[Zamastan]

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[/hr]State Department
of
ZAMASTAN

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[/hr]

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The State Department of Zamastan is pleased to announce, on the behalf of President Anya G. Bishop, that in accordance with the continuing pursuit of a higher involvement of diplomatic affairs on the international stage, Zamastan will host the Inaugural Tofino Leaders Summit on Friday, February 22nd, 2019. President Bishop extends her invitation to dignitaries and heads of states of any member state of the International Democratic Union to the capital of Tofino for discussions on economic policies, with the intention to promote dialogue between major industrial and emerging market countries. Other conferences will focus on energy policies including green energy, nuclear energy, hydro-electric energy, and the substantial coal and natural gas energy influx, with addresses towards the impacts of environmental change and increasing global temperatures as a result or effect thereof due to these processes. Dependent on the requests or interests of joining heads of state, discussions based on military defense programs and anything in relation to said subject may proceed. The President looks forward to seeing your dignitaries at the conference, and is anticipating meeting many of you in person for the first time since her assumption of the office on January 23rd. She extends her excitement and anticipation towards all member states of the International Democratic Union and hopes for continued prosperity and friendship for the future.

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[/hr]

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-Secretary of State
Avi Tremblan

[Zamastan]

If you are planning on attending the Tofino Leaders Summit, please complete the following application:
[list=]Nation Name =[/list]
[list=]Head of Government =[/list]
[list=]Head of Government Attending (Yes or No) =[/list]
[list=]Other Dignitaries Attending =[/list]
[list=]Total People Attending (including staff, security) =[/list]
(followed by, if you don't mind)
[list=]Short notice accepting invitation[/list]

Example:

[list=]Nation Name = Zamastan[/list]
[list=]Head of Government = President Anya Bishop[/list]
[list=]Head of Government Attending (Yes or No) = Yes [/list]
[list=]Other Dignitaries Attending = Secretary of State, Secretary of Trade, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Energy [/list]
[list=]Total People Attending (including staff, security) = 56[/list]

[list=]Zamastan accepts the invitation to the Tofino Leaders Summit and looks forward to continued progression in diplomacy [/list]

[Gardavasque]

Nation Name = Gardavasque
Head of State = President Biff Snollygoster
Head of State Attending (Yes or No) = No
Other Dignitaries Attending = Prime Minister Yorick Spence (Head of Govt), Secretary of State Anita Grynnon-Barrett
Total People Attending (including staff, security) = 10
(followed by, if you don't mind)
Short notice accepting invitation Chirp from President Snollygoster:

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OOC: Just fyi... I'm currently developing an internal storyline where Gardavasque is currently struggling reclaim their democracy from an autocrat who got himself elected due in part to an unsavory mix of clandestine foreign influence and voter ignorance/apathy. Hence the leadership does not reflect the character of the country.

[Zamastan]

OOC: Just fyi... I'm currently developing an internal storyline where Gardavasque is currently struggling reclaim their democracy from an autocrat who got himself elected due in part to an unsavory mix of clandestine foreign influence and voter ignorance/apathy. Hence the leadership does not reflect the character of the country.

Excited to meet the diplomatic mission nonetheless!

[United New England]

Nation Name = The Interstellar Commonwealth of United New England
Head of State = President Elizabeth Tyagi-Kennedy
Head of State Attending (Yes or No) = Yes
Other Dignitaries Attending = Secretary of State, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Energy
Total People Attending (including staff, security) = 24

We appreciate the invitation and eagerly anticipate the Summit.

[Shuell]

Nation Name = Shuell
Head of Government = President Edwin Sloan
Head of Government Attending (Yes or No) = Yes
Other Dignitaries Attending = Director of International Affairs, Director of Energy, Director of Trade, Director of External Security.
Total People Attending (including staff, security) = 30

The ISS and President Sloan accept this invitation, and will begin preparations for the summit.

[Christos]

Nation Name = Christos
Head of Government = President Victoria Clefton
Head of Government Attending (Yes or No) = Yes
Other Dignitaries Attending = Secretary of State: Marcus La Touche III, Secretary of Defense: Former General Jamie Matthias, Minister of Foreign Relations: Dominique Friar
Total People Attending (including staff, security) = 40

President Victoria Clefton has accepted the invitation to attend the Inaugural Tofino Leaders Summit.

[Cadair]

Nation- Kingdom of Cadair
Head of Government- Mab Darogan Waywffon Morgan
Head of State Attending-Yes
Other Dignitaries Attending-Cymry Ambassador to Zamastan, Ms. Aoife Lir
Total People Attending- 30

Mab Darogan accepts the invitation of the most hospitable Madam President, and is honored to attend the Inaugural Tofino Leaders Summit.

[Libertas Omnium Maximus]

Nation: The Republic of Libertas Omnium Maximus
Head of Government: Lucas Brown
Head of State Attending: No
Dignitaries Attending: Secretary of Infrastructure and Energy (SIE), Alexander Stadler
Total people attending: SIE, SIE's wife, 10 security personnel, 4 personal aids

We look forward to what I am sure will be a most informative and lively discussion and happily accept the invitation. We thank you for taking the initiative.

-Alexander Stadler

[Zamastan]

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[/hr]State Department
of
ZAMASTAN

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[/hr]

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We eagerly await the conference and for more nations to send their diplomats! Thank you to the governments of Gardavasque, United New England, Shuell, Christos, Cadair, and Libertas Omnium Maximus for your advanced registry for the Summit. If you are feeling obligated, please extend the invitation to other nations. Thank you once again, and we anticipate your arrival!

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[/hr]

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-Secretary of State
Avi Tremblan

[Laeral]

Nation Name = Allied Provinces of Laeral
Head of Government = President Nicholas Brennan, Prime Minister Tanvi Misra
Head of Government Attending (Yes or No) = No
Other Dignitaries Attending = Foreign Minister Marie-Claire Beringer, Minister of Energy and Innovation Paul Chou
Total People Attending (including staff, security) = Both Ministers, Laeralian Ambassador to Zamastan Antonin Gou, 22 aides and support staff, 8 Laeralian Gendarmes

The Allied Provinces of Laeral expresses its warmest wishes to the government of Zamastan, and hopes for a productive and frank international dialogue at the conference.

[Trive]

Nation Name = The Galactical Ruthenian Empire of Trive
Head of government = Emperor Lynnoux Yakovlev, Prime Minister Yuri Ulianov
Head of government attending = Yes, both.
Other dignitaries attending = Foreign Minister Sergey Khruschev, Science Minister Linda Sevastovich, Trivian Ambassador to Zamastan Huey Dolgo
Total people attending = all dignataries, 5 Trivian Guards, 7 support staff

The Royal House of Yakovlev happily accepts the invitation, and hopes for a constructive dialogue at the summit.

- Trive gloria aeterna.

[Lauchenoiria]

Nation Name = Kerlile
Head of Government = President Joanna Greenwood
Head of Government Attending (Yes or No) = No
Other Dignitaries Attending = Councillor Electra Georgiou, Minister of Foreign Affairs Katrine Porter, Minister for International Trade Ines Abbott
Total People Attending (including staff, security) = 32 (3 dignitaries, 21 staff, 15 security personnel)

The Matriarchy of Kerlile accepts the invitation, and anticipates this as the first step towards a productive relationship between our two countries.

[Sand Point]

Nation Name = Sand Point
Head of Government = Emu
Head of Government Attending (Yes or No) = No
Other Dignitaries Attending = Zamastan ambassador
Total People Attending (including staff, security) = 41(1 ambassador, 15 staff, 25 security members

Sand Point looks to expand relations with the host Zamastan as they seem like a good trade partner.

[High Fells]

Nation Name = High Fells (Minjian Republic of)
Head of Government = Lord Chancellor Mizusawa Tomoni
Head of Government Attending (Yes or No) = No
Other Dignitaries Attending = President Marc Thierry, Foreign Minister Maeda Haru
Total People Attending (including staff, security) = 34 (Two dignitaries, ten security personnel, 16 staff)

The Minjian Republic of High Fells is pleased to accept President Bishop's invitation, and hopes to build ties with foreign nations and work towards a productive international dialogue.

[Zamastan]

Tofino International Airport

11:14 PM, Feb 21st, 2019

A large blue banner with the words 2019 Tofino Leaders Summit crossing the width of the display unfolds over the head walkway in the arrival's diplomatic area spanning the south end of the airport. President Bishop and SOS Avi Tremblan stand with honor guard for the first arrivals. An envoy from [nation]Cadiar[/nation] exits into the foyer, with Mob Darogan Waywffon Morgan at the helm, followed by the Ambassador to Zamastan, Aoife Lir. Bishop extends a hand to greet the young leader.

Bishop: Mob Darogan, Ms. Ambassador, welcome to [nation]Zamastan[/nation]. I hope you had an enjoyable flight?

Morgan: It was good, Madam President, thank you. We're excited for some productive conversation. I'm sorry to keep you up so late, you didn't have to wait for us.

Bishop: No problem at all, we're honored to have you here. We expect some great results from tomorrow's summit. We have your security envoy and an escort to get you to your embassy and respective residences for the night. Rest well, we can assure you Tofino will treat you well.

Morgan and his envoy enter their vehicles and leave the airport in single file row with police motorcycles flanking their perimeter, heading into the highway system and the skyline metropolis of the capital and city of over 12.8 million people...

[Libertas Omnium Maximus]

Tofino International Airport, Zamastan
February 22nd, 2019 - Late Morning

The small private jet slowly taxied towards the red carpet and accompanying entourage. The plane came to rest, immediately opened its door, and dropped its stairs onto the red carpet with a flourish of dust. A young aid scampered down the stairs and greeted a stern faced Zamastanian officer with a curt bow. She then announced in a surprisingly booming voice for a young woman, "I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Stadler, Secretary of Infrastructure and Energy and his wife." She stood aside and hurried off to a black sedan waiting at the end of the red carpet. Anticlimactically, Mr. Stadler and his wife, along with four aids, defended the steps in silence and stepped onto the red carpet covering the cold tarmac. He respectfully saluted the Zamastanian officer before proceeding to the sedan.

Alexander Stadler was not a terribly imposing man, he stood just a couple of inches over his wife (who was really rather short), and wore spectacles. The glass's rims matched Stadler's thin and whips grey hair perfectly, he liked it that way. He crawled into the back seat of the sedan with his wife and closed the door unceremoniously behind her.

His primary aid, Jeanie Hamilton, chimed in the passenger seat in front of him. The stern faced officer made his way to the passenger seat, put the car in gear, and drove off, waiting only a moment for the two SUVS behind him to close all their doors. He would prefer not to leave any of Stadler's other aids behind on the tarmac.

As the small motorcade rolled out of the airport, the officer lifted his radio and barked into it, "I have SIE and wife, along with aid #1." He received notification that the other two aids and 4 members of the security staff were present in the other two vehicles. This was what the officer expected, the 6 remaining officers would follow with the pilots after some inspections and paperwork was dealt with. "All present."

This news comforted Stadler, always a cautious, on the verge of paranoid, man. He prayed that all went off without a hitch. He knew, in the back of his mind, that the odds of any actual problem occurring were miniscule. With that said, Stadler was a man who preferred to be safe, rather than sorry. He smiled to himself as the car drove into view of the beautiful Tofino skyline.

[Lauchenoiria]

Tofino International Airport, Zamastan
22nd February 2019, Morning

Upon landing in Zamastan, activity aboard the Kerlian aircraft increased quickly. One of the aides, who had never before flown, had to be coaxed from her seat by a colleague, after discovering her previously unknown fear of flying. Of the entire delegation, only Councillor Georgiou and Minister of Foreign Affairs Katrine Porter had ever before left Kerlile.

“What’s more intimidating, being in the same room as a Councillor, or the idea of that room being outside Kerlile?” one aide jokingly asked another. The pair quickly hushed as they made to follow said Councillor outside the aircraft.

Councillor Electra Georgiou paused at the top of the steps, surveying the scene below. Of all the Council of Kerlile, she was the one who travelled most frequently to foreign nations. A lover of the arts, she frequently travelled to museums and galleries across the IDU, much to the distaste of the traditionalist Councillors, and the bemusement of the rest.

Upon reaching the bottom, the Councillor was followed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Katrine Porter. A true believer in the Kerlian project, Porter instinctively distrusted men. She was smart and efficient, but ruthless. She demanded complete loyalty from those who worked for her, and in turn gave her complete loyalty to the Matriarchy. But iff anyone tried to fool her during the summit, it would be their mistake.

The final dignitary from Kerlile to depart the plane was Minister for International Trade, Ines Abbott. She had only recently been appointed to the position, after her predecessor was unfortunately arrested for ‘corruption’ (nobody was quite sure exactly what she’d done). Abbott, despite her role, had never before left Kerlile. She was somewhat nervous about the summit, the fate of her predecessor still playing on her mind. Still, she wouldn’t show any nerves in front of the men.

As the Kerlians exited their plane, they all had in their minds what they wanted out of the conference. To increase trade, and to improve Kerlile’s image on the international stage. And, Katrine Porter thought smugly, hopefully mildly frighten some of the male attendees in the process.

[Shuell]

Tofino International Airport, Zamastan
February 22nd, Afternoon

A grey plane approached the airport, spartan in appearance asides for the large silver lettering on the side spelling out "ISS-1." Inside the plane, aides and attaches to surrounded a table, pouring over various documents and data in preparation for the upcoming summit. Three directors and a president sat in comfortable cushioned chairs in the room closer to the cockpit, while the last director briefed the security personnel on the other side of the plane. A few crew members looked outside the windows, having never been to the country before and taking a chance to see it from above.

As the plane finally landed, a sigh of relief was breathed by many of the staff - they were almost out of nicotine. Quickly lining up, the aides watched as President Sloan, dressed in a charcoal 3-piece suit, descended the stairs, followed by his two personal bodyguards. The only color on his suit was a golden pin, with the crow of the Shuellian flag engraved on it.

As President Sloan did, Director of International Affairs Hoffman, Director of Energy Klein, and Director of Trade Goudier stepped off the plane, each escorted by two sour-faced security personnel. Hoffman was the most noticeable of the trio, wearing a navy blue 2-piece suit and flashing a confident grin. Klein, a plain-looking man wearing glasses, hurriedly descended, talking into a phone pressed to his ear. Goudier, the only female director present for the summit, left the plane, dressed in a plaid grey blazer and skirt. Thanking the men escorting her, she stepped off to the side, next to the other directors.

Finally, after a momentary pause, the last Director descended the staircase, with the rest of the staff following closely behind. Director Fischer, of External Security, appears to be the oldest of the group, with visible grey and silver hair. He's dressed in a khaki suit and cap, with a belt holster on him, occupied with a pistol of some kind. He's a weary-looking man, with wrinkled, tan skin.

As the last of the grey-suited staff exited, they moved on, already planning on what to do at the upcoming summit.

[Gardavasque]

Hotel Nanaimo Lobby, Nanaimo, Zamastan. February 23rd, 2019, 7:07am

Secretary of State Anita Grinnon-Barrett reviews the day's Tofino Leaders Summit agenda while simultaneously reviewing news updates on her Chirper feed. Fortunately it appears to be a slow news day back home in Eternity, as the leading headlines are unusually apolitical: Reactions to the new Mandatory Motorcycle Helmet Law and Gardavasque's bullish electric vehicle market. An algid chill overcomes her as she looks up to see Prime Minister Yorick Spence enter the room, accompanied by his Federal Guard Officer. Knowing he isn't empathic, she allows herself to indulge in a momentary emotional eye-roll as she savors the last quiet moment she will enjoy today. Yorick scans the room looking for any familiar face other than his entourage, whom he rarely notices anyway. Seeing Anita, the joins her at her table.

Yorick: Good Morning, Anita.
Anita: Good morning.
Yorick: How's the coffee?
Anita: (Lying) It's Trivan. I'm sure you'd like it.
Yorick: Delicious. I'll have to get some before we depart for Torfino. (Pausing a moment until she looks up from her PearPhone.) I just spoke with Biff. He wants to make sure we present a united front here at the Summit on our readiness to use tariffs to advance Gardavascan interests.
Anita: I told him that isn't going to work, and it's risky. We can catch a lot more flies with honey than vinegar. And it's pronounced "Tofino," Mr. Prime Minister.
Yorick: It doesn't matter. We're threatening tariffs regardless of what happens here. Gardavasque needs to be seen as an economic powerhouse; we need our allies to fear us. (He checks his own phone for a memo entitled "Talking Points for Anita.") Oh and also, we're not announcing any positions on WA Resolutions this week, so be sure to keep the details we discussed on the plane out of the Media. Biff is adamant we stay on message for the Summit. (His attention is drawn by a handsome hotel staffer with distinctive Skith features.) If we look... divided, we won't- we- (A mental image of himself in a sexual encounter with the hotel staffer interrupts his train of thought).
Anita: (Sensing the sudden flood of activity in Yorick's amygdala and elevating testosterone level, her voice becomes louder and more irritated than she intends.). Mr. Prime Minister, it'll be fine. (Yorick tucks his fantasy back into a dark corner of his imagination, for later, and returns his attention to Anita. But he then begins to rotate his wedding band around his finger.) We are all on the same side here. These are our allies, and we are already in a strong trade position, particularly with the auto sector, so there is little need to bring up trade tariffs this week. I will reiterate this to the President when we get back.
Yorick: Stay on message, Anita. Whatever you do. (Yorick steals one final glance at the hotel worker's jiggling cakes just as he disappears out of view).
Anita: (Yorick's indiscrete thoughts leave a salty unpleasantness on her tongue. She stands and collects her things, suddenly eager for some sweet juice.) Not to worry, Mr. Prime Minister. Now, if you'll excuse me.
Yorick: See you at lunch.

(Anita exits. Yorick reviews his "talking points" memo one final time and then anxiously looks up to see whether anyone else has observed them. Feeling composed, he stands, searching one final time in vain for that handsome hotel staffer. Just then, his phone vibrates with incoming call from his wife, Sue, literally stuns him back to the present moment.)

Yorick: (Answering, he begins to sweat) Hi, Mother...

(He exits.)

[Trive]

Tofino International Airport, Tofino, Zamastan
February 23rd, Night

As the Embraer Lineage 1000E painted as a big Trivian flag approached runway 38R, a scream of glory could be heard from the cockpit.
"CLEARED FOR LANDING, RUNWAY 38 ROMEO, TANGO ROMEO VICTOR ONE THREE THREE SEVEN! URAAAAAAAAAA!" - screamed Lynnoux Yakovlev, Emperor of Trive and Duke of Equestria, and recently approved as pilot by the National School of Aeronautics. - "GLORY TO TRIVE!" - he screamed once more, as his Lineage landed smoothly on the runway.
"Great job, Your Majesty." - said the employed pilot, who was overseeing Lynnoux's landing. - "That was a buttery landing."
"Thank you, Vasiliy. You rule." - the Emperor replied, while turning to taxiway D.

As the plane was parked at its assigned apron and the stairs were deployed, Emperor Lynnoux Yakovlev ran out of the plane, waving the Yakovlev house's flag at the local media.
"THANK YOU, PRESIDENT ANYA! I ALREADY LOVE THIS PLACE! GLORY TO TRIVE AND ZAMASTAN!"
The Prime Minister, Yuri Ulianov, walked out with yet another Yakovlev house flag. He stopped to speak to the reporters while Lynnoux waved his flag on the background.
"Our Emperor is quite the goof, right?" - he said to the media. - "No wonder he's so popular."

The Trivian delegation went on - headed to Hotel Nanaimo, Nanaimo.


- Flag of the Imperial House of Yakovlev

[Laeral]

Tofino International Airport, Tofino, Zamastan
Early Evening, February 23rd

Marie-Claire Beringer had been the Foreign Minister of Laeral since 2015, under Tanvi Misra's cabinet. She'd been a Representative before that, and she'd been in her job for so long that state visits seemed like a natural part of her life. The World Assembly Headquarters, for accession to the WA. Democracity, during the Northeastern Sea Crisis. Sanctaria, for the Haven Accords. Sciongrad, Lauchenoiria, Slokais, United New England, even Kerlile once, and countless places besides. But soon enough, it would all be over. Marie-Claire had decided to end her life in politics after this. She'd been in government for so very long. Regardless of how the elections turned out, she'd decided several months ago, she'd go home, spend time with her family, finish her memoirs she'd been working on, and maybe teach a class on International Relations at some local university. After the elections, though, her plans were in limbo. The new President was trying to assemble a workable coalition out of the mess that the voters had delivered in the Commons, and in the meantime, she and Tanvi and all the others had gotten to stay on as a caretaker government. But soon enough, some new Prime Minister would forge a coalition, and she'd be out of a job. The rumors had been spreading about the makeup of a new coalition, and she knew her days at the Foreign Ministry were limited. This would likely be her last foreign trip in any official capacity. As the airplane's wheels hit the ground, she felt the bump she had felt so many times before, and smiled a bit. This was always her favorite part of her job, going to a new place and meeting a new set of people. She unbuckled her seatbelt and stood up, as did her staffers behind her. The Energy Minister, Paul Chou, gave a crooked smile as he stood up. He wasn't relishing the idea of going into a summit representing a cabinet and a Prime Minister that were relics, just crawling forward every new day until a new Prime Minister came along to depose them.

The airplane's doors opened, and Marie-Claire Beringer stepped out, flashing her diplomat's smile for the cameras and waving for the cameras, as she had so many times before. In that way, at least, this diplomatic trip was exactly the same as her first.

[Zamastan]

A Tense Standoff: Room 439

Tofino Convention Center

Zamastan's Secretary of State, Avi Tremblan, walks down the sea-facing corridor with three of his aides, headed to a scheduled session with the Kerlian delegation. Under President Bishop's instruction, he is to attempt to direct the conversation away from trade or energy policies and towards the Aelurian Independence Movement

An aide opens the door to the long-table room, labeled "Room 439", where several Kerlians stand at the windows observing the bay and the mountains across in the distance. Among them, the premiere members of the delegation; Councillor Electra Georgiou, Minister of Foreign Affairs Katrine Porter, Minister for International Trade Ines Abbott. Though he knew the delegation, and in turn the nation of Kerlile, represented a rare example of a matriarchal society, Tremblan still feels put off by the fact that there was not a man among the people standing in the room. It doesn't help that two of his three aides at his side are women.

Tremblan gestures and extends a hand to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. "Madam Porter, I'm glad that we can finally sit down and speak. I'm sure you've been enjoying your time?"

"Of course, thank you Mr. Secretary. Tofino is much lovelier than I imagined it would be, although I could do with a few changes."

"Oh? Such as?"

"I could do with less boys in business suits walking down the street on my way here," she grinned.

"I'm sorry, Minister?"

"You understand."

Tremblan widens his eyes for a moment, shakes his head and exhales. "Madam Minister, I've been told directly by President Bishop to divert conversation from any trade relation. As of today, we are cancelling 45% of Kerlian exports and imports of luxury items."

"That shouldn't be much of an issue, you do realize our nations don't share much in the way of that category of trade?"

"Yes, but I want to focus on your stance on the Aelurian Independence Movement."

"We share the same stance as you, Mr. Secretary. We want to see Aeluria become an independent nation."

Tremblan places one hand on the desk, still standing. "But we didn't go to war with Lauchenoiria. And the First Minister hasn't told us to screw off."

Porter eyes Tremblan closely. "You have no say in what Kerlile can support and what we can't support."

"On the complete flip-side, Madam Minister. We do. If Aeluria becomes independent and we find any source of Kerlian action of support beyond only words, Zamastan will make you answer for it."

"Oh will you?"

"We will."

The two delegates stay in silence, only a table separating them. The rest of the Kerlians and Zamastanians in the room dart their eyes carefully as they wait to see what happens.

The minister is the first to break the silence;
"Then you'll have to wait and see what happens."

Tremblan snaps up and turns, shoving his notes to his aide and strolling through the entry, causing a breeze to flow behind him. He pauses for a second, looks back inside the room for a moment, then continues as the aide once again closes the heavy polished oak doors.

[Lauchenoiria]

Tofino Convention Center

Councillor Electra Georgiou watched as the Zamastanians exited Room 439. Once they were alone, she turned to Katrine Porter, who she'd allowed to lead the conversation, preferring to observe herself.

"Thoughts?" she asked.

"They don't like us very much," remarked Porter. "I wasn't expecting such explicit threats, however."

"The threat is irrelevant, since we're not meddling in that referendum. The Council has enough problems with Sanctaria in the form of the TRC without seeking out more. But I am very interested to see that they were willing to make such a threat. Perhaps we ought to divert more resources to watching Zamastan," mused Georgiou.

"If they hate us, why did they bother to invite us?" asked Ines Abbott.

"A courtesy. They never expected us to accept," replied Porter. "But we did, and now we're here, and they have to deal with it."

"We came here to try and mend relations, I remind you. Forge new ones. Try and make things better. But nobody seems to want to listen. I am beginning to think this was a mistake," sighed the Councillor.

"It isn't over yet, Councillor," remarked Porter. "I have another meeting to get to, so I have to go, but even if no good comes for us of this summit, the fact we showed our faces signals to the rest of the world that we're not going to get back in our little box."

"Perhaps we should," countered Georgiou. "I do not like these threats. Our way of life was much safer when we stayed out of international affairs, before the Lauchenoirian war. Why the others decided to get involved with that, I cannot understand. I voted against involvement myself, of course."

Porter and Abbott exchanged surprised glances. Councillors did not usually divulge their voting history, especially on such topics.

"Yes, Councillor," Porter said, trying and failing to come up with something better. "May I go to my meeting? I have messages to send back to Kerlile beforehand as well, and I'm running out of time."

"Hmm? Yes, of course. Just... don't make things worse, okay?"

"I won't, Councillor."

*
(Following section written jointly with [nation]Shuell[/nation])

Katrine Porter walked quickly down the corridor, frantically typing a message on her phone to a member of her staff back in Kerlile, not looking where she was going. She stopped abruptly at the sight of a man turning a corner, and it took her a moment to remember she was not, in fact, in the Kerlian Parliament where men were forbidden from setting foot.

Director of International Affairs Sascha Hoffman turned the corner, a cup of coffee in his hand. Seeing the woman in the corrider stop, staring at him, he winked at her. "Hello there."

Repressing the urge to snap at the man for the wink, as she would have done at home, Porter instead forced a polite smile. "Hello. I don't believe we've met. Katrine Porter, Kerlian Minister of Foreign Affairs."

Hoffman grinned, showing off his white teeth and practiced smile. "I haven't had the pleasure. Sascha Hoffman, Shuellian Director of International Affairs."

"Lovely to meet you," Porter said. It was in the list of phrases she'd learned to use with foreigners, back when she'd been the Kerlian Ambassador to Laeral, and had needed to learn a whole book full of outsider customs.

"Of course, it's nice to meet you two. I haven't seen much of Kerlile - I believe one of my diplomats has finally arrived at the embassy, though. I don't quite remember her name, sadly." He extended his free hand towards her.

She took his hand, and shook it, grasping it rather more firmly than non-Kerlian men generally expected from women. This was a deliberate choice on Porter's part. "I know little of your country. Although I noticed that yesterday, you issued some kind of statement saying you'd support Aeluria, the Lauchenoirian island that wants to become independent."

His eyes widened for a quick moment, before his self-assured visage once again took charge. "I can admit I don't know much of your country either, besides the matriarchal aspects of it - and yes, I did make a statement yesterday about supporting Aelurian independence."

Porter's smile grew wider at the signs of slight discomfort. She always preferred men to be uncomfortable in her presence. "It is my job to keep up to date with the goings on in the world. And, of course, support for Aeluria is something our two nations share."

Hoffman nodded, a smug grin on his face. "I agree. If I remember correctly, the first couple aid workers should already be on their way to Aeluria and Lauchenoiria."

Irritated by the man's smugness, Porter searched for a way to try and knock him off balance. "Did you know, that historically, Aelurian tribes were ruled by women?"

Hoffman looked slightly offended at the remark. "Well, of course. Why wouldn't I have known? I had read multiple reports about Aeluria before making my speech - I'm not exactly new to this sort of thing, though you may be." He replied, watching her face.

Porter's eyes narrowed in anger. This is why men were so annoying. They assumed that women were incompetent. "It's not like your government has shown the least bit of interest in Lauchenoiria until now," she snapped, unwisely. She immediately regretted it.

His grin widened, looking more and more predatory in nature. "There's no need to be offended, dear. I understand, however, that you may have a delicate constitution. If you weren't aware, it was my policy that jumpstarted Shuell's stepping onto the international stage."

Porter blinked in shock. Never before had any man spoken to her in such a manner. If one had done so in Kerlile, she'd have had him arrested on the spot. It was unlikely, however, that the authorities of Zamastan would permit such a thing. "I'm sure you're very proud of it. My advice? Be very careful in your dealings with Lauchenoiria. They aren't nearly so appreciative of help as their public statements imply."

Hoffman rolled his eyes. "Ah, yes, the communists. Typical of them. I quite honestly don't care if they decide to refuse our aid - it's more for the rest of Lauchenoiria."

"The communists retain more support in Lauchenoiria than they're given credit for. Be careful you don't end up helping your enemy," Porter replied, a mocking sweetness in her tone.

He replied, speaking in a condescending manner to her. "One of the positives about women such as yourself - they're always quite empathetic and caring. I appreciate it.“

Porter forced a fake chuckle, clasping her hands behind her back to prevent the urge to strangle the man in front of her. "Don't go to Kerlile, Director. You wouldn't fit in very well there."

"Oh, yes, I quite intend to avoid your home country. I'll leave my diplomats to that task. Feel free to visit Shuell, however. Just don't do anything you'd regret, and I'm sure we'll get along nicely." He lifted the cup of coffee to his mouth, taking a sip.

Porter raised one eyebrow, "I regret very little of my actions, Director. If that is meant as some kind of... warning, well, I will deliver one in turn. The time of the patriarchy is ending. Don't be on the wrong side of history."

Hoffman smirked. "Just consider the warning a simple courtesy from me, Katrine. And don't worry your pretty little face about me, dear, I can handle myself just fine."

Katrine Porter's facial expression could have been used as an illustration for the concept of rage - for half a second. Then, she composed herself, and stepped forward so close she could feel his breath, "if you spoke to a woman in that manner in Kerlile, it would be the last thing you ever did." Then, she turned around quickly, and walked off, fast enough to cause a draft.

The director's eyes widened as she walked off, before a content smile flashed on his face. Walking off, he pulled out a phone and dialed a number. "Sascha here. I've just had a delightful meeting with Katrine Porter in the halls - the Kerlilan minister of Foreign Affairs, Voortman. Didn't you pay attention to my briefing?" He sighed. "Yes, yes, I know you had things to do at that time. Regardless. Try and see if our agents can't find anything on them. I'll get back to you later." He hung up quickly and continued walking.

Katrine Porter burst into the women’s bathroom in a rage, frightening someone washing her hands, who promptly exited. She stood by the sink, breathing deeply and then looked in the mirror. She was slightly red in the face, and she knew she’d messed up. She swore. She let the Shuellian anger her.

She took out her phone and called one of her aides, Sigrid Accardo.

“Sigrid? I want you to find out everything you can about the Shuellian Director of International Affairs, Sascha Hoffman. I just had a… conversation with him. He seems excessively misogynistic, even for someone from the patriarchal countries. Get me a report within the hour.”

She hung up the phone without waiting for a response, then splashed some water on her face and took a few more deep breaths. Once she was sufficiently composed, she exited, making sure to walk in the direction that took her further from where the confrontation took place.

[Christos]

President (PRES) Victoria Clefton
Secretary of State (SOS): Marcus La Touche III
Secretary of Defense (SOD): Former General Jamie Matthias
Minister of Foreign Relations (MFR): Dominique Friar

*Plane inbound to the Tofino Leaders Summit*

*SOD speaking to MFR*
SOD: "Ugh, I always hated air travel, not my kind of thing. I've always loved ship travel; Since my days as a serviceman, since my retirement and since I left Capt. Ducky in charge of patrolling my bathtub."

MFR: "Hush you, this is the fastest way to get to this summit. Also don't start talking about your war stories or your glory days; you might scare these delegates and leave a bad impression on them about the Empire."

SOD: "What do you mean? I think they'd find it charming in a way. Definitely helped when I told the story of the Great Battle of Zargoza to the British Prime Minister during that summit we had in Great Britain."

MFR: "Yeah and it was also great when you put him in a headlock with the press standing right in front of you. We had to clean up that PR nightmare for months."

SOD: "The media took it out of contexts. Besides the Prime Minister enjoyed it, his shortness of breath was a good indication of that. HAHA (Hearty laugh)
He also needed the exercise judging on how hard it was to wrap my arms around him."

MFR: "Well I can't argue with him needing exercise haha. Still, behave yourself. If not for yourself, for the Empire."

*PRES calls SOD, SOS, and MFR for a quick huddle to talk about the upcoming summit*
PRES: "Ladies and Gentlemen, we're about to land. I just have a few points to bring out to make this summit as successful and beneficial for the Empire as possible."

SOD: "Oooh time for some instructions."

PRES: "First off, we will try to meet most of the delegates from the other nations. We haven't been doing good with foreign relations as of late because of our focus on internal matter in the Empire. I'd like you all to try and meet 3 new nations that could be good partners with before this summit is over.
Second, we need to focus on trade. It is important that we come out of this summit with at least 1 prospect of a trade deal.
Third, We are a little late to the Summit but I'm sure we'll do well to acquaint ourselves to the schedule.
Lastly, Former General Matthias. Please do not scare the delegates with your war stories and by the grace of God do not put anyone in a headlock!"

SOD: "First off, I blame the media and second, Its part of my charm."

PRES: "Right, Just please behave yourself for the Empire's sake."

SOS: "One thing to add. Let's make sure to try and experience the culture of Zamastan as well."

PRES: "Agreed. Okay, with that being said let's do well to show the other nations how great our nation is."

*Airplane Intercom: All passengers we are about to descend, please take your seats in preparation for landing. Thank you.*