NationStates Jolt Archive

Nearly ten million people erupted into an indescribably raucous wave of cheers as the three Directors-elect held their arms high to greet them as they gathered in the Grand Mall. Instead of attempting to quiet down the crowd, the normally reserved group of politicians basked in the raw emotion; after spending nearly three months in waiting Joan Covey, Sarnow Haarvekord, and Elliot Schultz could finally put the long road to election behind them and begin the process of serving the people. Even separated by police escort and perched some five stories above the growing mass of spectators, the newly elected Directors were invigorated by the reception but tired from lengthy debriefings.

Relieved that the election had finally come to a close, each director took their turn to gesture their thanks to the jubilant mob before retiring into the ornate Central Directorate Offices. Sarnow and Joan were reserved and simply showed their gratitude by smiling and waving to the crowd before being escorted into the room behind the balcony. Elliot, more caught in the moment than his colleagues, pulled a small flask from his pocket and yelled to the crowd below, "Here's to the greatest five years that you could ever vote for," taking a small swig and bowing, he boomed, "Go forth, celebrate, and be proud!" As the revelers responded in a great roar he downed the flask and waived as he sauntered from the balcony to meet with his colleagues.

Once inside, the three heads of state in a cast themselves in a harsher, more human, light. Fatigue had been etched into the faces of each Director; after nearly a month of endless policy discussions with nearly anyone who had so much as a paycheck from the government, their exhaustion was nearly as limitless as the night's sky. Director Haarvekord, the political rookie of the group, expressed his displeasure in strict confidence to his contemporaries as they walked down the plushy furnished hallways of the Central Directorate.

"If I didn't have to go to this meeting, I would be more than happy to fall dead asleep on the floor. It's not that I want to break with political practice, but I'm just so damn tired. Is it just me or what about the rest of you?"

"Sarni, lord knows I sympathize with you, but when you accept the position the people elect for you, this is nothing compared to what will be in store for you on Monday," Central Director Schultz said to his freshly elected counterpart while cracking a broad smile courtesy of the whiskey coursing through his system, "The wonderful stage of politics, you have to play on it if you ever have any hope of making a difference. Really, it is a lot like regular theater except the enemies aren't nearly as stupid and you vomit more behind the scenes." Pulling out his black steel flask, he chuckled, "You're too tense; have a shot."

Refusing, the other Directors smiled and patted Elliot on the back. "We'll get enough to loosen ourselves once the ceremony has started," Joan replied as they approached the end of the massive ground floor hallway. In front of the heads of state, a three ton carved doorway nearly eight meters in height separated the three Directors from themselves and the Eigen: the only room in the Central Directorate designed to serve a single purpose.

Even to the most meticulous of Schultarian historians, the origins of The Grand Meeting remained a subject more of lore and myth than substantial fact. While the majority of the rules on etiquette and ceremony are no older than three centuries, the very idea of a meeting of this size was imbedded in the culture of the Schultarian people. This ancient sensibility was reflected in the Eigen's architecture; the room spanned nearly sixty by eighty meters, and every iota of the four stories of room contained either expertly carved hardwood pillars or tiled frescoes of ancient Schultarian histories. Carefully cleaned and polished, the room's several thousand place settings gleamed in the bright white light of the overhanging chandeliers.

Satisfied with the preparation of the room, Elliot preceded out to the lobby to address the start of the festivities. Mildly off balance due to the alcohol already in his system, the Central Director took great pains to make sure that his performance would not look disreputable. "First impressions are everything..."

"The Grand Meeting, an event that is held once every five years for the last forty-five centuries, has become the most exalted ceremony in Schultarian political tradition. Compared to the majority of our history, this one event has survived every war, plague, and civilization that has crossed its path and, hopefully willing, will survive until our civilization has merged into the greater tapestry of world history. We offer this celebration to you as an opening of our nation and leadership to any questions you might have; as has always been the case, no question is off limits, but we will be discretionary in our answers if we feel that such disclosure might compromise the safety of the citizens of Schultaria Prime."

Satisfied with his performance, he marched into the Eigen with the crowd of local and foreign representatives in tow.

Given how close the recent election had been, preparations had been made to accommodate fifty percent more people than five years previous. The result was a room packed to the brim with various appetizers, libations, and busy servers ferrying plates of Schultarian delicacies. For the more ravenous patrons, a ready supply seared beef wrapped in fried and salted sage leaves and bowls of penne in a rich tomato sauce were distributed with great rapidity. Even though they had prepared enough food to properly feed some two thousand guests, it was clear that this meeting would run out of food long before the guests stopped arriving.

As foreign delegates poured into the Eigen, Director Haarvekord made sure to keep his composure in front of his seniors. Though he was used to high pressure situations as an experimental researcher for the University of Schultaria Prime, he never enjoyed being a part of large crowd. For the most part, he kept his trepidation under wraps by focusing on specific delegations and attempting to read their moves; although it was only a temporary fix, it kept his mind off the numbers of people streaming into the room. He kept his eyes fixed on the numbers of individuals who were obviously of Islandian descent; the promises Elliot had made to Islandia Schultaria would be a big subject at tonight's meeting.

Poking at the Central Director, Sarnow confided his unease, "Is it just me, or are their a great deal more Islandian politicos here than we expected?"

Nodding, Elliot placed his right hand on his temple and sighed, "We'll try to keep the conversation off of Porter Atlunis as much as possible. He'll get his chance again if the referendum I want gets through, but not until then." Winking at Director Covey, the three proceeded to the center of the room to best get the attention of the settling mass of people. Clapping his hands, Elliot drew the attention of the crowd.

"The meeting will be predominantly informal tonight, so you may enjoy the services of the kitchen if you so wish. However, for the first portion of The Grand Meeting Directors Covey, Haarvekord, and I will be walking around the room waiting for your questions and enjoying the festivities. If you have any questions that require some privacy, or you would like to make a proposal to us in complete confidence, please feel free to approach us."

Senator Bernard Allenby (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hamptonshire/allenby2.jpg), President of the Royal Congress of Hamptonshire, slowly made his way through the room. He was dressed in his trademark grey bodysuit. To some it looked like something from a science-fiction movie, to the ever-conservative Hamptonians it was a new style of formalwear that not only covered the body but was also stylish. Senator Allenby was the embodiment of the best and worst of Hamptonian society: He was intelligent, thoughtfull, determined, ambitious, dedicated, loyal, and patriotic...but he was also vain, detached, arrogant, aloof, cold, self-centered, narsissitic, dark, cruel, manipulative, and deceptive. It was to no one's surprise that he quickly rose to the summit of political power in Hamptonshire and continued to stay there as all his opponents fell before his feet.

Senator Allenby rarely left Hamptonshire Proper and on only two previous occassions had he traveled outside of the Hamptonian overseas territories. Senator Allenby never enjoyed being in a foreign nation. The sense of powerlessness, confusion, and inferiority was replusive to the man so often referred to as the man who would be King. Hamptonians like royalty and monarchism, but have nothing but distaste for autocratic and aloof leadership. It would be hard to find a man more aloof, arrogant, and autocratic than the Senator. He is as cold as a lizard and as ambitious as Lucifer himself.

"Come here." Allenby says in his usual cold and aristocratic voice to a passing waiter. "Get me a glass of ice water and a piece of plain white bread." Just as coldly as he called the young man over, he was dismissed. Senator Allenby never trusted foreign food or foreign cooks. He would only drink cold water and eat white bread when at foreign catered events.

With his head held high, he began to cooly walk toward the Central Director. This would be his opportunity to present himself to foreign leaders. He had been in the shadows of the Royal Congress for long enough, now it was his time to be in the sun.

"Central Director Schultz," he said as he slightly bowed his head, "it is a pleasure to personally meet you and the other Directors. I apologize for not visiting you during your stay in Seaburg, but matters of State delayed me. Perhaps there can be a way to...remedy my oversight."

Elliot wasn't one to judge rashly or quickly, but he was intrigued by the manner in which Senator Allenby had approached the wait staff. "Obviously he seems a bit uncomfortable. I'll try to play the gracious host and make sure he knows that we are an adaptable lot," the wry and tactful Central Director thought to himself. His judgment of character had served him well over the last twenty five years; a great many crises that would have normally brought collapse to his cabinet and government had been abated though his willingness to observe and talk only when it was most opportune. When the Senator finished his greeting, Elliot immediately brightened his complexion to provide a sense of camaraderie and friendship to the Hamptonian delegate. Bowing and responding in a jovial, but carefully restrained, voice as not to disturb the room's atmosphere, he carefully replied.

"Senator Allenby, it is a distinct pleasure! I do remember you from the Seaburg conference; I'd have to say that given all of the wrangling, we did manage to hammer out a reasonable plan. Sorry that I couldn't stay for longer during the post meeting deliberations, but I'll see what we can do to make up any lost time since then. If you want to speak in a more private area, then please say the word and I'll personally arrange for one of the large rooms you see in the back to be secured."

Although he wanted to ask if the Senator wished for something to eat or drink, the Central Director held back to wait for a response. Looking around the room, he could see that the rest of the crowd was settling into a steady rhythm. Director Covey was busy making small talk with several delegates from Islandia Schultaria, and former Director Harlen Damien had come from points unknown to congratulate Haarvekord on his political accomplishment. Pleased at the way things were starting out, Elliot was actually happy to be involved.

"Something tells me I'm going to get drunk tonight, but not because I need the escape..."

Senator Allenby stood stone faced while the Central Director. He didn't look at him as much as he looked through him. Most people regarding a discussion with the Senator as an unnerving and uncomfortable experience. For all his oratorical brilliance on a personal level he was no warmer than a block of ice.

"Forgive me Director, I was not at the Seaburg Conference. My colleague and subordinate Foreign Minister Ziller was there..." Allenby paused for a moment to take a sip from his water, "perhaps you have us confused."

If someone back at home had made that mistake, Allenby would have been furious. However, since "foreigners can't be expected to conform to Hamptonian standards", as he so often tells his friends and colleagues, he was more amused than angered.

"Perhaps it would be best if we could go somewhere less public. I have a proposition that I trust you shall find appealing."

Without giving a second thought, Elliot nodded and gestured towards the back of the Eigen, "If you would be so kind as to follow me, there are several rooms designed for private discussion in the back." Although he was still pleased at the progress of the meeting, inside his demeanor was souring. The worst thing that anyone could do to Elliot was belittle him in public; despite his concerted efforts to be the model logical Schultarian, the violent temper he kept bottled inside was no different than his grandfathers. While the faux pas was of his doing, the Central Director was not happy with the tone of voice that the Hamptonian Senator had taken to his comment.

As Allenby and Schultz approached the rear of the room, a door retracted from the polished wall panel and revealed a long corridor. On either side, large paintings of the previous seven Central Directors hung on the steep walls and basked in the warm yellow light of the lights embedded in the vaulted ceiling. The two stopped at an unremarkable wooden door where Elliot placed his hand on the knob, but didn't turn the latch. Instead, an audible clack pierced through the passage as the door gave way. "Palm print locks, you got to love these things. They're great for security, but too damn noisy for my taste."

Stepping through the doorway, the normally pitch black room erupted into a bright array of colors as the walls and ceiling transformed from a normal conference room into a vivid plains landscape. Shaking his head, the Central Director didn't want to hold a meeting in a place so bright, but he would only darken the room at his guest’s request. Unlike the most of his contemporaries Elliot enjoyed places that were slightly dark and secluded, they made him feel safe and less exposed when he really didn't want to reveal his emotions to the rest of the world. Placing his hand on a small control panel, a large diamond shaped conference table rose out of the floor and several large office chairs were wheeled in by a small group of attendants. Satisfied with the room's placement, he dismissed the attendants and offered the Senator a seat.

"Well, welcome to the personal meeting room for every Central Director since my Grandfather. Of course, there have been a few 'modifications' over the last hundred fifteen years, but the room still has more history than even our nation. But I'm going off topic again; you've piqued my interest with your proposal, and I'm anxious to listen to your offer."

Senator Allenby took calmly took his seat without so much as a display of any emotion. While he was impressed with the room itself, he wouldn't let any noticible emotion rise to the surface.

"Director Shultz, as President of the Royal Congress I control the legislative agenda of both the Royal Senate and Royal House. For some time I have attempted to tie the requirement for an established Extradition Treaty for the privilage for establishing an embassy in Hamptonshire. Up until now certain factions within the Royal Senate have stopped my progress. This is where my offer comes in.

As you undoubtedly also know recently the first stage of the Hamptonshire First Policies was passed into law. One of the laws passed was the construction of a new capital city- Obsidia. That new city will be the nerve center for all important government and international activity within the Grand Duchy. Only a few choice 'friends and allies' will be allowed to relocate an embassy to Obsidia. As a true government city, no barriers will exist between your embassy staff and the Hamptonian Government. Your Ambassador could freely walk into the Royal Senate during a debate and then walk over to the Foreign Ministry to have an impromptu meeting with the Foreign Minister.

I am here to offer you a place in Obsidia. All that it is asked is for your government to sign a comprehensive and permanent extradition treaty with Hamptonshire. I already have a Royal Senate draft version with me, if you wish to see it."

Biting his lower lip, he leaned back and placed his right hand underneath his chin; he was happy of course to hear that the Hamptonians considered the nation that his grandfather had forged as an international equal, but lingering doubts still floated about in his head. Although he enjoyed the offer, Elliot wondered if he could use this opportunity to garner a bit of extra information while he had some time. It wasn't that he wanted to engage in espionage, but he had always thought it odd that more nations had not adopted a culture of public curiosity. Pulling out his glasses Elliot replied, "I would be more than willing to look at the potential agreement. Of course this will have to go through the channels in the National Assembly, but that shouldn't be too much of a problem given the almost unanimous consensus I've enjoyed during my tenure. It would certainly be nice to ease the restrictions between our two nations, especially given how much both of us have invested in international affairs."

Elliot pulled out his small black flask and took a small swig while waiting for Senator Allenby to procure his documents. Though never much of a serious drinker, his tolerance for alcohol was quite surprising; then again, since most alcohol sold in Schultaria Prime is no less than 150 proof, most people in the nation developed unusual drinking habits. Seeing that his flask was empty, the Central Director capped it and responded apologetically to the Hamptonian Senator.

"Pardon for my faux pas, I never asked you if you wanted a drink. No matter, anything you want I'm sure that we can make it, as long as we have the recipe in our archives. Same goes for anything that you want to know about either me or the next five years of my administration," wheeling closer to the Senator, Elliot whispered in a voice barely audible, "and since you're in a secure area, I might be able to divulge a bit more information that's not entirely for international consumption."

Senator Allenby sat rigid in his chair listening to the Central Director. He had waited a long time to get his extradition treaties through the Royal Senate and accepted by other nations. With the establishment of the Federal Mediation Councils and the new Hamptonshire First Policies, Allenby wanted to make sure that all loose ends were tied up.

Allenby sat quietly as Elliot spoke. He still didn't care very much for him (based on the simple fact that Elliot is a 'foreigner'), but Senator Allenby recognized that Central Director Elliot was a man he could work with and such men would become very important in the future...the near future. When Elliot took out a flask, the Senator had to restrain himself from making a noticeable gesture of replusion. Brute he thought to himself as Elliot finished off the contents of the flask. Allenby didn't drink or smoke. He did so not out of health concerns but out of disdain. To him such activities were methods of escape for the ignorant masses.

"I'm am fine, Your Excellency, I require nothing." he said in a subdued tone. "I've already secured the votes of my fellow NURP Senators. When I push for something, I rarely fail." He finished his sentence with a tone of pride but also with the slightest hint of a warning.

Senator Allenby presented Elliot with the text of the Treaty on a piece of e-paper. He leaned in close to Elliot and whispered, "If there is something you think I'd want to know, I would most appreciate it."


Hamptonian-Schultarian Extradition Treaty
The signatories to the Hamptonian-Schultarian Extradition Treaty (HSET) hereby agree to the following treaty provisions:

Article 1 Obligation to Extradite
Each State is obligated to extradite to the other, pursuant to the provisions of the Treaty, persons sought by the authorities in the Requesting State for trial or punishment for extraditable offences.

Article 2 Extraditable Offenses
An offence is only an extraditable offence if the conduct on which the offence is based is punishable under the laws in both States by deprivation of liberty for a period of six months or more or by a more severe penalty. In addition, an offence is an extraditable offence if the offence is defined as extraditable in the Requested State.

Article 3 Nationality
Extradition shall not be refused based on the nationality of the person sought.

Article 4 Political and Military Offences
Extradition shall not be granted if the offence for which extradition is requested constitutes a political offence.

The following categories shall not be considered to be political offences:
a) a murder or other violent crime against the person of a Head of State of one of the Parties, or of a member of the Head of State's family;
B) murder, manslaughter, malicious wounding, or inflicting grievous bodily harm;
c) an offence involving kidnapping, abduction, or any form of unlawful detention, including the taking of a hostage;
d) placing or using, or threatening the placement or use of, an explosive, incendiary, or destructive device or firearm capable of endangering life, of causing grievous bodily harm, or of causing substantial property damage;
e) possession of an explosive, incendiary, or destructive device capable of endangering life, of causing grievous bodily harm, or of causing substantial property damage;
f) an attempt or a conspiracy to commit, participation in the commission of, aiding or abetting, counselling or procuring the commission of, or being an accessory before or after the fact to any of the foregoing offences.
g) desertion or derliction of duty.

Article 5 Prior Prosecution
Extradition shall not be granted when the person sought has been convicted or acquitted for the offence for which extradition is requested. Extradition shall not be precluded by the fact that the competent authorities of the Requested State:
a) have decided not to prosecute the person sought for the acts for which extradition is requested;
B) have decided to discontinue any criminal proceedings that have been instituted against the person sought for those acts

Article 6 Capital Punishment
When an offence for which extradition is sought is punishable by death under the laws in the Requesting State but not under the laws in the Requested State, the Requested State may refuse extradition unless the Requesting State provides an assurance that the death penalty will not be imposed or, if imposed, will not be carried out.

Article 7 Decision and Surrender
The Requested State is required to promptly notify the Requesting State of its decision regarding a request. If the request is denied, the Requested State must provide reasons for the denial. If extradition is granted, the States shall agree on the time and place for the surrender of the person sought.

Article 8 Temporary and Deferred Surrender
The Requested State may postpone extradition proceedings against a person who is being prosecuted or who is serving a sentence in that State. The postponement may continue until the prosecution of the person sought has been concluded or until such person has served any sentence imposed.

Article 9 Waiver of Extradition
Surrender is permitted as expeditiously as possible and without further proceedings if the person sought waives extradition and agrees to be surrendered to the Requesting State.

Article 10 Ratification and Entry into Force
The Treaty is subject to ratification and will enter into force upon the exchange of instruments of ratification, which is to take place as soon as possible.

Article 11 Termination
Both States may terminate the Treaty at any time by giving written notice to the other State through accepted diplomatic channels. Such termination shall be effective six months after the date of receipt of such notice.

"Looks as though this man has something to hide; his body language is expertly trained, but his eyes... Yep, he's still not completely forthcoming with his personal views on me. A true politician, but not the kind of person you want to have a dinner after a long day of work."

Placing the paper on the table, Elliot scanned though the document with as much attention to detail as he could muster. For the most part, he was pleased with the provisions of the document; after writing nearly twenty international treaties by his own hand, he was glad that the document was already quite polished. Looking up briefly to gauge the reaction of the Senator, Elliot smiled and addressed the Senator in a more casual tone.

"This draft should pass the National Assembly with little problem. All that's really needed is the appropriate translations to Schultarian Alphabetic and Symbolic, and that won't be too much of a problem," pulling out his data pad, Elliot scanned the Hamptonian e-paper and recreated two identical copies in the equivalent Schultarian script, "Universal computer-assisted translation; it's just one of the new technologies that Designwerks has been working on for the last few years. By the end of this year, they hope to be able to have a system that can translate five hundred spoken languages in a device no larger than an average wallet. However, considering the state of international politics, it'll take more than just diplomatic toys like this from preventing war."

Looking about the room, the Central Director touched a small switch pad underneath the table. From the middle of the ceiling, a small saucer shaped disk protruded from an overhead lamp and enveloped the surface of the table with three dimensional drawings and text. Using his hands in a pushing motion, Elliot uncovered a small holographic file and activated it from his data pad; instantly, the table transformed from an appearance of a messy desk to a strikingly realistic map of the African continent.

"All things being equal, the African continent is the lynchpin in current global affairs. Now, both of us being educated individuals and reasonable thinkers of political strategy; it would seem prudent to establish some sort of positive presence here. If you've read the most recent news reports from our nation, we are beginning a renewed push to establishing a permanent economic relation with mainland Africa in small, incremental stages. While our plans are by no means cheap, their humanitarian benefits will place our nation in a better international political position to operate in the nations of Sub-Saharan Africa. Using our economic clout, most of our projections have concluded that we will have a reasonably steady diplomatic presence on the majority of East Africa from Eritrea southward in under fifteen years."

Senator Allenby maintain his stoic fascade while ideas and other thoughts rushed through his mind. Africa, he thought, he had to bring up Africa. If it wasn't for that damned Grand Duke and his meddling nephew, we wouldn't be there. Allenby polietly smiled as Elliot continued. Well...perhaps this can work to my advantage. he thought to himself.

"Central Director," Allenby said as he stood up, "as you may know Hamptonshire has been active in Cameroon and the surrounding area for nearly thirty years. Grand Duke Reginald Leopold I and the dearly departed Crown Prince Louis Cesssar..." he paused for a moment and silently chuckled to himself, "made it there mission to provide that region with economic and humanitarian aide. Over a twenty year period $21.25 trillion has been made available to all the nations of West Africa not currently under imperial control."

Allenby began to walk around the table with his hands placed carefully behind his back, "While I, admittedly, was against such programs over the years I have seen the errors of my ways. Africa needs to be reconstructed, modernized, and protected from further imperialist expansion." He stopped his pacing, turned, and looked directly at Elliot. With a smile and a note of caring (a favorite trick of his), he continued his mini-speech "The African continent receives economic aide, protection, and moderization and we receive the gratitude of a greatful native populace."

As well as contracts for Hamptonian companies and possible military bases the Senator thought as he continued to smile.

Once the Senator had finished his speech, a buzzing sound came from the Central Director's data pad. Staring at the incoming message, Elliot's face turned white in response to the scrolling news flashing in stark black letters; using every ounce of his restraint, he cleared his throat and placed the computer in a small slot in between the table. Doing everything he possibly could to prevent himself from destroying the room, his hands began to shake violently as though he had become inflicted with Parkinson's disease. His face and hands began to tighten while his normally brown eyes showed hints of red.

"Perhaps you might want to see what's been circulating about the news," the Central Director said in an inflection of forced calm, "let me show you."

The hologram shifted from the continent of Africa to a picture of the globe in high relief with the defined boundaries of every nation that Schultaria Prime recognized as sovereign. Several seconds following the display of the globe, individual nations began to turn into colors of red, yellow, and blue and dominated significant portions of North America, Europe, and Africa. Many of the blue nations had deep black bars traversing their national boundaries with the exception of one, and began to pulse steadily as the map made a slow orbit around the table. Pacing about the room Elliot began to speak but the timber and crescendo of his voice had been altered significantly; his family's notorious anger was beginning to seep into his speech.

"It looks as though our nation might have to reconsider its international policy. You can see on the globe that the nations in red and yellow represent nations that possess what we call 'demueraga' or potential threats to the physical security of Schultaria Prime. These nations represent both individuals and alliances whose objectives conflict with the majority of Schultarian culture in yellow and red relief respectively. As a countermeasure, our foreign policy has been one of cooperation with international alliances to promote our mutual defense. Computer, isolate allied nations: NATO member states."

The globe spread out from a sphere and flattened itself against the table. In the same motion, the red and yellow areas disappeared leaving only the blue regions to contrast to the green and brown topographic map. While Central Director Schultz had regained his composure, but it was obvious that his rage was now in the process of being logically justified by his person; his eyes, wide open due to the heightened awareness of his emotional state, fixed on the blue territories of the map as several were isolated and began to disappear.

"The information that I've received has been most... distressing. It appears that several of the most influential member nations of the New Alliance Treaty Organization have declared their intention to withdraw." As he finished his sentence, significant portions of the striped blue territory disappeared from the map and were replaced with thick white outlines, "While they have declared their intentions to continue diplomatic relations NONE of these countries have anything diplomatically significant which will help stem the tide of imperialism in a cooperative international effort.

While your nation still remains as a member of NATO, we want you to know that our nation will not commit any military or material support to the nations that have just withdrawn from the alliance. An embassy is not an alliance, nor should it ever be treated as such; in our diplomatic viewpoint an embassy is only an access point, an easier point of communication instead of the time and effort of preparing lengthy journeys to foreign nations. Schultarians, while they do revere international honor and camaraderie, will not help any nation in need if we do not possess a contract with said nations."

He slammed his fist down where the outlined countries stood and caused the holographic image to skip and erupt in static for a brief portion of time. "I'm sorry that you have to see me in this kind of emotional state Senator, but please tell the Hamptonian Royal Congress that should one of us withdraw from NATO without written treaty of alliance prepared before hand, Schultaria Prime will not come to the aid of those who possess only passive contact with our nation. Since you are here I'll let you know that if Euroslavia, Praetonia, Sarzonia, or Omz222 comes under attack and they do not have a written alliance with us, we'll let the dogs of war have their way with them. I have NO empathy for those who would simply leave the rest of us who depend on NATO for international defense by the wayside, so I will have no compassion for them should they fall prey to imperialist interests."

Prime Minister Jim. F. Tuesat burst through the doors of the room running. He ran to his place and drew out the chair. He then turned to the gaping stares of those in the chamber.

"Sorry i'm late. Alarm clock's batteries died and I have a bad case of jet late. Sorry once again."

Tuesat sat down facered with embaresment.

Senator Allenby was filled with a sense of utmost joy upon learning that Praetonia had left NATO. He held Praetonia in deep discontent and in extremely low regard. He was finally winning the foreign policy battle.

When Hamptonshire joined NATO, the Royal Senate voted down the NATO Charter and rejected Hamptonian membership. Only through the use of his Reserve Powers did the Grand Duke bind Hamptonshire to NATO. NURP was solidly against NATO and other such intrusive alliances. They only served as a tool to bind the Grand Duchy with not appreciable benefits.

Basking in this news, Allenby tried to calm Elliot, "You are, of course, correct. The Grand Duchy of Hamptonshire is only bound to aide those nations that have established and ratified treaties with us. Friendship is one thing, alliance is another.

The Royal Senate will be extremely reluctant to ratify any treaties with nations not previously allied with Hamptonshire. There is a price to pay for their actions, a price we shall exact."

He was going to sit down, but stopped suddenly in his tracks. This could be the moment. Let's see if I can get him. he thought to himself as he walked right up to Elliot. "Central Director," he said while bowing his head, "perhaps there is something that can be done to lessen the damage recently done to your foreign policy programs. The Foreign Ministry recently sent your government a coded transmission about a possible 'organization'.

You may want to contact your Foreign Service right now."

He returned to his seat. "I'll wait." he said with a playful wink brought on by all the good news.

[OOC: Check your TGs]

In the main hall of the Eigen the Celackian delegate's late arrival had been a bit of a spectacle, but everyone was good natured about his reasoning. As he made his seat, the wait staff prepared his table with incredible speed and exacting precision. Even though a good portion of the individuals were still pacing about the room talking with one another, several members of the National Assembly took the time to reassure the Prime Minister that no faux pas had been made. Cracking a smile, a waiter approached the Prime Minister, "Sir, you don't have to worry. The actual meeting hasn't started yet, so take your time and meet some of the members of the Central Directorate; looking from their expressions, I don't think either Director Covey or Haarvekord could stand talking to those Islandian Schultarians for another second."

Turning to leave, the waiter suddenly realized he had forgotten to ask the delegate if he required anything, "Many apologies sir," he said with a tinge of a nervous laugh, "I've completely forgotten to ask if you would like something to eat or drink. We've a nice selection of Schultarian delicacies tonight, the personal favorite of the Directors is the seared grilled beef wrapped in sage leaves that have been pan fried in butter and lightly salted; or, if personal dietary restrictions limit your palette, we have a wide variety of other meals that can suit your tastes. Our chefs are trained to serve meals that fit the dietary restrictions of over 130 different personal choices and religious groups."

*****

Pulling his data pad out of the middle of the table, the Central Director's holographic map fizzled and dissipated into a bright flash of light. Walking to the far end of the conference table, Elliot waived his hand in a wiping motion while facing the wall; in an instant the wall's scene of rolling plains had been removed, replaced by a blue background and a small while rectangular pad protruding from the right side. Satisfied that the wall's screens wern't acting temperamental, he patted the reactive material leaving a wave of color similar to touching a liquid crystal display.

With eyes scanning for any potential security threats, he placed his extended palm on the pad and muttered one word.

"Rega'numatri"

The wall flickered as countless pages of text in all manner and variety of languages while the Central Director scrawled in his Data Pad. Tapping the desk, the wall stopped in its tracks as it found the information that the Hamptonian delegation had sent the Schultarian government just a few hours earlier. For the Director's ease, the message was translated into all the primary languages of Schultaria Prime and represented on three separate displays; although he was well versed in English, Schultarian Alphabetic, and Schultarian Symbolic, Elliot wanted to make sure that the full meaning of what was transmitted got through.

"The proposal's interesting Senator and I'll make sure that the rest of the Directorate gets a chance to look at this before the nights over. Of course, as with any foreign policy that effects the whole of the Schultarian people, it will have to go through the proper channels of the National Assembly," he said as his tension appeared to be lifting from his voice, "I'm sure that when the main event of this Grand Meeting comes to bear, foreign policy will be main subject of discussion. Of course, no one is going to like the fact that our single largest source of international protection has just suffered an exodus under our noses and all the while during our inauguration no less. But, I'm ready to consign this event in NATO history as the general evolution of things; as a historian I know that nothing human built lasts forever. Your nation's offer might provide us with a bit of a bridge to our nation should NATO not be able to spring back to its feet."

Folding his arms, he passively stared at the three translations simultaneously trying to grasp the severity of Schultaria's international defensive situation.

Senator Allenby quickly began to see the great opportunities present during this time of crisis for the Schultarian Government.

"Central Director," he said in a most conciliatory tone, "if Schultaria Prime is facing the possiblity of a serious breach in her national security, I would be remiss as a friend and ally if I did not provide you with the means by which your great nation can stand safely on the world stage.

I am sure that we can workout a strong bilateral security treaty between our two nations."

"Ambitious... well he certainly wants to get the ball rolling," Elliot thought to himself as began to weigh the options of Schultarian international policy, "I know that it'll be in our best interests to maintain a reasonable policy with them right now, but someday we'll have to confront the NURP question." Biting his lower lip, the Central Director shook his head in agreement as the Senator made the suggestion for stronger Schultarian-Hamptonian relations. Staring at the wall, Elliot pulled out his data pad and began to write furiously. In a few minutes, he gently placed the computer on the conference table so he could rub his eyes; epiphanies such as the one he had were often very straining on his senses.

"I think that what I have here can serve at least a small role in creating a more comprehensive relationship between our two respective nations. It is a treaty slightly modified from the one that we currently share with Granzi; while it might have a few geographical errors and some cloudy legal terminology, this is the general treaty we would like to have with your nation."


The Treaty of Protective Union



Whereas, in general accordance with the policies and practices of The Democratic States of Schultaria Prime, this treaty has been submitted simultaneously to all branches of the legislature, the Constitutional Courts, and the Central Directorate.

-We, the sovereign nation of Schultaria Prime, in the accordance of both international law and custom hereby submit this formal treaty to the Nation of Hamptonshire for official review and assent.

-On this, the current date of December First, Two Thousand and Four, the Nation of Schultaria Prime wishes to extend current relations with Hamptonshire beyond our unofficial mutual protection agreements. This treaty, subject both to internal review by each constituent nation directly impacted, and organizations of which each constituent nation might be involved, shall be ratified as soon as the nations of Hamptonshire and Schultaria Prime can come to multilateral terms.


Declaration of Protective Union

1. The Nomenclature of the Agreement:
This treaty is to signify the mutual protection and economic growth of the Nation of Schultaria Prime, located in the Region of Primex, and the Nation of Hamptonshire, located within The New Commonwealth. Also, under the provisions of this agreement, shall reside the terms of ratification, duration of the treaty, terms of mutual cooperation, and the terms of mutual separation.

2. Terms of Ratification
Whereas, this treaty is regarded as mutual to both respective nations, both nations must grant universal assent to all provisions granted herein, including amendments occurring before the final date of ratification. Third party oversight, while to be expected, is not a required term of ratification; however, if any part of said treaty violates any international or inter-regional treaties of Primex or The New Commonwealth, this treaty is to be declared null and void upon immediate review of said legislation.

3. Duration of the Treaty
Upon final ratification of the treaty from both respective nation states of Hamptonshire and Schultaria Prime, the duration (and respective termination) of this treaty will be decided by consent when the terms of mutual separation have been reached, or when either party has been disabled to the point where they can no longer adequately fulfill the ratified terms in section 4.

4.Terms of Mutual Cooperation
The physical purpose of the treaty falls into the categories of economy, defense, and domestic / foreign policy to be described in further detail.

4a.Terms of Mutual Economic Cooperation
I.) Whereas, following the ratification of said treaty, the economies of Hamptonshire and Schultaria Prime shall, as at the present time, remain separate physical and governmental entities. However, under certain terms of mutual contractual obligation, each nation must be able to contribute to a mutual economic entity to maintain the other policies of this Treaty of Protective Union, not excluding damages and compensation that might be paid to each respective nation upon ratification or separation. This mutual entity, only be used in times of immediate financial distress, shall be made open for public review and consent.

II.) Whereas, following the ratification of said treaty, the trade in raw and processed goods of Hamptonshire and Schultaria Prime shall, as at the present time, be under the jurisdiction of each respective national government. However, these policies may be amended under mutual agreement if the terms of trade violate any other section of this treaty, or would pose a conflict to the sovereignty of either Schultaria Prime or Hamptonshire. With manufactured and other processed goods, each member nation of this union shall have priority in trade negotiations with any other respective member, circumventing all other transactions to insure complete and prompt mutual assistance.

4b.Terms of Mutual Defensive Cooperation
Whereas, following the ratification of said treaty, both nations of Hamptonshire and Schultaria Prime shall declare their two respective military forces as part of a larger alliance of military strength. However, each nation still retains all rights to troop deployment, weapons procurement, and military expansion in order to prevent unnecessary misuse of military forces. This being said, if either nation is suddenly attacked by either foreign or domestic counterparts with the expressed intent of harm or destruction to either the governments or populace of each respective nation then full combat support shall be given with limited rights to non-local (i.e. not under the primary jurisdiction of said victimized government) troops. The following restrictions are hereby placed:

+A maximum of 3 divisions (30,000 persons) of allied troops can be used in immediate emergencies without the necessity of a formal declaration of war, given that the allied leader whose troops are being utilized is notified through private means.
+No special strategic or non-conventional weapons of allied countries (i.e. Bio-toxic, Chemical, Low and High Yield Nuclear Weapons, and Long Range or Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles) can be used by nations that are attacked, unless specific provisions are drawn up well in advance of hostilities and are signed by the respective governmental authorities.

4c. Terms of Domestic and Foreign Affairs and Policy
Whereas, following the ratification of said treaty, both nations of Hamptonshire and Schultaria Prime shall, with noted exceptions, remain largely as it currently exits in pre-treaty relations.
I.) It shall be the doctrine of this treaty, that in no way shape or form will each country be allowed to influence the internal laws, customs, or general government actions towards affairs within their respective political borders. However, if the statement above conflicts with the treaty provisions stated previously, or aid is specifically requested by the other leader in writing then this section can be declared null and void until such time when the sovereignty of the state in question can be maintained without international support.

II.) It shall be the doctrine of this treaty, that each country shall officially assume the diplomatic burdens of each respective country. It is also known that each country shall continue in its own personal foreign policy; however, interactions beyond the initial concepts of humanitarian aid, trade agreements, and third-party mediation in other conflicts (i.e. military commitments) shall be seen as reflective of both the nations of Hamptonshire and Schultaria Prime.

5. Terms of Mutual Separation
This treaty is designed to serve both as a defensive alliance and mutual protection pact to the nations of Hamptonshire and Schultaria Prime. The terms of separation are inherently held in an elastic clause with the respective authorities of the Hamptonian and Schultarian National Legislatures. Violations of this treaty are grounds for review and eventual dismissal of said treaty, but are permissible to a small degree. However, once this treaty is declared null and void, all provisions will be declared ended, with the exception of the final addendum.

+Following the annulment of said treaty, both nations can and will abide by section 4c I.)
for no less than one year or until another treaty has been created to replace these current provisions.

"Ambitious... well he certainly wants to get the ball rolling," Elliot thought to himself as began to weigh the options of Schultarian international policy, "I know that it'll be in our best interests to maintain a reasonable policy with them right now, but someday we'll have to confront the NURP question." Biting his lower lip, the Central Director shook his head in agreement as the Senator made the suggestion for stronger Schultarian-Hamptonian relations. Staring at the wall, Elliot pulled out his data pad and began to write furiously. In a few minutes, he gently placed the computer on the conference table so he could rub his eyes; epiphanies such as the one he had were often very straining on his senses.

"I think that what I have here can serve at least a small role in creating a more comprehensive relationship between our two respective nations. It is a treaty slightly modified from the one that we currently share with Granzi; while it might have a few geographical errors and some cloudy legal terminology, this is the general treaty we would like to have with your nation."

Senator Allenby quickly read over the treaty. It's good, but some of the wordings and we are surrendering quite a bit of out sovereignty. he thought to himself. It sure is going to look odd for the isolationist party to bring up this treaty, but I won't let that stop me. I want this.

"Central Director, this is a most agreeable document. I will take this back with me and present it to the Royal Senate and the Foreign Ministry. We may have concerns with the treaty text. Just small things." He spoke in soft and reassuring tone. "Passing this treaty may prove 'difficult.' Due to the scope of this treaty, the both the Royal Senate and Royal House will have to ratify. Then it has to pass to the Privy Council and the Grand Duke.

I don't forsee difficulties, it will just be a somewhat drawnout process."

[bump]

OOC:

I'll be off for the weekend, so this will probably be my last post on this thread until Sunday (and then probably infrequently due to finals week). Also, many apologies for the short post tonight.

-SP

IC:

Elliot raised his eyebrows at the Senator's candor an amused smirk cover his face. He was delighted to see that such a rough draft had been accepted by the Hamptonian delegate, although he had the same amount of concern over the points of revision. The Central Director was a man of thoroughness when it came to legally binding documents, more so out his love of history and the Schultarian people than anything else. "Better find out what's wrong before anything else hampers the process, although I think it's squarely on the policies of NURP. They want our defensive assurances, but they'll fight the other points."

"I'm glad that the treaty has been given such an assurance even on this quick once over," Schultz said as he wheeled his seat to the front of the room for his comfort, "however, as you have already said, there are some minor problems with the treaty's legal textual obligations. Being a subscriber of the Schultarian School of politics, I want to make sure to gauge the political necessities of your nation before either of our respective nations can begin deliberations." Removing another tablet computer from the table, the Central Director handed the device over to Senator Allenby. "Please, if you wouldn't mind, go ahead and we'll discuss the various points of contention in this treaty. After all, we want to make it very clear what Hamptonshire and Schultaria Prime will be bound to do by our actions here."