NationStates Jolt Archive

Times Of Navarre

Controversial Royal Trade Enhancement Act Signed Into Law

New act proposes free ports, legal status for foreign currencies, and new laws regarding slave transport in the Commonwealth

A controversial new Royal Act was signed by H.M King Percival IV today, bringing into law one of the most contentious and debated pieces of legislation of recent times. The Royal Trade Enhancement Act (20xx), designed to readjust and deregulate the Commonwealth’s economy in the face of increasing competition from more advanced and expansive economies in the traditional trade and commercial finance sectors that make up the majority of international trade of the country. The Act is being both hailed and derided by members of both political wings and the nation at large.

The Act is designed principally to reduce the bureaucratic load on trading firms, removing and streamlining several old pieces of legislation, as well as reducing licensing fees and reducing clearance and quarantine times for certain dangerous goods, chemicals and organic cargos depending upon the safety records of the companies in question and their nation of origin. The two major changes however, and the two most opposed points as well, have been the creation of ‘free ports’, and the legalisation of the transport and transfer of enslaved sentient person(s) between nations where slavery is legal.

‘Free ports’ are newly established economic zones, taking up most of the commercial areas of the six Mainland metropolises. Within these areas there are several inducements for international and interstellar businesses to setup or expand their bases in the country, including reduced property and income taxation rates, subsidies for infrastructure based improvements and long term job creation, increased funding for local authorities, and most contentiously, the status of several foreign currencies within these areas.

The Menelcamari Credit, the Midlonian Pound, the Havenite Pound and the ZMI Rung are the first four currencies to be implemented, with the government keeping the option of introducing more at a later date. All AI, A, B, BI and C category firms and businesses will be required to accept these currencies as legitimate currency barring special appeal to their local authority. Change for physical currency transactions may however be given in Mintels or other legal currencies within the free port. Smaller firms may or may not adopt the new currency depending upon their own wishes. This is intended to improve international trade by stabilising currency prices for transactions in the main Freethinker business districts. The four chosen currencies were chosen for their own price stability against the Mintel and their status as backed or partially backed currencies.

These plans have been attacked by several business leaders, particularly by the smaller firms within the B and C categories and the organisations that represent them. The increase in sunk and menu costs for what is expected to be light gains from this deal has or will hurt current and future profits, it is claimed by the Domestic Business Bureau, although the Freethinker Treasury has criticised these forecast, stating that the multiplier effect of the increase in trade for larger firms will provide increased domestic revenues that more than offset the rise in basic costs. Reports from both bodies will be published later in the week. Many larger firms, however, have been rejoicing at the news, and with expected profits likely to increase the NSEX index rose 233 points on the backs of increased trading in the largest category AI and A companies in a notable post-announcement rush.

The legalisation to legalise the transportation of enslaved sentients through Freethinker territory is the most contentious issue of all, with the debate settling into a rough contest of sentient civil rights versus the principal of non-interference, respect of individual and foreign property rights and to a lesser extent sovereignty. The Act allows the transfer of enslaved individuals through the Commonwealth’s national waters and canals (an important time saving measure for cross Atlantic travel), provided that both in the destination and origin territory institutionalised slavery is a legal and regulated industry. All slaves being transported must be from the respective countries in question (and their status confirmed by their respective regulators) and their basic physical and mental needs must be met. Docking ships will be subject to inspection and cargo manifests and proof of legality and contract will have to be made to the respective harbour master. The enslavement of sentients within the Commonwealth and the use and trade of slaves is still expressly forbidden.

Peter Bromsgrove, spokesman for the civil and political rights advocacy group Memory of the Seventh, has however argued that ‘the Act is in itself a vehicle that seeks to justify incredible suffering merely in terms of economic gain, a vile, immoral, terrible condoning of a barbaric practise that we had thought was now merely history’ at a rally on the Plaza Libertas, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the Act and expressing outrage both at the government and the monarchy for passing the legislation itself. His words were echoed by many human rights groups, both domestic and international, and concern has also been raised in several other nations including those considered close friends and allies.

It remains to be seen what sanction, if any, will be given to the Freethinker government. However, given the ruling of the case brought about by MotS and other groups last week at the Freethinker High Court which ruled that foreign enslaved sentients were ‘…as subjects of legitimate foreign regimes considered being beyond the scope and protection of the Constitution in jurisdictions beyond the control of the Freethinker government, these persons, barring those illegally removed or detained, have a legitimate status as enslaved individuals until such time as their legitimate government states otherwise…’ there is unlikely to be a major domestic obstacle to the act being fully implemented. The government has taken the ruling onboard as its principal defence, alongside improved relations with certain states and an increased economic reputation with regard to foreign nationals.

App. By the requirements of the Transparency Act (1984), the funding for these initiatives comes from; 52% Cost savings from DotI efficiency savings from the previous five year government fiscal cycle, 23% from current expected Government surplus, and 25% from the cancelled infrastructure and administrative organisational structures of the previous legislation that the new act replaces. This is expected to provide 98.8% of all required annual program funding according the Freethinker Central Reserve.

Also:
Editorial: Page 38C
Business Report; Think tanks predict the effects of the new Act: Pages B12-B14

-Interesting, isn't it?
-What exactly do you mean?
-Well, the slavery issue. Some of our prominent think tanks had The Freethinkers pegged as leaning against slavery.
-Well, they are, but they will not actively seek to prohibit it either. It seems that they regard sovereignty as a high priority.
-Indeed. They legally keep themselves as far from the issue as possible while reconciling their own beliefs on the matter. By that, I mean they say it is illegal in their land but they honour, what was that phrase..."institutionalised slavery is a legal and regulated industry"...erm, from origin to destination.
-Tell me, does Vrak still have slaves?
-Well, you do know that we have a debtors prison. And criminals have lost all their rights so, well, an argument could be made that they are slaves.
-Right, well, very interesting I must say. It is a policy that we should consider adopting as well. Also, it may work for overlooking other such indiscretions that occur in the Klatch.
-Hmmmm.

The C’tan Empire wishes it known that these legal changes in the ironically named nation of The Freethinkers are contemptible and pathetic, and show a total and complete lack of spine and moral grounding among whatever reprehensible cabal passes itself off as its leadership. This barbarity puts them somewhere considerably beneath the infamous standards of Allanean misconduct and malpractice. This disgusting display of capitulation to the depraved immorality of Midlonia and other modern slavers is entirely disappointing and superlatively irritating, and will require a serious re-evaluation of relations with The Freethinkers.

~ Statement of the Senatorial Committee for Legislation and Management.

"That little shite Bromsgrove is gonna be laughing at this. Assuming we let that message out." Barham reclined in his chair, taking the half empty mug of coffee in his hand and taking a disinterested sip. More went on his thick moustache than anything else, however, as his eyes concentrated on the last signature line, lingering for several moments deep in thought.

Finally replacing the communique on the desk in front of him, he turned his face up to look at his companion sitting cooly in the reclining sofa in front of him. "Didn't even know they had a government."

Broxtowe, the thin grey haired man in the sofa, merely closed his eyes and shook his head. His mouth barely moved as he mustered a proper response. "Of course they do, and they're gonna need a reply. Theme?"

"Tell them to fuck off, quite frankly."

"Diplomatic."

"And sincere."

"They are one of the bigger players in our...hell, space in general. You sure you wish to be so..."

"We are not spineless sycophants to anyone, regardless of power, regardless of influence, and I have no intention of becoming what they so blatantly accused us of either. We are Freestians, Freethinkers, and what we do and what we believe is to do the best for us and us alone. You have a job to do, make it good."

"You're the boss."

------
To the C'tani Senatorial Committee for Legislation and Management.

Thank you for your kind and articulate enquiry with regard to our new economic stance on various issues regarding international trade. Your response, which I was delighted to pass on to all senior members of government, has however proven to be somewhat, how can we say, awkward.

Freethinker policy with regards to domestic matters is based primarily upon the needs, wishes and economic and social well being of our population, nothing more and nothing less. Unlike your good, spread out and highly advanced nation we unfortunately rely upon actual trade, and, therefore, need to be willing to make certain, limited sacrifices of principle in artificial morals to ensure the continued prosperity of our nation.

Thank you for your kind and considered words once again. However, should we ever need C'tani advice on domestic policy we shall endeavour to contact you before hand.

Have a pleasent day.

Sir Alex Broxtowe
Foreign Minister of the Freethinker Commonwealth

The cog wheels of government wound on, as the issue was deemed more and more important, until it reached the highest and lowest level; that of the population at large. Referenda weren’t uncommon, in fact, there were scores per day; most issues got there in the end. Higher levels of government – representative, executive – existed merely to speed up the process.

Clunk.

The parliament debated and considered and voted quietly.

Clunk…

A proposal issued by them worked its way through the population.

Clunk…

Twin plans of action were forumulated and secretly passed around the population. Things that would be secret in other nations… remained secret. It just happened that almost everyone was in on that secret. They were quite good at conspiring.

By the Will of the Citizens of the Eternal Necrontyr Empire

Given that the nation of ‘The Freethinkers’ has currently introduced legislation to legalise transhipping of chattel slaves through its borders, and given that this is deemed abhorrent to us.

Considering that this is ostensibly to benefit the Freestian people, and considering that this benefit is economic in nature and furthermore that the most effective way to correct such aberrant behaviour is in making it counterproductive;

We Determine that The Sensible Commonwealth of the Freethinkers shall be given a set time in which to rectify this behaviour before overt and covert forces are considered duly authorised to take action to render damage unto the economy of the Freethinkers in order to enforce a change in behaviour, or in which to provide an alternate means of redress for the Harm this behaviour will do.

We Determine that this set time shall be three days or seventy two hours Earth Standard, commencing at 00:01 Vinyatírion Standard Time 15th Yávië 31,875¹.

By our Will;
<Snipped Approximately Seven Billion Anonymous Digital Signatures>

¹OOCness; 'Tonight,' IC

The next morning sat as the worst day ina long while for Barham. The public display of both communique and ultimatum had caught him, used to private diplomacy, horrendously off guard.

It was not pleasent to say the least. The Ultimatum itself had been a shock, an actual threat of force like this would generally have had him reeling in laughter before calling out what should have bee a pathetic bluff. Yet, here, now, the speed and strength of the response imposed a much greater weight upon him. This was in fact, barring, no, including the Commonwealth's time in the Concordat, an unusual occurence. Incredibly unusual, in fact, simply because Barham found himself completely unsure of how serious and how commited the Necrontyr Empire actually were.

Yet, would they actually be willing to engage on a military basis? Were they powerful enough that the risks involved in what would be a very..pluralistic action, if they did seriously contemplate it then what did that belie about actual C'tanni strength? Barham knew stories, read intelligence reports, hell, caught many international news shows. Godike was the general consensus.

Freethinker sovereignty matters above all. The choice he had to make had consequences that would last for a long time. 16 years in office had given him a very long term perspective, and he was now faced with a choice, remain strong and stand firm against the threat of violence, principled but running an incredible risk, or back down in the face of overwhelming and unknown force and be regarded as weakwilled cowards. Barham made his choice...

---

The days to the deadline passed without official response, niether from the government or the monarchy, leaving people at something of a loss end. Most people took the silence as a deliberate snub, though the reaction to this merely polarised the opinions held by the two camps. Supporters of the C'tani position found themselves accidentally backed by the prospect of war with a true galatic superpower, whilst their opponents, Barham's supporter's, cried traitor, demanding the government take an even firmer line.

The event had underscored the awkward nature of the conflict, a true test between power, principles and the notion of Westphalian sovereignty. Caution and panic began to fill the air of the nation as the deadline came around, every accident, every breakdown have people jumping and accusing. Yet still nothing but silence arose from Government House.

The deadline passed into the night without a word.

Official Announcement from the Vrak Ministry of Rites

We officially support the latest policy enacted by the nation of The Freethinkers. The Freethinkers is a sovereign nation and should be allowed to legislate whatever domestic policies it sees fit.

As well, to the critics of the policy, perhaps a rereading of this sentence is in order: "he enslavement of sentients within the Commonwealth and the use and trade of slaves is still expressly forbidden." How critics can equate the nation of Freethinkers engaging in slavery is beyond us. The Freethinkers is merely honouring the trade agreements reached between nations that it actually trades with and does not pass judgement upon them.

What we do find ironic is that those who hold the supposidly high moral ground are the same nations that are quick to pass judgement, issue forceful and threatening ultimatums, do not engage in any sort of diplomatic dialogue to try and attempt to understand another point of view and, most troubling, do not provide alternative solutions. Is it any wonder why many nations abhor the busy-body meddlesome nature of the so-called "righteous" and "moral" nations?


[The Great Seal of the Vrak Ministry of Rites]

Official Announcement of the Allanean President

We in Allanea would not normally comment on the economic policies of foreign governments – except in the cases of communist governments, where our invasions of New Albor, Eurasia, Iragia, Edolia, Kraven, New Dornalia and Aissur stand as testimony to our opinion on that kind of 'economics' – however, Freethinkers' government has recently announced that it will become tolerant as to the question of slavery – the ownership of actual sapient beings and their use in trade, as well as the extraction of unwilling human labor. To wit, they will allow transport of slaves through 'free ports' on their territory without impediment.

The United States of Allanea would like to remind the Freethinkers that this is, in point of fact, a grotesque mockery of the name of their very nation, and of term 'free port' (in medieval times, 'free cities' had the privilege that a serf that escaped to one would become free from his master if he stayed there for a year). We further would like to the international community that Allanea had always been opposed to slavery, down to the point of repeatedly pursuing slavers by the sword. No companies that profit from slave labor or the slave trade are allowed to own property in Allanea (a fact that has repeatedly prevented Midlonians from investing in the United States), and engaging in the slave trade is a capital offense in the United States. Let Freethinker corporations that would consider investing in Allanea bear that in mind.

While currently we are still bound by the terms of the Freethinker-Allanea Mutual Defense Pact to continue free trade with the Freethinkers, we would like to remind the Freethinker government – whom we do not, as a matter of fact, find responsible for the acts of their individual citizens – that our dedication to our Menelmacari and Necrontyr allies is foremost. If we are to choose between Freethinkers and slavery on one end, and our Glorious Menelmacari Allies and freedom on the other, we will surely choose the latter.

The Allanean Armed forces are hereby on alert. We hope we will not have to fight our own allies – but if this is what it takes, then fight them we will.

If it shall be war, we will put our forces at the disposal of our Necrontyr Allies and Lady Liberty.

This is all.

May God Bless Allanea.

“Glorious Menelmacari allies? I think I’m going to be sick,” Nathicana mutters, reading over the latest missives tagged for attention according to keywords and the like. “I realize the elves are free to do as they choose, but to have that disgusting little insect parade their name around like a banner is an insult to all of those they’re associated with.”

“Well, you know how they are about holdings, and power, and having their fingers on everyone and everything they can,” Calabrese offers with an eloquent shrug that speaks volumes. “I don’t really think they care how they look, so long as their hands are full. This wouldn’t be the first time, you know. And it isn’t like these ties are news.”

“Yes, I realize this,” she snaps back, scowling over the display screen as she continues to scroll through more reference materials relating to the problem at hand. “This ‘friendship treaty’ (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=503064), for example. Might as well be publicly saying ‘Here, let us be your whore so we can suckle from the Menelmacari military teat while provoking as we like elsewhere’.”

“Alright, so what do you propose doing about it,” her chancellor asks dryly. “Your own alliance ties to Menelmacar make it problematic to take action against them. Not playing nice is rather frowned on in the Triumvirate, is it not? And it isn’t as though you can bring them up on charges for who they choose to deal with, especially not with our own track record.”

“I’ll thank you not to remind me of that last fact, damn your hide,” Nathi says, giving him a flat look. “No, nothing can be said of that directly, but there are … other things that might be brought up in conversation that have had me perhaps more concerned than the elves looking like idiots, and by association, ourselves.”

“The Ctani ah … ‘involvement’?” Cesare asks, arching a brow.

“Quite. While I’m not certain we have anything against the Ctan perse, the fact remains that we did not elect to become allies with them. And yet, they seem to have as much access to and knowledge of Triumvirate dealings and decisions as any full member due to the increasingly seamless integration of the two nations since the union of their leaders. It isn’t right,” she answers firmly.

“Surely you can’t be suggesting the elves would betray us …”

“I’m suggesting that it is a breach of trust, and is inappropriate,” Nathi says quickly. “Were other nations involved, what do you think the answer would be? To take an extreme example, were the Dominion tied to say, the old Arda, or gods forbid, the Aumani, or Sketch by marriage, and we were sharing things to the extent the elves are, and training the militaries of those in direct opposition to our long-standing allies, and integrating things to the point where it seems hard to tell where one nation ends and the other begins – how well do you think our allies would take it?”

Calabrese snorts quietly, reaching for his glass and taking a slow sip before answering. “Extreme example indeed. I doubt they’d smile on it. Hell, I doubt very much they enjoyed what contact we had with some of those mentioned, but the point remains – they did leave well enough alone, and they did respect our sovereign rights in the process, whether they liked it or not.”

“I’d say this is somewhat different,” Nathi observes, ticking off several points and sending them across to his own laptop for reference. “Point in case, mutual defense clauses, which we never had, nor intended to have. Access to intel networks. Trading away territory – something Menelmacar never does – in an already unstable area to a known troublemaker. And doing all of this under a document that is for all intents and purposes, a bribe for bits of shiny and ego-boosting fluff. It’s a travesty.”

“And the involvement with the Ctan?” Cesare asks, leaving the question hanging.

“I simply think it’s worth an inquiry to see just how deeply it runs, and how it affects our alliance standings on account. This offers an opportunity to bring up our concerns, and perhaps, assist in getting said ‘treaty’ abrogated, should all go well. I’m not so arrogant as to suggest Menelmacar needs to worry itself overmuch about what the Dominion alone has to think about it, but if our concerns are valid, and others have them as well …” She gestures idly with one hand, letting the implications be left unsaid.

“Right. And the statement on slaving that will needs be made to initiate all this?”

“Lets work on that, shall we?” Nathi replies, fingers already moving quickly over her keyboard.

Official Dominion Response, Public

It is an interesting dilemma the new initiatives by the Freethinker government presents. On the one hand we have the sovereignty of their nation, and those who involve themselves in slavery at stake, and on the other, basic sentient rights – both things I doubt everyone will ever come to an agreement on.

Let us examine the facts at hand before presenting our position on the matter.

a) The nation of Freethinkers does not in fact practice, nor profit from, nor encourage slavery.

b) The only ships allowed docking and transportation rights through Freethinker territory who engage in slavery are those where both the originating and receiving nation recognize slavery as legitimate.

c) It is within the sovereign rights of nations to make such decisions for themselves, whether others agree on them or not.

d) It is within the sovereign rights of the Freethinkers to profit from the transport of legitimate business through its territory, and is in fact, preferable to forcing them to deal with piracy and illegal transports were they to deny it.

e) In allowing these businesses to transport their cargo legally, the Freethinker government is able to track the transactions, and in such a way, keep identified who is participating, and where, in addition to being able to monitor the cargo to ensure that illegal shipments are not made.

f) It is inappropriate to make threats to a nation operating well within their sovereign rights for something as small as this, when the purpose of discouraging slavery would be far better served in addressing the nations buying and selling said slaves.

To point, while we find the trade of sentients to be distasteful, and strongly oppose the practice and discourage participation therein, we find the outright threats made by the Necrontyr Empire to be equally abhorrent and completely out of line. As such we are extremely disappointed to see a nation so closely allied to one of our own make such irresponsible and regrettable statements concerning the deliberate undermining of the Freethinkers government and economy. One wonders how far they are willing to go with such threats of what can only be called terrorist activity.

One also wonders at the implications of war that the rogue state of Allanea brings up in their rather overstepping response. Let us be perfectly clear that we at least would be rather displeased should this group of terrorists and sympathizers take any such military action against the Freethinkers for carrying out business as they see fit, especially when said pack of miscreants has been charged with or guilty of far, far worse things on their own, up to and including attempted genocide.

To see them so closely tie themselves to again, one of our own, and a nation who has clearly stated their intent to engage in terrorist activities to force change within a nation operating safely within its sovereign rights only clarifies our stance, and forces us to condemn all three, considering the relationship of those involved. We would not have thought Menelmacar one to support terrorism, and desperately hope that this is as we fear, simply an oversight on their part, and a mistake on others for implications that they approve, quietly or otherwise, of such actions.

Again, we condemn slavery and those who traffic in it. The Freethinkers are not such a nation, and in fact oppose slavery. The fact that others who transverse their territory and airspace do hold such practices as legal are not the fault of the Freethinkers, nor is it out of line for them to extract fees from legitimate businesses, however unsavory. We find them to be in an excellent position to prevent further abuses within the slaving system, and to cut down on the chances of innocent non-participatory citizens being illegally bought and sold into slavery by monitoring the shipments that pass through their holdings. While embargos against participatory nations is always an option, we feel the Freethinker government is in a far better position to do good than harm in how they’ve chosen to address the problem, unsavory though it may be.

We would ask that the Freethinkers take care that any such transactions as they are engaged in do not cross over to our holdings, or that traffic is not directed over or through any of them, including those jointly held by the Non-Democratic Alliance until such time as the council can convene to come to a more collaborative stance on the matter.

We would also reiterate the points we have made earlier, and encourage those giving serious thought to taking action against the Freethinkers to reconsider their perhaps overly hasty words, as we would hate to see relations further strained by any unfortunate happenings.

--Official Release of the Dominion Ministry of Public Relations

Official Imperial Response:


We would like it known that while the Divine Imperium does not support slavery, it is very much in favour of continued economic liberalisation throughout the galaxy. Our relationship with the nation of Freethinkers is one of neighbours and we would view as...unfortunate... any actions to damage their interests on Mars or, less pressingly, on Terra.

It is a question of national sovereignty, too, and we come down firmly on the side of the individual nation and its freedom to act in a manner in accord with its own interests. All we request is that such beastly trade be directed away from the northern ocean, and we advise that those who attempt to enter Imperial Airspace from, or en-route to, Freethinker Martian territory while engaged in the people-trade shall be halted and punished to the full extent of whatever law we deem fit, same as elsewhere.

Announcement on the ratification of the Kaeneian-Freethinker (Commonwealth) Treaty on Mutual Territorial Recognition & Exchange.




~~~~

The date being the Twenty-First Sunrise of the Second Period in the year of Earth Ascension Five Hundred and Eighty Nine does The Council of the Aengelistoria Dominica under its remit to negotiate all international treaties hereby declare the ratification of The Kaeneian-Freethinker (Commonwealth) Treaty on Mutual Territorial Recognition & Exchange, on behalf of The United Provinces of the Serene Union.

That on this date for those requiring it the Treaty is presented as three acts to enter into force together, with immediate effect:

ACT I – Recognition of the Territorial Integrity of the Freethinker Commonwealth.

THAT The Aengelistoria Dominica, representing the Serene Union of Kaenei (Hereby to be known as the “Serene Union”) formally recognises the territorial, political, social and economic existence of the Freethinker Commonwealth (Hereby to be known as “The Commonwealth), her colonies, dependencies people and assets as existing.

THAT With immediate effect the Office for Foreign and Extra-Solar Affairs is hereby ordered without delay to establish a diplomatic facility at Embassy Row, Capital District, Navarre and that the same privilege is extended to The Commonwealth in turn.

ACT II – Release of Economic Capital.

THAT The Serene Union shall release to The Commonwealth an injection of capital of an unspecified amount with immediate effect, in return for the securing the future services of Commonwealth Industries in goods, services and wares which may be deemed desirable by the Serene Union and agreed in principle with The Commonwealth.

THAT The injection of economic capital will take the form of whatever (with prior agreement between both parties) is deemed most suitable by The Commonwealth.

ACT III – Establishment of inter-service cooperation.

THAT The Serene Union and The Commonwealth shall agree to undertake joint military training in Commonwealth Orbital “Space”, as well as within The Commonwealth itself for the purposes of promoting new training methods, improving functions and facilities.

THAT As part of this joint agreement, the Kaeneian Defence Force (hereby referred to as the KDF) is ordered to mobilise the entirety of the First Fleet “Solarri” (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Defence_Solarri#First_Fleet) and rendezvous with The Commonwealth orbital station “Atlas.”

THAT The Defence Terra shall transfer a number of Guardian training teams aboard the First Fleet to rendezvous with The Commonwealth’s ground forces.

END OF ACTS.

ADDENDUM : THAT This Treaty, its acts and contents, may be altered or abolished at any time via agreement by both signatories.


All provisions of this treaty as shown enter into force immediately, and without delay beyond logistical considerations.



“This Treaty as drafted is approved by the Council of the Aengelistoria Dominica and validated by me in its entirety, on this day as noted.”

Governor-General Sophia Byzainti (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Sophia_Byzainti); First Chair of the Aengelistoria Dominica.

“To our most esteemed and glorious ally,” it was a voice dripping with maximal sarcasm. And when one’s a quasi-god famed for the power of one’s voice, that’s quite a lot of sarcasm, “Alexander Kazansky… Are you some kind of retard? Don’t answer that, I’ve already made my views on that plain. Your inability to distinguish between us and Menelmacar is understandable, given your limited intellect; but if you try really hard, don’t exhaust yourself, you will observe that Menelmacar has nothing whatsoever to do with this operation. Hard as it may be to grasp, despite our agreements and links and operations and alliance, we are separate nations. Our efforts involving the Freethinkers have nothing whatsoever to do with Menelmacar, and neither draw upon their military, intelligence, or even diplomatic resources.

“Furthermore, the announcement of Allanea’s belligerent hostility towards the Freestian people makes me disgusted in ways and on levels you cannot grasp. Given the track record of gross, nay, whopping, incompetence of the Allanean leadership and military, in any operation requiring more finesse than a crazed, crack huffing badger (which of course, accurately describes a large part of the Allanean Armed Forces) is guilty of, the idea that your help is either required, desired or even permissible in such an incidence is tremendously hilarious. Were you capable of taking your insensate policies with anything other than the true commitment of the fanatic, I’d think it satire. Do not attack The Freethinkers.

“Your undesired suggestion of elevating what was previously a minor issue into anything where innocent people might be killed is needlessly barbaric and foolish – the Freestian people neither deserve nor require your brand of ‘attention,’ and has already done immeasurable harm to the policy objectives of this operation. We would be much obliged, and in fact –

“I hereby order the Allanean military units mobilised in this instance to stand down. You are not required. You are not wanted. Go home.”

---

Ranisath waved a hand unnecessarily to cut the recording, and turned, “Asaid. Get your ass to Earth. We must move swiftly now. That rancid little crud has caused a titanic kafuffle. Makes me wish for the days when I could just drop a supernova in a species’ face when it offends me…” he paused, “Urgh. And now the Kaenians have announced some damn treaty with the Freestians. As if they think we’re going to invade. Hell, half the damn system think we’re going to violate the damn Freestian Sovereign Rights. It’s insulting…”

“Should I go now?” a mid-size, dark haired woman standing behind him asked.

“Quite,” he said, and she departed.

I at least hope I can ruin that idiot Kazansky’s day as thoroughly as he’s shat on this… With any luck, I can still turn this into something beneficial, he thought. Irritatingly, he had things to do as well. His ship awaited… And then he'd have to work out his apology to the Freethinkers, too...

Official Statement of the Prime Minister of the Freethinker Commonwealth

My friends, domestic and international,

My first wish is to thank, over the last few days, those brave voices who have risen in support of our right to self determination, our right to do what is best for us and our country. Our most heartfelt gratitude and thanks goes to the noble and just peoples and governments of our Klatchian allies, the Divine Imperium, the Serene Union and the Dominion, for their words of reason and support in these trying times.

I have merely to say, that, in the shadow of these great nations it makes me proud to realise that certain values, certain laws of conduct and etiquette still remain in the international realm. It is good to know, for a nation still finding its way in the interstellar world that there are those for whom the concept of right, of Westphalian sovereignty and the right of self-governance and responsibility still matter.

I can safely assure those who have queried that we have never ourselves, in any shape or form, allowed slavery to exist on our shores or involve our citizens. As the representative of the Dread Lady so articulately pointed out, our position has always been against the practise and our actions here can be justified in how we can reduce the illegal traffic of this nature whilst still protecting the sovereign rights of nations that continue to legitimately take part in this trade. Though we find the practise abhorrent we nonetheless understand that this world is a varied and unstable place, and that only understanding and respecting the role and supremacy of a legitimate state is the only way in which the whole international system can work.

Let us remind the world we know what it is to be a slave, to have to fight for our rights and liberty. To the Necrontyr Empire and the nation of Allanea, we see in your threatening words a strange and almost…naive belief in the notion of pluralistic concerns overriding our right to improve and protect our people and their livelihoods. We have done nothing more than ensure the continued prosperity of our nation, albeit perhaps in an ethically interesting but none the less defensible manner. This state of affairs exists, after all, because in this galaxy it is this government and this government ONLY which will guard the interests of our people. Only through our resistance, our sacrifice has this been possible for so long, and nothing now or ever will change that.

To those who speak of war, I can merely ask, is the loss of life, for us and for you, worth the pitiful rewards you can expect to earn from such an endeavour? Are you so arrogant in you belief of your might, of the righteousness of your cause that such concerns are irrelevant?

I have made my stand. Once again, to our friends, I send my gratitude and the thanks of the government of this great nation.

Strength, Courage, Honour, Unity

Sir Theodore Barham
Prime Minister of the Freethinker Commonwealth

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


The signature was still wet as various copies were being flung into diplomatic cases. The King sighed, drying the pen nub as his eyes gave one more glance over the treaty. The low murmur of the crowds outside drifted in through the palace windows, in support or against the treaty he had just signed mattering not to him. It still had to be ratified by parliament, perhaps a formality now, given that there would be few real objections to such a beneficial treaty.

One more ally on paper. What it meant for the future looked decidedly unclear.

Signed By

His Majesty, King Percival the Fourth, Head of State and Protector of the Commonwealth.

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

Navarre Primary Gravport, The Docklands, Navarre

The SS Talbard Mover powered up its ancient engines, an ancient ship purchased secondhand, its technology still outclassed those of the general city around it. At 230 metres in length and 30,000 gwt, it was smaller than maybe of its neighbouring craft, barely covering a quarter of its medium sized pad. Nonetheless, its small status belied its importance. This craft, belonging to some minor hauling firm from a far off system, matter because of when it was flying. This would be the first spaceborne slave ship to run after the C'tani deadline.

Extra bonuses had to be paid, an awkward transaction given the increased standards of accomadation order by the Customs officials. Nonetheless, the craft departed on time, clearing control quickly as it lurched into the higher atmosphere. It ascended into a low orbit where it was joined by two huge silvered giants, a pair of Guilder class destroyers, the FRSNS Whitestone and the FRSNS Cheo. At 2.03 AM Navarre time the three ships in concert departed Freethinker claimed space.

A statement was issued from the office of the new First Republican:

The Free Republic respects the sovereignty of the Commonwealth of the Freethinkers and their right to enact such laws as they see fit. Having said that the Free Republic questions any law that reduces sentient beings to 'property'. The Free Republic sees this as a dangerous precedent. The People of the Commonwealth must now wonder that if their government can declare other sentients to be 'property' what safeguards are in place to keep the Commonwealth government from declaring it's own citizenry as 'property'?

This law appears to contain within it the precedent that could put the Commonwealth of the Freethinkers on a dark and dangerous path. The Free Republic will consider seriously interacting with a nation that believes it has the right to declare sentient beings to be 'property' even if it is merely to facilitate trade between 'slave trading' nations. Profiting in such trade is certainly not civilized in any manner of the word.

First Republican,
William Issem

The necrontyr ship Shicaraissatel – Cala Drian was notable in a few respects. One, it was a ‘battleship,’ one of only six in ‘active service’ second, it was quite the veteran, and thirdly, it was the ‘personal flagship’ of the Elenaran. He was aboard now; he really needed to be for once. C’tan could, when they wished, find ways to push technologies far beyond their theoretical maximum.

Displacers could be quite powerful at times. But even to those on, a ship two hundred meters long was tough. When it was so colossally far away – over a light hour – and deeper in the system’s gravity well, it was immensely difficult.

But not to a ship personally carrying a C’tan.


For the crews of the two Freestian destroyers escorting the slave ship, it might prove difficult to believe. Their charge, the SS Talbard Mover simply vanished. If they were particularly astute, they would notice a drop in the environmental density of local space. As if the ship, and its surroundings, had simply been scooped out of space.


It appeared well inside an all-pervasive jamming field around the necron ship, so close that it was possible to space-walk. But that was the least of their problems. Things… stalked the corridors. There were only a dozen or so crew – thousands of unwilling passengers, of course – and far more… things.

If they had done their homework, as they probably had (or perhaps, as they’d still signed on, hadn’t) they would know them. Necron Immortals. And stranger, and more fearsome still, wraith-creatures that passed through solid walls as if they were no barrier. Led by a towering black figure, gaunt and skeletal like the others, garbed in gold and crimson, with a brutal, almost utilitarian looking crown, and a halo of silver wires at its head.

At least one of the slavers learnt a valuable lesson; never attack a combat robot with a shock-baton. All it does is annoy them.

Despite this, the machines didn’t actually kill anyone. Though those who looked like they were going to resist were obligingly given rather brutal smacks around the head (and in one case, dosed up to the eyeballs with injected muscle relaxant).

The necrons of course, had learnt enough to know that they – or at least, their combat bodies – were not appropriate for actually liberating slaves. So they simply left, taking their prisoners with them; who, despite their ‘crimes’ wouldn’t necessarily be punished in any conventional sense. Confined to the C’tan homeworlds, yes, and followed by scarabs, to ensure they wouldn’t abscond, but otherwise provided for - at least until such time as they honestly decided to reform.

Patronising, and sickeningly saccharine, it was in other words a typical act of the C’tan in the time of Ranisath.

The ship, and its gigantic captor, left, to go to Duat, where another vessel would see to the liberation and just as importantly, provision, travel or support arrangements for its ‘cargo.’


Meanwhile, the other prong of the operation was on her way to pay a more personal visit to Theodore Barham. She was, among other things, a shape-changer par excellence. Perhaps as convincing as the C’tan themselves. She to would not kill anyone, nor harm them if possible. Her aim was merely to procure some ‘alone time’ with the Freestian Prime Minister.

It had been the intention from the start to do so. To provide an escape with his public dignity intact, enhanced even, from the situation once a clear example of both resolve and ability had been seen… It was an offer that couldn’t be refused.

OOCness: Things from here on in should be happening very – lightning – fast. So, I for one would appreciate it if all but Free and I could hold off on posting until the Asaid-Barham bit is done.

Yes, this tremendous wankery was cleared in advance. There would have been more build up, but this thread has suddenly become most urgent.

Murmurs of discontent? Not so much as denunciations, arguments and counterarguments, major debate in public discourse. On one hand is the freedom issue- freedom is an important concept in the Tiburonese worldview. Discussions public and private, seen more in the halls of academia and government but also present to an extent on the street, ring with arguments supporting liberty and counterarguments emphasizing the Dominion's perspective. The majority's position, however, is clear.

And it's reflected in the statement of the government.

Official Statement from the President of the United Solaris Federation

The United Solaris Federation expresses its deep and grave concern for the recent Royal Trade Enhancement Act passed by the government of the Freethinkers. Our history with the Commonwealth of the Freethinkers, in both the United Alliance of Progressive States and the Concordat, have shown them to be a historically progressive and democratic state, and we believe that this act runs contrary not only to the core beliefs of the United Solaris Federation, but the Commonwealth as well. Before we continue, however, let facts be submitted to a candid world.

a.) Although the Commonwealth of the Freethinkers does not practice from slavery, the new act explicitly means that the Commonwealth shall be profiting from the slave trade as well as implictly means that the Commonwealth encourages the proliferation of this trade.

b.) Although both nations involved in the slave trade by way of Commonwealth territory will be listed as officially supporting slavery, it is unclear whether both nations accept the conditions of slavery in reality. Similar situations can be drawn from treaties imposed on the nation of Cuba by our own forerunners, the United States, in the 1900s OCE, as well as the treaties imposed on Um Lizaa by Iraqstan. Such official recognition may very well come in direct opposition to the opinions of the populace as a whole, and may in effect allow for a nation to subjugate another in a multiplicity of ways- first, by imposing an illegal treaty on them, and secondly, with the implicit blessing of the Commonwealth, by enslaving their populace.

c) The ultimate source of sovereignty comes not from a state but rather from the populace comprising that state, and it is incumbent for individual sovereignty to be protected against external forces which wish to compromise the integrity of individual sovereignty, the fundamental building block of the international community.

d) As noted in Part C, the ultimate source of sovereignty is the sovereignty of the people, and any involvement with the slave trade violates fundamental human rights. As such, far from being an expression of natural rights, this act is an implicit denial of such.

e) An argument that states that movements against the slave trade are better helped by this act implies that the Commonwealth will act to gather intelligence and work against the slave trade as a whole. However, it is not clear anymore that the Commonwealth would indeed act in such a manner, and relies on the action of a nation that has made no promise whatsoever to actually act; in essence, it relies on the good word of a nation that has made no word to keep.

f.) Although we agree that the primary focus must be on the countries actually dealing directly with the slave trade and that this is by no means justification for military action, this act does nothing but to further the slave trade, and in order to stem this tide, any and all movements to the proliferation of the slave trade must be stemmed.

We support the position of our allies in the C'tan Empire, although caution that acts of agression may allow for an easy path towards escalation of conflicts. We also note with concern and alarm the treaty between our staunch allies in Kaenei and the Commonwealth- although we agree that a peaceful solution to the situation is desirable, we believe (as noted above) that this will allow for an implicit endorsement of the trade in question.

We would also like to take this time to reaffirm two of Tiburon's foreign policy goals- namely, the preservation and promotion of allied interests as well as the preservation and promotion of progressivism and individual liberty as set out in the Charter of the Alliance of Progressive Nations as well as the Starfighter Paper on Government and Freedom.

We are also- I'm not sure whether to say amused or appalled- by the blatant hypocrisy with which the Confederate States of Allanea claims to be morally outraged by this position. Time and again, the Confederate States have shown themselves to be the antithesis of any sort of progressive or freethinking ideals that rational states have come to cherish, as genocide, mass murder, bigotry, and irrationality have been cornerstones of Allanean's relations with the rest of the world. Their repeated actions have shown a blatant disregard for the basic human rights that they insist they believe in, and we note that their calls to action should be treated as they are- nothing more than another note in the shrill cacophony of Allanea's hypocrisy when it comes to civil rights.

Overall, although we find ourselves surprised, alarmed, and concerned with the position of the Commonwealth and some of our staunch allies, we urge that a peaceful solution be implemented. In accordance with this, we have asked the Commonwealth (and they have agreed) to allow a contingent of Tiburon's Aerospace and Naval forces to patrol Freethinker territory in order to prevent any acts of unwarranted aggression. In a show of good faith and also by approval with the Commonwealth, we shall not assign ground forces to this contingent.

Sincerely, and with consternation,
President Sakura Akanimara,
The United Solaris Federation of Tiburon

Akanimara pouted as she went over the text again. "Hm. I'm a bit concerned about some of this. The Dominion and the Kaenians are our staunch allies, after all."

Vice President Sen nodded in reply. "Yes, but we're not exactly blaming them for anything, ne? We're simply expressing our concern that those positions may in effect do nothing but support the trade overall."

Akanimara nodded, convinced. "True. Besides, looking at the larger picture, our statements aren't exactly inconsistent with the official Trium and APN position. After all, we're pretty much saying what's in the charters themselves." She continued typing and then turned to Sen again. "By the way, we've been given approval from their government. Looks like Athena's Torchbearer is a go."

[Sent Via M-Net]
[To: Field General Sanjay Mahindra, 8th Aerospace Force, Tiburon Aerospace Force; Rear Admiral James Docket, 14th Fleet, United Solaris Federation Navy]
[From: William Danby, Secretary of Defense, United Solaris Federation of Tiburon]
[Subject: Light the Fires]
[Classification: TOP SECRET COMMUNITY]

FLG Mahindra, RAD Docket:

Operation Athena's Torchbearer has been approved. Official claim is that Task Force CM319N-0221A (codenamed "Palmyra") is intended for patrolling Commonwealth space. Actual mission of Task Force Palmyra is to gather intelligence as previously discussed on slaver shipments. COL Shijakane TASF is to be in command, vice command by CDR Alvarez USFN. Task Force Palmyra breakdown attached.

Good hunting,

Will Danby

OOC: All agreed upon with Free via IRC. And this'll be the last, C'tan.

Barham hummed an indiscernible tune, probably some mindless top 40 hit whose name he hadn’t bothered remembering. Papers on his desk were scattered haphazardly, reports on health department budgetary forecasts and mining rights had disappeared beneath a number of folders and flash-sheets, labelled top secret, covering the various angles of a very strange incident.

The Whitestone had reported simply losing contact with her target at 545 km range, no debris, no vapour, no…nothing. Not even residual atmosphere or gas particles. Cheo had similar, blank readings, entirely. The ships FTL drive wasn’t of the type for such a movement. Intelligence was unsure of what had happened, though suspicions and rumour had drawn their own conclusion.

Dull footsteps outside the door echoed throughout the office. In the harsh orange light of the evening the shadow of the door moved, wavered, and then opened fully. Barham looked up with a smile.

“Nice to see you this fine evening Al, just wish I could get home before…”

Barham stopped for a moment, trying to pick out what was wrong with what he was seeing. Broxtowe, his foreign minister, was standing right before him, plain as day. Then he realised he had sent him home two hours ago.

“Jesus man never knew you to actually work late. Having been banging your new secretary again?” Broxtowe smiled at him, before seating himself down comfortably opposite Barham at the desk. Concerned about the lack of response, Barham leaned forward. “You alright man? Only kidding on…”

He merely kept smiling.

Task Force 319N-0221A began setting up in the Commonwealth, seemingly rather slowly. Of course, from the moment they set up shop- which was really just a few moments after Danby's message was sent- they got right to work examining intel. They were somewhat concerned about the disappearance, but they had their suspicions- and since Athena's Torchbearer was an intel gathering operation, they weren't about to take action. Besides, they had all the intel they needed from that ship.

Meanwhile, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations issued its own message. This being the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, only the highest of allies (read: Triumvirate and APN allies) could even know of the existence of the DPKO. Luckily, through the strange union between the C'tan and Menelmacar, the Empire could be found within that set.

[Sent Via M-Net]
[To: {Senior Military Liason, the C'tan Empire}]
[From: Janke Liassen, DPKO, the United Solaris Federation of Tiburon]
[Subject: Operations]
[Classification: TOP SECRET COMMUNITY]

To the Military Liason of the C'tan Empire:

Intelligence from the current Tiburonese task force in the Commonwealth of the Freethinkers indicates the disappearance of a slaver cargo ship. The United Solaris Federation has reason to believe that such an operation was carried out by our allies in the C'tan Empire. As such, I am authorized in the strictest confidence in our respective government circles to send a message including this information. DPKO wishes to assist the C'tan Empire in this effort, provided this effort will not hamper the intelligence-gathering efforts of our task force.

Sincerely,
Janke Liassen,
DPKO,
The United Solaris Federation of Tiburon

OOC: ICly, only the ToY executive council really knows that Athena's Torchbearer is an intel-gathering operation. This message is intended to preclude any unforeseen actions.

President Eaton stepped up to the small elevated stage in the front of the Chamber of the Peoples. He smiled grimly as he looked out over the assembled Representatives, come from every Member of the Resurgent Dream and from every walk of life. Eaton didn’t look much like a leader of men. He didn’t have the regal bearing of High King Owain or the steely resolve of Viscountess Kairis. He had been the district attorney for Walter County, North Roanoke less than a year ago. Yet leadership had fallen to him during the most drastic period of change in his nation’s history and, as he began to speak with his gentle country cadence, one could imagine why. There was something calming about the way he spoke, even when the subject matter was unpleasant.

“I am sure most of you have been following the situation in Freethinkers so I won’t spend a great deal of time summarizing the situation. I’ll simply address a number of points which have already been made. The first is the claim made by Freethinkers that they do not allow, much less encourage, slavery within their own borders. This claim is, in fact, inaccurate and it surprises me that it has been allowed to stand by many well-meaning governments who should have legal experts available to interpret the current law. What is in fact illegal is the purchase or sale of slaves in Freethinkers or the employment of enslaved labor in Freethinkers. Slavery as such, however, is quite legal. Perhaps this requires some explanation. It wouldn’t seem to me that it would but the comments made by some people who I respect greatly shows that it does.

“What does it mean to transport slaves through sovereign Freethinker territory? It does not mean that Freethinkers merely waives the right to impede traffic between two slave nations. It means that slaves are kept as slaves while physically within the sovereign jurisdiction, not of the laws of any two foreign commercial powers, but of Freethinkers. It means that the law of Freethinkers now regards them as legitimately property while in Freethinkers. It means that it is now legal, under certain conditions, for people to hold other people as slaves by force against their will. It legalizes every measure for the physical restraint of slaves used in these cargo ships in Freethinkers. It grants the officers and crews of these transports the right to hold people as captive property in Freethinkers. It means that any of these slaves seeking the protection of the law of Freethinkers will be denied it. It means that slaves who might escape can be recaptured, either by slavers or by agents of Freethinkers itself, again, while in Freethinkers. By virtue of allowing this transportation, Freethinkers, as a matter of law, does in fact allow slavery within its own borders. It does not merely recognize it on foreign soil. This remains just as true if slave transports only move through space, air or water and never directly come into contact with citizens of Freethinkers. It is, ladies and gentlemen, a simple fact which no amount of sophistry can erase. I am sorry if this is a bit obvious but apparently it is harder to understand than one would think and it is not, as some have said, a small matter.

“The other issue that has been mentioned is the sovereignty of Freethinkers. This, perhaps, is a more legitimate concern. It is certainly not the intention of this nation, whether alone of in conjunction with her allies, to attempt to claim any sort of legal jurisdiction over the territory of Freethinkers or to seek to enforce any real or imagined international or moral laws on Freethinkers against their will. What we do intend to do is to exercise the sovereignty of this nation in accordance with the principles by which we guide ourselves: Our sovereign right to determine who may or may not enter our territory and what may or may not be sold therein, our sovereign right to pass laws and administer justice within our own territory and our sovereign right to extend the protection of our laws to any person or persons in our territory regardless of their legal status in any foreign state or of how they came to be physically present within our jurisdiction.

“The nation has bestowed on this Government great discretionary powers in the exercise of these sovereign rights. In accordance with these discretionary powers and with the principles on which this Government founds itself, we hereby declare: No person, excepting asylum-seekers, shall be admitted into our territory under a Freethinkers passport; any persons now within our territory under a Freethinkers passport, excepting asylum-seekers, are required to leave with all due haste and shall be subject to deportation if they should fail to comply; asylum-seekers originating in Freethinkers shall be considered automatically to have a prima facie case for the granting of asylum and shall be provisionally granted all the benefits of asylum until such time as their case can be heard by the competent legal authorities; the importation of any item manufactured in whole or impart within the territory of Freethinkers is forbidden; direct commerce with Freethinkers, regardless of the place of manufacture, is forbidden; ships registered to Freethinkers are forbidden access to our ports; any person or persons physically present, legally or illegally, within the territory of the Resurgent Dream, for whatever reason, who are discovered to have participated in the transportation of slaves through Freethinkers may be subject to criminal prosecution, depending on the specifics of the case and, finally, all corporations registered to do business in Freethinkers are forbidden access to our markets. The economic aspects of this policy shall go into effect in one month’s time, so as to give businesses time to put their affairs in order. The policies on border control, asylum and criminal prosecution shall go into effect immediately. Notice of these changes in our sovereign domestic policies has been sent to Freethinkers and to other concerned nations as a courtesy only. This policy is not negotiable so long as the situation remains as is.”

Open statement on the Royal Trade Enhancement Act

#3 Jameston Place
Given 20 Nevinosa in the Year V of the Revolution

BEING THAT the Gull Flag Republic supports the rights of all nations to adjudicate domestic commerce as they will AND that the Freethinker Commonwealth does not itself participate in the actual transportation of sentient beings against their will for the purpose of selling them into slavery (hereafter: ‘slaving’), BE IT HEREBY DECLARED that the Republic shall in no way hinder the transportation of any goods within Freethinker-claimed territory and national waters.

HOWEVER, all slaving powers are once again (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10681072&postcount=18) informed that it is the long-standing policy of the Iansislean government, most recently codified in the post-revolutionary ‘Anti-Piracy Act of 1953’ (Section III, Paragraphs 1-7), which defines slavers as pirates, to allow its Admiralty the right to capture, try, judge, sentence, and execute by hanging all those found slaving in international waters, regardless of nation of origin.

FURTHERMORE, the Gull Flag Republic would be gratified for the opportunity to express its DISGUST at the selling-out of the principles of Human Rights and DIGNITY. Such low compromises are found to be ENDEMIC to outdated monarchial systems, even constitutional ones.

Long live the Revolution! Long live the Republic!

~RINEHART, P.I.

((ooc: mostly just bluster. The Republic’s Navy has nothing near the capability nor the will to actually enforce this policy (outside of locals), but the National Assembly enjoys making a big fuss on the international stage about all its doing to uphold sentient rights and all that. Also, I quite enjoy writing in the Republic’s extroverted, extravagantly archaic and self-righteous tone! ;-) ))

The ‘Foreign Minister’ raised his hand, and twitched a ‘his’ middle finger. There was a slight ‘hiss’ as something darted through the air, and a sharp prick in Barham’s neck. He darted forwards, somehow vaulting a wide table, and grabbed Barham by the collar, “Can’t have you falling over,” he said. Save that it wasn’t ‘him’ any more. It sounded rather female now, “Oh, if you want to talk, I wouldn’t worry about it, it’s a rather fast acting muscle relaxant, you won’t be making much sense in the immediate future.”

His features blurred, and ran, twisting and falling, like some surrealist nightmare. Clothes blurred and changed, until opposite Barham, stood a tall, dark haired woman with eyes of flint, clad in something form-fitting, that covered her entire body with a deepest matte black. On her left shoulder there was a gold symbol, like that on the Necrontyr flag, within a laurel wreath.

She drew a long, tapering sword that she’d somehow stuffed up her sleeve. Its basket hilt appearing to make it look quite antique, Italian perhaps, were it not for the way the blade seemed to twist on itself, and smoke somehow move within the metal. She laid it down on the desk, facing Barham like the sword of democles.

“You needn’t bother screaming by the way. No one’s coming, and all your communications devices here don’t work. Quite an experience to live in fear, isn’t it?” she mused, “That’s what it is to be a slave.

“And if you’re wondering what gives me the right to do it – for some reason, lots of people like that sort of thing, as if their ‘rights’ are absolute guarantees that they can cower behind. – the answer’s simple. It’s the same thing that allows you to provide succour to Criminals - Power. In my case, overwhelming power, I had wanted to drag you off and sell you to a Knootian brothel, but alas, I’m not allowed to do that.

“Instead,” she sat down, steepling her fingers before her, “I’ve been sent to give you an offer. I’ll make your C’tan problem… go away. You won’t have to change your laws, and you can market it however you like – ‘they saw our resolve and ran away’ if you like. In fact, with that moron Kazansky pumping out hot air, we’ll even go further – we’ll apologise for the intrusion when we go away.

“See, we don’t actually care about you. Appearances too, are marginally important. We only care about results. If you truly dislike slavery as you protest,” she reached down and nudged the sword forwards a little, “then it’ll all seem positive. The price for me, and my friends, buggering off and leaving you alone is simple.

“Information. We want information. To be specific, we want you to provide to us – we’ll make confidentiality arrangements – information about the origins and destinations, routes, cargo and crew arrangements of these slave shipments. Then just… leave them alone. Worse things happen at sea, you know. Not your fault,” she grinned. It wasn’t a nice experience to be grinned at like that.

“You should be able to speak again by now, by the way. I wouldn’t try to move though. You might just about manage to fall out of your chair…

Official Response of the United States Government

We have perused the Friendship Treaty again. There is nothing there about the Emperor of Menelmacar ordering our troops to stand down. It mentions merely that we will provide Menelmacar military aid when so requested. No clause in the Treaty can possibly be interpreted as to allow the Emperor of Menelmacar or anybody else in Menelmacar tactical or strategic command of the Allanean Armed Forces, the unorganized militia of Allanea, or our Border Patrol.

Further, considering the fact the Allanean Military has the record of repeatedly ending conflict by our sheer presence in the field (q.v. Operation Hallowed Sabre and the Eurasian Conflict), operating against enemy forces while completely outnumbered (q.v. Operation Free Antanjyl, Operation Free Iragia), and rescuing hostages under fire (q.v. certain moments in the history of Tarasovka), while sending human and elven volunteers into the line of fire, one would argue the Allanean Military is not quite that inept – and not quite that cowardish.

As of now, we apply for the termination of the Menelmacari Friendship Treaty.

Official Responce of the Grand Ducal Government
to the
Official Responce by the United States Government

Allanean forces have never and will never be involved in any hostage rescue operation in Taraskovya due to their simple inability to understand that "RESCUE" does not equal "EXPLODE". The sole moment in time when the Allaneans "aided" the Taraskovyan authorities was when they specifically blew up a house that has been holding terrorists wanted by our security services, but that house was not on Taraskovyan soil to begin with. Furthermore, the TDI wanted these personalities alive for agressive interrogation and, unfortunately, body parts do not speak.

As far as foreign and domestic operations of the United States military are concerned, the record is simply pitiful. The United States Armed Forces have failed to deal with a small club of dictatorial fascists despite bragging around massive military alliances. It has repeatedly failed to win against an enemy armed with something more than spray cans and with an ideology other than pacifism. It has been beaten in the Edolian wars. It was annihilated in the One Day War. It has been beaten everywhere a worthy and well armed enemy arose. The United States Armed Forces have failed, keep failing and will forever fail to do anything other than provide comedy relief to the international community.

It is, thus, that the United States should just sit quietly and ponder over Operation Infinite Justice, where a company of SODATs was sufficient to put Allanea on its knees.

OOC: I am of the belief Free may not be enthused by all this stuff going on in his thread.

IC:

The Taraskovyan text missive was not replied to. It was piled in the same shelf as the usual Austarian, Dominion, Angstian and other similar comments on Allanea.

A statement from the Menelmacari Prefect of State

"The Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar would like to point out that it is in no way involved with the current diplomatic standoff between the Eternal Necrontyr Empire of the C'tan and the Freethinker Commonwealth. The popular referendum by the Necrontyr citizenry enacted to sanction the Freestian government and economy is a Necrontyr law and not a Menelmacari one.

"It is not the official policy of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar to support 'terrorism' or, at this time, any other actions against the Freethinker Commonwealth in response to Freestian trade policy. If there is an 'oversight' in this matter, it has been perpetrated by the Allanean 'President' Kazansky, who has forgotten that despite our extremely close ties, Menelmacar and the C'tan remain distinct nation-states, a status which is not likely to change. As such, I would like to announce the Yet Another Censure Of Allanea Act, 31,875, which was passed by the Ilquen Farnë this morning, and signed into law by the Elentári shortly after.

In effect, the Act officially censures Allanea for its trigger-happiness, and eagerness to both escalate this matter to a military conflict, and foolishness in its lack of understanding of Menelmacari and Necrontyr policy. The Act also authorizes funding for the distribution to each Allanean cabinet-level officer, congressman, senator, and diplomat, one copy of An Introduction To Menelmacari Foreign Policy, and one copy of Menelmacari and Necrontyr Relations, A Primer, in hopes that actually reading about such things would help them figure out what they're talking about.

Finally, the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar hereby, in our grace and benevolence, grants the Allanean request to end the Friendship Treaty. Thank you all; I will now take questions..."

Press Conference by the Menelmacari Prefect of State

A somewhat pig-like human male waited his turn in the ensuing round of questions. His press card identified him as a journalist for the Knootian daily Trouw. As he stood for his turn, he appeared rather serious, were it not that his bright and somewhat-too-tight red tweed jacket put him somewhat out of place between the elegant elvish attires.

"Sir, I thank you for your clarification. It is most enlightening. However, what I missed in your statement is the following, errr. What is Menelmacars position on the slave trade in Freethinker Republic? It has been pointed out in international discourse that this allows people to be treated, legitimately, as products, as slaves, inside the Republic. Does Menelmacari policy not conflict with this? If so, what action do you intend to take?"

The journalist lowered his hand, then raised it up again.

"Also... if you do indeed disagree with actions taken by the Necontyr Empire, why so?"

Túrelio frowned slightly as he glanced down at the Knootian in the seventh row. "Our position is that the matter is well in hand and that Menelmacari action is not required. Next question."

Barham kept his eyes oh the tip of the blade in front of him. The sword, he could appreciate with amazing clarity given his rather passive position in the conversation, was indeed a nice looking weapon, its old visage adding to it menacing precense. The red last light of the evening gave a hint of sanguine elegance to its blade, what and whose blood it had upon it were the first, somewhat confused questions entering Barham's mind as the situation fully began to dawn on him.

His first words were garbled gibberish, his facial muscles working off the last of the relaxant.

“This is an absolute… honestly there are better, diplomatic channels for this…” A sharp intake of breath. “Well, I am very glad you are not here to kill me.” Barham smiled weakly. There was a hidden tremble in his voice that remained even after he had regained control, and his eyes still darted from the C’tani ‘messenger’ to the sword on the desk.

“I would love to pretend this was the first time I was conducting negotiations at the wrong end of a hostile knife point.” The joke didn’t do much in the rather stoic atmosphere. His expression turned more serious as his composure returned. “Well, okay. I can see what you’re aiming for here, nice face saving measure for everyone as you said. Practical too, our favourite quality.” He smiled, more assuredly this time, though his eyes still lingered on the table. He went silent in thought for a few moments.

“Alright then, I guess we have a deal. Cargo manifests, journey destinations and times are public knowledge anyway; just pick them up at the Customs website. Ill sort out several daily transfers of crew manifests, insurance details, inspection reports, everything else our Customs guys pick up. I’ll also get them to pass along the naval registrar’s docking logs and whatever else we pick up from the respective harbour masters. Anything relevant from the CNIO too, I guess, it can all be arranged.”

“So, yes, I accept this most gracious offer from the Necrontyr Empire, and we will strive to uphold our end of the deal without fail. I do not expect an apology, no matter if it is even simply to save face. I intend our next words to be reconciliatory as well. I am, I will say, glad to know that there are those who share our views of practical reality, even if some of us have the luxury of principles as well.”

His expression dropped again, though his ears did not immediately pick up the response as the main arrangements formulated in his mind. Appearing finished, if perhaps not entirely satisfied, his assassin turned to leave before him.

“But, before you go, there is one last thing I want you to know. I guess in answer to your statement, I do know what it means to be a slave. Probably far more than you could realise now. I know what it is to be absolutely helpless, to be completely alone. But I also know what it means to be free, I know what had to be sacrificed, the loved ones I would never see again, to fight for our own nation, to hold onto our country and our right to self-determination. I know, I have seen, the worst that humans have to offer one another. Do not ever think, for a single second, I do not know what it means to be small and helpless. Do not forget that I and everyone else here, also know what it costs to be able to call this country our own either.”

Barham put his head down for a moment.

“I guess, as well, that I owe a thank you of sorts to your leader. He has my personal gratitude for being able to work the best of bad situations. He has my admiration for that.”

He nodded, the most dignified movement he could make with his still unresponsive body, waiting her last words before she finally departed.

A 'pleasantly plump' human woman in her late thirties or early forties with curly blond hair stood up next. "Rebecca Fairchild, New Amsterdamdam Tribune . You've said that the situation is well in hand and yet it remains largely unsettled and has led to a great deal of tension between many allied western powers. What are the reasons for Menelmacari disagreement with this Necrontyr policy? Moreover, what is Menelmacar's reaction to the decision of the Confederal Government to place such strong restrictions on all intercourse with the Freethinkers Commonwealth, including personal travel? Will this in any way effect Menelmacar's economic relationship with the Resurgent Dream, the Necrontyr Empire or any other nation which has severed or restricted its relationship with the Freethinkers as a result of this new trade policy?"

Fairchild smiled politely as she readied her ballpoint pen and her notepad. She did, of course, have a laptop sitting under her chair. However, like many journalists from the Confederated Peoples, she still preferred to take notes the old fashioned way.

Asaid smiled a little, putting her sword away, “There are other ways; but this one just stinks of resolve,” she said, emphasising the ‘stinks’ with a little smile. She even laughed slightly at his joke. “And look at it this way, now you can afford principles, in this respect at least. Sleep well – after all, anyone out to get you from now on will have a C’tan problem of their own, and you’ve got the luxury of a clear conscience. Goodbye. I hope not to see you again.” She said, and closed the door behind herself, changing again outside, to a different guise.

Home, and adoptive-daughter awaited (parenting of course, was far harder work than this, but at least she had the luxury of a daughter of her own choosing, with a childhood similar to her own) on distant Garm.

---

Túrelio smiled at the Danaan journalist, also fairly near the back; while it was an international issue, the Menelmacari (and Necrontyr) press were generally quicker to get there… “It shouldn’t be thought that the lack of Menelmacari participation represents any split from our allies. The matter is in-hand in that it does not require our involvement, and we are therefore not doing anything. We do not disapprove of C’tani actions here, and we could certainly be said to approve of them, as we approve of all actions against the unlawful,” this in a rather different sense than it was usually meant; in Menelmacari discourse, that was the preferred term for ‘unethical’ “bondage of persons of any stature by anyone. Our commitment to human rights remains as inflexible and resilient as ever.

“For the same reasons, we can not condemn and indeed approve of Commonwealth actions in this instance. And although I am not able to disclose quite what will be happening in the near future, I have little doubt that the relevant Commonwealth authorities will presently be appraised of the full situation as it unfolds.

“Therefore my only concern is that future actions may seem inexplicable, this is purely because of operational-security. If you hear nothing but rumour on the matter in the near future, you may assume that all objectives have been met,” he spoke with deliberated cryptically in order to hint to those interested, in what would be happening soon; the community of slave transporters would find out what was happening – sailors were like that – soon enough, but it was important that in the near future, such rumours propagated to human rights activists too. For while legally, the Freethinkers would be allowed to continue, in practice, something rather different would unfold.

“The actual economic effects may be harder to determine; Serindë could tell you more, one supposes, but at the state level, we will of course be taking no action in response to the Commonwealth decision; who the Commonwealth trades with – at least outside our immediate allies – is its own decision. The Necrontyr relationship with the Freethinkers has not been affected at a state level either; and indeed, in the short term, we expect Necrontyr economic interaction with the Freestians to increase,” the Necrontyr government had the effrontery to sell ‘confiscated’ ships to Freestian owners…

---

“It is our pleasure to announced that we have reached an amicable accommodation with the government of the Freethinkers that allows an ethical resolution of this problem without compromising the sovereignty of The Freestian Republic. While operational security concerns prevent us from divulging the exact details openly, though they will be available to selected governments¹, we are quite satisfied, and have achieved a break in,” he paused, “through, right,” he ‘cleared his throat’ and affected the manner of someone who’d made a mistake, “that allows the Royal Trade Enhancement Act to remain in force without amendment. We apologise for the inconvenience caused to traders of more legitimate goods in the recent distress, and will make reparations for all immediate losses due to it, details available from the Ministry of Trade. We also urge re-normalisation of trade with the Commonwealth of the Freethinkers.”

Ranisath cut the recording again, and returned to peaceably gloating in his mind as he wandered down to meet some of the slaves who had questions – family members who’d been sold elsewhere, and so on. The usual heart-rending nightmares that went with the black trade, but at the moment, he was in a jovial mood.

Rid of the Allanea treaty. Hoo-zah. I’m sure the guys we were shipping out to train their soldiers will be glad – the number of complaints he’d gotten when they found out that they were actually training the Allaneans to be ineffective – got all the stuff out of that Allanean estate, though it’ll be interesting to see if they try to retake everyone’s stuff. Pretty similar with those bases, too… that was true; there were ‘Sovereign Base Areas’ but they weren’t really used; the MIDF didn’t have that much manpower… Glorified shopfronts for the MIDF really. And the occasional static emplacement of middling importance Now to get that broadcast far and wide, and start trying to patch the cracks that ball-and-chain made.

---

OOCness: ¹ - Yut (Esp. Tiburon), VERITAS and anyone else who wants to ask me on IRC about whether their government would know. It’ll be an open secret soon enough. Only the arrangement itself will be disclosed, not the bit about the assassin going into Barham’s office and jabbing him in the belly with a phase sword.

Imperial Parliament
PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES

Pantocratoria, Parliamentary Debates, vol. no. 243, Feast of St Polycarp of Smyrna (23rd February) 33 Andreus I Capet (2007), Yellow p. 3

Hon. Lord Speaker: The Member for St Constantine the Martyr.

M. Louis Soissons: Thank you, my Lord Speaker. My question without notice is for the Minister for Trade. Is the Minister aware that Freethinkers permits the transport of slaves across Freestian territory and territorial waters? Further, is the Minister aware of the response of several nations, particularly Pantocratoria's Danaan allies, reducing or breaking completely trade ties with the Freethinkers Commonwealth? Finally, does the Government intend to formulate a response?

Hon. Lord Speaker: The Minister for Trade.

Hon. Mme. Jacqueline Catala: Thank you, my Lord Speaker. I think I counted three questions there, from Monsieur Soissons. (members interjecting) Perhaps, my Lord Speaker, the honourable member was unable to convince the Opposition Whip that he warranted more than one question, my Lord Speaker...

Hon. M. Isaac Comnenus (interjecting): Or that you warranted more than one answer!

Hon. Lord Speaker: Order. Members on my left. The Minister has the call.

Hon. Mme. Jacqueline Catala: Thank you, my Lord Speaker, in response to the honourable member's question, I am aware of the Freethinkers Royal Trade Enhancement Act, and recent pronouncements by the Freethinkers Government on the matter of international trade, which included, my Lord Speaker, as the member alluded to, clauses to the effect of allowing slave traders to traffic in slaves across Freethinkers, although not to buy or sell them within Freethinkers territory. My Lord Speaker, it would be a very sad day when I needed the Member for St Constantine to bring such announcements to my attention! (members interjecting)

In response, my Lord Speaker, to subsequent parts of the member's question, namely, is the Government aware of the Danaan response and the response of other Governments, and whether, my Lord Speaker, we intend to respond to Freethinkers in kind, or take any other action, my Lord Speaker, advice has been sought from my department about the impact of various courses of action upon the Pantocratorian economy, and I would hate to speculate, my Lord Speaker, about the outcome of those enquiries. Needless to say, my Lord Speaker, that the Imperial Government will be making a response. It will be a measured response, a reasonable response, sensitive to the human rights issues involved, and economically responsible, as has been the pattern of this government, my Lord Speaker.

Hon. M. Isaac Comnenus (interjecting): So you'll be doing nothing? Or waiting to be told what to do by a civil servant? Which was it? Possibly both?

Hon. Lord Speaker: Order! The Deputy Leader of the Opposition! The Deputy Leader of the Opposition will resume his seat.

Hon. M. Isaac Comnenus: My Lord Speaker, I'm trying to get a straight answer to the member's question out of the Mini...

Hon. Lord Speaker: Order! Members on my left! Order! The Deputy Leader of the Opposition will resume his seat! The Member...

Hon. M. Isaac Comnenus: My Lord Speaker, I move...

Hon. Lord Speaker (rises): The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has been ask to resume his seat twice. I shouldn't think that he would make the chair ask a third time. The Member for Genesia has the call. The Member was standing before the Deputy Leader of the Opposition moved his motion. The Member for Genesia...

Hon. M. Isaac Comnenus: Hide behind your backbenchers, Minister! (members interjecting) Will you do anything about Freethinkers sanctioning the slave trade? Yes or no? It's a simple question, Minister!

Hon. Lord Speaker: The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has been warned three times!

Hon. M. Demetrios Raoul: My Lord Speaker, if the Member for Genesia will yield the floor, on an urgency motion...

Hon. M. Isaac Comnenus (interjecting): Now the member will certainly yield!

Hon. Lord Speaker: The Leader of the House has the call.

Hon. M. Demetrios Raoul: Thank you, my Lord Speaker. In light of the Deputy Leader of the Opposition's outrageous behaviour in defiance of the chair, my Lord Speaker, I move that he be expelled from the chamber for a period of your pleasure.

Hon. Lord Speaker: The urgency motion is that the Deputy Leader of the Opposition be expelled from the chamber. Those in favour, say aye.

Members: Aye.

Hon. Lord Speaker: Those against, say nae.

Members Opposite: Nae.

Hon. Lord Speaker: I think the ayes have it.

Members Opposite: Division! Division!

Hon. Lord Speaker: Members opposite are calling for a division. I will deny such a motion if it be raised. Enough time has been wasted on this matter. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition will remove himself from the chamber. The Member for Genesia has the call.

Catching wind of a developing incident, DFAT was quick to draft something up on behalf of the Secretary-General.

Whilst I would like to remain cautious as per the interjection of our voice into The Freethinker's domestic policies, I should note for the purposes of international discussion that the Commonwealth is indeed treading a thin line between supporting the trade of slaves and not; certainly not a positive spin for that which considers itself to be a progressive nation, not to mention it being a backwards step for this leading member to the APN; an alliance which considers itself being a standard of Civil and Political Freedom.

Personal opinions aside, it is undeniable that the New Royal Trade Enhancement Act is further enabling the slavery trade if not within The Freethinkers themselves, but abroad; a seemingly measurable amount of tolerance has emerged within that society toward the issue slavery, even though they may not support it themselves. Perhaps their ministers may wish to consider these points if it may suit them; will will not be however taking retaliatory action against the passing of this act, and respect the sovereign governance of the Commonwealth of The Freethinkers.

Furthermore, we are outraged by the ignorance and lack of sensitivity the United States of Allanea has demonstrated in this issue, but are not surprised at all. To put it simply, if the illegitimate Kazansky-led government wishes to pursue such threats and turn them into action, we will be responding in kind and with equal measure. We recommend that for their sake and that of the international community, that they continue sand-boxing and/or playing with those who are less respectable, where such and such threats are unfortunately acceptable to that quarter of the world.

-- The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Astevane, Royal Capital of the Grand Kingdom
Royal District

The Foreign Affairs Operation Center was the Ministry's communications, crisis management, and news center. It was up and running 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It prepared briefings for the Lady High Chancellor, Minister, Deputy Minister and Ministry officials.


The main issue of concern was that this was an international incident, one that was affecting the international political scene.

It was the Grand Kingdom's foreign policy to remain largely unconcerned with moral issues in other nations, and when it came to morality, most of the Royal Government officials did not care so much. Most were in fact agnostic or atheistic, though some humanism was not uncommon. It would take genocide or nuclear detonation to catch such attention beyond simple diplomatic strategical concerns.

Analyists were analyzing this incident to see how it may affect the Grand Kingdom's political or economic interests in adverse ways, through possible ripple effect. They were looking at the big picture.

After a briefing was prepared, it was sent to the Office of Political Affairs, to the Assistant Minister of Political Affairs Lavein Jasu. If he was in his office, he would receive it, if not his secretary would deem how serious it was and send it to his dataphone. This was deemed as such.

The Assistant Minister was walking from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquartered in the eastern wing of the Esolina Palace, a massive Greeko-Roman building with Arabic elements as the entire Royal District was. The Esolina Palace is located near the Royal Palace, and was one of the palaces that was built in the Royal District. It took up several blocks, was almost a mile long, and was large enough to contain over a thousand rooms. It was now used for Royal Government offices. The offices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Public Affairs were all in the Esolina Palace.

The Assistant Minister enjoyed walking, and was walking down the elegantly landscaped Palace Avenue when his smartphone beeped. He slid it open, and looked at the data-display to see the live video phone to his secretary. She stated, "Sir, the operations center just transmitted a report indicating there has been an international incident related to the Commonwealth of Freethinkers. I am transmitting the report to you now."

Lavein nodded into the camera lense at the front of the smartphone above the screen, "Very well, thank you Regine." The transmission was complete, and the report came across the screen in easy to read letters on the bright crisp display. He read through it, using his finger on the touchscreen of the device to scroll down. The briefing contained the entire situation, the response of the nations, and all relevent information.

He sighed, "secretary instant" he said using the voice command for the push to transmit immediate connection feature of the smartphone and his secretary came up on the screen almost instantly. On her end he was connected to the digital terminal at her desk.

She looked up suddenly, having been turned around on her own private smartphone. He said "I hope that is work related" She looked back, blushed, "Yes sir." He looked into the phone, "See what the RIS (Royal Intelligence Service) has on the situation. Have all the relevent information transmitted to the Office of the Minister."

His secretary paused, "Sir, the Minister is away at his country estate for 2 days. I was informed this morning by his office. Would you like me to get a priority message to him? You know he does not like to be disturbed while vacationing on weekend retreat."

The Assistant Minister sighed, "Ahh blasted, no don't disturb him, just make sure the operations center is monitoring the situation. Do notify the Press Office. Tell them we have no response. They will know how to spin it."

He sighed, such were how things were handled in Royal Government. The Lady High Chancellor, chief diplomatic officer of the Grand Kingdom, currently the head of state Crown Prince's sister Princess Ameria Wasterin was away and never even dealt with these situations she was just the "face". They had to handle everything.

So for now there was no response, however the Press Office prepared a statement if there was any inquiry.

Times of Navarre

(From Page 1)

Therefore it seems, according to Treasury sources, that international trade involving the Commonwealth is likely to be unaffected to any significant degree in the long run. As mentioned previously, international reaction has been relatively stunted, the compromise with the Necrontyr Empire taking the momentum out of any real action. A few token gestures of censure, sanctions and travel bans have been taken by minor trade partners, but most opposition has at best been verbal and lacklustre.

Domestic critics of the act have threatened to fight on. A referendum bid is being planned along with efforts to garner support to request a constitutional striking. However, for now it is likely the policy will remain, and Barham, facing the worst loss of face in his political career, has at least been able to salvage, albeit with help, his own reputation and the strength of his government.

What it means in the long run is unknown, and though the crises has bought a lot of international attention to the Commonwealth and its policies, the mixed reaction from various powers has generated far more questions than answers. How the Commonwealth finds itself realigning its position among the galactic powers is still being examined. Although The Freethinkers remains a minnow in strength compared to its interstellar brethren, it has now at least, if perhaps only for the debate it created in a passing moment, begun to matter.

Seventh of April Bar, Government House, Capital District, Navarre

“Well,” muttered Barham, still eying his Foreign Minister, replacing the Mintels in his wallet, with suspicious glance, “I guess this could have gone a lot worse.” The Prime Minister took one of the two pints of lager in front of him and took a sip, wiping off the thin layer of froth from his moustache. “Hey, I guess now we know who our friends are, really.”

“Please don’t use that word in foreign affairs, its really very…misleading…” Barham gave Broxtowe a puzzled glance before his subordinate continued in the same serious tone. “You might be friends with other leaders; we may share history, culture with some and some lovely fancy….principles with others. But you do not have ‘friends’ on a national level, merely those with whom you share objectives and those with whom you have conflicting objectives. Nothing more and nothing less. You may have short term losses for long term gains, but no one, no one but you will look out for your interests. We didn’t find out who are our ‘friends’ are over the last few days, what we merely found out was who we shared a common world view and with whom we share common strategic and economic interests with. What we know now is whom we can reach out for in the name of mutual benefit, and also whom we should wary of for the…limited number of views and interests that they share with us.”

“You think the Dream’s sanctions will matter? Treasury didn’t seem too bothered.”

“Honestly? A few ships will be renamed and their cargo resold between a few more buyers and the origin lost in a sea of bureaucracy. Trade and profit have never let something as small as national governments matter. Its symbolic, maybe puts a couple hundred tourists out their way but what the heck. Of course we had to respond in kind, though with less fanfare, but honestly it’s zero impact save a little more bureaucracy for us both. It’s a nice principled gesture that does sweet fuck all, to be honest. As I’ve said, we’ve done far more here, although I will admit at first unintentionally, to end or at least reduce slavery than any number of ‘principled stances’ ever could.”

“Well, not as if you have ever actually liked them in the first place is it? I mean, principles, in the international setting.” Barham asked pointedly between mouthfuls.

“Second rule of international relations, nations… states, which declare they act, which I suppose do act on principles over reality are either liars or idiots, and both are nigh on impossible to work with. Why, because they are so goddamn unpredictable, so hard to please and so bloody whiny. No objectives, no real idea of what it takes to actually get things done. No practicality, in other words. Can’t get on with them at all.”

Barham furrowed his brow for a second, then spoke quietly.

“What was the first rule?”

Broxtowe placed his glass down for a moment, his darkened eyes watching a drop of condensation slowly make its way down its side.

“Never, ever trust anyone but yourself, and even then only as far as you have to.”

Broxtowe took another sip of his pint, reaching the dregs at the bottom. He replaced the glass on the table and got up, picking up his briefcase with the faintest trace of a smile on his face.

“Well, I’m off. Gotta go down and do a meet-and-greet the new ambassador from the Serene Union. I won’t be back after either, taking my well earned monthly bonus and going to be spending the next eight hours saddled up between two well-endowed prostitutes and dosed up to the eyeballs on a dozen different narcotics. See you in about three days or so.”

Barham grinned sardonically. “Right, I guess after the last few days we all need a break. There is one last thing I need you to sort out though. I just need you to send a few tokens of appreciation to certain people. Ze Dread Lady and whoever’s in charge of the Kaeneans at the moment. Erm, something Freestian, actually, send a couple of Wyvern eggs and hatching manuals, they always go down well. Contact Clo and get some of his premium breeds, they never fail.”

“Okay, can do, though I’ll have to leave the notes to you.”

“Yeah, no worries,” Barham looked down at the remainder of his own drink, “women always love something they can ride right? Oh, and, look up a book for me, “The Midlonian Occupation 1945 – 1952”, by , I think, something Cartwright. It’s out of print at the moment, I want you to get someone to track down a copy and fire it off to Ranisath, I think for someone so involved in slavery it would make a good read.”

“Seems somewhat tongue in cheek. Can you think of nothing better to send?”

“Oh, given his reputation I have a whole host of ideas. I just think it would be incredibly inappropriate for me as a national leader to send them as a gift from the nation. Book should be fine.”

“It’ll be tough to find if it’s out of print.” Broxtowe muttered, impatience now causing him to fidget, fingers tapping on his briefcase and furtive eyes looking at his watch.

“This is Navarre, the Commonwealth after all. What honestly can’t you buy here if you look hard enough?”