NationStates Jolt Archive

"Fire!" The shrill voice of Captain Janice Thebes echoed off the metal columns that protected the birdge of the RNS Velgrad. As her hand slapped against the unuasually ornated Captain's Chair a single shot left the forward canons aimed at a nearby vessel.

A short streak of light, followed by a birlliant dazzle if colour indicated this was the final warning shot to be fired over the vessels bow.

This performance had been repeated thrice before and was the only sound to break the defeaning blare of the ship's speakers.

"This Rotovian Naval Ship Velgrad, your vessel is carrying cargo contrary to international law. Please lower your colours and prepare to be boarded..."

"Arseholes! Rockets, full spread over their stern and come in hard!"

"Aye Ma'am!" Came the clipped military reply.

The other vessel rocket as the fury of rocket fire erupted beside it. It's deck scorched and hull looking worse for wear.

The aging Rotovian Battleship lurched forward with a speed that disgraced herself when aside her younger rivals in the Homeland Fleet.

Moments later, armed eliter troops raided the vessel dragging a Captain cursing in froeign tongue off to the brig where he would await passage into a nation that treated slave traders none to kindly.

-------------

"Good evening and welcome to RNN Nightly News, this morning a Homeland Battleship entered International Waters and seized a vessel believed to be engaged in slave trading.

The vessel was impounded. It's Captain and crew are being held in Attica City to await trial for Trafficing of Human Persons or Sentient Beings & Defication of the Human Spirit. If convicted they face life imprisionment.

The captives are being held in quaranteen and as soon as an interpretor can be found will be offered safe haven on Rotovia soil...

In other news, Rotovian Troops again clashed with Rebel Forces in Crete..."

OOC: Do you need someone to play the slave traders, or their superiors?

OOC: Do you need someone to play the slave traders, or their superiors?OOC: Yes.

OOC: I'll tg you what I had in mind.

RMV Axl Rose, a Weiland-class attack submarine was sitting just inside the waters of Rotovia.

"Captain, they just captured that ship. All indications point to it being a slave ship, but it would be nice if we could deter another naval power from gaining power in this region. We aren't on top now, but we're never going to come near if we have to continue guarding our flanks from small nations with battleships."

The RIA link had started that way, and ended with a list of A, B, and C list objectives in the region. This included, primarily, the slaveship that had been captured, to make it look like it was from the same organization, and the Homeland Class battleship. The battleship would probably be the easiest, considering that it would probably be in more open water and presented a huge target. The slave ship was probably docked and heavily guarded. But if the vessel could infiltrate the port it would be easy to get a shot off and run away.

OOC: Ok, if you don't want this sidestory tell me and I can delete the post. If you will accept it please let me know a little about the area we're RP'ing in and the position of the above said targets.

Jake Thary sat on his cell bed. He knew that he was in trouble. Big trouble. He was finally greeted by a guard who took him to a phone in an empty office. He dialed nervously and lifted the receiver to his ear.

Esmund, Siap

In a warehouse overlooking the docks, men were at work loading crates. Above the area was a small office. "Consolidated Shipping, this is Dan Silvernail."
A nervous voice came through the receiver. "Can I speak to Mr. Kavanagh?"
"Who is this?"
"Thary."
Silvernail stared at the phone. He heard the news. Damn. Thary is in custody, so they might be listening, so, they know my name. And they have Kavanagh's. Crap. he thought. he remained silent.
"I've lost my cargo. I'm in big trouble. I need help."
"I don't know who you are, but you obviously have the wrong number." Silvernail breathed tensly into the phone.
"Dan. Its me. You gotta get me outta here."
Silvernail slammed the phone onto the receiver. He swore profusely. He picked up the phone. "Its Dan. We've got trouble. You know the captain of the ship... Yeah, him. He's the only one who knows who we were pullin' slaves for. Yes. If you wish to have any future of doing business with my boss, you will make sure it stays that way." he leaned back and sighed apprehensively, before pulling a flask out of his desk...

Inside the Attorney General's Office

"Well we do have one major problem..."

"And what's that?"

"We seized the vessel in international waters... we have no juristiction for arrest and trial..."

"What if we declare them Prisoners of War on the grounds we are engaged in a war on slavery for the past decade? We could then commence proceeding against them on the grounds of crimes against humanity..."

"A bit fiddlish... what about ignoring the issue? We could have the attorney General simply declare we will fight slavery where it lies... Plus this is just the precedent we need to stop these bastard..."

The Attoorny General took a long puff on a cigar and allowed the smoke to dance accross the room, much to the distaste of it's occupants. "Let's do just that..."

--------------------

Meanwhile, back inside the Attica City Detention Complex

"Time's up!" Screamed a gaurd. "You'll be lucky if you don't get sent to Letican, for what you did!"

The infamous Letican Island, a large Island in the nation of Prespolis was home to the world's third largest naval base and home to two hundred of world's worst criminals. Who were doomed to spend their last days in a place where no laws ruled and where noone had anything to loose.

Message to Rotovia:

"By the way, if you've confiscated the slaves, are they still for sale? We are interested.-IOS

The spacious offices of the Siapian federal towers afforded a beautiful view of the city, as the sun poured into the office of Councilor Alfred Holden. As he took in the cityscape, his phone rang. "Foreign Affairs-Holden Speaking" His deep voice came onto the phone.
"Its Kavanagh"
His eyes widened and he sat down.
"Yes?"
"I need to call in a favor."
He breathed heavily.
"Shoot."
"Rostovia?"
"Yeah. Everyone in foreign affairs saw it."
"I need those guys out of there. In a box, if need be."
Holden breathed heavily. "Jack, things aren't the way they used to be."
"You can't get out of this. I still have the Ceyol papers."
"Blackmail, is it?"
"Whatever does it for you."
"I can't ruffle to many feathers, Jack. Ever since they ran the Romanokovski's out of town, I've been trying to stay under the radar and clean myself up."
"Do what needs to be done."
Holden sighed and began typing on his computer. "Ok, how does this sound- I say we got terrorists who are smuggling slaves to raise funds-
"I never said the NR was involved."
"But-"
"I said the NR was NOT involved."
"Ok, Jack." He hung up.

To the Rostovian Government
It has come to our attention that several individuals were seized in a raid on a ship in international waters. Though this act is highly questionable, the ends seem to have justified your means. We are glad that you have taken a strong stance against slavery. Our reports tell us that most of these people are of Siapian descent, and we wish to prosecute them in our courts. Judging by the evidence you have already gathered, it appears that they will be going to the labor camps for a long time.
-Alfred Holden
Councilor, Siapian Foreign Affairs Department

Message to Rotovia:

"By the way, if you've confiscated the slaves, are they still for sale? We are interested.-IOS
"Not under Rotovian Law"

Major Allan Anthoney-Whatts
Deputy Attorney General
Minstry for Justice

To the Rostovian Government
It has come to our attention that several individuals were seized in a raid on a ship in international waters. Though this act is highly questionable, the ends seem to have justified your means. We are glad that you have taken a strong stance against slavery. Our reports tell us that most of these people are of Siapian descent, and we wish to prosecute them in our courts. Judging by the evidence you have already gathered, it appears that they will be going to the labor camps for a long time.
-Alfred Holden
Councilor, Siapian Foreign Affairs Department
Issued from the Desk of Secretary of to the Office of President
Issued on behalf of The Ministry for Justice

Dear Mr Holden,

Please be advised that there excists no Extradition Treaty between our nations and as such those under detainment by our officials are not able, at this time to be deported.

Upon either being found not guilty on all counts or being found guilty and serving a full or speficfied divided sentence may be deported to your nation for trial.

[signed]
Dr Sarah Hours
Secretary to the Office
of The President of Rotovia
Acting Minister for The Republic

Esteemed Rostovian Government

We find it interesting that such a vessel was seized, without much prompting, in international waters. As such, could such an act not be construed as, perhaps, unlawful. We of the Millenium group find such rash actions to be ill-advised. Thus we issue a formal objection to the handling of this situation. Perhaps you should take it upon yourself to search each and every vessel which passes into International Waters, should you have doubts as to their...moral standing in your eyes.

Yours,

Herr Major.

Esteemed Rostovian Government

We find it interesting that such a vessel was seized, without much prompting, in international waters. As such, could such an act not be construed as, perhaps, unlawful. We of the Millenium group find such rash actions to be ill-advised. Thus we issue a formal objection to the handling of this situation. Perhaps you should take it upon yourself to search each and every vessel which passes into International Waters, should you have doubts as to their...moral standing in your eyes.

Yours,

Herr Major.
The Rotovian Government finds no humour in your comments and neither finds cause for accusation of intelligence.
We will continue to fight agianst slavery, which is an international crime.

[signed]
Senator Charles Wheeler
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Deputy Minister for Justice

Message to, Rotovia:

"Are you sure you don't want to see the slaves you've confiscated?"
-Valad Dinoa, Vice Premier of the Imperium of Serapindal

As much as we condemn all forms of slavery, the Northern Colonies Foreign Affiars Ministry questions the legality surrounding the arrest. As the ships were in international water, Rotovia had no legal authority to enter the vessel in question. Coming out of the Rotivia-Cretia conflict, of which we are still at ends with, we will wish the Rotivia to answer these questions.

Yours Sincerely,
Hon. Alexander Peter
Minister of Foreign Affiars
Northern Colonies.

Issued from the Desk of Secretary of to the Office of President
Issued on behalf of The Ministry for Justice

Dear Mr Holden,

Please be advised that there excists no Extradition Treaty between our nations and as such those under detainment by our officials are not able, at this time to be deported.

Upon either being found not guilty on all counts or being found guilty and serving a full or speficfied divided sentence may be deported to your nation for trial.

[signed]
Dr Sarah Hours
Secretary to the Office
of The President of Rotovia
Acting Minister for The Republic

Dr. Sarah Hours,
Presently the legal situation created by this is somewhat problematic. I am being put into an uncomfortable position by my superiors to solve this. I need to know what status these prisoners are being held under. I understand that your nation is involved in a so-called "war on slavery". Slavery is not a nation or an organization, it has no soldiers who don uniforms and fight on the battlefield, therefor you cannot classify these men as prisoners of war. Also, they committed no crime within your nations realm of control and they are not citizens of your nation, so they can't be treated as convicts within your nation. I understand that there is no extradition treaty between our nations, but it would be much easier if they were returned to Siap, so that there would be no question as to their status and that just may be administered swiftly.
-Alfred Holden
Councilman, Siapian Foreign Affairs Ministry

It is the view of the People's Republic that since slavery is illegal, any persons held as slaves are being held unlawfully. Therefore it is perfectly legitimate for any persons, whether they be a private citizen or a commissioned officer in a nations armed forces to use whatever force is deemed to be necessary and reasonable in the circumstances.
To this end, we applaud the efforts of the Rotovian Government to end this despicable practise, and indeed offer our assistance to any future efforts to combat the unlawful trafficking of human beings.

As much as we condemn all forms of slavery, the Northern Colonies Foreign Affiars Ministry questions the legality surrounding the arrest. As the ships were in international water, Rotovia had no legal authority to enter the vessel in question. Coming out of the Rotivia-Cretia conflict, of which we are still at ends with, we will wish the Rotivia to answer these questions.

Yours Sincerely,
Hon. Alexander Peter
Minister of Foreign Affiars
Northern Colonies.
"The Attorney General for The Consitutional Republic of Rotovia and Her Subordinate Territories will investigate the legality of the serach. It is however maintained that the search falls within the bounds of Rotovian Law, if not Rotovian juristiction"

Andrew Farbanks
Ministerial Spokesman
Ministry for Foreign Affairs

"The Imperium congradulates Rotovia, for it denounces slavery as a horrible practice, demeaning the rights of Human Beings, and should be rightfullly struck down.

Anyways, are you really really really sure you're not selling them?"

Dr. Sarah Hours,
Presently the legal situation created by this is somewhat problematic. I am being put into an uncomfortable position by my superiors to solve this. I need to know what status these prisoners are being held under. I understand that your nation is involved in a so-called "war on slavery". Slavery is not a nation or an organization, it has no soldiers who don uniforms and fight on the battlefield, therefor you cannot classify these men as prisoners of war. Also, they committed no crime within your nations realm of control and they are not citizens of your nation, so they can't be treated as convicts within your nation. I understand that there is no extradition treaty between our nations, but it would be much easier if they were returned to Siap, so that there would be no question as to their status and that just may be administered swiftly.
-Alfred Holden
Councilman, Siapian Foreign Affairs Ministry
Mr Holden,

With all respect I must re-affirm my governments position that the subjects cannot be extradicted under Rotovian Law.

As to the status of the detainees, at present it is uncertain. They shall be held At The Pleasure of the Republic. There remain three days before the Law shall compel the Attorney General to hold them either as Prisioners of War on the grounds of being Combatants during the seizure of their vessel. Or as criminals whom have violated Rotovian Law.

I can however inform you that the Human Persons being transported for the purposes for slavery have been declared Person Protected by The Crown and will be offered sanctuary.

[signed]
Dr Sarah Hours
Secretary to the Office
of The President of Rotovia
Acting Minister for The Republic

"The Imperium congradulates Rotovia, for it denounces slavery as a horrible practice, demeaning the rights of Human Beings, and should be rightfullly struck down.

Anyways, are you really really really sure you're not selling them?"
"Certain"
Token Asian Secretary
Not Really Who She Is

10790 will take ownership of the slaves.

The brotherhood of the earth-mother is readily willing to accept the slaves into society. They will be full-scaled citizens and given the rights of any other citizen. After 17 year residency here they will be eligiable for entrance to the brotherhood. The High-Priest personally guarantees there safety and will send our most powerful ship, The EMS(earth mother's ship) Beacon to carry them to safety.

The Democratic Republic of Euroslovakia is unsure as to which side to take. Slavery is banned and condemned in Euroslovakia, but questions the legality of Rotovian seiziure of the ship. Had it been in Rotovian waters, there would be no debate.

However, to the nation's knowledge, there is no law that states you can intercept and attack a slave ship, or any ship for that matter, while it is in international waters.

Euroslovakia will take a neutral stand on this issue, but will continue to question the legality of it until solid evidence of a law that states this is legal is presented to us.

-The Euroslovakian Senate

There remain three days before the Law shall compel the Attorney General to hold them either as Prisioners of War on the grounds of being Combatants during the seizure of their vessel. Or as criminals whom have violated Rotovian Law.

We eagerly await to hear of there status.
-Alfre Holden

The brotherhood of the earth-mother is readily willing to accept the slaves into society. They will be full-scaled citizens and given the rights of any other citizen. After 17 year residency here they will be eligiable for entrance to the brotherhood. The High-Priest personally guarantees there safety and will send our most powerful ship, The EMS(earth mother's ship) Beacon to carry them to safety.
"This request is being given serious consideration and will be resopnded to promptly"

Senator Julia Aptiva
Vice President of Rotovia

Three slams of an ornate staff and the Baliff calls the Court to order.

"All rise for the Right Honourable Cheif Justice Katherine Oxford, Master of the Society of Law, Cheif of The High Court and Magistrate of Athens... LONG LIVE THE REPUBLIC!!!"

"Thank you John..." begins the stern, but well formed voice of Justice Oxford "..you may take your seats..."

"The Matter before this Noble Court is that of the People of Rotovia against the Captain and Crew herewith..."

"And the charge...?"

"Crimes Against Human Dignity, Trafficing of Human Persons & Shipping of Unlawful Cargo..."

"I will here from the Prosecuter, who represents the State?"

"I do, your Honour. Maxwell Outve, Attorney for the State..."

"Are these charges true and accurate to your best knowledge?"

"Aye Madam, they are"

"Are these the charges you seek this Court to ajudicate?"

"Aye Madam, they are"

"Very well, and to the defence. Do you have any objection on the gorunds of law to the arrest or to the core of State's case on grounds of Habeas Corpus only?"

"Aye Madam"

"And they be...?"

"These men were arrested in International Waters..."

"You wish to question the validity of their arrest on the grounds of insufficient juristiction?"

"Aye Madam"

"To the Prosecution, respond or damned be your case..."

"The Maritime Act 1801 allows for the seizure of vessels and person hostile to the law of the land or sea, even if that crime is outside of Rotovian waters. but confined to the seas. Where Treason or Slavery is the matter concerned"

"To the Defence, respond or damned be your case..."

"The Law is outdated and a blatent violation of international law, the issue of international waters is clearly addressed by the United Nations..."

"To the Prosecution, respond or damned be your case..."

"His Imperial Eminency, His Honour, The President of The Constitutional Republic of Rotovia and of Her Subordinate Territories has withdrawn our nation form the United Nations and we are no longer bound by the laws there passed..."

"Well argued. Objection overuled. The arrest shall stand. The Captain and crew are remained without bail..."

"Will you not here a bail arguement?"

"I will not. LONG LIVE THE REPUBLIC!!!"

Three taps of the Balliff's staff cause a number of people to jump. "All rise, the Court has ruled"

Thary stood as he was about to be dragged away. "Wait! I'm only a pawn! I will tell you who I was pulling slaves for!"

"WAIT!!!" Bellowed the mighty voice of Judge Oxford "I presume this fine fellow shall expect some form of mercy on your part...?" Her eyes focus on the Prosecuter.

"I... I would have to speak to my superi..."

"That is yes, let the record show that mercy shall be shown to the accussed... what have you to say?"

"Th-th-there are some terrorists in the northern islands of Siap, calling themselves the True Siapian Union. Over the past couple of years, they've been losing power and numbers, what with the Siapian peace movement, but the few that remain are even more dangerous. They advocate a facist takeover of Siap and the expulsion or enslavement of all non-indigenous Siapians. The majority of the slaves were children abducted from non-indigenous families in Siap's northern regions. The sales of he slaves was intended to finance their future operations.
"The way I fit into this is that my company, Mar Belle Shipping was bordering on bankrupcy, and I was indebted to a mobster named Papagori Illiani Romanokovski. I was forced to sell my company to Consolidated Freight Inc. for a pittance of its original value, but I was spared a personal trip to a debtor's prison (or even a set of broken knees) by a strongman of the TSU. I do not know his name, as he paid my debts directly to Mr. Romanokovski, instead of through the banks. The TSU strongman said that if I did not pay my debt to him in forty days, my life would be forfeit, but I had no money anyway, so to pay for my debt, I was forced to take this ship and its ccargo to Ceyolia."

Dr. Nick Anderson-Smith, was a senior foregin analyst for the NC Department of Foregin Affairs. He was there, as a representative, and to give infomation back to the Northern Colonies' Government. He whispered to his Aide's ear

"Go tell the Government that we may have a political problem with Siap and Rotvia soon."

"Th-th-there are some terrorists in the northern islands of Siap, calling themselves the True Siapian Union. Over the past couple of years, they've been losing power and numbers, what with the Siapian peace movement, but the few that remain are even more dangerous. They advocate a facist takeover of Siap and the expulsion or enslavement of all non-indigenous Siapians. The majority of the slaves were children abducted from non-indigenous families in Siap's northern regions. The sales of he slaves was intended to finance their future operations.
"The way I fit into this is that my company, Mar Belle Shipping was bordering on bankrupcy, and I was indebted to a mobster named Papagori Illiani Romanokovski. I was forced to sell my company to Consolidated Freight Inc. for a pittance of its original value, but I was spared a personal trip to a debtor's prison (or even a set of broken knees) by a strongman of the TSU. I do not know his name, as he paid my debts directly to Mr. Romanokovski, instead of through the banks. The TSU strongman said that if I did not pay my debt to him in forty days, my life would be forfeit, but I had no money anyway, so to pay for my debt, I was forced to take this ship and its ccargo to Ceyolia."
"Sir, you remain a prisioner of this court! However you have my word no harm shall come of you whilst in our custody... I am certain there is much for to consider.."

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