The Room Where It Happens

[Beatrice]

A Message To The Emperor
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Emperor Lapu,

As you are undoubtedly aware the present situation in Nueva Ardia is untenable. With domestic concern regarding issues of corruption and the very legitimacy of the referendum which has allowed Mr. Melos to extend his term, along with rumbles of international concern regarding the conduct of the referendum, the First Empire has called for an independently managed and verifiable referendum to resolve these questions and ensure that the People of Nueva Ardia do not have their right to self-determination infringed upon. The Quintellian position of support for Mr. Melos, despite these serious concerns, has moved me to deploy naval assets to the Quinntopia Bay region to ensure no further foreign interference, or a more forceful move of support for Mr. Melos, should take place.

This places us in an unfortunate position given the Treaty of Non-Aggression between our nations.

It is my belief that the issue of the legitimacy of Mr. Melos extends beyond the recent referendum and invite you to discuss these issues. Even if we cannot come to a common understanding and path of action I am prepared to offer Rokkenjiman actions in return for Quintellian and SANE neutrality in the matter of Nueva Ardia, allowing for an environment in which a new referendum may take place, perhaps with Josai overseeing the conduct and reviewing the results in a manner which is verifiable and sits beyond institutions which Mr. Melos may influence, directly or otherwise. While I hope that Quintellia may be moved to join us in supporting a new referendum, a policy of neutrality would be more helpful to that pursuit so I would be willing to meet you at that level should we be able to move no further.

Having spoken with officials in Josai I have prepared for us a discreet meeting to discuss these issues. I shall arrive the day after tomorrow at 9 AM, while your arrival (if accepted, naturally) shall be scheduled for 15 minutes later. We shall take different cars to the meeting place, and shall likewise depart on a staggered schedule once they have concluded. I've also arranged for a representative from the Achkaerinese Government to be present.

I look forward to your response and hope to see you in Josai.

Respectfully;


Empress of Rokkenjima
Princess of Littlebrook

[Major Jaws]

OFFICIAL LETTER FROM THE PALACE OF QUINTELIA

Empress Beatrice,

First of all, I still personally stand by what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has acted upon Nueva Ardia. And while I would commend the people for speaking out and condemn the president for his less desirable use of the military police, I cannot avoid being troubled by the protests. We fear the instability brought upon by the protestors and their ideologies could quickly spread to other nations in the region, including Quintelia. As someone who experienced a crisis magnitudes worse than the current one in Nueva Ardia, I have some semblance of worry. Of course, one cannot turn a blind eye on the possibility that President Melos might have had rigged the elections to his favor, but one cannot also ignore the fact that you mobilized and deployed your navy as a response to us offering to bring in some food. In the meantime, I'll save my ramblings on the matter for our meeting else I'd be stuck typing this letter all day.

I shall be travelling alone, personally piloting my own plane as they're preparing for my visit to Kodumaa. I would appreciate as much discretion as possible as to not garner the attention of the media and my allies on this meeting. My fellow SANE leaders, especially in SICR, have been restless when it comes to foreign affairs involving your nation.

I look forward to seeing you too in Josai.

Truly Yours,
King Lapu

[Beatrice]

The Empress elects to drive to Josai, avoiding the usual pomp of the Imperial Yacht.

As scheduled, Beatrice made her low-key arrival in Josai, at least as low-key as one could in an electric supercar. She wasn't sure where, from here, she and the Quintellian Emperor would be taken but was prepared nonetheless to secure an environment in which a new Nueva Ardian referendum was a possibility. Quintellian support for Melos was an annoyance, however, the deployment of a Carrier Strike Group to the region undoubtedly was the right call as Melos could have certainly employed more forceful measures in his response to the situation. Pulling into the agreed upon spot with her counterparts in Josai the Empress handed the keys to a service member on duty. "I trust that you'll merely park the car, yes? It's a pre-production model, and I've promised Aspark that it would be returned in pristine condition. Easy on the accelerator, it can hit 60 MPH in less than two seconds."

"On second thought," she said with a wink while taking the keys back, "why don't you just point me to where it needs to go?"

[Baal]

President Seiko was waiting at the Daisei ward building. It was a spare government building that is usually an empty government building which is housed temporary government officials, and facilitate meetings such as these. The Secretary of State Keiko Uwi. Keiko replied “This is such a good day for a shady meeting such as this.”

Seiko replied with equal comedic tone “Yeah, we are facilitating a possible deal here, you know, quid pro quo, some possible solutions to a crisis, and you know some money for the drugs, did you bring the drugs?”

Keiko responded “No I left them with my suitcase and other pants.”  Seiko responded “Damn…Oh well a solution to the NA crisis will need to do.”

Secret Service guards were everywhere. The President sighed “Ok..Lets get this bullshit over with.”Keiko just chuckled as they waited for their Rokkenjiman and Quintellian counterparts.

[Major Jaws]

King Lapu arrived in the previously discussed location in Josai twenty minutes late. "Travelling alone, driving a rented car in the rush hour of the Josaian traffic was not the best idea." He thought to himself as he left the car parked in a lot, gazing at a supercar nearby. Lapu sped walked towards the meeting place, thinking about what he's going to say to the Empress. Approaching the building, he greeted the Josaian leaders. "Nice meeting you again, President Seiko, Madam Keiko." He shook their hands before continuing. "I take it that the Empress is here already?" Lapu asked.

[Achkaerin]

The sheer amount of delicate orchestration that happened when discreet meetings of this nature occurred would, if the subject matter were not of a highly concerning nature, be mildly amusing, it was almost like a rather interesting interpretation of the party game musical chairs. The Empress's message to King Lapu had mentioned that an Achkaerinese representative would be arranged for the meeting and it was perhaps not surprising that the roar of a supercar engine heralded the arrival of one of the biggest petrolheads on Mundus Crown Princess Serenity had been dispatched for this matter and with good reason, of any diplomatic figure on Mundus it was she who had the most experience of dealing with Tero Melos whether it be when she'd mediated talks between Nueva Ardia and Zachachevania or when she'd been handling the Andean Genocide resolutions during her tenure as Secretary-General of the CTO. Her father had sent her with a simple message "Make sure it's just and fair."

It would probably also not be that surprising that Serenity's security on this journey was, rather conveniently, covered by Maki Hamer, well at least officially that was what she was doing there, unofficially there was another implication of course.

"Beatrice is already here." Serenity said noticing the silver car parked not that far away from hers as she got out of her car, she glanced at her watch they'd timed their arrival to be after Lapu's.
"Is hers quicker than yours?" Maki asked
"Quicker in 0-60 terms yes." Serenity said "But in terms of a race distance I'd win. Any sign of your sister?"
"Walking this way." Maki said

Maki's older sister Janelle Scrivens now joined them, she'd been standing waiting for them.
"I was expecting an Achkaerinese minister not the Crown Princess." Janelle said
"Janelle meet Serenity." Maki said "Serenity this is my older sister Janelle."

Introductions made, the trio made their way inside.

[Baal]

President Seiko greeted all the delegates involved and escorted them inside. It was a rather plain government building glass windows framed against ultramodern brutalist style architecture, however now was not the time to afford such levity she had a job to do as well as Secretary of State Keiko Uwi. They were all escorted into the central executive meeting room catered of course with all the coffee, tea,various fruit juices, biscuits and light food. No alcohol however, alchohol would come later when a resolution was made and to maintain a strict form of discipline and professionalism throughout the negotiations.

The President gave her opening statement. "Alright ladies and gentlemen we all know why we are here. My nation has the privilege of hosting this meeting on neutral ground that is our republic for one reason, to find a peaceful or a beneficial resolution to the ongoing NA crisis, with that I have been told that there are a few proposals that each one of your nations has offered has has expressed interest in. My State Secretary Madam Uwi tells me that the SANE and Rokkenjima parties have some deal in mind before the NA ciris can be resolved as well. So for the interest of all I will be monitoring this meeting, and going over the matters of state that would concern Josai within the context of this Crisis with her as well. With that said, who wishes to begin?"

[Beatrice]

"I shall," Beatrice said as she stood. "Thank you Honourable President for accommodating us on such short notice. The dedication of the Republic to finding solutions for issues affecting our near neighbours is admirable, and I'm certain all in attendance appreciate the lengths you are willing to go to assist in facilitating a solution. I'm also pleased that Emperor Lapu was able and willing to join us here today, as am I pleased that Crown Princess Serenity is present as well. While it has been some time since we've been in such a setting together I know well that her dedication toward the arc of justice and that which is right has helped to guide many a scenario toward resolutions that serve the common good of Peoples, regardless of borders or the difficulty of the situation before us."

"With that being said, what is transpiring within Nueva Ardia is something which should be of concern to all Ardians, and those beyond our continent even. I understand that Emperor Lapu holds concerns over the protests and the spread of their ideas beyond the borders of Nueva Ardia, however, I do not share that fear. What I see in Nueva Ardia are those who display their patriotism and concern for their nation through actions: it is no small feat to shut down roads, ports and shopping centres across a nation, after all. We must consider that the referendum which granted Mr. Melos a continuance of his term was conducted in a manner which allows for no independent mechanism for review or verification, under institutions which we have no manner of knowing the depth of any alleged corruption or ulterior motives which may exist."

"This is why the First Empire views a referendum which is conducted by a neutral party, and is fully transparent to the Nueva Ardian People and the community of nations, as a necessity. If the People of Nueva Ardia are as supportive of Mr. Melos as he claims he has nothing to lose under such a scenario: the referendum is held, the results are verified, and those who may oppose the results may at least know that it was conducted fairly and not to the benefit of one man over the democratic voices of those he rules. If they do not support his position, we gain insight into the true will of the People and may take that information and use it accordingly as we approach the difficult situation within Nueva Ardia."

"I will also add that while Quintellian support for Mr. Melos was one reason behind the deployment of Rokkenjiman forces to the region, we primarily considered the threat of a heavy-handed response by Mr. Melos to the protests. It is my firm belief that had we not deployed the response would have been more forceful, more violent, and we could have seen blood in the streets as Mr. Melos retaliated. Given the history between the First Empire and SANE, and noting the Treaty of Non-Aggression, I certainly understand the concern Emperor Lapu would have in this situation. However, with the genocide conducted by Toshindai in recent history, we could take no risks in allowing Mr. Melos a blank cheque; precaution was thus the best strategy to at least provide guiderails and prevent the worst possible outcome from becoming a reality."

"To move forward from this point, and to see our mutual concerns addressed, I propose that should Quintellia, and by extension SANE, join in creating an environment which allows for a referendum which is transparent and verifiable to take place Rokkenjima would see this as a development which would allow for forces to be withdrawn from the Bay. This move would take place over the two weeks following any agreement reached here today. It is my hopes that, through dialogue and cooperation, we may find a path forward that ensures the democratic will of Nueva Ardia is heard unfiltered, and one which moves Rokkenjima and SANE toward an environment in which they need no longer view each other through tinges of lingering distrust, building a foundation which ultimately serves the stability and tranquility of our region and abroad."

[Achkaerin]

Serenity sighed, looking a Beatrice and mentally shaking her head, it was all well and good to make a proposal but seriously that was only half the job the other half was justifying the proposition substantiating it after all you didn't build a structure without foundations.

"Before King Lapu responds to the Empress." Serenity said "I feel that we need to clarify something." she turned her gaze to Beatrice "On the basis of what you've said your desired outcome is an independently verified referendum in short a rerun of the one that's just been had in Nueva Ardia, I'm not adverse to that provided it is warranted. Now on the basis of what has been said the only reason for doing so is that the original referendum was not independently verified and that the lack of independent verification is what makes the result unsafe. If that is the case then I would remind the Empress that there was no independent verification of the referendum that established the East Moreland Constitution nor of the ones relating to East Moreland leaving the CIS, East Moreland joining the CNN, Dartfordia leaving the CSU, Achkaerin leaving the CTO, Nya Aland independence from the UNP, Rokkenjima leaving LISA or Rokkenjima abolishing the position of Premier. So given that there was no independent verification of any of those referenda I am at a loss to see what in the Empress's statement justifies a rerun of the Nueva Ardia referendum because if we're saying a referendum is invalid because it lacks independent verification then all of the ones I've just mentioned are invalid to suggest otherwise is to invoke a double standard.

The point is that before we discuss a potential rerun of the referendum we should first establish why the referendum should be rerun so with that in mind I suggest that the Empress presents the evidence that justifies a rerun being required. And if she cannot do so then this discussion needs to swiftly move beyond this point."

[Baal]

President Seiko replied "Ok saying that then is there anything that you would suggest Princess Azurewind? We are of course open to all ideas here. That goes for everyone else as well. Empress Beatrice has given her suggestion, so now we open the floor to more ideas. Perhaps His Majesty King Lapu has something in mind?" 

[Beatrice]

“I would just ask if any of the aforementioned referenda had allegations of corruption and mishandling presented, as is the present case? The cases are not equivalent, especially with Rokkenjima, Achkaerin and Dartfordia all possessing strong democratic institutions. Thus no, we are not proposing a double standard.”

Beatrice next turned to the President, “My apologies, but those points required addressing.”

[Achkaerin]

"That's not what you were asked." Serenity said "You were asked to provide proof that the referendum result was unsafe, allegations are not proof of anything until substantiated, I think we all recognize that. Now let's look at what has been alleged in relation to the referendum - polling stations closing early because they run out of ballot papers and students being registered in their home districts to vote rather than their university districts. Is it possible for any of that to be the result of ill intent? Well yes it is, of course it is but it's also possible that administrative errors occurred created this set of circumstances and it is also possible that those people making allegations are in fact fabricating them neither of which would legally at least amount to definitive proof.  Without that proof I don't think you can show the referendum result to be unsafe which in turn makes a rerun unlikely. Also simply citing that Achkaerin, Dartfordia and Rokkenjima have strong democratic institutions does not disprove or dispel the perception of a double standard as you have yet to show incompetence or corruption on the part of the equivalent Nueva Ardian body and given that both the 2015 and 2019 elections in the country went off without a hitch or suggestion of corruption it is fair to assume that their equivalent body is equally as robust as Rokkenjima’s so let’s please stop doing a disservice to a nation that isn’t here to defend itself.

In order to have a rerun you need to show the result of the original referendum is unsafe, for that you need to produce evidence which you don’t appear to have, in which case if you still believe the result to be unsafe we should be considering how to search for that proof.

assuming you don't achieve the rerun we do have to answer the question of what are the other options? Long story short there aren't that many direct ones, certainly none that are swift. Remember Melos is only President until 2023 at which point, if we accept the referendum result, he can run for a third term" Serenity paused flicking her eyes down the table to Maki and Janelle "Playing the long game does have merit. But whatever path we tread here needs a clear framework and the basis of that needs to be a respected neutrality agreement, Rokkenjima needs to pull that naval group out because it's achieving nothing anymore, SANE I would hope would agree to taking a neutral position in the matter. Now clearly an escalation within Nueva Ardia should have repercussions but even that will struggle to gain traction. But don’t lose sight of the other issues caught up in this either.

Ultimately if we want to apply pressure to Nueva Ardia then we need to think bigger than those of us in the room because none of us represent nations that have traction enough to apply it."

[Major Jaws]

King Lapu listened quietly to the two more experienced leaders bicker on. He knew that what his Foreign Affairs Minister had done was precarious, but now is not the time to shift the blame, moreso that Tamora was involved in this affair. Taking some biscuits in front of him, he tensed forwad and finally answered. "While it is in my belief that Rokkenjima and Quintelia leaving Nueva Ardia on its own would be for the best, I just cannot agree to that." Lapu sipped some tea to moisten his mouth. "I have experienced first hand the effects of extremist ideologies clashing a decade ago, and it isn't pretty. What I fear is that militant activism would spread over to other nations such as mine. I am simply trying to support the brief status quo that is the Melos administration." He cleared his throat first before turning to the Empress.

"Now, if a fairer referendum with Rokkenjima supervising it is what you think would be best, then go for it, I won't stop you. However, I agree that you should pull out that fleet of yours from Quintopia Bay; it's a direct threat to our nation. I'd also like to hear what the princesses have something to say. You may not have lived in Nueva Ardia, but these are still your fellow countrymen." Lapu paused, taking another biscuit and downing it with tea. "Lastly, I believe it is best that there'd be a delegation from the Melos administration present when the final resolution is signed." The King said, incling back on his chair.