The 2020 Pan-Auroran Conference

Kamui, Sanctuary. 22nd April 2020.

It was a modest room, just large enough to feel like it was more than it was - a university conference room. An unassuming television, an oval table, fittingly uncomfortable chairs. The floor-to-ceiling windows giving a view of the Kamui Bay were appreciated though. As were the oceanic wall designs, and the map of Dar Zoi covering the majority of the floor.

The University of Dar Zoi itself was similarly modest, with a tempered flair reflecting the style of its origin three decades ago. It was built to accommodate 2000, and renowned for its world-class language program but today wouldn’t be receiving any students. Instead? The delegations of half a continent. This was not just uncharacteristic of the university but also the whole of Sanctuary. That’s why this place was chosen; it was small and out of the way. A neutral space away from the problems of the wider world, from the colonisers and warmongers.

Eiko Iboshi, Shusho* of Sanctuary, stopped for a moment and took a deep breath - harmony before the storm - and opened the doors into the room. An array of the most important people in Kirando** each entered one-by-one, greeted by Eiko personally with a bow and handshake. Except for two — Asahi Nakamura and Sakura Michibatai — who were already seated on the flanks of the table’s head, ready to represent Sanctuary’s foreign affairs and financial interests respectively.

After a long process, the delegations had finally been seated and Eiko once again shut the doors before walking to the table’s head.

“Today I would like to welcome you to the 2020 Pan-Aurorian Conference, where we will be deliberating a treaty for an ‘Aurorian Union’” she announced, looking across the room to gauge reactions,

“I would now like to yield to His Majesty Maximus Otha, as well as Ministers Lea Kai and Lucus Aquila, who will be introducing the current drafts of this Treaty.”

*Prime Minister
**Auroria

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Karlo was looking outside his plane window to witness the immense beauty of the islands bellow. The sun reflected on the water off the coast of Sanctuary, the weather was calm. Sitting alongside him in the business class were Tino and Oskaro. Both had their noses in heavy folders. Just a day before the national cabinet discussed all the many objectives the Swind delegation would have in the conference. It was stressful, at times the whole room would go quiet and look at him. Everyone in Swindenland has high expectations, especially the business world. There's no question that Swinds are dilligent but without an Aurorian Union a closed Swindenland means doors closed for opportunities. Not just are eyes of the media on him, but also of the oppossition that wishes to toss him off his premier chair and his wife hoping nothing would go wrong.

The plane landed and the team was escorted to a hotel in Hokuto, a beautiful city located east of Kamui. His hotelroom was wooden. He ordered a bottle of Santorian wine. Wine always made him less tense and think better. A bottle of wine was soon delievered to him. He stared at it for a short moment, before he decided: Not this time. This is too serious, this is not domestic politics, I hardly ever do just a single sip anyways, he thought. Instead of drinking he directly ventured to the briefing with the two ministers and several advisors with PhDs in international relations, studied the material thoroughly and went to bed early.

The next day he stood under the entrance pillars of the great University of Dar Zoi. He stopped for a while to take a look at the architecture. The textures on the stone were incredibly delicate eye candy. The delegation was four hours early to the meeting as is expected of punctual Swinds. He never thought much of punctuality but was nonetheless happy to discuss all important points with his team again. Nothing must go wrong. Everything is prepared. Three hours to go. Let's review everything we got again. Two hours to go. Let's practice some more. One hour to go. The team made final inspections of their attire, exchanged encouraging thumbs up and off they went.

The Prime Minister spotted Eiko Iboshi walk through the doors to the conference room. This is it! The Swinds were given the honour to be the first delegation to walk into the conference room behind the Prime Minister of Sanctuary. Iboshi bowed and Karlo gave her a strong handshake. He and his team seated themselves at their table and opened all the files. Once every delegation was in the room Iboshi made a most welcoming speech. Prince Maximus Otha invited all delegations to a general discussion. It was Karlo's turn.

Karlo was given the floor and started reading his prepared speech: "Most esteemed ladies and gentlemen of our great continent. It is a immeasurable honour to be present here on this conference that will be remembered in history as the beginning of a new, wealthier and more peaceful Auroria. Now let's get to business. We believe that the proposal drafted by the Principate of Haven is very well crafted. Now of course every nation would like to see some changes to the proposed treaty, we for example would love to see an even more integrated Auroria, but that would not be productive. We need the Aurorian Union now. There have been notions of a union before, but they never materialised, because noone dared to push forwards or because there were too many demands. Let's keep it simple. We may be a continent of diverse languages, cultures, political and economic systems but if we wish to prosper we need to cooperate. Swindenland supports the treaty proposal and urges other nations to follow suit.
If there will be any disagreements, we propose that we set an internal negotiation deadline, so that these talks don't go on forever. Let's be bold, we should finish all negotiations till May 1st this year."

He let go of his prepared speech, glanced left and right and added: "United we shall stand, divided we shall fall."

The Imperator was outfit with many of his pretorian guards, he had left Beatrix at home and prepared for what was to come as he landed. The pretorians made a protective barrier as the Imperator exited the plane, he walked with them as he headed to the car that was prepared, there were many cars of the same design. He looked at the driver as he entered and said:

"Please get me to the university, also I need to know. Do the people still hate the Imperators here? How much danger am I really in?"

The driver said nothing and drove the Imperator to the university, there were no incidents the unmarked cars helped with that. As the cars pulled up to the University grounds the pretorians again got to work, they spread out and secured locations to allow for another easy walk to the hall that the Imperator and his posey would be taking up in. They entered the hall and were greeted by Eiko, the Imperator shook his hand there was a feeling of tension as the two countries had at best a rocky past. The Imperial senate had sent with the Imperator a gift, it was artifacts that the legions had took from the island when they had conquered hundreds of years ago.

The Imperial group took their seats, the diplomats were in suits however the Imperator was in his Field Marshals Uniform this was to convey the power that the Imperium held. While a good chunk of the nations present were once part of Imperial territory he wanted them to know that the Imperium was the dominate power in Auroria. There were also nations that came from the south to join in, these nations had little contact with the northern ones and so there had to be a show of power to prevent the south from trying to usurp the norths authority. While all the initial introductions and speeches were given the Imperator thought to himself:

At last it is our time, they don't have Syrixia here to protect them this time. This is when we can reassert ourselves as the masters of these lands. The Imperium will no longer be pushed around!

The tires of the jet touched down onto the tarmac with a screech with everyone in the plane being moved forward, only held in their seats by their seat belts. After what seemed to be the longest flight of her life, Sophia Gallagher's plane touched down in Sanctuary. A tiny isle that was across the Continent from the Home-Republic of Abelfreyja. On the same plane there was Lacey Dawson and George Armstrong, the respective Minister of Foreign Affairs and Finance along with three Abelfreyjan Secret Service members as security detail. They were now entering a country that they had no relations with to meet with leader's who have had limited interaction with the Abelfreyjan Republic.

As the door of the plane opened, Sophia stepped out into the soft wind. It was colder than the mild temperature of Home but it was welcome. The President wore a her signature blue vest atop a plain white dress shirt accompanied by a navy-blue, loose, neck tie. She clicked her heels together as she started to walk down the stairs, her dark-blue pants clashing with her khaki colored shoes. As she stepped off the last step she adjusted her Clubmaster frames.

After a quick car-ride she arrived at the Dar Zoi University, slowly but surely getting to the conference room, taking a series of detours to take mental notes on the new architecture that she was being exposed too. But after a couple minutes of wandering around the halls she and her entourage of Ministers and Security Detail. Promptly selecting a series of seats near the far right side of the room; And with them getting there it began. First that Prime Minister of Sanctuary, then Prince of Haven then lastly the Prime Minister of Swindenland with the Imperator of Epiphina deciding to stay silent. With them being done, Sophia decided that she should at least say something.

She pushed her seat out behind her as she stood up, she gave a wide smile and looked around the room, people from across the many countries of Auroria had been gathered in the room for the goal of advancing Auroria.

"Hello, My fellow leaders of Auroria,
I am Sophia Gallagher, President of Abelfreyja and I would just like to say how grateful I am to be invited to this conference where we decide the future of Auroria and the subsequent growth that will come from this. In this era of our World where trade is the one thing that connects all nations on all sections of not only Auroria but Eras as a whole, this is going to be how we prosper. From Abelfreyja in the South to Sanctuary in the north, we will all be connected. Thank you and lets hope for a bright day of ideas, concerns, and corrections. Thank you."

She promptly sat back down and folded her hands in front of her on the table.

The Imperator thought that if everyone was taking their turn to speak he would. He stood walked over to the podium and held his Field Marshals baton to the room before beginning:

"My fellow leaders of Auroria, I would like to begin these negotiations with the idea of an amendment clause. Seeing as there are some nations here that have had at best slippery relations with my own I would like to propose that the nations of Haven and Sanctuary be established as under the direct protection of the Imperial military. This would not include bases for legionaries, however this would mean that any attack against these nations would be a direct attack on the Imperium. We would also like to take the time to say that, with the detonation of our first ever nuclear device. Any attack on the nations of Sanctuary or Haven will be met with Hell fire. The Imperial navy has also been put onto alert to defend trade in the seas, we must keep goods flowing as trade brings peace and prosperity. The Imperium has been living in the shadows for too long, this economic treaty should not be able to be threatened by outside powers, Auroria must remain for the Aurorians. Certain empires have for too long come and interfered in our politics, in our nation building, in our way of life. I would like to begin the healing process of relations with my Empires former dominions by showing them that we have changed, by showing them that we are no longer the people who invaded and killed them. We like all others make mistakes, and in recognition I would like to present the nations of Haven and Sanctuary with loans of two hundred million Denarius a piece and 17 S71-Testudo main battle tanks. May relations be mended and may brothers in culture be reunited!"

The Imperator then got down from the podium and walked back to his seat, when passing the leader of Swindenland he lent in and whispered.

"Don't think we forgot about you, we have fighters that we are willing to give, how does 20 sound?"

He sat back down and began to have a quick meeting with his dignitary crew.

As the Imperator sat down the whole room went quiet for a moment. The piercing silence sent shivers down the spine of the Swind Prime Minister. Karlo turned to Oskaro and the international relations expert Ruderfordo. "Sounds like these talks just got interesting," said the grinning Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oskaro, who was not scared by the silence. "But remember we have planned everything, so it's best to continue with plan A." Karlo nodded in agreement.

The Prime Minister kindly requested the floor and stood up.

"Ladies and gentlemen,

it seems like the Imperator made a good point. Many of our countries are very open and love to trade with faraway nations. Swind people in particular have always been fascinated by foreign cultures and customs. However, the Aurorian Union should be something much more simple, familiar and domestic: a treaty only between good neighbours on one of the greatest continents on Eras. The AU should be completely independent from foreign influence. All members should also be aware that one of the purposes of the AU is greater economic integration, we will have to stick together. We and not some foreign nations.

We can simplify the treaty and protect the AU from foreigners at the same time by removing the possiblity of third party membership. We propose to change Article 1 by removing the following content in it: "Third-Party Member States shall be those member states who otherwise do not qualify for or do not wish to pursue full Membership, but who shall nevertheless have stated their intentions to comply with the provisions of this Charter and the acts of the Council. Delegates of Third-Party Member States shall not have a vote in matters before the Council. "

Simplicity, productivity and unity should be guiding principles of this treaty, which is why we are sceptical if the Epiphani amendment clause is really necessary. Let's keep it simple. That's the easiest way.

The Swind delegation suggests we vote on the two proposals. Each delegation should either vote in favour, against or abstain. The first proposal is to add an article that would make the nations of Sanctuary and Haven a protectorate of the Epiphani Imperium and the second proposal is to remove Third Party Membership from the AU treaty.

Swindenland votes in favour of both proposals."

Karlo descended from the podium and returned to his delegation's table. Ruderfordo gave him an approving thumbs-up. As he sat down he pondered how other leaders would vote.

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Shusho Iboshi nodded in agreement as Maximus spoke, the Noki were not to be neocolonised either.

the shirakonia delegation had gathered to discuss the treaty they got from haven. the delegation had read and discussed the tready. they also made sure they got the proper papers to enter sanctuary. the papers said they could take weapons against protection . a few days before the meeting will take place , Shirakonia sent 3 people to sanctuary to prepare who to protect Dar Zoi's universety and de delegation of shirokonia of bad intentions.
the 3 poeple consulted with the government and security of sanctuary beforehand. there came out of that that the sanctuary has good security for Conference the shirakonia delegation was ready to go. they boarded the plane and flew towards the sanctuary. they were assisted by a few once they arrived at the sanctuary they started to land and the special planes they brought with them put on a show for the spectators who came to see the delegation of the countries participating in the meeting. the shirakonia delegation got off the plane and walked over to the waiting for them and got in and they received one guard from the sanctuary to protect them they were taken to the hotel by car. there they put their things down and packed only what they needed for the meeting and got back in the car and go to the Dar Zoi's uneversety. everyone at the university was checked before they were allowed to enter the shirakonians were told to hand in their weapons but one of the delegation showed the document that they were allowed to have it with them so they were allowed to take the guns inside. there they were led into the hall where the meeting was. after everyone was in the sanctuary representatives started opening the meeting. a few other countries then spoke before shirakonia had a turn to speak. walked onto the stage they started talking: thank you for being here. we have read havenq's proposal and we want to make some changes before we sign it. some of the others from the shirakonia delegation share a piece of paper by law with some articles on it. after everyone gets one the 2 who were on the stage started reading the little paper after they finished reading the piece of paper these are the changes we would like to see addit to the treaty, after that they also sadt that there should be a parliament and a fixed number of seats in the parliament distributed among the countries according to the number of inhabitants, and that the inhabitants of each country can vote who they want in the parliament of the au these people may not be sitting in the parliament of their country at the same time. then they finished the speech and announcing the next country who turn it was to talk. and walked back to their place and sit down.

Abzu had received an invitation to the Pan-Aurorian Conference. they had also received a paper from haven that contained a treaty. they went through the treaty and see if there were any improvements. a day before the Conference, the delegation from abzu arrived at the airport of Sanctuary. when they entered the arrivals hall from the airport someone was waiting for them with a sign saying abzu delegatsie. the abzu delegation was taken to the hotel where they slept. the next day they were taken to the Dar Zoi's uneversety by the same person. when they arrived at the university, the abzu delegation walked with the rest of the people to the conference room. when they arrive in the hall they sit down. after a few countries had spoken, shiraikonia gave them a paper with some points on it that were read. after shiraikonia finished talking abzu was announced. the abzu deligatsie walked onto the stage. they started talking: we are from abzu and thank you for inviting us here. we brought some nice tea from abzu, and you all get a glass of tea from us. the delegation distributed the tea to those present from other countries. meanwhile they started talking again: the points made by the previous speakers are good points, but we think we should make 2 unions an economic union and a more militant union. we think the idea of a parliament where each country has the number of seats based on the number of inhabitants is a good idea. And the removal of; "Third-Party Member States shall be those member states who otherwise do not qualify for or do not wish to pursue full Membership, but who shall nevertheless have stated their intentions to comply with the provisions of this Charter and the acts of the Council. Delegates of Third-Party Member States shall not have a vote in matters before the Council. " we agree with that too but the change that we want to propose is that the treaty states which languages are allowed to send letters to each other. and in which languages we can talk to each other when we have a conference again the languages we were thinking about is from each country that is participating their main language and then Mercanti. after they had said all that, they walked off the stage and started walking back to their seats.

Sophia Gallagher stood back up and fixed her suit, shifting her tie over just a tiny bit and looking at the Abzu delegation and started to speak "As much as people may like your idea of a military council that goes in line with the Aurorian Union I think its best that we toss out the thought. We shouldn't loose track of our main goal with this conference and that is to establish the foundation for purely economic cooperation, not to worry about Defense Councils. That may come at a later date sure but we aren't here for it now."

She adjusted her glasses and continued speaking, "Nonetheless I'd like to rebound off what Prime Minister of Swindenland and the delegation from Abzu have talked about and formally motion for the clause of..." she opened to the page in the treaty she had been given and spoke, "Third-Party Member States shall be those member states who otherwise do not qualify for or do not wish to pursue full Membership, but who shall nevertheless have stated their intentions to comply with the provisions of this Charter and the acts of the Council. Delegates of Third-Party Member States shall not have a vote in matters before the Council"

The Swind delegation was surprised by the response of Mr. Maximus; the breach of protocol was not so obvious. Karlo and his crew listened to the others and were happy to hear that Mrs. Gallagher returned the conversation to substance. It seemed like many people wanted many things - military protectorates, outright alliances, parliaments. Some of these ideas are great, particularly the idea of a directly-elected democratic Aurorian Parliament. Karlo just remembered another interesting idea - a common currency. If Auroria used the proposed Auro, then all financial transactions would be fast, safe and simple. But what matters the most now is to first create an AU, there are many people and many ideas, but its best to take off with a simple platform. Oskaro Ŝardeŭ, the Swind Minister of foreign affairs, asked Karlo, if he can speak this time; Karlo nodded and Oskaro requested the floor.

"First of all we would like to apologise for any breach of protocol. Swindenland does not control nor wants to control anything, we are just passionate about the Aurorian idea. I believe Mrs. Gallagher is entirely correct what we have to do is to discuss the substance of this treaty. It's important to keep it simple for starters, because we are many nations with many different interests and we can only establish the AU if we are pragmatic. Let's keep and talk about the current draft. A Pan-Aurorian alliance, parliament and perhaps even a common currency are all descussions for the future that we'll gladly take part in." Ŝardeŭ smiled and continued:

"It is important that we vote on amendments to the draft, this is the only way we will ever come to a agreement. Let's solve disagreements step by step." He paused and opened his file:

"We would like to move the proposal of removing third party membership to vote. If there are no objections, please share your decisions with the presiding officer of this conference."

Oskaro closed his file and yielded the floor.

after shirakonia had spoken, a few more countries spoke. from the country abzu they got a cup of tea. there was also talk of removing Third-Party Member States shall be those member states who otherwise do not qualify for or do not wish to pursue full Membership, but who shall nevertheless have stated their intentions to comply with the provisions of this Charter and the acts of the Council. Delegates of Third-Party Member States shall not have a vote in matters before the Council. of the treaty. Shirakonia had seen a few countries agree to it. shiraikonia grabbed the microphone that stood with them and said shirakonia voted to remove removing third party membership we also agree to the discussion of an own currency, alliance and army that will be moved to the next meeting. and put the microphone down again. at that moment the door of the hall opened and 3 protesters with a signs entered the hall, followed by some security by trying to remove the protesters.

Karlo notified the presiding officer that Swindenland voted in favour of removing third party membership.

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The Imperator votes in favor of removing third party members

The Shusho spoke up,
"Dar Noki votes aye, for the removal of third party members."

President Gallagher got back up from her seat,
"The Delegation from Abelfreyja votes aye in favor of removing third party members from the Aurorian Union"

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The Swind delegation was happy that their proposal won the vote. The AU treaty was now, at least in the eyes of the Swinds, more simple and more fair.

Karlo stood up and took the floor.
"Most esteemed Presiding Officer,

we are of the opinion that the new AU treaty draft is just what every nation was looking for in the AU treaty. No new alterations are necessary. It is the pinnacle of diplomatic creation, a pearl of cooperation and the product of excellent deliberation.

We believe these negotiations have reached their objective - producing a document that everyone is willing to sign. We suggest that we all vote on accepting this new document as the definitive treaty of the Aurorian Union and that we conclude this conference.

If this motion passes, then the only thing left is to sign the AU treaty."

Karlo yielded the floor and sat back down.

The Prime Minister arrives late, not knowing much, but signs his name anyway. The two people he has in tow are wearing extremely fancy (and probably costly) clothes, and sign too.
"I hope i don't regret this" says the minister for Foreign affairs.

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Sophia spoke after Max, "I second the motion"

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The Swind delegation shouted "Aye" with happines and enthusiasm.

The prime minister shouts "Aye" while the other two sort of mumble it.

Sophia Gallagher spoke in favor, "aye."

the delegation of shirakonia also gives a yes and asks immediately where can i sine it?

aye

The Imperator stood and voted in favor of signing, however saying that the Imperium will not be sharing in the use of a common currency.

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