2015 NOSDO summit [IC, NOSDO only]

[Vyvland]

OOC: DON'T POST HERE if your nation is not a preexisting member of the Northern Sea Defence Organisation, or Ainin or Geadland.

Northern Sea Defence Organisation
2015 Vlud Summit

After a rocky last few weeks precipitated by the Lazarene Sea Crisis, EsquariLeaks, and Geadland's exit from the alliance, NOSDO leaders have called an emergency meeting, to be held at the organisation's headquarters in central Vlud. Vyvlander President Pamela Oegelkeper welcomes all leaders to the summit and hopes for a constructive debate that can guarantee the security of the region.

The NOSDO headquarters

INVITEES
Leaders of Ainin (observer), Arkiasis, Britanno, Geadland (non-member), Lyonsland, Nevanmaa, Versant Plateaus, Vestmark, Vjaarland, and Vyvland

OTHERS WHO MAY ATTEND
Leaders' entourages, journalists, protestors (outside the building only), angry Iglesian anarchists

TOPICS TO DISCUSS

• Nevan membership in NOSDO
• The continued purpose of NOSDO in the changing geopolitical climate of the Northern Sea (i.e. is Unolia getting less threatening)
• The scope of the alliance (what and how much it does)
• Co-operation between armed forces, and the possibility of a combined NOSDO armed corps
• The continuation of the alliance in the future (whether anyone else wants to leave or Geadland wants to rejoin)
• The admission of Saexland and Atlantica into the alliance

ABOUT THE LOCATION
Vlud is Vyvland's largest city, with a population a little over 2 million. It is a historic city but also a modern financial and cultural centre, and was the capital of Vyvland until 2006. The airport where all leaders will be arriving (unless they want a scenic but long ferry trip) is at Wesge, 35km north of Vlud city centre. Leaders will arrive by car into the NOSDO HQ's secure courtyard where Oegelkeper will welcome them (OOC: RP this yourself). Others can arrive via the non-stop high-speed train from Wesge Airport to Piterkusel station, a 10-minute walk from the HQ. The building itself dates from the 16th century but was extensively reconstructed after shelling in the 1930s Vyvlander Civil War. It holds a number of offices allocated to NOSDO members' diplomats, and enough meeting rooms. The area outside the building will be cordoned off to a safe distance but, rest assured, there will be protestors outside this.

Here's a map of Vlud if you need it; the NOSDO HQ is marked 'Hoydaas NSWV' and is on the east bank of the river just north of the commercial district of Goydmurt.

RULES

• Keep it IC unless specified
• Remember NOSDO is foremost a military alliance
• Don't do stuff that's illegal in Vyvland

[Vyvland]

Presidential residence, Vlud

---

Pamela Oegelkeper discusses with her advisors on how to play this summit, possibly the most difficult event of her leadership so far. With her Prime Minister, Kurt Blymont, too unwell to participate to any meaningful extent, the future security of Vyvland - and maybe even the entire region - lay solely within her hands. Should she put aside political differences and work for a regional security, or leave the alliance and pursue smaller agreements with countries Vyvland could count on like Geadland and Britanno? She still has an open mind, despite the pressure from all sides within Vyvland. As the sun rises over the Niklaskatejral, her driver pulls up outside the headquarters, and Oegelkeper gets ready for a meet-and-greet followed by the gruelling hours of debate. The foreign leaders and dignitaries begin to arrive.

OOC: Your leaders may now arrive. If they don't do so within 24 hours, we'll just assume they're here anyway.

[Arkiasis]

Vlud, Vyvland

---

Back in the 2014 election Tory Brown campaigned himself as an expert in foreign relations. He promised to represent Arkiasian interests abroad and act as a positive influence in region. Now it's time for Brown to follow through on his campaign promise as the next week may make or break his term.

The most important issue for Arkiasis of course involves Nevan membership along with their span of intervention in Leicistan and Korbathia which many Arkiasians view as a threat to global stability and a provocation towards other nations, especially those who border the conflicts.

While Brown may have gotten along well with Valtteri Rantala, his tenure ended short. And since Hyvärinen became PM, meetings between Arkiasis and Nevanmaa have all but stopped. As much as Brown may say that relations with Nevanmaa improved tenfold during Rantala's short term, all the improvement has been washed away. The diplomatic route did not work, so many Arkiasians are hoping for a more assertive approach.

"Well, ideally they would want to see a Nevan exit. But you know that's not going to happen. Vjaarland would veto it instantly." Brown said to his advisers.

"And I'm not going to change my stance after I've made it clear that an 'Arkexit' is not an option for me. Making a u-turn would be just as disastrous as having the meetings go poorly. Both cases we withdraw, and both cases we lose reelection."

"So yes, the assertive approach is the only one left. We need answers from the Nevans, about the Lazarene Sea, about Leicistan, about Korbathia, about how they truly feel about Republics. That's the only way we can salvage this alliance. But we need to also make sure we talk about our support the alliance, get the positives. Give reassurance, say how much the alliance has helped make the North Sea into one of most prosperous area of Esquarium, you know, things like that."

After landing in Wesge, Brown, his advisers, security detail and a small group of Arkiasian journalists began the trip to the NOSDO HQ in Vlud. The 35km ride to the HQ was a quiet one, with Brown and his advisers staying silent the entire way. Typical of any Arkiasian to be silent on the ride to any important meeting, not being the most social of people, Arkiasians need to save their energy for during the meeting, no use wasting nervous energy before the meeting.

As the motorcade pulled into the courtyard past a small group of protesters, Brown took a deep breathe and got out and went to greet Pamela Oegelkeper, who was acting on behalf of the Vyvlander PM for the meeting. First to the meeting, Arkiasian punctuality at its finest.

"Hello, very nice to meet Mrs. Oegelkeper" as Brown reached out to shake her hand. A dozen of camera encircled the President and Prime Minister taking the picture that will be on the front page of all Arkiasian newspapers tomorrow.

[Versant Plateaus]

Vlud, Vyvland

---

The nervosity in the car was palpable. Sitting next to each other in the black state car, the aged prince and his young prime minister were discussing and rehearsing talking points. The country was counting on the two veteran statesmen to bring back good news. No one in Versant Plateaus wanted NOSDO gone, and Carles knew that his cabinet and government would collapse if he returned with bad news, or even worse, an agreement to dissolve NOSDO. The Versans had a single goal that they would pursue ferociously. NOSDO must be kept alive. This would have a cost, of course. The Privy Council raised the possibility of kicking out Nevanmaa, but this was rather impossible with the Vjaars around. They would have to come up with something fast.

"Ludwig," said the Prime Minister to the monarch. He was the only person in the country other than the royal family to be on first name basis with the Prince. "I hope you know that if we come out of this empty handed, the Royal Council will turn its back on Nordania and try to seek terms of union with Crolacia."

"I am aware," said the Prince with a sad look, resigned to the real possibility of this fate befalling his 1500-year old realm. "I will not veto such a law if it comes down to it. Let's hope it doesn't."

The Prime Minister silently nodded.

The car pulled up in front of the conference location and they quickly masked their insecurity with great big grins, and stepped out of the car. Cue the courtesies, hand-kissing and photo ops...

[Vjaarland]

Vlud, Vyvland

---

The Prime Minister stepped off the airplane at Wesge Airport, taking in a deep breath of the fresh Northern Sea air after the mundane five hour flight from Strendhavn. He was immediately whisked away into an armored car, which promptly set out with the rest of his motorcade on the 35 minute drive to NOSDO Headquarters.

For Sjolgaard, the outcome of the summit meant everything. Just two weeks ago, the one-year Prime Minister had placed his entire political career on the line by proposing the summit, igniting a political firestorm both at home and abroad. Failure to prevent a NOSDO collapse would not only mean his own government's certain demise in the upcoming elections, but would leave the entire Northern Sea region defenseless against any act of aggression. It was clear that drastic reform was necessary in order for the crumbling alliance to survive, and Sjolgaard intended to make certain that this was accomplished.

At the top of the Prime Minister's agenda was halting a possible expulsion of Nevanmaa from the alliance. While a veto could certainly block the measure from a technical standpoint, Sjolgaard knew that this would do little to resolve the root cause of the issue. If anything, he would have to rally the member states around a common goal in order to restore unity to the alliance, a daunting task for even the most experienced diplomat.

The motorcade pulled into the courtyard of the headquarters building and slowed to a halt. The Prime Minister quickly composed himself and stepped out of the car, as ready as possible to confront the task ahead of him.

"Good day, Mrs. Oegelkeper. It's always a pleasure..."

[Britanno 2]

Vlud, Vyvland

---

"The last couple of polls have both backed leaving NOSDO altogether Prime Minister, and the general assumption in Parliament is that you will follow Geadland's lead unless Nevanmaa is expelled."

"Well that's never going to happen, is it? Not when Vjaarland can block any move we make."

Marcus Browning sighed as he glanced out his tinted windows to see the eye-catching River Fule, which soon disappeared behind buildings as the Prime Minister's car drove deeper into Vlud City Centre. The Nevans had put him in a somewhat impossible position. Just a few months ago he had been planning a U-turn on his support for removing Nevanmaa from NOSDO, strengthened in the polls by the most recent Roubao crisis.

While he was quick to come to the country's defence after the royal wedding bombings, Nevanmaa's rash and poorly thought out response was more than an overreaction. When the opposition finally stopped tearing itself apart and elected a new leader, Browning was put on the spot and forced to rely on simple rhetoric. If the latest polls were anything to go by, he had failed at keeping Britanno convinced. Worry was growing that Nevan provocation of Michillies could obligate the country to fight a war it did not believe in, which would undoubtedly force his resignation.

With growing speculation back home that he could be booted out by his own party, Browning had more than one motive to preventing a NOSDO collapse. While initially there was talk amongst his advisers of persuading Vjaarland not to veto Nevan expulsion, the main idea soon shifted into negotiating a new defence organisation with the other more liberal members and then forming a defensive agreement with Vjaarland or Ainin to compensate for ending ties with one of the strongest militaries in Esquarium.

Browning's train of thought was interrupted by the shouts of passing protestors as the car turned into the courtyard of the NOSDO headquarters. His driver opened the door for him, and the Prime Minister quickly changed his concerned expression to a delighted smile to greet President Oegelkeper and to keep the cameras happy.

[Geadland]

Vlud, Vyvland

Efa Nordland arrived at the Presidential Palace, accompanied by the usual support staff. She had been dreading this meeting. Having led Geadland out the alliance two weeks ago, she now had to meet with its remaining members to explain herself. Even Marcus Browning had been openly critical of her decision to pull out. She had been unsure until now on how to approach the meeting - should she take responsibility for bringing Geadland out of NOSDO, or should she say it was the fault of her opponents and rebellious backbenchers?

It wasn't that she had been particularly keen to withdraw. Nevanmaa had seemed to tolerate the fact that its allies had no interest in participating in any wars against Michillies; she doubted it would have been the threat to Geadland's security that her opponents had made it out to be. Rather, her government had come to see it as something that would have been inevitable. If she had tried her utmost to keep Geadland in, such as by geting the Queen to veto the 'NOSDO Exit Bill', it would have probably taken less than a year before the political pressure became too much to bear.

There was still a solid case for an anti-Triumvirate alliance. For all their faults, the Nevans had long been opponents of Unolia, Koyro and Ziegenhain. Unfortunately, it appeared that public opinion in Geadland was far less concerned about the Triumvirate than the government was. Not even the recent revelations of genocidal activities in Ziegenhain had changed that, perhaps because they only revealed what everyone had already widely suspected. Perhaps the solution would be to have two alliances - an anti-Triumvirate alliance that included Nevanmaa as well as a general-purpose alliance that did not.

She greeted Pamela Oegelkeeper and smiled - only fleetingly - for the first time on her whole trip.

[Vestmarck]

Vlud, Vyvland

---

The Prime Minister of Vestmark, following by a contingent of other important looking figures, exited the train station. The men seemed uncomfortable, clearly unaccustomed to the moist hot air of the southern portion of the Northern Sea. They hailed a cab (they were not beyond using "common" transportation), and directed the cab driver towards the NOSDO Headquarters.

Sven, the prime minister, sat in back, twiddling his thumbs. Too much clouded his mind, the referendum for a republic, the possible chance his cabinet will be dissolved, the Lazarene Sea Crisis, all of that. There was high chance he wasn't going to get reelected, as the shares in the seats occupied by the Christian People's Party have dropped to an all time low. Regardless, Sven was determined to set things right. This was his opportunity to be the one person who would be known to single handedly reunite NOSDO, and he was not going to let the isolationist, radical wing of the Liberal Democrats tell him otherwise, so he thought. Even if reuniting NOSDO meant kicking out a few to keep it together...

The cab rolled up, and Sven stepped out, followed by a small paparazzi. "Greetings, Mrs. Oegelkeper," Sven said as he shook her hand.

[Nevamaa]

King Juhani III, dressed in a traditional military uniform with large golden epaulettes and a big white peaked cap and Prime Minister Tuomas Hyvärinen, dressed in a rather conspicuous foreign ministry service uniform that included a large bicorne hat arrived at the NOSDO headquarters accompanied by a large group of bodyguards dressed in hussar uniforms. The group quickly rushed inside the building after exiting the limo.

"Now, listen Tuomas" Juhani said to the Prime Minister. "I need you to be calm and I need you to be respectful. If someone addressess me with a wrong title, let it slide. We have to give a good impression on everyone, and we have to make sure that this alliance doesn't fall apart. Do you understand me, Tuomas?"

"Yes, your Royal Majesty". Tuomas said while taking his bicorne off. "I'll try to be pragmatic. We both know what our task here is."

"We sure do, Tuomas. We have to show the Northern Sea countries that Nevanmaa is a stable, democratic state that can be trusted to remain a part of the Organization. Shall we?"

[Vyvland]

OOC: Sorry I haven't really been keeping up to date on this one. I've had a horrible last few days.

NOSDO headquarters, Vlud

---

As the host leader, Pamela Oegelkeper stood up and began to speak.

"I'd like to welcome you all to the summit here in Vlud, and may I be the first to wish us to have a productive meeting where we can tackle the issues that are causing... differences... between our nations."

"First on the agenda is the issue I think has been discussed most with regards to NOSDO over the past few months. That is, how should we manage Nevan membership in NOSDO, in the face of conflicting cultural and international relations priorities between Nevanmaa and other partners in the alliance? This is a challenging question that will takea while to debate."

"Now, out of my role as the host of the summit, I would like to make Vyvland's case in this, err, issue. Opinion polls and votes in the Vyvlander Parliament have shown that there isn't a lot of support for a continued alliance with Nevanmaa, but there is always the case of the grass being greener on the other side, and it's easy to forget our long-term strategic defence, umm, priorities. So an defensive alliance with a strong, stable and democratic Nevanmaa is in our interest, and I want to fight to maintain that. We never know when we all might need to rely on each other."

"However I personally - and I know I speak for many Vyvlanders when I say this - feel that recent Nevan actions have begun to overdo what we feel is reasonable . I understand the horror of the recent atacks on Nevanlinna Cathedral and the fundamental threat that this showed to the integrity of the Nevan Realm, but Nevan interference in South Conitia has got to an unbearable level that is putting too much strain on this alliance. Nevan military interference in Lecistan in particular is very worrisome as it risks dragging the whole of our defensive alliance onto a conflict halfway across the world, nevermind the political implications of such a conflict. We - here I speak not just for Vyvland but for others in NOSDO - do not want to be cut off from our partners in South Conitia because we are assumed to be on Nevanmaa's side through this. And let us remember that a crusade against republics makes uneasy other NOSDO members, including us here in Vyvland and our friends in Arkiasis and Britanno."

"It hurts me to say this, but the alliance is becoming less bearable the more Nevanmaa becomes involved with the domestic affairs of South Conitia, particularly as many Vyvlanders disagree with the fundamentals of Nevan intervention there. Without an, err, easing of Nevan involvement and rhetoric with regards to South Conitia, I doubt very much that the Vyvlander Parliament and the Vyvlander people would hold up any significant support for an alliance with Nevanmaa."

[Britanno 2]

Vlud, Vyvland

---

After President Oegelkeper had finished, Marcus Browning cleared his throat and made his case.

"I have to echo the concerns of Mrs Oegelkeper I'm afraid. There is an increasing worry in Britanno that Nevan actions in South Conitia are damaging relations with our allies in the region and that a provocation of Michillies could drag us into a war we are not prepared to support. While I recognise that Michillies must take some responsibility for the royal wedding bombings, the terrible atrocities that occurred that day do not justify forcefully dismantling democratic governments in neighbouring countries."

"While we consider the Nevan laws on race and gender to be in breach of human rights, our main concern is Nevan actions abroad. Justice should be served to those who attacked Nevanmaa, but the response so far has been far greater than necessary. Nevan foreign policy has always been pro-monarchist, and we respect that, but we cannot allow ourselves to be allied with a country that does not see the line between support for monarchism and the toppling of democratically elected governments."

[Arkiasis]

Vlud, Vyvland

---

"We would like to express our concern regarding Nevan involvement in South Conitia as well. We cannot have the world dissolve into useless wars over Monarchism vs. Republicanism. While yes, we do agree that the perpetrators of the Royal Wedding bombing need to be brought to justice. However, it must be done through international cooperation, not through threats and provocation. And yes, that could potentially include direct communication with the Republican government of Michillies. You cannot reach an agreement if you don't even talk to each other. Yes, I am aware that sounds like treason to you, but remember we fought each other in war 100 years ago, but we eventually put aside our differences and opened communication. It may not seem like it right now, but we now have the strongest Arkiasian-Nevan relations in over 100 years. The very fact that we are here today talking is proof that things can change and that diplomacy and communication can work wonders."

"We need a peaceful and prosperous South Conitia. It's in all of our interests and to all of our allies in the region. I think you're all aware of the Aininian report regarding the global economy. If the tensions in South Conitia are not resolved peacefully, the entire world could be dragged into an economic crisis. This something we need to avoid or at least mitigate. Not to mention if the worst happens, we'll be placed in a very odd situation we do not to be apart of. A situation that could destroy our relations with our allies in South Conitia and would bring all of Esquarium into a disastrous third Great War."

"Now I do believe that this alliance has merit and I want to keep it intact. What makes the North Sea area one of the most prosperous and stable regions in Esquarium is that are able cooperate and work together despite our differences. We need to keep that dream alive and we need make sure South Conitia works towards the same goal. I do also believe that a strong, stable and democratic Nevanmaa could be a positive force in the Northern Sea. But as of late, we are becoming more and more uneasy towards the anti-Republican intentions of the Nevan Realm. As stated before from Oegelkeper, we honestly cannot be sure what the Nevan Realm's true feelings are about fellow Republics such as Vyvland, Britanno and us. As we all do feel a sense of hostility."

[Vjaarland]

OOC: Apologies for not getting up a post more recently; school just started and I've been swamped the past few days. I should be posting regularly now that things have started moving.

Vlud, Vyvland

---

The Prime Minister rose from his seat. "I would like to make it clear that I absolutely understand the concerns which my Vyvlander, Britannon, and Arkiasian counterparts have voiced regarding the policies of the present Nevan government. In many ways, I join with them. There are very legitimate fears with respect to the . . . enthusiastic pro-monarchism of Nevan foreign policy, especially when it poses a threat to democratic ideals. We will continue to work with the Nevans in the effort to exact justice for the Royal Wedding Bombings, but only out of a genuine desire for justice, and not the dogmatic advancement of an ideological objective which at times borders on the fanatical."

"All of this considered," Sjolgaard continued, "the fact remains that ejecting Nevanmaa from NOSDO is, quite simply, impractical. The threats which we face today, particularly from the Triumvirate, are substantial. Just two weeks ago, Vjaarlandic intelligence uncovered a systematic campaign of genocide in Ziegenhain which may very well amount to the the greatest atrocity since the Second Great War. A strong, united front against tyranny and aggression is needed now more than ever. Expelling the single largest military contributor to this alliance would not only be extremely reckless, but would place the future security of the Northern Sea in an incredibly precarious position."

[Nevamaa]

Sorry about the wait, I've had a terrible writer's block

King Juhani had closely listened to various delegates voicing their concerns about the situation in South Conitia and Nevanmaa's foreign policy. Juhani had expected this and had planned what he would say weeks in advance.

"Gentlemen.." he started. "I would like to thank you for voicing your legitimate concerns. As a leader, I understand why you may feel nervous, for the political situation in your countries is rather volatile."

"The situation in South Conitia is something that we did not want either. Luckily the conflict there has now de-escalated, but the fact remains that the Michillian Republican Authority has continued to fund and promote anti-Nevan republican extremism is not just a threat for Nevanmaa, it is a threat for the entire Northern Sea region. It was a miracle that many of us weren't killed in the Cathedral just a few months ago. We were open for discussions and negotiations that the Geadish foreign minister offered; Michillians did not respond. The Nevan Realm has always stood for peace, and will continue to do so in the future too, but the question remains if Michillians are willing to do the same?

As for Lecistan, I have taken a vow to protect their Grand Duchy and I intend to stay true to my oath. The current situation in the Grand Duchy is unfortunately rather chaotic at the moment, but the Nevan-Filimonian peacekeepers have done a good job de-escalating the situation there. It should be noted that even though the NOSDO treaty does not mention Lecistan; NOSDO is in no way obligated to aid us in its defense.

Finally, let us not forget that the Nevan Realm possessess the largest military force in the Northern Sea region. Were any of your nations attacked, these forces would become your forces. We have pledged to defend the Northern Sea from any foreign aggressor, whether the aggressor nation is a republic or a monarchy and whether the attacked nation is a republic or monarchy. We cannot provide this military assistance if your nations aren't member of NOSDO. You all know very well that together with Vjaarland, we contribute a considerable majority of NOSDO's budget. It is clear that without the protection of NOSDO, your nations would have to dramatically increase your defense spending, which would no doubt damage your economy especially now that the economy has taken a turn for the worse.

Let us not dismantle this alliance which has served us so well for over a decade for petty populism. Thank you."

[Britanno 2]

Vlud, Vyvland

---

"Your Royal Majesty," Browning began, silently praying he'd got it right, "with all due respect I cannot see how you can claim the Nevan Realm stands for peace. Over the last few months you have pursued a foreign policy more alike one of a Triumvirate nation rather than a peaceful democracy. I recognise the cultural and social differences between our nations, but we cannot allow you to simply topple democratically elected governments that do not share your values."

"Immediately after the attack on your royal wedding, which was no doubt a disgusting act of terrorism, I, along with many around this table, openly supported your conditions presented to the Michillian government. We do not question that the administration there had some role in the atrocities of that day. However, you paint yourselves as innocent on the international scene."

Browning decided to ignore the advice of his aides and put his point bluntly.

"My government believes that Nevanmaa has played a role in multiple terrorist attacks over the years targeting republican governments and organisations. Michillies may have provided support for those behind the attacks on your territory, but can you really deny that, at the very minimum, you have bankrolled those who would commit similar atrocities on your opponents? You talk of your necessity to stopping the threats against us from the Triumvirate or others who would do us harm, but I fail to see how your behaviour has been anything but similar to theirs."

[Vyvland]

Oegelkeper rose to speak again. "I do agree with Prime Minister Browning to some extent; you raise a valid point about the . It would serve the Nevan Realm much better to be the ‘bigger man’, as the saying goes, and not sink to Michillies’s level in terms of funding foreign political groups - but of course I don’t want to tell you how to run your own country.

As I hinted at before, a bigger issue for us is the lack of, well, balance between the downsides and the positives of being in NOSDO. While Nevanmaa is of course one of the best defensive allies that Vyvland could hope to have, Triumvirate threatenings and continental troubles have started to die down. Recently, my predecessor Robert Ujson and I have started to repair relations between Vyvland and Unolia. At the same time, we are on the same side as Koyro in the Irvadi conflict and Namo-Luziycan détente has finally worked. All these mean that our position has become much less hostile than it was fifteen years ago - which was just years after the violent revolution in Unolia and the Third Namo-Luziycan War which struck our own, err, land here in Vyvland. Though as Prime Minister Sjolgaard said, Ziegenhain has been shown to be worse than we thought, that does not look like a direct threat to the Northern Sea - at least not from where I am seeing it. Thankfully we are now safer than before overall.

Meanwhile, the Nevan Realm has become more interventionist in its approach to republican and liberal governments and South Conitia - over the last year, two democratically elected governments in Nevanmaa and Lecistan have been toppled, which troubles me as well as Prime Minister Browning. Nevan actions put Vyvland at risk of alienation from South Conitian countries and places us on a definitive side in a conflict we have no will to take part in. The negatives of holding this alliance are beginning to, how do you say, outweigh the positives, and that needs to change."

[Vjaarland]

"I would have to disagree that the threat posed by the Triumvirate has lessened in any significant capacity," began Sjolgaard. "While it is true that relations with Unolia are not as heated as they once were, Koyro and Ziegenhain continue to pose substantial threats to regional stability. As long as Koy forces remain in Kulsandia, the tens of thousands of Vjaars residing in Jytte Island remain at considerable risk of Triumvirate aggression, and I see no indication that the Koy government intends to follow through with its agreement to reduce troop numbers any time soon."

"However, Mrs. Oegelkeper does raise a very important point. The threats which we faced when NOSDO was formed 15 years ago are certainly not the same as those which we face today. I believe it would be wise for us to . . . reevaluate our shared threats in order to establish common ground between us."