08-29-2018, 10:10 PM
Haven, central Sanctaria - 07:00
Just like clockwork, former Secretary General of the Council of IDU States, Robert Smyth, strode up the imposing and ancient stone steps of the Basilica of the Lord, the oldest Church in Sanctaria. A former theocratic empire, Smyth knew the choice of location would be controversial for some of the ardent anti-religious attendees, but it was an important place. Located high in the Basilica, in a room only accessible by a small elevator (or by climbing 5000 wooden steps up through the belfries) was a large, ornately decorated room. For many centuries it was the winter throne room for the Patriarch of Sanctaria, with his throne directly above the altar located in the main church far, far below; since independence, however, it has become a staple in Sanctarian diplomacy. No fewer than four different peace negotiations have been held here - plus one election party.
But most importantly, it was secure. There were not many entrances and, bar the elevator, you'd have to be fit to get to the top. Entrance and exit to the two belfries plus the elevators could be easily secures. And even if someone managed to get up the 5,000 steep wooden steps, even the fittest would have to take a break before trying anything further physical. And that's not even mentioning the width of the steps were so small that if someone was coming hurtling at you the other way, you'd have to turn back to be ran over. And even if someone did manage to get to the top of the belfries, you had to walk across one of two enclosed bridge-like corridors - security on the other side, where negotiations would be held, would be able to shoot and kill within seconds if necessary.
Adding to the security of the Basilica was the fact it was the tallest building in Haven. The cavernous, circular room, built at the same height as the tops of the two towers containing the famous Bells of Haven, rung only when the Patriarch of the Church of Sanctaria dies, with one peel for each month of service, jutted up from the center of the church. The views over the city and beyond would be unrivalled - if there were any windows. After a publicity stunt by a claimed magician-cum-daredevil in 1998 where he scaled the Basilica and broke into the room through a window, the Government and the Church agreed to fill them in with stone. No more views.
With access to the room historically only by the two bridges connected to the belfries at the front of the Basilica, no one in history has recorded whether the great stone tower-structure attaching the circular room itself to the Basilica below is hollow or not, or whether it contains secret staircases; no one has recorded, but Smyth knows. Smyth found out before negotiations were to begin. A report from some architects, mostly (to him) maths and gibberish, confirmed it wasn't hollow, but solid stone, the whole way through. This room was safe.
It also had antechambers, handily enough, so each delegation had the opportunity for quiet reflection. But now the biggest choice of Smyth's day was already before him - 5,000 stairs, or a 2 minute elevator ride. He went with the elevator.
He checked his watch. 7.10am. The dignitaries would be arrived at 8am for breakfast before negotiations were to begin at 9am. As the Bells of Haven only ring on the death of the Patriarch of the Church of Sanctaria, even those wouldn't be chiming today. Everything would be going well.
09:00
"Ladies and Gentlemen, pray be seated", Smyth said, ever so courteously. Breakfast had passed without incident, thankfully. The Junta, who thankfully arrived first and decided to eat their breakfast in their antechamber, sat to his right at the circular table. The Resistance sat to his left. Directly before him, across the table, sat the Aelurian delegation. Other countries, such as Laeral and Gonhog, also sent representatives; they sat at the same side as who they supported in the war. But there was something to resolve first.
"As we begin, it's important we determine the correct nomenclature. I've seen negotiations falter with the usage of a wrong pronoun, let alone an inaccurate description of the state of affairs. As we have all agreed when accepting the terms for the peace-talks, the decisions made here, on the final day, are binding. I would propose that, for ease of mediation, rulings of the Chair, i.e.myself, are also considered binding. Agreed? Agreed", Smyth said, without even giving those present the opportunity to disagree. He didn't have time for nonsense shows of superiority from either side - just yet. He know that time would come.
"As such, let's adopt the following system. There are, essentially, three distinct causes that everyone here, regardless of the country or faction they represent, have rallied around. One is easy enough, we'll call that the Independence camp. Aeluria and her allies shall be referred to in these discussions as such." He paused to give the impression he was open to an objection, though he would have turned it down regardless. None so far.
"More tricky, however, is the issue of terminology surrounding the other two main factions. One calls themselves The Resistance - they have also been called rebels and traitors by the other side. That same other side calls themselves the legitimate government of Lauchenoiria, and reject terms such as Junta. I note that side has also been called rebels and traitors." He smiled. His attempt at the joke didn't really cut the ice. He didn't care.
"However, I believe to make things easier for ourselves throughout this process, and to ensure no one side seems to be favoured over the others, I'm actually going to adopt the negative descriptions. Clarke's band of representatives, and the representatives of the countries allied to her side, will be called in these negotiations, the Junta. Moore's, on the other hand, will be referred to as the Rebels. Now. No one side is happy and we can move on - and that is final, I'm not having arguments on this. Each side will attempt to refer to the other pejoratively anyway, so to lessen the impact that will have, we're using them.
Now, we're moving on to the agenda. After my speech here, we will break until noon. When we return at noon, we will hear introductory statements of intent from each side. I'll go in alphabetical order, by camp name, for fairness. First up the Independence camp, then the Junta camp, and finally the Rebels camp. Each statement may last no longer than 30 minutes. And I will time. And I will cut across if you try to be ... combative. There's time enough for that.
We will break after the introductory sessions for lunch. We return at 1500 hours. We're going to start with the topic of Aelurian independence. We're going to end today at 1800 hours." He looked around ensuring to stare at the leader of each camp in the eyes directly for a number of seconds.
"Tomorrow we meet at 1100 hours and we will spend the day discussing a resolution to the war. Tomorrow we will end at 2100 hours. Friday we meet at 1100 hours and spend the day discussion a resolution to the war. We will end that day at 2100 hours - and in the event anyone is religious, sundown Friday is anticipated to be 21:47. We will break for the weekend because (a) it's Sabbath for some people, and (b) we'll need a break." He paused to take a drink of water.
"Monday we will meet at 1100 hours and spend the day discussing Aelurian independence. We end at 2100 hours. Tuesday we meet at 0900 hours and we will spend until 1400 hours ironing out an agreement that will both end the war and resolve the Aelurian question. At 1800 hours we're going to get the press in here and you're going to sign an agreement." There were murmurs.
"And if none of you agree with that agenda, or if there is no agreement, here is what is going to happen: Sanctaria is going to take custodianship of Lauchenoiria and all her present possessions - including Aeluria. Our navy is going to blockade the waters, and our airforce will contain the airspace. We will pass laws for Lauchenoiria and her possessions. We will call in our debts from those involved countries who owe us substantial amounts. Sanctaria's constitution forbids us from invading a nation. But our Supreme Court has upheld it allows us to undergo peacekeeping duties. And there's not one judge on that court who would say what we would be doing in such a situation isn't peacekeeping."
Again he looked around.
"This is not a threat, honoured delegates. This is an incentive. You do not want these peace talks to fail. We don't want such an event to come to pass. But it is our duty to protect this region. And with that, we're done until noon. Ambassadors", he ended with a curt nod. And left the room, flanked by security.
12:00
"The chair recognises the leader of the Independence delegation to set out their stall. Following the Independence delegation, we will hear from the Junta, and then the Rebels. Max 30 minutes. Keep insults and combativeness to an absolute minimum."
15:00
Smyth took his seat. "Welcome back everyone, I hope we all enjoyed our lunch." Silence. "Good, I'll take that as a yes." He glanced at his papers, and shuffled some things around.
"Now, the issue of Aelurian independence. We're going to discuss for 3 hours today, and pick it up again after the weekend on Monday. I'll be making notes. I appreciate that the delegation from Aeluria set out their stall in the introductory statements, but I'll be asking them to do it again right now. 15 minutes. Then the Junta's response. 15 minutes. Then the Rebels response - to the Independence camp, not to the Junta", he shot quickly, "again, 15 minutes."
"Then comes the fun part - a free for all. We'll try and speak one at a time, please, but I'm going to be very clear to the Rebels and the Junta here - simply shutting down Aelurian independence is not a part of this peace negotiations. This isn't going to be 2 against 1 here. One side clearly wants it. There will have to be compromise. And that goes for all aspects of your week here".
He looked at the Aelurian delegation. "Ok. What do you want? How will it be achieved? What are the pros and cons - for everyone around the table, not just you. Speak."
Just like clockwork, former Secretary General of the Council of IDU States, Robert Smyth, strode up the imposing and ancient stone steps of the Basilica of the Lord, the oldest Church in Sanctaria. A former theocratic empire, Smyth knew the choice of location would be controversial for some of the ardent anti-religious attendees, but it was an important place. Located high in the Basilica, in a room only accessible by a small elevator (or by climbing 5000 wooden steps up through the belfries) was a large, ornately decorated room. For many centuries it was the winter throne room for the Patriarch of Sanctaria, with his throne directly above the altar located in the main church far, far below; since independence, however, it has become a staple in Sanctarian diplomacy. No fewer than four different peace negotiations have been held here - plus one election party.
But most importantly, it was secure. There were not many entrances and, bar the elevator, you'd have to be fit to get to the top. Entrance and exit to the two belfries plus the elevators could be easily secures. And even if someone managed to get up the 5,000 steep wooden steps, even the fittest would have to take a break before trying anything further physical. And that's not even mentioning the width of the steps were so small that if someone was coming hurtling at you the other way, you'd have to turn back to be ran over. And even if someone did manage to get to the top of the belfries, you had to walk across one of two enclosed bridge-like corridors - security on the other side, where negotiations would be held, would be able to shoot and kill within seconds if necessary.
Adding to the security of the Basilica was the fact it was the tallest building in Haven. The cavernous, circular room, built at the same height as the tops of the two towers containing the famous Bells of Haven, rung only when the Patriarch of the Church of Sanctaria dies, with one peel for each month of service, jutted up from the center of the church. The views over the city and beyond would be unrivalled - if there were any windows. After a publicity stunt by a claimed magician-cum-daredevil in 1998 where he scaled the Basilica and broke into the room through a window, the Government and the Church agreed to fill them in with stone. No more views.
With access to the room historically only by the two bridges connected to the belfries at the front of the Basilica, no one in history has recorded whether the great stone tower-structure attaching the circular room itself to the Basilica below is hollow or not, or whether it contains secret staircases; no one has recorded, but Smyth knows. Smyth found out before negotiations were to begin. A report from some architects, mostly (to him) maths and gibberish, confirmed it wasn't hollow, but solid stone, the whole way through. This room was safe.
It also had antechambers, handily enough, so each delegation had the opportunity for quiet reflection. But now the biggest choice of Smyth's day was already before him - 5,000 stairs, or a 2 minute elevator ride. He went with the elevator.
He checked his watch. 7.10am. The dignitaries would be arrived at 8am for breakfast before negotiations were to begin at 9am. As the Bells of Haven only ring on the death of the Patriarch of the Church of Sanctaria, even those wouldn't be chiming today. Everything would be going well.
09:00
"Ladies and Gentlemen, pray be seated", Smyth said, ever so courteously. Breakfast had passed without incident, thankfully. The Junta, who thankfully arrived first and decided to eat their breakfast in their antechamber, sat to his right at the circular table. The Resistance sat to his left. Directly before him, across the table, sat the Aelurian delegation. Other countries, such as Laeral and Gonhog, also sent representatives; they sat at the same side as who they supported in the war. But there was something to resolve first.
"As we begin, it's important we determine the correct nomenclature. I've seen negotiations falter with the usage of a wrong pronoun, let alone an inaccurate description of the state of affairs. As we have all agreed when accepting the terms for the peace-talks, the decisions made here, on the final day, are binding. I would propose that, for ease of mediation, rulings of the Chair, i.e.myself, are also considered binding. Agreed? Agreed", Smyth said, without even giving those present the opportunity to disagree. He didn't have time for nonsense shows of superiority from either side - just yet. He know that time would come.
"As such, let's adopt the following system. There are, essentially, three distinct causes that everyone here, regardless of the country or faction they represent, have rallied around. One is easy enough, we'll call that the Independence camp. Aeluria and her allies shall be referred to in these discussions as such." He paused to give the impression he was open to an objection, though he would have turned it down regardless. None so far.
"More tricky, however, is the issue of terminology surrounding the other two main factions. One calls themselves The Resistance - they have also been called rebels and traitors by the other side. That same other side calls themselves the legitimate government of Lauchenoiria, and reject terms such as Junta. I note that side has also been called rebels and traitors." He smiled. His attempt at the joke didn't really cut the ice. He didn't care.
"However, I believe to make things easier for ourselves throughout this process, and to ensure no one side seems to be favoured over the others, I'm actually going to adopt the negative descriptions. Clarke's band of representatives, and the representatives of the countries allied to her side, will be called in these negotiations, the Junta. Moore's, on the other hand, will be referred to as the Rebels. Now. No one side is happy and we can move on - and that is final, I'm not having arguments on this. Each side will attempt to refer to the other pejoratively anyway, so to lessen the impact that will have, we're using them.
Now, we're moving on to the agenda. After my speech here, we will break until noon. When we return at noon, we will hear introductory statements of intent from each side. I'll go in alphabetical order, by camp name, for fairness. First up the Independence camp, then the Junta camp, and finally the Rebels camp. Each statement may last no longer than 30 minutes. And I will time. And I will cut across if you try to be ... combative. There's time enough for that.
We will break after the introductory sessions for lunch. We return at 1500 hours. We're going to start with the topic of Aelurian independence. We're going to end today at 1800 hours." He looked around ensuring to stare at the leader of each camp in the eyes directly for a number of seconds.
"Tomorrow we meet at 1100 hours and we will spend the day discussing a resolution to the war. Tomorrow we will end at 2100 hours. Friday we meet at 1100 hours and spend the day discussion a resolution to the war. We will end that day at 2100 hours - and in the event anyone is religious, sundown Friday is anticipated to be 21:47. We will break for the weekend because (a) it's Sabbath for some people, and (b) we'll need a break." He paused to take a drink of water.
"Monday we will meet at 1100 hours and spend the day discussing Aelurian independence. We end at 2100 hours. Tuesday we meet at 0900 hours and we will spend until 1400 hours ironing out an agreement that will both end the war and resolve the Aelurian question. At 1800 hours we're going to get the press in here and you're going to sign an agreement." There were murmurs.
"And if none of you agree with that agenda, or if there is no agreement, here is what is going to happen: Sanctaria is going to take custodianship of Lauchenoiria and all her present possessions - including Aeluria. Our navy is going to blockade the waters, and our airforce will contain the airspace. We will pass laws for Lauchenoiria and her possessions. We will call in our debts from those involved countries who owe us substantial amounts. Sanctaria's constitution forbids us from invading a nation. But our Supreme Court has upheld it allows us to undergo peacekeeping duties. And there's not one judge on that court who would say what we would be doing in such a situation isn't peacekeeping."
Again he looked around.
"This is not a threat, honoured delegates. This is an incentive. You do not want these peace talks to fail. We don't want such an event to come to pass. But it is our duty to protect this region. And with that, we're done until noon. Ambassadors", he ended with a curt nod. And left the room, flanked by security.
12:00
"The chair recognises the leader of the Independence delegation to set out their stall. Following the Independence delegation, we will hear from the Junta, and then the Rebels. Max 30 minutes. Keep insults and combativeness to an absolute minimum."
15:00
Smyth took his seat. "Welcome back everyone, I hope we all enjoyed our lunch." Silence. "Good, I'll take that as a yes." He glanced at his papers, and shuffled some things around.
"Now, the issue of Aelurian independence. We're going to discuss for 3 hours today, and pick it up again after the weekend on Monday. I'll be making notes. I appreciate that the delegation from Aeluria set out their stall in the introductory statements, but I'll be asking them to do it again right now. 15 minutes. Then the Junta's response. 15 minutes. Then the Rebels response - to the Independence camp, not to the Junta", he shot quickly, "again, 15 minutes."
"Then comes the fun part - a free for all. We'll try and speak one at a time, please, but I'm going to be very clear to the Rebels and the Junta here - simply shutting down Aelurian independence is not a part of this peace negotiations. This isn't going to be 2 against 1 here. One side clearly wants it. There will have to be compromise. And that goes for all aspects of your week here".
He looked at the Aelurian delegation. "Ok. What do you want? How will it be achieved? What are the pros and cons - for everyone around the table, not just you. Speak."