12:00 PM
Usiku, Ketswayo
Elder Palace
***
The city of Usiku was quite a city, when one took the time to look at it. Shining bright skyscrapers filled the sky with their steel skins and shining glass windows, reflecting the hot sun in great flashes of white that forced many to look away at certain angles. Other, smaller buildings, were far more prevalent but still maintained the same steel gray and transparent glass motif, a sign of a nation attempting to modernize and join the world on its path to progress. Most of the city would resemble a modern day city anywhere else, with its long lines of cars, buses, and other vehicles, its bevy of airports and the constant to and fro of commercial and merchant airlines, the crowds of people milling about the city as they went about their business of work, personal pleasure, or simply trying to get somewhere. It was in this city that the Council of Elders and the Watchfire Council was based, each in their own structure. The Elder Palace and the Ancestral Circle were both gigantic buildings, which dominated the Usiku skyline. It was in these two buildings the future of the Tribal Union was planned, discussed, debated, and implemented, with the power that the people had entrusted into them.
It was also why the four tribal Elders were meeting again so soon after their exhaustive, month-long investigation on how to approach the international question. They had determined that it was time to host a meeting for foreign powers to come and open relations with the Tribal Union. There was already economic relations, but these were tense, as seen with the recent headlines in the Khalipha Gazette. All four Elders seemed tired as they walked into the room.
Mandla Siyanda, Elder of the Ubani tribe. The most powerful of the Elders and regularly seen as the man in charge. He was a quiet man, with a will of iron; his drive to keep true to the democratic principles that the Union was born with coupled with his dream of reviving the ancient Ketswayoni empire in the modern world made him popular with the people and thus having the most clout. He was also a deft political man, able to compromise and speak to people, even those whom he despised beyond anything. Due to this skill and more, he was deferred to on the Council.
Bheka Dumisani, Elder of the Ukulthula tribe. An impatient man with his heart in the right place, but was too easily riled up and tended to be impulsive. He had to be managed by his fellow Elder Mbali Nkosingiphile, to prevent a diplomatic incident. He was the energetic heart of the Council, however, for when the others flagged in their desire and ability to follow through with something, he was there to bolster them. He was also a smart man, but often hid it behind his angry demeanor, allowing others to think him a simpleton; he often took great pleasure in proving them wrong later.
Mbali Nkosingiphile, Elder of the Impi tribe. Consider the second in command of the Council, and was often the one who did the decision-making when Siyanda was indisposed or off in another country on diplomatic business. Cool and collected, she has earned the nickname of Iqhwa Indlovukazi, or “Ice Queen”. She is completely focused on the political and economic consequences of actions, rarely bringing up or considering the moralistic edge on things. It's almost as if she looks at everything like she does as the former CEO of the Ardanii Corporation, as if its just business.
Finally, there is Nobantu Amahle, Elder of the Uxolo Tribe. A quiet and unassuming woman, Nobantu is the fierce moralist among the Council and whenever Mbali wishes to smoothly proceed or Bheka wants to rampage into an action, Nobantu quietly reminds them of the consequences of their actions. It also helps that she is a lawyer and thus has special knowledge of the legal codes in the Union. She is essential to helping Siyanda retain his sanity when dealing with the insanity that often occurs in the Elder Palace.
They walked into the meeting chamber, an immense room made out of what looked to be hewn obsidian. Lamps hanging from the ceiling provided light but just enough that it left shadows leaning across the floor. In the center of the room was a large wooden table, shining with carefully-applied varnish, and four well-crafted chairs. Each slowly took their positions as they readied themselves. It was a controversial decision to have the foreign delegations, be they diplomats or national leaders, to come to the Elder Palace itself. Many had argued that they needed to earn the right, especially if some of those coming were the ones secretly responsible for the economic kidnapping that was going on. However, they had put their foot down, with Nobantu explaining the rhetoric in a way to get the people to calm down and accept it.
However, not all of the Council agreed with this...
“This is a foolish move, Mandla.” A powerful, deep voice came from the left of the table, and all eyes turned to see Bheka, arms folded and his eyebrows narrowed as he gazed at Mandla. He was a man in his prime, middle aged with a powerful build. He kept his hair cropped short and his blue eyes raged with the intense energy he always brought with him. Opposing him in this newest confrontation was a smaller, less well-built man who was getting on in years. He had streaks of grey in his hair and his green eyes shone with the warm strength of wisdom, though his body still had its own strength, able to endure the rigors of constantly shifting schedules and the stress of politics. The man sighed and turned to face Bheka.
“We've already covered this, Bheka. Ketswayo needs more income to offset the losses we have been having in the national market. Until the investigation is completed, we can't go around blaming nations left and right. We need proof to back up our claims; more than any others, which you should be aware of.”
The other man grunted. “Perhaps...but it grates to welcome them with a smile while some of them could be the very snakes we are looking for.”
“That is the price of politics..and of our position, Dumisani. We play the nice, seemingly naive Himyari nation until we figure out who is doing this and then make our move. We have a lot of obstacles to overcome due to Himyar's status in the world, but we can use it to our advantage.”
Bheka shifted his gaze to gaze the neutral brown eyes of Mbali. “You were always so cold and clinical, Mbali. You never even bothered go get on first name basis.”
“Because you have not learned enough to be worthy of that honor. And you still are immature; which is why you can't see why this is what is needed. Not only will we replace and even perhaps boost our lost revenue, but we can start making friends in the world. We will need friends if we are to advance our interests and pursue the goals we have all agreed on.”
“While true, Mbali,” Nobantu quietly interjected, instantly snaring the attention of the other three Elders. “we cannot afford the sacrifice the principles and beliefs that are the soul of our nation. It is our very laws that are keeping the thieves at bay and we can be sure that those who are trying to make us in their plaything are going to be some of the nicest governments in regards to us.”
Mandla nodded. “We've already covered this; it's a calculated risk. We can only remain in isolation for so long; stagnation is all that lies at the end of that path. The world is shifting, and quickly, Bheka. The alliances and powers of the world are grating against each other and lying quiet for far too long. Himyar is quickly becoming the focus of world politics; if we are to keep up, we need to ensure it doesn't become dominated by foreign interests, but by Himyari interests.” He cleared his through and sat up.
“Now, send word for Palace to brighten this place up a bit. I see you forgot to inform them to put up the cultural paintings and decorations, as well as more tables and chairs for those wishing to meet us, Bheka.”
The Elder in question covered his embarrassment with a cough as he reached for his cellphone. “A minor oversight, I apologize.”
Mbali gazed in irritation at Mandla, who merely waved her off, discarding another fight. They needed to work out last minute details of what they can offer and what they were seeking to get from this meeting. If there was one thing they could all agree on, it was putting forth the best effort forth as possible for things like this. They could ill afford a mistake.
*****
As the delegates arrived in the Union, they would taxi into the Usiku National Airport and walk into a well-kept, well-maintained airport, escorted by the Foreign Affairs Minister, Ikati Mthunzi, and an escort. From there, they would be taken to a convoy of vehicles, armored and guarded by soldiers of the Ketswayoni Armed Forces and taken through a leisurely, but not too lengthy, drive throughout the city, showing of the splendor and power of the Ketswayoni state. Then they would be taken to the center of the city, where the buildings housing the tools of state would be seen, especially the black obelisk that is the Elder Palace and escorted into it.
On their way to the meeting room, they would see a vats building filled with paintings, pottery, masks, and examples of body paintings, as well as a museum, cafeteria, and tour guide headquarters for the building, with small groups of Ketswayoni citizens, along with a few foreigners, walking with the tour. They would be brought through a hallway to a door guarded by two soldiers, and be brought to see the four Elders. As they entered, they would see the four standing as they were waiting for them. Mandla walked forward and extended his hand to the first delegate.
“Welcome to Ketswayo; I am Elder Siyanda, of the Ubani tribe, though you can call me Mandla if it suits you. This is Elder Dumisani...” Introductions were brief and friendly, with Bheka's gruff hellos, Mbali's cool welcome, and Nobantu's smile, they all began to sit down and begin the process. Mandla motioned and aides came in, setting up the food and drinks for the delegations as he began to speak.
“So, now that we all know each other, how about I start with why you have been invited here.” He sat up straight and looked them all in the eye as he continued speaking. “The Tribal Union has been in relative isolation since its independence, which was in large part due to needing to rebuild its infrastructure, set up a government and decide what it wanted to be. We have formed the Council of Elders, the Watchfire Council and other bodies to facilitate the workings of government, the people have chosen to be a democracy and we have come a long way since that day. We have decided that it is time for the Union to come out of its shell and embrace the world again.
We are looking for friends in a world that is increasingly full of conflict, tragedies and other sad facts of life that face us everyday. But if we work together, we can move on to help bringing peace and prosperity to all. Now, we started this conference to discuss the opening of relations, establishing embassies, and working out trade deals as part of getting to know each other. However, should any of you wish to suggest a deal or discuss something else than what I have just laid out, feel free to do so so we can get to work on it. I look forward to a fruitful conference.
Now, any questions, or shall we begin?”
OOC: Note, this is open to all nations who wish to attend.
Usiku, Ketswayo
Elder Palace
***
The city of Usiku was quite a city, when one took the time to look at it. Shining bright skyscrapers filled the sky with their steel skins and shining glass windows, reflecting the hot sun in great flashes of white that forced many to look away at certain angles. Other, smaller buildings, were far more prevalent but still maintained the same steel gray and transparent glass motif, a sign of a nation attempting to modernize and join the world on its path to progress. Most of the city would resemble a modern day city anywhere else, with its long lines of cars, buses, and other vehicles, its bevy of airports and the constant to and fro of commercial and merchant airlines, the crowds of people milling about the city as they went about their business of work, personal pleasure, or simply trying to get somewhere. It was in this city that the Council of Elders and the Watchfire Council was based, each in their own structure. The Elder Palace and the Ancestral Circle were both gigantic buildings, which dominated the Usiku skyline. It was in these two buildings the future of the Tribal Union was planned, discussed, debated, and implemented, with the power that the people had entrusted into them.
It was also why the four tribal Elders were meeting again so soon after their exhaustive, month-long investigation on how to approach the international question. They had determined that it was time to host a meeting for foreign powers to come and open relations with the Tribal Union. There was already economic relations, but these were tense, as seen with the recent headlines in the Khalipha Gazette. All four Elders seemed tired as they walked into the room.
Mandla Siyanda, Elder of the Ubani tribe. The most powerful of the Elders and regularly seen as the man in charge. He was a quiet man, with a will of iron; his drive to keep true to the democratic principles that the Union was born with coupled with his dream of reviving the ancient Ketswayoni empire in the modern world made him popular with the people and thus having the most clout. He was also a deft political man, able to compromise and speak to people, even those whom he despised beyond anything. Due to this skill and more, he was deferred to on the Council.
Bheka Dumisani, Elder of the Ukulthula tribe. An impatient man with his heart in the right place, but was too easily riled up and tended to be impulsive. He had to be managed by his fellow Elder Mbali Nkosingiphile, to prevent a diplomatic incident. He was the energetic heart of the Council, however, for when the others flagged in their desire and ability to follow through with something, he was there to bolster them. He was also a smart man, but often hid it behind his angry demeanor, allowing others to think him a simpleton; he often took great pleasure in proving them wrong later.
Mbali Nkosingiphile, Elder of the Impi tribe. Consider the second in command of the Council, and was often the one who did the decision-making when Siyanda was indisposed or off in another country on diplomatic business. Cool and collected, she has earned the nickname of Iqhwa Indlovukazi, or “Ice Queen”. She is completely focused on the political and economic consequences of actions, rarely bringing up or considering the moralistic edge on things. It's almost as if she looks at everything like she does as the former CEO of the Ardanii Corporation, as if its just business.
Finally, there is Nobantu Amahle, Elder of the Uxolo Tribe. A quiet and unassuming woman, Nobantu is the fierce moralist among the Council and whenever Mbali wishes to smoothly proceed or Bheka wants to rampage into an action, Nobantu quietly reminds them of the consequences of their actions. It also helps that she is a lawyer and thus has special knowledge of the legal codes in the Union. She is essential to helping Siyanda retain his sanity when dealing with the insanity that often occurs in the Elder Palace.
They walked into the meeting chamber, an immense room made out of what looked to be hewn obsidian. Lamps hanging from the ceiling provided light but just enough that it left shadows leaning across the floor. In the center of the room was a large wooden table, shining with carefully-applied varnish, and four well-crafted chairs. Each slowly took their positions as they readied themselves. It was a controversial decision to have the foreign delegations, be they diplomats or national leaders, to come to the Elder Palace itself. Many had argued that they needed to earn the right, especially if some of those coming were the ones secretly responsible for the economic kidnapping that was going on. However, they had put their foot down, with Nobantu explaining the rhetoric in a way to get the people to calm down and accept it.
However, not all of the Council agreed with this...
“This is a foolish move, Mandla.” A powerful, deep voice came from the left of the table, and all eyes turned to see Bheka, arms folded and his eyebrows narrowed as he gazed at Mandla. He was a man in his prime, middle aged with a powerful build. He kept his hair cropped short and his blue eyes raged with the intense energy he always brought with him. Opposing him in this newest confrontation was a smaller, less well-built man who was getting on in years. He had streaks of grey in his hair and his green eyes shone with the warm strength of wisdom, though his body still had its own strength, able to endure the rigors of constantly shifting schedules and the stress of politics. The man sighed and turned to face Bheka.
“We've already covered this, Bheka. Ketswayo needs more income to offset the losses we have been having in the national market. Until the investigation is completed, we can't go around blaming nations left and right. We need proof to back up our claims; more than any others, which you should be aware of.”
The other man grunted. “Perhaps...but it grates to welcome them with a smile while some of them could be the very snakes we are looking for.”
“That is the price of politics..and of our position, Dumisani. We play the nice, seemingly naive Himyari nation until we figure out who is doing this and then make our move. We have a lot of obstacles to overcome due to Himyar's status in the world, but we can use it to our advantage.”
Bheka shifted his gaze to gaze the neutral brown eyes of Mbali. “You were always so cold and clinical, Mbali. You never even bothered go get on first name basis.”
“Because you have not learned enough to be worthy of that honor. And you still are immature; which is why you can't see why this is what is needed. Not only will we replace and even perhaps boost our lost revenue, but we can start making friends in the world. We will need friends if we are to advance our interests and pursue the goals we have all agreed on.”
“While true, Mbali,” Nobantu quietly interjected, instantly snaring the attention of the other three Elders. “we cannot afford the sacrifice the principles and beliefs that are the soul of our nation. It is our very laws that are keeping the thieves at bay and we can be sure that those who are trying to make us in their plaything are going to be some of the nicest governments in regards to us.”
Mandla nodded. “We've already covered this; it's a calculated risk. We can only remain in isolation for so long; stagnation is all that lies at the end of that path. The world is shifting, and quickly, Bheka. The alliances and powers of the world are grating against each other and lying quiet for far too long. Himyar is quickly becoming the focus of world politics; if we are to keep up, we need to ensure it doesn't become dominated by foreign interests, but by Himyari interests.” He cleared his through and sat up.
“Now, send word for Palace to brighten this place up a bit. I see you forgot to inform them to put up the cultural paintings and decorations, as well as more tables and chairs for those wishing to meet us, Bheka.”
The Elder in question covered his embarrassment with a cough as he reached for his cellphone. “A minor oversight, I apologize.”
Mbali gazed in irritation at Mandla, who merely waved her off, discarding another fight. They needed to work out last minute details of what they can offer and what they were seeking to get from this meeting. If there was one thing they could all agree on, it was putting forth the best effort forth as possible for things like this. They could ill afford a mistake.
*****
As the delegates arrived in the Union, they would taxi into the Usiku National Airport and walk into a well-kept, well-maintained airport, escorted by the Foreign Affairs Minister, Ikati Mthunzi, and an escort. From there, they would be taken to a convoy of vehicles, armored and guarded by soldiers of the Ketswayoni Armed Forces and taken through a leisurely, but not too lengthy, drive throughout the city, showing of the splendor and power of the Ketswayoni state. Then they would be taken to the center of the city, where the buildings housing the tools of state would be seen, especially the black obelisk that is the Elder Palace and escorted into it.
On their way to the meeting room, they would see a vats building filled with paintings, pottery, masks, and examples of body paintings, as well as a museum, cafeteria, and tour guide headquarters for the building, with small groups of Ketswayoni citizens, along with a few foreigners, walking with the tour. They would be brought through a hallway to a door guarded by two soldiers, and be brought to see the four Elders. As they entered, they would see the four standing as they were waiting for them. Mandla walked forward and extended his hand to the first delegate.
“Welcome to Ketswayo; I am Elder Siyanda, of the Ubani tribe, though you can call me Mandla if it suits you. This is Elder Dumisani...” Introductions were brief and friendly, with Bheka's gruff hellos, Mbali's cool welcome, and Nobantu's smile, they all began to sit down and begin the process. Mandla motioned and aides came in, setting up the food and drinks for the delegations as he began to speak.
“So, now that we all know each other, how about I start with why you have been invited here.” He sat up straight and looked them all in the eye as he continued speaking. “The Tribal Union has been in relative isolation since its independence, which was in large part due to needing to rebuild its infrastructure, set up a government and decide what it wanted to be. We have formed the Council of Elders, the Watchfire Council and other bodies to facilitate the workings of government, the people have chosen to be a democracy and we have come a long way since that day. We have decided that it is time for the Union to come out of its shell and embrace the world again.
We are looking for friends in a world that is increasingly full of conflict, tragedies and other sad facts of life that face us everyday. But if we work together, we can move on to help bringing peace and prosperity to all. Now, we started this conference to discuss the opening of relations, establishing embassies, and working out trade deals as part of getting to know each other. However, should any of you wish to suggest a deal or discuss something else than what I have just laid out, feel free to do so so we can get to work on it. I look forward to a fruitful conference.
Now, any questions, or shall we begin?”
OOC: Note, this is open to all nations who wish to attend.