Meeting of the First Grand Council

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41

— Begin quote from ____

Dr. Leviticus Akapo was in his element. Here was the work that was worthy of him. As much as he loved his adopted country - He was not one of the few survivors, but was instead driven to the country by religious persecution - it was rough, unpolished, but, hopefully, not fatally flawed. Ensuring that his country had time to become the jewel it so desperately wanted to be was what led him to accept the nomination for Representative.

“Mr. Speaker, Deputy, Representatives of the Grand Council. I feel deeply privileged and honored to be here today, at this assembly of august personages. Never have I seen a group more keenly dedicated to the peace and prosperity of their brothers and sisters, no matter what country they happen to be from.” A bit of a lie, but it was always good to set the tone.
“As many of you know, within the last few years that we have fought for our independence from Tasargeria. The result has been a systematic genocide of our people.” He let the word hang heavy in the auditorium. "They began using biological attacks, and only stopped when we infected their major cities, then stole their antidote. Afterwards, they used chemicals, to better effect. At the point where the Emperor died and the final ground forces were ejected from our country, we were down to merely six million survivors.
"It was at this point that we declared ourselves a sovereign nation, reaching out to the global community to assist us in our time of need. We even attempted talks with the Empress’ government, receiving feelers from several sources to the effect that she would look favorably upon peace talks.
"We were, of course, mistaken.
The smile he gave was hard. "On February Second, it was announced over public radio that our beloved country, where so many have died to ensure a place of for their children, and the children of those still oppressed, will be ‘liberated’ from the ‘rebels’ who wish only for the freedom to decide their own destiny.
“I plead with you, do not let this happen.” His voice rises, growing in earnestness. “If you value the sanctity of your own borders, if you desire to set a precedent where the strong do not devour the weaker, if you feel that the dim sparks of Liberty and Freedom are worth keeping alive…” The last was a bit risky, given some of the heavy hitters in this room. But, at least it got everything on the table early. "…then I entreat you, do NOT let this atrocity occur. We are a poor nation - our enemy outspends us a hundred to one. We have to use every scrap of resources we can, and we are not too proud to beg. I fear that our conventional weapons - especially our anti-air assets - will not be enough to stop another round of violence. We will be overrun, and slaughtered, to the last woman and child. And only you can stop this from happening.
“Thank you.”

With what looks like an obvious ache in his joints, Dr. Akapo sits down again, attempting to keep a facade of calm.

— End quote

Jost turned to the Dr.

“Greetings to you from the Pax. We are aware of your situation involving insurrection in your nation. We warn you, what you ask is dangerous. You have waning weaponry and population, your lands are nearing ruin from fighting, and you have yet to be recognized by any major powers.”

Jost paused to let his words sink in.

“Some here would offer aid, and afterwards begin to strip your nation of its resources. Others would use you as a testing ground for their own fledgling militaries. I am sure the council here will debate endlessly, the merits of sending troops to your nation. By then, how many more will have died? I, or rather we, of the Pax can offer you a better solution. We ask only friendship, and cooperation. Join the Pax Pacifica, and become a protectorate of the Pax. No nation here would dare threaten a sovereign state that was wholly recognized and protected by the power of the Hive. How long do you have before it is too late?..”

Jost ruffled the vestigial wings on his back, releasing a faint odor of peaches throughout the room. Fleur sat and smiled.

42

Makswel was anticipating his cohort to rise to the occasion (so to speak) and voice her concerns, seeing as she more or less elected herself as the boss of their delegation. When it was clear she wasn’t really moved by the speech by the delegate from Toehold, he decided to nudge her in an attempt to jolt her sympathies.

“You see,” she said in a whisper, “does this situation remind you of Listonia three years ago?”

“Maybe a little. But the Vekaiyu I know always speaks against atrocities.”

“Only when it applies to a Vekaiyun interest,” Sayli retorted. “Otherwise Vekaiyu is indifferent. Look at the difference between Listonia and Tasselvalta, for instance. The region was in outrage when Vekaiyu pledged to liberate the Listonian territory. In Tasselvalta, no one really seemed to care.”

“That’s the same no matter what nation you apply it to,” he remarked. “No one aided Tasselvalta because it was clear the Pax and Allegheny were attacking it. No one wanted to get involved in that. Ask people about that whole situation, and they act like it didn’t happen.”

“Right. People turned a blind eye.”

“How convenient, isn’t it? If there’s something to gain with little to lose, nations are much more willing to ‘help’. They’ll only support you if it suits their needs, their loyalties, and their desires.”

“So would we get something out of helping them?”

“Of course. For us, it gives us an opportunity closer to home.” She moved a copy of the latest V3 News headline in front of her. “I’m curious to see how everyone reacts over this, though.”

Finished with her little tete-a-tete, she stood up and addressed the group. “Vekaiyu wishes to know what Toehold is specifically asking for: is it for general protection from Tasargerian aggresion, monetary support for Toehold to have the means to defend itself, or for us to place some kind of sanctions on the aggressive nation? I think I can join the sentiments of many other delegates here that we wish to prevent any form of oppression or genocide across the realm.”

43

Dr. Akapo stands up again. “I thank the representatives of the Pax for their concern, and their kind offer of protection. However, the current political situation in our country requires that at this time, we retain independence from outside entities.” He vary carefully did not look at the seminaked terrorist seated beside him.

“As to what we desire”, he says, nodding respectfully to the vulpine Ms. Imleskori, "We only wish for four things from the international community.
“First, that Toehold be acknowledged as a separate country from Tasargeria, by the will of the People, and by right of arms”. He flashes a small smile. "I hope and expect that this will be the easiest to achieve.
"Secondly, that as a country that is fighting for its very existence, against a larger aggressor that has crossed our borders on several occasions, that the international community acknowledge that Toehold will be forced to engage in asymmetric warfare to achieve our goals. We do not expect any country to condone it, but without further support, we will do what is required to keep our people safe.
“The third ties in to the second. We do requested limited military aid - either in the form of equipment, money, or personnel. Obviously, such a request is fraught with danger” - he nods and smiles politely to the Arkane Jost - "However, we do not see a more pacific method of ensuring our peace. The details of such deals, I am sure, can be worked out in a more private setting.

“The fourth, and most important not just to ourselves, but to all the East Pacific, is that we desire an end to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear attacks on civilians”. The doctor sweeps his eyes over all assembled. “By this we mean not just for ourselves, not just for this conflict, but for all time. Let me be crystal clear - if our country is ground into dust, and our people slaughtered, and our dream of Freedom and Liberty dies, but an international treaty of those who believe that our people should not be punished for the actions of their leaders rises up, and punishes those who would attack the defenseless, bring death to the innocent, murder the widow and the orphan…that would make our sacrifice worthwhile.”
The doctor takes a moment to seem to compose himself, and gives another wry smile. "Of course, if we managed to survive to see that bright future, we would prefer it. And when we are free from the threat of our enemies, we will gladly spearhead any such treaty. However, this is too important to wait for our majority. It is something that should be put before the international community as quickly as possible.
“I know that this is much to ask, but there is much that needs to be addressed. I eagerly anticipate working with all of you on this in the future.”

44

Radics decided to speak:

"-Honorable delegates! While it might sound odd, I find it rather unfortunate, that we started to deal with a specific issue, without first dealing with the general aspects of this question. Namely, how does this organisation is supposed to deal with international conflicts. An organisation, that has no power to deal with conflicts is, as it was shown by history, worthless, as it becomes a forum of idle chatter and complaints.

I believe, that this body can not deal with the complex issues of war and peace on it’s own, therefore I propose, that this organistion to set up a separate committee, that investigates these matters, decides on a course of action and oversees the unarmed and armed missions of this organistaion. This way, this organistaion has effective means to achieve peace and to set out the course of action in an effective way. And it will also prevent nations, like Vulshain, to go around pretending to be the gendarme of the region."

45

“Let the committees rot for all we care.” Jost was visibly upset. “Committees are where we push ideas that we want to die. I suggest we make this meeting an open forum, for any and all concerns. A nations independence, and a peoples welfare, are of great importance to nations like Vulshain and the Pax. No man should be made a slave, and no man should be murdered simply for wishing to exist!”

Fleur quietly sent a message out to the Pax control.

‘I know we are busy preparing for hostilities in the North. Request data on conquest prospects of nation “Tasargeria”.’

46

Louis stood up to speak.
“With respect to my fellow delegates, although I do not wish to be seen to be withholding help to a nation at a time of great need, I will say I am concerned about the possibility of this becoming a quagmire in which all the nations of this region get entangled in. I doubt most of us would want to commit troops to another large scale military campaign, especially those nations which are still struggling to maintain order in their own borders or who are already embroiled in diplomatic crises. With regards to that, I believe the Lazlowian representative has the right idea in that a separate defence committee would be the best way to deal with the situation, rather than risking getting the entire Grand Council bogged down in every single security emergency that arises. No doubt many of you would disagree but I would argue that if the entire Grand Council discussed such matters openly it would paradoxically result in those matters being sidelined and possibly ignored in favour of other, more palatable manners. At least a dedicated defence committee would be able to concentrate on these matters and devote all the resources needed to deal with them in a timely manner.”

47

“What we could do,” Sayli Imleskori began, “is set up a coalition of willing nations that will temporarily dispatch troops from them when called upon to do so. If there is a conflict that requires our intervention, we simply create one recognizable force to quell said conflict. This coalition will oversee operations in that particular theater of war.”

“But I am concerned. While I agree being devoid of any military intervention makes us nothing more than a paper tiger, I don’t feel that I personally am qualified to make decisions on war. I assume Vekaiyu is like other nations: diplomats don’t really have the power to order in troops so to speak. I for one know I lack the skills a Vekaiyun commodore has, for instance. Before we go declaring war, I feel better communication between this body and armed forces of the realm would be better suited to handle war.”

48

Fleur chose that moment to speak.

“And therein lies the strength of the Pax. While you may not have those powers, or those skills, they are at our fingertips.” She smiled and flared her wings slightly. “We would graciously offer our power to help those that need it amongst this council.”

She turned to Dr. Akapo.

“While all this happens, I fear that the old grudges will win out, and your need will die in the back rooms of meetings and politics. While your cities burn, I only ask you to remember who offered you help and who sent you to another line.”

49

Erik was silently listening to the delegates going back and forth on thoughts and ideas but decided to add some input on the discussion.

“Being diplomats does limit our ability of making war decisions per se. I do not think going to war is a great choice for what is considered an internal matter of a nation that is requesting assistance. All of our nations have some sort of diplomatic agencies at our disposal. I suggest we look into sending observers and humanitarian aid organizations to assist but at the same time send a multinational peacekeeping task force for protection and keeping the peace. With that being said I think the task force should be under the banner of the regional government.”

50

“Well, if it helps,” Louis interjected, “Despite our concerns, the Dannistrian Central Government is about to create a new rapid reaction force in it’s military. This would be a more autonomous division which would allow it to get involved in more of these peacekeeping operations without bogging down the entire military in an unwanted ground war. I may be able to get the Government to supply some of these troops from this new unit to this regional peacekeeping task force, if it would help?”

51

In the observers section, Estaban Nogami gives a despairing chuckle and speaks softly to his aide

“You see how it is, Mikeru, a conference on peace on stability and they are barely settled in their seats before they are squabbling over who is the best fighter. These nations are like adolescent boys at a gang meeting, each trying to count coup.”

“Surely there are some with the sense to see the underlying costs?” asked his junior.

“We shall see, we shall see. There is always hope that some will reach maturity. These sessions have been known to provide a positive stimulus in the origin nations, even though the conference results are rarely effective.”

52

Ivanoff stood up. “What the honorable delegation from Lazlowia is referring to is the recent conflict involving the Armed Republic of Rygard. As some of you may know, and for those who don’t, Rygard instigated a major crisis when their Embassy guards opened fire on a crowd of protestors outside their embassy in the Vulshainian Capital, killing not only several of my fellow Vulshainians, but also several foreign nationals, one of whom was from East Malaysia. Rygard, angered by the pressure from several nations to hand over their embassy guards responsible for this tragedy, immediately declared war on Vulshain, Vekaiyu, East Malaysia, the Free Pacific States, and Laiatan. Rygard is well known for being a haven and supporter of terrorism and piracy in much of the East Pacific Region. We did not want the war, and we wish to give the people of Rygard the freedom they deserve. However, a major stumbling block has occurred. The people of Rygard want Vulshain to annex Rygard! And we don’t want to annex them!”

He threw up his hands in disbelief, seeing that he had everyone’s attention. “We have clearly told them that we don’t seek to annex them, but the Rygardi will not listen. Thus, we have settled on a compromise. We will not annex Rygardi, but in exchange, Rygard will become a part of the Vulshainian Commonwealth. However,” he made sure to explain this clearly, "this will be like the British Commonwealth and Australia for example. Rygard will govern itself. We will allow elections every five years to see if the people wish to either continue being a Commonwealth nation or dissolve their Commonwealth status. Please understand, Vulshain has no intention on annexing Rygard or any nation at all.’

53

Mykola Moiseyev stood up. “Mr. Ivanoff, Vulshain is not in any position to decide what happens to Rygard. Vulshain is not the sole occupier of the country, and therefore cannot make a unilateral decision on Rygard’s sovereignty. My government has made it clear on multiple occasions to your government, that Rygard must remain independent. Bringing Rygard into a “Commonwealth”, would be defeating the entire purpose our nations went into the country. We liberated the country from its dictator, and Laiatan will not see a newly freed country lose its independence. Especially a country that Laiatanese troops gave their lives to help free. Now, we’re here to discuss other issues, so I suggest that this issue be taken up at the next SITO meeting.”

Mykola looked towards the other delegations after finishing his address to the Vulshainians. “Now, moving on to the issue of a peacekeeping force. We agree with the East Malaysian delegation in instituting a multinational force under one banner. At the same time, maybe we should create a sort of security council, who would control the force and deal with international issues like war, disputes, that sort of thing.” Mykola took his seat after speaking.

Nikolai leaned in to Mykola. “Shouldn’t we be backing the Vulshainians, rather than going against them?” Mykola turned and looked at Nikolai. “President Kreskov made it very clear to me that we make it very clear to the Vulshainians that they cannot go around making decisions about Rygard’s sovereignty without talking to us. We have tens of thousands of troops in country, and occupy it. He also wanted us to show everyone else that we don’t support the idea. Show the international community we really do mean to install a democratic government in Rygard 'by the people, for the people.” Nikolai nodded, understanding what his senior was talking about.

54

Ivanoff had to admit that the reaction from the Laiatanese delegation was unexpected. He nodded nonetheless, “Very well. We will bring this up at the next SITO meeting, although I will warn you the Rygardi are hardheaded.”

He then said, “An international peacekeeping force and a security council would be wise. I second the motion in the establishing of the East Pacific Peacekeepers and the East Pacific Security Council.” Then a question popped in his head: “who would be on the security council?” He said the question out loud as he sat down.

55

“Obviously those nations that champion the freedom of the individual,” Makswel said. “Look are we going to discuss the Toehold problem first or this security council thing first?”

Oddly enough, a Listonian representative stood up. Yikul Ivylegishu, a fairly unassuming vulpine who managed to survive the various purges from the first leader, Stapen Evesuni, to the imposter Evesuni, to the now confusing leadership of the country. As if it wasn’t confusing enough to begin with. “Listonia does not like the idea of this body having the authority to send in troops as it pleases! Thank you!”

“As soon as Listonia learns to take care of itself, I’m pretty sure Listonia’s viewpoints will change,” Makswel retorted. “I’d like for us to be able to do something in case there’s a major problem of unjustified agression.”

56

The Doctor again stands up. "Although it would solve several problems currently plaguing The East Pacific, we did not come before this body expecting a unified military front. Instead, we came here with the desire that individual countries may offer their assistance. What this Council does after our situation is put to rest is, of course, on its own recognizance. We hope that this Council eventually moves forward with the plans put forth, but they will be too little, too late for our needs.

“Once again, I put it before all the governments here assembled, not the body as a whole - We ask for your assistance. We have been preparing, but so have the Tasargerians. We will defend our borders. There will be much less bloodshed if it is shown that there are others willing to stand with us. And once again, I urge all to act before it is too late.”

He gives a small bow and sits down again.

57

Feeling that the conversation was getting a little offtrack Erik quickly interjected some order into the conversion

“I believe we should see what aid we can organized for Toehold in the short term and on the long term have the peacekeeping force contribute to keeping the peace. As for it being military front… I must digress because it will be a dedicated peacekeeping force; nothing more, nothing less. As a regional government, the power we have is limited. Now for the short term East Malaysia does have two humanitarian aid organizations, I will contact them directly to see if they can organize a relief program that can have a more immediate effect. I would also suggest if you have the ability, do that same. As for the security council members, it should be the nations that contribute by providing the personnel required for operating a peacekeeping force.”

58

Ivanoff smiled. “Vulshain has always saw the necessity of humanitarian aid and has strongly supported it. My country would be happy to assist in the relief effort.”

59

“A dedicated peacekeeping force sounds an awful lot like an occupation…” Fleur said coldly. “However, I cannot discount its merits in keeping retreating Tasargerian military units from crossing into Toehold, in the case of a foreign invasion.”

Jost was busy scratching something into the nameplate assigned to the Pax delegation’s table.

Pax

Pax Draconica

Fleur glanced over at Jost and smiled. Quietly, she whispered to him “I see it happened. Lets see if anyone bothers to ask.”

60

“Disagree,” Makswel said, deciding to be serious for a change. “I disgree about how these Security Council nations are chosen. It should be based on firepower, sure, but also on how well the nation’s been working to maintain peace and fighting for good causes. Their track record, I guess.”