“I must ask: how ‘piratical’ have the pirates been of late? Depending on their level of ruthlessness, one might say that it would be foolishness to integrate them into our society, as a negative situation would be inevitable.”
“Emberwood’s navy is well equipped to ship those people out of there. I’d be willing to wager my boss would love to talk to their leadership, maybe something can be worked out.” Caroline responded. Poole would jump at the chance, she hoped, all she’d done since the peace treaty was mope.
Secretary of State & Director of Foreign Affiars Bret Karlson sat quietly and let the words spoken by his fellow diplomats sink in before speaking up.
“I agree with Valinov, there are too many risks to the public if they get reintegrated into society. I’d also like to say that the Setznan Maritime Defense Force can loan a few of our Coast Guard ships to help. Our pirate problem disappeared only a few months ago with the start of the 2nd Civil War, we whipped pirates who enlisted into shape, taught them discipline, and deployed them with navy.”
“I’m willing to give them the chance to be a part of our nation. They deserve a try at a life lived within the law.” Caroline said, addressing the crowd. “Give my President a chance. She can do this. Station ships nearby if you must.”
Nick nodded as to appreciate the question. “In 2016, the pirates stole four major Staynish cargo boats, as well as a 500,000 DWT oil freighter. I am unsure the statistics from other nations but I can assure you they are efficient at stealing boats out of the waters even as far as the Auroran shoreline. They’re terrorised Spoontuis for decades, pillaging their northern villages. They have a system where the adult males are the ones who achieve all of the dirty work. The women essentially lead a completely different lifestyle. That is why my faith lies with integration of their children. Unfortunately Ms Dean we have attempted that half a dozen times before, it is apparent they are not cooperative. We almost lost the last team that went in there.” Nick paused before replying to Mr. Karlson. “Interesting, Mr. Karlson. How effective is that method? It is not one that we have ever tried.”
Valinov searched Caroline’s eyes with his own. “One chance. Use it well. As for stationing ships - with Mr. Frost’s approval, of course - I shall do just that.” He turned to the Staynish man. “Due to the end of the Fire Pact Crisis, the 3rd fleet is available for deployment, and a detachment could easily be positioned nearby.”
“Glad to hear your enthusiasm, Valinov. We are wanting all the help we can get, but we need to discuss strategy before placement of our troops, after all they can cause us unwanted damage.” Nick said.
“This can work. We’re an honest people. With any luck, that means something to them.” She hit a few buttons on her phone and stood to go call Nimona. “Excuse me.”
“In our terms, the method is effective. Our pirates weren’t really that big so it was easy to discipline them.”
“If needed Caltharusian navy can deploy few ships alongside with fast response troops.” Fredrik said before nodding towards Cassius, who was sitting behind him.
“The Axdelian naval logistics fleet and the army are available to assist in clearing the inland settlements” exclaimed Leon. “We have several amphibious assault vessels and a landing force well capable for dealing with a few rebels.”
“Tuvaltastan is willing to supply autonomous military vehicles as well as funding directed towards the development of the canal,” announced Eknol.
For the first time, Orevon spoke, saying, “Kostromastan can send ground troops to the area as well. We are willing to develop this canal, as it can benefit Kostromastan greatly.”
Lady Posol: “Baykalia could supply a militia, but not much else. There are a few naval vehicles that could be repaired as well.”
Trikolovich: “Funding and resources are all we can supply, as we do not have a military force.”
“Glad to hear people. Thank you all so far.” Nick smiled enthusiastically “If we are to progress forward, we should devise a strategy to clear out these rebels. It’s good to know some of my fellow neighbours can lend a helping hand. I’m assuming every one in this room is OK with Nimona, the current Prime Minister of Emberwood Coast travelling to try and negotiate with these Pirates on a deal to integrate them into society, trying to better their education, trying to find them jobs and fit them in for when Staynes annex’s the land needed for the project. I also need to know if there are any objections that if this does not work, we will use military force to evict them. If it comes to that we will need to come up with a swift strategy to remove the occupations that lie in the areas we need most for development and any prominent areas of activity. Of course this can be done if we casually walked in, because they are outrageously outgunned but doing so would increase the chances of loss of life more than a special operation.” Nick commented, sipping his water.
For the first time in the meeting, Cassius, commander of the 1st caltharusian fast response division, rose up and spoke: “I believe, that we should wait and see how Nimonas diplomatic attempt goes. But If, or should i say when, we are forced to use military power, we should capture multiple beachheads and then strike from there against the enemy colonies. If we strike fast and hard, those unorganized pirates will lose their will to fight.”
Cassius took a pause and looked down, like he was remembering something, and then continued: “Prolonged warfare is the most wasteful mean of occupying territories. Forcing them to submission after an war of attrition, will lead to guerrilla warfare that may last for years. To prevent that, the victory should be quick and decisive.”
Eknol replied to Mr. Frost with an “Understood.” She stood up and continued, “Our military will gladly assist in this endeavor if the peace effort fails.”
Orevon also was happy with these conditions, and said, “We are happy to help as well.”
Lady Posol said, “We would be willing to help Mrs. Poole in the peace effort if it is welcome.”
Trikolovich believed that his nation could help in the peace effort as well, and said, “Due to our lack of military, Tivot would happily lend a helping hand in the peace talks with the pirates.”
Beartrot stood up, seemingly in the position he was in during the Invasion of The Hill, ready to command all and strike fear in everyone. The thing is, at the invasion, he wasn’t in charge, and here, he was a diplomat, not a general. Oh well.
“It looks as if everyone’s focused on the pirates, now. I mean, they’re important, but I think it’s time to discuss the actual canal.” He looked through the crowd. “It may not be my place to say this, but my country has an experimental do-hickey that will whip that land into shape. If I’m not mistaken, it was to be used for roadway construction and land reclaimation, and it very well may be used that way in the future, but now it can be used for this bit of terraforming. It wouldn’t be a struggle to transport it, and I think it will be quite effective. That’s all, for now.”
Beartrot sat down.
Posol asked Beartrot, “What might be this machinery that you praise so greatly? It sounds very interesting.”
After nodding with approval to Cassius, Anton directed his attention to Beartrot. “Not to repeat Madame Posol’s question, but I too am curious.”[edit_reason]Added a quotation mark[/edit_reason]
Not seeing the point in standing back up, Beartrot remained seated.
“Well, don’t quote me on this, as I am not too extremely knowledgeable in that field of the government, but here’s what I can remember from my biweekly informational research sessions.” After a couple of confused glances, he added, “Don’t ask.”
“The machinery was built in early 2016, and, as you heard, it was to be used for construction. However, as small dents in the budget bulged up into the project, the development of the machine stopped; even now, it is still a few months away from completion, but that timeframe can be considerably reduced if put onto the main agenda. Anyway, as I was getting at, the machine, it’s name being the Urth? Urthly? something like that, is gigantic. The engine is about the size of half a tennis court, with the machinery itself stretching about a sixth of a mile out each way, which is why it was so expensive. Now, the thing is, the contraption can transport massive amounts of earth, along with gravel, rocks, you name it, and can also run through shallow water. If we can get the thing under the topsoil, powered up, and firing, along with luck, of course, I say we can get this thing finished within two months, that is, if you guys got the moolah and manpower.” The man sipped from his authentic USM canteen, not being prepared to speak for so long. He added, “Questions?”
Lady Posol did have a question: “Do you perchance know how much it would cost to transport the machine to the supercanal location?”