Nationwide Crisis in Jutensa

[Saletsia]

To: Jutensa's Minister of Foreign Relations
From: President Barga, Saletsia

It has come to our attention that the great nation of Jutensa is having serious problems with a virus that befalls rice, which is the main crop of Saletsia. As it is in our very interest to stop such devastating virus to spread and cause more damage than it has already done, the nation of Saletsia shall offer the help of a team of experts in biology and scientists. The whole team shall consist of 32 experts. We request permission to set up a camp with our necessary facilities and equipment. We also request that two armed guards be allowed to accompany the team.

[Allama]

To: President Barga of Saletsia
From: Jutensa's Minister of Foreign Relations

We humbly thank you for your offer of aid.  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.  Your guards are welcome to accompany your team, though we must ask that they not be equipped with fully automatic weapons.  We will provide additional security.

Coordinates for the requested camp will be attached to this message.

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 Saletsia 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

[Zimmerwald]

OOC: oh joy, now I get to come up with names for all these people...

IC:

To: Parliament Speaker Cheung Li

The scientific delegation has been assembled, and you may expect them in your country shortly.  Due to the fact that we share a common border, they will be taking a train to your capitol, rather than flying.  The delegation is composed of:

Dr. Acacia Alexander
Dr. Dinh Anxi
Professor Thaddeus Dorcas
Professor Jasper Eneas
Dr. Tariq Al-Fulani
Dr. Wang Hao
Dr. Kalid Mohammad
Professor Ouyang Daqing
Dr. Lydia Sebastian
Dr. Wen Tse

It is Gallipoli-China's policy to not assign guards to our diplomatic and scientific missions to other nations.  We have full confidence in the capacity of Jutensan guards to do their duty.

We await the completion of your embassy complex.  Our delegation is being made ready.

We hope that our service can be helpful to you,
Liu Bang, Chairman, Gallipoli-China Advancement of Science Committee

The train ride had been uneventful.  They had been stopped at the border, but that didn't take very long.  Most of the scientists were quiet; Dr. Sebastain was ruminating over the samples that she had brought with her, and which were now packed away with the baggage.  The others were either researching what was known about air-borne plant viruses, or sleeping.  Nobody felt the need to talk.

Professor Daqing bestirred himself as the train slowed down again.  They had hired a special express, rather than taking one of the scheduled trains, so he knew that they would be arriving at the Jutensan capitol soon.  He moved to stand at the door, waiting for the train to stop.  Gradually, the rest joined him, closing their notebooks, straightening their clothes, checking their notes one more time, in case they were questioned.

The train stopped.  The platform was almost empty of passengers, as this was a special, but a few people could be seen.  Probably some sort of welcoming committee.

[Saletsia]

To: Jutensa's Minister of Foreign Relations, Carlotta Bianchi
From: President Barga, Saletsia

We thank you for accepting our offer. It would not be necessary for you to bother for transport since we have already readied a small ship for our team. The guards shall only have trancheons and a .45 Caliber pistol each.
We would be more than willing to accept your invitiation for an ambassadorial suite. We hereby invite you to also establish an embassy in our capital, Bandana.

Again, we appreciate your efforts in the sharing of information. Yóu may check on our experts and resulty any time you wish.

[Mercantilist States]

First posted here.
...

Avery Johnston's ship had just docked in North Jazzville from some fishing and trading on the islands off the coast of Jutensa. He ran a small operation, generally just him and his brother Marcus. He wasn't sure if fishing there was legal, but the waters off the coast of the Ginto peninsula had borne few fish and no one had stopped him yet.

He had heard rumors the Jutensan government had their hands full with other things. He could have sworn he saw a ship flying what looked like a Saletsian flag on its way to the mainland, but he couldn't be sure.

"How's business?" the porter on the dock asked as he helped him unload some supplies onto a transport truck.

"It's great actually," Johnston said as he tossed a bag of rice onto the truck. "We got tons of rice for dirt cheap, should be able to feed this entire peninsula. Those Jutensans either don't know how to price things, or they have it coming out the wazoo. If prices continue that low Jutensa may just have found itself a killer export. What's the latest here?"

"Those dumb fuck Newsoutherners in West O are starting a war with the Varkourian Army," the porter said. "If they bring it here, I swear..."

"Thanks," Johnston said as they finished unloading the last shipment of supplies and rice and handed him a $20 tallent note. "Now to get this shit to market."

[Allama]

OOC: Please consider this to occur the day after the meeting with Vendecci (RP still ongoing).

"Well, our troops have been moved according to specifications, a few companies closer to the destinations of the foreigners to ensure their safety (and ours) and most farther away, so as not to cause any undue discomfort in our guests."

All present nodded.  Though the other eight delegates gathered in Wu Lang's spacious suite already knew this, it was pleasant to hear and comforted them.  Wu, the Minister of Defense, was a man who's appearance presented all the typical qualities of an old, fat, over-indulged general; he looked both indolent and incompetent, which was compounded by his tendency to repeat himself.  However, his mind and body were quicker than expected and those who knew him held him in very high regard.

"They will make sure there are no incidents while the visiting scientists are here," the Minister of Agriculture replied. "You have my utmost confidence."

The Minister of Finance, Shao Mei, chimed in. "As of the temporary moratorium we put on the export of food products this morning, we will have to keep a closer watch on our borders.  There may be some unhappy traders looking to purchase rice or fish illegally."

"Agreed.  Border patrols have already been issued orders to increase frequency and manpower, especially along the coastline and near prime fishing grounds.  It would have been all too easy for boats to slip between our patrols before," Wu stated matter-of-factly.

----------------

Jutensa was a beehive of activity, with biologists, carpenters, pathogen experts, reporters, and delegates all over the country scurrying about in final preparations for the massive research project involving several groups of foreigners.  The first to be invited in decades, popular expectations for their arrival grew.

All was ready.  The entire nation awaited their neighbors' coming.

[Zimmerwald]

OOC: revised my post.

[St Oz]

Vendecci's maroon eyes looked at hers as he smiled, "While we're at it I'm Dire dev Ozi Pol Pai Pas, Vendecci Devone Parpaski septava cirosae."

Vendecci had a flower in his hand and softly said, "Iseli aporatav celipulchravi. Mievi turonsci at pervavi so." He then presented the flower to her and bowed.

[Mor'os]

Within the ever growing Imperial Complex, Osmar sat in council with a set of relevant Ministers. Papers and reports were strewn about, some in chaos, others aggregating into convenient and neat packages. All of them dealt with that something long neglected by the government of Mor'os: foreign policy.

"So, this country is running out of rice?"

"Yes your divinity," answered Foreign Minister Tadom, "That is indeed the situation. What information we have received tells us that some pestilence has destroyed the harvest."

Osmar nodded a bit, taking more time then should have been needed to consider the fact at face value. Either his mind had shut off or he was extrapolating potential options from the presented situation.

"And they've requested aid?"

"Yes your divinity. An opportunity to reach out to the world and expand our influence abroad if any. Perhaps they will open their own markets to us as a result."

"Ah, perhaps. And what do you have to say on how much rice we have for our part?" He was now facing Minister of Agriculture Daak. The man was for a moment befuddled by the sudden question, but recovered beautifully after letting only two bundles of papers crash unceremoniously to the floor.

"Rice? We have... lots of it your Divinity..." He had an odd habit of ending everything with a spoken ellipses. "Though...there is the issue of transport..."

"Right right," said Osmar, slightly annoyed at this sticky point of  contention. "How is the merchant marine's development..."

[Wasabi Orange]

"It seems our proposal was met with suspicion by the Jutensan government; our sources inform us their Intelligence Division has been busy analyzing our letter. They also seem to be worried about a fellow named Vendecci, a mercenary of the Ozi Pol Pai Pas, we ran a full background check if you are interested..."

"They should be more worried about the armed foreigners pouring into their country, don't you think?"

"True enough....should we send another message, perhaps arrange a meeting with Minister Bianchi?"

"We will meet soon enough....is there any evidence of our involvement?"

"Just breadcrumbs, the letter was clean."

"Good, let's see how this plays out, call the "Nest", ask them to run a full sweep, keep me informed."

"Shouldn't we focus on Bianchi?"

"All in good time, my friend, all in good time."


A full moon lights the night sky. In the distance, birds sing their songs.

[tak]

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

Understanding the influx of aid might strain your resources in internal distribution of aid, Marks Sealand and Takasair are more than happy to provide your nation with logicstics support should your require any. Please contact us should you require such assistance.

Yours Sincerely,
Head of Foreign Relations, Aurelius Diplomas

[Allama]

To: Royal Takasia Foreign Relations
From: Jutensa's Parliament Speaker

Your offer is most generous, but we do not require assistance in such a manner.  Our logistics personnel are more than up to the task.  The aid you have offered to tender is more than we ever expected, especially given our lack of prior relations.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart and hope to correspond with you again in the near future.

Yours Sincerely,
Cheung Li

--------------------

Location: Capitol Building's East Garden
Several days in the past

Accepting the flower and the nearly unintelligible remarks with a demure nod of the head, Delegate Bianchi sat on the bench across from Vendecci and asked, "What brings you to our nation?  You mentioned aiding our research in your message."

Aware of his mafia connections, Carlotta decided to tread carefully as she awaited his answer to the question within the questions she posed.  Though she was still unsure of his exact business here, she knew it could not be good for Jutensa.  A few hand-picked guards were well hidden in the foliage, and they were prepared to respond instantly if anything untoward happened.

--------------------

Location: Train Station
This Morning

As the delegation from Gallipoli-China disembarked, six diplomats stood to the side, ready to greet them.  Several troops stood unobtrusively against the walls and a translator was standing by as a precaution, but otherwise the room was devoid of human activity.  The six Jutensans bowed as one, and a fair-skinned Italian woman stepped forward.  "Please accept our most humble welcome.  This is the first foreign delegation to arrive on our soil in many years.  You will be greatly honored."  Again they bowed.

"This is Delegate Tobayashi, the Minister of Agriculture," she said, pointing to the woman to her left, "And this is Delegate Chang..."

Thus a round of introductions began, and eventually all parties had been presented and the group began to walk.  "Speaker Cheung will welcome you personally once we have reached the Capitol building," Delegate Bianchi intoned as they led the Gallipoli-Chinese outside and into the waiting limousines.

Finally they reached the single most important building in the nation, the Capitol building that contained the halls, offices, and living quarters of the government of Jutensa's most prominent members.  A brief, discreet search commenced and all were declared fit to enter.  Speaker Cheung was in the reception hall, already bowing as the doors opened.

A middle-aged man, Cheung did not appear in any way extraordinary as he stood bowed before them.  However, when he straightened his face shone with an earnest honesty and clear desire to make all well, a rare trait among world leaders.  He simply said, "Welcome to Jutensa.  I am Speaker Cheung.  I am honored by your presence."  As he inclined his head again, his eyes spoke his sincerity.

--------------------

Location: Capitol Building North Garden
Present

Speaker Cheung wandered along the stone-paved walkway, so deeply engrossed in his ruminations he almost didn't see the child running up the path toward him.

"Li-san!"  Somewhere along the line, Jutensa's youth had picked up the common use of Japanese honorifics.  Cheung wasn't sure how to feel about it, so he just shrugged and accepted that things change.  He still wasn't sure about letting the other Delegate's children forgo the use of his surname, though...

The little girl ran up to him and held out her arms for a hug.  Giovanna was the strangest of the strange in this formal little community; a friendly, animated, blonde Italian, the grandchild of immigrants who still hadn't bothered to learn Cantonese (and who served as a constant embarrassment to their only child, the lovely woman hurrying after her progeny in an almost pathetic attempt to keep her in line).  Delegate Bianchi reached down to scoop up her laughing daughter, smiling apologetically.  The two were practically mirror images, age having defined the only visible differences.

"Don't worry, Mrs. Bianchi.  I've become quite used to her... vivacious greetings by now," Cheung reassured her. "Many Delegates are taking this afternoon as a respite from the stress of our appointments, I see."

"Yes, though I fear it will be short-lived.  This crisis has taken our already-busy lives and turned them nearly frantic.  Can't say I didn't expect that living as a politician, though..."

"At least the research seems to be going well.  The teams we have in the field have developed a few theories that seem promising, and the Gallipoli-Chinese are confident that the problem will be solved.  I only pray the crops do not fail before we find a cure for this."

"As do I, Cheung, though it's to a different power." Both laughed at this, an old joke between them, as they headed back inside to be briefed for the next Parliament session.

[St Oz]

East Garden
Vendecci smiled at her at the question, "Yes we do have researchers here, I brought 4 scientists, 2 Biologists, a Doctor, and a Chemist/pharmacist. All experts of their trade. The head Scientist, the chemist, actually made a vaccine to fight HPV. To be honest, Carlotta, I also came here to try and spread some business deals and open some shops to sell Alcohol, food, tools, Ozian Computers, electronics, and hey perhaps Ozian movies. I thought if you would allow me to have the shops I would help your country in return."

Vendecci then noticed some birds move in the foliage, something wasn't right. His smile turned to a content face and then his content face turned into a normal face thinking what was behind the plants.

[Zimmerwald]

Capitol Building
The biologists had remained discreetly silent during the walk to the capitol, though they had made their introductions readily enough.  Everything seemed serene, at a slower pace somehow, and nobody wanted to disturb that.  Besides, in the absence of diplomats, they represented their country.  It was best not to disgrace it and themselves by some foolish action or misplaced word. 

They regarded the Speaker (before he spoke) with respect, and also with discretion.  He was, as yet, an unknown quantity.  However, after he had greeted them, simply, with no pomp, the tension removed itself from the room.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Speaker Cheung," replied Professor Eneas.  The others had appointed him their spokesperson when they had first met on the train.  He had accepted the office with some but had accepted it nontheless.  "We are in turn honored by your reception of us.  You know the names of my colleagues, from Chairman Bang's letter.  Please tell us what we can do to help."

Villiage of Xen, near the Jutensan border
"I just don't understand it," muttered Wei Bin.  "How could an entire field just shrivel and die like that overnight?  Other blights at least only effect one plant at a time, and can be dealt with...this..." he trailed off.

"It seems to me-" began Jian, his wife, who was rather more informed of current events, when their neighbors, the Phiens appeared on the path.  "Qen!  Taph!" she called, noticing them.

"Have you heard?" said Taph, looking preoccupied.  "All the paddies have just been failing, and more are doing so every hour.  Nobody knows how to stop it."

"It's from Jutensa, as I was explaining to my husband," Jian intoned in turn.  "There's nought for it but to burn the lot, stop it from spreading."

"We can't do that," blustered Bin.  "We've got quotas to fill, and-"

"We'll have to.  The damn three-year plans won't get anywhere as long as this plague spreads."  She left to find lighter fluid to spread over the dead rice plants, while the other three started off down the road, to warn the neighbors to do the same.

[Allama]

Location: Capitol Building's East Garden
Several days in the past

"Though your offer of help is most appreciated, I cannot say you would be permitted to open any shops; it seems very unlikely... is something the matter?"

Noting the change in his expression and the way his eyes kept darting to the shrubs, Delegate Bianchi smiled reassuringly.  "I assure you, nothing is amiss.  This garden is one of the safest places in the world."  This seemed to calm him, though it was difficult to get a completely true read on him.  Vendecci clearly had experience using his face to conceal his emotions.

Once she had given him a moment, she continued.  "I am afraid accepting foreign assistance from a private party is not within the scope of our current policy.  Have you authorization to act on behalf the Ozian government?  We have received no word from them, but if we did something could perhaps be arranged."

--------------------

Location: Capitol Building
Late this morning

Addressing Professor Eneas, Cheung replied, "We have already set up several research stations and our equipment is very modern, though there is not quite as much of it as we would perhaps prefer.  We ask that you send teams of two to each of the four stations, leaving the remainder here to assist in correlating the findings.

Please, join us for a meal.  We have prepared dishes from both of our lands to celebrate the coming together of our greatest scientific minds."

The Jutensans and Gallipoli-Chinese found the seats with their respective names painted on the bowls and plates, and lunch was served.  More casual talk ensued, but eventually turned back to more serious topics: who would go where, what varieties of experiments would be run, and so on.  The delegation was to undergo thorough briefings on the current situation and findings in the afternoon, while Parliament was in session (missing two of its ministers, Science and Agriculture, who would also attend the briefings).

Delegate Tobayashi turned to Dr. Daquing, who was seated to his right, and remarked, "I'm simply glad no word has reached us of the plague passing into your nation; so far it has not spread beyond our borders and your crops will likely be spared the blight."  Little did he know what was occurred to prove him wrong as he spoke those words.