The Two Emperors (IC, Closed)

[Paglaum]

The Meeting of the Two Emperors

Harrison had expected this already. Such a large nation as Paglaum going out of its neutral state would likely sound the alarms of both the Japanese Bloc and the American Treaty Coalition Organisation (ATCO).

The first to look into diplomatic talks with the Paglaumian Empire was Japan, a request which Emperor Harrison I of the Smith-Rajasa dynasty would not consider denying. Unilaterally forming an alliance with either the Japanese or American blocs would just end in a diplomatic disaster of lasting repercussions.

Whichever the case, the meeting between the two men was today in the Paglaumian Government Palace. He fully expected a man such as a Japanese Emperor to have one Grand Entrance into the Palace...

As such, he would too make a grand welcoming to show the glory of the Majapahit Empire reborn. Harrison smiled when he was told that the Emperor of Japan had arrived the nation, and rushed off for further preparations.

[Dragomerian Islands]

Emperor Hebi (蛇) of the Empire of Japan was on-board his gold-plated VTOL jumbo-jet. A door on the rear of the aircraft opened up. The first people to leave the jet were his team of ten samurai, who stepped to the the side of the opening. The next two people were servants who rolled out a long red rug and returned to the inside of the aircraft. The Emperor exited the aircraft wearing regal robes in the traditional style. He carry three visible katanas, one on each side on his hips and one carried in his right hand. He walked ten meters from the entrance and snapped his fingers. Two M2025 "Heishi" mechas exited the rear of the aircraft, each carrying a gun that looks like the barrel came from a tank.

The Emperor's car (an armored limousine) drove out of the aircraft and the emperor entered it. The mechas, the emperor's car, and the samurais then went to the Paglaumian Government Palace in a procession. Once there, the emperor told the mechas to wait outside and for the samurais to follow him in.

[Paglaum]

The Emperor of Paglaum was accompanied by some other politicians who would be quietly observing the procession. He got down from his throne and went down to meet his Japanese analogue. All while being flanked by the Royal Guard at all times. Such a high-importance meeting required a good amount of protection for both mandataries.

"Good evenings, Emperor Hebi of Japan. We are honoured to have you in the processions today." When the two were at a closer distance, he offered a handshake.

[Dragomerian Islands]

The Emperor of Paglaum was accompanied by some other politicians who would be quietly observing the procession. He got down from his throne and went down to meet his Japanese analogue. All while being flanked by the Royal Guard at all times. Such a high-importance meeting required a good amount of protection for both mandataries.

"Good evenings, Emperor Hebi of Japan. We are honoured to have you in the processions today." When the two were at a closer distance, he offered a handshake.

Emperor Hebi (蛇) accepted the handshake and said, "I am glad to be here." after a pause, he said, "Shall we get on to business? I prepared a presentation to give to you and your government."

OOC: Would you like a powerpoint-style presentation or a verbal presentation with a paper copy.

[Paglaum]

The Emperor of Paglaum was accompanied by some other politicians who would be quietly observing the procession. He got down from his throne and went down to meet his Japanese analogue. All while being flanked by the Royal Guard at all times. Such a high-importance meeting required a good amount of protection for both mandataries.

"Good evenings, Emperor Hebi of Japan. We are honoured to have you in the processions today." When the two were at a closer distance, he offered a handshake.

Emperor Hebi (蛇) accepted the handshake and said, "I am glad to be here." after a pause, he said, "Shall we get on to business? I prepared a presentation to give to you and your government."

OOC: Would you like a powerpoint-style presentation or a verbal presentation with a paper copy.

OOC: I think a powerpoint-style presentation would make sense in this case. It is the modern era after all.

"Of course, time is indeed a valuable resource. If you desire to take a seat, we have one ready." Harrison stated, signalling to the other at the opposite end of the room. The meeting was organised in a way in which the two sides would be facing each other in opposite sides of a room, an environment of equality.

As the negotiations started, it seemed as if the room changed. Hostility was not felt in the air, but tension definitely was. The fate the Pacific's political landscape would be forever changed, everyone could feel.

[Dragomerian Islands]

The Emperor took out his laptop and plugged it into the projector. Directing Harrison's attention to the screen, he said, "The Empire of Japan has been around for many thousands of years. Starting in 2500 BD, the Empire of Japan started out as a series of tribes. Over time, these tribes fought and merged to become the Empire of Japan, consisting of the Japanese mainland, Taiwan, and Korea. The Empire first started under Ryū (龍), the first King and Emperor of Japan. Ever sine then, there have been six dynasties, all of whom can trace their lineage to the first Emperor. The Empire of Japan has always been advanced in terms of technologies. When the Europeans first came to Japan, they were in shock at seeing technology that rivaled their own. In the early 1900's, the Empire gained a region of Siberia, which is now called Japanese Russia by many. After the Great War, the Empire of Japan gained the islands that make up present-day New Taiwan. It was after the Great War, in which the ICPS was first founded."

During his presentation, the first slide had the title "A brief History of the Empire". As the Emperor was talking, the slides changed on their own, as though the computer was listening to the Emperor's speech to determine when to change slides. The Slides had shown various scenes in Japanese history, including the depiction of European explorers meeting the Japanese for the first time. The slides eventually got to a slide that read, "The ICPS"

The Emperor continued, "The ICPS was originally a product of the Japanese War Machine as a way to bring in nations under Japanese protection, while giving member countries access to advanced Japanese technologies and the vast Japanese markets. It was the ICPS that allowed Japan and the other ICPS members to avoid most of the blow from the Great Depression. While the American ATCO countries suffered greatly from the Great Depression, the Empire of Japan used that time to create marvels of engineering and skylines that still exist today."

The slides shown scenes of various advanced technologies at the start of this part of the presentation. When the topic of the Great Depression was talked about in the speech, obvious images and news article clippings from ATCO countries were shown. The images then shown the Japanese massive feats of engineering during the depression era and the economic state of the Empire of Japan.

The Emperor continued, "The Empire of Japan, then used its vast military might to take over the Philippines and added it into the Empire's territory. There was a war with all the members of ATCO that then occurred and the Empire of Japan, the key member of the ICPS, was able to keep all of them by itself and was able to force a peace treaty that was favorable to the Empire of Japan."

The images on this series of slides were of Pacific War scenes that showed the might of the Empire of Japan, and the wreckage of many ATCO ships. Scenes showing patriotic images of the Japanese war machine were shown.

The Emperor continued, "The ICPS will grant many economic benefits, including access to ICPS markets, ICPS funds, and massive economic growth. There are also technological and scientific benefits, as member nations have access to ICPS technologies and science developments. The ICPS is also has the most powerful military in the world, which will be protect and defend member nations."

The clips now shown images of ICPS financial markets, the Tokyo Downtown district, a few images of Dragonsong Rockets (including a video clip of the recent Venus mission), and a video clip showing a large number of naval ships in the sea.

The Emperor continued, "Before I move on, would you like specifics or any questions about the presentation before I move on?"

[Paglaum]

"Of course. Currently, who are the other member states of the ICPS?" The Emperor asked, as he considered his options. He took a sip from his cigarette.

[Dragomerian Islands]

"Of course. Currently, who are the other member states of the ICPS?" The Emperor asked, as he considered his options. He took a sip from his cigarette.

He replied, "Currently, there is the Empire of Japan, Afriastan, and the semi-autonomous region of New Taiwan. ATCO has made it almost impossible to get a member from the Americas, most nations around the Empire of Japan are neutral, and Versail is a part of the Caspian Alliance. I am currently working on getting Versail to become an ally of the ICPS."

He continued, "The primary differences between the ICPS and ATCO are what make the ICPS the ideal one to join. ATCO requires its members to adopt a unified military standard, while the ICPS only requires that the command structure be comparable to the Japanese. ATCO removes a member's right to sovereignty, while the ICPS has a major focus on sovereignty. Perhaps, the biggest difference is that The ICPS does not prohibit a member from having outside alliances or agreements, while ATCO has used such a prohibition to stop its members from joining other organizations."

He then continued, "Do you have any more questions? Next, I will cover the benefits of joining the ICPS and then I will cover the rights and responsibilities of member states."

[Paglaum]

"Of course. Currently, who are the other member states of the ICPS?" The Emperor asked, as he considered his options. He took a sip from his cigarette.

He replied, "Currently, there is the Empire of Japan, Afriastan, and the semi-autonomous region of New Taiwan. ATCO has made it almost impossible to get a member from the Americas, most nations around the Empire of Japan are neutral, and Versail is a part of the Caspian Alliance. I am currently working on getting Versail to become an ally of the ICPS."

He continued, "The primary differences between the ICPS and ATCO are what make the ICPS the ideal one to join. ATCO requires its members to adopt a unified military standard, while the ICPS only requires that the command structure be comparable to the Japanese. ATCO removes a member's right to sovereignty, while the ICPS has a major focus on sovereignty. Perhaps, the biggest difference is that The ICPS does not prohibit a member from having outside alliances or agreements, while ATCO has used such a prohibition to stop its members from joining other organizations."

He then continued, "Do you have any more questions? Next, I will cover the benefits of joining the ICPS and then I will cover the rights and responsibilities of member states."

"This is clear enough, thank you for the explanation. Which are the responsibilities for joining this pact?" The Emperor asked, his assistant was of course taking notes.

[Dragomerian Islands]

The Emperor replied, "The first obligation is 'All Member Nations Must hold the ICPS, its obligations, and its bylaws as superior to any presented by any other alliance, organization, or group in which an ICPS Member also has membership or status within', which means that your obligations to the ICPS are superior to that of other organizations. This was set as a way to prevent nations from using other organizations as an excuse to do or not do something. The second obligation is 'All Member Nations are obligated to defend other ICPS members who are attacked by any non-ICPS member nations.' This means that each member must defend other nations that are attacked. This provision means that as long as a member nation is not the attacker in a conflict, that nation can count on the ICPS for help and support. The third obligation is All Member Nations are required to maintain an active and reserve military force. This provision is one such that it mandates that member nation actually have the capability to defend itself and not just rely on the aid from the ICPS. The fourth obligation is 'All Member Nations may use their own currency; however, they must also accept the Credit (C$).'. This provision allows member nations to use their own currency, but mandates that the Credit be accepted in each country as a way of allowing markets access to the Japanese currency as a back-up in case of economic troube. The fifth obligation is 'All Member Nations are obligated to share technological, scientific, and military advancements with all other ICPS member nations.'. This provision allows ICPS members access to advanced technologies. The sixth obligation is 'All Member Nations are obligated to send the ICPS no less than 1% of the total government funds raised by a Member nation.'. This provision gives the ICPS funds so that it may grant funds to projects in ICPS member nations who need those funds. The seventh obligation is 'All Member Nations must ratify the ICPS Declaration of Human Rights.'. This provision is a morality provision that shows the ICPS is dedicated to observing human rights. The eighth obligation is 'All Member Nations are required to have a military structure comparable and compatible to the Empire of Japan, as to simplify command structures and ensure better organization and cooperation.'. This provision allows for the chain of command and the command structure of all ICPS member countries to be able to effectively work together in times of conflict."

The Emperor continued, "In terms of Member rights...The ICPS shall not enforce any political or religious ideology upon any of its Member Nations. The ICPS shall not interfere with the internal politics or operations of any of its Member Nations. The ICPS shall not annex any Member Nations into any other member nations, nor may it annex non-member nations into itself. All ICPS Member Nations shall be entitled free trade with all other Member Nations. All ICPS Member Nations shall have the right to request or deny ICPS military aide or such aide from any of its members. All ICPS Member Nations shall have the right to petition the ICPS directly or through a proxy over any topic. All Funds granted to the ICPS shall be used only for humanitarian, economic, or international development, except when otherwise allowed by the contributors of those funds. All ICPS Member Nations are entitled to humanitarian and economic funds from the ICPS, as well as funds for the development of member nations. All ICPS Member Nations shall not be prohibited from entering any alliances or memberships outside of the ICPS, excepting those which are hostile to the ICPS."

The Emperor then said, "The ICPS is wholely dedicated to member sovereignty while ensuring the defense of its members, the strengthening of member economies, and the advancement of technology."

The Emperor continued, "Any questions?"

[Paglaum]

The Emperor replied, "The first obligation is 'All Member Nations Must hold the ICPS, its obligations, and its bylaws as superior to any presented by any other alliance, organization, or group in which an ICPS Member also has membership or status within', which means that your obligations to the ICPS are superior to that of other organizations. This was set as a way to prevent nations from using other organizations as an excuse to do or not do something. The second obligation is 'All Member Nations are obligated to defend other ICPS members who are attacked by any non-ICPS member nations.' This means that each member must defend other nations that are attacked. This provision means that as long as a member nation is not the attacker in a conflict, that nation can count on the ICPS for help and support. The third obligation is All Member Nations are required to maintain an active and reserve military force. This provision is one such that it mandates that member nation actually have the capability to defend itself and not just rely on the aid from the ICPS. The fourth obligation is 'All Member Nations may use their own currency; however, they must also accept the Credit (C$).'. This provision allows member nations to use their own currency, but mandates that the Credit be accepted in each country as a way of allowing markets access to the Japanese currency as a back-up in case of economic troube. The fifth obligation is 'All Member Nations are obligated to share technological, scientific, and military advancements with all other ICPS member nations.'. This provision allows ICPS members access to advanced technologies. The sixth obligation is 'All Member Nations are obligated to send the ICPS no less than 1% of the total government funds raised by a Member nation.'. This provision gives the ICPS funds so that it may grant funds to projects in ICPS member nations who need those funds. The seventh obligation is 'All Member Nations must ratify the ICPS Declaration of Human Rights.'. This provision is a morality provision that shows the ICPS is dedicated to observing human rights. The eighth obligation is 'All Member Nations are required to have a military structure comparable and compatible to the Empire of Japan, as to simplify command structures and ensure better organization and cooperation.'. This provision allows for the chain of command and the command structure of all ICPS member countries to be able to effectively work together in times of conflict."

The Emperor continued, "In terms of Member rights...The ICPS shall not enforce any political or religious ideology upon any of its Member Nations. The ICPS shall not interfere with the internal politics or operations of any of its Member Nations. The ICPS shall not annex any Member Nations into any other member nations, nor may it annex non-member nations into itself. All ICPS Member Nations shall be entitled free trade with all other Member Nations. All ICPS Member Nations shall have the right to request or deny ICPS military aide or such aide from any of its members. All ICPS Member Nations shall have the right to petition the ICPS directly or through a proxy over any topic. All Funds granted to the ICPS shall be used only for humanitarian, economic, or international development, except when otherwise allowed by the contributors of those funds. All ICPS Member Nations are entitled to humanitarian and economic funds from the ICPS, as well as funds for the development of member nations. All ICPS Member Nations shall not be prohibited from entering any alliances or memberships outside of the ICPS, excepting those which are hostile to the ICPS."

The Emperor then said, "The ICPS is wholely dedicated to member sovereignty while ensuring the defense of its members, the strengthening of member economies, and the advancement of technology."

The Emperor continued, "Any questions?"

Harrison considered the words for a few seconds, his expression was unreadable. After his assistant finished scribbling down notes he spoke up:

"It's all clear, just one question. Does the Credit have a central bank? If so, which entity is tasked with its administration?"

[Dragomerian Islands]

The Emperor replied, "The Credit is the official currency of the Empire of Japan and is managed by the Japanese government. There have been efforts to push to make the Credit the official currency with each national bank in member nations minting their own Credits; however, the issue stalled due to sovereignty concerns."

[Paglaum]

"We understand. Is there any other detail that needs to be said?" The Paglaumian Emperor asked, the treaty's regulations seemed quite reasonable in several areas and seemed to be relatively stable. All good qualities. Of course, he would have to make a decision after both the ICPS and ATCO meetings took place in order to prevent a greater diplomatic crisis with either side.

[Dragomerian Islands]

"We understand. Is there any other detail that needs to be said?" The Paglaumian Emperor asked, the treaty's regulations seemed quite reasonable in several areas and seemed to be relatively stable. All good qualities. Of course, he would have to make a decision after both the ICPS and ATCO meetings took place in order to prevent a greater diplomatic crisis with either side.

The Emperor replied, "Yes. The Empire of Japan, and by extension, the ICPS, is about to partake in the greatest project the World has ever seen. You have heard about Project Castle, correct? Project Castle will not only make space travel a lot easier, but it will ask act as a staging point for a planned Lunar Colonization that shall take place within the next ten years. The Empire of Japan is at the forefront of technological advancement and research and will be leading the nations of the World into a new technological age. The ICPS has always been the technological leader of the world and that will persist on for the foreseeable future."

He then continued, "I hope you liked my presentation. The ICPS would be glad to have you and your nation on board, Emperor Harrison."

[Paglaum]

"We understand. Is there any other detail that needs to be said?" The Paglaumian Emperor asked, the treaty's regulations seemed quite reasonable in several areas and seemed to be relatively stable. All good qualities. Of course, he would have to make a decision after both the ICPS and ATCO meetings took place in order to prevent a greater diplomatic crisis with either side.

The Emperor replied, "Yes. The Empire of Japan, and by extension, the ICPS, is about to partake in the greatest project the World has ever seen. You have heard about Project Castle, correct? Project Castle will not only make space travel a lot easier, but it will ask act as a staging point for a planned Lunar Colonization that shall take place within the next ten years. The Empire of Japan is at the forefront of technological advancement and research and will be leading the nations of the World into a new technological age. The ICPS has always been the technological leader of the world and that will persist on for the foreseeable future."

He then continued, "I hope you liked my presentation. The ICPS would be glad to have you and your nation on board, Emperor Harrison."

"Of course, thank you. Our government will have to undergo session in order to fully determine if it is the most responsible decision to ratify a treaty on a later date. In any case, this meeting is adjourned." The Emperor stated, concluding. The meeting was indeed enlightening, a treaty with the Japanese Empire did seem like a good choice at the moment.

[Dragomerian Islands]

The Emperor replied, "Yes. The Empire of Japan, and by extension, the ICPS, is about to partake in the greatest project the World has ever seen. You have heard about Project Castle, correct? Project Castle will not only make space travel a lot easier, but it will ask act as a staging point for a planned Lunar Colonization that shall take place within the next ten years. The Empire of Japan is at the forefront of technological advancement and research and will be leading the nations of the World into a new technological age. The ICPS has always been the technological leader of the world and that will persist on for the foreseeable future."

He then continued, "I hope you liked my presentation. The ICPS would be glad to have you and your nation on board, Emperor Harrison."

"Of course, thank you. Our government will have to undergo session in order to fully determine if it is the most responsible decision to ratify a treaty on a later date. In any case, this meeting is adjourned." The Emperor stated, concluding. The meeting was indeed enlightening, a treaty with the Japanese Empire did seem like a good choice at the moment.

The Emperor said, "Thank you for having me. I leave you a gift: A Katana crafted from titanium and crafted with ornamental Japanese designs. Gifting Katanas to hosts of meetings such as this is a tradition of my family. May it serve you well."

After giving Emperor Harrison the Katana and a decorative scabbard, he left. He then got back into his car and went back to his plane with his samurai and mechas. The plane took off and left. All the Emperor of Japan had to do now was get intelligence on the approaching Paglaum meeting with ATCO and get the details of what goes on at it.