Oh, you're waiting tables too? No I haven't heard your band

[Acca Dacca]

We would like to invite representatives of the nation of Nod to Casablanca. We ask that they do not come with security as they would be a liability. This is a meeting where we would like for you to trust us. If that is possible, we will gladly pick you up at the airport and bring you to a conference house to sort out our differences.

[Executive Minister]

[quote name='Acca Dacca' date='30 April 2010 - 03:21 PM' timestamp='1272655283' post='2281492']
We would like to invite representatives of the nation of Nod to Casablanca. We ask that they do not come with security as they would be a liability. This is a meeting where we would like for you to trust us. If that is possible, we will gladly pick you up at the airport and bring you to a conference house to sort out our differences.
[/quote]

[i]"Indeed? Trust you? Trust is something that requires time and a genuine display of repentance if in absence of a clean and healthy history with us. Furthermore, your request for us to send a delegate into your possession without any guard or observer earns our suspicion- on top of our... colourful... collaborative past.

We will send our delegate, out of curiosity, not of trust. We will see if you deserve our trust in due time."[/i]

[...]

Nyani was exasperated that the Ministry would send her to former Sarnungian lands- especially without her newfound friend, [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=83913&view=findpost&p=2251658"]Imamu[/url]. As she flew in on a NoN Heavy Airlifter, outfitted with every single countermeasures system MILAC could muster, she found herself desperate to find someone with as much of an intellect as he had.

Her [i]'Handmaidens'[/i], the diplomatic team of women that often accompanied her on foreign missions, while articulate, held no substance or capability to have the opinionated conversation she desired. Nyani found herself walking up and down the airlifter's 'barracks'- a modifed cargo hold fitted to hold a platoon-sized Militant cell of Elite Cadre bodyguards- trying to find anyone, [i]anyone[/i] that held the same faculty Imamu had, to no avail. All of them were the deadly, yet docile servants the Training Facilities constantly churned out.

In the end, she found no such equal. Instead of having an engaging and animated conversation during the trip, Nyani found herself sulking in a corner. Before long, she heard over the intercomm,

<<Attention, we have reached Carthaginian Airspace. Prepare for landing>>

She looked out of the window to see the formerly hostile territory below her.
[i]
So this is what our comrades saw on those fateful days...[/i]

She thought, as she watched her air escort break off, heading back to Adahunat Airbase. While the NoN would abide the Carthaginian request- there would be no military personnel accompanying Nyani to the meeting itself- she would be heavily guarded as she made her way to, and hopefully from it. The guards would remain at the airport to watch the Airlifter, and the air escort would rejoin it in the air once it left Carthaginian airspace.

As the transport touched down, its rear ramp lowered and the 50 Elite Cadres quickly disembarked. Forty broke off and created a square perimeter around the juggernaut, while 10 made their way to the main cabin door, where they would move to rank on either side as Nyani and company made their way out.

There was no apprehension amongst the NoN militant personnel as they stood on Carthage's soil. Most of these men would have stood or [i]lay[/i] on it had the Cold War between the NoN and Sarngunga not ceased as abruptly as it did. Nyani was thankful for that, as such a war would have been horrendous and costly, yet to the men, it was another chance at honour and glory... Wasted.

As she finally stood on the tarmac, she waited.

[b]"Let us see what these Carthaginians have in store for us,"[/b] she declared to her entourage.





OOC: Man, you should have asked me about what lyrics to use... I would have said 'my humps'.

Also, sorry about the late reply, I only just noticed this thread <3... no wait, <4.

[Acca Dacca]

King Muhammad VI, himself, was there to greet Nyani. He looked at the armed personnel she had brought with her and hsook his head. He kept his hands folded upon one another at his waist. He smiled at the thought of being a threat to others, especially another African. He walked away from his car and driver to move towards Nyani. He came within their secure perimeter and looked Nyani up and down. With a smile, he extended hsi hand outwards and said,

"Its a pleasure to have you here. I understand that we arent meeting in the best of terms but I assure you that by the time you leave here that will be changed. Sleeping and travel arrangments have already been made. One thing I ask is that you leave your guard on the plane. We'd rather not have to say that foreign soldiers have made their way onto our soil over a diplomatic meeting."

[Executive Minister]

[quote name='Acca Dacca' date='03 May 2010 - 11:14 PM' timestamp='1272942832' post='2285913']
King Muhammad VI, himself, was there to greet Nyani. He looked at the armed personnel she had brought with her and hsook his head. He kept his hands folded upon one another at his waist. He smiled at the thought of being a threat to others, especially another African. He walked away from his car and driver to move towards Nyani. He came within their secure perimeter and looked Nyani up and down. With a smile, he extended hsi hand outwards and said,

"Its a pleasure to have you here. I understand that we arent meeting in the best of terms but I assure you that by the time you leave here that will be changed. Sleeping and travel arrangments have already been made. One thing I ask is that you leave your guard on the plane. We'd rather not have to say that foreign soldiers have made their way onto our soil over a diplomatic meeting."
[/quote]

Nyani returned the appraisal with one of her own, before addressing the King.

[b]"Indeed, we are not. We shall see what fruit this diplomatic mission will bear. I thank you for the arrangements you have made."[/b]

She noted King Muhammad's marked exasperation at the Executive Ministry's provisions for her own safety. Suppressing a scornful laugh, she continued,

[b]"I would have hoped that you would not have minded this... compromise. You see, for better or worse, the Ministry- particularly the Executive Minister himself- has taken a rather... peculiar interest in my well being. I mean no disrespect when I say that noting those same 'lack of good terms' you mentioned, such security measures would be understandable.

These men will not accompany me, instead, they will remain here, as was commanded by the Ministry and requested by your foreign relations team. Only my diplomatic entourage-"[/b] she motioned to the women assembled near her, [b]"-have been sent to follow me."[/b]

She paused for a moment before finishing, [b]"They WILL accompany me, unless you have an objection to it. I am prepared to undergo these talks alone, if your [i]Highness[/i] wishes it."[/b]

Nyani was careful to show utmost respect to the King of Carthage, whilst still retaining her dignity and honour. While the Sarnungian Republic of old attempted a grievous insult by initiating a first strike on the Nodic homeland, Nyani remembered first and foremost that she had the power to put an end to any chance of bloodshed from ever happening again, if not that, then at least reduce the level of outright hostility between her nation and his.

[i]It is all that is left unsaid, upon which tragedies are built...[/i] she thought to herself as she awaited the King's reply.

[i]


[/i]

Edited May 5, 2010 by Executive Minister

[Acca Dacca]

He nodded to Nyani,

"Anyone who is here to improve relations is fine, we just ask that those here for the purpose of defense are removed from the equation. We will not be armed, and we ask that those who are armed remain here."

He began to walk to the row of SUVs prepared to take the members of the foreign affairs team as well as the King, his assistant, and his Queen to the conference. He turned once more before entering the SUV and said to Nyani,

"There is nothing to be afraid of. We are for an improvement in relations. You being in danger wouldnt do anything for that now would it. If you will please follow me into these vehicles, we will be carried to a conference house where we can discuss these relations in a more private and secure location."

The line of vehicle side doors opened to display a dark leather black seat. In front and back of the caravan were two police vehicles. Above was a helicopter used for sight and protection of the convoy.

[Executive Minister]

[quote name='Acca Dacca' date='04 May 2010 - 12:52 AM' timestamp='1272948740' post='2286094']
He nodded to Nyani,

"Anyone who is here to improve relations is fine, we just ask that those here for the purpose of defense are removed from the equation. We will not be armed, and we ask that those who are armed remain here."

He began to walk to the row of SUVs prepared to take the members of the foreign affairs team as well as the King, his assistant, and his Queen to the conference. He turned once more before entering the SUV and said to Nyani,

"There is nothing to be afraid of. We are for an improvement in relations. You being in danger wouldn't do anything for that now would it. If you will please follow me into these vehicles, we will be carried to a conference house where we can discuss these relations in a more private and secure location."

The line of vehicle side doors opened to display a dark leather black seat. In front and back of the caravan were two police vehicles. Above was a helicopter used for sight and protection of the convoy.
[/quote]
[b]
"I will follow you then,"[/b] Nyani said as she boarded an SUV with the King and Queen, [b]"Jessica, send the rest of the Handmaidens back to accompany the guards, I believe I will only need your services at the moment,"[/b] she motioned to a quiet figure in a hooded Ministry-black tunic.

[i]"Yes, Mistress"[/i] the figure replied in an airy voice. Jessica promptly motioned to the rest of the attendants silently, pulling down her hood as she did so. This action exposed strikingly cropped platinum blonde hair and a delicate, yet hard faced expression.

Her orders carried out, Jessica joined Nyani and company in the SUV, where they would be at the mercy of the Carthaginians.

[Acca Dacca]

The SUVs made their way to the inner city. There, the conference house stood awaiting their arrival. The doors were opened for those ready to enter. Altogether, the doors to the SUV opened to the warm African air. Each party had several representatives who would approach the affairs. As the delegates treaded to the door way, each knew what would follow would be a trifling experience for all. They made the long walk down the hall way to which the King and Queen held each other's hands, leading the way. They looked back and nodded to an open room. Slowly, the room filled each chair around a wooden table with representativbes from each nation facing one another. The King and Queen sat at opposite sides of the table. The King placed his things down, and before sitting along with the rest of the room, and looked around.

His eyes fell upon those of Nyani and said, "Shall we begin?"


With the rest of the room hanging for the next few words, the King looked at his audience and continued, "It is with great pleasure that we can finally seek an understanding and bring about a peaceful existence between our two nations. Our past is our past. What's done is done, and we need to let everything out at this table. So...

lets get on with it."

[Executive Minister]

[quote name='Acca Dacca' date='06 May 2010 - 06:40 PM' timestamp='1273185589' post='2289415']
Slowly, the room filled each chair around a wooden table with representatives from each nation facing one another. The King and Queen sat at opposite sides of the table. The King placed his things down, and before sitting along with the rest of the room, and looked around.

His eyes fell upon those of Nyani and said, "Shall we begin?"


With the rest of the room hanging for the next few words, the King looked at his audience and continued, "It is with great pleasure that we can finally seek an understanding and bring about a peaceful existence between our two nations. Our past is our past. What's done is done, and we need to let everything out at this table. So...

lets get on with it."
[/quote]


Nyani's gaze did not leave the King's as he looked away, towards the others at the table. She was rather miffed that the King had placed the burden upon herself to start the talks. It was at the behest of the Carthaginians that she was present. Interlocking her fingers infront of her on the table, she took a moment to glance beside her. Jessica was staring inquisitively at her, her characteristic frown was twisted with a raised eyebrow. Nyani cleared her throat. She was not one to turn down a challenge.

[b]"Yes, it is fortunate that fate has deigned it appropriate to set up a meeting such as this to allow professionals such as ourselves to properly air out any... grievances between our nations. While battle is a pure form of expression, many do not understand its language. I will humor you, your [i]Highnesses[/i], by allowing you to speak first."[/b]

[Acca Dacca]

"Well..."

The King smiled, and looked to his African brothern and began to speak.

"...let me first start off by thanking you all for coming and giving us a chance to begin anew in relations. I'd like to take this time to say that although we carry on the name of carthage as well as the name of the Republic, we are a nation that is mixed in the ideals as well as having newer influences. We of course know what has happened in the past, and we are looking to only look towards the future. Of course, our first problem with us is that we dont enjoy the fact that you quiver at the mention of anything Sarnungian. Although that gives us a chuckle, we dont believe that to look well for our foreign affairs. This grudge is not needed, and we dont feel that you should be threatened.

Our second problem is somewhat related to the first in that you were looking foward to meeting with us before my wife was in the picture. While I do not demand an apology, I am simply asking you to be sincere and see that although she is a politician, she is quite sweet. She wishes to look after her people and after Africa. So please, take your time in doing her this justice.

Once more, we will be blunt and straight foward. The nation of Nod has long remained out of the Aphrike bloc. Is this out of animosity towards member nations or is it simply because you do not feel that you wish to be involved in a collective effort, but wish to bring Africa unity through individual efforts?

What do you wish to walk away from this table with? Smiles on both sides, something more, or are you here simply for the sake of trying? We just want to know so we know what approach to take on this conference."

[Sargun II]

Queen Juli smiled as he mentioned the word [i]Sarnungian[/i], as if to betray that she indeed enjoyed the fact that they quivered at the mention of the word. "I believe that even if we find the true reasons that you are out of Aphrike, despite that we already know, there will be no way to fix it. As long as democratic and anti-fascist powers are in Aphrike there will never be a Nod there as well, and it would be more beneficial to skip the process of having to say this in veiled or glancing statements that will no sooner get to the heart of the matter than not talking at all. This I must insist."

She did, however, bring out a slip of paper and start writing in small letters with a familiar feather quill. "The combined houses of Carthage both wish to see a healthier Africa and from that a healthier world, but we cannot do it without you. As none of us need to point out, our war has never ended and thus the legal use of force is still an available choice. We wish to see this ended, but only if you are willing to commit to a cause above us both. A second war will be much more vicious than the first, if we follow history. Can we both agree that a state of war, whether continued or renewed in the future, is a negative for both countries?"

Edited May 11, 2010 by Sargun

[Executive Minister]

[quote name='Acca Dacca' date='11 May 2010 - 07:45 PM' timestamp='1273621515' post='2295338']
"Well..."

The King smiled, and looked to his African brothern and began to speak.

"...let me first start off by thanking you all for coming and giving us a chance to begin anew in relations. I'd like to take this time to say that although we carry on the name of carthage as well as the name of the Republic, we are a nation that is mixed in the ideals as well as having newer influences. We of course know what has happened in the past, and we are looking to only look towards the future. Of course, our first problem with us is that we dont enjoy the fact that you quiver at the mention of anything Sarnungian. Although that gives us a chuckle, we dont believe that to look well for our foreign affairs. This grudge is not needed, and we dont feel that you should be threatened. [/quote]

[quote name='Sargun' date='11 May 2010 - 07:57 PM' timestamp='1273622259' post='2295346']
Queen Juli smiled as he mentioned the word [i]Sarnungian[/i], as if to betray that she indeed enjoyed the fact that they quivered at the mention of the word.[/quote]

At the mention of the words 'quiver' and 'chuckle' Nyani gave Mohammad a look not unlike a one a woman would give a man who had just taken a comical misstep at hitting on her. She facepalmed lightly, masking the movement by immediately stroking her foreheard between her thumb and index fingers, so as to imply a sudden onset of migraine or headache. Her head still in her hand, she turned to Jessica. The Handmaiden beside her looked ready to speak, and with a nod and dismissive wave of Nyani's hand, she began,

[i]"If you seek to raise anger in us, you will fail, King. We are here only upon orders of the Executive Ministry, and the Executive Minister himself- he did not order us to endure veiled insults... Not even from one such as you..."[/i] her airy voice trailed off.

[b]"That being said,"[/b] Nyani interjected, irritation fading from her voice, [b]"Our 'grudge' as you put it is solely to blame on the actions of the previous and now deceased Sovereign of your nation, a Sovereign that had direct ties to your certainly charming wife"[/b] she said, glancing aside at Juli. The Executive Ministry was well aware of the Peaceheart's bloodline, no doubt, but it was her position in the Sarnungian Republic's regime that piqued its interest.

[quote]
Our second problem is somewhat related to the first in that you were looking foward to meeting with us before my wife was in the picture. While I do not demand an apology, I am simply asking you to be sincere and see that although she is a politician, she is quite sweet. She wishes to look after her people and after Africa. So please, take your time in doing her this justice. [/quote]

[i][b]"As my faithful attendant has said[/b][/i][b],"[/b] Nyani began with irritation setting in once again, [b]"We are here upon orders of the Executive Ministry. This act alone shows a considerable level of 'trust' considering the implications of our collective past. Our time has been intended to satisfy the curiosity of the Executive Minister. It was to be implied that by meeting with you now, even with knowledge of Sarnungian involvement, that we are [i]sincere[/i] in our purpose to express his wishes to outsiders... we exist to serve."[/b]

[quote]Once more, we will be blunt and straight foward. The nation of Nod has long remained out of the Aphrike bloc. Is this out of animosity towards member nations or is it simply because you do not feel that you wish to be involved in a collective effort, but wish to bring Africa unity through individual efforts?[/quote]
[b]
"Your Highness I cannot begin to express the reasons for the Minist-"[/b] she began before,

[quote]"I believe that even if we find the true reasons that you are out of Aphrike, despite that we already know, there will be no way to fix it. As long as democratic and anti-fascist powers are in Aphrike there will never be a Nod there as well, and it would be more beneficial to skip the process of having to say this in veiled or glancing statements that will no sooner get to the heart of the matter than not talking at all. This I must insist."[/quote]

Juli spoke with a voice of truth.

Nyani looked at Juli for a moment. While she certainly did have a lovely looking exterior, Nyani's past profession had taught her long ago to look past the superficial. There was a dark kernel that resided within that one, she could tell for certain. She had much to tell the Minister by analyzing her movements, her stance. Glancing at Jessica, cross-armed with her eyes furrowed at the Royal pair before them, Nyani could tell that the Handmaiden was performing a similar 'analysis'.
[b]
"Indeed. I will say it here and now, the Nation of Nod will never, ever join the Aphrike bloc, or even one resembling it. Our people have grown to see what such blocs are capable of in the name of 'unity'"[/b] Nyani rolled the word in her mouth, while her nation's motto was 'Brotherhood, Unity, Peace', it was not the one Aphrike envisioned.

[b]"I will not delve much upon this topic, for our reasons are too numerous to even begin. I will ask, however, if you succeed in unifying Africa, under who's jurisdiction will it belong to? What does it even mean, a 'unified Africa'?

We do not hold such arrogant presumptions that our views are what is best for the rest of Africa- why would you? Aphrike destroyed a number of nations through direct and indirect methods, all under the guises of certain choice words those who have not, or will not realize what they really are say to comfort their followers,"[/b] she glanced quickly at Juli again.
[b]
"We have been in its sights for sometime now. While we welcome the challenge, for in conflict we grow stronger, we would no more join that Treaty than a shepherd would allow rabid wolves to roam about in his flock."[/b]

[quote]
She did, however, bring out a slip of paper and start writing in small letters with a familiar feather quill. "The combined houses of Carthage both wish to see a healthier Africa and from that a healthier world, but we cannot do it without you. As none of us need to point out, our war has never ended and thus the legal use of force is still an available choice. We wish to see this ended, but only if you are willing to commit to a cause above us both. A second war will be much more vicious than the first, if we follow history. Can we both agree that a state of war, whether continued or renewed in the future, is a negative for both countries?"
[/quote]

[b]"We certainly can,"[/b] Nyani said, trying not to sound dismissive.

[quote]What do you wish to walk away from this table with? Smiles on both sides, something more, or are you here simply for the sake of trying? We just want to know so we know what approach to take on this conference."
[/quote]

[b]"We have come here with a relatively open mind. That being said, we would like to reflect this question back towards yourselves, this being your conference, of course. Simply ask of what drives you, and we shall answer. You may take whatever approach you deem fit in attaining your goals."[/b]

[Acca Dacca]

We arent looking to insult you, we are to mend. Now, like you said, it was the previous nation. A nation that we no longer represent. Now, my wife has done no harm to you, your nation, or anyone for that matter. So why you continue to put this held grudge on her name is beyond me. Its a new start, a new nation and we wish to change our opinion of you.

We are here to see make friends with our African brothern, to correct past wrongdoings and to make sure they dont happen again. We only look for something positive to come out of this, because we're here to address any issues we have with each other. If anything more happens, I'd be more than happy. Again, what do you expect from this conference?

[Executive Minister]

[quote name='Acca Dacca' date='12 May 2010 - 11:42 PM' timestamp='1273722160' post='2296661']
We arent looking to insult you, we are to mend. [/quote]

With a smile Nyani said [b]"Well then with all due respect, please choose your words more carefully in the near future, carelessness on the diplomatic level has the potential to wreak more havoc than a bomb or missile ever could."[/b]

[quote]
Now, like you said, it was the previous nation. A nation that we no longer represent. Now, my wife has done no harm to you, your nation, or anyone for that matter. So why you continue to put this held grudge on her name is beyond me. Its a new start, a new nation and we wish to change our opinion of you. [/quote]

[b]"As I cannot speak for my entire nation at this time, I will say this on behalf of myself and my cohort beside me [/b](OOC: really, there were two people that were talking to you :/)[b], we will accept that you no longer wish to do us the harm the previous Peaceheart regime did, for the time being. As for changing your opinion of us, despite what our detractors may profess, our kind does not impose its will or seek to control the thoughts of others."
[/b]
[quote]We are here to see make friends with our African brothern, to correct past wrongdoings and to make sure they dont happen again. We only look for something positive to come out of this, because we're here to address any issues we have with each other. If anything more happens, I'd be more than happy. Again, what do you expect from this conference?
[/quote]

[b]"As I have said, we come here with a relatively open mind. Ask or speak of whatever you desire, and we will reply in kind. Anything that cannot be directly answered by ourselves shall be relayed to the Executive Ministry. We only act as their mouth and ears at this time."[/b]