Grabe Conference (CFOR)

[Keralia]

The Grabe Conference of the fourth of July of 2016 on the Furisoan Question

PARTICIPANTS

Keralia

Ferdinand II, His Majesty The King of Keralia, State Councillor
The Most Excellent Prince Léonard de Roire, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Relations
The Illustrious Viscount Kleo van der Schelmn, former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Furiso
Aleksander de Quaasteniet, His Serene Highness the Prince of Vriticz-Brettiates, Head Procurator of His Majesty's Royal Senate
The Most Excellent Duke John de Nabokyoff, High Minister of His Majesty's Government

The Recon Empire

Elia Prione, Her Majesty the East Queen Consort
Her Excellency Dame Angelina Putnam, Foreign Commissioner
His Excellency Sir Melvyn Spooner, Assistant Foreign Commissioner for Political Affairs
His Excellency Sir Edward Montague, Reconian Ambassador-at-large to the CFOR
Sir Oliver Cooke, Director of Multilateral Affairs
Ms Susan Morris, Special Counsel to the Commission on Furisoan Affairs
Special Representative Dr Pablo Howenster, Special Representative on Furisoan Policy(Principality of Furiso)
Ambassador COL Hans Instel, Ambassador-In-Waiting to The Free Land of Furiso
Major-General Glenn Newton, Commander of Royal Recon Forces Furiso
Prof. Rupert Rushflo, Member of the Foreign Advisory Committee
Dr. Glenn Opel, Member of the Foreign Advisory Committee
Prof. Rick Wahlberg, Member of the Defence Advisory Committee

Semolia

Aleccsandre III, His Royal Majesty the King of Semolia, State Councillor
His Royal Excellency Filip Janković, Duke of Northern Wefesst, High Counsellor for Foreign Policy
His Excellency Ivan Abramović, Secretary of External Affairs
His Excellency Goran Sertić, Secretary of International Security
His Excellency Ivan Klajn, Chief of Federal Department for International Crisis and Threats
Her Excellency Anastasija Dragaš, Chief of Federal Department for Terrorism
Her Excellency Ivana Raić, Ambassadress Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Keralia

Dou Boux

Charles V, His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Dou Boux
Marina, Her Imperial Majesty the Empress Consort
His Excellency Henry de Carl, Duke of St Carl
The Rt Hon Comte Destinata, Leader of the House of Nobles
The Hon William S Jennings, MDBP, Leader of the House of Justices
The Rt Hon Lord Carrington-Hamilton, Chief Justice of Dou Boux
The Chief Officer of Honours and Arms

Imperial Royal Union

Ms Windstedt Daegan, Secretary of War

Furiso

Lapu Kagwane, High Representative & Councilor for the Treasury and Furisoan Businesses

Government-in-exile of the Principality of Furiso

SETTING

STATE SUMMIT HALL, CASTLE GRABE, GRABE, KERALIA.

[Keralia]

The Keralian King paced nervously up and down the State Map Room, the State Summit Hall's ante-chamber, as he awaited news from the outside. As he pulled over the large, round oak table's high-backed armchairs, the doors opened.

"The Queen," announced one of the footmen.

"They're starting to arrive. The Semolians are here." The fair-skinned woman looked at her husband. "This is big."

"It is," the monarch replied. "Where's Pierre?"

"At the Marbles Hall, as usual."

"Good."

There was a momentary silence that was only broken by the running of the river just meters away from the castle.

"I'll get going. I'll be at the Quaasteniets', if you need anything. I'm guessing we're not having luncheon together." The Queen said as footmen opened the door for her.

"Afraid not." The King crossed the room. They both walked out the grand mahogany doors and stopped at the top of the Diplomats' staircase. A slight mumble could be heard from the Sculptures' Hallway.

"That must be them." The Queen sighed. "I'll go through my apartment. You get in there." She took off towards the Petit Appartement de la Reine, leaving the nervous king alone. He walked into the State Summit Hall as he heard the voice of Pierre de Nenci, his Minister of the Royal Court, giving the protocolary introduction to the Semolian king and his entourage. He waited.

[Semolia]

Sound of river was stopped in moment by coming column of cars. 10 black cars with small Semolian flags on hoods were arriving at the Grabe Castle. Finally cars stopped at the entrace and members of Semolian delegation and King exited the car. King immediately headed to the stairs.

One of delegation members closed to the King: "Your majesty, here is speech, positions and directives made by External Secretariat".

"Where is Secretary-General, call him here." - stated the King. Ivan is Federal SC of External Affairs.

As they entered the Sculptures Hallway Ivan closed to the King - "Yes, your majesty". While King and Ivan were passing the Hallway they went up the stairs.

"I talked with Premier, last night, we agreed on this speech, but I insisted on some changes and insisted on bright tone. I hope you considered my requests". - promptly said King.

"Of course, Your majesty, be sure that we done everything right." - Ivan calmly said.

King leads Delegation and as he went up the stairs he saw Minister of the Royal Court. King looked at him with bright tone. Finally Delegation is approaching to the great mahogany doors. Royal Court Minister gives introduction to the HRM King of Semolia. As the doors opened King of Semolia saw The King of Keralia, he looked at him friendly and started to walk with slow steps to the Keralian King.

[Furiso]

Keyla Muran's face cannot be painted. The appointed time has come. The region of the Crown Federation of Recon will witness one of its largest diplomatic events to date. Notably, it will settle an issue affecting only one country - her country - the war-torn Furiso, now held hostage by the totalitarian regime of the Furiso Democratic Front. The Kingdom of Keralia has called for talks in the hopes of finding a peaceful solution to the Furisoan question. Yet despite being the head of the government-in-exile, despite being the head of the group which has the legal claim to the country's leadership, she finds herself in one of the rooms of the sprawling Château Grimtoll, staring out of the window and looking to the gardens.

"Why wouldn't they let us in?" A man in the same room suddenly exclaimed. The question was raised in such a high pitch tone, that it was easy for someone to mistake it as the voice as old woman. Seheek Mutara, Former Minister of Justice under the Principality, was comfortably seated but visibly annoyed by the fact that the Furisoan Government-in-Exile was suddenly left out.

"They dare do business with the terrorists, traitors? What damned fools. We are the legitimate government, and we have every right to be there!"

"What can we do?" Another man retorted, although his was a deeper and colder voice. Omotola Nnaji then stood up and started to pace up and down, slowly, shaking his head in seeming resignation to the events. "They (The FDF) would not attend if we are in the same room. Certainly, the Keralians wont allow that. After all, that is the purpose of these talks, to bring the Bagaskar to the table."

Mutara waved his hand, dismissing what he just heard. "Nonsense!" he said. Then he leaned forward and crossed his arms. "Whatever they talk about, it won't be binding. We are the legitimate government, and unless we are there, then nothing can be discussed, officially that is."

Nnaji stopped. Then walked towards Muran who was still staring blankly outside. Then he turned to Mutara and said: "perhaps, we will meet the group after they heard Kagwane. I heard the FDF is sending Kagwane....yes, yes, perhaps that's it, they will hear us separately. I mean, they have to."

Mutara sighed and leaned back again. He rested his head on the top of the chair. "Perhaps."

[Keralia]

Ferdinand stood before the central window on the rear of the hall. Besides him, the Semolian monarch chatted warmly, though Ferdinand's mind wandered elsewhere, in the Château Grimtoll, where the Furisoan claimant government-in-exile waited for the conclusion of the first day of talks.

Léonard de Roire walked up to the monarchs.
"Your Majesty," he bowed slightly at the Semolian king before turning to Ferdinand. "Sir, a word."
The two men approached the rest of their delegation.

"Where is everyone else?" Ferdinand asked.

"They'll be here soon, I hope," said John of Nabokyoff. The High Minister took a deep breath before sighing. "This doesn't feel right, Ferdinand."

"Ms Muran should be here," added Kleo van der Schelmn. "They should all be."

"Kagwane said they won't talk to her." Aleksander de Quaasteniet ran his hand through his hair. "They're so unreasonable, these revolutionaries."

"Not to mention traitors," buffed van der Schelmn.

"Not to mention late," said Nabokyoff. Silence. Gasp. "Come with me."

The group stared at each other in confusion as the High Minister walked towards the doors.
"Do forgive us, sirs," exclaimed Ferdinand. "We won't take long."

The men followed Nabokyoff into the Map Room. He took his mobile phone out of his pocket and pressed speed dial before putting it on the table. Angie, his private sectetary, picked up on the second ring.

"Monsieur?" She said.

"Angie, ma chère, get me on the phone with Kiszka."

"Minister Kiszka?"

"The very."

"A moment, please."
Soft music. Beep. Beep. Pick up.

"Tell me." The Minister of Intelligence said as soon as the line was established.

"How long would it take you to bug a room?"

"I'd only need to set the connection. Depends on where you want it."

"Palais, Petite Maison, or Hôtel, whichever's faster."

"Palais in fifteen."

"Done." Nabokyoff hanged up the phone before turning to Ferdinand. "Is that helicopter still at Grimtoll?"

"Should be," replied the King. "What is all this?"

"Van der Schelmn," Nabokyoff blurted, "tell Pierre to get Muran and her people to the Palais. I'll tell Kiszka to meet them there."

"You're bugging the Summit Hall?" The Procurator asked surprised. "Bold."

"They have the right to know what those people say." He turned to van der Schelmn again. "Be quick, we don't have all day. With luck, they'll get to Keralis before Kagwane gets here."

[Furiso]

The voices of her two colleagues grew softer, as Muran became more fixated with the beautiful scenery outside. She closed her eyes, and reached to touch the white, sikly curtains of the glass window. Then, suddenly, a knock on the wooden doors were heard, followed by a loud though inaudible voice suppressed by the thickness of the door. Immediately after, the doors were opened, and a man in his early twenties, clothed in ceremonial uniform came in.

"Madame, Sirs, pardon for the intrusion" The aide said. He carried a black, wireless phone on his right hand.

Mutara and Nnaji looked at the aide before looking at each other, Mutara appearing more confused. He stood up and approached the aide.

Keyla Muran suddenly turned back and after looking at the aide for a few seconds, snapped to attention and approached him as well.

The aide then handed over the phone to her as he spoke in hushed tone, "Madame, its for you"

Muran slowly took the phone, while looking at Mutara. Then she turned to Nnaji and walked a few steps towards him.

"Hello?" She said, her throat tightening a bit. "This is Minister Keyla Muran speaking".

Then a gentle voice was heard, and continued to deliver his message. The two spoke for about 10 minutes, with Muran just standing, quietly, though obviously listening attentively. She uttered very few words, aside from asking a few clarificatory questions in between. Then the person on the other line hang up, and she slowly handed the phone to Nnaji then looked at him briefly. She then turned her attention to Mutara, then back to the aide and smiled.

"Thank you."

"Madame, you are to follow me."

Mutara's expression become more confused "What was that about. Who was that?"

"Pierre will be meeting us in a few. The Keralians what us in the Palais quickly."

Nnaji stood up and scratched his head. Then he approached the two. He crossed his arms and looked at Muran. "Why, Keyla, what is happening?"

"I'll tell you about it later. For now, we have to leave."

[Imperial Royal Union]

The Bombardier Challenger 350 had taken off later than scheduled. The Secretary of War, Windstedt Daegan, was not pleased at the delay, and seemed rather irritated throughout the flight. Even her diplomatic staff and security detail had been changed at the last minute. No one onboard was talking, leaving the droning sounds of the engines to fill the cabin.

Finally, at an hour before landing, one of her diplomats stood up and walked towards her.

“Madam secretary, it is at this moment that I must inform you on the course of action that we are to be undertaking once we have landed in Grabe.”

Confused, she retorted, “What in the world are you talking about?”

“As much as this is a diplomatic issue, it is also the largest operation about to be undertaken by the entire Imperial Royal Union intelligence community.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“This has already been approved by His Imperial Majesty, and carefully planned by TENSECT and the Archchanchellor of The Exterior, whom you coincidentally report to. I hope you will follow through with our plans without any second opinion.”

An hour later…

The Secretary of War had already left the airport for her hotel in Grabe, and the entire disembarkation process had been extremely quiet – the press could not know that the Secretary of War had already arrived, and the local authorities must be led to believe that the diplomatic briefcases unloaded at the tarmac were for the Secretary of War.

The truth was that the diplomatic briefcases supposedly en route to the hotel had swapped hands multiple times after the car carrying them and the secretary made a few stops in a few carparks. Agents had picked up the briefcases from there and transferred them on to other agents at traffic lights, post boxes and trash bins, before finally ending up at a building where a few agents would arrive the next day to pick up their “consignment”.

Meanwhile, Daegan contacted the Keralian authorities, citing security reasons to request for the government to allow the Imperialean Secret Service back home to deploy more agents to protect her, as well as a daring request for the security plans at the Castle Grabe.

Back home, the operations centre inside the headquarters of the Intelligence Service of Imperialia came alive, with live feeds of Grabe appearing on computer screens.

“Operation Panther Hunt is a go.”

[Dou Boux]

5 Bentley's and 6 Range Rovers, all flying the flag of Dou Boux came down the drive in front of the palace, along with an escort many motorbikes. At the head was a black Bentley bearing the personal standard of Charles of Dou Boux.

The Dou Bouxian delegation had arrived...

A chauffeur jumped out of the front vehicle and opened the door so that the occupants could exit.

A foot man announced in quick succession from the first vehicle:

"His Imperial Majesty Charles V of Dou Boux, 1st Prince of Pelisius! Her Imperial Majesty Queen-Empress Marina of Dou Boux, Princess of Pelisius! His Excellency Henry de Carl, 7th Duke of St. Carl and His Excellency The Vicomte St. Claude, Dou Bouxian Chief Officer of Honours and Arms!"

He then proceeded announcing the rest of the vehicles in turn and then said finally: "The Dou Bouxian Delegation"

A butler then lead them into the main hall of the castle where they were met by King Ferdinand and Queen Ekaterina.

Stepping forward Charles said: "I am so sorry we're late Ferdinand, I had to give assent to a late bill that only passed early this morning."
"That's quite alright, Charles," said Ferdinand chuckling, "it happens to the best of people. Now, do you have the speeches, reports and ideas made by your delegation?"

"Yes," said Charles, and handed him a red pouch with 'CRI' embossed on it in gold to him, "it's all in there"

"Shall we go into the hall?" asked Ferdinand, "I'll have your language taken up to your apartments."

"That would be splendid", said Charles.

They then proceeded to the hall, and stopped at the doors so that the foot men could announce: "His Majesty The King of Keralia and The Dou Bouxian Delegation."

Ferdinand then said: "Please mingle and get to know everybody, we shall begin soon."

The Dou Bouxian Delegation quickly settled in and started to get to know all the other delegates.

A little later, Ferdinand announced, "If you are all ready, please take your seats and let's begin."

[Keralia]

Palais Ministériel, Keraliscitte
680 km away from Grabe

A helicopter emblazoned with the King of Keralia's grand coat of arms descended on the cour d'honneur of the Palais Ministériel, official residence of the High Minister of Keralia. Baron Ivan Kiszka, Minister for Intelligence, paced impatiently back and forth through the ground floor's petit salon de fêtes. He heard two knocks on the door before they opened and a woman, accompanied by a man, entered with ushered pace.

"Madame la Premier Ministre du Furiso, monsieur le Secrétaire de la Justice, et monsieur le Secrétaire au Trésor," announced the palace's marshall before closing the door once more.

"Madame, messieurs," Kiszka sat on one of the blue-lined armchairs around a black wooden table. "I am Baron Ivan Kiszka, I serve as Minister of Intelligence under His Majesty. I gather you know why you're here, is that correct, madame?"

Muran nodded. Mutara and Nnaji shook their heads.

"Then I will explain. As you know, the Furisoan Democratic Front threatened not to participate in the talks with the G-3 if you sat at the table with them. Obviously, for the good of the region, that was not an option." He sipped his cup of coffee. "You can rest assured that the Keralians consider you to be fundamental for these talks. And in consequence, monsieur the High Minister came up with an idea for you to know every single thing that goes on in that conference room."

The Furisoans looked at Kiszka confused.

"The ministry has set a connection between the previously-bugged State Summit Hall at Grabe and this very room. From here," he took out his mobile phone, "we will be able to listen to everything that anyone there says. Make your annotations, and when today's round of talks conclude, His Majesty and His Grace the High Minister will contact you."

Castle Grabe

"What's taking Kagwane so long?" De Quaasteniet urged. He eyed the seat left empty at the table directly in front of him, marked with a placard that read the Furisoan High Representative's name.

"Daegan is also missing," pointed out van der Schelmn.

"Perhaps we should begin without them?" Nabokyoff suggested. "Ferdinand?"

"Daegan I don't care," said the King. "Not only did Thales barge into this conference without as much as asking for an invitation, but he has the nerve to question the security of the place that has housed the Keralian court for more than half a millennium. Daegan can miss the meeting, as far as it concerns me. But Kagwane can't. We need him to be here. Otherwise whatever we say will be pure speculation."

"Madame the Secretary of War of the Imperial Royal Union!" The marshall announced. The door opened and Daegan walked inside the room.

"Well, speaking of the devil." Ferdinand muttered as he stood up. The hall was filled with the sound of chairs being pushed back and feet shuffling as the attendants stood. "Madame secretary, I'm glad you could join us. Please seat, we're just waiting for Representative Kagwane so we can begin. I'm sure he won't take long."

[The Recon Empire]

Word reached King Ferdinand that the Reconian delegation would be late. Long before that security measures have been in place 5 days prior, with over 500 Royal Security Council agents in Grabe at various locations. Security was unusually tight due to the importance of the visit of the Queen.

---

Despite the delegation already in Grabe, there was much preparation by the embassy staff in regards to attending the summit for the first time, which explained the delay. The High Commissioner was all nervous about this event, especially when ambassadors like himself usually don't have much to attend to.

A long convoy of over 25 vehicles rolled into Castle Grabe entrance, transporting some of the world's most important foreign affairs and military officials, including HM the Queen and the Foreign Commissioner. Meeting King Ferdinand as he welcomed them at the main door, the Queen shook hands and posed for the customary photo. She was not happy about the situation in Furiso, not one bit, but no one would ever see a hint of discomfort through the brilliant public smile of the former socialite-turned-Queen.

The moment she left the view of the thirsty media, her face immediately changed as she walked into the conference room. Seated at her designated chair, she was flanked by the Foreign Commissioner, her most senior staff in the delegation, as well as Mr John Royle, the young and newly appointed Lord Representative to the Grabe Group.

"Good afternoon Your Majesties and Madame Secretary, boy am I glad to be here.", said the Queen.

[Furiso]

Palais Ministériel, Keraliscitte
680 km away from Grabe

Minister Muran sighed with relief as she closed her eyes. Her two colleagues also looked at each other, nodding happily, and then took turns shaking the hand of Baron Ivan Kiszka and the other Keralian officials gathered in the room.

"Minister Kiszka," Muran said as she slowly took her sit in the chair closest to her, with a face still lit with glee. "you have no idea what this means to us. Truly, Keralia is a friend of Furiso!"

"Now, we wait."

"Yes. Now, we wait."

Somewhere in Grabe
High Representative Lapu Kagwane was still inside his plane, despite the delegation landing in the city for some 20 minutes now. The white aircraft had the distinct red flag of the Freeland on its tail, and was surrounded by Furisoans guards who detailed to accompany the Freeland's highest diplomat. Cars from the Keralian government are also seen parked outside, patient waiting for their guests.

"High Representative Kagwane, the Grabe panel is already complete sir. I think we can move in already."

Kagwane laughed as he folded his copy of what appeared to be Keralia's leading newspaper. He then fixed his glasses and stood up to button his suit. He look out of the plane and saw the cars, as well as some Keralian agents.

"I think we kept these foreigners waiting long enough. Come, it is time they met the leaders of the Freeland"

Kagwane took his time getting off the plane. As he descended to the tarmac, his posture exuded his personality, proud, domineering but intelligent and elegant. He surveyed the scenery with a piercing and sharp gaze. The Furisoan guards then stood to attention in deference to their fearless leader.

"This is what I do."

[Imperial Royal Union]

ISI Operations Command Centre, Port Imperial

“Lapu Kagwane has landed in Grabe. Gentlemen, and ladies, commence Operation Panther Hunt. We enter Phase 1 now – Kagwane must not be led to believe that the Keralians, Semolians or Reconians can be trusted, which means we create a security crisis in Grabe.”

The head of the operation was no other than the Director of the Intelligence Service of Imperialia, Irwin Logan. While his career in the police force had been rather dull, he had been offered the opportunity as an analyst in the Service, where he slowly rose to put his intelligence to a more useful purpose for the country.

“Let me make this known to all of you – Kagwane shall return to Furiso in a coffin, nothing less. On his way to the conference at the correct opportunity, we take him out. If not, we’ll take him out at the conference. Otherwise, after the conference. If all else fails and he gets on his plane back to Furiso, we shoot him out of the sky.”

State Summit Hall, Grabe

Daegan had already settled into her seat at the table. She had made a few trips to the toilet, not before emptying a few cups of water in front of her. She was discussing her plans with her diplomats when she suddenly stopped. Then she spoke again.

“You’re not diplomats. You may act like one but you don’t think like one. And you aren’t a familiar face at the State Ministry. Who exactly are you people?”

Whispering back to her, the first of the four replied, “Well, since you’ve asked, we are ISI agents. You might have seen us occasionally for we are attached to our branch office at the State Ministry. We might not be armed now, but that doesn’t make us less dangerous than the security detail you have with you now.”

Daegan snapped back in her whisper. “Then you better listen to me, unless you want to blow your cover, you let me do my job of negotiating and I will get you your opportunity that you so desperately need. We have an understanding then?”

“I’m glad we all understand our roles here.”

Immediately after the conversation, Daegan and her staff stood up for a handshake with the Reconian Queen.

“Your Majesty, it’s a pleasure to meet you in person.”

[Dou Boux]

Charles, sitting at his chair, looked most anxious to begin.

"Ferdinand," he said as the King walked past, "when can we begin the official negotiations? We really need to get the FDF out of power as quickly as possible. When it comes to speech time, may I speak first?"

"Of coarse," said Ferdinand, "we'll be beginning very soon."

Charles then turned to his wife, Marina and whispered, "We need to get them out, because we are on the verge of all out war."

"Don't worry, darling," Marina said kindly, "we will.... we will,"

[Furiso]

The Palace of the Protector - Hoffelef, Furiso
25 minutes after Kagwane's landing

Disaponti Bagaskar was busy taking off the clothes of a female aide, kissing her on the lips, then on the neck then the ears before going back to her lips. They were seated in the sofa, just in front the massive wooden desk of the Protector. Behind it was a towering portrait of Bagaskar himself, clothed in the traditional military uniform of the former Furisoan Military Force. Just as he took off the girl's top, a chubby man in his mid 40's barged in, opening the doors behind the sofa.

"Dear Protector!" he said, somewhat embarrassed. He turned away and closed his eyes for a few seconds.

"High Representative Kagwane is en route to the talks"

Bagaskar, who was fixated on the girl's upper cover, continued with his undressing. "Good, good... very good"

Suddenly, Mengistu Toya, Councilor for the Provinces, Agriculture, Health, Education and Public Construction also came in the room, although upon taking gaze of the carnal activity that was unfolding before him, he too turned away and remained standing by the door.

"Why you allowed Lapu to fly there, I will never understand."

"Relax... everything is under....under....controoooooool."

"He will get killed, Dear Protector. I have a strange feeling about it."

At the moment Bagaskar stopped, and looked at Toya before bursting to laughter. He stood up, and approached him. Then he put his two arms over the shoulders of Toya, albeit heavily that it made a thump sound.

"They will not kill. Bagaskar tells you this. Because if they do, then the Federation will see what the Freeland can do."

Toya looked puzzled. Bagaskar again laughed, then turned away and returned to take his seat beside the now, partially undressed girl.

"You worry too much. Get out, it is time for my lunch!"

Castle Grabe

The ride from the airport down through the main road leading to the summit site was relatively quick. Kagwane did enjoy the smooth ride. He though to himself, "the Keralians do know how to take care of their guests." He admired the organization of the authorities. Traffic was redirected, barriers were set up in key areas, the police and security agents were evenly scattered in select check points.

After a few minutes, the convoy arrived at the Castle Grabe. Kagwane went out of the car, buttoned his suit and ran his hand through his hair before shaking the hands of the staff that went out to greet him. He was then ushered into the room where the talks were to take place. A select number of his close in security as well as assistants followed suit.

As the delegates in the hall were discussing, the footman suddenly announced his arrival.

Kagwane walked slowly, with a soft smile on his face. He bowed his head slightly as he passed by the different delegations that were in the room, and then took his assigned seat.

[Keralia]

"Good god, these revolutionaries were never taught punctuality, were they?" De Roire scoffed under his breath. "Absolutely disgraceful."

"At least he's here." Ferdinand said. He looked at Pierre, who stood besides the room's doors. The Minister nodded before locking the door shut. "My lords, ladies, and gentlemen, please come to order and take your seats. Since Monsieur le Représentante has arrived, I think it's safe for us to begin."

As all delegates took their seats around the table, de Roire and Nabokyoff closed leaned towards the monarch.

"Kiszka is with madame Muran and the secretaries," Nabokyoff whispered. "The connection was established with the petit salon de fêtes."

"Good," Ferdinand sighed. "Well, it's time."

"Before the meeting commences, His Majesty the King of Keralia would like to say a few words." Pierre announced. He looked around the room with wonder. It was his first time as Minister of the Royal Court in the almost-mystical State Summit Hall, and the grandeur of the whole situation struck him harder than ever, no matter how many great state happenings he had attended throughout his whole life. "Your Majesty, you may begin."

"Merci, monsieur le ministre." Ferdinand stood up. "Your Majesties, my lords, ladies, and gentlemen. It is a great honour for our nation to have you all sitting here today in the first meeting of the Grabe Group, a group of nations that is definitely set to become a force to be reckoned with in the Federation. In fact, I think within the last hour, the net value of this room has risen several million Trians." The leaders laughed. The Furisoan representative shot him a serious look. "I think I speak for all those present, and indeed also for all of our region, when I express my gratitude towards Her Majesty the East Queen Consort for her presence. Also, Representative Kagwane, I deeply celebrate your nation's goodwill to sit with us and have this talk. Fear not for your nation's integrity, for you are among friends. We seek nothing but peaceful coexistence and collaboration with Furiso. I cannot stress enough how important these meetings are. Recon needs all of us to be strong and wholesome. A ruptured region is a weak region. We need to stand together for Recon to be great."

[Semolia]

Semolian King has smiled after Ferdinand's speech and nodded his head as sign of agreement. After announcing that he has a word, he looked at all and started:
"Your majesties, your excellencies, well-respected delegations, ladies and gentlemen,
I state that this meeting is very important, even crucial, for further development of situation in Furiso. Any military or armed action will be condemned by us. We should approach to that way of solution if there is no other way to resolve this issue. Semolia and its people strongly support negotiations and cease of fire. In accordance with that we request for immediate cease of fire and negotiations. Any other way of solution isn't capable to resolve this crisis. We think that cooperation of regional states is crucial in this moment. Semolian delagation and me, of course, have great expectations about today's meeting. We need to propose concrete moves, concrete actions and make agreement which will be good and productive for all sides. Again, I underline, Semolia is commited to peaceful solution of this crisis, and we are ready to help in any way to save and maintain peace,
Thank you".
As, King finished speech he lifted up his head from the papers and gave strong, but friendly, look to all people around table.

[The Recon Empire]

It was the Reconian delegation's turn to speak. The Queen, having been in the public eye since young, was known to be a fluent orator, not needing any script in her speeches. One of the richest women in the Recon Empire even before her marriage to the King (net worth at R$40 billion), she was the heiress to the massive Prione Group, which was purchased by the Legion Corporation and rebranded as Legion Properties Group.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I'd like to thank King Ferdinand for bringing together these important nations of the CFOR in the expression of unity and peace, as we work together for a common goal through the Grabe Group. I am here today on behalf of my husband, in his role as the King of the Recon Empire, in looking for ways to work closely with important nations around the region in the common goal of enhancing of our collective identity.

I shall avoid the politically correct, but I am very sure most monarchs present today can't help but feel a sense of displacement, seeing somebody else seated at the Furisoan chair instead of our dear friend Prince Cyril. It is a wonder when our turn will come." The Queen smiled directly at High Rep Lapu.

"Nonetheless, that is all in the past, and the Recon Empire believes in moving past that. Despite that, we'd like to make a clear point. The reason why we, or should I say myself, are here today is counting on the courtesy of Ferdinand for his kind invitation, the respect we give to our important friends who are participating in this conference, like Aleccsandre and Charles. The Recon Empire will continue to support initiatives of the Grabe Group, and participate actively in our desired capacity.

Our government believes more in the spirit of the Grabe Group than the question at hand, and we hope our Furisoan friends understand what we mean by that. That being said, since we're here already, we might as well continue to discussion. Angelina will take over from here."

"Good afternoon everyone, I'll make our stance brief." said the Foreign Commissioner as she glanced briefly at her notes. "The Supreme Government hopes to accomplish the following tasks in this conference. Firstly, to achieve greater understanding between our Foreign Services in exchanging diplomatic ties, as customary nations usually would; secondly to allow the Freelands to understand its position in the hierarchy of the international stage and lastly to look into ways which can achieve bilateral benefits between Furiso and Recon. We look forward to a pleasant discussion. Thank you."

Just as Dame Putnam finished her speech, an RSC agent whispered into the Queen's ears alerting her of a possible security risk and asking her to follow him outside immediately. As these risks were so commonly called by the Royal Security Council, the Queen sighed lightly as she left the hall in a leisurely pace while her personal aides and bodyguards scurried behind her. She was prepared to leave the hall anyway, since her attendance at the Grabe Group was all that mattered, not her participation in the Furisoan question. She was scheduled to meet the 3 other monarchs in attendance during a separate meeting, without the Furisoans and perhaps Secretary Daegan as well. She was led by a Grabean butler to a drawing room to rest while briefed by the security director of this operation, Martin Webbs, Commander,345th Royal Security Brigade, aka "The Howling Hound".

[The Tremors]

None too far away from the where the Grabe Group was hosting its "Peace" Summit, a small unit of the Unions elite Damp Corps finished setting up their surveillance equipment. While not formally invited to the Group, nor particularly interested in talks that in the Councils mind, would end up going nowhere. The Union still was not about to sit back and let things get out of their control too much. At the very least, they might pick up some secrets or two.

The ten man team was lead by one of the Unions most infamous Overseers, Erwin Clayborne. His Labour Corps, known as the "Dirt Dragons" were an infamous group of Saboteurs, Assassins, and Infiltrators. However, this time they were sent on a simple espionage mission, ordered to collect information on the attending parties and their delegates as well as listen in on the talks themselves.

Fortunately, this nation was not a hostile one, allowing the Tremorisians easy access to move about freely. Since the Unions arrival in the region, Tremorisian Workers and Traders were not an uncommon sight throughout the lands, and since all Union citizens were required to have served in the military, and since aside from armor and weapons, were indistinguishable from each other.

The room was darkened enough, and the windows blacked out. Allowing the soldiers the luxury of removing their goggles. Their dull grey eyes, sunken deep into their pale, corpse-like faces, scanned screen after screen of video feeds from the grand hall, their sharp hearing listening in as the delegates began their speeches.

The leader of the group, Erwin. Was in his early seventies, though he didn't look it. Tremorisian Rejuvenation therapy allowed them to stay in their prime for much longer periods of time and live unnaturally long lives. Assuming they don't die in wars or from a work related accident. Letting out an irritated grumble as he listened to the various monarchs blather on about their "hopes" and "expectations", little more than Idle chatter, likely lost upon the revolutionaries of the Freelands, if not insulting to them.

"So far, so good." The Overseer spoke, watching over the group with great interest. Noting that the representative from the Reconian empire had just walked out. "Curious, wonder where she is going. Have someone tail them. I want to know what is going on." He spoke in his grizzled voice, before taking a seat next to a small cache of weapons they had brought, just in case.

[Furiso]

Lapu Kagwane rolled his eyes as the Reconian East Queen Consort went out of the room. He leaned back his chair and tapped his fingers on the table, though lightly, taking care not to make that much noise.

"So far these countries seem open to recognizing and working with the FDF regime. How interesting." Kagwane thought to himself. Though he gave a more sterner look at the IRU delegation.

Palais Ministériel, Keraliscitte
680 km away from Grabe

"Can you not hear them, they are all willing to work with the FDF?! These rebels, these terrorist!"

"Calm yourself, Mutara." Muran then stood and got closer to one of the LCD screens in the room which showed live footage of the talks in the summit hall. The camera has focused on Lapu Kagwane, the High Representative of the Freeland.

"Kelya is right" Nnaji retorted. "They are just getting started. And Kagwane has not even spoken yet. For all we know, he'd say something stupid."

Mutara laughed and scratched his head.

"I hope you are right, Minister Nnaji."

[Imperial Royal Union]

State Summit Hall, Grabe

Sensing that no one else was willing to take the lead after the Reconian Queen had left the room, the Secretary of War, Windstedt Daegan, saw her opportunity and spoke.

"I believe the region is following these recent developments closely and it is clear that the actions of Imperial Royal Union thus far are under quite some scrutiny. Whether or not it is expected of Imperial Royal Union to retract the imposition of the No-Fly Zone over Furisoan airspace and the embargo in Furisoan waters depends on the sincerity of Furiso and its people as to how it can be a constructive member of this community and its willingness for compromise to ensure the security and stability of all of our nations here.

Let us take a more progressive approach in dealing with the changed landscape in Furiso – we are open to proposals, especially those with foresight and forethought. However, we for now will make no commitments until we see a potential and pragmatic working deal. Thank you."

Somewhere in Grabe...

The van had driven for 5 hours straight, navigating the streets of Grabe before finally ending at a building opposite a police station somewhere downtown in Grabe. Inside the van was either explosive or flammable substance. It would be a fiery mess. The driver put on the hazard lights, then inserted the blasting caps into the plastic explosives that would blow up once he was clear of the area. Elsewhere in the city through a burner phone, an anonymous call was made to the police regarding an illegally parked vehicle "blocking the entrance to the building". When a police car came to investigate, an explosion rocked the street, with glass shattering from buildings surrounding the blast site.

In the same fashion, another van was driven to a major hospital within Grabe, although problems arose. A security guard had approached the driver asking him to move the van away, the driver promptly took two shots in the security guard's chest before running off into the hospital, where he later stole a doctor's gown and stethoscope in order to blend in, after all, he was already wearing a face mask. The bomb then went off – just when the police were arriving and the crowd of stunned onlookers at the body of a dead security guard. Somewhere else in the hospital, hidden in a locked cleaning closet, were the bodies of a team of paramedics, and already on the road, the ambulance they drove.

[Furiso]

Kagwane smiled and looked down to his papers as Secretary Windstedt Daegan finished speaking. After a few seconds, the Keralians called on him, indicating that it was his turn to speak. He looked up again, then cleared his thought. He leaned forward and turned on his microphone and then proceeded to read the paper that he was holding.

"The Freeland of Furiso is a sovereign and independent country, which has redeemed itself since the glorious victory of the Furiso Democratic Front. While we are under no obligation to be here today, nor are we beholden to any power beyond that of the Revolutionary Government, we are here today to prove that the Freeland can and will succeed in relating with other countries of the world."

He then paused and again cleared his thought before proceeding.

"On behalf of the Revolutionary Government, I, Lapu Kagwane have been authorized to conduct negotiations for the normalization of relations with Furiso's regional neighbors. However, let it be known that any talks will only proceed, and eventually succeed, if they are in consonance with the following terms:

1.The Revolutionary Government is the rightful and legitimate government of the Freeland of Furiso. We will only conduct business with nations that recognize this fact, and reject the deposed regime of the Principality.

2. The Revolutionary Government will allow the conduct of trade and commerce within our borders for the people of nations whom we judge as worthy of having relations with the Freeland, subject to such agreements that may be entered into by our respective governments.

3. The Revolutionary Government will retaliate harshly, through whatever means necessary, against a foreign power that seeks to invade, occupy and undermine the Freeland's sovereignty.

4. The Revolutionary Government is open to discussing the acceptance and delivery of humanitarian aid, subject to such an arrangement that will be discussed here."

[The Recon Empire]

"Ma'am, we do not believe it is safe for you to continue staying here in Grabe. Our intelligence sources tell us that Grabe poses too much security concerns including radio interference and suspected terrorism that may occur here. I've have the security review from HQ to mandate your return to the Recon Empire immediately for your safety, ma'am." said the security director.

"What? I just reached here." replied the Queen.

"I understand, but the dangers that are posed at the Grabe Conference is way too high. Either the Keralians didn't prop up their security measures enough, or there just is too many attempts happening."

"Psh, very well. Just so you know, there are three other kings in the Conference right now."

He interrupted, "Thank you ma'am. We need the Foreign Commissioner as well" said the director to his security aide.

"Yes, sir."

---

In one hour time, the Queen and the Foreign Commissioner was flown from Grabe back to the Recon Empire on a clandestine plane.

On the plane, the security director told the Queen and Foreign Commissioner, "It's not just a security threat ma'am. It's special orders from His Majesty's Royal Service. We'll brief you along the way back."

[Keralia]

1 Rue de Prince, Keraliscitte
Headquarters of the Ministry of Interior Affairs

Count Johann von Strätlingen's office, located on the second floor of the former Hôtel d'Almer, was bursting with rings from the land line and beeps from his official mobile phone and pings from his computer. The news that not one, but two bombs had been detonated in two separate locations just minutes away from the monarch's official residence, where three of the most important sovereigns in the Federation of Recon and five international delegations were meeting to discuss one of the most pressing matters in the history of the region, shook the very foundations of His Majesty's government.

"This isn't just any attempt, Ivan," said von Strätlingen to the Minister of Intelligence over the phone while he frantically read the multiple incoming reports, forwarded from the latter's office in the Hôtel de Sirene while he was with the Furisoan government-in-exile in the Palais Ministériel. "Have you seen the reports from your people?"

"I've been locked inside that room this whole time, Johann," mumbled the Baron from his side of the line in the Castle of Grabe. "I've told them to forward everything to you. Do brief me."

"Thales's people have been carrying some funny business all around town with a set of briefcases they reported were to be for the exclusive use of the Secretary, the Tremorsians have been located dangerously near to the castle, the East Queen Consort was flown back to Recon undercover, and, well, we are sharing the table with the usurpers who killed Prince Cyril."

There was silence. Though Kiszka was no longer in the same room as the former Furisoan government's officials, he could feel their tension and concentration from across the Palais's main hall. Finally, he took a deep breath. "We can't have them in there anymore. I don't care how we do it, but we have to take them to Barnacton fast and quietly."

Both ministers quickly began the lengthy series of calls to ensure the delegates were transferred to Barnacton House, the king's private-island safehouse off the coasts of the Southern Sea known for being equipped with state-of-the-art security equipment and being incredibly heavily guarded. There, the ministers thought, the risks should be diminished. But would it be enough?

[The Recon Empire]

Following the relocation to a private island, the delegation was reorganized, with Mr John Royle, Ambassador to Grabe Group seated alongside Sir Melvyn Spooner, Assistant Foreign Commissioner for Political Affairs. The attached academics and associated diplomatic staff were also seated just behind them.

Their involvement was told to be minimal, as they wanted to hear more about what the Keralians had to say to the Furisoan terms.

Meanwhile, the Director of Multilateral Affairs, Sir Oliver Cooke and Dr Pablo Howenster, Special Rep for Furisoan Policy found a chance to sneak into the room where the Government-In-Exile was held, and introduced themselves.

Dr Howenster said, "Hello Minister Muran. They call me Special Representative and all, but really I'm just the ambassador to the Principality. But unfortunately we have to respect the situation at hand, and thus is unable to call it a true diplomatic mission. Nonetheless, you can talk to me if you have any problems. How do you think the discussions are going so far? This is our Director of Multilateral Affairs, I doubt you've met with him before, but he is one of the most important figures in the government in coordinating multinational affairs like the Grabean conference."

"Pleasure to meet you Minister Muran. The Keralians finally decided to up their security game, didn't they? It's a pity you didn't get to meet Her Majesty the Queen, she was about to come over to say 'Hi'." he chuckled.

---

Back at the Grabe airport, the Apostle Agency had flown in one of Her Majesty's several body doubles, as well as recruited 170 actors dressed as diplomatic officials and reporters standing beside the red carpet. Every aspect dressed and coordinated as though it was the last day of the visit, the whole scene was recorded by the clandestine agency and was awaiting to distribute to the media whenever it was "time to leave". Various types of cameras at various angles, it was to be recreated to perfection. It wasn't their first time doing this anyway.