NationStates Jolt Archive

(I stumbled upon this game by accident and I must say I am intrigued by the concept behind this game. I have always wanted to see what would happen if I actually got to manage things in my own nation, now I get to find out. If anyone seems interested in opening up relations with my country, just send a message.)

ARCHON CITY, Khazaron
Today marks the one year anniversary of the coup in the old Republic of Kazaron, now renamed the Dominion of Khazaron. On April 25, 2003 a heavily armed group of Khazaron First millitia-men stormed the Presidential Palace and seized the President and his cabinet in a night-time raid.
This raid was seen by many in Khazaron as the culmination in an ongoing conflict between lower and middle class citizens, who claimed that the President and his government where becoming increasingly ineffective and uncaring for the common man due to their pandering to special interest groups in the Senate and government, and the upper class who where saying the way of Khazaron First's anti-corporate stance would lead the nation into financial ruin and collapse.
Within the hour the President was brought, tied up and under guard, before a crowd of angry protestors outside his palace. He was then forced by then leader of Khazaron First, and now First Archon, James Khara to resign as President and disband his cabinet and Senate.
In the following months severe fighting broke out between army units still loyal to the President and those eager for a change. The numbers where even , but the Khazaron First'ers held the capital and the nation's only major supply port. Eventually the Loyalists where worn down from lack of supplies and the last Loyalist stronghold surrendered six months after the hostilities began.
On October 9, 2004 the Dominion of Khazaron was officially declared, with the Provisional Council appointing James Khara of Khazaron First as the First Archon, to preside over a Council of Archons collected from the provinces. In his first act as First Archon, Khara declared the President and his cabinet guilty of crimes against the people and had them executed.
In the following months the government toke a strict control over the nation's infrastructure and even went so far as to outlaw private business. Government overseers where placed everywhere to oversee everything from the mom-and-pop store next door, to the local power plant.
Some outside critics of the Khazaron regime have stated that the First Archon is rushing things and letting his people's anti-corporate hysteria destroy what little economy remained after the six month civil war. That the only way he can even counteract the lack of money that had previously been generated was by raising taxes, especially on the rich, to ridiclous new heights, and that even then the new regime wont stand for long.
Only time will tell if First Archon Khara and his government can stand the test of time.

We would be glad to open relations with you! I'm a new member too!

On behalf of the glorious people of Khazaron, it would be a wonderous occasion to open discussions with another nation in hopes of building a friendship with them. May this be the start of something great for both our peoples.
First Archon James Khara

On behalf of the glorious people of Khazaron, it would be a wonderous occasion to open discussions with another nation in hopes of building a friendship with them. May this be the start of something great for both our peoples.
First Archon James Khara

Do you wish to RP a Meeting?

(Sure, that would be great!)

(Sure, that would be great!)

Here or on a new thread?

Here would be good, unless you would prefer a new thread.

OOC: Hello, I'm a new nation to, though not new to NS. Welcome!

Terre DeAnge is very interested in also starting a friendship with other nations. Let me know if its ok if I joined.

The more the merrier. I was just trying to start up a dialogue here to get to know some people, and it seems to be working just fine. :) Join in.

(ooc: Watches in earnest at the development, because this appears to be a good RPer, yes, score one for the n00bs...lol...maybe....hmm....thinking...see ya later...)

Hile, from the Empire of Nukkas, a tiny fledgling nation, seeking allies particuarly in the South Pacific. How goes it other nations?

A Reply from the Office of The First Archon of Khazaron,

Greetings and well met Empire of Nukkas. We welcome your interest in developing a dialogue with our nation. We have just been through a rather brutal civil war and are looking to open up negotiations with other countries to try and stabilize our damaged economy, not to mention make ourselves known on the international market.

OOC: Not new to NS or a new nation, but interested in establishing allies.

A letter arrives to the ruler of Khazaron with the Drynarian letterhead.

Dear esteemed ruler,
We notice the fact that you have achieved sovereignty just recently. As the benevolent nation that we are, we wish to extend an opportunity to establish embassy's within each others borders. Have no fear about the construction costs, as they will be covered by our own nation. If this offer intrigues you, please reply.

Sincerely,
Grunstag Darkaxe
Supreme Ruler of Dryniar

The nation of Nukkas is joyful at the prospect of friendship between our new nation. May our relations be long and prosperous. However, the new government is not without responsibility to its own people. That being said, I must retire from international affairs for the evening. Please send an envoy regarding any further relations or affairs.

A reply arrives to the Dryniar capitol via official messenger of the Khazaron Dominion.

Esteemed ruler,

I have recieved your letter and thank you for your offer. However, my people are a bit apprhensive about allowing foreign powers on our soil, so soon after a brutal war in which many of the corrupt regime where seen as collaborators with foreigners who cared little for our people.

Perhaps if you informed us a little more about your nation and what your philosophy is, we would be able to better understand each other, and through that understanding begin a truly great relationship.

Sincerly,
First Archon James Khara

Sitting at his desk, Grunstag Darkaxe looked over the message he had just recieved. This would prove interesting. He read the message for the umpteenth time.


Esteemed ruler,

I have recieved your letter and thank you for your offer. However, my people are a bit apprhensive about allowing foreign powers on our soil, so soon after a brutal war in which many of the corrupt regime where seen as collaborators with foreigners who cared little for our people.

Perhaps if you informed us a little more about your nation and what your philosophy is, we would be able to better understand each other, and through that understanding begin a truly great relationship.

Sincerly,
First Archon James Khara


Picking up his quill pen, he began to fashion a reply.

Archon Khara,

Our basic policies are such. We believe in the sovereignty of each nation, with exceptions as neccessary. We also believe in the inherent rights of all citizens of a nation, regardless of race, religion, or sexual preference. We have no interest in involving ourselves in your internal affairs, as that is just what they are, your internal affairs. Not ours. I believe that is a fair summation of our views. I assume your reply will be forthcoming?

Sincerely,
Grunstag Darkaxe

With the message drafted, he summoned an aide, who in turn made sure the message was delivered in due time.

Dear Grunstag Darkaxe,

I look forward then, to our future discussions and exchange of ambassadors. I would also like to apologize if I may have offended you by my earlier statment. I was just being a bit, over-cautious, in my protection of my people's sovereignty. Please accept my deepest apologies, we are still somewhat xenophobic over here in Khazaron, but perhaps by openning a dialogue with you, we can start to change all that for the better.

Sincerly,
First Archon James Khara

As president of the newly formed Federation of Tyrrael, we extend our hand in peace and friendship, and hope to prosper alongside your great nation.

President Jagg Rayne
The New Federation of Tyrrael
[ http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=tyrrael ]

The First Archon saluted the armed guards outside his office and nodded in acknowledgement of them as he stepped inside his inner sanctum and closed the door.

There, on his mahogany desk lay many sheets of paper, various laws that needed to be drafted and requests from different Provincial Archons and offers from foreign countries to recognize Khazaron and establish emabssies with them. James Khara sank down into his chair and picked up the first piece of paper that he saw. A request by the Provisional Council to call for elections of a new Parliament.

Letting out a sigh, Khara looked at the clock and groaned. It was already past midnight and he hadn't even gotten close to finishing today's work. "It's going to be a long night." He muttered to himself as he got to work on the legislation.

ARCHON CITY, Khazaron

The First Archon adressed the Provisional Council this morning, declaring that the debate about what to do in regards to choosing a new legislative body was over.

"Democracy was a failing of the old regime." said First Archon Khara. "A failing that lead to our people being trampled on by coroporations and the rich. No longer will that be so. As of this moment, by executive descision and the power vested in me by the people, I am outlawing elections until further notice."

The crowd present at the press conference in Archon City was said to grow antsy and slightly agitated at these words. Even several members of the Provisional Council where said to be leaving in a huff, stating that this was madness.

"In light of the recent hardships we have been through, there is no room for pointless arguing. Trust in us, those who brought you out of the yoke of oppression, to guide you faithfully. I give you this solemn promise that once things have stabilized, elections will be restored. But the way must be made clear first." The First Archon said as he ended the conference.

The First Archon quietly sat down at the head of the table in the conference room just adjacent to his office. He quietly nodded to all of the Regional Archons present and then cleared his throat.

"Well gentlemen, let us begin the proceedings. First on the agenda is the military. How stand our divisions?" First Archon Khara paused and then looked around the table at each of the other Archons, finally one of them stode up.

"Excuse, Excellency." It was Philip, Archon of Amaria and the second most powerful person in Khazaron next to the First Archon. "But after some reviews of our military units in this province and the others throughout the Dominion, we have come to the conclusion that the civil war has left us woefully lacking in manpower and technology."

The First Archon nodded. "And what, pray tell, is advised that we do to rectify the situation. We must strengthen our military lest foreign invaders and opportunists try to revisit the chaos of a year ago upon us. Do you propose a draft?"

Archon Philip shoke his head vigorously. "It's not just our numbers Excellency, our production centers and almost all of our industry is gone. Even with government regulation and careful planning, our industrial sector is on the brink of collapse. I'm afraid Excellency, the only potent course of action at this point is to possibly seek outside help to revive our industry. At least the weapons manufacturers."

Those sitting around the table stode in silence and fear for a few moments as First Archon Khara stared at Archon Philip. The room became filled with an almost palpable sense of fear. Many knew that the First Archon was not very keen on seeking outside help and that he thought of it as a sign of weakness to not be self-relient.

Beads of sweat began to trickle down Archon Philip's forehead, then the First Arhcon cleared his throat and smiled, causing several people in the room to jump. Chuckling to himself the First Archon folded his hands on the table and nodded.

"Very well then. As I am sure you all know this course of action is not the one I would prefer, but extraodrinary circumstances call for extraordinary action. I will die before I let this country sink back down into the darkness it came from. She is destined for great things, and if we must ask another for help in order to get us started on that road, then so be it." The First Archon turned from the assembled people and looked directly at Philip again.

"I am putting you in charge of finding anyone willing to help us Philip, is that clear?" Philip nodded. "Yes Excellency." Archon Philip raised up from his seat and saluted the leader. "I'll get started on it right away." Archon Philip said as he turned and left the room.

(If anyone would like to participate in this RP, feel free to.)

OOC: The Libertarian Expansionist Paradise of Czardas welcomes Khazaron to NationStates and hopes that our two young nations (comparatively young anyway) will form a lasting friendship.

IC: Fenix Rohán's hollow eyes watched the screen intently as he tapped his fingers on the keyboard impatiently. He saw the strained appearance of First Archon Khara and smiled to himself. He knew what choice the First Archon of Khazaron would make.

"Very well then. As I am sure you all know this course of action is not the one I would prefer, but extraodrinary circumstances call for extraordinary action. I will die before I let this country sink back down into the darkness it came from. She is destined for great things, and if we must ask another for help in order to get us started on that road, then so be it."

The head of Czardas's IT department watched on the screen as Second Archon Philip passed into another room. Rohán spoke a command into his computer screen and the videoscreen shut off, to be replaced with a word processing document. Rohán typed rapidly, stopping every now and then to think or to edit, brushing back light brown hair from his face.

He read his message for the last time before copying it and sending it through to Khazaron:
To the most esteemed Archons of Khazaron:

On behalf of The Libertarian Expansionist Paradise of Czardas, we offer aid to your nation, which in troubled times has chosen to turn to outside help in increasing production and arms manufacturing. Our own economy is suffering due to inflation and higher government spending, but we have copious quantities of resources that in the past we have used to our advantage. If you wish to open up to trade with us, contact Foreign Minister Kari Alhoun immediately; you may reach him through telegram or via the IT department.

~Fenix Rohán, Director of IT Rohán smiled to himself. Yes, the metal, the oil had not been mined for decades. But there was always a time to start...

First Archon Khara was sitting down in his office, going over copious notes and letters from various officials when and aide of his rushed in and saluted. The First Archon nodded and saluted back to the aide.

"Yes. What is i?" First Archon Khara said, looking at the man, almost impatiently.

The man reached forward with his right hand and presented a sheet of paper before the First Archon. "A message excellency." The First Archon nodded again and toke the letter, slicing it open with his letter opener and reading it without delay.

The First Archon placed the letter on his desk and smiled. "Tell Philip he has my full authority to proceed with the negotiations as planned. In fact, why not invite this people to our capital as a gesture of goodwill. That way we can better get dialogue started."

The aide nodded. "I'll send your reply at once Excellency." With that he left and the First Archon returned to his duties of state.

Dear First Archon James Khara
On behalf of my people of West Xylophone, we would enjoy opening relations. These realtions we would love to have is exchanges of knowledge and science. We are merely a nation of scientific experiements, but we wouldn't mind also trading goods to help further both our economies. Though we wouldn't mind trading goods would would purely barter not with monetary value because currently we are in need of financial help. I am willing, though, to take chances on such trades. We look foward to establishing mutual benefits with each other.

Farewell,
Patrick Moore
President of West Xylophone

Esteemed Archon of Khazaron,
In the name of the people of Terre DeAnge I would like to extend a friendly hand to your nation in its time of need. We don't have much to offer you in the ways of weapondry or military, for during peace time it full numbers are not maintained. On my people's behalf we also extend some finacial help that you might need. We do however hope to open a trade route between our two nations and we extend the invitation to you in having a embassy in our captial, the City of Elua. I hope that our two nations will become fast friends.

Sincerely,
Dandre de la Courcel
King of Terre DeAnge
Scion of Elua

[OOC: I'm enlarging a bit on your history, Khazaron, if you don't mind.]

IC:
Czarna, capital of Czardas

Rain swirled down past Jan Delatoire's window, torrents of gushing water gushing noisily down the streets of Czarna. A cold front had fallen over the whole of the Coastal Plain, and Czarna, the capital of Czardas, was in no way unaffected. Delatoire sighed and closed a sheaf of papers in a folder.

Rain, he thought. Always rain. I haven’t seen the sun since January.

He started as a buzzer near his desk rang. Picking up a microphone, he spoke into it.

“Yes?” His voice was curt.

“It’s Intel Director Wong and Foreign Minister Alhoun,” his secretary’s voice crackled over the intercom. “They’ve come for a conference.”

“Very well. Send them in.” The Secretary General of Czardas stowed the folder in a drawer and leaned back in his chair. He was a busy man, but not busy enough to have no time for conferences. As Secretary General, it was his job to manage the paperwork for the administration. For countless ages, since the sixteenth century at least, the Secretary General had aided the President and his Cabinet write laws, draft tax bills, and make and break alliances.

The door opened and Foreign Minister Kari Alhoun, a tall, spare man, and the shorter Intel Director Airya Wong entered. Delatoire surveyed them coolly from behind his desk.

"Greetings," he said. "What is it?"

The Foreign Minister said, "There are a few things. The Council is opening relations with the Dominion of Khazaron, it seems."

"Hmmm...Interesting," said Delatoire. "The Dominion of Khazaron...h'm, that isn't the former Democracy, is it?"

Airya Wong opened her briefcase and removed a clipboard with papers attached to it. She read through them.

"Khazaron was ruled by a democratic regime for years, but masked by democracy was corruption and increasing exploitation by corporations. Outsourcing, inflation, and unfair tax rates resulted, and foreigners were deemed the cause of Khazaron's problems."

"H'm," said Delatoire. "Yet they are opening up to outside relations after six years. Why?"

Wong continued, "Eventually the people fought a brutal civil war against their oppressors. Foreigners were driven out. When the common people were oppressed, however, they resorted to scorched-earth tactics, ruining the country's resources."

"Ah," said Delatoire. "Much like the Great Conflict of 1321, I presume?" [OOC: A war in which Czardaians burned their crops to prevent the invading European crusaders from entering the nation]

"Similar," responded Wong. "The people created a new government that rejected all the principles of the old. Private enterprise, for instance, is now illegal. The new First Archon, James Khara, is highly suspicious of foreigners and has outlawed elections to restore stability."

"I see," said Delatoire with great distrust in his voice. "Outlawed elections. Was that really necessary?"*

"I suppose it was," said Alhoun. "Remember, presidents such as Gy Samur were forced to outlaw elections and restrict freedom of speech during crises."

"Gy Samur restored the political freedom after the emergency was over," said Delatoire. "But in other countries -- Steel and Fire, for instance -- dictators have seized power in times of emergencies and not given up power when needed."

"Gy Samur only gave up power because the Council forced him to," said Wong amusedly. "But--" her tone turned serious-- "you're right. Mr. Alhoun, the final decision rests with you."

"Yes, Kari," said Delatoire when Alhoun still remained silent. "What is your choice?"

Kari Alhoun finally spoke. "Khazaron has had a revolution, and it has chosen its path. It is in greater need of help than otherwise. Therefore, I will put it this way to the President: We will help the Dominion in its time of need, but if democracy is not restored when the emergency is over, we shall break off relations and prepare economic sanctions with our allies. For the occurrence of a dictatorship arising from a democratic society without undue need for one merits a condemnation."

"Very well, Minister," said Delatoire. He finished typing Alhoun's response, printed it, and handed it to an aide who appeared at the door. It would reach Khazaron in a short time.

* OOC: FYI, Czardas has "World Benchmark" for Political Freedoms as of 4/27/05.

I'l open diplomatic relations with you. :)

Congress Hall, Czarna, Czardas

Alhoun and Wong had barely left Delatoire's office when a side door swung open and an aide hurried in, a message in his hand.

"Message for you, Mr. Delatoire sir," said the aide. He dropped the message into Delatoire's outstretched spidery hand. The Secretary General dismissed the aide and opened the message, reading it through.

"Apparently Khazaron's inviting us to send a delegation to their capital," he said to no one in particular. "I wonder how many other nations are going?"

Delatoire rang a buzzer and told his secretary, "Recall the Foreign Minister. I've got a message for him."

When Alhoun returned, Delatoire slid the message into his hand.

"It's an invitation," he explained.

"Why, this must be a response to Fenix Rohán's," said Alhoun glancing over the message. "Why did it take so long?"

"The rain, in all likelihood," said Delatoire amusedly. "We'll call a Cabinet meeting to determine whom to send. Tell the President about it and we'll figure out what to do."

"We might as well see our country before condemning it," added Alhoun in the same light-hearted tone of voice. "Or making an alliance."

(check our signature in order to open foreign relations)

New Izumi Quick Info:

The Corporation of New Izumi is a massive, safe nation, remarkable for its devotion to social welfare. Its compassionate population of 1.32 billion have some civil rights, but not too many, enjoy the freedom to spend their money however they like, to a point, and take part in free and open elections, although not too often.
---------------------

Prime Minister Kyo Izumi, from a long line of family members that have become somehow involved in the nations politics, dating back to it's foundation, sits down in his modest office on parliment hill (OOC: guess where I'm REALLY from LOL), reviews the latest news from around the globe.

Passing over many papers, sees a request for assistance from the new nation, Khazaron. He decides to quickly reply himself, as it's late in the evening and most of his staff have gone home for the evening.

He Types Out:


"First Archon Khara,

It has to my attention that your nation has finally come out of a very nasty civil war and are in need of aid. New Izumi is willing to assist in re-building infrastructure, and assisting with the required technological upgrades required. We are not though willing to assist to your department of defence as we are unsure at this time whether your nation is ready to handle it.

As a democratic nation ourselves of a large population, it concerns us that you have assumed control of the government and suspended elections. While we understand that you need to keep things stable and that is one of the few ways of doing so, we would like to see a timeline of when elections will be re-instated.

It also concerns us that private enterprise has been outlawed. Once again, while we see the reason why you have decided to take that measure, no democratic nation can survive without some kind of private enterprise. Maybe New Izumi can assist you in drafting a proposal to be able to assist phasing it back in with better controls and monitoring.

We hope that you take this into consideration and let us know.

-PM K. Izumi
The Corporation of New Izumi"

He looks up to see his minister of immigration, Yuki Hawk, standing behind him. He didn't even see him there, let alone hear him come in.

Hawk announces, "Sir, do you think that is a very wise choice?"

Izumi pauses, then replies "I hope so, but it's our duty to help then re-build...it's our way.``

OOC: Welcome to NationStates!

President's Quarters, Congress Hall, Czarna

Kari Alhoun stirred uneasily. "No, that's all, Mr. President."

"Khazaron..." President Hliesen Dimovilà mused. "Czardas has not been in a non-UN alliance since the 1920s when it was expelled from the Third Alliance. But an alliance with a dictatorship, even a temporary one?"

"Secretary General Delatoire held the same opinion," said Alhoun. "But I think differently."

"Oh?"

"I think, in conditions such as Kharazon's, any other significant nation would likewise restrict political freedoms," said Alhoun quietly. Lucidly and concisely, he explained to the President the current situation in Kharazon.

"Hmmm..." The President sounded thoughtful. "I believe you're right, Kari. We will call a council meeting. Inform the others."

Kari Alhoun saluted respectfully and stepped out of the room with a military pace.

Thirty minutes later

Around a long oaken table in the central pentagonal room of the Presidential Quarters in Congress Hall, the members of the President's cabinet and their aides were gathered round the table. President Dimovilà, occupying a central position, rose as silence fell.

"My fellow cabinet members," he said, "many of us now know that The Dominion of Kharazon has expressed an interest in opening diplomatic relations with us."

Fenix Rohán stirred slightly, but decided to keep his knowledge to himself.

"I have decided, despite the temporary suspension of political freedoms in Kharazon, to do so. Are there any objections?"

Attorney General Stephen Farr, an outspoken champion of civil liberties and an advocate of all-out socialism, raised his hand.

"Mr. Farr?"

"I object. We cannot open relations with this nation." Farr's brazen tone was well-known to most but rarely failed to shock the normally reserved Delatoire.

"Why not, Mr. Farr?"

"The following reasons: Kharazon has had a history of corruption, capitalism, and a crushing of civil rights and social inequality," said Farr, ticking the points off on his fingers.

"True, but that was during the Old Regime," said President Dimovilà.

The Attorney General continued. "Also, in current times, First Archon Khara has declared democracy a 'failing' and has outlawed elections until further notice. Czardas's support for this nation cannot be permitted and I will resign from this cabinet if you choose to help Khazaron with our resources."

"Your objection, Mr. Farr, has been noted," said Delatoire imperturbably.

Dimovilà spoke. "I realize, Mr. Farr, that all of those points have been troubling you. Also, I am sure other members of the cabinet have similar objections. But there are many reasons why we should help Khazaron.

"First of all--" Minister of War Violet Astoria pulled down a screen showing a topical map of Khazaron-- "large areas of the nation were ruined through scorched-earth tactics during the civil war. Farmers burned their crops rather than give them to the super-corporations, and the wealthy exhausted resources and caused inflation to rise so much that bread was raised to over 5000 domins a loaf, equivalent to nearly 475 nazarins*."

There was a suppressed gasp.

"After the war, Khazaron was left with few resources left for its growing population of 6 million, a crisis we in Czardas have never faced since our independence in 1303. They need a lot of help -- I am not sure we can do it all. They may have sought help from other nations despite the First Archon's aversion to foreigners. The least we can do is help them."

"Second of all," continued the President, "the war also left Khazaron with practically no military and little technology. Only 121 in 1000 Khazaronians actually have a telephone, and 95% of its population make less than 50% of our own average GDP per capita. Czardas has always had a long history of technological advancement, and although our economy is far from strong, it nevertheless exists. We must help the poor of Khazaron."

"A lot of nice-guy altruistic stuff, Mr. President," remarked the plain-spoken Minister of War. "So what's the real reason? It can't be just compassion, can it?"

"It is," said the President. "Except perhaps for one point -- we will form a lasting alliance with a nation that will repay us when we too are in trouble."

The President smiled. "The Cabinet will now vote on this. Cast your ballots in favor of Khazaron or against it." Delatoire distributed index cards and pens to everyone around the table.

Every member of the Cabinet, and the influential aides too, wrote something on his or her index card and put them in a pile in the center of the table. The Secretary General picked them up and read them through.

"We have thirty-nine votes in favor of aid, and seven against," he reported.

"Very well," said the President. "Motion passed in the executive branch. Send it to the Council."

Delatoire spoke to an aide. The aide in turn transmitted the information to a secretary, who brought the motion in its full form to the Council Secretary. The Presidential Cabinet had dinner in Congress Hall while they awaited the Grand Council's decision.

An aide brought in a message which he read aloud. "The motion has been passed, with two hundred and thirty-three votes in favor and one hundred sixty-seven against."

"Thank you, Carlton," said the President.

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

Congress Hall, the next morning

It was 0800 hours when President Dimovilà called a Cabinet meeting. He invited the aides and some officials from the Council.

"Resulting from the passing of the motion giving aid to Khazaron," said Dimovilà, "we have decided to help the Dominion. We are gathered here to choose the members of the delegation that will be sent to Khazaron.

"As tradition dictates, I will choose the members of the delegation: an ambassador, two or three diplomats, and their aides."

Dimovilà paused for breath and waited as television cameras transmitted his speech to television sets across the world.

"I am nominating, as Czardaian ambassador to Khazaron, Derrence Haulant." He nodded to a young Council official who stood to much applause. "Mr. Haulant has long been a faithful and diplomatic member of our Council. He has mediated turmoils between the different parties and knows more of the Khazaronian traditions than any Czardaian. Mr. Haulant lived in Khazaron for thirteen years before returning to Czardas and knows all the customs and troubles of this budding nation. He advocated the civil rights of Khazaronians in the years before the civil war. We hope that the First Archon will accept him as ambassador from Czardas."

"Accompanying Mr. Haulant," continued Dimovilà, "will be Ruvin Marcell, a Khazaronian by birth, who emigrated from the country at the age of seven but has always wanted to return. Marcell argued for Khazaron during a United Nations meeting and prevented the U.N. from sanctioning Khazaron upon its outlawing of elections. Like Mr. Haulant, he has protected the poor citizens of Khazaron for many years from the corporations."

"Also accompanying Mr. Haulant will be our Attorney General, Mr. Stephen Farr." There was a stir among the Council members. Mr. Farr stood. "I object!"

"Mr. Farr," continued Dimovilà, seemingly unconscious of Farr's outburst, "has long been a champion of civil rights and social equality. As one of the world's most influential attorneys, he challenged the right of the rich to oppress the poor and spoke out against inequality. Mr. Farr, I am sure, will be able to help the people of Khazaron against oppression and will speak for social equality among all the different classes of Khazaron.

"Are there any objections?"

No one spoke now.

"Mr. Haulant, Mr. Marcell, and Mr. Farr, you may choose your aides."

The President stepped back to the sounds of wild applause. The three chosen chief members of the delegation shook hands with each other and began to select who would accompany them on their journey to Khazaron.

* OOC: 475 nazarins = about $23.75. The price of bread in Czardas is 15-25 nazarins/loaf, or $0.75-$1.25.

Congress Hall, Czarna

Kari Alhoun labored over the message he would send to Khazaron. Ultimately it read as follows:

To the esteemed First Archon Khara:

The Libertarian Expansionist Paradise of Czardas is sending a delegation consisting of three influential cabinet members and their aides to Archon City, Khazaron, in order to meet with Khazaronian officials to discuss aid. However, this delegation will not be sent, and aid will be withdrawn if you do not end the military rule when a stable and democratic form of government has been established.

We are concerned with the violent way you came to power, and the similarly violent actions following, such as the execution of Loyalists, the scorched-earth policy as protests, and the outlawing of elections. If you intend to keep Khazaron under military rule indefinitely, we cannot promise that our people will allow us to support you. Czardas, being a direct democracy, requires the peoples' consent on every law that the Council of 400 passes. Although the executive branch is in nearly unanimous support of aid, the people are unwilling to send aid to a nation if they know it will remain a dictatorship, even a socialist dictatorship at that. They hold their hard-won political freedoms very dear. I am sure other nations have been concerned over similar matters, but, please reply to us.

~Foreign Minister Kari AlhounAlhoun thought. He shrugged. It was diplomatic enough to avoid offending the First Archon, but clear enough to explain the problem -- just like all letters were supposed to be.

He sent the letter.

The following message was intercepted over the West Pacific by a patrolling RAF Nimrod:
"I urge the citizens of our green and pleasant country not to remain calm, these men are surely interested in the peaceful conclusion to this conflict, and we will shortly be inviting them to our nations assembly halls in order to hold negotiations and settle this with no further blood loss"

Several hours later over international radio came the following transmission:
"I lord Pikau hereby take control of these heretical lands, in the name of the Great Sheep, we shall cleanse these lands of wrongdoers and punish those that shirk their responsiblilities for the time of the Great Triangles is here all that oppose shall be crushed by my mighty iron fist, in the name of the great Baaaaa, hazaar, hazaar, hazaar"

Intelligence reports suggest that a great conflict has occured here with much loss of life, but a resolution has been reached, with all the remaining rebels being rounded up and shot. This nation is due to become a great nation and will one day rule the world.

"Baaaaaa, hazaar, hazaar, hazaar"

A large ciruclar oak table sat in the middle of an ornately decorated hall. What once served the President of Khazaron as his personal dining hall, was now being used by the First Archon and his aides and fellow Archons to call meetings.

First Archon James Khara stood up and cleared his throat, raising in his right hand a collection of several papers.

"My fellow citizens, we have recieved several offers of support, both from here in our region of Atlantia Oceania and abroad in the world. Needless to say, it would be woefully inefficient and costly to have them all show up on our doorstep one by one. Therefore, I propose that we send out a new message, and invite all delegates who are interested in helping our people to a conference in Archon City, or a neutral ground if there are problems, and discuss the matter of re-building Khazaron there. With all options set before us, we will find the true way out and follow it to freedom and glory for our people. How say you?"

The Archons and members of the Provisional Council nodded in agreement with the First Archon. Regional Archon Alchon Damarius stode up and smiled, gesturing to the people present around the table. "Excellency, I believe I speak for everyone here, when I say that you have our full support and the support of our regions."

First Archon Khara smiled and placed the papers down on the table. "Good then. Let us begin drafting a letter to be sent to all the nations that have offered aide to us. Let us gather them together, that perhaps we might find a way to save our infrastructure."

Several around the table began clapping at the First Archon's words, but one of the Minister of Finance rose up and raised his hand. "Excuse me, Excellency?" The First Archon nodded and motioned to the Minister. "The Chair recognizes the honorable Minister of Finance." First Archo Khara said.

The minister nodded and continued. "But once they arrive, how would we decide who's offer to take? And what if some of the delegates refuse to come because of other nations that are already coming. We have recieved offers of help from nations of differing idealologies, many of whom don't appear to get along."

The First Archon stode their for a moment, expressionless, possibly thinking to himself, then he smiled. "We will offer diplomatic and trade relations to those who agree to sign onto the delegation. We will also offer them a chance to be on the ground floor in building a new trade of port in our country, one that could thrive and bring billions of domins to the State and those nations involved in maintaining it. This new trade center will not only be a backup center of commerce for us, should something as tragic as the Fall of Archon City happen to us as it did to the Loyalists during the Civil War. Yes, this city will be a grand place, an influx of state-controlled capital."

The Minister cleared his throat and spoke again. "But wont our people see that as a sign that we are giving into the capitalists and the corporations?"

The First Archon smiled again. "Corporations are no threat, when the state is their to protect its people. As long as we keep a watchful eye on this possible endeavor, there will be no need to worry about foreign hands prying deeper into Khazaron. Besides, as much as it may pain me to say so..." the First Archon's face turned grim. "...we need the money gentlemen."

Everyone around the table nodded in agreement. "Well then, if there is no other business to attend to, then I will get to work on drafting the letter personally. Council dismissed."

From the Office of The First Archon of The Dominion of Khazaron

To Whom It May Concern,

Your nations have extended their hand to Khazaron in her time of need and she is greatful for it. However, due to the sheer number of responses we cannot, as hoped, meet with each of you individually.

Instead, we would like to call together a meeting of delegates from all the nations to meet here in Archon City. Once here we will hopefully discuss a package that could be mutually beneficial to all parties involved.

The thanks of a greatful nation go out to all who wish to partake. We await your reply.
Signed,
First Archon James Khara

Congress Hall, Czarna

"Message for you, Jan," said Fenix Rohán into the intercom.

Jan Delatoire, on the other end, shrugged. "Send it over. Who's it from?"

"Khazaron," answered Rohán; "they're inviting our delegation and all other delegations to go to Archon City."

"Here, just send it," replied Delatoire wearily. Rohán turned on his fax machine and scanned in the message, sending it to Delatoire's office within moments.

The Secretary General printed out the message from his office and slowly read it through, nodding once or twice.From the Office of The First Archon of The Dominion of Khazaron

To Whom It May Concern,

Your nations have extended their hand to Khazaron in her time of need and she is greatful for it. However, due to the sheer number of responses we cannot, as hoped, meet with each of you individually.

Instead, we would like to call together a meeting of delegates from all the nations to meet here in Archon City. Once here we will hopefully discuss a package that could be mutually beneficial to all parties involved.

The thanks of a grateful nation go out to all who wish to partake. We await your reply.
Signed,
First Archon James KharaDelatoire smiled slowly to himself. He knew now what he must do...

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

Krîaberg International Airport

Seventy-six miles from Congress Hall, the black limousine sped along the highway, escorted by two police motorcycles. Crime was low in Czardas and the police virtually unnecessary, but polls had shown that sending foreign aid was unpopular with nearly 50% of the citizens. A concerned isolationist might attempt to disable the limousine with an illegal gun.

A few cars passed the limousine, but it was still early in the morning and there was little traffic on Highway 1. The limousine and its escort left the highway onto an exit ramp and drove towards a large modern terminal, with airplanes waiting to leave the runway.

The limousine parked near the entrance to Terminal Three and Haulant, Marcell, and Farr exited, along with a group of aides. There were few flights to Khazaron a day, as the UN had sanctioned exports and imports during the corrupt pro-business period. Of the three, Haulant had been in the airport most frequently, and he led the group through mazes of lines, past security, and into the "Departures" area.

"What airline?" asked a woman standing in front of the counter.

"Air Czardas." Haulant produced three tickets from his wallet. "What gate do we need for these?"

The woman motioned. "You'll have gate 23. Right around thataways--" she pointed in a direction clogged with lines, shops, escalators, columns, and innumerable people.

"Oh dear," said one of the more humorous aides, known only as Dave. "In how many weeks does the flight leave?" he asked.

Ignoring Dave's mournful outburst, the rest of the delegation, escorted by police, navigated the football field-length stretch consisting mainly of humans looking for their correct positions. Marcell was especially jostled, being shorter than the others, and once turned straight around. To his surprise, he saw the woman from the counter following them at a distance.

"What the--" but in that instant an overweight person blotted out his view and a policeman guided him back to the delegation. Marcell had not time to explain what he had seen to the others. Farr and Constable Williams were engaged in a debate over compulsory vs. voluntary voting, with others listening on, while Haulant was reading the departure timetables. At length he turned back to the delegation, now freed of the clogged passageway.

"We've got 45 minutes until the day's only flight to Archon City," he said. "It's got a stopover in some other foreign country, and it's a seven-hour flight."

"Seven hours?" said Farr. "I didn't know Khazaron was so far -- excuse me, ma'am." He moved aside to let a woman in a flight attendant's uniform by.

"Most Czardaians don't seem to," said Dave. "Apparently 22% think Khazaron is a city, 19% think it's a region, and 12% think it's a planet. Of course, they're all wrong -- as we know, it's a river."

There was scattered laughter. Haulant glared at Dave. "Make sure you don't make such fun of Khazaron when you get there. They'll have you sentenced to three years for sedition and twenty for exposing state secrets."

"Ha." Marcell had little sense of humor. As the delegation entered the boarding area, a military policewoman saw them immediately.

"Ah. This way," she said. "Czardaian delegation?" She led them to a side passageway which led to a small aircraft for military services. The whole group entered.

"Thank you, ma'am," said Haulant in Khazaronian, bowing slightly.

"You'd better learn New Khazaronian while you're at it," said the policewoman good-naturedly. "Apparently you're considered a Loyalist if you speak the old version, and they don't like Loyalists very much."

"Understatement of the century," said Dave under his breath, following the rest in.

"We're stopping over in New Izumi to pick up an Izumian delegation," added the policewoman. "We expect to land in Khazaron at 1300 hours Khazaronian time."

"I see," said Farr. "Well, thank you ma'am for your information."

The group entered the small aircraft and found a cluster of seats reserved for the Czardaian delegation near the back. It was customary, in Air Czardas, for the native delegation to sit near the back, with those from cumulatively farther nations seated farther forward.

The Czardaians buckled in their seatbelts and waited. Presently, the airplane disconnected itself from Krîaberg Airport and took off.

They had gone. For better or for worse, they were on their way...

Prime Ministers Office: HOWLING, Northern Province, NEW IZUMI

Prime Minister Izumi shuffles through the mounds of paperwork that never seems to decline, late afternoon. The sun shines through his window, but he knew that wouldn't last very long. It had been switching between bright, and downpours all day. He comes across the responce from Khazaron.

From the Office of The First Archon of The Dominion of Khazaron

To Whom It May Concern,

Your nations have extended their hand to Khazaron in her time of need and she is greatful for it. However, due to the sheer number of responses we cannot, as hoped, meet with each of you individually.

Instead, we would like to call together a meeting of delegates from all the nations to meet here in Archon City. Once here we will hopefully discuss a package that could be mutually beneficial to all parties involved.

The thanks of a greatful nation go out to all who wish to partake. We await your reply.
Signed,
First Archon James Khara

Nodding, he calls in his deputy prime minister, Ramina Asaki, and his forign minister, Alex Simon...

---

Howling International Airport, Northern Province

Driving right into the airport property, and directly onto the tarmack of the 2'nd terminal at Howling Intl, in a standard, almost convoy like, line of black suv trucks, out climbs the three most powerful men in New Izumi.

"They should be here already, the Czardaians" says Alex, humourlessly.

"You are way to suspicious Alex" teases PM Kyo. "Don't forget where we are going, it's best not to start hostilities before leaving our own soil."

Alex blinks and nods. "My appologies sir. So, what are these....Czardaians all about anyway?"

Kyo relies, "really, I have no idea. This might be a good opertunity to open up some kind of relations with them anyway."

Alex says "your WAY too much like your father sir."

Kyo gets a nasty look. "Leave my father out of this."

Throughout this entire conversation on the tarmack, Ramina has remained silent; and for a polititcian...

---

The First Archon stode tall and solemnly before a set of three mirrors in the Fashionable Lion, Archon City's primier clothing store. First Archon Khara wore a white dress shirt with ruffles sticking out where the v-neck part was, black dress pants that where smoothed out to show not even the slightest rinkle, and over the last mirror on the right hung his black jacket.

A relatively small man man approached and smiled. "Is it to your liking Excellency?" he asked with hope in his eyes. The First Archon smilled and nodded. "Indeed it is Thomas, very good work as always." the First Archon replied. Thomas smiled. "How muc do I owe you?" the First Archon said as he grabbed the jacket hanging from the mirror and put it on, slowly buttoning it up as he awaited a reply.

Thomas shoke his head. "It's on the house Excellency. I'm just glad I could help in preparation for the big conference coming up." First Archon Khara nodded and patted Thomas on the shoulder. "I appreciate the gesture Thomas, but take this anyway." The First Archon nodded to a aide who had been standing over near the door. The aide walked over, reached inside his pocket and handed over a wad of bills and handed them to Thomas.

Thomas stode their, dumbstrock. This was at least twice the ammount of the suit. "Excellency...I...I can't take thi.." The First Archon raised his hand and chuckled. "Nonsense Thomas, consider it a gift for all the fine work you've done for us in the past. Now if you'll excuse me, I have affairs of state to attend to." Thomas nodded and dissappeared behind a red curtain in the back of the store.

First Archon Khara turned to his aide and clasped his hands at his waist. "So..."the First Archon said. "...are all the preparations made for our guests at the Glorious Dawn hotel?" The aide nodded, pulling out a notebook bound in leather and opened it. "Yes Excellency. We've also increased security throughout the capitol and have placed checkpoints at all exits leaving or entering the city. Also, the old-Senate house is being fitted to suit our meeting."

The First Archon nodded as he listened to his aide. "How does that leave us in the other provinces?" The aide skimmed through his notebook for a second and then replied. "We should have enough to maintain general law and order, provided a major disaster doesn't strike while the delegates are here." The First Archon smiled. "Excellent. Then when are our distinguished guests due to arrive at Archon City International Airport?" The aide flipped through a few more pages in his notebook. "The first delegation is due to arrive in about five hours or so Excellency. "

First Archon Khara nodded and was about to say something when another aide rushed into the store, panting and nearly exhausted. The First Archon, with a look of great concern on his face, walked over to the man. "What seems to be the problem?" The aide looked up, his face red. "I just ran all the way from the old Senate building a few blocks down. It's...the..." The exhausted aide stopped for a moment to catch his breath and then continued. "It's the members of the Provisional Council who walked out from your announcement a couple of days ago. They are announcing a formal protest against your actions are saying that if you do not restore elections, they will call for your resignation."

The First Archon's face went from a nice, almost tan, color to almost blood red in a matter of seconds. The two aides present stepped back a few feet, visibly scared of what may happen. First Archon Khara let out a frustrated sigh and looked at the aide who had just entered. "Where are these members now?" The exhausted aide, still panting, responded. "Right now they are in Metropole. It seems they plan to stay there until they get a response from you."

"Metropole..."the First Archon said as he thought to himself for a moment. 'So it's there they have chosen to make their stand have they? The last stronghold of the Loyalists to fall during the Six-Months War. It doesn't take a genius to understand what message they are sending' the First Archon thought to himself and then turned to his aide with the notebook. "Inform Minister of Security Sunin that I want that building surrounded and those disidents arrested. But give them a chance to see the error of their ways first, if they still persist, then arrest them." The aide nodded and shut his notebook, leaving the store in a hurry.

Turning to the exhausted aide, the First Archon's demeanor changed, smiling as he said. "Now let's makes sure everything is prepped and ready for our Welcoming Ceremony for our guests at the airport." The exhausted aide straightened out his ruffled clothes and nodded, opening the door for the First Archon as they left the store.

Over New Izumi, in a private aircraft

Derrence Haulant glanced at his watch. "We're twenty minutes behind schedule."

"I suppose it's a result of the downswing in the economy," replied Marcell. "Airline workers got laid off and they couldn't build as many fast airplanes. We're taking a remarkably slow one anyway."

Farr spoke for the first time in three hours. "Who are these Izumians, anyway?" he asked.

"I haven't the faintest idea," said Haulant. "But that's really our problem, though. Czardas through history has always had progressive libertarian policies. We have championed individual rights and world peace. But we have always been an isolationist nation -- we don't believe in intervening in other nations' affairs. Other nations know us as reserved, distant. 'They keep to themselves,' Generalissimo Georgi Andrényi said of us once."

"I know," said Farr. "What do we know about the Izumians?"

"Very little really," said Haulant. "They have shown interventionist policies in the past and, like us, were concerned with the outlawing of elections in Khazaron. However, from what I've heard we share ideas on liberal policies."

"The agreement," added Marcell, "was that we provide for them transportation to Khazaron, since they don't seem to have any private flights there themselves. We know nothing about them and they know nothing about us."

A flight attendant entered with a tray. Marcell noted with surprise that she was remarkably similar to the one who had directed them to their flight.* She served lunch, and said, "We expect to land in New Izumi in an hour -- we'll be somewhat late due to turbulence." As she spoke she let an ID card swing loose from where it had been in her pocket. Farr looked at the name on it and raised his eyebrows slightly. He motioned to the others.

After seeing the ID card, Haulant looked up at the flight attendant. "OK, why are you really here?" he asked.

"It's very simple." In a conspiratorial whisper, she continued, "Intel Director Wong asked me to go on this trip. There's someone who doesn't want us to bring aid to Khazaron. I'm to find out who it is."

"Who do you suspect? A foreign power?... New Izumi?" Marcell said.

"No. Our reports say that this power may come from within Khazaron itself!"
....
To Be Continued...



* OOC: Czardas has no military due to its isolationist foreign policy. It therefore has no private airports as well, since airports are government-run.

The First Archon sat at the very end of the limosine, pouring over a set of documents in vanilla folders as he and his aide where being transported to the hotel to the airport to prepare the welcoming commitee for the arrival of the first delegation. Showing a look of concern on his face the First Archon closed the folder and placed beside him, looking at his aide.

"So, the disidents have refused to recant, or listen to anything I have to say unless I restore elections to Khazaron immediately?" First Archon Khara said, visibly frustrated by the whole ordeal.

The aide nodded."Yes Excellency. They also don't seem to be bothered with the fact that we've blockaded all roads leading into, or out of, Metropole. It's almost as if they want us to hem them in there."

The First Archon crossed his arms and stared down at the floor. "No doubt to make us look like the aggressors and villains of this story, so that when the foreign delegation arrives, they will side with the dissidents because we appear to be bullying so-called 'helpless' politicians."

"Might I make a suggestion Excellency?" The aide said cautiously. First Archon Khara nodded and motioned for the man to continue. "Why not compromise with them? Why not find a way to ensure elections are had, but without compromising the iron law of the State?"

The First Archon looked up, his face expressionless. The aide waved his hands franticly. "It was just a suggestion Excellency. I am merely trying to make sure we look as good as possible to these foreigners." The First Archon nodded. "I know." the First Archon said. "It's just how can we compromise the will of the State with a bunch of Loyalists who want sell our country's soul away." Closing his eyes, the First Archon seemed to be deep in thought for several minutes as the limosine continued to snake through downtown Archon City.

Then, as if a bolt of lightening had struck him, the First Archon sat straight up in his seat, opened his eyes wide, and snapped his fingers. "That's it! I think I may have found a way to appease the disidents. It'll take some work though. Contact the Minister of Security and tell him to inform the disidents that I wish to invite them to this delegation meeting to offer them a compromise. Also, say that I give them my word that they will not be harmed or arrested, provided that they take me up on this offer. However, this is the only time it will be offered to them."

The aide furiously copied down what the First Archon was saying and then looked up from his notepad. "Are you sure they will trust us?" The First Archon smilled and chuckled. "Relax, you worry to much. They have to trust us in this situation. With several nations watching us, we wouldn't dare try anything against them." The aide raised an eyebrow at what the First Archon just said. "What I'm saying is that I genuinely want to open a dialogue with them, try and get this whole mess behind us. The sooner this conflict between the New and Old Regime is out of people's minds, the sooner we can get to truly building a great nation out of the ashes of the old."