[IC] [TWI-Only] The League of TWI (Assembly)

[Athara Magarat]

"As I mentioned earlier; nest removal, hive trapping and poisoned baits are short-term solutions that are not as effective against these infected hornets as much as against the natural ones. The infected hornets are not even being preyed upon as much by spiders or birds." Thomas was now frankly getting annoyed at these delegates who were treating deaths of more than 400 Magaratis and thousands of livestock and wild animals as nothing. Disagreeing on environmental grounds was one thing, being asked the same questions of whose answers he had provided in detail at the very beginning was now getting tiresome. How many times do I have to repeat myself? No wonder most of my predecessors went mad after coming here...

In a robotic tone, he repeated what he had said mere moments ago yet again. "Scientists from our nation have developed hornet males possessing sterility gene. Unless someone else can develop genetic traits that make hornets completely resistant to the spores of the fungus, the solution at our hands seems the best option."

"There is no denying that the hornets are part of the ecosystem. They keep the bee and other insects' populations in check and sometimes act as pollinators themselves. The Yak Maruwa hornets do not travel long distances. Which is why, this Hornet War victims have either been Magaratis or half a dozen Thuzbeks. And this is not just a human issue. Thousands of livestock and many wild animals, most of them endangered species, have died because of these lethal infected hornets. Hence, by extinction, we are referring to only the hornet population within our borders to ensure that the fungus subspecies no longer has even a single host. Especially within Second Tamuwan Hangate, Mun Hangate and Hangate of Khumbuwan. Besides, we also have the technology to bring the hornets back if they are gone."

[Scantarbia]

"What I meant earlier is hornet repellent, essentially what they naturally doesn't like. Any light spectrum, sound frequency, even marketplace hornet-repellent lotions," said Amal Baik while he mumbles around his notes for that "species report" issued by the Margaratis that came along with the sample of the hornet and the fungus sent to Scantarbia for further research.

"it is also stated here that the hornet, or rather the hornet-fungus complex, I don't know honestly, the photocopy is somewhat blurry, have a rather unique use as a medicine for all sorts of diseases, one in particular is cancer. Is this correct?"

[Athara Magarat]

"Hornet repellent...Why do you think only 400 Magaratis have died while thousands of livestock and wild animals are dead? As if humans and hornets are the only species..." Thomas almost snickered at that suggestion. "I hate to use this pop culture term but an infected hornet is basically a zombie. They are attracted to sweat and only care about spreading the spores."

"Not cancer. That would have been a miracle. The fungus-Yak Maruwa hornet complex medical functions are anti-aging, anti-tumor and anti-inflammation properties to controlling Type 2 diabetes and heart problems. Just like how the fungus-Isles swallowtail complex is a remedy for the common cold, enhancing lung capacity and encouraging oxygen intake. Or like how the fungus-ant complex is used to produce anti-malarial drugs, food coloring agents, dye for cosmetic products and enhancing - ""

"How do you know that the fungus-hornet complex had medicinal properties? You have Scantarbian spies everywhere, do you not?"

[Havalland]

Sebastian pondered this information.
"Well if is true...and you can bring them back afterwards then this may be the best solution we have, I admit that in my ignorance I forgot about the human lives at risk and I apologize, we should save people now not later."
He closed his eyes and sighed.

[Cantonos]

Yoon-Bum would scan the room, tapping his pen lightly on the table as the other delegates aired their concerns. Once silence had returned to the chamber, he mumbled "... This chamber has produced more questions than answers relating to this issue. As such, it would be irresponsible to let circular bureaucracy hinder a nation's attempts to address its own pressing issues. If the Magarati delegation does not trust the impartiality of this Chamber, which I'm sure the Secretary General tirelessly ensures, Cantonos would be open to discussion so that this resolution may be brought to a vote."

[Scantarbia]

"I believe it is improper for you to accuse us of causing such actions. The information about the medicinal properties of the fungus-hornet complex is included within the documents regarding the hornets that came along with the shipment of the hornet and fungus sample in Arcturus earlier today," said Amal Baik with a calm tone trying to deescalate the whole debacle.

"But, I believe information regarding these medicinal properties could also be found in blogs about Margarati traditional medicines and used as a base for research by Margarati medical students. Even if not, I'm sure documents about the medical properties of the various living beings is available at the Great Information Depository of Arcturus." He then again scrolls around his tablet, looking for a document that has just been forwarded to him.

"Now, talking about scholars, I've been sent this document dating from ten years ago, 2009, it is a research paper done by Khajum et al., A researcher from the Magarati Realms Academy. He published a thesis titled "The Importance of Yak Maruwa Hornet on Stabilizing Insect Population and the Impact of Their Removal on the Food Chain". Citing his words, he stated that "If the Yak Maruwa hornet population went below a certain threshold, in this case, 85%, we will be expecting a decline in insect and avian population due to the loss of the prey that was once provided by the hornets, this will go beyond our control until another species that also eaten by the species who once consumed the hornets is introduced to replace the Yak Maruwa hornets. We are also expecting a possible domino effect in which because the population of the hornet is no longer capable to feed the insect and avian population, the population of the insect and avian population will also plummets down. In turn, this will impact the species that feed on them and so on and so on. This domino effect will impact the entire food chain up to the highest level, human, the apex predator. In extreme case, this would lead to famine, how? Let's look at snakes, their diet includes rodent, small birds, and insects, the last two also eats the hornets as part of their diet, when the threshold is achieved, the population of small avian and insect will also plummet, reducing the available food for the snakes. In turn, this will also reduce the number of snake population, the result of this is increased rodent population. The lack of counterbalance provided by snakes against rodents will have a debilitating impact on Margarati farms because the harvest of these farms is part of their diet, then the rodent population will increase exponentially." So, unless we have this substitute species, we shouldn't start removing the entire species of Yak Maruwa hornets unless we want to have this deadly domino effect. Another example cited here is the reduced avian population will give rise to the locust population due to the lack of their predators. This particular research is also supported by various follow-up research published by various researchers both Margarati and foreign researchers stating essentially the same thing."

[Athara Magarat]

"Honorable delegate, you cite Dr Khasing Khajum but when he published his thesis; he was dealing with natural Yak Maruwa hornets. His theory is not flawed but the infection we witness today was not part of his research. And I believe you read a translated copy of his work. There are no insects that prey on the Yak Maruwa hornet and only a few bird species hunt it."

"Besides, we came here to seek solutions. Instead you provided us a summary of Dr Khajum's thesis; which was unnecessary for we all are aware of the food chain. We are all aware that removing a single link can change the ecosystem; but we have no other choice. This not about just humans and hornets. Thousands of livestock and many endangered species are at risk."

And humans being the apex predators in Magarat, give me a break.

[Havalland]

Sebastian speaks up once more
"The answer is obvious, we shouldn't even be arguing this, human lives are the priority, once the Havallish royal science division gets their hands on q hornet we will begin are own research."
He sighs
"Kill them if we have to...people are dying and we need to help them."

[Corindia]

"This plan of action is comical, you aren't reacting to this situation in a manner at all within the bounds of reason. These extreme efforts would be better directed at, say, mosquitoes kill roughly a million people per year. Just because you are presented with an unusual problem does not mean you must respond with an outlandish solution."

[Ainslie]

A man sat on a Government FP-2, looking out of his small spherical window to the sea below. Fifteen minutes later, the plane made a sudden jerking noise and the screech of plane wheels rapidly decelerated the flying piece of metal which had come all the way from Arnton. Shortly after, the door opened, making way for a gloomy sky which seemed to be housing an intriguing mix of intermittent rain and thunder.

"So this is Idara - let's hope we haven't got any pathetic fallacy going on here...", Jesse stated as he walked off the plane. There were only two aides with him, one holding a tablet and the other a large folder which had been encased in leather.

Jesse then looked out across the tarmac, noticing only one other plane which was surrounded by ten seemingly rushed men in maroon berets. He looked up as he walked into the terminal.

"Ahnslen base? I suppose that makes sense..." he muttered to himself as he quickly was ushered through the terminal into an awaiting car.

Soon after he stood at the bottom of a regal building. Relatively unphased by the grand nature of the building, he walked at a comfortable pace through the hallowed halls of the League. He quickly spotted the cafe Callum, his predecessor had spoken so highly about. The doors the aides opened gave way to a large room.

Snaking his way down the stairs and past a couple benches he saw a familiar face.

Ander watched as a very recognisable man was entering the building and he began to lean into his mic.

"It appears we have the pleasure of the Secretary of Co - no need to give them my resume, Jesse stated -"

Ander quickly made way for Jesse to sit down in the foremost seat allocated to the Ahnslen delegation where the mic was still on.

"Good afternoon, honourable delegates. My name is Jesse Kerslie. I'm the new Callum Parkes, you could say. I'm looking forward to working with you all to advance the peace, safety, security and welfare of these Isles."

[Hadzanye]

As if she had suddenly appeared from the void, although we all know that she had been in that room ever since her term had started in 2018, Padma Payjanna piped in to the discussion. She started as every "new" delegate was expected, by announcing that she was "Padma Payjanna, the delegate of the Republic of Hadzànye to the hallowed halls of the League." Pathibhara alone knows why they always say hallowed, but it matters not, it was said.

"The matter of this crisis is highly pertinent to our nation. We are an agricultural society and we border Athara Margarat. We have already had spillover, and it has only been as a result of very strict customs controls on agricultural products entertained as a crisis measure that we have been able to stop this from being a major blow to our economy. Research projects are, evidently, currently underway to look at what will provide a final solution to the issue."

[Nezaeva]

The Nezaevan delegate leaned forward after quite some time of listening to the room. "The People's Council of Nezaeva would be in favour of waiting for the genetic modification to be completed and released as opposed to the eradication of the insects. The short term issues are of course, deeply regrettable, but we view the long term damage of removing parts of an ecosystem when such an alternative exists to be...unwise. Especially with the revelation regarding the potential medicinal applications, which of course my great nation would be deeply interested in examining should the opportunity arise."

[Vancouvia]

"Vancouvia's position is that ecological and environmental incidents such as this one are a regional matter and thus a solution must be implemented via this League or, at the very least, a localized regional organization. Athara Magarat, nor any nation, should not act unilaterally," said Augustia, before picking up her water bottle and downing half of it.

[The League of TWI]

An aide walked to the dais in the middle of the room and turned on the microphone. Clearing his throat he started, "As some of the delegates here may know, the Secretary-General was admitted to a hospital yesterday with a major heart attack. While he is alive, he is in critical condition and unable to continue his duties. As such he has offered his resignation to the assembled delegates. He states that he wishes the best for his successor. With no current voting procedures in place a resolution will need to be made to establish such rules. Until a new SG is picked, I will be acting as SG for this resolution. All other matters are put on hold until a new SG is voted in. Thank you."

[Aizcona]

The Estral ambassador Eustakio Lusarreta stood up, "It is regrettable that such an unfortunate occurrence has happened to such a good man. I pray for his good health. None-the-less we must move forward, especially as this chamber has stagnated as of late. As such my nation has drafted a resolution to establish proper voting procedures that will establish term limits so that we hopefully do not stagnate again as a League. I must say though that Aizcona will not be giving a nomination for the Secretary-General itself. Please refer to your tablets and the screen for the resolution."

Resolution 17: Secretary-General Elections
The Assembly of the League of the Western Isles

IN ACCORDANCE with the League’s commitment to equality and democratic values,
OBSERVING the lack of a Secretary-General due to sudden resignation; and in
NOTING the pressing need for a Secretary-General of the League of The Western Isles to be elected,

Hereby:
1. Immediately triggers an election process for the position of Secretary-General within the League of The Western Isles, with voting to be held seven days after the passing of this resolution.
2. Permits and encourages any member nation of the League to make known to the chamber its endorsement or nomination of a candidate for the position of Secretary-General
3. Officially amends Article 4 of the New Charter of the League to stipulate that the maximum length between two elections is to be eight months, with a term limit of three terms (24 months).

Introduced by Aizcona on 30/10/19

[Ainslie]

Jesse looked down at his tablet to double check the contents of the resolution before straightening his tie as he stood up.

"Ainslie sends its best wishes to the resigning Secretary-General and his family. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back around these halls soon. As for the resolution, Ainslie seconds it and wishes for an expedient implementation of the resolution."

He paused for a few seconds before continuing.

"We would also like to attain further documentation to gain a further understanding as to what information my colleagues will require from potential Secretary-General candidates. To that end, Ainslie wishes to nominate Mr Andrew Whitford for the role of Secretary General. He is a distinguished Ahnslen parliamentarian and diplomat with well over ten years experience both abroad and in Ainslie. He has served as an ambassador to Verdon, as a Deputy Prime Minister under the Kenzai administration but also has been an excellent, longstanding Ambassador of TWI, overseeing our embassy programs and representing Consul-Generals around the Isles amongst many other vital roles."

[Austrovik-Germania]

Louis Gustav Thurkcracken, the Austrovik ambassador to the League, watched intently as the others talk about the recent SG affairs, scribbling down notes from time to time. A large scar ran from the top of his nose down to his left cheek bone - a car accident involving his drunk father and a truck had been merciful to him but not his parents, but he didn't care. He saw his mother as a pushover and his dead father as a drunken snob. At the age of 18 he was required to fulfil National Service, and did so until the age of 25. He joined the People's Royal Army in 2006 at the age of 27 and remained there until his 30th birthday, where he began his work in the Austrovik Foreign Affairs Ministry. From there, he was assigned as Ambassador to the League for Austrovik-Germania by his superiors, taking the position in 2018.

He stands, looking quickly at his watch, then proceeds to speak.

"The Integral Socialist State of Austrovik-Germania wishes all the best for the previous Secretary-General and his family. May God send him all the love in the world."

His voice was low, gravelly, although nasally too, as if he had a cold at the time.

"Austrovik-Germania will not be preparing any candidates for the position of Secretary-General, and places its full support behind Mr Whitford of Ainslie. Let it be seen that he shall succeed."

He smiles, before pausing, staring at the rest of the Assembly.

"All that is needed to be said has been."

[Vancouvia]

"Vancouvia gathers its sympathies for the former Secretary-General," offered Augustia, after her mind finished racing with horror when she had heard the news.

Just three days prior, one of Augustia's former informants from her VEO days - that she hadn't seen in over five years - had sent her a text, declaring that the SG would be "incapacitated" soon, and urged her to do something. Augustia had written it off as nonsense, not even bothering to respond. Now, she was horrified.

Would VEO do this? Would Congress sign off on this? Was the goal death or just the hospitalization?

Why did I just hours ago receivedan urgent cable from Vesuvius requiring me to nominate Charles Rochester to the now open position?

Augustia gulped down her conscience, filing it away with all the other closeted traumas from her time as an agent.

"And Vancouvia would like to nominate statesman and accomplished diplomat Charles Rochester to the position of Secretary-General. Charles has had a long and proficient diplomatic career and is widely respected amongst our countrymen as a competent, neutral, and endearing public servant."

Augustia then added on, "Vancouvia would also like to put forth the notion of a Deputy Secretary-General in that Resolution, in order to avoid incidents like this in the future. That was Charles' idea and has been sanctioned by my Congress to introduce before you."

[Almorea]

Zava tapped his microphone.

"Almorea supports the Ahnslen nomination of Mr. Andrew Whitford."

[Brulafi]

Joshua Tarnajef, Brulafi's League representative, considered his options and spoke into the microphone. "The Socialist Republic of Brulafi seconds Ainslie's nomination of the honourable Mr. Whitford."

[Nhoor]

Nhoor's representative Mr Zamha Pwqceraqh opened the note that was hastily put in his hands by a clerk. "Nhoor also supports the nomination of Mr Whitford". He said.

[Havalland]

Sebastian spoke up
"The Havallish representative supports the nomination of Mr. Whitford" he says.
Sebastian sits back down and continues writing in his notes to report to parliament and to king Leon III about the situation in the assembly.

[Corindia]

After looking up from his notes, Américo activated his microphone. "The Republic of Corindia supports the nomination of Mr. Whitford, and is also interested in the creation of a deputy position."

[Aizcona]

"We will be amending in that there shall be a deputy Secretary General. I hope that we can vote on this soon, as always we will need seconds from our fellow delegates."

Resolution 17: Secretary-General Elections
The Assembly of the League of the Western Isles

IN ACCORDANCE with the League’s commitment to equality and democratic values,
OBSERVING the lack of a Secretary-General due to sudden resignation; and in
NOTING the pressing need for a Secretary-General of the League of The Western Isles to be elected,

Hereby:
1. Immediately triggers an election process for the position of Secretary-General within the League of The Western Isles, with voting to be held seven days after the passing of this resolution.
2. Permits and encourages any member nation of the League to make known to the chamber its endorsement or nomination of a candidate for the position of Secretary-General
3. Officially amends Article 4 of the New Charter of the League to stipulate that the maximum length between two elections is to be eight months, with a term limit of three terms (24 months).
4. Adds a Deputy Secretary-General to be appointed by the Secretary-General that will act as a temporary Secretary-General if one is needed.

Introduced by Aizcona on 11/7/19

[Ainslie]

One of Jesse's aides stands up, quickly looking for the diplomat before leaning into the microphone and reinstating the nation's position on the resolution.

"Ainslie remains to second this resolution, now in an amended form."