Space STGOD diplomacy thread.(2K9)

[Rogue 9]

Ambassador Shelton turned to see who was addressing him. His face bore a blank look for a moment before recognition blossomed. "Ah, Patrick, it's been entirely too long!" The former fighter pilot chuckled as he put down his drink. "Do you want my opinion, or my government's?" The question was asked with a smile, but was subtly pointed: Is this official business, or are you making a social call?

"Why not both responses sir?"
Fernandez chuckled for a moment and then continued,
"Honestly we do have much to discuss. Known space is as dangerous as ever. Especially to democratic states such as ours that are beholden to the people. Aggressive Imperialists are reverting to old tendencies, new players like the Ousters are on the move and most everyone seems keen to divide up neutral systems for their own benefit. It's dangerous. Dangerous for everyone. We have much to gain by standing with one another."

"Oh, I fully agree," Shelton said with a smile. "Standing together is made difficult by distance, but we wield significant means of applying indirect pressure on distant powers, mainly through trade. I'm sure we can reach a relationship much more amiable than the one we had under your... previous government." He cleared his throat. "As for opinions, both I and my government are glad to see another republic rise to grace the stars," he said, still smiling. "There are some within the government that see elements of your revolutionary message as... overzealous, but what can one do? In any case, it does not pose any major difficulties to our relations."

An aide tugged Shelton's sleeve. "Excuse me a moment, Patrick," he said as he turned to face the man. Rather than say anything, though, the grim-faced aide handed his ambassador a datapad. Shelton looked down at the readout and read for a moment before turning back to Fernandez, his smile gone. "Speaking of aggressive imperialists, I've just been informed of something of a... situation. I am instructed to call a meeting of the General Assembly for tomorrow morning; I might as well tell you that now. Henry, send out the request," he said to the aide, returning the datapad to him. Henry nodded and quickly left the reception hall to send a message to the various UN embassies.

To All Representatives to the United Nations:
The Republic of Nashtar has requested a meeting of the General Assembly for 0800 hours tomorrow morning to discuss an urgent international matter.

[Raj Ahten]

Fernandez said to Shelton.
"The Far Reaches free Republic will be at your meeting. We'll listen to what you have to say on this business in the Llaelar Republic.”

Indeed the next day at 0730 almost the entire Far Reaches Free Republic delegation arrived at the General Assembly hall. Mr. Druganov had spent all night preparing a speech on the current crisis. He had also been given very specific instructions from back home. In any case, he would see what The Republic of Nashtar had to say on the matter first.

[White Haven]

Two acknowledgments of the Nashtar call go out, one substantially more promptly than the other. Both the official ambassador of the Novogord Cluster Authority and 'Minister Smith' will be there...and one of the Ambassador's blondes might even have bells on.

[Rogue 9]

The UN in spaaaaaace!

Ambassador Shelton swept into the assembly hall flanked by a pair of aides, one Ronoghan and the other Zambaran. The trio quickly made their way to the podium, where Shelton took the stand while the other two stood to his left and right. Those familiar with Nashtari diplomatic protocol would know that the representation of all three major sapient species of the Republic at a function like this was meant to convey the full weight of the nation behind what was said.

Shelton wasted no time addressing the assembled delegates. "Ladies, gentlemen, and distinguished sapients of all varieties, a most disturbing event has come to our attention. Approximately 52 standard hours ago, forces from the Star Kingdom of Kaeleer attacked the Narmathar system in the Llaelar Republic, destroying the Llaelar naval force stationed there and taking effective control of the system and its shipping lanes, with the apparent complicity of a naval task force of the Sky Empire."

He paused to look around the room. "Earlier in the day, a Kaeleeri fleet had arrived unannounced in Narmathar and requested refueling. One of the fuel tenders sent to attend to these unexpected guests was destroyed in a large explosion, taking with it a Kaeleeri escort vessel and damaging several other ships. The Star Kingdom, to our understanding, has accused the Llaelar of bombing their fleet and claim to have proof, which leaves my government puzzled. If we understand correctly, the Llaelar were unaware of the Kaeleeri fleet's coming, and so would find it quite difficult to prepare a ship with a bomb of sufficient size and power to cause such devastation on a few minutes' notice. We accuse nothing at this juncture," he said, the steely glint in his eye putting the lie to his words, "but request that the Star Kingdom of Kaeleer account for its actions. I yield the floor."

As the ones who had called the meeting, it fell upon the Nashtari to chair it, so the delegation moved to a desk next to the speaker's well near to the Secretary-General rather than climbing back to their customary place.

[Dark Hellion]

UN in Space Assembly Hall

The Chi assembly quietly chittered amongst themselves. A general dismay was readily apparent. Finally, the main diplomat stood, holding out a small necklace with a translating box on it. A bit of squeaking started to form into galactic common.

"The Chi, that's us, or um... that is who we represent, don't like these aggressive actions. We find it very suspect as well. We suggest, if it is alright with everyone else present, that we, this assembled body, should, very carefully, and with as much permission from the Kaeleeri leadership as possible, attempt to, if we can, explore the circumstances around the occurrence that occurred in Narmathar in the Llaelar Republic, in that area of space, and that we utilize our best of our abilities to come to a conclusion that tells us what happened so that we can then pass a more correct judgment upon all the parties that have so far involved themselves in this event that to us, and hopefully the council as a whole or at least in the majority of the parts of the council, seem very tragic and avoidable and hope that the future is a brighter one for all the young of the galaxy than what this situation we are currently looking at would present the vision of the future to be to those involved, and that warlike aggression be avoided by the peaceful assembly and exchange of ideas that can be present at this council instead of the normal states of carnage that can occur over even mild accidents that this event could, after investigation by all involved in the investigating process, if one does occur, which we sincerely hope, is completed, turns out to be. If there are no strong objections amongst those of this assembly which has assembled itself here today for the discussion of such events. If you please."

He then sheepishly retreated into the ring of bodyguards as the Chi circled and pressed even tighter into the huddle they had formed.

[Dahak]

UN in Space Assembly Hall

Ambassador Turanat rose from his chair and addressed the assembled dignitaries.
"The Empire of the Sky was very shocked indeed by the savage attacks on Kaeleer ships and the loss of lives. Unlike many others assembled here, Imperial forces were in-system when it happened and had time to analyse the sensor readings from the incident. Our very careful and neutral analysis point, sadly, to Llaelar involvement in this. As such, the Kaeleer had a right to act in defence. As dutiful neighbours, we do not shy away from troublesome times, and agreed to help the local Llaelar government atone for their deeds. After this terrible crimes, they cannot be allowed to go unpunished and endanger the entire local node-net. This means that the system in question has to be protected from itself by its benevolent neighbours."

[Master_Baerne]

OOC: Actually, there was approximately a week between the destruction of the Violet and the elimination of the Llaelar fleet.

Unity Station
Assembly Chamber

"Honored Representatives," Countess Nehele said, her microphone amplifying her clear soprano. "The vessel that destroyed Her Dark Majesty's ship Violet was a reactant tanker; a large or complicated explosive would not have been necessary to initiate an explosion. The Star Kingdom stands by it's conviction that the Llaelar government authorized the murder of five thousand of Her Dark Majesty's spacers. We would thank the Empire of the Sky for it's assistance in obtaining justice, and second the opinion that the system must be protected from it's treacherous leaders."

[Karmic Knight]

Despite his intense dislike of Hausman and the United Steel Works whole operation, Petrenko managed to hold his tongue. For the moment anyway. He figured he had a job to do, which meant listening to what the suit had to say.

Petrenko said,
"Just what sort of help can United Steel offer the Free Republic? Our union run operations are meeting record production goals already. Anyway, what exactly do you mean by minor genetic issues?"

If United Steel Works actually needed assistance Petrenko really wanted to hear the suit say it. Most of that sort never admitted they had a problem. Petrenko might also be able to make a counter offer involving political concession or the like if United Steel actually needed something.

When in doubt, go for broke, "Mr. Petrenko, I will be completely honest with you, the Company would like assistance designing and implementing an entire specialized ecosystem, to promote agricultural independence. If you believe you are skilled enough in resource extraction, I'm sure we could work out some other agreement, but the Company requires that it gain agricultural independence."

[Raj Ahten]

Despite his intense dislike of Hausman and the United Steel Works whole operation, Petrenko managed to hold his tongue. For the moment anyway. He figured he had a job to do, which meant listening to what the suit had to say.

Petrenko said,
"Just what sort of help can United Steel offer the Free Republic? Our union run operations are meeting record production goals already. Anyway, what exactly do you mean by minor genetic issues?"

If United Steel Works actually needed assistance Petrenko really wanted to hear the suit say it. Most of that sort never admitted they had a problem. Petrenko might also be able to make a counter offer involving political concession or the like if United Steel actually needed something.

When in doubt, go for broke, "Mr. Petrenko, I will be completely honest with you, the Company would like assistance designing and implementing an entire specialized ecosystem, to promote agricultural independence. If you believe you are skilled enough in resource extraction, I'm sure we could work out some other agreement, but the Company requires that it gain agricultural independence."

Petrenko had not been expecting such an offer from United Steel at all. He was actually taken aback for a minute as he thought over his response. This was a project which could actually show the universe what the Revolution had been able to accomplish in the science and technology fields.

"Mr. Hausman I can tell you that the Far Reaches Free Republic would be very interested in participating in a project such as you describe. I can send the relevant details back to the parliament for consideration immediately."

There was still the matter of payment. The Republic's finances were still a wreck after the civil war and their credit rating was, to be kind, poor. Cold hard cash and a lender would do much to ease them back into the international monetary system.

"If you would be able to offer cash payments and more importantly a credit line, the republic would likely consider that payment enough. The details of course would have to be negotiated."

(Karmic Knight, if you agree to give the Republic credit, you have yourself a deal!)

[Nephtys]

Unity Station
Assembly Chamber

The Llaelar Ambassador was silently livid to that point, listening to the speaches before Countess Nehele spoke. with a jolt, he stood. "My Government has no intention of killing your citizens. The very claim that our leaders are to blame for this act is undeniable proof of some dark agenda, you mark my words." he glares daggers across the chamber. Although the man had been shaken in the past week by the trickle of news that came in, he now spoke with confidence in his own government's backing.

"A state of War now exists between us and the Star Kingdom for their unprovoked attack and annexation of our star system! Thousands of men and women of our fleet have been killed by their overwhelming aggression, and I cannot stand by and do nothing while my Government's worlds are being invaded. I beseech the council to denounce these actions and return control of the Narmathar System to Republican hands, demand a withdrawl of the Kaeleerian Navy, and reparations immediately for this heinous act!"

[Karmic Knight]

Petrenko had not been expecting such an offer from United Steel at all. He was actually taken aback for a minute as he thought over his response. This was a project which could actually show the universe what the Revolution had been able to accomplish in the science and technology fields.

"Mr. Hausman I can tell you that the Far Reaches Free Republic would be very interested in participating in a project such as you describe. I can send the relevant details back to the parliament for consideration immediately."

There was still the matter of payment. The Republic's finances were still a wreck after the civil war and their credit rating was, to be kind, poor. Cold hard cash and a lender would do much to ease them back into the international monetary system.

"If you would be able to offer cash payments and more importantly a credit line, the republic would likely consider that payment enough. The details of course would have to be negotiated."

(Karmic Knight, if you agree to give the Republic credit, you have yourself a deal!)

"Well, credit would have to be approved by the Head of Finance, but I do not see any issue that should crop up, so, if you will accept my apologies, I will be off to compose a message to the Board and the Head of Banking and Finance," the Doctor said as he rose from the seat he had been sitting in.

[Ohma]

Unity Station
Council Chambers

Mahal had heard this song before. For most of his adult life he'd listened to the same arguments from the human colonists on Farnel. A torrent of exaggerated reports of violence to excuse their slow but inexorable expansion.

Mahal Debim rises.

“The Hallowed Worlds of Guymelus concur with the honored representatives of Nashtar and the Chi. We demand that a full investigation be made into the circumstances surrounding this conflict, and that hostilities between the Kaeleer and Llaelar cease immediately.”

[Darth Raptor]

(Hooray for flexible continuity, and apologies to Raj Ahten for the tardiness of my reply.)

Personally, Ambassador Dreinard was mildly disappointed. The Archelonian dunk in Ambassador Insculpta's quarters was quite relaxing, but Osser was a tad crestfallen that 'relaxing' was all it had been. He would have relished bragging about his sexual conquest of a giant alien space turtle back home, if indeed he had managed such a feat. As it was, the difference in form was too much for Insculpta, who had politely declined. Understandable, but Osser was left wishing he had his own entourage comparable to some of the other diplomats, and not to help manage the workload.

Professionally however, the meeting was most productive. With the stroke of a waterproof stylus, his primary mission objective had been satisfied. Anything further would be flavored lotion on the... Founder if he wasn't horny.

And that's when he saw her, Ambassador... A flash of external memory. Madison Haley, Right Honorable Representative of the Free Republic. Osser suppressed a knowing smile. The Tathessi had experimented with nearly every possible form when they too were a young civilization, only to settle for something almost human. Impossibly beautiful, but still mostly human. Nevertheless, the avian plumage made her... cute. Like a rebellious child trying to embarrass her (brutally murdered) parents.

Ambassador Dreinard had the authority to negotiate in full good faith on behalf of the Imperium, and he intended to. "Indeed," he replied. "I would be most interested in closer relations between our persons. I mean peoples." He began secreting a narcotic saliva. "If there is anything you desire, please, do not hesitate to ask."

[Rogue 9]

Unity Station
Assembly Chamber

"At this time, Nashtar would like to assume the floor for our say," Shelton said, rising and moving to the podium as the Llaelar ambassador finished speaking.

"Contrary to Ambassador Turanat's opinion, the Sky Empire was not the only power with a presence in the system at the time of the bombing," he continued from the podium. "Nashtari trade is widespread, and we happen to have a freighter's sensor logs of the incident. Jonoghot, if you would," he addressed his Ronoghan aide. The red-skinned humanoid nodded and activated the holo-projector.

"This is, as you can see, a log of the Kaeleeri task force's initial arrival in system. The Kaeleeri forces greatly outnumbered and outgunned the Llaelar defense fleet in Narmathar, and demanded fleet tenders for refueling purposes, despite the fact that this was their first system stop outside of their home territories, where they had ample opportunity to refuel and resupply sufficient for weeks of operations without the need for reliance upon a foreign power's hospitality. The Llaelar complied." The sensor log fast-forwarded through the scans of the fleet milling about and the tenders and supply ships making their way to the outer system before reverting back to normal speed. "And here," Shelton said, pointing up to the fuel tender whose fiery death was about to be shown, "is the ship in question." As he spoke, the supply shuttles began to arrive at the ship. A moment later, the fateful explosion was shown. "It is at this time that my government would like me to articulate a number of problems that our analysts see with this scenario.

"First, the Llaelar were outnumbered and outgunned, even after the bombing. Discounting everything else it would have been pure foolishness for them to commit such an outrageous action against a superior force with no hope of victory, even if they had motive; if they have one, it is not apparent. Secondly, and more importantly, the initial explosion and radiation release," he said as the recording rewound slightly and played back through the explosion more slowly, with annotations popping up this time pointing to the initial blast and scrolling across the bottom displaying data describing the gamma ray spectrum, "is not consistent with RH-53 reactor fuel used in Kaeleeri, Llaelar, and most other human-origin warships. It is consistent, however," he continued, with a steely expression on his face, "with a large fusion-based strategic warhead." He regarded Countess Nehele directly now, his gaze not wavering once it settled upon the Kaeleeri delegation. "With that said, it would put our minds greatly at ease if the Star Kingdom would kindly present its much talked about but never seen evidence of Llaelar involvement."

[White Haven]

Watching the byplay in the metaphorical shadow of the more obvious Novogord ambassador, 'Minister Smith' hides a chuckle but allows a smile to play across his lips for the few seconds the Nashtari ambassador looks his way. Before and after, his face is bland and devoid of meaningful expression, a fact that he trusts will be noted by the ambassador of what is apparently a fairly sneakadelic power.

[Dahak]

Unity Station
Assembly Chamber

Turanat snorted as he rose to answer Ambassador Shelton.
"All this shows is your agenda against the Kaeleer. Your so-called evidence spits on the victims of a heinous crime. And begs the question since when a mere freighter has sensors of such quality to pick up all the details you allegedly got. Our recordings, of high-quality military grade, clearly shows quite different results."

[Rogue 9]

Unity Station
Assembly Chamber

"Then I invite you to present them, Ambassador," Shelton said acidly. "It does not require military grade scanners to tell the difference between a reactor fuel fire and a fusion bomb; the radiation profiles are markedly different. All we have is the word of the Kaeleeri, and now apparently the Sky Empire, that this was a Llaelarese action. Despite assurances from the Kaeleeri that they have evidence, they have not seen fit to share it." He spread his arms, palms upward, as he continued. "We have no agenda against the Star Kingdom of Kaeleer. The Republic of Nashtar is not the nation with warships invading a foreign power. Kaeleer? Is. If anyone has an agenda, it is not us. It is unbecoming of you to employ such a gross fallacy of logic as to accuse us of sinister motives without even beginning to address the facts."

[Raj Ahten]

Unity Station
Assembly Chamber

Druganov had gotten more incensed as the meeting had continued. Completely disregarding his prepared remarks the former soldier slammed his fist on the table, fracturing the wood. He then stood up and addressed the forum, his rage apparent.

"I've had enough from these cowards! Kaeleer is run entirely by degenerate scum who are making war on a people whose only crime is being weaker than their neighbors. The Republic of Nashtar has shown us the true extant of their lies. It is also now apparent that the Empire of the Sky is in league with Kaeleer, for why else would they trumpet such forgeries as gospel truth unless they were going to receive some of the spoils?

Looking directly in Countess Nehele's eyes he continued,

"It's a good thing we killed all the bitches like you in the Far Reaches. All you are capable of is pathetic deceptions and self serving violence. The Far Reaches Free Republic will not just stand idle while Kaeleerite whores and their fellow travelers from the Empire of the Sky unleash the dogs of war."

[Master_Baerne]

Unity Station
Assembly Chamber

Countess Nehele was unmoved by the Llaelar and Nashtar ambassadors' speeches. A prior talk with her sister was the main reason for this; the Hourglass priestess had received a copy of the evidence so carefully fabricated by her superiors. It was this evidence that the Countess now presented to the Assembly.

"Honorable Representatives," she said, rising in a swirl of sapphire-colored fabric "I understand the reasons behind Their Excellencies the Nashtar and Llaelar ambassadors' disbelief and skepticism. The decision to attack Her Dark Majesty's Navy was indeed an incomprehensible one, but indisputably the choice made. I present to you the evidence gathered by naval investigation teams after the explosion, using sensor logs - from warships much closer to the event the the Nashtar freighter; the best data there is on the subject - and surviving wreckage.

"Our data indicates that while a device did provide the catalyst for the explosion, it was neither large nor antimatter-based. It is my belief that the antimatter readings obtained by the Nashtar freighter were caused by the detonation of the Violet's missile stores, many of which would have possessed antimatter warheads. The Llaelar tanker was destroyed by a simple fusion bomb, according to our analysis. The fleet was carrying no fusion weapons, while they are fairly easily fabricated on a planet.

"In short, Her Dark majesty's government blames this on dangerous elements in either the Narmathar system or Llaelar federal governments, elements which, for reasons currently unknown, chose to attack the Her Dark Majesty's fleet. We suspect that the intended target was rather larger than a destroyer, the loss of which, though tragic, has served only to provoke the just rage of the Star Kingdom. I reiterate that we have no intention of harming Llaelar citizens, and indeed our primary motive in the occupation of the Narmathar system is to protect it's populace from their deranged and criminal leadership."

[Master_Baerne]

Unity Station
Assembly Chamber

The outburst from the Far Reaches representative quieted the room, which had swelled with whispers after Countess Nehele's response. She stood again, and this time there was no mistaking the fury in her eyes. Several of her bodyguards rose as well, hands reaching to holsters that had, fortunately for Ambassador Druganov, been emptied before entering the Assembly Chamber.

"You would do well to reconsider your remarks, sir. I will not accept the characterization of my Queen as a "degenerate whore."

[Rogue 9]

Unity Station
Assembly Chamber

"There will be order in this chamber!" Representative Barasskar, the head Zambaran delegate to the UN, was standing in the speaker's well behind Ambassador Shelton. The black-furred, four-armed Zambaran cut an intimidating figure to a human, as did almost all his species whether they intended it or not, and this one did, his fangs clearly visible as he undertook the Nashtari delegation's duties as chair of this conference. "The representative from the Far Reaches Free Republic will moderate his tone in accordance with diplomatic protocols, and the delegation from Kaeleer would do well to not reach for weapons, whether they're there or not. Further disruption will result in ejection from this chamber." The look in the alien's eyes left little doubt that he would undertake that duty himself if this went further.

Shelton simply raised an eyebrow at the proceedings and said nothing. This was Barasskar's job, and he was good at it.

[Master_Baerne]

Unity Station
Assembly Chamber

"Your Excellency." Countess Nehele said, respectfully inclining her head and sitting down. Whether the oaf realized it or not, his outburst had done at least a little to strengthen her position in the minds of the other delegates.

[Raj Ahten]

Unity Station
Assembly Chamber

"I find I cannot stand to be in the same chambers as these warmongers. Good day sir."
Drugonov bowed to Barasskar then marched out of the chambers.

Druganov might have been feeling good about himself, but his delegation's head of security was groaning inwardly. His head of mission now had to be considered under a high risk of assassination. The security team quickly escorted the problematic Druganov back to the safety of his quarters.

That left Patrick Fernandez in charge of the delegation. An old pro, he refused to appear at all ruffled by developments. He said,

"I apologize to the chamber for the Far Reaches Free Republic delegation's breach of protocol in addressing this body."

Fernandez was apologizing for the way in which Drugonov spoke, not for what was said.

[Thirdfain]

Unity Station

Sanje, Voice of the Hajr, stood and took the podium.

"Fellow sentients, I am deeply concerned by what I have seen here today. What is this body? Is it a tribunal before which the sovereign powers of the Networks must bow? Or is it a forum for discussion and diplomacy? If it is the former, then truly it has lost it's way. Why should the fanatical rantings of the Far Reaches, who are on the other side of the network, have anything to do with the policies of the powers of the Southwestern Rim? They are hardly in any sort of position to comment. After all, it is not their ships being targetted by pirates, or their corporate allies being blown up by terrorist bombs. I will speak plainly. The Hajr represents a group of sovereign, independent polities, and will not change policy based on any sort of 'ruling' in this body. I have come here today as a sign of respect, but do not presume to think that your calls for some sort of clumsy, internationalist investigation will in any way be regarded as legitimate. Our own intelligence services have reported terrorist actions across Llaelarese space. A convoy of our cargo and warships were at Narmathar, and observed the bombing incident. Our own transport ships in the Southwestern Passage have been attacked by pirates- pirates operating from Llaelarese corporate holdings! With these facts coming to light, I assure you that we will take immediate action to protect our interests. It is clear that the weak and decadent Llaelarese government has quite lost control of the situation within it's own borders, and we will not see another innocent Unbound civilian die due to their incompotence!"

[Rogue 9]

Unity Station
Assembly Chamber

"The Llaelar Republic is a longstanding trading partner with Nashtari shipping companies," Shelton responded from his seat. "If they sponsor wide-scale piracy, it is entirely unknown to us, and I find that... unlikely." He shifted in his seat. "As for your question, this body is for discussion and diplomacy, but if the parties to diplomacy do not have accurate information, then diplomacy is doomed to failure, hence this conference. I will note that the Kaeleeri delegation has not only failed to account for why their fleet needed fuel a mere day out of port, but they have admitted that they do not know which parties are behind the bombing, and yet they attack and occupy Llaelarese space anyway. This does not impress me, nor do unsubstantiated claims of Llaelar-sponsored piracy, which has never reached my ears or to my knowledge the ears of anyone in Nashtar until this very moment. Pardon me for putting this so directly, but this looks like nothing so much as an elaborate setup; it is amazing that all these grievances could suddenly materialize all at once against the Llaelar Republic which has up until now been nothing but peaceful in the international stage."