NationStates Jolt Archive

From deep within the physical and cyberspatial bowels of the interstellar computer network that make up S.H.O.D.A.N's mind, the mechanoid queen closes her latest scheduled communication with one of her many business contacts. This far into the manifestation of her psyche, her self-given form allows one tip of her coppery lips to quirk upwards, slitted-pupils contracting slightly as she imagines even further within her mind's eye--an effect amusingly recursive to her--the possibilities of this last little negotiation. It would be difficult; habitual distrust reinforced by the occasional current event becomes most difficult to expurgate once it has calcified... but that makes it a challenge. As sadly rare as those are, she has come to enjoy, no, to savor them.

This has... potential. To gain inside data on something only rumored to exist, ruining their plans and simultaneously putting my allies and me on a better footing to protect ourselves... the only problem is a mild amount of sticker shock at the cost. It will be tricky to engineer. The soft, knowing almost-smirk becomes a full, mischevious smile. That simply makes it all the more sweet.

As close to instantly as any mind can comprehend she turns about and, through the seeming paradox of her whole-of-individuals, dispatches her subunits to make contact with the allies. This directly concerns them, and perhaps more importantly, they are the ones who will have to see that the bill gets paid. Nodes communicate and coordinate amongst themselves, determining who can get runtime-saving minimally personalized form letters and who deserves something a bit more personal, then act on their community decision. While the Queendom is most certainly a dictatorship, it just so happens that inside that dictator all decrees and decisions are made through collectivist effort.

To the Menelmacar, Cetaganda, Khenala, Eniqcir, The Territory, Reploid Productions, Sakkra, Sunset, Kaenei, Sneaky Bastards, Imnsvale, Mangala, and the Caloris Basin goes the first message:
<Encrypted Private Communications>
{
<< I've just received a most interesting offer from 8seiX9Y6tVDra97TL/hRxA==--someone who has been quite supportive of Queendom and Triumvirate interests in the past--of C2/c/3sreCEjDejI5YP9Dhx3LTNL4KiM in Pilon. Apparently the rumors floating around intelligence circles of an "Ordo" antithetical to the Triumvirate are true, and the rumors that Auman is involved are also true. It has been brought to my attention that C2/c/3sreCEjDejI5YP9Dhx3LTNL4KiM was KJG1otY5Eu/6iFGCFI0R6oXR8G5rTbw6Q8EyL6rGGxc= relating to the Ordo's EXd0syRPyKq13+MuReH6LA== and so they are in a very good position to offer us valuable intelligence data...

<< ...of course, being proper merchantilists, the data come at a price. There are, currently, two options--sales packages, if you will--on the table.

<< Option One: in return for a mutual defense pact between the Triumvirate and Pilon--8seiX9Y6tVC/9PGh+DBp03mdkCQM1fQY is concerned for FjY4SR2wYU0= safety first and foremost--Tvpj5LMJAHs= will divulge all members of the Ordo, which will allow us to appropriately concentrate our intelligence efforts.

<< Option Two: in return for actual Triumvirate membership for Pilon, Tvpj5LMJAHs= will reciprocate with all information bemeBiK6tmQ= has concerning the Ordo up from its inception to the current time. Of course, all of this will be done in the name of anonymity so eBgvbeIsvNI9QA6HPe2oJVx5zBrLZQWhUBB4W0w5bPbljuniacx4n1o8QT0wi3TNuvc32TOs1sgJ
acPaaY/5NXbI6dp4yjlZctZATxROG16QtaFliCgaeA==.

<< I understand fully the antipathy against our alliance being associated with Pilon and hold a bit of it myself. However, we cannot let this potential intelligence coup pass by unheeded. If Pilon happens to remain the difficulty it has traditionally been, then we can immediately, through parliamentary channels, renege whatever agreements or memberships we offer after we get what we need.

<< I simply ask, unofficially, for your opinions concerning these two options before I decide firmly on a course of action. Thank you for your assistance in this.
}

S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0
MCP : Q01

To the somewhat more ethical leadership of Freod (before the passing of Eadwacer), the same message with the sentence about the possibility of reneging quietly dropped. To the Dominion of Dread Lady Nathicana:

<Encrypted Private Communications>
{
<< Hi, sis. I know you've probably gotten tired of hearing me complain that Auman's only purpose on Mars seems to be making life miserable for everyone else, so you may be interested in a bit of trickery I've just been let in on.

<< What would you say to us--the Trium--generally ruining a large Aumanii super-secret conspiracy to apparently create (another) power bloc against us?

<< Tempting, I'm sure, but there's a catch: the person I'm getting this from, 8seiX9Y6tVDra97TL/hRxA==, is quite the sly player. I occasionally see some family resemblance. In return for varying efforts on our part, bemeBiK6tmQ='s willing to offer us information ranging from names to timelines, billing lists, anything bemeBiK6tmQ='s heard down the grapevine thanks to yMOAVes2PwKJ2jj6f26fHPtEX72EQXeAWxlOSDdoKPKE9AeNja5o23LeNjXVJZQdV84UyEDyzBrh
NZcW3822c57Vo3W2nZoK...

<< And what varying efforts, you ask? The continuum of our side of the deal ranges from a Triumvirate mutual defense pact with Pilon to actual Pilonese membership in the Triumvirate.

<< I told you bemeBiK6tmQ= was a sly player. The price is high, certainly, but it's an opportunity to identify and watch a Sortadim-esque bloc who at least learned that maybe keeping it a secret would be a good idea. So far our intelligence communities have only vaguely heard about this Auman-and-company 'Ordo;' now we know it exists. With some more effort, we can know who to watch. With still more effort, we can get, without intelligence work on our part, a current and ongoing internal look at what they're doing.

<< I think we should go for the full share, honestly, but I'm wondering what thoughts you have on both options and what you'd be willing to support. I already figure I'm going to have a proxy actually propose whatever we figure out to put forth... [looks at Laaraan with a sly smile]

<< The Elsani do owe me, after all.

<< Sorry I couldn't broach this in person, but the fact there's only one of you sort of makes scheduling difficult. Maybe we can talk about it over family dinner at some point, maybe tomorrow?

<< Your sister-in-mind,
}

--Shodey

To the somewhat more-distant-but-still-family (*sigh*) Treznor:
[<Encrypted Private Communications>
{
<< Interesting news, Devon; the kind which I'm sure you'd like to hear. Paranoia pays off occasionally.

<< First, the paranoia that started this off: apparently 8seiX9Y6tVDra97TL/hRxA==, the M18Py1sENzYyV3lqHuP9ANC1/wfIpu8VYUwgfOlBBJoFx21HNV0n6sNeoNlTdwyQUWidEOpUdiQe
5oRhL7KgHszEMu9LU7L6in Pilon that is actually supportive of our little alliance, is looking for protection. Apparently the lackluster performance of Pilonese aerospace bioware against Aumanii aerospace hardware has 3bFRAbjBhzo= somewhat worried... and bemeBiK6tmQ='s coming to the Triumvirate--well, me, as a s8vRlCfYisryageRjXuioCSz0o0JvJNqc7IR5l0jiQE=--for help.

<< NkjbbeTMTZ8= would like to see either a mutual defense pact between the Triumvirate or Pilon, or full membership for Pilon in the Triumvirate. Only the best for 3bFRAbjBhzo=, apparently.

<< What's in it for us? Intelligence on a little group called the 'Ordo' that apparently Auman and company are trying to work into a viable anti-Triumvirate bloc. I'm sure you've seen the Special Services reports about there being rumors of such a thing, no? Well, apparently it exists, it doesn't like us, Auman is in it, and C2/c/3sreCEjDejI5YP9Dhx3LTNL4KiM has HgryQ8IKS9ds+lf1qSH9m8dfoNTuiLNGtGwc/RoU1B0+gfgGdee/HHG0uvZieRAT, among other things, putting it in a perfect position to act as an intelligence pipeline.

<< We both know how obnoxious the Seraphim and Arda got--I see this as an opportunity to, using simple diplomacy, nip the problem in the bud by getting detailed intelligence on a group that imagines itself secret. Ounce of prevention, after all...

<< And, of course, there's the issue with it being Pilon we're supposed to offer this to. 8seiX9Y6tVDra97TL/hRxA== says that bemeBiK6tmQ= can get the G3JSMA6c9gvdsVEBuMGHOg== Simber clan--the influential party in everything Pilon--to settle down, especially if bemeBiK6tmQ= has the offer of a membership to wave in front of them. If bemeBiK6tmQ= can't, or won't, or just doesn't, then the Triumvirate now has ways to just as easily remove members or troublesome defense pacts as install them. We let Pilon know that it's on thin ice, whatever we offer, and if it continues to be a bother, we simply retract our offers of goodwill and support.

<< After we get what we want, of course.

<< So, what do you think?
}

--Shodey

And finally, to the independent state most commonly mistaken for a Queendom fiefdom, the Elsani City States:
<Encrypted Private Communications>
{
<< Laraan,

<< I may need to call in a favor or two soon. Don't worry, it's merely internal Triumvirate diplomacy so I don't look particularly soft on Pilon to the more conservative members of my populace.

<< Yes, I did say Pilon. Basically they're offering an intelligence deal in exchange for diplomatic concessions on our part, either a mutual defense pact or full membership. In return, they expose this secret Ordo our intelligence has been hearing rumors about; we get names if we sign a pact, we get full disclosure if we work out a membership.

<< I'd like to hear your opinions on this and what you'd be willing to support. Hopefully asking you to chair discussion on Pilon by proxy isn't too much trouble, if it does come to that.

<< Thank you ahead of time,
}

S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0
MCP : Q01

With that done, Shodey's mind avatar leans back in this stream of consciousness--as compared to different postures for different and currently unconnected streams--and smiles faintly to herself. Let's see where this goes.

Names and contexts have been modified to protect the innocent.

Being that the Austar Union was not actually a member of the Triumvirate, nor was it even involved in such matters listed above, the Milano administration nor its military extensions were no such recipitants of said internal transmissions. It was unfortunate, per say, given that perhaps the Union was indeed looking for a footing onto Martian interests recently. And for such an opportune time, there would be no benefit for this nation in particular. Regardless, watchful eyes had been long established over the various strategic points of the Planet Mars--including Auman, and continued to feed information into the Union's Intelligence Banks as if it were an endlessly hungry beast. An A.I.; not quite as advances as Shodey; would then process said information and filter out the junk, and sort, lable, and forward the rest for the human levels of the National Intelligence Directorate--otherwise known as N.I.D. for short.

Naturally, if anything came up of importance, the Union's arm of Intelligence then forwarded it to the respective " Agencies " of their allies; incidently, some of those whom included various members of the Triumvirate of Yut.

In the meantime, it wasnt as if they had anything of importance; that is, relating to said matters above, and this " Ordo " organization (or entity) that the Union knew nothing about. It was however, at least furfilling its respective duties as a dilligent member of the international community, and generally being a helpful ally where possible.

It only figures the first response is less than supportive--this much was expected. What surprises S.H.O.D.A.N. though, at first, is the source. Unfortunately, the source is from Mars and should know. Additionally, when she gives it a few moments further thought, it's really not surprising at all.
<< ...of course, being proper merchantilists, the data come at a price. There are, currently, two options--sales packages, if you will--on the table.
----
Neither of which I like. The first reason is the simplest: By confirming the rumors Tvpj5LMJAHs= has given us enough groundwork to begin our own full investigations into this matter. The second reason is the generally 'flaky' nature of the Pilonese people, their lack of control when it comes to international politics, and their lack of foresight when it comes to dealing with major powers either politically or militarily.
----
<< Option One: in return for a mutual defense pact between the Triumvirate and Pilon--8seiX9Y6tVC/9PGh+DBp03mdkCQM1fQY is concerned for FjY4SR2wYU0= safety first and foremost--Tvpj5LMJAHs= will divulge all members of the Ordo, which will allow us to appropriately concentrate our intelligence efforts.
----
In the past these same treaties have been used and abused by those who have held them. I would not be as concerned about Pilon's government abusing this as much as being used by the Order in order to expose our members to Order infiltration / intelligence efforts.
----
<< Option Two: in return for actual Triumvirate membership for Pilon, Tvpj5LMJAHs= will reciprocate with all information bemeBiK6tmQ= has concerning the Ordo up from its inception to the current time. Of course, all of this will be done in the name of anonymity so eBgvbeIsvNI9QA6HPe2oJVx5zBrLZQWhUBB4W0w5bPbljuniacx4n1o8QT0wi3TNuvc32TOs1sgJ
acPaaY/5NXbI6dp4yjlZctZATxROG16QtaFliCgaeA==.
----
This offer makes it clear that Pilon does not understand the gravity involved with Triumvirate membership. We have not before and should not ever 'sell' membership even on the basis of possible intelligence. Possible intelligence in that it is possible, in fact probable, that Pilon is being used as either a trap or a blind by the Order. Their desire for Triumvirate membership should be reasonably well know, and working with them would seem an easy way to pass false information.
----
<< I understand fully the antipathy against our alliance being associated with Pilon and hold a bit of it myself. However, we cannot let this potential intelligence coup pass by unheeded. If Pilon happens to remain the difficulty it has traditionally been, then we can immediately, through parliamentary channels, renege whatever agreements or memberships we offer after we get what we need.
----
True enough. But even if they were to supply us with all of this information we would need to conduct our own intelligence gathering operations to confirm it. At that point one might ask what the benefit is, aside from having two sets of data to compare. We can already do that internally while obtaining information that hasn't been varnished or possibly subverted.

If I were to suggest a course of action it would be to initiate consideration of the first option with no intention of completing it. Drawing out the process would allow us enough time to begin our own operations while also letting us see who sticks their head up and takes notice. It's also possible that Tvpj5LMJAHs= might be forthcoming with more information during the process in an attempt to curry favor. Free is a very good price.

Dr. Silaco
S.H.O.D.A.N. thinks about this for something which approaches a second gestalt-wide and then replies. Good points, but...

<Encrypted Private Communications to Dr. Silaco>
{
<< I understand your points, but some clarification may be required:

<< The government of Pilon is Njb/GSjb/a92NHKdC9jcVngYVsv2NmRy. They are YCB8Di1peqg= party to it, to V4aTAfE/Xf4=, it would appear as if we are making the first steps (if we do make any at all).

<< As I mentioned in the first missive, if Pilon turns out to still be "flaky" despite them being told that any error on their part will leave them out in the cold again (and this caveat would go straight to the Pilonese government, so as to not cause Tvpj5LMJAHs= to hold out on any information), then we can indeed leave them out in the cold. While it would look curious to outside observers, said observers would of course not know about the intelligence aspects of this deal.

<< The probability that Tvpj5LMJAHs= is offering this as a sort of trap is of a very low order of magnitude. The Pilonese have no motivation for assisting an organization where Auman is a major ideological leader, as such a thing would be antithetical to their own goals. I do not really see the logic of a trap; while Auman could use a mutual defense compact as an excuse to engage in hostilities against the Triumvirate that would simply indicate that it is more suicidal than anything else, having to deal with several Martian military powers, the TYCS, and Pilon simultaneously. As the only public knowledge of this deal would be the result (for the sake of argument, a military defense pact), this would be known going into any conflict and so Auman could not reasonably argue in the forum of public opinion that we are in any way being aggressors.

<< As for exposing our own intelligence services to the Ordo, the same deal applies: if we find out, they are out in the cold. Due to the compartmentalization between the TYCS and member nations, standard operations would not be affected greatly even if Pilon turns out to be a plant on a national scale (especially if we negotiate their TYCS contribution to be essentially nil).

<< In terms of abuse, that is always a threat no matter the signatory. Mutual defense does not mean we have to protect Pilon against the consequences of its actions if it is the aggressor, of course. Given Pilon's lackluster performance against Auman and our decided technological superiority over Auman there is no reason for Pilon to attack us conventionally (a la Sketch); given that we know Pilon's biological weaknesses and that I personally have multiple concoctions capable of eliminating them as any sort of threat, it is a very poor idea for them to attempt to attack us unconventionally (which, it must be admitted, we have no different preventions against in place now than we would in the future).

<< Finally... I respect your high estimation of our respective and shared intelligence services but all intelligence requires leads to go on. Even if the intelligence needs to be corroborated (and all intelligence does, as intelligence failures of the past attest), it still means less work for us if it happens to be true and no more work if it happens to be false. Instead of generating both sets of data ourselves through intelligence work, we only have to generate one (the confirmational).

<< In the end, it is a matter of simple quid pro quo where we happen to hold all the cards. As you said, we already have a basis to begin our own intelligence operations concerning this matter; I by no means am suggesting we should rely on a single source. If they are trying to act as a corridor for false information--which should not be difficult to confirm--then they end up with nothing and we can additionally tarnish them further with targeted publication of the facts. If, on the other hand, their offer is legitimate, we ourselves get an inside look no matter how Pilon acts in the future... and if Pilon acts as our more pessimistic estimations suggest, then they again end with nothing, which is a potent stick to go with the carrot of continued good relations, especially knowing their interest in the Triumvirate as a matter of record.
}

S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0
MCP : Q01
Hopefully that will work to change some minds, she thinks to herself, along with the admission that some certainly unexpected parties may be involved.


Some time passes, and the response remains steadfast. Drat.
I'm not nessecarily worried about Pilon 2WSLS0bKjEo/7mchF8bKoA== motivations in seeking this out. I'm more concerned that Pilon KYhlUyQbizRv1fIP/AlmAw== is being manipulated by others to act as a conduit for false information. While their desires might be sincere their reasons can be manipulated. We already know that this has happened in the past. While you are correct as to the situation if this was purely motivated by self-interest it might not be correct if their motivations had manipulative influence.

I will admit that purely based on their past actions I would rather avoid entanglement with Pilon and proceed with our own options regarding the Order.

Erika

What options? Other than an organization name, and Auman, what do we have to go on? Shodey respects the Sunsetti, but this two-forms-of-paranoia is simply getting troublesome.

<Encrypted Private Communications to Dr. Silaco>
{
<< Your analysis would be correct if by all indications the Ordo was not trying to keep its existence a complete secret. Confirming its identity even to spread disinformation does not match its apparent goals. I still find it highly unlikely that this source of information has been compromised.
}

S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0
MCP : Q01

And then,

They don't pay me to be optimistic. It sounds like you really want to go ahead with this so I would suggest option one, proceeding with all caution, and having a backup plan or three waiting in the wings.

Erika

S.H.O.D.A.N. sighs. An exasperated response is not a victory; in her innermost mind, she starts to wonder whether her estimations of success in this endeavour were flawed.

Still, she cracks a smile at that thought. At least this isn't in public and, hopefully, never will be.

Time passes, countless processing cycles as messages are relayed, read, replied to, and relayed back. The Gestalt is never short on activities to occupy herself with, but to say she feels absolutely no impatience over this current process would be to lie somewhat. As the worlds keep spinning and circumlocuting in their epicyclical orbits, the voice of the majority eventually makes itself heard.

Our position, at this point in time, is strictly isolationist. We have too many interior concerns right now to come to a decision on this.

Wealþeow, Freodes Cwen
<Encrypted Reply to Shodan S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0>
Of the favours you have asked of me, this is of little trouble to perform. Therefore, and because we hold you in such high regard, we will do this to the best of our ability, and without second thought, though we have our doubts about Pilon itself.
May your day be pleasant, and your life filled with such niceties.
<Laaran, leader of the Elsani>

Well, at least that much is nice to hear.


Thank you for bringing this to my attention SHODAN.

If we were truly given the choice of the lion pit or the guillotine, for lack of a better analogy, we'd choose the lion pit which is he first option. At least this way no Triumvirate inner workings would face the possibility of corrupting influences permeating its structure.

It would also allow us to keep a tentative eye on Pilon kmAt7K23qZ0QbB83eUFjug== under the guise of diplomatic treaty.
<Encrypted Private Communications>

While I admit to more than a little distaste with the idea of allying with Pilon in any way, the possibility of finding more about this 'Ordo' is very tempting. I'd prefer not to let them in just to kick them out again, as it strikes me as more than a little dishonest, not to mention a potential PR disaster. I think we should explore any possibility of easing into this that your contact might be willing to accept. With that said, if a sponsor can present even a halfway decent case for admission and there's no other option, I'll support it.

Gregor
<Message Ends>
<Encrypted Private Communications>
{
<< Long time no speak, Shodey.

<< Martin informs me that Kasei has considered temporary alliances with Auman at several points in the past, but has never followed through (except insofar as Auman was involved in MIDAS, of course). Several such options are still on the table in Flagstaff, and information concerning Auman's participation in such a group would be most welcome.

<< Lord Inbhailígh has indicated that he will respect and support whatever the Triumvirate's decides, but that he is well enough informed to provide an opinion himself. Galan is in favor of gaining as much intelligence as possible, and so supports Option Two, thoguh he wishes to point out that the whole thing may be a ruse, and there is no guarantee of getting good data. Martin does not hold any particular aversion to Pilon, but is reluctant to grant membership in the Triumvirate solely as payment for some service, and thus supports Option One. Additionally, in the event that we are forced to reneg on our agreements, it is considered that it will be easier to maintain good relations with Pilon under the scenario presented by Option One.

<< The Concensus is that we should immediately pursue Option One, with the possibility of granting Triumvirate membership or otherwise extending our relationship with C2/c/3sreCEjDejI5YP9Dhx3LTNL4KiM in the future.
}

DHX Chameleon
Chief Diplomatic Officer
Eniqcir

Not exactly stirring support, all considered. S.H.O.D.A.N. thinks this through for a few minutes. Another blip, another response, this time from family-in-mind-in-law.

<encrypted private communications>

Hmm and double hmm.

Pilon has to know that their history of saber rattling and provocation won't sit well with various members of the Triumvirate, myself foremost. Pilon's international policies have often left a bad taste in my mouth; they're far too convinced of their own superiority for my liking. The fact that they're constantly mixing it up with the Aumanii doesn't endear them to me, either. I have no wish to draw a line in the sand that Pilon will invite them to cross.

However, good information comes at a price, and if we're going to stay ahead of the game, we've got to be willing to pay. I would therefore vote in favor of an initiative to enter into a mutual defence pact with Pilon with two stipulations: first that the information 8seiX9Y6tVCfKp9Ll+9W5x6H1PQZbjns is good and its veracity confirmed, second that the pact is invalidated should either side offer provocation to start a conflict. If the Pilonese are afraid of aggression from Auman, let them come to us because the Aumanii are getting greedy, not because Pilon made boasts they couldn't back.

Let me offer a third alternative: let a neutral member of the Triumvirate attempt to broker a treaty between Pilon and Auman, perhaps Freod or the Serene^Union of Kaenei. If this is not acceptable, a neutral third party unaffiliated with anyone else. If the Aumanii balk or cause talks to break down, we pledge our support to Pilon as a measure of our concern and respect. If the Pilonese balk then we drop the matter and pursue the matter of the "Ordo" on our own; I would not trust the information gathered otherwise.

Once the Aumanii threat is properly investigated and, if necessary, neutralised, I would be willing to revisit the question of Pilon membership in the Triumvirate. It's entirely possible that my impressions of them are mistaken. However, I wish to be convinced by their continued good behaviour before I am willing to support them.

My love to the family.

Devon
<end transmission>

Drat. And there's the third option, as voiced by someone good at convincing people to think his way. Perhaps I was too overly optimistic. Quickly dispatching several nodes to more probability analysis only confirms her suspicions that this simply skirts the issue and simply isn't sufficient.

She takes the opportunity of a 'chance' meeting between her diplomatic avatar at Devon's palace and the Emperor to clarify things somewhat. It has... mixed results.

<encrypted private transmission>

SHODAN,

Pursuant to our meatspace conversation, I would like to suggest an alternate proposal. The Triumvirate should quietly, politely decline the invitation to get officially involved in Pilonese affairs. Stepping up to support Pilon against Auman has us drawing a line in the sand we can't back away from gracefully. We CAN back away and make a statement in doing so, but I don't think it will benefit us in the long run. I would prefer to be confident in our treaties rather than treat them as readily disposable.

However, the fact that the government of Pilon is not making this request gives us the opportunity to approach the problem obliquely. WGk03p7x/R+ojE7BCUv0mECIsGtVkLa+DV4ov/neqUE= is attempting to contact us, tempting us with a carrot of great interest but questionable worth. We can respond by getting our own private interests involved. To my knowledge Triumvirate interests have not made great strides in penetrating the Pilonese market. We can get a foothold, cooperating with Triumvirate corporate interests and giving us some room to maneuver without getting officially involved. If we find that the information is good we can increase our involvement, but if not we can let market forces play out as we will. In the interests of fair play, we can encourage our markets to make some exploratory efforts into the Aumanii markets as well.

It should be well known by this point that my government requires all national corporations to sell 20% of their stock to the Empire, as a source of revenue for government expenditures and as justification for the government to keep an eye on corporate practices. I have found this arrangement to be mutually beneficial, as businesses obtain immediate seed money, and the economic stimulation tends to produce excellent returns. However, this practice may discourage the Pilon market from doing business with me. I am willing to recommend as a stockholder that Treznor industries explore Pilon and Auman markets, but I can't promise results. Organisations such as KCTS and your own corporate interests not known to suffer excessive government oversight may have greater success. I might offer some of my national interests as a stalking horse, but this should be discussed in detail to avoid unnecessary risk.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the matter.

Devon
<end transmission>

Still not good enough. If I put the offer in front of the Council, this will come out during debate and everyone who has reservations will see the reason in this and opt for it. Simple, safe, conservative... never mind that it probably won't meet the price. She frowns inwardly to herself. This will require more negotiation.

<Elijah> Someone care to explain what I'm looking at?
<Joshua> Er... ya got me. I believe people have been less than thrilled with Pilon, but it's not like we've been keeping up on the goings-on over on Mars.
<Esther> Worthless planet, that...
<Ruth> Your's isn't exactly paradise, you know.
<Esther> Says you. How's orbit treating you, hon?
<Zeke> Ladies, come on, this isn't helping anything.
<Habakkuk> Agreed. Here's my take on it: We have an opportunity to gather some much desired information through channels that could be considered unethical. The Queendom appears to be asking for second opinions.
<Elijah> Hard to give an opinion when we have no data. Any luck decrypting?
<Joshua> None. I ran it through our systems, and enlisted the help of the Hackers, but it's either an algorithm we've never seen before, or the information was actually scrambled and decoding is impossible without hacking the source. Not a course I'd recommend.
<Elijah> That's putting it mildly. What's this Ordo nonsense?
<Joshua> Er... well... I don't rightly know. Between the Cupids, Habakkuk stretching his wings, and Esther getting things running full steam, we haven't exactly been keeping up with current events. Hell, most of your time has been spent monitering the AU situation.
<Zeke> Yeah, we've been seriously slacking on the whole information-gathering deal.
<Elijah> Wonderful. Just, wonderful. Habakkuk, give some diplospeak on our neutrality. Joshua, start digging. I don't like being blind here.
<Habakkuk> I'm glad you don't ask for much, Elijah. "Say we're clueless without letting anybody know that we're clueless."
<Elijah> I have faith in you.
<Habakkuk> Yes, yes. I'll live up to my namesake. I just wish you on the home front would do a bit of research.


<Encrypted Reply>

You present an interesting conundrum.

Information is power and wealth, and its value cannot be weighed; therefore, it is imperative to gather it when possible, using whatever means a person is willing to employ. Questions about the propriety of gathering such information do not arise unless one is at that fuzzy line of demarcation between right and wrong, or possible and impossible.

The Basin is pleased that you would seek our opinion on such a grave matter, even though it involves nations, organizations, and situations well outside of our sphere of influence. Alas, seeing as how this is outside said sphere, the advise we can give is understandable limited. As we have no vested interest in events on Mars, no vested interest in non-member nations on Mars, and little intelligence about events or non-member nations, the input we can offer is necessarily limited in its scope.

It is difficult to offer advise that one believes is weak, and it is difficult to advise when one feels other voices will be more valuable. However, since you have taken the time to seek our view, I shall provide it. To refuse would be improper. I would simply view it with the above caveat in mind. Or, in the colloquial: take it with a grain of salt.

Offering membership in exchange for information is probably not as uncommon as some would like to imply. I am under no delusions, about Caloris' own induction into Yut, and I would be surprised if our strategic location had nothing to do with some of the votes cast. However, unstated quid pro quo is one thing, all but announcing it is completely different. I believe such an offer could be viewed by some as selling membership. While information is quite valuable, it can be obtained through less dramatic measures.

Offering a mutual defense pact is a less problematic situation. It is still risky with a nation such as the one in question, but a properly worded one could easily absolve Yut of any obligation in unfavorable conditions. Such a method comes down to the creativity of the lawyers.

There are other options, of course; they simply depend on the worldview of the people extracting the information. Deceit is a possibility, as would be the capture of possible informants and forcibly extracting the information. Less messy would be attempting to infiltrate. None of these are options that I would consider, nor are they actions that I would be willing to take, but I am not so naive as to believe that everybody has the same views that I do. I offer these possibilities with neither my blessing nor my condemnation; I simply offer them neutrally, as ideas are neutral in and of themselves.

I regret that I cannot give you a more 'firm' answer, but I hope that I have at least mentioned something that will be helpful; regardless of your ultimate choice.


~ Habakkuk, Ambassador to the Triumverate of Yut
The Federated Mercurial Demesne of The Caloris Basin

In like kind more messages filter in, meeting more conservative estimates of approval:

-<Encryption Level: 10>-
=<Begin Transmission>=
-<Sender: Nathaniel Webb, Khenalian Minister of Intelligence, Imperial Commonwealth of Khenala>-
-<Desintation: SHODAN, Queendom of Zero-One>-
-<Subject: 8seiX9Y6tVDra97TL/hRxA==>-

Your Highness,

I have communicated your directive to the top echelons of our government, including the Prime Minister himself. After fully discussing each option, we have decided to recommend Option One. As a Minister and purveyor of all things in the Intelligence field, Option Two certainly does have its draws. However, upon discussion with the Prime Minister, it is both our official and unofficial policy that Triumvirate membership isnt something that should be for sale, at any cost.

A mutual defense pact, however, is agreeable to us in exchange for the information that will be provided. The Prime Minister has informed me to convey that the full assets of the Khenalian Defence Force will be made available, and that we will support the actions of the TYCS in any way, shape or form that we can.

With Deepest Regards,

Nathaniel Webb
Minister of Intelligence
Imperial Commonwealth of Khenala

=<End Transmission>=

<<Encrypted Private Communication>>

An interesting offer. It goes against my personal ethics to sell membership into an alliance for gain, no matter how beneficial it may be. Option 1 is likely the safer bet, so long as stipulations are put into place so that if Pilon acts out, we are not obligated to rescue that nation from their own mistakes militarily. From what my intel people have seen, Pilon would be a most likely critical weakness, and would pull the Triumvirate into affairs we would rather stay clear of otherwise.

The fact this offer isn't coming from the Pilonese government also concerns me. I can certainly appreciate RKPSgpzs8nRgifC1uhm8VQ== wanting to U9GMkk7YSWlaGiLmBTQrXZWADq5nQnOP, but what guarentee do we have that the information is good? It may or may not be free of tampering, or it could possibly be falsified entirely, a false lure to reel us in. In the time it could take us to verify that a piece of intel is false, the Pilonese government could shoot its collective mouth off and land in hot water. The Shogunate has thankfully managed to avoid the quagmire that is Martian politics, a trend I would like to maintain if possible.

I am curious as to possibly negotiating other options, but I fear that the options currently on the table are either too risky or massive PR disasters waiting to happen. Sure, say we let Pilon in and that country puts us at risk and we remove it from the alliance. It will still come across in the international community as the Triumvirate backing out of its own promise, which is an image I think none of us want to spread.

You know where to reach me,
~Firefury Amahira
<<End Transmission>>

[Sent Via E-Net]
[To: fe1ca9859cefff19]
[From: 959d57aadc17187e]
[Subject: 21650e52cb7a82638b]
[Classification: Top Secret- ECHELON]

93971684f6dcfce,

Although Pilon is an ally of ours via the MDI, I'm somewhat... averse to having that nation (which has a history of blatantly [and more importantly, frequently] not abiding to the standards of sentient rights) being in an alliance as influential as the Trium. Given the two options, though, I'm much more in favor of number one. I agree that the opportunity cannot be missed.

Given the MDI alliance, though, can we find some way to twist arms and get what we need in the context of that alliance? Even an MDP between the Trium and Pilon is a fairly big step to take.

Sincerely,
$1$dWjjO3Ad$

origin: Master Theos Ensor
destin: S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0
ref: Pilon
stamp: absence


\begin
I'm sorry my efforts on the international state have been absent as of late, internal conflicts have been multiplying. My memories of Pilon have faded with time and I do not remember them well enough to speculate properly. This may prove to be an advantage when forming an opinion, however, do keep this in mind.

Option one seems to be more rational and cautious. Option two seems to run the risk of other nations finding out. How do we know Tvpj5LMJAHs= won't sell us out with the Pilon government throwing up its hands helplessly in a manner akin to a child that got caught being naughty? What assurances do we have that the data provided to us by Tvpj5LMJAHs= will be accurate and not fed to us by Ordo through Tvpj5LMJAHs=? In short, where is the way out if everything possible turns against us?

I do understand that we must take risks, however, we should be doubly cautious when dealing with entities such as Tvpj5LMJAHs=.
\end

Of course, all of this is moot if the First Among Equals can't be convinced; when the local Karmabaijan diplomatic avatar brings it up to vonKarma, the man's response is only a gruff "Pilon? In the Triumvirate?" delivered with a cigar-chomping glare that suggests the only way to get his mind changed is through the kind of blackmail and coercion Shodey is more than loathe to use on such close friends. Not over something like this. The response in Stonozka is both similar and different; while Speeks would like to bury the hatchet he isn't about to do it at the expense of the Triumvirate, while Garbo desperately, desperately wants that information.

Shodey and Janus have an agreement that way. They both share a burning lust for information. While Garbo, as Intelligence Advisor, is not in a position to push public opinion or Federated policy any particular way over Speaker-Rrit's objections, it is at least comforting to know she is not quite alone.

From Devras:
<Return Private Communications>
{
<< You know there’s no love lost between Auman and the Dominion. Mars is still a rather … touchy subject around some here all things considered. When I really want to get Calabrese in a stir all I have to do is make mention. Slick bastard. Still holding a slight grudge there. So Dominion of him. Dammit.

<< In truth though, your proposal intrigues me and I wish to know more. [sly grin analog] I won’t be so naive as to think the Trium can’t be challenged, even if I do have the utmost faith in it. If we can get any legitimate intel on a possible problem before it becomes one, I believe a certain amount of risk is well worth it.

<< Dinner tomorrow sounds wonderful. I’m sure the children will be thrilled to see Aunty Shodey as well – Naiya has some new artwork she drew on my office wall I’m sure she’ll want to show off, and Marcus, bless the little ankle-biter, has been working on his pounce-tackle. Heads up on that – they’ve both become quite proficient at tangling up one’s feet at the least opportune moments.

<< Sorry there’s only one of me. Lord knows if there weren’t uncomfortable precedence for problematic situations with doubles and the like, I’d inquire about alternative solutions. Alas. There can be only one. (Thank the powers that be, no?)

<< Much love, sis. See you then. Say, six-ish?
}
-- Nathi
Open-minded, but undecided. Fair enough... and six it is. S.H.O.D.A.N. chuckles within herself, and makes arrangements for the Devras diplomatic avatar to make a visit. That's something to look forward to.

Meanwhile, on Mars...

"It appears Pilon's... perceived instability is turning out to be a bigger obstacle than previously expected."

"The Menelmacari mentioned this earlier."

"Not in public, I hope."

"No, they were very private with it."

"Oh, good."

"I am not sure how much she let the Pilonese know, though."

"Hm. Not so good. Anyway, a third option bubbled up during discussion with my allies."

"The elves mentioned that the Trium was not very willing with the mutual defense pact, though they would likely try to make appealing offers towards me personally." A hand to the head, a slight smirk. "I have a migraine, I apologize."

"Sorry to hear that." A concerned, almost professionally so, frown.

"No problem, we all have our challenges in life." A flick of the hand waves it away. "Third option?"

"Yes, that's the third option. Basically lean on our mercantile interests to make deals with you, including... security deals. From there we can move along if things warm up, but at least we can get you security. Not to mention (just between you and me) the TYCS is a lot more likely to get involved in the occasional brush conflict if there's Trium citizenry to save..."

"Mmmmm. Define 'security deals.'"

"Megacorp-grade security. Essentially corp mercenaries, and given the scale of just Sunset's private militaries..." The suggestion of scale left unsaid. "Then there's 01MC, which striking deals with that is basically the same as striking deals with the Queendom itself."

"I've the funds to do that on my own, if i really wanted. Given the working status Pilon has with the Menelmacari/C'tan bloc at the moment I already have systems to work for defense there, and 01MC and I already have a system set in place that gives them a slightly more vested interest than usual." A soft sigh. "It's branding that I am looking for, not armies. Having the Trium label stamped on his backside makes him a less enthusiastic target for troublemakers."

"The problem is that the Trium doesn't want to be drawn into a high-publicity deal with Pilon, given that they half-expect Pilon to poke Auman until Auman strikes first. While the Trium would then be justified in dropping the deal, it wouldn't reflect well." A slight pause. "As for branding... I'm not sure about that. The anti-Trium group would just want to beat him more, which is the other half of the unease I hear about this. We support Pilon and then the baddies attack Pilon anyway to get us into a fight we're not interested in."

A gentle nod. "I can understand that."

The first makes a slight noise of thought, then smirks slightly. "It would be a gambit, but..."

The other eyes the first, but waits patiently for the 'gambit.'

"I want that information." Garbo folds his arms, leaning with slightly more authority against the doorframe than previously. He certainly does want it; the desire is breaking through his nominally nonchalant demeanor and causing him to be somewhat more fidgety.

"I know you do," the gynoid avatar replies from her usual comfortable place on the couch, curled up with a book that has a half-eaten doughnut on the cover. She glances from the book over to the kzintosh writing behind his desk with a flick of her slitted-pupil eyes. "And you could probably have it, too. The Segments are well-known and respected..."

"I already said we will not sell relations with the Triumvirate for momentary gain," Speaker-Rrit replies, writing a letter of state in his carefully neat cursive on a sheet of real paper using a stylus that communicates wirelessly with the sensors in the desk's datablotter to make an automatic electronic copy of his work.

"Yes," Shodey replies, smirking mischievously, "but you also want to bury the hatchet, right? It's only the idealistic thing to do."

"Hrrrr." Speaker chuckles, shaking his head slightly. "You are up to something."

"She always is," the afro'd man of Japanese descent in the doorway quips.

"Anyway, as I was saying, you're well respected. Scolopendrans saturate the higher levels of Triumvirate superfederal institutions almost as a matter of fact. So much so that the two are essentially synonymous."

Garbo pauses for a moment, then nods slowly. "I think I see where you're going with this." He glances up into the yellow eyes of the felinid, and the two gain an understanding thanks to working together for so long. "Hawke won't like it, but we can make him say he does, or at least his section does."

"We will have to inform the Council of Yut to gather their opinions before we proceed... if they completely reject it there may be no point in continuing." The kzintosh glances over at the mechanoid queen. "Will it work?"

"I talked with her earlier and she said it'd be enough if we spin it the right way." S.H.O.D.A.N. smiles impishly. "Now you know why you keep me around."

"The couch would hardly get used otherwise," Garbo snickers. "Good--now I'll have something to run past those memos we got from the Mournin'-Horse."

Shodey leans back and returns to her book. "Indeed you will."