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

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"In that case, Resolution 24a passed. I am delighten to confirm Vikden's appointment to the post of Minister of the Blue Cross.

Regarding Resolutions 26 and 27, opinions on what to do in Bluewell would be greatly appreciated - we genuinely don't know whether to abandon Bluewell to slavery or run the risk of the Pillowlandian Commonwealth attacking our forces. It is not any easy decision."

[Imperial Valaran]

"We vote Nay on Resolution 27. At this time, a negotiated settlement would be best - the realities on the ground are continuing to turn unfavourable."

[New Roma Republic]

"It is the opinion of the Imperial Republic that the IFC withdraw forces, and let the Nihonese and Pillowlandians deal with the terrorists and slavers. This is increasingly turning into a quagmire, something that we just don't need to get sucked into. We have no interest in being attacked by the Pillowlandians. Though slavery is abhorable, we are no longer welcome on Bluewell. Our mission to fight Armus is complete; let's bring our boys home."

[The Lendol Archipelago]

"And it is the opinion of the Lendol Archipelago that we should put the wellbeing of the people of Bluewell first, no matter what."

[Guadalupador]

"We will be voting Nay on Resolution 27. The people of Bluewell clearly do not want us to bleed for them. If we escalate our involvement, more harm will come than good, given that a standoff between us and the Nihonese may be possible. Suspending Pillowlandia won't help either, it's too unreasonable of a request specifically on your country's end."

[Mizrad]

"The Mizradian delegation wishes to notify any delegations that remain uninformed about the Bluewell situation that IFC forces are gladly being hosted in the country. Do not confuse their disagreements with Ausitoria as disagreements with the nations of the International Freedom Coalition. With this being said Mizrad is currently deploying a large force to Bluewell in order to further persuade those involved that the issue can be resolved with peace and that our armed forces are just as much of a humanitarian force as they are an offensive one."

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"I can confirm the Ausitorians will not be landing any more Ausitorian forces unless the IFC forces are attacked. Indeed, if we don't count Pillowlandians, we expect that within a week only a third of IFC forces in the country will be Ausitorian - about the same will be Islesian, and the rest are Roman, Mizradian, and International. But anyway all of them are IFC."

[Pillowlandia]

"Pillowlandia must vote NAY on resolution 27. It is mo[st clear that our elected Prime Minister is incompetently uninformed of the legal status of the Federal Republic of Bluewell. In the course of these events the legal and democratically elected government of Bluewell has demanded that Aestorian forces leave the nation; to imply they are one and the same with IFC forces is a gross and undeserved compliment to the Aestorian police state." At that the delegate moved his focus from the Aestorian delegate to the council as a whole. "If one assumes that Bluewell does not ache for aid in it's fight against the monstrous slavers and the illegitimate insurgent group known as the BIA is to be wrong. Bluewell is in need of more assistance than ever before, simply it wishes for help that does not blatantly violate it's sovereign rights."

[New Roma Republic]

"I have just been informed that all New Roman Forces in and around the area of Bluewell shall be removed immediately."

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"You can either have stupid isolation or international collaboration," replied Frederick, in what he considered to be the height of reasonableness. "Have a scone," he commanded the delegate, passing a plateful over in some subconcious hope of either buttering up or shutting up the opposing delegate.

"Incidentally we are delighted to announce that Adriatican has been made Minister for Membership and Projects, replacing Pillowlandia in charge of ISRA and the ICHCA, and taking charge of maintaining rights and standards."

[New Chilokver]

Aye to Resolution 25, Resolution 25 passed 4-3.

[Pillowlandia]

"Firstly, there is a vast difference between isolation and the actions of the Bluewell government. They simply prefer to retain their sovereignty. Not bow down to pompous, incompetent fools from Ausitoria." At the passing of the plate and the stupidity which flowed out behind it Charles rose, taking the plate of scones and promptly throwing the place back at the 'prince'. It landed squarely on his face, then proceeded to slide down. "Secondly, that plate of scones has just served more purpose than your tenure as PM and the Office of Projects have combined. On top of that, it has better governing manners and skills than you evidently have been trained in Prince Kapiza. I hope them the best in fending off your nations foolish attempts at continued hegemony." At that he paused, turning briefly to take a paper from an aide standing nearby. "As of now I would like to announce the complete and total embargo of The Aestorian Commonwealth by the combined member states of the Pillowlandian Commonwealth. This includes the Federal Republic of Bluewell, the Federal Republic of Neopillowlandia, The Holy Empire of Pillowlandia Minor, and the Armed Republic of Pillowlandia." At that he finally sat back down, the two Pillowlandian guards whom had been escorting him this entire time slowly unbuttoning their jackets in case things escalated further.

[Adriatican]

An older woman in a navy blue pantsuit, and a emerald pearl necklace walked into the chamber.

"If it should please the Speaker, I present myself; Angela Northwood, as the Delegate Ambassador from the United States of Adriatican, and as the new Minister of Projects for the International Freedom Coalition.

I thank the members of Council, and the Prime Minister for their faith, and look forward to working with you all."

[The Swiss Guardsmen]

"Enjoyed that little show of theatricality, did you?" Ambassador Riāpoza said icily as she turned to focus a growing scowl on her Pillowlandian counterpart. "For a diplomat who so enjoys passing around the title of 'fool,' you seem to have made quite the curious habit of making enemies out of those who call you 'friend'. At a time when 'friends' are all that stand between the people of Bluewell and the yoke of a doomed existence, I question whether the title of 'fool' has been appropriately attributed".

Riāpoza leaned in slowly - an acute crossness darkening her facial expression. Resting her right hand on the table in front of her, a slow, irritated finger-tapping rang out as the Ambassador continued. "Has it escaped your notice, or have you simply put it out of mind, that at Bluewell's doorstep this very moment lies one of the great menaces of our time? A collection of ambitious slaving powers, the anointed chainmasters of our era, the foul sovereign pariahs of this world, now have Bluewell in their sights. A judgement worse than death awaits most who fall under their gaze. Suffering, unbound in imagination, and without parallel in your history, awaits at the hands of these merciless subjugators - these beasts who walk the earth beneath the skin of men, who rule without scruple, virtue, or humanity. And in the face of the hordes that now rally against you, the 'wisdom' of your Republic...is to threaten the IFC? No doubt our enemies have chosen their target for its weakened position, its internal instability - but in all my years I never expected our foes' banking on your insufferable proclivity to piss off your own allies to prove so wise. A diplomat of your caliber would do well to take account of the indignation of your friends here, and perhaps bear it more closely in mind should the urge to speak so rashly arise again in the future".

"Furthermore, while this delegation wishes to publicly express its displeasure that IFC leadership has neglected to accommodate Pillowlandian concerns about the presence of Coalition facilities, the Pontifical Union still recognizes IFC administered zones (including troops/ assets housed therein) as under the full protection of the IFC's collective defense agreement. Military action taken against any IFC member, by any member, will not be tolerated".

She turned briefly towards the Ausitorians. "Arrogant disregard for concerns our allies raise when they sense their sovereignty infringed upon serves no useful purpose. The same goes for pissy accusations of 'isolationism'. There are constructive ways to address criticism of IFC policy without antagonizing the clearly more...agitated diplomats here," Riāpoza said, eyeing the Pillowlandians again.

The Astavian's cold, contemptuous gaze fell upon the guards next - her eyebrows raised incredulously. "And what are you two G-men on about? Expecting a little throw down high up here, so very far away from home?" She glanced back at the Pillowlandian diplomat. "You'd do well sir, while tensions are running a little high, to muzzle your friends here before they take inspiration from your temperament too far."

Standing to address the table at large, Riāpoza lifted a small memorandum that an aid had brought in several minutes earlier. "I have also received word from Vaticaina that the National People's Congregation intends to introduce legislation this afternoon authorizing the temporary housing of Bluewell Catholic refugees applying for Astavian citizenship at our immigration holding facilities on the St. Arak Islands. Long decommissioned camps of...darker and more tragic history we'll say, have been repurposed for accommodating the influx of worldwide applicants since Astavia's immigration laws were altered in 2008. These processing facilities can and will be expanded to facilitate the safe transfer and investigation of refugees seeking a new life in the homeland and cradle of their faith. The Apostolic Camera has authorized the initial allocation of 385 million Denarii to evacuate and accommodate current applicants, and has been instructed by the Apostolic Palace to increase funding as the need becomes necessary. We are working presently with Astavian commercial airline carriers and maritime organizations to assist those refugees lacking financial means to depart for the safety of the Pontifical Union. That's all I have for you at the moment, but as more information becomes available to me and my staff, I will be sure to notify all of you promptly".

"I of course extend warm greetings to the honorable delegate from Adriatican, and wish her good fortune in the work that lies ahead".

[Shazbotdom]

The Grand Admiral tented his fingers as he sat there, watching the events unfold before his eyes. "The empire votes Nay on Resolution 27 and feel that it is rather stupid for the Prime Minister to force us to continue to vote for this Resolution and not allow any further Resolutions to go forth with this 'Automatic Withdrawl and Re-Proposal' bullshit. If the people of Bluewell do not wish for the IFC to be there, then we should, indeed, withdraw our joint IFC forces. If they do not wish for a specific nation from this Alliance to have their forces there, then that specific nation should withdraw their forces and let the remaining IFC Forces handle the situation. The fact is, as I know many here have noticed, is that there has been no official notice by the Bluelandian Government to threaten ALL forces of the IFC. At least not anything that was sent on an open communications systems that are visible to the International Community."

He takes a sip of water, "Not to mention that we are wasting valuable Alliance resources on this matter that seems to have no end in sight, at least for the foreseeable future. I would like to call that all matters on Bluewell be left to those nations that are already active the theater and should be taken to a sub-committee. I will also make a note, publicly, that I will be resigning my post as the head of the IFC Navy, while retaining my position as the Grand Allied Commander."

[The Swiss Guardsmen]

"I sympathize with the exasperation of the right and honorable Grand Admiral in light of the tediousness of this conflict," Riāpoza responded, her tone softening markedly. "But in the interests of clarifying what has actually been said, a general and far-reaching threat has in fact been relayed to the IFC by the Federal Republic of Bluewell. If it would so please the Speaker, I'd request the Pillowlandian ambassador's earlier words be read aloud from the register, and that he be given the chance to clarify (as best he his able) the intention and meaning of the message he relayed.

"I have been informed by my nation that the Federal Republic of Bluewell has declared that any IFC administered zones on the island will be considered an act of war...Furthermore Ausitorian ground forces have been given 72 hours to vacate the nation or be considered hostile invaders and thus targets for the Bluewell Armed Forces. Furthermore, should they remain the Federal Republic of Bluewell intends to invoke clause 64 of the Commonwealth Constiution and call both The Holy Empire of Pillowlandia Minor, Federal Republic of Neopillowlandia, and...The Armed Republic of Pillowlandia.""

[Mizrad]

After some recent troubling events back home in Mizrad, the diplomatic corps had been forced to replace the standing IFC delegate with a new face. Just as talented yet even more intimidating in nature Darrell Jackson stands at about six feet with brown skin and a pair of piercing dark eyes. Although his complexion, height and so on were rather average a handful of things about him remain unique. Firstly are his negotiating skills. Unlike the average Mizradian diplomat Darrell adheres to a strict policy of not budging on just about anything. He had grown accustomed to policing the mannerisms of others and driving his point home. Secondly is his immediately noticeable build. Six feet, a slightly above average height, might not seem special. Although Mr. Jackson remains far from 'slightly above average' in terms of his physique. The man is built like a tank. Most folk would associate him with being a starting linebacker in the Mizradian Football League than working for the Office of Foreign Affairs. It is no wonder why the higher ups had chosen to send him here. If anybody could say "Go fuck yourself" loud and clear just with body language let alone a booming and cavernously deep voice it was Darrell Jackson.

"Ladies and gentlemen,"

He clears his throat.

"It is an honor to be able to come here as a representative of my country, the Democratic Republic of Mizrad. I would first like to say hello to everyone and state that Mizrad wishes to vote NAY on resolution 27. I would also like to add that we whole heartedly agree with the statement made by Ambassador Riapoza prior to her quoting of the Bluewellian government. Though this quote is true, am I wrong in saying that those comments were originally meant solely for Ausitorian troops? That it may have just been an accident that the IFC was shuffled in with the threats made to the Ausitorians? With all of this being said however we do take any threat to any member nation seriously and request that this be adressed by either the Bluewellian or Pillowlandian government once more. The sooner we settle down and figure this little mess of ours out the better."

His tone changes from polite to cold and statistical. His words come out 'matter of factly' rather than with passion.

"I believe that hurling additional forces into the fight may yield no greater benefit but I also believe that those currently in theater should remain in order to keep the small island nation under it's own influence. A large Mizradian fleet is already sailing towards Bluewell to make sure this goal is reached. This is all the Mizradian delegation wishes to say at the moment, thank you for your time."

He takes his seat once more hoping that the conversation would once again become productive.

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

Having ducked below the plate of scones, Frederick Styles was rather taken aback. If this had been a bilateral meeting he would have had the Pillowlandian delegate arrested; however, he was well aware that this would interfere substantially with the independent rights of the Council. Therefore, after other people spoke around him, he turned to the Speaker, who was showing some signs of life, and spoke in a wonderfuly soft and dry voice that dripped sardonism like a nerve gas.

"Mr. Speaker, The Pillowlandian ... I hesitate to use the word 'ambassador' - has just hurled a projectile of what could be called cluster scones. A dismissal from government does not justify an attack upon another ambassador, particularly when you are meeting in their airship. I might remind Charles he is standing on shaky air."

To underline the point, the airship stuttered very slightly, as though about to fall into the sea. This was the advantage of speeches being whispered in a person's earpiece and masterfully choreographed. The corner of Frederick's mouth twitched briefly, and he poured himself some tea.

"While normally we would judge this barbarian to have flouted and waived his diplomatic privelege, I am aware that the Council Is empowered to choose its own composition - in fact we wrote that back when we were the Speaker, resolution thirty something. The operative clause survives nowadays in the Charter.

However, Mr. Speaker, it is your job and power to suspend unruly members from this esteemed chamber. I submit that an appropriate course of action would be to declare Charles persona non grata, have him sent home, and invite Pillowlandia to send a better-behaved ambassador. If they can find one."

His voice cut like a knife, which he used to cut himself a slice of carrot cake.

"Anyone else fancy a slice? Normally I don't like carrot cake, but Alexandria has just discovered a new recipe. Coming to a city near you some day soon no doubt.

Anyway, moving on, we would like to send our congratulations to Lady Cornellia for pointing the way back to civilization in New Roma.

We would also like to welcome the Adriatican delegation and the imminent Astavian legislation to assist in rescuing refugees from civil war and slavery - a noble cause."

He then turned to the Supreme Allied Commander.

"I do like the Council to be able to set IFC policy. However perhaps we have now discussed it enough here for the moment and you are right that more detailed discussions should be referred to a committee of nations active in the theatre. Therefore we second your idea. Mr. Speaker, again, to skip a boring procedural vote, that decision is in your power if you wish to exercise it. Naturally if this goes ahead we will place the Summit Office under your control so that you have all the neccessary administrative support and firepower to lead the Council once more."

He tried to supress his excitement that another nation had proposed a committee.

"Finally, we would like to appoint the Astavian delegation as Official Poet. No office will be created or required. However sometimes it is art which reminds us what we fight for."

[Valaran]

"I do like the Council to be able to set IFC policy. However perhaps we have now discussed it enough here for the moment and you are right that more detailed discussions should be referred to a committee of nations active in the theatre. Therefore we second your idea. Mr. Speaker, again, to skip a boring procedural vote, that decision is in your power if you wish to exercise it. Naturally if this goes ahead we will place the Summit Office under your control so that you have all the neccessary administrative support and firepower to lead the Council once more."

Stavan pointedly ignored the earlier exchanges. "The Valaran Delegation considers this to be an deliberate attempt for Styles to circumvent a vote that he is clearly losing. If he lacks anything close to majority support, and must resort to such tactics, one might question whether he is fit to lead the IFC."

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"If you wish to second the motion of no confidence on the basis that a single unimportant Resolution is failing, be my guest," replied Frederick, blandly. "Now that Resolution 26 has passed, Resolution 27 is completely unnecessary."

"Alternatively, if you wish to oppose one of the Shazite delegation's better ideas, be my guest; currently we are 2-1 on that motion."

[Chkalovsk II]

An older aged looking man, with one medal pinned to him, in a black suit walked into the chamber.

"In case you are wondering, I am Boris Korshevskov, ambassador from the Union State of Chkalovsk to the International Freedom Coalition. I look forward to working towards peace, progress, and stability with you all."

He sat down.

[New Chilokver]

It had certainly been an interesting, if not altogether pleasant day. Over the last few hours, the debate and deliberation which had slowly simmered over the course of the Summit had finally come to a it's inevitable conclusion. Whiteway sighed and lifted his head from his steepled hands. It was never fun cleaning up after the messes of others.

The Chilokveri Foreign Minister stood and coughed lightly, so as to draw attention to himself, before speaking.

"Delegates from Mizrad, Chkvalovsk and Adriatican- welcome one and all. And to Ambassador, no, Minister Northwood, congratulations on your appointment to the Ministry of Projects."

Ian rolled his eyes up slightly then- not enough to be seen by those sitting in the assembly however.

"Ambassador Lussier, no matter how heated the discussion becomes, or how intense your dislike for another nation's delegation, please remember that you are first and foremost a diplomat. A compriser, a negotiator- an exerciser in soft power. If you resort to force, then you may as well have joined the Marine Corps instead of the diplomatic one.”

Though his voice and expression remained calm, Whiteway's eye had taken on a maddening twitch.

“As the Speaker of this esteemed organ, I find your behaviour to be in contempt of the International Freedom Coalition Council for the reasons as follow: attempted assault of another nation's delegate. You are hereby suspended from this council until further notice.”

It was hard for an already weary voice like his to sound even more tired, but he managed it.

“Ausitoria- as host nation for this summit, it is your right and privilege to press further charges. Whether you choose to declare Charles Lussier persona non grata or request Pillowlandia to drop his diplomatic immunity and trial him in a civil court- that is up to you.”

The verdict was pronounced with a single dull thump of the gavel. As if on cue, IFC guards and security appeared at the entrance to the chamber.

[Devernia]

"I, Vladimir Ryan, representing the Commonwealth of Devernia, vote AYE for Resolution 24A."

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"Mr. Speaker, you should not think it suitable that an, um, ambassador to the IFC - even one throwing scones - should be subject to civil trial. Surely us ambassadors are bound only by IFC law.

Naturally we would like to declare this particular scone-thrower Persona Non Grata however.

More seriously we would like to complain that one of the candidates for the post of Prime Minister has proposed that Prime Ministers can remove and appoint Speakers at will. While Novo Wagondia would undoubtedly be suited in that role, they are already Head of the Judicial Committee, and more suited to that role. But more importantly, surely it is the Council that chooses the Speaker? That is, after all, what the lawbook says."

[Devernia]

"What would be more democratic is to have the vote be available to the public, and have the votes be public. That way, nobody has a fuss on who gets to be the Speaker."