That day in Noscovo

[Sophie]

"I apologize, Hulechenko-kan, was it?" Minister of Foreign affairs Kazumi Yamanaka began her retort. "You are mistaken. Kumosenkan is not here to mediate or observe. We are negotiating on the behalf of the Union of South Touli. As the Kithium have so kindly pointed out, these men here are hardly in any position to make any form of a deal. Though they will be staying as is their right as the technically current rightful leaders of the UST. However, the entirety of the UST, including these men here, are in incredible debt to our glorious empire, and as such, we are handling this on their behalf as it is in our best interest to protect them as well as we can." Her words were firm, stating that she would not waver on the presence of the oligarchs, despite their impotence. "To further direct my words at you, Hulechenko-kan, if you truly believe this to be an unconditional surrender, I beseech you to march your soldiers onto the capital. I promise you will not find the UST's spirit nor the Kumo armory lacking."

"And to your points." Minister of the Navy Riko Kure continued while looking at a list of names before her. "Nihlus-kan. The island of Razu may have been in Kithium hands a hundred years ago, but it is undeniably culturally and economically the UST. They have settled on the island, and thousands upon thousands their citizens reside there with their families, their jobs, and their lives. If you choose to continue to press the issue of Razu. You will find that the harbored shelter of my patience, all told, not welcoming."

"I understand all of you are angry," Yamanaka stole back the spotlight, "and for good reason. You still do not have the right to impose any further restrictions upon the UST than we have already outlined in the ceding of agreed-upon territories. If you wish to impose reparations in a form other than cash or gold, the UST still does not have it. If you were to ask for payments in bread, you would be taking it from the stomachs of the starving. If you were to ask for payments in anything, it would be taken from the hands of the needy. Not the oligarchs you wish revenge upon."

"Lehran-kan, let me ask you this. Even if the UST were to agree upon a limitation of their armed forces, how do you plan to enforce that? The idea of an occupational authority has already been denied. Without that, you would have no way of enforcing such restrictions. As such, any further discussion on the matter is moot. As the future overseer of the UST, we can ensure that the UST will not engage in any foolish war in an attempt to regain territory that we today are agreeing are not theirs." Kure shrugged, dismissing the issue further.

"As a to the point of peoples and tribes not already discussed." Yamanaka continued. "We are only discussing the territories of those present, as well as the Bian people. Any other peoples that wish to relinquish themselves of the care of the UST will have to have that discussion with the reorganized government of the UST at a later date between themselves and that government."

"Finally," Barely hiding a grin, Kure shot a daggering stare over towards Kendaya. "If you truly believe that Kumosenkan should pay, I would implore you to make that request at our Capitol. Our battleships are truly eager to greet you."

[callmedelta]

King Dante, Director Lehran, and Marshal Zelgius conversed in a hush in their section of the room. Kendaya's proposal was bold, but ultimately it would go nowhere. The larger question, however, was over Kithium.

"They aren't going to leave this table without Razu," Lehran said, "They'll march to Noscovo if they have to, and that will just end in a Kumo intervention."

"This isn't our battle to fight, it's Kith's," Zelgius said. "Kithium does not like us. They do not see themselves as Toulian, if your own reports are anything to go by. Besides, our troops are already in the process of moving back north. There's no way we can help them either march to Noscovo or maintain their hold on Razu, should they even want to."

"This is our turn to show them that we're on their side. Pan-Toulian solidarity, even if they don't see it," Lehran argued back.

"Aren't you supposed to be the one arguing morals?" Zelgius asked, rhetorically, "If what that spider says is true - admittedly not very likely - the island should be Union territory. Self-determination, and all, as you just said on the floor."

"All morals inevitably fall flat in the fact of geopolitics. We will support Kithium's claims," the King decided.

"There is one thing I would like you to look into Zelgius, if you would."

~

Lehran took the floor. "While the anger of President Kendaya is wholly justified, I consider it highly unlikely Kumosenkan knew of the Union's crimes. As far as Kumosenkan was concerned, their weapons were used to prosecute a normal war, not savage genocide, and as such making them pay is morally dubious. Not to mention, as Minister Kure said, it would be quite hard to enforce."

"To address Minister Kure's points on Razu," he continued, "The Kithium League is a nation where people of many different cultures and ethnicities are able to live in harmony - I see no reason why people from the UST couldn't be considered among those cultures. That is not to mention how the Union of South Touli's governance has left these people to life in squalor. I'm doubtless that the Kithium League could administer the island better than the Union. As far as why the island is undeniably Kithium territory, I feel they have argued that point better than I ever could."

"Onto Minister Yamanaka's points. If taking from anybody but the oligarchs would be to steal from the poor, hungry, and those who are not responsible, I ask; why not take from the oligarchs? The war may have been terrible for the Union's economy, but surely these men would still have some economic means. If they are so guilty of the crimes perpetrated by the Union, and if they are found guilty by the courts, then their assets could be nationalized by the state, and these assets, be they in cash, raw materials, gold, or factories, could be used to pay off those deserving of reparations."

"As far as enforcement is concerned, I see no reason why military inspectors by the victorious parties couldn't be sent into Union territories to ensure that the Union is abiding by the terms of our treaty."

"Finally, if the status of other tribes within the Union of South Touli is not to be discussed at this table, then they shall be discussed another time." Of course, Franerre would still take a rather keen interest in any tribe wishing to secede, but that didn't need to be stated at this table.

~

All the while this was going on, Zelgius made his way over to where Admiral Vokoyo sat for a quieter conversation. "Do you know exactly how much debt the Union is in?" he asked, straight to the point. "Franerre, and potentially Ashinara, may be willing to take on the Union's debt, depending on it's size." Provided, of course, Franerre survived the oncoming storm. Either way, it was Kumo's biggest foothold into the UST, and Franerre had to at least try to root it out. "All it's going to be is a Kumo leash, and looking at the fate of Elenria, can you honestly claim you want that for your nation?"

[Kira]

"Kithium and Valderan troops stand occupying this city, the capital of the UST, and I am to be told they have not lost the war." Torres thought to himself. His report to the Deacon was going to be less then stellar concerning her plans. He'd take the floor once more, a narrowed look dresseing his face as he spoke.

"As far as I can see, a debt collector has come to push peace on those who have paid in blood. The island of Razu stands in ruins and we hear lies of it's importance. The reasonable demands of those who have fought for their freedom stands ignored and discarded. If the Union refuses to even the most blatantly obvious of concessions, they will be choosing to stall the bloodshed for a generation, at best. While I understand the interests of those who lent aid to the UST, your debt will never be payed if you spit in the wounds of the battered and bruised."

[Greywall]

The Oligarchs now huddled into the corner of the room bickering and one even spoke up to Kure to say, "Arrest the Admiral, he's a traitor, even killed the president. If you want cooperation we're better suited for such." The guards slowly leaned over toward the Admiral showing body language they sided with the Admiral.

Vokoyo remained silent, he didn't know where to even begin given the situation.

----


McCain shook his head at the exchange, he looked to Yamanaka saying "Yamanaka-kan, why does Kumosenkan want the island of Razu? It's a barren land and the Kithium pose no threat to the Kumosenkan Empire, perhaps some concession can be made that can see them hold their rightful land and right to conquest. As for the Tafatu independence along with the Bian, the United Kingdom of Ulster-Gaelia supports those terms."

[VoxApocrypha]

Nihlus was annoyed more than anything but the Kumo negotiator, and with little care for the idea that she might be testing the patience of the most powerful person in the room and feeling angry more so than intimidated, she wouldn’t be pushed into submission. She saw before her an eight-legged freak, even if she was a diplomat for what was the second most powerful nation on Ouhiri. Keeping her temper level and her tail wrapped firmly around her leg so it didn't lash around, she calmly replied.

"That is objectively wrong. That island, ten years ago, was still a territory of the Kithium League. It was taken by conquest during a war between the UST and the League, and the Island was ceded as part of a peace deal. Culturally the vast majority of the island's population isn't even remotely close to the Seleucidanian roots of the UST, and is closer to Tsarist Roskana, to which the League itself was born. As for economically, it doesn't have any vital economic linkage to the UST beyond simply being a largely decrepit port, to which the UST did not significantly repair or fund in any major fashion beyond building up a military presence to prevent a re-conquest of Razu and to keep the majority Kithium and Auranite human population of Razu in check."

She'd take a second to breath, and then continue.
"When we ruled Razu, the infrastructure was functional, imports fed the people, and they did not live in huts made of old wood, converted boats, and in the barely covered basements of burned out buildings that the UST destroyed. When the UST ruled Razu, the people of the island lived as though they were squatters in the rubble of their own home while the UST's army got to enjoy the comforts of insulated barracks and keeps in the ruins and decaying remains of the towns they ravaged down a decade ago, while the people on that island starved or froze year-round on a frigid snowscape with barely enough to get by at best."

"We are willing to drop our demands for the Unions gold and as well, to drop our support for a limitation on their armed forces size and equipment accessibility, in exchange for a Non-Aggression Pact between the League and the UST. As well, we're willing to give Veneshy back to the Union of South Touli. We are not, however, going to surrender the Island. This is non-negotiable."

[Sophie]

Unamused at the continuing outbursts of the Oligarchs. "That is enough out of you!" Kure barked, slamming her fist onto her table while glaring at the group of oligarchs. "Admiral Vokoyo is one of the last respectable members of your government as we work to reorganize the mess you've made. You are here as a courtesy until the coalition forces decide to hang you. I advise you keep your mouth shut, lest you bias those against you who should be on your side. If you continue to speak out of turn, I will silence you myself."

"Anyway," Yamanaka continued. "Lehran-kan, the Oligarch's assets have already been seized to pay for food imports from Kumosenkan. Without that, the entire country would collapse into famine in a matter of weeks. If you wish to demand that those assets be used instead to fill your coffers, we would be happy to publish that story on the international market. I wonder how 'Frannere steals food from the starving to inflict further harm to innocent civilians after peace talks' would look. On top of this, we have already explained why limitations of the UST's future army are off the table entirely, and there is no need to discuss hypotheticals of how you would handle it further."

"Mccain-kan," Kure shook her head slightly. "The concern isn't the Kithium. The concern is your new puppet. You think us unaware that the Kithium now sail Gaelic battleships? Old as they may be, the last time Gaelic warships docked so close to Kumosenkan, we engaged in the single most expensive war in history. Or have you forgotten the islands of Midway? Between Midway and Razu is less than half the distance between Hawaii and our home island. Midway is our third most important naval base; being able to operate in its vicinity completely unharried by your vessels and your puppet's vessels is critical to Kumosenkan's naval integrity. Something you know we will enforce if we must."

"Hold on." Yamanaka held up a hand at Kure. "The ceding of all their other demands is rather interesting. If you are willing to even return Veneshy, we could be interested. Only with the stipulation that the island remains completely demilitarized. Any and all warships must not be allowed to dock there, especially those of Gaelic origin. Non-aggression pacts have always been on the table for anyone who wants them. The UST is not interested in waging war, only in recovering."

[callmedelta]

"There's no need to be dramatic," Lehran said, his tone akin to that of a scolding schoolteacher. "We thought the only reason these men-" he swept an arm in the oligarch's direction, a small amount of disgust leaking into his voice "-had a seat at the table was because they still had some economic means afforded to them. Considering how nobody in this room ultimately wishes to have them here, I am in favor of removing them from this discussion, though I will ultimately leave the decision to the Admiral. As far as reparations are concerned, it appears they must be dropped."

"As far as the limitations on the Union's army is concerned, as Minister Yamanaka has so handily made apparent, demands are nearly always flexible." Lehran had to hide a grin from breaking out. "But, I feel that non-aggression pacts between the Union and all combatants in the war would be a fair compromise, so long as it is accompanied by a demilitarized zone along their borders." Non-aggression pacts were, ultimately, worth the weight of the governments who signed them. Franerre simply couldn't be confident on what direction the Union would take after all of this had settled. They may not be interested in waging war now, but who was to say that would be the case twenty years from now?

"A complete demilitarization of Razu seems a little harsh, Minister Yamanaka," Lehran said, "Forbidding any warships from the island is an understandable concern, given Midway's position, but I find there is little a land-based army sitting on a rock could do against a navy who could ultimately sail around them. Though it is ultimately the League's decision on that matter."

[aimway921]

"So you are insinuating any nation who purchases items from another one is to be considered the seller nation's puppet?" Hulechenko raised his eyebrows at Kure's notion of referring to Kithium as Gaelia's puppet. "Are you telling us that we are to assume Kithium as Gaelia's puppet because they bought a few ships from them? Should we use the same logic to assume that UST is your puppet because they bought some guns from you? Or are we all Koi's puppet for purchasing Staol from them?! No, none of the nations present at this conference are anyone's puppet, as as much as the Coalition does not see eye to eye with the Kithium, I will stand by that."

"Besides," Admiral Kolvan picked up. "Last I checked my maps as I was sailing my fleet past Razu, it is further from your Midway than the South-Eastern tip Kithium's mainland. What's more, you speak of how unfair it is to force the defeated party in this war to demilitarize OR further cede their own land, yet you demand the same of one of the victors? And frankly, Pani Kure, even if, against better judgement, the Kithium decided to wage naval warfare against you - do you really think they pose any kind of threat to the Komesenkan fleet, rumored - no, famed to be the most advanced on Ouhiri?"

[Kira]

"As I think we have all shown" Captain Torres interjected "None of us have any intention to see unfair agreement with Kumosanken. Both your people and those of Stag sit here, former foes working towards peace. While the war has not involved your people directly, your debts from the UST are to be both shown equal treatment." The Captain gestured towards the Ashinarians "Mr Hulechenko has raised a fair point, however. The people of Touli are to be respected our sovereignty, and this war alone has shown what happens when this is ignored.  We are not here to play sides between your old grudges today, but to see that the ones made today never rise again"

"The Island of Razu is of Kithium claim. If their history of ownership before their last war with the UST is not enough, then I suggest a vote to be taken from a number of representatives from the communities there. The region will be requiring aid regardless, and it will take a number of years to even get things back to any sort of comfortability for the peasants." Torres continued, eyes glancing to Kure as he spoke "The allies of the Mil'Nor shall not be denied their recognition, nor can I say this "Gaelic Colony" talk is something pleasing to hear. I sail the vessel of Kumo design, beside an ally who held one from the Stag. Your trade is appreciated, and your power well known, but this hypocrisy is unwarranted."

"You have denied the stipulation of a demilitarized zone, stating it's lack of precedence to back your denial. If that is the case then there is no precedent for Razu to be a demilitarized zone, Minister Yamanaka." He had turned his attention to the other Kumo with his last comment, a scowl of displeasure dressing the Captain's face by the end.

[VoxApocrypha]

"We bought Gaelic ships, as part of a bulk purchase of war material to fight the UST, and as well because they were a more convenient option. Those ships sail under a Kithium Flag regardless the construction, and the Kithium are no colony of any foreign state. Our ties are closest to Valdera, of any nation here."

"As well, frankly, Kumosenkans naval integrity is not threatened by the Kithium League, and to stipulate such is frankly absurd. We have no intention of going to war with Kumosenkan, nor of involving ourselves in the politics between the UKUG and Kumosenkan itself, and thus we are not going to compromise our sovereign right to station warships in our own ports in our own territory, to fulfill the defensive mission of our navy and to maintain the safety of our ports. Razu can barely even support the minor shipping out-of and into through only a couple of ports as it is, given how ravaged the Island was even before it was Liberated." She'd say.

"We are otherwise willing to cede Veneshy back to the UST in exchange for a Non-Aggression Pact and uncontested, unconditional control of the Kithium Island of Razu."

[Greywall]

Admiral Vokoyo finally spoke, "we will gladly accept Veneshy for Razu, as well as accept a non aggression pact with the parties involved in this war."

To him it was beyond fair, Razu was practically destroyed since the UST-Kithium war and of little importance to him right now whereas Veneshy was going to be a vital agricultural center with the loss of Ferville.

---

McCaig slumped into his chair watching all that was going on, he remained silent waiting on the Kumo response as the UKUG had no real dog in play here other than get the war to end and seek a continuation of trade.

[VoxApocrypha]

"We'll gladly accept this deal. We know that Veneshy will be important for the UST going forwards, and we do not have interest in starving the UST or causing further suffering." The Empress would say, as she stood up. "In fact, we can potentially discuss an arrangement that might be more beneficial to both parties and prevent a future conflict, while perhaps even strengthening ties between us. However, I have one particular demand for such." She looked at the Oligarchs. "These men."
She pointed to the Oligarchs.

"They should not be allowed to hold political office or power in any shape going forwards. It's their fault we're all here. In fact, frankly, they ought to be thrown out of this room - they've done nothing but argue and deflect the entire time they've been in here, and it's become grating."

[Sophie]

"Non-agression pacts are more than enough, demilitariazed zones are not going to be agreed upon." Minister Kure retorted at the Franerri. "Nor will the UST agree to any sort of foreign oversight or restrictions of its military. There military will be restricted by their economy and the will of its people."

"To that point." Yamanaka continued. "The UST economy has been devastated. They will not have the capability to field anything beyond a defensive force for many years, perhaps even decades. There's not much to be gained by continuing to push for restrictions as surely nothing will change internally in the UST military." Turning to the Mil'nor representatives, Yamanaka bowed slightly. "I apologize if that is how it came across. Rest assured Kumosenkan sees you as a valued friend and ally, not a puppet. What tilts our view in that regard towards the Kithium is their lack of communication with us, or any power outside of the UKUG as far as we are aware. That is what makes us wary that the UKUG intends to use the Kithium as a weapon against Kumosenkan. That may not be how they feel, but the only one in the room here with more insight in that matter would be McCaig-kan."

Riko Kure scoffed at both the Kithium and the Ashinaran representatives. "As I made clear earlier, it is not some overagressive Touli nation that concerns us with regards to midway. It is their potential overlord and or ally. If the UKUG chose to do so they could manipulate the Kithium position to wage an assault on Midway, or at the very least attempt to close off the Luraric Sea. Both of which are essential for trade routes headed to western Elenria."

"If the ports on the island are already practically incapable of housing warships as you have just claimed," Minister Yamanaka jumped off the point of the Kithium representative. "Then agreeing to restrict the allowance of warships in them should be a no brainer. They already can't handle warships, and agreeing that no warships would be placed there would earn you a place in Kumosenkan's good graces. In such a case we would be much more open to seeing you as an independent Touli nation rather than the UKUG's future puppet. To your point, Lehran-kan, I apologize for any inclarity we are only asking for a warship restriction. Land forces on the island do not concern us in the slightest."

[VoxApocrypha]

The Kithium delegation would after a moment, look to the Empress, of whom starred at the Kumo ambassador with contempt, barely contained.
But a moment later, she closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, before she would speak.
"We will agree to the restrictions on docking warships at Razu." She would say, before she raised a hand, and gestured for her delegation to leave.
Before they were all gone however, the Empress took Nihlus and spoke quietly in a foreign dialect of Kiith into their ear, to which Nihlus would nod and turn to follow the rest, leaving. The Empress sat back down, and laced her fingers together, staring at the Kumo ambassador.

"Everything else, is agreed upon, as stated before, in regards to the league. We will sign a non-Aggression pact with the UST and surrender Veneshy." She'd say.

[Kira]

Rising from his seat, Torres gave a brief bow to the rest of the delegation as he spoke.
"With the claims of the Kith addressed, I must admit that the Valderan delegation must also depart. War rages on our homeland, and we must see to our own needs first. Nonetheless, I can promise the Deacon's support the ratification of the eventual treaty to be written today." The Captain quickly turned from his seat at a brisk pace towards the door, his guard joining the man as the Valderan fleet and their marines prepared for the long trip home.