The Aegaeon Pact(IC)(Auso Only)(Diplomatic)

[The United Remnants of America]

President Gabriel Drake

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Firestone, Alenterra

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12/7/2017 - 08:40

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Firestone was the capital city of Alenterra. Not like that mattered. Alenterra was less than a million people spread on a string of five cities along the URA's northern coast. Technically, Alenterra was a separate territory, a special economic zone of the Greater Remnant Cooperation Sphere. And the Alenterran leader, Chancellor Kurtiss Reid, liked to constantly try to remind the other GRCS states of that. He was a young firebrand leader, born in Alenterran aristocracy, his position essentially purchased. The rest of the GRCS relied on Alenterra in a unique way: Alenterra's status allowed it to be the economic jewel. Remnants, Pragmatans, Zhanguanese, Namavarians, and Nongeans relied on the imports that flowed through Alenterran ports with almost zero taxation. The rest of the GRCS could have that, but the URA, being the centerpiece of the Sphere, forced the status quo so they could strictly control trade through the region. Power was found and held in any form possible.

Drake had been in Firestone several times lately. It was never for good reasons until now. Now, Drake was happy. Yesterday, he'd met with the four leaders of Zhangua, Nongea, Namavar, and Alenterra, as well as the Governor-General of Pragmata. After a discussion with them, they'd decided to go forward with the invitations to five of the URA's closest allies. Drake would meet their representatives personally, as had been decided by the GRCS leadership. He'd be representing the whole Sphere.

Valefontaine was the most recent friend of the URA, but GRCS had benefited greatly from the mercantile practices of the small nation, especially with its handful of ports across the globe. Valefontaine and the GRCS had traded port access, and the relationship had only gotten better. Maybe the small nation would want a larger piece of the pie?

The Isleish were always an interesting group, Drake thought. They never seemed to lead a charge for any international pursuit, but they were always quietly sitting somewhere. The URA had never had a negative run in with the Isleish, which was more than the Remnants could say of most nations in the world. They always seemed to have a finger on every pulse. And that could always be useful.

The Valaran Empire was a leader. They seemed to always try and be the head of a humanitarian mission or a goodwill situation. Drake didn't know if it was political maneuvering, or if it was true honesty, but they'd always helped the URA when necessary, and they deserved the recognition for their good work, both with the Remnants and with others.

The Vanquarians could as easily be considered enemies as friends. Most of the world saw them as an evil empire to the north. Drake, however, knew better. What the world saw as a vast and powerful empire, seemingly without end of power, Drake knew they had their limits and wanted to avoid serious conflict as much as any other nation. The Vanquarians and the Remnants had an understanding to stay out of each others' business. But did it always have to be like that? Couldn't this understand foster a working relationship among them?

Last, but certainly the closest Remnant ally currently, were the Donnish. Drake wouldn't have been able to say that two months ago, when that bastard Voy was in power. There were roughly ten people in the world who knew that Keenes lived thanks to the URA, and two of them were Drake and Keenes himself. Apparently orchestrating a coup and then supporting the coup leader with hard and soft power until he had a stable military and government made a good ally. Keenes was a schemer, though, Drake gave him that. The recent IADA developments were right in the ballpark of what Drake had been planning.

Firestone's Capital Building was empty for the next three days. Reserved wholly for this meeting of nations. An entire battalion of the URA's Sentinels had been deployed throughout Firestone, augmenting the Alenterran military, which was almost entirely mobilized to protect President Drake and the five expected representatives.

Drake sat alone at a table in the capital's great hall. Just outside were a platoon of Sentinels tasked specifically to him. He looked over his talking points for the hundredth time. At the time of the scribbled notebook paper, under three crossed-out names was "The Aegaeon Pact." An idea for a name, taken from the ancient mythological giant with fifty heads and a hundred hands that could do battle with gods. While this potential group of nations would only have six members, or heads, Drake knew it had the potential to do battle just as effectively with the gods themselves.

[Empire of Donner land]

Firestone, Alenterra

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12/7/2017

With the brief Civil War over and reconstruction efforts under full swing in Soraught, Vanzen Keenes, now President of the Military Republic that now is the Empire of Donner Land, could do things his way. Though he didn't care much for the title, he was seen as a Hero and devout Patriot of Donner Land. The two Councils, the new Military Council staffed by generals, and the Civilian Council a remnant of the previous form of flawed government Donner Land were both firmly supportive of him. Either because it helped their own political goals and reelection chances or because of genuine adoration for his actions. Any of this would be impossible without URA Special Forces assistance in getting him out of the country.

His first order of business besides beginning reconstruction and the formation of IADA among other things was to ensure a prosperous future for Donner Land in the geopolitical landscape and a recreation of concrete and influential Donnish Foreign relations. Thus comes into play the invitation to talks in the URA, specifically in Firestone. A summit of 5 nations. The perfect excuse to lay down the foundations of a newer, influential and stronger Donner Land in the world. Living proof of a Pheonix rising from its ashes, a dog with both bite and bark. As if the nation needed to prove its worth any more to the world with all it had been put through.

Valefontaine, The Isleish, The Valaran Empire and the Vanquarians would attend this summit. Of this group, none were of concern to Keenes saving the brief bouts of heartburn from hearing the Vanquarians would be attending. they'd all be working together for the betterment of each other, and if things went well Donner Land would be bettered by the consequences of any agreement more so than others.

The URA had done their part to ensure a future for Donner Land, the rest would be up to Keene's, the least he could do at the moment in return would be to arrive at the Summit to repay them as thanks and discuss the matters needed attending to for this visit. Keenes entered the Great Hall quietly and took his seat amongst the other attendees when they would arrive, unpacking documents he felt may be necessary for any scenario that would play out in the dealings.

[Imperial Valaran]

‘To be an honest broker’

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A current of cynicism ran deep in international affairs. It had many facets, but a common one was this: no true laws governed the world but two, that of Custom, and that of Strength. Custom was debatable: no custom was universal. It relied on consistency of thought and action, yet the mind of man and his institutions were anything by consistent. People and nations bound themselves with Custom. Strength was not debatable: it may be phantasmal or illusory in appearance, but its existence was the true measure of a nation. It was consequently no coincidence smaller nations favoured Custom over Strength — a system of international rules bound the strong ever tighter, hindering their might. Both were prized in the Empire. Strength was prized for the power it gave Valaran and her people. Custom was prized for the ability it gave of controlling’s one enemies — masking intent, persuading allies or wrapping foes in webs of their own art, or that of others. And so, the proponents of cynicism in the Valaran Empire extolled thus: the proponents of Custom were to be facilitated, but not trusted, while the proponents of Strength — the anarchic world system — were to be respected, but barred at every turn. A cynic was at his best if he was alone in a world of optimists. Ironically he hated his fellow cynics, for they saw as clearly the currents of the world as he did.

Prime Minister William Hesseren was not a cynic. Most of his advisors were. This included the one with him now, the diplomat Marec. Marec was cunning, practical and competent, a man of the Empire, ready to seize opportunity and guard against threat. But he had a fundamental view of the world, and it was not a friendly place. Nor a place that could be altered much. To Marec and to many of his ilk, things were principally immutable or if they could be changed, this was mostly outside Valaran control. All that could be done was to carefully steer the Empire along the currents, avoiding rocks and snatching at opportunity from the riverside.

Hesseren did not share this view. Such thoughts were anathema to him. But he was a wary. He appreciated his limited understanding of the international sphere, and the experience of people like Marec. The event itself also brought caution: most nations at the gathering were powerful in one way or another; this was a gathering of Strength. It helped that out of the invitees, four were very far away to the Empire. Distance was the great facilitator of relations. Proximity bred familiarity, but normally of a twisted sort. Nations close to each other often had tangled histories, and a lineage of grudges and prejudices. They were more prone to competition, to needling hostility and deep veins of antipathy. Proximity brought a shared heat, but this left scorched skin.

Distance worked against that. A distant nation could be known and understood, but this knowledge came without the surge of emotion. The great swell of the oceans cooled relations, and hopefully heads.

Only Valefontaine was close to the Empire, an eastern promontory that skirted the Grey Sea. But not too close. Nor too threatening. In fact, of all those attending, Hesseren felt most secure in their presence. That might prove to be mistaken, but as of yet there was no indication of this.The others provided the Prime Minister various degrees of concern, a sort of inbred caution Hesseren was familiar with. It was akin to the moment of greeting, before hands were shaken, and the intention of the other person was made clear. In that moment, one person sized up the other, and instinctively prepared for any outcome.

Of course, Hesseren’s concern was not purely instinctive. The Foreign Ministry had a plethora of advice for him. Respect Vanquaria’s power. Be sensitive to the concerns of the Donnish, after the war. Be alert with the Isle’ish; display integrity in front of Drake. Be an honest broker. Show your palm first. These were general tips, not specific policy recommendations. Such ambiguity hinted at the real issue confronting all sides, the reason for Valaran caution: no one really knew what to expect from the meeting. Hesseren suspected this was partly a ploy by Drake. Uncertainty and ignorance amongst the attendees would force them to listen to him, and to play to his agenda, at least for a while. Until they worked out what the Remnants were really doing, and also what everyone’s reactions were, there could be less of the back room politicking that comprised of the bulk of any summitry, and that was so deadly to an imposed agenda.

But this went beyond Drake. The array of nations was so disparate, their orientations so fragmented, and their intentions so veiled, that there was no clear basis for mutual understanding, or consensus. And international events had moved so fast recently, that no one had really fully grasped the repercussions. First the sudden cessation of the Donnish War (an apparent Remnant coup), the carving up of Ashai, and the formation of IADA: each had rocked the layered international order, upturning some areas, while strengthening others. It was a whirlwind of events, that picked up the pieces and players alike, and scattered them around, until no one yet knew where they now stood on the world stage.

Most nations liked to think they were insulated against such processes. Hesseren knew this to be an article of faith in the halls of Astaria. None of the major upheavals had truly impacted the Empire.’s Strength Involvement in Donnerland had been one half-step above token. The Empire had never expected much of a say in the War’s cessation, so the new Donnish-Remnant axis meant little change on that front. Azenyanistan had always been close to collapse, so much so that its actual expiry was more of a half-gasp than a shocked cry. The joke running through political circles had been people had not realised it was actually still alive. Nor was its partition by foreign interests of much concern. The place had been playing ground for foreign powers for near a decade; all this did was formalise the reality, and give people the nice slogan of ‘intervening for stability.’ Valaran had generally decided the only winning move there was not to play, and only half-reversed course. Besides, it had its own regional gains nearby, won in a prior game of colonial roulette. It was far more important to protect what you had, than to bother about new adventures in the sand. And the IADA could prove to be nothing more than a lame duck, crippled at birth by the hairline fractures that criss-crossed the globe, the sorts of fault-lines that sliced through the muscle of cooperation. In any case it was not designed to upset geopolitical balances, and that was the important thing for the Empire.

And yet Hesseren held this analysis false. The truth was each of these crises had shifted global currents slightly. Nations had awakened again to broader concepts — global concepts. IADA was a statement of that, in fact the whole Donnish war had been. Azenyanistan was interesting as it was the exception — in most places such naked aggression would not have the same toleration, or the same ease. It was only because the international community — there was definitely a community now — had given a collective shrug at the region’s travails, that such interventions had been tolerated. And even then tight limits had been imposed particularly on Union Nations; national land-grabs were remarkable by their relative restraint (Pakir excepted). In an earlier, more anarchic age, Sornia would likely have been under the Reutoan flag by the year’s end, not proudly displaying vibrant independence.

And this summit was the freshest culmination of the new reality. The truth was, whatever was decided here, even if it was ultimately a failure, would affect the Valaran Empire. The benefits of Drake’s ambition was that it would clearly determine the limits of the new international links. Attempting agreement here, amonst these most varied of nations, would be a far stronger test than the halting steps of the IADA, or the selective coalitions of the Union or Dominion. Success, failure, or an ambiguous result, would make matters very clear. And no one at the table, from the closest rivals, to the most distant of nations, was invulnerable to that.

Hesseren knew what the cynics did not: this was a triumph of Custom. Nor had they not realised that shared custom could provide its own strength. The simple existence of international norms and cooperation strengthened them, reducing the might of individuals against the shared force of a community. There lay the hope of the optimists, albeit a fragile one. And there also a threat presented itself, to a cynical Empire that had so assiduously courted Strength under the banner of Custom.

Hence Hesseren’s presence in Alenterra. He was here to get a sense of new structures of international relations. To ascertain what was possible, what was likely, and what was preferable. To help steer things towards agreement, and guide his peer away from dangerous tides.

And perhaps, just possibly, to help build over the currents of cynicism.

[Valefontaine]

NEGOTIATIONS

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_{Firestone
Alenterra}

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_{12/7/2017 - 8:32 AM}

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The last few months were months of change for the VDR. While there had been talk of expanding URA ties for years, there hadn't been much action done - until now. Ernst Koehler, the new General Secretary, was a man who intended to bring about change. While Koehler was, of course, leader of the Social Unity Party, his peers were fully aware he wasn't one of the old guard. Some called him a neoconservative, others called him a foreign policy hawk. The truth is, a bit of both could apply to him. Sitting beside him was Martzin Ślusarczyk, the Minister of State. Ślusarczyk was quite a controversial figure as well, being one of the more... prominent policy hawks in government.

They were aboard a VIP variant of the Lorenz Lo-188, which was affectionately dubbed Republic One. The supersonic aircraft was escorted by six Kori Ko-24 fighters, which were there to ensure their safe transit. Koehler gave a glance to the window, noting the distant cityscape ahead. It was quite impressive, the morning sun making the glass and steel skyscrapers glimmer, even from this distance.

"Quite the beautiful city, isn't it?" Koehler looked over to his peer, wondering what the Minister of State thought of the city.

"Most certainly." Ślusarczyk nodded. He'd been to the city before on multiple occasions during his tenure as a diplomat, and he'd witnessed the progress that had come about there in the past two decades. This would, of course, make formalities much, much easier. "Valefontaine may be powerful in her own right, but it is undoubtedly a necessity to have close friends on the world stage. These are rather... uncertain times. You and I have lived and worked for the Party for nearly three decades, we have witnessed how quickly the world situation can change. Valefontaine cannot sid idly in this changing world for much longer. The advent of the global economy has drastically changed how this world operates." Ślusarczyk was an eloquent speaker, even among his peers. His ability to negotiate would be quite effective in this coming summit they were to attend.

"Commencing landing procedure." The pilot announced over the PA system. There was light turbulence as the aircraft made a gradual turn to the right. This gave the two men a brief, beautiful glimpse of the cityscape in even further detail. The aircraft's turn was deliberate, to clear itself space for the coming landing. The Lo-188 soon descended below the cloudline, the airport quickly coming into view. The tarmac of the runway drew nearer and nearer, the engines screeching to a loud crescendo as the aircraft drew nearer. Finally, there was the bellowing sound, not unlike an explosion, as the plane touched down, engines roaring with all their might.

The two men held a little tighter onto their seats as the plane shook, gradually slowing down to commence taxiing. The Lo-188 was not only a fast aircraft, but it was also a loud aircraft. You either loved or hated the explosion-like sounds of the aircraft taking off or landing. Through the window, the men could see the sprawl of the Firestone cityscape in full detail. One could expect nothing less from a city built on the tenets of the free market.

Rather than taxiing towards the main terminals of the airport, as a passenger aircraft typically would, Republic One gradually began moving towards the hangars, where they'd rendezvous with their convoy. The engines, even whilst taxiing, continued their thunderous hum, only dying down once the plane had stopped before an unmarked hangar.

"Welcome to Firestone, gentlemen." The pilot addressed his regards through the PA as those onboard, mainly additional security and diplomats, assessed their belongings in the overhead compartments.

"Knowing the Remnants, I can only assume the security will be of the utmost priority." Koehler thought aloud, fetching his briefcase from the overhead.

"Most certainly, General Secretary." A man from an adjacent row of seats answered, loading a silenced Egzekutor pistol into his suit. This was Viktor Andrysiak, who was in charge of the MvH[1] security detail, about twelve guards in total. His family background in the Party and effective handling of the Markeb Siege[2] made him an immediate candidate for security, and he was quite good at his job. He was known among his peers as the Hound of God, and he'd damn well earned the name.

"I take it the Embassy has already accounted for transportation?" Ślusarczyk questioned, carefully checking if his briefcase had been tampered with.

"Of course, sir. Three black Brabant™[3] SUVs. Bulletproof and armored." Andrysiak responded, grabbing his own briefcase. That briefcase, of course, contained a KbK[4] rifle, in case anything went awry.

"Let's not keep them waiting, then." Koehler waited for the MvH security detail to ready themselves, and soon they prepared to disembark. The drive to the capitol, Koehler hoped, would be a pleasant one.

---

CONTEXT NOTES
[1] - MvH - In Valefontene: Ministeria vün Heimatsezvieczenstwo. Ministry for Homeland Security. The sword and shield of the Party, and the state.
[2] - Markeb Siege - In 2015, the federal government found itself at odds with armed cultists who worshipped the star Markeb. The MvH and LAtR-13 were involved in the siege, and liberating the compound. Illegal arms were confiscated in the process of this siege. A certain other character also was involved in this operation...
[3] - Brabant™ - State-owned manufacturer of mid-to-high class sedans, SUVs among other things.
[4] - KbK - Karabin 1992 Kompakt. Assault rifle. The MvH security detail in particular are carrying suppressors on these, just in case the meeting is... interrupted.

[Vanquaria]

Autarch Scott of the Dominion Council

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It was without a doubt, in Scott's eyes, that the global position of the Dominion Council was at its strongest since its inception. The Union, the only current entity that could pose as an opposing rival to the Dominion's interests, was internally divided and spread far throughout Ausozera. The significant achievement of placing the Dominion banner over Ysiti and Sornia nations of the region that was formerly Azenyanistan granted access to considerable economic and military leverage over other nationstates in the region.

The conclusion of the Donnish conflict was a source of much relief. Not much gain had been made in the conflict, it was admittedly the work of the Southern Coalition that made headway into the battle to take down the madman and even then, their newest leader Vazen Keenes, was arguably an even more dangerous threat in the context of Vanquaria's interests. However, at the moment, they posed no threat to the Dominion.

On the other hand, the Isleish nation, was an ally of much strategic importance in the Dominion's overall layout of the geopolitical stage of Ausozera. Allies in the past and allies in the modern day their was not much to say about this strong nation other than the fact that Dominion leaders wanted the Isleish people to take a more militarily active stance in global affairs, specifically to aid in the meeting of primary objectives for the Dominion as its other allies including the Namenian state were currently achieving satisfactorily.

Valefontaine and the Valaran Empire, the former viewed in good light by the Autarch for its enthusiasm to deal in mutually beneficial diplomacy and economics with the Dominion. The latter however, was more aligned with the regimes of Aishai and had proved to be not so easily threatened by Dominion forces in the latest island dispute in Helsa. Fortunately for them, the Council was not looking at conflict with the Union, at the moment at least no matter the heightening and very much troubling news of ever increasing aggressive foreign policies by Dominion allies.

As the Autarch's motorcade of local police vehicles and heavily armored black cars, filled with nasty-looking Vanquarian men, finally reached its destination and Scott prepared to disembark into the Great Hall within he twisted his 2 marriage rings; one to a Princess of the Jaclean Empire and the other to a Princess of the Helghan Empire. His mind almost always mentally sharp and prepared Scott knew he had to be on the top of his wits when meeting with President Drake of the Remnant nation, more empire than democracy.

Masters of direct and brutish forms of politics in the pursuit of their interests the Vanquarians were very much despised and even hated by rival states in Aishai. The Esgonian's upcoming election threatened to bring up 2 candidates of the major parties, both of whom had clearly stated their intentions to instill anti-Vanquarian policies if elected into office. It did not take an intelligence analyst to see this. Every Esgonian news editorial, online and on paper, screamed out aloud for the world to see. Scott predicted that the Esgonians would once again unite with their like-minded Portean and Rattean allies to pose a direct response to their perceived threat of Dominion expansionism. But the Remnants under Drake however were much more discreet and intelligent in their approach. Their Greater Sphere play project was nothing more than a facade for what was nothing but pure imperialist intentions. Scott was nothing but wary and, representing the interests of numerous super and regional powers, would be on the tip of his toes for the duration of the conference.

Striding confidently into the Great Hall, he acknowledged the men already present with a clear nod of respect then seated himself comfortably. His assistants and advisors laid out the necessary and relevant papers for him to utilize. Wrapping both black gloved hands together the Autarch of Vanquaria, donning a fanciful red and gold Imperial uniform, smiled. He looked forward to what was to come.

[The Unified Isles]

That the representative of the Isles would be General Leighton was, on paper, a surprise. Normally, diplomacy wasn't supposed to be handled by either the Republicans or the Royal Army, but rather by the Provisional Government and their ambassadors. But those who knew the current state of the Provisional Government, they knew that it had to be Leighton. Technically the leader of the Royal Army, but here in his function as 'Extraordinary Ambassador'. Truly, his faction had a tight graps over Isle'ish foreign policy...

The invite by the URA had changed alot of things in Leightons larger plans. The chance of getting a few foreign supporters, for real, was an interesting opportunity, to say the least. Drake and his United Remnants had been sort-of-allies to the Royal Army in the past already, with there being at least an informal expectation that the URA would help out if needed, and that the Royal Army would equally do the same. Permanent alliances between the two didn't seem too far of.

The two other 'major powers' attending the little conference were Valaran and Vanquaria, the latter representing the Dominion. Both had fulfilled an equal role for the Isles in the past, even in the times before the Great Wars and the Provisional Government. Valaran had the naval capacities to pressure the Free Asian Ports from the north, relieving the Isle'ish Navy towards the south. Of course, eventually, Valaran didn't assist the Isles in the 2nd Great War, allowing for the destruction of the Fleet at Halfway. And Leighton was very pedantic about not having such a thing happen again. Vanquaria meanwhile was there for the Isles to make sure no other northern nation could become more than a regional power, potentially threatening Isle'ish interests.

According to the Royal Intelligence Primers as they were currently handed to new recruits and cadets, these three were listed among those powers that had a power level capable of being concurrence to the Isles. Of course, those primers were slightly euphamized. Individually, Leighton considered all of them to be about equals to the Isles. And he would treat them that way in negotiations. However, Drake had also invited two nations which the Generallisimus considered 'inferior', maybe 'rising', even. Isle'ish were just naturally arrogant, as they say in many nations of Ashai...

The Donnish had just recently had their civil war end, and their country was still in ruins. Valefontaine was only recently getting into a position of relative power. Leighton was optimistic for talks with them, and surely had a few offers for them in his pocket, but they would have to be made aware that these were not gifts.

Calmly, almost silently, he entered the Great Hall. The silvery skulls on the epaulettes of his uniform had, many decades ago, commanded fear and respect. The Isles were more silent now, outwardly. But internally, they were brooding, silently observing till the moment was right to seize power again.

[The United Remnants of America]

President Gabriel Drake

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Firestone, Alenterra

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12/7/2017 - 09:00

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The Great Hall had been furnished specifically for this meeting. One main long table sat directly in the center of the room with twelve chairs spaced along it. The fact that the number of chairs was double the number of invitees was on purpose. Drake knew the other nations would be bringing groups of security, advisors, and assistants. Arrayed around the main table were a half-dozen smaller tables of varying sizes, allowing for other aides and representatives of lesser status to discuss various topics. Maybe while the big players were at the big kid table, the secondary players at this summit could work out other, lesser agreements. At the entrance of the Great Hall were two tables with bottled water and hors d'oeuvres for the attendees.

The door to the Great Hall was guarded. There were four plainclothes Sentinels standing guard at the door to the Great Hall. Two stood on the outside of the entrance, and two stood facing inside. A further four guards were scattered around the Great Hall. Despite being plainclothes, they all dressed in dark suits with unbuttoned greatcoats. If one looked hard enough as they moved, a shoulder holster could be seen under the coat of each Sentinel. These were just Drake's personal detail. Throughout the Capital Building were further plainclothes and uniformed Sentinels, the uniformed guards wearing full gear as if they were deployed into a warzone. Through Firestone, there were snipers posted on rooftops, checkpoints at important roads leading near the Capital Building, and a MANPADS supplied to every squad. There was a column of armored vehicles scattered throughout the city as well, and flyovers of Remnant Air Force kept the skies safe, as every incoming flight was escorted to its landing. The waterfront was patrolled by the Navy, and Firestone's shore was practically blockaded.

This was dual-purpose. On the surface level, it was to protect the summit to an excessive amount. If something were to happen to the representatives of these nations in GRCS territory, Drake's reputation would never recover. But this also served to teach that child Kurtiss Reid who was in charge. It would be hard to forget that when the Remnant flag and insignia was flying on every street corner. Drake had turned a diplomatic summit into a military occupation and nobody had even noticed.

As the representatives trailed in, Drake stood to meet each one with a handshake and a welcome by name. Drake shed his greatcoat, showing a white button up, a black tie and black vest. His short beard and cropped hair, once jet black at the beginning of his tenure as president, were now the color of salt and pepper. Vanzen and his entourage were the first to arrive, followed by Prime Minister Hesseren, General Secretary Koehler, the Autarch, and General Leighton. As attendants poured glasses of ice water for each table setting, as well as setting out carafes of coffee and kettles of tea at each table.

Among Drake's own entourage, Chief Ambassador Devon Miles, Governor-General Warren McCue, and Commander in Chief General Benjamin McAffee were all present. Chief Ambassador Miles was the head of the Diplomatic Corps, a historically small and understaffed segment of the government. McCue was National Security Advisor before the position was shut down, allowing him to become the first and most prominent Governor-General. General McAffee, the commander in chief, was Drake's chief military advisor and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

As all the invitees seemed to be in the Great Hall and settling in, Drake wandered to his seat, grabbed his ice water and lifted it in the air, using the diamond cufflink on his sleeve to clink against the glass and draw all attention in the room to him. Once it was quiet, he spoke.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Alenterra. For those of you who may be unfamiliar, I am Gabriel Drake. As most of you know, the tentative name for this summit, which didn't reach the media was Aegaeon. The mythical fifty-headed giant with a hundred arms seemed a fitting name for this summit of six of current and emerging world powers of the era. In this room is a diverse collection of people. I see diplomats, I see soldiers, and I see leaders. I see representatives of democracies, republics, and empires. I do, however, see one thing that we all share. Hunger. That same internal push that drives each of us in our careers and in service to our country. It's that hunger that has loosely aligned your nations to my own, and it is that same hunger I hope to catch the attention of during this summit. Aegaeon may only be a name now, but soon enough - And this may be optimism speaking - But soon enough, I hope Aegaeon can be tangible, a true showing of six nations that stand together, six heads sharing experiences and information for the betterment of the body." Drake paused to raise the glass high, "I wish you all good luck for this morning's opening session. May you all find common ground."

[Vanquaria]

Autarch Scott of the Dominion Council

---

"Mmm, yes yes let this be a fruitful and momentous moment for the great nation-states we each represent," Scott concurred to President Drake's introduction to all attendees gathered within the Great Hall before tasting the glass allocated to him.

Cool and refreshing. Now it was the right time to get down to business. Not one to meander around the young Autarch addressed every leader assembled around him,

"Ladies and gentleman. I believe the first thing on today's agenda should be solidifying the fact that our nations seek improved relations with one another. This can and should be achieved by the collective signing of a non-aggression pact between the nations of the the Aegaeon Pact, to ensure a closer step to world peace and which is something I think is mutually beneficial to all parties involved in this case."

[Empire of Donner land]

Firestone, Alenterra

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12/7/2017

All in all the invitees have been more than cordial in their arrival. The whole idea of what the talk would be was seemingly simple. A number nations connected centrally to the URA to be united into an actual web. Then the idea of a Non-Aggression pact was brought up by none other than the Vanquarians of all people. The idea of such a thing before Voy, needless to say, the idea of even being here in the first place, would be laughable, even scandalous for the Donnish Government which had for so long spouted it's continuing need for isolationism ended violently not long ago.

A Non-Aggression Pact for the Donnish would mean that its borders would be secure and it could focus more military assets elsewhere to protect the nation's growing interests. Something very valuable to Keenes for the future of the nation.

"I second the notion for a possible Non-Aggression Pact at this time as to allow what this might be to grow into something more. I, however, believe that the notion of World Peace is more largely out of our reach as of... the moment and out of the picture. Before thinking about the world, we should first consider peace between us as an organization and allow for the growing of relations diplomatically and economically ensuring a future."

[Valefontaine]

NEGOTIATIONS

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_{Firestone
Alenterra}

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_{12/7/2017 - 9:15 AM}

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There were some hushed mutterings among the VDR officials, discussing the potential for a non-aggression treaty between the nations of the Aegaeon Pact. By Ślusarczyk's own justification, this would not only guarantee Valefontene trade interests with important strategic partners across the globe, but it would also ensure that VDR interests in Luscios would not be threatened.

Once the discussion among them had concluded, General Secretary Koehler gave the men at the table a reassuring nod. "Indeed, we agree that a non-aggression treaty would be most beneficial to us all. It would serve our best interests, both economically and geopolitically."

In many ways, he was right. There were regimes in this world that would seek the undoing of some of the attending nations, and it would be much better — for both the stock investors and the generals, if the Aegaeon Pact's members did not have to worry about one another in the first place.

[The Unified Isles]

Leighton smiled, and nodded briefly at the notion of creating a Non-Aggression Pact. "One quick note though", he responded to his new-found allies in perfect English, "Would such a a treaty only include aggression against the General government, or also an abstination of getting involved within other countries internal affairs? The reason I am asking is because of course, my nation is permanently concerned with it's internal stability, so having it guranteed that neither of you shall intervent...", he paused, "on the side of the Republicans in case conflict turns violent... would be advantageous to everyone."

[Imperial Valaran]

‘Fair Words and Fine Winds’

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What were the Vanquarians thinking? In a flash, they had defied expectations, defined the opening stages of the Conference, and advanced their own agenda. On the face of it, this idea was palatable. Sweet words spoke of realising the full promise, which was moments ago was the fluttered thoughts of heady idealism: peace amongst rivals.

But Hesseren did not like sweet words. Sweet was numbing and pleasurable. It was not honest. This was a deep-seated distrust — of rhetoric, diplomats and diplomacy itself. It promised much, and seduced many, before casting them out into the bleak world. One of cutting realities and hard-edged power.

He waited. The room seemed receptive to the theory. Leighton of course, was attempting to spin this. And it made sense for the minor powers to back it. Drake had not yet reacted. Nor had any of his staff. Presumably he was gauging the room as well. Perhaps he was just hungry.

The Prime Minister leaned over to Marec. “What do you think?”

Marec gave a certain look. “The way I see it, Prime Minister, is that a non-aggression pact is geopolitically the best thing we could ever hope to receive from this Conference.” He did not call it a Pact. Not yet. “However, there are implications.” He began to list them.

The thing about all these nations, was how disparate they all were. Everyone held power in their own corners of the world — Valaran influence in the Vanquarian sphere was minimal, and the same was true for Remnant or Dominion sway in the Grey Sea. These spheres, for the most part, did not overlap. Areas of contact, were halting and recent, limited to a few zones of instability. The Remnant ploy on Donnerland. The collective intrusions into Sornia. These were awkward points of contact, and in many ways unsought.

What the result of this situation? Uncertainty. Everyone had awkward glances and uncertain expressions. Each jostled uneasily with each other, with no precedents to rely on. But crucially, no one in this room was a definite enemy. The rivalry was all potential, all prospective. It was all imagined in glances and silences, in double meanings, in half-gestures and shadow-boxing. But it was not yet concrete. Unsettled did not mean hostile. Awkwardness implied a lack of mutual understanding and yes, some fear, but it did not imply enmity. In some strange manner, it even implied a sort of respect for the other. Those seated were only potential enemies. No one present was an active foe.

But this did not resolve matters, for those absences were consequential in their own right. Vanquaria’s self-perceived enemies were not in this room. Esgonia was not here. The Porteans were not here. Neither Ratteans, nor members of the Union-state graced the halls.

Marec revealed the problem. “This means that means, in the case of a Vanquarian war with Esgonia or the Porteans, we could not easily help. It might not lock us out of a war entirely, but it would leave us struggling for a reasonable cause — a way to break the pact without breaking our word.” He grimaced. “If there was ever a conflict between the Union and one of these states here, the non-aggression pact might conflict with our mutual defence obligations.”

In other words, Valaran would be a victim of agreements. A ship prepared for fair winds could find itself captive as the air turned foul, the same ropes and knots that had propelled forwards becoming chains that bind. The uncharted possibility of the open seas might mutate, into a barrier of passage.

Was this the true context to understand the Vanquarian request, then? A cunning ploy, to defang all those present, tie their swords and ships in strands of veiny ink — tighter and thicker than blood. True, it would do the same for Vanquaria, Donnerland and all the others here. Or would it? If the situation was reversed, if a Dominion nation was under siege by a Remnant Fleet, could Vanquaria be trusted to stand idle? Marec doubted this. This was the truth to him — a non-aggression pact was a chain of Custom, not Strength. And Custom’s power to bind lay only in a nation accepting the chains.

Marec had a solution to this. “My view is that we need a clause about enforcement. A measure to mean breaking the Pact has real consequences.” A cynic’s response then, to doubt to integrity. Marec would make the binds come from Strength, not Custom. To him fair winds were the lie of international relations. When the weather turned foul, captains would cut the ropes. An enforcement mechanism would prove this. Throw a blast of cold air across the room.

He gave the Prime Minister a blank stare. “That is, if you want this agreement to have weight.” A half-hearted attempt at converting Hesseren to the ‘realist shrug’. Marec did not expect much from this Conference.

Hesseren chewed the words over. He referred back to his criteria, the little diplomatic checklist. A non-aggression pact was possible and preferable, but was it likely? Genuine? He thought about following Marec’s suggestion. Was it worth bothering to gain some concrete from this. Is that Valaran really wanted to do?

The Prime Minister stood. “We share the principles expressed — of global peace and non-aggression between those here. I feel that these are the right values for the Conference.” The words were stiffly delivered. Hesseren was not a master of oratory. But he was blunt, and that often enough passed for clarity.

“However, while a non-aggression pact addresses the results of a disagreement, it not does remove the causes. We need a mechanism by which those present may resolve their differences, so they do not have to resort to conflict. I propose a Court of Arbitration, comprising of a representative from each nation here. If two states have a dispute, one may submit the matter for the Court to adjudicate on.”

“Second — and this is connected — we need a method of enforcement. It is very easy to promise eternal peace, but difficult to sustain this promise in adverse conditions. There has to be real consequences for breaking a pact of non-aggression. Simple ejection from the gathering here will not suffice.”

He turned to Leighton. “As to the Isle’ish suggestion, this is not sound. There is no consensual classification on what would constitute ‘an internal affair’, which means it is open to manipulation. If I banned Donnish firms from Valaran, I could claim this was merely an internal affair. If I invaded Agrabah and proclaimed it Valaran territory, the next day I could claim this was merely an internal affair. What say, of competing claims to a territory? Both sides would claim such territory is already part of their land, and thus any issues relating to it are internal matters. The definition of an internal affair would change from one crisis to the next, and from one speaker to the next. It is better we keep this policy limited to aggression between one another.” Hesseren disliked ambiguity. The language of diplomacy was already slippery enough; trust the Isle’ish to make it more so. Language was protean: a word that soothed in the summit hall, could become a crushing vice in the cold winds of the oceans.

[The United Remnants of America]

President Gabriel Drake

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Firestone, Alenterra

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12/7/2017 - 09:17

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Drake watched the proceedings. He was personally surprised to hear Scott bring up the non-aggression pact. While an NAP was on his agenda, he didn't know how open the others present would be to the idea. As the others talked it over and discussed it within their own delegations, Drake realized that he shouldn't be terrible shocked by the Vanquarian push for an NAP. Other than the Autarch himself, the other leaders here weren't Dominion members, and Scott was most likely trying to hedge his alliance's safety.

Keenes' agreement surprised him the least. The Donnish needed a win after the war, and 5 nations agreeing not to bomb them could easily be counted as a win. Koehler was agreeing as well, but the Isle'ish seemed tentatively in favor. Leighton seemed to be untrustworthy of the fact that an NAP didn't necessarily mean there wouldn't be targeted aggression. Drake internally chuckled at his hesitation: He was right, really, it wasn't as if every leader at this meeting was up-and-up. Marec was the one voice of contention, but Drake had to admit he was bringing valid points to the table. In a geopolitical landscape as prone to armed conflict as Ausozera was, Drake couldn't say Marec was too far off base with his assumption that an NAP could strangle a nation that was beholden to other agreements.

Drake waited for his turn while Governor-General Warren McCue leaned in to confer with Governor-General Zhen Mao. Mao was the GG of Alenterra, making him the chief diplomatic, political, and military leader of the GRCS in Alenterra. Zhanguanese by birth, Mao was adopted into the Remnant political hierarchy and was now ranked 17th in the "Remnant Politburo," the highest-ranking military and political leaders in the URA. McCue, by contrast, was an Olympian-Remnant born into the upper class of Remnant society, and had been handpicked as Drake's National Security Advisor. When the position was axed several years back, replaced with a advisory panel of senior military and intelligence officials, the white-haired McCue had become the first Governor-General of the URA. Due to this, he had no permanent placement like Mao, rather unofficially maintaining his position as an advisor of security policy to Drake.

After the discussion, McCue leaned forward and tapped Drake on the shoulder to get his attention before whispering a quick piece into his ear. Drake nodded and silently thanked the man he'd known for close to three decades.

As Hesseren finished, Drake leaned forward, a movement signalling his intent to speak and draw eyes onto him. His eyes made contact with the eyes of every principal representative of their nation as he looked around. Each movement he made, each word he spoke had been refined from over twenty years as the President of the URA. By the middle of his fifth five-year term in this office, he'd all but mastered the minute details and the presence that it took to be a leader of a billion and a half crowded people.

"Non-aggression would be an admirable and agreeable goal to achieve, but Marec is right. Such a generalized agreement is enough rope to hang each of us with. The last thing any of us need is a complex international treaty system drawing all of Ausozera into a war due to one single small spark, leaving us forced to pick and choose with agreement to honor and which to spurn. We should make it obvious: None of the representatives here wish to see a conflict between any of the others here, so if we were to agree to stop any direct military action against another member of this summit, it would still allow us certain freedoms. Marec, if the Dominion goes to war with the Union, you can assist your allies without stepping on your agreement here. Of course, that leaves open indirect actions, such as the ones Leighton is worried about. Due to that, we should all right now agree to respect the sovereignty and right to rule of each others' government. This summit can't survive if we can't trust that a Valaran assassin will be killing Scott, or if Keenes is supplying Isle'ish Republicans to wage an active insurrection. Note that I said we respect each others' governmental sovereignty. As for issues where competed claims go," Drake nodded towards Marec, "this diplomatic summit can be reconvened at any time to discuss such matters of importance before a member goes and breaks their honor system agreement to not interfere with the inner workings of another member's right to rule."

Drake cleared his throat to reiterate, "Each of our six nations present has sovereignty over the territory that we are currently in possession of. We have the right as members of this pact not to interfere with the sovereignty or domestic affairs of another member, and that when it comes to any further diplomatic discussions, such as this, all nations are equal, no matter their difference in size, territory or power." He paused, and then as an addendum to reiterate his appeasement to Marec and Leighton, "Any suspected or potential break from this system of territorial integrity can be brought to the attention of the membership and discussed. Each situation you proposed, Hesseren, is different, and thus I'd expect a different discussion and decision to be made with each one."

The dual phrases of Olympian Order and Olympian Sovereignty came to Drake's mind and it took all the power he had to not grin.

[Empire of Donner land]

Firestone, Alenterra

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12/7/2017

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Drake cleared his throat to reiterate more clearly the responsibilities of each nation, "Each of our six nations present has sovereignty over the territory that we are currently in possession of. We have the right as members of this pact not to interfere with the sovereignty or domestic affairs of another member, and that when it comes to any further diplomatic discussions, such as this, all nations are equal, no matter their difference in size, territory or power." He paused, and then as an addendum, referring to the other two delegates concerned of punishment and intrigue. "Any suspected or potential break from this system of territorial integrity can be brought to the attention of the membership and discussed. Each situation you proposed, Hesseren, is different, and thus I'd expect a different discussion and decision to be made with each one."

In the moderately busy hall, words were being exchanged between diplomats, rulers, diplomats again and other workers in the process of negotiations. While other nations had their limitless diplomatic assets, Keenes had a phone and some documents. Despite the war ending, the Government was tieing up loose ends, figuring out who ended up where and generally reorganizing entirely. Since those who were accounted for were busy with helping the rebuilding of the State were also those who would usually accompany him on occasions such as these, Keenes was short on aides and advice, not that he needed it.

There was only one reliable form of authority in this sort of thing in his eyes, on the phone on the speaker was the newly elected Council of Military Officials who would serve alongside the new Civilian Council. These decisions weren't going to be voted for by anyone, they and he understood that they simply weren't organized enough considering the Civilian Council was at less than half strength as of now thanks to Voy and friends. They'd have to make decisions now rather than wait for it later. With his reputation, he was sure they'd say yes anyway.

He'd talked privately with the Military Council shortly, unanimously, it was best to be assured that no one, particularly the Dominion, could take advantage of their weakened state and so he went ahead with the Non-Aggression Pact as it was described by Drake.

"I'm assured that a Non-Aggression Pact is for the best of all of us, our current... situation favors it greatly," Keenes said putting a phone back into his pocket. This wasn't particularly the image he wanted to send, but it couldn't be helped. He'd have to put on a brave face and pick up his pride.

[The United Remnants of America]

President Gabriel Drake

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Firestone, Alenterra

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12/7/2017 - 09:20

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Drake glanced around at the attending representatives. It seemed that everyone was content with a non-aggression pact, which was reassuring. This next addition to the formative Aegaeon Pact would most likely be the most contentious.

"Well, I guess we should move on to the next layer," Drake began, "a trade agreement. Not free trade, at least, not to begin with, but lowered tariffs between the members of the Pact in order to allow for economic prosperity. It would spur trade between our nations, as well as spur economic growth within our nations, making the Pact a stronger system as each member becomes more powerful as well as becoming more closely bonded with one another."