Nationwide Crisis in Jutensa

[Mercantilist States]

Undersecretary of Commerce Patrick Nebraska, Deputy Secretary Scooter Evans, and two agriculture scientists were in Evan's office, discussing the agriculture situation in Ginto.

"We have studied the tobacco crops that the Mercantilist Brewing Company shipped in overnight from Ginto," the first scientist said. "Based on what we're hearing out of Jutensa, we think it's the same virus, but mutated. The initial effects are nearly identical, but we won't know until we can study a sample of the rice virus."

"We will have the orange and sugar samples by tomorrow to study," the second scientist added.

"Ok, thank you gentlemen," Evans said, and the scientists excused themselves from the office.

"What do you think?" Evans asked to Nebraska.

"We're going to have restrict imports from North Jazzville, and maybe the Ginto territories altogether."

"Yeah, the Secretary isn't going to like that, he was already irritated about having to do it for Jutensan imports."

"Well we can keep it quiet, we don't need to issue a statement, just check the ships at the Mercantilian docks. Turn them around or quarantine them if their point of origin is North Jazzville. And then just notify the Mercantilist West O, Brewing, and Fruit Company's to hold off on their exports until we can contain it. But we'll need to step up the inspections from this lax crap that is going on now."

"Do it. I will notify Ambassador Jackson."

"What about getting rice samples or going to Jutensa?"

"I think it's best we stay out of that whole situation, but I'll bring it to Wallis."

[Allama]

OOC: This occurs in the weeks following the arrival of foreign delegations, but should not discourage "lengthy" posts for on-going RPs or new involvement.

The research was going well, though some of the conclusions reached thus far had not been pleasing.  The stored rice from last year had been found to contain a dormant variety of the virus currently destroying Jutensa's crops, though it was as yet uncertain whether this would be spread to live plants and become active.

Careful genetic manipulation of foreign rice spliced with native forms was proving heartier and more resistant, but a portion of each batch of young plants died of it anyway.  The portion affected grew smaller and smaller with each new strain, encouraging hope, but the virus continued to spread through the nation with the harvest only a few months away.

At the same time, other groups of scientists studied the virus with the intent to cure the currently-infected strains and save as much of the crop as they could.  The "deadline" approached rapidly, and it was difficult to maintain a positive attitude when nothing had worked so far.  The virus seemed almost disturbingly apt at adaptation, and worked its way around impediments and anti-viruses with apparent ease.  Each "cure" they tested functioned perfectly at first, but soon the experimental fields would wither as had all the others.

Information regarding the progress of each group was reported back to their countries of origin regularly, building regular lines of communication and allowing key members of each government to familiarize themselves with one another.  In many cases, though, trust had yet to be truly earned.

[Zimmerwald]

As the virus had continued spreading throughout north China, and showed no signs of stopping yet, a simple solution was devised.  If it spread through plants, get rid of the plants.  All the rice that was reasonably ripe was harvested, the rest was burned, and the ashes left in the fields.  Hopefully, this would prevent it from getting further south, though the scientists in Jutensa stubbornly maintained that the southern strains were far more resistant to the virus.

They had tried planting southern strains in the north, before the crisis had started, due to the higher yields, but it was too dry.  There had been some sporodic research on creating a single strain that would keep the yield and thrive in the environment, but it hadn't been done seriously, and had been forgotten during the Civil War.  It wasn't being renewed now; that was what the team in Jutensa was doing, and it made no sense to conduct two parallel lines of research.  They weren't competing for anything.

So the researchers in Gallipoli-China busied themselves with sequencing the genomes of the effected rice strain, the southern strain, and the virus.  They had sequenced the virus easily enough, but the two strains were going to take longer; they had almost finished the effected one, and were due to start the southern one.  But it would take time, time they didn't think they had.

OOC: there's no real story to the scientists in Jutensa.  Just report what they find every once in a while, as they are working with your scientists.

[Delfos]

*fancy tv news network music*
Nation News:

"Good Evening New Delfos! We begin tonight with a live broadcasting from New Delfos Council building in Delfingrado, where the council have been debating about Jutensa Crisis! Sayiid Thikrit, have any councilor left the meeting yet?"

Sayiid Thikrit (reporter): "Hello and good evening. No councilor have left yet, we had a notice fire minutes ago that the meeting was almost over, we'r waiting for (the doors behind the reporter opened) them to..ah here they come"

Alot of photography flashes start to iluminate the Council Hall

reporter: "Here comes Soy Bud'yien, please Bud'yien, is the meeting over?"
Vice-President Bud'yien: "Yes the meeting is over, im sorry reporters, i have alot of work to do, try speaking with the President.."
reporter: "Seems he's in a hurry, ah here comes Councilor Balo Muhaki from Mahara region, Balo Muhaki! sir! can you answer a few questions?"
Councilor Muhaki: "Yes sure, but dont ask me questions about Zabid Missile Industry nor Golmert Vehicles/Guns production, we'r here for Jutensa Crisis."
reporter from other news network: "Can you say what has been aprooved by the Council?"
Councilor Muhaki: "Well we have a fine agreement, President Delfos will speak later on about the dicision, but i can say everything is a go for the aid, Mahara region will run for aid either we all do or not"
reporter: "Have you discussed the gun control in Mahara region in this meeting?"
Councilor Muhaki: "As i said im not going to answer any question about the gun control, now if you excuse me i'v got work to do."
reporter: "Councilor Muhako said Mahara region would help, now we'r waiting for more councilors to come and for the word from the president.."

From: President of the Council of New Delfos, Lex Kazi Delfos, also president of Delfo region.
To : Mrs. Carlotta Bianchi, Minister of Foreign Relations of the nation of Jutensa + Committee Chairman of Foreign Relations of Gallipoli-China, Aram Caros.

The Council of New Delfos decided to aid Jutensa and Gallipoli-China, we are planning to send a group of Scientists that discovered the Mahrram Virus A in the Camels at the northern border, also another group of scientists experts in soil research that made tomato plantations in the middle of Mahara Desert. There will be also enough manpower to help with whatever it comes in the way, fire hundred workers from South Boyen region will help the Scientists on their research. All this will be ignited when you give us a GO, Birkov Fortress and a ship with scientific machinery will arrive as soon as possible at Jutensa.
This scientific expedition will be under your and Gallipoli-China's authorities in this matter.

President of New Delfos Council
Lex Kazi Delfos.

reporter: "..the President just shown up from the Council balcony, he's preparing for a speech."
President Delfos: "Good night beloved people, we urge to aid Jutensa and Gallipoli-China to beat the crisis. We have decided to send two scientific groups for a scientific expedition in Jutensa and Gallipoli-China so we can fix the crisis. We have already sent a telegram to their foreign relations so we can proceed with this. Our ministers have shown total agreedment, as you can see we havent met them here, but we used our new satellite comunication system, it works and will be applied to our whole diplomacy soon. Nothing further to say, good night to all."
reporter: "Lot Doyen Kazi is now leaving the building, let's try to have a word with him, Councilor Kazi, can we have a word"
Councilor Kazi closed the door on the vehicle, opened the window and said: "i'll answer 2 questions"
reporter: "Will Kazjko region answer the President for aid of foreign countries?"
Councilor Kazi: "yes of course, we were one of the original who supported the idea at 1st place."
reporter: "Was there any other issue discussed in the Council? like the Inortian threat to Targistan?"
Councilor Kazi: "We had a word about it but we havent developed any agreement, nothing major have been said, but soon we will meet again for that issue. Good night now, be safe."

reporter: "We have all the info we asked for, back to you in the central"
Nation News beautiful reporter: "Thanks for the report, Sayiid Thikrit."

[Allama]

To: President of the Council of New Delfos, Lex Kazi Delfos, also president of Delfo region
From: Jutensa's Minister of Foreign Relations

We humbly thank you for your offer of aid.  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.  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 nation of New Delfos to accept an 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

[Dysanii]

Although its crops are unaffected by the virus, the Dysanii government understands that it must be contained in order to prevent an economic slump in the region.

Therefore, the government has agreed to send $100,000,000 (one-hundred million dollars) to Jutensa in order to help in the development of a cure for currently infected strains, a formula which if successful could be used by other nations in the area.

[Allama]

A message was sent to Dysanii in response to their offer.

We humbly thank you for your offer of aid.  The funds you have provided will dramatically ease the advance of our research.  All data gained as a result of our current work will be forwarded to your Department of Agriculture.

Soon our embassy complex will be ready and we will be opening diplomatic relations with all comers.  I would like to invite the nation of Dysanii to accept an 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

The following weeks were grueling for the scientists studying and fighting the Sweeping Rice Virus and the governments that sponsored them.  The dormant SRV strains in last year's crop were long dead and no longer deemed a threat, but they found that combating the active virus was even more difficult than they had imagined.  Dozens of failed experiments left the teams searching for a cure demoralized, until the day they all received a message from Minister Tobayashi:

Tomorrow at 4pm there will be an open meeting for all those involved in the SRV Recovery Project at our headquarters in the Capitol.  Those stationed too far afield to attend personally may attend electronically via the web cameras with which you have been provided.

Those whose endeavors require their vigilance at this time need not unduly leave their work and will receive a transcript detailing all that is discussed.

Excitement ran through the ranks as the message was read and the meeting's potential subject debated.  They knew it must be something terribly important, or else they'd not have been called from their posts.

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

Location: SRV Recovery Project Headquarters: Office of Minister Tobayashi
The next day

Aoshi seemed to have taken up permanent residence in his "temporary" office at the SRV HQ and rarely left the building, even to sleep.  On the rare occasion when he did go home to rest, he was usually back before his secretary, Ping, even awoke to come in to work.  A perpetual scowl had lined his typically enthusiastic face, much to her chagrin (as she thought him quite handsome, otherwise) and it was now a constant uphill battle to keep up with him.  Needless to say, she was shocked to see him come in at 9am with a smile on his face and a steaming cup of tea in each hand.

"Good Morning, Ping," he said.

"Good... good morning, Tobayashi-san.  I, I'd thought you were in your office with the door shut all this time!" the young woman stammered, still getting over her surprise.

"Not this morning, no.  It's far too lovely a morning to spend indoors.  I went for a walk around the Capitol and thought I'd pick up some tea when I passed a café."

Ping managed to offer dignified thanks as she took the proffered drink, and sipped hesitantly as the boss she thought of half the time as her charge stepped through the door to his office and disappeared from view.  There would be appointments to reschedule today; of that she was sure.

[Allama]

The atmosphere was charged in the large conference room chosen to host the meeting.  Plain white walls and a faintly bluish-grey carpet added a businesslike but casual feel to the room, as did the upright but comfortable maroon chairs placed in precise, off-set rows.  This did nothing to dispel the obvious aura of anticipation, though the scientists and dignitaries present did not chatter beyond what was appropriate for such an occasion.

As the Minister of Agriculture entered and walked unassumingly to the podium, the few voices to be heard in the crowd quieted and a few of the younger scientists leaned forward expectantly.

"Ladies and gentleman, I see no need for preamble.  We have solved the issue of next year's crops becoming infected."  A hush followed by a cheer was the response, though it was brief as they all desired to hear what came next.

"One of our new-found foreign comrades suggested that, rather than try two-strain combinations, we attempt to splice three together to see if the diverse make-up allows the rice to better combat the plague.  The results were clear: a significantly narrower margin of failure.

As this experiment was on-going, we ran experiments to study the growth of plants infected with the virus pre-germination.  Some of our indigenous rice developed a natural defense; they excreted a small amount of a common chemical that partially neutralized SRV and prevented it from spreading.  Previously, this had been thought to be a natural pest repellant as it is present in many of Jutensa's other flora.  We studied 30 years worth of samples saved from surplus stock and came to a realization.  It would appear it has been producing this chemical as an antidote all along, but the lack of infection over the past decade allowed the rice's evolutionary process to stagnate and plants with a poor defense were allowed to survive.  This led to our entire nation, and those of our neighbors, being vulnerable after the virus attached itself to last year's crop.

The cross-bred rice we developed produced a higher volume of the SRV inhibitor than any single strain alone, so we exploited this to breed a strain with maximum resistance.  In the end, we have a four-strain hybrid that looks and even tastes much like our native variety and has a 99.2% success rate when combating active SRV.

I see hope in your eyes, and I encourage you to hold to it tightly as we push forward to develop enough of this new strain to replace the old and to find a cure for the currently-affected paddies.  Thank you for coming today."

With this, he stepped down and exited before the gathered people had a chance to do more than applaud.

An hour later, messages went out to all involved nations to share the revelation and celebrate the success.

[Delfos]

From: President of the Council of New Delfos, Lex Kazi Delfos, also president of Delfo region.
To : Mrs. Carlotta Bianchi, Minister of Foreign Relations of the nation of Jutensa

He congratulate your excellencies, this achievement is outstanding. Although, we are still doubtful if your nation requires humanitarian aid, and if if you don't have to kill the virus at all if it's not deadly to humans. Please reply to this telegram, we wish to know your needs.

President of New Delfos Council
Lex Kazi Delfos.

[Allama]

Location: SRV Recovery Project Headquarters: Office of Minister Tobayashi
Five minutes after the meeting

Aoshi opened the door the to anteroom adjoining his office, intent on spending some time alone with his thoughts.  He had rarely had time to spend on anything other than his work, and felt that a brief respite was overdue.  It was his turn to be surprised when he came in to find his secretary standing on her desk, fiddling with a light fixture.  "Ping, you're still here?  I thought you were going home early today."

"Y-yes, I was until my sister called to say she didn't need me to watch her son.  I thought I'd stay to finish up some paperwork from this morning."

"I see."  Aoshi's face reflected a strange mix of reluctance and slight confusion.

"I'm sorry.  If you were expecting to have the office to yourself, I can go."

"No, no, it's alright.  You don't have to leave on my account.  ...what are you doing, by the way?"

"Oh, the light was flickering and I thought it would help if I jimmied it a little.  It seems to have worked."  Ping blushed a little as she spoke, as if suddenly aware of her legs being at a level with his face.  "Um, Tobayashi-san?"

"Yes?" he answered, now smiling slightly.

"I can't think of a dignified way to get down with you standing there," she said, gesturing to her fairly tight, knee-length skirt.  It was just the kind of thing that was fashionable among twenty-something clerks and businesswomen, but it did not allow much maneuverability.

Aoshi laughed, and extended his hands.  Taking them both, Ping was able to jump down mostly without incident, at least until her feet touched the ground and she stumbled right into the Minister's arms.  He caught her firmly but gently, and they shared glimpsing eye contact.  It seemed like an hour, standing there with their bodies pressed close and their faces turned towards one another, but after only a few seconds Aoshi let go and Ping stepped away in the same moment.

"I'm... I'm sorry.  I must have slipped," she murmured.

"Quite alright, no harm done," he replied, wincing inwardly as he realized how his words might sound.  "And... please call me Aoshi."

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

Location: Capitol Building, Delegate Living Quarters
Evening

Delegate Bianchi leaned down to stoke the fire in her sitting room.  The marble fireplace was one of the luxurious features of her family's suite, though there were not enough to make it ostentatious.  "Classy," most would call it.  Very Italian.

She walked over to sit in her favorite spot, an ancient green armchair with frayed upholstery and an air of decaying decadence.  No one knew why she liked it so much, but she probably had her reasons.

A figure spoke from the other side of the room, shadows playing across features obscured by the relative darkness.  "We must hope for the best but prepare for the worst, I'm afraid.  Let us, therefore, assume that our entire crop of rice will be lost.  If we devote the entirety of the rice surplus we have stored over the past several years and distribute the surplus of other food products we can spare, we will likely fall short of our internal needs by approximately 12%.  If we manage to save the remaining crops within the next few weeks, 4%.  A month and a half from now: 9%."

Speaker Cheung's face came into view as leaned closer to the fire, sighing and stretching out his hands to enjoy the warmth.  "I feel like I've been in nothing but emergency councils and urgent meetings since my term began."

"Don't fret so much, Li," Carlotta intoned, "You knew it would be like this when you accepted the position."

"Yes, of course.  Truth be told, I relish every moment of it.  Knowing my words and actions help our people lead the lives of comradeship our parents and grandparents fought for gives me great pleasure, but... well, knowing at the same time that a mistake could endanger the peace and equality we have makes things a bit... difficult.  I worry sometimes that I am unfit to make the kinds of decisions upon which so much depends."

Carlotta looked him in the eyes and said, "I know, you're actually quite right to worry.  A wrong move could cost people their lives," Li straightened, taken aback by her words.  She continued, "A leader who does not feel the weight of his responsibility does not properly care for his people.  Your words only show how fit you are to make those decisions."

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

To: President of the Council of New Delfos, Lex Kazi Delfos, also president of Delfo region
From: Jutensa's Minister of Foreign Relations

Your interest and support deserve our most heartfelt thanks and admiration.  After much consideration, we have decided to request humanitarian food aid from our foreign comrades.  Even if we save our crops tomorrow we will run short over the winter.  Any grains you can spare would be much appreciated.

Yours,
Carlotta Bianchi

Similar messages were sent to all of the nations who offered food aid before, and the Parliament awaited their replies.

[tak]

To: Jutensa's Minister of Foreign Relations
From: Royal Takasia Foreign Relations

We are excited to hear that the crop problem is resolved. As a temporary relief, Takasia is sending 1,600 tonnes of Svensk kottbullar and 600,000 litres of airag, sponsored by Stinkapore Tiger Food Inc..

The aid will depart from our port of Stinkapore tomorrow, and will arrive at your port in 2-3 weeks time. The logistics support is sponsored by Marks Sealand.

Sincerely,
Head of Foreign Relations, Aurelius Diplomas

[Allama]

To: Royal Takasia Foreign Relations
From: Jutensa's Minister of Foreign Relations

Your interest and support deserve our most heartfelt thanks and admiration.  We welcome the Svensk kottbullar with open arms; it will allow out people to eat well this winter and into the spring, especially if it arrives frozen.  The airag, however, is unnecessary.  Though the offer is much appreciated, we have no need of alcoholic beverages.

Again, our most sincere thanks.  We hope to some day repay your generosity when you are in need.

Yours,
Carlotta Bianchi

As Carlotta sent the message, she wondered if the people could not have enjoyed a new drink after all.  There would not be much rice put aside for the making of wine this year, though wine made from grapes or plums should still be readily available.  There's always beer, she thought, and that awful "rum" swill that's become so popular for God knows what reason.

[tak]

To: Jutensa's Minister of Foreign Relations
From: Royal Takasia Foreign Relations

At the time we received your message, we have already had the airag stockpiled at the port. We believe it does not harm to have some different alcoholic beverages for your countrymen. We hope you will accept our offer, as a celebration for your relieved crisis.

Sincerely,
Head of Foreign Relations, Aurelius Diplomas

[Zimmerwald]

To: Jutensa's Minister of Foreign Relations

In light of your government's request for humanitarian food shipments, Gallipoli-China has decided to ship 1,200 tonnes of the millet crop to Jutensa.  We regret that we are unable to send rice, but, as you are aware, our northern regions were too scarred by this plague.

Gallipoli-China also wishes to engage the nation of Jutensa in more formal diplomatic relations, and would like to receive an ambassadorial delegation as soon as possible.  We will, of course, reciprocate the favor.

Best wishes,
Aram Caros, Foreign Relations Committee Chairman
Salah Qen, Economics Committee Chairwoman

[Mercantilist States]

Jude Ocampo, the mayor of North Jazzville, sat at his desk rubbing his temples, a bit distressed. His head was pounding.

He had gotten the news that North Jazzville was going to become part of Varkourian Ginto. The letter he had received from Ambassador Jackson and Col. Madison had informed him that all of their individual and property rights would be recognized, and all businesses and the elected town government would continue to operate unimpeded; albeit under Varkourian laws, which Jackson assured were not that much different from their own.

It wasn’t this news necessarily that stressed him out; he had suspected it was coming. It was the worsening food crisis combined with embargo the Department of Commerce had placed on North Jazzville the basically cut them off from the Dominion. This news was just icing on the cake.

He had sent samples of the withering crops to the Department of Commerce and had requested food aid, but hadn’t heard anything back yet. Entire fields were dying every week and if they didn’t receive any food shipments soon, the town wasn’t going to be able to sustain itself.

They really are abandoning us, he thought to himself.

Now he was faced with the decision of checking his pride and turning to Varkour for help, who for all intents and purposes up to this point had been their nemesis, or letting the town basically starve to death. It seemed like an easy decision, yet he was having a hard time making it.

He stared at a blank computer screen, and tried again to draft a letter.