NationStates Jolt Archive

The war was nearly over- or atleast President Mustafa Fenris hoped. The Hattians first attempt at invading Hallad had failed and no Hattian troops made it to Halladi soil. Fenris contemplated what to do next. Hallad was the victim of Imperialism and he would play that card here.

The President's personal Helicopter, a converted Mi-35, circled over Nova Roma. The city had been Halladi not more than decade ago. Even so Halladi flags hung everywhere as the city was still 80% Halladi in ethnicity. Everyday more foreigners from various places around the Empire moved here for a better living. Afer all, the city was booming with activity.

The Helicopter began to head for a large building, which looked important. It was the New Roman Banquet Center. Here the delegates would meet. Soon the Helicopter sat down, Fenris emerged from it. At the base of the building many of the Halladi inhabitance had gathered and were cheering. Mustafa waved to them. Keeping them from getting to close were many policemen. On top of the building were soldiers armed with sniper rifles and Pulse Rifles.

As for security there were snipers hiden on and in buildings and police nearly everywhere.

Fenris decended down the roof top stairs and went to the hall. The Helicopter took off, in case any others needed to land.

A modified HTH-4 helicopter approached Nova Roma. It was especially made for the Hattian Diplomatic Corp, on the outside it appeared unarmed, but thanks to a few unfortunate incidents they were several weapons in the underside that could be lowered at will. The helicopter landed on the landing pad. Diplomat Vlachko and 2 guards from the Diplomatic Guard corp exited and made their way down to the main hall.

Once in the main hall, they caught sight of Fenris. Vlachko and one of the guards kept their emotions well hidden, but the other guard, who happened to be the brother of Commander Danilov flashed a very threatening look towards Fenris.

Note: It was not an invasion, there were no troops with the fleet, with the exception of the marines which travel on the ships.

The transport helo banked low over the Nova Roma airbase. Once it had landed the escorts left formation and landed at a nearby hanger. Lt. Bedwyr stepped from the helicopter flanked by two aids. A car was waiting for them and took them to the Banquet center.

Commodore Johan Vikos, Chief of Operations of the Aegian Forces in Hallad, arrived at the Conference along with a escort of 20 marines and his personal secretary, Victor Gallahad, after decending from an auxiliar helicopter that belonged to the 15th Aegian Armada. Short after this, they directed to the Banquet Center.

Fenris merely raised a brow at the Hattian man. From behind the Hattians he saw Lt. Bedwyr enter the room.

"Excellent. Welcome, all of you." He stood up to greet the guests. "Please, help yourselves to some food, sample to Empire's finest cuisine."

A moment later Commodore Vikos appeared. "Ah, Commodore, please make youself at home. There's food over there." He motioned to a large Buffet table with various platters on it. "If there is anything you- all of you- would like to request, feel free to ask. I'm sure we can help you out."

"Thank you Mr. Fenris" Said Vikos, though his mind was in other place. He was worried about what the intelligence service had informed him, he was suspicious this conference was just buying time for Hattia, and that they did not have good intentions.

He approached to the Buffet table to pour some brandy in his glass, and afterwards, with the glass in his fingers, he approached to Mr. Vlachko and smiled at him while muttering: "You commie scum", Then, he returned close to Mr. Fenris.

A ship was pulling into the quay at a port in Hallad. It was not a large ship, or a particularly fearsome one. It was an old, battered, very unhappy-looking Krivak-III that was long-overdue for the breaker's yard. Skeins of rust ran down her worn and tired hull, he stack billowing foul blue-black smoke from her diesels as she was helped into position by a tug whose master sighed and shook his head at the parlous state of the ship. The Krivak creaked and groaned sadly as the DPUO delegate at the peace talks practically sprinted down a swiftly-deployed gangway and toward the car he had waiting.

"Make way!" Policemen yelled.

A path large enough for a car soon was form for the DPUO delegate.

"Make way for the delegate!"

Many people were still there expecting that by days end Mustafa Fenris would have the situation resolved and would speak to the crowd. It was still only 12:07 PM.

"Well, bugger me. Nice security." The delegate, a Mr. O'Grady, was a plain-speaking man who despite his name talked with a strong Yorkshire accent. He was easily able to change this to a received pronunciation one, causing no end of perplexity to those who had seen him on TV talking to foreign diplomats who then heard him order "two pints o' bitter, an' mek it quick!" At his local.

Vlachko returned the smile and muttered back, "Bastard Frenchie..."

He dipped his gloved hands into his pockets as he watched the other delegates and waited for negotiations to begin. He withdrew his hands from his pockets and approached Fenris. "Hmm, I'm rather impressed that you managed to evade our best commandoes." He offered his hand, "I was against that whole blockade anyway."

As soon as he was informed that Mr. O´Grady was the DPUO delegate, Commodore Vikos approached to him. When he was next to him, he called the attention of Mr. O´Grady by saying "excuse me" and said to him:

"Goo day. I am Johan Vikos, the Grunge-French delegate, and let me tell you something: We have a great respect for DPUO, we consider your nation a very honorable land with noble people and nolbe principles. Grunge-France, a capitalist nation, can only but admire an applaud the government of DPUO for achieving such a high level of integrity. It is a shame this is the second time we are in opposite sides, but well, one tends to admire more the honorable enemy than the honorable friend".

Cries resounded outside the hall as the massive Knights of Shessara shoved their way through the crowd, seven of them, six flanking the larger Braedd Laeryn. People rushed to get out of their way, but any in the way were knocked aside.

Fenris shook the Hattian's hand. "Against it for it, who cares?" He said with a smile. "Either way, I hope we can all be friendly here. At the end of this conferance I hope the 'Unequal Citizens Act' will be able to be repealed- the one about Hattian citizens. And relations can be normalised. There is no reason why our two nations could be allies once more.

"As for the commandos, it is a shame such good men had to die. But, they were a challenge. Unorthodox tactics were used to stop them." He saw the DPUO delegate enter. "Excuse me for a moment.

He went over to Mr O'Grady. "Welcome! And you would be representing DPUO, no?"

One of the men with Laeryn hurled open the doors of the building, letting them slam horribly loudly against the wall. Laeryn just strode in, his suit belching smoke into the air of the hall.

"Ee! Well, most pleased to make your acquiantance, Mr. Vikos! I see we're once more smiling across swords at each other. A pity, really, but what can one do in these situations?" He smiled wryly. "Drink?"

Mustafa sighed. "Shessarans...

"Turn that damned suit off!"

"Aye! It's mekkin me eyes water summat terrible!" bellowed O'Grady, forgetting his RP accent totally. He grinned and recovered it. "Hello, Mr. Fenris. Glad to make your acquaintance at long last."

Laeryn sneered. "You want to try and turn it off?" He planted his pike in the floor next to where he stood. "All here! Hear this! Shessara demands that Hattia immediately go home and stay out of Halladi business from now on!"

O'Grady stretched to his full 6'3" and strode towards Laeryn.
"Will you please turn that thing off, before I get annoyed?" he asked, cracking his knuckles threateningly. Not for nothing had he served his 2 years' military service aboard a Kashin-class DDG.

Vlachko turned and looked at the Shessarans. He drew himself up to his impressive height and drew his pistol, which he wore outwardly. "I am a diplomat of the Hattian Diplomacy Ministry, you will speak to me with some manner of respect, now if you wish for me to leave, I invite you to make me try. But do not make my country angry, we could crush you like a bug if we felt it necessary, not to mention you will catch a .45 bullet in the teeth if you try.

Laeryn, with his seven feet of armored bulk, looked down at O'Grady. "You might want to reconsider that."

"Learyn, pipe down before you start a world war, you idiot!" Fenris objected.

"As might you wish to reconsider turning that thing off. Now." O'Grady wasn't even tensed, just calmly waiting.

"It's his guts that would spill." Laeryn strode over to the nearest seat and then disengaged the power of his armor, standing over it.

Secret IC:
A man in a cloak slipped up to the Hattian Delegate.
"I have a proposition for you, sir."

Vlachko turned to the man after replacing his pistol in it's holster, "Yes?"

Secret IC:
In a voice only for Vlachko's ears, he continued. "If we were to kill Premier Fenris, would you protect Shessara and it's environs, as well as Laeryn and his men?"

Laeryn boomed out: "Well, what's going to happen!?"

Fenris sighed and got some food. Then sat down at a long table where they would talk.

"I doubt I would be able to protect Laeryn and such, too many snipers around, but Hattia would protect Shessara."

"Call in the Hattian military. Now. Trust me."

"You want me to call in the military during a bloody peace conference?" He said, loosing his cool for a second, regaining his composure, "Why should I trust you?"

"Because if anyone finds out we've spoken, we're both dead. I am Prince Cadri of Shessara. I do not give my word lightly."

"We've got an un-invited guest!" One sniper said into his radio. A laser-sight appeared on the side of the Shessaran's face. "Find out who he is. Get people down there!"

Several more laser-sights fixed on the man, from Snipers on the catwalks above everyone.

Soldiers rushed in "Who are!" They aimed their rifles at the man.

OOC: you never said you went anywhere out of sight. :)

"I am a delegate from Shessara. I am also a Prince. So, I will ask you to unhand me, or the rather large Shessaran army on the nearby islands will do something about it."

Vlachko raised his hands and backed away from the man.

"Ah, yes the nearby islands... you mean Halladi territory. Hell, this city is under Halladi control- unofficially. And your Roman Army is practicaly under Halladi control too. At anyrate... Now, why would you come in un-announced?" Said Fenris.

"I believe my cousin Braedd did enough announcing. I prefer a more subtle touch."

Lt. Bewyr watched the drama over his wine glass. His aid leaned over and whispered, "I'm not sure I like these Shessarans..." Bedwyr smiled.
"Like 'em or no, their fine warriors.... I just hope they stay on our side." He said softly. The soft, aloof smile never left his face as he watched. "Of course, we spend enough to bickering and he Hattians won't have to invade..." he mermured.

An unmarked ekroplane pulled into the harbour, and a single man hopped out of the side door. Unannounced he slipped through the security and into a back alley.

OOC: if you plan on doing terrorism, you'll be ignored, just so ya know.

IC:

"Fine, fine. Sit down, a lets begin, shall we?"

Lt. Bedwyr set down his glass and pounded the table in agreement,
"Absolutely! Down to business. I don't know about the rest of you but I for one would like to return to my life. I haven't lost a single man here yet, and it would be nice to return home with all of them. These are supposed to be peace talks so lets act in a civil manner toward one another."

Commodore Vikos, after getting a refill of his glass with more brandy, approached to the table and sat down. He seemed quite nervous and he had his other hand constantly checking on his gun (OOC.: No, that is not an euphemism you sick, sick people ;) ) a Grunge-French manufactured Jutson .45 pistol.

""I would like to make a statement that could make other members feel uncomftable but nonetheless is an important thing to remember especially for Hattia. Grunge-France is the biggest nation in territory, economic power and military capabilities in this conference. This is not to be confused with a pendatic attitude, but as a obective statement, because having Grunge-France in this conference means all that. That is what backs our words and speeches, and that is what it backs the sovereignty of Hallad. Every time I speak, every time I joke with you, every time I smile at you, remember: I am not Grunge-France, Grunge-France is the colossus right behind me that will make its principles prevail by force, or by words backed by force.


The entire future of The Grunge-French actions regarding this conflict is in the Halladian hands. We will agree to whatever Hallad agrees involving its regime and its sovereignty. We will not agree to whatever Hallad does not agree. If Hallad goes to war, we will go with it. If Hallad signs a permanent peace, Grunge-France will be delighted to sign it too. Since this very moment, all I really care is the Halladian position""

O'Grady grunted. "Well, that's a bloody relief." He cleared his throat. He had no prepared speech. Made things more interesting.

"Gentlemen, ladies - I'm sure there are some around - first of all, it's an honour to be here today, watching peace being hammered out, as swords are hammered to ploughshares. It is a fine thing when nations cease shooting at one another and instead start to actually discuss, and think, and compromise." He swallowed some of the glass of water he had at his seat and continued.

"We are here, all of us, because we recognise that war is needless, pointless, extremely costly to all concerned and generally thoroughly disagreeable to all the people here, regardless of their strength. But we cannot afford to let our own petty self-interests kill this conference. I have seen far, far too many promising agreements be destroyed by the intransigence of nations who will not compromise for the sake of peace.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not an appeaser. But if we cannot make an agreement here and now, all of our futures are in jeopardy. I have a daughter, and she will have a country to liv in when she's grown! And how many of you have sons, daughters, wives, husbands? Are you - are we - going to let nationalistic pride and bull-headedness get in the way of a peace? I think not, and I certainly hope not." He paused and took another gulp of water.

"Y'see, we all forget what war means. All of us. It means men and women coming home in coffins. It means people burning to death in cities, ordinary civilians with ordinary lives, people who have done nothing wrong, being secraficied on the whim of some half-witted arrogant nationalist! How is that justice? All nations, inevitably, when they don't like a little bit of a treaty, demand "justice" for their country. What kind of justice is war?" he shouted. "What kind of man condemns his people to death because he cannot give up on his adolescent, nascent pride? No man but a madman - or a coward."

"I don't see any madmen or cowards here. If any reveal themselves, or are hidden now, let them go. Let them go and not corrupt the purity, the sanity, and above all else the meek honest decency of these coming days. fFr the sake of all our peoples, we will find peace." He sat. He had unknowingly been standing. He was rather happy with the speech, even if it was a tad over-dramatic.

After O´Grady ended his opening declaration, The Grunge-French representatives, i.e., Commodore Vikos, his assitant Victor Gallahad and the 20 marines that were there as their security personnel applauded enthusiastically.

Braedd Laeryn looked around slowly. "We're here because of aggression. Shessara would like to make it known that we stand as neutral, now, and all NRE forces under our control stand as neutral as well. We would like to make it known also that the NRE will stand down, out of the way of the agreements. However, the security forces around this building are mainly NRE soldiers, and the city around us is packed with them, so do not think us gone.

"Shessara backs a peaceful resolution to this conflict, after a council of our princes, and furthermore calls upon Hallad to give the Hattians what they desire, free elections. After all, if Fenris is so popular, couldn't he just win again?

"And remember, these are not my words but those of all of the Princes of Shessara. If it were up to me I would challenge my opponent to a duel and have it done with."

Vlachko chuckled at Viko's statements. After he was done speaking, he stood up. "Hmm, if I am not mistaken, it was previously stated the Grunge-France disbanded it's military, and was using a regional military. Now, you obviously do not know much of my nation. Our power does not lie in the sea, but on land. If we had landed troops in Hallad, Fenris's head would be on a pike on the Kremlin, and you would all be at home.

Now, I do not like war, Hattia does not like war, we understand that it is a necessary evil. Now, if we wished, we could have many allies jumping on Hallad within days, but we do not wish to involve our allies unless necessary.

You obviously view us as the bad guys, I can see it in your eyes. Now, where were you when Hallad authorized the genocide of Halladi-Hattians, where were you and your condemnations when the Grunge French fleet attacked our fleet without provocation and sent many brave sailors to a watery death. Do you only think that your people have families back home?

How you can defend such a man, I do not understand. He willingly sends Hallad's sons and daughters to die instead of facing death himself. He says because he is not of Indo-European ancestry, that he will not meet Comrade Andropov on the field of honor. I believe all peoples have senses of honor, and this... man, if he could be called such is without it entirely. We have footage from our commando's battlesuits of them attacking our men under a white flag. How can you defend something so deplorable, I do not understand.

We stand by our original demands. Immediate elections, and cease the genocide of Halladi-Hattians. If Fenris wishes to regain his honor and die a decent human being, not to mention save thousands of lives on both sides, Prime Minister Andropov's offer still stands..."

With that, he sat down and sipped his drink.

Lt. Bedwyr rose again.
"I must agree that any killing of Hattian-Halladis must end. I was not aware of it because we became involved as the actual conflict began and also because I am not entirely familiar with the political side. I do not believe there is much point to dealing with this in a duel. I have been involved in a few of them, though they are not allowed in our nation. I have won them as you can see, and I do not find any honor in watching those men die on my dirk. Everyone here has spoken of compromise and respect, yet you call President Fenris a coward and refuse to budge on your position. And you speak of his head on a stake. Such barbarism is not the work of brave or honorable men. A brave and honorable man respects his opponent. I see the value of compromise, but both sides must give a little if this is to work. I personally would like to hear a response from President Fenris, to all this. What are Hallad's terms for peace?" He sat down and turned his eyes to Fenris.

"I never stated that I wouldn't budge on my positions, I just restated them. Now, I called Fenris a coward, and perhaps that is a cultural thing. You see, Hattian generals lead from the front, fighting with their men on the front lines. Even the Prime Minister will fight if needed, that is our standard of courage, fighting and dieing with honor.

Do not say we do not respect our enemies. Enemy POWs are treated with the utmost respect and we follow the Geneva Conventions to the letter. Now, we cannot respect Fenris because of the tactics he uses. We are rather impressed that he has managed to evade our assassins, not many people are able to do that. That is why we gave him the chance to die with honor, at least in our eyes. And you must admit. Would you rather see at most 2 men die, or thousands upon thousands?"

Bedwyr nodded,
"I would rather no one die. Our nation's generals lead from the front again, but the Grand Duke does not, due to a decree by the High Council that decided it would not be in the best interst of Yr Widdfa. Yes, it is a cultural thing and I think it best that we respect one another's cultures."

"Even Prince Cadri, who prefers diplomatic means in every situation, leads charges from the front when he must. Fenris cowers in his bunker, praying to his 'allah' that his men win!"

Laeryn shook his head. "He has no honor."

"There is no place for honour in battle; honour can be thought of only when the enemy is broken. Then one can take honourable actions toward the enemy. But until then you have to fight them and kill them, and honour be damned when it comes to that. Anyway." O'Grady coughed. "Let us not bog down in trifling criticisms of allies, enemies, or indeed anybody. We should focus on the issues at hand. Mr. Fenris. You deny any accusations that you have persecuted those of Hattian origin or descent in Hallad?" he asked pleasantly.

"I have not, the government did not, the people of Hallad did. Infact, throughout this entire conflict there was a total of one Halladi-Hattian killed for no crime and it was done by a common criminal. However, there were six Halladi-Hattians killed, each of them a traitor to Hallad. They were attempting to pass information to Hattia. And, we have the death penalty for such crimes. That is hardly genocide.

"Some of you come from uncivilised nations," He glanced at Learyn, "Some from Communist nations, some from Capitalist- all with different cultures. My point with a duel, besides that it would solve nothing, is that we Halladi's see no honour in it. As for leading a charge, well, maybe twenty years or thirty years ago, but I'm a politician now, not a Captain in the - then - Red Army. It's not my place in society to lead a charge anymore.

"Now, can we move on to Hallad's and Hattia's terms. Might I suggest Hattia go first- I'm interested at what they hope to gain from this conferance.

bump

"Regarding what the Hattian representative said about our actions against its fleet" -Commodore Vikos said, while holding his glass of brandy on his hand- "Regarding that, Hattian should remember what exactly happened: They were enforcing an illegal blockade and jepopardised the 15th Aegian Armada by cornering it in the Halladian Gulf. Maybe we would not have had the need of attacking your fleet if your fleet had not been there enforcing a unilateral decision against a nation that all it wants is to protect its sovereignty"
"And do not come up with the argument that we do not respect the lifes of your soldiers.Hell, we could have just killed all of them if we wanted, but no, we ddecided to accept your surrender and let the survivors to escape. We even offered them medical assistance. However..." -And Commodore Vikos made a dramatic pause- "However, we only act with honor with the nations of honor, otherwise, we will be a friggin´ butchers if needed because we will not only seek to win as we did, but we will seek to destroy".

"Now, regardind the duel issue. I think this is just estrictly between Mr. Fenris and the Hattians. However, they must be conscious that a duel has no honor for it is fought with means outside the nature of the human itself, ergo, weapons. So do not try to make look "honorful" an action that it is against the human nature, and against the civilised world. I am surprised the Hattians insist on the duel, are not they willing to negotiate this without the death of a single person?"

"We sent a radio message to your fleet telling them that they could leave if they pledged not to come back. We had no intentions of attacking your fleet, if we did, we would've attacked as soon as we saw it.

And, the fact that such crimes were authorized is the equavilent to genocide in our eyes.

Now, for our terms...

We insist on elections overseen by a neutral third party. Now, if the Halladi people love you so much, there will be no problem.

We also demand that the laws allowing the murder of Halladi-Hattians be repealed immediately.

And lastly, we ask that the commander that ordered the unprovoked attack on our fleet be tried by an international tribunal for violating the laws of war.

Now, in exchange for these, we will pledge to never return to Hallad militarily again, except in certain occasions, such as aggression against us.

Lastly, about the duel. This is how some crimes are settled in my country, instead of wasting public money and months of time, we end it quickly. Not all crimes, mind you, but some. And if people feel the need they can also challenge other people to duels when the matter of honor is in question, which obviously is quite important to us.

Laeryn nodded at the Hattian ambassador. "That is the way." He thought for a second. "And Fenris? Cadri is a 'politician' too, yet he leads his charges. You are just afraid of a duel. Can Hallad get no better leader?" He sighed. "Shessara merely calls for one more election in Hallad. If there is a duel fought, Shessara will answer Hallad's call, but will expect some major reward."

"With respect, both of you, honour has little place here and the same goes for settling scores. The Hattian position is as far as I can see perfectly reasonable, with the exception that Admiral...er..." O'Grady faltered. "Well whoever he is...my apologies...can not and should not be tried for anything of the sort. It's a war, somebody has to start it eventually. Just because he fired the first shot and took you by surprise, does not mean that he deserves triel. As I said, war has no honour except when you have defeated your enemy. And while I'm on the subject, incidentally, what's the need for all this stuff about a duel? Are you seriously proposing to settle an international dispute by an anachronistic, childish and probably counter-productive duel?"

"Would you prefer we settle it by force of arms, killing thousands?"

"We would rather prefer it if you used your brains, not your balls. Think. Does killing each other even on that small scale achieve anything?"

"Yes, it has ensured quite a bit of civil stability, and a very low amount of repeat offenders. We would prefer if we can solve this through negotiation, but we have little faith that they will abide by their side of the deal."

"Perhaps you would be willing to abandon your paranoia for a second for the benefit of all concerned here and take it that they will."

"I was the one ordering that attack on the Hattian fleet" said a now tranquilised Commodore Vikos, "I ordered the attack because you had stablished an illegal blockade. THAT was the first agression, not my attack"

"Gentlemen... we have no other option but to leave this conference with a signed peace. Hattia´s reputation will be seriously damaged if he continues its offensives. Grunge-France will have problems with its region if we start an offensive. Halladian citizens will not be able to sleep in a peaceful way while they are afraid of being attacked. We MUST come up with a solution, and that will only come if we stop arguing stupid things like a duel"

"A blockade is quite legal, unlike genocide and attacking under a white flag or the fleet of a nation with whom you are not at war with, I believe. We gave you the chance to leave the area through our blockade, it isn't our fault that you decided to stay.

And just so you know, I will leave when I see fit to leave, or when my government requests that I do so. I would hope you would not be so belligerent to attack a diplomat during a peace conference, though with your record, it wouldn't suprise me!"

"Will you kindly shut up and stop wasting the time of everyone here who seeks to achieve peace with your over-zealous amour propre?"

Vlachko sat down, looking visibly calmer, "I apologize, I lost my temper a bit. But he has no right to dictate what options we have. Now, I wish to know the big problem that everyone here seems to have with elections?"

Lt. Bedwyr sighed, "It is not an issue of elections to Yr Widdfa. It is a question of no one being able to dictate another countries system of government! Are you to go around invading every monarchy just because they do not have elections? If the Halladi people knew that they would have no elections then they chose and that's that. It is no one's right to be telling other nations how to work. I don't agree with communism but I don't suggest invading nations just because they're communist."

"Our position is that elections would be preferable to Fenris' continued dictatorship. However, if it is in the interest of peace to remove that from the agenda that will be removed. Mr. Fenris, why, might I ask, will you not hold elections?"

"Amazing. All I said is that the Hattian delegation was going to leave this place with a peace agreement... and you got offended... hmm..."

"Anyway..." -Commodore Vikos continued- "Now that you ask for the opinion on the elections issue, well, I think Hattia has as much right as we have of talking about that: NONE. Hallad -and only Hallad- will decide when to hold elections and IF it holds elections. That´s totally under its jurisdiction."

"You seem to be avoiding the question, I just do not understand the logic. Oh, the Halladi people love me, but I feel threatened by elections. Seems like something fishy is going on here that we don't know of yet. And I do not believe anything is certain, we may leave here with a peace agreement, and we may not. No one can tell the future."

"I think you are right. We might sign peace or not, and we might send to death thousands, millions of soldiers or not, who knows, so let´s take it easy, right?" said a clearly offended Commodore Vikos.

"Elections cost money. Elections cause turmoil. Elections takes away the public attention from more important and urgent issues. That is why only the Halladian government can decide when to do them"

We would gladly reimburse the Halladi government of the money it would cost to have elections. And we can hold the elections quickly, no turmoil, just the opinion of the Halladi people. If they want capitalism, we disagree with their choice, but we will leave nonetheless.

"The reason only Hallad can decide when to have elections is because it's only Hallad's business when or if they have elections. You could offer to pay them to have elections and it still wouldn't make it your business. You have no more right to attack them for not having elections than they have to attack you for being a communist."

"Of course it is Hallad's decision, why would I be asking if it was ours? They have every right to refuse, but refusing to do what we ask will prolong this conflict when we could end it so easily. I would like to hear Mr. Fenris's response to my question though."

"I am not a weak leader. I have done everything I promised - and more. I halted elections. I have improved the economy. I have done away with Leftist organizations who only wish to hurt Hallad. But, along comes a nation. Hattia. They say to me 'Have elections or else'! Now, of course all of my decisions are part political. And, having the image of a strong leader with the backround included, naturally, I would stand up to this nation.

"Now, might I ask something of the Hattian delegate? If you were the leader of your nation, a leader who has done away with elections, would you give in?"

"It depends, if the nation was much more powerful than us, yes. We aren't much for giving in, but we also aren't stupid and if it will save the lives of the people of Hattia, definately. Now, you admit to stifling free speech. Maybe in your opinion the leftists meant to hurt your nation, but in their opinion, you probably meant to hurt Hallad also. It is all in the eye of the beholder. Now, to me it seems you are avoiding the question that I posed to you..."

"No. I answered it. Perhaps it is just you can't understand."

OOC: I may not be online very often. Internet's disabled at my house. Jiust so you guys know.

[Tag. And Hattia, why are you humoring these guys?]

Bump

"May I have a yes or no answer please? So that I may know whether this conference is over or not..."

Laeryn's head came up. "Fenris! You constantly dodge and sidestep! Your people love you, but you don't hold elections. Hattia attacked you, but you attacked their embassy! And furthermore, you agree to the fact that you have no courage! Let's have a simple decision. Either you hold elections, or step down from your ill-gained position. I have no respect for a man who will refuse to at least hold a position on an issue, especially when that issue debates his honor! Fenris, you are a worm!"

Secret IC: With all due secrecy, the NRE forces among the security guards began to move around, those in higher ranks dismissing the non-NRE men in lower ranks, and replacing them with Shessarans and more NRE soldiers. Four heavily armed commandos concealed and brought in by Cadri slipped towards the offices held by the Halladi commander of security. No directly offensive actions were taken.

Heh, sorry, wrong country... And the prince of Northern Shessara is Cadri, not Laeryn, making that even worse, oh well :).

"When did we attack their embassy? Oh, and Laeryn, how about your country has elections. Or we'll invade."

OOC: Shessara, the soldiers you're relieving are Halladi's. They wouldn't follow your orders. While it wasn't stated they were NRE or Halladi when I posted I did say:

On top of the building were soldiers armed with sniper rifles and Pulse Rifles.

Hallad is the only nation in the region to use that weapon, and we have not donated any to the Roman military. I suggest you change your post. Either that or your men will get shot up pretty bad.

"When did we attack their embassy?

He is right, I closed down my embassy once Fenris got rid of elections.

OOC: There were many Halladi in the NRE forces. They're all wearing the same uniform. Who's to know the one relieving you isn't just another Halladi of foreign descent? Besides, to claim that the only forces you have defending the compound are snipers, in fact to say that they make up a significant portion of the forces, is ridiculous. There are snipers, yes. Maybe ten, or twelve. Unless you really have surrounded yourself with snipers, in which case I wonder that we aren't already dead, and any forces around us could attack and crush the hall with nigh-ineluctable certainty.

"We never promised a fair government through your elections and proceeded to rule all without honor! Shessara's princes rule through skill and strength of arms, not toadying and cowering, pissing yourself while real men did our fighting!" Laeryn sneered.

"All due respect, Prince, we are not here to discuss Fenris' capabilities as a leader or as a human. We are here to try and work out a peace agreement between Hallad and Hattia. Perhaps we ought to stop insulting people and give them a chance to speak." Bedwyr's voice was soft and calm as always but his eyes were hard.

OOC:

There were many Halladi in the NRE forces.

Actually there are none. Check the Regional Forum, I've ressumed Halladi control of those men. And, the ones you used to have were CONSCRIPTS who have a variety of weapons - none of them being M41A1 Pulse Rifles.

They're all wearing the same uniform.

Halladi Conscripts are conscripted from Muslim Militia's. They're sorta fanatics and wouldn't wear a uniform you gave them. Not to mention the troops I had given you before had no training what so ever.

Besides, to claim that the only forces you have defending the compound are snipers, in fact to say that they make up a significant portion of the forces, is ridiculous.

No I said there were men armed with Sniper Rifles and men armed with Pulse Rifles.

OOC: Aah, whatever, I could argue it out but I just want to keep it going. Keep my last post but substitute that they merely took up a heavily fortified position around the building, using the Proconsulate's authority. Also, artillery were primed up around the site, with men guarding.

A transmission was sent to the delegation that reports had been recieved and heavier security was needed.

Forces herded the civilians away from the building and shut down the access points.

There, better?

Laeryn stood unmoved. "I will respond like to like."