Teremaran Security Organization [Closed Regional IC thread]

by **Terre des Gaules** » Mon Jan 02, 2023 11:29 am

This is a companion thread to other events occurring in Teremara and Wishtonia. It is also reserved for future Council and Grand Council sessions of the TSO that are too large to fit in as a side plot to other RP threads for the region. The reason this account, popularly known as 'Gaul', is the OP is because Gaul is the founding power of the TSO, and its predecessor, the WMTA (Western Madurin Treaty Alliance). Even though we could host through a number of Teremaran accounts who are TSO members, this was just easiest. The only players allowed to post here are Teremaran Security Organization members, observers, and invited guests (some outside of Teremara). To have your nation's delegation invited to attend a future TSO Council session, please contact me at this account.

The first post is a re-posting of a closed door Council session of the TSO intel chiefs in regards to the Kenegan Crisis, and a security breach of TSO data from the 'Wishtonia Desk'.
The current TSO Grand Council Session addresses events occurring in and around Kenega, as well as in Eastern Tavlyria, which is dominated by MALET, a rival regional security organization to the TSO.

by **Terre des Gaules** » Mon Jan 02, 2023 11:30 am

Secure Conference Room
TSO HQ
Roma, Roman Federation of States

The rest of the seated individuals and those filtering into the conference room knew that something big had to be up if Jean-Pierre Trumont, the top Assistant Director of the BGSE, had been sent from Paritte. Trumont had a very concentrated, almost steely face on today. He barely looked at his colleague, Hien Lanh Chamkon, who was the regular BGSE liaison to the TSO, although as she leaned in towards him to mumble something only for his ears, he remained calm as he nodded in acknowledgement. They knew that also because an emergency session had been called by Trumont and Chamkon.

Further down the table sat Pietro Lindauer, the NESA liaison. He didn’t seem as serious and had likely not been briefed ahead of time on the serious topic. He sipped at tea in a chrome mug as he waved greetings to his entering contemporaries.

Dominico Saluretto, however, the lead liaison of the Pertempto Circlus (PC), the RFS’ main external intelligence agency, seemed none too happy as well, staring sullenly at some notes in front of him and not looking up as new personnel entered. He fidgeted with a silver pen, the only sign of his anxiousness.

The contingency from the Glorious Dominion of Saescia entered solemnly, a grim look etched on the stony features of the delegation members’ faces. Marika Carson, the Saescian Minister Plenipotentiary to the TSO was walking in lockstep with John Cornett, the Director of the National Intelligence Syndicate [NIS] for the Saescian Dominion. Cornett’s neatly pressed suit and vest ensemble looked like something out of the 1950s with the pocket watch dangling from the gold chain affixed to his vest, but there was nothing outmoded about the way he carried himself. The pair and their staffers quietly made their way to their station in the conference room, appraised only of the seriousness of cause that would necessitate such a gathering of bigwigs for the Teremaran Security Organization.

Sitting disinterestedly at the far end of the table was the devilishly attractive Lucrezia d’Aranda-Godoy, an Epsicutan noblewoman of some renown. D’Aranda-Godoy’s many assets included the minor counties of Arandara and Godosten, a pair of smouldering grey eyes and high cheekbones, and (most importantly) the position of Deputy Director of the RDI - Espicuta’s intelligence department. Her presence in Roma had not been exactly welcomed, she was not Espicuta’s usual liaison, but she had nonetheless been tolerated and Queen Maria’s government was particularly concerned with the matter of intelligence at the time.

Next to Madame d’Aranda-Godoy sat Magnús Dajnuski, the GSB (Glisandian Security Bureau)’s representative to the TSO intelligence committee. While his nation had come later to the game, never being in the WMTA, and joining the TSO only as the coalition geared up to beat back the YSR from their invasion of his nation and Jumnia, the Glisandians had taken the last 9 years to really integrate with their TSO counterparts and jump wholeheartedly into every endeavor that the TSO had been a part of since. Like some at the table, he had no idea what was up for discussion today, only that it was rather important and an emergency session had been called, with some higher up intelligence figures coming out from TSO nations just for this.

Seated next to Magnús Dajnuski, was Viktor Raégerr, the Foreign Intelligence Service (FIS), hailing from the Republic of Jumnia, Intelligence Liaison for the TSO Intelligence committee. When granted the opportunity to do so, he always ensured that he took the seat next to Magnús, as he had always felt a strong connection to the man - both as a respected friend, and due to the fact that their home nations were neighbors - and fellow victims of the, still fresh in the nation's minds, violence, suffered at the hands of the YSR during their invasion, nine years prior. In contrast to their neighbors, Jumnia formed part of the original founding of the TSO, but not its predecessor. Viktor was quite annoyed this morning as he observed the large amount of big players arriving for the meeting, making it clear that something very serious went down recently - and a lot of people were informed - yet the Jumnians were left in the dark once more. Viktor had felt that ever since the war, the alliance did not take Jumnia serious anymore, but rather as a little brother who needed to be saved from the local bullies. He hid his annoyance for now as he took a deep sip of his coffee, whilst passing a prepared mug to Magnús.

Magnús took it, smiling thankfully to his friend Viktor.

Representatives from Greater Orcadia's Intel were also in attendance, but they hardly ever spoke.

One of the last around the table to seat themselves was Ioanna Romina Cocescu, the Intelligence liaison from Taranima’s Ministry of State Security. As always, she kept to herself, and very quiet. None of her colleagues expected much out of her, even were this matter to directly concern Taranima. She never had much to say out loud, but she had been known to distribute very pointed memos.

Trumont muttered one last thing to Chamkon, who nodded, confirming his question that everyone had arrived.
“Alright, let’s get started. Some of you don’t know me as I’m not a regular attendee to these intel briefs, but I am Jean-Pierre Trumont, Chief Assistant Director of the BGSE.” He paused to scan around the table.
“By no means am I trying to insist that we’re in charge here and I should run the meeting, as I know what is thought of Gaul in, eh…some circles, but simply our agency was the one reported to, and we did most of the investigation due to that, so I’d like to inform you all. Some of you are not aware of the matter, but not because we wanted to keep you out of the dark for any malicious reason, but because most of the events didn’t concern your nation until today, when we were ready to present all the facts as found, so far.
You may realize that one of our significant regulars are missing from the meeting. Estaban Gomez, from San Rosito’s OIR. They were not invited, and in a moment you will see why. Ms. Chamkon, proceed.”

The young Asian woman was a native of Dae Chong, and by right of Dachinos citizen status being equal to Gaulic citizenship, had taken every opportunity to work herself up from her humble origins into the higher echelons of the BGSE. Now, she felt Gaulic Big Brother breathing down her neck as she took responsibility for this recent fiasco. It could certainly be a big step back in her career.
“Yesterday, we were informed by one of the personnel from the Wishtonia desk that they found this…” She hit a button on a remote and a screen that had been blank on the wall behind Trumont lit up. On the first slide was a picture of a smallish black thumb drive.
“Plugged into one of their server terminals. This,ladies and gentlemen, is not an approved device for the TSO Headquarters and certainly not for our intel analysis division. No one in the ‘Vault’ admits to installing this in the server. We tend to believe them, but we will be going back over records both camera and cyber to match up the logs to any possible previous suspicious activity.”

Lindauer interrupted.
“Any idea how long it was in there?”

Hien nodded.
“Some idea, yes. Those of you who regularly work in the building may know that we had a fire alarm yesterday. We believe it happened during then, when most personnel were out of the building and security was tracking down the alarm source. Whoever it was, they were rushed to be done before the ‘all clear’ was sounded. They also may have used more than one of these devices. Our IT people are confirming that now as they try to trace the cyber trails.”

Lindauer blew a raspberry from his lips.
“Sloppy.”

Trumont took over. He nodded to Chamkon to change the slide.
“That leads us to who. One man, Captain Elizondo Villareal, a military intel liaison attached to the OIR here and reporting to Gomez.”
Eli’s ID picture was up for all to see. A fairly normal looking, young San Rositan without any real outlying features such as a neck tattoo or scar.
“He was spotted near the Vault around the event by more than one service person. However, miraculously, no footage exists of him entering, being in there, or leaving the Vault.”
He looked over at Dominico Saluretto from the PC.

Saluretto let out a big sigh.
“The man in the camera room that surveils that area was one of ours. An NCO by the name of Gerlachus. He reports to my juniors. We have him isolated and under serious questioning right now. We know he knows Villareal and has spent time outside of the facility with him. We have no clear trail that he was part of the plan…”
Saluretto was obviously highly embarrassed.

Chamkon finished for him.
“But it’s much too coincidental to dismiss that he was in on it. We suspect we’ll find a fat deposit in his bank account once we force the bank to disclose records. As it’s a matter of national and regional security, that should be happening within the next couple hours.”

Dajnuski interjected.
“Where is this Captain Villareal?”

Chamkon looked down.
“In the wind. He beat us to the airport by a couple hours. By the time we were on to him, he had a flight booked and was already on it, flying East.”

Saluretto looked puzzled as he asked.
“You couldn’t force the flight to turn back around?”

Chamkon didn’t turn towards the Roman as she answered.
“No, not without alerting the non-TSO nations the plane was currently flying over to a security matter. We’re trying to contain this.”

Dajnuski nodded.
“Of course. At least he knew he fucked up by that point. The OIR obviously did not go to any great length to train this man. So, I have to ask the obvious question…Why?”

Trumont responded,
“Quite. We believe he would not have fled had he not realized he misplaced and left behind the drive. And…” He held up his phone that was angrily buzzing. “Fingerprints came back. It’s Villareal’s.”
All TSO personnel working in the Headquarters had to submit to fingerprinting and DNA checks.

Saluretto added,
“No shock there.”

Trumont continued.
“Anyway, over the years, San Rosito has made a ridiculous claim that Kenega belongs to them, by virtue of being the successors of the Espicutan legacy of early settlers that set up port on one side of the Island. It’s silly, like something out of a Peter Sellers movie, and I don’t know if I’m explaining it well, but maybe Madame d’Aranda-Godoy could elaborate better…?”
He looked at the Espicutan woman, then at his subordinate, Chamkon, wondering why this had never been covered before among this group. Not that the responsibility would have fallen to her, necessarily…

Lucrezia cleared her throat with a little, high-pitched “ahem.” She smiled sweetly at Trumont and assured him, “You were doing fine!” But with all eyes on her, the Countess d’Aranda-Godoy could hardly let down her audience. “Kenega was first settled by Espicutan merchants in the sixteenth-century, at a place they called Terelenco. It was a thriving little market colony but the colonists made no claim to the whole island, that was done by the Gauls after they seized it.” She spoke, explaining the situation as concisely as she could. “San Rosito’s claim is based on the ludicrous idea that they are somehow descended from the families that settled Terelenco. We have asked them several times to leave it well alone, it’s bad for our PR too! But they never listen.” She straightened herself in her chair proudly, “it’s insulting. My ancestor, Ferdinand de Godoy - the second Count - was one of the first colonists and they dare to claim his legacy!”

Trumont nodded.
“Thank you, Lady d’Aranda-Godoy. Very well put. So, as preposterous as it is,…San Rosito claims Kenega, and while we thought they were focused on Gran Ventana, they have obviously not let this go to just mere claims. Everything in that Vault is what the TSO has on the islands in Wishtonia. Some of Gran Ventana's outlying islands lie near the Yarok Line. So, yes, there’s a reason we have had that area off limits to San Rositan personnel over the last couple years, as well as locking them out of that section of the network.”

Lindauer spoke,
“They have been a very erratic alliance partner, as of late. They don’t seem to realize how their actions affect the rest of us. Attacking Gran Ventana, even if they do have a sordid history with each other, without even a notion of heeding our cautions… And now besmirching the honor of others…” He motioned to Lady d’Aranda-Godoy. “It’s as if we were a mere convenience for a time for them. I have to think that if we can prove this, it should be the final nail in the coffin. They need to be ejected from the TSO.”

Trumont let out a big sigh.
“I don’t disagree with you, Pietro, but that is not for us to decide. We can only make recommendations and let the evidence speak for itself when brought up to the main chambers of the TSO delegations when they meet, which will probably be soon in order to discuss in closed session what you have said, among other recent issues that are plaguing the alliance.
Our purpose today is to inform you all of these events, and let you know we will keep you all in the loop from here on out on any new developments, and to decide how to proceed with Mr. Gomez, as well as San Rositan military intelligence and OIR personnel, from here on out. We cannot decide to sanction all of the San Rositan delegation from this room, only Gomez and his people.”

Dajnuski spoke up.
“Well, I can only speak for the GSB, but should all the evidence pan out, and we do prove these accusations, I think I can speak for my organization in saying we are for not having the San Rositans attend any more intel briefs or conferences, or get any more access to information. They can sit in their offices and be officially useless, as much as they have been practically useless to the rest of us for the last few years.”

Trumont replied.
“Noted. The other issue at hand, before we go around and get input from everybody, is do we inform the government of Vionna-Frankenlisch that this breach occurred? Do they have a right to know our internal issues? Much as it might seem the right thing to do, I don’t know that letting them know of our lax security will be beneficial to us.”

Viktor Raégerr used the following brief moment of silence to interject, "Informing the government of Vionna-Frankenlisch would be a grave mistake, and that is being figuratively liberal. Should we inform them, they will be more than just a little displeased, to say the least. What is to stop their government to lash out at our incompetence at their expense in a public forum? Let us all be realistic for a fraction of a moment, and agree to accept reality, the reality that our alliance is at the weakest zenith since its inception. We have reached a stage where our member states bicker, scheme and skirmish openly against one another, without any concrete plan on squashing dissent. I can assure you that our enemies know this. They have smelled blood in the water… Do we dare to hand them more motivation to think us weak? I for one cannot in good conscience risk the safety of my people or the region, especially for an action which poses zero benefit."

Pietro Lindauer wasn’t so sure that the TSO nations faced any serious threat from anyone in Teremara, and certainly not MALET, as Falkasia still hadn’t made overt military moves towards anyone for many years at least, and the YSR still hadn’t been able to fully rebuild their military after the Northern Tavlyrian War. Gragastavia simply wasn’t capable either, ever. The biggest threat from their biggest rivals in MALET wasn’t militarily, but rather HUMINT operations by Falkasia’s FSIS and the endless cyber attack operations from the YSR’s SIGINT divisions. He could understand, though, how Glisandia and Jumnia were constantly anxious about their neutral to outright hostile neighbors, and had more at stake than Neu Engollon, Gaul, or Espicuta. He would just leave those points alone for another time during one of their constant discussions assessing the MALET threat. He could definitely agree on the other point, however,
“I have to agree with Mr. Raégerr here. We don’t really have any proof yet of anything actually happening of note, other than a general breach. We don’t need to announce to anyone outside the TSO that we made a colossal blunder in keeping our information secure. Correct me if I’m wrong, Assistant Director Trumont and Ms. Chamkon, but there isn’t actually any proof that Vionna-Frankenlisch was specifically targeted in this breach?”

It was actually Saluretto that answered him, somewhat recovered from the shame of not vetting one of his own carefully enough to have avoided enabling the breach.
“That’s correct. We don’t have any concrete proof that Vionna-Frankenlisch’s assets on Kenega, or Owaya, were specifically targeted. We assume some photographing of documents also took place, but without the film in hand, this is all just speculation.”

Lindauer replied,
“Also, let’s not forget that there is the fact that we actually have this extensive documentation on Vionna-Frankenlischian assets in Wishtonia. If we tell them that, aren’t we admitting to the Empire, our friend and economic partner, that we are, um…keeping tabs on them?”

Trumont spoke to a question no one had really answered.
“We have to look at this from a logical standpoint, and also, the bigger picture. Wishtonia is in essence, the southern flank of Teremara, is it not? That was rhetorical…Yes, it is. So, we have to know the full picture there. Obviously, a nation like the Cardwith Islands, or say, Hanasaku, that are Marxist and have vowed to subvert democratic, capitalist nations like many of ours, have to be tracked and considered hostile. By the same token, we need to know what friendly assets we have down there, whether they be TSO, like on Dachine or Hutanjian, Jaraguptan, or Vionna-Frankenlischian, and so on. Otherwise, we have gaps in the picture. Black holes of no information. We could just accept what is given to us, but we need to assess everything as it pertains to TSO security. Sorry if I’m sounding a bit pedantic, but I want to lay this out there for everyone. I think we’re on the same page.” Jean-Pierre looked around at the various reactions he was getting from the other intel heads and liaisons.
“In answer to the question of what information was stolen, I think Ms. Chamkon answered. We just don’t know. They had access to the whole mess, if for a brief time. Grab all of it? Some of it? The assumption is that it was focused on Vionna-Frankenlischian assets, considering the perpetrator, Captain Villareal, but...if I were in the San Rositans’ shoes, I would think that they know if they are planning some bold move, they risk not just stirring the Vionna-Frankenlischians, but surrounding neighbors. So they might latch onto data of Gaulic assets in Dachine and Jaragupta, or anywhere else in Wishtonia, just to be sure to know who might act to thwart them. Am I wrong?”

Hien Lamh Chankon added,
“I may need to discuss with individual intel chiefs afterwards about details. Not to keep it private, but it’s some mundane statistics that will bog down the meeting and I will probably have to compile a report.”
That and they would need to review how much actually of that they were going to share. Even most Gaulic personnel assigned to TSO HQ were out of the loop on need to know info on Gaul operations and assets in Wishtonia.

Lady d’Aranda-Godoy leant forward and cleared her throat. She glanced from face to face unhappily. “Whether or not,” she spoke, “we can be certain about where San Rosito have their sights set. Surely the only honourable course of action is to warn Frankenlisch. San Rosito have pushed their ridiculous claim on Kenega for years, diplomatically - if they now intend to push that claim by other means and Frankenlisch discovers that we did not tell them this information, we will lose a valued friend and trading partner perhaps forever.” She shook her head. “They are a pragmatic people, I’m sure they have dossiers on all of us. They will understand, so long as we warn them now. Even if it turns out to be nothing.”

Lindauer interjected.
“Hell, by that same token, we should have to warn everybody who’s not already being informed in this room. The Hutanjians, Xiahuans, Jaraguptans, hell, even the Falkasians, because they have bases in the Cardwiths…Wouldn’t want them caught unaware of San Rositan snooping.”

Trumont put his figurative foot down, by actually slamming his hand down on the table.
“We are not doing that.”

Dajnuski, the GSB rep, spoke up once again.
“I brought up a point earlier that I’d like to expand upon. The OIR did not seem to have used their best operative with Villareal. Like he was rushed into service. Perhaps, also, he was used to gain info on Gran Ventana from whatever we have gathered here.”

Lindauer grunted.
“If he was that sloppy, wouldn’t we have caught him before, during his sneak of Ventanan info?”

Dajnuski waved a palm outward.
“Perhaps, but we didn’t, and…as we know, even with the best trained field officers, simple but consequential fuck ups happen. That’s just reality. There’s a lot of balls in the air being juggled and some get dropped. Some thumb drives get left in servers. My other thought is, since he seemed to be rushed… Perhaps the timetable is soon for acting on this intelligence. Whether it's Kenega, Owaya, or they’re going to sweep all of Wishtonia…”

There were chuckles around the table.
Trumont spoke it out loud.
“San Rosito has built up a lot in the last few years, for sure I will give them that, but enough to take on everyone and sweep all of Wishtonia?! I don’t think they’d even be a match for Hutanjia, let alone us, Hutanjia, Vionna-Frankenlisch, and the rest. But…for one target.”

Dajnuski struggled to continue.
“Yes, Assistant Director Trumont. For one target! For one island, or group of islands, they must have set their sights on to be so audacious. I don’t propose we tell every effected nation, but that one…”

Trumont looked at the Glisandian, and then over to Lady d’Aranda-Godoy.
“Look, I get the sentiment. I really do. But there are a lot of factors that say that we should not disclose this incident, along with exposing our operations, to an outsider. One, security policy. Two, San Rosito is still technically in the TSO. That counts for something. Vionna-Frankenlisch is not in Teremara, therefore, not in the TSO. We don’t throw our own under the bus, last I heard. Three, we still have not narrowed down what the target of this data theft operation was…”

“Come on, now, Mr. Trumont! The threats to Vionna-Frankenlisch; a San Rositan mole/traitor in our midst and fleeing after leaving behind clear evidence; the Wishtonia desk data being violated…We are intelligence officers here, are we not? Sometimes we need to put these pieces together and close the small gaps, do we not? There’s not a lot of other hypothesis we could come to, I should not think. Otherwise, we would be ‘stupid guess’ officers, and that just doesn’t sound as appealing to me.”

Trumont snorted.
“All your hyperbole aside, Dajnuski, I don’t know that you’re really hearing what I am saying. We can not tell them what happened.”

Dominico Saluretto looked around.
“So, is that the consensus then? Are we voting on this? I don’t understand what we’re doing.”

Lindauer nodded.
“In effect, yes. I think we’re coming to a consensus. I don’t feel anything needs to leave this room. Also, I’m all for wrapping this up. This isn’t even the most pressing matter for TSO intelligence…Just the most embarrassing. I still have to prepare and sit in on briefs today about Austrakia and Lacetanya. A lot closer to home and a lot more clearly volatile at this point.

Saluretto put his hand out.
“Well, just to put to rest any doubts, I surely am for not putting this out there to anyone outside this room, and whoever else is already involved. Fuck! I mean...I still have to answer a bunch of calls about Gerlachus, and for the record, as was stated, we don’t know who was targeted or why, yet.”

Dajnuski let out a big sigh.
“Fine. Can we agree though, if we can get more solid information on the target and the type of information that was poached, then we act?”
The Glisandian shook his head. It was pretty obvious to him, and he thought most everyone in the room who Villareal was targeting. If it had been another TSO nation, they would be in action right now against San Rosito.

Trumont looked around the rest of the room. They still needed a final word from quite a few folks.
“Mr. Raégerr, Lady d’Aranda-Godoy, Ms. Cocescu, Ms. Carson, Mr. Cornett, and our Orcadian friends?

Lady d’Aranda-Godoy shook her head. “We will be made to regret this.” the Countess opined, “The honourable course of action is to make Frankenlisch aware of what has happened. It is also, in my opinion, the sensible one. If this is your consensus then so be it, but I think it would be a disgrace and so would any honest Espicutan.”

Pietro Lindauer replied.
“As I stated before, Lady d’Aranda-Godoy, where is the line? What determines who we tell, because…if we have to tell Vionna-Frankenlisch, then we should tell Hutanjia, and Xiahua, Rulapanga, Ross Bay, the Cardwiths, and the like that they may have been compromised…Where does it end? Are we now in the business of shelling out information to whoever we feel is the least affected by it?”

Trumont interjected.
“Certainly not. We are in the security business. You don’t keep secure by freely giving out information, consequences be damned.”

Viktor Raégerr chirped in, feeling annoyed with the continued bickering, knowing that he needed to attempt to push the conversation along, otherwise they would be stuck in this room for hours. "As I have made it clear before, my vote is firmly placed on the position of keeping this breach buried within these chambers. Admitting our weakness, our division, as public laundry has, potentially, far reaching consequences. The General Chambers can decide on how to deal with the rebellious nature of our ally, but as long as they are our ally, we cannot throw them to the wolves. What message does that send to our enemies?"

Trumont nodded.
“Thank you. I get your point, as I do Lady d’Aranda-Godoy’s, but I do think that we need to minimize the damage here. We cannot just go on letting every nation we spy on know that their information may have been peeked on by unintended eyes. That’s not how the intel business works. There are more issues at stake here than informing someone we spied on them, then fucked up and lost control of that information. There’s also the assets that will be compromised were we to tell all these potential targets what, when, and where their security was put at risk. I’m just not willing to compromise TSO assets…So, no, it’s not an easy choice and that’s why we’re all here in this room to hash it out because we needed all the heads together to make a decision that, no matter what, will affect us in a most horrible fashion. I do think that not putting our assets in Wishtonia at risk is the best option out of all the shitty choices before us.”

Saluretto tapped his pen slowly on the table.
“So, that’s it then?”

Chamkon responded, instead of her boss.
“I think so. It has to be.”

Trumont agreed.
“Yes, we’re done discussing this. I think we have come to a consensus. We will keep this business between us, at least until we can nail down more details. Then we give a report to the TSO legislature in closed session. If they decide something different from there, then we go with that.”

Dajnuski looked skeptical. From his point of view, the opinion in the room was more towards informing the compromised nations, if not almost evenly divided. There would be other battles to fight, however, and this was not one that really concerned Glisandia that much. The Grand Duchy didn’t have many concerns at all, really, when it came to Wishtonia.

Pietro Lindauer looked at his colleagues around the room. He was certain that the evident rift now would not help in repairing relations between all the TSO nations. Events in Austrakia, Lacetanya, and now Southeast Madurin had done a lot to tear at those bonds. It didn’t matter who wanted what, at this point. The damage was done. The TSO was slipping further from the strong alliance they had been in Northern Tavlyria, and Qasifya. But Lindauer was a solid NESA officer. He knew why they couldn’t just tell Vionna-Frankenlsch about this. Not without heavily filtering the info, at least.
“Well, I think there’s nothing else pending that absolutely has to be discussed today. Shall we call it a day?”

“I think so.”

They all walked out of the conference room to carry on with their duties of gathering and organizing more data for the TSO.

[RP was contributed by Neu Engollon, Glisandia, Taranima, Jumnia, Espicuta, Nova Secta (Saescia) and the Roman Federation of States.]

by **Terre des Gaules** » Mon Jan 02, 2023 11:49 am

Magna Cubiculum (Grand Chambers)
Teremaran Security Organization HQ
Roma, Roman Federated States

The TSO HQ was just a bit west of downtown Roma, which wasn’t a bad area by any means, but not right in the 5km square area where all the tourist landmarks were located. That didn’t mean that the building was out of place with those relics, as it had served many centuries ago as a former home of the Roman Senate, before falling into disuse, and being used by various Caesars for other functions. Briefly, it had been an indoor stadium for gladiator combat, when one delved into the realm of fascinating trivia. Current day, while off the beaten path where the Roma Metropolitan Police patrolled the monuments, plenty of security was provided by TSO soldiers from several nations, along with an extra layer of contracted private security.

In the last century, it had been repurposed as a governmental building, with the large central chambers being for meetings, although not of the scale of the Senatus Romanus. The beauty was something to behold, with goddesses adorning the insides of the dome, and busts and tapestries along the walls and hallways. Two wings went off in either direction, holding smaller conference rooms and office suites for several of the delegations to the TSO, but those were quite emptied out as everyone filtered into the main chambers for the afternoon.

There were two ornately decorated observation galleries on either side of the chambers, one for guests, the other for official observers and their delegations. The galleries were decked out with velvet lined chairs, with desks spaced along the rows, mimicking the set up down below, although seeming a little more utilitarian as there wasn’t the amount of decoration on the walls this high as there was down below, nor were the desks as large as those for the members.

They gathered in, Ambassadors, intel and military chiefs, aides, and various personnel of the TSO - members and observers alike. There were also some invited guests, the representatives of Asucki, Beaufort, and Mubata, all who were considering, or being courted towards, prospective membership or observership. A fourth honored guest, a solo delegation, would not be considered for membership for various reasons. They found their way to the main gallery, or the upper raised galleries for the guests and observers. The members and observers had designated seating, but guests were cleared to grab wherever they could find open spots. Journalists from TSO and select nations had been invited to cover the proceedings, with the caveat that they would submit any material to the TSO censors prior to broadcasting or publishing the coverage.
The available seating was plentiful, as, even though they were ambitious, they had a long way to go towards getting a full capacity, even for Grand Council sessions.

The three members of the Jumnian - TSO diplomatic staff entered the chambers together, in order to attend the Grand Council Meeting, all with somber expressions. These large meetings were pretty rare, but always very serious, very long, and very dull. For certain folk, Ambassador Helga Thorfin, the Jumnian Ambassador to the Teremaran Security Organization, as an example, it was all good, as this was her daily bread after all. For others, like Viktor Raégerr, the Jumnia-TSO Intel Liaison, and Brigadier General Rupert Grunter, the Jumnia-TSO Military Liaison, these types of events were mind-numbing, and they preferred to keep themselves busy with what they considered to be the real work instead. But alas, here they were.

Tobiasz Lutarsson headed the Glisandian delegation, as appointed Ambassador from Rikijdrottin, and the Grand Duke himself. He was flanked by General Sunniva Majkowska, the first female in the history of the Glisandian Armed Forces to achieve such a rank. She had been a fierce fighter in the Royal Resistance during the Yellowsian occupation, and been quickly promoted through the ranks as she continued to prove herself in both combat and leadership against the Holy Domain during the protracted civil war that followed the ejection of the YSR from Grand Duchy soil.

Magnús Dajnuski, the intel liaison from the GSB (Glisandian Security Bureau), followed in a very nonchalant manner, conspicuously wearing a sweater vest over a collared shirt and tie, instead of a blazer as most would on such a formal occasion.
He was the first to wave at their Jumnian friends as they took their seats next to that delegation.

Asucki’s representative for the conference was Ambassador Pyotor Kostić, a warm, friendly, and generally agreeable man. The ambassador held a stellar working reputation among his peers, so he was a natural choice for the role. His homeland had been inching closer to the Teremaran Security Organization since the nineties, so an invitation to this summit represented the culmination of over thirty years of progress by liberal factions. The significance wasn’t lost on him. In fact, for the first time since his days in the Junior Ambassador Program, he actually felt nervous about an assignment. It didn’t show as he calmly and confidently followed his group of aides and assistants into their seating area.

Nyakiyo Mdufe, the Mubatan civilian envoy, led her delegation down the stairs into the Guest’s Gallery, working their way around some journalists and think tank specialists to find a spot near the Asuckians and Beaufortians. Mdufe wore a traditional Tizi robe that was of dark green and azure colors with gold trim. She wore her long braids up in an elaborate hair style, with gold plated large barrettes to hold it in place. Several Tizi and Mubatan coastal style necklaces adorned her neck. Her family had gone back decades as good friends of the Fazembes, and they were all very proud of their Tizi heritage, which did not always sit well with the Zama half of the Republic.

She was followed by General Thuku Nkoro, who wore the traditional pea green dress uniform of the Mubatan Army. He carried his officer’s cap tucked under one arm. He was the son of the controversial Etomo Nkoro who had led Mubatan forces during the Vita Kubwa against the Qasifyans. His father had been very vocal after the War about the short comings of the Fazembe regime, earning him some prison time, but also the adoration of the people who saw him as their most valiant modern day warrior. After his recent death a few years ago, he was exonerated and celebrated, with Lini Fazembe declaring a national day for him, honors which he was denied during his lifetime, due to the political threat he posed to the regime.
The Mubatans had been seeking membership, or even observership, in the TSO for six years now, and due to obvious human rights failures, they were denied every year. Mdufe hoped that her lobbying would change that this time around.Two aides were with them in order to quickly provide research and also document the proceedings in meticulous notes for internal Mubatan review.

The esteemed delegation of the Glorious Dominion of Saescia entered the chamber not long after the procession of the Asuckian delegation. At the head of the Saescian column was a longtime supporter of the Teremaran Security Organization and the Glorious Dominion’s original signatory to the covenant – now its official ambassador and minister plenipotentiary to the TSO – one Elizabeth MacClaire. The stateswoman had led a long and distinguished career, but nothing in her political résumé could compare to the awesome responsibility that she now felt towards the TSO and its mission. She had worn the emerald green suit jacket her late father had given to her as a gift upon her graduation from law school all those many years ago, still her good luck charm as she walked into the chamber with her head held high, leading the Saescian contingent to their section of the floor.

Behind the ambassador direct was her Sentinel escort, Knight-Captain Rhys Kincaid of the Royal Sentinels; wearing his ceremonial plate armor and scabbard (without sword), he cut an imposing figure moving down the aisle with full regalia on, including navy blue cape and plume atop his silver-cast helmet. Behind her Sentinel escort was Saescia’s two liaisons to the Teremaran Security Organization, both in crisp new business suits and flanked by personal aides of their own. The taller of the two was Brynner Gaige, political liaison to the TSO and financial adviser to MacClaire. The younger liaison, with cropped hair and stern features was ex-military, the former Legionnaire Armin Yeager. The group made their way into the forum without fanfare, instead taking their place amongst equals at their station in the great chamber.

The Neu Engollians were led in by their ambassador, Linus Jauffret, to their spot, the corner one closest to the center of the Observer’s Gallery. They had been assured the most honored spot in the Oberserver’s Gallery by the Gaulic and Roman founders due to their strong alliance with the two nations outside of the TSO, and during the WMTA era. There was some mild disappointment from those allies that the Confederacy had opted out of full membership some years ago when considering it. Membership would have put them on the main floor, in a prime spot next to their Gaulic allies.

Jauffret was followed by, and sat next to by General Armando Nalder, a veteran of the Qasifyan Intervention, and several NEDM-DGC operations, who had worked his way up from the most elite NE special operations units to take one of the top spots in the NEDF (Neu Engollon Defense Forces). He had been a popular choice for Commander in Chief of the NEDF, but had been passed over for General Markus Claude Renzario instead, when Marshal Fernand retired. It wasn’t a sore point as the two were good friends and had served together in many actions.
Lastly was Pietro Lindauer, the NESA intel liaison who was respected by most, but mocked by some, for his unflinching support of their friends in the Gaul and Roman military and intelligence communities.
Lindauer sat on the other side of Ambassador Jauffret, furthest away from General Nalder, although they all got along fairly well.

Beaufort’s small delegation was led by a Cahlbett Becker, the longtime Ambassador to Roman Federated States. A quite thoughtful man, not one who talked much, he’d been a steady hand to Beaufort’s presence in the area for over 4 different governments - about 20 years. Although Beaufort had no direct ambassador to the TSO, for fear of provoking the Falkasians, Mr Becker tended to be their man when they needed to communicate with the TSO.

Following him was Senator Harley Brevet, from the Campbell Valley. A pragmatist and independent, he’d been asked to go as the Prime Minister’s personal envoy to the meeting. There was a noticeable lack of Military officers among the delegation, as Beaufort’s OIS believed that the Falkasian Security Services would be monitoring the activities of the delegation, and therefore recommended that Military Officers stay away in order to ensure Falkasia did not feel provoked.

Next to the Beaufortians sat another guest in the gallery, conspicuous by their solo nature. A man with a well weathered, tanned face and eyes that saw all under heavy epicanthic folds. His hair was shoulder length as was traditional of his brethren, and peppered with gray, as was his small, wispy goatee. Behkká Gaski sat in traditional wool felt undergarments worn under bundling furs by his people. They were ornately decorated with multi-primary colored threads over a deep blue background, meant to be draped in overlaying furs when worn outdoors. The coat matched the pants, but he wore Western shoes, rather than the traditional wool and leather boots of his people.

The Jutuomi were a persecuted, formerly nomadic shepherding ethnicity that had settled on the Falkasian-Yellowsian border in the Skatyngen Mountains. Because of their strategic location and struggles against both governments for independence, or at least semi-autonomy, they had gotten a lot of support from the Gauls and other TSO nations over the years. However, despite their desperate want for an equal TSO seat, they only had recognition as honored guests, due to their lack of a territory they could secure and the political controversy that surrounded them. Often, it was just Gaski that represented the Jutuomi as many of his compatriots had difficulty making it out from their homeland.

Sir Liam Morton was Greater Orcadia’s Ambassador to the TSO from the earliest days when they first signed the Charter, then became a major host of TSO coalition forces during the liberation of Glisandia and Jumnia in the Northern Tavlyrian War that had ended only six years prior. It had made relations with Osatana, their southern neighbor, hostile, then frosty for the years since, as Orcadian, and their fellow TSO allied forces, helped to drive the Ostanan and Yellowsian invaders back to the original borders. None of that was on their minds today as the Orcadian Ambassador congenitally shook hands as they moved down the aisle to their spots on the main floor. Brigadier General Alex Waylon and Dr Sir Robert Silverman, the MI6 Chief of Staff to the TSO, made their way behind Waylon, a bit more reserved, but still friendly in acknowledging their compatriots.

Yves Monteil felt all eyes on them as his delegation entered. They had front row seating and a lectern right up next to the perpetual hosts, RFS, so of course, being front and center they naturally drew attention. Monteil had worked his way up through the Foreign Affairs Ministry to get this position, and for several years now he had honed his skills navigating all the crises that faced the military/political alliance as they figured out their place in Teremara, fighting aggression whether it be a rogue nation or a non-state terrorist or activist group. He was well in tune to all the members and observers, and was highly keen to address the organizations’ guests at some point. He had a very clear agenda and intended to stick to it.

General Fabien Pernet followed, the AFG (Armed Forces of Gaul)’s representative to the TSO. Pernet had honed his sword in Dachine dealing with Dao Chongese nationalists, as well as preparing for conflict with other Wishtonian territories and nations. Later, he had been sent to Marveille, the Gaulic territory on the Qasifyan coast, for a brief time, before heading further north on the Tavlyrian continent to help in the TSO coalition effort to push back the Osatanan and YSR invasion of Glisandia and Jumnia. He knew he was well respected by his TSO peers and felt the same about them all, even the ones who hailed from the nations who might be at odds with this Session. He took his desk next to Ambassador Monteil.

Hien Lanh Chamkon, a Deputy Director from the BGSE, held the rearguard of the delegation, following even behind the adjutants and aides of Monteil and Pernet. A native Dachinois, or Dao Chongese, woman, she knew that she represented more than just the Gaulic intel community in these chambers. She also represented aspiring Wishtonians, Asians, women, and most of all Dao Chongese immigrants to the Republic to all watching.
None of that was registering at the moment, so much as the TSO intelligence center’s failure to safeguard key Wishtonian data that had been pirated by the San Rositans. She certainly felt, not without warrant, that she had become the focal point, and possibly the fall person, of that debacle. No amount of minority status was going to balance it out in many minds, she thought. She meekly took her desk next to General Pernet.

Despite the fact that every major Teremaran newswire was talking about how the main topic of this TSO Grand Council Session would be about San Rosito and the status of their continued membership due to recent events; and that the TSO administration had made great pains to make clear that the San Rositan delegation, while not uninvited, should not feel obligated to turn up - they still made a grand entrance into the Magna Cubiculum. They were determined to be present for their ‘witch trial’, as Marshal Elizondo had put it.

Bartolome Efrem Vicente, the appointed and long standing Ambassador to the TSO led the way down the aisles. He was followed closely by Vice Almirante (Vice Admiral) Saul Campos of La Armada of San Rosito, who was the military liaison from the Republic, and then by Estaban Gomez, the intel liaison from the OIR, the major San Rositan intelligence service that handled foreign matters and had been instrumental in gathering the data for Operation Barracuda, the recent San Rositan reclamation of Kenega. He was followed by his Deputy, the assistant OIR liaison Celestina Muñoz.

Muñoz was only a little past a year into her post, but ready to quit now, due to the constant frosty reception she had received the past few weeks every time she walked into the TSO HQ here in Roma. It flew in the face of what she wanted to accomplish and every function she understood the posting to be about. She did not want to grind her gears in a useless posting, not accomplishing anything in regards to her initial mission. Her boss, Gomez, seemed to have no such reservations.

The final surprise guest of the San Rositan delegation might have been what had most others in the Chambers in shock. Almirante (Admiral) José Monsalve, the Commandant of La Armada of the Republic, and the number two ranking man (unofficially) in the Consejo de Seguridad y Gobernanza (Council of Security and Governance). He followed behind the appointed three, but in front of the assistants of the delegates. He had arrived by ‘red eye’ flight from Puerto Cristal to Roma earlier that morning, and been whisked away by the diplomatic staff of the San Rositan embassy before too many questions could be asked or challenges made by Roman authorities towards his arrival.

Monsalve waved his hand in a formal, wooden manner, changing from one side of the aisle to the other, but got few waves, if any, in return. He didn’t expect many, and it was more a way to wave the middle finger to all gathered, even if he wasn’t actually doing that gesture. He and his compadres were well aware of how they were viewed currently by the TSO and most of Teremara. They were all hypocrites as far as the Council was concerned.

Staring icily from the far end of the chamber was Lina Ferrero de Montez-Vacazar, the grim, silver-haired delegate from the Queendom of Espicuta. Around her, the grimacing Espicutans held court and scowled shamelessly at the arriving San Rositans: the belligerent Brigadier Juan Montez (one of the many poorly-defined military aides at the Espicutan embassy), the Vionnan-descended Don Sebastian Murro MacPherson (de Montez-Vacazar’s deputy, an aging adventurer. MacPherson was traded between military, diplomatic, and civil appointments like chips at a poker table), and Countess d’Aranda-Godoy, whose gaze could melt steel - let alone hearts and bodies. The four had been conversing relatively happily until the arrival of the San Rositans disrupted their carousing. D’Aranda-Godoy had been the first to notice and she had grumbled the others into silence with an incomprehensible set of low noises. Though their scorn was barely-concealed, the Espicutans said nothing as yet. De Montez-Vacazar sat back and folded her arms while the Countess puffed on a pathetic-looking disposable nicotine vape, filling their corner of the room with the scent of guava.

With the murmuring and gasps, the Neu Engollians turned around. Jauffret sighed loudly.
“Fucking seriously? Why?”

General Nalder glanced back, then turned again to face the front, looking up to where the member and observer nations flags were mounted in stanchions against a deep blue backdrop with the TSO logo in the center. Then he turned around again, puzzled, to take a longer look without reservation.
“Who is that again? He looks familiar…” He muttered.

Lindauer, the NESA chief, answered, equally low key,
“Admiral Monsalve, from the Council of Security and Governance.”

“The San Rositan junta?”

“Yes, but they don’t call themselves a ‘junta’. Just like mercenaries these days don’t refer to themselves as that, they call themselves ‘contractors’. Although members of a junta never, ever referred to themselves as a junta at any time that I’m aware of…”

“So pedantic and over-informative. I’m just asking if he’s one of the San Rositan chiefs!”

“Yes, General.”

“Fine. Good. That’s all I was asking. Keep the rest of your nerd factoids to yourself, Lindauer.”

Jauffret put a hand up to his face, by appearances to scratch his nose. He muttered behind his hand.
“Both of you need to shut the fuck up! There’s cameras pointed towards us recording everything. The lip readers are going to have a field day!”

Nalder continued to speak out in the open, oblivious to what the Ambassador was saying.
“I thought all that had to pass through TSO censors first before they release it?”

Jauffret shook his head.
“Yes, but we’re talking about journalists…especially Madurinite journalists. They may have technically agreed to that, but you know how they are…They’re going to get around the censors and put out what they want in the end.”

Lindauer broke in.
“Which reminds me, be very careful what intel you put out there today. The intel that some of this San Rosito debacle is based on is still very classified.”

“Of course. I should think that goes without saying. Now shut up!”

[RP contributed in no particular order by Roman Federated States, Espicuta, Terre des Gaules, Asucki, Beaufort, Neu Engollon, Nova Secta (Saescia), Jumnia, Glisandia, San Rosito, Mubata, Greater Orcadia, and Jutuomi.

by **Terre des Gaules** » Sun Jan 15, 2023 8:48 am

Magna Cubiculum (Grand Chambers)
Teremaran Security Organization HQ
Roma, Roman Federated States

The Romans, as perpetual hosts to the Teremaran Security Organization, held honorary first station in the Magna Cubiculum. A loyal ally of both Gaul and Neu Engollon for many decades, it was actually President Rafertini who had given the initial push to his Gaulic compatriots, Trevalle and his administration, to expand the WMTA into the current structure of the TSO.
Sidra Desarno, the Roman Ambassador, was well aware of this history, but chose to downplay it in her dealings with the other TSO representatives. Coincidentally, she was serving also as First Secretary of the TSO, and so her administrative duties called on her to guide the proceedings today.

Next to her stood Admiral Rolivus Tombarello, the liaison from the Roman Militum, specifically, the Navy, or Classis, as they called it.
On the other side of her stood Dominico Saluretto, the intel liaison from Pertempto Circlus, the Roman intelligence service that dealt with foreign information collection and operations. While Ms. Chamkon may think she was the focal point of frustration, Saluretto knew he was much more on the hot seat than she was. It was well known that a Roman NCO attached to the Pertempto Circlus was the one who gave Wishtonian desk access to the San Rositan. After that, everything built up to the huge disaster they were now facing.

Next, he feared that news would get out that they had possible foreknowledge of the San Rositan attack on Kenega due to the data hack. Of course at the time, they could only guess that events might lead to that outcome through logical conclusion, but such a distinction would not be made in the muckraking media.

Sidra watched as the San Rositans paraded down the aisle to their allocated spot. She had to actually think about closing her mouth as it had fallen open in mild shock. No one had invited them officially, and especially not one of their ruling Council, but to be fair, notifications of the emergency session had gone out through regular channels and no attempt had been made to deliberately keep the session secret from the San Rositans, either. As quickly as she had shown startlement, she reigned it in and put on a stony face.

She leaned towards the microphone on the dias.
“Welcome to the Ambassadors, delegates, liaisons, and guests to Roma, and to the home of the Teremaran Security Organization. As always, the Roman Federated States are honored to host all of you…” She glanced over at the San Rositans.
Not you assholes![i/] went through her mind, but not out her lips.
“We thank you for being able to appear on such short notice, or shorter than normal, in any case. Certain members felt it was necessary that we settle some urgent business, and that’s enough to address for now, as I think most of us are aware of the topics of business...Without further delay, we must call to order the Grand Council and start a fresh session.” She struck a gavel onto a block on the rostrum.
“I leave the floor open to the first speaker that wishes to take the dias.”
Sidra glanced over again at the San Rositans, hoping they wouldn’t rush to speak first. It would be pure chaotic shouting she was sure, if they did.

Yves Monteil quickly signaled on the ‘lamp’, actually an LED light on the front of his desk that all member and observer desks had, that he would like to start the proceedings. He had had his finger casually near the button, then, when the San Rositans walked in, it had been hovering over it in order to avoid having them try to bluster their way through a defense case at the start and turn everything into a carnival.

Things might devolve that way anyway, with the controversies and issues that would need to be discussed. Yves, more than anyone, realized that the TSO had come to a major moment in their history, and he was, along with his bosses at the Foreign Ministry, determined that the Republic of Gaul would be at the forefront of deciding how that history unfolded.

That being said, they had delayed as long as possible the inevitable, hoping that they could somehow be more prepared for this moment. Pressure and outcry coming from their allies Neu Engollon, Espicuta, and Saescia, as well as other concerned Teremaran nations like Asucki and Beaufort, had forced them to act sooner to address ‘the large elephant in the room’, as Phillipe Jerraine of La Monde Gaulouise had so aptly put it. Yves couldn’t be mad, as he understood where they were coming from, but it still put so much weight on him and the Foreign Ministry, military, and Executive office back in Paritte to shift gears on their stand to ignore first the provocations against the Ventanans, then the Kenegan invasion. Ultimately, it showed a big crack in the alliance at a time they could obviously not afford to seem weak.

Sidra breathed a small sigh of relief.
“Yes, Ambassador Monteil, you would like to address the Grand Council? The floor is yours.”

“Thank you, First Secretary Desarno. Thank you, also, to my esteemed colleagues. It pains me greatly today to be here, as it does my colleagues from the BGSE and military, who sit by me. It is not under any normal circumstances or scheduling that we find ourselves here, for, rather than be proactive and in control of events, we must yet again react to cataclysmic events that affect our organization, our friends, and our neighbors. While there are many issues we could discuss, I think paramount is to address the recent actions of one of our own, The Republic of San Rosito, first in Southern Madurinite waters, then subsequently in Wishtonian waters. Next, there is the matter of a major rogue nation, the Yellow Star Republic, joining MALET, an organization that opposes us and threatens our allies with their expansion in Tavlyria.

First, I will address San Rosito’s hostile actions that undermines what we stand for as an organization, in regards to relations with fellow allies, and with innocent non-hostile nations alike…” He looked over to the San Rositan delegation. They all looked rather sullen, but Admiral Monsalve in particular looked absolutely defiant, arms crossed and staring daggers back at Monteil.
“...While a case could be made that Gran Ventana had been disrespecting the border between the two nations, the besieging of the Vetnanan coast seemed quite an overreach in response. While things were resolved peacefully with little actual hostility, it set a disturbing trend, I think many will agree. Then, from there, they pivoted to sail south and threaten the territory of Vionna-Frankenlisch, specifically the Commonwealth of Kenega. An invasion followed, but at no point could it ever be determined that Vionna-Frankenlisch or the small island of Kenega ever presented a problem to the security of the Republic of San Rosito, let alone the Teremaran Security Organization.

Yes, my government has remained quiet on the issue…” It had been agreed that they needed to get out in front of accusations from the other nations and their press.
“...But that was because we were hoping and working towards a plan for peaceful resolution of the conflict. We had hope that the Council of Security and Governance in San Rosito could be reigned in from their actions, but that hope is quickly diminishing. We still think that a relationship can be salvaged and the organization can remain whole at current status, if some steps must be taken to er,...discipline the aggressor, if so decided…”

First Secretary Desarno stepped in.
“Ambassador Monteil, I think now would be a good time to pause and allow for response or rebuttal.”

“Of course, Madame First Secretary. I do have more thoughts to convey, but we cherish your friendship and that of our esteemed colleagues here today, and so we should indeed keep this a multilateral discussion towards future actions.”

“Of course, Ambassador Monteil. Is there anyone who would like to speak next?”

Now it was the turn of the Saescians to air their grievances before the moot; Ambassador MacClaire motioned for the floor with the light at her desk, standing even before the floor was fully given.

First Secretary Desarno motioned towards MacClaire.
“The Floor recognizes Ambassador MacClaire of Saescia.”

It was clear from her mentality that the Saescian delegation was in no mood to beat around the bush about what was happening in Kenega: “I speak for the government of the Glorious Dominion when I issue the strongest possible concern over what is happening in the Wishtonian Sea region right now. San Rosito has engaged in a punitive military action against the tiny island of Kenega, an island which presented little in the way of strategic harm or threat to San Rosito or this treaty, as has been mentioned. Further, this action has seemingly been undertaken without provocation, without any consideration for their allies in the Teremaran Security Organization, and without care for the posterity of history and its judgment upon the nations for their reckless and wanton disregard for international law.”

MacClaire continued: “It is the position, my fellow colleagues, of the Glorious Dominion of Saescia, that San Rosito be censured for its actions upon the island of Kenega, that full mediation be offered and a redress of grievances be made at the earliest possible opportunity. Our bonds of fellowship cannot and will not absolve us of our moral conscience, nor shall it persuade us to forsake reason and wisdom for the madness that open warfare brings. San Rosito has sinned against this great alliance, and it must now suffer the full measure of recompense for its wanton, flagrant abuse of its privileges and prerogatives. Should this alliance fail to act in likewise measure upon it, the Glorious Dominion questions its very presence in these great halls moving forward.”

With that, the Ambassador of the Saescians took her seat, awaiting for the next speaker to mete out their own response to the matters at hand.

There was a short round of muttering from the Espicutan cabal and, after a moment, their ambassador came to her feet as the light at her desk indicated her intention to speak. Lina Ferrero de Montez-Vacazar was a tall woman in a dusty-looking tweed suit. Her hair, once a dull brown, now shone an icy grey. The dye had been a punishment for daring to begin the greying process before permission had been given. Her sullen eyes beheld the chamber for a few seconds and she broke her scowl to smile briefly at Ambassador MacClaire.

Sidra nodded.
“The Floor recognizes the honorable Ambassador Montez-Vacazar from Espicuta.”

“Madame First Secretary, the Saescian delegate is quite correct. The unprovoked invasion of Kenega is a grave evil. That a member-nation of the TSO would be capable of such an aggression is shameful. The Queendom of Espicuta denounces the actions of San Rosito.” Montez-Vacazar began strongly, bringing her hand down harshly on the desk to punctuate the denunciation. She was not finished however, “This is not the first time that the Republic of San Rosito has conducted its affairs in a dishonourable manner, however. For years, the Queendom of Espicuta has been disrespected by the arrogant patriarchs of San Rosito, which has falsely bent our history to its own aims and invented spurious claims on former Espicutan lands. We have lodged hundreds of complaints with this organisation, which we are told we are respected members of, and these complaints continue to be ignored. San Rosito has been allowed for years to make a mockery of the peaceful and honourable nature of our race and now they have been so brazen as to attack Kenega.”

Montez-Vacazar again slammed her palm down on the desk. She looked over the San Rositan delegation with a brief glance of distaste before finishing her condemnation. “A member of the TSO has violated every law and custom of the modern world - they have attacked an unthreatening satellite of a nation which many members of our organisation call friend. This is vicious empire-building and it would be the greatest crime of our generation if the TSO were to remain silent on the issue of San Rosito and continue to allow their membership should they not [i]immediately cease their unlawful invasion of Kenega. Sanctions should be brought to bear and communications made with Vionna-Frankenlisch so that we might end this sad, silly affair before conflict escalates.”

Desarno paused, thinking, as she spotted another lamp lit among the members,
“Thank you, Ambassador Montez-Vacazar. Next, The Floor recognizes Ambassador Lutarsson from Glisandia.”

Tobiasz Lutarsson watched as things got more heated. As a more recent member than the others, Glisandia had a slightly different perspective on events, of course, due to their lesser tenure, but also due to being one of the few Tavlyrian nations in the organization as opposed to the Madurinite power bloc that formed the core and mostly consisted of the founders of the TSO, and the predecessor WMTA.

One might think that meant they would not be in line with their brothers in Madurin, but in fact, they were very close to Gaul and rarely stepped out of line of Gaul’s political orbit in most matters of debate. While all of the TSO had shed blood in helping to liberate Northern Tavlyria from Yellowsian aggression, it was Gaul who had kept the most troops in Glisandia after the YSR was driven out, as the Grand Duchy continued to fight the fanatical religious extremists who had a good grip on half the nation. Gaul was the one, for the most part, who had contributed greatly in their efforts in a bloody civil war against the Holy Domain of Glisandia, HD for short, up until victory which had just come about in the past year.

And so, Ambassador Lutarsson, personal feelings that might push him otherwise aside, stood up to reiterate the points that Gaul had made, in accord with direction from the Parliament and the Grand Duke himself, back in Rikijdrottin.
“We in Glisandia feel that specific heavy sanctions against San Rosito are the best course of action, also, rather than full expulsion. Having been through a horrific, unprovoked invasion ourselves, we understand how devastating such circumstances can be. However, should we not look to rehabilitate a wayward brother and encourage, if not a regime change, a different path in their relations with the rest of the world? Forcing them out of the alliance means putting them on a path that might only boomerang around to hurt Teremara further in the long run. Also, it sets up events for TSO nations to intervene in their Republic. Where does it end when every nation finds shaky justification to intervene in another, citing said nation’s faulty justification in intervening in yet another sovereign nation?”

Ambassador Lutarsson had opened the door that Admiral Monsalve was hoping to jump through, and he saw his chance. He didn’t bother to signal his intention to speak, but rather utilized the mic on his own lectern first.
“Well, well, well…”

He strode quickly up to the center dias to continue. He faced out, leaning far over the rostrum.
“Look at all the jackals, all circling to pounce on the Lion…Such grandiose proclamations and righteous indignation for our Grand Republic, eh?
I think we can agree with Ambassador Lutarsson that some of us, especially over here in Western Madurin…” He waved his hand to the air to indicate the RFS and all their neighbors by association, “...might appear very hypocritical in such a stance when ‘we’ have felt we needed to intervene outside ‘our’ borders? I will point out that we no longer have our Lacetan brothers and sisters here to represent their extinct country that was an upstanding member, due to just such an instance. A fellow TSO member no longer, absorbed by your imperialism…” He gave a beat for that to sink in, pointing at the Espicutans and glaring at them as they returned the hostility,
“...The actual difference with our Republic, ladies and gentlemen, is that we have acted recently only to protect our own borders, and our own territory, from other aggressors, whether it was current, like the constant transgressions of Grand Ventana, or from times past… We were not strong enough to act to save our little Kenegan brothers ages ago, but we, obviously, are now. I don’t want to belabor the issues with our western neighbors, Ventana, because we have worked things out in a satisfactory manner to both parties. We look forward to lasting peace with them after some master diplomacy.”
He scanned around the chamber.
“Yes! Yes, we are capable of such diplomacy, you must all be shocked!
Not so, the Empire of Vionna-Frankenlisch, a non-Teremaran power, may I point out the obvious, that you all are so quick to defend - Defend their colonialism and subjugation of brown people, whether it be Kenegans, or San Rositans…” He held up his own hand and pinched the skin of it with his other to dramatize his point.
“The same Frankenlischians that refused to negotiate, and ignored our remonstrations. Instead, they rallied around them those whom we had once considered our friends, our allies…our compadres! Yet they abandoned us for their fellow…white…Anglo…folk.” He banged his fist on the rostrum to punctuate each of the last four words.
“You can all keep being hypocrites, throwing the stones at glass houses as you Anglos love to say, or you can take the side of true justice and stop the charade of mock outrage that the Latin Republic of brown people is doing exactly what you all do on a daily basis, stick up for yourselves with all your military might and meddle with your neighbors when you feel your security is threatened….Or?! Or… Can only certain, select white people stand with you to confront MALET and the ISVC? Is that how it works?...Hmmm. I don’t seem to recall that attitude when San Rositans were dying in the deserts of Qasifya and the tundra of Glisandia and Jumnia for a united, free Teremara. Then, when we were killing in far off lands in matters that should not directly concern our Republic…Then, yes, then, we were worthy enough to be your chinga canon fodder!..Excuse me, I am getting caught up in the moment. But, you know what? I don’t care! You can take your outrage and shove it up your ojetes! [buttholes]”

The Admiral stood for a few moments more, shifting his gaze across the other TSO members, and breathing heavily after his tirade. Then he strut back to his place, to glare around some more in only partially mocked seething anger, aware that the media cameras were recording it all.

Ambassador Montez-Vacazar rocketed back to her feet with a tirade of curses in Espicutan. Brigadier Montez stood up with her. “How dare you!” The Ambassador responded fiercely, “You waste of a tan skin - you justify your transgressions with insults and dishonour this whole assembly!” Her deputy, MacPherson, uttered veiled pleas for calm from behind her but they were ignored. “Madame First Secretary, how long can we be expected to put up with San Rositan bluster and bullshit before this organisation loses all credibility?”

Sidra Desarno momentarily put a hand up to her face in frustration, but quickly dropped it. While her delegation obviously had an opinion, and as Ambassador she would need to voice that, she was determined to remain neutral for now in this flap and stand solely on her administrative duties. She was much more keen to weigh in well after a lot of the smoke had figuratively cleared.

Admiral Monsalve attempted to respond from his lectern, but Sidra signaled to the TSO tech to cut his mic.
“How dare Y-”

She then addressed the Grand Council.
“I will remind both of you, Admiral, and Ambassador Montez-Vacazar, to please wait to be recognized by the Floor before speaking. We have these rules in place for a reason. We will have a free debate portion momentarily, but not all of our delegations represented today have had their initial chance to address the Grand Council.

Admiral Monsalve, furthermore, I shall remind you that as a guest here to the Grand Council, although I am uncertain who invited you, we expect you to abide by our decency rules and mind your language, no matter if it’s Common or your native language. We would prefer if you had cleared your visit ahead of time, but…Here we are…Perhaps, let Ambassador Vicente speak for you, as is his job.”
It was as close as she would come to reminding him he had, in fact, not been invited, and was not cleared to address the Grand Council, and they would prefer him to just observe.

General Thuku Nkoro watched as events unfolded below. He knew that Madame Mdufe would not dare to speak at this juncture, and probably not at all now, unless the topic of discussion miraculously moved towards new membership, which looked unlikely at the moment. He was keenly aware of how many viewed his nation, which was not far off from their views of San Rosito. A small, autocratic, militaristic nation with problematic civil rights issues. It was the reason they had been rejected on each application over the years, and while the regime promised change in order to line up more with TSO ideals, they never seemed to be able to follow through on that.

They were the same issues that tore at his moral fiber, much as they had on his father before him, and many like minded friends and family back home.
Part of him badly wanted Mubata accepted into the TSO, but another part of him knew that they didn’t deserve such an honor, because of the Fazembes, and other Tizi leaders. Still, the hypocrisy of retaining San Rosito in their membership despite their excesses, while continually rejecting Mubata, was not lost on either Mubatan sitting there, or many back in Karalaga.

Ambassador Helga Thorfin, the appointed Jumnian TSO Ambassador for the last few years, rose from her seat as she pressed her desk's "Call Lamp". Helga was dressed in an intricately designed light blue dress, covering all the way down to her knees, with an accompanying same-coloured blazer, emblazoned with a Jumnian pin. Although she felt a strange sensation of nervousness, she was confident in her abilities. She was appointed to this position, in fact, by the President of the Republic of Jumnia personally, as one of his first week's decrees, and she has continued to work hard to earn some degree of respect amongst the other Member States on her nation's behalf. This was no easy feat, as many other Members looked down upon Jumnia (although not openly of course), as they were a relatively new member to the alliance, and were generally seen as political and military lightweights, due to their severe struggles against the YSR during the Northern Tavlyrian War.

First Secretary Desarno motioned towards the Jumnian delegation, spotting their lamp.
“The Floor recognizes the honorable Ambassador Helga Thorfin of Jumnia next.”

"First Secretary Desarno, Appointed Delegates of the Chambers, Visiting Heads of States & Dignitaries, Honoured Observers, and Honoured Guests. All protocols observed. What I am about to address will most certainly prod at many exposed nerves, so I beg your better nature to prevail whilst remaining open to clear thought and reasoning. The Republic of Jumnia believes that, to an extent, The Grand Republic of San Rosito is to be pardoned for its so-called transgressions, and enjoy the continued support of the Alliance."

Helga shot an apologetic glance towards the delegation from Glisandia. As Glisandia and Jumnia were close allies following the War, she had always attempted to maintain, roughly, a unified response on international affairs alongside their allies and neighbours. Today would break that convention, which would undoubtedly surprise their friends.

"While my government believes that the Grand Republic surely did betray the trust of the Alliance, there are some merits for their behaviour. While I do take offence to the brash nature of Admiral Monsalve and his racist allegations, he does bring up valid arguments which we, as a civilised organisation, cannot ignore. The Grand Republic does indeed have legal claims over the Kenegan territory, and it is clear that no amount of negotiations would be able to resolve the issue in a satisfactory manner. While the manner in which they have decided to act to remedy the situation leaves much to be desired, it is understandable to a degree. No other nation present here today would allow their own territory to be seized and occupied by a foreign power, thus we must wear the shoes of San Rosito for a moment.

I wish to conclude my argument here with two points, namely, one, should the Grand Republic be expelled from the organisation, it would surely lead only to more war, destruction, and misery within the Region, as my colleagues hailing from Glisandia have argued. Secondly, should we punish our own, we send a clear message to the world, and to our enemies, that we are willing to prioritise the interests of an outsider, a third party, over the interests and safety of some of our own. This has already taken effect, with the YSR joining MALET - an action that myself and my nation has warned this organisation against repeatedly over the last year, which was met with mockery. Whilst we bicker, we continue to open our ribcage even wider to our enemies. We keep warning you, esteemed members, please do not allow my predictions to materialise."

Ambassador Kostić of the Asuckian delegation contemplatively stroked his bushy mustache as the Jumnians finished addressing the council. Originally a deep black, his hair had been made agouti with the gray flecks and specks of age. A pair of round glasses rested on his nose, which, combined with his hair, made him appear more advanced in years than he was in reality. He glanced over at the notes of one of his aides before signaling that the Asuckians wanted the floor.

First Secretary Desarno saw that the Asuckians were signaling to speak. At this juncture, it would normally be too early for guests to speak, but considering all that had gone down, she didn’t think it was at all out of line.
“The Floor recognizes our guests, the Asuckians, represented by Ambassador Kostić.”

“Thank you, First Secretary,” he began, standing up and offering a nod of acknowledgement in her general direction. He continued. “Firstly, I’d like to thank the Teremaran Security Organization as a whole for graciously allowing us to observe these proceedings. Our being invited here means a great deal to the spirit of international cooperation and transparency, as well as to us Asuckians in a more personal sense.”

“Formalities aside, the Asuckian government is very concerned with the continued hostilities of the Republic of San Rosito. Originally, this delegation was not planning on making any statements to the Council, but having heard the arguments from all sides up until this point, I believe that, if you will allow me to express them, the unique perspectives we offer as an outside party may be valuable.” He paused for a moment to hear any potential objections, then, satisfied that he could speak, went on.

“I will not demand that this organization take any specific actions regarding San Rosito. We are mere guests, and the TSO is fully within its rights to manage itself as it pleases. I will admit that many Asuckians hope for San Rosito’s immediate and full removal. However, the Jumnians, who we have a great respect for, have raised an excellent point in their acknowledgement of the consequences of such a move, although I must hasten to add that we firmly disagree with their premise that San Rosito holds any kind of real legal claim to Kenega. We are concerned that the TSO, acting out of rightful indignation at the Republic’s actions, will set the stage for a future conflict more horrific even than that in Kenega, should disciplinary action not be properly tempered with the spirit of mercy and the opportunity for eventual forgiveness.

I’m sure the majority of representatives here are aware that Asucki has been moving closer to the TSO, and that a membership bid is well within the cards at this point. Unfortunately, this situation has become very delicate for us, as I’m sure you can understand. Should we join, we will either be responsible for supporting San Rosito as equal partners, or we will be drawn into the intervention which would almost certainly follow their expulsion. Once more I must emphasize that we are not calling for any specific line of action, merely that we believe extreme tact and consideration should be taken before any decision of expulsion is made, and that the results could have a serious effect on Asuckian membership prospects. Thank you.” Finished, Pyotor returned to his seat, fairly satisfied with his performance. It was a bit wordier than he would’ve liked, but given the majority of it was given without preparation, it was acceptable. As long as it got the point across, he didn’t particularly care.

General Armando Nalder, of the NEDF, watched the proceedings as things kept taking turns well beyond where he thought they would be today.
“Way to sit this one out, Ambassador.”

“Get bent, General.”
NESA Liaison Officer Pietro Lindauer spat out quickly.

Linus Jauffret shook his head.
“We are observers, after all. I’m going over the Charter right now.”

Nalder hadn’t given up.
“Bad time to do homework, Ambassador. Even one of the guest delegations has spoken up.” He nodded over towards the Asuckians.

“So, I’m aware, but this is a perfect time to do homework. We are much more in need of logical analysis right now, rather than emotion, and…I’m wasting words on you.”
He finished tapping on his GXT tablet.
Jauffret pushed the button to light up his lamp.

Desarno turned to recognize the Neu Engollians up in the Observer’s gallery.
“The Floor recognizes our observer, Ambassador Linus Jauffret, from Neu Engollon.”

It took some moments for Jauffret to head down the stairs and to the dias to address the chambers.
“Thank you, First Secretary Desarno, esteemed members, observers, and guests.
It is an honor to be here today, as always. I am glad to see that we are still a vibrant organization and always working on how to better provide security for the region.
A lot has been said today, and while feelings are mixed around the region, they’re even more mixed in our Confederacy. Should we speak up, being only an observer to the Organization? Should we abandon an ally who has stood by us during previous dark times in this region? Obviously, our government, under Federal Council President Garavano, has moved to honor sanctions against the Republic of San Rosito. There is no doubt that they acted rashly. However, expulsion from the organization seems extreme and it is not a stance that Neu Engollon is ready to embrace.

I thought maybe it would be best to inject reason, logic and the rule of law, back into the discussion today and bring some grounding back. I decided to review both the TSO Charter, as well as other tenets of international law. So, while we can agree that some basic international laws were broken - a territory of a nation was invaded by one of our own without actual kinetic provocation. As well, this move clashes with Article 3 of the Charter, specifically, ‘...shall seek to preserve the regional peace through exhausting all available means before considering any punitive military action.’ Clearly, this was not done to everyone’s satisfaction. While we know that the San Rositan government had submitted a claim to the International Court, and they also had stated their case to the government of Vionna-Frankenlisch, they arguably did not leave enough time for negotiation. In fact, they themselves set a deadline for Vionna-Frankenlisch to act, and did not wait out the expiration of said deadline to full conclusion.

Moving along, the first violation of territorial waters of a peaceful nation, when it comes to Gran Ventana. But to that same effect, Gran Ventana, with their incursions into San Rositan territory, were not quite so innocent. It’s difficult to take sides there when both are clearly at fault, and so, rightly or wrongly, TSO member nations, and observers such as ourselves, did not speak out. By that token, we are all in violation of Article 8, in that we did not speak up on behalf of a member nation when they were attacked or threatened. Not when Ventanan forces breached the shared border, nor when San Rositan ships besieged their coast in response.

That all being said, we don’t have any clear direction from the Charter in what to do in the case of a member nation attacking a non-member nation, or territory of a nation; that is not even precisely in the region, neither the Empire, nor its territory. While some might argue that Wishtonia, being so close to the south, is an addendum to Teremara, I have to say I think it’s clear by International precedent set by the Yarok Line, that Teremara is north, and Wishtonia is south, of that line. Not a matter of consequence in either case as the unprovoked, attacked state does not need to actually be in the region, but I thought I would point that out as a matter towards regional security.

Now, yes, again, it is stated in Article 3 that peaceful resolution should be sought first before military action when pursuing international restitution. What is not clear, is what punitive action should occur should Article 3 not be followed, or overlooked, by a member nation, by all the other members. That is, other than the fact a vote can be made to take action as stated in Article 9. We could vote to expel San Rosito, but is it even fair to take that step?

I should first address an earlier insinuation, or allegation in full disclosure . Yes, our government considered stepping in to our neighbor, Austrakia’s territory, in order to restore the peace there. Thankfully, it wasn’t necessary, and they got things under control for themselves, before that step needed to be taken. The point is, we do not remain without a stain in the push to use military action. I won’t get into the strained relations between our two nations, because we don’t have that kind of time. Nor can I clearly speak towards Espicuta’s aims and goals in Lacetanya, a former member of this organization. For that matter, we can’t address fully the justification that Gaul had in sending in forces to assist the Jaraguptan King, other than they were invited. These are legitimate examples brought up by Admiral Monsalve on our own moral standing when pointing fingers. What makes one action acceptable and another not? Surely that is subjective, but…we can all agree that actions in Kenega are not to be ignored. Kenega did not invite this. Innocent people are dying there due to San Rositan actions. From what I understand of the latest intelligence reports, the Frankenlischians and Kenegans have barely fought back to warrant the destruction. Isn’t that correct, Mr. Lindauer?”

“Yes.” Was all Lindauer said to confirm through the lectern mic upstairs in the Observer’s Gallery, although he said it with confident conviction.

“Right. So, in conclusion. I feel we have to carefully weigh in on what is appropriate in punitive action, considering we don’t have a precedent and have not acted consistently against other members in the past. Also, we should seriously reconsider a vote for expulsion, let alone moving forward on such an action, considering the shaky legal ground for such a process by this organization. Perhaps, we don’t need to take these measures through the organization at all, sanctions or otherwise? Thank you.”
With that, Jauffret headed back upstairs.
Ambassador MacClaire had listened to Jauffret carefully, finding him to be an eloquent speaker to be certain. But her heart remained hardened to the Ambassador’s attempt to inject ‘logic and reason’ into the fiery oratory surrounding the episode with the San Rosito government’s invasion of Kenega. Though it was true that the Teremaran Security Organization had a colorful, even checkered past when it came to meting out punishment for dishonorable actions, that should not invalidate the push to punish a wayward member now when they had so flagrantly broken the covenants of international law. On the contrary, she felt in her heart of hearts that logic and reason dictated a firm response, even a callous one under the terms of the treatises of union that bound the allies together in common covenant. With a flick of the switch, MacClaire indicated that she was prepared to address the forum once again, moving forward to the podium with great haste.
“The Floor recognizes Ambassador MacClaire from Saescia.”
The words were still formulating in her mind even as she opened her mouth to speak, darting a quick look over at Lina Ferrero de Montez-Vacazar for acknowledgement. The Espicutan, who had been sitting sullenly since the First Secretary’s admonishments, allowed herself a close-lipped smile and a discrete thumbs-up.
“Fellow delegates, I respect the words that have been spoken here today, not the least of which from our esteemed Ambassador Jauffret. But where he cautions patience and reservation, I urge action and resolution. We as an alliance of nations linked together in the fraternity of coalition must be bound together by sacred principles, principles which remain inviolate if we are to survive as a gathering of the peoples of Teremara. It is our solemn duty to observe these principles, these metrics for conduct that guide the actions of statehood through the troubled waters of modernity and tear asunder any lingering doubts that may cloud the judgment of lesser men in their vain machinations for power and prestige.”
“The Republic of San Rosito has soiled the name of this coalition by its actions. It has been judged by posterity and been found wanting. Who are we as a coalition if we are not willing to take a stand for what is right and just? Who are we as a collection of the best and the brightest of our respective homelands if we are to sit by and allow San Rosito to escape punishment for their crimes upon the world stage, for is not the action of the one a reflection of the complicity of the many? How would we be judged by our children, and our children’s children if we say by and did nothing this day? Perish the thought, I say! Perish the thought that we would allow the blight of one of our own infest the rest of us.”
“This great hall is a crucible, whose searing words and precepts shred away all irrelevancies until we are left only with the sacred truth, pure and refined by the fires of the most passionate of convictions. And it is our greatest conviction, our solemn duty which we are honor-bound to perform to convict San Rosito for their grave malfeasance in the eyes of this crucible, this courtroom of their peers. No, my friends, the Glorious Dominion of Saescia will not rest until San Rosito has been brought to heel for their crimes this day. It is not worthy of the Teremaran Security Organization, and it is not worthy of our better natures to stand by and do nothing here while our colleagues across the forum reap the whirlwind of discord upon Kenega.”
MacClaire took a long look around the room before finishing: “Saescia will not be satisfied until we vote on sufficient punishment, be it censure or erasure from this coalition. Should we fail to act in this dark hour, the Saescian government must reassess its commitment to this organization.” She then proceeded to return to her seat, allowing that bombshell to resonate like a thunderclap throughout the forum.

Yves Monteil briefly rubbed at his temples. Things were going the way he had hoped, but not without some dragging and scraping. He reached out to light up his lamp.

“The Floor recognizes Ambassador Monteil from Gaul, once again.”

He quickly ran through some points in his head as he went up to the podium. There had always been a slight bit of friction between Gaul and Saescia, not just because of historical clashes, but both of them being the largest powers in the TSO and each wanting themselves to take a main leadership role, it was just natural they would butt heads.

Meanwhile, Admiral Monsalve had been putting on a little bit of a spectacle, and mostly for the eyes of the Espicutan delegation, especially Ambassador Montez-Vacazar. He made faces back at them while they scowled, such as putting a hand up to his open mouth in mock horror. At one point, he did an exaggerated curtsy, delicately lifting up a fake invisible dress.

Monteil got to the podium, looking confused as his eye caught Monsalve’s antics. He decided to ignore it, then he began.
“A lot of excellent points have been brought up today, and I don’t want to discount anyone’s sentiments, but I do agree with Ambassadors Jauffret and Thorfin in that we need to inject more facts into our arguments and less feeling. Obviously, we feel that what is occurring is somehow wrong on some levels, and causing great pain to the Kenegan people, but that is not the sum total of justification for action to stop those actions. And, much as I am regretful to admit, not all of us are guilt free in our own current actions over the past few years when it comes to using military force outside our borders, or to defend them. Do we, in fact, need to put in place more specific guidelines of how a TSO nation should act before we, in effect, level a sanctions cannon at one of our own?
I tend to agree that cutting San Rosito loose from the TSO could have unforeseen consequences that will cause more misery down the line.
Perhaps, if there’s any vote today, that’s what it should be about. What are appropriate guidelines to even judge a member?
I understand the sentiments of Ambassador Montez-Vacazar and Ambassador MacClaire, but as I have often heard said, ‘Let them who are without sin, cast the first stone.’ Do any of us have the right to pick up that stone? Are we jumping to the most extreme reaction without trying any other measures? That is where Gaul is at, at least, in this discussion. Thank you.”

[RP contributed in no particular order by Roman Federated States, Espicuta, Terre des Gaules, Asucki, Beaufort, Neu Engollon, Nova Secta (Saescia), Jumnia, Glisandia, San Rosito, Mubata, Greater Orcadia, and Jutuomi.

by **Roman Federation of States** » Tue Feb 14, 2023 12:08 am

Desarno watched as Monteil went back to his desk. He didn’t sit, as if he was anticipating something else. She was too. Maybe some kind of retort from the San Rositans, hopefully not the Admiral, though. They didn’t need a repeat tirade. No one else seemed ready or wanting to speak.

So, Desarno took it upon herself.
“So far, I have remained quiet. My duties as First Secretary war with my personal feelings, which in turn, clash with my responsibilities as the representative of the Roman Federated States to this organization. It is my utmost duty to say that the Federated States will stand by our closest allies, who have stated that they will not act to eject the Republic of San Rosito from the TSO, but might be open to sanctions.

Others have pointed out that sanctions do not have to happen through the TSO. I would infer from that we should look to UTEC to possibly direct such sanctions. However, it might be a bit of shirking duties to throw that on UTEC. If no other groups in the region feel they have the authority, or the reach, to act against one of our own, it falls to us. And perhaps it should fall to us, to police our own. Seems logical. In any case, we have other matters to discuss, and other meetings to attend. I will follow through on the proposals. Two votes will be entered into the record, One, for expulsion from the alliance, suspension, or no change in membership for San Rosito. Two, for sanctions, since it is a separate issue. This of course, will entail a later vote on specific sanctions of military and economic support, and diplomatic recognition. But for now, yes or no to sanctions on the Republic of San Rosito? After all votes are counted, I propose a brief recess.
Since I have the Floor, I will enter in a vote for the Roman Federated States of no change in membership and yes to sanctions, hoping they can be reasonable.”
Desarno gathered up her notes and walked around, back to her desk.

Ambassador MacClaire stood from her spot in the hall, prepared to cast her vote next. “The Glorious Dominion of Saescia votes yes to sanctions on San Rosito, and further votes to suspend the nation from the alliance.”

Ambassador Lutarsson of Glisandia signaled his readiness to be next, and with a finger point from First Secretary Desarno, he spoke into his mic,
“The Grand Duchy of Glisandia votes for suspension of membership, and for light sanctions. We feel this is the best course of action.”
He knew this was a bit of a change from his earlier statement, but he had felt swayed, and also felt that he had been given the liberty from Rikijdrottin to act as he saw best in his post.

Ambassador Yves Monteil of Gaul spoke next, with recognition.
“Gaul votes for no change in membership, and no sanctions against the Republic of San Rosito. As I have already stated, we feel that we need to better delineate guidelines on proper behavior of members before bringing censure or sanctions upon them.”

Ambassador Bartolome Vicente stood with Admiral Monsalve fiercely whispering into his ear. He waved the Admiral off angrily, then he began to speak, not waiting for recognition from the First Secretary.
“The Gran Republic of San Rosito votes for no change in membership and no sanctions. Let it please be entered into the record that we feel that we are still current members and that we should have a say in our own fate, if our past history of loyal membership should have any forbearance at all. Furthermore, I will add, from the Admiral, that he wishes to convey to you that you all should be deeply ashamed for your betrayal here today...”

The Jumnian Ambassador, Ambassador Helga Thorfin, rose from her seat once again, in an attempt to cut off the delegation from San Rosito. Whilst she has shown support towards their nation and their cause from the start, she feared that the brashness of their delegation might hurt themselves amongst the other diplomats. She continued to clear her throat politely before speaking into the microphone, "The Jumnian delegation hereby officially casts its vote for no change in membership within our alliance. This delegation also casts its vote for no sanctions to be enacted upon the Republic of San Rosito."

Sir Liam Morton got up to his lectern and switched on his light to speak next. With a nod from Desarno, and a glance around the silent Chambers, he took the opportunity.
“I will say, fellow delegate members, that the list of transgressions for the Republic of San Rosito is long. Threatening war and a blockade of territory of their neighbor, Gran Ventana; Conducting a spy operation within our own headquarters to illicitly obtain information they were denied access, along with the subterfuge and deflection that went with it…” He looked around, to realize that not everyone was privy to that information, especially their non-member guests, but he didn’t entirely care, and plowed ahead.
“...And finally, to go out of their way to invade the Commonwealth, Kenega, of a peaceful, non-aggressive empire, Vionna-Frankenlisch, on a very slim pretense. After conferring with my superiors back in Edinburgh earlier this morning, I must convey that the United Kingdom of Greater Orcadia has decided that both expulsion of the Republic as a TSO member and full sanctions are appropriate, and we shall vote as such today. Furthermore, for the record, we shall be expelling San Rositan diplomats from Edinburgh, and we shall be recalling our personnel from Puerto Cristal. Thank you, Madame First Secretary.”

When Ambassador de Montez-Vacazar came to her feet she wasted no time with proselytizing and went straight for the verdict. “The Queendom of Espicuta votes for expulsion, and for immediate and heavy sanctions.” She looked over the San Rositans and let her gaze trail across all those who had supported them. Her eyes narrowed and she opened her mouth to speak but soon thought better of the idea and sank back into her chair unceremoniously.

Sidra Desarno stood up once again, looking over warily at Ambassador de Montez-Vacazar. She sort of understood the animosity at the Espicutans’ distant cousins, the San Rositans, for their transgressions, but also, as among many others in the TSO, the incident with the Lacetanyans was fresh in her mind, as well. It all seemed a bit dramatic, considering. She moved on, looking at her notes with frequent glances up at the members, observers, and guests galleries.
“So then… That is all the current constituent members of the organization having registered their votes. According to our tally, San Rosito will not be expelled from the organization. There were only two votes in favor of expulsion to eight against, but there were also two votes for suspension, also to eight in favor of no change in status of membership for the Republic of San Rosito…
Moving on towards sanctions, this was much closer, at 5 for, and 5 against sanctions. In such case, in the past, we have turned to our observer Ambassadors to break the tie, Neu Engollon, and Taranima. Should they both part the vote down the middle, six to six, we will need to re-open and re-tally the votes for sanctions against our fellow member, San Rosito.
Ambassador Jauffret, we turn to you first. What does the Confederacy have to say towards sanctions directed against the Republic of San Rosito?”

Jauffret let out a heavy sigh as he stood up at his lectern. He cleared his throat.
“Madame First Secretary, I would like to give a simple answer, however, the question of sanctions is not simple, at all, in my mind, at least. San Rosito has been a close ally, and despite their recent behavior, they were crucial in cooperating to defeat rogue terrorist forces in Qasifya with our coalition there, and then again, with the TSO coalition in Northern Tavlyria, which pushed back the Yellowsian invasion, not to mention a solid economic partner.
What simplifies it for us is that our Federal Council already announced sanctions weeks ago, in conjunction with other nations around Teremara, not necessarily within the TSO framework. We will comply with UTEC sanctions against San Rosito, hoping that it might put pressure on to rectify this dire crisis in Wishtonia. Seeing as we already are following suit with the UTEC sanctions, we see any TSO sanctions as superfluous, and so we shall vote against such redundancy.”

Desarno did a slight shake of her head at the theatrics of it all.
“I see. Alright then. Ambassador Vitalaru of Taranmia, it falls to you to uphold a deadlock, or to reinforce the vote of no sanctions.”

Vitalaru stood up and took a moment before speaking. It was a very tense moment, given the circumstances.
“Madame First Secretary, I’m afraid you will not get resolution from me. Taranima will vote for full sanctions. We feel that San Rosito must be punished for all the actions that have been discussed today in order for the region to have order restored and prevent future transgressions by them, or other nations following their example. If it’s not up to us to take measures to restore order, then why are we even here?”

Sidra Desarno was forced to do what she had only done once before during her tenure as TSO First Secretary, to break a dead-lock with an extra vote. That vote had been for standardization of armaments within the TSO military command structure. In comparison to this matter, it was trivial.
“I am called upon to use my extra tie-breaking vote as First Secretary, as we stand at 6 to 6, members and observers weighing in. I will reiterate my earlier vote of an ‘aye’ to sanctions, which I think we shall still have to revisit tomorrow in another day of session to decide the specific sanctions to enact…”

She was interrupted by Admiral Monsalve.
“Boooo!!!”

Sidra turned her fury onto him, when she had been calm just a moment ago.
“Sergeant at Arms! Please remove the Admiral from the Chambers, and anyone that stands in your way. We will not have any more of this behavior here!”

The cameras in the upper gallery tracked the whole scenario unfolding as the TSO Sergeant-At-Arms, along with security reinforcements, marched down to the San Rositan delegation. He took the First Secretary to her specific word, and as Ambassador Vicente and Vice Admiral Campos did not interfere and stood by meekly, they were left alone, with only Admiral Monsalve surrounded. With a smirk and smug look on his face, he followed them back out, walking up and out the aisleway.
Later that afternoon, a flight was arranged to take him out of the country, back to San Rosito, with a stop in Porto Leal.

“Thank you. With that, I will suggest a short recess before we start into our next topic. You may adjourn to the lobby, or outside, and we shall continue within twenty minutes. Please don’t be late in returning to your seats.”
The irony of the fact that the Admiral had been dragged out for his interruption, only for all delegates to follow peacefully out the door within minutes, was not lost. In fact, Desarno relished it.

The TSO delegates mingled out in the lobby of The Magna Cubiculum, while some headed outside to smoke or vape, as it wasn’t allowed within the building. Instead of going straight out the main doors, they were led to a side door out to a courtyard where walls protected them from public view and sniper rounds, and patio tables and chairs awaited.

[RP contributed in no particular order by Roman Federation of States (Roman Federated States), Espicuta, Terre des Gaules (Gaul), Neu Engollon, Nova Secta (Saescia), Jumnia, Glisandia, San Rosito, Taranima and Greater Orcadia.

by **Roman Federation of States** » Sat Apr 29, 2023 8:45 am

Magna Cubiculum (Grand Chambers)
Teremaran Security Organization HQ
Roma, Roman Federated States

After the twenty minutes was up, everyone had made it back to their delegations spots in the Chambers. The First Secretary was ready, having only taken ten minutes herself in order to get back in time and review her notes.

Desarno nodded, as she retained the main podium for the Magna Cubiculum. The discussion was done, if temporarily, about San Rosito.
“Alright, for our next act…I jest…kind of…We need to move on to another pressing concern for a lot of our members and guests, the recent admission of the Yellow Star Republic into MALET, an organization that has made it clear they are opposed to our goals and well being and counter to the security of our members.
Now, while I have found working with Eastern Tavlyrian, or MALET members, in the context of economic matters in UTEC, which nations from both political alliances are a part of, quite satisfying, I think that the Federation of Roman States is quite concerned as to the political and military aims of MALET, as are many of our close allies. Ambassador Monteil, you wanted to lead the discussion on this?”

Monteil adjusted his mic, even though it needed little to none.
“Thank you, Madame First Secretary Desarno. I think some of us would be relieved to move the subject on to the primary concern of this organization, and an issue that has plagued us from the outset and given impetus to create the Teremaran Security Organization in the first place. That being the powers of Eastern Tavlyria, and an opposing political organization, MALET.
Until quite recently, the major powers in Eastern Tavlyria were at odds with each other, as well as out of step with the rest of the region in their political goals. Specifically, the Yellow Star Republic and Falkasia were at loggerheads with each other, having fought several wars and border conflicts, the most recent major war being 60 years ago, with tens of thousands seeing their blood shed. Hundreds more have been killed in their border clashes since.

Falkasia and Gragastavia have had their differences, or rather with certain segments of the population of their southern neighbor, but with the Al-Duhaba regime having shed their southern half, they are more in line than ever. Of course, that has left an Islamic radical republic in the south of Tavlyria for both us and MALET to deal with, and those terrorist proxies they sponsor, but perhaps that will be a discussion for another time.

What concerns us is that these nations, and Skartok, desire to see the rest of the region destabilized in order for them to achieve political and economic dominance over the region. Not to mention, none of these nations are democratic or have good marks in human and civil rights, and I feel that, while we’re not quite there ourselves, The Republic of Gaul makes concerted efforts to get there. The same to be said for several of our allies in the organization.

I digress again…MALET has expanded with the addition of a nation, who, if not a major foe now, has given us a myriad of problems in the past and even threatened to bring the world to the brink of nuclear war as they saw their looming imminent defeat and tried to stave it off with the threat of WMDs in 2015. The YSR military was still in shambles for a time since the close of the war 7 years ago and their defeat, but they have steadily been building back and hoping to revitalize their conventional warfare capabilities to match their abilities in asymmetrical warfare, especially cyber operations.

These deals they are signing with Falkasia, and the détente between Falkasia and the YSR, are opening doors for them to rapidly kick their revitalization of power projection into high gear.
Let it be known that Gaul is more than just a little concerned, but we are also aware that we are not the only ones. I now give up the floor to others who wish to speak on this matter.”

The Asuckian delegation signaled for the opportunity to speak. Desarno granted it:
“The floor is given to our honorable guests from Asucki, represented by Ambassador Pyotor Kostić.”

“MALET’s expansion is a serious issue for us in Asucki as well. The YSR’s apparent eagerness to expand through violent conquest of their peaceful neighbors is extremely concerning, and is part of the reason we were so eager to be here today. Over the previous decade, the Yellowsian government has built up a wall of ice and blood between themselves and the rest of the region. Their acceptance into MALET’s ranks, in our opinion, tells more than enough about the direction the organization is heading. Quite simply, while we’ve not been on the greatest of terms with the TSO and associates historically, MALET and the expansionist tendencies of some of their members pose a much greater threat to us now than the TSO ever has. I believe that, between the current reform-focused domestic environment in Asucki and this move by MALET, there is no better time for us to explore the idea of full membership in the Teremaran Security Organization.”

Desarno saw that the Glisandian delegation wanted to speak.
“The floor recognizes the Glisandian ambassador to the TSO, Tobiasz Lutarsson.”

Lutarsson touched the mic on his lectern, taking a moment to see if it needed adjusting, even though it didn’t. It gave him a moment to compose his thoughts.
“I don’t think it’s any big secret how we feel about our neighbors to the southeast. We have had a turbulent history for many centuries, and although they call us cousins, and we are very ethnically related, they are the ones you hope don’t show up to the big family events.” Lutarsson paused for some polite laughter around the Chambers.
“It’s funny, yes, but the past decade was anything but amusing. I don’t want to rehash the whole War for you now. But to say that you, our allies, stood beside us through it. Your citizenry, however, did not have to suffer as ours, and our brothers and sisters in Jumnia, did, even if your soldiers bled with us. For some, this is already well past history and you have moved on. Many are doing business again with Yellowsian companies, or the YSR government itself.

Our Treasury, our antiquities, and our very cultural history was looted from us by the Yellowsians to pay for their war upon us. We are still trying to recover that which was stolen from us, while those who profited from our stolen heritage, many in the highest society of the MALET nations [pipelines through Falkasia and Gragastavia to liquidate the antiquities and assets and bring in capital are well documented], continue to profit and feel no legal repercussions.

While life must go on and we cannot indefinitely hold a grudge, victims need to be met halfway, at least, in order to heal.
I think it needs to be pointed out, yet again, that the YSR has never formally made recriminations or apologized for their aggression. They simply stopped fighting because they were militarily defeated and they no longer had the conventional means to continue to prosecute the War…

As Ambassador Monteil pointed out, they threatened us all with nuclear annihilation in order to stave off the War being prosecuted into their territory. The end of the War is still debated, but the fact remains that we, the TSO coalition, could not set foot in YSR territory and bring regime change to them because they actually did have the means and the range to follow through on their threats and launch nuclear tipped ballistic missiles at several of our nations. Your nations. That situation remains static.

Now…
Now, the YSR has been on a program to rebuild their military, and with their new friendship with their old foe, Falkasia, they have the means to do so, along with their alliances in the ISC, where they have been able to project their power through a united Marxist front.
We need to desperately do something to halt this progress, but to be honest, I don’t know what that would be, short of another shooting war, and this time with all of MALET, not just the YSR and Osatana. No one wants that.
The next viable step has to be sanctions. Sanctions against MALET, sanctions against the ISC, and most definitely sanctions on the YSR to stop them from obtaining more military wares and technology that can be used in the military sphere.
No one wants to go through what we did before, when the YSR thought they could take on the world and win. The more we wait, the closer that reality will rear its head again.
While we are always concerned about security in the region as a whole, a belligerent and unrepentant Yellow Star Republic is the main reason we joined the TSO, and remain members today.
Thank you.”

Desarno motioned up to the Beaufort delegation, upon seeing the signal.
“Our distinguished guest, Senator Brevet of Beaufort, will take the floor.”

Senator Brevet rose to speak, after being recognized.
“I’d like to first, thank the chair, and then thank you all for inviting us here to take part in this discussion about MALET. We’ll start by making the way we see things very clear. Falkasia now has another ally it can throw against our forces. We have to understand that they are not peaceful nations. They believe in one thing, and one thing only. Strength. Beaufort is a peaceful nation. We have quarrels with nobody. And yet, Falkasia refuses to understand it. MALET refuses to understand it. We see plots of intrigue in our country and in our neighbors' lands. We watched with horror as the YSR and Osatana attacked Glisandia and Jumnia without provocation. And it is increasingly clear to the Commonwealth that the end goal for The Authoritarian Mallet, is the complete and total economic, political and military dominance of the Tavlyrian Continent.
The people of Beaufort have a right to determine their own future, in the same way any nation’s people, such as the people of Kenega, should have the total right to determine their own nation's destiny without the threat of force piled on.
Beaufort has been a long adherent to military neutrality, but it is apparent to the people and the government of the Commonwealth that military neutrality is not the way forward, and therefore, Beaufort now considers itself the right to once again use military force in a way it pleases.

Let’s now turn to what the Mallet would do when they march over our borders. They’ll strike south, cutting off the Campbell Valley Province, before moving in and enacting a fascist liquidation of the area, and its peoples. Then they’ll march west, shooting anything that moves until they reach the gates of Waddon, and then, they will finish the job. The flame of liberty vanquished on a field drenched in blood.

Let’s therefore make our position clear. We want peace. We will always be a peaceful nation. But if you dare trespass upon us, if you dare to challenge our right as a people to our national sovereignty, we will not have our backs turned, but our bayonets fixed and at the ready. We’ll fight for every square mile, and with everything we have. The only way our Commonwealth falls is when every freeman is choking his own blood.

We’ll fight no matter what, and we will never surrender to the forces of tyranny. To conclude, let me quote a statement inscribed on a sacred and holy memorial of liberty.
Here, at Sevres Field, on the 5th of May, 1751, we proclaimed liberty thereunto the land and inhabitants with the blessing of our god, and may liberty continue to ring from every hill and mountain and city and town and field in this nation.”

Monteil looked down after being taken aback for a minute from the intense speech.
He typed into his phone a private message to Montez-Vacazar, Desarno and Jauffret.
Well! Looks like we won’t have much resistance later in recruiting Beaufort fully to the cause.

Desarno looked down to view the text. She was both annoyed at Monteil’s flippancy, and that Brevet’s speech had struck her to a lack of words. She quickly looked back up. She saw the signal light for Jauffret. She found a few words.
“Our honorable observer, Ambassador Jauffret, from Neu Engollon will take the floor.”

“Thank you madam First Secretary.” Instead of standing up at his delegation lectern, he opted to walk down to the dias to address the Chambers from the center.
“...Once again, I am honored to be able to speak before all you fine Teremarans…
Some fine points, and some fiery points were made here today. I feel, as my nation is fond of doing, of tempering the discussion, and bringing down the rhetoric just a tad. I must admit, Senator Brevet, that your speech was not something I think any of us were expecting to hear from a neutral guest. Quite intense. Quite.
It hearkens back ten years ago to when we found ourselves at war with the Yellow Star Republic and Osatana, soon after the invasion, when we decided that we did not want to sit on the sidelines while independent republics and nations were swallowed up by an Eastern Tavlyrian empire. Lots of fire and brimstone then, too.

It’s very current in my mind, and evidently in many others of you, and hard to fathom that it’s been a decade already, if not since it finished, but when it started. A good six years since the end. They were dark times, indeed. We relied on support from our good friends in Beaufort, and Orcadia, if not your military might.
Although your nations were on the frontlines, you were in a difficult position to walk a fine line, and not provoke the beast so that your nations were not the next battlegrounds.
No one can dare criticize the sentiments that you had then, nor now. Considering that the specter still haunts you now, watching the Yellowsians slowly but inexorably recover and rebuild a military that was once a terror to, if not a region, a continent. Maybe there’s a persistent feeling in the national Beaufortian zeitgeist that you didn’t do quite enough to really put the aggressor in their place, but I assure you, I don’t think anyone else feels that way outside your borders. You did plenty under the circumstances.

As Ambassador Lutarsson has pointed out, no recriminations were ever properly sought by the winning Coalition. No apologies, or even adequate explanations, have been given for a blitzkrieging YSR…I’ll leave the bandwagon jumping Osatana out of that for now. Their motivations to jump in on a land grab were quite clear…
Perhaps we were cowed by visions of nuclear clouds?

But yes, why do I delve into this history lesson, when Ambassadors Monteil and Lutarsson chose to skip over it, for the most part?”
Jauffret made a dramatic pause, but also opted for an essential sip of water.

He gently put the glass down.
“Because, my fellow Teremarans, we need to put things in context. At this point, it is necessary. Let’s not bring ourselves close to a line that hasn’t been approached from the other side yet. There is reason to worry, though. We have an armistice in place, but no solid treaty. We have nations recovering because they were either beat to the point where they had nothing but weapons of mass destruction left to defend themselves, or they were brutally occupied and looted of their wealth and culture. I think we get to this point here, where a senator from a neutral nation feels the job needs to be finished, and maybe some others who participated in the Coalition. Now…

I think we need to look at the other side. The Yellow Star Republic, and for that matter, all of the MALET nations, are still trying to be contributing, viable partners to the economic fabric of the region. Members of UTEC, and willing to make trade deals. We have just been opening markets up again over there. There are resources they have that we need, and I hope we don’t see that weaponized in a trade war.
The Confederacy has been dealing with Falkasia for a long time, as they extract precious metals that can only be found in Southern and Eastern Tavlyria that we use everyday in our electronics. Not to mention other raw resources, and even processed goods, that they have to offer.

So, with that in mind, yes, were the YSR to be the leader of such a political organization, as erratic as they are, I think we could all agree that we would be in trouble. I’ll say it out loud: Gerta Hildgursdottir is one scary lady, if you know enough about her past, aside from being a fervent nationalist Yellowsian. She literally climbed a pile of bodies on her way to the top as their current Director General.”
Jauffret paused to scan his fellow delegates.

“However, with a more tempered hand like Falkasia’s Vladimir Kazyenko at the wheel, perhaps there’s hope that our two organizations could learn to better co-exist, if not be on the most friendly of terms. We just can’t see Gragastavia and Falkasia letting the YSR drag them into another ludicrously ill-advised war, just…well, because they can. While we were battling the YSR…and Osatana…The Falkasians and Gragastavians were in full war mode against Islamic radicalists to their south.

I know that Falkasia is not the most upstanding of nations and the FSIS has had their hand in funding and supporting all kinds of terroristic and destabilizing activity around the region, as has the YSR’s RLO. But if we can keep the guns and bombs stowed away for now, and find better ways to wage the war through the cyber waves, and in the shadows, as our own NESA has done, partnered with Gaul’s BGSE, and other allied security organizations, I think that is where the future lies. Trade deals in the front, and waging the covert war from behind.
In the meantime, maybe we finally lock in that treaty to officially end the Northern Tavlyrian War once and for all? Maybe, we even put in clauses for arms limitations and keeping each side abreast of the others’ military operations and intentions? I think there are plenty of examples out there of what brinkmanship with little communication can actually do to a region. Let’s not be another example. Thank you.”

Ambassador Helga Thorfin, the Jumnian Ambassador waited for Ambassador Jauffret to walk away from the center dias before pressing the call lamp situated upon her allocated desk.

Desarno spoke,
“The floor recognizes Ambassador Thorfin of Jumnia.”

She rose from her seat upon receiving the floor, cleared her throat, and started speaking into the microphone after adjusting it,
"I am reminded to adhere to the established protocol. Esteemed members, myself and my nation as a whole, have nothing but respect for Neu Engollon, and thus I will continue to display respect for Ambassador Jauffret's views on this matter. However, I feel it is important to stress the fact that while many, many lives have been lost from various nations present here today, it is only my nation, and Glisandia, who still feels the lingering effects of the war to this day. For us, the war is not history. For us, our citizens are still mourning the loss of entire families, still starving and dying of diseases, brought on by extreme poverty, caused by the ridiculous levels of destruction wrought upon our borders. Therefore, I cannot in good conscience, concur with the soft approach proposed by Neu Engollon.

History has proven time and again two simple facts: appeasement only strengthens and emboldens your enemies, and secondly, MALET harbors only diabolical intent towards the free world. How can we possibly foster trade ties with our mortal enemies while they keep pointing nuclear missiles at our capitol!? How can we sit at a table discussing peace while they have faced zero consequences for nearly destroying our entire way of life!?

Even considering such… weakness, is a slap in the faces, a spit on the graves, of all those innocent and brave souls lost in the war. No, any member of this alliance who claims to be defenders of the free world, will follow the example of my nation in expanding their military. My nation has commenced the largest ever military rearmament process in its history, and we have even commenced talks with the Republic of Port Ember to aid us in this endeavor. We will not allow history to be repeated. I thank you."

Helga straightened out her dress before sitting down. Brigadier General Rupert Grunter, the Jumnia-TSO Military Liaison, shot an angered look towards her, livid towards her for disclosing the secret talks between Jumnia and Port Ember.

Monteil stood and muttered to himself.
“Well…then.”
He pushed the signal button for the lamp on his desk.

“The floor recognizes Ambassador Monteil from Gaul, once again.”

“I would like to respond to all we have heard so far. It is a lot, and many valid points to be fair to my esteemed colleagues. To also be fair, Gaul is not in the same position that our Tavlyrian members…and guests…” He looked towards the Beaufort delegation, “...and really, any nations east of Madurin…” He looked towards the Asucki ambassador on that last point.
“...most obviously are. Were MALET to ever act, we are not on the front lines, but that being said, we will do our very best to make sure those on the front lines of the TSO, and Teremaran regional security, are well supplied to withstand any attack, conventional or otherwise. I would even say that my government may entertain deploying forward tactical nuclear short range ballistic missiles, or even a bomber fleet capable of delivering nuclear devices, to strategic air bases in your nations. But that is maybe an extreme step right now.”
Monteil paused to let that sink in. He was by no means authorized to disclose that fact as he had, but he had been party to such discussions back in Paritte. It was a very real possibility as far as Gaul, one of only two nuclear armed TSO nations, was concerned.
With YSR joining MALET, that organization had almost parity in nuclear armament to TSO, with volume at least. Falkasia and YSR’s arsenal by most estimates, quite nearly matched up to Gaul and Greater Orcadia’s combined arsenal.

“Now…that being said…All this war talk is a bit of a reach at this point. There has been no MALET rhetoric that I’m aware of, insinuating that they are preparing for war with us.

Yes, they are re-arming and revamping, depending on the nation in question, much like some of our nations have been in the process of modernizing. The Yellow Star Republic, like its victims, Glisandia, and Jumnia, was deeply affected by the war, possibly more so in some ways.

Starving and dying of disease? I don’t think there’s any reported epidemic of that currently happening in any of the three nations in question, far from me to question Ambassador Thorfin’s rhetoric, but…is that not a little bit of an exaggeration for dramatic effect? If I stand corrected, let my nation be the first to pledge more humanitarian aid to your nations, more so than we have already given over the years since the close of the War.
But I digress…

Were it not for their former foe-come-newer-ally Falkasia there to boost them, it would take many more years for the YSR to be a viable military force again in the region.
Gragastavia is still reeling from a brutal civil war that lasted years and saw their whole southern flank severed from them. Again, they count on Falkasia to be their benefactor. Let’s not even begin to talk about how they have had to do the same for indigent Osatana for years, let alone Skartok…

You know what Falkasia is not doing while they’re busy being Eastern Tavlyria’s savior? Trying to project their power into our territory and seas. That’s what they’re not doing, perhaps to the YSR’s sorrow.
Maybe they are trying to get their goods on our shelves. Trying to inject their raw resources into our manufacturing sector and their grains into our food process. Like any of us try to do in finding a market for our products, services, and resources across Teremara. Call me cynical, but I just don’t see them finding the time to make war plans right now to invade the TSO. So, yes, I agree with my colleague, Ambassador Jauffret. Let’s not treat them as a wasteland full of warhawk demons, because, friends, they are not that. Not all of them, anyway. They are still our trade partners in UTEC. The people there still want to open their arms to TSO national tourists. They still want our money. They still want our high end goods. Getting into some kind of sanctions/embargo trade war doesn’t seem sensical at this moment, other than denying them that which might make their military stronger such as microchips and AI technology. To make them weaker, economically, will only boomerang back onto ourselves. We will find ourselves weaker in the process by cutting ourselves off from resources and markets.
There is a balance here that needs to be found. We need to bring out the humanity in the MALET nations, at least from their people…And we need to still show a firm hand that we shall not be cowed. I don’t think we have to give up one to find the other, do you?”
Monteil sat back down, sparing one last scan of his audience to see how his words had landed.

Tobiasz Lutarsson pulled the switch on their signal lamp.
“First Secretary, if I may?”

Desarno waved.
“A response from Ambassador Lutarsson of Glisandia. You have the floor.”

Lutarsson nodded.
“Thank you, Madam First Secretary…
There’s a lot of rhetoric riding the winds here today. Make no mistake though, it is not empty. It demonstrates the emotion and conviction that we have to not again be under the thumb of, or assaulted by, the YSR, Osatana, or a future enemy in the other MALET nations. Sure, we have trade relations with our neighbors in the Yellow Star Republic, and Falkasia…even Osatana. Maybe not government to government, but people to people. I don’t know that that will change, but it certainly is better than having an occupier loot your land of resources, and your culture of its treasures, and just strip it wholly for their own use, as we experienced for 3 solid years.

I think we can all agree that sanctioning the politics, and leaning on the governments of MALET, is not necessarily putting full economic hardships on their people. There can be a balance, but arguing for no sanctions as the only alternative to full boycotts and sanctions is not really fair or accurate to the situation.
For instance, sending humanitarian needs to MALET nations shouldn’t violate the spirit of sanctions: food, medicine, and other goods with no discernible military purpose - low level technology that is already universal…These things could still be sent and a balance kept. It will require days of work on our part to get down specific verbiage that we could all agree to, but I am prepared, and I have faith that my colleagues are, as well.

As to the stationing of nuclear armed ballistic missiles in the Grand Duchy, it has been discussed before, with our close ally, Gaul, but it is severely complex. It will goad an extreme reaction both from some of our own people, and certainly from all of MALET, so it will take further weighty discussion as to whether it’s a step we’re ready to take. It’s a matter that I would need to confer with my superiors in Rikijdrottin on before I had any authority to accept such an offer here today…or tomorrow, for that matter. That’s all I have to say on that subject at this time.”
Lutarsson sat back down to indicate he was finished. He had to tread lightly on that topic, as his personal feeling, like many Glisandians, was that it was a step too far and would certainly goad the YSR into actions that could be disastrous for all.

Elizabeth MacClaire, the Ambassador from the Glorious Dominion of Saescia had been especially quiet during the session, listening intently to the messages delivered by her international counterparts. With the conclusion of Lutarsson’s speech, she now felt it the appropriate time to interject her own two cents into the proceedings, though she was assuredly more than a little concerned by the gravity of the situation at hand. She flipped on the call light at her desk, waiting to be hailed to address the assembly.

Desamo motioned towards the Saescian delegation. “The chair recognizes Ambassador Elizabeth MacClaire of the Glorious Dominion of Saescia.”

MacClaire gestured towards Desamo with gratitude, then leaned in towards the microphone. “Fellow delegates, I have but a pittance to add to the conversation that we have engaged in this day, mostly out of the reservations shared by the Glorious Dominion with respect to the severity of the topics at hand. There is a fable told in the mythology of the Saescians with respect to the pressing of an enemy. A hare once felt it necessary to assert their speed and their quickness by playing a game with a viper. The hare would dart at the viper, drawing it to strike, only to leap out of the way at the last second. ‘I am faster than you today, and will do it again tomorrow,’ the hare would taunt the snake. Day after day, the hare would taunt the serpent with its quickness. Then one day, the hare went to play the old game with its counterpart again, only this time the viper anticipated the hare’s movements, and struck home with its fangs. ‘Today, I am faster than you, but there is no tomorrow to be had for you.’”

“Friends, the moral of the story is to avert yourself from danger wantonly, for making bedfellows with danger leads to calamity. I do not personally advise against the issuance of sanctions against MALET as Ambassador Lutarsson so eloquently suggested, or the stationing of nuclear missiles in the territory of the Grand Duchy. But I do pray that we are not courting danger recklessly by doing so. I would advise caution, and suggest that this august body thoroughly vet its options before seeking satisfaction against our enemies in a way that could bring hardship down upon our own people in the future.” MacClaire leaned back from the podium, content to let the issues rest as they lie.

Asuckian ambassador Kostić signaled for the opportunity to speak.

Desarno looked around to see if any other members would speak. The subject matter was as volatile as any they might cover, but apparently everyone was either at a loss for words, or they truly weren’t as concerned as maybe they should be.
She granted Kostić the floor.

“We firmly support the right of the Glisandians and Jumnians to rebuild their militaries in whatever manner they see fit. However, Ambassador Monteil and Ambassador Jauffret’s points are valid; there is no evidence supporting, nor any logical reason to believe, the idea that MALET is planning on taking any hostile military action at this point in time. We are not opposed to the possession of nuclear weapons, but caution must be taken in engaging in any kind of brinkmanship. I believe that a strong conventional military presence in these nations, the threat of a TSO coalition defense, and the precedent of failure in the Northern Tavlyrian War will force MALET to think twice about any kind of military action without necessitating a nuclear engagement. If intelligence reveals an impending threat by the YSR or significant shortfalls in the defensive capabilities of Jumnia and Glisandia, then it may be prudent to seriously consider the movement of Gaulic nuclear weapons to the affected territories.”

First Secretary Desarno stood up as Ambassador Kostić sat back down.
“Well, then, thank you Ambassador Kostić. A great perspective from a friend. I will be honest, I was expecting more thoughts from some of our members on such heavy matters, but still…” She was pausing to give the chance for a lit lamp or hand wave, but there were none. “I think it’s something we may need more time to digest. I suggest that we pick up the discussion next session. In fact, I think this would be a good time to retire for the day. There has been a lot of emotion, ideas, and concerns brought up and we perhaps need to break off and discuss them more, one on one, with our colleagues.”
The ulterior motive was that some of them wanted time to chat with prospective members and while they had seen the Chambers at their rawest here today, well… Almost. No one had come to fisticuffs. Some of the senior members had closed door appointments with the delegations of Beaufort and Asucki. She wanted to leave enough time for those to happen today.
“So, rather than a suggestion, consider it a mandated decision for me to close this session. Thank you members, observers, and honored guests for attending today. We will reconvene at the same time tomorrow. Please enjoy the comforts and delights of our wonderful capital city here in the Roman Federated States.”

[RP also contributed in no particular order by Terre des Gaules (Gaul), Neu Engollon, Jumnia, Glisandia, Nova Secta (Saescia), Asucki, and Beaufort.

by **Roman Federation of States** » Sun Jul 16, 2023 12:21 pm

Magna Cubiculum (Grand Chambers)
Teremaran Security Organization HQ
Roma, Roman Federated States

Things wrapped up in the Chambers, and delegations prepared to retire for the day to come back tomorrow. Some lingered to have chats, while other delegations hustled out the doors, wanting to enjoy what was left of the day to sightsee around Roma, or tend to other matters.

The Ambassadors of Neu Engollon, Saescia, Gaul, and the First Secretary, who was also dually, the Ambassador of the RFS to the TSO, were some of the ones who lingered, as they slowly wished their colleagues well, then made their way towards each other. Ambassador Monteil held up a finger.
“A moment. I need to take care of something real quick.”
They all knew what he meant, and it wasn’t an emergency bathroom break.
He moved towards the Beaufortian delegation, centering on Senator Brevet.
“Senator, thank you for your patience. As the day is getting away from us, I hope you understand that we would like to schedule our meeting with you after tomorrow morning’s session. Right now, we have a prior engagement. That being said, we are very, very eager to talk to you about your nation’s interest in the organization.”

Senator Brevet nodded, without really saying much but some pleasantries.

As they parted company, Ambassador Jauffret approached Monteil and whispered in a quiet aside,
“Tomorrow will be a quite interesting, and possibly challenging, meeting with him.”

Monteil glanced back towards the vanishing back of Brevet, and was a bit non-verbal himself as his mind spun into high gear again.
“Mmhhmm.”

The Beaufortian had come off as a near Anti-MALET zealot during the session, but one had to wonder how much of that was show for the cameras, even though they were not statements to be easily retracted.

Private Meeting Room A
Teremaran Security Organization HQ
Roma, Roman Federated States

When Monteil rejoined them, they all then moved as a group towards the back of the Chambers, to where a side hallway led to several meeting rooms. Ambassador Kostić of Asucki has been asked to meet them back there, and should know the way, but could be led by pages, should there be a need.
The hallways, like the Chambers, were more than just functional. They were set with classical pieces from artists not as well known as the ones who had pieces in the nearby museums. Oil paintings, tapestries, and busts mounted on plinths lined the hallways depicting famous Madurinite events over the course of a millenia.

They filed into the meeting room, classically decorated like the rest of the building.
An attendant asked everyone for drink orders, then whisked off to fulfill them, closing the door behind them.

Shortly thereafter, the Asuckians made their way into the detached meeting room. As they found their seats, Kostić considered the earlier events of the day. All in all, he felt as though things had gone very well, although he was curious about how the nuclear issue would play out. It didn’t matter at this point, however, as he was now responsible for putting forth his country’s bid for membership.

Monteil cleared his throat before he broke the relative silence.
“Ambassador Kostić, I invited Ambassador Jauffret to be here, in addition to Ambassadors Desarno and MacClaire, even though Neu Engollon is an observer nation and not a full member. Despite the distinction, Neu Engollon, through Ambassador Jauffret and his predecessors, has been very instrumental in assisting in shaping policy for the TSO, and involved in a lot of decisions we make. As a colleague, I absolutely trust him.”

“Thank you, Ambassador Monteil.” Jauffret nodded at the gracious acknowledgement.

“So, I suppose we should start out. I will keep it simple for now. Your nation has an interest in possibly joining the organization. We are keen to have you a part of us. What can we do to make that happen?”

“The benefits of membership more or less support themselves. However, there are a few things that need ironing out before we move forward with this.” the Ambassador began. He quickly flipped through the dossier in front of him, locating a certain page before resuming. “I’ll begin with the most pressing matters, and we can run from there.”

Monteil, keeping his role as moderator of the conversation, encouraged Kostić.
“Sure, of course.”

The Asuckian continued. “The first thing on the wishlist is support from the TSO in building up and modernizing our military. Access to TSO instructors and trainers would be greatly beneficial in moving our military towards something that can put a fair contribution towards the alliance. It’s not exactly a secret that there are influential factions in our military, especially within procurement, who still hold to highly outdated understandings of military organization and doctrines. Of course, this problem is our own and we don’t expect you to be able to help much there, but even just having access to TSO military attaches with actual experience and an understanding of modern militaries could help tip the scales in the favor of reform.”
The other Ambassadors nodded around, and exchanged knowing looks.
Jauffret was the one to speak on that point first,
“Of course. That’s an easy request to fulfill. We have done the same for some of our members, like Glisandia, Jumnia, and San Rosito. Sent advisors, technicians…you name it…”

Desarno, the Roman delegate, smiled.
“Ambassador Jauffret is being modest. While Gaul…” She extended a hand to Monteil. “...is great at taking the lead in projecting power and being vocal for security and justice, it is Neu Engollon that is possibly the best at logistics and organization. If anyone can help rejuvenate your military and the procurement and rearmament process, it is them. All of our nations work hard to integrate new members into the organization, to be fair.”

Jauffret smiled.
“On behalf of my nation’s military, I thank you. They do seem to pride themselves on their logistical abilities. As for training, I think you’ll find that we can all assist with that, as far as getting up to speed on some of the more modern armaments out there. It’s not uncommon for many of our nations to rotate out advisory personnel. Also, I do believe the Confederacy was going to send NEDAF advisors, in any case, to assist in training up on the NEF-39NG and 39B Gripens your nation has just purchased from us.”

Kostić waited until the two others had finished before offering a response. “Excellent,” he began, “all of that sounds perfect.” He flipped through his notes for a few moments and continued. “I had almost forgotten about the fighters. Yes, we did receive technical support for those. From my understanding, that area of the Air Force is progressing quite well.”

Monteil nodded.
“Also, I think our annual multi-national field exercise is coming up. While we do invite friendly guest nations, it would be nice to have you participate as a full member this time.”

Kostić contemplated for a moment before responding. “I think that would be a great idea. It would offer both parties an opportunity to familiarize themselves with what the other puts on the table in a battlefield setting. I definitely think an Asuckian attachment could be arranged.”

Monteil seemed pleased.
“I do believe that your military has had a taste of that in past years…in observing our military exercises, but participation this year would be at another level. A chance to really step up and work on integrating with the TSO, in regional security, regardless of what the ultimate decision of your government will be towards full membership.”

“Absolutely,” Kostić responded with a smile. “Any move towards greater cooperation would be beneficial. I’ll be sure to put a word in with the Minister of Defense about our participation.”

Elizabeth MacClaire, the Saescian Ambassador to the TSO was next to add her piece, making sure to deliberately direct her conversation not only towards the minister plenipotentiary to Asucki but also to her fellow TSO ambassadors: “I would be remiss in not mentioning our commitment to helping the TSO advance its position strategically, which could and would include prospective members. Our nation may not have the size of some of our counterparts in this illustrious group, but we have done much work to maximize our footprint in the world. We would be proud to lend whatever technical knowhow we possess to the delegation from Asucki.”

With that issue settled and everyone’s responses acknowledged, the Asuckian ambassador continued by reading off the next point. “Financial support isn’t a hard requirement, but it would certainly be greatly appreciated. Preferable prices on surplus equipment, aid in funding modernization programs, more or less just whatever would be on offer. I’m not here to ask for money; we are perfectly capable of balancing our own books. However, the more capital we have free for our military, the better partner we can become.”

Jauffret waved his hand.
“We understand. Yes, for sure, I think we could arrange discounts with a lot of our companies that supply our own militaries. We have ways of making it enticing for them with tax breaks and such. We can also send advisors to aid in your revitalization, as we said before, but not just combat advisors, but logistical advisors, as well.”

“All of those would be great,” replied Kostić. “I’m sure the Department of Defense will be interested in making the necessary arrangements there.”

“We could definitely see about enacting favorable trade agreements that could help you advance the bottom line sufficiently,” MacClaire added. “It would be good for all parties to help advance the Asuckian marketplace through trade agreements and other perks.”

“Next,” he continued, “we’d like a solid guarantee that our waters and international waters in close proximity will be safe from MALET aggression. Up to this point, we’ve been able to defend ourselves with our neutrality and a somewhat effective small navy. TSO membership paints more of a target on our backs, and we don’t expect to be able to stand up to MALET or even a capable solo actor like San Rosito. I understand that mutual defense is provided for in this organization’s founding document, but a more formal and specific guarantee would be appreciated and might help to sway some of the Asuckian legislators with moderate isolationist leanings.”

Desarno was the first to speak on this point, for a change.
“I can’t imagine that we wouldn’t be able to have regular patrols of our deployed fleets, possibly even a combined TSO fleet, to Asucki. Plenty of friendly ports of calls to be accomplished there.”

Monteil, MacClaire, and Jauffret all nodded in agreement, with muttered affirmations.

“I’m glad we’re in agreement. While on the subject of docking rights, I’m sure that we could easily reach a favorable agreement for TSO vessels to share our docks with our navy if needed.”

“And finally, a matter of procedure. The current TSO charter requires that member states put at least two percent GDP into military funding. Our current expenditure sits at one point seven. Financially speaking, we should be more than capable of meeting this requirement, especially with potential support from the TSO, but it could take a while to get Congress to approve the necessary increases. Personally, I doubt it, and I know President Cooper does as well, but suspending the requirement temporarily would just help eliminate a potential bottleneck in the application process.”

Monteil tented his hands on the table.
“I will say that while we are willing to aid you in this revitalization, there would be some expectation that when you have moved through this process and become an integrated partner, that you would be able to contribute a portion of your defense spending back to the organization, as the rest of us do.”

Desarno glanced at Monteil. While what he said was technically true, they had given a long leash to members like San Rosito and Glisandia as far as contributing back to TSO. Of course, part of the major irritation currently was that whatever contribution San Rosito could have made was being funneled towards making war on friends and peaceful nations.

Jauffret spoke some of this outloud,
“You are not the first newer potential member to need to work towards a GDP defense goal. We can, of course, assist in this, as stated. I think as long as there is progress towards becoming self-sustaining, no one would mind covering, especially as the shortfall is not so much.”

MacClaire found a place to interject her own thoughts. “This being the operative point, of course. With the shortfall relatively small, we could easily fathom a scenario where Asuckian interests are minded effectively while you advance your bottom line and continue to improve your standing in Teremara. It would be in the interest of the TSO to advance our strength along all flanks against MALET.”

“I’m glad we’re understood,” the Asuckian replied, more to Jauffret than to Monteil or MacClaire. “As I said, we should be plenty capable of meeting the requirements materially, it’s just something that we need to work out now to make sure things can move forward. Ultimately, it really just depends on how quickly our legislative process can push a spending bill through.”

He continued, glancing in Monteil’s direction specifically for a moment before turning back to the group as a whole. “I assure all of you; no matter what it takes, if we join the TSO, we will contribute to this organization exactly what we promise. It is not in our national character to break such vows, nor to sit and leech off of the support of friends.”

Monteil looked around the table, also, at his colleagues.
“I don’t think there’s any doubt that your nation will do as you say. Honestly, I think all that there is left to do, if you have nothing further…we will just wait for your legislature to confirm your nation’s application. In the meantime, we will still work with your military in anticipation.”

Jauffret added.
“We will, of course, have an invitation ready to send to Novaera for the upcoming military exercise.”

“Sounds like we’re all settled then,” responded Kostić warmly. “I’ll return to Asucki and inform the President and relevant bureaucrats of what we discussed here. I can’t speak for the decisions the legislature will make, but hopefully you’ll have our application in a reasonable time frame. Thank you all.” He reached out to shake hands with the TSO delegates.

They got up to leave the Magna Cubiculum, drinks and snacks half finished on the table of the meeting room, where the attendants would retrieve them. Even the caterers, attendants, security, and facility staff had the highest of clearances, to ensure that what was said within the Magna Cubiculum, only left its walls with the approval of the TSO leadership.

They all filed out to enjoy what was left of the day, decompress, and prepare for tomorrow’s session.

[RP also contributed in no particular order by Terre des Gaules (Gaul), Neu Engollon, Asucki, Nova Secta (Saescia) and Beaufort

by **Roman Federation of States** » Mon Feb 19, 2024 4:19 pm

Magna Cubiculum (Grand Chambers)
Teremaran Security Organization HQ
Roma, Roman Federated States

The delegates, observers, honored guests, and a few press still remaining, all filed back into the Chambers a bit before the designated time to find their seats and have quick chats with other delegates they were seeking out.

All had taken the previous evening to unwind in Roma as they saw fit, from quiet reading to entertaining to raucous party going, and everything in between. Some had strategized their next day’s agenda with their own delegations, or had video or phone chats with their superiors back in their home capitals. Then gone on to do other activities during the night. Some had wisely slept most of the night to be well refreshed for the next day.

Admiral Monsalve, of the San Rositan junta, had been taken to the airport, under protest. He was given a choice, a flight back to his home Republic to avoid all the messy diplomatic complications, or a visit to Roman jail. He had chosen the former, of course, but under loud protestations.

They had put him on the same private charter he had arrived in, having tracked it down through the work of the local authorities, the resident ATC, and the SO (Securitatis Ordinato), the internal Roman security agency. The plane had been tucked away in a back corner of Roma International, awaiting the return of their VIP passengers for their scheduled return flight.

The Admiral, crew, OIR officers, and plane were all ordered to return on a one way trip to the Republic and not come back. It might be damaging to Roman-San Rositan relations, but not any more so than the way the Admiral had conducted himself the last two days in Roma.
Miraculously, the San Rositan Ambassador, Bartolome Vicente, Vice Admiral Saul Campos, and a handful of assistant staff, were allowed to remain in the RFS. For now.

First Secretary Desarno observed all of the delegates returning, minus the aforementioned, uninvited San Rositans. She was satisfied that everyone expected had returned for the next day’s session after their evening of leisure, including observers and guests.
She sat quietly observing them as they filed in, held planning discussions, and exchanged greetings with neighboring delegations. Many acknowledged her with a nod or wave which she returned. She had one eye on the clock, and at the appointed hour, she rose to the dias.
“Honored delegates, we will open up today’s session now. Thank you for continuing to attend and put in the effort needed to accomplish all of our business.”
She then motioned for the official recorder to recount the minutes from the previous day, an abbreviated recap of all the events, including interruptions.
“Thank you for that. Now…Ambassador Monteil, you mentioned that you had some new business?”

Monteil stood, but decided to stay at his own podium, rather than address everyone from the Chambers dias.
“Yes, thank you, Madam First Secretary. To be honest, no surprises to be had. Just getting some mundane business out of the way, such as any sanctions for our member, San Rosito, that may remain in effect, and what that might entail. I might remind you all that we voted down any official sanctions the other day…
Further reports on MALET activity, as well as any other nationstate or other group activity that might threaten regional security, and finally, establishing the details of the next upcoming joint military exercise. It’s proposed location, participants, OPFOR, and objectives. Did anyone else have anything to add?”

Desarno looked around, as well, as the silence lengthened.

Jauffret stepped up to the smaller attached podium of the Neu Engollian section.

“The chair recognizes Ambassador Jauffret, our esteemed colleague of Neu Engollon.”

“Thank you, First Secretary. Speaking on that first piece of business, Ambassador Monteil. We did in fact vote that there would be no official sanctions through the TSO upon San Rosito the other day. That is fact, no matter if I might personally disagree.

I think we really do need to stick to that as it has the weight of a vote behind it. That being said, there is no reason why individual nations, TSO membership aside, cannot enact their own sanctions on San Rosito for their egregious act of hostility on a peaceful state. Many have. The Queendom of Espicuta and my nation, for sure. Others are planning on following suit. There is absolutely no reason why we can’t form together as a group to coordinate our boycotts, and still conduct regular business as TSO nations, also. I would have to read the charter over again, but I don’t believe it disallows that…Point is, whether it’s through UTEC, or individually, nations should have a right to enact sanctions in order to not feed the war machine that is the San Rositan regime right now. We’re just making a statement as an organization that we are not turning our back on a fellow TSO member at this time, no matter how disappointed some may be. It could be considered a dissonant message, but if a nation stands by the TSO, but also decides as an individual that it cannot stand by unjustifiable acts by an erstwhile ally, can’t both situations exist at the same time? Thank you. I yield the floor.”

The Asuckian ambassador signaled for the opportunity to speak.

“The Floor is given to our guest, Ambassador Kostić.” First Secretary Desarno nodded to him.

“I fully understand where the honorable Ambassador Jaufrett speaks from in this matter. If the Teremaran Security Organization is to remain extant, there must be some room for the individual member-states to operate independently. The Asuckian government has had boycotts in place since the beginning of the Kenega conflict, and we do not plan on reining them in until the smoke begins to clear.

The charter of this organization demands the member states act to help build each other up. In a way, limiting their expansion could assist in accomplishing this. It is no secret that the government of San Rosito has been massively expanding their military infrastructure, up to the point of overextension. Besides this, San Rosito’s reputation outside of the TSO is much worse than it is in these halls, and I may speak with authority in this matter as the representative of a nation who currently dances on the border of this organization. Perhaps such boycotts will encourage the San Rositan government to pull back their failing, outstretched hand in Kenega and beyond and return to nurturing their own people.”

Satisfied, Kostić returned to his seat.

“The Floor is given to Ambassador Tobiasz Lutarsson, our esteemed member representing Glisandia.” Desarno had been quick to take his cue.

“Thank you, First Secretary. While I agree with our guest, Ambassador Kostić, I will again say that we have to look at his perspective as that of, well…a guest. In that filter, the nation of Asucki has nothing to lose in putting pressure on the Republic of San Rosito. As far as I’m aware they don’t have any bonds or separate alliance with the San Rositans. Quite the contrary, possibly. Perhaps at the most, they import some bananas? There is not much there to jeopardize in the way of relations.
The Grand Duchy, however, does have more ties, and yes, I’m including their membership here in this organization. So it’s not just a simple matter, as Ambassador Jauffret might also imply, but again, we’re talking about individual, and other organization actions, so there’s not much we can do to rein in Neu Engollon, Asucki, or Espicuta, for that matter, in what they choose to enact in measures against the aggressor nation.
As my colleague from Jumnia reminded us yesterday, we must be careful to not alienate San Rosito completely, driving them away from the alliance…”

“If I may, First Secretary.”

“Ambassador Jauffret, you cannot wait for him to complete his statements?”

“No, I need some clarification.”

“Very well…”

“Ambassador Lutarsson, this seems to be a different tact then you had outlined before, for the Grand Duchy. Something has changed?”

Desarno looked annoyed. It was certainly a question that could have waited until Lutarsson had finished speaking.

Lutarsson scanned the Chambers, then bowed his head for a moment, before popping it back up to level with the microphone.
“Yes, I had a virtual meeting with Rikijdrottin. We are re-evaluating our policies right now to be more in line with our Jumnian, and other TSO allies. We will not be participating in any sanctions upon San Rosito at this time. Whether that will change, I cannot tell you…”
Fact of the matter was, Lutarsson had been blasted by Zofia Ragnarsdottir, the Foreign Minister, for his assumption of their stance on San Rosito. He had been told in no uncertain terms to get the record corrected, or start looking for a new job outside of the government sector.

There was some mumbling within the Chambers, but no other commentary offered by the other delegates.

Monteil flicked his signal lamp for recognition from the First Secretary.

“Yes, Ambassador Monteil?”

“First Secretary, I move that we table this discussion, as there will not be any official sanctions forthcoming from the organization, we don’t need to dwell on it. Not at the moment, at least.”

Jauffret quickly spoke up.
“Seconded.”

Desarno waved her hands.
“Very well then. Shelved. Next topic of discussion is our upcoming military exercise.
As most of you know, it tends to be a very large scale affair. As many member and observer nations as want to participate, we welcome, along with a usual guest or two…” She looked over at the Asuckian and Beaufortian delegations as she said that part.
“...And combined arms of air, land, sea, and even space…above our atmosphere.” She added that last bit pedantically, but ‘space’ was, to be fair, a relative term for some. “Last year, we did it within, and off the coast of Glisandia and Jumnia. We should also look to possibly having a new host this year. So we are willing to hear suggestions, even should they be outside of our organization.”

Jauffret again stood up, and was recognized by Desarno.
“We had one exercise on our shores some years ago. While I would call it overall a success, the general consensus was that there was not enough space in the area of operations for all participants to fully demonstrate their abilities. We in Neu Engollon fully understand and agree, although one day we may hope to have another limited exercise in southern Neu Engollon.
That being said, we are open to any of the member states, observers, and guests to volunteer to host. The Neu Engollon Defense Force will be mobilizing a substantial task force for the event, although I am not at liberty to say which exact units at this time, it will be a considerable flotilla, some squadrons, and a few select land forces of specialized operations from both the Militia and the Navy…
(While the Militia could boast the Alpen Regiments {mountain warfare}, Special Operations, and the DGC; the Navy only had one special operations force - the infamous ‘Black Frogs’ of the 324th Special Amphibious Operations Battalion. There was no mystery in which unit he was referencing there to those who knew NEDF special operations units.)
…As well, several logistical and support units will be put into action to assist both our NEDF troops and allied TSO troops.”

Monteil was recognized next.
“Gaul will of course contribute a substantial force, as well, much in line with what our counterparts in the NEDF are contributing in terms of land, air and naval forces, and also commensurate with what we have done in the past. Part of that force, I must imagine will be the OPFOR. Even though many of our officers desire to be the ‘good guys’, someone has to play the part of the ‘bad guys’, and our top Minister of Defense has mandated that we should do our part.”

Lutarsson, of Glisandia, was, in turn, recognized.
“While we have no substantial navy to speak of, and a limited air force, we will contribute what we can, including some of our best ground units, allowing that our allies can and will transport them back home in case of a crisis breaking out in Northern Tavlyria during the military exercise.”

Ambassador Helga Thorfin, the Jumnian Ambassador, rose from her seat after a short lull in the conversation, and was recognized to speak by Secretary Desarno.
“Whilst we understand that the organisation feels inclined to search for a new host for the upcoming exercise, the Republic of Jumnia would like to strongly volunteer to host it once more, either again In conjunction with our Glisandian friends, or as a solo venture, depending on conversations between our nations. We have already proven that our nation can handle the unique challenges which such an exercise may pose upon the local infrastructure, while also providing adequate space for all required maneuvers.”

Lutarsson responded,
“Well, if it is a valid option, we would certainly be up for co-hosting again, along with our ally, Jumnia.”

The Asuckian ambassador signaled to speak, having let the representatives of the member-states finish making their cases.

“Though we have not yet formalized our TSO membership, Asucki would be interested in participating in an organization-wide military exercise. Such an event would be an excellent starting point for integration and cooperation with the established military forces of the current member-nations. Given lack of other involvements at this time, the Asuckian Armed Forces should be able to commit a large delegation of active forces to an exercise. I’m certain our troops would be eager to escape their everyday duties and get into the fold of real action, even if it is simulated.

Further, as earlier statements have made it clear that bids for hosting are open to guests and observers, I’d also like to present Asucki as a potential host for the event. We, of course, have no objections to participating in Jumnia, Glisandia, or the territories of any other potential host, but there are several advantages to an Asuckian hosting that I believe are worth consideration by this council. Asuckian maritime territory is extensive and would be suitable for both naval and aerial engagements. Our intercontinental geography would allow for the practice of multiple scenarios involving engagements between Madurin and Tavlyria.” He paused and turned in the general direction of the Glisandian ambassador before adding, “Also, the same positioning leaves us a convenient midpoint between participants, ensuring that all personnel would be within the vicinity of their respective homelands and can be quickly recalled should the need ever arise.”

Jauffret signaled to be acknowledged, and was by Desarno.
“Neu Engollon supports Asucki hosting our next military exercise. We have no objections to this. While we are also open to seeing it happen again in Northern Tavlyria - in Jumnia and Glisandia, we do believe that it would be instructive to field test a more unique climate that our forces haven’t experienced before, that being a large land mass in the Middle Waters.”
In addition, Jauffret wouldn’t say out loud, but Monteil, Desarno, and him had discussed, prompted by their governments, that having Asucki host a military exercise might further push them towards joining the TSO. It was a win-win on many counts.

Monteil didn’t wait for Desarno to acknowledge him, also recognizing their previous discussions.
“Here! Here! Another vote for Asucki!”

First Secretary Desarno banged the gavel.
“Order. Let’s wait our turns, please, Ambassador Monteil. Before I turn this to a vote, do I hear any other proposals for a military exercise hosting site?”

[RP Contributed by the players behind Terres des Gaules, Jumnia, Asucki, Neu Engollon, Glisandia, and San Rosito.]

Teremaran Security Organization [Closed Regional IC thread]

Teremaran Security Organization [Closed Regional IC thread]

To Tell or Not to Tell

TSO Grand Council Session Winter 2022 (Part One)

TSO Grand Council Session (Pt2): The Case for Censure of SR

TSO Grand Council (Pt3): Vote on Expulsion & Sanctions

TSO Grand Council Session (Pt4): YSR and the MALET dilemma

The Potential TSO Membership of Asucki

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