Nationwide Crisis in Jutensa

[Allama]

Cheung Li sat at the polished desk in his modest office, contemplating the most recent and pressing issue to come to his attention.  To an observer he would seem calm, almost lethargic, but in truth his mind was in turmoil.  Only having been sworn in as Parliament Speaker eight days ago in a lavishly decorated hall two wings west of where he now reposed, a room much different than the sparsely furnished office he called his own, he had already been presented with what might be the most problematic situation he would have to face in his entire term.

I can only hope nothing worse will come along, he thought.

Only minutes before this room had been swarming with aides and officials, all reporting on the agricultural failure that seemed only to gain momentum with every moment.  He’d finally had to send them all away so he could gather his thoughts.  An epidemic was sweeping the nation’s rice paddies and none of the methods the farmers used to prevent crop failure from spreading prevented it from expanding.  This year’s crop would be dismal at best if nothing was done to stop it.

Initial reports from the Ministry of Agriculture pointed to a virus of some kind; no unusual spores or molds could be found anywhere in the vicinity of the dead plants.  The pattern did not fit with that of any known disease, and the Speaker was not alone in his worry that the government lacked both the funding and the manpower to research the problem as quickly and thoroughly as was necessary.

I’ll be giving the opening address to Parliament's afternoon session today and I have to issue a statement to the press straight away afterward or it’ll look like our talks (debates, more like) are not accomplishing anything worth the people’s confidence and hope... what shall I suggest?

[Allama]

A hush settled over the crowded Parliament Hall as Cheung Li moved to the front of the room.  Facing the other 99 Delegates gathered here from the raised podium on its ornamental dais, he stifled the urge to abdicate his position and return to being one of them, where he could disappear into the crowd if it suited him.  His desire to serve the country he loved was the only reason he had accepted the will of the people when they chose to elevate him ever so slightly above the other legislators.

The difference only seems small when you’re on the other side of it.  His internal monologue ran on as always, offering wry commentary even in moments like these.

Everyone present knew as much of the situation as there was to know, having been briefed of the new developments after the morning session much as Cheung himself had.  All that was left was to determine a course of action.

Clearing his throat, he began.  "My fellow Delegates, we are gathered here to discuss our reaction to current rice growth crisis.  The loss of the entire crop must be prevented; we are all aware of the threat to both the health of our people and of the potential damage to our economy should we be forced to import enough food to make up for our losses.  This affects all Jutensans, and must be dealt with in a manner correspondent to the serious nature of the situation.

To begin our session, this is what I propose..."

[Allama]

As he exited the crowded Parliament Hall, Cheung vaguely listened to the murmured conversations of his fellows.  It would seem all were as nervous about the days to come as he.  Following some very heated debate, the other Delegates had more or less come to terms with the necessity of Speaker Cheung's proposal, though most were less than pleased with the implications of such an action.  He didn't particularly fancy it, himself.

The tension in his muscles escalated as he neared the Capitol building's main entrance, outside of which members of regional, national, and international press awaited his arrival.  With a quick sigh, he settled into his most calming façade and opened the surprisingly light double doors.

Camera lights flashed and burned the eyes while a cacophony of voices raised increasingly insistent questions, until Cheung raised his right hand for silence.  Whether it was his earnest demeanor or composed expression, somehow the simple gesture caused the rapacious journalists and concerned citizens to settle into relative quiet.

"Today Jutensa faces a very serious issue; our crop of rice is quickly deteriorating as paddies across the nation wither and die.  We do not yet know the cause, but we pledge to devote as much attention as humanly possible to devising a solution."

At this point, the spectators burst into applause for several seconds.  Cheung waiting for it to die down of its own accord, and continued.

"Though it pains me to admit it, we do not have the resources necessary to combat this plague on our own.  Therefore, we must enlist the aid of foreign powers to determine the nature of the virus and produce a cure.  I ask that any nation with the available scientific means to research this problem to aid us; not only because you may suffer similarly in the future and require this knowledge yourself, but for the sake of your fellow human beings.  Thank you."

Once he had bowed sincerely to the cameras, Cheung straightened and walked back into the Capitol building, the weight of his country's fate seeming heavy on his shoulders.

[tak]

To: The Government of Jutensa
From: Royal Takasia Foreign Relations

Understanding a possible food crisis of your country, Takasia is willing to offer humanitarian food aid should your company need any. Unfortunately, as an arctic country, our agricultural sector is so small that we do not possess the necessary skills in combating the plague your crops are facing. Please contact us should you require any help.

Yours Sincerely,
Head of Foreign Relations, Aurelius Diplomas

[Solnath]

Within an hour of the broadcasting, the following message was sent:

To the Government of Jutensa,

As your close neighbours, we, the Aristocracy of the Hegemony of Arasel would like to extend a sincere offer of help, in any form that you wish to ask it. After all, we are all humans together and this indeed is a challenge our whole species may face later on. Please be so kind as to let us know what kind of assistance you require in the resolving of this dreadful situation.

Yours truly,
Lady Alexandra Solan,
Aristocrat and Duchess of Thamal.

---

"What do you think?" Alexandra asked smiling as Cara read the letter. "Does it sound honest enough?"

Cara smiled. "I like it, but how far are you willing to go?"

"As far as I have to. This is a good way for us to gain popularity with their people, should the need arise that we require support someday." Her smile wasn't so gentle anymore. Cara nodded and passed the print-out back.

[Allama]

Delegate Bianchi pored over the messages that had arrived during dinner; she almost felt that she never left her desk for more than five minutes without someone leaving her a note or letter to read.  Within minutes she wrote the following responses, submitted them for approval, and had them sent:

To: Aurelius Diplomas, Head of Royal Takasian Foreign Relations
From: Jutensa's Minister of Foreign Relations

We humbly thank you for your offer of aid.  Any support we are given by the world community is a boon and will be appreciated as such.  If our efforts to contain or eradicate the virus should come to fruition too late to save this year's crop, we will contact you with coordinates for a drop-off.

Soon our embassy complex will be ready and we will be opening diplomatic relations with all comers.  I would like to invite the great nation of Takasia to accept a premier ambassadorial suite upon completion and for your delegation to receive a special tour of our nation's capitol.

Again, please accept our most sincere thanks.

Yours,
Carlotta Bianchi

To the Lady Alexandra Solan of Arasel
From Jutensa's Minister of Foreign Relations

We humbly thank you for your offer of aid.  Our most pressing need is to set up research stations in our farmlands, so any pertinent equipment and trained personnel you can afford to spare would be most highly appreciated.  If you would prefer, we would be pleased to send transports and to provide you with regular updates of our progress.  You would, of course, be free to maintain any communication with your people that you require.

Soon our embassy complex will be ready and we will be opening diplomatic relations with all comers.  I would like to invite the great nation of Arasel to accept a premier ambassadorial suite upon completion and for your delegation to receive a special tour of our nation's capitol.

Again, kindly accept our most sincere thanks.

Yours,
Carlotta Bianchi

[Solnath]

"Right, you know what that means, Z." Alexandra smiled as the message was read aloud by Cara.

The tall man bowed deep and saluted. "The rest of the Aristocracy shall be informed at once, we shall begin planning the procedure before half past four."

"Also, issue a command to the Court Staff to inform biologists and chemists and anyone closely related to genetic manipulation of the situation and that the Hegemony would deeply appreciate volunteers to help our neighbours in this perilous situation. I believe that," she quickly glanced the information open on her computer screen. "Two hundred should be enough. Of course with escorts."

"Of course, my Lady." Z bowed again and walked swiftly outside. Alexandra turned to look out through the large windows of the Hegemony to the park that lay beneath.

"Cara, if we receive word that even one person has died because of this situation in Jutensa, I shall be informed, right?"

"Sure, my Lady." Sarcasm was thick in her voice and Alexandra felt a slight blush rise to her cheeks.

"I'm sorry, Cara, I'm just getting used to this station."

"I know, but you're so cute when you blush." They both laughed.

---

Later that evening the meeting was short. They all, of course, agreed that Alexandra's proposition was a good one, even though she had made clear she did not want them to be mere yes-men, but to criticise her if they felt she was making an error.

Dear Madame Minister Bianchi,

We are currently underway in establishing a research group to help you in your endeavour and I believe we should be ready to dispatch it with your permission within three days at the very most. This expedition would include 45 chemists, 47 biologists, 42 bioengineers, 32 technicians and 34 agronomes.

I regret that due to the lack of diplomatic relations between our Hegemony and Jutensa, we must provide the scientists a formal escort, but there should be no fear that these troops would in any way be a threat to your people or its sovereignity. It is more of a political formality we must undertake in order to make it clear for the global community that we are not the type who leap in to the xishiang's mouth blindly.

The escort is to be the size of two standard Araseli companies or 200 men altogether. We hope that this is not too much to ask for a safe mind on the security of our Citizens on a land that regrettably is foreign to us.

As for the embassy request, we thank and accept and return a similar offer, that if you wish to establish an embassy to our Hegemony, arrangements shall be made to accomodate such a facility on Araseli ground.

Yours truly,
Lady Alexandra Solan,
Aristocrat and Duchess of Thamal.

---

As the meeting drew to a close, Alexandra signalled one of her fellow Aristocrats, a noble-looking old man with a moustache eight inches wide. He was the Duke of Ramnos and naturally one of the most influential men in Arasel. Alexandra smiled at him.

"Dearest Duke," she started with a kind voice.

"My Lady Solan," he replied with a bow. "What is it that you need of me?"

"We need an ambassador to Jutensa."

"I shall look to it at once, my Lady."

"Thank you, Omnir. Make sure it's someone competent, Jutensa may prove important for us."

[Zimmerwald]

To: Parliament Speaker Cheung Li

After literally twenty minutes of debate, and a vote as quick as our Constitution allows, the National Assembly of People's Power of Gallipoli-China has voted an unprecedented aid program to your nation.  Under the provisions of the voted appropriation, two percent of the entire national Health Care budget shall be devoted to the aid of your people, to help them survive the crop blight, and there has been an impressive restructuring of the government.

To be perfectly frank, the growth of the Advancement of Science Committee has progressed far less rapidly than most would like.  The crisis in your nation, and the resultant outburst of solidarity and comradeship among our people, have spurred literally explosive growth of the organization, which, incidentally, has as its task the isolation of the rice pathogen and the engineering of a resistant strain of rice.

Ten of our biologists are currently available to send directly to your nation.  The rest will remain in Gallipoli-China, doing their research on our rice, which is a very similar strain to yours, and may yield answers to the problem of this blight.

Furthermore, it is hoped that this show of international friendship will lead to closer formal relations between our nations; contact the Foreign Relations Committee for more information.

Warmest regards,
Aram Caros, Chairman, Foreign Relations Committee
Salah Qen, Chairwoman, Economics Committee
Liu Bang, Chairman, Advancement of Science Committee

[Iadak]

Vendecci came onto port with all his bags, he had a hotel room waiting for him after he had all his information checked, He saw smoke everywhere burning crops and he said to himself, "Ahhh, the ash smell of desperate clients!"

He threw down his Zuavka cigar and smothered it with his black shoes. This would be a paradise for the Ozi Pol Pai Pas. He had already made arrangements for the trains from Derva to St Oz to bring in Food and supplies for the people. Vendecci had a lot to offer these people.

[NFIC]

NFIC is still deciding what it shall do in this.

[Iadak]

Vendecci waited at the dock until the Ozian shipments from Derva came, The Ozians who came were not in any uniform but rather in casual clothes, their uniform would only be necessary if there was to be any conflict. Though some had been armed with pistols or I-19s because there was a lot of hungry people out there watching the Ozians unload the food. Also a team of researchers had come to analyze the virus and to send shipments of samples back to St Oz for possible samples.

The head scientist, Dr. Daro Amici Epei shook Vendecci's hand, "Good to see you."

"and I to you Daro. Though, I still have to speak with the local government, they probably would like to know what we're doing here."

"Yes that would be most unfortunate to come all the way here for nothing."

"Well I'll see you at the hotel, be sure that the food is secure in the warehouse."

"God it."

Vendecci got into his rental car and drove to the hotel where he wrote his letter

To: Parliament Speaker Cheung Li
From: Dire Vendecci Devone Parpaski

Hello there, I was on my way for some vacation in Derva but I heard the news about this Virus and Agricultural crisis and turned my ship starboard! I would like a meeting with you on how I the Dire (CEO) of Ozi Pol Pai Pas would like to help your nation out, by conducting research and giving out food to the people. We are in a frozen envirorment but we still have access to agricultural products from the Nerdic Food Company and other nations. I hope to make a difference for your troubled country.

[Wasabi Orange]

To: the Government of Jutensa
From: ?????

It has come to our attention that Jutensa is having a particularly hard time with a certain 'rice situation'. We would be more than happy to provide your government with our particular brand of expertise, if it was so required. Feel free to contact us through the usual channels. We would be honored to help our Jutensan brothers and sisters in their time of need.

----

"Did you send the message?"

"As planned."

"Did you used the algorithm?"

"Not yet."

"Your choice."

"Let's play it by ear, shall we?"

"Sure, why not?"


The crickets chirp happily outside. It's a beautiful night.

[Allama]

"Run a check on this Ozian fellow, let me know what this corporation is about and why he'd be so interested in personally jumping to our aide this way.  Oh, and this one without a sender... see what you can find out about where it came from; trace it and have the lab dust it for prints if they have to," Cheung said as he handed the respective messages to one of his aides.

Delegate Bianchi sat across from him at the table, frowning as she pondered their responses.  She always did that when she was thinking.

Looking up, she handed him the messages to be sent and said "They're ready."

To: Lady Alexandra Solan of Arasel
From: Jutensa's Minister of Foreign Relations

We understand the regrettable necessity of a formal escort, but ask that the number of troops does not exceed one hundred and twenty.  It is against our custom to allow even such a force as this so far into our lands, but we will make an exception in the light of your generosity.  Also, we must unfortunately ask that they not be equipped with fully automatic weapons or be accompanied by tanks or other large machines of war.  I am sure you understand.

Eighty of our troops will meet your research group at the border.  Coordinates are enclosed.

In regards to the embassy exchange, we gladly and humbly accept.  We will communicate on this further when preparations are complete.

Yours,
Carlotta Bianchi

To: Dire Vendecci Devone Parpaski
From: Parliament Speaker Cheung Li

If you would like to arrange a meeting, our Minister of Foreign Relations will be available two days hence in the afternoon hours between Parliament sessions to discuss your offer of help.  She will see you at 2 o'clock, if you are available.

To: Aram Caros, Chairman, Gallipoli-China Foreign Relations Committee
Salah Qen, Chairwoman, Gallipoli-China Economics Committee
Liu Bang, Chairman, Gallipoli-China Advancement of Science Committee
From: Jutensa's Parliament Speaker

The quick response of your assembly is a testament to your nation's generosity, as the joy you seem to take in the growth of your government's scientific programs is to your noble thirst for knowledge.

I personally thank you for your offer of aid and wish to accept the delegation of ten biologists.  We will provide security for your scientists for the duration of their stay.  You are welcome to send a small armed escort from your nation, if this is not to your satisfaction.

Our embassy complex will soon be complete.  Please accept a premier ambassadorial suite.  We would be very pleased to have your delegation in our capitol.  I hope to some day offer you a tour.  We will contact your Foreign Relations Committee when all is prepared.

Yours sincerely,
Cheung Li

[St Oz]

Vendecci sent a confirmation note about the appointment at 2 o'clock. Except first he had to figure what 2 o'clock meant. He called his Outside Culture Advisor, "What's 2 o'clock mean?"

"42:00:00"

"Oh, I'll call again if I need anything," he said and he put it back on the hook.

Vendecci walked outside of the hotel after calling in a cab to go to the Parliament building. He saw outside the window a bunch of children playing in the streets and adults walking to go shopping. The whole place seemed a bit too innocent for his tastes. Almost a chilling innocent.

When they finally arrived he went to the gate and told him his name and underwent security check. This was one of the few times he didn't even bring a knife. All he had was a cellphone and a laptop in his bag. After checked and ready he walked up to the parliament building. It had a fantastic garden full of trees and plants everywhere. He never saw this sort of thing in Ozia, the bitter cold killed almost every plant the Taijitu has ever known. He wondered where he would be meeting but the guards told him to wait outside. Whence traveling around in the garden he put down his bags and took a seat on the bench admiring the atmosphere around him.

OOC: Vendecci is the guy in my Avatar <---

[Allama]

"Ahem..."

Carlotta looked up from her paperwork at the sound of her assistant clearing his throat and wondered how long he'd had to stand there, patiently waiting to be noticed, before he resorted to disturbing her directly.  He was a sweet kid, but too shy by far.  His innocence made her fond of him, though, so she'd wait for him come out of his shell at his own pace.

"Delegate Bianchi, your two o'clock is sitting outside in the East garden."

"Excellent," she replied, "I'll go meet him there.  Have tea sent out after we've had a few minutes to become acquainted."

She walked out of the building through a side door.  Coming around the corner, she unobtrusively observed Vendecci as he sat staring at the trees, apparently in awe of Jutensa's pristine natural beauty.  His back to her, she approached slowly.

"They aren't pruned."

He turned to face her as though he'd known she was there, but looked slightly puzzled at her remark.

"The trees, I mean," she explained, "The gardeners tend the plants to keep them in check, but mostly let them assume whatever shape they will.  This garden was unlike any other in the nation when it was new, though the style has caught on a bit.

Carlotta Bianchi, Parliament Delegate and Minister of Foreign Relations."

She bowed slightly, and looked Vendecci in the eye as she straightened.