Fwurg

[Nehket Aeka]

The minister had left the day-to-day oversight of the veolian embassy in the hands of her slave Serrah. Accompanying the minister were officials from the ministry, a few advisers and two personal servants. She made sure not to bring any of her slaves, as she did not want to stir up any undue conflict.

The trip of the Union's minister of foreign affairs was uneventful. During the free hours before the conference itself, Aeka had reviewed the schedule for the few days that she would be here, and had her servants coordinate the necessary things with the Remunzians.

Right now, Aeka waits in the reception area of the facilities made available by the Remunzians, her ceremonial armour polished to a gleam. She mentally recollected the habits and mindsets of the senators of the seceded worlds while waiting.

[Senator Salixa of the Silver Forests of Remunzia]

Senator Salixa was the one to retrieve the minister, leading her into the meeting room where Representative Anselim was already waiting. The senator took up position around the circular table, with chairs set at each third of the table.

[Representative Anselim of the Free Peoples of Wrarrbo]

The representative nodded politely to the Veolian woman.

"Good to see you again Minister. Let me express my thanks for the Unions willingness to resolve the matter of our separation peacefully. Neither side would benefit from a conflict, so let us attempt to resolve our dispute. What is the Union willing to offer to resolve this matter?"

[Nehket Aeka]

Aeka nodded politely to the representative.

"It is likewise good to see you again, representative."

"It is as you said, neither side would benefit from a conflict. In this light, I propose we find a solution that both our sides can agree upon. Preferably in a cooperative and constructive manner.

We are willing to offer unhindered passage and the use of the Bozzy Spine for civilian traffic through Union sector 13 -2. What is the Free Confederacy willing to offer?"

[Representative Anselim of the Free Peoples of Wrarrbo]

"We propose to make Sector 13 -2 a shared territory." the representative explained "It would belong to both factions, and would get its own leadership, consisting of a representative of the Union and a representative of the Free Confederacy. Remunzia would also get a representative as well, for a total of three votes, each of equal weight. We have faith Remunzia will fairly weigh both sides interests fairly to prevent conflict.

We will not ask for a position for Scir in this triumvirate, but expect the Union to drop their claim on Sector 13 -1 in return.

As a general guideline, we propose all traffic will be allowed to cross through sector 13 -2, but military traffic will be announced to the triumvirate before it enters the sector, except where mutually agreed upon, such as in the case of a common enemy. Thus, all anti-piracy patrols in the sector would involve knowledge on both sides.

How does the Union feel about this proposal?"

[Nehket Aeka]

The minister of foreign affairs took a long time to discuss the proposal with some of her aides. Finally, she was ready with a counter-proposal.

"We can agree on making it a shared territory, but we can not agree to your expectations that we drop our claim for 13 -1, or to your demand that all traffic be voted on by this council you propose.

We are willing to make Sector 13 -2 shared territory, with shared upkeep of the Bozzy Spine under the following conditions. All civilian traffic is allowed unhindered passage, military vessels and fleets are required to announce their entry of the sector, but are allowed passage as well. Furthermore, both the Union and the Free Confederacy will commit equal effort to anti-piracy patrols. We will also expect the Free Confederacy to drop their claim on Sector 13 -1, and we expect the Free Confederacy to stop use of the Union logo and emblem as their official colours.

I would surmise that the Free Confederacy is not of the best of economic health at this moment, as your worlds will most likely suffer under the increased difficulty of trade, and probably even a minor recession. Should you accept the treaty as we propose it, the Union is willing to offer the Free Confederacy 3500 to use as they see fit."

[Representative Anselim of the Free Peoples of Wrarrbo]

The representative nodded, pondering the proposal a moment.

"We are willing to handle Sector 13 -2 as you propose. We will also discuss dropping our claim to Sector 13 -1 and the Union logo and colours, but we believe an offer of 35.000 would be more balanced.

We are willing to discuss a longer period of time or a payment in raw materials to help make the payment possible for the Union." he countered.

[Nehket Aeka]

"It seems that we have reached an agreement on Sector 13 -2. This leaves us with the matter of Sector 13 -1, and the use of the Union Logo and colours."

"If you stop your use of the Union logo and colours, we are willing to accept a mutual claim on 13 -1.

As the sector only has relevance for either of us if there are natural resources to be found, we think it is fair that the faction willing to invest money in finding those resources is the one that should get them. So, we both factions are allowed to survey for minerals, and both factions are allowed to construct outposts. This would offer a good way for corporations and investors from both our factions to work together.

Should a world in that sector be of enough development and size to have reached hyperdrive level technology, we propose that they are given the choice to join the Free Confederacy, the Union or the remain independent. The sector would then be counted as Free Confederacy, Union or independent territory respectively."

[Representative Anselim of the Free Peoples of Wrarrbo]

"The Free Confederacy does not believe that your proposal would be in its best interest. No doubt such an arrangement would quickly start a race to convince a world in the sector to join the respective groups so as to claim the territory.

We would be willing to accept the Union changing its logo and colours combined with a payment of 25.000 . In return, we would give up our claim to Sector 13 -1."

[Nehket Aeka]

"Representative, your worlds wished to secede from the Union. This would also imply that you wish to distance yourself from our form of government, and consequently the protection this offers.

Since you decided to secede from the Union during war time, when the support of every member was necessary, some see your secession as a betrayal of the alliance we all signed when we joined the Union. But you seem to be sincere in your desire to continue on your own, and I can respect that as it is a display of strength of character. Unfortunately, your decision also comes with the consequence that you can no longer depend on the protection of the Union's colours and logo."


"We propose that the Free Confederacy decides on a new logo and accompanying colours to clearly show their determination to stand on their own. If you accompany this with a payment of 10.000 to the Union for lost potential income, the Union will give up her claim on Sector 13 -1. The Union is willing to accept a payment of only 200 per , which should be easily explainable to your fellow representatives."

"Alternatively, we can give up our claim on 13 -1 and you can continue the use of the logo and colours of the Union. In this case however, you will have to pay for the security our presence provides you with, to a sum of 1500 per . The Union will let the Free Confederacy govern their territory as they see fit, provided that you clarify a) the status of the Free Confederacy as a protectorate of the Union to other parties and b) allow our fleets, the fleets of our members and our supply lines usage of the hyperspace lane network in your territory if you call upon our fleets to defend you."

[Representative Anselim of the Free Peoples of Wrarrbo]

"The notion that the Free Confederacy would ever even contemplate the option of becoming a protectorate is both ludicrous and insulting. It is clear from this proposal that the Union is not very serious about these negotiations and believes both the negotiations themselves, and the Free Confederacy in general, to be a joke. Perhaps we need to show that we are serious?"

[Senator Salixa of the Silver Forests of Remunzia]

The Remunzian senator, seeing things going in the wrong direction, quickly interjected before the Minister could respond.

"I see we have been debating this for quite a while. Let us not let anger ruin all the progress we have made so far and instead take a short break, so we can come up with some new proposals that will be fair for all parties involved."

[Nehket Aeka]

Aeka was just going to reply pointedly to the representative's rather unimpressive threat when senator Salixa interjected.

"Very well. I agree that a short break might be beneficial."

If representative Anselim agreed as well, the mininster would get up, and leave the room to get a bit of fresh air.

[Senator Salixa of the Silver Forests of Remunzia]

With the minister and representative apart, the Senator of the Silver Forests of Remunzia moved to meet up with the other Union senator to discuss things. Standing outside and looking at the forest, she spoke.

"Minister, we have made some significant progress. An agreement on Sector 13 -2 is already a big step." she explained "Surely we all want to find a solution that is fair to all parties. How would you propose we get there?"

[Nehket Aeka]

Looking at the forest as well, Aeka remembers the view from her chambers on Mirda. She hasn't seen that view in a long time... Since she became senator for the Commonwealth she hasn't really had time for such things.

"I think the Union should be willing to give up 13 -1. The free confederacy will need some room to expand their industries if they wish to stand alone. And we are sure to enter into conflict with the later if they don't have at least a little room.

They will have to give up their claim on the Union logo and colours, and the Union will not pay them a single credit to do it. If they wish to stand alone, they will have to do so in earnest. I think that my last proposal with the 10.000 payment was a slight overestimation of the economic value of 13 -1, but I think that offer to be fair."

"What is your take on the situation, senator?"

[Senator Salixa of the Silver Forests of Remunzia]

"I am sure they are not intent on keeping any logo's... it is change they are willing to give up." she figured "The main issue is one of pride I think. This negotiation has a lot of political weight. If the representative can come out looking like he got a good deal, he stands a good chance of becoming the leader of their Confederacy."

She paused a moment, looking to see how the Senator responded.

[Nehket Aeka]

Nehket Aeka thought the situation over.

"How high would you estimate the economic value of 13 -1, senator? If we can agree between ourselves, we should be able to convince representative Anselim of the fairness of the offer."

Aeka looked pensive for a moment. She expected her veolian background to hinder her somewhat in such negotiations, but she couldn't make rhyme nor reason from Anselim's faked indignation.

"I do not understand it. They should be on the lookout for ways to prevent this from becoming an armed conflict, but instead, their representative is levelling empty threats at us. Surely, the Free Confederacy would understand that their untimely secession did not buy them any goodwill... If they would have waited until after the war, and helped out their fellow Union members first, this would be a very different negotiation."

She looked at salixa.

"You have known representative Anselim longer than I. Might there be something I am unaware of?"

[Senator Salixa of the Silver Forests of Remunzia]

"To be honest, I am not sure what the economic value of the sector is..." the Senator admitted a tad guilt-fully.

"I do not think though that there could have been any 'good' time for this... still it was a long time coming. Before, after or during the war, it was going to happen at some point. Honestly I am surprised it did not take place earlier."

she paused

"Perhaps your offer of protection insulted his personal pride... or that of their new nation. He seemed to take this up rather highly. Perhaps it would help to flatter the Free Confederacy on something, a quote he can use when presenting the treaty for ratification? If he can say for example 'the Union has stated they respect the Free Confederacy's military strength', or 'the Union representative expressed their admiration for the economic freedom in the Free Confederacy', it would go a long way..."

[Nehket Aeka]

"I do not hold their desire to secede against them, I only think that their timing was unfortunate. However, if they had stayed until the war was over, that would've shown that they do not wish the Union harm. Now, they effectively removed precious resources from the Union at the time she needed it most."

"Regardless, I think your suggestion of offering him a quote or two will go a long way. While you will not see me admit this in public, I do think that even single fleet is already enough military power to be respected. It would not be bad to suggest that their military strength is respected."

"Shall we continue with the meeting?"

[Senator Salixa of the Silver Forests of Remunzia]

"I shall speak to the representative and ask him to rejoin us."

Soon Representative Anselim entered the meeting room once more and everyone sat down again. The representative seemed to be waiting for the moment for the Veolian Senator to open.

[Nehket Aeka]

"Representative Anselim, thank you for agreeing to a short break."

"I wish to express my gratitude for the fact that we could so easily reach an agreement on 13 -2, and hope that we can continue our discussion in that frame of mind."

One of her aides handed her a datapad with some figures, after which Aeka continued.

"Given the Free Confederacy's military might, my proposal that it places itself under Union protection was misplaced. I am sure that the Free Confederacy will be capable of withstanding those wishing to force their will on your worlds."

"We propose that the Free Confederacy decides on a new logo and accompanying colours to clearly show their determination to stand on their own. We propose that you compensate the Union with 9.000 for lost potential income, as I am sure that the economic flexibility of the Free Confederacy will enable your worlds to make a sizable profit from 13 -1. If you agree to these terms, the Union will give up her claim on Sector 13 -1.

The Union is willing to accept a payment of only 200 per , which should be easily explainable to your fellow representatives. This will only be for a duration of 45 , and is an immediate increase of spendable when compared to the amount of taxes that were paid to the Union.

What do you think?"

[Representative Anselim of the Free Peoples of Wrarrbo]

The representatives mood was noticeably changed by the Senators recognition and new proposal. After thinking it over a few moments, he spoke.

"Perhaps I have been hasty in asking for large sums of money from the Union." he admitted "I cannot, however, go back with an arrangement by which the Free Confederacy pays money to the Union. This would be seen as a shameful failure."

He paused a moment.

"Let me instead offer this:

The Free Confederacy will change its logo and colours. For the cost associated with this change, the Union will pay a total sum of 1 ."

1 was probably a high estimation of the actual cost of the logo change, but it was probably a symbolic evaluation.

"That just leaves Sector 13 -1.

The Free Confederacy is willing to yield the territory to the Union. The Union in turn will agree to a fully open border in Sector 13 -2, allowing our member worlds to sell their goods to the Union, and to use the Bozzy Spine outside of our territories to deliver those goods without any import tariffs.

This agreement probably will not sit well with our government officials, but it will be very popular with our corporate executives as it will give them some competitive advantage.

Do you believe this is reasonable, Senator?"

((OOC: Notice: the offer of open borders is one sided - it allows them to sell goods without tariffs, but the reverse does not hold true, allowing the Free Confederacy to protect its own corporations. This notification was sponsored by the community against the semblance of OOC sneakery.))

[Nehket Aeka]

"The members of the Free Confederacy decided to leave the Union, and though I regret the timing, I respect that decision. Because of this I can not, on principle, support any proposal wherein the Union pays the Free Confederacy to change its logo and colours. It was your decision to leave the Union, and yours alone. You can not expect the members of the Union to accept that we should reimburse you for costs you yourself decided to incur."

"As to your proposal, I disagree with you. I understand that the free market is one of the basic pillars on which the Free Confederacy is built. We can not fully open our borders to allow a true free market if you do not do the same, asymmetric market regulation is contrary to the notion of a free market. Next to that the senate won't ratify an agreement where the members of the Free Confederacy get free use of the Bozzy Spine without any compensation."

Because of this, I propose a counter-offer:

The Free Confederacy will change its logo and colours.

The Union yields Sector 13 -1 to the Free Confederacy. The Free Confederacy, in turn, will agree to a controlled border in Sector 13 -2, allowing both our member worlds to sell their goods to member worlds of the other, with a tariff of at most 0.75 per good. Furthermore, we both agree on setting the tariff at 0.0 for the first 52 ."

"If we both see profit in keeping the tariff at 0.0 , a true free market will emerge. It will be up to the free market to determine whether offering free access to the Bozzy Spine is profitable. If it is no longer profitable, this will allow both our governments to protect their own market, should they feel the need to do so."

((OOC: I already had the 'I am missing something important' feeling when I was reading the post, thanks for the notice ^_^))

[Representative Anselim of the Free Peoples of Wrarrbo]

The Representative pondered the new proposal carefully.

"Your arguments hold merit. I agree to your proposal.

I suspect you will need to ratify this agreement with the Senate. Likewise I shall have to ratify it with the members of the Free Confederacy. I do not expect any difficulty with this however."

A deal had been struck. Ironically of the three politicians, Senator Salixa seemed to be the most relieved.