Sea of Alucard Island Gathering

[Paracambi]

To:-

Her Divine Majesty Queen Klara II of Lodja
Wei Xuhen of Heimai
King Lansakara XXVI of Kingdom of Palanka Nadu
Mr.Bob Cruchet of  The Federation of Muneski 

I would like to take this opportunity to invite all of you to join me on the island of Alemba for a meeting to discuss our mutual interests. Our nations are responsible for the islands that occupy the Sea of Alucard, we therefore all experience a series of similar issues and problems. Just a handful of examples include, piracy, smuggling, fisheries and environmental concerns. As the largest concentration of islands on Mundus I believe that by forming a supportive relationship between us would enable these islands to flourish.

I hope that you will accept my invitation and look forward to welcoming you to the city of Basseton.

Kind Regards

Emperor Benson II


Basseton was the only logical choice for this meeting, it was either here or on the mainland portion of Paricambi, but that wouldn't make sense regarding such a meeting taking place away from an island. Over the last twenty years the people of Alemba had built their island into a tourist attraction and as such it was the only island with a large international airport. Benson had arrived the day before, toured a few of the local tourist sites, meet with the Mayor of the island to discuss a few issues and enjoyed a rather nice meal on the Presidential Hotel's private roof top terrace. He'd enjoyed being able to spend time with the Empress Madeline without it being too formal.

This morning though it was all about business and the airport had a host of security forces walking the perimeter of the field. Paracambi had no history of terrorism but the gathering of so many people in one place of great note could be a tempting target. He'd arranged for a series of red SUV's to transport the guests to a terrace of the hotel overlooking the beach, the cool breeze coming off the Alucard likely to provide a relief for some of those attending not use to the intense heat of the island.

[Libby]

Klara had seen images in the press of her predecessor Viktoria attending events such as this she was heading for in Paracambi, everytime she'd been surrounded by a gaggle of attendents and servants, it looked impressive, but impersonal. Klara was trying to strike a better balance, she had travelled this short distance from Iskor to Alemba accompanied by Ladies in Waiting Roksana and Stasya, and Lubos Kubik, the nations Minister of Defence. Kubik had been selected because Klara figured if issues like smuggling and piracy where being discussed it was unlikely her expertise would be of any use. The giant man sat snoozing opposite his Queen as the aircraft flew through the Eastern Albion skies.

"Your Divine Majesty" Roksana whispered to Klara as the pilot had informed her of their ETA. "We need to get ready." the pair made their way into the planes state bedroom where the traditional blue and gold thread dress hung, Klara slipped out of her t-shirt and jeans laughing as she saw her Lady in Waiting Roksana avert her eyes as would be expected when the Queen was simply changing.

"Roks you've shared my bed" the Queen chuckled as she took the dress from the offered hanger, "You've seen me naked yet act all coy when I'm in my undies now.....unless its the fact you don't trust yourself." Klara drew herself close to Roksana allowing the Lady in Waiting to feel their body heat close together, Klara smiled kissed Roksana on the cheek and pulled the dress up. "You may zip me up" Klara turned away from Roksana presenting the open back of the dress, Roksana carefully zipped the dress up and ensured the zip cover was neatly covering the metallic strip up. "You can unzip me on the flight back yeah?" Klara liked teasing Roksana, the Queen lusted for the elder woman but wasn't sure whether her affections were being returned through mutual feelings or simply respect for Klara's status, either way it was just a bit of fun and Klara didn't mind either way. There was a knock on the door and Stasya appeared with the wooden box containing the Queen's travelling crown, a thin silver wire affair through which the Queen's hair could be weaved if desired, today though Klara would simply place it on her slicked back hair. The aircraft had by the time Klara was ready come to a halt.

"Your Divine Majesty should put on these shoes" Stasya held up a pair of fancy heeled shoes.

"We'll go with these yes" Klara lifted the dress which swept the floor to reveal a pair of simple flat shoes, far more comfortable. Stasya began to explain the virtues of benefits on the female figure of high heels but that fell on deaf ears as Klara was already half way out the aircraft door and gliding towards the welcoming committee

[Muneski]

President Bob Cruchet gathered up all of his belongings and gave it one of his butlers to take down to the awaiting Range Rover sport HSE.
"Another day, another trip" he sighed to himself.
he walked down to the awaiting car and got in.
It was a 20 minute ride down to the airport.
He hopped out of the car and strode confident over to his awaiting royal Presidential Boeing 787 Dreamliner with his secretary.
He greeted his captain and first officer. "Morning Gentlemen hope the flight goes smoothly today" he said gleefully.
"Mr President" they said in unison
He walked down the isle to his custom made leather and gold plated lie-flat bed chair.
*intercom* "Welcome aboard ladies and gentlemen i'll be your captain today the flight should roughly be three hours have a wonderful flight".
They taxied out to runway 28R
The glorious noise of the Rolls-Royce turbofans as they fired up and sent them jetting off towards Basseton international airport.

[Paracambi]

It hadn't quiet been the massive gathering of island nations Emperor Benson had hoped for, but two was a damn sight better than zero and so it was time to press ahead. He first greeted this new young monarch from Lodja, "Good morning Queen Klara" Benson gave a swift bow of the head as Empress Madeline put a garland of pink and yellow flowers around the Queen and her entourage's neck. "We'll shortly head off to our venue, we've been informed that President Cruchet of Muneski will be joining us shortly, perhaps you'd care to join my wife in the airport lounge." Madeline escorted the entourage over to the small single story building that severed as the airport terminal, the lounge was in fact a staffroom that had been tarted up for the occasion and a tray of chilled fruit juices.

"So my dear how are you finding life as a monarch?" Madeline asked as she got the group settled.

Outside the aircraft of the Muneski president was arriving and once more Benson waited patiently for the man to arrive, this time rather than his wife it was a female member of the military who gave them the garland of flowers. Receiving her salute Benson walked with the President towards the ramshackle airport. "So have you meet the Queen of Lodja before? She arrived shortly before you, she seems a rather interesting sort" Benson observed as they entered the building, he held open the door for the President before taking a seat next to his wife who instantly stood and sorted the President out with drinks. The Emperor waited for everyone to be seated before he began, "I'd like to thank you both for coming, I'm excited about what we can achieve here, I know I outlined my hopes in my letter to you, but I want this get together to be as much about what aims you have as I do..... so feel free to speak up" the Emperor produced a notebook and pen.

[Muneski]

The President had the idea of having a treaty of some kind stating that we'd protect each other during island attack.
"My my I have had a second idea as well how about we have a where we can use each others navy resources as a low priority thing when we are not using them. He piped (Only in the sea of Alucard though for things outlined in the letter)

[Libby]

Klara and her entourage followed the Empress to the lounge area, it was certainly a less decadent room than the one in Gaia but the young Queen sumised that Lodjain taste on decore was more refined than this developing nations. The Defence Minister, Lubos Kubik, had opened the door for all four women and took an offered seat allowing his Queen to take the lead in conversation. He was still trying to work her out himself so this was a chance to observe how she'd be with leaders of other nations.

"So far its been a little whirlwind like" Klara explained, "Getting up to speed on affairs of state, then the whole MCUR thing, its been a little hectic, but I suppose nothing like hitting the ground flat out" she grinned. As the Emperor and President Cruchet arrived the Queen and her group stood, it was left to General Kubik to do the formalities, he stepped forward and offered the President a hand while the Emperor got a small bow.

"Your Imperial Majesty, Mr.President, it is my honour to present Her Divine Majesty, Guardian of Sessifet Queen Klara II of the Queendom of Lodja" he said formally allowing the Queen to step forward.

"Mr.President lovely to meet you" she nodded as the Emperor bid them sit. As President Cruchet began to talk of his hopes Klara sat back and took it all in. "I'll leave the response to the President to Lord Kubik, after all he is much more the military man than I shall ever be. Sir the floor is yours" she motioned for the Minister of Defence to speak.

" I think we would find it impossible for you to use our navy resources, they are Her Majesties Naval forces and therefore must remain that way, they are not a force to be loaned out. Now if what you meant was that at times we combine patrols or something then that I can support.....with Her Divine Majesties backing of couse." It was as new an experience for Lubos as it was Klara and so the older gentleman looked carefully over at his Queen who nodded satisfied with the response.

"For our own part" Klara began, "I'd like to see more education and cultural connections between us, after all it seems we all have very different ideas in those regards and it would certainly help promote tourism between us all.  "

[Paracambi]

Emperor Benson was pleased that at least they seemed to be able to reach some kind of agreement, even if Muneski and Lodja had different ideas regarding Naval operations it appeared there was a willingness to work together and that meant he should be able to find a compromise. After giving everyone time to enjoy their drinks they made their way outside, there was of course the obligatory photo opportunities and a local school's steel drum band played for a large crowd. Many had come to meet their Emperor while others where keen to be part of the island's first international diplomatic involvement. The Emperor spent a few moments shaking hands with his people while a young school girl was allowed through be security to present the Lodjain Queen with a boquet of tropical flowers, meanwhile a young school boy gave President Cruchet a set of drum sticks and beckoned him to try the steel drums. The regional publicity work done for the day the Emperor placed each of the guests in their own private vehicle, a heavy bulky 4x4. "We were not sure what your security would say about open top vehicles so my apologise, the air conditioning is fantastic." the Emperor added before retreating to his own open top vehicle, a convertible version of his guests. The three vehicles were joined by more security as they made their way along the road towards the venue for the talks, a luxury hotel on the edge of the city. The drive took them down the coastal path, a pot holed road showing the island was still in need of some infrastructure improvements. The crystal blue sea lapped at the white beach just a few meters away from the road in places. The security guards in each vehicle explaining to the guests that occasionally this road got flooded during tropical storms.

As they passed through a patch of leafy tropical forest the sound of a few monkeys chattering away could be heard but as they left the shade a large three story complex of white stone and glass, a contrast to the bright greens and blues of nature appeared. After each had arrived a very nervous hotel manager welcomed them and asked each to sign the guest book. "We are always delighted to host such honoured guests as yourselves" he gushed as he took the leather bound book and pen back. The three where shown to one of the luxury conference rooms overlooking a sandy white cove where a few people enjoyed the sunshine. Benson sat at the head of the table, the President to his left and Queen Klara to his right. "So in regards to naval operations our biggest concern is smuggling, our many islands are hot spots for tourists and as such many bad people believe rsupplying drugs is a worthy past time, the Navy intercept some but you always get some passing through, I suspect similar issues will be the case in your nations. Perhaps we should consider some intelligence and crime data sharing system?"

[Muneski]

"I believe we should use a decentralized network for our haring of information so." the president stated
"That way if was ever to get hacked the system would be protected because we could have a system where we could turn off all remote devices at the press of a button." he said with a wisp of joy in his voice.
"Also please accept my apologies from earlier I was still bloated from the plane ride and in my old age it really effect me" he said apologetically.
"As for matters concerning security how about we promise to cover a section of ocean from smugglers and the like" said he.

[Paracambi]

OOC - No idea what you mean by this "decentralised network" care to explain?

[Muneski]

"What I mean by decentralised network is having servers with it on all over the world." Explains the president

[Libby]

Klara looked puzzled, "I'm not sure that's a good idea. If we are talking of sharing sensitive and potentially confidential information we want the servers to be under the physical control of our own nation. For example the Lodjain Intelligence Organisation, and the Warriors of Gaia will not like the concept of directly placing their information into say Paracambi. We would share for sure, not give unconditionally onto a server."

[Paracambi]

Emperor Benson wasn't massively familiar on computer and IT terminology, he had no need to be as he had a team of civil servants who did all the number crunching he ever needed, the most he used computers for was catching up on the inter-island cricket and reading his e-mails. "Look I'll be honest I don't know what the benefits of this would be, as opposed to its weaknesses. I believe that a simpler approach would be each of us appointing a liason who simply ensures the selected information that is relevant gets passed between us." He looked back at the Muneski delegate and hoped for an explanation

OOC- Sorry for the delay.

[Muneski]

"OK scrap complicated computer systems why don't we use our current systems" he thinks up
"Another issue I have come across is I don't know where the pirates are so I cant sent the navy to the location, we need to set up radar unless my systems are malfunctioning" He states

[Paracambi]

Emperor Benson was pleased that Muneski was keen to co-operate, the issue was just how to go about all this and he had a few ideas.

"What I had hoped to achieve he was some kind of official strategy or statement to the world that would formalise the way we do things here. I call it the Treaty of Unity for Alucard Nations (TUNA)and it is short of an alliance...consider it a kind of contract of co-operation."

The Island nations of the Alucard recognise that they face unique and common difficulties. These nations further recognise that by working together they are more likely to overcome these problems. Additionally the nations realise that when one of them prospers so can the others and that through mutual co-operation in certain fields all nations may prosper.

In order to achieve this the nations of TUNA agree to the following.

1. That any nation with natural island territory in the Sea of Alucard may affirm this Treaty and receive the full benefits so long as they accept the responsibilities outlined.

2. All signatories recognise the territorial waters of the others as determined by the Free Seas Concordt.

3. Any waters outside the Exclusive Economic Zone of signatory nations shall be divided into Patrol Areas, one for each nation. Within these Patrol Areas the Navy of the allocated nation shall assume control of co-ordinating the following operations.

a) Anti-Piracy Operations
b) Anti-Smuggling Operations
c) Search and Rescue Operations

4. Signatory nations shall share information regarding criminal and terrorist activity so long as the sharing of that information does not endanger the nations national security.

5. Signatory nations shall seek to work together to reduce pollution in the Sea of Alucard.

6. Signatory nations shall seek to work together to reduce climate change as we recognise that our island homes are among the most threatened areas of Mundus in this regard. In order to do this the signatory nations shall seek to co-operate in international organisations to influence global or regional legislation.

7. Signatory nations agree to ensure port fees for other signatory nations are lower than non signatory nations.

8. Signatory nations agree to reduce tariffs between each other to levels lower than non signatory nations excluding those covered by specific treaties.

9. Signatory nations meet once a year as a minimum to discuss issues of concern to each nation.

10. The nations of this treaty agree to live peacefully with each other and use international organisations to arbitrate any disputes between them.

11. Nations agree to establish an embassy in each of the others. Should the Head of State of a signatory nation request it the Ambassador must present themselves within 24 hours.

12. A nation may withdraw from this treaty after 60 days written notice.

"obviously I'd be interested if any of you want to add, remove , amend etc this treaty. But I do think having some formal ties between us is a good start." Benson sat back in his chair waiting their responses.

[Muneski]

The president looked down the list nodding in agreement.
"Unless anyone has any objections to this list I am happy with it and will sign it right here right now and have this conference be over with" he said
"Also unless anyone objects i'll finish off the vodka" he said slightly drunk

[Libby]

"I believe we must attempt to future proof this treaty. I hope the following addition is not needed ever but I think it must be included."

Nations agree to not build artificial islands for the purpose of expanding their territorial waters or EEZ's.

Nations may construct said islands but recognise that they shall not be included in waters as directed by the FSC.

"What we wish to avoid is a situation where for example ourselves and Muneski, who share some close borders in regards to the FSC begin to have disputes between us should either nation say begin construction of an island for industrial purposes. This amendment doesn't prevent us from building said island but does mean we would not then be able to legally claim any of the other nations EEZ for example."

[Paracambi]

"I have no issue with the amendment" Emperor Benson responded. He sent his staff off to write the treaty off in full. In the meantime Benson took the group down onto the beach where a group of school children were taking part in a variety of Paracambian past times. There were at one end a group playing the steel drums while others engaged in a limbo competition. While the students waited their turn to limbo they watched the dancing of the Capoeira fighters nearby as they spun around each other seemingly aiming acrobatic kicks towards the head of the other only for them to matrix their way out of danger and counter with their own. In truth it was a well choreographed routine that the "fighters" had spent weeks preparing. Three girls were playing Dandy Shandy, a game where a corridor was marked out on the sand and two friends stood at each other holding a soft ball, the girl in the middle dodged by ducking, jumping and spinning as the two threw their balls back and forth between each other.

The past times were intermingled with various stalls with snacks and food, fritters of pineapple and banana, Pholourie the spicy dough balls loved by many islanders and of course jerk chicken. Benson was more than happy to mingle with the students and his guests with a large chunk of chicken grasped in his hand.

After about an hour the treaty was ready.

The Island nations of the Alucard recognise that they face unique and common difficulties. These nations further recognise that by working together they are more likely to overcome these problems. Additionally the nations realise that when one of them prospers so can the others and that through mutual co-operation in certain fields all nations may prosper.

In order to achieve this the nations of TUNA agree to the following.

1. That any nation with natural island territory in the Sea of Alucard may affirm this Treaty and receive the full benefits so long as they accept the responsibilities outlined.

2. All signatories recognise the territorial waters of the others as determined by the Free Seas Concordt.

2.1 Nations agree to not build artificial islands for the purpose of expanding their territorial waters or EEZ's.

2.2 Nations may construct said islands but recognise that they shall not be included in waters as directed by the FSC.

3. Any waters outside the Exclusive Economic Zone of signatory nations shall be divided into Patrol Areas, one for each nation. Within these Patrol Areas the Navy of the allocated nation shall assume control of co-ordinating the following operations.

a) Anti-Piracy Operations
b) Anti-Smuggling Operations
c) Search and Rescue Operations

4. Signatory nations shall share information regarding criminal and terrorist activity so long as the sharing of that information does not endanger the nations national security.

5. Signatory nations shall seek to work together to reduce pollution in the Sea of Alucard.

6. Signatory nations shall seek to work together to reduce climate change as we recognise that our island homes are among the most threatened areas of Mundus in this regard. In order to do this the signatory nations shall seek to co-operate in international organisations to influence global or regional legislation.

7. Signatory nations agree to ensure port fees for other signatory nations are lower than non signatory nations.

8. Signatory nations agree to reduce tariffs between each other to levels lower than non signatory nations excluding those covered by specific treaties.

9. Signatory nations meet once a year as a minimum to discuss issues of concern to each nation.

10. The nations of this treaty agree to live peacefully with each other and use international organisations to arbitrate any disputes between them.

11. Nations agree to establish an embassy in each of the others. Should the Head of State of a signatory nation request it the Ambassador must present themselves within 24 hours.

12. A nation may withdraw from this treaty after 60 days written notice.

The Emperor and his guests made their way towards a table which had been set up just outside the range of the waves rushing up the beach. The Emperor picked up a conch shell blowing it and bringing the people there to attention as they watched the signing ceremony where Benson neatly affixed his signature before passing it on.

[Muneski]

President Cruchet read down the list one more time before taking the pen and signing it himself.
He put the pen out for the next person.

[Libby]

Klara was pleased, it was an agreement that would promote trade and security and ensured the oceans around her home island would be well cared for. She accepted the pen as it was offered and affixed her own signature.