[IC] Treaty of Non-Aligned Peoples/Novrith Pact

The Novrith Pact, officially named the Treaty of Non-Aligned Peoples, is a collective defense agreement consisting primarily of nations not aligned to any other major power bloc. Though made up of nations with independent foreign policies, militaries, and cultures, the member states are united in their opposition to imperialism and interference in national sovereignty.

The Novrith Pact is loosely organized. It has no permanent headquarters, but representatives from member nations meet regularly to discuss business. The collected body of these representatives is known as the Guiding Committee. The Committee is presided over by the Secretariat, a position that rotates among Pact members every two months in order of their joining date. The current Secretariat is Marsilamat Quarrovth of the All-House Union of Myroria.

The official languages of the Pact are Mercanti, Funkadelian, McMasterdonian, Myrorian, New Latin, Plebobrian, and High Vazosi. Most business is done in the language of Mercanti.

Applications may be submitted here, as well as formal letters printed on appropriate stationery.

Signatories:

The All-House Union of Myroria
The Kingdom of Vazos
The Kingdom of McMasterdonia^*
The Empire of Funkadelia
Imperium Augustum
The Kingdom of Plembobria<sup>†

*</sup>The Novrith Pact currently recognizes the government of Queen-Regent Amira as the legitimate government of McMasterdonia.
^†Plembobria is still undergoing the ratification process for this treaty.

Representatives to the Guiding Committee:

Myroria: Marsilamat Quarrovth (Secretariat)
Vazos: Zafnato Pineja
McMasterdonia: TBD
Funkadelia: TBD
Imperium Augustum: Vipsania Pulchra Proxeny
Plembobria: Stacey North

---

Marsilamat Quarrovth called the first meeting of the Guiding Committee to order. He reluctantly took the job as the All-House Union's representative to the Pact, and was duly appointed its Secretariat for the first two-month term. Despite assurances from the Sedera that the majority of his work would be done by pages and that he personally could stay home in Myroria most of the time, he took the job with only the greatest reluctance.

Every hour that he spent politicking with this new Pact was an hour he didn't have his ear tuned to Myroria's legislature. One priority or the other would have to suffer, and the queen would inevitably be angry about it. He was a young man in his mid thirties, and though he had always wanted to travel, he didn't want to do it this way. The Sedera, though, was particular about all of her latest brainchildren, and this one was no exception. She trusted no one but her closest ally and favorite friend for the job.

He waited for the representatives to settle in their seats. Fendrina and the Council of Great Houses both had a long list of things they wanted this new organization to accomplish, and the first on the agenda was already a big one.

"The creation of this organization has already been a boon for the world and a step in the right direction for the protection of the Nonestablished Peoples," Marsilamat began. "but we should not sit on our laurels. We should press on with our defense of the downtrodden while we continue to have momentum."

He paused to look up and down the table before looking back down at his notes and continuing.

"Through their blunt economic strength and industrial power, the Established Peoples force less developed nations to submit to their idea of globalization and their neoimperialist policies. There are few ways in which those less-developed nations can fight back against this powergrabbing. One strength we do have - as is evident through the establishment of this Pact - is our willingness to band together and embrace our differences for a common good.

"If the Treaty was to establish a reserve currency among its signatories, we could increase our collective economic power and make borrowing more easy for the members of the Pact. Nations would not be forced to borrow from the greedy Established Peoples to fund their own economies, but could instead look to countries like themselves - the Pact."

Zafnato Pineja, the Vazosi representative to the Guiding Committee, responded first. "Does the Secretariat suggest the creation of a new currency or the selection of an existing currency for this purpose? In addition to this measure, would the signatories be opposed to a free trade agreement in the future?"

"I believe I can speak on behalf of Her Majesty's Executive when I say that she would not be opposed to considering a free trade agreement. To answer the first question - " Marsilamat sniffed and looked at his notes. "I have been directed to recommend the selection of an existing currency from among the Pact's members for a possible reserve currency. It would be best to choose one that already has a good deal of power both inside and outside of the organization."

Ambassador North responded, "May I recommend the Plembobrian plemp. It is used in a great deal of trade in both east and west. Our position in the DU free trade area ensures that a great deal of trade in the east is denominated in the plemp. McMasterdonia's position in the west and the free trade area helps to reinforce this.

Our sensible banking policies and global position make our currency an ideal choice. It will give this pact a great deal of economic power over the east, making these non-established peoples wealthier."

Praefect Vipsania Pulchra Proxeny tentatively pushed back her shoulder-length, brunette hair. It looked wonderful for her age, in her extreme thirties, even if it framed a face that would not be out of place at a military boarding school. That is not to say she was not an attractive woman - just to say that her attractiveness would by no means be the first thing a bystander would consider.

Indeed, her clothing was relatively modern for an August government employee - particularly one at a Proconsular level, equivalent to a lowly general. She, like many of those serving in the Peregrine Service, was drawn from Royalist pockets in Neapolis. Those who were willing to ignore the relative conservative bent of the Feline reign, and instead attribute Neapolis' long-standing position as a gem of multiculturalism to the stability of his time in office, were drawn to serve in his employ in increasingly more exotic lands.

She'd been appointed to the position by Caesar's hand, picked from a shortlist handed to him by the Peregrine Service. Although she, and the rest of the nation would not know it, it had been a selection process to which Aemilius Angelis had not been privy, an increasingly more unusual affair as time went on. No, she was a diehard Orthodoxist - a term used to describe support for the Imperator, as opposed to Heterodoxists, who support for other potential monarchs. Those with a familiarity of Imperium's language will recognize the unusual roots of the word. Of course, in the conservative Latin-speaking parts of Imperium, there is no need to make the distinction, for there are no Heterodoxists in the heart of Imperium, and to make the accusation is in itself a potentially fatal error. The word comes from the Napule language, from Neapolis, where the people often feel driven to support - sometimes publically - the cause of various heirs.

So, there were two proposal at the moment. The first was by Mr. Quarrovth, proposing a reserve currency. The second, by Mr. Pineja, proposing a free trade argeement.

Praefect Proxeny stood to speak.

"If it pleases the Guiding Committee, I would like to propose Imperium's Libra - the August Libra, ALR, if you prefer. Unlike Plembobria, we are not situated in the Democratic Union, or in the North Pacific Trade Organization.

However, I wish to propose that this is an advantage. Imperium has not, up to this point, taken whole-heartedly with the international financial market and globalization. We remain, fundamentally, a state-planned economy, and our currency remains controlled by the Fiscal Service, one of the most capable Treasury departments in the world as a result. Many of you will be uncertain as to why I argue the Libra should be adopted, when it is so far from becoming a reserve currency.

The reason I believe the August Libra is an ample reserve currency for this Committee to consider is simple. It is one of the most stable currencies in the world. No other nation on Earth has the same industrial output - the same political, military stability. The most important characteristic of a reserve currency is stability - when a currency is traded in quantity, it must be powered by an industrial engine that does not falter. Imperium's reliance on tools, automobiles, transportation, military equipment, and processed agricultural goods makes it a capable and powerful source of stability for the global economy. We are hardened to the financial systems of the world.

Yet, again, this raises another issue for the Committee. Why support the financial aspirations of a nation that has not yet engaged with the world?

Simply, because we are about to. Imperium is about to enter the world as the industrial power it is already known to be - but this time, with the power of globalization. We retain the immense stability of a currency built on state-planned frameworks, but upon it, we shall create a gateway into the global economy.

How do we propose to do it?

Imperium is not yet ready for a free trade agreement. Our society is built on state planning of imports and exports. The tariffs on these are how we collect taxation, and make the free trade agreement raised by Quarrovth unworkable to us.

But there is an alternative. Imperium has vast tracts of land - our lack of natural resources, and ground that can be competitive in mining, leaves us with ample agricultural and industrial land. Amongst such land is Pauldron, an island in our southern strait that has, until now, been a host to one of Imperium's largest military bases.

We intend to dismantle that base, and turn Pauldron into the largest free trade zone in human history. A veritable paradise for the investment of our community banking sector, and for nations across the world, to create an industrial complex so large that it can be marked on satellite imagery.

We need the stability - the reliability of a reserve currency to achieve the Pauldron Scheme, that we can - together - reverse the ravages of civil war, by taking in the waves of humanity issuing forth from the East and West, and bring them together as refugees in a semi-autonomous state that they can take control of, on behalf of Caesar. On their backs, we shall not just build them a new home, but a new world order.

The August reserve currency is not just the Novrith Pact asserting itself against an Eastern world order, but creating a new one."

OOC: I will be tagging posts unrelating to the current train of thought with what they are regarding. I believe that this will (hopefully) keep things from getting too confusing while allowing the Pact to decide on multiple things without taking huge amounts of time. ICly, we can assume the conversations are happening at different times or something.

[RE: Rhuvanland]

Marsilamat sniffed and took a drink from the mug of coffee sitting next to him, triple cream triple sugar. Drinking one of these every day for ten years would give anyone diabetes, but he had somehow managed to dodge the bullet as of yet.

"I believe we should discuss the unfolding situation in Rhuvanland," he said, flipping through a packet of papers sitting in front of him.

"The National Sonacists have been infringing on native lands on their borders, and their belligerent words against their neighbors may be of some concern. Her Majesty is worried about the Rhuvish upsetting the balance of power on the continent; their proximity to Guslantis combined with their dispute with them could be dangerous.

"That's not to mention Pelhafor - if Rhuvanland expands right to Tajis' border they would be right in the firing line if they chose to act on their hatred of the Kannexans."

[RE: Rhuvanland]

Pineja adjusted his glasses as he went over his own papers. After a moment of thought, he answered, "This Pact was created as an alliance of nations against imperialist expansion. There is no reason why Rhuvanland should be exempt. It is my view that we must act swiftly in opposition to the Rhuvish expansion, as the Guslants have. We may be able to begin by aligning ourselves with them."

Stacey North entered the debate hall again, and handed a document to the Myrorian representative.


Moving to her place, she spoke, "In my experience Rhuvanland is a hot bed of violence and war.

Aligning ourselves with Guslant interests I believe is the best course of action at this time. Though we must be wary of their motives. Guslantis, too, once declared war on an unsuspecting power, Zemnaya Svoboda.

We must stop short of supporting military action."

[RE: Rhuvanland]

Praefect Proxeny removed some horn-rimmed glasses from her pocket. As she put them on, they seemed to smoothly change from clear to frosted - a trick of the light reflected off their glare-protection. It'd taken Proxeny a few days to figure out how to do the trick seamlessly, in a hotel room many years ago, when she first purchased a similar pair from a military surplus store.

But she could do it flawlessly now.

A similar packet manifested itself in front of her, out of a small briefcase at her feet. She fingered through it, quickly skimming through to her section on Rhuvanland. The rise of the...Nazo Party. They sounded like a terrible satirical comedy troupe. Ah, the farce of democracy.

"As you all know, Imperium is always happy to take the...necessary steps to preserve peace, whether or not they involve war. If the Novrith Pact wishes to collaborate with the Eastern powers on the matter of preserving the order of society, then so be it. If that collaboration should manifest itself in war, Imperium would be willing to...take the bullet, so to speak, in exchange for the support of our allies in making up for the resulting shortfalls in our international diplomacy, including our significant and crucial dedication to preserving the Pax Latina."

[RE: Rhuvanland]

Minister Strauzenburg put out her cigarette as she listened to the other Ambassadors speak. She had been residing in Novrith while the war for Intelligentsia was going on, and she certainly hoped to be returning to her home very soon. She had unintentionally left her husband and two sons behind, and was constantly concerned for their safety. After taking a sip of her water she pulled her microphone forward and began to speak:

"The Rhuvish issue is an important one. For two long, major world powers have stood witness to terrible crimes of imperialism against natives and the improvrished. This action must be condemned on the strongest terms and it should not be tolerated. Rhuvanland has no relations with the Kingdom of McMasterdonia, and has had little impact on world affairs in recent times, so this sudden escalation of imperialism on their part is quite shocking. I would urge other members to support Guslantis in their action, we must be aware that Guslantis is still recovering from their sudden civil war, and this burden cannot fall solely on them.

We should consider speaking to the representatives of Nebula, and enlisting their support in limiting the foreign aggression conducted by Rhuvanland. McMasterdonia cannot provide military support at this time, however, we're prepared to offer our diplomatic support and cash from the royal treasury."

[RE: McMasterdonia]

I wish to inform members of the Pact, that Her Royal Majesty, Queen Amira is set to arrive in Intelligentsia this evening. Action will be quickly taken to secure the Royal Palace, and the International Airport. 2000 peacekeepers sourced from the Royal Guard Academy in New Intelligentsia have been ordered to return and will be utilized to maintain the peace in the city.

With the capital secure, our aggressive military campaign will begin. The focus will be on capturing the city of Capricornia and imprisoning Rosemary Whent. Taking back the occupied provinces in the far east, and finally securing the major port of Port Augusta. The Kingdom of Plembobria and the Lancerian Empire have already joined us in this campaign. We believe that the Imperium intends to support us in plans of taking back Port Augusta, which we do appreciate, given our long standing cultural connections.

We would like to ask for a formal statement of support from the representatives to Novrith for this military engagement, and to gauge the interest of other nations in providing military support to this campaign"

[RE: McMasterdonia]

Pineja turned to look at Strauzenburg. A report given to him by Lord Na?a had made mention of her family circumstances and had made him much more sympathetic to the McMasterdonian affair than before. "I am not personally empowered to guarantee Vazosi troops, but I will mention it to the Royal Council in my next report to them. I am not inclined to believe that they will refuse, given the nature of our alliance."

[RE: McMasterdonia]

"The rebel forces in McMasterdonia must be put down, not only so that safety and stability can return to its people but so that the rampant offenses against the innocent by the Whent and Gunrei forces can be stopped. I must confess," Marsilamat said, looking at his notes absent-mindedly before raising his head again, "it is sat to see so many McMasterdonians suffer similar crimes that my own people went through at the hands of bloodthirsty maniacs."

"I can guarantee the All-House Union's support for Amira and her forces in whatever capacity Her Majesty deems necessary."

[RE: Rhuvanland]

"I agree that Guslantis would be the front line of defense if war breaks out on that continent, but their Eastern sympathies, previous actions on Zemnaya Svoboda, and their recently-concluded civil war makes me wonder how effective a defense that might be, and what retaliation they might enact on Rhuvanland once their offensive is put down. As to the latter, I have similar concerns regarding the Watching Nebula."

[RE: Rhuvanland]

Marsilamat tented his fingers and leaned forward in his chair. An Emergency Meeting had been called; early enough in the morning that the horizon was only now beginning to get an orange tint.

"The Rhuvish situation has deteriorated quickly. Imperium is at war and the Sedera is inclined to accept their claim of sovereignty over Rhuvanland; however, Her Majesty wants Imperium to lessen its blanket condemnation of the Rhuvish people - including their combatant status. Those responsible in large part for their own idiotic government, such a declaration could lead to trouble for whatever occupying force takes the nation."

Marsilamat cleared his throat and took a sip of coffee.

"We would also like to discuss Imperium's plans for Rhuvanland and what Caesar plans to do with this new province."

[[RE: RHUVANLAND]]

North tapped slowly on the desk, pondering her words. Saying the wrong thing could upset the agenda in the DU.

"I would also like to know what Caesar plans to do with this new province. Let me be clear, I make no accusations of imperialism against Imperium. I am fully confident in their competent, strong, and meritocratic method of government.

Though I do feel obliged to voice concern over IA's insistence that Rhuvish citizens are combatants.

The Rhuvish are angry. They're way of life and culture has been pillaged, raped, and destroyed by the Established peoples' warlike leadership. The Established people took two parts of the nation, divided over whether they should be annexed by Syrixia or not, and reunified, without consulting them. Forced unification of factions cannot end in any other way than in unrest and tensions."

Stacey stopped and glanced around the room. The ambassadors were listening closely.

"After this, the Rhuvish people were dropped, and left with a democracy, a system that has no place in nations rife with incompetence and corruption. The Rhuvish are not primed to choose their leaders through direct election. Now that they've been sucked dry by established peoples, they look to a cunning leader, one who says he'll bring their nation back from destruction, and join the coalition warring nations.

I would warn Caesar, that if they intend to engage in nation-building, they must be most careful. They must not let the anger of an oppressed people be misdirected again."

The ambassador sat. Where did that speech come from?

[RE: Rhuvanland]

Praefect Proxeny had, of course, been late. It had been unfortunate - her driver had not yet roused from sleep, and could not therefore make known his ill-health. So a new driver had to be procured from the staff, by her aide. A simple affair, all in all, and it had given her time to catch up on her e-mails, and telephone calls. Her television had, of course, been hooked up to one of those famous little Imperium black boxes - a cheap PC with a cable TV hook-in and a myriad of graphics conversion units, and an ethernet cable. Some online news channels had made their way through her screen until she settled on one to...accompany her thoughts, discussing the current crisis in Rhuvanland.

She'd been contacted before bed, by her on-staff intelligence agent. He, of course, did not busy himself with anything as shady as espionage - he was merely responsible for maintaining counter-espionage for the August detachment, and for helping to maintain a secure communications channel with Alba Longa. He'd briefed her, rather succinctly, on the matter at hand. That being said, there were more than a few gaps for her to fill in.

Her folder was somewhat sparse, this time around. Hastily-handwritten notes were carefully concealed, interspersed all over various, unrelated typed pages. Just in case anyone had the cheek to look over her shoulder.

Clearing her throat curtly, she adjusted her glasses and spoke...slowly, even by her own standards.

"I will respond to your statements...out of order. I feel that would be...the most conduicive to understanding our position.

Firstly, I shall outline our intentions with Rhuvanland. Some of you may know of the Pauldron project - to start a free-trade area in the island of Pauldron, currently a military base and a rail maintenance depot, as well as a naval and civilian maintainance shipyard. We developed the idea to respond to...the changing global economy, during the economic collapse sustained by the incidents in McMasterdonia. The intention was to...allow Imperium to trade more freely with the world, and to help respond to what was at the time projected unemployment.

At this juncture, Imperium has been convinced that its true issue is not unemployment. Our social welfare net, and tendency towards austere lifestyles, are resilient and capable of standing up during the cyclical issues of the global free market. Our true issue is maintaining a financial and industrial base that can continue to promote our efficient and effective goods and services across the world - to maintain our commitment to an economy built on industrial efficiency.

We wish to...expand the Pauldron project to Rhuvanland. We shall create in Rhuvanland's place a free trade area, open for the free and fair investment and development of the world's largest governments and corporations. The Rhuvish preference for...social and political control shall be redirected, and they shall be ordered into neat and proper industrial units - as they have indicated they wish to be. Where racial tensions continue to rise, we shall separate them, and reintegrate them as equals into business hierarchies.

When the time comes, the investments in Rhuvanland can be reconglomerated into a public structure, and the free territory of Rhuvanland can be reincorporated as a sovereign territory of Imperium, albeit one with the structures and prosperity of a globalized economic powerhouse.

We have no intention of wasting our own public money on the restoration of Rhuvanland - Rhuvanland shall pay for itself, in time. Our main concern is developing mass-production in the area - it will be exceptionally capable at maintaining such trivial things as metalworking and a rare earth metals industry, of which Imperium has little domestic production. Our technological advantage in the areas of the culturally vital - software, computing devices, and A/V devices - would be greatly supported by the production of such components in the Rhuvish commercial territory.

With proper care, the Rhuvish people can be reminded of the intolerability of their democratic experiment. Already, cities in Rhuvanland have been thrown to the dogs by Friedrich Ulrich and his NSP - they will be easily convinced of the power and security of the Paxcist Church. In time, the Paxcist Church will become a key tool in helping the inevitably crippled population of Rhuvanland come to terms with the destruction and terror of the war Friedrich Ulrich has requested we manifest. The poverty and chaos that will be brought upon them in bringing Ulrich to justice will be all but a memory in the face of their Caesar, holy as he is. With it, the superior Neapolitani culture, with its tolerance and inclusionarism, will be perpetuated throughout the Rhuvish territory.

Within decades, the Rhuvish commercial territory will become a key player in the August economy, and the global society."

Proxeny adjusted her glasses.

"That being said, our first and most urgent concern is the removal of any August citizens in the area from Rhuvanland. Whatever must be done to secure their passage home will be done, and we intend to do so - even if it is for the sake of a proper burial. From that point onwards, we are willing to negotiate with those who would take responsibility for the protection of those who sully our sovereign territory in Rhuvanland - whether it is our allies in the Novrith Pact, or..." Proxeny gave North a pointed glance "...one of the more conventional organizations. We do not intend for it to be our responsibility to protect the Rhuvish from their self-sacrifice in the name of their false sovereign. Those who reject their sovereign for ours will be protected as any August devout would be - those who do not are not our concern, unless the Novrith Pact chooses to act on their behalf."

Proxeny flipped through her folder, looking for nothing in particular. Closing the folder, and taking her time...adjusting its edge parallel to the table, placing her hands neatly on top of it, she turned towards Marsilamat.

"Regarding the blanket condemnation of the Rhuvish people as combatants, that is our stance - but, I admit, one easily misconstrued. Imperium is an ancient nation - older than notions of civil war, and with a religion that stands us in good stead. As a nation which expects its people to fight for their sovereignty, whether it is on Caesar's behalf or not, we do not see any reason to pretend our people are not combatants - either at war, or after it. And so, we accord the privilege of civilian immunity only to those states that have proven themselves deserving of leniency - those states which have proven themselves in asserting their sovereignty, and deserve the service of Caesar in preserving their God-given right to rule, as the members of the Pax Latina have.

If the Novrith Pact, or some other organization, is willing to prove to Imperium that we may differentiate between those Rhuvish who will take up arms against their one true sovereign, and those who are as complacent under our occupation as that of the NSP, then we shall court their evidence."

North listened Proxeny's speech. There was a small lull as the representatives pondered what the Ambassador had said. The screen on North's tablet lit up. It was an email from the Embassy:

Ambassdor North,
We have receieved word from the Cabinet. The Kingdom is to join McMasterdonia in conditional support for the actions of Imperium Augustum. Propose that the Pact try to mediate the issue. The DU is clogged in procedure.

Yeraennus has pledged to "protect" Rhuvish civilians from IA "genocide."

Respond with further relevent information ASAP.

She locked the screen and stood. "I thank the delegation for expounding on Imperium's intent. Honesty is not easy to come by in the halls of diplomacy.

I am concerned at the intent of Imperium to turn Rhuvanland into a factory. I do not wish to see the Rhuvish exploited. Turned into mere human production units housed in proverbial beehive cells.

Nonetheless,the Kingdom of Plembobria sees no other candidate better suited for such an operation. And we certainly support the right of Imperium to protect its citizens now stranded by Ulrich's barbarous regime.

We in this Pact wish, above all, to see sovereignty respected, and cultures preserved. And I certainly do not wish to see this great organization, with the most ecumenical collection of nations and cultures represented, be turned into yet another board of corrupt international deal brokers. But I suggest the following:

Imperium Augustum should continue in their operations. But we should maintain reasonable oversight, and be firmly in charge of mediating any conflict regarding them. I also suggest that this pact set itself in opposition to the meddling of Yeraennus. They seek to involved themselves in a conflict not their own. Perhaps they wish to play the Eastern imperialist game as well. The Kingdom of Plembobria, for one, will have no part in it.

Marsilamat took another long sip of coffee as Strauzenberg gave her two cents. The beverage was difficult to get through, despite his exhaustion at being roused so early in the morning. It seemed that the earlier he had to get up the more sugar he needed to make the drink palatable.

His cell phone, sitting on his right thigh, vibrated. He put his cup down and swallowed with difficulty. An email from the Fendrina - the third or fourth this morning. She must have been up all night.

It seems everyone is elbow-deep in this cow's ass now. Hard to keep straight who's on whose side.

Don't let anyone out of that room until we have an agreement. Imperium is opening negotiations high - they'll settle for something less extreme. The Pact can act a week before the DU can motion for a vote.

Agree to whatever sounds reasonable to you. We've got enough people on our side in the Council to override any isolationist Vrotrith fools. I'll be in meetings with Llothren and Morvene all morning, but let's meet for lunch - I think I have a bottle of Rhuvish sparkling wine somewhere. I hope we have an excuse to open it.

Fannie

"I agree, mostly," Marsilamat said aloud, "with my Plembobrian and McMasterdonian colleagues. I think Imperium is the best choice to rule Rhuvanland until the world can be assured of their maturity. We cannot install a sham democracy there, as the DU would have the world do, and expect it to work for more than a decade or two.

This is what Her Majesty meant in her statement following the August, ah, "revokation of independence" about the Middle Way. Democracy will only fail the Rhuvish again and allow them to fall into heavy-handed fascism and totalitarianism. A compromise between the two extremes must be sought.

The August plan would install the correct form of government and allow the Rhuvish to build themselves back up with work, but, with respect to you, Madam Praefect, goes to some extremes itself.

Though Imperium's attitude towards civilians is rooted in logic, foreign relations can be extremely illogical at times. The Pact is a new organization and can only expend so much political capital. The Pact's standing internationally may be completely drained if we are seen as allying ourselves with a state that kills civilians - regardless of what explanation we use to back it up."

Re: McMasterdonia

Praefect Proxeny gave Strauzenberg an uncharacteristically motherly smile. "My congratulations to her Honour. And my congratulations to you - I can only imagine the trials you and your kin have been through. I will pass on your good tidings to our Magisters. I expect we shall be in contact at the bilateral level imminently, to discuss our approach to Port Augusta."

She gave an apologetic glance to the rest of the Committee. "My apologies for the deviation - the matter of Port Augusta will be one we intend to handle alone, in deference to McMasterdonian sovereignty, for the time being. It is a matter of national security. And, on the subject of McMasterdonian sovereignty, you will need to advise us as to how you wish to proceed regarding the New Intelligensian Occupation Government - I would appreciate being kept in the loop, so to speak, but your government may prefer to handle such discussions through the Occupation itself."

Re: Rhuvanland

Proxeny looked back to the Committee, her momentary tenderness melting away, as if set in an oven overnight, and then blowtorched until charred. She gave all three a curt look, having seemingly already forgotten the joy she shared with Mr. Strauzenberg over his newfound security.

"If Plembobria wishes to have reasonable oversight, then it shall be done. If that oversight should start now, in the form of briefing and planning for this operation, then that too is acceptable. For the remainder of the discussion, I will, of course, be abstaining from commenting on a course of action regarding Yeraennus.

Mr. Strauzenberg, you have indicated a number of immediately actionable points. Firstly, you wish to require annual reports from Imperium on the status and stability of the Rhuvish territory. That is...provisionally acceptable. That being said, you must of course understand the complexity of these instruments in the Augustine model of governance. It would be possible for us to provide comprehensive reports, but they would have to be split into publically available information, for the purpose of financial and public transparency, and confidential briefings - likely at a Ministerial and General Staff level. It becomes exponentially more difficult to provide reports at intermediate levels, unless you are willing to accept similarly complex confidentiality restrictions.

Secondly, you ask that Rhuvish work arrangements adequetely empower them. Such work would, of course, be as empowering and fulfilling as the industrial arrangements in Imperium itself. We can ensure effective and meaningful employment and organization that is cognizant of existing cultural relations - of the family unit, and of the needs of a modern, educated workforce. Imperium prides itself on creating work environments that can create healthy microcosms of our greater national society, with leaders and followers alike. The same, of course -" Proxeny lingered for a moment, casting a curious look at North "-applies to our residential arrangements, no matter how dense or unusual they may seem to outsiders, who lack our cultural predisposition towards frugality, and sensitivity for our environment.

Thirdly, you request that Rhuvanland be open to embassies from across the world. As you know, Imperium does not have a strong ambassadorial tradition - we have a strong preference towards conducting diplomacy between sovereigns. Currently, member nations maintain embassies - or rather, consular services - in Imperium through our multilateral commitments, and through bilateral arrangements with the city of Neapolis. For example, in Alba Longa, the Novrith Pact and Pax Latina share an embassy building. The member nations here likely also have consulates in Neapolis. We are prepared to give the same power, to host consulates, to the hypothetical Rhuvish territorial government. Furthermore, we are willing to accede to a policy of inclusion. In other words, a nation will be permitted to host a consulate in Rhuvanland as long as support can be garnered from either the Rhuvish territorial government, or Imperium Augustum; or unanimous agreement from the other members of the Novrith Pact can be secured.

Finally, we are willing to guarantee that Rhuvanland will be subject to travel restrictions in line with membership of the Novrith Pact excluding Imperium, as opposed to Imperium's own, given our outlying nature on the matter. Changes to travel restrictions will come into force only following notification to the Novrith Pact. However, note that such a change would require that Imperium enforce the travel restrictions pertinent to Novrith Pact members on Rhuvish citizens, rather than those pertinent to our own citizens. This would be to ensure that the significantly laxer restrictions applicable to Rhuvanland do not compromise the national security of our own nation."

Proxeny turned her attention fully to Marsilamat, turning something in her head.

"As Ambassador North has mentioned in the past, they are an influential member of the Democratic Union, and of the North Pacific Trade Organization. I believe it came up in our discussion of a potential reserve currency for the Novrith Pact. I feel that you may underestimate the clout of our organization, and the support we can garner, given the proper treatment of our media resources. One would assume that a nation that could, in future, maintain the largest reserve currency on Eras would be more than able of finding the appropriate allies to support our undertaking of the largest industrial revitalization in history.

That being said, I understand that members of this Guiding Committee may have reservations towards overbearing policies regarding media and intervention, given their current domestic political situations. On this matter, I am willing to court further discussion.

Imperium, of course, would like to minimize bloodshed. Every Rhuvisher who should be killed in combat is one who cannot be part of our revitalization, and it would be a sin not to give them the opportunity to...repent their ways. But we are more than aware that the government of Friedrich Ulrich is elected, and by a significant majority. These are men and women who have elected a government prepared to spit in the face of our glorious community of equal sovereigns. Their votes have directly led to the necessity of war - to rescue August citizens in Rhuvanland, and to secure a better future for those Rhuvish willing to disown their democracy in favour of the rule of law. It is tradition for Imperium to do so by offering them the chance to fight for their government, or to fight for ours - such ensures that they understand the true gravity of casting a ballot.

It would be highly unusual for us to act with the assumption that Rhuvish voters are not willing to raise arms, where they have raised pens."

Proxeny quirked an eyebrow, her face taking an intentionally quizzical expression as she swept her eyes across the room. The sternness in her expression gave way to what seemed almost like an innocent, childish curiosity.

"I do not know how a military that has never toyed with such a form of government would be be able to tell the difference."

Proxeny gave Plembobria a glare, rather cut by her now clearly feigned innocence.

"Of course, the matter of encouraging the international community to support our initiative is paramount. For Rhuvanland to succeed, we must be able to trade with the world as its legitimate overlord and sovereign. That could...best be achieved using a currency not our own. As I mentioned, the Plemp is a reserve currency with as much clout as Imperium's Libra. Unlike Imperium's Libra, however, the Plemp is used to conduct the trade and affairs of free trade, whilst the Libra is more important to our great industrial power-base. While we will, of course, require Rhuvanland to use the Libra for domestic trade, we are willing to...guarantee that Rhuvanland will use the Plemp as a reserve currency, if the Democratic Union were to support our sovereignty in enforcing that, and other, policies. This would, of coures, make our current position on promoting the Libra as a reserve currency untenable - a small price to pay for stability in Rhuvanland, spearheaded by Imperium and supported by your Democratic Union."

---

From the office of:
Councillor Marsilamat Quarrovth

I write this letter to you, fellow representative to the Treaty of Non-Aligned Peoples, because our pact has been silent for too long. It has been many years since our last meeting and in that time, as I'm sure you are aware, the geopolitical realities of this world have changed greatly. Imperialism continues to show itself, both explicitly and covertly, throughout the world.

The cause of our Treaty, from its inception, has been noble. We are fighting an insidious system of global exploitation. This exploitation does not come only in the form of soldiers or "peacekeepers" interfering in the affairs of an internal nation; a column of rifles or tanks. Increasingly this exploitation and interference has been in the form of food aid, economic dominance, and conspiracy by states whose riches were gained by war and colonialism.

Every bag of rice or barrel of fruit that a nation receives in "aid" from wealthy foreign states represents this dominance, this conspiracy. Much as a kidnapper feeds his hostage to create a feeling of dependence, so do these countries feed those they designate as "developing". Whenever a child in these lands looks at the bowl of oats it receives in the morning from a foreign soldier or "peacekeeper", the idea is reinforced that citizens from "developing" countries cannot survive on their own.

The wealthiest nations of the world now seek to collaborate with each other as the Gang of Five. Could the evidence of collusion and conspiracy be any clearer? Five colonialist powers that assert their power abroad combining forces -- clearly in an attempt to assert this power more efficiently. Meanwhile, the non-aligned states - so-called "developing countries" - are disunited and scattered.

They look to our Pact for guidance. It is in my opinion as well as the opinion of Her Auspicious Majesty, the Sedera, that our Treaty must undertake a program to challenge this concentration of power. We must open our Treaty up to applications so that we may represent more nations on the global stage. We also must collaborate with each other, in solidarity, to end the use of exploitative aid policies from abroad. We must share research on good farming practice, help each other develop infrastructure, and strengthen our borders against foreign interference, whether it be economic, military, or cultural.

In light of these pressing issues, I call a general meeting of the Pact on behalf of Her Auspicious Majesty. I would very much like to see as many of you as can attend. If a meeting is not possible, it is the opinion of the Myrorian government that applications to the Treaty should be opened anyway. That being said, I hope a formal vote is possible. I hope to see you soon at the Treaty Councilhouse in Novrith.

Marsilamat Quarrovth
Myrorian Representative to the Treaty of Non-Aligned Peoples

Dear Councillor Marsilamat Quarrovth,

The Crown Government has received your letter. We share your concerns about the growth of colonialism in this new dangerous world. We abhor imperialism. We are opposed to colonialism. We national sovereignty and self-determination paramount above all governing values. We oppose the exploitation by less-established nations through aid and loans by richer nations.

Plembobria is many things. We practice Parliamentary democracy. We have strong institutions to protect the rights of the working class. For many reasons some may call us "democratic socialist." But we reject that our governing economic models are universally suited for the entire world. We stand against any efforts to force political ideals on cultures they are incompatible with. The ancient orders of nobility and chivalry hold strong in Plembobria as do our social institutions. It is our obligation, the crown government, to bring together the many groups of our nation under one banner, "Plembobrians," and so we do, in such a manner that benefits Our Nation, and our nation alone.

We in Plembobria are proud to announce our interest in continuing and reforming this organization in order to challenge the forces of colonialism and exploitation throughout the world.

We are pleased to announce that Ambassador North will be in attendance in the Treaty Councilhouse whenever a meeting of the council is formally scheduled.

Yours in solidarity,

The Right Honorable Rudolph Stein,
Minister for Foreign Affairs