07.12i: Church and State

[Joshua]

A thousand voices speak in unison. "Are you finally willing to talk?*"
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*: Probably a reference to all the miscommunications that have come before.

[khadjair]

"I/We have always been willing to talk, we were just ignorant as to how. I assure that we regret the.. unpleasantness that has come before." He pauses, taking a breath.

"We are not as you, but I have been granted the ability to speak on our behalf, so we can discuss, even negotiate if that is your wish. First, introductions. We can best be referred to, in collective, as 'Amber'. How would you wish to be referred to?

[Joshua]

"Amber, you need to train your mouthpieces better. Theotropolis will do for my name." Again, clearly thousands of voices speaking at one. "Are you claiming strength or weakness* in this case?"
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*: Are you making demands or begging mercy**?
**: And what might they be?

[khadjair]

"The name is not unfamiliar to us; it would have been presumptuous to simply assume, however. As for our position of power, we approach as cautious equals. In the interest of neither of us requiring nor requesting mercy of the other."

"As for what we-as-Amber wish, it is simple. We wish to open diplomacy. Discuss common interests, and negotiate conflicts. To basically begin anew our relations. Some of our number were subject to what seemed to be attacks; we do not demand reparations but want to understand what we can do to prevent such unpleasantness from occurring unnecessarily."

Cameron has pulled his notebook out and is scribbling frantically; if Lane were to look it's a form of shorthand*, and there are a number of scribbles and strikeouts. He is actually drafting what he's going to say in the moments before he speaks it, judging from his hesitations. He is also taking down either notes or quotations from Theotropolis's side of the conversation.

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* - It's a simple notation, one gesture or stroke per phoneme. Not difficult, but not easily sight-readable without a little training as it's written as a continuous string.

[Joshua]

"Interests?" The voices will ask. "In peace, there is only expansion and order. In conflict, there is the motivation of fear. That is acceptable." It will pause. "Are you young enough to be concerned with the loss of a few*?"
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*: It's a trap!

[khadjair]

"Expansion and order, we believe, are of mutual benefit. Fear is not. As such, peace is the logical choice of goal. Amber's position itself is rare if not unique amongst the worlds; as such order benefits we-who-are-Amber well."

"As for age... You ask the wrong question. Amber stands strong and resolute, and is more than capable of self-defense should it become necessary. As scholars have written, 'the best battle is the one you do not have to fight'. This is our understanding, and one we hope you share."

"That having been said, expansion and order implies a certain desire for a sphere of influence. What are you interests, in the broadest strokes?"

Cameron is sweating but he keeps his voice calm and measured, with the slightest hint of confidence.

[Joshua]

"Not so ruled by intensity are we?" There is a long pause. "What are you willing to share about this power source you have? It is outside my experience. And how are you content with less than everything?"

[khadjair]

"That is... difficult to explain; we are in honestly still discovering properties of it, though there are several here who have mastered it to some degree or another. Its most important attribute seems to be that it casts shadows across existence, with all that seems to imply and more."

Cameron pauses, underlining something on his notes, with a quick scribble not in shorthand: "Crap, that might have revealed too much"

"As for accepting less than everything, that is only common sense - one can lay claim to everything, but it is so vast that it could not be effectively ruled. There are natural boundaries that need to be found; that is why we seek diplomacy. So that places where our spheres conflict we can come to reasonable resolution, and accidental incursions need not escalate to warfare. There are other things out in the worlds that could be a threat to both our existences - as such an ally, or even simply a neutral border, is of inestimable value."

[Joshua]

"Interesting." They(?) pause. "If you are above*, then the view makes it okay. If you are the ground**, then you must build to the sky. Amber, perhaps I could consent to be your moat***, but you would need to accept my call for help should I encounter what you have called a mutual enemy. Still, would that mean you would assist me in accumulating enough to be your first line of defense? Surely, if one wishes a moat, it must encompass the grounds*****."
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*: More real?
**: There's a lot of options here. I think the metaphor is fairly clear.****
***: For now...
****: I hope.
*****: 0/~ Just pay me back, with one thousand shadows. 0/~

[khadjair]

Cameron considers this for a bit, nodding to himself,before speaking.

"Understand that I am empowered to begin negotiations and make sure there were no more misunderstandings, and I think we definitely are there. Amber agrees in principle to what is proposed - a mutual non-aggression and defense pact would be a good start. As you say, a moat is a good defense, and is best when it is strong and complete."

"Relations are best accomplished through diplomacy - did you wish to establish an official embassy here, or continue communicating in this fashion? Amber would be amenable to both, so the decision here is up to your preferences. Together we can thrive and weather whatever storms come from beyond the horizons."

Cameron wipes a bit of sweat off his brow, but smiles. "Is there anything more to discuss? While I am appointed representative for this time, others may also speak for Amber in the future. Is this acceptable?"