Unification against aggression

[callmedelta]

"The concerns we have of Gaelia are the larger alliance are of both material and political will," Mesny explained, "But since I don't know the first thing about the Roskanan navy, I'll concede the point that a combined Gaelia-Roskana fleet could at the very least challenge Kumo naval dominance while keeping your own shores safe. Why would they? How would Roskanan mothers and fathers feel when they hear that their sons have died off the coast of some irrelevant Touli nation that provides nothing for them, against a foe that, by your very admission, the Roskanans engaged in trade relations with? How would Gaelian or Marrlaner mothers and fathers suddenly agree to send their sons to fight Kumosenkan now when they weren't willing to just a few short months ago? If any nation here were going to defend us on any moral grounds, you would have done it during the initial invasion. And you didn't."

"As far weapons are concerned," Mesny continued, "The Lusatians already have you beat to the punch, with a high discount on both imports and licenses that I doubt you could beat. Along with that came a 40 billion Zloty apology. Annually. For up to a decade. Despite that, there are still some people in the Franerri government who want to cut ties with Lusatia, and most people in the Franerri government actually liked Lusatia before the war. With the exceptions of Valdera and Ashinara, no one else in this room has any such favor."

It was Mesny's turn to look at the Ashinaran Queen now. "I can't say for certain whether or not we could sell you licenses, but I can say that weapon exports will also be on the table when our own industry spins up. Truthfully, I can't say anything about their prices, since this is a very recent development, but I'm certain that Franerre would be willing to give you a good deal. A similar offer could likely be extended to Valdera as well," Mesny said, turning to Kathrine.

[Greywall]

"If the Frannerri delegation wishes to be isolated further in the world, then I suppose you could see how long you last without this bloc. You see everything in a very short and narrow view, perhaps this coupled with your nation's poor decision to isolate and pursue pro Toulian independence years ago is what led you to lose the notch."

O'Donnell turned to the Ashinarian Queen, "We've already helped Ashinarian industry in some capacity, but the expectation of the Touli nations would be to supply the raw resources to feed the more developed industries, maintain their military and support the political direction of the bloc."

"As for the construction of fleets, we would expect them to be paid for of course, our main islands have some of the best ports and shipwrights. We built two new carriers last year and are currently expanding the Royal Navy ourselves. But we have more than enough to build more than mostly modern vessels."

[Kira]

"The Kumo's wealth is reliant on their keeping of Elenria and the wellbeing of their Empress. The safety of one has been seen to, but it would seem their homeland has now been thrown into crisis."
Kathrine said "When the next war between the powers of the Old World, I would not be surprised if it makes the bloodshed in Touli seem like drops in a bucket. News from Eleria speaks of rebellion, with the Galrans certainly having their own plots much as we stand here today. To see to the defense of Valdera and her allies, we have two proposals in mind. May I present Field Admiral Toress, head of our naval forces."

Rising from his seat, the admiral gave a bow before addressing the delegates "From naval viewpoint, the Spider would stand incapable to defend attacks on it's trade from all sides. The use of the submarines against their food and goods convoys from Occupied Elenria would kill their people's desire for war. To this end, the island of Razu stands perfect for small dockyards within it's channel, with the materials for these ships sourced from new mines and smelteries built alongside newly laid rail lines. The ability to strike fear of a homeland invasion into both their commanders and their people would prove vital in forcing the Kumo into a peace deal should a war break out."

"As for concerns of any actions the Kumo might take after today, More then seven hundred thousand stand ready to deploy should war break out. We shall stand by our allies of the Xagreau war. While our ground forces acted competently, we will require a great deal of further military import if we are to fight those of the Old World. The strength of the tank and plane will require easy counters of our men in the field. If our foes are great and us few, we must make them pay tenfold the blood price for every inch they take"

[callmedelta]

Mesny grit his teeth. So many things he could say, but this meeting wasn’t unsalvageable yet. “If Franerre wanted to isolate herself further from the world, I wouldn’t have even shown up today. Taoiseach. I’m here because I want to improve Franerre’s position in the world, but simple ink on paper that can be ignored when bullets begin to fly is not enough. Giving us access to Gaelian shipwrights when almost the entire Franerri government considers a navy to be an expensive waste of time is not enough. Selling us cheap weapons when we can make comparable Lusatian weapons ourselves for nearly as much is not enough. Trading you our raw materials to fuel your industry is a basis for trade deals, not a military alliance. None of these things are enough for Franerre to consider a full military alliance. If Franerre were to consider joining a military alliance of this scale, we need something more. Something like Gaelian officers training the Franerri military, just like the Lusatians have already sent. Something like Gaelian assistance for smuggling weapons into the Notch, where they will be used to strike back against Kumosenkan. Something like an offensive invasion into Elenria when the time is right, reclaiming what Franerre has lost. Give us these things, and Franerre will join this new alliance of yours happily." 

[aimway921]

As Petlyura was about to retort to the Festria, the Queen lifted her hand in Petlyura's direction, motioning her to stay silent. "The specifics," the Queen began, "of the hows and whys of the arms trade and production could be discussed by those more experienced in those matters - engineers and economists, rather than us politicians and rulers, AFTER we come to an agreement of the basics of what we want from this alliance."

She then turned to the Franerri representative. "I am inclined to agree with our peers on this - prospect of help, regardless of how difficult it is to reach you, or us, is significantly better than being left to fend entirely for ourselves."

[Greywall]

O’Donnell leaned back into his chair looking at the others, of everyone the two opposing parties seemed to be the ones most at risk. “I’m not going to entertain Frannerri demands, not after the stunt your nation pulled before the notch invasion. You can join on our terms, or the door is there. The same goes for anyone. We already have military obligations to Mil’Nor and will likely have them with the kithium league. This was our last offer to touli, a proper deal for protection and uplift. But you’re not telling us what we will and will not do.”

[callmedelta]

"Unless you can prove any of it false, I will not apologize for what my King wrote," Mesny said, "But that letter really drives at the crux of the concern I have with this alliance of yours, Taoiseach. I have my doubts as to whether Gaelian political will to intervene in a conflict with Kumosenkan will hold, as was so painfully demonstrated to us during the Notch War. You had no obligation to us then, I will freely admit as the truth, but that does not change the facts of what happened. When it was clear that Kumosenkan was going to attack, Franerre leased a military base to Lusatia in the Notch, on the theory that attacking the Notch would require Lusatia to intervene and call upon their alliance with Gaelia. The fact that this did not occur, despite a direct plea from aid from our King, is seen as a stab in the back by Lusatia and Gaelia by many in Franerre, whether it is right to see it that way or not. For the record, my beliefs are in the latter camp, but I am a minority in both my own organization and the wider government. Since Gaelian political will to intervene is in doubt, Franerre requires something from this alliance, and I have found the dockyard and weapons offerings you presented to be unsatisfactory for reasons I have already stated. The terms I stated were a best-case scenario for Franerre, but I am perfectly willing to negotiate on those terms, should you also be willing to."

[Greywall]

O’Donnell leaned forward his brow showing his annoyance, “I don’t negotiate with those who have little to nothing. The UKUG owed Frannerre no such response, Frannerre chose to occupy the notch, Frannerre tried to play a grown man’s game with child intellect with that base lease. We saw it a mile away, your attempt to draw us into a war and for what? A colony that had secessionist tendencies from our close ally, that now was exposed to danger and thusly took on the consequences of its own action? You barter me as if this was a bazaar, but this was our last offer to assist you. The door is there, we are done Frannerri. Pray the fortunes of tomorrow suit you better than they did today.”

He then turned to Ashinarians, “are you staying or will you leave as well?”

[callmedelta]

Mesny let loose. "Franerre did not 'choose to occupy the Notch,' Franerre chose not to let her sovereign territory be invaded! If all Franerre is to you is a 'colony with secessionist tendencies,' then such an alliance could never work. Is that how you see all of Touli, simply 'colonies with secessionist tendencies,' or 'places that have yet to be colonized?' You claim to 'uplift' us but all you do seek to make your own coffers rich off the backs of Touli. You offer us ships from Gaelia, paying the Gaelian government and Gaelian companies rather than selling us the knowledge to build our own ships." Mesny turned to the Ashinaran delegation as he continued. "You offer us Gaelian or Roskanan weapons and bullets, rather than selling us the licenses to build them ourselves, dangling the potential of one day build able to build our own weapons in front of us like a treat. Because it grants you continuous access to Toulian resources and wealth by feeding us your scraps because it's cheaper and easier than simply brining your navy to our shores and conquering them yourself. Franerre is no colony. Ashinara is no colony. Mil'Nor is no colony. The Kithium League is no colony. Xaspeshi is no colony. And unless the representatives of every nation have any desire to be a colony in all but name, they should stay away from the Gaelians. Because that's all you are to them. Good day." With that, Phillipe Mesny began to leave the room.

[aimway921]

"As long as we continue getting assistance in development, I'm sure we can divert a number of our raw resources to the needs of the Alliance," the Queen said back to O'Donnell. When O'Donnell mentioned the construction of carriers by the Gaelians, Petliura's ears visibly perked up and turned in O'Donnell's direction, while one of the advisors leaned to her and whispered something.


The Queen then watched silently the argument that broke out between O'Donnell and Mesny. It was a nasty argument, and she hated to see the representative of the nation she's already allied to refuse to see reason. When O'Donnell then turned to the Queen and asked if the Ashinarans would stay or leave, she was a little perplexed. It has happened, what really shouldn't have. The main benefactor that many Toulians were to rely on was angry, and rightfully so, for one of the representatives has basically just attempted to bite the feeding hand. The Queen stood up at this point, to deliver her statement.

"Toulians are, while poor compared to the Old World, proud people, just like, I have no doubt, you yourselves are. Those of us who never been colonized, like Ashinara, or those who became free from colonial rule, like Franerre, value our freedom. We, together with Franerre, have proudly stepped on the path of pro-Toulian independence, and attempt to propel ourselves forward by ourselves. It has, unfortunately, taken us far too long to understand the great mistake we were making at that time, practically isolating ourselves from most of the Old World trade and support, leaving us vulnerable. I have seen this for what it was, but my father who was making the decisions at the time, regretfully did not. I have pulled all the strings I could while I was still but a Princess, bringing Ashinara closer to cooperation with Gaelia, and doubled my effort when I became Queen, and effort, I believe, that has culminated by the honor I have to be invited to this meeting." She then turned to the Franerri delegation, as they were standing up and getting to leave. "Mr. Mesny, I would implore you to reconsider. Pride matters little, when you are forced into a corner, and should Franerre continue to stand with little support from outside, you will find yourself in a corner eventually. I say this not as a threat, but as a warning." She then turned back to O'Donnell. "Ashinara is staying, and is ready to commit to the Alliance."

With that, she sat back down.

[Greywall]

O'Donnell nodded, "We shall coordinate with Ashinara and begin fulfilling ship build orders while Roskana and Marrlan mass produce arms and other materials needed. We'll also share some technology concerning aircraft, while some in my own war department think they're expensive toys, I think the war will be won in the air."

[Kira]

"...I had hoped the Franerre had at least learned something from the Noscovo talks." Kathrine whispered to Torres, the two having sat back while the mess before them unfolded.
The Field Admiral gave an exasperated sigh in response, a hand coming to rub his temple.
"Noscovo was a different matter entirely. Whatever their reasons, the Frannerre never intended to agree to an alliance. Whoever pulls the kings strings had already made their choice"
"Potential coup?" Kathrine asked
"Maybe, possibly even as we speak."
"Your recommendation?"
"We follow through, Ma'am"
~
"For our part, we shall remain." Kathrine had risen from her seat, looking to O'Donnell as she continued. "The Xagreau War saw the loss of Kith, Gaels and Mil'Nor against a common foe. Should another rise against us, Valdera shall do her part."

[callmedelta]

Mesny's hand gripped the doorknob hard enough it was white. An object in motion stayed in motion -- it would have been so easy just to continue opening the door, and walking out of the conference room. Instead, with a sigh, he let go of the doorknob and turned around. "Out of the respect I, and all of Franerre have for you, Queen of Ashinara, I will reconsider." Mensy stared at O'Donnell. "Whether or not I sign a treaty here today, Taoiseach, when I return to Pareau I will have to explain myself in front of the National Chamber, the King, and the entire nation as to why I've done what I have. If I don't sign your treaty, the only thing I will need to say is the last comment you said to me and give them the offer you've given me. No further explanations necessary. If I sign the treaty you've given me, I'll need to explain why I've signed a treaty with a nation many have seen as betraying Franerre, seeing wrongly I may add, and for what? A promise they won't betray us again? The rights for a navy we will never build? The option of buying weapons we can make ourselves? What I said I wanted was a best-case scenario for Franerre. I am perfectly willing to negotiate, just like I'm perfectly willing to admit that my King's letter was an inflammatory and underhanded attempt to gain Gaelian support when we saw no other option. But -- please, you need to give me something to work with, so when I go back to Franerre I can still have a job, rather than being replaced by someone who will declare whatever I've done here null and void."

[Greywall]

O'Donnell seemed annoyed that the Frannerri was still here, his eyes peering at Mesny coldly. "Only what i've offered, no one else has objected from the Touli delegation."

[VoxApocrypha]

The Roskanan delegate, as well as the Marrlanian one, would both be visibly annoyed by his return to the table in short order as well, though both stayed their voices yet as they had been plainly listening to the communication between the present parties as it was. They were already within the organization, SATO as an alliance was fundamentally reliant on them and they had no reason not to join it.
Franerre they had figured was already dead set on trying to avoid it, so to see them come back was both strange and perhaps again as they engaged in another long speech, annoying too.