:. Zircadian Council

[Vedran]

Vedran had only learned of this meeting recently, through his Minister of Alliance Affairs, and had known that the nearly pole-to-pole trip would take a while, even by plane. He had arranged for several refueling stops along the way and taken off across the globe. Since much of the Planet Bob was raging with the chaos of fire and metal, purple banners burning, and other things, Vedran had to plan his route carefully, trying not to invade the airspace of engaged nations. This would make the trip considerably longer.

Still, he had taken off from the last stop before Zircadia an hour ago and would be at the palace shortly. He'd only brought enough men to pilot the plane and only enough weapons to defend themselves if shot down (which was still quite a nice amount) since no threat was expected from Arctica's closest ally.

[Anu Drake]

Anu followed Stormsend inside the castle, and admonished himself for believing the tales he had heard of the ice palace. Stone, of course, white stone.

"A change of scenery is actually exactly what I was looking for. The war is a bit stressful. I needed a moment to catch my breath and regroup," Anu lied.

Stormsend raised an eyebrow as they sat down in a small but warm waiting room and he called one of the many servents over to bring them drinks.

"Ok, what really brings you to the bottom of the world", the host inquired.

With slight hesitation, Anu takes a large gulp from his drink, the spiced ale burning a path down his throat.

"I have an idea that may turn out to be very beneficial to us both," he started. Stormsend's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing the 'beneficial to us both' could easily mean something different to him than his new guest.

When it was obvious that no follow up inquiry would be made, Anu spoke softly "you see, our two alliances hold important positions in our part of the world and we have great things going for us. But we both have problems that could be helped by the other."

A nod from Stormsend allowed Anu to continue, "you are small in numbers, we are large. But individually, your members are more than three times the average strength of ours and have twice the experience in wartime. NATO has grown exponentially recently but it has only been in the last three weeks that we closed our immigration halls to nations younger than a month old. We need help training our new members."

"Additionally, we hear that you are having some difficulties with trade opportunities. We have a lot of opportunity in that area."

Stormsend nodded slightly, beginning to put it all together.

Anu continued, now slightly more confidently, "If your clan of experienced warriors would be willing to provide training and strategy to help out or new, smaller nations, we could provide inclusion into our exclusive trading circles."

Anu drew back the moment he said it. It was too early, too impatient, and he knew that he had not played his hand well. The urgency of the world events had caused him to be careless.

[Stormsend]

Stormsend and Anu were now walking along a great corridor, adorned with Zircadian and Oceanic flags, banners, and various arms collected by the Zircadian ruler over the course of his nation's history. His soldiers were all trained to use various armaments, for ceremonies and combat. The Zircadian soldier was a weapon his or herself, their training like the training of the Zerani warriors far to the north. Stormsend was once a part of House Zeran, until the day he left, vowing to raise his own nation to fight alongside the Thunderforge and the Zerani.

Stormsend was listening intently to Anu as he spoke. Anu seemed nervous. Stormsend laughed. "I had thought you a better salesman than that, my friend..." He clapped his hand on Anu's back. "Tell me more. Your ideas have piqued my interest."

[Alexei Solstian]

Moseying along, the bizarre apothecary stumbles upon Anu and the Mundokiir. Oddly enough, the hood that usually covers the head of the enigmatic doctor was down and replaced daintily by...a...

...

...is that a cat fez?

"Speaking of interest, hello there!" Alexei extended his gloved hand to Anu. "High Apothecary and Lord of Drea--err, Doomsd--VAHL-KEH-EYE-REE-EH." He always did have to spell it out for everybody on the first go. "Alexei Solstian. People sometimes call me Al or...what was that other one? Oh, yes, 'AHHHHHHHHH! NOT IN THE LARYNX!' Something to that effect -- I like the former. Want a cat fez?" With his other hand, he whips out two hats fashioned. "They're en vogue!"

This post has been edited by Alexei Solstian on Aug 9 2007, 10:59 AM

[Stormsend]

Stormsend shook his head as he looked from Anu to Alexei. "Anu, meet Lord Alexei Solstian, another of my alliance mates." He gave a warning glance to Alexei, as he introduced Anu. "This is Anu Drake, a high-ranking member of NATO, another Aquatic alliance."

He looked at the cat fez with a worried look. "My, Alexei... Please tell me that's artificial fur..." He already knew the answer, of course, but he had his hopes...

[Anu Drake]

Anu sniffled slightly and politely smiled at the, er, interesting hat he now held in his hand.

"I thank you sir, I'm sure this will be all the rage at my son's academy. I, unfortunately, . . . have a strong allergy to feline hair". Anu handed the hat to a closeby aid, who appeared and disappeared smoothly and silently.

Anu turned back to Stormsend and spoke "Forgive my nervousness, my friend. The world continues to become more and more dangerous and we are getting to the point that our newest members need help that we do not have the time to provide."

A smile crossed his face, "My sales pitch was severely interrupted by the stomach lurches I've continued to feel since that wonderful descent. I wish that I could stay for a while to get to know all of you, but unfortunately my visit will be short today."

Anu gazed again at Alexei, wondering what concoctions the notorious apothecary could produce to help his flight back to his home country.

Anu turned to address Stormsend directly. "Before I leave, I want to make sure you received this." He took out of his breastpocket a small black stone box, with an elegant A engraved on the top. He opened it to reveal a tiny medallion, which held a button in the center. He handed it to Stormsend.

"A direct line communicator to my inner circle. Use it whenever you need to. But remember that everyone can hear it that has one, so please just ask for me to contact you, especially since . . . they . . . are not all accounted for". Anu grimaced slightly.

"Change is thick in the wind and we want to stay ahead of it. Consider what I have offered. Of course during this time we also offer full protectorate status or a mutual defense partnership, if it would help to sweeten the deal. We wish to become as skilled in the arts of war as you are, with your guidance."

[Stormsend]

Stormsend nodded "I see." He took the box and placed it in his breast pocket. "I thank you for this, my friend." He smiled. "If you send me a written proposal, I will give it to the other leaders to take a look. Given the current state of the world, a little extra firepower couldn't hurt."

He sent away his guards. "I will speak with my colleagues, the Thurokiir and Almokiir. With any luck, this could start immediately..." He looked thoughtful for a moment. "While the defense pact and, I believe, the protectorate status are something I can not do, I can honestly pledge to you now, as I have before, that, given the proper circumstances, we will come to your aid immediately..." He frowned for a moment. "...However, that seems like it's not enough, considering your past kindness to us..."

[Anu Drake]

Anu nodded solemnly. He had not expected a protectorate agreement to be of much interest to Stormsend. It would be out of character. But he was encouraged by the interest in the program.

"I'll have my staff write it up and have it sent shortly."

The phone in his jacket sprang to life and Anu removed it with a start. "Yes," he said calmly. "Fine, . . . Ok . . . Not yet."

Anu put away his phone and again shook Stormsend's hand.

"Good news?", Stormsend said.

"Not sure. Maybe," Anu said with a smile. "I must be off, my apologies for the short visit, I wish all the best for your meeting."

Stormsend nodded as they shook hands again, and Anu disappeared up the hall, 3 advisors now in tow.

[Stormsend]

Stormsend crossed his arms in curiosity, watching the party walk off. It seems he wasn't the only one who felt some bad mojo coming. Turning to Alexei, he placed a hand on his shoulder. "I don't suppose you have much in the way of a headache remedy that isn't hallucinogenic or made of human flesh, do you?" This day was wearing on him.

"Something tells me the fun is about to start..." He called over a local advisor. "Monitor every bit of news that you catch. I want detailed reports on every sudden change." The advisor, looking confused, nodded and set off for the underground chambers where the heads of the government monitored such things.

[Mon]

Mon was still at the Zircadian Council Room. He was on a phone, and talking very quickly. Mon, who usually monitored all the global news of Planet Bob and alerted Oceana to anything dangerous, looked very concerned, and this, it itself, was unusual. The laid back expression was gone, in it's place was a young man who was very, very worried.

"Really? Aw son of a.... Right, well, I'll make sure the others know, thank you, keep this line open in case of any new developments, I want every report you can find before it hits the airwaves, got it!?" He sighed, closing the phone, he stood up and walked over to where the Mundokiir had been discussing things with Lord Anu. "Stormsend, I have bad news and worse news. And a lot of it."

This post has been edited by Mon on Aug 11 2007, 11:35 AM

[Stormsend]

Stormsend was still thinking to himself about Anu's words when Mon approached him. Upon hearing the tone of Mon's voice, something in him changed. The look on his face grew darker and there was a completely different air about him. He turned to face Mon.

"Status update," he spoke quickly. He was in a different mode now. It was time for serious business, or "srs bsns" as his three-year old son would write in letters to his dad when he was busy. Stormsend simply labelled this "Mundokiir" mode, reflecting that he was now strictly political.

[Mon]

Mon looked at the Mundokiir, and nodded. "Well, I'm sure you remember Lord Ivan, well, he's become the leader of Pacifica, a cease-fire has been ordered on the Legion, and a new alliance, comprised from most of the allianced that formed the World Unity Treaty, have renamed themselves 'The Unjust Path.' The alliance know as 'GOONS' seem to be preparing with war with Pacifica. Lord Dilber has resigned control of his nation, and both the GOONS and the \m/ alliance have refused to release any more news from their alliance. All in all, I'd say, in my casual opinion, that the @#$% has hit the fan, big time. I can only assume this will lead to the World Unity Treaty collapsing in on itself with civil war." Mon looked very concerned, as his eyes shifted. "And... considering our position, I think it would be wise to keep everyone here until it's safe to return to our nations, as some of us have nations far away from here, and have no plans on being blown up in transit." Mon finished, looking worriedly at Stormsend. He had only seen this mode a few times, but then he spoke up again. "And... if I'm going to keep up with the news, I'm going to need access to some monitors, as well." He looked at Stormsend, worried, as he'd always been, that this was going to end up with the world in ruins....

[Alexei Solstian]

Alexei seems elated at the offering having been taken by Anu Drake and even more that the Mundokiir would even want any sort of concoction from the variety stashed beneath the miles upon miles of robes that Alexei wears. However, the apothecary continues to say much of nothing. He, of course, respectfully bows as Anu departs and follows Storm to where Mon is stationed. Alexei does not seem at all affected by the goings-on -- at least on the exterior. Instead, his left arm is busy scurrying on the interior of his endless robes.

As the two compatriots of Oceana proceed to be serious and what-have-you, Alexei adds a touch of relief to the scene. Yanking out and putting back various bizarre objects, Alexei's reactions adjust to each:

1.) A bramble of shrunken orangutan hands.
2.) A quill pen with an ostrich feather and a dried cobra venom tip.
3.) A muskrat?
4.) Two rat tails.
5.) A photo of Phil Collins. "Indeed, my robes are a land of confusion." Alexei muses to himself.
6.) A vial of purple residue.

"Ah." He moseys beside the Mundokiir; not one to detract anyone's focus, he uncorks the miniature vial and dabs his finger. "Don't mind me, patient. Juuuuuust mind your work annnd..." Dab, dab, dab on any exposed area of the nape of the neck. Suspend the disbelief and presto! "Instant non-hallucinogenic headache relief! ...Though you might have a later urge for touching bricks in peculiar ways."

The apothecary shrugs before he himself assumes interest in the matters at hand.

[AaronBleich]

Anu had been asking AaronBleich for a long time now to begin changing his primary function of Battalion Commander of a NATO army to a diplomat. He cited many reasons to make the move, quoted great historic leaders, and even promised great fame. AaronBleich didn’t want fame, but what he did seek was a way to keep his armies protected.
So he boarded his F-22 and decided to make the trip to see Stromsend with a proposal in hand.
He was nervous… not because he doubted his abilities, but because world events seem to be conspiring against him from all areas. AaronBleich knew the first maxim of war, be prepared. He also knew his young soldiers were not! Finally he knew that Stormsend and his advisors would be cautious during these troubled times. It is what he would say to them if he were in their position.
Well no more waiting, “let’s call the tower and ask for clearance to land and see what will develop,” he mumbled to himself.
He trusted his skills as a human more than as a diplomat, and was hoping they would accept him as one.
Here goes everything… he thought. “AaronBleich of the NATO alliance to Tower.”
The tower responded quickly which impressed AaronBleich
“Request permission to land and meet with the great Stormsend and his council of advisors.”

[Stormsend]

Stormsend patted Mon on the shoulder. "Bah! This is child's play. Don't worry about these events. They are far away and, frankly, won't concern us until friends ask for help. We have been and always will be neutral on these types of things." Stormsend foresaw the next words Mon was about to speak and cut him off. "Yes, I know that independence won't do us well in the big political limelight, but we aren't big enough for the light to hit us, so never you mind..."

---

The tower of the Zircadian Palace radioed back to the NATO ship. "Permission granted. The Mundokiir will be out to greet you shortly."

[AaronBleich]

AaronBleich expected the runway to be slick, but he was surprised to see that the surface was immaculate. As good as his runways at home where he took pride in making sure his army had them swept and cleaned daily. Flying was AaronBleich's life, he loved it, and he respected anyone who took the time to make sure their runways kept clean and better than just usable.
He pulled the hatch back and felt that burst of Cold Air that Anu had warned him about. And though he was not in his traditional flight suit it was okay, because he was wearing his leather bomber jacket, the one with the cool NATO logo on the back and the fur collar.
He stood up and was glad to see they had brought out a ladder for him. He didn't really need it, but as they brought it he figured he would use it, besides it made grabbing the old saddlebags he used as a briefcase easier. They contained just a few documents, but in these times documents were precious cargo. Throwing the saddlebags over his shoulder he walked down the ladder, giving a smart salute to the ground crew. Without even asking they began re-fueling and clearing the wing.
"Nice crew." he mutter to himself. While doing so he noticed he was muttering a lot to himself recently. He would have to check that.
Looking at a young man standing off in the distance he began walking that way.
"Excuse me," he began "I am looking for Stormsend the Mundokiir. Could you possible point me in the right direction and I have an idea to run by him and his advisors."
The young man said, "The Mundokiir will be with you shortly this way please."
He gestured, and AaronBleich already was beginning to like these guys more and more.
"Lead the way." He said.

[Stormsend]

The young man with the spear carried over his back led the way to the Zircadian Palace. Once inside, he led the guests through several hallways before opening a door to a library. Inside, the Mundokiir, Stormsend, who had excused himself earlier from Mon, was waiting. "NATO seems to hold great interest in us in that they would send to of their finest to my borders." He extended a hand in greeting.

"Welcome to Zircadia." He shook his guest's hand. "Would you like anything to drink?" He looked at the lad that had escorted the guest. "Mulled wine for me." He looked to his guest. "What will you have?"

[AaronBleich]

"Mulled wine it is."
Thanks for the compliment, but I'm hardly NATO's finest. I'm just NATO's resident poet warrior.
AaronBleich noticed the lad was already coming back into the room with the wine.
"Now that's service!" he exclaimed. AaronBleich took a nice long pull from one of the most ornate goblets he had ever seen. "Wonderful."
"Shall we get down to business? I hate to waste you time." AaronBleich didn't want to keep the man waiting.
"I have here a treaty. It is obviously open to negotiation, but after speaking with Anu I think that together we could benefit from it."
AaronBleich opened the saddlebag that was slung over his shoulder this whole time and pulled out a leather folder.
Opening it for Stormsend he hands it to him to read.
**********************************************************************************************
Bands of respect and need have developed to connect the great alliances of NATO and ION to one another.
These bands assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them.
Holding such truths as evidence of our mutual respect and admiration, NATO offers a plan of peace, trade, and tranquility to the great ION alliance.

Be it known that the nations of ION are great warriors and have assembled a stable alliance seeking fair trade, and mutual respect in the Aqua sphere.
Be it known that the nations of NATO are growing in numbers and have access to great resources.
Be it further known that ION can use such resources to build their nations and increase their ranks at the pace in which they see fit.
Be it further known that the young nations of NATO can benefit from the knowledge of war and the world of Bob that ION can provide.
Let these two alliances then form a union of trade of knowledge for trade of goods and let such a union help each group prosper.

Resolved, ION agrees to open a cadet training university in the NATO forums in order to promote, train, and instill the great warrior spirit that ION has to NATO members seeking knowledge in the art of war.
Resolved, in exchange for such a training center NATO will create a most favored nation status with the nations of ION and promote AND encourage trade with those nations.
Be it further resolved that the two alliances will maintain their separate identities but that this treaty will promote understanding between our alliances.
Also, as it is said, that the tree of liberty needs to be watered with the blood of patriots and traitors from time to time, the two great alliances will revisit this treaty every 30 days to make modifications when deemed necessary by both parties.

Finally let it be known that NATO has not now, nor does it plan to, show hostile intentions to ION, and hopes in the near future to come to a mutual agreement of this fact with the ION nations. However let it be known that NATO will come to ION's aid and defense if attacked by hostile governments, nations, or alliances.
*********************************************************************************************
AaronBleich saw Stormsend lift his head after reading it.
"I think if we opened a forum for you and yours to teach a 'class' we could get a lot out of it. Plus I will do everything in my power to make sure we get trades opened to you and yours. In fact I will be happy to leave my trades to create a 'trade circle' with your members personally. Such is my commitment to this idea."
He began to wonder if he overstepped... he was no diplomat, plan simple words were his taste. But if they didn't like the way he talked he figured there would be others who could be the smooth talker in the program.

[Stormsend]

Stormsend was handed his wine and sipped it for a moment. As he was handed the proposal, he thought to himself for a moment... Shakng his head, he read through the proposal.

Stormsend suddenly frowned. "Needs more gold trimming." His eyes lifted from the paper to look at Aaron, winking and smiling. "My friend, you are in luck. I am willing to bet that a large portion of my men would support this. And, I believe I can convince the other men in charge to agree to this." He smiled, thinking of the Thurokiir and the Almokiir, who usually seemed to be just one voice. Their nations had been quiet, recently, but word had arrived that the Thurokiir would be back in action soon.

Stormsend finished his wine and set the empty cup on the table next to him. He also set the proposal next to it. He smiled to his guest. "Come! Join us in a feast. And, see if you can't call Anu Drake back, as well, for tonight, we dine in honor of NATO!" The Mundokiir called for two guards to go and have the servants prepare a feast.

[AaronBleich]

AaronBleich smiled. This was going to be fun. He asked to be excused while he called Anu to see if he could make it to the feast.