NationStates Jolt Archive

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m44/rosdivan/Rosdivaniflag.png

As world tensions rise, the threat of disruption to innocent naval commerce similarly rises. In order to secure the rights of neutral nations and prevent incursions on free sea trade, the Commonwealth of Rosdivan, under the leadership of Lord Protector Edward Hutton, proposes the formation of a League of Armed Neutrals. A conference on this matter will be held in the Rosdivani capital of Serenity in three weeks time. Lord Protector Hutton extends his invitation to all non-aligned nations to send a delegation to this conference and participate in the formation of the League, and to the aligned nations, such as those in the APOC and NATO alliances, to send observers to the proceedings, and to share any of their particular concerns.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y87/fahooglewitz1077/Akimonad/letterhead.png

The Autocratic Federated Empire of Akimonad will send a delegate to this conference. We are interested in helping to form a defensive alliance for non-aligned nations, and we have been constantly working to this end, with the creation of the short-lived GCHS as well as warming relations with both factions.

We hope, however, that this League will last longer than the ill-fated GCHS.

Respectfully,
-signed-
Robert D. Fulton
Director, External Affairs

The Emirate of Kaphristan wishes to join the league. We shall send a delegate to join.

As the Vetalian nation has generally been withdrawn from the majority of its alliances, a move to better integrate itself with other non-aligned nations is well within our interests and we would like to aid in any negotiations to develop a defensive league for non-aligned states. A delegate will be sent to determine whether or not this is in fact within our interests and to offer advice to ensure the optimal functioning of any organizations that arise.

Regards,
Adam Karmorov, Proconsul of State

el bumpo

Chief of State Cal Omas will send a delegate to the conference. While the government-affiliated Corellian Engineering Corporation routinely manufactures both ships and weapons for military and civilian use and requests that the right to trade freely with warring nations not be restricted, Coronet City rarely goes to war itself unless its interests are threatened.

One more bump

Official Communique of the Armed Federal Republic

We will send a delegate to this conference.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w107/Cookesland/Flags/th250px-USSeal.png
Official Diplomatic Communiqué


The United States of Cookesland will send a delegate to attend the conference. We hope that it is the start of a prosperous alliance.


Best Wishes,
Steven J. Andolor
Steven J. Andolor
Secretary of State
The United States of Cookesland

Foreign Minister Ivan Rucinsky of the Ixanian Empire will attend this conference.

Dear Sirs,

The Crookfur Government find this proposal msot interesting and would be pleased to send a delgation to attend.


Best Wishes on behalf of the Crown and the People fo Crookfur

Keith Langsrig
Foreign Secretary.

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/6152/headerjg8.png

Greetings!

The United Kingdom of Brutland and Norden will be sending a delegation to this summit.

Thank you.

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/4278/bnsignbdsbiz1.png

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y211/IndioRazaRepublica/Nation%20States/skibereen-1-1.jpg



From the office of the President of the Armed Republic of the Three Isles of Skibereen-

The Armed republic has for years maintained a fairly neutral status on global issues.

The proposal in most intriguing and a delegate from the ARTIS will be in attendance.

With regards
-signed-
Fredrick O'Murchadha
President of the Armed republic of the Three Isles of Skibereen

The delegates for the conference were housed in one of the finest hotels in the Rosdivani capital city of Serenity. The Grand Marconi took great effort to maintain its rare five star ranking and, for this conference, had had several floors rented out by the Commonwealth, at substantial cost to the government. Built twenty years ago in a Neo-Romanesque revivalist style, it towered up over seventy stories, with a commanding view of the channel that ran through the city. Yet, that seventy stories made it a comparatively small building for this area of the city. Because the Home Islands were, as the name suggested, a series of islands, and because of their orientation to the sea and maritime commerce, and thus towards harbors, urban sprawl was a relatively unknown phenomenon. Rosdivani cities tended towards extremely high densities and populations, Serenity, for instance, had a population slightly over one hundred million, and it was far from being the largest of the Rosdivani cities.

Were one to take the monorail from the ground floor to the conference center a few miles away, one would see that, though this was a densely populated city, it was not filled with the grime that one would ordinarily expect. The Commonwealth had a strong conservation ethic and environmentalist movement, and the Moreist party in particular had a strong agrarian aspect to it. As a result, during the monorails quiet journey to the conference center, located only a few miles away, it passes through occasional patches of green parklands. The support columns themselves are covered with ivy, while trees line the motorways and rail lines.

Unlike the hotel, the Leonard Torbeck conference center was built in the Gothic style. While appearing to be in the form of an oval, a close examination of its construction would show it to be subtly built in a cruciform pattern, a very popular pattern in the Commonwealth. A quartet of monorail tracks led out from the points of the cruciform, meeting inside the center itself for a grand circular covered track, providing easy access to the various parts of the center and the hotels that it directly served. These hotels were further connected to other hotels and conference centers in a large network that connected seventy percent of the city’s major hotels and conference centers. Unlike most nations, the Commonwealth did not possess a governmental palace where such meetings might otherwise take place, not having enough need of such a facility to warrant its existence.

The interior of the conference center paid exquisite attention to the acoustics. It was entirely possible, and indeed the plan, for those speaking at podium to be heard without the use of any speakers. Each delegation was seated at its own circular table, with a microphone, keyed by the Rosdivani delegation in charge of the conference, with speakers placed unobtrusively and intrinsically around the center so that they might be heard clearly by the rest of the assembly.

Stepping up to a podium at the front of the center, Lord Protector Edward Hutton started speaking. “I would like to welcome all who have come to this conference. Your participation shows that the world is not to simply be divided amongst the major alliances and that the rights of neutral nations will not be abused in times of war.”

“It is vital that the seas remain free for all nations to use, regardless of whether or not they belong to one of the allied pacts. Nor should the existence of war mean that neutral shipping is suddenly devoid of the traditional protections and rights that it has maintained through the centuries. Unrestricted anti-commerce warfare must never be tolerated. Necessarily, this requires the use of armed force to protect the rights of neutral merchants if they are infringed upon.”

“I would like to open this conference’s discussion with three questions: First, what are the rights which we feel are prime importance and thus worthy of the threat and use of force to protect? Secondly, what items constitute justifiable contraband, for which an otherwise neutral ship may be stopped and seized? Thirdly, to what extent should this proposed league constitute a formal system for the protection of neutral merchant rights?”

Danu Bando enjoyed the quiet train ride to the conference center.

The City itself was slightly reminiscent to him of home barring the architecture it was indeed planned much like the cities of Skibereen(ARTIS) and he especially enjoyed the attention to including green even within the urban environment .

Danu was a large man even by Skibereenian standards. He was dark complected mixed with robust Nordic and Africa blood giving him an appearence most commonly seen in Skibereen. Long ago called 'Raven Featured' he would at least at home be viewed as uncannily handsome, angular Nordic bone structure with high cheeks and a sharp nose with a heavy brow and solid jaw from his African lineage. Wide shoulders and he stood at the eye a full 200 cm(in Skibereen height is measure to the eye).

He walked through the conference hall to the table his two assistants trailed behind him...in truth they of little consequence as ARTIS rarely sent more then one Diplomatic official their job was more to take precise notes on the conference in all aspects. As well as to provide some level of security for Danu. Danu was a trained trade emissary and this was being treated officially as a trade conference.


He listened to the Lord Protector,

He then motioned towards the microphone...

"My name is Danu Bando I represent the interests of the Armed Republic of the Three Isles of Skibereen.

I would suppose in answer to your first question that wholly neutral Shipping which may have the misfortune of being compelled to use shipping lanes that lead through hostile waters should be protected by the threat and use of overwhelming force. As well shipping of a neutral nation to one of the belligerents in a conflict should be protected by force against seizure and sinking. This is assuming that the vessel does not carry a reasonable cargo to target. To that end neutral member states must allow for ships to be boarded and inspected .

For a neutral nation shipping to a belligerent there should be no contraband that is qualified for seizure that does not also demonstrate that the nation is indeed not neutral. There should be no reason to seize the legal goods of neutral nation. If the incoming shipment is of a contraband nature that is not directly aiding the war effort the can be turned back, but seizure should not be an option.

On the final question it is the opinion of the government that it be provided generally on request basis where a threat can be clearly demonstrated.

Where as the nearest member state will then supply the required support.
Should the need to escalate the action develop then indeed more asistance from other member states can be requested.

Reasonable? "

No offense Neo Kirisubo, but this is really more of an MT/low PMT thing. I'm not a fan of mixing tech eras and I don't recognize the existence of FT IC.

ooc: I'll take out my posts but no tech level was set at the start

ooc: I'll take out my posts but no tech level was set at the start

OOC: Well given that it revolves around the Gholgoth/NATO-APOC Cold War that is rapidly approaching war, which was clearly stated, I suppose Ros assumed people would only join if they knew what was happening.

[OOC: I hate RP'ing arrivals. Feel free to ignore me. Plus it seems the conference has already started.]

Lieutenant General Marcus Clay stepped into the conference hall. He was a fairly young man for his rank, about 45 years old, with North African features and a robust build, though relatively short at around 5'6".

"I... am not like most Kahanistanian generals. I don't believe in proportionate responses to attacks on neutrality in general, and I think that the widespread belief in such lost us a war against APOC. Neutrality is a paramount right, and must not be infringed. I believe if an enemy decides to attack our neutral shipping, or our neutral territories, we should retaliate with unrestricted submarine warfare against them. None of this ship-for-ship crap."

"Another right I believe in is the right to trade with a belligerent power. If corporations in my nation wish to trade with Gholgoth, or with Allanea, or, God forbid, with Doomingsland, we should be able to as long as the other nation is willing to trade with us."

"As for contraband, the only things I can think of would be weapons, and possibly chemicals that could be used to make chemical weapons, although that is perhaps a bit general. I could make a primitive chemical weapon by mixing bleach with toilet bowl cleaner. It's right there in the Kahanistanian Army Insurgent Field Manual. Very deadly if covertly introduced into an unprotected area. Food and medicine should never be contraband."

"Of course, accidents happen. I believe a response should be delayed until three or more separate incidents of civilian or merchant ships being attacked are documented. Then, we can discuss what we should do as an organisation about attacks on neutral vessels."

"If I may." Danu spoke as if the microphone was on.

He motioned again towards the microphone and then spoke.

"If I may, I can assure everyone here that my government will not go to war because a merchant ship is sunk. We will retaliate, we will support, defend, rescue and repair. Every opportunity to allow the belligerent to compensate the neutral nation will also be afforded.

However, some insane policy of total war over a few tons of coffee or toys ...well its as ridiculous as it sounds.

I am sorry General, but you are a soldier. While I respect your position and your obligation, this isn't a military matter. It is an economic matter, a political matter.

I am inclined to say your occupation, and the abuse your nation has suffered in the past may perhaps have your views a bit skewed on the matter of proportional force and diplomacy.

If, sir. I may be so bold as to suggest such a thing."

Kahanistan did not have a soiled reputation in Skibereen, nor had the ARTIS ever contributed even a pencil to any war effort against the nation.

So Danu, would not be speaking with mockery to the General, niether still was it socially acceptable in Skibereen to be abusive towards uniformed Armed Forces members, of any nation.

Those facts however were in all likelihood completely unknown to the Lieutenant General and the frank and direct nature of speaking, that is custom in ARTIS would in all actuality most likely offend the man.

OCC: Consider this message as taking place in the past and hence already occurred. Having my representative be late and walking into a room full of delegates from all over the world would only make my country and my representative look like an ass and we can't have that now can we.

IC
The Commonwealth Kingdom of United Earthlings understands the importance of protecting and maintaining the rights of neutral nations as our government itself has maintain it's own strict policy of neutrality and isolationism throughout most of it's history. There can be no greater right then for a nation to determine it's own density free from war and suffering. It is in that spirt and in accordance with our own principles that we send our Secretary of Foreign Affairs, John Hull to be our representative at this gathering among the great nations of the world.

Sincerely, King Winston I and Chancellor Wolfgang Muller



IC2: As John Hull carefully listened to a few of the delegates, he could already began to see that like most gathers it was going to be mostly all talking and little action. Still, he was here and when his time came to speak he would have a lot to say. For now he focused his attention on the conservation between the two delegates from Skibereen and Kahanistan. A heated discussion was always preferable to a shooting war and even if this conference only prevented one war, it would make this trip all worth while.

General Clay nodded. "I was sent here to help my government retain its neutrality. My position is if our civilians are deliberately attacked, the enemy has declared total war on us. It is not a matter of us declaring war on them, and historically, refusal to fight back has brought our country nothing but grief. Gandhi succeeded because his opponents cared what the world thought of them. Against an enemy that doesn't care what the world thinks of it, remaining neutral while under assault and committing national suicide is an ineffective strategy."

"Of course, I could see arbitration as a short-term solution if you are determined not to make war and the incident is a genuine isolated incident by a rogue captain, or honest accident, but if the enemy habitually attacks shipping, and refuses to accept arbitration - or even denies its involvement, as it can with submarines... then harsher measures are needed."

"Of course General, I understand your purpose.
Please understand I call for restraint not pacifism, the latter being a most distasteful prospect. I however recognize that the highest echelons of command might indeed approve of the sinking of a civilian merchant ship, without actually declaring or desiring war. I call for an amount of force sufficient to remind them that indeed they did not desire war.

This is far different from taking aggressive action as as invitation for total war.

Restitution, and punitive payment should be sufficient...perhaps along with a public apology and admission of culpability on part of the belligerent. Should that option not be taken, then appropriate force should be applied in increasing increments until the belligerent nation reconsiders. Appropriate force can be manifest in any number of ways, including embargo, the seizing of offshore assets including the belligerents merchant shipping, and of course the sinking of belligerent naval vessels.

I am not certain, perhaps the desire is a High Seas Commission to try captains in violation of Maritime laws. I am only speculating.

Perhaps a word from our host to give direction might be helpful."

"A total war can only be in response to a total war started by another party upon neutral commerce, and even then, only until their ability to threaten our commerce has been eliminated. While we appreciate the concern of the Kahanistani's that their experience has been that it would only result in being taken advantage of until they are finally overrun, we do not believe that it would benefit any involved nation or the League to respond in such a massive manner to such attacks.

Additionally, such an inflexible response is not a credible deterrent, as 'assured destruction' has proven time and again. We believe that the delegate from Skibereen has offered the best proposal for how to deal with such incursions on neutral rights."

bump

Daniel Trebeck, Vice Foreign Minister and member of the Second Council of the People's Republic of Karullia (Haven) leant back in his chair, idly chewing the end of his pencil as he listened to the other speakers. Occasionally he would make notes on a small legal pad in front of him, before turning to his aide and whispering.

When he had a moment free, the Second Councillor stood up. He was a slight, spry man, looking older than his 54 years. He ran a hand through his widow's peak, and looked at the assembled delegates.

"I agree with the honourable gentleman from Skibereen" he said, with a slight nod in Danu's direction. "However, it is not just enough to remain passive and wait for the warring factions to "accidentally" attack our vessels. If nothing else, sea lanes between neutral nations must be defended, policed to ensure no such "accidents" can take place in neutral waters.

"Total war should be unneccessary, particularly if we defend our own. Indeed, if a vessel is sunk while en route to Questers, Kampfers or any other NATO or APOC nation, then benefit of the doubt should be given - the first time. Legislation must also be passed for legitimate neutral shipping to display sufficient identification markings - flags, pennants, and serial numbers - as neccessary to avoid misidentification. Getting drawn militarily into this war due to an accident is not a sensible way to do business."

He cleared his throat, nodded to the other councillors, and sat down.

"Kahanistan does not want war with APOC, or NATO either," said General Clay. "That is why I am at this conference. I had believed a sternly worded warning, that attacks on ships of my nation would be regarded as attacks on the nation and could be responded to under the claim of self-defence was a more effective philosophy than the more passive approach my government currently has. Perhaps it is. My suggestion was based on MAD - you attack us, we destroy you. MAD was never intended to destroy nations, but to deter attacks."

He turned to the diplomat from Skibereen. "How are we to try these captains in front of a High Seas Commission if their nations refuse to surrender them? I can not imagine the Doomani, for example, allowing us access to a destroyer captain who sunk a neutral ship, and in fact, such a captain was likely following orders."

"Some nations, namely Cotland and Doomingsland, refuse to recognise us as a legitimate state. This may cause difficulties if a ship flying our flag is attacked. What sort of redress do we have in this situation?"

The chief delegate from Vetalia rose, a lavishly dressed and obviously wealthy figure, but the opulence of himself and the rest of the delegation was offset by the cold, pensive demeanour that characterized most Vetalians of the postwar period. In fact, Vetalian society had become quite withdrawn in the period following the sound defeat by Crimmond; most no longer identified themselves as such, preferring to conduct the country's massive financial dealings under the guise of subsidiaries in other countries.

"As is our policy, the Vetalian government is more than willing to grant your ships dual registration with our Ministry of Trade in exchange for appropriate licensing and entrepot fees. Your ships will be permitted to fly the flag of the Republic should it be required, and any interdiction of trade will result in our extreme displeasure. Our country may seek neutrality, but any interdiction of free trade is nothing less than an outright hostile act against our government and the financial interests of our people."

With a wan smile, he continued. "And, as you know, interdiction of Vetalian financial interests is the worst possible slight imaginable, at least to us."

"I hope that this League, should it be formed, will be willing to place its military might behind our economic power in punishing those who attempt to interdict our important interests, namely international trade and investment with the nation of Kahanistan."

"Well, General the court was posed a question not a suggestion perse. Also, yes the Doomani would I feel, most certainly deal with my nation." Danu sipped his water.

"As for the issue of mutually assured destruction for sinking a few boats...madness to attempt it, foolishness to suggest it. Also, I do not presume to have my nation make suggestions that exceed its grasp. Your nation is hardly in a position to assure anyone of their destruction, indeed you would be putting that burden on the wallets, navies, and lives of the other members. So you will excuse my skepticism of signing away the lives of countless men for something nearly worthless. Not to mention the very concept of Mutually Assured Destruction is useless when you know your enemy doesn't believe you can and will indeed destroy them.

As for redress you have in the situation you propose?
What redress do you have currently? None.
So again, you seek to place the burden on others and impose your insane and completely dated concepts based no on the realities of the world and of trade but in the hopes that your nations violators might provoke a response and give you option to call for total war. "

Danu looked to the delegate Daniel Trebeck

"What about ships registered with the League flying not national colors but the colors of the league. With the assurance that the League of neutrals will comply with certain stipulations and hence avoid the need for conflict.

Also making a vessel flying the colors of the League which is not properly registered a legitimate target for all member states?"

General Clay looked at Danu with an expression of cold hostility. "Other nations do not see us as willing to destroy them because we have too many Dr. Kings and not enough Malcolm X's. Too many people who believe in nonviolence, and not enough who say, 'by any means necessary.' I assure you I am completely sane, or at least as sane as any Doomani."

He broke his gaze to speak to the Vetalian. "Now, I am willing to use Vetalian flagging, or better yet, League flagging, to continue trade unmolested." He agreed with Danu's idea of League flagging, but did not want to say so to him directly.

"General, grammar sir, and context. I never supposed you were insane. Merely your suggested course of action."

After the Skibereen delegate finished speaking, Edward Hutton arose from his chair and slowly walked to his main podium, his green cloak flapping about his knees as he did so.

“The Karullian delegate raises an important issue with regards to protecting the sea lanes, namely that of their protection. Waiting for some ships to be sunk, perhaps accidentally, perhaps not, does not seem like the best policy, but what would be our preferred alternatives? Setting up convoys would aid in the protection of the vessels, but historical studies have shown that this reduces the amount of material that may be shipped by over fifty percent. Now, obviously, if this is requested by one of the belligerent nations, then it is not a problem. In any case, how would such convoys be protected? Would it be up to the nation where the convoys starts or would the escorts be composed of a mixing of League vessels? This is more fair, but poses operational issues due to communications difficulties and differences in doctrine.

Speaking as a former naval officer, I personally support a position where we will identify particular sea lines that are heavily trafficked by our freighters and are held at a high risk of attack by belligerents. Having so been identified, independent forces would patrol these lanes to quickly come to the rescue of any ships that come under attack and hopefully identify and retaliate against those attacking forces. Should these be an organized or persistent attack on our forces, then larger task groups that have been deployed to the area should organize together and launch retaliatory attacks upon the forces of the hostile nation until they agree to cease such attacks and pay restitution.”

Pausing briefly to clear his throat and take a sip from a bottle of water, Edward then continued. “The proposals for reflagging as necessary and for an international pennant or flag to identify the ship as belonging to a League nation are good ones and I strongly support them both. The Kahanistani delegate has a valid concern over whether a hostile nation will hand over the persons responsible. Perhaps this may be addressed through a form of Danesgeld if the matter would otherwise be peacefully solved, or through a targeted attack that strikes their ship, or a special forces raid to capture and seize their person for trial by a League court.”

"I do hope that we can keep this conference a civil one as well. Perhaps we ought to break for lunch to allow tempers to cool?"

With this he turned the floor back to the assembled delegates and sat back down at his chair.

"Yes, let's," said General Clay. He was still fuming at the diplomat from Skibereen, but stood up. "We should break for now. There is no reason to let this end like the APOC-Gholgoth conference." That conference, from what he had heard, ended in the two parties locking horns and going to war - a war he wanted no part of.

At the general consent of the assembled delegates to break for lunch, a number of carts were wheeled out with various foods and drinks placed upon them. These were mainly appetizers for numerous clerks came out with these carts, armed with clipboards and pens, and took special orders for the entrée itself for all of the assembled delegates.

As one might have expected from a maritime nation, much of what was offered was fish, freshly caught off of the various coasts of the island chain. At special expense, a supply of fish from the ends of the island chain had been airshipped to provide a complete selection for the various delegates to choose from. While such practices were common in other nations, a combination of a conservationist mentality and a general disapproval of such pointless luxuries, not to mention the lack of sufficient airfields to actually sustain such a continuous industry, tended to make this a very rare occurrence for special events such as this.

As one might expect Danu's appetite was as large as the man.
Another issue was a cultural predilections for excess in social forums.
It was custom in Skibereen to indulge in public affairs as long civil war left the common citizen with a very acute sense of their own mortality. This has been a strong motivator in the legendary hospitality of Skibereenians, they celebrate everything and do so as if it was the last celebration of anything ever.

So Danu, of course ordered some of everything he had never before tried, not full meals but rather a sampling. This was not reserved for merely the fish, but included the spirits of the Rosdivan island nation, the cheeses, the sweets, and whatever the wait staff felt was something a visitor could not live without tasting.

He produced a bottle form his brief case of Skibereenian Whiskey and set it on the cart...it was custom again, to give the wait staff a fine bottle of spirits so that they could celebrate as well (public intoxication is common in Skibereen).

He waited, and considered possible individual nations with which he might recommend extending trade options towards.

General Clay picked up a strange kind of fish he hadn't seen before. He set it down on his plate and asked for a tall glass of wine - he needed something to calm his nerves before he ended up slugging someone when the conference started again.

Trebeck and his colleagues ate their meals amidst a low buzz of discussion. The four Karullians present - Trebeck, his aide Minako Palmer, Lieutenant-Commander John Sato of the Karullian People's Naval Service, and Doctor Samantha De Beers from Karullia City University - mulled over the proposals set forth by the delegates from Rosdivan and Skibereen.

"So, what do we think so far?"

Sato sat back from his grilled snapper and frowned.

"Setting ourselves up as policemen for International waters? Daft move, and just as likely to get us thrown into conflict. I think the aggressive stances being put forward need to be mitigated somewhat. There's too much talk of war and mutually-assured destruction being thrown around for my liking."

De Beers nodded. "I agree with the Commander. Priority one should be establishing, first and foremost, secure trade channels between League nations. Once that is assured, and all League nations are happy that inter-league trading interests are secure, THEN we should start worrying about the international sea lanes."

"The sea lanes are supposedly the province of the World Assembly, but look at them - utterly toothless, allowing large nations to get away with whatever they like. I'm not suggesting we become 'policemen', as you so bluntly put it, John." Trebeck paused to take another spoonful of the exquisite oyster soup. "But what's the point in us saying "Oh dear, please don't attack our ships" and then simply sitting back and letting them We need an incentive."

"I never thought I'd see the day when a naval officer argued for staying the military's hand and a Foreign Office official was all for military action." Sato grinned for a second, then turned serious. "Okay, let me paint a scenario here- purely hypothetical, of course. Imagine Questers decides to blockade Roanoke. Intelligence from the recent Orange Islands conflict tells us that your average Questarian battle group is easily the superior of our entire naval forces - as they currently stand. I don't mean that as a slight against the qualioty of our men, but rather our equipment. You think they're going to let our trading vessels through a blockade? Particularly if we say "Let us through, or we open fire?" We'd be looking at open war.... and it's a war that would cripple us economically and militarily."

The discussions continued as the delegates ate, never raising their voices, and eventually coming to a conclusion and an idea that would, hopefully, work.

They finished their meal amidst cheerful banter, and waited for the conference to start up again.

Which is why we need a deterrent. General Clay found the unusual fish a bit disgusting, but was willing to try almost anything at least once, and just because it looked gross didn't mean it didn't taste good. He took another swig of his glass and addressed the Karullian.

"I would recommend buying stronger ships," he said. "DMG if you have to, even if they're a bit controversial. I recommend Isselmere-Nieland for their neutrality, but Sarzonian ships are good too. We use Praetonian these days, but that's because our President is felching Praetonian arse something chronic."

The general nodded at the person sitting next to the wine pitcher. "Top me off."

[OOC: That was supposed to be a private chat between my delegates. Should have made that clear. Never mind!]

Sato glanced over at Clay, and nodded.

"It's more a matter of not being able to afford it. We're waiting on a new consignment of vessels from UEMS, which should put us roughly on a par with a single Questarian battle group.

"After that, it's just a case of slowly building up. It's time that's more of a concern."

"I see. Gholgoth is likely the bigger threat to Questers," replied the general. "Of course, I'm a military officer, so I'd suggest more rapid building. Then again, I was laughed down when I suggested a deterrent, though the Rosdivani delegate seems to have a good alternate idea."

The general finished off the weird fish, washing it down with another gulp of wine. "I apologise if I've intruded on a discussion that was intended to be more private, but I am not that far. As a tactical move, I might recommend purchasing D.P.R. for the Praetonian Lance anti-shipping missile for 2.5 billion U.S.D. It is a small price to pay for the ability to sink an armoured battleship."

Sato shrugged lightly. "I merely used Questers as an example. A hypothetical situation, if you will. I also find them a very good navy to use as a benchmark."

He sipped from a glass of mineral water, listening to the Kahanistani's endorsement of the Lance.

"I'll bring that up with our procurement office when we get back to Karullia. We're always looking to upgrade our weaponry."

After selecting the Salmon for lunch, John was amused to notice that the assembly had never asked his opinion on whether they should break for lunch. Then again, John did observe that some of the delegates were getting restless after insulting each other for the past few hours, which wasn’t much of a surprise to John. If anything good came out of this meeting, it would be a miracle. However, it was with a slightly amused chuckle, that he read over his notes he had written down over the past few hours. Some of the nations delegates were imploring their desire for peace and yet at the same time were not willing to put their differences behind them and compromise. John could only smirk at the knowledge that maybe a war between their respectable nations might do them some good. Maybe, after untold destruction to their nation and the death of millions of their fellow citizens would they finally see the futility of war. No good ever came out of a war that couldn’t had been gained in peace or through peaceful means.

Still, John had been requested to attend this meeting on behalf of the UE government and John would make the most of the situation. At least there was one bright side to having come so far to listen to a bunch of egocentric idiots ramble on for hours, something John could easily have stay back home to listen to without having to travel so far, and that was eating one of the best Salmon Fillets he had ever tasted. After finishing his meal, John made a mental note that he remember to send a compliment to the chief(s) for the exquisite meal, before he left to go back home.

With the meal over and the majority of the delegates finish eating, John again prepared himself for the resuming discussion, which was sure to be long, boring and uneventful with hardly anything being accomplish. John noted how funny it was that when you put a large group of (self) important people into a room, that they seem to break down into their younger selves and behave just as they had when they were children. Maybe science would one day explain why that was, until that day it was business as usually.

Danu spoke while the conversation was informal "I would suggest to you sir to avoid posturing with foreign arms, you can plainly see all that chest puffing results in is defeat and occupation. Or more precisely lessons in humility." The crunched the vertebrae of fish between his teeth as finished his statement.

"In Skibereen we have a saying, 'The loudest mouth is held by the weakest jaw'. I have found over the years it is as true in Public Houses as it is geopolitics." he paused and drank down a glass of Rosdivan spirit in a gulp which was swished then swallowed in total. He mumbled something about 'oakiness' and continued "I find the registration of the vessels with league numbers and league colors to be a good idea. I also believe that common sense would dictate when traveling through a war zone we should address the parties and attempt a dialog before anything happens to ensure nothing does indeed happen.

In any event, please mark down in you records for lunch on later date so that might discuss trade safety between our nations individually."

Danu then downed another glass of spirits and drew air in through pursed lips and muttered something about crispness.

So, is this dead in the water? Or do we want to kick this back into gear?

OOC I am still up for it if our host is.

OOC: Sorry, a combination of my BA thesis, finals, the NATO/APOC retcon, and this looking dead led to it continuing to be so. I'll try to get an IC post tonight or tomorrow.

As the various discussions, and the associated eating, died down, Rosdivani servants emerged from the service doors to clear away the various plates and drinks from the conference tables. Lord Hutton found it amusing that all the luncheon break had managed to accomplish was simply change who was arguing with who rather than entirely defuse tensions as planned. As he spied some of the servants struggling with the quantity left over at the Skibeeren table, he chuckled and scribbled down a note reminding himself of their, peculiar, table customs for future reference in any diplomatic dealings.

Rising once more to his central podium, he again addressed the assembled delegates. "Although I had intended for this luncheon to serve as a break from the discourse, in large part due to the tempers that were rising from it, it seems that the discussions have continued, although more muted and calmly than they were before. Have these discussions come to any consensus about the League or identified any major issues that require settlement?"