Forthox
03-05-2005, 02:20
(SECRET IC)
Hundreds of softly glowing candles flickered throughout the impressive room, bathing the cool marble columns in dancing light. The majority of the Senators had already taken their leave, returning to their houses scattered throughout the city, or perhaps a local brothel. The day had been a tiresome one full of weighty issues, and the remaining Senators seemed to be ignoring what little debate was put forth about various issues to be decided upon, most choosing to simply vote as they had for the past few days, causing the issues to remain deadlocked.
Rivyth Shnell gently massaged his temples, the day's duties having caused him an unbearable headache. He managed to produce a small, crooked grin at what he knew was about to come. Oh, how the majority of the Senators would be appalled. It would be a grand spectacle worth the significant sum of coins he had paid out to the Master of Debate. He was a bit nervous, to say in the least, as it had taken months after the quelling of the native rebellion and recapture of the city to gain his strength back in the Senate. However, he knew that he had the friends required here to pass the issue that was soon to be announced. The advantage was his. He had gathered them and forced them to sit throughout the entire grueling day, while the opposing isolationist Senators had largely left to attend to private matters, unaware of what was to come. He thought it a bit humorous that they had not seen something amiss. They had apparently relaxed their guard after he, Rivyth Shnell, had managed to pass the Foreign Uranium Trading declaration. He had bided his time and had appeared content, almost aligned with their views. Oh, how wrong their thoughts were.
Rivyth's attention suddenly snapped back into place at the call of a vote for the current topic at hand. He stood and stretched, loosening his muscles and waiting. There were little less than 100 Senators left out of the total 300. Most of them stood to vote 'yes' to the resolution, quickly passing it. Still more of the Senate rose, excusing themselves quietly and heading home. As Rivyth stiffly returned to his seat, he intently turned to the Master of Debate who, after stamping the previous resolution to pass it, untied a new pristine white scroll on his desk. The Master of Debate slowly unraveled the document, the Senators shifting uncomfortably on their hard marble benches.
"Intention to Develop Nuclear Arms and to Ally with Feline Catfish, an extension of the diplomatic talks that have recently been held with its King." he announced. Rivyth sharply shifted his gaze about the room, taking in all of the Senators seated atop of marble benches. A steady murmur of excitement began to rise, making it difficult to hear the Master of Debate. A few isolationist Senators quickly left their seats and rushed out of the candle-lit area, no doubt intending to bring back as many of their kind as they could for the vote. A few of the braver and more notable isolationist Senators stood, intending to speak immediately on the matter. Rivyth couldn't suppress the smile that creeped up to the corners of his mouth. He winked at one of his own Senators who was looking nervously at him. They had an old trick in mind, those isolationists. One after the other, they would speak to the Senate at great lengths, attempting to stall until the session ended, or at least until enough of their own returned to vote it down. Rivyth knew that if the vote was not taken this session, it very well may never be passed.
The Master of Debate continued to drone on in a monotone voice, the isolationist Senators noisily clearing their throats in an attempt to get the Master's attention. In order for the trick to work, the isolationists would have to be allowed to begin their great speeches. Money was a powerful lever, indeed.
"As outlined, this bill calls for the Borderlands of Forthox, a glorious Roman territory, to allow Feline Catfish full access to its private uranium market in return for its nuclear technology information. The Borderlands will ship twenty-five tons per addenum without monetary charge until the costs of the nuclear technology have been sufficiently paid for. Afterwards, Feline Catfish will be expected to purchase whatever amount it deems fit from the Borderlands. While they have been notified of the naturally cheap cost, stemming from the lack of foreign demand due to the Borderland's strict regulations, we expect the market cost will increase quite heavily over time."
"Also called for is a binding defensive alliance with Feline Catfish. Should either nation be threatened with invading forces, it would be expected of either country to supply both economic and military aid to the other." A large number of the isolationist Senators were red-faced at this point, stamping their feet angrily into the marble floor, a gross deviation from expected Senator conduct. Still, the Master of Debate continued as if unaware, his eyes never leaving the piece of parchment.
"The Borderlands of Forthox would, on its honor, be expected to commit whatever portion of aid it can allow, as would be decided in a session of the Senate. Currently, as the military is found wanting in both airforce and navy, the Borderlands can only share its battle-hardened and Roman-disciplined frontier legions, the gems of the world. Due to the presence of Roman forces in battle, it would be apt for us to call upon the other Roman territories to aid both us and Feline Catfish."
"If passed, an exchange of embassies would occur between the Borderlands of Forthox and Feline Catfish. Feline Catfish would also be expected to secure trade priorities with the Borderlands, bringing wealth to both of our nations. Finer details will be decided upon within the limits of this bill during later sessions, if it is indeed agreed upon by the Senators currently present. Segments may be subject to change depending upon the response received by Feline Catfish. There is significant reason to believe that such changes will not be required."
Rivyth impatiently shifted around on the marble bench of the Consul, watching worriedly as more isolationist Senators streamed into the building, many looking disheveled, indignant, and downright disgruntled. Finally, the Master of Debate called for an immediate vote, completely ignoring the large handful of Senators standing to argue against the bill.
Rivyth Shnell and his Senator allies stood, vastly defeating the slim number of isolationist Senators who were present. The vote was passed. He beamed at the Senate, prepared to launch into a heated and moving speech, his fists clenched and his powerful voice shouting out loud and clear. Feline Catfish, he thought, seemed geared to accept. Ahh, diplomacy!
The Borderlands of Forthox would no longer be a mere territory meant to defend the heartland against Roman enemies. The isolationists glared at Consul Rivyth Shnell, their burning hatred and disgust apparent on their twisted faces.
Hundreds of softly glowing candles flickered throughout the impressive room, bathing the cool marble columns in dancing light. The majority of the Senators had already taken their leave, returning to their houses scattered throughout the city, or perhaps a local brothel. The day had been a tiresome one full of weighty issues, and the remaining Senators seemed to be ignoring what little debate was put forth about various issues to be decided upon, most choosing to simply vote as they had for the past few days, causing the issues to remain deadlocked.
Rivyth Shnell gently massaged his temples, the day's duties having caused him an unbearable headache. He managed to produce a small, crooked grin at what he knew was about to come. Oh, how the majority of the Senators would be appalled. It would be a grand spectacle worth the significant sum of coins he had paid out to the Master of Debate. He was a bit nervous, to say in the least, as it had taken months after the quelling of the native rebellion and recapture of the city to gain his strength back in the Senate. However, he knew that he had the friends required here to pass the issue that was soon to be announced. The advantage was his. He had gathered them and forced them to sit throughout the entire grueling day, while the opposing isolationist Senators had largely left to attend to private matters, unaware of what was to come. He thought it a bit humorous that they had not seen something amiss. They had apparently relaxed their guard after he, Rivyth Shnell, had managed to pass the Foreign Uranium Trading declaration. He had bided his time and had appeared content, almost aligned with their views. Oh, how wrong their thoughts were.
Rivyth's attention suddenly snapped back into place at the call of a vote for the current topic at hand. He stood and stretched, loosening his muscles and waiting. There were little less than 100 Senators left out of the total 300. Most of them stood to vote 'yes' to the resolution, quickly passing it. Still more of the Senate rose, excusing themselves quietly and heading home. As Rivyth stiffly returned to his seat, he intently turned to the Master of Debate who, after stamping the previous resolution to pass it, untied a new pristine white scroll on his desk. The Master of Debate slowly unraveled the document, the Senators shifting uncomfortably on their hard marble benches.
"Intention to Develop Nuclear Arms and to Ally with Feline Catfish, an extension of the diplomatic talks that have recently been held with its King." he announced. Rivyth sharply shifted his gaze about the room, taking in all of the Senators seated atop of marble benches. A steady murmur of excitement began to rise, making it difficult to hear the Master of Debate. A few isolationist Senators quickly left their seats and rushed out of the candle-lit area, no doubt intending to bring back as many of their kind as they could for the vote. A few of the braver and more notable isolationist Senators stood, intending to speak immediately on the matter. Rivyth couldn't suppress the smile that creeped up to the corners of his mouth. He winked at one of his own Senators who was looking nervously at him. They had an old trick in mind, those isolationists. One after the other, they would speak to the Senate at great lengths, attempting to stall until the session ended, or at least until enough of their own returned to vote it down. Rivyth knew that if the vote was not taken this session, it very well may never be passed.
The Master of Debate continued to drone on in a monotone voice, the isolationist Senators noisily clearing their throats in an attempt to get the Master's attention. In order for the trick to work, the isolationists would have to be allowed to begin their great speeches. Money was a powerful lever, indeed.
"As outlined, this bill calls for the Borderlands of Forthox, a glorious Roman territory, to allow Feline Catfish full access to its private uranium market in return for its nuclear technology information. The Borderlands will ship twenty-five tons per addenum without monetary charge until the costs of the nuclear technology have been sufficiently paid for. Afterwards, Feline Catfish will be expected to purchase whatever amount it deems fit from the Borderlands. While they have been notified of the naturally cheap cost, stemming from the lack of foreign demand due to the Borderland's strict regulations, we expect the market cost will increase quite heavily over time."
"Also called for is a binding defensive alliance with Feline Catfish. Should either nation be threatened with invading forces, it would be expected of either country to supply both economic and military aid to the other." A large number of the isolationist Senators were red-faced at this point, stamping their feet angrily into the marble floor, a gross deviation from expected Senator conduct. Still, the Master of Debate continued as if unaware, his eyes never leaving the piece of parchment.
"The Borderlands of Forthox would, on its honor, be expected to commit whatever portion of aid it can allow, as would be decided in a session of the Senate. Currently, as the military is found wanting in both airforce and navy, the Borderlands can only share its battle-hardened and Roman-disciplined frontier legions, the gems of the world. Due to the presence of Roman forces in battle, it would be apt for us to call upon the other Roman territories to aid both us and Feline Catfish."
"If passed, an exchange of embassies would occur between the Borderlands of Forthox and Feline Catfish. Feline Catfish would also be expected to secure trade priorities with the Borderlands, bringing wealth to both of our nations. Finer details will be decided upon within the limits of this bill during later sessions, if it is indeed agreed upon by the Senators currently present. Segments may be subject to change depending upon the response received by Feline Catfish. There is significant reason to believe that such changes will not be required."
Rivyth impatiently shifted around on the marble bench of the Consul, watching worriedly as more isolationist Senators streamed into the building, many looking disheveled, indignant, and downright disgruntled. Finally, the Master of Debate called for an immediate vote, completely ignoring the large handful of Senators standing to argue against the bill.
Rivyth Shnell and his Senator allies stood, vastly defeating the slim number of isolationist Senators who were present. The vote was passed. He beamed at the Senate, prepared to launch into a heated and moving speech, his fists clenched and his powerful voice shouting out loud and clear. Feline Catfish, he thought, seemed geared to accept. Ahh, diplomacy!
The Borderlands of Forthox would no longer be a mere territory meant to defend the heartland against Roman enemies. The isolationists glared at Consul Rivyth Shnell, their burning hatred and disgust apparent on their twisted faces.