Private Office in Casa Spartica. Paddyton, capital of Samonina
After navigating the maze of baroque corridors the Tachbian Ambassador arrived at the meeting room. After being welcomed and usurer in by a secretary he approached the desk and offered his hand to the Sammonian official in front of him. "Mr Helmas, Tachbian Embassy. your expecting me?"
The room is spacious and well lit, and the large windows are south facing, looking out over a grand courtyard with water features and fruit trees. Government officials are in the grounds, enjoying the lunchtime sunshine, but the business taking place in the Presidents office on the first floor would not wait for such trifles as lunch.
The meeting was private. There was to be no note taker present here, all notes taken either by the Tachbian or Samoninian official.
'Of course, of course.' The Samoninian official took the proffered hand and shook it warmly. She indicated to a comfortably designed and carefully positioned armchair on the other side of the desk.
The day was warm. Too warm for official beverages such as tea and coffee. A large pitcher of punch, ice cold and made using the finest fruits, stood on the table, two glasses already poured.
'Can I interest you....?' offered the Samoninian official, indicating the punch.
The Tahcbian rested his papers on the edge of the desk. "Thank you. I would be most grateful. Fine City you have here."
'Thank you. Yes, I trust you will take the time to enjoy it before you depart from Samonina?'
"I will, I only just arrived a few days ago due to the council opening." His gaze shifted round the room at the intricately decorated room. The antiquated décor and wood panelling reminded him of the old pre-unification buildings of Tachbe with the gold leaf frames around classical portraits handing in the towering walls surrounding them.
'Now. Down to business.'
"Of course. My government wishes to get some common ground between our nations before the upcoming council meeting on the situation in the south cove states. We believe both nations should face action by the council. Firstly of course Nojkia and the espionage and terrorism charges. I trust you have received the evidence presented by NA linking Nojika to the attacks, and there's no doubt of the espionage now."
'Yes of course. I was hoping that could be achieved.'
'To be fair, I don?t really see how the council could disagree with what we are proposing. Of course, they are entitled to and have every right to if they see fit, but really this is the best course of action.'
"As for the espionage charges, that is an affair between the states and there's no doubting that Nojika has done us a favour in revealing the Lucifer project. The terrorism however is far serious, my government believes they should face economic sanctions. The NTFTA should but embargos on all items to and from their country and encourage other nations to do the same. Also an international team should be permanently stationed in the country."
'Unless, of course, we can prove involvement in the attacks by citizens of other nations in the region. It may well not be a Nojikian Government ordered attack, rather a separatist group acting of their own accord. This is a matter for investigation further.'
"We have had some reports that there was help inside the NA government, a separatist group. But nothing to back such a claim up with. But there has been a link to the Nojikan government. Some form of international punishment upon the country for supporting terrorism would be needed unless some counter evidence is brought up fast."
'Yes. Agreed. Well let us give Nojika a grace period of a set number of days to provide us with a statement. Until such time, however, they should be considered responsible.'
Having said that, however, Nojika has had plenty opportunity to issue a statement. It is doing nothing in their defence to remain silent on this pressing issue.'
"Well the council should have a chance to question the Nojikan government to establish the facts. Perhaps we should leave it till then?"
Yes lets. We cannot act outside the will of the council, only establish our joint position. I do, however suggest, that the Nojikan government be informed it will be expected to issue an official statement and face questioning from the council.'
"On the subject of Novus Atlantica though, you've read the report on the project and my government is deeply concerned about the affect of these weapons. The countries record isn't perfect. They threatened invasion after catching a few spies, god knows how many civilians that government were willing to sacrifice, and with a weapon of such scale, it is far to dangers to be in the hands of a single government unobserved."
'Yes. In that respect, the espionage charges have resulted in something much more serious being uncovered. I propose that in the meantime, the Lucifer project be disabled. We may be able to benefit from it as a region at a later date.'
'In the meantime however, something must be done about Novus Atlantica. I suggest a full investigation into what the government was planning to use the Lucifer project for, and why it felt the need to keep it secret.'
"Though I agree with you on the latter investigation side. It is an offensive military weapon, the only morally right benefit we would get is forming a defence. Even with the best intentions the technology would be used for wrong doing. We should really get an all out ban on this technology from the council."
'Of course, you are right. It just seemed like a very well thought out project, with a lot of intelligence behind it. Really, it just seemed a shame to put it to waste. But that should not get in the way of peace.'
"My people have seen what that technology can do. We can put all this forward at the council meeting. We should be able to get people to back these proposals. We need to secure peace down there, hopefully we can arrange something during the meeting."
A warm glow was now lighting the room, replacing the brilliant sunshine from earlier in the day. The pitcher of punch was empty, the courtyard deserted.
'Well that's us all sorted then. I hope to see you around soon, and I hope this good feeling between our nations will extend for many long years. Can I interest you in dinner tonight, courtesy of our government?'
He retrieved his papers and stood up, straightening his shirt "I would be delighted to accept your gracious invitation.? He said with a slight bow."
The notes were securely locked away in a concealed desk drawer, and the officials left the room, now lit only by an orange glow from the horizon.' |
