To Endure and Prosper (AMW only)

[Nilosahara]

Commander Sudoku looked at the BMP-2 with intrigue. I knew that a Ki-84 would fit right in, he thought.

The Nilosaharan-Yashiman spotted other delegates get into all sorts of military vehicles and smiled. He was chosen by Bantu for this diplomatic effort because Kabul looked like they could use some mercenaries if Chingis started stirring things up again, and he had chosen right.

Perhaps giving Kabul the head of Chingis on a plate would be the largest Nilosaharan overseas victory ever.

[Chrinthanium]

Imperial Prince Ryan and Foreign Minister Jon Latham the military transport with a great deal of concern.

"Jon, are we going to be caught in the middle of a war?" asked Ryan

"Your Imperial Highness, I sure hope not. I can only imagine what your brother would say if that happened."

Ryan knew exactly what Nathaniel would say, "I guess that's the end of diplomacy."

[Midlonia]

Chak wafted himself with his hat as he heard the Foreign Minister and one of the prices of the Crithanium Empire speak.

"I wouldn't concern yourself too much, if the Caliphate did declare war there's plenty of foreign dignatories to turn it unto a full blown diplomatic and international incident." Chak grinned. "He'd risk isolating rightful Muslims that way."

[Spyr]

Stepping off the airplane at Kabul, Rihui Haegeren could taste dust and opportunity in the air. Zygarin represented a vast new market for Spyran goods, and a source of vital petrol, if only its borders could be opened to trade, and a land strategically positioned to contain feudal expansion. Unfortunately, Samarkand represented a wrench ready to be thrown into an otherwise ideal situation.

As secretary of Spyr’s Central Asian Affairs Section, Rihui was well aware of the danger posed by the Khagan... Depkazia shared a border with (and, most suspected, territorial ambitions within) the Spyr-aligned Liaoist Communist People's Union, making its military movements a major concern. Tensions between Depkazia and Zygarin would certainly decrease the worries of the Liao by moving troops from east to south, but much preferable would be Chingiz turning northward to face the Tsar.

In total, the Spyran delegation contained a half-dozen people, but several officials, and boxes of trade samples, would remain with their aircraft until preliminary contacts were established and the local situation better understood... Rihui himself, his translator, and a security man to carry a case of cultural gifts, ought be sufficient.

On the ride to the terminal, and again on the next stage of travel, Rihui kept careful watch for the state of the country, particularly telephone wires, roads, and vehicles. The military nature of the government’s motor pool seemed to indicate a lack of civilian vehicles, which could be an opportunity... while Spyr could not outcompete the Germans or Chrinthani in terms of automobile quality, one could pick up ten auto-rickshaws for the price of a single Detroit motor car, and a country still developing its paved roads could easily plan traffic flows to include scooters and electric bicycles, an even cheaper alternative in larger settlements.

[Chrinthanium]

Chak wafted himself with his hat as he heard the Foreign Minister and one of the prices of the Crithanium Empire speak.

"I wouldn't concern yourself too much, if the Caliphate did declare war there's plenty of foreign dignatories to turn it unto a full blown diplomatic and international incident." Chak grinned. "He'd risk isolating rightful Muslims that way."

Prince Ryan immediate turned towards the person who spoke, "Right, right. Pleasure to meet you, I am Ryan Thornton, Prince of the Imperial Federation of Chrinthanium, and brother to the Emperor. This is our Foreign Minister, Jon Latham."

Ryan was always interested in meeting new people, despite his tendencies to remain relatively quite and in the background when not in Chrinthanium. Meanwhile, Latham noticed the Spyrans had arrived.

In Lathams mind, the key to gaining large trade deals in the Pacific was to be a partner with Spyr. He believed they were key to the region. He wanted to take this opportunity to begin conversation with Spyr, but also was slightly hesitant because of the planning of an upcoming Imperial trip to Sithin.

[Midlonia]

"Diplomat Emjaroen Chak, First diplomat to Zygarin from Imperial Siam." He shook the prince's hand. "I must say, for what is essentially a prelimenary discussion I am surprised to see so many heads of state and other highly important individuals arriving, especially during the present security concerns involved are in attendance." Emjaroen again wafted his face slightly with his white sun hat and smiled slightly. "It certainly would displease your brother for placing yourself into harms way if anything did indeed happen."

[Chrinthanium]

"The Emperor is displeased if his hair gets messed up in a wind storm. I can only imagine what he would say if I found myself in the middle of a war." joked Ryan as he greeted Chak. "I think people believe that Zygarin is ripe with opportunity. Everyone wants a piece of it. I say that, and I admit its a bit shameless, but even we saw some dollar signs with this invitation that we couldn't pass up."

Latham chimed in, "Indeed, we feel that this market is a great opportunity to break into the less-than-friendly markets around these parts." Latham pointed with his head towards Depzakia. "Of course, we do business with most nations regardless of their politics. There are standards we hold dear, but we can still find a way to trade with them. I think we learned that little idea from the Trade Federation over the years." Latham chuckled.

Ryan spoke, "I know my brother, and I know how he thinks. If he thought that this was just a rouse, to say gain support for military action, he'd not have wanted us to be here. He believes that Kabul is genuine in its request for foreign investment."

"While Depzakians play antagonist while the conference is ongoing, we agree with you that they probably won't start anything while we are here. Once the diplomats leave, however, I have a fear for the people of Zygarin. Maybe the Byzantines can help them out."

[Kremistan]

Yakov listened to the chatter, then shrugged inwardly and stated his opinion.

"I don't mean to intrude on the conversation, but in my opinion, if Depkazia tries anything, the middle east is going to get nasty. It all depends on who answers the inevitable call for help. If either Byzantium or Kiev listens, Depkazia is in over it's head."

[Chrinthanium]

Ryan chimed in, "I think Tiberius will help us greatly in the event of a military attack from less-than-friendly nations. By the way, Ryan Thornton, Imperial Prince of Chrinthanium, and this is Jon Latham, our Foreign Minister. Pleased to meet you, sir."

Ryan was beginning to feel like he was in control of a situation for once in his life. He was outside the Empire, with no Nathaniel around. He didn't have to wait on anyone or anything. It was like he had some freedom. While the Emperor does have the final say on all policy decisions, the close relationship between Ryan and the Emperor would most likely mean that anything Ryan agreed to here would be done in Omaha without comment or concern.

Even Jon Latham began to feel impressed with Ryans ability to mingle with the international diplomats that were gathering around. In Lathams mind, Ryan had a raw deal. He believed Ryan would be a much better Emperor than Nathaniel because Ryan isn't as stubborn as his brother, nor as reckless as his other brother Peter. Ryan maintained calm tones at all times, rarely ever misspoke, and would quite often be willing to compromise in order to close a deal rather than get upset and storm off.

[Kyr Shorn]

Umar Wirahadikusumah listened quietly to the conversation that was going on between the Chrinthani Prince and the trash from Siam. "Fucking lying thieving sacks of monkey shit." Umar thought to himself. Ever since WWII when the Siamese nation felt it necessary to lie about the presence of Majapahit Imperial Soldiers along with the IYA during their nation's occupation and claims (later proven false) that Majapahit had assisted in the various war crimes of the Yashimese in Siam.

Things went from bad to worse in the early years of the Suharto Regime when the Malacca Dispute (or the Tuna Fish Wars) emerged over fishing rights in the ill defined costal borders between their nations. Even after the British were forced to intervine in the early 70's, there were still points of dispute, tiny islands that both nation's claimed, plus occasional incidents where Siamese and Commonwealth fisherman got into firefights, some of the pieces of black market military equipment both sides got there hands on was quite impressive. To say the least.

But this wasn't yet another round of bickering between the vile Siam Empire and the glorious democracy of the Commonwealth, this was a chance for the C.I.I. to make some money in the Middle East and make new friends.

"Things that our nation needs, the latter more than the sooner." Umar thought to himself.

[Nilosahara]

That was a little bit of hypocrisy in Latham's comment, Sudoku thought. But from his hypocrisy we will get a little bit of profit smuggling grain into the commonwealth..

Nevertheless, Sudoku walked into the small circle with Ryan, Latham, and Yakov. He felt slightly awkward wearing a Nilosaharan suit with a wartime Yashiman pilot's vest underneath, but did not let that deter him. He picked up a chardonnay from the airport catering.

"I don't think we need to worry about Depkazia tonight at all gentlemen, there's too much alcohol here for a devout muslim like Chingis to stomach. Oh, I'm Naruto Sudoku, from Nilosahara by the way."

Sudoku would engage in some chit chat here before going onto talk with his Indonesian counterpart Umar. These western democracies were fickle friends at best in his opinion but it wouldn't hurt given Nilosaharan's alleged sponsoring of a terrorist attack lately in Saxemburg.

[Kremistan]

"I hope to God that you're right. Yakov Semaryiab, Kremistan."

This summit was going to be excellent for Kremistan, if for no other reason than being able to speak with delegates from most of the world.

[Chrinthanium]

"Ah, Mr. Prime Minister," responded Ryan, who was somewhat upset that he'd not recognized Yakov. "Indeed a pleasure."

"Mr. Sudoku, pleasure to meet you as well," replied Latham.

All seemed to be going well, apart from a Dekazian military annoyance. The Chrinthani diplomats were prepared to discuss all matters of international relations with not only Kabul, but any of the other partied with which they would be speaking. Maybe being so close to the Trade Federation was rubbing off after all.

No matter, the pair continued to engage their new found aquaintences in the usual chit chat that often came with being part of such events. Whether or not they could trust everyone, well that was a different story. One that would be addressed as the event progressed.

[Saxemberg]

The Saxemberger envoy stood on the edges of the group, listening and observing, trying to get a feel for the situation.

Noticing the catering table, he followed the Nilosaharan representative's example, and picked up a glass of chardonnay. He swirled the glass under his nose, sniffed, frowned, and took a sip. Then, being careful to keep his expression neutral, he casually put the glass aside.

Shuddering inwardly, the envoy made a mental note to discuss the import of luxury goods with the government of Zygarin.

[Kyr Shorn]

Umar Wirahadikusumah ignored the alcohol and instead drank water instead, he was a devout enough Hindu that he avoided alcohol as impure. Umar then quietly introduced himself to the others and then took another sip of water. This place reeked of CD signs, there were more deals that could be made here than just with the Zygarins.

Umar was aware of the deal being hammered out with the Nilosaharan with the secret grain shipments to ensure that the nation wouldn't starve in the face of any possible future sanctions.

Umar noticed that the Saxemberger representative was staying at the outer edges of the group, clearly not liking the wine.

"I wonder if he would prefer a Commonwealth beer?" Umar thought about the dark brew made in his homeland, Umar might be devout now but in his youth he had been known for drinking people under the table.

Umar hoped that the Siam rep wouldn't drag up all the problems that existed between their countries, but the Siamese seemed to have this need to try and one-up the Commonwealth in everything. A sign no doubt in their lack of confidence in their own country that they needed to drag their neighbors down to their level.

[Zygarin]

(OOC: I hate my job...and my school. Sorry for taking so long.)

"Please, I urge you to not view us as war mongers because of our vehicles. Presidents before me have...kept rather suspicious trade deals open."

He knew what effect all these military grade vehicles would have on the delegates. Perhaps they thought Zygarin paranoid, perhaps that they were hypocrites for buying far more recent hardware.

"The Presidential vehicle has always been an APC. It may be cramped, but it has saved a few of them from attack on their person."

He smiled, despite being forced into a corner to make room for as many people as possible. The more confidence he showed, the better this would go.

The drive to the Council Chambers was not so long, only a few minutes, but the inside of the BTR-80 rapidly heated up, and Al-Hazajj knew that they would not stand for it so long.

Within five minutes, though, they were finally strolling into the Council Chambers, and Al-Hazajj took to his podium, gesturing to the empty Council and Ministry tables for the delegates to sit at.

"Now that we are all here, I believe it is time to reveal who we are dealing with. Not only will the Zygarin Commonwealth negotiate with you and your nations, empires or otherwise, but we are hoping that you will speak with each other as well, in order to strengthen worldly ties. Feel free to rise and introduce the nation you speak for."

Of course, Al-Hazajj said nothing about how -much- they could say. The more one talks, after all, the deeper into the quagmire they go.

[Chrinthanium]

The slender fifty-three year old stood to be recognized as he adjusted his hair so it was just so. He straightened his tie and cleared his throat as if he were about to address the Senate. His gray suit seemed tailored to fit him, which spoke to the rather large sum of money politicians in the Empire that the Emperor favored received. Ryan Thornton also stood, his black suit, a designer suit given to him as a gift for his ninteenth birthday, was a perfect fit.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce myself, I am Jon Latham, Foreign Minister of the Imperial Federation of Chrinthanium, and this fine young gentleman is His Imperial Highness Ryan Thornton, the younger brother of Emperor Nathaniel IV. We hope to not only gain new friends here in Kabul, but around the world as a result of the talks. We look forward to meeting all of you in turn and hope these talks are as fruitful as they seem to be."

[Kremistan]

Once the delegation from Chrinthanium had finished its introduction, Yakov stood. His clothing was simple, a white shirt with a grey jacket and pants, but the suit appeared to be of good make. His statement was kept brief and bypassed some of the formalities of the previous speaker.

"I am Yakov Semaryiab, Prime Minister of Kremistan. During my stay, my country and I hope to forge strong, lasting relations with our neighbor,"

He gestured at President Al-Hazajj

"and the rest of the countries present here. "

[Spyr]

Rihui Haegeren scanned the assembled delegates as introductions were made. Some were well-known to anyone in the diplomatic field, others had the look of those who made that field their profession. The Nilosaharan decision to send a Yashiman to negotiations was unsettling, but given the criminal tendencies of Bantu’s regime it was hardly out-of-form.

Rihui himself was hardly remarkable in appearance... an East Asian in his fifties, dressed in the dark grey three-piece suit favoured by Spyran diplomats, with a crimson necktie and golden cherry blossom pin on the lapel. As the Prime Minister of Kremistan finished his words, he rose to his feet and offered a bow to those assembled.

“Na-shi, kuai-laka, a pleasure to meet you all, and many thanks to President Al-Hazajj for inviting us here today, and for his wisdom in leading Zygarin onto the world stage. I am Rihui Haegeren, representative of the People’s Republic of Spyr. We stand at the gateway to many opportunities... for the peoples of Zygarin, for those of Spyr, for those of the world... to move ahead and forge a better world. As my peers will doubtless agree, there is no higher calling than that of the diplomat, and I have no doubt our discussions here today shall prove fruitful for all.”

[Nilosahara]

"Habari everyone. I am Commander Naruto Sudoku representing the Republic of Nilosahara. Let today be a start of a new era for our gracious host Al-Hazajj and all other nations here."

Sudoku looks towards Al-Hazajj and gives him a Nilosaharan Immortal salute. Then he sits back down. He may not possess the diplomatic flair of the other more seasoned politicians here but he remained proud of his military past.

[Burol]

The Philippine delegation as silent all throughout the increasingly stuffy ride. Col. Cedric Rañola had informed the delegation in the native language that it was Depkazian planes who attempted to scare them diplomats out of continuing. Ha, iyan ang isa sa mga magugulong bansa na may sira sa ulo ang pinuno, Kieran Sherbourne mused in Tagalog.

The Council Chambers were impressive, with a good interior design and air conditioning, considering the edifices they saw outside and the sweltering Kabul heat. The Philippine delegation sat somewhat near the side, between the Nilosaharan and Saxemberger delegations*. The delegates of Siam, Chrinthanium, Kremistan, Spyr, Saxemberg, and Nilosahara had already introduced themselves. One could detect the slight friction between delegations and countries; who is friendly, who is not; who is psychotic and who is sane; who is there for this particular vested interest.

Mr. Keith Jamal Masing from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was the face of the Kingdom, sitting on the seat behind the desk allocated for the Philippines. It was readily identifiable: there was a piece of white paper labeled "United Kingdoms of the Philippines" in black marker posted in front of the desk. Col. Rañola, Sherbourne, O'Rourke, Ragasa, and Geronimo sat on the vacant seats behind Masing's, in what could have been the observer's area.

Mr. Masing leaned forward and tapped the microphone slightly to ensure it is turned on and working. Satisfied, he began his introduction. "Good morning, Your Excellency. Good morning, fellow delegates and diplomats. I am Keith Jamal Masing, Deputy Foreign Minister for the Middle East of the United Kingdoms of the Philippine Islands. I am heading the Philippine Delegation for this conference." Masing smiled. "Hopefully we would be able to accomplish many things today and in this conference." He leaned back on his chair and passed the floor to another delegation.

*because, I would assume there is no other country between N and Sax.

[Saxemberg]

"Good morning, Your Excellency," said the Saxemberger envoy, "and bonjour tout le monde. My name is Belphégor de Plancy, and I am the Principality of Saxemberg's Deputy-Vice Chancelleor for Asie de Sud-Ouest.

"I bring greetings from His Serene Highness, Prince Léopold Auguste Victor, who has commanded me to convey his best wishes for the success of this conference, along with his thanks to the government of His Excellency President Al-Hazajj for this historic opportunity."

[Kyr Shorn]

The Commonwealth table was next to Saxemberg and after the representative from the Philippines finished speaking Umar Wirahadikusumah rose to make his formal introduction.

"Good morning to one and all, I am Umar Wirahadikusumah the representative chosen by His Excellency the Third President of the C.I.I. for this meeting of nations." Umar then gave a slight smile and finished with, "It is my hope that this meeting will lead to many great things for our people's."

He then sat back down at his chair, letting the next delegate speak their peace.

[Europe - Prussia]

Alfonse was silently looking the other delegates. He knew very well some of them, while others he prefered ignore them. However he wan't there to judge other countries, he was there to make a good deal with Zygarin, and probably with the other countrie present in the summit.
Taking a glass of Chardonnay form one of the waiters, however when he approached the glass to his nose, abruptly he gave the glass to someone of his diplomatic staff, with a slightly face of disgust.
One of his favorite hobbies was wine tasting, none for nothing the Empire was also known as the 'wine lake' for their production of high quality wine, and he was very demanding when it was about wines. Still with what he considered as 'dirty water' he made a mental note about the luxuries of Zygain, added to the other notes that he took about the state of the city in his travel from the airport to the place of the summit.


After some time of chit-chat, it was the moment of the negotiations. After the representative of Saxemberg and the Commonwealth of Indonesia made their introductions, the Alfonse rose us to make his introduction.

"Buenos dias, bonjour,buon giorno Your Exellency and representatives. I am Alfonse Gabrielli and Im the Dean of the Diplomats for the Middle East. In the name of the Imperial goverment and his Imperial majesty Nicholas III we wish the best for the future of Zygarin, and for the success of the President Al-Hazajj. We hope that this summit shall prove fruitful for all, and helps to improve the realitonships between our countries" With his introduction over, Alfonse sat back down in his chair, waiting for the beginnings of the negotiations.

[Acadzia]

Prime Minister Peter Akwasi recognized some of these faces, but not all of them. It didn't go unnoticed that a wide array of states, with whom Acadzia had varying degrees of relations with, were here, trying to get a piece of the Zygarin pie. Akwasi wasn't sure how fruitful this would be, though. With Chingiz threatening the summit so forcefully, would investors really risk sending their capital here?

At any rate, when it came time for the Acadzian delegation's introduction, both Prime Minister Akwasi and Trade Minister Reginald McKay took to the stage. "Greetings to President Al-Hazajj and to my fellow representatives. My name is Prime Minister Peter Ntambwe Akwasi, from the Kingdom of Acadzia in North America. My associate, Acadzian Minister of Trade Reginald McKay, and myself are here in the name of His Majesty's Royal Government. To the Zygarins, I hope that our states, separated by culture, geography, and history can forge close ties in light of your recent entrance to the world stage. Thank you." Both the black, aging PM and his younger associate gave a polite wave and returned to their seats.