EPTO Summit 2010

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41

Codric grinned. Even quicker and easier than he had expected. Funny the snake was complaining about people not being straight… but that was the big game of politics: as long as you were wearing white sleeves and making a big smile, you could always claim the role of the virgin, no matter if you were betraying your word, siding with inhuman allies… and Ki’jo knew what else.

Almost absent-mindedly, he did what he had incessantly thought in the past weeks. 8 – 5 – 1. Three digits on his mobile… and another button to send the message away. For a brief moment, he honored Reziel’s and Lachdanan’s wisdom. No difficulty will have stopped what had just begun. No procedural hook, no inefficient discussion. The Archangels inside the EPTO structure will have reacted with no question. Finally, he raised his glance on the Drakkengaardi.

«Honorable advices are always welcome, Lord Kotho. And I’m sure everyone in this room is more than ready to wish you well with your path and your stars. But then… yes, we cannot but agree with Lord Terrus’ statement. If Drakkengaard chooses the Pax… if they chooses the Pax again, to be exact, well… then, there is very few which links them to EPTO anynmore»

[hr]
Somewhere in Drakkengaard
Seconds later

«What the hell…»

The thought had been instinctive, but just as instinctively, Eloise’s training took control over surprise and emotions.

«Ok guys… scramble orders from the Betelgeuse. EPTO training… we have to show those puny Malaysians our good old aircrafts can match their silly interstellar fighters or whatever… let’s go! Twenty seconds lost till now, girlies! One hundred left to have your asses taking off!» she barked, appreciating the efficiency of the Rezielan pilots hurrying towards their planes.

Her long blonde hair disappearing inside the helmet, however, she couldn’t avoid thinking there was something strange. The order had come along the EPTO structure, sure… but then, they were serving in a Drakkengaardi base. Not that they were hierarchically subject to the Drakkengaardi, sure… aside EPTO Drakkengaardi officers, course… but then, it was the first time such a thing was happening. Having the Drakk confirming and giving their clearance would have been… a courtesy. Oh well. She would have had plenty of time to discuss about it with that funny captain of the Uranium Guards… Gravis? Gradis? She… oh damn. Everyone else had just stormed outside the door. Had she been the last one taking off, those silly guys will have started again mocking her with those sexist bullshit. Grinning, she rushed after them. No need to worry about the Drakkengaardi. There would have been time.

She couldn’t know how wrong she was, nor she could know that her team wasn’t the only one being ordered to put as much distance as possible from Drakkengaardi’s mainland.

42

After Admiral Kotho has finished, Greg Elias immediately leaned to his left and whispered to Kimberly. “We need to keep our eyes on them.”

She looked over at Kotho with her dark eyes, holding a gaze for a moment, then looked back at Greg and smirked. ‘They underestimate us, which in our case is good. Nonetheless I agree on keeping them in our sights.’

Greg shook his head enough to show her agreement on her thought as they returned to listen.

43

Colonel Brighton leaned slightly towards the Sergeant Major and whispered.

“Persephone.”

A rumble reverberated in the giant’s throat as he rose from his seat and lumbered out of the meeting.

44

Touching the crystal stem of the glass, Vaeda’s gloves absorbed some of the condensation sticking to the side. She smiled to herself, oh how she could almost hear Novac’s thoughts. It was a shame he was not here; she would have enjoyed reading his facial features as he refrained from pointing out flaw after flaw in their thinking.

But alas, he was not, and probably for the best. The man was military, seldom did he waste his time with the frivolous dance of politics.

Choosing to remain seated, Vaeda lifted her glass, the light touching it and sending rainbowed patterns across the polished surface of the table.

“Gentlemen,” she interrupted, speaking softly yet enough to be heard, “allow me a simple metaphor. This glass I hold represents our region. The refractions of light through the glass, these rainbows, represents the damage caused by the threat. The liquid represents Packlivania, this threat you talk about. Observe,” she spoke as she turned the glass, the light shifting and bending on the polished surface of the table, reforming new patterns and placements, “a shift in our region does not remove Packlivania, but creates new patterns, more damage.”

She looked up, smiling to see the clueless faces of most of the attendees, “please continue to follow,” she said as she drank the remaining fluid, emptying the glass. Again she upheld the glass, the light again sparkling and bowing across the polished surface, “Now you see that we have removed Packlivania from the region. Still…damage exists. Consequences occur. While Packlivania’s removal may have diminished the extent of the damage, the real threat had not been tackled. And as you see,” she offered again while she held a black folder over the glass, blocking out the light, removing the rainbowed patterns from the table, “the threat was a misperception, an illusion, an invisible light bending and changing in relation to each of our own perceptions.”

She paused for a moment before removing the folder and allowing the light again to strike the glass, “You say Packlivania is the threat. I would disagree and say our perceptions are the threat. The threat is not one nation, but much larger, it can be any military aggression, any governmental instability, any fracturing of power that brings out about mass causalities. You think on such small scales my respected leaders, seeing Packlivania as the most fearsome foe while your Listonian counter parts shamelessly flaunt their nuclear warheads, while the Vekaiyun leader buries her nation under her foolhardy stubbornness. These nations represent a significant portion within our political spectrum here and yet, you do nothing. You can amount a force against Packlivania, or you can confront the real problem and bring stability into the east. It is your choice, but I caution you all on thinking so narrowly. What will force do? Will deaths bring about the results you wish to obtain? Will removing Packlivania accomplish anything in the end if other nations just replace the Packlivanian threat? Mahanoy has come to understand warfare in different terms my respected leaders. We see war as an opportunity to ally, as opportunities to educate, as a chance to fortify our prospects. I say this because I can see that Packlivania would make a fine front line globally. In an attempt to suppress this force, you neglect to see the value of Packlivania on a large scale front, against threats that can crush regions not just mere nations.”

45

“There is no doubt that there are other threats in this region,” Terrus said after a moment, “and this alliance would naturally respond to a threat against any of its members by any nation. We mention the Pax foremost only because of the extreme strength of the Pax.”

“But I feel it worth mentioning at this point that no one here is suggesting offensive action against any nation. At the very least, I can say, the Federated Alliance is wholly opposed to such. We are merely suggesting the reformation of this alliance to provide a united, strong front against any aggression within this region.”

46

“Shall we Concentrate on the Reforms of this Alliance first, then talk about the threats? A more Stable alliance is a better starting point for dealing with any threat, its total logic. There was mentioned, reforms, election of a new Secretary General, and bring all new nations, like my own, fully into this Alliance? Would it not be a good starting point?” Said General Fortress, hoping to salvage the summit in his mind.

47

Vaeda smiled and nodded in agreement, knowing full well a clearer more focused direction was needed.

“Establishing membership it is!” she chimed in, opening the folder, “I have here EPTO’s roster as according to the official records. Correct me if I am wrong, but the previous nations involvement were Gnidrah, FPS, Krechzianko, Samonides, East Malaysia, and Reziel. Based on our dossiers, not all nations are present today, so I must assume they no longer share interest within this organization at this time or have been too engaged in their own national affairs to send an ambassador. There are also many newer nations to EPTO represented here today that I believe would like to be indoctrinated into this organization, including our nation, the Veerilion ambassadors, and our respected leaders from Cascasdia. Perhaps we can move along with that process gentlemen?”

48

To be really honest, Codric was liking the situation. It was being the most interesting EPTO summit since… well, the most interesting one ever, probably. Someone yelling that Admiral Kotho should have been arrested for high treason would have been the one thing he would have added… but then, one couldn’t have everything. Slightly smiling at his own thoughts, Codric coughed quietly as to clear his own throat.

«My Lords, my Ladies… yes: Lady Vaeda’s suggestion would be a wise one and General Fortress’s opinion has indeed a point. I agree the whole issue about the lack of a Secretary General puts EPTO in a rather strange position, as nobody is fully entitled to… well… speak on behalf of the whole Alliance. But then… yes, the pending applications and the needed reform of EPTO’s structure has to come first. Therefore, I’d like to postpone the FPSian motion»

As Terrus slightly nodded, Codric felt a bit encouraged. As he considered himself an operative, he was still feeling out-of-place, doing a diplomatic job while not being a diplomat itself. But then, Reziel’s words had been clear enough… the Grand Duchy hadn’t enough skilled men and women to always give each diplomat or key officer a countryman supporting him. Codric had been assigned to EPTO… Codric had to handle whichever EPTO filth would have hit the fan, no matter how unfit he would have felt. Being an Archangel, he had no other chance but coping… or doing his best to, at least.

«So far, we’ve had six new applications to EPTO… six nations who, as Lady Vaeda suggested, are indeed entitled to some kind of… indoctrination about the organization itself. Well… what can I say? Some of the key issues have already been highlighted by Lord Terrus from FPS… the initial purpose of EPTO has been the creation of a military alliance focused on containing the Packilvanian Empire… yes, the creation of a counterbalancing power able to offer an organized resistance against… against them»

Ignoring Kotho’s puffing, Codric went on.

«Without opening an endless debate… we can state that the EPTO deterrence has worked, to a point. At least, we’re not holding this meeting via a direct Hive brainstorming» he smiled. Appreciating a couple of delegates smiling back, he went on.

«Now, as the level of outward activity of the hive is increasing again… a revamping of EPTO would seem a wise thing to do. As Lord Terrus has just stated… not with an offensive purpose. That’s not what EPTO has been… that’s not what EPTO will be in the future. EPTO is a defensive alliance… no crusade against Pax is scheduled, to borrow the words of our respected member from Drakkengaard. How can this be achieved? As I’ve told before… men. Equipment. Funds. All nations entering EPTO will be required to contribute to the Alliance… not in terms of void statements, but in terms of direct commitment. Of coordination and over-national perceptions… training ourselves and our troops to think in terms of EPTO. Right now, Rezielan soldiers are serving on Eeast Malaysian ships and under East Malayisian commanders during the ongoing war games. Which means they’re probably battling against other Rezielan soldiers, assigned to other ships and vessels. That’s what will be required to each nation… a factual contribution, accepting the idea that EPTO is something which goes beyond nationality. That troops assigned to EPTO are dedicated to an higher cause… the cause of standing together against a possible menace. Standing together to survive together… and this is the question I’m asking you all. Both EPTO members and applicant nations… are we ready to stand together? Are we ready to put aside possible rivalries and egoistic interests… for the sake of something bigger? Are we ready to think in terms of a real alliance, dedicating our efforts to strengthen it?»

A moment after, he finally ended his speech.

«Speaking on behalf of the Grand Duchy of Reziel, the Empire of Michelsland and the Republic of Kangarawa… I’m hereby giving you all my word we are»

49

“Veerilion gives its word, it will dedicate it self to the EPTO.” said General Fortress.

50

Terrus spread his hands. “The Federated Alliance remains wholly committed…”

51

Elsewhere

Ackmond and his three associates drove their van down an old highway. They would be approaching Tricorne soon. Allah be praised, they would show the infidels what they brought about themselves. Ackmod smiled. Covered in the back of the van was his gift to the world. It was small, but effective. He knew he would be in paradise within the day. The sun was shining and the birds were singing. Allah had granted him a peaceful drive on this, his last of days. He smiled and drove toward the city.

52

“This organization has the support of East Malaysia. Empress Jung wishes to continue our contribution of resources to this alliance to help ensure regional safety and security,” Kimberly spoke.

53

“As representing the People’s Republic of Lazlowia and the People’s Republic Algaisia, I can assure you of our committment.”

54

“I imagine we are all set to go now?” Vaeda inquired, smiling pleasantly as she extended her black gloved hand towards Codric, beckoning him to move forward.

Codric nodded with acknowledgement, seeing all affairs to be running smoothly thus far. He stood again and looked out over the attendees, “I shall take your continued presence here as a sign of commitment to EPTO. Now that we have settled membership, let us move towards appointing a Secretary General who will speak on behalf of this organization. The floor is now option to nominations. Nominations will then be seconded. After nominations we can proceed with voting.”

Vaeda merely smiled awaiting the recommendations.

55

“Dont we have anybody, that have somebody to nominate?” asked General Fortress.

56

Terrus spoke after conferring for a moment with his aide. “The Federated Alliance nominates Veerilon and the Elite Empire.”

57

“Since i am guessing we are nominating those that are here as the normal permanent representives of the nations, so i am a defence minister, meaning general and burocrat in practical matter, not that much of a speaker, but thank you for the faith.” said General Fortress Sceptical.

58

Vaeda smiled to Terrus, “on behalf of Mahanoy, I will accept the position to speak for this council and my nation, so long as no other representative would like the position. I would prefer another to lead these discussions, but will accept the responsibility if the need demands it.”

Filling her glass with water, she looked around the room. Novac had yet to return and while she was comfortable making decisions on her own, she preferred to have his input into these matters.

Sipping from the glass, she tried to remove the feeling of being ill equipped to represent these nations. Her official training was in medicine; diplomacy came with the Desanti name. And although she had done well, she knew deep in her heart she was still that small girl lost in the woods of The Reich and no amount of time would take that away.

59

“Well then shall we get onwards? I will second Her Nomination if its so required.” said General Fortress.

60

Smiling and talking, Vaeda continued to discuss the affairs of EPTO while the nominations and votes were tallied. Excitement filled her, she was moving a step closer to seeing peace, to contributing to a cause that would spread peace and goodwill among nations. Perhaps in time the world may know that peace, she longingly hoped as she poured herself another glass of water.

Meanwhile, Novac remained outside, standing with Lachdanan as he had since the start of the meeting. Politics. There was no place for a man like him amid the world of politics. Could they possibly understand what he had seen across this world? Could they understand that politics, this game called politics, involved decisions that impacted more than just the lives around them but the nations involved? That politics was just another word for manipulation? No, he would rather not get involved in their politics. He was a man of action and doing what his heart felt was right. He could only leave Veada for the politics, to let her slip in among their talks and sow the seeds of the possiblities of their alliances. After all, she was one of the few who came out the gruesome horrors of war and held her resolve to change the world for a better tomorrow. Even if she never saw that day, she hoped some day that some one would. Part of him admired her courage, her strength, her firm resolution to such seemingly impossible beliefs, but he was a man of war and men of war only knew that one word…war.

“Reiser. Do you have a family?” Novac asked, turning back to face the man.

The question was simple enough, but beyond the surface it was they all shared. The sacrifice to be where they were often came at a great price and personal happiness was seldom seen.