A New Break of Dawn (Krimeon & Iwi)

[The Young Pope]

EMPIRE OF KRIMEON

To:- King Piripi Sevasi

It's with great privilege and honor to announce my intention to visit the Commonwealth of the United Iwi, being our closest neighbour directly to our right. Unfortunately my nation did nothing and failed to end the most despicable acts of evil commited by the RS Colonial oppression, despite having the opportunity to do so during those 250 years of slavery and experiments so vile that it isn't possible to describe in mere Words. This is why I offer my most sincere apology and ask for forgiveness on behalf of the grevious governments and the Emperors who ruled Krimeon in my family's name.

My intent with the visit is to once and for all establish proper relations worthy of neighbours, ranging from the economic and cultural to security spheres, as well as seeking redemption and making for shamefully ignoring your people's horrors and suffering, if possible; I hope His Majesty is pleased with this message and that my visit is more than welcome.

Take Care and God Bless,

Emperor Axel I Poniatowski-Esterházy
It was now Emperor Axel I Poniatowski-Esterházy who would take up the task of performing a state visit to Krimeon's closest, active neighbour being the Iwi, alongside his wife and consort Empress Elena. Up until now there hadn't been any formal contact between the countries on a state level, althogh historically the Krimeonites truly sympathized with the Iwi's cause for independence and fight against the slavery malice that had been ongoing for as anyone could remember, tragic indeed; many Iwi people seeked refuge in Krimeon whenever before returning back home to continue the struggle, which was allowed by the Emperors, but it wasn't enough or impactful in the end. In any case, improving relations with their Iwi hosts was most paramount in this day of age and becoming their friend would be useful in the future when seeking likeminded relations with their fellow CNN nations such as Lodja, EM and UC.

The Imperial aircraft landed at Hunter's Bay, taxied its way to the most convenient terminal before the Krimeonite delegation disembarked and walked on the red carpet, leading them to whoever was assined welcoming their arrival.

OOC: No need to reply to this offer of invitation as you may begin with the welcoming ceremony.

[BenOfTheIwi]

It would not be the arrival that the Emperor would maybe have expected, there was no royal fanfare, no honour guard and no visible member of the royal family. Instead a man wearing only a reed skirt approached, he was carrying a large black wooden club, its dark curves patterned with red and white. As the man approached the club was held ready as though to strike and when some three meters or so away he stopped, the edges of the club were well worn, clearly a sign of a busy history. The man stood staring at the Tzar unmoving the club still held as though ready for combat. Without a warning the man took a short step forward swiftly raising himself to his full height. His eyes still unblinking he yelled.

Ko nga manu kei konei
kua takoto te kohanga
ka kite ia i nga pihi tata
nga putea ngeru ki taua kohanga

Ka pakaru nga pi
kei te noho tonu te ekara
kua ngaro nga tamariki
he kau te kohanga

[1]

The man while he made his cry made exaggerated gestures with the club never letting his eyes wander from the Emperor. Once he had done he removed from a pouch on his belt a piece of chalk and while still not taking his eyes from the guest drew a line between them leaving the chalk at the end of the line before in almost skipping style steps retreating backwards around five meters and resuming a stance of readiness.

1.	The bird lands here Its nest is empty it sees the neighbours chicks the cat sneaks to that nest Eggs smash still the eagle sits the young are lost the nest is empty

[The Young Pope]

@BenOfTheIwi

Even if both the Emperor and Empress didn't understand a single word of what the native warrior said, the context in which one could hear his voice and the looks on his eyes indicated very well the fact that the relations weren't at all perfect between the two countries. Arriving with the rest of the delegation, including Foreign Minister Alexander Szücs and their guards, they began to discuss the solutions to this welcoming challenge, which wasn't exactly easy at all. "I would suggest that His Majesty pick up that branch by the line and show us much as possible how friendly and humble you are." Szücs gave the little advice he could, knowing that Diplomacy and Iwi weren't exactly according to the ordinary book of protocol.

However Emperor Axel had this feeling that it would've been too easy to begin with, there must be something else that the Iwi required if their delegation would be accepted with open arms and friendly hospitality. After a short while of whispering to his Imperial wife, she gave nod of approval to his plan, which was to say the least probably the craziest and risky he would've undertaken in a state visit, which may or may not cost his life. "Your Majesty, what in the actual heavens are you doing?" Minister Szücs reacted shockingly.

The Krimeonite Emperor began to take off his clothes, handing them over to equally stunned aides, as well as his wedding ring he handed over to the wife. "Sweety, If something should happen to me, I want you to know I've never been happier. You and the kids made my life. Jadwiga will make a very fine Empress, I'm sure they'll understand that sometimes to make progress, great sacrifices ought to be made." he told her and kissed each other so passionately which may be the last ever occasion to do so in this mortal life.

"Szücs I'm planning to take this branch over there and if necessary, sacrifice myself to appease their Gods, our God, to which relations between our nations may be restored for the better, you shall see. I would like to thank the services you've performed for our great Empire..."

"Have you gone mad Axel?" Szücs once more shouted and couldn't believe that the Emperor was acting completely out of his mind; he couldn't bear allowing his very own Emperor and symbol of Krimeon to be sacrificed like a pig fit for slaughter. "You haven't completely recovered from that burnout! I'm sure some additional time in the monastery will put you back in order; this is too extreme as to what you're doing..." he tried to continue before his Monarch began to speak.

"Apparently it's not crazy in your view that we Krimeonites didn't intervene and help these poor fellows out during the 450 years we were given opportunities to do so? The previous governments? My ancestors and myself, now that we've reigned for almost 255 years alltogether? I have to take the risk Szücs, who knows what good may come out of it no matter if I survive this encounter or not." the Emperor explained.

"NO, YOU CA...WHAT IN GOD'S NAME ARE YOU FOOLS DOING? STOP YOUR EMPEROR FROM COMMITTING HIS GREATEST MISTAKE EVER, THAT'S WHY WE'RE PAYING YOU TO BEGIN WITH...-" the bodyguards to their horror and great sadness had to restrain and wrestle with their Foreign Minister as he desperately fought to keep Axel alive from possible doom. Empress Elena simply stood there with a face made of iron and accepted whatever fate was in store for her beloved Imperial husband and began to pray to her God for the Emperor's soul.

Emperor Axel I Poniatowski-Esterházy picked up the branch which was lying by the line, crossed it after taking considerations being replayed over and over in his head and made his way to the warrior with the club. Standing a meter or two away, he fell unto his knees amongst the dirty, placed the branch between himself and the possible executioner and opened up his arms.

"The Imperial Commonwealth of Krimeon's deeds are many, but so are its crimes. The greatest of them all is undoubtedly inaction over your people's butchering under the hands of the Royal Seleucid machinery, to which we could've done something about and help you overcome it during these centuries of oppression and stagnation, but alas in the end we failed your people and the nation. This is why I hereby embrace all of the sins of my people, including my past Imperial forebearers and myself during the years of my reign for not showing official concern until the very end of this hellish nightmare of yours. As much as everyone would like to think so, an apology containing words of sincere remorse isn't enough to make a redemption, amends for the horrible crimes that the RS commited against your people; the intent of my visit is that hopefully we could lay down any squabbles between and work together for the common good; Krimeon is more than ever to repair relations, as long as the United Iwi are willing, and to that if it's required...My Life. If it's by the will of your Gods and Mine, I'm now kneeling right in front of you, Oh Great Warrior of the Iwi, to receive my deserving judgement of everlasting death." Axel ended.

He closed his eyes and no longer could sense anything; each and every moment of his life now sprung past him, from the first days of his reign when he sat on the throne to take over his Grandfather, and up to know. If this indeed was the last breaths he took, he hoped that it would make a difference for Krimeon-Iwi relations in the end and it wasn't in vain. He would have preferred to live longer and die a natural death with the entire family beside him, though he also knew that the country was in good hands, placing his entire fate on his eldest daughter and heiress to continue the great legacy of the Poniatowski-Esterházy name. In silence and contemplation, Axel began to pray to God that he may show mercy and forgiveness if the time indeed came.

[BenOfTheIwi]

It was almost with contempt that the young warrior swung the club in such a way as to tuck it under his armpit as he turned his back Emperor, a warrior only turned their back on the weak, women or children and the King closed his eyes half in disappointment and half to avoid the disparaging look of the warrior who made his way back. King Piripi could sense why the man had done what he had but the onlooking group would not view it that way. Already the crowd were beginning to disperse, after all showing your privates to someone in such a manner was a sign of contempt. Piripi walked over removing his cloak and placed it around the Emperor. "You need to stand up rather quickly. And for the love of Rangi keep the cloak wrapped around you." The King waited patiently for the man to get up before walking him not towards the terminal but towards his pants.

Once the Emperor had a chance to get dressed the King began heading further towards the airports outfield. "While your people may well see the gesture as noble you will find our citizens will view that as rather a mess. All is not lost though" Piripi said. "When we greet someone it is a challenge, a chance for them to display respect and strength. You showed one but not the other. Had this been a few hundred years back your Iwi would now forever be banned from our lands until such a time as the person giving the insult was dead. This presents me with a problem because all the witnesses will now have the impression of a naked man" he left out the fact the Emperor showing his privates would indicate contempt. His dealings with the CNN had shown him just how much his own nation was stuck in the past clinging to its culture and customs such as the greetings. Every minute piece of body language would be under scrutiny and even then every Iwi had their own way of reading the situation.

The fient buzz of a helicopter filled the air and soon it was touching down not far away from the King and Emperor. "You see we will have to not enter the village so to speak. In that regard we will be flying out to one of our Destroyers parked in Hunters Bay, I figure then I can fully say you never officially entered my Marae, or meeting hall. If that is acceptable." The King clambered into the helicopter his large frame making it that he had a lack of leg room, "Bring whoever you wish, we have three free seats" he gestured around the helicopter cabin.

[The Young Pope]

"Ok...Well at least I got the chance to air my manhood, as everyone says it's great." That was basically the only awkward sentence that the Emperor could utter, before standing on his feet again and made his way back to the clothes of his. Empress Elena didn't waste a second without embracing him in the process as he was being escorted by the Iwi King, wearing a cloak of his that was generously allowed to be borrowed. "On the brighter side of things, at least you didn't end up like a roasted pig on a spike." she said whispering into Emperor Axel's ear, a kiss exchanged to one another and finally chuckles could be heard.

"Your Apostolic Majesty...At least you're still alive from this entire ordeal and...ehm well…" Szücs tried his best to give complimentary Words of reassurances to no avail.

"Szücs...please don't even bother…" the Emperor stared at him for a short while, although it was a clear indication as to what he really meant, grabbing the clothes froma bodyguard who held it previously.

"Indeed...most certainly…" Szücs stared whilst his eyes were firmly set on the ground.

As soon as that embarrassing situation came to an end, the trio accompanied King Piripi to the airport grounds, stepping into the chopper that was supposed to take them to their destination. The Emperor listened intentively to what the King had to comment in regards to his actions and he couldn't agree more to the sentiment that was shared. "Your Majesty, I perfectly understand what you're trying t express and yes it was perhaps an overreaction on my part, however I believe it only illustrates perfectly our two peoples' understanding of how respect and strength is interpreted as, and we would thus like to thank thee for this customary greeting ceremony, giving us a valuable lesson for the future." the Emperor said so as respectfully and sincere as possible.

All of the were soon above the ground with the chopper hovering from above, the Commonwealth itself seemed to be a beautiful country from the looks of it, the archipelagoes enveloping the small picturesque villages and towns dotted across the landscape, as if it were a scenic painting that never ended. "My good King, I would like to point out that the status of an Krimeonite Emperor entails that I'm supposed to stay out of politics and I'm not even considered to be the nominal chief executive. It's the reason why I have my good Minister here with me, Vice Chancellor Alexander Szücs, who happens to be in charge of Foreign Affairs, Development Aid and Defense." Szücs stretched out his hand to shake the King's as the Emperor gave him a firm pat on his back. "But don't worry I'll be able to provide opinions of my own if need be." he ended with a smile.

"Your Majesty, naturally it may take a while before we reach a level of friendship and reconciliation that is deemed to be of an acceptable level, however us Krimeonites are confident that whatever negotations that take place between us will only result in stronger steps unto this path that all of are willing to dedicate towards." Szücs said in a confident manner.

"Also, your country is Beautiful when looked upon from above, you've been truly blessed by the Divinity itself." Empress Elena said, staring from the window.

[BenOfTheIwi]

The King enjoyed flying over the Commonwealth, it was still largely an agricultural nation "Our land is still close to nature" he explained as the Empress commented on his nations beauty. "You see our faith teaches us Ranginui and Papatūānuku lay together as husband and wife sheltering their children. The children were keen to see what lay outside their parents embrace and so pushed the two apart. You see then we fly not over Mundus but over Papatūānuku who has given us everything we will ever need. Above us is Ranginui the Sky God keeping a watchful eye on us his children. As a result we perhaps have a kinship with the land very few nations will understand." Soon the green fields of the land gave way to the blue of the Kyne where thge Destroyer Okoki sat. "The Okoki was a around a thousnad years ago one of the canoes that carried Maori exploring Mundus. It was crewed by people of several Iwi's, one of the first failed attempts to try and unify all Maori into one nation."

As the aircraft circled the ship the it was clear the crew were all on deck, the metallic grey of the ship ringed with tiny white dots. As the aircraft began to touch down the flight deck was ringed with Marines in black dress uniforms minus their headwear.  As the wheels hit deck the door next to the King opened swiftly as the ships Captain greeted him. The pair exchanged a quick touch of noses before the King helped the Empress onto the deck as a Marine Sergeant did likewise for the Emperor and Minister. As the King motioned for people to follow, talking being kind of pointless, he began walking off the flight deck with the Marines parting to make a passage way. Each soldier had a stone club tucked into their belt where most other nations would have had a bayonet.

The King walked among his servicemen and stopped talking to a few people and touching noses as he made a turn into the ships structure. He waited for his guests and then turned immediately right into the Captains ward-room. It was small, capable of fitting maybe no more than eight people in around its wooden table designed for a life at sea with its deep cup holders. "Please be seated" the King motioned to his various seats around him. Once everyone was settled their was a knock and Kapono Ngatai the nations Foreign Minister entered followed by Tane Sevasi his trademark polished redwood cane in hand. Tane was the King's Royal Envoy and had visited a great many nations across Mundus making him perhaps the most travelled Maori in the government.

With everyone settled the King began, "Now your initial letter spoke of a wish to establish diplomatic, security and cultural relationships. I'd be interested in what you have in mind." He began not even bothering to formally introduced Tane or Kapono who were still opening notebooks and setting up their tablets as the King began to start the serious business.

[The Young Pope]

"An excellent choice of venue for these negotiatons, my good King." Alexander Szücs commented admirably considering it suited his role as Minister of Defence as well, taking a seat at the table where the Iwi King and his closest men were gathered. The Imperial couple sat comfortably close by, requesting some beverage or at least water to be served due to the heat they experienced. "Hope it isn't much to ask...much appreciated." the Empress said.

"Indeed Your Majesty that's what we ought to discuss initially, though we shouldn't the forget the economical aspects in all of this, as I'm sure that everyone here loves the flow of cash filling up the national cofferts, as long as it proves to be ethical for both parties involved, especially the Iwi in this case." Szücs said, realizing the potential the Iwi had in store when it came to their agricultural industry and how it could be potentially weaved into environmentally friendly notion.

"So I suppose the first ordinary yet critically important topic to discuss would be 'diplomacy', as to which this is what we Krimeonites have in mind", Szücs then showed the main points on his tablet:

- The parties agree to maintain active embassies with each other. If summoned an ambassador shall present themselves to the host government within twenty four hours of the summons.

- Either party may request a twelve hour extension upon receipt of the summons should a level of seniority be required due to the issue concerned.

- The parties declare that they shall act in a spirit of friendship and cooperation with a view to further developing and fostering economic and cultural intercourse with one another, each adhering to the principle of respect for the independence and sovereignty of the other and non-interference in their internal affairs.

- Should disputes or conflicts arise between the High Contracting Parties over problems of one kind or another, both parties shall settle these disputes or conflicts exclusively through friendly exchange of opinion or, if necessary, through the establishment of arbitration Commissions

- The parties shall allow citizens of the other nation to apply for a fast track visas aiding in travel between the two nations for purpose of trade, recreation, and business. These visas shall be available to anyone who meets the following criteria

(a) Has a stay lasting no longer than 90 days
(b) Has a return ticket
(c) Is able to fund the duration of their stay.
(d) Has no criminal record
(e) Is not deemed a threat to national security.
(f) All requirements have been fulfilled in accordance to local laws and procedures when conducting trade and/or business.

-  The parties agree to the establishment of a system of extradition for persons accused of crimes in one country to the jurisdiction of the other. No extradition shall take place until compelling evidence has been presented.

"We removed a bit regarding the usage of Mundus Convention of Universal Rights as part of extradition requirements, as the Iwi isn't part of it and when it comes to RS criminals that deserve to be met with absolute justice...However if my good Sirs feel differently, we may include  Articles four and seven of the Mundus Convention of Universal Rights have to be met as well." Szücs said, drinking from a glass filled with water.

"Now these are the points in mind when it comes to trade:"

- The parties pledge to trade fairly with each other and to respect the lawful commerce of each party.

- Neither of the parties shall create taxes, limits, bans, or quotas on the goods or services of the other party on basis of their origin from the other party, with exception to such taxes, limits, bans, or quotas created by international organizations of which the parties are members thereof.

- The parties recognize the right of free commercial navigation through the waters and airspace of the other party, with adherence to local laws and procedures.

"The United Iwi is proud Agricultural country, likewise when it comes to Krimeon as we're among the world's largest exporters when it comes to Food and Beverages for instance. In addition to that, we're keen on Environmentally friendly practices as well as putting emphasis on ecological produce for a healthier Mother Mundus. I'ts impression that the Iwi desires the same and thus it would be great for our respective companies to one day cooperate with each other on these matters, out of their free will of course." Szücs paused more to moisturize his mouth, the next offer coming up was considered to be quite 'juicy'.

"Your Majesty and Excellencies, in terms of Special Agreements...The Imperial Commonwealth would like to offer from our Sovereign Wealth Fund an annual fiscal contribution of $6 billion USD to fund the United Iwi, as to which the funds may be used for anything...including military matters and struggles involving your greatest enemies, a struggle which Krimeon wholeheartedly supports. Consider this generous offer as part of our 'compensation' for acting dishonorably and not coming to your aid sooner than later during the times of complete suffering." Szücs said, with the Imperial Couple acting rather surprised in a subtle manner, eyeing each other at the same time.

"It's the reason why Defence and Security topics have been put to the last, and this time it would be interesting to hear from your side whether it's perhaps too early or not to cooperate with Krimeon on such matters. This fiscal offer in question doesn't require any later return payments, as I trust that the economic growth between us will act as compensation." he said smiling.

[BenOfTheIwi]

It was Tane Sevasi who looked at the tablet. " First off embassies are always welcome, however we will not grant a 12 hour extension, we would instead suggest you appoint a diplomat capable of actually doing the job he has been appointed for. If a man is living in our nation with the job of representing your interests and can't be prepared to answer my King's questions within 24 hours of an incident then he should be fired from your diplomatic services. As for non-interference in internal affairs we will not make that promise. Should Maori rights or traditions in Krimeon be under threat rest assured we shall interfere. I'll remind you that we have hundreds, potentially thousands of war criminals loose around the globe, additionally many artefacts being lost. IF for example your nation were to pass a law relating to the trade of these artefacts rest assured we'd be taking an interest and using whatever legal means possible to halt it and disrupt it. While you represent a people from a geographically fixed nation our people have through no wish of their own found themselves dispersed across Mundus and as such we will serve their interests if they belong to an Iwi."

"As for disputes there should be an appointed arbitration power, it can not be the Ardian Assembly, I suspect you would not wish to utilise the CNN therefore we have a problem being able to find an organisation that would be seen as a possible solution there. Likewise should nations wait for when one is needed it will not be neutral powers that form it."

"Now in regards to visa's we shall grant visa free travel to citizens of your nation who belong to an Iwi or are invited by one, otherwise a visa will be required for anyone staying longer than 14 days."

The next point was extradition. "Regarding Article 4 of the MCUR we can not agree to this part of the treaty unless you can define what you regard as "inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment". This is a phrase used by many nations to describe our tepu system and as such you on paper offering extradition of potential war criminals means nothing if you are a nation that will stand by the Rokkenjiman description of this article."


"As for trade we will not be removing tariffs on agricultural products. You're nation is much larger than ours and as such you're capable of undercutting our nations agricultural produce and this is not helpful for our producers. The farmers of the Iwi have many other potential markets for their goods through the CNN and therefore by lowering and reducing tariffs on agricultural products we would be saturating our markets even further. So while we would be happy to remove tariffs on other products these will not be considered."


The conversation then turned "dirty" and Tane looked at his King. Piripi sat silently for a moment, "While $6billion is a generous offer it creates an issue for our people." the King took a deep breath. "Each time someone gives a gift it creates Māoritanga, an obligation to the giver. It means that at some point in the future you are obligated to provide a gift of similar value back. What you are doing here by this process is placing an annual obligation of the Commonwealth to reciprocate the gift with one of equal worth to the Krimeon. Can you imagine me going to our people and looking for some way of providing a return gift to the Krimeons worth $6billion?" He left the question hanging, "I appreciate the manner in which it is given but our people would see it as blood money designed to ease your nations collective conscience. Now as for discussing defence and security, I am intrigued what you are about to propose however I have seen similar treaties to what you have already offered and my cousin's analysis of the articles offered already should show you some indication. We are not a nation like others you have dealt with. Our culture is one rooted firmly in traditions few outside our nation have sought to even understand. Therefore approaching the Commonwealth in the same vein as say Quintopia is unlikely to yield similar results."