NationStates Jolt Archive

A permanent embassy that doesn’t answer its phones is not a good sign.

So they rang the consulate and there was no reply, the phone simply rung out.
So they rung an overseas embassy and there was no reply, the phone simply rung out.
So they rung the trade commission and there was no reply, the phone simply rung out.

When they parked outside the embassy a pair of sunglasses peaked above the wall and a pin stripe suit slithered out of view before the snarling and whining of dogs guarded the closed and concealed entrance.

After five hours of investigation a trail of flights originating from Biotopia webbed out the various pin points of foreign presence, flights under the title of “private”, “diplomatic” and “security”.

The sand on a beach is silent. It’s the motion of the waves against the air making the sound of crashing. The sand passively churns along the shorefront all day and night, violently docile.
A shoe is thrown into the sand and anchors. A plastic compass lodges into beach. A half filled water bottle rolls back from the high tide mark, a body interrupts. Another dead body is buried by the waves, under the turbulent sand.

Elsewhere the motion of lead against the air pauses and starts again.

#tag#

*tagged!

hmm.

Observing with interest.

tag
And my sattelites are monitering this

It seems I've got some field agents who haven't been filing reports.

The street lights twitched and hummed before turning off, it was just another moment of typicality. Adel continued to cycle through the frigid slush of the midnight sleet as it fell through from the ink-cast sky onto the asphalt highway. Despite living in a city where the private citizens’ motorcar had become extinct the emptiness of even the major highways from police patrols, lonely looking cargo trucks or even ambulances that still pointlessly wailed at others to clear the lanes had given Adel a consolidated sense of solitude.

The moon usually provided enough light to still maintain a safe pace along the roadside and on overcast nights the orange-grey glow from someone else’s horizon gave enough illumination to avoid entering the wrong lane or swerving into the curb. Tonight the moon was curtained making it hard to judge distance, form or course. Out of a learned response to see if he was not casting an accidental shadow against his nearest horizon of light Adel looked up, and around. He stopped and looked behind him and then paused for a second realising that tonight there was no light – anywhere.

Tonight there was only darkness and the increasing volume of sleet hitting against his plastic hood. He peddled slowly into the direction of the pull-over before hoping off. Wheeling his bike over the perimeter line’s corrugation strips he walked alongside the highway, feeling for his direction through the silent brail beneath. His eyes having become accustomed enough he hoped back onto his bike and gently cycled along the brail line a few seconds, there was a violent flash of light and a rolling thunder from over his shoulder.

Stopping his movement he twisted about and followed the furiously thick black plume of smoke trailing above the skyline, illuminated by the radiating burnt-orange glow that was centred below. He flipped back his hood and for a few seconds the entire night was so quiet he could hear the splashback of the sleet as it hit the highway around him. The muffled moaning of air raid sirens in the distance announced to the blind city’s inhabitants that a serpent of the sky had just attacked in the darkness of an icy midnight.

Adel watched the cityscape as a criss-cross of locations emerged to give their orange-glow back to the night sky. The streetlights above flickered as if jolted from a narcoleptic nap before the empty asphalt was illuminated again. The sounds of emergency, then its flashing dramatic lights and its slick brazen appearance sped down the highway. It was a long cavalcade of ambulances, fire trucks, emergency rescue vehicles, armed police cars were separately followed by a convey of khaki – coloured trucks and a black water-cannon truck.

To the nations of the international community

Anti-government terrorists have committed shocking acts of destruction and barbarianism in just a few short hours. The zeppelin Gherkost was crashed into the federal parliament as both houses were in a joint sitting, no member of parliament survived and hundreds of staff were also killed. Terrorist cells around the nation activated, sabotaging power, communications and transport networks, plunging our major cities into chaos. Several senior members of the judiciary and civil service were also targeted.

While we continue to capture the terrorists we have learned that all of them have had links to anti-government ideologies, in particular ultra-anti-capitalist doctrines. In response the Office of National Command has been forced to assume authority. Law and order are being restored to the restless streets. We cannot tolerate any erosion of our national sovereignty or participate in any institution that seeks to remove the power of the state. Therefore Biotopia has been withdrawn from the United Nations and the Coalition of Anti-Capitalist Economies. Our membership to the IFTA is being revised and membership to the Non-Human Union is suspended.

We have been thrust into a new reality, a turbulent, violent reality that has exposed us all to the dangers of Internationalist ideologies and the threat posed by the anti-capitalist agenda to violently destroy national individuality. However successive governments have further indebted our nation to anti-nation economies. Therefore we request from all countries that cherish individuality and independence international recognition of the ONC as the legitimate authority as we guide the nation through this traumatic period. However we are also in urgent need to access foreign economies in order to successfully withdraw from the anti-nation organisation of the IFTA.

Chairperson Bemve Keemo
Office of National Command

[Neuvo Uddaema] Time Line:

11:55pm: The power to Zhaireland City is disrupted by a terrorist cell.
11:58pm: The Gherskost is crashed into the Parliament, incinerating the full house. Federal elections were soon to be called and both houses were running an 18 hour session.

12:09am: Broadcasting of the images activates other terrorist cells across the nation
1:40am: Millions of citizens are watching the images when power, communications and transport services are nationally sabotaged, plunging large urban centres into fear, anarchy and darkness.
9:52am: The Office of National Command assumes provisional powers in order to co-ordinate the national counter-terrorist offensive. Martial law is introduced to control criminal behaviour in regions without communications, power or transport services.
11:40am: The ONC meets and agrees to suspend all international and domestic flights. Shipping is also suspended. International communications remains disrupted, the Office of Public Morality and Information, Office of Alien Censorship and Office of Central Public Security are opened. Elections are suspended until the security situation can be confirmed.
7:05pm: Several terrorists arrested, others killed in shoot outs.

11:02am: Chairperson of the ONC, Bemve Keemo addresses the nation. He reveals the terrorist plot by extremist anti-government forces to dissolve the Biotopian nation. He explains that the erosion of national integrity has been continuing for too many years through institutions such as the UN, IFTA, CACE and the NHU. Biotopia is withdrawn from the UN and CACE.

BioNHU House was a sizable compound of articulate landscaping around a series of very modernised buildings, emphasising the estate’s position as the hub for regional trade and diplomacy and keeping very much in theme with the greater city. Inside however there remained broken doors, bullet holes in the walls and several rooms that were still being closed off for forensics to comb through. It had suddenly gotten very nasty.

Bjorr Tyroum had been placed in the office of the previous Supreme-Commissioner, who had unfortunately been in the parliament to speak in person on several items. Their family photos and personal items had neatly fitted into one box. Bjorr himself had been fortunate enough to avoid both being recalled to the federal parliament and being in the country side when the paratroopers had seized the compound.

The office itself looked past the giant fern trees and onto the central pond of the Moss Garden. In the freshness of the night the illuminated jets of water in the pond cast their colours into the office, gently transitioning it through the spectrum. A helicopter flew low across the grounds, its strong torch light bleaching the vegetation with its whiteness. Bjorr sighed deeply, he now held the most senior office outside of his homeland through tragic default.

He knew that Biotopia had the most communication intense infrastructure in the region, second only possibly to the Federal Republic’s capital. But when people were afraid, disorganised and part of a mass-panic all the phone lines in the world accounted for nothing. A lot of people had been able to escape; interestingly most had been doing it by air. There was one rumour though that a 747 had been shot down supposedly heading towards Celdonia. What a tragedy.

News however remained sketchy, external lines had been cut and the satellite and radio systems were being scrambled. Someone in Hell Bovines had made a very interesting find. Along one of the northern beaches a series of plastic bottles had washed up, stuffed full of notes from citizens being detained in the south of Biotopia. The letters were being flown in later tonight.

Foreign Minister Sharon McManus looked through the day's communiqués and #TAGGED# the folio on Biotopia as "Urgent Priority."

------------------------------------------------
Algemene Inlichtingen en Veiligheids Dienst HQ
The Hague, Knootoss
------------------------------------------------

In Knootoss, the developments in Biotopia were seen as positive. An opportunity. Agents of the AIVD eagerly discussed the next step.

Chief of operations Berry sat behind the circular meeting table, asking for advice on the situation. "Should we intervene now?"

Agent Natalia was first to raise doubts: "On behalf of whom? OCN seems to have good chances of pulling through, but these ultra-anti-capitalist seem to be more ideologically useful."

Bernhard, a more seasoned staff member, butted in: "Yes, but they are not afraid of violence and at present their condition is unknown. This thing could have been staged by the military for all we know."Natalia bowed her head, concedingly and Bernhard continued: I reccomend that we get Economic Affairs to offer support to the OCM; KIST membership and such. This should provide some stability to the nation while bringing it into our sphere... but for now we should deny them official backing.

Berry looked around the table. "Do we have human intelligence in Biotopia?" Doubting faces. Again, Bernhard provided an answer. "No, not really. The only Knootian in Biotopia that I know of is that boy... whatshisname. The generals son."

Berry nodded. "Yeah. De Kaste... I know. But he is no spy. He is in love with their Surpreme Chancellor."

Natalia flashed a glare of sympathy. "Poor boy. Wonder what happened to him then? If the Chancellor is dead..."

Berry sighed "You'll see that we are sent in to rescue him. I will contact the General at once. He will want to know about his soon. Bernhard, you contact Economic Affairs and the Prime Minister and give them our go-ahead. If the EIVD has not jumped on this already with their own intelligence assets they should know we want them to.

Bernhard flashed an angry glare. Economic Affairs setting up its on intelligence agency had annoyed him and having to work with them was even more tiresome. Still, he stood up determined to do his job.

Meanwhile...


To: Office of National Command
From: Knootian Ministry of Economic Affairs

The central government has recieved your requests. The internal situation in Biotopia is as yet unclear to us at the moment of this transmission, but for now we will lend preliminary support to stabilise Biotopia pending a meeting of the Knootian Council of Ministers about this affair.

I can however tell you that KIST membership will mostl likely offered to Biotopia to replace IFTA trade. Other aid depends on the position of the foreign ministry. Other support you require may be forthcoming on your request. No public statements will be made by us in this stage before the council of ministers is in agreement. Please contact us at frequency provided with this message.

A closed, emergency meeting of the Elected General Council was called. Well, most of the EGC: Councillor He Dorje chaired in lieu of Dr. Xu, Elected Provincial Councillor for Xijin Ulan Hu Hort'eq Ngari standing in He's place, EGPC'r. for Zikudukou T'hai T'an and EGPC'r. Lhasang Qadhri occupying the places normally occupied by Xiang Kalsang and Kham Khitai: Councillors Xu, Xiang and Kham were in attendance at the 4CACE (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=345231&page=1&pp=15), which occupied the chamber normally used by the Elected General Council. That is one significant advantage of a huge, sprawling government, Dorje reflected as he called the meeting into session. One can always find sufficient elected officials, and there is always a room.

Having been briefed with what information they had, the general mood amongst the assembled was one of extreme puzzlement.

"But that doesn't make sense at all." Councillor Draghne said. "Why would an extreme anti-capitalist group attack a pro-CACE government?"

"Ah, but they'd legalised limited private enterprise. That was why their membership in CACE was revoked in the first place." Councillor Khe returned. "Perhaps it was in reaction to that."

"Possibly... but it couldn't have been in reaction to the change in status vis a vis their membership. Reports from our CACE office clearly state that the jury was still out on that, as it were, when it all went quiet and the proverbial excrement hit the proverbial fan." Councillor Chanh mused, painstakingly perforating the margin of the brief on Biotopia with the point of his pencil and removing tiny paper squares, a habit that was beginning to drive Hot'eq to distraction. "Perhaps it was precisely because of CACE membership." the visiting Councillor offered. "Under the terms of the IFTA, we can trade with capitalist nations... maybe the CACE wasn't anti-capitalist enough. You know what the SIP said after CACE voted to ratify IFTA..."

"The Socialist Isolationist Party are a bunch of raving lunatics who want to build a wall around every CACE nation in Aperin and never talk to anyone else, ever." the acting Chair returned, exaggerating, perhaps, only slightly. Councillor Yi'i spoke up: "Yes, yes... and besides this, what's all this about CACE-IFTA-NHU-UN being anti-national and detrimental to national integrity? Whence that? Where's the data backing that up?"

"Who knows?" answered Councillor Chanh. "None of it adds up. And there was no warning-- none. I tell you, I smell a rat. Something is seriously not right here."

"Whatever is the case, we can't do nothing." interjected Chair of the Elected General Committee for Domestic Harmony, and often self-appointed voice of reason. "The fact of the matter is, we don't know enough. Not enough to issue a general statement, not even enough to formulate much of an opinion. But we have to issue some sort of statement. Biotopia is-- was-- hang me if I know-- an ally."

There was general sighing and acknowledging that this was a fair point.

The statement that eventually emerged from the EGC Xikuang:


The Serene Socialist Republic of Xikuang is investigating these affairs, and we take the matter of unrest jeopardising the lives and livelihoods of the citizens of an allied nation very seriously indeed. We reiterate our offer of asylum to exiled and refugee citizens of Biotopia, and we ask and urge anyone who can come forward to shed some light upon what has happened, any why, to do so, and we offer our protection to those who will.

Shock was the only possible word for it. Biotopia was one of Tanah Burung's closest trade partners and the only foreign country to have signed an agreement for economic investment in the country. Biotopian medical researchers were working in the remote Burung Paradis rain forest as part of a joint enterprise to research herbal remedies. As soon as the news of the coup in their homeland hit, transport balloons carrying a special security detail for the protection of the researchers were dispatched.

But far more important was the question of what the coup meant. There was no word from the government-in-exile, no collective response from the Non-Human Union in which Biotopia played such a central role. And nowhere near enough inforamtion to formulate a response -- especially since there was no word on the presence of the Supreme Chancellor. Yet a waiting game was out of the question: the stakes were too high.

As a compromise, action but only on an unofficial basis, ex-foreign minister Violeta Bi Bere was given the task of putting together a fact-finding mission. The old woman packed her bags, a spare walking stick, several tanks of oxygen, and several more tanks of Bliss labelled "oxygen" and boarded a special blimp bound for the Federal Republic of the Non-Human Union.

Bi Bere fired off a telegram to the NHU federal territory authorities:

To the Federal Republic of the NHU:

Dear ones,

Concerned beyond measure at the events in Biotopia, i am on my way to see if i can be of any service in any way in ascertaining the facts and assisting you in finding a peaceful solution to the dispute between the various factions claiming to be the legal government of Biotopia. I know that the NHU will try to do all it can to helop the people of Biotopia in this time of trouble and strife. I hereby request permisison to land and offer, if the humble presence of an old woman is of any assistance, my services to the cause of peace.

Violeta Bi Bere

Meanwhile, an encrypted telegram was sent several friendly countries (ooc: if you're interested, assume you get one) asking them to join her:

Beloved friends,

You will no doubt be as concerned as we at the troubling news from Biotopia. The trouble in formualting a response is the lack of interest and the silence from Greenfields. We do not wish to intevene, yet we cannot stand idle. I suggest a collective offer of a fact-finding mission may be of value. I am already en route to the Federal Republic of the Non-Human Union. I invite you to join me and see if we can get to the bottom of this matter. With several friendly states present, we may force the various factions to provide the information required.

Sorrow and confusion. Those two words could sintetize what the residents of Hell Bovines felt upon hearing the news. Hell Bovinians simply couldn't believe such thing could be happening to one of the bests and oldest allies of the Grand Duchy. It was simply terrible and saddening.

Whitey Bighorns, the vice-duque, was frenetic. This terrible incident camemin the worst of moments. Foreign and economics ministers were gone and the duque was too busy in foreign lands, what meant that he would have to deal with the crisis himself. Whitey was an experienced politician, yet this crisis truly frightened him, not only because the loss of a tremendous ally like Biotopia was terrible, but also because this was the biggest crisis he had ever had to cope with.
After talking with the duque via-cell phone and finishing a meeting with several army officers and ministers, the vice-duque dispatched several telegrams, both to NHU members, CACE members, allies and, specially, Biotopian exiles that had contacted him. He was determined to help Biotopia overcome this dictatorship and return civil rule with all his strenght.
And with that determination in mind, he decided to travel to the NHU common region, seat of the NHU senate to discuss the sudden turn of events.
The usual blimp was replaced by a quick jet-carrier, and so, an hour later, the vice-duque was descending in the NHU headquarters, leaving Manuel Lasaña, head of the bovinian national assembly, in charge of Hell Bovines government.
The following messages were dispatched:

To all nations concerned,

As many of you may have heard, the nation known as Biotopia is facing what seems to be a bloody coup d'etat. This new government, calling itself "Office of National Command", has assumed its role without respecting democratic ideals and displacing the true government, that of Chancellor Afra De Raven, the true government elected by Biotopian peoples.
Though it's too early to talk, evidence seems to show that this new government is highly dictatorial and opressive. Is for all this reasons that Hell Bovines wants to make this public statement to show its position:
1. The Ecotopian Grand Duchy of Hell Bovines refuses to recognise the Office of National Command as a legitimate Biotopian government. Following this decision, we have decided to cut all diplomatic ties with such government.
2. Hell Bovines recognises the government in exile, currently residing in the region of Phellnain, as the only legitimate Biotopian government and affirms its intention to see this government back in power.
3. Hell Bovines demands the ONC that all hell bovinian citizens currently in Biotopia are inmediatly repatriated back to our country. Failure to do so will result on action taken by our government, including armed response as a possibility.
4. Hell Bovines proceeds to cut all trade and economic relations with the ONC
5. Hell Bovines affirms that all Biotopian refugees will be welcomed and protected in our country.
With nothing else relevant to say, we state our intention to solve this peacefully and wish a good turn of events. Yours,

Whitey Hemerito Bighorns, Vice-Duque of The Ecotopian Grand Duchy of Hell Bovines


Dear Violeta Bi Bere,

While I personally have no doubts of the dictatorial nature of this coup, your offer sounds like the best action to take. I have contacted other NHU members and will now proceed to travel to the NHU mutual territories to discuss this issue. I hope to see you there. Yours,

Whitey Bighorns

((Sent a TG to Biotopia asking for permission to go on.

May I idly suggest the possibility of keeping storylines separate so that those who do not want to do not have to RP with me? Just a thought here. I really do not want the Biotopia player, whom I very much like and admire, to have to play favourites because of feuds I had with others in the past or have either me or other people he likes IGNORE parts of his nation. Just a thought there.))

House of Parliament - Room of defence
Stock Holm, Svea Riga

” I declare this meeting regarding the Biotopian-issue to be open. Please read and examine the papers handed out to each of you ” John was the director of the room, held all the meetings and made sure everything worked perfectly during session etc.

“Anything you would like to add before we begin the days session?” John looked around in the room. Inside was besides Axel Johansson, Minister of Defence, 12 other men working as advisors to Minister Johansson. ”Excellent. First and only order of the day regards the Biotopian-issue. As you all know we have been brought in to handle this instead of the Minister of Foreign relations and her office since she’s under investigation” A small laughter spread through the room. ”I leave the word to Minister Johansson” Johansson stood up and began to speak.

”Comrades it is with great sorrow I heard of these accidents, or perhaps acts of terror that has reigned upon Biotopia. But we must not seek revenge, be filled with hatred or in other ways endanger the Rigan nation with a conflict with Biotopia. Examining the information given to us and available to us in this hour I vote that we recognize the new Biotopian government and declare it legal. We shall not recognize the government in exile since they have no jurisdiction or that jurisdiction is unknown at the moment. We shall however condemn and question their outrageous decision to leave the CACE and UN which will damage the nation more than it will benefit them. The Office of National Command, the ONC, shall know that they have our support if they need help to rebuild but are monitored at all times” Axel Johansson draw a deep breath nodded at John and sat down.

”My thoughts exactly Mr. Minister. In opposite to the rest of the CACE we have seen no evidence that the current government is in any way illegal. It would rather be so in the case that a group of people leaving the nation and claiming to be the real government is the ones making an illegal act” It was Jesper, One of the more respected members of the advisory staff who had spoken.

”Hear hear” Was heard from most of the members across the room. The ones sitting silence knew that speaking against the majority could leave them spending the next following months out in the field since everyone in the room had the rank of general or higher.


Message to the ONC

We (the Elected Peoples Government of Svea Riga) hereby declare your position as the legitimate government of Biotopia as fully acknowledged of the Svea Rigan state. We also offer your nation support would you need it regarding funds, equipment and any other resource you might need. We do not take lightly on the fact that you’ve quit the UN and the CACE but are relieved that you have stayed in IFTA and thereby allowing us to trade with you would the need for it arise

Axel Johansson, Minister of Defence – Svea Riga



Message to Whitey Hemerito Bighorns, Vice-Duque of The Ecotopian Grand Duchy of Hell Bovines

We se no need for such a rash decision being made. We would like you to reconsider your decision and acknowledge the ONC as the legitimate government of Biotopia.

Axel Johansson, Minister of Defence – Svea Riga

Message to Violeta Bi Bere

Svea Riga will not join in this endeavour but are glad that such an enterprise is undertaken and will examine anything that it might produce with great interest.

Axel Johansson, Minister of Defence – Svea Riga

Will be used to as the Government in Exiles' "official" thread to hos pictures and the like.

http://s2.invisionfree.com/The_Non_Human_Union/index.php?showtopic=127&st=0&#last

The ONC graciously thanks the Svea Rigan government’s recognition of our administration as the only legitimate authority of Biotopia.

We have unwilling and unfortunately assumed this position and we assure the international community that it is only a temporary stage. However we cannot consider relinquishing our monopoly in providing the peace until all the conditions to avoid such a devastating repetition have been met. We must disengage Biotopia from the dangerous anti-state and ultra-anti-capitalist institutions that have fostered such contempt for democracy, peace and national identity.

The recent terrorist attacks have resulted in over 3,000 deaths. The entire parliament were killed, hundreds of staff and innocent civilians were consumed in the raging fires that gutted the federal parliament building. Millions of citizens were plunged into chaos without light, phones or transport in the major cities. Senior members of the civil service and judiciary were also targeted with sniper-like accuracy, indicating that foreign powers had provided assistance.

These acts have proven the link between anti-state ideologies and their ultra-anti-capitalists counter parts. Therefore the further we remove Biotopia from such notions the more certain of our safety and identity we can be. Biotopia has been disengaged from the CACE, United Nations and the NHU. These ‘internationalist’ organisations foster radical anti-state ideologies under the guise of anti-capitalism. The terrorist attacks have proven the anti-capitalists hatred of peace, democracy and our way of life.

We call on all nations to expel so called ‘refugees’ from their boarders and to arrest and extradite members of the “Government in Exile”. This criminal organisation is an association of out-of-touch neo-liberalists, internationalists and state-haters. We wish for their return so that they may face a fair and public hearing, as covered under recent decree by the NCO. Any nation that refuses to expel refugees or assist in the arrest of these wanted criminals will be barred from future economic and diplomatic relations.

Chairperson Bemve Keemo
Office of National Command

The mood in the meeting halls for the Elected General Committee for International Affairs was one of frustration as international stances on the Biotopia question came in. Commissioner T'ai chaired in Councillor Xiang's absence.

"What do we do now?" he opened.

"We can't do anything. Our position is unchanged: we know next to nothing. We can't formulate a position based on unsubstantiated rumours." Commissioner Xinh returned. Commissioner Yi'i answered back: "But equally we can't do nothing. It's not as if we have no interest in the situation."

"We should send an adjunct to the Burungi fact-finding mission." Commissioner Kheri said, chewing the end of a pencil. "We need answers, and the only way we're going to get them is by going ourselves."

"Kalsang will want to go." T'ai said.

"Kalsang can't. I'll go." Xinh said with grim determination. "Put out a call to any ambassadors we have at home. See if Qzixi Tashi is available; he's worked with Bi Bere before and he's abundantly reliable. I'll contact BioNHU House."

"What about the request for the arrest and extradition of refugees?"

"We say nothing. These people's status is unknown. They should be protected for the time being."

"Agreed."

Message to BioNHU House:
Greetings from the Elected General Committee for International Affairs for Xikuang.

The situation in Biotopia has been discussed by our Council and Committee, with great concern. We find that we can reach no position regarding your nation's current status without substantially more information than is currently available to us. We are most alarmed at the reports of several thousand civilian deaths in Biotopia, and are concerned for the safety of your people as well as the integrity of your nation.

It is with these concerns that I wish to meet with representatives of BioNHU House who may be able to enlighten us as to he current situation in Biotopia, so as to enable Xikuang to help the people of Biotopia insofar as we can to restore order. I very much hope you will agree.

With benedictions,

Commissioner Xinh Qixÿ,
the Elected General Committee for International Affairs,
the Serene Socialist Republic of Xikuang

Message to Ex-Foreign Minister Violeta Bi Bere:

Greetings, friend Bi Bere:

We are indeed very concerned over affairs in Biotopia, about which we know little apart from that they appear to have brought the nation into chaos. We hope to join you on your fact-finding mission, in the hope of finding the best possible response to this situation. To that end, Ambassador Qzixi Tashi, whom I believe you know, and myself will seek an audience with BioNHU House. We hope to find some answers there.

In hope for peace,
Commissioner Xinh Qixÿ,
the Elected General Committee for International Affairs,
the Serene Socialist Republic of Xikuang

ooc: Knootoss: sounds fair.

Liege Minister Andov Micheals stood, his hands resting firmly on the polished wood of the conference table as he observed those around the table, they were the four high council members, Grand Dukes of four counties that comprise ANA. Around the edge of the South wall curved a large observation pool, within which floated the matriarchs of the six major dolphin pods. All were silent all eyes were on him.

"Gentlefolk, we have a crisis, our close ally Biotopia has fallen into a civil war of sorts, and a proto government has put itself in place, taking over after the supposed destruction of the previous government."

His hand briefly wipes over his face.

"We have as yet, no confirming evidence of anything.. but the reports of terrorist actions are overwhelming, and the Nation is falling into chaos, we have reports of refugees coming in on out Southern border, they have of course been accepted and welfare teams are currently overseeing them."

He stands up and paces before the great window that overlooks ANA's capitol sub-sea city, Alpha Orion, a miriad of small submersibles and dolphins going about their business, winding in and out of massive archology complexes and coral parks.

"Now good people, what me must agree on, before anyone leaves this room, is what to do about this .. situation. I have allready agreed to sending in a small team of diplomats to investigate the goings on, but there is also another problem, an hour or so ago, we recieved a distress call from Biotopia's under sea city, we do not know what is going on their either, but, since they are so close to the borders and we are the only people with the technology capable of dealing with whatever crisis they might have, I have authorised the dispatch of a small military force to 'oversee' any problems the city might have, and to work in the best interest of preserving life."

He turns to the councilors and Pod Matriarchs and gives each a questioning glance.

"I have made plans, if there is anything you wish to add, please do so, I trust each of you to take care of your respective areas. Now, are there any coments?"

A short while later, a Roamer (www.geocities.com/bishoplotus/anamecha4roamer) class transport, marked with diplomatic colouring, pulls out of its sub dock and propels itself to the Biotopia border, heading for the main coastal port.

Elsewhere a smal fleet comprising the Hampshire (www.geocities.com/bishoplotus/anamecha5hampshire) class destroyer sub, Helesta and her three Sevridzna (www.geocities.com/bishoplotus/anamecha5sevridzna) class escorts left their port and thrusted towards Biotopia's under sea city.

Not seen by many however, where the two shadowy shapes that followed in their wake, as silent and deadly as the Sea herself, the Shadow Sharks (www.geocities.com/bishoplotus/anamecha5shadowshark) moved quitely, maintaining a silent running routine, onboard, grim faced and purposefull men, women and dolphins checked their equipment, They were the back up plan, incase things went seriously wrong.



(((OOC: Cheers Knoot!)))

Official Statement from the Socialist Commonwealth of New Paristan
Regarding the Situation in Biotopia


The Socialist Commonwealth of New Paristan is shocked and appalled by the violence and destruction in Biotopia. We condemn the actions of the terrorists who destroyed Biotopia's elected Parliament and we are deeply saddened by the resulting loss of life.

We are also disturbed by the apparent capitalist takeover of the nation of Biotopia, and by the subsequent anti-democratic measures taken by the ONC and related agencies.

We are convinced that there is more to this situation than meets the eye.

With that in mind, the Socialist Commonwealth of New Paristan hereby cuts all ties with the government of Biotopia as represented by the ONC until such time as democratic processes are restored and the scourge of capitalism is once again eliminated from that nation.

We recognize the government in exile, currently residing in the region of Phellnain, as the legitimate government of Biotopia, and pledge to it our support and assistance.

We must reiterate to all nations that true democracy cannot coexist with capitalism.

In hopes of a speedy return to order and democracy in Biotopia,

Signed:

Max Chartres, Prime Minister

and

The Members of the People's Congress

The Socialist Commonwealth of New Paristan

Her feelings couldn't be more mixed. On the one hand, visiting the Federal Republic of the Non-Human Union was a dream come true for Violeta Bi Bere. She'd long admired the NHU model of federal comradeship among diverse -- hell, the diversest imaginable -- nations. Yet the occasion was grim, grim, grim. And nations were rushing to judge and choose sides with unseemly haste.

Bi Bere hated haste. She hated it with all the experience of a veteran diplomat close to 90 years old. Never expose yourself. Never show your cards until you know what everyone else is holding. Always speak in non-threatening tones: all the more so, when dealing with other species (she was terrified that a sentient Bear might want to join her mission). Above all, appear neutral. Even when you weren't. Especially when you weren't. Those were the codes of the diplomat.

She climbed out of the blimp, sat, and waited for the Bovine, Xikuangese, and any others interested in joining the fact-finding mission.

Lhijir, Xikuang

"What???And PRES think they staged the bombings? Who'd do such a thing?"

Praesident Saluki nodded his head, gravely.

"Capitalists. Anyway, they seem to have planned their acts out carefully; they're obviously in control of communications, and they're pulling out the NSD to justify themselves-in ordinary times the Biotopians would see through it, i expect, but with these attacks...they probbaly won't. Degree of pro-NSD penetration of the military and security forces is unknowned, but expected to be high. PRES is investigating that as we speak, but most of our field agents arn't responding."

" Big surprise. How hard is to spot a human spy in Biotopia, with the current climate? Fuck all, they night even have been lynched by hysterical mobs."

"Exactly. PRES want permission to wake up their sleepers in Bio; not like they have many, or any other use for them."

"Right. Fouad, you and Hakkon stay at the 4CACE. Ingrid, come with me-we need to be back in NGH. Fouad and Ingrid, i want your VPs of Intel waiting for us when i get off the plane."

Sigrid spun towards a junior aide.


"What are you waiting for?Get the bloody Concorde ready!And file a flight plan for NGH! Oh, and somebody get Aisha to block all trade relations with Biotopia!"

To: Chairperson Bemve Keemo, Office of National Command
From: Hans van Mierlo, Minister of Foreign Affairs

The Council of Ministers has discussed your situation and we have agreed to lend you the required support. First of all, we recognise the OCM as the legitimate government of Biotopia, thereby confirming the de facto situation. We also applaud the OCM for successfully repressing the extreme anti-capitalist elements that threatened the nation.

Furthermore we are very happy to grant your request for opening up appropriate markets to facilitate a withdrawal from your unfair and oppressive economic reliance on CACE and their satellites. If Biotopia were to sign the KIST treaty (http://s7.invisionfree.com/KIST/) this process could be more smooth. As your nation begins a difficult transformation process there might be some hardship. Fortunately historic examples such as Zvarinograd and Lietuveska show that it can be done. In order to help your recovery the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to send economic advisors with experience in Market transition processes coupled with an extensive economic aid programme. We also recognise the need of your nation to rebuild its military due to the shifted balance of power in the region, and the economic aid programme could perhaps facilitate some reforms in this regard as well. Please do note that all these offers are voluntary. The DDR desires a strong, free and independent Biotopia. We offer strength through friendship and have no desire to dominate you.

With regards to your welcoming of Knootian Naval elements; the KDF can send a few ships should you feel the need for them. However our running military commitments are already stretching our deployment capabilities and the Council of Ministers has some doubts about the message a military move would send to other states in the region as well as in the CACE. However if you feel that there is an urgent military need for such a deployment we will consider all reasonable requests.

The Knootian ministries of Economic Affairs and Domestic Affairs have also agreed to your proposed joint revue on our trans-immigration and finance institutions. They hope such dealings can be arranged by low-level delegations from both administrations as soon as possible. The Foreign Ministry has also issued a travel advisory with regards to those inclined to oppose the new state of affairs, however we cannot ban our citizens from travelling to Biotopia with such intent. The Council of Ministers would like extradition to be used for individual cases concerning Knootian and allied nationals.

The case of Maurijn de Kaste is a difficult one, but I must insist that no harm be done to him and that he is not tried. Releasing Mr. de Kaste and his husband and allowing them to go into exile in the DDR or any country of their choosing would do much to improve relations between our nations. This might also influence the generosity we can display in our economic and military aid programmes, as we have public opinion here to consider.

A private organisation here known as the Order of the Invisible hand has also commissioned the construction of a marble statue of yourself, posing in uniform and crushing the serpent of extreme anticapitalism below your mighty boots while looking up with an arm stretched at the sky. While the DDR government is in no way affiliated with the Order we would be willing to send a liaison to coordinate matters in this regard.

Yours,

Hans van Mierlo
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss

To: Hans van Mierlo, Minister of Foreign Affairs
From: Chairperson Bemve Keemo, Office of National Command

The Office of National Command recognises the extended branch of friendship, peace and prosperity presented by the Knootian government and graciously accepts. We praise your government’s clear sightedness and humanitarian compassion towards fellow nations in need.

The ONC Economic Board will be shortly debating you’re the issue of KIST Treaty membership. At this point I cannot offer provision on how the Economic Board will vote and the decision process will not be immediate. I may however assure you of my personal interest in seeing that Biotopia shift from its previous dependence on the ultra-anti-capitalist economies that has resulted in such tragic circumstances.

On the subject of Lietuveska after the intelligence reports based upon our previous (limited) visitation we hope to model our economic ‘recovery’ along similar lines and we deeply aspire to achieve the same level of economic well-being and capitalist equality that the Lietuveskan’s have turned into a global model.

The ONC preposes the immediate shuttling of diplomatic staff and delegations to follow through on your proposals. Knootian staff will be hosted at the former Knootian embassy in the capital’s Old Dutch Quarter. Details of the economic assistance program can then be constructed. I can assure I will be taking a personal interest in the process. Currently our nations’ military forces have been mobilised in the effort to destroy terrorist cells. However our capacity is limited by the indignity of previous government’s lack of funding for the military. The ONC is making swift preparations to revert this disgrace.

While the Biotopian ports are always welcome to the DDK we are currently in capacity of maintaining our own naval territories.

Currently there are no extradition orders against any Knootians or ethnic BioKnoots. As for the issue of Mauijin de Kaste. He is currently residing under special military surveillance, for his own protection. Once formal diplomatic relations have been re-established your senior diplomat will be allocated time to consult with Mr de Kaste on his welfare. His partner is recorded deceased.

I have been personally consulted by the CEO of the Chapter of this organisation who has forwarded the details for the project to my office. I personally appreciate the generosity of the DDK government and the Order in their charity towards this project. Such international hospitality can only foster higher morality amongst the citizenry in this time of fear.

http://www.socorro.com/city/dish.gif

Hello kids. I have a post ready and waiting - please reply to my Tg's ASAP.

Why do the images not appear? Grrr

(ooc: sorry short post)

Watfordshire has made no decision on the legitimacy of the ONC's rule until the situation has been further clarified and views the country to be in a state of anarchy. Surreptitious effort sto contact the Govt.-in-Exile will be made.

Shiree Scouts (ie: inter-regional Heralds) in the NHU will join with Xikuangese and Burung factfinders.

Bjorr was apparently “enthusiastic” according to his Biotopian – English dictionary. Although he had mastered speaking English in an Oxford accent his previously limited vocabulary had been eroded after several years of trying to grasp a working concept of Mootish, Lumour, Glish and of course “Bureautalk” adopted from his three years of service in the NHU Senate.

The reason for his enthusiasm was that the Violete Bi Bere sat before him. She sat with oxygen mask and all - although her residence was one of the hermetically sealed suites so she could enjoy some limited freedom from carting her tank.

The Xikuang commissioner Xinh Qixy and Ambassador Qzixi Tashi sat to his left, the Hell Bovines envoy sat next to the Shiree’s Heralds on his right. The Cirdanistan delegate was an unfamiliar face to Bjorr, but then a lot of that government’s highest official were tied up in the 4CACE business. The human (OOC: is this right?) Paul Antanov from the ANA sat next to the tempory pool that allowed his dolphin (ooc: yes?) colleague Frick Nasic Ki to ‘sit in’ on the meeting. Bjorr wondered if housing a dolphin in garden pond was against ANA etiquette.

“Fellow Peoples” Bjorr began with calmly, sitting at the end of the table. The room still smelt of early morning crispness and slightly burnt coffee.

“I most respectfully express gratitude for your government’s benign compassion. Also to you all personally for attending this conference. I understand that this not a convenient time for most. In the file before you is an assortment of documents. Importantly is that in the front division there are pamphlets on the House and the city, should you decide to pioneer about yourself.”
*included is a CD Rom – so that you send the same information back to your own government’s to review while you work.

The delegates open their files to an index page.

“Listed is information on the terrorisms, what the ONC is and evidence from witnessess and cameras on what The Office is doing. I will begin our discussion in that order.”

“The ONC is broadcasting that the terrorists were radical anti-capitalists and that their attacks were part of an ultra anti-national campaign that they say originated in such foundations as the United Nations, the Coalition and even here at the NHU. However the logical argument is that these organisations depend on the existence of sovereign nations, not culture-flat dominions.”

“There are further inconsitencessess, in the methods of terrorism. We have had international experts analyse the evidence presented and they say that there is a problem. The terrorists operated as kamikazes – in the Zeppelin and some other attacks, as snipers – on civil servants and judges and as remote operators – with the transport and communications. The ONC claims that these were grassroots cells operating individually. The experts say that the levels of specialisation indicate the were levels of hierarchy and probably a central organising body that located each unit rather then sporadically forming as loosessess groups waiting for the moment.”

“Also actual information about the terrorists has been silenced. They are either presumed or insinuated to be foreigners, especially humans, humans from the non-capitalist states of the world. Either the terrorists were Blue Biotopians and the ONC doesn’t want to say or they were from a capitalist state. Either way the ONC seems to be waiting, possibly to play off various communities or direct public fear and anger at the nearest threats. We can see that they have already begun doing this with those Biotopians who refused to be ‘protected’ by their paramilitary criminal.”

“I personally know that there were several radical anti-capitalist movements within Biotopia. However none of them were anything more then settee revolutionaries who were closely monitored. They lacked the organisation and resources to commit such acts. It would seem impossible for them not to interact with other more organised, resourced and dedicated groups, yet there is no indication of such a thing ever occurring.”

“The targets hit where chosen first to grab attention from the local population and then to generate maximum fear and chaos. An itinerary of targets is included as well as the official timeline as presented by the ONC. Now for the Office of National Command. In the middle of the table a dish like fixture rose from the table slightly, the room dimmed and the holographic projector began to display.”

“The Office of National Command is the overarching organisational body that is responsible for co-ordinating military policy and the secret service. It therefore has influence about who knows , who knows about what and when. It also has command superiority above the armed forcesessess and close links with the government.” <insert display chart showing the hierarchy system of the ONC>

“The ONC has accumulated its own parallel government functions including a civil service, military police, military jails and management of military factories. It therefore has had the experience in operating the key sourcesesses of control in society, at least one under ‘Spartan days’. The ONC has the ability to control the armed forcesessess within and without. Especially with the absence of government or a strong judiciary.” <insert picture of various ONC assets>

“Various Boards direct the sub-sections of the ONC, however we have been informed that the ‘upper management’ has either reduced the number of members or inserted previous outsiders who do not complain so loudly. This unbalances the system towards a few select members who on the crucial boards and are therefore the Biotopian’s of real power now, regardless of their legitimacy.” <insert various profiles and schematics of organisation>

“Although information is being blocked by the ONC to the outside world there are Exile-friendly agents within Biotopia. They have been getting images like these to the outside…” <insert still TV image of parliament house consumed in fireballs and bright flames with a green tinge… tanks rolling down an empty country highway… troops marching through a leafy suburb… a 747 flying low across the ocean, next shot, a small light projecting towards the plane, next shot, the plane blown into two… a photo looking own onto the street scene – riot police forming lies as silhouetted Biotopians throw Molotov’s.>

“ONC is very effective at blocking dissenting broadcasts but they can’t stop people from talking to one another. We know that the ONC has a tentative hold of some regions. There have been several acts of public defiance, a lot of it passive and civil disobediencessess but these have been reducing as the people loose control of the streets. There are localised reports of militant and hostile defiancessess. However the ONC is institutionalising its ethos. ‘Patriot Camps’ and ‘Criminal Re-Education Schools’ are being constructed and hard-core dissenters are being placed inside.” <insert images of fenced off buildings from a distance>

“The constant rumour is that our most advanced psycho-neurologial tools, used in experimentation with the criminally insane, amnesiacs and the traumatised are being adapted in ideologically cloning dissenters, breaking their will, reconstructing their identities and giving them false memories. This is a terrifying prospect. Aside from these crimes alone there is further evidence of police brutality, the dismemberment of civil liberties, suspension of elections, subversion of democratic establishments and the breaking if many international treaties.”
<insert schematics of the ‘neurological tools’ and acts of police brutality>

“We should now break for brunch, I’m not sure if you are accustomed to this meal, but it’s an important feature of the diplomatic procedure here – should you wish you may dine in the cafeteria, but don’t go outside the complex, we will only be breaking for 20 minutes. Please read through the information and I will take questions when we resume.”

OOC: If anybody wishes to have an ‘off the record’ chat with Bjorr – well this is exactly what the brunch is meant for in a city of diplomats. If not, feel free to your own brunch based dialogues or otherwise I’ll resume the meeting soon.

Itinerary of Terrorism(confirmed)
Federal Parliament
Kruipp Int. Aeroport
Overrn Int. Aeroport
Burnaka: Pier 362
Baroim: People’s Revolutionary Palace
Vellnain: Oskerk Cathedral
Biotopian Space Port (attempted)
Zhaireland City: Federation War Memorial
St Kordiem: Yhonhaal Music Hall
Marnain-ANA Transway entrance
Leem’s Theatre
suspected subway systems in at least 3 cities poison gassed

8 Supreme Court judges
15 Senior Civil Servants
6 Military generals
12 Police and emergency workers
19 Journalists
34 Members of government
8 Foreigners (3 Hell Bovine, 2 Celdonians, 1 Xikuang, 1 Red Penguin, 1 B&H)
7058 Civilians (direct)
5063 Civilians (indirect)

7 ship collisions
3 mid air collisions
1 lost aerocraft
5 train crashes
1594 road accidents
117 life support crashes
320 power failure related deaths

Regional and urban transport, power, and communications was targeted, exacerbating the number of deaths and fragmenting the emergency response.

and the day after the coup, a declaration was issued:

1. The Revolutionary Democracy of Cirdanistan hereby recognises the Government-in-Exile of Senator Bjorr Tyroum as the only legal and legitimate Government of the Commonwealth of Biotopia.

2. The Revolutionary Democracy of Cirdanistan strongly condemns the so-called Office of National Command for it's overthrowing of the legally-elected government of the Commonwealth of Biotopia and call for an international inquiry into the terrorist attacks in Biotopia to proceed without limitations and without hindrance from the aforementioned so-called Office.

3. Due to the seizure of power over Biotopia by the so-called Office of National Command, which has neither legal nor legitimate authority to strike deals or honour obligations:

All trade relations with the Commonwealth of Biotopia are severed, except those agreed with the recognised government at a date ulterior to the takeover by the so-called Office of National Command.
All Biotopian-flag ships are prohibited from entering the sovereign waters of the Revolutionary Democracy, defined as all waters lying within twenty-five kilometres of the Cirdani coast or that of any isles or territories that are a constituent part of or under the control of the Revolutionary Democracy, unless the aforementioned ships act upon business agreed with the legal and legitimate government. Should this prohibition be violated, the People's Revolutionary Armed Forces will be authorised to use any and all means necessary to force the transgressors out of Cirdani waters.
Similarly, all Biotopian aircraft will be prohibited from the Revolutionary Democracy's sovereign airspace, defined as the space in the skies above territory constituing part of or under the control of the Revolutionary Democracy, or the sovereign waters thereof; the same exception shall apply to aircraft as to ship, and similarly the People's Revolutionary Armed Forces will be tasked with enforcing the ban.
Biotopian warships and military aircraft not verifiably loyal to the recognised government of Biotopia will now be asked to respect a military exclusion zone of three hundred kilometres from the sovereign territory or waters of the Revolutionary Democracy, or territory or waters under the control thereof. All necessary force shall be employed to remove transgressors.
4. The Revolutionary Democracy of Cirdanistan calls for the return of democracy to Biotopia and the return of the power to the people, so that the Commonwealth of Biotopia may once again tread the path of socialism and justice.

The Cirdani [OOC:who'll remain anonymous until i've thought up a suitable name, background story and role to fill] envoy settled down opposite Bjorr at the NHU cafeteria.
"I hope you don't mind making it a diplomat's brunch, Comrade Tyrroum."
[assuming some pleasantries]
"Comrade, i assume their is a purpose beyond information to this conference. After all, the effects of mere diplomatic opprobrium are, unfortunately, not known as being the most effective way of halting juntas broadcasting national security state rhetoric. You mentioned the ONC as controlling the armed forces; i assume this means you have no influence over the Biotopian military, and, conversely, the ONC can rely on them entirely?in that case, supposing you-or any Biotopian, within or without the country's territory,who preferred the former regime-wished to stop the ONC and re-establish the legitimate political structure, and had access to armed forces provided by some foreign power, how would you go about organising a counter-coup? or would it be impossible, in your opinion?"
[OOC:apologies for short post]

The spawling government of the Socialist Union of Kerla was busy as usual. The Office of the Union Government was huge and it occupied an building in downtown Abbott that has twelve stories. The building was somewhat empty with the premier and other imporant people attending 4CACE.


Operations were not normal and were somewhat differnt. It was differnt for everybody. It was differnt for Thomas Muchon, the deputy premier. This was his first time that he has really been in control of the country. Well he is not techinaly in control of the country, that belonged to the president of the Supreme Executive Council, but he was in charge of the government. He was a devoted Socialist, he almost was an Communist. Tom sat in his office. It was pretty big. He sat in a plush leather chair. Behind him were the Kerlan flag on the right and on the left the offical flag of the premeir. He was busy reading the reading the proposed laws the National Assembly was debating. One of them, the regulation of the moos of cows was intresting to him. He was wondering how they can enforce it. "How can you regulate how many times cows can moo" he thought. "Do you think that we can go and tell them please stop because you are breaking the national law." "nah" he thought. The National Assembly was alway getting into heated battles and there almost was a fight there. Kerla has a big government and that helps when the premier or other top officals are out and not able to mange the day to day operations of the government. Suddenly Jeff Allens, the chief of staff come into Tom's office. "Tom we have a serious problem" he said. He was out of breath and you can tell that. "Well for one if those damn idiots fixed the elevators maybe I wouldn't have to run twelve stories to tell you this. Man do they take forever." "What do you have to tell me Jeff" Tom said. "It seems that Biotopia has gone capitalist. There was a coup there and a group called the Office of National Command has taken over. The ONC, as they are called are capitalistic and are instaling an capitalistic economey. Tom banged his hand on his desk. "What is not a good thing Jeff." "I know Tom. What we need is a plan of action. I have already told Stephanie." "Well that is good to hear,"then Tom sighed,"Have you told Rebecca?" "No not yet" Jeff answered. "Well tell her and tell her that we need to speak in thirty minutes." "Right away Tom" and then he left to go tell Rebecca Clone, the other deputy premier. Tom was the senior deputy premier so he was in charge.


A half hour has passed and Rebecca Clone come into his office. He was pretty beautiful and had a stunning body. She was one of the most sought-after women in Kerla, not only because he was beautiful but because she was the third most powerful person in Kerla. "O Rebecca you are here, good"Tom said"ok well we ahve a problem in Biotopia. There was a coup and the capitalist Office of National Command has taken over. I want to know what you think we should do." Rebecca then chimed in "Well that is easy. We do not recognize them. We still recognize the old government." Tom nodded and said "There is a governmnet-in-exile in the Phellum region of the Federal Republic of the Non-Human Union. I am thinking about creating a letter saying we don't recognize them and recognize the government-in-exile." Rebecca nodded and they agreed. "Lets now focus on what we should do" Rebecca said. "Ok lets put sanctions on them and maybe should invade them." Rebecca agreed and they wrote their letter.

The letter is as follow:

The Socialist Union of Kerla does not recognize the Office of National Command as the legitimate government of Biotopia. The Socialist Union of Kerla hearby recognizes the government-in-exile of Bigtopia as the legitimate government of Biotopia. We condem the terroristictic actions of the Office of National Command. The Office of National Command is hearby considered a terrorist organization by the government of the Socialist Union of Kerla and every country that supports the Office of National Command are aiding terrorists. We also have placed economic sanctions on Bigtopia. We urge all other countries to do to same and lets stop these gross unjustices in the world. Lets democracy ring true in the world.

Tomas Muchon
Rebecca Clone
Deputy Premiers
Socialist Union of Kerla

Whitey Bighorns, the vice-duque of Hell Bovines, listened and watched to Bjorr's conference with interest. His thoughts were confirmed to be true when he heard about the concentration camps and the attemps to supress dissent by the ONC.
The duque had told him, no ordered him, to wait to examin all facts before taking any diplomatic action. But he was sure of his position and was willing to risk anything to make things his way.

After hearing a long row of insults from the duque by cell phone, calling him "imprudent" and his reaction "rushed and irresponsable", the proud and rebellious vice-duque sat himself in a table with the old but magnificently beautiful Violeta Bi Bere (at least according to bovine standards). While he was enjoying his vegetarian menu, he glanced torwards the burungi lady, wandering what her thoughts on the issue would be.....

Edit: typos

"So, what do you think?"

Heretofore brooding, Commissioner Xinh broke his silence as he, Ambassador Qzixi, and their aides entered the NHU cafeteria. Qzixi, also pensive, paused to catch the eye of the venerable Violeta Bi Bere. The Third World Solidarity Conference where the Matebian Declaration was forged had been some time ago, but he was certain she would remember him. He smiled and bowed her way, then returned his attention to the Commissioner, straightening the orange sash that designated him as a member of the Xikuangese Buddhist clergy.

"I think Mr. Tyroum shows remarkable calm, given the degree of upset to which he can only be subject."

"No exaggeration there." Xinh requested tea for the six of them, and was duly impressed when it appeared accompanied by butter and salt. "Look at that. In the middle of a nasty, violent situation, and they still attend to such details. Fine people, these Biotopians." he commented, and they took seats, not far from where the Cirdani delegate was speaking in low tones with Bjorr.

"Any closer to a definite position?" Ambassador Qzixi asked. "Indeed. It's clear we cannot recognise this ONC as in any way legitimate. The question is, how far will we go?"

"Blanket condemnation of a secretive, suppressionist, terrorist military organisation wouldn't be too far, I should think."

"That's a given. But... how much farther?"

Qzixi was silent a moment, staring thoughtfully into his teacup. Eventually he spoke.

"You're thinking of the mutual defence clause." he said.

"The situation is certainly interpretable as an internal coup threatening, in fact disrupting, the democratic government of an ally. If Biotopia calls for help in resisting the aggressors, shouldn't her allies respond?"

"Current status notwithstanding?"

"Biotopia's membership in CACE was revoked amidst palpable silence from the nation, almost certainly at the hands of this ONC... we can't take their actions as indicative of the people's' or the legitimate government's will."

"No." Tashi sighed, looking over the notes he had taken during the brief. "So many lives lost. So much destruction. All for what..."

"That's what we don't know." Xinh said. "We'll need to talk to Bjorr, get his take on it. When our esteemed colleague is finished, of course..."

So: things that had been uncertain were swimming into sudden focus. Bjorr's presentation was beginning to reveal some of the information that had been so mysterious: things murky became opaque. Full clarity would come, in time. At least, reeling from the shock of terror and exile, the Senator seemed to have his head squarely on his shoulders.

Bi Bere had some questions for the Senator, after they re-assembled. But first, she simply listened. At the break, she greeted the other delegates. Seeing Qzixi, her eyes lit up and she moved laboriously towards him, a smile on her face, holding out both hands to touch his once he had finished his talk with the Commissioner.

"My dear, what joy for my eyes to see you," she said. "I have wanted so to work with you again. Despite the tragedy, perhaps all of us here can be of some value."

Pausing to let him speak, she continued softly: "The Senator is eloquent, but his home is here, not Biotopia. I fear we shall have to inquire with those currently in control there, but perhaps it is best if only those who have not recognized the Government-in-Exile venture that contact?"

Howdy and ahoy all! Sorry i was flat out the other day writting my five page philosophy essay (Xi i hope you are proud! ;). I have to run off an hand this essay in ten minutes so all i have to say is that i will be on in a couple of hours to write replies! - i have not forgotten you, like a certain wedding... :P

Tashi rose to meet the wizened Burungi halfway, copying her welcoming gesture. "Dear friend, to see you tireless as ever in your peaceful work is a joy to me."


Pausing to let him speak, she continued softly: "The Senator is eloquent, but his home is here, not Biotopia. I fear we shall have to inquire with those currently in control there, but perhaps it is best if only those who have not recognized the Government-in-Exile venture that contact?"

"It is quite as you say. Things are clearer for the Senator's words, but we must proceed with caution, keeping the way open until it is clear how we must act. I think I can safely say that Xikuang will recognise neither the ONC nor the Government-in-Exile until we know a good deal more than we do."

ooc: Coolness, Bio! About what is your essay? Not that I'll know anything about it unless it's about metaphysics. ;)

(OCC: obviously doing a philo essay on critiquing the rationality of believing in god according to Pascal has given me half-backed philosophy on the mind!)

Bjorr entered another forkful of the Heliesem Cake into his mouth as the Cirdanistan delegate finished positioning his question. His right hand resting on his thigh ruffled the shingles of material that made up his traditional Auailo (a sort of shingled skirt traditionally worn by Biotopians in high ranks) and sighed.

“Comrade you ask me a deeply intriguing question; ‘do I advocate more deaths and further damage to the material heritage of my people to consume an ideology that has deposed another’. Before I give you the sort of answer given to these sorts of questions, I would like to explain my interest to you.”

“There is a conviction… no a sense that the universe is cyclical. Our thoughts on existence reflect our belief in the nature of the universe. We come from a state of nothingness, take form and then perish back into nothing. Although the individual is finite as an independent entity we, or the remains of our existence – be they our bodies decomposing to feed the orange tree to feed our grandchildren etcetera, we go on infinitely. The universe and time likewise comes from nothing, takes on new form and then ultimately returns to the next state of nothingness and is then born again.”

“When you hold a faith in the cyclitic essence of time I can argue that what I do as an individual is inconsequential, but what about those who take on form from what I leave behind? Wether I end up becoming part of a Heliesem Cake, or if it’s because I invented the hydrogen bomb or if I wage a war against my own people. Therefore my answer is not so focused on what are the consequencesessess of what happens to my people now, but what will happen to the people that come from them. When I consider this I firmly believe that the sacrifice of today is to be the gain of tomorrow.”

“Comrade, I hope I have not confused you too much with my philosophising. The answer that you expected is yes; there is a need for military intervention. Our actions will have implications on tomorrow and all the days forever afterwards, but beyond the philosophical aesthetics there is such a compelling argument to consume a corporate-fascist coup and this is after all, no more then a revolution in the cycle of history. As Corporate-fascism attempts to build itself into eternity, they want to violate the structure of the universe, imagine how far greater their disaster would be later on.”

“You raise good questions and I would like to address them directly when we reconvene in a few minutes.”

Bjorr rose from the table, gave a nod of his head and headed to place his plate cutlery away. He weaved his way from the cafeteria and headed straight for his office to arrange for some highly sensitive data transferral. Security had become very tight since the night the black van blocked the main gate an a small troupe of paramilitary guards attempted to hostage the compound…

[presuming that everyone has by now begun heading back to the]

The other delegates were just taking to the there seats as Bjorr breezed into the room, the unusual but gentle smell of moss trailed about him. He took his seat and paused the others settled into their chair and looked at him passively.

“The honourable representative for Cirdanistan has raised some quite serious questions which relate to what I wished to discuss with you all know in this phase of the conference. Before I begin I would like to say that I do not expect anything more then compassion from your respectable governments. It is however my dual attention to bring enlightenment on what events are transpiring in Biotopia but also, what can be preposed as a solution.”

“On the issue of our influence over the military, like under all good liberal democracies the interaction between armed forces and diplomatic corps was none beyond the bureaucratic level. However the NHU has been organising for a regional defence initiative for which a Biotopian frigate had been in the area. Currently the frigate and it’s crew is the only military asset under our jurisdiction, save several communication bases throughout Greenfields.”

“The control by the ONC over the armed forces however is not entirely compelling. Brainwashing and bastardisation has been evidenced as part of a radical technique to maintain exclusive control of the units of force in Biotopia. We do not believe however that this is widespread beyond special operative units. The police and cadet forces are beyond the jurisdiction of the ONC and we have monitored the use of propaganda to manipulate these independent groups.”

“We cannot wait for the ONC to dissolve of their own accord. Their ideology is to build with eternity in mind, they wish to out live time itself. You have all been provided with several sheets detailing ONC policy which underline the fascist-like obsession that is growing within their objectivessess with the concept of decline and eternity. Civil rights are declining and democracy has been terminated, along with thousands of citizens… and some foreigners.”

“The ONC is a structure for oppression, authoritarianism and at worst the institutionalisation of a Blue Reich. This aside the ONC threatens to radically regress society and in particular the economy. Please consider the regional implications of what the ONC preposesesses. Biotopia will become, is becoming, not just a mere shanty outpost for capitalism but is being groomed to become an ultra-capitalist wrecking ball, on the very footsteps to Aperin. Capitalism drives colonialism, do you dare to imagine the impact this would have on the open territories on West Greenfields or to the former colonial holds in East Aperin.”

“The ONC needs to be eliminated. There are those of you here who represent governments who on behalf of their ideologies, their conviction to democracy, their faith in peace as a form of prosperity, their love for civilian society and public creativity, to their mutual benefit and moral conviction need to remove the ONC."

Via some unknown pairs of Biotopian’s marched into the room and presented unlocked steel cases before each delegate, inside was highly confidential information on Biotopia’s previous defence installations and the latest knowledge on ONC mobilisations. Bjorr sipped from his glass. He hoped he was still remain coherently clear. His work in regional politics had flushed his negative emotions – nervousness, anxiety, uncertainty – into creating poetic motions with his words.

“Before you are dossiers with highly secreted information about Biotopia’s military capacity. You will not be permitted to leave the room with this information. Does anybody have further questions?”

The Cirdani delegate-one Gylfì Halmàssen, assistant secretary for CACE afairs-listened to Bjorr speak. He knew several of his colleagues who would have been working hard to keep to their purpose rather than turn this into a profound and only vaguely relevant philosophical debate, but he had no particular philosophical bent and to him it was of no real interest. Still, he nodded politely, sensing that a more down-to-earth answer would come at the end. And it did. He nodded grimly, taking in the full importance of the philosophical discourse to the Biotopian for the first time.

"Of course not, Conrade Tyrroum. I must thank you for your honesty; this must indeed be a trying time for you..i know it would be for me if our roles were reversed." [OOC: obviously, between the close of Bjorr's long speech and his last sentence]

"Then i will follow you back to the conference room."

As the conference returned to session, Gylfì listened silently to Bjorr finish his exposé.

"Comrade Tyrroum. I understand the sensitivity of these documents, and why you wish them to stay in this room. However, i am a career diplomat myself, and so are most of the other delegates; while i appreciate the risk you have already taken in disclosing this data to ourselves, i fear that if we are the only ones to view them, then they shall not be of great use. Could it be possible for them to be made available to those who shall actually plan a possible counter-coup?"

He was cautious not to actually announce that Cirdanistan would likely be preparing to actually carry out the military aspects of a counter-coup. In fact, like most diplomats, he had an excellent memory and was hard at work memorising the documents, but in any case he could not learn all the details he thought relevant at heart, and without actual military training he had no way of knowing for sure what the generals would be interested in.

Paul Antanov had been in conversation with his joint envoy, Frick Nasic Ki. The dolphin had been admiring the koi, and as yet had not sampled one, since Paul had told her they were not complimentary fin foods.

The report of the ANA transway being a target was a little to close for comfort, and they had both been discussing problems inherant with counteracting such an event. but both turned and listened as Bjorr returned.

"The friendship of the Biotopian people has always meant a great deal to my country," Bi Bere said. "And the dream of unity that the Non-Human peoples together have wrought here: it's beautiful, Senator. But i hope you'll forgive me if i am direct, time being of the essence."

She braced herself: directness was unusual in her country and in her profession. It was almost rude. But there was nothing for it.

"Senator, is it definitely confirmed that Supreme Chancellor Draven is dead? Are there no members of the previous government left alive? And what of the leadership of the armed forces: will they obey orders from the constitutional authorities? I am not entirely clear on who the constitutional authorities might be. If the elected government is all killed, to whom does power pass? I am certain based on your reputation and your fast action in forming a government that you are a capable leader of your people. But i cannot fail to notice that your bona fides to form a government are the same as those of the ONC: it was an emergency, and you had to act. Well and good, but it leaves your legal position tenuous while your moral position appears unassailable.

"It seems to me that it is important to consider -- and even more importantly, to be seen to consider -- all non-military options before going to war. Biotopia as a nation might best be served by a dialogue between your government and the ONC, leading to new national elections. I know that may be impossible, but let me ask you: would you agree to hold peace talks with the ONC, leading to new elections? If you are willing, the same question might then be asked of the ONC. Perhpas they would agree. If they do not, you ahve lost nothing and gained the moral and legal high ground for whatever you may plan."

“I thank you excellent Bi Bere for the sincerity of your questions, indeed for your special presence to this conference. The Supreme Chancellor is presumed either dead or detained. We know that his husband is under superficial house arrest. The Supreme Chancellor has no role in overseeing a joint sitting of parliament, so thee is the possibility that he is hiding or detained. The ONC has not confirmed finding the Supreme Chancellor’s remains. I do know that the Prime Minister and most of the parliament has been identified.”

“Statements from the ONC have clearly indicated that they will not relinquish power until the state is re-constructed according to their ideology. If power is to be restored to a parliament we must either wait and hope on the grace of the ONC or oversee the use of force to expel them… wether this be passive or aggressive.”

“As for the constitutionality of ours and the ONC’s actions; the ONC was not elected by the population, they were not involved or experienced democratic and civilian processesess. I myself am the highest ranking elected official outside of Biotopia. Biotopia is a federation of regions; in essence these regions are represented in a central government. While the region’s representatives have been listed as terminated there are still entire regional parliaments existing that could and should be forming the transitional government.”

“The ONC is projecting the labels of ‘criminal’ and ‘traitors’ onto the Government in Exile. It is my desire that they will come to their senses when they see that we are being accorded such respect by other nations. From here the GiE is in agreement that negotiation is the only satisfactory next step to make.”

“My intention to show you the documents before you is not because I desire military intervention, but because we desire the removal of the ONC, an unnecessary body of authority and one we are sceptical about in relation to the terrorist attacks. What I provide is not strategy, but evidence. On pages 153-172 you will read that the mobilisation of troops is in formation to national defence from the East, the direction that NHU forces would be moving from – why then not the west, heartland of the so called –kommunist criminals?”

“Until we are in agreement on where to proceed from here I cannot allow you remove such sensitive documents from the compound.”

Bjorr was silent, waiting for further questions.

Gilfì spoke up again.

"Comrade Tyrroum, i can only commend you on your prudence and sensibility, and your desire to spare the lives of many in your country. Yet i feel i must warn you that time plays into the hands of the ONC. As you told me over lunch, the goal of fascist juntas is usually to build an order that, to quote their idiotic populist rhetoric, 'will last for a thousand years'. Each day that they are not overthrown is a day more for them to brainwash and terrorise the population of Biotopia into submission, to find and eliminate those who are potential helpers in the endeavour of their removal; you spoke of regional parliaments that ought to form an interim government, but these institutions do not favour fascist rule, and if the ONC murders their members then forming a legitimate interim government will that much harder. This is not to say that negociations should not be tried; both to save lives and because of the realities of international politics, they should. But they will also afford the ONC many opportunities to buy istelf time. A counter-coup ought to be planned simultaneously, any deal struck with the ONC ought to be rapid and carefully scrutinised-agreeing on elections in a few years' time and then not holding them is a classical ploy employed by national security states throughout history [OOC: South Vietnam, for instance], and finally, the negociations ought not to be allowed to drag on for more than a few weeks at most; it would be better if the Biotopian military does not decide to fight to the death for the ONC and for the civillian security forces to remain outside the ONC's control, and to strike fast is the best way of preventing the ONC from reaching such a degree of influence."

He didn't mention that he thought the ONC leaving their West flank exposed was a potentially fatal mistake.

The vice-duque of Hell Bovines, Whitey Bighorns, had listened to the discussion with interest and was now voicing his opinions:
"Comrades, I fear I'd have to agree with my friend from Cirdanistan on this issue. While certainly we must do everything possible to avoid conflict and senseless deaths, it is also very true that the ONC, as the dictatorial entity it is, will be unlikely to accept engaging on peaceful conversations with the government in exile, let alone call to elections.
I think it would be very wise to give peace a chance and try to dialogue with the ONC, but we should also begin to plan a counter-coup of sorts, should the peace talks fail.
We should negotiate this as a block, not separately, as this will put much more pressure on the ONC.
I can assure our Biotopian friends that Hell Bovines, as a loyal ally, will do everything possible to aid your nation in this difficult occassion.", he said with a bow and proceeded to examin the dossier in his hands.

Hey everybody. Sorry right now i am flat out trying to get enough material/sleep for a 1,100-1,300 word essay due on Monday plus preparing for an English tute followed by a Poli Sci tute two days later. By Monday afternoon i should be able to make a reasonable IC reply.

So people... can China be clasifies as a Super Power? LOL - well if i can't find the damn books i might as well ask the 'nearest' sources at hand.

No, military equipment and training standards, industrial base, advanced technology et al don't quite make the grade. it's a rising soon-to-be-super mwahahaha power.

It's a rising soon-to-be-super mwahahaha power.

Thanks for providing me with my closing sentence LOL. Dear o dear today was an utter dogs breakfast! I will probably not have time on Monday evening either, can't beleive how utterly unproductive one day can be!!! O well at least it wasn't my direct fault this time - ie: getting locked out of the house when everyone went for a two hour dinner, the library website crashing over the weekend, my friend getting their drink spiked and some TWAT getting out a book I had on reserve (grrr)!

Sorry about the dealy folks. This weekend has felt like an entire week...

(Dont worry Bio, school comes first!)

Bi bere stabbed some keys on her palm pilot, hammering out a note. "If there are no objections, then this is the note i would like to send to both the ONC and the Senator here." She inclined her head to Bjorr. "Of course the Senator has already agreed, but i need not mention that yet. I also think it may be time to report on what the Senator has said to the authorities in Svea Riga, who asked to be kept informed. Perhaps one of their allies might pass along the information that the Senator has shared with us?"


To: "Office of National Control," Biotopia
To: "Biotopian Government-in-Exile," Fed. Rep. NHU

Excellencies,

Commiserations on the tragedy that has befallen your people. The thoughts of the world are with the Biotopian people in this time of tragedy.

Because we so value the friendship of the Biotopian people, i venture to amke this suggestion to both of you. Let not conflict lead to more tragic deaths. I propose face to face peace talks between your two organizations, leading to a peaceful solution and new national elections throughout Biotopia. I suggest these talks be held with third-party mediators present, and woujld be willign to assist in tis if it is of value.

Yours in peace,
Violeta Bi Bere

Hihoy all. sorry my PoliSci essay got wayyy out of hand and i've ended up handing it in late with a -5% penalty. THE PIANO is going to be starting in siox minutes and i must watch it for english. Anyway... i will be replying when i return home. yay!

ooc: So things get going and the thing randomly decides to unsubscribe me. Grr! I promise I'll come back to this.

Commissioner Xinh listened intently to the conversation, his expression pensive as he scanned the documents set before him. Ambassador Qzixi sat beside him, trying to appear not as perturbed as he actually felt.

"Comrade Tyrroum, if what you have said is true-- and may I assure you, I am most disinclined to think otherwise-- then surely, we must act. Sue first for peace if we can, though you suggest such an endeavour will inevitably end in failure, but we must act, to preserve the Biotopian people from an authoritarian oppressor they did not choose, and the economic disaster that will follow in the wake of its policies. And if the ONC's method of attaining power is by killing, terrorising, or brainwashing anyone who stands in their way, then so much more have we to act quickly, before any more lose their lives.

"But-- I do not wish to sound callous. I understand the extreme pressure you are under, but how can we act, when everything that has transpired in your nation has so in the deepest secrecy? You may be privy to the ONC's actual central ideology and true intentions, and you may have revealed then to us here, but the rest of the world has been fed mistruths and silence. The ONC has issued no statements regarding authoritarian rule of the people, ultra-capitalism, anything of the sort-- they've said so little that we don't know what to make of them. As I say, I do believe that things are much as you say; it does make sense. But nations cannot go to war over one person's word and a nation's silence."

"The ONC have demanded that we recognise them as the legitimate government of Biotopia. Very well, they cannot but expect counterdemands. Let them agree to allow us to investigate their claims to legitimacy. Should they fail to allow this, it will speak very strongly against them. With all due respect, we must have some independent corroboration."

“I sincerely conquer with the Vice-Duque. A roundtable negotiation representing the region would provide pressure to the ONC that they are not carrying on un-noticed. I also agree with the Cirdanistan representative that we must act with a sense of what is occurring behind the propaganda. If regional governments are to approach the ONC then might I suggest we adopt the issue of inter-governmental negotiations for the surrendering of military dictatorship to a sovereign democratic government.”

Bjorr paused for a second and lanced at the Cirdanistani who was squinting closely at the confidential documents.

“However while we must act in speed we must not act in haste. I would take it then that perhaps amongst you an appropriate location and time can be set for the meeting. Also will respective governments be initiating public comment on how these talks have engaged. It would be my hope that the ONC takes note that serious discussion over the incidents in Biotopia have taken place.”

Grasping on the remark made from Xikuang Bjorr added.

“Indeed it would be a most wise idea to send a physical investigatory team. Perhaps to pre-empt negotiations? Might I prepose that this be the first phase in dealing with the Biotopian crises. The second to be international representatives attempting an investigation and the third negotiations to follow on after asharing of information?”

“One final point… should the negotiations fail, what do you recommend your governments would do…”

Bjorr finished his statement with another question, one that seemed to especially linger with the Ciradanistan representative and Bi Bere.

OOC: please presume that several documents have been provided (although obviously not yet reviewed) showing photographs of civil unrest, and recent ‘national marketing hostels’ being constructed. Possibly some recording of pirate radio broadcasting events happening inside the nation. I’ll let your own imaginations fill to general void of what might be happening, until someone actual visits anyway.

Gilfì answered:

"I doubt my government would be exactly subtle about this. We'd likely be ready to send in troops, aiming for a swift blow to the ONC itself if at all possible rather than an all-out war. The threat of military force will, at the very least, be made explicit. IN fact, it must be said that we are already preparing for this eventuality; i have been asked to tell you that newly-completed carrier CRS Skiðblaðnir's maiden voayge will take her into the waters of the Western Azure Ocean, off the coast of Greenfields [OOC: depsite twenty minutes trying to locate a map on the seemingly disused NHU forums i found nothing except a map of Greenfields with no nations placed on it, os i have no idea if you have a coastline or not, and so i have no idea how scary a carrier will be, and how much of a navy there will be...oh, wait, you mentioned a frigate so you must have some kind of navy, and, partant, a coastline...] along with a substantial number of 'escorts', although we will not take any action against the ONC until it has been agreed with you."

Whitey nodded, expressing his agreement.... "Hell Bovines would be willing to participate on this operation first, but I personally think peaceful channels must be explored first on their full extent."
"But, should they fail, we will be prepared for any eventuality."

(OOC: A map of Greenfields with the borders can be found here (http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/totalrandom/gmap2ANA.jpg).
Biotopia is the island on the northwest, while hell bovines is the territory in the mid-west labelled "HB")

Xinh nods gravely. "If negotiations fail, and if inspections show that the ONC is what you say it is, then I should think we would have no alternative but to recognise their takeover as a hostile military coup. That would constitute an attack on an ally, one my government could not possibly ignore. But, as comrade Bighorns emphasises, we must proceed with negotiations first, and as soon as possible."

OOC: no comment ANA?

“Very well I feel then that we in the room are in accordance with one another. May I forward then that a, how is this best presented… ‘arbitrator’ nation put forward the suggestion to the ONC, or at least organise (via Tg ;P) a diplomatic visit? I will leave the exact details in your discretion but I would appreciate the GiE receiving a full brief on any visitation that occurs. Until a negotiation has been arranged, which I presume is to follow a visitation, the GiE is not welcome to ONC communication. They have censored both us and the Federal Republic, hence my suggestion.”

"I think an investigation called for by a panel of nations would be more effective." Xinh answers. "The purpose of the exercise, after all, is to pressure the ONC to come out of hiding. The more international interest we display, the firmer that pressure will be. My governemnt is certainly interested in these affairs, and I can only assume that the presence of my estimable colleagues here today indicates that theirs are, as well."

“Very well, Whom amongst this table would be willing to vouch for such a project?”

"Me, for one. Let us do as the Honourable Xinh has suggested," Bi Bere says. "As to your question, sweet Senator: let us hope that negotiations do not fail and work to see that they do not. If however, the worst happens, i am afraid my government would be able to give you no military help at all. Our hands are more than full defending our own country from an invasion."

She fingered a medal around her neck, saying a swift silent prayer for peace to the woman whose face adorned the medal. St. Theresa of Avila, pray for us.

Hey Kiddies! I'm on a two week 'break' but i DO have study i need to be going on with... however i have more time then before to Rp about the place. Shall a new thread be started or should we carry on? I would appreciate if someone(s) could suggest how the next chapter of this plotted twist should open?

ie: another table discussion/delegates to Biotopia? what? Also whom of ya are going to going specifically as i'll probably write the introduction again so if you can confirm who is actually going. Mhe

and apologies if any plot kinks are giving you a headache, i'm pretty much running with the ball on this, although i've got two different endings in mind.

New thread, same thread-- much of a muchness to me. I imagine there will have to be some communication with the ONC before they will allow a fact-finding group to enter the country, and I imagine you'll have to do a bit of thinking about what they actually find... if things go slowly, that's quite allright. NS time is nebulous, and your studies come first. :)

[OOC: keep this thread going and start a new one once the meeting with the ONC starts. The same person from Cirdanistan will attend the negociating session if allowed, but won't join the fact-finindign mission (a junior civil servant of ours will probably tag along as an observer, though).

Hmm how are things to go forward with events in Tanah Burung also occuring? I will start writting the intro for the ONC negotiations.

ANA would also like to know about ongoing events..

ooc: If possible, Xinh will go for negotiations with the ONC. If he can be of service, Qzixi will stay with Bjorr in ambassadorial capacity, to help co-ordinate information between nations, and to help in any other way he might.

Ok well i am wondering if TB will be able to come?

OOC: Do I need to read all five pages before I stick my oar in?

And Bio - have you officially left IFTA? If not, I;ve just moved that you get kicked out anyway ;)

OOC: Do I need to read all five pages before I stick my oar in?

And Bio - have you officially left IFTA? If not, I;ve just moved that you get kicked out anyway ;)

a] No
b] Down the Celdonian socialist running dogs! :P

The ONC wishes to resume the nations relationship with the NHU. With the impending closer of IFTA markets and sanctions from across Aperin the ONC fells that the NHU provides for better market access with it’s non-conformist economic structure.

However Phellnain also wishes to resume its presence in the NHU, in fact there is talk of raising a motion to have Phellnain (the collection of embassy grounds) given a “protectorate” status by the NHU and there is some inside speculation on purchasing land outside the federal republic to ‘formalise’ the nation state requirements.

The ONC has discovered a weak spot in its planning is the slowness of markets to open, its been forced to mainly exploit the domestic market to promote economic growth. In such a situation and in the international climate political analysts working for the NHU are discussing the eventually of a ‘war-for-profit’ scenario.

The landscape of Biotopia is changing rapidly, advertising as been liberalised and bright neon-lights clutter city streets and radiate into the night. Some ‘essential’ services have been maintained or partially privatised. These are seen as the foundations for maintaining the grip of the new government over the livelihood and necessities of life for the citizenry.

Sources are informing increasingly violent mobilisations in certain areas, especially in campus townships and working class areas such as the port-cities and industrial centres where those traditionally in the ‘lower class’ are being most heavily affected. Furthermore the regime has apparently been overwhelmed in attempting to reform/silence liberalists/dissenters/activists etc. Apparently the worst offenders are being internally exiled to an island.

ANA troops have secured the marine city; fortunately the inhabitants had been able to close the tunnel when the security checks exposed the incoming troopers. Unfortunately submarine damage was extensive and the ANA down one sub in an incident the ONC has not made public.

Urrrr - did someone want to play mediator? There could be one from the NHU but that would mean thrice the posting and one third the fun for me. If i am going to resolve dispute between two of my own nations i might as well put sock puppets on my hands and write a plot ending with "and which ever way you looked at it nobody really lost anything - or gained"

Possibly the wonderful Bi Bere? or the well known peaceniks from Xikuang?

”The ONC cordially invites you [single] and you staff – limited to two, not including interpretive assistant which will be provided by the ONC, to attend a round-table discussion.

The topic of discussion will focus on the successful and peaceful transition of power into a legitimate authority of Biotopia.

The mediating actor will be __X__.

Aqua Nation Atlantica will be allowed ONE representative but they will have no speaking rights and must be non-marine sentient.”

Round Table talks will be held in the City of Burnaka at the Hotel Geigo

OOC: sorry I forgot everyone’s names so I will look for them tomorrow and introduce the setting. Also feel free to jump in at this point Celdonia! Just for you have chosen Burnaka – which has a decidedly Celdonian influence.

ooc: if you like, I am quite willing to play mediator. Either Xinh might play the part-- as a member of the EGC for International Affairs, he is qualified-- or we could send someone else. In any case, iif Xikuang provides a moderator, we must also have a representative, as the moderator must be neutral.

OK that sounds good.

++ MESSAGE TO THE ONC ++

Foreign Minister Mike McKay had intended to travel to the mediation council but is, due to domestic circumstances, now unable to do so. In his stead Ms Carol Marshall, Under-Minister of State within the Foreign Ministry shall attend.

Regards,
David Lees
Private Secretary to the Right Hon. Michael Mckay.


OOC: Bio, what's the status of embassies? I'm thinking mainly of the Celdonian one and it's staff. Sorry I may have to engineer a bit of catch-up due to lack of time recently to get involved with this.

OOC: actually i haven't mentioned this at all, i really should have, opps. OK i think embassies where open but staff initially evacuated by the government and suprise!! the phones took a while to re-connect. Hmmm. But the staff are there, with their freindly Biotopian security staff patrolling directly outside.

OOC: Just so I'm clear then, the staff of the Celdonian embassy are still there?

ooc: just waiting to see what the situation is. Bio, can you still pop nto IRC occasionally? I lurk: cace now has a channel. Same server, just /join #cace.

(Bi Bere is at the disposal of this RP, despite events at home. If X is willing to be the mediator, then this is perfect. Given the ONC sanctions against TB -- how could you! ;) -- she's not ideal as mediator any more. But she'll definitely come along.)

The Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar hereby recognizes the Office of National Command as a valid proxy for the only legitimate and legal government of the Commonwealth of Biotopia, that being the parliament that was brutally murdered by the terrorists aboard the airship Gherkost. It is the sincerest and deepest hope of the Menelmacari people that peace will soon return to Biotopia - once peace is in place, Biotopians can finally start the work on prosperity, that has been neglected for so very long.

~Lord Túrelio nos Fingolfin
Prefect of State, Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar

OOC: Finally! I think I was about to descend into Cabin fever if I was going to have to stay in my room any longer. It’s getting warm and thanks to the miracle of electricity so is my room, especially with the laptop being run all day. Anyhow.

Setting: Port Burnaka City on the Kho.
The city is the second largest in the nation and home to several million. It is located in the north-west of the mainland and experiences mild summers and cold but short winters. The City is sited on the mouth of the Kho (“Cho”) river as it feeds into Hove (“Hoove”) Bay.

Background: Burnaka has been a port city for over thousand years and one of the earliest Biotopian (the people) settlements on Biotopia (the land). The port exports largely manufactured goods and mineral ores from the Kitto and Trappoin mountain ranges. The city is still heavily influenced by it’s port with a more cosmopolitan attitude and unionist politics. Burnaka is also the state capital and it’s famous Pier 362 where most of the victims where children and families.

Location: Hotel Giego is in the Celdonian colonial section of the harbour. Backing into the foothills the elevated position gives residents a clear view across the harbour to the Hofko (“Hoofkoo”) Peninsula. The Hotel also gives a first rate view along the harbour front, including the ruined location of Pier 362. [OOC: Celdonian colonialism was circa 1740-1870 by my recollection so I will let your imagination fill in the nitty gritty, perhaps some comment by the Celdonains to give us idea?]

I will allow for dialogue to open with delegates being placed in a private dining room together the night before the official date of the conference/negotiations. The room has taken great advantage of it’s panoramic position. Please be aware that since arrival your characters have been under close accompany everywhere outside the hotel as part of ‘security measures’.

This is your chance to mention anything you want me to specifically comment on, perhaps time to throw in a twist or two and of course hear what it means when someone says “Celdonain style”

http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=7151060#post7151060

This may prove helpful on giving events some sort of historical context and clues. I hope also that Celdonia can find it agreeable in regards to the Colonial bits? I think some of those dates should be moced forwards a little. I was originially working without any RW dates until i got to mentioning the Aperin War

http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=7151060#post7151060

This may prove helpful on giving events some sort of historical context and clues. I hope also that Celdonia can find it agreeable in regards to the Colonial bits? I think some of those dates should be moced forwards a little. I was originially working without any RW dates until i got to mentioning the Aperin War

OOC: Looks good to me Bio. I wouldn't worry about the dates though, they're minor details (the era is correct) and the rest is sound.

Recognising the complete and undebatable legality of the Office of National Command the Most Holy Empire of the Water Cooler, united as one, do formally and completely declare our support for the Office of National Command as the government of Biotopia.

Furthermore we denounce claims that the government of the Office of National Command has been installed via insurrectionist or indeed revolutionary forces, as simple CACE propaganda, in the effort to enslave yet another free nation.

Additionally we condemn the ghastly acts of terrorism, and encourage the Office of National Command to take whatever steps it can in order to quell any elements within Biotopia that threaten to destroy, disrupt or pervert the new found peace.

It is the most sincere wish of the entire Holy Empire of The Water Cooler that the resumption of finical and other economical activities continue as soon as possible. We also hope that in a day not so far from now we are able to hold talks aimed at the establishment of close diplomatic and economic links between our countries.

Furthermore we wish to denounce the so called terrorist organisation known as the ‘Government in Exile’. They are nothing more then a band of reactionary rebels attempting to destroy the peace that has finally began to show signs of setting over Biotopia.

Finally we wish to renew our offer of support be it finical, infrastructural, diplomatic, or indeed military in nature. It would be a grave crime and perversion of justice if the reactionary elements where to take rebel against the new government, and threaten the exemplary work of the Office of National Command.

May the Cooler guide us!

Sincerely,
Most Holy and Omnipotent Emperor Sohi,
Emperor of the Most Holy Empire of the Water Cooler.

ooc: I am waiting to talk with Bio before I do anything else, but we have spectacularly failed ever to be online at the same time.

Still lurking in #cace, Bio... lurk, lurk, lurk.

AAAARRRRRGGGLEBLARGLEBLARG!

I just want to apologise to everyone for my spectacular absence. I know sometimes I can be a bit dodgy in keeping on track with things but not even a mad mastermind such as myself (but modesty hurts my head ;P) would have run off mid sentence for so long! First it was the damn computers at Uni kapooting and my hours online at home are pretty uneven and then the bloody ISP kapoots so getting online just hasn’t been much of an option fullstop!

So apologies to everyone but things look like they have been sorted (apart from the recent election, but yeah. By the way did you all know that our Premier who I have served finger food to is a close friend of Tony Blair? Well he is!) I look forward to be being back on-line although I did try and catch you Xi a few times before the ISP died.

ooc: No worries, Bio. My own computer up and ausgeflippt, so it's in the shop and I've been a bit on-and-off myself. I'll continue to lurk. Lurk lurk lurk...

OCC: Heya friends foes and fiends.

only a few days to my last exam! The last time i posted was just before i got a lot of stress and hassle in my life - which is partly why i'm planning on moving for the first half of next year. Now however things are more relaxed as i have no university work to submit and my computer cable has be "returned" to me so i'm more net-friendly again.

The Daily Paw
-extended online article-
Officials from across the region gathered at the Palace of the Pines for a special four day conference on the Biotopian situation. Security experts, economist, political analysts and chiefs of the major (NHU) parliamentary parties attended as well as spokespersons for several humane rights groups.

The situation in Biotopia has remained vague since the country expelled diplomats, non-government organisations and withdrew most of its own diplomatic staff as well as initially blocking radio and television transmissions and censuring the internet after terrorists destroyed the national parliament as a full house was sitting.

Those inside the conference speculated that a coup had taken place regardless of the lingering question of if and how far the military was involved. Military control is embodied in the Office of National Command which has been maintaining law and order in the immediate post-terrorist period. Investigation by the ONC has concluded that revolutionary ultra-communists and an anarchist group called the “Black and Blue Brigade” are responsible.

In response the ONC has withdrawn from the Coalition of Anti-Capitalist Economies (CACE) and the International Fair Trade Agreement (IFTA) which the previous civilian government had been a long time supporters of. The ONC was prepared to withdraw from the NHU but has continued to reaffirm its commitment to the organisation. Civil liberties groups have protested the clamp down on the press especially in censuring internet and television networks.

When the NHU Parliament reassembles the first item of debate will be wether to recognise the ONC as the legitimate government of Biotopia and accept its parliamentary representatives or allow the delegate of the Government in Exile to continue to sit. The ONC claims it will not relinquish power until it can assure the “national security” which it claims includes converting the socialist economy into a capitalist system to avoid “fostering radical ultra-internationalists and anti-state elites and terrorists” said one unnamed ONC official.

Diplomatic staffs were forcefully removed from many diplomatic compounds by paramilitary units without the consent of host-nations. Such action is regarded as highly suspicious. The ONC has also been accused of social engineering with its “re-education programs” and “anti-crime labour programs”. Organisations such as KIST and nations such as Menelmacar jumped at the chance to extend relations with Biotopia which balances on the peripheries between anti-capitalist Aperin and non-human and generally leftist Greenfields.

Refugees including tourists, liberals, artists and senior members of the civil service and some military staff have been re-organising themselves in the Non-Human Union capital city. The spacious diplomatic compounds of the Biotopian embassy have become the head quarters for the Government in Exile headed by Bjorr Tyroum, the former Senator for Biotopia.

The assembling of the NHU Parliament will also give the ONC the opportunity to request the Non-Human Union to investigate the allegations that the Government in Exile made a daring raid on Biotopian treasury funds used to buy bullion. The purchasing of three apartment blocks to house refugees, a canning factory and a series of commercial properties has added flames to local speculation. The Government in Exile also commands a Biotopian frigate that mutinied against ONC directives to fire on a Hell Bovine plane entering Biotopian airspace.

It is unsure how the NHU will respond when Parliament resumes. This conference is part of an attempt to develop an official position. Chairperson Broad Greenwood (Granaur Hroun Hrou) of the Senate said that “all refugees from Biotopia will be accepted and those already here will be afforded full protection”. Meanwhile the stagnant economy of Biotopia continues to boom, the private automobile has returned and the light of neon advertising has outlined Biotopia’s major urban centres from space. Consumerism seems to have become the substitute for a people still grappling with such terrible destruction and the slow freezing of many of their civil rights.

Åveike!
A tense stand off between the police and staff at The Biotimes capital 0ffice continued last night. Police arrived to storm the building in response to an investigation implicating the editor and other staff of possessing illegal drugs on the premises. Staff were alerted of the impending police raid by an anonymous source suspected of being inside the force.

Newly installed security shutters were closed on the windows and the vault-like steel door was shut and locked. About 3o staff including senior editorial members locked themselves in the building .Police surrounded the building and began shouting at one of the sub-editors who spoke from a first floor window. Police refused to explain what the conversation was about but onlookers reported the sub-editor charged police with wanting to storm the building and shutdown the office.

P olice at the scene refused to confirm this statement. The police avoided storming the building when at least one shot was fired from the roof of the building. It’s not known if the shot was aimed at police or as a warning. Some at the scene think it was a misfired police gunn.

This action is another example of the authoritarian policies employed by the Transitional Government. The Biotimes is a moderate national publication respected or their journalistic integrity. Because of their dedication to publishing well researched articles they have come under attack from the Provisional Government.

Steel shutters and a magnetically locking security door were added to the capital office. after a firebomb destroyed the basement of the national office in St Kordeim. Police in St Kordeim failed to arrest those responsible. The prees is being targeted and where self-censorship fails to quiet complaints and allegations against the corrupt and dictatorial Transitional Government force and threat is being used.

A free press has been part of our nation’s long liberal tradition Any attack on it is an offence against the voice of the people, part of the voice is democratic participation. Since the ONC submerged into the Transitional Government the pain of the people has not abated. Underground Newsprints such as ours do not attempt to bring you the truth – there is really ever an absolute truth. But we do bring you the news that the Provisional Government wants to hide. From the news we can find many truths.

Those who know us can find us, those that can’t – shouldn’t