Red Talons wrote:"Firstly, I, Hian, as representative and Director for the Merchant Caste, and Warrior Caste representative Vice Admiral Lohel" he gestured to her, "Have issue with Article Two, our own laws prohibit the passage of any foreign vessels or individuals to or within our core systems. Due to reasons of national security, all current trade is conducted through four trade hub star systems. Regardless of any affirmations of security from members here, we will not waver on this measure."
Curtius raised his hand, "Mr. Secretary, if I may?"
Curtius stood, refusing the podium in favor of remaining in front of his seat. "Mr. Hian, I must ask why. Why are you so adamant not to allow foreign citizens into your territory? How can you gain from your isolation? What do you have to hide? What are you afraid of? Perhaps if you were willing to discuss it we could find a work around."
Privately, Curtius was disgusted at the idea. Even as isolationist as the union had been, visitors from alternate universes had still been allowed to visit and stay as long as they wished.
Red Talons wrote:"Second, the Warrior Caste finds issue with article 8. On the matter of the gate network, it is acceptable to place such a device in proximity to our Merchant systems, however all trade will have to be handed off at the trade hub and taken on by soveriegn vessels to core systems. It is also against current regulations to allow intigration of military forces, though I believe this can be worked through fairly easily."
"From there I would like to move on to addressing your comments regarding your economic system. I must ask if your decision to require cargo to be transfered to your vessels is due to security concerns or fear as to the loss of your merchant caste's monopoly on internal trade? If it is the latter, are you not forgoing the benefits of competitive markets in order to protect a monopoly?"
"I will let Secretary Malcolm discuss the military concerns and the situation regarding paranormal powers."
MInroz wrote:“I rest my case and now as to the business.” Abahai clears throat, “Like His Esteemed Excellency Ari’Yah of Hobbeebia said, which nation is going to lead the Proposed Allied Operations Command? Personally I do recommend a multinational crew, combined with their past experiences and profession. That way, it’ll not show favouritism or led by the ‘imperialists’ in my opinion. A fair trade of many species working together in the Allied organisation such as ourselves and promote mutual cooperation of our nations.
As for article 8, I must put forth the concern of my government. The gate networks, at least our own, should be regulated and supervised by our respective political entities. Who is going to look after our portal gates? Will it hinder national security? In my country’s case which is an Empire of many dimensions and worlds, we preferred to look after and make our own portals or gates to clarify your understanding of our terms.
Lastly, the rest of the articles is more than satisfactory for me and my government.”
Curtius turned to the Prince from Minroz, "Prince Abahai, as a nation located in one of the Milky Way's multiple Satellite Galaxies, the gates were our request. Our FTL technology makes it difficult to reach the Galaxy proper in a reasonable amount of time. While we agree they are a weak point, we have a few rather low-tech defensive technologies we would be willing to give, for free, to help protect them. The main one is our Solar Array Pumped Laser, which is able to self-replicate themselves at an annual rate of 0.05%.
At his side, Dobrev paused and looked into empty space. As the message about what had happened to the ADS Precursor came through, he jotted it down on a physical notepad, and sent the message to the rest of the delegation. The Emperor wanted GESO's help.
Inside, Elizabeth Hopkins and her camera crew were filming everything for the wires. It wouldn't go out for a bit, this was all rather dry and she had several days before her deadline. As she watched Dobrev go still and then pass along messages to the rest of the aliens in his delegation, she decided once there was a break, she would try to get him on camera. Maybe something interesting was happening with one of the two nations from beyond the galaxy at this meeting.