NationStates Jolt Archive

ooc: 2.35 billion? not likely; i think you'll find many of us RP significantly lower populations than our NS stats indicate. SeOCC comes in just under 300 million, for instance, and being a largely nomadic nation, i'm guessing Watfordshire comes in far below that.

edit: eep! that should have been a 3.

OOC: Awesome! It does take the strain off wondering how my nation will support 750 million people.

Rosa giggled. "I had occasion to taste some of his, uh ... wares when i was last in Watfordshire. Oh look, more Bovines! I must ask them to breakfast! What did you say your name was?"


The Military Dancer seems a little nervous compared to most of the Shiree Almeida had encountered on her diplomatic mission, but she put it down to the unfamiliar surroundings... that and the fact that the poor fellow clearly had a great deal more drawing to do if he was going to cover all the countries represented at the conference. She idly wondered whether Military Dancers called for 'back up' if their portraiture was falling behind schedule, or if they were one short for a limbo competition...

"zhamo Alejandro... Alejandro Hix". The Military Dancer embraced Rosa, but with more formality than the warmth she'd felt from Verity's squeeze.

"I am not a diplomat, Mms. Almeida, and so you may find my style a little raw, but perhaps you might also have room at your table for Professor Kanewitz tomorrow morning... I believe my unit is picking him up from the airport at some point in the early hours (ooc: see. no lie (http://invisionfree.com/forums/CACE/index.php?showtopic=1718)!), I would be glad to pass on any message"

Rosa smiled sweetly. "Diplomatic enough for me, Mister Dancer. As for that message, you can tell him i'm in room 837, and the door's unlocked. Otherwise, i'll see him during the day."

She felt an urgent tugging on her sleeve.

"Oh, excuse me, Mr Alkatiri seems to want a word with me. Happy drawing!"

It certainly does.
http://diden.net/~maga/images/ricewine.jpg

Image by the wonderful Rehochipe.

OOC: Now, that's a seriously cool image, X! :D
kudos to rehochipe!

IC:
Heads up!” whispered Deines in sudden excitement as Connors handed his note back to the man behind the desk. “Hell Bovines, directly ahead.”

“Do calm down, Deines,” snapped Connors. “You’re being most unpolite. If you think this will be too exciting for you to maintain proper diplomatic formalities, you can head back to the room.”

“N-no, that’s all right,” murmured Deines. Connors was content with him keeping his mouth closed, even if the Weshielder was rocking back and forth with eyes as big as dinner plates.

“Minister Vacuno,” said Ridgeman, who butchered the pronunciation while grasping the hoof with his hand in the only gesture that seemed appropriate. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Harry Ridgeman, from the Republic of Weshield. Erm, this is Gerald Connors, from the United Kingdom of the Shield, and, erm...”

Ridgeman trailed off as he remembered that he didn’t know Deines first name. He glanced blankly at Connors, who stepped up to the plate.

”This is Citizen Deines, Delegate Ridgeman’s assistant. I do hope that Minister Coincollector is all right, however; I’ve admired his work for some time.”

“Grregh,” said Deines, drooling slightly.

Saturnino smiled as he streched Ridgeman's hand.
"It's, again, a pleasure to meet you. Minister Coincollector is fine, thanks. He just problably got lost behind either a nice drink or a beautiful xikuanguese female, but that's just his personality."
"Anyway, how are things going on in the Iansisle? We have heard much news about the political changes going on there, though the nature of them are not much clear to us. Anyway, we would be pleased to continue this mutual friendship between our nations, after so many years."


Meanwhile, minister coincollector was already ordering a nice, big bottle of Xikuanguese rice wine. He looked at it and tasted it slowly, to get to know its flavour. Indeed, he loved the drink, though it reminded him of the tasty "Chicha", back at home in Hell Bovines.
Enjoying the first cup of wine, he turned around and gave a look to the room, bustling with foreign delegates. This was the life he liked. Why didn't he study foreign relations instead of economics? Saturnino had everything so easy, he thought.
He saw the delegates from Watforshire. He had heard that they were great portraiters and drawers, very skillful. Would they make a portrait of him? And saturnino with his ridiculous pipe?
No, better don't bother them, he thought to himself. They seem quite busy as they are now.
He took another sip of the glass and let himself get lost in the flavour....

“Glad to hear that,” said Connors in reply to the Coincollector comment, while doing his level best not to imagine bovine-human intercourse. Judging by the way Ridgeman’s mouth was hanging open and Deines was giggling, they were having roughly the same mental images.

“Erm, well,” continued Connors, coughing loudly into his hand, “things in Iansisle! Yes. Erm, there have been some ...changes, I suppose. One of the reasons we’re here, really.”

“Quite,” agreed Ridgeman. Deines still seemed to be strangely inarticulate.

“At any rate,” said Connors, glaring at Ridgeman, “I’m sure His Majesty’s provisional government would be more than happy to continue the strong trade bonds between our great nations. And the Republic would like that as well, eh, Citizen?”

Ridgeman didn’t get the clue.

“Eh, citizen?”

“Oh, quite right! Erm - yes!” exclaimed the Weshielder, who apparently hadn’t still gotten past the Coincollector Comment.

((Erk. Apologies for my latest absence. I have been NS-busy with collapsing the other Igovian empire, that of Beddgelert in the self-contained region of Eastern Europe. Er, and on the off chance that anyone's familiar with that manifestation, I should say, "no! Beth Gellert hasn't shot/worked/starved/frozen/re-educated 10% of its population to death under this form of Igovian socialism. No, really! Anyway, the spectre of sham-communism in Eastern Europe has been soundly quashed, and now I've only a little city state to distract me, there. Yeah, this is getting pretty wordy. Kivi Eikki Paatelainen probably wouldn't have had much to contribute, anyway, as Beth Gellert has never signed a thing in its history, and the General knows he can't commit to anything treaty-wise in future, as it'll never get past the Local Senates anyway. Now, where the heck am I?))

"Break? Fantastic, maybe now I can eat me one of them cows!" Kivi exclaimed with a roar of laughter, rising to his feet several minutes after everyone around him had already reacted to the pause in proceedings.

The big man looked around, and from the lofty vantage of his striking if bloodshot eyes soon espied a cow with a bottle of booze. Damn, it was good to be a communist, again! Being unapproached himself by other delegates and given by every woman in the hall a birth at least so wide as his opiate-heavy aura, comrade General Paatelainen lurched and swaggered his way back to the bar, where he greeted the unfamiliar Coincollector with a slap on the chuck, ah, brisket, ah shoulder!

"Greetings, comrade cow!" Said the General, introducing himself fully as comrade General Kivi Eikki Paatelainen, Secretary Advising The Igovian Soviet People's Defence Forces. "What are you drinking? Comrade barkeep! Another bottle of what my friend's having!"

[ooc: I've had a chaotically busy week and I'm going out of town this weekend, so....]

The Paristani delegation gathered up their notes, shook hands and spoke briefly about the day's events with a few of the other delegates, and then made their way back to the hotel.

[ooc again: whoever wants to chat with one of the Paristani delegates is welcome to, but you won't get a response till Tuesday-ish.]

(ooc: snap, New Paristan. Sorry to have neglected you all, but it's been... y'know.)

As the delegates prepare to leave the Conference Halls, Dr. Xu observes Nirgal standing alone, simply watchful. Intrigued by his apparent familiarity with the native culture, she was about to approach the Ecopoeian when he meandered off. Ah well, she thought. Perhaps tomorrow.


"Greetings, comrade cow!" Said the General, introducing himself fully as comrade General Kivi Eikki Paatelainen, Secretary Advising The Igovian Soviet People's Defence Forces. "What are you drinking? Comrade barkeep! Another bottle of what my friend's having!"

"Yes, certainly, right away! Erm." replied the barman, seeming for a moment somewhat unsure, then placing a neatly opened bottle of the Sun Wukong with its accompanying small ceramic cup before Comrade Kivi Ekki Paatelainen, the action smoothly moving into a quick refill of the roasted soynut dish, which seemed to have been rather sharply depleted recently. The tiny cup felt-- and looked-- rather ridiculous in the big Beth Gellen's hand, but it held enough to be an appreciable sip... the taste was similar to liquors he had sampled in his more recent exploits in Korea, but a bit less sweet, a bit sharper; definitely more of an edge to it, with a hint of something he couldn't quite make out...

"Do make that another two, only we shall take it in the traditional manner, please." Councillor Xiang, accompanied by the short, stocky Councillor Qzin, appeared at the bar on Minister Coincollector's other side, both bowing to the foreign delegates respectfully. The barman looked somewhat relieved and vanished around the corner as Xiang spoke. "Good evening, friends! I do hope you have found the day's proceedings interesting?"

Qzin abruptly smacked his fellow Councillor on the elbow. "Oh, do let's not talk shop, Kalsang." Having remained silent through the conference, Qzin now revealed himself as being possessed of a most singular accent to his Celdonian. "It's been a long day. Now it is time for other pursuits." Their drinks were delivered: evidently, Sun Wukong is traditionally served heated, in a thick-skinned teapot-like object. Qzin picks his up, offering to fill the Hell Bovine's and the Beth Gellen's cups. "Most people tend to prefer it hot, if you'd care to try?"

ooc: RP away. I'll be kinda busy this weekend; hope to kick off the conference again Monday or thereabouts. As long as that's okay with you guys, that is.

BUMP
because I seem to have the day off...

Fouad entered the bar and spotted the Rigans instantly. They were tall, and the minister was in a military uniform, two characteristics rare in the extreme among the locals; besides, two people apparently busy getting drunk are hard to conceal, even in the middle of a bar-unless the bar was in fact an East Hackneyite pub, in which case the entrant risked becoming 'influenced' by the vapours alone. He didn't usually enter this kind of places himself, or rather, he didn't usually enter them alone, although with friends-or colleagues-it was an occurence no ammount of efforts could render uncommon. He sighed; no matter how unpleasant he found the location, this particular errand had been thrust upon the hapless Praesident of Foreign Affairs by the Chairwoman herself, before the unforeseen Biotopian crisis summoned her back to the capital. At least, based on time criteria, the evidence of his senses, and his estimate that they must be long-used to heavy-duty drinking, they wern't drunk, yet; at most lightly inhebriated and still in command of their reason. Or so he hoped.

Fouad walked up to the bar, winding his way around the odd table, before approaching the Rigans.

"Minister Colonel Bergstedt, I presume. I am Praesident Saluki, from Cirdanistan."

At the same time he spoke his introduction, he extended his hand.

"I believe there is a point about a defensive military structure on the Conference's agenda, which ought to be of utmost concern to both our States, as two out of the Coalition's rtaher limited number of military powers. The Revolutionary Democracy would, of course, support a move towards greater military co-operation, in the light of the threats to the security fo Aperin, and of the anti-capitalist world in general. Such an organisation would of course require some form of permanent co-ordinating body, maybe a rapid reaction force, certainly a forum for sharing intelligence and pooling military development. Our policies have, in fact, always led in that direction; but tell me, how would this fit in with your government's plans?"

Nicklas Bergstedt and his secretary sat down at a table of oak-wood, several cups and bottles filled the table, and it looked like if they had a good time. They felt good to, when they first had entered the pub everyone stopped and took a look at the uniforms and then the people in the uniforms, but everything quickly went back to normal when it was clear they were just looking for something to drink.

When Praesident Saluki came to the table Minister Bergstedt rose from his chair and shook the hand.
“An honour to meet you Mr. Saluki, if it’s appropriate to call you that? Why don’t you take a seat, want anything to drink?”

Mr. Bergstedt poured what was left of a bottle of Absolut Vodka – Lemon flavoured into a clean glass and extended it to Mr. Saluki. Minister Bergstedt listened to what he had to say.

“Yes, I believe there is a point regarding the formation of a military alliance and we would be most pleased if one would be formed. Indeed it would need to have a coordination body with councils, advisors and alike. Our government has such as yours been working for such an organisation to be set up in Aperin or in the CACE and we would have no problem to adjust our policies to one. I myself regard the suggestion as a great improvement from the cold and bitter anti-military wave that struggled to keep CACE in a condition where the mere word military could raise fierce discussions. I regard the topic to be very important and we, the people of Svea Riga would certainly stand behind such an organisation, because it is true what you’re saying, the threat imagine against CACE and Aperin and indeed the entire, anti-capitalist world have never cooled down, it’s always been there, and in many cases destroyed us because we couldn’t fight back with our full force”

Minister Bergstedt took a pause in his talking and swept a glass of unknown liquid, probably something awful and imported from Svea Riga. The label said only two things, and that was enough, “Vodka” and “40%”.

“So, when the topic comes to discussion, how do you suggest we approach it?”


Conversation taking place over telephone between Minister Nicklas Bergstedt and Dr. Xu Xian in the ECG
(after the conversation has ended with Praesident Saluki)

Just as she was settling down to re-read the document handed to her earlier by Under Minister Kihl, Xian's 'phone rang. She set the documents back down and answered.

"Dr. Xu speaking."

"Good evening Dr. Xu. This is the Rigan minster of economics Nicklas Bergstedt. I hope I'm not disturbing you" He sounded relaxed and somewhat affected by something, he sounded a little too happy.

"Not at all, Minister Bergstedt. How can I be of service to you?"

"Excellent, well I was discussing with my dear collegue Praesident Saluki from Cirdanistan about tomorrows agenda. I would like to bring a new point into it *hick*. Excuse me. Just after the... the first point. Regarding the forming of an defensive alliance"

"Ah yes." Xu replied, noting that the Rigan Minister of Economics did not sound quite as lucid as he had during the conference, and hoping that he was enjoying himself... but not too much. "I had anticipated that someone might wish to bring that to the agenda. I believe there might be some interest in the topic."

"Indeed there is, we've been waiting for something like this to happen for quite some time now, and 4CACE is a perfect place for us to bring it up" Mr. Bergstedt took another sip from his glass. "Don't worry, just water now, it cures hangover like nothing else"

She suppressed a giggle. The drinking prowess of the Svea Rigans was indeed legendary. "Not at all, not at all. Are you hoping to have this put on the agenda before we reconvene?"

"We are quite flexible. Anytime it fits into the agenda works for us. But we would prefer that yes"

"Well then you may reassure President Saluki that it shall be added. It's Councillor Kham who maintains the agenda; I'll just ask him to do that. I should think it would be appropriate to place it after the discussion on a global economic co-ordination body. Would that suit you?"

"Indeed it would, thank you for all your help"

"No problem, Minister Bergstedt. Do enjoy the rest of your evening. See you in the morning, comrade."

"Good night comrade"

"Actually, i'd prefer being simply called 'comrade'-'mister' has unpleasant connotations."
Saluki listened to Bergstedt's full reply.

"I'd propose we remind the delegates of the SATO 'wargames'-didn't a book about them win the T.A. Simpson award for litterature, by the way?-and then of the permanent thread posed to us by the imperialists armed forces, before proceeding to explain the utility of an alliance. It would be good if we could get some ideas to propose as possible points of a treaty, talk about a league of states volunteering for the duty of defending the anticapitlist world from those who would destroy it. We could also include a few quips about pacifist nations refusing to face their responsabilities because they are just as threatened as any other anticapitalist group, but we'd have to be cautious there. Really, we should concentrate on pointing out the threats against us and then extolling the virtues of a common defence, without making it sound like it's stepping on the toes of misguided nationalist feelings.3

Diplomatic Transmission
From: Office of the Councillor from Democratic Underground, Red Liberty Alliance Headquarters
To: Accessible on diplomatic bands from across the Anticapitalist Alliance
Security Level: None
{
We wish to congratulate the Anticapitalist Alliance upon their admission to the Red Liberty Alliance. Although standard Goobergunchian ally trade benefits are not possible with many ACA nations due to section IV.A.1.iii. of the International Fair Trade Agreement, which the Liberal Unitary Republic is not signatory to, all ACA nations now join the other Red Liberty Alliance nations in being automatically listed as Generally Favored Nations (Diplomatic Status +1) under Goobergunchian law.

Please note that these benefits only apply to nations resident in the Anticapitalist Alliance and do not apply to all nations in the Coalition of AntiCapitalist Economies, such as those resident in Aperin.

Michael Evif
Councillor of the Democratic Underground
Red Liberty Alliance
}

[ooc: This post is due to the ACA's admission to the RLA - my little injection of Gameplay into the RolePlay world.]

"The Commonality wishes to point out to all 'anticapitalist' states that they are engaging in the most monumental lack of judgement since Mr Hitler turned to Mrs Hitler and said, 'Let's have an early night, darling.'

"To be anticapitalist is to rule out diversity, and to rule out diversity is to be bland. To be bland is to die, for to be bland is to be without the required... social genetic material, if you will... to allow the society to continue to develop.

"Capitalism is an outmoded and relatively inefficient economic system, but if we choose to be 'anticapitalist', we choose to exclude the things we learn from capitalism.

"If our ancestors had said, 'Feudalism! Bah! I'm anti-feudalist!', and had ignored any good points that feudalism carried - and there were some - then capitalism would never have developed... and thus we would never have learnt the lessons that the mistakes inherant in capitalism produce.

"We are not capitalist, but we are not socialist either. We recognize that any single system is fraut with flaws, and any flawless system is inherantly flawed anyway. Therefore, we choose to use those flaws to our advantage. We work to ensure that the 'flaws' become strengths - and look for the new flaws that these modifications cause.

"It is only by combining all the we know that we truly move forwards; therefore, we urge the 'anticapitalists' to rethink their position, and embrace diversity."

~ Commonality Economic Court Justice Delora, speaking with the permission of the Commonality Executive Council in a message sent to the current 4CACE Conference

OOC: Heh! Sory for the delay. Jolt forums seem to work stunningly slowly on my pc! :(

IC:

“Glad to hear that,” said Connors in reply to the Coincollector comment, while doing his level best not to imagine bovine-human intercourse. Judging by the way Ridgeman’s mouth was hanging open and Deines was giggling, they were having roughly the same mental images.

“Erm, well,” continued Connors, coughing loudly into his hand, “things in Iansisle! Yes. Erm, there have been some ...changes, I suppose. One of the reasons we’re here, really.”

“Quite,” agreed Ridgeman. Deines still seemed to be strangely inarticulate.

“At any rate,” said Connors, glaring at Ridgeman, “I’m sure His Majesty’s provisional government would be more than happy to continue the strong trade bonds between our great nations. And the Republic would like that as well, eh, Citizen?”

Ridgeman didn’t get the clue.

“Eh, citizen?”

“Oh, quite right! Erm - yes!” exclaimed the Weshielder, who apparently hadn’t still gotten past the Coincollector Comment.

"Glad to hear that as well", said Saturnino with a smily face, as he looked torwards an inarticulate Ridgeman.
"And I'm also very glad to hear things in Iansisle are going on well. After all, I think this great changes your noble nation is going through are the perfect opportunity to open up to new markets and opportunities. Treaties like the IFTA could bring a huge benefit, both to Iansislean society and economy.", he said while taking another puff from his pipe and smiling complacently.

"Anyway, the duque told me one thing: If you see our Iansislean friends, do give them this humble gift, which I'm sure they'll apreciate."
He took from the depths of his robe a small wooden box. On the top, the figure of a joyful bovinian could be seen and the caption below read: "El Abuelo, Bombones de Licor"
"Grandpa's Liquor Bombons, It is the most known brand of bombons in Hell Bovines.", he said as he handed the box to Connors.
"May this begin a new era of friendship between our nations", he said, hoping to eat one bombon himself.

Yes, certainly, right away! Erm." replied the barman, seeming for a moment somewhat unsure, then placing a neatly opened bottle of the Sun Wukong with its accompanying small ceramic cup before Comrade Kivi Ekki Paatelainen, the action smoothly moving into a quick refill of the roasted soynut dish, which seemed to have been rather sharply depleted recently. The tiny cup felt-- and looked-- rather ridiculous in the big Beth Gellen's hand, but it held enough to be an appreciable sip... the taste was similar to liquors he had sampled in his more recent exploits in Korea, but a bit less sweet, a bit sharper; definitely more of an edge to it, with a hint of something he couldn't quite make out...

"Do make that another two, only we shall take it in the traditional manner, please." Councillor Xiang, accompanied by the short, stocky Councillor Qzin, appeared at the bar on Minister Coincollector's other side, both bowing to the foreign delegates respectfully. The barman looked somewhat relieved and vanished around the corner as Xiang spoke. "Good evening, friends! I do hope you have found the day's proceedings interesting?"

Qzin abruptly smacked his fellow Councillor on the elbow. "Oh, do let's not talk shop, Kalsang." Having remained silent through the conference, Qzin now revealed himself as being possessed of a most singular accent to his Celdonian. "It's been a long day. Now it is time for other pursuits." Their drinks were delivered: evidently, Sun Wukong is traditionally served heated, in a thick-skinned teapot-like object. Qzin picks his up, offering to fill the Hell Bovine's and the Beth Gellen's cups. "Most people tend to prefer it hot, if you'd care to try?"

"Yes, the proceedings were great indeed", Minister Coincollector said pleasantly, surprised that he got surrounded by friends so quickly.
"I'm sure that this conference, as most of the previous anti-capitalist meetings, will be a sucess"

"But let's not think about this issues right now. It will be indeed a pleasure to share another cup of hot Sun Wukong with you, gentlemen"
He said as he bowed to the Xikuanguese and the (Beth Gellertian?).
"I'm Glurg Coincollector, Economics Minister of Hell Bovines, and I might say it's a pleasure to meet such noble people as you, good sirs."

(I think I'm about to fall back asleep, but in the mean time just assume Kivi's continuing to drink anything offered, probably to crack terrible and offensive jokes about cows, and to support anti-capitalist militancy while appreciating the significance of capitalism in the political and economic evolution of a society. And Beth Gellen or Beddgelen (pronounced the same way) will do, though most people end up sticking in Ts and things :) )

"Actually, i'd prefer being simply called 'comrade'-'mister' has unpleasant connotations."
Saluki listened to Bergstedt's full reply.

"I'd propose we remind the delegates of the SATO 'wargames'-didn't a book about them win the T.A. Simpson award for litterature, by the way?-and then of the permanent thread posed to us by the imperialists armed forces, before proceeding to explain the utility of an alliance. It would be good if we could get some ideas to propose as possible points of a treaty, talk about a league of states volunteering for the duty of defending the anticapitlist world from those who would destroy it. We could also include a few quips about pacifist nations refusing to face their responsabilities because they are just as threatened as any other anticapitalist group, but we'd have to be cautious there. Really, we should concentrate on pointing out the threats against us and then extolling the virtues of a common defence, without making it sound like it's stepping on the toes of misguided nationalist feelings.3

"I wholeheartly agree with you comrade. The people in the anti-capitalist world sit quite loose on their positions, there's entire alliance dedicated to 'reform' socialist, communist and pacifist nations. It's not more than right that we form some sort of alliance to defend ourselves from them. If now the pacifist wishes not to get involved or stands against the whole suggestion let them stand alone when the threat comes, and it surely will. Is there something else you wish to discuss regarding this matter or any other before I depart?"

"I'm Glurg Coincollector, Economics Minister of Hell Bovines, and I might say it's a pleasure to meet such noble people as you, good sirs."


(I think I'm about to fall back asleep, but in the mean time just assume Kivi's continuing to drink anything offered, probably to crack terrible and offensive jokes about cows, and to support anti-capitalist militancy while appreciating the significance of capitalism in the political and economic evolution of a society. And Beth Gellen or Beddgelen (pronounced the same way) will do, though most people end up sticking in Ts and things )

"The pleasure is all ours, comrade Coincollector, comrade Paatelainen." Xiang answers amicably, and gestures towards a table where some of the regular chairs have been replaced with ones suitable for Bovine use. "A seat, perhaps, gentlemen?"

ooc: Xiang and Xinh will be quite happy to stay and discuss the various methods by which anti-capitalist ideology can be spread and their relative merits. Xiang is a skilled diplomat and will try to defuse some of the more tasteless cow jokes.

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

The evening wears on, pleasantly enough. The delegates are free to pursue whatever entertainments they find suitable to their tastes, which for many means socialising with the other delegates: it is, after all, as much a part of an international conference as the conference itself. Those interested in refining their appreciation for Xikuangese culture might like to attend the performance of traditional Khaidhanh on at the National Concert Hall: a bit like Taiko, but with large bells, huge, deep-throated horns, and considerably more co-ordinated yelling, this percussive art form is always rousing. For those interested in somewhat less 'high' culture, the latest martial arts film from notorious director Srilin 'Lunatic' Jhinpha, Iron Fist of Certain Disaster, has just opened. Some theatres will show a subtitled version... but then, the dialogue probably isn't that important...

Back in her room, Dr. Xu was just about to phone Councillor Kham with Minister Bergstedt's request when she was distracted by an incoming message marked for the attention of 4CACE. She read it through, puzzled.

"Most monumental lack of judgement since Mr. Hitler turned to Mrs. Hitler... rule out diversity? Rule out diversity? Does anyone actually look at the ACA's constituency? Great gleaming purple piglets on fire." She dialled Kham's room, only noting the time-- 21:57-- after the line had already begun ringing. She hoped he hadn't already gone to bed. Ah well, at least I'll have something amusing for him if I do wake him up.

----------

The Following Morning

A light snow had fallen in the night, a shallow dusting remaining here and there into the morning as the delegates make their way back to the conference hall. Those arriving early will be treated to the very lively and highly ominous strains of an orchestral soundtrack from the PA as a violent and vertiginous battle between two black-clad figures leaping and diving among rocky cliffs and high branches plays out on the large screen at the back of the room. As each attempts to cause grievous bodily harm to the other without falling off or being killed, the camera angle continually shifts, making it virtually impossible to tell what is going on or which figure is which.

The camera whirls around the sparring pair as they leap onto a narrow branch overhanging a thousand-meter drop. One feints towards the other with a nasty-looking three-bladed weapon of some type, while the other attempts to knock her opponent off the branch with a spinning double kick to the head, when there is a distinct "*a-hem!*" from the other end of the room.
The action pauses mid-spinning-death sequence, the legend

http://www.drnightshade.org.uk/images/xikuang/reallyquit.gif

popping up in large lettering. Those who know the language will read 'Really quit?' before Councillor Yi'i and Commissioner Amung, under the reproachful eyes of Dr. Xu and the somewhat amused Councillor Zhe, rather sheepishly stop playing Death Ninja III. They turn the back bench back around to face the table before returning to the seats they had occupied yesterday.

The delegates begin to filter in, tea-and-coffee bringing people bring tea and coffee, and a slightly amended Agenda replaces Death Ninja III on the screen.


Fourth International Conference of Anti-Capitalist Economies

http://www.drnightshade.org.uk/images/xikuang/conferencetag.png
Agenda:
Ethical International Trade:
Review of the International Fair Trade Agreement (http://invisionfree.com/forums/CACE/index.php?showtopic=536)
Assessing Our Economic Status:
The NationStates Political Economy Review
Planning Economic Growth Internationally:
Considering a global economic co-ordination body
Mutual Defense:
Considering a co-ordinated defensive alliance
General Brainstorming


ooc: Feel free to continue evening RPs to natural conclusions. Vague NS time and all. Sorry for the late post. I have been recovering from a very happy celebratory type occasion.

"No, this was the only issue we had to discuss; good night, Comrade Minister."
And with these words Praesident Saluki withdrew.
[OOC: apologies for crappy short post]

(Ooooooooh!! We *tags* the thread, yes we do Presssshhhhhious...)

"Glad to hear that as well", said Saturnino with a smily face, as he looked torwards an inarticulate Ridgeman.
"And I'm also very glad to hear things in Iansisle are going on well. After all, I think this great changes your noble nation is going through are the perfect opportunity to open up to new markets and opportunities. Treaties like the IFTA could bring a huge benefit, both to Iansislean society and economy.", he said while taking another puff from his pipe and smiling complacently.

"Anyway, the duque told me one thing: If you see our Iansislean friends, do give them this humble gift, which I'm sure they'll apreciate."
He took from the depths of his robe a small wooden box. On the top, the figure of a joyful bovinian could be seen and the caption below read: "El Abuelo, Bombones de Licor"
"Grandpa's Liquor Bombons, It is the most known brand of bombons in Hell Bovines.", he said as he handed the box to Connors.
"May this begin a new era of friendship between our nations", he said, hoping to eat one bombon himself.

Connors made a polite bow in response to the IFTA comment. In truth, he wasn’t quite so sure about the treaty. It sounded like something in which he’d like Iansisle to participate - but something to which the bigwigs back in Ianapalis and Fort Jackson might take exception. Even after the Revolution, Iansisle’s industry was driven by coal, twelve hour working days, and miniscule wages, and even that was a drastic change from the days when Royal Mining and Manufacturing and IanCorp ran about unchecked.

Reform sounded good in principle; for instance, Noropia was considering cutting off the Shield’s supply of cheap, high grade coal and the Northern Kingdoms controlled what small, low quality reserves were left on the Shield. In theory, that made the (expensive) transition to Dianatranian petroleum seem quite palatable; in reality, the procedure was quite impractical. The Shield was surrounded - and infested - by reactionaries willing and even eager to overturn the Revolution; now was no time to be wrecking havoc on the Shield’s infrastructure and industry.

Also, Bradsworth’s government had made it quite clear that it would not tolerate foreign interference in Shieldian interests in Gallaga and Gallanesia. Surely joining the IFTA would require at least a referendum on those topics?

However sensitive these potential topics, at least Connors was prepared for them. For Saturnino’s follow up statement, however, he was not.

“Erm, thank - thank you, Minister Vacuno. Please, pass my thanks along to His Grace at your earliest convenience. This was really quite generous of him.”

In a way of speaking, Connors thought, it was very generous of Saturnino that the bombons had even made it to his hand. Every person in the Shieldian foreign service had heard the story of how Hell Bovines longshoremen had eaten the hay intended as a gift to the Duque during their first mission to that country.

That reminded him; apparently, in Hell Bovine culture, a gift to the state was intended for the first person who received it on the state’s behalf, and not the actual head of state as in the Shieldian tradition. Which would mean, quite to his delight, that these scrumptious chocolate treats belonged to him.

Connors didn’t know if it was Deines licking his lips or Ridgeman hovering just over his shoulder, but somehow he felt that this gift was something to be shared.

“On the behalf of His Shieldian Majesty, I am honored to accept this gift. And now, Minister Vacuno,” he said, “if you wouldn’t mind retiring to the bar, I would rather like to get you a drink and crack these treats open.”

After chuckling at the sprite-based antics of the two Xikuangese hosts, the Shiree Military Dancer resumes working at his sketch pad and laptop. After sifting through a sheaf of sketches from day 1, the Shiree selects a rough of one of the Iansisle Delegation and scans it into the Cirdani laptop before getting to work on the colour

What does THIS button do again? (http://www.benovision.co.uk/NS/Deines01-1.jpg)

(ooc: if anyone wants me to make any changes to any of the delegates sketched - please let me know via TG/PM/Whatever)

ooc: W, you rock.

ooc: W, you rock.

((Most agreed! Thanks again; that's simply awesome, W. I'm glad you were able to pluck such a spitting likeness to what's in my mind's eye from my rambling, discombobulated description!))

(ooc: mmmm discombobulation)

ooc: sorry, I hope you aren't all waiting for me officially to call the conference in session...

ic:

As soon as everyone (or at least most everyone) is present and their hot beverage needs attended to, Dr. Xu calls for attention.

"Comrades, friends, may I now call this conference in session.

"You may note a modification to the agenda, but the opening item, the consideration of a global economic co-ordinations body, is still the opening item. May we therefore begin discussion on that topic?"

The Shiree Delegation chatter excitedly amongst themselves before the conference resumes, regarding the matter of their change of region. Masaai Hooley had avoided the Iron Fist of Certain Disaster and the traditional Khaidhanh, in favour of the hospitality of his cousin once more. Magic Hooley Snr. and Verity Fruitful were looking lively, if a bit dishevelled (popcorn still visibly attached to the elder statesmans sideburn).

There is still no sign of Luigi Gogglez.

SeOCC delegation has taken their seats and awaits the beginning of the conference.

Saturnino's face lightened at the mention of alcohol and bombons.
"Of course, thanks for the invitation, my Ianislean friend. I'd love to share some pints with you"
And so, the Iansislean and Bovine delegates spent the rest of the night at the bar, enjoying their mutual company as well as the alcohol and bombons.
Saturnino had a great time, chatting with his newly-gained friends about the most varied topics, from the climate in Ianapalis to the most recent milk-extracting technologies.
(I hope you agree with this. If you want to continue RP-ing this chat, wahtsoever, tell me)

*The Following Morning

Once the bovine delegates had dressed up and had breakfast, the amazing view of the Xikuanguese conference room, cramming with sleepy delegates, was there to greet them.
They sat on a nice space, adapted and reserved for them and enjoyed of watching the preparatives as they awaited for the conference start. Economic Minister Coincollector scrached his forehead. Xikuanguese wine does leave hangover, after all.

Commissioner Taqkhla shuffles through some ferociously well-organised notes before speaking.

"As there are no objections, I would like to introduce the proposal on the table.

"Co-operative efforts to strengthen and balance our economies have already been tremendously rewarding, and since the ratification of the IFTA we have together been able to bring positive growth to nations across the spectrum, from the struggling to the most powerful national economies. One of the most notable accomplishments of the IFTA has been to bring developed and developing economies together, on an equal market level. This very fact opens up both a whole new set of resources that we might develop, and a whole new set of challenges that we face collectively. What we propose is the creation of an elected board whose purpose would be to meet these challenges and develop the resources we have as an economic collective.

"Improving our maket strength is good, but real economic growth is measured not just in terms of GDP, but upon improving material conditions for the people: upon the ability to create stronger infrastructures and develop industries that provide resources and employment for people. This kind of development takes resources, resources that a supply-and-demand market economical system does not adequately address, and this hampers true economic growth. Developing economies often struggle to gain the capital goods they require to build their industries, while developed nations often suffer from a superabundance of capital goods they can put to no use. What is needed is a facility to bring these nations together, enabling us to share our diverse strengths and to meet the shortfalls we face as we work to improve infrastructure and industry.

"The proposed Global Economic Trade and Productions Body would consist of representatives elected or appointed in all participating nations, and would be headed by an elected Board elected by member nations. The Board would be responsible for co-ordinating investment and productions in participating nations. Its purpose would be to formulate and implement both short and long term plans based on the requests of its members, putting resources currently stagnating in member nations to use in creating real prosperity. If I may quote Under Minister Kihl: 'In such an institution, we replace trust in an invisible hand with the rational linking of demand and production.'"


ooc: my turn again to be sorry. I was confused about who was supposed to present this topic. Oops!

Having been less active in the 4CACE than any of it's predecessors (domestic issues having kept the interest of most Celdonians firmly focused nearer to home) it had been decided that it was, nevertheless, time to become more involved in the proceedings.

The small delegation shuffled into the conference room and quitely took their seats, doing their best not to interrupt Commissioner Taqkhla.

Comrades, I hesitate to speak given the frequent accusations that SeOCC exerts undue influence over our allies, but I cannot believe that no one has anything to say about this proposal. However you view the movement towards establishing a global economic body, this discussion is too important to remain silent on.

What I think would be most valuable is to hear from nations that are in the process of industrialization, that are in need of capital goods, to hear what these nations are looking for in a global economic body. Such a body should, from the perpsective of post-industrial nations, be viewed as a more effective way to put our economies to use, rather than a source of profit or added value. If a nation is already prosperous, what is the purpose of increasing efficiency? The only purpose, other than the blind pursuit of profit, is to reduce waste, which requires an awareness that there is a better use for those resources lost in production.

Ottasam Kihl
Under Minister of Politics
SeOCC

Verity Fruitful addresses the Conference;

"Every NationState present, relies on the production of its labour to survive, and as Under Minister Kihl has asserted, whether we are for or against such an administrative body, we should surely have an opinion on it, or at least some questions.

Our own nation is in flux. While the *tagged* citizens of Watfordshire are now overwhelmingly in favour of participating in an internationally administrated system of production, there are many Shiree who will continue to produce goods for, and trade them with whomsoever they wish.

Without attempting to hijack the issue with matters of our own domestic politics, it would seem the regional shift of the Shiree towards the Anarcho Communist Alliance may initiate a schism within our NationState.

Our total output may be reduced, but our hope is that the greater efficiency inherent in an international economic body will make up for that.

Some of the propagators of this issue have, in the past been prepared to take up arms in order to maintain control of their labour and production. This we are not prepared to do. Contribution and participation within Watfordshire remains voluntary and I would like to know how some of the more.. ahem authoritarian nations amongst us would feel about including a nation such as ours in a Global Economic Body."

Comrades,

We live in world of finite resources, and an ever-increasing population with their ever-increasing demands.

On an daily basis we are required to generate more power, provide more food, educate more children, and house more people. These new demands bring with them new challenges, and whilst we may sit in this chamber congratulating ourselves on the splendid jobs we have done in breathing new life into the decrepit economies many of us once had, and still unjustly characterised as such by our enemies, we cannot afford to rest for even one moment.

As our populations continue to expand and exert ever increasing pressures upon the limited resources we have at our disposal, for not even the mightiest amongst us can claim an abundance in everything and an unlimited supply of anything, we must find new and more efficient ways of ensuring that our anticapitalist systems do not fail in their overriding duty to provide for our citizens. It has been said before, and more eloquently than I can rephrase it now, but as we move into a new phase of global anticapitalism, for to stay still is to die, we must make our economies work for the sake of our people and not the other way around.

I believe the Global Economic Trade and Productions Body can become an invaluable tool for the better management of the limited resources we possess, and through the cooperative efforts of such an institution we can overcome the difficulties we face, and provide our citizens with a more certain future.

Thank you.



Bill Stevenson,
Celdonian Minister of Trade.

Mari Alkatiri leaps to his feet. Technically economics is not within his portfolio, but he feels a personal commitment to the issue at hand. And he has less reluctance than most Burungi diplomats about going out on a limb.

"My country has long resisted any move of this kind, any form of economic coordination with other nations. I believe our commitment to non-alignment, national independence and self-determination is clear. However, i am pleased to give this proposal my full and enthusiastic support. The IFTA has already done great things for the economies of all its members. My country has long been a resource-based third world periphery. IFTA lifted us into the semi-periphery. We still have far to go in areas such as equality, but our country is no longer poor. We believe we can become a core state on our present course of development, with the help of our trade partners.

"But is that enough? It might be enough for Tanah Burung to become wealthy and propserous as a Newly Industrializing Country, but we have no wish to exploit other countries to peripheries of our own developing industry. What is needed is a new system. The proposal from our friends in Xikuang promises to abolish distinctions of core and periphery entirely. My country already operates on a system of guided economy, in which the government in consultaiton with the cooperatives sets the broad guidelines of economic development and the coooperatives and individual small businesses are free to carry out these broad guidelines as they see fit. We see this propopsal as the implementation of a similar system on an international level.

"Let us be frank, friends. There was a previous effort along these lines which grouped SeOCC, Celdonia, Xikuang and other states for joint economic planning. It was a tool of the powerful within that bloc, and used coercive military force agaist dissidents. That sort of scheme would never gain our support. The scheme that is being proposed is one of voluntary international cooperation in which no one state or grop of states would dominate. It is a crucial step towards the further growth of international social justice and solidarity. To me, it is the purest realization of the principles of mutual aid and federalism as expressed by Prince Kropotkin that the world has yet seen."

"Let us be frank, friends. There was a previous effort along these lines which grouped SeOCC, Celdonia, Xikuang and other states for joint economic planning. It was a tool of the powerful within that bloc, and used coercive military force agaist dissidents. That sort of scheme would never gain our support. The scheme that is being proposed is one of voluntary international cooperation in which no one state or grop of states would dominate. It is a crucial step towards the further growth of international social justice and solidarity. To me, it is the purest realization of the principles of mutual aid and federalism as expressed by Prince Kropotkin that the world has yet seen."

Bill Stevenson leaps to his feet to interject. One can imagine that he only just got in before the minister from SeOCC or Commissioner Taqkhla

Comrades, I assume Delegate Alkatiri is referring to past tensions in Tellenic Aperin arsing from the illegal declaration of some anarchist communities to withhold production and resources from the urban populace who relied upon them for survival. If this is indeed the incident in question, might I also remind the delegate that whilst Celdonia supported the actions of our allies who were members of the ACEPB in their attempts to resolve this sistuation, Celdonia was not and is not a member of that organisation.

The only attempt at a central planning authority that Celdonia has ever contemplated joining with SeOCC and Xikuang was the aboted Trade and Production Board. That, I'm sure the delegate knows came to nothing.

I object in the strongest possible terms to Delegate Alkatiri's statement that Celdonia, or for that matter SeOCC or Xikuang, would have at any point in their time as members of CACE sought to create an organisation that could be described as being "...a tool of the powerful within that bloc, and used coercive military force agaist dissidents".

With repsect Commissioner Taqkhla, I expect a full apolgy, and a retraction, from Delegate Alkatiri.

Minister Stevenson, I'm sure Minister Alkatiri's error is an honest one, and certainly not meant to be an insult. The exact history of the conflict in both Tellenic Aperin and Empire is not well known, and I cannot fault anyone, even in Aperin, for having a different perception of the events. I am not interested in arguing over this conflict, which was resolved quite some time ago, and more importantly, involved only a few million people out of several hundred million across two countries. Let me address Herald Fruitful's question of participation by illuminating some nuances of the small conflict at issue.

In the ACEPB, the board sets goals and each nation is responsible to meet those goals during the given time period. The conflicts that arose in Tellenic Aperin and Empire were created because the communities, small towns under the jurisdiction of the national governments, refused to take part in the plan, and thus would prevent Tellenic Aperin or Empire from acheiving the goals set by the ACEPB. I would imagine, and if Councillor Taqkhla disagrees I am open to her reproach, that in this new body each nation would be responsible for fufilling the goals presented to them by the board, and would remain sovreign in their handling of their own national economy. I can see no reason why an international economic body would care how each nation runs their economy, provided their participation fulfills the agreement they enter into willingly.

I do think the characterization of regional bodies as authoritarian is unfair; each nation in the ACEPB joined willingly, after national referendum where a majority of the population approved the membership. No one here is proposing we force anyone to join anything, but those nations that do join will enjoy the benefits of global cooperation. That participation will hinge upon their commitment to the body, and their commitmet to fulfilling their obligations incurred by joining. Not by force, but by choice, will this body be upheld.

Ottasam Kihl
Under Minister of Politics
SeOCC

Commissionr Taqkhla glances enquiringly at Councillor Xu, fidgeting a bit with her notes. Xu takes the hint and rescues her.

"Friends, my comrade Stevenson is quite correct. What happened in Tellenic Aperin was a police action, not a military action, to control a violent and illegal activity. It was a wholly internal affair, unfortunately blown all out of proportion by certain extra-national support for the perpetrators. Confusion regarding those affairs is understandable, and if Delegate Alkatiri is happy to accept the correction forwarded by Mr. Stevenson, I propose we let the matter drop. However, in light of the possibility of such confusion, may I make it clear that this Council would not propose, support, or condone any international agreement that sought to control internal affairs in member nations on such a level, not now nor at any time in its history.

"Under Minister Kihl is quite right. The aim of the proposed body would be to provide a framework within which nations could voluntarily enter into partnership to co-ordinate resources: willing co-operation, not control. As such, the board necessarily must be sensitive to the needs, desires, and abilities of participating nations. None would be asked to render up anything it was outwith their capacity to provide, and none would be asked to harbour any institution they found disagreeable. Indeed, each participating nation would have certain responsibilities set to them by the proposed board, but it would be entirely up to their own determination how those responsibilities were to be met, and up to themselves what developments they might pursue within this framework."

ooc: curse my malecentric worldview! i'm such a terrible person.

ooc: You are not, but if I will adopt a hopelessly byzantine naming convention and then alter it, I deserve what I get.

Of my eight representatives, it is true, only three are female: Councillor Xu Xian, Comissioner Amun Qelinparhe, and Commissioner Taqkhla Ÿkheri.

OOC: Not intended as a hi-jack but something going on in the background to all this: http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=359336

Verity and Magic smile and nod... and coo slightly at the SeOCC UnderMinister and Commissionr Taqkhla's concillatory words.


Back at the the Ghoran T'he'rajhi Dexter Kanewitz relaxed in the Bar with a soda water and hoped that he was in the right hotel... whatever - the occupant of room 837 would return after a second day of blairing monoTony to find their suite completely filled with flowering Rhinoblancos and Gardenias. Sweet and romanticly maudlin 'Sado' music would be activated as the occupant entered the room... Dexter had fixed it with one of Jijie's friends, so the lights would also dim. The soft bedside lamp would reveal the large pink jar of United Nations Lubrication and the mixed bag of recreational pharmaceuticals - many designed by his own sticky hand.

Dexter shrugged to himself. He hoped it was Rosas room... but if it wasn't.... hick... he guessed they were both in for a suprise.

Alkatiri looked at his briefing notes again. Damn, the diplomatic research staff was usually better than this. He rose and made a small bow to the delegations of Celdonia, SeOCC and Xikuang in turn, and hoped he had his acronyms correct for his next words. "I apologize for confusing the Aperin Economic Control and Production Board with the Trade and Production Board. At any rate, i am in full agreement with our friends in Celdonia as to the necessity of this new coordination body."

--

As Rosa entered her bedchamber, the lights dimmed to a gorgeous atmospheric pink which picked up the colours of the setting sun as it sank inot the mountains to th west. She sighed. Such magic...

She saw the jars laid out in readiness: the pale blue laurel leaves of the lubricant entwining a globe, as she hoped she would soon herself entwine a certain visitor. She opened a jar of greenish powder, smiled broadly, and let it dissolve in a glass of the pure alpine springwater of Xikuang.

The rush hit her like a dive into the Emerald Sea on the hottest day of the year: fast, refreshing, delicious as mangoes. She let herself sink into the music and the bed. Silver dreams took her, until the door opened.

"Chérie? C'est toi?"

She held out a sweet durian fruit, offering it to the man at the door.

When Alkatiri stopped speaking Stevenson took the opportunity to reply.

"I thank the delegate for the correction especially as there has been a great deal of misinformation concerning that particular incident."

While he spoke an aide placed a peice of pare in Stevenson's hand and then returned to his previous position. Stevenson glanced absently at the message as he continued to speak.

"I am also heartend to hear that..." his voice trailed off. The blood drew from his face as he read the note. A few shuffles and mumbles were heard around him before he looked up, clearly shaken and continued, "Commissioner, I'm afraid I have some unfortunate new to report....."

OOC: This is, hopefully, the final loose end of the timeline concerning the Celdonian President's death and the bombings in the CDQ I need to tidy up. I don't want it to affect what happens here but for RP purposes the news is hitting 4CACE now.

The announcement is at http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=7115144&postcount=7 and it would undoubtedly be broadcast to delegates.

Like I said though, this isn't an attempted hijack so I'd rather not have 4CACE consumed with accusations about HEWC or whatever (plenty of other threads to do that in).

.

There was a confused hush in the conference chamber as half the delegates whispered urgently into personal communicators and tapped feverishly at laptops, while the other half sat mutely and wondered what all the fuss was about.

Magic Hooley Snr. yawned.

The hush in the room is palpable as Stevenson reads out the report handed to him. The Xikuangese sit rigid, evidently deeply concerned; councillor Kham in particular seems to have gone a little green. When Stevensom finishes, it is a noticeably concerned Dr. Xu who speaks.

"Comrades, this is terrible and upsetting news, and there are several of us here--" she glances at the Celdonian delegates-- "whose attendance to this tragedy is immediately required. So that they may do so, I will terminate the proceedings for today. We will reconvene tomorrow as scheduled. Friends, I thank you."

Upstairs in the press balcony, the request from the Celdonian government had already been received to ready a podium for an official broadcast. This was effected in a guarded inner chamber in the mazelike interior of the Council Halls, to ensure the maximum security, and Commssioner Qzin personally approved and oversaw the Celdonian guard protecting Mike McKay. Camera technicians perfected the focus while sound techs griped at the gopher arranging the Celdonian flag over the podium.

ooc: as I see it, we'll have to break: Mike needs to get away and a lot of us will have a few things to do just now. Anyway, the conference seems to have stalled and it may need a break to give it a good kick.

Thaddeus Popov and Megan da Costa (http://www.benovision.co.uk/NS/4CACEFreeSovs.jpg) of the Not Bored! Accountants & Economists Collective from the UN-shaking (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=7030161&postcount=60) Free Soviets

very nice. very nice indeed.

Ahhhhhh nebulous time

Rosa wrapped herself more snugly in her robe and pulled the Shiree Herald closer to her.

She had no idea of how long she'd been here, or how long she had left, but the fresh mountain air of the Lhai Province had sharpened her senses to the point that they were beginning to blur in strange new directions...that makes no sense she thought, but then lost herself once more with a sigh.
Perhaps the atmosphere up here was simply just more ... nebulous

The couple walked along a parapet on the roof of the Ghoran T'he'rajhi... their grins leaking clouds of vapour as the night air wrapped itself around them. A nosey cameraman from some rag in East Hackney had managed to suprise them (http://www.benovision.co.uk/NS/DexterYRosa03.jpg) at one point, but Dexter had been all the more suprised when Rosa hadn't pulled away from him in shock. They had simply smiled and continued on their way.

It would seem that scandal is just as unlikely to rock Tanah Burung as it is Watfordshire the Shiree Herald pondered.

... I like this one... great goodness!...

Dexter took the Burung Delegates' hand as they walked on, and tried not to crush it with sentimentality.

Well - I'm cold. But thank my lucky steers... it would appear that I'm happy

Scandal Rocks Watfordshire? (http://invisionfree.com/forums/CACE/index.php?showtopic=1929&st=0)

Scandal Rocks Watfordshire? (http://invisionfree.com/forums/CACE/index.php?showtopic=1929&st=0)

watfordshire has scandals?

(ooc: naaah. ;-))

A light snow had fallen in the night, a shallow dusting remaining here and there into the morning as the delegates make their way back to the conference hall. Those arriving early will be treated to the very lively and highly ominous strains of an orchestral soundtrack from the PA as a violent and vertiginous battle between two black-clad figures leaping and diving among rocky cliffs and high branches plays out on the large screen at the back of the room. As each attempts to cause grievous bodily harm to the other without falling off or being killed, the camera angle continually shifts, making it virtually impossible to tell what is going on or which figure is which.
(http://www.benovision.co.uk/NS/DNIIIscreenshot01.jpg)

The camera whirls around the sparring pair as they leap onto a narrow branch overhanging a thousand-meter drop. One feints towards the other with a nasty-looking three-bladed weapon of some type, while the other attempts to knock her opponent off the branch with a spinning double kick to the head, when there is a distinct "*a-hem!*" from the other end of the room. (http://www.benovision.co.uk/NS/DNIII01-2.jpg)

The action pauses mid-spinning-death sequence (http://www.benovision.co.uk/NS/DNIIIscreenshot02.jpg)

T.B.C.

ooc: As ever, you rock, W! I feel I must now do a Death Ninja thread... and I will have to edit: tyou have the absolute image of Zhe there.

I will be kicking this thread back into activity soon, I promise.

ic:

Elsewhere, Councillor Kham, who had only after several hours of frantic telephoning, e-mailing, sms-ing, and any other method of contact he could devise, had managed to ascertain that his own completely non-scandalous paramour had not been blown to smithereens at a café they had been in the habit of frequenting, was calming his fried nerves with a bottle of the Sun Wukong and showing every indication that he was going to be late tomorrow.

ooc: Sorry for my sporadic appearance/disappearance. That bloody RL, keeps eating my internet time. I'd like to kick this back into action, with your hopefully continued participation.

The day didn't so much dawn as the night became a lighter shade of grey. The city of Lhijir was shrouded in cloud, lending it a sad, ethereal, undefined quality. It matched well the general mood. News from the Celdonian Diplomatic Quarter was still filtering in: the extent of the damage. The names of the dead.

At the Council Halls, the flag had been lowered to half-mast, to honour the victims of the terrorist attacks, and to honour their departed President.

No one would be playing Death Ninja III today.

The native delegates filter in gradually, taking the same seats they had occupied yesterday. Nobody looks as though they had gotten much sleep. The Hall fills as the delegates assemble, but Councillor Kham's seat remains empty as the clock strikes ten, as does Foreign Minister Mike McKay's. Dr. Xu rises to speak.

"Friends, before we commence, may I call for a moment of silence, in memory of those who have recently lost their lives, and in solidarity with those who have lost friends and loved ones in the events which have recently affected the people of Celdonia."

*bump*

OOC: I'm really sorry about my lack of participation during this, I've always meant to and then got swamped by other things. Just assume the Weegie delegates have been taking notes, whispering to themselves, and generally trying to recover from that bloody plane ride.

IC:

The Conference Halls

Council Leader Sharkey bowed his head in reverence somewhat; the Celdonian socialist model had been somewhat of a beginning point for the Democratic Socialist Party, mostly due to T.A. Simpson's time in his nation, which had also engendered strong pro-Celdonian feelings among a lot of ordinary Weegies. He glanced at his fellow delegates - some mouthing words to themselves, obviously in prayer - he didn't hold for that sort of thing, but if they felt it was needed, then so be it.

http://www.internationalgamespot.org.wg

"...all in all, Death Ninja III is not a significant progression from Death Ninja II. The form of the game, although undoutedly beautiful, still has the major control and camera issues we've almost come to expect from the Death Ninja series - not least the fact that your character is virtually indistinguishable from the other characters, especially in multiplayer mode, and sometimes the controls are a bit too fiddly for this kind of action/adventure game. But at the heart of it is still a great action game, and as has a great style at its' heart which probably will continue to endear it to the hearts of those who follow the Death Ninja series almost religiously.

Final Score: 71%

If you liked this, you might like:
Death Ninja II: Shadow of Lhijir (2002)
Death Ninja (2001)
Ninja Attack! (2000)
Final Stand (2004)
Any kung-fu film known to man
The song "Kung-Fu Fighting"

User Comments about this review (4 so far):

"WTF!! DEATH NIJA 3 IS LIKE TEH BRILANCE!!!! UR SO WRONH! DEAT NINJW 4EVA!!!!!" - DETHNINJAMASTR

"And with fans like that, how can anyone say any different?" - Anon.

"It's alright. Bit easy, though." - Tim, Mackintosh.

"STFU ANON!!! AN WHAT KIN OF NAM IS ANON!!!? U MUS B SOME KND OF STRATGY G33K!!!!!!! LOLZ. AMD FNAL STAND IS TEH SUXX0R!!! SO UR MORE WRONGER!!! ROFL!!" - DETAHNINJAMAESTER.

The news from Celdonia had come as a shock to all Shiree with access to a Post Office and not least of all to Magic Hooley Snr. and Verity Fruitful, who had inadvertantly escaped the destruction in the CDQ by a matter of hours. Having made the Shiree's opinions concerning an increase in economic co-ordination know (albeit on the wrong day) the two Heralds sit in uncomfortable silence. Masaai Hooley remains as jovial as the sombre mood allows... there is still no sign of Luigi Gogglez, although Dexter Kanewitz is present, wearing all the belated and ineffective modesty that dark glasses can offer

ooc: okay, I had something all written up on the laptop while my computer was in the shop. Now my computer's back but the laptop has spazzed and I can't get it. Mnnrrr...

ic:


http://www.internationalgamespot.org.wg

"...all in all, Death Ninja III is not a significant progression from Death Ninja II. The form of the game, although undoutedly beautiful, still has the major control and camera issues we've almost come to expect from the Death Ninja series - not least the fact that your character is virtually indistinguishable from the other characters, especially in multiplayer mode, and sometimes the controls are a bit too fiddly for this kind of action/adventure game. But at the heart of it is still a great action game, and as has a great style at its' heart which probably will continue to endear it to the hearts of those who follow the Death Ninja series almost religiously.

Final Score: 71%


Dear Internationalgamespot:

Hey, thanks for giving the game a good revioew, but, like, WTF? Control and camra issues? Character virtually indistinguishable from the other characters? Dude, that's like totally the point! These guys are like ninjas and stuff!

Ni|\|j@KULT/\/\@5t3R

Dexter Kanewitz leaned slowly forward until his forehead made a soft BUMP on the table top and exhaled - making an incredibly irritating moany-whining noise until Verity tapped him on the shoulder.

"I'll be back in a minute" the Shiree Pharmacist slid back from the table and sauntered out of the conference centre, wondering idly how idly he could wander around the Conference buildings without missing any of the proceedings.

Dexter slides back into the conference hall, his cheeks a little rosier than when he left and a bundle of diplomatic folders rucked into his robe. Silence ignores UN directive and reigns supreme and unchallenged in its sovreignity. The be-feathered pharmacist waves his hand in front of several glazed looking expressions and tries an experimental dance manoeuvre, before a stern glance from one or two of the less static delegates indicates that he should return to his seat..

"So indeed. Economic Planning. Great idea. These folders contain Watfordshire's projected production stats for the next quarter... they may prove to be a little optimistic due to shortfalls accrued from our recent period of isolation."

Dexter nods to one of the many Xikuangese aides who moves stolidly to the Heralds side and pours him a fresh cup of char, heavy on the salt and butter - before distributing the dossiers to IFTA signatory delegates

"I am pleased to inform you all that the Shiree Council will decide today on the two Heralds who will represent Er on the Board of Planning, once it is established of course.... uh Dr Zeus? While I'm sure that many of those present have a vast amount to say on what has proven in the tail to be a contentious issue, but if you might indulge me - I forget what was also on today's agenda..."

Magic Hooley Snr. (veteran of many of BRightOn's clublands during his spell as Head Chef the capitals Military Academy - and unsuprisingly deaf) leans towards his colleague and whispers in his usual ear-drum-splitting fashion:

"...Setting up the Board, and then something about Defense. Don't worry, I'm sure any sort of Alliance won't affect our Liberty. We'll just volunteer the usual medics and groud support"

Dexter looks pleased and beams a gold-fronted grin around the table as he sucks a pat of yak butter from his beard.

OOC: Sorry you guys, I only just found this thread.

IC: Imperator Meatloaf of BOttaH himself arrived at 4CACE. With him were the usual Hand of the Light Security forces, and his premier represetitive, Cher, mouth of Meatloaf. He was looking forward to joining more anti-capitalists. His allies, the Free Land of Anti-capitalist People never got involved on the international scene, but they allowed him to speak for them, within reason.

As he entered, his aide brought whispered news of some kind of terrorist attack in one of the quarters oof the capital. He lowered his eyes to the ground respectfully.

First apppearances are everything, he thought, look distressed by the news.

Cher went ahead to find someone ot greet him and his party, and usher them into the confrence.

(ooc: hiya BOttaH - nice to have you on board. The pace has slowed somewhat, but that gives you the time to catch up on this conference so far. Oh yeah - if a man in a fez approaches any of your people in the Strangers Bar, its probably advisable to ignore him)

The Kerlan delegation went back to the conference. As it is almost Kerlan custom, they arrrived late. The noise level was high, as people were abuzz. This time, the delegation did not arrive as one. Stephanie arrived with Jake. The rest was with Jennifer, and they got stuck in traffic. "This was probally their busiest time," Stephanie throught to herself. Finally Jennifer arrived, with the rest of the delegation. They were talking about the activities of Linj, and how beautiful it is.

The flags were lowered to half-mast. To honor the Celdonian president and the lives lost at the terrorist attacks. The attacks at the CDQ were very close to the Kerlan embassy there.

"Friends, before we commence, may I call for a moment of silence, in memory of those who have recently lost their lives, and in solidarity with those who have lost friends and loved ones in the events which have recently affected the people of Celdonia."


With that said, the delegation bowed their head in silence. "I will have to make a announcements for all Kerlans to pray for the Celdonians," Stephanie throught. This of course, was not here favorite announcement to make. The conference has a dreary feeling now.

Stephanie also heard about the "scandal" at Waterfordshire. The image did reach some in Kerla. She throught it was funny.

"Let us be frank, friends. There was a previous effort along these lines which grouped SeOCC, Celdonia, Xikuang and other states for joint economic planning. It was a tool of the powerful within that bloc, and used coercive military force agaist dissidents. That sort of scheme would never gain our support. The scheme that is being proposed is one of voluntary international cooperation in which no one state or grop of states would dominate. It is a crucial step towards the further growth of international social justice and solidarity. To me, it is the purest realization of the principles of mutual aid and federalism as expressed by Prince Kropotkin that the world has yet seen."

OOC:Hope noone thinks i am being presumtiuous starting the debate again.

IC: Imperator Meatloaf rose slowly to his feet, giving the impression of an old man under great strain.

My age is a tool, and I know how to use it, he thought. His strong voice spoke clearly:

"Honorable members of 4 CACE, friends even, I must say that I believe the esteemed delegate is misguided in his belief that a voluntary scheme would not lead to the stage where, ahem, "bully-boy" tactics would be used. In fact, it is just as likely as a group that makes membership compulsary. It will be seen as a watermark to reach: countries with strong economies join and can aid weaker ones. Is this not a tactic of the capitalists? Weaken us from the inside? Send us aid, and destroy us through contact with capitalist ideals and images? This body will have vast amounts of power, and I can forsee extreme cases of misuse, even if it is regulated and controlled. (pause for emphisis)

Friends, we are being drawn into the trap of loving our power. We must never let that happen, never. I do not want a body of nations that can use economic pressure to gain its aims."

For the first time in many years, Mari Alkatiri started the day with prayers. Facing in the direction that he thought Mecca might lie in, he prayed for the Celdonian president, his life so cruelly cut short. At such times, even an agnostic often turns to religion.

Rosa Almeida stroll langoursly into the conference hall, a happy grin on her facce belying the black armband she wore. Even such tragic news could not cut into her personal joy. With her notes, she carried a single feather, left on her pillow the night before.

She stopped to check her e-mail at one of the public terminals. More pornographic spam. It seemed even here, the filters couldn't block anything. And yet the picture caught her eye. Her heart jumped into her throat. The woman in the picture was her.

Oh dear, that could cause some scandal. She rushed back to her hotel room, hoping not too many other delegates had seen it.

As Imperator Meatloaf of BOttaH approached the Council Halls, he and his entourage were greeted by staff and shown to seats. Tea was immediately brought for them, salt and butter, or milk and sugar, provided by the side, and staff made it known that they would endeavour to bring whatever else the delegates might require should they but ask. Smoking, alas, is not permitted.

ooc: BOttaH, I'm just going to assume that you've conformed with security regulations; is that OK? They're posted in the first message on page 1; please TG me with any questions.

back IC:

Dr. Xu listens attentively as Imperator Meatloaf speaks. She recognises Councillor Zhe, who responds.

"With all respect to my esteemed colleague, the proposed board is designed to do exactly the opposite of the, so aptly named, 'bully boy' tactics he suggests. What is proposed is similar to what we have already accomplished with the IFTA: a strong international trading bloc respectful of the basic rights and requirements of every worker everywhere, within which economically disadvantaged nations may offer their produce without fear that they will be driven to a sub-subsistence income by a ferocious market gone profit-mad. With the proposed trade and productions co-ordination body, we are just taking the model one step further. It isn't a question of aid: many of the nations with more powerful economies suffer for want of simple material resources or labour, which many of the weaker economies have in abundance. What we propose is to unite our resources, so that needs are maximally met in all participating nations, enabling growth in those currently disadvantaged, providing stability in those currently developed. Developing economies will be helping developed economies as much as they are being helped."

Commissioner Taqkhla takes up the discourse as Zhe drops it. "What we want," she says, "is to bring international trade, with all of its inherent inequalities, onto a level playing field. The boards that would constitute the body would be elected democratically by all participating nations, and would be answerable to them, should grievances arise. I do have a provisional structure for the global trade and productions co-ordnations body, if the assembled are ready to hear it."

(pokes the thread)
(bumps the thread)
(makes the thread a nice cup of tea)

ooc: I'm away all weekend. Somebody post something!

"Something"

I'm sorry, I couldn't help it.

"Something"

I'm sorry, I couldn't help it.

ooc: (throws up hands in despair)

*sigh*

ic:

Hearing no objections, Ÿkheri continues:


Global Trade and Productions Co-ordination Body

The Global Trade and Productions Co-ordination body would consist of two entities: a board to set objectives, and a board to plan projects for participating nations to meet those objectives. Member states would elect or appoint representatives to each board; thus the body would consust of representatives from all participating member states.

Each member state would institute a domestic board, panel, ministry, committee, or whatever best suited them, to collect economic data as well as desired projects for their nation, to be submitted to the GTPCB. The Objectives Board would compile and review this data, and formulate reasonable objectives within the scope of the compiled resources profile, to meet needs as they exist and to design infrastructure-improving projects in member states. They would then submit these objectives to the Planning Board, which would compare them with the data submitted by member states, and assign productions quotas to meet these objectives for member states as appropriate.

It would be up to each member state to decide how to meet those objectives, and the Trade and Productions Co-Ordinations Body would not police them. It would, however, be expected that participating nations would commit to meet productions quotas set by the The GTPCB must be dynamic and responsive to its member's abilities to meet objectives set for them-- it will always act in co-operation with member states, and its operations will be transparent.

"Any thoughts on this format for the proposed board?"

Quietly, she wondered if everyone in the room had fallen asleep.

The Shiree Heralds and represesntatives give nods of approval and grins to those about them, but make no sound, save for the skritching of a Military Dancers HB pencil on a large block of white leaf.

Commissioner, I beleive many of our participants have been undestandably distracted by the bombings in Glasburgh. Given that this crisis has passed from ongoing into the investigation, I beleive we may now resume our discussions. I reiterate the statements made in my written statement distributed before this meeting, and endorse the vision presented by Commissioner Ykhery.

First, though, I must ask that nations who are interested in taking part in this coordination body state their intention to do so here, so that we may take this into consideration as we shape this organization.

Ottasam Kihl
Under Minister of Politics
SeOCC

Stephanie stands up rather quickly. She fixes her dress, while she begins to stand up.

"I am wondering Dr if there is any economic repercussion? It does seem look like a good idea."

Elsepeth awoke from a post-viral nap, blinked a couple of times, and then furiously scanned a pageful of notes thrust into her hands by a nearby diplomat.

"Um ah... 'scuse me. Right. This sounds like a basically good idea to me, but, hmm... there's an issue of remit here. What are we classing as economic 'needs'? I mean, Celdonia has a production surplus of household appliances, and probably would very much appreciate the creation of a steady market for them. Er. I mean, no policing powers, great... but this kind of assumes an economy with strong central planning, right? Or is there any way that we can make this amenable to anarcho-communists and the like? The wording's so broad that I'm having trouble picturing how this would work."

The door to the conference room opened uncertainly, and two rather scruffy-looking foreigners entered slowly, frowning. Glancing round them at the gathered delegates, the confusion on the newcomers faces changed suddenly to relief tinged with embarrasment.

"This must be the place," whispered one of the pair of interlopers to her colleague, who nodded silently. "Looks like we've missed the start, though," she added. As the Xikuangese security guards approached enquiringly, she pulled a crumpled official invitation letter from an inside pocket of her green cardigan and waved it at them. Those delegates who lacked the diplomatic sang-froid to ignore the late arrivals noticed that the letter had a brown coffee-cup stain at the top, and that several small strips had been torn from one corner. "We're the Hippietanian, er, delegation," she explained, in heavily-accented Celdonian, to the officials who had by now gathered round the pair. "I am Verity Heath and this," gesturing vaguely towards her compatriot, who merely nodded again, "is Hugo Dee. We intended to reply to your invitation," she brandished the letter again "but, er, never really got round to it: sorry. Then of course Hippietanians are not used to foreign travel, so we needed to take a little time to . . . recover after our journey. Anyway, we're here now, that's all that matters, isn't it?"

Ushered quickly to some spare seats, the pair sat down as quietly as Verity's copious loose jewellry would allow, borrowed a pencil and some paper from an amused-looking Shiree Herald, and adopted a look of earnest and diligent concentration as they tried to pay attention to the discussion.

Commissioner Taqkhla turns to Premier Rosen. "I should hope that the economic repercussions would be very positive." she says, as someone appears out of nowhere to offer the new arrivals from Hippietania tea. "And Minister Nibbling, I'm glad you asked that. The wording is very broad, yes, but it is meant to be accommodating. Part of the point of this initiative is to bring together very diverse economies, to create mutually beneficial relations out of existing resources where none currently exist because of lack of co-ordination. Economic needs would, of course, include such things as market bases for product surplus, but also development initiatives designed to raise the standard of living for the average person. Those would be up to participants to set-- like, say, one nation might want to build an advanced pharmaceuticals productions facility to turn out medicines, or modernise an agricultural sector, or whatever. They would submit this project to the objectives board, which would look at the resource data for all participants, and work out how best to complete the project. Or they might make suggestions to participants for potential developments based on resources that are available.

"Strong central planning might be helpful, but so long as a nation could commit to meet certain productions quotas in some way or other, I see no reason why anarcho-communes could not participate."

A few seats down from the Hippietanians, Charlotte Dorsa Brevia stifled a yawn. She'd spent the previous night chatting at the hotel bar with the young lad from East Hackney, Sikander. His girlfriend had departed early in the evening to interview one of the Xikuangese delegates for the rag she worked for and he'd been left awkwardly nursing half a pint. Against her better judgement, she'd popped over to say hi. A few hours later, she'd realised why her compatriots had given her such a ribbing over the first night's activities. Around one in the morning, shhe'd told him that she couldn't remember the last time she'd laughed so much. And he'd said the same to her. They fell silent after that, both unable to hide their embarrassed grins. Then his girlfriend showed up. Charlotte's exit had been swift and inelegant.

She shook her head in memory and yawned again. The awful news from Celdonia had thoroughly subdued her and her colleagues. She felt the growing sensation that all she wanted now was to be home, curled up in front of the fire or playing with one of her communal family's children. Feeling the warmth of a familiar body encasing hers, shielding her from the stark brutality of the world beyond the commune.

Next to her, William Fort wrinkled his brow in concentration and made another note in response to Ms Nibbling's comment. He bit thoughfully on the end of an already ravaged pencil. Dribble slipped down the shaft. He blushed with shame and wiped it clean, inwardly cursing his steadily decreasing control over his faculties. Two days in and the rigours of the conference were already taking their toll on the old man's body. Everything seemed to take twice as long. He stared at his last, almost illegibly scrawled note. Anarcho- prob. Non-polc'g essntl. Tlk to Nibb? He frowned. What difference will this board make if none of the buggers will trade with us?

"Well I must say it looks like a jolly good idea to me," said Verity, earnestly. The young Hippietanian delegate looked up from a brief scan of the proposal, removed her thick-rimmed reading glasses, and dangled them absent-mindedly in her tea as she spoke. "But how exactly should this Board be constituted? And how would it make its decisions?" Her colleague, who had still not said a word, nodded his apparent approval of the questions. "I mean," Verity continued, "having a representative from every participating nation on the GTPCB would ensure that the voice of even the smallest and most, ahem, 'laid-back' economy," she smiled at the euphemism: few of the participating countries, she suspected, would have an economy as small or 'laid-back' as Hippietania's "is heard and considered. And I'm sure no-one consciously wants the agenda set entirely by the big players. But that does mean that the more successful this organisation becomes, and the more nations take part, the more unwieldy any decision-making will become. Though I'm sure we are all in favour of mutual co-operation . . . well, we all know that honest disagreements about the form that co-operation should take do occur. I wonder if the authors have already had thoughts on this?"

"We have, but we don't have a proposal for the size of the board. That's something we rather hoped we could work out here." Councillor Zhe answers Verity. "Obviously, it is probably impractical for every participating nation to appoint a representative, for exactly the reasons you mention, but of course the concern is there that every participant shall be well represented. We would suggest that the board be of a fixed size, its members elected by participating nations. Everyone would have an equal vote, and since the board's activities should be transparent, it will be possible for anyone to see what's going on and ask any questions they like. We had thought that the planning and objectives boards might each consist of six members, selected by democratic process."

As Zhe speaks, Councillor Kham enters quietly, taking his seat to Comrade Kivi Ekki Paatelainen's left. Khitai hasn't slept all night, and rather looks as though he hadn't slept in days; he gratefully accepts the tea he is offered, stirring a thick pat of butter into it before setting a few notes out in front of him.

For the first time in a little while a Celdonian delegate - most aren't sure who he is as the party has been in turmoil since recent tragic events, but he is actually Bob Cushley of the Ministry of trade who appears to have been left deputising for ministers more preoccupied with recently deceased presidents - speaks to the gathered delegates.

"Councillor Zhe, might I inform this council that Celdonia offers its full support to the proposed GTPCB, and also our reassurance that we intend fully to work with other members to ensure that no power imbalances are built into it. Through such a democratically accountable body we can hope to maximise our resources and deliver even greater benefits to our citizens.

Thanks you councillor."

I think perhaps Councillor Zhe misspoke, as surely we do not want the boards to have an even number of members. Five members per board will provide sufficient representation while keeping the board's deliberations at a manageable level.

When considering how this body would function, it is important to remember that we are building with states, not firms. Each government that joins the GTPCB will be responsible for meeting the goals given to them by the board. How they meet these goals is unimportant, and is left completely to each government. If your economy is centrally planned, as SeOCC's is, then the central planning agencies will include the goals from the GTPCB in their planning. If your economy is not centrally planned, then the government need only send the necessary orders to the firms that make up the economy. The purpose of this body is not to plan the economies of the signatories, but to replace competion with coordination on a macro level.

Before we proceed any further, though, SeOCC would like to clarify an undiscussed issue. We feel it is absolutely necessary that all nations who will take part in the CTPCB be signatories of the IFTA. There is no sense in going to such great effort to improve our economic efficiency if we do not prevent exploitation of our people.

Ottasam Kihl
Under Minister of Politics
SeOCC

At the Kerlan table,Jake Bullhorn whispered something in Stephaie's ear. Stephanie then noded her head.It appeared that they both agreed. Stephanie rose up again.

"With respect to Minister Kihl, don't you think that the GTPCB be part of the IFTA? It seems that you want to merge them together."

With that said, Stephanie sits back down. The whole Kerlan delgation looks at here with approval.

"Minister Kihl is quite correct: obviously, since the IFTA is a closed trade bloc, members of the GTPCB must be IFTA members, though naturally the reverse needn't be the case." Zhe nods to Stephanie. "So while it will be within the IFTA, it will remain optional for IFTA members to joint the GTPCB. With regard to the number of members on each board, ah yes, I had forgotten the even numbers thing." He makes a note in the margin of the paper in front of him. "Shall it be five, then? That seems perfectly workable."

The male Hippietanian delegate now spoke up slowly, deliberately, in a low, deep voice. Since he had so far remained taciturn, and had not even lifted his eyes from the table in front of him since sitting down, it was a few seconds before the other assorted participants realised they could not understand a word he said. It was left to his compatriot to explain. "Five sounds like a workable number for the Board, assuming that its decisions would need to be unanimous," said Verity, "but instead of electing the board directly, perhaps membership should rotate between all participating states? The chair could be elected, if necessary. That minimizes the need for any unpleasant competition for influence, and also reduces the risk of . . . cliquiness, whether on a geographical, ideological or economic basis." Still staring downwards at the polished table in front of him, her colleague nodded his approval, and smiled.

"...members of the GTPCB must be IFTA members..."

Bill Fort sighed and leaned over to Nadia Cherneshevsky. "Well, we didn't see that coming from a mile off. With bells on. And bright, fluttering flags, echoing clarion calls, a full choir of-"

"Yes, point made. I think our course of action is becoming pretty clear now. We need trading partners. Question is, can we find them here? Are the CACE/IFTA nations going to take kindly to us touting for trade from the non-members when they're looking to recruit them?"

Bill tilted his head in thought. "Well, no. Obviously. But that, frankly, is by the by. We need some bilateral agreements with nations that share our view of what is fair trade."

Nadia's complexion took on a gloomy aspect. "Well. This should be fun..."

A rotating board is not feasible. The GTPCB must have a coherent course of action in order to function, one that reflects the needs of the members, which requires direct accountability. What accountability is there if a board member is appointed by one nation merely because it is their turn? More to the point, how can the GTPCB undertake long term planning if the boards that assess and plan long term investment must constantly change, regardless of how well the organization is working?

Elected boards are a proven method of selecting administration of economic bodies, and given the numerous challenges that will face this body, there is no need to add another complication when a proven method already exists.

Ottasam Kihl
Under Minister of Politics
SeOCC

The two Hippietanians conferred together in their own language for a few moments. "With the greatest of respect to our friends from . . ." Verity squinted at the name plate ". . . SeOCC, it is our opinion that an elected board would be potentially divisive and subject to majoritarian domination which is inappropriate in an organisation whose intent is to take into account the needs of all participants. Accountability is of course paramount, but we would rather that board members felt accountable to the collection of participants as a whole - united by a common purpose and commitment to fair trade - than to the handful of nations who may have voted for them, for one reason or another. As for the issue of long-term continuity in strategy, surely this is better served by a board where one member changes according to a predictable pattern every few months than one where the ebb and flow of political influence could lead to unpredictable and drastic changes overnight?"

"With all due respect, I'm afraid I must agree with Under Minister Kihl. In any case, candidates for the board should be selected not on the strength of nationality, but on their competency as economists and planners." Commissioner Taqkhla offers. "And I should hope that they would feel accountable to all participants, because they actually would be so. Further, long-term planning is not an easy thing. The board will have to work closely together to ensure balance, and I don't feel that a rotating board will have the level of coherency required to make the project work for all involved."

"I see." Verity frowned, then shrugged and sat back in her chair. "The board as currently proposed offers no guarantees to smaller, less diplomatically influential nations that their views will be taken into account. Though we have enough faith in the goodwill," she smiled at Minister Kihl, then at and Commissioner Taqkhla "of our esteemed friends that we will continue to support it, there is less incentive to participate than we had hoped for. We will continue to press for institutional mechanisms to broaden the decision-making process wherever possible."

Nadia whispered into Nirgal's ear. Once she had finished, Nirgal nodded slowly and looked at the Hippietanian delegation with great interest. Meanwhile, Charlotte steadfastly refused to stare at the East Hackney group.

"Oh, no, quite to the contrary." Commissioner Taqkhla answers, speaking out of turn, to answer Verity. "The board absolutely must take into account the desires and abilities of all participants. If it is in any way partisan, or if members feel they must rely upon the goodwill of the more powerful economies, then it may as well not exist at all. We hope that this body will go far towards unmaking such divisions as already exist, by bringing nations currently not on a level playing field together. That is why we need a structure that will enable the board to be maximally effective, given the weight of its responsibilities, and that is why we advocate an elected body, with every participating nation, irrespective of size or economic power or whatever, given equal representation. The board would not make decisions for participants in the absence of information about what those members would prefer to see, or not see, and this information will be just as important as data regarding their productions or shortfall."

In a sudden and bizzare move, Rachel Nelson, the director of Diplomacy stood up. This was bizzare due to the fact that the highest government offical always represented the Union. It was almost a sign of disrepsect.

"We propose that there be a general assembly and committes that the members vote on. this seems like a very fair method."

The whole deglation was murmuring in the background. For the most part, they agreed. Disagreement was not uncommon.

Dr. Xu speaks.

"Comrades, we have seen some considered support for this proposal, which is heartening. However, we are getting on for time, so I would like to suggest that those who have expressed interest in joining with this initiative should meet to hammer out the particulars amongst ourselves; we can plan that just as soon as we hav efinished. For now I recommend we break for lunch, and when we return, that we move on to the next item on the agenda, the consideration of a co-ordinated mutual military defensive alliance."

Councillor Zhe folds the cover over his notes. "I certainly second the lunch motion." he offers.

ooc: everybody seems thoroughly bored by this topic, and I'd like to get things moving again, if that's allrigt with youse all?

OOC: Sounds good to me. I'm not bored, as it happens, simply unable to contibute much that isn't antagonistic given my nation's refusal to sign up to, well, anything!

Magic Hooley Snr. smacks his lips, pats his stomach and makes his way, along with the Herald to the ACA, to sample some of the cuisine of Masaai's new-found relatives. Herald Fruitful, remaining seated, unearth's a small piece of tupperware from her satchel which she opens to reveal some small shrivelled fruit.

The native delegates rise and filter out, all save one: Councillor Kham stays put, pulling a laptop computer and a sheaf of handwritten notes from his bag. He gives a heavy sigh as he settes down to work. Meanwhile, Councillor Xiang and Chair Xu exchange a few words; then they follow the rest of the delegates out, catching up to the Ecopoeian delegation in the lobby outside the conference halls.

"I am sorry to intrude," Xiang begins, once he has attracted the Ecopoeian's attention, "but is there something wrong? We do not wish our guests to be discomfited, and, if I may, I seem to have observed that you might be. May I help in any way?"

Back in the now mostly empty counci halls, Kham works away, as Verity Fruitful picks out her choicest from her selection of fruit. Somewhat abruptly, the Xikuangese Councillor shoves the laptop forward and folds his arms on the table, then rests his head on his arms.

briefly toying with the idea of bouncing a Calcalnut off Councillor Khitai's head - Herald Fruitful instead slowly rises and moves slowly around the table. When she feels she has reached the outer limits of Kham's awareness (heh.) she speaks in a soft voice.

"Y'Orright then?"

briefly toying with the idea of bouncing a Calcalnut off Councillor Khitai's head - Herald Fruitful instead slowly rises and moves slowly around the table. When she feels she has reached the outer limits of Kham's awareness (heh.) she speaks in a soft voice.

"Y'Orright then?"

Had he known that the Shiree Herald had been considering the notion of bouncing nuts off his head, Khitai would be deeply grateful that she had decided against it, as his head was not in any condition to receive such attentions. "Gznxsgl?" he says feebly, raises his head and struggles to focus his eyes until he recognises Verity.

Khitai has always been somewhat awed by Verity Fruitful, and is rather embarrassed to have conked out in her presence, more so not to have understood her. Eventually he works out what she meant, but not before the addled pause would give the Shiree to suspect that a positive answer might be less than truthful.

"Er. Yes. Just tired. I didn't sleep much... and I fear that what I did get was induced by a little too much indulgence." He gives her a rather sheepish look. "I ought to know better. I'm a bit of a lightweight."

(He may not have bothered with this latter observation, however; anyone can see that Khitai would only weigh in at 90 pounds if someone gave him a stack of bricks to hold onto.)

OOC: Grrrrr, I just spent about half an hour on a reply and the forum logged me out. I'll have another go tomorrow; sorry about the delay, X.

ooc: The best advice any more or less experienced NS player could give another: always, always write responses in you text editing program!

No worries, E. It's been kind of a day for me.

As all Kham managed was a sickly nod in response to Verity's "Alcohol?" enquiry, she held up her hand and skooted around the table and back in order to fetch her satchel.

"Can't abide the stuff myself apart from the odd drop of mead, but there are plenty of other over-indulgences that these can remedy."

The Shiree Herald passes Khitai a small semi-transparent container, which he handles thoughtfully, and holds up to the light to reveal it contains several irregularly-shaped pieces of a solid root-like substance.

"The phial is organic... vegetable-based" Verity nods "So it'll degrade in a month or so, but I've got several compañeros who swear by Dicha-root - if you want them - you can take one a day"

ooc: mail me if you want to know the fx, X

Verity drawls on, seemingly unperturbed by Khitai's lack of input

"Shame about the indifference the last issue generated. you know how excited I am about the prospect of..."

Herald Fruitful's moss-backed rambling became a fuzzy hum at the outskirts of Khitais' consciousneess. He managed to bring himself back to some kind of attention as he realised that a pause in the hum was due to the fact that a question had been asked of him

"I'm .. I'm sorry, Mademoiselle... could you repeat that please?"

Verity smiled

"Perhaps you'll still be feeling a little too tender, but I was just wondering if you'd care to join me for dinner at Masaai's cousins this evening..."

OOC: huzzah, though the previous attempt was probably better.

IC:

"I am sorry to intrude," Xiang begins, once he has attracted the Ecopoeian's attention, "but is there something wrong? We do not wish our guests to be discomfited, and, if I may, I seem to have observed that you might be. May I help in any way?"
No one in the Ecopoeian delegation seemed willing to speak at first. Three pairs of eyes locked on Nirgal. He sighed, a slight smile twitching on his lips.

"Councillor Xiang, I'm sure I can speak for all of us when I say that we have absolutely no issue with the welcome we have been given here. You are most kind and accommodating; we are indeed very grateful. That said, you are correct that we are somewhat... ill at ease. IFTA is a problem for our nation, hampering our trading potential and, as we see it, causing unnecessary - albeit unintentional - hardship on small producers in, ah, unsavoury nations. Now, I see no reason to dredge up old disputes; suffice to say, our opposition to IFTA is implacable and we will not be signing the agreement without it being extensively reformed," Nirgal smiled wanly at this point, "which we understand is highly unlikely."

He looked to his compatriots for support. Nadia nodded her head slightly, a signal for him to continue.

"We are greatly concerned that each new issue that is discussed at this conference is tackled from a certain narrow perspective. It soon becomes clear in discussions that any new initiatives will be, how shall I put it? 'piggy-backed' onto the IFTA. Such action immediately alienates non-signatories here. We are not, uh, refuseniks for the sake of it, we are not closet neoliberals, we are not keeping options open so we can deal with unethical nations and organisations! We are conscientious objectors, if you will. We and, presumably, other non-signatories simply have a different perspective on how to achieve mutual aims. Since this is a conference for all those who wish to participate in fair trade, not just those in CACE and IFTA, it is dismaying to be witness to such a one-sided agenda."

Nirgal pause, surprised at his emotion.

"Forgive me, I do not mean to cause offence. I appreciate that nations like Ecopoeia need to take initiative to push our own agenda more aggressively, but we are a small, weak nation and one that does not wish to be seen as taking a confrontational stance. We regard the likes of Xikuang, Watfordshire and others as political allies, even if our economic links are perhaps permanently severed. It pains us to consider pushing an agenda that would be potentially damaging to IFTA and CACE."

He reached for Xiang's hands and cupped them in his.

"Councillor, do you see any way for us to bridge this gap? For my colleagues and I are at a loss."

"Councillor, do you see any way for us to bridge this gap? For my colleagues and I are at a loss."

"Please be reassured, you cause no offense. We are honoured by your presence here, and by Ecopoeia's interest in 4CACE." Xiang answers, his hands in Nirgal's. "The conferece is, as you say, directed from a certain perspective. It is primarily aimed at how the Coalition can better perform the task we have assigned ourselves, which is to work for global justice. The economic aspects of any international endeavour will of course necessitate that the IFTA, as a closed trade bloc,can only include members in certain initiatives. Too, as you say, extensive reforms are unlikely, for we have our reasons for our stance, just as you have your reasons not to sign, and good, honourable reasons they are. But there are other sorts of relations than trade." Xiang withdraws his hands, and Nirgal obligingly releases them. "Xikuang certainly has an interest in good political and diplomatic relations with Ecopoeia, as do, I'm sure, many here represented. There is much we might share: mutual support, political liaising, mutual toleration in the face of our few conflicting views. True democracy must begin in the toleration of dissent, after all."

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

Khitai withdraws a lump of the rootlike substance from the biodegradable container. It's a small, brown, twirly sort of thing, not altogether unlike a section of licorice root, but a bit gummy, like dried ginseng. He looks at at it a moment before he becomes aware of Verity's query.

"Perhaps you'll still be feeling a little too tender, but I was just wondering if you'd care to join me for dinner at Masaai's cousins this evening..."

"Oh. That's very kind of you-- Maasai Hooley? That would be very nice. Thank you. And thank you for the... Dicha root, is it? You are too kind. The natural healing herbs of Watfordshire are widely reknowned." He pops the piece he had been examining back in the container and tucks it into a pocket. "I should be delighted to join you. I'm sure I'll be fine once I've had a bit of a rest."

ooc: Khitai will look up Dicha root on the Data Havens before he tries it, but it'ss well and truly up to you what he gets as far as information is concerned, and as well as effects are concerned, o yes, effects in a PM, please!

Nirgal sighed. "I suppose we could regard ourselves as unlucky that the focus of the Conference has so far been on economic matters. However, what issue that comes up here will not be linked with IFTA? Take the environment: the issue was raised and, inevitably, the discussion was versed in terms of IFTA. I fear that this will prove no exception."

There was a none-too-subtle cough from Nadia, accompanied by a glance at her watch. Nirgal shook his head and half-smiled, as if helpless.

"It seems my compatriots and I have much to discuss. Thank you for your time and attention, but we must leave you now."

Alarm momentarily flashed across Kiang's face. Nirgal started.

"Oh, sorry. I don't meant that we are leaving the Conference permanently, simply for today! Actually, it is my hope to see delegates in a more social setting this evening. It is my belief that the most enduring diplomatic relationships are forged in this manner. I know we will not find ourselves isolated in these circumstances.

Again, my thanks to you. Farewell."

The other Ecopoeians also bade Kiang farewell and then they left, leaving Kiang standing on his own, unsettled.

OOC: hope you don't mind me giving Kiang a couple of emotional responses there

OOC: This is unrealistic, there is no red in your logo!

[OOC: waylend, that was deliberate. There was actually some discussion before Xik(it was here wasn't it?) drew it...]

ooc: aye, it was me. Pardon my delay in posting: I need to talk to a couple of people, and I've done something to my hand that makes typing hurt. Ouch. On again soon.

ooc: sorry, sorry, again. That RL thing; apprently it does exist.

Anyway: ic:

The Xikuangese councillors bowed as the Ecopoeian party took their leave. Xiang's brow furrowed as they straightened. "What are we to do with them?" he sighed.

"What do you mean?" Xu queried, as they meandered slowly out of the halls.

"So promising, and yet..." Xiang allowed himself a quick, frustrated sigh. "The Ecopoeians do not sign up with the IFTA because of entrenched trade relations with bordering nations which are not members. It is of course perfectly reasonable. Of course, they would not find themselves in want of necessary imports, but they do not wish to abandon their current partners, for fear of damaging their economies. Noble."

"Yet they seem to be ideologically allied with us, on a number of levels. Their input on environmental protection was most valuable, and they are certainly a forward-looking nation with the good of the people at heart."

"Yes. So it makes all the more sense for them to join their ideological allies, for the sake of their future. If they do not, there is little we can do for them."

"No. But we must respect their decisions."

"Respect, yes. Let us hope we do not have to regret. Last I checked, their economy was a wreck." Xiang folded his hands reflectively. "They are so much as we were. Where would we be now were it not for these alliances?"

"Who can say that, Kalsang? We must remember those early choices made well, but our own way is not for all. We can and shall consider Ecopoeia a close political friend and ally. For now we can do not better, besides do it on a full stomach. Come on. I'm starving."

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

ooc: W, if you have any interest in RPing the dinner, I'm up for it-- nebulous time is such fun-- but may I suggest a separate thread?

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

The delegates are free to pursue whatever lunch options take their fancy, but all too soon, the rather leisurely two-hour lunch hour is up, and they return singly and in groups to the Council Halls to take their seats once more. As usual, tea is provided, or some alternative if prefferred, and the agenda is brought up on the screen. Once sufficient numbers have arrived, Xu speaks.

"Friends, may we call this conference into session. I believe we have just one more item to duscuss before we invite any other issues any of you may wish to raise, that being the discussion of a co-ordinated defensive military alliance. While the CACE Charter includes an obligation to the mutual defense of allies under attack, in whatever capacity they are able, there has never been a formal co-ordination of our national military forces. Thequestion has been raised as to whether there should be, in the eventuality-- may it never arise-- that we should come under threat of violence. May I open the floor?"

ooc: I'd be most ecstatically delighted if SR or G could speak to this item...

[OOC: will i suffice, o exalted matronly matriarch who's weekends occasionaly suffer from the attacks of Giant Slugs?]

Praesident Saluki, after slowly peering around the room and ascertaining the lack of responsiveness of his fellow delegates, rose, rather ponderously (although a slim man, his stomach was weighted down by a generous sampling of local cuisine and a good lamb roast) and acquired recognition to speak.

"Those of us who represent Aperinic nations will no doubt remember the extent of the threats brought against us from those who would see us destroyed, the revolutionary new order of hope for which we stand shattered, lying in ruins. But a lesson, perhaps more important than the ruthlessness of leaders willing to throw away millions of lives-willing to risk a nuclear Ragnarok-for no reason other than the intolerable existence of societies in which their own caste does not hold power absolute, a lesson that we should remember is that, however separate, however distinct, however conflictuous even, they may appear, the capitalists are not a house divided as long as we stand in all our difference and opposition; though they may squabble among themselves, though their interests may come at odds with each other, as soon as we appear they rally together, around a common standard, even bowing to a common leader, in order to face us down and protect the perennity of their system. They are capble, willing, and determined to act as a single monolith against us."

Fouad marked a pause, then resumed, faster now as he warmed to his subject.

"And we must have that same capacity. We must unite against the common foe or perish in isolation. If we must stand together, as things are presently, how will ten different armies, speaking as many different languages, co-ordinate their actions? how will we assist our beleaguered allies if we are unprepared to react together? how can we avoid the threats concocted by the most devious minds of a dozen states, using the manifold ressources of a dozen states, if we do not act together to cast light upon their machinations and counter them? it is bad enough that some states, some peoples, refuse to share in the burden of collective defence; it is worse that some would jeopardize common safety in the name of a dream. Must we add to these weaknesses by poor co-ordination? Shall we continue to lengthen the list of our vulnerabilities, when the balance of forces already inclines to our disfavour?
No. Comrades, we must act. We must set up structures for our forces to train together, to practise intercooperation. We must share our intelligence. We must harmonise our strategies. In the interests of all, we must purvey to our common defence."

Ah, powerful rhetoric from the Cirdanis. Alkatiri listened with a connisseur's appreciation, and scanned the room to watch the reactions of others. He noticed his colleague's chair empty: perhaps she had eaten too much at lunch and was sleeping it off.

He felt an impulse to jump to his feet and applaud, but such was not the style here, so he remained seated. And silent. Military alliances rarely appealed to public opinion back home -- and it would be hard enough to sell the global production coordination scheme. Besides, Tanah Burung had so little to offer in military terms. He stayed seated, listening.

[OOC: will i suffice, o exalted matronly matriarch who's weekends occasionaly suffer from the attacks of Giant Slugs?]



ooc: Of course you will suffice, O terrifying neighbour-to-the-north!

"Praesident Saluki speaks wisely." Councillor Kham, once recognised, speaks. "We certainly have been threatened in the past. Sometimes, the collective might and determination of our more powerful allies has been enough to deter attacks on our people, but I can remember occasions when only the close co-ordination of some of our membership could prevent an event that would have resulted in destruction on a scale painful even to imagine. But that co-ordination was spontaneous: it arose because concerned allies recognised and responded to the reality of the threat; and it was effective because those allies-- not all of them military powers-- already worked closely together in other spheres. How much better could we work to avert these crises with an established defensive co-ordination? I do not wish to be misunderstood: my government would never back a militaristic foreign policy, nor would we see the CACE become a war machine. Too, we must respect those of our membership who are pacifist. But the more closely we work together, the better prepared we will be to meet any new threat."

Nadia Cherneshevsky cleared her throat and stood.

"Ecopoeia is a disarmed nation, as you may already be aware. However, I wish to put aside the pacifist versus militarist aspect of this issue for a moment and concentrate on another area of possible contention.

It is my hope that, given the small percentage of anticapitalist nations that are members of CACE, any attempt to co-ordinate military efforts will be on a broadly inclusive basis. Nations in Aperin are already virtually impregnable thanks to the defensive umbrella currently in place. Those on other continents are not so fortunate. The skew in this conference towards CACE/IFTA members leads me to ask: are we going to be directly contacting members of the Proletariat Coalition, the Red Liberty Alliance and so on to sound them out with regards to strengthening military ties?"

Nicklas Bergstedt stood up and gave a slight nod to his collegue from Cirdanistan. Nicklas, a quite sturdy man in his late forties, cleared his throat and corrected his uniform.

“Absolutely astounding Praesident Saluki, in all those years that Svea Riga has been in the coalition striving for a more militaristic way to solve problems occuring militaristic. We’ve almost never been met with understanding or compliments from the other nations, but more often with lack of knowledge about the subject. Now I don’t stand here alone wishing for the creation of something more… tight in the way of the military. Speaking for a nation caring for the protection of anti-capitalist nations everywhere something like an alliance, military, would please us.

It is, according to us, of no big importance if your nation is either militaristic or pacifist, there should be protection for everyone recognizing the anti-capitalist ideas and especially against those who don’t recognize it.

So far the protection has critically depended on a handful of nations mainly concentrated in the Aperin region. And many times when threats have appeared we’ve exchanged ideas, sent aid to each other, both military and civilian, so I can safely say that such an alliance is not far from here… all that’s missing is the formalities. I wish our minister of defence was here to further develop my clumsy words regarding the issue. One thing I can safely say, as long as the enemy is more organized than we are, a need for this will remain, they will never retreat or forget and neither should we. Svea Riga stands fast that a military alliance is necessary for the protection of the anti-capitalist states”

Nicklas sits down on his chair and takes a sip of water, hoping that someone will answer back in the huge room.

ooc: being quick, as I'm on metered time.

Sorry to leave you all in the lurch here... I have no internet access from home at all, and though they said they'd fix it, they apparently did not mean fix, as in, somebody would come and make it work again. It's been two weeks, and I'm getting royally peeved. Anyway, we're going away for Christmas on Sunday and we won't be back until Boxing Day, after which point we will resume nagging them to come fix the internet. Please, so proceed in my absence; just pretend I'm here. Xikuang is broadly in favour of an inclusive defensive military alliance aimed at the protection of anticapitalist allies, and will most probably agree to a well-formulated proposal that would do that.

Again, sorry! You might imagine that I'm going a little batty without my internet, and you would not be imagining conditions that do not reflect reality. I will be back!

Signing off at EasyInternet--

X

Fifteen minutes after Nicklas first stood up and gave Svea Rigas view upon the forming of an alliance the room was first quiet and then it began to buzz. Well, if no one restores order or stand up to speak I guess I have to.

“Please be quiet! I have to admit that I am, on the behalf of Svea Riga, disappointed in the lack of interest shown to this matter from the representatives from, in many cases, such strong military nations. It is not only ignorant to believe that this threat does not affect us all, because it does, but it is also making you a part of the problem. Many wise men have said ‘if you’re not a part of the solution, you’re a part of the problem’. Many may see this statement as foolish but when it is said about this matter it is true. At the moment a handful of nations have to stand for the defence of several others, I can tell you that at least Svea Riga isn’t that keen on helping others, for nothing in return, much longer. Those who are in favour will see that this is a very important thing to agree on and those against it will surely feel ashamed and regretful when the boots of imperialistic soldiers march on their soil.

It is needed, it’s wanted and there’s enough support to build one, so all we lack is a good proposal to back it up. We see this proposal not to be one nation’s responsibility to write and put up but as the whole community of anti-capitalist nations responsibility. So we ask of you now to share your ideas and not to be shy, the worst thing that can happen is that the proposal gets better than it was from the beginning. Of course Svea Riga has such a proposal ready but we wish to hear your ideas and take part of your thoughts to improve and further stabilize our own proposal. Thank you”

Nicklas sat down and took a sip of water. Now, pretty please can someone answer to us, I know Cirdanistan and Galdago at least have some views in the matter. I can’t go on much longer I’m minister of economics not defence and I’ve almost run out of ideas.

OOC: Haven't followed the thread in a while. Thought I'd just jump back in...

Everyone else had left. The economics and trade stuff was over. Icarus had been present, listening the whole time, but it had been an eternity since he spoke. On this issue, however, he decided he must represent his nation.

"Much wisdom has been spoken today. Though we all pride ourselves on our societies' spirits of cooperation, we cannot be so naive as to suppose that others would seek to exploit us just as they exploit their own peoples and resources. Many of their militaries are vast and their numbers great. We must formulate a stalwart defense to protect our peoples from the might of the imperialists.

I propose a universal defense pact, separate from the other treaties and alliances of which we all are member in one or another. We will make this pact the common thread that binds together these many alliances, coalitions, and treaties, defence of each other and all who share our beliefs will be the foundation of our community. Though we ourselves may have many different ideas of our socialist utopia, we all share the same fundamental goals and values and we must all unite to protect the hope and vision that we represent."

Fouad waited awhile to ascertain the attitudes of other nations. Obviously, most of those respresented were ambivalent or at least didn't want to take a stand. Some seemed to be uninterested, and although the Praesident of Foreing Affairs maintained an impassive face effortlessly-it had become second nature to him-inwardly he frowned; those who had no care about their own security could only be considered criminally insane.

He was recognised and stood.

" Yes, we need an independant security alliance. One with common, permanent institutions, and a standing rapid reaction force. One where intelligence can be shared rapidly between members. And we need to use this conference to draft up the treaty; now is the time to discuss the form of our future defence pact."

Alkatiri thumbed through a booklet, entitled The World's Great Asylums, and listened respectfully.

"I'm very glad to see that there is some interest in this initiative." Qzin Sangyin speaks. "It is certainly true that many of us materially have been threatened for teh sake of our ideology, and there is certainly a need to form a strong defensive alliance to protect our peoples from this kind of aggression. CACE members are already bound by a mutual defense policy, and that has seen us through in the past, but if we can extend a defensive alliance throughout ideologically aligned nations, so much the better for all.

"May I emphasise that it is not just military might that would be necessary in such a venture-- those amongst us with no military programs of note would be of great help in times of trouble. There is always the matter of the gathering and sharing of intelligence. And in the event of any conflict, first and foremost the affected will require relief, medicine, technicians-- in short, compassionate aid. The value of such contributions is tremendous, and I would hope that pacifistic nations might be inclined to pledge their aid in a mutually defensive alliance.

"I shall be very interested to hear if any of the assembled have a concrete proposal to offer."

Charlotte Dorsa Brevia stood, somewhat apprehensively.

"I wonder... would nations here today welcome a military alliance that incorporated some element of, uh, peace-keeping responsibilities. or even aid and reconstruction? Since the UN makes no provision for such duties, perhaps it is wise for us to make the running ourselves? Nations such as my own would certainly feel more at ease in a military alliance that was less exclusively focused on matters of security."

She sat down, unable to shake off the sensation that she hadn't made a great deal of sense.

Commissioner Xinh nods towards advisor Brevia. "I should think that peacekeeping would be the primary aim of the proposed alliance. Combining and co-ordinating our collective intelligence under a formal alliance will serve to enable us to respond immediately to a threat, and to take such steps as we can to avert conflict if at all possible. That has certainly been the precedent in the past. As an economic alliance, CACE has always been ready to support allies in need, and I imagine aid and reconstruction in the event of conflict would fall well within the purview of the alliance we're discussing."

((OOC: Sorry for short reply, in school, will try to write more tonight))

"I totally agree with you commissioner Xinh" Nicklas stood up and took the word. "But I, we, consider that we must take it even further than that, indeed we do need this alliance for defensive purposes but not only. We also need this alliance to recognize threats to the anti-capitalist world before they become to great and deal with'em. CACE has always been a steady and faithful economic alliance and we should not believe that an alliance based on military matters will become equal to that. I do have high hopes on it but we in the anti-capitalist block have had different views on issues before. I would like to remind certain nations of the... problem that arose when the nation of Free Mulrooneys was liberated by anarchists..."
Nicklas took a sip of water and continued.

"Svea Riga on one side wanted to solve the issue with a fast and steady way while the community as a whole choose to fail in the matter. So I ask of you, how will we decide such things in the alliance? Will we vote and if we do, will some nations have stronger votes than others depending on population or contributions? Or will we have a council that will decide in the issues and that all nations will have to comply with the councils decisions?"

Alkatiri gave a little bow to Charlotte Dorsa Brevia as he bobbed to his feet. Peacekeeping? Now that was more like it.

"We have only joined a military agreement once, and it was for peacekeeping purposes. I imagine my people would be happy to do so again, always providing that no country is forced to take aprt in any military action against its will. I imagine that goes without saying. We have no real arms and no heavy lift capacity, but with a popualtion over four billion, we have manpower in abundance to offer to any such initiative. Perhaps those of us without well-equipped militaries might enter into strategic partnerships with countries that have small high-tech militaries."

(ooc: think of us as kinda like Bangladesh: no army transport planes, no warships to speak of, not enough guns to go around, but enough soldiers to be the largest provider of peacekeeping in the world)

Saluki rose again.
" Minister Berg is addressing a very important issue in talking of decision-making processes; they will have to allow swift choices to be made in times of crisis, while fairly representing each nation. I would propose that it be a council of the heads of state, or their equivalents, of various nations that has decisionary power; it would seem unfair for each nation to be equal when some are tens of times more populous than others, but going on population alone would also be unfair, by giving large nations who contribute little to the common defence greater influence than small nations willing to undergo great sacrifices for the common cause. Therefore i'd propose that the vote of each head of state be ponderated according to the military might that nation is willing to commit in the alliance's name. Because actual strength-resulting from a combination of troop training, weapon quality, troop numbers, and a plethora of circumstancial factors-is hard to measure, some of my comrades in the Cirdani Praesidium suggested that it would be best to simply divide States into three or four classes, going from class one nations with little military who have little to offer beyond such indirect assistance as logistical and medical support, to class four ones with very powerful forces ready to assist their allies; the vote of each State would then be multiplied by its class, to represent its contribution to the alliance's combined military might.

As for peace-keeping, i am sure that a military alliance should be able to undertake such missions, if its leadership settled on it. However, while peace-keeping should not be compulsory, I fail to see the point in a military alliance that fails to force its members into war to protect one of their number that is being attacked."

When the delegates return from their well-earned 30-minutes break they find that a paper has been put on their desks while they were gone. Nicklas waits for the crown to settle down and awaits silence before he speaks.

“Dear comrades. As you are well aware of we’ve said a number of occasions that a draft for a list with rules and regulations needed to be put up, that’s what I and my colleagues from Cirdanistan have done here. Remember that this is just a draft and feel free to come with ideas”

------------------------------------------------- Lhijir Pact --------------------------------------------------

Military alliance with no bindings to any other alliance or group than the anti-capitalist world itself.

Goals: To protect and serve the anti-capitalist world against the threats from terrorists, capitalist and imperialistic forces that freely roams the world without any objections.

Methods: Through vast exchange of materials and information to prevent a full scale war or conflict. Or when such a thing appears to fully support the offended nation with all means necessary for the anti-capitalist worlds continued safety.

A. The Lhijir Pact will function as a defensive and offensive pact; if a member nation is attacked; other members of the Lhijir Pact are required to aid in their defence, with military as well as financial means. Should it be determined by a simply majority of the Lhijir Pact body that the member nation is in fact the aggressor, Lhijir Pact members are not required to defend the attacked nation, though they are not prevented from doing so. Any nation agreeing to defend a nation which has been determined to be the aggressor in the conflict can not expect the alliance to back it up in an offensive operation; however would the nation be victim to an assault the alliance is obligated to defend it.

B. Lhijir Pact takes a stance against the usage and possession of nuclear/biological and chemical weapons in times of war. Any nation using these weapons as a first-strike or last resort will be excluded from the Lhijir Pact and banned from receiving aid from the alliance until a majority of the member nations seems it fit to accept the nation back in again.
C. Lhijir Pact encourages nations not to develop chemical/biological weapons of any kind. Destruction of said weapons is encouraged as they are associated with unnecessary suffering and falseness.

D. Lhijir Pact nations will not develop radiological weapons of any kind. Those with radiological weapons will begin the process of destroying these arsenals immediately upon joining the Lhijir Pact.

E. Members of the Lhijir Pact are recommended to perform regular joint exercise to promote co-operation between members, this is not obligated but strongly promoted to ease future endeavours by the alliance where joint operations is a must.

F. During the course of military involvement with military personnel from several countries the countries themselves will decide who will be the highest governing power on the battlefield. If such an agreement is to fail Lhijir Pact members will together decide in the issue and the selection must be respected by all sides.

G. In the case of an invasion of a member in the alliance, and/or any other conflict, separate peace with the aggressor is strongly forbidden and will be seen as a betrayal of the alliance and will be punished with dismissal, would however the council state that the conflict is officially over nations may sign peace treaties with said nations without contacting other members of the alliance. During the course of a military enterprise the alliance will aim to make the outcome of the conflict as favourable for the aggressed nation as possible.

H. Members of the Lhijir Pact which has signed the treaty binding them to these rules must obey to them, failure to aid another member nation or disobeying a decision made by the Lhijir Pact will result in excluding from the alliance and/or fines that will cover the entire cost produced by wrongdoing/ignorance of the nation. Failure to pay said fine will result in immediate ban from alliance.

I. Lhijir Pact will establish permanent buildings in [Undecided] that will function as a place for conventions to be held when the need for a solution to an issue is required, and also a forum for discussions between the members and outside nations. A local office in all member nations is encouraged to be built but not a requirement for membership. The compound will also host buildings where delegates from all member nations with military and intelligence agencies will have delegates so that they can coordinate their efforts and more simple use their resources to reach the best results.

J. Lhijir Pact will have a governing council consisting of 5 places with rotating seats, every three (3) months the seats will be replaced, in a pre-determined cycle, unless there’s a conflict demanding the council’s full attention which will oblige the council to sit until the conflict is solved.

Once recognised, Commissioner Qzin bows to Ministers Bergstedt and Saluki. "An excellent start, gentlemen. Thank you. I might suggest a few changes for clarity, but as far as content goes, this is very much what we need. I must especially agree with the stance taken on the development of nuclear, biological and radiological weapons. The CACE charter articles IVc and IVd are quite clear on the matter, and I believe it is important that a commitment never to employ weapons of such a grossly destructive nature is a fundamental part of an anti-capitalist military accord.

"I would also think it important to include a clause to the effect that participation in this pact is not dependent upon having a strong or even any military capacity to bring to the defense of a nation coming under attack, and that assistance coming from non-military nations wishing to be members may come in any form of which they are capable-- medical aid, material resources, such things as are necessary to minimise danger to civilians and to rebuild. Would you agree?"

Qzin all but imperceptibly nods towards Councillor Kham. Khitai (who seems to be the Council's designated draftmonkey) takes the hint and starts typing industrially away.