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Post by Admin on Oct 13, 2015 21:01:31 GMT -6
The International Trade Conference would be a Kwazan coup in every sense of the word if it succeeded. Trade had grown to be the lifeblood of the Conglomerate, bringing money and resources back to the tribes. Tribal welfare and civic projects had both skyrocketed, fueled by corporate incomes and lower prices. A trade union could make that profit secure, and perhaps help contain the RWU's antics. With so much to gain, the Conglomerate put every effort into rolling out the welcome mat to the delegates.
The event would be hosted in the capital city of Nyota, at the Gunhari executive tower. The tower itself was one of the tallest in the city, and served as both a luxury hotel with a private rooftop jungle, a generous office suite for multiple temporary embassies, a major conference center, and a bastion of tight security. From their rooms atop the tower the guests would be able to see across Nyota's sprawling expanse of buildings and tropic trees. Each hotel suite had been custom-modified for the visiting species. In the distance the local launch spire ascended into the heavens, visible up into space on a clear day. Transportation would be supplied so that the delegates could travel anywhere on the planet within hours, if they so wished. If any of them bothered to inquired, they would discover that the Conglomerate had spent the last eight months on an urban development program in Nyota, making sure that the city was be suitably impressive for their extraterrestrial guests.
The actual conference room was spacious and classy. The walls and furnishings were of luxury wood paneling, with simple but elegant patterning inspired by tribal motifs carved into them. A polarized skylight allowed sunlight down into the room without blinding delegates or compromising privacy. At the center was a round table with cushioned seats, each set designed for its delegate species. The table and work stations were all connected to fully modern conferencing systems that provided holographic displays, real-time translation, and a myriad of other functions. If that wasn't enough, technicians and assistants waited in the wings to discreetly assist with any issues at the push of a button.
Considering the vital importance of the summit, the Conglomerate had been deemed too important for a representative. President Tusana herself would be attending the summit with a handful of her personal staff. The strict Kwazan woman was the first one in the conference room, busy reviewing statistics and talking points before the other delegates arrived.
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Post by killer spork on Oct 14, 2015 11:47:56 GMT -6
Likewise, the Asteran government had not been content to send its Foreign Minister and trade officials. This was a hallmark of President Sidow's upcoming election campaign. A free trade agreement to boost Asteron's economy and show the people home how the archaic system of syndicalism had robbed its people of a brighter future. The President of Asteron was accompanied by a small horde of functionaries, whom in turn had subordinate functionaries. The Asteran embassy was overburdened with the massive influx of its fellow countryman and as a result had booked many of its officials at the Gunhari executive tower. Yet along with the executives, businessman, and government officials came Asteran security and intelligence officials. With the recent unrest on Tusi and Asteron's own moves against the unionists, all precautions were being taken against an attempt on Sidow's life.
It wasn't just economic ties that Sidow was trying to build with this summit but alliances as well. The Hive was an ever present threat on Asteron's borders and the countries attempts to forge a coalition against them had been met with a collective shrug of the shoulders, factional infighting and politics as usual had taken its toll. In addition, the RWU with its constant saber rattling meant that the Union's position could never truly be secured. Which was why the government needed a steady source of outside trade income to boost its defenses and finally begin its colonization abroad.
'' President Tusana. '' Sidow said in greeting as he entered the conference room, at last free of the cameras and accompanied only by a modicum of personal staff. '' Your country did an excellent work in hosting this event. I only hope it is a fruitful venture for us all. ''
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Post by I Like Turtles on Oct 15, 2015 14:16:08 GMT -6
"What is this wretched concoction," the Retaren Emissary asked. She was determined to explore the region and take advantage of Kwazan hospitality. In her hand she held a vial of fluid that she clearly did not enjoy the smell of. She looked up curiously at one of her entourage.
"It is..." The attendant inspected it, looking at it and sniffing it. Clearly he had no idea. "It is green, ma'am."
"Hmm."
"It registers as safe on our scanners. Perhaps one of the humans..." His voice trailed off as he pointed to one of the handful of slaves they brought with them.
"No, no, I trust our scanners," the Emissary stated. She took the vial and downed it. She licked her chops afterwards and seemed pleasantly surprised. "Fruity," she said, "tastes nothing like the smell."
In another few moments she gave a wide grin. "Good kick to it," she stated. "I like this conference already."
After they'd arrived the Emissary and her entourage made arrangements with the Kwazan to avoid any media coverage until the conference started. So far they'd kept up on their word, and the Emissary explored the area and saw the sights, participating in any debaucherous act she could get away with. The Retaren have many large appetites.
The day of the start of the conference she was given her detox pill and was ready to face the day. As her entourage made their way to the conference one of her functionaries hurried towards them.
"Status," she asked.
"The officials I spoke with took our request to be allowed at least sidearms," the functionary stated, "but it was unclear whether it would be allowed."
"Then we will wear them," the Emissary stated, "and if they require we turn them over we will."
"I just feel strange without it," one of her entourage, clearly a guard, said to her.
"As do I," she admitted, "but this conference has many nations and races here, most of wich are soft and easily scared. Peaceful negotiations require we play by their rules."
They entered the chamber, ready to see what this conference had to offer them. Perhaps there would be future enemies in this room, and getting a feel for them early would also be beneficial for the empire. Once inside, one of her functionaries introduced her.
"Presenting High Queen Jareena Favis of the Retaren Empire, second only to Emperor Druden Larn."
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Post by Admin on Oct 15, 2015 19:15:49 GMT -6
"Yes." Tusana replied, shooing away her attendants and closing down screens. The main event was about to start. "We've been passive in the face of interference and international bullying long enough. It is time for like minded nations to assert our sovereignty and protect our interests." There could be little doubt which nations she was referring to. The nations at this trade conference would all benefit from international trade, but they were also capitalist nations that firmly defended their own sovereignty and interests.
She turned to their newest addition. The Reteran High Queen was a formidable woman, and it did not escape Tusana's notice that they arrived armed. The steely nerved president, however, never so much as gave a flicker of nervousness. She was too used to power and command for physical threat to intimidate her. She smiled. "Welcome to Kwazan, High Queen Jareena. I hope your stay has been pleasant."
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Post by I Like Turtles on Oct 15, 2015 19:58:02 GMT -6
"I have been pleasantly surprised thus far," High Queen Jareena said with a menacing grin. "I only hope that these negotiations are as agreeable as your hospitality has been."
The Retaren entourage loomed over the Kwazan and Asteron and the Queen's guard eyed the humans with what could only look like grim intent. Jareena's attention eventually made it to President Sidow, and the Queen nodded in greeting.
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Post by vaklu on Oct 15, 2015 23:47:35 GMT -6
The Imperial diplomatic party would arrive a little behind schedule but as far as Kermira Goallix was concerned is was time well spent. One appearance at a diplomatic function was as important as a sword or gun on a battlefield. Her form fitting gown was made from red metallic silk embellished with a golden cogwheel pattern across her shoulders was a Ice-tiger shawl held in place with a gold brooch with the imperial insignia. Flanking her were two legionaries of the Lords of Iron, while they had not brought wargear they had worn their powered armor making them far from harmless. bBut the intention was clear, defense of the lady was the priority not aggression. When she entered her herald presented her much like the Retaren.
"The Duchess Kermira Goallix, Chancellor of Public Works, CEO of Ferrozic Heavy Industry."
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Post by I Like Turtles on Oct 16, 2015 8:19:34 GMT -6
If the Emperor had sent mere lackey's they would have balked at the size of the power armor the humans that just entered wore. It was so small. But the Queen and her entourage were far more disciplined than that. Though they each separately wondered if the toys the humans were wearing even brought them up to the strength and physical toughness of a single Retaren, they did not show it.
No, instead they showed their typical menacing features as they faced them, seeing if they would approach.
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Post by ravigen on Oct 17, 2015 17:53:39 GMT -6
Out of all the delegates, Commander Miran was perhaps the least impressive, a simple man in navy dress blues flanked by a pair of marines and a naval intelligence agent. He'd already been there negotiating trade with Kwazan and the Admiralty had decided to let him represent.
The Viscarri were familiar as were the Asteronians but the others were new to him and he found himself sitting quietly at the table observing.
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Post by killer spork on Oct 17, 2015 18:05:26 GMT -6
'' It will not be easy, the RWU are powerful.. '' The statement didn't even bring the Wuxianese into the equation whom were embarking on their own quest across the galaxy to convert the populations at the world. Like most Asteran political leaders, the President was chafing at the near constant foreign interference and meddling that went on within his nation. But the stronger Asteron became, the better it could shake off the wolves nipping at its heels. '' Your Grace. '' The President said with a small bow to the High Queen of the Retaren Empire. Though she appeared to be quite capable of ripping apart the superhuman Viscarri that were across the room. '' Shall we proceed Madame President?
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Post by Admin on Oct 18, 2015 12:52:13 GMT -6
"The Trade Union President Sidow and I intend to propose has two purposes." President Tusana dove straight into the explanation without bothering to stop for introductions. "The first is mutual prosperity. This agreement will make it easy and profitable for members to trade with one another, and ensure that our trade will be reliable and secure. I am confident that all involved will see a significant increase in their economies.
"The second goal of this proposal is to create a political bloc to defend the influence of its members." She paused, eyes scanning the room. The second point would be more controversial, she knew, especially to the Denovans and possibly Viscarri. "You have all seen the growing influence of the RWU and their disregard for local law and customs, the power of Wuxian's religious influence, and the growing threat of the Hive. This Trade Union is meant as a response. You are all from capitalist nations who rightfully recognize the need for order and the right of other governments to rule their own territory. You all reject the idea that other nations can dictate the way your people should live and the way your government should function. Alone, none of us has been able to adequately respond to the antagonism of our neighbors, but it is my hope that by joining together we can support each other's interests without sacrificing our own."
"In front of each of you is a display system. On it you will find the full text of the proposal, as well as research and economic projections by our key economists." She returned to hear seat, giving the other delegates time to review the proposal.
The actual agreement was lengthy, as it must be, but the point of the text boiled down to several key clauses: 1. Trade permission would be automatic between members. One member could open a trade route with any other member who had space available without elaborate negotiations. 2. Members would prioritize trade between each other over trade with nations not part of the agreement. 3. Members would have safe passage through each other's territory for diplomatic missions, civilian travel and trade routes. 4. Members would accept passports from other member nations. 5. Members agreed to cooperate and defend one another's trade routes and "ability to trade with other members." 6. Members agreed to acknowledge and respect the sovereignty of the other signatories.
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Post by killer spork on Oct 18, 2015 20:05:14 GMT -6
'' The Asteran government views these proposals as reasonable and would move to accept them. However, we do have some concerns over the lack of investment that we see before us. Many of the member states here today cannot support these new trade routes without funds for orbital facilities. The Union of Asteron is fortunate to have several routes that are not yet full capacity yet.... The Union of Asteron would propose a fund to be contributed to by member states to direct investment to needy nations, in addition, to allow us to have a stopgap of credits in the event of emergencies that we can draw upon. The RWU is a looming threat to us all as is the Hive. '' Sidow said, finally reclaiming his seat.
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Post by ravigen on Oct 18, 2015 20:22:53 GMT -6
Commander Miran stood from his seat to address the conference, he'd approved of the proposal up to a certain point.
"As a representative of the Admiralty I would also like to request that there be a clause respecting Denova's laws against foreigners on their soil, any and all travel through Denova by foreign powers will be restricted to the orbital spaceports and other facilities."
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Post by I Like Turtles on Oct 19, 2015 7:49:36 GMT -6
"What's wrong, commander," High Queen Jareena asked with a sly and/or menacing look, "someone in this room you don't trust?"
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Post by ravigen on Oct 19, 2015 11:02:36 GMT -6
Miran gave her a brief glance but nothing more, a retort was there, ready to go but he felt it would be counter-productive to the negotiations.
"Hardly, it has simply been law on Denova for centuries now and the Admiralty has no wish to change it."
And the RWU would have difficulty unionizing worlds if they could not land on those worlds.
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Post by I Like Turtles on Oct 20, 2015 8:58:46 GMT -6
"The skies of our homeworld are gray. The ground is gray, the oceans are gray..." High Queen Jareena's voice trailed off before she raised it a bit when she continued. "Our world is very inhospitable, and our people will want to travel, to experience variety. What would I tell anyone who wanted to visit your planets? No? A strange answer from a supposed ally."
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