Troyes Affair

[Achkaerin]

The small contingent of Achkaerinese vessels, nine in all, eight combatant and one support, was making its way into the southern Dauntel. Led by the INS Intrepid, a Seònaid Class carrier and escorted by a pair of Amaterasu destroyers, specifically the Amaterasu and the Sharingan, two Kryptonite Class frigates the Kryptonite and the Defiant along with the INS Fawn Azurewind and the INS Flightmare for further protection while below the waves the INS Normandy kept watch. The groups support vessel was the INS Asfaloth.

The small group was still days away from Troyes but there was a dark cloud hanging over the various crews, these ships were home to people who'd fought side by side with Seaforth on many occasions and here they were on their way to potentially execute action against Seaforth, it wasn't something that was being looked forward to eagerly or at all but they were professional soldiers, they knew their jobs and if called upon they were more than ready to do it. Aboard the Intrepid's bridge the officer in overall command Admiral Lucas Harper was looking over the 'chessboard' as they called it, in short it was a large interactive computer table at the back of the bridge each Achkaerinese military vessel had one, he was joined by his first officer Commander Carmen Webb.

"So we're on pace at the moment." Lucas said "And based on information received Seaforth intend to fortify their position, which may make this trickier than we'd like."
"Yep." Carmen said "The unknown is whether Seaforth are sending anything by sea, if they are then there are two routes they can take, one through the matilda's and the other around the horn of Ardia and through the Kyne. The second is a faster route."
"Well let's just hope we don't see Seaforthian's on the horizon." Lucas said, though a confrontation of some sort was inevitable if their orders were implemented the distinct hope in Valtheim was that the application of pressure would be enough it was likely wishful thinking but the mantra was as always hope for the best but prepare for the worst. The good news was that so far there was no indication of anyone else getting involved and if the proposed mediation that had been reported across media platforms yielded results then there was a chance that this could be over before shots being fired became an issue, and as far as Lucas was concerned that was a good thing, the less wildcards the better.
"Air support wise Lucy and Tommy are confident that we have what we need aboard to handle that side of this if it comes to it." Carmen said “but it’ll be tight.”
"Good." Lucas said "I don't want to be the meat in the sandwich. Let's get a CAP up now we're in the Dauntel, and for the love of Namis lets not turn the Shaw into a car park. The point of this, if we're ordered to do it is applying pressure on Seaforth not inconveniencing Marseilles and everyone else in the Shaw."

[KrisNord]

Walter McTomish had what many of the Cenneg believed was one of the prime postings in the diplomatic service. "Your Majesty" Walter greeted Andrew. "I'm hopeful that I can help you." He added once Andrew had finished. "While I know King Finley is keen on supporting you I think you're maybe being a little ambitious. Base and full Albion trading rights? You've the Nords in chaos, the Drenovians are very protectionist and its a big damn continent. Now if you say you'd consider an arrangement where TUNA members accepted goods in through Marseille. King Finley would I think support that approach and speak on your behalf, but why not us formulate some kind of TUNA-Seaforth deal much in the vein of the manner of which Esat Moreland had a deal with the CSU. In regard to support for the base we'll be able to provide aircraft for your supply runs, we'll willingly supply fuel and generators to keep the place going. Should you need it we'll also loan you pilots. We'll also make sure that our "Super-Eye" satellite keeps a view of the region to help you. We know you've already got a significant fleet from your.....former friends....heading that way. Add to that the Rokkenjiman girls social media pointing fingers at us and you then it seems we may need to do more than just look at TUNA. I'd like to invite you, once this has been sorted, to meet with King Finley to strengthen the Celtic Friendship treaty, it seems that you may be in need of more supportive partnerships moving forward. Now if I may I'd like to urge you to attend this East Moreland conference and I'd like to have, if you're willing of course, Prince Lennox attached to your nations delegation as an observer or something. Its our hope it will help you show Marseille that you've got support"

[Beatrice]

On The Matter Of Troyes
A Secured Communication from the Imperial Palace

Your Highness,

I wish to convey to you my apologies that I had to decline the proposal made to you by my Kōshaku, Evanthe Rhodes. I trust that her proposal was made in a spirit reflective of the history between the First Empire and the Kingdom and, while I wish there was more I could do, my hands are in a way tied on this matter. While I cannot ease your concerns regarding time and the transference of materials I have made clear to the ADSN that Rokkenjiman vessels have been ordered to return to our EEZ, and that the Imperial Rokkenjiman Armed Forces are to provide only logistical support to relevant parties moving forward. In addition, the First Empire will not provide any military assistance against the assets of the Kingdom of Seaforth unless, in an unlikely scenario, they should be ordered to attack Achkaerinese or Fusanese assets. Furthermore, Rokkenjima will not ignore any calls of distress should they originate from a Seaforthian source, and we will naturally lend assistance under such a scenario.

It has been made clear that I do not enjoy the position the First Empire has been forced into regarding this situation to our ADSN partners and that I will not be forced to regret any decisions moving forward. I apologize for the constraints I must act within, however I've done what I can to minimize Rokkenjiman actions hampering those of the Kingdom. While that's much less than either of us would desire please recognize I'm doing my best and please do forgive the theatre I had to play previously, as well as the difficulties Evanthe had to endure as well. I have attached contact details for <0, an asset of the Crown that operates outside the constraints of the established chain of command and answers solely to the Throne, who may offer intelligence and cyber assistance to the Kingdom if you should need to call upon it.

In friendship;


Empress of the First Empire of Rokkenjima
Princess of Littlebrook

[Aosta]

As the third day of the "Siege of Troyes" came to a start the word came that the first of the Seaforthian aircraft was preparing to touch down. There had been some hasty chat among the teams on the ground about what should be done, they had the capability of shooting it down, they could intercept it with Aostan or Marseille aircraft however that was not the choice made by those in the command situation. The aircraft touched down and Cantona and his fellow members of Real Marseille watched as around 120 new soldiers made their way out of the aircraft and onto the tarmac. The cargo area opened and equipment could be seen being off-loaded. Using a huge telephoto lens Lt. Mirko Russo of the Aostan military took photos and they could see what appeared to be crates, probably containing ammunition, they could see some marked up as MANPADS and what appeared to be lots of ration packs. It was very clear that the Seaforthians were planning for a long stay. With that in mind Cantona determined it was time for "Operation FOD".  There was no way that the aircraft could take off again. The base had at one point had many civilian contractors on the base, some cleaning the mess halls, some simply trimming the grass of the sports fields. It meant they had a superb knowledge of the ins and outs of the base and it was amazing what a fleet of hundreds of remote control cars could get you. Once the aircraft was clear operators began driving the improvised unmanned vehicles onto the base through gaps created in the fence days before. The gaps need only be little and the cars, little more than childs toys, weaved their way onto the base. Each had been given a much more effective engine and body work filled with either oil or hundreds of tiny little metal pellets. The Seaforthians didn't spot the cars until it was perhaps too late, the operators putting them almost centre line of the runway while the base was busying itself with preparing the aircraft for its return flight to Seaforth. A series of dull thuds signalled where those with the pellet laden vehicles had ignited the tiny explosive. It wouldn't have been even enough to cause harm to a human unless stood on top of it but what it did do was spread the metal across the runway. It was now a nuisance. The small strips would need to be cleared up before any aircraft flight could take place and now vehicles full of oil activated a small solinoid that opened a hole underneath them that began to leak oil. Even before the cars had finished their run down the length of the runway a member of Real Marseille with a white flag approached the guard post at the front of the base.

"I'm Ricard Evaci of Real Marseille, I am informing you that we will be taking continued action to render your airfield inoperable but wish to assure you that no harm is aimed towards any Seaforthian soldier or civilian on the base. Our intention is simply to stop you reinforcing by air. We have placed oil and metal spikes on your runway and we have more." With that Ricard returned to the barricade that had been erected on that road without even waiting for response.


"How long will it take?" Lt-Col McCaul asked as he received the report of what had transpired.

"Three hours I suspect to clean the runway. Longer if they have a 2nd wave." A Captain from the Engineers told him. They had already begun a perimeter sweep looking for holes that the cars could have got through, so far they'd found four and they'd set to work patching them up but there were likely many times that number. The whole issue had dented the turn around for the aircraft, they expected the first wave of families to be leaving in an hours time but now that was likely to be closer to four, assuming nothing else happened. He had to hand it to Cantona but the approach was rather akin to something Joshua would have done in the past. He'd need a back up plan, if the aircraft were going to be getting stopped he'd run out of food at some point and the families would be stuck here. McCaul didn't believe they were at risk but he knew that they would be on the mind of his men and at this point a bigger concern would be the fact they'd need to be fed and watered. He stood and had a walk to the kitchen just outside his office and began making a coffee, it seemed it'd be another long day. There was an initial gush of water then pressure dropped. At about that moment Sgt. Holloway, one of his staff appeared. "I take it you've found out about the water then." He sounded rather angry. "They've found a way to get the pressure right down, I suspect we'll be losing our supply soon." He shrugged.

"Have the on call guard unit get every jerry can, every camal pack, every spare waterbottle and start getting them filled up. If they're going to shut us off the grid lets get as much in storage as possible." His latest disaster seemingly underway he made his call to home to see what was happening in regard supporting them. "Where has the fleet got to?" He asked, there was a series of numbers given to him, longitutude and latitude and with his map spread before him he traced their meeting point. "The K of Krimeon" he said to himself as he stuck a small blob of blue tac on the spot where the fleet was by his calculations it would be a further week before they reached port assuming everything went to plan. He was sure they could hold that long if things continued in the manner they'd been the hope though was that perhaps these talks in Jargalant might yield something.



Andrew and the Cenneg ambassador agreed that an approach to TUNA would begin as soon as the Cenneg could arrange that. Until then though Andrew was pleased to have their help. "I hope you'll pass on our thanks to King Finley" he concluded assuring them he would give the talks in Jargalant a go. He wrote a simple but clear response to the invitation.

"A delegation will attend. We shall be ready in two days. We are hopeful of finding a compromise for all parties."


Sauzee read the brief reply, it was at least a start if not a little frank. "Let them know we'll be there too then I suppose the leader of Marseille shrugged.


Andrew returned his attention to letter from Asuna. It was of little help to him, what was needed was not back door shenanigans. What he needed was fuel and airfields, what he needed was to have to not start sailing around Rokkenjiman fleets but that wasn't seemingly about to happen. He did though give the Empress a short response

"Thank you for the offer. If <0 can arrange for Aosta to piss off that would be greatly appreciated. Likewise if he can arrange some refuelling we would be grateful." With access to the Cenneg satellite he couldn't think of much else he needed, it was after all the location of the Rokkenjiman fleet that he needed, along with the Achkaerin one.

[Achkaerin]

It was a decent day in Valtheim, it was sunny and cool, Serenity was enjoying the sunlight, relaxing in the shade of one of the many trees in the Palace gardens with Euphy laying next to her.
"I spy with my little eye something beginning with S." Euphy said
"Sun." Serenity said
"No." Euphy said
"Sky." Serenity said
"No." Euphy said
"Sycamore tree?" Serenity asked looking around
"No." Euphy said
"I give up." Serenity said
"Slightly distracted Empress." Euphy said
"But that's SDE." Serenity said with a playful pout
"Oh shush you and pay up." Euphy said before brushing Serenity's hair aside and giving her a kiss.

Quite how long the pair of them were there kissing neither of them knew but it was clearly long enough for Celine to have to come looking for Serenity so presumably something had happened.
"What now?" Serenity asked looking up at Celine as Euphy barely moved
"Thought you'd like to know Carla looked at yesterdays Real Marseilles statement and she reckons it's an Uppsala thing in spirit but..." Celine said
"But Article 8.11, is in the literal sense not breached to the point where it's a trap?" Serenity asked
"How'd you..." Celine said
"Literally worked in the JAG corps for years." Serenity said
"So what's the trap?" Euphy asked
"Article 8.11 is Civilians access to Health Care, Water, Law and Order and Sanitation must be ensured by occupying nations." Serenity said "Yesterday the Real Marseilles threatened in their public statement to cut off a fair bit of that from the base in Troyes. The Real Marseilles can easily be classed as a militia..."
"So Marseilles breached the convention?" Euphy asked
"Within the spirit if they do it yes." Serenity said "But it'd be worth it in this case, and you know why?"
"No." Euphy said
"How it ends. Occupying nation." Serenity said "If it has to be ensured by the occupying nation and you want to allege that Marseilles have breached it then that means ..."
"You're saying Marseilles is the occupying nation of Troyes which means you're saying that is sovereign Marseilles territory." Euphy said
"Exactly." Serenity said, she looked up at Celine "Has the MDI found the Seaforthian fleet yet?" though there hadn't been any public confirmation of such a fleet Serenity was more than willing to bet Seaforth had sent something.
"Not yet but it's either in the Krimeon or just around the Horn of Ardia." Celine said "We're closer."
"Well keep them looking. And move the Hope back into the Kyne." Serenity said she sighed "I need to call Emerson."
"Good luck." Celine said

As Celine walked away, Serenity dialled Emerson's number and soon had the Viceregent on the phone. "Straight question does he have the votes?" Serenity asked
"I'm finding out." Emerson said "At the moment my count says no."
"What's Asuna going to do?" Serenity asked
"I have no idea yet but I'm advising she veto the Act." Emerson said "She can either be the instrument that destroys Rokkenjima's credibility or she can let Sugano be responsible for that and I doubt that the architects of Rokkenjima's foreign policy over the last twenty years are going to let their legacy be shattered by the whim of one man and his party. I'm advising she call him and find out if he's bluffing."
"You know what happens if this passes Emerson." Serenity said "You know what I'll have to do."
"I know." Emerson said "Let's just hope it doesn't come to that."
"So do I." Serenity said "At worst stall it for about for 48 hours.", she hung up the phone and looked at Euphy "Now where were we?" she said


The Intrepid CSG was now proceeding through the Strait of Arovium the fleet would be in position in just about 48 hours time, the tension aboard the ships had ratcheted up a little with the comments coming out of Rokkenjima but no one was prepared to waver. Lucas and Carmen were once again at the 'chessboard' on the carriers bridge and were joined by Squadron Commander Lucy Sherwood the senior pilot aboard the carrier.
"You've got the hard job Lucy." Lucas said
"I know it but we'll get it done." Lucy said "Marseilles know we're coming right?"
"Yes." Lucas said "You don't do this sort of thing without telling them especially when you need their help to make elements of this work."
"So when we get there we put the block in and I get the screen up." Lucy said "That coincides with the formal notice."
"Exactly." Carmen said "A large amount of this rides on the negotiations but with Seaforth presently wanting the unreasonable, it's going to take a lot of negotiation. With a bit of luck we give Sauzee a little leverage when he walks into that room."

[Beatrice]

The Empress would soon  find herself in the Vicegerent's company and, placing a hand on his shoulder, sighed. "I might've made a few phone calls," the Empress continued with a grin, "but we've denied Sugano the votes he thought he had and secured our vision, not his. That," she paused, "might come with some consequences, we'll see just strong his full support for the Throne is when the Throne itself moves against his position. Still, it's a victory we should enjoy in my opinion."

Then came the matter of responding to Andrew which the Empress simply texted. "[She is not capable of either of those things, so they won't be on offer. I've on good authority that your cousin wouldn't be so fool hardy so I offer my full support to a graceful off-ramp for the Kingdom in this affair once again. You can do all you wish to keep things as they are, but as a friend I say, you will fail if you do so. I must ask what the Cenneg say, because if they recommend nothing short of what I'm offering you they're not your true friends, they're simply fools. Hear the voice of reason and act on what it says, please."

[Jargalant (FKA Eskdale)]

Day 4 - Seaforth Fleet in Krimeon Map

It had come as a little surprise to Khan Mönkhsaikhan II when he had been approached by the Morelander and Aland representatives to act as host. It did though seem as though if anything he was merely going to be a host, someone to provide a venue and hospitality. The Khan though hoped he would have a chance to speak with the delegates and mark his nations status on a global stage. The city of Otgon Sum was not exactly a luxury modern city that those attending may be used to. The vast majority of its buildings were crafted from wood and bricks and very few stood more than three floors high. At the centre of the city was a large vast stone square that was more commonly used for ceremonies were thousands of military clad horseman would parade for the Khan and his family. Today though two large military convoys waited to escort the various delegations to the Palace as Mönkhsaikhan and his eldest son Aimshiggüi waited for the delegates to arrive.

[DaveIronside]

King Andrew of Seaforth had arrived accompanied by Sir Jacob Longe of East Moreland. The aged Morelander was perhaps the diplomat that King David trusted the most and therefore had been selected to try and talk some sense into Andrew on their flight over aboard the backup version of Ironside One. Longe had tried to persuade the Seaforthian monarch that no good could come from holding onto the territory in Albion but Andrew had dug his heels in seeing it as something of a bargaining chip for something else. Jacob had tried a number of avenues, the idea of this turning into a regional war, something Andrew wasn't worried about believing as the behind the curtain talks had shown him that Rokkenjima was still a friend of sorts. Meanwhile the fact the Cenneg also were willing to have his back would mean between the three of them they could bring enough to bare that Marseille, Aosta and Abertone would have to think twice. Next Jacob had talked about the economic issues this could cause, but again Andrew had a counterarguement prepared. In the short term this was an expensive undertaken but so much had been spent on Troyes already that a little more couldn't hurt, additionally the potential to boost their economy with additional trade concessions and arrangements was worth it. There was also Seaforth's goobal standing. Andrew conceeded here that perhaps that was the case, but in recent years he'd been more focused on pulling Seaforth back from the chaos his own families misfortunes and tribulations had caused than actively pursuing things on a world stage. This therefore couldn't do much damage to things that in his mind didn't truly have much of a positive to start with. If anything Andrew had convinced himself, should he play this right, that this could actually boost Seaforth, especially with the people who potentially could be Seaforth's newest and strongest bonds, the Celts. Those people where the ones he hoped would see him as someone standing up for his people and once this was over he could take this success and use it as a way of bringing that community even further togetherness. In all Andrew knew he was facing some difficult moments in the talks but he was confident that Seaforth would come out the otherside, maybe a little fire damaged but nonethless ready for a better future. Andrew and Jacob greeted the Khan, Andrew presenting the Khan with a bottle of fine aged whiskey. "It's seen as wrong in the Celtic culture to come to a man's home and not bring him a gift." Andrew beamed, "I hope that perhaps we can maybe have a wee toddy together after success here."

Moments later, having been careful to travel separately was King David joined by his cousin Duchess Orlaith who also served as his Foreign Minister. While they had kind of co-sponsered these talks they were keen to see Seaforth not do anything too embarassing. In addition David recognised himself and the other CTOMM had to shoulder some of the responsibility for this situation and he knew he should have stopped his old friend Joshua even taking Troyes in the first place. That was water under the bridge now and all you could do was play the field set before you. To two Morelanders thanked  Mönkhsaikhan for agreeing to host and then went to find Andrew. It would be the Morelanders and the Alanders acting as kind of friendly neutral messangers between parties should anything go wrong in the main talks. David though was hopeful that would not be the case. The two monarchs caught up with each other, talked rugby and family while waiting for the delegation from Marseille, Aosta and Nya Aland.

[Aosta]

President Sauzee and Empress Serena had made a show of departing from Troyes. The two had arrived in the city in the dark of the night and spent some time with those keeping an eye on the base. From there they had travelled to the cities own airport where an Aostan military aircraft took the pair over to Jargalant. Serena was here more as a show of moral support, it would be the lady who meet them on the tarmac, Birgit Strand, who would be a kind of helpful voice to their negotiations. The trio arrived and were pointed towards where the Khan was waiting, they waited for the Seaforthian and Morelanders to find their way into the conference room before heading towards Mönkhsaikhan. "Thank you for taking the time to try and help us resolve this" Sauzee said giving the Khan a small but respectful bow. "If you don't mind could we explore the gardens or something until time to talk, I think it perhaps best not to begin giving each other the evil eye before we've even begun talking." All that was left to happen now was see if anyone else would turn up.

[Achkaerin]

What was that old saying? If at first you don't succeed try try again. It was a good principle, negotiation as a first step and always the preferable route save for a handful of situations. Having already attempted talking to Andrew it might have come as a surprise to some to see Serenity accompanied by her cousin Sakura turn up for the summit in Jargalant, but there was a very distinct difference between the two talks so to speak when she and Evanthe had spoken to Andrew neither of them had any authority to negotiate on behalf of Marseilles it had been more about attempting to persuade Andrew into a viable off ramp that resolved the issue, however that had gone out of the window with the unreasonable demands of the Seaforthian King. This time Sauzee was actually going to be at the table so this time rather than it being all about pointing things out to Andrew there was going to be a clear position from both sides. There was a practical reason for her presence as well, the Achkaerinese fleet was in the region of eighteen to twenty four hours out from Troyes which meant they were fairly close to being in position to execute the orders they'd been given to blockade Troyes and while that was a move designed to apply pressure on Seaforth, especially given Andrew's narrative in respect of the harbour and the success story, it was not the sort of move that could be made in a vacuum, there was no point in giving the go if things at the negotiating table looked promising, equally if things looked less than that or if this summit collapsed then her hand would probably be forced. Of course Achkaerin's continued support for Marseilles on this issue was unquestionable.

As the Achkaerinese pair approach Mönkhsaikhan, Serenity was putting her phone away it had been an interesting call, Achkaerinese assets operating in support of operations in Kalasin had spotted the Seaforthian fleet - not who she'd expected to spot the fleet and certainly not the route she'd expected the Seaforthian's to take considering that it was longer than the more direct route. The pair gave the Khan a respect nod before Serenity smiled "I think we should be apologising that your introduction to the international community is hosting a summit with such high stakes. That said when the matter we're all here for is resolved perhaps we can have a conversation ourselves at some point, my father always says 'go out and see what you can learn' I'd be interested to learn about your nation and people."

With the greeting done Serenity turned her eyes on the other people she could see obviously Sauzee and Andrew were the primary two so having both there was expected, King David naturally was a welcome presence as was Empress Serena, it was quite important to have the most vocal backer of Marseilles in the room - physical presence mattered in situations like this to show Andrew that Marseilles support was significant. Serenity was here primarily to show support for Sauzee and to keep her situational knowledge accurate so her decision making if they got to the critical point would be done in full knowledge of the facts as they stood. Lastly her eyes found Strand which brought a smile to her face it was very good to have such an accomplished diplomatic figure involved, certainly someone who would have no difficulty articulating their points.
"If David had brought Tim we'd be having a Secretary-General reunion right now." Sakura whispered

Walking over to David Serenity took a breath as they waited, three nations in the room Achkaerin, Seaforth and East Moreland had put troops on the ground in Marseilles as part of CTOMM, the roots of the issue lay in the chamber of a now defunct organisation that had rarely shown the ability to police its own. It should have been stopped at source, it should have been challenged and roundly condemned and it hadn't been - for the conspiracy theorists out there the fact that it had started during the tenure of one Evanthe Rhodes, but Serenity herself had taken office as Secretary General a month after Seaforth had established the 'protectorate' so while it may have started on Evanthe's watch it had continued on hers, to some extent that was down to Troyes becoming one of many incidents from that time that had not gotten the attention it was due because of how suffocating the Andean Genocide issue had become, essentially while ensuring Rokkenjima was held to account for its actions at the time they had failed to hold Seaforth to the same standard, to some extent understandable but it was a scar that had never healed. It wasn't lost on Serenity how easy it would have been to avoid getting to this point, Joshua should have been stood up to a long time ago on this.

"A Khan, a Duchess, two Kings, two Empresses, a President and three former Secretary-Generals walk into a Palace." Serenity said looking at David "Sounds like the start to an elaborate joke, I'd laugh but the subject at hand isn't a laughing matter. Let's just hope between everyone here we get a resolution that's more than a punchline."

[Jargalant (FKA Eskdale)]

The Khan was pleased with the chance to host so many significant diplomats from across Mundus. While he knew that he was not much more than a host he would make sure, at least symbolically, that Jaargalant were the ones to try and solve this crisis. He knew that several of the parties would no doubt have their plans and when he had agreed to host this he had expected someone like King David to try and give him some kind of speech or outline but that had not been the case, it therefore appeared he would be free to make his own introduction. The delegates were shown into a large wooden building in the middle of the Khan's complex. There in the centre of the hall was a giant circular tent The Khan's son, Aimshiggüi, held open the flap where a vast circle of seats around a round desk had been set up. Despite the ancient looking nature there were USB ports set up in the bench and ear pieces set up ready for translators. "Please make yourselves comfortable" the Prince said as he waited for the last of the group to take their seats.

The Khan took a deep breath as he stood ready to speak. "It was always my hope to one day host people from many nations here in the Khanante. Perhaps at my sons wedding, or on some great ceremonial date for us, maybe even a Mundus Games" he shrugged. "However it seems my hope has been realised in a rather unexpected way. I was not sure what to say when approached to host this conference. On first inspection the Khanate is a nation that has no real international ties, that has powerful standing on the world stage and lacks a record of diplomacy. That though is why we are the perfect ones to do this. We have no bias, good or bad, towards either side of this debate. We have no concept of how talks like this should go and more importantly we have zero skin in the game. What I do have though is a deep desire to see peace in the world. Now if we turn our attention towards the situation at hand. We have a city in Albion, governed by a nation in Aranye. Such arrangements are not unique. Abertone controls territory in multiple continents, as does Achkaerin. Empires are strewn across Mundus, some now much smaller than at their epoch, some mere dwarfs compared to their glorious past. Some Empires have found cohesion that has been built up over centuries, others are fragile. I believe such fragility is beginning to show its roots in Marseille." He turned almost apologetically towards King Andrew, "I'm sorry" he added, "The truth is that we face a situation where a single city will either be the future sight of warfare, of hardship, or could herald a brighter future. Marseille, Seaforth and Troyes sit at this crossroads and each will stake a claim and many of you here will lament failings of the past. The past though can and will be put right. We must create a roadway today that will see the people of Troyes at the forefront and that will ensure that all nations present leave as friends. Now if I can help in that regard then I shall. The floor is open." 

[DaveIronside]

King Andrew wasted very little time in standing. "Let me be clear to President Sauzee, I have no ill will towards him nor his nation. This for me is strictly business. After the conflict in Marseille Troyes was a city that has, and always will have, a special connection to the people of Seaforth. It was a city in neglect and Marseille couldn't even keep itself together, I mean Aquitaine also split away. For years the people there were more than satisfied to see the rebuilding and development work Seaforthians put into place. Troyes has prospered and become an important Albion trading port. Its become a city that the garrison there has considered not just a posting but a home. We've contributed to helping those people there become rich, become successful and secure. Now suddenly we're being asked to simply walk away, and we're seeing your countrymen in Real Marseille and your neighbours Aosta try and intimidate us into leaving. That is not going to work, infact my concern is that Real Marseille will go from being respected freedom fighters to common criminals. Their legacy is going to be tarnished and there is no need. Now I am not saying Troyes should remain part of Seaforth forever. We've seen territory being kind of rented for long periods, we've seen land exchanges, we've seen land grants such as those in Tamora previously. There are multiple paths before us beyond you and your supporters saying "Get out" and us simply walking away. The decision you need to make is how difficult do you want this to be, we can work together and find a mutually beneficial solution, or we can see some kind of siege continue and we become a kind of enemy until your Real Marseille make the inevitable mistake that sees a stand off become a shooting war. So in an ideal world this is what I would want, we keep Troyes as sovereign Seaforthian territory for the next 50 years, the base stays for a further 50 years as sovereign territory. We retain ownership of the port there forever in the form of a newly created limited company that we would give the local council in Troyes 20% of. In addition we want trade concessions from the Council of Albion and the Treaty of Unity for Nations in the Alucard. This gives everyone time to adjust and gives you eventually the vast majority of what you want, keeping us as good friends."

[Aosta]

President Sauzee was sure that the Seaforthians would try and hold onto the base. The fact that there appeared to be some wiggle room gave him hopes however the terms were not the ones that he imagined being that achievable. He waited a moment or two for Andrew to finish. "You're talking of being good friends once this is over. The longer you drag this on the less chance there is of that. You have held onto the city long beyond what the locals there want. When the people of Marseille wanted the Sorority gone we began to fight back and your people helped us, that means we'll have a bond between us but it doesn't mean we owe you a city. Now I'm hopeful we can find a way of getting you to walk away with no loss of life. I can not give you trade concessions. I am though willing to work with you towards the nations you'd require giving them you. Trade is good for everyone and we'd welcome that kind of arrangement. That trade though will be through a city under our control. What I will counter propose is that we allow your people leave unhindered. Any businesses or people with jobs in Troyes are automatically given either citizenship of Marseille or if they prefer right of residency for life. In addition I'll agree to a gradual withdrawal of military assets over the next 24 months. We would be willing to make the port a limited company and we'd give you 10% of it. That is the deal on the table."

[DaveIronside]

Andrew leaned back on his chair. "I'm afraid Mr.President that this isn't going to make me remove my people from Troyes. I though like you want to preserve the friendship between us yet you give us nothing but 10% of a port. We could always go Rokkenjiman and dismantle things before we leave if that were to happen. I want though to keep us around the table. As long as we're sat here hopefully cooler heads in Troyes keep control. So my counter-proposal is this. Troyes becomes a shared city. We retain the base, the port and have the right to come and go as we wish. In return the city gets a special status in Marseille where it is granted control over some aspects of its own, such as education, taxation, infrastructure etc. External defence is provided by Seaforth, local law enforcement is Marseille. We have a separate governing body for the city made up of 10 individuals elected by the people of Troyes, 5 native Marseille citizens and 5 Seaforthians, the mayor acts as like local leader and has the casting vote on matters. No trade barriers between Troyes and Seaforth and Troyes and Marseille. Meaning both our nations get to take advantage of free trade. Give us that and your agreement to support trade deals with TUNA and the Council of Albion and I think we can see a way forward."

OOC- Sorry everyone, I was moaning about Aosta not posting. Forgot it was me.

[Aosta]

Before Sauzee could speak Empress Serena gestured to him indicating that she would like to talk. "King Andrew lets be frank with the exception perhaps of a Rokkenjima willing to stand by a treaty obligation to you Seaforth is finding itself devoid of friends in this situation. You and East Moreland have a long friendship but knowing King David I do not think he'd be willing to put his military into combat to prop up your ownership of Troyes. Logistically you're facing trips of thousands of kilometers and having to slip by nations such as Abertone and ourselves before you even reach the combat zone. I'm not disrespecting the abilities of Seaforth's military but I'm confident that the Aosta-Abertone presence means they'd not make it close to Marseille. That being said I don't want to fight Seaforth, or anyone else. I'm urging you to come to some agreement that see's Troyes become part of Marseille. Now I'm happy to go on record and promise you that should you agree to this then I'd be delighted to offer you reductions in tariffs, and as you'll be hearing a lot in the coming days we're looking at a project jointly with Eboricum, Tanith and Lodja. If we can find a solution here then I'd be happy to do whatever is in my power to get Seaforth a favourable input there too. That's four Albion nations in a project that is likely to make the southern part of the continent the most co-operative in terms of trade. I would perhaps urge President Sauzee to agree that the city council has a representative make up that must include some Seaforthians."

Sauzee didn't speak immediately. "What I would be willing to give up would be the following. Seaforthian civilian vessels can use the port with priority conditions so long as they book in with 24 hours notice. Obviously we would stand under FSC obligations in the case of an emergency. We would accept a phased exit, by December 2025 no more Seaforthians on base. January 2025 we get 100 troops in the base, then increase by a further 150 until you leave. We would create legislation so that the local council is made in proportion to the number of citizens there with Seaforthian heritage getting two of the seats in a 10 person body however in 20 years time this will reduce to one and ten years after it would reduce to zero. We spoke earlier of a limited company for the port, if I increase this ownership to 20% would that sway the matter?"