NationStates Jolt Archive

The winds of the international stage are always shifting, one moment calm and gentle, the other quick and cutting, chilling one to the bone. It took a lot a strength and courage for an individual to survive on this stage, where even one little mistake could mean the onset of a war or, in some rare cases, total annihilation. No, this was not a place for the weak.

Foreign minister Emilian Davout was the minister with the longest stay in his office, a performance for those who knew the highly competitive environment of The Principality and the slow erosion caused by the affairs of nations. His distinguished leadership brought much success to the country in the affairs of the world. Joining the Free World Alliance, immediately after ending the long period of isolation for his country and recently joining the United Federation of Allied Nations were just two of his most distinguished results.

But for all his successes for all the positive results he obtained there was always more to do a never ending line of issues and challenges that he had to face, crisis that needed his attention and people needing his help, but never before was he placed in the current situation.

Recently, due to an event taking place in international waters a blockade was declared by the nation of Vetalia against Lord Sumguy. At that point, The Principality, already wary of the possibility for conflict that this blockade presented decided to keep a close eye on the affair. It did not help that troubling reports came from both the navy and the satellite network keeping track of events going around the world.

It was decided that the data and further collected information about the affair was to be presented to the involved parties, in an effort to stop any further escalations and to preserve relations between Vetalia and Lord Sumguy, but it never works as planned.

The secret negotiations between The Principality and various officials of UFAN came to fruition before a final report could be forwarded and The Principality joined UFAN. To further the entanglement in which The Principality found itself now, the nation of Lord Sumguy applied for membership in the Federation. It was an unprecedented position and The Principality had to find solutions for in only a matter of days the careful political balance cultivated by the nation was threatened.

The Principality could not abandon the nation of Lord Sumgay, but in the same manner, it could not go against its UFAN ally and hopefully future friend, for that meant a violation of the Prime Directive and Damirez had no intention of doing that if it could be avoided. There was only one viable option left, mediation. With help from the most unlikely sources, The Principality of Damirez now had the information needed to shed light in this case.

Preparations were quickly made and Foreign Minister Davout personally contacted the leaders of UFAN and the ones most interested in this crisis. He had to make sure that this crisis was avoided at all cost.

---

“Greetings to my esteemed colleagues in the United Federation of Allied Nations,” the foreign minister started politely but with a firm expression rooted on his face. “I call to you today asking for mediation in a matter of the most grave concern,” he stopped letting his words stir the curiosity of his listeners, “ Matters that left unchecked can bring the most unwanted results,” he ended his sentence by shifting his face in a worried frown.

“I am sure that by now, you all know about the situation between Vetalia, a most esteemed member of this organization, and Lord Sumguy, a small nation trying to survive in this troubled world,” a short pause before he started again, “A nation that could very well lead to conflict and, much to our horror to a breach of the Prime Directive as Damiran forces would be forced to engage invaders of Lord Sumguy’s territory, now territory of the Federation we preside upon.”

As a well rehearsed gesture, he took a small sip of water, deliberately prolonging the silence, waiting for the information he disclosed to be digested by the ones listening him before he once again spoke just a bit louder and with more strength behind his words.

“For us that is unacceptable! We cannot, in good faith allow our forces and those of our allies to clash, especially when neither of us are at fault!” if they weren’t interested until now, then this was definitely going to make them interested. “We believe, with certifiable proof to support out claim, that this nothing more but a ploy made by a foreign nation to bring these nations in conflict.” A shocking statement about a spark that almost lit the gun barrel.

“A data package has been dispatched to your offices, giving you the ability to check the statements that I am about to make,” the minister told the ones he was talking with while pressing a small button on his desk to initiate the data transfer.

“In the document, you will find troubling information about the attack, information that will shed light on what really happened there,” Emilian softly told them before continuing, “First of all, you will notice pictures. Pictures taken from our satellites, showing differences in the design of the attacking destroyers and as confirmed by our analysts and extensive data collection, those of any destroyers fielded by the navy of Lord Sumguy.”

“But that’s not all esteemed colleagues, also included is a small video we assembled from feeds received from our satellites, showing exactly what happened there. As you can see, the offending ships, pirates of the lowest level, unleashed hundreds of missiles, identified by us as Tomahawks at one isolated ship, just over the horizon.

One must ask, why such a waste? Why waste over two hundred millions when a simple warning shot was enough to make the ship surrender? Furthermore, why would the nation of Lord Sumguy seek to offend the Vetalian government in such a manner? Or why would they attack a ship heading towards them and not one in other areas of the international waters?

To further our suspicions of foul play, we have included pictures with the flags supposedly used in this operation, the defining proof of the Lord Sumguy involvement, flags which to be frank can be purchased at any street corner

This my friends is not what it seems to be,” he stop yet again, leaving the impression that he ended his argument before starting again, “And if that was not enough to convince of that, we have yet another proof in our hands.”

“As per our policy, we have submarines dispatched around the world, submarines keeping a close eye on what happens in the oceans, giving us important information and keeping us out of harms way.

It just happens that one of our submarines was in the area of this attack. Although it was unable to reach the attacked ship in time, their presence there was vital in uncovering the following information,” the Foreign Minister paused as the sound of a sonar could be hear, “That my friends is the sound of truth. No sumguyan military ship, built or purchased has that particular pattern, a clear, undeniable evidence that this is all a setup with the malevolent intent to harm both Vetalia and Lord Sumguy!” Davout ended his argument, but not before adding one more thing.

“We ask the esteemed members of UFAN for mediation in this case, to help bring forth a peaceful resolution to this affair.

And one last information. Our submarine is, as we speak tracking the villainous pirates awaiting just for an order to strike them down!”

OOC: This is only for UFAN members for now. No OOC bantering here, feel free to use the Lord Sumguy Blockade OOC thread or if Vetalia so desires he can make one for this thread.

Lucy Elizabeth Gerrard was a women of great importance was she around 5ft8 in height, she had short blond hair with blue highlights and the most amazing Green Eyes. She wore a smartly pressed DKNY Dress Black Suit She had been a intern within the Office of the President under Pearce's first regime within the Vetakan Dominion, Lucy had been most instrumental in the formation of UFAN she had spent many long nights within the Presidents Office drafting the original charter of the United Federation she had been the Vetakan Ambassador to the United Federation of Allied Nations since day one. With the exception of the Wagdogian Ambassador Lucy was probably the longest serving UFAN Official.

She hadn't much literature upon the issue that Foreign Minister Davout was speaking about as most of the Foreign Affairs Department & VSIS Assets where focused upon the Ennusisian Crisis as a result Lucy listened intently to man when he fell silent she jumped up and seized the chance to speak first:

"First of all Foreign Minister Davout may I personally welcome you to the Halls and Councils of the United Federation of Allied Nations. Second my I apologise for my personal lack of information upon the issue you have come before us today. My nations Intelligence and Diplomatic Sources are assigned unquestionably to finding a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the growing Vetakan-Mer Des Ennuis Crisis. As such I ask you now not out of rudeness to explain in further depth the situation that you come before us with?

This Alliance has done and will always do what it can to ensure peace always exists between its members. Since Day one this Charter has sought to protect us from each other"

Lucy gazed at Davout before doing the same with the Vetalian Diplomat eventually she smiled and carried on

"Rest assured Foreign Minister Davout this Council will do what it must to ensure this situation will not develop it anything worse. This Council is not like that of the United Nations we will debate this issue and not adjourn until the issue is resolved. I assure you the Coffee is good here"

With this Lucy fell silent and and sipped her water cracking her fingers she smiled if required she would remain awake for 72 Hours straight until the issue was resolved.

Akimonad, being allied to Vetalia on more than one level, had been watching the blockade and analyzing it closely.

The military analysts first set about the alleged piracy that had occurred. They sat at a conference table, maps and other papers on the table. Dr. Hodz sat, observing the proceedings.

"This isn't characteristic of Sumguian piracy." one analyst said.

"How so?" queried another.

"Lord Sumguy doesn't pirate." Dr. Hodz said. "As far as we know."

A mish-mash of conversation followed.

"How far do we know, though?"

"Quite a lot. Plan6 has cooperated nicely."

"So, who do we think it is, if it's not Sumguian?"

"We have... certain intel relating to our past in the Corporate Alliance."

"Could it be one of them?"

"It's highly likely. Some of them would take the opportunity to force two countries to war if it suited them."

"So, what countries?"

"Well, there's Griffincrest. That's rather obvious."

"They wouldn't stand to gain much. They're all about oil."

"Forsaking Griffincrest, there's... Kraven."

"No, I don't think so. Kraven wouldn't scheme like this. They'd just invade."

"Hmm. Well..."

A man pulled a file out.

"Maldorians."

"Who?"

"Maldorians."

"No, I doubt it."

"They're the last candidate."

"What would they have to gain?"

"Land, perhaps."

"I still doubt it."

"Well, they're the most likely. Even if by a stretch."

"Suppose the Vetalians cooked this up?"

"No, we'd likely be clued in to something like that."

"Suppose we weren't?"

"Well, the attack of missiles upon the poor vessel by the pirate vessel is merciless. The Vetalians would likely have more mercy if they were attacking their own ship. And anyway, wouldn't Vetalians recognize each other?"

"Hmm. Maldorians seems, at this point, the most likely."

"I still doubt it."

"Oh, will you shut up."

**********

The Akimonadi representative decided to spoke.

"First of all, I'd like to thank the United Federation for allowing us to join your, or perhaps now our, grand alliance."

The rep pulled a piece of paper out of his briefcase.

"Now, to matters of greater importance. As a sort of welcoming gift to the Principality of Damirez, we have provided them with intel dating back to our regrettable days in the Corporate Alliance. Our analysts at Plan6 and ADFintel both seem to agree that this is not Sumguian piracy. Rather, we believe that this may be the work of the "Tyrannical Empire" of Maldorians. We have intelligence that seems to suggest that this is something they might do."

The rep paused to sip some water.

"Also, we find the Maldorians' recent actions to be somewhat suspicious.

"Unfortunately, though, we have no conclusive proof or evidence to prove out theory, so at this point it remains little more than a hunch.

"We are willing to have our intelligence agencies collaborate with other UFAN nations' agencies. They are already working to provide Damirez with whatever they need."

The Vetalian delegate rose, raising his hand only slightly to quiet any discussion in the audience. He was from Vetalian Zintharia, speaking with a slight Zintharian accent that reflected his origins from outside the mainland. He also had a mustache, which immediately signified him as coming from somewhere else than the hot, humid tropical lands of mainland Vetalia.

Nonetheless, like many of his counterparts he was at least fairly wealthy and well-dressed in a black pinstriped business suit with a geometric-patterned red silk tie and green Ministry of State lapel pin. "If I may speak, President? This situation is gravely concerning to our country, so concerning in fact that we have an entire command group from our navy encircling the Sumguaian mainland, cutting off as many exports as possible without a full invasion."

"The reason for this is that we have been attacked in a calculated move to slight our nation, one that could not be conceived by mere pirates. The perpetrator would have to be a person of exceptional intelligence and with keen knowledge of our culture, and given that our crew reported these ships were contracted by the Sumguaians, it is not hard to assume Lord Sumguy and his government are behind these attacks."

"We are further convinced of this due to the specifics of the attack itself. The ship was a government vessel carrying little of nominal value, mostly supplies for the Tornus Mint and a cache of trade medallions awarded by the Chamber of Commerce for exceptional work in the 2034 fiscal year...

...it was those medallions that were stolen. The rest of the cargo was destroyed in the overwhelming firepower brought down upon the ship or abandoned, and the pirates only desired those medallions. To an ordinary pirate, those medallions would be utterly worthless, no more valuable or useful than the steel that comprises the ship itself."

Pausing, he drank water from a glass at the desk before continuing.

"However, a person with intimate knowledge of Vetalia would know those trade medallions are a significant honor awarded to those who succeed in our culture's most important fields, and stealing them is tantamount to one of the gravest slights imaginable for a Vetalian: theft of their work, their time, and their rightfully earned profits.

It wasn't even a crippling blow; every other ship en route was unharmed, many carrying more valuable cargoes that would have attracted mere pirates in fairly short order. This was an insult, one presumably motivated by our failed invasion in years past...perhaps the Sumguaians, now that they appear to have achieved some significant gains in their alliances, feel it is time to retaliate for this past slight. What they planned to gain from this is a mystery, but it is clear they knew how to anger and insult us, and went with it."

"Nonetheless, the mounting inconsistencies in this attack are proving ever more concerning to our government, and we fear that there may be even more sinister plans at work that go above and beyond any Sumguaian scheming."

As the foreign minister listened intently to what his fellow representatives had to say, a short non intrusive message appeared on his work station. Given the importance of this affair The Principality had taken other measures to make sure that it will get solved. Davout saw only a few words, but they were enough for him to know that the wheels were set in motion.

I the sky, the satellite network of The Principality watched over the seas, closely following the pirates. Under the sea, the assault submarine continued its mission, tracking the path of the destroyers. In offices spread around several countries file after file were carefully analysed to provide further proof as to who caused this incident.

None of them were included in the message though, although he knew it was only a matter of time until the Akimonadi forwarded a more detailed report. It was unexpected really, the cooperation between Akimonad and The Principality, but it was a pleasant change from the previous suspicion and it provided hope for much better understanding in the future. But this was not a message from them, it was a simple notice from the Damiran Admiralty, one that brought a small smile to the face of the diplomat.

‘Hunting party dispatched. Keeping friends out of harm’s way.’

For an unadvised reader those three words could have any meaning, but for the minister, previously debriefed on the affair, it was an important information. For him, it meant that the Damiran Navy dispatched important naval assets in an ocean wide hunt for the pirates. It also meant that a close eye was kept on naval traffic in the area, just in case someone thought about doing a redo of the event.

As the other representatives finished talking, Emilian prepared to speak again. He knew that no matter how long it would take, he had to make sure that his point got across.

“I would first like to assure ambassador Gerrard that we share the same opinion on the issue. We are willing to stay in here for as long as it takes to reach a peaceful resolution for this affair.

And to answer your question, this meeting was called in order to advert a possible conflict between two UFAN allies and shed light on a complicated case. We are, as perhaps some of you know, presiding over a federation of several nations. As a result, we take great care in tending to the welfare of its members. Recently, the nation of Lord Sumguy applied for our federation and we, already involved in extensive negotiations with the nation, accepted.

This however places us in a delicate situation, mainly related to the recent piracy act against a Vetalian ship, an act we deeply commend and accuse. This act was supposedly committed by Sumguyan vessels, a fact that, as we have shown before, is highly unlikely. We would also like to thank the Akimonadi government for their extensive cooperation in this investigation,” the minister paused and gave a respectful nod to the Akimonadi representative.

“Therefore, in accordance to the charter of this alliance and in our good faith that this affair can be solved without bloodshed, we appealed to mediation,” he stopped, turning slightly around to face the Vetalian representative.

“We regret the loss of a fine ship and the insult brought to you by these unknown aggressors, they will be found and they will pay for their crimes. But we reassure you the nation of Lord Sumguy is not the one behind this.

Beyond the proof above presented, we would like to mention a few interesting facts in that regard. First of all, the desire of the Sumguyan nation for revenge, which might be a presumable factor for this action.

As proven countless time, the Sumguyans want peace above all else and they are willing to forgive their foes, we do not believe that a nation that forgave more heinous crimes would be offended by your nation fulfilling its obligations.

The second point is one of even greater interest. As you have already affirmed, a deep and intimate knowledge of your culture is needed for someone to understand the significance of such an action. But wouldn’t that mean that a perpetrator also understands what your reaction will be?

We find it hard to believe that Lord Sumguy would willingly search for your wrath. We can see that even now how their nation suffers under the blockade while the Sumguyan economy takes heavy loses. If this was indeed their work, then I would say it’s a very bad scenario for them, do you not think so? No leader, no matter how foolish he is, makes his country suffer like this.

Furthermore, there is the matter of the sonar noise. As proven by us already, those ships were not purchased or built by Lord Sumguy as a nation. There is the remote theory that they specially purchased them for this affair to mask the fact that those ships are related to Lord Sumguy, but if that was the case, then why bother harbouring Sumguyan flags?

Looking into this matter further, it is obvious that this is a deliberate attempt to bring your two nations to war, most likely a war that will bring them gain. But who would do such a thing? Events on the international stage now provide clues as to the interested parties and, with the help of the Akimonadi secret services, we will provide the answer.”

Looking forward silently, even grimly, the delegate spoke.

Your arguments are quite solid, and we are increasingly of the opinion that the Sumguaians are either not involved or merely an unwitting accomplice to a far greater plot, one that seeks to incite war between our states for some unknown reason...

At that point, the doors to the chamber opened, and another official entered. Wearing a similar lapel pin as the delegate, but one with a pair of gold bands running through it, he entered with a pair of guards who surveyed the room briefly before holding position at the door.

The delegate quickly turned and faced the official. "C-consul Belov, what are you doing here?"
"Procurator Mizirov, he Ministry has dispatched me to make an announcement to the delegation. If you would..."
"Oh, of course, here..."

Fumbling, the procurator made way for the consul to address the assembled. Removing a document from his briefcase, Belov spoke.

By decision of his majesty Emperor Valerian I, the Proconsular Council, and the Senate of Vetalia, the blockade against Lord Sumguy is hereby lifted due to the mounting inconsistencies in this attack and the clear signs of the Sumguaian government's innocence. One week from today, the blockade will be lifted and the Vetalian naval forces will begin withdrawal from the country for return to Vetalia. Normal trade will resume unimpeded at this time.

On behalf of the Vetalian delegation to the UFAN, we propose that an immediate inquiry be held in Vetalia City to analyze the particulars of this case and to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice.

Upon finishing his speech, the Consul took a seat at the Vetalian delegation's table and waited for the chamber's response.

"We would to thank the government of Vetalia for demonstrating sensibility and a willingness to listen."

The representative paused.

"On the subject of the pirates, whomever they are, we believe we have found a new lead.

"We have compared sonar samples from previously known Maldorian ships, from our time in the CA, to Damirez's tapes of the pirate vessel. They are almost entirely identical. We are fairly certain that this is the work of Mandalorian pirates, privateers or mercenaries. Whatever the case, we will continue to look for more evidence."

Magistrate Aurora Kimball, newly-appointed Magistrate for International Affairs of the Empire, stood.

Unlike many nations, Barronia had a uniform for it's ministers in order to promote unity throughout the nation. Based around a mixture of old and new fashions, the uniform in most cases was:

Black Patent Leather Shoes (kitten heels permitted for women)
Black straight trousers/knee-length skirt with/without dark tights (skirt may have slit mid-way up the back)
White shirt/blouse
Navy-blue jacket, with white Maltese Cross on the breast pocket
Navy-blue tie patterned with the Maltese Cross
Navy-blue peaked cap, with Maltese Cross Badge in silver.
Navy-blue cape, with silver Maltese Cross buckle and white maltese cross on
This was no different. Her uniform displaying various medals for meritorious service to her department, she cleared her throat.

"We would like to make it known that we are very much pleased that the Vetalians have seen the rashness of their actions and have lifted the blockade. Rest assured, those that committed this atrocious act will be brought to justice.

We are very much grateful for Akimonad's information on this event, and offer them the services of the 7th Task Force, specialising in surveillance and tracking. The 12th Submarine Squadron are also at your disposal."

That done, she sat to observe the rest of the meeting.

"With this matter addressed, we would greatly prefer it if some efforts were made towards bringing the perpetrators to justice. We calculate that at least 250 billion rubles of economic damage, as well as the multi-billion ruble cost to our forces for imposing the blockade, have been accrued and must be addressed as quickly as possible."

We are very much grateful for Akimonad's information on this event, and offer them the services of the 7th Task Force, specialising in surveillance and tracking. The 12th Submarine Squadron are also at your disposal."

"We will gladly accept. We already have a frigate in the general vicinity that can help coordinate and command."

The news the Vetalian Consul brought were well received by the foreign minister. It was good to see that the Vetalians showed understanding and genuine desire to find the true culprits behind this affair, and with all the resources gathered here, it was only a matter of time. But if the Akimonadi representative was right, then one possible culprit was already on the table.

Never the one to be rash, Davout carefully worded his answer to the developments.

“We would like to thank the government of Vetalia for the understanding they showed in regards to this events and for their willingness to find the truth about what really happened there.

I am also shocked by the information that my esteemed Akimonadi colleague provided to me. Although we are not the ones pointing fingers, we find it odd that the government of Maldorians was quick in issuing a warning statement to the nation of Lord Sumguy. They apparently have no connection with this crisis, so why are they interested in this affair?” Davout paused, a questioning look adorning his face.

“I find it very odd that an unrelated nation suddenly starts making statements in a crisis that frankly is of little concern for them. We will not press this further, but the Akimonadi secret services reports should not be ignored,” another nod to the Akimonadi representative, they had done much to advert this crisis.

“Also, I would like to thank the nation of Barronia for their offered help; this will surely increase the chances for us to catch the culprits.

Finally, the mater of costs comes to the table, a matter that we cannot lightly ignore. The nation of Lord Sumguy suffered severe losses due to this blockade and although there is no need for me to mention it, the costs of the Vetalian navy can’t possibly be small. The perpetrator of this nefarious deed has many to be held accountable for.”