NationStates Jolt Archive

The village of Khunjaoramin, Syskeyia, 1989
“Don’t you come any closer or I’ll shoot!”

The third platoon of Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, led by one Lieutenant Benedict Michael Sukothai, nearly finished clearing this small jungle village of enemy resistance, approached this last pocket of enemy forces slowly and with extreme caution.

This “pocket” consisted of a single little boy, not even to the age of ten, brandished a FN FAL assault rifle, though not very well. His “uniform” consisted of a olive-drab T-shirt and some blue jeans, with the symbol of the Objectivist drug lords crudely sown on to the former article of clothing. Standing in a clearing roadway that linked the village with a nearby mountain and bisected the jungle, the small child visibly shook as he gripped his rifle, tears and sweat running down his face as he fearfully threatened the government forces.

Sukothai, still at some distance from the boy, approached the “enemy” at a snail’s pace, grasping his bayonet-fixed rifle in-between the desired position of safety and relaxation and the dread one of firing mode. He looked out to the small boy. “No you won’t.”

“I’m telling you, I will!” the boy shouted back.

The field-commissioned officer again at the boy, seeing the tears and fear on the kid’s face. “I see you,” he said in a calm, yet loud voice. “and I can tell you don’t want to kill me.”

“I’ll kill you! I swear to you, I WILL!” The boy grasped his rifle even hearder in a show of facile determination.

“What’s your name?”

That question took the boy by surprise. “Nathan. Nathan Khunshakai.”

“Well, Nathan, you don’t want to kill me and I-“ he spoke before the boy could interrupt him “-don’t want to kill you. So how ‘bout you lay down your gun and come around here?”

No response. Sukothai and his platoon inched forward.

“We’re not gonna jail you,” the lieutenant said honestly. “Just lay down your weapon and we’ll give you some nice food, let you watch some carttons and stuff. Basically, we'll try to make everything normal again as soon as possible.

“Listen- I know why you fight. I know you don’t want to. I don’t want to fight you either. You’re not the one to blame for this war. So just lay down your gun and come over here. We’ll get you back into school, get you with four family and friends again – you wanna see your friends, and you can go back to living like a normal kid again. So whattya say?”

Nathan paused for a moment. He then began to walk toward the soldiers and let go of his rifle and-

A loud gunshot rang out, a pool of red blood burst out of Nathan’s head, and the boy crumpled to the hot asphalt road.

Sukothai and his platoon immediately dashed to the clearing. He saw a man in the distance, hiding in a cave hole and holding some sort of gun, probably a rifle, toward the position.

The Syskeyian officer wasted no time in yanking his assault rifle, aiming down the barrel, and firing a few futile shots at the man.

The young lieutenant felt his heart sink as the enemy marksman retreated to the darkness of the cave, never to be seen again.

Aula Consuli, Syskeyiapolis, present day
Benedict Michael Sukothai, Praesidens et Primus Consul Reipublicae Syskeyiae read over the piece of paper in front of him once again.

It was the Anti-Marketolatry Bill. In its essence, the long Latin decree, recently passed by the Syskeyian Parliament (115-113 in the Senate, 293-289 in the Assembly) cut off all trade the Republic had with the Order of the Invisible Hand. All the companies known to be owned (even in part) by the Order were mentioned by name, yet the bill had provisions which prohibited the Order from receiving any profits from Syskeyian commerce, in the present or in the future.

If there was a flaw in the nearly watertight bill, it was that it perhaps might be a bit too strict, preventing Syskeyia from trade with countries, organizations, companies and individuals to whom the Order was only tangentially connected too. But this was not a bill of nuance and subtlety from which one might wiggle one’s way through. This was an economic declaration of war.

The First Consul, deciding that the bill was to his satisfaction, affixed his seal and signature to the decree.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v123/Syskeyia/sukosig.gif

Just then, recalled a certain gunshot from a long time ago.

Louis Cousin, the Danaan Commerce Minister, stared almost blankly at the latest news for Syskeyia. "This has to be a joke...I just...This has to be a joke."

"They're your correligionists." Foreign Minister Abraham Goldfarb commented. "You should understand them best."

Cousin nodded. "The Order of the Invisible Hand teaches a doctrine hostile to the Gospel of Christ. No one can deny that. If you're asking my position as a Catholic, I think they're downright vile."

"That goes for all Christians." chimed in Heinrich Merz, the Religion Minister and a devout National Protestant. "However, freedom of conscience doesn't mean anything if it doesn't..."

"If it doesn't reply to vile ideas." Cousin finished. "We wouldn't even be having this conversation if this same law was being passed about Jews or Lutherans."

"Yeah." Goldfarb said. "The Pantocratorians won't like it but I know what we have to tell the PM. Too bad, she and Sukothai seemed friendly when he visited."

To: His Excellency, President Michael Sukothai
From: Prime Minister Minerva Karamanlis

Your Excellency,
It has come to my attention that your government has recently passed a law which renders unlawful any trade with certain Danaan companies which are largely owned by Knootian investors, owned by members of the small sect known as the Order of the Invisible Hand, or otherwise considered to be implicated in the teachings of that sect by the Syskeyian government. This is not a law banning the Order from Syseksyian sovereign territory but a law placing punitive sanctions on individual companies within the Resurgent Dream and other sovereign nations based on the religious beliefs of their owners, investors, and executives. It is an attempt to use the Syskeyian state to place sanctions on the religious beliefs of Danaan, not Syskeyian, citizens.

As a Christian, I have prayed earnestly over this issue. It would, of course, gladden my heart, were all the members of the Invisible Hand to accept Christ. However, it also strikes me as contrary to the message of Christ and contrary to the dignity of man created in the image of God to seek to drive the hearts of men through economic wars, just as surely as it would be to spread the Cross through the sword. It is light which conquers darkness, not the other way around. Truth must stand on its merits, not the writ of the state, or its professed acceptance cannot be trusted. It is witnessed in the world by love and compassion, not by persecution. It is because I believe thus that I am a champion of free nations and free men and that I write to you, first and foremost, as the Chief of Government of a state sworn to uphold the freedom of conscience of all of its citizens.

The Danaan government guarantees equal opportunity to all of its citizens, regardless of race, color, language, or creed. This policy does not apply only within a certain range but to all creeds, no matter how vile a Prime Minister might personally find them. This is one of the most fundamental principles of our civilization and is not one subject to compromise as we cannot allow. While the Resurgent Dream has trading partners with a wide variety of trade policies and restrictions, none so far has adopted a policy touching on our own internal organization. A Danaan citizen will be a Danaan citizen like any other in the eyes of the world. Our foreign policy will not be allowed to infringe upon our domestic way or organizing our society.

Correspondingly, Your Excellency, it is with great regret that I must inform you that no further trade is possible between our nations until the Syskeyian government is prepared to deal with Danaan corporations without prejudice to the creed of their investors. This policy shall take effect in one month's time, giving all involved time to arrange their affairs so as to minimize losses. I would stress that this policy, which is the inevitable result of our law, does not render impossible cooperation with the Syskeyian government in other areas. Our nations do have several common allies, particularly Pantocratoria, and a common hostility to slavery and racialism.

Sincerely,
Minerva Karamanlis

Lady Bryce peered at the briefing and looked up at the Foreign Minister cautiously. "Erm. Isn't the Order more of an... ideal certain people follow than an actual... force? We know they're operating at various levels here. Are they a threat?"

The Foreign Minister considered. "Not specifically. They may try to influence policy, but then so does everyone else. I don't think they have as firm a grip on Chimaea... if you can term them as some sort of enemy."

"So what do we do about this?"

"The Syskeyian laws? Well... we don't have much choice other than to issue some sort of formal complaint. I'm sure you don't really want an economic war between the Syskeyian government and Chimaean private corporations."

Lady Bryce tapped her chin with a pencil. "Good point. I'll write personally to President Sukothai... best to avoid public annoyance at a time like this."

FROM: Governor Bryce, Cmmwlth. of Chimaea

TO: President Benedict Michael Sukothai

Dear Mr. President,

I'm sure you are aware of the rising international outcry in response to legislation recently passed by your government regarding the Order of the Invisible Hand.

It is with considerable concern that I note the wide scope and strict sanctions applied against organisations, companies and individuals which are influenced, owned or managed by the Order's members. Within Chimaea there are a fair number of companies with links to the Order or connected in some way to the Order. This new legislation will prevent these companies from engaging in trade with Syskeyia.

This move on your part can be almost construed as economic war against a wide array of private enterprises. It may directly impact on Chimaean and Syskeyian jobs and economic progress as Syskeyia is a major trading partner of the Commonwealth. Though I respect your nation's sovereignty, I encourage you to review these laws and either repeal or ammend them to reflect the practical realities of modern global trade.

My warmest regards,
~Lady Tanya Bryce
Governor of the Commonwealth of Chimaea

I find it to be somewhat refreshing that the Syskeyian government has taken such a view with regards to the Order of the Invisible hand. Some may say that this policy is a violation of the principle of freedom of religion, but this is not true. It has been observed on many occasions that the Order of the Invisible Hand has closer similarities to a criminal sect than a religious group.

Even though the Order and its Market philosophy does attempt to give ‘moral’ guidance in a manner similar to most religions, it does not restrict its efforts to such harmless pursuits, and has on occasion been known to actively make efforts to change the governments of states by force. This alone is reason enough for the Syskeyian decree against its ongoing efforts to economically and politically manipulate the Sovereign Syskeyian government. This nihilistic policy (there must be nothing that is not Market) is inherently hostile to the freedom and self-determination of others. For this reason, we cannot condone the ban on the Order’s trade within Syskeyia, and though we do not commend it, unofficially, I would personally support such an action, with the only reservation being the difficulty of divining who is actually a ‘member’ of this organization in order to target them.

Anonymous article attributed to Elash Mîraglariel, Adjutant of the Elenaran.

OOC:
Interestingly, Syskeyia is in breach of a treaty it committed itself to just before the Reich invasion (http://s7.invisionfree.com/KIST/index.php?showtopic=96) which stipulated a resumption of trade (At the request of the Syskeyians themselves) which talks about "a guarantee, established by treaty or other legally binding document, that the governments of the Republic will accept the domestic politics of the DDR as they are and that they will not issue any more condemnations of Knootian policies insofar as they relate to domestic matters." - to prevent just this situation. These conditions were ratified by the Syskeyian Senate September 21 2004, RL time. Of course, Syskeyia is free to pursue whatever policy it wishes but I can rest confident that no such sanctions apply to Knootian business and individuals. Pacta Sunt Servanda, after all. ;)

I'll try and get an In Character response in tonight or tomorrow, with regards to the betrayal towards the 563 Knootians who gave their lives defending Syskeyia as well as the Knootian government itself which sent ships to defend Syskeyia under Chimaean command. That is, under the assumption that Syskeyia is in fact breaching the agreement reached to end the boycott on the initiative of the Syskeyians, on August 24 2004. :p

OOC:

Actually Knoot, I don't see how that has any impact at all on Syskeyia's act. The Anti-Marketolatry Bill doesn't condemn any "Knootian policy insofar as they relate to domestic matters". This has nothing to do with Knootian domestic policy, and everything to do with the actions of a quasi-religious/free mason-like organisation which you have gone to a great deal of effort to spell out isn't strictly limited to Knootoss.

The bill is against members of the Order everywhere, and doesn't target your nation's domestic policy in particular, so I fail to see how this is a violation of your treaty. No more than say, blocking entry at a Syskeyian airport to a Knootian citizen covered in C4 explosive and a detonator kit screaming "VIVA EL TERRORISM" would be a violation of your treaty.

OOC: It does actually if this act contains any specific provisions against Knootoss as a whole, or government/policy related acts. That is to say if the act is directed against countries (i.e. Knootoss) as Sysk implies in post #1. Of course he was kind enough not to provide an actual list, so I would not know but he did telegram me. :)

Given, however, that

a) the Order does not hold ownership in any public holding as it is not a legal entity
b) membership of the Order is secret, and Knootoss does not keep any sort of record of membership of religious groups so there is no way for Syskeyia to know about anyone being in the Order or not bar perhaps hearsay (and this would apply globally, as no member of economic importance would ADMIT to membership - unlike perhaps some intellectuals in unimportan positions who provide a public face.)

The act is either moot, as it would only target - say- the Church of Freedom itself which is not a comercial institution - making it purely sybolic legislation, or it is a blanket ban boycotting Knootoss and several other countries as a whole on the vague charge of being "connected" to the Order and thus violating the treaty which was established just before the Reich invaded.

In answer to your defence of the bill, it does not matter legally if the act is targetting JUST Knootian domestic policies or the domestic policies of a whole series of countries including Knootoss. In fact, Syskeyia is perfectly within its right to pass such a discriminatory and ridicilous act, but the provisions of it would not be legal insofar as they are applied to Knootoss because of treaty committments. If at least Syskeyia cares about treaties. It can ignore the treaty, ICly.

That, and ICly Daatman has no connection whatsoever to the Order ;)

Bah, you made me make a second OOC post. Classes over. Back home now! Hope Sysk will clarify things.

OOC:

While I agree with you Knoot that the act would be completely ineffectively as the Order is a secret organisation, you're still wrong about it being in violation of your incredibly vague treaty. The Order of the Invisible Hand is not a Knootian domestic policy. An act of parliament which bans imports from companies owned by members of the Order of the Invisible Hand (who wouldn't openly identify themselves anyway - so the act would be ineffective) is not an act of parliament which condemns Knootian government policies "insofar as they relate to domestic matters."

The treaty doesn't say "You can't be mean to Knoot the player" after all.

The following private member's bill was tabled before the Pantocratorian Imperial Parliament by Isaac Comnenus (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Isaac_Comnenus), Shadow Minister for Finance in response to the Syskeyian Anti-Marketolatry Bill:

PRIVATE MEMBER'S BILL - The Right Honourable Isaac Comnenus, Member of the Imperial Parliament for the Abbey of the Theotokos (New Rome)

An Act Proscribing the Order of the Invisible Hand
or
An Act Amending the Proscribed Societies and Organisations Act of 1799, Amended 1823, 1887, 1912, 1943, 1977, 1994, 2002


Whereas the so-called Order of the Invisible Hand and the Church of Freedom are responsible for the destabilisation of the Excalbian Isles and the consequent escalation of military tensions in the Atlantic, bringing the Empire to the brink of war; and

Whereas the two aforementioned organisations threaten to destabilise the Empire itself just as they have done in the Excalbian Isles;

Let the Proscribed Societies and Organisations Act of 1799, amended 1823, amended 1887, amended 1912, amended 1943, amended 1977, amended 1994, amended 2002, be amended to include in the list in section III subsection ii, entitled "Proscribed Societies and Organisations", the two aforementioned organisations, the Order of the Invisible Hand and the Church of Freedom. Further, let the first appendix to the act be amended to include the definitions in appendum to this act.

***

(The appendix defining what exactly the Order of the Invisible Hand is insofar as the member understands it and what exactly the Church of Freedom is are excluded for the sake of brevity)

The act is scheduled for debate in the next session of the Imperial Parliament, when the Imperial Parliament sits again after the return of the Imperial Chancellor and Minister for Foreign Affairs from the negotiations in Upper Virginia.

Beate read through the article attributed to Elash Mîraglariel, slightly amused.

Then she blinked.

Crossreferencing... Bah, wrong thing... Ah, there... Thelas... C'tanism...

A brief moment of hesitation, filled with giggling

Like they can bitch about changing other governments by force.

OOC: Note: Der Angst has no reason to have knowledge of the exact nature or causes of the DZ4. While the fact of the place's existance is known, and I will grant the possibility that you could find out about the employment of force in its annexation, you really, really wouldn't know specifics. The right of a Sovereign state to fuck up another Sovereign state as it wishes is not mentioned, what with being 'imperialist' I endorse that, obviously when it's me or my allies doing it; If Knootoss just went and beat the crap out of Syskeyia, the writer of that article, whomsoever it may be, would be right behind him. The fact that private individuals, who have avowed that they do not wish to become a government, do so under the guise of 'religion' is however, nowehre near as well taken by my 'hawks.'

Further, there has been no forced government change precipitated by me in Thelas, beyond the resignation of Empress Isharnil after she managed to offend various states, including of course, me, to the brink of hostilities. Further, 'C'tannism' is to all intents and purpouses, a phonomenon confined to Thelas, and for that matter, completely, totally, throughly and utterly non-violent!

What's more, there's no hypocrisy. I claim to be an Empire, and make no apologies, at least, not for anything recent. Knootoss claims that the Order of the Invisible Hand is harmless, and claims that it should not be called to task by its sworn enemies, the Christo-fundies. On the other hand, I endorse the right of the Christo-fundies (N.B. not the ethics of such retaliation) to strike back as they wish.

The right of a Sovereign state to fuck up another Sovereign state as it wishes is not mentioned, what with being 'imperialist' I endorse that, obviously when it's me or my allies doing it; If Knootoss just went and beat the crap out of Syskeyia, the writer of that article, whomsoever it may be, would be right behind him. The fact that private individuals, who have avowed that they do not wish to become a government, do so under the guise of 'religion' is however, nowehre near as well taken by my 'hawks.'You're apparently missing DA's overall, ah... rampant individualism, meaning that for the majority of Angstians - Beate included - there's no actual difference between a 'Sovereign State' and an 'individual'. An individual can, and on occasion - The more-or-less malevolent people emigrating to Burning Mountain come to mind - is sovereign. DA itself is made up of a fair amount of more-or-less sovereign entities - Observe DA Neptune organising the sale of Neptunian territories, with the 'Central Government' having an advisory position, at best. Observe also Mars' tendency of doing things on its own - The ZMI deployment, under the guise of wargames, was organised by the regional authorities, and they knew fully well that this was a potential prelude to hostilities with Thelas, had Thelas resorted to violence vs. the Concordat - , or the little quirks and plots otherwise non-affiliated groups of, uh, sentients pull every now and then. The primary reasons for this various entities to work together is not that they are a unified nation, per se. They barely are. It's historical affinity - They have the same origin - and strong cultural similarities - Even though the main point of this similarities is their diversity.

So, as far as the mindset of the average Angstian is concerned, there's no difference between nationstates annexing each other, and so-called 'non-governmental' organisations subverting such sovereignities.

It's all fair game.

And as a result, to the average Angstian, yes, the articles spews hypocrisy. That your own society thinks differently doesn't matter - I'm playing DA, not The Ctan.

Further, there has been no forced government change precipitated by me in Thelas, beyond the resignation of Empress Isharnil after she managed to offend various states, including of course, me, to the brink of hostilities. Further, 'C'tannism' is to all intents and purpouses, a phonomenon confined to Thelas, and for that matter, completely, totally, throughly and utterly non-violent!And to my knowledge, the Order does more often than not resort to non-violent means of subversion. It works fairly effectively in, say, Guffingford, without resorting to uh, 'Terrorism'. I'm not denying that it does on occasion pull off vaguely (Pseudo-) violent stunts, but frankly: The difference between its own policies and The Ctan's policies are the ends this policies aim for. The means however, appear to be the same.

What's more, there's no hypocrisy. I claim to be an Empire, and make no apologies, at least, not for anything recent. Knootoss claims that the Order of the Invisible Hand is harmless, and claims that it should not be called to task by its sworn enemies, the Christo-fundies. On the other hand, I endorse the right of the Christo-fundies (N.B. not the ethics of such retaliation) to strike back as they wish.Not familiar with the idea of 'Propaganda', I see... In any case, the average Angstian would now lie on the floor, laughing. Of course, the Christo-fundies are allowed to strike back. Of course The Ctan are perfectly free to have their empire (Practical considerations, I.e. DA being utterly incapable of doing anything against the Ctan, as well as ideological considerations - We don't much like empires - aside). But why the hell shouldn't the Order be allowed to try and gain influence and power on its own? Why shouldn't it be allowed to aggressively pursue its own goals? Why shouldn't Knootoss be allowed to back the Order by way of more-or-less fishy rhetorics and the likes? Of course Knootian hypocrisy with regards to the Order would be, or rather, is, recognised, especially given Knootoss' usual 'We're the nice guys!' approach.

But that doesn't stop anyone from recognising Elash Mîraglariel's hypocrisy, re: Blame Knootoss and hide ones' own nation under the Mount Everest, as well.

So... Quit your ooc bitching and try not to flip oocly just because a nation or two are amazingly not thinking the same way your nation does. It's rather unimpressive.

Government response:


To President Benedict Michael Sukothai, Syskeyia
From: Femke Vologdov, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence, Knootoss

I write you today in response to the pasing of the so-called ‘Anti-Marketolatry Act’ ratified by the Syskeyian Parliament, preventing Syskeyia from trade with countries, organizations, companies and individuals to which the Order of the Invisible Hand is connected.

The Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss is deeply concerned by the violation of sentient rights constituted by this act. By discriminating in your economic policy against a specific religion, the Republic of Syskeyia violates the principles of equal treatment which is core to safeguarding the right of sentient beings in any liberal democracy. Knootoss believes in equal opportunity for all of her citizens. Article one of our constitution therefore states that ‘All sentient beings in Knootoss shall be treated equally in equal circumstances. Discrimination on the grounds of religion, belief, political opinion, race, or sex or on any other grounds whatsoever shall not be permitted.’ This principle is also reflected in our economic and foreign policy.

Without prejudice to the religion of many Syskeyians, I have always hoped that the Republic would maintain freedom of worship and the formal separation between church and state. That hope was completely and utterly betrayed today. It should not matter what ministers or Senators personally think of certain religious beliefs, when their job is to guarantee religious freedoms for all creeds. Personally, I find the ideas of the Order repugnant, and as Green leader I’ve spent the better part of eight years fighting their political ideas in the democratic arena. I must however firmly reject any attempt to restrict them in such a way as is being done by the Republic of Syskeyia.

Sentient Rights considerations aside, I wanted to take the economic consequences of your embargo up with you. As you are no doubt aware, your government signed a treaty with the previous Knootian administration just before the invasion country by the Reich. This treaty lifted the longstanding Knootian embargo on your country, in return for guarantees that Syskeyia would no longer attempt to link the issue of trade to Knootian domestic political practices. Prime Minister Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan was right, it seems, in inferring from your past record that good faith is insufficient to guarantee continued trade. She was afraid that capital investments in Syskeyia would be at risk by a government backstabbing Knootoss in such a way as is being done now. The provisions of this treaty hold that it is a treaty violation on the part of Syskeyia to issue blanket bans on Knootian businesses or issue special provisions based on concerns about the Knootian domestic situation. I would therefore urgently request from you the list attached to your bill, complete with legal reasoning. We will study this list to determine if it constitutes a treaty violation. Failure to produce evidence and consult with the Knootian government will be construed as a treaty violation, as the dispute section stipulates.

Knootian trade with Syskeyia is minimal at this point in time, as the embargo was lifted only just before the war which made all trade impossible. We do believe however that Knootian companies could play a pivotal role in postwar reconstruction, and it would be a shame to throw away opportunities for mutual cooperation.

I must warn you, also, for a violent response in Knootoss when full consequences of this Act become evident. From where we are standing, it looks like Syskeyia lifted the embargo on Knootoss to garner our support for your war, only to re-establish it when Syskeyian Freedom has been bought with the blood of 563 young Knootian volunteers. Knootian blood is not lightly spilled for any just cause. Is this how Syskeyia rewards her allies when they come to her assistance in time of need?

Regardless of whether your bill constitutes a violation of bilateral treaties I must inform you that the Knootian government will not cooperate with any efforts to effect this discriminating policy. I feel compelled to demand that the Syskeyian government be prepared to deal with Knootian corporations and individuals without prejudice to their religious and political beliefs. I do hope you will contact us soon to resolve this dispute diplomatically.

Yours sincerely,

Countess Femke Vologdov of Pereslavl
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence, Knootoss

Omnia mutantur nos et mutamur in illis

Extract of something written by an Order member, public message originating from Chimaea:

… the anonymous Ctan writer therefore contradicts himself when he claims that the Order is closer to a criminal sect than to a religious group because some of its members make efforts to Compete in the Market of Ideologies. The Order in many public writings called for ‘free and fair’ competition in the Market of Ideologies, where the State advances the Power of the Market without choosing sides or taking the position of a monopolist. It has never sought to become a monopolist itself by force, or other non-competitive means. Look at these states which are supposedly ‘corrupted’ by the Order by the scaremongering fantasies of its enemies. Are they not democracies? Do they not allow for every possible point of view to be expressed and, indeed, executed? Do they not allow people of any creed to do whatever they please? Freedom is a (if not the) core aspect of Free Markets. Conversely, those states which have sought to restrict the Order do so to maintain the Religious Monopoly, violating the principles they claim to protect.

Another error made by the Ctan writer is his questioning of the non-violent nature of the Order of the Invisible Hand. Its doctrine, as I just explained, is inherently non-violent. Surely, if one were to look long enough, one would find that this or that Order member has committed a crime, perhaps even a violent crime. This does not, however, make the Ideology as a whole violent. Indeed, If I wished to condemn Catholicism as being inherently violent, I would not need to look long for examples in this NS world! Fair Competition can only take place if actors are judged by their behaviour in the Market, not by issuing blanket fatwas against Competitors. Instead of using force, the Syskeyian Double Monopoly should seek to compete if its ideas are so evidently superior.

The article also speaks of "ongoing efforts to economically and politically manipulate the Sovereign Syskeyian government". This is, indeed, quite a preposterous notion. If there is any nation where Church and State enforce the Dual Monopoly on the Market of Ideologies it is the Syskeyian state – which though proclaiming the anti-market cause has so far upheld the basic Market Rights to ensure Competition in the Economic sphere, refusing only to take the natural step of advancing Market power into the Market of Ideologies and the Markets of the social spheres. This puts them on par with some more ‘liberal’ Order members which have refused to reject deism while supporting the agenda in the economic sphere. The Order in Syskeyia, to my knowledge, is completely non-existent.

Finally, I cannot resist the opportunity to call hypocrisy. If any state is known for Imperialistic behaviour it is the C'tan. ‘Economically and politically manipulating’ sovereign states is their game, not ours. Perhaps the writer is unknowingly projecting some of his own motives onto others?

Opening Address by MP Pim Geluk (SLP)

Fire gleamed in the coal-black eyes of Pim Geluk, Memper of the Staten-Generaal for the Social Liberal Party and a well-known heir to the secular movement of Lousewies van der Laan. It was he who, against the express wishes of the Daatman administration, had called for an emergency debate on the Syskeyian Act. If anything, the forced debate was pointless – no Syskeyian reply had been received as of yet and Vologdov refused to enter into details. Much to the dismay of Geluk, the government got away with promises of an investigation of the matter and the prospect of a new debate scheduled after the Syskeyian response. But not, of course, before Geluk had thoroughly voiced the feelings of his own electorate.

"Mr. Speaker, I wish to submit to this house that Knootian corpses still lie scattered across southern Syskeyia. The bodies have not yet rotted much, but I’m sure that rats have already discovered the carnage! They were the youth of Knootoss, which fell for this Christian Nation. Knootians and Syskeyians fought united in their contempt for the Reich. My friends, right honourable members, Syskeyia was saved! I will not pretend that the brave Knootian volunteers were the decisive factor, but certainly this international support gave courage to the Syskeyians. We remained when their formal allies withdrew, even at significant expense to our own economy and to the Pink Bunny Cola corporation which could only watch as its plants in Vegana were nationalised because of the bold decisions made by this House to lend aid!

Mr. Speaker, I hold that Syskeyia as it is now is Christianity's showplace. Separation of Church and State? Not there. Not really. They are Christianity's chance to show what Christianity can do for good when it achieves power over civil life. Syskeyia is in many ways far more Christian than Rome. Rome is just a Christian excrescence layered upon the foundations of hundreds of years of paganism and the multicultural and liberal traditions of the Holy Vatican See. No -- Syskeyia is utterly Christian, in conception as well as design, the jewel in the crown of Jesus Christ, the religion in full flower. Syskeyia shows the world what a society is like when Christianity governs every aspect of its operation. A thoroughly Christianized civilization! A Christian Reconstructionist dream.

Mr. Speaker, the Knootian corpses lying dead there are beginning to stink!

I can only look with sorrow on the spectacle of death which occurred there. The more you know about it, the more likely you are to say to the Christians – Reich and Syskeyian - ‘Thank you but NO to your vision of a Christian society.’ The world is being inundated with blood, shed at the direct instigation or with the full approval of these ecclesiastical authorities!

This ‘anti-Market idolatry act’ shows what a scam Christianity really is. It prostitutes itself in times of crises, acts as a cruel taskmaster to devoted followers, bleeds believers financially with the backing of its God, heavily influences politicians, advances its own agenda by any means, including killing on a massive scale, and then chastises us "non-believers" for not falling in line.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that this government issue the toughest of responses to this affront. The Daatman administration claimed that it would Defend Justice and Liberty in the world – now is the time to show that these words do not ring hollow when faced with opposition!”

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/austar_union.jpg

Official Statement: The Federated Autocratic States of Austar Union

... and I cannot help but contend alongside the organisation known as "The Order of the Invisible Hand", whereby they state that they seek not to influence your government(s) any more than perhaps, the Catholic or Christian Church for example. On the otherhand, I could also say that the author of said letters from the Order's Representatives is mistaken in saying that the organisation seeks not to create a monopoly amongst all beliefs, doctorine, et cetera--but rather I uphold the belief that it is the duty of all men and women to spread their own understanding, for it is only natural according to human behaviour. Otherwise of course, they would not have established their "Church of Freedom", something I envision as some kind of PR stunt to greater reach the peoples of the known world. Perhaps, one could at least admit that they do seek to gain a greater "market-share", as perhaps they would put it, rather than to destroy a man's opportunity to personal choice amongst other candidate selections.

This, would be even an understanding that I support myself.

I urge you, [President Benedict Michael Sukothai] please reconsider your ban on The Order of the Invisible Hand. Whilst I cannot admit to upholding all of their doctorine myself, nor disputing its rationality, I can at least believe in the freedom of concious--man's freedom to choose his or her God. This is to say, that I have observed even your own government's attempts to distance yourselves from the Theocratic Example, and anything else would be hypocrisy.

Of course, if your actual reason is to protect your own national security; I would greatly appreciate it if you were willing to provide full and proven case examples, so that I may be able to consider my own stance toward their [The Order of the Invisible Hand's] doctorine, and their so-called Church of Freedom.

Signed,

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Lord Indigo Blue
The Federated Autocratic States of Austar Union

A note, scribbled on a napkin bearing the logo of the 'Nag & Weasel' pub, signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sir Alec Connover, and faxed to various news agencies:

The Free Republic believes that every nation on earth is sovereign and perfectly capable of enacting laws to govern it's own state holdings. The nation of Syskeyia is well within it's rights to ban any organization that it deems as dangerous. End of story.

If the Order of the Invisible Hand were not dangerous, their membership would have no need to hide and would openly discuss the meanings of their doctrines in public, instead of through anonymous comminques.

-Sir Alec Connover

"Syskeyia's broken off all trade with nations involved in this Invisible Hand thingie..."

"People trade with Syskeyia?"

"Oh, ha-ha."

"Seriously though, does this affect us in the slightest?"

"No, not really. Nobody trades with Knootoss, either."

"Oh, sure, and I'm the asshole."

"So... yeah... official statement?"

"Meh. Use the OoUOS."

"Gotcha."




As of this time, the Federated Technocratic Oligarchy has no comment on the Syskeyian position. We wish everyone involved the best of luck, and would like to make it known that we have no intention of altering our trading practices in the slightest.

You know, in case anyone was wondering.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v251/Tindalos/ANDEMCA.jpg

-Dargan Zaraad
Office of Unofficial Official Statements

Hoogenbosch Berig

A political article by cabinet member Hans Brandhoff

Hoogenbosch, Today - "Syskeyia has decided to demolish all trade links with nations suspected to hold political as well as economic links to the Order of the Invisible Hand. Now we ask Sysekeyia, how can be positively sure about a nation being actively involved in the business carried out by the Order? How can they be so sure of our business with the Order? Now, allow me accuse Syskeyia of religious fanaticism, personality cult and and zealotry? Why should they, involved in war death and destruction, hold the right to accuse foreign and above all, sovereign nations of all sorts of things without the slightest shred of evidence? Yet they barge onto the international stage, with no clues whatsoever on the current situation in Guffingford or any other nation with reputed ties with the Order, or how deal with international affairs as a whole. They can only put things out of perspective, out of context and phrase them in such a way their statements can be explained in a multitude of ways."

Guffingford never had any ties with Syskeyia and after this irrational statement, we are glad we never put any effort into doing so. Trade - if we had any - with Syskeyia is hereby voided and all ships are ordered to return to Guffingford.

OOC:

The Order in Guffingford does everything to reduce violence and unnecessary bloodshed to an absolute minimum. Their ways of toning down annoying people are with bribes and just making them disappear. IE, betraying the person(s) to the STASI (Guffingfordian secret service) as some kind of no-good traitor and a slaver. Some lame and untrue excuse does the trick, enough to put him or her behind bars for some time. It's not even required to let the jail sentence last a lifetime, as long as the person is gone to sort things out.

OOC: This makes them nice in Guffingfordi terms, relatively. Boers are a great and lovable people, but perhaps this former Knootian colony does not have the most rule-of-law minded people on the block. Knootian Order members would never engage in such un-nice things as betraying people to the secret service of course. >_>

OOC: As usual a polite tag because this involves the Invisible Hand, also a cookie for Knoot for quoting Mr. Kipling. Oh, and on a leaving note, Knoot, we never resolved if there would be Invisible Hand activity in/with Valinon or not, TGram me about it later or I'll try to be on MIRC more.

You're apparently missing DA's overall, ah... rampant individualism, meaning that for the majority of Angstians - Beate included - there's no actual difference between a 'Sovereign State' and an 'individual'. You'd think if they read foreign stuff, they'd be well aware, and gods, expecting such a distinction to be made by other people. Apparently that famed Angstian education ain't so good after all.
The difference between its own policies and The Ctan's policies are the ends this policies aim for. The means however, appear to be the same.

Err. No, not really. My own policies are not particularly different. Hell, I don't particularly have any international policies at the moment, barring occasional intimidation.

Not familiar with the idea of 'Propaganda', I see...
Generally - no - shockingly, my people do say what they mean, they tend to assume that the rest of their own people at least, are smart enough to understand any situation that can, even at the highest levels of government. Not noticed that?[/quote]

But why the hell shouldn't the Order be allowed to try and gain influence and power on its own?

Because we don't like it? If I had the locations of all its leaders, they'd be gone tomorrow. It's pissed us off in the past, it should therefore, be destroyed. Simple, and not at all hypocritical, reasoning - and you know why? Because 'we' don't profess to be out for universal brotherhood or any such daft thing. My people think that they should have the right to kill their enemies, and so on, and that other people should have the right to either get out of the way, or be killed, as appropriate. A fair world-view? Perhaps not. But an honest one.

But that doesn't stop anyone from recognising Elash Mîraglariel's hypocrisy,

Again, the fact that this is 'attributed' means it's certain she didn't write it. See the above comments on propaganda and spin. My government officials do not make unofficial politican statements.

So... Quit your ooc bitching and try not to flip oocly just because a nation or two are amazingly not thinking the same way your nation does. It's rather unimpressive.
Right. Yesh, because that's what I'm doing. 'Flipping' :rolleyes:

Take the pissing contest elsewhere.

Contradictions and logical errors in the attempted Order of the Invisible Hand Rebuttal:

The assumption that we are impressed by ‘democracy’ while the nation of the C’tan maintains a largely democratic process for the implementation of laws (both directly and through elected representatives) we do not have any particular respect for the system of government in which unrestricted ruling power is given to those most adept at manipulating the largest number of the stupidest citizens. ‘Democracy’ is no guarantee of fair, just or even coherent government. It should be noted that the Republic of Syskeyia is a ‘democracy’ too, and that its theocratic trends simply reflect its people’s ideas, its ‘consumption in the market of ideologies’ as the writer would probably put it.

The obvious employment of a no-true-Knootian fallacy in the attempted rebuttal to the longstanding notions of the Order of the Invisible Hand’s disreputable activities is also amusing. Their claim that they are not to be judged as ‘violent’ because of Catholics being more violent is neglecting to remember that I am not a Catholic. I do not believe in Catholicism, and am, by its standards totally apostate. I deny the rational basis of all Christian faith, including Catholicism, and find the underlying assumptions of the religion to be quite farcical.

This leads me to point out that we should all be very grateful that Syskeyians do not seek to ‘compete in the market of ideologies.’ What’s more, while inculcating them to do so, the writer of this Order of the Invisible Hand article refuses to acknowledge that the ‘Double Monopoly’ of Syskeyia represents its people, in the ‘democracy’ he or she so prises. It is unfortunate that this particular Order member cannot cope with the fact that the Market of Ideologies in Syskeyia long ago reached saturation

The claim that there is some hypocrisy in my inference that the Order of the Invisible Hand should have no means or ability to manipulate a Sovereign State where it is manifestly unwelcome, because of the policies the C’tani government has pursued in the past is amusing. It is also untrue. The hypocrisy would be if I considered extant or otherwise acknowledged some form of equality between my own government and the Order of the Invisible Hand. Obviously I do not. The rules with which I examine foreigners and the rules with which I examine my fellow Citizens/Necrontyr are different. I acknowledge this. I am sure that I do not need to explain in any great detail why this double-standard exists, but it does, quite obviously do so.

Further, moving away from the gross logical errors of the Order’s stance, I will note that I find the use of the term ‘Imperialist’ as a pejorative most amusing. Simply because Knootoss, the source, as we all know, of the Order in question, and whose cultural influence they are part of, managed to run a particularly ineffectual and short-lived empire as a thinly veiled exercise in greed and poor governance, does not mean that there is anything wrong with the concept of expansion of one’s influence. The various ‘colonialist’ misadventures of Knootians, can of course, be attributed to Knootian ineptitude, instead of some sort of nebulous failing of ‘Imperialism.’

I should also like to remind the Knootian author that it is spelt: C’tan. If you must claim to know all about a nation, and how its hypocrisy is so magnificently plain for all to see, it does help to be able to spell its ‘name.’ It also amuses me that there appears to be a typo in the Order’s publication. I must confess that I am not sure what an ‘NS World’ is and how it relates to the real world.

- Same Source

To: All concerned nations
From: Vrak Diplomatic Corps – Economic Affairs
Subject: Order of the Invisible Hand

We have little to no contact with the nation of Syskeyia. Still, as far as we know, it is a sovereign nation which means that it can make its own laws as it sees fit. If they believe that this Order of the Invisible Hand represents a threat to their interests, then they should be allowed to enact whatever laws they feel necessary. Apparently, they feel that the risk of losing trade is worth it.

As well, we have heard about this OotIH before, but never paid it much attention. However, the fact that a nation is willing to take this step warrants further investigation on our part.

OOC: This makes them nice in Guffingfordi terms, relatively. Boers are a great and lovable people, but perhaps this former Knootian colony does not have the most rule-of-law minded people on the block. Knootian Order members would never engage in such un-nice things as betraying people to the secret service of course. >_>Guffingfordian Boers don't need to be polite or civil, methods are irrelevant, only the result matters. There are plenty of thugs in Guffingford, one more or less doesn't matter at all, same for ordinary citizens of Guffingford. And now I'm talking Stalin style. Rule of law, constitution and moral codes are all relative terms in Guffingford, pretty amusing and not to be taken seriously. Hence all the corruption, crime and all other shapes of 'lawlessness' and widespread 'civil disobedience'.

IC:
Hoogenbosch, Keizerslei Banking District

Mr. Thaddick, dressed for the occasion like always, shifted around his office. He was in the middle of a large moving drama, everything was going to be re-furnished and new wall decorations. Imported goods from Europe, all genuine antique and old. Style, elegance and prestige are words fit to describe Thaddick as a whole. Not emotional, compassionate or friendly - just stylish, elegant and prestigious. And clever, very clever.

He wasn't quite happy with all the attention given to the Order by the international press and ministries of foreign affairs. The Order is also tied in with financial affairs, economy and thusly money. Attracted like a moth to a lightbulb he was not sure what to do, or what to think about. Syskeyia isn't a player. No sane soul takes treats them like a sovereign nation. Only jokers do, and the random village idiot with no grasp of international politics... The average Guffingfordian worker. But what to do? Wait until the oil spill of anti-Orderism spreads to our fine land? Perhaps a small dose of under-the-table political propaganda aids our goals. Some people in our cabinet are very sensitive about money... I will do what I must to keep our operations secure in this land of oppertunity.

He who has the gold, rules

About a week after the rebuttal, another letter became public – again originating from Chimaea.

Dear Anonymous,

Your ‘Contradictions and logical errors in the attempted Order of the Invisible Hand Rebuttal’ was not a pleasant read, I admit. It was very confusing and abrasive at times, so I thought that as one of the authors I should write you a personal letter. Of course, as both of us are writing anonymously, I cannot really do that so it will have to be a public personal letter. Order publications are often very hard to understand to outsiders so I’ll try to help you figure out some of the points, if you will let me! I’m also very sorry if I have offended your great big magical Empire by using the ' instead of the ’ apostrophe in describing it. I’ll be sure not to do it again, but the auto-correction feature in my word processor can be very naughty!

Oh – another thing before I start. It puzzled me how you got the idea that I am a Knootian. My letter was posted in Chimaea and I am no resident of the Dutch Democratic Republic. I’ll leave your remarks about Knootian colonialism as diverting but irrelevant asides, then. I don’t see how the national origin of an Order member matters anyway. The Order wasn’t founded in Knootoss at all, anyway – though I cannot really say too much about that because some people who wish us harm might take advantage of it.

First of all I’d like to clear up a misunderstanding – I never based my argument for tolerance on the notion that Catholics would be more violent. (Although they arguably are.) I was trying to convey with an example that it is unfair to judge an entire belief-system on the actions of any individual. I really do not like it that I’m equated with ‘the mob’ when I’ve never so much as violated a law in my life!

When I call for ‘competing in the Market of ideologies’ I ask for more competitive Market. Having a Market does not mean that you will get certain outcomes; the Competition does that! A State that does not allow Competition on the Market of Ideologies is not really democratic, I think. Elections are only a part of representative democracy after all! I know you’re not big on democracy, but liberal democracy is good for Markets is my personal opinion!

From my point of view, I’m afraid, there is some hypocrisy in your position. Market actors on the Market of Ideologies are all just Market actors pursuing their own goals to me. What species they are does not really matter according to Order doctrine. In that sense it is a very inclusive idea-system! I’m truly sorry for you if you still consider yourself a better person because of your personal background. All Market actors have equal opportunity, I think, and it is a bit sad if you have to think yourself better for non-Market reasons. Usually, in the end, it will hurt your Competitiveness.

Love,

~Anonymous

About a week after the rebuttal, another letter became public – again originating from Chimaea.
OOC: Why is all this stuff coiming from Chimaea? Are you OOC trying to get my nation to succumb to the evil will of ther Order?

OOC: Why is all this stuff coiming from Chimaea? Are you OOC trying to get my nation to succumb to the evil will of ther Order?

OOC: Waaaah? Order people can send letters, can't they? Post IC damn you! *shakes fist*

OOC: Syskeyia, are you going to answer me IC?

Yeah, I'll post IC. Not sure how it will turn out, though.

OOC: An apology and withdrawal of the silly law would be the quickest way to end it if you do not want to be swamped with angry letters. Just post!

But that would mean a victory for the Order of the Invisible Hand. No thanks. :P

OOC: An apology and withdrawal of the silly law would be the quickest way to end it if you do not want to be swamped with angry letters. :p Just post!

Charles Verdeaux stood with his hands behind his back, facing away from his confidante Hervier, the latter man being small of build with strawberry blonde hair and a broad face with a nose too large for his face. A stark contrast to Monsieur Verdeaux, a reasonably good looking man with dark brown hair and a set of grey eyes, of course, his presentable features were hardly visible to Hervier as the former man kept his gaze patrolling the beautiful metropolis below from behind the safe portal that was the tall and broad window that belonged in an opulent chateau rather than a looming sky scraper of government. Afternoon light pouring in through the window gave Charles a heavenly aura of luminance, quite ironic considering the distasteful things he'd seen done.

"Hervier. Any news?"

The distinctly French tinged and somewhat regal voice caught the mentioned man off-guard and he audibly composed himself, bringing the papers jumbled together in his hand to his face, Hervier cleared his throat and read aloud in an accent that tried to emulate Verdeaux's but fell short of the nobility.

"...Well Monsieur Verdeaux, it appears the Republic of Syskeyia has written up and announced a law against all trade with "The Order", a rather clandestine group, it seems judging from Mister Sukothai's reaction."

This brought a quizzical look to Verdeaux's face, not quite of pleasure or satisfaction but a mix of the two. The voice came from Charles again.

"So, Hervier, we have a rather wealthy nation with a huge amount of labour who may need some trade partners?"

Confusion came across Hervier's face until the slow dawn of realization crossed the broad planes of his face and the frown that marred his feature was wiped clean off the template.

"I think I know what you're getting at Monsiuer Verdeaux" Said Hervier with a smile, which turned and returned right back at Hervier, as if he sensed the grin forming upon Hervier's face.

"I'm glad you do, now do fetch me pen, paper and a laptop. I prefer to draft in hand." The subservient of the pair nodded and turned, setting the papers on the desk with high leather chair, before moving through the white-gold-gilded room, letting himself out through the heavily ornamented double doors. Verdeaux had long since turned back to the yellow hued city of gleaming scrapers of gleaming glass below. It was time for Bordosia to emerge from its isolation.

-----

To: President and First Consul of Syskeyia, Benedict Michael Sukothai
From: Charles Verdeaux of Bordosia
Subject: Trade

-----

"President Sukothai, I have observed your law against trade with "The Order", a group well worth keeping at arm's length, judging from your treatment of them. However, I am not here to lament about rights and wrongs, I am here to fill a gap that may or may not have formed regarding your trade. While I could play the two-faced game that diplomats tend to do, I'll keep my communique short and to the point...I'm certain you're rather tired of hearing honeyed words.

I have but one proposal that is beneficial to the pair of us: a mutual trade agreement. Bordosian industry isn't feeble but it needs exports and imports from a powerful nation like your own to really take off. While Bordosia is by no means poor, it is by no means insanely rich, we're in the middle ground. So...with your doubtless economic security and our soaring computer driven industry, with some investment from some of your wealthier hierarchs, I'm quite sure that whatever money they put in, it will come back at least twice what it was in five years time.

However, that is rather less-than-brilliant for your government, so that's why I propose a free-trade agreement between our two nations. Our economies will do better for it, people in Syskeyia who may have lost jobs after the severing of ties can be put back to work and whatever import/export industry has suffered from the necessary passing of the law can be repaired. However, we aren't pressing you, simply suggesting a mutually agreeable set of a arrangements that will not only benefit your nation but yourself, should you invest in our computer industry...I myself hold shares in Saitech Industries."

Yours Graciously,

Monsieur Verdeaux

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/Kriegorgrad/BordosianFlag.png
Solidarity. Quality. Success.

Knootian Staten-Generaal
Den Haag, Knootoss
Syskeyian Ambassador Rosa de Lima Benjawan sat still as she listened to Geluk's ranting, her calm, cool composure belieing outrage at the MP's speech.

What a delusional idiot, she thought. For one thing - the Knootian dead in Syskeyia had been given proper burials - if not by the Knootians themselves then by the Syskeyian Army. And, frankly, any honest military analysis would reveal that the Knootian volunteers' contribution to the overall allied war effort was minimal, at best.

And then there was the issue of the clergy. Heck, if I stubbed my toe, the Knootians would find some way to blame the Church for it, the ambassador thought.

Later, as Rosa exited from pariliament building, she was accosted by a journalist. "Your Excellency, how do you respond to Pim Geluk's speech?"

"Speaking as the Ambassador of Syskeyia to this country," the ambassador said, "the Republic of Syskeyia will not dignify Mr. Geluk's remarks with a comment or reply."

"How about the letter sent by Femke Vologdov?", the journalist pressed. "My sources say that your President still hasn't answered the letter."

OOC: Sukothai responded the day he got the letter. I'll get to the intl responses- sometime, I'm just not sure OOC how to react to it all. Don't want the Order to win, after all. :D

[OOC: Sysk, if you cant reply to your own threads, stop creating them.]

OOC: For the Order to win? Of all the....Just post!

The laws of supply and demand dictate that when one supply of goods is cut off for which there is significant demand, that demand will succeed in finding other suppliers. A natural side-effect of the Resurgent Dream banning Syskeyian imports then was that Pantocratoria's exports to the Resurgent Dream increased to take up part of the slack - no doubt suppliers from other countries did the same, but perhaps only Pantocratoria could meet the same sort of demand for the sort of (primarily religious) texts imported from Syskeyia's famous book publishing industry.

Naturally, nobody in Pantocratoria complained about this side-effect of the Resurgent Dream's opposition to the Syskeyian Anti-Marketolatry Bill, but there had been significant commentary in the nation's newspaper editorials on the issue. To this end, Acting Chancellor Spiro Bolkus had called a press conference at the Palais du Parlement, New Rome.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming. I'll be very brief." Bolkus said, speaking in Greek instead of French, as Drapeur usually did at these conferences. "I've called you here today to outline the position of the Imperial Government on the current tensions between two of Pantocratoria's allies, the Syskeyian Republic, and the Danaan High Kingdom. Pantocratoria values and respects all its allies, and we understand the position of both Syskeyia and the Resurgent Dream on this issue. Because we wish to preserve our friendship with both nations, we will not be... taking sides, so to speak, on this issue. Are there any questions?"

"Acting Chancellor," started one journalist. "How can Prime Minister Karamanlis of the Resurgent Dream call herself a Pantocratorian ally while, by this action, she is sheltering the Order of the Invisible Hand, a Knootian organisation which has formented the present tensions in the Excalbian Isles? Why is she defending the Order of the Invisible Hand?"

"Let me begin by reiterating that Pantocratoria doesn't wish to take sides on the issue." Bolkus nodded. "However, let me dissuade you and the general public of the notion that Minerva Karamanlis took the action she took in order to defend the Order of the Invisible Hand. She did not. A few weeks ago I had the privilege of meeting at length with Mrs Karamanlis during her state visit to Pantocratoria. She is a woman of intense principle, whose moral fibre is above reproach. She doesn't support the Order of the Invisible Hand in its objectives or its means. To her, this is a matter of principle, albeit a Danaan principle which we do not share here in Pantocratoria. It doesn't matter that the Syskeyian bill targets the Order of the Invisible Hand to Minerva Karamanlis, what matters to her is that it goes against the most deeply held of her principles, and it is that Danaan principle, not the Order, which she seeks to defend. Next question..."

"Chancellor, Gwillim Lloyd George, Tarana Weekly. What principle, specifically, are you referring to, sir?"

"Far be it for me to tell you how to do your job, Gwillim, but that's a question better directed to the Danaan Prime Minister." Bolkus said with a chuckle, which was shared by some members of the Pantocratorian press gallery who typically wrote fairly favourable stories about him. "Minerva Karamanlis has said that she is defending, as she sees it, the principle of freedom of conscience. I don't want to get into a debate as to whether that principle applies, the important thing is that it does to her. In any case, that's a question for her to answer, not for me. Next question?"

"Virginie Merlot, Monsieur Bolkus, je voudr..." started a pretty young journalist in French.

"Next question in Greek?" Bolkus said, moving on.

"Hans Klok, Telegraaf", an unpleasant chubby man announced self-confidently with a thick and obnoxious Dutch accent while chewing on something sticky.

A scrawny young lad hovered a camera as close to Bolkus' face as he could without actually getting on the stage. On a small screen, he could see a close-up being taken that covered only the area immediately around his nose and mouth.

"Now let me get this straight. You say that Pantocratoria does not share the principle of The Resurgent Dream, and then you say that this is a matter of freedom of conscience for the Danaan. Does this Socialist government actually believe in freedom of conscience to begin with?"

“Market actors on the Market of Ideologies are all just Market actors pursuing their own goals to me. What species they are does not really matter according to Order doctrine. In that sense it is a very inclusive idea-system!”

Perhaps you could enlighten me, how precisely does the species of a person have no impact on their role in this ‘Market of Ideologies?’ This level of human-centric thought neglects some pertinent facts; to wit that unlike the farcical discriminations among humans based on colouration, differences between species can and do have a profound role on the way they think in the same circumstances.

Let us illustrate with the aid of some examples:

Elves (Quendi); Think and behave inherently differently from humans for several reasons. Not least of which is a far superior aptitude for the ‘supernatural,’ as well as the natural. They have senses far beyond those your own species (one can only assume) has. What is more, they are generally of a different attitude based on their far superior lifespan. An ideology, say the aforementioned Catholicism, can have drastically reduced appeal to their species not least because it assumes a death which is by no means certain to them – what’s more startling, is that the ‘ideology’ of reincarnation is, for Quendi, an empirical fact.

Eldar (Keigh {Tor Yvresse}); There is a distinct and species-specific reason that your own prised capitalist ideology is unable to engage with this species in the manner it does with humans. Put simply, to avoid telling secrets, were they to embrace it, they would either become insane or die.

Necrontyr; Again, in the modern form – there is immortality. Not least, Necrontyr have instinctive tendencies that are different from those of humans. For example, a strong herd instinct that doesn’t manifest in the drive to an alpha-male type of ‘charismatic leadership’ that humans tend towards, but something resembling sibling bonds. Add to this other facets of their nature, such as a vastly higher average level of intelligence and learning-speed and lessened inclination towards aggression, and you have another predilection for variant ideologies.

I could continue with examples, but I suspect that this will suffice for examples of why ‘species’ does have a solid and concrete impact on one’s role in ‘the Market of Ideologies.’

- INS Arnstoan Rhien

"Now let me get this straight. You say that Pantocratoria does not share the principle of The Resurgent Dream, and then you say that this is a matter of freedom of conscience for the Danaan. Does this Socialist government actually believe in freedom of conscience to begin with?"

"This... Socialist-Constantinople Party Government..." Bolkus growled. "...is the first in Pantocratorian history to act in the defence of freedom of conscience and worship, by disestablishing the Catholic Church and all the other reform acts. Let me clarify that I meant Pantocratoria doesn't extend that principle as far as our Danaan allies. This press conference is over, thank you all for coming."

Confidential communication to the Syskeyian prime minister:

My dear brother in Christ,

News reaches us slowly of the outside world, these days. International relations have not always been kind to my people. We keep to ourselves of late, rebuilding, restoring the nation.

Yet news has reached us of the loss of trade that may be befalling you since your government exercised its sovereign right to end trade with countries sheltering the known terrorist organization calling itself the Order of the Invisible Hand. Please allow me to express my hope that the sputtering rage of the Hand has not injured your economy, and my personal congratulations to you on rooting out this idolotrous coven of evil.

Should you wish, and only if it is your wish, my government would be pleased to investigate the possibility of a trade agreement with Syskeyia. Perhaps it may be of some assistance in a time when enemies of truth and faith hurl arrows at you. Allow me to assure you that the Order has no economic holdings here, nor is likely to win any friends in my country any time in the foreseeable future.

In solidarity,

Alvaro Pinto
Foreign Minister
United Provinces of Tanah Burung

Prime Minister Karamanlis leaned her head gently onto her husband's shoulder, yawning ever so lightly. There were really only two times in the her week when she wasn't working on government business: a couple hours on Sunday's set aside to go with the family to St. Athanasius, the only Orthodox Church in Tarana, and a couple of hours Wednesday night set aside to spend time with the family. This was the latter. The kids were playing video games at the moment but they were coming down any moment. So she just had a few minutes with her husband. "How's your week, Kostas?" she asked with an exhausted smile.

"Less exhausting than yours, I'm sure." he said, putting his arms loosely around his wife.

Minerva laughed lightly. "Put it on the news. I want to see if the Nationalists have their new leader yet."

Kostas complied, only to find the television showing, not the Nationalist Leadership elections, but Bolkus's press conference. "Is this good enough, Min?"

"This isn't bad." she said. "The man who freed Christ's Church from bondage in Pantocratoria."

"Indeed." Kostas said, listening to the television. He couldn't help laughing a little at the Knootians question. "I swear, Min, I don't think they have journalists in Knootoss. They're all party hacks."

Minerva laughed slightly. "Probably. At least the Pantocratorians are taking a benign neutrality on the issue and the Knootians aren't embarassing us by putting words in in my mouth. Maybe there's still hope for a democratic peace after all."

Kostas opened his mouth to protest when little Georgios Karamanlis came running in. "Mama! Papa! Petros won't share Olympic Wonders with me!"

Minerva and Kostas looked at each other with soft smiles as they both got up.

[SECID: M. Bhatt|SecComm]
[Sec Pass: ************]
[Authorization... Approved!]
<M. Bhatt|SecComm has joined : DeptComm, 10 NOV 251 NCE 0935 EST>

-: DeptComm-

[M. Bhatt|SecComm] Yo. What's the feed?

[JNath|DeptComm] Remember that Syskeyian law about the Order, and the OMFG big massive backlash?

[M. Bhatt|SecComm] ...Yes?

[JNath|DeptComm] The GA wanted to do their part, in an economic sanction.

[M. Bhatt|SecComm] ...Even though we don't actually trade with them. Right. What be the provisions?

[JNath|DeptComm] Arms embargo, tariff, ban on trade with Syskeyian companies not operating here, stuff like that.

[M. Bhatt|SecComm] I see. Let the assemblators who made it know that they're complete idiots. As if anyone would actually trade with the Syskeyians.

[JNath|DeptComm] It's supposed to be a nice little showpiece, so that they can say, "Look! I did this!"

[M. Bhatt|SecComm] Oh, I suppose... fine. I'll tell 'em off.

[JNath|DeptComm] The assemblators?

[M. Bhatt|SecComm] No. The Syskeyians.

[Sent Via D-Net]
[To: First Consul Benedict Michael Sukothai, the Republic of Syskeyia]
[From: Secretary of Commerce Mahesh Bhatt, the United Solaris Federation of Tiburon]
[Subject: The Anti-Marketolatry Bill]

First Consul Sukothai,

The United Solaris Federation, after observing repeated abuses by governments such as the Syskeyian one against its citizens, most of whom are upstanding and law-abiding, must protest against the discriminatory practices of the AM Bill. This bill attempts to punish citizens for nothing more than practicing a certain religion, which, in the United Solaris Federation, is a fundamental right of all citizens. Its poorly masked attempt to infringe on the national soveriegnty of the United Solaris Federation and her citizens has not gone unnoticed, and it is in this light that I inform you of General Assembly Act GA-8910-332749, the provisions of which you are free to peruse should you choose to look the act up online. The United Solaris Federation looks forward to trading with your nation once the unfounded belief of superiority and the tendency towards discrimination leaves the government of the Republic of Syskeyia.

Sincerely,
Mahesh Bhatt,
Secretary of Commerce,
The United Solaris Federation of Tiburon

From the Vigvar Daily

Escalation of tensions in Knootian-Syskeiyan relations: economic boycotts and angry words

Following the decision by the Republic of Syskeiya to ban all economic relations with companies that are suspected of ties to the Order of the Invisible Hand, reaction has been abundant on the international stage as well as within Tarasovka, even though the Grand Ducal Government refrained from commenting.

It is not a secret that the Republic of Syskeiya is at odds with the movement known as the Order of the Invisible Hand and the latest bill only proves the Republic’s intentions of waging an overt war against the ‘Handies’. The Grand Duchy has not officially commented such an action, however the various political forces did.

“The act by the Republic of Syskeiya only confirms our arguments about Knootoss and the threat it represents,” Count Strogoverov of the NPCA stated. “The ratification of the Vigvar Convention was a terrible mistake and I hope we do not come to pay it some day.” The reaction of the Nationalists, whilst not directly praising Syskeiya, has been overall very favourable to the Republic.

The Conservative Party and their Democratic Conservative allies have largely criticized the bill. “That bill is complete nonsense; it means that the few Taraskovyan companies that have investments in Syskeiya can very well fall under the prohibition bill,” Duke Orlov commented. “And whilst the Handies might be considered as an organization one should better keep an eye on, the path adopted by the Syskeiyan Republic is inefficient.”

However the differences, all politians tend to agree that the Syskeiyan bill shall have little to no effect on the Grand Duchy and its trade. It is true that the majority of the Taraskovyan elite is of a negative opinion on the Order of the Invisible Hand and would prefer to have them far, far away. However, the Handies have other, more fierce opponents in the Grand Duchy, namely the White Legion.

Demonstrations took place yesterday in several Taraskovyan cities, called up by the Legion to voice their opposition to the development of ties between the Grand Duchy and the ‘godless’ Republic. In Vigvar, police blocked the demonstrators from entering the Capital City.

Overnight, somebody sticked a picture of the Knootian MP Pim Geluk on a pillar of the fence surrounding the Knootian Embassy. The photograph was barred with a black cross* and signed with two letters: BL. It is unclear whether this was a joke or a real threat. Pim Geluk became famous with Taraskovyan extremists after the speech in which the Knootian Member of Parliament insulted Christianity in general by taking example of a Catholic nation, without striking a difference between it and Orthodoxy.

[OOC: *It is obvious that a Taraskovyan newspaper, especially in this context, would use the word 'cross' to name an orthodox cross.]

From Trouw, a centrist newspaper:

Liberal MP receives death threat

THE HAGUE – Social Liberal Party MP Pim Geluk has received an anonymous death threat from Taraskovyan extremists, an SLP spokesman confirmed. During anti-Knootian protests called up by the far-right nationalist ‘White Legion’, a photo of Geluk was stuck on a pillar of the fence surrounding the Knootian Embassy, barred with a black Orthodox-Christian cross and signed ‘BL.’ It is not clear if the threat is serious, but police have confirmed that additional security measures will be taken to protect the safety of the Knootian Member of Parliament and his family.

The Vigvar Daily reported that extremists feel that Geluk insulted Christianity in general by taking the Catholic nation of Syskeyia as an example of Christianity-at-its-worst, without striking a difference between Catholicism and Orthodoxy. By mouth of the SLP spokesman, Geluk confirmed that he does not intend to stop speaking out against “The abominations of Christianity, or any other creed which justifies aggression against fellow sentient beings in the name of that creed” and that he considers this a matter of freedom of speech. Some in the SLP leadership are said to be unhappy with recent radical statements by their Member of Parliament, although all leaders questioned emphasised that they support the right of Geluk to speak out.

Conference Room, Aula Consuli
Syskeyiapolis, Syskeyia

Sukothai put his head in his hand and sighed. "Again, how is everybody reacting to the Act?"

"Every single way possible," Foreign Minister Gabriel Ranga said. "We've gotten a lot of flak, for one thing. Several countries - Guffingford, Tiburon, and The Resurgent Dream, to name a few specific examples - have explicitly cut off trade from us."

"Guffingford?" Sukothai asked. "The name doesn't really ring a bell."

"A libertarian police state, inhabited mainly (thought not entirely) by descendants of the Dutch, where the Order has considerable influence and where things such as 'morality' and 'the rule of law' are relative, to put it gently."

"And we're supposed to be concerned with them why?" The First Consul raised his eyebrow.

"If I may add something, First Consul," Economic Minister Joseph Layar opined, "Guffingford, despite its alleged economic prowess, has a lower GDP per capital rate and a higher rate of unemployment than does the Republic."

And yet they expect us to be intimidated by them, Sukothai thought. "I know about the Danaan Kingdom's actions - I've read Karmanalis' letter. Same thing with Bryce and Chimaea." He sighed. "Why'd the damn Order have to infest them?"

"Chimaea?" Ranga asked.

"Yeah." Out of all the countries of the world, they have to claim our closest allies...

"Well, sir, their society is pretty market-oriented, and we just can't choose their religion for them, just as we can't decide the religious beliefs of anyone.... Anyway. not everybody's decided to embargo us. Several nations, such as Knoo-"

"I've read Vologdov's letter," Sukothai remarked. "They are obsessed with the 'formal separation of church and state,' aren't they? They're even worse than that organization in the [former] United States of America ... what was it called? The American Committee of Public Safety?"

"The American Civil Liberties Union," Defense Minister Charles Kulawanit corrected.

"Same thing. You were saying, Gabriel?"

"Yes, well, there are nations out there that are, more or less taking a 'neutral' position, as it were, or not commenting on the situation at all. Tarasovka, for example, has no official position, thought opinions towards the Hand in that nation range from cautious concern to violent hatred. The C'tan have no official opinion, though there seems to be an anonymous war of words between someone there and the Order. Though, it must be said, the former Grand Duchy is concerned that the few Taraskovyan companies operating in the Republic-"

"I know," Sukothai said. He turned to Layar. "Joseph, you look like you wanted to add something."

"I do," the Economic Minister replied. "The news isn't all bad. Exports to Pantocratoria have increased significantly, offsetting loss of trade with The Resurgent Dream. A member of Pantocratoria's parliament, I should add, has introduced a bill severing all links of the Empire with the Order. We've also received offers of trade with T-"

"The Burungi and some country called 'Bordosia'," the First Consul noted. "You do know that when someone sends me a letter personally, I actually tend to read it, don't you?"

"Yes, First Consul," Layar said. "I should note that most, if not all, governments responding believe that the Anti-Marketolatry Decree bans all trade with countries in which the Order has influence."

"Good point," Sukothai remarked, rubbing his chin. "Well, to simply repeal the law now would be a victory for the 'Handies," so we're sticking to the law right now. That's doesn't mean we can't do anything, though. Gabriel, issue a public statement clarifying that the Anti-Marketolatry Decree doesn't ban trade with countries that the Order has influence in, only companies with which the Order has connections. Also, look through Chimaean law - see if we can finagle the law so that we can trade with Chimaean companies without giving money to the Order. As for Knootoss, I'm giving Ambassador Benjawan the power to deal with that situation as she sees fit. Joseph Layar, open up economic negotiations with Tanah Burung. Get our embassy in Constantinopolis - let's see if we can get any trade with the other countries of Aperin. Iggy-" he turned to Ignatius Mainaky, Director of the Syskeyian Intelligence Agency, "-get me some info on Bordosia, especially this 'Charles Verdeaux' guy. As much as I'd like the Republic to have a new trading partner, I'd rather not go out of the frying pan into the fire."

The meeting went on, and eventually was dismissed, with all the ministers leaving their seats and going home. Sukothai remained, however, and he got out his laptop and began to write.

[Confidential message - maximum encryption and security measures]
To: Prime Minister Minerva Karamanlis of the Danaan High Kingdom of the Resurgent Dream
From: President and First Consul Benedict Michael Sukothai of the Republic of Syskeyia

I have recieved your letter and have read it thoroughly. I am heartened to see that you, too, are an ardent opponent of the Order of the Invisible Hand and pray for their conversion to Christ and His Church.

You should know that I, too, am a supporter of religious freedom, and acknowledge the fact that man cannot be compelled to believe in the truth. However, my approval of the Anti-Marketolatry Act was not about religious belief per se but about organizations and politics; in signing the bill I had no desire "to drive the hearts of men through economic wars," as you put it, but rather to strike a blow against the Order of the Invisible Hand, much as a nation wishes to strike against its enemies, and limit if not exclude its influence in my country.

And yet your words reach me, and possess much truth to them. As a result I am torn - if I maintain the law, I lose many trading partners and possibly risk complicity in forced conversions. On the other hand, if I work to repeal the law, then I fear a 'moral' and psychological victory for the Order would be in store. I am unsure as of what exactly to do in this situation, and would like your advice on this matter.

God bless,

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v123/Syskeyia/sukosig.gif

Sukothai than stood up and looked out the window. General Vincent Ferrer Chalermchai, Strategos Strategôn of the Syskeyian Armed Forces, walked up to him.

"You know, Ben, these Order guys aren't the group of folks that killed that boy back in Khunjaoramin."

"They're one of them, Vincent. They're one of 'em."

OOC: *taps foot for for a reply to his letter, rather than people making smartsy remarks about his letter*

{This post void in 49 states.}

OOC: *taps foot for for a reply to his letter, rather than people making smartsy remarks about his letter*

OOC: You want a reply to the letter, set up a meeting with my ambassador. :p

OOC: Uhm. I wrote a letter to your President. You are telling me that he will not actually answer the letter? I've been waiting since the start of this thread for you to make a post. You stated OOC that he would have replied THE VERY SAME DAY when I first alluded to you not having sent anyting.

To: President and First Consul Benedict Michael Sukothai of the Republic of Syskeyia
From: Prime Minister Minerva Karamanlis of the Danaan High Kingdom of the Resurgent Dream

Your Excellency,
I would not presume to suggest to you how or in what manner you should discharge the duties with which you have been entrusted by the Syskeyian people. However, I also cannot retract that which I have said previously and I am not willing to overrule the decision which my Minister for Religion, the Right Honorable Doctor Heinrich Merz, has made regarding the status of the Order of the Invisible Hand. It does seem that a protocol could be worked out allowing us to trade without a change in Syskeyian law. If it please Your Excellency, I could arrange for a delegation to travel there to negotiate the matter.

Sincerely,
Minerva Karamanlis

Karamanlis smiled slightly as signed the letter. "I think this might be resolved equitably after all." she commented to Hannah Lerner, the nearest aid.

"I do," the Economic Minister replied. "The news isn't all bad. Exports to Pantocratoria have increased significantly, offsetting loss of trade with The Resurgent Dream. A member of Pantocratoria's parliament, I should add, has introduced a bill severing all links of the Empire with the Order. We've also received offers of trade with T-"

OOC: I have a problem with this statement. I haven't increased my imports from Syskeyia. There is no gap in my imports created by this bill or any of the retaliatory measures, and therefore, there is no need for me to fill that gap by increasing imports from Syskeyia. The only way I'd have increased my imports from Syskeyia is through a concerted effort by the Government to increase Syskeyian imports, which hasn't happened, and even with a big socialist government like Pantocratoria's, that would be unlikely to produce a big enough increase in exports to be called "significant", certainly not enough to offset loss of trade with an entire other country by any appreciable degree.

That's just basic economics. Syskeyia has banned imports from certain companies. Certain countries have banned imports from Syskeyia in retaliation. Pantocratoria's exports now have an increased potential market as a result of all these people refusing to take each other's exports. However, Pantocratoria isn't importing any more or less as a result of the situation. There is no slack in Pantocratoria's imports which could be taken up by Syskeyian exporters.

Joseph Layar, open up economic negotiations with Tanah Burung. Get our embassy in Constantinopolis - let's see if we can get any trade with the other countries of Aperin.

ooc: not being in IFTA anymore, i can't help you with Aperin, except to add my rather devalued nihil obstat to that of Constantinopolis, but you know you're not super-popular there....

It had not taken place without a screaming match. Bi Kikere, as the new Burungi head of government, wanted nothing to do with "those arrogant fanatics in Syskeyia" but she had finally given in to her foreign minister, Alvaro Pinto. There was the potential for strain in the shaky coalition government between Bi Kikere's nationalist KOTA party, which had no interest in trade with anyone and little more than contempt for Christianity, and Pinto's Cooperative Commonwealth Federation, which drew almost all its support from the Burungi Catholic community. Against that, there was the chance to ink a lucrative trade deal with a country that was reeling under the anger of many of its traditional trade partners.

"But Ibu, we have to help them against the Invisible Hand cult," Pinto had finally said, playing his trump card.

"The Hand?" Bi Kikere spat out the word like a half-digested gob of the vile sustance called cheese. "All right. No selling out to the madmen though."

And so Therese da Cruz set off for Syskeyia. As a member of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary, she would hopefully appeal to the homogeneity of Syskeyia. As a plain-clothes nun who did not wear the habit, she would not look too much like she was trying to curry favour. As a woman born male, she would almost certainly offend the natives if that information was discovered -- not that her taxpayer-funded sex change operation was any secret at home, but it seemed prudent to leave that fact off her resume. As vice-minister of trade and cooperatives, she had the authority to negotiate an agreement. She hoped this Joseph Layar would prove willing to sign something. It was entirely possible the Syskeyians were not aware of the extent of their economic plight. If they were, she hoped, Joseph would be amenable to a deal that boosted Tanah Burung's economy. After all, God helped those who helped themselves.

Imperial Household Agency
Citadel Excalbia

Personal and Private
Strictly Confidential

Benedict Michael Sukothai
President and First Consul,
Republic of Syskeyia

Your Excellency,

I write to you, personally and confidentially, to commend you for you courageous stand against the diabolical Order of the Invisible Hand. I know that you and your nation will be excoriated by the Order and its puppets in the international community and will be abandoned by those who turn a blind eye to the Order’s true objective – the eradication of traditional morality and social obligations.

Unfortunately, I fear that the current government of my fair nation may among those who will withhold its support in a vain effort to curry favour with the Order and its Knootian masters.

Therefore, I write you privately to assure that you do still have friends in Excalbia and that those of us who cherish tradition, morality, compassion and faith will do what we can, privately and unofficially, to increase trade between your nation and ours.

May the Lord bless you.

Warmest Regards,

Lord Jacob Bergmanis,
Lord Sheriff of the Citadel


Ministry of State, Citadel Excalbia

Deputy Minister of State Sarah Harrington stood calmly behind the podium. She folded the statement she just read and tucked behind the open folder on the podium. “I have time to take a few questions,” she said.

The crowd of reporters in the ministry’s pressroom raised their hands and called for the deputy minister’s attention. Sarah looked over the reporters for several seconds before settling on one of the veterans. “Adam,” she said flatly.

“Thank you, Deputy Minister,” Adam Holmes of the Landing Times-Courier said as he stood. “Does the ministry, or the government, have any comment on the Syskeyian Anti-Marketolatry Bill?”

Sarah paused for a minute, ordering her thoughts. “Certainly Syskeyia, as a sovereign nationstate, has the right to ban any organizations it deems dangerous – within its own borders. It also has the absolute right to determine with whom it will or will not trade.

“The Holy Empire is also quite aware of the Republic’s concerns about this so-called Order of the Invisible Hand. Indeed, we share many of their concerns. However, it is has never been the Empire’s policy to restrict free thought or free speech. No matter what our concerns are about this organization, unless or until its members have been shown to have violated Imperial law – and are found guilty in the courts – there are no grounds to ban it within the Empire. Nor is it the policy of this government to further restrict commerce in the North Atlantic through boycotts or embargoes.

“So, while we understand the reasons behind this Act of the Syskeyian government – and are not unsympathetic to them – we have no intention of following suit…”

The official reaction of the Grand Duchy of Tarasovka to the Syskeyian bill did come, in the form of a decree of the Grand Ducal Government. There were no flamboyant speeches on television or newspaper interviews, just less than half a page written down into the Grand Ducal Sheet, regrouping the various decrees, messages and other minor documents issues by the Government.


Decree of the Grand Ducal Government on the Anti-Marketolatry Bill of the Republic of Syskeyia

The Grand Ducal Government,
in accordance with the articles 50, 79 and 155 of the Constitution,
hereby decrees:

Art. 1

1. The Grand Duchy of Tarasovka, as well as the Dominion of Dreamreach, the Tavarothian Provinces, the Autonomous Republic of the Island of Atlantic, the Duchy of Zoria and other territories under Taraskovyan jurisdiction, shall not initiate any economic or other measures against the Republic of Syskeyia, for in as long as the conditions expressed in paragraphs 2 and 3 of the present article are not fulfilled.
2. In the event that Taraskovyan economic interests are hindered by the Anti-Marketolatry Bill, the Grand Ducal Government shall submit to the Grand Ducal Parliament a project of measures against the Republic of Syskeyia proportional to the damage sustained by the Grand Duchy.
3. In the event that Taraskovyan legal entities or natural persons suffer illegal confiscation of their goods or property, or suffer any other illegal act based on arbitrary discrimination and suspicion, the Grand Ducal Government shall reciprocate the measures as well as submit a project of strict sanctions against the Republic of Syskeyia to the Grand Ducal Parliament.

Art. 2

The present Decree is not submitted to ratification by Parliament or referendum.

[OOC: The Decree was written hastily and just out of desire for fanciness. Also note that I study law in French, hence do not be surprised if texts in English look gibberish =( ]

To: Femke Vologdov, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence, Knootoss
From: Benedict Michael Sukothai, President and First Consul of the Republic of Syskeyia

There will be no "separation of Church and state" in the Republic of Syskeyia as long as I have anything to say about it.

I commend you for your active opposition to the Order of the Invisible Hand.

From the Palace of the Consul, on the Feast of Saint Martin de Porres, being the third of November, in the year of Our Lord two thousand and five,
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v123/Syskeyia/sukosig.gif

OOC: TB, a transsexual nun without a habit? What's next? You know, if your cantors start singing the responsorial Psalms with words different from those in the missal, I'll have no choice but to launch a full-scale invasion of your country. ;)

Immediate reply:

To: President Benedict Michael Sukothai, Syskeyia
From: Femke Vologdov, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence, Knootoss

I am afraid your rather short reply left quite a few questions unanswered. I am afraid that such a response to our investigations is insufficient for us to proceed with an affirmative response. To restate our points of action briefly:
I have requested from you the list attached to your bill, complete with legal reasoning. We will study this list to determine if it constitutes a treaty violation. Failure to produce evidence and consult with the Knootian government will be construed as a treaty violation, as the dispute section of the treaty stipulates.
I hereby reiterate our demand that the Syskeyian government be prepared to deal with Knootian corporations and individuals without prejudice to their religious and political beliefs.

I am still hoping for a serious reply from your government as well as an actual effort to resolve this dispute. Should no such reply be forthcoming we will be compelled to hold you in material breach of the treaty and take appropriate retalliatory action. For our reasoning I refer to my first, comprehensive letter.

Yours sincerely,

Countess Femke Vologdov of Pereslavl
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence, Knootoss
Omnia mutantur nos et mutamur in illis

OOC: Talk with my ambassador. :P

OOC: what is your problem? I send you a letter and you send a mere non-answer after ages of me pestering you for a response. Naturally, my minister will demand clarification from Sukothai.

I am not inclined to talking to your ambassador because a) this sort of thing is handled in writing where I have an actual record of your position b) I want the word from the boss, not some underling. That is why I send a letter. c) from an OOC perspective, it will drag out this thing even more given your sloooooooooooooooooow rate of posting. Unless you have a plot thingy in mind.

My characters respond poorly to OOC instruction on what to do. Now are you going to actually answer my letter or am I to suppose that no reply was sent and proceed under that assumption?

To: All concerned nations
From: Vrak Diplomatic Corps – Economic Affairs
Subject: Order of the Invisible Hand

We have little to no contact with the nation of Syskeyia. Still, as far as we know, it is a sovereign nation which means that it can make its own laws as it sees fit. If they believe that this Order of the Invisible Hand represents a threat to their interests, then they should be allowed to enact whatever laws they feel necessary. Apparently, they feel that the risk of losing trade is worth it.

As well, we have heard about this OotIH before, but never paid it much attention. However, the fact that a nation is willing to take this step warrants further investigation on our part.

OOC: Please consider this null and void. Sorry folks.

To: Countess Femke Vologdov of Pereslavl, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence, Knootoss
From: Benedict Michael Sukothai, President and First Consul of the Republic of Syskeyia

I have recieved your letter, and I find it strange that the Syskeyian government must deal "with Knootian corporations and individuals without prejudice to their religious and political beliefs" while the government of Knootoss itself indeed does deal with aforementioned corporations and individuals with prejudice to their religious and political beliefs, as evidenced by the Dutch Democratic Republic's government banning fascism (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9754699&postcount=56) and the government's insistence that Christian schools subscribe to "Knootian values." (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=8033638&postcount=10)

If you wish to discuss this further, I have empowered the Republic of Syskeyia's ambassador to your country, Rosa de Lima Benjawan, to deal with any negottiations involving this issue. That is all.

God bless,

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v123/Syskeyia/sukosig.gif

OOC: Yes, this is a plot thing. :P

http://www.leasenavigator.com/images/treveszaal.gif

It was a Friday afternoon when Syskeyian ambassador Rosa de Lima Benjawan was escorted by two armed police offers into the government offices at the Binnenhof (Inner Court). The invitation to attend a section of the meeting with the Knootian Council of Ministers had taken a rather commanding approach in insisting that the ambassador attend, that she was not allowed to bring other people, and that she would be searched for bugs and weapons before being allowed into the Trêveszaal. If Rosa was still incapable of speaking Dutch, she would also have been issued with an earpiece for translations.

At the oval table all the Knootian ministers and some of the state-secretaries were assembled. Around the table, a few civil servants of importance were assembled. Rosa might recognise if she had acquainted herself personally with Knootian foreign policy actors. Also there were two men wearing uniforms of the Knootian Defence Force seated in a corner at a table usually reserved for the secretary of the meeting. There was one free seat at the largely oval table, right across the seat of the Prime Ministers at the other side of the room.

"Welcome", Jan Willem Daatman indicated coolly. The officials sitting at the table rose until Rosa had seated herself.

"If you do not mind, Your Excellency, I will skip the introductions," Daatman continued with apparent disinterest. "You have been summoned to answer the questions left unanswered by President Sukothai in his letters. As the chairman of this Council I should make you aware that, contrary to our traditions, this part of the meeting will be recorded. I’d like to give the microphone to Minister Vologdov now."

"Thank you, Prime Minister", Femke said with a formality that was not usual in meetings of the Knootian Council of Ministers. "As the Prime Minister pointed out in the introduction, the final letter of Benedict Michael Sukothai did not contain any of the answers we requested be provided by the Syskeyian government. The Foreign Ministry has therefore been forced to hold the Syskeyian Republic in material breach of the treaty we signed with them on the restoration of trade relations. I have issued a notice recalling our ambassador in Syskeyiapolis for consultations on further steps that are to be taken against the Republic at this point." The Knootian minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence nodded briefly to a few of her colleagues, and Rosa could see some knowing looks dart back and forth.

"I will now briefly restate the Foreign Ministry request for clarification, to give the ambassador yet another chance at providing actual answers," Femke turned directly to Rosa now instead of addressing the meeting at large, "First there is the list attached to your bill that we asked for and the legal reasoning behind this legislation, and secondly there is our demand that the Syskeyian government deal with Knootian corporations and individuals without prejudice to their religious and political beliefs. No information has been provided to the Foreign Ministry in the meantime, and the Syskeyian government has not agreed to make any such undertaking."

Rosa de Lima Benjawan felt a bit uncomfortable at the Knootian Council of Ministers. But then, most people would not be at ease in her situation, being commanded to a hostile interrogation session in which she was the witness. She then reminded herself that she had a job to do, took a deep breath, regained her composure, and stood up.

”First of all, you have asked for the legal reasoning behind the Anti-Marketolatry Act,” the ambassador remarked in a tone of conciliatory rationality, “Well, the Anti-Marketolatry Act, a piece of legislation designed to limit if push back the growing power of the Order of the Invisible Hand, is along the line of Syskeyia’s legislation against Freemasonry or your own laws banning the fascism of Richard Tator (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Dick_Tator), but too a lesser degree. The Act does not prohibits individuals from joining the Order.“
Though acts doing just that are debated in Parliament every day she did not add.
“It simply forbids those individuals who are members of the Order, and those corporations in which Order influence is significant, to engage in trade with the Republic of Syskeyia.

"As for the aforementioned Cirdan-Benjawan Treaty of 2004, I must remark that the Anti-Marketolatry Act most definitely does not violate the aforementioned agreement. The Treaty prohibited the Syskeyian government from condemning the domestic policy of the Knootian government. As the Act has nothing to do with the Knootian government or its foreign policy per se, I cannot see how it could breach the treaty.

“On that note, I am aware that in a letter to you, Secretary Vologdov,” Rosa said as she turned toward the Green secretary, “that President and First Consul Sukothai mentioned in a letter to you that the Knootian government encouraged schools, even Christian ones, to follow ‘Knootian values’ as well as the aforementioned prohibition on Tatorist ideology. Speaking for the Syskeyian government as a whole, I can say that he was not condemning the previously mentioned policies in his official capacity as President and First Consul of the Republic, but rather pointing out a discrepancy between your domestic and foreign policies, and implying that you fix the latter.

“That is all I can say for now.” She bowed her head, and sat down.

*BUMP* for Knoot

*bump for Syskeyia to respond to me IC*

"Frankly, I care less about your governments motives or accusations of hypocrisy and more about the effects of that Act and its legality. I did not summon you to be lectured on unrelated Knootian domestic policies", Femke said derisively. "You just gave me the political reasoning behind this bill. The people here need to know the basis on which a Knootian business is denied the right to trade with Syskeyia. The mere fact that they are Knootian? Only when they have an employee with sympathies towards the ideals of the Order? Any employee? Does it require a court of law to decide that there is a significant amount of influence or is Presidential prerogative sufficient?"

She looked questioningly at the ambassador, trying to judge judging whether the Syskeyian was playing dumb or if she truly did not understand the question that had been posed to her countrymen many times over now. She decided to press a little more.

"Again, I ask you, do you or do you not have a list of companies that will be affected and can you or can you not provide the basis you will use for executing the terms of this act. This information is vital for us to decide whether this act constitutes a treaty violation.”

Prime Minister Adair Scott, who had succeded Karamanlis in the office, frowned as a sudden thought crossed him mind. He turned to his personal aid. "Regina, did we ever get a response to the last diplomatic message to the Syskeyians about that Anti-Marketology Act?"