian Croc.

"You have two choices, one throw tons more troops into Tanah Burung and plan to say there until doomsday. Of course that will just throw many neutrals, including parts of the United Duchies into opposing you. Some might even decide to intervene. And you need your resources to deal with the mess in the North Atlantic. Sending more troops, who's supply source may be cut off in the near future, and weaking your own defensive stance is not sound policy. Hell you would be doing what the Vaadians and Deyllians want, undermining your place in the world community.

He stopped for a moment, looking a bit thirsty but continued. "The only good tactical move to beat your enemy in this situation is reduce your target profile. The sooner you are pulling out of Tanah Burung with a framework to crush the Brigade, the less likely the Burungi will support any moves by their secret allies to attack you directly or indirectly. And this operation has to have Burungi support to work."

"Of course a system will have to be in place to track down those members of the Brigade that escape the inital drag net, collect evidence, and find other members who are discovered after the intial arrests. But based on our earlier analysis that can't be Knootians. They would be a target, so we replace them with neutrals, or semi-neutrals to do the arresting. However, I think you got to this point already in your last negoations. But the published details were a bit sketchy..."

The Baron paused again for a moment.

"Thank you, Baroness, for all your advice: it's been very useful," Alkatiri said as the Alconan disappeared. It had gone better than he had expected, on the whole.

"I don't trust her, Mari," said Rosa Almeida, the co-president responsible for eocnomic affairs. "Not further thna i can throw her. And you know what happesn to people who try to ride tigers. They end up eaten."

Alkatiri frowned. "It's not about trust. We do not have a great number of options, you know. Not so many we can turn away those who are offering to help."

"Or pretending to offer."

"Whichever," interrupted Silas Simparieff, in charge of the environment. "This war is not in their interests, and the Knootians may have finally bitten off more than they can chew. I'm betting they've had enough."

Easy for you to say, Alkatiri thought. You're not the one heading off to meet with that loathsome troll they call a Prime Minister. He started the wheels in motion to contact Bi Kikere in the Burung Paradis jungles. If there was anything to this weapons of mass destruction story, she woudl know it. He hoped.

(ooc: ready when you are, C'tan!)

Office of Hans van Mierlo, The Hague

"You are correct, Ambassador", the minister replied thoughtfully. "That is indeed the strategy we have been following thus far. However this will become more difficult with the risk of attack - even if we would manage to shift the blame away from ourselves with your intelligence." He paused, looking the ambassador in the eye. Gauging him, and scanning the Alconans expression for sincerity to the point where it became almost uncanny.

"Under the changed circumstances, however, we would need to take this risk into account. The neutrals engaging themselves in arresting the Rumbiak Brigade would need to be willing to fulfull the alternative task of hunting down these people. And we would have to trust them with this rather sensitive information."

He paused again, gauging the ambassador once more. "Tell me, Baron, would the United Duchies be willing to play such a role?"

Office of Hans van Mierlo, The Hague

"You are correct, Ambassador", the minister replied thoughtfully. "That is indeed the strategy we have been following thus far. However this will become more difficult with the risk of attack - even if we would manage to shift the blame away from ourselves with your intelligence." He paused, looking the ambassador in the eye. Gauging him, and scanning the Alconans expression for sincerity to the point where it became almost uncanny.

"Under the changed circumstances, however, we would need to take this risk into account. The neutrals engaging themselves in arresting the Rumbiak Brigade would need to be willing to fulfull the alternative task of hunting down these people. And we would have to trust them with this rather sensitive information."

He paused again, gauging the ambassador once more. "Tell me, Baron, would the United Duchies be willing to play such a role?"

The Baron seemed to a very good poker player. Which was why he had been placed in this postion. Obviously the Alconians were not sharing everthing, but then they always did tend to keep things close to their chest. They also tended to like to do somethings under the radar.

"As you know the United Duchies has been supplying UAV's to help support your police action, that support has been somewhat covert due to internal poltical diffrences." Which appeared true at the moment. "With a peace plan in place we, the Alconians could more easily supply a new UAV with far better capablities for a police action." The Baron paused for a moment, "His Grace is fully supportive of helping end this problem. But I know that the Naval Marshall will balk at deploying marines."

The Alconian Peer shook his head. "The problem is after the Kyrall disaster in Neo Tyr we have come to a general conclusion that our troops do not have the proper training to make a police action successful. We're better off than the North Germanians but..."

Baron Highwater shrugged, " I think our role would be best in a more administrative role at the moment but working in concert with the neutral nations on the ground. Since we are a neutral, we can more easily keep our fellow Intenrnational Burungi Peacekeeping Committe members informed of developments without the Burungi flying off the handle every fifteen seconds."

Obviously the Alconians thought they should be telling this to the participants. Although the Baron had obviously just made up the random name on the fly as he sat in the chair.

The Baron leaned over, "Unoffically we are working on this new threat, but we want to leave you with plausable deniablity. I am assured Mister Black has an operation already in the intial action stages on this matter."

The Alconian Mr. Black was their version of M. Head of the covert intelligence departments of the United Duchies. Whatever the Alconians were up to, most likely trying to capture the weapon intact, they wanted to do so below the radar in typical Alconian fasion.

OOC: Sorry for the slight change in fluidic time but I am squeezing in a cabinet meeting inbetween the discussions with the Alconans and Galadriël leaving for the C'tan. As this cabinet meeting suggests, we accepted the A&H offer. Now ready for the C'tan meeting :)

This post has also been placed in the Saxmere thread. ))

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

Council of Ministers
The Hague, Knootoss

“If the new quotas for the hospitals are settled at six million people, I suggest we move on to the foreign policy agenda”, Galadriël suggested. A collective breath went through the Trêveszaal and there was silence for a moment as Hans van Mierlo calmly rearranged his stack of papers.

The time until election day was now counted in weeks, and the domestic policy agenda had been reduced to a game of ramming laws through parliament as quickly as possible. Every minister – especially the RCPK ministers – felt the hot breath of the green polling numbers in their neck and this managed to suppress the usual mood of relaxed conversation that had become the norm of almost eight years of more or less the same people meeting in the same room at the same time talking about the same issues. The single exception to this was what Galadriël so coolly termed ‘the foreign policy agenda.’

As the red light of his microphone went on, the minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence began to read from a piece of paper in his hand. “To begin with standing matters, the Tanah Burung negotiations have been taken on by the Prime Minister and her initiative for negotiations in the C’tan. The Foreign Ministry is talking with the Alconans also on their possible involvement as a third party peacekeeper in anticipation of a deal. Initial responses by the Alconans has been positive and I have accepted an offer by their ambassador. Their involvement has been classified a class II security matter and with all due permission from the Council of Ministers we will temporarily restrict all discussion of the Tanah Burung negotiations to the Prime Minister and myself. We have also agreed to put several units on alert for rapid dispatching to the region. The incurred cost…”

“But…”, Brinkhorst – the minister of Economic Affairs - looked worried as he interrupted, “The EIVD has its own operations in Tanah Burung. Restricting discussion to the Office of the PM and the Foreign Ministry would mean that only the AIVD and MIVD get this classified information. Surely all of your intelligence agencies should be aware of important developments."

Galadriël glanced at her senior minister and closest ally in the cabinet. “I do apologise but this classification does not allow for the official involvement beyond the offices you mentioned.” Official was the key word in her statement, and this appeared to satisfy the aging minister sufficiently.

“Does anyone object to the classification of the Tanah Burung negotiations to Mr. van Mierlo and me?”, Galadriël now asked out loud. There was silence, with some of the ministers nodding.

“Well,” the minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence continued his report, “then there is the matter of Saxmere. First of all, I would like to make it patently clear that we all agree this situation must be de-escalated. The Lavenrunzian offer is being investigated, but I feel that diplomatic courtesy alone will now allow us to refuse this venture.

Meanwhile, we have offered full assistance to President Caine and assured them that we will fulfil treaty obligations. Our intelligence in the region has been beefed up considering the recent Excalbian exposure. That is why our navy is now moving as I explained to you in our last briefing.”

“How about our projection of military power? Is our profile sufficient to match our words?” the State-Secretary of Foreign Economic Policy asked. “The Excalbians have a formidable navy, and the Pantocratorians could move with them together against us. Where are our allies, damnit!”

“The meeting with VERITAS was… partially successful”, the minister said tentatively. “It wielded some statements of support, which is the best we can do at the moment. New York and Zvarinogradi support are fairly important, I would say, given their strategic locations near the Atlantic. And then there is the support we’ve been getting outside of VERITAS. The Midlonians, the Thelasi have been rather supportive as well. As a precautionary measure the Prime Minister and I have ordered the mobilisation of most active elements of the KDF at home. We have also agreed to keep KNN out of this.” He glanced briefly at the elf at the head of the table, and the others could sense that this had been a point of disagreement prior to the meeting.

“We have some things on our side”; Galadriël continued. “Intelligence suggests that the Pantocratorians have not mobilised anything. They are arrogant enough to presume that we pose no threat to them. They are forgetting that the Atlantic is also our turf and we have beaten them before.”

Some of the SLP ministers frowned with concern, something Galadriël seemed to pick up immediately.

“I also intend to visit the Vatican and speak with the Pope. The Vatican has not yet responded but I’ll keep you apprised.” – the SLP minister of Domestic Affairs bowed towards his colleague of Education to whisper something, but the elf took no notice of it.

“The Minister mentioned the Syskeyians a bit earlier”, Galadriël said instead, almost spitting out the word, “Syskeyian recognition of Saxmere is a pointless gesture of a doomed government, but it is still a bothersome one. And while we cannot break our word I would recommend that we not to extend the arrangement for allowing volunteers to help in the Syskeyian conflict. If both parties can agree to this.”

“This will of course be a matter for after the election”, van Mierlo said tentatively. “Bbut I have been told that this can get support extending beyond the current government. I don’t think we are vengeful when it is patently clear that the Syskeyians do not want to be our friends.”

“To be frank, I fail to see why we should treat them as friends in the first place”, Galadriël interjected. “They are a barbaric theocracy and they destroyed the South Atlantic Treaty Organisation."

“How about the Midlonians?”, the State Secretary asked - eager to change the subject. “They seem to have been more than helpful even without a treaty.”

“I have composed a letter to thank them,” the minister answered. “And I will recommend to my successor that we arrange a strong upgrade in economic and diplomatic ties, they deserve it after being loyal several times now. A bilateral treaty would be very much in order.”

Galadriël nodded. “Well, ladies and gentlemen, my flight to the C’tan is leaving momentarily so if there is no other business I would like to wrap this up. If there is no other business to handle I would like to close this meeting. Be strong.”

Aiyana Tirecan sighed reluctantly as she waited for the squabbling children as she thought of them, to arrive. The confrence room was tiny, intended only for three people, and dominated by a large stained glass window covering one wall. Aiyana sat in a chair, sipping from a glass of water and waiting. She glanced up at Lord Gilroth, the Danaan representative to Veritas.

"Well," she said, raising her glass of mineral water "here's to a long few days of being locked in a sack with two proverbial rats."

The Sidhe smiled, raising his own glass, mulling for a moment and finally deciding that he definately considered Aiyana attractive...

((Gilroth borrowed with permission from TRD))

Striding in first was Galadriël, dressed for the occasion like an Elvish princess with a long evening dress and cutting sleeves in dark purple contrasting with a lighter lilla arrangement. Her head was adorned with an elegant bonnet with colours to match while a diamond necklace completed her appearance. Her hair had been put up in knot to fit. Wearing high heels, she towered high above the average human.

With her was a Knootian in the plain green uniform of a lieutenant-general, a lot more tanned then one would expect from someone living in such a northern country. One could only assume he had his time in the sun for at least a few months.

Upon being ushered into the conference room by a C’tan guardsman, the elf nodded to Aiyana Tirecan in greeting.

“A pleasure, as usual,” she said lightly despite barely knowing the C’tan representative to VERITAS.

“Lord Gilroth”, she said puzzled as she identified the other person present, “what an unexpected pleasure. I assume you have both come to wish me luck before the talks begin?” She dashed an innocent smile, before stepping fully inside the room.

Mari Alkatiri had been delayed, and arrived fuming at the inability of his much-reduced diplomatic staff to keep up with the paperwork. They had not even been able to come up with a briefing on The C'tan, so he arrived almost blind as to what sort of people his hosts were. It was not how he would have wished to enter a diplomatic negotiation on fisheries, let alone a negotiation that affected so much of his country's future.

So be it. Inshallah, it would all come out all right, he thought, muttering the words of invocation to a God in whom he no longer believed.

Alkatiri, as usual, was probably the shortest person in the room. He puilled the collar of his Nehru jacket tight around him and entered the lion's den, ready to face this group of strangers.

Undisclosed location, somewhere in the Burung Paradis jungle

Two figures trekked through the rain forest. A small but muscular woman, dressed in the saffron robes that shignalled her status as a nun in the Church of the Rocks and Trees, sweated profusely as she wielded her machete against the tangling plants. Behind here, doing his best to smooth the damages of her hacking, was a fat little boy.

"Ouch!" he said periodically. "Try not to hit the main stalks, Sister! Those vines are our brothers, aren't they?"

Clara looked over her shoulder. "Enough, Tashi. Now eat some more."

"But Sister, i'm not hungry!"

"Hunger is not the issue. We need you big and strong again."

Pouting, the boy ate some more taro paste from a jar around his neck. He sniffed the air.

"Sister, she's close. I can sense her."

Clara parted some branches, and the pair merged into a clearing. She bowed. "Madame President, i believe?"

Bi Kikere looked across in surprise. How had they approached so silently? How had they eluded the patrols? Then she saw the boy, dropped from her chair to the ground. "Eminence! What an honour!"

Tashi laughed a little to see the wizened old woman move so quickly.

"Selamat tinggal Ibu!" He gave the proper expression of greetings from a traveller to an elder. "Oho! Why do you have so many prickly pointy killing things?"

Bi Kikere sighed. All honour aside, this was not a boon to her battle plans. For the resistance commander, things were getting much more complicated.

Aiyana smiled at Galadriel, "Oh, welcome. Lord Gilroth," she said, as he took his, as ever, polite, leave of them, "was just discussing some matters of mutual interest. Anyway," she said, "please. Take a seat." It was, of course, not long before Alkatiri arrived, she smiled, and offered him a seat as well.

"Good. Now that we're all here, if you would care to, one at a time, give, for my own enlightenment, a firsthand account of the situation, and what you hope to gain from these negotiations. And please, be as biased as you like. I will ask to hear both sides, so you need only present the facts, as you see them. "

She prepared herself for politely interrupting either party...

Galadriël looked distinctly displeased by this unpleasant introduction. She tilted her head, first, and then shook it as if disappointed. She addressed the C’tan diplomat in fluent Quenya, de facto excluding the Burungi from the conversation.

“I will beg your forgiveness,” she interrupted in the poetic Elvish language which game flowing from her lips like the trickling of a waterfall - light and slow like water but with a lower undertone of gravity, “but I have called for a meeting on this very hour between the powerful two – not for any pairing of three.,” she said directly to Aiyana Tirecan. “My first minister and right hand has attempted ‘mediation’ by third parties and he has failed every time despite the best of intentions of all involved. I will not fall into the same trap, that sort of talk that will smother this matter with the blanket of political storytelling, deception and bias.”

“I came here not to speak wearily of our entire history. The facts are clear and on the table. I have chosen to sacrifice much to meet my nemesis - with this Burungi terrorist. I have chosen to meet my nemesis, and I would have you leave us so I may address him and pact with him, for I will suffer no further distractions from this peace which my people so much desire.”

Alkatiri smiled back and started to mouth the usual polite words of greeting, only to be cut off by a torrent of words from the Knootian leader. He listened to the vile-sounding gibberish, not understanding a word of it, but could hardly fail to pick up on the anger flashing in Galadriel's hollow, evil, soul-less eyes. She was even more hideous in person than on television, he reflected: her skin like the belly of a fish, her hair like straw fit only for the cattle, her voice shrill and ugly, her odour giving off the stink of the European dairy-eater. Inwardly, he shuddered, but kept his face impassive. What could the murderous harridan be talking about?

(ooc: mutual hatred sufficiently established, yes? ;) )

Aiyana smiled, speaking in english, "I'm sorry you feel that way. Now I will be forced to rely on the 'Burungi terrorist' as you call him, for information on the matter. Obviously politely accomodating the wishes of your host is not the way Knootians behave as guests. Rather irritating but still, one can't rush to judge a foreign society. I'm sure your rules of conduct have their own, merits that happen to not be immediately apparent."

“I hope you shall forgive me then, your Excellency”, she said coldly in English, “but I shall retire for a moment to redress myself on my flight. If Mr. Alkatiri wishes to speak with me in private he may do so. I thank you for your diplomatic efforts, Madame, but now is neither the place nor the time for third party intervention.”

And with that she stood up, turned, and left – walking into the corridor to return to the docked plane.

Aiyana watched her go, leaning back in her chair, thinking to herself For someone so old, she's incredibly childish. Stupid Knootians. I'll have to treat her like the spoiled kid she is behaving as, and leave her until her sulk is over and she comes out of her bedroom.

"I shall join you shortly, Madame," Alkatiri called to Galadriel's disappearing back. He was a little shocked. Knootian diplomats were more often noted for their lengthy speeches and polished manners -- even if the speeches were sometimes meant to delay and cloud the issue. Clearly, this was no diplomat.

"Forgive me," he said to Aiyana. "It is, after all, the Prime Minister of Knootoss with whom i must seek an agreement. I would not wish to keep her waiting too long. In short, our case is that Knootoss invaded our country on a pretext. Some of our citizens were members of a group called the Rumbiak Brigade, which was assisting an armed rebellion in Knootian-occupied Colombia. Our government took several steps to prevent this action, although we believe Colombia has the right to independence. We were planning to hold a national referendum on the question of banning the Rumbiak Brigade, but Knootian troops invaded before we could do so. One of my colleagues recently reached a draft peace agreement with the Knootian foreign minister, but the Prime Minister over-ruled him and disowned the agreement. We are still willing to reach peace on those terms, if Her Excellency can be convinced to see reason."

He drew breath. "Forgive me, but i really should go speak with the Prime Minister in private, since that seems to be the only way she will speak with me. Perhaps i could give you further information later? If you will excuse me for now, that is?" He let the question hang in the air. it would be the height of ill manners to withdraw without permission.

"I wouldn't bother if I were you. She is quite aware that she is supposed to at least extend the minor courtesy of including her hosts. This place was not, despite what she may loudly claim, offered free of any conditions. This childish and impolite display is probably part of her negotiating strategy, allowing her to set the tone and conditions of resumption of talks.

"Though that is perhaps giving her too much credit."

He hadn't been given permission to leave, and so Alkatiri remained. There were, after all, codes of courtesy that should be respected, and the chance to talk with that madwoman was not worth causing offence, if indeed this was part of her negotiating tactics.

"To be honest, i have no interest in tactics," he said slowly. "This is not a game for me or my people. Well, what is to be done, then? Perhaps you could have someone inform the Prime Minister before she leaves that i remain more than willing to meet with her?"

Really, it was a bizarre display. Mari Alkatiri might have had the free time for a trip, but he assumed his adversary had a country to run, and an election to fight. Well, if she didn't want to talk, then so be it. Mentally he starterd to compile a news release. Knootian PM pleads for talks, then storms out before they start? No, it would need something snappier.

"So, what next then?" he asked, composing himself for a wait. He was not going to allow himself to be rattled.

Prime Ministerial Airplane

Meanwhile inside her plane, Galadriël was moping and feeling very righteously indignant indeed. In her hand, a glass of strong red wine, ignored by dark eyes staring at a KNN journalist on the onboard television. The blonde-haired, blue-eyed man was extolling on her current peace overtures while the KNN crawler kept feeding the audience alarmist messages about the “Atlantic Crisis”.

The Prime Ministers concentration was only interrupted by a tall human man standing next to her, obviously needing attention.

“Ah, your Excellency?” he asked timidly, obviously not a bearer of good news. “Mephet’ran…”

“Yes?” – Galadriëls head jerked to the right. “What about Mephet’ran. I told you to call him an hour ago!”

“He isn’t answering our calls, your Excellency.”

“But I need him now. Haven’t you told them that I need him?”

“The Imperator is, uhm, occupied my Lady.” The Knootians voice became a little squeaky.

“Whatever could be so important for him to deny me him? Surely he cares about me… about these negotiations” she said somewhat less certain of herself (and therefore probably more dangerous.) Her gaze now pierced right through the flight attendant.

“Upon my insistence, uhm, repeatedly, well… his secretary told me to report to you that he is meeting with the Elentári, your Excellency. But I’m not sure if he, uhm…”

Galadriël nearly exploded in her chair, her cheeks flushing bright red..

“Then let him meet with his…” the words stuck her throat and she closed her eyes, breathing deeply. This seemed to calm her down, for now. She even managed to form something resembling a serene, dignified smile.

“I’ll wait. Let them come to me to make good on their offence. Who does that little bureaucrat think I am anyway,” she snorted, “some… diplomatic courier to do her homework for her. An emberassement, that is what it is!”

The flight attendant bowed his head politely, avoiding Galadriëls gaze.

“But very well”, she decided, “I shall bear with these people and suffer yet another insult. Send someone out to inform this Alkatiri that I will meet with him alone. I will receive him here if that little bureaucrat refuses to know her place in the affairs of Leaders. And get my campaign manager on line one now. Let this entire affair not be a complete waste of time.”

The flight attendee nodded, and scurried about to fulfil the Prime Ministers requests

"Next," she said, "I suppose 'we' should 'ajourn.' I'll have to do something more productive with my afternoon. I shall go and file my nails first." She tutted, stood, and bowed, "Thank you for your time."

Can't see why documentaries have to be unbiased.

Because that's what a documentary is. Hense why Moore's chopshop of a "documentary" fahrenheit 911 wasn't eligible for the "documentary" catagory at the awards show. They have to be factual and non-biased...at least in their presentation.

Huh?

“But very well”, she decided, “I shall bear with these people and suffer yet another insult. Send someone out to inform this Alkatiri that I will meet with him alone. I will receive him here if that little bureaucrat refuses to know her place in the affairs of Leaders. And get my campaign manager on line one now. Let this entire affair not be a complete waste of time.”

Seeing a functionary scurry towards him and pass along the message, Alkatiri offered a scowling reply.

"Tell her i'm not getting aboard that thing, she'd probably try to kidnap me. I'll meet her here in the hallway, if she likes."

Form AG-765/T, Report of theft, filed with the Knootian police force, by Sasmita Warung-van Niestelrooy (Ms):

Item stolen: one country, slightly soiled.

Description: Jungly, sunny, full of quite cheerful people, located slightly south of the equator in the Pacific Ocean, or possibly in the Klatch, depending who you ask, but anyway it's quite large, you can't miss it.

Approximate value: OMFG$3712897389127398127837128937y987217389!!!! Also has a lot of sentimental value.

Do you suspect any person or persons? Yes. Gang of international crooks going by the name "government of the Dutch Democratic Republic." Led by Mad Ma Galadriel nos Something-or-Other, i think. May be connected with those notorious sugar-water pushers that think they're invisible. You know the ones i'm talking about.

OOC: hahaha. Also, you got a TG TB ;)

Hallway, in front of the dock/whatever thingy near wherever the plane is

Galadriël slowly walked down the stairs of the Knootian Prime Ministerial airplane. Her dress had been rearranged again, and make-up reapplied. The door hissed open and Alkatiri appeared in front of her, and she looked down upon him and – smiled. She broke an actual smile which even seemed sincere.

“Mari Alkatiri”, she said keeping her smile. “How good of you to come.”

OOC: Hey there! It's the former HB speaking.
Sorry for the interruption, but I just wanted to let you know that I've stopped using Hell Bovines, and that now Lobisonia is my main nation. (reasons explained in this thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=423796))
I'm sorry for any continuity troubles I could have caused over here. :headbang:
Either you can assume that the duque is dead, dissapeared and/or that he never existed, whatever suits best for you. Again, I'm very sorry for the mess... :(

..and for the shameless thread-advertising included in this post

((The Duque never existed? Impossible. He was too charming not to have lived. I'd prefer to say he died, off stage, fighting against people who didn't recognize him.))

Alkatiri peered up at the giantess as she alighted down her stairway. If it is possible to show sarcasm through the movement of the body, then he bowed sarcastically.

"Greetings," he said, holding out a copy of the agreement signed by Hans van Mierlo and Violeta Bi Bere. "Shall we sign and have done with this, or have i wasted my time coming to see you?"

Galadriël accepted the piece of paper, glancing over it briefly.

“You are bold, Burungi”, she said as she put the piece of paper away. Instead, she fished a standard Knootian data pad from her pocket, glancing at it melancholically and holding it in her hand.

“You will find my name below this already, for you to sign. I believe you are familiar with the terms”, she sighed, “I have asked the Alconans to help us both to fulfil them. You will also find a list of names here of the people that we would wish to receive their just punishment for their crimes. Compounded with your own knowledge, we may seal the fate of your terrible organisation and free both our peoples from fear.”

She stopped, taking the final step down so she was level with Alkatiri and right in front of him.

“You must think ill of me, Burungi, but I would have you know that what I did, I did for Knootoss. It was all for our Federation!” she glanced at him briefly, then opened the ready file on the hand-held device with a button-push. ”

“But before you look I would ask something of you, personally.” – she smiled sadly at him. “Tell me, Burungi, would you sacrifice yourself for the good of your country?” – before he could answer she went on – “I do not mean the kind of sacrifices that we all make – those bittersweet sacrificed that come with great power”, she continued with this hint of melancholy. “I am talking about the end of ambition. The release of ego and the will to go through great personal trouble for the sake of ones country, ones ideals. Would you be willing, readily, to go through this, so your country may be rid of us?”

She was a fine one to talk about ego, Alkatiri thought: the woman's ego was bigger than the entire Knootian Federation. No matter. Sign, and have done with it. All would work out, inshallah.

"Your Federation, Madame, has been harmed as much as my own country by your actions. But let us put an end to it. I'm glad you are willing to undo the harm you have done to both our countries. As to your metaphysics: ask me a concrete question, and i shall answer. The rest is playing with words, and word games hold no interest for me. Enough with the games, let us put an end to playing with sentient lives."

"Sir, I wish to inform you that your Knootian has decided that my prescence is unacceptable in the negotiations, and has left."

The hologram of Mephet'ran flickered a little, the lifesized version exceeded the maximum resolution of its receiver, and he tilted his head to one side. "Is she still aboard?"

"Yes," Aiyana nodded.

"If she does not wish to extend us courtesy as a guest, we will not extend her courtesy as hosts. Expel her immediately," he said, "if she refuses to leave, throw her aboard her plane. Then ask the other one to leave. I wash my hands of the pair of them."

Aiyana smiled, "It shall be done My Lord."

OOC: I was under some radically inaccurate impressions about what was going to take place here. I want nothing further to do with this thread. Good day.

“Fair enough”, Galadriël said, sighing as she handed the padd over to Alkatiri along with a pen designed to function with the apparatus.

“Sign it and lets be done with this forever.”

The document, as Alkatiri scanned it, appeared to have the exact same clauses as the agreement between Hans van Mierlo and Bi Bere, bar perhaps the names mentioned atop the document. It also suggested the Alconans as a third party for peacekeeping and justice, provided they approved, and it contained a rather list of Burungi citizens that Knootoss wished prosecuted.

With a tight-lipped little smile, and being sure to get a copy for himself, Alkatiri scrawled his signature across the document, turned his back, and bowed very slightly. Stopping to express his thanks to his host, along with a gift of a Loro Sae mahogany spice box, he headed back to the Commonwealth of Galdago. And soon, very soon, the mountains of home.

---

CORONADA, Galdago -- The Burungi government-in-exile announced today that a peace deal had been reached between Tanah Burung and Knootoss and signed by the leaders of each country.

Terms are reported to be identical to those agreed at Chateau Chantouillet but cancelled by the Knootian Prime Minister to protest against Pantocratorian foreign policy in the Excalbian Isles. This time, the two sides quickly agreed after "frank discussions" to sign the deal as negotiated.

Under the terms of the agreement, Knootian and allied forces will withdraw in stages from Tanah Burung, with monitoring carried out by the government of Alcona and Hubris. The Burungi government has also agreed to the Klatchian duchy organizing an international trial of those members of the Rumbiak Brigades accused of terrorism.

People's representative for foreign affairs and human rights, Mari Alkatiri, offered his "sincere thanks" to government of The Ctan for hosting the signing and to all other governments which had assisted in the peace process. He confirmed that elections for a new Burungi government would take place as soon as possible.

From: Trouw

GALADRIËL:
PEACE WITH HONOUR

THE HAGUE - The Knootian Prime Minister has been hailed as bringing "peace to Knootoss" after signing an agreement with Burungi leader and wanted terrorist Mari Alkatiri regarding the arrest and trial of all terrorists of the so-called Rumbiak Brigade as well as a phased withdrawal from Tanah Burung. PM Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan arrived back in the DDR today, holding an agreement signed by Alkatiri and herself.

The two leaders had met earlier in Ctan territory, convening to decide on the terms of the agreement. Galadriël declared that the accord with the Burungi terrorist leader signalled "peace and security for a strong Knootoss, and justice for the terrorists", after she had read it to a jubilant crowd gathered at Schiphol airport near Amsterdam. She also commented before a KNN camera that all Knootian demands in the ultimatum before the beginning of Operation Tempo Doeloe had been met in the agreement.

After greeting members of the public and the press at the airport, Galadriël appeared in front of another rejoicing throng on the balcony of Noordeinde Palace with other conservative leaders, and again later at the Binnenhof

Standing on the balcony of the white city-palace she declared, "This morning I had an talk with the Burungi Leader, Mari Alkatiri, and here is the treaty which bears his name upon it as well as mine." Wild cheers broke out, the crowd reiterating the last syllables of the Prime Minister's statement. Galadriël continued: "We are resolved that the method of consultation shall be the method adopted to deal with any other questions that may concern our two countries, and we are determined to continue our efforts to remove possible sources of difference, and thus to contribute to assure the peace and security of our great Federation.” Referencing the Shadow War she continued: “My good friends, for the second time in our history, a Knootian Prime Minister has returned from negotiations bringing peace with honour. I am asking you, the Knootian people, to bestow your trust in this peace agreement."

Foreign minister Hans van Mierlo added in a response that: "We are determined to continue our efforts to remove possible sources of difference and thus to contribute to assure that this agreement will last."

However, Galadriëls personal pact will be little comfort to Hans van Mierlo’s Social Liberal Party, which was forced to hand over the actual signing of the treaty to its conservative coalition partner days before the election. Galadriël was not present at the conference were the terms of the deal were arranged. This deal is expected to boost both the SLP and the conservative RCPK in the elections.

Elements of the Knootian Defence Force have already begun preparing for the arrival of third party peace forces and a gradual withdrawal from the United Provinces.

Torrhall, Temple Square
The square was filled as the locals gathered to hear the announcement to be made by Alexander the Third, Grand Duke of the United Duchies from the Ducal Palace Window that overlooked the square. This was a rare treat for the people of Hubris, his Grace seldom conducted official business outside of the Capitol City of Thunderbay. The fact that he was making an announcement here was quite interesting to the locals. It appeared only a few members of the national and international press were here though.

A large percentage of the crowd was young and in uniform, which wasn't surprising considering that Temple Square acted as the common for Torrhall University. A far more urban campus than the Naval Academy or Herzog University, the schools appealed to those not looking for a career in the military. However, tradition and law decreed that university students should serve their nation for three years after graduating. Most of the young men and women here were officer cadets, and they wanted to show off for their monarch's official visit.

The doors onto the balcony opened and a tall thin man in a dark suit stepped out. The crowd roared as Alexander waved to them. He stood there quietly for a moment, letting the people calm down a moment before beginning his speech.

"My beloved people, I have come to this place to inform you and the world of the great events that will soon occur here. Peace has been negotated between Knootoss and Tanah Burung, and I can say that the United Duchies have tried to help in doing this. But peace is not just negotated and declared, it must be built, sustained, and strengthened. Mankind has shown great deeds in war, and watched what the dead have achieved be fretted away by and unstable and unsustained peace. " He paused looking across the crowd.
"But the Peace we helped to bring to the nation of Tanah Burung shall not have this fate. For although we have done little to bring Peace. We shall be the ones that will make it a lasting peace. We shall be the ones who help lay the foundation stones for a new day in Tanah Burung, and some of those stones shall be laid here." There was a round of applause again, many here were former, current, or future military. The old saying was that the greatest lovers of peace are soldiers.

"Today the world is faced with new threats to the sovereignty of nations. Some claim that the group known as the Invisible Hand are a threat to world wide stability. Others see the actions of the group known as the Rumbiak Brigade as acts of terrorism. I know not if the Invisible Hand is the threat that some claim it to be, I know not the true motivations of those members of the Rumbiak Brigade. But I do know that the Rumbiak Brigade, either in part or in whole have stepped over a line. Rumbiak was a great fighter of imperialism in the world. Yet in his name, some have acted no better than imperialists. Rather than use imperialism of the State, they have used imperialism by fear. They have attempted to force other lands to accept their view of the world by acts of terror. They have exported violence out of Tanah Burung as others exported bananas." There were wry smiles and a distinct black look to the crowd. People here really didn't care for terroists and murders. The idea of blackening a man's name so peversly went against the basic grain of most peoples nature here.

"Here in Torrhall those that have defiled the name of Rumbiak will face justice, those that have actively worked in exporting violence abroad, those who have committed terrorist acts in Columbia and Gallaga, and those who have organized, supported, and controlled these actions will face justice." There was a general murmur, people looked at each other while they lightly applauded. Obviously they were a bit confused at all this present talk of Torrhall and justice.

"As part of the Knootian-Burungi Treaty, the United Duchies will convene a special court. This court's purpose will be to find, detain, and prosecute those that have committed and supported the terrorist activities of the Rumbiak Brigade, these Imperialists of Fear. Those Burungi who have only defended their homes against the Knootian Police Action, and those that joined to support the ideals of Rumbiak have nothing to fear. And this special court shall be held here, in Torrhall's Old Ducal Palace."
There was applause from this. People here wanted to show of their rebuilt city, the idea of an international court (and the resulting increase in tourist dollars) was quite appealing.

"The Justice of the United Duchies shall do its best to protect the innocent and prosecute the guilty. With our help, this evil rot that has taken hold in the world will be rooted out. Allowing Burungi and Knootian to live in peace once again." A much louder applause with a few yells in the background. It was obvious that the Hubarians here liked the idea, and were enthusiastic about the project.

OOC: continued http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=426869