Avery & Vallette Meeting // 10-1-17 // [KYLARIS]

[Alinora]

JACKSON, FEDERATION OF ASTERIA
6:45pm - October 1st, 2017

Jackson: Capital of the Federation of Asteria. Known as the Heart of the Free World and the Beacon of the East, Jackskon is Asteria’s richest city, and among its most beautiful. The city is built around the National Mall, which holds many monuments and museums— as well as the seats of power for the three branches of Government. The Capitol Building, located on the West side of the National Mall, was a massive, domed structure that dominated Jackson’s skyline— one of the city’s most iconic buildings. It was where Federal Congress assembled, whether it be to vote on legislation, declare war, or perform any other duties of the Legislative Branch. The State House, which served as the home of the President and the headquarters of the Executive Branch, was located on the north side of the Mall. The High Court Building, located on the south end of the Mall, was where the Federation’s most prestigious Justices met to make decisions on the high-profile cases facing Asteria. Other important symbols included the Liber Monument, a white obelisk in the center of the Mall, as well the Adrian Martin Memorial on the east side, and the Great War Memorial.

At Perseus Liber International Airport, located just downriver of the City, a large welcoming party had gathered on the tarmac to greet President Vallette, who was to come to Jackson to meet personally with Avery. The crowd waved flags of Asteria and Gaullica - many coming from parts of the country that are ethnically Gaullican - and holding up signs with words of welcome. FIS Agents had created a perimeter around the area where the plane would land, and roughly 30 feet away was a convoy of 6 black SUVs, while at the exit to the airport, numerous Police Cars and Motorcycles were waiting to serve as escorts.

In the Center Office, in the State House, President Ben Avery eagerly awaited the Gaullican president’s arrival. He’s been in office for over 8 months now, and hasn’t had very much time to reach out to other world leaders. This wasn’t because he didn’t want to, but Avery has been busy— juggling the war in Marirana, the immigration crisis, and trying to push his education Bill through Congress. Most of the time he’s spent addressing issues regarding foreign policy have been negative, related to war, or playing the “Great Game”, and facing off against the other great powers on the diplomatic, international stage. With Althira lashing out at the Federation in the CN, President Avery decided that it would be helpful to work towards better relations with Gaullica— a country to which the Federation shared many customs, traditions, and values. Sure, the Federation was hugely responsible for their defeat in the Great War, fought a war against them to gain independence, and directly opposed their colonial influence for more than a hundred years— but times change, and so do Nations.

Sitting at his desk in the Center Office, which was decorated with Asterian Flags, portraits of past Presidents, some couches and tables, as well as many historical pieces— namely the Revolutionary-era sword that was carried by Perseus Liber throughout the Asterian War for Independence. Despite the upcoming meeting, Avery was trying to cram in as much work as possible— currently typing an email to Liberal Senator Alexis Dechlan, who was vouching for the Education Bill on the floors of the Senate. Education reform was something that both parties desperately wanted, and members from both sides have been able to work together successfully, and come to agreements on most everything. However, some members of both parties have come to direct opposition with the prospect of lowering Federal funds to certain colleges, and scrapping Federal Subsidies to pay off student loans- replacing the system with income-based student loan forgiveness. A handful of Senators threatened to vote against the Bill if these section wasn’t changed— worried that it would sentence millions of Asterians to a lifetime of unrepayable debt. Avery understood these concerns, and was doing his best to try and come to a compromise in the Senate. Thankfully, his friends on the Left were dedicated to getting this Bill through, which made his life at least a bit easier. Avery found himself pulled away from the email that he was writing by a knock at the door. A tall black man in a pressed black suit entered: Damon Peterson, the head of the President’s personal FIS attachment. “Mr. President, President Vallette will be landing shortly.”

Avery nodded. “Thank you, Damon. I’ll be out in a few minutes.” Avery would finish up his email and send it before standing up, straightening his jacket, and leaving his office.

[Liecthenbourg]

JACKSON, FEDERATION OF ASTERIA
6:50pm - 1st October, 2017

The private jet that was transporting the President of Gaullica to Perseus Liber International Airport gave a quick shake as it began a descent down onto the tarmac. Vallette had been to this city of Jackson before. A fantastical city, clearly Asterian in its design. It lacked a certain pomp and splendour evident in the coastal Euclean Cities that had been raised eons past and clung to the bosom of civilisation for sustenance and security. Yet its uniqueness in terms of its layout and clearly different architectural design gave it a pleasant, if not refreshing, feeling.

Vallette ran his hands on his knees and called for the attention for one of the stewardesses. The flight had been long; exceedingly, and the ageing man was finding travel more and more difficult. Yet there was a certain continental stubbornness about him that would not allow him to send someone beneath him to visit this young Avery, the recently elected President of Asteria, especially if it was a personal request.

The stewardess gave a pleasant smile and collected the plate and glass of wine that had constituted of Vallette's exceedingly late lunch. Smoked seabass, served on a bed of slice new potatoes and a variety of greens. The wine, a personal favourite, was the white Château Rieussec - flavoured with lime and honey and it complimented the fish perfectly.

He stared at his phone idly, tapping through his emails and notifications from ministers, friends and family. He fought the urge to tweet something random, as he often did, being so formal and prudent gave a sense of boredom. It... highlighted the responsibility that was soon enough going to slip from his fingers. He gave a lopsided smile as he stared at his lockscreen. Évelyne. Their children, Napoleon, Anastasie and Jeannine. Their faithful friend and companion, the dog Lino.

Yet his mind returned to the matters at hand. He knew what was going to be discussed; Marirana and Asafiyah; the states on their life-lines. The 'Great Game', too, which all these states played - the never ending game of chess, where competitors run in and out at a whim and will. A game of chess where not casting a move is as effective as casting one. Althira, Songguo, Hyndana and Negara would come up from time to time. Promises. Attempts to reapproach issues and to readjust international alliances.

The thud of the wheels hitting the tarmac caused the plane to shake slightly once more.

And Gaullica would be present with a question that had been delivered to her ever since 1936. A question set in motion by that bastard, Duclerque. "Where do you find yourself, now?" Gaullica still held her standard high and was still considered a 'Great Power', she played the game from the shadows. But the path of the game was always in question. How could a Gaullican, of any sort, sit and listen to the dictation of the man from Asteria? The man from Asteria had knocked the pedestal down; so where did Gaullica find herself now? To align herself to Asteria was to mean to isolate herself from her children; the noble Satucin, the pious Senouillac, the... international pariah of Sanslumiere. To align herself to anyone was a submission that she was no longer a top player.

And that would never happen.

Cooperation was different however. Though they had their differences their cores were somewhat similar. They were representative democracies, cored by a deep held faith - in God, in Freedom - and had, for the better part of the past seventy years, tried to coexist peacefully.

"Mr. President." the cabin's PA announced, the voice of the captain speaking through clearly. "We've landed."

And so the President of Gaullica stood up, tugged on his suit, grabbed his personal belongings and made way for the door. He saw through the little windows the people permitted to walk along the tarmac. Workers, abuzz.

And here he was, the so-called Beacon of the East. It was no Verlois. But a Beacon for many it was. He inhaled sharply and stepped through that cabin door, giving a short wave to the onlookers before he descended down those steps onto the tarmac.

[Alinora]

Post

...

“Bienvenue monsieur le président!”

A large banner with these words would be among the first thing the Gaullican President would see when stepping into the ramp. A sizable crowd - likely 200 people or so - clapped and cheered as he would begin to descend, waving flags of both Asteria and Gaullica, as well as signs— most of which said simply “Welcome to Asteria!” Asterians have always been very kind and generous patrons, whether it be towards a foreign leader, or even a simple tourist. Asterians always wanted others to have the best possible impression of their country, and always seemed to want to break some of the stereotypes about Asterians. Maybe it was an ego thing, or maybe just simple patriotism. Often it’s neither— many Asterians have deeply-rooted Gaullican ancestry, and hold it with pride. It only makes sense that they would greet the President of their cousins in Gaullica.

At the bottom of the ramp, a number of men in Black suits, wearing sunglasses and earpieces, met the President. Around the perimeter of the part of the tarmac they were on, these same men carried machine guns. One such man approached President Vallette and extended his hand to shake. “Mr. President, I am Agent Bechtell with the FIS. Welcome back to the Federation, sir.” He turned and nodded to another agent, who nodded in return, and proceeded to walk towards the convoy. “We will be escorting you to the State House, where you’ll meet with President Avery.”

[Liecthenbourg]

...

Vallette descended down the ramp. He gazed outwards onto the crowd. There was always truth to the stereotypes of the Asterians; certainly a loud bunch but that was welcome. Their hospitality - that which had tempted so many across the Vehemens years past - was well renowned. Especially if of a similar ethnic stock to any of the large demographics.

Ay, Gaullica and Asteria had butt-heads for quite some time. But many Asterians themselves were descended from Gaullican settlers, colonials and immigrants. So there was still an element of home when those Asterian civilians waved the flag of his beloved Republic. Crossed amidst the flags of the Asterian Federation, it was quite heart-warming. It was... good. States that a century ago stood opposite in ideological matters and mentality, now friends.

He smiled as the FIS members approached him, a personal detail of security. Such were similar in Gaullica, though for public events the famed Republican Guard in their pompadour and garb. But this was efficient and slick, certainly Asterian.

"A pleasure to meet you, Agent Bechtell." Vallette replied, in accented Estmerish. He took the man's hand and shook it. He walked alongside them, idle small-talk between them. "Lead on." he remarked, and forth they went towards the convoy of automobiles and motorcycles.

[Alinora]

...

The FIS Agents would escort President Vallette to the last of the three SUVs, and would proceed to leave the airport, and hop onto the Freeway. The motorcade, consisting of dozens of police cars and motorcycles, along with a helicopter serving as a sentry, proceeded northwest along the coast-- passing the Citadel, which served as the headquarters of the
Federation's Department of Defense. The building, when first constructed in the 1970s, was the largest office building in the world— a title it has held in the following four decades. As the motorcade continued, the National Mall would become more visible— the Capitol Building and Liber Monument being icons of the city’s skyline. These structures, like many of the Federation’s Government and memorial buildings, were modeled after ancient Solarian architecture— clearly seen in their design. Made with lots of marble, and using domes and pillars, they reflected an age-old society that had been resurrected. Perhaps the first Asterians wanted to honor those to which they based their Republic, or perhaps they had a simple fixation to said style of architecture. This skyline of Jackson would vanish as the motorcade entered the William Madison Memorial Tunnel, that cut East under the Ovella River, and would emerge about a minute later into Downtown Jackson. They didn’t remain on the Freeway for long after that, exiting onto Libermennia Avenue, the road that connected the State House and the Capitol. Downtown Jackson very patriotic - with the Asterian flag in every direction -- hanging on poles from apartments and street lights. Asterians had always carried their flag with the utmost respect, and unlike many Euclean countries, they put it everywhere. Asterians were very hardline on showing respect the symbol of their country, and rarely tolerated people who disrespected it— whether it be by stepping on the flag in protest, or refusing to stand for the National Anthem. There were no laws to say it wasn’t allowed, it was more of a tradition, and unspoken requirement.

Soon, the motorcade found itself pulling through the gates of the State House, and coming to a stop in front. FIS Agents would open the doors for President Vallette, and escort him up the stairs to the deck, where the young President Avery was standing. Wearing a black suit with a blue tie, with an Asterian flag pin on his chest, he gave a warm smile and extended his hand. [i]”Bonjour, Monsieur le Président”[/] he said, his accent slightly different than the Gaullican standard, and more similar to the dialects of Senouillac. Avery care from Faulkner, where a large portion of the population is Gaullican-speaking, and grew up in a bilingual household. Still speaking Gaullican, he continued. “I trust your trip was a safe one?”

[Liecthenbourg]

The travel by motorcade was much more comforting than he'd have envisioned. The cushioned seats within were quite comfortable, but nothing like the Presidential Limousine that was handed to each of the Gaullican Presidents. That itself had found itself in the tradition of donating an automobile to the Kings of Gaullica, but only two had had that privilege: Albert III and his son, Albert IV.

There was idle chatter between the FIS Agents and the Gaullican President. They admitted they were partial to certain wines from the state and Vallette admitted that the hamburger was perhaps "one of the greatest culinary inventions" ever conceived by man.

He noted the presence of flags and understood the concept behind it. A flag was symbolic for the Asterians, a piece of their cultural identity. For the Gaullicans, such a concept was reserved to the flag representing the republican ideals. But it was merely that, a manifestation of these ideals. Some would, obviously, not take kindly to such a symbol being disgraced. But the notions behind that flag entitled its right to be burnt or stood upon. He kept the comments to himself, for he was not here to make commentary that some may find demeaning or insulting.

They approached the state-house and Vallette stepped out towards the deck, FIS Agents about him. Vallette's own suit was more grey than black, and his tie was a complimentary purple. He took the young president's hand and shook it, smiling as well. "Hello, Mr. President." He replied, in Estmerish - accented heavily, over-emphasising his letters. "My trip was indeed a safe one." He responded in his much more natural Gaullican. "The plane ride was much longer than I am used to, for the most part - but it was good. Your Agents have been most friendly as well - and we had a lovely view of this city. But yes, it was good. How are you? I trust we haven't kept you waiting for too long?"

[Alinora]

”...how are you? I trust we haven’t kept you waiting for too long?”

President Avery smiled and shook his head, proceeding to speak in his native language, with the typical Asterian accent. “Not at all, my friend.” He turned, placing his hand on Vallette’s lower back and motioned towards the entrance. “Please, come in.” The two leaders stepped into the Entrance Hall, a large open room with polished floors, fancy light fixtures and chandeliers, rose red curtains, and numerous oil paintings of past presidents. They would make their way up a flight of stairs, escorted by FIS Agents, and into the Center Office, which belonged to the President. In the center of the room were two couches facing toward one-another, with a coffee table in the middle. The walls, similar to other areas of the building, had historical photos of events and Presidents alike. One such photo, situated on the wall directly across from the entrance they came in, was from the Great War. Taken in the summer of 1934, it showed two young Asterian soldiers leaning on one another during the Scarlett Offensive-- the Federation-led campaign that drove the Gaullican armies from their trenches in Estmere, which they’d held for years, and pushed them back into their homeland. It was this offensive that brought an end to the war by forcing Gaullica to come to the negotiating table.

Avery motioned towards the set of couches, waiting for Vallette to sit before he did. Avery crossed his legs, cleared his throat, and began to speak. “Once again, Mr. President, thank you for answering my invitation. I speak on behalf of many Asterians when I say that it’s a privilege to have you here, in the Federation.” He paused. “That said, there are a number of topics I wanted to discuss with you today, but let me be clear, my main hope is that through this meeting, we can work towards creating a strong bond between Gaullica and the Federation of Asteria, and promote more cooperation between our two countries.”

[Liecthenbourg]

... “That said, there are a number of topics I wanted to discuss with you today, but let me be clear, my main hope is that through this meeting, we can work towards creating a strong bond between Gaullica and the Federation of Asteria, and promote more cooperation between our two
countries.”

Vallette took a seat upon one of the couches in the Centre Office. In his usual seating style he crossed one leg over the other and relaxed as best he could. Vallette had noted the photographs, specifically the one from the Great War, and it reminded him of those hung in his own office. Oddly and remarkably, a portrait hung behind each president when they saw it. When first unveiled it betrayed notions of a never ending monarchism; one of Albert III - yet it became a symbol of republicanism, as the man had become himself.

"It is no issue, thank you for inviting me." Vallette replied when Avery thanked him for arriving.

As he began to list of the reasons and topics behind the meeting and its intentions, Vallette would nod and smile too. Similar goals were perhaps in his mind to be achieved.

"I can fully understand your motivations. They are noble. I share some, if not all, myself. To promote cooperation between the Federation of Asteria and the Euclean Community, or the Gaullophonie, would do good to foster relations. It is known to all, unfortunately, that Asteria and her northern neighbour are not the best of friends. If we could help alleviate that, that would be good." He shifted his legs, now crossing the previously subservient one to a predominant position. "And these topics you wish to speak of; am I correct in assuming some may be Asafiyah, Marirana, and the instances of 'Vredochem'?"

[Alinora]

"I can fully understand your motivations. They are noble. I share some, if not all, myself. To promote cooperation between the Federation of Asteria and the Euclean Community, or the Gaullophonie, would do good to foster relations. It is known to all, unfortunately, that Asteria and her northern neighbour are not the best of friends. If we could help alleviate that, that would be good....And these topics you wish to speak of; am I correct in assuming some may be Asafiyah, Marirana, and the instances of 'Vredochem'?”

President Avery shifted his weight on the couch, figuring that Vallette would mention the historically-tense relations between Asteria and Senouillac. “In regards to our northern neighbor,” Avery began, “the last three administrations have shown interest in improving relations with Senouillac, but little progress has been made. Numerous efforts have been made on our part, the issue is that Senouillac seems content with the status quo. Asterians have been wanting a better relationship with our northern neighbor for years, but they don’t seem to share that interest.”

President Avery decided to focus on the issues in Marirana and Asafiyah later, and discuss Senouillac now.

[Liecthenbourg]

... “the last three administrations have shown interest in improving relations with Senouillac, but little progress has been made. Numerous efforts have been made on our part, the issue is that Senouillac seems content with the status quo. Asterians have been wanting a better relationship with our northern neighbor for years, but they don’t seem to share that interest.”

Vallette sat in contemplation. Hands intertwined. He furrowed his brow in thought once more again, reclining back on the sofa.

"History. History is a predominant factor in this debacle, I can imagine. Ideology, I imagine, is another one of these barriers. They see Asteria as her southern... foe, for want of a better word. To the average citizen of Senouillac; Asteria represents the power of the planet manifest beneath them. I don't particularly understand as to why their governments would not wish to foster good relations; as diplomacy and compromise work best, but its something that is probably down to a variety of factors. Culture. Euclean ties. Geopolitics." He took a sip from a glass of water from the table before them.

"I can't exactly put myself in either your shoes or theirs, but I can see where both of you are coming from. In Senouillac, they might be resisting what they perceive to be an encroachment of Asterian cultural hegemony, or military might, whereas what you perceive is an outstretched hand of friendship. Regardless of what either of your perceive, the only thing I can possible imagine to suggest is to continue your attempts, as honest and as open as possible."

[Alinora]

L

...

President Avery could understand the reluctance of Senouillac to meet the Federation’s wishes to improve relations, but only to a certain point. Perhaps if Asteria had seemed to have some sort of underlying, sinister intentions, but there was nothing that pointed towards such intent. In fact, the Federation’s policy for the Asterias has been ‘peace at all costs’ since the end of the Roessan-Asterian War in 1847. President Parker even refused to intervene in the Senouillac Civil War, despite the golden opportunity presented to him-- citing the fact that Senouillac showed Asteria the same respect during their own civil war. Even in the decades following, most Presidents showed no discontent towards Senouillac, and a number even tried to improve relations, which failed, but because of Senouillac. By this point, most Asterians had come to the conclusion that Senouillac didn’t want better relations, and most politicians simply stopped trying.

Avery cleared his throat before replying. “Mr. President, I certainly understand where you’re coming from, but I’ll be blunt with you: we aren’t going to bother wasting our breathe much longer. If you would like to see improved relations between the Federation and the Union, I suggest speaking to their leadership. Perhaps they’d listen to you.” Avery would then stand up, walking over to his desk and rummaging through a drawer, before returning with a simple black binder and setting it on the table. “Mr. Vallette, would you be willing to recap recent events in Asafiyah?”

[Liecthenbourg]

... "Mr. Vallette, would you be willing to recap recent events in Asafiyah?"

Asafiyah was a recent political time-bomb that many had begun to throw around to one another.

"An insurgency." Vallette began, twiddling his thumbs. "A horrid insurgency, militants with the intention of declaring a Salamic Republic. The Al-Mukhtar insurgency within the Natush region, I believe. The Confederate Council, having voted 10-to-9 in favour of a greater military presence was met with opposition by the President. Furthermore, along the coast, the ever present threat of an insurgent attack on important industrious oil refineries poses immense ecological, economical and military disasters."

He sat in thought for a moment.

"Because of these factors Carcosa pledged to assist the government of Asafiyah. Then, the Euclean Joint-Defence-Initiative pledged to support the government by providing provisions for Euclean Officers to train the Asafiyahan military further and increased naval patrols in the Aurean Straits to keep a vigil on international trade, the coasts and to coordinate with humanitarian efforts for any potential refugee crisis that this insurgency may create."

[Alinora]

...

President Avery listened attentively to the Gaullican President as he proceeded to explain the situation in Asafiyah, and his country’s position in the conflict. After Vallette concluded, Avery took a few moments to formulate his thoughts before replying. “Certainly does seem like a humanitarian crisis waiting to happen” he began, “especially given the radical ideology fueling these insurgents.” He shifted his weight in his chair. “I would tread carefully, Mr. President, one false move could trigger exactly what you’re concerned about: a refugee crisis that could embroil Euclea.” He paused. “If I may ask, what does Gaullica plan to do in regards to this... touchy situation?”

[Liecthenbourg]

... “If I may ask, what does Gaullica plan to do in regards to this... touchy situation?”

"Gaullica plans to uphold and conduct itself as the Community outlines. The Joint-Defence-Initiative has provided a reasonable and sound plan to combat any potential humanitarian crisis." Vallette shifted his weight as he sat. "It is integral that the straits remain functional, as one of the busiest waterways on our planet - and to avoid any catastrophe in a humanitarian field is optimal as well. The Asafiyahan government is a democratically elected institution and the radicals of the Insurgency pose a threat to it, democracy as a whole and the lives of many individuals. Gaullica will stand in solidarity with the Community and with Asafiyah - and conduct herself in the plan, by contributing naval assets, officers and humanitarian aid wherever it is needed."

[Alinora]

...

President Avery nodded, and waited for a few moments before replying. “As a sign of good faith and cooperation, the Federation would be willing to support the JDI diplomatically, and perhaps sway our allies in the JDF to do the same.” He paused. “Vocal support for your cause - and for the Asafiyan Government - by the Federation would broadcast a message of cooperation between our two countries. After all, it’s in our interest to keep the Straight open, given our trading partners.”

[Liecthenbourg]

"Keeping the Aurean Straits open is a fundamental cornerstone to the Euclean plan. It plays nicely into the supporting of the other efforts, namely the humanitarian and ecological ones." Vallette reclined once more, tenting his fingers before brushing them down his trouser legs and composing himself once more. "Ideally, the vocal and verbal support of the Federation in the activities of the Euclean J-D-I would give us greater legitimacy in the eyes of the International Community, so it is appreciated heavily if you were to do so."

"Shall we move onto other matters, or are there lingering questions about Asafiyah?"

[Alinora]

"Shall we move onto other matters, or are there lingering questions about Asafiyah?"

"I believe we can move onto other matters" the President replied, switching the legs in which he had crossed. "If Gaullica and the Federation are going to display more cooperative behavior to the international community, I'd like there to be a bit more give-and-take." He cleared his throat. "As you're certainly aware, the Federation and our JDF allies are currently engaging in a campaign to suppress the ruling cartels, responsible for widespread terror and corruption, and a key influence in the global sale of cocaine and narcotics." Avery paused, trying to find the wording. "The conflict has been... controversial at best-- of course because the Federation is involved, and so many care so little about the factual reasoning, but more about the fact that Asterians are dropping bombs and kicking down doors." President Avery had no doubt that the majority of the opposition seen from members of the International Community was simply an inherent need to oppose the country and its interests-- just another card in the Great Game.

"I would like Gaullica to come out and publicly support the JDF's intervention in Marirana to deal a massive blow to the drug trade, as well as to bring these regions back to peace-- a concept they can only imagine at this point due to the fact that the various cartels and paramilitary forces have been in charge with virtually no opposition for years. If Gaullica were to reassert the fact that this conflict is morally right, it'll get a lot of heat off our back-- something we wouldn't soon forget."

[Liecthenbourg]

Vallette sat in silence.

In contemplation.

Cautious, mathematical thought.

"Gaullica, and myself in that matter, would be willing to agree to this. That Asteria and her allies are with the right intention in defeating these monstrous cartels. Furthermore, ultimately it is not my decision - but you are in the right to defend and intervene on behalf of your allies. Asteria has taken flak for this matter, and I believe it does have to do with some of the greater political machinations at play."

[Alinora]

...

President Avery nodded. “Then you understand my predicament.” Avery would proceed to stand up, walking to a small table nearby with a pitcher of water and some glasses, grabbing them, and returning. He filled two of the glasses with water, and slid one across the table to Vallette. “Just as the Federation’s support for intervention in Asafiyah would help legitimize your cause there, Gaullican support for the JDF’s presence in Marirana would allow us to continue our operations with less pressure from the international community.” He paused, taking a sip of his glass of water. “And let me insist how important it is that we stop these cartels from being able to continue exploiting the Mariranan people, trafficking deadly drugs across the planet, and murdering innocent people.”

[Liecthenbourg]

"I agree wholeheartedly." Vallette concluded. He drunk a hearty sip of his water, rubbed his hands together.

"This mutual show of cooperation between the JDF and the Euclean Community will certainly bolster our reserves of ammunition on the diplomatic stage." He drummed his fingers against his knee idly, in loud contemplation. In the silence, Vallette spoke a word that was hung on the lips of every political commentator on the planet.

"Vredochem. A horrid situation. What are the Federation's plans in this matter?"

[Alinora]

"Vredochem. A horrid situation. What are the Federation's plans in this matter?"

President Avery had purposely been trying to maintain a neutral stance on the situation regarding Fars and VredChem, mainly because of the Federation’s economic ties to Hydana. However, as more and more evidence built up against Fars, and pressure from the international community increased, he felt as though he’d have no choice but to take a side. Avery let out a hardy sigh before speaking.

“Asterians were the first to develop and use chemical weapons on the field of battle” he began, “over a century ago, during our… gruesome Civil War. We saw the true effects that chemical weapons had-- how they could somehow make war even more inhumane. After the Civil War ended, the Federation pushed the international community to ban these types of weapons from being used in the future. We were ignored.” He stopped for a moment, scratching his chin. “As you’re likely well aware, as the Great War was nearing its end and Gaullica was becoming more desperate, they began deploying chemical weapons against the Democratic Alliance-- mainly against Asterian troops, who were rapidly advancing towards your borders.” He paused. “My point is that Asterians have experienced firsthand the suffering that these types of weapons can inflict, and has always advocated for them to be banned. It was us, after all, that pushed for the treaty that officially banned them in the late 30s, is it not?” He took a sip of his water and set the glass back down on the table. “The Federation will not only support, but work closely with nations like Glytter and the rest of the International Community to see sanctions implemented on Fars for breaking international law, and to see that organizations like VredoChem are held responsible.”

[Liecthenbourg]

"An agreeable conclusion." Vallette began. "The Euclean Community seeks to work with the International Community in both disarming the Farsi weapons, perhaps aiming to impose fines on their 'in-the-know' government ministers for breaking International Law - as ratified by the Community of Nations - and then aggressively pursuing 'Vredochem' for its rampant reckless distribution of these harmful chemical substances. Our two 'blocs' fighting on the same side of International Law is sure to be a benefit to both of us; a strong single voice in a matter than none will realistically be able to provide a suitable offence towards."

[Alinora]

...

President Avery nodded, and couldn’t help but feel very good about how this meeting was going. Sometimes, it seemed, the key to cooperation is simply reaching out. “I assure you, Mr. President, the Federation will be working closely with Glytter and other countries to make sure that the perpetrators are held accountable.” He paused, taking a sip of his drink, before continuing. “On to another topic: the Climate Summit. While this Administration is dedicated to protecting our planet, many within the Federation have doubts about ‘climate change’ - citing the lack of definitive evidence and information that contradicts the idea of man-made global warming. My question is, how much of the world do you think will actually jump on this boat to slow the effects of climate change?”

[Liecthenbourg]

Vallette was taken aback for a moment. Indeed, how many would consider the dire implications of Climate Change?

"I feel that, in good conscience, I would like to assume all nations and states will take the undisputed scientific realities of climate change to heart. However, many countries are developing nations and will pointed to the developed world as being 'unfair' on the notion of having already abused the environment to develop, only now to turn and tell the rest that this cannot be done."

He paused for a few seconds.

"In this regard, I think some will turn their backs on us - and the notions of tackling Climate Change - unless it is phrased in other manners. If the developed world were to pull her weight in the 'assistance' of the developing by helping her develop, in replacement for their lack of quick, easy and cheap access to means of power and transportation through petroleum, for instance. Another solution could be, to ensure global cooperation, to have different restrictions based on a nation's wealth - our states, for instance - as we are more economically powerful - should take on a bigger brunt of the fight against Climate Change as say, the Celestial Isles or, perhaps more controversially, Zimte or any island state in the Arucian."

[Alinora]

...

President Avery shifted his weight. “My primary concern is that countries like the Federation and Gaullica will end up picking up most of the check, which is an issue in itself.” He paused. “I’m certainly not trying to sound selfish, but the Federation has its own issues to deal with - picking up the rest of the world’s slack would not be very popular among Asterians.”