NationStates Jolt Archive

“This really is a treat, I must say.” Tork said to his new found friend from Oseato, after swallowing some of the terrific meat. “The steak is so good it almost makes up for the fact 60% of the people here would like to kill us”. He took a very polite sip from his beer, not quaff it like a barbarian in front of all the suited diplomats. “Will you join me for a smoke after this? At least my lighter didn’t get thrown off, and I can sure use a cigarette.”

"I must agree with you, General. This steak is delicious." Novacek turned to the waitress "My compliments to the chef, ma'am. Oh, and I almost forgot.." Novacek reached into his uniform jacket and pulled out 5 Oseaton 20 Dollar bills. "This is for your terrific service, I shall remember to let you know if I need anything else. I'm quite contented right now. " he said as he handed her the cash. "As for a smoke, general, I'd be pleased to join you. I myself would like to enjoy a nice cigar."

OOC: Just so you guys are aware for when you enter, Alessandra has been in the saloon car this whole time and will still be in there, probably smoking and such.

OOC: My post has been edited for Oseato - missed your post.

Tzetzes was put in a slightly lighter mood. He replied "I'll have the skirt steak, of course. If I may ask, what drinks would you recommend?".

"Excellent, sir, excellent. With this particular steak, the best choices are the 1914 Bordeaux Claret, or a more recent Cabernet Sauvignon. If wines are not your preference, we have various beers on tap?"

The waitress, however, was having a most profitable evening, like most of the staff. The drinks would be on the saloon barman, however, having made almost $10,000 courtesy of the Zinairian taxpayer.

"Thank you, sir, most kind."

"I must agree with you, General. This steak is delicious." Novacek turned to the waitress "My compliments to the chef, ma'am. Oh, and I almost forgot.." Novacek reached into his Uniform Jacket and pulled out 5 Oseaton 20 Dollar bills. "This is for your terrific service." he said as he handed her the cash. "As for a smoke, general, I'd be pleased to join you. I myself would like to enjoy a nice cigar."

“So it is settled. I believe our Wolf Holdian friend went there already. I do not smoke cigars, I could never get used to that, although many in Nachmere do.”

OOC: Edited my post to include the conversation with the waitress. Also, noted Santheres

Komnenos approached the table with the look of a man heading to his own execution, and sat down. When he had done so, he wasted no time in coming to the point, speaking in a low voice.

"I have full authority to negotiate from Her Highness on any salient points required, so I'll get to the point. It is my judgement that the Wolf Hold makes a poor ally for the Empire. Unfortunately, they're a part of the CIN - the only alliance that the Empire is a member of."

"I am certain that if I returned to Her Majesty with an invitation to ODECON membership and a promise of ODECON assistance in our civil conflict, she would be quite happy for the Empire to take ODECON's side in any conflict that arises out of this conference."

(OOC: Yeah, I know - the [in]famous Byzantine intrigue rears its ugly head again. To those who are interested, I'll explain what's what later. Yes, I do have my NPCs straight and know what motivates each of them.)

Teodoros knew that he was here essentially as a suppliant, so he waited his turn for the Salzlander's attention.

Minister Hollander was caught surprised by the frank statement from the Chalcedonian representative, which the man would certainly note were he looking for a reaction. Though Mediterranean and Middle Eastern relations were outside of Hollander's jurisdiction, the simple fact of the matter was that the situation called for action. Hollander could always apologize later, should he be overriden by Rostgard.

"Sir," he began in reply, "Unfortunately, I have no such official capacity to negotiate on behalf of ODECON, or the Armed Republic. My responsibilities are limited solely to the North Atlantic, and to act as emissary of the Armed Republic to this conference. On a personal, unofficial level I sypmathize with your position, and with your permission I would like to immediately forward your request to the pertinent officials in our capitol."

"That being said," he continued, "My recommendation to Rostgard will be one for immediate recognition, support, and ODECON sponsorship for Her Majesty's government. It is highly likely that, before this conference is concluded, I will be providing you with a guarantee of full support from my government. In the interim, however, I wish to introduce you to officials from several other ODECON member-states, if you find that acceptable?"

“So it is settled. I believe our Wolf Holdian friend went there already. I do not smoke cigars, I could never get used to that, although many in Nachmere do.”
OOC: Edited my post to include the conversation with the waitress. Also, noted Santheres

IC: "Something I picked up when I attended the military academy. Oseato is a great source of high quality cigar tobacco and so cigars are easy to come by. Being from the Sand Islands, it was a little more scarce, but once on the mainland it was quite easy to come by."

Tzetzes replied "I'll have the 1914 Bordeaux Claret". He noticed the other CIS delegates had not given tips. So he handed the Waiter a large number of Osean Pound notes, equivilent to $500 USD. He then took his place, which he noted was next to the ODECON delegates. Hopefully, they don't hold us responsible in any way for the Wolf Holds actions was what Tzetzes thought as he waited for his meal.

(OOC: Not ignoring you NC, just want to take the time to speak with the rest of ODECON first. Consider the following post to be a side conversation)

IC:

As Representative Komnenos sat down, General Thompson finally noticed President Klein entering the dining car. Now that he had the opportunity to complete his mission, he rose and excused himself. While he knew it might appear rude to the Imperial diplomat, he was confident both sides knew that his input in their conversation would most likely be minimal, at best.

Instead, he could now approach President Klein, attempt to steer him somewhere they could have a private conversation, and accomplish his mission. Walking up to the President, he snapped off a salute and introduced himself.

"Sir, since we have not been introduced, I'm General Thompson, C.O. of the 5th Airborne Division, of Salzland. Might I have a moment of your time, sir?"

“Certainly, Mr Thompson, certainly.” Said Klein, standing and heading towards the Salzlander. He shook the General’s hand in the manner with which one greets a friend. “I believe I have heard of you before, I have certainly heard of your division. Tell me, were they involved in the current crisis?”

The President seemed remarkably happy, considering the events unfolding around him. He realised that the future of his nation was about to be decided in this exquisite train, but he managed to conceal his nervousness behind a façade of diplomatic jollity.

“I have no idea what it is you are about to tell me, I am praying it is only good.”

"No, sir, my division was not involved in the incident between our nations, the Wolf Hold and its allies. Only our Air Force and Navy made their presence felt to any degree before hostilities ended. My concerns, and my orders, sir, are tied to the outcome of the fighting and especially the outcome of this conference," General Thompson said.

"I am unsure as to whether what I am about to relay to you would be classified as 'good' or 'bad,' rather than 'necessary.' It is also something that must be kept in absolute confidentiality, at least for the time being." He paused, checking to make sure no one was within earshot, before whispering "I have been directed by the President and the Defense Ministry to inquire as to the status of Parilisan tactical-grade nuclear weapons available for first-strike use in the event of a larger conflict in response to this one. Additionally, should your tactical nuclear strike capability be, by your definition, inadequate, my division and I have been ordered to oversee and secure the transfer of physical control of up to five hundred tactical nuclear weapons of practical military scales from Salzland stockpiles to yours."

"You need not reply to this offer today, but we ask that you give it the highest level of consideration and inform us of your decision with all due haste. Again, I must hasten to add that this must be kept confidential, and limited only to yourself and those advisors critically necessary. In advance, sir, I wish to thank you for your time, and to state that no matter what decision you make the Armed Republic will respect it, and stand with you as a fellow member-nation of ODECON."

“Obviously I may not make such a decision without long consideration and contacting the authorities who administer this dangerous department of warfare, but I thank you most sincerely for your offer. Parilisa has nuclear capabilities and a considerable stockpile of nuclear weapons, but if the wolves were to launch a warhead at Parilisa we would need every scrap of weapon we have to send them to kingdom come.” Klein said, keeping his voice as quiet as possible.

“You can trust me to keep this strictly confidential, and I send my humble thanks to the authorities who have sent you with this offer. My priority today is to ensure peace, but the Hold seems intent on refusing us this, and my policy this time next week could be to gain peace by more unpeaceful means. I shall send a message to you sometime soon, when I have the answer.”

“In the eventuality of a war, an eventuality which our enemies seem to be aiming for, can we hope for the intervention of Salzlander forces?”

ooc:you do ralise that tactical warheads are not meant for response to a nuclear attack on your cities, they are meant for destroying conventional forces.

Minister Hollander was caught surprised by the frank statement from the Chalcedonian representative, which the man would certainly note were he looking for a reaction. Though Mediterranean and Middle Eastern relations were outside of Hollander's jurisdiction, the simple fact of the matter was that the situation called for action. Hollander could always apologize later, should he be overriden by Rostgard.

"Sir," he began in reply, "Unfortunately, I have no such official capacity to negotiate on behalf of ODECON, or the Armed Republic. My responsibilities are limited solely to the North Atlantic, and to act as emissary of the Armed Republic to this conference. On a personal, unofficial level I sypmathize with your position, and with your permission I would like to immediately forward your request to the pertinent officials in our capitol."

"That being said," he continued, "My recommendation to Rostgard will be one for immediate recognition, support, and ODECON sponsorship for Her Majesty's government. It is highly likely that, before this conference is concluded, I will be providing you with a guarantee of full support from my government. In the interim, however, I wish to introduce you to officials from several other ODECON member-states, if you find that acceptable?"

"I understand, Minister, and of course Her Majesty will appreciate the support of ODECON in the struggle at home. But for the love of God, please be discreet in your transmissions. What I'm doing comes very close to betraying an ally, and you know how the Wolfholders will react to that. In the meanting however, introductions to various ODECON representatives would be most appreciated. Whilst the Empire has had intermittent dealings with several members, the only ODECON member that we would call a friend right now is Salzland

“Obviously I may not make such a decision without long consideration and contacting the authorities who administer this dangerous department of warfare, but I thank you most sincerely for your offer. Parilisa has nuclear capabilities and a considerable stockpile of nuclear weapons, but if the wolves were to launch a warhead at Parilisa we would need every scrap of weapon we have to send them to kingdom come.” Klein said, keeping his voice as quiet as possible.

“You can trust me to keep this strictly confidential, and I send my humble thanks to the authorities who have sent you with this offer. My priority today is to ensure peace, but the Hold seems intent on refusing us this, and my policy this time next week could be to gain peace by more unpeaceful means. I shall send a message to you sometime soon, when I have the answer.”

“In the eventuality of a war, an eventuality which our enemies seem to be aiming for, can we hope for the intervention of Salzlander forces?”


"Sir, I thank you for your response. Under the present circumstances, and considering what we are offering, we could not expect you to make such a decision lightly or without time for deliberation. However, unfortunately, time may very well be a factor, especially if hostilities do erupt once again. It is our sincere hope that common sense will return to these proceedings and that peace is reached. At the moment though, we are skeptical," General Thompson replied.

"As for your question concerning our involvement in a hypothetical future war, sir, I wish to reassure you that as a fellow ODECON ally, the Armed Republic will stand beside you come hell or high water. You have my solemn word of honor, and the conveyed pledge of the government of the Armed Republic to aid you with every means at our disposal."


"I understand, Minister, and of course Her Majesty will appreciate the support of ODECON in the struggle at home. But for the love of God, please be discreet in your transmissions. What I'm doing comes very close to betraying an ally, and you know how the Wolfholders will react to that. In the meanting however, introductions to various ODECON representatives would be most appreciated. Whilst the Empire has had intermittent dealings with several members, the only ODECON member that we would call a friend right now is Salzland

"Sir, you have nothing to fear as far as our communications security is concerned. Our digital transmissions involving your nation will be secured via one-time use encryption pads. Even if our transmissions refering to your nation are intercepted, it would take years of non-stop effort on a dedicated super-computer to break the random encryption scheme. By that point, such information would be useless," Hollander replied.

"In the mean time, I will be happy to introduce you to the representatives and heads of state here on behalf of the various ODECON member-nations that I am acquainted with," he continued, rising from his chair. "If you would be so kind as to follow me? I believe I just spotted Ms. Mary Basset, and the Sumguian delegation, which would be an excellent opening introduction."

"Ms. Basset!" Hollander called, "If I might have a moment of your time, I wish to introduce you to a friend of mine, Representative Komnenos, here on behalf of the Empire of New Chalcedon."

Mary, upon having been called, abandoned her steak and walked over to where the Salzlander and New Chalcedonian were seated. "Mr. Komnenos," She began, extending her hand to be shaken as she gave the New Chalcedonian a friendly smile. "It is a pleasure to meet you."

OOC: The Difference between -Tactical- and -Strategic- nuclear weapons, is that "Tactical" weapons attack small targets and are meant for in a way, small time deployment and destruction of massed military forces. While Strategic Nuclear weapons are designed to combat non-moving strategic emplacements... Such as cities, military bases, massive... Possibly dug in... positions or items of strategic value.

Novacek finished his meal making conversation with General Tork. He waited for General Tork to finish his meal before standing up, thanking the waitress and saying "Well General, shall we retire to the saloon car?"

OOC: I'm not going to go into specifics for fear of saying something Salz doesn't want said, but trust me, he knows the difference between tactical and strategic nuclear weapons.

Komnenos smiled, all charm. "And you, Ms. Basset. We of the Empire have long studied the actions of your nation. Sumguians are known for their patience and courtesy, if I recall correctly."

"You flatter us, sir." The Hegemon replied as she sat down. "I am afraid that I know regrettably little of New Chalcedon other than it's system of government and the unfortunate current civil war. I hope to soon correct my aforementioned ignorance." She brushed a speck of dust off of her glove, still smiling. "Is there something specific that you wished to speak to me about?"

OOC: I really don't know what to post, anyway. I probably am going to screw up... and, well... my bigl ong posts usually take too long and get ignored.

"You flatter us, sir." The Hegemon replied as she sat down. "I am afraid that I know regrettably little of New Chalcedon other than it's system of government and the unfortunate current civil war. I hope to soon correct my aforementioned ignorance." She brushed a speck of dust off of her glove, still smiling. "Is there something specific that you wished to speak to me about?"

Komnenos didn't sit, as Mr. Hollander clearly wanted to take him to meet other friends of his. However, he did answer Ms. Basset's question.

"Actually, Madam, yes. As the duly-empowered representative of Her Imperial Majesty, I have drawn the conclusion that the constant aggression of the Wolf Hold is an ongoing risk for the Empire. When I get back to C.S., I plan to recommend that Her Majesty leave the Commonwealth of Independant Nations and instead join another alliance. Unfortunately, I don't have another alliance to offer her, and I can't openly advertise - word would get back to the Wolf Hold, which would lead to us getting kicked out of the CIN, again without an alternative."

"I've watched ODECON closely for some time, and I have drawn the conclusion that the Empire would be well-served to join it. Would your nation be interested, perhaps, in supporting an application?"

"We would indeed, Mr. Komnenos." The Hegemon replied, grinning. "I am a firm believer in the need for ODECON to expand, and would be more than happy to sponsor your nation's application to join." She laughed to herself, and continued. "Of course, the Hegemony is also looking for new member states, should such a prospect interest New Chalcedon."


OOC: NC, do you have msn messenger?

OOC: Yes, I do, but am not familiar with its usages. I suppose now is a good time to get so, however.

OOC: heh, perhaps indeed. My msn is Sumutherguy@hotmail.com

OCC: Odd. My Windows Live can't seem to find you.

OOC: odd indeed. Post or tg me your msn and ill see if i can find you.

When General Tork and General Novacek had left to get some food, Fell hadn't been particularly hungry. He was still cracking up inside over the whole firearms incident, the commandant had single handily disarmed two generals from what could be considered hostile nations, yet he hadn't taken Fell's sidearm which was probably the most dangerous of the three. Albeit Fell had hidden his, whilst Tork had rather idiotically shown it and Novacek had simply handed it over. Sighing to himself, he checked the corridor was clear and then reached under his jacket and patted his Desert Eagle, just to make sure it was still there, once he felt secure in that fact he drifted over to the Saloon car.

Whilst the members of ODECON planned and schemed, his supposed allies plotted to betray his nation and his allies enjoyed their mean. Fell sat at a table in the corner of the carriage and pulled out a pack of cigarettes, Stirling superkings to be exact. Taking a random pick, he placed the packet away and pulled out his Zippo, lighting the cigarette and taking a long drag, he sighed as he lent back in his chair and observed the various groups in discussion.

OOC: Done. However, Salzland, I think that we should move on to other delegations, rather than drag the conference out.

OOC: Done. However, Salzland, I think that we should move on to other delegations, rather than drag the conference out.

OOC: Yeah, I've just been looking through the last few pages to find which delegates were still in the dining car area. That, and I wanted to put off the drunk tank meeting (AKA Zinaire's representative, :p ) since I doubt that would make a good impression. Would be fun, but not so good for ODECON.

Also, it's finals week, and I have 30 pages of papers due by Friday. If I'm only posting irregularly from now until then, I hope you'll all understand.

IC:

"Ms. Basset, as always, it's been a pleasure. Unfortunately, we have only limited time before the conference re-convenes, and there are several other representatives that I absolutely must introduce to Mr. Komnenos. If you would excuse us?" He asked. Minister Hollander scanned the room, searching for other ODECON member-state representatives that he could introduce to the Chalcedonian ambassador. The closest was the highly intoxicated Zinairian ambassador, whom Hollander was sure would make a great impression on his new friend.

Unfortunately, both the Adenian and New Kereptecean representatives were sharing a table with him, and both of those individuals were critically necessary for introductions. Thus, whispering a short prayer and crossing his fingers, Hollander said to Representative Komnenos, "If you would like, we could meet the Adenian, Kereptecean and Zinairian representatives now. If you would follow me, sir?"

(OOC: All yours, guys)

OOC: When everyone's ready to resume the conference just let me know. I'll give Komnenos time to meet ODECON first, however.

OOC: Brittanican Adenia, I've edited my last post to include tipping. Parilisa, I'd prefer to have my delegate try and do some negotiating with your delegate before the conference resumes, if you don't mind.

OOC: Sure, come over and have a word with the President.

"Certainly, Minister Hollander. And whom do I have the pleasure of being introduced to?" The last part was spoken slightly less-discreetly, as the pair approached the table.

OOC: I am so tempted to have one of the Sutfen come in and ask for a Vegemite Sammich.

By the way, if we've ajourned... where the heck are we actually going? Why don't we stop the train and go back the way we came, so everyone can leave?

OOC: I believe it is the intention of Parilisa to restart the conference and see if anything constructive can come from it.

OOC: Oseato is right. There will be rules in place governing the attendatns behaviour, cos you're all naughty boys and girls.

Oh, I am sure. I'm the one who attempted to bankrupt my country to avoid war... Yet I'm the bad guy.

Tzetzes, once he recieved his meal, ate it very quickly. He had decided he needed to talk with the Parilisan President before the conference so that he wouldn't have to deal with the other delegates, especially Marcus Fell. So, once he was finished, he walked up to Klein and said "I don't believe we have been properly introduced to each other. I am Nicephorus Tzetzes, ambassador for the Osean Empire". He shook the other man's hand and then, quietly enough so that he coudn't be heard by properly by anyone except Klein, said "Would you mind if we talked somewhere more private? I would prefer our discussion not get overheard".

Novacek finished his meal making conversation with General Tork. He waited for General Tork to finish his meal before standing up, thanking the waitress and saying "Well General, shall we retire to the saloon car?"

"Certainly. Nothing like a nice smoke after such a good meal."

Having finished re-bandaging their wounds, the Sutfen delegation rejoined the 'party'. Which, in their opinions was not as much as a party and rather an attempt by ODECON to just make Wolf Hold and it's allies as bad looking as possible. It also, in their opinion, was just one step to attempt to strip Wolf Hold of it's allies.

The Sutfen came into the saloon car, first in was the admiral followed by the Vice President and lastly Hammer the General. The Admiral made a Bee-line for the Bar to order, what else, but a glass of orange juice. He was quickly followed by the General who ordered a small bowl of Milk. Yes, Milk.

The Vice President however looked about the bustling car and sighed somewhat forlornly. remembering the "Small fish, big pond" idea all too well. Why couldn't their nation be a 'Small fish with big teeth'? He looked down at the stupid looking monkey suit and sighed, mumbling; "Damn bald apes." However he left the thing on as he looked to see just who he was supposed to talk too. He finally got up the courage to step completely into the Diner car and start walking towards the Wolf Hold delegation, sitting down in the chair across from Fell he gave a soft closed mouth smile as he arranged himself on the uncomfortable chair.

"You realise, by the time we leave this nation we'll have lost half your allies... All of your CIS protection... Nothing will have been solved and they'll be on hair triggers with nuclear weapons?" He interlaced his fingers as he settled down to look quietly at Fell wondering if he really understood that.

As Fell started on his second cigarette he smiled as the Sutufinai vice president sat down opposite him, he enjoyed the company of these unique people. However what the vice president was saying was quite true. From the start Fell had thought this conference a bid to strip the Wolf Hold of potential allies and to make them appear foolish in front of their remaining allies. He was not happy and he doubted anything could make him fell better however the company of the Sutufinai was defiantly a bonus. As the vice president finished his point Wolf's General Fell took one long drag on his cigarette and leaned back on his chair.

"Sadly I know that all too well, I think this whole debacle has been aimed at stripping us of allies and making us look like fools. However we will see who are the fools when our air forces smash aside theirs, when our tanks and infantry charge through their capitals and when our flags fly high over the bombed out remains of their capital buildings.

These ODECON ass holes will get what is coming to them but I personally get incensed by the very though of betraying an ally, I know Cain's reaction would be three or even four times as worse. I hope our supposed allies realise that if they betray us that before this is over we will lay waste to their nations, even if it means turning the CIS against us. We are a very proud and loyal nation, we will stand by our allies to the end however whilst we don't expect such loyalty from our allies, we expect that they will not turn against us. From appearances it turns out that New Chalcedon and Osea are in the mood to turn against us, if this turns out to be the case, their nations will burn for the treachery."

"Certainly. Nothing like a nice smoke after such a good meal."

"Splendid." remarked Novacek as they walked toward the saloon car. Once there he made a selection from the vast array of cigars that were on hand. It was almost staggering how many different choices there were. In the end he settled on a Cuban. He then wandered over to where General Fell and the Sutufiani Vice President.

"Hello gentlemen." said Novacek as he clicked his heels and bowed to the General and Vice President. He then turned to the Vice president and said, "I don't believe we've had the pleasure of being formally introduced, I am the delegate from the Federation of Oseato, Lt. General Jake Novacek at your service." He then sat down and joined in the conversation with the two delegates.

The Vice President snorted at the smoke from the many cigars... The stench absolutely burned his keen senses and he shook his head slightly. "I, have no idea how you humans can inhale such things as that. Bleh." He made no note for them to be extinguished, as it would be improper to demand the two people extinguish just for him. However when Novacek greeted him, he smiled; "Vice President Andrew Drikelly, Nation of Sutufinai. I can't say I was ever a military man. Like every good Sutfen I am a member of the Militia even as Vice President. General Hammer over there," THe Vice President motioned towards the General who was waiting for his drink, as well as the Admiral. "He and the Admiral are both, as you would say; "In the Military." Well, that is, what Military we have. You know? I used to be one of the supporters to destroy the Multi-hundred Trillion claw military fund, but now I am rather happy that it exists."

You see, when taken as "Estimated Value" against the Sutfen economy... The Silver Claw was nearly worthless. However, when taken in the Value of Silver each coin was made of... A silver claw was in a way, a Blood Diamond in the rough. Each silver claw is roughly one to two ounces of pure silver, which rouhgly translates currently to.... twenty six dollars for every silver claw. (I took that from the current silver price per ounce. ;) online.)

So the question would be, why would Sutufinai make such insanely valuable "Dollar" scale coins? They most literally had silver to spare, They never got rid of their silver and they never stopped mining their silver. They had, suffice to say, Millions or Billions of tons of silver just sitting around. So, they simply melted their silver down into two ounce coins with various things printed on them. Sure, they were heavy as hell... But who really cares? Not the Sutfen.

The Vice President shrugged, "So, I'm rather glad we have the amount of silver tied up in the Military account now that war looks to be looming. We can afford to buy what we need." He rubbed his chin before shrugging it off, "Anyway."

The Vice President looked to Wolf Hold, "I caution you however, Fell. War is no simple business. You all know that, many will die. Do not charge into this headlong. I fear that, if we do attack, we may bite off more than we can chew. These decisions must not be made rashly or in fury."

Tork looked at the wide selection of cigars and cigarettes. He shrugged and took out a soft pack of Nachmere’s cheapest cigarettes. He then took out a Zippo lighter engraved with the emblem of the Nachmere Armored Corps. The cigarette was already lit when they met the Sutfen delegation. Tork waited for Novacek to greet them, as he had already done so before the talks, and then spoke.

“Well Mr. Vice President, it is indeed a good thing you have some military funds available. As far as the possible war, I think we face a little dilemma.” He now got closer to the Vice President and spoke quietly enough that only those near him could hear. “We are undoubtedly outnumbered by ODECON members. But if we wait for them to attack we will lose initiative.”

(OOC: Sutufinai, you are aware that - if nothing else - releasing trillions of pounds of silver onto the market will destroy the price, aren't you?)

(OOC: I do, who said I'd release it all at once? Releasing any massive amount of money onto the market ruins the price. For any commodity. Like, the US dollar... We just keep printing more of the dollars while their price isn't going up. Thus, their price goes down because each individual dollar is worth less.)

OOC: At risk of sounding like a killjoy, isn't talking quite obviously about going to war with ODECON on board a train full of ODECON delegates and ODECON national staff rather careless? Loose lips and all that...

OOC: It said he leaned in and spoke so softly only those directly near him, IE, the Vice President, General Fell, and General Novacek could hear.

ooc: what he said. also your guys are talking about tactical nuclear weapons on a train with us on it.

ooc: what he said. also your guys are talking about tactical nuclear weapons on a train with us on it.

OOC: In a separate carriage, IIRC there is an ODECON member in that carriage and staff walking about...for the purposes of a good RP I wouldn't take advantage and claim we knew about it anyway, just thought it was a bit strange that you'd go so far as to talk about actively attacking us in a setting where sound will travel fairly far...there are compartments in the panorama car which are pretty much soundproof...

OOC: Sutufinai, you are aware that armament progams typically take a couple of years to really get going, aren't you? Besides, whilst most military contractors are happy to take payment-on-delivery (giving you time to convert silver into cash), this doesn't help you. Where, for instance, will the trained personnel required to operate modern military equipment come from? Just to name one quibble. The reason that very few states IRL aim for total disarmament is that a military today (unlike even 60 years ago) cannot be built overnight, or indeed in any plausible wartime situation in time to do any good.)

OOC: Sutufinai has a 85 to 90 Million person "state" militia. Think, national guard. It only has a regular standing army of 20,000.

The Militia itsself is well trained, However... It's more of a self defense force (Formidable as hell in a Guerilla war in it's own country or countries like it.) Sutufinai doesn't have any mechanised or air units. The only real thing I'd be purchasing is say, air defense... Small arms, fixed or towed artillery peices.

For the future, I plan on apply Sutufinai in a different way which will involve many, many telegrams to both sides. Indeed.

Tzetzes, once he recieved his meal, ate it very quickly. He had decided he needed to talk with the Parilisan President before the conference so that he wouldn't have to deal with the other delegates, especially Marcus Fell. So, once he was finished, he walked up to Klein and said "I don't believe we have been properly introduced to each other. I am Nicephorus Tzetzes, ambassador for the Osean Empire". He shook the other man's hand and then, quietly enough so that he coudn't be heard by properly by anyone except Klein, said "Would you mind if we talked somewhere more private? I would prefer our discussion not get overheard".

“No, I do not believe we have been introduced yet. It is a pleasure to meet you, sir. We can go to my cabin if the subject of your suggestion is somewhat controversial.” Klein shook the Osean’s hand with a civil friendliness that had not been revealed in the conference. He knew this man would be an important ally in the meeting; his nation held the honour of founding the CIS.

The President lead the ambassador down the carriage to his cabin, unlocking the door with the key an Adenian member of staff had given him. Allowing Tzetzes time to enter, he quickly checked there was no one on the corridor and locked the door behind him.

“Well, Mr Tzetzes, what do you need to tell me?” he said, taking a seat and gesturing for the Osean to do the same.

OOC: Yeah, I've just been looking through the last few pages to find which delegates were still in the dining car area. That, and I wanted to put off the drunk tank meeting (AKA Zinaire's representative, :p ) since I doubt that would make a good impression. Would be fun, but not so good for ODECON.

Also, it's finals week, and I have 30 pages of papers due by Friday. If I'm only posting irregularly from now until then, I hope you'll all understand.

IC:

"Ms. Basset, as always, it's been a pleasure. Unfortunately, we have only limited time before the conference re-convenes, and there are several other representatives that I absolutely must introduce to Mr. Komnenos. If you would excuse us?" He asked. Minister Hollander scanned the room, searching for other ODECON member-state representatives that he could introduce to the Chalcedonian ambassador. The closest was the highly intoxicated Zinairian ambassador, whom Hollander was sure would make a great impression on his new friend.

Unfortunately, both the Adenian and New Kereptecean representatives were sharing a table with him, and both of those individuals were critically necessary for introductions. Thus, whispering a short prayer and crossing his fingers, Hollander said to Representative Komnenos, "If you would like, we could meet the Adenian, Kereptecean and Zinairian representatives now. If you would follow me, sir?"

(OOC: All yours, guys)

Lordens-Owenson had just finished his meal, the knife and fork sat neatly together in the 5 o'clock position. Quick thinking led him to the conclusion that the Duke meeting the near-comatose Zinairian would probably be a bad thing. Jumping up, he immediately held out his hand.

"Grand Duke, I believe we've already met? I trust you're enjoying the finer points of Adenian hospitality?"

Komnenos bowed slightly to the Adenian.

"Certainly, I have been enjoying the best of hospitality here - if not the best of behaviour from my nation's ally. One of the reasons that I asked Minister Hollander to show me around was to apologise on behalf of my nation for the atrocious behaviour of our ally."

Whilst he was not speaking loudly, he was also not being overly quiet, either.

Tzetzes took a seat and replied "I'm sure you have grown as tired of the Wolf Hold's refusal to negotiate as I have". He pulled some notes from his pocket and continued "So I have two proposals for you. First is that the Holy Osean Empire will pay all reparations that the Wolf Hold owes your nation. We also intend to sort out any reparations that your allies expect from the Wolf hold. The second is that the Empire and your nation sign a mutual non-agression pact. We will also make offerings to the Wolf Hold. I am also more than willing to listen to any suggestions you have?".

OOC: Didn't I already try that and got laughed at?

Komnenos bowed slightly to the Adenian.

"Certainly, I have been enjoying the best of hospitality here - if not the best of behaviour from my nation's ally. One of the reasons that I asked Minister Hollander to show me around was to apologise on behalf of my nation for the atrocious behaviour of our ally."

Whilst he was not speaking loudly, he was also not being overly quiet, either.

"There are not many of us that have behaved perfectly today, sir, not many at all. I should think nothing of it - the Commandant is nothing if not an authoritarian, and rest assured it will be far more civil should the conference reconvene this afternoon. Still, it's worth noting that your allies seem to be enjoying the luxuries on offer - and they haven't been shot yet..." he winked, emphasising the joke.

ooc: i want to mention that up to the part you disarmed him my guy was being as nice as a golden retriver.

"Ah well, the day is still young Mr. Lourdes-Owenson!" Lowering his voice considerably, Komnenos continued, "And our alliances are by no means set in stone...."

"True, sir, true, and hopefully we shall yet make the day good!" His voice lowered in return. "And also quite true. I assume you have something in mind? It might be better expressed in the Panorama car, I believe it's as yet empty. Rather comfy seats by the panorama rear window, if I recall..."

"A panorama window, you say? Perhaps you'd be so good as to show me, Mr. Lourdes-Owenson? If you'd excuse us for a moment, Minister Hollander, gentlemen?" Komnenos' courteous nod took in the rest of the table.

Tork looked at the wide selection of cigars and cigarettes. He shrugged and took out a soft pack of Nachmere’s cheapest cigarettes. He then took out a Zippo lighter engraved with the emblem of the Nachmere Armored Corps. The cigarette was already lit when they met the Sutfen delegation. Tork waited for Novacek to greet them, as he had already done so before the talks, and then spoke.

“Well Mr. Vice President, it is indeed a good thing you have some military funds available. As far as the possible war, I think we face a little dilemma.” He now got closer to the Vice President and spoke quietly enough that only those near him could hear. “We are undoubtedly outnumbered by ODECON members. But if we wait for them to attack we will lose initiative.”

"Gentlemen," General Novacek said as he leaned forward, "perhaps this isn't place and time to be talking so openly about these matters. It would have been quite easy to bug the train and record all conversations." Novacek look around for a moment. "It also strikes me as possible that the staff might be trained in the art of eavesdropping. So while I grant that solidifying our commitments and plans are of the utmost importance, this is a discussion best kept private."

"Gentlemen," General Novacek said as he leaned forward, "perhaps this isn't place and time to be talking so openly about these matters. It would have been quite easy to bug the train and record all conversations." Novacek look around for a moment. "It also strikes me as possible that the staff might be trained in the art of eavesdropping. So while I grant that solidifying our commitments and plans are of the utmost importance, this is a discussion best kept private."

“Indeed” Said General Tork he looked Novacek straight in the eye and winked. He lit another cigarette. “Dose anybody know where we are actually going?”

Tzetzes took a seat and replied "I'm sure you have grown as tired of the Wolf Hold's refusal to negotiate as I have". He pulled some notes from his pocket and continued "So I have two proposals for you. First is that the Holy Osean Empire will pay all reparations that the Wolf Hold owes your nation. We also intend to sort out any reparations that your allies expect from the Wolf hold. The second is that the Empire and your nation sign a mutual non-agression pact. We will also make offerings to the Wolf Hold. I am also more than willing to listen to any suggestions you have?".

“My good sir,” said Klein with a warm smile. “I have no intention to take any money from a nation which has done us no harm. Though your offer is most kind it must be refused, just as the offer from the delegate from Sutufinai was.”

The President sighed, placing his head in his hands with the look of somebody quite exhausted by a hard day of work. After a moment he looked at the ambassador again, straight in the eye.

“The Hold’s arrogance is becoming frustrating; I can see no point in the attending a conference for peace of they have no peaceful intentions. A peace deal with Osea would be most beneficial, and we shall sign such an arrangement as soon as possible. However, I do have another suggestion. I believe that the best way to ensure a peace is to make sure the Wolf Hold has no allies in the conflict. Throughout this terrible affair they have thrown the word “CIS” around more times than I care to count, and it is clear that the reason they are happy to continue being so aggressive is that they have the confidence that the CIS will back them in everything they do.”

“What I propose is a movement which will ban any member of the CIS from acting in a hostile manner in this incident, something like a non-aggression pact with ODECON and, more specifically, Parilisa.”

"A panorama window, you say? Perhaps you'd be so good as to show me, Mr. Lourdes-Owenson? If you'd excuse us for a moment, Minister Hollander, gentlemen?" Komnenos' courteous nod took in the rest of the table.

Lordens-Owenson was far from stupid, but bold was one thing he most certainly was. The Wolf Hold's delegation and their cronies would almost certainly be along the carriages somewhere, and what better than to remind them what hung by a thread by walking past in enlightened conversation with the Chalcedonians?

He gave a slight nod at the Commandant as he rose to his feet - the Holdians and their ilk were a volatile bunch, and an excuse to have them thrown off the train while it was still moving was all that would be needed to really send the conference down the pan.

As they passed into the saloon car, Lordens-Owenson struck up his conversation again.

"So, Grand Duke, I trust the opening of the conference wasn't too...stressful? Rather frantic at one point, I must admit..."

Fell sat their listening to all the points his fellow generals and allies made and was about to comment when he saw the New Chalcedon delegation walk past in conversation with an ODECON representative. This confirmed what Fell already thought about this conference, two of the Wolf Holds meant to be allies New Chalcedon and Osea had completely ignored them so far and had rather decided to talk to ODECON delegates. Fell decided he wouldn't be snubbed any more. However before he could approach either delegate his phone, a Sony Ericson 980i began to ring (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU4nOERhczc). Excusing himself from the table he looked at the caller ID as he walked towards the panorama car and the booths, his heart jumped a few beats when he saw who the caller was, "Jesus it's Cain himself....." He muttered as he closed the booth door.

"Go for Fell"

"It's Cain, a crisis has occurred with Cukarica, its a Barrowman Islands situation"

"Fuck, how bad?"

"Level 1, over 600,000 believed dead, we are deploying men to the area, I want you to command them"

"Got you Marshall, These talks have failed anyways, Osea and New Chalcedon have abandoned us"

"Damn it! They will pay, however you need to get off that train, I don't care if they drop you off in the country side, I will get an extraction bird for you"

"Yes Wolf's Marshall, I read you. Will contact you once I am off the train"

Hanging up and placing his phone back in his pocket, he reached under his coat and pulled out the desert eagle. Ejecting the magazine and re-inserting, then racking the slide, the sound muffled by the walls of the booth. Placing the desert eagle back under his shirt, he walked out the booth and asked the nearest train staff. "Can you please direct me to the commandant"

Fell sat their listening to all the points his fellow generals and allies made and was about to comment when he saw the New Chalcedon delegation walk past in conversation with an ODECON representative. This confirmed what Fell already thought about this conference, two of the Wolf Holds meant to be allies New Chalcedon and Osea had completely ignored them so far and had rather decided to talk to ODECON delegates. Fell decided he wouldn't be snubbed any more. However before he could approach either delegate his phone, a Sony Ericson 980i began to ring (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU4nOERhczc). Excusing himself from the table he looked at the caller ID as he walked towards the panorama car and the booths, his heart jumped a few beats when he saw who the caller was, "Jesus it's Cain himself....." He muttered as he closed the booth door.

"Go for Fell"

"It's Cain, a crisis has occurred with Cukarica, its a Barrowman Islands situation"

"Fuck, how bad?"

"Level 1, over 600,000 believed dead, we are deploying men to the area, I want you to command them"

"Got you Marshall, These talks have failed anyways, Osea and New Chalcedon have abandoned us"

"Damn it! They will pay, however you need to get off that train, I don't care if they drop you off in the country side, I will get an extraction bird for you"

"Yes Wolf's Marshall, I read you. Will contact you once I am off the train"

Hanging up and placing his phone back in his pocket, he reached under his coat and pulled out the desert eagle. Ejecting the magazine and re-inserting, then racking the slide, the sound muffled by the walls of the booth. Placing the desert eagle back under his shirt, he walked out the booth and asked the nearest train staff. "Can you please direct me to the commandant"

The young man, a common aide to the bar staff, was shocked at this man approaching him so suddenly.

"H-he went to the Panorama car, sir, with the Chalcedonian and Adenian delegations..."

Tzetzes replied "It will be awquard, but it should be doable. I'm not sure about the chances of getting a CIS non-agression pact. That decision would need to be decided by a vote and that could go either way. I would recommend starting with my second idea. I would also make clear that we will not support them. We have no obligation to support any CIS nation unless they are being attacked by another nation, which does not apply here as the Wolf Hold are the aggressors. We can also use this to as a way of weakening the Wolf Hold's support. As they are the agressors, none of the CIS nations have any obligation to support the Wolf Hold".

General Novacek could barely keep himself from laughing as the Adenia delegate tried, rather blatantly, to draw a rise out of the Wolf Holdian delegate. However, Novacek was quite surprised when General Fell's phone rang and had to excuse himself and left the area. Just at that moment Novacek's aide came hustling into the room and slowly made his way over to the General.

"General, there's a situation you need to be made aware of." the aide whispered to Novacek.

"Well, what is it?" Asked Novacek.

"Cukarica has undergone a governmental change is now engaged in a "cleansing" program, Field Marshal Morrell wants you back in Oseato to monitor the situation." responded the aide

"Do you know why me specifically?" inquired Novacek, rather unlike the High Command to ask for a general specifically if they already had a general on hand.

"I cannot say, sir." responded the aide again.

"Alright, well I guess I should get on the horn to the HQ then, find out the gritty details." he said standing up, then speaking to his fellow colleagues, "If you will excuse me, gentlemen, there is a situation that acquires my attention. I deeply apologize for leaving so suddenly, I hope you'll understand." Novack said. He then bowed to the remaining delegates and began to walk back to his cabin, his aide in tow.

“My concern is, however, that a large number of CIS nations will leap to the support of the wolves, which would be a disastrous move. An inter-alliance war between the CIS and ODECON could be devastating, we’re talking world war here. None of us want such a conflict and it is in the interests of world peace that you propose a motion in the legislative body of the CIS to ban any intervention from CIS members.”

Klein paused and looked somewhat nervous, before lowering his voice and speaking again.

“I should not be telling you this, and you must keep this in confidence, but it is in the interests of the CIS that you move to stop hostilities. I am in contact with a certain element within the alliance who have said to me that they will leave if there is a war. You cannot afford to loose support from within your own alliance.”

“The Commonwealth is quickly becoming a euphuism for needless aggression and dictatorial insanity. First this and now the declaration of a God-Emperor in Cukarica? You’ll be a laughing stock, a war ridden cess pool of ignorant politics unless you can stop a war and a plague of internal aggression.”

((OOC: BA I am IN the Panorama car and Parilisa it was Needed agression :P))

((OOC: BA I am IN the Panorama car and Parilisa it was Needed agression :P))

OOC: They're all at the back of the panorama car...compartments are in the front half.

((OOC: Opps, thanks))

"Thank you son, here have this." Reaching into his backpoket Fell pulled out his wallet and out of the wallet he pulled a $50 note, he had little need for the money and if he was about to start a war with ODECON he wanted one of his last actions to do with them directly to be a good one. As he walked down towards the back of the Panorama car in the direction the bar staff had pointed, Fell walked witha purpose a slight mad gleam in his eye.

Appraching were the New Chalcedon delegate was he hoped that the Commandant would cut him off.

Fell's anticipation would be misplaced, however - the Commandant had been invited to sit by the Adenian, and, although pensive, was intently listening to their conversation. Fell's approach was not unnoticed, however, and he stood, waving a hand at the Adenian to save him getting up.

"Can we help you, Marshal?"

Smirking slightly Fell corrected them, "Ahh I am not the Marshall, he is resting in the cabin. I am Wolf's General Fell, that ship you attacked was named after me. However I wonder if I can have a quick word with the commandant in private please....if you don't mind that is"

Smiling cheerfully at all the poeple seated at the table, whilsts inside he was struglling to be civil with these people, especially those directly responsible for the 3rd Wolf's Marhsalls death.

Smirking slightly Fell corrected them, "Ahh I am not the Marshall, he is resting in the cabin. However I wonder if I can have a quick word with the commandant in private please....if you don't mind that is"

"But of course not. I am here to serve, after all."

The Commandant was extremely suspicious of Fell, yet he led the way to one of the empty compartments, ushering Fell inside. The earlier incident with the weapons made him curse himself as he realised that he had taken no notice of Fell when the weapons were confiscated. As they entered the compartment, two guards at the end door of the carriage looked on puzzled, before the Commandant nodded at them.

The quiet words into the radio were barely heard, and nor were their footsteps to the door of the compartment. They took positions outside, ensuring no-one disturbed them.

The Commandant took a seat in the compartment-length seat.

"So, sir. What can I help you with?"

"But of course not. I am here to serve, after all."

Following the commandant to the compartment, Fell wasn't stupid he knew the Commandant was a suspicious man and that he had probably finally realised that he had never taken a weapon off Fell, the most likely to be armed. He knew that the commandant probably had men stationed outside as the door slid shut.

"Well to be frank, I want to know how long till our next possible stop?"

"So, sir. What can I help you with?"

Following the commandant to the compartment, Fell wasn't stupid he knew the Commandant was a suspicous man and that he had proably finnaly realised that he had never taken a weapon off Fell, the most likely to be armed. He knew that the comandant proably had men stationed outside as the door slid shut.

"Well to be frank, I want to know how long till our next possible stop?"

Following the commandant to the compartment, Fell wasn't stupid he knew the Commandant was a suspicous man and that he had proably finnaly realised that he had never taken a weapon off Fell, the most likely to be armed. He knew that the comandant proably had men stationed outside as the door slid shut.

"Well to be frank, I want to know how long till our next possible stop?"

"I'm afraid the route is not of my knowledge, owing to security matters and what have you. I believe the engineers may be privy to such information. Considering that we have not yet stopped, the next is likely to be for tendering purposes. I trust you're not planning to leave in such a situation?"

"I'm afraid the route is not of my knowledge, owing to security matters and what have you. I believe the engineers may be privy to such information. Considering that we have not yet stopped, the next is likely to be for tendering purposes. I trust you're not planning to leave in such a situation?"

"Sadly a situation has come up that means that me and the Vice-wolfs Marshall must make it back to The Wolf Hold with all due haste, I do apologise and I am perfectly willing to have another meeting but considering the situation at home and with the previous meeting I do believe it would be best for me to return with all due haste, If there is no station nearby just stop the train and I can arrange my own extraction."

Fell kept his tone perfectly civil, not giving the commandant any reason to los his temper.

The Commandant looked puzzled. That this man would willingly walk through Parilisan wilderness in full uniform and expect not to be shot was incredible.

"Frankly, sir, for safety purposes, I'm not prepared to stop this train. I have a duty of care, even towards you. It would not look good for anyone involved if a poor Parilisan farmer should decide you were trespassing!

My recommendation is to return to your cabin or one of the cars, I will radio ahead and find out where the next safe place to stop is."

"I have no intention of getting shot good sir, me and the Marshall would be fine, please don't think because I wear four stars dosn't mean I am crap in the field. However scicne you have a radio on you, why don't you just radio ahead now and find out when the next stop is?"

"I have no intention of getting shoot good sir, me and the Marshall would be fine, please don't think because I wear four stars dosn't mean I am crap in the field. However scicne you have a radio on you, why don't you just radio ahead now and find out when the next stop is?"

"In that get-up sir, and unless you intend to hail a taxi in the middle of the countryside, I can assure you, you are quite likely to be shot. There aren't many other ways out of this part of the world. However, I will indulge you."

The Commandant pulled out his radio, a small, silver device. Designed for discreetness, the device spoke back inaudibly to anyone around.

"Engineering, this is Control. Can I have an ETA on the next station?"

The reply took some time to come through - unbeknownst to most, the engineers were checking their maps. The route was barely explained to them, they abided solely by speed limits and approximations to tendering points and stations. Dead reckoning was an unusual skill for a train driver to have, but in this job it was necessary. The Commandant thanked the engineers before looking up at Fell.

"Well, sir, I'm told we stop for tendering in 10 minutes, but the next station is 10 minutes after. You'll only have to wait 30 minutes, and a car will likely be waiting for you when you arrive there."

30 minutes was shorter then Fell had expected to have to wait. So with a gracious smile to the Commandant, "Why thank you, that will be perfectly acceptable. Thank you for your service and the pleasurable trip" Nodding to the commandant he made his way to the door but before he opened it he turned back around.

"Anything else commandant or am I free to go?"

Back in the restaurant car, Keupir's phone rang.

"Yes?"

...

"Where? Cukarica?"

...

"So what's happening?"

...

"Furries? Thank god."

...

"Non-Christians as well? Well, the government is officially secular."

...

"If there's anything I've learned in my 15 years as Speaker of the Nation, it's not to meddle in other's affairs. Especially when they don't concern you, and especially when they remove undesirables."

...

"Yes, I know they're allies of the Wolf Holders, but I doubt that'll last long."

...

"Why? Because the Wolf Holders are themselves furries! Do you think we'd stand by if someone was massacring Nouds?"

...

"That, is entirely different. An action such as that would concern us, and Nouwds are quite from being undesirable."

...

"How shall we respond? We won't. Not unless ODECON get's involved, and that's about as likely as the NSA actually going through with their threats."

...

"Yes. Notify the rest of the GC, of course. Get a press release through."

...

"Yeah. We'll talk when I get back. Goodby."

Keupir hung up, returning the phone to his pocket. He turned to the rest table.

"Well, my fellow diplomats, it seems there's a little situation in Cukarica. They're massacring furries, though that is a bit counterbalanced by the fact that they're massacring all non-Christians as well."

"Only to remind you that weapons are not allowed aboard this vehicle, sir, but then, I'm sure you're paying heed to that important rule after what happened to your Nachmeran...friends."

He watched Fell leave, before leaving the cabin himself - and heading straight for that of the Parilisan President. Rapping smartly on the door, he waited to be invited inside.

((OOC: Do my guys look like cannines to you D>: ))

"Have no fear, no weapon on my person, if there is even one on my person shall be used against a member of ODECON. Also I think that was actually quite funny the way you disarmed those two generals" With a smirk, Fell walked out of the cabin and headed back for the saloon car.

The time for action was comming, however this upset in Cukarica had sent things way of schedule.

OOC: OOH! OOH! Mine do! Mine do! Luckily their all sitting alone in the bar car drinking milk and orange juice or sitting alone at tables.

General Novacek pulled out his secure cell phone once he was back in his own cabin. He quickly dialed the number for the office of the Defense Minister, General Erwin Morrell.

"General Novacek for Morrell." spoke Novacek when he was connected to Morrell's secretary.

"Wait one please." replied the Secretary. Novacek didn't have long to wait because the Minister of Defense was waiting for his called.

"Jake, glad to hear from you, listen I've spoken with Field Marshalls Hamilton and Gates, and we've decided to recall you from the conference." said Morrell as he got on the line. "Cukarica has had a major governmental change and is now engaged in a campaign of terror inside their own country. Until order is restored, the Federal Navy and Federal Army will be providing security for Cukarica in order to make sure no foreign forces, outside those of the CIS, interfere."

"Alright, sir, understood. But how does this effect me?" asked Novacek

"Well Jake, we've liked the way you've handled yourself at this conference, and in the past, and we've decided to promote you. You are now Field Marshal Jake Novacek, and you are hereby Field Marshal of the Federal Army. Congratulations." explained Morrell over the phone. "We understand this is pretty large jump, but we need you in that position. We'll hold a formal ceremony when you get back. In the mean time, find a way to leave the train, we'll notify Parilisa that we are sending a plane for you. So once again Congratulations, good luck, and see you back here soon." Morrell then hung up the phone.

Novacek just stood in his cabin in disbelief. He had no idea that he would come this far in the Oseaton military. However he understood the pressure and scrutiny that would now be placed on him. He quickly recovered and stepped out of his cabin, locating the nearest train attendant. He spoke rapidly. "Please inform the Commandant that I will be leaving the train at the next stop." He then headed back to his own cabin to pack his belongings.

Lordens-Owenson was far from stupid, but bold was one thing he most certainly was. The Wolf Hold's delegation and their cronies would almost certainly be along the carriages somewhere, and what better than to remind them what hung by a thread by walking past in enlightened conversation with the Chalcedonians?

He gave a slight nod at the Commandant as he rose to his feet - the Holdians and their ilk were a volatile bunch, and an excuse to have them thrown off the train while it was still moving was all that would be needed to really send the conference down the pan.

As they passed into the saloon car, Lordens-Owenson struck up his conversation again.

"So, Grand Duke, I trust the opening of the conference wasn't too...stressful? Rather frantic at one point, I must admit..."

"We're used to interesting political situations in the Empire: after all, the Emperor was recently impeached and started a civil war in protest, Mr. Lourdes-Owenson." Komnenos hesitated, and then continued:

"And yes, I am here on business. We of New Chalcedon are tired of the CIN - our current alliance. It's dodgy, ineffective, sluggish and held back by the Wolf Hold's constant aggression. I yield to none in my admiration for the Wolf Hold and her people, but they make better friends than allies. After all, we don't have treaty obligations to come to the aid of our friends, unlike our allies."

"With this in mind, I approached Minister Hollander, who represents Salzland. Salzland and the Empire have a history of amicable relations, dating to a certain incident in Delvira where we were impressed by their levelheadedness and diplomatic skill - they averted a much wider conflict than may have happened otherwise. The topic I approached Hollander about was a possible alliance shift on the part of the Empire - from the CIN to ODECON."

"Bear in mind, I have been given plenipotentiary powers by Her Imperial Majesty to sign anything required for the duration of this Conference, as her attention is occupied by the civil strife. And whilst she is a - somewhat lukewarm - CIN supporter, she is also a pragmatist, and is very unlikely to disavow a signed treaty after the fact. If ODECON can give her some real support against her brother, she'll sign on. And I need not remind you, I'm sure, that the Empire is primarily a naval power. A fact that may prove useful, no?"

Komnenos waited for the Adenian's response to that incredible statement.

"We're used to interesting political situations in the Empire: after all, the Emperor was recently impeached and started a civil war in protest, Mr. Lourdes-Owenson." Komnenos hesitated, and then continued:

"And yes, I am here on business. We of New Chalcedon are tired of the CIN - our current alliance. It's dodgy, ineffective, sluggish and held back by the Wolf Hold's constant aggression. I yield to none in my admiration for the Wolf Hold and her people, but they make better friends than allies. After all, we don't have treaty obligations to come to the aid of our friends, unlike our allies."

"With this in mind, I approached Minister Hollander, who represents Salzland. Salzland and the Empire have a history of amicable relations, dating to a certain incident in Delvira where we were impressed by their levelheadedness and diplomatic skill - they averted a much wider conflict than may have happened otherwise. The topic I approached Hollander about was a possible alliance shift on the part of the Empire - from the CIN to ODECON."

"Bear in mind, I have been given plenipotentiary powers by Her Imperial Majesty to sign anything required for the duration of this Conference, as her attention is occupied by the civil strife. And whilst she is a - somewhat lukewarm - CIN supporter, she is also a pragmatist, and is very unlikely to disavow a signed treaty after the fact. If ODECON can give her some real support against her brother, she'll sign on. And I need not remind you, I'm sure, that the Empire is primarily a naval power. A fact that may prove useful, no?"

Komnenos waited for the Adenian's response to that incredible statement.

Lordens-Owenson arched his eyebrow at this veritable revelation.

"Well, naturally, I offer my condolences. Whilst I can offer nothing myself, as a member of the Cabinet for Her Majesty's Government, I can put it forward to the rest of the Cabinet to consider whether we may be able to offer assistance. Naturally, the situation with the Wolf Hold remains unstable to say the least, but I'm sure that something will come of it, certainly so if it would mean the Empress making the move from CIN to ODECON - a move the Adenia would wholeheartedly support."

"Only to remind you that weapons are not allowed aboard this vehicle, sir, but then, I'm sure you're paying heed to that important rule after what happened to your Nachmeran...friends."

He watched Fell leave, before leaving the cabin himself - and heading straight for that of the Parilisan President. Rapping smartly on the door, he waited to be invited inside.

“You’ll have to excuse me for a moment, sir. We can return to the topic once I have dealt with whatever this is.” Klein said to the Osean as he stood and unlocked the door. Opening the door a little first to see who it was, he swung it open gladly when he recognised the Adenian.

“Commandant, how can I help you? Come in. This is the ambassador from Osea, Mr Tzetzes, I presume you have been introduced.”

"A pleasure sir," the Commandant replied. Turning toward the Parilisan President, his mood turned rather more sombre.

"I must regretfully inform you that the Wolf Hold delegation intends to leave the train at the next possible convenience. With the next station around half an hour away, if you wish any possible good to come from this conference, I must suggest that you all reconvene with the greatest possible urgency."

“The wolves do not seem keen to negotiate, but this could be my last chance to meet with them. Yes, call the meeting back together again sir. I shall start it as soon as everyone is assembled, by reading out a few rules. Our behaviour so far has been childish, and childish people deserve childish monitoring. As such I hope you will be willing to keep an eye on proceedings to remove anyone if they become too hostile.”

The President was much more confident now he had a peace deal with the Oseans arranged, and the conference would be the perfect time to get support for his plan for a CIS-ODECON non-aggression agreement.

“Mr Tzetzes, will you join me in walking back to the conference? Commandant, tell the Holders that their presence at the meeting is vital.”

"Of course sir. I shall make the necessary arrangements."

He bowed, before exiting the cabin and heading for the nearest console. His voice was soon heard across the train.

"Would all representatives and delegates please report to the Conference car. We will be reconvening the meeting in approximately 5 minutes."

He approached two of his staff.

"Gentlemen, would you please fetch the Wolf Hold delegates? Their presence is of the utmost importance to this conference. In fact, I'll come with you, this will require some authority."

The walk down the carriages was a brisk pace, several stops made to instruct guards to take positions in various parts of the conference room.

He rapped on the cabin door where the Wolf Hold delegates were staying, before speaking through the door.

"This is the Commandant. You are required in the conference room imminently."

Tzetzes was about to reply to Klein when the Commandant entered and informed them that the Wolf Hold delegation intended to leave the train. It was something he should have expected. He then replied to Klein "Certainly. Hopefully we will actually achieve something this time".

Upon hearing the announcement from the Commandant, the Salzland delegation re-assembled in the Conference cabin, prepared to continue the hastily-aborted discussions of earlier. Perhaps with the opportunity to eat and drink, the representatives present would be able to come together and reach an acceptable peace agreement, providing the Parilisans with fair compensation for the loses they absorbed.

Based on the discussions Minister Hollander and General Thompson had during the intermission, however, neither man was confident that a peaceful solution would be reached. With both parties clearly pushing toward a second round of hostilities, it was thus the duty of the Armed Republic to stand by its allies, and ensure that the Parilisans would be fully prepared once hostilities broke out again.

In addition to Thompson's airborne division, and the weapons they would be escorting to Parilisa (should the Salzland offer be approved), the Defense Ministry was already in the process of cutting orders for the transfer of air-defense and orbital anti-ballistic missile assets to Parilisan military facilities. The warships surged to sea during the last conflict were also being resupplied, to enable them to remain on alert and on station for another month, at least.

All of these steps were short-term, however, and aimed at detering hostilities until the Parilisans had sufficient time to rebuild their own defenses. Hopefully, they would be sufficient to enforce peace, if it could not be reached mutually at the peace conference.

Lordens-Owenson arched his eyebrow at this veritable revelation.

"Well, naturally, I offer my condolences. Whilst I can offer nothing myself, as a member of the Cabinet for Her Majesty's Government, I can put it forward to the rest of the Cabinet to consider whether we may be able to offer assistance. Naturally, the situation with the Wolf Hold remains unstable to say the least, but I'm sure that something will come of it, certainly so if it would mean the Empress making the move from CIN to ODECON - a move the Adenia would wholeheartedly support."

"This invitation to ODECON membership would have to come with, at least, recognition of Her Majesty's governance over our nation, naturally. Any aid that ODECON could extend to Her Majesty in settling the rebellion would, of course, be more than welcome."

He paused as the call to resume the conference echoed through the train. "Shall we reassemble, Mr. Lourdes-Owenson?"

General Novacek left his cabin and slowly made his way to the conference room. He really didn't expect this final 11th hour attempt at peace would come to fruition. The ODECON delegates talked of peace, yet very few seemed willing to make it work. The Wold Hold certainly didn't wish to talk any more.

Finally he made it to the room and took his place at the table, and waited for the remaining missing delegates to make their way in.

Evans and Fell had been sitting silently in there cabin, it was still clear that Evans had no intention of returning to any peace conference as he played with the fire select on the MP7 from full auto, to semi-auto to safe and back again. Fell was busy staring into the thin air as the commandant rapped on the door, sighing to himself he thought 'Fuck this diplomatic bullshit, fuck it sideways. I am personally going to shove a hand grenade up each of those pompous arse holes if they utter one last fucking insult' Shaking his head in frustration, he pulled out a cigarette, lit it and jammed it in his mouth. Throwing the door open he pushed the Commandant out of the way (If he was even in his way to begin with). Striding off towards the conference room he walked straight into anyone foolish enough to get in his way, powering through them.

As he entered the conference room he tossed his still lit cigarette on the floor and sat down, glowering at anyone who tried to make eye contact.

Alessandra had returned to the conference room immediately following a good bottle of rum and a couple of cigarettes that had left something to be desired in their taste. When Novacek sat down, she smiled at him and raised her glass of water, but did nothing to initiate even polite smalltalk.

When Fell entered, she smiled at him, too, as pissy looking as he was, ignoring the cigarette. Despite his glowering, she said, "Why, General, I'm sorry the night has taken such an apparent toll on you. I might suggest something to drink before we start again."

The Sutfen delegation came in soon afterwards, seeing the smouldering cigarette the Vice President would softly step on it in his bare feet and make sure it was out before quietly picking up the foul smelling object and tossing it out a window.

The whole group sat down once again, the vice president closest to the Wolf Hold delegate. He personally did not see that any of this would come to fruition, and on top of that the Wolf Holders were beyond even his ability to pacify. So he figured he would stay silent. His keen ears had heard of the anti-anthropomorphic massacres going on. It pained him, but as usual... Sutufinai could do next to nothing. He doubted even a unit of Minutemen could get into the area to kill the tyrannical leader of such massacres. (I doubt I could get permission OOCly to get a sniper and spotter into the area to get a shot at the leader.) Of course... Sutufinai was in no way capable of head on military conflict with this group, and with no infrastructure to combat the Irregular 'bite' of the Sutfen was next to useless.

As such, the Sutfen Vice President was told to just stay where he was and not to 'freak out' over these killings and to let the world stage... Not Sutufinai... take care of the facist perpetrators of these crimes. But his keen ears as well as the Admiral's and General's, had heard the blant racist comments against the 'furries'. Which sadly included the Vice President and his entourage as well as his people. While he did not fear for his life, he doubted he could ever feel truely secure with being who would stand by who massed xenocide and genocide atrocities were being committed. How could one be truly 'civilized' if he can but stand by on his own peaceful haunches and let millions of sentient beings be murdered?

The Vice President let out a shaky breath, whispering under his breath... "All that is necessary for evil to prevail, is for good men to do nothing."

Admiral Junker and Minister Kirsch took their seats once more, both now rubbing their temples and popping aspirin discreetly as if they were candy. The Wolf Holdian delegate was already glaring at them, and the two men gave each other a look of mutual understanding and stared back.

"I think General Fell needs an aspirin as well," Junker quipped, speaking under his breath to the other Leistungi delegate. "He looks as though he's been hit by a missile."

“Before we begin,” said Klein, standing calmly. “I would like to say that if there is any more throwing of insults or threats you will be removed from the conference. This applies to everyone; we are here with the aim of creating peace, not with the aim of starting a massive argument. I should also point out that anyone carrying a gun after this point will be dealt with as severely as possible.”

He found it difficult to suppress his laughter at the Leistungi’s witty comment, but he did so for the sake of diplomacy.

“In the time we have had to compose ourselves after the first meeting of this conference the delegates of several nations have approached me with the desire to fulfil the aim which has brought us here today; peace. Mr Tzetzes has suggested a non-aggression pact between Parilisa and Osea, an agreement which will come into place as soon as possible. Once the conference is finished an agreement with this aim will be drafted and an ambassador from Osea will be required to sign it.”

“This arrangement marks a considerable advantage in our hope for a peaceful solution to the current climate, however a much larger treaty must be drawn up if we are to get anywhere. As such, I propose that a non-aggression pact be signed between the CIS and ODECON, with the interest of preventing hostility between any members of these alliances.”

“To the ambassador from the Wolf Hold I have just one more question; do you, as we do, want peace to be the ultimate result of this conference?”

General Novacek was mildly surprised at the news, but he made sure his surprise did not show. He had seen the delegate from Osea seated near the ODECON members in the dining car, but had thought nothing of it, now he knew the reason why.

He quickly glanced at General Tork with a raised eyebrow before moving his gaze toward where General Fell sat, waiting for the reply.

So, that's what they were up to. Well, I'm willing to go along. Komnenos decided to do what he could to help; namely, remain silent rather than provoke a display of intemperate behaviour on the part of the Wolfholder, as well as keeping a weather eye out for anyone looking to take a dig. If he spotted such, he would interrupt them by any means available, before they insulted the Wolfholder and started a war.

The Wolf Hold delegate was lucky not to find himself impaled on a rapier as he attempted to push past the Commandant. A quick step back despite the Commandant's venerable age prevented him from being pushed to the floor. Brushing off his shoulder, he began his walk to the conference car, briefing his second-in-command, one Conductor James Atkinson.

"...and woe betide that bounder if he should so much as try one more little trick. Keep your radio on you at all times, Conductor - if we get the opportunity to place him - or both of them - under arrest, we shall take it without hesitation. They need a lesson learnt as properly as possible."

"Aye Commandant Stantham, let's hope we can keep these blighters under lock and key, wot wot - to think they have been running about all this time, what mischief they must have caused..." Atkinson shook his head as he opened the door to the conference room.

"After you sir."

Stepping in, the Stantham noticed the Sutfen stub out a cigarette on the carpet, before throwing out of a window. Considering the Sutfen didn't smoke, it seemed most strange that he would be stubbing out a cigarette on the carpet. Another invoice to send, it seems. One didn't need to be Holmes to figure out that the dark-faced figure at the table was likely the one who had dropped it, considering he no longer had the cigarette he left his cabin with. Unfortunately, the carpet would now have to be entirely relaid - an expensive process when each was ordered as and when it was required. Still, the Adenian government wouldn't be paying for it - one way or another, Evans would.

As the Parilisan finished his first little forewarning, the Commandant stepped slightly forward - fully visible as he looked sternly round the table. This was his domain, and damnit they would follow his rules.

The Sutfen Vice President calmly reached out to set a hand on the Wolf Holder delegate. Forseeing the vehemence that Wolf Holder would come to at the turncoat nature of his 'allies'. He spoke softly and patted the Wolf Holder's shoulder. "Speak softly, Traitors always get their comeuppance. No traitor has ever prospered." The Vice president leaned back again and caught the Commandant's eyes...

The canine held up a finger behind the Wolf Holder's back, waving it back and fourth in an 'oh no you don't' manner. His eyes, while having been docile for 90% of the trip, easily stated that if anyone made a move towards the Wolf Hold delegate... Or any of the Holder-allied delegates... One of the Sutfen were going to rip out the commandant's heart and throw -it- out the window.

With that unspoken promise, the Vice President looked back to the table and relaxed in his chair...

The Commandant smirked as the Sutfen waggled his finger, resisting the urge the mouth "down boy" - most unprofessional, but sure to cause hilarity. However, he had his staff and guests to think about, no matter how intent on mayhem some seemed to be.

So instead, he shifted his position, bringing his cane in front of him. A short turn to the handle yielded a satisfying click. The rapier blade inside was now free, leaving the Commandant prepared to deal with anyone that was stupid enough to try causing a scene. Glancing around the room, his guards stood still unmoving, their burgundy uniforms spotless. He hoped it wouldn't come to the point where they would need heavy washing.

ooc:you do realise the WH delegates are armed to the teeth? you really want to make this into a huge firefight?

ooc:you do realise the WH delegates are armed to the teeth? you really want to make this into a huge firefight?

OOC: The Commandant hasn't actually done anything...the guards are there in case the WH delegates decide to start tearing apart his carriage. Furthermore, the Commandant doesn't actually carry a firearm. You'd have to be pretty aware to know what he was carrying, especially over the noise of the Parilisan President talking.

OOC: No offense to Brittanican, But I'm roughly certain three Sutfen, two armed Wolf Holdan Delegates, and the Nachmereans once they gather some weapons up from wounded and dead guards... Could easily overtake the entire train.

My only worry is how we'd get out of the nation once we -had- the train and had killed just about everyone on it.

OOC: You wouldn't, and you'd face complete nuclear annihilation to boot.

OOC: No offense to Brittanican, But I'm roughly certain three Sutfen, two armed Wolf Holdan Delegates, and the Nachmereans once they gather some weapons up from wounded and dead guards... Could easily overtake the entire train.

My only worry is how we'd get out of the nation once we -had- the train and had killed just about everyone on it.

OOC: A train full of well-trained guards used to fighting in CQB, with locked weapons cachés in strategic locations, with an unaccessible front engine, against military officials who, being very high-ranking, probably haven't seen proper combat for years? Considering that there are 2 on every doorway at each carriage, plus the extra contingent (who would normally be patrolling but are currently in the conference room? You're outnumbered in the room you're in, and considering that you're sat down, and would likely take seconds to get your gun out, you'd be able to kill one man at most if you were a damned good shot before they all had their guns out - any other moves would likely be shoot-to-kill, and the shotguns would likely be out within the next minute. It'd be like trying to fight your way out of a government building, except we're polite enough not to use assault rifles ;)

ooc: would you stop with the silly nuclear threats. Nuclear weapons are good only to stop other people from using them.

IC:
Tork was now thinking two things. One, the CIS was apparently as useless as a bicycle underwater. Two, the Commandant was obviously as crazy as any Wolf-Holdian. Tork had seen some crazy shit in his life but doing a stare contest with a 6 foot tall canine seemed to him as passing the point of bravery and into the realm of stupidity.

OOC: My threats are not silly. Not from NK at least. Keupir is one of the three most important members of the government. Should you kill him, while his is acting as a diplomat, there would be no respite from our fury.

OOC: Can we all knock it off? Even Wolf Hold isn't going to shoot up an entire car of international delegates. However, Adenia, I find it whole irresponsible, from an OOC point of view, for your commandant to seemingly go out of his way to piss the Wolf Holdian delegates off, particularly when you know how angry they are and essentially know they are armed. So can we all stop acting like dicks and carry on in a civil manner?

OOC: Can we all knock it off. Even Wolf Hold isn't going to shoot up an entire car of international delegates. However, Adenia, I find it whole irresponsible, from an OOC point of view, for your commandant to seemingly go out of his way to piss the Wolf Holdian delegates off. So can we all stop acting like dicks and carry on in a civil manner?

OOC: And how exactly has he done that? He's been entirely civil to them, especially lately. They have had all the privileges of the other delegates - access to all the carriages, free food and drink, a comfy private cabin, but the same rules apply to everyone. Odd that the ODECON delegation can follow them civilly, yet everyone else seems to take offence that they can't do exactly what they like on another nation's property because of this funny form of "diplomatic immunity".

ooc: starting a nuclear war over one person is so stupid i cant even start to imagine it. do you realize that millions of your citizens would die, even if you "win"

OOC: And how exactly has he done that? He's been entirely civil to them, especially lately. They have had all the privileges of the other delegates - access to all the carriages, free food and drink, a comfy private cabin, but the same rules apply to everyone. Odd that the ODECON delegation can follow them civilly, yet everyone else seems to take offence that they can't do exactly what they like on another nation's property because of this funny form of "diplomatic immunity".

OOC: There is no need to go around smirking and offering backhanded compliments or imitation tactics. We all know Wold Hold is pissed, we all know he isn't going to shoot stuff up, we all know there are other ways to handle the issue of the expensive rug, such as sending them the bill instead of just walking up to him and asking for the money.

In any event, can we just stop threatening each other and carry on? There is no need for the nuclear threats. I personally don't want my delegate killed because everyone is seemingly hot headed. So I'd appreciate it if we'd all calm down and worry about the conference instead of nonexistent threats of violence.

OOC: There is no need to go around smirking and offering backhanded compliments or imitation tactics. We all know Wold Hold is pissed, we all know he isn't going to shoot stuff up, we all know there are other ways to handle the issue of the expensive rug, such as sending them the bill instead of just walking up to him and asking for the money.

In any event, can we just stop threatening each other and carry on? There is no need for the nuclear threats. I personally don't want my delegate killed because everyone is seemingly hot headed. So I'd appreciate it if we'd all calm down and worry about the conference instead of nonexistent threats of violence.

OOC:

1) He was smirking at the Sutfen. Last I checked, the WH delegates were busy glaring at the Leistungi delegation, which really is a damned sight worse.
2) Perhaps, if they had not acted so arrogantly, they wouldn't need humbling. If the ODECON delegates had acted in the same fashion they would have gotten the same. (and indeed have got the same treatment, such as when the Commandant gave Lordens-Owenson a dressing-down)
3) ICly we don't know that at all. Hell, even OOCly I don't know that he's going to shoot the place up.
4) You do know what an invoice is right?

OOC:

1) There's no reason to do even that. For a peace conference all sides have been pretty hostile and less than sincere about wanting peace or even attaining peace.
2) It be better if you nation took the moral high ground here. Just because WH acts one way doesn't mean you lower yourself to that level.
3) I guess you're correct, but I think if WH was going to shoot up the train, he would have done so when your commandant wasn't covered by half a dozen security people
4) That's what I was referencing, I know exactly what an invoice is. There is no need to single out General Fell, I believe it is since Evans is in the cabin. Just send the bloody invoice and get repaid, don't confront anyone about it and start off a chain like we just had.

So, back to the conference, please?

OOC: I'm beginning to wish I hadn't sent sutufinai to this conference in the first place. I wish I could justy hear whath appened from Nachmere or Wolf Hold and just carried out my business. Atleast Parilisa has OK'd my business. But with how cocky everyone else is, I'm afraid to even ask.

P.S. Am I the only nation here who doesn't have nuclear weapons?

OOC:

1) There's no reason to do even that. For a peace conference all sides have been pretty hostile and less than sincere about wanting peace or even attaining peace.
2) It be better if you nation took the moral high ground here. Just because WH acts one way doesn't mean you lower yourself to that level.
3) I guess you're correct, but I think if WH was going to shoot up the train, he would have done so when your commandant wasn't covered by half a dozen security people
4) That's what I was referencing, I know exactly what an invoice is. There is no need to single out General Fell, I believe it is since Evans is in the cabin. Just send the bloody invoice and get repaid, don't confront anyone about it and start off a chain like we just had.

So, back to the conference, please?

OOC: (Hopefully the last on the subject)

1) ODECON actually has genuinely wanted peace throughout.
2) Like I said, he hasn't, especially recently when he informed Fell when the next station was, how long he would have to wait, etc, and fetching the WH delegation from their cabin - entirely professionally.
3) Never underestimate fanaticism ;)
4) I have never planned for him to - if I did I would have had him accost the delegate there and then, rather than restraining himself.

And Sutufinai, really, the Commandant, if you're actually sensible and respectful to him, is really a very nice guy.

(OOC: How about we try a little IC role-playing, to get things back on topic? Because I don't feel like having to read another page of people wanking OOC about how their uber-elite 40-50+ year old commando can totally kill everyone in the train, while the guards and/or military-trained representatives of every other nation present remain politely seated and patiently wait for their chance to die. If you continue this childish argument, then you are part of the problem, not part of the solution.)

IC:

Having enough of both sides wasting his time, Minister Hollander stood. Turning to look each representative in the eyes, and not moving his glance until he made eye contact with each one of them, he finally began to speak.

"It is in the best interests of every nation here to pursue peace. I am certain that ODECON does not want war, as I am certain the Wolf Hold and its allies do not wish to risk provoking a larger conflict. Coming to a mutually beneficial agreement should not be this difficult."

He continued, "Speaking solely on behalf of the Armed Republic, we feel it vital that compensation be provided for the missile attack against Exengrad. Whatever the circumstance involving the presence of the Wolf Hold submarine in the region, launching an attack against the civilian population of Parilisa was not only unnecessary, but a borderline war crime. I sincerely hope that both sides may concur that, while in an active conflict zone it is acceptable for military units to engage their counterparts, going beyond that to deliberately engage civilians cannot be tolerated."

"Additionally, we believe that the establishment of a non-aggression pact between the various ODECON and CIS member-states and organizations would be in the best interests of all parties. At the very least, the present cease-fire between Parilisa, the Wolf Hold, and both sides' respective allies, must be solidified in the form of a permanent peace accord."

"I would welcome comments from the other representatives, as to their views on such a settlement. I do ask that we all be mindful of time constraints, so that something might be accomplished before this conference draws to a pre-mature close."

OOC: Can we all knock it off? Even Wolf Hold isn't going to shoot up an entire car of international delegates. However, Adenia, I find it whole irresponsible, from an OOC point of view, for your commandant to seemingly go out of his way to piss the Wolf Holdian delegates off, particularly when you know how angry they are and essentially know they are armed. So can we all stop acting like dicks and carry on in a civil manner?

OOC: This would be metagaming, actually.

Komnenos stood and spoke in qualified support of the Salzlander delegate's proposal.

"As the representative of an ally of the Wolf Hold, I must raise one objection: Has it been established that the missile strike on Exengrad's civilian populace was deliberate? If so, then certainly reparations are appropriate - there is no excuse for targetting civilians in the middle of a war. Other than this, I feel that a set of non-agression pacts and treaties would certainly go a long way toward reducing tension amongst the various nations present. Given the tensions here, I am certain that none of us want to be here in six months, hammering out another ceasefire set of terms. It wouldn't be good for our health, I'd say." The last sentence was spoken with dry humour - Komnenos was clearly trying to give both sides an out that they could take gracefully.

OOC: WH, we’re waiting for you to answer my question in post 358. Osea, we need your assurance that you will bring up the issue of a non-aggression pact in the CIS, and get back to us with a result.

OOC: Parilisa, I'll create a thread on the issue in the CIS forum.

OOC: Thanks Osea, let us know when you have the result. I'll get a similair vote up at ODECON, as soon as possible.

OOC: I will try to get an IC post up tomorrow sorry for the delay, and for the record, I have yet to say that General Fell who is actually only 29 :P could take out the whole train.

OOC: Sut, Santheres does not and will not have nuclear weapons.

Nach, Oseato, WH: no, Fell could not take out the entire train. You're forgetting that we're RPing, too, and I even have a organization of incredibly badass fighters listed in my factbook just so I can claim any character is one in the event of martial prowess wankery. Don't make me do that, it would be lame. If we don't want our characters to die meaninglessly, they won't. All your bullets will miss, your grapple attempts will fall flat, etc.

And I do take offense to being accused of not wanting peace and of being undiplomatic, hostile, etc. Point me to single damned place I've been doing anything but being ineffably nice, while all the WH, Nach, and Oseato delegates have been asshats of the greatest degree.

If you haven't notice, I'm done with this RP. I don't care to post. Alessandra will sit in silence until you guys come to whatever decision because if she was annoyed before, I am far beyond that OOC.

Thanks for your time. If other ODECON members want me to say something IC later, I'll give it a shot, but I don't care to be involved anymore.

OOC: Yay! I'm not the only WMD-less country!

And pretty much the only thing my faction has, is extremely good skills one on one and in special operations type operations. I fail at army on army combat.

OOC: Santheres, I want to apologize, I did not mean to accuse you of not wanting peace or being diplomatic. Nor do I believe Fell could take the entire train out. I don't recall a single incident where you were anything but polite and I appreciate that. (Though for the record, all my asshatery was from an OOC standpoint, except for the arguing about the launching of missiles.)

OOC: Damn it! I have a lot of things hanging off of the outcome of this (applications to join various alliances, aid from prospective allies in my civil war, and a variety of other developments), and now I can't move on any of it until we either get started again or the thread is officially declared dead.

Damn it.

OOC: I have never at one point said he could Santhres, if it appeared that way ICly then I am sorry, I am also sorry for the delay in my posting that caused this. I wish to apoligise for any of my actions that have 'pissed' people off.

I have to agree with Santhres 'MY CHARACHTER WOULD KICK YOUR ASS' crap, I am not saying I may of said it once or twice but both CIS and ODECON members are guilty for such acts and so we should just pick this up and move on.



Fell's expresion had turned from a glare to horror as the Osean delegate declared the high posibility of an alliance between Osea and ODECON suggested by Osea themselves, not only that but the assurance of bringing up the posibility of an ODECON-CIS non-agression pact, Fell knew that suxh an agreement would force The Wolf Hold from the CIS and would strip them of several key allies. Also now the Parilisans had called them out, his response would have to be said very carefully as if he said it wrong he would either force his nation to sign a treaty or they would look even more war like and reckless then they wanted.

"President Klein, we are willing to consider a compltly un-conditional peace treaty with no mention of reparations, guilt or any fault on the part of The Wolf Hold and their allies. If however our allies in Nachmere wish to pursue for reaprations for damage delt to their fleet then we shall not stop them."

OOC: I don’t think I ever said my character could kill the entire train. If I did I apologize.



IC:
The last statement by Fell took Tork by surprise. He was sent to the conference by a very pessimistic President. President Ginger told him that the Wolf Holdians will not compromise, and that Nachmere is going to support them. He did not expect the Wolf Holdians to put the ball in his court. He spoke slowly:

"If the thing standing between us and peace is the subject of reparations to Nachmere for our lost men and assets…Than we have no issue. Nachmere will be more than willing to drop any claims in this field, assuming of course ODECON members will not make similar claims from us."

Klein thought for a moment, his face suddenly bearing the visible expressions of a man deep in contemplation. When he had come here today he had every intention of squeezing as much money out of the Wolf Hold as possible, and he was convinced he needed to have a confession of guilt and responsibility signed and sealed. Now, however, he was not so sure. The aim of the meeting as Klein saw it was peace; reparations and admissions of guilt should be left beside in the interest of establishing that.

As the Parilisan thought of this he realised something else; the Holdian had been very clever, because if Klein now insisted that their opponents pay for what they had done it would be him rather than the foreign ambassadors who looked like warmongerers.

After a moment he smiled, stood and spoke.

“Whilst I cannot speak for the noble delegates of other nations represented here, I wish to express my happiness at this conclusion. A peace treaty will be signed, alongside the proposed non-aggression pact with the Commonwealth of Independent State and the Oceanic Defence Coalition. The terms and wording of this pact can be discussed at a later date, as it is my understanding that you have a particular interest in getting of this train as soon as possible.”

“If anybody has anything to add, you have your chance to speak now.” Said Klein, returning to his seat.

Fell cursed under his breath as Klein acepted the proposal, looking up for one of the other ODECON delegates to shout disaproval or un-happines at the offer. As no one argued with Klein and the seconds dragged on, Fell was thinking of a away out of this pit he had dug for himself.

"Yes, I have been recalled to the Wolf Hold due to operational matters meaning I do not have time to negotiate a peace treaty. We can re convene at a another time in the future at which point we can further discuss a peace treaty. However may we conclude this conference as I have to return to my homeland."

Teodors Komnenos raised an eyebrow fractionally. Now, why would the Wolfholders be unhappy with their own proposal being accepted? I smell a rat..... Komnenos stood.

"General Fell, the terms you proposed were just accepted without modification. Since the train won't be stopping for at least fifteen minutes, surely you can at least sit and work outa draft with the ODECON members present? I, for one, would be disquieted at the thought of this conference ending with the entire issue still in the air."

Minister Hollander frowned at the Wolf Holder's most recent statements. By this point, it was becoming obvious that something was wrong here. Sufficiently obvious as to merit commenting upon.

"General, what further negotiations are necessary? President Klein has just agreed to conceed to every point you have proposed; in fact, he agreed to the very same points that you have argued for since the very beginning of this conference. No blame for the Wolf Hold attacking civilians or placing missile submarines in Parilisan waters, no reparations, nothing but a peace treaty. A complete diplomatic victory for you and yours. What more could you possibly hold out hope for?"

He continued, addressing the entire conference "As far as the Armed Republic of Salzland is concerned, whatever Parilisa feels is an acceptable treaty in this instance will also be acceptable to us. While we are disappointed that the proposed terms represent complete concession to the opening demands of the Wolf Hold, we recognize that Parilisa's right to place peace as the paramount interest of this conference is legitimate, and exclusively their choice to make."

"Thus, if there is no opposition, I move that the terms be drafted and signed immediately. Starting with the Wolf Hold representatives of course, since the terms were their suggestion. After all, it's only fair that they take proper credit for their treaty."

"I agree. Surely you, General, can stay a few moments for the cause of peace!"

The President remembered the feeling he got in his youth when he would stalk an animal through the forests around Sylvaburg with his air-rifle. That sensation of getting in on the kill was one which he felt now; the wolf was like a rabbit in his headlights, and he was about to slam his foot on the acceleration.

“Yes, I agree with my colleagues here. Even if you do not feel we have enough time to draw up an entire treaty, you have enough time to sign an agreement to assure us that there will be no war. A temporary agreement which will stay in place until there is sufficient time to organise a larger document.”

Vice Wolf's Marshall Evans had spent most of the time during the second meeting in his cabin staring at the MP7 PDW he had placed on the desk infront of him. He thought leaving that bunch of squabling delegates would calm him down, however all it did was give the anger and sense of loss time to fester and grow. He sat up reached out for the MP7 and decided against it, he knew that he was proably close to the edge but he still knew that would be suicde however before he left he slid the magazine out of the MP7 and placed it in his pocket. Trying his hardest to clear his head, he walked out of his cabin and made for the conference room.

He entered just in time to hear the exchange of words between Fell and the other delegates. His anger rising all ready, "SO! Wolf's General Fell trying to orginise somthing beyond your authority." Turning to the room "We will sign no treaty!"

“Of course you bloody won’t!” shouted Klein, leaping to his feet. The rage which had festered inside him throughout the conference was rising in a torrent of undiplomatic expression. “You had no intention when you arrived here today to form any sort of association for peace! If the noble delegate from Osea had not got involved we would never have got anywhere at all! You have been praying for war, I can see it in your eyes and I can feel it when you walk past; I know what a war-mongerer looks like!”

“I have had only a small time dealing with citizens of your country; I have read the reports on the airport incident, I have studied the reports about your moronic incursion into Parilisan territories…and I have discovered one common vein running through all of your people. That is a passion for war, a love of killing. The arse who commanded that fleet to murder the innocents of Exengrad was a prime example of this idiocy.”

“No, Mr Evans you will not sign this treaty; because you are a barbarian and a maniac. As you said before, you would prefer to kill me than sign anything; the perfect example of Wolf Holdian diplomacy. Murder, bloody murder, appears to be what you do in your country. Politics must be a bloodbath of epic proportions.”

"Oh, come now Evans, surely you wouldn't want to ruin the mood? We were just getting on well with Fell - in fact, we were about to draft the peace treaty! Surely you wouldn't undo such progress?"

Lordens-Owenson was enjoying seeing Fell squirm, and the smile on his face grew wider when he saw Evans enter the room. The Commandant, however, was less amused.

"Evans, I suggest you control yourself. This, may I remind you, is a diplomatic event, not a shouting match. Klein, the same to you. Seat yourself this instant."

"Gentlemen, if I may," said Minister Hollander, rising, "I believe a five minute recess is in order, at the very least to allow the Wolf Hold representatives time to decide what the Wolf Hold agenda actually is. We still have not reached the station, and we can most assuredly spare a few moments extra to reach a final conclusion to this conference."

"Should the Wolf Holders return from their discussion and decide not to sign the treaty, however, then I feel confident stating that for all intents and purposes, we are done here."

“They’ll sign no treaty! They’ll sign nothing unless it’s a declaration of war, and even then they’d probably wish to sign it in the blood of murdered Parilisan citizens. I’ll sit, and I’ll let this divided delegation go and sort itself out.” said Klein, sitting down. His face was contorted into a menacing scowl, obviously enraged by the Holdian delegates.

"Perhaps it would not be unwise, if consensus will permit it..." The Commandant looked inquiringly at the other present members. Lordens-Owenson, for one, merely shrugged. He was content to sit and observe the two parties scream at each other, but perhaps a cooldown before someone got hurt might be in order. The Commandant turned again to the Parilisan.

"Perhaps, President, it would be prudent for you to take a moment to compose yourself. This is most unproductive."

As surprising as the offer of peace by Fell had been, Evans' entrance and declaration had been much more surprising to General Novacek. That surprise was compounded when the Parilisan President joined in the shouting. Jake sighed as the conference once again dissolved into a screaming match.

After the recommendation to recess was voiced, Novacek continued to sit in his chair. He used his netbook to receive updates from back in Oseato and waited until the meeting resumed again or the train stopped at the next station, whichever was first.

Marshall Evans had a high tolerance for bullshit and crap, albeit that tolerance had been lowered by recent events, he still was pretty sure he could control the majority of his temper. However one of Klein’s comments snapped his control, it was almost visible as anger flared in Evans eyes, Fell spotted it first as he attempted to pull Evans into his seat. However Evans simply threw off Fell's hand and turned to him, "General Fell you are about one step away from a court marshal, I recommend you stand down before I make sure you never return to The Wolf Hold." His self control clearly lying in ruins, Evans turned to Klein who was now sitting in his chair.

"President Klein, if you are even worthy of that title, I would have Exengrad burn for the death of Decker, he was a greater leader then you ever could be, he may not of intended to kill the people of Exengrad but by god I will kill every single Parilisan, I will have tour governments bodies dragged through your burnt and blood covered streets, I will personally execute anyone who has ever been close to you and all the while you will be sitting their watching as we burn your country to the ground, then in your final moments maybe you will feel just a small inkling of the loss I have felt, maybe you will get what it is to loses someone who meant the world to you and after you are the last Parilisan left on this earth I will execute you in one of the slowest ways I can imagine. After all this has happened though it still will only be a small step on the way to making up for killing Decker."

“Oh get over yourself you pompous little imbecile! You think you’re the first person to loose a friend?” said Klein, calmly but quite viciously.

“From what I know Decker was as much of a fool as you are; one of the military elite who rule over the Holdian cult of martial dictatorship. As for your suggestion that you will burn Parilisa, that you will torture my loved ones, that you would kill me in an excruciatingly cruel manner, well that simply highlights the point that I made earlier: that you are a savage. If you do not have a wish for peace, get the hell out of this peace conference.”

The Commandant sighed.

"Guards, confine them both to their cabins. Gentlemen, go with the guards peacefully, for the love of God. To you all, this conference is adjourned for the next five minutes until I can get this mess sorted out. Please remain in your seats for the moment."

Guards immediately moved from their positions, hands at their weapons. Stern faced, they half-circled each man, before the Commandant nodded. Evans was the first to be encouraged out the door.

“Oh don’t be so ridiculous, good sir! There is no need for that. By all means, if this man has no wish for peace then he should be removed from the conference, but I do not see why I should be removed. I have simply replied to the threat of atrocities and murder from this fool sat before us. If somebody were to tell you, sir, that he wished to torture your friends, burn your house, and then murder you in a diabolical fashion, what would be wrong in you retaliating to such an offense? Nothing of course. Now, I completely agree that both of us should calm down and continue with the main aim of this meeting, which is after all peace.”

Fell's hand immediately shot behind his back, his hand grasping the handle of his desert eagle. "Commandant let these too men sort out their differences!" He yelled over Evans next outburst. Evans on the other hand was completely oblivious to the guards.

"He was more then a fucking friend you ass hole. This was never going to end in peace, especially when you opened such as debacle with insults and accusations, you wait, it won't be Cain’s signature on that declaration of war, it will be mine, and it will be written in your blood. You call us savage, savage we may be but at least we care for our men, I think you have problems you poor excuse for a man, even your own police were complaining about their pay. You and your people will pay dearly for your insults and acts. I will take great pleasure in ending your pitiful existence”

ooc: i thought we already adjurned...

IC:

Tork was getting really, really concerned. He spoke loudly, the voice of a man use to giving orders over the sound of 1500 hp diesels thundering in the room

"This is redicules. Please, Marshall Evans calm down. Commandant, I urge you, despite our previous disagreement, call your guards off both these men. Let them go to their quarters alone. I will escort the Marshall. I also suggest we stop this confrence. We will not reach peace here today. Let us each go home and report to our people"

“I’m not going to take this bait, I’m not going to go down to the level of a whining little schoolchild anymore. Mr Commandant, I will be civil from now on, you have my word. I am quite capable of ignoring this man. If he continues, however, I will have to leave this conference, which would be beneficial to nobody.” Said Klein.

“Now, I believe we had the chance to discus a non-aggression pact with the CIS…” said Klein, trying to change the subject.

"President, really. 5 minutes, that's all I ask. A stiff drink, and that you come back in calmly. The train will wait if necessary. Evans, I gave you an instruction. Go with the guards this instant. General Tork, I will not allow these men to walk unaccompanied in their current manner. They may come back unaccompanied, but the current tension means that it would be improper to yourselves and my staff otherwise."

“Very well, if it will put your mind at rest I will retire to my cabin for a few moments. Then I shall return and we can get back down to business without this stupidity, alright?” Klein could understand the Commandant’s concern, but he thought that adjourning the meeting again was unnecessary.

Evans was now breathing heavily, staring at Klein, barley holding himself back. Fell on the otherhand knew this was the time to retake control. placing a hand on Evans shoulder, the other firmly grasping his fire arm. "Commandant, I recomend you get this train to the next station, lest this develop into somthing more then a peace conference, I kindly recomend that your guards stand down, as I have no intention of releasing my sidearm untill they do. It is a shame that we didn't reach a sucsessful conclusion, we were close I must admit, but sadly today might not be the day. Now once again, stand your guards down"

Tork was now looking around for a weapon. Anything. The Wolf Holdians were a people of few words and many bullets. The Commandant seemed to havew had issues from too much time spent bossing troops around at one point of his life. Tork figured he could easily disarm one of the guards, but he probably get torn to bits in the ensuing madness.

"Friends, calm down, please. Filling this train with bullets will not do much for any of us. General Fell, your country will soon need you if you go to war. Please, calm down."

"Excellent. Gentlemen, you may follow President Klein to his cabin, and leave him there for the moment."

"And send two whiskies down with him - the man looks like he needs it!" Lordens-Owenson had re-entered his more jovial mood, laying an arm around Klein's shoulders and marching him out of the room. Speaking quietly to Klein, he offered him a few words of advice.

"My good sir, one word of advice, at least; listen to the Commandant. Stantham may be a bastard of sorts, but he's run this train for almost 15 years - the man knows what he's doing. Whisky and a bit of Tchaikovsky always works - trust me, young man, I've dealt with him more often than I care to remember, and he demands obedience from everyone - humility is a virtue with this man..." he winked, lightening his last statement as he took two tumblers from a waitress.

--

"Fell, did I not make it explicitly clear to you that weapons were not permitted aboard this vehicle? Please hand your weapon over to the guard - the only person with the potential to escalate this is you. Having deliberately allowed the Nachmeran and Oseatan delegates to disarm themselves while you knowingly kept a weapon from my knowledge is incredible. What reason do I exactly have to believe that you are not simply waiting for a moment when my guards are stood down? No, I really think it would be more appropriate that you hand it over, immediately. General Tork speaks sense - if you value your country, hand the weapon over."

The Sutufinai Vice President sighed softly, shaking his head. His face, despite being completely alien and Canid, displayed pure grief and sadness as he seemed to huddle back into his chair away from it all. He'd long given up trying to help the Wolf Holders diplomatically. He was now trying to find a way tocope with what seemed like a very certain future. He shivered softly as he thought of burning rainforest and the destruction of Sutufinai.

General Hammer sighed softly, and just said softly... easily audible by anyone listening under the shouts, "I just want to go home, I know it's treason... But I wanna punch Nathaniel for bringing Sutufinai from it's Isolationist culture to this; "Great and prosperous" world stage. We just entered the world stage, and what do we have? We have blundered into a World War."

The Admiral nodded, mumbling back to General Hammer, "Neither your Ground forces or my Navy have any chance on the open field against these nations. So, of course, we'll be trying to support The Wolf Hold, Nachmere, and whomever else... While we will be relying on them for defense. I don't know about you Hammer, but I hate relying on other countries. I also know, Nathaniel does not like relying on other countries as well. He'll be beyond furious when he hears of what the treaty he just signed; Mortgaging our country to the Wolf Holders in that "Mutual Defense" pact, Has just drug us into a massive war."

Hammer sighed, but nodded; "Y'know what they say though, right? 'Cry Havock and loose the dogs of war', I believe. I worry that we've let our ancestral dogs of war down, and we're now facing a new threat in a way we cannot win."

"Screw this. I am a Army commannder. Im not dieing in a duel between a train-tyrant and and two trigger happy madmen. But I cant leave either..." Tork thought to himself...He lookked at the exit...Then moved slowly between the guards and the Wolf Holdians. Again he spoke very loud and very slow:

"Nobody here needs this. Commandant, my friends...Are not big on parting with their weapons...Shall we reach an understanding in which they carry them to their quarters and be confined there untill we can leave the train?"

"Screw this. I am a Army commannder. Im not dieing in a duel between a train-tyrant and and two trigger happy madmen. But I cant leave either..." Tork thought to himself...He lookked at the exit...Then moved slowly between the guards and the Wolf Holdians. Again he spoke very loud and very slow:

"Nobody here needs this. Commandant, my friends...Are not big on parting with their weapons...Shall we reach an understanding in which they carry them to their quarters and be confined there untill we can leave the train?"

The Commandant's face softened a little - finally, one of the delegates showed an ability to compromise.

"I apologise, General, but I simply cannot allow delegates to walk about my vehicle with weapons - especially weapons that are in a condition to be immediately used. I would like to allow these men to simply walk back to their cabin with loaded weapons. I will not breach diplomatic convention by searching their cabin for further contraband, but I must insist for the safety of us all that the weapons are handed over. I would be doing a disservice to my staff, myself, and every delegate here that would genuinely want a peaceful resolution to this if I did not."

The Commandant was, for once, making an attempt to be reasonable. He could not in good conscience allow his staff to be endangered - surely Tork would understand that if nothing else.

"A gunfight wouldent be much of a service to any of us, commandant. Give me a second"

Tork leaned to Fell. Evans was obviouslly beyond common sens right now.

He whispered...

"General, please, I ask you as a friend, an allie. I will die with you in a battlefield. But not here, not like this. This is childish."

Fell gritted his teeth, he had no intention on giving up his side arm, however he would compromise, especially science the commandant was trying to be reasonable and with Nachmere urging them too. "Commandant, I have no intention of surrendering the weapon, especially after what you did to my friends weapons before, however I am perfectly willing to hand over the magazine to the firearm and then go to our quarters. Would that be acceptable?"

"Hand it over to the nearest guard, and we'll have you escorted to your cabin. Thank you for being reasonable. We'll make a diplomat of you yet, I think."

The Commandant smiled, an attempt to be humorous.

"Once the Wolf Hold delegates have left the car, you are of course free to stretch your legs. 5 minutes, and we will hold a final attempt. Perhaps Marshall Evans would prefer to sit this one out?"

OOC: This may be poor quality, im on my mobile.

Klein did not utter another word until he was out of the room. After a while the Parilisan turned to the Adenian delegate. The President was obviously rather stressed.

'Will you join me for a drink,sir?'

Slowly pulling out his desert eagle and sliding the clip out, he passed the magazine to the nearest guard and began to lead Evans out of the carriage. "Commandant, I have to get over to Cukarica to sort out the mess over their, as far as I am aware, the train is due at the next station in close to five minutes, I am more then willing to re-convene at another point, however I must heed the recall to The Wolf Hold. I also think that it would be better if Evans had a longer time to cool down. He lost more then anyone here I think."

Tork relaxed little. "I am glad we are being reasonable. I also suggest we end this confrence at the next stop. The feelings are too harsh, it seems, for an agreement to be signed.'

Komnenos stood.

"I must report the situation to Her Imperial Majesty before heading home. Due to certain events at home, the Wolf Hold is of considerably more interest than usual to us. Commandant, I would appreciate it if you could make available a secure link to the Mangana Palace." Komnenos bowed politely to the various delegates and exited the conference chamber.

As he passed President Klein and Mr. Lourdes-Owenson, he signalled to one of his aides, who stopped whilst Komnenos headed onward. "Mr. President? Mr. Lourdes-Owenson? Grand Duke Komnenos would speak with you at your convenience." Shortly afterward, Minister Hollander met the same aide, who approached him. "Minister Hollander? Grand Duke Komnenos asks for a moment of your time."

"It would be my pleasure to meet with the Grand Duke as soon as it meets his convenience," Minister Hollander replied, with a smile. Speaking with the Chalcedonian representative was one of the few bright spots in the conference, as far as Hollander was concerned. He was eager for the opportunity to do so again.

(OOC: Very sorry for the short IC reply, am off to claim the TV for the finale of Lost)

"Yes, yes, of course. It wouldn't do to be rude." He turned to the Parilisan. "Perhaps our drink should wait - at least until we've seen the Grand Duke..." He made his way down the corridor searching for the duke, inquisitive if nothing else - the conference had been a resounding failure, but some good perhaps had come of it all.

"Fell, I really most protest. You have shown yourself a far more reasonable man than your superior, and it would be but a matter of moments to sign a treaty of this simplicity."

The Commandant was exasperated. It would take a simple pen-to-paper - "we signatories do pledge not to commit an act that may be construed..." Yet, and it was a disturbingly irritating "yet", these same people who would put forward such a treaty now refused to sign it. Curious, frustrating, underhand - what were these people planning? The Commandant could only look every twelvemonth of his 56 long years on this earth, 15 of which had been spent running this very train. This was his most difficult event yet.

"Commandant, I would happily walk in their and sign a treaty that would save not only the lives of your men, but of our allies and our own men, however I don't have the authority. I am here only as Evans companion, anything I sign will not be valid, I am only a general, not a Marshall. Frankly I don't know why Cain sent Evans, he never will get over the death of Decker. However Commandant you have my personnel assurance I will try my damnedest to reconvene this conference, and try and reach a successful conclusion. If need be I will face court marshal, I will try to make peace."

Fell's eyes conveyed the sincerity of his statement. He had no wish to see the brave men and women of any of the nations present killed.

Komnenos was waiting in the communications suite when the two other delegates entered.

"Gentlemen. Good to see you again. I am about to open communications with Her Majesty, and my report of the Wolf Hold will not be positive. I am going to recommend that Her Majesty withdraw from the CIN and apply to join ODECON. However, I would like to do so with delegates from ODECON members willing to back me up - that is, willing to commit their nations to welcoming the Empire into their alliance. I can tell you this with certainty: given the help that the WDC is providing Her Majesty's Government, she won't be willing to leave the CIN on a "maybe".

(OOC: Can ODECON hold a vote on this as is the regular procedure, or do I have to make a *formal* application first?)

OOC: You'd need to make a formal application, which would in all likelihood be accepted. It shouldn't take long. The link is in my sig.

A final sigh, before the Commandant waved it off.

"Very well, very well. There is little else I can do. Perhaps you had better sort your things, it shan't be long before we stop."

--

Lordens-Owenson nodded.

"Of course, Her Majesty can entirely count on Adenian support in this matter - it would be an honour to work with Her Majesty to push for acceptance."

"I apoligise Commandant, maybe one day we can meet on the same side instead of oppsite sides. Also my compliments to your staff and especaily your train, I am quite impressed. I do hope to buy you a drink some day." Offering his hand to show that some peace could be acheived on this day.

OOC: For Salzland and Adenia: the thread from which this originally came is here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=590114).

Mangana Palace
Constantinopolis Secundus

Eirena sat on one side of the desk, the two representatives of her most reliable allies on the other.

"Gentlemen, I'm afraid that I have bad news. According to a reliable source of mine, the Osean Empire has decided to back my brother's claim to the throne. They've dispatched a powerful fleet to escort supplies and reinforcements to one of the Dalmatian ports that he controls. Whilst the Navy did a fairly thorough job of destroying the facilities as they retreated, it doesn't take much to unload cargo ships."

"I've sent Grand Admiral Banton out with all the ships I could spare, with orders to take any steps necessary to prevent those supplies reaching my brother. I cannot emphasise this enough - Constantinopolis Secundus cannot fall to Michael. Not only would he take out his anger on the citizenry, by long tradition, the owner of the capital is perceived to be the legitimate ruler by the provincial governors - if he takes it, my only recourse is to go into exile, as my own forces will desert me."

"Is there anything that the Empire of Shazbotdom or the Principality of Northern Rangeria are prepared to do to prevent this coming to pass?"

Eirena was interrupted by a chiming - her vidscreen was signalling an important call. "Please remain, gentlemen. That will be Grand Duke Komnenos at the Parilisan Peace Conference (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=591644), to report on his impressions."

The screen cleared into a good representation of Grand Duke Komnenos, in the communications suite of the Parilisan conference train. He bowed his head respectfully to his Empress.

"What news, Grand Duke? Have you made us allies, or, failing that, helped to end the war?" Eirena decided to cut directly to the point.

"In order, Majesty, yes and no. My impressions are as follows: the Wolfholders were appallingly badly-behaved, issung threats left, right and centre, refusing to agree to ideas that they had suggested and ultimately scuttling the conference. Frankly, I was aghast at their bad behaviour, and some of those on the other side of the table were almost as ill-mannered, although no-one went quite so far as General Fell. Whilst it appears to have ended on a reasonably good note - the participants have tentatively agreed to meet again - I, for one, would not hold my breath anytime soon."

Eirena leaned forward, toward the screen. "That is disappointing news, Your Grace. What can you tell me of these new 'allies' whose friendship you have secured?"

Komnenos was hesitant in his reply. "Majesty, may I present Mr. Arthur Lourdes-Owenson, the delegate from Brittanican Adenia, and Mr. Thomas Hollander, Deputy Minister for the North Atlantic Region for the Armed Republic of Salzland. Their nations are leading members of the Oceanic Defence Coalition, ODECON for short - the people who sat opposite General Fell at the table earlier today."

"Majesty, these nations, as well as the Empire of Lord Sumguy, have agreed to sponsor the Empire - your government being the recognised central authority within the Empire - for ODECON membership, committing any ODECON member to defend the Empire and its government if we should be accepted by the general membership."

He waited for the Empress to respond, which she was not slow to do.

"Gentlemen, greetings. My name is Eirena Doukaina-Palaiologina, and I am the Empress of New Chalcedon, the head of the executive branch of government in the Empire. I am intrigued by this situation, but tell me - will the Empire's joining of ODECON commit the Empire to declare war on the Wolf Hold over the current situation?"

She waited for a reply.

OOC: Just to let everyone know, it's graduation weekend and my parents are down, so I won't be on NS until Monday, at least. Sorry all, didn't think this conference would last as long as it did

Absolutely OK - graduation is more important than NS.

OOC: I disagree, they mispronounced my name at graduation. (And I have pretty easy first and last names)

But seriously, congrats, enjoy your time.

"Gentlemen, greetings. My name is Eirena Doukaina-Palaiologina, and I am the Empress of New Chalcedon, the head of the executive branch of government in the Empire. I am intrigued by this situation, but tell me - will the Empire's joining of ODECON commit the Empire to declare war on the Wolf Hold over the current situation?"

Klein entered the room a little later than the others and tried to make his arrival as quiet as possible so as to not interrupt the discussion that was taking place with the foreign Empress. He had made a complete arse of himself at the conference, allowing personal feelings to temporarily overrule political needs. He was adamant that the result could not have been better, due to the obvious disdain for peace which the Holders held, but he was somewhat embarrassed by his frequently undiplomatic behaviour. Here he saw a way to make up for it. For a while now he had been aware that New Chalcedon wished to join ODECON, and he was more than aware of the risks and implications of such a move. The nation was one that he admired, however, and he wished to hep the transition of the nation between the alliances. Not wishing to interrupt anybody, he decided instead to write a little note on a scrap of paper and pass it to the Chalcedonian delegate.


You have my support at ODECON. I will do all I can to help you.

"Gentlemen, greetings. My name is Eirena Doukaina-Palaiologina, and I am the Empress of New Chalcedon, the head of the executive branch of government in the Empire. I am intrigued by this situation, but tell me - will the Empire's joining of ODECON commit the Empire to declare war on the Wolf Hold over the current situation?"

She waited for a reply.

Lordens-Owenson was the first to pipe up. Clearing his throat, he addressed the Empress.

"Your Majesty, from how I read the charter, the applicable article is number ten, of Section One of the Military Articles, stating in layman's terms that if war is declared upon a single member, it is considered war against the alliance. Now, currently, there is no state of war, although considering today's activities, that may yet change.

I might add, however, from the same article, that the status of your nation - that is, of civil war - may exempt you from the requirement to provide troops. The charter itself is shaky, considering the recent changes to the structure of the alliance, the disbanding of ODEFOR in favour of an approach to one similar to that of the old North Atlantic Treaty Organisation of many years past. No military expert am I. I would consider it far more likely that the Wolf Hold would declare war upon ODECON than vice versa."

Mangana Palace
Constantinopolis Secundus

"I see."

Eirena hesitated a moment - she didn't like the idea of changing alliances for simple convenience's sake, but the fact remained that the CIN was demonstrably ineffective, and the Empire needed an ally. It was this factor that made her take the plunge.

"Gentlemen, Lady Basset, consider the application made. The official forms will be filed as soon as possible. Whilst we will retain our CIN membership for the moment, in the hopes that the CIN will be able to resolve its issues, our primary alliance will be ODECON as soon as we are accepted. However, this is contingent upon the Empire not being obliged to declare war on the Wolf Hold for the duration of our civil war - they are providing invaluable assistance to my government."

She turned to Minister Terrance, the Shazbotdom representative, who sat across the desk from her, alongside Ambassador Silander of Northern Rangeria.

"Gentlemen, I recommend that your nations also apply to join ODECON - strength in unity, after all."

(OOC: Formal application will be forthcoming on the ODECON page. If Basset wants the Empire to join the Hegemony, now is the time to bring it up.)

Is this thread dead, or waiting fora reply from someone?

OOC- I think we've reached a conclusion now, if everybody wants to wrap this up?

OOC- I have nothing to say, other then we are comming