3rd ICON Security Council Session (Closed/ICON members only)

[Darlingtown]

- SACHI - "And if a Masculist is not tried for one specific crime they have possibly committed, will we say justice has not been done? Does justice mean that every potential crime must be pursued in its fullest? If so, justice shall never be done. Surely we will miss something then, whether a Masculist was up to date on his taxes or ran a red light. No, Representative Talleyrand. As noble your intentions are, the idea that 'failing' to try and punish the Masculists for every crime we can throw at them cannot be justice is bordering a No True Scotsman argument. Just because one certain thing or another was not brought to trial does not mean that justice has failed. Likewise, you have failed to address the concerns I have raised on timescale. That is, that the speed with which we need a standard so as to not be viewed as simply trying to lynch Masculists is far too short for the time required to give such considerations due diligence, which is a strict and unbendable requirement. I will maintain my stance on the veto of a proposal including 'crimes against humanity' until this is addressed and resolved."

[Sombreland]

“Madam President, a concern has been raised, and this office has ruled that it should be pursued, but you raise a key point: what if the Masculists surrender and there is no apparatus or policy to try them? That is why I believe two things must be done. The first shall be that Ambassador Perigord-Talleyrand’s proposal to offer a consensus on standards of conduct and standards under which the ICON alliance can impose its values on other nations.

“I should also like to propose this. For now, we already know what to try any Masculist leaders for: terrorism and war crimes specifically against ICON members. Clearly, their leadership seized power in a coup d’état, and there is no succession from any previously established leadership. In order to prevent a terrorism supporting leadership from arising again, new leadership will need to be established. I would welcome suggestions as to exactly how to do this. To be clear: they established a regime that supported terrorism and used terrorism against a member state. We must prevent this from happening again.”

[Europe a Nation]

Marie-Rose
de Talleyrand-Périgord

"Ms. President, I appreciate your perspective on the challenges of pursuing every potential crime. Whilst it may not be feasible to address all offences, it is crucial to prioritise the most severe crimes committed by the Masculists. To strike a balance between thoroughness and practicality, I propose forming a dedicated working group to develop focused criteria for the ad hoc tribunal. This approach will allow us to deliver impactful judgments whilst considering the urgency of the situation. Let us collaborate to establish a comprehensive yet workable approach that upholds justice for the victims and the integrity of our alliance."

[Darlingtown]

- SACHI - "Secretary-General Caron, I appreciate your understanding. I agree that if we cannot fully establish an understanding of what 'crimes against humanity entails', that falling back on terrorism and war crimes charges is wholly acceptable. Therefore, if it is worded this way, I would accept such a proposal. Representative Talleyrand, I'm afraid you simply are not understanding what I'm trying to say here. Such an ad hoc committee will necessarily operate on a standard the alliance has not agreed to, and thus de facto select a standard which may be incompatible with this organization. I cannot and will not accept any proposal to simply dismiss the due process and gravity of deliberating the international standard we will hold nations by, externally as well as internally. Such a move is rash and unwarranted, and would threaten the continued existence of this alliance."

[Europe a Nation]

Marie-Rose
de Talleyrand-Périgord

"Ms. President, I appreciate your perspective and your commitment to due process and international standards. In order to address your concerns, let us continue discussions with the participation of all member states. By jointly exploring the implications of the Ad Hoc Committee, we can ensure a comprehensive approach that supports our shared values. Let us encourage constructive dialogue, seek compromise and preserve the unity of our alliance. I am confident that we can meet the challenges and work towards a solution that is consistent with our principles and does not unnecessarily cause injustice, such as the lack of punishment for crimes against humanity."

[Anagonia]

Max equaled the look from Darlingtown. The two had blossomed in their private relationship and mention of the very dispute that practically solidified it was uncomfortable, though nostalgic. He gave her a hidden smile behind hands that rested on his chin. Winking her way, careful as to act when others would not notice. He then looked back and proceeded to gawk and stare at a literal cat-fight ensuing. It was appropriately handled, professionally well, by those involved and the Secretary General. Max was extremely proud of the Count and how he had taken control. When silence came, he finally spoke up.

Ambassador Max Gill:

My government proposes the establishment of the New England Commonwealth following the dissolution of the Masculist Regime. The Commonwealth will be headed by election, overseen by ICON forces in compliance with WA standards and personnel invited. Anagonia is a die-hard World Assembly supporter and I know we can request overseers from the WA to attend. Once that election concludes, and any necessary redo's, we support the creation of the New England Commonwealth and assist them by selling weapons, supplies, and instituting favorable trade to bolster their economic growth. We must now focus instead of war, to now becoming nation-builders in a land familiar with such concepts. These people, Americans, are like Anagonians. They are fiercely independent and demand absolute respect. We must be careful, considerate, and provide that respect and allow these people to forge their destiny.

[Darlingtown]

SACHI smiled. In part, she was happy to have the ball be in her own court. But she also knew Talleyrand was on the backfoot here, her attempt to move the conversation was likely made in desperation. And for that reason as well SACHI smiled, knowing that regardless of how bright and clever Talleyrand was, SACHI was more so.

- SACHI - "Quite a good idea. We should begin the process of deliberation as soon as possible in the Assembly, and should by some miracle we reach a conclusions before the Masculists disintegrate we may implement it. Very well, I'll go ahead and set up for the next session of the Assembly of Nations. Thank you, Representative Talleyrand."

[Sombreland]

“Well, then,” said Count Caron pleasantly. “Ambassador Gill has made an interesting proposal. Establishment of the New England Commonwealth. I would appreciate, Ambassador, a proposal brought before us on what ICON’s support for this would involve. I would like to know, specifically, what areas of the disputed territory it proposes to control, and how it being supported would prevent another coup by the Masculists.”

[Anagonia]

Ambassador Max Gill:

Traditionally the American region of New England would comprise of the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. I propose we add New York to that list. We retain Boston as its capitol to do away with unnecessary administrative challenges. It would be necessary for us, or representatives of ICON thereof, to approach each state and suggest the importance of this new national identity. We could therefore offer the support and backing to representatives we find favorable who run for election, provide them with incentives, and encourage them to our perspective. If everything goes through as we intend, we open up markets with low tariffs to encourage economic growth. I propose that even before all this, we establish our goodwill as an Alliance by sending in a massive humanitarian fleet to provide resources to the fledgling nation. The process should entirely focus on ICON providing police security to all areas, polling places included, as well as bolstering civil protection services and emergency services, and provide a presence for at least one year after the finalization of government and constitution. Then if the new government remains favorable to us, we can provide discounts on arms and services to bolster their military.

I propose this roadmap:

1. ICON sends in a humanitarian fleet to provide resources to all areas affected by war and areas left in poverty. We utilize forces to distribute goods to local civil services.
2. ICON provides and bolsters civil protections, provides security for designated polling and government areas, and ensures a fair management of the process to encourage civil participation by citizens. We find and locate people we like, trust, and who will work with us. We provide funds and encouragement to incentivize their campaigns. Regardless if they are elected or not, we work with whoever is elected and ensure security throughout this process.
3. As objectives 1 and 2 are underway, ICON should begin providing extensive Corps of Engineers services to help rebuild critical infrastructure such as water, power, trash collection and disposal, and other critical services to maintain a quality standard of living.
4. After the elections, we provide monetary loans to the new government at a discounted rate to bolster their economic startup and growth. We provide permanent security forces through any bases any of our nations acquire and provide temporary security forces - naval, land, and air - via volunteer fleets we can provide. Furthermore, we bolster their economy by providing necessary cargo shipments of goods and materials at a discount that should continue if said materials are necessary, such as wheat and grain and somesuch.
5. We provide arms and materials to the fledgling military forces of the new nation, extensive and long-term training, and continue to provide Corps of Engineers services to the nation until we fix what is broken and provide a stable standard of living.

Once all of this is done, we maintain our security presence via only the bases we are granted and we begin making payments to the fledgling country for the territory we utilize, be they land or air or sea bases. If we do all this in a correct order, we'll surely foster a nation into creation in no time.

[Sombreland]

Prince Wilan de Hulfe looked outraged by the suggestion from Gill, however, he mastered his outraged and cleared his throat. "Err, Ambassador Gill: this seems to go far beyond the range of our purview. The ICON alliance became involved with this to support a member state and to prevent the occurrence happening again. As I have been given to understand it, the Meridonian commander there, General, err, Ironwood, required that ICON forces hold back from attacking Boston in order to let their allies from err, New York, the opportunity for victory.

"If I am not much mistaken, they are able to field military forces to undertake policy. I am not aware according to what you have proposed why we have to do all that. Why can't we just tell them to hold elections according to their former laws and leave it at that? I was told that this Masculist regime does not have a popular hold on the people, so if law and order and economy are observed, it should not rise again. Am I mistaken?"

[Anagonia]

Ambassador Max Gill:

Because we, as an alliance, need a base of operations in North America. This is our chance to establish that with positive, humanitarian goals.

[Sombreland]

Prince de Hulfe said, “In that case, why do we need to have a vast humanitarian fleet and all that? All that is needed is stability and amity. My impression is that civilians in the region are not suffering too badly, people are able to obtain enough food that they have to struggle with getting fat on creamy soups and excessive seafood. The6 have the ability in law to hold elections, so why turn the place into Little Anagonia? And why in the world do we need bases there?”

[Anagonia]

Ambassador Max Gill:

Let's be honest here, my dear and strapping Prince. We're not stopping with this regime. This campaign has just begun. You know as well as I we're getting deeply involved in the American continent. We need those bases, we need the goodwill, we need local allies. It's strategic gesturing for tactical advantages.

[Sombreland]

Prince de Hulfe was momentarily confused at being described as strapping. He said, “Ih…well…I….uh…Ambassador, with all due respect, you just repeated yourself. I asked why we need bases in America, and you said “Because we do.” Really, Ambassador, I must beg you for a more thorough explanation.”

[Legatia]

ALCd Aurelia Whitegrove Meridonian Ambassador, ICON-SC Commander of Allied Operations | ICON Security Council Headquarters Outer Liberty, LY, Confederate States of Anagonia The Air Lieutenant Commandant was not surprised this was called in for further debate. Backrooms talks about what exactly would befall the Masculists when this was all over was the talk of the town. Her position was rooted solidly. The ideological unification- or lack thereof- of ICON's constituent members lead to no lack of confusion when it came to addressing matters of ideological policy. What went for 'unusurpable rights' in Meridon did not go in Darlingtown, and certainly not in Sombreland. The Meridonian ambassador remained tersely silent as the exchange between the European and Sombrelanders, with the interlude of Darlingtown and the intervention of Anagonia. She waited for Prince de Hulfe to finish her point, almost as if chastising Major Gill. "Respectfully, ambassadors, we will likely conclude military operations within the span of a few weeks, if it takes even that long. Now is a very bad time to be worried about the legitimacy of the codes we may or may not create to deal with trying the Masculist regime, because it's very easy to say that they are tailored to deal with these individuals specifically. Meridon will demand that they are tried for terrorism and war crimes. As crimes against humanity are a point of contention within this body, I move to table talk of them. The fact of the matter is that regardless of whether or not they are prosecuted for these crimes, that there will not be a guilty soul among their governing apparatus that is allowed to see the light of day except from behind bars at a bare minimum." Aurelia then turned to Major Gill, offering a respectful nod before delivering a retort to his proposal. "Major Gill, while Anagonia may stand by the edicts of the World Assembly, Meridon does not, and neither, necessarily, will the people of New England. While your proposal has its merits, we're quite concerned with the direct meddling of ICON into electoral affairs, let alone the creation of an artificial national entity. We are directly opposed to this. I will elaborate after I am able to clear this misunderstanding." Her gaze then turned to de Hulfe where she shook her head. She could sense the pent-up frustration and confoundment in the man and delivered a neutral gaze before returning to cast her eyes over the rest of the room. "Ambassador, your understanding is incorrect. Currently, forces belonging to the 'Homeland Liberation Army' of the self-styled Governor Owens of Massachusets are conducting operations to clear Boston, and New York Commonwealth forces are not present within the city but are present as blocking and reserve forces in line with ICON military units cordoning Boston from the north and south. The approach of General Ironwood is a two birds with one stone approach. 'Governor' Owens has agreed to work with us in exchange for potential exoneration for his part in the Masculist regime given he can be cleared of any commission of war crimes'- however, failing that, including if he decides to turn tail, both his forces and the forces of the Masculists holding the city will not be enough to repel ICON forces from entry." "Meridon's position remains that following the conclusion of the conflict, we will coordinate with the present recognized governments. As you may recall, Meridon delivered unencrypted communications to the leaders of Nantucket, New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont, breakaway regions from the Masculist held territories. In this letter, their involvement in a post-conflict mediatory and re-organizational effort is guaranteed given they cooperate with ICON operations. So far, all four have responded in the positive, and have conducted themselves as such. Obviously, the New York Commonwealth will be included in this process, and deliberations are ongoing in Cordelia as to whether the recent entry by New Jersey deems relevance to these affairs. Imposing a national union without gauging the interests of these people is contrary to their rights to self-determination." She took a moment's pause, before looking down at the papers before her, checking that the dossier did indeed say "CLEAR FOR RELEASE", before speaking. "I would like to make it clearly known that as part of the peace negotiations, for peacekeeping, and national interests purposes, Meridon intends to acquire territory in one of the post-conflict nations for a permanent naval and aerial station in the New England area as a matter of national policy. We are currently conducting site surveys and I am not at liberty to discuss the specifics of this station, but this base, naturally, will be Meridonian operated and available for ICON forces for operations within the Atlantic area as a whole."

[Anagonia]

Max leaned forward and, eyeing the Prince, gave a firm wink and smile.

Ambassador Max Gill:

Because we do, my fairytale Prince. That's the gist of it. Because we do. Just like Anagonia is holding firmly onto Gyzantian bases after their civil war, we as a whole as ICON - and Anagonia included - need bases in North America. We will be back here and we will need a presence here capable of supporting our logistics and military movements. Mark my words, Prince de Hulfe, we will harken back to this discussion and you will realize what I was talking about. We need to support and build up the Northeast states here in the old US. It is a critical avenue for both ship traffic, trade, and air travel. It will be the perfect place for military bases and perfect avenue for us as an Alliance to have those bases.

He then fell silent as Ambassador Whitegrove spoke. He retorted after she finished.

Ambassador Max Gill:

I would presume that power delegates who and what we are defined by. The Rules of the World Assembly have helped found specific departments in ICON, namely and chiefly our Humanitarian division. Why not therefore follow their lead when dealing with internal elections? We must encourage these people to vote. Meddling, perhaps, is too far and I respect that. I admit I am too far forward thinking believing we could influence our own puppet states. I digress to the original point, however, that we must have - as your nation is already doing - bases here for us to operate with.

[Sombreland]

Prince de Hullfe was increasingly confused, and nodded one of his aides over. “Fairytale Prince? What is h e talking about?”

The aide coughed into his hand and murmured, “I believe that the Anagonian Ambassador is…err..flirting with Your Serene Highness.”

“What?”

“Yes, sr,” said the aide uncomfortably.

“But why? He’s another man, and he…” Prince de Hulfe stopped himself and forced himself not to look at SAChi.

“Most Anagonians are perverts, sir, unfortunate but true. Good allies otherwise.” said the aide, who was even more uncomfortable than before.

Prince Wilan de Hulfe took a deep breath.

Meanwhile, Count Caron glanced up and said pleasantly, “Ambassador Gill, please refrain from making such…untoward compliments to the Ambassador from Sombreland. If your government wishes to pursue basing rights in the Commonwealths, it is your duty to support that, naturally. And as the good Ambassador from Meridon has stated, it is her duty to support her government’s policies. However, I do not see anything binding ICON to do so. Now, everyone, please attend: we have two great tasks before us. The first is to establish whether or not standards of humanitarianism can be established at all. Madam Perigord-Talleyrand has generously offered to propose what those standards should be, and I have accewpted.

“The second task, which is more present, is that we must deal with the aftermath of the war. We have still not heard back from the Masculist ;leadership whether or not they intend to surrender. It is my understanding that the conflict shall not cease until they agree to terms. The delegation from Meridon has said that this conflict will likely be over in a matter of weeks, which concurs with what I have heard from General-Admiral Arimey. Therefore, within this scope, there are two things to determine. The first seems to have consensus, which is that Masculist leaders and certain high ranking officials shall be tried for war crimes and terrorism, which will be organized under the Tribunal. The second is that we must have a succession of government that prevents the Masculists rising to power again. As I understand it, the former government system prior to that of the Masculist regime was that of a republic. I can see no reason not to restore that and to provide general security while elections are held.

“The General-Admiral has proposed the following:
1. That an occupation force of available personnel from the member-states remain until elections are complete and order restored under the authority of en elected republic

2. That this elected republic should consist of the states as indicated by the Meridonian Ambassador.
That, in order to help this republic, that aid should be provided and distributed according to needs as proposed by the delegated representatives of the regions of this republic.

3. That, unless Masculist leadership agrees to surrender and stand trial for war crimes and terrorism, that their political organization or any that clearly shares their ideology should be disqualified from any elections for their disregard for international law and the internal laws of warfare.”

He finished and sniffled a bit into a handkerchief.

[Anagonia]

Max only smirked in response to the request from the Secretary General. He had conducted himself to antagonize the Prince, in a friendly, if brotherly fashion. It hadn't been called for or warranted, but after the spout he had between the other two representatives earlier, it was an entertaining side-show. He made a mental note to not allow himself such future liberties. As entertaining as it was to watch another person writhe in their seat, he did now have confirmation of a method - diplomatically - to accost the Sombrelandians if they became a problem. Quietly he made a note down on his GatorPAD and sent a note off to someone further in the halls of power.

Ambassador Max Gill:

My apologies, Secretary General. I allowed myself undo liberties due to the shared brotherhood our people have. I will make sure to express that appreciation more properly in the future.

In terms of the proposal from General-Admiral Arimey, I believe it falls almost directly in line with our proposal. Anagonia can back it fully.

[Legatia]

ALCd Aurelia Whitegrove Meridonian Ambassador, ICON-SC Commander of Allied Operations | ICON Security Council Headquarters Outer Liberty, LY, Confederate States of Anagonia "Meridon can agree to all terms save the last, to which it adamantly stands against. Meridon will not permit the inclusion of Masculism in any derivative or form in the post-war calculus regardless of the results of the results of the.." Aurelia halted mid sentence, withdrawing a simplistic-looking smartphone from her pocket and accepting a call from it. A few quick "Is that so?" "I see." "Understood." -s were mumbled before she pocketed the device. "Members of the Council, I apologize for the lack of courtesy, but that was a call from the Defense Forces. Boston and the Masculist government has capitulated and operations to secure it are currently underway. I must ask that we briefly table this discussion, as facts on the ground are changing quite quickly."

[Sombreland]

Count Caron, for the first time, showed some feeling. He frowned at the Ambassador from Meridon and said, “There will be a brief recess. Really, though, Madsm Ambassador, I believe your military duties are seconded to your diplomatic ones, are they not?” However, he was thinking of a nice cup of tea, his warm slippers, and a book on roses he was hoping to read from.

General-Admiral Sobarian Arimey ate an orange while listening to reports coming from America and the field operations there. For the most part, he devoted himself to peeling it carefully with the aid of a small knife, then neatly segmented the fruit, and laying the pieces in the peel. At last, he placed one in his mouth, and, after savouring the faintly skinned juiciness and it’s shape between his tongue and the roof of his mouth, he bit into it so that the flavour exploded in his mouth he chewed the pulp, swallowed, and sighed.

Otherwise, he had little to say, save for one thing. “Masculists…did not surrender. Defeated in the field. All authority forfeit. Unfit to lead. Yes. Policy from the Secretary-General says so.” Other than that, he let the younger foreign officers deal with all the hectic things. They seemed so excited. The young female air officer seemed charming. He felt sorry for her, like many of these foreign female officers, she seemed to have missed her chance to marry and have children. Perhaps she was sterile or something.

[Darlingtown]

SACHI struggled to keep from bursting out into laughter as she watched De Hulfe squirm from Max's advances. She could tell by the way Max was playing it up that he was trying to needle the Sombrelander diplomat, and she relished every second of torture the chauvinistic prick was put under. Retribution, perhaps, for trying to sway Max to end his relationship with her. And so it took her a moment to reach some level of composure, sputtering out the little bits of a laugh that escaped her lips into her hand before she was finally able to stop.

Clearing her throat, but unable to completely wipe the grin from her face, SACHI responded.

- SACHI - "I am in support of what seems to be the consensus to table the discussion of crimes against humanity and pursuing strictly war crimes and acts of terrorism. The fact that the Meridonian delegation is also in agreement with this furthers my support of this matter, seeing as how they are the party at this table most wronged by the regime and the one whose war this was before ICON involvement. As for the Anagonian proposition to obtain bases...I do not necessarily see a reason for this at the moment as well. ICON does not have a standing army with which to garrison a base, nor have we passed any resolution towards the sharing of military resources. A joint base will require several changes within ICON before it will become viable. If the Anagonian delegation wishes to put forward drafts to bring to the Assembly regarding these matter, please feel free. But at this time there is no use for a base owned and operated by ICON."

[Europe a Nation]

Marie-Rose looked at SACHI in confusion. What consensus?! There was none, she thought. SACHI either didn't understand her plan or, what would be worse, understood it very well and was trying to foil it by falsely claiming exclusion of crimes against humanity from trial to be a fait accompli.

Marie-Rose
de Talleyrand-Périgord

"Thank you for sharing your perspective, SACHI. However, I must clarify that there is not yet a consensus among all representatives regarding the exclusion of crimes against humanity from the trial. It is important to recognise and respect the diverse opinions within our alliance. This is precisely why the discussion has been moved to the Assembly of Nations, where all member states can have an equal opportunity to voice their views and engage in meaningful deliberations.

It is crucial to prioritise the thorough trial of criminals, even if it takes time. Rushing the process or omitting it entirely undermines the pursuit of justice. Let us emphasize the importance of ensuring a fair and comprehensive trial, even if it requires patience and diligence."

[Darlingtown]

SACHI cocked an eyebrow. She had anticipated the Meridonian focus on terrorism and war crimes alone would have softened Ms. Talleyrand's stance, but she seemed to have miscalculated. Of all the people in the Security Council, Talleyrand was the one SACHI could get a reading on the least. The way she acted with her and Max, her persistence on this point even in the light that such things were hardly possible...it all intrigued SACHI. And the AI would have felt curious about probing the European representative more if she didn't feel that all this had created a hostile front between her and Talleyrand. For whatever reason there seemed to be some form of rivalry brewing between the two, perhaps since SACHI had eked out a victory by a single vote for the office of President?

Nevertheless, Talleyrand's objections would need to be addressed, even if during the recess.

- SACHI - "Of course, Representative Talleyrand. I have not forgotten about this. But let me reiterate my point, since it seems to have been lost here. We do not have time. The Masculist regime is disintegrating in our hands, and we cannot risk establishing a metric of justice after its collapse. On the other hand, rushing the process of deciding something as critical as a definition for human rights is not on the table. We need to act quickly with establishing what exactly we are doing with a trial, else we will appear to be unjust opportunistic killers, but we must act slowly in establishing what international law we recognize as the fundamental principles of human rights. These two radically different timetables precludes any reasonable prospect that we might establish a consensus on human rights in time for a trial. If we were to rush into this without careful consideration, we risk destroying this alliance's reputation at best and this alliance as a whole at worst. I would have had no qualms about this if we were given more time, or if this matter had been settled earlier. But were not, and it has not been. The best possible avenue available to us is not the best idealistic avenue, but pragmatically which one will allow us to continue to save more future lives rather than reactively punish wrongdoers in the present. You may think this is some kind of Faustian bargain, or perhaps suspect me as wanting to worm my way out of an examination of my own nation, but I assure you we will do more good in the long run by not being rash here and catering to a sense of idealism. We cannot sacrifice countless more people of the future for merely a levying of extra punishments on the criminals of today. I will still bring this to the Assembly, as this is still of the utmost importance. On that you have my word. But please do realize there is little probability that we will be able to balance both of these things in a manner that allows us to pursue a case of crimes against humanity without an extreme cost which the Security Council cannot permit. In a perfect world it could have been, but today it is not."

[Nova Secta]

Danica-Maryse could feel the tension in the air between Ambassador Talleyrand and SACHI, and was fraught to add the rising consternation by dropping a bombshell on the Security Council. She, as well as the Glorious Dominion back in Williamstown had been watching with alarm over the growing trends in the Security Council to shirk their humanitarian responsibility to bring the Masculinist regime to true justice. The nature of the International Coalition of Nations as a mere body politic for nations to meddle in without cause to concern itself with humanitarian ideals was disturbing to say the least, and not what the Saescians had signed up for to represent. In fact, Williamstown was so concerned by the direction of the conversation from SACHI and others in her camp that they were prepared to issue an ultimatum on the matter, putting McNally in a delicate position. Even so, it was her duty to obey the commandments of Williamstown, and as such when she got her chance to speak, she took it, hoping that all hell would not break loose thereafter within the august body of the ICON Security Council... "Dear friends, we have partaken in the breadth of conversations taking place here tonight with increasing alarm. Ambassador Talleyrand's efforts to hold our noble Coalition to a higher standard through the prosecution of crimes against humanity committed by the Masculinist regime in North America have been repeatedly rebuffed by members of this Security Council, and therein lies a tremendous disservice to the men and women who have fought and died to bring justice down upon the Masculinists. To think that this body would shirk its duties to posterity in the name of procedural absence is a grave insult to the memory of those who laid down their lives for the noble cause in which we fought. Saescia did not entangle itself with the ILA merely to avenge the attack on Meridon; no, we sought to enter this maelstrom with the expressed purpose of rending justice to an unjust regime that was committing horrible atrocities that stink in the nostrils of all good and decent peoples." "The Glorious Dominion of Saescia will not back down from the position of Ambassador Talleyrand, and are prepared to act independently of the International Coalition of Nations to achieve the aims which are sought by Williamstown with respect to the prosecution of crimes against humanity. ICON may not have a definition for such crimes, but Saescia does. If these goals are further hindered by this body, Williamstown has instructed me to advise you all that it will be prepared to reconsider its commitments to the International Coalition of Nations and prosecute its own policies with respect to North America." McNally exhaled sharply; now it was time to wait and see the responses.

[Legatia]

ALCd Aurelia Whitegrove | ICON Security Council Headquarters Outer Liberty, LY, Confederate States of Anagonia While Aurelia would raise a brow at the Secretary-General's concern, she did not offer it a response. That phone wouldn't have gone off were it not something important, and her military duties were to advise this council and act as Meridon's military liaison to the ICON. When talk returned, however, a very interesting development was made. Aurelia offered a brief golf clap- and a smile- to her colleague from Saescia as she spoke. A very impressive position, she noted. One Meridon could certainly stand behind. The Federal Republic's grounds were on the more pragmatic elimination of resurgence at any costs, which could be satisfied, it was determined, through trials on war crimes and terrorism alone. Adding crimes against humanity, while extra, would certainly further this goal. And so, the Meridonian ambassador added her own voice to the fray. "Well put, Ambassador McNally. And an interesting course of action, one we had not considered. Meridon will stand with the Glorious Dominion and Europe a Nation in conducting trials for crimes against humanity, externally of ICON premises if necessary. We might not be able to find common ground on it within this body, but our three nations, those willing to join us- as well as the successor states of New England- will be certain to find common cause on those grounds." "ICON is not an alliance of morals, it is of mutual defense. Ambassador McNally, while I remain open to the discussion, I do not feel it will be easy to find terms on which to try them within ICON. Unusurpable rights differ in interpretation from Darlingtown to Sombreland to Anagonia and Meridon. However- I caution against a departure from ICON for these reasons. ICON was not and is not designed to force ideology. We cannot judge it by its inability to do so."