NationStates Jolt Archive

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The Imperial Chancellor’s Office, Hoogenbosch

“I just cannot and refuse to believe we still loaf around waiting until we can have a good chance of beating back on Stevid.” Leonard Ynsson, the minister of defense stepped around the office of the Imperial Chancellor nervously, spinning his head and frantically trying to impress and intimidate the chancellor with his fast way of speech and swift movements with his arms. He was not impressed and looked at him, hiding his smile and surpressing laughter.

“Minister Ynsson, I don’t know if we can do this… Stevid’s navy is pretty potent?”

“I do not doubt the potency of their army, it is quite powerful I reckon. We have seen it many times in the past. But I do sense weaknesses in their economy, it just…” Ynsson ceased talking, interrupting his own syntax. It surprised Chancellor Heidelberg, since he was just waiting until the flow of words stopped coming from Ynsson's mouth. From one moment to the other, it stopped and Ynsson was rethinking what he just said.

“Just what? Why don’t you stop trying to talk sense about economies and the ins and outs of the global market, and come to the point. I know you’re brooding on some diabolic plan to gain more land or influence, so just spit it out all right?” To the point, and true. Ynsson did not immediately knew what to say to such a ‘hit the nail on the head’ sentence, so he had to think a while before he started phrasing his speech again.

“Well, I for one know Stevid holds rich oil and gas fields in their national waters. Sovereign territory, untouchable. But in international waters there’s a lot more of the black goo, so I suggest we start doing a little bit of exploring there, and if we get the chance, claim it as our own.”

“Is that it? That’s all? Just another ‘land-grab’? I am disappointed. I thought a naval veteran, a politician like you would’ve come up with a better plan. This is just… sad really.”

“Sad? Excuse me. Who ordered to annex the forty square miles of lifeless rocky islands in the Inner Sea to be annexed? The costs of the whole flag planting operation cost more than the islands generate in guano. Don’t start about sad, we’re talking about serious cash here Chancellor Heidelberg, must I remind you of your duties?”

“No, of course not Minister Ynsson. I’ll try to force it through the regular bureaucratic machinery of the ministries and ultimately, the parliament. Don’t forget the president has to sign this too, so don’t get cocky.” He sent Ynsson away, and as the doors shut behind him, Chancellor Heidelberg began writing down a few notes, asked his secretary for a few maps of the area and the next day he was only mildly enthusiastic about the ambitious plan. But this, and it is undeniable, it has potential.

OOC INFORMATION: This is, as for now, a political thread. It doesn’t belong in II for any reason. In short, this thread’s gonna deal with the many territorial claims of the important Imperial Armies regional nations, and to settle the disputes about these territories. Once and for all. It is quite short, but I have other things to do, but I had to post this sooner or later, and now it is done.
For now, the IC part I wrote leaves little room for outsiders, but it will come soon enough.

Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. That's what everybody said about the army and associated offensive and defensive (more like passive) troops in a constant state of alert, always mobilized and ready for domestic action and or battle abroad.

Imperial Parliament

"So far we haven't seen a single grasp of wisdom coming from our 'esteemed' colleague Ynsson. The poor bugger, he's busy planning some genius strike on Stevid, or The Macabees or whomever, shame he doesn't know what true planning, don't we all agree?" They agreed.

"So, in conclusion, knowing the quite hot headedness of the Ministry of Defence, I think it is wise to follow their policy, disregarding the possible outcome of defeat and humiliation?" Again, the parliament agreed. The mutterings of the members of the parliament didn't go unnoticed to the speaker and the Chancellor, and asked them to quiet down.

"With greatest respect to... our well... Ehm - " Chancellor Heidelberg gulped some coffee with a splash of brandy and looked around, the representatives from Gloucterbury, the only British settlement weren't present. They were rarely present during such debates, and if something concerning a British nation or a former British colony (whether part of the Commonwealth or not) they did not attend. Principles they said, but the truth states they just don't want to deal with Hoogs and German affairs.

"I will continue. The only problem I can see with these plans is Gloucterbury, they have been a thorn in our side for decades. Their British chatter and unwanted occupation of the important bend connecting the south-west and south-east has lasted too long. I think we should find ourselves a reason to..." Again he stopped as he checked the general mood of the members of the parliament. Such matters weren't taken lightly, but this time the members were in a fairly good mood, and proposing something concerning Gloucterbury wouldn't fall on deaf ears. Dutch and German citizens do not like the British. The Spanish and Italian minorities do not like the British. Economically spoken they're a burden, none of their harbours are a true asset or addition to the economy. If Gloucterbury was independent we would have invaded them years ago, probably the day they delcare independence.

Heidelberg went on with his speech after this small interruption. "I say we have to stand strong against them. Not making an example, but downgrading their living standard. Downscaling their agricultural enterprises, confiscating wealth. I say we must isolate them, and them they will dissolve and become divided. Internal disintegration is the key we must exploit. Unity is strength remember?"

The parliament agreed, being the slavish government supporters they are. None of them has a consciousness blackened by writings from revolutionary parties, liberal chatter or socialist babble. Their soul and consciousness is as white as snow. The way the president and chancellor like to see it. People who ask qestions are just annoying and tend to create nasty situations where the 'undemocratic' happenings float to the surface. Such things are best left unspoken. It's a guarantee that cannot be broken, bend or twisted to anyone's desire, or for personal gain.

They know the penalty is the only penalty they shall ever receive.

In the heart of the underground vault in the Stevid MoD office, in Stevid Capita, was a lonely filing cabinet in the colour red. It was rare for anyone to open this cabinet and remove a file for it would mean that something terrible would be following up.
The filing cabinet was divided in sections ranging from one to seven hundred, one hundred files per draw.
Each file had a rather hypothetical plan, but plausible, for imperialist moves that Stevid could undertake. Everything was considered from blowing up a garden to waging a World War single-handed.

But for the first time in many years a file had been removed and was seriously consider by the MoD and Parliament. Red File 618 was the plan drawn up immediately after Stevid became part of Imperial Armies. For months there had been a plot of international waters that both Guffingford and Stevid wanted, no real reason why but only to get one up over the other. But until recently, a Stevid geological survey reviewed the area and found out what Stevid had wanted to hear, underneath the disputed plot of water was black gold. A huge sea of oil, untouched and undisturbed, lay beneath the water waiting to be mined and collected.

Stevid needed this badly but not urgently, the population of Stevid and the government of Guffingford were more than aware of Stevid’s economic state. At first glance it looked massive and developing well. But reality it wasn’t, it was massive and Stevid was rich but the economy was stagnating, Stevid’s trade deficit was the main problem, but this oil find was like a sign from God himself.

MI6 had already reported back to Stevid that Guffingford were also aware of the oil find and greedily wanted it as well. The advantage to Stevid was that it was well within the range of the fleet stationed at Southampton Naval Base. Stevid needed to move quickly to gain the oil field before Guffingford. And this is what the defence staff was talking about right at that moment.

“I’m sorry Prime Minister Conroy can’t be with, but he urgently had to attend a peace conference to avoid destroying a particularly annoying nation. So it’s just us. Now you know why we’re all here.
MI6 has reported some disturbing news; Guffingford has also managed to discover the oil field in the disputed waters that are approximately 500 nautical miles of the South East Jubilee coast of Stevid. Either through their own research or through espionage, but the fact of that matter is that they’ve discovered it.”
“Bastards, we kept it covered up so tightly you could sent it into space, it must have been through their own survey.
What action have they taken?”
“Nothing as of yet and we must keep it that way. It will mean intense negotiations to gain the upper hand, but in a way so that we don’t look as if we completely know what they might on to them.
All of you think of ways to use your departments and diplomacy to gain the upper hand. I advise you all to get a copy of Red File 618 and read up on the plan diplomatically and militarily. Dismissed.”

OOC: This happens during the same time the Order's rising in Guffingford, keep that in mind :)

IC:
Port Kramer, the largest naval harbor in Guffingford

Warehouse XXIV - Bronson & Sons Oil Shipping & Handling

A man in a smart looking outfit was standing there in the corner like he hasn't taken a proper shower or a bath in weeks. Heavily affected by the chemical smell of various toxines stored in unsealed barrels, his head was spinning like a rollercoaster while waiting for Mr. Bronson, the boss of the equally named company. Bronson & Sons is the major oil exporting company of the north, and one that will certainly profit from the upcoming political or military conflict.

Finally, after seemingly hours waiting in the chemical smell, the small compound and the generally unfriendly atmosphere Mr. Bronson, a tall figure with yellow teeth and greasy, gray hair and wearing a blue overall. "Ah, thank goodness you came Mr. Moorehouse, it is always good to see and meet a government representative. I heard you got framed for political crimes you didn't commit or something?"

"Absolutely untrue my good man, let's leave this place. I've had enough of the toxic fumes here." He said it bluntly, but Bronson immediately listened and went away.

"So, if my sources are correct, there's another conflict brewing." Bronson said, coming to the point. He took a mug of coffee, without offering Moorehouse one. It's not like he wanted to drink coffee here. Everything that came on the public market of the worker was synethetic. Synthetic coffee, synthetic booze - except the Ol' Booze beverage - and more junk. They are used to it, they don't know any better.

"Let's wrap this up Mr. Bronson, I don't want to waste any more time in here. You accept the deal pointed out in the contract presented to you by the State Oil Corp?"

"Why sure, that's why I signed it." The smell of the coffee, and the taste too, were unbearable for poor Moorehouse. If the coffee bean substitutes aren't the worest thing one can imagine, then it has to be dirt everywhere. In every crack was filth, the nails of Bronson were unwashed and black of dirt and soot. His face was unshaven, his hair have never met a barber and his clothes were something that would make any tailor cry.

"Very good Mr. Bronson. You will get the funds and ships needed for the exploration of the seabed and some additional cash for extra expeditions for your own company. As a small compensation for the profit lost. You know we came to you because of your oustanding reputation in this profession."

"Of course I know. Otherwise you wouldn't come over to meet a guy like me." He laughed loud about his own joke, tapped Moorehouse on the shoulder and kept on laughing. When he was done, Moorehouse finished the conversation.

"Settled then" Moorehouse said formally, they shook hands (Moorehouse almost fainted) when it felt like he was touching Bronson's hand. It felt like a block of rubber coated in butter. Disguisting. Repulsive. Hoping not to let anyone see his dire wish to leave this gruesome place, he hastened to the front doors of the warehouse compound.

Conroy settled in his chair with the cabinet already sitting at the long dinning table which had been cleared of cutlery and glass, replaced by folders and documents of the political genre.

“Good morning Prime Minister!”
“Good morning Phillip! An good morning to the rest of you, I trust you all slept well?”
The rest of the cabinet also said good morning and most replied yes to his question.
Phillip spoke up again.
“Congratulations on your promotion Prime Minister, being made a member of the Patriots own Committee must be indeed a great honour.”
“It is Phil it is, and thank you. But enough about my rapid promotion into their ranks, I hear that there is some trouble brewing between us and Guffingford again over the disputed waters off our coastline- about 300 miles south-west yes?”
“That is correct sir, Guffingford has stepped up their talks with us about the waters.”
“Stepped up?”
“More violent, well at least more persistent in the negotiations.”
“Elaborate?”
“Well, I seems that they want it more than ever now. Maybe even desperately want it.”
“Oil? They know about the oil!”
“It would seem so sir.”
“Spying?”
Another man spoke up this time, nearer to the Prime Minister. “Negative, the HMS Enterprise survey vessel has been in those international waters for the past four weeks and has been tracking three different Guffingfordii naval vessels in the same area of sea. They stick around a lot, one survey vessel and two frigates. I assume they are looking at the same thing we are.”
“Okay then, what does the Red Folder say?”
“Well your predecessor drafted the plans if we ever had to go over the top and mine in international waters. The first stage is to try and claim it through democratic procedures. Of course that has failed.”
“So what did he suggest?”
“Mine there anyway.”
“And break international law of the sea? Stevid is a well know powerful naval power, how do you think we’d look if we did something like that?”
“No problem sir, the main bulk of the oil is at the centre of international waters and can be mined, however, international law prohibits this. So, we asked the HMS Enterprise to scan our waters that neighbour the international waters.”
“And?”
“They found that the oil field stretches one mile into our waters and one miles into Guffingfordii waters. So the folder says building oil rigs quickly to start mining the oil in our sector and slowly drain the lake.”
“That will take too long. Besides is Guffingford doing that as well?”
“Probably. The Enterprise is making a calculated estimate to how far the field goes into their waters but they do have rigs near to the disputed waters.”
“Fine do that. But for the time being I want a frigate to escort the Enterprise from now on. Until this mess is sorted out we will have to get the upper hand over them.”

The ships and Portland Dock Harbour at Bradley City began moving in. Tankers and freight ships collecting what parts where needed to undertake the operation that the folder had suggested.

Hoogenbosch

The upcoming conflict with ViZion and such is a millstone hanging around our collective neck, the oil reserves are dwindling and some action has to be taken - by who isn't of any importance - to secure the light crude resting beneath the seabed. Our exploration vessels have came back with the most pleasant results possible, the outcome of their research has gone beyond our most wildest expectations, some could call it a product of our vivid imagination, these numbers are just too good to be true. But in this case, it's all true and documented. So, in conclusion; it is worth to start a diplomatic riot with The Royal Navy of Stevid about these oilfields?

Definitely yes.

So, what are we going to do, to harass Stevid from the international waters and to protect our (future) interests? Initiate a diplomatic riot. Sounds easy, but how to put the majority of nations on our side? That is a steep one, because people know of Guffingford's diplomatic cat and mice games it loves to play. The cowards game we play isn't one packed with intelligence, clever choice of words and a battle of wits, more like being stubborn and being outright rude to the negotiator. That wraps our Corpse Diplomatiqué up quite well, I reckon. We cannot claim they are violating sovereign Guffingfordian territory, and even if they did, it's too obvious. A good excuse, but not plausible. We allow drug mods and other crooks to violate our nautical borders in a daily basis, and now whining about Stevid trespassing doesn't hold any water, and the conclusion is easy to make it has a deeper, geopolitical motivation. But what do we have? Expansionist agenda? Atomic secrets? No.

Annexation? Yes.

A sound idea, claiming Stevid claims international waters for their own good, disregarding Imperial Armies regional treaties, violation of international accords, provocation, slander, propaganda. Things that reign supreme in Guffingford. If we happen to succeed in accusing them of at least one of the aforementioned lies, our whole plan is one step closer to an end we all wish to see. Now that we have a rough idea of out set-up, how are we going to execute this daring plan? Provocation.

Open Communiqué, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

For immediate press release

The Guffingfordii administration is deeply saddened by the Stevid land grab policy and hidden agenda to annex these international waters for their own gain, illegally without any permission from their neighboring countries. Not even consulting with the leading IA body, they have decided to dispatch their vessels and to add this piece of water to their domain. It is important to say that this is no ordinary piece of water, because over a year ago Guffingfordian oil companies, fully licensed and given clearance, started looking for oil in that specific region. When the results of the tests came in, it appeared there is an unbelievable amount of oil underneath the sea, in the soil. When the results were published, the Stevid admirality did not hesitate to annex this important part of the Inner Sea.

Communiqué Terminated.

The Prime Minister read and re-read the paper that had been given to him by the foreign office just across the road. It was a transcript of the communication sent by Guffingford to all those listening condemning Stevid of annexing international waters and going against Imperial Armies international rules and regulations.

Conroy scrunched the paper into a ball and threw it away. He’d never been so angry with Guffingford, never as much as this. Guffingford was still held with high regard as Stevid’s closest ally and most powerful ally had been a constant thorn in Stevid’s side recently since they unveiled their new diamond armour scheme to be used on their naval ships. In fact this warranted MI6 sending spies into a Guffingford owned military building that was used to make the armour.

But Conroy discarded the thoughts of the past and concentrated on the present. Guffingford new full well that were no such rules and regulations inside Imperial Armies- nor was any other nation in Imperial Armies bothered about Stevid making moves to get their hands on the oil. The other thing that annoyed most was that Guffingford had claimed that Stevid had annexed the contested waters in question, on the contrary, Stevid had built the temporary oil rigs on the very fringe of Stevid waters and weren’t violating international law in any way- and if they were complaining about the Royal Navy being in those international waters then no one would listen to them anyway, the Royal Navy and other Stevid commercial shipping had very right to be in international waters as Guffingford ships had.

But the fact that Guffingford was complaining was more than enough to drive him up the wall, and with that he grabbed a sheet of paper and started jotting down a few paragraphs and had them sent to the foreign office.

OPEN COMMS

The Holy Empire of Stevid’s Foreign Office

This is to be distributed to the press and media upon arrival…..

The Government of Stevid is disgusted at the fact that Guffingford is challenging Stevid under these circumstances. The Government is also baffled and confused by the fact the Guffingford says that we have gone against IA rules and regulations despite there being no such list of rules and regs in existence throughout the history of IA. Despite the fact that the area of sea in question has extremely profitable amounts of oil under the seabed, Stevid has been extracting oil from part of the oil field that crosses over into Stevid waters. We make no denial that either Stevid or Guffingford would much like to have the whole oil field but that fact the Guffingford is using rather dirty and underhand tactics to gain the advantage in negotiations saddens us greatly.

Stevid has broken no laws be they international or these so called “Regional Laws” and will continue to mine what ever we can legally and will defend the rigs from attack. We will continue to play down these petty verbal attacks from Guffingford as useless nonsense.

COMMS END