NationStates Jolt Archive

National Statehouse
Anatoba City, the Absolutionist State of Austar Union

It had actually been a small while since the original transmission had been sent to each of them. It had been relatively easy to understand, and at the signing of it Indigo was rather pleased with its attitude and the mood of which it held. Since the Absolutionist State had not held an entirely pleasant history, he was unsure of how far back they counted for the record. Within matters under his own control, he had actually done well to reform the nation - and had gained it a much more respectable reputation that it had previous, in its earlier history. And because of this questionable material in the nation's early chapters, it gave him no comfort to think that perhaps the first and previous leaders had left a stain on the nation's ability to interact with others - thus was the case that he had not applied to the Triumvirate of Yut already.

In the meantime other commentators had for now, managed to convince the man that the members there would actually rather disregard this nation's earliest history - despite that fact that he had felt some degree of tension for a comment one of the more foolish pre-desessors had made toward the original formation of the Non-Democratic Alliance. And although that degree was minimal at best, he could still tell that doubt of him as a leader, and a lack of respect ran through the blood of each of the governments of the Empire of Treznor, and the Dominion of Dread Lady Nathicana. Of course, to him he would have forgotten already - but then, he was himself, not them. Unfortunate circumstances, that he was borne into the leadership of a nation badly in need of reform. Many times he had wished strongly that the previous leaders had been much wiser in their decisions, and especially not to mock those whom Indigo now sought the approval of.

Being said though, he had been leader over the Austar Union for more than a hundred years of its history combined. He felt he had earned the right to be recognised as at least fair. He had brought this nation from a historical background of war and tension, and now it had prospered into a sort of state - a mix between corporate and government authority. Naturally, as the system had been designed especially - it was him whom had kept control over the corporations. But still, they commanded much of the nation's economic power. It was from this power of which the country was based, where it had earned its right to exist among the others - not just as an unwealthy state seeking aide from the next, to the next. Not that these states didnt hold their right to soveriegnty of course, but rather that Indigo had appreciated such aspects of his own nation. And being a businessman, well, it seemed that business went hand in hand with politics. Call it a partnership, if you like.

Fortunately, he was confident in the fact that he could at least assure these people that the Austar Union would make a valuable addition to the Triumvirate. Some might disagree - such was unadvoidable. But at least he could do the best damn job he could. If he failed, he would be able to reside in the fact that he had gained some good, respectable friendships to build upon. There were a few of these, which already existed in the meantime and would require less convincing. And some of them, he would have to work a little harder at - to gain their approval into amongst their ranks. Granted, on his own behalf he would be skeptical at any new addition to an alliance if he were them. With a default of a vote of no, to gain the vote of his own, one would have to make some good deal of effort to prove themselves worthy. This what what the mission he had decided was - was about. This was not just about vote-winning - this was about sharing the greater understanding of his true character, so that he might be able to stand among them, tall and proud. True, he had a lot to learn. And the best time to begin would be now.

{Open Transmission}
{TRANSMISSION ENCRYPTION: Diplomatic, Secure}
{FROM: Lord Indigo Blue, the Absolutionist State of Austar Union}
{TO: Foriegn Ministry of; The Federated Segments of Scolopendra}
{SUBJECT: Sending a Representative}

With respect to yourselves, I trust that you have recieved my first transmission amongst the general channels of the Triumvirate of Yut. This message, and matter within concerns my interest toward membership of that organisation, and before I actually make my formal application - I felt it best that I make the effort for those who will be voting, to gain a better understanding of what this nation is about. Given that we have a loose alliance between ourselves (through the VERITAS Charters), I thought it best that I first begin with yourselves - even if it might be just light discussion regarding our plans.

In the meantime I hope you will be able to find it within yourselves to accept a representative of myself, sent to Scolopendra on my behalf. Perhaps there - through my representative, I will be able convey such things more clear than transmissions such as these.

With Respect,

Lord Indigo Blue
The Absolutionist State of Austar Union
{Close Transmission}

"So, the nation of hoity-toity opera-goers wants to talk to li'l ol' us?" Razak growls, albeit with a gruff chuckle, as he folds his still muscular arms, the sparse silvery hair on them mirroring the short military buzz he still keeps on his otherwise clean-shaven head. Leaning back in his chair, he looks up at Nadjiba as she stands on the other side of his desk, hands folded casually behind her back.

"That's not completely fair, Julie." Abd-Al-Haqq smiles wryly. It'd taken some time to break into the Men's Club, as it were; the same handful of Y chromosomes (except for Speaker, because ratcat genetics are completely off the wall) have been running the executive branch of the Segments for the last few yedecemi. Not to say they weren't more than accepting of her when she came to replace the mostly silent and unfortunately inactive Kommetrez; just a conquering of mindset on her own part to become 'one of the guys.' "Mister Indigo Blue"--she makes no pretense of nobile titles in private conversation, following the 'Pendran mindset of all such things being wholly imaginary in the first place--"was simply trying to put his best foot forward. Even if the opera was a bit formulaic, he wanted to show off his nation as a place of culture and taste--an intellectualist autocrat showing off his nation to other intellectualist autocrats, but we aren't entirely innocent of that attitude either sometimes."

"Glad to know you see it, Nadj," Julius says with a smirk, "'cause you have to be the most imperial of us all. And we even gave ol' Speeks an inflated title to prop him up that way."

"Hmpf." Nadjiba shakes her head, snickering humorously. "This isn't really getting us anywhere, is it, PseudoEmperor, is it? I'm almost afraid to ask for a policy on how to respond from the inventor of the Tactical Fruit Basket."

"Hey, I've improved," the silver-haired man grumbles, smirking wryly. "He wants to talk to talk to us, sure, that works. We can have you talk pretty and diplomatic-like to him before we introduce him to me so he can get a dose of our reality."

"I can only hope Speaker gets back from Cetaganda before then," the short Arab woman teases with an imperial smile. "I'll do my best, Julie."

* - * - *

--<Transmission Type: Standard Diplomatic Communique >--
-<Sender: Advisor Nadjiba Abd-Al-Haqq, FSS>-
-<Destination: Lord Indigo Blue, ASAU>-
--<Subject: Re: Your Representative>--

Lord Indigo Blue:

We are honored that we are the first you have contacted concerning your intentions. As I said during the diplomatic event you hosted some time ago, we in the Federated Segments are quite interested in closer relations with all friendly, enlightened peoples. In that vein, we welcome any discussion or dialogue between our two nations, as the Absolutionist State, while autocratic, certainly avoids many sins other states all too happily engage in.

We will gladly accept your representative, and offer an exchange in like kind. Upon the establishment of formal diplomatic contact between our two peoples, it is only natural that we exchange embassies so we can better coordinate our relations and ensure that the conveyance of ideas goes as smoothly as possible. We can arrange for embassarial assignment in the diplomatic sectors of Stonozka if you wish; we apologize, but we cannot allow the new construction of embassies due to our extremely stringent building codes. Spacer attitude, you must realize.

On behalf of the Federated Segments of Scolopendra, I look forward to meeting your representative.

Respectfully,

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/nadjiba_abd-al-haqq.gifAdvisor Nadjiba Abd-al-Haqq
International Relations Section
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

--<End Transmission>--

$Time_ & $Date_ Later
The Federated Segments of Scolopendra, Titan

It was probably one of these times when the gate would have been beneficial, since the journey to Titan took more than a week, as it was. But alas, there was little that could be done - the issue was already being addressed in Tartarus as Juno left Earth for his destination. A partnership of sorts, for the mutual benefit of both. Indeed, once built the gate would be useful. And in practise, it would make trips like this one a hell of a lot smaller - perhaps a matter of an hour or so. Acceleration was a wonderful thing. Still he had arrived completely in one piece, so Juno was content for the fact that he would have gained such experience of this place. And Indigo wasnt lying about the view - he had only recently spent some time on Machiavelli Station, on holiday. Indeed, it was exceptional.

As the craft came to a halt, Juno checked that everything was prepared. His suit, his tie, the gift - it was all just an image really. But first impressions were everything, and although perhaps Indigo hadnt done himself much favour at the meeting for some, it was the Pendrans who he believed could support him more than anyone. Perhaps except Menelmacar of course - one of the more silent members of them all, but still a supporter of the Austar Union if anything. In the meantime, Juno was actually surprised to be chosen for this mission if anything. From Etaros, they had recieved an invitation to attend some ball - he had been chosen as the representative of Indigo to that event also. Yet still, the Etarosi were well known for the time they took to ever achieve anything, so it had been well decided that there was plenty of it for Juno to visit both. Afterall, he was virtually the right-hand assistant of Lord Indigo Blue - it was suitable that he be chosen.

But anyhow, now was not the time for pondering the mysteries of this universe, or how it worked, how the social structures had been formed. Now was a time to play his role. And damn, he was convinced that he would play it well.

On the opposite end of the door, out on the flightline of Al Mahdi ASDB, Nadjiba is doing markedly less wondering. Another day, another meeting, another simple task in her life of service to the people of the Segments. She chose this life and, as it turned out, she was good at it. End result, here she is waiting for an envoy she knows only from dossiers and reports. The usual.

The opening outer door would reveal her and a standard electric groundcar painted in the blue-and-black of the International Relations Section, with the relatively but not overly short Nadjiba standing next to it, similarly attired in her Federal Service standard-issue Class A's. Bowing shortly in the Scolopendran custom, she attaches the traditional Arab salaam gesture, hand from heart to head and then out with a flourish. "Salaam alaikuum," she says pleasantly, "and welcome to the Federated Segments. I am International Relations Advisor Nadjiba Abd-Al-Haqq. Please, come down to the car--how was your trip?"

Stepping down onto the surface, Juno bowed his head in respect - in an odd sort of nodding fashion.

"Thankyou," he replied to the Advisor. "My trip was... long but comfortable. I am glad to finally be here."

Following her down to the car, he noted its black and blue colours. It reminded him somewhat of the colours of a few corporations he had worked for - and eventually taken on as General Manager. Although, that said - there would have been little similaritries between the two. Few 'pendran corporations existed in the Austar Union, if there were any at all. Blame the foriegn ownership regulations if you like. It just made it much too hard to establish a foriegn corporation in the Union, with only the occasional being accepted.

Juno smiled as he clambered into the vehicle, "You have quite the view of Saturn from here. Do you get many tourists?"

"We do," Nadjiba says with a nod, instinctively looking over at the rising Saturn taking up a little less than six degrees of arc in the sky, about eleven times the diameter of the Moon as seen from Earth, "but Mimas is the preferred location for tourists to view Saturn. The rings aren't very well visible from Titan because we lie in the same plane as them. Mimas is not only closer, but the inclination in its orbit allows for a stunning view of the rings."

She gets into the driver's seat of the groundcar before silently pulling it out off the tarmac and onto the surface streets, driving through the air base. "So, what other than the obvious brings you out here? Lord Indigo simply mentioned opening relations and a 'light discussion,' but no agenda short of your nation's eventual plans to seek membership in the Triumvirate." She smiles again with her usual self-assured attitude. "How can we help?"

"Truth is, Advisor," Juno replied, sitting into the comfort of the seat. "Indigo was hoping for me to discuss with you the merits of joining the Triumvirate. See, what he is embarking on at the moment, is to gain ourselves a bit of a name, albiet a small one among the members of Yut."

He hated to be blunt, but he must, "We have indeed been watching and observing the goings of this organisation for some time, learning, gathering information et cetera. And where we can, we involve ourselves in issues pertaining the alliance - without pushing our noses where theyre not needed or wanted mind you."

"Unfortunately, we havent found too many opportunities to involve ourselves, which leaves us a little dry for Austarian - Yut relationships," he explained. "This is why I have been sent - on a sort of tour to each of the member nations so that they might be able to understand us a little more, learn what we're about, et cetera - and to enable each of them to vote accordingly. I for one, hope that we can make a positive impression."

Juno wrapped up his little explanation briskly, "Ultimately, I have been sent here first to inform you of anything nessasary of which the Federated Segments might want to know, and hopefully gain some advice on how we ought to go about our official application. For now, we havent a sponsering nation yet - but we are hoping that either you, or Menelmacar would be willing to."

Abd-Al-Haqq smiles with regal serenity. Someone else who didn't do all their homework. "Actually, we can't--can't sponsor you, that is--given that Scolopendra is perhaps the chief member of the First Among Equals. We can veto resolutions but cannot sponsor new nations for the Triumvirate. Just a matter of balancing power, you understand."

Polite bluntness is a respected virtue among Scolopendrans. "We also try to not meddle overmuch in the affairs of others. The Triumvirate of Yut is something of a federal superstate, but only in the realm of defense and internal trade. In practically all other things it is a confederation with member states permitted to run business as they so choose. That's what allows us to have such a varied membership, although it does reduce the number of 'opportunities' for others to get involved with our mostly internal issues.

"As for advice, you seem to be doing well enough as is. Getting to know the members of the Triumvirate is a good start. Some of them do tend to be rather... opinionated, but we've been known to lean on them when we think the cause is right." Soft chuckle. "Alright, things we would like to know--in your own words, how would you describe your political system and how do you keep the interests of the common person in mind? How is your nation currently positioned in the international scene in relation to others politically and militarily?" A short pause as she turns from the airbase main gate onto the highway. "Finally, anything in particular we should know about, either to adapt to or to help out with?"

Juno nodded as Abd-Al-Haqq explained the position Scolopendra had undertaken.

He grinned at the questions, "Well if that isnt a loaded one."

"Yes," he replied, understanding completely. "We suspected as much that there would be some problems regarding your sponsership -- and your position among the First Among Equals. That is fine however, I will most likely contact Menelmacar, but thankyou."

Listening further he nodded again, "It sounds much like that the Federal Superstate holds many of the ideals we value in the Austar Union. Too, we avoid troublesome meddling where possible. Respecting the key points of soveriegnty is one our most important regarding foriegn affairs actually."

"Anyhow," he thought out loud for a moment. "How would I describe our political system, and how do we keep the interests of the common man in mind..."

"I would call it for the most part, a Benevolent Dictatorship. Lord Indigo Blue believes very much in the freedoms of the individual -- so long as they dont curb onto the security of the state, themselves, or others of course. If you imagine being a citizen of the Union, your life would actually be relatively unhindered by the government or police forces," he explained, pausing along the way. "Catering for the individual is quite easily met by allowing the free market to provide such needs where the government cannot, or is not. Markets afterall work on the basis that if there is a demand for a product or service, that there is money to be made."

Juno paused to ponder again, "That said, we dont leave the more important aspects of our community in the hands of fat-cats whom care more about the money than the people they serve -- there mightn't be much regulation when it comes to the market, but we have enough to protect the consumer, and the corporations mind you, to avoid abusive scenarios."

"Education for one, is an important aspect of the Union," he noted. "We have structured the curriculum so to promote the values of certain social standards -- taught from the lower to higher levels. We find that by teaching our young people the acceptable ways of holding one's self, ten out of ten times they will follow what is incorporated as their own values."

He chuckled softly, "There are the odd cases still, but there is nothing our already smaller police force cannot cater for -- so far anyhow."

"Other than that, Indigo has a team of personal advisors whom... advise him on the best course of action here, the best course of action there. Desisions are ultimately his, but these advisors are much more linked to the community than he you see. And besides, they provide some sound information than what he could understand for himself. The power is not vested in me, it is vested in my team. My team can do it better than I, with each of his specialties -- as they say. He often takes the advice given..."

Juno took the time to watch the base pass by outside. It was certainly a large one. He moved onto the next question however, just taking the moment for a breather.

"On the international scene," he explained, gesturing with his hands from time to time. "I would say that the Austar Union is positioned rather well. We have friendly ties with almost everyone we come across -- and for those few rogues we rather avoid them rather than create an incident from them. The last I think... would have been Sketch in and around Mercury. But since then, with some careful manoevering we have avoided what might have been otherwise inevitable, and gained exactly what were after without a peep from them anymore. Our goal, was land on Mercury -- and with the help of friends, the Caloris Basin, we have established ourselves well."

"Its all about waiting until an appropriate time to move forward, and knowing when to just wait, hold your tongue, et cetera," he shrugged. "We have had an overwhelming success in our time."

Juno paused to think for a moment, "Military-wise, we are quite passive rather than aggressive. I like to think that we better make use of our diplomatic resources first. And from memory, I only remember one time when we had a serious cause for concern -- with Sketch which has since been resolved in our favour, no shots fired."

"Which is not to say that we arent capable, by all means," he winked. "We like to keep on top of things in the Union, rather than fall behind in life to life exersizes. So.. our military is quite modern -- and although not a massive beast which takes up most of the nation's resources, it has been integrated as a part of what we do here and there."

He smiled, coming to a final close, "Much of our commitments at present regard the VERITAS charters, which between you and I, we are reviewing. I have found... their military charters far too open for my liking -- we would rather something whereby the members take into consideration of the fact that they would be actively sharing resources with these people. Which is why we am inclined to abstain from voting rather than have a default vote of 'Yes'."

"Other than that, I doubt there would be any need for adjusting your expectations," he wrapped up. "Perhaps there would be some need to keep an eye on Mercury from time to time, but there is nothing which we cant provide you with. In the meantime, we chose to apply at this time because we have no open incidences, no problems we cannot handle."

"I wouldnt want to be giving the wrong impressions -- that we are coming to you so that you can save our proverbial ass," he added, winking and grinning.

"That much is understood, as much as we enjoy ass-saving," Nadjiba replies with a soft snicker. Between Al Mahdi and Stonozka is not much but open tall-grass steppe, only occasionally opened up to agriculture and even then in the distance at least a kilometer from the highway. "The only part of the Mussolini triad you mention explicitly is 'none against the state,' and we can accept that much. The needs of your citizenry and proletariat are kept in mind and that's the important thing to us, even if that mind unfortunately belongs to an autocrat." She smiles that little imperial smile of hers again. "You will learn that the average Scolopendran is a blunt, idealistic egalitarian who will border on insulting your form of government at every turn without actually insulting anyone in it or following it, as long as your chosen autocrats rule justly. No insult is intended--we just like our democracy and wish it were more common.

"As for Mercury, our interests move that way anyway given that The Caloris Basin will be admitted into the Triumvirate pending approval by the FAE Council. Maica Tel'contar has already approved, Speaker will certainly approve, and I doubt vonKarma has any complaints, so they'll be in by the end of the week. We have our intelligence on Sketch--not my forte, but I hear about it--and while it and what remains of the Order is still a threat, it is not as worrisome as it used to be. The Territorial holdings in Absolute Light, combined with what we know of The Caloris Basin's defenses... diplomacy is good because it keeps Advisor Hawke from having too much to do."

She pauses for a moment, pondering, then continues. "It's only fair I reply in kind. The Federated Segments are very much a representative republic, with a lot of direct digital democracy taking place on the lower levels. The whole of the legislature, the supreme judiciary, and the Supreme Emperor of the executive are elected; the rest of the judiciary and executive branches are appointed by the Supreme Emperor and his staff. We are, as you can see, a very ordered nation when it comes to the government, bordering on militarism. This is a result both of our spacer meme and our roots in efficient governance. Everyone who joins must be put to meaningful work, and that is decidedly easier with a professional chain of command.

"Militarily, we honestly aren't much of a naval power because we have completely bought into the Triumvirate. This means we staff about a third to three-fifths of the TYCS, somewhere between those extremes. The Mobile Infantry, our ground arm, is decidedly larger. The inactivity of Arda and the collapse of the Seraphim has led to a de facto detante, which means it's only a matter of time until Advisor Hawke looks towards getting back in the extraction campaign game. The situation with Iraqstan has cooled off with the regime change, but now we have something of a problem with knights-errant popping up everywhere. Most are just paramilitary charities, Doctors Without Borders With Guns, but some are decidedly militant and others are outright mercenary. We haven't seen any dedicated civilian-targeting terrorists yet, but the Federal Police fears it's only a matter of time that way. The group that passes that mark'll be quickly disowned by the greater movement if and when it happens.

"Internationally, we're slowly trying to claw our way out of quiescence. If you have friendly relations with any other nations you think we should meet, I'd like to hear about them." She smiles again, less imperially this time. "Friend of a friend, as it were."

"It seems then, that we have much in common -- despite our differences," Juno commented, nodding solomnly. "I admire the 'pendran ways of Order. To be honest, I believe its the system in anything which makes for what it becomes -- how successful it is. Being a businessman gone political figure, I find that business tends to go hand-in-hand with politics -- And visa versa. But the key similarity is the fact that those who make it great, make a great system. Those who dont, fall apart. The systems might be different, but each unto its own is in existance for the greater success."

He shrugged, light passing over his face from time to time, "We might have different means, and somewhat different ideas on how things are done. But we are in a sense, striving for the same goal."

Not wanting to get stuck on one point, he quickly moved the conversation along.

"I think it is admirable that the Federated Segments have dedicated themselves to the cause of the Triumvirate. Certainly, it has it benefits -- I can see just from observing your state for some time. To create a Federal Superstate, is certainly worth something. But I wonder, what is it that you are trying to achieve with the other members of Yut?" he asked, pondering slightly himself. "Surely you might be... somewhat discontent with the fact that not every member has taken their membership so passionately? Or do you stand by the conviction of Each unto his Own?"

Hearing no names mentioned, Nadjiba shrugs internally. "We lead by example. We like to think that even those nations that joined purely out of self-interest have been improved beyond what they expected." Menelmacar doesn't go around randomly stomping nations for having anti-elf protests anymore, both the Empire of Treznor and the Dominion have lightened up their police states in some ways, the Sakkrans have gotten over their innate suspicion of humans... at least in our case, which is a start... "It's also a matter of mutuality; sharing by its very nature goes both ways.

"Selfishly, other people not taking it as passionately as we do simply means more for us. So far no one's complained and everyone seems content enough, so we've no argument with it."

"Efforts, come hand in hand with Benefits, right?" he questioned rhetorically, grinning to one side.

"Take VERITAS for example," he commented. "I am a little unwilling to buy into, given its more open nature. Anyone can just willy-nilly off the street and apply for a VERITAS application -- and to a degree get accepted. That I have a problem with, since these are the people who will in an essense define the Austar Union."

"As they say, Guilty by Association -- thus one must be careful with whom he associates with," he further added.

Juno watched the landscape go by, "Which ultimately, brings me to the reason I am applying to the Triumvirate of Yut. The Trium is something we can buy into -- not only because we respect the organisation, but because we respect the people who run it, who are in it. I hope that by redefining the people we associate with, we can give the Austar Union a greater impression for its reputation, make a better name for this nation."

"In return," he replied, turning back to the Advisor. "I look forward into investing much of the Union's resources into furthering the goals of the Superstate. This is what I look forward to, with mutual benefit."

"So you'd also like to be an exclusive elitist?" Sly close-lipped grin. "We can handle that. Like any organization, the Triumvirate is what people put into it. We just try to make sure the right people are around to put into it."

Now the groundcar enters the city of Stonozka. Topside Scolopendran cities have no suburbs, as that sort of space usage is inefficient. There is, quite literally, a field, then a wall of shorter skyscrapers as one enters the concrete Art Deco/German Futurism canyons lined with trees that make up urban Scolopendra. The roads are empty except for buses and Service vehicles both Federal and Public. The city is futuristic, but only in the details; flying cars would be cooler but they would also lead to unforgivably destructive accidents no matter how safely they were built.

This is obviously a utilitarian city built on utilitarian engineering principles, and it makes up the setting for Nadjiba's next question. "You mentioned tourism. What would you like to see?"

He grinned wryly at the elitist comment, but made no remark of his own.

In the meantime, as they arrived into almost shockingly immediate city-like surroundings, Juno watched right out of the window and awe'd at the goings and happenings around him.

"You mentioned tourism. What would you like to see?" asked Abd-Al-Haqq.

Juno turned himself back to the Advisor, "Actually, I'm quite interested in that ring of yours."

He pointed skywards, directly toward where the encircling ring would be found -- of at least a portion of it anyhow.

"What is it which led you to colonize such a monstrosity, or even build it for that matter?" he asked, more curious than anything.

"Population pressure, actually." Nadjiba drives more slowly in the uncongested streets of Stonozka, working towards the center. The dotted line of the Arch is a perpetual figure in the Titan sky, just another thing taken for granted by the amazing adaptability of the human mind. "Jon--Advisor Hertzfeldt--knows more about it, but one of the strange things we've had to deal with after the Break is that population grows a bit more oddly than we're used to. The Ring provides, at its core, a guarantee against severe population pressures.

"I know there's biological science uses too, and experience for the TerraEngineers. In the end," she says with a gentle shrug, "it's not my area of expertise. We can take you there, however, and to whatever particular biome on it you'd care to see."

"Certainly," replied Juno, shrugging. Truth was, he didnt really mind. "It never ceases to amaze me, the achievement of sentient beings in this world."

Of course, he was careful not to use the word human, since he knew that the Speaker of the Federated Segments was not. But still -- he was comfortable in his training that he could word things with relative ease. He hardly found it difficult to disguise his efforts, into what would be normally recognizable as comfortable, normal speech. Made him a great liar, but that was beside the point. He wasnt here to lie, he was here to gain their approval. In the meantime, he couldnt help but inwardly grin as he pondered on the thought of The Caloris Basin. They had made good friends on Mercury, and would be beneficial to the Union's formal application to Yut. If anything, he looked forward to the day when the votes were being tallied -- even if they might not be enough to gain them favour.

After that, everything becomes more formal. Visits to offices, paperwork and proper agreements, negotiations that shape the future relations between Austar Union and the Segments. This is the tedious yet inescapable and absolutely vital part of international diplomacy, where forms from different nations are jury-rigged to meet each other's needs so mutual projects can go forward with some semblance of efficiency. It's just the way the game is played.

It takes as long as it has to, and ends with a proper tour of at least the local Saturnian area, including several Ring sectors. At all times the Diplomatic Corps of the International Relations Section seems to be nearly unnervingly attentive towards their guest, being quite careful not to be too overbearing or trying to accomplish too many things whilst still fulfilling the role of proper Arab hosts--take care of the guest so he need not actually ask for anything. Asking creates responsibility and establishes a provider-supplicant relationship, no matter how mild, and it would be insulting to force someone into such a state through a lack of courtesy. Gifts and hospitality given freely, after all, demand no recompense.

Eventually, once both sides are satisfied with how things are going, Nadjiba sees Juno off to his next destination, wherever it may be, and wishes him well. Successful if not exactly exciting, once all is said and done... but then again, only Magnus Hesche joined the Diplomatic Corps for the excitement.