NationStates Jolt Archive

Chancellor's Hall, Western Coast of the Oleander Mega-City
Three figures sat at a large stone conference table. Monolithic blocks made up the wall and the floor was hardened soil. The stone ceiling was slanted with a large skylight which illuminated the room.
The light shone across the representatives faces. Two were almost human, though they had no hair and strange skin. One was blue, the other was a ruddy brown. The figure on the right was far differant. The light shone across leathery skin and a face rimmed in small horns. The blue individual had a sullen look on his face, as if expecting trouble.
They were awaiting the arrival of Sisgardian ambassadors to discuss the thorn in the Commonwealth's side: slavery.

The Taraskovyan Foreign Minister had an important and delicate mission ahead of him: ensuring that the Commonwealth of Nephtali ceased its slave trade once and for all. Taraskovya could simply no longer tolerate having a slaver nation within its backyard. And now that major problems on other fronts (both foreign and interior) have been dealt with, the Grand Duchy could finally concentrate fully on Nephtali. And this is why it has dispatched Minister Ithun Khat for the job. The envoy had to be of a high rank to signify the importance of the question to the Nephtali leadership, he had to be both a fine diplomat and also one who would raise no doubts when hinting at "direct action". A man with the rank of Captain in the Taraskovyan Airborne, and the sole survivor of the 75th Airborne Division that was decimated during the Aphyr Conflict, would surely inspire respect from a military point of view.

The Minister's aerial convoy arrived on time, landing where directed and taking the directed means of transport to the directed meeting place. The usual and routine arrival, in other words.

The 3 figures stood as the Taraskovyans entered the room. The middle figure, a ruddy brown Nephtali, spoke.
"Greetings esteemed neighbors. I am Chancellor Elkanah (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Nephtali/NationStates/Elkanah.jpg). This is Yitzhak (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Nephtali/NationStates/Yitzhak.jpg)," he gestured to the figure on the left, "the CEO of General Labor Inc. And this," he said, indicating the third, "is Ambassador Ezra Shai (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Nephtali/NationStates/EzraShai.jpg). I'm sure you will see more of him. He has recently been appointed Ambassador to Sisgardia, so I thought it prudent he were here."
The three bowed thier heads to the Taraskovyans.

“An honour to meet you, Your Excellency. As you have surely been informed, I am High Count Ithun of Var-Gellath and I have the great honour of serving as the Grand Ducal Minister of Foreign Affairs,” the head of the Taraskovyan delegation, a young-looking man of Taraskath complexion.

“Allow me to present Elena Darnic, a specialist on Sisgardian affairs. And Konstantin Valadin, a valuable element of the Ministry of Economy and Finance.”

The two inclined their heads politely to the Nephtali.

[OOC: Yes, sorry for the shortness. Lazy I am. Sue me.]

Elkanah gestured to the padded seats around the stone table. "Before we begin, it is custom to drink to a good conversation." He indicated to a large bottle of Cognac placed on the Taraskovyan side of the table. The two Nephtali picked up glasses of cloudy-looking water, while the Axa held his own of a dark liquid.
The three Taraskovyans picked up thier glasses, and followed the Nephtali and Axa in raising them with both hands, then drinking. "May the sun shine on those here." the three Commonwealth delegates said as they placed thier glasses down.
The group took thier seats. "While these talks are about ending the production and trade of sapients, I believe it is only fair to let the CEO of General Labor to present his arguement." Elkanah gestured to the blue skinned Nephtali who stood an bowed.

"Honorable guests, I am Yitzhak, CEO of General Labor Incorporated. I will get striaght to the point. Sapient beings are the most profitable line our company produces. I fail to see a problem with them. They are self-aware as much as an artificial intelligence in a computer is. These are not people. They are bionetic robots with limited cognitive functions. they are biological constructs. Machines. This is not slavery. This is industry!"
"Calm, Yitzhak." said Elkanah, "According to others in the international community, the sapiency of some of your products violates slave laws."
Yitzhak opened his mouth to respond but was silenced as the Chancellor continued.
"And I must say that it is my personal opinion that the international consensus is correct."

Elkanah turned to the Taraskovyans who were intently listening.
"I would like to hear what our Taraskovyan friends have to say on the matter before anything else is said."
He bowed slightly to the three, indicating that the conversation had shifted to them.

Ithun and his delegation listened calmly and silently to the little speech by the CEO of General Labour Incorporated. Even if they were quite annoyed by it, none of this showed on their emotionless faces. Finally, when the CEO was interrupted by Elkanah, the Taraskovyan Foreign Minister smiled and began speaking.

“Honourable Chancellor, Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador. Today is the year eleven hundred and fifty after Strife, at least for us Taraskovyans it is. The Strife is a word all Taraskovyan remembers and venerates, for even if it was maybe the darkest page in our history, it is also the beginning of a whole new era for my country. The Strife is when the Defenders of Tradition were pitted in a bitter fight against the Abolitionists.

“The first despised the idea of the Supreme Lord and Ruler Amala taking a man of slave origins as companion and giving birth to a son from him, who became her second child after her daughter from a previous relationship. They despised the idea that one day, a “half-breed” would rule over Taraskovya. Slavery for them was vital and essential.

“The Abolitionists, on the contrary, wanted all inhabitants of Taraskovya to live as equals. The entire Taraskath society became split and eventually, the tragedy happened, a civil war erupted the magnitude of which has only been equaled by the Plague*. Following years of bloody, merciless conflict, the Abolitionists won and the Defenders of Tradition were sent into exile to never return under pain of death.”

The Foreign Minister paused and smiled at his interlocutors, his icy eyes fixing a moment on Yitzhak, a cold fire burning in them.

“There was simply no choice but to bleed away the bad blood so that all Taraskovyans could live equal under our beautiful Sisgardian sky. Ever since then, it has never been question for us to even think about enslaving any being gifted with intelligence, awareness, feelings. Slavery for us is a sign of weakness, it is a break that holds a society from moving forward and attaining strength and power.

“As such, Chancellor, you shall understand that the Grand Duchy eyes with concern the continued activities of General Labour Incorporated. Whilst we can only salute the continued emancipation of the Axa within the Commonwealth society, the continued slave trade is an issue of great concern to us.”

He paused again, letting the words sink in. He took a sip of his cognac, prolonging the silence a little. Elena and Konstantin remained silent, their time would come in a tad later. And behind the three dignitaries, several aides were busy noting down the proceedings and generally scribbling aide-stuff. Two small spherical bots were hovering in the air slightly behind, blipping quietly in between themselves.

“As such, Your Excellencies, Vigvar has sent me here on a very precise purpose: to discuss the best ways to abolish all slave trade undertaken by Commonwealth economic actors, namely General Labour Incorporated. We understand the financial concerns expressed by Chief Executive Yitzhak, but we hope to find a solution suitable to all parties.”

* * *

[OOC: * The Plague (also known as the Aphyr War/Conflict) was a civil war that erupted approximately 10 years ago between Mikhail II and his sister Anastasia and, despite lasting only a few months, decimated half a billion people. Not that half a billion people died during the Strife (population was much, much lower after all), but it's all about the fighting intensity and consequences and sacrifices made and stuff.]

Elkanah bowed. "As you know, the Commonwealth was founded after the Strife. Your history lesson has been most enlightening, ambassador. I see no other alternative than to submit a law banning the trade of sapient beings."

Yitzhak almost jumped from his seat, his brow furrowed. "But Chancellor! Do you have any idea what this will do to General Labour and the economy!?"

"Yitzhak! Remember your place and do not raise your voice among guests. The economy will endure. Your company, however, will lose signifigant favor if you continue in this manner. I know for a fact that Axan Arms would jump for General Labour's share of the CMC. So, I suggest you hold your tounge and be content with your other products." The Chancellor gave Ithun a look of both apology and assurance. He then turned to the Axa sitting next to him. "We will decide how exactly such a law shall be written in a moment. However, I believe the Sisgardian Ambassador wishes to address another issue. I will give the floor to Ezra now."

The Axa stood from his seat. He was probably a good six inches shorter than the Taraskovyans, but a lizard-man with a horn-rimmed face is enough to throw anybody off. He started with a rhaspy yet jovial voice voice. "Greetings Neighbors! I am Ezra Shai, ambassador to Sisgardia." He bowed and continued on, "It has come to my attention that foreign powers that be have taken issue with the genetic encoding my people contain. This encoding prevents an Axa from bringing harm to a Nephtali. Many have called for this to be changed. I wanted to take this oppurtunity to say that there is no need for it to be changed. Why take something good, like the inability for violence towards our brothers, the Nephtali, and reverse it? The Axa are equal in all standards and practice. I do not see how forcing my people to succumb to some genetic retrovirus is any more liberating than letting them live free, as they do. Thank you for hearing me. I will surely see you often as I represent the Commonwealth in Sisgardia." Ezra gave another bow and sat promptly back into his seat.

The Chancellor nodded respectfully towards the Axa. "Thank you Ezra. May the sun shine on you. Now," he said, turning back to Ithun, "I understand international concerns over the Axa, as well as the international call that a so-called cure be found and implemented. As you have just heard, the Axa do not desire this. However, in good faith, I would like to tell you, ambassador, that I have been pursuing a firm that will develop a treatment option. However, I cannot force this upon the Axa, and so I will offer it to those who wish to undergo the process. Since this was the second issue many foreign powers disliked, I felt it prudent to tell you of the developments concerning it.
Now, if you would like to say anything, or question Ezra, now is the time. If not, I suggest we break from the discussion and have some nourishment. I believe they have prepared what are called 'fill-ett mig-non' for you." The Chancellor smiled, not knowing he had just butchered the foreign words. "After some relaxation, we will resume with the business of writing out the law regarding the abolition of sapient trade."

“I have to make it clear,” the Foreign Minister said, “that any Commonwealth laws are Commonwealth business entirely. They are to be drafted by Commonwealth specialists and adopted according to procedure in place within the Commonwealth. We can act as advisors on matters revolving around the definition of sapience, but we wish to limit ourselves at that. Now, I believe, it is Mister Valadin’s turn to appease the Chief Executive Officer’s worries.”

Konstantin nodded and smiled at the three men, before concentrating his attention on Yitzhak.

“Taraskovya is, of course, not interested in any of its neighbours suffering economic hardship. As such, it is my pleasure to announce that the Grand Ducal Government is inclined to subsidize your activities over a period necessary for full transfer from slave trade to development and supply of non-sapient artificial biological specimens, what we define under the legal term of “bio-constructs”, the artificial equivalent of “animals”. I am mandated to negotiate the finer details of any agreement involving Taraskovyan subsidies, which we can discuss at a later time.”

- -

“Thank you, Konstantin,” Ithun smiled. It was then that the Chancellor gave the floor to the Axan and the Taraskovyans listened attentively to what the lizard-man had to say. And judging by his words, either he was completely brain-washed (which was possible even with rudimentary technology), either he was sincere. Once the Chancellor had finished his own comment, the Taraskovyan began his.

“Your Excellency,” Ithun smiled and inclined his head at the Axa slightly, “I thank you for this important insight. I have to note that the Taraskovyan government shall not support nor tolerate any forced modification of your kin’s genes against the wishes of your people and provoked by international pressure. As such, I can only concur with the Chancellor in his plans for a voluntary serum of sorts, and I am sure Taraskovyan leaders in gene therapy and research shall gladly help you develop such a serum. Taraskovya is known for its breakthroughs in biological and botanical engineering, after all.”

“And now, I guess we shall be delighted to take the break.”

[OOC: First three paragraphs take place to respond to CEO’s concerns and, thus, before the Ambassador speaks up. The last three are, obviously, a reply to the Ambassador. Yes, it’s a tad complicated, but figured it would make sense. Poke me on IRC to talk about crazy Taraskovyan bio-science.]

Yitzhak was only slightly more comforted by the Taraskovyan's offer. The prospect of losing the most profitable line still did not bode well in his mind. He took his leave of them, saying to that he would consider the Taraskovyan offer.

As he left, attendants came in, arms laden with silver dishes and set them on the stone table. The Taraskovyans happily ate thier steaks along with Ezra who commented on the quality of food the Taraskovyans must have, and promising to visit Vigvar. Elkanah sipped a large glass of cloudy water. He caught one of the Taraskovyans eyeing it and spoke up, "This is nutrient water. The Nephtali do not eat like humans. We used to absorb nutrients through our skin, but that involved staying immobile for some time. An entrepenuer decided it would be a good idea to mix all the essential nutrients into a solution and market it. Well, as you can see, it took off. I would offer you all some, but I doubt you'd care for the taste, and I wouldn't hazard a guess at what it would do to the human digestive tract." The Chancellor thought he detected a slight smirk from Ithun, and smiled a bit before settling back to his drink.

After the group had finished, Elkanah lead them to a large elevator. They departed quite a few floors up to a breathtaking view of the waterway. The Chancellor stood, overlooking the city for a moment and then began, "Oleander was our first city. And my, how it has grown. I remember its founding." He looked at the Taraskovyans, "Yes, I was alive at the founding of the Commonwealth. We started this city, isolated from the rest of Sisgardia. Over there," he pointed northwest to a prominent tower in the distance. "is General Labour. It was once the company that created the first Axa. Back then, they were scientists, trying their hand at manipulating what the divine had given us. I... don't know whats happened. The CEO's are in it for the profit now. In the beginning, there was a dream that was the Commonwealth. But now, that dream is real, only it is twisted itself. The corporations rarely work towards the good of the people. But, I suppose that is why the Chancellory was established."

"This city," he said, sweeping his arm across the vista. Monolithic Mayan style pyramids and towers continued to the horizon, with the waterway. Monorails ran the length of the megacity, thier aerodynamic hulls reflecting the sunlight as they darted by the Chancellor's Hall. "This city is the Commonwealth. When I look at it, I see our past, our present, and our future. I hope that this meeting will be the start of a new future."
Elkanah turned to Ithun. "Perhaps, this law will send a message to the corporate powers that the dream that was the Commonwealth is returning." The men stood a moment longer, taking in the view of the bustling city.

"I will need to arrange a legal team to hammer out the law. Please, relax. I'm sure Ezra or the attendants will take care of anything you need. I will send for you to review the law, to make sure it is up to international standards."
Elkanah bowed, and left the Taraskovyans with Ezra Shai and the flock of attendants.

Ithun sat with the other Taraskovyans in the meeting hall once again. The Chancellor had called them back. Yitzhak had returned and was sitting, along with Ezra Shai, across the table from the humans. Yitzhak looked more collected than he had earlier. The worry and anger of lost profits was gone. Now, he had something else on his mind, something big. He had been up to something during his absence...*
Elkanah entered the room with a small electronic pad. He bowed to Ithun and began.

"Ambassador, I believe we have drawn up an acceptable proposal. I would like to recite it for you, so that any concerns may be met now.
For the purpose of the following laws, sapient beings are defined as:
1. Any beings which exhibit self-awareness beyond that of a programmed designation.
2. Any beings which are classified above an animal in terms of sapience and sentience."
Elkanah cleared his throat and continued on.
"The proposed laws are as follows:
1. Punishable by law. It is against the law to be involved in the production of sapient beings, with regards to the trade of said beings.
2. Punishable by law. It is a capital offense to be involved in trade of sapient beings.
3. Punishable by law. It is against the law to hold ownership over a sapient being.
I pray these are acceptable. If not, or if there are any points which may concern you, do address them now, Ambassador."

Elkanah smiled, bowed, and took his seat as an aid handed Ithun a pad with the laws on it.



OOC:
* Lead-in to a news announcement thread I will post after you reply. The bastard is planning something! (Catch me on IRC to find out before I post)

Ithun smiled as he read over the text. The Nephtali had a very particular fashion to codify their laws, far from the Taraskovyan structure. But to each his own, after all and working with foreign legal documents was not new to the Foreign Minister, due to the particularity of his job. After consulting with the members of the delegation, Ithun spoke up.

“We find the proposed law as sufficiently explicit in its prohibiting of slave trade,” the Foreign Minister stroke a pause. “Now, I would like to inquire on the possibility of Mrs. Darnic here to tour your nation, meet the people in the preparation of a formal exchange of embassies between our two States.”

"Thank you for your assistance, Ambassador. I look forwards to a close friendship between our peoples." Elkanah bowed to Ithun. "Now, if any of your party would like to accompany your Mrs Darnic on the tour, they are more than welcome. I offer you apartments for the evening, as it is late. If you will excuse me, I will take my leave to prepare to submit this law to the Senate for vote."
The Chancellor left the room, his robes sweeping behind him. Ezra Shai stepped forward and started in his raspy voice.
"If you will come with me, I will show you to your rooms for the evening, and I will be happy to answer any other questions you might have."