Senate: Misc [Treaty] First Draft of Lorath Armstice Treaty

[Luca]

Today was a tense day for Mr. Winsbury as he sat down at his desk, the darunia doll still missing one eye and an empty glass of water. All eyes were upon him and his collaboration with Senator Mifune. Many mouths were breathing down the Nepleslian's neck, but this wasn't the first time he'd felt the fire.

"Ladies, gentlemen, today I am putting forward our first draft of our treaty with the Lorath, as written by Senator Mifune and I."

Lorath and Yamatai Armistice Treaty of YE 34

What follows is a draft proposed to the Senate of the Yamatai Star Empire, in hopes that it will be found agreeable by the parties involved, and in the sincere wish that it shall deter all aggressive actions by the same, in regards and regarding the area of the Yugumo Cluster, formerly known as the United Outer Colonies, and all of its formerly subsidary independent entities, to include the entity known as the Lorath Matriarchy.


Section 1 - Statements of Sovereignty
1.a The Yamatai Star Empire recognizes the Lorath Matriarchy as a seperate state and entity. No move will be made to reincorporate the Lorath Matriarchy, to consist of the systems Lor, Nyli, and Hi'ci Emi, into the Yamatai Star Empire. Yamatai recognizes these as under the de facto intergalactic sovereignty of the Lorath Matriarchy, and that they are no longer part of the United Outer Colonies, now defunct.

1.b The Lorath Matriarchy agrees to recognize the former United Outer Colonies that were evacuated and are now being repopulated as de jure sovereign territory of the Yamatai Star Empire and will not interfere with repopulation or future reclamation efforts to enforce this sovereignty. These systems shall include; Jiyuu, Asura, Gensou, Koukotsu, Mitsuya, Siren, and Yuujou.

1.c Further expansion in any direction by either party shall require an immediate and public declaration of sovereignty and consistent, earnest patrol over the astral territory thusly claimed. Failure to do either shall nullify any claims thusly leveled, and that claim shall not be thereafter recognized for the purposes of either Yamataian or Lorath sovereignty in regards to any stipulations of this treaty.


Section 2 - Trade regulations
2.a The Lorath Matriarchy shall transport no item listed as contraband, nor criminal person or artificial intelligence, through the astral territories of the Yamatai Star Empire, and all civilian or commercial freight shall be subject to a customs inspection. However, military ships shall only be subject to a customs inspection when their destination is a station or planet belonging to Yamatai. Yamatai recognizes the sovereignty of the Lorath upon their own military vessels on active deployment and shall only seize them under the stipulations of this article.

2.b No slaves may be transported through Yamataian astral territories as freight or in attendance to their owners. Yamatai does not recognize the potential for a person's status as property, therefore all interstellar travelers passing through Yamataian astral territory will be declared in accordance with Lor law free persons, or shall receive such upon entrance by the Yamatai Star Empire.

2.c The Yamatai Star Empire shall commercially transport no item through the Lorath astral territories listed by those territories as contraband, and shall be subject to the same stipulations as detailed in article 2.a.


Section 3 - Mutual Non-aggression
3.a The Lorath Matriarchy and the Yamataian Empire agree to have a mutual relationship of non-aggression. Both parties will agree not to conduct overt or covert warfare against each other directly or by proxy under any pretence, order or mandate.


Section 4 - The Creation of an Embassy
4.a The Lorath Matriarchy and the Yamataian Empire will agree to uphold an embassy towards each other on their respective capitals. These embassies are to facilitate clear communication and diplomatic relations between the two nations and are subject to all stipulations as detailed in article 3.a.

Mifune had done the heavy lifting in writing a bulk of the Treaty since Winsbury trusted her knowledge of the Yamataian psyche and expectation management, with Winsbury writing the last two parts of mutual non-aggression and setting up embassies as well as getting the motion started in the first place and brushing up on Lorath history.

In all, a semi-equal effort. It was something for two people to do. Senator Mifune herself, however, seemed strangely absent. The Nepleslian senator's eyes looked for her, and found only the scrutinising faces of the other senators. Maybe she's running late or delayed. He tried to rationalise.

Winsbury reached for his glass of water after submitting the document, but found it empty. He poured himself a new glass from a jug and took a deep drink. He wasn't sweating a poor reaction from the militarised arm of the senate - not yet anyway.

 

[Wes]

To: Senate of Yamatai
From: Her Imperial Majesty Himiko I of Yamatai

The Empress of Yamatai hereby gives her general approval of this treaty, with suggestions for the following changes:

SECTION 1B: Add: Yuukan system, Kotoku system, Tange System, Miyamae system.

SECTION 1C: Remove section 1C, as procedures on territorial claims are not treaty-specific but rather national policy.

Note: It is the policy of Yamatai that a territorial claim can be held by a orbital survey probe, a structure on the surface, or temporarily by a Yamataian government or military ship.

- - -

Senator Ketsurui Hanako submits the Empress' suggestions as a motion to change.

 

[Nashoba]

Gunther pulled up the proposed document on his PHC. He carefully reviewed it. Then turning off the display took a moment to consider it.

He turned towards Winsbury, he was about to speak when Himiko's declaration came in.

Well, that certain cuts off my discussion points. I do not like it. he thought.

"I would like to go on record of having a number of concerns, they fall into the matter of points of order.

It would be presumptuous for this body to seek to fashion and approve a treaty with another government, especially when they are not involved in the discussion. So this discussion should be framed in a manner of a discussion points or proposals only, and not a final document.

Otherwise it could be construed that we are issuing terms to the Lorath. These are people who have no small amount of enmity against us.

Further, looking at the Constitution, if we were to proceed with this we would be over reaching our authority. This is a matter for the Imperial Premier, as stipulated in the following chapter of the Constitution.

The Imperial Premier is vested with the power to conduct foreign affairs on behalf of the Empire and to create treaties with other nations, subject to approval by the Emperor or Empress of Yamatai.

I would suggest that this document be sent to the Premier as a starting point for her to work with the Lor.

And as to the matter of Embassies. This is a tricky subject. First we have no laws or agreements defining the establishment thereof, the rights granted to. Legalities regarding their staff and such while within our borders. This matter alone should really preclude our moving forward until that is dealt with.

I must say that given the attitudes displayed in the past by the Lor, I would not be comfortable with them establishing an Embassy without having these worked out, and can anyone here say that the Lorath will be comfortable with an Embassy on their world."

He sat back down, and waited to see what others would say.

 

[Fred]

"Mister Gunther, you are being a little redundant," Kotori's projection pointed out. "We already agreed in a previous discussion to have the senate compose and deliberate over a draft, which would then be presented to the Imperial Premier as suggestion for a treaty between our state and theirs."

"I don't see why our honored Empress would not be entitled to the right of providing suggestions to our work in progress."

"Moving on: I'm at a loss to understand why we are so adamant to make grabs for the sovereignty of former UOC worlds. Yes, we have Task Force Lantern over there, but why do we even care? Isn't the point of the treaty for the Lorath to leave us well alone and to no longer have anything to do with them? Why a preemptive landgrab close to them then? We have plenty of other worlds to watch over and steward beyond those part of the UOC fiasco."

"Also, I agree to the concerns regarding embassies. I'll admit I do not want them either: I still consider the Lorath dangerous and conniving - treaty or not - and I don't want our people exposed to them if it can at all be helped."

 

[Nashoba]

"Madam, perhaps you failed to note that the other topic was regarding an Embargo, not a Treaty. And it is also apparent that you failed to note that I was not present for said discussion. So it is within my rights to voice any concerns I have regardless of if you consider them redundant. I would not be doing my job or representatives if I did not voice them." Gunther replied.

 

[Fred]

Kotori's projection eyed Gunther, not choosing to make a rejoinder, but it was obvious she was not too impressed with his reply. There was, after all, such a thing as 'homework'.

"I still want to know why we are so adamant in claiming former UOC territory, or so it appears to me in point 1B," she cooly reiterated. "I would personally think it wiser to give them elbow room."

"Also, my concern about the embassies stands. I do not see each other as friendly enough to toe-in with each other like that without repercussions. Would contact between our governments via relayed interstellar communications and at the yearly International Relations Conferences not be enough?"

 

[Wes]

Kyoto, Yamatai - Based on many factors including the NMX invasion of the UOC, the disappearance of Crown Prince Tio, Star Army fact-finding missions, and recent knowledge that the UOC Prime Minister Ayana surrendered the UOC to the NMX, the Yamataian Star Empire officially declared today that the UOC had ceased to exist as a government. In light of this, the Empress of Yamatai declared that the UOC-YSE treaty of YE 30 was nullified.

The immediate effect of this is that all territorial possessions and citizens of the UOC are now considered to be part of the Yamatai Star Empire.

"This remains the stance of the Empire," Hanako told Kotori. "Because those systems were part of the UOC, they are now part of Yamatai."

"Perhaps we should send for a Lorath diplomatic representative," Hanako suggested.

 

[Fred]

"I see. Thank you." Kotori nodded, a frown marring her brow. That was something she could have done her homework on. She had really been more focused on it being Winsbury and Mifune's intentions than any past political declaration. Hanako's suggestion of calling for a Lorath representive seemed premature, as that would be more within the purview of Premier Yuumi.

She joined her sleeves. "It strikes me that resestablishing ourselves within their vicinity is going to keep us in closer contact with them than we would like. We'll be in the way of any local expansion on thier part, for that matter. This will likely cause friction sooner or later."

"But if that is not up for debate," the black-haired princess allowed herself a lame shrug, "then the matter that remains a concern for me is about the embassies."

 

[Kyle]

Yuki Asunane stared at the document, sitting in her chair having only arrived at the senate not to long ago. She was scrutinizing it, looking for anything that might be incorrect or something that could be changed.

Her pacifist side of her, the part of her family most well known as Anisa, was staring at the section that dealt with grabbing potential territory - although as she listened to those in attendance she couldn't help but wonder if there was a bigger reason for this treaty.

"An Embassy I don't think will work," spoke the senator calmly. "We are not on good terms with them, so an embassy might not work and in reality might put some of our people in needless danger, so we gotta find another means of cultivating friendship."

"Mmm.. a fresh start..." muttered Yuki.

 

[Andrew]

Minato looked over the document, her emerald eyes seemed to lose their light as she read the components of the treaty.

2.b No slaves may be transported through Yamataian astral territories as freight or in attendance to their owners. Yamatai does not recognize the potential for a person's status as property, therefore all interstellar travelers passing through Yamataian astral territory will be declared in accordance with Lor law free persons, or shall receive such upon entrance by the Yamatai Star Empire.

"I find the section in regards to their slave status to be abhorrently misguided. You can label people whatever you want when you hit our borders but it does not mean they are not still slaves." Minato shook her head in disapproval, "This is too enabling, our policy should be reflective of our own laws. Ships carrying slaves shouldn't be permitted into our territories. Perhaps the inconvenience of having to find alternative transit route will urge them to stop this despicable practice."

Minato said upon a second read, "I don't see why their ships should be moving through our territories to begin with. It places them too close to our civilian populations and even worse, within scanning range of our depots and fleet yards. "

Section 4 - The Creation of an Embassy
4.a The Lorath Matriarchy and the Yamataian Empire will agree to uphold an embassy towards each other on their respective capitals. These embassies are to facilitate clear communication and diplomatic relations between the two nations and are subject to all stipulations as detailed in article 3.a.

"In regards to section four." Minato continued, "This comes down to a situation of 'not in my backyard'. I think it is safe to say, judging from the responses elicited prior to me, and within the will of my own constituents, I don't believe anyone wants to see a Lorath embassy on their planet. These people have displayed their hatred for us over and over. Who would want to host them? Do we want them in the Capital? The only context I see within this document that holds any validity is that we should have an agreement of non-aggression with them." She rested her position, not providing a vote, merely insight. Hopefully it would urge the presenting senators to consider modifications to the treaty. There seemed to be more at play, it didn't make sense for the Empire to start making symmetrical agreements with aggressors.

 

[raz]

“Tami agrees with the Empress’ amendments,” Yusuke said from his spot as a violet-haired juni whispered something in his hear. “Particularly with regard to the section about ‘further expansion,’ it’s very redundant given other treaties that govern such matters. The International Relations Conferences, which seem to have become an annual event, have already outlined provisions for this Empire’s annexation of new territory.”

The taisa opened a volumetric display to check some financial and military statistics before speaking again. Tabs of information flowed through his mind as Ninth Fleet’s political support corps forwarded him logs of instant feedback polls from his constituents and quickly-crafted talking points to represent Tami’s position.

“We also agree with the senator from Daichi and move that the creation of an embassy be removed from the baseline provisions in this treaty,” he said, standing up for the first time in a while. “It is a needless demand, though if the Lorath want such a measure in writing I’m sure it can be worked out at a later time.

“The people of Tami will put their full support behind this treaty if subsections 1.b and 1.c, as well as the entirety of section 4, are stricken from the draft or amended per the Empress’ suggestions.

“From there, of course, the matter goes to the Premier’s office for formal negotiation,” Yusuke-taisa reminded his fellow representatives as he sat back down and pulled the hem of his uniform’s tunic flat. “Formal matters of interstellar diplomacy is Yuumi-sama’s duty, and all we can do is provide her with guidelines that we — or rather our constituents, the people of Yamatai — want in this treaty.”

 

[Wes]

"During my recent mission to gather information and find a home for some Occhestian refugees," Hanako added, "I discovered there are multiple star systems in the Galactic North that the Lorath have colonized. I suggest we add these to the list of Lorath systems in section 1A. Preferably, we should request a list of systems from the Lorath to confirm what we know based on my scouting."

 

[Luca]

"Hm."

Winsbury watched the Military Arm of the Senate, as he dubbed them argue over the bill. "Firstly, I agree that Section 4 does require a striking." And then under his breath and away from the microphone he mumbled to himself quietly: "It was a somewhat sentimental move on my part to assume that people can talk their differences out."

He straightened his tie and continued: "On 1.b., Tange is a bombed out shell and Kotoku is a dust ball barely worth colonising. I do see why you'd want Miyamae and Yuukan back in Yamataian hands, though."

He took a cup of water before going on: "But there is a problem with this: If we surround them with our borders and encapsulate them, this will start to look like an embargo as the trade restrictions stipulated in 2.a. will be impossible for them to ignore - and they won't give it the time of day. If we go with Ketsurui Hanako's suggestion and let them have those Northeastern systems in writing, its likely to sweeten the deal. I doubt they'd give us a list of systems - they'd think we could use it against them."

He then sighed. "On 2.b. and 1.c., I will agree that this does require a more delicate touch for input, and I trust the Premier's judgement on amendments to this Treaty during negotiations with the Lorath. Remember people, this is only a draft, and it is not set in stone."

 

[raz]

He took a cup of water before going on: "But there is a problem with this: If we surround them with our borders and encapsulate them, this will start to look like an embargo as the trade restrictions stipulated in 2.a. will be impossible for them to ignore - and they won't give it the time of day.

Yusuke-taisa opened another volumetric display, this time a map of the known galaxy, and enlarged it so that it loomed large over Tami’s place in the Senate chambers.

“You say that they would feel surrounded, Winsbury-san,” the officer said in a sympathetic way, “but,” he added as he entered a command to de-flatten the map and show it off in full three-dimensional grandeur. Like this, it showed the vast expanses and varying axes star systems actually laid on. “That simply is not the case.

“Claiming what is ours does not impose any sort of de facto embargo on the Lorath,” he explained. “The suggestion that any of Yamatai’s fleets could patrol the grand abyss and keep their worlds on lock is ridiculous. I personally do not believe they would be so naive.”

 

[Kim]

Sora's projection sat in quiet contemplation of the proposed treaty, for the most part, she knew that it would be modified even further still once it was presented to the Lorath. The crimson haired Ketsurui had listened to the amendments and suggestions, and tried to decide on what seemed best for Yamatai and for Lorath relations. She wasn't rightly sure if there really was anything that they could actually do "right" in the eyes of Lor.

"I agree that we should remove article 4 from this proposal, it seems a little foresighted to suggest establishing mutual embassies when we are barely on civil speaking terms with the Matriarchy. Perhaps, the notion of embassies can be addressed at a later time once we have established some mutual trust between our nations. The United Outer Colonies had a Lorath representative in their senate but perhaps, we could simply host a Lorath ambassador? I don't think this would be something at we would need to write into the armistice treaty.

I trust Himiko-sama's suggestions and Yuumi-sama's wisdom in the matters of international diplomacy," the young Ketsurui smiled brightly before she continued, taking a more thoughtful expression.

"I do agree with Fujita-san that regardless of what we refer to the slaves as will not make them free and I also agree that any ships carrying sentient beings as cargo rather than passengers should not be permitted in our territories. It comes to mind that we should not impose our laws and beliefs upon other nations but if we are agreeing to neutrality and non-interference in their affairs, why not leave them alone?

I don't condone slavery but all we can truly do is just keep it out of our territories and try to discourage our allies from permitting it."

 

[Wes]

Lorath and Yamatai Armistice Treaty of YE 34

What follows is a draft proposed to the Senate of the Yamatai Star Empire, in hopes that it will be found agreeable by the parties involved, and in the sincere wish that it shall deter all aggressive actions by the same, in regards and regarding the area of the Yugumo Cluster, formerly known as the United Outer Colonies, and all of its formerly subsidary independent entities, to include the entity known as the Lorath Matriarchy.


Section 1 - Statements of Sovereignty
1.a The Yamatai Star Empire recognizes the Lorath Matriarchy as a separate state and entity. No move will be made to reincorporate the Lorath Matriarchy, to consist of the systems Lor, Nyli, and Hi'ci Emi, or any Northern colony of Lor, into the Yamatai Star Empire. Yamatai recognizes these as under the de facto intergalactic sovereignty of the Lorath Matriarchy, and that they are no longer part of the United Outer Colonies, now defunct.

1.b The Lorath Matriarchy agrees to recognize the former United Outer Colonies that were evacuated and are now being repopulated as de jure sovereign territory of the Yamatai Star Empire and will not interfere with re-population or future reclamation efforts to enforce this sovereignty. These systems shall include; Jiyuu, Asura, Gensou, Koukotsu, Mitsuya, Siren, Yuukan, Kotoku, Tange, Miyamae, and Yuujou.

Section 2 - Trade regulations

2.a The Lorath Matriarchy shall transport no item listed as contraband, nor criminal person or artificial intelligence, through the astral territories of the Yamatai Star Empire, and all civilian or commercial freight shall be subject to a customs inspection. However, military ships shall only be subject to a customs inspection when their destination is a station or planet belonging to Yamatai. Yamatai recognizes the sovereignty of the Lorath upon their own military vessels on active deployment and shall only seize them under the stipulations of this article.

2.b No slaves may be transported through Yamataian astral territories as freight or in attendance to their owners. Yamatai does not recognize the potential for a person's status as property, therefore all interstellar travelers passing through Yamataian astral territory will be declared in accordance with Lor law free persons, or shall receive such upon entrance by the Yamatai Star Empire.

2.c The Yamatai Star Empire shall commercially transport no item through the Lorath astral territories listed by those territories as contraband, and shall be subject to the same stipulations as detailed in article 2.a.


Section 3 - Mutual Non-aggression
3.a The Lorath Matriarchy and the Yamataian Empire agree to have a mutual relationship of non-aggression. Both parties will agree not to conduct overt or covert warfare against each other directly or by proxy under any pretense, order or mandate.

"Here is the updated treaty with the suggestions implemented," Hanako offered. "I think we should have Yuumi to offer it to the Lorath as soon as possible. It covers the essentials and we can always expand on things with additional agreements later."

 

[Gabriel]

Wularu stood and addressed the Senate. "I've never claimed to be an expert in the area of the Lor, and am far from it, in fact. For this reason, I'm going to avoid giving too much input other than that the Kodians of Gashmere discourage violence and war, and thus feel an armistice with the Lorath Matriarchy should be pursued under any conditions. The specific, Gashmere concedes to the rest of the Senate."

 

[Luca]

Winsbury re-read Mifune's words, interlaced with the voices of the other senators. He then noticed something that appeared to be off, and it was by Mifune's hand. "Section 1.a., replace 'de facto' with 'de jure' on 'de facto intergalactic sovereignty of the Lorath Matriarchy'. It sends the wrong message." He nodded as he remembered some of his Lorath history.

"It says that we don't recognise them officially, and they'll be likely to pounce on it and reject the deal on those grounds alone." Inwardly, he cursed himself for letting that blunder slip his eye, perhaps from overtrusting Mifune.

Speaking of which, where was she?

 

[raz]

"The people of Tami recommend such language be removed entirely from this draft, now that it's mentioned," Maeda-taisa knowingly declared, unusually without an indication of advice from anybody else. "'Sovereignty,' as a legal term, carries with it an all-encompassing and binding definition. Modifying it with 'de jure' or 'de facto' only goes to muddying the issue either way — just saying 'sovereignty' should suffice."

 

[Wes]

"I second Maeda's motion to change," Hanako nodded.