NationStates Jolt Archive

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OOC Preamble: This thread is invite only. Invitees know who they are, and I respectfully ask non-invitees please to refrain from posting here. Thank you very much.
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The sea spread vast and uninterrupted far below the small craft, the first early rays of dawn steaming the night's mist from her windscreens. Though insulated against the noise, the hum of her propellers and the drone of the engines was loud in the ears of her occupants.

"Approaching assigned co-ordinates now."

"I don't see anything. How close are we?"

"We should be right on top of her, if she's where she says she is."

"Transmit a-- wait, I'm getting something on the readout here."

"There she is."

Almost directly below, an oblong patch of ocean turned dark, then darker as the submarine surfaced, her hull glinting in the dawn sunlight.

"That's her?"

"Seems so. They're scanning us with everything they've got, looks like."

"Well," came a voice from the back, "think very hard, then, about not having any weapons. We can't possibly have fewer than none."

The helicopter is of very modern design, Celdonian in origin, a small passenger transport craft designed for efficiency and long-distance flight. Carrying no weapons of any description (unless one gets very creative with the fire extinguisher), she is painted slate-blue beneath and sky-blue above, the easily recognised black and white flag of Xikuang emblazoned on her tail above the legend-- in the elegant Tibetan script adopted by the Xikuangese: Lauu q'o ohn phanleng. Only through open doors.

The co-pilot opens a designated channel. "Golden Horn, this is Xikuangese helicopter No Fixed Heart, requesting landing permissions and instructions, over."

"Permission granted, welcome, No fixed heart" The answering voice sounds strange, irreal... artificial, but still... individual.

The submarine is now fully emerged, and two hatches, one large, and one small one, open on the deck.

The large one is obviously for the helicopter to land, from the smaller one, two people emerge.

The sky is blue, only a few clouds can be seen, adding some sort of peaceful atmosphere.

Seagulls circle above the Golden Horn, waiting for something to eat being released.

However, her black, shifting surface, mainly made out of Um Lizaan citizens being 'recycled' by DA [ooc: ooc knowledge, just to be sure :P], doesn´t release anything of interest for them.

"There they are..." Commander Jeffrey Sinclair, former White Hawk employee, now a member of the diplomatic corps of the associates and the (one week earlier) introduced 'non- incorporated partnership'
"I wonder if this talks will even have some sort of result..." That was his secretary, Ms. Hyatt.
"We will see... after all, we have nothing to loose, no matter what the results will be.´"
"True."

Both look at the helicopter, their pale, white skin, black hair and red eyes looking as if they were on a goth convention, if they weren´t actually born like this.

They feel the ship... it´s frightened by the strange thing that lands on it... it´s unusual, strange... it doesn`t like it.

But it has to accept it.

The helicopter No Fixed Heart proceeds slowly and carefully into the larger hatch, touching down gently and cutting her engines. From within the lifeless shell, the Golden Horn can sense a certain edginess, but there is also a complete absence of hostility, setting it just a bit at ease.

As the blades slow in their rotation, the helicopter doors open and four people emerge. Two are obviously the pilots, and they wait by the chopper. The other two move to greet the Commander and his secretary.

The leading figure is a man, quite tall for a Xikuangese, nearly six feet. Heavily slanted black eyes flash over prominent cheekbones, and his long blue-black hair is pulled back into a neat pony-tail. He is dressed in a somewhat modernised version of traditional Xikuangese formal attire: knee-length, diagonally-fastening brocade jacket over loose-fitting muli-dasi, in sombre grey. The other is a slender, rather bony woman, her eyes hidden by narrow sunglasses, dressed in a simple, but severe, black suit. She seems slightly on edge, but her companion all but radiates calm.

"Greetings to you, Gentleman, Lady." He raises his clasped hands to his forehead, bowing from the waist. "I am Councillor Xiang Kalsang, and may I present Qin Xelui, of Xikuangese Central Intelligence. I am honoured to be afforded this opportunity."

"Greetings to you, Gentleman, Lady." He raises his clasped hands to his forehead, bowing from the waist. "I am Councillor Xiang Kalsang, and may I present Qin Xelui, of Xikuangese Central Intelligence. I am honoured to be afforded this opportunity."

Sinclair and Hyatt both greet back, in the same way the Xikuangese did. They had enough time to prepare themselves for this negotiations, and they seem to have used the time.

"Jeffry Sinclair, from the associate and non- incorporated diplomatic corps of Der Angst, this is my private secretary, Ms. Hyatt."
"Welcome on board."
"The honour is ours. We didn´t imagine something like... this... would actually be possible. Who knows, perhaps thios is the first step to a greater understanding between our people..." he hesitates, looks back. "If you would like to follow me down..."

The inside of the ship looks... strange. The walls are black, however, bioluminescene substances produce a dim light in the (surprisingly large) hallways.

Interestingly enough, there is not a single crewman to see. In fact, they seem to be alone on the ship.

Finally, they reach a larger room, a few workstations, paper, and even some food inside.

"Well... if you have any questions not related to the actual negotiations, i`m here to answer them, if not, we can begin." Sinclair smiles, it even seems to be a honest smile, something one would rarely see on Angstian people.

"The honour is ours. We didn´t imagine something like... this... would actually be possible. Who knows, perhaps thios is the first step to a greater understanding between our people..."

"Indeed, nor did we. It is my sincere hope that we may be able to come to agreeable terms with each other." Mr. Xiang answers. They follow Mr. Sinclair and Ms. Hyatt through the dimly lit, eerily silent corridor, Ms. Qin eventually obliged to remove her sunglasses after nearly colliding with Councillor Xiang.

"Well... if you have any questions not related to the actual negotiations, i`m here to answer them, if not, we can begin."

"Apart from thanking you for your hospitality, of course, may I be so forward as to ask about the nature of the Golden Horn? It is most remarkable. I don't believe I have come across anything like it in my travels."

"Apart from thanking you for your hospitality, of course, may I be so forward as to ask about the nature of the Golden Horn? It is most remarkable. I don't believe I have come across anything like it in my travels."

Our hospitality... well, he must like submarines... but then, they did ask for a ship rather than a meeting in DA... I just hope this is over soon, never liked the sea...

"Huh? Ah... Oh, it´s based on organic tech... basically, we copy nature, change a few things, and get... well, stuff like this.

Has a few nice advantages, like you don´t need much maintenance, as most of it is done 'automatically', but then, you have to plan for decades in advance, as this things... well, grow. And it takes time to grow a 400m long submarine. And their basic education can be a pain, they´re just like pets, except bigger. You don´t want to see two of this ships 'playing' in the harbour...

Well, while this is an unarmed civilian ship, our warships have another problem, that is... well, you can imagine that no organic hull or armour will ever catch up with armoured steel. But there are bigger problems, as we tend to stay out of wars."

Noticing a slight change in Xiangs expressions, Sinclair continues:

"Of course, to prevent the Golden Horn from 'playing', and by that, creating a giant mess in the interior, we connected a pilot to her... their conciousness is temporarily joined... So there ain`t any risks.

The big advantage of all of this is, naturally, that crews aren´t exactly neccessary. For this small ship... two pilots for the ship itself, and another eight pilots for small transporters in the hangars..." He stops, as a faint sound can be heard from behind. It comes near, and finally, one can see the origin of said sound: A 'creature', about 1m high, obviously cleaning the hallway.

The group steps aside, letting the 'thing' pass.

"Ah, yes, and maintenance drohnes... controlled by the ship... or animal.. or whatever you would like to call it."

Xiang listens attentively as Sinclair speaks, stepping calmly out of the way when the cleaning drone appears, but by the end of Sinclair's explanation Qin seems to have gone a little green.

"A biological ship then. I have heard of such things, though this is the first I have seen one. All of our own bioengineering projects are directed towards health care applications, of course... If perhaps later it would be possible to speak with yourself or one of your pilots about the ship, I should find that most interesting. For now, however, I fear it would be undue divergence. If we may begin?"

At Sinclair's gesture the four of them take seats around an oblong table. Qin brings out an A5 notebook that appears to be bound in aluminium, opening it to a marked page whereupon are extensive notes in the pseudo-Tibetan script adopted by the Xikuangese. Xiang, however, requires no notes.

"I suppose you already know what this is about. It has been made abundantly clear to me that the opening of this relation is strictly bilateral between Xikuang and Der Angst, and I wish you to know that I understand and shall respect this. If I have need to make reference to the CACE, its member nations or other nations in Aperin, please know that I do so only in relation to Xikuang's relations thereto, in my capacity as a representative of Xikuang. In fact, the CACE body has not been made aware that these talks are on our agenda, and I imagine that were it to be discovered that we had made steps to open relations with your nation, especially at a time when there is a motion at vote to sever all ties with WBO/SATO nations that looks very as if it shall pass, it will make serious trouble for us. I must place my trust in your discretion."

Sinclair nods slowly, and Xiang continues.

"As you are aware, there had been an investigation into certain terrorist activities directed against certain Aperin nations, an investigation that was terminated before reaching completion. This is of direct concern to the Xikuangese people, as they nature of the attack, were it to have succeeded, would have been devastating, and the fact that it proceeded as far as it did is deeply disturbing to us. The nation in question is not only an ally of ours, but we have extensive trade relations with them; we ourselves might easily be targeted as a major supplier of raw materials, and we would be easy targets, I fear, as might any number of the Aperinian states.

"I understand fully that you do not wish to have any dealings with the government of the nation in question, and I do not suggest that you do, even by proxy through us. As I said, they don't even know we're here. I have heard the arguments, and I know that there is much bad blood. I would hope that, in the interests of the security of both of our nations, we could but all that aside. I have heard the accusations and the protestations, but I am only interested in the truth. It is my hope that you might be interested in re-opening those investigations in partnership with Xikuang."

He... So thats the way it goes... well, i will play along... Sinclair smiled, not showing any real emotions at all.

"I can understand your... interests in the matter, so i will go with it.

But first of all, it isn´t that easy.

We had the civil war, which destroyed large parts of our archives, so did the electronic attacks we suffered during the Knootian war.

As a matter of fact, we ain`t sure if the data still exists."

He hesitates for a moment, takes a sip of water, then continues.

"However, we`re still... dissatisfied with CACE`s aggressive nature... we would need assurances. Like... a non aggression agreement... between the two of us, of course."

He hesitates again. This time, he seems to be concentrated on... something.

Damn... Iraqstan... was about time the bomb explodes... Well, doesn´t concern us.

Finally, he relaxes, and looks at the Xikuangese, a look of expectation visible on his face.

Xiang's brows come together only slightly. Well, he thinks to himself, that's easy enough.

"Mr. Siinclair, you must know that the CACE is not a military organisation, and while there are those nations amongst us who are quite strong, they are hardly bellicose in character. No, I think I can reasonably assure you that an unprovoked attack on Der Angst from any CACE nation is about as likely as the moon falling on you. As for ourselves, Xikuang is an openly demilitarised nation, and we maintain a policy of non-aggression generally. Recognising, of course, that we are bound by the CACE mutual defence clause, if you want assurance of non-aggression between yourselves and Xikuang, you may consider yourselves to have it.

"Is that satisfactory to you?"

*tag*

Sinclair smiles for a moment. Interesting theory. Then he continues:

"Well... unprovoked attacks on us by certain CACE members did happen in the past... but, the past is the past, and we tend to forget it... perhaps to fast, but... well, it doesn´t matter."

He hesitates, and Hyatt continues:

"Anyway, your offer is most gracious... of course, we would like to have it official.

Means, we want a treaty including a friendship pact between our two nations, a non aggression agreement between our two nations, and the exchange of permanent ambassadors. Perhaps a few smaller things like student exchanges etc..

Of course, we don´t know if you have the authority to sign such a treaty, if reassurance from your government is needed, we will gladly offer you all necessary communication lines.

Anyway, if this is possible, we can give you any necessary access to our data regarding the incidents of the past.

So, how does it sound?"

She stops, and leans back, watching her two guests.

Xiang frowns ever so slightly, looking pensive, while Qin remains inscrutable. "What you ask," he says slowly, "is little enough. It would be easy to agree to these terms were there not certain pervasive conditions obtaining.

"You may or may not be of the vote underway in the CACE body as to whether or not to sever all ties with WBO/SATO nations. It is largely over the matter of these unfinished investigations that proceedings have come to this juncture. My nation has objected to the motion, but it has strong support. If it should pass-- I am expecting the results later today-- any further exchange we were perceived to have with your nation could have very serious repercussions for us. As I said, the very fact that I am here at all is very delicate.

"Of course, I will need to give the matter considerable thought, and I will have to speak with my government, but in the meantime, it would be useful to clarify the precise nature of the relations you propose. Non-aggression is given; Xikuang has no hostile intentions towards Der Angst. What precisely is entailed by 'friendship'? Colloquially the term is obvious enough, but officially, such things must be specified. Obviously, I cannot agree to any trade relations."

Hyatt smiles.

"I`m perfectly aware of the 'trade problem', ´thats why we didn´t ask for any... advantages in this sector. Although i recall some sort of CACE movement allowing capitalists to trade if they follow certain guarantees for their working force... guarantees which, as far as i know, are long fulfilled in DA." She continues after a short break: "However, this isn`t why we are here. As for friendship... no, we do not have any specifications, just a... well, 'declaration of friendship' without any... further responsibilities coming from it... except you have ideas regarding such matters, which we would of course love to adopt.

Regarding the CACE... well... 'politics'... i`m not sure, but the charter isn´t too explicit regarding decisions of the CACE body.

Anyway, as you have obviously realised, this... motion isn`t exactly an intelligent move. We are sure that success regarding this particular negotiations may strengthen your position regarding the... internal conflict? in CACE regarding this.-.. matters."

Xiang's exression remains much the same as Hyatt speaks, shaking his head ever so slightly as she concludes.

We are sure that success regarding this particular negotiations may strengthen your position regarding the... internal conflict? in CACE regarding this.-.. matters."

"I am quite sure that it would have precisely the opposite effect. Before consulting the General Coucil regarding your offer, I can tell you what ther decision is very likely to be.

"We will be quite happy to come to this joint investigation in the spirit of friendship, and we will be happy to agree to a formal statement of non-agression, with the proviso that in the extremely unlikely event of conflict with any of our CACE allies the mutual defense clause will take precedence. We will offer our assistance in helping to bring the investigations regarding the terrorist attacks to a close, in matter you must be just as interested as we. At these preliminary stages, we could not make any formal declaration of friendship, nor could we agree to an exchange of ambassadors immediately, but these terms could be reviewed depending on how the proceedings go. I am sure that if you look at things from my perspective, you will understand that this is, at present, all we can be prepared to offer."

"Of a conflict in which we are the aggressors, you mean... Very unlikely, indeed."

They switched, it`s Sinclair who speaks now.

"Unfortunately, SeOCC`s behaviour regarding the... investigations was quite... inacceptable, and to be honest, we`re still quite... insulted by it. I`m very sorry, but it´s impossible for us to allow CACE members to... investigate without having something... more valuable in our hands. Such as the already mentioned ambassadors etc.. While i do know that you have some... problems with it, and to be honest, i would be in trouble, being in your position, the people would NEVER accept anything less. They`re still outraged regarding several events in the past, and... well, while i understand your position, it would be impossible.

Of course, if you can life with the... smaller treaty, while not immediately being allowed to continue the investigation, that would be a possibility..."

Qin visibly bristles, but Xiang gives her a look, and she quietens, but with obvious reluctance. Xiang then turns back to the Der Angstians.

"I'm afraid we are inclined to take rather a different view on that matter, but as I said earlier, I am not interested in the bad blood of the past. I am interested only in the truth. There is no chance we can come to an understanding if we must agree as to SeOCC's behaviour. I have come to you not as a representative of the CACE or of SeOCC, but as a representative of Xikuang alone. I would hope you could put aside differences you may have had with others, in recognisance of the fact that we do want to work with you towards resolution of an issue to which we both want to see a solution."

He pauses, taking a measured breath, before continuing. His black eyes meet the red ones of both Hyatt and Sinclair, unwavering, unreadable. "We ask only the reopening of an investigation that really never should have closed. We will enter into this without hostility, in the spirit of friendship. We will dedicate our resources alongside yours towards solving the case. I can offer no more than that. I really do not think I am being in the least unreasonable."

Sinclair smiles.

"Of course you aren`t. And i agree 100%. However, unfortunately, while we do negotiate with each other, we also negotiate in the names of... hundreds of millions. Billions, even. And this billions tend not to understand such... logic.`"

He hesitates.

"You see... our political system is somewhat... semi- stable. At the moment, it is even less than that, it is endangered. We simply cannot follow logic, not this one. We must follow the logic of the masses rather than the logic of the individual. The individual may be right, but it will not win. Not in this case."

Again, he hesitates, taking a deep breath.

"I agree with you, completely. But public opinion demands another, cruel logic.

It´s the fate of modern societies, and unfortunately, i can`t change the mechanisms by which they work. So, no, i have noother option but what i said earlier."

---

ooc: Computer broke, was out of action for the last 36 hours.

ooc: I have a Mac. I restarted a couple of weeks ago, after a system update was released requiring restart...

ic:

"In that case, I must ask for time." Xiang states cooly. "Time to let your people decide, and time for me to petition my government and my own people. We are willing to enter into simple bilateral relations with you to solve the case of terrorist attacks, attacks that may well be targeted against us next, or yourselves. We only care for truth and resolution. We have no axes to grind. This association could, potentially, bring about both a resolution to a dangerous situation and substantially patch relations with CACE nations. I am putting Xikuang's collective neck out in this effort. Put it before your people and let them decide."

"I can`t... thank you enough for your efforts. Perhaps we´re able to influence public opinion in ways that it will be satisfied with... less. Of course, i cannot guarantee success, and it will be impossible to relinquish a non aggression pact... however, i will try anything to make it easier for your government."

ooc: sorry, was busy; this kinda got lost for a bit there... :oops:

Xiang nods. "Thank you most sincerely, Mr. Sinclair, Ms. Hyatt. I do hope that the people of Der Angst will be agreeable." He reaches into an inner pocket and pulls out a card, placing it on the table and sliding it towards the Der Angstians. "If there's anything more I can do until such time as you have a statement from your government, please don't hesitate to contact me personally."

He shifts a bit in his chair. "It seems that these discussions have gone about as far as they can go at present, and I think things have proceeded well."

Sinclair nods. "Indeed. Of course, it may take a while... a few days until a final decision can be made... with the Iraqstan situation and other... stuff, we`re pretty much occupied.

So, if there is anything else i can help you with, I`m at your service, otherwise, well, it was an enlightend meeting for me." Sinclair as well as Hyatt smile, standing up, bowing slightly.

Xiang and Qin stand, returning the bow.

"Of course, it is only to be expected, These things take time, as well e know. I only hope that good will come of this."

Some further pleasantries are exchanged, whereafter Sinclair and Hyatt escort the Xikuangese back to their helicopter, where one of the pilots seems to be going over the systems-- nervously watching a nearby cleaning drone as she does so-- and the other appears to be about 20 pages from the end of a rather tatty copy of Titus Alone.

"Thank you again." Perhaps it will be that we will meet in the near future."

He boards the helicopter after Qin, and it lifts off, turning for distant Aperin.

Qin says the first words she has uttered since they disembarked. "Well, that was... interesting."

"Sorry to have dragged you out all this way not to be able to have made any contribution. Had things gone another way, you would have ben invaluable."

"Of course, Councillor, and I certainly don't regret it.. One learns something new every day."

"One certainly does."

ooc: I figure that about wraps it up? Now I've stopped ignoring the CACE vote it seems little will come of anything now, but... oh well.

ooc: Well, you accepting the CACE vote means i can`t contact you, any further developments must come from you :P

ic:

Slowly, the sub turned, heading back towards DA, barely able to keep it`s discipline rather than playing around...

Not long, and they would arrive in the poisoned, dangerous wasteland the industry had created, with it`s oil spills, occasional explosions, and rather strange animals... Really, it couldn´t wait for it.

Inside the ship, Sinclair and Hyatt talked about the results. In the end, they had more success than they thought they would have... as if 'loosing' had been possible.

In the end, it seemed rather pointless, but nevertheless a good sign...

ooc: well, as I said, once the 'wargames' situation is resolved, we can rethink. Ach, well-- back to radgie international clanjamfries.