A Proposal of the Network of Republics

[The Young Pope]

A PROPOSAL OF THE NETWORK OF REPUBLICS[1]

Having witnessed the government of Lodja seek to create a multi-national co-operative group we were impressed with their format, however not being a monarchy ourselves means that we are unable to join. Therefore we propose a similar organisation for those nations who have not got monarchs.

I therefore wish to invite the Republics of Mundus to Empire Bay D.C in Algonquin[2] island to discuss and hopefully create our own organisation. Please find the attached, proposed treaty at the end of this invitation as to better prepare one's self prior to attending this convention.

It is our sincere hope you will meet with us to discuss and ratify this organisation.

Take Care and God Bless, Sincerely

President Marc-Antoine Lavaud of the Bretonnian Republic

OOC NOTE: You may RP your arrival, no need to formally reply to the invitation

Recognising the independence of Republics.

Understanding the need for international co-operation amongst citizens is vital for international harmony

Committed to celebrating the uniqueness of nations.

Hopeful that Republics can co-operate in a range of areas

The nations signing this document hereby agree to the following conditions.

1. That Republics will act towards each other with friendship and kindness. That any disputes shall be settled by peaceful means whenever possible using various international organisations to bring about mutually acceptable solutions.

2. That Republics will host Ambassadors of other member nations within their capital. These Ambassadors are to present themselves to the Head of State/Government within 24 hours of being summoned in writing.

3. That every two years a Festival of Nations shall take place[3]. This shall be a Cultural Festival to be hosted in a member nation choosen by a panel made up of one representative per nation. Each representative may nominate one city as host and may cast one vote, this however may not be for their nation. A nation may not host two consecutive Festivals.

4. That every two years[4], to be staggered with the Festival of Republics, a Tournament of Nations shall take place. This shall be a sporting event similar to the Mundus Games but on a smaller scale with each member nation choosing two Sports. The host shall be choosen by a panel made up of one representative per nation. Each representative may nominate one city as host and may cast one vote, this however may not be for their nation. A nation may not host two consecutive Tournaments.

5. The Network of Republics shall share information on criminal and terrorist activities that may effect other nations.

6. Members of the Network of Republics agree that they shall ensure any Tariffs in existence are no higher for members than for the lowest tariffed non-republic nation which does not hold a Trade Agreement.[5]

7. Member nations agree that should a natural disaster or act of God befall a fellow member they shall take whatever action is within their power to offer support.

8. Member nations agree to an annual Council of Ministers. This shall take place in a rotation basis determined on the order by which this Treaty is signed. This Council shall be attended by either the Head of Government or their appointed person and shall discuss matters of international importance as well as co-operation between members.

9. This Treaty shall be open to any nation that has the governmental form of a republic, which shall be defined as one with an elected non hereditary leader, with a time limited term of office whom is not coronated so far as they ratify this Treaty. A member may be blocked from joining should a petition of more than 70% of members be presented within 48 hours of the disputed nation signing this Treaty.

10. A nation may leave this Treaty at any time by giving 30 days written notice.

11. This Treaty shall come into force from the ____________________________

Signed________________At Empire Bay D.C, Empire Bay, Bretonnian Republic

3.	Or annually for RP purpose
4.	Or annually for RP purpose
5.	May need reworking, but essentially Bretonnia would, for example, not be able to charge Heyra a 10% Tariff on Steel, if they charged ES (monarchy) 7% and ES had the lowest steel Tariff of any non-agreement nation. HELP!!!!

1.	Revived thread from old forum by Ben2016
2.	rl Manhattan

[RobertAgira]

To:- President Lauvard

The Christian Republic of Mountjoy would be interested in potentially establishing this organisation and as such I will be attending the convention as requested.

Knight Commander Hugo Lascelles.

[The Young Pope]

President Marc-Antoine Lavaud, Bretonnia's supreme leader stood nervously in one of the conference rooms of what was possibly to become the Headquarters of the Network of Republics, overlooking the riverside area. It had seen many great names in the nations pas stay there, it's balls had been legendary and more than one major business deal had been done there. However it was decided that it would have a permanent role, this building. Lavaud paced back and forth, he knew many off by heart now having just concluded his sixth or seventh lap.

"Marc" VP Gabriel Pomeroy said as he approached, "we've unfortunately only one invitation returned, however it isn't uncommon for events like this to attract one or two late comers." he handed a list of names and nations over to Marc.

"Well I look forward to meet the Knight Commander, seems to be a great fellow" he said as he began his pacing again, "When will he arrive?"

"I believe he's beginning to make his way from the airport" Gabriel responded

"Superb, Algonquin hasn't seen this much security since ages ago, nothing better go wrong considering the big shots we'r receiving...even if bloody commies would dare even attend a Capitalist Haven" The President said in a assured and determined manner.

[RobertAgira]

Hugo had landed in Bretonnia just after sunrise, he'd brought with him his Foreign Advisor, Commander Knight Giles Farrell a man of little height but almost as wide as he was tall. The two men had both worn matching blazers, their Orders seal on the pocket and around Hugo's neck was a Gorget denoting his rank as Knight Commander, the leader of the citizens of Mountjoy. The nation had tried to stay clear of many things in world affairs but they now needed to start spreading their Order wider and Hugo saw this as a golden opportunity.

As he arrived at the conference room he had to say he was a little disappointed. He grew up in a land where old beautiful buildings dominated the nation and here was a large glass and metal monstrocity, something that would never be permitted in Mountjoy. To many the buildings of home may seem antiquated but they were the connection to the past and the heritage of Mountjoy. This just seemed some reflective beast of a building and it lacked, in Hugo's opinion character. He did however greet his hosts warmly. "Good Morning" Hugo said cheerfully as they were introduced. "I had been hopeful of having to force my way through a crowd to meet you, but they say from small acorns giant oaks do grow."

[The Young Pope]

"Welcome to the Bretonnian Republic and likewise getting to finally meet you, after hearing so much on international correspondences. Well as they say, sometimes a fire built on a hill will bring interested people to your campfire" President Lavaud greeted, his VP and First Gentleman/Husband Pomeroy doing the same. "Unless I'm mistaken this might be your first time visiting Bretonnia? If I had to take a guess, this type of architecture perhaps doesn't feel so 'cultured' in a sense, however judging Empire Bay solely on a glass building is a mistake many first-timers make; after our gathering I would recommend checking out Empire Bay's first and oldest borough, Alderney, filled with canals, medieval side-buildings, over-priced cheese shops, weed-smelling coffee shops with stoned youngsters and the most exquisite fine dames...or gentlemen in the reddest of all red light districts in Mundus...which I'm sure those two latter aren't particular interest of your peoples. In any case, please take a seat and we can begin. Any potential late comers might drop in, bad taste in all honesty but the fact only another republic dared show up...What do I know?" President Lavaud remarked, a bit disappointed that there was a lack of uniformity and passion amongst the few republics in Mundus.

[Miteravia]

The Miteravian Presidential Jet flew over the Bretonnian Republic, air traffic control had just told the pilot he was clear to land. President Seiler sat in the back of the plane, he once again noted his tardiness and cursed himself for not planning ahead enough; it wasn't his fault that refuelling the jet took so long, he reasoned with himself.
One of Seiler's aides, Veronika, walked through from the rear cabin.
'Uh...sir,' the aide began.
'What is it, Veronika.' He mused since he was already in a poor mood he hoped this wasn't any bad news.
'That communique you sent to Bretonnia regarding the NOR...' she continued.
'Yes.'
'Well...uh...it was never delivered, the Foreign Office never sent it off.'
'WHAT!' Seiler shot from his seat. 'Ugh the Foreign Office, for god's sake...'
'So...um...I don't think they know we're coming, sir...'
Seiler walked into the rear cabin of the plane.
'Maks,' he pointed at another aide, 'find the contact info for someone in the Bretonnian government and inform them of our impending arrival, get them to send a cab or something, we're already late and now we have no arrangements made.'
Maks did as was instructed so by the time the Miteravian's plane had touched Bretonnian soil they had a hotel, their private security and transport organised. They unloaded from the plane and hightailed it towards the conference.   

[The Young Pope]

"Oh my Gawd, I can't..can't believe this, you see Gabe babe...Hugo? The spirit of republicanism's truly alive, praise mother fortuna!" President Lavaud exclaimed, quickly getting himself together as he could sometimes get carried away by his emotions sometimes. "Where are my manners, Welcome President Seiler to the Most Serene Republic in Alba Karinya and Cotf Aranye, being of course Bretonnia. Please take a seat, as more snacks and refreshments are being brought up as we speak." Marc said while Pomeroy was alerting the kitchen staff on the phone to prepare more goodies. "I trust that his excellency has read through the entire proposed treaty...?" Lavaud asked, still wondering whether more would show up considering the security was prepared in the case of such eventualities.

[Miteravia]

President Seiler took his seat as instructed, 'It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance, President Lavaud,' greeted Seiler, 'your great nation is a beautiful sight from above, I must say. Thank you for making this opportunity open to Miteravia, I have to confess I am very excited since Parliament read the treaty I have been granted executive power during the trip for the first time.'

[The Young Pope]

"Well thank you for your kind words, Bretonnia along with the Shangri-la peninsula has always been a state of progression and tolerance ever since time immemorial, I could say so the same regarding Miteravia, which Gabe and I can't wait to visit one day! Thank you for heeding to this invitation, it's about time the Great Republics of Mundus no matter ideology and Creed get together and be in the international spotlight for once and not just our Monarchist brother nations." Lavaud said, holding Pomeroy's hand as everyone who attended so far were sitting.

[Miteravia]

Seiler craned forward looked down the way towards Knight Commander Lascelles, 'Good to see you, Knight Commander, I don't think I have had the pleasure of meeting you previously, I trust your journey was comfortable.' He sat back in his chair and turned towards the Bretonnians,
'Mr Lavaud and Mr Pomeroy, may I ask how things are for the Bretonnian republic, I do try to keep up with foreign affairs in the news but I've been terribly busy lately.'

[The Young Pope]

"Well the President and I are continuing to maintain Bretonnia's unique standing in Mundus, that's what's pretty much clear although it's important to stress the necessity of innovation and forward-thinking for the upcoming future carrying the descendants. The Stocks are currently fairing quite poorly unfortunately, due to the ongoing plague business affecting trade abilities which has been successfully been contained for now although the first few days were indeed quite hectic and frightening, well at least for the average citizen but with Marc's ability when it comes to charisma the population's much stronger now in the psyche." Pomeroy deeply explained the situation, knowing like everyone else that the inevitable would happen to Bretonnia due to the open stance towards immigration and the densly-packed cities for easier spread, but eventually these events would simmer down sooner or later, life as they knew it would return hopefully. "Other than that...Mmm, well I suppose I could ask the same thing about your nations, gentlemen..." Pomeroy asked.

[Miteravia]

'Ah Mister Pomeroy, I would definitely say Miteravia is currently on the proverbial up; economic growth and stability seem to be the flavour of the day, although a little separatism sentiments has grown among a small minority of one state's populace but that's nothing too serious. Currently our large project is improving our diplomatic relations such as this and improving internal administrative efficiency. Regarding this plague epidemic if you wish Miteravia has many doctors and specialists, I am sure we could spare a few if it was to help reduce the likelihood of it spreading to more people and speed up the process of ridding the Bretonnian republic of it.' Seiler said.

[DeaEstMachina]

To:
Marc-Antoine Lavaud, President of the Bretonnian Republic

Regarding the invitation to discuss the creation of a "Network of Republics"

Honored President,

the Socialist People's Republic of Atheroje has always stood firmly in the defense of democratic principles, peace and international cooperation.
We would gladly attend meetings to discuss and possibly found an organisation like that. A delegation is being prepared at the time this message is being sent, and we look forward to a constructive conference.

Signed:
Martina Nováková, People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs

[Muneski]

As president Bob boards the His Presidential Boeing 787 Dreamliner for yet another trip.
But he was exited for this one as it was his first time Alba Karinya.
They take off and fly through the sky at 640 mph to reach Alba Karinya in no time.
"Sure I have met the Pope before but last time I did not make the best entrance, but hopefully the people of Bretonnia have not heard of it" He said worried.
"Hopefully they are as inviting as the people of ES" He stated.
"I am delighted to be part of this new treaty as a nation we are quite slow" He told his assistant.
"So I am happy to be one of the first to something" he stated   
They were cleared to land.
The president belted up for an exiting trip.

[The Young Pope]

"Welcome President Cruchett to Bretonnia, I hope your travelling went well and not too much hassle from Albion. Please take a seat and wait for the additional goodies from the Kitchen, I'm sure everyone here will have a jolly good time." Lavaud said.

[RobertAgira]

The gathering had certainly grown in size and Knight Commander Hugo Lascelles made a point of introducing himself to each new arrival with a polite but firm handshake, the kind that a man who had spent the majority of his life in Army turning spanners as an Engineer. He took a seat as conversations began and listened quietly to the others around him. When someone had asked about their home nations he leaned forward in his chair. "I'm happy saying life in Mountjoy is quiet, the way we like it. Although now the summer months are coming things will be gearing up for the summer tourist season, our lovely little towns draw quiet a crowd, those looking to enjoy a quiet break or we get quiet a few pilgrims. We even have some people trekking their way from the Citadel to the Holy Land the old fashioned way. " Hugo was rather envious of them, it was something he imagined as being rather exciting and had in his youth considered taking the journey himself on a motorbike but then he'd entered the service and that had seen the next two years of his life dedicated to the military.

When talk of the Plague came up he again added his own thoughts, "I hope Bretonnia has had a similar experience to us, we quarenteened Canaan at the first outbreak. The port city is usually full of boats docking and we think it came that way. Thankfully it didn't really make it out of the city and now the things burning itself out. If it helps we have our aid unit the Raphellites that have been waiting for calls for help. I'm sure if you need them we can sort that out?" Hugo offered them his nations specialist emergency response team, an army without weapons, made up mainly of those men and women in Mountjoy that took the Commandment "Thou Shalt Not Kill" to the letter and as such selected medical service over military service.

Helping himself to a biscuit and cup of tea he looked around the room, many nations Mountjoy had not yet established relations with where here and that excited Hugo who reached into his sporon and removed a pop packet of pills. He flicked two out and swallowed them with a glug of tea before returning his attention to the room. "I'm rather looking forward to getting stuck into these negotiations" he said with a relish.

[The Young Pope]

Lavaud and Pomeroy listened with much admiration as each and everyone were talking about their respective situations. "I would like to thank Eryk and Hugo here for offering aid in the gight against this Black Death, however for now we're able to keep it under control with our own dedicated professional HAZMAT teams, doctors and similar specialists. I hope these offers won't expire though as long as the disease's alive..."- Lavaud was interrupted by the kitchen staff coming in with the promised snacks, including the famous diverse Empire Bay Style Pizzas (1 and 2) and the Empire Bay Style Hot Dogs (1 and 2), alongside drinks of various sorts, alcohol and non-alcohol; not to say the least the desserts like Empire Bay Style Cheesecake and Donuts. "Yeah woohoo! *Whistle*, this is what I'm talking about boys!" Pomeroy exclaimed, trying to also lighten the moods further, much to his husband's appreciation.

"I'm sure everyone's looking forward indeed, this is what the Lavaud cabinet thought so with one of the main motives being to strenghten the Republican relations, a key for this organisation to succeed is the respect for the diverse ideologies and creeds found within the common Republican framework based on  democratic principles, peace and international cooperation" Pomeroy said as he helped distribute the plates, cups, cutlery and napkins. "I hope the city-style cuisine's to everyone's satisfaction, we can guarantee you that these are the finest quality made pizzas and hot dogs you can ever get your hands on in Empire Bay." Lavaud remarked showing the different options that were available to them.

[Miteravia]

'The pizza is exquisite yes, quite different to any other pizza and better might I add.' Seiler smiled mischievously. 'Here, take this as a personal gift and thank you to the pair of you for playing host.' Seiler offered a bottle of the finest quadruple distilled Port Miloscar vodka to the President and his Husband. 'THIS will hopefully challenge your preconceptions of what alcohol is.'

He turned to Hugo, 'Are you a drinker, Knight Commander, if you would like a bottle I'm sure I could convince the fine gentlemen at the distillery to send one to you. I wouldn't wish to be rude and not offer you a gift either.' He looked round the table. 'Anyone else?'

[DeaEstMachina]

As the conference continued to gain momentum in terms of attendance, a strange sight revealed itself in the skies above the riverside: with a noise that reminded of a scrap metal compactor, a dilapidated and disarmed Tu-14 stuttered through the air. Though it seemed like it could crash at any moment, the plane displayed astonishing endurance and somehow managed to land safely at last.
Its doors opened, and a small group of serious-looking people clad in dark greatcoats took their first steps on the island. The delegation of Atheroje, led by the People's Commissar (Minister) for Foreign Affairs Martina Nováková, had arrived to enter talks with other democratic nations now that the country finally left its long isolation. That rather sensational arrival, however, was somewhat damped by what followed, for the delegates just continued to stand around at the airfield, both confused as to which way to take to the gathering and seemingly unwilling or nervous to ask for directions.

[Libby]

The man stroked his beard before turning to his companion. "So Kseniya am I presentable?" Vadik Paternak, the Vice President of Kaitaine said rather calmly. They suspected their prescence here would not be appreciated, having assumed the mantle of trying to unite the Socialist of the world following the collapse of their former puppet masters, the USR, some five years ago their Soviet Republic had put rather a few noses out of joint, but now their glorious leader President McPherson had determined it was time to see what everyone was up to. He'd dispatched his young protegee Vadik Pasternak, the fiercly loyal and tenacious former army officer that was likely to succed McPherson one day. With him was Kseniya McLain, a fine KGB agent who among her duties was an able student of international law as well as being an excellent security agent. She was doubling as both Vadik's aide and his bodyguard, her deep pale blue eyes like those of a shark, on the surface displaying little life but ever watchful of things around her.

"You will do fine sir" she said almost without moving her lips. "We shall be late" she said looking at her watch and sounding only a touch disappointed.

"Relax Kseniya, we shall arrive when we arrive." He sat watching the Bretonian decadence out the car window before they arrived at the venue. He walked in followed by Kseniya, casually picked up a slice of pizza without saying a word, took a bite and then made his arrival known. "Hello everybody" he said handing Ksenyia the crust of the pizza. "Vadik" he shook hands with Hugo before moving on not even introducing his title, no doubt those gathered had seen the media announcements of his appointment as Vice-President and the usual character assassinations that would accompany the appointment of any Communist leader. "Vadik" he said again as he shook hands with President Cruchett before continuing his greetings with everyone in the room. "I must say quiet the soiree you throw here." He perched on a table edge. "I was rather thinking at one point our invitation would get lost in the mail, but nice to see the ultra efficent Soviet Postal Service hasn't let us down. How is everyone?" he asked noting Kseniya had taken a position towards a corner her eyes scanning back and forth. 

[Miteravia]

Seiler tapped his class with a fork, causing a harmonious ring drawing the attention of most in attendance.
'So ladies and gentlemen, may I ask an open question?' Seiler began 'What is to be our shared goal in this endeavour, other than the obvious and vague mutual betterment. We have representation of a wide range from all across the political spectrum, this means we may find a central goal hard to come by.'
He realised his question was quite open ended and may be daunting for even the most skilled diplomat to answer without leaving a bitter taste in some attendee's mouths.
'...uh...I'll start,' The Miteravian President began to explain. 'Miteravia wishes to achieve greater diplomatic ties with multiple nations joined in republican tradition, this could come in the form of more formal agreements such as economic treaties, customs treaties or anything in that vein. It could also take the form of more informal agreements and just generally an improvement of relations.'

[The Young Pope]

One of the Presidential aides entered the conference room and whispered something important into Lavaud's ear, wasn't exactly the most thrilling good news out there directly but it had to be catered for this to work, Pomeroy noticing Lavaud's temporary, sudden change of expression as the aide left the room once more. Lavaud leaned closer to Pomeroy: "It seems the Atherojean and Kaitaine commies have finally landed on Bretonnian soil, we'll see if the day's pretty enough by the end of it...", with hubby assuring him that everything would be fine and simply relax. "At least we got enough dogs and pizzas, did I forget to mention the booze hehe?".

Sooner or later the commies entered the room, releasing a moment of complete silence and staring, things just got dead shit serious in other words. "Welcome...Comissar Novakova and Vice President Paternak to the Bretonnian Republic and this Republican convention, we're all 'glad and thrilled' fine-standing nations such as yourselves managed to summon the gut to come here, please take a seat and...- Ah I see you're enjoying the Pizza hehe...*gulp*." Lavaud said as a few Secret Service Agents entered the room, standing in the corners, hoping not many would take notice; luckily the attention craved from their Miteravian counterpart was the solution that was needed. Pomeroy and Lavaud being the hosts decided to let the others speak their minds clearly.

[Libby]

Vadik circled the room as though looking for a seat, shook the hands of several of the Secret Service before plonking himself in the comfiest looking empty seat. "What do we want to gain?....What do we want to gain?" Vadik mused rubbing his beard, "Well having looked at the proposed charter I must say I'm excited, cultural festivals, sports events, all wonderful things. Each of you getting a lovely new embassy in Arrakeen, that'll be exciting" he nodded, "A chance for you all to basic in our wonderful city on the cliff, well its kind of strecthed well beyond the cliff now but you'll see when you get there." He chuckled to himself. "The economic stuff could be tricky, after all unlike many of you it is our people who own our industry but I am sure something can be found. I already however have my eyes set on a few amendments so I hope nobody minds me taking out the tippex once we get started."

[DeaEstMachina]

The rest of the Atherojan delegation dispersed into the corners of the room, with obvious suspicion towards the gathered politicians as well as the strange foods, but Commissar Nováková took a seat near the representative of Mountjoy. After drinking from a water bottle she pulled out of some hidden compartment in her coat, a polite, if not friendly smile appeared on her face. "Esteemed Knight Commander", she said while leaning towards Lascelles, "I want to use this opportunity to applaud the humanitarian efforts of your nation. We may not have the best relationship with religious groups, but we give credit where credit is due. We have even published an article on that issue in our central organ. After all", Nováková added, "how is charity something other than revolution? It gives food to the hungry, hope to the thirsty, and the world to the poor."

[Miteravia]

The Miteravian President noticed the almost shifty actions of the Commissar and when he reached in his pocket, Seiler's hand shot to his waist out of habit to clutch at a sidearm that hadn't been there for months. When it turned out to be a bottle of water he visibly sighed and turned towards Vadik,
'We in Miteravia are very appreciative of your economic system as ours works to a greater or lesser extent similarly as all major business are owned by the state and the state very much works for the people as enshrined by law, so in a way the companies work for the people...' Seiler explained. 'But yes the cultural and sporting events sound like great fun if you ask me.'

[The Young Pope]

Some of the SS agents like the Miteravian President also almost went for their guns before realising it was just a water bottle, clearly it was a bit tense still. "Hugo, as much as I commend the honorable actions committed by the Knights/Raphaelites I do wonder about their presence in Bretonnia, unless my history's mistaken their presence in Bretonnia has been of a large character, seeking refuge in the past from pursecuting monarchs and spreading the Christian faith in this capitalist-minded society, it begs me to think if it isn't the time to set up a modern day HQ for them in both Empire Bay and Shencheng or at least one of the great cities?" Pomeroy asked.

"It always boils down to the economics as much as I anticipated, surely we'll solve these disputes in no time, thank you for your valuable input ladies and gentlemen. The cultural and sporting events are designed indeed to make a solid block of trust and mutual countability for each other." Lavaud commented.

[guest163]

Premier Chief Elyot Adrihel reads the invitation once again while on the car to the conference, this will be Iypra's first leap on diplomacy for over 331 years due to the nation's long-standing isolationism, Elyot felt a bit anxious but gathered his strength to suppress it. He then took a glimpse of an image of the goddess Ayruta, the goddess of peace and love, he stared at it for a minute and cited the final line of the Devotion to Ayruta, "Guide me with love and care, oh wise Ayruta.". He held his cane as the driver told him that they are approaching and he then looked out of the car window and was a bit disappointed on how tall buildings of metal and glass dominate the city, he brushed this off and focused on the conference. The car then arrived at the building and he got off in an orderly fashion and his security entourage followed suit, he walked confidently to the conference with his cane. He adjusted his tie and the security entourage dispersed outside the room at the last minute, He entered the conference room and greeted the hosts with confidence and glee. "A wonderful afternoon President Lavaud, I have been looking forward to meeting you."

[CGJ]

Mod note: I've dropped the title from all caps to something a little less jarring

[The Young Pope]

"Likewise Premier Adrihel, we can't express in words how delighted we are about your presence." Lavaud said greeting him shaking hands in the process with VP & First Gentleman Pomeroy doing the same, after all every available republic was needed. "You're not late at all for our little gathering, there's enough dogs, pizza and dare I mention booze for days to last if discussions last more than a day hehe. In any case we're currently discussing our visions and goals with this proposed treaty and see if there are any ideas and concerns you'd wish to talk about." Lavaud said.

[Libby]

Vadik was not one for this general chit chat and eating these "Hot Dogs", tasted more like mashed of dogs head or something to him anyway, if you wanted a sausage make it out of proper meat not the rancid left overs, he was keen to get down to business and determine whether this Network was of any use to Kaitaine.  "If we're talking about concerns I'd like to raise a few" He produced a notebook from his inside pocket and flicked it open.

"First there is Article 5[1]. I believe we should draw up a list of terrorist organisations recognised by this Network before we create the organisation. I note with interest for example that we are plagued daily with the Truthsayer and Bene Gesserit terrorist threat, sadly our ever watchful fight against them slipped up and the poor Morelanders had to experience it, and now a Rokkenjiman is dead because of them. Yet I note with interest that our friend her from Mountjoy has just recognised the Bene Gesserit's as a protected faith. This creates a problem, so perhaps we should change the wording to "share information on criminal and acts considered terrorist by any member nation." This would close the loop hole and help protect each of us." Vadik looked around to gauge the response.

"Then there is Article 7[2], there can be no act of God if there is no God. This definition is too vague, natural disaster or national emergency should be sufficient."

"Article 9 should be removed completely, if we are to truly represent Republics then we should not block membership for any nation fitting our criteria. We must not become an echo chamber where people hear only the points they support. We must allow dissenting voices and not put barriers to keep them out."

1.	5. The Network of Republics shall share information on criminal and terrorist activities that may effect other nations.
2.	7. Member nations agree that should a natural disaster or act of God befall a fellow member they shall take whatever action is within their power to offer support.