NationStates Jolt Archive

It was cold. The air in the frozen land of Forodren Annon was filled with falling snow, snow that bit into exposed skin as the wind caused it to flutter down at nearly a forty five degree angle. On the ground, a foot of the stuff had already piled up. In Ocanthus, the principality’s capital, life went on as normal in the sub freezing weather. The roads, warmed by steam filled pipes built into the concrete, were bare and dry, dry because of the warm surface and an effect of the city’s mythal. Another pleasant byproduct of the mythal was a constant Endure Elements spell that allowed all within the city to go about their daily lives normally as though the temperature was a comfortable seventy degrees, even if the real temperature is negative twenty.

Castle Elysium, built in the exact center of the arcanely laid city, was as beautiful as ever, the snow capping it’s blue roofs, while the white walls seemed to sparkle in the morning light. On the walls surrounding the castle, guards walked around on their rounds, hardly bothered by the falling snow. In the distance to the southwest, the city’s other castle, Ocanthus Castle, loomed through the snow-brought haze, just outside of the city walls. To the west, Ocanthus International Aerospaceport was barely visible, it’s electromagnetic catapult appearing as little more than a long shadow through the weather. The largest in the region, Ocanthus Intl. was the only spaceport in Haven capable of accommodating massive ships like Bryn Shander’s own Inverse Class dreadnaught or ZMI’s Management Buyout Class ships, but even then, it could only harbor two ships of that size at one time. Other, smaller ships could also be serviced by the massive port, protected from the elements by entering the underground docks, where the passengers, crew, and cargo could be unloaded in relative comfort. From there, passengers could take an underground maglev system to Ocanthus or anywhere in Forodren Annon, or board a more conventional aircraft for transportation to Forodren Cormandor across the strait or anywhere else in Haven or the rest of the world. Cargo would be moved onto large, more conventional cargo aircraft for delivery elsewhere, or be loaded onto a cargo maglev for delivery to the rest of the principality, or to one of the principality’s numerous ports to be loaded onto a ship.

Today, however, there would be far more important arrivals than cargo or commercial passengers. Today, King Damien Nightbane, as well as diplomats from ZMI and the NHSR would arrive at Ocanthus Intl. on their way to Castle Elysium for talks to further cement the peace agreed to on the ZMI ship Sales Ploy.

"Ocanthus International, this is New Haven One coming in for final approach," the pilot of a modified Marauder Mk.II dropship radioed.

"Here we go," President Newman said as he adjusted his Stalin Mk.I power armor and his ceremonial weaponry and medals. It was a tight fit, formed for a man much younger than him. He would leave the helmet in the dropship, as well as the heavy life support system. He would have no need for them here.

His two body guards, both lieutenants in the New Haven Socialist Marine Corp., donned their full ceremonial gear including their helmets. While normally one of them would carry a pulse rifle, he had been ordered to only take the pistol and sword as a sign of good will.

They would be landing soon...

"New Haven One, this is the control tower. You are cleared for landing on runway seven. You will be docking at terminal nineteen."

On the ground, the runways were outlined in blue and red. Each runway had it's number painted in lights. Runway seven showed that it was active by extending a long line of yellow guide lights in the direction that New Haven One was approaching from.

The Paladin transports double hull form slowly began banking towards an approach o Ocanthus International its twin massive crackling white drive flames cutting back to only a few metres in length as the craft dropped from hyper sonic then subsonic flight its wing forms eerily moveing with the changes in speed.

“This is Z.M.I. one to Ocanthus control requesting approach”.

"ZMI One, this is the control tower. You are cleared for landing on runway three, You are to dock at terminal eighteen."

The Paladins twin hulls were packed with DOFA and office of The Gestalt officials and mounds of flimsies, in the midst of this controlled bureaucratic mayhem two members of the gestalt sat opposite the figure of the foreign minister, Peter Hule who was presently deep in conversation with both of them and through them the rest of The Gestalt. He looked up briefly as an announcement came over the crafts PA.

“This is the Captain speaking, please remain seated until the aircraft has come to a complete stop and linked with the terminal”

Outside the matt black unbroken twin hulls of the paladin reflected back the lights of the runway even as the crafts wings retracted seamlessly into the hull.

Moments later the Paladin linked to the terminal and her passengers made their way out to meet their hosts.

As the ZMI diplomats exited the enclosed gangway into the main terminal, they were greeted by a young girl, wearing a black and grey outfit with red highlights, oddly reminicant of a schoolgirl's winter uniform. On her right breast was a small nametag with "Koharuno" written in red. In her hands was a small metal clip board, and most of her medium brown hair was held back by a white headband.

"Hello, I am Lt. Silk Koharuno. I shall be escorting you to Castle Elysium. If you will please follow me, we can retrieve your luggage and board one of the government use maglevs directly to the castle. Or if you would prefer, we could take a more senic route."

Peter Hule in his brilliant white DOFA suit, which had been slightly creased by the flight, regarded the young woman for a moment then he glanced back at The Gestalt members one of whom nodded imperceptibly. He then addressed the young lieutenant in a low but friendly tone

“I think we would prefer the scenic route lieutenant. I think we all could use a short moment of time to relax after our flight before getting down to business”

"Very well. Come with me."

Through the massive complex, Silk lead the diplomats past thousands of busy travelers a few levels up to the roof, where a large monorail station was located. After a minute or two, a long white train arrived at the nearest track, the black number painted on it's nose matching the route on the system map that would take the group to the castle. As they boarded the front most car, it was apparent that Bryn Shander was serious about it's public transportation, as both the exterior and interior of the train, as well as the station, were spotless. Shortly after the last man boarded the train, the doors slid shut and the train began to move.

Although the tracks started high above the ground on top of the complex's main terminal building, a gentle slope brought the tracks to only a few dozen feet from the ground, untouched outside of the city's walls that grew larger and larger as the train drew closer.

"As you will notice, there is no urban sprawl what so ever. This was done for the most part to protect the land's pristine environment, but also to aid in defense and make transportation easier, and keep the city inside the area effected by the city's mythal. Another thing you'll notice is that there are no roads visible outside the city. This is because all the roads outside city limits are built underground, so as to prevent animals from wandering onto the roadway and getting hit, as well as preventing weather from effecting driving conditions with snow, ice, or rain. As before, it also helps to keep the environment in perfect condition."

As she finished explaining the roads, the monorail traveled over the city's white, outer wall. Inside the city, buildings were everywhere, ranging from smaller buildings of less than ten stories near the wall, increasing to buildings as high as thirty stories towards the center. In the center of it all, was the principality's capitol building, Castle Elysium, rising high above the other buildings in the city with it's highest tower peaking at fifty four stories high.

Snow littered the ground, not effecting the small cars and large busses zipping around the city's streets. People walked on the sidewalks, not even noticing the snow and cold. In the distance, perhaps a kilometer to the north, another monorail headed back towards the aerospace port.

"As you can see, Ocanthus is a very prosperous city, with more than forty million people living in the hundred square kilometers that the walls enclose. Although zoning laws restrict buildings to thirty stories high, as to not allow them to overshadow the castle, buildings are free to extend underground, and most do just that, some extending down further than they do up. As such, the city has a massive and complex system of tunnels under the surface. In fact, there is often more activity below the ground than above it. Are there any questions?"

The Maurader Mk.II came down slowly, touching down for a second as the President and his two Lieutenant aides jumped clear before the monstrous jumpship lifted its disembarkment ramp and flew off into the clouds. It would return to Freeport for refueling and return when the meeting was over.

The President and his aides looked around, waiting for someone to greet them.

Shortly after arrival, the NHSR president and his men were greeted by a young woman wearing the same outfit as the girl that greeted thr ZMI group. This girl, however, is taller has larger breasts, and has long blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail with neat bangs.

"Hello. I am Lt. Vivienne Ohtori, and I will be your guide today. If you are ready, you havr three choices of transportation to the castle. One, we can take the underground maglev. Two, we could take the monorail. Or three, we could take a car. It's really up to you."

"I've always been fond of our own underground maglev, the Edolian HyperRail," Newman said. "We'll take that." His aides nodded as they adjusted their ceremonial swords, making sure they were secured properly.

"As you wish. Come with me."

Vivienne lead the NHSR group into the terminal and to an elevator, which travelled down for a minute or so before it stopped and the doors slid open. What was revealed, was an surgically clean subway station, devoid of trash, grafitti, bums, or even gated. On the walls were 3D maps of the massive system, with ad posters along side them marketing the latest films. A minute or so later, their train arrived, and the group boarded. After a fast, short, and rather dark journey, the train arrived at the first station on it's route. Again and again, the train arrived at stations, before arriving at the Castle Park station. The group exited the train, and again boarded an elevator. A short trip later, and they were back on the surface.

As they exited the station building, a monorail train left the station right above them. In front of them, a large park seperated them from the castle. To the left and right, roads, populated by a few quiet vehicles that produced no emmisions. As they walked towards the castle on the snow covered trail, none of the people felt cold in the slightest bit, even as the wind whipped the falling snow around them. As soon as the park was crossed, the group had to make one more crossing. This time across a street. On the other side, Vivienne showed the gate guards her credentials, and the heavy steel portcullis rose into the gatehouse above.

Inside the castle's outer wall was a beautiful courtyard, with frozen fountians and snow covered bushes. Guards made their rounds, and the castle towered above. Inside, Vivienne handed the group their room keys and maps of the castle. The next day, the conference would start.

"Not as impressive as the skyscraper landscapes of Freeport, but its still rather large," Newman thought of the castle as he received his map and room key. He nodded to his aides, who walked off to find their rooms. Newman entered his room and put his suitcase and briefcase down. He didn't have much of anything in the briefcase, but the suitcase had a diplomatic suit and a spare passport. It also contained a spare recall beacon, so the Maurader crew would know when to pick them up.

Hule glanced once more back at the group and again the two Gestalt members shook their heads in perfect unity. “No Lieutenant I think we have all found your explanation most informative” as he spoke demographic overlays were flashing in his outer vision while over the young lieutenants face pie charts and analysis were displaying as his implants and the rest of the staffs networked together and one by one passively read her body movements and emmisions, all of this while he calmly read over messages from the diplomatic staffs analysts back aboard the Paladin.

After a short journey, the train came into the Castle Park station, slowing to a smooth stop. After exiting the car, the group traveled down a set of stairs, stepping onto the sidewalk while snow fell all around and melted as it hit the finely crafted cobblestone walkway. Like the group that had arrived beforehand, the group crossed the large park on their way to the castle. Again, like the previous group, they were admitted access without issue, and Silk passed out room keys and maps. Today, everyone had free roam of the city and entire castle, aside from occupied rooms and private offices. Tomorrow, the conference would begin.

Walking slowly down one of the corridors, two fairly young men had split from the main ZMI group.
'So, Joshua. Please explain to me why we tagged along with the Zepplin guys? Or even why we are here?' the younger was walking rather rapidly, regardless of there being plenty of time, the other was two steps behind him.
'Because we were attached to follow the Zepplin diplomatic corps, we're also part of the unit set up there so we can make yet more orders in person, aside from the normal trade.'
'You mean the military tech?' Graham stopped and turned to face his freind.
'Yeah.'
'Well, that clears that up, but why are we here?'
'They said they had something intresting planned, after the initial cementing of the peace, apparently those Gestalt people dispise inefficency, and like to plan ahead.' Joshua looked out of the window. 'Rather nice, isn't it.'
'Bah, we should get back, it's getting late.' muttered Graham.
Graham began to rush down the corridor again.
'Where's the fire? The conference isn't untill tomorrow.' Joshua called, but Graham had already dissappeared around the corner, Joshua tutted and smiled, he turned back to the window and watched the sun slowly set over the city.

The next morning, the diplomats made their way to a room marked on the map. Upon entering, they could see a man sitting at the far end of a table. He has a decent build, long, dark brown hair, and a short, full beard. He seems to have an aura of power and darkness. He is wearing a black crown and a black and purple tunic.

Nightbane: I am happy to see that you have all made it safely. I am Damien Nightbane, King of Bryn Shander. Welcome to Castle Elysium.
Newman: Hail.
Newman: Thank you for inviting us here.
The Gestalt: We Attend At Your Invitation, We Wish All Parties Nothing But Peace And Prosperity
Nightbane: President Newman, I presume?
Newman: Yes.
Newman: It does say President on my uniform... wait a minute...
Newman: I guess the six-stars will have to do for now
Nightbane: I see. I am sorry that your brother perished in such a meaningless battle.
Newman: He died with honor in battle, and I blame the ultranationalists who took over my country more than those we were forced to engage in battle.
The Gestalt: We Wish It Had Not Taken Place It Was Not In Our Power To Stop Events Unfolding As They Did.
The Gestalt: We Have Deliberated Long About How To Further Insure That Such Events Do Not Reoccur Or Spread
The Gestalt: We Believe That The Proposals Reached Aboard The Sales Ploy Can Be Expanded Upon
The Gestalt: We Wish To Formalize These Tentative Agreements Into A more Formal And Sturdy Structure To Further Stabilize Relations
Newman: Please, continue.
The Gestalt: Gentlemen Your Militaries Actions Were Both Honorable However Unfortunate The Outcome And The Reasons For Those Actions Were Beyond Your Control
Nightbane: I place the blame on the Soviet Socialist Union of Hogsweat.
The Gestalt: We Believe That Your Nations Have Great Destinies And That We Can Go Forward Together, Our Past Relations With Both Of You Have Proved You Most Capable Of Acting Within A Co-Operative Framework
The Gestalt: Blame Is Unfortunate We Are Led To Believe That State Of Hogsweat Is No Longer A Member Of The USR
The Gestalt: President Newman If You Could Elaborate Upon This
Newman: We had originally given the nation of Hogsweat status as a Junior Member of the USR
Newman: however, after recent events, we had decided either to get him in or get him out
Nightbane: I would advise the latter.
Newman: a vote was held amongst our legislatures and executive boards and it was determined to discontinue his membership
Nightbane: I see.
The Gestalt: We Feel That The Remaining Nations Of The USR Are Indeed Trustworthy And Will Not Undertake Further Hostile Operations That Could Endanger Regional Stability
Newman: Our current operation in Hattia will restore their stability and former government
Nightbane: Would it be safe to assume that your nation will discontinue supplying Hogsweat's war machine?
Newman: Since our ultranationalists found Hogsweat to be a good ally, we have decided not to ship any further material to Hogsweat
Nightbane: That is excellent news.
The Gestalt: We Propose That The Nations Of The USR Look Up To The Actions And Morals Of The NHSR As One Of That Groups Leading Lights.
Newman nods
The Gestalt: We Would Further That The Cost In Sentient Lives If The Conflict Had Spread Would Have Been Wholly Unacceptable
Nightbane: My most recent communication with Prince Xiloscient on the Inverse leads me to believe that the cleanup of Asherton City is going well. Is that correct?
Newman: as well as material losses
Newman: the fires have been extinguished and we have begun clearing debris
Newman: the edge of the city struck by the nuclear device will be scrubbed clean and the material shipped into the Sun to reduce nuclear contamination
The Gestalt: Gentlemen We Believe We Can Assist In This Without Such Expense
The Gestalt 's female member produces a small holo projector
The Gestalt: With Your Permission?
Nightbane: Go ahead.
Newman: Go ahead.
The Gestalt: We Have Several Divisions Of Drones Standing By Equipped With High Powered Electromagnetic Sweepers, The Process Is Slow But It Can Actively Purify The Majority Of The Contaminated Matter
The Gestalt: We Believe We Can Reclaim Much Of The Damaged Sector Of the City
Newman: That would be very good, our current plans were to ship the material into the Sun.
Newman: Meaning we'd lose a lot of material that could be reused
Newman: You have our permission to begin purifying the contaminated materials
The Gestalt: Gentlemen We Feel That The Peaceful Co-Operation Shown Is The Way Forward For Our Three States
The Gestalt: We Have Reviewed Many Possible Proposals On How To Further These Most Effective Actions.
The Gestalt: We Have A Proposal That Goes Further Than Merely Insuring Peace Between Your Two States
Newman sits forward in his seat
Newman: Please, continue.
The Gestalt: However First We Would Wish Both Of You To Be Quite Sure That You Feel You Can Trust Each Other
Newman: We trust the Bryn Shanderians well, they have upheld the ceasefire agreement and have helped us clean up our stricken city.
The Gestalt: Your Majesty?
Newman: As far as we are concerned, they are worthy of being called our allies.
Nightbane: I'd say that the fact that the most powerful warship in my military is in the heart of the former Island States is proof enough.
The Gestalt: Very Well We Will Allow Minister Hule To Explain Further
Hule: Mister President, Your Majesty
Newman nods in acknowledgement
Nightbane awaits explanation.
Hule: Studying the long term stability of the haven region and the wider demographic impact of our actions we find ourselves unable to avert possible further major conflicts that could destroy major nations and or alliances.
Hule flicks a new data chip into the holo projector showing a spinning globe with pie charts and tables flick on each of the nations presented
Hule: We further found that the fractal nature of this new reality has led to global instability on a massive scale ..this gentlemen cannot continue
Hule: Universal entopory is taking its toll upon the nations which inhabit this fractal space which was once each of our own simple earths.
Nightbane: And what would you propose be done about it?
Hule: Stability, sentient life’s ever lasting fight against entopory, we must create an area of it
Hule: Alone ZMI cannot stabilse a large enough area to insure the long term survival of sentient life
Newman: Effectively, a large stable 'tumor' to counteract the destabilization of the overall political picture?
Hule: indeed though I think my staff would prefer the calm in the midst of the hurricane with a wider area of influence and strong allies we believe a large area can be effectively stabilized
Hule: providing further forces and resources to stabilize a larger area
Hule: The straight military option would only increase the rate of national destruction
Hule: thus the diplomatic options were evaluated
Hule: In the end we found the concept of a concordat, a treaty based organization capable of responding to the chaos and providing stability within it
Hule: while still catering to the wide range of nations found within this new world .
Newman: Excuse me, a 'Concordat'? I am unfamiliar with that term...
Nightbane: I believe that it is a loose alliance.
Newman: Ah.
Newman: Ok.
Hule: While we feel that we three could form a strong alliance our strength is insufficient to stabiles this unholy mess
Hule gestures towards the holo
Hule: In the end our forces would be wasted upon the winds of this madness
Hule: Instead ..we must harness it to destroy itself
Hule takes out two large document folders and places them in front of the king and president Newman
Hule: we believe you will find our proposals and statistical and demographic projections most ..interesting
Hule: If you turn to page four alone you will see that in the first two years of operation as evaluated the concordat will generate a % increase in operational national stability and well over trillion in inter national trade
Hule: Gentlemen I would warn you however that this will not be as simple
Hule: The concordat is not ..a perfect answer ..nothing can be ..it will require our military action and our peoples blood on occasion to insure that the madness is turned back.
Hule: This ..however is not unexpected
Nightbane waves his hand, and the illusion of a skeletal army marching through a warzone plays out on the table. "Blood?"
Hule smiles grimly
Newman holds up a bottle of water
Newman: No, but thank you anyway.
Nightbane: . . .
Hule: Your Majesty yes ...we calculate that military intervention upon our part to stop areas of wild instability may be necessary
Hule: take the Zvarinograd incident, which almost threatened to spark a sixth global war
Newman: Right.
Newman: However, I fear that stabilizing the political climate on Earth will not be enough.
Hule: The Concordat will be able to act to stabilize such events and try and stop conflicts spreading
Hule: True very true
Newman: For example, we have been using hyperspace gates to bring all corners of our Republic closer together.
Hule: we believe that this is why the NHSR will be vital in the furtherance of the concordat
Hule adjusts his tie for a moment then inserts a new data chip into the projector
Newman: Faster communications and travel allow us to meet needs across our Republic as they happen, as well as respond to critical areas of importance.
Nightbane looks visibly sick after that pun. The army collectively turns to face Newman, and collapses. "Perhaps it would be wiser to let the Earth descend into chaos, only to clean up the mess afterwards."
Hule: Your Majesty were it that simple
Hule: ..Earth is the Hub of numerous galactic scale powers, and I’m sure all of you have seen ..in the shadows odder more improbable things move
Hule: By stabilizing Earth the impact further out would be massive, the task could never by the very nature of reality be complete but we can but try.
Hule: Earth is the core of numerous civilizations that have spread from this world on different probable time lines
Hule: the effect of stabilizing small nations on earth has a much wider influence than stabising some entire inhabited star systems
Hule: by analysis we have found that Earth itself is the hub of the fractal space incident
Newman: and vice versa, by stabilizing space, we could theoretically stabilize Earth further.
Nightbane: I see.
Hule: True Mister president, we must be able to act in all realms your Majesty and do so with near limitless resources
Hule: something though we represent puissant nations we lack
Hule: we do not know how long it will take for the concordats effects to actively start to work ..but we can try
Hule: Their is also the one very positive side effect all of our nations will become the hubs, the very beating core and heart of this organization
Newman: the New Haven Socialist Republic believes that any attempt is better than no attempt at all.
Nightbane: A good start would be to stabilize Haven. By force, if necessary.
Newman: Agreed, but not on a massive scale. To do so would only further destabilize the current conditions.
Newman: Getting involved on smaller scale operations would probably work in our favor.
Hule: Your Majesty we believe that Haven is a region of extreme flux, President Newman is more correct than it might seem. For some unknown reason actions within haven can have galaxy wide impact.
Newman: Several Haven powers have holdings outside of the Sol System
Newman: Hattia and myself included
Hule: Actions of extreme force within the Haven region will be needed however we must stabilize not simply cause more instability.
Hule: We covered all of these proposals in depth in the document before you.
Newman: I have read it and believe it to be a proposal New Haven can agree to.
Nightbane: I have yet to expand beyond Sol, but I have massive holdings on other planes of existence.
Newman: However, I wish to tack something on, if I may.
Newman: We have become aware that the best way to stabilize the local stellar neighborhood around Sol may be to do what we have been doing for so long build nodes of near-instantaneous transportation and communication.
Newman: In the short-term of things, we have only built two gates outside of our domain above Earth and near California and Alaska's star system.
Newman: of course, the C&A hyperspace gate is limited in its capabilities
Nightbane: Much as C&A is.
Newman: for example, it can only call up Earth. What we propose is to expand this network to other stellar empires.
Hule: Mister President we believe we have a proposal that may interest you if you will turn to page
Hule: It will require we believe our utmost co-operation
Newman: Ahh, I see.
Hule: and it is why your nation is most vital of all of us here to the Concordats swift success
Newman: Our ability to construct hyperspace gates.
Hule: yes Mister President
Hule: What we have proposed is to construct a hub to a vast network of "slaved" sub gates
Nightbane: If this gate will be as powerful as you say, it will need both a well traveled and heavily defended location.
Newman: our current gates could be modified to be compatible.
Newman: Well, Sol System is definitely a spot to put it.
Nightbane: I would like to suggest the Principality of Axis, in the asteroid belt.
Hule: To far your majesty
Newman: That would put it between Mars and Jupiter, two places of heavy traffic.
Nightbane: Exactly.
Nightbane: It would also put it in very close proximity to the second largest military complex in my nation.
Hule: Gentlemen if you turn to page you will find a list of nations we wish to contact about these issues
Newman: Well, I propose that the gate be built close by, but be contained within a station capable of defending the gates, as well as handling cargo and personnel coming through and going
Nightbane: As well as seven hundred million people that have all lived in space for all their life. Construction would be simple.
Newman: Which will probably be on page , it seems ZMI and NHSR are on the same page when it comes to gate usefulness and defense.
Newman: We'd need to establish a toll, probably based on ship tonnage, so we can pay off maintenance and construction costs.
Nightbane: Tonnage and distance traveled would make more sense.
Hule: Yes indeed also if you turn to page of the concordat proposal you will note the colony program
Newman: right.
Newman: I'm assuming if we did build such a station, it would be a Concordat colony
Hule: indeed, more than that we feel we could use it as the hub of all Concordat activity
Hule: a trading port and administrative center and a defensive hub
Newman: Not to say that I don't trust the defenses of the Axis colony and its storage capabilities, I do believe a separate station would provide a neutral ground.
Hule glances back at the Gestalt members and waits for a nod before continuing
Newman: also, Axis could provide defense along a flank of the station
Newman: as well as the station providing flank protection for Axis
Hule: Gentlemen we believe that we should take a short interval to allow you both to read over our proposals
Hule: and we would hope to commence contacting states you trust about this matter
Newman: I have skimmed them, but I will go through the full document carefully, as well send a copy back to my Ministry of Foreign Relations
Newman: I wish to ask this council before it takes a recess a question
Newman: Would it be prudent for me to ask other USR nations, especially those capable of interstellar travel, if they wish to participate?
Nightbane: Axis is currently home to nine hundred military vessels. I have no doubt about it's defensive abilities.
Hule: Yes most definitely Mister President
Newman: I will then contact Hattia and Lethislavania
Newman: both have space forces and holdings
Nightbane: Before we contact others, I would like to suggest that we form a closer alliance of the three of us first.
Newman: A triumvirate in the whole?
Nightbane: As a start.
The Gestalt: Gentlemen If You Will Give Us A Moment
Newman: Certainly
Nightbane: Also, we will need a name for the gate, gate project, alliance, and concordat.
Nightbane: I would like to suggest Hermes, Olympian god of travel, merchants, and the like.
Newman: Olympian? That’s East Islander to us.
The Gestalt: We Would Find This Acceptable For The Gate Project And Triple Alliance
The Gestalt: Mister President We Will Have A Copy Of That Timelines History Prepared For Your Parousal
Newman: Aye.
Newman: We will provide necessary gate technologies at the end of the conference, as well as a list of our needs to make the supergate possible
The Gestalt: We Would Request Your Majesty That Further Rooms Be Prepared For A Greater Number Of Attendees I
Nightbane: Very well. I shall have a pact proposal made ready by tomorrow.
Newman: Aye.
Nightbane: It shall be done.
Newman: I understand we should adjourn for the day until others arrive and our respective government ministries contacted to make preparations?
The Gestalt: Yes Mister President We Would Believe That To Be The Wisest Course Of Action
Newman nods.
Nightbane: It would be wise.
Newman: I hereby open a motion to adjourn for the day.
Newman: Who will second it?
Nightbane: Seconded.
Newman: Does the Gestalt concur?
The Gestalt: We Concur
Newman: Very well, gentlemen. We shall adjourn until tomorrow. Thank you for a good meeting, I hope tomorrow goes the same way.

The two Midlonian diplomats had sat quietly during the presentation, the meeting was adjourned, and they had left quietly, Graham then truned to Joshua.
'Why didn't you say something? Say there were actually four national reps present?'
'Because they,' Joshua nodded to the two Gestalt members walking in the opposite direction, 'told me to keep quiet, we're not even supposed to be here, let alone sit in on that first meeting, besides I told you they had an important idea.'
'Yeah, that thinking ahead thing too.' Graham waved his arms slightly.
'It's late, we should get some food, and then sleep, tomorrow we wear our dove tags, and make our intrest known.'
The two men returned to their room for the night, yawning slightly as they went.

Hule reclined upon his bed and picked up a flimsy to review the concordat proposals once more. The flimsys surface flickered for a moment then the text began to scroll past in orderly lines.


Treatise of the Concordat


Treaty of Mutual Executive Responsibility.

This document primary purpose is to insure the safety of the Offices of the Executives of each signatory. Its secondary purpose is to insure that any signatories who endanger the nations or the persons of other signatories bare the personnel responsibility for their own acts in relation to other signatories.

This is treaty is mandatory for concordat membership and to gain a seat upon the council of the concordat. Its points are non negotiable, binding, and must be fully ratified before Concordat membership is approved.

(1)
The signatories of the aforesaid document are bound as empowered executives of their nations and as the appointed leaders of their peoples as are all plenipotentiaries of these offices . As such the institutions of their offices are sacrosanct and will be protected by the forces of all the signatories.
(2)
Any signatory nation who seeks to cause harm or causes said harm to another signatory member shall be suspended from the Council of the Concordat pending review by said body.
(3)
Any signatory nation, executive office or plenipotentiary who seeks to cause or completes a crime against sentiency as set in the victim nations legal code by any provable means in another signatory nation shall be brought to justice by any and all means necessary and judged by the victim nations legal code.
(4)
All signatories executives and plenipotentiaries take full responsibility for the sovereign security and welfare of their peoples. Any acts within these signatories aegis which cause detriment to the wider concordat will be reviewed by a full council.
(5)
The signatories will abide by the rulings of the Council of the Concordat any signatory who does not abide by these rulings shall be reviewed and may suffer suspension.
(6)
All signatories will accept responsibility for the running, actions and funding for the office of the Council of the Concordat as outlined in the Institutions of the Concordat.
(7)
All signatories are bound to send a bi-annual plenipotentiary to the council of the Concordat.





Treaty of Mutual Concordat Defence and Security.

This document is to insure the mutual defence and security of all signatories.

No Signatory nation without the authorisation of a 90% majority of the Council of the Concordat shall by any means cause harm, injury or damage to the persons, territory and or property under any circumstances save that of self defence. Any nation who is found to be in breach of this shall be suspended.

This is treaty is mandatory for concordat membership and to gain a seat upon the council of the concordat. Its points are non negotiable, binding, and must be fully ratified before Concordat membership is approved.

(1)
The signatories will abide by the rulings of the council of the concordat and the Security Council of the Concordat any signatory who does not abide by these rulings shall be reviewed and may suffer suspension.
(2)
All signatories will accept responsibility for the running, actions and funding of the Security Council of the Concordat as outlined in the Institutions of the Concordat.
(3)
All signatories will accept responsibility for the running, actions and funding of the Concordat Rapid Response Force (C.R.R.F.), the Concordat Security Failsafe Force (C.S.F.F.), the Concordat Security Force (C.S.F), the Concordat Central Traffic Control (C.C.T.C.) and the Concordat Strategic Defence Initiative (C.S.D.I.) as outlined in the Institutions of the Concordat.
(4)
Any signatory nation who actively uses with the authorisation of their executive office weapons of mass destruction in any form against another signatory without a 90% majority of the Council of the Concordat shall be suspended and given a deadline to present themselves before the security council. If they fail to present themselves their weapons of mass destruction will be seized or destroyed by any means necessary. Any use of weapons post the suspension will result in the use of the Concordat Failsafe Force. Said weapons when illegally used will be fired upon by forces of the Concordat Strategic Defence Initiative.
(5)
All signatories shall defend the territorial integrity of their fellow signatories. No signatory who undertakes an aggressive or expansionist war will have the right to automatic assistance by the rest of the concordat until that signatories territorial integrity is breached.
(6)
No signatory who uses weapons of mass destruction on a non concordat state shall retain to automatic mutual defence until reviewed by the Security Council of the Concordat.
(7)
A central list of prohibited organisations is to be created and pending the approval of the council of the concordat the following shall be carried out. No nation who is a signatory may harbour and or assist any member of these organisations and must attempt to liquidate these organisations by any means within their own legal code. At any time the assistance of their fellow concordat members may be called upon in this.


Treaty of Trans Concordat Health Interests.


All signatories shall strive to preserve the health and lives of their citizens by whatever means they choose however they will under the treaty of Executive Responsibility face review if their acts detriment the health of any other Concordat state or impact upon their Nations wellbeing to a level where it damages the Concordat.
(1)
All signatories will accept responsibility for the running, actions and funding of the Concordat Disaster Relief Organisation (C.D.R.O.) and the Concordat Health Organisation (C.H.O.) as outlined in the institutions of the Concordat.
(2)
All signatories shall allow full access to the Concordat Disaster Relief Organisation and the Concordat Health Organisation.
(3)
This treaties points are non negotiable, binding, and must be fully ratified



Treaty of Trans Concordat counter criminality and security force co-operation.

(1)
The signatories security forces shall submit all felons identities and known locations to a central concordat database.
(2)
The signatories security forces shall assist security forces of other signatories via the Inter Concordat Police Organisation as outlined in the institutions of the Concordat.
(3)
All citizens of the signatory nations shall be bound by the laws of the Concordat nation they inhabit.
(4)
All signatories will accept responsibility for the running, actions and funding of the Inter Concordat Police Organisation as outlined in the institutions of the Concordat.
(5)
This treatise points are non negotiable, binding, and must be fully ratified



The Institutions of the Concordat


The Council of the Concordat

The Council of the Concordat is made up of the state executive officers who have signed the treaties of the Concordat. While plenipotentiaries of these executive offices will be accepted in extenuating circumstances it is to be the actual person of the each nations executive who takes the seat upon the council. It will meet biannually to evaluate the major institutions of the Concordat. It will aso review and negotiate any legislative changes to the treaties of the concordat. Minor changes to treatise will require a majority of nations and major changes or new treatise requiring a universal agreement not including states which have been suspended. Suspended member states will loose all rights to a seat at the council of the Concordat. Each state has two votes upon the council. If for any reason a tie is reached in voting the decision will go back to the floor of the council to be re debated. Any member state who breaks ratified treatise of Concordat will automatically be suspended from this body. Any member who has a vote of no confidence in their states executive carried by a 90% majority of the Council of the Concordat shall be suspended.

The Office of the Council of the Concordat

The Office of the Council of the Concordat is to run the day to day bureaucratic operations of the institutions of Concordat. The heads of each Concordat institution are to be drawn from this office and must be nominated by a member state for the post, win a majority vote by the council to head that institution and pass a mandatory merit test that is considerably higher than the merit test given for entry into the Office of the Council of the Concordat. All applicants to the office of the council of the concordat must pass mandatory loyalty and merit tests to insure the highest standards. Their loyalty is to lie with the Council of the Concordat and no one member state.

The Security Council of the Concordat

With a yearly rotating executive of five nations executives this body will be charged with evaluating threats to the Concordats security and well being and will be capable of under its own aegis deploying the dedicated Concordat Rapid Response Force (C.R.R.F.), the Concordat Stability Force also known as concordat peace keepers (the C.S.F.) the Inter Concordat Police organisation InterConPol, the Concordat Disaster Relief Organisation (C.D.R.O) the Concordat Strategic Defence Initiative the C.S.D.I. or calling upon the treaty members to fully mobilise their national military assets. While the Council can call for the mobilisation of member state military assets it may not over rule their command structures merely suggest courses of action. No suspended state may hold a seat upon the Security Council. The Security Council may not declare an aggressive war in the name of the Concordat or any member state without convening an emergency session of The Council of the Concordat however it may declare a defensive war in the name of the Concordat. The Security Council may in extreme situations deploy the Concordat Security Failsafe Force. The C.S.F.F. Any member state who breaks ratified treatise of Concordat will automatically be suspended from this body. Any member who has a vote of no confidence in their states executive carried by a 90% majority of the Council of the Concordat shall be suspended.


The Concordat Rapid Response Force

The C.R.R.F is to be deployed when rapid military intervention is needed within or without the Concordat. Their loyalty and training will be to the Concordat and no single member state. There force is to be designed for rapid movement and maximum force application in the name of the Concordat. The C.R.R.F. are to report and to be at the disposal of the Security Council of the Concordat. The C.R.R.F. are to be made up of recruits from every concordat state evaluated on personnel merit and ability via a strenuous series of tests. The C.R.R.F. are to at no point be capable of challenging the sovereignty of the member state forces but are to be equipped with the highest standards of equipment to fulfil their duties. In times of declared war under mutual consent of the members of the concordat the central C.R.F.F. planning corp. shall act as a high command for all consenting concordat forces.

The Concordat Security Failsafe Force

The C.S.F.F. is to be equipped with space based high energy precision weapons to be used in retaliation for an attack upon any state of the Concordat with weapons of mass destruction. These weapons are to be used to neutralise with minimal civilian casualties launch sites, orbital weapons platforms, or other hostile facilities or single space vessels and to neutralise the offending states military high command but leave that states executive intact for further prosecution and or actions by Concordat military or diplomatic forces. This institution is to fall under the aegis of the Security Council and the Council of the Concordat. These weapons are to at no time be capable of engaging and winning against the sovereign forces of the member states of the Concordat. These weapons systems are to be deployed with utmost security and are to be as powerful as fiscally and physically possible. It is up to each state whether or not to add forces to the C.S.F.F. or fund C.S.F.F. weapons.

The C.S.F. (Concordat Peace Keepers)

The C.S.F. is to be deployed to promote stability via the application of limited force. Not a battle field military unit the C.S.F. is designed to act as a paramilitary police force in unstable member states by request of their executive or by request in non concordat states. The C.S.F. cannot enter a member state without the express permission of that states executive as recognised by the Concordat. The C.S.F. is empowered once it has entered a state to use non lethal force against instigators of instability and only to resort to lethal force if it is used upon them. The C.S.F. members are to be recruited proportionally from all Concordat Member States. The C.S.F. deployed forces will report to the Security Council and the Council of the Concordat. No member states executive who has been suspended may deny entry of the C.S.F. into said nation.

The Concordat Strategic Defence Initiative

The Concordat Strategic Defence initiative the C.S.D.I. is to consist of a force of mutually supporting battle platforms, satellites and ground stations. By each member states ratification that member states own S.D.I. system may be networked into the C.S.D.I. The C.S.D.I.’s primary function is to stop any ballistic attacks upon concordat members. They are to report to the Security Council and the Council of the Concordat. Funding is to be proportional to each states defence budget.

Concordat Disaster Relief Organisation

The C.D.R.O.: Empowered to contact foreign nations under their own aegis the C.D.R.O. will be equipped with specifically built disaster relief assets consisting of at least 10 large starships and the right to overrule concordat central traffic control to respond to disasters within the smallest possible time. The C.D.R.O.’s mission is to protect sentient life in times of disaster no matter ideology race or location. The C.D.R.O. shall be a proportionately funded institution of the Concordat and self administering, reporting to the Council of the Concordat itself and the Security Council.

Concordat Development Fund.

The C.D.F. is a central development fund to be used to improve the economic stability and growth of the concordat as a whole and to act as a central funding body for major Trans Concordat infrastructure projects. Its executives loyalty is to be to the greater good of the concordat and not any one member state. The C.D.F. is also to evaluate and request the placement of Economic Development Zones. (E.D.Z.’s). Any member found to be misappropriating C.D.F. funds for non C.D.F. projects shall suffer sever fines and review of the incident before the Council of the Concordat.

Economic Development Zones

Economic Development Zones are to be low tax areas with high levels of C.D.F. funded infrastructure. They are to be constructed throughout economically deprived areas of the Concordat and in areas which show economic stagnation. Goods generated in E.D.Z. zones are to be exempt from national customs charges.

Concordat Central Traffic Control

C.C.T.C. are to be charged with expediting the movement of Trans Concordat traffic and the safety of said traffic. The C.C.T.C. is to standardise aerospace traffic control standards throughout the Concordat and to evaluate the safety and air/sea/space/land worthiness of all craft therein to a set of mutually agreeable ratified standards.


The Concordat Central Banking and Financial Organisation

This organisation is to have at its disposal the C.D.F to stabilise member states economies, is to be responsible for Trans Concordat economic planning and banking standards, the eventual creation of a central concordat stock market and the abolishment of customs between member nations of the Concordat. It is also to act to prevent acts of economic invasion or terrorism. It is to have at its disposal a unit of the investigative section of InterConPol to investigate Trans concordat financial crime and money laundering.

The Inter Concordat Police Organisation

InterConPol. This organisation is to promote inter concordat police and or security force co-operation, to have an active Trans Concordat investigative units to investigate crimes which cross Concordat member states borders (though each crime shall be individually tried by the laws and courts of the member state where they were committed and the sentences served in each state in chronological order of the crime committed. They are also to investigate crimes committed by members of concordat staff. They are to report to the council of the concordat, the security council and each nations police forces. Their members are to be drawn proportionately from each member nations police forces on five year terms of duty. Relatively small in numbers they are to mostly act as a liaison body between concordat member states security or police forces.

Concordat Health Organisation

The C.H.O is to be empowered with the authority to stop Trans Concordat disease outbreaks via quarantine, to promote Concordat wide health and to start Concordat wide immunisation and health education programs. To stockpile counter agents against possible Trans Concordat biological attacks.

The Concordat Science and Education Organisation

C.S.E.O. Is empowered to promote research and development via grant aid, to promote Trans concordat research efforts and to administer Trans concordat student exchange programs. It is also to administer education in jointly administered concordat territories. Its funding is voluntary by each member nation and is to report to the council of the Concordat and the Security Council.


The Concordat Colony Authority

The C.C.A. is to actively evaluate areas found by the Star Scouts for habitable areas for sentient civilised habitation and make them fit for said habitation. They are to administer these colonies for the good of the Concordat and to absorb excess population growth from the member states while providing new markets for Trans Concordat trade. The are to report to the Council of the Concordat and the Security Council. Concordat Colonies will be administered by governors appointed by the Council of the Concordat.

The Star Scouts

This body is to be equipped with the best long range scouting vessels available to complete a complete survey of the known galaxy and to find in that galaxy any resource useful to the Concordat. Funding is to be voluntary by each member state. The Star Scouts shall report to the Council of the Concordat and the Concordat Colony Authority.

It was very early in the morning, just a little after the glow of false dawn had faded. Charles Simons was a member of the staff of the office of the gestalt. A indistinct man for an indistinct post, he had no remarkable features. Charles or Charlie to his few friends was forgettable in an instant. Which was precisely why the Gestalt found him so very useful. Now he stood outside the Midlonian diplomats door a message on a single sheet of paper in an envelope bearing the seal of the Gestalt in his hand.

He knocked three times, then slid the envelope under the door before calmly walking back to the Gestalts quarters.

The writing was oddly perfect as if written not by hand but by machine.



We wish to discuss certain matters with you. We believe your nations assets may be of great mutual benefit to all in this matter. We suggest you contact your government to send senior representatives of legislative or executive level at once. Please join us to discuss this further over breakfast.


The Gestalt.

Graham's eyes snapped awake when he heard the three knocks, he grumbled and got up out of the bed, he pulled the door open and angrily looked up and down the corridor, then his foot brushed something.
He picked up the small letter, opened it and forced his eyes to focus, read it, read it again, and then smiled.

He then got quietly dressed, making sure to clip the dove with the three spots just under his brest pocket, the "Dove tag" represented his work orientation, his three spots being Red White and Blue, war, peace and the economy.
Graham headed to the cafeteria, where he grabbed a plate and whatever food he liked the look of, then sat down at one of the many empty tables, he sipped his cup of tea and began to chew on his breakfast, wondering exactly what the Gestalt would be needing.

The female Gestalt member accompanied by two non distinct gentlemen in grey suits filed into the cafeteria. Her suit, shirt and tie were black, her hair a dull auburn, Samantha Carlson was 44 and had once been a high justice. She still carried herself with an aura of dignity that post seemed to imbue, her clothing a mark of her rank. The Gestalt could take 20 years of a persons life in duty to the state. Samantha Carlson had made the choice to join it once offered the post without hesitation. She was now not only Samantha Carlson but could also be all the Gestalt members that were now in duty and could draw on the memories of every gestalt member that had ever been.

She sat down opposite Graham while one of her accompanying staff members began to load up a tray for her. She stared into his eyes for a moment and when she spoke it was with the voice of the Gestalt.

“We Have Much To Discuss Graham, You Have Already Heard Our Designs Now You Will Know The Mutually Beneficial Role Your State Can Choose To Play.”

Without needing to give any visible cue the other grey suited gentlemen clicked open a document case and slid across a flimsy.

“Graham We Wish You To Have An Open Mind About This, We Realise It would Necessitate You Risking A Great Asset, But The Gains Will Be Astronomical.”

The Gestalt member smiled coldly her every movement seemingly oddly perfectly controlled.

“Graham What We Would Ask Of You Is No Small Thing But A Large One, Graham We Require The Shining Light To Fulfil Our Plans”.

The Sheets before Graham were full of diagrams, plans, demographic analysis, simple profit and loss charts. In the centre of them all was a detailed schematic of the Shining Light and a horribly accurate analysis of its production and docking capacity.

'I don't entirely have the authority to simply allow the shining light to be given away like this, I'd have to contact Grand Admiral Eagers, and immediately at that, I shall see what I can do.' he stammered, stood, took the paper with him and left for his room.

When he returned, Joshua was still sleeping, eh tutted and began to rummage around in his bag, he then pulled out a small, light blue device, slightly larger to a mobile phone, he pressed the green button "on" button, then cycled through the phone book untill he found one titled "M.A.N" He pressed it, and after a few seconds it chimed and the face of a young woman appeared.

'Midlonian Areospace Navy, Eagers office, how may I help?' she chimed in an obviously artifical voice, the joys of technology.
'I need to speak to the Grand Admiral immidiately.'
'Who is calling?'
'Never mind that, it's important.' he sighed 'Override code 33498' he spoke flatly
The screen froze, turned blue, fuzzed with static, and then replaced by a middle aged man with a grey moustache and wearing a large sailors hat.
'Yes? Who is it? What do you want?'
'Sir, It's Graham Jenkinson, I am part of the MFAE-'
'Yes yes, what is it that you want?'
'Well, sir, the members of another nation wish to use the station Shining light as the foundations to a much greater project, all part of an alliance they propose.'
'Show me.'
Graham turned the messanger down to the paper.
'Intresting, very intresting.' came a murmured reply.'Ok, fine, they have my personal permission to use the station, looks like I'll be moving offices again, at least the ones I will eventually get will be alot better.'
'Thank you Grand Admiral.' Graham then clicked off the messanger, put it in his pocket and headed back to the canteen.

'I've just spoke to the Grand Admiral of the M.A.N, he has given permission for you to use the station for the needs of your proposals.' He then sat back down and began to finish off his breakfast.

ooc: that was of course, from me. Stupid thing >_>#

Samantha smiled at the announcement then putting down a grape fruit she had been carving up her smile vanished and once more her voice ..became something else’s.

“That Is Good News And In Very Good Time, We Do Hope This Is A Sign Of Your Usual Level Of Effectiveness Graham. We Shall Introduce You At The Beginning Of Today’s Discussions, Now We Must Ask Have You Contacted Your Executive Yet To Request A Plenipotentiary May Be Sent To Attend This Conference?”

'I think the Board of Directors is mistaken, we are the Plenipotentiaries for Midlonia, we are part of the Midlonain Foreign and Economics Affairs Office, representatives of his Majesty's Government.' Graham sipped some tea and ate another peice of sausage, the cleared his throat.
'We are cleared for co-operation and the signing of any treaties, documentation etcetera that would result in any dealings within the country itself.'

The flight took nearly ten hours, and Diplomatic Commissar Muhammad Jal was exhausted. He didn’t sleep on the flight; he never did, and spent his time reviewing his mission. His retinue slept while he went over this “Concordat” business. This was a classified mission, as they always are for him.

Jal was a Diplomatic Commissar, first class. He was given some of the most important diplomatic missions that affected Hallad. Every job he received was an honor, and he was very patriotic about Hallad. Although he was a Socialist he believed in “Socialism in One Nation,” rather than Permanent Revolution. For that reason he never joined the leading party in Hallad, the True Directorate. He was a member of the Collectivist Party of Hallad, and one of the leading members of it, as well.

He enjoyed his job, but he hated plane rides. He really hated traveling in general. It was always the worst when he went to places like Bryn Shander. It was cold, and he was a man of the desert. He exited the plan and looked up into the sky. The air was cold and dry, not to his liking, but the sun was shinning through the gray overcast. Jal was bundled up, in full winter uniform.

This was his first time to Bryn Shander, and had no real idea where he was going. He got into a transport and was taken away.

Ocanthus International Airport, Forodren Annon, Haven
January 6, NCE 200

Secretary of State Duo Maxwell stepped off the plane, exhaled, and looked back at the paper he held in his hand. Luckily he had prepared for the frigid Annon air, but he was still extremely cold. In Tiburon, only Alaska, northern Canada, and Greenland got this cold- and he had never been to any of those places.

Special Invitation from the King of Bryn Shander

To the United Republics of Tiburon:

As allies, I'd like to invite your leader to Ocanthus for a conference in which a new alliance may form.

It had been quite a while since the message was sent, but the invitation was still valid. He looked around again and saw a Shanderian entourage coming in the distance- whether it was actually far away, or whether he was just seeing things, he really didn't know. But soon, he would be at the conference, signing the treaty of the Concordat.