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| Sharooqi Exiles Seek Land; The Sharooqi Exiles have their eyes on Socotra | |
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| Topic Started: Oct 14 2013, 09:38 PM (571 Views) | |
| Greater Mosul | Oct 14 2013, 09:38 PM Post #1 |
National Status: Nomads
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The Sharooqi Exiles Seek to Control Socotra Sharooqi Armada Governmental Meeting Abbas Sharooq nodded to his advisers as he entered the room. They were already standing, in respect to their leader entering the room. He approached the table that was anchored to the ground of the flagship of the Sharooqi Armada. For nearly a year now, they had prepared and scouted areas to build Great Mosul. This was to be their final discussion, Abbas Sharooq had made up his mind. It was to be Socotra, the ecologically diverse far from most law and order, under the control of the powerful Persian God-Emperor. Sharooq knew that it was a hard thing to buy, but they would do it. Buy it or take it... This Persian God-Emperor had enemies, and hopefully he could convince them to join his cause. It was time that Socotra be given the sovereignty it deserved--under House Sharooq, of course. High Minister Diego was sitting on the right hand of the seat at the front of the table, fitting, as he was Abbas' right-hand man. Abbas gave a firm nod to the High Minister as all of them sat, the High Minister would begin the meeting. A young woman of Ethiopian descent, by the looks of her, entered the room. She was dressed modestly, but was attractive. She remained silent, but noticed that Abbas was looking at her as the High Minister began the meeting with trivial matters between him and the other ministers. She smiled and bowed to him, approaching at the request of his hand, he whispered to her, "Would you be so kind to get me some scotch on ice, my dear?" She nodded to him, smiling. She curtseyed simply and moved off to oblige the Prince. Abbas looked back upon his ministers. An older Persian was having a discussion with Diego. The older Persian was Foreign Minister Farun al-Finesi. Foreign Minister Finesi was discussing the likelihood of a response should the Armada make dock on the three small islands to the west of Socotra. He smiled, they already were aware of their Prince's decision. He crossed his legs and leaned back in the comfortable chair, listening to them carefully. Finesi considered that it was unlikely that the Empire would consider them an immediate threat, though they may be interested, and that it was impossible to know, ultimately. Socotra had been contested in the past, and was one of the more contested regions held by the Persians. The chances of it having no naval or military garrison was phenomenally small. Moreover, Finesi pointed out that any counterattack by the Persians would be swift and brutal, and totally annihilate what little military that the Armada had built up. They probably could capture it, but not hold it. Diego agreed, and rubbed his head, "This is a strange situation," he said. He looked to Prince Abbas, then back to his ministers, "I assume, your Majesty, that we are correct in guessing that your objective is Socotra?" "You are correct, High Minister." Diego nodded, looking back at the Finance Minister, Aaron Barken. Minister Barken was an aging man from Sharooqi Investments. He was an American by birth, and has long been a close friend and ally of Prince Abbas. Other then Diego, he was Abbas' most trusted adviser. Barken sighed, running his hands through his hair, "Finances from businesses owned by House Sharooq have successfully funded us so far, and his Majesty's personal fortune is enough to theoretically buy Socotra, but I sincerely doubt it is enough to buy its sovereignty. It is invaluable to the Empire. It is possible we could negotiate a vassalage of some sort, but I know that is not what Prince Abbas desires." "If it is necessary. I desire a home for my people. Socotra is ideal." "I understand, your Majesty, but to be vassal to a man who calls himself a God?" "Don't misunderstand me, my friend. I do not cherish the thought, but let us not get ahead of ourselves. We don't even know if he's willing to consider it." Diego spoke up at this point, looking at Finesi, "Any word on that front? Have you selected an Ambassador to send to the Emperor?" "I have, he's a bit young, but he's a smart man. He's already selected an embassy staff. Very eager. He'd be sent to request a permanent embassy, and set up a meeting between the Emperor and his Majesty." Diego nodded, "Good. He'll make first contact, then, if you would approve, Farun..." As details continued, Abbas was distracted momentarily by the return of the young Ethiopian, holding a glass of scotch, she apologized profusely for her lateness, which Prince Abbas shrugged off with a polite smile and a humble thanks. As he returned his attentions to the conversation, Diego was saying, "Then, with His Majesty's permission, we'll land and settle in Abd al Kuri, Samhah and Darshah." Diego was referring to the three small islands--the two smaller ones being about ten miles in length and width, and the larger being about twenty-five miles in length and ten in width. Prince Abbas nodded to this proposal, and Diego announced it to a messenger, "By His Royal Majesty, Prince of Great Mosul and Lord of House Sharooq's decree, we are to make port in or around the three islands of Darsah, Samsah, and Abd al Kuri in preparations to make initial diplomatic contact with the rulers of Socotra on deals regarding the land. All Sharooqi Nomads are free to spend as much time on shore as they desire, for we may be there for awhile. Rations will be passed out at normal times." As the messenger left, Minister Finesi stood and spoke in an official tone, "With the permission of His Majesty, Prince of Greater Mosul and Lord of House Sharooq, I would like to bring something to the agenda..." and he trailed off with a nod from Prince Abbas. It was to be a long meeting on affairs of the Armada, however, the most important aspects of the meeting had been decided. International News/Context News reaches the regional countries of the Middle East (and perhaps eastern African countries) that the large Sharooqi Armada, a largely populace Armada holding 1.2 million Coptic Christian followers of House Sharooq have made land on three small islands outside Socotra. While many remained aboard the Armada, many made camp on the islands as if they planned to stay for a long time. The large, self-governing Armada left a statement to several countries through diplomatic channels...
Edited by Greater Mosul, Oct 20 2013, 02:36 PM.
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| Comrade Queen | Oct 19 2013, 03:47 PM Post #2 |
Comrade Bitchqueen
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Scythirian spy satellites had been tracking the Sharooqi movements for days as they closed in on Socotra and the island had been placed on full alert as a result. Socotra would not be caught off guard if the Sharooqi decided to attack. Intelligence was confident that the Sharooqi fleet could be swatted like a fly if it dared such a foolish course of action. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Socotra is the sovereign territory of the Sacred Holy Empire of Scythirus and will remain such. It is valuable to the Empire for its position in both terms of military strategy and commerce, ergo to request for it to be ceded to your government is sheer folly. The Sharooqi request for discussions is rejected. - The Scythirian Foreign Ministry |
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| Greater Mosul | Oct 19 2013, 11:15 PM Post #3 |
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National Status: Nomads
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Diego hung up the call, stepping forward onto the docks of southern Sinai, a small coastal city. He approached Prince Abbas, who looked behind him, nodding. Diego bowed his head in respect, "Your Majesty," Prince Abbas looked forward at the coastal "resort." It was rundown, poorly maintained. Sinai had once been a popular tourist visit, but now it was lacking from government control. Terrorists and militants had segregated the region. It wasn't perfect, it wasn't Socotra, but that ship had sailed. Diego followed his Prince's gaze at the city, awaiting his permission to elaborate. The Prince spoke softly, "So, I expect we have had little success?" "We had some success. They turned us down flat, that was expected." "And there's little we can do about it." "Right." "Good then, that we made no promises of that land." Prince Abbas took the news well, he had long expected it. That is why they looked upon the lawless region of Sinai, a hopeless terrain that's almost completely untraversable. No water, no place to live. Only places were the coast and St. Catherine's. "I suppose, your majesty. I still think it was an insult." "What do you expect? We're heretical nomads with no diplomatic status. The islamists hate us, the Persians think us weak--an accurate observation--and the Christians think very little of us." "It's an insult I won't soon forget, for one, my lord." "Nor should you. I suppose that's your job. My job is to find a place for our people. Sinai won't do, we just can't get the water..." "Well, your majesty. That's the good news..." Diego paused, looking down at his blackberry, he had gotten another e-mail. He read it shortly, "Sorry, my lord. This is related." Prince Abbas turned again, motioning to an aide to step onto the dock with them and the bodyguards. They hadn't moved, a strange sight in their dark suits and sunglasses, the hot sun blaring down on their forehead. The young Ethiopian lady approached, Prince Abbas spoke to her, "What do you think of this land, child?" She replied softly, Diego couldn't hear, he was too busy reading the e-mail he had received. "It looks like St. Catherine's has had some success. They developed a cost-efficient method. Early in development, but it's ready for testing," Diego said, knowing that his lord was listening. Prince Abbas turned around slowly, "Well then. Take us there immediately." The older Persian man approached, he was another aide, he spoke humbly as he bowed, "My lord, I will be taking you to the helicopter. We shall be there in two hours at least." Prince Abbas nodded, and allowed himself to be ushered forward by aides, Diego lingered behind, motioning for one of his media aides to stay behind as well. "Have the foreign relations department draft a statement. Make it cold and short, these Persians will live to regret this sleight, that I can give them." "Of course, High Minister. I'll send it to you for approval when we finish with the wording." "The Great House of Sharooq will withdraw its request and fleets from sovereign Persian land. There will be no further requests pinned to the Persian government for diplomacy of any kind." - Sharooqi Public Statement. No official communique was sent to the Persian government, and the ambassador and his embassy was immediately withdrawn. |
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| Caliphate of Misr | Oct 20 2013, 01:33 AM Post #4 |
Caliph Suleman ibn Tariq
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(OoC): If you look at the map, my nation has a good number of Sinai Coastlines, and Sinai is just neighboring me. So if you want to RP a nation's establishment in Sinai, I wanna get involved in it! (iC): The Caliph was just sitting in his office, and stamping/signing some important national documents, when some men knocked on his door. "Come in please". In came two members of his council (not going to tell their names or anything now, want to do a secret council thing, maybe.) "Caliph, we have reports of an unauthorized ship in the Northern Red Sea, going towards the Sinai Peninsula" The Caliph looked at them and said, "They could be just going towards Salik, through the Strait of Aqaba?" "Sorry Caliph, but we are sure, according to its direction, it was going to land on southern Sinai." "Well, that does not mean anything, they could be just visiting a simple city, don't we all do that once in a while?" The Caliph did not think much of this. For the first time, the second man began to talk, "That is not the problem, according to these reports, their ship was not a normal one, it was a royal fleet, and by the people's clothing as well as also listening in to their talks secretly (I want to keep out security secret, but very high), those people were no normal citizens or visitors!" The Caliph stood up, "What do you mean, not normal citizens or visitors?" The two men told him everything that was heard, their heard objectives, and how they meant to stay. When the Caliph understood everything, he ordered a fleet to take him to South Sinai immediately! "Whatever these men are wanting to do in Sinai, must happen with our approval" |
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| Greater Mosul | Oct 20 2013, 02:29 PM Post #5 |
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National Status: Nomads
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(OOC): Sweet! I was hoping for something like this! Diego's definitely a bit of a nationalist, so he might be irritated, but this is great :) (/OOC) (IC): Diego looked to his right, one of his aides was talking on the phone, he was a senior naval officer, a governmental attache. This was probably one of the regular updates on the status of the Armada. They were setting sail from Persian lands today, and they hoped for very little obstruction. Diego looked forward again, he was inspecting the sight of the upcoming International Water Conference, to give a report to the Prince Abbas. The head architect was speaking of structural interference and the building on the hill, but Diego wasn't listening. This was the minutia that his aides were absorbing. Diego was awaiting to see if the Persians made issues--given that they so abruptly pulled diplomatic ties with them. He doubted they would--at the moment, the Sharooqi were unimportant, at least compared to the false Persian "god-emperor." Powerful, but no deity. He paused as Lieutenant-Commander Felini approached, speaking quietly to Diego, "It looks like we've got an issue. There's apparently one of the more powerful regional naval fleets moving towards the region, heavily armed for defensive purposes. We believe it's from the Caliph of Egypt." "Of course it is. What's the Sharooqi Vanguard's ETA?" The Vanguard was the most powerful fleet under the Sharooqi Armada, which wasn't extraordinarily powerful, but was good enough to hold up in a fight. It also had the most powerful branch of marines stationed on it, one of the only true governmental military infantry in the Armada. It was their foremost combat forces. "A few hours by helicopter." "Alright, have the DSC drop as many as they can on Sharm el-Sheikh and reinforce the area, and let's get his Majesty here, ASAP. I'm going to make you the pointman on this, Felini. Get the Vanguard Marines here, now. Then let's get ready for a fight." "Are we sure it's going to come to that?" "I certainly hope not. Sinai might be controlled in the north, but Southern Sinai is controlled by terrorists and sectionalists. If someone is claiming it's theirs, then they can go screw themselves. These people have been abandoned by the world because there's no resources here. At least we won't abandon them." Diego would have to put it a bit more delicately when speaking to the Caliphate. "Would you like me to summon the Foreign Minister?" "Probably should, shouldn't we?" "One would think, sir." "Have him bring that up-and-coming ambassador he talks so much about." International Overview The Sharooqi Armada, a huge flotilla of 1.6 million and growing, is moving North, to the region of the South Sinai, but they are moving very slowly and it would not be possible to tell their exact destination yet. They've also totally left Persian land behind, to some dismay. The Royal Fleet, a smaller, well-armed fleet that is the residence of Prince Abbas, as well as the First Forward Fleet are both in and around Southern Sinai, although these two fleets are in different towns. The First Forward is commanded personally by High Minister Diego, the military adviser of the Prince. Currently, Acting Commander Felini has taken over the command of the Sharooqi Vanguard, the elite military forces for the Sharooqi Armada. Given the military weakness of the Sharooqi Armada, this does not put it much above the average fleet's power. The Vanguard is moving at a very fast rate towards Southern Sinai, and sending a company of the highly trained Sharooqi Marine Company 4 to Sharm el-Sheikh, where the First Forward Fleet has taken up command of the city and set up a small working government in the southernmost city in Sinai. Diplomatically, the Sharooqi Foreign Minister has reached out to the Caliphate, hoping to ease their worries of a military confrontation, despite the fact the quasi-military forces of the Sharooqi Armada are rushing towards Southern Sinai. |
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| meh | Oct 20 2013, 04:20 PM Post #6 |
1st Lieutenant
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OOC: Just a heads up, the Republic of Salik has been conducting raids into the Southern Sinai against the Arab Independence Movement (AIM) for a time now. So we can have some fun there. IC: President Sufjan Qutb was deeply disturbed by the new reports of exiles settling in the Southern Sinai. The establishment of a exile government would bring a number of problems, and would hinder raids against AIM locations. The plans for new settlements would have to be scrapped, and Salik could lose what little influence it had in the Red Sea. The danger to Aqaba was imminent with such a large fleet occupying the gulf. A contingent of the Salik Navy was brought down from the Mediterranean to shore near Southern Sinai. The Gulf fleet meanwhile was launched out of Aqaba and began preparations for preemptive strikes, if the order was received. Troops in the Negev were placed on high alert. Qutb waited for a response. Edited by meh, Oct 20 2013, 04:20 PM.
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| BenC | Oct 20 2013, 04:34 PM Post #7 |
Member
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OOC: this could be fun to see what is going to happen here and also we open up diplomatuc relations between our nations after you create your nation. IC:The Republic's navy ships in the Mediterranean Sea had received reports from their trade ships which they were sent to protect from the conflict between Porcu and CMESS navys. The reports stated that there was a huge settlements of exiles on Sinia and they also heard from their T.R.T. allies Salik that they're sending ships and they should stand clear to prevent accidiental friendly fire. Admiral Jipidal sent a message to Defense Minister Jabulah to report these new nation to His Majesty the Sultan Sharyan Edited by BenC, Oct 20 2013, 04:35 PM.
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| Greater Mosul | Oct 20 2013, 04:45 PM Post #8 |
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National Status: Nomads
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(OOC): I saw that, was hoping that picking such a volatile region would help spur something, let alone it being "unoccupied," at least officially.(/OOC) (IC): Acting Commander Felini approached Diego, now they were in the building they had converted to a base of operations in Sharm el-Sheikh. He looked grave, and so, too, did Diego. The Prince was nearly at the now completely militarized city of Sharm el-Sheikh, away from his day of worship at St. Catherine's Monastery, the oldest operating monastery in the world. Diego saw by the look on Felini's face that there was going to be trouble. "Sir, it looks like we've got an issue. A forward fleet has been sent from the Port of Aqaba. It looks like they're worried about our presence." Diego sighed as the Acting Commander spoke, "Dammit, and with most of our military defending our exodus North. We need the Foreign Minister here, now!" "He's on his way, about half an hour out. This is getting serious, it could disrupt the International Water Conference." "We come to this region hoping to provide water to the world, and we face a battle from two positions. What, do they think we're going to help the terrorists here? We're goddamned Christians, a bunch of Muslim radicals won't look so kindly on us!" "Right you are, sir. Still, what would you like me to do?" "Bring the Fleet here, split the military, send as much as you can to the North. I need to call the Prince. He will need to approve our bastion here." Diego nodded as they both stood, one to call the Head of State and monarch, the other to call the Admiral and convey the High Minister's orders. Diego had Prince Abbas on quick dial, next to his daughter's number. It was the only two he had, or needed, on quick dial. He pressed "two" and held. "Diego, what is it? Has something developed?" "Sir, it looks like we've got a serious issue. Salik has moved a contingent fleet against our own. They consider us a threat." "They consider us a threat? Are you kidding? We're an exile flotilla trying to find a home before our people starve and die from overcrowding on a fleet. What could they possibly think we're going to do? Help the terrorists in Sinai?" "Well, sir. With the size of our fleet, we probably drastically threaten their presence outside the Gulf of Aqaba." "This is getting absurd. These countries abandoned Sinai to terrorists, sectionalists, and warlords. They're almost as responsible for the reprehensible violence and terrible poverty of this region as the terrorists and warlords themselves, and now they have the audacity to move against us!? Not only are we mere exiles seeking to find land, but we're also the only damn people that could care enough about the Sinains to defend their interests!" "Do we make a stand?" "We're nomads no more, Diego." "Then here, your majesty, we shall make our stand. No more wandering in destitution." "If they want us to leave, they'll have to fight us. Sinai is an abandoned, poor, backwater region of the world with no real functionality except to merely exist and to be a gateway between continents, but no one has ever actually cared about the people here. I feel a kinship for these people. It is here that we will stand, and here that we will flourish, god-willing." "God willing, my lord. God willing. I'll prepare the fleet, if you'd like." "Do so, Diego." And Prince Abbas was gone. Diego paused, closing his blackberry. He closed his eyes, it had been a long journey since the jungle wars that he had fought with that man against the other drug cartels in South America. It had been a long time since those terrible times, when they did such terrible things. Now, they would rewrite history, and right the life of wrongs they committed. Today, they'd fight to the last man for a region, a tiny sliver of the world to call home. Diego understood, however, that he would lose a two-pronged war. He needed to reduce the stakes considerably. It was time to release a statement, and it was time to do so quickly. International Overview After the developments of information that there were further military operations in the Red Sea, it would become top news of a three-pronged, massive naval operation taking place in the Red Sea, at the center, being the Sharooqi Nomads, who had sailed upon their flotilla, called the Sharooqi Armada, for a little over a year. Apparently, they decided upon Sinai, and weren't quickly going to budge, as the military of the Sharooqi Armada were racing to the region in full might--which wasn't much. With Salik Naval Operations taking to the Gulf against the Sharooqi presence, the Second and Third Forward Fleets were dispatched from the Armada to rendezvous with the Vanguard and prepare to reinforce Sharm el-Sheikh, the heavily militarized capital of the Sharooqi presence in Sinai. Furthermore, apparently in the hope to avoid a conflict with two superior forces, the House Sharooq--governing body of the Sharooqi Nomads, released a statement.
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| BenC | Oct 20 2013, 05:25 PM Post #9 |
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Member
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Sharyan had just recieved the report from his brother Jabulah about the rising events in the Sinia between the Sharooqi exiles and the Saliks and Sharyan called his brother Jabulah his three sons Crown Prince Mahmound, Foreign Minkster Ali Fatah, and hs youngest Prince Hamza. The three young men enter the office and sat down before their father Mahmound was the first to speak "What has happen father that you has called us here at these hour" with a concerned face. Sharyan rose from his seat and responded " There is a bruining conflict between Salik and the Sharooqi exiles and their leader has called to us and our ally the Caliph for a meeting in hopes of ending it. Now our international fleet has received reports from our trade fleet about these and want to end these quick with little to no bloodshed. Hamza rise my son you will go to the exiles and represent me and Ali Fatah send a message to the Embassy to alert the Caliph Suleman". The two sons nodded to their father and lefted The Airplane carrying Hamza enter landed on the airstrip with the two jets that escort him landed at the military base in Khlifate Sulemania to hold until called back. Hamza stepped out and was greet by who he thought was a member of the Foreign Ministry that would escort him to their leader. |
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| Greater Mosul | Oct 20 2013, 06:02 PM Post #10 |
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National Status: Nomads
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Diego awaited with Foreign Minister Finesi in the large city government building that Prince Hamza was being escorted into. It was here that Foreign Minister Finesi would make introductions and then Diego would begin. It would then move into the main office of the Prince, where he sat, dealing with issues and awaiting to meet the man that the Libyans had sent, the youngest son of the Sultan. Diego was pacing behind the leather chair and desk of his office, while Finesi sat in another high-backed, leather chair, facing the door that would soon open and produce the Prince. Presuming this took place, Finesi would stand up, walk across the room, and move to shake the man's hand, introducing himself as the Foreign Minister, and High Minister Diego, then explaining their intentions of speaking a little business before introductions with Prince Abbas Sharooq. Diego muttered to Finesi quietly, "I am pleased that there was such a quick response. Here's for getting a peaceful resolution before something worse happens." |
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| BenC | Oct 20 2013, 07:30 PM Post #11 |
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Member
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Prince Hamza was escorted into a large government building where he would meet the leadership of the exiles. As he walked I he saw two men, one seating in leather chair and the other pacing around his office. The one in the chair rose and approach Hamza and introduced himself as Foreign Minister Finesi as he shook his hand along with introducing High Minister Diego. "Greetings Prince Hamza and thank you for come here at such short notice to discuss such a dire events" Foreign Minister Finesi said to Prince Hamza about the events that have happen so far. |
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| Porcu | Oct 20 2013, 08:58 PM Post #12 |
"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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Official Communiqué It has come to the attention of the Parliament and People of Porcu that the Sharooqi Nomads seek the formal establishment a nationstate in the Sinai and welcomes stable governance to the territories of Free Arabia Petraea. However, the Republic will not extend formal recognition of the House of Sharooq until a free and fair referendum is held. Consent by the native populace is paramount to legitimizing the legal and moral authority of the House of Sharooq over the claimed territory of the Sinai. |
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| Caliphate of Misr | Oct 21 2013, 11:05 AM Post #13 |
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Caliph Suleman ibn Tariq
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The Caliph was just about to leave with his council, when he was informed of Ali Fatah having sent a message about the things brewing in Sinai. He became informed about Salik's and then Libyan's involvement. "This is becoming a more important matter by the very minutes we pass standing!" The Caliph wanted to stop what he thought may end in blood. He and his council of seven minus one men, (the seventh is sent for the Islamic Brotherhood meeting) (I really wanna do the secret council thing B) ), who are his closest and most trusted advisers, quickly entered the Royal Fleet and set course for the city, the Exiles were trying to create their nation in. Half an hour later... The Caliph, although a little late, was able to reach Prince Abbas' office. He saw two men, and he quickly knew they were the ones who were going to escort him their leader. They took him, and the six man council, into the building where they would meet Prince Abbas. He was told by the two men that he could enter and so he did. Stepping in, followed by the council, he saw Minister Diego, Foreign Minister Finesi, and the Sultan's, youngest son, Prince Hamza, meeting with each other and about to start the introductions. The three men saw the eight man team as the Caliph went forward and first greeted Prince Hamza, "As-salam-o-Alikum, son of Sultan Sharyan, Prince Hamza" He firmly shook hands with him, and so did his council. Then he went on to greet the two other man with the Islamic greeting... Edited by Caliphate of Misr, Oct 21 2013, 11:15 AM.
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| meh | Oct 21 2013, 02:08 PM Post #14 |
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1st Lieutenant
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Yusuf Salam, the newly appointed Foreign Minister of the Republic of Salik, boarded the plane for the emergency meeting. Up until know, President Qutb had been overseeing the meetings between foreign dignitaries, but recent escalations with AIM and Porcu has kept him in Jerusalem. Salam rubbed his throbbing head. Salik was spreading itself too thin. The fight with AIM, the escalation with Porcu, and now this. Salam was proud of his country and the success it has had within its borders, but this pandering to the outsiders was troubling. If any one conflict goes wrong, the Levant could plunge back into the darkness it emerged from. A reasonable end to this standoff in the Red Sea would be beneficial to all involved, though if Salam returns empty handed, then Qutb will likely authorize an offensive to drive the exiles from the Sinai. He arrived shortly, and stepped off the plane to greet his host. |
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| Greater Mosul | Oct 22 2013, 08:59 PM Post #15 |
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National Status: Nomads
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Minister Diego sighed as he finished all the introductions. They had been forced to wait a bit for the last few delegates to show up, but it was now time for them to meet the Prince. Diego was strangely out of place, a latino man from Columbia, surrounded by devout followers of Islam from various regions of the Middle East. Nevertheless, it was the life he chose. He smiled to himself as he approached the door that would lead them into the room with Prince Abbas, guiding the delegates into the large office. The office was scarcely decorated, and just had one modernistic desk at the front, and an executive's chair behind it. Prince Abbas was still an executive at heart, as it looked a great deal more like an executive suit then a monarch's seat of power. Diego bowed respectfully, then approached and stood on his right, gesturing his guests to the seats on the other side of the desk. They had a little over a dozen high-backed, leather chairs set out. Not all would be filled, but they clearly made for a small team from each country. Diego watched Finesi as he stood, discussing things in whispers with his team of various officials from the Foreign Ministry. Diego sat alone, Prince Abbas sat back down after taking introductions from the delegates and introducing himself, as well. He looked to Diego after all the pleasantries were out of the way--they weren't discussing with their worst of enemies, and everyone was hoping to avoid bloodshed. Diego stood up again, "Alright, as each of you know, we're all here because of our occupation of Sinai. I understand your worry, but let me be very clear: any land under the official governing of a sovereign country recognized by ICON is safe from us. We have no machinations on your land, the lawless regions of Sinai are fine for the population we have. "Secondarily, we will not be helping any terrorists in the region. In fact, our first course of action will be to eliminate AIM and various other warlords in the region. His Majesty's rule will be legitimate and with the popularity of the population of Sinai, once we've eliminated the sources of their tyranny." Diego paused, beckoning to one of the Foreign Ministry's aides. He came over and Diego asked for what he wanted: a pitcher of water, two glasses (one for the Prince, one for himself), and two scotches, and a box of the finest cigars. He lifted his hand to pause, and smiled to the various delegates... "What would you like to drink? We can get anything within reason, and we'll soon have cigars; Colombian Cigars. I assure you, they're the best." It was a signal, a fairly common diplomatic technique. He was done speaking, and he was trying to convey a sense of warmth. He was emphasizing the idea that Prince Abbas was not here as a conqueror, but a liberator. He had much more to say, but he would allow each delegate country a moment to voice their opinions and concerns once they get the drinks they ask for, or after they place the order. |
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| BenC | Oct 23 2013, 05:17 AM Post #16 |
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Member
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Prince Hamza nodded for only a simple glass of tea or water for himself and politely said no to the cigars since he was still recover from his stay at the hospital from what doctors descripted as an unusal disease that he got. After this Hamza started to speak after Diego had finished his warm welcoming to the Prince "Assalamu Alikum and greets to you your excellency. I am Prince Hamza youngest son of the Sultan Sharyan leader of the United Libyan Arab Republic and I was sent here to help end this conflict with little to no bloodshed. My father and the whole Republic see you not as a threat but as brothers who are different in their faith and only wishes to preserve the peace he has come to want in the region. Minister Salam your leader President Qutb is a peaceful and is friendly towards my father I wishes to know why your government has sent the military to the border?" |
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| meh | Oct 23 2013, 06:25 PM Post #17 |
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1st Lieutenant
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Salam sipped the tea he was given. It was dark and bitter, as he had refused the sugar offered to him. Bitter tea for a bitter man, he thought to himself. He stared at Diego. What could a Latino mercenary have invested in the Sinai? An exile. A man who has lost his way within his own home cannot expect to regain it elsewhere. “I’d like to thank you all for the invitation to these talks. The Republic of Salik wishes to avoid bloodshed and open war. Violence will only sow the fields of Sinai and the Levant with salt and hatred. However, do not confuse our passivity with unwillingness. We will maintain the general security of our nation and our interests at all costs. You must understand the position our nation is in. We received no notification, no formal declaration, nothing at all concerning your recent presence and landing on the Sinai. Your occupation has been akin to an invasion. You sailed an armada into our territorial waters, and established heavy military fortifications outside our borders. All this was done without any warning or communication with our government. A nation with less restraint than ours would have attacked without a second thought. I assume you know little about our nation, and I can assure you we know even less about yours. You began this relationship with open hostilities, and I would be saddened if Salik was forced to end with hostilities as well." |
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| Caliphate of Misr | Oct 24 2013, 02:28 AM Post #18 |
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Caliph Suleman ibn Tariq
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"Deigo. as a Muslim it is un-lawful for us to drink. Secondly, this is a very important meeting regarding your nation's establishment and the Caliphate wishes to take care of the tiniest details in the meeting, as it could result in total War or peace. The Caliphate is also not seeing Mosul, as a nation that wishes to make bloodshed, but due to our location in this area, we had a duty to our citizens to check up on the reasons and the possible outcome of you making a nation in Sinai. Also, as Salik has already stated, you were about to create Mosul without the most little alert to us or any type of notification, but simply brought your ships here and did what you thought you could. That, as a nation that wishes to maintain peace in the region, we could not allow it. Remember, it is against the laws of Islam, to attack anyone without them attacking first, and due to this the Caliphate, as a duty to God, can not attack in any way and wishes for Mosul to be created as peacefully as possible, and that no type of conflict be done in any way." Edited by Caliphate of Misr, Oct 26 2013, 04:03 AM.
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| Greater Mosul | Oct 24 2013, 08:59 AM Post #19 |
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National Status: Nomads
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Diego looked to his left, where his head of state sat. He sipped his water carefully. He looked at each as they spoke, and no one said a word. Diego was infuriated, though he didn't show it. He had expected Finesi to do his job. Diego was the military adviser, position of High Minister was more ceremonial then anything. Finesi was the Foreign Minister. Did Diego have to run everything? Did his Majesty have to oversee every department? Diego seethed in silence, awaiting the reply. He hadn't even been notified that there was no statement. Diego looked to his left, and from a extraordinarily small sign from his Prince, just a double tap on the glass of water in his right hand, he knew not to speak. Prince Abbas would enter the argument. They were both thinking the same thing--Diego detected the faint anger by the whitening of the knuckles on his glass. Diego leaned back and muttered to an aide as the others spoke, "Make sure Finesi knows to keep quiet. We'll handle this meeting ourselves." He was speaking to one of Finesi's personal aides--this was going to cause issues. Finesi was the only muslim in the cabinet, and he was politically useful for that purpose. His entire staff was, also, muslim. He before anyone would be interested in peace. This might have been inter-cabinet politics, but it backfired. Prince Abbas nodded to each of them, his eyes were squinted very slightly. Diego knew he was thinking fast. Coming up with a passable reason why they didn't inform the nations that didn't involve telling them that their Foreign Minister was inept was going to be hard, and Diego had some rolling around in his head. They needed something good--not too offensive, but also put the other countries on the defensive. Conjuring up a reason for that was going to be a miracle. His Majesty opened up his mouth to speak when it was clear the delegates had finished, "Your issues are noted..." he paused, emphasizing the note of apathy to their concerns, "and they matter to us. However, our primary concern are the people of Sinai and the people of the Armada. To be perfectly frank, we felt no obligation to the neighboring countries who had abandoned, bombed, and ignored the poverty and tyranny of a forgotten region of the world." He smiled gently, in stark contrast to his harsh statement. He took a drink, allowing himself to take time. They needed to remember in whose house they stood. He began again, "Your military operations in Sinai were under no threat. A studious country would have sent diplomats, not fleets. Unfortunately for everyone, we were all forced to send both." He paused again, this time simply to look at them each, as if to note the absurdity of the situation, "We come not as conquerors, you must understand this. You have no machinations on this backwater land, few do. Those that did before us were rogue men seeking to establish a rogue state. I have no interest in tyranny. Like my people on the Armada, the people of Sinai have been abandoned. We are kin, in spirit if not in other ways. "For this reason, we landed. For this reason, we felt no obligation to your countries to inform you of our intentions. However, now that we are all here, I will tell you plainly: We seek to take Sinai, to stamp out the terrorists and tyrants, to free these people, and then to find a home for ourselves. We can and will work with your country, should your country accept our invitation. I would even go so far as to offer a treaty of non-aggression and mutual benefit around the Red Sea." His proposal came early, but it didn't surprise Diego. It was a gamble, but one that could pay off. "If we are to work together to eliminate the terrorist threat, then should we not work together to protect the Red Sea and the Gulf? There are many outside this region that would seek to control it for various reasons. It is integral, ultimately, to timely passing between several continents, a crossing grounds between three continents and their waterways. If the people of the Red Sea do not work together, then what stops a country who has machinations on the Mediterranean, to capture the Red Sea? None of us would want that, especially not the Caliph. "I hope you see this as what it is, a good faith proposal to create a treaty organization based around the Red Sea. Allow the Red Sea to protect itself from the outsiders, and we could work together to ensure our mutual benefit and safety of our regions and peoples." Diego smiled, he glanced over at Finesi, who was muttering to an aide. He thought he knew what that was about. He was just intentionally excluded from the most important proposal that was likely to come regarding foreign policy in a very long time--should it succeed. Diego glanced left again when he saw Prince Abbas nod to him, he was finished. Diego turned to look at them, "Please keep in mind, we are not seeking aid. If we, of House Sharooq and Greater Mosul, wish to rule Sinai, then we will do the hard work of suppressing the tyrants that rule it now, and freeing the people--of winning their support for a popular rule. We are entirely, one-hundred percent capable of doing this without help. What we seek is a treaty organization to avoid external conflict with the Red Sea. If someone attacks any of us, then all of us are obligated by the treaty to help defend themselves. There are many people who would like the Red Sea and its great bounty, and that threatens everyone in this meeting. Why do we not offer to defend ourselves? Also, keep in mind--this would not, by any means, conflict with any other organization of similar standing in the world at large. This would simply be an extra layer for those of us in and around the Red Sea." Diego spoke extremely fluent and eloquent Arabic, although it was definitely, by accent alone, not his first language. Spanish was his first, second being English, then Portuguese, French, and now Arabic. He was very multilingual--came in handy. He nodded to each, the proposals from this end were done, for now. It was a very straightforward diplomatic technique, but often is successful; first, you put them on the defensive with an accusation, deflect an attack with an attack. Then you offer them a footbridge. Then, you change the suspect to an important, related subject, and offer them a huge, golden bridge that they can meet in the middle in. If you're dealing with few cards, you can't burn any bridges, so you have to build them. Build them, but make sure you make them know that you still control those bridges. Diplomatic discussions at their most complex. He just hoped that these seasoned veterans thought they were dealing with executives and mercenaries--it was the vision, to some extent, they were giving off. If they realized that they were playing a very complicated game of chess, then the game would become a whole lot more complicated, still. Diego puffed his cigar, and drank some of the scotch from his glass. He wanted to make them a little uneasy, but not be too offensive. It would be clear that House Sharooq was going to be an odd host of diplomats. They didn't follow the rules--only enough of them to avoid outright offense. Break just enough minor rules to throw them off, but not be worthy of collapse. Not poor hosts, just odd ones. Edited by Greater Mosul, Oct 24 2013, 09:11 AM.
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| Caliphate of Misr | Oct 24 2013, 10:20 AM Post #20 |
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Caliph Suleman ibn Tariq
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The Caliph had been focusing on every word, every person spoke. He was an observer from birth, he had inherited it from his mother. He could understand much by simple body gestures, a wave of the hand, or a some simple words. Suleman was one to take every manner and detail in account and reply with all those details in mind. From the beginning of the meeting, he had been noting the actions of everyone, especially the Mosul people, how they greeted, listened, spoke etc. But up until now, he had gotten a bad impression. After the Prince had finished his speech, the Caliph called over his council. He whispered to them in a voice so that only they could hear, "Do you know what he is doing? First I had good hopes, but now by his very words, I know that something is not right. For when the Cheetah can not hunt and catch the Gazelle, it acts friendly and gets close to it before pouncing. I can see the hunting essence in his very eyes." To the Caliph, the Prince spoke like a snake, cleverly twisting letters and words to his own desire. The Mosul people were in a tight situation, being confronted with a lot, and the only thing the Prince wanted to achieve was not good relations at all, but a way for the other nations to not think of him as a threat, and get what he wanted, an empire to rule. While the others thought of the Prince as a brother, the Caliph by his actions, did not. "I have important question that I have wanted to have it answered ever since I heard about your ship entering the Sinai Area. I am going to give it straight to you. Your original objective was for Mosul to be created on Socotra which was to be somehow gotten from the Persians, and now you just suddenly want to get Sinai instead. You give the reason for 'helping the citizens of this lawless land', but I find it hard for someone to be suddenly inspired to help people, why did you not care about them before? I also find another thing intriguing. Countless times in your words, you have mentioned how Sinai has been left to rot by others and that you do not need any help from us. Although the Caliphate has done little from when it took control of the Nile area, but others like Salik, are doing the best they can to get rid of the terrorists. Even when I first saw Salik people in Cairo, I was informed of this group, and have heard of how they are sending troops, willing to die, to make Sinai better, but you ignore that and simple state without question or hesitation that the nations before you are doing nothing. And you also state you need no help in cleansing the land, while commonly when that phrase is used, it is out of unwillingness to have someone else interfere with someone else, and do what may be termed as a 'secret plan'? What is it that you think of us, just some Islamic Radicals?" The Caliph, although peaceful and gentle, did not like these men. Edited by Caliphate of Misr, Oct 26 2013, 04:04 AM.
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| Greater Mosul | Oct 27 2013, 02:53 PM Post #21 |
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National Status: Nomads
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OOC: Sorry for the lateness. I've been crazy busy lately. /OOC Diego looked to his left, the tactic had been only a little successful against the Caliph. Friendship was impossible with the man, he would never accept a heathen so close to his borders openly, but respect was possible. They were moving in that direction. He awaited the Prince's response. Diego could not answer, it had to come from the Prince. It had to be clear that it was Prince Abbas in charge, and not Diego. Diego was high-ranking, but he was not the power behind the throne--the throne was the power itself. "The Republic of Salik has sent soldiers, this is true. What has not happened is a true embracing of the people here. No one has stepped up to fight the terrorists here and actually offer a government. Only more guns, no peace. This country will need more guns, and we will provide that, if we must--it is our duty. But in the end, it'll only be a failure if it doesn't come with laws. The guns will enforce the popular law of the Sharooqi. The Salik, for whatever their reasons, did not feel they should, or could, put laws in Sinai with their guns. We intend to." He paused, smiling at the Caliph. Diego and the Prince had come to the same conclusion: at the moment, the real diplomatic heavyweight to worry about was the Caliph. They might not be friends ever in the future, but the Prince was to respect this man. He was no fool. Diego watched each of the diplomats carefully, even the ones that were not speaking--oftentimes they would put another face to the voice giving the power. A common technique in Muslim countries--its why it is important to watch which one enters a room last, for that is always the man in charge, and it's rarely the person one would expect. Some people in Diego's original countries looked down on these people--as often as not as competitors in the drug trade--but he respected them. They were skilled diplomats. The Prince continued, "Now, as for the Socotra question? It was true, we desired to place the center of our people in Socotra, and I can imagine you understand why. However, you'll note that we had a base in Sharm el-Sheikh, where we all now sit, for awhile now. This was not just a back-up plan, we intended to set up a powerbase in Socotra and then move into the Sinai for the sake of the people here, and for the sake of the fact that our population is growing, and Socotra is barely large enough for the natives and the population we have as is. "The people on my Armada are sick and starving, and have no where to go anymore. Many were not Neocopts before they came here, they were sick and starving when they came. I told them I would find them a home, I promised them to find them a place to live. I have been sailing this Armada for too long and the medicine is short." The Prince slowed, his tone was getting loud, a good diplomat would think he was on tilt--getting emotional. A great diplomat would see that he was trying to trick his guests into thinking that was true. A spectacular diplomat might see that he was both. He was emotional on the subject, but he was also completely in control. He paused, closed his eyes, "I have a great many desperately poor people counting on me, from regions of the world torn by war and poverty and disease. You border many of these regions. I see hope for Sinai, it has benefits that, should they be cultivated properly, then we could again see Sinai flourish. I want to see Sinai flourish for all people." Diego was a great diplomat, he might even go so far as to say he was a spectacular diplomat, but he also knew the Prince extremely well, like a brother. Even he had a hard time catching the calculation. He was impressed--no matter Diego's skill in military, in government, he wasn't much for the Prince's diplomacy. Few were--this Caliph might be. This Caliph was formidable. The Prince paused again and looked at them each stern, real concern etched in the aging man's hardened features. His past was hidden in that wrinkled, scarred visage. A soldier was behind those eyes, but so was guilt. He knew that Diego's face must read similar. The Prince sighed and rubbed his eyes, to illustrate his exhaustion at the conflict, but also to point out that he was not done speaking. He looked up and took a long drink of water--he wasn't drinking alcohol or smoking. That was for Diego. He slowly finished his water and opened his mouth, "We are all from this land, we all lead people from this land. This land is harsh, it is bitter. We all suffer to see our people suffer, and we all know what it's like to see your people in famine, and be totally incapable at helping them. The only issue is that I can help these people, I can help my people, I can help Sinai. I have the power to place a government in Sinai and to govern it in sovereignty." "I am not seeking some underhanded agenda. I will speak more plainly then I have yet..." Diego leaned back a little, shock in his face, although he did not show it. Could it be that the Prince was honestly speaking the truth. In the tiny seconds that Diego pondered the strategy, the miliseconds between breaths, Diego decided it could be a good strategy. It could work. They had little strength to fight these countries. "We made mistakes in our arrival here, I'll admit that. Members of our government failed in their work..." He paused, his glance left with his eyes was barely noticeable to layman, but it would be like a roar of anger to the expert diplomats in the room--and very clearly intentional to such a meticulous man, "These men, these failures, will be punished for their ineptitude. For their failure, I take the blame internationally, as I should. I will accept it, and apologize. What I have said still stands, I still hold the fates of the Sinains before my arrival to you, but now I am here, I accept responsibility for their well-being. "To be perfectly honest? I don't care about your countries any more then they are a threat to the people I swore before God that I would protect, and I swear before him now that any person who threatens my people will have to destroy my entire military and my people before they can go after my people. Any threat to these people who have come to me in desperation in the promise of a new land, in a better world, any government, any organization, any people who threatens them? I will spend my entire life, my extraordinarily vast fortune, and every resource in my large pool to personally see that they suffer in ways they can't possibly imagine." His voice was low, and quiet. It was also entirely sincere. There was no game, it was a simple, clear promise. A line--more of a canyon--put in the sand. That was nonnegotiable, and completely final. "I will not attack a sovereign country. I will not threaten you, I will not block trade. I will set up an operational government that can protect its borders and its people from domestic and foreign threats. I will increase international trade and I will make Sinai a better, honest place. If anyone stands in my way, if anyone attacks these borders, then whatever befalls them is their fate to hold on their shoulders, and all of those who die in the battles that I will wage to protect my people before God himself, will be on their shoulders as well. "I neither have time nor care to play games with people here. If you do not like the idea of my treaty, and you accept that I will offer no threat to any of you, and I swear this before my God as I see Him, which is as passionately as you see Him, then we have little more to say to each other. I do not threaten you. I do not threaten your people. I do not threaten your positions. I do not threaten your military. So, why, I must inquire, are you threatening everything that I have sworn to protect, because no one else has been able, or is willing, to do so?" And he was finished, at the end of his semi-speech, he was standing. Diego didn't really realize it--nor, he thought, did the Prince. He was speaking the truth, there was no games. It was the final move, and the only one they had left. If these people continued to threaten them, to threaten war, then they would have to accept that they started a war. The game was up, Sinai's fate--a good and honest fate in the hands of a good and honest, sovereign King, or the fate of a vassal state or terrorist rogue nation, was in their hands. If they stood against the Sharooqi, then the Sharooqi would fight. The Sharooqi would lose. But these people, these desperate wanderers, will fight their lives for something greater then themselves, and they will finally have found a home, even if they die to secure it. Everyone in Mosul's side of the room would die for them--even Finesi, who was likely about to be punished. Of course, the harsh words were lined with an acknowledgement that, at one point, everyone here had suffered a similar circumstance. They all had faced great destitution and great poverty, and eventually they overcame. If they were so arrogant, or so short-sighted, that they would think that standing in the way of another fledgling nation was a good idea? They were wrong. They were cruel. Diego sat back and watched the reactions of the speech. There was nothing more to be said, it was all out on the table, and everyone in the room knew it. Now was the time in every great conversation that one side turned away, one side accepted that the other was being honest, or that their dishonesty wasn't worth the price it would take to expose it. Edited by Greater Mosul, Oct 27 2013, 03:02 PM.
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| BenC | Oct 27 2013, 04:43 PM Post #22 |
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Member
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Prince Hamza sat silently as he listen to the Prince's speech about how he would defend his people to his dying breath and he would use every resource and man with his power to amke the enemy suffer. As a Military man Hamza saw that the Prince could do some damage but he was here to talk about his father's position both as a leader and a wise me who had seen more hardships of war then must people will ever see in their lifetime. He had seen innocent people who had die because of nations not underatanding each as a soldier that is why his father like Al Whaladya wanted peace for their offspring. Hamza rose and spoke "I understand what you are saying and that you are willing to die defending your people like my father Sharyan who only wants peace in this region and he will do everything with his power as a diplomate to preserve his dream of the future. You seek the same for your people do you not? So will my presences made be seen as a recognizing our country and inshallah we will never see you as a threat as long as you promise to help fight the A.I.M. and not attack other nations without due cause. Now I must return to my country to rest and prepare for my reappointment as the Supreme General. Salaam to you your Majesty and Assalamu alaikum to you my brothers" as he shook each person's hand as he was not need and more to explain his father view and he left to the helicopter waiting to return home. |
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| Greater Mosul | Oct 28 2013, 02:28 PM Post #23 |
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National Status: Nomads
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Diego stood with his Prince at the leaving of one of the delegations, Diego would shake his hand, and the Prince would bow his head in respectful reply. Diego puffed his cigar afterwards and sat, his scotch, which was gripped in his hand tightly, was getting a little too warm. He placed it down and allowed it to cool off a bit. He watched the remaining delegates with ease, though his posture was no different then ever. The game was over. They had won. If the opposition loses one single delegation, the likelihood that the opposition will stand crumbles in a spectacularly fast fashion. Especially when there is so much going against the other countries. They had to realize that the plight of the Sharooqi Exiles was also their greatest weapon. A famine, dying, helpless women and children, all of these were wonderful hearthrobs. It was a cynical way to see the world, but Diego was good at that. He could use it. If they opposed it, they would just show children dying on the streets of Sinai and in the Armada, point out how they were opposing the fixing of all these problems for selfish reasons, and their opposition would suddenly become an international firestorm of hate to the countries. Even if that was an optimistic look at what would happen, and it would just become strong condemnations, that would be coupled with how much damage that Diego could inflict on his enemies before they defeated him, they just could not sustain a war that would very, very quickly become very, very unpopular. Diego was confident that, if he couldn't destroy the men across the table--which he most certainly could not, he could at least make them regret ever speaking harshly of House Sharooq. He considered that the men across the table understood the situation everyone was in. Ultimately, however, it would never come to that. Diego was certain that the game was up, and anyone who entered this room with the intent of stopping the Sharooqi settlement of Sinai had lost. He wasn't sure that they had entered with that objective, but if they had, they had failed at it in a spectacular fashion. He sat back and said nothing, and so did the Prince. One down, but he was the least threatened by the Sinai occupation. Now came Silak and the Caliphate. Both bordered this region directly, both had something very specific to risk. Still, the room was a lot emptier with only three countries staring at each other. It was time for a recess, though the Prince would not call one. All three countries had reached a point where they needed to speak to themselves, with all likelihood. They all needed to reassess their options after the strong statements and one of their number's acceptance of the House Sharooq. Now was the game to wait, the chess pieces were in place, but no one was quite sure who was playing against who--maybe they were playing against the AIM this entire time, or maybe they realized that House Sharooq has one card up their sleeve, and that was sympathy. Sympathy could win wars, if used right. All the cards were on the table, but sympathy wasn't for this deck. It would be played to the world, and it would be easy to play, easy to win. The time was ripe for them all to take a step back and make a decision. That decision would change the future of this small region. |
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| meh | Oct 28 2013, 06:17 PM Post #24 |
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1st Lieutenant
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Salam was visibly displeased. He was confused by the arrogance of the Sharooqi men that stood before him. Does the rooster try and fight the bull? Is the lion threatened by the jackal? The balance of power was a fickle thing, and those who upset the balance are crushed by the laws of the natural order. The Sharooqi exiles could never last, even against a single state in the region. A small army, a small navy, burdened by the sick and the old, with no economy or a strong foothold in the region. These exiles could never compete with the stable economies, flowing supply lines, and the established military might of the numerous states in the region. “In my country, and in much of the region you have set foot in, there is a large emphasis on hospitality. Hostility towards your guest, under any circumstance at all, is the ultimate sin. Allah does not favor those who act in premature aggression to their neighbors. It appears that your exile to the sea has dulled all senses of morality and common decency. You come to this land, our region, in something akin to an invasion, with no prior notice, bring us here to a meeting of peace, and then openly insult us and our motives. I must be fair though, I cannot expect an exile to understand the complexities of our land and our people. You say that we do not care, that we have not put in the effort to protect and support the people of the Sinai. I say you are wrong. The Caliphate recently held a referendum, extending their borders and their offers of prosperity to many of the people residing in the Sinai. Likewise, my country has done much for the people of the Sinai. Not only do we provide humanitarian aid through our Sufi missions, but we have been tackling the problem of the warlords and terrorists through our numerous military operations. Unlike you, we have maintained a level of respect and openness with the people of the Sinai. We have and continue to tread carefully, cautious not to have the people perceive us as occupiers. You on the other hand, performed an invasion, and presented yourself clear as the day as an occupying force. The Republic of Salik will not stand idly by while you occupy this land that the Caliph and our President has tried so hard to preserve and protect. If you wish to settle in this land, you must abandon all hostilities, whether military or diplomatic in nature. You are not in a position of power here. I would advise you to take that into consideration next time you insult us. Like a small bird, you puff your feather in an attempt to seem larger than your are, but we see through your ruse." |
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| Greater Mosul | Oct 28 2013, 07:22 PM Post #25 |
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National Status: Nomads
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Diego smiled at the man, the tactic was working. It was throwing him off, that much he could tell. Now only to articulate why it would not be good to attack them, the opening was there, it was Diego's turn to talk, "You don't see it, do you? You came here with the idea that you were swatting a troublesome fly. You spend great money and many soldiers to crush a warlord. If you think us another tyrannical warlord, you won't find one this powerful again. "No, I don't refer to soldier count. I don't refer to weapons of modern war--although, don't get me wrong, you will suffer many defeats before we do--but also keep in mind that you fight not an invading force, but a humanitarian force. We came here with one expressed intent: to help everyone involved. Our people will find our Promised Land in this hot, desolate region. They will find willing and friendly people who want to help. They will find a government that cares about her subjects, and sincerely wants to help." Diego paused, time to reiterate what they had already held a major press conference about, he puffed his cigar shortly, "Also, you think us mere invaders? Do you not think that we will return the investment of this land a thousand-fold?" He paused, now the smile crept on his face, "My friend, we built operating, functioning desalinization plants that we will give free water with to these people. Free water. Their greatest expense is housing, but their second greatest expense by far is water. "That expense is gone. Now, with Prince Abbas' incredible wealth, they will receive funding to start businesses in their cities, or start setting up irrigation for farming from the desalinization plants we will be building in the coming months. Furthermore, they will find that they will be able to grow food for their family, that they will be able to draw from a complicated, high-tech infrastructure built for them ultimately for free. We are not coming here to occupy, we are coming here to live. We come here to live with them, to govern with them, to love with them, to celebrate with them, and to grieve with them." He paused, nodding, "And if you stand in the way of that? The world will see the people you stand against. Children dying on Sinain streets, pregnant women, barely able to keep alive in our armada, beyond aid so long as they are forced to stay in such poor conditions--mind you, in a better situation now then ever in their home country, but still struggling. The world will see what you are preventing, all the glorious plans we want to set up, free of charge to the Sinain people, all the great things we plan to build. All the good we want to do, and they will see you as the invaders, not us. They will see us as the liberators." "Can we defeat you in open combat? I doubt it. Can we make it last so long that you go to bed at night, weeping for the piles of dead that YOU, and you ALONE caused? Yes. There is no reason under God in this planet that you should oppose us but pride and fear. "Fear of change. If you fear that good is happening outside of the borders of your faith, then you are arrogant and you ignore the most basic tenants of your faith. If you attack our people out of malice and hate and ignorance, then that violates everything you believe and you preach. If you fight us, you will regret it. I promise you. I will die to make sure you remember that promise, and remember until you die what you did, and it will be a dishonor on your families, the needless violence you caused. The great humanitarianism that you stopped out of selfishness. "If you oppose this, then what sits before me is not a man, and deserves no quarter. Be reasonable, we are not here to invade. We must put it clearly that we will not be bullied, but we will never be the bullies." Diego paused. Now it was Prince Abbas that was going to speak. The Prince's voice was soft and measured, calmed from his fiery speech moments ago, "You do not know us, do you? You do not know the tenants of the Neocoptic faith. You do not know much of the people you came here, so arrogantly, thinking we were savages. You accuse us of ignorance, but I propose that it is you that came here without the understanding of the men across the table. "My faith is based off of the tenants of peace before all else. Love before all else. Compassion, in living the life of Jesus Christ, who even Islam agrees was a great humanitarian and man of God, even if you deny his deity. I do not come here for war, but you apparently did. I came here to build a Sinai that can flourish independent of foreign aid, that never has to have the indignity of relying on powers far from their borders. That can rise up from the dust of poverty and hold itself. To do that, I must emphasize, as my High Minister said, that we must not be bullied. But I did not come here for war." And Diego began to speak again, "You say that we are not being hospitable? I propose that we are the only ones that have done anything to solve the root of the issue. To truly solve the greatest issue of these people." And then it was the Prince, this time, "Now do not get us wrong, as I said just a moment ago, you did what you felt you could, all you felt you could. It's just that we can do much more then you think you can. We are not here to be aggressive, although you came here expecting an aggressor, you interpreted our words as aggression, but you interpreted them wrong, flat wrong. We came here to defend. If we are ever to give these people a proper home, then they must never, directly or indirectly, serve a far off master. We cannot be a vassal state. If you try and force this on us, then we will not accept it, and you will regret it." Diego spoke again, "Did you not read what we planned in the Water Conference? Did you not see what we planned? All the good we wanted to do, not just for Sinai, but for the world? Are you so jaded that you cannot imagine the idea of a people who honestly want to see the mutual good of all people?" And both were silent a moment, their quick hit-by-hit was clear, and well choreographed. Prince Abbas drank water, and so, too, did Diego. He put out his cigar and pushed the alcohol aside, an aide took it away. He leaned forward, he looked engaged. It was time to use the cards that were on the table. It was time that the Prince and Diego showed them exactly how this game would look if they did challenge it. Prince Abbas said softly, and slowly, "You do not understand us, perhaps we don't understand each other. No one came here with the intent of war, but only we came in good faith, or so it seems from my position. Do you look for an excuse to go to war? I do not believe it. I believe your people are better then that, and I believe that you are a good person, both the President and the Caliph are good people. If you truly follow the tenants you adhere to so closely, you will not oppose us. If you do, you will live to regret it. Your families, for generations, will avoid speaking your names, and only say it in whispers. Your dishonor before your people, and before God, will be clear." And Prince Abbas was finished, he leaned back. Could there be anything more to be said? Diego thought that they understood what they so clearly spelled out for them. But if they continued in opposition, then they truly would be the tyrants that Abbas and Diego made the pact to defeat, so many years ago. That pact wasn't specific to any region, but to the world. Diego truly didn't think that the men before him were cruel, or selfish. He just hoped they saw how much damage that opposing them would cause their country, an absurd amount of damage for so little gain. Diego finished it, "Your fellow country already saw what you have not. We are not here as enemies, we are not here as lesser men. We are here as equals. We are here as men struggling to do the great humanitarianisms that is beyond most. In this land, we will make a home, and we will make neighbors, not oppressors. If you do not believe this, then believe that the world will. Know that you will thwart more good in the coming minutes by continuing opposition then you could have possible imagined when you entered this meeting." |
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11:43 AM Jul 13