The Apathian Summit/Discussions (Closed to Four Nations)

[Garimidia]

"Excellent." Said Philips, noting the extremely well poised guards. "Truly well trained, well disciplined." He said. He wish he could have said the same about some of the soldiers he'd watched do parades in his country, but unfortunately some of them we abysmal.

"Recruiting... well. TV ads, regular billboards, local recruiting offices." He said. "Nothing out of the normal."

[Sierra Apathia]

Once they reached the woman, Melisma remarked, "Excellent discipline, and poise. Well trained, a reflection of her superiors, her country and herself." She turned to Jim. "Our military is volunteer only- we would use a draft only in the greatest of emergencies. We Almajoyese tend to be in good physical shape, so selection is rarely a problem. And we do not discriminate based on class, sexuality, gender, anything." To the others, she asked, "Is this the same case in your militaries?"

"Thank you very much Melisma, i believe that's right. This is the same case in our military, we don't go by the book often, however." said Jim, who was already moving on to the next pair of soldiers.

---

"I have reason to believe you must be hungry?" he asked the leaders. "Shall we step inside?" Jim asked. It was straightforward, but Jim could not stand the performance of the military band. "I may have reason to believe all of you possess nuclear weapons?" Jim asked, whom was already escorting them to the entrance. Behind them, they started to pack up and leave.

[Almajoya]

"We have a small nuclear defense system," Melisma answered. "A sort of last-resort fail-safe. I'm not a fan of nuclear technology- one of our neighbors had a nuclear tragedy a few years ago."

[Altane]

"Altane doesn't use Nuclear weapons we don't like using such weapons as it only causes an end where no one on either side can win but only lose, but we have defences against Weapons of Mass Destruction"

[Garimidia]

"We have a stockpile of about 1,300 nuclear warheads... biological, chemical and nuclear. They're mainly left over from the 80s and 90s. Mainly a deterrent weapon." Sam answered.

"What is the main source of energy in your countries?" Asked Sam to the other leaders.

[Almajoya]

"A mix of solar, wind, and geothermal," Melisma answered easily. The alternative energy initiative was her pet project. "We also have a few coal and oil plants as backups for our major cities. Our cars are mainly powered by solar, electricity, and biofuels."

[Sierra Apathia]

"Well this year, 40% of this energy came from petroleum, 23% from coal, and 22% from natural gas. The remainder was supplied by nuclear power and renewable energy sources." said Jim, who escorted through the palace hallways. The magnificent 20 feet wide hallway was a restored colonial walkway, which was used by the Spanish governor during his time in 1919. Restoration work of the palace was made in the 1960s when it was falling apart due to poor maintanence. During the presidency of Jose Gonzalez however, the palace was used almost everytime during lunch parties, state dinners and sometimes wild informal parties. Of course, nowadays, Jim's not going to host such parties all the time.

"I'd like to show you my office after we have brunch." said Jim, who was looking at his watch. It's 1230. "I guess we'll have Lunch then." said Jim, who opened a white set of doors. Inside was a neatly decorated long table, which seated only four. The room was colonial, its paint was white, and it had several plants to keep the humidity in, since air conditioning made it extremely cold. As Jim asked them to sit, he arranged his tie. "What would you want? I mean, we have an excellent selection of wine to choose from?" asked Jim.

"And how is food production done in your countries? Is it productive? Do you need to import or export food? How much does your national budget allocate for such?" said Jim, eager to know how food production is done in their countries. He wanted to take notes from them, as Sierra Apathia is already suffering from insufficient supplies of food, noting grains and wheat.

[Altane]

"We use a very ancient relic which happens to be a powerful energy source, so we use its power, to power our country"

"What would you want? I mean, we have an excellent selection of wine to choose from?" asked Jim.

Adam laughed as he replied "Thank you, Mr. President. But I'm only 17 but my birthday is coming soon"

"And how is food production done in your countries? Is it productive? Do you need to import or export food? How much does your national budget allocate for such?" said Jim

"We have a large agriculture industry, we also export it, especially to Lizardiar as we are its major supplier for its food"

After waiting for the other leaders to finish their replies Adam asks a question.

"I am very curious about Monarchist History, I read that Sierra Apathia was a former colonial possesion of Spain while Garimidia was a colonial possesion of Great Britain, but I have no knowledge about any Monarchist history of Almajoya"

[Almajoya]

What would you want? I mean, we have an excellent selection of wine to choose from?" asked Jim.

"Thank you. I will wait to see what dishes are served first," Answered Melisma, who like most prefers different wines with different foods.

"And how is food production done in your countries? Is it productive? Do you need to import or export food? How much does your national budget allocate for such?"

"Our food production is quite natural. Many of us simply grow our own food in our backyards. There are also small markets from which to buy produce. I guess you would say our production standards are lax, because we prepare our food the 'organic' way. It is perfectly suitable for our lifestyles, but often, tourists are thrown off by it.

"As for packaged goods, we import some, but it is unnecessary. We also export food, especially fruits, to many countries."

"I am very curious about Monarchist History, I read that Sierra Apathia was a former colonial possesion of Spain while Garimidia was a colonial possesion of Great Britain, but I have no knowledge about any Monarchist history of Almajoya"

Melisma smiled at Adam. "Almajoya was only a loose association of tribes until about a century ago, when an invasion forced us to come together and form a government. As such, we only have five generations of monarchs, all from my family. I am fortunate in that respect. And by the way," she added, "there is no legal drinking age in Almajoya."

[Sierra Apathia]

"I am very curious about Monarchist History, I read that Sierra Apathia was a former colonial possesion of Spain while Garimidia was a colonial possesion of Great Britain, but I have no knowledge about any Monarchist history of Almajoya"

"Well yes, we were briefly colonized, and i think some of the Spanish heritage is retained today actually." said Jim, who also wondered about the monarchist history of Almajoya. "I mean, in such a way that you can see some of them here in the streets, if you know what i mean." he noted, as some of the Spaniards were causing troubles within the Greenwich Police Department. Their voice echoed the room. It was strange, hasn't Jim used this room recently? He was unsure, but perhaps he may have been away from the palace for long absences. Besides, he will be busy anyway, noting that he will visit Fatatatutti on December 13th, Isselmere-Nieland on December 25th 2009, and Greater Americania, On January 10th 2010. His vice president and Secretary of State will visit other nations as well, but not as often as Jim will. Even former presidents are arriving elsewhere in the world, in order to establish more friendly relations with the world.

"One question - How often do you do state visits?" Jim asked. "What is the usual purpose or intention behind it?" he added, as the appetizers were already being served out of the kitchen.

[Sierra Apathia]

The very first appetizer which was served out of the kitchen were coconut shrimps with a marinara dipping sauce, straight out of the Almajoyan menu. This was followed by Oysters Rockfeller, an Apathian dish served in most restaurants across Sierra Apathia, be it a gourmet one or a diner. The last but not least, was Crème brûlée, a burnt cream which was intentionally served for dessert, but Jim figured it was nice to have a sweet tooth once in a while. "I'd like a glass of cold, Jasmine tea plase?" asked Jim. "What would you like to drink sir/madame?" the waiter asked the other leaders.

Then, out of nowhere, a man with a Stradivarius, which was probably one of a very little few in Sierra Apathia, started to play Bourrée in E minor. "I'd rather play Serenade No. 13 for strings in G major, You know," asked the man. "Very well, go ahead." said Jim. And so the man did so.

[Altane]

"What would you like to drink sir?" the waiter asked

"I would like a glass of orange juice, thank you" replied Adam

"One question - How often do you do state visits?" Jim asked. "What is the usual purpose or intention behind it?" he added

"Yes we do it often, especially my ancestors. During Altanian history until about 1987 we were an isolated nation and the only people who spoke with the outside were the Emperor's and our top diplomats. But usually its purpose is only to understand others, but nowadays we are more open to the world. But I don't believe there has ever been a summit or state visit to Altane before. The closest was when my mother who was a Princess of Great Britain and of Sveltz came to visit my father which would lead to their eventual wedding."

[Garimidia]

"And how is food production done in your countries? Is it productive? Do you need to import or export food? How much does your national budget allocate for such?"

"Interestingly enough," Said Philips, whilst leaning over to Jim, "We export and import a lot of food from Sierra Apathia."

"I am very curious about Monarchist History, I read that Sierra Apathia was a former colonial possesion of Spain while Garimidia was a colonial possesion of Great Britain, but I have no knowledge about any Monarchist history of Almajoya"

Philips smiled at the noting of Garimidia's previous British heritage.

"A lot of our culture and heritage today comes from Great Britain." He added, while looking at the delicious dish coming out.

[Sierra Apathia]

"Interestingly enough," Said Philips, whilst leaning over to Jim, "We export and import a lot of food from Sierra Apathia."
"Is that so? I don't really see who imports products to us anymore, we import rather too much." said Jim.

"Splendid! We did alot of state visits in the past, most of the before the new millenia. Of course, nowadays its more on internal administration of course." said Jim, noting how other nations have done their state visits in the past. After the appetizers came out of course, the entrées had started to leave the kitchen. The entrées were Ris de Veau, Poulet à la Marengo, Côtelettes de Porc and a Ragoût of Lobster, each more better than the last. Of course, the latter had finished their appetizers and had begun to work though their entrées.

"So when was your latest military engagement?" asked Jim. After they answered this of course, Jim worked towards getting a time to ask his question.

"I believe we can work out a trade circle by the end of this summit, and i suppose we can all start importing Apathian food produce and wood?" asked Jim, who was already begging to wonder if they would accept this or not.

[Almajoya]

"So when was your latest military engagement?"

"We haven't had an earnest military engagement since our founding," Melisma answered. "Recently, we sent humanitarian aid to help a few allies, but other than such aid, we try to stay uninvolved in other nations' affairs."


"I believe we can work out a trade circle by the end of this summit, and i suppose we can all start importing Apathian food produce and wood?"

Melisma smiled. There it was. "Such an arrangement sounds agreeable; of course, we would have to work out finer details before I could officially agree.

"Wood, especially, is a necessity of ours, as we do not harvest most of our forestry." Almajoya imported most of its lumber from Clamparapa, but variation and competition could be healthy. "However, I would like to hear about how your lumber is produced, as I cannot enter into an agreement with an entity that does not use sustainable production methods."

[Garimidia]

"So when was your latest military engagement?" asked Jim. After they answered this of course, Jim worked towards getting a time to ask his question.

"Well we have an ongoing one now, which of course you are a part of, the Indochina War." Replied Philips, noting that Garimidia had undergone the most conflicts in one year in it's history. 4, was the number.

"I believe we can work out a trade circle by the end of this summit, and i suppose we can all start importing Apathian food produce and wood?" asked Jim, who was already begging to wonder if they would accept this or not.

Philips jumped at the chance. "Absolutely." Philips had come here with one of his primary objectives as a trade deal. "We would agree to this. Although, wood in Garimidia is locally produced - it's one of our biggest industries, actually. I don't know how the local trade market would compete with the international trade one. Domestic production is always important."

[Sierra Apathia]

"However, I would like to hear about how your lumber is produced, as I cannot enter into an agreement with an entity that does not use sustainable production methods."

"Very well, let me explain." insisted Jim; his dad worked in the Forestry department back before Jim had to move to Greenwich. Of course, he suffered a slum life when he father had to work in the army. "We most;y carry out a type of Tree-length logging, which you don't typically see in other countries. We leave very little of the stump, since we try to take much of the nutrients as possible. Wildland fires aren't much of a concern, so we carry this out with ease. Meanwhile, the log is transported to a small area, where it is lifted off via a chinook. Its expensive, but we typically don't like to use roads you see, it gives protestors a way to get to the area. If this doers happen however, we might as well have to move to a new spot. So the chinook arrives at a sawmill, or often a papermill. And i believe it will be shipped off to the city, and used locally. It will also be moved to the city ports, where we will export it to other countries, depending on the production type. If the'res a river nearby, we usually take the advantage of tranporting logs downstream, where we will usually build a sawmill of papermill.

"We divide production into two parts, if the consumer wants quantity, we don't see the importance of carrying out quality checks. Now when we ship out to ally countries, or most importantly, in trade circles, we tend to have quality checks before we ship out, such as the use of Preservatives. Don't get us wrong however, we try to avoid this, but we only use it if necessary, and correctly too. In terms of tree felling, its mostly machinery when it comes to quantity. We only hand-cut it if its in terms of quality.

"Engineered wood, is usually what we see mostly when we ship out to other countries. So as you can see, engineered wood is basically designed to meet application-specific performance requirements. They have their disadvantages too, quite alot, but it won't be much of a problem once its integrated. We usually carry out a practice of Forest Management, in order to replace the trees lost in our bustling timber industry. We often carry out Reforestation, if it is necessary." Jim explained, while taking a deep breath.

"Very well. How is wood production is done in your countries?" asked Jim, after he settled with talking almost non-stop.

[Altane]

"So when was your latest military engagement?" asked Jim.

"Recently during the chaos of the civil war in Proud Ireland and its incompetant government we declared an intervention and invaded after an initial resistance the Proud Irish contacted us and notified us that they would accept an unconditional surrender. Ever since we've been occupying Proud Ireland."

[Sierra Apathia]

"I expect thios meeting to go seriously now." said Jim, as they finished lunch. The group proceeded to go out of the room, as security escorted them through the halls. After a 5 minute walk, they stumbled upon a circular room, which had a circular type of table. There were chairs and PA systems, and a slide on the wall.

"I'd like to discuss the possibility of a trada circle, as mentioned earlier. I need everyone's permission to trade with each other. I'm thinking of a Free Trade agreement, what do you think?" Jim asked other leaders as they sat down one by one.

"Sam, we can pursue a seperate and more bilateral Free Trade Agreement sometime early next year (OOC:2010), what do you think?" Jim asked the Garmidian leader.

[Garimidia]

"A trade circle is a great idea." Said Philips as he paused to take a breath. "It really depends also, on what the statistics for trade between our nations are. A multilateral agreement will need to be beneficial for all."

"Sam, we can pursue a seperate and more bilateral Free Trade Agreement sometime early next year (OOC:2010), what do you think?" Jim asked the Garmidian leader.

"Absolutely. I have some free time ahead of me soon. Trade between Garimidia and Sierra Apathia is booming at the moment, not to mention our bilateral relations." Sam replied as he sat back in his chair.