TheShammySocialist

Rhaemon nodded, when the Brazilian representative offered to have a draft treaty written up. "The current armed conflict in North America is, well, an essentially the fault of both sides not being able to live with one anothers' choices. The American Commonwealth enforces a strict policy of ensuring democratic governance in states that rise from its protectorate territories. Quebec was following this all well and good, before a coup deposed of the government, and from sketchy sources of information, began actively pursuing remnants of that government. What followed was mobilizations and both nations respective militaries preparing for all out war. The Stormlands tried to head this off before the war started, in what was the second diplomatic effort to try to end the war. The first was between both nations only, and we tried to mediate the second," explained Rhaemon, his tone of voice relatively indifferent. "After those negotiations failed, principly because both nations were at loggerheads about their terms, the war proceeded in earnest, which sucked Kanadario into this mess," he continued, with a sigh. "The Stormlands has just cancelled its efforts to mediate a third peace meeting, due to what we see as a gross inability for either nation to simply sit down and come to terms. The so called 'straw that broke the camel's back', was when the American Commonwealth broke the armistice." "My opinion on this entire matter, is that the North American factions involved in the conflict have morally bankrupt themselves, and the Stormlands, and any other nation should wipe their hands clean of the entire conflict, and let them kill one another. The conflict has become so embedded that nothing short of intervention would force a halt to movements, such an intervention, in my own mind, is not warranted, nor would I suggest embarking on one, in the interests of regional stability. Essentially, whoever wins this conflict, wins it, and whoever loses it, does so. To get involved now, is probably the worst thing that could be done. The High Council of the Stormlands is quite annoyed by the conduct of both parties, and initiated an embargo on all involved parties for the duration of the conflict, only approved government-appointed aid packages will be going north to help those who have been effected by this entire crisis." "It is my opinion that your own nation would do wise to steer clear of this fray, it is simply too complicated, and far too messy to get involved with. Moreover, military action would be cause for an expansion of the war which is something that we all do not need," continued Rhaemon, folding his arms and sitting back in his chair.

"Yes, this would include officer exchanges between countries," remarked Taman, in a polite tone. "I believe such a program would foster defense cooperation by leaps and bounds." "As a courtesy for utilizing your nation for such a facility, we would be willing to provide strategic intelligence assistance, and provide your nation with disseminated information that proves useful to your nation, basically threats to your sovereignty. This would, of course, go hand in hand with Article Three of the agreement I have shown you," he continued.

"The Stormlands congratulates the Southern Cone Republic on its independence, and officially provides it full diplomatic recognition. As per normal procedure, we welcome the Republic to send an ambassador to Stormsend, our capital, to establish an embassy between our two respective states."

"I'm glad that the Empire will be looking to its own affairs, education, health, and transport infrastructure are all vital aspects of a modern nation. It is only recently, in the past half year, that the Stormlands have truly progressed to seeking out external relations with other nations. It seems as though your own nation has been quite active in developing its relations abroad," nodded Rhaemon, thoughtfully, his words carefully chosen, yet flowing normally. "That said, I hope that your nation understands that there has been a long established powerbase within the Americas as it is, I'm not so much warning you as I am giving you friendly advice. If you truly want to work with other nations within the Americas, to do so requires you to move within that framework and powerbase that has already been established. While I have no doubt that Brazil will mature and become a strong state, it is in the best interests of all that you realize there are boundaries to the established powerbase. Many nations see themselves with spheres of influence, and trying to impinge on them with relative quickness can complicate regional foreign politics. The Stormlands do not feel any impingement thus far, but I feel as though it is advisable to make you aware of these invisible boundaries that other nations do have and virulently uphold. Ignorance of their existence to many is no excuse, think of me of doing you a favor for informing you of this," responded Rhaemon, in a careful, yet polite tone of voice. "I am personally glad that Brazil wants to be a productive and positive member of the hemisphere, working with us, rather than hopefully against the grain of progress in the region," he continued, in a more upbeat tone. "The Stormlands will certainly be dispatching a diplomat of our own, once I report back to Stormsend. That said, what are you hoping to see out of an agreement here today?"

The Stormlands diplomat would smile and respond, as he followed Samara into the ornate palace, "Yes, my flight was quite pleasant. I tend to get a large amount of work done whenever I take relatively long flights on." He took the opportunity to look out at the Nile River for a few moments, collecting his thoughts, before taking a seat in one of the leather chairs and leaning back in it with a sigh, responding, "Straight vodka, just a little bit though, please."

"Of course, give me a moment here," stated Taman, producing his tablet computer, he tapped on it a few times, swiping his fingers right and left a few times. "Here, it is a rough idea of terms, but perhaps gives you a fair idea of what I have in mind, Mr. Vice President." He slid the tablet across the table to Ionaster, with the following terms appearing on the high-definition screen; "It is, of course, a rough draft, and we would be glad to add to it if you'd like. Furthermore, I'd like to make the request that our government be able to set up a space track and control facility within Sierra Leone, to assist in efforts that are being made by our growing space program," added Taman, with a polite smile on his face.

The reinitiating of hostilities on the part of the American Commonwealth, breaking the armistice and shelling of several Quebecois cities, would cause several temples to be rubbed, and eyebrows being raised in Stormsend. The strike would cause an emergency meeting to be held between Rafael Sha'am, Taman Volcer, Rhaemon Rhys'gar, and Fetter Childress, which would lead to a statement being first released to the negotiation teams in Stormsend. This same statement would then be subsequently released by the Administration of the Exterior on open channels. "The Stormlands understands the frustrations of the American Commonwealth, and her allies, in the resolving of this unprecedented conflict within North America. We sympathize with the citizens of Ottawa for the lives lost, for the destruction wrought upon them, the loss of life and the blood spilled in this conflict fills our hearts with grief. It is worth noting that post war aid has already been approved by the High Council to help those citizens who have lost so much in this clash of nations. The fact that Americans are killing other Americans is unacceptable, and whilst our efforts to try to stave off conflict initially failed, we were hoping that a second round would bring this conflict to an end, and slowly sow close the wounds of this conflict that has already wrought too much destruction. That said, the Stormlands wholeheartedly condemns the breaking of the armistice meant to bring respite so that citizens could find time to bury their dead, find shelter, find a semblance of hope, a semblance of hope that we hoped would culminate in peaceful efforts in Stormsend. The Stormlands do not believe that two wrongs make a right, vengeance only leads to further destruction, it leads to suffering, it distances us from the ultimate goal of reconciliation, it tears open new wounds that will not be so easily mended. It is now both sides that have blood on their hands, blood of civilians, the blood that runs in the streets of Ottawa, that runs in the streets of Montreal, Trois Rivieres, and Quebec City. We see this new effort as completely and utterly counterproductive to peace efforts that were set to restart when both sides were ready. If North America feels the need to slaughter themselves and throw the dove of peace into the flames of conflict and bloodletting, then so be it. The Stormlands will have no part in this farce of false peaceable pretenses, with two factions who have exhausted their accounts of morality and are thus bankrupt of it. It is thus that we withdraw our offer of mediating peace, go and burn in the fires of conflict that all seem so willing to engage in. We will gladly feed and shelter any who reach our shores, the refugees of this conflict, the true victims, we will gladly assist those who have been broken by this war, who have lost all, when this conflict is over, but our government is utterly fed up with associating with governments who throw away lives and peace so easily." The statement would be accompanied by a notice that a unilateral trade embargo on all parties involved in the conflict for its duration was now imposed, directly ordered by the Administration of the Exterior. Only government aid packages that included food, medicine, clothes, and heating oil destined for refugees of the conflict would be allowed to sail from the Stormlands.

[b][OOC: Collaborative adventure RP between Sarah and I, please refrain from IC/OOC posting unless otherwise informed.][/b] The sound of gulls cackling as they wheeled in the skies above, mixed with the light voices and shouts of people along the entire beach, the Atlantic stretching out like a twinkling blue blanket. The legendary beaches of Rio de Janiero were the focus of many a weary traveler who found themselves in his paradise, a place where they could escape from their mundane office cubicles and nine-to-five jobs. For the likes of Rhaemon Rhys'gar, Rio de Janiero was to be the first of many stops on his journey that he had been tasked to by the Stormlands' High Council. As an Esteemed Executor, he was granted special tasks by the High Council, and in particular, the Lord Protector, to carry out. As one of the lesser well known Executors, it was expected that Rhaemon would not garner as much attention as a number of the other Esteemed Executors. He was youthful in appearance, one of the youngest members of the High Council, but also one of the most energetic, asking the important questions of those that needed their theories and thoughts tested. He was well-respected by the Lord Protector, but others on the Council thought significantly less of him, particularly because he had yet to have been handed a true assignment. Now, standing on the legendary beaches of Rio, he had his first assignment, and it was one that the Esteemed Executor would need his wits, physicality, and smarts for. Recovering Dahromo's Gift, an ornate chest with an unknown treasure inside, which was purportedly given to mere mortals for their outstanding devotion to their great god, was going to be no easy task. Particularly because the chest had not been seen in well over four centuries, and it had last known to have been in the eastern reaches of the Stormlands. Summoning the High Priest of Dahromo to their chambers, the High Council had been informed, that the first steps towards finding the chest, would be in Rio. The long, dark-haired Rhaemon now stood looking out at the waves, his jaw clenching and unclenching as he watched the waves crashing on the beach. Whatever the High Priest had said, he was very unsure of; the clue would present itself to the one who sought it out. It was with a great deal of skepticism, that Rhaemon would be handed his first task. How to carry that task out, that being actually finding the chest, no matter picking up a clue, was the real task at hand here. He smiled wistfully to himself, and uttered a few words to the pantheon of gods and goddesses who kept he and the country he loved safe. On beaches covered by naked bodies, the fully clothed Rhaemon stood out. Rio de Janeiro existed in a precarious situation as the local goverment fought amongst themselves for control of the city, while the Imperial presence from Tianxia continued to grow. A pair of sunglasses shieled green eyes belonging to Ines Varejao. She stared at him from the boardwalk over the beach and smirked. Police filtered through the city like an army, desposing of degenerates who wandered into the wealthier quarters. There was a distinct class line in Rio and Ines was responsible for keeping that line intact. She brushed a few brown strainds of hair from her forehead and watched him. Ines had duty along the beaches today, which meant standing out in the hot sun in a pair of jeans and a jacket. Hoping that he'd lead her somewhere cool, Ines decided to follow the long haired man for a bit, it would give her something to do, and who knows? He seemed suspicious enough, lost, and definitely foreign. Those were the types to look out for. Unaccustomed to "missions" on foreign soil, Rhaemon was not as aware as others would be when they had gained a tail. Although he was aware of people trying to steal his valuables, he kept a hand in his pocket over his wallet most of the time, and as he turned to walk back to the boardwalk, he surveyed the line up of people standing there. He noted a woman in a jacket and jeans, which seemed a little out of place in the warm, humid weather, but thought nothing of it as he brushed past her. His trip to the beach had been one of gathering some wits and solace about himself before trying to begin his search for the clue. He brought out his mobile phone and tapped on the screen to list off some nearby museums; it was clear that, like the chest, the clue would probably be old. Therefore, it was either in someones' mansion, or it was in a museum or another prominent accessible public location like a library. These were, of course, long shots, but the caveat still existed; the clue would make itself known to the one who sought it out. He realized that Rio was deeply divided along class lines, but he was quite unaware that these class lines might also extend to foreigners as well. Either way, he was hoping that his rather mundane appearance was not going to garner too much attention. And furthermore, he was here on a journey, and it was unlikely that mischief was to ensue, what could anyone do to him if he was doing nothing wrong? Right? After Rhaemon put some distance with Ines, the police officer took off her glasses and started to follow him down the streets. She walked slowly, casually and after a few blocks, took off her jacket and held it over her shoulder to keep him from glancing back and seeing the exat same figure. Her pistol sat snug in the back of her jeans as her white shirt concaved with the tightness of her belt. A badge, with the Rio de Janeiro coat of arms hung lazily by her side, she wore the look of a cop and people seemed to part as she walked down the sidewalk. Rhaemon seemed to be studying storefronts and displays as he went along, looking down at his phone before looking back at the fronts of the buildings. He would stop every so often to look at various wares in the window, rubbing his chin as he thought about whether the clue might have ended up in some age-old shop like those that were seemingly popular in this relatively well-populated-by-tourist side of Rio. Although far from instinctual like some well-trained foreign agent, many people had a distinct feeling when they were being watched, and it would be that unease that would drive Rhaemon to consider one of the shops. This one seemed to be full of old wares, and the shop was brightly-lit, Rhaemon entered and smiled wistfully at the man behind the counter. The storekeeper not exactly offering much in the way of assistance, especially when Rhaemon's presence had triggered an electronic bell that had woken him from a well-deserved doze-off at the register. Rhaemon seemed to be looking at some of wares in front of him, old vases, sea chests, and fine china, all hundreds of years old. To Rhaemon, pieces of history told a story, what he was looking for was no different, but he put that thought aside for a moment to almost press his nose against the glass in a corner of the shop to ogle an old Spanish naval cutlass that appeared to be in mint condition. Ines moved slowly after he went into the shop. She smiled and crossed her arms, wondering if he had seen her, though not worrying all that much. It wasn't as though he had done anything wrong and now he helped her objective, find a cool place to relax. Walking into the shop, Ines nodded to the shopkeeper and then over at Rhaemon, they were the only two people in the store. "Business good today, Joao?" she smiled at the older man. "I can't complain Officer Varejao, and yourself?" Ines shrugged, "Boring day actually, though I'm not in the slums on some purging mission for Senor Reyes, being on the board walk and in the city is kind of like having the day off." "Of course," he laughed and then turned back to his newspaper as Ines began wandering the store. If there was one thing that Rhaemon had a hobby for collecting, it was swords and knives, and the cutlass he was now looking at seemed too good to be true. There was only one way to truly find out if it was real or not, and that was to inspect it a lot more thoroughly, and he finally cleared his throat, and spoke up, his voice deep, yet polite, "Would it be possible to take a closer look at this piece, Senor?" he asked of Joao. He had seemed to have paid little attention to the exchange between Ines and Joao, the voices registering, but not the words themselves. As Rhaemon looked around at Joao, he noticed Ines, and thought she appeared a little familiar, but with the officer's badge not in sight, he did not realize she was an officer of the law. He smiled politely over at the shopkeeper, who had just buried himself in his newspaper again. Ines looked at Joao as he slept, "You have to be careful with that one," she said to Rhaemon, "He doesn't get much business, it's only when the big shots in the city come in that he makes many sells." She walked over to the cutlass and looked at it. "You buy weapons, stranger?" Rhaemon looked her up and down as she approached, catching the flash of the badge that hung at her side, but he remained cool and receptive as she walked over to him. He smiled at the comment about business coming only from big shots; 'Perhaps if he was actually awake, he'd get more business', thought Rhaemon, as he looked at the female police officer. "I have a soft spot for swords, knives and blades, I like to collect historical pieces when and where I can," he said, coolly, as the policewoman looked down at the cutlass. "They're beautiful weapons, Joao!" Ines shouted as the old man awoke with a start. "This young man is looking to buy this cutlass, help him out." "Oh, of course sir, I'm sorry," the old man said running over with a key chain to take the cutlass out of the glass box. "It's a beautiful weapon, very expensive. Here," he said laying the blade in Rhaemon's hands, "Take a feel." "It is certainly a fine blade, very well balanced I must say," noted Rhaemon, as he smiled at the blade in his hand, holding it up. He let his hand grip the pommel and he took a very firm stance, slowly taking the sword through a relatively complicated choreographed swordplay display. His hand deftly arcing the blade, barely missing a few of the other goods in the shop as he swung it, the blade almost singing as he sliced it through the air with authority. "The Western Europeans always knew how to make a fine blade," he said, shaking his head, as he slowly brought it back over to Joao. He set the blade down in the case again and smiled at the shopkeeper, "What are you looking for such a weapon right now?" "Perhaps six thousand pesos would be sufficent for me, it is, as you know, a beautiful weapon." "Six thousand seems fair to me," responded Rhaemon, after considering the man's words for a few moments. "Quite respectable for such an item, I musy say, it'll make a fine addition to my collection," he continued. Ines smiled as she watched the transaction and leaned back on the display case. He commanded the weapon with a strength normally unseen by most. "You know how to use a blade, stranger? You seem to know your way around a blade and to be able to afford a weapon of that cost in these parts. "What's your name?" Whilst Joao started putting together his bill, Rhaemon felt the woman cops' eyes on him for most of the exchange between he and the shopkeeper. He would exchange glances with her every so often, before she finally spoke up again, and asking him his name. "One that collects something, should know how to use it, or know everything there is to know about it. I have had lessons in the past, swordplay is quite useful for staying limber and loose," Rhaemon spoke, with a gentle chuckle. "My name is Rhaemon, Officer...?" he responded, seemingly querying her about her own identity. "Ines Varejao," she stuck out her hand to shake his with a smile. "I agree, I've never done swordplay, but it would be something I'd like to try some time in my life. I have my meditation though, the shooting range and sometimes there is even a strange meditation when you're on the clock. Though I still don't see many people who can afford Joao's weapons come through her regularly. Are you foreign, Rhaemon?" "I find meditation early in the morning prepares me quite well for my day, I can certainly agree with you on that point," stated Rhaemon, taking her hand in his firm grasp and shaking it. "Swordplay is just a wonderful hobby to be honest, so much history and rich liveliness to it, and it makes you a better dancer as well." He smiled wistfully, and his lips didn't waver from a smile when he responded, "Yes, I am a visitor to your wonderful country. The hospitality shown to me thus far has been impeccable." "Good, Rio is a welcoming city, so long as you know where to go. I would avoid the slums however, things tend to get extremely bad there." Her eyes brightened when he mentioned dancing and she assumed he would be a capable dancer. "You dance, Rhaemon, my, you are a man of all trades. I may have to keep my eye on you while you're in the city, men such as yourself are always far between and they tend to make a big splash." She smiled and shook his hand again. "Have a good afternoon, Joao, Rhaemon," Ines said and then walked out of the store. She turned to the left and waited at the corner of the street for Rhaemon to leave. A wealthy foreign man who bought prized weapons and a dancer? She picked the most interesting person to follow, in addition to being handsome. Now she was waiting to see if he was simply sightseeing or is this interesting man had other purposes in Rio, wandreing the city alone. "I'm simply here on business, and a little pleasure, I try to keep a low profile, rather than make a 'big splash' so to speak," nodded Rhaemon, with a smile on his face as she seemed to be showering him with compliments. Before he could ask her if she enjoyed dancing, having some thoughts developing in the last few minutes, she would depart from his presence. "Have a good afternoon of your own, Officer Varejao, stay safe," he said, a polite smile plastered on his face. As Joao arranged the last bits of the sale, and Rhaemon organized payment for the piece of history, he would raise his eyebrows when the light hit something on the wall behind Joao. It appeared to be a rather ornate vase, with diamonds encrusted into the base of it, and he was able to see some sort of characters forming on the wall. It was then he looked down at the pendent, a symbol of his service within the High Council, deflecting the light onto the object. His eyes lit up suddenly, and Joao looked at him strangely, "Senor? Is there something wrong?" "No, uh, is it possible to see that vase behind you?" he asked, almost blurting it out quickly. Joao looked back and chuckled, "I'm sorry, but its not for sale, it will be going to a local museum soon, I'm receiving the last payment for it soon before it goes to them." Rhaemon bit his lip, "Really, I can give you some extra on this sale?" "No, senor, I cannot allow such things, I made a promise to the purchaser that only I would handle the vase. You must understand," responded Joao, a little more firmly. Rhaemon frowned, but finally finished arranging the payment for the cutlass, that he would slide into the provided scabbard, and slip it down into the top of his pack. "Thank you Joao," he nodded, a little disappointed at the shopkeepers' stubborness, and now interested in what he had just seen. After a few good byes, the Stormlander would step out of the shop, and frown, as he looked back in at the vase for a good long few moments. Ines watched him from the corner for a moment, putting on her jacket and sunglasses again. The crowd shielded her from Rhaemon's vision as she watched him look back into the shop for a moment before heading back out onto the sidewalk. She smiled and began to follow him again, then walked back into Joao's shop and found the old man trying to fall asleep at his chair. "Joao!" she hollered out and he almost fell to the floor. "What? What is it?" he said looking up at her. "Who was that man, did he say anything else?" "What, no, he just bought the cutlass, is he under investigation?" "Everyone is under investigation here, you know that, and foreigners who aren't the average European tourist tend to be rare, he didn't say where he was from." "He didn't seem suspicious, though he did want to see that vase up there," Joao pointed up at it and Ines raised her eyes. "He seemed very adament in fact about the vase, more interested in that than the cutlass. He wanted to buy it, even wanted to pay a bit more money for it, but it's going to the museum. So I told hi-" Ines nodded and cut him off, "You'll be giving it to me then." "What? No, I can't, it's going to the museum." "Does it have some special significance? How much is it worth and where did you get it?" "It was an archeological artifact from the Amazon rainforest, but I don't kn-" "Hand it over Joao, I will make sure it gets to the museum but we can't have these priceless artifacts falling into the wrong hands, right?" "But..." "I said hand it over." Ines scowled, her hand falling to her gun. "Yes," Joao said, "Of course," He reached up and grabbed the vase. "I don't know who he was, but please get it to the museum, it came into my hands after the dig, some older gentleman, he didn't list his name. He said that the museum would be contacting me that they'd pay a lot of money." "Oh?" "Yes, but that's all I know." Ines chuckled and held it tightly, "That's all I need to know then, thank you Joao," she said and walked out with the vase.

Hope your father gets well soon, Cent.

Nominating Justinian, MGL, and Evangeline.

"Well, I believe that your government is to be commended, it was not too long ago that Sierra Leone seemed to be on the verge of being a completely failed state. There was much deliberation that seemed to tear the UN Security Council to and fro, it isn't often that countries can make a turn around in relatively short order and reestablish law and order," said Taman, taking a sip of water from the glass he held. "It was one of the reasons why our government acted very quickly when it was evident what was going on between your country and Gabon, the High Council of the Stormlands is an admirer of progress, and to see progress made in Sierra Leone wiped away was unacceptable in our opinion. It's glad that other regional governments saw this in a similar fashion." "We're hoping to secure the basis of a formal relationship that can be expanded upon in coming days. Personally, I'm hoping to walk away from your nation with an agreement sets a basic set of accords across several spectrums, those mainly being economics, cultural, security cooperation, and legal framework. I believe that the best relationships are built from the ground up, cooperation that increases as time goes on builds a better relationship and stronger bonds," he continued, with a confident air in his voice.

"I will surely be glad to take the time to visit Guatemala City at some point, to take you up on that offer, Your Highness," nodded Rafael, with a smile. "I've often equated being Lord Protector, to being the father of a newborn clutch of quadruplets or some similar number to that. Although I do have a number of capable 'babysitters', so to speak, much cooperation within the High Council requires my presence at times." Rafael and Taman continued to seem quite impressed by the hologram map that the Princess had produced, almost like little children discovering a new locale to play in, or exploring a newfound place that they had found themselves in. They both would look attentively back at the princess as she spoke, closely watching the graphics she was presenting. They could only surmise that the thousands of miniature dots represented satellites and other orbital platforms, which seemed to almost completely cover the Earth and shield it from their view. Taman, who was something of a flight and aerospace enthusiast, looked back at the Princess, "I've heard of the syndrome you speak, and if such an event were to occur, I daresay it'd be catastrophic for humanity as a race. I must say your desire to take responsibility for cleaning up debris is admirable, to say the very least; and I think the Stormlands would be happy to assist in such efforts if we could arrange our space program soon enough." Rafael made a mental note to discuss the methods of launch used by Tikal, which seemed to be dependent on mountain ranges, of which the Stormlands possessed plenty to utilize. The monorail would finally slow to a stop in the station that serviced the Metacycles plant, and the doors would open, a few scattered High Guards were already on the platform, looking wary but relatively relaxed, despite the presence of the dignitaries they had been assigned to protect. Rafael would take the lead as they stepped out, and would usher the rest of the individuals within the monorail car out onto the station platform, and spoke to the Princess gently, "Welcome to the Forge District of Stormsend, the primary industrialized sector of our capital, not very large to be honest. Stormsend is mainly a city committed to governance, and a strong commercial sector, much of the industrialized regions lie outside of the capital," he explained, as they started towards a set of escalators that would take them up to another platform deck that led to a skybridge towards the Metacycles facility. The large facility seemed to dominate more smaller workshops and industrial facilities in the visual area, having its own bridge from the monorail station to an entrance at the far end of the air bridge. "Metacycles is the leading recycler of rare earth elements in the Stormlands, essentially the [I]only[/I] recycler of rare earths in our nation, as the process is relatively expensive, but still economically viable. Its a hard service industry to get a running start in, and Metacycles has taken awhile to build up investment to be able to do what it does now," he continued, as he proceeded to the escalator system. Despite being in an industrial sector, the station seemed impeccably clean and the air quite without any pollution to inhale unlike most industrial sectors within a metropole.

Rhaemon would gather his wits about him on his first diplomatic foray outside of the Stormlands, meeting the Brazilian Foreign Minister with a fist over his heart, and a bow of his head, the customary and respectful greeting of the Stormlander to another individual. "Likewise, Minister Torres, you're not the only one who has hopes and desires for a positive ending to this meeting. I hope that any resulting agreement will work to sustain the bonds of stability and peace within the region, and by extension, help continue to show the hemisphere in a positive light, despite the issues stemming from North America." During the trip to the Imperial Palace, Rhaemon would organize some notes on a secure electronic tablet whilst taking glances at the scenery surrounding him. After promptly arriving at the Imperial Palace and the designated meeting room, the Stormland delegate would take a moment to request a glass of water, as one of his aides would take up station at the door as was custom. After Torres posed his first question to Rhaemon, the Fist of the Protector smiled gently, "Well, I'm not entirely sure beyond formalizing relations, that you called this meeting, sir. But I suppose I would like to pose a question to you, I would like to know what the intent of Brazil is, in the South American continent, and within this hemisphere, what kind of member of this hemispheric community are you planning to be? And moreover, what kind of desires are you looking to accomplish as your nation establishes and consolidates itself?"

Rafael would be content with letting Liselotte speak her mind, the Quebecois leader seeming grim, but he wholeheartedly expected this discussion to be one that had vast overtones of grimness. Although he had initially blamed himself for the failure of the initial peace talks that the Stormlands had mediated, he had quickly realized after some deep thoughts in the days after, that both sides had intractable demands that had made progress essentially impossible. Of course, the Stormlands could have taken a much more bull-headed approach to the negotiations, utilizing its strength to try to bend the will of one of the parties, the result probably would not have been positive, nor a long term peace achieved. The thought of such threats had been quite fleeting, but using them would have compromised the capability of the Stormlands to continue to remain truly neutral in any way, shape or form. As such, the Stormlands had been left to watch as North America made sacrifices to the gods of war and blood, with hundreds of thousands of casualties, not just on the battlefields, but also lost fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, children... friends. It had been sobering to read some of the news reports, and it was gravely unfortunate that the hemisphere had come full circle, and Americans were killing Americans once again. "Many ordinary citizens, I've found, at least here in the Stormlands, don't care about the day to day comings and goings of the government, unless they're not getting enough food to eat and enough to keep them happy. Its an unfortunate truth that many people do not care about internal politics and representation until it effects their lives, it is only then that the seem to actually care about anything. I am very hopeful for these upcoming talks, this war has already spilled too much American blood. It has adversely effected our foreign policy in the Americas for its duration, it should have never come to this," stated Rafael, quietly, not looking at Liselotte, looking into the fire, and seemingly thinking heavily for a moment. "A lasting peace is what needs to be established in North America, which means that both your nation, as well as the Commonwealth, will need to come to a set of terms that is acceptable to one another. While establishment of trust may take years, maybe even decades to restore, it may be a possibility to bring back again, but reconciliation is something that requires a desire on both sides for it to happen. If there can be no reconciliation, then there can be no lasting peace. Any agreement we develop, I want it to be lasting, and if it can be established, I think that the Stormlands can work to repair bonds in the Americas. It will take much time, it will take effort, but reconciliation is something we are wholeheartedly willing to try to repair the bonds that have been frayed."

Taman would take the opportunity of the ride into Freetown to assess Sierra Leone's capital, and the surrounding areas as it passed by whilst they were riding in the convoy that was to bear them to their meeting place. The Executor would thank the Vice President for the route he took into the city, and as they passed into the House of Representatives, he would compliment the interior of the building. He was quite impressed with the collection of art and interior decoration that had been provided to the halls of one of Sierra Leone's most important government seats. Taman would peer into rooms that had open doors as he passed by them, seemingly interested about the locale he had found himself in, before arriving in the Vice President's office. After fetching himself a glass of water, Taman would take a seat across from the Vice President, one of his aides standing by the doorway, as the Sierra Leonean queried him, and he nodded in response. "As you are aware, from our supportive measures taken before Athenian negotiation intervened, the Stormlands is committed to an Atlantic world that is stable and without strife. As a nation that has seen its own years of strife and finally seemingly overcome it, we were hoping that similar values could be found here in Freetown. As a Central Atlantic neighbor to us, I was hoping that we could foment some formal relations out of a meeting here today," stated Taman, with a polite smile on his face. "We think that Sierra Leone has developed itself into a responsible state that we would like to find ourselves a little friendship with, perhaps, in short."

Hear ye! Hear ye! It's that time of the month for GM Elections! Bring out your nominations (but not your dead)! You can nominate anyone who has a valid nation in CNRP, willing to accept the nomination, and is, of course, not you! You can nominate up to three people You need a valid nation in CNRP to nominate your desired candidates You germs and ladies have forty eight hours, then May/June '14 Elections begin! Go Go Go!

Quite the cute couple, I must say. :v:

Before shaking the Vice President's hand, Taman brought his fist to his chest and bowed his head in standard respectful fashion, as per typical of the Stormlands greeting. He then took Ionaster's hand firmly, and shook it, and nodded, "Its a pleasure to be here Vice President, I appreciate you coming out to meet me." The Stormlands' Executor of the Exterior would be escorted by a few of his aides, and a single High Guardian, who was uniformed in elaborate fashion and carrying a ceremonial sword and a sidearm in an elaborate holster on his belt. The heat and humidity of the West African nation was probably telling to most foreigners from cooler climates, but it felt like home to Taman, and he seemed quite comfortable and upbeat when greeting Ionaster. He smiled, "Lead on, good sir. I look forward to our discussions."

"The Stormlands offers recognition the newly-founded Kingdom of the Gulf, and hopes that it becomes a positive contributing member to the global community. As per usual, we offer the Kingdom of the Gulf a chance to exchange embassies with the Stormlands, and offers a suitable residence within the World Village in Stormsend, a district set aside specifically for the residences and embassies of foreign nations in our capital."

Semi-Private As part of full disclosures to the High Council on the military, the Council of Shields has finally produced documentation on the ship classes of the Stormlands Navy; Deity-class Air Combat Carrier (CVG) 75,000 Tons Full Load 2 A1N Maritime Reactors 30+ Knots Weapon Systems; 50 VLHSCMs, 120 MRSAMs, 12 Dual CIWS Autocannon/SRAAM Stations (14 SRAAMs per station), multiple crew-served weapon system pintel mounts Aviation Facilities; 48 Aircraft Total (surge conditions), not including six ASW/SAR helicopters, and four support aircraft (CBAWACS/CBTAs) Transport Capacity (as LHA); 1,000 Troops standard, 1,800 (surge conditions)/(as operational CVG); 300 Naval Assault Troops/Special Operations Forces Arsenal-class Heavy Amphibious Assault Carrier 60,000 Tons Full Load 2 A1N Maritime Reactors 25+ Knots Weapon Systems; 48 MRSAMs, 6 Dual CIWS Autocannon/SRAAM Stations (14 SRAAMs per station), multiple crew-served weapon system pintel mounts Aviation Facilities; 26 STOVL Fighters and 10 ASW/SAR helicopters (surge/sea control mission package); 20 medium utility helicopters, 4 heavy assault helicopers, 6 STOVL Fighters (typical loadout) Transport Capacity; 2,800 Naval Assault Troops standard, 3,600 (surge conditions), 90,000 SQ FT Cargo/Vehicle Space, 4 LCACs or 18 LCMs Inflexible-class Landing Helicopter Dock 30,000 Tons Full Load Combined Diesel/Gas Propulsion/Electrical System 25 Knots Weapon Systems; 24 MRSAMs, 4 Dual CIWS Autocannon/SRAAM Stations (14 SRAAMs per station), multiple crew-served weapon system pintel mounts Aviation Facilities; 18 medium utility helicopters (maximum hanger space); 10 STOVL fighters and 4 ASW/SAR helicopters (surge/sea control mission package) Transport Capacity; 1,100 Naval Assault Troops Standard, 1,600 (surge conditions), 35,000 SQ FT Cargo/Vehicle Space, 6 LCMs Stork-class Amphibious Assault Ship 18,000 Tons Full Load 4 NMC Diesel Engines 20-25 Knots Maximum Weapon Systems; 3 Dual CIWS Autocannon/SRAAM Stations (14 SRAAMs per station), multiple crew-served weapon system pintel mounts Aviation Facilities; 10 medium utility helicopters (standard load), 14 medium utility helicopters (surge load), can support VTOL aircraft Transport Capacity; 700 Naval Assault Troops Standard, 200 Vehicles (including 6 MBTs and 7 AAVs), 2 LCACs or 4 LCMs City-class Heavy Cruiser 28,000 Tons Full Load 2 C1N Nuclear Reactors 30+ Knots Armor; High-Tensile Steel Armored Keel, fragmentation and light armament shielding, armored bulkhead and belt surrounding reactor facilities Sensors/Processing Systems; TWISTER Integrated Combat Management System (missile and gunfire targeting and tracking), FRENZY Electronic Warfare Suite, Hawkeye Multifunction D-Band Air and Surface Search Phased Array Radar (Littoral Warfare Module Upgrades Included), Skysweeper L-Band 3D OTH Air Search Phased Array, BERKUT Active/Passive Sonar Suite Weapon Systems; 2 - 6.1" (155mm) Advanced Gun Systems, 8 - 25mm Typhoon Automated Weapons Platforms, 3 - Dual CIWS Autocannon/SRAAM Stations (8 SRAAMs per station), 2 - RAM SRAAM Missile Launchers (24 RAM Missiles per station), 2 - Quadtubed HUNTER Torpedo Stations, 4 - Enclosed Quadpack VHSASM Launchers, 280 VLS Strike-length Tubes (80 Forward, 80 Midships, 120 Aft) Aviation Facilities; 2 - Medium Utility Helicopters (ASW/SAR), 2 - Light Attack/Reconnaissance UCAH Devastation-class Heavy Low-Observable Guided Missile Destroyer Cyclone-class Guided Missile Destroyer Windcall-class Light Guided Missile Destroyer Faithful-class Multipurpose/ASW Frigate Victory-class Guided Missile Frigate Swift-class Multimission Light Surface Combatant Hunter-class Diesel/AIP Submarine Shadow-class Diesel/AIP Submarine Porpoise-class Nuclear Attack Submarine Kraken-class Guided Missile Submarine

A short confirmation of receipt would be turned around by the Stormlands' Administration of the Exterior in short order, and would confirm the dispatch of one Rhaemon Rhys'gar, Fist of the Protector, Highly Esteemed Member of the High Council, and Ranking Councilmember on the Council of Shields to Brazil. After the sending of the dispatch to Brazil, the second most powerful man within the Stormlands would board an aircraft in Stormsend, for the cross-Amazon flight to Brasilia. The flight would involve a relatively austere government jetliner appointed for regional air transport, and would be painted in relatively creative government livery, featuring artwork from secondary school children who proposed designs embodying the nation. The jet would make contact with Brazilian ATC before crossing the border, and once contact was firmly established, proceed on directly to Brasilia, overflying the lush green that covered much of the eastern regions of South America. After receiving permission from local air traffic control, the aircraft would make a landing approach at the appointed aerial facilities, marking the beginning of the first diplomatic foray for the Fist of the Protector.

After a positive response from the President of Sierra Leone, the Stormlands would dispatch Taman Volcer to Freetown, for his newest diplomatic foray across the world. Sierra Leone would be the newest stop on a diplomatic campaign that the Stormlands had seemed to find itself in the midst of as it sought to break out from relative isolation to seek out formal diplomatic relations across the globe. Boarding a government aircraft in Stormsend, Taman would depart in short order for the newly-stabilized West African nation, that the Stormlands had leaped up to support when Gabon had unwisely sent forces against it. Establishing radio contact with Freetown air traffic control about halfway across the Atlantic, Taman's aircraft would proceed directly to the airport in Freetown as it approached the West African state.

"Ah, well, Stormsend gets much more dense as we enter the inner city, these suburbs are a lot more evenly spaced, which does reduce a bit on the city's overall biospherical footprint," responded Rafael, with a gentle smile. "The government quarter is nothing but a mass of glass and concrete, with some parks interspersed within it, as well as some parks inside the buildings as well. The center of the Hall of Righteousness has a large park dominating it, where workers and our Councilors can walk whenever they feel like doing so. I much enjoy such walking in it when I have lots of thoughts that need to be sorted and sifted through." "I'd gladly visit Guatemala City some time, just to have the experience of visiting such a structure, I've never had the pleasure of visiting there, and I daresay I enjoy making trips abroad or within the Stormlands whenever I can. My schedule does much to hinder that enjoyment, but I do fairly well, I must say," he continued, with a smile. A number of individuals in the Stormlands delegation would be taken aback when the hologram seemed to set itself up in the car a miniature digital rendering of the solar system out to a certain point. Rafael and Taman looked at each other, seemingly fairly quite impressed with the display, the Lord Protector listening attentively to the Princess, as he looked at the detail of the model that had exploded into view. "It seems that Tikal is quite far ahead, going to the far reaches of Sol, when we are just trying to put together a research station in orbit, and we're still working on the design of said station. We're hoping to see progress in the putting of pieces of the station into orbit within the next calendar year. Perhaps we should collaborate with Tikal on this endeavor, and perhaps have your state help in making a dream realized." As Rafael spoke, the monorail train had progressed from the greenery and spaced out towers into a more industrialized sector of Stormsend, on its journey into the city. The train was beginning to slow down near a relatively clean-looking facility that had a series of circles for a logo on the side of the building, and the name 'Metacycles' painted in big bold, professional lettering next to the emblem. "Ah, it appears we've hit our first stop."

Rafael would give the Liselotte a well-appointed look, the politician who was supposed to be the premiere minister of Quebec seemed to be quite young, and he wondered if this was at first a joke. He was used to most leaders being of middle-aged stock, a little unlike himself, being in his late twenties, he had risen to the top of the High Council as its leader due to his youthful energy that seemed to go along without end, and the ability to coordinate all the councilors together as one group. He was far from a veteran politician, but he could make up for that with a facade of youthful energy and confidence that could sometimes border on cockiness. Overall, it was his ability to unite the High Council and work tirelessly to ensure the nation's continued rise, if the price of such excellent qualities was his youthful borderline cockiness, and enduring his "work hard, play hard" attitude, it was worth it to the members of the High Council. He accepted the packaged gift with a nod of the head, "I thank you for your gift, I appreciate it very much," he said, with a gentle tone as he carefully took it, and slowly opened it. He pulled the bottle of maple syrup out, and smiled. "I will have to share this with the High Council the next time we have dinner and a meeting here, they very much enjoy a good syrup on their crepes and hot sausages, thank you." He grasped a well-sized piece of wood from a stack that was next to the outdoor fireplace and deftly added it to the fire, sparks flying up into the evening air. The sounds of the city below drifting lightly up to the Rooks' Nest as he turned back to Liselotte. "Speaking candidly, I was quite disappointed when peace broke down in North America, it seems that things have only gotten progressively worse since that. There is so much potential between the nations of North America if they can put their differences aside with one another to work towards a common goal, and add to that other nations of the hemisphere, you have a bloc of nations that can accomplish so much." He sighed for a moment, leaning against the balcony, "Please, feel free to take a seat if you'd like, and if you'd like anything to drink, I can certainly fetch it for you." "I'm only hoping that the upcoming discussions result in something much more positive than the last ones did," he stated. "I don't feel as though the failure of the last discussions was anyone's fault, it seemed as though both sides had no chance to really come to terms. They were so far off center that being able to find a result that satisfied both parties was unavailable."

"The Stormlands stands ready to dispatch a delegate to Brazil for diplomatic exchanges if needed, at any time. Just appoint a time for us to meet."