NationStates Jolt Archive

It was only a special occasion that drew the Empress from her palace on the Isle of Colmekill out into the hearth of Winchia after dark, but the spectacle that illuminated the surrounding buildings with is vibrant blue and gold lights certainly qualified its completion as a ‘special occasion’. The Empress and her entourage stood beneath the massive blue-stained glass dome at the center of the structure, gazing in awe. This magnificent structure was the new APN Relations Headquarters (http://johnkemeny.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/emirates_palace.jpg).

The final preparations were being made to host the upcoming APN-sponsored conference and party. Every last inch of the property was facing the scrutiny of thousands of inspectors making sure not a single decoration was out of place. The entrance to the complex consisted of a long marble portico flanked by palm trees and several fountains on either side. The marble was had been shined repeatedly and now an awning covered the walkway to avoid glare from sunlight and offer protection to the honorable guests that would be sitting there in the coming days.

The Empress turned to the buildings architect and chief engineer with a polite smile. “Mr. Mostyn, you have done a fine job. I am assuming that all the necessary preparations have been made to accommodate our guests.”

Mostyn bows deeply. “Of course my lady,” his thick Scottish accent reminiscent of a time long since passed. Scanning the structure he allows a slight scowl to creep across his face, although only after the Empress has turned to leave. The truth was that the new preferred style of architecture in these recent times repulsed him. Luckily most of Winchia had maintained its Western European Gothic style, although more and more government buildings were taking on an Eastern appearance. In fact, the now renamed Imperial Palace was the last great testament to the Scottish heritage the Largentian Crown was once so proud of. Although the palace’s appearance was a great victory for those who sided with Mostyn. Giving the building a last look he turned and left, leaving his massive crew of men to add the finishing touches to the structure.

Naturally, not everyone agreed with Mostyn, the Empress obviously being one of them. She had no qualms with the more ancient style that had once dominated the scene, but to not leave her mark on the face of her country would be to allow history to swallow her up and allow her to be forgotten. That was unacceptable. However, debates over the appropriate appearance of buildings would be taking a back seat in the next few days as a new debate would dominate the scene. The real question of the day was what to do about the rather unsatisfactory state of the Alliance of Progressive Nations. When the Empress had sought admittance not long ago there was a great hope that she would be entering into an alliance that would bring glory and wealth to Largent. Now, only a short time later the diplomatic channels had fallen silent and the APN found itself in death’s throes. Metaphorically, of course.

It was clear that something had to be done, and so the Empress was going to be the one to do it. The planning stages of what could be the largest state function in Largentian history had been laid and now it was time for all potential guests to be informed. The purpose of this event was not only to get the APN back on its feet but to amass a base of potential new member nations to allow for the momentum started here to carry the APN back onto the world stage.




From: Elwing Oronrá, Empress of the Ba’ath National Command of Largent
To: All Nations, with Special Attention to APN Signitory States

Greetings to all allies and any nation that has ever taken a vested interest in the work and purpose of the Alliance of Progressive Nations,

It is with a heavy heart that I allow myself to admit that we as an alliance have allowed our organization to slip into obscurity. There was a time when the APN arguably had the potential to become a harbinger for an unprecedented exponential growth in the attention given to the areas of interest that the APN swore to protect and nurture.

It is with the completion of our spectacular APN National Headquarters that we are prepared to lead the charge back onto the world stage rather then let the alliance die with grace as some have apparently agreed to do through simple passive acceptance. In one week from this day, June 12, The Ba’ath National Command will hold an open conference and banquet to celebrate a renaissance of the APN.

I hope to see all member states and hordes of nonmember states among the attendees of this function. All nations who are not members but who have an interest in diplomacy are urged to take full advantage of the opportunity being given. Possibly the conference but especially the banquet will provide an ideal opportunity to make a good impression upon member states who may be voting on your applications in the future. There are countless, worthy candidates out there who we as an alliance would love to meet and accept into the APN and I look forward to seeing each and everyone of you personally.

On a final note: office and living space will be given to all member states within the APN-HQ Complex to serve as both an area where APN related issues and/or relations with Largent or any other member state can be managed as well as living space where all APN Ambassadors will be able to be accommodated before and after Largenti-hosted APN functions.

--(signed) Empress Elwing Oronrá, Voice of the People of the Ba’ath National Command

***

Every soul throughout the city can feel the electric excitement that fills the air in anticipation of the opening ceremony to the largest state-sponsored even in Largentian history. The entire city is a sight to behold. The path leading from the landing pad to the APN-HQ Complex has been cleared of pedestrian traffic. Massive Largentian flags proudly drape over the sides of buildings outlining the path to center of the festivities. Standing beneath the flags, Largentian soldiers in their finest attire line the streets, standing at attention in anticipation of the arriving dignitaries.

One by one the parade of officials begin to move down the street at the pace of the members of the Imperial Guard marching at the front. The parade is actually a caravan of limousines, each proudly displaying a flag of each attendee’s nation. The soldiers are quick to salute as each visiting dignitary passes by. Hundreds of civilians have come from all across the enormous city to see those arriving. The first two arrivals belong to the Social Democracy of Haraki followed closely by the Federated Segments of Scolopendra. It’s nice to see member states arriving first.

Two miles ahead of the motorcade at the APN Headquarters have been elegantly, and tastefully, decorated with white, gold and black, the colors of Largent. Sitting in plain view of the seats lain out before the steps leading up to the building are two tigers, their white fur and black stripes showing beautifully in the late morning sun. Standing between them on the terrace above the first set of steps is the Empress remarking to her aids how beautifully the plaza has been decorated.

Instead of what might have been expected, the traditional red carpet on the steps beneath the Empress had been substituted for a magnificent carpet with the image of the white and gold Largentian flag woven into it with all the artistry and grace one could have hoped for. Surrounding the palm trees that always flanked the portico were hundreds of thousands of flowers, which added a subtle yet pleasant aroma to the plaza.

Even the many shops and high-end restaurants that surrounded the APN Complex, giving the plaza a circular shape, had been thoroughly cleaned, and somewhat ornately decorated in preparation of serving esteemed guests, because confining them to the APN Complex itself would simply have been rude.

Even the lighting had been meticulously planned. There would be no street lights, only lanterns hanging from businesses surrounding the Plaza and lighting the fountains on either side of the portico. The only road leading into the plaza was the one the guests were traveling down now, meaning that at night, with the proper, and slightly dimmed lighting, the entire plaza was given a spectacularly intimate feel, despite its enormous size.

The entirety of the seating was placed beneath the portico, whose usual roof was replaced with a much lighter material to allow light through, but preventing any discomfort under the intense Largentian summer sun. A cool, gentle ocean breeze was cooling of the plaza, even though the actual ocean was some fifteen miles away. A stroke of luck, no doubt. Due to the narrowness of the portico, only rows of ten could be made if sufficient elbow room was to be enjoyed by the guests. Ample leg room was planned as well, partially so that guests could be served refreshments on this warm day.

The opening ceremony was to be covered by almost every national news network and several from abroad. For this reason only select film crews were granted entry to the plaza, and were only allowed to film from well off to either side of the guests. This was not taken well, as any video for crews not granted access would have to be purchased and would only be able to get airtime well after all the other stations. Nevertheless, the Empress’ word was law, and no great fuss was made.

By now the guests had taken their seats and several moments of silence ensue before a chorus of trumpets introduces the Empress’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Bader Abu-Eid as he steps forward on the terrace. He is wearing formal attire, a black suit and white shirt with the traditional decorative frills around his collar and each cuff. From his breast pocket hangs the Crest of The Empress, a black bird of some sort on a gold shield. With a smile he stretches out his arms as though each guest were an old friend. “Welcome to all!” he enthusiasm translates well over the insidiously concealed sound-system. “May I present to you Empress Oronrá, Sovereign of the Ba’ath National Command.”

It is the Empress’ turn to step forward wearing a modest but opulently decorated crown as well as a light blue, silk, classical dress that even the harshest of critics would grudgingly admit was incredibly tasteful. Any born within Largent immediately rise, although it is not expected of the guests. After she raises her hand the crowd acknowledges the signal and returns to their respective seats. “Friends, countrymen, esteemed guests, words cannot express the joy that each of your presences have given me this day.” Her eyes scintillate, conveying her pleasure.

“However, it is with great dismay that the forces that have brought us here today are not ones that we should feel obligated to celebrate.” Her expression becomes slightly more stern. It is an unfortunate set of circumstances, yes. However, it is my personal hope that what we accomplish here today, and perhaps very early tomorrow,” she adds good-naturedly, hinting at the party that would follow the real work, “can rectify these circumstances. Each of your presences here today is testament to your desires to better the APN, and I have confidence that this conference and banquet will help the Alliance of Progressive Nations reach its full potential. Something I hope for with great anticipation, as I am sure many of our allies do as well,” she adds picking out several APN member states in the crowd.

“That is all I have to say for now, other than I hope each of you enjoys yourselves. Sadly, I will not be attending the conference which will be run by our Minister of Foreign Affairs.” She motions to Abu-Eid. “However, I will most certainly be present at tonight’s festivities and will make it a point of meeting with each and every one of you.” She adds with a smile. “Until then I hope you may enjoy yourselves. Anything you may desire will of course be considered a gift to you from us, and will be free of charge, but that should go without saying. I look forward to meeting with you all this evening.”

With that the chorus of trumpets returned as the Empress stepped aside and allowed Abu-Eid lead the guests, now flanked by Imperial Guards once again, into the APN Complex so that the conference may begin.

The conferment room was an amphitheatre, as ornately decorated as everything else had been so far. At the center of the room, at floor level was a standard podium with the APN Insignia draped behind it. Each guest had a seat with his or her name and country engraved on a small gold plaque. There was also a notepad and pen in anyone felt it necessary to take notes. The chairs were unusually comfortable for a conference room, but happy delegates were reasonable delegates. APN members were closer to the podium simply because they would be doing the most speaking, but the room was small enough that seating arrangements were a minor concern if a concern at all.

Once everyone had settled in Abu-Eid took to the podium. “Well, seeing as we were all just welcomed moments ago I will limit myself to a few brief points. On the inside pocket of your leather-bound notepads is an agenda if you would like to review it. We will try to make this as short and painless as possible without compromising our ability to achieve the goals we have set out for today. However, I am looking forward to the celebration as well, and one meeting can really only accomplish so much.” Pausing momentarily he glanced at his agenda. “Our first order of business while you are all still attentive and engaged will be electing two members to the Executive Council. For that I feel I should turn the floor over to our guest from the Social Democracy of Haraki, seeing as Largent is not a member.”

OOC: For the record, anyone can participate in this. I wont be requiring any post involving you accepting the invitation or RPing your arrival or even responding to the ceremony, but if you would like to I will not object. If you need any ooc info go here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12755035&postcount=168), otherwise you may send me a TG with any questions. And other than that, just have fun.

Although the Commonality had largely refuted any possibility of yet again venturing into an Alliance, post Yut and SATO, it did still maintain relationships with nations inside alliances, and generally assumed a kind of de facto unwritten, unspoken partnership with the allies of allies... to a degree. As a result, and, in a complete turnaround of very recent policy, Ambassador Ilya had been dispatched to Largent to observe proceedings.

And of course see what could be arranged inside certain latitudes, behind the scenes.

Ilya herself was not an organic. While in her home, this hardly mattered, she was not entirely certain of what response she would get from some. The ASI had, therefore, taken pains to ensure the selection of a construct that not only looked human, but would appear human to all but the most stringent of scans. Duplicitous, but she (and the Corps) felt it necessary for safety. Albeit not actually hers.

Naturally, she did not have any kind of bodyguard, since she didn't actually need any. She was in constant contact with a data repository, so should the worst come to the worst somehow, she'd just upload the latest memories from this segment of her consciousness anyway.

So, she sits, behind the little plaque marked "Ambassador Ilya - Iluvauromeni Commonality of Everlasting Light." And so, she observes. Quietly. Quite possibly silent for the long-haul, she acknowledged. There might be nothing the Commonality could actually bring to this particular event... but her presence said plenty.

Jaime Wolfe, the Prime Minister of Haraki himself, was in attendance, and stood slowly with a grateful nod of his head to Abu-Eid for the introduction. His walk to the podium took only a few seconds, given his close proximity to it as a member of the Executive Council. Taking his place at the podium, he rested his hands upon it and looked out across the gathered assembly. He cleared his throat quietly, and began a short speech. "While I am sure I have met and spoken with all representatives of the APN nations here, for the benefit of any foreign delegates I will introduce myself anyway. I am Jaime Wolfe, the Prime Minister of the Social Democracy of Haraki." He nodded his head slightly during a brief lull in order to indicate his interest in moving on.

"All formalities aside, as Mr Abu-Eid said, I am up here to sort out the business of electing two new members to the APN Executive Council. As I know that while you all represent your respective governments and especially their dealings with the APN, I know that you may need to have whatever decision we agree on here approved by a legislative body or executive branch in your home nation. As such, any decision we make here is not binding until ratified by the home government of all involved nations. Bearing that in mind, I would still like to get at least one round of preliminary voting out of the way.

"Our most recent inductee to the Executive Council was Yafor Two, whose term expired some time ago. The two new members will both sit three-month terms which will expire on September 15th, for easiness' sake. As you know, Haraki, Scolopendra, and Tiburon are all ineligible for voting, but all other APN nations are. At this point I would like to ask any nations wishing to withdraw themselves from voting and being considered as a candidate for the Executive Council to say so."

That the Alliance had gone... quiet as of late was something that was quietly understood in the International Relations Section of the Scolopendran government as being essentially inevitable. With the United Solaris Federation being very quiet as of late due to internal concerns of little international import, not that much in the way of horrible abuses of sentient rights to combat, and a lack of grass-roots interest (in the Segments at least) due to a perception that the APN was somewhat... porous in its membership. Now, to avoid misunderstanding, one must understand the average Scolopendran liked the nation of Largent just fine. As people go, they're quite forward-thinking... but it couldn't be denied they had an Empress in more than name, and the egolith raised in her time in the APN's name didn't go unnoticed. 'Pendrans read history, and a good deal of them understand a decent part of it. Large, ostentatious constructions, especially in series, tend to be less about their ostensible reasons and more about the memory of the gracious patron who financed all these things.

Still, they were making an effort and of course this effort has to be reciprocated in some part. With Wolfe making an appearance, it became almost obligatory that Speaker make the trip rather than Nadjiba or some lower senior Diplomatic Officer; all of the arrangements and paperwork and generic humdrum gear-turning that go into such affairs trundled along with the usual Segments efficiency but an unusual sense of, well, unreality. As if they were tricking themselves. Nothing in particular had happened to cause the APN to quiet down into obscurity; entropy got it was all, and there's no sign of anything to really combat that entropy. National leaders wanted their nations in alliances not so they could feel good, but so they could feel powerful; for some reason a great deal of the 'verse is still stuck in the notion that war is glorious and cool and fun and authoritarianism by a bunch of young supermodel ex-special forces autocrats is the best possible form of rule. An alliance dedicated towards the avoidance of such things, well, one could reasonably call it a hard sell. One that, perhaps in fact, had exceeded its best-by date and, thus expired, perhaps unable to be legally sold anywhere with decent health regulations. Going through the motions, that's what it feels like, just saving face and nothing more. It already died the slow death once, back when it was the UnAPS. No point in going for a resuscitation and thus a third.

At least, that's everyone's apparent attitude except for Speaker-Rrit himself. He did help (re)found it, after all, and he does very much want to see it succeed. The only way to show that is to be enthusiastic, and to have an agenda. That his hosts have already come up with an agenda is great. The old ratcat has a set of his own, just in case. Still, unlike a lot of his former diplomatic peers, he still has a cultural bias against saying things that need not be said, or repeating what has already been said enough, which means right now he's quiet and looming in his chair, albeit in an interested, gregarious, almost boyish fashion. The local architecture is rather familiar, after all, if perhaps slightly overdone by 'Pendran tastes. Plus, some names from the old days were showing back up. Perhaps this actually would be productive, no matter what Nadjiba and the conventional wisdom said.

Abu-Eid took note of both Speaker Rit and the ICEL delegate. Noticing that all of the Executive Council members that would be in attendance today had sent a head of state he felt that he should probably offer an explination as to why the Empress had seen him as more suitable. Part of it was probably the fact that large conferences were simply boring, but then again there was the fact that Abu-Eid had been appointed as Largent's first official Ambassador to the APN, and it only seemed right that he meet with all the visitors and make their acquaintance, which the Empress had already done in several cases.

The absence of the Tiburnese was, of course noticed, and certainly regretful. As with all of their allies, there had been no communication between the Unided Solaris Federation and the Ba'ath National Command as of late, and it would have been nice to have had them visit and be thanked in some way for the numerous favors they had done for Largent in its recent and perhaps 'unstable' recent history. Although that was probably poor word choice.

Anyway. Seeing as there was no official format for conducting an election in a format such as the one today, it appeared they would have to improvise slightly. Abu-Eid rose to his feet. "Well, unless anyone has any objections, and seeing as this is only a preliminary election, we may as well just take turns and cast our votes with no real need for any privacy. As for the Largentian ballot, I am fully authorized to speak on behalf of the country here and you all may wish to take note that the vote we cast here today will be our official decision and the same votes will be cast in any secondary election.

"As for our first of two votes--there is really no sense in doing them individually, in our case at least--we cast our vote in favor of reelecting the Yaforites. The APN has already entrusted them with the responsibility to serve once, and with no evidence to suggest an inability to perform their duties we wish to see them reelected." He glanced around the room to see if he might spot the Yaforite's delegation. Unfortunately, he did not know who they had sent and was unsure he could identify any of them based solely on appearance.

He cleared his throat, bringing his attention back to the assembly. "As for our second vote we have chosen a nation that could, in our opinion, be called a poster-child for the APN. From their application to their handling of themselves in international politics, The Republic of Kanami has proven themselves to uphold all the values of the Alliance of Progressive Nations and that is why Largent wishes to see them hold a seat on the Executive Council.

"And finally, before I turn the floor over to our next voter there is a minor issue I feel obligated to offer an explination for. Having seen two fellow APN members send Heads of State, I would like to explain why our own found me more suitable to attend, and avoid anyone feeling...insulted, although that may be a strong word. I have been appointed the official Largentian Ambassador to the APN and so, we thought it best that I get to know all of you, here this morning. I can assure you that the Empress has every intention of speaking with each of you personally in a short time. And with that, I turn the floor over to whomever would like it." With that he offered a slight smile and returned to his seat, acutally, he never left his seat, he just bent his knees and returned to a 'sitting' position.

[OOC: Sorry, been unable to post. I'll try to get a post up tomorrow, but no guarentees. Sorry, again.]