"Thank you," Evanthe said as she looked to Jinduming. "This is how we begin, with steps and motions of faith toward one another that will hopefully prove they were very much worth taking. From each step, and each concern we work through, we move onto the next. There were several actions taken, and opportunities missed to dissuade fears and mistrust along the way, which brought us both to a position which nearly led to even more unfortunate actions on both sides. I pledge to you that I will work tirelessly to prove that there is no enemy for the SICR to see in Rokkenjima."
"You'll remember that we had a Rokkenjiman citizen, Patricius Bateson, who took up a similar approach," Evanthe continued, "yet even recognizing the inherent good-will and nature behind his decision, it could not be applauded. Transactions that involve human lives, the very exchange of money for the soul of another, is a part of the problem. The situation could have been handled better and should never have been allowed to spiral out of control as it did, though I feel the nations of Mundus have a decision before them: to consign slavery to the dustbins of history, or to accept that they do not have any tools at their disposal to free millions of people from a life of forced servitude. Unfortunately the easiest option, simply buying them, doesn't figure into the equation and by its very merit cannot be a part of the solution."
"I do not fault people for wanting to take action to improve the lives of others," she continued, "but it must be done in ways that do not add to the problem. Now I don't imagine you'll see Rokkenjima looking at each and every thing the SICR does under a microscope, nor do I think you'll see me judging the SICR for the conduct of its sovereign affairs. So that you understand and know that any response I would take under similar circumstances isn't borne of some ire toward the SICR, Rokkenjiman opposition to slavery is rooted in a firm understanding that we cannot engage in any part of the institutions and machinations of slavery: to do so, even for noble purposes, ultimately perpetuates the very system we find reprehensible."
"With that being said, I find that sanctions upon Tamora do not serve the purposes we've seen in their implementation by other states, and I will not be looking for reasons to sanction or otherwise threaten the work we've accomplished by signing a treaty of non-aggression between our states. Rokkenjima and the SICR, if they are to embark upon a new path together, will need to meet one another with open honesty, good faith in the intents and interests of each other, and remember that they are not adversaries but fellow Ardian states. Within such a framework I believe that we may see not reasons to mistrust each other or the mirage of a potential adversary, but partners whom we may cooperate and, yes, even one day friends with whom we may break bread."
Evanthe took a moment to pick up a folder sitting aside her, flipping through a few pages before speaking again. "My predecessor saw enemies in every shadow and felt that to trust was, in some manners, a sign of weakness, especially with an unknown such as the SICR. To counter this she relied upon visible shows of force, sending vessels near SANE members while authorizing intelligence gathering missions utilizing less visible assets. Without delving into the full details of Rokkenjiman capabilities or platforms, for understandable reasons, IRN activities in the Antalin Sea and Quinntopia Bay regions did take place under the orders of the Empress Emerita."
"I do not believe this approach ultimately serves the security interests of the First Empire nor those of Ardia. Rather than treating your nation and your allies in the manner of an adversary I'd much rather approach you openly and honestly while exploring areas of mutual interest. Should any issue arise in the future it must, and shall be, addressed through diplomacy. Recognizing that there exists a need to ensure that our nations do not misconceive the moves of each other as hostile actions, I would propose that we establish a direct link of communications, secured and only utilized by ourselves, and our respective military leaders, between Rokkenjima and the SICR. This way, for example, Rokkenjima could inform the SICR of a transit and, likewise, the SICR could inform Rokkenjima if something went awry so that it is not interpreted as a hostile action."
"Again, I won't be looking at everything you do as some sort of action against the First Empire, but I feel that creating an avenue for instantaneous communications between us beyond normal diplomatic avenues would be something of great use to our nations. I imagine we could also design a system which allows for Quintellia and New Derusmia to be aware of our communications, for the interests of transparency and dissemination of any discussions among our allies. What are your thoughts on this proposal?"
