Gunboat Diplomacy - Without Guns

Roleplay Library
1

A diplomatic vessel bearing the flag of the Royal Republic of Furnifold idles in the open seas, at location 30[sup]o[/sup] N, 60[sup]o[/sup] W. Jackson Woolf stands at the stern, looking into the distance as he sees other vessels approaching.

He thinks, the diplomatic delegations from Asendavia and Adumara approach, but where is Chianski? Is Adumara preventing its vessel from leaving the island? We are going to have a lot to talk about. He asks someone to report to the captain of the ship that two of the three representatives have arrived, and we should be prepared for their communications any moment.

Woolf ponders how he will approach mediation between the countries. He decides that this is a matter for these nations to sort out, but he will be there to lead discussion in case it gets too heated. He has an idea, he asks someone to bring him a radio. Once he receives it, he tunes it to the emergency sea broadcast frequency, hoping that the vessels are listening.

"Representatives of your respective nations, thank you for attending this diplomatic meeting. I thought it best to arrange it in open waters, right at the intersection of a main latitude line and longitude line. This is symbolic, because we are currently at a crossroads where we must choose whether we can sort out our differences, or fall to the tired story of conflict. So, before you enter, I wanted to point out that we have no naval weapons on board, there are no naval reinforcements nearby to act as a show of force. No weapons of any kind are to be allowed on board. The only activity we will see is at some point a ship from my Furnifold Navy will be coming to drop off the citizens of Furnifold who were stuck on LatianBurg. Another vessel will be coming to pick them up at a later point. We are here to talk, to listen, to collaborate, and to come to a solution that is agreeable to everyone. Here are some things I wish for you to think about before boarding:

First, what must be done about states who sponsor terrorism?
Second, what role do allied states play when the safety of the state is threatened?
Third, you are members of an alliance of states. This alliance has rules of behavior. What rules, if any, are in place to prevent states from acting in a way that threatens the safety of all other states?
Finally, what is your country’s worst fear? The fear your country had that prompted you to exhibit your respective shows of force?

These questions I believe will serve as a starting point for the discussion, and hopefully will allow you to see you are similar in most areas, as well as to ‘sail a nautical mile in their ship,’ so to say. I look forward to meeting you."

Woolf steadies himself on the bow, after what he believes was a damn fine speech. If I can help alleviate hostilities successfully, this should help my poll numbers immeasurably. Then I will be popular enough so I won’t have to rely on a ridiculous populist figure like d’Arrigo to keep me afloat. I’m sure my campaign advisers will be excited if I can do that!

2

Wilhelm sat in the center of the small raft, speeding towards the larger vessel from Furnifold, two unarmed guards on either side. I wonder what these guys have in mind…, he thought to himself. The boat approached the larger ship, and Wilhelm and his two companions climbed aboard, being assisted by several Furnifoldians on the ship.

3

Alexander sat at the front of the small raft as it sped towards the Furnifoldian vessel. His two guards stayed silent as the raft speedily approached the ship. “This is going to be fun,” Alexander commented cheerfully as the raft approached the side of the vessel. Alexander stood and clambered up the side of the ship, his guards in tow.

4

Various public servants and assistants dart around Victor Still’s office, setting up the camera and internet link and just prettying the whole place up for the video conference. Victor stood in the corner and waited anxiously. “So long as they don’t threaten our sovereignty” he kept muttering to himself.

5

“Thank you all for joining me today, in person or through video,” Woolf says to his audience. “You know why we are here. Now, here is what we know. Adumara has convincing evidence that the nation of Chianski has been supplying weapons and material to the terrorist group Al-Jaheed. They have decided their best course of action is to blockade Chianski in retaliation.”

“Mr Stills, what do you have to say about the evidence of Adumara? Keep in mind that you sent me a message earlier with the line ‘I would also like to state that we have cut any and all ties with Al-Jaheed and are open for discussion as to how we can proceed ahead in the future.’ I do hope you are open for discussion.”

“Mr. Wilhelm, your nation has decided to blockade Chianski, in retaliation I presume. What prompted you to pursue this course of action, versus some other course? Also, it appears that the nation of Free Syllvin has sent reinforcements to assist you with the blockade. Did you ask for their assistance?”

"Now, Mr. Alexander. Your nation has stood by the nation of Chianski, as I believe it is a FPA member. My question to you is, where was the FPA before these incidents took place? Chianski has had a history of being oppressive, and has toed the line in the past of totalitarian control as well as promoting a communist agenda through what many deem as less-than-ethical methods. Your aggressive escalation may be better served to root out any problems within the FPA, don’t you think?

6

Wilhelm cleared his throat, and spoke up at the first chance he could speak. “The Federal Republic of Adumara believes its actions are justified, as the Socialiast Republic of Chianski had been funding the Latianburg-based terrorist organization known as AL-Jaheed. Chanski had not only been funding Al-Jaheed, but our intelligence believes they had been supplying them with information or tangible resources. Because Al-Jaheed has recently started working alongside the Adumaran terrorist group called the TAC, or the Taikow Anarchist Coalition, they have been supplying the TAC with resources as well. We are deeply offended by this gesture, and with these resources, the TAC has been able to incite multiple large-scale riots and violent protests across Adumara, causing thousands to millions of Dals worth of damage, and many casualties, including several fatalities. We want to hold Chianski responsible for their actions, and felt this was the best course of action to do so until a more thought-out punishment could be decided.”

Wilhelm stopped for a moment, took a breath of air, and continued, “Adumara did know in advance that the State of Free Syllvin would be sending a fleet of ships to aid us in our blockade, but we did not ask for it. We gratefully welcome their forces with open arms, though, and this was done in accordance with SEPC laws encouraging member nations to assist eachother militarily in times of need.”

7

“Asendavia’s original purpose was to protect Chianski,” Alexander paused and smiled grimly “However, I now believe that they have broken Article I and Article VI of Part III of the Fire Pact Agreement. I believe they have also broken Articles II and III of Part IV. So, if it is alright with you gentlemen, the nation of Chianski needs to be brought to court in front of the FPA and tried for breaking The Fire Pact Agreement.”

8

“Mr. Alexander, I believe we are here to seek peace, so if you deescalate your war rhetoric, it will go a long way in helping achieve peace. It sounds like the FPA is ready to intervene, and I find that most agreeable. Hopefully Mr. Wilhelm will be willing to pull his blockade back to allow the FPA to bring Chianski to court.”

“Mr. Stills, it appears that this is the best way for you to have the blockade pulled, I highly recommend you submit your nation to the FPA court.”

9

“Firstly, I would like to state that we will not be submitting our glorious nation to the false and impartial courts of the FPA.” Victor stated calmly.

“I also now realise that I have made the mistake of opening up our nation and myself to you imperialist military gangsters.” Victor said, getting slightly angry and agitated.

“In regards to your message Wilhelm, let me make this very clear… We will not pay reparations for anything that cannot be directly linked to us so don’t try and swindle me and my country” Victor said aggressively.

He then angrily turns the audio feed off and gestures and talks to people off camera for about a minute. He then turns the audio feed back on and looks back at the camera calmly.

“The peace loving people’s of this land will not stand for your imperialist aggression towards us.”

10

Wilhelm narrowed his eyes. “Then your “peace loving people” will feel the pain of being internationally isolated for an indefinite amount of time.” By now he had a dark look on his face. “Those who quarrel with Adumara do not get off free, ever. The blockade will stand.”

11

“Let the blockade stand then, you won’t be getting your capitalist hands on our money and nation.”

Victor then pulled out some documents from his desk and placed them down discreetly.

“Anyways I feel this little meeting is over for now. I have no more interest in communicating with you capitalist gangsters at this moment.” Victor then waved to the camera as the feed was cut.

“I was hoping it wouldn’t come to this” Victor sighed as he passed the documents out to his key ministers in the room.

“Open and read carefully men…”

12

“Mr. Stills I wish to remind you that your nation is the only one currently pursuing imperialist goals, as yours is the one that has been supplying a terrorist group in the hopes of instituting a friendly communist nation to fit your ends…” Woolf gets in before the line goes dead.

Woolf turns to the other representatives. “It’s just posturing, we will get them back on. I think the problem is here that since Chianski will not accede to the FPA agreement, military force may be on the table again. However, having both of your nations physically participate in the blockade may be an unwise policy, as opportunistic deviants may try to sabotage your efforts and turn you against each other. It would be a great show of unity if Asendavia allowed Adumara to continue the blockade unencumbered until Chianski agreed to the demands.”

“The other problem we face is how best to bring Chianski to court. It seems the fear of the country right now is that they will be annexed by one or more FPA nations. However; they know that they cannot nor should not coerce their people to resist should there be a military intervention. I liken them to a dog that has been beaten back into a corner. If Chianski gets assurances that its leaders will not be tried and they will retain autonomy should the courts reach a guilty verdict, perhaps that could change their mind?”

13

Honestly, the thought of annexing or occupying them never passed through my mind," Alexander admitted. “Right now, my priority is taking them to court. While terrorism isn’t forbidden by the agreement, in this case it broke several articles. I think the most I would do is remove the current government and replace it with another,” Alexander took out a toothpick and began to pick his teeth.

14

Wilhelm’s mouth quickly turned into a frown. “That would not satisfy Adumara, the blockade would stand and no government change would be possible.” He said defiantly.

15

Alexander threw away the toothpick. “It was an if I could do it my way kind of scenario. Anyway, whenever this trial happens, if it even will happen, Celannica would need to get in on it. I heard they’re still in self-imposed isolation however. Nonetheless, I could get my father to try and contact them.”

16

“Mr. Alexander, perhaps you could call a meeting of the FPA to decide on a trial for Chianski? As for Mr. Wilhelm, are you saying you wish the government of Chianski to remain the same? Also, I have received word that upon militarization of Chianskian citizens, you will be increasing your posture in Chianski. Can you give me a little bit of time to try and get Chianski to stand down? If I can get them to stand down, will you stop your posture and request to the nation of Free Syllvin to return back to their country?”

17

Wilhelm leaned forward in his chair. “Adumara is mostly indifferent to the government of Chianski, as long as we get what we want. And as for the Chianskian militarization, if it gets out of hand, we will act. You have until then.”

18

OOC

Sorry guys, gonna have to step in. Chianski, what just happened with suddenly arming your citizenry and then ordering them to relinquish their arms is considered god-modding.

The reason why it is considered god-modding is because it ignores societal/cultural factors. Having a peace loving society is a society that would more or less look negatively on violence, guns, weapons, etc etc. That means they would never, on a whim, pick up a gun and armband to fight. It also expands into politics because they don’t want their money going into military spending, rather into health care or programs that they feel would benefit the whole of society. So naturally, your military would be gimped and no one would want to fight, rather resorting to peaceful options overwhelmingly.

Hope this sets an example of peaceful societies for others to heed.

19

Jackson Woolf takes a call from an assistant…

"Gentlemen, it appears that a nuclear bomb has gone off in LatianBurg. I will have to end these proceedings for now, as there is much work to do regarding getting aid to these people. Mr. Wilhelm, I will need the trade vessels that are currently docked in Chianski, so will you allow them to leave the blockade?

As for what we have discussed, Mr. Alexander, I highly recommend you get your FPA members to call a vote regarding Chianski. Mr. Wilhelm, if you are going to strike Chianski, please do not strike civilian centers. They have done nothing wrong, it appears that the regime of Chianski is in the wrong. I will work on getting the nation back to communications so we can negotiate a cessation of hostilities."

20

Wilhelm cleared his throat. “Unfortunately, the siege of Chianski began only hours ago, so it’ll be a hassle getting out. But they are permitted to leave when they wish.”