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The Fenari Merchant Party offers a Nay vote.

Call you all back when I get back for my lunch/dinner break.

Above Fenris:

{No, I'm not sure what they want, but they said bring an astrogator. That means you.}

Father Navigator Thraskis chittered in disapproval. The least his "assistant" could have done was ask for more information before taking him out of meditation for some mystery meeting. Thraskis fidgeted with the glittery black robes of his order and glared at the white of his assistant's. The mainstream cult never did respect the astronomical subcult as much as they should.

The two Skaven passed through the airlock to the orbiting embassy. The Honorable Frikual, Skaven Ambassador to Fenris awaited them. They gave the traditional Skaven greeting, making furtive eye contact and twitching whiskers slightly to acknowledge. The three together then went through the security checkpoint and into the station proper.

Thraskis's heart jumped the moment he entered the enormous corridor. The ceiling had to be over three meters high. The navigator tried and failed to rein in his agoraphobia. The walls seemed to expand outward, threatening to rupture and him flying into the vacuum beyond. It was all he could do not to rush back to his cell on the ship and lock himself securely inside his one-meter meditation cube.

{My dear Father, you reek of panic,} said his assistant contemptuosly. Skaven emote by scent, and Thraskis was emoting very strongly.

{Our hosts don't recognize all of our moods yet.} said the ambassador, {I'll tell them it's enthusiasm.}

{How can he be having an episode now? We're not even outdoors!}

{Navigators are crazier than you think.}

The navigator's two minders grabbed him under the arms and started dragging him through the hall. He hadn't noticed his steps falter. Now that he wasn't walking anymore he no longer had to look where he was going so he shut his eyes, trying to forget his surroundings. In time they reached the entrance to the Temple of the Stars. They approached the attendant. Ambassodor Frikual looked up at the attendant, who stood at twice his height, and spoke to him in the language of the Fenari:
<We come as you requested. Astrogator Thraskis is very pleased to meet you!>

Imperial Shuttle Obesus Vir dropping out of hyperspace in Kokand territory...all weapons offline...shields offline...transmitting message...

ENCRYPTED TRANSMISSION
ATTN: KOKAND EMPIRE
SUBJ: Unpleasant Events

Two days ago a Imperial listening post intercepted a message from the Kharamite Floater Cluster, apparently addressed to the other Floater Republics.

The message contents were disturbing, to say the least. The Kharamites have apparently decided to put their fleet on a war footing and are urging the other Republics to do likewise.

We request that the Kokand Empire not escalate the current conflict. The fragile interstellar peace must be preserved.

Free Zarathrustran News Network

COUNCIL DECLARES GREAT CLUSTER CLOSED
FIRST FLEET TRANSLATES INTO ALPHA CENTAURI SYSTEM
ZARATHRUSTRAN WARSHIPS ENTER TAIGA SYSTEM.

BONDMAN EXECUTIVE JEFFERY IL JONG ORDERS ASGARD ASSETS UNFROZEN, AND REPARATIONS PAID TO ASGARD EMPIRE FROM KHARAMITE COFFERS.

DEMONSTRATIONS AGAINST COUNCIL CONTROL BEGIN IN KHARAM, WOMB CLOSED TO CIVILIAN TRAFFIC.

KHARAMITE REPUBLICAN NAVY DISSOLVED, VESSELS REASSIGNED.

In an unprecedented move today, warships of the First Fleet, Bonded to the Council of the Four Republics, arrived in the Alpha Centauri system today, to enforce a Council resolution forcing Kharam to pay reparations, totalling 7 billion Kharamite marks, to the Asgard Empire. Kharamite warships began translating to the Mohaim system, under Council guard, for assimiliation into the Joint Republican Fleet.

Soldiers bonded to the Republican fleet are, as we speak, watching demonstrations throughout the Womb and the cluster of Kharam. So far, no violence has taken place, though a few citizens have been arrested for looting.

The council, represented by Bondman Executive Jeffery Il Jong, has proclaimed a temporary moratorium on Great Cluster debating and voting.

"Our people do not understand the ways of the planetbound. They are unworthy of making decisions about our policy towards planetbound powers. Now, swayed by bloodlust and anger at the deaths of their brethren, they are leading us to war. This can not happen."

Said Executive Il Jong earlier today. He went on to proclaim a new system of government, one in which the individual clusters elected representatives to an expanded Council.

When asked about the Asgard situation, Executive Il Jong said:

"Regardless of who is in the right, the wrong is quite obvious here- leading our people into war. We must be willing to bend, to live alongside those who are willing to live alongside us. Reparations must be paid to the Asgard."

When questioned about the Council's stance on the Kokand Empire, Executive DeJericho respoded:

"The Asgard were assisting their allies- something we understand, regardless of how misguided it may have been. The Kokand Empire, on the other hand, has repeatebly shown itself to be dangerously xenophobic. We will unfreeze Kokand assets in our territory, but we will continue to take a low view of the Kokand Empire, and their warmongering policies. Our forces around Zarathrustra and Sol will remain watchful. Any action perpetrated by the Kokand against us or our allies will be met with deadly force."

HemlockGrey wrote:
The bringing of a fleet into your system was an unprecented, inexcusable act of aggression, it is true. However, we believe that had you not fired a peaceful settlement would have been reached.

We allowed ample time and four warnings for such to happen. The reply was as you have stated an inexcusable act of aggression and act of war. We responded in kind.

Thirdfain wrote:Free Zarathrustran News Network

"In a follow-up debate, the Great Cluster moved once again to maintain a severance of ties with the Asgard Empire, whith almost 65 percent of those voting casting against the Kharam Republic's former allies. Freeman Administrator Arnold El-Riyahdj, head spokesperson of the new Unbound First movement, was quoted today as saying:
"My lover killed no one, stole nothing, and enslaved no one, and was murdered for it. Damn those bastards! Damn them and their ridiculous laws! Damn their rejection of the Peace of the Void!"

"Hypocritical idiots," said President Hood. "If they and there allies had followed our laws and those of the international community not a shot would have been fired.Its clear they will never respect our space.

I want sixth corps siege assets moved to Africa, tell the fleet to begin bombing up to war emergancy capacity."

Sea Skimmer wrote:

Thirdfain wrote:Free Zarathrustran News Network

"In a follow-up debate, the Great Cluster moved once again to maintain a severance of ties with the Asgard Empire, whith almost 65 percent of those voting casting against the Kharam Republic's former allies. Freeman Administrator Arnold El-Riyahdj, head spokesperson of the new Unbound First movement, was quoted today as saying:
"My lover killed no one, stole nothing, and enslaved no one, and was murdered for it. Damn those bastards! Damn them and their ridiculous laws! Damn their rejection of the Peace of the Void!"

"Hypocritical idiots," said President Hood. "If they and there allies had followed our laws and those of the international community not a shot would have been fired.Its clear they will never respect our space.

I want sixth corps siege assets moved to Africa, tell the fleet to begin bombing up to war emergancy capacity."

Why are you escalating into conflict when the Floaters are giving in to your, and your allies, demands? This is an act of deliberate uncalled for malice, and we request that you withdraw these troops, and sned them back or else we shall be forced to move line regiments towards the African Border.

Straha wrote:
Why are you escalating into conflict when the Floaters are giving in to your, and your allies, demands? This is an act of deliberate uncalled for malice, and we request that you withdraw these troops, and sned them back or else we shall be forced to move line regiments towards the African Border.

We have no demands, the ones who threaten us cannot be trusted to obey any law, only the threat of force will protect our sovereignty and way of life. You have threatened the effectiveness of our deterrence though in a minor way. However for now this corps and its heavy weapons will be stationed on Mars, where the first guns and shields are now full operational.

Sea Skimmer wrote:

Straha wrote:
Why are you escalating into conflict when the Floaters are giving in to your, and your allies, demands? This is an act of deliberate uncalled for malice, and we request that you withdraw these troops, and sned them back or else we shall be forced to move line regiments towards the African Border.

We have no demands, the ones who threaten us cannot be trusted to obey any law, only the threat of force will protect our sovereignty and way of life. You have threatened the effectiveness of our deterrence though in a minor way. However for now this corps and its heavy weapons will be stationed on Mars, where the first guns and shields are now full operational.

We thank you very much, and hope this can lead the way to a defusing of this situation.

Council Chambers, Zarathrustra:
Bondman Vice Admiral Rickenbacher reporting on Floater fleet strength to the Council.
-ROOM SECURED, NO BUGS DETECTED-

"Well, Bondmen, the situation is not as grim as you may think. Our forces are spread out, with the entire Republican First Fleet deployed to Kharam. Those vessels have all been refitted since the Empancipation war, and are completely loyal- but they will need to remain in Kharam for at least another day. The Kharamite Task Force Uziel is of course, gone, and the other Kharamite task forces are at Mohaim now, being assimilated into the JRN."

"The Zarathrustran Task Force Perseus is in the Taiga system, covering the Xanadu Militia, and facilitating their assimilation into the Joint Republican Navy. There has been no armed resistance so far, but some vessels have refused to join. That is, of course, their prerogative. Currently, we may count Perseus (12 Strike Cruisers, 2 Attack Carriers, 1 Dreadnought, 4 Fleet Tenders, 1 OAV) as out of action, for at least two mroe days, as well as the entirety of the Xanadu Militia. The Xanadu Navy, on the other hand, consisting of Task Forces Helena, Minerva, and Vesta, are already flying the Council Flag, and are loyal units in the JRN. They can be deployed as you see fit."

"The Mohaimese Navy has been loyal to the Council from the start. Their Sun Tzu cluster is defending Mohaim, but clusters Napoleon, MacArthur, and Scipio, with their attendent task forces, are at your command. They have all received repairs and retrofits since the Emancipation War."

"In the Sol System, the Zarathrustran clusters Achilles, Hector, Aggamemnon, and Odysseus, with their attendent task forces, are guarding Earth and Mohaim. These clusters have all been refitted and repaired since the Emancipation war. They are at your command. The Perseus cluster is in the Taiga system, as I said, and the Hercules and Theseus clusters are defending the mining Cluster out in the Oort could. All these clusters are totally loyal, and at your command."

"Finally, there are five "Republic" class dreadnoughts and ten "Shadowrun"-class Strike Cruisers completed at the Womb, since we started tehm following the Emancipation War. All we need to do is ship in some crews, and we can deploy them within a week. Ten more dreadnoughts are in various stages of construction, but the first won't be usable for months or more."

"So, we have, right now, twelve task forces prepared to deploy at your command, an we can have another four ready in a week. The First Fleet will be deployable outside of the Alpha Centauri system in only two days."

"Excellent, Vice Admiral. I pray that we will not need your services in the weeks to come, but have your ships maintain readiness. And remember: Your mission is to preserve our people, and the peace. You will keep in mind your duties, and act only when ordered."

"Yes, ma'am."

"You are excused, Vice Admiral. Go in peace, brother."

To: Floater Council
From: Asgard Foreign Office
Subject: Repayment

We acknowledge your offer to pay the remainder of your debt. We await the complete payment before we unfreeze any Floater assests. Your unilateral severing of ties will make returning your assests difficult. We hope that you reconsider this.

The Asgard Empire regards your severing of ties as a grave sign, especially considering what can only be termed war preperations on your nation's part. Given your continued belligerence and even threatening of the Kokand Empire is unacceptable to us. Our commitment to the New Beijing Alliance and our fellow members remains unwavering.

We acknowledge your offer to pay the remainder of your debt. We await the complete payment before we unfreeze any Floater assests. Your unilateral severing of ties will make returning your assests difficult. We hope that you reconsider this.

What are you talking about? The Council just ran a godsdamned COUP so as to normalize relations between our two powers! The Great Cluster no longer holds power!

Those free citizens who called for the severing of ties between our nations are, as we speak, being followed by Council loyal soldiers. They are no longer playing any part in Floater politics.

Ambassadors will be arriving in Asgard space, representing the Council, to assist in the reconstruction of ties between our nations, if you would allow them. Your payment has already on it's way, via neutral transport.

Oh, yes, and we find it slightly funny thast you accuse us of threatening the Kokand Empire. WE are not the ones who have moved over 6,000 weapons of mass destruction near Kokand territory. We have reacted to this move, obviously intended to cause a military escalation, with a great deal of restraint. We have pulled our troops back from the area, as noted a while ago.

The Kokand Empire continues to push for war. We will NOT push back.

Thirdfain wrote:What are you talking about? The Council just ran a godsdamned COUP so as to normalize relations between our two powers! The Great Cluster no longer holds power!

Last the Asgard were aware your Great Cluster had voted to maintain the severance of ties. That is the last we knew.

Thirdfain wrote:Those free citizens who called for the severing of ties between our nations are, as we speak, being followed by Council loyal soldiers. They are no longer playing any part in Floater politics.

Ambassadors will be arriving in Asgard space, representing the Council, to assist in the reconstruction of ties between our nations, if you would allow them. Your payment has already on it's way, via neutral transport.

We await them and hope they reach our space safely. We make no promise as you still continue with your belligerence against the Kokand Empire.

Last the Asgard were aware your Great Cluster had voted to maintain the severance of ties. That is the last we knew.

The Free Zarathrustran News Network freecast news of the coup earlier today.

We await them and hope they reach our space safely. We make no promise as you still continue with your belligerence against the Kokand Empire.

They will be welcomed, then? Thank you.

As for the Kokand Empire, we are not threatening them. We have allowed them to threaten us with their terror weapons, and, in the name of normalizing relations, have not protested. All we have done is assert that should those weapons be used, on us or our allies, we will retaliate.

Meanwhile, your allies take the ravings of a private citizen as proof that the Floaters are attempting to destroy Kokand. You should talk to them, convince them to back down their buildup in Africa. Then, perhaps, relations between the Kokand and the Republics can mend.

The Free Zarathrustran News Network freecast news of the coup earlier today.

With no mention of any change in our relations.

They will be welcomed, then? Thank you.

They will be allowed to enter and to speak. We promise no more.

As for the Kokand Empire, we are not threatening them. We have allowed them to threaten us with their terror weapons, and, in the name of normalizing relations, have not protested. All we have done is assert that should those weapons be used, on us or our allies, we will retaliate.

They have merely stated their capabilities in response to your growing war rhetoric. If you are so threatened by that then what must you thinks of Jane's Military Guides?

Meanwhile, your allies take the ravings of a private citizen as proof that the Floaters are attempting to destroy Kokand. You should talk to them, convince them to back down their buildup in Africa. Then, perhaps, relations between the Kokand and the Republics can mend.

It is our position that such movies and defensive given the military posturing of your nations and it's allies. Why should we ask that our ally weaken their defenses, especially against you who have proved so untrustworthy.

They have merely stated their capabilities in response to your growing war rhetoric. If you are so threatened by that then what must you thinks of Jane's Military Guides?

Stated their capabilities?
Allow me to draw this quote from their own public transmission:

We also must now deploy and additional four thousand MGM-405 heavy stealth cruise missiles to our African holdings. The these missiles with join six hundred already forward deployed covertly. All are armed with nuclear and biochemical warheads.

These weapons have been deployed forwards, in response to a mere trade embargo. When you declared a trade embargo against us, did we move any Dreadnoughts armed with seige mass drivers into Asgard space? Did we place warships over the Kokand holdings on Mars?

No.

With no mention of any change in our relations.

We are sorry that the article was not sufficiently clear. Our intentions are simple, now: normalise relations with the Asgard Empire, and ease tensions between the Kokand and us and our allies.

We will not be thrown into senseless warfare.

These weapons have been deployed forwards, in response to a mere trade embargo. When you declared a trade embargo against us, did we move any Dreadnoughts armed with seige mass drivers into Asgard space? Did we place warships over the Kokand holdings on Mars?

No.

Responses within their own territory to a potential threat. And that would equate that with other blatant acts of war (such as you committed) is rather... curious.

We are sorry that the article was not sufficiently clear. Our intentions are simple, now: normalise relations with the Asgard Empire, and ease tensions between the Kokand and us and our allies.

A noble goal but your rhetoric regarding our allies and your patently ridiculous claims make it difficult.

A noble goal but your rhetoric regarding our allies and your patently ridiculous claims make it difficult.

Inform us what you find ridiculous about our claims. Perhaps we can clear up any misunderstandings.

Thirdfain wrote:

HemlockGrey wrote:
If there was no payment promised to the Floaters, we feel that the Asgard need not pay.


Current ITA Issues:
Limited Payment by Floater Republics to Asgard
Floater Republics and NBA votes/vetoes suspended

Yea:
The Roman Empire
The Mensia-Dorien Hegemony

Does anyone else vote Yea?

We offer our nay votes to both, and veto both.

3 Vetos, the bill is officially dead.

Spyder wrote:

Thirdfain wrote:

HemlockGrey wrote:
If there was no payment promised to the Floaters, we feel that the Asgard need not pay.


Current ITA Issues:
Limited Payment by Floater Republics to Asgard
Floater Republics and NBA votes/vetoes suspended

Yea:
The Roman Empire
The Mensia-Dorien Hegemony

Does anyone else vote Yea?

We offer our nay votes to both, and veto both.

3 Vetos, the bill is officially dead.

I thought it was two vetoes and it was dead?

Thirdfain wrote:

A noble goal but your rhetoric regarding our allies and your patently ridiculous claims make it difficult.

Inform us what you find ridiculous about our claims. Perhaps we can clear up any misunderstandings.

You are well aware of what claims we object to.

Cpt_Frank wrote:

Spyder wrote: And a powerful symbol it was. While we do frown upon the closing of trade lanes, the ability of the PIR to add weight to their messages without the barell of a gun is a mark of a wise society and is a reason why the PIR are welcome members of the ITA.

Indeed we feel honored. (that is unless the remark was sarcastic)

It was not.

While we can't speak for the Asgard or our other NBA allies, the main problem the PIR has with the Floaters was that they did not respect the sovereignity of a sovereign nation, in that case the Kokand Empire.

It is perfectly understandable they were concerned about the safety of their people, however preparing their ships for battle and refusing to leave the system, even preparing to call in reinforcements was foolish at best and a deliberate act of agression at worst.
Worse yet, they refuse to admit that their actions were wrong.
That means for us that we can't deal directly with the Floaters since we'd have to fear agressive interventions that might threaten the security and sovereignity of the PIR and possibly even our allies.

When we can see clearly that the Floaters have changed their attitude towards the sovereignity of other nations nations we will be more than happy to resume trade without any restrictions.

Floaters, we know what we ask is difficult, but as one of your largest trading partners we must insist in taking whatever action is neccessary in maintaining open trade lanes with ALL ITA members.

Perhaps there is room for compromise here?

Straha wrote:

Spyder wrote:

Thirdfain wrote: We offer our nay votes to both, and veto both.

3 Vetos, the bill is officially dead.

I thought it was two vetoes and it was dead?

To Veto a bill, you have to prevent non vetoes from becoming a majority. There are currently 5 veto carrying members. (ooc: More in OOC thread)

This is an act of deliberate uncalled for malice, and we request that you withdraw these troops, and sned them back or else we shall be forced to move line regiments towards the African Border.

PRIVATE TRANSMISSION TO MONACORAN EMPIRE
ENCRYPTED

I have warily observed your threat of mobilization...I beg you to stand down your forces. If war breaks out I fear I we will be forced to chose between standing with you and being destroyed; or quitting your friendship and preserving my State.

I cannot bring myself to make such a choice. The current conflict does not involve either of us; our assets, our reputations are not at state, and it appears that an uneasy peace may yet be reached.

I urge you to join both the Roman Empire and the Mensia-Dorien Hegemony in issuing a proclamation of neutrality...for both our sakes.