NationStates Jolt Archive

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Assembly debates trade pact

SARGEDAIN- The Assembly of Deputies began debate on a proposal for the States-Federation to become a signatory to the International Free Trade Agreement this morning, marking the first government debate on multilateral trade legislation since the government voted to leave the Antarctic Oasis Economic Advancement Agreement in 2007.

The proposal, announced this morning by the Provost's office as one of several measures set to come before the Assembly, was sponsored by Citizen's Alliance Deputy Ahjya Keir, and is strongly supported by the Chancellor's office as part of a drive to strenghten ties with the nation of Kelssek by opening trade relations. As an IFTA signatory, Kelssek cannot trade with non-members without approval from a majority of other IFTA members- a difficult task given the politics of the bloc.

"Opening trade with foreign powers is of huge importance." said a spokesman for the Chancellery after debate opened. "And if we are to continue our move toward greater relations with the Kelssekian nation, as well as remain true to our philosophical dedication to human rights and economic liberty, we must join this agreement. The benefit for the nation is immense."

Opponents of the proposal argue that economic strength lies with closer alignment to Snefaldia's regional neighbours in the Antarctic Oasis- namely Gruenberg, New Leicestershire, and Omigodtheykilledkenny. The contention that joining IFTA will strangle trade with Oasis nations, of which Snefaldia is WA Delegate pro tem, was made by HPM Chairman and Deputy Wálløm Toömœð, suggesting that "Snefaldia's economic security lies with a revisitation of the AOEAA and Free Trade, rather than membership in an economically stifling and stagnant treaty."

Commerce Minister Andreá Sendávär, representing the Chancellery, sat in the gallery during the opening of debate, hearing general shouts of opposition from Nationalists and loud support from Citizen's Alliance and Communist party members, who control a total of 80 seats in the lower house. Babille Fouray, Republican party head, promised no action until "sufficient debate has explore our options;" but it is unlikely the Republicans, who campaigned on a policy of industrial protectionism, will support a move to join IFTA.

Debate ended today when Lib-Dem Deputies moved to suspend debate, which was carried by an overall vote of the Assembly. According to the office of the Lord Chamberlain, the proposal will come before the Chamber of Regents on Wednesday.

Ren Dirh fixated on a tiny speck of white as Dr. Shih Li-jen brushed snow off his overcoat, a broad smile across his face.

"It's a whiteout, I think! First time the Saard has frozen over in a decade." the Bajeong economist said out loud.

"It's going to be a cold winter." the Chancellor said absently, his eyes moving to a copy of the Courier-Sarge emblazoned with the headline "NATIONALISTS ON IFTA: NO WAY!" He frowned, then remembered his guest. "Please, have a seat. Tea?"

"Yes, please."

Shih Li-jen was a preeminent scholar at the Datian School of northern Bae, specifically the originator of many of the concepts behind Snefaldia's fair trade and business policies of the late Bel era of the 20th century. Although he was nearing 75, he was still writing and debating at Datian.

He sipped his tea. "Now then, you'd like me to speak in favor of the IFTA bill, don't you. Of course, why else would you ask to see an old man like me."

"I won't insult you with the politicking." Dirh said with a wry smile. "But you know how important it is for the country to belong to such a solid trade pact- that's why the Bel withdrew us from the Antarctic pact. The IFTA is an affirmation of Snefaldian values; fair pay, good hours, all that."

Dr. Shih nodded. "Oh, of course. Policy to reflect the "traditional values of the people." I was part of the team the Central Committee approached to write the policies in the sixties. But times are changing, and the IFTA itself is a breath away from being defunct- most of the nations have defaulted or failed to keep up corresponded; you know how things go in the world."

The Chancellor poured himself a cup of steaming tea. "You're suggesting it'd be better to align economically with people like the Gruenbergers? We can't even trade with them anyway, not with our current laws on child labor and- oh, what did that Sub-Vizier call them- "pesky requirements to not have arsenic in your milk."'

The slow was blowing fiercely outside, the span of the Grand Basin outside the Chancellery was obscured by a wall of white.

"Fair trade normalizes. It forces better practices; we've known this since it was first conceptualized."

There was a silence.

"So you won't support the effort, then."

"It can't say I wouldn't like to, but the time and place aren't right. Kelssek's in the midst of governmental turmoil, foreign companies are looking at buying up huge chunks of state assets and the people aren't having it. You'd be asking me to support us signing a treaty that would restrict our trade, all for trade with a nation we're already on good terms with. I can't give you that right now, not with what we know."

The snow was so heavy now that it blocked sight more than a foot outside the window.

"Well, Li-jen, I'm sorry you had to come all this way just to be caught in a blizzard."

"I haven't promised anything, Ren, and I can't at the moment. My advice, is to take a page out of Herad's book- don't ram things through. Wait a bit, see how things play out, and then adjust accordingly." He winked. "I'll be doing the same."

With a final sip of the tea, he got up and put on his coat. "Well, I've got to be going. Having a drink with Admiral Taeyong- My nephew. If I can get through this snow, that is."

The Chancellor was left alone, just himself and a world of white.

"Have you seen the latest headline?"

Dirh looked up from his desk. Gao Xiaoyin, the new Justice Minister, was holding a copy of the Korsa Awake! in her hand, pointing to the banner "COMMUNIST DIRH PULLS FOR IFTA."

"It's pablum."

"It's the fourth-largest regional daily in the country, and they're panning you as a communist and enemy of Snefaldia." she said, dropping the paper on the desk.

He shrugged. "Have you ever known me to pay attention to the rags before, Xiao Gao? I'm surprised you're even bringing it up."

She removed her plastic-rimmed glasses and frowned. "I wouldn't care if it weren't a verbatim repetition of what the Nationalists have been arguing in Assembly- and I don't need to remind you the Republicans don't like it either!"

He nodded. "The strongest support comes from the Communists, and strangely enough, Aatem Nal. The Citizen's will support it as well."

"Of course. The Ministry of Justice is producing a report for the effect of joining the agreement upon our existing trade laws- there's not much to change- but then, the HPM already knows that."

Dirh swiveled in his chair, jotting a quick note. "It's all about the Oasis."

"We will have to choose."

"Yes, yes we will."

Palace of the Golden Peacock, Pholimjung, Bae

Beneath the fine woodwork of a 19th century Namubae pavillion, Ambalinggū Tuciyarkal sipped a steaming cup of Neeri tea. He set the fine china cup down and looked across the table; an uncomfortable-looking man in a western business suit was looking back across.

"Mr. Westerly. You have a very interesting proposition. I wonder, though, why you've come to me and not Imperial Prince Gao?"

The man cleared his throat. "The Patriarch's... political opinions are not conducive to the type of business we are engaged in. You, sir, are more forward-thinking. My backers believe you understand better than the Ambalinggū Sibeoci how to manage your family's resources."

A slight smirk crossed Tuciyarkal's face as he sipped his tea. He was the eldest nephew of Ambalinggū Sibeoci, the Imperial Prince Gao and head of the clan Niuhuru, the royal clan of Bae- and the next in line for the Patriarchy. Officially known as Imperial Prince Huang, Tuciyarkal had a reputation in Bae and Snefaldia as a smart and high-profile investor of his family's immense wealth- bankrolling building projects and development schemes across the country.

"My uncle-" he said, setting the cup down- "does not believe our wealth should be used for anything other than the enrichment of the Bajeong state."

"Investment in capital development and foreign companies is a powerful source of soft power. The powerbrokers of the world control the purse strings." Westerly said, adjusting his tie. "Our group isn't asking for much- and it can be organized so as to provide the necessary propriety. But what's important is the fact that my superiors see you as an addition to our interests."

The Prince raised an eyebrow, an amused look on his face.

"Do they now."

This man thinks I know nothing.

"Our group hopes that we will be able to count on your membership and support in the future. In exchange, we are giving you lucrative entree into foreign markets the Patriarch would not normally approve. The new opening in Kelssek, for example, could be quite profitable for your family."

The Prince snapped, and a servant appeared and poured new cups of tea.

"Certainly, Mr. Westerly, my family would be grateful for what that will bring us." he sipped the hot tea. "You know, there are two classes of nobility in this country, and I like to compare them to theatregoers. There are those who watch the show wishing they were the actors, playing through the story and elaborate choreography, and then there are those who are backstage, pulling ropes and flicking lights, making sure the production goes off without a hitch."

"My uncle is one of the former, an old stagehand who wishes he hadn't been forced into retirement and dreams of returning to the stage. I, Mr. Westerly, am quite happy to manage the lights."

The suited man nodded. "Well then, I think our business is concluded. Our approval will come through normal channels."

He departed, led through the expansive maze of pavillions, halls, and gardens of the royal palaces. Tuciyarkan sat for a moment, then raised his teacup. He snapped twice, and another servant appeared, bowing.

"They underestimate the power of our family. Have him infiltrated. I want to know who it is that wants our money."

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Arson fires gut Regency Chamber

SARGEDAIN- A fire started in the early morning hours swept through the legislative areas occupied by the Chamber of Regents, gutting the large debate chamber and part of the administrative offices before city fire services extinguished the blaze, preventing it from spreading across the legislature hall to the Assembly of Deputies.

The office of the Capitol Chasseurs, the police force responsible for the government district, identified the cause of the fire a small Molotov cocktail-style accelerant, timed by a small clock. The device was planted in the office of the Lord Chamberlain.

"Thankfully, the Chamber wasn't in session when the device went off" said Chasseur spokesman Alaksandu Idanta. "Our analysis suggests that the intention was not to harm members of government, but rather to send a message. The device was set to ignite at 6:45 AM; the Chamber does not convene until 8:00. The fires were detected and extinguished by city fire response teams by 8:00. Unfortunately, the blaze had damaged much of the chamber and part of the appendent offices."

Federal Intelligence officials with the Ministry of State released a statement indicating that radical opponents to the International Fair Trade Agreement bill , set to come before the Chamber today, are the primary suspects behind the arson attack.

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Interior of the Chamber after the fire- several statues were heavily damaged, as well as the stone and woodwork. Damage to the ceiling is a large concern; weakened foundations could threaten collapse.

"Our sources indicate this is the work of a dedicated radical group of ultranationalist, right-wing beliefs." said Intelligence Bureau deputy chief Aminda Shilgash. "We are focusing our efforts to discover both the identity and locations of those responsible for the attack, in concert with regional authorities and the Ministry of Justice."

The attack and connection to opposition to the Chancellery's proposal to join IFTA marks a shift in the dialogue surrounding the proposal; the Regents were expected to approve the bill by a wide margin. Officials from the main political parties in the Assembly, where most of the opposition is centered, denounced the attacks in a joint conference, saying "violence and vandalism are not the tools of a democratic state. We believe in democracy and the power of debate; this attack on the legitimate institutions of our country is a dangerous development and we join with our fellow deputies in decrying such an attack on our nation's government."

The fires cause no loss of life, but millions of me-waks in damage to the hundred-year-old Regency Chamber, built in 1908 after a fire destroyed the West Parliament of the Republican government. After 1963 the space was used as the regular assembly place for the Tuhran Bel, with the area that now houses the Assembly of Deputies being used for high state events requiring a large conclave of religious officials.

Restoration is expected to take months.

Debates of the Assembly

First Session, Second Parliament
General Transcript
December 12, 2008

General Orders

The Hon. The Lord Provost:

"The Throne will hear motions for the General Orders."

The Hon. Zidanta Perecmyn (HMM):

"I move the introduction of Assembly Bill #823+a45 for the consideration of this assembly."

The Hon. The Lord Provost:

"The motion has been made, the Throne calls for support of the bill."

Some Hon. Members:

"Hear! Hear!"

The Hon. The Lord Provost:

"So supported, the bill is before this Assembly. The Officer-Clerk shall enter that Bill#823+a45, a proposal for the signature of the States-Federation to the Antarctic Oasis Economic Advancement Association, has been brought for debate."

The Hon. Mhong Suthar (HPM):

"This proposal is a joint effort by members of the Republican and Nationalist parties. Any attempts to join the IFTA would irreparably damage both our recent economic growth and our relations with the other nations aligned with the Antarctic Oasis; to that end we believe it is in the best interest of the nation to join the AOEAA fair trade agreement, already signed by most of the regional powers, to secure both our diplomatic friendship and economic growth in the Antarctic Sphere."

Some Hon. Members:

"No, No!

The Hon. The Lord Provost:

"There will be order in this assembly."

The Hon. Ningiyya, Yaruwa Minang (LDP):

"This is preposterous! There is already a bill of trade before this assembly; which was tabled by the Hon. Deputy's party not a week ago! We must deal with that bill before this proposal is given any consideration by the Throne."

The Hon. Mhong Suthar (HPM):

"As the Hon. Deputy for the Liberal Democrats is aware, the consideration of the bills is at the purview of my Lord Provost."

The Hon. Ningiyya, Yaruwa Minang (LDP):

"This is ridiculous! My Lord Provost, this is a blatant end-run of parliamentary procedure, and will deny a proper vote on an existing bill before this assembly!"

The Hon. The Lord Provost:

"A motion must be made before anything can be reconsidered."

The Hon. Primuaa Ahhiyawa (Communist):

"We move the motion be indefinitely shelved and Assembly Bill #823+a42 be brought for consideration by this Assembly.

The Hon. The Lord Provost:

"The motion needs no support, all those in favor shall so declare."

Some Hon. Members:

"Aye! Aye!"

The Hon. The Lord Provost:

"All those opposed shall so declare."

Some Hon. Members:

"Nay! Nay!"

The Hon. The Lord Provost:

"Support is with the ayes, the motion is passed and the bill is tabled. The Throne will now hear debate on Assembly Bill #823+a43..."

Some Hon. Members:

No! No! No!

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"...it's 7:20 PM in Sargedain and you're listening to SPM radio, 104.1 in Sargedain, 106.2 in Ånienë. 88.1 in Wołlmænö and 102.5 in Tarhuntassa, I'm Kastec Fouray. In the wake of a shocking arson attack on the Chamber of Regents further unrest wracks the legislative branch as arguments between officials in the Assembly of Deputies escalated into violence, and forced the Provost to call in the Capitol Chasseurs and dismiss the legislative session after a series of controversial motions were made.

A bill sponsored by Nationalist Deputy Mhong Suthar was brought before the Assembly that would coopt the shelved IFTA trade bill by signing the Antarctic Economic Advancement Association treaty, which raised loud objections from members supporting the IFTA bill. A series of motions saw the Nationalist proposal shelved indefinitely and the IFTA bill, tabled by the parliament last week, back in before the assembly, which spurred angry outbursts and arguments from supporters of the AOEAA proposal that quickly escalated.

According to government officials and eyewitnesses, the arguments broke out between members of the Communist and Imperial parties, escalating into fist-fighting and spreading through the assembly. The Lord Provost, unable to restore parliamentary order, called in the Chasseur guards to break up the officials and restore order, closing the session and dismissing the Deputies.

Yaruwa Minang, Deputy for the Liberal Democrats, expressed her outrage:
"I am disgusted by the behavior shown today.This is not how a democratic congress behaves, the opposition parties should be ashamed."

Mhong Suthar, deputy chairman of the Nationalist Party and member of the Assembly, similarly decried the escalation, but blamed the Liberal Democrats, Communists, and Citizen's Party members of "sparking discord through parliamentary tyranny," suggesting that the Chancellery had conspired with the Lord Provost to kill his party's trade bill.

"We are here because certain parties refused to hear our bill, to hear debate on realigning ourselves economically with the Antarctic Oasis, and that's reprehensible."

The Provost's office is reviewing video of the session and will hand out censures tomorrow; the Ministry of Justice has said it will carefully review allegations of assault.

"It's half past and you're listening to SPM news. Next up is the KBC (http://kelssek.tripod.com/kbc/index.html) World Service, I'm Kastec Fouray."

Steam rose from the bone-white porcelain coffee cup in War Minister Analas Ubathavar's hand, resting carefully on a chair's arm. She was watching ice skaters on the now-frozen Grand Basin in the centre of the government district- for the winter months, it was turned into a rink for the populace. The War Ministry sat away from the bank of the Saard river, with the big baroque office- formerly an aristocratic residence from the days before Sargedain had been capital- facing down a terraced hill into the city.

There was a knock at the door.

"Come in."

Ta'us Ala'a, Marshal of the Army and head of the General Staff of the High Command, entered the second-floor office of the elderly Minister and smiled. Ta'us had become one of the most famous and politically astute members of the military in the past year, from his command of Snefaldian forces in the Poivre Atoll incident, to his rise in command to the head of the military, and his role in the September Crisis as a figure of support for the Mugallu Chancellery- playing the role of military strongman had gotten him compared in the press to Republic-era General Aola Hattan. Hattan had been famous for ordering his 5th Army to march on Sargedain with the Tuhran Bel, giving military support to the new political order.

"I'm sorry I'm late, the Staff's meeting ran a little late." he said, setting down his briefcase.

She sipped her coffee. "It's not a problem. You've seen the latest intelligence report."

"From the Citadel? Odd things."

"Very." She poured a cup of black coffee from a spindly-looking china carafe, and then handed it to him along with a file folder. "What's most odd is that there are such nice links."

"What's odd about it?"

"They're perfect. Each trail of money links to a person, each person to a group, and each group to another trail of money."

"Hmmm." The Marshal scrutinized the papers in the folder, faces, names, dates.

"Radical groups and unscrupulous businessmen will always have various connexions, that's the way things go. But when it's like a little puzzle..."

"Too perfect."

The Marshal sipped his coffee, turning pages. He stopped, however, when he came to the page containing the picture of Ambalinggū Tuciyarkal.

"The Fox. It seems he's been transferring a lot of money around the family accounts. Moving things around. Hiding them."

The elderly Minister set down her cup, adjusting her hair for a moment. "The Niuhuru are asking for more royal lands restored to their ownership, with the attendant increase in personal liveries. Perhaps that's the source."

"It's a ruse, it'd have to be. Old Gao holds the strings in that family, Tuciyarkal is doing something without the Patriarch's knowledge."

The two looked outside for a moment, watching a mother help a little son who had fallen while skating. The War Minister poured another cup.

"Do you remember that conspiracy a few years ago, those supposed Muslim fundamentalists in Taxilha?

The Marshal frowned. "Serasarda's intelligence network caught them and broke them up."

"There was more. A connection with several respected Arsaths, mostly Librarians of the Inquisitor rank- but three Loremasters, 7th grade. None of it got out about them, and the records should've been kept by the Night Hawks, but I've got the record from the Citadel. These Arsaths are connected to Tuciyarkan."

"And?"

"I think it's the only one that's important. Everyone else in that file-" she pointed with a long, bony finger- "is operating on a certain level. But the Fox and these Arsaths, they're not operating at all. It's chaff."

The Marshall took a drink of coffee. "Conspiracy."

"Precisely."

He nodded. "We'll delve a little deeper. The Citadel will have a new report on Sunday. More coffee?"

"No, dear, I don't care to have the roast penguin again tonight. Have Ellery make something new." Former Provost Astár Sárdavär said with minor displeasure, his office phone clasped to his ear and a long cigar in his free hand. "Penguin three nights in a row! The cook almost lost her fingers when she baked it; I'm sure there's beef at the market. We're in OMGTKK for god's sake."

He hung up the phone, leaning back and puffing on the rich tobacco. Sárdavär had been assigned as ambassador to the Federal Republic as a way to get him out of the country; not only had his tenure as Provost of Deputies resulted in a near-catastrophic collapse of government, but his party had been broken in the subsequent elections. Ren Dirh sent him to the Kennyites because polls showed Snefaldians knew the least about them ("the less they know, thje better" Dirh had said), and because the elderly politician was still an artful negotiator.

"Mr. Ambassador?" the intercom buzzed. "You have a visitor."

"I'm free."

Through his office door came a younger gentleman, in a smart, well-tailored business suit and a black attache. His blond hair was cut in a conservative, yet flashy style, and the silver-rimmed glasses he wore complemented his features to a T.

"Ambassador."

"And you are...?"

"My name is Westerly, I represent a group of interests in Snefaldia."

The elderly diplomat leaned back, puffing. "Really? Well then, please have a seat." he said with a bemused look. "A long way from home, aren't you? Are you on embassy business?"

"I represent no one but my group. It's a special group of investors and powerbrokers from many walks of life, Mr. Ambassador, but we're always looking at expanding both our reach and numbers. You're in an interesting position here, recuperating your political power and letting the public forget about your tenure."

The bemused smile disappeared.

"What exactly do you want, Mr. Westerly?"

"It's not what we want, really. It's what you want. A position back home? Restoration of your Deputy's pension? A lovely retirement villa in Wollmaeno? Some pearls for your wife. Good, old-fashioned, world-famous Sring Issa prime rib of beef that doesn't cost and arm and a leg in airfare."

A long white ash developed on Sárdavär's cigar as he stared with increasing fear and anger at the well-dressed man in front of him. He unclenched his teeth.

"Get to it."

Westerly smiled. "Naturally, you expect to spend some time here before getting that post back. There are certain people I'm affiliated with that could speed that process along. That, and a bit more. My group does require your services, however."

"Conspiracy? I would prefer not to spend my retirement in Salfremm Prison."

Westerly shook his head sadly. "I'm afraid you'll have to wait here, then. Have you been around the corner to the red light district? They have an early-bird special for ambassadors. Not quite the evening entertainment you were used to in Sargedain at the Opera Magnifique, but I'm sure with time you can get used to it. Please excuse me for wasting your time." He got up to leave.

"Stop, and sit."

An unseen smile, and he complied.

"Tell me more."

The city of Taxilha had been, merely three-quarters of a century ago, a backwater fishing village populated by outlaws, political exiles, foreign traders unable to enter the country or find transport, and a class of idealistic entrepreneurs with a dream to turn the place into an economic powerhouse.

The word Taxilha literally means "Port City" in Bagura, a corrupted form of the Shahd language name of "Tach-ta-hla," incorrectly translated in the early days of the Republic as the proper name for the little downriver berth. With the solidification of the national government and the opening of the diplomatic and trading floodgates, the only available point of entry for the naval world proved to be the sleepy fishing town of Taxilha. Merely a decade after the Republican Senate passed the Act of Trade and Diplomacy in 1905, the almost unknown locale had exploded in a maelstrom of construction, economic expansion, and development. In the 1920s, as wealth streamed through the docks into the country, the rough industrialism and the dinginess of trade gave the Port City an image, many say deserved, as a den of filth, unbridled corruption, and a lesson on the outcomes of uncontrolled greed and capitalism.

The economy slowed, and the 1960s saw the collapse of the national government, the rise of the Tuhran Bel, and the closing of the country to the outside. With the exception of a few special companies, the city died almost overnight, and in 1970 a larger-than-usual flood of the Saard overran levees upstream, flooding the northern expanses of abandoned stockyards, unused industrial parks, and most notorious tenements left over from the heyday of Republican expansion. And, in the same decade, the philosophical successors of those initial dreamers who sought to create a shining port arrived- refugees from the older order of money and power centred in Sargedain.

The Komye Trading Company, one of the few businesses given grants of foreign trade by the government, had survived the crash into the seventies, and under Saryamma Komye, conspired with the other grant traders to expand and develop. Factories, mines, forests, and much more were bought up by the expanding traders, and by 1979 the Komye Corporation and her comrades in Taxilha were turning the wealth they wrung out of their trading concessions back into the city. The next two decades saw the recreation of the Port City as a center of trade and monetary exchange on par with the ancient and respected Financial District in Sargedain; the opening of foreign trade to any and all businesses, and the victory of the developers in rebuilding the dirty industrial town of the past into a gleaming metropolis of well-machined harbors, factories, and polished urban splendor.

It was among the towering glass skyscrapers of the Taxilhan skyline that the enigmatic group met, among the opulent surrounding brought by the careful plans of expansion and development. Simultaneously exposed and protected by transparent polymer windows, the band of thirteen gathered on a special floor of the Empire Tower, the tallest and most modern of skyscrapers in the city. The floor was not listed, nor was it accessable save for those who knew it was there, and they were afforded the most commanding view of the city.

Eleven of the thirteen were present, arrayed around a long glass table.

"My colleagues. Our final member sends his regrets, but he is engaged on our business and cannot attend. He also sends his assurances that our work is being completed on schedule and to the letter of what has been agreed upon.

"I am quite pleased to inform you all of the progress we have made with regards to the foreign policy question, and I am even more pleased to tell you that I have assurances from several key people that the vote on the IFTA bill, scheduled for Friday, will be driven in our favor."

A woman nodded. "It has been difficult to keep it away from the floor until now, are we assured that our goals will be met?"

The man also nodded. "The orchestrated actions have been perfectly done. We will be finalizing our goals quite soon. With the Skyhook nearing completion, timing could not be more perfect."

"I am concerned" ventured another, "with the inquiries being gone about by the War Ministry and Military Intelligence. It is becoming more difficult for us to maintain our cover, and if we do not act soon the facade will be insufficient."

"There is no concern; the Corporation is more than capable of handling the situation. This briefing, I believe, is nearing it's end. You will find in your jumpdrives the necessary briefing for the agreed-upon final stage. I will close with our general admonition- the proceedings of this board of special interest are secret, and any breach of that secrecy is most grave indeed. Enjoy the rest of the day."

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"...it's a quarter to 5:00 in Sargedain and you're listening to SPM radio, 104.1 in Sargedain, 106.2 in Ånienë. 88.1 in Wołlmænö and 102.5 in Tarhuntassa, I'm Kastec Fouray. Breaking news from the Capitol District today, as the office of the Lord Provost of Deputies is announcing the IFTA trade bill has been defeated by a margin of 275-125, a resounding defeat for the supporters of increased trade with Kelssek.

"News is still coming in, but reports are indicating that the marshalling forces behind the turnout have also reintroduced a trade bill which will make the States-Federation a party to the Antarctic Oasis Economic Advancement Treaty, the regional free-trade pact spearheaded by Kennyite and Gruenberg politicians. Floor debate is being held as we speak, and SPM will keep you informed as news breaks..."

The Lord High Chancellor slammed his hand down on the table, his hand next to the headlines "PARLIAMENT BOUNCES IFTA, SPURNS AOEAA."

"Someone tell me what the hell is going on here." he said very calmly to his assembled cabinet ministers. Tahye Wolmey, the Minister of State, shifted in her chair.

He looked around the table. "How can, in a single day, the Nationalists marshal the deputies to support them in one hour, and then lose that support the next?" he asked, almost rhetorically. "The newspapers were practically falling over themselves to report on the biggest defeat for Chancellery policy in the past five years, and the Korsa Awake! even printed that the AOEAA bill passed!"

Wolmey leaned forward. "It's confusing."

"You're damn right it's confusing."

"One would think the Deputies don't want to join a trade bloc." ventured Commerce Minister Andrea Sendavar. "Rejection of the restrictions of Fair Trade pacts, rejection of the dangers of Free Trade with the AO."

"I don't believe that." Foreign Minister Smyczek shook his head. "It doesn't fit the party lines. We know what the parties want- the Nationalists wanted the Antarctic Oasis. Why didn't they vote for it?"

Dirh sat down in his chair. "I'll be meeting with Markes this afternoon, and he can shed light on the situation."

"There might be a bit more to it." Analas Ubathavar, the aged War Minister, said casually. "I have some intelligence reports that suggest... irregularity among some key Deputies."

"What kind of irregularity?"

"The monetary kind."

There was a collective murmur. "Bribery? Of Parliamentarians?"

"The intelligence suggests as much, at least. It can't be proven just yet..." she trailed off.

"Investigate it. Fully."

"Yes, Chancellor."

"I'll see everyone this afternoon."

She packed up her papers as the rest of the group left, smiling internally. She'd needed approval from the Chancellor to investigate the connections the Citadel had brought her from the last report, but Dirh was better not knowing what specifically was going on. A few housecalls in Taxilha, she thought, from key personnel would get what they needed.

Debates of the Assembly

Second Session, Second Parliament
General Transcript
February 6, 2009

General Orders

The Hon. The Lord Provost:

"The Throne will hear motions for the General Orders."

The Hon. Ta'us Bala'a (Aatem Nal):

"I move for the consideration of bill #832+b38, for the creation of an autonomous state entity in the Grand Library of Aatem Nal."

Some Hon. Members:

"Oh! Oh!"

Some Hon. Members:

"Aye! Aye!"

The Hon. The Lord Provost:

"There will be order. The motion is supported. Debate may commence."

The Hon. Ta'us Bala'a (Aatem Nal):

"The lack of an independent religious center for our faith hampers the mission of international education and scholarship by associating Aatem Nal inextricably with the States-Federation apparatus. To secure true independence of religion and govenrment, as well as ensure the impartiality of the faith, we must seperate the Grand Library Complex from the administrative reach of this government and create it an independent protectorate."

The Hon. Primuaa Ahhiyawa (Communist):

"The suggestion that this government grant independence to an outmoded religious system that for years dominated the state is preposterous- only last year did the theocrats finally grant power to the people and subjugate themselves; now you are suggesting we reward their abasement to the rights of the people by giving them their own state?"

The Hon. The Lord Provost:

"The Hon. Deputy will address his statements to the Throne, not to other deputies."

The Hon. Mhong Suthar (HPM):

"My Lord Provost, the Nationalist party has no objection to the independence of Aatem Nal as an organization, but the granting of the largest education center in Snefaldia independence raise terminal questions about the values of this government- certainly this Parliament has supported self-government when appropriate, but will this move not create a difficult situation?"

The Hon. Ta'us Bala'a (Aatem Nal):

"My Lord Provost, certainly there will be a crossover period, but the benefit far outweighs the initial problems."

...

Feds express "concern" over Aatem Nal proposal

NATASCORA - Federation officials expressed concern today over a proposal in the Snefaldian Assembly of Deputies to grant independence to that nation's Grand Library of Aatem Nal.

"Anything that could cause unrest or upheaval in a longtime ally is always of concern to the Federation government," Vice-President Shayla Garturban said at a press conference today. "While this proposal seems innocuous enough, we note that our nation went through quite a bit of unrest when we granted independence to a similar clerical entity, and we can't help but be concerned," the Vice-President added.

Garturban was referring to the independence given the Holy Enclave of Altana Hol, the center of the Solar Pantheonic Church, during the federative process. The Altan Steppes and Altana Hol co-existed in a virtual cold war for several years, until finally coming to terms with each other just last year. Federation officials still accuse the Holy Enclave of interfering with Federation politics and government.

"We do acknowledge that our experience doesn't necessarily correlate to anyone else's," Garturban said. "As Snefaldia is a different nation and culture from our own, their experience may well differ from ours, and work out much better, if they decide to go ahead and give this religious entity independence. Nevertheless, the Federation will watch the situation closely," Garturban said.

Altana Hol officials, meanwhile, dismissed the Federation concerns as "part of the same antipathy and disdain that Federation officials have for people of faith, no matter what faith it is".

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Surprise and concern over Serasarda proposal from Holbrook

TEJAARA- Grand Librarian Andrew Holbrook expressed surprise today during a press conference in Tejaara when asked about the proposal of several Aatem Nal Deputies to grant the Grand Library Complex in Serasarda autonomous power.

"Frankly I'm surprised- this isn't a decision I was involved in at all. I can't say whether it's a good thing or not- that's up to the Tuhran Bel to decide." said Mr. Holbrook. "But, if the motion does go through- which I don't think it will- the faith will have to deal with the repercussions. This is a democracy, after all."

The Chancellery has been silent on the proposal, but advocacy groups and political parties have been quick to state their opposition or support. The Communist Party issued a statement both denouncing both the proposal and Aatem Nal itself for "supporting theocratic dominion and seeking to destroy the unity of the people's state."

Mercel Yer, a Republican spokesman, said the "Republican Party is not opposed to the concept- after all, independence for religious institutions has worked in the Vatican. Certainly the Altani concerns are valid, but the situations are very different."

A knock came at the door of Mr. Pranak Vincharmlas as he was enjoying his afternoon lunch away from the office. Mr. Vincharmlas had purchased his expansive urban mansion last year, complete with help, and was enjoying every moment of living in it with his family. Naturally, the benefits of being an executive at a Komye Corporation branch were prima facie luxurious, but as Vincharmlas took a bite from a corned beef Reuben- one of the foreign dishes in vogue among the new businessmen of Snefaldia- he considered the other, less public benefits he recieved from his job.

The door was answered by his steward, who reentered the dining room with a bow.

"A visitor for you, sir."

A visitor at lunch was something quite unusual. Snefaldians took their lunchtimes very seriously- the concept of a "working lunch" was alien and ridiculous; everyone went home and relaxed for an hour or two, then got back to work.

"Ah? Well... show them into the parlor, I'll be there in a moment."

He finished chewing his sandwich and rose, buttoning his suitcoat and walking to the parlor where a man in similar western-style clothing stood with a briefcase in his hand. He was of medium build, good-looking but not memorable outside a quick glance at his brown hair. A very serious look was on his face, the kind of feature that indicated he needed no effort to look so.

"May I help you Mr...?"

"My name is not important, Mr. Vincharmlas. I'm here to ask you some questions about your business dealings."

There was a moment of panic- what one earth was going on?

"I'm not sure what you mean."

"I think you do. The documentation of your work for the Corporation in regards to certain important officials is quite extensive."

Vincharmlas froze, holding his breath. "You're part of the Citadel."

The other man shook his head. "No! Oh no, I'm not with the government. I am a member of Aatem Nal."

Vincharmlas relaxed slightly.

"Mr. Vincharmlas, you should be quite happy that I have come to you before the Ministry did because your chances of emerging from your... engagements with a modicum of respect and wealth intact are much greater if you cooperate with me."

"And why should I talk to you? I don't even know what you're talking about; I'm just a manager for Komye."

The man chuckled. "Try not to insult my intelligence. The Night Hawks do not make mistakes."

Vincharmlas suddenly lost the strength in his legs and collapsed into a chair, a look of fear on his face. The Night Hawks were a rumour, a nearly god-like order formed for the protection of sacred spaces of Aatem Nal- they were glimpsed in the Grand Library, swathed in flowing black and faces obscured by white masks. If the man in front of him were a Night Hawk the chances of him leaving the room alive, and those of his family from surviving the next hour, were extremely slim.

"Now, Mr. Vincharmlas, we will discuss your business relations with Mr. Ambalinggu Tuciyarkal."

The elderly can often be deceptively strong, their wizened forms and aged appearances hiding great resolve and power. Ambalinggu Tuciyarkal, Imperial Prince Huang, contemplated this as his uncle, the scion of the Imperial family of Bae and one of the richest and most powerful independent men in Snefaldia, sent him spiralling down the raised dais of the Hall of Harmonious Splendor with a backhand to the face.

Momentarily stunned, the Bajeong noble grabbed his jaw with his hand and scrambled up to his feet, cursing through clenched teeth. The white-haired Ambalinggu Sibeoci, the Impeiral Prince Gao and Grand Patriarch of the Great Clan Niuhuru, stared down at him for his position at the top of the crimson-carpeted stairs, the gold and gems inlaid in the Peacock Throne glistening behind him and creating an aura of mysterious majesty.

"You are a stupid boy." the old man said coldly. "And your light regard for my intelligence and reach is an insult of unimaginable proportions."

"Honorbed Unble, hI-" Tuciyarkal started to say through a swelling face.

"Silence." the Patriarch hissed. "You will not speak in the presence of the Son of Heaven." he turned slowly and returned to the throne, adjusting his flowing robes of embroidered silk and fine jewels with practiced care as he resat himself upon the Imperial throne of Bae. "I know everything about your "secret" business dealings. The money you appropriated from the family accounts was quite easily noticed. The visits of a certain businessman to your quarters were also noticed. I am able to thank my friends in Aatem Nal for helping the court put two and two together."

He gestured for robed ministers, servants of the Imperial Clan and the descendants of the ministers of the Empire, to step forward and present reams of paper and documents. The audience hall of the Golden Peacock Palace was filled with important members of the Imperial family and the Bajeong government- though it was nominally democratic and independent of the old court, the power of tradition and nepotism kept the Ambalinggu family in close contact with the halls of power. The dispassionate men and women of the great royal clan looked on as their relative knelt in humiliation.

"Your father, the Imperial Prince Hei, was a member of this Imperial family through birth, but you have forfeited your rights by this... insidious betrayal of filial piety."

Sibeoci paused, fixing his gaze on the fearful eyes of his nephew. "It is Our will that your membership in this Imperial Family, and by extension the Great Clan of Niuhuru drawn up by the Heaven Empress of the Great Dynasty, is terminated by your abrogation of the rules of filial conduct and your crimes in money and trust. You are henceforth no longer the Imperial Prince Huang, and both the clan Niuhuru and surname Ambalinggu are forbidden to you. Your family assets are hereby confiscated."

On his hands and knees, Tuciyarkal made to crawl up the dais to beg forgiveness, sobbing, but with a glance armed guards took him bodily and began to drag him out of the great audience chamber. As his erstwhile nephew was dragged from the chamber and from his former life of privilege, the Patriarch of Niuhuru rose from his chair and slowly turned his back, and one by one the multitude of nobles and royals did the same, a sea of shimmering silk and embroidery ignoring the presence and existence of the formerly honored Prince who, without a clan and surname to go by was little better than a pig in the eyes of the people of Bae, whether they were Zhong or Bajeong.

His weeping gone from the chamber, the Patriarch turned round gain and sat, giving a sigh.

"Let that be a lesson to any who would usurp their rightful place under Heaven. All his servants complicit in his perfidy are to be stripped of their jobs and expelled from the Palace, and his officials will be called to question. Go now and attend to your affairs."