NationStates Jolt Archive

"Good evening. Laura Jenkins reporting live from the capital, Sarnia."

A slight breeze was blowing the report's hair to the left as she stood outside the Molson Airfield in Sarnia. The five foot, four inch frame being silhoutted against the white and yellow glow of the Political District.

"Earlier this evening member of the eighty-eighth police battalion began erecting blockades and barriers in an obviously well planned exercise. For the past eight hours, police tape, concrete dividers and chainlink fence have blocked off all but one access route between Molson airfield and the Political district."

The deep growl of a speed boat entering high revs in the nearby water nearly drowned out Laura's report. Helicopters could be seen buzzing around like in the distance as high powered spotlights streaked through the air both from the helicopters and from the ground. Every now and then a small group of police, decked out in full riot gear would wander across the shot behind the security fence.

"There is no word yet why the entire North end of the island has been shut down but we do expect word momentarily..."

Laura paused as she pressed her ear piece further into her ear.

"What's that? I'm sorry I can't hear you."

A strange buzzing was growing louder and stronger. It was the distinctive sound of a small Cessna. What was a Cessna doing flying so close to a massive police blockade?"

"I have just recieved a report that a small Cessna has entered the supposedly closed air space over Sarnia, under heavy escort from CF-17s of the Commonwealth Air Force. Yes, yes it is a Cessna and there it is."

Her eyes were now looking above the camera and into the sky. The camera man quickly spun the camera to capture the arrival of an unknown party. The small plane was an unfamiliar site. Usually only large, luxury airliners and military aircraft would land at Molson Airfield, so why was a Cessna landing here?

Twelve hours earlier

Najaster, Capital of Kahanistan

Presidential Palace

President Marcellus Valens had finished replying to a letter (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11544178&postcount=37) from the St. Fedskian Chairwoman. Now he was to sort out the logistics of sneaking out of Kahanistan without attracting the attention of the Kravanians.

The President strode over to his security commander's office. "Major... I wish to make a state visit to St. Fedski. I need to do this without drawing... undue attention. I would rather not have it known that I am leaving until I am already in St. Fedski," said President Valens.

The young woman at the other side of the desk lifted her gray eyes away from the tome on Freekish tortures she was reading long enough to respond. When she spoke, her voice was flat, emotionless, as if she were completely numb.

"Thousands of cargo planes and hobbyists go out over the sea," said the commander. "We have a Cessna 441 that can carry a crate with you in it, it'll look like an ordinary cargo plane to anyone who sees anything. I'll help you out, as soon as I change into civilian clothes."

The officer had a bag of civilian clothes under her desk, which she picked up. President Valens waited patiently for her to leave and return dressed as a civilian.

---

Ten hours before arrival

President Valens entered a huge crate with wheels and holes drilled in it at the hangar, chuckling lightly at the label on the side that read, "LARGE MAMMAL INSIDE - KEEP VENTILATED." At seven feet tall (213 cm) and 310 pounds (141 kg) he certainly qualified as a large mammal.

His security commander was seated in the pilot's chair. As soon as the doors were closed, Valens explained the controls as best he could. He had been a pilot in the Republic Guard for fifty years before becoming Minister of Defense and then President.

"The lever governs the attitude, the direction the nose points in. Pull it to raise altitude, push it away to lower altitude, use the yoke to change direction, do not move the lever to the side, that will cause you to perform a barrel roll."

She got it easily enough, having been in a Cessna before, though not as a pilot. She did know how the controls worked... for the most part.

Valens entered his crate and waited. He would be moved out when the plane landed. The Cessna 441 took off for Sarnia, St. Fedski.

---

Landing

The CF-17 escorts were a little unnerving, but to be expected, given the presence of national leaders; one could not have an Ank'riat swooping in and dropping hundreds of tons of ordnance on them and flattening the city.

The Cessna landed in the airport, a bit roughly; the pilot had forgotten to extend the landing gear and wheels, and a good chunk of the plane was skinned. Nobody on the plane was injured, however.

A huge crate exited the plane. Pushing it was a pretty, dark-haired, very slender woman, about 28 years old and 168 cm (5'6") tall. She was wearing an off-shoulder floral-print dress, and wore her hair down like most Kahanistanian women.

The door to the crate opened, and an enormous, white-haired man exited it. He was wearing a business suit and tie, apparently custom-fitted for his size. He was much the opposite of the woman; thickly built, formally dressed, and quite old, around 71 years old. He introduced himself and the woman.

"I am President Marcellus Valens of Kahanistan. This," he said, gesturing to the woman, "is Major Mara Fulton, the commander of the Presidential Guard."

Fulton nodded her head and smiled weakly. "We're here to meet with the St. Fedskian and Xirniumite delegations to discuss the future of the Adamantine Alliance." Though I don't think it'll do any good... the Xirniumites left us out to dry so many times...

---

Sarnia, Capital of St. Fedski

Kahanistanian Embassy

Ambassador Howard Mercer, the Kahanistanian ambassador to St. Fedski, sat at the embassy helipad, waiting for the Xirniumite ambassador. He was deeply interested in how this conference would turn out.

"Sir, madam" The escort replied to the introduction politely. "If you would please come with me, quickly."

The two guards, clad in all in black, quickly ushered the two officials to the awaiting Rolls Royce. Opening each of the back doors.

"You will be taken to the Chairwoman's residence where Madam Schleicher and Sir Girardi will be waiting for you with Mister Mercer will be waiting as well."

The guards shut the doors as the jet black vehicle sped off into the darkness while outside the perimeter, camera flashes flashed, lights from police cars spun blue and red light across the building faces and the yellow and white lights of the various helicopters buzzed through the sky.

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

A little bird helicopter was waiting with Kahanistanian Ambassador Mercer on the dark helipad.

"Mister Mercer, we have to go now. We cannot wait for the man from Xirnium. Your boss has landed and you must be there waiting for him."

The Kahanistanian President and accompanying officer climbed into the car and closed the doors before starting the trip to the Chairwoman's residence.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Mercer nodded his head. He had no interest in the Xirniumites, he was the ambassador to St. Fedski. The Kahanistanian Ambassador to Xirnium could handle matters related to Xirnium. He climbed aboard the transport helicopter.

Sarnia
Capital of the Commonwealth of Saint Fedski

‘Our estimated time to arrival at the Molson aerodrome is approximately two minutes, sir,’ announced the Xirniumite co-pilot nonchalantly over the helicopter’s intercom, his attention focused carefully on the sophisticated instruments and delicate controls of the aircraft’s cockpit.

‘Very good,’ replied the Xirniumite chargé d'affaires of the Eternal Republic’s permanent mission to Saint Fedski, Flórián Dëluhâthol. As the sleek diplomatic helicopter, painted predominately in shiny, stately-looking dark maroon, rapidly closed in on its destination, the distinguished diplomat intermittently peered out of the aircraft’s darkened windows, enjoying the impressive sight of the gleaming metropolis of Sarnia from his considerable vantage point.

Mr Dëluhâthol appeared remarkably young for an individual whose responsibility it would be to act as the Eternal Republic’s plenipotentiary, being aged only in his early thirties. Of average height and possessing a lean build, his dark hair impeccably groomed, Flórián’s face was one entirely impassive and expressionless; with the singular exception, that is, of his dark brown eyes, which sparkled with concealed hints of intense, burning ambition. Wearing a fashionably charcoal-coloured, expertly well tailored three-piece pinstripe suit, the sterling silver chain of an antique pocketwatch emerging from somewhere behind his waistcoat, Mr Dëluhâthol was perfectly attired for the occasion. Glancing briefly at the diplomat, one immediately noticed various indications of the Xirniumite's affluence - including his shirt’s expensive French cuff’s, fastened with golden silk knots, his conservatively folded pocket square handkerchief, and his intricately engraved tie slide.

‘We are running a little late, sir,’ explained the chargé d'affaires’ aide in an offhanded manner, rechecking her orderly managed notes for greater certainty.

‘Never mind, we shall make them wait,’ replied Flórián, taking a short sip from his tall glass of iced tea. ‘It simply will not do to appear too enthusiastic, or overeager, about attending this diplomatic meeting.’

Before long the diplomatic helicopter had arrived at Saint Fedski’s Molson airport and executed a flawless landing upon the appropriate helipad, its landing gear emerging on queue from within the aircraft’s fuselage as if by choreography and its tires gently touching down on the surface of the airfield without hardly a sound. The helicopter’s passenger door then opened, briefly revealing the luxuriously plush, comfortable interior within, and Mr Dëluhâthol and his aide quickly descended down the extended stairs to the helipad’s tarmac – their clothes and hair ruffled by the aircraft’s still whirling rotor blades.

The whine of the engine of the small Little Bird, painted in a low gloss black, filled the immediate area as it powered up, soon being replaced by a deeper beating of wings as the rotors reached speed.

"Are you ready?" The pilot, also clad in complete black, asked of Mr. Mercer.

"Yes" Mr. Mercer replied (RP'd with permission from Kahanistan)

"Alright"

The helicopter began to lift off the ground ever so gently. Rising slowly the small open air vehicle began flying and rotating to the North. Barely achieving roof top height the helicopter buzzed across the city at full speed towards the residence of the Chairwoman.

"Mister Mercer, your boss has just landed. You will make it in time to greet them."

Continuing at roof top level, following Wellington Street due North so as not to hit any trees, the helicopter neared the eerily shadowed residence which stood at the top of a small hill, dominating the massive lawn.

"We'll be landing on the lawn, near the main door and the driveway. We should be there in a minute."

The helicopter reached the perimeter which was lined with dark black Suburban SUVs and Rolls Royce limousines.

"Look at that. That's over ten million dollars worth of wheels down there. The pilot just shook his head. You senior official type get treated like the cat's ass. I'm stuck driving an economy car for daily driving and you get airlifts across the island and the utmost luxury you may only use once."

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

Laura Jenkins live...

"It appears a larger, helicopter is now landing here at Molson Airfield. We still have no idea who is coming or who may be going in this case."

Laura turned around to watch the helicopter land gracefully on the tarmac.

"Security personnel are now swarming the helicopter, completely blocking even shadows of the occupants from view."

Two jets blasted overhead drowning out the tail end of her report.

"Sorry, there seems to be as much activity in the sky as there is on the ground. As I was saying, the security is so thick that even the shadows of the arrivals are being blocked from view."

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

"Sir please come with me." A Captain from the Intelligence Bureau requested in a rather pushy manner while opening the door of a marvelous, 50's era Rolls Royce. "You will be taken immediately to the Residence where the Chairwoman is waiting."

The extraordinarily luxurious automobile sped off, screeching its tires as it bolted to the North East side of the island where the Residence was located.

"Don't look at me," said General Mercer. "The Kahanistanians usually transport public officials with minimal security, and don't draw so much attention to themselves. Hell, it wouldn't surprise me if Valens was just taking that girl as security, or even going alone."

"I drive an economy car for daily use, too." Kahanistanian diplomatic vehicles were usually older models, with diplomatic decals and ordinary plates.

The pilot just smiled and shook his head. "At least some of you government type are still down to earth."

The helicopter descended quickly while still moving forward and skid across the lawn towards the awaiting Saint Fedskian officials, before coming to a smooth stop on the other side of the large, stone path.

"Good umm morning Howard." Katherine extended her tiny hand towards Mr. Mercer. "What a lovely night, save all the noise. Mr. Valens should be arriving in any second now."

In a matter of seconds, three extremely black Rolls Royce Limousines sped by without even stopping.

"What the hell was that?" Katherine schrieked her her security chief. Go find out."

"Yes ma'am." He pulled his collar closer to his mouth, "three vehicles heading east. Indentify."

"Roger came the reply." Seconds later. "A delegation from the People's Republic of Hurtful Thoughts. Meeting with Madam Hay."

"Thank you" The agent replied. "Madam Chairwoman, it was a delegation from the People's Republic of Hurtful Thoughts heading to a meeting with Madam Hay."

"Thank you." Katherine replied with an obvious note of relief in her voice.

The sound of tires travelling slowly over gravel told the awaiting leadership that the President of Kahanistan had arrived. The jet black car with grey bottom trim was rolling up the turning circle towards the chairwoman, the Kahanistanian ambassador and the various security personnel.

Grinding to a halt infront of Katherine, the limo sat still. Katherine leaned forward, wrapped her hands around the handle and opened the door for President Valens and his security officer.

"Welcome to Saint Fedski Marcellus. I hope our security precautions didn't bother you too much."

The Kahanistanian President managed to extract his vast bulk from the car. His own vehicle was much more comfortable; he drove a truck simply because he could stretch his legs better.

"The security precautions are understandable," said President Valens. General Mercer approached the President and his security officer. They shook hands and nodded.

"So you're the new President now..." said General Mercer. "A while since we last met... somehow you seem taller, maybe it's just me."

The two men talked back and forth for the next two minutes, Mercer clearly leading the conversation. Valens generally nodded or gave brief answers. Finally, he decided to terminate the exchange.

The President turned around to introduce his security officer to the Chairwoman. The major had apparently beaten him to the punch. "Mara Fulton. I command the President's security detachment." She was not as cold as she had been in the Presidential Palace, but something clearly seemed wrong with her...

"Sir please come with me." A Captain from the Intelligence Bureau requested in a rather pushy manner while opening the door of a marvelous, 50's era Rolls Royce. "You will be taken immediately to the Residence where the Chairwoman is waiting."
‘Certainly, err… Colonel,’ replied the Xirniumite chargé d'affaires with a mildly amused smile, his voice deliberately casual as he tried his best to recall the different rank insignia of the Saint Fedskian intelligence agencies - and thus determine this individual’s appropriate title. Absentmindedly, Mr Dëluhâthol brushed away some imagined lint from his coat’s lapel as he unhurriedly followed the agent towards a gently idling Rolls Royce.

‘I trust that it shan’t take us overly long to reach the Chairwoman’s official residence from here?’ asked a doubtful Jácinta Vänemâtári (the First Secretary of the Eternal Republic’s Permament Mission to Saint Fedski, and Flórián’s diplomatic colleague) with an unmistakable air of impatience as she gingerly entered the nearby motor car. The Xirniumite diplomat, clothed in a sophisticated and stylish, grey skirted suit, frowned at the vehicle as if she was personally quite unconvinced that it could convey them to their destination in anything like a timely manner.

"Welcome to Saint Fedski Major. I am Katherine Schleicher, the Chairwoman and this is Gary Girardi, the Vice Chairman." She said extending her hand to the Major. "I hope the security wasn't too much of a hassle for you."

"Good morning" Girardi spoke as Katherine introduced him.

"Edward Teach, our Secreaty General is currently drafting responses to various G.A.S.N members with Mister Riel. They should be joining us shortly. If you would please Gary, take our guests inside and away from all this rukus."

"Already on it. If you would please come with me, I can show you your living spaces for the duration and whatever else you may need to know."

Gary showed them the way up the steps towards the massive white doors of the residence. While Katherine continued to wait outside for the Xirniumite arrival.

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

Within seconds of entering the vehicle, Florian was whisked away at high speeds. The solitary vehicle bobbed and weaved through the streets and around various patrols and obstructions as it made its way through the dark street, with no headlights on, towards the residence, arriving in a mere five minutes.

Katherine and her security team were waiting patiently for the Xirniumite when the classic automobile pulled a hard left, rounding the iron fence and up the drive. Managing the car at the speed on four wheels was hard, but on two wheels and going on a upwards sloped curve nearly impossible. The driver, an absolute expert managed to pull it off and managed to bring the left side down smoothly, with a small little jolt and ground to a halt infront of the awaiting Chairwoman.

"Welcome Mister Dëluhâthol. I trust you had no problems with security?" Kahterine said smiling.

Fulton nodded and shook the Chairwoman's hand. How does she know my rank? She wasn't in uniform. "No, I welcome it. It makes my job easier," she said. She took Girardi's hand and nodded to Valens and Mercer to follow her.

---

In the residence

The three Kahanistanians entered the residence. The Kahanistanian Presidential Palace was huge, but the President's own living quarters were not much larger than those of an average citizen; most of the Palace was full of offices and huge file cabinets with extensive archives. This seemed from the start to be more opulent than almost anything in the DSRK.

"Welcome Mister Dëluhâthol. I trust you had no problems with security?"
Ms Vänemâtári narrowed her eyes disapprovingly at Chairwoman’s seemingly innocent question, but chose to remain silent. She had been left distinctly unimpressed by what had been (in her private opinion) the rather dangerous, highly reckless, manner in which the Saint Fedskian chauffeur had careened uncontrollably through the Sarnian streets.

Flórián, for his part, had found the whole affair rather entertaining, and smiled broadly at Ms Schleicher. ‘Madam, I daresay that a more industrious or eminently professional security force than your own I have yet to encounter,’ replied the chargé d'affaires friendlily, with an air of self amusement. ‘As always, it is quite a pleasure and an honour to meet you,’ continued Mr Dëluhâthol, graciously accepting Katherine’s offered hand and respectfully kissing it as per politely formal Xirniumite custom.

‘Shall we be commencing with the conference momentarily, Madam Chairwoman, or are there certain niceties or matters of etiquette that must first be observed?’ asked Flórián pleasantly, eager to get on to business. His First Secretary, on the other hand, was entirely unconcerned one way or the other. All that mattered, in Jácinta’s opinion, was that her safety was no longer in the dubious hands of that mad driver.

(OOC: Got the info from SF via MSN. Xirnium, I assume you can have your delegation come in, too.)

Inside the den

The room was a large, very high-class den. There were dark green drapes on the windows, and dark green leather couches, with a large, circular, old-fashioned table in the middle. To one side sat a grandfather clock, while in a corner was a grand piano.

Fulton released Girardi's hand and sat down. She stuck her legs up on the table. President Valens sat next to her, his 310-pound frame occupying two seats easily. He looked down at where the Xirniumites would have to arrive to meet them. General Mercer sat at another sofa, awaiting the meeting.

"Usually there are customary niceties, but in the interest of time, we must forego custom." Katherine smiled at her guests. "I do believe the Kahanistanians and Mister Girardi are awaiting your arrival."

Katherine led her guests up the main stairs toward the ivory white front door of the equally ivory white residence. Both doors opened slowly as the politicians approached.

"Good evening Madam" The young doorman spoke.

"Good evening to you to Lieutenant." Came the kind reply from Katherine.

After taking a left at the lobby, the group headed down a long hall filled with small tables, covered in red velvet table clothes and lined with historic scenes. At the end of the hall stood a single door way, the paper thin dark outline and the golden handle rendering it only barely distinguishable from the walls.

Katherine lightly grasped the smooth handle and twisted it, allowing the door to open inwards without a sound. "Here we are. The Green Room."

It was not just a name for the room, it truly was green. The leather furniture was a deep green, the walls painted a leafy green, the glass ceiling tinted green and the jungle decored rugs, predominantly green. Energy saving lightbulbs, naturally ventillated central air and the well maintained insulation kept the room green, environmentally speaking.

"Usually there are customary niceties, but in the interest of time, we must forego custom." Katherine smiled at her guests. "I do believe the Kahanistanians and Mister Girardi are awaiting your arrival."
‘It is always lamentable, Madam Chairwoman, whenever one is required to pass over the civilised pleasantries that conventional decorum asks of us - though I suppose that the dreary matters of practicality must always, in the end, take precedence over those of mere aesthetics,’ opined the Xirniumite chargé d'affaires, still smiling amusedly. ‘Very well… do lead the way.’

Upon reaching the oddly named “Green Room” (a description which, the diplomats soon discovered, was in fact rather aptly chosen), Flórián observed that the Kahanistanian President and his entourage were already seated expectantly on the leather couches and patiently waiting for them. Jácinta, for her part, could not help but notice with displeasure that President Valens’ boorish personal bodyguard was cavalierly resting her shoes on a nearby table, as if she were currently in some grimy tavern. Major Fulton’s floral dress didn’t fool the First Secretary for a moment; Ms Vänemâtári was instantly certain that the lady was little more than a mere uncouth and unrefined soldier of the Armed Forces of Kahanistan (as were indeed most of the politicians from her bizarre nation).

‘So it seems that the peasants are here already…’ remarked Ms Vänemâtári in whispered tones to her colleague, speaking in French for added discretion. Many Xirniumites were multilingual, with working knowledge of three or four languages not so uncommon, and almost all had a competence in at least one second language. More than three quarters of the citizens of the Eternal Republic could speak French proficiently, but amongst the Xirniumite diplomatic service those fluent in French included virtually everyone (due, in part, to its former status as lingua franca of European diplomacy and international relations).

‘Indeed so. Did you perchance notice that light recreational prop aircraft, which had apparently crash-landed at Molson airport?’ asked Mr Dëluhâthol, also switching to whispered French.

‘I did. Wait… surely that could not have been the Kahanistanian delegation, could it?’ exclaimed Ms Vänemâtári with a frown.

‘Would such a thing actually surprise you?’ asked Flórián, smiling distantly.

‘No, I suppose not. Their incompetence is truly boundless, after all,’ replied the First Secretary.

Mr Dëluhâthol and his colleague greeted the Vice Chairman and Mr Valens cordially before selecting an unoccupied couch and sitting down, waiting for the Saint Fedskians to begin.

‘I apologise to everyone for keeping you all waiting. Unfortunately, we encountered some... minor unexpected delays before we could come over here from the Xirniumite mission,’ explained Flórián smoothly.

Luckily for the conference, none of the three Kahanistanians spoke French, though all of them were multilingual. President Valens decided to cut to the chase. Unlike ex-President al-Za'if, who had a background in political science, Valens' diplomatic skills were pathetic. In fact, the only one who had any political science background at all was Major Fulton, and she was currently writing a master's thesis under a far-right advisor.

Valens spoke. "It is good that the Eternal Republic decided to send a delegation to discuss the future of our alliance. The Government of Kahanistan is most interested in pushing aside the mistakes made by all concerned and reaffirming our commitment to the alliance."

Flashing her perfectly white smile, the Chairwoman walked into the room after the Xirniumites.

"Welcome, welcome everybody. I trust you all had enjoyable trips over" She winked at President Valens "And I trust once arrived our security staff was most courteous, given the circumstances" She then winked at the Xirniumites.

A knock at the door interrupted Katherine mid welcome.

"Enter"

"Mister Girardi, urgent call from the Secretary General."

"Thank you." He responded to the messenger. "Please forgive my absence. I will be back shortly."

"Ok Gary, we'll still be here."

Girardi briskly strolled out of the room.

"Where was I? Ah yes! The entire north end of the island has been effectively locked down for the duration of this meeting. We were expecting three national leaders here so security was exponentially increased. I must say that I am most disappointed with the lack of high officials from our friends in Xirnium. Mr. Valens, who's country is currently at war, was even able to join us for such a delicate affair. I hope our discussions will not be hampered by your seniority" Katherine was glaring at the Xirniumites.

‘I assure you, madam, that your concerns are entirely misplaced,’ explained Mr Dëluhâthol with a kind smile. ‘As was previously indicated, I have been fully invested with plenipotentiary power by my government and therefore possess complete authority to take independent action on behalf of the Xirniumite State. It is, indeed, unfortunate that the Chief Minister could not himself be present here, however such was quite unavoidable. In any case, this need not hamper our task here today.’

‘Before we begin, I feel that I must first take a moment to elaborate on my government’s position in regards to our alliance,’ continued Flórián. ‘The Eternal Republic has, for quite some time now, considered the stipulations of the Adamantine Pact (as defined in our original treaty) to be entirely defunct and no longer relevant in our modern affairs. In addition, I should point out that the Xirniumite State is, at present, rather unenthusiastic about restoring our previous alliance – at least, in any form which might resemble that of the original Adamantine Pact. Foremost amongst the reasons for our reluctance includes the international conduct of the nation of Kahanistan.’

‘It is my rather unpleasant duty to, at this point in time, convey the Eternal Republic’s extreme displeasure with the Kahanistanian State,’ indicated the diplomat. ‘In our opinion, Kahanistan’s government has not at all taken the purpose of our alliance seriously – in fact, it seems to have treated it as something of a joke. The Democratic Socialist Republic has frequently seen fit to take political stances that are counter to Xirniumite interests, and this is simply unacceptable. One such example, which I will cite, of a neglect to fulfil the obligations implied under our alliance, is of the Kahanistanian government’s recurrent and vocal support for hostile Allanean interventionism in foreign nations. Kahanistan and her actions constitute a minor (but certainly no less real) danger and menace to both the integrity of our mutual interests, and the stability and security of the international community. Kahanistan’s government is belligerent, immature, and reckless – erratically formulating foreign policy based only on ideological naïvety and never on practical realism. The Eternal Republic and her Sovereign Government are marred merely by association with the irresponsible Kahanistanian state - a nation that, like her Allanean ally, is rapidly transforming into an international pariah. This state of affairs is intolerable, and shall now be completely terminated.’

‘For all these reasons and more, the Xirniumite government is frankly uninterested in any future political arrangements that might involve close diplomatic cooperation with the Kahanistanian state,’ explained the chargé d'affaires.

The Kahanistanians were shocked. It took some time for what Mr. Dëluhâthol had said to sink in. While nobody seriously expected that Xirnium and Kahanistan would return to the alliance that they had held during the early Kraven War, the insult to the Kahanistanian State was definitely out of left field.

President Valens nodded to the security officer next to him. She reached into her bag and pulled out a folder, which she handed to the President. The folder contained a copy of the Adamantine Pact itself.

"I fail to see how an alliance with Allanea is a violation of our alliance," said Valens. Articles I, II, and III do not seem to apply here... neither do Articles VI, VII, or VIII... that leaves IV and V.

"I do not see the alliance with Allanea as hostile to Xirniumite interests. Allanea has no hostility toward the Eternal Republic. In fact, an alliance with such a powerful state would be in the interests of both parties. Allanea goes to great lengths to protect its allies, not that the Soviet Republic does not pull its own weight in defensive wars. Furthermore, if your government had a problem with our alliance, why was an arbitration commission not convened, as called for in Article V of the Pact?"

Fulton spoke up for the first time, sitting up, dragging her feet off the table, and crossing her legs. "What would you have Kahanistan do? Cut off relations with Allanea simply because you don't get along with them?"

Flórián sighed.

‘An alliance is more than a mere scrap of paper, or a set of rigid treaty conditions,’ explained the Xirniumite diplomat. ‘An alliance is designed to further the foreign policy objectives of its relevant parties. If Kahanistan is not capable, or willing, to support the aims of the Xirniumite State, then what possible use do we have of you? What possible purpose of ours could be furthered by maintaining amicable relations with a nation that provides no real benefit to us?’

‘Should the Kahanistanian Government have severed relations with Allanea, a notorious warmongering state that habitually violates the sovereignty of other nations in an attempt to impose, via violent and undemocratic means, its own ideological orthodoxy throughout the world?’ asked Mr Dëluhâthol rhetorically. ‘Of course it should have, such goes without saying. Instead, the Kahanistanian government has chosen to cast its lot in with Allanea, to help further their foolish dream of global hegemony. The die has been cast, it would be pointless to continue to argue over this now.’

President Valens shook his head. These people are not easily pleased. "The Soviet Republic was and is more than willing to further Xirnium's foreign policy objectives," he said calmly. "Ever since the beginning of our alliance, when I commanded troops in Xirnium, to the Torontian conflict when I cooperated with the international community to expose the Amestrian war crimes, to the most recent example, in the Constitutional Convention not more than one month ago, the Soviet Republic has supported Xirnium's policies."

He had little hope that the Xirniumites would change their minds, and at this point, he didn't care. He merely wanted to show the St. Fedskians how unreasonable the Xirniumites were being. He certainly wasn't going to try to defend Allanean policies any further with these people.

"These people" Katherine thought to herself while listening to the 'diplomatic' exchange going on 'whatever happened to an agenda and respect for the host?'

"Hold up" Katherine began in her slightly annoyed voice. "It was I who called this conference together and it is I who is hosting this conference in my own home."

She paused for a couple moments, hopefully giving time for her fellow leader and the Xirmiumites to cool down and relax.

"Now I have some specific points I want to cover before we go marching off into other areas. First of all, we should be starting with introductions, that way we can learn to speak with one another more effectively and we can learn what each nation wants to gain or drop from this alliance. A little later on we can get into recent developments in each of our nations before beginning with the actual alliance discussion."

"Now that's more like it. My party, my agenda." The impatient Chairwoman boasted in her mind.

"It's probably best if I start. You should know that I am, formally known as, Madam Chairwoman Katherine Schleicher and informally, Ms. Schleicher. I have been the head of the Commonwealth for three years, taking over from the Vice Chairman, Sir Gary Girardi. In light of recent developments internationally, we wish to see more interaction and proactive measures taken to ensure our three great nations have each other's backs, economically, politically, and militarily. We wish to see our three nations come together in face to face meetings on a more regular basis and our militaries interact in either war games or actual combat."

The one hundred twenty pound Chairwoman sat back down into nineteen twenties era leather chair. "Now who will go next?" She thought to herself.

President Valens nodded. He was never much for public speaking, and in fact was more of a soldier elected to protect Kahanistan than a true politician. He thought for a few seconds before deciding to speak.

"And I am Marcellus Quintus Valens, the President of Kahanistan. I agree with Chairwoman Schleicher completely," said the President calmly.

The young woman seated next to him spoke next. "Major Mara Fulton, the commander of the President's security detachment. You can call me Mara." She spoke in a friendly tone, as if she were meeting individuals closer to her own rank.

From another sofa, a large man with graying blond hair, aged in his late 50's, nodded. "Howard Mercer, the ambassador from Kahanistan to St. Fedski."

A narrowing of the Xirniumite chargé d'affaires azure-coloured eyes was the only, externally perceptible, indication of his bewilderment at Ms Schleicher’s insistent demand that they pause the meeting to revisit mere introductions.

There are obviously more important matters at issue here than names and titles, thought Jácinta with distinct annoyance.

‘My name, of course, is Flórián Dëluhâthol,’ explained the Xirniumite after a moment. ‘I am a public servant in the employ of the Eternal Republic’s diplomatic service and a member of the corps diplomatique of the state of Saint Fedski, formally accredited (as my nation’s diplomatic representative) to Foreign Minister Robynne Hay. I was appointed three months ago as the head of the Xirniumite Republic’s permanent mission to the Saint Fedskian Commonwealth.’

Mr Dëluhâthol steepled his fingers thoughtfully, for a moment, before continuing. ‘My esteemed colleague, Ms Vänemâtári,’ explained Flórián, indicating Jácinta with a polite nod, ‘is our, most capable and talented, First Secretary of the Xirniumite Legation in Saint Fedski.’

‘Now, if we might perhaps resume discussion of the salient matter at hand…’

"If you insist Mister Dëluhâthol" The already frustrated Katherine ackowledged his comment with a slight tone of 'who the hell does he think is coming to my house and pushing forward'. "We shall continue."

"Madam, Mister Teach has left for Van Luxembourg to attend the Peacekeepers Conference. Mister Riel has been summoned to Copacabana by Admiral Murphy and Madam Hay has finished a brief, rather unproductive conference with delegates from Hurtful Thoughts. She will be here momentarily."

"Okay. Thank you Sandra." The Chairwoman replied to her old friend and Chief of Staff. Sandra was little over five feet tall, had a blonde ponytail reaching mid back and walked with a little bounce in her small step. "Well it seems that my partners are a little pre-occupied. Gary, the Chairman has gone to Copacabana for a meeting too. Everything right now seems to be circling around the situation in West Corinthia for us. What are the thoughts of the Eternal Republic Mister Dëluhâthol?"

The Chairwoman knew the answer could set the tone for the rest of the conference. It was a known fact that Saint Fedski wouldn't back down and would have to face a major military defeat there in order to admit the loss, that is should anybody attack the Saint Fedskian troops there.

‘The Eternal Republic is highly displeased with the manner in which Saint Fedski has conducted its latest interventionist exercise in West Corinthia,’ replied Flórián impassively. ‘We are also extremely disappointed that the Democratic Soviet Republic has seen fit to, once again, involve itself in a complicated and delicate international controversy without any possible regard for subtlety - indeed, in a manner which has frankly been cavalier. Rather than attempt to provide a balanced and impartial voice for the advocation of restraint, Kahanistan has only enflamed matters, even serving as a perpetually willing base of operations for offensive Commonwealth military undertakings.’

The Xirniumite chargé d'affaires was acutely aware that such an answer was not exactly what Ms Schleicher wanted to hear, but such considerations were now quite irrelevant.

‘Your government’s demand that certain specific parties embroiled in this crisis remain strictly outside of an “exclusion zone” extraterritorial to the Saint Fedskian Commonwealth, and which encroaches on the internationally recognised territorial boundaries of foreign sovereign nations is outrageous,’ stated the First Secretary with a frown. ‘Indeed... most nations would have immediately considered such a contemptible ultimatum to be nothing less than an hostile act of war, and responded towards your state accordingly,’ added Jácinta with a dangerous flash in her eyes.

‘Your actions have constituted an illegitimate violation of the international law, an unacceptable threat to the doctrine of national sovereignty, and a reckless hazard to the maintenance of stability and peace within the international community.’

President Valens shook his head. "We are allies of the Commonwealth, of course we allow their troops to operate in our territory. We do not agree with the exclusion zones, but we must provide an united front with our allies. Against the Global Alliance of Sovereign Nations, St. Fedski requires all available support if the situation turns violent."

Ambassador Mercer had barely spoken since the meeting started. "The Kahanistanian position is that, while the intervention and peacekeeping in West Corinthia was warranted, that the Commonwealth should finish its withdrawal now that the Corinthians no longer desire their presence. We will support them until they finish their withdrawal."

Major Fulton nodded her head. "Allow me to clarify," she said, sitting back in her seat. "We will support the Commonwealth, but we will not intervene militarily unless the GASN attacks them or us. We will not act to enforce the exclusion zones, the St. Fedskian government is on its own there."

Mercer simply nodded at her. She had explained quite clearly where the Soviet Republic's position was.

‘You must maintain “a united front” with your allies, must you?’ repeated Flórián incredulously. ‘How then, precisely, does the government of the Democratic Soviet Republic reconcile such a position with their paradoxically staunch political support for Allanea, a nation whom the Supreme Parliament considers to be both a danger to the international community and hostile to Xirniumite interests? How, also, can the Saint Fedskian Commonwealth pretend to maintain such a position, in spite of the rather troublesome and embarrassing existence of these?’ asked the chargé d'affaires, adroitly removing several large photographs from a folder and flinging them onto the polished surface of the Green Room’s table with casual indifference.

‘These are offical state autopsy photographs of cadavers removed from a sunken Saint Fedskian vessel salvaged in Torontian waters,’ explained Ms Vänemâtári coldly, describing the high-resolution images of what were obviously deceased Kraven Sardaukar infantry with almost clinical composure.

‘And so this evidently what “a united front” means to you all, hmm?’ asked Mr Dëluhâthol icly, steepling his fingers as he regarded the individuals opposite him with careful intent. ‘Openly conspiring with nations known to be hostile to the political, economic or military interests of the Eternal Republic? A nation whom your governments are both ostensibly allied with? Well… naturally you will forgive me then for expressing, on behalf of the Xirniumite Government, some very serious misgivings regarding such an “alliance.”’

President Valens picked up a picture and put on his reading glasses. After about ten seconds of close inspection, the old general shook his head. "This is Amestrian propaganda that was spread to discredit the St. Fedskian government during the occupation, it was debunked by our intelligence service several months ago. We determined that the Sardaukar were probably planted by the Amestrians."

Fulton and Mercer nodded. They clearly didn't believe the Xirniumite claim any more than the Kahanistanian President did. They were disgusted enough by the pathetic Xirniumite regurgitation of Amestrian libels that they did not even think to refute the anti-Allanean positions taken by the Xirniumites.

The young Chairwoman just started at the Xirniumite chargé d'affaires with a slight smirk. "So you think a peacekeeping force is infringing on national sovereignty?? You think our small force meant to ensure a bit of peace in West Corinthia is hostile? Well my dear you are sadly mistaken. Ha."

Robynne Hay, the Minister of Foreign Affairs had entered the room just as the Xirmiumites began their anti-Saint Fedskian foreign policy rant. "So if I were to threaten to nuke Xirnium, you would just let my military walk right into your backyard without even questioning the motives? The exclusion zones, are a defensive measure meant to keep hostile forces at bay. How are they infringing on national sovereignty when the nations that are excluded are nowhere near an exclusion zone? If you had bothered to check your obviously pathetic intelligence, you would take note that neither Wilhelmsborough or West Corinthia are among the excluded nations."

The still smirking Chairwoman chipped in again. "The only relationship the Commonwealth finds, disturbing, is the relationship Kahanistan has with Amestra. The Commonwealth sees no wrong in the nation of Allanea."

"KRAVEN WHAT NOW?" Robynne shrieked as she heard the accusations. "YOU ARE ACCUSING US OF WHAT? HOW DARE YOU? WE HAVE HAD NO AFFILIATION WHATSOEVER WITH SARDAUKAR OR THE KRAVEN CORPORATION."

"Robynne, cool it" The Chairwoman spoke up to calm her Minister of Foreign Affairs. "Just because they do not have any intelligence doesn't mean you can rasie your voice. Now calm down, or take a walk. Now, Miss Vänemâtári, our foreign policy is set. We will not change it unless the people of Saint Fedski want it changed."

"Frankly, we are insulted by Xirnium's complete lack of interest in this discussion. Not only do they send lowly, ambassadorial level delegates to the highest level of conference, they insult and shoot down the foreign policies of both Saint Fedski and Kahanistan. It appears to me that Xirnium has no balls. They do not get involved with the international community and surely can't even find the will to stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves or to help out nations in need. I can think of three words to describe Xirnium and two of the three are against Saint Fedskian foreign policy: Pacifist, isolationist, pussies."

"Robynne! Take a walk. Miss Vänemâtári I am so sorry for the words of Miss Hay but she did speak with some truth, albeit rather bluntly. That is the general consenus among the Saint Fedskian population and politicians. I do question your motives for even showing up, given the obvious desire not to be part of this alliance."

"This is Amestrian propaganda that was spread to discredit the St. Fedskian government during the occupation, it was debunked by our intelligence service several months ago. We determined that the Sardaukar were probably planted by the Amestrians."
Jácinta narrowed her eyes dangerously as she regarded the Kahanistanian President with open contempt. To say that the First Secretary was not particularly in the mood for entertaining the clumsy ineptness that the Kahanistanian government was chiefly famous for would have been something of an understatement.

‘I suppose, sir, that your intelligence agencies have some manner of evidence upon which to base such extraordinary conclusions? Or are we, rather, to take to you at your mere word? Perhaps you base your determinations on a passage from such “authoritative” a Kahanistanian text as Hassan Al-Ghazi’s On Amestrians and their Lies?’ asked Ms Vänemâtári derisively.

‘Department IX of the Third Chief Directorate of the Secret Intelligence Service investigated this incident extensively, and in the most minute detail, over several months. I, personally, have seen the original audiovisual recordings of the salvage operation in progress. Xirniumite intelligence specialists have examined all of the relevant facts at length – and have verified beyond doubt their authenticity.

Mr President, either you are a liar or you a fool, and neither deduction is a particularly encouraging thought.’


“How are they infringing on national sovereignty when the nations that are excluded are nowhere near an exclusion zone? If you had bothered to check your obviously pathetic intelligence, you would take note that neither Wilhelmsborough or West Corinthia are among the excluded nations.”
The chargé d'affaires merely smiled pleasantly, in a similar manner as a patient teacher would when dealing with an obtuse pupil.

‘Merely by presuming to dictate movement within the internationally recognised territory of Wilhelmsborough and West Corinthia, have you violated the national sovereignty of both nations,’ explained Mr Dëluhâthol. ‘It is immaterial to whom your exclusionary policies apply, even if the actual citizenry of the nations to which your extraterritorial zones extend are unaffected. The simple fact is that your "exclusion zones" are an illegal infringement on the territorial integrity of a foreign nation, for you have presumed to exercise a power reserved in international law solely for the sovereign government of that nation.’


“It appears to me that Xirnium has no balls. They do not get involved with the international community and surely can't even find the will to stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves or to help out nations in need. I can think of three words to describe Xirnium and two of the three are against Saint Fedskian foreign policy: Pacifist, isolationist, pussies."
Flórián sighed, he had rarely dealt with so unprofessional a politician in the entirety of his diplomatic career.

‘It is most unfortunate that such is the opinion of your government. It is also most regrettable that you seem to imply that the only way in which to be a productive member of the Community of World Nations is by following an irresponsible and idiotically reckless, unilateral interventionist foreign policy - a policy that respects neither international law nor concerns itself with the plight of the innocents whom will inevitably be caught in your careless crossfire,’ replied the envoy.

‘Your government feels that we are “pussies”, does it?’ adeed Ms Vänemâtári with an icy smile, repeating the strange, unfamiliar, North American insult with notable curiosity. The First Secretary laughed cruelly.

‘Let us all sincerely hope, then, for the sake of both of your nations, that neither the Democratic Soviet Republic nor the Saint Fedskian Commonwealth ever need to learn firsthand otherwise. Lady Protector Emaèldiä can be a harsh and unforgiving tutor…’

And with that ominously portentous and unmistakably clear threat, the Xirniumites wordless stood and promptly left the room.

The Kahanistanian President shook his head grimly. Even he, poor as his diplomatic skills were, knew that when someone left the room it was not good for diplomacy. I knew relations between Xirnium and Amestria were warming, but not to that point.

Ambassador Mercer paid little attention. His attentions were focused on relations with St. Fedski, after all, he was the ambassador there.

Major Fulton looked quite shocked and angered. Her facial expression hardened, her teeth clenched, her voice was unmistakably furious. She had been reading On the Amestrians and their Lies, not because she liked the book, but because the M.A. thesis she was working on required it; her thesis advisor was on the far-right fringe. Authoritative text? She laughed coldly, mirthlessly. Finally, she spoke.

"Idiots! Morons! If they have evidence to support this Amestrian... canard, then they should have showed it to us. They don't care about the..."

"Major..." said the Kahanistanian President, putting a hand on her shoulder. "This is not the time or place to... express your anger with these people."

The younger officer spoke again, more calmly, but still cold. "They don't care about diplomatic relations, they only care about themselves."

"I understand your position, but right now relations are poor, we have to get our own affairs in order before we try to reform relations with Xirnium again."

The Major's expression made it more than clear that she no longer wanted anything to do with the Xirniumites.

"Excuse me" A member of the Internal Security Force spoke, charging down the hall towards the exiting Xirmiumite Delegation. "You cannot leave now. An emergency has been declared. You must return to the green room."

More agents could be seen pouring into the hallway. Their gold badges, delicately placed over their hearts sparkled as the light reflected off it.

Bursting into the room came the Xirmiumite Delegation at the head of the ISF parade. The men, clad in dark emerald green suits quickly flooded the 'green room', locking themselves and everybody else in. The windows were blocked off by multiple agents while the lights were dimmed.

"Madam Chairwoman, we have a fire at one of the meeting halls. Excuse the intrusion." One of the guards spoke from nearer the blocked out fireplace. "It appears that in the hotel, a fire started in the room in which the Hurtian delegates were staying. The cause and status is currently unknown as is the state of the delegates. No traffic is permitted within the Government District and no persons, aside from police and reserve officers are permitted to be outside until the curtain has been lifted. Any violators risk being shot and killed as per standard 'emergency lockdown emergency protocol.'"

The guard took a couple seconds to catch his breath. "I will be remaining here for the duration of the emergency and in touch with my superiors."

"That's fine, as long as you don't forget I am also your superior."

"Madam Chairwoman you are of course the superior. I was refering to my"

The Chairwoman didn't let him finish. "I know what you meant, I was just ribbin' ya."

"Oh ma'am you joke. Ha ha." Internal Security Force agents weren't known for their sense of humour, especially during a lockdown situation.

‘Ms Schleicher, this is most irregular,’ began Flórián, in an even tone, as he absentmindedly fidgeted with the flawless Windsor knot of his silk tie - the Xirniumite chargé d'affaires’ cerulean-coloured eyes betraying an icy fury. Mr Dëluhâthol’s aide appeared to be similarly incensed at the unjust and unexpected infraction on her diplomatic immunity; indeed, Jácinta seemed almost beside herself with rage.

‘You have absolutely no authority whatsoever, Madam Chairwoman, to limit the movements of the lawful diplomatic agents of the Eternal Republic – under any circumstances. This is an absolutely outrageous and completely unacceptable breach of international customary law, and you can be certain that my government will be notified immediately of your grievous indiscretion.

I demand that you immediately fulfil your unavoidable legal obligation, under both the customary international law and Vienna Convention of 1961, to respect the immunities enjoyed by all official representatives of foreign states from the jurisdiction of the host-country in which they are present. Under the internationally recognised doctrine of exterritoriality we are to be held inviolable, neither subject to arrest nor worse, even during times of war. I insist that you comply immediately, or you can be certain that the consequences for your state will be terrible indeed.’

The diplomat paused for a moment, conversing rapidly in French with his colleague. Though the meaning behind their discussion was indecipherable, the character of it appeared most grave.

‘As the lawful diplomatic agents of the Eternal Republic, a sovereign state, it is the established legal custom of all civilised nations that we are to be exempt, whilst within the territory of a foreign sovereign such as your Commonwealth, from any measures of constraint,’ added Ms Vänemâtári vituperatively. ‘How dare you so arrogantly presume to prevent us from leaving this building! Your silly “lock-down” does not apply to us. As legitimate diplomatic envoys inside the Saint Fedskian Commonwealth, we demand to receive safe-conduct,* an undeniable entitlement that is our inalienable right.’

Flórián turned to the nearest doorway out of the “Green Room”, an exit which was currently bared by one of the Saint Fedskian paramilitary guards.

‘Get out of our way immediately... damned uncivilised barbarians,’ he commanded in an authoritative voice. Noticing hesitation on the part of the security guard, Flórián exploded with anger.

‘I said, get out of my way!’ bellowed the chargé d'affaires.

_____________
*“safe-conduct” (international law) the procedure by which one is permitted to freely enter or leave a jurisdiction in which he or she would normally be subject to arrest, detention, or other deprivation.

Mara walked up to Flórián, approaching him from the side. "The guards out there probably have shoot-on-sight orders. I suppose if you ask politely, the guards will let you leave, but you run the risk of being shot out there by a trigger-happy guard... I don't think we would be allowed to leave in this situation, not until they find out what started that fire, and if they're going to lockdown, terrorism must be suspected."

"Now, I'm a security officer. If you see anything suspicious, tell me or one of the guards here. I'll look around, if there's an incendiary device or anything, I'll find it."

The young woman then went back to her sofa, looking under cushions, furniture, and the like. Her 110-pound frame was unable to lift the sofas, so she nodded to President Valens.

"Mr. President... a little help, I'm looking for a bomb here."

Valens effortlessly upended the sofa. "Nothing here," he said. The Kahanistanian President turned to Chairwoman Schleicher.

"I suggest we call a brief recess in the conference while the Major, and any of the security who care to assist her, search for dangerous devices, and take a break from these discussions for now."

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e221/Xirnium/arms1.jpg

Open Diplomatic Communiqué – Office of the Foreign Ministry
The Eternal Republic of Xirnium

Tárië Aicassë Laë Nainányéna! – Until the End of Time!
To:

The International Community

From:

Lady Eléanor Sabëlinà
Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Xirniumite Government
The Eternal Republic of Xirnium


Following the unacceptably disgusting and uncivilised conduct of the Saint Fedskian government towards various Xirniumite diplomatic personnel (including the offical head of the Eternal Republic’s diplomatic mission to Saint Fedski), the Supreme Parliament has recently ratified legislation levying full political, economic and travel sanctions on the Commonwealth of Saint Fedski. The Xirniumite permanent mission to the Saint Fedskian Commonwealth shall be withdrawn forthwith, and all previous diplomatic relations wholly severed.

The government of Saint Fedski has shown itself to hold neither the slightest respect nor regard whatsoever for either customary international law or the long recognised traditions that regulate diplomatic protocol. In the most grievous breach of honour, the Saint Fedskian authorities shameless violated the safe-conduct and extraterritoriality of Xirniumite diplomats that had been present within the Commonwealth in good faith and at the direct request of the Saint Fedskian government. Such an outrageous insult has been cause for condemnation in the strongest possible words by the Supreme Parliament of the Eternal Republic, and we further demand that an immediate, full and unreserved apology be issued by the government of Saint Fedski for their appalling behaviour.

The Saint Fedskian embassy to the Eternal Republic has been duly expelled from the Xirniumite State, and all members of the Saint Fedskian government are hereby declared to be personae non gratae within the sovereign territory of Xirnium.

[Signed]

Her Grace
The Rt Hon Eléanor Sabëlinà, MP
Foreign Minister of the Xirniumite Government and High Lady of Parliament
The Sovereign Parliament of the Eternal Republic of Xirnium

"Most irregular? How so?" The Chairwoman chuckled. "As the 'charges de affairs' you should have known full well all rules regarding foreign diplomats within Saint Fedski. I can wave off the guards, but what happens to you once you leave this room is out of my hands."

The guard who seemed to hold seniority spoke once again. "You should have known that coming into the capital of Saint Fedski, in the presence of two national leaders, during a time of war for both nations that security would be of the utmost priority. The safety and security of our guests is the most important part of our job, especially during a lockdown. It is for that reason that we cannot allow you to leave the room."

'He's ordering me to move?' One of the guards thought to himself, but still keeping a perfectly straight face. "Sir," A definite mocked English accent seemed to speak that word, "the only way you will be leaving is through us, or with the blessing of the Chairwoman herself. If you really do wish to leave, I will be most pleased to show you the exit, the exit only."

"But until then," The first guard interrupted, placing his white-gloved-hand on his waist, slowly pushing is loose suit jacket to the side, revealing a relatively large, black Uzi sidearm "you are to remain here." Following their leader, the other twenty-two guards in the room did the same, their motions looking as though a wave was circling the room.

"Florian, I am most displeased by the way you have represented Xirnium and the way in which the government of Xirnium has chosen to represent itself in these talks as these talks are no place for just a chargé d'affaires. These talks were to be attended by the three national leaders, representing the highest level of cooperation, mutual friendship and authority. The Eternal Republic has failed to live up to its end."

Pausing for a second or so, she motioned for the guard, who approached. "They are not to be escorted. We have enough problems as it is. We cannot spare men until we figure out what has happened with the Hurtians and the fire." She whispered in his ear.

"Yes ma'am."

"You two are free to leave, should you wish, but you do run the risk of violating a district wide lock down of both the Government District and the Embassy District. The Government of The Commonwealth of Saint Fedski bears no responsibility for anything that may or may not happen to those that knowingly violate a complete 'emergency lockdown emergency'. I must warn you that should you fail to remain inside this room for the duration of the emergency, you, as well as any citizen or non-citizen will most likely be shot on sight without any warning. There is a delicate timetable and procedure that must be kept when dealing with a lockdown and any 'unexplained' ventures are suspicious and thus a breach of security."

The guard at the door, wearing his emerald green suit and packing his Uzi stepped to the side, making a motion as if to present the Xirniumites a way to the prize. "Go ahead" he spoke softly while still keeping his ever straight face.

"Madam we must make a sweep of the room. We have some dogs waiting outside. My most sincere apologies for the violation of the rules, but security protocol is protocol and cannot be ignored." The first guard motioned for the other door to be opened.

A third guard opened the door and stepped to the other side. "Come now" he said to the yet unseen dogs.

Entering the room were two dogs and four more guards, just part of the security detail assigned to the kanine unit. "Our apologies Madam for breaking your house rules. We will be quick, but thorough."

"I understand" Katherine sighed in reply. She didn't like having animals in this room. This room was her favourite and one of the best for entertaining for dignitaries and delegations.

The two dogs immediately began their search for explosive material while the two extra handlers joined Mara in the manual search of the room.

"Mister Valens, we can indeed take a recess, but as per the E.L.E, we unfortunately cannot leave the room. Should you require anything, I can have a member of the security team fetch almost whatever it is that you need."

President Valens shook his head. "I simply wanted to take a break while we decided how to handle this latest diplomatic crisis with the Xirniumites." He looked to his security officer. "Nothing here, Major." He set the last of the sofas down.

Major Fulton nodded, releasing her grip on the Beretta M9 sidearm strapped to her leg, where she had reached after the guards began showing their Uzis. "Nothing here... at least in this room." She walked over to the Xirniumite delegates, hoping that they wouldn't leave yet, and walked up right to the charge d'affaires.

"I'd rather nothing happen to you outside," she said. While she would not be pleased with the diplomatic consequences to St. Fedski if one of the delegates were harmed, or the injury that would inevitably occur to her reputation if someone were harmed on her watch, she also did not like the idea of seeing anyone harmed unnecessarily.

"Would you stay at least until the lockdown ends?" asked the officer. "It would be a lot safer, and you don't have any security." The Major thought for a few seconds more before speaking again. "You're probably tired of talking to the St. Fedskians. Would you care to talk to me?"

Ms Vänemâtári looked at Mara bemusedly, with an expression substantially similar to that which one might be expected to wear when staring at a person quite obviously insane. Not for the first time, the First Secretary found herself wondering idly about whether perhaps large quantities of mercury had not been steadily seeping unnoticed into Najaster’s water supply over a period of time of at least several score decades. Flórián, for his own part, ignored Major Fulton’s existence altogether – she was merely a lowly security guard, after all, and therefore of absolutely no consequence, at all, to him.

‘Order your thugs to allow us to return back to our embassy unmolested, Ms Schleicher,’ commanded Jácinta tersely, a definite look of impatience on her face. ‘It would take barely a word, from you to your paramilitary security force, for our safe-conduct to be protected and our well-being guaranteed. Please therefore put an end to your childish display so that we may at last be on our way... so that we can finally leave your backwards nation and return to civilisation.’

‘We are, as can be seen, clearly not a threat to your... Commonwealth, nor are we evidently concerned with the perceived danger of whatever it is that has caused you to institute these silly security precautions in the first place. There is thus absolutely no justification whatsoever for continuing to refuse to respect the principal of extraterritoriality,’ added Mr Dëluhâthol smoothly. ‘Do be so kind, then, as to call of your brutes,’ repeated the chargé d'affaires aloofly, his gaze moving with an entirely unconcerned air to the overtly worn firearms of the guards. The Saint Fedskian weapons had obviously not intimidated the Xirniumites in the slightest.

Fulton looked back at Vanematari, her expression equally bemused. Failing to see what had triggered that response, she simply shrugged her shoulders. As she did so, however, her one-shoulder dress threatened to expose part of her left breast. We can't have that... not now, anyway. She adjusted her dress and smiled innocently at Deluhathol, pushing her long dark hair behind her.

Inwardly, however, she was putting the knowledge from four years of communication lessons to work. She did not want the Xirniumites to leave. While she was concerned for their safety, she also wanted them to stay and finish the diplomatic discussions they had traveled so far to take part in.

"Well, talk to me during the recess, is what I meant. Of course, the President would handle the top-level diplomatic discussions, not me." She hoped that the charge d'affaires would find spending the recess with her as opposed to the grim, imposing President, or the St. Fedskians who had aroused the ire of the Xirniumite State, to be the preferable option for the next few minutes or hours.

Meanwhile, the Kahanistanian Ambassador nodded his head toward the Chairwoman. "I see no reason an armored vehicle can not be called to escort them, if they wish to leave so badly... or even the same helicopter that transported us here."

"So how does this work?" Katherine smiled bemusedly. "You come to Saint Fedski as meagre secretaries, with no intention of committing any form of useful thought to our alliance. Secondly, you assume you have some sort of immunity from the protocols, procedures and laws regarding an E.L.E that even apply to me then you proceed to call my guards barbarians."

Katherine's face was getting slightly pink. Still though, she remained seated, with her left leg crossed over her right and leaning back into her chair before continuing her little rant.

"You once again insult my staff by calling them thugs. Had they been thugs, they would've taken care of you by now. The lockdown has been called a, and I quote, a childish display and then followed by a comment regarding the backwardness of the ways of Saint Fedski."

Katherine was now sitting up, her face still only slightly pink. However her eyes told a different story. Those thinly shaped eyebrows narrowed, pointing towards her nose as her brown eyes turned an icy chestnut.

"Again I must remind you that while in Saint Fedski, you are subject to the laws of Saint Fedski. There is no 'extraterritoriality' for anybody. Not even Mister Valens here, but I'm sure he is well aware of that. I will do such insulting persons no favours. You may leave anytime you wish, at your own risk."

Katherine took to her feet and walked to the door, past her brutish guard and opened it.

"Here you go. I remind you, by stepping out you are violating the laws of the Commonwealth of Saint Fedski and should you violate those laws you will be tried by a Court in the Commonwealth of Saint Fedski and if found guilty will serve the given sentence in the Commonwealth of Saint Fedski. Show them the way out."

"Yes ma'am." The senior guard added with relief. "You and you, come with me." He said pointing at two guards. The ISF never called each other by name in the presence of foreign diplomats as was standard protocol for protecting their identities and to make it near impossible to locate and/or track their movements.

‘Oh, go away… you silly little woman,’ snarled a nasty Jácinta, showing open hostility towards the Kahanistanian security officer. ‘Can you not see that we are rather busy with something at the moment, something that doesn’t concern you in any way?’

Flórián, who had noticed the pretty Kahanistanian coyly adjusting her dress, smiled apologetically at Mara but did not say anything.

‘Ms Schleicher, your unwillingness to permit us to leave this conference is a gross violation of customary international law. I can only repeat my demand, once more, that you immediately allow us to speak with our Government, a right inalienably accorded to us under the international law,’ explained the chargé d'affaires.

The Xirniumite diplomats sat in a corner of the room and sullen refused to speak any further with the other individuals, conversing instead in low, grave tones with one another.

Fulton looked hurt at the First Secretary's response. They don't even seem willing to talk to me. So much for that. She warmly returned Florian's smile and walked back to her seat. If he wanted to talk to her, she was more than available.

Meanwhile, President Valens and Ambassador Mercer were speaking to each other in Latin. "I believe that it would be a good idea to try to talk to them," said the President. "Their obstinacy is going to ruin our plans for the conference."

"I agree," said Ambassador Mercer. "I should be the one to talk to them." He did not mention that the reason why he was suddenly taking an interest in the Xirniumites was because the President was not much of a diplomat. He would probably be even less successful than the pretty lady who had just been shot down.

The Ambassador rose from his chair and approached the Xirniumites. Switching to English, he inquired, "Mr. Deluhathol, do you really want to leave this conference simply because the Minister entered uninvited and called you names? I agree, she shouldn't have done that, but does it have to escalate to this? Do we have to have this atmosphere of hostility?"

The Ambassador hoped that the Xirniumites would not wish to leave the meeting, and that the whole conflict would be resolved.

"This is why the President requested a recess. He felt that we should let our tempers cool off and avoid any unpleasantness during the conference."

Flórián turned away, briefly, from his colleague and addressed the Kahanistanian, making no pretence whatsoever at hiding his contempt for the man.

‘The conference is over, Mr Mercer, and the fact that we have not yet been permitted to leave this room does not change that,’ explained the chargé d'affaires flatly. ‘I certainly do not have to justify my actions to you. Now leave us alone.’

Without another word, Mr Dëluhâthol turned back to Jácinta and the two resumed their private conversation.

[OOC: Out of curiousity, and my dearest apologies to thread-jack and interrupt, but whose OOC idea was it to call it an "Adamantine" alliance?]

OOC:

Quite an ironic name, in hindsight, wasn't it?

I was the one who came up with it.

The Kahanistanian Ambassador went back to his seat next to the Major. He sighed deeply and laid his head in his hands. He had hoped that the meeting with the members of the Adamantine Pact would strengthen the alliance, and encourage ties with the St. Fedskian government, but now he was losing them both, it seemed.

The President, too, had hoped for a strengthened alliance and a discussion of the policies each of the allies took that the others had issues with. He certainly didn't expect to be trapped in the Chairwoman's residence with a terrorist on the loose.

Major Fulton seemed to have been hit hardest. She merely stared ahead, not moving or talking to anyone. She would have liked to see improved relations and more cross-training with allied forces, but even that eluded her now.