The End of Isolationism

[mustelonivalia]

The communications antennae nestled in the rocky mountainous terrain of the Piliusan peninsula buzzed with activity as they had for over a century. All across the Grand Duchy of Mustelia-Nivalia and its subject principalities, the people went about their daily lives as did those in fascist-ruled Martays to the west. In the halls of each of their opposing governments however, things were a little different.

Ten days earlier, Mustelo-Nivalian intelligence teams had made a startling discovery while sitting in their bunkers in the Freneta region to the east of the Martays-Niess DMZ that cut the peninsula in half. They had reported intercepting messages from the Martaysan fascist state to the west, which once translated by Martaysan-speaking Sibelians -subjects of the Duke- revealed plans to make contact with the other civilizations of the planet, civilizations that had been discovered centuries ago but had been more or less ignored. The Martaysans could not be allowed to sway the rest of the world to their own twisted, racist, godless side- Mustelia-Nivalia would have to do the same or potentially reap the consequences. On the very day of the discovery, the Duke and his noble advisors had began to prepare their message to the world. The peninsula's nearly 2000 year period of isolation had ended in the space of about 23 minutes.

*******
OOC: The following are two encrypted letters (from Martays and Mustelia-Nivalia) radioed to all major neighbouring governments. Also, if it helps the imagination, Niessans are weasels. Martaysans are pine-martens.
*******

Department of Diplomacy
National Republic of Patriot-Socialist Martays

Hail! Hail! Hail!

It is the pleasure of the National Republic and of the High Martaysan Race to greet all other superior species of our great planet. No doubt many of you have been aware of the existence of our small but mighty state, but we, due to the strength and unity of our nation, had the shortsightedness not to seek relations. No more. The Martaysan Race may make up in strength what we lack in numbers, but we are nonetheless a small people. Our rightful land to the east is held in the grip of a superstitious monarch and his weak, inferior Niessan species.

Therefore, we send a message of distress to all those strong peoples who have cast off the burden of kings and gods, and all those who have also united under a wise and pragmatic National Leader. Due, as we all know, entirely to the thieving and sabotage of Niessan spies and our own internal Maraysan traitors, our country is in great need of agricultural supplies or technology. We request aid in those domains, aid that will not be without thanks. As is our belief, war is the great fortifier and unifier of races: through our years of glorious conflict we have gained much in tactical knowledge that we would be more than willing to share with any and all who would deem to aid us in our species' magnificent struggle against archaism and superstition.

-National Father Grjt Jaks

Department of Diplomacy
National Republic of Patriot-Socialist Martays


*******

Ministry of Exterior Relations
United Grand Duchy of Mustelia & Nivalia
Loyal Principalities of Freneta, Sibel & Lutrèol

Salutations

It is the will of his Lordship, Padrìgu IV Nièsmur (Alt Duch de Mustèlia he Nibèlia, Gardièn de Frenèta, Sìbel he Lutrèol), to extend a ducal envoy to all sovereign lands. Due to our bitter, centuries long crusade of independence from the black forces of evil, our most serene duchy has not had the luxury of involving itself in the affairs of the outside world. This desperate day however, we have no choice but to seek an audience with the enlightened rulers of our neighbouring domains.

Three centuries ago, the Niessan and Martaysan peoples suffered the unlawful and illegitimate deposition and murder of the rightful King of Martays-Niess- of whom we [Padrigu IV] are the only spiritual successor. Along with the faithful Martaysan Royalists, we, the Niessans, struggled for four years to hold off the black tides from our own uncorrupted lands in the west. Still today the eastern fascists menace us with their threats and lies from across their putrid border. Many Martaysans have fled to our territory these past centuries, risking torture and execution to escape the famine and desolation that their illegal government has wreaked upon their once great land.

In our domains, both Niessan and Martaysan together faithfully serve their rightful Duke and Princes in brotherhood: we make no distinction so much as they are loyal to their lord. Our Duchy only wishes to remain independent, nothing more. We therefore beseech all those who believe in the right of monarchs, in tradition, in religion and in the equality of species before God, to disregard the entreaty of the Armed Republic of Martays.

-Padrìgu IV Nièsmur

Ministry of Exterior Relations
United Grand Duchy of Mustelia & Nivalia
Loyal Principalities of Freneta, Sibel & Lutrèol

[Kingdoms of Cal]

Foreign Secretary Al and the Special Royal Ambassador Princess Lyie were having one of there semi regular meetings in what was referred to in official channels as committee room 7P. To most people it was the Old Oak Pub just down the road from the parliamentary complex, a surprising amount for government work was done in places like this.

Princess Lyie ws a leefin (black puma) of some what advancing years, though she didn't show it. She had managed to keep her figure and had an ageless grace about her. She wore the traditional sari like dress of her people, she often drunk in this bar as no one would ever think she would. She did get the odd look from people as they tried to place her face before coming to the conclusion that it couldn't be her.

Al was a teerie, he was a good decade or so younger than Lyie and dressed in a pair of jeans that had seen better days and a tee shirt. Along with being foreign sectary he was also head of the second party in the minority coalition government, the Freedom party. The freedom party was basically an alliance of anarchist groupings, Al had the record for leading it for the longest with out it shattering.

The monarch and the anarchist were looking over the latest reports from the foreign office and had come across the two messages.

Al poked at the first one "Whatcha make of this?"

Lyie looked at the message, she raised and eyebrow.

"Hmmm I would say put them on the watch pile, we have enough troubles to deal with with out dealing with another objectionable group." she said picking up her glass of red wine.

Al put down his beer then said "Yeah, expansionist, with what looks like a little racism thrown in for good measure. But I duno you could invite them over to inleef and watch them have a heart attack."

Lyie smiled "I could see how that could be rather amusing, a short tour of the temples and my palace then to teer for the full moon celebrations?"

Al laughed "Naw, you would want them to remember being here, I was more thinking of sending them down to sanctuary after that. See how they deal with hybes*"

Lyie smiled "quite"

She tilted her head looking at the other communication, "hmm".

Al took a swig of his beer and looked quizzically at Lyie.

"These people might be worth contacting as they seem to be the ones the others have a problem with." She said looking at the communication.

Al looked at it "Hmm, you might be onto something. As they seem to be a monarchy why don't you run with this one? But keep me in the loop." he said.

Lyie nodded and conversation went back to other matters.

*Hybe = Visible hybrid teer/<something or combination of things>
---
The message carried the seal of the lucan council and inleef royal seal along with the princess's personal seal.

To:
Padrìgu IV Nièsmur
Ministry of Exterior Relations
United Grand Duchy of Mustelia & Nivalia
Loyal Principalities of Freneta, Sibel & Lutrèol

From: Special Royal Ambassador Lyie Princess Of Leefins
The Lucan Council
The Royal Commonwealth Of Kingdoms, Principalities And Duchies Of Cal, The Isles of Teer, Sae, Inleef and Emass.

Greetings Padrìgu IV Nièsmur

Your message has reached sympathetic ears, we like you are a people with many nobles as our name may suggest. We will not aid your enemies and would in fact welcome an envoy from your nation.

Perhaps we can talk of fostering a greater relationship between out diverse peoples and perhaps we come to some mutually beneficial agreements. How ever this is your choice and we will not interfere with your nation, nor shall we push for further engagement should your people wish not to pursue this.

Yours

Lyie Princess Of Leefins

[The Union of Tinis]

"On the lighter side of things..." said the aid with a smirk, "We've gotten word from that mustelid populated peninsula. Actually a few."

The fox behind the desk looked up confused. "Let me try to remember, Mustelia, Frantia, Nivel, Lutreeia, Sibia, and the other separate one, Marty."

"Uh, close First Speaker," said the aid before handing the print outs of the translated letters.

After a minute of reading, the fox got a smirk. "Oh good fate. I think we just got an opportunity."

"The monarchy seems like, well, friendly sounding at the very least. The other one... well, sound a bit..."

"Fascist?" said Lenord with a grin. "Yes, but they're calling themselves Socialists. I think we have the start of the next campaign right here. But we need to act. We need to get in there."

The aid, with a very confused look. Someone flew by outside the window behind the aid. "So we're going to make contact with the Duchy?"

"Nope. They are effectively irrelevant for my idea to work. Though talking to them second might not be a bad idea provided we can get some intel on them. Who else got these messages?"

The aid shrugged. "I'm not entirely sure. The message was sent out to a number of nations out east within their radio range, so potentially everyone from E-mess up to New Gar-nuke-istan. We got lucky with picking it up I think. We're not exactly local."

"Alright, good. Then that means there is likely to be someone talking to the less insane people."

The aid suddenly looked a little concerned. "Are you suggesting we talk to the Martaysians?"

Lenord grinned. "Of course. On the world's stage we can pretend we didn't get the other message right? Or that it took us longer to get it here. We get a call for help. And say hello. It makes the news. We suddenly discover that yes they are crazy socialist-fascists, and condemn them. And then we can start calling the socialists in our own country fascists. Its a win win situation yes?"

The aid, not wishing to be fired on the spot gave a hesitant nod. "Uh, then, uh, what are we going to say to them?"

-----

To:
National Father Grjt Jaks
Department of Diplomacy
National Republic of Patriot-Socialist Martays
From: Department of State, Union of Tinis

Hail and well met.

The great nation of the Union of Tinis is a charitable nation that seeks a harmonious existence between all free and just peoples. We hope that you can forgive our lack of understanding of your nation and its peoples. We have had no real interest or dealings with any of the people's of your peninsula and as such are woefully ignorant of your plight.

From what we could tell from your message, not entirely clear is it was due to us being quite distant from your shores, it sounded as if you were afflicted with a conflict that was pushing your people towards the point of starvation. We are sending a ship to be within radio receiver range presently and hope that you can clarify what it is exactly that is happening. We are very concerned for the well being of good and innocent people but do not wish to rush head long into a situation that we do not understand.

-Office of the Secretary of State

-----

In reality, the message was not approved by the actual Secretary of State. He stormed out in protest. It was just written and sent from the physical office by the opportunist fox.

[mustelonivalia]

****
(OOC: Busy, Martays respone coming soon)
****

The 26 year-old niessan -who looked at first glace more like 16- raised his lean body from his chair and began to pace back and forth across the small but cosy wood-panelled chamber, his forepaw nervously scratching the top of his brown and white furred head. The past 90 minutes had been the only pause in Rigu’s deliberation in close to 20 hours. At the end of the day he had the final word on how to deal with political crises; he was the government. The mustelid's pacing was finally interrupted by the gravelly voice of the guard just outside the room.

“Your Highness, sègnur Nèylac de Guèncu requests immediete audience”

“Let him in” Rigu ordered, hiding his utter relief and trying to sound as imperious as possible.

“The sègnur is entering presently”

The padded door swung open and the tall form of another of Rigu’s musteline species marched stiffly inside, saluting. Like Rigu, he was clad in formal military dress, with baggy yellow pants and a brownish-yellow officer's kepi. As soon door clunked to a shut behind him, the noblenies – a few years younger than the Duke- dropped his salute and slouched into an armchair without waiting to be bidden, directly across from where Rigu had quickly seated himself. Unlike usual, Neyl wasn’t grinning like an idiot. The ruler of Mustelia-Nivalia didn’t waste a second.

“Any news Neyl?”

“Yep, we got one response”

“Who?”

“The Royal Commonwealth.” Neyl nodded and rolled his eyes. “Yes, the anarchist monarchy, that one. We’ve printed a copy of the message. I suggest you read it.”

“Oh shi-...I mean great. Here, chuck it over.”

That was the great thing about dealing with Neyl as a foreign policy advisor. They had been friends since infancy pretty much and they could communicate very quickly and pragmatically without all the “if it pleases his Highness” formalities making everything take three times as long. There were a few nobles with whom he could do that sort of thing and he made sure he kept them in crucial positions in which speed and frankness were of the essence. Rigu’s pitch-black eyes scanned the letter carefully before he scrunched into a ball and threw it into the fake gas fireplace at his side, as was custom.

“Okay, tell them full diplomatic ties is a go. We need any potential allies we can get. Write the letter and get on the plane yourself- you’re the foreign minister”.

“Righto”

“Oh- and make it all lordly, no sense being inconsistent with my own letter. Throw in a few God references too, otherwise the archbishop of Frenet will have your arse doing public penance for a month”.

To: Special Royal Ambassador Lyie Princess Of Leefins
The Lucan Council
The Royal Commonwealth Of Kingdoms, Principalities And Duchies Of Cal, The Isles of Teer, Sae, Inleef and Emass.

From: Sègnur Nèylac de Guèncu
Ministry of Exterior Relations
United Grand Duchy of Mustelia & Nivalia
Loyal Principalities of Freneta, Sibel & Lutrèol

Your Highness

It is the desire of my lord and liege, the most legitimate Grand Duke of Mustelia & Nivalia, to accept Your Highness's gracious proposal of more formal diplomatic ties. It is the will of God, and his Ducal Highness's belief, that now is the time for our domains to take a greater part in contributing to those outside of our borders. I, Sègnur Nèylac de Guèncu, have gladly accepted my liege's request to function as an envoy to your country.

-Sègnur Nèylac de Guèncu, loyal vassal of Grand Duke Padrìgu IV Nièsmur

Ministry of Exterior Relations
United Grand Duchy of Mustelia & Nivalia
Loyal Principalities of Freneta, Sibel & Lutrèol

[aatuylva]

Lovely.

War Minister Michael Stidham looked over the transcripts of two recently recorded radio broadcasts that were layed out on his desk. A similar situation to what his own nation was in quite a while ago, albeit, still radically different than anything he was used to.

"Sir? Do we respond?"

"Yes."

"To which one?"

"Both of them, this is a Confederacy, it's made up of many nations, that can do whatever they want. The moment one of these newcomers proves themselves to be not someone we'd want to interact with, then Aatuylva on a whole chooses not to interact with them."

"Do you think that's wise?"

"The worst case scenario is that they attempt to bring us into their war, which, considering what we've been doing for so long, and with better technology, we'd just cut them both a deal and sell them technologies and supplies they need or can't produce on their own, and it's win/win. It's not like either of them would want to slog halfway across the continent and then across mountains and jungles just to throw a missile at us. If they even have missiles...what do we know about these people? Have one of Wira's wolves chat up some of the diplomats from Tinis, they usually have their claws into everything."

"Who do we tell to-"

"Cedric and Heshel. Cedric needs to get out a little bit, he's been under the weather since the Governor went ill, and Heshel's sure to want to hook his claws into these Martays in order to secure contracts...knowing him he'd try and smuggle in all sorts of vile contraband, but that's no matter to me. It'll give those two something to do while I attempt to sway the rest of the Council to my favor."

_____________________________

To: Padrìgu IV Nièsmur, Alt Duch de Mustèlia he Nibèlia, Gardièn de Frenèta, Sìbel he Lutrèol
Ministry of Exterior Relations
United Grand Duchy of Mustelia & Nivalia
Loyal Principalities of Freneta, Sibel & Lutrèol

From: Royal Consul Cedric Carver
Kingdom of Accallia
Confederacy of Aatuylva

Greetings to his Lordship the rightful ruler, Grand Duke Padrìgu IV Nièsmur from the Royal Consul, Arbitrator, and Regent of Accallia (in the absence the very late King Arturo Marre and his family, Gods save their souls) of Accallia.
You are not alone in this, for we too have had to deal with the upheaval caused by the loss of our King, and have faced civil war many times. I am afraid that I am not as familiar with your government as I should be, for we too have only recently come out of isolation. As such, it would probably be best if we could arrange a diplomatic meeting, either personally or with members of your diplomatic corps, in order to exchange information, as I cannot commit more than the most basic of aid without properly meditating upon the decision, I hope you understand.

Sincerely,
--- Cedric Carver

________________________________

To:National Father Grjt Jaks
Department of Diplomacy
National Republic of Patriot-Socialist Martays

From:Alpha Lord and Consul Heshel Goldtail
City-state of Arvor
The Lupine Commonwealth of Ai'lupitar
Confederacy of Aatuylva

Many greetings good sir, and may your hunting be fruitful!
Your pleas do not go unheeded in your time of need, for the evils of attempting to starve out ones enemies is cowardice, and against Ai'lupan sensibilities!

I fear, however, that our two nations would be quite different, especially concerning matters of religion, but under the banner of Glorious Warfare all are equal, and we too have had conflicts with so called 'royals' in the past, and I may be able to assist in some of your troubles.

Unfortunately, as I'm sure you can understand, I cannot commit any of our more, intricate, devices without learning more from you, as mutual isolation from both parties has left me with almost no knowledge about you, least of all being where exactly to send the supplies.

I await your response with much trepidation, and wish you luck in your endeavors,

--- Alpha Lord Heshel Goldtail

[Kingdoms of Cal]

Princess Lyie was talking to Supreme High priestess Tyie, they got on well now. The sisterhood swore elegance to no one but there goddesses, this had been a pivotal matter in the civil-war. Despite being one of the only parts of the commonwealth that had an organised religion they and the crown, thus state, where separate. In truth they had spent enos in a cold war, but things had changed. Strictly speaking Inleef had been a theocracy under the sisterhood, but Tyie and lyie had, had the lest bloody civil-war in history. Between declaration and peace it had take about five minutes and no-one outside the room even knew it happened. The thing was there was no way the sisterhood could turn power back to Lyie and the commonwealth. Well other than a "war" and "surrender"...Lyie didn't notice Tyie had changed the terms and switched the agreement. Lyie had taken this in good humour as she should have seen it coming.

Tyie smiled "Look I'm waiting for the mess that will happen when they notice I won't swear elegance, any way?"

Lyie looked at Tyie "So what do you make of this lot?"

Tyie shrugged "I am not sure, they are religious, but other than the zion jews we don't have much experience with other organised religions. Well that and they seem Abrahamic. Those people tend to look down on other Abrihamic beliefs."

Lyie looked a little confused "But we do not follow an Abrihamic belief well no one but the zionic do."

Tyie sighed "Abrihamic types tend hate people that don't even more."

Lyie smiled "Well, they are coming to inleef first."

Tyie put her head in her paws "This can not end well."

Lyie glared at Tyie and whipped her tail "You will be there."

Tyie looked at her and smiled "Nope, Call your guards and force me...Oh yes you can't. Not against me or my sisters, we are independent of all your powers."

Lyie sighed "You got me well on that. I can't touch you, but my own personal guard can only carry ceremonial weapons. The temple guard is not so restricted. I'm a monarch I don't want to crawl to the government, they would provide me with non-leefin's."

Tyie smiled "OK, I can put on your show, only leefin...But it will cost you."

Lyie sighed "What? Money? Political favours?"

Tyie grinned "You start showing up a temple from time to time."

Lyie sighed "Agreed."
-----
To: Sègnur Nèylac de Guèncu
Ministry of Exterior Relations
United Grand Duchy of Mustelia & Nivalia
Loyal Principalities of Freneta, Sibel & Lutrèol

From: Special Royal Ambassador Lyie Princess Of Leefins
The Lucan Council
The Royal Commonwealth Of Kingdoms, Principalities And Duchies Of Cal, The Isles of Teer, Sae, Inleef and Emass.

Greeting

I am glad that you wish to open up relations, I thought it would be best that you came to my kingdom first. We take the title of princess out of respect for one long missing, we are not a mere principality.

I thought it might be best for you to rest a little before talking to the political class, they are annoying, we prefer to keep them out at arm's length.

Yours

Lyie Princess of leefins"

What was attached was a little more practical.

"If your emissary is arriving by sea please tell us of it nature, should it be by air it would be help full to know your flight path.

Yours
Inca
(Protector of the Commonwealth)"

Attached were the location of acline airport and Anline port.

----

Inca sighed after the message was sent.

"This has Charley Foxtrot written all over it why did you agree to this?"

"Because I love to see lyie squirm. As well this is the only place that the government can't stop me. She will have her guard." Came the voice from the other room.

"But, they will be acting out with the chain of command." Inca sighed.

"Well not yet, I'm not lucan council yet and will I think they might let that lye."

"But my..."

Inca was the head of all of the armed forces in the commonwealth, he was a leefin.

"Come to bed."

"But what will they think." Inca was worried.

"What that I'm influencing you?"

"Well yes." Inca muttered

"You saved my life and doing it this way you have no control. I know you hate that. I can call leefin regiments to be the honour guard."

"Yes" Inca sighed.

"Everywhere but here you are far more powerful than me."

"But you will be lucan council, on your terms" Inca muttered.

"Look are you coming to bed? I know you like me in charge there"

"But..."

A leg a appeared round the corner, a very shapely, fur covered leg.

Tyie's head poked round the corner "Don't worry the goddess's will look after all of this."

Inca was still looking at the table.

"I can't see this working our well." Inca muttered

Tyie draped herself round him and smiled "Bed time, those people you refuse to believe in keep you safe now bed?"

"But..." Tyie put a finger on his lips.

"You never see this tactic do you? Come on let's enjoy the night before it hits the fan?" Tyie smiled.

"We..This is unfair" Inca smiled.

"Heck why fight someone on there own terms? When you know there weakness." Tyie smiled.

"Because they will build a defence."

"Is that likely in this situation?" Tyie stroked inca's face.

* a requisition was put in for a new table the next day.

[miokalia]

Secretary Tycho sat uncomfortably looking over the two transcripts from the two countries.
Finally he said,
"I agree with this Martays place up until the point where they declare their neighbor to be an inferior species.

But the Duchy isn't really gaining my favor either."

Sudo to the Apparateur, Andertol walked through the office and said, "The de-facto policy is to recognize both governments."

The secretary really wished that Andy didn't have the keys to every room in every building in the block, and said,
"I know you want to support Martays. But that last line of the first paragraph speaks volumes about the leadership."

"What?", Andy seemed shocked, "Oh no.

I think we should first establish a dialogue with Martays simply because there is more of a chance that we might be able to conduct effective diplomacy with them."

"Are you crazy?", asked Tycho, "They want to start a war, and from the rhetoric used in their appeal, I wouldn't be surprised if they want to conduct a genocide against the Niessan species.

Species, Andy. Species. We can't condone that."

Andertol stared blankly for a minute and then asked,
"Who's Secretary Al or Prime Minister Salato preferring?"

"Well", Tycho opened a notebook and said, "Actually Princess Liye seems to have actively started a dialogue with the Duchy."

"Ok, that's who we're going to contact first.

I think I'm going to let Apparateur Qualt's ilk contact Martays.", said Andy before wafting out of the room.

"I'll have Kimi get that started... oh he's gone", Tycho said, looking up.


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


To: Padrìgu IV Nièsmur
Ministry of Exterior Relations
United Grand Duchy of Mustelia & Nivalia
Loyal Principalities of Freneta, Sibel & Lutrèol

From: Secretary Kimi Pickford
Apparat of Foreign Affairs
The Federal Republic of Miokalia and Tajirates of Talarine, Tasea and Digasdans

Greetings Padrìgu IV Nièsmur.

We have received your message and understand that you are in a dire situation. Despite our differences in ideology and philosophical methodology we find that we sympathize with your nation.
As such, we find it ethically prohibitive to militarily aid Martays as there exists a greater divide between their values and our own.

What speaks most to us is that you value the equality of species, something which the fascist regime to your west does not. This value bridges cultural divides and resonates within the different values of our diverse peoples. This universal truth is cause to build ties regardless of the mode through which it was realized.

We would welcome an envoy or ambassador from your nation if you so choose.

Regards,

Secretary Kimi Pickford.

[The Anean Star Empire]

To: Padrìgu IV Nièsmur
Ministry of Exterior Relations
United Grand Duchy of Mustelia & Nivalia
Loyal Principalities of Freneta, Sibel & Lutrèol

From: The New Gracaria Ministry of Foreign Affairs

While it is not in our nature to take sides, particularly when first meeting, but after reviewing both you and the other nation we find more in common with your people.

Our populace, as a whole, is a very tradition bound and religious group. While we are but a colony of a much larger nation - the Anean Star Empire - we are independent in conducting diplomacy on this planet.

However, as I am sure you would expect, we find it much easier to conduct diplomacy face to face. If you wish, we can set up a meeting in either your nation or on our island.

Either way, I do look forward to potentially setting up friendly relations with your people.

Sincerely,
Nakhi Welhan
Governor-Militant of New Gracaria