SEC Conference (Closed, ATTN: SEC Members)

[St George of England]

Both Edward and Mathew looked up at the question. They were expected a discussion on the military first. It surprised them both, but an aide passed forward a modified iPad which had the numbers the Empire could contribute. They both knew them,but it was comforting nonetheless.

Edward motioned to an aide and whispered. "Message the Chief of Staff. Ask him to send along the gifts."
Without a word, the aide moved back and started lightly touching buttons.

[The Matthew Islands]

King Gilligan exited the APC after it had pulled up. Stretching, he looked around and spotted the other delegates. He turned to see Capone climbing out.
"Come on Capone, looks like the others are already here."
He then strode off towards the other delegates, while Capone thanked the driver.
Approaching the man who seemed to be in Charge, King Gilligan walked up to the Ulthranian, and Bowed.
"Greetings, I am King Gilligan of the Imperial Empire of The Matthew Islands."

[Blademasters765]

Louis spoke into his microphone "As of yet there is no current standing means of fundings, We need to start funding the Coalition so we can improve areas of government, organise humanitarian aid services for countries, Most of all we funding to bring the Imperial SEC Navy into service, as of right now it stands at a few donated ships that need money to be maintained, The crews are underpaid, the ships can't do training exercises with the cost of the ammunition they use Please I ask the nations of the coalition, can you provide funding?" Louis then lent back into his seat

[The Matthew Islands]

-Snip-

OCC: Im just gonna jump right in since you're all ahead of me.

King Gilligan pulled his microphone closer as Capone handed him some papers.
"Our current Military Budget stands at about 10 Trillion Gills. If you need money, we can provide money. If you need training facilities we can provide training facilities. I promise you we will do all that we can to help provide for a joint SEC fleet. As a side note however, I must warn, normally we would be able to give a blank cheque, however a current conflict means that we must be relatively reasonable with our budge"

[St George of England]

Mathew spoke in reply, causing the entire Royal Party to look startled.
"Being a nation with a fine naval tradition, we can offer ships and men to the Coalition's Navy. How do the rest of the SEC's military forces stand?" he asked, looking around with interest. As he waited for a reply, the Royal Party breathed a sigh of relief. The Prince was back, it seemed.

[Red Zone 1]

And so it begins... Edward Renata seated himself straight, and begin to listen to attentively. He wasn't sure if the conference had been officiated and opened but sure he was glad that event can finally begin now. The young lieutenant went to his work, and snapped on the laptop he brought with him, no doubt making the exact notes while Renata and his aide read another transcript.

He don't plan to stand out this time but noted...SEC funding, naval fund. Well Redzon didn't agree to the formation of an official alliance based fleet, however the Emperor reminded him once again before he came here; a blank cheque. Redzon is to support this alliance financially.

A waste of money? He thought about it for a while...

[Aquilinia]

OOC: also skipping the arrivals

IC:
Felicia sighed. Of all topics, they had to discuss money. She nodded to her attendant. "Liz, do you know whether the Senate has already approved of the budget?" Liz went through the files on her netbook. "Hang on...there. Yup, it was approved." "Good. What's our defence budget?" Her attendant pushed the computer over to Felicia. "There. 700 Billion Standard Dollars." Felicia was dazzled. She didn't know that much money went into the military. She read through the details of the defence budget. At the end of the file stood a single number. "Wow...not much left of that money." Liz nodded. "You said yourself that our emphasis must be on military technologies. And all those energy weapon projects aren't cheap. Ah well, let's see what the others give, first. Until then..." She looked up at the assembled delegates, and began speaking.
"Honoured Delegates. I don't think I need to introduce myself. I very much agree to the idea of a SEC fleet. We will be able to provide seven billion Imperial Pounds, which equals one billion Standard Dollars, in funding. Additionally, we can provide a few ships and men, as well as technology. We have quite some weapon technology that can be made availiable to this Coalition, although we should discuss that at a different date."

[Jbeil]

Marie Anne stood up,took the microphone,and faced the council of delegates.

-"Well,officially,the Empire is still in a recession,which is actually growing.But,the parlement and l'Empereur set aside 1 billion dollars,taken from the ministry of overseas and colonial Jbeil,to aid in the formation of the SEC military forces.So far,that is all we can contribute,although,we might be able to offer another 500 million if necessary."

Marie then sat back down,took a sigh of relief,and sipped some water from the bottle placed in front of her.

[Reformed Britannia]

Roberts-somewhat belatedly-took his place at the conference table, after admiring the Paladin-Governor's home. It was certainly opulent; far more so than James' own turn-of-the-century manor in Kensington. But James had nearly balked at the man's language when speaking to Aleera and her aide-however, he stopped himself from speaking out in protest, knowing full well that he wasn't there to create a diplomatic incident.

With his moderate sense of chivalry suppressed for the moment, James took a seat, and listened to Louis speak intently. He agreed with everything the man said-but when he mentioned a joint SEC fleet, he spoke out.
"I'm sure the government of Britannia would have no objections at all in funding the Coalition further; we have a yearly government surplus of over 400 billion some of which could go towards development. On the subject of a joint SEC fleet, however, they may be less cooperative." James cleared his throat, giving a small pause before continuing.

"You see, my government would be very reluctant to place Britannian ships under foreign command, no matter how closely aligned we are to the state or states in question. It might be perceived as throwing away a portion of our naval strength. And my government is likely to view its own commanders as the best commanders to direct Britannian ships, particularly after the Gibetan campaign." James paused again, and cleared his throat.

"During said campaign, over the course of seven naval battles, Battle Group Gathustria under the command of Vice Admiral Farquharson destroyed a total of 16 fleet carriers, 5 light carriers, 33 battleships, 120 AA frigates, 65 destroyers, over 250 planes of the Gibetan Luftwaffe, the entire Stryklan 11th Fleet, and several ships of the Banjamo fleet before they joined our side in the conflict." James rattled off the numbers as if he were reciting them from a history textbook; indeed, Farquharson's campaign at sea was fast becoming a storied battle in the Britannian nation.

"Now, after a success like that, it's going to be difficult to convince my government that foreign naval commanders will be apt enough to command the joint SEC fleet, let alone His Majesty's own ships and crewmen."

[Reformed Britannia]

OOC:Double post >.<

[The Matthew Islands]

King Gilligan noted down what James said, making notes.
"I must disagree with a point you made sir, there has been no mention of actually taking ships from our navies, and placing them under the command of the SEC. The points made before, regarded securing adequate funds for the SEC to procure and maintain its own independent ships. Crew's yes would probably come from the member states, but only voluntarily."

[Of the Quendi]

"Perhaps that was an idea Noor." Aleera said in Eldron certain that no one but the two of them spoke that language. "I could fire you and have you do office work for the Paladin-Governor." The man, who the movement before had been prepared but sad to die was shocked. He immediately gave proskynesis to the Princess. "Your Imperial Highness, I beg you do no disgrace me. Let me take my own life and redeem it for my family." The princess laughed a cold laughter before forgiving the man "Well perhaps I will have you take your own life. But for now you better work very hard to please me and then, who knows, you might be reunited with your family with your honor intact." Not waiting for the man to thank her she walked into the house to join the debate.

As James Roberts finished his speech she gave the man a friendly nod. Apart from her sister he was definately her favorite delegate besides the Northern Star called respect even among princes of her rank. "I completely agree with mr. Roberts." Aleera said taking the word. "I find the idea of a joint navy to be very bad. My people will not like it and my senate will most likely request my suicide if I agree to such an undermining of the sovereignity of the Quendi. A for the financial affairs it is no secret that the Alcedina Gold reserves are ample and we will gladly more then our share as long as the funds are used in a proper way."

[Royal Calathonia]

Count Cavour was pissed off. Nobody had come by to inform him to come to the conference. He walked around, storming around. Cavour was on the verge of leaving unless somebody did not come soon...

[Blademasters765]

OOC: RC everyone is automatically at the conference


IC: Louis leaned forward into the mic "People please calm down, We are not forcing your navy to join, we only ask for donations ship wise, your people aren't forced to join the SEC navy, it is entirely your choice" He sat back and waited for someone to start arguing with him

[Royal Calathonia]

OOC: RC everyone is automatically at the conference


IC: Louis leaned forward into the mic "People please calm down, We are not forcing your navy to join, we only ask for donations ship wise, your people aren't forced to join the SEC navy, it is entirely your choice" He sat back and waited for someone to start arguing with him

I did not know that. No post said so. Also, I was gone yesterday, so can somebody roleplay Cavour being picked up?

[Blademasters765]

OOC:Use OOC and he is automatically picked up and at the conference

[Royal Calathonia]

OOC:Use OOC and he is automatically picked up and at the conference

Ok then. I will post something about it tomorrow afternoon.

[The Matthew Islands]

King Gilligan was smiling as he leaned forward.
"I support the points made by Louis. No-one is forcing anything from anyone. If you don't want to send ships, then don't. If you don't want to send crews, then don't. We aren't forcing it on anyone. I am able to supply 1 Trillion NSD for the responsible purchase of ships to add to the SEC navy, I have already stressed this point. There can be NO battleships, NO battle cruisers, and NO dreadnoughts.I am also willing to allow recruitment posters to be sent out to my citizens, who currently aren't in the military."

[St George of England]

Edward spoke, and that in itself surprised his entourage. He was here to listen, and learn, not to speak. "I would like to second the words of my fellow King. We too, have a surplus of funds we can give, albeit of a lower amount than some have quoted. 260 Billion Dollars, and substantial crew numbers. Ships also, are something we have a surplus of, especially frigates and corvettes. We can spare 5 of each, I believe." He looked towards an aide, who nodded. "Yes, 5 Corvettes and 5 Frigates. Other ship classes may also be available, once current military engagements have been resolved."

[Aquilinia]

Liz nodded to Felicia. "Well, mylady, now our single billion sounds a bit ridiculous, dosn't it?" The Empress nodded. "Yes. But we do have our technologic research." She turned to the delegates. "I have a proposal for this Coalition. The Aquilinian philosophy in warfare is that strength lies nit in numbers, but in superior tactics and especially technology. To increase our technological advantages against possible enemies, I propose a joint research programme for the development of new, advanced weaponry. Since most of our military budget goes into research anyway, Aquilinia is ready to provide 150 billion standard dollars for the funding of this research programme. Also, another 120 billion standard dollars of our government surplus can be provided for the funding of other SEC operations. What say you, honoured delegates?

[Blademasters765]

Louis nodded to the two kings who supported him then turned to address Felicia "Aye a joint research program would be good, Bladia has 900 billion Pounds to put to projects in SEC and the SEC military, we shall put 120 billion dollar towards this research project of yours" He nodded towards her "And we shall also put 450 billion of this towards the SEC military, which Ulthrani shall use to build the military and maintain it"

[The Matthew Islands]

King Gilligan picked out another paper from the pile Capone had near him.
"Well, we are currently researching a new Laser, yes laser, that will be capable of intercepting anti-ship missiles, mortar shells, and fast moving UAV's, with the potential to intercept full blown jets as well. We would be more than happy to allow some of you're scientists to help ours develop it."

[Reformed Britannia]

James nodded, and stretched his arms a bit.
"I am aware that the esteemed Bladian representative was not insinuating that we must send our own ships for the SEC fleet; but in the event that further expansion of the fleet would require us to send in our own ships, persuading my government might prove difficult. They'd be willing to work with the SEC fleet, just not place ships under the command of foreign admirals." James leaned back in his chair a little, and then spoke again.

"The Britannian Empire and her Dominions, however, have more than enough capital to invest in an SEC fleet. I will have to agree with His Majesty," James said, nodding at King Gilligan, "that the money must be well-spent. No old-style big-gun battleships; however, oversized guided missile cruisers termed as battleships or battlecruisers would be perfectly fine. We would be willing to donate roughly 200 billion to the joint SEC fleet from our government surplus. However," James trailed off yet again, his eyes scanning the faces of the other delegates, "merely acquiring the correct fleet composition does not ensure that the money isn't wasted." James' sea-green eyes took on an almost piercing quality as he looked down at the sizeable black dossier that he'd brought into the room. Once he revealed its contents, he was sure that it would become a topic of conversation; but for now, other things had to be debated.

"We need to ensure that the commanding officer of this joint SEC fleet is a competent, battle-tested individual. He cannot simply be plucked straight from Naval Officer's School and expected to lead the fleet into combat, because that will certainly end in disaster. I, and indeed no other Britannian alive, holds any unwarranted contempt for foreign naval commanders, but for security's sake, who has been deigned fit to command the joint SEC fleet?"

[Itailian Maifias]

OOC: Sorry for being late guys.
IC:

James Venenizo sat on a private jet that was headed straight for Opus Dei in Ulthrani for an SEC conference, slightly late. Across the jet from him was a man that wasn't exactly in a good mood. One Rose General John Lynch sat in full uniform in a leather chair, sipping some wine, his garrison cap on his lap. He was not happy about this, but the King wanted him to go, due to the high tensions between the Empire and Ulthrani. Soon, the pilot called out to the passengers letting them they would be landing in a few minutes while he made a radio transmission
Control Tower this is Hornet 7 requesting permission to land over

[Of the Quendi]

Aleera shook her head in disbelief at the outrageous numbers that her fellow delegates threw around as if they weren't talking about millions of jobs worth of currency. Suddenly the reason for the poverty most of them suffered from seemed obvious. With the Motherland in a state of economic crisis, the hardest since the war bond market crashed, Aleera had no intentions of entering into an absurd competition about making the most outrageous contribution. The Prince-Regents would probarbly have some questions for her if she returned home after spending emptying an entire foreign bank. She stood up to address her co-delegates.

With a great smile to the nations that had offered the largest amount of money she began. "I must say that I am positively impressed by the selfless willing to pour large amount of money into the joint navy. Now since we are not going to participate in the navy we will of course not pay for it but as a gesture of good will we will however pay 3bn USD to the SEC." She said the number with no shame. What other countries used their money for was not her concern. She for one would not throw the tax payers money after a fleet she hadn't even seen a proper plan for. And in that regard it made little difference that there where no tax payers in her homeland.

Looking around at her fellow delegates to see if any of them would dare to consider her cheap she decided to go a little further. "Some of you migh continue three billion to be a bit cheap." She paused giving them a stern look. Economy was not something to be treated carelessly she tried to say. "To those of you I can only say that the current economic situation in my homeland is difficult to say the least. The GDP per capita is only slightly above 44,000 USD and we have recently spend alot of money on our QU-9 Katana all role fighter and the Empire IV battleship." She gave the delegates who had spoken out against battleships a quick smile. In the case Empire IV it was only a name. Missile platform would have been better at characterising the massive project. "While both the QU-9 Katana and the Empire IV is restricted and will only be sold to La Serenissima, Excalbia and the Quendisphere nations." The princess gave a quick nod towards Renata before continuing. "We will be willing to give one Empire IV class battleship to the SEC as a gesture once it enters service in a few years." She finished her speech and sat down waiting for the next speaker.

Just then Ambassador Noor entered the room. The man still looked like he had seen a ghost but was now prepared to serve the princess to the best of his capabilities to redeem his honor. He quickly rushed to the powerful noblewoman's side offering her a piece of paper describing the funds that the Imperial House of Alcedina would be willing to channel towards the SEC.