Floresque Peace Talks

"Mr. Malachit!" Rohit thundered, taking to the podium. "What makes you think that you will be able to attain a military base in Rhuvanland? Your government attacked Rhuvanland once, supported a usurper communist government later on, and was famous for resorting to war! Your notion that the only power people respect comes out of the barrel of a gun is not only barbarous, but, considering your political career, it just makes plain sense for your actions!"

"These are peace talks, not give-me-a-base-from-which-to-influence-the-nation-in-question-again-again talks. Mr. Tsango is right! This IS the fourth time you've had to bring your military to bear because military action is your first, last and only way to resolve disputes. Nebula has negotiated a bit, but not enough to change these facts. Mr. Malachit, if you wish the world to think higher of Nebula right about now, I highly suggest you retract your request for a military base."

"Even if you refuse, I can guarantee still that it is not happening."

Sphan's eyes, incredibly sharp despite his relative age, bored into the Naizerri and Nebulans delegations. "Gentlemen," He almost barked, "The meet to discuss the future of a sovereign people is not the place to bicker like two children over a single candy. You would shame your country if you continue.
"Now, to the delegates of the Imperium, if I may make comments. As most of you are no doubt aware, my nation, the Sta'nh Ye'ra, is philosophically and politically opposed to the idea of imperialism, which puts us in natural opposition to you. However, your plan shows promise.
"We are, of course, opposed to your claim over the Rhuvish territory, government, and peoples and proposal to enforce Latinate customs upon them. If the Rhuvish are to become a viable member of international society, they must keep their customs and culture. You would not claim rule over Syrixia, nor us over Kalti, and it should be expected as much for all sovereign peoples. Even noting your proposal to an international senate, your plan is designs to favor the Imperium over all.
"Even still, we cannot ignore the chain of misfortune and strife in the Rhuvish government, culminating in abusive, fascist despots throttling their own people while threatening all else. Noting this realization, we propose an alteration to your plan concerning the government. Instead of an international senate formed of non-Rhuvish, I propose that the Rhuvish have a Rhuvish government, instead closely monitored by these concerned nations. While this does not change much, it would appease and instill a sense of trust into the Rhuvish, to see their kin still rule.
"Of course, complete demilitarization and deradicalization is required, either through peace or force, as it comes, to prevent and possibly make an example for future insurrections. Military and police support will be provided by international communities. I do have further thoughts, but I shall keep those in reserve for now."

"The Rhuvish cannot be trusted to govern themselves until they are deradicalized." Rohit noted. "The August plan is centered around this idea. The Senate must govern Rhuvanland until they can govern themselves."

Caesar nodded towards the Yeraen delegation, momentarily, shifting his glance to bring the Syrixian delegation into his point.

"I understand some may worry about August influence in the Rhuvish government. While, of course, we believe that we are the best candidates to take Rhuvanland into the modern era, we intend to do so by instilling a proper, Latin virtue in the form of a monarchy. We do not intend to control the Rhuvish Senate, and we believe that our forthcoming proposal - if our personnel could hand it out - for Senate distribution will prove this."

Another list was distributed throughout the audience.

"You will notice that this is List D. List C refers to terminology regarding the estates being granted. We propose gender-neutral Latin terms, as we find the gendered Mercanti equivalents to be inappropriate for legislative use, although the equivalents are listed and made available for use at the recipient's leisure. I do not believe there will be much discussion on the contents of List B specifically, but it is included as an addendum."

Sure enough, at the back was this elusive List C.

"List B refers to short-term provisions regarding the Rhuvish territory - however, as relevant discussion has already been raised, we do not intend to propose the List as is, and ask that you bear with us as we make the appropriate reconsiderations.

Those reading along will find that seats are approprotioned in pairs, for membership in various relevant organizations - the Democratic Union, as a body that can guide the development of a democratic institution that Nebula has indicated it is so supportive of, the Novrith Pact, the Argent Alliance, and the Rhuvish Proconsular Coalition. There is also a pair allocated by default for participating in the wara itself, and significant purchase for neighbouring Rhuvanland - in which Tajis, Guslantis, and Trinster all receive a large boon.

As we mentioned prior, there will be, when Rhuvanland is ready, a College - a House of Representatives, or House of the Commons, that will fully and freely represent the common Rhuvish people, rather than the coming Rhuvish generations of those currently being allocated seats, and Rhuvish citizenship and residence with them. It will be a fair, and gradual transition from caretaker government to government by people born and raised as Rhuvishers.

We understand that this may not fully address the concerns raised by the Yeraen delegation, but we believe it helps to resolve their most significant concerns with this particular facet of the proposal, and will allow us to frame the debate so that we understand each other's proposed positions more clearly. We are, of course, willing to come back to those concerns if the Yeraen delegation wishes to continue along that line of discussion, but we would like to allow the Yeraen delegation time to peruse these documents first."

---

We are committed to installing a true and just high society of capable public servants and leaders in Rhuvanland. In a time where Rhuvanland has been damaged incomparably by the radicalization of its society by the failed democracy that existed prior to the Rhuvish War, it is necessary to create the bedrock for a new Rhuvish nation. The Ignatius Plan proposes such a bedrock through the creation of a nobility system, embedded in the Senate and as a just overseer to the free and fair exercise of local economic governance. While such a nobility system would be inherited, resulting in a single, seamlessly transitional generation leading into a truly Rhuvish native government institution, it must first be convened from moderate citizens in good standing from across the international community.

Click to expand...

The Ignatius Plan proposes an inaugural Senate, as follows:

LIST D

• Senators will be accorded estates of varying levels at the Princeps' discretion, except where otherwise stated.
• Numbering in the Rhuvish order of precedence referred to here excludes the four already accounted for (The Kingdom of Rhuvanland, Grand Duchy of Rhuvanland, Duchy of Dunorion, and Duchy of Alzenstadt). Hence, the highest estate in this list is the fifth in the order, behind Alzenstadt.
• Cetus will be accorded 2 Senators, as a representative of the Rhuvish Proconsular Coalition.
• Guslantis will be accorded 10 Senators, as a representative of the Democratic Union, the Rhuvish Proconsular Coalition, a major belligerent, and a neighbouring nation. This does not include the Grand Dux, despite sitting in the Senate.
• Imperium will be accorded 6 Senators, as a representative of the Novrith Pact, the Rhuvish Proconsular Coalition, and a major belligerent. This does not include the Princeps, although the Princeps does not sit in the Senate. Imperium will cede 2 Senatorial seats to Cetus, in recognition of their proportional contribution to the Coalition, giving both nations 4 Senators.
• Kannex will be accorded 2 Senators, as a major belligerent. The Kannexan Senators will be drawn from Rhuvish persons of Kannexan descent.
• Myroria will be accorded 4 Senators, as a representative of the Novrith Pact and the Rhuvish Proconsular Coalition.
• Nebula will be accorded 4 Senators, as a representative of the Argent Alliance, and a major belligerent.
• Syrixia will be accorded 4 Senators, as a representative of the Democratic Union, and the Rhuvish Proconsular Coalition. At least one will be a member of House Bachenburg.
• Plembobria will be accorded 4 Senators, as a representative of the Democratic Union and the Novrith Pact.
• Tajis will be accorded 12 Senators, as partial reparations, and as a neighbouring nation.
• Trinster will be accorded 10 Senators, as a representative of the Argent Alliance, a major belligerent, and a neighbouring nation. They have been granted courtesy seats, in addition, to put them at parity with Guslantis.
• Wolfsea will be accorded 4 Senators, as a representative of the Argent Alliance, and a major belligerent.
• Yeraennus will be accorded 4 Senators, as a representative of the Argent Alliance, and a major belligerent.
• Tajis, Trinster, and Guslantis will alternate through the highest estates in the order of precedence, in that order, until all of their Senators are accounted for.
• Imperium's 6 Senators will occupy the highest estates remaining after the above rotation. The third and fourth highest are the two to be allocated to Cetus.
• Any Senators recognized as a member of House Bachenberg, regardless of whom they are receiving seats for, will be allocated the highest estate remaining after the above allocation, in whatever order the Princeps wishes, with the exception that the highest such estate is guaranteed to a Syrixian candidate.

Rohit quietly nodded in agreement to Caesar, making sure he noticed.

((Post short (and sweet, in a way) since I'm in class atm))

"Such a plan is fantasy if you do not cultivate popular Rhuvish support," Kannexan Ex-Aussenminister Jurgen Reina began. "The success of the previous regime in seizing control of Rhuvanland was due to their familiarity with the Rhuvish cultural spirit and ability to appeal to the mass of Rhuvishmen. We cannot base the foundation of a new Rhuvish state on the guns of foreign occupying forces. Any model that appears to be imposed by foreign occupiers, to the primary benefit of the foreign occupiers, will not last. We cannot maintain troops in Rhuvanland forever. Your Prince and your nobles will be left surrounded by a people they know nothing of, who do not even speak the same language. We need a regime that understands the Rhuvish, that can keep their peace."

Annora continued to watch the proceedings with mild interest. Some of the, children, for lack of a better term, began arguing back and forth about how one or the other does or does not deserve to have a base in Rhuvanland. Scratching a note on her pad to keep Nebula as far away from Cetus as she possibly could, Annora stood, but remained at her seat. There was no reason to go to the podium when she could do all she needed from her chair. She let a small chuckle out to herself when she looked to see the new Imperium leaflet.

Clearing her throat, Annora raised her voice to be heard even from her seat. "So, up until now we've seen two sides of the people in this room: those with a true plan, or with true response to that plan, and those who are sitting around playing with themselves and are ready to run back to their mothers when they can't have their way. What Rhuvanland needs is it's basis for this hateful culture removed," she spun slightly to address the whole room. "We don't need more military in Rhuvanland that will only eventually lead to more revolt." Annora brushed her hair out of her face with this. "I understand that there are major belligerents in this war that feel they are entitled to whatever they feel like they want, but we need to face facts. Rhuvanland needs stability. Rhuvanland needs humanitarianism. Rhuvanland needs this disgusting excuse for a government removed from the heads of all its people. Maintaining a military presence even after relaxing the situation will not be your best idea," she said turning to the Nebula delegation, "We understand a military presence in the beginning is necessary. But a lasting presences is not. There should be no reason that a foreign nation must hold Rhuvish land for a base."

She returned to her seat, slightly exhausted by her spiel. Resting her hands across her notepad, she lowered her head and made the slightest of prayers to Athena. She needed the strength and wisdom to hold off any rebuttals.

Caesar turned his attention, fully, to the Kannexan delegation. The rather clear distaste in his eyes was not just undisguised, but obvious. He gave Johanna a curt smile, as he checked his papers, before starting to speak.

'I would ask the Kannexans, before they accuse Imperium of being scriptwriters and artists of a fantasy world, of putting pen to paper and creating some semblance of a functional regime. Something that is more capable than the puppet Republic they, no doubt, are about to propose - with the backing of the so-called gentleman they have brought with them, after Rhuvanland disposed of him. Would the Kannexans have words with Nebula, who seem certain that they, at least, can maintain troops indefinitely in Rhuvanland? Would the Kannexans dare to speak up against the Guslants and the Naizerri for suggesting that those who have been killed, in their own homes, should not have people who care about them in the Rhuvish Senate?

Or would the Kannexans prefer to continue filibustering progress towards an agreement? Would you rather continue to browbeat us into offering positions to your matrioshka dolls of Ulrich? Kill one, and another pops out, ad infinitum, ready to continue the work of a Kannexan government that, despite the outcry of their own citizens, and even those citizens of Rhuvanland who claim Kannexan descent, has continued to virtually support Ulrich's little toy soliders? I remind you that this 'Rhuvish cultural spirit' you seem so ready to defend - that you believe is an inherent right of the Rhuvish - is one that has claimed more money and lives than your own government would care to admit. Money and lives, I am sure, Guslantis, Trinster, and Tajis would love to enumerate for you.

I daresay that were we the kind to televise these negotiations, your opposition would clamour to agree with us, on this matter. But, I am afraid that in this fantasy world that you seem so certain we exist in, your beloved appeasement will not work.

Would the Kannexans reject the capacity of the August - Guslant, Syrixian, Trinnish, Tajis, even the Rhuvish education systems? Would the Kannexans dare to suggest that education cannot overcome the cultural boundaries of the proposed Rhuvish Senate? Perhaps they believe culture is inherent - inherited, genetic. To which I say - foolish. The Bachenburgs are no more Rhuvish than any other Senator we propose.

But all of them can become Rhuvish, yet again. And, more importantly, the Rhuvish people are not inherently beasts, to be tamed and controlled by gunfire, by nobles and a Princeps hidden behind a veil. It will take but a single generation to teach them that their place in the world is not granted by faith, but fate. Their survival is because a generous international community has decided to see in them more than their false vote, but their potential.

There will be a Rhuvish Principality that can look at the world as an equal. I cannot, unfortunately, see Rhuvanland's favourite invader helping it along that path. As much as the Kannexans wish to pretend that this is a mere roadbump in the road to a Kannexan-aligned Republic, it is not. It is an event that will permeate the minds of the Rhuvish people for years to come.

I can assure you that the systematic failures of your Ulrichean regime will leave their mark in the economic depressions left all over Rhuvanland, and they will strike the men and women we as a society choose to lead Rhuvanland just as it does the people they lead. And those marks, in the land and in the institutions, are the only thing that any Augustan, any Kannexan, and any Rhuvisher will inherit, whether or not they cast votes in the Senate or at a polling both."

"We need, foremost, a government composed of Rhuvishmen, for the Rhuvish. We must gather the remaining mayors and senators across Rhuvanland, as well as notables from the Rhuvish opposition and diaspora. Collectively they will form the basis of a new, international-friendly government. They will write the constitution for the new Rhuvanland, subject to the approval of the Occupation Authority.

"We shall establish an Occupation Authority, led by an executive council consisting of representatives of all belligerent nations. The executive council and the Authority itself shall be led by a commander in Wolvesh service, in acknowledgement of the Wolvesh role in the invasion. This Occupation Authority will oversee the reconstruction of Rhuvanland and push the new government to a peaceable regime. We shall continue to occupy Rhuvanland for five years.

"Foremost, we shall have a federal system. Each province, or state, will have its own local government, with a governor and a legislature. Each state shall choose its representatives to the upper house, the Ständerat, which will be tasked with concluding treaties and approving Cabinet appointees. The lower house, the Reichstag shall be directly elected by the general population, and given control of common matters such as the budget.

"Together, the Staenderat and the Reichstag will comprise the Parliament. The Parliament shall select a Prime Minister from the lower house, as well as a Cabinet, to run the affairs of the country.

"There will be a President, elected by general vote, who shall be in charge of appointing the Prime Minister and the executive branch, though daily executive functions will be taken over by the Prime Minister. The President shall serve as a moderating influence.

"A Supreme Court is necessary, of course, not only to decide cases of importance regarding ambassadors, high officials, and the like, but also to consider matters relating to constitutional law.

"A federal office to uphold the Constitution and fight radicalism shall be established. With the agreement of the Supreme Court, any party that is radical and anti-constitutional may be banned."

Marsilamat Quarrovth leaned forward into the microphone at his desk. He looked to the left and nodded at Llothren - the two men worked together often on tasks for the Sedera, and were friendly enough, but were too different to be friends. Often the old man's sarcasm went over Marsilamat's head, and his concern with completing only what he was told to do often angered Marsilamat's ambitious perfectionism. Marsil poured his entire soul into whatever he did, and the line between life and work was blurred, as it was for so many young Councillors desperate to prove themselves to the gerontocracy that controlled the Myrorian legislature.

Marsil was used to wearing many hats - he was an influential legislator, the Myrorian representative to the Novrith Pact, the Sedera's part-time speechwriter and her close friend and intimate confidant. Negotiating on behalf of the Foreign Ministry seemed like a logical next step for him. His dark brown hair was done in a duck's ass style, which his colleagues on the Council invariably hated and even Her Majesty joked about. He smelled of cologne and a hint of patchouli, though the latter was not his own. A scent simply caught in his clothes and skin.

Rather than go for a mix of tradition and modernity like Llothren, he wore a typical Eastern-style business suit and red tie. He wore two lapel pins - one the logo of the Novrith Treaty of Non-Aligned Peoples, and the other the coat-of-arms of the Council of Great Houses. His speech, rather than Llothren's practical and detached style, was filled with emotion, though being a Councillor required such acting it was at times unclear if his emotional attachment to the topic was real or not.

"It is clear that some nations are willing to forget that the Rhuvish people willingly elected the National Sonacist government, a politic so bent on personal glory and power that they were willing to kill thousands of Tajis, Augustans, Syrixians, Guslants, Myrorians, and yes, even their own Rhuvish to steal and conquer whatever land they wanted. Like locusts they swarmed across borders defined in international law, disregarding all manner of moral and ethic imperatives in the name of 'glory'.

In fact, to call the legally-elected National Sonacist government locusts is being too harsh on those creatures, which act only on the instincts provided to them by nature. Ulrich and his men disobeyed all aspects of natural human decency in their quest for a few kilometers of land.

And now, weeks after the Rhuvish war machine was stopped by a global effort, representatives of nation which took part in that very war are asking that we trust the Rhuvish people, who chose to unleash the Sonacist scourge, with their own governance. I would sooner trust ants to govern Rhuvanland.

I refuse to return to Pelagis and tell Her Majesty the Sedera, or stand before my colleagues in the Council of Great Houses, and tell them that the deaths of the brave men and women in the Council's Army and Foreign Corps were in vain because the gathered nations of the world decided to give a second chance to democracy in Rhuvanland. In the Foreign Corps, no less than two-hundred brave soldiers - heroes all - gained their Myrorian citizenship by the spilled blood of their own deaths. Shall I list them? Their names are known well to the Union.

But even this number pales in comparison to the sacrifice given by Imperium, Cetus, Guslantis... our stalwart allies in the Proconsul Coalition who stood up for the right of attacked peoples to simply live. I refuse to allow these, our comrades', deaths mean that the Rhuvish people will be free to do this to the world again. There must either be a Rhuvanland ruled by the victors or no Rhuvanland at all."

"Regardless of the crimes of the Nazos, it is still Rhuvanland we are discussing." Rohit replied. "The August plan provides for a Rhuvanland governed by a Senate of the victors and a deradicalization process. However, the ultimate goal is Rhuvish independence. The process will be gradual, since we are dealing with deradicalization here, but in the meantime the Senate shall rule the country until the Rhuvish are sane enough to rule themselves."

Lycaon had remained silent, carefully listening to make sure that when he spoke it would be remembered well, he did have to agree that the idea of the senate was a good one "Very Well, I see no reason the Khan would disapprove of these terms, however..." making sure to pause momentarily to make sure he had everyone's attention "We shall leave it to our Military Governors..." as no Wolvesh would ever willingly accept a democratic title "... to decide upon the members of their staff. We have already identified a number of non-Nazo officers we feel would contribute well to our operations."

"Although we are willing to consider the Imperium's proposal at this point," said Malachit, "we wish to ensure that Rhuvanland returns to self-government. We would also be more amenable to this proposal if certain other ambassadors were more civil and willing to make minor concessions to achieve a lasting peace."

Caesar gave Malachit an apathetic look. "If it please the conference, it seems that this is going to become a pressing concern. The Nebulans have no apparent intention of backing down, and Naizerre seems to have indicated that this is a non-negotiable issue for them. We should, perhaps, attempt to resolve this matter first. Imperium, of course, has no intention to speak first on a matter that, ultimately, we cannot see as being relevant to the Rhuvish people.

While the Nebulans attempt to convince us as to the integral need for a Nebulan military base in a Rhuvanland, whilst also assuring us that its neighbours have nothing to fear from an independent Rhuvanland, are admirable in the mental athletics required to follow their line of thinking, we would rather hear the Naizerri delegation and the Nebulans discuss the matter, lest they can find some meaningful compromise there."

"An independent Rhuvanland is safer, more secure, and less likely to become radically nationalist with a small Nebulan military presence there. The forces we station there will aid the democratic state we wish to see in peacekeeping."

Tsubo Tsango seized on the wording of the Nebulan air gangster. "Exactly. You want forces there to "peacekeep" to help the state Nebula wants to see." Tsubo looked around the room. "A state achieved and maintained through Nebulan force of arms. Which looking around the room I can see is what half of these delegations are here to do anyway, but let me explain the differences"

"Nebula keeps a military base on Shei Ren to check Syrixian power. Nebula wants a military base in Rhuvanland to check Rhuvish power. This is the reasoning they give. Now here is the reality. Nebula keeps a military base on Shei Ren to greater threaten Syrixia. Nebula wants a military base in Rhuvanland to be able to exert greater military pressure on Rhuvanland.

Here's what happens if we here continue to appease armed extremist military powers like Nebula. Nebulan agents and forces in Rhuvanland act as a destablising agent in the country. This leads to a migrant crisis, overwhelming the capabilities of nearby nations such as Tajis or Trinster, destablising them. Nebula uses this as an excuse to move further forces into the area under the guise of "humanitarian aid". Nebula uses this aid to further expand their influence, probably in exchange for a military base in Trinster. Rinse and repeat."

Tsango consulted his notes briefly.

"Now, the Marä of Naizerre would never be so arrogant as to attempt to enforce its own opinions on fellow Marä's such as Trinster or Tajis. We aren't easterners, you see. But even Nebula's fellow eastern nations can see that it has acted - and has always acted - as a destablising imperialistic force in the region. This isn't something that should be in dispute. I mean, how many nations here took part in the blockade against Nebula and Syrixia over the Shei Ren question? Naizerre did, Imperium did, Wolfsea, Guslantis, Floresque and others not represented here did, recognising the need to send a message to both parties.

Even the Syrixians, to their credit, eventually saw the need to become involved in the Coalition and stood their forces down. I'll note that Nebula did not." Tsubo looked to the delegacies of Imperium and Kannex.

"Naizerre doesn't care whether Imperium gets a puppet state in Rhuvanland or whether Kannex does. Rhuvanland isn't a recognised Marä by Naizerre and isn't likely to become one soon. It does however, firmly believe that both would keep Rhuvish military ambitions in check, as would prohibitions laid down by this agreement on Rhuvish military assets. As such, the only thing a Nebulan military base in Rhuvanland would do is expand Nebula's ability to wage war against this region. It is for this reason that Naizerre opposes any kind of land concession to Nebula."

"And," Rohit chimed in, "less likely to become radically nationalist with a small Nebulan military presence there, you say? The Rhuvish HATE Nebula. Perhaps more than any other nation. I guarantee with a Nebulan presence in the country, the entire plan will take much longer or maybe even fall apart. In Syrixia's eyes, this is non-negotiable. Nebula cannot obtain a military base in Rhuvanland."

"And a complete and utter revocation of sovereignty would not?" Malachit asked. "You may argue that Nebulan forces will infiltrate and destabilize the area- a baseless accusation that is totally false- but can you really guarantee that your system will be safer in terms of preventing war? Of course not! You would be occupying a nation that has become accustomed to sovereignty. Do not even try to tell me that it would eliminate instability."

"Mr. Malachit, with all due respect, I cannot continue to argue with you in this childlike manner about a non-negotiable subject." Rohit calmly replied. "I pass the floor to whoever wishes to speak next, unless Mr. Malachit wishes to speak in a cordial, mature manner." Rohit said to the general audience.

Rohit could tell everyone in the room was stunned. Malachit already was receiving opposition from most of the other delegates- now the Syrixian Empire had humiliated him, in a way intended to keep the humiliation from being towards the Nebulan government. The humilation was toward Malachit himself.

"Gentleman Rohit, might I remind you that the Rhuvish hate the Syrixians no less than they hate the Nebulans? You neglected them in their time of need, and you feel you have the audacity to act as if you are above another?" Sphan barks, irritated at the trite back and forth between nations, "You all bicker like impatient and greedy children while we decide the fate of a great many people. Truly you bring shame to your nations." Note deliberately turning to face the Imperium, Sphan replies in a much more neutral tone, "I state on the behalf of the Sta'nh Ye'ra that this plan is agreeable, but there are a few terms that would need discussion, especially regarding distribution of senators and similar government affairs."

Malachit rose and walked away. His aides were too stunned to follow or stop him. They watched, mouths open, as he walked out of the negotiation room, slamming the door behind him.

Caesar turned an eye, apologetically to the Yeraen delegation. As he spoke, the Lictor-Magister silently signalled to the August security, who...ambled, mostly. If one were to watch them with a steely eye, one would come to the conclusion that they were - not blocking the routes that Malachit had already exited through, but simply moving to hinder passage. They staggered themselves - it would be trivial to walk around them, but it would become substantially more awkward.

"This is the second time my hand has been forced in asking the Yeraen delegation to stay their welcome and needed voice on this debate, as we deal with matters that have become exceedingly ridiculous. For this, I sincerely apologize, but this is a matter I wish to resolve before we can discuss matters of sovereignty."

Caesar indicated a random Nebulan aide, the Lictor-Magister stepping from his side towards said aide.

"You. Is your delegation prepared to continue discussion, or will you be taking your leave in ignobility?"

The aide listened to his earpiece for a moment. "Um. Antlerio says that he is willing to continue negotiations, personally if necessary. However, he politely requests that the Syrixian representative apologize to Malachit. Why, I don't know- all he says is 'it's for the best'." He listened a bit more. "He also says that he is willing to make concessions on the matter of a base in Rhuvanland, such as making the base temporary or allowing foreign forces bases on the Galactan borders."

E.V.A sighed, well, as much as an AI can sigh. She then talked to Jamieson through his headset.
"Well, this will probably cause problems between Argent and The Imperium."

E.V.A proceeded to roll up to the podium, pausing to think how to get up the stairs, once she got to the top, she stated bluntly:
"Trinster would be worried of the possibility for Nebula's base becomming permanent, and as such we suggest that a timetable for the base's exsistance, from creation to dismantleing."

Caesar steeled his eyes at the aide.

"Given the circumstances, I should think you will no longer be using telecommunications devices in this hall. Nebula's delegation shall continue this discussion in person, or not at all."

The aide listened to his earpiece. "The base would remain in place as a fully functioning military establishment until Rhuvanland achieves some degree of autonomy. Ground troops would then be reduced to about 25% of their previous number and an aircraft carrier would remove our planes. At the end of the first term of Rhuvish officials, total dismantling would begin, to be completed by the end of the second term."

Chuckling to himself, though not so loudly as to attract the attention of any of the Nebulan delegation remaining, Tsubo Tsango engaged in a quick muttered conversation with a military expert on his team.

He tapped his mic to grab attention. "Apologies for the interruption, but this offer of a military base within Nebula intrigues us. Naizerre is not entirely against the idea of military bases as a check on a state's ambitions or advances, but feels that they are almost always poorly implemented and used solely for imperialistic control.

With that being said, Naizerre would drop its objection to a Nebulan military base in Rhuvanland... were Nebula to allow a Naizerri military base. In their capital. Midway between its legislature and wherever its executive may reside. This we feel would be an effective check on any potential Nebulan imperialist advance."

Annora shook her head and sighed. This is exactly what she was talking about when she said that some in these negotiations are just here to play with themselves and run to mommy when they didn't get their way. Taking a relaxed position in her seat, leaning back and staring towards the front, she watched the other delegations speak. Spinning her chair slightly, she glared at the remaining pieces of Nebula's delegation to the event. Caesar was right, this need to be done in person or not at all, but she was in no position to spark anything with any of the other delegations here, at least, anymore than she already had.

Annora felt a tap on her shoulder and spun to face one of her guards, who leaned in close to whisper into her ear. Sitting up straighter, Annora rolled in tight to her desk and began scratching notes onto her pad, nodding and listening to the guard. When the guard finished, she looked up towards the front. Similar to the Nebula delegation, she was going to have to leave soon, but not because she wasn't getting her way.

Rycho Anaukshai spoke up to the gathered delegates. 'We are intrigued by the Imperium's plan and wish to hear more. The Esplandians as well,' he looked towards Duke Skywing who tapped his temple twice in agreement. 'Would aka like to hear more.'

'Unlike many other nations we don't have much interest in a military presence, but on behalf of Tajis and Esplandia we say we would gladly agree to these terms with a few additional concessions. Aid in rebuilding the city of Ancar and the surrounding territory of Ascontin which were ravaged in the war (this can not all fall on our Esplandian brothers), as well as a place to build a seaport. While this seaport would have a small naval presence, it would serve primarily as a hub of commerce. Tajis is a landlocked nation and a seaport would give us access to new foreign markets.'

Minister Jurgen Reina sat, crossed-arm, watching the summit unfold into a fiasco. Certainly he didn't give a damn whether Nebula received a base or not, nor did he care about the deaths of the Latin foreigners. They certainly died in vain, every last one of them, for an idiotic war. Had the foreigners not involved themselves in the first place, they wouldn't have to be in this mess. Reina had guessed what Chancellor Henenburg's motives were, and he believed he was dead-on: Henneburg had always been a keen opportunist, seizing the tides of Fortune. That's how the Reich won the Great War a few years ago. Kannexans had voted in Henneburg and his Democrats on a platform of peace, but Henneburg flipped-flopped when the tide turned. Henneburg warned of the dangers of violating Rhuvanland's sovereignty, but he himself pre-empted the foreign invasion of Rhuvanland when the time came. Henneburg was clever at exploiting the winds of change but a damn idiot at keeping the world order together. But that was more than he could say about the others.

But of course he couldn't say this -- diplomacy here would rely on what little good will remained in the conference and it was not his job to destroy the last remaining sentiments of friendship or cooperation in the room. At any rate, any government without the popular support of the Rhuvish people was doomed to fail. The Latins did not understand the Rhuvish -- they were building on a foundation of mud. It was quite clear Caesar was losing his wits. Of the Nebulans and Syrixians he could not really say; they always had thin skin and unmerited pride.

The aide listened for a bit, then pulled out a laptop. He typed in a password, clicked a few things, and rotated it to face the audience. Antlerio's face was made visible.
"I figured it would be best to handle things myself from here," Antlerio explained. "On Rhuvish matters Azurus is a no-nonsense negotiator, but he is also rather a loose cannon.
"As for the matter of a Naizerri base, my office is in the same building as the legislative chambers. My cabinet members each have their own building for their departments, but all meetings are conducted here. And although it is simply impossible for any military force small enough to be stationed in Orionus to be a threat, I am afraid that the hardliners will never let it pass. Many of them are followers of Malachit's school of thought, and they will not accept it."

The Lictor-Magister stepped forward, rather unsubtly standing between the Nebulan laptop and Caesar. A member of the August security dispatch had already taken a view towards giving the closest Floresgasque a rather annoyed glare, and the Lictor-Magister was doing his part.

He spoke without amplification, but it was a voice well-trained by the field. It was not, however, a welcome voice, for anyone who wanted to see any semblance of functional negotiations. "We will not repeat ourselves. We ask the Floresgasqan host delegation to make some pretenses at keeping the order." He snarled as he continued to speak, directing his voice at his ancestors in Heaven and Hell. "This farce has gone on enough. Our initial impressions have been confirmed.

If there is no other business that can be concluded with sincerity here, then I do not see why the Nebulan delegation continues to make a mockery of their Alliance. I should think it is time for them to leave."

Antlerio radiated innocence. "Just when we became willing to discuss some form of compromise? That seems a bit unnecessary, don't you think? I have no problem with a Naizerri base in the capital, but the legislature simply won't accept it."

Piero licked his lips nervously. He leaned forward at his desk, situated near the door away from the circle of esteemed, respected, professional negotiators.

"It is well known that the Republic turned away a Sadakoyaman film crew due to a prohibition on recording equipment. I'm afraid that prohibition applies to everyone; if the delegations would like a recess to resort their delegations I would be happy to grant one."

Myroria:

Piero licked his lips nervously. He leaned forward at his desk, situated near the door away from the circle of esteemed, respected, professional negotiators.

"It is well known that the Republic turned away a Sadakoyaman film crew due to a prohibition on recording equipment. I'm afraid that prohibition applies to everyone; if the delegations would like a recess to resort their delegations I would be happy to grant one."

Click to expand...

"At this point we have no other way to negotiate," Antlerio said bluntly. "I can fly down on an hour's notice, but that will deprive us of our ability to participate for at least six hours. If what we are doing to communicate is a violation of your policy, then you'd best find a way to figure it out until I can arrive. I do not trust anyone else to handle these negotiations at this point."

"We would be in favor of a short recess of the talks. We personally will not be switching our delegates, but we believe it would be best for letting each country look over the presented materials and proposals brought before them, and possibly find things they like in either. As the host, we will let you decide on how long you would want to call a recess for, but after one, we would like the rest of the talks to remain, for the most part, uninterrupted, as this is a matter that needs to be dealt with at the earliest time we can," said Rebecca to Piero.

"The inability of Nebula to field an adult capable of participating in talks without breaking the rules that we have requested, rules requested as a result of their ally's incapacity to treat diplomatic negotiations with the respect they deserve, is not Imperium's issue.

Imperium will not block a recess. However, I predict that in the six hour recess that Nebula has requested, we shall have come to the conclusion that we are in agreement with the Naizerri position. I do not care how Antlerio's legislature seeks to undermine anything that should smell of a compromise, or of healthy negotiations. I do not care if Nebula takes the foolhardy approach of trying to blockade Rhuvanland and Imperium at once.

This is not a move that will be taken likely, and we expect the delegation from Wolfsea to redeem the negotiations here, lest these be the last Imperium participate in with the fools in human's clothing that your two nations have chosen to dispatch.

During the recess that Nebula has called for, I invite Trinster, Yeraennus, and Tajis to seek clarification on our plan. We can conference in private, and they can inform their...allies, as to the falling of the sticks, after the fact.

We are not going to allow Antlerio's personal, utter incompetence as a negotiator, and as a legislator, to block a resolution that is in line with the requirements of the international community. You can have two days to watch Rhuvanland descend into chaos, but it will not win you a base. I strongly suggest Antlerio select a second who is already present, if he wishes to see anything else other than our certainty that an August resolution will not include Nebula."

"Oh, I don't predict a blockade of Imperium in the near future, although this is through no merit of your own," said Antlerio. "I would like to take a half hour to brief the remaining officials representing Nebula, at which point I must devote my time to keeping the legislature from starting another brawl over the situation in Cronaal. Tensions are running high at the moment, but I will attempt to guage the opinion of a Naizerri base in that old abandoned lot five blocks down from the legislature."

'I would like to know more about what kind of role Tajis would play in an Imperium Rhuvanland,' Spoke up Rycho to the August delegate. 'As well as my colleague from Esplandia.' He motioned to Duke Skywing who was sitting next to him.

'I'm afraid all this commotion has befuddled my mind so I would like you to go in depth a bit more on this senate. What kind of role it will have in respect to the political process, oversight, authority, and so on?'

Lycaon smiled, his teeth seeming far too large, too sharp as he stared at Ceaser " By the way... you have yet to appoint your champion Ceaser... you seem awfully reticent to do so." before returning to his neutral expression "Besides, the Strategic Intelligence Operations Network Navigation Entity has been court-martialled for broadcasting said negotiations. Unless you have specialised legislature regarding the criminal actions of a piece of software her forceful upgrading will serve as punishment enough." before returning to his original train of thought "Provided the Imperium's reigime in Rhuvanland is properly monitored by the NPTO or a similar neautral organisation we have no objection to your scheme..." before shooting a glance to the DU representative "After all the entire point of the NPTO IS to serve as such an impartial body rather than to claim glory on the backs of the warriors of other nations... but that is pure digression on our part."