Periphery RP Thread

[Arkansas Warrior]

Crimson, Canopus IV
January 30th, 3040


The negotiations were continuing apace.  There were of course bones of contention.  The Taurians were pushing a new pan-periphery military force, the Marshals.  The Marian and Niopsian representative were worried that too much of their national militaries would be drawn off into this force, leaving them vulnerable to pirates.  There was, however, broad agreement that the larger powers were too disjointed and widely spread to be effective working together in the short term.  For this reason, there had been a lot of talking of making protectorates ("provincias" to use Marius's own term) of the smaller states.  Such a nice way of saying "conquering them" Marius thought.  Some days, the discussions broke down into pair groups.  Marius had already had a tremendously productive agreement with Janice Calderon to cooperate on the construction of a new hovercraft.  Today he was paying a call on the Niopsian Vice President, while the Concordat and Magistracy representatives hashed out boundaries in the region between their states, where they'd be setting up their respective protectorates.

[tassa_kay]

Palace of the Magestrix
Crimson, Canopus IV
31 January, 3040

Magestrix Emma Centrella looked around the conference table at each of the attendees of the summit, and she did not bother repressing a contented smile as she beheld each Periphery leader as they spoke amongst themselves. Never in her life had she visualized a time when such a disparate group of individuals would sit down in the same room and work together. Even her mother, who despite her own faults as a leader was unquestionably devoted to the Magistracy and to the Periphery as a whole, could never have dreamed of this day. While she was proud of her contribution to such an august gathering, at this particular moment, Emma felt humbled.

"Honored leaders and representatives, we have already accomplished so much over the past few weeks. I think that perhaps it is time to take an accounting of what we have reached a consensus on thus far, and to discuss any bones of contention collectively. I know many of you must be anxious to return to your realms and to your people, and I do not wish any of you to return unsatisfied."

Emma stood from her seat, and activated the holoprojector set into the middle of the expansive conference table. As she did so, a luminescent and highly-detailed representation of the Periphery swirled to life before their eyes. The Inner Sphere, though it loomed large in the middle of the hologram, was kept blurry and indistinct...a deliberate choice by the Magestrix.

"I believe the first matter that should be discussed is the creation of the Marshals, as proposed by the Calderons." Emma's steely-grey eyes moved to the Taurian delegation, where Janice Calderon and her party sat. "What exactly do you propose?"

[Valjean]

Palace of the Magestrix
Crimson, Canopus IV
31 January, 3040

"Magistrix, the Concordate believes highly in this endeavor and has made many sacrifices to see this come forth," Janice felt her escort stiffen behind her; "we believe that it is important to add to the security of our realms as a whole and the strength of this treaty to form a separate policing service.

As documented in the folders before you, what we propose is a Marshals Service that would be responsible for enforcing treaty laws; including, but not limited to acting as new colony security. The service would also have the authority to investigate and apprehend treaty fugitives, it would provide protection for the treaty officials, and manage assets for new colonies, until they are declared stable, plus this service would collect and control any duties or fines seized from treaty violators.

They would be answerable only to the governing body of the treaty and would be considered senior in any inner realm situation.
Most of the service force shall be scattered throughout the treaty area to perform their duties and will act with planetary militia if the need arises for defense. Only be about 2 or 3 mixed regiments would be a standing force and they would be deployed as needed to protect the treaty signatures or assist in holding new territory.

To form this force we ask that each realm signing this treaty help with sending a set group of their own militia and military, the Taurians have already decided that about a regiment of battlemechs shall be given over with accompanying armor and infantry assents. Details are again in your folders."

Lastly, to show our total commitment to this endeavor we put forward as Director of the Marshals Service, Edward Calderon, he will answer any further question you have."  With that she sat back exhausted.

The man behind her stepped forward and viewed the leaders before him.

[Arkansas Warrior]

Marius nodded, So that's who he is.  The official Taurian line was that he perished in a crash years ago.  A good choice, one none of us have reason to quibble with he thought.  He rose and inclined his head to Edward.  "I had wondered who the mystery man at Lady Calderon's side was.  Good to see that rumors of your demise were greatly exaggerated.  While my nation is not so wealthy or powerful as the Concordat, we will not shirk our responsibility to this alliance.  I had recently been raising additional infantry forces for the Praetorian Guard Auxilia Legio, but I will instead be assigning these thousand infantrymen as the initial Marian contribution to the Marshals Service.  May they serve us well."


(OOC: 4FP of Infantry, to put it in game terms.)

[tassa_kay]

Emma kept her expression carefully neutral as Sam Calderon identified himself before the delegates. Thought dead even to her, she covered her surprise at his revealing himself now well, the result of a lifetime of military discipline and political training. She did not interrupt Janice as she spoke, nor Marius as he addressed the Taurian scion directly. Patience was a virtue, after all.

"Lord Calderon, allow me to welcome you formally to this conclave. And allow me to second Imperator O'Reilly's sentiments that we are most pleased to see you hale and hearty. Your presence here and now is surely a boon to us all."

With that, the Magestrix switched gears slightly. "I would gladly throw my support behind your appointment as Director of the Colonial Marshals, with one caveat: that you forswear any claim to your noble titles and privileges within the Taurian Concordat for the duration of your appointment. I hope you understand the potential dangers of having such a conflict of interest for the holder of such an unprecedented office."

After giving that a moment to sink in, and for herself to regard Sam with carefully-hidden scrutiny, Emma spoke again. "I have also consulted with my people regarding the Canopian contribution to the Marshals, and I have reached an accord with some of the mercenary commands. Harcourt's Destructors, Harcourt's Regulars, and Forbes' Cavaliers stand ready to join the ranks of the Marshals on our behalf. They will be accompanied by the Canopian Highlanders, who are honored to stand at the sides of our Periphery brethren in this undertaking."

(In game terms, 16.5 FP of Canopian troops and equipment.)

"I do have one concern, Lord Calderon...or, if all gathered here are agreeable to your appointment, Force Marshal Calderon?" Emma smiled at that before she continued. "Regarding the seniority of the Marshals. I cannot speak for my esteemed colleagues of the Concordat or the Hegemony, of course, but I am concerned at the Marshals having seniority over local forces. Would this be restricted to treaty provisions? Because there are elements of the MAF that may take exception to an untested military force stepping on their toes, so to speak, and I have no wish to upset my military commanders, not to mention my own citizenry, without some assurances in place that the Marshals won't be subverting their own authority."

[Valjean]

Magistrix, long ago when it was decided by my family, that there was a need for a mutual treaty amongst the realms of the periphery and that the only way to do so was for a high level dignitary to be able to do so personally and in secret. I knew that doing so would most likely remove me from the leadership of my home realm. I felt than as I feel now that the periphery must stand united against all aggressors, I am honored to be called to lead this joint force and will abide by the wishes you set forth.

As for the Marshals acting senior in matter of this treaty; we now enter a time where, while it is important to protect one's own interest, does it not seem prudent that we must look to the larger picture. We stand at the sidelines as others play their games, but soon, as proven by history; these others will turn to hunt us down. We shall fall if divided as has happened before. There cannot be inter-unit bickering if the time comes for decisive action and that time does come nearer each day.

To state that these Marshals are untested, are not your Highlanders tested; they are one of the oldest units in your service. Did they not defend Luxen for a year against League units? To them the Taurians do add the 1st Taurian Lanciers with support elements; this unit specializes in combined combat of mech and armor. The Marians Legionnaires are noted for their dedication to duty and tenacity in battle, if that not why two other realms do not sit at this conference.

We are tested; every citizen of the periphery is tested each day that they live in the shadow of the "Great Houses" waiting for them to once more take our freedom. Now is the time for us to be true; true to the cause of a strong periphery made united with this treaty and able to put aside petty ego and pride for security, freedom, and independence.

I stand committed to insure that every ruler, soldier, and citizen abides by this treaty and stands strong in the face of every adversary. That is a commitment that each of you must make here this day for your people and then lead them by example, the Marshals will be a force to insure that no one slacks and no one looks out only for themselves.

[tassa_kay]

Emma didn't interrupt Sam as he gave the speech that would determine the fate of his plan. She simply listened attentively as he outlined his plans and responded to her points, and gave the occasional nod of understanding or acknowledgment. The man was clearly prepared for this. After a few minutes, he concluded his speech, and the Magestrix smiled widely.

"I find myself quite impressed by your gift for the spoken word, Lord Calderon, and I find myself in agreement with most of your points. I simply worry that in forming a military force of such broad authority, we might offend the sensibilities of those who chose the Periphery to escape such things. And that's not even taking into account the long and sordid history the Periphery has with a similar endeavor, the Star League Defense Force. So we must all take care to enter into this arrangement with that in mind."

Sweeping the room with her steel-grey eyes, the Magestrix rose. "I think perhaps it is time for us to vote on this treaty."

[Valjean]

Janice Calderon clears her throat and speaks, "The Taurian Concordate is glad to finally be able to welcome our brother back from the dead, but with that being said I would like to point out to those gathered and the Director of the Marshals force; that for now, I am the delegate for the Concordate to this assembly. Our force that we will add to the Marshals is the Red Chasseurs, a veteran unit that has been part of our realms force for many years."

Edward bows his head to the assembled rulers and moves to a side table to observe, once there he opens a computer screen and madly starts checking stats on units assigned to the Marshals and ordering movement.

"Next, I agree with the Magistrix that this vote has to happen, the Taurian Concordate votes yes to the Treaty Accords"

[tassa_kay]

Emma Centrella nods as Janice Calderon casts her vote, and with that, the younger woman stood to her feet. A glance was spared to the Canopian entourage that accompanied her, and her steel-grey eyes fixed for a moment on the most important (to her, anyway) of them all: Nicholas Ramilie, commander of one of her foremost mercenary regiments and, unknown to most in the room, her husband and father to her daughters Danai and Naomi. The ruggedly-handsome man nodded to her once, and Emma returned his nod almost imperceptibly as she returned her attention to the gathered Periphery leaders.

"The Magistracy of Canopus votes yes to the treaty accords. Furthermore, I'd like to suggest a name for this alliance, unless any among you have ideas in that regard. The Periphery Pact. Simple and effective, as it should be."

[Arkansas Warrior]

The Marian Imperator nodded his assent.  "Fine by me."

The Niopsian representative shrugged, smiling at the rest of the delegates.  "The terms of the treaty are the important part to Niops.  We'll take whatever name everyone else likes."

[tassa_kay]

Emma smiled as the Niopsian cast his vote, and swept the room with her steel-grey eyes, a hallmark of the Centrella bloodlines. Though she masked it well, as only a lifetime of diplomatic training would allow one to do, Emma felt a wave of powerful emotion sweep through her. It was done. The Periphery realms would stand side-by-side in a new era of cooperation, and she was honored and humbled to have helped make that happen.

"And with that, the Periphery Pact is born. Allow me this brief moment to thank all of you for your contributions toward a better future for all of our peoples, a future of freedom and security against a harsh and often unforgiving universe. There are still details to be worked out, of course, but with the signing of this treaty...as the saying goes, the hard part is over. Now it is up to all of us to ensure that this dream comes to fruition."

Pausing for a moment, Emma continued. "I suggest that we adjourn for a few days to let the dust settle, and it would be my honor if you all would join me in a celebration of this momentous occasion. The Magistracy will be holding a reception here in the Palace in three days' time. I hope that you will all be able to join me in a toast to our new Periphery Pact!"

[Valjean]

September
Taurus

After a month the DC-jumpship 'ivory crane' jumped to Taurus and the Ambassador Taisuke and Miss Akiyama made it to the surface via dropship. The ambassador had with him a small present for, whoever will welcome them.

Members of the Pleiades Hussars regiment stood at attention as Protector Thomas Calderon waited for the shuttle doors to open.

The Ambassador left the shuttle, wearing formal traditional clothing that marked his rank; in his hands he held a small ivory bull statue. He is an old man with a proud and stoic face while at his side a middle aged woman in a beautiful kimono was going. Uncommonly she had a hard facial gesture, short hair and wore no sign of makeup.

The two walked calmly straight to the Protector and with a fair amount of distance some servants followed. As the ambassador and the representative bowed down in front of the Protector, the servants throw themselves to the ground. "Protector of the Realm, it is an honor to be greeted by you personally, " said Taisuke while Akiyama nodded corroborative. " May we present you a small gift to honor your invitation?" He held the statue in front of him. It was a beautiful work indeed; the small ivory bull was carved by a master of its art and standing on a socket of ivory. Made from a whole part it got gold added for highlighting and further decoration. On the bulls head for instance, a second golden pair of horns and 3 stars wear added, to resemble the emblem of the realm.

Thomas bowed slightly as he accepted the gift. He turned it in his hands and admired the craftsmanship, Holding it back out he said, "Honored guests this is exquisite, you have given us too much. We are humbled by your gift and should refuse your generosity; but I know of you will only insist so only with grace do I accept this for the Taurian people. We are honored to have received this from the Coordinator and the Combine. It will be placed in a central place for all to admire."

Then he reached back and took a small package from an attendant, carefully removing the wrap around it, with both hands he presented the Ambassador a small leather book with golden lettering, it looked old and slightly worn, "Most honored guest, we welcome you to the Taurian Concordat. This is not the first time that the Draconis Combine has sent its representatives to our realm, but we feel it has been too long between visits.  Please accept this token of our appreciation, it is "Œuvres completes, Tome I, Parution en Mars 2571" a collection of works from Pierre de Ronsard. The printer is Le Cercle de la Pléiade an ancient company started on earth, now publishing from Taurus. Pierre de Ronsard was one of three 16th-century French Renaissance poets collectively known as La Pléiade.

"You are right in our insisting on behalf of the present, yet we are most honored and surprised to receive this book from you. After all it is you who has the trouble of having us as his guests. "Another time the two bowed down and their servants haven't raised heir heads since the beginning. " Formal tradition asks me to refuse such a token, yet we are appreciating it so much as it is such an generous gift and so thoughtful, considering all recent behalf's the Draconis Combine has contacted the Taurian Concordat. I will ensure personally that it reaches the hands of our Coordinator. " Then the two raised their heads again and Akiyama spoke on " We hope we did not let you wait to long and hope that we meet your expectations. While I am here to introduce, discuss and sign any agreements for the Carritative Program, Ambassador Taisuke has allowance to answer any political question and may also be your negotiator in any other recent matter. "

"We are glad to hear that there is much to talk about," With that  the group of officials entered the awaiting limousines and sped off to undisclosed locations

[disgruntled]

FWL Embassy
Crimson, Canopus IV
Shortly after the beginning of the Canopian invasion of the FWL.

After hearing the news, Ambassador Jiltanith McIntyre, knew it was up to her to try and sort out this mess before it escalated any further.  Why the Magistrix would launch such an ill advised foreign adventure had her perplexed.  According to SAFE, the Magistry only had 12 mech regiments, and Jiltanith knew for a fact that the FWL had twice that in the nearby Andurien region alone following the Andurien Succession Crisis.   The invasion was something more typical of Emma's deposed mother.  There had to be something else going on.  Had the Marian's secretly usurped the throne?

At first she'd thought that her assignment to this post was nothing short of exile, but the more time she spent on Crimson the more she came to like and respect the place.  She didn't want to see this escalate further.  If things progressed further there might not be a free Magistry, and while she was loyal to her country she didn't want to see what in here opinion was the most civilized periphery nation destroyed.  Unfortunately that decision wasn't up to her, and there were still plenty of folks at home who thought the Magistry needed punished for their recent interference with the Andurien crisis.

She couldn't avert further conflict by herself though, it was time to see who if anyone in the Magistry government would give peace a chance.

[Arvanna]

Federated Suns Embassy
Crimson, Canopus IV
a couple days after the attacks on the FWL


  Quite a few people were wondering what had gotten into everyone's drinking water in the last few months? Angela Summers, the Sun's newly appointed rep to the Magistracy had only recently arrived on world when things had started to go up in flames first in one region , then another, then the Capellan invasion.

  Walking over to the window of her office she looked out past the embassy grounds at the city around them, this should be a plum posting, she'd been over joyed when she was given the assignment, even if it was because the Ministry's first pick had gotten pregnant and taken extended leave.

  Now, well things were a lot more complicated, but she still had a job to do which meant she needed to talk to the get talking with someone in the government and not just them. First she arranged for a request for a meeting with a representative of the Magistrix as soon as was possible, followed by another to another foreign embassy here on Crimson.

  The second one got a rather started look from her aid and she had to reassure him it wasn't a joke and to deliver the request for a chat to the FWL's ambassador before she shooed him out of her office.

[tassa_kay]

Throne Room, Palace of the Magestrix
Crimson, Canopus IV
Now

In the early hours of the evening, Jiltanith McIntyre was shown into the Canopian throne room by a pair of well-armed royal guards. A few moments later, from another door, Angela Summers was also admitted to the opulent room, again with blue-garbed guards ushering her in with all due diligence to her personal security.  The Marik and Davion ambassadors were led to the end of the turquoise-tiled path that ran from the massive double doors of the entrance to the Canopian throne itself, upon which Magestrix Emma Centrella sat with an expression kept carefully neutral and even.

The two pairs of guards took up station to either side of Emma, and the Magestrix looked down at her guests with steel-grey eyes that gave away nothing. "Ambassador Summers, Ambassador McIntyre. I know why both of you have petitioned me for an audience, so I have taken it upon myself to, as they say, kill two birds with one stone and grant you both a personal audience. So let's talk."