Summit in Nova Arkades

[Promethius Prime]

Formal Invitation to Summit

To: Ajerrin, Onza, Caisus and Vvarden
From: The Office of President Zutyensin

---

I would like to invite your governments to send a five person delegation to Nova Arkades where a summit will be held to discuss matters of mutual importance and the possible formation of an international economic and social alliance between our nation.The summit will be held in the Diplomatic Forum in Nova Arkades and accommodations of the highest standard will be provided with suitable security arrangements in place for the duration. While we would appreciate it if either your head of state or head of government could attend we accept that due to the nature of their work this may not be possible therefore we ask that you send at least one senior member of your government.

The matters to be discussed will be:

• The possible formation of an economic alliance.
• Discussion on the topic of a new trading currency for specific use between our nations.
• The formation of a mutual military defensive alliance.
• The formation of a social agreement whereby students and professionals can engage in international exchanges.
• The opening of our borders to migration between our countries.
• The trade of technology which will benefit us all.
• The trade and provision of arms and munition.

I very much look forward to receiving your replies.

Yours in Trust,


Natalia Zutyensin,
4th President of the Arcadian Commonwealth

---

Nations With Confirmed Attendance

• Ajerrin
• Caisus
• Onza
• Vvarden

The Commonwealth Delegation

• Natalia Zutyensin - President of the Commonwealth
• Maja Kuronov - Secretary of State, Foreign Office
• Shang Jin Tao - Secretary of State, War Office
• Tye Kan Lin - Secretary of State, Development Office
• Dr Zhiang Tsi Tsun - Head of the International Office, University of Vierne

---

((ooc: Please begin by posting your attendance and naming your delegation, we shall then move on to the talks themselves.))

[Onza]

The United Democratic Emirates has assembled its team of delegates:

1. Khalil Sayyid - Chief Adviser to the President
2. Mustafa Darzi - Delegate to the Global Alliance
3. Iqbal Bahadur - Seasoned Diplomat and Foreign Affairs Worker
4. Fareed Binyamin - The Emirates's Ambassador to the Commonwealth
5. Zahra Mutamid - Head of International Affairs in Onza

[Vvarden]

Vvardnhas chosen to send these delegates to the summit:

1. President Johans Derrik.
2. Edouard Edga - Advisor to President Derrik.
3. Albrecht Maro - Diplomat.
4. Lady Lumina Deras - Diplomat and Head of Foreign Affairs.
5. Maerk Sanderi - Seasoned Diplomat and possible Ambassador to Promethius Prime.

[Caisus]

The United Commonwealths has chosen to attend the summit, sending the following delegates:

1. Mordehai Duskwatcher ~ First Advisor to Speaker Sunseer
2. Liliana Bestrater ~ UC Minister of Foreign Affairs
3. Bekhan Turask ~ UC Head Diplomat
4. Yurick Fretari ~ UC Delegate to the Global Alliance
5. Jurin Tivolixi ~ UC Ambassador to Promethius Prime

[Ajerrin]

The United Federation of Ajerrin is honored to attend this summit. Redstone has gathered a delegation worthy of such an event, including:

Johai Stophenson, Majority Leader of Federal Council
Marojorie Sharman, Chief Minister of Foreign Affairs
General Valdemar Raainart, Chief Minister of Defense
Ulz Chlodwig, Chief Minister of Economic & Financial Affairs
Gerard Artaud, UFA Ambassador to the Arcadian Commonwealth

[Promethius Prime]

Nova Arkades, Diplomatic Forum

Conference Centre

The Diplomatic Forum in Nova Arkades was a gargantuan structure built along a principle of simple elegance and utilitarianism. The building was a district unto itself within the vast metropolis that was one of Enkon's largest capital cities, with broad internal avenues and seven separate Metro stations housed within it; indeed the wide avenues lined with beautiful native trees and decorated at major junctions with fountains and sculptures were more reminiscent of the streets of the now lost Imperial Capital on Old Arkades. The whole structure was between three and five stories high, each avenue housed beneath fine arches of bronzed metal and glass which filtered through the sunlight in such away as the give the whole place a sort of golden aura. It was here, within this complex that every embassy to the Commonwealth was housed, and the superstructure was large enough that embassies of those countries not on good terms could be kept apart. Locally owned businesses were the only ones permitted to fill the extra spaces and ground level, providing services to the embassies ranging from coffee shops to restaurants, dry cleaners to photographer's studios. No chain businesses or franchises here to spoil the atmosphere, or raise international tensions over business.

Within this setting, at its centre, lay the Conference Building, a hexagonal structure, five stories high with a central dome which peaked above the rooftops of the rest of the district; at ground level it was surrounded by steps and colonnades which marked it out as the focal point of the forum. Inside were whole conference suites, board and meeting rooms, communications centres and more that could facilitate any summit or meeting's needs. The delegates had been issued with ID cards to get them through the security checkpoints inside and each was given a guide to usher them safely to and from the conference room in which the summit was being held. These guides doubled as interpreters for those who did not speak any of the Arcadian languages and were essential, for the layout of the interior of the conference centre was purposefully designed to be complicated and confusing as a means of hampering terrorists or hostage takers.

After an open breakfast, paid for by the Arcadian government, in the central foyer with food provided by the finest local delicatessens, the delegates were lead to the conference room where the summit was due to begin at 10:00am local time. The room itself had been well prepared, with official stenographers sat in front of laptops prepared to take notes, write transcripts and provide the delegates with any information they required from the network. Not only that but a five person team of hosts and hostesses where present to provide any comforts such as drinks or light snacks that the attendees may require. All of course stringently vetted and trained for the task before hand. The table itself was a broad oval shape.

"Good morning everyone, as you are probably already aware I am Natalia Zutyensin, recently elected President of the Commonwealth. As per your invitation we are here today to discuss matter of mutual concern and importance to our nations. I'd like to get straight down to business so as not to waste any of your time, for I am sure we have other matters of grave import to attend to."

"The first item on our itinerary is discussion over the formation of an economic alliance; in particular I would like to propose the establishment of a new trading currency the value of which would be determined by averaging our exchange rates against the NSD ($), the establishment of a free zone of movement between our countries so that our citizens need only produce a passport in order to enter and leave our respective nations, the establishment of a mutual migration policy making the process of migration between our countries easier and finally the establishment of an International Financial Monitor, Bank and Stock Market. I would like to hear your thoughts in this regard."

[Caisus]

The Caisan Delegation sits calmly. The Caisans, Duskwatcher, Bestrater, Fretari, and Tivolixi, sat in the traditional manner with their hands in their laps. Their in-mask HUDs displayed silent messages between each other. The Galgi, Turask, was receiving the messages via his horn rim glasses. "Clever, these Arcadians", Duskwatcher sent to the other delegates. "Yes, I admire them, though our common restraints are to be kept. Are you not worried that the Arcadians could be monitoring our conversations?", Turask returns. "Of course not. Our devices are of Athretvarian make, augmented by the technology from the downed warship found those few years ago", Fretari comments. "I dislike these attendents. Though they have no need to kill us, I am still suspicious", Duskwatcher sends. "Why is that?", Bestrater asks. "Because woe to the weak fool who thinks they have an ally with the strong", he responds. Frowning slightly, Turask sends a message, "Suspicion is the Caisan way I suppose. I shall address them first then."

Adjusting his glasses and beginning, Turask begins speaking in a thin Galgi accent, "A free zone of movement would be beneficial, but I must ask, does this extend to your protectrates? The humans from your Commonwealth I am sure are welcome, but what of the Wolven? There are a few... reservations that I feel several members here share when it comes to that people. In Caisus-Galgistan Wolven are restricted to their movement throughout the nation. Is it possible that a special provision can be created regarding them?"

[Promethius Prime]

"Freedom of movement would extend only to those protectorates of the Commonwealth which enter into the treaty with your nation. The Commonwealth still maintains its policy of Wolven deportation, though since becoming the protector of Unibearia we at least have somewhere reasonably safe to send them without too much ethical concern; as you can imagine this does mean that the only Wolven allowed in the Commonwealth are diplomatic staff and even then we discourage their presence." Was Zutyensin's reply; contrary to what the Caisans might think she was not having their communications monitored, though she was well aware of their ability to communicate silently with one another through their masks. Caisus and the Commonwealth had always had positive relations and diplomatic etiquette aside it was hardly necessary to be spying on any of the delegations in this room. Some might call that naive, but the Commonwealth was a large and powerful enough nation that it did not need to waste resources spying on its friends; the benefits of remaining on good terms with the Commonwealth were too great and the means by which a nation could fall into disfavour with them too few and extreme. Short of declaring war on them or one of their protectorates there wasn't much that would drive the Commonwealth the aggressive action.

[Vvarden]

President Derrik confers with his team and he speaks, in good English "Well, I have to say this on the Arcadian protectorate agreement with Unibearia. I think that even though it may basically limit the Wolfish Dominion to small expands and some new technology, Unibearia is a warlike country. We know this. When the fiend who killed Emperor Wilhelm Amadeus was captured, their government demanded that we bring him over or else, war. I do have nothing against Unibearia as a whole, as in my time as a Wolfen, I encountered many unique cultural elements, I am simply saying that Unibearia will find a way to weasel out of this agreement, now or later."
He truly had no anger for Unibearia, but it was way too warlike nowadays, and could become a threat. After all, it was led by a mad king who spent more time in office now drinking rather than doing something for his country, and even though he was slightly happy with the fact they installed a constitutional monarchy, it still had a basic feudal system, which proved that it needed to go.

[Promethius Prime]

"You need not concern yourselves with the Unibearian question. They are a protectorate of the Commonwealth under strict conditions; they cannot engage in any military or intelligence operations overseas without the permission of my government and at present I am not predisposed to letting them leave their own borders." Responded Zutyensin calmly, looking at the Vvardenese dignitary with her cool blue eyes, "Further I should remind you that the terms of the Unibearian Compromise are still in effect with the exception of restrictions on Commonwealth military operations in and around Unibearia. This limits them further."

"I understand you concern of course, but at this time you may be assured that the Commonwealth has this matter in hand and that should the Unibearians breach the terms of either the protectorate agreement OR the compromise that retribution will be swift and overwhelming. In this matter I intend to balance the needs of the Unibearian state with those of the international community with regards to security and safety; I agree that the Unibearian nature has a militaristic culture, but understand that so does the Commonwealth. Such a culture does not necessarily mean that a nation can never be at peace. The Commonwealth has only participated in three major wars in its entire history, one of which we fought beside you and on your behalf." At this point she looked directly at the Vvardenese delegation, "Please do not forget our dedication to your own sovereignty; you have only recently ceased to be a protectorate of the Commonwealth, did you not thrive under our protection? Did we not shed blood alongside you? I would not cheapen the sacrifice of those Arcadian soldiers who fought in Vvarden, nor the sacrifices of those Vvardenese soldiers who fell beside them by allowing Unibearia to threaten your safety and prosperity now."

"Our intentions with regards to the protectorate agreement with Unibearia are altruistic on all fronts; Unibearia benefits from our protection and favourable trading terms, the South benefits from the assurance that Unibearia will not threaten them militarily and the Commonwealth benefits by gaining new markets in which to trade. Peace is our highest priority with prosperity a close second. In the long term we hope to be able to affect internal political change in Unibearia, however we cannot do so at the expense of the peace that the Commonwealth has struggled so hard to build."

"Now to return to the matter in hand; can your governments agree to the terms of the economic alliance I propose? Do you require a full analysis of the details of my proposal?"

[Onza]

"On the first matter you propose, we can say with certainty that the Emirates will be in favor. Particularly the clause concerning unrestricted travel amongst citizens, but also the establishment of a trade currency and international financial bodies," said Khalil Sayyid. "We appreciate the Commonwealth's proposal."

[Ajerrin]

Minister Chlodwig sat at monstrous table along with the rest of the dignitaries, many of whom he engaged in discussions earlier regarding Enkonian Finance. The Casian Foreign Affairs Minister Ms. Bestrater and the Onzanian GA Delegate Mr. Darzi were two officials that were around to see last night's tirade. His attitude today was much better than last night's conversations that consisted of frustration and anger. Ulz Choldwig, one of the greatest financial minds within the Federation and possibly all of Enkon, stood alone on the idea that a universal currency would benefit the State.

The move, as Ulz considered it, would "stabilize and unify strategic partnerships with ease," but the idea fell flat with many others within the Council. Maybe it was greed, maybe it was a selfish desire to maintain Federal control of the Ajer, but Marjorie Sharman was against the idea from the start. She tried desperately calm the Finance Minister in more ways than one. Last night's midnight affair seemed to do the trick. After listening to the Commonwealth's President speak about Vvardeni concerns, Ulz look at Ms. Sharman and gave her wink and a nod.

Minister Sharman, the lead delegate of the Federation, smiled at Ulz and slowly rose to address the delegations. "The Federation wants to thank President Zutyensin and the Commonwealth for their generous hospitality and straight forward proposals. We have great hopes that a social agreement between our great nations could improve education and research. We hope to promote this idea along with a new and expansive trading agreement for all parties present. Our borders have consistently been open for the majority of Enkon and should continue for some time. There was talk within the Global Alliance to develop an International Financial Monitor system, something our own country proposed at the start of the GA but was never taken up with much seriousness until now."

Ambassador Artaud jumps in, "Perhaps the Commonwealth could work with GA and the Federation to develop this further?"

"Perhaps," Minster Sharman agreed. She continued, "While the majority of ideas here match the Federation's goals, we have one major concern regarding your first topic for discussion. The Federation believes an economic agreement would benefit all nations but the idea of creating a new currency within our nation is not something we see possible at this time."

The Foreign Minister sat down, pleased that Chlodwig remained silent on the issue. She glanced at General Raainart and Speaker Stophenson, who both gave nods of satisfaction.

[Promethius Prime]

"Minister Sharman, your concerns are understandable however the currency we propose would not be used internally. It is not meant to replace the Ajer or the Krendar or any other currency for standard use by citizens, but is instead intended as a standardised trading currency for international trading, whether in goods, services or on the trading floor. Thus the proposed currency would only be used for exchanges between our nations, and would allow for the formation of independent financial reserves to be created in a currency other than those of our respective countries." Zutyensin's reply was to the point, but her manner remained polite and dignified. The last thing she wanted to do was spoil the prospect of a solid and productive agreement by appearing rude as she allayed the Ajerri fears. "You see my government has no intention of abandoning the Krendar, it is a strong currency which has traded well ever since our arrival on Enkon; however we recognise that the high value of the Krendar makes regular export trade difficult for all but the largest government exchanges. We seek to create an alternative trading currency which will allow our economies to remain competitive without running the risk of devaluation. The secondary benefit of this trading currency is that it can be liberally traded without fear of the same economic impact on our own people - that is to say a value crash in the trading currency would not automatically result in hyper-inflation or devaluation internally."

[Ajerrin]

The Finance Minister sat slumped in his chair, defeated. Staring into the shiny table into his reflection, Ulz shook his head and said, “stabilize and unify… stabilize and unify.”

Marjorie Sharman, lead delegate of the Federation, excused herself from the meeting to take a call. “Hold the fort Ulzy,” she said.

His frustration was noted by by all. Ulz seemed to be the only one in the Federation who supported this idea. He looked at General Valdemar Raainart, Minister of Defense for the Federation with eyes that begged to be understood.

“The potential to improve our trading with other, smaller nations will skyrocket. Think of what that means for defense contracting, General.”

“Maybe we didn’t look at this the right way,” the Defense Minister said.

Minister Sharman walked in after five minutes and sat down with an aura of seriousness. She glanced at Ulz and gave a wink.

“The Federation is willing to accept the entirety of this package in good, but not blind, faith. We’ll have to discuss the various ways to establish this alternative currency and the parameters of the defensive treaty within this new formed alliance, but for the most part, we can move forward. Is that acceptable, President Zutyensin?”

Stunned, unable to say a word, Minister Ulz Chlodwig looked around the room in amazement.

The rest of the delegation matched Minister Chlodwig’s expressions.

Well, I’m glad someone could speak for the Federation,” Minister Sharmat said cheerfully.

[Ajerrin]

Majority Leader Johai Stephenson looked at his tablet and shook his head. “The people of the UFA agree with you, President Derrik. We all know the Wolfish Dominion is a dangerous place with dangerous leaders, but while they are under the influence of the Arcadian Commonwealth we know those wolves will be shown how humanity expects them to act, just like they did for your nation.”

He then looked up to the Vvardeni delegation. “What concerns me is that when the Arcadians leave a nation some ways of civility are lost. For example, your nation’s desires to work with the Wolven and their insane cousins in Central Enkon, the Werewolves. We have evidence of multiple lines of communication moving between Vvarden and deep inside the Werewolf haven. Now as we look around the room you understand that’s not the best political move to make, right? We would like to hear from the Vvardeni delegation on the matters of what we consider great importance to the stability of this future alliance."

[Vvarden]

"Just so you know," President Derrik speaks. "We are not aiding New Wolfenstien. Only a few people have left for that place and I am against it. It is unknown wether the werewolves still exist, in smaller numbers, but going there in my opinion is almost suicide until the possible threat has downgraded. The reason we want to work with the wolvens is for both our nations. We need warm relations if the South is to be stable. My diplomats are trying to improve relations, but the wolven do not respond. An alliance between all the nations here will stabilise the South, yes, but relations vetween Vvarden and Unibearia will have to improve to ensure safety. As for the radio communications going into New Wolfenstien, I do not know. They might be contracts for buisnesses there, I don't know. But thanks for notifying me as when I return back to Vvarden, I will have them traced."

[Promethius Prime]

"However the matter of Unibearia is not really for this summit; I have given you all my assurances that the Protectorate will have no impact on any of your nations following this agreement that you do not yourself form with them. As for Wolfeinstein... I am under increasing pressure to put an end to that particular chapter with overwhelming force. Cut out the disease before it can spread and I believe that there is more than just a little disease that we risk spreading by allow Wolfeinstein to continue unchecked. The Commonwealth does not recognise the sovereignty or legitimacy of any government or organisation which may form in that territory." Zutyensin seemed reluctant to talk further on the matter, after all this was not the point of the summit. All those present so far had agreed to the terms of the economic agreement so it was reasonable to assume that they could move on to the next item on the agenda. "Now I know that Ajerrin is in favour of a formal military defensive alliance between our nations and I must say that this is a key point in these negotiations. I would like to establish an international military body which is responsible for our collective defence and for ensuring the stability of the south. I know not all of your nations are from the South but keeping the region stable is a matter of grave importance to us all. Therefore I propose we form a Coalition for Southern Prosperity, or CSP, which can standardise military equipment and munitions so that our armies can work seamlessly together."

[Vvarden]

"I agree on this matter. A defensive alliance is not just a way of protection, but also a way of bringing all of our nations closer. Trade deals should also be made, I think, so that we all can give to each other. Our new Arcadian-Vvardeni Farming Deal is a good example of that. The Arcadian Mandate needs food. We, the smaller nations, can give it to them in exchange for say, defences, technology or even migrants." President Derrik speaks.

[Ajerrin]

The General nods in agreement to the Arcadian President's plans. "The Federation is willing to provide resources to both plans," he said firmly, "but specifically the GSP. We would be willing to help bring stability to the South and help open new markets for defense, commodities and the like."

[Onza]

"I'm afraid that Onza would be able to offer very little to such an alliance. We would be nothing but a dependent, given our lack of military forces. However, when it comes down to matters of the CSP, we would be willing to assist in whatever ways possible, including by sending aid, appealing to other nations for support, sending diplomats, and whatever else may be requested," said Zahra Mutamid.

Iqbal Bahadur then spoke up. "I also need to note that we as a nation are constitutionally bound to forbid the mustering of munitions for any conflict that is not occurring on Onzaian soil, lest it be proven that the instigating party of an outside conflict is committing violations of human rights. On that note, I believe that the Emirates would be behind any coalition force that aims to counter regimes that show no regard for humanity, particularly the CSP, assuming the Emirates won't be kicked out should we refuse to involve ourselves in a conflict between the CSP and an already-established ally," he said.

"I believe we can throw in our support should these understandings and acknowledgements be made," said Khalil Sayyid, summarizing.

[Promethius Prime]

"Well I'm sure you will agree that the Commonwealth's military is quite large enough to make up for the particular position of your nation militarily. I am not overly concerned by the fact as your nation has proven its ability to flourish in the absence of a dominant military presence as is seen in many other countries. As far as I am concerned the cultural and economic benefits of having Onza as part of this alliance far outweigh the military deficit both in terms of value and importance." Zutyensin smiled politely as she spoke Enkonian Common with her somewhat strong Southen accent (Russian); she was part of the minority Southen ethnic group within the Commonwealth who contrasted the two majority ethnicities (Low Arcadian and Norden) by being of ashen complexion and pale hair; her eyes however were an unusually warm and engaging blue, where most Southen had colder steely colouration.

The other members of the Commonwealth delegation consisted of Maja Kuronov who was half Southen, half Norden and therefore was of darker complexion with hair the colour of fine honey; she had been the one translating Zutyensin's words for the benefit of the Onzan's as she spoke fluent Arabic and Spanish with only the lightest of Norden (Mongolian) accents. Translating for the Vvardenese was Shang Jin Tao, of Low Arcadian (Chinese) descent who had spent time in Vvarden during the Protectorate and Civil War era and had learned the language working alongside Vvardenese officers; she was a typical Low Arcadian with dark hair and dark eyes but had a stern and hard look to her which was perhaps the result of her former military career. The translator for the Caisans was Dr Zhiang Tsi Tsun who was of mixed High (Japanese) and Low (Chinese) Arcadian descent; like Shang he had dark hair and dark eyes though had a paler complexion and very different facial structure - to an outsider they may have looked quite similar but from their point of view they were as different as the Onzan delegation were from the Ajerri. Finally translating for the Ajerri was Tye Kan Lin, another Low Arcadian from the Development Office. All Arcadians were multilingual, knowing at least their own native ethnic language as well as the two Arcadian Dialects and Enkonian Common, and at least one foreign language was mandatory for the curriculum of all children aged 5-18.

"Military matters are not a huge concern for us and we would understand your position were the treaty to come into effect, however I do not believe it will. We do not live in a world so barbaric that any of the nations here could consider themselves under threat of invasion and the alliance serves primarily as a sign of trust between us and as a deterrent to those who might try to threaten or bully us through diplomacy."