The Torden Conference [Aeia Only]

[Aquidneck]

Prime Minister David Corbett leaves his regular meeting with King Matthew IV looking confident and content, however seasoned watchers of politics can tell he is stressed. War is breaking out in Aeia and while Aquidneck has yet to get involved and is under not treaty obligations to do so, many in the Senate rightfully concerned. Tarasanovia has declared war on Rohst and shut down it's borders which has trapped hundreds of foreign nationals inside the nation, including over 300 Aquidians. The Aquidish public are upset and are being inflamed more by the constant media coverage of the sobbing families of those being detained. Prime Minister Corbett has to act soon and bring those people home or his government might lose a no confidence vote. Corbett has also learned that Veleaz is sending troops towards Tarasanovia with the intention to bring about a communist revolution. These events have divided the Aeian Community when communication is so desperately needed. Working with his closest advisers and with the support of the King, Corbett hastily plans a conference for all nations of Aeia to make their voices heard. The King has graciously allowed the use of Gorton Palace as the venue of the conference. The invitations are sent out immediately.

The Kingdom of Aquidneck

You and a delegation of your countrymen are formally invited to attend a conference regarding the recent outbreak of war among the nations of Aeia in the city of Torden in the Kingdom of Aquidneck. It is our hope that by bringing together delegates of the Aeian Community a dialogue can be started and these wars can be stopped before blood is shed. Every nation on Aeia has been invited to attend as we are all effected by the events taking place.

The conference will be held in Gorton Palace on the outskirts of Torden. Delegates will be given accommodations in the palace. This is a peace conference and we respectfully ask that all delegates come with that goal in mind.

King Matthew IV
Senator David Corbett, Prime Minister of Aquidneck

((OOC: Once a sufficient number of people arrive we will begin.))

[Veleaz]

Generalissimo Enrique Vincente felt his feet hit the Tarmac of the Aquidish airport. Odd really. Despite being the sole, unquestionable leader of Veleaz, he had rarely stepped foot outside of Veleaz, especially at the invitation of a capitalist country of all people to do so. The flight over had been rather plain, largely consisted of him reading the numerous foreign papers that were available to him, of course avoiding the Worker's Standard. He knew that it was full of propaganda to keep the people in line, even the recent explosion at a Lumber Mill had been blamed on the Midrasians, although in reality it was now a flame that was getting difficult to keep under control. Obviously he'd have the person responsible executed for being a capitalist, but whether the flame was under control by now was still unknown.

For his attire he dressed rather plainly, especially compared to some of the monarchs he has seen. He wore a simple yet spotless, tan military uniform with a red stripe running down the trousers seem and, for head wear, a simple tan beret with the Worker's Cross emblazoned upon it. Over the top he wore a pitch black great coat, with cluttering of medals hung on top of his right breast and on his left was and array of guillettes, a military formality but something he wore with pride nonetheless. His boots were knee high and polished to the maximum they could be.

For the day ahead he had little concern. The act of surrendering before testing the new generation of Veleazan soldiers was out of the question, as well as sacrificing the ability to train foreign volunteers military procedure in the hopes they'd utilise it abroad was out of the question entirely. No, he would give no quarter in this discussion, and he hoped his Rohstian allies, albeit reluctant allies, did the same.

[Tarasanovia]

He tried looked out at the surrounding land. Not that he could see anything. Or hear anything. Around him were many security guards yelling and pushing people back trying to keep people away, though it was having less and less effect. Around him, there were many people with signs yelling and screaming in his direction. "First order terrorists!" , "Let the innocent free!" , "Tea Haters!" He tried to ignore it.

Many people were shocked at the new appointment, something that had never been considered before. The governor-general decided that he couldn't keep continuously get a new leader in charge every time, especially considering recent events. Therefore in this time of panic, he turned to a very new idea to the people of Tarasanovia, a party leading the nation. There were also not going to be a election as planned later this year, as too much stuff had happened at the time.

In his new full black suit he walked away with the rest of his party towards the awaiting limos. Followed were the people with the signs, yelling until he was a kilometer away. Sebastian Jokil looked back at the outrageous scene of a burnt flag, a very familiar one. He took a big breath and sat back and tried to relax, as he knew later he would be at The Torden Conference.

[Rohst]

After finishing his phone call to his wife, informing her that he had landed in Torden, Lord Baron Charles von Redeln quickly walked to the vehicle provided to him by the Aquidneckian government. Greeting the driver in fluent Aquidneckian, they began the drive to the palace that he would be staying at. The diplomat's demeanour was cool and collected at this time. He had received very good news about Aquidneck's decision to join the soon-to-be renamed CAR. After arriving at the Gorten Palace, von Redeln was greeted by many smiling Aquidneckian delegates and nobility.

His first priority during this conference would be to secure the interests of all Rohstian and allied citizens being illegally detained in Tarasanovia. Whether that involved the use of specialized military force, or words written with pen an ink would be decided, though personally the baron hoped for the latter. Still, it has been a long time since a war had happened where Rohst had deployed its troops, and this conflict with Tarasanovia would be a grand opportunity to let the military finally see some much-needed action.

Regardless, peace was the primary focus of this conference, and Aquidneck was a new ally. He did not come here to disappoint his new friends with talk of war, so peace would be preferred to combat. The King himself would be arriving in a few days for this grand event. Unfortunate developments in Krieslen drew Franz' attention, and until they could be dealt with, the Baron would be acting as the sole voice of Rohst.

[Cheonsam]

Even though he was a diplomat, Ham Jae Hwang had never been assigned overseas before. With all things considered, he was extremely nervous. After the sudden passing of the former representative to Asuran nations, he was shoved into his new role. He was young and inexperienced, and it would likely show the more he opened his mouth.

"Best if I just keep it shut, and observe. Many important political figures will be here, and Cheonsam has little interest in what happens in Asura. I cannot afford to make any mistakes."

If anything, a war between Rohst and the CAR, Tarasanovia, and Veleaz would be good for Cheonsam. After all, it always creates more demand in the international markets for resources, and if Rohst wants more, Cheonsam could sell it to them. Veleaz too, if they wanted, but that was unlikely as given how politically opposed Cheonsam and the communist country are. Plus, there had been murmurings that if combat did break out, Veleaz would just declare war on Rohst next, in typical, non-understandable foreigner fashion. It would be better for Ham to just watch and learn in the coming days of debates and political diatribe. Asura was very different from Engortia, and despite all the strange things he'd learned about and seen from foreign dignitaries in Cheonsam, he was in a completely different world today.

Ham bowed at the senior Aquidneckian representative who came to greet his arrival to the palace. He forgot that they prefer to shake hands here.

[Saraibia]

Generalissimo Haashid Kabir was absolutely disgusted by the heathen decadence of his surroundings. In fact, all of the infidels around him disgusted him. Every little piece and thing about Aquidneck did not sit well with him, and he was very vocal about to anyone who would listen. His underlings trailing on his coattail certainly would.

Generalissimo Kabir was invited likely because his country was also on Arabekh, but he felt had no reason to be here other than encourage war. Anything that results in the deaths of nonbelievers was a cause to support. In fact, this war might be Saraibia's greatest chance to destabilize multiple countries in a single blow -- the gods permitting. None of them could stand the might of the Saraibian military in a three (or four) way conflict! Sure, they have "more soldiers" and "better technology", but those were insignificant words to a man such as him. The faith he and his soldiers would show on the battlefield would give them victory against these horrid outlanders.

Still, until then, he had to wait for a good moment to make his plans known. There was still debate back home about whether this is was the right choice, but he was here and would soon decide if Saraibia too would join the fray. If not, he could always watch from a distance and see the carnage.

[Midrasia]

The red tint of evening had made its way across the Aquidish sky by the time Foreign Secretary Matilda Oreza had arrived in Torden. The private jet had landed at the airport with no hiccups, a trend Mrs. Oreza hoped would continue throughout the upcoming conference.

The Midrasian's desired nothing but peace at the conference, although securing the situation in Tarasanovia was another notable concern. The current situation in Tarasanovia posed a great threat to the integrity of the MSTO. Prime Minister Vauban had instructed the foreign secretary to send a very clear message to the new interim government "toe the line". Hopefully the new government would be more open to political realities than the one it removed, surely Mr. Hurios would be a man of pragmatism and reality.

On another note however the conference was also a chance for the Midrasian government to save face. It had been under the Vauban administration that Aquidneck had drifted into the influence of Rohst and the other fascist nations of Rennekka. Such political inactivity had sent the SDP and Liberals down in the polls and forced the PM to sign a face saving non-aggression pact and trade agreement with their western neighbour. Yet tensions also provided opportunities. Opportunities for real diplomatic progress.

The Asuran Project. That was its name. The harebrained scheme of the budding new economics minister Fabian Lereff. The project that planned to make war across Asura so un-intuitive that it would effectively make war between Asuran nations impossible. Plus the countless other economic and cultural benefits that it would bring with it. Only the cooperation of other democratic Asuran nations would be necessary.
It would be a long and arduous process to implement, but of course... you have to start somewhere...

[Vrnallia]

Vrnallia's Foreign Secretary Hozu Madirej opened the blind as his plane landed in Torden. He wasn't a good flyer, and seeing the clouds pass beneath him made him sweat and feel ill, which he felt far too often anyway. He was not a very experienced diplomat, even by Vrnallian standards, and occasionally he found himself regretting that he had accepted the position of Foreign Secretary. Everyone knew that the Premier had just wanted to win his party over with the choice appointment, and not much was expected of him. Still, he would do his utmost to impress at the peace conference.

Hozu was not a Socialist, nor even a Progressive. But he shared his value of peace with those parties, and that was what he planned to pursue at the conference above all else. Peace was bad for Vrnallia, which could seldom afford to pick sides, and some might say the little country had already done just that in the past weeks. But Veleaz and Rohst remained decent trade partners and a war between them was bad for business in a country which had no arms manufacturers to profit from. And there was probably a good reason for Tarasanovia to be at peace as well.

But more of a problem for Vrnallia was the risk of the war spreading. Sagalash had applied to join the MSTO, wary of a militant Veleaz only a couple of borders away. Vrnallia would probably wind up supporting its application. Meanwhile the Midrasians had some scheme of their own which some of the more loyal members of government had been whispering about. Hozu was out of the loop on that, though.

Having made his way to Gorton Palace, a majestic building beyond the Foreign Secretary's imagination, Hozu moved his bags into his room, changed into some clean clothes - a simple black suit specially made to fit his larger frame in Zalejk - and prepared for the conference.

[Sagalash]

The Sagalan Foreign Secretary disembarked the train. He had flown to Midrasia to make his case in the MSTO headquarters to accept his country into their organisation, but elected to travel to Torden in Aquidneck by train afterwards rather than fly again. Xhan Vojlek was about as uninspiring a man as there was in Sagalash, but he had served in the country's government for near fifteen years of Conservative rule, first as Defence Secretary, then briefly as Environment Secretary, and finally Foreign Secretary. His history made him invaluable given the present situation.

He was not expecting to receive a call to head to Torden, and the brief conversation he had over the phone with the Prime Minister had not enlightened him to much, but he was told that it was a peace conference and that above all he must ensure the Veleazians did not try to spread their nonsense "revolution" to countries to their east. Perhaps he would have an opportunity to speak to the representatives of other MSTO nations, or to the Yuchanians or Bejaris.

If Veleaz could not be deterred, Sagalash may have to send supplies to the Rennekkans, as much of a strain as that would put on the country's already stretched manufacturers. Hopefully that could be done without angering the Tarasanovians, from whom Sagalash was hoping to import more oil in the near future.

Vojlek was surprised at the size of the palace - not the biggest he had seen, but one to rival Sagalash's old parliament. He wasted little time settling in, and went to mingle with the other arrivals.

[Aquidneck]

What had once been some sort of dining room was transformed into a place of business, The large floor to ceiling windows gave a wonderful view of the palace's gardens and occasionally the security. The Aquidish security were doing their best to be discreet, but every so often guards could be seen doing patrols around the gardens. A large chandelier hung from the ceiling over a long mahogany table, that was clearly brought in for the event. Each nation's delegation had a spot that came furnished with a placard with the name of their nation in the native language first, Aquidish second, and Midrasian third. Alongside the placard was a small flag of the nation, a pitcher of water, and a couple of drinking glasses. Most of the other furniture had been taken out of the room to make space for the many chairs that lined the walls, each nation had a designated spot for any junior members of their delegations.

The senior members leading the Aquidish delegation greeted each dignitary as they entered the room and took up their places. Prime Minister David Corbett and Prince Robert could not be a more different. The Prime Minister was a man in his late fifties, his hair was graying, and stood at about 180 cm tall. The King's second son, Prince Robert was young, only twenty two year old. His blonde hair was quite noticeable among all the dark haired Aquidish government officials, he was also tall standing at 188 cm. Despite these difference the Prime Minister and the Prince seemed to be getting along remarkably well. Those in the know would be aware that Prince Robert was very interested in politics and was a great ally of the Prime Minister, probably more so than his father was. When the last delegation entered the Aquidish took their places.

Prime Minister Corbett addressed the assembled people. "Distinguished and honorable guests, thank you for attending this summit here in Torden. I am happy to see all of you here to discuss peace in good faith. In the packets in front of each delegate is an agenda on what we will be discussing. Some of the major topics include the repatriation of citizens, the cessation of hostilities through dialogue, and the prevention of bloodshed on the grounds of ideological differences. I would like to thank you all for attending and I would like to thank His Majesty King Matthew for allowing us to use Gorton Palace for this important event. We must talk about how this war go started and what we can do to end it. Anyone may bring forth a proposal and the floor is open delegate who wishes to speak." Upon finishing the Prime Minister sat in his chair and waited for the conversation to begin.

[Yuchania]

Foreign Minister Sergey Levkin busied himself during the short flight from Perech to Torden by reading the various reports from the UVR, Yuchani's military intelligence agency, on the current situation between the two warring states. Sergey was the tallest of Yuchania's cabinet ministers at 6'2", fifty-six years of age with thinning white hair (it had begun graying in the military academy, he could still remember the bad jokes) and of a medium build. He was by far one of the healthiest members of government, all due to years of a very strict health regimen. As Sergey browsed through the various intelligence briefings he received an email. His face became somber as he read through the email, itself another intelligence briefing. This would have to wait, though. A young Air Force officer approached Sergey's seat.

"Minister, we are making our final approach." He said.

Sergey nodded. "Excellent."

***

The seating was up to Sergey's standards. Seated between his counterparts from Midrasia and Vrnallia he was with friendly company, at least, and could easily converse with his fellow MSTO quietly members should the need arise. Sergey kept his smartphone at hand, as did his military attache, the presidential aide and his assistant (all seated behind him in the space provided) in order to keep themselves abraest of the unfolding events back home. He had already sent a message to the president requesting permission to inform their assembled allies of the situation, but had yet to receive a reply. He refrained from checking while the Prime Minister spoke, politely and intently listening and awaiting a response from one of the assembled representatives.

[Tarasanovia]

Jokil looked around at the awaiting faces. He really didn't want to be the one to start talking, especially as he had spent the night writing comebacks that he personally though were, "Fire." Though he knew that he had to do something as people around him had already started getting bored and drinking water. He stood up, and presented himself to his fellow leaders.

"We here in Tarasanovia feel that the south are entirely responsible for everything that happened. Obviously we may have gone into war a bit soon and it was a unpopular decision to do so in the country. We are willing to stop the war if the south in general are punished for their actions in assassinating our former president."

He sat down with a smug look on his face, and shot some finger guns at Midrasia. Charles Vauban looked away and pretended he didn't know him.

[Veleaz]

Jokil looked around at the awaiting faces. He really didn't want to be the one to start talking, especially as he had spent the night writing comebacks that he personally though were, "Fire." Though he knew that he had to do something as people around him had already started getting bored and drinking water. He stood up, and presented himself to his fellow leaders.

"We here in Tarasanovia feel that the south are entirely responsible for everything that happened. Obviously we may have gone into war a bit soon and it was a unpopular decision to do so in the country. We are willing to stop the war if the south in general are punished for their actions in assassinating our former president."

He sat down with a smug look on his face, and shot some finger guns at Midrasia. Charles Vauban looked away and pretended he didn't know him.

Vicente rose from his seat, his face holding its iconic stone look of no emotion.

"Would the Tarasanovian representative care to explain where he has come up with such accusations? The vagueness of your declaration of 'The South in general' offers no help in this conference and there is no proof in general that 'the South' are even responsible. Perhaps your xenophobia to yourself?"

[Midrasia]

"This may be a first, but I find myself agreeing with the honourable gentleman from Veleaz." spoke Matilda.
"As far as we know there is little evidence that the governments of Rennekka had anything to do with the assassination of the late President Cxiviona. Surely an international trial must be conducted and those found guilty should face the consequences. However such a trial would only be feasible if a ceasefire is signed between Tarasanovia, Rohst and other involved parties. We do not wish to see another war engulf Aeia."

Mrs. Oreza took a sip of her water. She knew the idea would not fly well with the Tarasanovian government, but her instructions had been clear, Tarasanovia must end hostilities or leave the alliance.
"An international trial utilising an independent, neutral jury and judge from a non-aligned nation must be used to determine guilt. All evidence must be surveyed until a conclusion is reached and then we must solve this dispute through diplomacy rather than violence. Let us not give into our base instincts here, lest we doom our own people."

[Rohst]

The Lord Baron was standing as soon as Matilda Oreza took her seat, his old war medals clinking gently on his aristocratic jacket.

"Ja, und I am completely perplexed as to what made you think Rohst of all countries vould support such a heinous criminal act. It is even more preposterous that you would attack the honour of the Fatherland simply because you think the suspect was from Rennekka. Your police forces did not even apprehend the murderer. How could you be so sure he was even Rennekkan, und still come here spouting nonsense about war? Have you not considered it could've been one of your own people that killed President Cxiviona?" Von Redeln cut his speech off before making any comments about Tarasanovia's crime rates, and the general political instability of both the country and the region.

"A trial und jury would be appropriate given the circumstances, but it shall also be a waste of time since the Kingdom is not guilty. Still, we can jump through the necessary measures for... cordiality's sake."

Feeling that the Midrasian's comment about Tarasanovia being forced out of the MSTO would do little to deter them from war, the good lord baron continued. "Regardless, the Rohstian Armed Forces stand more than ready to meet whatever rabble you dare throw at us."

[Ohen]

The Ohenian Foreign Minister, Robert Bush, was present in Torden for the conference. However, his seat remained empty in the conference room. An official statement from Ohen had said that "Ohen was committed to resolving this dispute without force."
And "Ohen shall do all in its power to make this war unsustainable for the aggressors." Thus on the day that Tarasanovia declared war on Rohst, Ohen suspended all commercial activities between it and Tarasanovia. (Tarasanovia being the 'unprovoked' aggressor.)

Mr. Bush had himself said that his seat at the conference would remain empty until at least a ceasfire was agreed and adhered to. He had also spoken directly with Sebastien Jokil and offered Ohenian Enforcers and aid to help keep the peace on the streets of Tarasanovia.

In the meanwhile he sat at the desk in his private rooms in Gorton Palace. The Emperor Karl Gustaf II had himself, unbidden, called King Matthew IV, whom had immediately offered rooms in 'a quieter part' of the palace. It did take him slightly longer to reach other parts of the palace, but the view out on to the gardens was well worth it.

[Tarasanovia]

Jokil stood up. He was very annoyed at what had been presented to him. He looked about the location with all the people staring at him. He felt them judging him, though it wasn't even his fault about the war. "I... I..." His stutters caused lots of silence. "I feel that a peace treaty could most likely... likely..." He stopped to take a breathe.

"Could you please carry on?'

"Ok, yes! I feel that it could work, and we will sign it, as long as we can get some support fighting the now thousands of terrorists within the country, that forced us to the make the move in the process. Also, we are not leaving without an apology." He sat down, half dead.

[Rohst]

"An apology? For what does Rohst need to apologize for?" Glaring at Jokil, the Lord Baron continued.

"You can stay here for as long as you wish, but there is no reason for me to apologize for a crime my country did not commit." Von Redeln's words were firm and carried across the conference room. "You will not have it."

[Aquidneck]

Prime Minister Corbett listened closely to the delegates. He rose to speak.

"There seems to be some understanding here. Perhaps if we can all agree to assist in investigating who was involved in this crime and then having a fair trial for those accused of what is a truly awful crime. Then we can cease the hostilities? I can arrange for a group of Aquidish investigators and CSIs from the Aquidish Royal Police to be flown to Tarasanovia to help. I am sure other nations would be willing to as well. If we work together we can find those who are responsible and hold them accountable. Of course I would ask that in exchange for this assistance that the Aquidish citizens being detained in Tarasanovia be sent back to Aquidneck, as a show of good faith."

Corbett paused for a second and then continued.

"I think we should also try to work out a ceasefire, I am aware that there has been no bloodshed as a result of this war yet, but I think that we should guarantee that status quo while we are all negotiating here."

With that the Prime Minister sat down.

[Vrnallia]

Foreign Secretary Hozu struggled to his feet and gave a little nod to the Aquidish delegate.

"A fine idea, I think - even if a peace treaty is out of the question I'm sure a ceasefire is not. I would further add a request that until further solutions can be reached the Tarasanovian gentleman cease with his deportations of Rohstian nationals. Beyond that," he continued, "I believe the Prosecutor Chief of Dvrieska has lived in Tarasanovia. I'm sure he would be happy to assist with any investigations that may arise from today's talks, and his agenda is fairly empty as I recall."

"I might also remind the honourable ladies and gentlemen present that the Tarasanovian president's assassination was claimed by one of his countrymen, not a Rennekkan."

He fell rather than sat back in his seat.

[Rohst]

"Actually, to repond to Herr Hozu" von Redeln stood up, nodding to the Vrnallian foreign dignitary who was still adjusting himself in his chair, "the deportations did stop, but Rohst still vants its people back. The primary goal of the Fatherland is, and has been, securing the well-being of its people along with those of the Reich's allies. Obviously my people are not safe in Tarasanovia, und neither are the Aquidish, Ohenian, or even Midrasian citizens being held there along with those from countless other nations. If they are not returned, by all means it is my nation's right to see them back, even if that includes the use of military force. I have received numerous reports of the inhuman treatment and living conditions for Rohstian -- und other -- civilians who've been interned in Tarasanovia. If we all truly desire peace and an end to this conflict, then we will see all Rohstians released und allowed back to Klintstadt, and other foreign nazionals sent back to their respective homelands. Ladies und gentlemen, if you all need to investigate something, investigate those being held by the Tarasanovians und tell me who is truly committing acts of terrorism."

Looking across the room, he continued.

"A ceasefire is possible, but only on the cooperation of the Tarasanovians. Unless the innocent people caught in the middle of this ordeal are returned to their homelands, then I can assure you all that there will be future bloodshed."

[Tarasanovia]

On cue, Jokil stood up.

"We do have to right to keep these people within our nation! They knew very well we aren't a big fan of you people anyways when they can, even if before the whole scandal. Many of your people were brought back, but some decided not to, or tried to wait as long as they could. Because of this terrible behavior I feel they deserve what they get. We are willing to let people go from certain backgrounds as long as they surrender peace to us and not attack or denounce us."

Again on cue, he sat down.

[Aquidneck]

On cue, Jokil stood up.

"We do have to right to keep these people within our nation! They knew very well we aren't a big fan of you people anyways when they can, even if before the whole scandal. Many of your people were brought back, but some decided not to, or tried to wait as long as they could. Because of this terrible behavior I feel they deserve what they get. We are willing to let people go from certain backgrounds as long as they surrender peace to us and not attack or denounce us."

Again on cue, he sat down.

Prime Minister Corbett stood and faced the delegation from Tarasanovia. "That simply will not do. Those people have done nothing wrong and should be allowed to leave Tarasanovia if they wish to do so. There are over 300 Aquidish people being held in Tarasanovia who want to come home and are unable to for a reason I cannot quite comprehend. It is of vital importance that citizens of foreign nations who have not been accused of any crimes be sent home from Tarasanovia. Once that is agreed too we can discuss other matters."

[Rohst]

"I feel the only other matter worth discussing is whether or not Tarasanovia is still a member of the MSTO, and will still receive their protections should actual combat ensue." The Rohstian briefly looked around the room, then turned his attention again to the MSTO members seated across from him. His words were frank. "I believe every action taken by Tarasanovia is against your organization's creed, are they not? After all, the nation has declared war on my allies and I, and that does not merit the activation of the coalition, ja? I, nor the crown, would like any bloodshed out of this ridiculous conflict, but the citizens of mein reich, and those of the countries that are allied to it are still in immediate danger. Rohst cannot sit idly by while its people are threatened, and neither should any of you for your own citizens' sakes."

There was a pause.

"I would like to know what exactly the MSTO's stance is on the current situation, and what the consensus is on Tarasanovia's actions."