Clysperis Calls Upon Waddan

[Beatrice]

Sultan Yahya IV;

Allow me to say how refreshing it is to see one such as yourself stepping upon the world stage speaking the words of wisdom and truth. It is all too often that we see nations falling over themselves to placate the privileged few internationalist powers, signing treaties and singing their praises whilst ignoring the harm these moves impart upon their sovereignty, culture and state. I've spoken at great length about treaties such as the MCUR being little more than tools of control for the internationalist powers whilst posing one of the greatest threats of the forced homogenization we so often see across Mundus.  In a world where cultures that are different are viewed as "threats" or "challenges" which need to be "addressed" it brings me both hope and joy to see another leader speak such truths. The MCUR is a constant reminder that there are those sitting in capitals thousands of miles from our lands dreaming up their designs for what should happen to our Peoples and what should happen within our borders.

This new incarnation of imperialism may wear a less imposing mask, it may approach with a pot of honey as opposed to the barrel of a gun, but it is the same vile beast and its intents remain the same: the domination of lands and peoples far beyond their borders. As direct, armed means of enforcing such power and control have fallen out of favour we've moved to a period of history where control is effected by treaties with lofty goals and enlightened mandates. Their campaign for hearts and minds is, perhaps, even more insidious than the past incarnations of their domination.

I would wish to meet with you, to exchange between us words of wisdom rooted in truth, and to set forth a path where we may call upon each other as friends, with Clysperis and Waddan forging a lasting partnership. Please do consider such a meeting and inform me at your convenience.

I shall be looking forward to your reply.

Akasha Di-‘nh-mi-Re, Sovereign of Sovereigns, Divine of Appearance, Beloved of Amun, Chosen of Ra, Lord of the Three Lands, Ruler of Justice like Ra, High Priest of Every Temple, the Eye of Horus, Satisfied is the heart of Ra.

[Wadden]

Dear Neighbour

We are pleased that you have extended your hand to our nation.

We accept an offer to meet with some reservation. We are confused by your letter to us, on the one hand we welcome the fact that you appear to have similar views as our own regarding the politicized nature of treaties such as the MCUR, it is always easier for neighbours to live side by side in peace when they have something in common. On the other hand we are confused as how you can be critical of what you call "internationalist powers" while at the same time bringing one of the prime backers of these documents, namely Achkaerin, into our region to fight wars on your behalf. It is our experience such acts of generosity requires reciprocation and the nature of this concerns us.

We however believe that it is important that neighbours have the ability to communicate and therefore we accept your offer of a meeting.

With Bountiful Blessings

Sultan Yahya IV

[Beatrice]

Sultan Yahya IV;

I am confident that, when we're sat face to face, more will become clear and my reasoning will be found to be sound. I am not one to make moves without accounting for every eventuality; with the history of my family, it leaves little room for taking chances and relying upon variables which are far removed from one's control.

The matter of the Achkaerinese is one which must be looked upon carefully. There was a time I myself was critical of the Holy Empire, lumping them into the same category as powers such as East Moreland, Seaforth and Rokkenjima yet, when looking upon things more critically I've found that they are true to their word and principles regardless of the parties in question. Achkaerin has a track record of bringing even those they call friends to task, not merely utilizing tools at their disposal against states they would normally not be aligned with. Furthermore, whereas much of the internationalists have imposed varying degrees of sanctions upon the Tamoran Empire we have not seen such actions taken by Achkaerin, indeed, one may see flashes which can only be described as cordial between the two nations.

It was thus a leap of faith to reach out to Emperor Peter who, without precondition or demand, pledged his assistance in ridding ourselves of these terrorists. While I would most certainly have preferred to fight them off with the indigenous capacity of Clysperis their ability, and the tools at their disposal, prove that they have acquired for their cause a foreign benefactor. While I cannot be certain who this benefactor is, steps were necessary to ensure that foreigners were never in a position to claim this ancient Kingdom and its People for their own. Once the terrorists have been routed from my Kingdom the foreigners will depart.

These matters, amongst others, may be discussed at greater length in Tamora, as our Tamoran allies have afforded us the use of Ramsar Palace on the outskirts of Djerb for the purposes of our meeting. I imagine Emperor Abbas may wish to meet with you as well, with a meeting in Djerb providing convenience for all of our nations. The Tamoran Empire has long stood beside the Kingdom of Clysperis and Midaranye as a whole. I've shared some plans with the Emperor regarding a roadmap for our region and beyond, as well as measures to see a world which is friendly to the sovereign ambitions of states which removes the levers of power which sees internationalist powers exert undue influence over the whole of Mundus. I shall look forward to sharing these ideas with you as well.

Until we shall meet;

Akasha Di-‘nh-mi-Re, Sovereign of Sovereigns, Divine of Appearance, Beloved of Amun, Chosen of Ra, Lord of the Three Lands, Ruler of Justice like Ra, High Priest of Every Temple, the Eye of Horus, Satisfied is the heart of Ra.
With the arrangements made it was a simple matter for Akasha to make arrangements for her travel to Djerb. It was a visit without fanfare, as she refused to broadcast travel outside of the Kingdom in these times. The magic of any visit to Tamora remained, however, and as always she felt safe and welcome within the Tamoran Empire. Having the discretion of a meeting at the Palace as well as Prince Naser and the Vizier working together at home during this meeting brought her the calm and collected spirit she desired for a meeting with the Sultan.

[Wadden]

Prince Rayyan enjoyed it when his father went away out of the country. It was an act that set in motion one of Waddan's stranger traditions, many centuries ago if the Sultan ventured outside of tribal lands you could have almost guaranteed that one or more of the tribes would try and remove them from power. So in order to stop that every time the Sultan left the country each of the other 24 tribes would have to send a "hostage" to the Sultan's family. It was the usual custom that the eldest unmarried daughter, grand-daughter etc, of the tribe would be sent and Rayyan was given the task of looking after them. It was strange to think that these women were called "hostages" as each were given luxurious rooms and were well looked after. Since the system had started no chief had tried to get rid of the Sultan, they knew better as if they did the Sultan's family would determine what happened to their "hostage" and it was more than likely that it would involve their throat being slit. Rayyan was 28 years old and widowed, he had two sons, one six and one three and he knew his boys would be spoiled rotten by the Chieftan's daughters and he enjoyed their company.

Sultan Yahya IV meanwhile was making his way to Djerb, he was slightly bemused, if you wanted to open a dialouge with someone you didn't meet at the neighbours house, you went to one of the two parties homes. The Sultan understood it was unlikely to be a safe visit to Clysperis but he could have easily have hosted things himself. He had travelled with his own personal militia men as escorts, dark blue thawbs and plain white Keffiyeh were standard among his tribe and the only difference between his men and the Sultan was the fact his head band was gold in colour while theirs was black. He arrived at the Palace and awaited someone to meet him,

[Markus]

Sultan Yahya IV statements about MCUR had been well received in Djerb and resonated with what many Tamorans felt and knew to be true and yet it was constantly denied outside of MidAranye.

The countries of MidAranye had grown ever closer in the last years, united by common values, external threats and common interests. It was because of this ever closer cooperation that now Tamora was hosting the meeting between two heads of state: Pharaoh Akasha and Sultan Yahya IV. It was no secret that the Tamoran government liked to respect protocol and offer very formal ceremonies to greet heads of state and make them almost a celebration. This however was different since Tamora was technically just hosting the meeting between the two sovereigns and circumstances in Clysperis meant that discretion was needed.

Still, the Tamoran government made sure Ramsar Palace was in the best state possible in  order to greet the important guests. While protocol wouldn’t allow the Tamoran Emperor to greet the Sultan only to then excuse himself and allow Pharaoh Akasha and the Sultan to have a meeting acting thus in a manner unfit for a Tamoran sovereign, they did want the  Sultan to be greeted by someone of importance.  So  Sheik (king) Ahmad al-Afifi, the Muslim ruler of the majority Muslim kingdom (region) of Tamora, was at the palace waiting for Sultan Yahya IV to arrive. Tamora had six component kingdoms that were ruled by Djerb, while the leaders of the provinces rarely acted on the international stage they were nevertheless persons of great power and prestige in Tamora. 

Sheik (king) Ahmad al-Afifi, ruler of the federated kingdom of Altai

As soon as the sultan arrived, Sheik Ahmad al-Afifi approached him, bowed his head, greeted the sultan and presented himself.
“In the name of the Tamoran government allow me to welcome you to Tamora. You honor us with your presence.”

After the formalities were concluded he escorted the Sultan to the meeting room where Pharaoh Akasha was waiting for the Sultan and then excused himself so to allow them to see to their meeting in peace. 

[Wadden]

The Sultan was by now finding the whole visit rather bizarre. The letter had been rather clear, this woman who claimed she was sovereign of sovereigns had said she wished to meet him and yet now he had been greeted by Shiek Ahmad al-Afifi, a man not even from the Pharaoh's nation. "It is a delight to meet you" The Sultan touched his right hand, the one representing purity in Waddanite culture to his heart and then his finger tips to his forehead, a traditional mode of greeting back home. "I thank you for hosting me in your lands and making the Palace available for this meeting." He followed the nobleman to the room where the Pharoah was waiting.

"Pharoah" the Sultan said, "I am disappointed our first meeting was not in our homes." He began, "I also know this is the first meeting between our nations, I must though emphasis before we begin my people are rather direct. We say what we mean and we mean what we say. It would therefore be remiss of me to impart something before we begin. I will not recognize you as sovereign of sovereigns and should you claim to be towards me then we have little to discuss. My people have selected me to be their leader. I have earned their trust and it is to them my loyalty and duty is directed, they in a way are my sovereigns, not some neighbour. This shall be the only meeting we conduct should I ever receive address from you claiming such titles over me or my people." It was a harsh beginning but it was a title that smacked of arrogance and superiority, yet this woman wasn't even capable of mustering the full support of her own people and had to rely on foreign powers to prop her up. "I apologise for this beginning, I wish good relationships between all nations, but I will not build them on a foundation of incorrect assumptions or disrespect for my people." He softened his harsh expression. "I wish to present you with this." He reached into his robes and and produced a small gold pendant about the size of a thimble inside it contained a miniscule amount of water. "When a child in Waddan is born the father captures some water from nearby and bottles it up. This water is stored through the person's life and when the individual dies the water is returned to the desert. It is my hope this pendant represents the birth of relations between two neighbours who should have done this long ago, and it is my hope the desert remains dry forever." He handed the gift over to the Pharaoh 

[Beatrice]

"Sultan," Akasha answered, "if we are to continue it must be on a mutual understanding. Upon my first visit to Tamora I made it clear, to Emperor Abbas and the Tamoran People, that I came not as a god, not as a sovereign above their own, but as a friend. A most grateful friend at that, recognizing the history of the Tamoran Empire as a stalwart friend of the Kingdom. If you were to recognize me as such I would be questioning your suitability to rule your People; your People have entrusted you, and you know your culture and society better than any foreign sovereign ever could. Just as I did not impose upon my Tamoran friends notions of the Faith of the Kingdom, neither shall I impose them upon you, as the title itself has several religious connotations it has no bearing upon my respect, nor my conduct, toward you and your People."

"Thank you for your direct manner," she added. "So often you see, especially amongst nations of the internationalist order, false pleasantries and words with hidden meanings. It is refreshing to speak with someone such as yourself."

"It is unfortunate I couldn't have invited you to Clysperis, however, it was necessary due to the nature of the conflict presently ravaging the Southern Lands. A Disgraced noble general, whom I know holds the backing of foreigners, incites trouble and terrorizes the population. There is hope, however, as we see Clysperi of every walk of life join to rise against our enemies and grind them into the sands. With foreign involvement I could not risk them, and their benefactors, having the opportunity to create an international incident. Alas, the conflict is something we shall discuss in time, as well as the post-war environment and opportunities which I see arising."

"My deepest of appreciation for your gift," Akasha said as she listened and received it, "in return, allow me to present to you...." she said as she reached aside her chair to remove the blanket covering the ornate, and remarkably comfortable, cage which sat beside her.

"A fine pair of Clysperi Mau," she said with a smile. "Felines are revered and recognized as divine in Clysperis; they keep at bay rats from spoiling our grain stores whilst protecting us from the venom of scorpions in our dwellings. They hold an important place in the lives of most Clysperi and, just as I hope they shall prove to be wonderful companions to you, I hope to see Clysperis and Waddan share a most respectful and significant companionship in this world."

[Wadden]

Here was a woman full of duality, she openly referred to herself on a global scale as "sovereign of sovereigns" yet to the Sultan's face she admitted that she didn't expect anyone to believe it, then she spoke of the "internationalists" and while it was true that the Sultan had little experience with such people he had read enough to understand what was going on beyond the tribal lands and for Clysperis to say it was not part yet when her nation had splintered into civil war she had not turned to Safraen, Vanora, she had burnt bridges with Royal Seleucid and had ignored Waddan instead calling in nations like Achkaerin who had a habit of sticking their nose into everything across Mundus, then to Dragovah. If the sands of Midaranye were to be free then they should not be polluted by the blood of foreigners in order to keep them free yet this woman had invited exactly that.

He pushed these thoughts backwards, at least for now, he had been given a gift and he would be a poor guest if he didn't show appreciation. "I am sure my grandchildren will adore them" he said leaving out the fact that cats had little use in the desert to nomads and that every child knew how to keep scorpions at bay.

He turned back to the conversation at hand. " I sadly must though disagree with your analysis. You speak of internationalist interference. You had choices over who to align yourself with. Midaranye is a region that shares cultural similarities like no other, Tamora sits as a bedrock of this marrying itself to both your own nation and Royal Seleucid. Yet when this crisis of yours began the Seleucid stayed home, the people in the Gulf of Safraen called for foreign vessels to stay away and now see it impacting their own lands. Those that come to offer aid from outside our bubble, the Empire of Achkaerin, the Empire of Dragovia, it is my view Empires only involve themselves outside their homes when there is benefit for themselves. Tamora, an Empire too, I can understand as they are in some way family, but I do wonder what these internationalists as you call them believe they will get by  supporting you? The poor decision making of the former King of Royal Seleucid has seen us left with one foreign occupation. Safraen's weakness left us with a split nation there for years. In the game of global intervention Midaranye is seen as a throw piece to be argued over and won, rather than show the world that is not the case by pulling us together in a crisis you have looked to the outside world and placed ourselves in our own crisis as we now face thousands of your people heading for our borders. So I would be interested to know how you intend to end this foreign occupation of Midaranye?"

[Beatrice]

"Some of them are predictable, and that is a known variable which is quite useful in situations such as this," Akasha said before taking a sip of water. "In the arrangement which sees the Coalition aiding the Kingdom there are no preconditions placed upon my Government, nor is anything surrendered. There won't be changes imposed upon the way we manage our affairs, nor will there be any spoils for those who assisted the rightful government of Clysperis; after all, they're not here for the spoils of war but to fight terrorism and lend their support to the legitimate government. I imagine, once the conflict has passed, some may resume their normal discourse towards Clysperis and Midaranye as a whole, however, even that is not something that will prove to be overly detrimental."

"The Achkaerinese won't stay once the job is done, they're the known variable I spoke of. Staying beyond the terms of our agreement would cast into doubt the image they've set forth and is a risk which I don't see them taking. Although they disagree with Clysperi policy in many areas they view legitimacy, law, and all other related matters with great reverence. Let us say Dragovah refuses to remove its forces; under this understanding I am fairly confident we'd see the Achkaerinese remove them, that is if they weren't forced out by the Royal Clysperi Army, Common Defense League and Tamoran forces first. The Achkaerinese dedication to its convictions is, in this way, a measure of insurance which was achieved by approaching Emperor Peter."

"Furthermore, we've seen a rare occasion where such powers are speaking with concern over the concerns of a Midaranye state rather than utilizing the situation to impose their liberal agenda upon our People. Capitalizing on this moment, and putting into place a post-conflict infrastructure which sees that situation utilized to our advantage, is an opportunity which could not be passed upon. Holding ties amongst one another is of course a goal I'm dedicated to, even with noted disagreements with men such as Heydar considered; a day will come where he and I may place our disagreements aside and engage in mutual opportunities. Putting in place an infrastructure which ensures that ties are in place, which may be utilized to the benefit of Midaranye, is something I feel is key in ensuring the next time Seaforth seeks to tell one of our states how to manage our affairs King Andrew will be forced back with force and resolve, all without the cover of those who would normally speak on his behalf and in support of his imperialist actions."

"This is a long game, but our states are better equipped to playing the long game than our adversaries. They have not the stomach nor the cunning to persist, whereas states such as Clysperis, Tamora and Waddan have persisted for centuries. That spirit, combined with our wisdom, are the seeds for a new paradigm that changes the equation. Instead of the few determining the course Mundus takes we shall see that power in the hands of those whom it rightfully belongs."

"Thus, to answer your concerns, if they stay they prove what we've been saying to be true: their true motivations are imperialist in nature, and their word is one which cannot be trusted. The price they would be forced to pay in any attempt to remain would prove too high, both in costs of blood and reputation."

[Wadden]

It was hard to take the Pharoah seriously. She had seen her nation facing a gaggle of terrorists as she called them and in response had called upon the help of two Empires, both of whom she now assumed her nation and Tamora could force out. So on the one hand she was saying she was unable to take on a small non sovereign force yet somehow believed she could defeat two major military powers. "I'm sorry Pharoah but I do not believe that your assessment of being able to push a determined Achkaerin and Dragovah military out of your nation. The fact you have no agreement with them means they have no agreed to leave just as much as they have not agreed to stay." He hoped the Pharoah wasn't overseeing her military personally, after all Dragovah alone had the inventory to be able to put as many aircraft in the air from aircraft carriers as Clysperis could from their land bases and that was before even considering Achkaerin. "You speak of your allies Tamora. You do not share a border with them, as such them waging a war to support you having to cross around 500km of other nations territory first is likely to not give them the punch an encamped Achkaerin and Dragovah military would have. You've given zero indication of how you intend to end this foreign occupation other than you believe their predictable." He thought for a while, "Midaranye has never been able to keep its own neighbourhood in order. King Akakois of Royal Selecuid was weak and has unleashed a Celtic prescence on us. Midaranye were more than happy to allow Midaranye citizens to be killed and we all stood by and watched, for reasons only each of us will understand. Your talking of building a huge infrastructure project, yet Royal Seleucid are awash with oil money, look at their Palm hotel. Tamora too have no issue splashing cash, look at what they have done to Zimalia, look at the joint projects those two have done, a gigafactory, joint military production. Your logic of needing Achkaerin or Dragovah makes little sense to me."

As she spoke of their nation lasting for centuries again the Sultan was puzzled. "Nations like East Moreland have existed for just as long as Clysperis, some like the Alanders have been around for longer, Lodja trace their Temples back to early B.C. If you're attempting to somehow lord your nation and culture above them you are no better than them. I came here hoping to build solid friendships between our nations yet so far I have no impression that you believe Midaranye is some throw piece of your game. Like us you and the rest of the region allowed Seleucid's to be slaughtered by their own people and we did nothing to stop it. You however saw this slaughter as an opportunity to harrang a whole group of Seleucid people by attacking their religion. This divides our region not unites it. We, and by that I mean ourselves, you and Tamora among others have done nothing to help the Seleucid end their occupation by the Celts, I fear you're creating a similar situation that will see, in whatever guise it is, a foreign military prescence for years to come. How do you intend to become part of a more united Midaranye when you sell the region short. What I propose is that when I next convene a gathering of the tribes in our capital I shall be inviting the Emperor of Tamora, the King of Royal Seleucid and yourself. While I have no desire to see things like this foolish MICA or TUNA I do believe our region is too fragmented and infiltrated."

[Beatrice]

"The Achkaerinese wouldn't remain without sanction, while there are rumblings of Achkaerin seeking some form of Northern cooperation. With that endeavour now in mind they wouldn't risk the success of such a project by acting afoul within Clysperis. This ensures that the risks are minimized, while keeping open an avenue for relations to produce new opportunities for our region as a whole. Furthermore, as explained previously, we've a terrorist force whom has the assistance of at least one state actor who holds a stake in the future of Clysperis who enabled them to reach the point they've reached. It was thus necessary to ensure that we would be able to combat a state-backed force with overwhelming power so that they may never arise again to threaten this Kingdom and our neighbours, and while I've been wrong on the Achkaerinese before they are cut from a different cloth, just look at how they've been a thorn in the sides of East Moreland and Rokkenjima at various points throughout recent history. Midaranye unity is important, but if we do not take steps to change the world around us, we're looking at only one part of the equation and leaving ourselves vulnerable to a variety of threats."

"I had to tend to the needs of my People and Kingdom, unfortunately, our ability to focus any external efforts was curtailed by the assassination of my father. However, to say that I attacked the faith of Seleucid peoples is ridiculous and that I cannot abide. My words on the Cult were focused on the utilization of that faith by its prominent leaders, men such as King David and King Andrew, who use it to export their world view, beliefs and principles and apply it to lands and peoples far removed from their shores. We saw this when King David claimed he had a "vision" from his gods relayed to him for Midaranye, and saw it yet again when King Andrew intervened directly in the domestic affairs of Clysperis. We may criticize those who utilize their faith as justification for imperialist actions while recognizing that the flock is not a part of the problem: I've no issue with Cultists, I do, however, have issue with Kings and leaders who feel that their faith gives them some sort of crusade in which they are bringing light to the darkness around them."

"It is unfortunate that King Heydar used those words to shore up support and cohesion at home, but I believe even he knows the true target of my words. Should he be willing to recognize that and engage with me in good faith, I shall approach him with a clean slate in the future. I've never treated Midaranye as a piece on the board nor have I doubted its capacity; our Tamoran friends can very much attest to that. I have questioned decisions and spoken out against those Helusian leaders who mask their imperialism with their faith, but I've never sold Midaranye short."

[Wadden]

"It appears our views on your handling of the foreign intervention in the region is something we will not see eye to eye on. I believe you have sewn disharmony through the region while you believe Achkaerin will go home. I suspect only time will see. Yet in the meantime I've seen not attempt from yourself to restore harmony. While you have been busy fighting your conflict you have had Royal Seleucid twice act as a re-guard to your nation, he has worked to ensure aid for your people reaches your nation and even his wife is working to support the children orphaned by this war. Yet you expect him to have to engage in good faith? Where has he not shown good faith? You're a person he spoke against yet he has acted in your interests. Perhaps therefore you only wish to hear words that support your own in order for it to qualify as unity?" The Sultan thought for a moment.

"I extended an invite to you to visit our tribal capital next time the tribes meet. If you are truly into Midaranye working together I would have hoped you would have accepted that invitation. One matter I would have discussed there was refugees as our border is beginning to see an influx, while Tamora are offering us support and that is commendable I require from you some way by which I can ensure the validity of those entering my nation. I do not wish any of these rebels to make the crossing, unlike many of you in the region we have no huge urban areas and I believe our population density is likely to be the lowest on Mundus" He shrugged, it was facts like these the Waddanites had little need for but he suspected in the coming years as they engaged with others perhaps he should get to grapple with such information more often. "The last thing we want is some of the rebels wandering round our nation un-noticed. At least at the border we can attempt to retain some control over who enters. How would you propose we do that?"

[Beatrice]

"Sultan," Akasha said as she cast her gaze downward somewhat, "At present Royal Seleucid is a stronger state than my own Kingdom and, through our history especially with the United Soviet Russia, it has been ingrained in all Clysperi to be wary of our stronger neighbours, to look at each action to see that which they gain and at what expense it may come at Clysperi interests. You forget that I offered olive branches toward the Seleucid that were wholly ignored. However I have never closed the door to reconciliation; it's obvious to those with a political understanding that King Heydar used my words moreso for domestic purposes. Both our families also share links to the Safavid family of Tamora and, as such, I am confident that we shall be brought toward harmony at some point."

"As for your invitation I would be pleased to accept it," she continued. "The situation at the border is a matter I will discuss with the CDL, whom are set to formally be incorporated into the Royal Clysperi Army and have a great understanding of the region in question. We must ensure that these terrorists are not granted any avenue to escaping the destiny of their fate, nor can we allow them to trouble your lands in that pursuit. With the largest city they hold being captured it would, perhaps, be prudent for them to now secure the border region and deny them any avenue for escape."

[Wadden]

The Sultan was feeling rather dispondent. Was this the way those leaders outside his beloved homeland acted? You ask a question and then they dance around it like a ballerina. It wasn't how things were done in the desert, people were often more direct with their words and opinions. Had he asked one of his Chieftan's the question about what they would do about an issue he may well get several different ideas but there would be an answer in there somewhere. The Pharoah meanwhile had called herself many things, a God, a sovereign of sovreigns and the eye of Horus so surely she should be all knowing and all seeing. "I see." The Sultan sighed, "I suspect then this is a matter for my militia's to deal with." He knew that several of the tribes would be heading to the border unwilling to risk anyone crossing and placing extra strain on the resources of the North as it wasn't exactly suited to large groups randomly walking around and it was likely to see the tribes there start shooting to protect the small amount of avaliable food and water. "I must warn you though Pharoah our people there are not border agents, they will see people crossing the border as a threat to their livestock, as a threat to the watering holes and to what little they own. I suspect the militia's may not ask questions about which side of your conflict people are from and are likely to treat everyone as an invader. This is something I would have liked to solve but seeing as you need to consult with your underlings on a strategy I can only pray that you can do so quickly to avoid the loss of life I think is likely to happen."

[Beatrice]

"Quite simply when I state that I will discuss the matter with the CDL I naturally am referring to the issuance of orders, orders which will ensure the security of the border. Whether that be wayward Clysperi making an accidental crossing or the followers of the Disgraced attempting to escape justice by slipping across, both incidents will be prevented by my forces. There is no 'consultation' as you put it, but me placing a plan in the hands of my forces, and them executing it. Naturally these are concerns of the forces as they fight the terrorists as we speak but, if you would prefer, I can call the Field Headquarters at this moment?"

"Unfortunately we're making little headway under present circumstances," Akasha said as she began to gather her papers. "It is of no fault of your own, and I take this decision with no malice toward you or your People. I propose that we table our talks until Nekthou has been captured, after which we may resume talks at Khemnen Palace and the conditions may be more conductive to a productive discussion between our states. After all, the best way to ensure the security of our border is their elimination, as such, I will focus my energies on dispatching them from this plane of existence and we shall again speak in the city of pyramids."