NationStates Jolt Archive

OCC: This is closed to the Nations of Reformed Oceania only. Please do not bother posting arrivals and the like. Lets assume you All have made it to the Green Leaf Resorts conference room.

Attending for The Grand Duchy of Tarlag are

Paladin Ambrosses Dragonblade
Paladin Lennara Moonshadow
Minister of Foreign Relations P. Sweetwater

Sir Dragonblade calls for a roll call and then the meeting can begin.

In attendance for Rotovia:

Princess Athena Bacchus, Secretary of State, Rotovian Commonwealth
Senator Michael Avante, Deputy Minister for National Defence, Rotovia
Senator Julien Andrews, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Rotovia

In attendance for Macisikan:
- Marquess Akti Tredyen, Special Envoy and Royal Proxy
- Dame Mariette St. John, C.H.M., Proxy for the Covenant of the Greater Macisikani Empire
- Lieutenant-Colonel James Tyler, attaché to the Minister of Defence, Proxy for the Church

For Northern Colonies

- Arnold Torres, Minister for Defence, Northern Colonies
- Admiral of the Fleet Patrick Robinson, Chief of the Colonial Armed Forces.
- Jane Nguyen, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, on behalf of Alexander Peters, Minster for Foreign Affairs, who is at the negotiations between Farmina and the Northern Colonies. (who will hopefully come soon)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v209/Dionysus777/RotoviaSeal.gif
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
PALACE OF ATHENS

It is with a laden heart and the yoke of duty that from among the greatest of our national minds, must we send forth in delegation, officials, but their purpose is true and paths are well lit, with goodness, virtue and grace.

There is a threat that hangs low across this globe and there are those who must stand as fiery shields to protect the chucks in their tender. It is we who must be shield and it is we who must reach out our hands and call upon our neighbours to also be shields.

When we send our ministers and ambassadors to meet on this day of days, it is not to discuss the terms of war, nor the intent of hostility, or any manner of human weakness, but, instead, to call upon strength. The strength to rise for peace and to call for stability and goodness to the benchmarks of this great and wondrous world of ours.

Today marks a new day, a day of peace and a day of virtue. This meeting of minds is not that of stale diplomats or hungry warlords, but a meeting of saints, ready to exchange their great knowledge and consider by what means to best baptise the earth.

[Official statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs; the Court of Light was unavailable for comment.]
"His Most Serene Majesty's Government has no comment to make on these proceedings at this time, save that we shall act in the best interests of the Covenant."
- Royal Proxy, the Lord Akti Tredyen, The Most Hon., The Marquess of Salskut and Arch

Paladin Dragonblade stood up " Let me speak plainly for I a simple solider. We are here to decide between war and peace nothing more nothing less. Farmnia has stated its intentions to attack the Northern Colonies. The Northern Colonies have stated that Farmnia wishes to build an empire in Reformed Oceania. The latter will not happen."
"Preventing this war should be our goal but baring that we must prepare ourselves for war. There is one thing that troubles me though, how can a country with a military smaller then Tarlags hope to conquer our whole region?"
With this last statement you could see Minister Sweetwaters face go pale for he knew what was coming.
"This makes no sense they could fight and win against the Colonies but not the rest of us. This stinks of political wrangling I have have a mind to.....".
The older woman at the Tarlag Table interrupted Lord Dragonblade in mid sentence "What he means is we need to find what their true intentions are and set a course of action." With that Lady Moonshadow gave a stare that would freeze hell over to Lord Dragonblade who quietly sat down.
" My Idea is simple if we present a united front against Farminan aggression they will think better of it and they will come to a peaceful solution to their problem with the Northern Colonies."

At a hand signal from Lord Tredyen, Dame Marietta stood and cleared her throat.

"At this point I feel we should table a document sent by the Farminians to His Most Serene Majesty's Government," she said in a lawyer's dry and precise tones. "Baron deRenci has tabled this same document at the Peace Conference being hosted in the UIK to conclude a peace between Farmina and the Northern Colonies...
With the war against the Militia Enforced State about to enter its final decisive state, and the Northern Colonies failing to abandon their unacceptable, unfeasible and illegal claim to former president, Lord James Palmer of the Liberals, it may be unavoidable that the Republic may return to a state of war against the Northern Colonies. Decisive strikes against the Northern Colonies may be required to prevent further unprovoked attacks on the Republic. The Republic does however note, the icy tone of Reformed Oceania towards any potential Farminan invasion of the Northern Colonies, even to prevent further bloodshed.

It is in this context that I declare that should the mighty Republic again come to blows with the Northern Colonies, any territory seized will be handed to the protective custody of a willing neutral power. Such a course of action prevents any threat of a Farminan Empire in Reformed Oceania, while reducing the capacity of the Colonials to conduct war.

May God Bless,

Signed
Tobias Grey
President of the Republic

Phillip Sullivan
Chancellor for Foreign Affairs
Democratic Republic of Farmina
"Copies of this will be delivered to each of you... Lieutenant-Colonel Tyler?"
The man stood, wearing the uniform of the Imperial Land Army.
"An empath from the Church has questioned Farmina's delegate to the UIK on this matter; Ser Romano assuared both the empath and a Prince Royal that Farmina has no imperialist ambitions in our region. The empath and the Prince Royal are certain he was telling the truth, as far as he believes..."
The thought was picked up by Dame Marietta.
"Which means either they aren't, or they were lying to their envoy to mislead us."
The two sat. Tredyen remained silent.

The Tarlag delegation looked over the paper for a few minutes. After a few quick whispers Lady Moonshadow stood. "Ladies and Gentlemen The Grand Duchy of Tarlag finds this proposal from Farmnia unacceptable in no uncertain terms. They get to invade and have a neutral third party administer the captured lands who are they going to get AMF or Kraven Corp. to be the third party."
"It is a sad truth that if we had all accepted the Union Treaty in the first place we would not all be here now trying to figure out what to do with the first outside military threat." Tarlag supported the Union till the end and if memory serves some of the nations in this room backed out. Now those same nations are running around wondering what to do."
Paladin Moonshadow looked over the assembled delegates with a knowing look in here 84 year old eyes. "We must have one voice on this matter if Farmnia sees a split in our ranks they will take advantage of it maybe not now but they will. If Reformed Oceania speaks with one voice we may be able to avoid bloodshed Farmnia may decide peace is the better option and we all can go home happy."

Rising to command the attention of the room, Princess Athena speaks.

"Be that as it may, this region, as a united body, has a decision to make... do we, or do we not, allow a military force unilaterally condemned the world over, to invade a nation, within this region."

She removes a small silver box, out of which she withdraws a long cigarette, bringing to her mouth, Senator Avante leans in to light it.

"Has Northern Colonies acted in an aggressive and unjust manner, is it acceptable to set a precedent of allowing foreign powers to set the borders within our region, or to commence unsanctioned military activity within the borders of this region? These are the questions we must answer!"

Dame Marietta stood again, a sarcastic smile twisting her features.
"Yes, the Union was an unfortunate affair... but that is immaterial. What is important is the lack of any legal ties between us..." she tapped a heavy dossier on the desk in front of her. "The sad truth of the matter is that this region has no legal claim on the loyalty of His Serene Majesty's Government. There is no mutual protection pact or defence treaty between us and the Northern Colonies," she paused and raked the room with her eyes.
"There is no legal basis to call on us to defend them. They are not among the Communion of the Maciskan Orthodox Church, so there is no real moral claim on our loyalty. They have no royal family with ties to our own so there is no dynastic argument they can make. I repeat, there is, frankly, no legal argument you can make. And as for military considerations, if you would Lieutenant -Colonel Tyler...?"
The officer stood as the knight sat.

"His Most Serene Majesty's Government does not consider Farmina a threat to our interests or security," he said bluntly, and sat again.

"However," Lord Tredyen rose, "Farminia's intrusion into this region unsettles all of you... and that is bad for business," he explained in flat, dry terms. "They are introducing a disruptive element to the serenity of this region, and such disruptions must be excised," he paused.

"On a side note, from what Baron deRenci has been able to gather, the Farminians are hinting that we are to be the neutral power they wish to nominate to administer such areas of the Northern Colonies that they occupy..." his voice and tone showed profound irritation at the idea.

"What if that netural power is merely a puppet for the Farminans, a guise to fool everyone else," replied Jane, a formal, yet nervous voice. Despite being the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, this was in fact her first time outside the country on offical business.

"I have talked to our Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mister Alexander Peters. As some of you know, he is a pacifist. That said, he said the only way to be able to have the Farminans listen, is to have the force of numbers from the Reformed Oceania."

She wiped the sweat forming on her forehead.

'This is harder than I thought.'

She looked to the other delegates and with a deep breath, resumed talking.

"That force of numbers is only going to work if we have a united front. Whatever differences we have between our nations, we must remember that peace is our goal here today. And the only way to achieve that is to present this united front, even if it is just a fascade."

"Allow me to speak very plainly..." Clearly not wishing a reply, Athena took a long draw of her cigarette. "We cannot, and must not allow foreign forces to dictate the borders of this region. If there are those among you who believe because there is no formal alliance, that we can allow external forces to affect the sovereign divisions of those within this region, that is a great shame. But Rotovia, for one, will not allow such a precedent to be set. Farmina will not be allowed to step one toe into a sovereign of this region!"

In attendance for the Za’aan Imperium are:
Supreme Overlord Gavin Young – Chief of State and Commander in Chief of the Imperium, Chairman of the Regional Council.
Lieutenant Colonel Nicole Wexler – Chief Aide to the Supreme Overlord.

“The wondrous princess from Rotovia is correct,” Gavin’s voice boomed around the room as the doors parted for his entrance. “The goal here is not peace” he quickly walked in and slammed down several folders in front of an empty chair, “the goal here is defending our region against imperialistic invaders.” He took a sip of water from the glass on the table, “I already have the Veskan Territories evacuation order here and signed. I do NOT want to have to enforce it and tell all our citizens that we can’t fight because some cowardly fool wants to let a foreign power disrupt our sovereignty and remove the safety and comfortable coexistence we have worked so hard to achieve here.”

"If I may address the concern raised by Sera Nguyen," Tredyen rasped looking at the lady in question. "In such event were the "neutral power" is a Farminian puppet, we would invade your nation, and install a provisional authority to oversee the return of those areas to your government," he explained. "We will then remove the Farminian government and appoint a Macisikani Viceroy to rule that nation, or what's left of it. Tobias Grey would join Maxwell Powers in The Tower."
Tredyen glanced over to the Rotovians and smiled thinly.

"Oh yes, we still have him. The head, at least." he paused, then turned an empty gaze on the Veskans, and an edge emerged in his voice.

"Farminia is scared; they realise that now they've bitten off more then we can chew. You are giving Tobias Grey nightmares. They wish a peaceful solution. I have already stated our position on the matter; the Farminians are disrupting the peace of our region. That is... undesirable." the Proxy cast that empty stare around the room. Then gestured to Tyler.

"Do any of you have a coherent plan for excising this cancer?" the officer asked.

This time Dame Marietta remained silent, though throughout she looked as though she'd eaten a bowl of lemons.

OOC: Just to let you guys know, Gavin is a Za'aan. That is a seven foot tall dude with a blueish glow. He's about 14 billion years old.

Minister Sweetwater stood up he straightened his stylish lavender business suit and spoke "Our plan Lords and Ladies should be in two parts. A joint military force to be used as a rapid reaction force in an event that Farmnia is foolish enough to attack. Second widen the peace talks to include Reformed Oceania. If Mr. Gray is having nightmares now, talks with us will make him stain his pants." "Paladin Dragonblade if you will".
Lord Dragonblade glared daggers at the Northern Colonies delegation and said "Tarlag already has the Second Fleet on station in international waters off the Northern Colonies coast. If this body is in agreement that we have to act we can land the 25th naval infantry RCT that is attached to that Fleet to help defend them in case of attack. As long as other nations put forth troops to this cause we can prevent this war before it starts."

" Good Delegates if I may add something." said Lady Moonshadow. " If we can agree on a joint military operation in this matter we may wish to consider a simple joint defense treaty between our nations. With something like this in place we may prevent such problems like this form cropping up in the future".

"Indeed, that may be good. Be warned however, of another 2 or so carriers fleets outside of the Northern Colonies. Those ships are from the Moronyickans In an event of war, that fleet must be destroyed," replied Admiral of the Fllet Patrick Robinson.

He opened his briefcase and took out a file. After reading it for a few moments, he began talking .

"This is what we should do. On the military front, we must give Farmina an explicit reason to fear the possibility of an invasion from a multinational task force. We need to be seen engaging in operations that may seem to link to that possiblility. We should be doing thing such as combining our fleets together, conducting joint operations, or appointing some sort for a combined Joint Chiefs of Reformed Oceanian Staff or something rather, with a Chair. We also should send false intelligence so that Farmina is fooled to thinking that this force is prepared for war, and that the size is huge enough to defeat Farmina from force of numbers."

Almost at cue, Patrick stoped talking, and Jane started to talk.

"Whilst the military operation is taking place, we should be looking at giving a way for Farmina to opt out of having the force invade. We should set out a fifteen point plan for peace in the region. This would include having Farmina accept our terms in the treaty as of this moment, which should be extradition for James Palmer, disbanding the Reaction Corps and the Moralist Blackshirts. The replacement of the Farminan Police, and to dissolve Parliament and re-elections under the supervision of an international task force. We should also put other things in there to ensure our security."

Lord Dragonblade looked at the Northern Colonies delegation in utter disbelief. "I did not realize we were meeting here to further your political objectives, my apologies".
"First why were we not informed that Farmnia had allies. Who are these people and what do they want?
Lady Moonshadow put her arm on Lord Dragonblade's and stood up. "The Grand Duchy of Tarlag will not invade or impose their rule on another nation. We are here to keep them out of Reformed Oceania nothing more and nothing less."

Noticeably irritated her cigarette had burned to the butt, the Princess deposited the remnants into an obscure silver goblet and proceeded to light another, before interjecting.

"Shaoi dan, Gavin. It is good to see the Za'an grace us with their presence. Let me very clear that this is not a meeting to discuss the internal policies of the Farminan nation, nor any action of response to those policies, however repugnant..."

Placing her firm, but slender hand upon the shoulder of the Deputy Minister, who had attempted to rise.

"...however repugnant..."

The icy grip of a hand who's only work had been to grasp the crafted crops of her steed as she transversed the vast estates of her family, tightened, then released, declaring that she, like her mother, did not suffer the opinions of commons.

"...we are here to ensure that no foreign power, and I repeat here, establishes a precedent of diving the borders of our regional sovereigns. It is my recommendation that a united front of defiance is established, be it through token presence of battleships of all nations present to patrol Northern Colonial waters, or by another means."

There was a brief whispered exchange between Tredyen and Dame Marietta; he stood, while she leaned forward to flip through her documentation.
"My Minister has already expressed her opinion on widening the Colonial/Farminian peace talks. Her exact words were "Absolutely out of the question," followed by a few choice epithets. And under no circumstances are we going to aid you in furthering your political objectives," he rasped with a glare at the Colonials.

"Especially," Dame Marietta added, staring at her nails, "as they have been making some rather unsettling claims about your involvement in affairs that do not concern you," she glanced at the Rotovians.

"Quite," Tredyen nodded, "Now, I think though that we can all agree; no foreign power is allowed in Reformed Oceania. You have all brought forth good points, but I believe that the honourable delegates from Tarlag have made the most sensible one. We require some form a mutual defence treaty or agreement, even if only temporary. Dame Marietta, would you explain why...?"

The knight stood, looking sour as Tredyen lowered himself.
"Without a mutual defence treaty you will not sway either the Daíl or the States-General," she said blandly, "And we cannot go to war without that support. Nor can we place a single soldier under any form of joint command. It's law," she finished, sitting again.

Tredyen did not bother to rise this time.
"Once we have satisfied the lawyers, I think we ought to put an end to this matter," his blank gaze turned on the Colonials, his expression suggesting he was refraining from saying what was on his mind. "Of course, we shall have to carefully consider the manner in which we do so..."

"Exactly," said Jane, oblivious to Tredyen's expression. On the other hand, Patrick did, and it was obvious to him that the Macisikan envoy was hiding something.

"Hmm," he said, thinking about the Macisikan law. "Macisikan does not need to exactly have their forces under joint command, just near Farmina. Unless there is something else you forgot to tell us."

"Acutally there is; your trustworthiness," Tredyen snapped, glaring; while deRenci might have been genial, Tredyen was nothing but hostile.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the Farminians claim to have solid evidence of a Colonial plot to, ah," his earpiece buzzed, "destabilise I believe is the term, yes destabilise Rotovia. Something about... seizing the Straight of Rotovia. They claim that there was a plot between some traitor, which I understand is mouldering in a cell somewhere, and the Colonial leadership," he steepled his fingers. "Now, I will use my amazing clairvoyant powers and predict that at least one of you is going to say that this is a lie, an attempt to divide us, probably impugning the UIK's reputation and accuse us of being their allies, whatever," he waved a hand dismissively, "Before you loose your mouths, engage your brains and ask; why would they make such a ludicrous claim, unless they were able to produce solid, real, evidence?" his expression showed he didn't hold much hope for that.
"It doesn't make sense not to be able to," he continued. "And I would like you to remember that the Colonials have already tried to turn the aim of this conference to achieving their political aims while at the same time they negotiate with the Farminans for peace in good faith," he nodded at the Tarlagi (?) for their timely intervention on that.

"On a side note," Dame Marietta interjected, "I'd like to point out that insulting us by accusing us of allying ourselves with the Farminans, an action in violation of," she consulted a document, " Cabinet Resolution CR-ND-32 (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11017954&postcount=3), dated this year, is not only accusing us of breaking the law, but handing the Daíl a golden excuse to, in the words of the vernacular, bugger off. Incidentally, the Attorney-General says we have to repeal that resolution if we were to take action. I will provide you with copies and supporting documentation if you request," she stared around the room.

"I said nothing of a secret alliance," replied the Admiral, unaffected by the hosility. "All I said, was and I quote myself, Unless there is something else you forgot to tell us. That was all, nothing more, nothing less."

Leaping to her feet in outrage, the Princess, almost flabbergasted, firmly grasped the front of her desk, regaining decorum before continuing.

"I sternly warn the delegates for Macisikan against further insulting the Commonwealth! The Republic and Commonwealth have fully investigated Farminan claims of treachery on the part of the Northern Colonies and find them to be in keeping with a long trail of lies, perpetuated by the Farminan government.

There will be no treaty signed with a wishy-washy nation, unable to commit to regional defence, not by the Republic and definitely not by this Empire, not so long as I retain my seat of the Areopagus Council and my seat on the House of Lords!

Rotovia will commit to the protection of Colonial sovereign, with all necessary force, and will co-operate with regional initiatives..."

Leaning back, to take full advantage of her height, she proceeded to continue with her point.

"But, let me make this very clear, if the Macisikani government has evidence to the contrary, and has held it from Rotovia, there is little words can do to repair the gash that would be drawn into the fabric of our relations"

Lady Moonshadow stood up " Please Ladies and Gentleman, we are here because of a threat against the peace and stability of our region. The Problem is who is trying to destabilize it. The Colonies have been maintaining they are the victim here and they will be invaded. If this is the case why is the Colonial Fleet off the coast of Farmnia and not defending their home waters."
"Something is not making sense here. As Paladin Dragonblade said earlier Why would Farmnia attack NC and then attack each of us they have no allies that we can tell and their military is smaller then Tarlags."
Lord Dragonblade smiled and began speaking. " Paladin Moonshadow contacted the Farmnia Foreign Office before this meeting so we could hear both sides of the story. As you know their are three sides to every story, yours, mine and the truth. As a Paladin of the Realm my job is to seek the truth. My question to this body and the Northern Colonies in particular is who is Rellian Peters?

Tredyen smiled broadly; he was, frankly, impressed with the Colonials. The smile turned faintly contemptuous at the Rotovian reaction. Amazing, she lost her temper that easily...

"Forgive me your highness, I did not intend insult to you or your Commonwealth. No. We don't have evidence. We have a Farminan Ambassador saying that he has evidence. A certain empath says that the Farminan believes the evidence to be most damning indeed, and that it is extremely sound. If we had it, your Emperor, blessings upon him, would have it."
The soft buzzing of his earpiece underscored his words.

"But that matter is ongoing," he said, smiling enigmatically, "And the most honourable Tarlagi delegates are correct. Farmina's actions, if they are that of Imperialists, make no sense; they were the first and most eager to conclude a separate peace with the Colonials."

"Rellian Peters was an ex-dipomat of Farmina," replied Jane calmly. "He was an envoy sent to the Northern Colonies to discuss matters relating to Crete. It turns out later that he was a traitor to his country. He was part of a terrorist group known only as the Shadow. From what we can gather, the Shadow is a terrorist group wanting the return of the exiled Farminan monarch, Emperor Justinian as Head of State of a constitutional monarchy. It is known that they were involved the the bombing of Verica City which killed Mr. Grey's wife. They were also involved the attempt to sabotage, the President's Ball, and possibly to assassinate Mr. Grey. This was only a week before election time."

OOC: The irony is I have an outstanding hit on Tobias Grey

Lady Moonshadow looked at the assembled delegates "Before this degrades any further Let us at least do something constructive. By this meeting it should become obvious that Reformed Oceania needs a body to handle out side threats and inter region disputes. If we do not have something such disputes can and will break down into conflict wrecking the peace we have all enjoyed."

“Originally we did have such a body.” Gavin said, having remained silent until this point, “The Regional council, of which I was chairman. The Council has not been in working order for quite some time. If we were to reinstate it we would have order.”

Minister Sweetwater smiled and saw his chance. "Please if I could have your attention for just a moment. With a strong regional council we could not only handle problems like the Farmnia issue in a fast and orderly manner but we could handle more ilmenite threats. What if Ratovia was victim of a surprise attack who would come to their aid in time to do any good. the way we are working things now Her Royal Highness would be in chains at the attackers feet before we could organize an effective response."
Paladin Dragonblade stood up " I move that in response to the possibility of a foreign attack that a regional council be created to handle such issues. This body could also handle international disputes with in Reformed Oceania."
"Is their anyone here willing to take this bold step?"

Tredyen suddenly turned his head to the side and murmured "Could... you say that again...?" to whoever was on the other end of his earpiece.

Dame Marietta glanced at the suddenly thoughtful Royal Proxy, then stood.
"Some sort of regional government? Council? Union maybe? Well, you are welcome to make submissions on this matter to States-General, when the Assembly convenes," she paused, and added "In two months' time. We may be receptive to such a recommendation, and we shall certainly take the position you have outlined into consideration."

On the other side of Tredyen, the military officer stared ahead impassively.


OOC: Post^3

"We will be interested in such a deal," replied Jane.

"I respectfully remind all delegates that the Regional Council retains all powers it held prior to Union negotiations, as it was only to loose status in the event of the Union Constitution being implemented unilaterally"

Tredyen was whispering urgently into his communicator; the only words audible to the rest of the room sounded like "Please tell me that they really didn't go and do that..."

Dame Marietta, after casting a concerned glance at the other, looked over at the Rotovians.
"Be that as it may your highness," she said in deliberate tones, "the Council has no power to compel the Covenant, as we never actually agreed to acknowledge it in any form... that we have done so in the past is purely as a courtesy to your new Emperor, which our Cenobriach holds in high regard," she shook her head and continued "But again, I repeat, if you want to have some form of joint regional superstate that includes the Covenant, you are welcome to make submissions and petitions to the States-General when the assembly next convenes."

Tredyen was starting to turn red; something someone had said on the other end had clearly upset him a great deal.

"Neither the Empire, nor the Republic, is currently seeking a regional united sovereign in..." she is interrupted by a crackling in her earpiece, to which she places her index finger to increase the audibility. The words 'yes, yes, are you sure?' are heard under her breath.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I must take this opportunity to avail this meeting of the official position of His Divine Majesty, The Emperor... The Empire shall not intervene if the event of a Farminan invasion of the Colonies... furthermore, nine Colonial citizens have been placed under detention by the Ministry for Internal Security, under the State Powers Act, on Suspicion of Conspiracy to Commit Espionage"

"Your blessèd Emperor's position mirrors..." St. John began, then stopped. "My lord?" she looked at Tredyen. "Is something the matter?"

Tredyen was now staring at the Colonials with the same expression that a housewife uses on a cockroach.
"I have just been informed that the Colonial delegate to Sar'Dahl has attempted to blackmail the Farminan delegate by implying that the Farminan delegate was engaged in acts that are stigmatised by Farmina's culture," he shook his head. "Shame on you..." his earpiece crackled, and Tredyen sucked in a breath. "My word, there's more... When the Farminan delegate refused to give in, refused to break his faith with his sovereign, the Colonials walked out, and then proceeded to carry out their attack on him. I also understand that the Colonial delegate stole property belonging to the state of Farmina during the negotiations, under a bond of peace."

Both Dame Marietta and Tyler looked shocked and angry at the news.
"His Most Serene Majesty's Government has been informed of the matter," Treyden went on, "And they are... "not remotely amused"... We have an election coming up," he announced suddenly, "and one of the two governing parties campaigns on a platform advocating isolationism. You've just given the Daíl a golden excuse to have us stay out of the matter, and refuse any sort of regional council that accepts the Colonies. The Northern Colonies cannot be trusted is their line." Tredyen stopped again as the earpiece hissed; it went on for several moments, and continued as he spoke.

"Honourable delegates, it is the official position of His Serene Majesty's Government that, due to their despicable conduct, the Northern Colonies have forfeited any claim to Imperial aid of any sort. We shall not assist them, and strongly counsel the other regional powers to follow suit," he turned dark eyes on the Rotovians as the earpiece continued to hiss. "And, your Highness, I have been instructed to tell you that should you require assistance in the investigation of the matter you just mentioned, Imperial Law Enforcement will be more then happy to provide it."

"The transcripts was sent the Prime Minister, not to anyone else," replied Jane. "This is normal protocol. I hope you did track where it went, rather then just do a dummy spit here in this meeting."

Increasing he tone, but not letting it blow out, "Plus, there is no evidence pointing that way, aside from the word of a person. Empath he may be, but such cases will not stand in court. "

Jane turned to the Rotovian envoy.

"We trust that the nine men will have a fair trial. However, I can say that those men are probably not our spies."

Tredyen smiled mockingly, while Dame Marietta's earpiece buzzed.
"Oh, we're not doing a "dummy spit"," he drawled. "We're being outraged and insulted that you betrayed our trust in you, our trust that you would put aside your animosity and attempt to negotiate in good faith," he tilted his head back and sneered. "Dame Marietta, would you explain to this... foreigner what the legal reality is?"

Dame Marietta stared at the Colonial.
"Firstly," she said in bland tones, "the transcripts and recordings of the conference will make the case for attempted extortion quite nicely without the testimony of the witnesses. I notice you didn't deny that one," she made a note on the pad in front of her. "And as the word of an Empath... well, the one in question, Father Martin, or should I say, Cardinal Isilid, is extremely accomplished, and a recognised certifiable witness in such matters. And if you think that he was the only one in that room, you're fooling yourself. Just as you're fooling yourselves if you think we won't know exactly what signals were sent, and where," she paused, leaned forward, and flicked through a binder.

"On a side note, you mentioned court. Rest assured, if it gets that far, your man will be questioned by seven different empaths. And they will know when he lies, and when he tells truth," she smiled tightly. "It's law. And has been, since 1793."

"Regardless of that," Tredyen took over smoothly. "You've proven one thing to us. Your government cannot be trusted. And I'm still waiting to hear why we should help you. Especially now, after this."

"Because, going back to question one, where is the tape?" Replied Jane.

Jane relax a little, attempting to defuse the situation.

"In any case, I won't argue about the injustness of our laws. However, considering he is a dipomat, and the fact you do not have any hard evidence against a theft. And he has not commited extortion at all. No ones died yet."

Tredyen didn't want to be defused. Instead he smiled and leaned forward.
"Who said anything about a tape?" he asked softly, dangerously. "I don't recall saying that... and I was not told by the MEA what the property in question actually is... how very interesting that you should mention it," his smiled turned rancid as his earpiece resumed its hissing.

"Excuse me my lord, but madam Nguyen; your laws?" St. John asked in bland astonishment eyebrows raised, peering over the rims of her glasses. "Who said anything about your law?"

"Irrelevant." Tredyen murmured, still smiling poisonously. "The affair is not only an ongoing investigation, it does not directly concern these proceedings." his earpiece continued to hiss angrily; it sounded like a snake. "What does concern these proceedings, directly, is that you so far have failed to give me one good reason why we should help you," his voice remained soft and dangerous. "For the love of the Living God madam, you didn't even attempt to explain away that little stunt of decimating a civilian settlement. But it doesn't matter. You are too late; I have received Arn-Maciska's decision," his smile had faded and he simply became cold and distant.

"It is the official decision of His Most Serene Majesty's Government that this is a private affair between the nation of Farmina and its allies, and the nation of the Northern Colonies; the matter does not concern us," Tredyen stated in tones as cold as his face. "Read my lips madam; We. Are. Neutral. And we strongly advise our regional neighbours to follow the example of Rotovia and remain removed from this affair. The resolution of neutrality will be re-issued in under an hour, along with a travel advisory. That is all; the matter is closed."

"Now," he said as his two associates gathered their papers. "Unless Her Highness, the Supreme Overlord, or the honourable delegates from Tarlag," each addresss was accompanied by a bow in the direction of the delegate named, "wish to discuss other matters with us, which I will be more then happy to do, I shall take my leave, and return to my winter estate in Intaan."

Tredyen faced the Tarlagi, and raised his right hand, palm outwards. "My lord Dragonblade, My lady Moonshadow, Ser Sweetwater; I wish you strong walls and warm hearth," he intoned the ritual farewell of a guest to the host, then turned to leave, his two associates in tow.

Gavin nodded to the departing delegate and returned to his seat, after just waking up since no one wanted to ask his opinion on any matter thus raised.
“Your highness, my lord and lady. I am now going to withdraw my forces from Reformed Oceania territory. And of course I will not interfere… however what was said a few moments ago shocked me… the Macisikani people do not recognise the authority of the Regional Council. One of the terms of being part of the region was that acceptance. If the Macisikani cannot accept that, then they must be expelled.”

Tredyen stopped in the door, and turned, smirking.
"Consent of the Governed Supreme Overlord. No-one informed us of that condition, so no move was made to comply with it. You want us in? Ask us. Don't tell us," he glowered. "And don't dare become righteous on regional unity. You personally lead the charge to overthrow the Union."

The Proxy's eyes swept the hall again, his earpiece buzzed while his face turned cold.
"But, if that is the will of the region, then we shall go quietly, but you shall be responsible for excising the largest, most powerful economy in the region. It won't make any difference to us. Good day to you."

Now he stalked out of the room.

"I respectfully remind the Macisikani delegation the Denari trades just ten cents under the former Rachma and is rising at highest rate of any currency in the region..." Begins the Princess, before she is interrupted by her ever busy earpiece.

"...that stated, The Empire would never wish to see our closet friend in the region depart it. Allow me to encourage to Arn-Macisikani Government to make the necessary legal motions to acknowledge the Regional Council as a regional body, existing for the purposes of instructing the United National Regional Delegate, co-ordinating regional defence, trade & diplomacy, whilst respecting the sovereignty and individuality of each nation. Go with peace, and may the light of the Ancient guide your path"