Iron Stars - chimeran-negotiations

(SCAF will be represented by Silvano, who I will RP, everyone else can send one or two folks, and once I know who's coming I'll set this up)

(it's Glaikit and me for CBSS)

2

(Micaela as Observer for Greystar)

1

(Kila and @Alura Grian Lugh for UNW)

2

(Ivan and @Deleted User as Khan Artema)

1

2

(Awesome, just need NMC I believe)

( Annie and hesitantly yalone for NMC depending if he lives )

4

(Would the NMC like to designate someone else since Yalone did not live)

( sounds like Penny will.)

(I'll set something up for us here then shortly)

The trip to Galatea has been long for most of you. Almost a month transferring between various polity transports leaving the warzone with the sick ,the injured, and any civilians too hurt or sick to survive without proper medical treatment on their home planets, the trip is exhausting when it is finally over. Galatea is the unofficial capital of the federation , the locals not part of the great political game you are playing, as they are involved in one of their own- that said, they recognize the symbiotic relationship is a benefit to them, and a quantum hub is quickly created on the planet with the use of their grails to allow a one-time meeting with the Chimeran leadership on Uloth for the purposes of obtaining peace. The meeting room is large, with statues created quickly here depicting those lost in service of the polities during the fighting. They change every minute based on inloaded names and last recorded biometric scans to show the images of those lost in the fighting. As you are left into the room, you can see one of the statues in here currently looks like Yalone.

8:34 AM

(think of it like a greek temple powered by quantum computing)

3

8:37 AM

Individual meeting cubbies have also been set aside if you need time to communicate with your own polity mates elsewhere, or need to discuss something among yourselves.

8:37 AM

The Elysian delegation is led by General Ivan Wyke, in his battle-scarred Assault Suit, which, in addition to showing the typical signs of deployment, also has remnants of Chimeran blood on it. Beside him walks Khan Cassandra of Artema. Speaker of the Elysian Cloud. Acting Regent of the Elysium Protectorate. The proud member of the Herasian aristocracy comes in a white full dress uniform, clearly recognizable as a uniform from the Arteman region, from the planet Heras. Golden brooches depicting archers, bows and arrows, or even hinds are on the uniform. The top of the uniform stylistically resembles an ancient tunic without sleeves. Their appearance, and the aura they exude, leaves no doubt that the Protectorate sees itself as the leading Polity within the ISF. As the leading polity within the Iron Stars as a whole. A fierce and fiery self-image that is deeply rooted within the polity. And out of this self-perception, it is only natural that they choose the seats at the head.

10

Glaikit looks sharp in his military dress - he has even shaved. "Well, it will be interesting to see what they have to say for themselves."

Parsnips follows closely behind Glaikit, also in recently pressed and starched CBSS formal-wear. His beard is neatly trimmed and his hair has at least been introduced to a comb. His monoblade hatchet strapped to a sheath on his hip stands as a reminder that despite his cleaned-up and professional appearance, he was in the killing fields not long before. The look of vengeance in his eyes is hidden, but not well.

The Greystar presence is relatively small, consisting of Micaela dressed in the understated Greystar official uniform; her hair tied into a tight ponytail with a band in only a slightly different shade of grey than the rest of the uniform. Only a functionary accompanies her with a dataslab that they're currently looking over sat on one of the stairs nearby, the two having chosen not to take seats until others arrived or made the move to do so. Her fiddling with the bracelet on her wrist idly stops once the Elysians and the CBSS arrive, the Elysian's are greeted with a slight bow as they proceed to their seats and the CBSS officials Parsnips and Glaikit receive a nod and a small but friendly wave before she snags a pair of seats close to but not quite adjacent to the General and Khan.

A slender woman in a grey suit emblazoned with the UNW logo enters the room, her posture stiff. She scans the room and nods curtly at the already arrived delegates. She slips in to a seat next to the CBSS representatives, seemingly saving a seat next to her. Her lips are pressed into a thin line and brow furrowed as she stares at the screen where the Chimerans will appear.

One of the two nmc seats is taken up by a brunette in a slick suit. Around her neck is a pair of bulky headphones and a red scarf. She sits there professionally not letting any emotion show.

A countdown appears on the wall letting the assembled know the connection to Uloth and whoever the Chimeran have chosen as their negotiators is going to be established in ten minutes.

Annie looked to the other representatives and asked. “ Do we want to go over talking points, or objectives for this negotiation from each politity before the chimerans join? “

"I say, let them speak first. If this is a sham to buy time better we know immediately."

"My understanding is our primary goal with this negotiation is to ensure the chimerans are no longer a threat, and to ensure all of the people afflicted by the war and their dominion can resume adequate quality of life. If there are other goals I feel like those should be covered before negotiations begin."

“ Officials over at our sides of things have four objectives for this talk. The first being that the Chimeran Alliance pulls its forces out of ISF territory, the second that the use of slaves is ended, third that free movement for their citizens is allowed, and lastly that they undergo a technology audit to ensure they have no maltech or planet bombs. More profit driven individuals within our politity have expressed a desire to create some colonies, but I believe that may be difficult to argue for. “

(For ISF- I think we're going with what we voted on in #iron-stars-federation-hall) "Our demands are pretty straightforward. They immediately end their slavery system, allow all former slaves full freedom of movement including out of their system, and disarmament of all offensive capabilities. I agree with Glaikit, they should talk first, but for a ceasefire to stand, that's what they need to agree to." (edited)

A somewhat slender mosk in a UNW flightsuit, also with a stiff posture arrives just in time and silently takes their seat next to Kila

(yeah we did this already in the fed hall for the ISF members, we don't need to have the conversation again) SCAF enters as the countdown is only five minutes from establishing the connection. Silvano Mazzio is wearing his traditional leather, fur trimmed jacket, with his trusty pair of dust goggles missing this time. A sunblade enters with him, the second in command and one of the members of the Triumvirate that had ruled over SCAF when they had initially settled their new homeworld. His name is Einer, and has the rare distinction of having slain an actual dragon.

6

Penny scrambled in a bit late, offering a string of ‘scuse me’s as she squeezed through the rows. She wore her usual getup, with a pin of the NMC’s flag on the collar of her jacket. After reaching her seat, she plopped down next to Annie. She cleared her throat to break the tension, feeling a little awkward being so under-dressed. Her eyes kept close watch on the timer. “Let’s hope this goes well…”

Ivan lifts his hand just enough off of the table to give a subtle greeting to Silvano. "If your goggles got lost on that death trap of a flagship we took over together, we can have our salvage teams keep an eye out for it."

Annie leaned over to Penny and whispered . “ Once this is through we are bringing you to a tailor. If you’ve already blown your payment from Hertes I’ll cover you.” (edited)

“New wardrobe seemed pretty low on the list of priorities… I didn’t break some dress code, did I?” Penny hissed back as she zipped up her jacket. She took a less-than-inconspicuous look around before sinking into her seat with her hands in her jacket pockets.

“ No, but it’s fun to talk down to tyrants while wearing a suit.”

Micaela gives Penelope Piper a thumbs up and a reassuring nod during her looking around the table.

Silvano smiles at the mention of his goggles. "A bit too informal for this meeting. The coat though, that is my brand. Have to have the coat" He and Einer take seats close to the back of the room where they can get a better view of every entry to the chamber. Knowing Silvano, he is casting his senses in all directions to maintain psionic awareness of what is happening around him, something he got into the habit of after a dangerous mission five years ago when Rebirth was still a hostile alien facility with dormant Slyth inside instead of one of the largest towns on Gudrun's surface.

Before sitting down, Glaikit takes a quick look under the table in case the Chimerans have somehow smuggled in a bomb. "You never know," he shrugs.

3

“That’s what I like about you, Glaik. You’re always looking out.”

The Galateans have done their job well. Only you are here and the room is secure. With one minute left the lights dim and there is a brief safety presentation showing you where the exits are. The connection resolves and you see twenty members of the Chimeran delegation present , one from each of the major houses , plus five from House Lux, who look to be expressing their primacy among the other houses by being over represented here. There is a brief buzz as the translator software begins running. There is a brief pre recorded introduction from the houses , sent over first in the interest of time thanking the assembled for honoring the ceasefire and expressing there sincere hope that some kind of a meaningful truce can be achieved

Parsnips leans forward to speak into the microphone in front of his seat. “We can skip the pleasantries. Since you’ve called for the ceasefire and requested these negotiations, we’ll let you present first. Once we’ve heard your terms, we’ll present ours.”

"It is reassuring to see all of your major houses represented here, and such a delegation from House Lux is heartening to see for such an important conversations. As Speaker Jackall said, we are ready to hear the initials terms you've considered amongst yourselves."

House Lux looks to be the ones taking charge of this part of the negotiations, and their clicking and chirping speech goes on for several moments as the translation begins working. Their proposal is interpreted by the machines to come to a few main points. 1) The removal of ISF and other involved belligerent forces from Ascendency Worlds 2) The return of any Chimeran taken as prisoners in the fighting so they may be repatriated to their brethren 3) Providing the locations of any Chimeran mass graves so the fungal matter can be harvested , and some of the slain may have a chance to live again if recent enough 4) A cease fire for the next year, with a follow up negotiation to renew

Ivan leans back, crossing his heavily armored arms. "The ISF's terms are for you to abolish slavery in its entirety and allow the freedom of movement for all once held in bondage. We also call for immediate disarmament aside from planetary defenses." He eyes the House Lux representatives silently, before making a final remark to the lesser houses. "...Whatever is left to disarm, that is."

6

Parsnips nods as Ivan speaks. "To be clear, abolishing slavery doesn't just mean calling it something else and moving some numbers around a ledger. It means no more overseers. It means fair wages and working conditions. If we get wind that one of your formerly enslaved is so much as forced to work an hour over their shift without adequate compensation, not a single one of you will be safe."

3

Micaela leans forward and speaks into the mic "We understand that some of these concessions may on their face seem unreasonable and ridiculous, however as you have seen the practice of slavery is one that the ISF and allied states cannot exist peacefully alongside. You can clearly see that the ISF have flourished and grown powerful and large without this practice, and guidance can be provided on how to adapt to it's absence." (edited)

The House Lux members explain that the people on thier planets are not slaves, and in all worlds with a Chimeran presence the local governments have signed charters being willing to become unconditional client states of the great Chimeran Ascendency. They view these documents as legally binding, and would request some kind of neutral law review process since their laws are not recognized in your courts, and vice versa.

Parsnips stops the words "that's bullshit" from escaping his lips just in time. "I think we'll need some time for a private caucus. We'll return shortly." (caucus discussion in ISF chat, or here?) (edited)

(I can make a thread to this if we want)

9:38 AM

(so we can leave the fed channel open for votes, just so nothing gets buried. Let me know what helps you all stay organized the best) (edited)

(I think that makes sense. Caucus room subthread here and then votes back in the ISF. That way Greystar and any other non-isf groups on our side of the table can contribute) (edited)

Nekosmash started a thread. 10/21/2022 9:42 AM [Open Thread]

Returning to the room, Parsnips remains standing, leaning into the table and looking down at the camera broadcasting his image to the Chimerans. "We've discussed. I'll get right to it. As for your 'client-state' arrangements, you can call them whatever the fuck you want, but the bottom line is no more involuntary or uncompensated labor, and full freedom of movement, including out of CA territory. Those terms will be added to all of your 'client state' agreements. As for your request to have an independent legal review, fine. The Exchange of Light can do it. Finally, your demand for us to leave CA territory. We'll agree to that only if you recognize and agree not to interfere in any way with the full sovereignty of all autonomous zones currently occupied by newly freed rebel slaves. ahem. Pardon me. Client state patrons or whatever. You are not to touch them, go near them, look at them, or dream about them. Full independence. This will be part of the ceasefire agreement, which we propose also be administered and enforced by the Exchange of Light. The remainder of your terms are acceptable. We'll send you the locations of mass graves and release all currently held prisoners if and when you do the same for us, rebel clients included."

"There is something we wish to amend if rebel states are granted freedom as independent cities and territories" the House Lux exemplar says, looking on with dispassionate eyes. "These states will receive no lethal aid from the ISF, or any independent parties. We will not see these autonomous lands as staging grounds for further invasions of Chimeran space. Food, medical supplies, building materials- all acceptable. Weapons of any sort are prohibited"

Micaela looks to her other polity mates before speaking. But her body language makes it clear, and purposefully so. That she sees nothing wrong with House Lux's "demand"

"No." Ivan says dismissively. "They're independent now, you don't speak for them. You can't make demands on their space as if you were still overlord. We'll handle what they want in separate negotiations. You'll be invited by those who wish it." He looks at the other houses. "Are there any others here who do not understand what the definition of 'independent' means? Or is the incompetence shared?"

“As my colleague says. We will be in their space if they wish us to be and create defence pacts if they so desire. We will not attack the Ascendancy from these staging posts unless they invade the new states, which would be a breach of this ceasefire.”

“Any incursion, by either side, would be a violation of the ceasefire, which would bring the Exchange down on the violating party. That said, I’d understand the autonomous zones desire for defensive capabilities. We won’t tell them what they need. That’s for them to decide now.”

"There is no deal if this point is not agreed to. " The House Lux member reaffirms. "You're welcome to turn your armies around and experience a true ground war if not"

Glaikit coughs, and gestures towards the pause button. (seems like we should discuss our options here)

"We don't have to and you know it! You-!" Ivan points at another lower house representative. "How much did Veovis alone account for total agricultural output in the last harvest cycle? Your enemy is -" Ivan pauses at Glaikit's cough.

"We'll be right back," Glaikit says, nodding to the screen.

(It looks like elections has carried it)

(full support of not selling them weapons or what?)

(Not sure what you decided on that, was just looking at the other vote)

(Yeah I think that was the proposal from Dai: we agree no weapons but insist on elections, presumably a joint commission since I don’t think there really are any neutral parties who can do it)

3

Parsnips briskly re-enters the main negotiations chamber, again remaining standing. "In addition to the terms already discussed, we will accept your request for us to refrain from arming the independent states on one condition. Free and fair elections, with universal suffrage, will be conducted on each client state to determine whether they wish to remain with the ascendency. Again, I emphasize universal suffrage. This decision will not be made solely by your pet local oligarchs. We will agree to honor the results of each election if you do. As a further show of good faith, we propose a join commission, made up in equal parts ISF and Ascendency Reps to oversee the elections and ensure neither side is persuing undue influence on the results. This is our final offer."

There is a few moments of static and popping as the translator torcs work to translate your words, and to translate the response of the insectoid Chimeran. The Exemplar charged with responding does not come from House Lux, and instead is brought up to the front of the pack from one of the lesser houses in the back of the room the Chimeran are negotiating from on Uloth. "The Ascendency Accepts. We will consider, circumvention of the terms, a cause for renewed conflict between us and hostilities would begin again at once. It is hoped, this is not the case. We would then like to formally put the cease fire into action, and a withdrawal from Chimeran Space will be unbothered so long as your soldiers respect the terms. Ours will do the same"

4

Parsnips looks around the room. "I think that's a deal, then."

1

(did anyone else have anything to add? )

(Not me)

(Just checking with my Polity mates ^_^)

(nothing else)

(I'll give a re-roll token to anyone who wants to compile the agreement into one continuous text for me, I'll make an article out of it. The idea of picking through all this for the nuggets has my head spinning)

(won't have time to do it until the weekend, so if no one else volunteers before then I'll do it)

(Ivan has a bazillion reroll tokens so I will pass - but I'll be on vacation from tomorrow to Sunday so I can help if needed!)

(I can throw something together in a bit)

1

(It's not super fancy; but it gets the job done and I'm calling it good enough for space pretend: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kGJzcDUnMGKZDcXyKjlUIILBAoJu0XF6pXXYEYHODu0/edit?usp=sharing)

Chimeran Ascendency/ ISF Peace Agreement

Chimeran Ascendency and Iron Stars Federation Peace Accords of January, 2670 Whereas: The undersigned parties seek an immediate and sustainable end to armed hostilities; and Whereas: The undersigned parties each have vested interest in ongoing and lasting stability in the region; and Whereas: ...

6

2

(nice!)

(take your token! )

12:13 PM

(I'll get this into world anvil )

(I think it should be clear too that all parties have agreed to sign this who took part in the conflict, so this would cover LLF, SCAF and GSC since especially in the case of the latter two they've agreed to the terms)

12:25 PM

(i don't want a gotcha moment later when us not being irl treaty signers has some weird opening where someone does something and then the fight is back on. To that end, Grim and Teucer's missions are a bit behind in terms of chronology, so once those are over, any further hostile action if discovered would count as a breach of the trearty)

6

(I can add something in saying that, or we can just all be cool)

(I think we can just all be cool, this is juist me setting basically the tone for how this went. I didn't really need to act as Silvano since everything you were saying was reasonable , and I don't want someone to feel like I am trying to force a situation because things werent clear now about who was bound to what. Any violation of the terms by any of the belligerent parties , if caught, would be a breach. The decision on if we risk it or not is up to the players)

1

Micaela gives a slight bow towards the cameras and states "The Greystar Confederation will abide by the terms of the treaty, we are pleased that all parties could come to an agreeable end to the violence and aggressive action. In these times after the Scream any war or open conflict is something to be avoided when possible"

Once the meeting is over, and it is time to go to the Press conferences Cassandra smile into the cameras, that is when she delivers her conclusion statement. "We are pleased that such an agreement could be reached. With it, thought out by the Protectorate delegation, the Elysium Protectorate has once more proven its leading role in the politics of Iron Stars and the ISF." She then turns directly to the camera's and microphones from Protectorate Media Stations. "And with Herald elections looming on the Horizon. I, served you, people of the Protectorate, and once more delivered my fullest potential, to uplift you all to the spots you should be in, at the top. Thank you for your trust."

5

(I'll drag this into the done folder if no one needs to make notes)