The Pot Boils Over

Roleplay Library
21

((OOC: this is a collaborative post between Allegheny and I)).

“That is something I could support, especially if he were to “betray” our interests. Listonia’s farms are a big part of this deal and to lose them would ruin it. Just between you and me a Vekaiyun controlled Listonia is a fair deal for keeping unity and we could possibly render support should “plan B” come into play.”

Selvala nodded. “Let’s hope it doesn’t have to come to that.”

“These negotiations really bring me back,” Gordon added, “they remind me of the 1985 Alleghenian reunification convention. Those were hard times, not like now, I think a true sense of stability can be brought to the to center region of this continent, that or we end up causing a world war!”

She laughed. “Both our nations had difficulty at that time… except we had a ruthless dictator whose dream was to conquer all. It was interesting, fighting in all those-” she stopped when President Gordon’s computer made a beeping noise.

“Hmmm, it looks like the Packilvanians have accepted our invite. Now the real negotiations start! Well the night is almost upon us and my stomach is empty, let us join the others for dinner.”

“Excellent,” she replied with a smile, “but…” she gently grabbed the President’s arm. “Seeing as we are partners in this deal, I would like to ask your permission over dinner to include Drakkengard in our dealings. I feel it would be best for Vekaiyu to contact them, sounding apologetic and accepting, so that they’ll read our request instead of simply delete it without reading it. If Packilvania would like in, Drakkengard will follow, especially since those of the EPTO are generally against Packilvania.” She smiled. “We should also come up with a name for our union. That would be very important.”

Gordon nodded. “Trying to bring more nations into the fold will be a good idea, but you need not ask my permission, we are all equals here.”

“Thank you,” Selvala replied.

22

Gordon led Selvala to another elevator and pressed the button for the top level, the doors opened revealing a large sitting area where the rest of the group had been led to previously by an aide of the President’s.

“Welcome to the Presidential apartment, my temporary home away from home. There are many bedrooms to choose from but we shall wait until after our meal.” Gordon began walking towards a large double doorway. “If you will follow me please.”

The doors opened up to a large dining hall where three men with towels draped over their fore arms began to pull out the chairs for the guests. The table itself was adorned with a pure white table cloth and the finest silverware and plates had been set out in preparation for a three course meal.

Gordon did not yet sit at the table with his guests. “If you will excuse me for a moment I must go and find my wife, I will be back in two minutes.”

Gordon quickly walked back through the doors he had come through and up a grand staircase that was in the room they had all been in previously, eventually ending up at the master suite where his wife had been getting ready.

“Allen is that you?” she asked.

"Yes, Miranda, tis me. Are you ready for dinner?

Miranda turned towards the sound of Gordon’s voice, she was wearing a simple yet elegant black silk dress, she had short blond hair, her eyes were her most defining feature, completely fogged over with a barely visible brown iris and pupil. Miranda was completely blind, her eyesight taken away almost three years ago by a mysterious illness that doctors could not explain.

Miranda held out her hand and Gordon gently took it into his own leading her down back into dining area.

Before sitting Gordon introduced her. “Everybody this is my wife Miranda.”

Gordon led her to a seat that was off to the right of the head of the table, Gordon himself sat at the head. “Miranda, sitting to your left is Selvala McEva, President of Vekaiyu, directly in front of you Is Stapen Evesuni, Chairman of Listonia and to his right is Kral Commodore Ikrisia of the Vekaiyun Armed Forces.”

Miranda gave a large smile. “It is a pleasure to meet all of you. If you do not know already I am blind and I apologize if you find my eyes slightly disturbing. Most people I meet for the first time do and even though they do not say it outright, I can hear it in their voices.”

23

The three members greeted the President’s wife appropriately. While vulpine by nature, Evesuni gave a slight bow, signifying he felt she was beautiful. Perhaps it would have gone unnoticed by the Allegheny standards, but still, it was a gesture he had hoped would come across as something non-offensive.

“The pleasure is all ours,” Selvala replied, finishing a few final touches on an email typed up for the Drakkengard government. She leaned back to read over it.

— Begin quote from ____

From the desk of Selvala McEva, Prime Minister of Vekaiyu.

To whom it may concern of the Drakkengard government,

I am writing this to your nation in the hopes that relations between our two nations will greatly improve. Too often in the past we have been at ends, but I believe we are very much alike - only our species backgrounds separate us. Therefore, I come bearing an olive branch of peace between our two nations, bent only slightly to display our humility. It is our embarrassment that we have not been able to construct stable relations with your nation, but we hope measures can be made to correct that problem.

I am contacting you about the plans between Allegheny, Vekaiyu, Listonia, and Packilvania about forming an alliance, both in trade and military. We would be honored if you would join us. We believe your nation would be quite perfect for our alliance, and we promise trade, funding (including monetary support, noting your mercenary ways), security, and, above all, respect and a feeling of belonging.

As I extend my hand out to you, please grab hold with a firm grip. We are meeting in the Alleghenian capital of Pittsburgh. Further details can be obtained by one of my secretaries, who will contact you shortly on the location and meeting times.

Thank you for your time. Regards,
Selvala McEva

— End quote

She then pressed ‘send’ and let the wireless message go about its business of traveling thousands of miles to its proper destination. She looked up and noticed a map had been placed out in front of the table. “What’s this?” she asked.

Evesuni looked at Selvala. “To repeat, I set a map out in the center of the table so we can better understand our goals in this alliance. I feel a lot of it is born out of land and the ability to trade. Therefore, a good starting point would be to draw our goals on the map. We can then comment and reflect on such.” He rolled a marker over to Selvala, which she caught. “You’re green. I’ll be orange.” He looked over to the president and his wife. “Sorry… this was kind of thought out before your arrival, and I apologize. But it might at least help to clear the air.” He set a collection of pens in front of him. “I hope.”

24

Gordon was slightly surprised by Evesuni’s sudden maneuverer, “I suppose we can discuss this however none of this will be set in stone should we need to make compromises on our plans.”

Gordon took one of the pens and began to mark the map. “Northern Tasselvalta will be annexed by our military forces. Once this is done a large invasion force will be built to land upon the are of north Osea.” Gordon continued to mark off the appropriate areas. I would also like to establish a new set of rail lines to network in-between our three countries and Packilvania. Like i said before this may change when the Packilvanian delegation arrives."

Gordon pressed a buzzer next to his arm to signal the kitchen crew to serve the first course.

25

Phoenix city

Returning to his (presidential) room in the city recently built hotel, during a break in the celebrations, Ludwig wrote a quick reply and sent to IT division, where it would be safely directed to Selvala

To the Prime Minister of Vekaiyu

You proved yourself respectful and wise in our ways. Therefore, we shall do what honor commands and accept this hand that was graciously offered. I, and my chosen staff, will be present at the meeting. May the talks in Pittsburgh be even more fruitful than this brief exchange of words.

Regards,

Ludwig von Drakken
President of Drakkengard

After sending this, he whispers:

“Despite the dark clouds looming in the deep, land and sky show us promise. This might not be a bad future ahead of my people after all.”

And then he returns to the festivities

26

((OOC: the map was a collaborative effort by Allegheny and I, and has been shown to Pack prior…))

“I am a visual person,” Evesuni added as he watched Selvala draw a section of territory in green. “Plus, I believe it’s important to understand what our territorial goals are in such a union.”

“At least we could give plans to the delegations from Packilvania and Drakkengard,” Ikrisia added, nodding at Evesuni. “Drakkengardese are mercenaries who will want to go to war for a price. Since Vekaiyu will be gaining territory, I suppose we could help pay the Drakkengard armed forces for use in campaigns.” She looked over at Selvala, who glared at her. “Well they’ll need to be paid somehow.”

Selvala stepped back from the map, exposing her sketches.

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/2618/nwrevision.png
“I want territory to extend all the way down to the other side of the sea,” Selvala said as she followed the corridor with the plastic tip of her marker. “This would secure a border with Drakkengard as well, which will hopefully not interfere with our desire to have friendship with the nation, as well as Packilvania. Intelligence indicates the light green territory is mainly used for mining purposes, but it is our intent to make the land more hospitable over the next few generations so vulpine kind has more room to grow and trade.”

Evesuni nodded, twirling his orange pen in his hand. “All we really need is that corridor. We can’t really help out with troop support, but we are looking for more trading partners. Packilvania will more than likely be heavily reliant upon us until the proposed annexation of Tasselvalta is complete, their holdings outlined by the lavender purple color.” He turned to Mr. Gordon. “I see why you colored in what you did. While I’m not an expert with trade, believe your nation benefits quite a bit from this. You’ll no longer be landlocked, and will have a sizable border to the sea.”

“A border which will keep Bai Lung in check in case of an invasion,” Selvala added. She looked over to Mr. Gordon after a long pause. “Do you believe Packilvania and Drakkengard would accept such a proposition?”

27

((OOC: this is a collaborative post between Todd McCloud and I)).
Gordon examined the map for a few more moments. “I think Packilvania will be willing to accept these proposals. Drakkengard is a different story, however, I think a payment in the order of a few hundred billion Alleghenian Marks will make their choice a little easier. It will put us in a slight debt but nothing that we can’t fix with a good healthy trade system.”

“Soon these plans will become public knowledge,” Gordon said as he stepped away from the map, “we need a name that the world will remember. I propose that since our union will make a sort of loose confederation that it center around that word”

The other half of the delegation paused to think. “What sort of name do you propose?” Selvala finally asked.

Gordon thought for another moment. “The Allied Confederation of The East Pacific!” He Exclaimed. “ACTEP for short since it is kind of a mouthful.”

Selvala nodded. “Not bad. I like it.” Her comments were cut short by Stapen Evesuni as he nodded in agreement as well. “The anagram is also quick to say. It will catch on in time.”

"Then it is done! Gordon exclaimed. “When the Drakkengardi and Packilvanian delegations we will discuss a proper framework for an official treaty. For the moment however I am tired and slightly inebriated so therefore I shall bid you adieu. Goodnight and may God bless this new era of cooperation. The staff shall see you to your rooms, feel free to call on them should you need it.”

Gordon took his wife by the hand and led her out of the room to his quarters.

28

Noi arrived by train the next morning. She was rather annoyed that the infrastructure over the border was so primitive. How did these people travel at speeds this slow! She sighed and looked to her aid as she stood.

“We could very easily overhaul the infrastructure of our neighbors. Make a note of it. We may be able to gain an easy concession for it.”

She stepped off the train and covered her eyes. It was bright here. She was used to the dist clouds that billowed in from the mining pits. She waited for whoever was to transport her to the meeting.

Noi travels with almost no guards. She is also about 50% cybernetic at this point.

29

A helicopter arrived at the station to pick up the Packilvanian envoy, by this time the people began to notice the arrivals of foreign diplomats and the like and the many media networks both private and publicly owned were swarming the perimeter.

Riot equipped civil protection units kept the crowds at bay, vague news of a union of nations had been leaked the night before and a vocal minority had traveled to the city to protest the notion.

“OUR UNION IS ALREADY STRONG ENOUGH!” One protester yelled.

An officer came by and began yelling at the protester. "YOU ARE VIOLATING ESTABLISHED FREE SPEECH ZONE LAW. THE STATION IS NOT A FREE SPEECH ZONE!

“FUCK YOU PIG!” The protester yelled back, the officer pulled out a tazer and shot him in the chest. Riot police began to push back the protesters from the station.

A few guards ushered the diplomat into the helicopter and within the next minute it was airborne. The sun beat down upon the city as the chopper passed overhead. In the distance lay the center of government situated in the gothic inspired ‘Penn Tower.’ Landing on top of the building itself the elevator doors lay open waiting for the new arrival.

“Here we are madam!” The pilot exclaimed.

Once in the elevator the attendant pushed the button causing it to descend into the bowels of the building where it arrived into the senate chambers, the speaking floor was now occupied with a round table and the senate seats lay empty. At the table was President Gordon with the other delegations.

Gordon gulped at the sight of the Packilvanian diplomat, he had never met their people in person. “Good morning miss, I am glad you could make it here to discuss this very important matter with us. Would you kindly join as at our round table so that we may begin?”

30

OOC: Feel free either to move forward to the meeting itself or to have something happening in the airport as well.

Flying the presidential AC, Ludwig lands on Pittsburgh International Airport, with his staff (in a more conventional machine, like an airplane :)) following close behind.

After everyone reunited, they moved to the buiding itself, where the Allegheny officers ordered to escort them to the meeting waited.

31

“Good morning to you all!” Gordon exclaimed as an aide escorted the Drakkengardi representative to the round table . “Welcome to the beginning of a new era in East Pacific politics.”

“As you all have already been informed we are here to work out a new organization of nations that will trade freely between each other and offer military support to all member nations. Also we are here to discuss the annexation and trading of territories to the benefit of the Packilvanians, the Listonians, The Vekaiyuns and of course the Alleghenians.”

“Along with this will be created a confederation of nations, I use the term confederation because all nations will still have full sovereignty over their people. There will be no new taxes created, no tarrifs, no mandates and no changes to your national governments. Only trading, military cooperation and a sense of security. This “confederation” would officially be called the Allied Confederation of The East Pacific, an alliance that will bring an era of self sufficiency the East Pacific has never seen. There will be no need for outside help as this collection of nations will be able to produce every resource, every staple, and every commodity a person could ever need.”

Gordon sat down. “Let us begin the discussion as we are not here to impose this upon you, we are ready to modify and compromise so that we can create a perfect unbreakable treaty.”

32

“It would be good to see an unbreakable bond formed between nations of great strength,” Evesuni added.

“Yes,” Selvala replied with an aside. “I must say I’m more than grateful to be meeting President Ludwig of Drakkengard on such good terms. I want to say that I believe this union between our five nations will be more than a confederacy - it will be one of friendship. I believe this union should always echo the most basic principles of a union - equality for all, and a certain amount of respect for all nations in this union. As the founding five, we are all equal and all vital to the success of this new confederacy.” She smiled. “It’s a pleasure to finally know the Vekaiyu has friends in this realm.”

She paused. “I think it’s important to address the needs and the desires of each nation at this table first. We’ve drawn a map for what President Gordon, myself, and Kivo Evesuni would like to see change in this realm. The re-alignment of borders is not set in stone, and we would like to hear from everyone at this table any changes that will be proposed.” She unfolded the map, letting it lie on the table.

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/2618/nwrevision.png
“When we begin-”

“You should probably explain what the colors mean,” Ikrisia replied.

Selvala paused to look at her. “Yes, of course,” she finally said. “Green territories represent Vekaiyu and its gains. Orange is the corridor secured for Listonia. Blue and Red represent South Allegheny and its gains, respectfully, while Purple and Lavender are Packilvania and its gains. We believe this would be a very good compromise, and would give each nation more of a chance to expand and grow. Vekaiyu gains an outlet to the southern sea and more room to grow. Packilvania gains agriculture. Allegheny expands and acquires coastline. Listonia gets the corridor. And Drakkengard, well, they gain money for assisting with these attacks. But again, this isn’t perfect. I’d like to open with any suggestions to change this map. Once we get thnigs settled, we should begin the process for a document that outlines our goals and conditions.”

33

Noi looked over the map and smiled.

“I take it you are aware of what resides in the area you want us to concede to you? The Arkane are ever present in the area. It was mined out long ago, but the area is their home. While we will not commit to anything yet, we would like to know what the current residents of the area would have to do? Would they be allowed to live in peace? Their social structure is almost entirely reliant on the Hive links established in the area.”

Wait for response

“This also brings up another point we would like some clarification on. The Hive has long been banned from many of our neighbors… If not officially, then by practicality. We propose that all member nations to this agreement allow Hive nodes to be built in their territories. While no one should be forced to join the Hive, outside of Packilvania, we would like the offer to remain open for our member citizens. We offer many things that some would find to be godsends. We restore limbs often enough.” Noi looked across the table smiling. “We can even restore sight to the blinded.”

Wait for response

“We have heard the proposal for military support, however, between the Pax and our ally Drakkenguard, we would by far be providing most of the military support to the alliance. Can this be clarified? Are you expecting military garrisons in your cities? And would you be willing to help in our current… problem… in Tassalvalta?”

She came to the meeting prepared. The alloys glistened under the lights, and her eye gave the unblinking glow of red as she talked. She kept her posture friendly, but pushed her claws foward when she needed to make a point. She knew she had to be persuasive. She sighed in her own mind. She knew this would lead to more war, but through it lay allies and friends to the Pax. She could sense the Hive listening in on the negotiations. It was part of being Pax. No secrets and no privacy. She was more than a figurehead, more than a leader. She WAS the Pax. Every thought she had was accompanied by the thoughts of billions more. It drove her mad sometimes. She persevered.

*OOC: For those that don’t know, Noi is Neko. They are a genetic offshoot of the Nekomimi. They do age past adolescence, and get quite fierce.

34

— Begin quote from ____

“This also brings up another point we would like some clarification on. The Hive has long been banned from many of our neighbors… If not officially, then by practicality. We propose that all member nations to this agreement allow Hive nodes to be built in their territories. While no one should be forced to join the Hive, outside of Packilvania, we would like the offer to remain open for our member citizens. We offer many things that some would find to be godsends. We restore limbs often enough.” Noi looked across the table smiling. “We can even restore sight to the blinded.”

— End quote

Gordon ignored the comment about the curing blind and remembered to have his office check for bugs ahead of schedule this month.

"This is a difficult question you are asking, hive nodes in our homeland is not something our Senate could pass at this time.

— Begin quote from ____

“We have heard the proposal for military support, however, between the Pax and our ally Drakkenguard, we would by far be providing most of the military support to the alliance. Can this be clarified? Are you expecting military garrisons in your cities? And would you be willing to help in our current… problem… in Tassalvalta?”

— End quote

“Allegheny has a sizable military force that will be committed to this new Confederation’s cause including that of our own. I am not proposing military garrisons in other nations cities as this can be viewed by the populace as infringement upon national sovereignty, garrisons can be created should a member nation request it. The purpose of this military alliance is to protect our sectors of this continent, not to force member nations into a war with whoever another member nation chooses.”

“About Tasselvalta, since it is our wish to annex the northern portion of it we would indeed commit troops to securing the country and promptly subjugating it through any means necessary.”

35

bump

36

Bump noted :lol:

I´ll post ASAP

37

After hearing the other nations leaders, Ludwig announced his country position. An easy task to do, as mainly they were requesting only what his family gave to the world much before they had a country of their own…

“First, i´d like to thank you all for the warm reception we received. And in advance, i can declare that we´re ready to agree with most of what was proposed thus far.”

“Over the garrison issues, i assure that our military will occuply only the instalations needed for the invasions and only for the time needed to subjugate said countries. Hardly there´ll be any claim of infringement upon national sovereignty as we´d be only a friendly force moving through, escorted by your militaries if necessary.
Pax issues are agreed by default as we already shown public support to Pax regarding Tassalvalta, and we do have a hive node within our territory since the situation in Hoophoopland.
Drakkengard gains being monetary is already agreed as well. Its the way we lived for centuries.
I only ask clarification on how Mr. Evesuni wished the corridor to be gained. I take given on how Elephana was formely a part of Listonia, it would be preferable to claim it without bloodshed. Something that i believe that can be done, given the political changes to be made here.”

After that, he waited for his fellow leaders comments.

38

“Indeed,” Replied Gordon. “I would also like to hear what Mr. Evesuni has to say upon this matter. A bloody invasion could jeopardize our standing in the East Pacific and bring sanctions by nations that have promised protection to Elephana. That area is the most politically charged and could bring the region into all out war.”

39

((OOC: sorry for the delay, all. RL junk is causing me to have my thoughts elsewhere, but for the time being, I set aside time tonight to post and have some fun. Here goes nothing!))

— Begin quote from ____

“I take it you are aware of what resides in the area you want us to concede to you? The Arkane are ever present in the area. It was mined out long ago, but the area is their home. While we will not commit to anything yet, we would like to know what the current residents of the area would have to do? Would they be allowed to live in peace? Their social structure is almost entirely reliant on the Hive links established in the area.”

— End quote

Ikrisia tried to speak, but Selvala immediately waved her off. “We would have to develop an understanding of this race, personally. It’s uncharacteristic of vulpine people to outwardly kick a group out of their lands, as we’ve had that happen to us multiple times in our history. We would need to determine the best way possible to work with such a race. It’s a quandry, though: Vekaiyu is most decidedly the nation of vulpine peoples. However, I do not foresee any problems with two races getting along, as far as the vulpine people is concerned. We do have humans residing in our nation, and they do manage to get along quite well.”

— Begin quote from ____

“This also brings up another point we would like some clarification on. The Hive has long been banned from many of our neighbors… If not officially, then by practicality. We propose that all member nations to this agreement allow Hive nodes to be built in their territories. While no one should be forced to join the Hive, outside of Packilvania, we would like the offer to remain open for our member citizens. We offer many things that some would find to be godsends. We restore limbs often enough.” Noi looked across the table smiling. “We can even restore sight to the blinded.”

— End quote

“I’m afraid our congress would have a difficult time allowing new installations on our land as well,” Selvala replied. “Most Vekaiyuns are Vayan Catholics who believe such things would be attempting to delve into the works of God, which would not be received well on our soil, regretfully.”

Evesuni looked into the red eye of the Pax leader with a deep stare. “The prospect of living forever… perhaps they have such a thing…” He looked down at his hands, covered in thin leather gloves. “A removal of this curse called old age… an interesting prospect.” He looked back up at Noi. “I’m afraid we too must decline at this time, for the same reasons outlined by Selvala.”

— Begin quote from ____

“We have heard the proposal for military support, however, between the Pax and our ally Drakkenguard, we would by far be providing most of the military support to the alliance. Can this be clarified? Are you expecting military garrisons in your cities? And would you be willing to help in our current… problem… in Tassalvalta?”

— End quote

Selvala nodded, but this time, Ikrisia waved her off. “Our armed forces are more than capable of such offensives, and we have a strong enough defense to ward off most attacks. We would be willing to assist in this Tasselvaltan campaign, and I believe it would pass with ease in our congress. Vekaiyu’s economy could use a war.”

Evesuni paused. “We are the easternmost nation in this current alliance, which means if we were ever to be attacked as an alliance, the natural choice for enemies to start at would be the closest ACTEP member to them, namely, Listonia. Therefore, we would need the assurance of if we are attacked, there could be a means to defend us. Listonia does not need another threat to its well being, and any assurance of protection would be needed for strong involvement of our nation.”

((ooc: I’ll add to their responses for what has been said later down the line in this thread soon))

40

Evesuni leaned back in his chair. “The situation in Elephana puzzles me. I have enough blood on my hands from fighting for independence for my nation all those years… I would like to avoid any further conflicts. Completely. Listonians would like to avoid conflict too. While we do have an army capable of claiming and occupying such a corridor, I’m reluctant to obtain it by force. The nation is strangled, with sanctions already placed on it by Vekaiyu and Listonia, in the hopes that their leader will concede a corridor for Listonia, something that was promised during the conference at Kelssek in the form of a city. It is clear now there must be a true corridor for this to really work. Having territory shared by both nations may work, but good feelings will have to prevail, unless we want to invite guerrilla fighting right outside our back doors, which will happen given the environment of the situation. All we want is a corridor for trade. It is relatively expensive to ship heavy, bulk materials by plane. And the nations around us don’t all have adequate railways, something Listonia prides herself on. Therefore, trade through the sea is very important. But that’s all we really need. While Listonia could expand north to claim more historically Listonian lands, that’s not really of my concern right now. I only want what’s best for my nation, but I don’t want to have to cut heads off to get it.”