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

[Menna Shuli]

"Of course," both Ortiz and Mipax said in unison, then looked at each other in confusion.

[Miklania]

"Excellent. My office will be making some phone calls shortly." Dominic conferred with some of his aides, who were already working on getting the appropriate points of contact within the Coast Guard. "Anyways," He said, turning back to the microphone, "I suggest that while we await the information we put this conversation on hold, and move on to other things. I believe there was mention of the flora and fauna of Athara Magarat going on a rampage again." The way he saw it, it was in everyone's best interest to keep the dispute civil and quiet. Flaring tempers were never a good thing in diplomacy. He knew Mipax had in fact fought many duels over less public insults.

[Menna Shuli]

Ortiz turned to his aides and began hurriedly and quietly speaking to them in Spanish during the distraction of the conversation regarding the Magarati fungus. It seemed to Ortiz like some wasp or hornet or bee was constantly some sort of danger to something or other in Athara Magarat, and the more pressing concerns of his government's issues with the Mênna overshadowed the slim chance of a niche parasite causing problems with poppy yields.

Mipax, on the other hand, immediately turned her attention to the distraction, both due to the potential impact on Mênnan rural farmers and to distract her from the insults done to her family by the Javieran colonel.

[Vibor]

Laurence Magellan turned his attention from the Mênnan delegate to that of the Athara Magarati and the 'rise of the zombie bees'. Taking a small sip of his sparkling water before speaking.

"Can I just confirm that you said fifty, five zero people have died due to this fungal infection. What measures are Athara Magarat taking to contain this condition besides the closure of Air and sea ports?".

Laurence paused again as his loyal aide handed him a written note from the Viborian Foreign Minister.

"The State of Vibor has of now, closed all civilian ports of entry to and from Athara Magarati until further notice. We would also like to offer a team of Scientists and Mycological researchers to try and gather a specimen of this fungus to establish it's structure and possibility of a cure or symptom reversal".

[Athara Magarat]

"I am extremely sorry that your issue has to be sidelined at the moment for ours." Thomas MacArtair threw an apologetic slight bow towards both Colonel Ortiz and Mipax.

"And yes, we are afraid the death toll has exceeded 50. And that is not counting the non-human fatalities." Thomas spoke in a solemn voice as he turned his attention to the delegates from Vibor, Miklania and other nations. "I must clarify that the fungus, Ophiocordyceps magaratis, itself possesses no harm to humans or other higher beings. Two of its subspecies parasitize on the larvae of ghost moths and Isles swallowtail butterflies respectively; with the complex formed being used as medicinal herbs. Another subspecies forms a complex with red ants and is used in food coloring or as a dye in cosmetic products. Yet another subspecies is used in making the Yarsha Chiya green tea. It is the combination of a previously undiscovered subspecies of this fungus with its new host that is threatening."

"The Yak Maruwa, Vespa bosoccisor, is a very aggressive large hornet. It hunts bees, mantises and even other hornets. In the Athara Magarati Federation of Hangates, between 10 to 20 humans die every year from hornet stings. The Yak Maruwa's venom contains a neurotoxin powerful enough to dissolve human tissue. Anyone familiar with biology will know that, unlike bees, hornets do not lose their stingers when they attack. Which means a single hornet can perform multiple attacks on its victim and these multiple stings are lethal. Fatalities related to Yak Maruwa stings usually are from anaphylactic shock or cardiac arrest; though in some cases, a relatively large number of stings can result in multiple organ failure."

"Now, this previously undiscovered subspecies of the Ophiocordyceps magaratis fungus, further heightens the Yak Maruwa's predatory instincts. Our researchers have discovered that while natural hornets are more concerned about human movement, these infected Yak Maruwas are highly attracted to human sweat and other scents. That is, while you can remain unharmed from natural Yak Maruwas by staying still, the infected ones will attack you just because they are attracted to you. Furthermore, our researchers have also concluded that the fungus triggers the urge on its host Yak Maruwa hornet to release its bodily neurotoxin. The only way neurotoxin is released is by stinging something. The more neurotoxin an infected hornet releases, the more control the fungus gains. This is what we are calling Phase 1 where the infected hornets become extremely aggressive with the fungus heightening their predatory instincts."

"As mentioned earlier, the more neurotoxin an infected hornet releases, the more mummified it becomes. We call this Phase 2 of infestation. The host grows 'fruiting bodies'. When the infected Yak Maruwa dies, this special organ then releases spores that travel through air to infect and grow on the bodies of other hornets. And the process continues in cycle. In some occasions, our scientists have discovered that the fungus-Yak Maruwa complex may also grow 'special tendrils' to attract other organisms towards it."

"We first got wind of this situation when 19 people from two close towns died within 3 days. As I mentioned, that number of death from Yak Maruwa stings naturally happens in a year's span. We immediately declared national emergency in mainland Magarat and deployed special units to remove nests or trap the hive entrances. At first, we blamed dry weather while our scientists blamed the decrease in the hornets' enemies such as spiders or birds due to rapid urbanization. By February 17, our researchers had proof that a new subspecies of the fungus was making the hornets act unnatural. And that the infestation had spread out of mainland Magarat after we received reports of 'mummified Yak Maruwas' in Myagdi Island and two reported deaths from the island city."

"Peppermint oil is a natural Yak Maruwa repellent. We have also distributed hornet repellent sprays, advised our citizens to venture out only when extremely necessary and wear additional layers of protective clothing, prepared our hospitals to deal with this crisis and deployed more units to contain infected hornets. We are looking for solutions to control, if not end, this unexpected crisis. So far, we have scientists from Athara Magarat and Brulafi working on this case. Further assistance from other nations, especially in regards to qualified mycologists and entomologists who can work on feasible solutions, is greatly appreciated."

[Menna Shuli]

"Are the new cordyceps known to infect other species, or does that remain unknown?" Mipax asked.

[Negarakita]

Gao took a quick glance at Surat, because he was kinda bored, and saw that the Department of Natural Sciences at the National University of Suvurnia had offered their interest in conducting research on the wasps. As there wasn't really much else that Suvurnia had on this matter apart from, probably, selling lots of rather flimsy textiles which weren't exactly superhornet proof, he decided to bring this up. At least it would make it seem like the Suvurnian government cared.

"I would inform the Athara Magarati delegate that the National University of Suvurnia is interested in conducting research into this new outbreak"

[Athara Magarat]

"According our scientists, they are not capable of doing such things." Thomas answered the question raised by Mipax. "Bees are in greater danger ever than ever. Hornets kill bees to feed on them as part of natural process. The infestation apparently has made hornets even more aggressive towards bees. Hence, there are some speculations that the fungus may jump into bees. However there is no evidence so far. As for when the numbers of bees decrease, we all can only imagine the disastrous effect that would have on entire ecosystems."

Thomas then noddedat Gao. "That would be much appreciated."

[Menna Shuli]

"What about other species of hornets?" Mipax asked. "And has the neurotoxin been known to kill larger creatures, especially livestock? It's easy to douse a person in bug repellent, it's harder to do that with a herd of cattle."

[Athara Magarat]

"Since we have observed one of the subpecies of this fungus infecting multiple species of ants, theoritically, that is a yes. However we have yet to see other hornets being infected with this new Ophiocordyceps magaratis subspecies."

"And unfortunately, yes. It kills cattle as well. The name Yak Maruwa itself means Yak-Killer. Named so since even an uninfected hornet can kill a Kirati yak, the largest land animal in our country, with multiple sting attacks. We do not have exact figure on how many of them have died but non-human deaths from this crisis are much more higher."

"The Yak Maruwa already was one of the Big Four killers of Magarat. The fungus has made them worse than ever."

[Polar Svalbard]

Stephanie's brow furrowed, "From what I am gathering, the main danger here is not from the disease but from the hornets themselves. It seems as though this is more of a case of limiting the spread of these insects. I'm sure that they will not survive, especially in this time of year in a place like my country, but in similar climates it may be prudent to inspect Athara Magarati cargo in port in order to know if the hornets have made nests in any of the shipments. It might be a good idea for the League to put forth a notice that ships from Athara Magarat should be checked for these hornets."

[Vibor]

"I am to believe that it's not just hornets that are at risk of this fungal infection, but bees and wasps which are of similar genetics and species. Whilst wasps and hornets can be considered pests, it is the humble bee that could also be at risk which would have a far more devastating impact on the natural world. Vibor has agreed to send a team to investigate this fungus and establish whether there is a wider risk to the natural world".

[Menna Shuli]

"We may wish to consider a natural form of avoidance," Mipax said. "I'm no biologist, but I know of breeds of termites, slugs and ants that consume fungal growths, as well as many birds that eat hornets and similar creatures. Does the Yak Maruwa have any natural predators? If it does, and if we can determine that that predator is unaffected by the cordyceps, perhaps we could introduce a breeding program to ensure the predators are capable of quelling hornet numbers and therefore cordycep development."

[Athara Magarat]

"Certain species of spiders and most insectivore Magarati birds in general prey on them. The Yak Maruwas in turn are there to keep bees, mantises nd other hornets in check. It's the law of nature. Our researchers have also proposed this solution."

"Madam, the thing we are afraid of is if this crisis ever goes out of Magarat. The rest of the Isles is unprepared for they neither have these hornets, their predators or the fungus. Introducing the hornet's predators to your nations will have even more disastrous consequences. Hence, why we asked for your help, respected delegates, in containing this crisis within Magarat."

[Vibor]

"Have you considered pesticides or fungal treatments in the areas of the outbreak. It is a shame to see animals killed in such a fashion but if it contains the infection then it would be worth considering. The last thing we need is an uncontrollable outbreak and risk to other vulnerable species".

[Menna Shuli]

"Have you considered pesticides or fungal treatments in the areas of the outbreak. It is a shame to see animals killed in such a fashion but if it contains the infection then it would be worth considering. The last thing we need is an uncontrollable outbreak and risk to other vulnerable species".

"As I understand it, pesticides and fungicides have a hard time targeting a single problem," Mipax said. "Couldn't that very well attack cordyceps or other fungi that are useful to people or the environment?"

[Vibor]

"As I understand it, pesticides and fungicides have a hard time targeting a single problem," Mipax said. "Couldn't that very well attack cordyceps or other fungi that are useful to people or the environment?"

"As I am sure a lot of you know, Cordyseps has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. It's continued to be used for various ailments and conditions with recent attempts to use it as an alternative treatement for Cancer. It's known that Cordyseps has been a predator of certain ants for many decades, but this is the first time that we have ever encountered it for Hornets. Our fears are that if it can cross species, it's possible that it could contaminate other species such as the honey bee which are beneficial to our world. Its also possible that we would have to consider pest control of the hornet to try and stop this from possibly crossing species again, this would mean killing numbers of hornets in order to save many other insects and plants".

[Thuzbekistan]

Amin approached the League staff, handing them a letter. "Could you please get this to the right people, please?"

The woman nodded. "Yes sir."

Honorable Delegates of the League,

Thuzbekistan, having watched the talks in the League so far, has decided it imperative that the delegates know that this is no longer a national crisis of Athara Magarat, but of Thuzbekistan as well. Three workers have died and some Hornets have escaped the vessel despite attempts to quarantine it. As such, Thuzbekistan requests that a diplomat by the name of Amin Ridvan attend talks regarding the crisis.

In case the Honorable Delegates do not grant our diplomat an audience, Thuzbekistan maintains that three things be kept in mind throughout the discussion:

1. Foreigners have already died by accidental shipping of these Hornets.
2. This may happen to any nation.
3. Thuzbekistan will aid any attempt to destroy this threat.

Thank you,

Foreign Minister Nalik

[Negarakita]

Gao smiled at the fact that the hornets were killing communists, but he didn't express such sentiments publicly for obvious reasons, limiting it to a hushed takbir. He also couldn't get the image of the Thuzbek leader on a walrus out of his mind. Once he reined in his mirth, he spoke.

"I do not believe we should allow the terrorist funding state to represent themselves at an assembly devoted to peace. However, this does provide an apt warning of what is to come. Suvurnia too shall be screening ships from Athara Magarat very heavily."

[Menna Shuli]

"If we allow the totalitarian military junta of San Javier the chance to defend themselves, then we should allow Thuzbekistan to provide their information to what is far less of a political issue," Mipax stated. "This fungal infection has the chance to affect the entire region, after all."

Ortiz glanced at Mipax with a scowl. "Might I ask," he said to the Miklanian delegate, "when we can expect the records from the communications with the Rayo?"

[Miklania]

"I've been promised a full written report by the end of business today, there should be an officer arriving to brief the League tomorrow."

[Menna Shuli]

Ortiz nodded. "Very well," he said. "Let it not be said that we did not appreciate the work of the Miklanians in this endeavour."

Mipax nodded. "Agreed. I'm sure this will clear things up for the League."

[Menna Shuli]

One of Mipax's aides tapped her on the shoulder. During the few tense minutes of hushed whispering, Mipax was careful to keep her face emotionless and placid. Inside, however, she panicked. Gecko, you idiot, she thought somewhat cruelly. What she had just heard wasn't her brother Atta's fault, since the port authority in Mihêkallu was not really under the purview of the MTD, but it felt good to blame him if only because she had never personally met the Prince-Governor of Mihêkallu. It was always easier to find the antitoxin if you knew the colours of the viper that bit you, after all.

She glanced at the Miklanian in the room, knowing any minute he was going to drop a bomb. All she could do now was quickly formulate a strategy to reply to the inevitable backlash. Of course the Sâtêp wanted to micromanage her when things were straightforward. Now they had left her to come up with her own response to potential disaster for her country.

[East Develornia]

East Develornia sends their foreign relations minister, Josef (Yoseb) Ärnaald, to apply for membership to the league of nations.

[Menna Shuli]

East Develornia sends their foreign relations minister, Josef (Yoseb) Ärnaald, to apply for membership to the league of nations.

OOC: You don't have to apply. Once you are on the reginal map you can just have your delegate to the League of the Western Isles begin interact. Also, we tend to use a more prose-like form of writing once your character is here.