8th IFC Council-in-Summit [IC] [IFC Only]

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

With formatting thanks to predecessors:

INTERNATIONAL FREEDOM COALITION
Eighth Summit of the International Fuel Corporation (IFC) Alexandria, Aestorian Commonwealth, January 2016
#IFCAlexandria2016

CARS FORBIDDEN

COUNCIL IN RESIDENCE

---

)
Conference Tea Room


Conference Airship
(Shown in maiden flight in November)

His Imperial Majesty's Government
(Perilous as ever)

Whittington Airport/Docks

To be circulated

International Freedom Coalition Sign-Ups/OOC | International Freedom Coalition Council | IIWiki

AAS Peacock, Conference Airship, Whittington Citadel, Alexandria, Ausitoria

---

"Good idea, these conference airships," approved the Prince Kazpia, after whom the airship was named.
"Very stylistic," nodded Sir Henry Taylor approvingly. Ausitoria honed its soft power with all the care and attention that some fools dedicated entirely to their military power. Why have one when you could have both?

They sat on an armchair just inside the entrance, waiting to greet whoever might enter first: they were a mere hundred paces, red carpeted all the way, from the gilded aircraft steps that stood waiting, although in the soaring southern summer temperature of 28°, that would be quite enough to distinguish their fellow tropical allies from the less fortunate arctic sort. Moored at the end of runway, they stared out, the battlements of the citadel on their right, the majesty of the city of spires all behind them, the 'floating' skyscraper-castle-on-stilts towering like tottering artwork above them on the right, the container ships steaming past all along the left of them, and the reclaimed runway straight ahead of them, with that absurd road-and-railway bridge bridging the sea above all the planes that shot in towards them, bang on time every eighty-one seconds, to make their landing. It was like threading a camel through the eye of a needle.

Despite the frenetic activity, to them it was idyllic under the sun: a demonstration of just what could happen when a nation could develop perhaps as nations ought to, interested only in the generation of every type of prosperity for as many people as possible under a maximum of collective centralized power. Ausitoria had been down for the 8th Summit since long before they had expected to become Prime Minister, and by the time they sat down to start the agenda, they might well have ceased to hold that position, although they doubted it. In their hearts they knew that a little spot of controversy could hardly derail from the fact that overall, their government was the most efficient, most effective, least partisan, well-rounded, liberal, pro-freedom ministry-of-all-the-talents that the Coalition had ever had the good fortune to enjoy, even if the trouble was that the Ausitorians knew that they were now virtually irreplaceable, and could be just a little bit arrogant as a result. They were good at institutions: it was their thing.

Ausitoria was not prone to security issues, mercifully, but security was nonetheless tight, with a flight of fighter aircraft overhead, and the band, ready to play any anthem, was merely the only visible sign of the ground forces. Cars beeped across in the harbour, and people chattered in the neighbouring park-museum; a roar of nearly half a million people packed into a square kilometer brimming with almost everything worth seeing, anywhere, anytime. Underneath the soft vibrations of the dozens of trains that came to rest beneath their feet could perhaps have been separated from the lapping of the waves: those nurturing turquoise seas, those sparkling waters, the reason for all this, and the reason why Ausitoria was free, prosperous, and always in coalition with somebody.

They discussed which flight-path to take. Certainly they would fly down the gulf, along the historic mountainous coasts and beaches, the historic heart of the Ausitorian Empire, towards the open Ocean, but never quite getting passed that horrendous city, spreading down on either side of them, until, with a turn to the left, they would sweep down more rugged coast, and then, with another turn to the left, down more coast and the historic backwater of Julerton, and then turn left through the narrow strait and ancient trading ports back again. Assuming there were no silly typhoons on the way.

This was the meaning of Ausitorian hospitality: a diverse, eclectic concoction of everything that an Ausitorian ever thought good.

"Ah," said the Prince, noticing a craft approaching, and rising. "Look, there comes the..."

[Flardania]

Whittington International Airport
Alexandria | Ausitoria

---

Approaching the airport in Alexandria was a Boeing 747-400 plane set aside for the Dirigeant of the Taisuist Republic of Kirishima. On board was Dirigeant Arata Kasuga, his personal aide Zhu Li Moon, and a security group lead by Capt. Kazuto Kirigaya of Shadow Valkyrie: Sirius Platoon. Kasuga at this moment was anything but happy. After making time to visit Feng for a summit, something he would avoid if he could. All of a sudden it was cancelled in favor of going to the next summit in....Ausitoria. For Ilias sake not everyone arrived in Feng and now he was going to a nation which someone needs to tell Neboken Ja-Neyo" If someone told Arata he would have to go though all this nonsense when he woke up, he would drag his wife into bed and spend the day with her....like rabbits. Instead he had to deal with the possibility of Ausitorian "greatness" shoved down his throat.

Arata had some reason for his annoyance for all the hype about Ausitorian trade, apparently it was beneath them to trade with Kirishima. Not once did that trading nation ever consider trading with Kirishima and Kirishinans were not going give Ausitoria the ego boost of Kirishima requesting a trade agreement. Arata sighed and looked outside the plane at the tropical conditions. Somebody can get sick like this. Arata thought as he considered how he went from chill Kirishinan winter to Feng winter to now Ausitorian tropics. Alas despite his annoyed mood and low expectations for this summit he still had a job to do, a job he semi willingly choose to do. The cancel Feng summit was a bad omen indicating more of the same. It showed yet again how notorious these summits were for not getting things accomplish...at least the one in Kairaku reached a proper conclusion.

Zhu Li place a manila envelope on his desk that had the words IFC-SACTO written on it. Arata briefly went through it before putting it down, IFC sought to obtain a non aggression pact with the Santiago Anti-Communist Treaty Organization and as a dual member/ foreign minister or the IFC, his nation was tasked with receiving the terms. It helped that Kirishima was in his eyes the most friendly, workable, and reasonable of the SACTO nations. Arata's thoughts came to a halt as the plane wheeled to a stop. Security performed their usual procedure to secure the location before the usual ordeal of a stairwell pulling up and walking out the plane. There was no Kirishinan media frenzy waiting for him. While in Feng the issue was the summit being another potential waste of time and he couldn't fault many reporters who chose to not step foot in Feng. In Ausitoria the summit being another potential waste of time and he couldn't fault many reporters who did not react to the short notice. Also KBC News does not yet have a channel in Ausitoria. That was one thing he sort to rectify at this summit. Once he disembarked he, Zhu Li, and his security made there way to the Airship as Arata wondered to what pitch would the Kirishinan Anthem be played.

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

As the band struck up in the only key they they cared to find from wikipedia (i.e., G flat minor), an exceptionally knowledgeable musical ear would have realized that that Ausitorians had invented a flute specifically for imitating strings along the lines of the Salicional organ stop, a celebrated invention undoubtedly handy for orchestral imitations. The Foreign Secretary was that knowledgeable, but made no remark, since he knew it already.

"...the Kirashima excellency," he said instead, rising as their delegation approached; with the Prime Minister rising in line. He hailed them when the music had finished - obviously an abridged version, one could not spend all day hanging around for a band.

"Ahoy!" he said. Ausitorians occasionally had a slightly irritating habit of getting all nautical, if you were easily irritable. "What a pleasure it is to see you!" he said, and he meant it, for summits were boring - it was only the people and what they said that gave them any semblance of interest.

"A pleasure," confirmed the Prime Minister, as everyone introduced themselves.

"Do, please, take some seats - any seats," the Foreign Minister continued, leading them up the four sloping steps inside the airship, dancing directly into the conference room. Being Ausitorian, which meant that they were always trying to make themselves secure in their own idiosyncrasies, it was inevitable that the table was littered with high tea. Narrowly missing the crumpets and scones, the Foreign Secretary sat down half way down the table like a petulant child - a sign of the terrible duality betwixt confidence and nervousness that afflicted all the higher echelons of the Imperial Commonwealth's government.

"Incidentally, did your government fill in that trade and economics questionnaire?" he smiled at them, and then, leaning in confidentially, and almost upsetting a teacup (a light 乌龙), he continued with a wink. "We wrote it mostly to enable multiple bilateral relations."

The Prime Minister, who was still outside and yet well within earshot, rolled his eyes as the next airplane thundered in...

[Salderia]

Alexandria, Ausitoria
The flight had been a long one. From his home country to Ausitoria, it had been 9 long hours of kids crying, people talking, and turbulence. Oh, the turbulence! Catherine Archer had paid for the fight on her own since Salderia didn't have the budget to fly its citizens to other countries. Salderia was what is considered a "mirco-country", a small nation, sometimes non-territorial, or in the territory of other nations. Salderia was neither; it was a private island, bought by a group who wanted to establish their own nation. Micro-countries are generally unrecognized by their larger counterparts. Salderia, however was recently recognized by three international organizations: the World Assembly, the USN, and the IFC.

Archer is the Vice Caesar of Salderia. She was the running mate to James Jean-Luc Sisko, who was attending the USN Summit. Archer was excited though nervous for this conference; it was her first experience at international diplomacy. She was not a diplomat by trade, she was actually a coroner for a police department in her home country. She was taken to the place where the conference was to be held. When the person said "Here it is" she looked over and thought Oh shit. She was looking at an airship. It was something she had no desire to go into.

A few years back, there had been an airship crash. She had been one of the coroners who looked at the bodies afterward to try to determine what killed them. Just remembering the bodies made her feel sick. All charred black, mangled, it was terrible. She vowed never to step foot in one of those dreadful objects. But, alas, she had to, for international diplomacy. So, she paid the driver and stepped out. When she stepped on and looked around.

[The Lendol Archipelago]

The flight had been most pleasant. Ausitorian travel was almost as good as that of Lendol. Although he couldn't recall ever having a chocolate fountain on one of his home country's flights... The conversation was steller, as was to be expected, the topics varying from music to highly sensitive matters, such as Hemithean conflicts and scandal involving world leaders and the like. Juunar wasn't one to gossip, but it was one of the few rules that he broke when in the company of one of his many Ausitorian friends.

Juunar was confident that this summit wouldn't come to as an abrupt end as the one they had just witnessed. He was also confident that he'd get a chance to read the speech he'd prepared for the prior summit... Courteously, Juunar stepped to one side, allowing Richard Whittingrey to enter his own country's summit first.

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

The Prime Minister, fed up with being a doorman - the occupational hazard of waiting at the door - stomped in miserably behind them all.

"Welcome," said the Foreign Secretary, not rising and waiting for the Foreign Minister's response. "Pleasure to meet you all. Any opinions on what we should discuss? We might as well start without waiting for all those f..riends-" he saved himself just in time from saying 'frenemies'. He noted the woebegone look on the Prime Minister's face and guessed correctly the reason for it. The Prime Minister had been described as an egotistical blancmange to him recently, and he turned his head around the table, wondering whether there was any blancmange. For some reason there wasn't...

[Shazbotdom]

IC:
SCENE: En route to 8th Summit, Austoria
The Admiral was pissed about the location being moved and them enacting the 8th Summit so soon. But that's what you get when you offer to be a dignitary for a meeting, especially when your main talking points for the said meeting will be the State of the Navy for the IFC. The purchase was prepared and and everything was set to place the order, all that was needed would be the authorization of the IFC to initiate the purchase with Halcyon Arms.

"Falchon India Five Seven Niner to Autorian Air Traffic Control," the pilot stated into his radio. "Authorization is requested to land near the airship so that the Grand Admiral can Disembark, Over?"

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"Alexandria Air Traffic Control to Falchon India 579 will guide you in they're at the end of the western runway dock A-1, please report remaining permissible flight time" replied a voice, almost without pausing, as Alexandrian Air Traffic Control was trained to do. Alexandrian airspace was notoriously overcrowded.

[OOC: Please do assume you land safely, I don't feel inclined to put you in two holding patterns and a thousand course corrections!]

[Shazbotdom]

IC:
SCENE: 8th IFC Summit Location, Austoria
As the Falcon reached the landing strip where the airship for the summit was berthed, it hovered over a helipad and slowly lowered itself down so it could land gracefully. As usual, the honor guard of Marines that was ensuring that he arrived safely hopped out of the Falcon just before it touched down onto the ground. They took up defensive position around the aircraft and waited for it to land safely on the ground before the Grand Admiral stepped off onto the tarmac. Nodding at them, they fell in line in front of him and behind him in defensive positions as they walked the couple hundred yards from the Marine Air Corps air craft to the Airship, approaching it at a quick pace and walking right to the entrance ramp.
The marines marched up the ramp, hands on the XR-02 Magnum Handguns that were strapped to their hips, scanning the entrance of the airship as they got to it, then walking in, looking around and motioning to the Admiral that it was safe for his entrance. The Grand Admiral then walked up the ramp of the airship and entered it, looking around at the other delegates in attendance, he nodded at them and then walked over and had a seat where he saw his nameplate located. He said nothing this time as he got situation, setting his ultra-thin briefcase in front of him and opening it, revealing that a fully functional computer was built into it. He brought up his satellite internet connection and logged into the Imperial Ministry of Defense network to check on if anything needed his immediate attention, then logged out and brought up the presentation for the purchase of Naval Vessels for the IFC and waited.

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"Oh, the Wifi password is ausitoriarocks, all lower-case. Free and secure wifi for everyone in Ausitoria," said the Prince, noticing, and justifiably proud. He winked at the Lendol delegation - Lendol was similarly enlightened. "I understand a couple of other delegations will be arriving shortly - do we want to start without them? They can always read the transcript."

[The Lendol Archipelago]

"It's up to you, it is your summit, after all. I'll happily read my speech, that way they won't miss anything of importance," Juunar replied. Due to the lack of protestation, something they'd likely regret afterwards, he took his place and gave his speech.

"I'm happy so many of you have turned up," he began, already regretting not planjpning for an outcome such as this.

Starting again, he said, "In today's world, it's important that we stand together in united fronts. Gone are the times when one nation could truly stand alone.

Now, it is important to attend events such as these, even if it is just to make friends. Standing here, I know who my friends are and I'm glad to be among them and to have worked with them. I'm proud to be a part of the IFC, we should all be proud. Proud that we are working towards a better tomorrow, a tomorrow brighter and safer than today.

This bump in the road shall be barely a hindrance if we face it together, united by common goals. But we will never succeed in making a difference if we are held captive by our fears. What do we fear more, our own PM or a fractured IFC?" Stopping himself from ranting, Juunar reigned the speech back in and changed the topic.

"CASTI and Gleursmo are set to be perfect examples of what we can, and will, achieve when we pull together as one united front. Thank you."

Scrumpling up the tatty paper that held his disjointed, poorly planned speech, Juunar couldn't help but feel a small sense of pride. Maybe I should frame it? he thought, No, I'll be happier if I never see it again...

Retaking his seat, he happily resigned to the idea of taking a back seat for the evening.

[Krjder]

Alexandria Airport|Whittingdon Citadel|Aestorian Commonwealth
Like some elegant waterfowl, the KKLK-Trøjmlijner-44 swooped down from the clouds and gracefully touched down, smoothly and with little impact shock. Inside the cockpit, Captain Ricardo Gúiesci nodded in approval.
"Clever landing, nice smooth kiss touchdown, grandma didn't spill her tea etcetera..." He said in mock appraisal, turning to First Officer Vidkun Fjällerhaag.
"Next time just stop the goddamn plane and don't use up the whole runway, give yourself options, you never know.." Berated the captain. Vidkun glared out the window and rolled his eyes. Captain Gúiesci was the Emperor's favourite pilot and was a former hero in the airforce, having been a gunship pilot. He had also been Fjällerhaag's tutor for taking on the role of flying for the Imperial Household.

Küser Anton Anton reclined in the main cabin of the plane, a quaint compartment that suited the Krïdan taste: classy but not gaudy. Panelled with mahogany and accented with teal silk or velvet. It was slick, modern and so clean, it made people often too nervous to so much as breath, should the departing particles from their insides pollute the pristine cabin.

Anton was a young monarch, barely twenty two. But his youthful features had been key diplomacy tools over his 6 years on the Imperial Cymbidium Throne. Though now engaged, even now, everywhere he went, girls asked him to marry him and screamed for him. But, Anton had had an emotionally insecure teenage life. A lack of sisters and any affection at home had lead him to rely on his deep friendship for a minor nobleman; Count Nikolas vijk Schwandauschloß. This relationship had, over the years developed into something more and the experimentation had begun. One night, they were caught in Anton's chamber. It's common belief that Krïdan secret services, whoever they may be, had Nikolas killed in a plane crash, in which 427 others died. Such a blow to his heart would never heal.

"As much as I respect the Commonwealth , I can't help but get wary of their eccentricity.." He lamented, breaking off a square of pistachio filled dark chocolate and placing it on his tongue.
"They may be eccentric, but their are essential to the framework of this coalition. I don't want any incidents when you're in my care Anton." Advised Kyōshi Gunjaiku the current Ambassador to the Commonwealth. He had flown back to Krjder for his son's parent's evening and was returning with the emperor for the summit.

Kyōshi was a man wizened by age. He had had a long career of diplomacy, in the WA, in Romberg and elsewhere. He was a socialite, charismatic and charming, he was the ideal choice for a nation where court intrigues were still essential to government life. Kyōshi had also been a military man, serving twelve years in the 4th Royal Korōshuese Chevaulègers, a medium cavalry regiment. He had seen his fair share of action, and had plenty of stories to exchange with any Aestorian officers, who, coming from such a reputable military would be sure to have some gripping tales of derring-do.

Both men had donned slim, body complimenting three piece suits. Anton's was navy blue pinstriped, with a red tie and pocket kerchief. Kyōshi wore a navy blue suit too, though not pinstriped. He had a pine green tie and pocket kerchief. The Krïdans were a people that knew how to dress, and dress well.
"Your Imperial Majesty, the car is waiting." Came a tranquil voice from behind. Baron Izéyakū-Kamagōshi of Erūmushyigēmi poked his head round the door, which lead to the very back of plane. The young Baron was the Emperor's 1st Officer of the Imperial Suite, an office held usually by young noblemen who want to make a start in court or politics. The Baron's uniform today was that of a imperial officer of the household; a maroon high collared tunic with teal frogging and facings, a feathered cap, teal breeches and maroon suede knee high boots.
"Izéyakū, do we have the gift hamper packed? And all our luggage?" Inquired the emperor, heaving himself up.
"Yes your imperial majesty!"

---

The door of the plane hissed as it slowly rolled open. First, four security guards, clad simply in black trousers, boots, a turtleneck jumper and shaded glasses. Submachine guns hung from their shoulders. They eyed up the area eagerly. The emperor, followed by Kyōshi and the Baron shook hands with the pilots before disembarking. Eight security guards followed them out too. After greeting the meeting party, they got in the vehicles and headed through the picturesque citadel of Whittingdon. Anton was thrilled and looked out the window intently. This was a gem that he wanted to explore. Finally, they arrived at the airship, cameras flashing.

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

[OOC: Could you lot stop driving cars fifty meters down a major airport runway? What’s the point of using an airship if it isn’t at the airport? What’s the point of writing an OP if you won’t read it? Next person who fails to read the OP gets their car crushed by a manoeuvring jumbo jet. The rest of you may edit your posts. IC:]

“Hear hear,” said the Foreign Secretary. He looked up and was glad to see the arrival of the Krjder delegation.

“Well, we have quorum in the defence committee,” he said, smiling at their excellencies, who had undoubtedly managed to get passed the band and national anthemn. The Prime Minister rose, and shook hands, while the Foreign Secretary indicated the scones. "If we may..." he continued:

"Naval matters.

Grand Admiral," he said, turning to the Shazbotdom delegation, "the Ausitorian government has always been of the opinion that the trouble with Halycon ships is that they are priced somewhat beyond what is reasonable, particularly when economies of scale are considered. It is no doubt from ships that Halycon arms makes most of their profits, even when one reduces prices by 10% - incidentally on that subject if the purchase was made as part of an upcoming Ausitorian order (in excess of $1 trillion) then we could acquire the maximum discount and split the profit. Anyway, it is not as though IFC members do not produce ships of their own. We wonder whether you would approve of perhaps a third of your nation's most generous donations being diverted towards such ends - we would be interested in your comments?"

He asked.

[Vikden]

Whittington International Airport
Alexandria, Ausitoria
The Asgard Systems 838 Var Gutten, an elegant passenger jet used by Vikdenian Officials, swooped down toward the runway. Inside, President Johannes Abel sat facing his executive aide, an attractive woman of 30. Abel himself was 47, married, and had 3 beautiful children. As the tires hit the ground, they were shook a bit, momentarily disrupting their conversation. Abel was looking forward to this summit, it was the first IFC Summit he would be attending since Vikden was only recently accepted. He glanced outside while the plane taxied to the special area that the meeting would take place.

Much to his surprise, there was no building. The plane came to a stop, and Abel took of his seat belt. He walked to the door, and jogged down the stairs, followed by his aide. Abel saw a long red carpet leading to an airship. Well damn, this ought to be interesting. Two members of the Presidential Vakt Kroppen (PVK) fell into step on either side of him. Both were ex-special forces, armed with L117A1 pistol under a shoulder. They wore suits, with the buttons undone. As they got to the airship, Abel turned to them "Please wait out here." The guards nodded, and stood facing out from the airship. Abel and the assistant walked into the airship. As he walked into the room, he heard something about naval matters.

[Shazbotdom]

"Naval matters.

Grand Admiral," he said, turning to the Shazbotdom delegation, "the Ausitorian government has always been of the opinion that the trouble with Halycon ships is that they are priced somewhat beyond what is reasonable, particularly when economies of scale are considered. It is no doubt from ships that Halycon arms makes most of their profits, even when one reduces prices by 10% - incidentally on that subject if the purchase was made as part of an upcoming Ausitorian order (in excess of $1 trillion) then we could acquire the maximum discount and split the profit. Anyway, it is not as though IFC members do not produce ships of their own. We wonder whether you would approve of perhaps a third of your nation's most generous donations being diverted towards such ends - we would be interested in your comments?"

He asked.

"The Empire would be willing to adjust the purchase a bit. The thing is that for the purchase we have added in the price of the Domestic Production Rights into the budget, which is where a majority of the money will go. To free up some money that could be used for the purpose of assisting in the development of Naval Vessels by the delegations navies from within the IFC is that we can drop out the number of ships for purchase to one per type of vessel and drop one of the ships off of the order completely," the Grand Admiral started.

"We would be okay with dropping the Falchion-class Corvette off of the order completely, saving $7.8 Billion. Dropping the number of ships for each other type of ship will save another $25 Billion. Bringing the total number saved to $32.8 Billion for the ships. We could also slash the budget for the helicopters that are on the proposed purchase by dropping the number of purchased to 10 per Helicopter/TIlt-rotor. This would save an additional $1.9502 Billion up front. This would bring the total amount saved to nearly $34.758 Billion. Said money would be funneled to nations from the Imperial Budget to assist in their development of naval vessels for use by the IFC Navy while keeping the purposed money for buying the Domestic Production Rights for each item will save money in the long run and have it so that the IFC can build everything later on to ensure that our forces are up to par and enough to take on any threat."

He takes a sip of water from a cup that was positioned on a podium to his left and adjusts the microphone slightly, "We hope that this would be acceptable to the rest of the Defensive Committee and are prepared to draw up a second draft of the proposed purchase so others can look at the numbers."

PURCHASE

ITEM	Ship Type	Price Per Ship	Number	DPR Price	TOTAL COST
Ragnarok-class	Fast Combat Re-supply Ship, Submarine Tender	1,800,000,000	1	80,000,000,000	81,800,000,000
Crusader-class	Helecopter Destroyer	3,100,000,000	1	48,000,000,000	51,100,000,000
Heroic-class	Amphibious Assault Carrier - LHD	3,900,000,000	1	64,000,000,000	67,900,000,000
Gallant-class	Fleet Carrier - CVN (Coal-Powered STOBAR Variant)	1,900,000,000	1	64,000,000,000	65,900,000,000
Sabre-class	Litorrial Frigate	850,000,000	1	8,500,000,000	9,350,000,000
C-50A Hermes	Carrier Onboard Delivery, Medium Cargo Aircraft	65,000,000	25	45,000,000,000	46,625,000,000
V-24 Swift Fox	Multirole Tilt-Rotor	61,500,000	10	25,000,000,000	25,615,000,000
UH-24 Fox	Multirole Utility Helecopter	23,200,000	10	15,000,000,000	15,232,200,000
AH-24 Fennec	Attack Helecopter	32,000,000	10	30,000,000,000	30,320,000,000
AH-24b Fennechawk	Compound Attack Helecopter	40,000,000	10	36,000,000,000	36,400,000,000

PURCHASE TOTAL: $430,242,000,000

[Salderia]

Archer glanced over to the Admiral from Shazbotdom. I'm not a member of the Defense Committee, but I would like to ask something. What to do... She cleared her throat, and said "Um, excuse me" but it came out as "Um, erse mm". She felt her face get hot, assuming that she was bright red. "Sorry," she started in a stronger voice, "but I have a question for you, sir Admiral." Archer paused a moment before continuing. "I realize that I am not on the Defense Committee, but I need some clarification. You see, I'm a coroner by trade, and have no military experience. So, looking at this purchase sheet which you have provided, what is the difference of an attack helicopter and a compound attack helicopter? Thank you."

[Shazbotdom]

Archer glanced over to the Admiral from Shazbotdom. I'm not a member of the Defense Committee, but I would like to ask something. What to do... She cleared her throat, and said "Um, excuse me" but it came out as "Um, erse mm". She felt her face get hot, assuming that she was bright red. "Sorry," she started in a stronger voice, "but I have a question for you, sir Admiral." Archer paused a moment before continuing. "I realize that I am not on the Defense Committee, but I need some clarification. You see, I'm a coroner by trade, and have no military experience. So, looking at this purchase sheet which you have provided, what is the difference of an attack helicopter and a compound attack helicopter? Thank you."

Grand Admiral Rockenbach laughed slightly at the question, "It mainly has to do with the configuration of it, I myself am not an Air Force person so it would have to be someone with that background to explain it in more detail. I could get someone from Halcyon Arm's Aerospace division to email me a reply to that question if needed, or the C-in-C of the Air Force could explain it better than I could."

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

The Foreign Secretary replied. "In this case, the primary difference is a pusher-rotor, with the aim being to allow the helicopter to move backwards/forwards more quickly, although Ausitorian estimates are that the modification is of limited utility as rotors cannot change their direction of spin particularly quickly anyway."

He paused, and, with a slightly bemused expression, continued.

"I'm not a military expert either, but we discussed an upcoming order to Halycon arms in the Ausitorian cabinet a few days ago.

Anyway, one other question I have been asked to raise is whether we need DPR on everything. Surely we could spend the money simply buying more equipment? Their new corvette and helicopter look rather good, for instance."

[Organized States]

VC-25B SAM 30000
Whittington International Airport
2/6/16

It was usual for the President to arrive late to summits. The rigors of wartime presidency were great and it certainly showed. The once brown haired dashing President Ellsworth was a shadow of his former self with the end of his eight year presidency, prematurely graying and aging. 3,698 Americans' blood was on his hands, and it weighed heavily on him. This would be his last ever IFC summit and well, with the way the organization was going, he was kind of glad. Gone were the days of American troops fighting side by side with their Bratislavian and Carlossian brothers in arms in the mountains of Paldavia, a country in which he had narrowly died in as President. It was more of delegates and bureaucrats fighting in the council, now. Only West Aurelia, Inyursta, Flardania, Devonta, Coldwater, Carloso, Argentarino and Wagodonia were considered high essential allies in the organization now, with the departure of Valaran. Needless to say, to many in the OS, the organization was weak and collapsing. With the OS on the verge of energy independence and the Allied Nations Pact proving to be a far more reliable partnership, many were starting to question the OS's role within the organization. Ellsworth, with this final visit, hoped to prove them wrong. He took another deep breath before stepping out of the aircraft door and down the jet stairs in a picture perfect moment. He did a slight wave to the cameras before finally reaching the end of the jetway and being placed into an armored car. The car drove from one end of the airport to the other, eventually reaching a heliport, where the President finally boarded an OSMC VH-92 which whisked him towards the airship on which the conference was being held on another end of the large airport.

The President finally stepped off of the airship, escorted by his entourage and the Secret Service and entered the conference room. "Good Morning, Gentlemen. Let's make some good decisions, today." He said, projecting his voice diplomatically. He continued, "I see that the Naval Force is being discussed at this time. I'd like to request that my good friend, Commander Harmon Franconia explain the OS objections to the current plan."

Commander Franconia, a tall and well-built man in Service Dress Blues, quickly took the microphone. "It is currently the position of the OS Department of Defense and the Department of the Navy, specifically, that the current equipment selected by our counterparts in the Shazbotdom Imperial Navy is inadequate to suite the IFC's current needs. The Secretary of the Navy, the honorable Harry Jameson, has requested that I distribute a report from the Office of Naval Intelligence regarding Halcyon Arms' current equipment."

A 24-page report was passed around the delegation's meeting area by a group of OS diplomatic aides, one that began to highlight an extremely high cost for pieces of equipment that did not share commonality with the majority of IFC systems, particularly in regards to communications systems used by the OS, West Aurelian, and Carlossian Navies and the additional lack of meaningful training vessels and aircraft.

"As you will read in the report, the OS believes that it is in the best interest of the IFC to hold open tenders for the requested equipment. Thank you, Commander Franconia." The President said with a curt nod to Franconia.

[Salderia]

Archer nodded slowly as she got her answers. "Well then, it seems to me that we could slash one of the two types of attack helicopter, to save money. These prices are, to say the least, high."

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"Both those points can be coherently argued. Thank you for your report, good to see you here," said the Turquoise Secretary, having handed it to someone behind him to read. "As far as we are concerned, there are certainly some ships suggested which do provide inter-operability - Ausitoria uses a few, for a start; also in general we do regard aircraft as fairly reasonably priced in Halycon arms when one gains a 10% discount. Therefore we would suggest a compromise - if we do not purchase DPR, that would allow most of the budget to be spent on the additional requirements that you suggest?"

Richard Whittingrey spoke up from the end of the table, having just had his earpiece filled by advice from the Watch Office. "We note in particular that your report highlights the lack of training vessels and aircraft, shall we start by discussing what additional craft we require in that category?"

[United States of Conner]

Christopher Marks pulled out a comb and tried to tame his hair as he jogged towards the steps that led to ... that thing the Ausitorians called an airship. Whatever it was, it was were he was supposed to have been a while ago. Of course, he had had to deal with a couple of resolutions before he left the Council Chamber, and his flight had taken longer than expected, and just getting clearance to get to the airship had been such a mess ...

However, all that mattered was that he was here now. And that was all he cared to think about as he jogged up the aircraft steps, stowed his comb, and sat down at one end of the long table.

"Sorry I'm late. Perfect storm of bad things happening today. I already know what we were discussing, though, so continue."

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"Good to see you!" replied the Foreign Secretary, passing a plateful of buttered scones. "Particularly in light of what I think we should put next on the agenda. Any views yourself?"

[United States of Conner]

Taking a bite out of a scone, Marks stroked his chin. "Well, as for the naval issue, I feel as though reducing the number of ships any more would increase the IFC's dependence on national forces. Not that that's a bad thing, but something we should consider nonetheless."

"As for what else to talk about, perhaps we should address the elephant in the room - IFC-SACTO relations.

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"Fair enough," replied the Turqoise prince, passing a pot of jam, and looking around. "Can we quickly settle whether we intend to go to the dramatic expense of ordering DPR first, or allocating that money to purchasing other naval elements?"